ANTI-SUBMARINE FIGHTER SQUADRON EIGHT SIX, VSF-86 GATORS

VSF-86 F-8H 147047 in black trim in 1973.
(J. Weathers via F. Roos)

VSF-86 was the second F-8 anti¬submarine fighter squadron (see VSF-76). VSF-86 was assigned to CVSGR-80 and was commissioned as VSFAIX2 in July 1968 while flying A-4Bs. The squadron was split into VSF-80X3 and VSF-85X4. The A-4Bs were replaced by A-4Cs and VSF-80X3 and VSF-85X4 were re¬designated VSF-86. The A-4Cs were replaced by F-8Hs in 1971. In August 1973 VSF-76 and VSF-86 were re¬designated VC-13.