VFA-115

Infobox Military Unit
unit_name= Strike Fighter Squadron 115


caption= VFA-115 insignia
dates= *October 10, 1942 - present
country= United States
allegiance=
branch= United States Navy
type= Fighter/Attack
role= Close air support
Air interdiction
Aerial reconnaissance
size=
command_structure=
current_commander=
garrison= Naval Air Station Lemoore
ceremonial_chief=
colonel_of_the_regiment=
nickname= "Eagles"
"Arabs"
patron=
motto=
colors=
march=
mascot=
battles= World War II
* Battle of Leyte Gulf * Philippines campaign (1944–45) Korean War
Vietnam War
Operation Southern Watch
Operation Desert Fox
Operation Enduring Freedom
Operation Iraqi Freedom * 2003 invasion of Iraq
anniversaries=

Strike Fighter Squadron 115 (VFA-115), also known as the "Eagles", is a United States Navy F/A-18E Super Hornet fighter squadron stationed at Naval Air Station Lemoore. Their tail code is "NK".

quadron Insignia and Nickname

The squadron’s first insignia, designed by Walt Disney, was approved by CNO on 25 June 1945, consisting of a black torpedo and a winged cherub wearing a green helmet. A new squadron insignia was approved on 17 September 1956 and is still in use. The squadron was known as the "Arabs" from the 1950s to 1979, at which time they were renamed the "Eagles". During the squadron’s deployment to the Indian Ocean in 1989, they temporarily changed their nickname back to Arabs to enhance the esprit de corps while operating in the Arabian Sea.

History

1940s

On October 10, 1942, Torpedo Squadron Eleven (VT-11) was commissioned at NAS San Diego, flying TBF Avenger, a carrier based torpedo bomber known in the fleet as the "Turkey." Over the next five years, the squadron upgraded through several models of TBF and TBM "Averngers".

In Jan and Feb 1943, a detachment of 6 squadron aircraft were sent to Kanton Island for antisubmarine defense and search missions. The squadron's first combat was flown from Honiara International Airport during the Guadalcanal in April-May 1943 as part of Carrier Air Group Eleven (CVG-11). The squadron was landbased at Guadalcanal, and in June 1943, VT-11 pilots conducted the first daylight raids on Bougainville and the Solomon Islands from the USS "Hornet". They flew patrol, search, spotting, strike, and night mine-laying missions.

On 5 May 1944, squadron aircraft were involved in an antisubmarine attack off the coast of Hilo, Hawaii. The attack against the enemy submarine was assessed as "probable" by the squadron commander. In October 1944, the squadron participated in the first strikes against Okinawa and two weeks later converged on Leyte Gulf to protect the landing and supply ships engaged in the liberation of the Philippines. On 25 Oct, the Japanese Fleet converged on Leyte to oppose the landings. Squadron TBMs were launched from 340 miles away (well beyond normal range) to strike the fleet. The TBMs struck the retiring Japanese ships, scoring hits on a battleship and two cruisers. All the squadron’s aircraft returned, completing a 600 mile round trip. Seven Navy Crosses were awarded to VT-11 aircrews during this campaign.

In Nov and Dec 1944, the squadron continued to provide support for the cccupation of Leyte, striking targets on Luzon in support of the landings on Mindoro. In Jan 1945, the squadron struck ships and targets on Formosa and Luzon in support of the landings in Lingayen Gulf, Luzon. The squadron participated in operations in the South China Sea (the first time an American Task Force had entered these waters since the beginning of the war), striking targets at Cam Ranh Bay and a convoy off Qui Nhon, French Indo-China, shipping at the Pescadores Island, and Hong Kong.

After the war, Naval Air Station San Diego became VT-11's new homeport, and the squadron was redesignated as Attack Squadron Twelve Able (VA-12A) in November 1946. VA-12A, along with its Carrier Air Group (CVAG-11), underwent extensive training and embarked in USS "Valley Forge", the Navy's newest aircraft carrier. In June 1948, VA-12A deployed on a world cruise, a first for a Navy Air Group and milestone for the squadron. A symbolic globe later became part of the squadron's official insignia to commemorate the cruise.

On July 15, 1948, VA-12A was redesignated Attack Squadron 115 (VA-115), and in December, the squadron transitioned to the Navy's newest, most powerful, and what was to be its last propeller driven fighter-bomber, the Douglas built A-1 Skyraider. The squadron upgraded models of the "Spad" several times for the next ten years.

1950s

In July 1950, VA-115 deployed aboard USS "Philippine Sea" for nine months conducting strikes in Inchon, South Korea in preparation for landings in September 1950. During and after the invasion the squadron flew deep support missions and also encountered MIG-15s. On December 31, 1951, VA-115 provided close air support for American troops in the Chosen Reservoir area and flew combat missions against North Korean rail, transportation, communication, industrial and supply targets. VA-115 flew 2,268 combat missions over both Korea deployments. For this outstanding performance, the squadron was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation.

In Jun 1952, the squadron participated in coordinated strikes against North Korean hydroelectric power plants - the first heavy attacks conducted against these installations. Nine different hydroelectric power plants were struck.

In Feb 1955, the squadron flew air cover missions during the evacuation of over 26,000 personnel from Tachen Islands which had come under bombardment by the People’s Republic of China in January. In Aug–Sep 1958, the squadron was part of the task force that provided support to the Republic of China during the shelling of the Quemoy Island group by the Chinese Communists.

1960s

In 1960 the squadron adopted the nickname "Arabs" after passage through the Suez Canal.

In May and Jun 1964 during the Laotian crisis, the squadron flew Combat Air Patrol and Search and Rescue from USS "Kitty Hawk".

In October 1965, the squadron returned to Southeast Asia with "Kitty Hawk" and Air Wing Eleven (CVW-11). During six months on Yankee Station in the Gulf of Tonkin, VA-115 flew 2,051 sorties, over 8000 hours and delivered 7 million pounds of ordnance against enemy targets in Vietnam. In September 1966, VA-115 joined Carrier Air Wing Five (CVW-5), and in January 1967, was assigned to the Seventh Fleet.

From August 1967 to January 1970, the squadron was put in an inactive, stand-down status. This was a transitional period as the squadron awaited the arrival of the A-6 Intruder, and there were no aircraft and only a few administrative personnel assigned. This is the only known instance in which a squadron was not disestablished but remained on the active squadron inventory in an inactive status.

1970s

Apr–May 1979: Midway, with VA-115 embarked, deployed to the Gulf of Aden to relieve Constellation (CV 64) and maintain a U.S. carrier presence following the outbreak of fighting between North and South Yemen and the fall of the Shah of Iran. Oct 1979: As a response to anti-American demonstrations in Iran, Midway and its air wing, including VA-115, were ordered to deploy to the Indian Ocean for the second time in 1979. Nov–Dec 1979: In response to the seizure of the American Embassy and its staff by an Iranian mob, Midway returned to the Arabian Sea.

In January 1970, the squadron resumed active status and was reassigned to Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Washington for transition to the Grumman A-6 Intruder. The squadron received their first KA-6D tanker aircraft in Feb 1971. As part of CVW-5, aboard USS "Midway", VA-115 made their first Western Pacific deployment in the "Intruder" in 1971. In April 1972, the "Midway" and VA-115 departed NAS Alameda, California for "Yankee Station" off the coast of Vietnam. From May to Oct 1972, the squadron participated in Linebacker I operations, heavy air strikes against targets in North Vietnam to interdict the flow of supplies. VA-115 earned a fourth Presidential Unit Citation during this tour.

In September 1973, "Midway" and VA-115 changed homeport to Yokosuka, Japan.

Again "Midway" and VA-115 would serve off the coast of Vietnam and in 1975, participated in Operation Eagle Pull and Operation Frequent Wind, supporting the evacuation of Saigon. In the Spring/Summer of 1977, VA-115 transitioned to the A-6E. The "Arabs" of VA-115 then became the "Eagles," officially changing the nickname in March 1978.

1980s

In May–Jun 1980 following the massacre of several hundred people in the city of Kwangju, South Korea, the squadron operated from "Midway" off the coast of South Korea until the crisis subsided.

During the Summer Olympics of September 1988 in Seoul, South Korea, the squadron was embarked on "Midway" operating in the Sea of Japan to demonstrate U.S. support for a peaceful Olympics.

1990s

The "Eagles" deployed again to the Middle East in support of re-flagged Kuwaiti tankers in the Persian Gulf. In October 1990, the "Eagles" deployed to the North Persian Gulf in support of Operation Desert Shield. On January 17, 1991, "Eagle" Intruders launched from the deck of "Midway" against Iraqi targets to mark the beginning of Operation Desert Storm. In total, the "Eagles" flew 456 combat sorties and delivered 724,000 pounds of ordnance against enemy targets in Iraq and occupied Kuwait. The squadron also was credited with the confirmed destruction of 12 Iraqi naval vessels.

In 1992, the squadron deployed aboard USS "Independence", USS "Midway's" relief as the Navy's forward deployed aircraft carrier homeported in Japan.

VA-115 again deployed to the Persian Gulf in support of Operation Southern Watch enforcing United Nations resolutions against Iraq. The "Eagles" were awarded the Meritorious Unit Commendation for their performance flying 115 combat missions over Iraq. In 1993, VA-115 deployed to the Persian Gulf in support of Operation Southern Watch, and in 1994 the "Eagles" received four aircraft with night vision device capability. In 1996, VA-115 supported contingency operations in the vicinity of Taiwan and again supported Operation Southern Watch.

In October 1996, the "Eagles" conducted a homeport change to NAS Lemoore, California and began transition to their fifth aircraft, the F/A-18C Hornet. They were redesignated as Strike Fighter Squadron 115 (VFA-115) on September 30, 1996. The squadron accepted 12 FA-18s in six months and joined CVW-14 on board USS "Abraham Lincoln". In June 1998 the "Eagles" deployed to the Persian Gulf in support of Operation Southern Watch.

After two deployments in the "C" model Hornet, the squadron was chosen to be the first Navy squadron to transition to the F/A-18E Super Hornet. VFA-115 was also the first fleet squadron to receive the Advanced Tactical Forward Looking InfraRed targeting pod.

2000s

In July 2002, the "Eagles" embarked on the first fleet Super Hornet combat deployment, flying 214 combat missions in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Southern Watch (OSW). The "Eagles" dropped 22 JDAM on 14 targets in Iraq, before taking part in the opening salvos of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Before hostilities ceased on April 9, 2003, the Eagles dropped 380,000 pounds of ordinance and passed three and a half million pounds of fuel in the tanker support role. This wartime performance earned the "Eagles" and the "Lincoln" Battle Group the Navy Unit Commendation (the sixth awarded to VFA-115).

In May 2004, the "Eagles" deployed aboard USS "John C. Stennis". In support of the Fleet Response Plan, the Eagles participated in various joint exercises including NORTHERN EDGE, Rim of the Pacific, Joint Air and Sea Exercise and a MIG-29 Passage Exercise. Additionally, VFA-115 authored a comprehensive joint doctrine for Maritime Interdiction. This document was adopted by Commander Pacific Fleet and Chief of Naval Operations as the model for joint employment, and is now the primary training focus for deploying west coast Strike Groups. The Eagle’s were awarded the coveted Commander Naval Air Pacific Battle Efficiency Award for 2004.

In January 2006, the "Eagles" deployed aboard USS "Ronald Reagan" to the Persian Gulf in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. VFA-115 flew hundreds of combat sorties providing Close Air Support for the Army and Marines, tanking for the carrier-based aircraft, and Maritime Interdiction for the strike group.

In January 2007, VFA-115 again deployed aboard "Ronald Reagan", returning in April 2007 to resume shore based flight training at Naval Air Station Lemoore.

Aircraft flown

* TBM Avenger — October 1942 - July 1948
* A-1 Skyraider — July 1948 - August 1967
* A-6 Intruder — 1977 - October 1996
* F/A-18C Hornet — October 1996 - June 2001
* F/A-18E Super Hornet — June 2001 - present

References

* [http://www.history.navy.mil/download/va105122.pdf Squadron history]

External links

* [http://www.csfwp.navy.mil/vfa-115/ VFA-115's Official Webpage]

See also

*Naval aviation
*United States Naval Aviator
*Modern US Navy carrier air operations
*List of United States Navy aircraft squadrons
*List of Inactive United States Navy aircraft squadrons
*List of military aircraft of the United States (naval) / List of US Naval aircraft