Barker, Anthony, AMH1

During the squadron's second tour to Vietnam, aboard USS Saratoga (CV 60), the Bulls arrived on Yankee Station in May 1972 and commenced nine consecutive months of combat operations, flying nearly 2,800 missions and dropping over 3,100 tons of ordnance.

In April 1973, the Bulls received their first A-7E, an advanced version of the A-7A. It incorporated improved navigation and weapons systems, state of the art avionics, and greater aircraft performance. The Bulls made seven cruises with the A-7E during the latter part of the 1970s and early 1980s. During this time, VA-37 responded to several regional crises in the Mediterranean Sea and Indian Ocean.

In 1984, the Bulls deployed to Iwakuni, Japan to operate alongside the U.S. Marine Corps. During this deployment, the Bulls detached to Yechon, Korea, thus becoming the first Navy aircraft squadron to deploy in field conditions since World War II.
Engagements Vietnam War
Operation Southern Watch
Operation Deliberate Guard
Operation Desert Fox
Operation Deliberate Force
Operation Iraqi Freedom
The squadron’s initial insignia was approved by CNO on 26 March 1968. The design centered on a bull was selected to symbolize the spirit, pride and mission of the unit. The Bulls current insignia was based on the Schlitz Malt Liquor logo. Over the years, the size of the testicles has been changed several times. After the Tailhook scandal, the testicles were removed completely from the logo for a time. Nickname: Bulls, 1968–present.

VA-37 was established as an A-7 Corsair II squadron on July 1, 1966. After training with VA-174 in the operation of the A-7 Corsair II from Jul–Nov 1967, VA-37 became operational in 1967, deploying aboard the USS Kitty Hawk.

1970s

In Sep 1970, VA-37 was embarked on USS Saratoga (CV-60) when fighting erupted between Palestinian forces and the Jordanian Army, and was directed to operate in the eastern Mediterranean in response to this crisis. On 29 Sep 1970, VA-37 participated in an air power demonstration for President Richard Nixon during his two day visit to Saratoga while she steamed in the Med. From June to October 1971, VA-37 participated in the test and evaluation of the new CV concept during the Saratoga’s deployment to the North Atlantic and the Mediterranean Sea. The CV concept involved combining the capabilities of the attack and antisubmarine carriers (CVA and CVS) into a single ship.

The Bulls deployed twice to Yankee Station in support of combat operations during the Vietnam War. On 1 Aug 1972, a Bull A-7A Corsair II was used to establish a sonobuoy field in an anchorage area near the island of Hon Nieu, off the coast of North Vietnam - the first time an A-7 had ever been used to drop sonobuoys.

In 1973, the squadron received their first A-7E, a more advanced version of the plane. They made seven cruises with this plane in the 1970s and early 1980s, including responding to regional crises in the Mediterranean Sea and Indian Ocean.

1980s

In June 1982, USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67), with VA-37 embarked, took station off the coast of Lebanon after Israel invaded that country. In June 1984, the squadron's primary mission was changed to close air support in preparation for its deployment to MCAS Iwakuni as part of the Marine Corps Unit Deployment Program. The deployment of the two Navy attack squadrons was designed to test the interoperability of the Marine Corps and Navy.

In Dec 1984, VA-37 deployed to MCAS Iwakuni and relieved VA-105. While deployed to Iwakuni, the squadron was detached to Yechon, Korea, to participate in exercise Team Spirit 85. This was the first time a Navy carrier-based squadron had deployed in field conditions since World War II.