The sound of jet engines returned to Naval Air Facility Atsugi,
Japan, Nov. 13, when the first four F/A-18F Super Hornets to be
permanently forward-deployed outside the United States arrived at
approximately 4 p.m. JST.
The entire Atsugi community gathered to welcome the aircrews and
families from the “Diamonbacks” of Strike Fighter
Squadron (VFA) 102, the newest member of the Carrier Air Wing (CVW)
5 team. VFA-102 replaced the “Black Knights” of Fighter
Squadron (VF) 154 as part of the U.S. Navy’s only permanently
forward-deployed air wing.
The newer, more capable F/A-18F Super Hornet is the U.S. Navy's
successor for the F-14 Tomcat. The Navy is phasing out all series
of the F-14 Tomcat aircraft, which has reached the end of its
service life, replacing it with the F/A-18 E/F. Rear Adm. James
Kelly, the commander of the Kitty Hawk Strike Group, noted that
replacing the F-14A with the F/A-18F signifies continuing U.S.
commitment to the defense of Japan in support of the treaty of
mutual cooperation and security. “By bringing the
Diamondbacks to Atsugi, we are demonstrating our steadfast
dedication to peace and regional security through strengthened
capabilities,” said Kelly.
The Super Hornet is capable of conducting both air-to-air and
air-to-ground combat missions, including air superiority, day and
night strike with precision-guided weapons, fighter escort, close
air support, suppression of enemy air defenses, reconnaissance,
forward air control and refueling. According to Cmdr. Michael
Vizcarra, VFA-102 commanding officer, the F/A-18F has greater
range, can carry a heavier payload, and has enhanced survivability
and built-in potential to incorporate future technologies compared
with the F-14.
Transitioning an entire squadron to a new homeport presents a
unique logistical challenge. “The entire Atsugi base
community from the Housing Office, to the Fleet and Family Support
Center, to MWR [Morale, Welfare and Recreation], stepped up to the
plate to make our new squadron feel immediately at home,”
said Capt. Joseph Aucoin, deputy commander of CVW-5.
Candace McGowen, the wife of VFA-102’s Executive Officer,
Cmdr. Douglas McGowen, couldn’t agree more. “This
entire community welcomed us with open arms,” she said.
“We are so excited to be in Japan and part of this
base.”
The squadron will begin flying in the local vicinity within the
next two weeks, focusing on learning the operational area and
awaiting the arrival of the remaining nine aircraft. All aircraft
and personnel are expected to be in place at Atsugi by
mid-December. [ANN Thanks Lt. j.g. Nicole Kratzer, Carrier Air Wing
5 Public Affairs]