VFA-37
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| Strike Fighter Squadron 37 | |
|---|---|
 VFA-37 Insignia |
|
| Active | July 1, 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 3 |
| Garrison/HQ | Naval Air Station Oceana |
| Nickname | Ragin Bulls |
| Engagements | Vietnam War Operation Southern Watch Operation Deliberate Guard Operation Desert Fox Operation Deliberate Force Operation Iraqi Freedom |
| Commanders | |
| Current commander |
CDR James Sigler |
| Aircraft flown | |
| Attack | A-7 Corsair II |
| Fighter | F/A-18 Hornet |
Strike Fighter Squadron 37 (VFA-37), also known as the "Ragin’ Bulls", are a United States Navy F/A-18C Hornet fighter squadron stationed at Naval Air Station Oceana. They are a part of Carrier Air Wing 3 (CVW-3) and are attached to the USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75).
Contents |
[edit] History
[edit] 1970s through the 1990s
VA-37 was established as an A-7 Corsair II squadron on July 1, 1966. The Bulls became operational in 1967, deploying aboard the USS Kitty Hawk. The Bulls deployed twice to support combat operations during the Vietnam War.
In 1973, the squadron received their first A-7E, a more advanced version of the plane. They made seven cruises with this plane in the 1970s and early 1980s, including responding to regional crises in the Mediterranean Sea and Indian Ocean.
Following the invasion of Kuwait, several Bulls were deployed with VA-72 in support of Operation Desert Shield.
On October 31, 1990, the Bulls flew their last official sortie in the A-7E Corsair II. This ended a 25-year association with the "Harley of the Fleet" in which over 115,000 flight hours and 25,000 arrestments were flown.
In 1990, VA-37 was redesignated VFA-37 and began flying the F/A-18 Hornet. From October 1992 to April 1993, the Bulls deployed to the Mediterranean Sea and were key participants in Operation Provide Comfort in northern Iraq and Operation Provide Promise in the airspace near the former Yugoslavia.
In 1994 the squadron flew missions over Iraq in support of Operation Southern Watch and later over Bosnia in support of Operation Deny Flight. The Bulls also participated in major exercises with the Kuwaitis, Saudis, and Israelis, as well as with many NATO allies.
In November 1996, the Bulls flew in support of Operation Southern Watch and Operation Deliberate Guard over Bosnia-Herzegovina.
The Bulls deployed again in November 1998. After four weeks of participating in Operation Southern Watch, the order was issued for Operation Desert Fox in Iraq. They also flew missions over the former Yugoslavia in Operation Deliberate Force.
The RAGIN BULLS relocated from Naval Air Station Cecil Field, Florida, to the Master Jet Base, NAS Oceana, Virginia in July 1999. The next major deployment for the BULLS was the maiden voyage of the USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75) in 2000.
[edit] Global War on Terror
In December of 2002 VFA-37 got underway for their second cruise aboard the Harry S. Truman. On March 19, 2003, TEAM BULL joined its band of brothers spearheading combat operations in Operation IRAQI FREEDOM (OIF). While flying from the Harry S. Truman in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, the Bulls participated in the "shock and awe" campaign in Southern Iraq before shifting focus to assisting U. S. Forces in Northern Iraq.
In 2003, the Bulls joined other squadrons to spearhead combat operations during Operation Iraqi Freedom, participating in the shock and awe campaign in Southern Iraq before shifting focus to assisting U.S. forces in Northern Iraq. They are currently on board with the USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75) patrolling the Persian Gulf.
By the end of a successful 30-day air campaign in OIF, the BULLS flew over 1200 hours and 252 combat sorties over Northern Iraq. The squadron pilots delivered over 144 tons of ordnance and expended 9400 rounds of 20mm HEI ammunition. The BULLS maintained a 100% combat sortie completion rate and an outstanding safety record. The squadron returned home to Virginia to a heroes' homecoming on Memorial Day 2003.
The BULLS began work-ups with CVW-3 and the USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75) in early 2004. Throughout the year the squadron and airwing ramped up in preparation for a deployment in support of OIF later in the year. In October TEAM BULL and CVW-3 left Norfolk and headed east for the Northern Persian Gulf on board the USS Harry S. Truman. On November 21, 2004 the HST took station on the tip of the spear and began combat operations in support of OIF. The airwing completed combat operations on March 18, 2005. At the completion of VFA-37's campaign the squadron had flown 430 combat sorties logging over 2100 hours in support of OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM.
The return home brought new challenges for VFA-37. After deployment, battle groups historically eased their operational tempo, allowing families an extended period to reunite and permitting post-cruise maintenance on ships and aircraft alike. Team Bull, however, helped usher in a new age with their participation in the Navy's first Fleet Response Program sustainment period. For Carrier Air Wing THREE, this meant maintaining high-tempo operations and the capability to deploy at a moment's notice for a prolonged period post cruise. Completing this sustainment period in the spring of 2006, Team Bull then chopped to Carrier Air Wing EIGHT for seven months to cover for VF-213 as they transitioned to the FA-18F. Contributing to the Fleet Response Program, Team Bull flew over 4000 hours in 2.5 years of combat-ready operations.
On October 23, 2006, the Bulls and CVW-3 started their 2006-2007 workup cycle in preparation for the Fall 2007 deployment. Air-to-air Strike Fighter Advanced Readiness Program (SFARP) at NAS Key West, FL allowed the Bulls to hone their air combat skills. Three months later, the Bulls participated in the USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75) flight deck certification from January 12-20, 2007. The Bulls carrier qualified all fifteen pilots and gained invaluable experience while achieving 66 carrier arrested landings. On February 5, 2007, NAS Fallon welcomed VFA-37 for their air-to-ground SFARP. Never losing their focus on America's task at hand, the Ragin' Bulls professionally placed ordnance on target on time.
The return to NAS Oceana on February 24 brought the Bulls' home for a short stay before departing for TSTA I/II on board HST.
On June 4, 2008 the Ragin' Bulls returned aboard the USS Harry S. Truman to Norfolk, VA after a full 7-month deployment to the Persian Gulf. While deployed, the Bulls participated in OIF supporting U.S. & other forces against AQI (Al-Qaeda in Iraq). Ultimately they dropped a total of 22,000 pounds of ordnance against the enemy saving many American lives in the process.
VFA-37 will begin an arduous work-up cycle again by the end of 2008 in order to once again deploy to the Persian Gulf at the end of 2009.
