VFA-81

• Formation and Nickname: Strike Fighter Squadron 81 (VFA-81), known as the “Sunliners,” was established on July 1, 1955, originally as VA-66 before being redesignated as VA-81 in 1959 and later as VFA-81 in 1988. • Tail Code: The squadron’s tail code is “AJ,” and its iconic squadron insignia features a sunburst design, reflecting the “Sunliners” nickname. • Aircraft Evolution: VFA-81 has flown a variety of aircraft, starting with the F9F-8B Cougar, A-4 Skyhawk, A-7 Corsair II, and transitioning to the F/A-18C Hornet in 1988, which it currently operates. • Gulf of Sidra Incident (1981): On August 19, 1981, VFA-81 (then VA-81) participated in the Gulf of Sidra incident, where two VF-41 F-14 Tomcats shot down two Libyan Su-22s; Sunliners’ A-7s supported the operation. • Operation Desert Storm: In January 1991, VFA-81 was among the first squadrons to see combat during Operation Desert Storm, flying from USS Saratoga (CV-60). Two of its pilots, Lieutenants Mark I. Fox and Nick Mongilio, shot down two Iraqi MiG-21s, marking the first air-to-air victories for the F/A-18 Hornet. • Saratoga Tragedy: On January 17, 1991, VFA-81 lost two pilots, Lieutenants Robert Dwyer and Scott Speicher, in Desert Storm. Speicher became the first American casualty of the Gulf War, and his status remained unknown for years, drawing significant media attention. • Global Deployments: The Sunliners have deployed on multiple aircraft carriers, including USS Forrestal (CV-59), USS Saratoga (CV-60), USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69), and USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70). • Modernization: VFA-81 was among the first squadrons to operate the F/A-18C Night Attack Hornet, incorporating advanced avionics for all-weather, night, and precision strike capability. • Operation Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom: VFA-81 participated in combat operations over Afghanistan and Iraq, providing air support, strike, and interdiction missions. • Squadron Legacy: The Sunliners have received numerous awards, including the Navy Unit Commendation, Battle “E” Efficiency Awards, and Safety “S” Awards, reflecting their exceptional performance and operational safety record.