VFC - 12 Fighter Squadron Composite Twelve ( VFC - 12 ) is a US Navy Reserve fighter squadron based at NAS Oceana , providing adversary training to East Coast air wings . VFC - 12 reports to Commander Tactical Support Wing , a component of Commander , Naval Air Reserve Force ( COMNAVAIRESFOR ) . The " Fighting Omars " represent NAS Oceana ' s only Naval Reserve squadron , and is manned by selected reservists , full time reservists ( FTS ) and active duty personnel . The squadron ' s radio callsign is " Ambush " and their tailcode is " AF " . Squadron aircraft no longer wear the unique adversary blue camouflage paint scheme which they have been known for but upgraded to the SU - 35 Flanker Prototype 2 Arctic Splinter Camouflage in late 2012 when they transitioned back to the F / A - 18 A + . History . 3 distinct squadrons have been designated VC - 2 . The third of these was redesignated VFC - 12 and is the main subject of this article . Officially , the US Navy does not recognize a direct lineage with disestablished squadrons if a new squadron is formed with the same designation . Often , the new squadron will assume the nickname , insignia , and traditions of the earlier squadrons . First VC - 12 . The first Fighter Squadron Composite Twelve was originally commissioned VC - 12 on 6 October 1943 at NAS Sand Point , Seattle , Washington . The squadron operated the F4F " Wildcat " and TBM - 1 " Avenger " aboard in the western Pacific until the carrier changed homeport to Norfolk , Virginia in 1944 . In the Atlantic theater , VC - 12 flew combat missions against German U - boats , logging 34 engagements . On 7 June 1945 , VC - 12 was decommissioned . Second VC - 12 . On 1 September 1948 , Carrier Air Early Warning Squadron Two , based at NAS Norfolk , was redesignated Fleet Composite Squadron Twelve . VC - 12 operated TBM - 3 " Avengers " from Atlantic Fleet carriers . During the Korean War , VC - 12 saw combat while operating from . The second VC - 12 was decommissioned on 9 September 1953 . Current VFC - 12 . On 1 September 1973 , at NAF Detroit , Michigan , the current squadron was commissioned as VC - 12 , the Navy ' s first Reserve Fleet Composite Squadron . The squadron employed the single seat A - 4 Skyhawk and dual seat TA - 4Js in providing multiple support services , including air intercept and dissimilar air combat maneuvering ( ACM ) training for Atlantic and Pacific fleet units . In 1975 , VC - 12 moved to its current home at NAS Oceana , Virginia Beach , Virginia . In June 1988 , VC - 12 was redesignated Fighter Squadron Composite Twelve ( VFC - 12 ) to more accurately describe the squadron ' s mission of Dissimilar Air Combat Training . In 1994 the unit transitioned to the A - B models of the F / A - 18 Hornet . In 2004 , the A ' s were upgraded to the A + , which included upgraded mission computers and weapons capabilities . In 2006 , VFC - 12 traded these F / A - 18 A + models ( which had low arrested landing fatigue life ) for F / A - 18C ' s from VFA - 87 . Finally in 2012 , VFC - 12 traded jets again with VFA - 87 so they are now flying the F / A - 18 A + . Mission . The squadron ' s primary focus is support to the Strike Fighter Advanced Readiness Program ( SFARP ) , which trains operational fleet FA - 18 squadrons . SFARP is an intense three week training exercise , conducted by the Strike Fighter Weapons School Atlantic , that allows fleet Strike Fighter aircrews to hone their war fighting skills against a creditable adversary prior to deploying . In addition to the SFARP program , VFC - 12 supports the F / A - 18 Fleet Replacement Squadron s at Oceana and with detachments to NAS Key West . The " Omars " often average more than 200 days a year on detachments . Awards . VFC - 12 was awarded the Chief of Naval Operations Aviation Safety Award in 1978 , 1980 , 1981 , 1992 and 1998 . VFC - 12 was awarded the Noel Davis Trophy for squadron readiness for 1980 , 1984 , 1985 , 1995 and 1998 . In January 1989 , the " Fighting Omars " received a Meritorious Unit Commendation for sustained superior performance from 1 April 1987 to 31 March 1988 . In 1998 , VFC - 12 was awarded the Battle " E " , Noel Davis award for recognition as the best squadron in category for Carrier Air Wing Twenty . Also in 1998 , Commander Naval Air Reserve Force recognized VFC - 12 with an Aviation Safety Citation for achieving another year of Class A mishap free flying .