VFA-147 Nas lemoore

• Establishment: VFA-147, known as the "Argonauts," was established on February 1, 1967, as VA-147, making it one of the first squadrons to fly the A-7 Corsair II. • Vietnam War: The squadron flew its first combat missions during the Vietnam War, participating in numerous combat sorties from the aircraft carrier USS Ranger (CVA-61). • First West Coast Squadron with F/A-18E Super Hornet: In 2001, VFA-147 became the first operational West Coast squadron to transition to the F/A-18E Super Hornet. • Home Base: VFA-147 is based at Naval Air Station Lemoore, California, which is the U.S. Navy’s primary West Coast base for strike fighter aircraft. • Transition to F-35C: In 2018, VFA-147 was selected as the first operational squadron to transition to the F-35C Lightning II, the carrier variant of the Joint Strike Fighter. • Nickname Origins: The "Argonauts" nickname refers to the band of heroes in Greek mythology who accompanied Jason in the quest for the Golden Fleece, symbolizing adventure and teamwork. • Notable Deployments: Over the decades, VFA-147 has participated in major operations, including Operation Desert Storm, Operation Southern Watch, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Iraqi Freedom. • Tail Code: The unit's tail code is "NH," which identifies it as part of Carrier Air Wing 2 (CVW-2). • Squadron Insignia: The squadron's insignia—a golden helmet and shield—reflects the Greek mythological heritage and warrior spirit of the Argonauts. • First F-35C Deployment: In 2021, VFA-147 made history by deploying the F-35C aboard the USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70), marking the first operational deployment of the F-35C in the U.S. Navy.