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VF-21

U.S. Navy•29 members

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About this Unit

VF-21

U.S. Navy

VF-21, also known as Fighter Squadron 21, was a distinguished unit of the United States Navy with a lineage tracing back to World War II. Originally established as VF-81 in 1944, the squadron underwent several redesignations before becoming VF-21 in 1959. Throughout its history, VF-21 flew a variety of fighter aircraft, including the F-4 Phantom II and later the F-14 Tomcat, and participated in major conflicts such as the Vietnam War and Operation Desert Storm. The squadron was homeported at Naval Air Station Miramar and was disestablished in 1996 after nearly five decades of service.

About VF-21

About this Unit

Historical Facts

Origins in World War II: The unit that would become VF-21 was originally established as VF-81 on 11 March 1944, serving aboard the USS Wasp (CV-18) in the Pacific Theater.
Name Changes: The squadron went through several redesignations: from VF-81 to VF-13A, then VF-131, and finally VF-21 on 24 August 1948.
Nickname - "Freelancers": VF-21 was famously known as the "Freelancers" and adopted a distinctive tail insignia of a black ace of spades.
Korean War Service: VF-21 flew F9F Panthers in the Korean War, providing close air support and conducting strike missions from aircraft carriers.
First Fleet Deployments: The squadron was an early adopter of the F-4 Phantom II, transitioning to this iconic jet in the 1960s and deploying on several Pacific Fleet carriers.
Vietnam War Action: VF-21 saw extensive combat in the Vietnam War, flying thousands of sorties and achieving air-to-air kills against North Vietnamese MiGs.
MiG Killers: On 21 June 1972, VF-21 aircrew achieved the squadron's notable MiG kill by shooting down a MiG-21 with an AIM-9 Sidewinder missile.
Transition to F-14 Tomcat: In 1979, VF-21 transitioned to the F-14A Tomcat, becoming one of the first Navy squadrons to operate the advanced fighter.
Operations Desert Storm and Southern Watch: VF-21 participated in Operation Desert Storm (1991) and later in Operation Southern Watch, enforcing no-fly zones over Iraq.
Deactivation: After over 50 years of service, VF-21 was disestablished on 31 January 1996, marking the end of an illustrious chapter in U.S. Naval Aviation history.

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VF-21

U.S. Navy•29 members

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About this Unit

VF-21

U.S. Navy

Unit members

Ronald Falls

U.S. Navy Military Retiree · 1986 - 1991

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James Stewart

U.S. Navy Veteran · 1971 - 1974

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Terry Kettering

U.S. Navy · 1982 - 1983

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Jessie ochoa

U.S. Navy · 1986 - 1990

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Photos from VF-21 members

Gail HARGROVE wife of PVT. JOSEPH HARGROVE

District One VFW LADY AUX. PRESIDENT CHRISTINA DAVIS-FALLS DAY

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About VF-21

About this Unit

Historical Facts

Origins in World War II: The unit that would become VF-21 was originally established as VF-81 on 11 March 1944, serving aboard the USS Wasp (CV-18) in the Pacific Theater.
Name Changes: The squadron went through several redesignations: from VF-81 to VF-13A, then VF-131, and finally VF-21 on 24 August 1948.
Nickname - "Freelancers": VF-21 was famously known as the "Freelancers" and adopted a distinctive tail insignia of a black ace of spades.
Korean War Service: VF-21 flew F9F Panthers in the Korean War, providing close air support and conducting strike missions from aircraft carriers.
First Fleet Deployments: The squadron was an early adopter of the F-4 Phantom II, transitioning to this iconic jet in the 1960s and deploying on several Pacific Fleet carriers.
Vietnam War Action: VF-21 saw extensive combat in the Vietnam War, flying thousands of sorties and achieving air-to-air kills against North Vietnamese MiGs.
MiG Killers: On 21 June 1972, VF-21 aircrew achieved the squadron's notable MiG kill by shooting down a MiG-21 with an AIM-9 Sidewinder missile.
Transition to F-14 Tomcat: In 1979, VF-21 transitioned to the F-14A Tomcat, becoming one of the first Navy squadrons to operate the advanced fighter.
Operations Desert Storm and Southern Watch: VF-21 participated in Operation Desert Storm (1991) and later in Operation Southern Watch, enforcing no-fly zones over Iraq.
Deactivation: After over 50 years of service, VF-21 was disestablished on 31 January 1996, marking the end of an illustrious chapter in U.S. Naval Aviation history.