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 | "Blacklions" |
| Motto | 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 Operation Southern Spear Operation Epic Fury |
| 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 (VF-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 their transition over to the F/A-18F Super Hornet. The squadron's radio callsign is Lion and their tail code is AJ.