Mauro Varela

Strike Fighter Squadron 151 (VFA-151), known as the "Vigilantes," was originally established as VF-23 in 1948 and redesignated as VF-151 in 1953. The squadron has a distinguished combat history, participating in major conflicts such as the Korean War, Vietnam War, Operation Desert Storm, and the Global War on Terror. Over the decades, VFA-151 has transitioned through various aircraft, from the F9F Panther to the F/A-18E Super Hornet, reflecting its evolution into a modern strike fighter unit. Today, VFA-151 is based at Naval Air Station Lemoore, California, and remains an integral part of the U.S. Navy’s carrier air wing force.

Air Test and Evaluation Squadron Nine (VX-9), known as the "Vampires," was established in 1993 through the consolidation of the Naval Air Test Center Detachment (NATC Det) and Air Test and Evaluation Squadron Four (VX-4). Based at Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, California, VX-9’s mission is to conduct operational test and evaluation of U.S. Navy and Marine Corps tactical aircraft and weapons systems. The squadron has played a critical role in testing and validating the performance of platforms such as the F/A-18 Hornet, F-14 Tomcat, EA-18G Growler, and F-35C Lightning II. Through its rigorous evaluation processes, VX-9 ensures that new aircraft and weapons meet the demanding requirements of modern naval aviation.