Sidewinder’s Command History
As the Cold War ended, the 1990s nevertheless brought threats to U.S. and allied interests throughout the world. In 1991, the Sidewinders took to the skies to liberate Kuwait during Operation DESERT STORM. Sidewinders delivered over 1.2 million pounds of ordnance with zero combat losses. In late 1995, Sidewinders again faced combat, this time in Operation DELIBERATE FORCE over the embattled former Yugoslavia. During the decade’s sustained Operation SOUTHERN WATCH, hundreds of combat sorties and precision strikes were flown over Iraq, employing weapons against radar installations and anti-aircraft artillery emplacements that violated United Nations Security Council resolutions. While proving their lethality in the 90s, Sidewinders underscored their professionalism by taking home the CNO’s Safety Award in 1995 and the Battle "E" in 1998.
In March 1999, following a successful deployment onboard USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV 67), the Sidewinders moved from NAS Cecil Field, Florida, to their new home at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Beaufort, South Carolina. Deployed onboard USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (CVN 71) immediately following the attacks of September 11, 2001, the TARBOX team was ready upon arrival in the Arabian Sea to execute sustained combat missions in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM (OEF). After providing vital air support to coalition forces toppling a hostile regime in Afghanistan, the Sidewinders departed the area of operation having flown over 3,500 hours and expended over 213 tons of ordnance. After 160 days without a port call, the Sidewinders completed another successful combat deployment while establishing the naval aviation record for continuous days at sea. In August of 2003, VFA-86 deployed on USS ENTERPRISE (CVN 65) in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM (OIF) and OEF. Returning in early 2004, the Sidewinders sailed aga in in June 2004 for SUMMER PULSE, a two-month deployment to the North Atlantic as part of Navy's Fleet Response Plan.
Preparing for a mid-2006 deployment with the TARBOX/ENTERPRISE team, Sidewinders plunged into an aggressive work-up for its Sailors and Hornets. In the Spring of 2006, the squadron completed a transfer of 12 LOT X FA-18Cs and acceptance of 11 LOT XVIII F/A-18C Hornets. Sidewinders embarked with ENTERPRISE Strike Group in May 2006. Over the next seven months, across three Fleets, the squadron proved its combat readiness providing vital close air support to coalition ground forces in Iraq and Afghanistan and presence operations in the western Pacific.
While flying OIF and OEF missions, Sidewinders expended 33 precision guided bombs and over 3,300, 20 millimeter high explosive incendiary rounds with unmatched effectiveness. The Sidewinders team achieved success in combat receiving the Meritorious Unit Commendation and proudly brought home CVW-1 "Top Hook" honors for superior carrier landing performance in November 2006.
Upon returning home, the squadron continued its rigorous pace in preparation for its next deployment with several detachments onboard USS ENTERPRISE. After a short 7 months on shore, VFA-86 deployed with ENTERPRISE Strike Group in July of 2007. During the five and a half month deployment, the Sidewinders served the nation with 328 combat missions and over 3,000 flight hours in support of OIF and OEF. The Sidewinders achieved 100% combat mission effectiveness and an air wing-leading 98% sortie completion rate. Sidewinders returned to MCAS Beaufort in December of 2007. Sidewinders were awarded the Commander, Naval Air Forces U.S. Atlantic Fleet Safety "S" for 2007.
In the fall of 2008, the Sidewinders changed operational commanders and joined CVW-11 and the NIMITZ Strike Group as they readied for a 2009 deployment. In July 2009, the squadron once again departed MCAS Beaufort and headed west, deploying as part of the NIMITZ-BARBWIRE team and Carrier Strike Group ELEVEN. The Strike Group entered the 5th Fleet Area of Responsibility in September of 2009 and spent the following five months flying combat sorties in support of OEF. The USS NIMITZ Carrier Strike Group completed its Western Pacific deployment in March of 2010 with the Sidewinders accumulating a total of 4,200 flight hours and 1,350 sorties. The Sidewinders of VFA-86 had successfully completed their fifth deployment flying combat sorties in support of OEF.
In March of 2010, the squadron returned to MCAS Beaufort, SC. The Sidewinders maintained their high level of readiness as they readied themselves to turn a new page in their history with a move to NAS Lemoore, CA and transition to the FA-18E Super Hornet.
The Sidewinders arrived in NAS Lemoore, CA in early July 2011 and immediately made a positive impression during the transition which began in August. Despite flying ungroomed FRS jets with no targeting pods on an unfamiliar range, squadron pilots took top honors in the Strike Fighter Wing Pacific bombing derby, resulting in VFA-86 being awarded the McClaran Trophy for the top-performing squadron in the air-to-ground mission. Furthermore, the Aviation Ordnanceman and Aviation Electronics Technician’s executed a flawless “no hit/no comment” 800/800 Conventional Weapons Technical Proficiency Inspection, a rare feat for any squadron and unprecedented for a transition squadron. On December 8, 2011, the squadron officially completed its transition three months ahead of schedule by successfully passing its Maintenance Program Assist and certifying Safe For Flight
Following a successful transition, the Sidewinders spent 2012 executing several detachments including Red Flag at Nellis AFB, Maple Flag in Cold Lake, Canada and an Air to Air detachment to NAS Key West. That Fall, the Sidewinders joined CVW-2 and Carrier Strike Group NINE. In March of 2013, the squadron participated in a CVW-2 organized Air to Air Missile Exercise at Tyndall AFB, detached to NAS Key West for an Air to Air Detachment and finally closed out the year with their first Strike Group detachment as a FA-18E squadron onboard the USS RONALD REAGAN. During 2014 the squadron executed its first FA-18E FRTP, culminating in Carrier Strike Group NINE participating in the world’s largest multinational maritime exercise, RIM OF THE PACIFIC. The Sidewinders closed out 2014 with detachments to NAS Key West and Alpena, MI.
In mid-November, the Sidewinders embarked on the USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER for three weeks participating in Tailored Ship’s Training Availability (TSTA) where Carrier Air Wing THREE continued to hone their skills in both the Air-to-Air and Air-to-Surface arena. The Sidewinders provided Close Air support to facilitate Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC) training with Naval Special Warfare Groups EIGHT and TEN and the United States Marine Corps. The air wing returned to homeport in Norfolk, VA on December 15th and the Sidewinders were able to return to NAS Lemoore for the remainder of holiday season.
SFARP and TSTA proved to be an exceptional training period for the Sidewinders and Carrier Air Wing THREE. The Sidewinders completed numerous Strike Fighter Weapons and Tactics (SFWT) syllabus flights while executing 1450 sorties and accumulating over 1900 mishap-free hours, including over 200 day and 150 night carrier arrested landings. 46 Sailors received Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals along with 17 Letters of Commendation. The squadron also qualified 22 Sailors as new Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist’s (EAWS).
The Sidewinders of VFA-86 began 2016 with Air Wing Fallon in their sights, where they flew numerous SFWT flights, continuing to develop the air-to-air and air-to-surface tactical proficiency required for deployment. Air Wing Fallon proved to be a success and provided valuable training for the aircrew and the maintenance department. During the detachment, Sidewinders completed over 350 sorties, employed 45,000 pounds of heavy ordnance, fired over 7,600 rounds of ammunition, as well as qualified 2 Air Interdiction Mission Commanders (AIMC).
The Sidewinders continued work-ups in March when Carrier Air Wing THREE embarked on the USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER to participate in Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX). The Sidewinders’ tactical skills again were tested during integrated operations with the rest of the CVW-3 and Carrier Strike Group TEN (CSG-10). The Strike Group conducted exercises off the east coast against a robust presentation of air, surface, and sub-surface adversary units, facilitating a dynamic air-to-air and air-to-surface training environment.
The Sidewinders returned to their homeport of Naval Air Station Lemoore in mid-April to spend time with family and friends after a busy quarter of work-ups. The Sidewinder leadership is very proud and appreciative of the hard work and unprecedented performance the Sidewinder team has put forth during these challenging months. The Sidewinders look forward to their first deployment and are ready to bring the fight to the enemy.