VFA-146
| Strike Fighter Squadron 146 (VFA-146) | |
|---|---|
VFA-146 Insignia
|
|
| Active | 1 February 1956 - present |
| Country | United States of America |
| Branch |  United States Navy |
| Type | Fighter/Attack |
| Part of | Carrier Air Wing Eleven |
| Garrison/HQ | Naval Air Station Lemoore |
| Nickname(s) | "Blue Diamonds" |
| Equipment | F/A-18 Hornet |
| Engagements |
Vietnam War Iranian Hostage Crisis Gulf War Operation Southern Watch Operation Enduring Freedom |
| Decorations |
Presidential Unit Citation Captain Michael J. Estocin Award Rear Admiral Clarence Wade McClusky Award Scott F. Kirby Award |
| Commanders | |
| Current commander |
John Turner |
| Aircraft flown | |
| Attack |
A-4 Skyhawk A-7 Corsair II |
| Fighter |
F9F Cougar FJ-4B Fury F/A-18 Hornet F/A-18E Super Hornet |
Strike Fighter Squadron 146 (VFA-146) also known as the "Blue Diamonds" is a United States Navy operational fleet strike fighter squadron based at Naval Air Station Lemoore California. They fly the F/A-18E Super Hornet and are attached to Carrier Air Wing 11 (CVW 11), deployed aboard USS Nimitz. Their tailcode is NH and their radio callsign is Diamond.
The first insignia for VA-146 was approved by CNO on 23 November 1956, consisting of two concentric circles, a yellow mach wave symbol and a yellow globe showing North and South America. The first nickname the squadron reported to have used was Blacktails. This name was in reference to the black color assigned to the squadron’s position in the air group. The nickname Blue Diamonds was adopted by the squadron sometime in the late 1950s. In 1968 the squadron elected to simplify their insignia and bring it in concert with their nickname. Their current insignia was revised and approved on 29 August 1968.
On 1 February 1956 Attack Squadron 146 (VA-146) became the Navy's newest jet attack squadron at NAS Miramar. Since there were no fleet replacement squadrons at this time, VA-146 started with only a handful of aircraft and began an "in-house" training regime in various models of the F9F Cougar. Their first deployment was aboard USS Hornet in 1957. In September 1957, the squadron transitioned to the FJ-4B Fury, deploying twice aboard USS Ranger prior to 1960.
On 17 January 1960, VA-146 Furys participated in a coast to coast non-stop cross country flight.
The squadron deployed Furys aboard USS Oriskany and USS Lexington.
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