VFA-15
Encyclopedia
The VFA-15, Strike Fighter Squadron 15 is a U.S. Navy strike fighter squadron based at NAS Oceana. Their call sign is Pride, tail code is AJ, and they fly the F-18 Hornet. Their nickname is Valions and their mottos are Pugna Ama Arma Ferre and None Finer.
as Torpedo Squadron FOUR (VT-4) on January 10, 1942 aboard the USS Ranger
in Grassy Bay, Bermuda.
The squadron initially flew the TBD Devastator
and was assigned to protect the sea lanes between Bermuda
and Newfoundland
from their homeport of Naval Air Station Quonset Point
, Rhode Island
. In August 1942, VT-4 transitioned from the Devastator to the TBF/TBM Avenger
.
The Valions were aboard the Ranger when it escorted the RMS Queen Mary
, with British
Prime Minister Winston Churchill
aboard, to the Quebec Conference
in August 1943.
From August to November 1943, VT-4, while deployed aboard Ranger, operated as part of the British Home Fleet. On October 4, 1943, the squadron participated in Operation Leader and struck at shipping targets around Kunna Head, Norway. The squadron’s TBF-1 Avengers, along with its escort of F4F Wildcats, destroyed a German freighter and a small coaster and damaged a troop transport.
In October 1943, VT-4, flying from Ranger, operated with the British Second Battle Squadron and patrolled the waters of the Norwegian Sea.
In July 1944, VT-4 transferred from Atlantic to Pacific Fleet.
On September 21, 1944 during a pre-dawn sortie, three of the squadron’s aircraft collided with each other, resulting in the loss of nine personnel, including the squadron’s commanding officer.
From November 4–17, 1944, VT-4 was temporarily embarked on for operations in support of landings at Leyte
. The squadron participated in combat strikes at Ormoc Bay, Cavite and Clark Field.
In December 1944, the squadron participated in combat operations in support of landings on Mindoro
.
In January 1945 while operating from , the squadron struck targets on Formosa
, Luzon
, Hainan
and the Ryukyu Island chain as well as in French Indochina (Vietnam
). Operations in Vietnam were around Saigon and Camranh Bay. These operations were in support of the continued assault against the Japanese in the Philippines.
On February 16, 1945 the squadron conducted its first strikes against the home islands of Japan, hitting Mawatari airfield on Honshu
.
From February 19–22, 1945, the squadron provided support for the Battle of Iwo Jima
.
On March 1, 1945, the airfield, facilities and shipping on Okinawa were hit by squadron aircraft.
On March 4, 1945, VT-4 disembarked from Essex at Ulithi
completing the squadron’s last combat cruise during World War II.
VT-4 returned to NAS Alameda in April 1945.
In Spring 1946, VT-4 participated in s shakedown cruise in the Caribbean Sea
following the ship’s commissioning in December 1945.
In the closing months of World War II
, VT-4 moved to San Diego and was redesignated VA-2A on November 15, 1946. On August 2, 1948, the squadron’s designation was changed to Attack Squadron 15 (VA-15). Then in March 1949, VA-15 moved to NAS Cecil Field, Florida
and transitioned to the AD Skyraider.
On September 19, 1951, the CNO
approved the current insignia, which was a modification of an earlier one depicting a lion riding a torpedo. The lion was retained to represent the strong attack capabilities of the squadron and the torpedo was replaced by a missile.
In February 1955 while deployed aboard , the squadron supported the evacuation of
Chinese Nationalist civilians and military personnel from the Dachen Archipelago which were being bombarded by the People’s Republic of China.
In November–December 1956 as a result of the Suez Crisis
, VA-15 deployed aboard and operated in the vicinity of the Azores
.
On September 12, 1958, VA-15 was assigned the additional mission of Aerial refuelling.
Although scheduled to transition to the A-6 Intruder
, VA-15 transitioned to the A-4 Skyhawk
in 1965. Having completed the transition, VA-15 deployed April 4 – November 21, 1966 aboard the USS Intrepid
to Southeast Asia
. On May 15, 1966, the squadron flew its first combat mission since March.
VA-15 again returned to Southeast Asia in 1967 on the USS Intrepid and deployed to the Mediterranean in 1968 – 69 on after she was restored from the disastrous fire.
On June 1, 1969 the first VA-15 was disestablished, and the men and equipment were merged with Attack Squadron 67 (VA-67), which had been established on August 1, 1968.
On the following day (June 2, 1969), the combined squadron was redesignated VA-15 and adopted the insignia and traditions of the Valions.
In August 1968, the squadron began training under VA-174 in the A-7 Corsair II
.
in response to the Arab-Israeli war.
In June–July 1975 following the assassination of the American Ambassador to Lebanon, VA-15 embarked on operated in the vicinity of Lebanon
in support of the evacuation of non-combatants.
were on station when the American hostages
were released from Iran
.
In May 1981Independence transited the Suez Canal
and maintained station in the eastern Mediterranean due to the crisis between Israel and Syria following Israeli raids against Syrian surface-to-air missile sites in Lebanon.
In October–November 1983, VA-15 aircraft flew combat close air support and reconnaissance sorties in support of Operation Urgent Fury, the landing of U.S. Marines and Army rangers on Grenada
.
On December 4, 1983 in response to hostile fire against U.S. reconnaissance aircraft from Syrian positions in Lebanon, VA-15 aircraft participated in coordinated strikes against Syria
n radar, communications and artillery positions overlooking the Multi-National Peacekeeping Forces. One of the squadron’s A-7E Corsair IIs, flown by the Air Wing Commander, Command Edward Andrews, was lost when it was hit by a Syrian surface-to-air missile. Commander Andrews ejected, was rescued and returned to Independence.
From December 1985 to June 1986 the squadron was assigned to MAG-12, 1st Marine Air Wing for a six-month deployment to MCAS Iwakuni, Japan. This deployment was designed to test the enhanced interoperability between Marine and Navy squadrons, with emphasis on close air support for Marine ground operations and the sharing of other techniques used by both communities.
In June 1986, the Valions began transition training in the F/A-18 Hornet, and on October 1, 1986, VA-15 was redesignated Strike Fighter Squadron 15 (VFA-15). The Valions accepted their first F/A-18 Hornet in January 1987.
in support of Operation Desert Shield. The Valions flew daily strikes into Iraq
and occupied Kuwait
until the suspension of hostilities on February 28.
During 1992, the Valions transitioned to the F/A-18C (night attack) Hornet.
In March 1999, the Valions departed for an historic deployment which would involve two theaters of operation. After crossing the Atlantic in record time aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt
, Valion aircraft were launched in support of Operation Allied Force
. For the next thirteen weeks, VFA-15 flew over 1,100 combat sorties over Kosovo
to bring an end to Serbia
n ethnic cleansing
. The battle group then steamed to the Persian Gulf and supported Operation Southern Watch
. Upon their return, the Valions made a homeport change to NAS Oceana in Virginia Beach, Virginia
.
Soon after returning through the Strait of Hormuz
in early fall 2001 to begin the voyage home, the September 11, 2001 attacks]] unfolded. For the next four weeks the Valions took station in the North Indian Ocean
and prepared for combat, with flight operations in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, including combat air patrols over Pakistan
. Missions into Afghanistan
began on October 7, and over the next several weeks the Valions flew four– to eight-hour missions deep into Afghanistan.
In 2002, the Valions deployed on Theodore Roosevelt to the Mediterranean. In combat operations against Iraqi military facilities, air defense sites and terrorist camps from March 19 to April 15, 2003, the squadron delivered over 245,000 pounds of ordnance.
September, 2005 the Valions deployed to the Persian Gulf, returning on March 11, 2006.
September 8, 2008 the Valions deployed again to the Persian Gulf in support of "OEF". They returned April 18, 2009.
Mission
Fighter Squadron FIFTEEN will prepare to forward deploy and, when directed, lethally project power from the sea in America's defense. Our people are our most valuable resource, so we are committed to ensuring the safe return of our squadron.History
Two distinct squadrons have been called the Valions of VA-15/VFA-15. Officially, the US Navy does not recognize a direct lineage with disestablished squadrons if a new squadron is formed with the same designation. Often, the new squadron will assume the nickname, insignia, and traditions of the earlier squadrons.1940s - The first VA-15
The first Valion squadron was established just one month after the attack on Pearl HarborPearl Harbor
Pearl Harbor, known to Hawaiians as Puuloa, is a lagoon harbor on the island of Oahu, Hawaii, west of Honolulu. Much of the harbor and surrounding lands is a United States Navy deep-water naval base. It is also the headquarters of the U.S. Pacific Fleet...
as Torpedo Squadron FOUR (VT-4) on January 10, 1942 aboard the USS 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...
in Grassy Bay, Bermuda.
TBD Devastator
The Douglas TBD Devastator was a torpedo bomber of the United States Navy, ordered in 1934, first flying in 1935 and entering service in 1937. At that point, it was the most advanced aircraft flying for the USN and possibly for any navy in the world...
and was assigned to protect the sea lanes between Bermuda
Bermuda
Bermuda is a British overseas territory in the North Atlantic Ocean. Located off the east coast of the United States, its nearest landmass is Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, about to the west-northwest. It is about south of Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, and northeast of Miami, Florida...
and Newfoundland
Dominion of Newfoundland
The Dominion of Newfoundland was a British Dominion from 1907 to 1949 . The Dominion of Newfoundland was situated in northeastern North America along the Atlantic coast and comprised the island of Newfoundland and Labrador on the continental mainland...
from their homeport of Naval Air Station Quonset Point
Naval Air Station Quonset Point
Naval Air Station Quonset Point was a United States Naval Base in Quonset Point, Rhode Island that was deactivated in 1974. Next to NAS Quonset Point was Camp Endicott at Davisville, home of the Naval Construction Battalions known as the Seabees. Quonset Point also gave its name to the Quonset hut,...
, Rhode Island
Rhode Island
The state of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, more commonly referred to as Rhode Island , is a state in the New England region of the United States. It is the smallest U.S. state by area...
. In August 1942, VT-4 transitioned from the Devastator to the TBF/TBM Avenger
TBF Avenger
The Grumman TBF Avenger was a torpedo bomber developed initially for the United States Navy and Marine Corps, and eventually used by several air or naval arms around the world....
.
The Valions were aboard the Ranger when it escorted the RMS Queen Mary
RMS Queen Mary
RMS Queen Mary is a retired ocean liner that sailed primarily in the North Atlantic Ocean from 1936 to 1967 for the Cunard Line...
, with 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...
Prime Minister Winston Churchill
Winston Churchill
Sir Winston Leonard Spencer-Churchill, was a predominantly Conservative British politician and statesman known for his leadership of the United Kingdom during the Second World War. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest wartime leaders of the century and served as Prime Minister twice...
aboard, to the Quebec Conference
Quebec Conference, 1943
The First Quebec Conference was a highly secret military conference held during World War II between the British, Canadian and United States governments. The conference was held in Quebec City, August 17, 1943 – August 24, 1943. It took place at the Citadelle and at the Château Frontenac. The...
in August 1943.
From August to November 1943, VT-4, while deployed aboard Ranger, operated as part of the British Home Fleet. On October 4, 1943, the squadron participated in Operation Leader and struck at shipping targets around Kunna Head, Norway. The squadron’s TBF-1 Avengers, along with its escort of F4F Wildcats, destroyed a German freighter and a small coaster and damaged a troop transport.
In October 1943, VT-4, flying from Ranger, operated with the British Second Battle Squadron and patrolled the waters of the Norwegian Sea.
In July 1944, VT-4 transferred from Atlantic to Pacific Fleet.
On September 21, 1944 during a pre-dawn sortie, three of the squadron’s aircraft collided with each other, resulting in the loss of nine personnel, including the squadron’s commanding officer.
From November 4–17, 1944, VT-4 was temporarily embarked on for operations in support of landings at Leyte
Leyte
Leyte is a province of the Philippines located in the Eastern Visayas region. Its capital is Tacloban City and occupies the northern three-quarters of the Leyte Island. Leyte is located west of Samar Island, north of Southern Leyte and south of Biliran...
. The squadron participated in combat strikes at Ormoc Bay, Cavite and Clark Field.
In December 1944, the squadron participated in combat operations in support of landings on Mindoro
Mindoro
Mindoro is the seventh-largest island in the Philippines. It is located off the coast of Luzon, and northeast of Palawan. The southern coast of Mindoro forms the northeastern extremum of the Sulu Sea.-History:...
.
In January 1945 while operating from , the squadron struck targets on Formosa
Formosa
Formosa or Ilha Formosa is a Portuguese historical name for Taiwan , literally meaning, "Beautiful Island". The term may also refer to:-Places:* Formosa Strait, another name for the Taiwan Strait...
, Luzon
Luzon
Luzon is the largest island in the Philippines. It is located in the northernmost region of the archipelago, and is also the name for one of the three primary island groups in the country centered on the Island of Luzon...
, Hainan
Hainan
Hainan is the smallest province of the People's Republic of China . Although the province comprises some two hundred islands scattered among three archipelagos off the southern coast, of its land mass is Hainan Island , from which the province takes its name...
and the Ryukyu Island chain as well as in French Indochina (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 –...
). Operations in Vietnam were around Saigon and Camranh Bay. These operations were in support of the continued assault against the Japanese in the Philippines.
On February 16, 1945 the squadron conducted its first strikes against the home islands of Japan, hitting Mawatari airfield on Honshu
Honshu
is the largest island of Japan. The nation's main island, it is south of Hokkaido across the Tsugaru Strait, north of Shikoku across the Inland Sea, and northeast of Kyushu across the Kanmon Strait...
.
From February 19–22, 1945, the squadron provided support for the Battle of Iwo Jima
Battle of Iwo Jima
The Battle of Iwo Jima , or Operation Detachment, was a major battle in which the United States fought for and captured the island of Iwo Jima from the Empire of Japan. The U.S...
.
On March 1, 1945, the airfield, facilities and shipping on Okinawa were hit by squadron aircraft.
On March 4, 1945, VT-4 disembarked from Essex at Ulithi
Ulithi
Ulithi is an atoll in the Caroline Islands of the western Pacific Ocean, about 191 km east of Yap. It consists of 40 islets totalling , surrounding a lagoon about long and up to wide—at one of the largest in the world. It is administered by the state of Yap in the Federated States of...
completing the squadron’s last combat cruise during World War II.
VT-4 returned to NAS Alameda in April 1945.
In Spring 1946, VT-4 participated in s shakedown cruise in the Caribbean Sea
Caribbean Sea
The Caribbean Sea is a sea of the Atlantic Ocean located in the tropics of the Western hemisphere. It is bounded by Mexico and Central America to the west and southwest, to the north by the Greater Antilles, and to the east by the Lesser Antilles....
following the ship’s commissioning in December 1945.
In the closing months of World War II
World 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...
, VT-4 moved to San Diego and was redesignated VA-2A on November 15, 1946. On August 2, 1948, the squadron’s designation was changed to Attack Squadron 15 (VA-15). Then in March 1949, VA-15 moved to NAS Cecil Field, Florida
Florida
Florida is a state in the southeastern United States, located on the nation's Atlantic and Gulf coasts. It is bordered to the west by the Gulf of Mexico, to the north by Alabama and Georgia and to the east by the Atlantic Ocean. With a population of 18,801,310 as measured by the 2010 census, it...
and transitioned to the AD Skyraider.
1950s
On May 22, 1950, VA-15, was designated as training squadron, with the primary mission of training fleet pilots in attack aircraft. VA-15’s training syllabus emphasized glide bombing, dive-bombing, rocket firing, day-and-night tactics and carrier qualifications in the AD Skyraider.On September 19, 1951, the CNO
CNO
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...
approved the current insignia, which was a modification of an earlier one depicting a lion riding a torpedo. The lion was retained to represent the strong attack capabilities of the squadron and the torpedo was replaced by a missile.
In February 1955 while deployed aboard , the squadron supported the evacuation of
Chinese Nationalist civilians and military personnel from the Dachen Archipelago which were being bombarded by the People’s Republic of China.
In November–December 1956 as a result of the Suez Crisis
Suez Crisis
The Suez Crisis, also referred to as the Tripartite Aggression, Suez War was an offensive war fought by France, the United Kingdom, and Israel against Egypt beginning on 29 October 1956. Less than a day after Israel invaded Egypt, Britain and France issued a joint ultimatum to Egypt and Israel,...
, VA-15 deployed aboard and operated in the vicinity of the Azores
Azores
The Archipelago of the Azores is composed of nine volcanic islands situated in the middle of the North Atlantic Ocean, and is located about west from Lisbon and about east from the east coast of North America. The islands, and their economic exclusion zone, form the Autonomous Region of the...
.
On September 12, 1958, VA-15 was assigned the additional mission of Aerial refuelling.
1960s – The second VA-15
A-6 Intruder
The Grumman A-6 Intruder was an American, twin jet-engine, mid-wing attack aircraft built by Grumman Aerospace. In service with the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps between 1963 and 1997, the Intruder was designed as an all-weather medium attack aircraft to replace the piston-engined A-1 Skyraider...
, VA-15 transitioned to the A-4 Skyhawk
A-4 Skyhawk
The Douglas A-4 Skyhawk is a carrier-capable ground-attack aircraft designed for the United States Navy and United States Marine Corps. The delta winged, single-engined Skyhawk was designed and produced by Douglas Aircraft Company, and later McDonnell Douglas. It was originally designated the A4D...
in 1965. Having completed the transition, VA-15 deployed April 4 – November 21, 1966 aboard the USS Intrepid
USS Intrepid (CV-11)
USS Intrepid , also known as The Fighting "I", is one of 24 s built during World War II for the United States Navy. She is the fourth US Navy ship to bear the name. Commissioned in August 1943, Intrepid participated in several campaigns in the Pacific Theater of Operations, most notably the Battle...
to Southeast Asia
Southeast Asia
Southeast Asia, South-East Asia, South East Asia or Southeastern Asia is a subregion of Asia, consisting of the countries that are geographically south of China, east of India, west of New Guinea and north of Australia. The region lies on the intersection of geological plates, with heavy seismic...
. On May 15, 1966, the squadron flew its first combat mission since March.
VA-15 again returned to Southeast Asia in 1967 on the USS Intrepid and deployed to the Mediterranean in 1968 – 69 on after she was restored from the disastrous fire.
On June 1, 1969 the first VA-15 was disestablished, and the men and equipment were merged with Attack Squadron 67 (VA-67), which had been established on August 1, 1968.
On the following day (June 2, 1969), the combined squadron was redesignated VA-15 and adopted the insignia and traditions of the Valions.
In August 1968, the squadron began training under VA-174 in the A-7 Corsair II
A-7 Corsair II
The Ling-Temco-Vought A-7 Corsair II is a carrier-based subsonic light attack aircraft introduced to replace the United States Navy's Douglas A-4 Skyhawk, initially entering service during the Vietnam War...
.
1970s
In October–November 1973 while embarked in , the squadron operated in the vicinity of CreteCrete
Crete is the largest and most populous of the Greek islands, the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, and one of the thirteen administrative regions of Greece. It forms a significant part of the economy and cultural heritage of Greece while retaining its own local cultural traits...
in response to the Arab-Israeli war.
In June–July 1975 following the assassination of the American Ambassador to Lebanon, VA-15 embarked on operated in the vicinity 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 support of the evacuation of non-combatants.
1980s
In November 1980, the Valions, embarked on USS IndependenceUSS Independence (CV-62)
The fifth USS Independence is a of the United States Navy. It was the fourth and final member of the Forrestal-class conventional-powered Supercarrier...
were on station when the American hostages
Iran hostage crisis
The Iran hostage crisis was a diplomatic crisis between Iran and the United States where 52 Americans were held hostage for 444 days from November 4, 1979 to January 20, 1981, after a group of Islamist students and militants took over the American Embassy in Tehran in support of the Iranian...
were released from Iran
Iran
Iran , officially the Islamic Republic of Iran , is a country in Southern and Western Asia. The name "Iran" has been in use natively since the Sassanian era and came into use internationally in 1935, before which the country was known to the Western world as Persia...
.
In May 1981Independence transited the Suez Canal
Suez Canal
The Suez Canal , also known by the nickname "The Highway to India", is an artificial sea-level waterway in Egypt, connecting the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea. Opened in November 1869 after 10 years of construction work, it allows water transportation between Europe and Asia without navigation...
and maintained station in the eastern Mediterranean due to the crisis between Israel and Syria following Israeli raids against Syrian surface-to-air missile sites in Lebanon.
In October–November 1983, VA-15 aircraft flew combat close air support and reconnaissance sorties in support of Operation Urgent Fury, the landing of U.S. Marines and Army rangers on 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...
.
On December 4, 1983 in response to hostile fire against U.S. reconnaissance aircraft from Syrian positions in Lebanon, VA-15 aircraft participated in coordinated strikes against Syria
Syria
Syria , officially the Syrian Arab Republic , is a country in Western Asia, bordering Lebanon and the Mediterranean Sea to the West, Turkey to the north, Iraq to the east, Jordan to the south, and Israel to the southwest....
n radar, communications and artillery positions overlooking the Multi-National Peacekeeping Forces. One of the squadron’s A-7E Corsair IIs, flown by the Air Wing Commander, Command Edward Andrews, was lost when it was hit by a Syrian surface-to-air missile. Commander Andrews ejected, was rescued and returned to Independence.
From December 1985 to June 1986 the squadron was assigned to MAG-12, 1st Marine Air Wing for a six-month deployment to MCAS Iwakuni, Japan. This deployment was designed to test the enhanced interoperability between Marine and Navy squadrons, with emphasis on close air support for Marine ground operations and the sharing of other techniques used by both communities.
In June 1986, the Valions began transition training in the F/A-18 Hornet, and on October 1, 1986, VA-15 was redesignated Strike Fighter Squadron 15 (VFA-15). The Valions accepted their first F/A-18 Hornet in January 1987.
1990s
On December 28, 1990, the Valions departed for a six-month deployment to the Persian GulfPersian 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 support of Operation Desert Shield. The Valions flew daily strikes into 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....
and occupied 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...
until the suspension of hostilities on February 28.
During 1992, the Valions transitioned to the F/A-18C (night attack) Hornet.
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...
, Valion aircraft were launched in support of 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...
. For the next thirteen weeks, VFA-15 flew over 1,100 combat sorties over Kosovo
Kosovo
Kosovo is a region in southeastern Europe. Part of the Ottoman Empire for more than five centuries, later the Autonomous Province of Kosovo and Metohija within Serbia...
to bring an end to Serbia
Serbia
Serbia , officially the Republic of Serbia , is a landlocked country located at the crossroads of Central and Southeast Europe, covering the southern part of the Carpathian basin and the central part of the Balkans...
n ethnic cleansing
Ethnic cleansing
Ethnic cleansing is a purposeful policy designed by one ethnic or religious group to remove by violent and terror-inspiring means the civilian population of another ethnic orreligious group from certain geographic areas....
. The battle group then steamed to the Persian Gulf and supported 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...
. Upon their return, the Valions made a homeport change to NAS Oceana in Virginia Beach, Virginia
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Virginia Beach is an independent city located in the Hampton Roads metropolitan area of Virginia, on the Atlantic Ocean at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay...
.
2000s
During the Valions 2001 deployment, the squadron took station in the Persian Gulf, patrolling the skies of the southern Iraqi no-fly zone.Soon after returning through the Strait of Hormuz
Strait of Hormuz
The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow, strategically important waterway between the Gulf of Oman in the southeast and the Persian Gulf. On the north coast is Iran and on the south coast is the United Arab Emirates and Musandam, an exclave of Oman....
in early fall 2001 to begin the voyage home, the September 11, 2001 attacks]] unfolded. For the next four weeks the Valions took station in the North Indian Ocean
Indian Ocean
The Indian Ocean is the third largest of the world's oceanic divisions, covering approximately 20% of the water on the Earth's surface. It is bounded on the north by the Indian Subcontinent and Arabian Peninsula ; on the west by eastern Africa; on the east by Indochina, the Sunda Islands, and...
and prepared for combat, with flight operations in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, including combat air patrols over Pakistan
Pakistan
Pakistan , officially the Islamic Republic of Pakistan is a sovereign state in South Asia. It has a coastline along the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Oman in the south and is bordered by Afghanistan and Iran in the west, India in the east and China in the far northeast. In the north, Tajikistan...
. Missions into 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...
began on October 7, and over the next several weeks the Valions flew four– to eight-hour missions deep into Afghanistan.
September, 2005 the Valions deployed to the Persian Gulf, returning on March 11, 2006.
September 8, 2008 the Valions deployed again to the Persian Gulf in support of "OEF". They returned April 18, 2009.
2010's
On May 11, 2011, the squadrons of CVW-8 embarked on USS George H.W. Bush (CVN-77)'s maiden deployment, scheduled to conduct operations in the US 5th and 6th Fleet areas of operations.See also
- Naval aviationNaval aviationNaval aviation is the application of manned military air power by navies, including ships that embark fixed-wing aircraft or helicopters. In contrast, maritime aviation is the operation of aircraft in a maritime role under the command of non-naval forces such as the former RAF Coastal Command or a...
- Modern US Navy carrier air operationsModern US Navy carrier air operationsModern United States Navy aircraft carrier air operations include the operation of fixed wing and rotary aircraft on and around an aircraft carrier for performance of combat or non-combat missions. Modern United States Navy aircraft carrier flight operations are highly evolved, based on experiences...
- List of military aircraft of the United States (naval) / List of US Naval aircraft
- United States Naval AviatorUnited States Naval AviatorA United States Naval Aviator is a qualified pilot in the United States Navy, Marine Corps or Coast Guard.-Naming Conventions:Most Naval Aviators are Unrestricted Line Officers; however, a small number of Limited Duty Officers and Chief Warrant Officers are also trained as Naval Aviators.Until 1981...
- United States Marine Corps AviationUnited States Marine Corps AviationUnited States Marine Corps Aviation is the air component of the United States Marine Corps. Marine aviation has a very different mission and operation than its ground counterpart, and thus, has many of its own histories, traditions, terms, and procedures....
- Military aviationMilitary aviationMilitary aviation is the use of aircraft and other flying machines for the purposes of conducting or enabling warfare, including national airlift capacity to provide logistical supply to forces stationed in a theater or along a front. Air power includes the national means of conducting such...
- List of United States Navy aircraft squadrons