VFA-211
| Strike Fighter Squadron 211 | |
|---|---|
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VFA-211 insignia
|
|
| Active | 1 May 1945 - 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 One |
| Garrison/HQ | NAS Oceana |
| Nickname(s) | "Fighting Checkmates" |
| Mascot(s) | Brutus |
| Engagements |
Korean War Vietnam War Operation Southern Watch Iraq War Operation Enduring Freedom Operation Inherent Resolve |
| Aircraft flown | |
| Attack |
SBW Helldiver AD-1/A-1 Skyraider F4U Corsair |
| Fighter |
F9F Panther F9F Cougar FJ-1 Fury FJ-3M Fury F3H Demon F-11F Tiger F-8 Crusader F-14 Tomcat F/A-18F Super Hornet |
Strike Fighter Squadron 211 (VFA-211), nicknamed the "Fighting Checkmates", is an aviation unit of the United States Navy established in 1945. The squadron is based at Naval Air Station Oceana and is equipped with the F/A-18F Super Hornet. The squadron's radio call sign is "Nikel".
The squadron insignia depicts a character known as "Brutus" holding a rocket, from the original logo for VB-74. Eleven stars are arranged in groups of seven and four to mark the squadron’s numerical designation, "SEVEN FOUR". The shield recalls the squadron’s sixteen-year association with the F-8 Crusader. By tradition, the "Brutus" mascot is painted on an aircraft whenever the Fighting Checkmates spend Christmas away from home.
Three U.S. Navy squadrons have been designated VF-211. The first was established in 1948 and disestablished in 1949. The second VF-211 was established in 1955 and later redesignated VF-24 in 1959. The third VF-211 was established as VB-74 in 1945, eventually became VFA-211, and is the subject of this article.
Bombing Squadron Seventy Four (VB-74) was established on 1 May 1945 at NAAF Otis Field, Massachusetts. Their first aircraft was the SBW-4E Helldiver. The squadron soon moved to East Field, NAS Norfolk and deployed on USS Midway on October 31, 1945. In 1946 the squadron was redesignated Attack Squadron 1B (VA-1B) and began transition to the AD-1 Skyraider. Two years later the squadron transitioned to AD-2 Skyraider and was redesignated Attack Squadron Twenty Four (VA-24) on 1 September 1948. Skyraider aircraft were soon grounded due to engine problems and VA-24 transitioned to the F4U Corsair six weeks before deploying with the USS Coral Sea. After the deployment the squadron moved to NAS Oceana and on December 1, 1949 the VA-24 was redesignated Fighter Squadron Twenty Four (VF-24).
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