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.

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.

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.

Commanding Officer, Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 102 Commander Joseph Waurio . Executive Officer, Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 102 Command Master Chief Millard Gene Charles Jr. Command Master Chief, Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 102 Strike Fighter Squadron 102 UNIT 200139 BOX 1 ...

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Jan 8, 2025 · 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.

In January 2016, CDR Waurio reported to the Checkmates of VFA-211 and served as the squadron Training Officer deploying aboard the Harry S Truman (CVN 75) in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. In September of 2019, CDR Waurio reported to the Red Rippers of VFA-11 for his Department Head tour.

In July 2024, he started serving as the Command Master Chief of VFA-102 Diamondbacks. CMDCM Charles graduated from the Senior Enlisted Academy, Class 240 (Orange) in April 2021 and Command Master Chief/Chief of the Boat (CMC/COB) course (Class 22020) in …