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History of VF-154

VF-154, known as the "Black Knights," is a distinguished U.S. Navy fighter squadron originally established in 1946. The squadron saw extensive combat during the Korean War, flying F4U Corsairs, and later participated in the Vietnam War with F-8 Crusaders and F-4 Phantoms. In the 1980s and 1990s, VF-154 transitioned to the F-14 Tomcat, deploying on multiple occasions to the Persian Gulf and supporting operations such as Southern Watch and Iraqi Freedom. In 2003, the unit was redesignated as VFA-154 and transitioned to the F/A-18F Super Hornet, continuing its legacy as an elite strike fighter squadron in the U.S. Navy.

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ABOUT VF-154

  • Long Heritage: VF-154, known as the “Black Knights,” was originally established as VFB-718 in 1946 and redesignated several times before adopting the famous VF-154 designation in 1953.
  • Korean War Service: The squadron flew F4U Corsairs in the Korean War, conducting strike missions off the USS Boxer (CV-21).
  • Vietnam War Operations: VF-154 participated in the Vietnam War, flying F-8 Crusaders and later F-4 Phantoms, earning multiple commendations for their combat effectiveness.
  • Iconic Black Knights Insignia: The “Black Knight” symbol (a black armored knight with a white shield) became one of the most recognizable squadron insignias in naval aviation.
  • Tomcat Era: VF-154 transitioned to flying the F-14A Tomcat in 1983, becoming renowned for their skills and operational readiness with this legendary aircraft.
  • Hollywood Fame: The squadron’s Tomcats appeared in the movie “Final Countdown” (1980), filmed aboard the USS Nimitz, adding to their mystique.
  • Operation Southern Watch: VF-154 deployed repeatedly to enforce the no-fly zone over Iraq during the 1990s, flying from carriers like USS Kitty Hawk.
  • Final Tomcat Cruise: The Black Knights made their last deployment with the F-14 Tomcat in 2002–2003 during Operation Iraqi Freedom, flying combat missions over Iraq.
  • Transition to F/A-18F: In 2003, VF-154 was redesignated as VFA-154, traded in their F-14s for F/A-18F Super Hornets, and shifted from a fighter to a strike fighter role.
  • International Deployments: VF-154 has operated from both Atlantic and Pacific Fleet carriers, and was the first forward-deployed Tomcat squadron based in Japan, reflecting its global reach.

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