VF-21
Encyclopedia
Fighter Squadron 21 Freelancers was an aviation unit of the United States Navy
originally established in 1944 as VF-81. It was disestablished in 1996.
VF-21 Freelancers was first established in 1944 as VF-81. In 1946 it became VF-13A, in 1948 VF-131. In 1950 it was again redesignated VF-64. The squadron was then reformed at Alameda
, California
on 1 July 1959 when VF-64 was redesignated as part of the United States Navy
to “tidy-up” the Carrier Air Groups. Operational control was given to Carrier Air Group 2 and VF-21 was part of Carrier Air Group 2 for the next 20 years. The VF-21 embarked on it’s major deployment with the McDonnell F3H-2 Demon
on USS Midway (CV-41)
in mid August the 1959. In June 1961 VF-21 was reassigned to Miramar
it was here VF-21 transitioned to the F-4 Phantom in 1963 and between November of that year to March 1964 it would be the last peace-time cruise for the next 10 years.
VF-21 returned to sea in March 1965 and were bound for the Vietnam war
and VF-21's first aerial victories would be the first confirmed kills achieved by a U.S. Navy fighter squadron during the course of that long conflict. On June 17, 1965 Commander
Louis Page and Lieutenant
John Smith destroyed a MiG-17 with an AIM-7 Sparrow
and moments later Lieutenant Jack Batson, jr and Lieutenant Commander
Robert Doremus destroyed another MiG-17 with an Sparrow missile. VF-21 made six further deployments to the war zone aboard the USS Coral Sea (CV-43)
and USS Ranger (CVA-61) between 1966 and 1973. In 1968 VF-21 upgraded to the F-4J and continued to operate this model until 1979.
Some important changes were faced by VF-21 in the end of the 1970s. By December 1979 VF-21 was re-equipped with the F-4S, but it was decided that the F-4S was not ideally suited to be used from the USS Coral Sea which VF-21 would deploy on the next cruise, and instead VF-21 deployed with the less effective F-4N which it was decided better suited for the Coral Sea. CVW-14 assigned control over VF-21 and the squadron returned to sea in 1981, spending seven months in the Pacific and the Indian Ocean
. A new deployment followed in 1983, where VF-21 was one of several squadrons that took part in the Coral Sea´s world cruise of that year which culminated in a change of fleet assignment to conduct operations in the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. The 1983 tour was also noteworthy in that it marked the last occasion on which US Navy 'Phantoms' were to deploy from a US base, VF-21 joining with sister squadron (VF-154, call sign 'city dump') in a nostalgic and impressive final "fly-in" to Miramar in mid-September. Although this was not the end of the F-4, some aircraft lingered on until November 4, VF-21 hosted a ceremony which honored "the end of an era" for the F-4 in fleet operations, VF-21 and VF-154 were the last US based squadrons to fly F-4s (although there were two forward deployed squadrons continued to operate the F-4). VF-21 now transitioned to the F-14 Tomcat, the process was managed by VF-124
and it was not until later half of 1984 that VF-21 was declared fully operational, the first cruise was with CVW-14 aboard USS Constellation (CV-64)
in early 1985. A significant cruise for VF-21, this cruise was more memorable as the debut of the F/A-18 Hornet
.
In 1987, VF-21 launched AIM-7 Sparrow
missiles against an Iranian F-4 that had engaged a P-3 Orion
in the Persian Gulf
.
A number of cruises followed until 1990 when the squadron, with the rest of its air wing, moved to the USS Independence (CV-62)
. The carrier was the first to reach the Persian Gulf
in response to Iraq
’s invasion of Kuwait
in August 1990. VF-21 arrived on station in the Persian Gulf on August 5, 1990 and was part of the Carrier Group that was America's "First Response" to Iraq's August 2, 1990 invasion of Kuwait. As Iraq prepared to cross over the Saudi border a 20-30 plane strike force launched from the USS Independence to stop Iraq's aggression. As a result the Iraq military stopped at the Saudi border. From here VF 21 maintained Combat Air Patrol "CAP" missions during the build up of the U.S. Forces to liberate Kuwait, this operation was known as "Desert Shield". However, the squadron (part the USS Independence battle group) was relieved on station by the USS Ranger and Midway Carrier battle groups at the onset of "Desert Storm". General Norman Schwarzkopf flew aboard the USS Independence to command the battle group; CBS Anchor Dan Rather reported from the USS Independence Flight Deck. VF 21 returned aboard the USS Independence to establish "Operation Southern Watch" immediately after Desert Storm.
In August of 1991 the squadron moved to Japan
, when USS Independence took over the role of USS Midway
in being the only carrier home ported outside the USA, at Yokosuka. During this change the squadron stayed with the same carrier but moved air wings, from CVW-14 to CVW-5. This was, because the Midway air wing had been without Tomcats, as the older ship could not accommodate the F-14's size and weight. During the whole VF-21’s F-14 career VF-21 has been partnered by VF-154.
The last cruise of the Independence was not without incident or tension. Along with the USS Nimitz (CVN-68), Independence and her air wing were involved in operations to demonstrate US resolve in support of Taiwan
. The 1995 Chinese
military exercises once raised tension in the region and signaled China's opposition to Taiwans' Presidential Election.
VF-21 returned from deployment onboard the Independence in late 1995. Unfortunately this was their last at sea period and the squadron was soon after disestablished, the official ceremony was on the January 31, 1996.
United States Navy
The United States Navy is the naval warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the seven uniformed services of the United States. The U.S. Navy is the largest in the world; its battle fleet tonnage is greater than that of the next 13 largest navies combined. The U.S...
originally established in 1944 as VF-81. It was disestablished in 1996.
History
VF-21 Freelancers was the third US Navy fighter squadron to be designated VF-21. The first was VGS-11, which was established in 1942, redesignated VF-21 in 1944 and disestablished in 1945. The second VF-21 was established in 1945 as VF-74A and became VF-21 in 1948. This squadron became attack squadron VA-43 Challengers on 1 July 1959, and VF-43 in 1973. It was disestablished in 1994.VF-21 Freelancers was first established in 1944 as VF-81. In 1946 it became VF-13A, in 1948 VF-131. In 1950 it was again redesignated VF-64. The squadron was then reformed at Alameda
Alameda, California
Alameda is a city in Alameda County, California, United States. It is located on Alameda Island and Bay Farm Island, and is adjacent to Oakland in the San Francisco Bay. The Bay Farm Island portion of the city is adjacent to the Oakland International Airport. At the 2010 census, the city had a...
, California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
on 1 July 1959 when VF-64 was redesignated as part of the United States Navy
United States Navy
The United States Navy is the naval warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the seven uniformed services of the United States. The U.S. Navy is the largest in the world; its battle fleet tonnage is greater than that of the next 13 largest navies combined. The U.S...
to “tidy-up” the Carrier Air Groups. Operational control was given to Carrier Air Group 2 and VF-21 was part of Carrier Air Group 2 for the next 20 years. The VF-21 embarked on it’s major deployment with the McDonnell F3H-2 Demon
F3H Demon
The McDonnell F3H Demon was a subsonic swept-wing United States Navy carrier-based jet fighter aircraft. After severe problems with Westinghouse J40 engine that was ultimately abandoned, the successor to the McDonnell F2H Banshee served starting in 1956 redesigned with the J71 engine...
on USS Midway (CV-41)
USS Midway (CV-41)
USS Midway was an aircraft carrier of the United States Navy, the lead ship of her class, and the first to be commissioned after the end of World War II...
in mid August the 1959. In June 1961 VF-21 was reassigned to Miramar
Miramar
Miramar is a place name of Spanish origin. It means "sea-view" or "sea sight" from mira and mar .-Places:Asia*Miramar, Panaji, GoaEurope*Miramar, a hamlet in the commune of Théoule-sur-Mer, France...
it was here VF-21 transitioned to the F-4 Phantom in 1963 and between November of that year to March 1964 it would be the last peace-time cruise for the next 10 years.
VF-21 returned to sea in March 1965 and were bound for the Vietnam war
Vietnam War
The Vietnam War was a Cold War-era military conflict that occurred in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia from 1 November 1955 to the fall of Saigon on 30 April 1975. This war followed the First Indochina War and was fought between North Vietnam, supported by its communist allies, and the government of...
and VF-21's first aerial victories would be the first confirmed kills achieved by a U.S. Navy fighter squadron during the course of that long conflict. On June 17, 1965 Commander
Commander
Commander is a naval rank which is also sometimes used as a military title depending on the individual customs of a given military service. Commander is also used as a rank or title in some organizations outside of the armed forces, particularly in police and law enforcement.-Commander as a naval...
Louis Page and Lieutenant
Lieutenant
A lieutenant is a junior commissioned officer in many nations' armed forces. Typically, the rank of lieutenant in naval usage, while still a junior officer rank, is senior to the army rank...
John Smith destroyed a MiG-17 with an AIM-7 Sparrow
AIM-7 Sparrow
The AIM-7 Sparrow is an American, medium-range semi-active radar homing air-to-air missile operated by the United States Air Force, United States Navy and United States Marine Corps, as well as various allied air forces and navies. Sparrow and its derivatives were the West's principal beyond visual...
and moments later Lieutenant Jack Batson, jr and Lieutenant Commander
Lieutenant Commander
Lieutenant Commander is a commissioned officer rank in many navies. The rank is superior to a lieutenant and subordinate to a commander...
Robert Doremus destroyed another MiG-17 with an Sparrow missile. VF-21 made six further deployments to the war zone aboard the USS Coral Sea (CV-43)
USS Coral Sea (CV-43)
USS Coral Sea , a , was the third ship of the United States Navy to be named for the Battle of the Coral Sea. She earned the affectionate nickname "Ageless Warrior" through her long career...
and USS Ranger (CVA-61) between 1966 and 1973. In 1968 VF-21 upgraded to the F-4J and continued to operate this model until 1979.
Indian Ocean
The Indian Ocean is the third largest of the world's oceanic divisions, covering approximately 20% of the water on the Earth's surface. It is bounded on the north by the Indian Subcontinent and Arabian Peninsula ; on the west by eastern Africa; on the east by Indochina, the Sunda Islands, and...
. A new deployment followed in 1983, where VF-21 was one of several squadrons that took part in the Coral Sea´s world cruise of that year which culminated in a change of fleet assignment to conduct operations in the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. The 1983 tour was also noteworthy in that it marked the last occasion on which US Navy 'Phantoms' were to deploy from a US base, VF-21 joining with sister squadron (VF-154, call sign 'city dump') in a nostalgic and impressive final "fly-in" to Miramar in mid-September. Although this was not the end of the F-4, some aircraft lingered on until November 4, VF-21 hosted a ceremony which honored "the end of an era" for the F-4 in fleet operations, VF-21 and VF-154 were the last US based squadrons to fly F-4s (although there were two forward deployed squadrons continued to operate the F-4). VF-21 now transitioned to the F-14 Tomcat, the process was managed by VF-124
VF-124
Fighter Squadron 124 was a fleet replacement squadron of the United States Navy. Known as the Gunfighters, they were active from 1958 through 1994...
and it was not until later half of 1984 that VF-21 was declared fully operational, the first cruise was with CVW-14 aboard USS Constellation (CV-64)
USS Constellation (CV-64)
USS Constellation , a Kitty Hawk-class supercarrier, was the third ship of the United States Navy to be named in honor of the "new constellation of stars" on the flag of the United States and the only naval vessel ever authorized to display red, white, and blue designation numbers...
in early 1985. A significant cruise for VF-21, this cruise was more memorable as the debut of the F/A-18 Hornet
F/A-18 Hornet
The McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet is a supersonic, all-weather carrier-capable multirole fighter jet, designed to dogfight and attack ground targets . Designed by McDonnell Douglas and Northrop, the F/A-18 was derived from the latter's YF-17 in the 1970s for use by the United States Navy and...
.
In 1987, VF-21 launched AIM-7 Sparrow
AIM-7 Sparrow
The AIM-7 Sparrow is an American, medium-range semi-active radar homing air-to-air missile operated by the United States Air Force, United States Navy and United States Marine Corps, as well as various allied air forces and navies. Sparrow and its derivatives were the West's principal beyond visual...
missiles against an Iranian F-4 that had engaged a P-3 Orion
P-3 Orion
The Lockheed P-3 Orion is a four-engine turboprop anti-submarine and maritime surveillance aircraft developed for the United States Navy and introduced in the 1960s. Lockheed based it on the L-188 Electra commercial airliner. The aircraft is easily recognizable by its distinctive tail stinger or...
in the Persian Gulf
Persian Gulf
The Persian Gulf, in Southwest Asia, is an extension of the Indian Ocean located between Iran and the Arabian Peninsula.The Persian Gulf was the focus of the 1980–1988 Iran-Iraq War, in which each side attacked the other's oil tankers...
.
A number of cruises followed until 1990 when the squadron, with the rest of its air wing, moved to the USS Independence (CV-62)
USS Independence (CV-62)
The fifth USS Independence is a of the United States Navy. It was the fourth and final member of the Forrestal-class conventional-powered Supercarrier...
. The carrier was the first to reach the Persian Gulf
Persian Gulf
The Persian Gulf, in Southwest Asia, is an extension of the Indian Ocean located between Iran and the Arabian Peninsula.The Persian Gulf was the focus of the 1980–1988 Iran-Iraq War, in which each side attacked the other's oil tankers...
in response to Iraq
Iraq
Iraq ; officially the Republic of Iraq is a country in Western Asia spanning most of the northwestern end of the Zagros mountain range, the eastern part of the Syrian Desert and the northern part of the Arabian Desert....
’s invasion of Kuwait
Kuwait
The State of Kuwait is a sovereign Arab state situated in the north-east of the Arabian Peninsula in Western Asia. It is bordered by Saudi Arabia to the south at Khafji, and Iraq to the north at Basra. It lies on the north-western shore of the Persian Gulf. The name Kuwait is derived from the...
in August 1990. VF-21 arrived on station in the Persian Gulf on August 5, 1990 and was part of the Carrier Group that was America's "First Response" to Iraq's August 2, 1990 invasion of Kuwait. As Iraq prepared to cross over the Saudi border a 20-30 plane strike force launched from the USS Independence to stop Iraq's aggression. As a result the Iraq military stopped at the Saudi border. From here VF 21 maintained Combat Air Patrol "CAP" missions during the build up of the U.S. Forces to liberate Kuwait, this operation was known as "Desert Shield". However, the squadron (part the USS Independence battle group) was relieved on station by the USS Ranger and Midway Carrier battle groups at the onset of "Desert Storm". General Norman Schwarzkopf flew aboard the USS Independence to command the battle group; CBS Anchor Dan Rather reported from the USS Independence Flight Deck. VF 21 returned aboard the USS Independence to establish "Operation Southern Watch" immediately after Desert Storm.
In August of 1991 the squadron moved to Japan
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
, when USS Independence took over the role of USS Midway
USS Midway
USS Midway may refer to:, which was the Oritani and then the Tyree before being chartered as a general auxiliary in 1942, renamed to Panay in 1943, and returned to her owner in 1946...
in being the only carrier home ported outside the USA, at Yokosuka. During this change the squadron stayed with the same carrier but moved air wings, from CVW-14 to CVW-5. This was, because the Midway air wing had been without Tomcats, as the older ship could not accommodate the F-14's size and weight. During the whole VF-21’s F-14 career VF-21 has been partnered by VF-154.
The last cruise of the Independence was not without incident or tension. Along with the USS Nimitz (CVN-68), Independence and her air wing were involved in operations to demonstrate US resolve in support of Taiwan
Taiwan
Taiwan , also known, especially in the past, as Formosa , is the largest island of the same-named island group of East Asia in the western Pacific Ocean and located off the southeastern coast of mainland China. The island forms over 99% of the current territory of the Republic of China following...
. The 1995 Chinese
China
Chinese civilization may refer to:* China for more general discussion of the country.* Chinese culture* Greater China, the transnational community of ethnic Chinese.* History of China* Sinosphere, the area historically affected by Chinese culture...
military exercises once raised tension in the region and signaled China's opposition to Taiwans' Presidential Election.
VF-21 returned from deployment onboard the Independence in late 1995. Unfortunately this was their last at sea period and the squadron was soon after disestablished, the official ceremony was on the January 31, 1996.
See also
- History of the United States NavyHistory of the United States NavyThe history of the United States Navy divides into two major periods: the "Old Navy", a small but respected force of sailing ships that was also notable for innovation in the use of ironclads during the American Civil War, and the "New Navy", the result of a modernization effort that began in the...
- List of inactive United States Navy aircraft squadrons
- List of United States Navy aircraft squadrons