VFA-14
Encyclopedia
The Strike Fighter Squadron 14 (VFA-14) "Tophatters" are a United States Navy
fighter attack squadron based at Naval Air Station Lemoore
. They fly the F/A-18E Super Hornet, and are the Navy's oldest active squadron, having formed in 1919. Their callsign is Camelot, and their tail code is NG.
Over the years the squadron has been assigned many different missions, including patrol and observation in its early years, and scouting, attack, fighter, bombing and forward air control missions when it became associated with carrier-based operations. The squadron adopted the classic Top Hat as its squadron patch and called themselves the "High Hats".
VFA-14 squadron linage
in 1926. The squadron, then designated Fighter Plane Squadron One, set the record for carrier landings in a single day. Flying the TS-1, they logged 127 traps by the end of flight operations.
In 1929 the squadron was assigned to Saratoga
, where it began as a fighter squadron and transitioned to a bomber squadron. Throughout the 1930s, the Tophatters flew the FB-5, F2B
, F4B, F11C Goshawk, BFC, SB2C Helldiver
and the SB2U-1 Vindicator
. In 1939, while flying the Vindicator, the Tophatters were transferred to the Atlantic Fleet and Ranger
.
. While on Ranger, the squadron provided air support for the invasion of North Africa
in November 1942. During the four days of November 8-November 11, the pilots destroyed 16 enemy aircraft. Flying the SBD Dauntless
dive bomber, the squadron participated in the first American naval air strike against German
forces in Norway
's inner channel.
In November 1944, the squadron transferred to the Pacific Fleet, and participated in the Leyte Campaign while attached to Bunker Hill
. After transferring to Essex
, the squadron bombed fortifications on Formosa
in January 1945, supported the assault on Iwo Jima
in February, participated in the first naval carrier strike on Tokyo
, and completed Pacific combat operations with strikes on Okinawa in early March 1945.
After the war's end VB-4 made four cruises aboard , including a world cruise between 28 September 1948 and 21 February 1949, after which the squadron was based on the U.S. East Coast. On 15 November 1946 VB-4 became Attack Squadron 1A (VA-1A), and in August 1948 the squadron was again redesignated Attack Squadron 14 (VA-14) and transitioned from the SB2C-5
to the Vought F4U-4 Corsair
. In December 1949 VA-14 was redesignated Fighter Squadron 14 (VF-14).
, but only made a three-months deployment aboard in late 1954. As the F3D proved unsuitable for carrier operations, the squadron transitioned to the McDonnell F3H-2N Demon
in 1955. VF-14 made two deployments aboard in 1957. The squadron was then re-equipped with F3H-2s. VF-14 and its parent CVG-1 were then re-assigned to the and made eight deployments to the Mediterranean Sea up to 1969.
In May 1963, the Tophatters transitioned to the McDonnell F-4B Phantom II
and on 23 January 1964 they became the first Phantom squadron to operate on board the FDR. In June 1966, after moving to NAS Oceana, the Tophatters deployed to the South China Sea
to conduct air strikes and support missions against military targets in North Vietnam
. During this combat deployment, the squadron flew 1,688 hours on 967 combat sorties and delivered 651,624 pounds of ordnance, in addition to flying its traditional combat air patrol and fighter escort missions. The squadron distinguished itself in Olongapo and stories are still told among jeepney drivers attesting to the group's prowess in downing Mojos and San Magoo. When the FDR entered the Norfolk Naval Shipyard
for a modernization, CVW-1 and VF-14 were re-assigned to the in 1969 and stayed with the JFK for nine deployments until 1982.
at NAS Miramar and was teamed with VF-32 as the first two Tomcat squadrons to arrive at NAS Oceana. In June 1975 the Tophatters became the first Atlantic squadron to deploy with the F-14A alongside VF-32 aboard John F. Kennedy
. In October 1978, the Tophatter aircrew set an all-time F-14 flight hour record when they flew 977 hours in one month while deployed in the Mediterranean.
In 1976, VF-14 launched the 100th AIM-54 Phoenix
missiles against a simulated cruise missile at a range of 32 miles (51.5 km), killing it at a range of 65 miles (104.6 km) from John F. Kennedy. During the same cruise, VF-14 intercepted a Soviet Tu-95 on 21 July. VF-14 escorted the bomber for around 45 minutes, during which the Soviet bomber made two passes over the Kennedy.
on the Kennedy. During this deployment, VF-14 won the Silver Anchor Award and the Battle "E" Award for combat readiness, for the second year in a row. The achievements that contributed to the awards included 3 missile firing exercises with a 100% kill ratio, first East Coast TCS installations and 26.500 accident free flying hours over the space of 8 years.
In June 1982 VF-14 was re-assigned to Carrier Air Wing 6 aboard the , and in July was named the "Best Fighter Squadron" for superb performance in the Fleet Fighter Air Combat Readiness Program (FFARP).
October and early November 1983 found the Tophatters logging more combat time in support of Operation Urgent Fury in Grenada
. After playing an integral part in the liberation of Grenada from Cuba
n insurgents, VF-14 proceeded east to the Mediterranean to participate in contingency operations off the coast of Lebanon
. In early December 1983, the Tophatters were again called upon to provide combat air support for the elements of the multi-national forces in Beirut
.
On 1 April 1985, the Tophatters returned to the Kennedy, where they spent the rest of the year on a turnaround-training schedule, which included eleven detachments to various parts of the United States and Canada
. Although again aboard the JFK, VF-14 was now assigned to Carrier Air Wing 3.
On 18 April 1986, the Tophatters departed for the Mediterranean once again and were extended on deployment due to the Lebanese hostage crisis. Upon their return to the United States, the Tophatters were again proclaimed the "Best Fighter Squadron" by winning the 1987 FFARP award.
In 1989, VF-14 was presented with the "Grand Slam" award in recognition of their perfect missile firing record. The squadron entered 1990 conducting workups for deployment and making portcalls in Portland, Mayport, New York City and Boston. During exercises off Puerto Rico, the Tophatters operated against French Super Etendard and F-8 Crusader
s from the French Aircraft Carrier Foch (R 99)
.
On August 10, 1990, eight days after the Iraq
i invasion of Kuwait
, the John F. Kennedy was ordered to emergency deploy to the Red Sea
aboard the Kennedy to take part in Operation Desert Shield. During the months leading up to the war, the Tophatters played an integral role in enforcing the Iraqi embargo flying Combat Air Patrol and standing alert duty continuously. On the morning of January 17, 1991, the Tophatters once again flew into combat when they joined United Nations
forces in the air assault on Iraq. VF-14 and VF-32 flew Combat Air Patrol and Fighter Escort missions for CVW-3 strike and support aircraft throughout Desert Storm operating in Western and Central Iraq initially and then conducting long range barrier CAP missions in eastern Iraq near the Iranian border.with other Tomcat squadrons from the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf that lasted an unprecedented 7-8 hours. After combat operations ended, the Kennedy remained briefly in the Red Sea stopping off the coast of Egypt for a portcall before returning to NAS Oceana after eight months at sea.
In December 1991, VF-14 became one of the first squadrons to begin training for the Tomcat's new air-to-ground mission. After low altitude flight training and several strike-related schools, the Tophatters put their new skills to the test during Air Wing work-ups in Fallon, Nevada
.
In October 1992, the Tophatters again headed east for a Mediterranean deployment. Once past the Rock of Gibraltar
, VF-14 began flying air superiority and reconnaissance missions in the Adriatic Sea
in support of UN policies in the former Yugoslavia
. During this deployment, the Tophatters also participated in several highly successful exercises with Egypt
, Morocco
and Turkey
, while continuing to support operations off the coast of the former Yugoslavia
and Operation Provide Comfort
in Iraq.
In 1995, the Tophatters were the test bed for the Tomcat air-to-ground rockets program. The Tophatters, which like to call themselves the "Oldest and the Boldest," were awarded the Fighter Fling Banner Blaster award for their superior performance in the air-to-air gunnery arena.
In late 1995, the squadron was detached from CVW-3 when the Navy began reducing the number of Tomcat squadrons to carrier air wings from two to one and retaining the TARPS capable squadrons. As a non-TARPS squadron, VF-14 was originally slated for disestablishment and temporarily assigned to Fighter Wing One at NAS Oceana. The following year saw much uncertainty for many Tomcat squadrons, but a grassroots campaign to continue the lineage of the Navy's oldest squadron was successful in saving the Tophatters from extinction and the squadron was assigned to Carrier Air Wing 8, which was losing VF-84
, with sister squadron VF-41.
In January 1996, the Tophatters once again rejoined the John F. Kennedy. In March, the squadron deployed on the John C. Stennis
. June took the Tophatters on a 40-day cruise aboard the Kennedy to Ireland
and England
. Next, VF-14 visited the Mediterranean and other areas.
During March 1998, VF-14 changed its home to the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier the Theodore Roosevelt
. In 1999, the Tophatters were involved in NATO's Operation Allied Force
and in Operation Southern Watch
.
. The USS Enterprise/CVW-8 had been elected to be the night carrier during OEF and thus didn't see action until October 8, VF-14 attacked a radar warning installation near Kabul
during CVW-8's initial strike, which had been envisioned to have a section of F/A-18s, a section of F-14s from VF-14 and a EA-6B from VAQ-141
, but due to insufficient fuel available for the Hornets, only the F-14s and the EA-6B pressed on. After their return to the US in November, VF-14 had dropped 173,324 lbs of ordnance (174 laser-guided bombs), VF-14 also buddy-lased 28 AGM-65 and 23 laser-guided bombs..
After their last F-14 cruise VF-14 and VF-41 relocated to NAS Lemoore and began the transition to the F/A-18 Super Hornet switching to CVW-11 and . Both squadrons deployed to participate in Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) aboard USS Nimitz and prior to arrival in the Persian Gulf, two VF-14 F/A-18Es and two F/A-18Fs (VFA-41
) were forward deployed to in late March 2003 to augment its airwing. The Super Hornets were requested to boost the air refueling capabilities of CVW-14 as well as qualified Forward Air Controllers, Airborne (FAC (A)) (the F/A-18Fs). The division of F/A-18s flew from USS Nimitz to USS Abraham Lincoln, a 2700 miles (4,345.2 km) trip. On April 6, the Hornets returned to USS Nimitz. During OIF, VFA-14 expended laser-guided bomb
's, JDAM bombs and AGM-65 Maverick
missiles and conducted numerous long-range missions to northern Baghdad
and Tikrit
.
After its OIF cruise in 2003, VFA-14 conducted Air Wing training at NAS Fallon and made the maiden deployment with in 2004, the cruise took them from Virginia to California around South America
. After work-ups in 2004 they deployed for a 2005 cruise, supporting OIF and flying over 2,100 sorties and over 4,300 flight hours.
In 2006, VFA-14 made detachments to NAS Fallon and a joint exercise with the Royal Air Force
to Scotland
. Training persisted through 2006 with a Strike Fighter Advance Readiness Program (SFARP) with a three week detachment to NAS Fallon. VFA-14 and CVW-11 participated in Navy Fleet Week in San Francisco in early October. During this period, two F/A-18Es made a flyover during a 49ers
game and several Tophatters donated time to a community relations project renovating a local school. Training continued into 2007 in preparation for the up-coming GULF/WESTPAC deployment in support of OIF and OEF, and exercise Valiant Shield near Guam
.
On January 18, 2008, it was announced that CVW-11 would deploy on January 24 to the Pacific for a surge-deployment on board the Nimitz.
During 2009 CVW-11 and the Nimitz Strike Group conducted several training exercises off the coast of Southern California including composite unit training and joint task force training in anticipation for their 2009-2010 deployment. On July 28 it was reported that CVW-11 and the Nimitz Strike Group was to depart for a seven month deployment.
VFA-14 and VFA-41 changed air wings and carriers to CVW-9 and USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74)
, and on July 27, 2011 CVW-9 deployed onboard USS John C. Stennis to support operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, counter-piracy and maritime security operations.
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...
fighter attack 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....
. They fly the F/A-18E Super Hornet, and are the Navy's oldest active squadron, having formed in 1919. Their callsign is Camelot, and their tail code is NG.
History
Since its inception the squadron has flown 23 different type aircraft, had its designation changed fourteen times, operated from 20 different aircraft carriers (and several battleships) and had 81 commanding officers (the 82nd is now in command).Over the years the squadron has been assigned many different missions, including patrol and observation in its early years, and scouting, attack, fighter, bombing and forward air control missions when it became associated with carrier-based operations. The squadron adopted the classic Top Hat as its squadron patch and called themselves the "High Hats".
VFA-14 squadron linage
| Date | designation | | squadron type |
|---|---|---|
| Sep 1919 | Pacific Fleet Air Detachment |
|
| 15 Jun 1920 | VT-5 | torpedo & bombing squadron |
| 07 Sep 1921 | VP-4-1 | patrol squadron |
| 23 Sep 1921 | VF-4 | fighting squadron |
| 01 Jul 1922 | VF-1 | fighting squadron |
| 01 Jul 1927 | VF-1B | fighting squadron |
| 01 Jul 1934 | VB-2B | bombing squadron |
| 01 Jul 1937 | VB-3 | bombing squadron |
| 01 Jul 1939 | VB-4 | bombing squadron |
| 15 Mar 1941 | VS-41 | scouting squadron |
| 01 Mar 1943 | VB-41 | bombing squadron |
| 04 Aug 1943 | VB-4 | bombing squadron |
| 15 Nov 1946 | VA-1A | attack squadron |
| 02 Aug 1948 | VA-14 | attack squadron |
| 15 Dec 1949 | VF-14 | fighter squadron |
| 01 Dec 2001 | VFA-14 | strike-fighter squadron |
Early years
The Tophatters began carrier operations on board the Navy's first aircraft carrier LangleyUSS Langley (CV-1)
USS Langley was the United States Navy's first aircraft carrier, converted in 1920 from the collier USS Jupiter , and also the U.S. Navy's first electrically propelled ship...
in 1926. The squadron, then designated Fighter Plane Squadron One, set the record for carrier landings in a single day. Flying the TS-1, they logged 127 traps by the end of flight operations.
In 1929 the squadron was assigned to Saratoga
USS Saratoga (CV-3)
USS Saratoga was the second aircraft carrier of the United States Navy and the fifth ship to bear her name. She was commissioned one month earlier than her sister and class leader, , which is the third actually commissioned after and Saratoga...
, where it began as a fighter squadron and transitioned to a bomber squadron. Throughout the 1930s, the Tophatters flew the FB-5, F2B
Boeing F2B
|-See also:-Bibliography:*Eden, Paul and Sophn Moeng. The Complete Encyclopedia of World Aircraft. London: Amber Books Ltd., 2002. ISBN 0-7607-3432-1.*Jones, Lloyd S. U.S. Naval Fighters. Fallbrook CA: Aero Publishers, 1977. ISBN 0-8168-9254-7....
, F4B, F11C Goshawk, BFC, SB2C Helldiver
SB2C Helldiver
The Curtiss SB2C Helldiver was a carrier-based dive bomber aircraft produced for the United States Navy during World War II. It replaced the Douglas SBD Dauntless in US Navy service. Despite its size, the SB2C was much faster than the SBD it replaced...
and the SB2U-1 Vindicator
SB2U Vindicator
The Vought SB2U Vindicator was a carrier-based dive bomber developed for the United States Navy in the 1930s, the first monoplane in this role. Obsolescent at the outbreak of World War II, Vindicators still remained in service at the time of the Battle of Midway, but by 1943, all had been withdrawn...
. In 1939, while flying the Vindicator, the Tophatters were transferred to the Atlantic Fleet and Ranger
USS Ranger (CV-4)
USS Ranger was the first ship of the United States Navy to be designed and built from the keel up as an aircraft carrier. Ranger was a relatively small ship, closer in size and displacement to the first U.S. carrier——than later ships. An island superstructure was not included in the original...
.
1940s
The Tophatters proved to be formidable foes during World War IIWorld War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
. While on Ranger, the squadron provided air support for the invasion of North Africa
Africa
Africa is the world's second largest and second most populous continent, after Asia. At about 30.2 million km² including adjacent islands, it covers 6% of the Earth's total surface area and 20.4% of the total land area...
in November 1942. During the four days of November 8-November 11, the pilots destroyed 16 enemy aircraft. Flying the SBD Dauntless
SBD Dauntless
The Douglas SBD Dauntless was a naval dive bomber made by Douglas during World War II. The SBD was the United States Navy's main dive bomber from mid-1940 until late 1943, when it was largely replaced by the SB2C Helldiver...
dive bomber, the squadron participated in the first American naval air strike against German
Germany
Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
forces in Norway
Norway
Norway , officially the Kingdom of Norway, is a Nordic unitary constitutional monarchy whose territory comprises the western portion of the Scandinavian Peninsula, Jan Mayen, and the Arctic archipelago of Svalbard and Bouvet Island. Norway has a total area of and a population of about 4.9 million...
's inner channel.
In November 1944, the squadron transferred to the Pacific Fleet, and participated in the Leyte Campaign while attached to Bunker Hill
USS Bunker Hill (CV-17)
USS Bunker Hill was one of 24 s built during World War II for the United States Navy. The ship, the second US Navy ship to bear the name, was named for the Battle of Bunker Hill. Bunker Hill was commissioned in May 1943, and served in several campaigns in the Pacific Theater of Operations, earning...
. After transferring to Essex
USS Essex (CV-9)
USS Essex was an aircraft carrier, the lead ship of the 24-ship built for the United States Navy during World War II. She was the fourth US Navy ship to bear the name. Commissioned in December 1942, Essex participated in several campaigns in the Pacific Theater of Operations, earning the...
, the squadron bombed fortifications on Formosa
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...
in January 1945, supported the assault on Iwo Jima
Iwo Jima
Iwo Jima, officially , is an island of the Japanese Volcano Islands chain, which lie south of the Ogasawara Islands and together with them form the Ogasawara Archipelago. The island is located south of mainland Tokyo and administered as part of Ogasawara, one of eight villages of Tokyo...
in February, participated in the first naval carrier strike on Tokyo
Tokyo
, ; officially , is one of the 47 prefectures of Japan. Tokyo is the capital of Japan, the center of the Greater Tokyo Area, and the largest metropolitan area of Japan. It is the seat of the Japanese government and the Imperial Palace, and the home of the Japanese Imperial Family...
, and completed Pacific combat operations with strikes on Okinawa in early March 1945.
After the war's end VB-4 made four cruises aboard , including a world cruise between 28 September 1948 and 21 February 1949, after which the squadron was based on the U.S. East Coast. On 15 November 1946 VB-4 became Attack Squadron 1A (VA-1A), and in August 1948 the squadron was again redesignated Attack Squadron 14 (VA-14) and transitioned from the SB2C-5
SB2C Helldiver
The Curtiss SB2C Helldiver was a carrier-based dive bomber aircraft produced for the United States Navy during World War II. It replaced the Douglas SBD Dauntless in US Navy service. Despite its size, the SB2C was much faster than the SBD it replaced...
to the Vought F4U-4 Corsair
F4U Corsair
The Vought F4U Corsair was a carrier-capable fighter aircraft that saw service primarily in World War II and the Korean War. Demand for the aircraft soon overwhelmed Vought's manufacturing capability, resulting in production by Goodyear and Brewster: Goodyear-built Corsairs were designated FG and...
. In December 1949 VA-14 was redesignated Fighter Squadron 14 (VF-14).
1950s
In 1951 and 1952 VF-14 made two deployments to the Mediterranean Sea aboard the modernized , still flying the F4U. In 1954 VF-14 took on the role of all-weather interceptor when they transitioned to the Douglas F3D-2 SkyknightF3D Skyknight
The Douglas F3D Skyknight, was a United States twin-engine, midwing jet fighter aircraft manufactured by the Douglas Aircraft Company in El Segundo, California. The F3D was designed as a carrier-based all-weather aircraft. It saw service with the United States Navy and United States Marine Corps...
, but only made a three-months deployment aboard in late 1954. As the F3D proved unsuitable for carrier operations, the squadron transitioned to the McDonnell F3H-2N 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...
in 1955. VF-14 made two deployments aboard in 1957. The squadron was then re-equipped with F3H-2s. VF-14 and its parent CVG-1 were then re-assigned to the and made eight deployments to the Mediterranean Sea up to 1969.
1960s
F-4 Phantom II
The McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II is a tandem two-seat, twin-engined, all-weather, long-range supersonic jet interceptor fighter/fighter-bomber originally developed for the United States Navy by McDonnell Aircraft. It first entered service in 1960 with the U.S. Navy. Proving highly adaptable,...
and on 23 January 1964 they became the first Phantom squadron to operate on board the FDR. In June 1966, after moving to NAS Oceana, the Tophatters deployed to the South China Sea
South China Sea
The South China Sea is a marginal sea that is part of the Pacific Ocean, encompassing an area from the Singapore and Malacca Straits to the Strait of Taiwan of around...
to conduct air strikes and support missions against military targets in North Vietnam
Vietnam
Vietnam – sometimes spelled Viet Nam , officially the Socialist Republic of Vietnam – is the easternmost country on the Indochina Peninsula in Southeast Asia. It is bordered by China to the north, Laos to the northwest, Cambodia to the southwest, and the South China Sea –...
. During this combat deployment, the squadron flew 1,688 hours on 967 combat sorties and delivered 651,624 pounds of ordnance, in addition to flying its traditional combat air patrol and fighter escort missions. The squadron distinguished itself in Olongapo and stories are still told among jeepney drivers attesting to the group's prowess in downing Mojos and San Magoo. When the FDR entered the Norfolk Naval Shipyard
Norfolk Naval Shipyard
The Norfolk Naval Shipyard, often called the Norfolk Navy Yard and abbreviated as NNSY, is a U.S. Navy facility in Portsmouth, Virginia, for building, remodeling, and repairing the Navy's ships. It's the oldest and largest industrial facility that belongs to the U.S. Navy as well as the most...
for a modernization, CVW-1 and VF-14 were re-assigned to the in 1969 and stayed with the JFK for nine deployments until 1982.
1970s
In January 1974, after four highly successful Mediterranean deployments, the squadron transitioned to the Navy's newest fighter, the Grumman F-14A TomcatF-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...
at NAS Miramar and was teamed with VF-32 as the first two Tomcat squadrons to arrive at NAS Oceana. In June 1975 the Tophatters became the first Atlantic squadron to deploy with the F-14A alongside VF-32 aboard John F. Kennedy
USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67)
USS John F. Kennedy is a John F. Kennedy class aircraft carrier, the last conventionally powered carrier built for the United States Navy. The ship is named after the 35th President of the United States, John F...
. In October 1978, the Tophatter aircrew set an all-time F-14 flight hour record when they flew 977 hours in one month while deployed in the Mediterranean.
In 1976, VF-14 launched the 100th AIM-54 Phoenix
AIM-54 Phoenix
The AIM-54 Phoenix is a radar-guided, long-range air-to-air missile , carried in clusters of up to six missiles on F-14 Tomcats, its only launch platform. The Phoenix was the United States' only long-range air-to-air missile. The weapons system based on Phoenix was the world's first to allow...
missiles against a simulated cruise missile at a range of 32 miles (51.5 km), killing it at a range of 65 miles (104.6 km) from John F. Kennedy. During the same cruise, VF-14 intercepted a Soviet Tu-95 on 21 July. VF-14 escorted the bomber for around 45 minutes, during which the Soviet bomber made two passes over the Kennedy.
1980s
In August 1980, the Tophatters deployed to the Mediterranean SeaMediterranean Sea
The Mediterranean Sea is a sea connected to the Atlantic Ocean surrounded by the Mediterranean region and almost completely enclosed by land: on the north by Anatolia and Europe, on the south by North Africa, and on the east by the Levant...
on the Kennedy. During this deployment, VF-14 won the Silver Anchor Award and the Battle "E" Award for combat readiness, for the second year in a row. The achievements that contributed to the awards included 3 missile firing exercises with a 100% kill ratio, first East Coast TCS installations and 26.500 accident free flying hours over the space of 8 years.
In June 1982 VF-14 was re-assigned to Carrier Air Wing 6 aboard the , and in July was named the "Best Fighter Squadron" for superb performance in the Fleet Fighter Air Combat Readiness Program (FFARP).
October and early November 1983 found the Tophatters logging more combat time in support of Operation Urgent Fury in Grenada
Grenada
Grenada is an island country and Commonwealth Realm consisting of the island of Grenada and six smaller islands at the southern end of the Grenadines in the southeastern Caribbean Sea...
. After playing an integral part in the liberation of Grenada from Cuba
Cuba
The Republic of Cuba is an island nation in the Caribbean. The nation of Cuba consists of the main island of Cuba, the Isla de la Juventud, and several archipelagos. Havana is the largest city in Cuba and the country's capital. Santiago de Cuba is the second largest city...
n insurgents, VF-14 proceeded east to the Mediterranean to participate in contingency operations off the coast of Lebanon
Lebanon
Lebanon , officially the Republic of LebanonRepublic of Lebanon is the most common term used by Lebanese government agencies. The term Lebanese Republic, a literal translation of the official Arabic and French names that is not used in today's world. Arabic is the most common language spoken among...
. In early December 1983, the Tophatters were again called upon to provide combat air support for the elements of the multi-national forces in Beirut
Beirut
Beirut is the capital and largest city of Lebanon, with a population ranging from 1 million to more than 2 million . Located on a peninsula at the midpoint of Lebanon's Mediterranean coastline, it serves as the country's largest and main seaport, and also forms the Beirut Metropolitan...
.
On 1 April 1985, the Tophatters returned to the Kennedy, where they spent the rest of the year on a turnaround-training schedule, which included eleven detachments to various parts of the United States and Canada
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
. Although again aboard the JFK, VF-14 was now assigned to Carrier Air Wing 3.
On 18 April 1986, the Tophatters departed for the Mediterranean once again and were extended on deployment due to the Lebanese hostage crisis. Upon their return to the United States, the Tophatters were again proclaimed the "Best Fighter Squadron" by winning the 1987 FFARP award.
In 1989, VF-14 was presented with the "Grand Slam" award in recognition of their perfect missile firing record. The squadron entered 1990 conducting workups for deployment and making portcalls in Portland, Mayport, New York City and Boston. During exercises off Puerto Rico, the Tophatters operated against French Super Etendard and F-8 Crusader
F-8 Crusader
The Vought F-8 Crusader was a single-engine, supersonic, carrier-based air superiority jet aircraft built by Vought for the United States Navy and the U.S. Marine Corps, replacing the Vought F7U Cutlass...
s from the French Aircraft Carrier Foch (R 99)
Foch (R 99)
Foch was the second of the French Navy. She was the second warship named in honour of Marshal Ferdinand Foch, after a heavy cruiser commissioned in 1932, and scuttled in Toulon on 27 November 1942....
.
1990s
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....
i 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...
, the John F. Kennedy was ordered to emergency deploy to the Red Sea
Red Sea
The Red Sea is a seawater inlet of the Indian Ocean, lying between Africa and Asia. The connection to the ocean is in the south through the Bab el Mandeb strait and the Gulf of Aden. In the north, there is the Sinai Peninsula, the Gulf of Aqaba, and the Gulf of Suez...
aboard the Kennedy to take part in Operation Desert Shield. During the months leading up to the war, the Tophatters played an integral role in enforcing the Iraqi embargo flying Combat Air Patrol and standing alert duty continuously. On the morning of January 17, 1991, the Tophatters once again flew into combat when they joined United Nations
United Nations
The United Nations is an international organization whose stated aims are facilitating cooperation in international law, international security, economic development, social progress, human rights, and achievement of world peace...
forces in the air assault on Iraq. VF-14 and VF-32 flew Combat Air Patrol and Fighter Escort missions for CVW-3 strike and support aircraft throughout Desert Storm operating in Western and Central Iraq initially and then conducting long range barrier CAP missions in eastern Iraq near the Iranian border.with other Tomcat squadrons from the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf that lasted an unprecedented 7-8 hours. After combat operations ended, the Kennedy remained briefly in the Red Sea stopping off the coast of Egypt for a portcall before returning to NAS Oceana after eight months at sea.
In December 1991, VF-14 became one of the first squadrons to begin training for the Tomcat's new air-to-ground mission. After low altitude flight training and several strike-related schools, the Tophatters put their new skills to the test during Air Wing work-ups in Fallon, Nevada
Fallon, Nevada
-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 7,536 people, 3,004 households, and 1,877 families residing in the city. The population density was 2,474.1 people per square mile . There were 3,336 housing units at an average density of 1,095.2 per square mile...
.
Rock of Gibraltar
The Rock of Gibraltar is a monolithic limestone promontory located in Gibraltar, off the southwestern tip of Europe on the Iberian Peninsula. It is high...
, VF-14 began flying air superiority and reconnaissance missions in the Adriatic Sea
Adriatic Sea
The Adriatic Sea is a body of water separating the Italian Peninsula from the Balkan peninsula, and the system of the Apennine Mountains from that of the Dinaric Alps and adjacent ranges...
in support of UN policies in the former Yugoslavia
Yugoslavia
Yugoslavia refers to three political entities that existed successively on the western part of the Balkans during most of the 20th century....
. During this deployment, the Tophatters also participated in several highly successful exercises with Egypt
Egypt
Egypt , officially the Arab Republic of Egypt, Arabic: , is a country mainly in North Africa, with the Sinai Peninsula forming a land bridge in Southwest Asia. Egypt is thus a transcontinental country, and a major power in Africa, the Mediterranean Basin, the Middle East and the Muslim world...
, Morocco
Morocco
Morocco , officially the Kingdom of Morocco , is a country located in North Africa. It has a population of more than 32 million and an area of 710,850 km², and also primarily administers the disputed region of the Western Sahara...
and Turkey
Turkey
Turkey , known officially as the Republic of Turkey , is a Eurasian country located in Western Asia and in East Thrace in Southeastern Europe...
, while continuing to support operations off the coast of the former Yugoslavia
Yugoslavia
Yugoslavia refers to three political entities that existed successively on the western part of the Balkans during most of the 20th century....
and Operation Provide Comfort
Operation Provide Comfort
Operation Provide Comfort and Provide Comfort II were military operations by the United States and some of its Gulf War allies, starting in April 1991, to defend Kurds fleeing their homes in northern Iraq in the aftermath of the Persian Gulf War and deliver humanitarian aid to them.-Operation...
in Iraq.
In 1995, the Tophatters were the test bed for the Tomcat air-to-ground rockets program. The Tophatters, which like to call themselves the "Oldest and the Boldest," were awarded the Fighter Fling Banner Blaster award for their superior performance in the air-to-air gunnery arena.
In late 1995, the squadron was detached from CVW-3 when the Navy began reducing the number of Tomcat squadrons to carrier air wings from two to one and retaining the TARPS capable squadrons. As a non-TARPS squadron, VF-14 was originally slated for disestablishment and temporarily assigned to Fighter Wing One at NAS Oceana. The following year saw much uncertainty for many Tomcat squadrons, but a grassroots campaign to continue the lineage of the Navy's oldest squadron was successful in saving the Tophatters from extinction and the squadron was assigned to Carrier Air Wing 8, which was losing VF-84
VF-84
VF-84, Fighter Squadron 84 was an aviation unit of the United States Navy active from 1955 to 1995. The squadron was nicknamed the Jolly Rogers and was based at NAS Oceana.-Related squadrons:Five distinct U.S...
, with sister squadron VF-41.
In January 1996, the Tophatters once again rejoined the John F. Kennedy. In March, the squadron deployed on the John C. Stennis
USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74)
USS John C. Stennis is the seventh Nimitz-class nuclear-powered supercarrier in the United States Navy, named for Senator John C. Stennis of Mississippi. She was commissioned on 9 December 1995...
. June took the Tophatters on a 40-day cruise aboard the Kennedy to Ireland
Ireland
Ireland is an island to the northwest of continental Europe. It is the third-largest island in Europe and the twentieth-largest island on Earth...
and England
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
. Next, VF-14 visited the Mediterranean and other areas.
During March 1998, VF-14 changed its home to the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier the Theodore Roosevelt
USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71)
USS Theodore Roosevelt is the fourth Nimitz-class supercarrier. Her radio call sign is Rough Rider, the name of President Theodore Roosevelt's volunteer cavalry unit during the Spanish-American War...
. In 1999, the Tophatters were involved in NATO's Operation Allied Force
Operation Allied Force
The NATO bombing of Yugoslavia was NATO's military operation against the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia during the Kosovo War. The strikes lasted from March 24, 1999 to June 10, 1999...
and in Operation Southern Watch
Operation Southern Watch
Operation Southern Watch was an operation conducted by Joint Task Force Southwest Asia with the mission of monitoring and controlling airspace south of the 32nd Parallel in Iraq, following the 1991 Gulf War until the 2003 invasion of Iraq.-Summary:Operation Southern Watch began on 27 August 1992...
.
2000s
In April 2001, VF-14 embarked on their final F-14 cruise on board , supporting Operation Southern Watch and Operation Enduring Freedom. As the carrier headed for home and on its way to South Africa they were given order to head to the North Persian Gulf after the September 11, 2001 AttacksSeptember 11, 2001 attacks
The September 11 attacks The September 11 attacks The September 11 attacks (also referred to as September 11, September 11th or 9/119/11 is pronounced "nine eleven". The slash is not part of the pronunciation...
. The USS Enterprise/CVW-8 had been elected to be the night carrier during OEF and thus didn't see action until October 8, VF-14 attacked a radar warning installation near Kabul
Kabul
Kabul , spelt Caubul in some classic literatures, is the capital and largest city of Afghanistan. It is also the capital of the Kabul Province, located in the eastern section of Afghanistan...
during CVW-8's initial strike, which had been envisioned to have a section of F/A-18s, a section of F-14s from VF-14 and a EA-6B from VAQ-141
VAQ-141
Electronic Attack Squadron 141 , also known as the "Shadowhawks", is an EA-18G Growler squadron of the United States Navy that is based at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island...
, but due to insufficient fuel available for the Hornets, only the F-14s and the EA-6B pressed on. After their return to the US in November, VF-14 had dropped 173,324 lbs of ordnance (174 laser-guided bombs), VF-14 also buddy-lased 28 AGM-65 and 23 laser-guided bombs..
VFA-41
Strike Fighter Squadron 41 also known as the "Black Aces", is a United States Navy strike fighter squadron based at Naval Air Station Lemoore, California ....
) were forward deployed to in late March 2003 to augment its airwing. The Super Hornets were requested to boost the air refueling capabilities of CVW-14 as well as qualified Forward Air Controllers, Airborne (FAC (A)) (the F/A-18Fs). The division of F/A-18s flew from USS Nimitz to USS Abraham Lincoln, a 2700 miles (4,345.2 km) trip. On April 6, the Hornets returned to USS Nimitz. During OIF, VFA-14 expended laser-guided bomb
Laser-guided bomb
A laser-guided bomb is a guided bomb that uses semi-active laser homing to strike a designated target with greater accuracy than an unguided bomb. LGBs are one of the most common and widespread guided bombs, used by a large number of the world's air forces.- Overview :Laser-guided munitions use a...
's, JDAM bombs and AGM-65 Maverick
AGM-65 Maverick
The AGM-65 Maverick is an air-to-ground tactical missile designed for close-air support. It is effective against a wide range of tactical targets, including armor, air defenses, ships, ground transportation and fuel storage facilities....
missiles and conducted numerous long-range missions to northern Baghdad
Baghdad
Baghdad is the capital of Iraq, as well as the coterminous Baghdad Governorate. The population of Baghdad in 2011 is approximately 7,216,040...
and Tikrit
Tikrit
Tikrit is a town in Iraq, located 140 km northwest of Baghdad on the Tigris river . The town, with an estimated population in 2002 of about 260,000 is the administrative center of the Salah ad Din Governorate.-Ancient times:...
.
After its OIF cruise in 2003, VFA-14 conducted Air Wing training at NAS Fallon and made the maiden deployment with in 2004, the cruise took them from Virginia to California around South America
South America
South America is a continent situated in the Western Hemisphere, mostly in the Southern Hemisphere, with a relatively small portion in the Northern Hemisphere. The continent is also considered a subcontinent of the Americas. It is bordered on the west by the Pacific Ocean and on the north and east...
. After work-ups in 2004 they deployed for a 2005 cruise, supporting OIF and flying over 2,100 sorties and over 4,300 flight hours.
In 2006, VFA-14 made detachments to NAS Fallon and a joint exercise with 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...
to Scotland
Scotland
Scotland is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. Occupying the northern third of the island of Great Britain, it shares a border with England to the south and is bounded by the North Sea to the east, the Atlantic Ocean to the north and west, and the North Channel and Irish Sea to the...
. Training persisted through 2006 with a Strike Fighter Advance Readiness Program (SFARP) with a three week detachment to NAS Fallon. VFA-14 and CVW-11 participated in Navy Fleet Week in San Francisco in early October. During this period, two F/A-18Es made a flyover during a 49ers
San Francisco 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers are a professional American football team based in San Francisco, California, playing in the West Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team was founded in 1946 as a charter member of the All-America Football Conference and...
game and several Tophatters donated time to a community relations project renovating a local school. Training continued into 2007 in preparation for the up-coming GULF/WESTPAC deployment in support of OIF and OEF, and exercise Valiant Shield near Guam
Guam
Guam is an organized, unincorporated territory of the United States located in the western Pacific Ocean. It is one of five U.S. territories with an established civilian government. Guam is listed as one of 16 Non-Self-Governing Territories by the Special Committee on Decolonization of the United...
.
On January 18, 2008, it was announced that CVW-11 would deploy on January 24 to the Pacific for a surge-deployment on board the Nimitz.
During 2009 CVW-11 and the Nimitz Strike Group conducted several training exercises off the coast of Southern California including composite unit training and joint task force training in anticipation for their 2009-2010 deployment. On July 28 it was reported that CVW-11 and the Nimitz Strike Group was to depart for a seven month deployment.
VFA-14 and VFA-41 changed air wings and carriers to CVW-9 and USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74)
USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74)
USS John C. Stennis is the seventh Nimitz-class nuclear-powered supercarrier in the United States Navy, named for Senator John C. Stennis of Mississippi. She was commissioned on 9 December 1995...
, and on July 27, 2011 CVW-9 deployed onboard USS John C. Stennis to support operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, counter-piracy and maritime security operations.
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 United States Navy aircraft squadrons