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History
Spoiler
VFA-204 (strike fighter squadron 204), Now VFC-204 (fighter squadron composite 204)
, nicknamed is a US Navy reserve adversary squadron known for flying the iconic legacy hornet. The squadron is based out of Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans in Belle Chase, Louisiana, United States. Founded on July 1st, 1970 the squadron has flown a variety of aircraft including the A-4C/E Skyhawks and the A-7B/E Corsair II, However they are most know for flying the F/A-18A/A+/C/D Legacy Hornet. Though these are being fazed out in favor of the F-5N/F Tiger IIs.
The squadron is most publicly know for there airshows where they fly their “aggressor camo” and two-tone hornets in dazzling displays of aerobatics. Even flying amongst the Blue Angels on several occasions. However more importantly they trained new pilots on how to fly the F/A-18A/C Legacy Hornets and the F/A-18E/F Super Hornets. From carrier landings to Air and Ground strike Combat tactics they were among the best squadron to teach new pilots. They weren’t only teaching however as their hornets were also maintained in a way to allow for speedy combat mobilization for the fleet if the need ever arose.
When the squadron was established in 1970 as VA-204(Attack Squadron 204) they originally operated out of Naval Air Station Memphis flying the A-4C. However were quickly transitioned to the A-4E in 1971 and deployed with the CVWR-20(Carrier Air Wing Reserve 20) and became the first Naval Air Reserve squadron to operate out of the USS John F. Kennedy. Over the next few years they earned several accolades from safety rewards to the “Best Tail Hook Squadron in the Naval Reserve”. In 1978 the squadron was moved to Naval air station New Orleans and given the A-7B. After from 1979 to 1986 (transferring in 1986 to the A-7E) operated aboard the USS Independence, The USS Forrestal, and The USS Dwight D. Eisenhower. Earning even more accolades
In 1991 the squadron was redesignated as VFA-204 (Strike fighter Squadron 204) and transitioned to the F/A-18A. According to some sources they started receiving F/A-18C around 1993. At the same time in 1993 the squadron was given its sixth CNO Safety Award, where over 13 years they competed 50,000 mishap free flight hours. In 1996 they deployed aboard the at the time navy’s newest carrier the USS John C. Stennis.
Moving into the 2000s they continued work as apart of the Tactical Support Wing acting as a adversary support in simulated fighter combat as well as large multi-plane strike exercises. More interesting in 2003 VFA-204 was starred in the film Tears Of The Sun with actor Bruce Willis. Flying the F/A-18A using pyrotechnics to simulate firing the AGM-84E SLAM. In 2022 it was announced the squadron was going to be redesignated VFC-204 (Fighter Squadron Composite 204) and they would start transitioning to the F-5N/F marking the end of their story for now.
The Camo
Spoiler
The livery for this suggestion is the “Last Show” camo used for their last airshows in 2021-2022 using the hornets. It is a two-tone light gray, dark gray camo with a red star on the tail that has their squadron snake on the star. Specifically looking at “River 1” (identified by 401 tail number) with the iconic Mardi Gras Airbrake adorned with Fleur Dis Lis and jesters representing New Orleans the home of the River Rattlers.
More Photos
Examples From WT Live