Strike Fighter Squadron 103 (VFA-103)

Strike Fighter Squadron 103 (VFA-103), nicknamed the Jolly Rogers, is a United States Navy aviation unit established in 1952. Operating as a government military organization, VFA-103 specializes in carrier-based strike fighter operations. The squadron has participated in major combat operations including Operation Desert Storm (1991), Operation Enduring Freedom (2002-2009), and Operation Iraqi Freedom (2003-2007). Notable achievements include the Navy's only night MiG kill during the Vietnam War and the interception of the Achille Lauro hijackers in 1985. Originally flying F-14 Tomcats, the squadron transitioned to F/A-18F Super Hornets in 2005. During a 2010 deployment, VFA-103 flew over 1,850 sorties and nearly 5,900 hours in support of coalition forces. Currently based at Naval Air Station Oceana in Virginia Beach, Virginia, VFA-103 continues to serve as a carrier air wing component.