VFA-213
| Strike Fighter Squadron 213 | |
|---|---|
VFA-213 insignia | |
| Active | 22 June 1955 |
| Country | United States |
| Branch | United States Navy |
| Type | Fighter/Attack |
| Role | Close air support Air interdiction Aerial reconnaissance |
| Part of | Carrier Air Wing Eight |
| Garrison/HQ | NAS Oceana |
| Nickname(s) | "Blacklions" |
| Motto(s) | Audentes Fortuna Juvat ("Fortune Favors the Bold") |
| Engagements | Second Taiwan Strait Crisis Vietnam War Operation Praying Mantis Operation Classic Resolve Operation Restore Hope Operation Southern Watch Operation Desert Fox Operation Enduring Freedom Iraq War Operation Inherent Resolve |
| Commanders | |
| Current commander | CDR Kevin Swift |
| Aircraft flown | |
| Fighter | F2H Banshee F4D Skyray F3H Demon F-4 Phantom II F-14 Tomcat F/A-18F Super Hornet |
Strike Fighter Squadron 213 (VFA-213), also known as the Blacklions, is a renowned United States Navy fighter squadron. Established in 1955, the squadron operated a variety of aircraft over its history, beginning with the McDonnell F2H Banshee. Subsequent aircraft included the McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II and the Grumman F-14 Tomcat, which they flew until transitioning over to the F/A-18F Super Hornet.