Strike Fighter Squadron 81 (VFA-81), known as the "Sunliners," was established in 1955 and is a United States Navy fighter squadron based at Naval Air Station Oceana. Originally designated as VA-66 and later redesignated VA-81, the squadron first flew the A-4 Skyhawk before transitioning to the A-7 Corsair II and later to the F/A-18 Hornet. VFA-81 gained distinction during Operation Desert Storm in 1991, when its pilots were credited with the first air-to-air kills of the conflict, downing two Iraqi MiG-21s. The Sunliners continue to serve as a frontline strike fighter squadron, participating in numerous deployments and exercises around the world.
