VFA-97

Strike Fighter Squadron 97 (VFA-97), also known as the "Warhawks", are a United States Navy F/A-18E fighter squadron stationed at Naval Air Station Lemoore. The squadron was established as VA-97 on 1 June 1967 and redesignated VFA-97 on 24 January 1991. VFA-97 was the first Navy F/A-18 squadron to be expeditionary land-based, the "Warhawks" deployed to MCAS Iwakuni, Japan as part of USN/USMC TACAIR Integration. In 2008, they transitioned back to Carrier-based operations with Carrier Air Wing Eleven with the tail code of "NH". Their radio callsign is Warhawk.

Squadron insignia and nickname

The original VA-97 squadron insignia was approved by the Chief of Naval Operations on 6 March 1968 and they have been called the Warhawks since establishment. According to the US Navy History and Heritage Command, "The squadron continued to use its old insignia approved for VA-97. The squadron did not request a designation change to its banner following its redesignation to VFA-97." However, newer VFA-97 insignia appears to be in use.