Strike Fighter Squadron 97 (VFA-97), known as the "Warhawks," is a U.S. Navy F-35C Lightning II squadron stationed at Naval Air Station Lemoore. It is assigned to Carrier Air Wing Two (CVW-2) and carries the tail code “NE.” The squadron was originally established on June 1, 1967, as Attack Squadron 97 (VA-97) and was redesignated as VFA-97 on January 24, 1991. With a rich history of service beginning during the Vietnam War, the Warhawks continue to play a vital role in naval aviation today.

The Warhawks’ nickname and original insignia were both approved in 1968. While the squadron was redesignated in 1991, the insignia design remained unchanged, though updated versions have been used over time. The name and emblem symbolize the squadron’s fighting spirit and heritage.

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1960s–1970s
VFA-97 first saw combat aboard the USS Constellation in 1968 during the Vietnam War, operating the A-7A Corsair II. The squadron participated in major combat operations including Operations Linebacker I and II in 1972, and Operation Frequent Wind in 1975, the evacuation of Saigon. In 1976, the Warhawks earned several distinctions including the Wade McClusky Award, the Safety “S,” and the Battle “E.” They were the first A-7 squadron to surpass 25,000 mishap-free flight hours.

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1980s
In the 1980s, the squadron continued its active service by supporting Operation Eagle Claw in 1980 and deploying globally aboard USS Coral Sea and USS Carl Vinson. During this period, they participated in Operation Earnest Will and received multiple awards for safety and maintenance excellence.

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1990s
The squadron was redesignated as VFA-97 in 1991 and transitioned to the F/A-18A Hornet. During this decade, the Warhawks supported Operation Southern Watch over Iraq and Operation Restore Hope in Somalia. They also played a deterrent role during the 1994 North Korean nuclear crisis. Throughout the 1990s, they received numerous commendations, including Battle “E” awards and recognition for maintenance excellence.

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2000s
Following the September 11 attacks, VFA-97 deployed with USS Carl Vinson, flying combat missions in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. They also took part in Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003. The squadron transitioned to the F/A-18C and completed several Unit Deployment Program rotations to Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni in Japan. In 2009, they returned to carrier operations aboard USS Nimitz.

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2010s
By 2015, the Warhawks had transitioned to the F/A-18E Super Hornet. They supported missions across Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria as part of global operations. In 2019, the squadron temporarily served in an aggressor role to help train other units. In 2021, they were selected to transition to the cutting-edge F-35C Lightning II and were reassigned to Carrier Air Wing Eight (CVW-8), operating from the Navy’s newest aircraft carrier, USS Gerald R. Ford.