Feb 16, 2017  - KADENA AIR BASE, OKINAWA, JAPAN - A U.S. Air Force 44th Fighter Squadron F-15 Eagle and U.S. Navy Strike Fighter Squadron 27 and 102 (VFA-27, VFA-102) F/A-18 Super Hornets, assigned to Naval Air Facility Atsugi, Japan, fly in formation after a training sortie Feb. 16, 2017, over Okinawa. The air-to-air combat exercise marked the first joint training between Navy and Air Force fighter squadrons stationed in Japan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Peter Reft/Released)

 Feb 16, 2017  - KADENA AIR BASE, OKINAWA, JAPAN - A U.S. Air Force 44th Fighter Squadron F-15 Eagle and U.S. Navy Strike Fighter Squadron 27 and 102 (VFA-27, VFA-102) F/A-18 Super Hornets, assigned to Naval Air Facility Atsugi, Japan, fly in formation after a training sortie Feb. 16, 2017, over Okinawa. The air-to-air combat exercise marked the first joint training between Navy and Air Force fighter squadrons stationed in Japan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Peter Reft/Released)

 Feb 16, 2017  - KADENA AIR BASE, OKINAWA, JAPAN - A U.S. Air Force 44th Fighter Squadron F-15 Eagle and U.S. Navy Strike Fighter Squadron 27 and 102 (VFA-27, VFA-102) F/A-18 Super Hornets, assigned to Naval Air Facility Atsugi, Japan, fly in formation after a training sortie Feb. 16, 2017, over Okinawa. The air-to-air combat exercise marked the first joint training between Navy and Air Force fighter squadrons stationed in Japan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Peter Reft/Released)

 Feb 16, 2017  - KADENA AIR BASE, OKINAWA, JAPAN - A U.S. Air Force 44th Fighter Squadron F-15 Eagle and U.S. Navy Strike Fighter Squadron 27 and 102 (VFA-27, VFA-102) F/A-18 Super Hornets, assigned to Naval Air Facility Atsugi, Japan, fly in formation after a training sortie Feb. 16, 2017, over Okinawa. The air-to-air combat exercise marked the first joint training between Navy and Air Force fighter squadrons stationed in Japan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Peter Reft/Released)

 Apr 6, 2017  - Two VFA-27 Royal Mace F/A-18E's perform a flyover routine near the city of Townsville, Australia. (Image Source - Leroy)

 Apr 11, 2017  - VFA-27 Royal Mace 206 over NAF Atsugi. [Photo by RJTA Kenny]

 Apr 29, 2017  - Great picture of the new CAG paint scheme honoring the 50th Anniversary of the Royal Maces. Port side view taken at NAF Atsugi - Spring Fest 2017.
[Photo by HiroshiN]

 Apr 29, 2017  - Great picture of the new CAG paint scheme honoring the 50th Anniversary of the Royal Maces. Port side view taken at NAF Atsugi - Spring Fest 2017.
[Photo by HiroshiN]

 Apr 29, 2017  - Looking just to the rear of the front Modex number is a 50th Anniversary logo. It is designed in the likeness of the original VA-27 logo. Taken at NAF Atsugi - Spring Fest 2017.
[Photo by HiroshiN]

 Apr 29, 2017  - Looking just to the rear of the front Modex number is a 50th Anniversary logo. It is designed in the likeness of the original VA-27 logo. Taken at NAF Atsugi -Spring Fest 2017.
[Photo by HiroshiN]

 Apr 29, 2017  - Looking at the tail of the CAG F/A-18E there are other markings to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the squadron. The tail logo is surrounded by a cloud and there is a bottom rocker "Attack Squadron 27", both reflecting the original VA-27 logo markings. Also note the 5 stars to commemorate 5 decades of the Royal Maces. Taken at NAF Atsugi - Spring Fest 2017.
[Photo by HiroshiN]

 Apr 29, 2017  - Looking at the tail of the CAG F/A-18E there are other markings to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the squadron. The tail logo is surrounded by a cloud and there is a bottom rocker "Attack Squadron 27", both reflecting the original VA-27 logo markings. Also note the 5 stars to commemorate 5 decades of the Royal Maces. Taken at NAF Atsugi -Spring Fest 2017.
[Photo by HiroshiN]

 Apr 29, 2017  - Looking at the tail of the CAG F/A-18E there are other markings to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the squadron. The tail logo is surrounded by a cloud and there is a bottom rocker "Attack Squadron 27", both reflecting the original VA-27 logo markings. Also note the 5 stars to commemorate 5 decades of the Royal Maces. Taken at NAF Atsugi - Spring Fest 2017. (Image Source - Unknown)

 May 2017  - VFA-27 Royal Mace F/A-18E CAG New 50th Anniversary paint scheme - NAF Atsugi. [Photo by T. Nakanura]

 May 2, 2017  - VFA-27 Royal Mace F/A-18E CAG New 50th Anniversary paint scheme - NAF Atsugi.
[Photo by RJTA Kenny]

 May 2, 2017  - VFA-27 Royal Mace F/A-18E CAG New 50th Anniversary paint scheme - NAF Atsugi. [Photo by RJTA Kenny]

 May 2, 2017  - VFA-27 Royal Mace F/A-18E CAG New 50th Anniversary paint scheme - NAF Atsugi. [Photo by RJTA Kenny]

 May 17, 2017  - WATERS SOUTH OF JAPAN - An F/A-18E Super Hornet, assigned to the "Royal Maces" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27, launches from the flight deck of the Navy’s only forward-deployed aircraft carrier, USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). Ronald Reagan, the flagship of Carrier Strike Group 5, provides a combat-ready force that protects and defends the collective maritime interests of its allies and partners in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communications Specialist 2nd Class Nathan Burke/Released)

 May 17, 2017  - WATERS SOUTH OF JAPAN - An F/A-18E Super Hornet assigned to the "Royal Maces" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27, prepares to land on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). The ship is the flagship of Carrier Strike Group 5, providing a combat-ready force that protects and defends the collective maritime interests of its allies and partners in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communications Specialist 2nd Class Nathan Burke/Released)

 May 17, 2017  - WATERS SOUTH OF JAPAN - An F/A-18E Super Hornet assigned to the "Royal Maces" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27, launches from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). The ship is the flagship of Carrier Strike Group 5, providing a combat-ready force that protects and defends the collective maritime interests of its allies and partners in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communications Specialist 2nd Class Nathan Burke/Released)

 May 17, 2017  - WATERS SOUTH OF JAPAN - An F/A-18E Super Hornet, assigned to the “Dambusters” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 195, prepares to land on the flight deck of the Navy’s only forward-deployed aircraft carrier, USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). Ronald Reagan, the flagship of Carrier Strike Group 5, provides a combat-ready force that protects and defends the collective maritime interests of its allies and partners in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communications Specialist 2nd Class Nathan Burke/Released)

 May 18, 2017  - WATERS SOUTH OF JAPAN - Sailors stage an F/A-18 Super Hornet of VFA-27 Royal Maces prior to flight deck operations aboard the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). Ronald Reagan, the flagship of Carrier Strike Group 5, providing a combat-ready force that protects and defends the collective maritime interests of its allies and partners in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jamal McNeill/Released)

 May 18, 2017  - VFA-27 Royal Mace F/A-18E CAG New 50th Anniversary paint scheme - NAF Atsugi. [Photo by RJTA Kenny]

 May 20, 2017  - Beautiful shot of VFA-27 Royal Mace 211 over NAF Atsugi.
[Photo by RJTA Kenny]

 Jun 2017  - Cover art for new 2017 VFA-27 Royal Maces model kit by Hasegawa. Photo taken by Isami Akiyama.

 Jun 2017  - Fantastic picture of VFA-27 Mace 207 taken by one of the plane spotters next to NAF Atsugi. (Image by - "Michio")

 Jun 6, 2017  - PHILIPPINE SEA - Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Equipment) 1st Class Jesus Garcia stands safety observer as an F/A-18E Super Hornet, from the Royal Maces of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27 launches from the flight deck of the Navy's forward-deployed aircraft carrier, USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). Ronald Reagan, the flagship of Carrier Strike Group 5, provides a combat-ready force that protects and defends the collective maritime interests of its allies and partners in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communications Specialist 2nd Class (SW/AW) Kenneth Abbate/Released)

 Jun 26, 2017  - WESTERN PACIFIC - An F/A-18E Super Hornet, from the Royal Maces of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27, takes off from the flight deck of the Navy's forward-deployed aircraft carrier, USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), during routine flight operations. Ronald Reagan, the flagship of Carrier Strike Group 5, provides a combat-ready force that protects and defends the collective maritime interests of its allies and partners in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kaila Peters/Released)

 Jul 8, 2017  - CORAL SEA - Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) Airman Briauna Macari directs an F/A-18E Super Hornet, from the "Royal Maces" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27, on the flight deck of the Navy's forward-deployed aircraft carrier, USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), during Talisman Saber 2017. Talisman Saber is a realistic and challenging exercise that brings service members closer and improves both U.S. and Australia's ability to work bilaterally and multilaterally, and prepares them to be poised to provide security regionally and globally. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kenneth Abbate/Released)

 Jul 8, 2017  - CORAL SEA - An F/A-18E Super Hornet from Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27 prepares to launch from the flight deck of the Navy's forward-deployed aircraft carrier, USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), during Talisman Saber 2017. Talisman Saber is a realistic and challenging exercise that brings service members closer and improves both U.S. and Australia's ability to work bilaterally and multilaterally, and prepares them to be poised to provide security regionally and globally. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jamal McNeill/Released)

 Jul 8, 2017  - CORAL SEA - An F/A-18E Super Hornet, from the "Royal Maces" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27, lands on the flight deck of the Navy's forward-deployed aircraft carrier, USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), during Talisman Saber 2017. Talisman Saber is a realistic and challenging exercise that brings service members closer and improves both U.S. and Australia's ability to work bilaterally and multilaterally, and prepares them to be poised to provide security regionally and globally. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kenneth Abbate/Released)

 Jul 11, 2017  - United States Navy F/A-18E Super Hornet from the USS Ronald Reagan aircraft carrier based VFA-27 Squadron takes off from RAAF Base Amberley. RAAF Base Amberley is the main operating base for RAAF and United States aircraft activities during Talisman Saber 2017 (TS17). (Image Source - Commonwealth of Australia, Department of Defence)

 Jul 11, 2017  - United States Navy F/A-18E Super Hornet from the USS Ronald Reagan aircraft carrier based VFA-27 Squadron takes off from RAAF Base Amberley. RAAF Base Amberley is the main operating base for RAAF and United States aircraft activities during Talisman Saber 2017 (TS17). (Image Source - Commonwealth of Australia, Department of Defence)

 Jul 14, 2017  - United States Navy sailors work alongside an F/A-18E Super Hornet of VFA-27 on the flight deck of the USS Ronald Reagan during Exercise Talisman Saber 2017. (Image Source - Commonwealth of Australia, Department of Defence)

 Aug 4, 2017  -  PACIFIC OCEAN - An F/A-18 Super Hornet, from the "Royal Maces" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27, launches from the flight deck of the Navy's forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). Ronald Reagan, the flagship of Carrier Strike Group 5, provides a combat-ready force that protects and defends the collective maritime interests of its allies and partners in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kaila Peters/Released)

 Sep 4, 2017  - VFA-27 Royal Mace F/A-18E CAG on the roll in afterburner showing its 50th Anniversary paint scheme - NAF Atsugi.
[Photo by RJTA Kenny]

 Sep 11, 2017  - PACIFIC OCEAN - An F/A-18E Super Hornet assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27 lands on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) during carrier qualifications. Ronald Reagan provides a combat-ready force that protects and defends the collective maritime interests of the U.S. and its allies and partners in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kenneth Abbate/Released)

 Sep 11, 2017  - WATERS SOUTH OF JAPAN - Landing signal officers communicate with in-flight aircraft as an F/A-18E Super Hornet assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27 lands on the flight deck of the Navy's forward-deployed aircraft carrier, USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), during carrier qualifications with Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5. Ronald Reagan, the flagship of Carrier Strike Group 5, provides a combat-ready force that protects and defends the collective maritime interests of its allies and partners in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kenneth Abbate)

 Sep 20, 2017  - PHILIPPINE SEA - A Sailor directs an F/A-18E Super Hornet assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27 on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). Ronald Reagan is the flagship of Carrier Strike Group 5, providing a combat-ready force that protects and defends the collective maritime interests of its allies and partners in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kenneth Abbate/Released)

 Sep 20, 2017  - PHILIPPINE SEA - Lt. Chris Williams signals an F/A-18E Super Hornet assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27 to launch on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). Ronald Reagan is the flagship of Carrier Strike Group 5, providing a combat-ready force that protects and defends the collective maritime interests of its allies and partners in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kenneth Abbate/Released)

 Sep 20, 2017  - PHILIPPINE SEA - Lt. Chris Williams signals the launch of an F/A-18E Super Hornet from Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27 on the flight deck of the Navy's forward-deployed aircraft carrier, USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). Ronald Reagan, the flagship of Carrier Strike Group 5, provides a combat-ready force that protects and defends the collective maritime interests of its allies and partners in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kenneth Abbate)

 Sep 20, 2017  - PHILIPPINE SEA - Aviation Ordnancemen Qiong Wang, from Mountainview California, and Lorena Lucio, from Brownsville, Texas, inspect ordnance on an F/A-18E Super Hornet, assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27, on the flight deck of the Navy's forward-deployed aircraft carrier, USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). Ronald Reagan, the flagship of Carrier Strike Group 5, provides a combat-ready force that protects and defends the collective maritime interests of its allies and partners in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kenneth Abbate)

 Sep 24, 2017  - PHILIPPINE SEA – New commanding officer Cmdr. Alex Hampton, from Chicago, performs a high-speed fly by in an F/A-18E Super Hornet, assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27, after an aerial change-of-command over the flight deck of the Navy's forward-deployed aircraft carrier, USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), during bilateral training exercises in the Philippine Sea with Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) ship JS Akebono (DD 108). Exercises like this occur routinely throughout the year with U.S. Navy and JMSDF ships, reflecting the close partnership of our forces. Ronald Reagan, the flagship of Carrier Strike Group 5, provides a combat-ready force that protects and defends the collective maritime interests of its allies and partners in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kenneth Abbate)

 Sep 24, 2017  - PHILIPPINE SEA – Cmdr. Alex Hampton, from Chicago, and Cmdr. Daniel Cochran, from Kent, Washington, assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27, don flight gear in the squadron paraloft aboard the Navy's forward-deployed aircraft carrier, USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), during bilateral training exercises in the Philippine Sea with Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) ship JS Akebono (DD 108). Exercises like this occur routinely throughout the year with U.S. Navy and JMSDF ships, reflecting the close partnership of our forces. Ronald Reagan, the flagship of Carrier Strike Group 5, provides a combat-ready force that protects and defends the collective maritime interests of its allies and partners in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kenneth Abbate)

 Sep 24, 2017  - PHILIPPINE SEA - Cmdr. Alex Hampton, from Chicago, the new commanding officer of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27, performs a high-speed fly-by in an F/A-18E Super Hornet, assigned toVFA-27 after an aerial change-of-command over the flight deck of the Navy's forward-deployed aircraft carrier, USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). Ronald Reagan is conducting bilateral training exercises in the Philippine Sea with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) destroyer JS Akebono (DD 108). Ronald Reagan, the flagship of Carrier Strike Group 5, provides a combat-ready force that protects and defends the collective maritime interests of its allies and partners in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kenneth Abbate/Released)

 Oct 21, 2017  - CVW-5 CAG 200 of VFA-27 wearing the full 50th Anniversary colors near NAF Atsugi.(Image Source - Unknown)

 Nov 11, 2017  - WESTERN PACIFIC - An F/A-18E Super Hornet of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27 launches from the flight deck of the Navy’s forward-deployed aircraft carrier, USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). The Ronald Reagan, Theodore Roosevelt and Nimitz strike groups are underway and conducting flight operations in international waters as part of a three-carrier strike force exercise. The U.S. Pacific Fleet has patrolled the Indo-Pacific region routinely for more than 70 years promoting regional security, stability and prosperity. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Janweb B. Lagazo)

 Nov 18, 2017  - PHILIPPINE SEA - Lt. Nicholas O'Neill, from Carson City, Nev., signals for the launch of an F/A-18E Super Hornet assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27 from the flight deck of the Navy’s forward-deployed aircraft carrier and flagship of Carrier Strike Group Five, USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), during Annual Exercise 2017. Annual Exercise 2017, the premier training event between the U.S. Navy and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, is designed to increase the defensive readiness and interoperability of Japanese and American Forces through training in air and sea operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kenneth Abbate/Released)

 Nov 20, 2017  - PHILIPPINE SEA - Sailors perform a final check and direct an F/A-18E Super Hornet, of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27, on the flight deck of the Navy’s forward-deployed aircraft carrier and flagship of Carrier Strike Group Five, USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), during Annual Exercise 2017. Annual Exercise 2017, the premier training event between the U.S. Navy and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, is designed to increase the defensive readiness and interoperability of Japanese and American Forces through training in air and sea operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class MacAdam Kane Weissman)

 Nov 28, 2017  - An F/A-18E Super Hornet with Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27 lands at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Iwakuni, Japan. VFA-27 arrived at MCAS Iwakuni as part of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5's relocation from Naval Air Facility (NAF) Atsugi, Japan. The relocation of CVW-5 from NAF Atsugi to MCAS Iwakuni fulfills the final Defense Policy Review Initiative objective. The relocation is in accordance with the United States’ strategic vision for the rebalance in the Indo-Asia Pacific Region and does much to further strengthen the U.S.-Japan security alliance. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Donato Maffin)