Strike Fighter Squadron 86 (VFA-86) is a strike fighter squadron of the United States Navy. It is equipped with the F-35C Lightning II and is stationed at Naval Air Station Lemoore, California.

VFA-86 is an F-35C Lighting II strike fighter squadron attached to Joint Strike Fighter Wing Pacific.

In June of 1987, the Sidewinders departed NIMITZ to transition to the FA-18C Hornet and were re-designated Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA-86). In 1989, deploying with the Navy’s premier strike...

Oct 23, 2024 · VFA-86, the third squadron of the U.S. Navy to be equipped with the F-35C Lightning II aircraft, achieved the Safe-For-Flight Operations Certification (SFFOC), according to a public statement...

In June of 1987, the Sidewinders departed NIMITZ to transition to the FA-18C Hornet and were re-designated Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA-86). In 1989, deploying with the Navy’s premier strike fighter, the Sidewinders spent eight months with the Carrier Air Wing ONE (CVW-1) "TARBOX" team aboard AMERICA.

Oct 23, 2024 · VFA-86 has earned a Full Safe for Flight certification on the F-35C. The F-35C enhances the carrier strike group's ability to project power, supporting U.S. national security …

Apr 22, 2023 · NORFOLK – The “Sidewinders” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 86 returned to their home base Naval Air Station Lemoore in California, April 22, 2023, following an eight-month deployment with...

Maintain and deploy the F-35C to win in combat. Strike Fighter Squadron EIGHT SIX traces its origins to Fighter Squadron 921, based at Naval Air Station St. Louis, Missouri, during the Korean...

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Oct 4, 2022 · Keyser, from Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania, and a graduate of the United States Naval Academy, assumed command of VFA-86 as its 60th commanding officer in June 2021. He led the ‘Sidewinders’ into...