VF-213 Blacklions

in bluish black.

History

In 1961, the Blacklions moved to NAS Miramar, known as "Fightertown USA." In 1964, the Blacklions began switching to F-4 Phantoms. With their new F-4s, in 1965 the Blacklions began their first of six combat deployments to Southeast Asia aboard the USS Kitty Hawk. Over those deployments, the Blacklions flew more than 11,500 combat missions and delivered 6,000 tons of ordnance.

In 1976, the Blacklions began flying the F-14A Tomcat. In 1982 the squadron began training with tactical reconnaisance equipment. That year, they deployed on the USS Enterprise on the Indian Ocean.

In 1988, the Blacklions were in the Persian Gulf and Straits of Hormuz ensuring the safe transit of reflagged tankers. The squadron also saw action in Operation Praying Mantis during the naval conflict with Iran.

In 1991, the Blacklions took part in Operation Desert Storm. They flew day and night combat patrols over Kuwait and enforced the United Nations sanctions on Iraq, including flying reconnaisance missions to record the devastation wrought upon Kuwaiti oil fields.

The squadron participated in Operation Southern Watch over Iraq and Operation Restore Hope in Somalia in 1993. Upon their return to "Fightertown," the Blacklions began to prepare for their next deployment, again in support of Operation Southern Watch.

In 1995, air crew from a Blacklions F-14 bailed out 800 miles west of Guam and were recovered safely. The crew had been on routine maneuvers while their carrier battle group was returning to America from a six-month deployment.

In the late 1990's, the Blacklions were invited by the U.S. Air Force to provide training support to their F-15 Strike Eagle Weapons School, similar to the Navy's Top Gun school. The Blacklions flew as simulated bandits, or "Red Air." Many of the missions were at night.