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VFA-22
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| Strike Fighter Squadron 22 | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Active | 27 July 1948 – present |
| Country |  United States |
| Branch |  United States Navy |
| Type | Fighter/Attack |
| Role | Close air support Air interdiction Aerial reconnaissance |
| Part of | .svg){kind=small} Carrier Air Wing Seventeen |
| Garrison/HQ |  NAS Lemoore |
| Nickname | Fighting Redcocks |
| Motto | "You Can't Beat A Redcock" (YCBAR) |
| Mascot | Rhode Island Red Rooster |
| Engagements | Korean War Vietnam War Operation Praying Mantis Operation Classic Resolve Operation Southern Watch Operation Continue Hope Operation Desert Fox Operation Enduring Freedom Operation Inherent Resolve |
| Commanders | |
| Commanding Officer | CDR Johnathan "Skirmish" Sheater |
| Executive Officer | CDR Bradley "DUG" Williams |
| Command Master Chief | CMDCM. Jonathan Arroyave |
| Aircraft flown | |
| Fighter | F8F Bearcat F4U Corsair F9F Panther F9F Cougar FJ-4 Fury A-4 Skyhawk A-7 Corsair II F/A-18C Hornet F/A-18E Super Hornet F/A-18F Super Hornet |
VFA-22, Strike Fighter Squadron 22, also known as the "Fighting Redcocks", are a United States Navy F/A-18F Super Hornet fighter squadron stationed at Naval Air Station Lemoore, California. Their tail code is NA and their radio callsign is "Beef".
History
[edit]
Strike Fighter Squadron 22 was originally established as Fighter Squadron 63 (VF-63) at Naval Air Station Norfolk, Virginia on 28 July 1948, the squadron was re-designated as Attack Squadron 63 (VA-63) in March 1956, redesignated as Attack Squadron 22 (VA-22) on 1 July 1959 and redesignated Strike Fighter Squadron 22 (VFA-22) on 4 May 1990.[1]
The squadron originally flew the F8F Bearcat, then the F4U Corsair, F9F Panther, F9 Cougar, FJ-4 Fury, A-4 Skyhawk, A-7 Corsair II, and the F/A-18C Hornet. Today, the 220 enlisted men and women and 40 officers of VFA-22 are based at NAS Lemoore, California, and have completed the transition from the single seat F/A-18E Super Hornet to the twin-seat F/A-18F Super Hornet.
Over the years, the squadron completed three combat deployments during the Korean War and six combat deployments during the Vietnam War, where it participated in Operation Pocket Money.
1980s
[edit]
In the late 1970s and early 1980s, VA-22 embarked with Carrier Air Wing 15 aboard USS Kitty Hawk and deployed to the Western Pacific and Indian Ocean. The Squadron won back to back Battle E awards during the 80 & 81 competitive cycles and was the co-west coast launch squadron for FLIR mounted A7Es. While deployed aboard USS Enterprise in April 1988, while in the Persian Gulf, VA-22 aircraft participated in sinking the Iranian frigate Sahand which fired missiles at two American A-6 Intruders. In December 1989, the squadron participated in Operation Classic Resolve, providing support for the Philippine government during a coup attempt.
1990s
[edit]In 1993, the squadron deployed aboard USS Abraham Lincoln to the Persian Gulf and participated in Operation Southern Watch, enforcing the United Nations Southern no-fly zone over Iraq. Before returning home from deployment, the squadron diverted to the coast of Somalia and provided air support during Operation Continue Hope.
In December 1998, VFA-22, off of the Carl Vinson, led Carrier Air Wing 11's only air strike of Operation Desert Fox.
2000s
[edit].jpg)
In October 2001, VFA-22 operating from USS Carl Vinson performed strikes against Taliban and Al Qaeda forces in Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. In 2003, VFA-22 deployed with Carrier Air Wing 9 on board Carl Vinson on an extended eight month Western Pacific deployment in support of the Global War on Terrorism. In July 2004, VFA-22 transitioned to F/A-18E Super Hornets, and in January, 2006, deployed with Carrier Air Wing 14 on board USS Ronald Reagan for six months in support of the Global War on Terrorism.
In early 2007, VFA-22, made a surge deployment with Carrier Air Wing 14 and USS Ronald Reagan to the Pacific Ocean with a mixed unit of F/A-18E and F/A-18F as the unit was in the middle of transitioning aircraft again, this time from the single seat F/A-18E to the two seat F/A-18F.[2] By the end of 2007, VFA-22 had transitioned to the F/A-18F Super Hornet, marking the first time in the squadron's history that it had operated twin-seat tactical aircraft and integrated Naval Flight Officers with the Naval Aviators in its officer complement.[3]
On 28 May 2009, VFA-22 and Carrier Air Wing 14 deployed with USS Ronald Reagan on a deployment to the 7th and 5th Fleet Areas of Responsibility.[4]
2010s
[edit]
In 2010, The squadron re-located from Carrier Air Wing Fourteen to Carrier Air Wing Seventeen sporting the CVW-17 "AA" tailcode, and are now attached to USS NIMITZ.
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "Lineage for Fighter Squadrons" (PDF). Naval History and Heritage Command. Retrieved 6 October 2016.
- ^ Plane captain Aviation Machinist's Mate Airman Rodney Hunter, from Cleveland, Ohio, cleans the canopy and prepares an F/A-18F Super Hornet.
- ^ The aircrew of an F/A-18F Super Hornet, assigned to the "Fighting Redcocks" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 22, wait to launch from Catapult 3 during night flight operations.
- ^ USS Ronald Reagan Deploys.
External links
[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Strike Fighter Squadron 22 (United States Navy).
| Electronic Attack (VAQ) | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carrier Airborne Early Warning (VAW) | |||||
| Strike Fighter (VFA) | |||||
| Fleet Air Reconnaissance (VQ) | |||||
| Fleet Fighter Composite (VFC) | |||||
| Fleet Logistics Support (VR) | |||||
| Carrier Fleet Logistics Support (VRC) | |||||
| Carrier Fleet Logistics Multi-Mission (VRM) | |||||
| Patrol |
| ||||
| Unmanned (VUP) | |||||
| Training (VT) | |||||
| Helicopter Mine Countermeasures (HM) | |||||
| Helicopter Sea Combat (HSC) | |||||
| Helicopter Maritime Strike (HSM) | |||||
| Helicopter Training (HT) | |||||
VFA-22
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Origins and Lineage
Establishment and Early Years
Fighter Squadron VF-63 was established on 27 July 1948 at Naval Air Station Norfolk, Virginia, as part of the post-World War II expansion of U.S. naval aviation, which saw the formation of numerous new squadrons to rebuild and modernize carrier-based forces.[4] The squadron's first commanding officer was Lieutenant Commander Malcolm L. Cagle, and it began operations with an initial strength of approximately 16 F8F-2 Bearcat aircraft and a similar number of pilots.[8] Equipped with the piston-engine F8F-2 Bearcat fighters, VF-63 focused on foundational training, including air-to-air gunnery, rocket ordnance delivery, fuel management evaluations, and night field carrier landing practice to prepare for operational readiness.[8] Carrier qualifications commenced in February 1949 aboard USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVB-42), with eight pilots achieving night carrier landings by mid-year.[8] Early non-combat activities included shakedown cruises to build proficiency, such as a four-week deployment to the Caribbean and Vieques Island aboard USS Franklin D. Roosevelt from 21 February to 20 March 1949, followed by a Northern Atlantic exercise on the same carrier from 27 October to 22 November 1949.[8] These operations emphasized the squadron's critical role in sustaining U.S. Navy carrier air wing capabilities amid the emerging Cold War tensions. During the 1950s, VF-63 transitioned to jet-powered aircraft as naval aviation evolved.[4]Redesignations and Nicknames
The squadron, originally established as Fighter Squadron VF-63 on 27 July 1948 at Naval Air Station Norfolk, Virginia, underwent its first major redesignation on 1 March 1956 when it became Attack Squadron VA-63.[4] This change reflected the U.S. Navy's evolving post-World War II doctrine, transitioning the unit from an air superiority fighter role to ground attack missions amid growing emphasis on carrier-based strike capabilities.[4] On 1 July 1959, VA-63 was redesignated Attack Squadron VA-22, continuing the squadron's lineage without interruption while adopting the new numerical identifier as part of broader Navy organizational adjustments.[4] The redesignation maintained the unit's focus on attack operations and included updates to its administrative identity, such as modifications to the squadron patch to incorporate the VA-22 designation in a scroll at the bottom of the emblem.[9] The squadron's final redesignation occurred on 4 May 1990, when VA-22 became Strike Fighter Squadron VFA-22, aligning with the post-Cold War integration of advanced multi-role fighter capabilities into naval aviation.[4] This shift emphasized combined air-to-air and air-to-ground missions, preparing the unit for modern strike fighter operations. During its early years as VF-63, the squadron adopted the nickname "Fighting Redcocks" on 27 July 1948, inspired by a red rooster emblem symbolizing an aggressive and tenacious fighting spirit.[9] The original patch, created on 9 May 1949, featured a stylized Rhode Island Red rooster on a blue shield background, representing the unit's piston-engine fighter heritage.[9] As the squadron evolved through redesignations, the patch underwent refinements: the 1959 version added a scroll for "VA-22," and the 1990 update changed it to "VFA-22" while retaining the core rooster motif to preserve historical continuity.[9] The enduring nickname and insignia have remained central to the squadron's identity, underscoring its combative ethos across role transitions.Early Operations (1940s–1970s)
Korean War Deployments
During the Korean War, the squadron, designated VF-63, conducted three combat deployments as part of Carrier Air Group 2 (CVG-2), shifting from propeller-driven fighters to early jet operations while executing close air support, armed reconnaissance, and interdiction missions against North Korean supply lines, bridges, and troop concentrations. These efforts supported United Nations ground forces and contributed to containing Chinese offensives along the 38th parallel.[10] The first deployment began on 24 August 1950 aboard USS Boxer (CV-21), where VF-63 flew Vought F4U-4 Corsairs in its initial combat actions. On 16 September 1950, the squadron provided close air support for the amphibious landings at Inchon, strafing enemy positions and destroying coastal defenses to facilitate Marine Corps advances. Throughout the deployment, which ended on 11 November 1950, pilots encountered intense anti-aircraft fire; for instance, on 16 September, LTJG Donald C. Taylor ditched his F4U-4 (BuNo 80883) after rocket blast damage near Point Bolo in Inchon Harbor but was rescued by surface vessels. Other incidents included ENS Daniel D. Smith Jr.'s fatal crash on 19 September 1950 during a barrier engagement on approach to Boxer, underscoring the hazards of carrier operations in contested waters.[11] The second deployment, from 5 December 1950 to 7 April 1951 aboard USS Valley Forge (CV-45), continued with F4U-4 Corsairs, focusing on interdiction strikes against rail yards, vehicle convoys, and artillery positions in western Korea. Squadron pilots flew daily sorties in coordination with other CVG-2 units, adapting to harsh winter conditions and evolving enemy tactics. Combat losses included ENS Glen F. Stinnett's ditching on 7 February 1951 due to a landing mishap, from which he was rescued, and several aircraft damaged by ground fire during low-level attacks. These missions helped disrupt North Korean logistics, though the squadron suffered no confirmed air-to-air engagements.[11] In the third and final deployment, from 8 February 1952 to 26 September 1952 aboard USS Boxer, VF-63 operated F4U-4 Corsairs throughout the cruise. Early in the cruise, on 23 June 1952, the squadron joined strikes against North Korean hydroelectric facilities at Sui-ho Dam and Kyosen, destroying key infrastructure despite heavy flak; LCDR Ward S. Miller, the commanding officer, was hit by antiaircraft fire during the Kyosen attack but ditched safely south of Tanchon and was rescued by helicopter. Squadron pilots conducted patrols in MiG Alley to escort bombers and suppress enemy fighters, as well as bridge bombings and close air support near the front lines. Notable losses included ENS Stanley W. Henderson's ditching in Hungnam Bay on 22 April 1952 after antiaircraft damage, with rescue by friendly forces, and ENS Arthur N. Zimmerly's ditching south of Sinpo on 18 June 1952, also recovered via helicopter. On 6 August 1952, a hangar deck fire aboard Boxer, triggered by a fueling mishap, damaged several aircraft but caused no VF-63 fatalities; three squadron members received Bronze Stars for aiding in firefighting and evacuation efforts. Several pilots, including those involved in high-risk rescues and strike leadership, were awarded Distinguished Flying Crosses for valor in these operations. Overall, the deployments exemplified naval aviation's role in sustaining air superiority and supporting ground operations until the armistice.[11]Vietnam War Deployments
VA-22, then designated as Attack Squadron 22 (VA-22), conducted six extended combat deployments to Southeast Asia from 1965 to 1972 in support of U.S. operations during the Vietnam War. These deployments were aboard aircraft carriers including USS Midway (CVA-41) from March to November 1965, USS Coral Sea (CVA-43) from July 1966 to February 1967 and again from September 1971 to July 1972, USS Ranger (CVA-61) from September 1967 to May 1968, and USS Bon Homme Richard (CVA-31) from March to October 1969 and April to November 1970. Initially equipped with the Douglas A-4C Skyhawk, the squadron transitioned to the upgraded A-4F variant in 1969 before receiving the LTV A-7E Corsair II in late 1971, enhancing its precision strike capabilities with advanced avionics and greater payload capacity.[12][13] During the Rolling Thunder air campaign from 1965 to 1968, VA-22 flew thousands of close air support and interdiction sorties against North Vietnamese targets, supply lines, and infrastructure in Laos and South Vietnam. For instance, aboard USS Ranger in 1968, the squadron completed over 1,400 combat sorties, delivering approximately 3 million pounds of ordnance while supporting besieged U.S. Marines at Khe Sanh and conducting armed reconnaissance in the Sea of Japan amid the USS Pueblo crisis. Operations involved low-level attacks amid intense antiaircraft artillery (AAA) fire, with pilots employing evasive maneuvers to mitigate flak damage; two aircraft sustained minor battle damage that year but none were lost to enemy action. Earlier deployments, such as the 1966 strike on a Haiphong surface-to-air missile (SAM) site from USS Coral Sea, highlighted the squadron's role in suppressing air defenses.[13][12] In 1972, amid the Easter Offensive, VA-22 participated in Operations Linebacker I and II, flying over 2,000 sorties from USS Coral Sea to interdict North Vietnamese advances and strike strategic targets in the Hanoi-Haiphong area. These missions required advanced SAM evasion tactics, including high-speed dives and electronic countermeasures, as Soviet-supplied SA-2 missiles posed a constant threat; the squadron reported multiple instances of flak and missile damage, with two aircraft lost to enemy fire, including two A-7Es shot down over North Vietnam on 6 May and 27 June, resulting in pilots listed as missing in action. The squadron delivered 7.5 million pounds of ordnance during this cruise, significantly disrupting enemy logistics in the "Steel Tiger" region of Laos.[14] A pivotal contribution came during Operation Pocket Money in May 1972, when VA-22 A-7Es joined A-6 Intruders in the initial aerial mining of Haiphong Harbor, dropping Mk 52 magnetic/acoustic mines to blockade North Vietnamese resupply routes from the Soviet Union and China. Six A-7Es from VA-22 and VA-94 laid the first mines in the harbor's approach channels on May 9, marking the start of a sustained campaign that effectively closed the port to deep-draft shipping for much of the year and contributed to the overall laying of nearly 12,000 mines across North Vietnamese waters. This interdiction effort severely hampered enemy materiel imports, with Haiphong handling 85% of North Vietnam's seaborne supplies prior to the operation.[14][15] Across its Vietnam deployments, VA-22 accumulated extensive combat flight hours—exemplified by over 1,350 sorties in 1969 alone from USS Bon Homme Richard—while sustaining losses to operational accidents and enemy defenses, including the squadron's first combat aircraft downed on April 20, 1965, during strikes from USS Midway. The squadron earned multiple Navy Unit Commendations and Meritorious Unit Commendations for its performance, particularly the 1972 cruise with Carrier Air Wing 15. Notable pilots included Commander Henry D. Arnold, awarded the Silver Star for leading a high-risk strike against a Haiphong SAM site on November 22, 1966, demonstrating exceptional leadership under fire. These efforts underscored VA-22's transition from subsonic light attack to more versatile strike roles amid evolving threats.[13][16][9]Modern Operations (1980s–1990s)
Key Cold War and Gulf Era Engagements
During the 1980s, Attack Squadron 22 (VA-22), flying the A-7E Corsair II, conducted multiple deployments in the Western Pacific and Indian Ocean as part of Carrier Air Wings 15 and 11, emphasizing deterrence against Soviet naval presence and support for U.S. freedom of navigation operations amid tensions following the Iranian Revolution. From May 1979 to February 1980, the squadron deployed aboard USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63, transiting to the Arabian Sea in response to the Iran hostage crisis and conducting maritime patrols to secure vital sea lanes. A subsequent deployment from April to November 1981 on the same carrier involved similar operations, including exercises enhancing interoperability with regional allies. In September 1982 to April 1983, VA-22 shifted to USS Enterprise (CVN-65, focusing on power projection in the Indian Ocean while enforcing international navigation rights near contested areas. These missions underscored the squadron's role in Cold War naval strategy without direct combat losses.[12] A pivotal engagement came during VA-22's January to July 1988 deployment on USS Enterprise as part of Operation Earnest Will, the U.S. effort to protect oil tankers in the Persian Gulf amid the Iran-Iraq War. On April 18, 1988, the squadron participated in Operation Praying Mantis, a retaliatory strike following the mining of USS Samuel B. Roberts (FFG-58 by Iranian forces. VA-22 A-7Es provided close air support and conducted bombing runs against Iranian oil platforms and naval assets, complementing A-6 Intruder attacks from VA-95 that sank the frigate Sahand after it fired surface-to-air missiles at U.S. aircraft. The operation destroyed two oil platforms, damaged or sank several Iranian vessels, and demonstrated precision naval strikes, with VA-22 completing its missions without aircraft losses. This action marked one of the largest U.S. Navy surface battles since World War II.[12][17][18] In late 1989, during another USS Enterprise deployment, VA-22 supported Operation Classic Resolve from December 1 to 9, providing overhead air cover and reconnaissance for U.S. forces aiding the Philippine government against a coup attempt by rebel forces. The squadron's A-7Es ensured secure evacuation routes and deterred insurgent advances without engaging in direct combat. Transitioning into the early 1990s, following its 1990 redesignation as Strike Fighter Squadron 22 (VFA-22) and shift to the F/A-18C Hornet, the unit deployed from June to December 1993 aboard USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) with Carrier Air Wing 11. Under Operation Southern Watch, VFA-22 enforced the United Nations-mandated no-fly zone over southern Iraq, flying patrols and armed reconnaissance missions against Iraqi military targets to prevent aggression toward Kuwait and Shiite populations. The squadron contributed to over 1,500 combined sorties by the air wing during this period, maintaining operational readiness with no losses in contested airspace. These efforts highlighted VFA-22's evolution into a multirole strike fighter unit.[12][2][19]Transition to Strike Fighter Role
Following its redesignation as Strike Fighter Squadron 22 (VFA-22) on 4 May 1990, the squadron integrated air-to-air and air-to-ground missions, marking a shift from its previous attack-focused role with the A-7E Corsair II.[20] This evolution aligned with the U.S. Navy's broader adoption of multi-role strike fighters, enabling VFA-22 to conduct both fighter and attack operations within a single platform. Training emphasized Hornet qualifications, including initial pilot transitions through Fleet Replacement Squadron VFA-125 at Naval Air Station Lemoore, California.[21] On 6 July 1990, VFA-22 received its first F/A-18C Hornet aircraft, replacing the A-7E and completing the squadron's transition to the multi-role fighter.[20] The squadron conducted initial carrier qualifications and advanced training at Naval Air Station Fallon, Nevada, where VFA-22 participated in tactical exercises to refine integrated strike tactics, including air-to-ground delivery and air superiority maneuvers. In March to April 1991, VFA-22 made its first post-transition deployment aboard USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72 with Carrier Air Wing 11 to the Persian Gulf, supporting post-Desert Storm operations and enforcement of United Nations sanctions against Iraq.[2][9] In the late 1990s, VFA-22 contributed to the development of naval aviation's strike fighter concept through participation in composite wing exercises, such as those at Fallon, which simulated joint air wing operations and honed multi-mission proficiency. These milestones prepared the squadron for high-intensity scenarios, focusing on precision strikes and defensive counter-air roles without reliance on dual-seat configurations at the time. By December 1998, during a deployment with Carrier Air Wing 11 aboard USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72), VFA-22 led the air wing's sole strike in Operation Desert Fox, targeting Iraqi weapons of mass destruction facilities to degrade production and delivery capabilities.[10] The squadron earned the Navy Unit Commendation for this operation, underscoring its pivotal role in enforcing no-fly zones and regional stability prior to 2000.[10]21st Century Operations (2000s–Present)
Global War on Terror Deployments
VFA-22 played a pivotal role in the early phases of Operation Enduring Freedom following the September 11, 2001, attacks, deploying aboard the USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) as part of Carrier Air Wing 11 (CVW-11), the first carrier on station in the North Arabian Sea to launch strikes against Taliban and al-Qaeda targets in Afghanistan.[22] The squadron, operating F/A-18C Hornets, flew over 500 combat sorties during the deployment from October 2001 to early 2002, accumulating more than 2,300 flight hours by late November alone and expending over 415,000 pounds of ordnance—more than any other Navy squadron in the initial campaign.[22][2] These missions included pioneering uses of precision-guided munitions, such as the first Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) strikes on Kandahar and SLAM-ER missiles against Kabul, providing critical close air support and suppressing enemy air defenses over distances exceeding 1,800 nautical miles round-trip.[22] In 2003, VFA-22 shifted focus to Operation Iraqi Freedom, embarking on an extended eight-month Western Pacific deployment aboard the USS Carl Vinson with Carrier Air Wing 9 (CVW-9), continuing to fly F/A-18C Hornets in support of the ground invasion and coalition forces.[10] The squadron executed over 2,500 sorties and logged nearly 3,800 flight hours, delivering close air support, interdiction strikes, and reconnaissance missions that degraded Iraqi command-and-control nodes and defended U.S. troops during the push to Baghdad.[10] In 2006, VFA-22 deployed aboard USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) with Carrier Air Wing 14 (CVW-14), participating in Operation Iraqi Freedom during the carrier's maiden deployment and supporting coalition forces in the region.[2] These operations marked the squadron's adaptation of its strike fighter role to the high-tempo demands of urban combat and dynamic targeting in the Persian Gulf theater.[23] Amid these combat commitments, VFA-22 began transitioning from the single-seat F/A-18C Hornet to the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet at Naval Air Station Lemoore, California, starting in July 2004 with the F/A-18E variant and achieving full operational capability with the two-seat F/A-18F by the end of 2007.[2] The dual-seat configuration enhanced the squadron's reconnaissance and targeting capabilities, allowing weapons systems officers to manage advanced sensors like the APG-79 AESA radar and LITENING targeting pods during complex missions, thereby improving situational awareness and ordnance delivery accuracy in contested environments.[2] This upgrade represented the first time in its history that VFA-22 operated twin-engine, two-crew aircraft, aligning with the Navy's emphasis on multi-role strike fighters for expeditionary operations.[23] For its contributions to Operation Enduring Freedom, VFA-22 earned a Navy Unit Commendation, recognizing the squadron's record ordnance delivery and integration of new weapons systems under intense operational conditions; combined flight hours across Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom deployments exceeded 5,000 in theater.[22][10]Recent Pacific and Middle East Activities
In 2010, Strike Fighter Squadron 22 (VFA-22), known as the Fighting Redcocks, transitioned from Carrier Air Wing 14 to Carrier Air Wing 17 (CVW-17), adopting the "AA" tail code and aligning with USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) operations.[2] This reassignment marked a shift toward enhanced strike fighter roles in multi-theater missions. From November 2010 to June 2011, and again from November 2011 to May 2012, the squadron deployed aboard USS Carl Vinson with CVW-17, conducting routine carrier qualifications and regional presence operations in the Western Pacific.[2] The squadron's involvement in Operation Inherent Resolve began with its August 2014 to June 2015 deployment aboard USS Carl Vinson, where VFA-22 flew 516 combat sorties against ISIS targets in Iraq and Syria, delivering more than 170,000 pounds of ordnance.[23] These missions supported coalition efforts to degrade ISIS capabilities, emphasizing precision strikes from the Arabian Gulf. No aircraft losses were reported during this nearly 10-month operation.[24] Subsequent Middle East support continued in October 2017 to May 2018 aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71 with CVW-17, focusing on maritime security and air operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet area.[2] Shifting emphasis to the Pacific pivot, VFA-22 participated in freedom of navigation operations and routine flight activities in the South China Sea during its June 2020 to February 2021 deployment aboard USS Nimitz (CVN-68) with CVW-17.[25] The squadron's F/A-18F Super Hornets conducted multi-domain patrols amid heightened regional tensions, enhancing deterrence and interoperability with allies. A similar pattern emerged in the November 2022 to June 2023 Nimitz deployment, where VFA-22 supported Western Pacific maritime operations, including transits through contested areas.[2] These efforts underscored the squadron's role in upholding international norms without reported combat incidents since 2010.[23] In 2025, VFA-22 embarked on its ongoing deployment aboard USS Nimitz starting March 22, conducting flight operations across the Western Pacific, including the South China Sea as of October 2025.[26] The carrier strike group briefly transited to the Middle East in June 2025 for contingency support before returning to Indo-Pacific focus by November.[27] Throughout these activities, the squadron integrated advanced targeting systems like the AN/AAQ-33 Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions, enabling real-time battlefield awareness on the F/A-18F platform.[2] VFA-22 maintains a standard complement of 12 F/A-18F Super Hornets, optimized for dual-role strike and fighter tasks.[28]Aircraft and Equipment
Historical Aircraft
VFA-22, originally established as VF-63 in 1948, began its service with piston-engine aircraft suited for fighter roles. The squadron initially operated the Grumman F8F-2 Bearcat from July 1948 to early 1950, a high-performance carrier-based fighter emphasizing speed and maneuverability.[20] In January 1950, it transitioned briefly to the Vought F4U-4 Corsair during a period of reserve augmentation in the early 1950s, leveraging the aircraft's proven versatility in both air-to-air and ground-attack missions.[20] The shift to jet propulsion marked a significant evolution, beginning with the Grumman F9F series in the early 1950s. VF-63 received the F9F-2 Panther in September 1951 for carrier operations, temporarily reverting to F4U-4s later that year before fully adopting the swept-wing F9F-5 Panther in November 1952 and the F9F-6 Cougar in April 1954, enhancing supersonic capabilities.[20] By August 1955, the squadron upgraded to the F9F-8 Cougar, which served until 1956 and supported early jet-era transitions during Korean War-related activities.[20] In July 1957, following its redesignation to VA-63, the squadron adopted the North American FJ-4B Fury, a supersonic attack variant that introduced buddy refueling capabilities; it became the first fleet unit to operationalize the FJ-4B Buddy Tanker system on 9 May 1958, extending mission range without dedicated tankers.[20] The FJ-4B remained in service until 1959, facilitating the squadron's move toward dedicated attack roles.[20] From 1960 onward, VA-63 (later VA-22 in 1959) focused on light attack aircraft, starting with the Douglas A4D-2 (redesignated A-4B) Skyhawk received on 24 May 1960, a compact subsonic jet designed for nuclear and conventional strikes.[20] The squadron upgraded to the A4D-2N (A-4C) in October 1961, incorporating night and all-weather avionics, and by June 1968 transitioned to the advanced A-4F model with improved radar and refueling probes for probe-and-drogue aerial refueling.[20] It also acquired TA-4F trainers that year for dual-seat operations. The A-4 series, with approximately 2,960 units produced from 1954 to 1979, formed the backbone of the squadron's inventory through the 1970s and into the 1980s, typically comprising 12 aircraft per squadron for carrier deployments.[29][20] In 1963, a detachment operated four A-4B Skyhawks for specialized missions, highlighting adaptable force structures.[20] The squadron's final major transition before adopting the Super Hornet occurred on 4 February 1971 with the adoption of the LTV A-7E Corsair II, a subsonic precision bomber emphasizing low-level delivery and advanced navigation for close air support.[20] Approximately 800 A-7s were procured for U.S. Navy and Marine Corps service, with the type serving VA-22 until its retirement in the late 1980s amid the squadron's redesignation to VFA-22 in 1990. These aircraft featured modifications like head-up displays and inertial navigation systems.[20][30] Following redesignation, VFA-22 transitioned to the single-seat McDonnell Douglas F/A-18C Hornet on 6 July 1990, operating it through multiple deployments until transitioning to the Super Hornet beginning in 2004.[20][2]Current Capabilities and F/A-18F Super Hornet
VFA-22 transitioned to the Boeing F/A-18F Super Hornet, its two-seat variant, completing the shift by the end of 2007 and achieving full initial operational capability that year.[2] The squadron, based at Naval Air Station Lemoore, California, currently maintains an inventory of approximately 12 F/A-18F aircraft, supporting its role within Carrier Air Wing 17 (CVW-17).[3] This twin-engine, multi-mission platform replaced the squadron's previous single-seat F/A-18C Hornets, enabling enhanced operational flexibility through the addition of a weapons systems officer (WSO) in the rear cockpit.[2] The F/A-18F Super Hornet equips VFA-22 for a range of missions, including air-to-air fighter operations, precision strike, suppression of enemy air defenses (SEAD), and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR).[31] It achieves a top speed of Mach 1.8 and a combat radius of 1,275 nautical miles with a clean configuration plus two AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles.[32] The aircraft's armament suite supports these roles with air-to-air missiles such as the AIM-120 AMRAAM for beyond-visual-range engagements, precision-guided munitions like Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAMs) for ground strikes, and AGM-88 High-Speed Anti-Radiation Missiles (HARMs) for SEAD tasks.[31] These capabilities allow the squadron to integrate seamlessly into carrier strike group operations, providing versatile support across contested environments. In the 2020s, F/A-18F Super Hornet squadrons at NAS Lemoore, including VFA-22, have been incorporating Block III upgrades to enhance survivability and mission effectiveness through advanced avionics.[33] Key improvements include the AN/APG-79 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar for superior beyond-visual-range detection and targeting, larger touchscreen cockpit displays for improved situational awareness, and conformal fuel tanks that extend range without sacrificing aerodynamics or weapons load.[34] These modifications, rolled out progressively across U.S. Navy Super Hornet squadrons including those at NAS Lemoore, support extended loiter times and reduced radar cross-section for high-threat scenarios.[33] Squadron-specific adaptations emphasize dual-seat operations, with training syllabi developed through the Fleet Replacement Squadron VFA-122 focusing on coordinated pilot-WSO tasks for complex missions like SEAD and ISR.[35] Maintenance efforts maintain high readiness, exemplified by a 95 percent sortie completion rate during integrated carrier training periods.[36] Within CVW-17's composite warfare structure, VFA-22 contributes to air warfare commander's strike and defensive operations, integrating with other assets for layered defense and offensive power projection from aircraft carriers like USS Nimitz.[37]Bases and Organizational Attachments
Home Stations
VFA-22 traces its origins to Fighter Squadron 63 (VF-63), established on July 27, 1948, at Naval Air Station (NAS) Norfolk, Virginia, where it conducted initial East Coast carrier operations with F8F Bearcats.[23] In March 1949, the squadron relocated to Naval Auxiliary Air Station (NAAS) Oceana, Virginia, to support expanded Atlantic Fleet training and readiness.[9] These early East Coast stations facilitated the squadron's transition through its initial years, including redesignation as Attack Squadron 63 (VA-63) in 1956 and Attack Squadron 22 (VA-22) in July 1959, while still operating from Oceana.[4] By August 1950, amid growing emphasis on Pacific theater commitments during the Korean War era, VA-22 shifted to the West Coast, basing at NAS Alameda, California, to align with carrier air wing preparations for transpacific deployments.[9] A brief interim relocation occurred in July 1951 to Naval Auxiliary Landing Field (NALF) Santa Rosa, California, for specialized training, before returning to NAS Alameda in September 1952.[9] This West Coast transition supported the squadron's combat deployments aboard carriers like USS Princeton and USS Philippine Sea, enhancing logistical proximity to Pacific operations.[38] In September 1961, VA-22 permanently relocated to NAS Lemoore, California, as part of the Navy's expansion of master jet basing on the West Coast to bolster Cold War deterrence and Vietnam-era readiness.[9] The move coincided with the squadron's adoption of the A-4 Skyhawk and later, in the early 1970s, its transition to the A-7E Corsair II, which was supported by Lemoore's growing infrastructure for light attack squadrons.[9] During the 1990s Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process, NAS Lemoore was designated as the primary hub for West Coast strike fighter units, reinforcing VA-22's station there following its redesignation as VFA-22 on May 4, 1990, and shift to F/A-18 Hornets.[39] Today, VFA-22 remains based at NAS Lemoore as part of Strike Fighter Wing Pacific, operating from dedicated facilities including Hangar 2 Mod 4 and Hangar 4 Mod 4, which accommodate up to 14 F/A-18F Super Hornets, along with integrated maintenance shops and access to advanced flight simulator centers for pilot training.[3] These installations enable efficient sustainment and preparation for carrier air wing assignments, underscoring Lemoore's role as a key logistics node for Pacific Fleet aviation.[39]Carrier Air Wing Assignments
VFA-22, redesignated as a strike fighter squadron from VA-22 on 4 May 1990, has undergone several assignments to different carrier air wings as part of its operational history within the U.S. Navy's carrier strike group structure. These assignments reflect the squadron's transitions between Pacific Fleet carriers and its evolving roles in various deployments, from the post-Cold War era through modern operations. The squadron's attachments have primarily been to Carrier Air Wing 11 (CVW-11), Carrier Air Wing 9 (CVW-9), Carrier Air Wing 14 (CVW-14), and currently Carrier Air Wing 17 (CVW-17), with brief interim reassignments.[2][22] During the 1990s and early 2000s, VFA-22 was predominantly assigned to CVW-11, deploying aboard USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) and USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) for multiple Western Pacific (WESTPAC) cruises supporting operations such as Southern Watch and Enduring Freedom. This period marked the squadron's integration of the F/A-18C Hornet and its focus on precision strikes in the Arabian Gulf and Indian Ocean regions. In October 2002, VFA-22 shifted to CVW-9 and deployed with CVW-9 on USS Carl Vinson for an extended eight-month mission from January to September 2003, including support for Operation Iraqi Freedom.[22][10][2] Transitioning to the Super Hornet platform in 2004, VFA-22 joined CVW-14 aboard USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) for deployments from 2006 to 2009, emphasizing surge operations in the Pacific and Middle East amid the Global War on Terror. Since 2010, the squadron has been attached to CVW-17, operating from USS Carl Vinson, USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71), and USS Nimitz (CVN-68), with recent cruises including the 2022–2023 deployment to the Indo-Pacific and the March–November 2025 deployment aboard USS Nimitz supporting maritime security and freedom of navigation. This current assignment underscores VFA-22's role in integrated carrier strike group operations.[2][23][40][7] The following table summarizes VFA-22's major carrier air wing assignments and associated deployments, focusing on verified operational periods:| Carrier Air Wing | Assignment Period | Primary Carrier(s) | Key Deployments/Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVW-11 | 1990–2002 | USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72), USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) | Multiple WESTPAC cruises (e.g., 1993, 1995, 1998–1999, 2001–2002); supported Operations Southern Watch, Desert Fox, and Enduring Freedom.[2][41] |
| CVW-9 | 2002–2005 | USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) | 2003 WESTPAC deployment (January–September); supported Operation Iraqi Freedom with over 1,200 sorties.[10][2] |
| CVW-14 | 2005–2010 | USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) | Deployments in 2006, 2007 (surge), 2008–2009; Pacific and Arabian Sea operations.[2] |
| CVW-17 | 2010–present | USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70), USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71), USS Nimitz (CVN-68) | Deployments including 2010–2011, 2011–2012, 2014–2015, 2017–2018, 2020–2021, 2022–2023, and March–November 2025; focused on Indo-Pacific freedom of navigation and counter-ISIS missions.[23][2][40][7] |