Air support operations for Operation Southern Watch A U.S. Air Force KC-135 tanker refuels a U.S. Navy F/A-18C from Strike Fighter Squadron One Three One (VFA-131) in the skies over Saudi Arabia on April 24, 1996. The aircraft were operating in support of Operation Southern Watch. The F/A-18C, also known as the Hornet, was preparing to fly a patrol mission enforcing the no-fly zone over southern Iraq. VFA-131 is operating from the USS George Washington (CVN 73) which is currently deployed to the Arabian Gulf in suppport of Operation Southern Watch. SHARE: Download: Full Size (0.03 MB) Credit: VIRIN: 352297-W-ADY64-103.jpg Photo Gallery