Bounty Hunter Section
by Peter Chilelli
Title
Bounty Hunter Section
Artist
Peter Chilelli
Medium
Digital Art
Description
Established at NAS Miramar at the same time as VF-1 the squadron completed crew training and received it's first F-14s in July 1973. Squadron markings in the 70's were among the most colourful of all F-14 units. They composed a blue rudder with two white stars, the 'NE' tailcode and a blue/white/red sash on the forward fuselage, known as a "Langley Stripe", in reference to the markings carried by aircraft flying from the first ever US navy carrier, the USS Langley (CV-1). Most recent markings seem to be a small 'NE on the rudder and a skull on the tail.
As with VF-1 the squadron flew top cover over the Saigon evacuation in Operation Frequent Wind. The squadron formed the TARPS unit for both CVW-14 and CVW-2, deploying aboard USS Enterprise (CVN-65) at first, then switching to USS Ranger (CV-61) where they stayed till 1993, apart from a single cruise aboard the USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) in 1984. Along with VF-1, VF-2 took part in trials of the "splinter" camouflage in the late 1970's. The CAG bird, BuNo. 158985, was the only plane repainted as far as I know. For more information please see VF-1 history.
During it's time as an F-14 operator VF-2 has been highly successful in the various awards it has collected. These include 3 COMNAVAIRPAC (Commander of Naval Air Forces Pacific) Battle "E"s during the 1980's. A Battle "E" signifies the squadron is the most efficient in the Pacific fleet. VF-2 also won 3 Boola-Boola awards between 1985 and 1987, a prize given to the squadron that accumulates the most points on it's annual missile shoot. The coveted Mutha trophy was also won 3 times, an award presented to the best F-14 squadron in the Pacific fleet. VF-2 has also won awards in the West Coast TARPS, Fighter Derby, ECCM and High Noon Gunnery competitions.
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December 27th, 2016
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