The Champions of VA-56 were members of the Light Attack Wing Pacific flying the A-7E "Corsair II" aircraft. The Champions flew jet aircraft exclusively through out their existence. Before receiving the A-7E Corsair II in the summer of 1977, the squadron distinguished itself in the F9F-8 Cougar, the FJ-4B Fury, four models of the A-4 Skyhawk, and the A-7 A/B Corsair II. The nickname "Champions" originated in 1959 when VA-56, representing al of the West Coast Attack squadrons, defeated its East Coast opponents in an air-to-ground weapons competition in Yuma, Arizona. As a result, VA-56 had its official call sign changed to Champions.

Attack squadron FIFTY-SIX deployed on its first operational tour in May, 1957 aboard the USS Bon Homme Richard (CVA-31). Since the squadron has operated from the flight decks of the aircraft carriers Ticonderoga (CVA-14), Constellation (CV-64), Enterprise (CV-65), Ranger (CV-61) and was based aboard the USS Midway (CV-41) since 1971.

The squadron completed seven combat deployments in Southeast Asia, taking part in the initial retaliatory strikes launched against North Vietnam from the USS Ticonderoga in August 1964. It was still flying combat missions in the Gulf of Tonkin in January of 1973 when the cease fire was signed. During the eight years of conflict VA-56 flew 18,000 combat sorties.

Awards that the Champions have won include the COMNAVAIRPAC Battle "E" and CNO Safety "S" in 1964. In 1978 the squadron once again were the recipients of the Battle "E" and the Admiral Clarence Wade McClusky awards as the Navy's premier attack squadron