Collection: VFA-2 Bounty Hunters

The Bounty Hunters carry a legacy that reaches back to the earliest days of U.S. carrier aviation. An original VF-2 served aboard USS Langley, the Navy’s first aircraft carrier, in the 1920s. A later VF-2 distinguished itself in combat during World War II, while the modern Bounty Hunters were established in 1972 at NAS Miramar and equipped with the new F-14A Tomcat.

VF-2 went on to build a three-decade history with the F-14, including participation in Operation Frequent Wind during the evacuation of Saigon and combat operations during the Gulf War. The squadron later transitioned to the advanced F-14D and continued operating the Tomcat into Operation Iraqi Freedom.

In 2003, VF-2 was redesignated VFA-2 and transitioned to the two-seat F/A-18F Super Hornet, beginning a new chapter at NAS Lemoore, California. Today, the Bounty Hunters continue to fly the F/A-18F Super Hornet, carrying forward a squadron heritage that spans generations of aircraft, carriers, and Naval Aviators.