Over 3,064,780 active members

Opening unit directory

Building the branch units surface

Loading unit filters, rankings, and the branch unit grid.

Overview

Members

Units

Opening branch overview

Building the branch home surface

Loading branch highlights, featured unit context, and gallery moments.

Overview

Members

Units

VFA-131

U.S. Navy•12 members

VFA-131 Homepage Photos Posts Members

Did you serve with the VFA-131?

Find familiar faces
Explore unit photos
Share your photos

New to VetFriends?

Create a free account to explore unit members and photos, and reconnect with people you served with.

Create a free account

Already a member? Log in

About this Unit

VFA-131

U.S. Navy

Strike Fighter Squadron 131 (VFA-131), known as the "Wildcats," was established on October 2, 1983. The squadron initially flew the F/A-18A Hornet and became operational at NAS Lemoore before moving to NAS Cecil Field and later NAS Oceana. VFA-131 participated in major operations including Operation Desert Storm, Operation Southern Watch, and Operation Enduring Freedom, conducting strike, escort, and close air support missions. Over its history, the Wildcats have been recognized for their combat performance and have played a vital role in U.S. Navy carrier air wing deployments worldwide.

About VFA-131

About this Unit

Historical Facts

Establishment: Strike Fighter Squadron 131 (VFA-131), also known as the "Wildcats," was established on October 3, 1983, at Naval Air Station Lemoore, California.
Nickname Origin: The squadron’s nickname, "Wildcats," honors the Grumman F4F Wildcat, a famous American fighter aircraft from World War II.
First Aircraft: VFA-131 initially flew the F/A-18A Hornet, becoming one of the first Navy squadrons to operate this multi-role fighter.
Combat Debut: The squadron saw its first combat action in April 1986 during Operation El Dorado Canyon, the U.S. air strikes against Libya.
Operation Desert Storm: VFA-131 participated in Operation Desert Storm in 1991, flying over 500 sorties and delivering more than 800,000 pounds of ordnance.
Carrier Assignments: The Wildcats have deployed aboard several aircraft carriers, including USS Coral Sea (CV-43), USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69), and USS George Washington (CVN-73).
Global Deployments: VFA-131 has conducted operations in the Mediterranean, Persian Gulf, Indian Ocean, and North Atlantic, contributing to multiple international exercises.
Transition to F/A-18C: In the 1990s, the squadron transitioned to the upgraded F/A-18C Hornet, enhancing its combat capabilities.
Flight Demonstrations: The Wildcats have performed aerial demonstrations for dignitaries, including heads of state and international military leaders.
Modern Operations: VFA-131 continues to serve with distinction, participating in recent operations such as Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Inherent Resolve, supporting U.S. and allied forces worldwide.

Opening unit directory

Building the branch units surface

Loading unit filters, rankings, and the branch unit grid.

Overview

Members

Units

VFA-131

U.S. Navy•12 members

VFA-131 Homepage Photos Posts Members

Did you serve with the VFA-131?

Find familiar faces
Explore unit photos
Share your photos

New to VetFriends?

Create a free account to explore unit members and photos, and reconnect with people you served with.

Create a free account

Already a member? Log in

About this Unit

VFA-131

U.S. Navy

Unit members

Harold Hauber

U.S. Navy Military Retiree · 1976 - 2003

Message View Profile

Daniel Jenkins

U.S. Navy Veteran · 2005 - 2007

Message View Profile

Richard Bolden

U.S. Navy Veteran · 1992 - 1996

Message View Profile

Auroura Kidd

U.S. Navy Active Duty · 2025 - Present

Message View Profile

View all members

Navy photos

Somewhere in Kuwait near the Iraqi border

Siezed Soviet/Iraqi Tank that was abandoned

View all photos

About VFA-131

About this Unit

Historical Facts

Establishment: Strike Fighter Squadron 131 (VFA-131), also known as the "Wildcats," was established on October 3, 1983, at Naval Air Station Lemoore, California.
Nickname Origin: The squadron’s nickname, "Wildcats," honors the Grumman F4F Wildcat, a famous American fighter aircraft from World War II.
First Aircraft: VFA-131 initially flew the F/A-18A Hornet, becoming one of the first Navy squadrons to operate this multi-role fighter.
Combat Debut: The squadron saw its first combat action in April 1986 during Operation El Dorado Canyon, the U.S. air strikes against Libya.
Operation Desert Storm: VFA-131 participated in Operation Desert Storm in 1991, flying over 500 sorties and delivering more than 800,000 pounds of ordnance.
Carrier Assignments: The Wildcats have deployed aboard several aircraft carriers, including USS Coral Sea (CV-43), USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69), and USS George Washington (CVN-73).
Global Deployments: VFA-131 has conducted operations in the Mediterranean, Persian Gulf, Indian Ocean, and North Atlantic, contributing to multiple international exercises.
Transition to F/A-18C: In the 1990s, the squadron transitioned to the upgraded F/A-18C Hornet, enhancing its combat capabilities.
Flight Demonstrations: The Wildcats have performed aerial demonstrations for dignitaries, including heads of state and international military leaders.
Modern Operations: VFA-131 continues to serve with distinction, participating in recent operations such as Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Inherent Resolve, supporting U.S. and allied forces worldwide.