From its inception until November 1973 they operated the F-8K Crusader, at this point trading in their F-8s for F-4B Phantoms.

During their time with the F-4N, VF-302 won the USNR Battle 'E', signifying them as the best fighter squadron in the Naval Reserve.

VF-302 was based at NAS Miramar, near San Diego, California at hangar number 5.

Two years later the squadron got more carrier experience by spending 12 days on board USS Enterprise between 10 and 22 August 1988.

In 1986, only eight months after receiving their first TARPS pod, and then again in 1988 they had the chance to practice these skills as part of the biennial, World Reconnaissance Air Meet (RAM) at Bergstrom Air Force Base in Texas, both times achieving first place victories among all participating USN/USMC squadrons.