Carrier Fighter Squadron VFA-31 “Tomcatters”

The VFA-31 squadron, known as the "Tomcatters," is one of the oldest and most distinguished fighter-attack squadrons in the United States Navy. Specializing in attack and air superiority missions, it currently operates the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet fighter-bomber and is part of Carrier Air Wing 8 (CVW-8), deployed on the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN-77). Its motto, "Touch and Go," reflects its experience in naval air operations.

It was originally established on July 1, 1935 as VF-1B4 and has gone through several designations over the years, including VF-6, VF-3, VF-31 and finally VFA-31 in 2006 when it adopted strike missions.

Its name comes from a 1920 song, "Tom Cat," chosen by its first commanding officer, Lt. Cdr. Harry March. The name stuck despite initial disapproval from the Navy.

It is the second oldest active squadron in the US Navy, second only to VFA-143, and is the only Navy squadron to achieve confirmed air victories in three wars: World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. They maintain a "Book of the Dead" to remember fallen members and celebrate "Tomcatter Day" every July 1st. 

It operated the F-14 Tomcat (1973–2006), an icon of the Cold War, used in interceptions and air combat. It participated in conflicts such as the Gulf War (1991) and operations in the Balkans.

It is based at Naval Air Station Oceana in Virginia Beach, VA, where it has its pilot and personnel training center. It has approximately 12–14 aircraft, 20 pilots, and 200 support personnel.

He has participated in several military operations:

Korean War (1950–1953): Escort and ground attack missions. 

Vietnam War (1960–1973): Close air support and reconnaissance. 

Operation Desert Storm (1991): Destruction of strategic targets in Iraq. 

Global War on Terrorism (2001–2021): Support in Afghanistan and Iraq. 

He returned from a nine-month deployment with the USS George HW Bush Carrier Strike Group (CVN-77) in the US Sixth Fleet area of ​​operations on January 15, 2024.

During this deployment, he carried out more than 2,669 sorties, totaling more than 4,153 flight hours and 1,991 aircraft carrier landings.

The VFA-31 squadron continues to be an elite unit within the United States Naval Aviation, maintaining high standards of performance and a rich history of service in multiple conflicts and operations around the world.