The squadron’s original insignia—a blue-helmeted knight with a white shield—was approved by the Chief of Naval Operations on August 9, 1949. That same year, the unit adopted the nickname “Flashers.” In 1955, a new insignia was introduced, and in 1959 the squadron was renamed the “Vigilantes,” reflecting its commitment to 24/7 combat readiness.

​

Established as VF-23 in 1948 at NAS Oceana, VA, the squadron operated F4U-5 Corsairs and F6F-5P Hellcats as part of Carrier Air Group TWO aboard USS Coral Sea (CVB 43). In 1949, VF-23 deployed to the Mediterranean, flying Corsairs exclusively.

​

Relocating to NAS Alameda, CA in 1950, the squadron began the first of three Korean War deployments. VF-23 flew combat missions from USS Boxer (CV 21) during the Inchon landings. Transitioning to jets, the squadron flew F9F-2 Panthers from USS Princeton (CV 37) and F2H-3 Banshees from USS Essex (CV 9). They supported operations near Dien Bien Phu in 1954 and flew missions during the 1958 Taiwan Strait Crisis from USS Yorktown (CV 10). In 1959, flying F3H-2 Demons, the squadron was redesignated VF-151 and joined Carrier Air Group FIFTEEN.

Now based at NAS Miramar, VF-151 flew F3H-2 Demons on three deployments aboard USS Coral Sea. Transitioning to F-4B Phantoms in 1964, the Vigilantes began their Vietnam War operations. From 1965 to 1973, they completed seven deployments, flying thousands of sorties during major operations like ROLLING THUNDER and LINEBACKER I. Their Commanding Officer, CDR Gillespie, was captured in 1967 and held as a POW until 1973.

​

After Vietnam, VF-151 moved to NAF Atsugi, Japan in 1973. They supported Operation FREQUENT WIND in 1975 and flew in response to tensions on the Korean Peninsula in 1976. The squadron transitioned to F-4J Phantoms in 1977 and conducted Indian Ocean operations during the Iranian Hostage Crisis in 1979–1980.

In 1986, VF-151 flew the last Phantom II carrier launch before transitioning to the F/A-18 Hornet and redesignating as VFA-151. They returned to Atsugi and supported the 1988 Olympics in the Sea of Japan. During DESERT SHIELD and DESERT STORM, the Vigilantes dropped over 817,000 pounds of ordnance. By 1993, they had transitioned to the F/A-18C Hornet and supported Operation SOUTHERN WATCH over Iraq.

In 2001 and again in 2002, VFA-151 deployed aboard USS Constellation (CV 64), receiving the Battle "E" Award. After Constellation's decommissioning, the squadron joined USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). In 2004, they supported tsunami relief during Operation UNIFIED ASSISTANCE. During a 2008 deployment, they flew nearly 1,800 sorties supporting ENDURING FREEDOM and IRAQI FREEDOM.

VFA-151 continued deployments aboard USS Abraham Lincoln, supporting Operations NEW DAWN and ENDURING FREEDOM in 2010 and 2011. They transitioned to the F/A-18E Super Hornet in 2013 and joined Carrier Air Wing Nine. In 2016, they participated in the Rim of the Pacific Exercise. Their 2018–2019 world deployment included combat operations supporting FREEDOM’S SENTINEL, INHERENT RESOLVE, and DELIBERATE RESOLVE, with over 40,000 pounds of ordnance delivered in support of coalition efforts.

Throughout its history, VFA-151 has earned numerous commendations, including 8 Armed Forces Expeditionary Medals, 5 Battle “E” Awards, 6 Safety “S” Awards, 6 Navy Unit Commendations, 7 Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citations and 1 Presidential Unit Citation.

​​

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