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VFA-113
Strike Fighter Squadron 113 (VFA-113), also known as the "Stingers," is a United States Navy strike fighter squadron based at Naval Air Station Lemoore, California. They are an operational fleet F/A-18E Super Hornet squadron attached to Carrier Air Wing 2 (CVW-2) and based at NAS Lemoore, California. Their tailcode is NE and their radio callsign is Sting.
The squadron’s original insignia was approved by Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) on 15 April 1949, and it was slightly modified in 1985. The squadron's "Stingers" nickname was adopted in 1949.
The squadron was originally established as Fighter Squadron 113 (VF-113) on 15 July 1948 at NAS San Diego, flying the F8F-1/2 Bearcat.
In March 1950, the squadron transitioned to the F4U-4B Corsair. Attached to Air Group 11, the squadron flew their first combat strikes on 5 August 1950 from USS Philippine Sea and USS Valley Forge against targets near Kunsan, Korea. In September 1950, the squadron flew combat sorties in support of the United States Marine Corps landings at Incheon. In November 1950, squadron aircraft participated in Operation Pinwheel, the docking and departing of the carrier from the pier using aircraft engine power to move the ship. Also in November 1950, during strikes on bridges crossing the Yalu River, squadron F4U-4Bs were attacked by MiG-15s, with neither side suffering any damage. On 23 June 1952, squadron aircraft, along with planes from three other air groups, participated in the first coordinated strikes against North Korean hydroelectric power plants. This was the first time that enemy power plants had been so heavily targeted. It also marked the first time that four carriers were on line off the coast of Korea since late 1950. VF-113 won six engagement stars as well as the Presidential Unit Citation and Navy Unit Commendations in two Korean combat tours.
The squadron moved to NAS Miramar on 15 September 1952 and transitioned to the F9F-1 Panther on 5 October 1952. In February 1954, the squadron upgraded to the F9F-2. In May 1955, the squadron again upgraded to the swept wing F9F-8 Cougar and in March 1956 was redesignated Attack Squadron One Hundred Thirteen (VA-113). In April 1957, they transitioned to the A-4 Skyhawk, flying several different Skyhawk models over the next 11 years.
While operating from USS Shangri-La in August–September 1958, the squadron was part of a task force that provided support to the Republic of China during the shelling of the Quemoy Islands by the Chinese Communists. The squadron was awarded the Battle Efficiency "E" for 1958, denoting it as the best Attack Squadron on the West Coast.
In late 1961, the squadron embarked on USS Kitty Hawk for her transit, via Cape Horn, from NS Norfolk to her new home port at NAS North Island. The "Stingers" also moved to a new home at NAS Lemoore on 12 December 1961.
In June 1964, squadron aircraft participated in Yankee Team operations, including aerial refuelling for RF-8A Crusaders and F-101 Voodoos, and search and rescue missions over South Vietnam and Laos. From November 1964 to October 1965, the squadron provided a detachment of personnel and A-4s for use as fighter protection for USS Bennington.
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VFA-113
Strike Fighter Squadron 113 (VFA-113), also known as the "Stingers," is a United States Navy strike fighter squadron based at Naval Air Station Lemoore, California. They are an operational fleet F/A-18E Super Hornet squadron attached to Carrier Air Wing 2 (CVW-2) and based at NAS Lemoore, California. Their tailcode is NE and their radio callsign is Sting.
The squadron’s original insignia was approved by Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) on 15 April 1949, and it was slightly modified in 1985. The squadron's "Stingers" nickname was adopted in 1949.
The squadron was originally established as Fighter Squadron 113 (VF-113) on 15 July 1948 at NAS San Diego, flying the F8F-1/2 Bearcat.
In March 1950, the squadron transitioned to the F4U-4B Corsair. Attached to Air Group 11, the squadron flew their first combat strikes on 5 August 1950 from USS Philippine Sea and USS Valley Forge against targets near Kunsan, Korea. In September 1950, the squadron flew combat sorties in support of the United States Marine Corps landings at Incheon. In November 1950, squadron aircraft participated in Operation Pinwheel, the docking and departing of the carrier from the pier using aircraft engine power to move the ship. Also in November 1950, during strikes on bridges crossing the Yalu River, squadron F4U-4Bs were attacked by MiG-15s, with neither side suffering any damage. On 23 June 1952, squadron aircraft, along with planes from three other air groups, participated in the first coordinated strikes against North Korean hydroelectric power plants. This was the first time that enemy power plants had been so heavily targeted. It also marked the first time that four carriers were on line off the coast of Korea since late 1950. VF-113 won six engagement stars as well as the Presidential Unit Citation and Navy Unit Commendations in two Korean combat tours.
The squadron moved to NAS Miramar on 15 September 1952 and transitioned to the F9F-1 Panther on 5 October 1952. In February 1954, the squadron upgraded to the F9F-2. In May 1955, the squadron again upgraded to the swept wing F9F-8 Cougar and in March 1956 was redesignated Attack Squadron One Hundred Thirteen (VA-113). In April 1957, they transitioned to the A-4 Skyhawk, flying several different Skyhawk models over the next 11 years.
While operating from USS Shangri-La in August–September 1958, the squadron was part of a task force that provided support to the Republic of China during the shelling of the Quemoy Islands by the Chinese Communists. The squadron was awarded the Battle Efficiency "E" for 1958, denoting it as the best Attack Squadron on the West Coast.
In late 1961, the squadron embarked on USS Kitty Hawk for her transit, via Cape Horn, from NS Norfolk to her new home port at NAS North Island. The "Stingers" also moved to a new home at NAS Lemoore on 12 December 1961.
In June 1964, squadron aircraft participated in Yankee Team operations, including aerial refuelling for RF-8A Crusaders and F-101 Voodoos, and search and rescue missions over South Vietnam and Laos. From November 1964 to October 1965, the squadron provided a detachment of personnel and A-4s for use as fighter protection for USS Bennington.