VF-122

VF-122 was a fighter squadron of the United States Navy. It was originally established as VF-122 on April 6, 1956, and disestablished on August 1, 1996. Known as the "Flying Eagles," VF-122 primarily served as a Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS), also known as a Replacement Air Group (RAG), training naval aviators and maintenance personnel to operate and maintain specific fighter aircraft.

Initially based at Naval Air Station (NAS) Miramar, California, VF-122 was responsible for training pilots in the F-8 Crusader. Later, as the Navy transitioned to newer aircraft, VF-122 became the training squadron for the F-4 Phantom II. With the introduction of the F-14 Tomcat, VF-122 again transitioned, becoming the primary FRS for this iconic fighter. They were responsible for providing initial training to newly winged pilots and experienced aviators transitioning to the F-14, covering topics such as air-to-air combat, air-to-ground attack, and carrier qualifications.

Throughout its history, VF-122 played a crucial role in maintaining the readiness of the Navy's fighter squadrons. Besides pilot training, the squadron also trained maintenance personnel in the upkeep and repair of the assigned aircraft. The squadron's disestablishment in 1996 was part of a broader restructuring of the Navy's aviation assets following the end of the Cold War. Its functions were absorbed by other training squadrons.