VF-45

Fighter Squadron 45 (VF-45), known as the "Blackbirds," was a United States Navy fighter squadron established in February 1963. Originally based at Naval Air Station Cecil Field in Florida, VF-45 primarily served as an adversary training unit, simulating enemy aircraft to improve the combat readiness of Navy pilots. The squadron operated a variety of aircraft over its history, including the F-5 Tiger II and F-16N Fighting Falcon, both chosen for their ability to emulate potential adversaries' performance. VF-45 was disestablished in 1996 as part of post-Cold War drawdowns, with its adversary training mission absorbed by other units.