The “Pukin’ Dogs” is a Navy fighter jet squadron, originally classified as VFA-143, that was first established in 1949. At first glance, this squad name seems a bit… Off-putting, if not outright disgusting—kind of reminds me of how I feel watching Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest. But once you see the insane stunts these jets can pull, you’ll start to understand why the moniker became official.
Originally a reserve squadron, “The Griffins” ensured that our Navy remained powerful in a post World War II epoch of American greatness and strength. The squad remained a reserve element until the war in Korea began, and when they were called to active duty on July 20, 1940, “The Griffins” took to the skies in the legendary Corsair.
Eventually the squad members settled on the name “The Pukin’ Dogs” due to their wild stunts in the air. Over the years, airmen participated in the Vietnam war using the legendary Phantom; the squad is even known for shooting down the very first Mig-21 in 1967! I know it sounds too good to be true, almost like a first person computer game! Who doesn't love a good game of Jet Fighter or Battlefield 3.
The group has been an integral member in the “war on terror” as well. “The Pukin’ Dogs” have carried out air strikes in “Operation Enduring Freedom,” “Operation Iraqi Freedom,” and even operations in Somalia to curb the pirate problem.
Currently, “The Pukin’ Dogs” fly the F/A-18E Super Hornet. The Boeing-made Super Hornet is a legend among legends: a combat-proven strike fighter with the ability to use a “suite of integrated and networked systems provides enhanced interoperability, total force support for the combatant commander and for the troops on the ground.”
The Super Hornet is one of the most advanced and feared aircrafts in the world.
The craft’s ability to turn on a dime, while being able to fly insanely long distances, all while having the capability to carry a vast assortment of weaponry, truly makes the Super Hornet an incredibly superior weapon of war. When real life becomes a game of Risk, you'll want to have one of these on standby.
Even though the Super Hornet was initially based off of the original F-18 Hornet, made in the early 1980’s, this craft has defiantly stood the test of time and is widely loved by the airmen who fly it.
To be a fighter pilot takes a lot of skill, a lot of intelligence, a lot of bravery and just a dash of utter insanity. It may seem crazy but we need folks like this, they're our best insurance against the enemy. Fighter pilots are a rare breed indeed, men and women who have to have the strongest mental and physical strength out there!
Even the U.S. Airforce describes the position as incredibly intense, noting that:
“…taking control of one of the most advanced aircraft in the world—and pushing its performance to the limit—requires extraordinary skill and precision, and Air Force Pilots make it look easy. While successfully completing their missions is paramount, the role of Pilots as leaders and character models is just as important since they train and command crews in addition to flying. Air Force Pilots deploy around the world to wherever there’s a need as fighters, trainers, bombers, advisers and more.”
Watch this video — it truly proves that these pilots have nerves of steel! These guys are flying at such ridiculously low altitudes and at such incredible speeds that it really takes an incredibly brave (and, dare we say, slightly crazy) type of person to even dream of having this job!
