It was established as Attack Squadron VA-305 on 1 July 1970 at NAS Los Alamitos, California as part of a reorganization intended to increase the combat readiness of the Naval Air Reserve Force.

[1] In November 1976, the squadron deployed aboard USS Ranger for annual active duty training and as part of CVWR-30's tactical air mobilization test and operational readiness exercise/inspection, to ensure that it was seaworthy and combat ready.

From September–November 1990, the squadron's deployment with CVW-11 aboard USS Abraham Lincoln was the first total integration of a reserve squadron with an active duty air wing for a long deployment in support of direct fleet operational requirements.

Squadron personnel participated in exercises and officer exchanges with the armed forces of Argentina and Chile.

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