The following video is the 1,200th one uploaded by the U.S. Navy on Youtube. It shows, from the inside, the VFA-211 airborne change of command that took place while the “Fighting Checkmates” Strike Fighter Squadron is currently deployed with the USS Enterprise in the 5th Fleet area of operation.
VF-211 was redesignated Strike Fighter Squadron 211 (VFA) after successfully completing the transition to the F/A-18F Super Hornet (“Rhino” in naval aviation slang) in 2005 at NAS Lemoore, CA. Upon their return to NAS Oceana, it became the first operational east coast Super Hornet squadron, completing back-to-back combat deployments in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. In early 2008, the squadron received the first Block II Super Hornet, equipped with APG-79 radar, the most advanced version of the Rhino.
Feel the adrenaline as the video brings you on an F/A-18F backseat for a cat launch, few flybys on the aircraft carrier, visual pattern before an arrested landing.
Enjoy!
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