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]

FMI: www.news.navy.mil/local/cvw5