VFA-2
| Strike Fighter Squadron Two | |
|---|---|
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VFA-2 Insignia
|
|
| Active | 1 October 1972 - present |
| Country | United States of America |
| Branch |  United States Navy |
| Type | Fighter/Attack |
| Role |
Close air support Air interdiction Aerial reconnaissance |
| Part of | Carrier Air Wing 2 |
| Garrison/HQ | Naval Air Station Lemoore |
| Nickname(s) | "Bounty Hunters" |
| Colors | Red, white, blue |
| Equipment | F/A-18F Super Hornet |
| Engagements |
Operation Frequent Wind Iranian Hostage Crisis Gulf War Operation Southern Watch Operation Enduring Freedom Operation Iraq War Operation Unified Assistance |
| Decorations | Battle Efficiency "E" |
| Commanders | |
| Current commander |
Commander Shawn C. Kirlin |
| Aircraft flown | |
| Fighter |
F-14 Tomcat F/A-18F Super Hornet |
Strike Fighter Squadron 2 (VFA-2) also known as the "Bounty Hunters" is a United States Navy F/A-18F Super Hornet strike fighter squadron based at Naval Air Station Lemoore, California. Their tail code is NE and their callsign is "Bullet". They are attached to Carrier Air Wing 2 (CVW-2), a composite unit made up of a wide array of aircraft performing a variety of combat and support missions that deploy aboard the Carl Vinson.
Four distinct squadrons have been designated VF-2. Officially, the US Navy does not recognize a direct lineage with disestablished squadrons if a new squadron is formed with the same designation. Often, the new squadron will assume the nickname, insignia, and traditions of the earlier squadrons.
VF-2, known as the "Bounty Hunters," was established on 14 October 1972 flying the F-14A Tomcat. VF-2 completed aircrew training and received its first Tomcats in July 1973, attaining full strength of 12 F-14As in the spring of 1974.
VF-2's initial deployment was in 1974 with her sister squadron VF-1 aboard USS Enterprise. The squadron flew over Saigon in support of Operation Frequent Wind, the evacuation of US personnel in April, 1975.
VF-2 was assigned to USS Ranger for the September 1980 deployment, 4 months of which were spent in the Indian Ocean and Persian Gulf during the Iran hostage crisis.
The squadron was the first Tactical Air Reconnaissance Pod System (TARPS) unit for both CVW-14 and later CVW-2.
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Wikipedia