#1062 FA-18F Super Hornet
Purchased products will not feature the Squadron Prints watermark
Description
Squadron Prints Lithograph No. 1062 - FA-18F Super Hornet, 166661 \'100\', Strike Fighter Squadron 32 (VFA-32), NAS Oceana, Virginia.
The VFA-32 Swordsmen originated on 1 February 1945 as VBF-3, when VF-3 was split to form two sister squadrons. Embarked on USS YORKTOWN (CV 10), and attached to CVW-3, the Swordsmen flew the F6F-5 Hellcat during the first carrier-based Navy attack on the Japanese homeland on 16 February 1945. VBF-3 transitioned to the F8F-1 Bearcat in 1946, and was re-designated VF-4A. In August 1948, the squadron was re-designated VF-32. During the Korean conflict, VF-32 pilots flew the F4U-4 Corsair aboard USS LEYTE (CV 32). Thereafter, VF-32 returned to the East Coast where they became the first squadron to fly the Grumman F9F-6 Cougar, the Navy’s first swept-wing jet fighter. In 1956, VF-32 transitioned to the F8U-1 Crusader, becoming the first supersonic squadron in the Navy. In 1965, VF-32 transitioned to the F-4B Phantom II, and in July 1974, became the first East Coast squadron to transition to the F-14A Tomcat. Their first deployment in the Tomcat began in June 1975. On this and subsequent deployments, VF-32 was attached to CVW-1 onboard USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV 67). In 1982 they moved to USS INDEPENDENCE (CV 62), and subsequently deployed with the TARPS pod to provide high quality photo intelligence to support US forces in both Grenada and Lebanon. The Swordsmen rejoined CVW-3 onboard USS JOHN F. KENNEDY, and during their 1989 deployment were thrust into the limelight when two VF-32 F-14A’s engaged and downed two Libyan MiG-23 Floggers. The squadron’s next call to combat was during DESERT STORM as part of CVW-3 onboard USS JOHN F. KENNEDY. In November 1998, VF-32 and CVW-3 deployed onboard USS ENTERPRISE (CVN 65) to the Arabian Gulf and Mediterranean Sea in support of Operations SOUTHERN WATCH, DELIBERATE FORGE, and DESERT FOX. The Swordsmen deployed in November 2000, for the maiden voyage of USS HARRY S. TRUMAN (CVN 75), again in support of SOUTHERN WATCH. In December of 2002, the Swordsmen deployed onboard USS HARRY S. TRUMAN to the Mediterranean Sea in support of Operations NOBLE EAGLE, NORTHERN WATCH, and IRAQI FREEDOM. The year 2004 marked the end of an era for the Swordsmen, as they deployed for the last time in the Tomcat in support of IRAQI FREEDOM. From November 2005 to May 2006, the Swordsmen of VF-32 transitioned to the FA-18F Super Hornet and were re-designated Strike Fighter Squadron THIRTY-TWO (VFA-32). In November 2007, VFA-32 deployed onboard USS HARRY S. TRUMAN in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM; and in May 2010 to support Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. The Swordsmen have won four Battle “E” awards for operational excellence, four Safety “S” awards, two Golden Wrench awards for maintenance excellence, and two Grand Slam awards for air-to-air combat prowess. Since their inception, the Swordsmen have carried the fight to enemies around the world, and for nearly 70 years, have responded with Pride, Professionalism and Purpose.
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