VFA-303, nicknamed the Golden Hawks, was a Strike Fighter Squadron of the U.S. Navy Reserve.

In November 1975, it deployed aboard USS Ranger for the annual active duty training and as part of CVWR-30's tactical air mobilization test, and for the operational readiness exercise/inspection to ensure the squadron was seaworthy and combat ready.

On 25 September 20 Nov 1990, a detachment of the squadron's F/A-18 Hornets and personnel, along with VFA-305, joined CVW-11 aboard USS Abraham Lincoln for her transit from Norfolk to Alameda, via Cape Horn.

In November 1990, a detachment of squadron aircraft and personnel deployed to NAWS China Lake in direct support of Operation Desert Shield.

In early 1993 the squadron added the roles of Adversary and Fleet Support to its primary mission.