VF-33

• 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. • Nickname "Tarsiers": VF-33 was known as the "Tarsiers," named after the small Southeast Asian primate, which became the squadron’s mascot and insignia. • Korean War Service: The squadron participated in the Korean War, operating F4U Corsairs and flying close air support and interdiction missions from aircraft carriers. • 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. • Vietnam War Deployments: The squadron took part in multiple combat deployments during the Vietnam War, flying the F-4 Phantom II from several carriers. • 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." • 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. • 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. • Disestablishment: After nearly 50 years of service, VF-33 was disestablished on 1 October 1993 as part of post-Cold War military reductions. • 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.