Established in 1955 as VF-102 at NAS Cecil Field, Florida, the DIAMONDBACKS began their journey flying the F2H-4 Banshee, training in gunnery, bombing, nuclear weapons delivery, and high-altitude intercepts. Their first deployment was aboard USS RANDOLPH (CV-15), where each pilot achieved an impressive 200 arrested landings. After this cruise, the squadron transitioned to the F4D-1 Skyray and deployed to the Mediterranean aboard USS FORRESTAL (CV-59). By the end of the 1950s, VF-102 had relocated to NAS Oceana, Virginia, in preparation for future operations.

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The 1960s began with two more Mediterranean cruises on FORRESTAL and a transition to the F-4A Phantom II, the Navy’s premier fighter at the time. VF-102 would go on to complete five additional Mediterranean cruises aboard USS AMERICA (CV-66) and USS ENTERPRISE (CVN-65), eventually upgrading to the F-4J Phantom II in 1967. The squadron participated in critical operations including the 1961 Cuban Missile Crisis blockade, a 1964 global circumnavigation demonstrating American naval power, and a 1968 combat deployment to Yankee Station during the Vietnam War.

 

In the 1970s, VF-102 supported NATO exercises with British, French, and Italian forces, including cross-deck operations aboard HMS ARK ROYAL. The squadron flew during the Yom Kippur War and earned Carrier Air Wing SEVEN’s Squadron of the Year award. Later in the decade, VF-102 joined Carrier Air Wing SIX aboard USS INDEPENDENCE (CV-62).

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In 1980, VF-102 flew its final F-4J Phantom II patrol, operating from Gonzo Station during the Iranian hostage crisis and monitoring tensions in the eastern Mediterranean. Upon returning to Oceana, the DIAMONDBACKS transitioned to the F-14 Tomcat, beginning the longest aircraft tenure in the squadron's history. In 1986, VF-102 flew combat missions during Operation EL DORADO CANYON, escorting F-111 bombers across the Gulf of Sidra into Libya. In 1989, they provided air superiority during the Beirut embassy evacuation, marking the beginning of multiple deployments centered on Middle East operations.

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With the onset of the Gulf War in 1990, the DIAMONDBACKS were rapidly deployed to support Operation DESERT SHIELD and, later, DESERT STORM. VF-102 flew over 1,400 combat hours, executing missions such as SCUD hunts, strike escort, and high-value unit protection. They continued combat operations in the region until returning in April 1991. In 1993, VF-102 enforced the no-fly zone over Bosnia and supported UN operations in Somalia during Operation RESTORE HOPE, followed by Operation SOUTHERN WATCH in the Persian Gulf. Upon returning, they transitioned to the F-14B, equipped with more powerful GE F110 engines.

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By 1995, VF-102 led the way in expanding the F-14’s strike role. They became the first Tomcat squadron to complete the air-to-ground Strike Fighter Advanced Readiness Program (SFARP) and the Navy’s first Forward Air Controller (Airborne) course. Between 1995 and 1999, they executed combat sorties in support of Operations SOUTHERN WATCH and DELIBERATE FORCE, proving the F-14’s capability as a multirole platform.

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Entering the 2000s, VF-102 modernized both in aircraft and personnel. The squadron’s Tomcats received digital flight controls, and VF-102 welcomed its first female aviator. Work-ups in 2001 prepared the DIAMONDBACKS for deployment with Carrier Air Wing ONE aboard USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (CVN-71). Following the September 11 attacks, they immediately deployed to the Gulf of Oman for Operation ENDURING FREEDOM, flying strike and FAC(A) missions. Notably, on September 17, 2001, DIAMONDBACK aircrew supported special operations near Tarin Kowt, Afghanistan, helping secure the area for future Afghan President Hamid Karzai. For their actions, the pilot and RIO received the Distinguished Flying Cross. By the end of the deployment, VF-102 had flown 3,346 combat hours, dropped 645 munitions, and spent 153 consecutive days at sea.

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After returning home, the squadron transitioned to the F/A-18F Super Hornet and was re-designated as VFA-102. They relocated from NAS Oceana to NAS Lemoore, conducted work-ups at NAF Key West and NAS Fallon, and trained 22 new aircrew in advanced strike tactics. In November 2003, VFA-102 executed a trans-Pacific deployment and changed homeport to NAF Atsugi, becoming the Navy’s first forward-deployed Super Hornet squadron.

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For the next 18 years, VFA-102 played a key role in U.S. presence and partnerships throughout the western Pacific. Initially operating from USS KITTY HAWK (CV-63), the DIAMONDBACKS conducted annual deployments and participated in multinational exercises such as KEEN SWORD, TALISMAN SABRE, and VALIANT SHIELD. They also contributed to humanitarian missions, including Operation DAMAYAN in 2013, which provided disaster relief in the Philippines after Typhoon Haiyan.

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In 2018, VFA-102 shifted homeports to Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, where they continue to operate alongside Marine forces in the region. Though the aircraft, homeports, and personnel have evolved, the DIAMONDBACKS’ mission remains steadfast: to project power, ensure readiness, and promote stability across the Pacific through strength, cooperation, and presence.

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Our version of the US Navy Fighter Attack Squadron artwork, used in the F/A-18c Hornet livery: