Updated 02/04/2016 CHRONOLOGY

Transcription

1 WAR and PEACE in the HORNET Updated 02/04/2016 The Fist s marriage with the CORSAIR II lasted just 15 years before transitioning to the F/A-18 Hornet. The Marines fielded their first Hornet squadron, VMFA-314, in January Some six months later, VFA-113 and VFA-25 were the first customers at VFA-125, the West Coast Hornet training squadron. The Fists received their first Hornet on 11 November, an important date in Fist History, and reported to CVW-14 in January As of 2012, the squadron has flown the Hornet longer than any other assigned aircraft (only 21 years in the SPAD). Editor: The following chronology is incomplete in some periods, pending access to additional command reports. Inputs are welcome: fist@fistofthefleet.org CHRONOLOGY 1983 Commander in Chief - Ronald Reagan. 1 January The Squadron s 40 th birthday. 1 January VA-25 began the year serving under the command of Captain D. W. Baird, Commander, Carrier Air Wing Two, and under the operational control of Commodore D. B. Cargill, Commander Light Attack Wing, U. S. Pacific Fleet. 7 January The first F/A-18 Hornets entered operational service with VMFA-314, replacing that squadron s F-4 Phantom II aircraft. 25 April CDR Steve L. WEBB relieved CDR R. W. LEONE as Commanding Officer. 2 May Lt. Leslie Provow, assigned to VRC-40, became the first woman designated a Landing Signal Officer (LSO). May The squadron provided six aircraft and ten pilots in support of the F-15 Fighter weapons School at Nellis AFB. 10 June Lt. Colleen Nevius became the first woman to graduate from the US Navy Test Pilot School at Patuxent River. 23 June The squadron achieved 7 years and surpassed 31,500 of mishap-free operations. 30 June All the squadron s A-7Es were transferred and the first six pilot began training in VFA July VA-25 became Strike Fighter Squadron Twenty Five (VFA-25), during a ceremony attended by Commodore Cargill. 9 September Captain John S. Swede ZERR relieved Captain Roy W. CASH Jr. as CVW November The skipper, CDR Webb, flew the first F/A-18A from McDonnell Aircraft Corporation in St. Louis to NAS Lemoore. 4 December The Navy lost an A-6 and an A-7 to anti-aircraft fire during strikes against Syrian positions in Lebanon. These were the Navy s first fixed-wing combat losses since the end of the Vietnam War in January December The squadron received two more F/A-18 aircraft. The first class of VFA-25 pilots were doing field carrier landing practice (FCLP) in preparations for carrier qualifications aboard USS ENTERPRISE in January. At year s end, the squadron had 190 enlisted personnel assigned and the following officers: CDR Bob Mumbles Williams CDR Mitch Deacon Moore LCDR Scott Viking Ronnie LCDR John Jocko Chenevey

2 LCDR Ken Grubbo Grubbs LCDR Greg Shifty Peairs LCDR Jerry Lefty Schubert LCDR David Grouch Thompson LT Dan Groper Moore LT Chris Biscuit Berry LT Tom T-Mac McCarthy LT Dave Redbone Martin LT Kenneth Doc Bird LT Al Bing Cherry LT Stewart Kid Rivall LT Pat Blox O Rourke LT Dennis Willie Wilborn LT Corey Scorch Moore LT Kevin Slick O Harra LTjg James Snowball Winterroth LTjg Jim Dutch Schwecke LTjg Dave Medic Frahm Ens Ike Snort Keas Ens Lonnie Pockets Waltrip Ens Steve Fungus Funchess CWO2 Charles Gunner Mach 1984 Commander in Chief - Ronald Reagan. 1 January VFA-25 began the year serving under the command of Captain Jack Zerr, Commander, Carrier Air Wing Fourteen, and under the operational control of Commodore D. B. Cargill, Commander Light Attack Wing, U. S. Pacific Fleet. 4 January Lt. Robert Goodman of VA-85 was released after being held in Syria since 4 December He was the only survivor of the A-6 shot down during the strike on Lebanon. 13 February The last instructional flight of the T-28 Trojan was flown by Ensign Michael Gierhart of VT- 27, ending the aircraft s 31-years of training Naval Aviators. 12 March The squadron sent one aircraft to the Naval Fighter Weapons School, TOPGUN, at NAS Miramar. The plane returned on 13 April. 17/31 March VFA-25 flew 8 aircraft to Nellis AFB to participate in Green Flag. This exercise is a derivative of Red Flag, but with emphasis in electronic warfare including radar and communications jamming. The squadron acted as Red Force opposing the USAF Blue Force. April The Fist of the Fleet received its full complement of F/A-18 Hornets. 7/11 April VFA-25 flew six aircraft to USS CONSTELLATION for the ship s Independent Steaming Exercise (ISE). May 1/25 The squadron deployed eight aircraft for refresher training (REFTRA) off Southern California. 9/16 June The squadron deployed to Fallon for air-to-ground COMPEX events. There were nine events: Day high dive Minimum altitude release Pop-up attack Lay down Loft Over the shoulder Strafe Night high dive Radar bomb Fist pilots COMPEXed in 162 events and scored E s in 110 events. 28/29 June The squadron s ADMAT inspection took place. Performance was exemplary, with eleven commendatory comments and zero major discrepancies. 2 July The Reserve air wing, CVWR-20, returned from a one week deployment aboard USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER, the first since /24 July The squadron was back aboard CONSTELLATION for SOCAL operations. 26/31 July Two aircraft were sent to San Diego to participate in Hey Rube, an exercise to develop outer air battle tactics, vector logic, within a heavy communications and radar jamming environment. 7/16 August The squadron was back aboard CONNIE for more SOCAL operations. This time with high tempo Flex Deck operations and increasing ordnance requirements.

3 18/31 August The squadron participated in Constant Peg at the Nellis range complex. 3/14 September The squadron was back at Fallon for Gallant Eagle 84, involving over 500 military aircraft. Pilots flew strikes against opposed positions in California and Nevada using USAF tanker assets. They also flew aggressor sorties against USAF strikes on both Nellis and Coso ranges, flew SAR CAP missions, and worked with other services at Fort Irwin, Hunter Liggett, Nellis, and Fallon. 2 October The Navy signed a contract with McDonnell Douglas to initiate full-scale development of the T-45TS jet training system to replace the T-2C and TA-4J aircraft used for intermediate and advanced jet training. October The squadron was back aboard CONNIE for Fleetex 85, starting in the SOCAL area, then working north towards San Francisco for Fleet Week 84, followed by a week off the Hawaiian Islands. CONNIE left Pearl Harbor on 2 November and the squadron returned to Lemoore on 9 November. The squadron won the first CVW-14 Tailhook competition and flew its second consecutive 700-hour month. 16 November CDR C. J. LESLIE relieved CDR S. L. WEBB as Commanding Officer. 28 November Deliveries of the F/A-18 Hornet were resumed after McDonnell Douglas agreed to fix the fatigue-related problems in the tail area. 7/15 December The squadron was back at sea. Pilots worked with USMC FACs on CAS sorties to Camp Pendleton and San Clemente Island. 20/21 December The squadron stood the first VFA squadron NTPI receiving zero major and zero minor discrepancies. The squadron has flown 37,187 accident-free hours and 3.5 years FOD free, an unsurpassed record Commander in Chief - Ronald Reagan. 1 January VFA-25 began the year serving under the command of Captain Jack Zerr, Commander, Carrier Air Wing Fourteen, and under the operational control of Commodore D. B. Cargill, Commander Light Attack Wing, U. S. Pacific Fleet. 21 February The F/A-18 Hornet deployed overseas for the first time aboard the USS CONSTELLATION with CVW-14, consisting of VF-154 (F-14), VF-21 (F-14), VFA-113 (FA-18), VFA-25 (FA- 18), VA-196 (A-6/KA-6), VAW-113 (E-2), VAQ-139 (EA-6), HS-8 (SH-3), VS-37 (S-3), and VQ-1 Det. (ES-3). This deployment was to the Western Pacific and Indian Ocean. 8/13 March CONNIE was in port at Pearl Harbor USS Constellation, circa March CONNIE departed Pearl Harbor and steamed for Subic Bay. While underway and enroute to Subic Bay, the first Hornet intercept of a Soviet Bear aircraft was conducted and escorts were launched around the clock. The squadron conducted long-range missions to targets at Guam and the Philippines.

4 28 March CONNIE arrived at Subic Bay and remained in port through 1 April. 29 March The Navy awarded a contract to McDonnell Douglas for development of night attack capabilities for the F/A-18 Hornet. About 750 aircraft would be outfitted with forwardlooking infrared pod (FLIR), a television-like heads-up display, and night vision goggles for the pilot, and other improvements. 2 April CONNIE departed Subic Bay for the short trip to Singapore, where she made a port visit from 6 to 9 April. April CONNIE steamed to the North Arabian Sea to relieve USS CARL VINSON on Gonzo station. 8 May Captain Robert F. Buzz JOHNSON relieved Captain John S. Swede ZERR as CVW- Fourteen. 23 May CONNIE dropped anchor off the coast of Mombasa, Kenya for some well-deserved liberty. 28 May CONNIE got underway to conduct a weapons training exercise in the vicinity of Diego Garcia before returning to Gonzo station for 59 days and poor weather. 19 June The Navy announced the selection of GOSHAWK for the T-45 training system. The name was previously used for the Curtiss F-11C biplane fighters manufactured in /24 July CONNIE made a port visit to Perth, Australia. 31 July CONNIE made a port visit to Subic Bay. The Golden Tailhook awards were presented. The Fist won the overall competition with four pilots in the top ten and four of the Top Five Nugget awards. The overall average was 3.54 with a boarding rate of 96.6%. The Golden Tail hook is awarded to the squadron with the highest landing score during a deployment. Basically, the award goes to the squadron with the most OK landings, all other factors being equal. OK is the best grade from the LSO. 2/15 August CONNIE departed Subic Bay and steamed for Hawaii. The ship loaded aboard the Tigers before departing on the final leg for home. 23 August VFA-25 and the rest of CVW-14 flew off. Twenty planes from VFA-25 and VFA-113 completed the first Hornet overseas deployment. 24 August CONSTELLATION and CVW-14 returned to San Diego. 11 October Captain Dennis W. Irelan relieved Captain Robert F. Buzz JOHNSON as CVW-Fourteen. 26 October VFA-25 participated in Red Flag 86-01, flying both Red (adversary) and Blue missions. The squadron returned to Lemoore on 8 November. 31 October CNO order cuts in deployment schedules to eliminate excessive at-sea periods for ships and aircraft squadrons. The cuts established a 2:1, or better, turnaround ratio with a maximum of six months at sea. 10/19 Dec The squadron s Command Inspection resulted in 8 commendatory marks Commander in Chief - Ronald Reagan. 1 January VFA-25 began the year serving under the command of Captain Robert F. Johnson, Commander, Carrier Air Wing Fourteen, and under the operational control of Rear Admiral W. D. Campbell, Commander Light Attack Wing, U. S. Pacific Fleet. January The year began with the squadron completing air-to-ground COMPEX, participating in two at-sea periods for refresher carrier operations, and support LT Flora at TOPGUN.

5 8 January CVW-8 became the first air wing to incorporate the wing commander/deputy commander concept (Super CAG), a major sea command. February CDR Jerome L. ARBITER relieved CDR C. J. LESLIE as Commanding Officer. 24/25 March Libyan Operation. Libya fired missiles at U.S. Naval forces operating in the Gulf of Sidra. A coordinated retaliatory strike fired HARM missiles against the SA-5 site and A-6 Intruders attacked a fast attack craft with HARPOON missiles. The craft was later sunk with ROCKEYE bombs. Later, a Libyan missile corvette was damaged and forced to return to port. The next day, a second missile corvette was destroyed with a HARPOON. 14/15 April Operation El Dorado Canyon. Hornets and Corsairs from USS CORAL SEA launched SHRIKE and HARM missiles against Libyan SAM sites at Benghazi and Tripoli minutes before attacks by A6Es and F-111s against targets in Benghazi and the Benian airfield. 5 May The Secretary of the Navy designated 1986 as the Diamond Anniversary of Naval Aviation. 9/14 May VFA-25 participated in Kernal Usher June VFA-25 deployed to Fallon with CVW-14 for two weeks integrated tactical training. The remainder of June, July, and most of August were devoted to air-to-air combat training with VA-127 and preparations for a NORPAC deployment. 6 June The first Naval Aviation Cadet in 17 years began active duty. The program allows personnel to enter aviation officer candidate school and flight training without a college degree. The earlier program had been suspended in August An F/A-18 from Point Mugu shot down a QF-86 drone using an AMRAAM missile fired from low altitude. 19 August USS CARL VINSON, with CVW-15, conducted operations in the Bering Sea. The first such operations since WW-II. The carrier returned to NAS Alameda on 5 February /28 August VFA-25 went aboard CONNIE for carrier refresher training. 1 September CONSTELLATION, with CVW-14 (less VQ-1 Det.) operated in the North Pacific until 20 October. This deployment included port calls at Vancouver, B.C., Anchorage, and Seattle. The squadrons returned home on 19 October. 11 October Captain Dennis W. IRELAN relieved Captain Robert F. Buzz JOHNSON as CVW- Fourteen. 20 October ALNAV message Z allowed aviation personnel to again wear brown shoes and khaki socks with summer uniforms, effective 1 April Brown shoes had been removed as part of the uniform on 1 July 1976, after being part of the uniform since /24 Nov VFA-25 flew aboard CONNIE for a three week deployment that included READEX 87-1 and Kernal Usher The former exercise was a multi-battle group exercise that also involved the USS KITTY HAWK. December The year ended with the squadron accumulation of 47,000-hours and 10-years mishap free Commander in Chief - Ronald Reagan. 10 January VFA-25 began its 1987 training cycle. 13 January The squadron took open/closed book examinations on conventional weapons proficiency. Pilot scores averaged 98.9% and enlisted scores were a LATWING high of 95.7%. 21 January The squadron went aboard CONNIE for Readiex 87-2 where pilots were carrier qualified and participated in Battle Group Delta operations. The squadron returned to Lemoore on 10 February. 3 February During the Battle Group Evaluation, the squadron s Electronic Warfare Program was cited as outstanding. 7 February During the Battle Group Evaluation, LCDR Tomkins and LCDR Maughan fired Sparrow and Sidewinder missiles, both scoring lethal hits.

6 13 March The squadron s Navy Technical Proficiency Inspection (NTPI) demonstrated flawless weapons loads and attention to detail resulted in no discrepancies and individual grades of outstanding. 16/17 March Five Fist pilots participate in a missile shoot at China Lake with all drones destroyed. 18/20 March Conducted pre-deployment aircraft material condition inspection. 11 April CONSTELLATION, with CVW-14 deployed overseas. 13 April During TRANSITEX 87-4, VFA-25 flew various missions enroute to Subic Bay and shared Alert-5 status with sister squadrons during the transit through the Bear Box. 25 April The Blue Angels conducted their first air show using F/A-18 Hornets. 2 May CONNIE arrives at Subic Bay for a five-day working in-port period. 11 May PASSEX (Singapore) where VFA-25 participated in Aerial Combat Training missions against the Singapore Air Force. 13 May PASSEX (Malaysia) where VFA-25 participated in multiple joint operations with the Malaysia Air Force while steaming for the Indian Ocean. Malaysian observers at Song Song target were impressed by one Hornet s CEP of 28 feet. 18 May VFA-25 leads the Air Wing with a 3.46 landing average for the first line period May CONNIE anchors in Diego Garcia Bay, while squadrons got excellent training while shorebased. 24 May CONNIE and Battle Group Delta executed an emergency sortie after USS Stark is attacked by an Iraqi jet. 29 May CONNIE is again anchored at Diego Garcia. CDR Abiter is the first pilot to trap a Hornet aboard an aircraft carrier while at anchor. 11/15 June Pilots conduct refresher landings during a brief at-sea period off Diego Garcia. 15/20 June CONNIE is again anchored at Diego Garcia. 21 June Battle Group Delta departs Diego Garcia and steams for the North Arabian Sea. 22/25 June CONNIE conducts a weapons week enroute. July/August Fist pilots, on several occasions, provided air cover for reflagged tankers transiting the Straits of Hormuz. 6 July Fist pilots take top-honors again for an average landing grade of 3.60 during the second line period. 27 August USS RANGER relives CONNIE after 80 days at sea. CONNIE then steamed for Perth, Australia. 2 September CDR Anthony V. COLANTONI Jr. relieved CDR Jerome L. ARBITER as CO. 7/14 September CONNIE made a port call at Perth, Australia. Then Battle Group Delta headed for Subic Bay. 21 September The Navy received the updated F/A-18C. 24 September CONNIE made a two-day port call at Subic Bay before departing for Hawaii. 27 September VFA-25 completes its post-cruise aircraft material condition inspection that included 7 commendatory items cited by inspectors. 2 October VFA-25 is recognized as the Top Hook squadron with an overall average of 3.54 landing grade. LCDR Gib Godwin is Top Hook with a 3.82 average landing grade and 100% boarding rate. 7 October CONNIE arrived at Pearl Harbor to board the 6-day Tiger Cruise participants. 13 October CONSTELLATION, with CVW-14 returned to San Diego.

7 20 November Command Inspection (ADMAT), and the squadron was cited for 26 commendatory items. 9 December VFA-25 complete NATOPS Unit Evaluation with a grade of outstanding Commander in Chief - Ronald Reagan. January VFA-25 was affected by the fleet-wide grounding of Hornets, while ground crews worked long hours to complete several major modifications to the F-404 engines. The squadron flew limited operational flights during February and early March. 25 March Three squadron pilots had successful Sparrow and Sidewinder missile firings. 29 March ISE, with 11 pilots carrier qualify and return to Lemoore on 8 April. 16 April The T-45A Goshawk took its maiden flight at Long Beach, California. 18 April CVW-11, from USS ENTERPRISE, and surface units retaliated against Iran for the 14 April incident where the USS SAMUEL B. ROBERTS (FFG-58) struck an Iranian mine in international waters. The action centered around two oil platforms identified as support bases for Iranian attacks on merchant shipping. 18/28 April REFTRA, and 3 more pilots carrier qualify. 6 May A prototype two-seat F/A-18D Hornet, equipped as an advanced night attack aircraft, made its maiden flight at St. Louis, Missouri. 6/11 May A detachment of six aircraft deploy to Tyndall AFB for an air-to-air training exercise with USAF F-15s and F-16s. 13 May Conventional weapons technical proficiency inspection: overall score out of May Soviet troops began leaving Afghanistan and the withdrawal was completed in February May Captain William S. Bud ORR Jr. relieved Captain Dennis W. IRELAN as CVW-Fourteen. 1 June LT Deboodt fired a Sparrow for a lethal kill on a drone. 18/21 June Three more pilots get carrier qualified. 21/22 June Six Fist pilots successfully fire Sparrow and Sidewinder missiles for lethal kills. LT Croce conducts the first F/A-18 firing of a Shrike missile that also homed to a lethal kill. 28 June Navy Technical Proficiency Inspection (NTPI), with no discrepancies. 05/18 July VFA-25 was the first West Coast FA-18 squadron to participate in SFARP. 18 July CVW-14 weapons deployment and Gallant Eagle 88 to Fallon. The squadron flew 316 sorties with zero aborts. The squadron conducted AISI POD evaluation for NAVAIRSYSCOM. The Air Wing returned home on 8 August. 30/31 August Nine more Fist pilots are carrier qualified. 6 September NATOPS Evaluation, and VFA-25 achieved 99% on open and closed book exams. 10/30 Sept ATA, NOREX, and MINEX operations were completed at sea. 30 September The last C-1A Trader (BuNo ) retired from active service and was transferred to the Naval Aviation Museum. This aircraft provided support for the training carrier LEXINGTON. 6 October LCDR Trotter fires a sidewinder for a lethal kill.

8 June VFA-25 transitioned to FA-18Cs. 10 November Ensign Joy D. Warner became the first woman to earn her wings through the newly reinstated NAVCAD program. She joined the program in June 1987 and completed basic flight training with HT-8. 15/16 Nov Pre-deployment corrosion inspection completed satisfactorily. 23 November CDR Daniel W. GABRIEL relieved CDR A. V. COLANTONI Jr. as Commanding Officer. 1 December CONSTELLATION, with CVW-14 deployed overseas. 5 December Battle Group Delta exercise began enroute to Hawaii as VFA-25 maintains a 100% sortie rate. 10 December XO CDR G. R. Peairs arrives. War-at-Sea exercises began, and VFA-25 participated in 60 hours of flight operations Dec TRANSITEX 88-2 has VFA-25 pilots flying various missions enroute to Subic Bay. The squadron shares Alert-5 duties as CONNIE passes through the Bear BOX. 25 December LT DeBoodt intercepts a Bear Bomber and then delivers a Christmas wish to the crew while he escorted the Bear. 31 December 1988 ended as the safest in aviation history for the Navy and Marine Corps. Only 48 Class- A mishaps were recorded down to 2.16 mishaps per 100,000 flight hours. The Fist of the Fleet contributed to those hours, but not to the mishaps Commander in Chief - Ronald Reagan. 4 January Two VF-32 Tomcats downed two hostile Libyan MiG-23 Flogger aircraft north of the Libyan port of Tobruk over international waters. January 12/14 January 15/17 January VFA-25 participated in a PASSEX with Thailand. VFA-25 participated in a PASSEX with Malaysia. Battle Group Delta entered the North Arabian Sea for a sustained at-sea period that lasted until mid-march. A port visit to Karachi, Pakistan occurred during this period. 20 January Former Naval Aviator George H.W. Bush was sworn in as President and Commander in Chief. Bush completed the Navy s 10-month flight training only 3- days before his 19 th birthday in June He then joined VT-51 which flew from USS SAN JACINTO (CVL-30). His TBM Avenger was badly damaged on a mission to Chichi Jima and he bailed out. After four-hours in his life-raft, he was rescued by the submarine USS FINBACK. His flight crew did not survive. He was elected to a Texas House seat in 1966, ran for the Senate in 1970, but lost. Appointed UN Ambassador, then served as Vice President under Ronald Regan. 5/12 Feb CVW-14 conducted weapons week. LCDR Mosca fired a Sparrow (POP) missile. 19/22 Feb The squadron participated in both Beacon Flash 47 and Operation Busy Customer. April The squadron was the recipient of the CNO Safety S award. The CNO Safety Award consists of an engraved plaque and allows the squadron to sport an S on their aircraft until next year s selection. The annual awards are presented to squadrons operating each type aircraft on each coast. Selection is based on aircraft and ground mishaps, safety programs, flight exposure, aircraft days deployed away from home port and similar safety-related criteria. 13/14 April VFA-25 participated in another PASSEX with Singapore. May The squadron was the recipient of the COMNAVAIPAC Battle E for the second consecutive year. The squadron also received the CVW-14 Golden Tailhook Award for all three line periods with a GPA of 3.66 and a boarding rate of 96%. CONNIE made several port visits on the way home, including Perth, Pattaya Beach, Hong Kong, and Seattle 1 June VFA-25 returned to Lemoore.

9 July The squadron received the Captain Michael J. Estocine Award as the best FA-18 squadron for (Then) LCDR Estocine received the Medal of Honor for two Iron-Hand missions he flew against North Vietnam while assigned to VA-192 in Both his A-4 aircraft were damaged on these missions, but he launched his missiles anyway. On the first mission he managed to recover aboard USS Ticonderoga. On his second mission, he was listed as MIA. This award in his honor is presented to the best Hornet squadron each year. 24 July LT Lefon dropped a Walleye ERDL while LT Phelps guided it to a bull s-eye. 1 August CORAL SEA and AMERICA departed early from separate port visits to create a show of force in the wake of the suspected hanging of Lt. Colonel Higgins USMC, who had been kidnapped in February 1988 while in Lebanon. LT Phelps and LT Matheson successfully fired a Sidewinder and Sparrow missile respectively. 3 August RANGER rescued 39 Vietnamese refugees adrift for ten days in heavy seas, about 80 miles from NAS Cubi Point. 26 August The squadron received its second consecutive discrepancy-free NTPI. 5/7 September Seventeen squadron pilot carrier qualified in preparation for PACEX September CONSTELLATION, with CVW-14, deployed to the North Pacific for the largest exercise of U. S. warships since WW-II, and the worst flying weather. 28 September LCDR Henderson fired a Sparrow missile and achieved a direct hit on the drone. 19 October After a port visit to Vancouver, B.C., and VFA-25 said goodbye to CONNIE for the last time and returned to Lemoore after PACEX 89. The squadron won the CVW-14 Golden Tailhook award for the eighth consecutive time. 30 October VFA-25 finished the Advanced Attack Readiness Program (AARP) at Strike Fighter Weapons School. 1 November NAS Pensacola became the last training command facility to fully convert to civilian contractor maintenance for aircraft, which was considered more cost-effective than using military personnel. November CVW-14, including VFA-25, transitioned to USS INDEPENDENCE, for its home away from home. 6/22 Nov VFA-25 began the Strike Fighter Advanced Readiness Program (SFARP) at NAS Fallon. 9 November The Berlin Wall was being torn down by individual German citizens, each carting away pieces for souvenirs. The job was later completed with heavy equipment. Construction of the wall began in August 1961, but didn t keep East Germans from escaping. The WALL finally came down! 17 November Captain Jay B. Spook YAKELY III relieved Captain William S. Bud ORR Jr. as CVW- Fourteen. 26 November VFA-25 began the CVW-14 weapons deployment to Fallon. 30 November The squadron flew 33 sorties while at Fallon. December The squadron was notified it was the recipient of the COMNAVAIRPAC LTJG Bruce Carrier Memorial Award for Excellence in Maintenance for FY 1989.

10 In 1975, Ltjg Bruce Carrier launched from USS Hancock in an A-4. After a hydraulic failure, a series of additional problems compounded a simple emergency into an accident that resulted in his death. This award is intended to promote improvements in routine maintenance and quality control, and thereby reduce the kinds of aircraft mechanical failures that caused Ltjg Carrier s death Commander in Chief - George H. W. Bush. January 29 February 27 VFA-25 deployed aboard INDEPENDENCE for refresher training off southern California. The squadron returned to Lemoore on 13 February. VFA-25 deployed aboard INDEPENCENCE for Advanced Tactical Assessment. The squadron returned to Lemoore on 20 March. 7 March LT Jeff Bates and LT Tim Roorda fired Sidewinder missiles and achieved lethal hits on the target drone. 5 April The squadron deployed aboard INDEPENDENCE and departed, along with Battle Group Delta on RIMPAC 90. The squadron returned to Lemoore on 22 May. LT Dan Dixon and LT Steve Foley fired Sparrow missiles, each with direct hits on the target drone. VFA-25 won the CVW-14 Golden Tailhook Award for the RIMPAC line period and was also notified the squadron won the COMLATWINGPAC Safety Award for the 2 nd quarter. 18 May The night attack F/A-18D Hornet was introduced into service at the USMC air station El Toro, California. It would replace the Marine Corps A-6 Intruders. 31 May CDR Gregory R. PEAIRS relieved CDR Daniel W. Gabriel as Commanding Officer. 24 June INDEPENDENCE, with CVW-14 deployed overseas. The wreckage of the Navy s rigid airship MACON (ZRS-5) was located off the coast of Point Sur. The Navy s last rigid airship, MACON had crashed on 12 February July CDR. Rosemary Mariner assumed command of VAQ-134, the first woman to command an operational aviation squadron. 2 August Iraq forces invaded Kuwait in a disagreement over oil drilling near the Iraqi border. INDEPENDENCE was ordered to proceed to the Gulf of Oman. 5 August INDEPENDENCE, with CVW-14, arrived in the Gulf of Oman to participate in Operation Desert Shield. 2 October INDEPENDENCE entered the Persian Gulf, the first carrier to enter the Gulf since She returned to the Arabian Sea two days later and was relieved by USS MIDWAY. 3 October East and West Germany was formally unified. November After 111 days at-sea, INDEPENDENCE was on her way home, but with port visits to Singapore, Hong Kong, and Subic Bay. 29 November The UN Security Council approved a resolution authorizing the use of military force unless Iraq forces vacated Kuwait by 15 January December INDEPENDENCE, with CVW-14, returned in San Diego. The squadron was notified it had received the LTJG Bruce Carrier Award for FY Commander in Chief - George H. W. Bush. 1 January VFA-25 stood Ready Carrier alert in support of Desert Storm. 7 January Secretary of Defense, Richard Cheney, canceled the A-12 Avenger program. This was based on the inability of General Dynamics and McDonnell Douglas to design, develop, fabricate, assemble, and test the A-12 aircraft within the contract schedule and to deliver an aircraft that met contract requirements.

11 28 August INDEPENDENCE relieved USS MIDWAY. The carriers swapped air wings and CVW-14 departed on board MIDWAY for CONUS. After a brief visit to Seattle, MIDWAY arrived at 12 January Congress voted on a joint resolution that gave President George H. W. Bush the support he sought for military action against Iraq. 16 January At 4:50 pm EST, a squadron of USAF fighter-bombers departed Saudi Arabia for targets in Iraq and Kuwait. At the time there were six carrier battle groups operating near Iraq, with over 100 ships, 75,000 sailors, and 85,000 marines in the area. At 9:00 pm EST, the President announced Desert Storm, the liberation of Kuwait, had begun. 17 January Over 100 Tomahawk cruise missiles were launched at preprogrammed targets from nine U.S. Navy ships. The Navy carriers also launched 228 combat sorties, and a seventh carrier battle group was steaming to the Persian Gulf. Two F/A-18C aircraft from VFA-81 were credited with shooting down a MiG January The Navy and Marines lost three aircraft (two A-6s and an OV-10) and all six crewmembers were reported as POWs. 24 January The first Kuwaiti territory, the island of Jazirat Qurah, was reclaimed. 5 February An F/A-18A, from VFA-87, crashed while returning from a combat mission and the pilot was killed. 18 February An Iraqi mine blasted a 20-by-30 foot hole in the helicopter carrier TRIPOLI in the northern Persian Gulf. She continued operating for five days before being dry-docked in Bahrain for repairs. 24 February Operation Desert Sabre, the ground offensive, began. 27 February At 9:00 pm EST, the President declared that Kuwait had been liberated and the Persian Gulf War was over in three days. 4 March Iraq released POWs, including three from the Navy. 8 March Lt. Kathy Owens, from VRC-40, became the last pilot to land on the training carrier LEXINGTON as the Navy made a quick decision to decommission the ship. 17/19 March VFA-25 supported the USAF Fighter Weapons School at Nellis AFB, providing airborne threats to USAF pilots at the school. 6 April Iraq accepted United Nation terms for a formal cease-fire in the Persian Gulf. The War came to its official conclusion on the 11 th when a UN resolution went into effect. 14/28 April VFA-25 and VFA-113 return to again support the USAF Fighter Weapons School, providing 20-plane sorties in offensive and defensive roles. 10 May Captain Patrick D. MONEYMAKER relieved Captain Jay B. YAKELY III as CVW May The House Armed Services Committee voted to allow women to fly combat missions. The measure was included as an amendment to the 1992 defense budget. 10 June A traditional New York ticker tape Parade of Heroes saluted the men and women who served in Operations Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm June After rumbling for three days, Mount Pinatubo began erupting. The Subic Bay Naval Complex suffered major damage. USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN, the USS MIDWAY Battle Group and Amphibious Readiness Group Alpha participated in evacuating disaster victims. 16/28 June VFA-25 deployed aboard INDEPENDENCE for refresher training off the coast of Southern California (SOCAL). 10 July The President approved the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Commission (BRAC) proposal to close NAS Moffett Field, NAS Chase Field, and MCAS Tustin. 31 July The Senate voted to overturn a 43-year-old law that barred women from flying warplanes in combat. The measure permitted, but did not require, the armed forces to allow women to fly combat missions. 4/17 August INDEPENDENCE, with CVW-14 departed for Pearl Harbor.

12 San Diego on 14 September to begin the process of decommissioning after 45-years of service. INDEPENDENCE (top) and MIDWAY (bottom) at Pearl Harbor 7 September Following the annual Tail Hook Association convention at Los Vegas, accusations of sexual misconduct were alleged against a number of Navy and Marine aviators. 16 September VFA-25 leads the Air superiority Demonstration off San Diego for the NATO Chiefs of staff and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen Colin Powell. 27 September President George H. W. Bush announced a unilateral reduction in nuclear arms, including the withdrawal of all tactical nuclear weapons from Navy surface ships and land-based aircraft. CDR Donald B. FENNESSEY relieved CDR Gregory R. PEAIRS as Commanding Officer. 4 November Five Fist pilots perform at the opening of President Reagan s Library in Simi Valley, California. This is the first known occasion of five living presidents at the same place. 8 November USS LEXINGTON was officially decommissioned at NAS Pensacola. The ship had been commissioned in 1943 and she assumed training carrier duties in December The T-45A Goshawk made its first carrier landing aboard USS JOHN F. KENNEDY. December VFA-25 took delivery of its first new Lot XIV Hornet Commander in Chief = George H. W. Bush. 13 January The Secretary of the Navy directed the Navy and Marine Corps to integrate VMFA and VMAQ squadrons into Navy CVWs, in order to reduce the requirements for F-14s, F/A-18s, and EA-6Bs. 21 January The Naval Air Station Point Mugu was disestablished and Naval Weapons Station Point Mugu established the same day. 23 January The first production T-45A rolled out of the McDonnell Aircraft facility in St. Louis. 10 March The Department of Defense announced its plan for withdrawal from the Philippine Naval Facility at Subic Bay. A formal turnover of the facility was scheduled for December. 16/29 March VFA-25 deployed to Nellis AFB to support the USAF Fighter Weapons School, this time with the F-15 division. 21 March INDEPENDENCE, with CVW-5, departed Subic Bay, the last carrier scheduled to call at the base before its closure. 1 April CNO directed the remaining A-7 aircraft in the active inventory to be retired. The order was modified to retain 14 TA-7C and EA-7L aircraft to support various NAWC programs. 6 April Fist pilots visit with former President Reagan. He wanted to thank the pilots personally for their November 1991 fly-over. 1 May The first class of flight instructors for the TA-45A Goshawk began their training. 11/22 May VFA-25 joined CVW-14 at Roswell, New Mexico to participate in Operation Roving Sands. The Air Wing flew 60-plane strikes against the most sophisticated Air Defense system in the world, including Patriot and Hawk surface-to-air missiles.

13 8/19 June VFA-25 and VFA-113 returned to Nellis AFB for more work with the USAF Fighter Weapons School. VFA-25 also demonstrated their new NVG capability. 22 June VFA-25 flew several aggressor missions in the SOCAL area in support of the RIMPAC exercise. These missions ended on 22 July. 27 June VT-21 became the first training squadron to give flight instruction in the T-45A Goshawk. 20/22 July After several months of preparation, VFA-25 completed a flawless NTPI, involving special weapons. 24 July SARATOGA became the first carrier to conduct sustained flight operations in the Adriatic Sea. The amphibious ship IWO JIMA also deployed to that area. August VFA-25 received ten new lot XIV aircraft to become fully night strike and AMRAAM capable August Hurricane Andrew ravaged the Bahamas, Florida, and Louisiana. Naval aviation units were called into action to help relieve the suffering. Homestead AFB was also damaged. 25/27 August The Command Assessment Team completed their inspection of VFA-25, which earned 23 commendatory comments out of August Operation Southern Watch Persian Gulf allies began enforcing the ban on Iraqi planes from flying south of the 32 nd parallel. 26 August VFA-25 deployed aboard USS NIMITZ for carrier refresher training, which also gave several maintenance personnel their first look at at-sea operations. The squadron returned to Lemoore on 1 September. 6/19 Sept VFA-25, as part of CVW-14, took part in Cope Thunder Exercise, which included air units from Canada, Germany, and the USAF. 9 September Robert W. Stevenson, III passed-away during a night Close Air Support training mission. 11 September Hurricane Iniki devastated about 75% of Kauai. NAS Barbers Point and tenant commands provided volunteers and assisted local residents. 30 September Naval Base Subic Bay was turned over to the Philippine Government. 30 October NAS Cubi Point was disestablished. 3 November The Presidential Commission on the Assignment of Women in the Armed Forced recommended against allowing women to fly in combat, but for allowing women to serve in some combat ships. 5 November CDR Carlton A. SIMMONS, Jr. relieved CDR Donald B. FENNESSEY as Commanding Officer. 14 November LEXINGTON was officially turned over to the City of Corpus Christi and the memorial/museum ship was opened for public tours. 16/20 Nov VFA-25 completes a week of Total Quality Control Leadership training. When deployed aboard USS CARL VINSON, the Battle Group will be the first to utilize Total Quality Management. 4 December Captain Michael J. Wizard McCABE relieved Captain Patrick D. MONEYMAKER as CVW /6 December The squadron deployed again aboard NIMITZ for refresher carrier training. 7 December The Navy and McDonnell Douglas finalized the $3.715 billion development contract for the advanced F/A-18E/F aircraft. RANGER, diverted from the Persian Gulf, sailed off the coast of Somalia in support of Operation Restore Hope Commander in Chief - George H. W. Bush. No squadron history report was submitted for 1993.

14 1 January The squadron s 50 th birthday. 20 January William J. Clinton was sworn in as President and Commander in Chief. Clinton s father, William J. Blythe, died in an automobile accident. His mother remarried in 1950 and Bill adopted his abusive step-father s name. He was later a Rhodes Scholar at Oxford University and earned a Juries Doctor degree from Yale in Clinton was elected as Arkansas Attorney General in 1976, and then served three terms as Arkansas Governor. During his two terms as president he suffered through a sex scandal, impeachment (acquitted by the Senate), and several other accusations. 17 February The Aircraft Carrier Memorial, a 10-foot black obelisk honoring those who served aboard U.S. carriers was dedicated at NAS North Island. Aircraft Carrier Memorial, San Diego 12 April NATO officials in conjunction with the UN began the enforcement of a no-fly zone over Bosnia-Herzegovina, known as Operation Deny Flight. 28 April Secretary of Defense Les Aspin lifted the ban on combat flights for women and opened additional ships for women. 29 April Following the Secretary of Defense s actions, CNO Admiral Frank Kelso opened six enlisted Naval Aviation rating to women. 14 July Secretary of Defense Les Aspin approved an order directing US aircraft to deploy and join NATO s planned air support in the UN protection zone in Bosnia. Summer Bob Kison and Bill Eads, both pre-vietnam Fist pilots, hatched the idea of having a Fist of the Fleet reunion. 1 September The Clinton Administration unveiled a plan cutting the armed forces based on the Bush Administration s doctrine that the United States should be prepared to fight two simultaneous major regional conflicts and one low intensity conflict. 11 September The Navy s first super-carrier USS FORRESTAL was decommissioned at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard. 1 October The NAVCAD program was disestablished. It began as the V-5 program during WW-II and then became the V-12 program. It became the V-6 program in It was disestablished in 1969, but later reinstated in 1986 to train more pilots for the planned 600-ship fleet. The first phase of a Joint Primary Training Program began as five USAF aviators reported to NAS Whiting Field, while flight instructors from the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard reported to Randolph AFB for training.

15 15 October Secretary of the Navy John Dalton announced the consolidation of Aviation Officer Candidate School (AOCS) and Officer Candidate School (OCS) in Pensacola. This consolidation was projected to save about $1.9 million annually. 30 November President Clinton signed legislation lifting the ban on women serving on combat ships Commander in Chief - William J. Clinton. 1 January The Navy began training student aviators at NAS Kingsville using the new T-45 Goshawk trainer. 7 February CDR Joseph G. KLEEFISCH relived CDR Carlton A. SIMMONS, Jr. as Commanding Officer. 14 February USS CARL VINSON (CVN-70), with CVW-14, deployed overseas. The revised Air Wing consisted of VF-11 (F-14D), VF-31 (F-14D), VFA-113 (FA-18C), VFA-25 (FA-18C), VA- 196 (A-6), VAW-113 (E-2), HS-8 (SH-60/HH-60), VS-35(S-3B), and VQ-5 Det. (ES-3). USS CARL VINSON, circa February Lt. Shannon Workman became the first female pilot to complete fleet carrier qualification aboard DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER while assigned to VAQ March A T-45C, the first Navy training jet with a digital cockpit was flown by a test pilot at St. Louis. 8 April Naval Station Puget Sound (Everett) officially opened. May VFA-25 was awarded the Arleigh Burke Award for greatest improvement in overall combat readiness during CY The Arleigh Burke Award to a plaque presented to the ship or squadron on each coast with the greatest improvement in battle efficiency as demonstrated during competition. 9 June Captain Mark P. Lobster FITZGERALD relieved Captain Michael J. McCABE as CVW- Fourteen. 1 July An official ceremony marked the closing of NAS Moffett Field. Occupying 1,000 acres of land purchased for $1, the base was commissioned NAS Sunnyvale in 1931, but renamed in honor of Admiral William A. Moffett who died in the crash of the airship AKRON off the coast of New Jersey in After the airship MACON crashed in 1935 the base was transferred to the US Army, but reverted back to the Navy again in Airship hanger One covered 8 acres (300 x 1133 x 198 high). VA-25 (A-1H/J) was based at NAS Moffett from 28 September 1961 to 7 January Admiral William A. Moffett ( ) graduated with the Naval Academy class of 1890 and qualified as an Aerial Observer in He then became the Navy s first Chief of the Bureau of Aeronautics, and was a strong advocate for aviation and carrier aviation in particular. In 1925, he publicly denounced the views of Army Air Corps Colonel Billy Mitchell ( ) and testified during Mitchell s courts martial for insubordination. 31 July Lt. Kara Hultgreen made her qualifying landings in an F-14A on board CONSTELLATION off San Diego. She was assigned to VF-213.

16 15 August USS CARL VINSON, with CVW-14, returned to NAS Alameda. Upon returning to Lemoore, VFA-25 was ordered to stand-down and preserved their aircraft due to fiscal-year funding shortages. The squadron then responded to a short-fuse refunding and de-preserved their aircraft, all during the school, leave, and post-deployment stand-down period. 5 October The first aviator class to use the T-45 Training System received their wings and graduated from VT-21 at Kingsville. 20 October Lt. Hultgreen, the first woman F-14 pilot, was killed in a training accident trying to make a single-engine landing aboard ABRAHAM LINCOLN. 6 December The Spirit of Naval Aviation a monument dedicated to Navy Marine Corps and Coast Guard aviation personnel was unveiled at the Smithsonian s Air and Space Museum. The monument would be displayed at the Naval Aviation Museum at Pensacola. Spirit of Naval Aviation Monument at Pensacola Aviation Museum. L to R: WW-1 aviator, WW-2 aviator, Korean War aviator, and Vietnam War aviators. 6/16 Dec VFA-25 sent another detachment to Nellis AFB in support of the Fighter Weapons School. This time the training included pilots from Canada and Germany. 20 December Robert C. Osborne died at his home at age 90. He had drawn the cartoon Grandpaw Pettibone in Naval Aviation News for over 51 years. During WW-II he also created Dilbert the Pilot and Spoiler the Mechanic posters. In 1943, (then) Lt. Robert Osborn started drawing his Sage of Safety, Grandpaw Pettibone. Osborn retired at age 89, but a series of other Gramps have since kept the wisdom and wit flowing, most recently by Captain Ted Wilbur USN (retired). Ted is an artist extraordinaire, an ex-spad pilot and squadron-mate (VC-33) from many years ago. He and the author survived landing aboard the straight-deck USS Midway during the blackest of nights and other tribulations Commander in Chief = William J. Clinton. No squadron history report was submitted for 1995.

17 14 February An official ceremony was held to break ground for the Naval Air Technical Training Center on the historic Chevalier Field at NAS Pensacola. 30 August Aircraft from THEODORE ROOSEVELT, including F/A-18 Hornets attacked military targets in Bosnia during Operation Deliberate Force. 1/3 September Traveling to Hawaii on board USS CARL VINSON, President Clinton and the First Lady attended the 50th anniversary ceremonies of the end of WW-II. 29 November The F/A-18E Super Hornet made its first flight at St. Louis. 15 December Captain Hamlin B. Ham TALLENT relieved Captain Mark P. FITZGERALD as CVW Commander in Chief - William J. Clinton. 10 January During the weekend, the squadron sent a division to Fallon to escape the fog. These planes flew air-to-air training for a pilot undergoing his division lead syllabus. 16 January Conducted the Pre-deployment Material Condition Inspection (MCI) of all VFA-25 aircraft. 26 January The Squadron began FCLP at Lemoore in preparation for the upcoming sea period. 7/18 Feb VFA-25 flew aboard CARL VINSON to begin FLEETEX 96. The squadron flew a simulated mining exercise at Santa Cruz Island and fired Sparrow and Sidewinder missiles 29 February The squadron flew more FCLP at Lemoore. March VFA-25 upgraded its aircraft with XN-8 mission computers and O9C software. 9 March The squadron returned to VINSON for JTFEX, which focused on battle-group integration, defensive counter air, and armed surface reconnaissance. Simulated strikes were flown to China Lake, El Centro, and Yuma, with CVW 9 providing orange air opposition. Late March VFA-25 passed its Conventional Weapons Tactical Proficiency Inspection (CWTPI). 9 April VFA-25 sent two planes to Pt. Mugu in support of SLAM missile test and evaluation. 15/19 April VFA-25 was back aboard VINSON for proficiency carrier qualifications. 14 May CARL VINSON, with CVW-14 deployed overseas. This marked the final deployment from Alameda as the base prepared to close. 1 July After port calls in Japan and Singapore, VINSON entered the Arabian Gulf. July July 27/30 VFA-25 participated in Exercise RUGGED NAUTILUS that demonstrated inter-service capabilities in the gulf. VINSON, for the first time, a JFACC generated its theater-wide air tasking orders (ATO) while underway in the gulf. VINSON made a port call at Jebal Ali, UAE, but with only pier-side liberty. Three large circus tents provided a beer garden to escape the 130 heat. 29 July CDR Barry J. BROCATO relieved CDR R. L. WELSH as Commanding Officer. 3 September Operation DESERT STRIKE occurred, with VA-25 augmenting DCA coverage of theater allies and the VINSON. VFA-25 s daily flight schedule reflected a mix of battle group support activities, unit-level training, and Operation SOUTHERN WATCH (OSW) missions. 5/7 September After countless hours on the telephone and Internet, enough ex-fist pilots were rounded up to hold their first reunion at Reno, Nevada in conjunction with the Tail Hook Convention. Attendees were treated with a tour of NAS Fallon and some of the recent improvements. 1 October VINSON departed the Arabian Gulf, her pilots having completed the required 20-missions for an Air Medal. October VINSON made port visits to Hobart, Tasmania, and Pearl Harbor. The latter just long enough to board the Tiger Cruise personnel. VFA-25 hosted 60 dependents for the final leg to San Diego. 11/12 Nov CVW-14 flew off and CARL VINSON entered San Diego Harbor the next day.

18 The Fist flew over 4,900-hours with zero mishaps or serious injuries. Pilots averaged 93 landings each and maintenance personnel logged an incredible 98% sortie completion rate Commander in Chief - William J. Clinton. 8 January USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN changed her homeport from NS Bremerton to NS Puget Sound (Everett). 24 January VFA-25 sent eight aircraft to Tucson, Arizona to conduct non-similar air-to-air training with USAF F-16s. These planes and personnel returned on 6 February. 7/10 February The squadron made FLIR pod configuration changes to better use the sensors and deliver precision weapons on target. February VFA-25 spent a week supporting Air Wing Nine in the SOCAL area during their JFTX deployment. The last week of February involved FCLP at Lemoore and preparations for carrier qualifications. 6/9 March VFA-25 conducted carrier qualifications aboard LINCOLN while operating in SOCAL. 21 March VA-196 (A-6), a part of CVW-14 since 1967, was disestablished. Late March This period was used preparing for the upcoming NATOPS Evaluation. 31 March The squadron sent three aircraft to Pt. Mugu for SLAM missile training and weapon employment. These planes returned on 4 April. 9/11 April The squadron conducted its NATOPS Unit evaluation and scored the highest in years. 14/27 April VFA-25 journeyed to Roswell for the Roving Sands Operation. 25 April NAS Alameda was closed and sold to the City of Alameda for $108 million. The base was built on reclaimed land and originally acquired by the US Army Air Corps in In 1936, the base was turned over to the Navy and used extensively during WW-II and the Korean War. Although most of the carrier squadrons moved to NAS Miramar and NAS Lemoore prior to the Vietnam War, the base was still the homeport for several aircraft carriers. The Fist of the Fleet (as VT-17) was based at NAS Alameda for brief periods during WW-II and again during 1950 (as VA-65). It was the squadron s official homeport from September 1952 until September 1961 (as VA-65 and VA-25). 5/8 June Lemoore Airshow 9 June The base took a stand-down day for a complete FOD walk-down after the air show. 1/2 July The Battle Group Commander, Admiral Putnam, was in Lemoore for a Hornet ride and briefing on his Air Wing s capabilities. 8 July The squadron sent one Hornet to Miramar for a Sparrow missile shoot. The drone was acquired on radar and destroyed by Sparrow missile July The squadron was aboard LINCOLN for carrier qualifications July Ten pilots cross-decked to NIMITZ to support the CVW-9 surge exercise. 28 July The squadron attended the Lemoore SFWP SFARP ground school August The squadron deployed to Fallon for a successful SFARP, with our pilots completing 300 sorties in two weeks. 10/27 Sept The Air Wing, including VFA-25, was aboard LINCOLN for refresher operations. 4/7 October The squadron sent four Hornets to Hill AFB for dissimilar air-to-air training. 8/11 October CVW-14 conducted a ground school for the upcoming Fallon deployment. 12/31 October CVW-14 deployed to Fallon and a chance to polish its large force tactics and upgrade six strike leaders under training.

19 7 November CDR Patrick J. LORGE relieved CDR Barry J. BROCATO as Commanding Officer. 29 November CVW-14 deployed aboard LINCOLN for the COMPTUEX. The end of the exercise also marked the end of the first line period, with pilots averaging 20 landings apiece. The squadron was back at Lemoore on 3 December Commander in Chief - William J. Clinton. No squadron history report was submitted for /26 April The second squadron reunion was held at Pensacola Beach and the squadron sent four aircraft. Attendees were treated to a dizzy flying flick at the I-MAX Theater and a loving tour of Canasta May Pakistan conducted tests of two nuclear devices. 11 June USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN, with CVW-14 deployed overseas. The revised Air Wing consisted of VF-31 (F-14), VFA-115 (FA-18C), VFA-113 (FA-18C), VFA-25 (FA-18C), VAQ-139 (EA-6B), VAW-113 (E-2), HS-4 (SH-60/HH-6-), VS-35 (S-3B), VQ-5 Det. (ES- 3), and VRC-30 (C-2A). USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN, circa December ABRAHAM LINCOLN, with CVW-14 returned to San Diego to disembark her Air Wing Commander in Chief - William J. Clinton. 3/17 Feb VFA-25 joined CVW-14 at Fallon for integrated strike and air-to-air missions. 26/29 April VFA-25 boarded USS JOHN C STENNIS for carrier qualifications. 3/28 Sept VFA-25 deployed to Fallon, along with the other two Hornet squadrons, for SFARP. The workups culminated in coordinated strikes with air threats from TOPGUN. October FCLP occupied the squadron most of the month. 1/18 November VFA-25 embarked in LINCOLN for tailored ship training that included carrier qualification. This was followed by coordinated strikes at various ranges in California Commander in Chief - William J. Clinton. 21 January VFA-25 participated in COMPTUEX aboard ABRAHAM LINCOLN. CVW-14 flew coordinated strikes against ground targets at Yuma and Fallon, and air-to-air training against units from Lemoore. The squadron returned to Lemoore on 11 February. 18 March VFA-25 joined CVW-14 at Fallon for more air-to-ground and air-to-air training. The squadron returned to Lemoore on 7 April 16 May VFA-25 boarded LINCOLN for RIMPAC 2000 and carrier qualifications. LINCOLN steamed for Hawaiian waters for air operations, and then entered Pearl Harbor for a week of liberty.

20 This was followed by RIMPAC 2000, matching the Battle Group against the navies of several other countries. The squadron returned to Lemoore on 3 July. 20 May CDR Dan DIXON relieved CDR Peter MURPHY as Commanding Officer. 20 August LINCOLN, with CVW-14 (less VAQ-5 Det) deployed overseas. Before reaching Hong Kong, the first planned port visit, a typhoon forced the Battle Group south. Before reaching Phattya, Thailand, the next planned port visit, the Battle Group was directed to proceed directly to the Arabian Gulf, relieve GEORGE WASHINGTON. And assume the duties of Operation SOUTHERN WATCH. 22 September The Battle Group entered the Arabian Gulf and immediately began flight operations. 29 September LT Bruce Donald, and his plane NK 411 (BuNo ), were lost at sea. 12/14 October The third Fist of the Fleet reunion was held in San Diego. Attendees were treated to a Blue Angels airshow, with front row seats at MCAS Miramar. October The high tempo operations of OSW continued through October, and the bombing of USS COLE peaked security measures during the last quarter of VFA-25 pilots dropped several bombs on selected targets in Southern Iraq and continued to patrol the skies until the New Year Commander in Chief - William J. Clinton. 01/11 January USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN continued with Operation SOUTHERN WATCH, while steaming eastward. 12/16 January LINCOLN made a port visit to Perth, Australia. 18/25 January LINCOLN made a port visit to Hobart, Australia. 20 January George W. Bush was sworn in as President and Commander in Chief. The younger Bush earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from Yale University in In May 1968, he was commissioned in the Texas Air National Guard. After two years of active duty while training as a pilot, he was assigned to an F-106 squadron at Ellington AFB. In 1972 he drilled with the Alabama National Guard. He was discharged from the Air Force Reserve in November He began his studies for an MBA from Harvard in In 1994, Bush was elected Governor of Texas and was reelected in January LINCOLN departed Hobart and continued steaming eastward 8 February LINCOLN arrived at Pearl Harbor to board Tiger Cruise passengers and departed the next day. 12 February ABRAHAM LINCOLN, with CVW-14 returned to San Diego to disembark her Air Wing. March/April May 1/18 VFA-25 conducted local training in air-to-ground and air-to-air, the latter using Air National Guard F-16s from Fresno and local squadrons. VFA-25 deployed to Elmendorf AFB, Alaska to participate in air-to-air exercises with the USAF 12 th and 19 th Fighter squadrons. 07 September CDR Richard BUTLER relieved CDR Dan DIXON as Commanding Officer. 11 September Terrorists gained control of four commercial passenger jet aircraft. Two were crashed into the Twin-Towers in New York, while the third crashed into the Pentagon. The fourth crashed in a rural Pennsylvania field after passengers battled with the terrorists. 14/21 October VFA-25 deployed a detachment to Point Mugu for Operation NOBLE EAGLE. The remaining pilots were attending Strike Fighter Air Readiness Program (SFARP) ground school and participating in training missions related to this training. 09/26 October The Air Wing squadrons participated in SFARP at Fallon against adversary aircraft. 7 October United States forces entered Afghanistan in Operation Enduring Freedom to capture Osama bin Laden and the top leaders of Al-Qaeda and remove the Taliban from power.

21 30 October VFA-25 boarded ABRAHAM LINCOLN for Tailored Ships Training Assessment (TSTA). This exercise pitted CVW-14 aircraft defending against simulated adversaries from shorebased Marine and Navy squadrons. 13 November VFA-25 returned to NAS Lemoore after TSTA and conducting several self-escorted strikes at San Clemente Island Commander in Chief = George W. Bush. 17 January VFA-25 deployed aboard LINCOLN for a Comprehensive Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX), returning to Lemoore in 7 February. 24 February Air Wing 14 deployed to Fallon, returning on 22 March. 14 April Air Wing 14 deployed to Whidbey Island for carrier qualifications in preparations for Operation NORTHERN EDGE/JTFEX. LINCOLN operated for two-weeks off Alaska and two-weeks off southern California. 23 July ABRAHAM LINCOLN departed Puget Sound on 20 July for San Diego. Then she departed San Diego with CVW-14 for an overseas deployment. VFA-115 deployed with FA-18Es. 1-3 August LINCOLN made a port visit to Pearl Harbor, and then steamed for Sasebo. 16/19 August LINCOLN made a port visit to Sasebo. Before arriving, VFA-25 sent three aircraft to Kadena AFB to work with the USAF 44 th Fighter squadron. 23/27 August LINCOLN made a port visit to Hong Kong. 31 August LINCOLN made a port visit to Singapore, departing on 4 September. 13 September Air Wing 14 began flying Operation ENDURING FREEDOM (OEF) missions until 19 October, and then LINCOLN entered the Persian Gulf. 25/28 October LINCOLN made a port visit to Bahrain. 29 October Air Wing 14 began flying Operation Southern Watch (OSW) missions 4 December Air Wing 14 flew its last OSW mission. 6/10 December LINCOLN made a port visit to Bahrain. CDR Craig KAUBER relieved CDR Richard BUTLER as Commanding Officer. Dec LINCOLN made a port visit to Perth, Australia, and then planned a home-coming. During CY 2002, VFA-25 flew 3,233 sorties totaling 5,165 hours and accumulated 2,097 carrier landings Commander in Chief - George W. Bush. 1 January The squadron s 60 th birthday. 1 January The President ordered ABRAHAM LINCOLN to return to the Persian Gulf. LINCOLN anchored outside Freemantle to resurface her flight deck. During the following two weeks, VFA-25 conducted coordinated training with units of the Australian military at Pearce RAAF base. 17 January NK 403 ((BuNo ) departed the runway on landing rollout during the above training. 20 January LINCOLN departed for the Persian Gulf, arriving one-week later. Air Wing 14 conducted fight operations in support of OSW. 19 March Air Wing 14 began combat sorties in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. 20 March United States forces invaded Iraq in Operation Iraqi Freedom, the stated purpose of which was to disarm Iraq of Weapons of Mass Destruction, end Saddam Hussein s support of terrorists, and free the Iraqi people. 12 April VFA-25 ended combat operations, having flown a daily average of 20 sorties for a total of 272 sorties and 850 flight hours delivering more than 300,000 pounds of ordnance.

22 April LINCOLN made a one-day stop at Pearl Harbor before continuing homeward. 1 May President Bush flew aboard in an S-3 to join the ship s crew in a job well done as Air Wing 14 prepared to their fly-off on 2 May. 6 May ABRAHAM LINCOLN returned to Puget Sound. 5 September VFA-25 lost its second aircraft (NK 413 BuNo ) after landing 150 short due to a material failure while on a routine training exercise out of NAS Lemoore. 17 September VFA-25 departed for Fallon for three-weeks of training, including Strike Fighter Advanced Readiness Program (SFARP). The squadron returned to Lemoore on 11 October. 2/5 October The fourth squadron reunion was held at Virginia Beach. Attendees were treated to a demonstration of the new LSO simulator at NAS Oceana and the power of nature from the September 16 damage to the beach from Hurricane Ivan. The group decided to incorporate and Bob Kison and Dennis Metzler took on the assignment. 3/21 November VFA-25 embarked in USS John C. STENNIS as she conducted Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPUTEX) involving a series of challenging battle scenarios. 15 December Saddam Hussein was captured. During CY 2003, VFA-25 flew 2,332 sorties totaling 3,715 hours and accumulated 1,232 carrier landings Commander in Chief - George W. Bush. 12 January The squadron deployed to Fallon, returning on 6 February. 24 March The squadron embarked in JOHN C. STENNIS for JTFEX, returning on 10 April. 26 March The reunion group became the Fist of the Fleet Association after incorporation papers were filed with the State of California. The IRS granted a 501 (x) (19) non-profit status on 12 May. 24 May STENNIS, with CVW-14 and VFA-25 departed on an overseas deployment. USS JOHN C. STENNIS, circa June STENNIS steamed north for a joint exercise off the Coast of Alaska that included a 3-day VFA-25 detachment to Eielson AFB, near Fairbanks. 18 June STENNIS made a five-day port visit to Victoria, B.C., departing on 22 June and headed for Pearl Harbor. 19 June STENNIS arrived in Pearl Harbor. Between port visits to Pearl Harbor, the ship and CVW-14 participated in Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise with naval vessels for eight other countries. 26 July STENNIS departed Pearl Harbor and steamed towards Sasebo, arriving on 15 August for a five-day port visit. 20 August STENNIS departed Sasebo and headed south. 27 August STENNIS arrived in Malaysia for a port visit, departing on 1 September. After leaving port, two VFA-25 pilot conducted Air Combat training with MAF Mig-29s.

23 2005 Commander in Chief - George W. Bush. No squadron history report is available. 31 March VS-35, a part of CVW-14 since 1994, was disestablished. VFA-25 Hornet near touchdown. 8/10 September The FOF Association held the fifth reunion and first membership meeting at Reno in conjunction with the Tail Hook Convention. Attendees were treated with a delightful lunch at the NAS Fallon Club with members of the active duty squadron that were on deployment to Fallon January VFA-25, with 10 F/A-18C aircraft 15 pilots, deployed on USS RONALD REAGAN (CVN 76) with CVW-14 (less VS-35) for the ship s maiden overseas deployment. VFA-22 (FA-18E) replaced VF-31 in the CVW-14 lineup. VFA-25 Hornet catapult shot from the angle. Late February Early June Following port visits to Brisbane (first ever for a CVN) and Singapore, REAGAN took station in the North Arabian Gulf in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. For three months of on station time VFA-25 flew hundreds of missions and thousands of hours in intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions, and tracking and close air support missions as essential elements of the larger coalition air support. VFA-25 had an impressive 97 percent combat sortie completion rate as well as the successful expenditure of 100% of ordnance called for by Ground Forward Air Controllers (GFAC). This ordnance expended represented 75% of all ordnance expended by CVW-14, marking VFA-25 as representing the highest standards of naval aviation. Port visits to Kalang, Malaysia, and Hong Kong. 14 June CDR Stephen Thompson assumed command June VFA-25 flew missions in the first-ever three carrier strike group Joint Exercise Valiant Shield. 12 July RONALD REAGAN, with CVW-14, returned to San Diego. November The Fist prepared for a first-ever Carrier Strike Group Sustainment deployment. As part of CVW-14 and CSG-7, VFA-25 deployed on REAGAN once again to test strike group operations and maintain deployable readiness standards, returning to NAS Lemoore in time for Thanksgiving.

24 January VFA-25 began 2007 deploying aboard RONALD REAGAN (CVN 76) with CVW-14 as part of Carrier Strike Group SEVEN (CSG 7). During the three-month deployment, CSG 7 made port calls in Sasebo (Japan), Hong Kong (China), Pusan (South Korea) and Hawaii. The squadron took part in two joint operations that were highlights of the surge deployment. In early March, CVW-14 did joint training with Air Force F-15 s and F-22 s operating from Kadena AB, Japan. In late March, CSG-7 participated in Foal Eagle, a joint, multi-national exercise hosted by South Korea, and included elements from every branch of the armed forces. 20 April RONALD REAGAN, with CVW-14 returned to San Diego. August Sept/Oct Nov A VFA-25 detachment deployed to Klamath Falls, OR, to participate in Exercise Sentry Eagle with the Oregon Air National Guard. Strike Fighter Advanced Readiness Program (SFARP) in Lemoore/Fallon. Squadron re-embarked on REAGAN for Tailored Ships Training Availability (TSTA). 9/11 November The FOF Association held the sixth reunion at Pensacola Beach, next to a concrete slab that was the location of the second reunion, a victim of Hurricane Dennis on July Attendees were treated to the Blue Angels homecoming air show and Sherman Field open house March/April Workups on USS RONALD REAGAN (CVN 76). 19 May Deployed with CVW-14 on RONALD REAGAN. June/July/Aug. Port visits to Hong Kong, Guam, Pusan, Sasebo, Port Kulang, Malaysia. Aug.-Oct. Combat operations in support of Command FIFTH FLEET and Operation Enduring Freedom; port visit to Dubai, UAE. Oct./Nov. Exercise MALABAR 2008, Singapore port visit. 24 November Returned to NAS Lemoore. USS RONALD REAGAN, circa 2008

25 May Embarked in REAGAN for another WESTPAC/Arabian Gulf deployment June Singapore port visit 4 July-16 Sept. Combat operations in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM August Dubai, UAE, port visit 21 October Returned to NAS Lemoore 23/25 October The FOF Association held the seventh reunion at San Diego. Attendees were treated to a tour of USS Midway Museum. A special guest was Margret Bartlett, of San Diego, the daughter of the Squadron s first skipper, Frank Whitaker March April Air-to-air missile shoot. CDR Robert Westendorff relieved CDR J.J. Mann as CO of the Fist. May VFA-25, along with VFA-113 and VFA-22, transitioned to Carrier Air Wing 17. Aug/Sept. Nov./Dec. Embarked on USS CARL VINSON (CVN 70) for TSTA. Embarked on VINSON just after Thanksgiving for final workups in SOCAL and Hawaii OpAreas and start of the Westpac deployment. VFA-25 won the top hook award for TSTA and COMPTUEX January Feb./March March/April May/June VFA-25 began the year embarked on CARL VINSON (CVN 70) as an element of CVW-17 with 15 F/A-18C Hornets, 15 pilots, 6 other officers, 15 CPOs, and 162 enlisted. The transit to 5 th Fleet AOR included operations off of Korea, and port visits to Pusan, Korea, and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Combat operations over Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF); detachments to Bahrain, Oman, and Qatar for training with foreign air forces; port visit to Jebel Ali, UAE. Combat operations over Iraq in support of Operation New Dawn, followed by combat operations over Afghanistan in support of OEF. During this second line period, the squadron flew 325 combat sorties with a 100% sortie completion rate. Return transit with port calls in Manila and Hong Kong. The squadron returned to NAS Lemoore on 14 June.