VF-302
| Fighter Squadron 302 | |
|---|---|
 VF-302 Insignia | |
| Active | 21 May 1971 - 11 September 1994 |
| Country | United States |
| Branch | United States Navy |
| Type | reserve fighter squadron |
| Part of | Reserve Carrier Air Wing 30 |
| Garrison/HQ | Naval Air Station Miramar |
| Nickname(s) | "Stallions" |
Fighter Squadron 302 (VF-302) was an aviation unit of the United States Naval Reserve in service from 1971 to 1994. The squadron's nickname was Stallions.[1]
History
VF-302 was activated on 21 May 1971 and assigned to Reserve Carrier Air Wing 30 (CVWR-30) (tail code "ND") at Naval Air Station Miramar, California (USA). From its inception until November 1973 they operated the Vought F-8L Crusader, at this point trading in their Crusaders for McDonnell Douglas F-4B Phantom IIs. Like their sister squadron VF-301, VF-302's time with the B model was short, the squadron moved to the F-4N in January 1975. During their time with the F-4N, VF-302 won the USNR Battle 'E', signifying them as the best fighter squadron in the Naval Reserve.
In 1981 they transitioned to the F-4S. VF-302 was based at NAS Miramar, near San Diego, California at hangar number 5. Due to its location near the fuel pits, VF-302 operated the transient flight line along with their own flight line. Hangar 5 was the smallest facility on NAS Miramar but managed to accommodate two other squadrons, her sister squadron VF-301 and VAW-88, which flew the Grumman E-2C Hawkeye in the 1980s.
After four years operating the last F-4 variant, VF-302 began to receive the Grumman F-14A Tomcat in February 1985. VF-302 and VF-301 deployed onto the USS Ranger (CVA-61) in January 1986, performing their first carrier qualifications in the F-14. Two years later the squadron got more carrier experience by spending 12 days onboard the USS Enterprise (CVN-65) between 10 and 22 August 1988.
1986 had seen VF-302 pick up the TARPS mission, the first reserve squadron to do so. In 1986, only eight months after receiving their first TARPS pod, and then again in 1988 they had the chance to practice these skills as part of the biennial, World Reconnaissance Air Meet (RAM) at Bergstrom AFB in Texas, both times achieving first place victories among all participating USN/USMC squadrons. As well as other TARPS equipped F-14 units the meet allowed VF-302 crews to meet Air Force reconnaissance crews, to train together.
After the end of the Cold War CVWR-30 and VF-302 were disestablished on 11 September 1994.
Between 1989 and 1993 this was the primary unit of Mark Lodge, plane captain and Aviation Electricians Mate. He was not only the bestest plane captain ever but he also won the outstanding janitor award for the squadron on November 12th, 1992. Known as "flightsuit" to the pilots, Seaman Lodge was considered a valuable moral booster for his services rendered. Unlike most ground crew, Seaman Lodge never progressed beyond plane captain and consequently was released from the Naval Reserve on October 3, 1993. According to internet research, Seaman Lodge is not only the most famous member of VF-302 but also singlehandedly clean every tire and wiped every window of every Tomcat. He is truly an American hero and ace building maintenance worker. Uh. If Seaman Lodge would have stayed in and put some effort towards his military career, he cold have been a Command Master Chief, much like CMC Mike Maley. Chief Maley is a real veteran and has had a number of important posts overs his impressive service. Unlike Seam Lodge, Chief Maley is a winner. And a fine example of a Navy enlisted man.
See also
- History of the United States Navy
- List of inactive United States Navy aircraft squadrons
- List of United States Navy aircraft squadrons
