Strike Fighter Squadron 97 | |
---|---|
Active | 1 June 1967–present |
Country | United States |
Branch | United States Navy |
Type | Fighter/Attack |
Role | Close air support Air interdiction Aerial reconnaissance |
Part of | Carrier Air Wing Two |
Garrison/HQ | NAS Lemoore |
Nickname(s) | "Warhawks" |
Colors | Blue and yellow |
Engagements | Vietnam War Operation Southern Watch Operation Restore Hope 1994 North Korean nuclear crisis Operation Desert Fox Operation Enduring Freedom Iraq War Operation Freedoms Sentinel/Resolute Support Operation Inherent Resolve/Deliberate Resolve |
Commanders | |
Commanding Officer | CDR. Chad D. Bartkus |
Executive Officer | CDR. Thomas R. Bock |
Command Master Chief | MCPO. Christopher T. Owens |
Aircraft flown | |
Attack | A-7 Corsair II |
Fighter | F/A-18A/C Hornet F/A-18E Super Hornet F-35C Lighting II |
Strike Fighter Squadron 97 (VFA-97) is a naval aviation squadron of the United States Navy. It is equipped with the F-35C Lightning II and is stationed at Naval Air Station Lemoore. The squadron is nicknamed "Warhawks" and it is currently assigned to Carrier Air Wing Two, tail code "NE". The squadron was originally established as Attack Squadron 97 (VA-97) on 1 June 1967 and redesignated VFA-97 on 24 January 1991.[1]