VFA-125
Encyclopedia
Strike Fighter Squadron 125 (VFA-125), also known as the "Rough Raiders", was a United States Navy
strike fighter squadron based at Naval Air Station Lemoore
, California. The "Rough Raiders" were a Fleet Replacement Squadron
flying the F/A-18 Hornet
.
There have been three distinct squadrons known as the Rough Raiders. The first began as Reserve Attack Squadron FIFTY FIVE E (VA-55E), most likely established in 1946 but remaining in an inactive status until redesignated Reserve Attack Squadron NINE HUNDRED TWENTY THREE (VA-923) in January 1950. This squadron was redesignated VA-125 on 4 February 1953 and was disestablished on 10 April 1958.
The second squadron, originally known as the Skylanchers was established as Attack Squadron TWENTY SIX (VA-26) on 30 June 1956. This squadron became a Replacement Air Group was redesignated as VA-125 Rough Raiders on 11 April 1958 (the day after the first VA-125 was disestablished) flying the F9F Cougar from NAS Moffett Field. In July 1961, the squadron moved to Reeves Field, NAS Lemoore, California
. From that point until the fall of 1969, the squadron flew all models of the A-4 Skyhawk
, sending over 2,000 replacement pilots and 12,000 maintenance personnel to the Pacific Fleet. During this period, the squadron had over 100 A-4's and 1,400 officers and enlisted personnel assigned, making it the largest aviation squadron in the Navy. In September of 1969, the "Rough Raiders" received their first A-7 Corsair II
. The squadron trained more than 700 A-7 A/B/C replacement pilots and 5,500 maintenance personnel. The end of the Vietnam air war
caused a reduction in force which eventually led to the disestablishment of the squadron on 1 October 1977.
The current VFA-125 "Rough Raiders" were established on 13 November 1980 at NAS Lemoore, California, becoming the Navy's first F/A-18 squadron. Often, a new squadron will assume the nickname, insignia, and traditions of earlier squadrons, but officially, the US Navy does not recognize a direct lineage with disestablished squadrons if a new squadron is formed with the same designation. VFA-125 received its first aircraft in April 1981, and by March 1985, had amassed over 30,000 mishap-free flight hours in the Hornet.
On 1 October 2010, VFA-125 was disestablished as an F/A-18 Fleet Replacement Squadron, and its aircraft and personnel were incorporated into VFA-122
. It is planned that VFA-125 will be reestablish as an F-35 Lightning II
training squadron in the future.
Every 6 weeks a class of between 8-12 newly-winged Navy pilots began the 9 month training course in which they learned the basics of air-to-air and air-to-ground missions, culminating in day/night carrier qualification and subsequent assignment to fleet Hornet squadrons. VFA -125 averaged 1,500 flight hours monthly and trained approximately 120 pilots each year. Pilots from the United States Navy
, the United States Marine Corps
, the Royal Air Force
, the Canadian Forces
, the Spanish Air Force
, the Royal Australian Air Force
, the Hellenic Air Force
, the Kuwait Air Force
, and Finnish Air Force
have been trained at VFA-125. By May 1996, VFA-125 had amassed over 70,000 mishap-free flight hours in the Hornet, and was recognized for this milestone with the CNO Aviation Safety Award. By January 1998 the Rough Raiders were the first Fleet Readiness Squadron to surpass 100,000 mishap free flight hours.
VFA-125 was also responsible for transitioning experienced naval aviators from other aircraft, such as the F-14 Tomcat
and S-3 Viking
, to the Hornet. Aircrew returning from non-flying assignments underwent refresher training at VFA-125 prior to returning to the fleet. Additionally, VFA-125 (with the help from the Center of Naval Aviation Technical Training Unit: CNATTTU) trained maintenance personnel and provides replacement aircraft to fleet units.
VFA-125's East Coast counterpart was VFA-106
at NAS Oceana. Additionally, VMFAT-101
at MCAS Miramar also trains Navy and Marine Hornet operators.
On 1 October 2010 VFA-122 was merged with VFA-125. The merger was intended to cut administrative costs and streamline training in anticipation of the F/A-18C Hornet being replaced by the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and F-35 Lightning II in the coming years. The 'merged' squadron retained the VFA-122 Flying Eagles insignia while the Rough Raiders of VFA-125 were put into "hibernation" until a later date, when they will reestablish themselves as an F-35 training squadron.
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...
strike fighter squadron based at Naval Air Station Lemoore
Naval Air Station Lemoore
Naval Air Station Lemoore or NAS Lemoore is a United States Navy base, located in Kings County and Fresno County, California. Lemoore Station, California, a census-designated place, is located inside the base's borders....
, California. The "Rough Raiders" were a Fleet Replacement Squadron
Fleet Replacement Squadron
A Fleet Replacement Squadron , is a unit of the United States Navy and Marine Corps that trains Naval Aviators and Naval Flight Officers on the specific front-line aircraft they have been assigned to fly...
flying 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...
.
History
The second squadron, originally known as the Skylanchers was established as Attack Squadron TWENTY SIX (VA-26) on 30 June 1956. This squadron became a Replacement Air Group was redesignated as VA-125 Rough Raiders on 11 April 1958 (the day after the first VA-125 was disestablished) flying the F9F Cougar from NAS Moffett Field. In July 1961, the squadron moved to Reeves Field, NAS Lemoore, 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...
. From that point until the fall of 1969, the squadron flew all models of the A-4 Skyhawk
A-4 Skyhawk
The Douglas A-4 Skyhawk is a carrier-capable ground-attack aircraft designed for the United States Navy and United States Marine Corps. The delta winged, single-engined Skyhawk was designed and produced by Douglas Aircraft Company, and later McDonnell Douglas. It was originally designated the A4D...
, sending over 2,000 replacement pilots and 12,000 maintenance personnel to the Pacific Fleet. During this period, the squadron had over 100 A-4's and 1,400 officers and enlisted personnel assigned, making it the largest aviation squadron in the Navy. In September of 1969, the "Rough Raiders" received their first A-7 Corsair II
A-7 Corsair II
The Ling-Temco-Vought A-7 Corsair II is a carrier-based subsonic light attack aircraft introduced to replace the United States Navy's Douglas A-4 Skyhawk, initially entering service during the Vietnam War...
. The squadron trained more than 700 A-7 A/B/C replacement pilots and 5,500 maintenance personnel. The end of the Vietnam air 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...
caused a reduction in force which eventually led to the disestablishment of the squadron on 1 October 1977.
The current VFA-125 "Rough Raiders" were established on 13 November 1980 at NAS Lemoore, California, becoming the Navy's first F/A-18 squadron. Often, a new squadron will assume the nickname, insignia, and traditions of earlier squadrons, but officially, the US Navy does not recognize a direct lineage with disestablished squadrons if a new squadron is formed with the same designation. VFA-125 received its first aircraft in April 1981, and by March 1985, had amassed over 30,000 mishap-free flight hours in the Hornet.
On 1 October 2010, VFA-125 was disestablished as an F/A-18 Fleet Replacement Squadron, and its aircraft and personnel were incorporated into VFA-122
VFA-122
Strike Fighter Squadron 122 , also known as the "Flying Eagles", are a United States Navy F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and F/A-18 Hornet A/B/C/D Fleet Replacement Squadron stationed at Naval Air Station Lemoore.-History:...
. It is planned that VFA-125 will be reestablish as an F-35 Lightning II
F-35 Lightning II
The Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II is a family of single-seat, single-engine, fifth generation multirole fighters under development to perform ground attack, reconnaissance, and air defense missions with stealth capability...
training squadron in the future.
Mission
Today, the "Rough Raiders" trained pilots to fill F/A-18 billets throughout the Navy and Marine Corps. Flight training was supplemented by the latest state-of-the-art computer flight simulators and computer based academic instruction to enhance understanding and performance in the Hornet. In addition the squadron routinely conducted strike and fighter detachments to NAF El Centro, California and NAS Fallon, Nevada, as well as aboard carriers in both the Pacific and Atlantic Fleets.Every 6 weeks a class of between 8-12 newly-winged Navy pilots began the 9 month training course in which they learned the basics of air-to-air and air-to-ground missions, culminating in day/night carrier qualification and subsequent assignment to fleet Hornet squadrons. VFA -125 averaged 1,500 flight hours monthly and trained approximately 120 pilots each year. Pilots from 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...
, the United States Marine Corps
United States Marine Corps
The United States Marine Corps is a branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for providing power projection from the sea, using the mobility of the United States Navy to deliver combined-arms task forces rapidly. It is one of seven uniformed services of the United States...
, the Royal Air Force
Royal Air Force
The Royal Air Force is the aerial warfare service branch of the British Armed Forces. Formed on 1 April 1918, it is the oldest independent air force in the world...
, the Canadian Forces
Canadian Forces
The Canadian Forces , officially the Canadian Armed Forces , are the unified armed forces of Canada, as constituted by the National Defence Act, which states: "The Canadian Forces are the armed forces of Her Majesty raised by Canada and consist of one Service called the Canadian Armed Forces."...
, the Spanish Air Force
Spanish Air Force
-The early stages:Hot air balloons had been used with military purposes in Spain as far back as 1896. In 1905, with the help of Alfredo Kindelán, Leonardo Torres y Quevedo directed the construction of the first Spanish dirigible in the Army Military Aerostatics Service, created in 1896 and located...
, the Royal Australian Air Force
Royal Australian Air Force
The Royal Australian Air Force is the air force branch of the Australian Defence Force. The RAAF was formed in March 1921. It continues the traditions of the Australian Flying Corps , which was formed on 22 October 1912. The RAAF has taken part in many of the 20th century's major conflicts...
, the Hellenic Air Force
Hellenic Air Force
The Hellenic Air Force, abbreviated to HAF is the air force of Greece. The mission of the Hellenic Air Force is to guard and protect Greek airspace, provide air assistance and support to the Hellenic Army and the Hellenic Navy, as well as the provision of humanitarian aid in Greece and around the...
, the Kuwait Air Force
Kuwait Air Force
The Kuwait Air Force is the air arm of the State of Kuwait. The Air Force headquarters is located at Al Mubarak Air Base, with the remaining forces stationed at Air Defence Brigade, Ali Al Salem Air Base and Ahmed Al Jaber Air Base...
, and Finnish Air Force
Finnish Air Force
The Finnish Air Force is one of the branches of the Finnish Defence Forces. Its peacetime tasks are airspace surveillance, identification flights, and production of readiness formations for wartime conditions...
have been trained at VFA-125. By May 1996, VFA-125 had amassed over 70,000 mishap-free flight hours in the Hornet, and was recognized for this milestone with the CNO Aviation Safety Award. By January 1998 the Rough Raiders were the first Fleet Readiness Squadron to surpass 100,000 mishap free flight hours.
VFA-125 was also responsible for transitioning experienced naval aviators from other aircraft, such as the F-14 Tomcat
F-14 Tomcat
The Grumman F-14 Tomcat is a supersonic, twin-engine, two-seat, variable-sweep wing fighter aircraft. The Tomcat was developed for the United States Navy's Naval Fighter Experimental program following the collapse of the F-111B project...
and S-3 Viking
S-3 Viking
The Lockheed S-3 Viking is a four-seat twin-engine jet aircraft that was used by the U.S. Navy to identify, track, and destroy enemy submarines. In the late 1990s, the S-3B's mission focus shifted to surface warfare and aerial refueling. The Viking also provided electronic warfare and surface...
, to the Hornet. Aircrew returning from non-flying assignments underwent refresher training at VFA-125 prior to returning to the fleet. Additionally, VFA-125 (with the help from the Center of Naval Aviation Technical Training Unit: CNATTTU) trained maintenance personnel and provides replacement aircraft to fleet units.
VFA-125's East Coast counterpart was VFA-106
VFA-106
Strike Fighter Squadron 106 , also known as the "Gladiators," is a United States Navy F/A-18 Hornet and F/A-18 Super Hornet Fleet Replacement Squadron stationed at Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia.-Mission:...
at NAS Oceana. Additionally, VMFAT-101
VMFAT-101
Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 101 is a United States Marine Corps F/A-18 Hornet training squadron. The squadron is based at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California and falls under the command of Marine Aircraft Group 11 and the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing .-History:Marine Fighter...
at MCAS Miramar also trains Navy and Marine Hornet operators.
On 1 October 2010 VFA-122 was merged with VFA-125. The merger was intended to cut administrative costs and streamline training in anticipation of the F/A-18C Hornet being replaced by the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and F-35 Lightning II in the coming years. The 'merged' squadron retained the VFA-122 Flying Eagles insignia while the Rough Raiders of VFA-125 were put into "hibernation" until a later date, when they will reestablish themselves as an F-35 training squadron.
See also
- Naval aviationNaval aviationNaval aviation is the application of manned military air power by navies, including ships that embark fixed-wing aircraft or helicopters. In contrast, maritime aviation is the operation of aircraft in a maritime role under the command of non-naval forces such as the former RAF Coastal Command or a...
- Modern US Navy carrier air operationsModern US Navy carrier air operationsModern United States Navy aircraft carrier air operations include the operation of fixed wing and rotary aircraft on and around an aircraft carrier for performance of combat or non-combat missions. Modern United States Navy aircraft carrier flight operations are highly evolved, based on experiences...
- List of military aircraft of the United States (naval) / List of US Naval aircraft
- United States Naval AviatorUnited States Naval AviatorA United States Naval Aviator is a qualified pilot in the United States Navy, Marine Corps or Coast Guard.-Naming Conventions:Most Naval Aviators are Unrestricted Line Officers; however, a small number of Limited Duty Officers and Chief Warrant Officers are also trained as Naval Aviators.Until 1981...
- United States Marine Corps AviationUnited States Marine Corps AviationUnited States Marine Corps Aviation is the air component of the United States Marine Corps. Marine aviation has a very different mission and operation than its ground counterpart, and thus, has many of its own histories, traditions, terms, and procedures....
- Military aviationMilitary aviationMilitary aviation is the use of aircraft and other flying machines for the purposes of conducting or enabling warfare, including national airlift capacity to provide logistical supply to forces stationed in a theater or along a front. Air power includes the national means of conducting such...
- List of United States Navy aircraft squadrons
- List of Inactive United States Navy aircraft squadrons