VF-31 (VFA-31) is the second oldest active US Navy squadron, topped only by VF-14, the Tophatters. The squadron started out on July 1, 1935, as VF-1B, the Shooting Stars, flying the Boeing F4B. Shown below is an F4B-4 (A9029) on display at the Naval Air Museum on the grounds of NAS Pensacola.

VFA-31 or Strike Fighter Squadron 31 is known as the Tomcatters, callsign "Felix", a United States Navy strike fighter squadron stationed at Naval Air Station Oceana flying the F/A-18E Super Hornet. The Tomcatters are the second-oldest Navy …

While there had previously been other VF-31's there was no direct link between them and today's VF-31. Before converting to the F-14 the 'Tomcatters' had a notable history, being the only US squadron (of all three air arms) to score confirmed kills …

In 1972, flying the F-4J Phantom, Tomcatter aircrew shot down a MiG-21 over North Vietnam and in doing so made VF-31 the only Navy fighter squadron to achieve aerial victories in three wars - World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War.

This accomplishment once again set the squadron above its peers by distinguishing VF-31 as the only Navy fighter squadron to achieve aerial victories in three wars - WWII, the Korean War, and...

Apr 1, 2017 · VF-31 was the highest scoring CVL (light carrier) squadron. They had the highest kill ratio per pilot of any squadron in the US Navy which is a record that stands today. Below are two groupings from my collection.

This accomplishment once again set the squadron above its peers by distinguishing VF-31 as the only Navy fighter squadron to achieve aerial victories in three wars - WWII, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.

Fighter Squadron 31 (VF-31) and Torpedo Squadron 31 (VT-31) served the United States Navy from their creation on May 1, 1943 until the squadrons were dissolved on October 25, 1945. This web site is dedicated to these gallant men who served our country in its time of need.

Before converting to the F-14 the 'Tomcatters' had a notable history, being the only US squadron (of all three air arms) to score confirmed kills in three wars, World War II, Korea and Vietnam. VF-31's association with their namesake, the F-14 Tomcat, began in late 1980, but they did not receive their first F-14 until the 22nd of January 1981.

The Tomcatters' combat experience includes battles in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam, as well as regional conflicts all over the world.