VFA-81 Squadron Patch (Black)

The 'Sunliners' of VFA-81 operate the F/A-18C out of NAS Oceana, VA after having moved up from NAS Cecil Field, FL. They originally operated the A-7 Corsair until transitioning to the Hornet in February 1988. While operating onboard the USS Saratoga with CVW-17 during the Persian Gulf conflict, the Sunliners were the only fixed-wing USN squadron to score aerial victory when they shot down 2 MiG-21s while enroute to their target. They then continued to the target, demonstrating the Hornets dual-role capability.