VFA-105

Strike Fighter Squadron 105
Strike Fighter Squadron 105
Active	1 November 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 Three
Garrison/HQ	NAS Oceana
Nickname(s)	"Gunslingers"
Motto(s)	"Tonight... we ride!"
Colors	Green, gray, yellow, black
Engagements	Vietnam War ; Operation Southern Watch ; Operation Desert Fox ; Iraq War ; Operation Enduring Freedom ; Operation Inherent Resolve ; Operation Prosperity Guardian ; 2024 missile strikes in Yemen
Commanders
Commanding Officer	CDR Travis "Sweet T" Amerine
Executive Officer	CDR Joel "FAIDS" Nogle
Command Master Chief	CMDCM (SW/AW) Antonnette G. Spruill
Aircraft flown
Attack	A-7 Corsair II
Fighter	F/A-18C Hornet ; F/A-18E Super Hornet

Last updated February 26, 2024

Strike Fighter Squadron 105 (VFA-105) also known as the "Gunslingers" is a United States Navy strike fighter squadron based at Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia. The "Gunslingers" are an operational fleet squadron and fly the F/A-18E Super Hornet. Their radio callsign is "Canyon" and the tail code is AC.

Squadron Insignia and Nickname

VA-105's insignia was approved by the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) on 20 September 1968, and has remained essentially unchanged. The squadron gained the nickname "105th Light Attack and Twilight Pursuit Squadron" during the Vietnam War. "Twilight Pursuit" was a tongue-in-cheek reference to the fact that squadron aircraft carried the air-air AIM-9 Sidewinder missile. The nickname became somewhat more formally accepted in the months leading up to the 1974-75 Mediterranean Cruise. Appearing on squadron patches, belt buckles, (stickers and lighters) proudly worn by officers and enlisted men alike, the moniker was heavily promoted by the squadron's pilots. The current squadron often refers to itself as the "105th Strike Fighter and Twilight Pursuit Squadron".

History

Two distinct squadrons have been designated VA-105. The first VA-105 was established on 1 May 1952 and disestablished on 1 February 1959, and the second was later redesignated as VFA-105, the main subject of this article. Officially, the US Navy does not recognize a direct lineage with disestablished squadrons if a new squadron is formed with the same designation.^[1] Often, the new squadron will assume the nickname, insignia, and traditions of the earlier squadrons.

1960s

Attack Squadron 105 (VA-105) was established on 1 November 1967 at NAS Cecil Field, flying the new A-7A Corsair II. On 4 March 1968 the squadron completed A-7A training under VA-174 and became an operational Atlantic Fleet unit.

The squadron embarked on their first deployment to Southeast Asia aboard USS Kitty Hawk, participating in combat operations in the Gulf of Tonkin from January to October 1969. Following the shootdown of a Navy EC-121 by the North Koreans in April, Kitty Hawk was part of a continuing American presence being maintained off the coast of Korea.

1970s

In September and October 1970 following the hijacking of several airliners by Palestinians, the outbreak of serious fighting in Jordan and the invasion of Jordan by Syria, USS Saratoga, with VA-105 embarked, operated in the eastern Mediterranean, prepared to support an evacuation of Americans from Jordan and to show support for the Jordanian government.

From June–December 1972, the squadron participated in Operation Linebacker and Operation Linebacker II, heavy air strikes against targets in North Vietnam to interdict the flow of supplies into South Vietnam.

In May 1973, the squadron upgraded to the A-7E.

As of December 1979 the squadron had two Western Pacific and six Mediterranean deployments to their credit.

1980s

In June 1982 following the Israeli invasion of Lebanon, VA-105 operated from USS John F. Kennedy to support an evacuation of Americans.

From July–December 1984, the squadron deployed to MCAS Iwakuni, assigned to MAG-12, 1st MAW. This was the first time a Navy squadron participated in the United States Marine Corps Unit Deployment Program (UDP) and the first Navy squadron since World War II to come under the command of a Marine Corps officer. While deployed with the Marines the squadron's major mission was close air support.

During the 1980s, the squadron completed eight overseas deployments, including six to the Mediterranean, and a 1983 around-the-world cruise aboard USS Carl Vinson during her maiden voyage.

1990s

VA-105 was redesignated Strike Fighter Squadron 105 (VFA-105) on 17 December 1990, as the squadron transitioned to the F/A-18C Hornet. The squadron reported to Carrier Air Wing Three (CVW-3) aboard USS John F. Kennedy on 1 September 1991. VFA-105 made their first Hornet cruise in October 1992. They returned from the Mediterranean in April 1993, and began workups for a deployment aboard USS Dwight D. Eisenhower in October 1994. The squadron then started workups for a deployment aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt in October 1996. VFA-105 and the rest of CVW-3 deployed in 1998 in support of Operation Southern Watch and Operation Desert Fox on board USS Enterprise.

2000s

On 28 November 2000, VFA-105 embarked on the maiden deployment of USS Harry S. Truman to the Mediterranean and Persian Gulf in support of Operation Southern Watch (OSW). The Gunslingers deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom aboard Harry S. Truman in 2003, operating from the Mediterranean Sea.

VFA-105 became the first East Coast squadron to transition to the F/A-18E Super Hornet in July 2006. In March 2007, VFA-105 became the first operational Navy strike fighter squadron to be commanded by a female when CDR Sara Joyner took command.^[2]

2010s

In May 2010 VFA-105 embarked on a 7-month deployment on board USS Harry S. Truman and returned home on 20 December 2010.

On 22 July 2013, VFA-105 deployed on board USS Harry S. Truman for a nine-month deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. In January 2014 two squadron F/A-18Es were deployed on board the French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle for the first time.^[3]

2020s

F/A-18Es from VFA-105 took part in air strikes on Yemen on 12 January 2024.^[4]

Related Research Articles

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Strike Fighter Squadron 41 (VFA-41) also known as the "Black Aces", is a United States Navy strike fighter squadron based at Naval Air Station Lemoore, California, flying the F/A-18F Super Hornet. They are attached to Carrier Air Wing 9 (CVW-9). Their radio callsign is "Fast Eagle" and their tailcode is NG.

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Strike Fighter Squadron 37 (VFA-37), also known as the "Ragin' Bulls", is a United States Navy F/A-18E Super Hornet fighter squadron stationed at Naval Air Station Oceana. They are a part of Carrier Air Wing 8 (CVW-8) and are attached to USS George H. W. Bush. Their radio callsign is Ragin' and their tail code is AJ.

Strike Fighter Squadron 103 (VFA-103), nicknamed the Jolly Rogers, is an aviation unit of the United States Navy established in 1952. VFA-103 flies the F/A-18F Super Hornet and is based at Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia (US). The squadron's radio callsign is Victory and it is assigned to Carrier Air Wing Seven.

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 (USA). VFA-147 was established on 1 February 1967 and flies the F-35C Lightning II, becoming the first non-training F-35 squadron in the U.S. Navy.

Strike Fighter Squadron One Five One (VFA-151) nicknamed the Vigilantes are a United States Navy F/A-18E Super Hornet fighter squadron stationed at Naval Air Station Lemoore, California. The squadron is a part of Carrier Air Wing 9 (CVW-9). As part of CVW-9, the squadron's tail code is NG and its radio callsign is "Ugly".

Strike Fighter Squadron 146 (VFA-146) also known as the "Blue Diamonds" is a United States Navy operational fleet strike fighter squadron based at Naval Air Station Lemoore California. They fly the F/A-18E Super Hornet and are attached to Carrier Air Wing 17, deployed aboard USS Nimitz. Their tailcode is NA and their radio callsign is Diamond.

Strike Fighter Squadron 143 (VFA-143), also known as the "Pukin Dogs," is a United States Navy strike fighter squadron based at Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia. The Pukin Dogs are an operational fleet squadron and flying the F/A-18E Super Hornet. They are currently attached to Carrier Air Wing One and USS Harry S Truman. They are currently at their homeport of NAS Oceana. Their radio callsign is Taproom.

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.

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Strike Fighter Squadron 81 (VFA-81), also known as the "Sunliners", is a United States Navy F/A-18E Super Hornet strike fighter squadron stationed at Naval Air Station Oceana. They are currently assigned to Carrier Air Wing 1. Their mission is to conduct prompt and sustained combat operations from the sea. The squadron was originally designated VA-66 on 1 July 1955, was redesignated VF-81 the same day, redesignated VA-81 on 1 July 1959, and finally redesignated VFA-81 on 4 February 1988.

Strike Fighter Squadron 83 (VFA-83), also known as the "Rampagers", are a United States Navy F/A-18E Super Hornet fighter squadron stationed at Naval Air Station Oceana. They are a part of Carrier Air Wing 3, their tailcode is AC and their radio callsign is Ram.

Strike Fighter Squadron 192 (VFA-192), also known as the "World Famous Golden Dragons", are a United States Navy F/A-18E Super Hornet fighter squadron stationed at NAS Lemoore.

Strike Fighter Squadron 136 (VFA-136) also known as the "Knighthawks" is a United States Navy strike fighter squadron based at Naval Air Station Lemoore, California. The "Knighthawks" are an operational fleet squadron flying the F/A-18E Super Hornet. They are homeported at NAS Lemoore and are currently assigned to Carrier Air Wing One, tail code AB. Their radio callsign is Gunstar.

References

↑ "Naval Aviation Squadron Lineages". www.history.navy.mil. Archived from the original on 26 May 2000.
↑ "US Navy Strike Fighter Squadron One Zero Five (Global Security.org)" . Retrieved 10 December 2006.
↑ (in French) http://www.avionslegendaires.net/2014/01/actu/deux-super-hornet-sur-le-charles-de-gaulle/
↑ Mongilio, Heather (12 January 2024). "Ike's Carrier Air Wing 3, USS Gravely, USS Philippine Sea and USS Mason Struck Houthi Targets". www.usni.org. Retrieved 13 January 2024.

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[1] "Naval Aviation Squadron Lineages". www.history.navy.mil. Archived from the original on 26 May 2000.

[2] "US Navy Strike Fighter Squadron One Zero Five (Global Security.org)" . Retrieved 10 December 2006.

[3] (in French) http://www.avionslegendaires.net/2014/01/actu/deux-super-hornet-sur-le-charles-de-gaulle/

[4] Mongilio, Heather (12 January 2024). "Ike's Carrier Air Wing 3, USS Gravely, USS Philippine Sea and USS Mason Struck Houthi Targets". www.usni.org. Retrieved 13 January 2024.

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