About this Unit
VF-151, originally established as VF-23 in 1948 and redesignated VF-151 in 1960, was a distinguished US Navy fighter squadron. Known as the "Vigilantes," the unit flew a variety of aircraft over its history, including the F-4 Phantom II and later the F-14 Tomcat. VF-151 saw extensive combat during the Vietnam War, conducting air-to-air and strike missions from carriers such as USS Coral Sea and USS Midway. The squadron remained active in the Western Pacific until its disestablishment in 1993, leaving a legacy of operational excellence and service.
Historical Facts
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Origins as VF-23: VF-151 was originally established as VF-23 on August 6, 1948. It was redesignated as VF-151 on February 23, 1959.
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Korean War Service: The squadron participated in combat operations during the Korean War, providing air support and flying F4U Corsairs.
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Vietnam War Deployments: VF-151 was heavily involved in the Vietnam War, flying F-4 Phantom IIs from USS Coral Sea (CV-43) and USS Midway (CV-41), and participating in major operations including "Rolling Thunder."
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First MiG Kill: On May 6, 1972, VF-151 achieved its first MiG kill, downing a North Vietnamese MiG-17 with an AIM-9 Sidewinder missile.
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Nickname "Vigilantes": The squadron was known as the "Vigilantes," a reference to their alertness and readiness.
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Transition to F-14 Tomcat: In 1986, VF-151 transitioned from the F-4 Phantom II to the F-14A Tomcat, greatly enhancing its capabilities.
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Operation Desert Storm: VF-151 participated in Operation Desert Storm in 1991, flying combat air patrol and escort missions aboard USS Midway (CV-41).
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Home Base in Japan: VF-151 was one of the few U.S. Navy fighter squadrons permanently forward-deployed to Naval Air Facility Atsugi, Japan, as part of Carrier Air Wing Five (CVW-5).
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Final Aircraft Transition: In 1991, VF-151 was redesignated as VFA-151 and transitioned to the F/A-18A Hornet, reflecting a shift to a strike fighter role.
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Longstanding Service: The squadron (as both VF-151 and later VFA-151) remains one of the longest continually operating squadrons in the U.S. Navy, with a distinguished record spanning more than 70 years.
