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US Navy - Attack Squadron 147 (ATKRON 147)
VA-147 'Argonauts'
 
va-147 argonauts insignia crest patch badge attack squadron us navy 01x
 va-147 argonauts attack squadron us navy atkron a-7e corsair ii nas lemoore cvw uss 11x
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STATUS:   established as VA-147 on February 1, 1967
VA-147 redesignated VFA-147 on July 20, 1989
 AIRCRAFT:   Ling-Temco-Vought A-7A Corsair II (1967-69)
Ling-Temco-Vought A-7E Corsair II (1969-89)
 DEPLOYMENTS:   November 1967 - May 1968 with CVW-2 aboard USS Ranger (CVA 61)
October 1968 - May 1969 with CVW-2 aboard USS Ranger (CVA 61)
April 1970 - December 1970 with CVW-9 aboard USS America (CVA 66)
October 1971 - June 1972 with CVW-9 aboard USS Constellation (CVA 64)
January 1973 - October 1973 with CVW-9 aboard USS Constellation (CVA 64)
June 1974 - December 1974 with CVW-9 aboard USS Constellation (CVA 64)
April 1977 - November 1977 with CVW-9 aboard USS Constellation (CV 64)
September 1978 - May 1979 with CVW-9 aboard USS Constellation (CV 64)
February 1980 - October 1980 with CVW-9 aboard USS Constellation (CV 64)
October 1981 - May 1982 with CVW-9 aboard USS Constellation (CV 64)
January 1984 - August 1984 with CVW-2 aboard USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63)
July 1985 - December 1985 with CVW-9 aboard USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63)
January 1987 - June 1987 with CVW-9 aboard USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63)
June 1988 - August 1988 with CVW-9 aboard USS Nimitz (CVN 68)
September 1988 - March 1989 with CVW-9 aboard USS Nimitz (CVN 68)
June 1989 - July 1989 with CVW-9 aboard USS Nimitz (CVN 68)
 
images

va-147 argonauts attack squadron navy a-7e corsair ii carrier air wing cvw-9 uss kitty hawk cv-63 07
A-7E Corsair II (VA-147 / CVW-9) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - 1987

va-147 argonauts attack squadron navy a-7e corsair ii carrier air wing cvw-9 uss kitty hawk cv-63 17
A-7E Corsair II (VA-147 / CVW-9) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - 1987

va-147 argonauts attack squadron navy a-7e corsair ii carrier air wing cvw-9 uss kitty hawk cv-63 09
A-7E Corsair II of VA-146 and VA-147 / CVW-9 aboard USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) on 3 December 1985

va-147 argonauts attack squadron navy a-7e corsair ii carrier air wing cvw-9 uss kitty hawk cv-63 10
A-7E Corsair II (VA-147 / CVW-9) embarked on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - 1985

va-147 argonauts attack squadron navy a-7e corsair ii carrier air wing cvw-9 uss constellation cv-64 08
A-7E Corsair II, 414 (VA-147 / CVW-9) embarked on USS Constellation (CV 64) with an A-7E of VA-146 - February 1977 (NNAM)

va-147 argonauts attack squadron navy a-7e corsair ii carrier air wing cvw-9 uss constellation cv-64 11
A-7E Corsair II (VA-147 / CVW-9) embarked on USS Constellation (CVA 64) - circa 1975 (NNAM)

va-147 argonauts attack squadron navy a-7e corsair ii carrier air wing cvw-9 uss constellation cva-64 13
A-7E Corsair II (VA-147 / CVW-9) embarked on USS Constellation (CVA 64) - November 1974 (NNAM)

va-147 argonauts attack squadron navy a-7e corsair ii carrier air wing cvw-9 uss constellation cva-64 20
A-7E Corsair II (VA-147 / CVW-9) embarked on USS Constellation (CVA 64) - November 1974 (NHHC)

va-147 argonauts attack squadron navy a-7e corsair ii carrier air wing cvw-9 uss constellation cva-64 14
A-7E Corsair II (VA-147 / CVW-9) embarked on USS Constellation (CVA 64) with a RA-5C Vigilante (RVAH-5) - November 1974 (NNAM)

va-147 argonauts attack squadron navy a-7e corsair ii carrier air wing cvw-9 uss constellation cv-64 18
A-7E Corsair II (VA-147 / CVW-9) embarked on USS Constellation (CVA 64) - 1974

va-147 argonauts attack squadron navy a-7e corsair ii carrier air wing cvw-9 uss constellation cv-64 06
A-7E Corsair II (VA-147 / CVW-9) embarked on USS Constellation (CVA 64) - July 1974

va-147 argonauts attack squadron navy a-7e corsair ii carrier air wing cvw-9 uss constellation cv-64 22
A-7E Corsair II (VA-147 / CVW-9) embarked on USS Constellation (CVA 64) - July 1974 (NHHC)

va-147 argonauts attack squadron navy a-7e corsair ii carrier air wing cvw-9 uss constellation cv-64 19
A-7E Corsair II (VA-147 / CVW-9) embarked on USS Constellation (CVA 64) - undated

va-147 argonauts attack squadron navy a-7e corsair ii carrier air wing cvw-9 uss constellation cva-64 15
A-7E Corsair II (VA-147 / CVW-9) embarked on USS Constellation (CVA 64) with a RA-5C Vigilante (RVAH-11)  - May 1972 (NNAM)

va-147 argonauts attack squadron navy a-7a corsair ii carrier air wing cvw-2 uss ranger cv-61 03
A-7A Corsair II (VA-147 / CVW-2) embarked on USS Ranger (CVA 61) - 1968-69

va-147 argonauts attack squadron navy a-7a corsair ii carrier air wing cvw-2 uss ranger cva-61 24 vietnam war
A-7A Corsair II (VA-147 / CVW-2) embarked on USS Ranger (CVA 61) - 1968 (NHHC)

va-147 argonauts attack squadron navy a-7a corsair ii carrier air wing cvw-2 uss ranger cva-61 21
A-7A Corsair II (VA-147 / CVW-2) embarked on USS Ranger (CVA 61) - 1968 (NHHC)

va-147 argonauts attack squadron navy a-7a corsair ii carrier air wing cvw-2 uss ranger cva-61 23 vietnam war
A-7A Corsair II (VA-147 / CVW-2) embarked on USS Ranger (CVA 61) - 1968 (NHHC)

va-147 argonauts attack squadron navy a-7a corsair ii carrier air wing cvw-2 uss ranger cva-61 04
A-7A Corsair II (VA-147 / CVW-2) embarked on USS Ranger (CVA 61) - 1968

va-147 argonauts attack squadron navy a-7a corsair ii carrier air wing cvw-2 uss ranger cva-61 16
A-7A Corsair II (VA-147 / CVW-2) embarked on USS Ranger (CVA 61) - 1968

va-147 argonauts attack squadron navy a-7a corsair ii carrier air wing cvw-2 uss ranger cva-61 02
A-7A Corsair II (VA-147 / CVW-2) embarked on USS Ranger (CVA 61) - 1968

va-147 argonauts attack squadron navy a-7a corsair ii carrier air wing cvw-2 12 nas lemoore california
A-7A Corsair II (VA-147 / CVW-2) - July 1967

va-147 argonauts attack squadron navy a-7a corsair ii carrier air wing cvw-2 nas lemoore 05
A-7A Corsair II (VA-147 / CVW-2) at NAS Lemoore, California - April 1967 (NNAM)
   
 
History:

Established as Attack Squadron ONE HUNDRED FORTY SEVEN (VA-147) on 1 February 1967
Redesignated Strike Fighter Squadron ONE HUNDRED FORTY SEVEN (VFA-147) on 20 July 1989
The first squadron to be assigned the VA-147 and VFA-147 designations
Homebase: NAS Lemoore, California (1967-89)

Squadron Insignia and Nickname:
The squadron’s insignia was approved by CNO on 30 June 1967

Colors for Argonaut insignia are:
a yellow background outlined in black with an inner circle of yellow and white; gray mythical flying animal with black markings and outlined in black with a red and white eye; white Argonaut with a gray breast plate and helmet, a red skirt and helmet plumage, gray sword and the entire figure has black markings. At a later date, a lower scroll was added to the insignia. The scroll was red outlined in black with black lettering. A modification to the insignia was approved by CNO on 22 December 1989. The color of theArgonaut’s skirt, helmet plumage and scroll were changed to orange and the mythical flying animal was given a twin tail.

Nickname: Argonauts,1967-present


Chronology of Significant Events:

Dec 1967:
The squadron flew its first combat missions, striking targets in North Vietnam. This was the first introduction of the A-7 Corsair II in combat.

Jan 1968:
The squadron flew support missions for the defenders during the seige at Khe Sanh, South Vietnam.

Jan 1968:
USS Ranger (CVA 61), with VA-147 embarked, was operating on Yankee Station when it was ordered to the Sea of Japan following the capture of USS Pueblo (AGER 2) by the North Koreans on 23 January 1968. Ranger and VA-147 operated in the area until relieved on 5 March.

Apr 1969:
Following the shoot down of a Navy EC-121 aircraft by the North Koreans on 15 April, USS Ranger, with VA-147 embarked, left Yankee Station and proceeded to the Sea of Japan for operations off the coast of Korea.

Apr 1972:
The squadron participated in Operation Freedom Train, tactical air sorties against military and logistic targets in the southern part of North Vietnam. It also provided support for forces in South Vietnam following a massive invasion by North Vietnam on 1 April 1972.

May 1972:
The squadron participated in the earlyphase of Operation Linebacker I, heavy air strikes against targets in North Vietnam above 20 degrees north latitude.

29 Jan 1973:
The squadron’s commanding officer, Commander T. R. Wilkinson, failed to return from a routine sortie off the coast of the Philippines.

Mar-Jun 1973:
VA-147 provided aerial support during Operation End Sweep, the removal of mines in North Vietnamese waters.

Nov 1974:
VA-147, part of the CVW-9 team embarked on USS Constellation (CVA 64), operated in the Persian Gulf. This was the first time in 26 years that an American carrier had entered and operated in the Persian Gulf.

Mar 1979:
USS Constellation, with elements of VA-147 embarked, was ordered to make a high speed transit to the Indian Ocean from the Philippines in response to the conflict between North and South Yemen.

Sep 1988:
USS Nimitz (CVN 68), with VA-147 embarked, operated in the Sea of Japan in support of the Summer Olympic Games in Seoul, Republic of Korea.

Commanding Officers - Date assumed Command:
CDR James C. Hill - 01 Feb 1967
CDR W. Scott Gray III - 21 Jun 1968
CDR Donald J. Duhrkopf - 27 Mar 1969
CDR R. N. Livingston - 13 Mar 1970
CDR W. T. Majors - 29 Jan 1971
CDR T. R. Wilkinson - 04 Feb 1972
CDR W. C. Smith - 29 Jan 1973
CDR D. D. Smith - 08 Mar 1974
CDR Bobby C. Lee - 23 May 1975
CDR Paul B. Austin - 30 Aug 1976
CDR Gary L. Harter - 15 Dec 1977
CDR Philip S. Gubbins - 03 Nov 1978
CDR David J. L’Herault - 29 Jan 1980
CDR Frank C. Bledsoe - 18 May 1981
CDR Eric Vanderpoel II - 05 Aug 1982
CDR Christopher G. Gates - 06 Jan 1984
CDR James H. Oliver - 21 Jun 1985
CDR J. R. Hutchison - 01 Jul 1986
CDR Terry R. Nolan - 04 Sep 1987
CDR Jeffrey A. Lehman - 24 Mar 1989
CDR Craig F. Weideman - 14 Sep 1990

source: NHHC

- - - - -

another history:

Attack Squadron 147 was commissioned as the Navy's First A-7A Corsair II squadron on February 1, 1967 in Lemoore, California. The squadron received its first A-7A on 28 June 1967, and in December 1967, the squadron flew its first combat missions, striking targets in North Vietnam from USS Ranger. This was the first introduction of the A-7 Corsair II in combat. The squadron would deploy a total of five times in support of the Vietnam War.

In January 1968 while embarked on USS Ranger (CV-61), the squadron flew support missions during the siege at Khe Sanh before the carrier was ordered from Yankee Station to the Sea of Japan following the capture of USS Pueblo (AGER-2) by North Korea on 23 January 1968. In April 1969 following the shoot down of a Navy EC-121 aircraft by the North Koreans on 15 April, Ranger, with VA-147 embarked, again left Yankee Station and proceeded to the Sea of Japan for operations off the coast of Korea. After deployment, the squadron upgraded to the A-7E in September 1969.

The Argonauts deployed to WestPac/Vietnam aboard USS America (CV-66) in 1970, and USS Constellation (CV-64) in 1971-72. In May 1972, the squadron participated in the early phase of Operation Linebacker I, heavy air strikes against targets in North Vietnam.

In April 1972 the squadron participated in Operation Freedom Train, tactical air sorties against military and logistic targets in the southern part of North Vietnam. It also provided support for forces in South Vietnam following a massive invasion by North Vietnam on 1 April 1972. In March-June 1973 embarked on Constellation, VA-147 provided aerial support during Operation End Sweep, the removal of mines from North Vietnamese waters.

In November 1974, VA-147 embarked on Constellation, operated in the Persian Gulf. This was the first time in 26 years that an American carrier had entered and operated in the Persian Gulf. The Squadron won the Battle "E" Award in 1977 as the top Corsair squadron in the Pacific Fleet.

VA-147 deployed aboard Constellation in 1980 and 1981-82. During these deployments, the squadron remained ashore at NAS Cubi Point as CVW-9’s Beach Detachment as part of the "Swing Wing Concept" during most of Constellation’s deployment.

Between January 1984 and June 1987, the squadron deployed three times aboard USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63), including an around-the-world cruise.

In September 1988 while embarked on the first of two USS Nimitz (CVN-68) deployments, VA-147 operated in the Sea of Japan in support of the Summer Olympic Games in Seoul, Korea.

The squadron was redesignated Strike Fighter Squadron 147 (VFA-147) on 20 July 1989, and transitioned to the F/A-18C Hornet under the instruction of VFA-125.

source: wikipedia
 
 
 
patches + more

va-147 argonauts insignia crest patch badge attack squadron us navy a-7 corsair ii 02c

va-147 argonauts patch insignia crest badge attack squadron us navy a-7 corsair ii 02p  va-147 argonauts patch insignia crest badge attack squadron us navy a-7 corsair ii 03p

va-147 argonauts patch insignia crest badge attack squadron us navy a-7 corsair ii 04p  va-147 argonauts patch insignia crest badge attack squadron us navy a-7 corsair ii 05p
   
 
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