About this Unit
Strike Fighter Squadron 86 (VFA-86), known as the "Sidewinders," was originally established as VA-86 on 1 February 1955. The squadron flew the F-14 Tomcat before transitioning to the F/A-18 Hornet, reflecting the Navy’s modernization efforts. VFA-86 has participated in numerous significant operations, including the Gulf of Sidra incident, Operation Desert Storm, and Operation Enduring Freedom. Over decades of service, the Sidewinders have earned a reputation for excellence in carrier-based strike operations and support of U.S. Navy missions worldwide.
Historical Facts
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Origins as VA-86: Strike Fighter Squadron 86 (VFA-86) was originally established as Attack Squadron 86 (VA-86) on 15 February 1951 at NAS Jacksonville, Florida.
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Nickname "Sidewinders": The squadron is known as the "Sidewinders," a name reflecting both the agility of their aircraft and the deadly Sidewinder missile.
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First Aircraft: VA-86 was initially equipped with the FG-1D Corsair, a WWII-era fighter-bomber, before transitioning to jet aircraft.
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Suez Crisis Response: In November 1956, VA-86 was deployed aboard USS Randolph to the Mediterranean in response to the Suez Crisis.
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Cuban Missile Crisis: The squadron participated in the naval blockade during the Cuban Missile Crisis in October 1962, flying A-4 Skyhawks.
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Vietnam War Service: VA-86 flew combat missions in Vietnam from USS Coral Sea in 1965 and from USS America in 1968, primarily utilizing A-7 Corsair II aircraft.
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Transition to F/A-18 Hornet: In July 1987, the squadron was re-designated as VFA-86 and transitioned from the A-7E Corsair II to the F/A-18C Hornet, becoming a true strike fighter squadron.
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Operation Desert Storm: VFA-86 participated in Operation Desert Storm in 1991, flying combat missions from USS America in support of coalition operations against Iraq.
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Balkan Operations: The squadron was involved in NATO operations over Bosnia and Kosovo in the 1990s, enforcing no-fly zones and conducting strike missions.
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Modern Deployments: VFA-86, now flying the F/A-18E Super Hornet, continues to serve as a frontline strike fighter squadron, most recently deploying with Carrier Air Wing 1 aboard USS Harry S. Truman.
