About this Unit
Strike Fighter Squadron 25 (VFA-25), also known as the "Fist of the Fleet," was originally established in 1943 as Torpedo Squadron VT-17 during World War II. The squadron participated in major Pacific campaigns, including strikes against the Japanese home islands. Over the decades, VFA-25 transitioned through various aircraft, from the TBM Avenger to the A-1 Skyraider, A-7 Corsair II, and currently operates the F/A-18E Super Hornet. The unit has seen combat in Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm, and recent Middle East operations, earning a distinguished record for combat effectiveness and adaptability.
Historical Facts
•
Origins in World War II: VFA-25 traces its lineage back to 1943 when it was established as Torpedo Squadron 17 (VT-17) during World War II, flying the Grumman TBF Avenger torpedo bomber.
•
Multiple Redesignations: The squadron has undergone several redesignations: VT-17 (1943), VA-6B (1946), VA-65 (1948), VA-25 (1959), and finally VFA-25 (1983) when it transitioned to the F/A-18 Hornet.
•
Nickname "Fist of the Fleet": The squadron's emblem features a mailed fist holding a lightning bolt, inspiring its famous nickname, "Fist of the Fleet."
•
Operation Rolling Thunder: During the Vietnam War, VA-25 flew A-1 Skyraiders and later A-7 Corsair IIs. The squadron played a prominent role in Operation Rolling Thunder, launching strikes against North Vietnam.
•
The Toilet Bomb Story: On November 4, 1965, VA-25 famously dropped a toilet (rigged as a bomb) from an A-1 Skyraider onto North Vietnam as a humorous morale booster and protest against ordnance shortages.
•
First Use of Shrike Missile: VA-25 was among the first squadrons to use the AGM-45 Shrike anti-radiation missile in combat, targeting North Vietnamese radar sites.
•
Nuclear Capability: The squadron was nuclear strike-capable during the Cold War, with aircraft and crews trained for atomic delivery missions.
•
Transition to the Hornet: In 1984, VA-25 became VFA-25, transitioning to the F/A-18A Hornet and later upgrading to the F/A-18E Super Hornet, reflecting the move to multi-role fighter operations.
•
Carrier Deployments: VFA-25 has deployed on multiple aircraft carriers, including USS Enterprise, USS Ranger, USS Independence, USS Carl Vinson, and USS Abraham Lincoln.
•
Modern Operations: VFA-25 participated in Operations Southern Watch, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom, flying combat sorties over Iraq and Afghanistan.
