VF-213 Black Lions
Squadron Motto: Audentes Fortuna Juvat - Fortune Favors the Bold
The Black Lions of VF-213 were originally established on June 22, 1955 and deployed for the first time aboard USS Bon Homme Richard , flying the mighty F2H Banshee. Following their first deployment, the Black Lions transitioned to the F4D Skyray and eventually to the F3H Demon which gave the squadron the capability to fire the new AIM-7 Sparrow semi-active radar missile. In 1963, the squadron transitioned to the F-4B and were very active during the Vietnam conflict and in the Western Pacific over the course of nine deployments aboard USS Kitty Hawk from 1963 through 1975. Finally, in 1976, VF-213 transitioned to the new F-14A and flew the mighty Tomcat until its final deployment in 2006 aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt.
Over the span of 30 years flying multiple variants of the F-14 Tomcat, the Black Lions participated in deployments all across the globe. Whether it was operations in the Mediterranean Sea to keep presence and pressure against the Libyans, or in the Western Pacific and Indian Ocean intercepting Russian and Indian aircraft, the crews of Black Lions aircraft were there. The 90’s saw VF-213 support Operations RESTORE HOPE in Somalia, and SOUTHERN WATCH and DESERT FOX in the Arabian Gulf, and 5 January 1999, two VF-213 F-14Ds fired two AIM-54 Phoenix missiles against two Iraqi MiG-25 aircraft south of the no-fly zone. These were the first ever Phoenix combat-launches by the U.S. Navy.
As one of the two final squadrons to deploy with the F-14D, the Black Lions saw many developments and firsts in their aging platform including the implementation of the Remotely Operated Video Enhanced Receiver (ROVER) system that allowed real-time transmission of the Tomcat’s LANTRIN pod images to ground operators. This capability combined with the enhanced situational awareness gained through Link-16 tactical data link and ability to employ laser-guided bombs and GPS-guided Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAM) transformed the Navy’s premiere air-dominance fighter to a true multi-mission strike-fighter asset.
Though DCS only affords simulation enthusiasts to enjoy the A and B models of the Tomcat, here in Virtual CVW-8, the crews of VF-213 train to the strike fighter capabilities of their aircraft to allow for the most variety of integration possibilities within the Wing. Whether that means dropping laser guided precision munitions or large numbers of unguided bombs, flying in support of SEAD/DEAD missions through the employment of Tactical Air Launched Decoys (TALDS), or answering the Tomcat’s original calling, air to air fighter dominance, the multi-crew Big Fighter brings a lot of hurt to the fight!
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Hailing from Tucson, Arizona, VFA-213’s CO is relatively new to DCS but has fostered a 40 plus year love affair with the venerable Grumman F-14 Tomcat. DCS and Heatblur have provided an excellent product demonstrating the capabilities and performance of this iconic Cold War fighter, and this has given the Skipper an avenue to learn and master the airframe in a simulated Naval Aviation environment.
The Black Lions Commander uses his small unit leadership skills acquired from the Marine Corps to develop a highly effective and committed squadron, ready to dominate in air-to-air engagements or dropping ordnance down in the mud. Developing an effective and cohesive Tomcat Squadron in Virtual CVW-8 is the primary focus of Black Lion leadership.
Outside of DCS, the Black Lions CO is a retired U.S. Marine and active competitive marksman who competes in State, National and International level Long Range competition.
