VF-202
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The VF-202 Superheats was a U.S. Navy reserve fighter squadron based at NAS Dallas. Their call sign was Superheat, tail code was AF, and they flew the F-14A Tomcat.
[edit] History
The Superheats were established on the July 1, 1970, just under two weeks before VF-201. They first flew the F-8 Crusader and transitioned to the F-4 Phantom in 1976. Eleven years later VF-202 transitioned to the F-14A Tomcat from the F-4S Phantom, receiving their first F-14A on the March 27, 1987. Due to the squadron's reserve status the transition took longer than for an active unit, not being concluded until May of 1988, when VF-202 carrier qualified with their new mount onboard the USS America (CV-66).
1988 saw the squadron take part in the Reconnaissance Air Meet at Bergstrom AFB, Texas, along with several other F-14 squadrons, including VF-124. Even with the reorganisation and the elimination of many F-14 squadrons over the last few years, one would have expected the TARPS capable Superheats to have survived the cuts. However due to the high airframe time VF-202's F-14's had it was decided to disestablish the Superheats and make VF-201 TARPS capable. While this was the most cost effective way, it was a great shame to lose a unit of the quality of VF-202. The squadron was disestablished in 1999.
In the early 90's, the Superheats (VF-202) were based in Dallas,TX. Naval Air Station Dallas was the squadron's land based home. CVN-69 Dwight D. Eisenhower was the squadrons carrier assignment. There were many reservists that served the squadron to keep it battle ready for the time of need. These individuals represented battle readiness and were ready to go if the nation called.