VFA-132
 | This articlerelies largely or entirely on asingle source.(June 2024) |
| Strike Fighter Squadron 132 | |
|---|---|
 VFA-132 Insignia | |
| Active | 2 January 1984 - 1 June 1992 |
| Country | United States |
| Branch | US Navy |
| Type | Fighter / Attack |
| Role | Close air support Air interdiction Aerial reconnaissance |
| Part of | CVW-6 |
| Garrison/HQ | NAS Cecil Field |
| Nickname(s) | Privateers |
| Equipment | F/A-18 Hornet |
| Engagements | Operation Prairie Fire Operation El Dorado Canyon Operation Provide Comfort |
Strike Fighter Squadron 132(VFA-132), also known as the "Privateers", was an aviation unit of theUnited States Navythat was based atNaval Air Station Cecil Field,Florida(USA),in service from 1984 to 1992. Their radio callsign was "Pirate."
History[edit]
VFA-132 was established on 3 January 1984 as the first squadron to be assigned the VFA designation and as a unit of the newly establishedCarrier Air Wing 13(CVW-13). VFA-132 operated theF/A-18AHornet fromNAS Lemoore,California, and moved to NAS Cecil Field in February 1985. They made their inaugural deployment aboard theUSSCoral Sea(CV-43)and saw combat operations duringOperations Prairie FireandEl Dorado CanyonagainstLibya.[1]
In March 1986, during Freedom of Navigation exercises in theGulf of Sidra,the squadron’s aircraft flew combat air patrols in support of the exercise, including the period of 24 and 25 March following a 24 March Libyan firing of anSA-5missile against a U.S. aircraft operating in international waters. On 14–15 April 1986, in response for theLibyan-sponsored terrorist bombing of U.S. personnel in Berlin, Germany,the U.S. European Command launchedOperation El Dorado Canyon.VFA-132 aircraft, along with other units ofCarrier Air Wing Thirteen (CVW-13)andA-7E CorsairsfromCVW-1,provided air-to-surfaceAGM-45 ShrikeandAGM-88 HARMmissile strikes against Libyan surface-to-air missile sites at Benghazi. This was the first use of the F/A-18 in combat.[1]
From October 1987 through April 1988 (6 months) the squadron deployed toMCAS Iwakuni,Japan,and was assigned toMarine Air Group 15.While deployed to Japan, the squadron operated detachments atNAS Cubi Point,Tsuiki AB, Clark AB, Yechon AB, Misawa AB and Kadena AB. They also participated in exercises in Japan, the Philippines, and Korea.[1]
During August–September 1989,Coral Sea,with VFA-132 embarked, operated off the coast ofLebanonfollowing the Israeli capture of Sheik Obeid and the reported killing of Lieutenant ColonelWilliam R. Higgins,USMC.In early September the squadron provided air cover for theCH-53 Sea Stallionhelicopters used to evacuate personnel from theU.S. embassy in Beirut.[1]AfterCoral Seaand CVW-13 were decommissioned, VFA-132 was reassigned toCVW-6aboardUSSForrestal(CV-59).[1]
During May 1991, CVW-6 squadrons participated inOperation Provide Comfort,flying missions over northernIraqin support of the Kurdish relief effort.[1]
The squadron was decommissioned on 1 June 1992.[1]
References[edit]
See also[edit]
- History of the United States Navy
- List of inactive United States Navy aircraft squadrons
- List of United States Navy aircraft squadrons
