In 1990 the squadron, with the rest of its air wing, moved to USS Independence.
VF-21 arrived on station in the Persian Gulf on August 5, 1990 and was part of the Carrier Group that was America's first response to Iraq's August 2, 1990 Invasion of Kuwait.
VF-21 maintained Combat Air Patrol "CAP" missions during Operation Desert Shield, the buildup of coalition forces to liberate Kuwait.
However, the USS Independence battle group) was relieved on station by the Ranger and Midway Carrier battle groups at the onset of Operation Desert Storm.
General Norman Schwarzkopf flew aboard the USS Independence to command the battle group; CBS Anchor Dan Rather reported from the USS Independence flight deck.
VF-21 returned aboard the USS Independence to establish Operation Southern Watch immediately after Desert Storm.

In August 1991 USS Independence took over the role of USS Midway as the only carrier home ported outside the USA, at Yokosuka, Japan.
During this change the squadron stayed with the same carrier but moved air wings, from CVW-14 to CVW-5.
This was, because the Midway air wing had been without F-14s, as the older ship could not accommodate the F-14's size and weight.

In March 1996 during the Third Taiwan Strait Crisis USS Independence and USS Nimitz were involved in operations to demonstrate US resolve in support of Taiwan.
VF-21 returned from deployment on board the Independence in late 1995.
This was their last at sea period and the squadron was soon after disestablished, the official ceremony was on the January 31, 1996.
In 1990 the squadron, with the rest of its air wing, moved to USS Independence. VF-21 arrived on station in the Persian Gulf on August 5, 1990 and was part of the Carrier Group that was America's first response to Iraq's August 2, 1990 Invasion of Kuwait. VF-21 maintained Combat Air Patrol "CAP" missions during Operation Desert Shield, the buildup of coalition forces to liberate Kuwait. However, the USS Independence battle group) was relieved on station by the Ranger and Midway Carrier battle groups at the onset of Operation Desert Storm. General Norman Schwarzkopf flew aboard the USS Independence to command the battle group; CBS Anchor Dan Rather reported from the USS Independence flight deck. VF-21 returned aboard the USS Independence to establish Operation Southern Watch immediately after Desert Storm.
In August 1991 USS Independence took over the role of USS Midway as the only carrier home ported outside the USA, at Yokosuka, Japan. During this change the squadron stayed with the same carrier but moved air wings, from CVW-14 to CVW-5. This was, because the Midway air wing had been without F-14s, as the older ship could not accommodate the F-14's size and weight.
In March 1996 during the Third Taiwan Strait Crisis USS Independence and USS Nimitz were involved in operations to demonstrate US resolve in support of Taiwan. VF-21 returned from deployment on board the Independence in late 1995. This was their last at sea period and the squadron was soon after disestablished, the official ceremony was on the January 31, 1996.
VF-21