VFA-97

Strike Fighter Squadron 97
Active1 June 1967–present
Country United States
Branch United States Navy
TypeFighter/Attack
RoleClose air support
Air interdiction
Aerial reconnaissance
Part ofCarrier Air Wing Two
Garrison/HQNAS Lemoore
Nickname"Warhawks"
ColorsBlue and yellow
EngagementsVietnam War
Operation Eagle Claw
Operation Earnest Will
Operation Southern Watch
Operation Restore Hope
1994 North Korean nuclear crisis
Operation Desert Fox
Operation Enduring Freedom
Iraq War
Operation Freedom's Sentinel/Resolute Support
Operation Inherent Resolve/Deliberate Resolve
Operation Prosperity Guardian
Operation Poseidon Archer
Commanders
Commanding OfficerCDR. Michael T. Jennings
Executive OfficerCDR. Erik S. Dill
Command Master ChiefCMC Pierre Peacock
MINI Command Master ChiefADC Juan Vargas
Aircraft flown
AttackA-7 Corsair II
FighterF/A-18A/C Hornet
F/A-18E Super Hornet
F-35C Lightning II

Strike Fighter Squadron 97 (VFA-97) is a naval aviation squadron of the United States Navy. It is equipped with the F-35C Lightning II and is stationed at Naval Air Station Lemoore. The squadron was originally established as Attack Squadron 97 (VA-97) on 1 June 1967 and redesignated VFA-97 on 24 January 1991. The squadron is nicknamed "Warhawks" and it is currently assigned to Carrier Air Wing Two. Their radio callsign is Hawk and their tail code is NE.