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VF-151

U.S. Navy•17 members

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About this Unit

VF-151

U.S. Navy

VF-151, originally established as VF-23 in 1948 and redesignated VF-151 in 1960, was a distinguished US Navy fighter squadron. Known as the "Vigilantes," the unit flew a variety of aircraft over its history, including the F-4 Phantom II and later the F-14 Tomcat. VF-151 saw extensive combat during the Vietnam War, conducting air-to-air and strike missions from carriers such as USS Coral Sea and USS Midway. The squadron remained active in the Western Pacific until its disestablishment in 1993, leaving a legacy of operational excellence and service.

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Historical Facts

Origins as VF-23: VF-151 was originally established as VF-23 on August 6, 1948. It was redesignated as VF-151 on February 23, 1959.
Korean War Service: The squadron participated in combat operations during the Korean War, providing air support and flying F4U Corsairs.
Vietnam War Deployments: VF-151 was heavily involved in the Vietnam War, flying F-4 Phantom IIs from USS Coral Sea (CV-43) and USS Midway (CV-41), and participating in major operations including "Rolling Thunder."
First MiG Kill: On May 6, 1972, VF-151 achieved its first MiG kill, downing a North Vietnamese MiG-17 with an AIM-9 Sidewinder missile.
Nickname "Vigilantes": The squadron was known as the "Vigilantes," a reference to their alertness and readiness.
Transition to F-14 Tomcat: In 1986, VF-151 transitioned from the F-4 Phantom II to the F-14A Tomcat, greatly enhancing its capabilities.
Operation Desert Storm: VF-151 participated in Operation Desert Storm in 1991, flying combat air patrol and escort missions aboard USS Midway (CV-41).
Home Base in Japan: VF-151 was one of the few U.S. Navy fighter squadrons permanently forward-deployed to Naval Air Facility Atsugi, Japan, as part of Carrier Air Wing Five (CVW-5).
Final Aircraft Transition: In 1991, VF-151 was redesignated as VFA-151 and transitioned to the F/A-18A Hornet, reflecting a shift to a strike fighter role.
Longstanding Service: The squadron (as both VF-151 and later VFA-151) remains one of the longest continually operating squadrons in the U.S. Navy, with a distinguished record spanning more than 70 years.

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VF-151

U.S. Navy•17 members

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About this Unit

VF-151

U.S. Navy

Unit members

Bill Taylor

U.S. Navy Veteran · 1972 - 1975

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Eugene Slater

U.S. Navy · 1994 - 2003

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THOMAS GEORGE

U.S. Navy Veteran · 1969 - 1971

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William Brock

U.S. Navy · 1972 - 1978

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Navy photos

Somewhere in Kuwait near the Iraqi border

Siezed Soviet/Iraqi Tank that was abandoned

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About VF-151

About this Unit

Historical Facts

Origins as VF-23: VF-151 was originally established as VF-23 on August 6, 1948. It was redesignated as VF-151 on February 23, 1959.
Korean War Service: The squadron participated in combat operations during the Korean War, providing air support and flying F4U Corsairs.
Vietnam War Deployments: VF-151 was heavily involved in the Vietnam War, flying F-4 Phantom IIs from USS Coral Sea (CV-43) and USS Midway (CV-41), and participating in major operations including "Rolling Thunder."
First MiG Kill: On May 6, 1972, VF-151 achieved its first MiG kill, downing a North Vietnamese MiG-17 with an AIM-9 Sidewinder missile.
Nickname "Vigilantes": The squadron was known as the "Vigilantes," a reference to their alertness and readiness.
Transition to F-14 Tomcat: In 1986, VF-151 transitioned from the F-4 Phantom II to the F-14A Tomcat, greatly enhancing its capabilities.
Operation Desert Storm: VF-151 participated in Operation Desert Storm in 1991, flying combat air patrol and escort missions aboard USS Midway (CV-41).
Home Base in Japan: VF-151 was one of the few U.S. Navy fighter squadrons permanently forward-deployed to Naval Air Facility Atsugi, Japan, as part of Carrier Air Wing Five (CVW-5).
Final Aircraft Transition: In 1991, VF-151 was redesignated as VFA-151 and transitioned to the F/A-18A Hornet, reflecting a shift to a strike fighter role.
Longstanding Service: The squadron (as both VF-151 and later VFA-151) remains one of the longest continually operating squadrons in the U.S. Navy, with a distinguished record spanning more than 70 years.