VFA-211
Encyclopedia
Strike Fighter Squadron 211 (VFA-211), nicknamed the "Fighting Checkmates", is an aviation unit of the United States Navy
established in 1945. The squadron is based at Naval Air Station Oceana
and is equipped with the F/A-18F Super Hornet
.
depicts a character known as "Brutus" holding a rocket, from the original logo for VB-74. Eleven stars are arranged in groups of seven and four to mark the squadron’s numerical designation, "SEVEN FOUR." The shield recalls the squadron’s sixteen-year association with the F-8 Crusader. By tradition, the "Brutus" mascot is painted on an aircraft whenever the Fighting Checkmates spend Christmas away from home. The squadron's call sign is "Nickel".
On May 1, 1945, Bombing Squadron SEVENTY FOUR (VB-74) was established at NAAF Otis Field, Camp Edwards
, Massachusetts
. Their first aircraft was the SBW-4E Helldiver
. The squadron soon moved to East Field
, NAS Norfolk and deployed on USS Midway (CV-41)
on October 31, 1945. In 1946 the squadron became Attack Squadron 1B (VA-1B) and began transition to the AD-1 Skyraider
. Two years later the squadron transitioned to AD-2 Skyraider
and became VA-24 on 1 Sep 1948. Skyraider aircraft were soon grounded due to engine problems and VA-24 transitioned to the F4U Corsair
six weeks before deploying with the USS Coral Sea (CV-43)
. After the deployment the squadron moved to NAS Oceana and on December 1, 1949 the VA-24 was redesignated Fighter Squadron Twenty Four (VF-24).
aboard USS Boxer (CV-21)
and USS Valley Forge (CV-45)
. During the Korean War, VF-24 bombed enemy emplacements, rail yards, bridges, warehouses and airfields.
Following their second deployment, VF-24 relocated to NALF Santa Rosa
, California, and transitioned to the F9F-2 Panther, the squadron's first jet fighter. In February 1952, VF-24 deployed once again with Boxer to Korea
for their third combat tour, which included a strike on Pyongyang
on August 29. Upon their return home, VF-24 moved to NAS Alameda.
During the rest of the 1950s, VF-24 flew a number of aircraft, including the FJ Fury
, the FJ-3M
, the F3H-2M Demon
, the F-11F Tiger and the F-8 Crusader
at NAS Moffett Field. On 9 March 1959, VF-24 traded air wings, insignia, and designations with the VF-211 Checkmates.
In 1961 the squadron moved to NAS Miramar, which would be the Checkmates home for 35 years. VF-211 made seven deployments during the Vietnam War
, and VF-211 had eight confirmed kills in the F-8 Crusader
, which earned them the reputation as “The MiG Killers.”
, deploying with Carrier Air Wing Nine in April 1977 aboard USS Constellation (CV-64)
. The Checkmates completed numerous WESTPAC deployments aboard Constellation during the 1970s and 1980s.
. In 1985 they deployed with USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63)
as Ranger was upgraded to handle F/A-18 Hornet
s. VF-211 would move to Constellation, Kitty Hawk and the USS Nimitz (CVN-68) in the following years. In 1986 VF-211 took part in trials of experimental water based camouflage schemes, painting at least four aircraft in temporary schemes that consisted of browns and greys, three different shades of each colour being used. In April 1989, VF-211 upgraded to the F-14A+ (later designated F-14B).
In 1991, VF-211 deployed to support the aftermath of Operation Desert Storm, providing air superiority and aerial reconnaissance imagery to coalition forces. In 1992, the squadron had to revert back to the F-14A due to the decision to move all F-14Bs to Atlantic Fleet Squadrons. VF-211 would make regular deployments to the Persian Gulf
in the 1990s. In 1996, VF-211 became the only F-14 squadron with CVW-9 as VF-24 was disestablished. At the same time, VF-211 moved to NAS Oceana as NAS Miramar was handed over to the US Marines. In 1996 the unit also received LANTIRN
capable F-14s and went on cruise in September 1997 in support of Operation Southern Watch
, spending four months in the Persian Gulf. VF-211 flew daily sorties over Iraq
, enforcing the United Nations
imposed no-fly zone, providing aerial reconnaissance imagery and precision strike capability.
In 2000, VF-211 and the rest of CVW-9 joined USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74)
for a Millennium
Cruise, spending four months in the Persian Gulf enforcing the no-fly zone over Iraq.
After the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, the Checkmates deployed with Carrier Air Wing NINE, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom combat missions over Afghanistan
. In early 2002, the squadron directly supported the three week long battle Operation Anaconda
. The squadron flew 1250 combat sorties, logging 4200 combat hours and dropped 100, 000 lbs of ordnance and was awarded the VADM “Sweetpea” Allen Precision Strike Award for 2002. On their return home to the US, they transitioned to Carrier Air Wing One
aboard USS Enterprise (CVN-65)
.
In 2002 the Checkmates received the Commander Naval Air Force Pacific Fleet, BATTLE “E” for battle efficiency, the Commander Naval Air Force Atlantic Fleet GRAND SLAM Award for excellence in Air-to-Air employment, and the Clifton Award for the most outstanding overall performance in battle efficiency and employment. In late 2003, VF-211 deployed for their final F-14 cruise in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, flying mostly reconnaissance, "show of force" and ground support missions.
After their return to NAS Oceana in 2005, VF-211 began transition to the F/A-18F Super Hornet and was redesignated VFA-211, becoming the first operational East Coast Super Hornet squadron. In 2006, VFA-211 deployed in support of both Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom. On September 8, 2006, VFA-211 F/A-18F Super Hornets expended GBU-12 and GBU-38 bombs against Taliban targets near Kandahar
. The squadron returned to NAS Oceana on November 18, 2006, after flying hundreds of combat sorties and expending dozens of precision guided weapons in support of ground forces.
In June 2007, VFA-211 and CVW-1 embarked aboard Enterprise to the Persian Gulf.
In early 2008, the squadron transitioned to Block II Super Hornets, equipped with AN/APG-79 AESA radar.
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...
established in 1945. The squadron is based at Naval Air Station Oceana
Naval Air Station Oceana
Naval Air Station Oceana or NAS Oceana is a military airport located in Virginia Beach, Virginia, and is a United States Navy Master Jet Base. It is also known as Apollo Soucek Field, named after Lieutenant Apollo Soucek, a Navy Test Pilot who set the global altitude record in 1930 by flying a...
and is equipped with the F/A-18F Super Hornet
F/A-18E/F Super Hornet
The Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet is a twin-engine carrier-based multirole fighter aircraft. The F/A-18E single-seat variant and F/A-18F tandem-seat variant are larger and more advanced derivatives of the F/A-18C and D Hornet. The Super Hornet has an internal 20 mm gun and can carry air-to-air...
.
Insignia and nickname
The squadron logoLogo
A logo is a graphic mark or emblem commonly used by commercial enterprises, organizations and even individuals to aid and promote instant public recognition...
depicts a character known as "Brutus" holding a rocket, from the original logo for VB-74. Eleven stars are arranged in groups of seven and four to mark the squadron’s numerical designation, "SEVEN FOUR." The shield recalls the squadron’s sixteen-year association with the F-8 Crusader. By tradition, the "Brutus" mascot is painted on an aircraft whenever the Fighting Checkmates spend Christmas away from home. The squadron's call sign is "Nickel".
History
Three U.S. Navy squadrons have been designated VF-211. The first VF-211 was established as VB-74 in 1945, eventually became VFA-211, and is the subject of this article. The second was established in 1948 and disestablished in 1949. The third VF-211 was established in 1955 and later redesignated VF-24 in 1959.1940s
Camp Edwards
Camp Edwards is a United States military training installation which is located in western Barnstable County, Massachusetts. It forms the largest part of the Massachusetts Military Reservation, which also includes Otis Air National Guard Base and Coast Guard Air Station Cape Cod. It was named after...
, Massachusetts
Massachusetts
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States of America. It is bordered by Rhode Island and Connecticut to the south, New York to the west, and Vermont and New Hampshire to the north; at its east lies the Atlantic Ocean. As of the 2010...
. Their first aircraft was the SBW-4E 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...
. The squadron soon moved to East Field
East Field
East Field is a stadium in Glens Falls, New York. It is primarily used for baseball and is the former home of the Adirondack Lumberjacks, Glens Falls White Sox, Adirondack Red Birds and Glens Falls Tigers, The Detroit Tigers Minor League Team in the 1980s. The ballpark has a capacity of 8,000...
, NAS Norfolk and deployed 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...
on October 31, 1945. In 1946 the squadron became Attack Squadron 1B (VA-1B) and began transition to the AD-1 Skyraider
A-1 Skyraider
The Douglas A-1 Skyraider was an American single-seat attack aircraft that saw service between the late 1940s and early 1980s. It became a piston-powered, propeller-driven anachronism in the jet age, and was nicknamed "Spad", after a French World War I fighter...
. Two years later the squadron transitioned to AD-2 Skyraider
A-1 Skyraider
The Douglas A-1 Skyraider was an American single-seat attack aircraft that saw service between the late 1940s and early 1980s. It became a piston-powered, propeller-driven anachronism in the jet age, and was nicknamed "Spad", after a French World War I fighter...
and became VA-24 on 1 Sep 1948. Skyraider aircraft were soon grounded due to engine problems and VA-24 transitioned to the F4U 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...
six weeks before deploying with 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...
. After the deployment the squadron moved to NAS Oceana and on December 1, 1949 the VA-24 was redesignated Fighter Squadron Twenty Four (VF-24).
1950s
VF-24 moved to NAS Alameda and made two back-to-back deployment in support of the Korean WarKorean War
The Korean War was a conventional war between South Korea, supported by the United Nations, and North Korea, supported by the People's Republic of China , with military material aid from the Soviet Union...
aboard USS Boxer (CV-21)
USS Boxer (CV-21)
USS Boxer was one of 24 s built during World War II for the United States Navy. She was the fifth US Navy ship to bear the name, and was named for a British ship captured by the Americans during the War of 1812...
and USS Valley Forge (CV-45)
USS Valley Forge (CV-45)
USS Valley Forge was one of 24 s built during and shortly after World War II for the United States Navy. The ship was the first US Navy ship to bear the name, and was named for Valley Forge, the 1777–1778 winter encampment of General George Washington's Continental Army...
. During the Korean War, VF-24 bombed enemy emplacements, rail yards, bridges, warehouses and airfields.
Following their second deployment, VF-24 relocated to NALF Santa Rosa
NALF Santa Rosa
Naval Auxiliary Landing Field Santa Rosa, California , also known as Naval Auxiliary Air Station, Santa Rosa, was a military airport located in Santa Rosa, California, in Sonoma County, California, USA.-History:...
, California, and transitioned to the F9F-2 Panther, the squadron's first jet fighter. In February 1952, VF-24 deployed once again with Boxer to Korea
Korea
Korea ) is an East Asian geographic region that is currently divided into two separate sovereign states — North Korea and South Korea. Located on the Korean Peninsula, Korea is bordered by the People's Republic of China to the northwest, Russia to the northeast, and is separated from Japan to the...
for their third combat tour, which included a strike on Pyongyang
Pyongyang
Pyongyang is the capital of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, commonly known as North Korea, and the largest city in the country. Pyongyang is located on the Taedong River and, according to preliminary results from the 2008 population census, has a population of 3,255,388. The city was...
on August 29. Upon their return home, VF-24 moved to NAS Alameda.
During the rest of the 1950s, VF-24 flew a number of aircraft, including the FJ Fury
FJ Fury
The North American FJ-2/-3 Fury were a series of swept-wing carrier-capable fighters for the United States Navy and Marine Corps. Based on the United States Air Force's F-86 Sabre, these aircraft featured folding wings, and a longer nose landing strut designed to both increase angle of attack upon...
, the FJ-3M
FJ Fury
The North American FJ-2/-3 Fury were a series of swept-wing carrier-capable fighters for the United States Navy and Marine Corps. Based on the United States Air Force's F-86 Sabre, these aircraft featured folding wings, and a longer nose landing strut designed to both increase angle of attack upon...
, the F3H-2M 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...
, the F-11F Tiger and the 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...
at NAS Moffett Field. On 9 March 1959, VF-24 traded air wings, insignia, and designations with the VF-211 Checkmates.
1960s
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-211 had eight confirmed kills in the 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...
, which earned them the reputation as “The MiG Killers.”
1970s
In 1975, VF-211 transitioned to the 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...
, deploying with Carrier Air Wing Nine in April 1977 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...
. The Checkmates completed numerous WESTPAC deployments aboard Constellation during the 1970s and 1980s.
1980s
In 1980 VF-211 added the Tactical Air Reconnaissance Pod System TARPS mission. In 1983, VF-211 changed carriers to the USS Ranger (CV-61)USS Ranger (CV-61)
The seventh USS Ranger is one of four Forrestal-class supercarriers built for the US Navy in the 1950s. Commissioned in 1957, she served extensively in the Pacific, especially the Vietnam War, for which she earned 13 battle stars. Near the end of her career she also served in the Indian Ocean and...
. In 1985 they deployed with USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63)
USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63)
The supercarrier USS Kitty Hawk , formerly CVA-63, was the second naval ship named after Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, the site of the Wright brothers' first powered airplane flight...
as Ranger was upgraded to handle 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...
s. VF-211 would move to Constellation, Kitty Hawk and the USS Nimitz (CVN-68) in the following years. In 1986 VF-211 took part in trials of experimental water based camouflage schemes, painting at least four aircraft in temporary schemes that consisted of browns and greys, three different shades of each colour being used. In April 1989, VF-211 upgraded to the F-14A+ (later designated F-14B).
1990s
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 the 1990s. In 1996, VF-211 became the only F-14 squadron with CVW-9 as VF-24 was disestablished. At the same time, VF-211 moved to NAS Oceana as NAS Miramar was handed over to the US Marines. In 1996 the unit also received LANTIRN
LANTIRN
Low Altitude Navigation and Targeting Infrared for Night, or LANTIRN, is a combined navigation and targeting pod system for use on the USAF's premier fighter aircraft — the F-15E Strike Eagle and F-16 Fighting Falcon...
capable F-14s and went on cruise in September 1997 in support of 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...
, spending four months in the Persian Gulf. VF-211 flew daily sorties over 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....
, enforcing the 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...
imposed no-fly zone, providing aerial reconnaissance imagery and precision strike capability.
2000s
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...
for a Millennium
Millennium
A millennium is a period of time equal to one thousand years —from the Latin phrase , thousand, and , year—often but not necessarily related numerically to a particular dating system....
Cruise, spending four months in the Persian Gulf enforcing the no-fly zone over Iraq.
After the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, the Checkmates deployed with Carrier Air Wing NINE, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom combat missions over Afghanistan
Afghanistan
Afghanistan , officially the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, is a landlocked country located in the centre of Asia, forming South Asia, Central Asia and the Middle East. With a population of about 29 million, it has an area of , making it the 42nd most populous and 41st largest nation in the world...
. In early 2002, the squadron directly supported the three week long battle Operation Anaconda
Operation Anaconda
Operation Anaconda took place in early March 2002 in which the United States military and CIA Paramilitary Officers, working with allied Afghan military forces, and other North Atlantic Treaty Organization and non NATO forces attempted to destroy al-Qaeda and Taliban forces in the Shahi-Kot...
. The squadron flew 1250 combat sorties, logging 4200 combat hours and dropped 100, 000 lbs of ordnance and was awarded the VADM “Sweetpea” Allen Precision Strike Award for 2002. On their return home to the US, they transitioned to Carrier Air Wing One
Carrier Air Wing One
Carrier Air Wing One is a United States Navy aircraft carrier air wing based at Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia. The air wing is attached to the aircraft carrier .-Mission:...
aboard USS Enterprise (CVN-65)
USS Enterprise (CVN-65)
USS Enterprise , formerly CVA-65, is the world's first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier and the eighth US naval vessel to bear the name. Like her predecessor of World War II fame, she is nicknamed the "Big E". At , she is the longest naval vessel in the world...
.
In 2002 the Checkmates received the Commander Naval Air Force Pacific Fleet, BATTLE “E” for battle efficiency, the Commander Naval Air Force Atlantic Fleet GRAND SLAM Award for excellence in Air-to-Air employment, and the Clifton Award for the most outstanding overall performance in battle efficiency and employment. In late 2003, VF-211 deployed for their final F-14 cruise in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, flying mostly reconnaissance, "show of force" and ground support missions.
Kandahar
Kandahar is the second largest city in Afghanistan, with a population of about 512,200 as of 2011. It is the capital of Kandahar Province, located in the south of the country at about 1,005 m above sea level...
. The squadron returned to NAS Oceana on November 18, 2006, after flying hundreds of combat sorties and expending dozens of precision guided weapons in support of ground forces.
In June 2007, VFA-211 and CVW-1 embarked aboard Enterprise to the Persian Gulf.
In early 2008, the squadron transitioned to Block II Super Hornets, equipped with AN/APG-79 AESA radar.
2010s
In January 2011, VFA-211 joined CVW-1 onboard USS Enterprise for a deployment supporting Operation Enduring Freedom in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.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...
- 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
External links
- The Fighting Checkmates Web site
- Strikes Continue; ISAF Air Component Commander Visits Big E
- VF-211 History
Further reading
- Tony Holmes (2005). US Navy F-14 Tomcat Units of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Osprey Publishing Limited.