The Wildcats Commanding Officer, Cmdr. Erin Flint, a local of Gloversville, New York, obtained the award on behalf of the squadron.
“This award is a testomony to the professionalism and excellence exhibited every day by our group,” mentioned Flint. “From our pilots to our plane maintainers, all of us share on this success and it demonstrates that we stay able to assist any mission in protection of our nation.”
The award is introduced yearly to the most effective strike fighter squadron in recognition of excellent achievements to naval aviation. It’s named after Capt. Michael J. Estocin, a naval aviator who obtained the Medal of Honor for his actions throughout the Vietnam Struggle.
The Wildcats have been chosen from a extremely aggressive subject that features all F-18E/F and F-35C squadrons throughout the Navy following sustained superior efficiency all through fiscal 12 months (FY) 2021.
Whereas deployed throughout a six month fight deployment aboard the plane service USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) in 2021, the squadron operated from the North Atlantic to the Gulf of Oman. They demonstrated upkeep and operational excellence by flying 3,475 flight hours and reaching a 100% fight sortie completion fee in assist of Operation Freedom’s Sentinel.
The squadron was additionally awarded the FY20 Chief of Naval Operations Security “S” Award at the-start of 2021 and so they have been the East Coast strike fighter squadron FY21 Battle ‘E’ award recipient.
For extra details about the Wildcats go to VFA 131 (navy.mil)
