Top to bottom: F-5E, Squadron photo circa 1992; Section of A-4E Skyhawks; Echelon of VF-126 aircraft led by the F-16N, F-5E, A-4E, TA-4J, and the T-2C Buckeye (utilized for out-of control flight training)

Fighter Squadron ONE TWO SIX [VF-126]
"Bandits"

     Fighter Squadron 126 (VF-126) was a  Pacific Fleet Adversary Squadron based at Miramar Naval AIr Station near San Diego, California.  Known as the "Bandits", the squadron provided Air Combat Maneuvering (ACM) adversary support and training for Pacific Fleet Navy and Marine Corps fighter and strike fighter squadrons, as well as supporting the West Coast Fleet Replacement Squadron VF-124.  In addition, the squadron was responsible for the AIRPAC instrument exam, jet instrument ground training for pilots and naval flight officers flying F-14, F-5, A-6 and A-4 aircraft, and Out-of-Control flight training to Navy and Marine Pacific Fleet units.  The squadron was decommissioned in 1994.

     Fighter Squadron 126 was established on 6 April 1956 as an operational fleet squadron located at Miramar Naval Air Station and designated VA-126. Within 9 months the squadron's pilots and maintenance department had qualified in the F7U-3 Cutlass and deployed to NAS Fallon, Nevada. Soon thereafter, the squadron began flying the F9F-8 Cougar and FJ-4 Fury. Later, the squadron became the replacement attack squadron for the A-4D-1 Skyhawk and the AD-5, 6, and 7 Skyraider aircraft. In 1960, VA-126 received the F9F-8T and commenced jet transition and instrument training for the Pacific Fleet. VA-126, officially known as the "Seahwaks" was redesignated VF-126 in October 1965 and transitioned to the TA-4F. 

     VF-126 began its adversary mission as early as October 1964 as the Light Attack Replacement Squadron flying F-9's in "Operation Hardnose". Through the Vietnam War, the squadron provided invaluable adversary support to the F-8 and F-4 replacement squadrons flying the TF-9J, TA-4F and A-4E.  In 1972, VF-126 began direct support of the new F-14 program and VF-124. In March of 1978, VF-126 was assigned A-4F aircraft to upgrade its adversary support mission.  In 1981, VF-126 changed its name from "Seahawk" to "Bandit", redesignated the squadron emblem and camouflaged all adversary aircraft to more closely simulate the current air-to-air threat. During the 1980's, and beyond, the F-5E was one of the primary aircraft utilized by the squadron, and the F-16N provided realistic fourth generation threat simulation beginning in 1987.

Pacific Fleet Out-of-Control (OOC) flight training was added to the list of VF-126 missions in 1978. This marked the first OOC flight training program of its kind in the aviation world.  The squadron motto, "Without Equal" embodied the approach the Bandits of VF-126 took in the performance of their diverse missions. 

Above: Squadron Photo Circa 1994