VFA-86
| Strike Fighter Squadron 86 | |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1 February 1951 |
| Country | United States |
| Branch | United States Navy |
| Type | Fighter/Attack |
| Role | Close air support Air interdiction Aerial reconnaissance |
| Part of | Joint Strike Fighter Wing |
| Garrison/HQ | NAS Lemoore |
| Nickname(s) | Sidewinders |
| Motto(s) | When diplomacy fails...86 ‘em! |
| Colors | N/A |
| Engagements | Vietnam War Operation Eagle Claw Gulf War Operation Deny Flight Operation Deliberate Force Operation Southern Watch Operation Enduring Freedom Iraq War Operation Inherent Resolve |
| Commanders | |
| Commanding Officer | CDR Patrick Lakusta |
| Executive Officer | CDR Troy Vantrease |
| Command Master Chief | CMDCM Joseph J. Montenero |
| Aircraft flown | |
| Attack | A-4B/C/E Skyhawk A-7A/C/E Corsair II |
| Fighter | F4U-4 Corsair F8F-2 Bearcat F9F-5 Panther F7U-3M Cutlass F/A-18C Hornet F/A-18E Super Hornet F-35C Lightning II |
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. The squadron is nicknamed "Sidewinders", leading to the call sign Winder. The unit is currently assigned to Joint Strike Fighter Wing.