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“Black Knights”

Strike Fighter Squadron 154 (VFA-154), also known as the “Black Knights”, is a United States Navy strike fighter squadron stationed at Naval Air Station Lemoore. The Black Knights are an operational fleet squadron flying the F/A-18F Super Hornet.

Squadron History

One aircraft, initially named VFB-718 but later became known as VF-68A and VF-837, was created in July 1946 at NAS New York. The team initially flew the F6F Hellcat before switching to the F4U Corsair. During the Korean War, VF-837 carried out combat missions from the USS Antietam, using F9F-2 Panther fighters. In 1953, while on their way to Korea for their second mission, VF-837 was renamed VF-154.

In 1957, VF-154 switched to the F-8 Crusader and earned nicknames like “The Grand Slammers” and “Black Knights.” They changed their insignia to a silver Crusader knight on a black background. During the Vietnam War, they used F-4 Phantom II fighters. They were involved in various missions as part of Carrier Air Wing 2.

During the 1990s, VF-154 served in the Persian Gulf, supporting Taiwan and conducting missions over Southern Iraq as part of Operation Southern Watch. They switched to the F-14 Tomcat in 1983 and continued deploying on USS Constellation and USS Kitty Hawk. In 2003, during Operation Iraqi Freedom, VF-154 flew combat missions to aid coalition forces and impressively dropped the most ordnance within Carrier Air Wing 5, despite flying older aircraft.

In September 2003, VF-154 changed its name to VFA-154 and began using the F/A-18F Super Hornet. They deployed with the USS Carl Vinson and USS John C. Stennis. They were involved in operations in both Iraq and Afghanistan. In 2009, VFA-154 switched to using the F/A-18F Block II Lot 30/31A aircraft.