Saturday, January 10, 2026

Remembering Attack Squadron VA-203 at NAS Cecil Field, Florida

Article Title: Remembering Attack Squadron VA-203 at NAS Cecil Field, Florida

Article Excerpt: "...Attack Squadron 203 (VA-203), nicknamed the Blue Dolphins, was established at NAS Jacksonville, Florida on 1 July 1970, as a reserve force squadron (RESFORON) under a new concept in the reorganization of the Naval Air Reserve Force. The reorganization was intended to make the reserves more compatible with active duty units and to increase their combat readiness. It was redesignated VFA-203 in 1989. ...On 1 December 1977, the squadron moved from NAS Jacksonville to NAS Cecil Field, Florida.

In February 1980, the squadron participated in a combined NATO forces exercise 'Safe Passage' conducted at NAS Bermuda.

Transitioning to the A-7E Corsair II in 1983, VA-203's primary mission was to provide contributory support to the fleet, and to be ready to deploy to an aircraft carrier during a crisis as an activated reserve light attack squadron."

Reference Source: www.seaforces.org

Some VA-203 Veterans: Don Crider, Buddy Guilbeaux, Willie Jasper, Kip Jasper, Robin Colbert, Jim Keating, Mac McClaren, Ray Dunavant, Bill Rothermel, R. Morgan, JJ Johnson, Bill Weiler, R. Morgan, Stan Walczak, Joe Schaffer,