VA-83

• Establishment: Attack Squadron 83 (VA-83), known as the “Rampagers,” was established on April 1, 1950, making it one of the notable US Navy attack squadrons during the Cold War era. • Korean War Era: Though established during the Korean War, VA-83 did not deploy to Korea but was part of the US naval buildup and readiness during the conflict. • Aircraft Evolution: The squadron flew a variety of aircraft over its history, including the F4U Corsair, F9F Panther, F7U Cutlass, A-4 Skyhawk, and the legendary A-7E Corsair II attack jet. • Cuban Missile Crisis: VA-83 played a significant role during the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis, deploying aboard USS Forrestal and maintaining a high state of readiness. • Vietnam War Service: The squadron participated in Vietnam War operations, providing attack support and flying combat sorties from aircraft carriers in the Gulf of Tonkin. • First to Deploy A-7E: VA-83 was the first fleet squadron to receive and deploy the advanced A-7E Corsair II aircraft, enhancing the Navy’s precision strike capabilities. • Operation El Dorado Canyon: In 1986, VA-83 participated in the US air strike against Libya, launching from USS Saratoga and delivering ordnance on key targets. • Unit Insignia: The squadron’s insignia features a fierce ram, symbolizing aggressiveness and determination—traits associated with the unit’s nickname “Rampagers.” • Multiple Carrier Assignments: Over its history, VA-83 served on several aircraft carriers, including USS Forrestal, USS Saratoga, USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, and USS John F. Kennedy. • Disestablishment: The squadron was disestablished on September 28, 1994, after more than four decades of distinguished service, marking the end of an era for the “Rampagers.”