Hobby Master Archive

Commissioned in 1949 as VF-871 “Griffins” and eventually became VFA-143 “Pukin” Dogs”. In 2005 VF-143 was re-equipped with the F/A-18E Super Hornet and became Strike Fighter Squadron VFA-143. In 2013 VFA-143 earned the Wade McClusky Award that is presented annually to the most outstanding attack squadron in the USN. The USS Dwight D. Eisenhower went for maintenance during 2014 so the Dogs took part in Naval Weapons System Evaluation Program (NWESP) for two weeks and mission training with the 123rd FS. Late in the year VFA-143 supported VFA-101 F-35 pilot training.

Originally announced as: F/A-18E Super Hornet 166608, VFA-143 “Pukin Dogs” CAG, 20th September 2014