VFA-136
Encyclopedia
Strike Fighter Squadron 136 (VFA-136) also known as the "Knighthawks" is a United States Navy
strike fighter squadron based at Naval Air Station Oceana
, Virginia
. The "Knighthawks" are an operational fleet squadron flying the F/A-18 Hornet
. They are attached to Carrier Air Wing One
(CVW-1) and homeported at NAS Oceana. Their tailcode AB and their radio callsign is Hawk.
on 23 May 1985 and have remained unchanged.
, California
under the instruction of VFA-125
. The Knighthawks received their first F/A-18A on 7 January 1986, and a month later they moved to their new homeport of Naval Air Station Cecil Field
, Florida.
VFA-136 first deployed in September 1987 with Carrier Air Wing Thirteen on board the USS Coral Sea (CV-43)
. One year later, the Knighthawks joined Carrier Air Wing Seven
on the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69)
.
During the Ike’s "Centennial Cruise" in 1990, the Knighthawks participated in exercises with French
, British
, Italian
and Tunis
ian forces. The cruise took a serious turn after Iraq
invaded Kuwait
on 2 August 1990. In support of Operation Desert Shield, the Ike was on station in the Red Sea
within 36 hours, becoming the first carrier to conduct sustained operations in the area. After returning from deployment in November 1990, the Knighthawks upgraded to the new Lot XIII Night Attack F/A-18C. The Knighthawks became the first fully operational night strike Hornet squadron in the Navy.
In October 1991, the Knighthawks and Ike were back in the Persian Gulf
enforcing the peace accords set after Operation Desert Storm. Upon completion of those operations, the team transitioned to the North Atlantic to participate in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Exercise "TEAMWORK '92". This would be the largest NATO exercise in over three years.
The Knighthawks next deployed aboard the Navy’s newest aircraft carrier, USS George Washington (CVN-73)
for her maiden cruise
in May 1994. George Washington was the flagship
for the celebration of the 50th Anniversary of D-Day
, hosting President Bill Clinton
. During the cruise, the Knighthawks participated in NATO Operations Deny Flight
(over Bosnia-Herzegovina), Southern Watch
and Vigilant Warrior
(both in the Persian Gulf). In addition to supporting NATO, the Knighthawks also participated in exercises in England, France, Sicily, Jordan, Tunisia, Bahrain and Oman. The squadron returned from deployment in November 1994.
The Knighthawks deployed again aboard George Washington in January 1996 in support of Operation Decisive Endeavor over Bosnia-Herzegovina and Operation Southern Watch.
In February 1998, the Knighthawks embarked on the maiden deployment of USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74)
. This "world cruise" included a tour of duty in the Persian Gulf in support of Operation Southern Watch
and culminated in the arrival of USS John C. Stennis in their new homeport of San Diego, California
.
Immediately following this deployment, the Knighthawks relocated to Naval Air Station Oceana
in December 1998 as mandated by the Base Realignment and Closure
decision.
to the Mediterranean. In March 2000, the Knighthawks flew in support of the Dayton Accords governing the peace between the former warring factions in Bosnia
and other parts of the Balkans. Eisenhower then proceeded to the Persian Gulf, in support of Operation Southern Watch
, returning to Norfolk on 18 August 2000.
to the Mediterranean. In March 2000, the Knighthawks flew in support of the Dayton Accords governing the peace between the former warring factions in Bosnia
and other parts of the Balkans. Eisenhower then proceeded to the Persian Gulf, in support of Operation Southern Watch
, returning to Norfolk on 18 August 2000.
2010 was an outstanding year for the Knighthawks. Commander Liam Bruen was relieved by Commander Damien Christopher on July 23rd during a moving change of command ceremony. August was a great month for the Hawks as they won the Commander, Strike Fighter Wing Atlantic (CSFWL) Bombing Derby trophy for the first time in the squadron's history. The Hawks enjoyed the tremendous results of a Maintenance Program Assist inspection conducted by CSFWL in September. The arduous pre-deployment work ups which lasted the remainder of the year culminated with the Hawks winning the 2010 CVW-1 Top Hook Award.
In January 2011, the Knighthawks embarked on a highly successful deployment to the Mediterranean Sea, the North Arabian Sea, and Persian Gulf aboard USS Enterprise (CVN-65). While deployed, the Hawks conducted anti-piracy operations while flying combat sorties in the skies over Afghanistan in support Operation Enduring Freedom and over Iraq in support of Operation New Dawn. The Hawks received accolades not only for their many successes in combat, but also for their prowess in carrier aviation winning their tenth straight CVW-1 Top Hook Award posting a 3.706 with a 96% boarding rate for the duration of cruise. Individual Top Ten award winners included Commanding Officer Damien Christopher, LCDR Jeff Farmer, LCDR Mark Haas, LT Rob Littman, and LT Danny Westphall. Top five nugget award winners included LT Mike Segrest, LT Bryan Knick, LT Andy Talbott, and LT Joey Pasko.
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 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...
, Virginia
Virginia
The Commonwealth of Virginia , is a U.S. state on the Atlantic Coast of the Southern United States. Virginia is nicknamed the "Old Dominion" and sometimes the "Mother of Presidents" after the eight U.S. presidents born there...
. The "Knighthawks" are an operational fleet squadron 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...
. They are attached 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:...
(CVW-1) and homeported at NAS Oceana. Their tailcode AB and their radio callsign is Hawk.
Squadron Insignia and Nickname
The squadron’s Knighthawk insignia and nickname were approved by CNOCNO
CNO is a three-letter initialism. It can mean:* "chartay nahi o??" BFSF, abbreviated CNO in the context of the GPS* Chief of Naval Operations* Chief Networking Officer* Chief Nuclear Officer* Chief Nursing Officer* Chino Airport IATA symbol: CNO...
on 23 May 1985 and have remained unchanged.
1980s
Strike Fighter Squadron One Three Six was established on 1 July 1985 at Naval Air Station LemooreNaval 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
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...
under the instruction of VFA-125
VFA-125
Strike Fighter Squadron 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.-History:...
. The Knighthawks received their first F/A-18A on 7 January 1986, and a month later they moved to their new homeport of Naval Air Station Cecil Field
Naval Air Station Cecil Field
Naval Air Station Cecil Field or NAS Cecil Field was a United States Navy base, located in Duval County, Florida. NAS Cecil Field was the largest military base in the Jacksonville, Florida, area....
, Florida.
VFA-136 first deployed in September 1987 with Carrier Air Wing Thirteen on board 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...
. One year later, the Knighthawks joined Carrier Air Wing Seven
Carrier Air Wing Seven
Carrier Air Wing Seven , 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:...
on the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69)
USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69)
USS Dwight D. Eisenhower is an aircraft carrier currently in service with the United States Navy. Commissioned in 1977, the ship is the second of the ten Nimitz-class supercarriers currently in service, and is the first ship named after the thirty-fourth President of the United States, Dwight D....
.
1990s
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
, British
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
, Italian
Italy
Italy , officially the Italian Republic languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Italy's official name is as follows:;;;;;;;;), is a unitary parliamentary republic in South-Central Europe. To the north it borders France, Switzerland, Austria and...
and Tunis
Tunis
Tunis is the capital of both the Tunisian Republic and the Tunis Governorate. It is Tunisia's largest city, with a population of 728,453 as of 2004; the greater metropolitan area holds some 2,412,500 inhabitants....
ian forces. The cruise took a serious turn after 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....
invaded 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...
on 2 August 1990. In support of Operation Desert Shield, the Ike was on station in 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...
within 36 hours, becoming the first carrier to conduct sustained operations in the area. After returning from deployment in November 1990, the Knighthawks upgraded to the new Lot XIII Night Attack F/A-18C. The Knighthawks became the first fully operational night strike Hornet squadron in the Navy.
In October 1991, the Knighthawks and Ike were back in the Persian Gulf
Persian Gulf
The Persian Gulf, in Southwest Asia, is an extension of the Indian Ocean located between Iran and the Arabian Peninsula.The Persian Gulf was the focus of the 1980–1988 Iran-Iraq War, in which each side attacked the other's oil tankers...
enforcing the peace accords set after Operation Desert Storm. Upon completion of those operations, the team transitioned to the North Atlantic to participate in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Exercise "TEAMWORK '92". This would be the largest NATO exercise in over three years.
The Knighthawks next deployed aboard the Navy’s newest aircraft carrier, USS George Washington (CVN-73)
USS George Washington (CVN-73)
USS George Washington is an American nuclear-powered supercarrier, the sixth ship in the Nimitz class and the fourth United States Navy ship to be named after George Washington, the first President of the United States...
for her maiden cruise
Maiden voyage
The maiden voyage of a ship, aircraft or other craft is the first journey made by the craft after shakedown. A number of traditions and superstitions are associated with it....
in May 1994. George Washington was the flagship
Flagship
A flagship is a vessel used by the commanding officer of a group of naval ships, reflecting the custom of its commander, characteristically a flag officer, flying a distinguishing flag...
for the celebration of the 50th Anniversary of D-Day
D-Day
D-Day is a term often used in military parlance to denote the day on which a combat attack or operation is to be initiated. "D-Day" often represents a variable, designating the day upon which some significant event will occur or has occurred; see Military designation of days and hours for similar...
, hosting President Bill Clinton
Bill Clinton
William Jefferson "Bill" Clinton is an American politician who served as the 42nd President of the United States from 1993 to 2001. Inaugurated at age 46, he was the third-youngest president. He took office at the end of the Cold War, and was the first president of the baby boomer generation...
. During the cruise, the Knighthawks participated in NATO Operations Deny Flight
Operation Deny Flight
Operation Deny Flight was a North Atlantic Treaty Organization operation that began on April 12, 1993 as the enforcement of a United Nations no-fly zone over Bosnia and Herzegovina...
(over Bosnia-Herzegovina), 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...
and Vigilant Warrior
Operation Vigilant Warrior
Operation Vigilant Warrior was a military operation from 8 October 1994 to 15 December 1994 by the United States in response to two divisions of Iraqi Republican Guard troops moving toward the Kuwaiti border...
(both in the Persian Gulf). In addition to supporting NATO, the Knighthawks also participated in exercises in England, France, Sicily, Jordan, Tunisia, Bahrain and Oman. The squadron returned from deployment in November 1994.
The Knighthawks deployed again aboard George Washington in January 1996 in support of Operation Decisive Endeavor over Bosnia-Herzegovina and Operation Southern Watch.
In February 1998, the Knighthawks embarked on the maiden deployment of 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...
. This "world cruise" included a tour of duty in the Persian Gulf 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...
and culminated in the arrival of USS John C. Stennis in their new homeport of San Diego, 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...
.
Immediately following this deployment, the Knighthawks relocated to 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...
in December 1998 as mandated by the Base Realignment and Closure
Base Realignment and Closure
Base Realignment and Closure is a process of the United States federal government directed at the administration and operation of the Armed Forces, used by the United States Department of Defense and Congress to close excess military installations and realign the total asset inventory to reduce...
decision.
2000s
In February 2000, the Knighthawks embarked aboard USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69)USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69)
USS Dwight D. Eisenhower is an aircraft carrier currently in service with the United States Navy. Commissioned in 1977, the ship is the second of the ten Nimitz-class supercarriers currently in service, and is the first ship named after the thirty-fourth President of the United States, Dwight D....
to the Mediterranean. In March 2000, the Knighthawks flew in support of the Dayton Accords governing the peace between the former warring factions in Bosnia
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bosnia and Herzegovina , sometimes called Bosnia-Herzegovina or simply Bosnia, is a country in Southern Europe, on the Balkan Peninsula. Bordered by Croatia to the north, west and south, Serbia to the east, and Montenegro to the southeast, Bosnia and Herzegovina is almost landlocked, except for the...
and other parts of the Balkans. Eisenhower then proceeded to the Persian Gulf, 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...
, returning to Norfolk on 18 August 2000.
2000s
In February 2000, the Knighthawks embarked aboard USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69)USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69)
USS Dwight D. Eisenhower is an aircraft carrier currently in service with the United States Navy. Commissioned in 1977, the ship is the second of the ten Nimitz-class supercarriers currently in service, and is the first ship named after the thirty-fourth President of the United States, Dwight D....
to the Mediterranean. In March 2000, the Knighthawks flew in support of the Dayton Accords governing the peace between the former warring factions in Bosnia
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bosnia and Herzegovina , sometimes called Bosnia-Herzegovina or simply Bosnia, is a country in Southern Europe, on the Balkan Peninsula. Bordered by Croatia to the north, west and south, Serbia to the east, and Montenegro to the southeast, Bosnia and Herzegovina is almost landlocked, except for the...
and other parts of the Balkans. Eisenhower then proceeded to the Persian Gulf, 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...
, returning to Norfolk on 18 August 2000.
2010 was an outstanding year for the Knighthawks. Commander Liam Bruen was relieved by Commander Damien Christopher on July 23rd during a moving change of command ceremony. August was a great month for the Hawks as they won the Commander, Strike Fighter Wing Atlantic (CSFWL) Bombing Derby trophy for the first time in the squadron's history. The Hawks enjoyed the tremendous results of a Maintenance Program Assist inspection conducted by CSFWL in September. The arduous pre-deployment work ups which lasted the remainder of the year culminated with the Hawks winning the 2010 CVW-1 Top Hook Award.
In January 2011, the Knighthawks embarked on a highly successful deployment to the Mediterranean Sea, the North Arabian Sea, and Persian Gulf aboard USS Enterprise (CVN-65). While deployed, the Hawks conducted anti-piracy operations while flying combat sorties in the skies over Afghanistan in support Operation Enduring Freedom and over Iraq in support of Operation New Dawn. The Hawks received accolades not only for their many successes in combat, but also for their prowess in carrier aviation winning their tenth straight CVW-1 Top Hook Award posting a 3.706 with a 96% boarding rate for the duration of cruise. Individual Top Ten award winners included Commanding Officer Damien Christopher, LCDR Jeff Farmer, LCDR Mark Haas, LT Rob Littman, and LT Danny Westphall. Top five nugget award winners included LT Mike Segrest, LT Bryan Knick, LT Andy Talbott, and LT Joey Pasko.
See also
- List of United States Navy Carrier air wings
- List of United States Navy aircraft squadrons
- 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 Inactive United States Navy aircraft squadrons