VFA-27’s history dates back to the Vietnam War under the designation of VA-27. In April 1980, VA-27 participated in the Iranian hostage rescue attempt by providing air cover for the forces directly involved in the rescue operation. In August 1986, the squadron participated in the first carrier tactical flight operations in the Bering Sea since the end of World War II.

 

While stationed at Naval Air Station Lemoore, California the squadron transitioned to the F/A-18A Hornet on 24 January 1991 and were officially re-designated Strike Fighter Squadron 27 (VFA-27). The squadron also changed roles as well as aircraft and were now a fighter/attack squadron, performing air-to-air as well as air-to-ground attack missions. The Squadron emblem was also changed to a green background, white cloud, and silver gauntlet with silver mace.

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In November 1992, while deployed aboard USS Kitty Hawk, VFA-27 operated off the coast of Somalia in support of Operation Restore Hope and augmented United States Central Command’s multi-national coalition Air Forces supporting Operation Southern Watch. The squadron participated in a 

coalition night strike against Iraq on 13 January 1993, delivering over 18,000 pounds of ordnance on target. In 1994 VFA-27 deployed aboard USS Kitty Hawk to the Sea of Japan. In 1996 the squadron commenced their homeport change from NAS Lemoore to NAF Atsugi, Japan deploying aboard 

USS Independence.

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*due to DCS limitations, we fly off USS George Washington, instead of USS Independence.”