NAS Squantum, Massachusetts was the official birthplace of VFA 83, originally the Naval Reserve Fighter Squadron 916. The Rampagers were called into active duty in April 1950 and have remained active since that time.
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In March 1982, aboard the USS Forrestal, the squadron supported American peace-keeping forces in Lebanon, during and after the PLO/Israeli conflict.
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The squadron left Cecil Field in June 1987 on their 22nd Mediterranean cruise, flying their Corsairs as an attack squadron for the last time. Shortly after their return, they received their F/A-18 Hornets and were redesignated Strike-Fighter Squadron 83.
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From August 1990 through March 1991, the Rampagers took up station in the Red Sea from the deck of the USS Saratoga during Operations Desert Shield and Storm. They led the initial strikes on Iraqi targets and flew over 400 combat sorties during the war.
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In the squadron's 42-year history they have earned three Battle "E" awards, five CNO Safety awards, numerous Golden Tailhook awards and in 1990 received the Michael J. Estocin Award as the best F/A-18 squadron in the U.S. Navy.
