VFA-192 Golden Dragons
For nearly 70 years, the World Famous Golden Dragons of VFA-192 have stood watch over freedom, flying from 12 carriers through five major conflicts and earning a legacy of valor and sacrifice. Eight of their pilots have made the ultimate sacrifice in combat, and the squadron’s achievements include a Medal of Honor, three Silver Stars, two Legions of Merit with Combat “V”, and 14 Distinguished Flying Crosses. They’ve also earned numerous squadron-wide honors, including six Battle “E”s and the prestigious Michael J. Estocin Award—named for one of their own.
​
Established in 1945 as VF-153 flying Hellcats, the squadron underwent several redesignations before becoming VF-192 in 1950 during the Korean War, where they earned acclaim for daring close air support missions. In Vietnam, they flew A-4 Skyhawks and A-7 Corsairs, earning further recognition—including the only Medal of Honor awarded to a Navy jet pilot, LCDR Michael Estocin. Several pilots became POWs, enduring immense hardship while embodying courage and resilience.
​
In 1986, the squadron became VFA-192 with the transition to the F/A-18 Hornet and moved to Japan. They flew in Operation Desert Storm and conducted five deployments during Operation Southern Watch in the 1990s. Post-9/11, they supported combat ops in Iraq and Afghanistan, flying hundreds of missions and deploying multiple times.
Today, based in NAS Lemoore and flying the F/A-18E Super Hornet, the Golden Dragons remain ready to project power across the globe—proud of their heritage, their sacrifices, and their mission to defend freedom anytime, anywhere.
​
Our version of the SSHWFGD US Navy Fighter Attack Squadron artwork, used in the F/A-18c Hornet livery:
ORIGINAL
REVISED
Please note: Featured on this site are many refreshed versions of the squadron's original emblem designs.
We've made subtle tweaks to some, more sweeping changes to others, but our intention is always to preserve the essence of the original ~ to create a slightly updated version that would print clearer on a variety of mediums.
All of our emblem design versions have been created with deep respect for the original design and their respective designers. It is our homage to these squadrons, their personnel, crews, and veterans.