Blue Blasters

Have Gun Will Travel

STRIKE FIGHTER SQUADRON 34 COMMAND HISTORY

The Blue Blasters, originally commissioned as VF-20 “Jokers” in 1943, were heavily involved in key World War II battles, including the sinking of the IJNS Musashi and action at Leyte Gulf. After the war, they transitioned through several aircraft and designations, becoming VF-34 in 1950 and then VA-34 in 1955. The squadron operated A-4 Skyhawks and deployed to the Mediterranean, earning their “Blue Blasters” nickname for their nuclear strike capabilities.

During the Vietnam War, VA-34 participated in operations over North Vietnam from the deck of USS Intrepid before being disbanded in 1969. Reestablished in 1970 as an A-6 Intruder squadron, the Blue Blasters continued to distinguish themselves, participating in high-profile operations like PRAIRIE FIRE and EL DORADO CANYON in the 1980s, where they were the first to employ the HARPOON missile in combat.

The squadron transitioned to the F/A-18C Hornet in 1996, becoming VFA-34. They deployed aboard USS George Washington for its maiden cruise in 1994 and continued to support operations in Bosnia, Iraq, and other global conflict zones. By 2000, VFA-34 had established itself as one of the Navy’s top strike fighter squadrons, known for its operational achievements and combat readiness.

In DCS Virtual VFA-34 has demonstrated excellence since early 2021. In vCVW-17 the Blue Blasters specialise in everything Air to Ground whilst maintaining exellence in Air to Air Combat.

Patch with a skeleton playing a guitar, wearing a bandana, with text 'Blue Blasters' and 'VFA-34' around it.
Colorful embroidered patch featuring a skeleton with a mohawk holding a small the planet Earth, surrounded by red, white, blue, orange, and green colors, with text referencing ground crew and a date from 2014 to 2012.
Three military fighter jets flying in formation against a cloudy sky.

VFA-34 MISSIONS

  • "Bombs on Target, On Time" is VFA-34's mantra for strike missions. Equipped with advanced targeting systems like the AN/ASQ-228 ATFLIR, VFA-34’s F/A-18C Hornets can accurately deliver precision-guided munitions, including laser-guided and GPS-guided bombs, ensuring effective strikes in support of mission objectives.

  • During Offensive Counter Air (OCA) missions, VFA-34 provides sweep and escort for strike packages, enhancing air superiority in hostile airspace. The F/A-18C’s agility, powerful radar, and air-to-air missile capabilities enable VFA-34 to clear threats and protect high-value assets, ensuring mission success in contested environments.

  • VFA-34 plays a key role in SEAD missions, using the F/A-18C’s capabilities to neutralize enemy radar and missile systems. Armed with AGM-88 HARM missiles, the Hornets can locate and suppress hostile air defenses, paving the way for friendly aircraft and enabling safe access to contested airspace.

  • In Close Air Support missions, VFA-34’s F/A-18C Hornets provide timely and precise firepower to support ground forces. With versatile weapons loadouts and the ability to quickly acquire targets using ATFLIR, VFA-34 can adapt to dynamic ground scenarios, delivering ordnance with high accuracy to support JTACs and ground commanders.

  • In War at Sea missions (WAS), VFA-34’s F/A-18C Hornets are equipped with the AGM-84 Harpoon missile to engage surface threats at long range. Leveraging the Harpoon’s sea-skimming flight profile and precision targeting, VFA-34 can effectively strike enemy ships, neutralizing high-value maritime targets and contributing to naval superiority in contested waters.