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 …

We fly the single seat variant of the Navy’s newest strike fighter aircraft the F/A-18E Super Hornet.

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.

The Tomcatters dominated the skies above Afghanistan flying over 6,000 hours and 2,000 sorties in direct support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. Through superior weapons, sophisticated technology, and unparalleled skill, Fighting 31 achieved 100% target destruction expending 31 Precision Guided Munitions.

Upon return, the squadron began the transition to the F/A-18E Super Hornet and was redesignated Strike Fighter Squadron THREE ONE (VFA-31). VFA-31 deployed onboard USS Theodore Roosevelt...

VFA-31, originally established as VF-1B on July 1, 1935 flying the Boeing F4B, is the second oldest active US Navy squadron behind VFA-14 (1919). On 1 July 1937, the squadron combined with VF-8B and was redesignated VF-6, flying the Grumman F3F.

VFA-31 (Strike Fighter Squadron 31) is the second oldest Navy attack fighter squadron. Known as the Tomcatters with the call sign “Felix,” it is currently based at Naval Air Station Oceana in Virginia Beach, VA.

A recent visit with the Tomcatters, VFA-31 at NAS Oceana not only provided insights into the incredible challenges and rewards of life in a Navy strike fighter squadron, it revealed the incredibly impressive system the US Navy has built to ensure the “tip of the spear” remains sharp.

Strike Fighting Squadron 31 "Shooting Stars", "Felix the Cat", "Tomcatters"

The original VF-31, "The Flying Meataxes" destroyed 165 Japanese planes in aerial combat, tops among all CVL (light carrier) squadrons. They deployed with USS Cabot, CVL-28, from November, 1943...