In the early 1960s, the Navy conducted the Sea-Based Strike Study, an effort to develop an aircraft to replace the Douglas A-4 Skyhawk on its aircraft carriers. The result of this study was Vought’s A-7 Corsair II and an expansion of Navy attack squadrons. Attack Squadron 37 (VA-37), the Bulls, was one of the new squadrons, established 1 July 1967 at NAS Cecil Field, Florida, under the command of Commander James A. Burnett.
Born in the midst of the Vietnam war, VA-37 immediately began training with VA-174, the A-7 Fleet Replacement Squadron, in the new A-7A, and then on to work-ups for its 1968-1969 combat deployment on board the USS Kitty Hawk (CVA-63). Following two Mediterranean cruises on board the USS Saratoga (CVA-60), the Bulls returned to Vietnam on the Saratoga during 19721973. The low loss rate of only four aircraft during the two combat deployments is a tribute to the squadron’s proficiency.
Following its second tour on Yankee Station in the Gulf of Tonkin, VA-37 returned to the Mediterranean for 11 more deployments on board the Saratoga, John F. Kennedy (CV-67), Carl Vinson (CVN-70), and Forrestal (CV-59) between 1974 and 1990. During its career, the squadron has been assigned to CVW-3, -15 and -6.
The Bulls’ first four cruises were in the A-7A. Then in 1975, the unit transitioned to the more capable A-7E. VA-37 Hew its last “Echo” sortie and mission as an attack squadron 31 October 1990. On 28 November, it was redesignated Strike Fighter Squadron 37 (VFA-37), and began transition to the McDonnell Douglas F/A-18C Hornet. Since assuming its new role, VFA-37 has made two deployments with the Hornet on board the John F. Kennedy and the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69). During their last deployment, Bulls pilots flew Operation Southern Watch missions from the Persian Gulf and Operation Deny Flight missions from the Adriatic Sea.
Present plans call for the closure of Cecil Field, home of the Bulls for 28 years, and possible movement of the squadron to MCAS Cherry Point, North Carolina, or NAS Oceana, Virginia. VFA-37 is currently commanded by Commander George B. Don.