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VFA-31 gets first of 12 Super Hornets


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You read it right kids, VFA-31 rec'd it's first super hornet from VFA-136 as of yesterday, January 19th.

The squadron is expected to receive its full compliment of a/c by 12 May.

There is still no decision on what the schemes will look like, however all I know is they will be reminiscent of their F-4 days.

Anyway, just passing on the info.

Edited by VF-103guy
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You read it right kids, VFA-31 rec'd it's first super hornet from VFA-136 as of yesterday, January 19th.

The squadron is expected to receive its full compliment of a/c by 12 May.

There is still no decision on what the schemes will look like, however all I know is they will be reminiscent of their F-4 days.

Anyway, just passing on the info.

Is -31 going to be flying E models or F models of the SH (or both)? I thought I had read somewhere that VFA-143 was going to be the only squadron consisting entirely of E model Super Hornets.

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VFA-137 ditched their legacy hornets some time ago. The flying butts have a full compliment of E's.

As for mixed E/F squadrons, not going to happen.

VFA-31 will only be flying E's.

What about the Knighthawks, they are still in their Charlies, right ?

Gregg

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I think the Knighthawks are all ready switching to Es.

Hey Brian, if the go for your design make sure you get to sign the CAG bird somewhere. Then add THAT to the decal sheet.

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I think the Knighthawks are all ready switching to Es.

Hey Brian, if the go for your design make sure you get to sign the CAG bird somewhere. Then add THAT to the decal sheet.

The Night Hawks are currently transitioning to E's and a new air wing. I think Darren Roberts has the scoop on them.

If they go with what Mike and I have come up with, I'll be elated.

The way I see it is, if it weren't for Mike, I'd just be another babbling fool spouting off ideas into space. It just amazes me how he can turn my ideas into art form.

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You read it right kids, VFA-31 rec'd it's first super hornet from VFA-136 as of yesterday, January 19th.
The Night Hawks are currently transitioning to E's and a new air wing.

Color me confused Brian, I know VFA-136 are trading up from Cs to Es but your top statement says that VFA-31 received their first E from -136 ... And I thought I read from someone on here that -136's trans to Rhinos was going to be delayed till after one more deployment in their Legacy birds which tends to agree with your top statement also ... Then I read the bottom answer and it makes me go Huh ? :blink: :rofl: Am I missing something ? (Most likely ... ) :unsure:

TIA

Gregg

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Color me confused Brian, I know VFA-136 are trading up from Cs to Es but your top statement says that VFA-31 received their first E from -136 ... And I thought I read from someone on here that -136's trans to Rhinos was going to be delayed till after one more deployment in their Legacy birds which tends to agree with your top statement also ... Then I read the bottom answer and it makes me go Huh ? :blink: :huh: Am I missing something ? (Most likely ... ) :coolio:

TIA

Gregg

Don't worry Gregg

You're on par with the rest of us concerning the confusion regarding these transitions. When the initial announcement was made regarding these conversions, VFA-136 wasn't even listed! However, there has obviously been a change of plans up high. The list that I originally saw had VFA-15 transitioning to Super Hornets in 2006. However, this seems to have changed as Darren Roberts talked to a VFA-15 pilot last summer and he said that they were holding out for the F-35.

So, obviously VFA-136 showed up without an invite and took VFA-15's position in line.

Now, I think when Brian says that VFA-31 is getting VFA-136's Echos I think this means the E's that were going to VFA-136. They aren't taking the ones away that are already marked up (although in -136 markings the jets still belong to VFA-106) However, since VFA-136 has one more cruise left in their Legacy Hornets, it only stands to reason to divert those planned jets to a squadron that is going through the conversion process right now.

One of the pilots that Jeff and I talked to on Friday was the commanding officer of VFA-106. I asked him if he knew when VFA-31 was getting their own jets. He didn't know for sure but he said that the last VFA-31 class is due to graduate from VFA-106 in April.

For what it's worth, my list has VFA-81 transitioning this year and VFA-105 and VFA-146 transitioning next year.

Of course, I believe my list less and less with each passing day!

Obviously VFA-105 already has jets painted up. I don't know the status of the squadron though.

As sponge pointed out, VFA-22's transition may have been put on hold due to the need for the Reagan to deploy.

The VFA-22 marked F that Jeff and I saw on Friday was being crewed by a VFA-122 crew (ex VFA-115 driver and VFA-102 WSO).

This whole transition schedule reminds me of the saying regarding Kansas weather; "If you don't like it, just wait 5 minutes as it's sure to change!"

Cheers!

John

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Thanks John, I know it's rough trying to keep up with this, I thought the hard part was mostly behind us since all the Tomcats are gone now ...

It looks like VFA-105 is near the Safe For Flight status since they along with -11 and -32 have been to the boat ... with correct Modex #s ...

Gregg

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Color me confused Brian, I know VFA-136 are trading up from Cs to Es but your top statement says that VFA-31 received their first E from -136 ... And I thought I read from someone on here that -136's trans to Rhinos was going to be delayed till after one more deployment in their Legacy birds which tends to agree with your top statement also ... Then I read the bottom answer and it makes me go Huh ? :blink: :huh: Am I missing something ? (Most likely ... ) :coolio:

TIA

Gregg

Correction. John gave the correct info.

Edited by VF-103guy
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Thanks John, I know it's rough trying to keep up with this, I thought the hard part was mostly behind us since all the Tomcats are gone now ...

It looks like VFA-105 is near the Safe For Flight status since they along with -11 and -32 have been to the boat ... with correct Modex #s ...

Gregg

Ah yes

That's right

I think they go on cruise in September

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Here's a sneak peak of what Mike and I came up with. Kind of a mix between VFA-27 and VFA-31, but I think it's cool. I think they'll go more for black intake cheverons and a black shadowed in white VFA-31 logo for the spine.

VFA-31prfile100_2.jpg

Edited by VF-103guy
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Here's a sneak peak of what Mike and I came up with. Kind of a mix between VFA-27 and VFA-31, but I think it's cool. I think they'll go more for black intake cheverons and a black shadowed in white VFA-31 logo for the spine.

VFA-31prfile100_2.jpg

WOW!!!! :coolio:

John LIKEY!!!

Now, if only the CO does... :blink:

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Hey John-

What's all the scuttlebutt about 11 moving in and out of CAG-3?

I think it's just that Brian

I think VFA-11 filling in for VFA-22 because they were transitioning to the F models was all rumor. I'm sure that VFA-22's transition plan took into account any possible surge deployments, so (as Sponge pointed out) the transition will just have to wait until they get back.

From what I've seen, VFA-122 seems perfectly happy to use VFA-22's jets until they get back.

Cheers!

John

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From what I've seen, VFA-122 seems perfectly happy to use VFA-22's jets until they get back.

Yup, just some black electrical tape "1"s and POOF VFA-22 becomes VFA-122 ! :)

Brian & Mike, Nice work on the -31 CAG bird !

Gregg

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