VA-83 (Rampagers): A United States Navy attack squadron established as reserve Fighter Squadron VF-916 on 1 April 1950 at NAS Alameda, California, flying the F4U-4 Corsair, and called to active duty on 1 February 1951 during the Korean War. Redesignated VF-83 on 4 February 1953, it transitioned through aircraft including the F9F Panther, F7U Cutlass, A-4 Skyhawk (1957, redesignated VA-83), A-7 Corsair II (1969), F/A-18C Hornet (1988, redesignated VFA-83), and currently the F/A-18E Super Hornet. Nicknamed the “Rampagers,” the squadron participated in operations during the Korean War era activations, Vietnam War (multiple cruises, including aboard USS Forrestal in 1967 affected by the fire), Lebanon crisis (1983), Operations Desert Shield/Storm (1990-1991), and post-9/11 deployments including Operation Enduring Freedom. Based at NAS Oceana, Virginia, as part of Carrier Air Wing Three.
