FLEET REPLACEMENT SQUADRON

VF-101 GRIM REAPERS

FIGHTER SQUADRON ONE ZERO ONE

Fighter Squadron One Zero One (VF-101) serves Virtual Carrier Air Wing 17 as the Tomcat Fleet Replacement Squadron. VF-101 is responsible for the Indoctrination and Training of Student Naval Aviators (Pilots) and Student Naval Flight Officers (RIOs) before their assignment to a Fleet Squadron. The FRS ensures that all crew members are prepared to handle the complexities of flying and operating the F-14B Tomcat in a variety of mission scenarios.

Syllabus Structure

The VF-101 syllabus for both SNAs and SNFOs is divided into Core Skills (CS) and Weapon Systems (WS) flights. The training spans 9 flights, 5 flights are dedicated to core skills and 4 flights are dedicated to weapon systems. Ideally Students complete the syllabus over a 4-week period, attending two flight nights per week. Generally however, learning is done at your own pace and no set time requirement is posed for completion of the FRS syllabus.

Core Skills (CS) Flights

The CS flights for SNAs focus on mastering the fundamentals of flying the F-14B, including:

  • Basic airmanship and formation flying.

  • Air-to-air refueling.

  • Carrier operations under both day (CASE I) and night (CASE III) conditions.

For SNFOs, the CS syllabus emphasizes:

  • Navigation, including INS fixes and TACAN operations.

  • Proficiency with the AWG-9 radar and NAVGRID systems.

  • Coordinating air intercepts, carrier operations, and night CASE III recoveries.

Both roles also prepare students for the critical tasks of working together as a crew, ensuring seamless communication and coordination between the pilot and the RIO.

Weapon Systems (WS) Flights

The WS phase introduces students to the tactical use of the Tomcat’s weapons and sensors. SNAs and SNFOs work together to:

  • Deliver general-purpose and laser-guided bombs.

  • Execute Beyond Visual Range (BVR) and Within Visual Range (WVR) combat.

Training Philosophy

Training in VF-101 is designed to simulate real-world Navy operations while maintaining a focus on fun and learning. Instructor Pilots and RIOs mentor students through each flight, ensuring a strong grasp of essential concepts and practical application. Each flight builds on previous lessons, culminating in operational readiness. The Fleet Replacement Squadron both provides the syllabus and the learning material needed to accomplish the flights. Students are expected to review the syllabus and presenations before the flights and practice areas of improvements on their own.

Graduation and Fleet Assignment

Graduates of VF-101 demonstrate competence across all syllabus areas and are assigned to VF-103, where they continue honing their skills in an operational environment. Successful completion of the syllabus is a milestone that prepares Pilots and RIOs to excel as integral members of Virtual Carrier Air Wing 17.