Strike Fighter Squadron 147 (VFA-147), also known as the "Argonauts", is a United States Navy strike fighter squadron based at Naval Air Station Lemoore California. VFA-147 flies the F/A-18E Super Hornet as part of Carrier Air Wing Nine. Their tailcode is NG and their radio callsign is Jason.

Squadron Insignia and Nickname

The squadron’s insignia was approved by CNO on 30 June 1967. The squadron is named after a band of heroes in Greek mythology, Jason and the Argonauts), who searched the oceans in quest of adventure and personal reward.

History

04 Nov 1967 25 May 1968 CVW-2 CVA 61 A-7A WestPac/Vietnam
26 Oct 1968 17 May 1969 CVW-2 CVA 61 A-7A WestPac/Vietnam

1960s

Attack Squadron 147 was commissioned as the Navy's First A-7E Corsair II squadron on February 1, 1967 in Lemoore, California. The squadron received its first A-7A on 28 Jun 1967, and in Dec 1967, the squadron flew its first combat missions, striking targets in North Vietnam from USS Ranger. This was the first introduction of the A-7 Corsair II in combat. The squadron would deploy a total of five times in support of the Vietnam War.

In Jan 1968 while embarked on USS Ranger (CV-61), the squadron flew support missions during the siege at Khe Sanh before the carrier was ordered from Yankee Station to the Sea of Japan following the capture of USS Pueblo (AGER-2) by North Korea on 23 January 1968. In Apr 1969 following the shoot down of a Navy EC-121 aircraft by the North Koreans on 15 April, Ranger, with VA-147 embarked, again left Yankee Station and proceeded to the Sea of Japan for operations off the coast of Korea. After deployment, the squadron upgraded to the A-7E in Sep 1969.

1970s

The Argonauts deployed to WestPac/Vietnam aboard USS America (CV-66) in 1970, and USS Constellation (CV-64) in 1971-72. In May 1972, the squadron participated in the early phase of Operation Linebacker I, heavy air strikes against targets in North Vietnam.
In Mar–Jun 1973 embarked on Constellation, VA-147 provided aerial support during Operation End Sweep, the removal of mines from North Vietnamese waters.In Apr 1972 the squadron participated in Operation Freedom Train, tactical air sorties against military and logistic targets in the southern part of North Vietnam. It also provided support for forces in South Vietnam following a massive invasion by North Vietnam on 1 April 1972.

In Nov 1974, VA-147 embarked on Constellation, operated in the Persian Gulf. This was the first time in 26 years that an American carrier had entered and operated in the Persian Gulf. The Squadron won the Battle "E" Award in 1977 as the top Corsair squadron in the Pacific Fleet.

1980s

VA-146 deployed aboard Constellation in 1980 and 1981-82. During these deployments , the squadron remained ashore at NAS Cubi Point as CVW-9’s Beach Detachment as part of the "Swing Wing Concept" during most of Constellation’s deployment.

Between Jan 1984 and Jun 1987, the squadron deployed three times aboard USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63), including an around-the-world cruise.

In Sept 1988 while embarked on the first of two USS Nimitz (CVN-68) deployments, VA-147 operated in the Sea of Japan in support of the Summer Olympic Games in Seoul, Korea.

The squadron was redesignated Strike Fighter Squadron 147 (VFA-147) on 20 July, 1989, and transitioned to the F/A-18C Hornet under the instruction of VFA-125. The squadron received its first LOT XII "Night Attack" Hornet in December 1989.

1990s

The Argonauts deployed to the Persian Gulf in March 1991 in support of Operation Desert Storm during troop withdrawal operations. The Argonauts became the Navy's first operational FA-18 squadron to employ the Navigational Forward Looking Infra-Red PODS (NAV FLIR) and night vision goggles.

In June 1995 the Argonauts completed the transition to new LOT XVI/XVII FA-18C aircraft with the APG-73 radar and Enhanced Performance Engines. The Argonauts made deployments to the Gulf three more times in support of Operation Southern Watch aboard Nimitz.

In May of 1998 the Argonauts conducted a wholesale swap of their Lot XVI Hornets for Lot XI Hornets from VFA-195.

2000s

After the September 11 attacks, the Argonauts participated in Operation Noble Eagle, flying combat patrols over Los Angeles from USS John C. Stennis. The squadron deployed aboard Stennis in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, conducting numerous strikes into Afghanistan against Taliban and Al-Qaeda forces. During these missions, VFA-147 also helped refine the employment of the JDAM (Joint Direction Attack Munition).

VFA-147 received the 2002 Battle E Award, recognizing the Argonauts as the top squadron in the Pacific Strike Fighter Wing.

VFA-147 deployed aboard USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) on 17 January 2003 to the Western Pacific for an 8-month deployment, maintaining a U.S. presence in the South China Sea and the Western Pacific.

The Argonauts next deployed on Carl Vinson with CVW-9 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in January 2005, and again in January 2007 . VFA-147 was awarded the 2007 Battle “E”, and was named the Navy’s top F/A-18C Hornet Squadron for 2007 earning the Capt. Michael J. Estocin Award.

VFA-147 began transitioning to F/A-18E Super Hornets in October, 2007, and completed transition in February 2008.

VFA-147 and CVW-9 deployed with USS John C. Stennis on a scheduled Western Pacific deployment on January 13, 2009.