Strike Fighter Squadron 154

Strike Fighter Squadron 154, commonly abbreviated VFA-154 and known as the Black Knights, is a United States Navy carrier aviation unit based at Naval Air Station Lemoore in California. It is an operational fleet squadron equipped with the two-seat F/A-18F Super Hornet. The squadron uses the tail code NH and the radio callsign “Knight,” and is associated with Carrier Air Wing Eleven and deployments aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt according to the referenced unit description. The unit traces its lineage to VFB-718, established on 1 July 1946 as a Naval Reserve squadron at Naval Air Station New York. Its early aircraft included the F6F Hellcat and later the F4U Corsair. After designation changes to VF-68A and then VF-837, the squadron moved to Naval Air Station Moffett Field in California and entered combat during the Korean War. It was redesignated VF-154 on 4 February 1953 while returning toward Korea aboard USS Princeton. During the Korean conflict, the squadron flew the F9F Panther, delivered substantial conventional air attack, and set a reported single-day record of 48 sorties on 15 June 1953. During the late 1950s, the unit transitioned to the FJ-3 Fury and then to the F-8 Crusader, the Navy’s first operational supersonic carrier aircraft. The transition was demanding, particularly when operating from older, smaller carriers. The squadron adopted a silver Crusader-knight emblem on a black field, and the Black Knights identity became its enduring informal designation. VF-154 deployed to Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War, initially flying F-8s and later F-4 Phantom IIs. Its Vietnam service included repeated West Pacific and combat cruises aboard USS Coral Sea and USS Ranger, with the squadron taking part in some of the final United States Navy strikes of the war during its 1972–1973 deployment. In the early 1980s, VF-154 operated late-model F-4 variants before transitioning to the F-14A Tomcat in October 1983. The squadron received aircraft capable of carrying the Tactical Airborne Reconnaissance Pod System and subsequently combined fighter, strike, and reconnaissance missions. It became part of Carrier Air Wing Fourteen and later Carrier Air Wing Five, operating for many years from Japan. During the 1980s and 1990s it supported Persian Gulf security operations, including protection of reflagged tankers during Operation Earnest Will and patrols associated with Operation Southern Watch. Modernization included LANTIRN targeting equipment and improved radar-warning systems, expanding the Tomcat’s usefulness in precision strike and reconnaissance roles. VF-154 participated in Operation Desert Shield and later conducted extensive operations in the Persian Gulf and the Western Pacific. In 2003, its final F-14 cruise supported Operation Iraqi Freedom. The squadron employed Tomcats for close air support, precision bombing, forward air control, and target designation, including a detachment at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar. One aircraft was lost over southern Iraq on 1 April 2003 after engine and fuel-system failures; both crew members ejected and were rescued. The squadron subsequently ended its F-14 era, left Japan, and was redesignated VFA-154 in October 2003 at Naval Air Station Lemoore. As a Super Hornet unit, VFA-154 joined Carrier Air Wing Nine and deployed aboard USS Carl Vinson and USS John C. Stennis in support of operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, regional exercises, and maritime training. It later moved to Carrier Air Wing Fourteen and deployed aboard USS Ronald Reagan. In 2011, the squadron supported Operation Tomodachi after the Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami, flying reconnaissance missions that helped locate survivors for rescue. The squadron later transitioned to F/A-18F Block II aircraft equipped with the AN/APG-79 active electronically scanned array radar. Its present identity combines carrier strike-fighter operations, expeditionary deployments, air-to-ground attack, air-to-air combat capability, reconnaissan…

The squadron was formed as Naval Reserve squadron VFB-718 on 1 July 1946 at Naval Air Station New York. It initially flew the F6F Hellcat and later the F4U Corsair. Through successive redesignations as VF-68A and VF-837, the unit became a regular Navy fighter squadron and moved to Naval Air Station Moffett Field, California. VF-837 deployed aboard USS Antietam during the Korean War, operating F9F-2 Panthers. On 4 February 1953, while embarked on USS Princeton en route back toward Korea, it was redesignated VF-154. During the war the squadron flew extensive strike missions, dropping hundreds of tons of bombs and firing large quantities of ammunition. On 15 June 1953 it reportedly flew 48 sorties in one day, a notable Navy squadron record. The unit later operated the F9F-5 Panther and FJ-3 Fury. In 1957 VF-154 received the F-8 Crusader, the Navy’s first operational supersonic carrier aircraft. The demanding combination of high-performance jets and older small-deck carriers led to severe operational losses during the transition. The squadron adopted a silver knight emblem on a black background, associated with the Crusader and night-fighter role. This insignia established the Black Knights identity that remained linked to the unit. The squadron entered the Vietnam War in 1965 with Carrier Air Wing Fifteen aboard USS Coral Sea. It conducted combat strikes from February through November and continued annual West Pacific combat cruises. VF-154 later transitioned to the F-4 Phantom II, served with Carrier Air Wing Two, and operated from USS Coral Sea and USS Ranger. Its 1972–1973 Ranger deployment included some of the last Navy strikes of the Vietnam War, and the squadron received the Clifton Award as the Navy’s outstanding fighter squadron. In 1979 VF-154 moved to the F-4S, later reverting to F-4Ns in 1981 because of carrier compatibility considerations. The unit spent an extended period at sea near Iran during the hostage crisis and was among the later Navy fighter squadrons to convert to the F-14A Tomcat. The first Tomcat cruise took place in 1985 aboard USS Constellation with Carrier Air Wing Fourteen. Subsequent operations included Persian Gulf patrols, interceptions of Iranian aircraft, and air cover for tankers during Operation Earnest Will. In 1991 the squadron became part of the forward-deployed Carrier Air Wing Five at Naval Air Facility Atsugi, Japan, aboard USS Independence. It was the first forward-deployed F-14 squadron and developed a strong air-to-ground role alongside its TARPS reconnaissance mission. After the disestablishment of sister squadron VF-21, VF-154 absorbed personnel and aircraft and temporarily operated at enlarged “super squadron” strength. Modernization in the late 1990s added LANTIRN targeting pods, improved radar-warning equipment, and later digital flight-control systems. The squadron conducted Operation Southern Watch missions over southern Iraq in 1998 and participated in numerous Pacific exercises. In 1999 it completed a major Western Pacific deployment aboard USS Kitty Hawk, including combat operations in the Persian Gulf. During its final F-14 cruise in 2003, VF-154 supported Operation Iraqi Freedom with precision attack and forward air control missions. A squadron F-14 was lost over southern Iraq on 1 April after engine and fuel-system failures, but the crew survived and was rescued. The unit’s Tomcats delivered and coordinated a substantial quantity of precision ordnance during the campaign. After leaving Japan in September 2003, the squadron was redesignated VFA-154 at Naval Air Station Lemoore and transitioned to the F/A-18F Super Hornet. It completed its first Super Hornet cruise in 2005 aboard USS Carl Vinson and continued deployments with Carrier Air Wing Nine and USS John C. Stennis in support of Iraq and Afghanistan operations, as well as major regional exercises. In 2010 the squadron moved to Carrier Air Wing Fourteen and operated from USS Ronald Reagan. During Operation Tomodachi in 2011, it conducted reconnaissance in support of disaster relief and survivor location. Later equipment included Block II Super Hornets with the AN/APG-79 AESA radar. The unit remains an active Navy strike-fighter squadron associated with Carrier Air Wing Eleven and USS Theodore Roosevelt in the supplied reference material.

1. 2011Operation Tomodachi support

   The squadron supported disaster-relief operations in northern Japan with reconnaissance flights after the earthquake and tsunami.

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2. 2009Block II Super Hornet radar upgrade

   The squadron transitioned to F/A-18F Block II aircraft equipped with the AN/APG-79 AESA radar.

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3. 2005First Super Hornet cruise

   VFA-154 completed its first Super Hornet deployment aboard USS Carl Vinson with Carrier Air Wing Nine.

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4. 2003Redesignated VFA-154

   The unit ended its F-14 era, moved to Naval Air Station Lemoore, and began converting to the F/A-18F Super Hornet.

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5. 1998Operation Southern Watch missions

   The squadron flew missions over southern Iraq and used LANTIRN-equipped Tomcats to provide day and night target imagery.

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6. 1991Forward deployment to Japan

   VF-154 joined Carrier Air Wing Five and became the first forward-deployed F-14 squadron at Naval Air Facility Atsugi.

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7. 1983Transition to the F-14A Tomcat

   The squadron began operating F-14A Tomcats in October, initially receiving aircraft with TARPS reconnaissance capability.

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8. 1965First Vietnam combat deployment

   VF-154 deployed with Carrier Air Wing Fifteen aboard USS Coral Sea and began combat strikes in February.

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9. 1957Transition to the F-8 Crusader

   The squadron transitioned to the Navy’s first operational supersonic carrier fighter and adopted the Black Knights identity.

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10. 1953Redesignated VF-154

    VF-837 became VF-154 on 4 February while embarked on USS Princeton during the Korean War period.

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11. 1946VFB-718 established

    The unit was established on 1 July as a Naval Reserve squadron at Naval Air Station New York.

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An operational United States Navy carrier strike-fighter squadron combining air superiority, precision strike, reconnaissance, and expeditionary naval aviation capabilities.

• F/A-18F Super HornetCarrier-based strike fighter2003

  The squadron’s current aircraft is the two-seat F/A-18F Super Hornet, a multirole carrier aircraft used for air-to-air combat, precision attack, close air support, reconnaissance support, and fleet defense. The unit later operated Block II aircraft incorporating the AN/APG-79 AESA radar, improving detection, tracking, and situational awareness compared with earlier mechanically scanned systems.

• F-14A TomcatCarrier-based fighter and strike aircraft1983

  VF-154 operated the F-14A from 1983 until its final Tomcat cruise in 2003. The squadron’s aircraft supported long-range fleet defense, tactical reconnaissance through TARPS, precision attack, and forward air control. Later upgrades included LANTIRN targeting systems, improved radar-warning equipment, and digital flight-control systems.

• F-4 Phantom IICarrier-based fighter-bomber

  The squadron operated Navy F-4 variants during the Vietnam and post-Vietnam periods, including the F-4J, F-4S, and F-4N. These aircraft supported air-to-air interception and conventional strike missions during repeated West Pacific and Southeast Asian deployments.

• F-8 CrusaderSupersonic carrier fighter1957

  The F-8 Crusader marked the squadron’s entry into supersonic carrier fighter operations in 1957. Its adoption prompted the silver knight-on-black insignia and helped establish the Black Knights identity associated with VF-154.

• 2011Operation Tomodachi

  Japan

  VFA-154 flew reconnaissance missions from USS Ronald Reagan after the Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami, helping locate survivors for rescue operations.

  Outcome. The squadron supported humanitarian relief and search-and-rescue coordination.

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• 2003Operation Iraqi Freedom

  Iraq and Persian Gulf

  The final F-14 deployment used Tomcats for close air support, precision bombing, forward air control, target designation, and coordination with coalition aircraft and special operations forces.

  Outcome. The squadron completed its final Tomcat combat deployment before converting to the Super Hornet.

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• 2001Operation Enduring Freedom

  Afghanistan and supporting operating areas

  As part of Carrier Air Wing Five, the squadron participated in Pacific and Indian Ocean deployments supporting the wider post-11 September U.S. military campaign.

  Outcome. The unit contributed carrier-based combat and support sorties.

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• 1991Operation Southern Watch

  Southern Iraq

  VF-154 flew patrol and strike-support missions enforcing the no-fly zone over southern Iraq, including a major deployment in 1998.

  Outcome. The squadron remained on station during periods of heightened regional tension and supplied target imagery with LANTIRN-equipped aircraft.

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• 1980Operation Earnest Will

  Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz

  After transitioning to the F-14, the squadron provided air cover and conducted interceptions in support of reflagged tanker movements during the Iran–Iraq War period.

  Outcome. The squadron supported maritime security and deterrence operations in the Gulf.

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• 1965Vietnam War

  Southeast Asia

  VF-154 conducted repeated carrier combat cruises, first with F-8 Crusaders and later with F-4 Phantom IIs, from USS Coral Sea and USS Ranger.

  Outcome. The squadron completed its final Vietnam cruise in the early 1970s and received the Clifton Award.

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• 1950Korean War

  Korean Peninsula

  The squadron’s predecessor VF-837 deployed aboard USS Antietam and flew F9F Panther combat missions. After redesignation as VF-154, it continued strike operations and recorded a reported 48-sortie day.

  Outcome. The unit completed combat deployments and established an early operational reputation.

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• 2010Move from Carrier Air Wing Nine to Carrier Air Wing FourteenStrategy

  The Navy reassigned the squadron within its carrier air wing structure.

  What changed. VFA-154 joined Carrier Air Wing Fourteen and deployed aboard USS Ronald Reagan.

  Aftermath. The reassignment placed the squadron in a new operational and deployment cycle, including disaster-relief support in Japan.

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• 2003Conversion to the F/A-18F Super HornetGeneration change

  The Navy retired the F-14 from frontline service and reorganized the squadron at Naval Air Station Lemoore.

  What changed. VF-154 was redesignated VFA-154 and began transitioning to the two-seat F/A-18F Super Hornet.

  Aftermath. The squadron became a modern multirole strike-fighter unit within the Super Hornet carrier-air-wing structure.

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• 1983Transition to the F-14A TomcatGeneration change

  VF-154 was among the Navy units that converted relatively late to the Tomcat after operating F-4 variants.

  What changed. The squadron began operating TARPS-capable F-14A aircraft.

  Aftermath. The unit gained long-range fleet-defense, tactical-reconnaissance, and enhanced strike capabilities.

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• 1957Adopt the F-8 CrusaderGeneration change

  The Navy moved the squadron into supersonic carrier fighter operations.

  What changed. VF-154 transitioned from earlier subsonic aircraft to the F-8 Crusader and adopted a new knight-themed insignia.

  Aftermath. The transition established the Black Knights identity and expanded the squadron’s high-performance carrier role.

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• 2011VFA-154 supports Operation Tomodachi

  Operating from USS Ronald Reagan, the squadron flew reconnaissance missions in northern Japan after the earthquake and tsunami, helping identify survivor groups for helicopter rescue.

  Other
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• 2009VFA-154 transitions to F/A-18F Block II aircraft with AESA radar

  The squadron transitioned to F/A-18F Block II Lot 30/31A Super Hornets fitted with the AN/APG-79 active electronically scanned array radar.

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• 2003VF-154 conducts final F-14 cruise in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom

  The squadron’s last deployment with the F-14 Tomcat supported close air support, precision attack, forward air control, and coalition operations in Iraq. An aircraft was lost after mechanical failures, with both crew members rescued.

  Other
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• 2003VF-154 redesignated VFA-154 and begins Super Hornet transition

  After leaving Japan and ending its Tomcat service, the unit was redesignated Strike Fighter Squadron 154 at Naval Air Station Lemoore and began converting to the F/A-18F Super Hornet.

  Product generationLeadership change
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1. VFA-154