Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA-147)

• Nickname - "Argonauts": Strike Fighter Squadron 147 (VFA-147) is known as the "Argonauts," a reference to the legendary band of heroes in Greek mythology who accompanied Jason in his quest for the Golden Fleece. • Established in 1967: VFA-147 was originally established as Attack Squadron 147 (VA-147) on 1 February 1967 and was the first operational squadron to fly the A-7 Corsair II. • Vietnam War Service: The squadron’s first combat deployment was aboard USS Ranger (CV-61) in June 1967, participating in the Vietnam War and flying strike missions into North Vietnam. • Transition to F/A-18: In 1989, the squadron transitioned to the F/A-18C Hornet and was redesignated as VFA-147, reflecting its new role as a strike fighter squadron. • Carrier Air Wing 2: VFA-147 has been a key component of Carrier Air Wing 2 (CVW-2), deploying on several aircraft carriers including USS Constellation (CV-64), USS Nimitz (CVN-68), and USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70). • Operation Desert Storm: During Operation Desert Storm in 1991, VFA-147 flew hundreds of combat sorties, providing air support, strike missions, and escort duties. • Operation Iraqi Freedom: The squadron participated in Operation Iraqi Freedom, launching missions from the Persian Gulf and supporting coalition ground forces. • First Operational F-35C Squadron: In December 2018, VFA-147 made history by becoming the U.S. Navy’s first operational squadron to transition to the F-35C Lightning II, the carrier-capable variant of the Joint Strike Fighter. • 2021 Historic Deployment: VFA-147 deployed aboard USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) in 2021, marking the first operational deployment of the F-35C and integrating this fifth-generation fighter into carrier strike group operations. • Numerous Awards: The "Argonauts" have received multiple awards for excellence, including the Battle "E" for combat efficiency and the Safety "S" for superior safety records during their storied history.