An F/A-18E Super Hornet of VFC-12 sits on the ramp at Naval Air Station Oceana, June 18th, 2021.
Fighter Squadron Composite 12 (VFC-12), also known as the “Fighting Omars”, is a United States Navy Reserve fighter squadron based at NAS Oceana. It provides adversary training to East Coast Navy air wings. VFC-12 reports to Tactical Support Wing, a component of the Naval Air Force Reserve. The “Fighting Omars” are manned by selected reservists, full-time reservists (FTS) and active duty personnel.
The squadron’s radio callsign is “Ambush” and its tailcode is AF. In late 2012, the unique adversary blue camouflage paint scheme on squadron aircraft was replaced with the Su-35 Flanker Prototype 2 Arctic Splinter Camouflage in late 2012 when the unit transitioned to the F/A-18A+. The Splinter Camouflage paint scheme was designed by a veteran, former AD3 Darrall W. Taylor, Jr.
History
Three distinct squadrons have been designated VC-12. The third of these was redesignated VFC-12 and is the main subject of this article. Officially, the US Navy does not recognize a direct lineage with disestablished squadrons if a new squadron is formed with the same designation. Often, a new squadron assumes the nickname, insignia, and traditions of an earlier, corresponding squadron.
First VC-12
The first Composite Squadron Twelve was established as VC-12 on 6th October 1943 at NAS Sand Point, Seattle, Washington. The squadron operated the F4F Wildcat and TBM-1 Avenger aboard USS Card in the western Pacific until the carrier changed homeport to Norfolk, Virginia in 1944. In the Atlantic theater, VC-12 flew combat missions against German U-boats, logging 34 engagements. On 7th June 1945, VC-12 was disestablished.
Second VC-12
On 6th July 1948, Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron Two (VAW-2) was established at NAS Norfolk. On 1st September 1948 it was re-designated Fleet Composite Squadron Twelve (VC-12). VC-12 operated detachments of TBM-3W Avengers, AF-2W Guardians and AD-5W Skyraiders from Atlantic Fleet carriers. During the Korean War, a VC-12 detachment saw combat while operating from USS Bon Homme Richard. In July 1956 this second VC-12 was redesignated VAW-12. On 1st April 1967 the squadron was disestablished and its detachments were established as separate VAW squadrons VAW-121, VAW-122 and VAW-123.
Current VFC-12
On 1st September 1973, at NAF Detroit, Michigan, the current squadron was established as VC-12, the Navy’s first Reserve Fleet Composite Squadron. The squadron employed the single seat A-4 Skyhawk and dual seat TA-4Js in providing multiple support services, including air intercept and dissimilar air combat maneuvering (ACM) training for Atlantic and Pacific fleet units.
In 1975, VC-12 moved to its current home at NAS Oceana, Virginia Beach, Virginia. In June 1988, VC-12 was re-designated Fighter Squadron Composite Twelve (VFC-12) to more accurately describe the squadron’s mission of Dissimilar Air Combat Training.
On 1st October 1992, the squadron was assigned to Reserve Carrier Air Wing 20 (CVWR-20, renamed Tactical Support Wing in 2007). It was previously assigned to the Fleet Logistics Support Wing.
On 16th July 1993, the squadron flew its last mission with the A-4 Skyhawk.
A-4F Skyhawks of VFC-12 taking off from NAS Oceana 1989
In 1994, the unit transitioned to the F/A-18A/B Hornet. In 2004, the A’s were upgraded to the A+, which included upgraded mission computers and weapons capabilities. In 2006, VFC-12 traded these F/A-18A+ models (which had low arrested landing fatigue life) for F/A-18Cs from VFA-87. Finally, in 2012, VFC-12 traded jets again with VFA-87 so that VFC-12 operated the F/A-18A+.
In 2021, the squadron converted to the Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet.
A VFC-12 F/A-18B lands on the USS Ronald Reagan in 2005
Mission
The squadron’s primary focus is support to the Strike Fighter Advanced Readiness Program (SFARP), which trains operational fleet F/A-18 squadrons. SFARP is an intense, three-week training exercise conducted by the Strike Fighter Weapons School Atlantic that allows fleet strike fighter aircrews to hone their warfighting skills against a realistic adversary prior to deploying. In addition to the SFARP program, VFC-12 supports the F/A-18 fleet replacement squadrons at NAS Oceana and with detachments to NAS Key West. VFC-12 often averages more than 200 days a year on detachments.
Awards
VFC-12 was awarded the Chief of Naval Operations Aviation Safety Award in 1978, 1980, 1981, 1992 and 1998. VFC-12 was awarded the Noel Davis Trophy for squadron readiness for 1980, 1984, 1985, 1995 and 1998. In January 1989, the squadron received a Meritorious Unit Commendation for sustained superior performance from 1st April 1987 to 31st March 1988. In 1998, VFC-12 was awarded the Battle “E”, Noel Davis award for recognition as the best squadron in category for Carrier Air Wing Twenty. Also in 1998, Commander Naval Air Reserve Force recognized VFC-12 with an Aviation Safety Citation for achieving another year of Class A mishap free flying.
Super Hornet F/A-18E Aggressor “Cloud Scheme” 165789, VFC-12, US Navy, 2023
Hobbymaster 1/72nd scale VFC-12 “Fighting Omars” models available from Flying Tigers.
In 2021 USN adversary squadron VFC-12 “Fighting Omars” home-based at Naval Air Station Oceana in Virginia began to upgrade from the “Legacy” Hornets (F-18A/B/C/D) to F/A-18E/F Super Hornets. VFC-12 is one of four specialist adversary units within the USN. This upgrade was meant to improve the role of adversary aircraft and pilots. Now with the F/A-18E/F pilots attending the Adversary squadron they will be flying the same type of aircraft they normally fly. VFC-12 began to give some of their F/A-18E/Fs a new “Cloud” camo scheme.
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