VFA-102 is an F/A-18F Super Hornet strike fighter squadron operating from Marine Corps Air Station, Iwakuni, Japan, and attached to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5.

Over the next two years, the DIAMONDBACKS, newly re-designated as VFA-102, moved from NAS Oceana to NAS Lemoore, participated in work-ups at NAF Key West and NAS Fallon and successfully trained twenty-two nugget aircrew in the latest strike fighter tactics.

Over the next two years, the DIAMONDBACKS, newly re-designated as VFA-102, moved from NAS Oceana to NAS Lemoore, participated in work-ups at NAF Key West and NAS Fallon and successfully trained twenty-two nugget aircrew in the latest strike fighter tactics.

CVW-5 is attached to forward-deployed Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 5 and flagship USS George Washington (CVN 73), and consists of nine squadrons flying F-35C, F/A-18E/F Super Hornets, EA-18G Growlers, E-2D Hawkeyes, CMV-22 Ospreys, and MH-60R/S Sea Hawks.

CDR Havelka reported to the VFA-102 the “Diamondbacks” in May 2023 as the Executive Officer. CDR Havelka has accumulated over 2,800 flight hours in 6 aircraft and 572 carrier arrested landings, including 312 Combat hours.

Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 102 “Diamondbacks” Home Leaders About Us Contact Us

Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 102 “Diamondbacks” Home Leaders About Us Contact Us

His subsequent shore duties include NAF Misawa/NMC Misawa in Aomori, Japan and Transient Personnel Unit Puget Sound in Silverdale, Washington. In July 2024, he started serving as the Command Master Chief of VFA-102 Diamondbacks.

VFA-2 is an F/A-18F Super Hornet strike fighter squadron attached to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 2.Bounty Hunters

Commander Joseph Waurio Executive Officer, Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 102