The Gunslingers were established as Attack Squadron 105 (VA-105) on November 1, 1967, and became one of the East Coast's early operational squadrons flying the A-7A Corsair II. The squadron deployed to Southeast Asia in 1968 and flew combat missions over Vietnam, later transitioning to the improved A-7E Corsair II. The Gunslingers operated the Corsair II for more than two decades while building a distinguished record of carrier operations and combat service.
In addition to its Vietnam service, VA-105 participated in operations throughout the Mediterranean, Indian Ocean, and Persian Gulf. In 1984, the Gunslingers became the first Navy squadron since World War II to operate under Marine Corps control when they deployed to MCAS Iwakuni, Japan. The squadron later supported Operation Earnest Will in the Persian Gulf before transitioning from the A-7E to the F/A-18C Hornet.
VA-105 was redesignated VFA-105 as it transitioned to the F/A-18C and later flew combat missions during operations including Desert Fox, Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom, Inherent Resolve, and Freedom's Sentinel. In 2006, the Gunslingers transitioned to the single-seat F/A-18E Super Hornet. Today, VFA-105 continues to fly the F/A-18E, carrying forward a Naval Aviation legacy that began during the Vietnam era.
