United States Navy Growler Demo Team

The Navy Legacy Flight Foundation program matches today’s frontline military fighters with their predecessors in close flight maneuvers at air shows nationwide. USN F/A-18F “Rhino” fighters, E/A-18G “Growler” Electronic Countermeasure aircraft, and F-35C Lightning II fly on the wings of World War II, Korean and Vietnam era fighters in an amazing tribute to Naval Aviators both past and present.

The U.S. Navy’s TACDEMO teams from VFA-106, VFA-122, and VAQ-129 are the U.S. Navy’s Legacy Flight teammates. These talented active-duty aviators fly the dynamic Super Hornet tactical demonstrations that precede our Navy Legacy flights. Strike Fighter Squadron 122 (VFA 122), also known as the “Flying Eagles,” are the West Coast team and Strike Fighter Squadron 106 (VFA-106), also known as the “Gladiators,” are the East Coast team. Electronic Attack Squadron 129 (VAQ-129), also known as the “Vikings,” are the EA-18G team. Also joining the Legacy Flight program is the Carrier Variant F-35C Lightning II.

Starting in 2022, all types of the U.S. Navy training aircraft will also be doing static demonstrations at air shows and performing Legacy Flights with the fighters and legacy warbird aircraft.

The Navy approves a select group of civilian pilots to fly their warbirds in formation with the TACDEMO and F-35C aircraft. Intensive training and preparation are the focus of a week-long mission each spring to prepare the pilots for safe and enjoyable demonstrations all over the U.S.

Photo by LSB Photography