Outside of Ready Room 5, temporary home of the "Golden Warriors" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 87, are themed decorations much like every squadron embarked aboard USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77).

Also known as "War Party", VFA-87 can trace their origins back to 1968 when they were established as Attack Squadron (VA) 87.

"The 'Golden Warriors' was chosen as the establishing name of the squadron when it was commissioned," said Cmdr. Shane Marchesi, commanding officer of VFA-87. "As for 'War Party', it's just kind of an informal way that the squadron refers to themselves. It goes back to American Indian history, where a war party would form, and they would go out into battle."

The squadron didn't have to wait long to fly their first combat mission. On March 4, 1969, VA-87 was assigned to USS Ticonderoga (CVA 14), striking targets in South Vietnam. In August 1970, VA-87 did a total of 12 deployments aboard USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CV 42), USS America (CV 66) and USS Independence (CV 62).

"Since the start of the squadron, they've been involved in a lot of conflicts," said Marchesi. "The interesting part is that we're generally the first ones called upon to enter the fray."

In 1983, the "Golden Warriors" were dispatched to protect American citizens from political strife in Grenada and participated in strikes against Syria during the same deployment. The squadron reached a new era in 1986 when they began flying the F/A-18A, replacing the venerable A-7E Corsair II, and changed their squadron designation to Strike Fighter Squadron.

"I think that after the 80's, that was when the squadron as we know it today was born," said Marchesi. "No matter what decade though, the 'warfighting first' mentality is a strong tradition and mindset that we still hold to today."

True to the name "War Party", VFA-87 supported conflicts throughout the 90's and 2000's. They were involved in operations during the first Gulf War, in Kosovo, and against Al Qaida and the Taliban in Afghanistan which started Operation Enduring Freedom.

"This was a big deal in the history of our squadron," said Marchesi. "Our guys were heading home when 9/11 happened, and they turned around to fly the first mission in Afghanistan."

Fast forward to today and the "Golden Warriors" are still doing the same job, only now they are flying F/A-18E Super Hornets off of nuclear-powered aircraft carriers. They are currently embarked aboard GHWB.

"From Vietnam to Operation Inherent Resolve, we've been involved in combat action throughout the years," said Marchesi. "We are here anytime, and can go anywhere to get the job done."

VFA-87 has been actively involved in one conflict or another since its inception. As they approach their 50th anniversary next year, the mission of the "War Party" remains the same: to protect American and allied assets worldwide and to be the tip of the spear when it comes to warfighting.


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