Immediately after the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, CVW-17 deployed aboard USS GEORGE WASHINGTON off the coast of New York City in support of OPERATION NOBLE EAGLE. VFA-83 capped off the deployment with the “Top Hook” award for cruise. In mid-August, two RAMPAGER pilots became the first CVW-17 personnel to successfully deliver JDAM and SLAM-ER in combat. Several weeks later, the RAMPAGERS found themselves flying OPERATION SOUTHERN WATCH patrols in response to Iraqi aggression. VFA-83 flew missions over Bosnia-Herzegovina and Kosovo, helping to enforce the NATO and UN mandate in that war-torn region. On 21 June 1999, Carrier Air Wing SEVENTEEN and the RAMPAGERS began their first deployment aboard the USS GEORGE WASHINGTON. In April 1999, VFA-83 moved to its current home of NAS Oceana. Estocin Award, declaring the RAMPAGERS the best F/A-18 squadron in the United States Navy. VFA-83 was awarded both the 1996 COMNAVAIRLANT Battle Efficiency “E” pennant and the CNO Michael J. In June 1996, the RAMPAGERS deployed to the Mediterranean, Adriatic Seas and Persian Gulf onboard the USS ENTERPRISE in support of OPERATION DECISIVE ENDEAVOR and OPERATION SOUTHERN WATCH. During this deployment, the squadron was awarded its sixth CNO Aviation Safety Award. Like the previous one, this deployment was marked by extensive Adriatic Sea operations and the first ever F/A-18 detachment to Jordan. In December 1993, the RAMPAGERS completed a compressed turnaround training cycle and in January 1994 began the final USS SARATOGA deployment. The 1992 deployment was marked by extensive Adriatic Sea operations in support of United Nations relief efforts in the former Yugoslavia. In May 1992, the squadron deployed to the Mediterranean aboard USS SARATOGA. VFA-83 was awarded the 1990 COMNAVAIRLANT Battle Efficiency “E” Pennant and the 1991 CNO Aviation Safety Award. During 43 days of combat operations, the squadron flew 427 long-range strike missions over Iraq and Kuwait. In the summer of 1990, the squadron deployed to the Red Sea, employing its Hornets aboard USS SARATOGA in OPERATIONS DESERT SHIELD / DESERT STORM. Upon return to Cecil Field in November, the RAMPAGERS received twelve new F/A-18C “Hornets” and on Mathe squadron was re-designated Strike Fighter Squadron EIGHT THREE. The squadron left Cecil Field in June 1987 for its twenty-second Mediterranean, and final “Corsair,” deployment. Aboard USS FORRESTAL for the last time beginning in March 1982, the squadron supported American peacekeeping forces in Lebanon, during and after OPERATION PEACE FOR GALILEE. Between 19, the squadron made three deployments, including extensive operations with NATO allies in the North Atlantic. Naval presence in response to the Cyprus crisis and completed more than ten months at sea. During this deployment, the RAMPAGERS helped provide U.S. In 1973, the squadron won its third CNO Aviation Safety Award and in March 1974 commenced its fourteenth Mediterranean deployment. Later that same year, the “Skyhawks” were traded in for the new A-7E “Corsairs." In January 1971, VA-83 deployed with Air Wing SEVENTEEN on USS FORRESTAL, compiling a perfect safety record and distinguishing itself by being one of the first squadrons to fly the A-7E on deployment. As part of Air Wing ONE, VA-83 was the last squadron to fly A-4’s aboard USS JOHN F. In 1966, the squadron moved to NAS Cecil Field. In 1955, the squadron was re-designated Light Attack Squadron 83 and in 1957 received its first A-4 “Skyhawks." During the “Skyhawk” years, the RAMPAGERS operated from the decks of USS ESSEX, USS FORRESTAL, USS SARATOGA, USS SHANGRI-LA and USS JOHN F. As a fighter squadron, VF-916 flew the F-4U “Corsair," the F-8F “Bearcat,” the F9F-5 “Panther” and the F-7U “Cutlass” from the decks of USS SAIPAN, USS MIDWAY and USS CORAL SEA. Shortly thereafter, VF-916 moved to NAS Oceana as part of Air Group EIGHT. Strike Fighter Squadron EIGHT THREE, originally Naval Reserve Fighter Squadron NINE ONE SIX, was called into active duty at NAS Squantum, Massachusetts, in April 1950.
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