VA-82

• Establishment: Attack Squadron 82 (VA-82), known as the "Marauders," was established on April 1, 1967, at Naval Air Station (NAS) Cecil Field, Florida. • Nickname: The squadron was nicknamed the "Marauders" and their insignia featured a stylized, menacing marauder figure. • Vietnam War Service: VA-82 saw combat during the Vietnam War, deploying aboard USS America (CV-66) in 1968-69 and flying A-7 Corsair II attack aircraft on strike missions. • Aircraft Transition: The squadron initially operated the A-7A Corsair II but later transitioned to more advanced A-7B and A-7E models, continually upgrading its combat capabilities. • Libyan Operations: VA-82 participated in the Gulf of Sidra operations against Libya in 1981, flying from USS Nimitz (CVN-68), and contributed to the downing of two Libyan Su-22s during the incident. • Grenada Invasion: The squadron took part in Operation Urgent Fury, the 1983 U.S. invasion of Grenada, providing close air support and strike missions from USS Independence (CV-62). • First Combat Use of HARM: VA-82 was among the first Navy squadrons to employ the AGM-88 HARM (High-speed Anti-Radiation Missile) in combat during Operation El Dorado Canyon, the 1986 airstrike against Libya. • Desert Storm: During the 1991 Gulf War, VA-82, embarked on USS America, flew strike missions against Iraqi targets, including airfields, bridges, and command centers, utilizing precision-guided munitions. • Disestablishment: The squadron was disestablished on September 30, 1994, after 27 years of service, as part of post-Cold War military reductions. • Legacy: VA-82's history is commemorated in naval aviation museums and reunions, with former members maintaining strong ties and sharing stories of their deployments and camaraderie.