VFA-213

• Squadron Nickname: VFA-213 is famously known as the "Blacklions," a name and emblem they have proudly carried since their establishment. • Establishment: The squadron was established on June 22, 1955, initially as VF-213, and has been an active part of the U.S. Navy's air power for nearly 70 years. • Multiple Aircraft Types: Over its history, VFA-213 has flown a variety of aircraft, including the F2H Banshee, F4D Skyray, F-4 Phantom II, the F-14 Tomcat, and currently the F/A-18F Super Hornet. • Final F-14 Tomcat Squadron: VFA-213 was the last active-duty U.S. Navy squadron to operate the legendary F-14 Tomcat, retiring the aircraft in 2006. • Combat Experience: The Blacklions have seen combat in numerous conflicts, including the Vietnam War, Operation Desert Storm, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Iraqi Freedom. • Sundown of the Tomcat: The squadron's transition from the F-14 Tomcat to the F/A-18F Super Hornet was a significant moment marked by ceremonies and commemorative flights in 2006. • Carrier Deployments: VFA-213 has deployed on various U.S. Navy aircraft carriers, including the USS Enterprise (CVN-65), USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63), and USS George H.W. Bush (CVN-77). • Innovators in Technology: VFA-213 was among the first squadrons to operationally deploy with the Advanced Targeting Forward-Looking Infrared (ATFLIR) system, enhancing their precision strike capabilities. • Pioneering "Fast Eagle" Call Sign: During the 1981 Gulf of Sidra incident, a Blacklions F-14 Tomcat, using the call sign "Fast Eagle," was involved in the first U.S. Navy air-to-air combat since the Vietnam War, shooting down two Libyan Su-22s. • Distinctive Tail Art: The squadron’s aircraft are easily recognized by their distinctive black tails adorned with a white lion’s head, a symbol of their fierce reputation and camaraderie.