The VFA 131 Wildcats were first embarked aboard USS Wasp. The squadron was active during World War II and destroyed 42 enemy planes during that time. In 1949, with the war over, the squadron was disestablished.
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In 1985, the squadron came to life again as they moved to NAS Cecil Field and were assigned to the USS Coral Sea. Officially named the Wildcats, VFA 131 received the newest strike fighters, the F/A-18 Hornet.
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In 1986, VFA 131 participated in the news-making strike against Libya and was the first on the scene in Operation Desert Shield.
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The Wildcats have earned the Armed Forces and Navy Expeditionary medals as well as two Navy Unit Commendations, the COMNAVAIRLANT Battle "E" Award, CNO Aviation Safety Award, the Silver Anchor Award and the Michael J. Estocin Award as the Navy's best F/A-18 squadron.
