Jim Poirier

Strike Fighter Squadron 125 (VFA-125), known as the "Rough Raiders," was established on November 13, 1980, at Naval Air Station Lemoore, California. Originally serving as the Navy's first F/A-18 Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS), VFA-125 was responsible for training pilots and maintenance personnel on the F/A-18 Hornet. The squadron was deactivated in 2010 but was reactivated in 2017 to serve as the Navy’s first F-35C Lightning II Fleet Replacement Squadron, continuing its vital training mission. Throughout its history, VFA-125 has played a crucial role in preparing generations of naval aviators for front-line carrier-based operations.