VFA-151

• Squadron Nickname - "Vigilantes": Strike Fighter Squadron 151 (VFA-151) is famously known as the "Vigilantes," a name they have used since 1953. • Established in 1948: The unit was originally established as VF-23 on August 6, 1948, before being redesignated as VF-151 in 1953 and later as VFA-151 in 1986. • Korean War Service: VFA-151 saw combat during the Korean War, flying F4U Corsairs and later F9F Panthers, conducting ground attack and interdiction missions. • Vietnam War Operations: The squadron participated in the Vietnam War, flying the F-4 Phantom II, and was involved in both air-to-air and air-to-ground operations. • First to Deploy with F-14A Tomcat: In 1973, the squadron transitioned to the F-14A Tomcat, becoming one of the first Navy squadrons to operate this iconic fighter. • Operation Desert Storm: VFA-151 took part in Operation Desert Storm in 1991 aboard USS Midway (CV-41), flying F/A-18C Hornets and delivering precision-guided munitions. • Multiple Aircraft Transitions: Over its history, the squadron has flown a wide variety of aircraft, including the F4U Corsair, F9F Panther, F2H Banshee, F3H Demon, F-4 Phantom II, F-14 Tomcat, and F/A-18 Hornet. • Longest Continual Deployment: The squadron was embarked aboard USS Midway for the carrier’s famous homeport change to Yokosuka, Japan, in 1973, beginning a 17-year forward deployment. • Global War on Terrorism: VFA-151 participated in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, flying combat sorties from aircraft carriers in the Persian Gulf and North Arabian Sea. • Current Status: Today, VFA-151 is based at Naval Air Station Lemoore, California, and operates the F/A-18E Super Hornet as part of Carrier Air Wing 9 (CVW-9).