About this Unit
Fighter Squadron 33 (VF-33), known as the "Tarsiers," was a distinguished United States Navy fighter squadron established in 1948. The unit saw combat during the Korean War, flying F4U Corsairs, and later transitioned to jets, including the F-8 Crusader and the F-4 Phantom II. VF-33 played an active role in the Vietnam War and later operated the F-14 Tomcat, participating in various Cold War operations and deployments. The squadron was disestablished in October 1993 after decades of service and numerous accolades.
Historical Facts
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Origins in WWII: Fighter Squadron 33 (VF-33) was originally established as VF-74 on 1 August 1942, flying the F4F Wildcat, and was redesignated VF-33 in August 1948.
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Nickname "Tarsiers": VF-33 was known as the "Tarsiers," named after the small Southeast Asian primate, which became the squadron’s mascot and insignia.
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Korean War Service: The squadron participated in the Korean War, operating F4U Corsairs and flying close air support and interdiction missions from aircraft carriers.
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Transition to Jets: VF-33 transitioned to jet aircraft in the 1950s, flying the F9F Panther, FJ-3 Fury, F-8 Crusader, and later the F-4 Phantom II.
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Vietnam War Deployments: The squadron took part in multiple combat deployments during the Vietnam War, flying the F-4 Phantom II from several carriers.
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Tomcat Era: In 1981, VF-33 transitioned to the F-14 Tomcat, becoming one of the Navy's premier fleet defense squadrons, with the callsign "Starfighters."
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Operation El Dorado Canyon: VF-33 provided fighter escort for the F-111 strike aircraft during the 1986 U.S. air strikes against Libya, known as Operation El Dorado Canyon.
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Desert Storm Missions: During Operation Desert Storm in 1991, VF-33 flew combat air patrols and escort missions from the USS America (CV-66), helping to establish air superiority over Iraq.
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Disestablishment: After nearly 50 years of service, VF-33 was disestablished on 1 October 1993 as part of post-Cold War military reductions.
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Legacy and Aircraft: Over its history, VF-33 flew a wide array of aircraft, including the F4F Wildcat, F6F Hellcat, F4U Corsair, F9F Panther, FJ-3 Fury, F-8 Crusader, F-4 Phantom II, and F-14 Tomcat, making it one of the most versatile squadrons in U.S. Naval Aviation.
