| Strike Fighter Squadron 213 | |
|---|---|
 VFA-213 insignia | |
| Active | 22 June 1955 |
| Country |  United States |
| Branch |  United States Navy |
| Type | Fighter/Attack |
| Role | Close air support Air interdiction Aerial reconnaissance |
| Part of |  Carrier Air Wing Eight |
| Garrison/HQ |  NAS Oceana |
| Nickname(s) | "Blacklions" |
| Motto(s) | Audentes Fortuna Juvat ("Fortune Favors the Bold") |
| Engagements | Vietnam War Operation Praying Mantis Operation Restore Hope Operation Southern Watch Operation Desert Fox Operation Enduring Freedom Iraq War Operation Inherent Resolve |
| Commanders | |
| Current commander | CDR Christopher Keen |
| Aircraft flown | |
| Fighter | F2H Banshee F4D Skyray F3H Demon F-4 Phantom II F-14 Tomcat F/A-18F Super Hornet |
Fighter Squadron 213 (VF-213)-(VFA-213) also known as the Blacklions, is a renowned United States Navy fighter squadron. Established in 1955, the squadron operated a variety of aircraft over its history, beginning with the McDonnell F2H Banshee. Subsequent aircraft included the McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II and the iconic Grumman F-14 Tomcat, which they flew until their upgrade to the F/A-18F Super Hornet.