Coral Sea (CV 43) - Naval Cruise Book

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Smith, W. Tapia, M.A. Taymore, P.A. Thomas, R.D. Thomason, G. Watson, D. Whirlow, D.E. Wilson, R.D. Worden, DE. Yancy, W.F. Z 1 . Tibbs, E. Tiller, F. Trader, M. Vanness, D. Vaughn, D. Vest, G.A. Villalobos, j. Wadelin, D.L. Waite, R. Wallace, E. jd' 4 I-J T3

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VA -97 MCGRATH, J. co Carroll, D. CO X flfi:-'- .ff ' ATTACK sQUADRoN 97 Although one of the Navy's youngest light jet attack squadrons, Attack Squad. ron NINETY-SEVEN has been one of its most productive units. Commissioned on 1 june 1967, VA-97 has been continually employed in active combat or in the demanding preparation for combat in Southeast Asia. The squadron accepted its first A-7A Corsair II aircraft in October 1967. Since then, Warhawks have completed four combat deployments embarked in the USS CONSTELLATION KCVA-645 and USS ENTERPRISE CCVN-655. Each cruise, men of the 97th have loaded and delivered thousands of tons of ordnance, relentlessly pursuing the enemy where it hurts him the most, on his homeland. In over 7500 combat missions, VA-97 pilots have pressed the attack on enemy lines of communications, airfields, antiaircraft and missile sites, bridges, truck convoys, barracks, and supply areas. They have severely crippled the North Vietnam- ese ability to wage war in the South and have constantly maintained pressure on the enemy, reducing his will to fight. In addition to the innumerable accolades received in recognition of personal achievements, the squadron has three times been awarded the Meritorious Unit Commendation. While preparing for each cruise, the Warhawks have also attained many distinc- tions in recognition of outstanding performance. During the first training cycle, VA- 97 won the first Air Wing FOURTEEN Bombing Competition at Fallon, Nevada. The squadron went on to win the Commander Naval Air Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, Battle Efficiency for the competitive period Ijuly 1968 - 31 December 1969, the first A-7 squadron to beso recognized. In October 1970, while transitioning to the new A-7E aircraft, the Warhawks won the first Commander Fleet Air Lemoore Bombing Derby for ECHO squadrons. During the first ENTERPRISE deployment, VA-97 topped all competitors in carrier landing performance and became the first squadron to gain possession of the CVW-14 Golden Hook trophy. In june 1972, the Hawks again won the Air Wing Bombing Competition at Fallon. After the 1972-73 deployment to the Western Pacific, again in a combat environment, VA-97 was cited as a winner of the prestigious Chief of Naval Operations Annual Aviation Safety Award. Throughout its brief but colorful history, Attack Squadron NINETY-SEVEN has taken great pride in the abilities and self -less efforts of its maintenance personnel. In seven combat line periods with the A-7E's, the squadrons performance in maintain- ing the complex aircraft in a full systems state of readiness has been unsurpassed in the light jet attack community. The Warhawks of Attack Squadron NINETY-SEVEN have already helped make Naval history. With quiet determination and pride, they will continue to honorably serve their country.