VF-213

• Squadron Nickname: VF-213 is famously known as the "Blacklions." • Date of Establishment: The squadron was established on June 22, 1955. • Aircraft Legacy: VF-213 has flown a variety of aircraft, including the F2H Banshee, F4D Skyray, F3H Demon, F-4 Phantom II, the iconic F-14 Tomcat, and later the F/A-18F Super Hornet. • Last Tomcat Squadron: VF-213, along with VF-31, was one of the last two squadrons to operate the F-14 Tomcat, retiring the aircraft in 2006. • OIF and OEF Deployments: VF-213 saw extensive combat action in both Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, conducting numerous strike missions from aircraft carriers in the Persian Gulf. • Sundown Cruise: The “Sundown Cruise” in 2005-2006 marked VF-213’s final deployment with the F-14 Tomcat aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71). • Transition to VFA-213: After retiring the F-14, VF-213 was redesignated VFA-213 and transitioned to the F/A-18F Super Hornet, continuing its operational legacy as a strike fighter squadron. • Distinctive Insignia: The squadron's emblem features a black lion on a yellow field, symbolizing strength and courage. • Hollywood Connection: VF-213 and its aircraft have appeared in several documentaries and have been referenced in pop culture due to their association with the legendary F-14 Tomcat. • Carrier Assignments: Over its history, VF-213 has deployed on numerous aircraft carriers, including USS Kitty Hawk, USS America, USS Enterprise, and USS Theodore Roosevelt.