Attack Squadron 204 (VA-204) was established at NAS Memphis, Tennessee on 1 July 1970, flying the A-4C Skyhawk as part of a reorganization intended to increase the combat readiness of the Naval Air Reserve Force.

Shortly after transitioning to the A-4E Skyhawk in 1971, the squadron deployed for two weeks with CVWR-20 embarked on the aircraft carrier USS John F. Kennedy, a Naval Reserve first.

In May 1972, the squadron participated in exercise Exotic Dancer V, designed to test multiservice operations under a unified command organization.

In complying with that directive, VA-204 closed the final chapter in the United States Navy's single seat Skyhawk attack aviation era.

The squadron officially completed its transition to the F/A-18 Hornet in March 1993, and the next month began initial adversary training at NAS Oceana, Virginia.

In December 1994, the squadron conducted carrier qualification aboard the USS Enterprise and ended the year by winning its second Battle "E".

[3][4][5][6] VFA-204 also maintained the capability to mobilize to provide the Fleet with an additional combat ready F/A-18 Hornet squadron, should the need arise.

To this end, the squadron routinely trained to the latest Strike Fighter mission employment tactics and occasionally conducts aircraft carrier landing qualifications.

In the film, the squadron flies several F/A-18A Hornets from the USS Harry S. Truman alongside several SH-60B Seahawk helicopters from HSL-37 stationed in Hawaii.