Strike Fighter Squadron 87

From Corsairs over Vietnam to Super Hornets over Syria, the Golden Warriors bring carrier airpower wherever the mission takes them.

About the Organization

The Golden Warriors began at NAS Cecil Field in 1968, flying A-7 Corsair IIs into combat over Vietnam the following year. They became VFA-87 in 1986, trading Corsairs for Hornets and later flying Super Hornets from carrier decks. In June 2017, a squadron pilot shot down a Syrian Su-22, recording the F/A-18E’s first air-to-air victory.

Established

February 1, 1968 · NAS Cecil Field

First combat

March 4, 1969 · South Vi

Radio call sign

War Party

Super Hornet first

Air-to-air victory · Syr