sundowner Posted October 14, 2014 Share Posted October 14, 2014 last september I was attending the Tailhook Convention in Reno , just a few days ago I went through my goodies and folders and I read in one folder that the first VFA of the USN to be equipped with the F-35C will be VFA-86 . Can some one confirm this ?? Thanks !! Henk "OMAR" Quote Link to post Share on other sites
eraucubsfan Posted October 14, 2014 Share Posted October 14, 2014 I could be mistaken but I think its VFA-101 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
82Whitey51 Posted October 14, 2014 Share Posted October 14, 2014 I could be mistaken but I think its VFA-101 VFA-101 is the RAG squadron, or training squadron for the type...not sure they use "RAG" anymore. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
eraucubsfan Posted October 14, 2014 Share Posted October 14, 2014 Whitey you're right, brain fart on that one Quote Link to post Share on other sites
82Whitey51 Posted October 14, 2014 Share Posted October 14, 2014 Whitey you're right, brain fart on that one I have a feeling it'll be a long time before we see an actual VFA-86 bird! They'll paint one up in the markings but... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
sundowner Posted October 14, 2014 Author Share Posted October 14, 2014 (edited) Yes VFA-101 is a training squadron , I mean an actual fleet squadron........ I have to find the article , I guess.... Yes , I found the article , it's in the 2014 issue from VX-23 newsletter ( STRIKE TEST NEWs ) it stated ; that a certain LCDR has left VX-23 to lead the Sidewinders of VFA-86 (planned to be the first Navy squadron to transition to the F-35's) ???? Edited October 14, 2014 by sundowner Quote Link to post Share on other sites
B2Blain Posted October 14, 2014 Share Posted October 14, 2014 VFA-86 just transitioned to the SH. I would think they would transition a legacy Hornet squadron first. I would not read too much into the transfer of F-35 experienced pilots into fleet squadrons. The earliest IOC date for the F-35C that I have seen is 2018. I would think that the LCDR in question would be long gone from VFA-86. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
GreyGhost Posted October 15, 2014 Share Posted October 15, 2014 (edited) VFA-146 had been scheduled to transition to Super Hornets early on, stuff happened and -147 got Rhinos instead. My point? Schedules change. -Gregg Edited October 15, 2014 by GreyGhost Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Micro Posted October 15, 2014 Share Posted October 15, 2014 VFA-101 is the RAG squadron, or training squadron for the type...not sure they use "RAG" anymore. Whitey, you are going to have to go to sensitivity training. "RAG" was phased out awhile back and deemed politically incorrect. The idea of sending females to the RAG ruffled someone's feathers. So, now it's the fleet replacement squadron (FRS). In any case, it's good to see Grim Reaper colors again. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
fasteagle12 Posted February 12, 2017 Share Posted February 12, 2017 It may have been posted somewhere else, but I ran across a recent article where VFA-147 will be the first non-FRS squadron transitioning to the F-35C: "The first operational Fleet unit will be VFA-147 'Argonauts', which will transition from the Boeing F/A-18E Super Hornet in January 2018. " http://www.janes.com/article/67250/usn-stands-up-f-35c-west-coast-fleet-replacement-squadron I'm waiting to see the hi-viz CAG paint scheme.... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Hornet14 Posted February 12, 2017 Share Posted February 12, 2017 I don't understand why you would transition a rhino squadron when the legacy squadrons are having so much trouble but then again there is a lot I don't get when squadrons transition. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
A-10 LOADER Posted February 13, 2017 Share Posted February 13, 2017 (edited) After being in for 20 years I found out very early on that common sense and the military do not go together. Steve Edited February 15, 2017 by A-10 LOADER Quote Link to post Share on other sites
tosouthern66 Posted February 14, 2017 Share Posted February 14, 2017 I would have guessed that VFA-14, VFA-31 or VFA-103 would have been 1st. I have a feeling that the Hi Viz paint schemes may be a thing of the past when it comes to the F-35. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
phantom Posted February 14, 2017 Share Posted February 14, 2017 I would doubt an Atlantic squadron would be first. US policy seems to have been Asia specific for threats for several years now. You would want the current tip of the spear squadrons to be equipped with the latest and greatest. Which , if I am not mistaken is why no Pacific squadrons still fly legacy Hornets. Also why CVW-17 switched from Atlantic to Pacific a couple years back. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Brian P: Fightertown Decals Posted February 15, 2017 Share Posted February 15, 2017 On 2/12/2017 at 2:34 PM, Hornet14 said: I don't understand why you would transition a rhino squadron when the legacy squadrons are having so much trouble but then again there is a lot I don't get when squadrons transition. Because there won't be any legacy Hornet squadrons by the time the F-35 hits the fleet;).:: Quote Link to post Share on other sites
fasteagle12 Posted February 16, 2017 Share Posted February 16, 2017 On 2/13/2017 at 7:18 PM, tosouthern66 said: I would have guessed that VFA-14, VFA-31 or VFA-103 would have been 1st. I have a feeling that the Hi Viz paint schemes may be a thing of the past when it comes to the F-35. You might be right about the paint scheme, but who knows? After the new wears off the CAG birds could add some color. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
GreyGhost Posted February 16, 2017 Share Posted February 16, 2017 I've read somewhere that VFA-97 Warhawks were to be the first fleet squadron set for transition also ... -Gregg Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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