VFA-106

Strike Fighter Squadron 106 (VFA-106), known as the "Gladiators," was established on April 27, 1984, at Naval Air Station Cecil Field, Florida. The squadron serves as the U.S. Navy's East Coast Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS) for the F/A-18 Hornet and Super Hornet, tasked with training new naval aviators and maintenance personnel. Over the decades, VFA-106 has played a critical role in preparing pilots and aircrew for deployment to operational fleet squadrons. The unit relocated to Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia, in 1999, continuing its mission as a cornerstone of naval aviation training.