NAVAL AIR STATION LEMOORE, California — A U.S. Navy F/A-18F Super Hornet assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron 41 (VFA-41), known as the “Black Aces,” has reportedly returned from Operation Epic Fury with a submarine silhouette labeled “Sub Buster” beneath its cockpit. The aircraft, identified as “Dealer 102” and Bureau Number 168491, landed at Naval Air Station Lemoore, California, on October 1, 2026, after operating from the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72).
The marking resembles an Iranian Project 877EKM Kilo-class submarine, reportedly the IRIS Taregh, which U.S. forces destroyed while it was docked at an Iranian naval port. Iran acquired three Kilo-class submarines from Russia in the 1990s: Taregh, Noor and Yunes. Maintenance problems had affected their operational readiness. The specific weapon used in the reported strike by VFA-41 has not been publicly identified.
Strikes on Iran's Smaller Submarines
Iran also operates Fateh-class coastal submarines and smaller Ghadir-class midget submarines. During Operation Epic Fury, reports indicated that the lead Fateh-class submarine was sunk, while footage showed damage to other vessels. Reported attacks included AGM-114 Hellfire missiles launched from MQ-9 Reaper uncrewed aircraft and GBU-12 Paveway II laser-guided bombs. ATACMS ballistic missiles and uncrewed surface vessels were also reportedly used against Iranian submarine assets.
Impact of Operation Epic Fury
Launched on February 28, 2026, Operation Epic Fury targeted Iranian military infrastructure, including naval forces and missile production facilities. U.S. Central Command reported on April 6 that more than 13,000 targets had been struck and more than 155 Iranian vessels had been damaged or destroyed.
VFA-41 used large quantities of precision-guided weapons during the campaign, including GBU-38 JDAMs, laser-guided bombs and Joint Standoff Weapons (JSOWs), as well as air-to-air missiles.
The reported submarine losses could reduce Iran's ability to conduct underwater attacks and threaten shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman. However, the specific attribution of the Kilo-class submarine strike to this Super Hornet has not been independently verified.
——— End of Article ———
