VA-87

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Branch

U.S. Navy

Members

About VA-87

Attack Squadron 87 (VA-87), also known as the "Golden Warriors," was a United States Navy attack squadron established on August 1, 1968. The squadron flew the A-7 Corsair II and was homeported at Naval Air Station Cecil Field, Florida. VA-87 participated in numerous deployments, including combat operations during the Vietnam War and later in the Mediterranean and Indian Ocean regions. The unit was eventually redesignated as Strike Fighter Squadron 87 (VFA-87) in 1986, transitioning to the F/A-18 Hornet and continuing its legacy as a frontline carrier-based squadron.

Unit Members

Mark Trenta

U.S. Navy

VA-87View Profile

Tom "Ski Rostkowski

U.S. Navy

VA-87View Profile

Photos

Just Joe...

U.S. Air Force • 2006

Steve Martin Past

U.S. Navy • 1971

Viet Nam

U.S. Army • 1969

German POW's | Germans Captured by The United States

1918

About VA-87

About this Unit

Historical Facts

• Squadron Nickname: VA-87 was known as the “Golden Warriors,” a name reflecting their spirit and distinctive insignia. • Establishment: The squadron was established on August 1, 1968, at Naval Air Station Cecil Field, Florida. • Vietnam War Service: Although established during the Vietnam War era, VA-87 did not deploy to Vietnam but played a critical role in Atlantic Fleet operations. • Aircraft Operated: VA-87 initially flew the A-7A Corsair II, later upgrading to the A-7E, a mainstay attack aircraft of the U.S. Navy. • Lebanon Deployment: VA-87 took part in operations off the coast of Lebanon in 1983, providing support during a tense period in the Middle East. • Operation Eldorado Canyon: In 1986, VA-87 participated in the U.S. airstrike against Libya, conducting air-to-surface missions from the USS America (CV-66). • Transition to F/A-18: In 1986, the squadron transitioned to the F/A-18A Hornet and was redesignated as Strike Fighter Squadron VFA-87, reflecting their new multirole capabilities. • Carrier Deployments: VA-87 was regularly deployed aboard prominent aircraft carriers, including USS America (CV-66) and USS Roosevelt (CVN-71). • Disestablishment: The original VA-87 designation was disestablished on August 29, 1986, but the squadron lived on as VFA-87. • Squadron Legacy: The “Golden Warriors” continue to serve under the VFA-87 designation, flying the F/A-18 Hornet and participating in operations around the globe.