The Navy’s Fighter Squadron Composite TWELVE (VFC-12) Fighting Omars have provided adversary training to East Coast-based carrier air wings since September 1st 1973, when they were established as Fleet Composite Squadron TWELVE (VC-12) at Naval Air Facility (NAF) Detroit. VC-12 then became the Navy’s first Reserve Fleet Composite squadron. The Fighting Omars moved to Naval Air Station (NAS) Oceana in Virginia in 1975. In 1988 they were re-designated VFC-12. This video shows VFC-12 flying their Douglas A-4 and TA-4 Skyhawk aircraft at NAS Oceana, NAS Cecil Field, and NAS Key West during the 1980s and early 1990s. Thanks to YouTuber thezipmartin for uploading it.
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In 1994 VFC-12 transitioned to flying the McDonnell Douglas (Boeing) F/A-18A+ and F/A-18B Hornet. Their distinctively camouflaged jets now mimic paint schemes used on aircraft flown by the former Soviet Union and other potential enemy air forces. The Fighting Omars have been awarded the Chief of Naval Operations Aviation Safety Award and the Noel Davis Trophy for squadron readiness five times each. The squadron has also received a Meritorious Unit Commendation, the Battle “E”, the Noel Davis award for recognition as the best squadron in its category for Reserve Carrier Air Wing Twenty (CVWR-20), and an Aviation Safety Citation from the Commander Naval Air Reserve Force for several years of Class A mishap-free flying.
