VF-21, also known as Fighter Squadron 21, was a distinguished unit of the United States Navy with a lineage tracing back to World War II. Originally established as VF-81 in 1944, the squadron underwent several redesignations before becoming VF-21 in 1959. Throughout its history, VF-21 flew a variety of fighter aircraft, including the F-4 Phantom II and later the F-14 Tomcat, and participated in major conflicts such as the Vietnam War and Operation Desert Storm. The squadron was homeported at Naval Air Station Miramar and was disestablished in 1996 after nearly five decades of service.
