Over the years, the Tomcatters and their predecessor squadrons have served aboard many of the U.S. Navy’s most storied aircraft carriers, including USS Langley (CV-1), USS Lexington (CV-2), and USS Enterprise (CV-6). In 1980, VF-31 and USS Saratoga (CV-60) concluded a remarkable 24-year partnership—the longest continuous squadron-ship assignment in naval history. Since then, the Tomcatters have deployed aboard USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70), USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72), USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74), USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71), and USS George H. W. Bush (CVN-77).

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Renowned for their tactical excellence, the Tomcatters have participated in every major U.S. conflict since their inception. The squadron was aboard the USS Enterprise during the attack on Pearl Harbor and went on to fight in key battles such as Wake Island, Marcus Island, Coral Sea, Midway, Guadalcanal, and the Eastern Solomons. They also engaged in aerial combat over the Philippines, Formosa, Okinawa, and China. In 1972, during the Vietnam War, flying the F-4J Phantom, CDR Sam "Speed" Flynn and LTJG Bill “Goat” John shot down a MiG-21 over North Vietnam. This feat made VF-31 the only Navy fighter squadron with air-to-air victories in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. Over time, the Tomcatters have engaged in combat across nearly every theater of operations and numerous regional conflicts worldwide.

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In late 1996, VF-31 returned from a Western Pacific deployment aboard USS Carl Vinson in support of Operations Southern Watch and Desert Strike over the Arabian Gulf and southern Iraq. Two years later, they deployed again on USS Abraham Lincoln, once again supporting Southern Watch.

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Following the September 11 attacks, the squadron deployed aboard USS Abraham Lincoln in July 2002, flying combat missions over Afghanistan for Operation Enduring Freedom and continuing operations over Iraq under Southern Watch. Shortly after returning, VF-31 and its battle group redeployed on January 1, 2003, to prepare for the launch of Operation Iraqi Freedom. From the opening night over Baghdad to the final day of major combat, VF-31 played a crucial role, delivering over 230,000 pounds of ordnance.

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In September 2005, VF-31 made history again by embarking on the final Tomcat cruise with Carrier Air Wing Eight aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt. Upon return, the squadron transitioned to the F/A-18E Super Hornet and was redesignated Strike Fighter Squadron THREE ONE (VFA-31).

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VFA-31's first deployment with the Super Hornet came in 2008 aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt, flying over 6,000 hours and completing 2,000 sorties in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Utilizing advanced weapons and cutting-edge technology, the squadron achieved a 100% target destruction rate, employing 31 precision-guided munitions.

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Most recently, VFA-31 supported Operations Enduring Freedom and New Dawn during the maiden deployment of USS George H. W. Bush (CVN-77). The Tomcatters flew over 2,000 sorties and delivered more than 13,000 pounds of precision-guided munitions—once again achieving a perfect strike rate.

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With a legacy of excellence spanning nearly a century, the Tomcatters continue to stand as one of the Navy’s most decorated and capable squadrons. 

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