Command History
VFA-37 returned to the U.S. Central Command Area of Responsibility in November 1998 with CVW-3 aboard USS ENTERPRISE (CVN 65). During this deployment, the Bulls flew in support of Operation DESERT FOX, executing 44 sorties and delivering 46 tons of ordnance in four nights of sustained combat operations. VFA-37’s hit assessment during this period was CVW-3’s best and helped ensure operational success with no friendly casualties. Following the completion of this deployment, the Ragin’ Bulls relocated from NAS Cecil Field, Florida, to NAS Oceana, Virginia in July 1999.
Four years later, while flying from the USS HARRY S. TRUMAN (CVN 75) in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, the Bulls participated in the "Shock and Awe" phase of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM (OIF) in southern Iraq and supporting U.S. ground forces in northern Iraq. By the end of this phase of OIF, the Bulls flew 1,200 hours and 252 combat sorties over northern Iraq. Squadron pilots delivered 144 tons of ordnance and expended 9,400 rounds of 20mm HEI ammunition. The squadron maintained a 100% combat sortie completion rate and an outstanding safety record, returning home to Virginia to a heroes' welcome on Memorial Day, 2003.
Team Bull again supported OIF during its 2004-2005 deployment aboard the TRUMAN and celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2007. Towards the end of 2007, the Bulls deployed in support of OIF for the final time. The squadron’s superior performance during this cruise ensured the award of the COMNAVAIRFOR (CNAF) Battle “E”, the Michael J. Estocin Award, and the Arleigh Burke Fleet Trophy.
In May 2010, the Bulls deployed in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM (OEF), providing essential air support to ground personnel and over-watch during critical national elections in Afghanistan. In addition, the squadron flew the initial missions of Operation NEW DAWN in Iraq, conducted dual carrier operations with the French aircraft carrier Charles De Gaulle (R-91), and participated in exercises in Egypt and Jordan. Upon the squadron’s return to the United States, the Bulls were again recognized for their sustained superior performance in combat with the 2010 CNAF Battle “E” and Michael J. Estocin awards.
From mid-2013 through early 2104, the Ragin’ Bulls deployed with Carrier Air Wing THREE and USS HARRY S TRUMAN in support of OEF, this time providing aid in the drawdown of coalition forces in Afghanistan. For a third consecutive time, the Bulls were awarded the CNAF Battle “E” and Michael J. Estocin awards for superior performance during the 2013-2014 deployment.
In December of 2014, the squadron transferred to Carrier Air Wing EIGHT and deployed aboard USS GEORGE H.W. BUSH (CVN 77) in 2017 in support of Operation INHERENT RESOLVE. Team Bull employed 328 precision guided munitions totaling over 128 tons of ordnance against enemy targets in Syria and Iraq, helping degrade the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria’s grip on northern Iraq and eastern Syria. Additionally, the Bulls participated in exercises in Oman, United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom during the highly successful 2017 deployment and the Bulls’ 50th Anniversary. Team Bull returned in August 2017 and is standing by to “fly combat ready aircraft, 24-7, anywhere in the world.”