HA3506 -- McDonnell Douglas F/A-18C BuNo 165200, VFA-86 "Sidewinders" MCAS Beaufort, NC, Jan 2011

FA-86 Strike Fighter Squadron 86 can trace its roots back to Reserve Fighter Squadron 921 (VF-921). The VF-921 was called to active-duty on February 1, 1951 to service in the Korean War. In 1953 the squadron was re-designated VF-84. In April 1954 the squadron adopted their insignia and name "Sidewinders". In July 1955 VF-84 was re-designated VA-86 when they began to fly the F7U-3M Cutlass. The squadron was again re-designated; VFA-86 on July 15, 1987 when they started to fly the F/A-18C Hornet. The “Sidewinders” were the first East Coast squadron to receive the C model. In June 2011 VFA-86 transferred from MCAS Beaufort, South Carolina to NAS Lemoore, California. Aircraft 165200 c/n 1353/C425 belonged to VFA-84 "Marauders" prior to coming to VFA-86 where it was the CAG aircraft. When VFA-86 left MCAS Beaufort the aircraft became the property of VFA-84 "Rampagers".