VF-154

• Long Heritage: VF-154, known as the “Black Knights,” was originally established as VFB-718 in 1946 and redesignated several times before adopting the famous VF-154 designation in 1953. • Korean War Service: The squadron flew F4U Corsairs in the Korean War, conducting strike missions off the USS Boxer (CV-21). • Vietnam War Operations: VF-154 participated in the Vietnam War, flying F-8 Crusaders and later F-4 Phantoms, earning multiple commendations for their combat effectiveness. • Iconic Black Knights Insignia: The “Black Knight” symbol (a black armored knight with a white shield) became one of the most recognizable squadron insignias in naval aviation. • Tomcat Era: VF-154 transitioned to flying the F-14A Tomcat in 1983, becoming renowned for their skills and operational readiness with this legendary aircraft. • Hollywood Fame: The squadron’s Tomcats appeared in the movie “Final Countdown” (1980), filmed aboard the USS Nimitz, adding to their mystique. • Operation Southern Watch: VF-154 deployed repeatedly to enforce the no-fly zone over Iraq during the 1990s, flying from carriers like USS Kitty Hawk. • Final Tomcat Cruise: The Black Knights made their last deployment with the F-14 Tomcat in 2002–2003 during Operation Iraqi Freedom, flying combat missions over Iraq. • Transition to F/A-18F: In 2003, VF-154 was redesignated as VFA-154, traded in their F-14s for F/A-18F Super Hornets, and shifted from a fighter to a strike fighter role. • International Deployments: VF-154 has operated from both Atlantic and Pacific Fleet carriers, and was the first forward-deployed Tomcat squadron based in Japan, reflecting its global reach.