List of inactive United States Navy aircraft squadrons
Most of the hundreds of United States Navy aircraft squadrons created since World War I no longer exist, having been "disestablished".[1] Another 40 or so have been "deactivated",[2] currently existing only "on paper" in an inactive status.
The U.S. Navy does not say aircraft squadrons are "commissioned" or "decommissioned". Until 1998, squadrons were "established", "disestablished", and sometimes "re-designated"; since 1998, squadrons are "established", "deactivated", and sometimes "reactivated".[3]
Under the system that pertained until 1998, squadron designations were often reused. A squadron's history and lineage began when it was established and ended when it was disestablished. When a squadron was disestablished or re-designated, its former designation became available for reuse by a new or re-designating squadron, just as the name of a decommissioned ship (e.g., USS Enterprise) might be given to a new vessel. The new or re-designated squadron could carry on the traditions, nickname, or the insignia of the previous squadron, but it could not lay claim to the history or lineage of that previous squadron.[4] Re-designation might assign a squadron a new number under the same basic designation (e.g., VF-151 to VF-192), or change the entire designation (e.g., HS-3 to HSC-9). A squadron could be re-designated several times, retaining its lineage throughout.
This system changed in March 1998 with Chief of Naval Operations Instruction (OPNAVINST) 5030.4E. U.S. Navy aircraft squadrons are no longer disestablished but "deactivated." A deactivated squadron remains in existence, though only "on paper", awaiting possible future "re-activation". Neither its designation nor any previous designations are available for use by a new squadron. A re-activated squadron would trace its lineage back to the squadron's original establishment date, including its inactive period.
The current update of OPNAVINST 3050.4 contains a list of all currently active and deactivated U.S. Navy aircraft squadrons.[5]
Designations used from 1921 to 1947
[edit]This section contains squadrons whose designations were discontinued by 1947. Most of the squadrons listed in this section were disestablished by the end of World War II. Others remained active under different designations for decades. A few still exist today.
Composite (VC) squadrons
[edit]A total of about 90 Composite Squadron (VC) squadrons existed between 1 March 1943, when Escort Scouting Squadrons (VGS) based aboard escort carriers (CVE) were redesignated as VC units, and the end of 1945, when they had all been disestablished.[6][7] VC squadrons flew combinations of fighters, dive bombers, and torpedo bombers.
Designation | Insignia | Nickname | Aircraft[8] | Establishment/
redesignation[9] |
Disestablished as | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
VC-6 | Grumman FM-2 Wildcat | VGS-25: Jan 1943 VC-25: Mar 1943 VC-6: Sep 1943 |
5 October 1945 | |||
VC-8 | VC-8: 1943 | 1945 | Operated fighter and scouting planes from an escort carrier (CVE) | |||
VC-10 | VC-10: 23 Sep 1943 | 1945 | Operated fighter and torpedo planes from USS Gambier Bay (CVE 73)[10] | |||
VC-11 | VGS-11: 5 Aug 1942 'VC-11: 1 Mar 1943 VF-21: 16 May 1943 |
VF-21 5 November 1945 | ||||
VC-13 (first use) |
Fools in God's Oceans | F4F Wildcat, TBM | VC-13: 1943-1945 | c.1945 | USS Tripoli (CVE-64), USS Anzio (CVE-57) | |
VC-16 | VGS-16: 6 Aug 1942 VC-16: 1 Mar 1943 VF-33: 15 Aug 1943 |
VF-33 19 November 1945 | ||||
VC-18 | VGS-18: 15 Oct 1942 VC-18: 1 Mar 1943 VF-36: 15 Aug 1943 VF-1): 5 Mar 1944 VF-7A: 15 Nov 1946 VF-71: 28 Jul 1948 |
VF-71 31 March 1959 | ||||
VC-25 (first use) |
FM-2, TBM | VGS-25: Jan 1943 VC-25: Mar 1943 VC-6: Sep 1943 |
VC-6 5 October 1945 | |||
VC-34 | VGS-34: 24 Feb 1943 VC-34: 1 Mar 1943 VF-34: 15 Aug 1943 |
VF-34 8 July 1944 | ||||
VC-64 | VC-64: 1 Jun 1943 VF-39: 15 Aug 1943 |
VF-39 15 July 1944 | ||||
VC-72 | Ball the Jack | FM-2, TBM | 1944-1945 | 1945 | ||
VC-91 | Green Weenies | FM-2, TBM | 11 February 1944 | 22 September 1945 | November 1944 - February 1945 USS Kitkun Bay (CVE-71) February 1945 - May 1945 USS Savo Island (CVE-78) July 1945 - November 1945 USS Makin Island (CVE-93) |
VCS: Cruiser Scouting Squadron, and VO: Spotting or Observation squadrons
[edit]Squadron Designation | Insignia | Nickname | Aircraft | Established-disestablished | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
VCS-7 Cruiser Scouting Squadron Seven, also recorded as VOS-7 | 4Q | Supermarine Spitfire Mk Vb and Supermarine Seafire[a] | 8 May 1944 – 29 June 1944 | Based at RNAS Lee-on-Solent (HMS Daedalus) United Kingdom. Part of 34th Reconnaissance Wing, RAF Second Tactical Air Force, it was a mixed force of USN, RAF, and FAA pilots flying spotting flights for naval artillery. VCS-7 operated from the invasion of Normandy until the capture of Cherbourg.[11][12] |
The VO designation, one of the U.S. Navy's earliest, first appeared in 1922 to designate "Spotting Squadrons" that spotted targets for naval gunfire from battleships and cruisers. In 1923, the designation was changed to "Observation Plane Squadron" or "Observation Squadron". The designation was discontinued in 1945, but resurrected from 1947 to 1949 and again during the Vietnam War from 1967 to 1968.
VH: Rescue Squadrons
[edit]Squadron Designation | Insignia | Nickname | Last aircraft | Disestablished | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
VH-1 | Martin PBM Mariner | April 1946 | Rescue Squadron established on 1 February 1944 | ||
VH-2 | November 1945 | Rescue Squadron established August 1944 | |||
VH-3 | ![]() |
April 1946 | Rescue Squadron established on 1 August 1944 | ||
VH-4 | November 1946 | Rescue Squadron established in September 1944 | |||
VH-5 | June 1946 | Rescue Squadron established in September 1944 | |||
VH-6 | February 1946 | Rescue Squadron established in January 1945 |
VJ: Utility or General Utility squadrons
[edit]Utility squadrons were designated VJ from 1925 to 1946, when the designation changed to VU.[13] (The VJ designation was later used from 1952 to 1956 to designate weather squadrons and photographic squadrons.)
Designation | Insignia | Nickname | Aircraft[7] | Establishment and re-designation[14] | Disestablished/ Deactivated | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
VJ-1 | Redtails | Established as VJ-1: 4 December 1942 redesignated VU-7: 1946-1 Jul 1965 redesignated VC-7 1 Jul 1965 |
VC-7 disestablished -30 September 1980 | NAS Miramar Towed targets and provided adversary services for fleet and air combat maneuvering training | ||
VJ-4 | Dragon Layers | Established as VJ-4: 15 November 1940 redesignated VU-4: 15 Nov 1946 redesignated VC-4: 1 July 1965-30 Apr 1971 |
VC-4 Disestablished 30 April 1971 | NAS Jacksonville | ||
VJ-16 | Challengers | established as VJ-16: 1 December 1943 redesginated VU-10: 1945 redesginated VC-10 1 July 1965 |
VC-10 disestablished 14 August 1993 | NAS Leeward Point Guantanamo Bay |
VS: Scouting squadrons and VS designations no longer in use
[edit]VS was used to designate scouting squadrons from 1922 to 1946,[15] although all 26 or so VS squadrons had by the end of 1943 been given other designations (VF, VT, VC or VCS cruiser scouting squadron).[7] All except VS-41/VFA-14 were disestablished by the end of 1949.[7] (From 1950 to 2009, VS was used for Antisubmarine or Sea Control squadrons.)
Designation | Insignia | Nickname | Aircraft[7] | Establishment and Redesignation[16][17][14] | Disestablished as | Disestablished Date | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Squadrons in operation before the U.S. Navy began aircraft carrier operations[b] | |||||||
VS-1 | Establishment and Disestablishment unknown | Navy Directory dated 1 Jan 1922 lists the squadrons and notes that it and VS-2 were combined in Dec 1921 to form one squadron[18] | |||||
VS-2 | |||||||
1 July 1922 to 1 July 1927[c] | |||||||
VS-1 | Establishment and Disestablishment unknown | Naval Aviation Organization for Fiscal Year 1923 issued on 17 June 1922 and effective 1 July 1922 lists the squadron.[18] It may be the combined VS-1 and VS-2 listed in the Navy Directory dated 1 Jan 1922 | |||||
1 July 1927 to 1 July 1937: Suffix letters were added to squadron designations which denoted to which fleet squadrons were assigned: B-Battle Fleet, S-Scouting Fleet, A-Asiatic Fleet or "D" followed by a Naval District number for those squadrons assigned to Naval Districts.[19][d] | |||||||
VS-1B (first use) |
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VS-1B(1st): May 1928 – 1930 VS-1S: 1930-1931 VS-1B(2nd): 1931-1 Jul 1937 VS-41(1st): 1 Jul 1937-15 Mar 1941 VF-42(1st): 15 Mar 1941 – 22 Jun 1942 |
VF-42 (1st) | 22 June 1942 | |||
VS-1S | ![]() |
VS-1B: May 1928 – 1930 VS-1S: 1930-1931 VS-1B: 1931-1 Jul 1937 VS-41(1st): 1 Jul 1937-15 Mar 1941 VF-42(1st): 15 Mar 1941 – 22 Jun 1942 |
VF-42 (1st) | 22 June 1942 | |||
VS-1B (second use) |
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VS-1B(1st): May 1928 – 1930 VS-1S: 1930-1931 VS-1B(2nd): 1931-1 Jul 1937 VS-41(1st): 1 Jul 1937-15 Mar 1941 VF-42(1st): 15 Mar 1941 – 22 Jun 1942 |
VF-42 (1st) | 22 June 1942 | |||
VS-1D7 | OS2U | 12 March 1942 | |||||
VS-2B | VS-2B: 3 Jul 1928 – 1 Jul 1937 VS-3: 1 Jul 1937-1 Mar 1943 VB-4: 1 Mar 1943-15 Jul 1943 VB-5: 15 Jul 1943-15 Nov 1946 VA-5A: 15 Nov 1946-16 Aug 1948 VA-54(1st): 16 Aug 1948 – 1 Dec 1949 |
VA-54 (1st) | 1 December 1949 | ||||
VS-3B | Establishment and Disestablishment unknown | Squadron was listed in the January 1929 "Fleet Organization"[19] | |||||
VS-4B | Establishment and Disestablishment unknown | Squadron was listed in the January 1929 "Fleet Organization"[19] | |||||
VS-5S | Establishment and Disestablishment unknown | Squadron was listed in the January 1929 "Fleet Organization"[19] | |||||
1 Jul 1937 through 1 Mar 1943:[e] | |||||||
Ship Named Air Groups:[f] | |||||||
VS-2 | Establishment and disestablishment unknown | listed in the Status of Naval Aircraft for July 1937.[20] assigned to USS Lexington (CV 2) | |||||
VS-3 | established as VS-2B: 3 July 1928 redesignated as VS-3: 1 Jul 1937 redesignated VB-4: 1 Mar 1943 redesignated VB-5: 15 July 1943 redesignated as VA-5A: 15 Nov 1946 redesignated as VA-54: 16 Aug 1948 |
VA-54 1 December 1949 | assigned to USS Saratoga (CV 3) | ||||
VS-41 |
![]() |
VS-1B(1st): May 1928 – 1930 VS-1S: 1930-1931 VS-1B(2nd): 1931-1 Jul 1937 VS-41: 1 Jul 1937 – 15 Mar 1941 VF-42(1st): 15 Mar 1941 – 22 Jun 1942 |
VF-42 (1st) | 22 June 1942 | assigned to USS Ranger (CV 4) as one of two VS squadrons. Redesignated as second VF squadron in the Air Group on 15 March 1941 | ||
VS-33 | 5 June 1944 | ||||||
VS-41 (second use) |
![]() |
Top Hatters | Air Det Pac Flt: Sep 1919-15 Jun 1920 VT-5(1st): 15 Jun 1920-7 Sep 1921 VP-1-4: 7 Dec 1921-23 Sep 1921 VF-4(1st): 23 Sep 1921-1 Jul 1922 VF-1(1st): 1 Jul 1922-1 Jul 1927 VF-1B(1st): 1 Jul 1927-1 Jul 1934 VB-2B: 1 Jul 1934-1 Jul 1937 VB-3: 1 Jul 1937-1 Jul 1939 VB-4: 1 Jul 1939-15 Mar 1941 VS-41(2nd): 15 Mar 1941 – 1 Mar 1943 VB-41: 1 Mar 1943-4 Aug 1943 VB-4: 4 Aug 1943-15 Nov 1946 VA-1A: 15 Nov 1946-2 Aug 1948 VA-14: 2 Aug 1948-15 Dec 1949 VF-14(2nd): 15 Dec 1949-1 Dec 2001 VFA-14: 1 Dec 2001–present |
VFA-14 | Not applicable, still exists | Oldest continuously active aircraft squadron in the U.S. Navy. Ranger's VB squadron was redesignated VS-41(2nd) to replace VS-41(1st) when it was redesignated a VF squadron (VF-42) | |
VS-42 | Establishment and disestablishment unknown | listed in 'Status of Naval Aircraft' for July 1937.[20] Assigned to USS Ranger (CV 4) as one of two VS squadrons | |||||
VS-5 | listed in the 'Status of Naval Aircraft' for July 1937.[20] assigned to USS Yorktown (CV 5) | ||||||
VS-6 | listed in the 'Status of Naval Aircraft' for July 1937.[20] assigned to USS Enterprise (CV 6) |
The Lexington Air Group, Yorktown Air Group, Wasp Air Group and Hornet Air Group were disestablished in 1942 after the loss of USS Lexington (Battle of the Coral Sea, May 1942) , USS Yorktown (Battle of Midway, June 1942), USS Wasp and USS Hornet (Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands, October 1942). Enterprise Air Group was disestablished in September 1942 while USS Enterprise was undergoing repairs of major damage suffered in August 1942 and Saratoga Air Group and Ranger Air Group were redesignated CVG-3 and CVG-4 in August and September of 1943 respectively. Between 1 Mar 1943 to 15 Nov 1946 the squadron designation system was changed: numbering squadrons with the hull number of the ship to which it was assigned was stopped and newly established squadron were numbered serially within each class.[19] [g]
VT: Torpedo squadrons and VT designations no longer in use
[edit]The VT designation is one of the earliest used by the U.S. Navy. A "Torpedo Plane Squadron" existed as early as 1920 but the use of abbreviated squadron designations (such as "VT") did not come into accepted use until 1922. From 1922 to 1930 it designated "Torpedo & Bombing Plane Squadrons" or "Torpedo and Bombing Squadrons". In 1930 it designated "Torpedo Squadrons" until 1946 when all remaining VT squadrons were redesignated Attack (VA) squadrons and the VT designation disappeared. Between 1927 and 1937 a suffix letter was added after the designation number to identify to which fleet or Naval District the squadron belonged: B for Battle Fleet, S for Scouting Fleet, A for Asiatic Fleet or D followed by a Naval District number for those squadrons assigned to Naval Districts.[19] On 15 November 1946 the squadron designation system underwent a major change; the 17 still existing VT and 14 still existing Bombing (VB) squadrons were redesignated Attack (VA) squadrons and the VT and VB designations were eliminated. The VTN designation was used from 1944 to 1946 to designate "Night Torpedo Squadrons"
On 1 May 1960 the VT designation was resurrected as the designation for training squadrons[13]
Approximately 90 to 100 squadrons carried the VT designation between 1921 and 1946.
Designation | Insignia | Nickname | Aircraft[21][8] | Establishment and Redesignation (if applicable) Dates[22] | Disestablished as (or current designation) |
Disestablished Date | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Squadrons in operation prior to the beginning of U.S. Navy Aircraft Carrier operations. Squadrons were numbered according to ship squadron numbers and were designated according to the use of the squadron's aircraft[18] such as "Torpedo" or "Patrol" or "Combat"; however, the official use of abbreviated designations such as VT, VP or VF had not yet been implemented. | |||||||
VT-5 (first use) |
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Top Hatters | {[23] Air Det Pac Flt: Sep 1919 VT-5(1st): 15 Jun 1920 VP-1-4: 7 Dec 1921 VF-4(1st): 23 Sep 1921 VF-1: 1 Jul 1922 VF-1B: 1 Jul 1927 VB-2B: 1 Jul 1934 VB-3: 1 Jul 1937 VB-4: 1 Jul 1939 VS-41: 15 Mar 1941 VB-41: 1 Mar 1943 VB-4: 4 Aug 1943 VA-1A: 15 Nov 1946 VA-14: 2 Aug 1948 VF-14(2nd): 15 Dec 1949 VFA-14: 1 Dec 2001 |
VFA-14 | Not applicable, still exists | Oldest continuously active aircraft squadron in the U.S. Navy | |
1 July 1922 to 1 July 1927: Naval Aviation Organization for FY 1923 issued on 17 June 1922 and implemented on 1 July 1922 changed the numbering of squadrons from according to ship squadron number to serially within each class and listed the squadrons by abbreviated designation (VF, VO, VS, VT) for the first time.[18] USS Langley (CV 1) was commissioned on 20 March 1922, VT-2 operated from USS Langley (CV 1) conducting experimentation in the concept of shipborne aviation. | |||||||
VT-1 (first use) |
T3M | VT-1(1st): 1926 VT-1B(1st): 1 Jul 1927 VT-1S: Jun 1932 VT-1B(2nd): Apr 1933 VB-1B: 1934 VT-2(2nd): 1 Jul 1937 |
VT-2 (2nd) | 6 November 1942 | |||
VT-2 (first use) |
Dragons | DT SC CS T2D |
VT-2(1st): 1925- VT-2B: 1 Jul 1927 VT-3: 1 Jul 1937 VA-4A: 15 Nov 1946 VA-35(1st): 7 Aug 1948 |
VA-35 (1st) | 7 November 1949 | Assigned to "Aircraft Squadrons, Battle Fleet". Operated from USS Langley (CV 1) | |
VT-19D14 | DT | [24] VT-19D14: 7 Feb 1924 VT-6D14: 1 Jul 1927 VP-6B: 1 Apr 1931 VP-6F: 17 Jul 1933 VP-6(2nd): 1 Oct 1937 VP-23(1st): 1 Jul 1939 VP-11(3rd): 1 Aug 1941 VPB-11: 1 Oct 1944 |
VPB-11 | 20 June 1945 | Assigned to Naval District 14 | ||
1 July 1927 to 1 July 1937: Suffix letters were added to squadron designations which denoted to which fleet squadrons were assigned: B-Battle Fleet, S-Scouting Fleet, A-Asiatic Fleet or "D" followed by a Naval District number for those squadrons assigned to Naval Districts.[19] Squadrons were redesignated as they were reassigned between fleets. | |||||||
VT-1B (first use) |
T3M T4M |
VT-1(1st): 1926 VT-1B(1st): 1 Jul 1927 VT-1S: Jun 1932 VT-1B(2nd): Apr 1933 VB-1B: 1934 VT-2(2nd): 1 Jul 1937 |
VT-2 (2nd) | 6 November 1942 | |||
VT-1S | T4M BM |
VT-1(1st): 1926-1 Jul 1927 VT-1B(1st): 1 Jul 1927- Jun 1932 VT-1S: Jun 1932-Apr 1933 VT-1B(2nd): Apr 1933-1934 VB-1B: 1934-1 Jul 1937 VT-2(2nd): 1 Jul 1937 – 6 Nov 1942 |
VT-2 (2nd) | 6 November 1942 | |||
VT-1B (second use) |
BM | VT-1(1st): 1926-1 Jul 1927 VT-1B(1st): 1 Jul 1927- Jun 1932 VT-1S: Jun 1932-Apr 1933 VT-1B(2nd): Apr 1933-1934 VB-1B: 1934-1 Jul 1937 VT-2(2nd): 1 Jul 1937 – 6 Nov 1942 |
VT-2 (2nd) | 6 November 1942 | |||
VT-2B | ![]() (1928) |
Dragons | T2D T3M TB T4M, TG |
VT-2(1st): 1925-1 Jul 1927 VT-2B: 1 Jul 1927 – 1 Jul 1937 VT-3: 1 Jul 1937-15 Nov 1946 VA-4A: 15 Nov 1946-7 Aug 1948 VA-35(1st): 7 Aug 1948 – 7 Nov 1949 |
VA-35 (1st) | 7 November 1949 | Assigned to "Aircraft Squadrons, Battle Fleet" until 9 Apr 1927 when it was assigned to Saratoga (CV 3) air group |
VT-3D15 | T3M | DANAS Vol II, App 7 VT-3D15: 12 Jul 1928 – 21 Jan 1931 VP-3S: 21 Jan 1931-17 Jul 1933 VP-3F: 1 Jul 1933-1 Oct 1937 VP-3(1st): 1 Oct 1937-1 Jul 1939 VP-32(1st): 1 Jul 1939-1 Jul 1941 VP-52(2nd): 1 Jul 1941-1 Oct 1944 VPB-52: 1 Oct 1944 – 7 Apr 1945 |
VPB-52 | 7 April 1945 | Assigned to Naval District 15 | ||
VT-6D14 | SC T3M |
DANAS Vol II, App 7 VT-19D14: 7 Feb 1924-1 Jul 1927 VT-6D14: 1 Jul 1927 – 1 Apr 1931 VP-6B: 1 Apr 1931-17 Jul 1933 VP-6F: 17 Jul 1933-1 Oct 1937 VP-6(2nd): 1 Oct 1937-1 Jul 1939 VP-23(1st): 1 Jul 1939-1 Aug 1941 VP-11(3rd): 1 Aug 1941-1 Oct 1944 VPB-11: 1 Oct 1944 – 20 Jun 1945 |
VPB-11 | 20 June 1945 | Assigned to Naval District 14 | ||
VT-7B | TBD | VT-7B: Jun 1937-1 Jul 1937 VT-5(2nd): 1 Jul 1937-Jul 1942 |
VT-5 (2nd) | Jul 1942 | Established and redesignated on 1 Jul as Yorktown (CV 5) Air Group's VT squadron. | ||
VT-8B | TBD | VT-8B: Jun 1937-1 Jul 1937 VT-6(1st): 1 Jul 1937-Feb 1943 |
VA-6 (1st) | Jul 1942 | Established and redesignated on 1 Jul as Enterprise (CV 6) Air Group's VT squadron. | ||
1 Jul 1937 through 1 Mar 1943: Squadron suffix letters were discontinued. Squadrons were redesignated to conform with the hull number of the Aircraft Carrier to which they were assigned:[19] CV 2, CV 3, CV 4 and CV 5 (USS Yorktown (CV-5) was commissioned on 30 Sep 1937). USS Langley (CV 1) had ceased operating as an Aircraft Carrier by October 1936 and had been converted to a seaplane tender | |||||||
Ship Named Air Groups[h] | |||||||
VT-2 (second use) |
TBD | VT-1: 1926-1 Jul 1927 VT-1B(1st): 1 Jul 1927- Jun 1932 VT-1S: Jun 1932-Apr 1933 VT-1B(2nd): Apr 1933-1934 VB-1B: 1934-1 Jul 1937 VT-2(2nd): 1 Jul 1937 – 6 Nov 1942 |
VT-2 (2nd) | 6 November 1942 | Redesignated VT-2 as Lexington's (CV 2) VT squadron (became Lexington Air Group's VT squadron upon the group's establishment on 1 Jul 1938). Disestablished with the disestablishment Lexington Air Group after USS Lexington was sunk | ||
VT-3 | ![]() |
Dragons | T4M, TG TBD TBF, TBM |
VT-2(1st): 1925-1 Jul 1927 VT-2B: 1 Jul 1927- 1 Jul 1937 VT-3: 1 Jul 1937 – 15 Nov 1946 VA-4A: 15 Nov 1946-7 Aug 1948 VA-35(1st): 7 Aug 1948 – 7 Nov 1949 |
VA-35 (1st) | 7 November 1949 | Redesignated VT-3 as Saratoga's (CV 3) VT squadron (became Saratoga Air Group's VT squadron upon the group's establishment on 1 July 1938). Saratoga Air Group redesignated CVG-3 in Sep 1943, remained as CVG-3's VT squadron. Redesignated after the war with CVG-3's redesignation |
VT-4 | ![]() |
TBD TBF, TBM |
VT-4: 10 Jan 1942 – 15 Nov 1946 VA-2A: 15 Nov 1946-2 Aug 1948 VA-15(1st): 2 Aug 1948 – 1 Jun 1969 |
VA-15 (1st) | 1 June 1969 | Established as Ranger (CV-4) Air Group's VT squadron. Ranger Air Group redesignated CVG-4 in Aug 1943, remained as CVG-4's VT squadron. Redesignated after the war with CVG-4's redesignation | |
VT-5 (second use) |
TBD | VT-7B: Jun 1937-1 Jul 1937 VT-5(2nd): 1 Jul 1937-Jul 1942 |
VT-5 (2nd) | Jul 1942 | Redesignated as Yorktown's VT squadron (became Yorktown Air Group's VT squadron upon the group's establishment on 1 Jul 1938). Yorktown Air Group disestablished in June 1942 after it was sunk | ||
VT-6(1st) | TBD | VT-8B: Jun 1937-1 Jul 1937 VT-6(1st): 1 Jul 1937-Feb 1943 |
VA-6 (1st) | Jul 1942 | Redesignated as Enterprise's (CV 6) VT squadron (became Enterprise Air Group's VT squadron upon the group's establishment on 1 Jul 1938). Enterprise Air Group disestablished in September 1942 while USS Enterprise was undergoing major repairs | ||
VT-8 (first use) |
SBN TBD |
VT-8(1st): Sep 1941-Jan 1943[7] | VT-8(1st) | January 1943 | Hornet (CV 8) Air Group's VT squadron until Hornet Air Group was disestablished in Oct 1942 after the sinking of USS Hornet | ||
Lexington Air Group, Yorktown Air Group, Wasp Air Group and Hornet Air Group were disestablished in 1942 when USS Lexington, USS Yorktown, USS Wasp and USS Hornet were sunk. Enterprise Air Group was disestablished in Sep 1942 while USS Enterprise was undergoing repairs of major damage suffered in Aug 1942 and Saratoga Air Group and Ranger Air Group were redesignated CVG-3 and CVG-4 in Aug and Sep of 1943 respectively. | |||||||
1 Mar 1943 to 15 Nov 1946: The squadron designation system was changed to cease numbering squadrons with the hull number of the ship to which it was assigned.[19][i] | |||||||
VT-1 (second use) |
TBF, TBM | VT-1(2nd): May 1943-Oct 1945 | VT-1 (2nd) | October 1945 | Established with CVG-1 as its VT squadron, disestablished with CVG-1 at the end of the war | ||
VT-2 (third use) |
TBM | VT-2(3rd): 1 Jun 1943 – 9 Nov 1945 | VT-2 (3rd) | 9 November 1945 | Established with CVG-2 as its VT squadron, disestablished with CVG-2 at the end of the war | ||
VT-5 (third use) |
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Torpcats | TBM | VT-5(3rd): 15 Feb 1943 – 15 Nov 1946 VA-6A: 15 Nov 1946-16 Aug 1948 VA-55(1st): 16 Aug 1948 – 12 Dec 1975 |
VA-55 (1st) | 19 December 1975 | Established with CVG-5 as its VT squadron. Redesignated after the war with CVG-5's redesignation |
VT-7 | ![]() |
||||||
VT-8 (second use) |
TBF | VT-8(2nd): June 1943-Nov 1945 | 1945 | Established with CVG-8 as its VT squadron, disestablished with CVG-8 at the end of the war | |||
VT-11 | ![]() |
TBM | VT-11: 10 Oct 1942 – 15 Nov 1946 VA-12A: 15 Nov 1946-15 Jul 1948 VA-115: 15 Jul 1948-30 Sep 1996 VFA-115: 30 Sep 1996–present |
VFA-115 | Not applicable, still exists | ||
VT-17 | ![]() |
SB2C AD |
VT-17: 1 Jan 1943 – 15 Nov 1946 VA-6B: 15 Nov 1946-27 Jul 1948 VA-65(1st): 27 Jul 1948-1 Jul 1959 VA-25(2nd): 1 Jul 1959-1 Jul 1983 VFA-125: 1 Jul 1983–present |
VFA-25 | Not applicable, still exists | ||
VT-18 | ![]() ![]() |
Air Barons | TBM | VT-18: 20 Jul 1943 – 15 Nov 1946 VA-8A: 15 Nov 1946-27 Jul 1948 VA-75(1st): 27 Jul 1948 – 30 Nov 1949 |
VA-75 (1st) | 30 November 1949 | |
VT-19 | ![]() |
TBM AD |
VT-19: 15 Aug 1943 – 15 Nov 1946 VA-20A: 15 Nov 1946 – 24 Aug 1948' VA-195: 24 Aug 1948-15 Apr 1985 VFA-195: 15 Apr 1985–present |
VFA-195 | Not applicable, still exists | ||
VT-20 | ![]() |
TBM | VT-20: 15 Oct 1943 – 15 Nov 1946 VA-10A: 15 Nov 1946-12 Aug 1948 VA-95(1st): 12 Aug 1948 – 30 Nov 1949 |
VA-95 (1st) | 30 November 1949 | ||
VT-41 | ![]() |
TBM | VT-41: 26 Mar 1946 – 15 Nov 1946 VA-1E: 15 Nov 1946 – 1 Sep 1948 |
VA-1E | 1 September 1948 | ||
VT-42 | TBM | VT-42: 19 Jul 1945 – 15 Nov 1946 VA-2E: 15 Nov 1946-1 Sep 1948 VC-22(2nd): 1 Sep 1948-20 Apr 1950 (same sqdn listed in VC section) VS-22(1st): 20 Apr 1950-1 Jun 1956 (same sqdn listed in VS section) |
VS-22 (2nd) | 1 June 1956 | |||
VT-58 | TBM XTB2D AD |
VT-58: 19 Mar 1946 – 15 Nov 1946 VA-1L: 15 Nov 1946 – 20 Nov 1948 |
VA-1L | 20 November 1948 | |||
VT-74 | ![]() |
Curtiss SB2C Helldiver, SBW]] TBM SNJ Douglas A-1 Skyraider |
VT-74: 1 May 1945 – 15 Nov 1946 VA-2B: 15 Nov 1946-1 Sep 1948 VA-25(1st): 1 Sep 1948-1 Jul 1959 VA-65(2nd): 1 Jul 1959 – 31 Mar 1993 |
VA-65 (2nd) | 31 March 1993 | ||
VT-75 | ![]() |
Fish Hawks | SB2C AD |
VT-75: 1 Jun 1945 – 15 Nov 1946 VA-4B: 15 Nov 1946-1 Sep 1948 VA-45(1st): 1 Sep 1948 – 8 Jun 1950 |
VA-45 (1st) | 8 June 1950 | |
VT-81 | ![]() |
Uninvited | TBM | VT-81: 1 Mar 1944 – 15 Nov 1946 VA-14A: 15 Nov 1946- 2 Aug 1948 VA-135(1st): 2 Aug 1948 – 30 Nov 1949 |
VA-135 (1st) | 30 November 1949 | |
VT-82 | ![]() |
Devils Diplomats | TBM | VT-82: 1 Apr 1944 – 15 Nov 1946 VA-18A: 15 Nov 1946-11 Aug 1948 VA-175: 11 Aug 1948 – 15 Mar 1958 |
VA-175 | 15 March 1958 | |
VT-98 | TBM | VT-98: 28 Aug 1944 – 15 Nov 1946 VA-22A: 15 Nov 1946 – 5 Aug 1947 |
VA-22A | 5 August 1947 | |||
VT-153 | ![]() |
TBM | VT-153: 26 Mar 1945 – 15 Nov 1946 VA-16A: 15 Nov 1946-15 Jul 1948 VA-155(1st): 15 Jul 1948 – 30 Nov 1949 |
VA-155 (1st) | 30 November 1949 |
Designations used from 1948 to 1979
[edit]After World War II, naval aviation saw great reductions in numbers, while new technologies fostered new types of aircraft squadrons leading to new designations for roles such as nuclear attack, airborne early warning, and "all-weather" (radar-equipped) squadrons. Others were developed specifically for roles necessitated by the Vietnam War. Designations that are still in use today are not included in this section.
VA(AW): All Weather Attack squadrons
[edit]The VA(AW) designation was created in 1956 when VC squadrons were re-designated using role descriptive designators. VC-33 and VC-35 had by then become attack squadrons with radar and electronic countermeasures equipped aircraft. All weather attack squadrons provided detachments of radar and electronic countermeasure equipped attack aircraft to Carrier Air Groups for night and all weather operations.
Designation | Insignia | Nickname | Aircraft[7] | Establishment/
Redesignation[9] |
Disestablished | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
VA(AW)-33 | ![]() |
Nighthawks | AD-5N,5Q TF-1Q[25] |
VC-33: 31 May 1949 VA(AW)-33: 2 Jul 1956 VAW-33: 30 Jan 1959 VAQ-33: 1 Feb 1968 |
VAQ-33 Disestablished 1 October 1993 | Provided Night Attack/All Weather Attack detachments to CVGs |
VA(AW)-35 | ![]() |
Night Hecklers | AD-5,5N,5Q,6,7 S2F-1 T-28B |
established as VC-35 VA(AW)-35: 1 Jul 1956 VA-122 on 29 Jun 1959 |
VA-122 Disestablished 31 May 1991 |
VAH: Heavy Attack squadrons and VAH designations no longer in use
[edit]The VAH designation was established in 1955 when the Composite (VC) squadrons flying "Heavy Attack" aircraft (nuclear bombers) were redesignated Heavy Attack (VAH) squadrons. The designation was retired in 1971 with the disestablishment of the last VAH squadron. With the end of the Navy's nuclear bomber role, VAH squadrons based on the east coast were redesignated RVAH squadrons and were equipped with the North American RA-5C Vigilante reconnaissance aircraft. VAH squadrons based on the west coast retained the VAH designation but their A-3B Skywarriors were converted to KA-3B aerial tankers. By the late 1960s, electronic jamming equipment had been added to some KA-3B tankers and those "EKA-3B" aircraft led to the creation of VAQ squadrons.[citation needed]
Designation | Insignia | Nickname | Aircraft[7] | Establishment and Redesignation (if applicable) Dates[9] | Disestablished as (or current designation) | Disestablished Date | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
VAH-1 | ![]() |
Tigers | A3D-1 A3D-2/A-3B A-5A[26] |
VAH-1: 1 Nov 1955 – 1 Sep 1964 RVAH-3: 1 Sep 1964-29 Jan 1979 (same sqdn listed in RVAH section) |
RVAH-1 Disestablished |
29 January 1979 | Nucleus of VAH-1 was formed from VP-3 which was disestablished[9] |
VAH-2 | Royal Rampants | A3D-1 A3D-2/A-3B KA-3B |
VAH-2: 1 Nov 1955 – 1 Nov 1968 VAQ-132: 1 Nov 1968–present |
VAQ-132 | Not applicable, still active | Nucleus of VAH-2 was formed from VP-29 which was disestablished[9] | |
VAH-3 | ![]() |
Sea Dragons | A3D-1 A3D-2/A-3B TA-3B A-5A |
VAH-3: 14 Jun 1956 – 1 Jul 1964 RVAH-3: 1 Jul 1964-17 Aug 1979 (same sqdn listed in RVAH section) |
RVAH-3 Disestablished |
17 August 1979 | Nucleus of VAH-3 was formed from VP-34 which was disestablished[9] Atlantic Fleet Fleet Replacement Squadron from 1958. |
VAH-4 | ![]() |
Fourrunners | AD3-1 AD3-2/A-3B KA-3B |
VP-920: 1 May 1946-15 Nov 1946 VP-ML-70: 15 Nov 1946-Feb 1950 VP-931: Feb 1950-4 Feb 1953 VP-57: 4 Feb 1953-3 Jul 1956 VAH-4: 3 Jul 1956 – 1 Nov 1968 VAQ-131: 1 Nov 1968–present[27] |
VAQ-131 | Not applicable, still active | USNR squadron VP-931 activated on 2 Sep 1950 for participation in the Korean War[9] |
VAH-5 | Savage Sons | AJ-2 A3D-2/A-3B |
VC-5(2nd): 9 Sep 1948-1 Nov 1955 (same sqdn listed in VC section) VAH-5: 1 Nov 1955-May 1964 RVAH-5: May 1964-30 Sep 1977 (same sqdn listed in RVAH section) |
RVAH-5 Disestablished |
30 September 1977 | ||
VAH-6 | ![]() |
Fleurs | AJ-2 A3D-2/A-3B |
VC-6(2nd): 6 Jan 1950-1 Jul 1956 (same sqdn listed in VC section) VAH-6: 1 Jul 1956 – 23 Sep 1965 RVAH-6: 23 Sep 1965-20 Oct 1978 (same sqdn listed RVAH section) |
RVAH-6 Disestablished |
20 October 1978 | |
VAH-7 | Peacemakers of the Fleet | AJ-2 A3D-2 A3J-1/A-5A |
VC-7(2nd): 10 Aug 1950-1 Nov 1955 (same sqdn listed in VC section) VAH-7: 1 Nov 1955 – 1 Dec 1964 RVAH-7: 1 Dec 1964-28 Sep 1979 (same sqdn listed in RVAH section) |
RVAH-7 Disestablished |
28 September 1979 | ||
VAH-8 | ![]() |
Fireballers | A3D-2/A-3B KA-3B[28] |
VAH-8: 1 May 1957 – 17 Jan 1968 | VAH-8 Disestablished |
17 January 1968 | |
VAH-9 | ![]() |
Hoot Owls | AJ-2 A3D-2/A-3B RA-5C |
VC-9(2nd): 15 Jan 1953-1 Nov 1955 (same sqdn listed in VC section) VAH-9: 1 Nov 1955 – 3 Jun 1964 RVAH-9: 3 Jun 1964-30 Sep 1977 (same sqdn listed in RVAH section) |
RVAH-9 Disestablished |
30 September 1977 | |
VAH-10 | A3B-2/A-3B KA-3B |
VAH-10: 1 May 1961 – 1 Sep 1970 VAQ-129: 1 Sep 1970–present |
VAQ-129 | Not applicable, still active | |||
VAH-11 | ![]() |
Checkertails | AJ-2 A3D-2/A-3B |
VC-8(2nd): 3 Dec 1951-1 Nov 1955 (same sqdn listed in VC section) VAH-11: 1 Nov 1955 – 1 Jul 1966 RVAH-11: 1 Jul 1966-1 Jun 1975 (same sqdn listed in RVAH section) |
RVAH-11 Disestablished |
1 June 1975 | |
VAH-13 | ![]() |
Bats | A3D-2/A-3B | VAH-13: 3 Jan 1961 – 1 Nov 1964 RVAH-13: 1 Nov 1964-30 Jun 1976 (same sqdn listed in RVAH section) |
RVAH-13 Disestablished |
30 June 1976 | |
VAH-15 | ![]() |
Sambos | AJ-2 TV-2[28] |
VAH-15: 15 Jan 1958 – 15 Feb 1959 | VAH-15 Disestablished |
15 February 1959 | |
VAH-16 | ![]() |
White Blades | AJ-2[28] | VAH-16: 15 Jan 1958 – 30 Jan 1959 | VAH-16 Disestablished |
30 January 1959 | |
VAH-21 | ![]() |
Roadrunners | AP-2H[28] | VAH-21: 1 Sep 1968 – 16 Jun 1969 | VAH-21 Disestablished |
16 June 1969 | |
VAH-123 | ![]() |
Pros | A3D-1/A-3A A3D-2/A-3B A3D-2T/TA-3B A3D-1Q,2Q KA-3B A-6A[28] |
Heavy Attack Training Unit Pacific: 15 Jun 1957-29 Jun 1959 VAH-123: 29 Jun 1959 – 1 Feb 1971 |
VAH-123 Disestablished |
1 February 1971 | Pacific Fleet Fleet Replacement Squadron |
RVAH: Reconnaissance Attack squadrons
[edit]The RVAH designation was created in 1964 when the Navy's nuclear bomber role was ended and the Heavy Attack (VAH) squadrons which were then equipped with the A-5A Vigilante nuclear bombers were converted to Reconnaissance squadrons and their A-5A nuclear bombers were converted to RA-5C reconnaissance aircraft. Those VAH squadrons which were then still equipped with the A-3B remained designated Heavy Attack (VAH) squadrons. The designation was retired in 1979 with the disestablishment of the last RA-5C squadron.
Designation | Insignia | Nickname | Aircraft[7] | Establishment and Redesignation[9] | Disestablished | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
RVAH-1 | Smokin' Tigers | RA-5C | VAH-1: 1 Nov 1955 RVAH-1: 1 Sep 1964 |
Disestablished 29 January 1979 | ||
RVAH-3 | ![]() |
Sea Dragons | RA-5C TA-3B TA-4J |
VAH-3: 14 Jun 1956 RVAH-3: 1 Jul 1964 |
Disestablished 17 August 1979 | Fleet Replacement Squadron |
RVAH-5 | Savage Sons | RA-5C | VC-5: 9 Sep 1948 VAH-5: 1 Nov 1955 RVAH-5: May 1956 |
Disestablished 30 September 1977 |
||
RVAH-6 | ![]() |
Fleurs | RA-5C | VC-6: 6 Jan 1950 VAH-6: 1 Jul 1956 RVAH-6: 23 Sep 1965 |
Disestablished 20 October 1978 | |
RVAH-7 | Peacemakers of the Fleet | RA-5C | VC-7: 10 Aug 195) VAH-7: 1 Nov 1955 RVAH-7: 1 Dec 1964 |
Disestablished 28 September 1979 | ||
RVAH-9 | ![]() |
Hoot Owls | RA-5C | VC-9: 15 Jan 1953 VAH-9: 1 Nov 1955 RVAH-9: 3 Jun 1964 |
Disestablished 30 September 1977 | |
RVAH-11 | ![]() |
Checkertails | RA-5C | VC-8: 3 Dec 1951 VAH-11: 1 Nov 1955 RVAH-11: 1 Jul 1966 |
Disestablished 1 June 1975 | |
RVAH-12 | Speartips | RA-5C | 1 Jul 1965 | Disestablished 2 July 1979 | One of only two squadrons established as a RVAH squadron.[29] | |
RVAH-13 | Bats | RA-5C | VAH-13: 3 Jan 1961 RVAH-13: 1 Nov 1964 |
Disestablished 30 June 1976 | ||
RVAH-14 | Eagle Eyes | RA-5C | 14 Feb 1968 | Disestablished 1 May 1976 | One of only two squadrons established as a RVAH squadron.[29] |
VAL: Light attack squadrons
[edit]The Light Attack (VAL) designation was created in 1969 and designated only one squadron (VAL-4) which was established to support riverine and special operations during the Vietnam War. The designation was retired with the disestablishment of the squadron. A Helicopter Light Attack (HAL) designation had been created in 1967 to designate a single light attack helicopter squadron (HAL-3). HAL-3 and VAL-4 conducted operations in the Mekong Delta region of South Vietnam.
Designation | Insignia | Nickname | Aircraft[30] | Establishment[9] | Disestablished | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
VAL-4 | ![]() |
Yellow Jackets (1969) Black Ponies (1971) |
OV-10A Bronco YOV-10D]] |
3 Jan 1969 | Disestablished 10 April 1972 | Established to support River Patrol Craft, SEAL and joint operations in Mekong Delta region |
VC: Composite squadrons
[edit]This second use of the VC designation began in 1948 to designate squadrons which were composed of detachments of aircraft that deployed aboard aircraft carriers with the carrier air group (later carrier air wing) conducting specialized missions. Missions included: All-Weather/Night Fighter; Heavy Attack (Nuclear Bombers); Airborne Early Warning; Anti-Submarine Warfare; and Photographic Reconnaissance. Single digit numbers designated the Composite All Weather Fighter and the Heavy Attack squadrons, teens designated Composite Airborne Early Warning Squadrons, numbers in the 20s and 30s designated Composite Anti-Submarine Squadrons, and the numbers in the 60s designated Composite Photographic Squadrons. By 1956 these squadrons had all been redesignated as VF(AW), VAH, VAW, VS, VA(AW) or VFP depending on the specific mission, and the VC designation once again ceased to exist.[15] There have been multiple unrelated squadrons using the same VC designations through the years. For example, the last two VC squadrons were VC-6 and VC-8 which were deactivated in 2008 and 2003 respectively. Both of those squadrons were the third squadron to use each of those designations, and neither squadron had any relation to earlier squadrons designated VC-6 or VC-8. The first VC-6 and VC-8 were WWII Escort Carrier composite squadrons, the second VC-6 was a heavy attack squadron which was redesignated VAH-6 then RVAH-6 and the second VC-8 was also a heavy attack squadron which was redesignated VAH-11 then RVAH-11.
The table below does not list disestablished squadrons; it lists squadron designations which are no longer in use. Some of the squadron designations in the table belonged to squadrons which have been disestablished but some belonged to squadrons which have been deactivated and still exist in an inactive status.
Note: The parenthetical (1st), (2nd), (3rd) etc... appended to designations in the tables below are not a part of the squadron designation system. They are added to indicate that the designation was used more than once during the history of U.S. Naval Aviation and which use of the designation is indicated. Absence indicates that the designation was used only once.
Designation | Insignia | Nickname | Aircraft[7] | Establishment and Redesignation (if applicable) Dates[9] | Disestablished/ Deactivated as | Disestablished/ Deactivated Date | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
VC-3 (second use) |
![]() ![]() |
Blue Nemesis | F4U-5N F2H-3 F9F-6 F7U-3 F11F TV-2 FJ-3 A4D F4D |
VC-3(2nd): 20 May 1949 – 1 Jul 1956 VF(AW)-3: 1 Jul 1956-2 May 1958 (same sqdn listed in VF section)[31] |
VF(AW)-3 (1st) Disestablished |
2 May 1958 | All wx/night Fighter Squadron until August 1954 then operated as Transitional Training Unit Pacific transitioning squadrons to new high performance jet aircraft[32] |
VC-4 (second use) |
Night Cappers | F4U-5N F9F F3D AM-1Q |
VC-4(2nd): 28 Sep 1948 – 2 Jul 1956 VF(AW)-4: 2 Jul 1956-31 Aug 1959 (same sqdn listed in VF section)[31] |
VF(AW)-4 Disestablished |
31 August 1959 | All wx/night Fighter Squadron | |
VC-5 (second use) |
![]() |
Savage Sons | P2V-3C AJ-1,2 |
VC-5(2nd): 9 Sep 1948 – 1 Nov 1955 VAH-5: 1 Nov 1955-May 1956 (same sqdn listed in VAH section) RVAH-5: May 1956-30 Sep 1977 (same sqdn listed in RVAH section) |
RVAH-5 Disestablished |
30 September 1977 | Heavy Attack Squadron |
VC-6 (second use) |
![]() |
Fire Bees, Fleurs | P2V AJ-2 |
VC-6(2nd): 6 Jan 1950 – 1 Jul 1956 VAH-6: 1 Jul 1956-23 Sep 1965 (same sqdn listed VAH section) RVAH-6: 23 Sep 1965-20 Oct 1978 (same sqdn listed in RVAH section) |
RVAH-6 Disestablished |
20 October 1978 | Heavy Attack Squadron |
VC-7 (second use) |
![]() |
Peacemakers of the Fleet | AJ-1,2 | VC-7(2nd): 10 Aug 1950 – 1 Nov 1955 VAH-7: 1 Nov 1955-1 Dec 1964 (same sqdn listed in VAH section) RVAH-7: 1 Dec 1964-28 Sep 1979 (same sqdn listed in RVAH section) |
RVAH-7 Disestablished |
28 September 1979 | Heavy Attack Squadron |
VC-8 (second use) |
![]() |
Checkertails | P2V-3C AJ-1,2 |
VC-8(2nd): 3 Dec 1951 – 1 Nov 1955 VAH-11: 1 Nov 1955-1 Jul 1966 (same sqdn listed in VAH section) RVAH-11: 1 Jul 1966-1 Jun 1975 (same sqdn listed in RVAH section) |
RVAH-11 Disestablished |
1 June 1975 | Heavy Attack Squadron |
VC-9 (second use) |
![]() |
Hoot Owls | AJ-2 | VC-9(2nd): 15 Jan 1953 – 1 Nov 1955 VAH-9: 1 Nov 1955-3 Jun 1964 (same sqdn listed in VAH section) RVAH-9: 3 Jun 1964-30 Sep 1977 (same sqdn listed in RVAH section) |
RVAH-9 Disestablished |
30 September 1977 | Heavy Attack Squadron |
VC-11 (second use) |
![]() |
Early Elevens | TBM-3W AD-3W,4W,5W |
VAW-1: 6 July 1948-1 Sep 1948 (same sqdn listed in VAW section) VC-11(2nd): 1 Sep 1948 – 2 Jul 1956 VAW-11: 2 Jul 1956-20 Apr 1967 (same sqdn listed in VAW section)[7] |
VAW-11 redesigned AEWWINGPAC and its dets were established as separate individual VAW squadrons | 20 April 1967 | Airborne Early Warning Squadron |
VC-12 (second use) |
![]() |
Bats | TBM-3W AF-2W AD-4W,5W |
VAW-2: 6 July 1948-1 Sep 1948 (same sqdn listed in VAW section) VC-12(2nd): 1-Sep 1948-2 Jul 1956 VAW-12: 2 Jul 1956-1 Apr 1967 (same sqdn listed in VAW section)[7] |
VAW-12 redesigned AEWWINGLANT and its dets were established as separate individual VAW squadrons | 1 April 1967 | Airborne Early Warning Squadron |
VC-21 (second use) |
![]() |
Redtails | TBM-3S | CVEG-41: 26 Mar 1945-15 Nov 1946 CVEG-1: 15 Nov 1946 – 1 Sep 1948* VC-21(2nd): 1 Sep 1948 – 23 Apr 1950 VS-21: 23 Apr 1950–present (inactive 28 Feb 2005–present) (same sqdn listed in VS section)[33] |
VS-21 Deactivated |
28 February 2005 | ASW Squadron. *Escort Carrier Air Group-1 was redesignated as a single squadron designated VC-21 on 1 Sep 1948.[33] |
VC-22 (second use) |
![]() |
Checkmates | TBM-3S, TBM-3W |
VT-42: 19 Jul 1945-15 Nov 1946 (same sqdn listed in VT(torpedo) section) VA-2E: 15 Nov 1946-1 Sep 1948 (same sqdn listed in VA section) VC-22(2nd): 1 Sep 1948 – 20 Apr 1950 VS-22(1st): 20 April 1950-1 Jun 1956 (same sqdn listed in VS section)[9] |
VS-22 (1st) Disestablished |
1 June 1956 | ASW Squadron |
VC-23 (second use) |
![]() |
Black Cats | TBM-3S, TBM-3W |
VA-3E: 21 Apr 1947-1 Sep 1948 (same sqdn listed in VA section) VC-23(2nd): 1 Sep 1948 – 23 Apr 1950 VS-23: 23 Apr 1950-27 Sep 1968 (same sqdn listed in VC section)[9] |
VS-23 Disestablished |
27 September 1968 | ASW Squadron |
VC-24 (second use) |
![]() |
Duty Cats | TBM-3E | VB-17: 1 Jan 1943-15 Nov 1946 VA-5B: 15 Nov 1946-27 Jul 1948 (same sqdn listed in VA section) VA-64(1st): 27 Jul 1948-8 Apr 1949 (same sqdn listed in VA section) VC-24(2nd): 8 Apr 1949 – 20 Apr 1950 VS-24(1st): 20 Apr 1950-1 Jun 1956 (same sqdn listed in VS section)[9] |
VS-24 (1st) Disestablished |
1 June 1956 | ASW Squadron |
VC-25 (third use) |
![]() |
Golden Eagles | TBM-3W, TBM-3S |
VC-25(3rd): 1 Apr 1949 – 20 Apr 1950 VS-25(1st): 20 Apr 1950-1 Jun 1956 (same sqdn listed in VS section) |
VS-25 (1st) Disestablished |
1 June 1956 | ASW Squadron |
VC-31 (third use) |
![]() |
Topcats | TBM-3S, TBM-3W |
VC-31(3rd): 28 Sep 1948 – 20 Apr 1950 VS-31: 20 Apr 1950–present (inactive 31 Mar 2008–present) (same sqdn listed in VS section)[33] |
VS-31 Deactivated |
31 March 2008 | ASW Squadron |
VC-32 (second use) |
![]() |
Maulers | TBM-3E, TBM-3W |
VC-32(2nd): 31 May 1949 – 20 Apr 1950 VS-32: 20 Apr 1950–present (inactive 30 Sep 2008–present) (same sqdn listed in VS section)[33] |
VS-32 Deactivated |
30 September 2008 | ASW Squadron |
VC-33 (second use) |
![]() |
Night Hawks | TBM-3E TBM-3N TBM-3Q SNJ-5 AD-1Q AD-2 AD-3N,3Q AD-4,4N,4Q SNB-5[25] |
VC-33(2nd): 31 May 1949 – 2 Jul 1956 VA(AW)-33: 2 Jul 1956-30 Jan 1959 (same sqdn listed in VA section) VAW-33: 30 Jan 1959-1 Feb 1968 (same sqdn listed in VAW section) VAQ-33: 1 Feb 1968-1 Oct 1993 (same sqdn listed in VAQ section) |
VAQ-33 Disestablished |
1 October 1993 | ASW and All Weather Attack Squadron |
VC-35 (second use) |
![]() |
[34] TBM-3E, TBM-3N AD-1H AD-2Q AD-3Q,N AD-4N,Q,NL,B AD-5,5N AD-6 F3D-2 |
VC-35(2nd): 25 May 1950 – 1 Jul 1956 VA(AW)-35: 1 Jul 1956-29 Jun 1959 (same sqdn listed in VA section) VA-122: 29 Jun 1959-31 May 1991 (same sqdn listed in VA section) |
VA-122 Disestablished |
31 May 1991 | ASW and All Weather Attack Squadron | |
VC-61 | ![]() |
Eyes Of The Fleet | F8F-2P, F4U-4P/5P, F9F-2P/5P, F9F-6P/8P, F2H-2P |
VC-61: 20 Jan 1949 – 2 Jul 1956 VFP-61: 2 Jul 1956-1 Jul 1959 (same sqdn listed in VFP section) VCP-63: 1 Jul 1959-1 Jul 1961 (same sqdn listed in VCP section) VFP-63: on 1 Jul 1961-30 Jun 1984 (same sqdn listed in VFP section)[7] |
VFP-63 Disestablished |
30 June 1984 | Photo Recon Squadron |
VC-62 | Fighting Photos | F8F-2P, F4U-5P |
VC-62: 3 Jan 1949 – 2 Jul 1956 VFP-62: 2 Jul 1956-5 Jan 1968 (same sqdn listed in VFP section)[7] |
VFP-62 Disestablished |
5 January 1968 | Photo Recon Squadron |
VAP: Heavy Photographic Reconnaissance squadrons
[edit]In 1952, two reconnaissance squadrons were established and designated Photographic Squadrons (VJ), a designator shared at the time by Weather Squadrons and Weather Reconnaissance Squadrons. In 1956, the Photographic Squadrons were redesignated Heavy Photographic Reconnaissance Squadrons (VAP). In 1959, one VAP squadron was redesignated a Photographic Composite Squadron (VCP), but reverted in 1961 to the VAP designation.[13]
Designation | Insignia | Nickname | Aircraft[7] | Establishment and Redesignation[9] | Disestablished | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
VAP-61
1956-1959 |
![]() |
World Recorders | AJ-2P[35] | VP-61 established 20 Jan 1951 redesignated VJ-61: 5 Mar 1952 redesignated VAP-61 Apr 1956 redesigated VCP-61: 1 Jul 1959 redesignated VAP-61 1 Jul 1961[36] |
VAP-61 disestablished 1 July 1971 | |
VAP-61 1961-1971 |
A3D-2P/RA-3B KA-3B[35] | |||||
VAP-62 | ![]() |
Tigers | F7F-4N A3D-1P A3D-2P/RA-3B[35] |
VJ-62: 10 Apr 1952-2 Jul 1956 (same sqdn listed in VJ section) VAP-62: 2 Jul 1956 – 15 Oct 1969[37] |
VAP-62 Disestablished 15 October 1969 |
VCP: Composite Photographic Reconnaissance squadrons
[edit]In 1959, one VAP and one VFP squadron were redesignated Photographic Composite Squadrons (VCP), but reverted in 1961 to their previous designations.[13]
Designation | Insignia | Nickname | Aircraft[7] | Establishment and Redesignation[9] | Disestablished | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
VCP-61 | ![]() |
World Recorders | F8U-1P A3D-2P[35] |
VP-61 established 20 Jan 1951 redesignated VJ-61: 5 Mar 1952 redesignated VAP-61 Apr 1956 redesigated VCP-61: 1 Jul 1959 redesignated VAP-61 1 Jul 1961[36] |
VAP-61 disestablished 1 July 1971 | |
VCP-63 | ![]() |
Eyes Of The Fleet | F8U-1P A3D-2P |
VC-61: 20 Jan 1949 redesigated VFP-61:2 Jul 1956 redesigated VCP-63:1 Jul 1959 redesigated VFP-63: 1 Jul 1961[7] |
VFP-63 disestablished 30 June 1984 |
VF(AW): All Weather Fighter squadrons
[edit]In 1956, VC squadrons were redesignated VF squadrons of various types, including AF(AW) for All Weather Fighter squadrons whose fighters had radar for night and all-weather use.
VC-3, a night fighter squadron, became a jet transition unit and then was redesignated VF(AW)-3. In 1958, that squadron was disestablished and the VF(AW)-3 designator was given to a different unit: a continental defense interceptor squadron. VF(AW)-4 provided night fighter detachments to Carrier Air Groups.
Designation | Insignia | Nickname | Aircraft[7] | Establishment and Redesignation (if applicable) Dates[9] | Disestablished as | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
VF(AW)-3 (1956-8) (first use) |
![]() |
Blue Nemesis | Douglas F4D Skyray Douglas A4D Skyhawk Vought F8U Crusader |
VC-3: 20 May 1949- VF(AW)-3: 1 Jul 1956 |
VF(AW)-3 Disestablished 2 May 1958 |
Operated as a "Transition Training Unit" transitioning squadrons to new high performance jet aircraft[38] |
VF(AW)-3 (1958-63) (second use) |
![]() |
Blue Nemesis | Douglas F3D Skyknight Douglas F4D/F-6 Skyray |
Navy Air Trng Unit-Pac: 22 May 1944 NightDevRonPac: 6 Apr 1946 Fighter All Wx Trng Unit Pac: 1 Sep 1948 VF(AW)-3: 2 May 1958 |
VF(AW)-3 Disestablished April 1963? |
Redesignated VF(AW)-3 on the same day VF(AW-3) was disestablished, adopted nickname and insignia. Began operating in a continental air defense role in December 1955 under the control of NORAD[39] while still designated Fighter All Weather Training Unit Pacific[40] |
VF(AW)-4 | Night Cappers | AD-5 Skyraider McDonnell F2H Banshee Lockheed T2V SeaStar[41] |
VC-4: 28 Sep 1948 VF(AW)-4: 2 Jul 1956 |
VF(AW)-4 Disestablished 31 August 1959 |
VF(AW): "All Weather" Fighter Squadron. Provided fighter detachments for defense of ASW aircraft carriers[41] |
VJ: Weather or Weather Reconnaissance squadrons and Heavy Photographic Reconnaissance squadrons
[edit]From 1952 to 1956, VJ designated Photographic Squadrons; from 1952 to 1953, it also designated Weather or Weather Reconnaissance Squadrons.[13] In 1952, two new squadrons were designated Photographic Squadrons VJ-61 and VJ-62; four years later, they were redesignated Heavy Photographic Reconnaissance Squadrons (VAP) 61 and 62.[13]
Designation | Insignia | Nickname | Aircraft[7] | Establishment and Redesignation | Disestablished | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
VJ-1 | ![]() |
P4Y-2S | VJ-1: 19 Mar 1952 VW-3: Sep 1953[42] |
VW-3 June 1960[43] | Established as "Weather Squadron ONE" (VJ-1) and redesignated "Airborne Early Warning Squadron THREE" (VW-3) in 1953. Pacific Fleet Early Warning and Typhoon Hunting squadron. | |
VJ-2 | ![]() |
Hurricane Hunters | [44] P2V-3W |
VJ-2: 1952-1953 VW-4: 1953 |
VW-4 April 1975[45] | Established as "Weather Squadron TWO" (VJ-2) and redesignated Airborne Early Warning Squadron FOUR in 1953. Operated as a hurricane early warning squadron known as the "Hurricane Hunters".[46] Was again designated a "Weather Reconnaissance Squadron" (as VW-4) in 1967.[47] |
VJ-61 | ![]() |
World Recorders | P4Y-1P AJ-2P |
VP-61: 20 Jan 1951 VJ-61: 5 Mar 1952 VAP-61: Apr 1956 VCP-61: 1 Jul 1959 VAP-61: 1 Jul 1961[36] |
VAP-61 disestablished 1 July 1971 | Photographic Squadron |
VJ-62 | ![]() |
P4Y-1P AJ-2P F7F-4N |
VJ-62: 10 Apr 1952 VAP-62: 2 Jul 1956)[37] |
VAP-62 disestablished 15 October 1969 | Photographic Squadron |
VO: Observation squadrons
[edit]This last use of VO designated observation squadrons from 1967 to 1968 and has not been used since.[13]
Squadron Designation | Insignia | Nickname | Aircraft | Disestablished | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
VO-67 | Gandydancers | OP-2E | 1 July 1968 |
VU: Utility squadrons
[edit]The VU designation was used from 1946 to 1965.[13] Before the creation of the VU designation, utility squadrons were designated VJ. In 1965, all VU squadrons were redesignated Fleet Composite (VC) squadrons (third use of the VC designation).
Designation | Insignia | Nickname | Aircraft[7] | Establishment and Redesignation[14] | Disestablished/ Deactivated | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
VU-1 (second use) |
Blue Alli | VU-1: 20 Jul 1955 VC-1: 1 Jul 1965 |
VC-1 disestablished 30 September 1992 | NAS Barbers Point Provided adversary servies for fleet and air combat maneuvering training. Also provided aerial target, aerial photographic, target drone and range services[48] | ||
VU-2 | Blue Falcons | VU-2: 8 Jan 1952 VC-2: 1 Jul 1965 |
VC-2 disestablished 30 September 1980 | NAS Oceana Provided adversary services for fleet and air combat maneuvering training[49] | ||
VU-3 (second use) |
Iron Man | VU-3: Dec 1948 VC-3: 1 Jul 1965 |
VC-3 disestablished 1 October 1981 | NAS North Island Provided target drone services | ||
VU-4 | Dragon Layers | VJ-4: 15 Nov 1940 VU-4: 15 Nov 1946 VC-4: 1 Jul 1965 |
VC-4 disestablished 30 April 1971 | NAS Jacksonville | ||
VU-5 (second use) |
Checkertails | VU-5: 16 Aug 1950 VC-5: 1 Jul 1965 |
VC-5 disestablished 31 August 1992 | NAS Cubi Point | ||
VU-6 (second use) |
Skeeters | VU-6: 1 Mar 1952 VC-6): 1 Jul 1965[33] |
VC-6 deactivated 30 June 2008 | NAS Norfolk Operated target drones (surface and air) | ||
VU-7 | Redtails | VJ-1: 4 Dec 1942 VU-7: 1946 VC-7: 1 Jul 1965 |
VC-7 disestablished 30 September 1980 | NAS Miramar Towed targets and provided adversary services for fleet and air combat maneuvering training | ||
VU-8 | Redtails | GMSR-2: 1 Jul 1958 VU-8: 1 Jul 1960 VC-8: 1 Jul 1965[33] |
VC-8 deactivated 1 October 2003 | Guided Missile Service Squadron NS Roosevelt Roads | ||
VU-10 | Challengers | VJ-16: 1 Dec 1943 VU-10: 1945 VC-10: 1 Jul 1965 |
VC-10 disestablished 14 August 1993 | NAS Leeward Point Guantanamo Bay |
VW: Airborne Early Warning squadrons and Weather Reconnaissance squadrons
[edit]From its creation in 1952 until 1971 the VW designation designated "Air Early Warning Squadron", "Airborne Early Warning Squadron", or "Fleet Early Warning Squadron". By 1961 the VW squadrons which were still in existence were transitioned to destructive weather early warning or weather reconnaissance as a primary mission while retaining airborne early warning as a secondary role. In 1955 and 1956 six new VW squadrons were established to operate as early warning squadrons in the Atlantic and Pacific Barriers which were seaward extensions of the nation's Distant Early Warning (DEW) Line. These "barrier" VW squadrons did not operate as weather reconnaissance squadrons and they were all disestablished by 1965. In 1967 one of the two remaining VW squadrons was renamed a "Weather Reconnaissance Squadron" (while retaining the VW designation) while the other retained the "Airborne Early Warning" name even though its primary role was also weather reconnaissance. In 1971 that squadron was disestablished and thereafter until the single remaining VW squadron was disestablished in 1975 the VW designation designated solely "Weather Reconnaissance Squadron". In 1975 the VW designation cease being used.[13]
Designation | Insignia | Nickname | Aircraft[7] | Establishment and Redesignation (if applicable) Dates | Disestablished as | Disestablished Date | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
VW-1 | ![]() |
Typhoon Trackers | PB-1W PO-1W/WV-1 WV-2/EC-121K R7V-1/C-121J WV-3/WC-121N |
VW-1: 18 Jun 1952[50]-Jul 1971 | VW-1 | July 1971[51] | Established as one of the first two Airborne Early Warning (VW) squadrons. In July 1961 the squadron's primary mission was changed to weather reconnaissance while retaining airborne early warning as a secondary task and it began operations as a typhoon early warning squadron known as the "Typhoon Trackers"[50][52] |
VW-2 | ![]() |
PO-1W/WV-1[53] WV-2 |
[27] VP-11F: 1 Jul 1936-1 Oct 1937 VP-11(1st): 1 Oct 1937-1 Jul 1939 VP-54(1st): 1 Jul 1939-1 Jul 1941 VP-51(2nd): 1 Jul 1941-1 Mar 1943 VB-101: 1 Mar 1943-1 Oct 1944 VPB-101: 1 Oct 1944-15 May 1946 VX-4(1st): 15 May 1946-18 Jun 1952 (same sqdn listed in VX section) VW-2: 18 Jun 1952 – 1 Jul 1961 |
VW-2 | 1 July 1961 | Redesignated as one of the first two Airborne Early Warning (VW) squadrons[53] | |
VW-3 | ![]() |
P4Y-2S P2V-5JF WV-3 WV-2 |
VJ-1: 19 Mar 1952-Sep 1953 VW-3: Sep 1953-Jun 1960[42] |
VW-3 | June 1960[43] | Established as "Weather Squadron One" (VJ-1) and redesignated "Airborne Early Warning Squadron Three" (VW-3) in 1953. Pacific Fleet Early Warning and Typhoon Hunting squadron. | |
VW-4 | ![]() |
Hurricane Hunters | [44] P2V-3W PO-1W/WV-1 P2V-5JF WV-3/WC-121N WP-3A |
VJ-2: 15 Nov 1952-1953 VW-4: 1953-30 Apr 1975 |
VW-4 | April 1975[45] | Established as "Weather Squadron TWO" (VJ-2) and redesignated Airborne Early Warning Squadron FOUR in 1953. Operated as a hurricane early warning squadron known as the "Hurricane Hunters". Also tracked Mercury launches and provided other support to NASA.[46] Redesignated "Weather Reconnaissance Squadron FOUR" (VW-4) on 1 March 1967 to more accurately describe the primary mission of the squadron.[47] |
VW-11 | ![]() |
WV-2/EC-121K | VW-11: Aug 1955[54]-7 Oct 1965 | VW-11 | 7 October 1965[55] | Established as the first squadron to operate as part of the "Atlantic Barrier", Disestablished with the end of the Atlantic Barrier mission. | |
VW-12 | ![]() |
WV-2 | VW-12: 7 Jul 1956[56]-1 Feb 1960 | VW-12 merged into AEWBARRONPAC |
1 February 1960[57] | Established as the first squadron to operate as part of the "Pacific Barrier". On 1 Feb 1960 Airborne Early Warning Wing Pacific, VW-12, VW-14 and Airborne Barrier Service Squadron-2 (the wing's aircraft maintenance organization)[58] were merged into a single squadron designated AEW Barrier Squadron Pacific (AEWBARRONPAC)[57] which continued in existence until 30 April 1965.[59] | |
VW-13 (first use) |
![]() |
WV-2 | VW-13(1st): Sep 1955[54]-15 Sep 1957 | VW-13(1st) | 15 September 1957[60] | Established to operate as part of the "Atlantic Barrier". Disestablished due to budgetary limitations.[60] | |
VW-13 (second use) |
![]() |
WV-2/EC-121K | VW-13(2nd): Jun 1958[61]-1965 | VW-13(2nd) | 1965 | Established to operate as part of the "Atlantic Barrier",. Adopted name and insignia of VW-13 which was disestablished a year earlier. Also collected data on ice distribution for Naval Oceanographic Office[62] | |
VW-14 | ![]() |
WV-2 | VW-14: 1956-1 Feb 1960 | VW-14 merged into AEWBARRONPAC |
1 Feb 1960[57] | Established as part of the "Pacific Barrier". On 1 Feb 1960 Airborne Early Warning Wing Pacific, VW-12, VW-14 and Airborne Barrier Service Squadron-2 (the wing's aircraft maintenance organization)[58] were merged into a single squadron designated AEW Barrier Squadron Pacific (AEWBARRONPAC)[57] which continued in existence until 30 April 1965.[59] | |
VW-15 | ![]() |
WV-2 | VW-15: Oct 1955[54]-Apr 1961 | VW-15 | April 1961[63] | Established to operate as part of the "Atlantic Barrier", a seaward extension of the nation's Distant Early Warning (DEW) Line | |
VW-16 | ![]() |
WV-2 | VW-16: 1956-1 Oct 1957 | VW-16 | 1 October 1957 | Established as part of the "Pacific Barrier", a seaward extension of the nation's Distant Early Warning (DEW) Line. Disestablished due to budgetary limitations[58] before the barrier became fully operational in July 1958 |
Designations used from 1980 to 2009
[edit]Between 1980 and 2010, the rise of the multi-mission fighter-attack aircraft ended the VF and VA designations. As well, the end of the Cold War eliminated the need for squadron types, such as VS, geared solely to countering the Soviet Union.
VA: Attack squadrons and VA designations no longer in use
[edit]Several changes to designations were made on 15 November 1946. First, the Bombing (VB) and Torpedo (VT) designations were retired; all such squadrons were redesignated Attack squadrons (VA).[64][13]
Second, the Carrier Air Group designation (CVG) was modified to identify the type of aircraft carrier to which the group was assigned. Henceforth, CVAGs were assigned to Essex-class carriers (sometimes called "Attack" carriers) and CVBGs were assigned to the large Midway-class carriers (sometimes called "Battle" carriers). Two designations from World War II survived: CVLGs (light carrier air group) were assigned to "light" Independence- or Saipan-class carriers, and CVEGs (escort carrier air group) to remaining small WWII escort carriers.
Third, and similarly, aircraft squadron designations were appended with an "A", "B", "L", or "E" to denote the type of Carrier Air Group the squadron was assigned.[65] CVAGs and CVBGs were designated with odd numbers; each was assigned two VA squadrons; the first carried the Air Group's number; the second, the Air Group number plus one (CVAG-1: VA-1A, VA-2A; CVBG-1: VA-1B, VA-2B; CVAG-7: VA-7A, VA-8A; CVAG-11; VA-11A, VA-12A etc...)
The rules governing the squadron designation system changed twice between 1946 and 1996, when the last Attack squadron switched to the F/A-18 Hornet and was redesignated a Strike Fighter (VFA) squadron.
The list below is not a list of disestablished squadrons; it is a list of squadron designations that are no longer in use. Many squadrons carried multiple designations over the years; some were both VA and VF at various times. Sometimes a single squadron was redesignated several times; sometimes a given designation was assigned to several distinct squadrons. Most of the squadron designations in the list belonged to squadrons which have been disestablished, but also included are former designations of some VFA squadrons which are still active.[9]
Designation | Insignia | Nickname | Aircraft[66][67] | Establishment and Redesignation[22] | Disestablished as (or current designation) |
Disestablished (or Deactivated) Date | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
VA-1A | ![]() |
Top Hatters | SB2C F4U |
VB-2B: 1 Jul 1934-1 Jul 1937 VB-3: 1 Jul 1937-1 Jul 1939 VB-4: 1 Jul 1939-15 Mar 1941 VS-41: 15 Mar 1941-1 Mar 1943 VB-41: 1 Mar 1943-4 Aug 1943 VB-4: 4 Aug 1943-15 Nov 1946 VA-1A: 15 Nov 1946 – 2 Aug 1948 VA-14: 2 Aug 1948-15 Dec 1949 VF-14(2nd): 15 Dec 1949-1 Dec 2001 VFA-14: 1 Dec 2001–present |
VFA-14 | Not applicable, still exists | Oldest continuously active aircraft squadron in the U.S. Navy 1st VA squadron of CVAG-1 |
VA-1B | ![]() |
unknown | SB2C AD |
VB-74: 1 May 1945-15 Nov 1946 VA-1B: 15 Nov 1946 – 1 Sep 1948 VA-24: 1 Sep 1948-1 Dec 1949 VF-24(2nd): 1 Dec 1949-9 Mar 1959 VF-211(3rd): 9 Mar 1959-Aug 2006 VFA-211: Aug 2006–present |
VFA-211 | Not applicable, still exists | 1st VA squadron of CVBG-1 |
VA-1E | ![]() |
unknown | TBM | VT-41: 26 Mar 1946-15 Nov 1946 VA-1E: 15 Nov 1946 – 1 Sep 1948 |
VA-1E | 1 September 1948 | Only VA squadron of CVEG-1. CVEG-1 (composed of VF-1E and VA-1E) was redesignated Composite Squadron 21 (VC-21) on 1 September 1948 |
VA-1L | unknown | TBM XTB2D AD |
VT-58: 19 Mar 1946-15 Nov 1946 VA-1L: 15 Nov 1946 – 20 Nov 1948 |
VA-1L | 20 November 1948 | Only VA squadron of CVLG-1. Assets merged with VF-1L to form the first squadron designated VX-3 | |
VA-2A | ![]() |
unknown | TBM | VT-4: 10 Jan 1942-15 Nov 1946 VA-2A: 15 Nov 1946 – 2 Aug 1948 VA-15(1st): 2 Aug 1948 – 1 Jun 1969 |
VA-15 (1st) | 1 June 1969 | 2nd VA squadron of CVAG-1 |
VA-2B | ![]() |
unknown | SB2C, SBW TBM SNJ AD |
VT-74: 1 May 1945-15 Nov 1946 VA-2B: 15 Nov 1946 – 1 Sep 1948 VA-25(1st): 1 Sep 1948-1 Jul 1959 VA-65(2nd): 1 Jul 1959 – 31 Mar 1993 |
VA-65 (2nd) | 31 March 1993 | 2nd VA squadron of CVBG-1 |
VA-2E | unknown | TBM | VT-42: 19 Jul 1945-15 Nov 1946 VA-2E: 15 Nov 1946 – 1 Sep 1948 VC-22(2nd): 1 Sep 1948-20 Apr 1950 (same sqdn listed in VC section) VS-22(1st): 20 Apr 1950-1 Jun 1956 (same sqdn listed in VS section) |
VS-22 (2nd) | 1 June 1956 | Only VA squadron of CVEG-2 | |
VA-3A | ![]() |
Black Panthers | SB2C AD |
VB-3B: 1 Jul 1934-1 Jul 1937 VB-4: 1 Jul 1937-1 Jul 1939 VB-3: 1 Jul 1939-15 Nov 1946 VA-3A: 15 Nov 1946 – 7 Aug 1948 VA-34(1st): 7 Aug 1948-15 Feb 1950 VA-35(2nd): 15 Feb 1950 – 31 Jan 1995 |
VA-35 (2nd) | 31 January 1995 | 1st VA squadron of CVAG-3. The "diving panther" insignia was created by VB-3B and remained in use through the entire life of the squadron through all of its redesignations. |
VA-3B | ![]() |
unknown | SB2C AD |
VB-75: 1 Jun 1945-15 Nov 1946 VA-3B: 15 Nov 1946 – 1 Sep 1948 VA-44(1st): 1 Sep 1948 – 8 Jun 1950 |
VA-44 (1st) | 8 June 1950 | 1st VA squadron of CVBG-3 |
VA-3E | unknown | TBM | VA-3E: 21 Apr 1947 – 1 Sep 1948 VC-23(2nd): 1 Sep 1948-23 Apr 1950 (same sqdn listed in VC section) VS-23: 23 Apr 1959-27 Sep 1968 (same sqdn listed in VS section) |
VS-23 | 27 September 1968 | Only VA squadron of CVEG-3 | |
VA-4A | ![]() |
Dragons | TBM | VT-2: 1925-1 Jul 1927 VT-2B: 1 Jul 1927- 1 Jul 1937 VT-3: 1 Jul 1937-15 Nov 1946 VA-4A: 15 Nov 1946 – 7 Aug 1948 VA-35(1st): 7 Aug 1948 – 7 Nov 1949 |
VA-35 (1st) | 7 November 1949 | 2nd VA squadron of CVAG-3 |
VA-4B | ![]() |
Fish Hawks | SB2C AD |
VT-75: 1 Jun 1945-15 Nov 1946 VA-4B: 15 Nov 1946 – 1 Sep 1948 VA-45(1st): 1 Sep 1948 – 8 Jun 1950 |
VA-45 (1st) | 8 June 1950 | 2nd VA squadron of CVBG-3 |
VA-5A | unknown | SB2C F4U |
VS-2B: 3 Jul 1928-1 Jul 1937 (VS = "Scouting Squadron") VS-3: 1 Jul 1937-1 Mar 1943 VB-4: 1 Mar 1943-15 Jul 1943 VB-5: 15 Jul 1943-15 Nov 1946 VA-5A: 15 Nov 1946 – 16 Aug 1948 VA-54(1st): 16 Aug 1948 – 1 Dec 1949 |
VA-54 (1st) | 1 December 1949 | 1st VA squadron of CVAG-5 | |
VA-5B | unknown | SB2C AD |
VB-17: 1 Jan 1943-15 Nov 1946 VA-5B: 15 Nov 1946 – 27 Jul 1948 VA-64(1st): 27 Jul 1948-8 Apr 1949 VC-24(2nd): 8 Apr 1949-20 Apr 1950 (same sqdn listed in VC section) VS-24(1st): 20 Apr 1950-1 Jun 1956 (same sqdn listed in VS section) |
VS-24 (1st) | 1 June 1956 | 1st VA squadron of CVBG-5 | |
VA-6A | ![]() |
Torpcats | TBM | VT-5: 15 Feb 1943-15 Nov 1946 VA-6A: 15 Nov 1946 – 16 Aug 1948 VA-55(1st): 16 Aug 1948 – 12 Dec 1975 |
VA-55 (1st) | 19 December 1975 | 2nd VA squadron of CVAG-5 |
VA-6B | ![]() |
unknown | SB2C AD |
VT-17: 1 Jan 1943-15 Nov 1946 VA-6B: 15 Nov 1946 – 27 Jul 1948 VA-65(1st): 27 Jul 1948-1 Jul 1959 VA-25(2nd): 1 Jul 1959-1 Jul 1983 VFA-125: 1 Jul 1983–present |
VFA-25 | Not applicable, still exists | 2nd VA squadron of CVBG-5 |
VA-7A | ![]() |
Sunday Punchers | SBW, SB2C F4U |
VB-18: 20 Jul 1943-15 Nov 1946 VA-7A: 15 Nov 1946 – 27 Jul 1948 VA-74: 27 Jul 1948-15 Feb 1950 VA-75(2nd): 15 Feb 1950 – 28 Feb 1997 |
VA-75 (2nd) | 28 February 1997 | 1st VA squadron of CVAG-7 |
VA-8A | ![]() ![]() |
Air Barons | TBM | VT-18: 20 Jul 1943-15 Nov 1946 VA-8A: 15 Nov 1946 – 27 Jul 1948 VA-75(1st): 27 Jul 1948 – 30 Nov 1949 |
VA-75 (1st) | 30 November 1949 | 2nd VA squadron of CVAG-7 |
VA-9A | ![]() |
unknown | SB2C | VB-99: 1 Jul 1943-15 Oct 1943 VB-20: 15 Oct 1943-15 Nov 1946 VA-9A: 15 Nov 1946 – 12 Aug 1948 VA-94(1st): 12 Aug 1948 – 31 Nov 1949 |
VA-94 (1st) | 31 November 1949 | 1st VA squadron of CVAG-9 |
VA-10A | ![]() |
unknown | TBM | VT-20: 15 Oct 1943-15 Nov 1946 VA-10A: 15 Nov 1946 – 12 Aug 1948 VA-95(1st): 12 Aug 1948 – 30 Nov 1949 |
VA-95 (1st) | 30 November 1949 | 2nd VA squadron of CVAG-9 |
VA-11A | ![]() |
unknown | SB2C | VB-11: 10 Oct 1942-15 Nov 1946 VA-11A: 15 Nov 1946 – 15 Jul 1948 VA-114: 15 Jul 1948 – 1 Dec 1949 |
VA-114 | 1 December 1949 | 1st VA squadron of CVAG-11 |
VA-12A | ![]() |
unknown | TBM | VT-11: 10 Oct 1942-15 Nov 1946 VA-12A: 15 Nov 1946 – 15 Jul 1948 VA-115: 15 Jul 1948-30 Sep 1996 VFA-115: 30 Sep 1996–present |
VFA-115 | Not applicable, still exists | 2nd VA squadron of CVAG-11 |
VA-13A | ![]() |
Hell Razors | SBW F4U |
VB-81: 1 Mar 1944-15 Nov 1946 VA-13A: 15 Nov 1946 – 2 Aug 1948 VA-134(1st): 2 Aug 1948-15 Feb 1950 VF-174: 15 Feb 1950-1 Jul 1966 VA-174(2nd): 1 Jul 1966 – 30 Jun 1988 |
VA-174 (2nd) | 30 June 1988 | 1st VA squadron of CVAG-13 |
VA-14A | ![]() |
Uninvited | TBM | VT-81: 1 Mar 1944-15 Nov 1946 VA-14A: 15 Nov 1946 – 2 Aug 1948 VA-135(1st): 2 Aug 1948 – 30 Nov 1949 |
VA-135 (1st) | 30 November 1949 | 2nd VA squadron of CVAG-13 |
VA-15A | ![]() |
Flying Cannons | SB2C | VB-153: 26 Mar 1945-15 Nov 1946 VA-15A: 15 Nov 1946 – 15 Jul 1948 VA-154: 15 Jul 1948 – 1 Dec 1949 |
VA-154 | 1 December 1949 | 1st VA squadron of CVAG-15 |
VA-16A | ![]() |
unknown | TBM | VT-153: 26 Mar 1945-15 Nov 1946 VA-16A: 15 Nov 1946 – 15 Jul 1948 VA-155(1st): 15 Jul 1948 – 30 Nov 1949 |
VA-155 (1st) | 30 November 1949 | 2nd VA squadron of CVAG-15 |
VA-17A | ![]() |
Battering Rams | SBW AM |
VB-82: 1 Apr 1944-15 Nov 1946 VA-17A: 15 Nov 1946 – 11 Aug 1948 VA-174: 11 Aug 1948 – 25 Jan 1950 |
VA-174 | 25 January 1950 | 1st VA squadron of CVAG-17 |
VA-18A | ![]() |
Devils Diplomats | TBM | VT-82: 1 Apr 1944-15 Nov 1946 VA-18A: 15 Nov 1946 – 11 Aug 1948 VA-175: 11 Aug 1948 – 15 Mar 1958 |
VA-175 | 15 March 1958 | 2nd VA squadron of CVAG-17 |
VA-19A | unknown | SB2C AD |
VB-19: 15 Aug 1943-15 Nov 1946 VA-19A: 15 Nov 1946 – 15 Aug 1948 VA-194: 24 Aug 1948 – 1 Dec 1949 |
VA-194 | 1 December 1949 | 1st VA squadron of CVAG-19 | |
VA-20A | ![]() |
unknown | TBM AD |
VT-19: 15 Aug 1943-15 Nov 1946 VA-20A: 15 Nov 1946 – 24 Aug 1948 VA-195: 24 Aug 1948-15 Apr 1985 VFA-195: 15 Apr 1985–present |
VFA-195 | Not applicable, still exists | 2nd VA squadron of CVAG-19 |
VA-21A | ![]() |
unknown | SB2C | VB-98: 28 Aug 1944-15 Nov 1946 VA-21A: 15 Nov 1946 – 5 Aug 1947 |
VA-21A | 5 August 1947 | 1st VA squadron of CVAG-21 |
VA-22A | unknown | TBM | VT-98: 28 Aug 1944-15 Nov 1946 VA-22A: 15 Nov 1946 – 5 Aug 1947 |
VA-22A | 5 August 1947 | 2nd VA squadron of CVAG-21 | |
A new Squadron and Air Group designation scheme was established in 1948. CVAGs and CVBGs were all redesignated CVGs, CVLGs and CVEGs were disestablished, and squadron suffix letters were eliminated. New squadron designation numbers denoted to which CVG the squadron was assigned with the first one or two digits identifying the CVG followed by a 4 or 5 to differentiate between the two VA squadrons of each CVG.[j] | |||||||
CVG-1 (2nd): CVAG-1 redesignated CVG-1 (2nd) 1 Sep 1948, currently exists as CVW-1 | |||||||
VA-12 | ![]() |
Ubangis, Clinchers (1982) |
F2H F7U AD4/A-4 A-7 |
VBF-4: 12 May 1945-15 Nov 1946 VF-2A: 15 Nov 1946-2 Aug 1948 VF-12: 2 Aug 1948-1 Aug 1955 VA-12: 1 Aug 1955 – 1 Oct 1986 |
VA-12 | 1 October 1986 | CVG-1(2nd) VF squadron redesignated as a CVG-1(2nd) VA squadron. |
VA-14 | ![]() |
Top Hatters | F4U | Air Det Pac Flt: Sep 1919-15 Jun 1920 VT-5(1st): 15 Jun 1920-7 Sep 1921 VP-1-4: 7 Dec 1921-23 Sep 1921 VF-4(1st): 23 Sep 1921-1 Jul 1922 VF-1(1st): 1 Jul 1922-1 Jul 1927 VF-1B(1st): 1 Jul 1927-1 Jul 1934 VB-2B: 1 Jul 1934-1 Jul 1937 VB-3: 1 Jul 1937-1 Jul 1939 VB-4: 1 Jul 1939-15 Mar 1941 VS-41(2nd): 15 Mar 1941-1 Mar 1943 VB-41: 1 Mar 1943-4 Aug 1943 VB-4: 4 Aug 1943-15 Nov 1946 VA-1A: 15 Nov 1946-2 Aug 1948 VA-14: 2 Aug 1948 – 15 Dec 1949 VF-14(2nd): 15 Dec 1949-1 Dec 2001 VFA-14: 1 Dec 2001–present |
VFA-14 | Not applicable, still exists | Oldest continuously active aircraft squadron in the U.S. Navy. Redesignated as one of CVG-1(2nd)'s initial squadrons |
VA-15 (First use) |
![]() ![]() (1951) |
Valions (mid 1950s) |
TBM AD/A-1 A-4 |
VT-4: 10 Jan 1942-15 Nov 1946 VA-2A: 15 Nov 1946-2 Aug 1948 VA-15(1st): 2 Aug 1948 – 1 Jun 1969 |
VA-15 (1st) | 1 June 1969 | Redesignated as one of CVG-1(2nd)'s initial squadrons |
VA-16 | ![]() |
unknown | AD | VA-16: 1 Jun 1955 – 1 Mar 1958 | VA-16 | 1 March 1958 | Established and assigned to Air Task Group 182 (ATG-182) |
CVG-2 (2nd): CVBG-1 redesignated CVG-2 (2nd) 1 Sep 1948, currently exists as CVW-2 | |||||||
VA-22 | ![]() |
Fighting Redcocks | FJ-4 A4D/A-4 A-7 |
VF-63: 28 Jul 1948-Mar 1956 VA-63: Mar 1956-1 Jul 1959 VA-22: 1 Jul 1959-4 May 1990 VFA-22: 4 May 1990 – present |
VFA-22 | Not applicable, still exists | VF-63 had been transferred to CVG-2(2nd) in 1950 without being redesignated. Was redesignated a VA squadron retaining the 63 designation while still in CVG-2(2nd). Was ultimately redesignated VA-22 in 1959 to conform with the CVG designation |
VA-23 | ![]() |
Black Knights | FJ-4 A4D/A-4 |
VF-653 (USNR): 1 Feb 1951-4 Feb 1953 VF-151(3rd): 4 Feb 1953-7 Feb 1956 VA-151: 7 Feb 1956-23 Feb 1959 VA-23: 23 Feb 1959 – 1 Apr 1970 |
VA-23 | 1 April 1970 | VA-151 reassigned to CVG-2(2nd) and redesignated VA-23 |
VA-24 | ![]() |
unknown | AD F4U |
VB-74: 1 May 1945-15 Nov 1946 VA-1B: 15 Nov 1946-1 Sep 1948 VA-24: 1 Sep 1948 – 1 Dec 1949 VF-24(2nd): 1 Dec 1949-9 Mar 1959 VF-211(3rd): 9 Mar 1959-Aug 2006 VFA-211: Aug 2006–present |
VFA-211 | Not applicable, still exists | Redesignated as one of CVG-2 initial squadrons |
VA-25 (First use) |
![]() ![]() (1950) |
Tigers (1950) |
SNJ AD/A-1 |
VT-74: 1 May 1945-15 Nov 1946 VA-2B: 15 Nov 1946-1 Sep 1948 VA-25(1st): 1 Sep 1948 – 1 Jul 1959 VA-65(2nd): 1 Jul 1959 – 31 Mar 1993 |
VA-65 (2nd) | 31 March 1993 | Redesignated as one of CVG-2(2nd)'s initial squadrons. Reassigned to CVG-6 in 1950 without being redesignated until 1959 |
VA-25 (Second use) |
![]() ![]() (1974) |
Fist of the Fleet | AD/A-1 A-7 |
VT-17: 1 Jan 1943-15 Nov 1946 VA-6B: 15 Nov 1946-27 Jul 1948 VA-65(1st): 27 Jul 1948-1 Jul 1959 VA-25(2nd): 1 Jul 1959 – 1 Jul 1983 VFA-125: 1 Jul 1983–present |
VFA-25 | Not applicable, still exists | VA-65(1st) reassigned to CVG-2(2nd) in 1950 without being redesignated until 1959 |
VA-26 | ![]() |
Skylancers | F9F-8 | VA-26: 30 Jun 1956 – 11 Apr 1958 VA-125(2nd): 11 Apr 1958 – 1 Oct 1977 |
VA-125 (2nd) | 11 April 1977 | Established and assigned to Air Task Group THREE (ATG-3) until its redesignation to VA-125 and reassignment to RCVG-12 |
CVG-3 (2nd): CVAG-3 redesignated CVG-3 (2nd) 1 Sep 1948, currently exists as CVW-3 | |||||||
VA-34 (First use) |
![]() |
Black Panthers | AD/A-1 | VB-3B: 1 Jul 1934-1 Jul 1937 VB-4: 1 Jul 1937-1 Jul 1939 VB-3: 1 Jul 1939-15 Nov 1946 VA-3A: 15 Nov 1946-7 Aug 1948 VA-34(1st): 7 Aug 1948 – 15 Feb 1950 VA-35(2nd): 15 Feb 1950 – 31 Jan 1995 |
VA-35 (2nd) | 31 January 1995 | Redesignated as one of CVG-3(2nd)'s initial squadrons. The "diving panther" insignia was created by VB-3B and remained in use through the entire life of the squadron through all of its redesignations. |
VA-34 (1943-69) (Second use) |
![]() |
Blue Blasters | F2H F7U A4D/A-4 |
VF-20: 15 Oct 1943-15 Nov 1946 VF-9A: 15 Nov 1946-12 Aug 1948 VF-91(1st): 12 Aug 1948-15 Feb 1950 VF-34(3rd): 15 Feb 1950-1 Jul 1955 VA-34(2nd): 1 Jul 1955 – 1 Jun 1969 |
VA-34 (2nd) | 1 June 1969 | VF-34(3rd) returned to CVG-3(2nd) from Air Task Group 181 (ATG-181) and redesignated a VA squadron |
VA-35 (First use) |
![]() |
Dragons | TBM AD |
VT-2: 1925-1 Jul 1927 VT-2B: 1 Jul 1927- 1 Jul 1937 VT-3: 1 Jul 1937-15 Nov 1946 VA-4A: 15 Nov 1946-7 Aug 1948 VA-35(1st): 7 Aug 1948 – 7 Nov 1949 |
VA-35 (1st) | 7 November 1949 | Redesignated as one of CVG-3(2nd)'s initial squadrons |
VA-35 (Second use) |
![]() |
Black Panthers | A-1 A-6, KA-6 |
VB-3B: 1 Jul 1934-1 Jul 1937 VB-4: 1 Jul 1937-1 Jul 1939 VB-3: 1 Jul 1939-15 Nov 1946 VA-3A: 15 Nov 1946-7 Aug 1948 VA-34(1st): 7 Aug 1948-15 Feb 1950 VA-35(2nd): 15 Feb 1950 – 31 Jan 1995 |
VA-35 (2nd) | 31 January 1995 | VA-34(1st) redesignated VA-35(2nd) when VF-91(1st) was reassigned to CVG-3(2nd) as the group's fourth VF squadron VF-34(3rd) on 15 Feb 1950. The "diving panther" insignia was created by VB-3B and remained in use through the entire life of the squadron through all of its redesignations. |
VA-36 (First use) |
![]() |
Roadrunners | F9F-5 F9F-8 A4D/A-4 |
VF-102(1st): 1 May 1952-1 Jul 1955 VA-36(1st): 1 Jul 1955 – 1 Aug 1970 |
VA-36 (1st) | 1 August 1970 | VF-201 redesignated VA-36 and assigned to Air Task Group 201 (ATG-201). Ultimately assigned to CVG-3(2nd) in 1958 |
CVG-4 (2nd): CVBG-1 redesignated CVG-4 (2nd) 1 Sep 1948, disestablished 8 Jun 1950 | |||||||
VA-44 (First use) |
unknown | AD AM |
VB-75: 1 Jun 1945-15 Nov 1946 VA-3B: 15 Nov 1946-1 Sep 1948 VA-44(1st): 1 Sep 1948 – 8 Jun 1950 |
VA-44 (1st) | 8 June 1950 | Redesignated as one of CVG-4(2nd)'s initial squadrons | |
VA-45 (First use) |
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Black Knights | AD AM |
VT-75: 1 Jun 1945-15 Nov 1946 VA-4B: 15 Nov 1946-1 Sep 1948 VA-45(1st): 1 Sep 1948 – 8 Jun 1950 |
VA-45 (1st) | 8 June 1950 | Redesignated as one of CVG-4(2nd)'s initial squadrons |
CVG-4 (3rd): Established 1 Sep 1950, redesignated RCVG-4 on 1 Apr 1958 to control FRSs, disestablished 1 Jun 1970 as RCVW-4[citation needed] | |||||||
VA-45 (Second use) |
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Blackbirds | AD | VA-45 : 1 Sep 1950 – 1 Mar 1958 | VA-45 (2nd) | 1 March 1958 | Established as one of CVG-4 initial squadrons. CVG-4 initially had four VF squadrons and only this single initial VA squadron. Was disestablished when CVG-4 was redesignated RCVG-4 |
VA-46 | ![]() |
Clansmen (1960) |
F9F-5 F9F-8 A4D/A-4 A-7E |
VA-46: 25 May 1955 – 30 Jun 1991 | VA-46 | 30 June 1991 | Assigned to CVG-4(3rd) upon establishment but reassigned to Air Task Group 202 (ATG-202) two months later and never returned to CVG-4(3rd) |
RCVG-4 / RCVW-4 Fleet Replacement Squadrons | |||||||
VA-42 | ![]() ![]() (1992) |
Green Pawns, Thunderbolts (1992) |
AD North American T-28 Trojan Grumman TC-4C Grumman A-6, KA-6 |
VF-42(4th): 1 Sep 1950-1 Nov 1953 VA-42: 1 Nov 1953 – 30 Sep 1994 |
VA-42 | 30 September 1994 | VF-42 assigned to CVG-6(2nd) at the time redesignated a VA squadron in 1953. Transitioned from an operational VA squadron to an AD Sky Raider FRS on 24 Oct 1958 and reassigned to RCVG-4. Later became an A-6 FRS. Adopted "Thunderbolts" name and insignia from VA-176 when it was disestablished in 1992 |
VA-43 | ![]() |
Challengers | A4D/A-4 | VF-74A: 1 May 1945-1 Aug 1945 VF-74(2nd): 1 Aug 1945-15 Nov 1946 VF-1B(3rd): 15 Nov 1946-1 Sep 1948 VF-21(2nd): 1 Sep 1948-1 Jul 1959 VA-43: 1 Jul 1959 – 1 Jun 1973 VF-43(5th): 1 Jun 1973 – 1 Jul 1994 |
VF-43 (5th) | 1 July 1994 | VF-21 redesignated as an A4D Skyhawk FRS and assigned to RCVG-4 |
VA-44 (Second use) |
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Hornets | F2H F9F-8 F9F-8T/TF-9 TV-2 T-28 A4D/A-4, TA-4 AD/A-1 |
VF-44(2nd): 1 Sep 1950-1 Jan 1956 VA-44(2nd): 1 Jan 1956 – 1 May 1970 |
VA-44 (2nd) | 1 May 1970 | CVG-4(3rd)'s VF-44 redesignated a VA squadron in 1956. Transitioned from an operational VA squadron of CVG-4(3rd) to an A4D Skyhawk FRS on 1 Jun 1958 in conjunction with CVG-4(3rd)'s redesignation to RCVG-4. In 1959 AD Sky Raider training was added and the squadron operated as both an A4D (A-4 in Sep 1962) and an AD (A-1 in Sep 1962) FRS. "Split out" VA-45(3rd) in 1963 to continue A-1 training and became solely an A-4 FRS |
VA-45 (1963-96) (Third use) |
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Blackbirds | A-1 A-4 |
VA-45(3rd): 15 Feb 1963 – 7 Feb 1985 VF-45(2nd): 7 Feb 1985 – 31 Mar 1996 |
VF-45 (2nd) | 31 March 1996 | Adopted both the "Blackbirds" name and the insignia of the disestablished VA-45(2nd). Established as an A-1 Sky Raider FRS and assigned to RCVG-4 (was "split out of" VA-44(2nd) to continue A-1 training to allow VA-44(2nd) to become solely an A-4 FRS). After the A-1's retirement the squadron provided A-4 detachments to ASW air groups and later assumed an adversary role in support of Air Combat Maneuvering training |
CVG-5 (2nd): CVAG-5 redesignated CVG-5 (2nd) 1 Sep 1948, currently exists as CVW-5 | |||||||
VA-52 | ![]() |
Knightriders | AD/A-1 A-6, KA-6 |
VF-884: 20 Jul 1950-4 Feb 1953 VF-144: 4 Feb 1953-23 Feb 1959 VA-52: 23 Feb 1959 – 31 Mar 1995 |
VA-52 | 31 March 1995 | VF-144 was redesignated a VA squadron and reassigned to CVG-5(2nd) |
VA-54 (First use) |
unknown | F4U AD |
VS-2B: 3 Jul 1928-1 Jul 1937 (VS = "Scouting Squadron") VS-3: 1 Jul 1937-1 Mar 1943 VB-4: 1 Mar 1943-15 Jul 1943 VB-5: 15 Jul 1943-15 Nov 1946 VA-5A: 15 Nov 1946-16 Aug 1948 VA-54(1st): 16 Aug 1948 – 1 Dec 1949 |
VA-54 (1st) | 1 December 1949 | Redesignated as one of CVG-5(2nd)'s initial squadrons | |
VA-54 (Second use) |
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Hell's Angels | AD F9F-8 |
VBF-153: 26 Mar 1945-15 Nov 1946 VF-16A: 15 Nov 1946-15 Jul 1948 VF-152(2nd): 15 Jul 1948-15 Feb 1950 VF-54(1st): 15 Feb 1950-15 Jun 1956 VA-54(2nd): 15 Jun 1956 – 1 Apr 1958 |
VA-54 (2nd) | 1 April 1958 | CVG-5(2nd) VF squadron redesignated a VA squadron |
VA-55 (First use) |
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Torpcats, Warhorses (1955) |
TBM AD FJ-4 A4D/A-4 |
VT-5: 15 Feb 1943-15 Nov 1946 VA-6A: 15 Nov 1946-16 Aug 1948 VA-55(1st): 16 Aug 1948 – 12 Dec 1975 |
VA-55 (1st) | 19 December 1975 | Redesignated as one of CVG-5(2nd)'s initial squadrons |
VA-56 | ![]() |
Boomerangs, Champions (1958) |
F9F-3 F9F-8 FJ-4 A4D/A-4 A-7 |
VA-56: 4 Jun 1956 – 31 Aug 1986 | VA-56 | 31 August 1986 | Established as a CVG-5(2nd) VA squadron |
CVG-6 (2nd): CVBG-5 redesignated CVG-6 (2nd) 1 Sep 1948, disestablished 1 Apr 1992 as CVW-6 | |||||||
VA-63 | ![]() |
Fighting Redcocks | F9F-8 FJ-4 |
VF-63: 28 Jul 1948-Mar 1956 VA-63: Mar 1956-1 Jul 1959 VA-22: 1 Jul 1959-4 May 1990 VFA-22: 4 May 1990 – present |
VFA-22 | Not applicable, still exists | VF-63 had been transferred to CVG-2(2nd) in 1950 without being redesignated. Was redesignated a VA squadron retaining the 63 designation while still in CVG-2(2nd). Was ultimately redesignated VA-22 in 1959 to conform with the CVG designation |
VA-64 (First use) |
unknown | AD | VB-17: 1 Jan 1943-15 Nov 1946 VA-5B: 15 Nov 1946-27 Jul 1948 VA-64(1st): 27 Jul 1948 – 8 Apr 1949 VC-24(2nd): 8 Apr 1949-20 Apr 1950 (same sqdn listed in VC section) VS-24(1st): 20 Apr 1950-1 Jun 1956 (same sqdn listed in VS section) |
VS-24 (1st) | 1 June 1956 | Redesignated as one of CVG-6(2nd)'s initial squadrons | |
VA-64 (Second use) |
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Black Lancers | A4D/A-4 | VA-64(2nd): 1 Jul 1961 – 7 Nov 1969 | VA-64 (2nd) | 7 November 1969 | Established as a CVG-6(2nd) VA squadron |
VA-65 (First use) |
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Fist of the Fleet (1949) |
AD | VT-17: 1 Jan 1943-15 Nov 1946 VA-6B: 15 Nov 1946-27 Jul 1948 VA-65(1st): 27 Jul 1948 – 1 Jul 1959 VA-25(2nd): 1 Jul 1959-1 Jul 1983 VFA-125: 1 Jul 1983–present |
VFA-25 | Not applicable, still exists | Redesignated as one of CVG-6(2nd)'s initial squadrons |
VA-65 (Second use) |
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Tigers | AD/A-1 A-6, KA-6 |
VT-74: 1 May 1945-15 Nov 1946 VA-2B: 15 Nov 1946-1 Sep 1948 VA-25(1st): 1 Sep 1948-1 Jul 1959 VA-65(2nd): 1 Jul 1959 – 31 Mar 1993 |
VA-65 (2nd) | 31 March 1993 | Replaced VA-65(1st) in CVG-6(2nd) when VA-65(1st) was moved to CVG-2(2nd) |
VA-66 (First use) |
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Crusaders | F9F-8 | VA-66(1st): 1 Jul 1955 – 1 Jul 1955 VF-81(4th): 1 Jul 1955-1 Jul 1959 VA-81: 1 Jul 1959-4 Feb 1988 VFA-81: 4 Feb 1988–present |
VFA-81 | Not applicable, still exists | Established as VA-66(1st) but redesignated to VF-81(4th) on the same day and replaced VF-81(3rd) in CVG-8(2nd) |
VA-66 (Second use) |
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Waldomen | F7U F9F-8 A4D/A-4 A-7 |
VF-671: 1 Feb 1951-4 Feb 1953 VF-81(3rd): 4 Feb 1953-1 Jul 1955 VA-66(2nd): 1 Jul 1955 – 1 Oct 1986 |
VA-66 (2nd) | 1 October 1986 | VF-81(3rd) which was assigned to CVG-8(2nd) was redesignated a VA squadron and reassigned to CVG-6(2nd) |
CVG-7 (2nd): CVAG-7 redesignated CVG-7 (2nd) 1 Sep 1948, still exists as CVW-7 | |||||||
VA-72 | ![]() |
Hawks, Blue Hawks (early 1960s) |
F9F-5 A4D/A-4 A-7 |
VBF-18: 25 Jan 1945-15 Nov 1946 VF-8A: 15 Nov 1946-28 Jul 1948 VF-72(2nd): 28 Jul 1948-3 Jan 1956 VA-72: 3 Jan 1956 – 30 Jun 1991 |
VA-72 | 30 June 1991 | CVG-7(2nd) VF squadron redesignated a CVG-7(2nd) VA squadron |
VA-74 | ![]() |
Sunday Punchers | F4U AD |
VB-18: 20 Jul 1943-15 Nov 1946 VA-7A: 15 Nov 1946-27 Jul 1948 VA-74: 27 Jul 1948 – 15 Feb 1950 VA-75(2nd): 15 Feb 1950 – 28 Feb 1997 |
VA-75 (2nd) | 28 February 1997 | Redesignated as one of CVG-7(2nd)'s initial squadrons |
VA-75 (First use) |
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Air Barons | TBM AD |
VT-18: 20 Jul 1943-15 Nov 1946 VA-8A: 15 Nov 1946-27 Jul 1948 VA-75(1st): 27 Jul 1948 – 30 Nov 1949 |
VA-75 (1st) | 30 November 1949 | Redesignated as one of CVG-7(2nd)'s initial squadrons |
VA-75 (Second use) |
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Sunday Punchers | AD/A-1 A-6, KA-6 |
VB-18: 20 Jul 1943-15 Nov 1946 VA-7A: 15 Nov 1946-27 Jul 1948 VA-74: 27 Jul 1948-15 Feb 1950 VA-75(2nd): 15 Feb 1950 – 28 Feb 1997 |
VA-75 (2nd) | 28 February 1997 | CVG-7(2nd) VA-74 redesignated VA-75(2nd). Original insignia of VB-18 was re-adopated after 1950. |
VA-76 | ![]() |
Spirits | F2H F9F-8 A4D/A-4 |
VA-76: 1 Jun 1955 – 30 Sep 1969 | VA-76 | 30 September 1969 | Established and assigned to Air Task Group 182 (ATG-182). Was never assigned to CVG-7(2nd) |
CVG-8 (2nd): Planned for establishment in 1948 but cancelled | |||||||
VA-84 | ![]() |
unknown | TBM AM |
VA-84: 15 Sep 1948 – 29 Nov 1949 | VA-84 | 29 November 1949 | Established for assignment to CVG-8(2nd) but CVG-8 establishment was cancelled and squadron was disestablished |
VA-85 (First use) |
unknown | TBM AM |
VA-85(1st): 15 Sep 1948 – 29 Nov 1949 | VA-85 (1st) | 29 November 1949 | Established for assignment to CVG-8(2nd) but CVG-8 establishment was cancelled and squadron was disestablished | |
CVG-8 (2nd): Established 9 Apr 1951 to receive USNR squadrons activated for the Korean War, still exists as CVW-8 | |||||||
VA-81 | ![]() ![]() (1963) |
Crusaders, Sunliners (1963) |
A4D/A-4 A-7 |
VA-66(1st): 1 Jul 1955-1 Jul 1955 VF-81(4th): 1 Jul 1955-1 Jul 1959 VA-81: 1 Jul 1959 – 4 Feb 1988 VFA-81: 4 Feb 1988–present |
VFA-81 | Not applicable, still exists | CVG-8(2nd) VF squadron redesignated a CVG-8(2nd) VA squadron |
VA-83 | ![]() ![]() (1957) |
Roaring Bulls, Rampagers (1957) |
F7U A4D/A-4 A-7 |
VF-916: 1 Feb 1951-4 Feb 1953 VF-83(3rd): 4 Feb 1953-1 Jul 1955 VA-83: 1 Jul 1955 – 3 Mar 1988 VFA-83: 3 Mar 1988–present |
VFA-83 | Not applicable, still exists | CVG-8(2nd)'s VF-83 redesignated a CVG-8(2nd) VA squadron |
VA-85 (Second use) |
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Black Falcons (1958) |
AD/A-1 A-6, KA-6 |
VA-859 (USNR): not listed-4 Feb 1953 VA-85(2nd): 4 Feb 1953 – 30 Sep 1994 |
VA-85 (2nd) | 30 September 1994 | USNR VA-859 establishment date not listed, activated 1 Feb 1951 for the Korean War and assigned to CVG-8(2nd) when it was established on 9 Apr. Permanently activated and redesignated VA-85(2nd) in 1953 |
VA-86 (First use) |
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Vagabonds | FJ-3 | VA-86(1st): 1 July 1955 – 1 Jul 1955 VF-84(3rd): 1 Jul 1955 – 1 Oct 1995 |
VF-84 (3rd) | 1 October 1995 | Established as VA-86(1st) but redesignated to VF-84(3rd) on the same day |
VA-86 (Second use) |
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Sidewinders | F7U A4D/A-4 A-7 |
VF-921: 1 Feb 1951-4 Feb 1953 VF-84(2nd): 4 Feb 1953-1 Jul 1955 VA-86(2nd): 1 Jul 1955 – 15 Jul 1987 VFA-86: 15 Jul 1987–present |
VFA-86 | Not applicable, still exists | VF-84 redesignated VA-86 and assigned to Air Task Group 181 (ATG-181) |
CVG-9 (2nd): CVAG-9 redesignated CVG-9 (2nd) 1 Sep 1948, disestablished 1 Dec 1949 | |||||||
VA-94 (First use) |
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unknown | SB2C AD |
VB-99: 1 Jul 1943-15 Oct 1943 VB-20: 15 Oct 1943-15 Nov 1946 VA-9A: 15 Nov 1946-12 Aug 1948 VA-94(1st): 12 Aug 1948 – 31 Nov 1949 |
VA-94 (1st) | 31 November 1949 | Redesignated as one of CVG-9(2nd)'s initial squadrons |
VA-95 (First use) |
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unknown | TBM AD |
VT-20: 15 Oct 1943-15 Nov 1946 VA-10A: 15 Nov 1946-12 Aug 1948 VA-95(1st): 12 Aug 1948 – 30 Nov 1949 |
VA-95 (1st) | 30 November 1949 | Redesignated as one of CVG-9(2nd)'s initial squadrons |
CVG-9 (3rd): Established 26 Mar 1952, still exists as CVW-9 | |||||||
VA-93 | ![]() (1957) ![]() (1965) |
Blue Blazers, Ravens (1976) |
A4D/A-4 A-7 |
VF-93(3rd): 26 Mar 1952-15 Sep 1956 VA-93: 15 Sep 1956 – 30 Aug 1986 |
VA-93 | 30 August 1986 | CVG-9(3rd)'s VF-93 redesignated as a VA squadron |
VA-94 (Second use) |
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Shrikes or Mighty Shrikes (1959) |
FJ-4 A4D/A-4 A-7 |
VF-94(2nd): 26 Mar 1952-1 Aug 1958 VA-94(2nd): 1 Aug 1958 – 28 Jun 1990 VFA-94: 28 Jun 1990–present |
VFA-94 | Not applicable, still exists | CVG-9(3rd)'s VF-94 redesignated as a VA squadron |
VA-95 (Second use) |
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Sky Knights, Green Lizards (1963) |
F6F AD/A-1 A-4 |
VA-95(2nd): 26 Mar 1952 – 1 Apr 1970 | VA-95 (2nd) | 1 April 1970 | Established as CVG-9(3rd)'s only initial VA squadron (CVG-9(3rd) was established with four VF squadrons) |
VA-96 | ![]() |
unknown | AD | VA-96: 30 Jun 1956 – 10 Apr 1958 | VA-96 | 10 April 1958 | Established and assigned to Air Task Group THREE (ATG-3) |
CVG-10 (2nd): Established 1 May 1952, disestablished 20 Nov 1969 as CVW-10(1st) | |||||||
VA-104 | ![]() |
Hells Archers | AD | VF-104: 1 May 1952-4 Dec 1953 VA-104: 4 Dec 1953 – 31 Mar 1959 |
VA-104 | 31 March 1959 | CVG-10(2nd)'s VF-104 redesignated as a second VA squadron in the Air Group |
VA-105 (First use) |
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Cannoneers | AD | VA-105(1st): 1 May 1952 – 1 Feb 1959 | VA-105 (1st) | 1 February 1959 | Established as CVG-10(2nd)'s only initial VA squadron (CVG-10(2nd) was established with four VF squadrons). Reassigned to RCVG-4 in Nov 1958 as a FRS until its disestablishment less than 3 months later. |
VA-106 (First use) |
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Boomerangs | FJ-3 | VA-106(1st): 1 Jul 1955 – 1 Jul 1955 VF-62(2nd): 1 Jul 1955 – 1 Oct 1969 |
VF-62 (2nd) | 1 October 1969 | Established as VA-106(1st) on 1 Jul 1955 and redesignated VF-62(2nd) and assigned to CVG-6(2nd) on the same day |
VA-106 (Second use) |
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Gladiators | F2H F9F-8 A4D/A-4 |
VBF-17: 2 Jan 1945-15 Nov 1946 VF-6B(3rd): 15 Nov 1946-28 Jul 1948 VF-62(1st): 28 Jul 1948-1 Jul 1955 VA-106(2nd): 1 Jul 1955 – 7 Nov 1969 |
VA-106 (2nd) | 7 November 1969 | VF-62(1st) redesignated and reassigned to CVG-10(2nd) while a new VF-63(2nd) was established (as VA-106(1st) and immediately redesignated) to replace VF-62(1st) in CVG-6(2nd) |
CVG-11 (2nd): CVAG-11 redesignated CVG-11 (2nd) 1 Sep 1948, still exists as CVW-11 | |||||||
VA-112 | ![]() |
Broncos (1961) |
A4D/A-4 | VBF-11: 9 Apr 1945-15 Nov 1946 VF-12A: 15 Nov 1946-15 July 1948 VF-112: 15 Jul 1948-15 Feb 1959 VA-112: 15 Feb 1959 – 10 Oct 1969 |
VA-112 | 10 October 1969 | CVG-11(2nd)'s VF-112 redesignated as a CVG-11(2nd) VA squadron |
VA-113 | ![]() |
Stingers | F9F-8 A4D/A-4 A-7 |
VF-113: 15 Jul 1948-Mar 1956 VA-113: Mar 1956-25 Mar 1983 VFA-113: 25 Mar 1983–present |
VFA-113 | Not applicable, still exists | CVG-11(2nd)'s VF-113 redesignated as a CVG-11(2nd) VA squadron |
VA-114 | ![]() |
unknown | AD F8F |
VB-11: 10 Oct 1942-15 Nov 1946 VA-11A: 15 Nov 1946-15 Jul 1948 VA-114: 15 Jul 1948 – 1 Dec 1949 |
VA-114 | 1 December 1949 | Redesignated as one of CVG-11(2nd)'s initial squadrons |
VA-115 | ![]() ![]() (1956) |
Arabs (1960) Eagles (1979) |
TBM AD/A-1 A-6, KA-6 |
VT-11: 10 Oct 1942-15 Nov 1946 VA-12A: 15 Nov 1946-15 Jul 1948 VA-115: 15 Jul 1948 – 30 Sep 1996 VFA-115: 30 Sep 1996–present |
VFA-115 | Not applicable, still exists | Redesignated as one of CVG-11(2nd)'s initial squadrons |
VA-116 | ![]() |
unknown | F7U FJ-4 |
VA-116: 1 Dec 1955 – 23 Feb 1959 VA-144: 23 Feb 1959 – 29 Jan 1971 |
VA-144 | 29 January 1971 | Assigned to Air Task Group TWO (ATG-2) then redesignated VA-144 and assigned to CVG-14(2nd) |
CVG-12 (2nd): Established as CVG-102 on 1 Aug 1950 to receive USNR squadrons activated for the Korean War, redesignated CVG-12 (2nd) on 4 Feb 1952, redesignated RCVG-12 on 1 Apr 1958 to control FRSs | |||||||
VA-125 (First use) |
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Rough Raiders | AD | VA-55E (USNR): 1946-Jan 1950 VA-923 (USNR): Jan 1950-4 Feb 1953 VA-125(1st): 4 Feb 1953 – 10 Apr 1958 |
VA-125 (1st) | 10 April 1958 | USNR VA-923 activated on 20 Jul 1950 for the Korean War and assigned to CVG-102 when it was established 1 Aug 1950. CVG-102 was later redesignated CVG-12(2nd) on 4 Feb 1952. VA-923 redesignated VA-125(1st) and permanently activated in 1953. |
RCVG-12: CVG-12 (2nd) redesignated RCVG-12 on 1 Apr 1958 to control FRSs and other training support squadrons, redesignated RCVW-12 on 20 Dec 1963. Disestablished 30 Jun 1970 | |||||||
VA-122 | ![]() |
Flying Eagles | AD/A-1 T-28 A-7 T-39 |
VC-35(2nd): 25 May 1950-1 Jul 1956 (same sqdn listed in VC section) VA(AW)-35: 1 Jul 1956-29 Jun 1959 VA-122: 29 Jun 1959 – 31 May 1991 |
VA-122 Disestablished |
31 May 1991 | Redesignated and assigned to RCVG-12 as an AD Skyraider FRS. Later transitioned to being an A-7 Corsair II FRS |
VA-125 (1956-77) (Second use) |
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Rough Raiders | AD/A-1 A4D/A-4, TA-4 A-7 |
VA-26: 30 Jun 1956-11 Apr 1958 VA-125(2nd): 11 Apr 1958 – 1 Oct 1977 |
VA-125 (2nd) | 1 October 1977 | Adopted "Rough Raiders" name from disestablished VA-125(1st). VA-26 redesignated and assigned to RCVG-12 as an A4D/A-4 Skyhawk FRS. Later became an A-7 Corsair II FRS |
VA-126 | ![]() |
Fighting Seahawks | F9F-8T A4D/A-4, TA-4 |
VA-126: 6 Apr 1956 – 15 Oct 1965 VF-126: 15 Oct 1965 – 1 Apr 1994 |
VF-126 | 1 April 1994 | Established as an instrument training squadron using the F9F-8T Cougar.[68] Later became an A4D/A-4 Skyhawk FRS assigned to RCVG-12 |
VA-127 | ![]() ![]() (1980) |
Royal Blues, Cylons (1981) |
F9F-8T/TF-9 A-4, TA-4 |
VA-127: 15 Jun 1962 – 1 Mar 1987 VFA-127: 1 Mar 1987-23 Mar 1996 (same sqdn listed in VFA section) |
VFA-127 | 23 March 1996 | Established from VA-126 detachment Alfa to provide advanced instrument training and jet transition training and assigned to RCVG-12. Became an A-4 FRS from 1 Jun 1970 to 1975. Provided basic refresher instrument and jet transition training and Air Combat Maneuvering (ACM) training from 1975 to 1983. 1 Oct 1983 became an "Adversary" squadron providing ACM training to fleet squadrons. |
VA-128 | ![]() |
Golden Intruders | A-6 TC-4C |
VA-128: 1 Sep 1967 – 29 Sep 1995 | VA-128 | 29 September 1995 | Established as an A-6 Intruder FRS assigned to RCVW-12 |
CVG-13 (2nd): CVAG-13 redesignated CVG-13 (2nd) 1 Sep 1948, disestablished 30 Nov 1949 | |||||||
VA-134 (First use) |
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Hell Razors | F4U | VB-81: 1 Mar 1944-15 Nov 1946 VA-13A: 15 Nov 1946-2 Aug 1948 VA-134(1st): 2 Aug 1948 – 15 Feb 1950 VF-174: 15 Feb 1950-1 Jul 1966 VA-174(2nd): 1 Jul 1966 – 30 Jun 1988 |
VA-174 (2nd) | 30 June 1988 | Initially assigned to CVG-1(2nd) but soon redesignated as one of CVG-13(2nd)'s initial squadrons |
VA-135 (First use) |
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Uninvited | TBM AD |
VT-81: 1 Mar 1944-15 Nov 1946 VA-14A: 15 Nov 1946- 2 Aug 1948 VA-135(1st): 2 Aug 1948 – 30 Nov 1949 |
VA-135 (1st) | 30 November 1949 | Redesignated as one of CVG-13(2nd)'s initial squadrons |
CVG-13 (3rd): Established 21 Aug 1961, disestablished 1 Oct 1962 | |||||||
VA-133 | ![]() |
Blue Knights | A4D | VA-133: 21 Aug 1961 – 1 Oct 1962 | VA-133 | 1 October 1962 | Established as one of CVG-13(3rd)'s initial squadrons |
VA-134 (Second use) |
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Scorpions | A4D | VA-134(2nd): 21 Aug 1961 – 1 Oct 1962 | VA-134 (2nd) | 1 October 1962 | Established as one of CVG-13(3rd)'s initial squadrons |
VA-135 (Second use) |
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Thunderbirds | AD | VA-135(2nd): 21 Aug 1961 – 1 Oct 1962 | VA-135 (2nd) | 1 October 1962 | Established as one of CVG-13(3rd)'s initial squadrons. Adopted the insignia but not the name of the disestablished VA-35(1st) |
CVG-14 (2nd): Established as CVG-101 1 Aug 1950 to receive USNR squadrons activated for the Korean War, redesignated CVG-14 (2nd) 4 Feb 1952, deactivated 31 Mar 2017 as CVW-14 | |||||||
VA-144 | ![]() |
Road Runners (1960s) |
FJ-4 A4DA-4 |
VA-116: 1 Dec 1955-23 Feb 1959 VA-144: 23 Feb 1959 – 29 Jan 1971 |
VA-144 | 29 January 1971 | VA-116 reassigned to CVG-14(2nd) and redesignated. Remained attached to CVG-14(2nd)/CVW-14 until 1965 |
VA-145 | ![]() ![]() (1954) |
Rustlers, Swordsmen (1954) |
AD/A-1 A-6, KA-6 |
VA-702 (USNR): 1 Dec 1949-4 Feb 1953[69] VA-145: 4 Feb 1953 – 1 Oct 1993 |
VA-145 | 1 October 1993 | USNR VA-702 activated on 20 Jul 1950 for the Korean War and assigned to CVG-101 when it was established 1 Aug 1950. CVG-101 was later redesignated CVG-14(2nd) on 4 Feb 1952. VA-702 redesignated VA-145 and permanently activated in 1953. Remained attached to CVG-14(2nd)/CVW-14 until 1967 |
VA-146 | ![]() ![]() (1968) |
Blacktails, Blue Diamonds (Late 1950s) |
F9F Panther F9F Cougar FJ-4 A4D/A-4 A-7 |
VA-146: 1 Feb 1956 – 21 Jul 1989 VFA-146: 21 Jul 1989–present |
VFA-146 | Not applicable, still exists | Assigned to CVG-14(2nd)/CVW-14 until 1967 |
CVG-15 (2nd): CVAG-15 redesignated CVG-15 (2nd) 1 Sep 1948, disestablished 1 Dec 1949 | |||||||
VA-154 | ![]() |
Flying Cannons | AD | VB-153: 26 Mar 1945-15 Nov 1946 VA-15A: 15 Nov 1946-15 Jul 1948 VA-154: 15 Jul 1948 – 1 Dec 1949 |
VA-154 | 1 December 1949 | Redesignated as one of CVG-15(2nd)'s initial squadrons |
VA-155 (First use) |
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unknown | AD | VT-153: 26 Mar 1945-15 Nov 1946 VA-16A: 15 Nov 1946-15 Jul 1948 VA-155(1st): 15 Jul 1948 – 30 Nov 1949 |
VA-155 (1st) | 30 November 1949 | Redesignated as one of CVG-15(2nd)'s initial squadrons |
CVG-15 (3rd): Established 5 Apr 1951 to receive USNR squadrons activated for the Korean War, disestablished 31 Mar 1995 as CVW-15 | |||||||
VA-151 | ![]() |
Black Knights | F7U F9F-8 FJ-4 |
VF-653: Dec 1949-4 Feb 1953 VF-151(3rd): 4 Feb 1953-7 Feb 1956 VA-151: 7 Feb 1956 – 23 Feb 1959 VA-23: 23 Feb 1959 – 1 Apr 1970 |
VA-23 | 1 April 1970 | Assigned to Air Task Group ONE (ATG-1). Reassigned to CVG-2(2nd) and redesignated VA-23 |
VA-152 | ![]() |
Friendlies, Mavericks (1968) |
F2H AD/A-1 A-4 |
VF-713 (USNR): late 1940s-4 Feb 1953 VF-152(3rd): 4 Feb 1953-1 Aug 1958 VA-152: 1 Aug 1958 – 29 Jan 1971 |
VA-152 | 29 January 1971 | CVG-15(3rd) VF squadron redesignated as a VA squadron. Assigned to Air Task Group FOUR (ATG-4) and CVG-15(3rd)/CVW-15 until 1964. |
VA-153 | ![]() |
Blue Tail Flies | F9F-8 A4D/A-4 A-7 |
VF-718: est date unk-Sep 1949 VF-831: Sep 1949-4 Feb 1953 VF-153(3rd): 4 Feb 1953-17 Dec 1956 VA-153: 17 Dec 1956 – 30 Sep 1977 |
VA-153 | 30 September 1977 | CVG-15(3rd) VF squadron redesignated as a VA squadron. Assigned to CVG-15(3rd)/CVW-15 until 1969 |
VA-155 (Second use) |
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Silver Fox (early 1960s) |
AD A4D/A-4 A-7 |
VA-71E (USNR): 1946-1 Oct 1948 VA-58A (USNR): 1 Oct 1948-1 Nov 1949 VC-722 (USNR): 1 Nov 1949-1 Apr 1950 VA-728 (USNR): 1 Apr 1950-4 Feb 1953 VA-155(2nd): 4 Feb 1953 – 30 Sep 1977[69] |
VA-155 (2nd) | 30 September 1977 | USNR VA-728 activated on 1 Feb 1951 for the Korean War and assigned to CVG-15(3rd) when it was established on 5 Apr. Permanently activated and redesignated VA-155(2nd) in 1953. Remained assigned to CVG-15(2nd)/CVW-15 until 1968. Adopted insignia of disestablished VA-155(1st) |
VA-156 | ![]() |
Iron Tigers | F11F | VA-156: 4 Jun 1956 – 20 Jan 1959 VF-111(2nd): 20 Jan 1959-1 Sep 1964 VF-26(2nd): 1 Sep 1964-17 Sep 1964 VF-111(3rd): 17 Sep 1964 – 31 Mar 1995 |
VF-111 (3rd) | 31 March 1995 | Though designated a VA squadron it was equipped with a front line fighter and identified itself as a fighter squadron. It was assigned to CVG-11(2nd) and eventually redesignated as a VF squadron carrying the CVG-11(2nd) designation of VF-111 |
CVG-16 (2nd): Established 1 Sep 1960, disestablished 30 Jun 1970 as CVW-16 | |||||||
VA-163 | ![]() |
Saints | A4D/A-4 | VA-163: 1 Sep 1960 – 1 Jul 1971 | VA-163 | 1 July 1971 | Established as one of CVG-16(2nd)'s initial squadrons |
VA-164 | ![]() |
Ghost Riders | A4D/A-4 | VA-164: 1 Sep 1960 – 2 Dec 1975 | VA-164 | 2 December 1975 | Established as one of CVG-16(2nd)'s initial squadrons |
VA-165 | ![]() ![]() (mid 1960s) |
Boomers (mid 1960s) |
AD/A-1 A-6, KA-6 |
VA-165: 1 Sep 1960 – 30 Sep 1996 | VA-165 | 30 September 1996 | Established as one of CVG-16(2nd)'s initial squadrons |
CVG-17 (2nd): CVAG-17 redesignated CVG-17 (2nd) 1 Sep 1948, disestablished 15 Sep 1958 | |||||||
VA-172 | ![]() |
Bluebolts | F2H A4D/A-4 |
VBF-82: 20 Aug 1945-15 Nov 1946 VF-18A: 15 Nov 1946-11 Aug 1948 VF-172: 11 Aug 1948-1 Nov 1955 VA-172: 1 Nov 1955 – 15 Jan 1971 |
VA-172 | 15 January 1971 | CVG-17(2nd) VF squadron redesignated a VA squadron. Remained assigned to CVG-17(2nd) until 1959 |
VA-174 (First use) |
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Battering Rams | AM AD |
VB-82: 1 Apr 1944-15 Nov 1946 VA-17A: 15 Nov 1946-11 Aug 1948 VA-174: 11 Aug 1948 – 25 Jan 1950 |
VA-174 | 25 January 1950 | Redesignated as one of CVG-17(2nd)'s initial squadrons |
VA-175 | ![]() ![]() (1951) |
Devils Diplomats | TBM AD |
VT-82: 1 Apr 1944-15 Nov 1946 VA-18A: 15 Nov 1946-11 Aug 1948 VA-175: 11 Aug 1948 – 15 Mar 1958 |
VA-175 | 15 March 1958 | Redesignated as one of CVG-17(2nd)'s initial squadrons |
VA-176 | ![]() |
Thunderbolts | AD/A-1 A-6, KA-6 |
VA-176: 1 Jun 1955 – 1 Oct 1992 | VA-176 | 1 October 1992 | Initially assigned to Air Task Group 202 (ATG-202) and reassigned to CVG-17(2nd) in 1958 but only for six months before being again reassigned (without being redesignated) |
CVG-19 (2nd): CVAG-19 redesignated CVG-19 (2nd) 1 Sep 1948, disestablished 30 Jun 1977 as CVW-19 | |||||||
VA-192 | ![]() |
Golden Dragons | F9F Cougar FJ-4 A4D/A-4 A-7 |
VF-153(1st): 26 Mar 1945-15 Nov 1946 VF-15A: 15 Nov 1946-15 Jul 1948 VF-151(2nd): 15 Jul 1948-15 Feb 1950 VF-192(2nd): 15 Feb 1950-15 Mar 1956 VA-192: 15 Mar 1956 – 10 Jan 1986 VFA-192: 10 Jan 1986–present |
VFA-192 | Not applicable, still exists | CVG-19(2nd) VF squadron redesignated a VA squadron. Remained assigned to CVG-19(2nd)/CVW-19 until 1970 |
VA-194 | unknown | AD | VB-19: 15 Aug 1943-15 Nov 1946 VA-19A: 15 Nov 1946-15 Aug 1948 VA-194: 24 Aug 1948 – 1 Dec 1949 |
VA-194 | 1 December 1949 | Redesignated as one of CVG-19(2nd)'s initial squadrons | |
VA-195 | ![]() (1949) ![]() (1950s) |
Tigers (1949) Dam Busters (1951) |
AD A4D/A-4 A-7 |
VT-19: 15 Aug 1943-15 Nov 1946 VA-20A: 15 Nov 1946-24 Aug 1948 VA-195: 24 Aug 1948 – 15 Apr 1985 VFA-195: 15 Apr 1985–present |
VFA-195 | Not applicable, still exists | Redesignated as one of CVG-19(2nd)'s initial squadrons. Remained assigned to CVG-19(2nd)/CVW-19 until 1970 |
VA-196 | ![]() ![]() (1967) |
Main Battery, Milestones |
AD/A-1 A-6, KA-6 |
VF-153(2nd): 15 Jul 1948-15 Feb 1950 VF-194(1st): 15 Feb 1950-4 May 1955 VA-196: 4 May 1955 – 21 Mar 1997 |
VA-196 | 21 March 1997 | CVG-19(2nd) VF squadron redesignated a VA squadron. Assigned to Air Task Group ONE (ATG-1) and CVG-19(2nd)/CVW-19 until 1967. "Milestones" name used interchangeably with "Main Battery" beginning in 1979. |
CVG-21 (1st): Established 15 Sep 1948, disestablished 15 Mar 1949 | |||||||
VA-213 | unknown | TBM-3E | VA-213: 15 Sep 1948-Jun 1949 | VA-213 | June 1949 | Established as one of CVG-21(1st)'s initial squadrons | |
VA-214 (First use) |
unknown | TBM-3E | VA-214(1st): 15 Sep 1948 – 16 May 1949 | VA-214 (1st) | 16 May 1949 | Established as one of CVG-21(1st)'s initial squadrons | |
CVG-21 (2nd): Established 1 Jul 1955, disestablished 12 Dec 1975 as CVW-21 | |||||||
VA-212 | ![]() |
Rampant Raiders | F7U F9F-8 FJ-4 A4D/A-4 |
VF-212(2nd): 20 Jun 1955-1 Apr 1956 VA-212: 1 Apr 1956 – 12 Dec 1975 |
VA-212 | 12 December 1975 | CVG-21(2nd) VF squadron redesignated a VA squadron. Assigned to CVG-21(2nd)/CVW-21 |
VA-214 (Second use) |
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Volunteers | F9F-8 FJ-4 |
VF-214: 30 Mar 1955-11 Oct 1956 VA-214(2nd): 11 Oct 1956 – 1 Aug 1958 |
VA-214 (2nd) | 1 August 1958 | CVG-21(2nd) VF squadron redesignated a VA squadron and reassigned to Air Task Group FOUR (ATG-4) |
VA-215 (First use) |
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Barn Owls (1960) |
AD/A-1 | VA-215(1st): 15 Jun 1955 – 31 Aug 1967 | VA-215 (1st) | 31 August 1967 | Assigned to CVG-21(2nd)/CVW-21 from establishment to disestablishment |
VA-216 | ![]() |
Black Diamonds | AD FJ-4 A4D/A-4 |
VA-216: 28 Mar 1955 – 1 Aug 1970 | VA-216 | 1 August 1970 | Initially assigned to Air Task Group FOUR (ATG-4) then to CVG-21(2nd)/CVW-21 |
The system that determined squadron designation by Carrier Air Wing (CVW) assignment (CVGs had been retitled CVWs on 20 December 1963) was discontinued by 1965. Existing squadron designation numbers were "frozen" and no longer changed with Carrier Air Wing reassignment. Newly established or redesignated squadrons were numbered in accordance with factors determined at the time of establishment or redesignation. | |||||||
VA-15 (Second use) |
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Valions | A-7 | VA-67:1 Aug 1968-2 Jun 1969 VA-15(2nd): 2 Jun 1969 – 1 Oct 1986 VFA-15: 1 Oct 1986–present (inactive 31 May 2017 – present) (same sqdn listed in VFA section) |
VFA-15 | 31 May 2017 (Deactivated) |
Adopted both the "Valions" name and the insignia from the disestablished VA-15(1st). Initially assigned to CVW-6 |
VA-27 | ![]() |
Royal Maces | A-7 | VA-27: 1 Sep 1967 – 24 Jan 1991 VFA-27: 24 Jan 1991–present |
VFA-27 | Not applicable, still exists | Initially assigned to CVW-14 |
VA-34 (1970-99 (Third use) |
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Blue Blasters | A-6, KA-6 | VA-34(3rd): 1 Jan 1970 – 30 Sep 1996 VFA-34: 30 Sep 1996–present |
VFA-34 | Not applicable, still exists | Adopted both the "Blue Blasters" name and the insignia from the disestablished VA-34(2nd). Initially assigned to CVW-1 |
VA-36 (Second use) |
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Road Runners | A-6, KA-6 | VA-36(2nd): 6 Mar 1987 – 1 Apr 1994 | VA-36 (2nd) | 1 April 1994 | Adopted "Roadrunners" name from disestablished VA-36(1st). Assigned to CVW-8 from establishment to disestablishment |
VA-37 | ![]() ![]() (1980s) |
Bulls | A-7 | VA-37: 1 Jul 1967 – 28 Nov 1990 VFA-37: 28 Nov 1990–present |
VFA-37 | Not applicable, still exists | Initially assigned to CVW-11 |
VA-38 | None | VA-38: 1 Mar 1967 – 1 Oct 1968 | VA-38 | 1 October 1968 | Was intended as a new A-7 squadron but never received any aircraft and was disestablished | ||
VA-55 (Second use) |
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Warhorses | A-6, KA-6 | VA-55(2nd): 7 Oct 1983 – 1 Jan 1991 | VA-55 (2nd) | 1 January 1991 | Adopted both the "Warhorses" name and the insignia from the disestablished VA-55(1st). Assigned to CVW-13 from establishment to disestablishment |
VA-67 | ![]() |
Vulcans | A-7 | VA-67:1 Aug 1968-2 Jun 1969 VA-15(2nd): 2 Jun 1969-1 Oct 1986 VFA-15: 1 Oct 1986–present (inactive 31 May 2017 – present) |
VFA-15 | 31 May 2017 (Deactivated) |
Established as VA-67 but redesignated VA-15(2nd) before it departed on its first deployment with CVW-6 |
VA-82 | ![]() |
Marauders | A-7 | VA-82: 1 May 1967 – 13 Jul 1987 VFA-82: 13 Jul 1987–present (inactive 30 Sep 2005–present) (same sqdn listed in VFA section) |
VFA-82 | 30 September 2005 (Deactivated) |
Initially assigned to CVW-6 |
VA-87 | ![]() |
Golden Warriors | A-7 | VA-87: 1 Feb 1968 – 1 May 1986 VFA-87: 1 May 1986 – present |
VFA-87 | Not applicable, still exists | Initially assigned to CVW-16 |
VA-95 (Third use) |
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Green Lizards | A-6, KA-6 | VA-95(3rd): 1 Apr 1972 – 31 Oct 1995 | VA-95 (3rd) | 31 October 1995 | Adopted "Green Lizards" name from disestablished VA-95(2nd)). Initially assigned to CVW-15 |
VA-97 | ![]() |
Warhawks | A-7 | VA-97: 1 Jun 1967 – 24 Jan 1991 VFA-97: 24 Jan 1991–present |
VFA-97 | Not applicable, still exists | Initially assigned to CVW-14 |
VA-105 (1967-90) (Second use) |
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Gunslingers | A-7 | VA-105(2nd): 4 Mar 1968 – 17 Dec 1990 VFA-105: 17 Dec 1990–present |
VFA-105 | Not applicable, still exists | Initially assigned to CVW-11 |
VA-147 | ![]() |
Argonauts | A-7 | VA-147: 1 Feb 1967 – 20 Jul 1989 VFA-147: 20 Jul 1989–present |
VFA-147 | Not applicable, still exists | Initially assigned to CVW-2 |
VA-155 (Third use) |
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Silver Foxes | A-6, KA-6 | VA-155(3rd): 1 Sep 1987 – 30 Apr 1993 | VA-155 (3rd) | 30 April 1993 | Adopted "Silver Foxes" name from disestablished VA-155(2nd). Initially assigned to CVW-10(2nd) |
VA-174 (Second use) |
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Hell Razors | A-7 | VB-81: 1 Mar 1944-15 Nov 1946 VA-13A: 15 Nov 1946-2 Aug 1948 VA-134(1st): 2 Aug 1948-15 Feb 1950 VF-174: 15 Feb 1950-1 Jul 1966 VA-174(2nd): 1 Jul 1966 – 30 Jun 1988 |
VA-174 (2nd) | 30 June 1988 | VF-174 began operations as a F8U Crusader FRS in March 1958 and was reassigned from CVG-17(2nd) to RCVG-4 (without being redesignated). On 1 Jul 1966 it was redesignated a VA squadron and began operations as the first A-7 FRS |
VA-185 | ![]() |
Night Hawks | A-6, KA-6 | VA-185: 1 Dec 1986 – 30 Aug 1991 | VA-186 | 30 August 1991 | Assigned to CVW-5 from establishment to disestablishment |
VA-215 (Second use) |
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Barn Owls | A-7 | VA-215(2nd): 1 Mar 1968 – 30 Sep 1977 | VA-215 (2nd) | 30 September 1977 | Adopted "Barn Owls" name from disestablished VA-215(1st). Initially assigned to CVW-9 |
The U. S. Navy Reserve established two Reserve Carrier Air Wings designated CVWR-20 and CVWR-30 in 1970. It adopted the former system and designated the squadrons in accordance with Carrier Air Wing assignment. | |||||||
VA-203 | ![]() |
Blue Dolphins | A-4 A-7 |
VA-203: 1 Jul 1970 VFA-203: 1 Oct 1989 (inactive 30 Jun 2004 |
Deactivated 30 June 2004 | United States Navy Reserve Squadron. Established as part of Reserve Carrier Air Wing Twenty (CVWR-20) | |
VA-204 | ![]() |
River Rattlers | A-4 A-7 |
VA-204: 1 Jul 1970 VFA-204: 1 May 1991 |
still exists | United States Navy Reserve Squadron. Established as part of Reserve Carrier Air Wing Twenty (CVWR-20) | |
VA-205 | ![]() |
Green Falcons | A-4 A-7 A-6 |
VA-205: 1 Jul 1970 | 31 December 1994 | United States Navy Reserve Squadron. Established as part of Reserve Carrier Air Wing Twenty (CVWR-20) | |
VA-209 | ![]() |
unknown | A-4 | VA-209: 1 Jul 1970 | 15 August 1971 | United States Navy Reserve Squadron. Established as part of Reserve Carrier Air Wing Twenty (CVWR-20) | |
VA-210 | ![]() |
Black Hawks | A-4 | VA-210: 1 Jul 1970 | 30 June 1971 | United States Navy Reserve Squadron. Established as part of Reserve Carrier Air Wing Twenty (CVWR-20) | |
VA-303 | ![]() |
Golden Hawks | A-4 A-7 |
VA-303: 1 Jul 1970 VFA-303: 1 Jan 1984 |
31 December 1994 | United States Navy Reserve Squadron. Established as part of Reserve Carrier Air Wing THIRTY (CVWR-30) | |
VA-304 | ![]() |
Firebirds | A-4 A-7 A-6 |
1 Jul 1970 | 31 December 1994 | United States Navy Reserve Squadron. Established as part of Reserve Carrier Air Wing THIRTY (CVWR-30) | |
VA-305 | ![]() (1971) ![]() (1974) |
Hackers (1971) Lobos (1974) |
A-4 A-7 |
VA-305: 1 Jul 1970 VFA-305: 1 Jan 1987 |
31 December 1994 | United States Navy Reserve Squadron. Established as part of Reserve Carrier Air Wing THIRTY (CVWR-30) | |
U. S. Navy Reserve Squadrons called to active duty. There were many U.S. Navy Reserve squadrons from the end of WWII through the 1960s. | |||||||
VA-702 | ![]() |
Rustlers | TBM AD |
VA-702 (USNR): 1 Dec 1949 VA-145: 4 Feb 1953[69] |
VA-145 1 October 1993 | Activated on 20 Jul 1950 for the Korean War and assigned to CVG-101 (later redesignated to CVG-14), redesignated and permanently activated on 4 Feb 1953 | |
VA-728 | ![]() |
AM AD |
VA-71E (USNR): 1946 VA-58A (USNR): 1 Oct 1948 VC-722 (USNR): 1 Nov 1949 VA-728 (USNR): 1 Apr 1950 VA-155: 4 Feb 1953[69] |
VA-155 30 September 1977 | Activated on 1 Feb 1951 for the Korean War and assigned to CVG-15(3rd), redesignated and permanently activated on 4 Feb 1953 | ||
VA-776 | ![]() |
A-4 | VA-776 (USNR): 27 Jan 1968[69] | VA-776 18 October 1968 (Returned to reserve status) |
Dates listed are those of activation from and return to reserve status. The squadron was activated following the capture of USS Pueblo by North Korea[69] | ||
VA-831 | unknown | A-4 | VA-831 (USNR): 27 Jan 1968[69] | Returned to reserve status 18 October 1968 |
Establishment and disestablishment dates are not listed. The dates listed are those of activation from and return to reserve status. The squadron was activated following the capture of USS Pueblo by North Korea[69] | ||
VA-859 | ![]() |
unknown | AD | VA-859 (USNR): not listed VA-85: 4 Feb 1953[69] |
30 September 1994 | Establishment date not listed, activated on 1 Feb 1951 for the Korean War and assigned to CVG-8(2nd), redesignated and permanently activated on 4 Feb 1953 | |
VA-873 | unknown | A-4 | VA-873 (USNR): 27 Jan 1968[69] | Returned to reserve status 12 October 1968 | Establishment and disestablishment dates are not listed. The dates listed are those of activation from and return to reserve status. The squadron was activated following the capture of USS Pueblo by North Korea[69] | ||
VA-923 | ![]() |
Rough Riders | AM AD |
VA-55E (USNR): 1946 VA-923 (USNR): Jan 1950 VA-125: 4 Feb 1953[69] |
10 April 1958 | Activated on 20 Jul 1950 for the Korean War and assigned to CVG-102 (later redesignated to CVG-12(2nd)), redesignated and permanently activated on 4 Feb 1953.[k] |
VAK: Tactical Aerial Refueling squadrons
[edit]In 1979, two Naval Reserve VAQ squadrons that performed tanking as their primary mission received the new VAK designation, which was phased out when the squadrons were disestablished in 1989.[13]
Designation | Insignia | Nickname | Aircraft[70] | Establishment and Redesignation[9] | Disestablished | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
VAK-208 | ![]() |
Jockeys | KA-3B | VAQ-208: 31 Jul 1970 VAK-208: 1 Oct 1979 |
Disestablished 30 September 1989 | U. S. Navy Reserve Squadron. VAK designation created to reflect the actual mission of the squadron. |
VAK-308 | ![]() |
Griffins | KA-3B | VAQ-308: 2 May 1970 VAK-308: 1 Oct 1979 |
Disestablished 30 September 1989 | U. S. Navy Reserve Squadron. VAK designation created to reflect the actual mission of the squadron. |
VC: Fleet Composite squadrons and VC designations no longer in use
[edit]This third and last use of the VC designation was instituted in 1965 as a new designator for VU squadrons: utility units that usually operated more than one type of aircraft for a variety of missions such as aerial target support, missile range support, and fighter training as adversary aircraft.[15] Some VC designations have been used by multiple unrelated squadrons through the years.
The table below lists squadron designations that are no longer in use. Some belonged to disestablished squadrons, while others have been deactivated but still exist in an inactive status.
Designation | Insignia | Nickname | Aircraft[7] | Establishment and Redesignation[71] | Disestablished/ deactivated | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
VC-1 (third use) |
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Blue Alli | F-8 RC-45J VC-118 DP-2E US-2C A-4 UH-34J SH-3A,G CH-53E Target Drones |
VU-1 20 Jul 1955 VC-1: 1 Jul 1965 |
Disestablished 30 September 1992 | NAS Barbers Point Provided adversary servies for fleet and air combat maneuvering training. Also provided aerial target, aerial photographic, target drone and range services[48] |
VC-2 (third use) |
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Blue Falcons | F-8 US-2C A-4 |
VU-2: 8 Jan 1952 VC-2: 1 Jul 1965 |
Disestablished 30 September 1980 | NAS Oceana Provided adversary services for fleet and air combat maneuvering training[49] |
VC-3 (third use) |
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Iron Man | DP-2E US-2 DC-130 BQM-34 Firevbee BQM-74 Chukar Other Target Drones |
VU-3 Dec 1948 VC-3: 1 Jul 1965 |
Disestablished 1 October 1981 | NAS North Island Provided target drone services |
VC-4 (third use) |
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Dragon Layers | Vought F-8 Crusader | VJ-4: 15 Nov 1940 VU-4: 15 Nov 1946 VC-4: 1 Jul 1965 |
Disestablished 30 April 1971 | NAS Jacksonville |
VC-5 (third use) |
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Checkertails | A-4E TA-4J SH-3G CH-53E |
VU-5: 16 Aug 1950 VC-5: 1 Jul 1965 |
Disestablished 31 August 1992 | NAS Cubi Point |
VC-6 (third use) |
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Skeeters, Firebees |
RQ-2A Pioneer[72] BQM-74 Other surface and air target drones |
VU-6: 1 Mar 1952 VC-6: 1 Jul 1965[33] |
Deactivated 30 June 2008 |
NAS Norfolk Operated target drones (surface and air) and later operated the Pioneer UAV Originally nicknamed "Skeeters" but later adopted "Firebees" to honor VC-6(2nd) Firebees which flew the AJ savage and became VAH-6 Fleurs. |
VC-7 (third use) |
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Redtails | A-4 Skyhawk F-8 F-4 PhantomII |
VJ-1: 4 Dec 1942 VU-7: 1946 VC-7: 1 Jul 1965 |
Disestablished 30 September 1980 |
NAS Miramar Towed targets and provided adversary services for fleet and air combat maneuvering training |
VC-8 (third use) |
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Redtails | A-4 SH-3G |
GMSR-2: 1 Jul 1958 VU-8: 1 Jul 1960 VC-8: 1 Jul 1965[33] |
Deactivated 1 October 2003 | *GMSR: Guided Missile Service Squadron NS Roosevelt Roads |
VC-10 (second use) |
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Challengers | US-2C F-8 TA-4J EA-4F |
VJ-16: 1 Dec 1943 VU-10: 1945 VC-10: 1 Jul 1965 |
Disestablished 14 August 1993 | NAS Leeward Point Guantanamo Bay Provided adversary and aerial target services for Atlantic Fleet carrier battle group deployment work-ups. Also tasked with defense of the Guantanamo base. |
VC-12 (third use) |
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Fighting Omars | A-4 TA-4 |
VC-12: 1 Sep 1973 VFC-12: 22 Apr 1988[33] |
VFC-12 still active | United States Navy Reserve Squadron NAF Detroit, NAS Oceana Provided "aggressor" services for air to air combat training |
VC-13 (second use) |
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Saints | A-4 TA-4 |
VC-13: 1 Sep 1973 VFC-13: 22 Apr 1988[33] |
VFC-13 still active | United States Navy Reserve Squadron NAS New Orleans, NAS Miramar Provided "aggressor" services for air to air combat training |
VF: Fighter squadrons and VF designations no longer in use
[edit]VFP: Light Photographic Reconnaissance squadrons
[edit]In 1949, two new Photographic Reconnaissance squadrons were established as Composite Squadrons VC-61 and VC-62 (see the Disestablished and Deactivated Composite (VC) (second use of the designation) section). In 1956, VC-61 and VC-62 were redesignated Light Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron (VFP). In 1959, one VFP squadron was redesignated Photographic Composite Squadron (VCP); it reverted in 1961 to its previous VFP designation.[13]
Designation | Insignia | Nickname | Aircraft[7] | Establishment and Redesignation (if applicable) Dates[9] | Disestablished as | Disestablished Date | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
VFP-61 | ![]() |
Eyes Of The Fleet | F2H-2P F9F-2P,6P |
VC-61: 20 Jan 1949-2 Jul 1956 (same sqdn listed in VC section) VFP-61:2 Jul 1956-1 Jul 1959 VCP-63:1 Jul 1959-1 Jul 1961 (same sqdn listed in VCP section) VFP-63: 1 Jul 1961-30 Jun 1984 (same sqdn listed below)[7] |
VFP-63 Disestablished |
30 June 1984 | |
VFP-62 | Fighting Photos | F9F-6P, F9F-8P F8U-1P/RF-8A RF-8G |
VC-62: 3 Jan 1949-2 Jul 1956 (same sqdn listed in VC section) VFP-62: 2 Jul 1956 – 5 Jan 1968[7] |
VFP-62 Disestablished |
5 January 1968 | ||
VFP-63 | ![]() |
Eyes Of The Fleet | F8U-1P/RF-8A RF-8G |
VC-61: 20 Jan 1949-2 Jul 1956 (same sqdn listed in VC section) VFP-61:2 Jul 1956-1 Jul 1959 (same sqdn listed above) VCP-63:1 Jul 1959-1 Jul 1961 (same sqdn listed above) VFP-63: 1 Jul 1961 – 30 Jun 1984[7] |
VFP-63 Disestablished |
30 June 1984 | F-8 Fleet Replacement Squadron from 1982 to disestablishment |
VFP-206 | Hawkeyes | RF-8G | VFP-206: 1 Jun 1970 – 20 Mar 1987 | VFP-206 Disestablished |
20 March 1987 | U.S. Navy Reserve | |
VFP-306 | Photomasters | RF-8G | VFP-306: 1 Jun 1970 – 30 Sep 1984 | VFP-306 Disestablished |
30 September 1984 | U.S. Navy Reserve |
VS: Air Anti-Submarine and Sea Control squadrons
[edit]VS, which had been formally removed from the squadron designation system in 1946,[73][74] was resurrected in 1950, when VC squadrons that operated Anti-Submarine Aircraft were redesignated Air Anti-Submarine Squadrons (VS). In September 1993, the name of the VS designation was changed from "Air Anti-Submarine Squadron" to "Sea Control Squadron" to reflect the squadrons' S-3B Vikings' ability to fight surface ships as well as submarines.[15] The designation is no longer in active use but is still attached to 11 deactivated VS squadrons.
Designation | Insignia | Nickname | Aircraft[7] | Establishment and Redesignation{[8] | Disestablished/ Deactivated | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
VS-20 (1953-1956) (first use) |
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AF-2S,W S2F-1 |
VC-931: 1948 VS-931: 1 Aug 1950 VS-20: 4 Feb 1953 |
Disestablished 1 June 1956 | Established as VC-931 (USNR), redesigned VS-931 (USNR) then activated on 1 Mar 1951 | |
VS-20 (1961-1962) (second use) |
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S2F-1F | VS-20: 25 Aug 1961 | Disestablished 1 October 1962 | ||
VS-21 | ![]() |
Fighting Redtails | AF-2S,W S2F-1,1F/S-2F,E S-3A,B |
CVEG-41: 26 Mar 1945 CVEG-1: 15 Nov 1946 VC-21: 1 Sep 1948 VS-21: 23 Apr 1950[33] |
Deactivated 28 February 2005 | Escort Carrier Air Group-1 was redesignated as a single squadron designated VC-21 on 1 Sep 1948.[33] Renamed "Sea Control Squadron" in Sep 1993 |
VS-22 (1950-1956) (first use) |
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Checkmates | AF-2S,W | VT-42: 19 Jul 1945 VA-2E: 15 Nov 1946 VC-22: 1 Sep 1948 VS-22: 20 April 1950[9] |
Disestablished 1 June 1956 | |
VS-22 (1960-2009) (second use) |
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Checkmates | S2F-1/S-2F,E S-3A,B |
VS-22: 18 May 1960[33] | Deactivated 31 March 2009 | Adopted name and insignia from disestablished VS-22(1st). Renamed "Sea Control Squadron" in Sep 1993 |
VS-23 | ![]() |
Black Cats | S2F-1/S-2A,E | VA-3E: 21 Apr 1947 VC-23(2nd): 1 Sep 1948 VS-23: 23 Apr 1950[9] |
Disestablished 27 September 1968 | |
VS-24 (1950-1956) (first use) |
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Duty Cats | AF-2S,W S2F-1 |
VB-17: 1 Jan 1943 VA-5B: 15 Nov 1946 VA-64: 27 Jul 1948 VC-24 : 8 Apr 1949 VS-24 : 20 Apr 1950 [9] |
Disestablished 1 June 1956 | |
VS-24 (1960-2007) (second use) |
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Scouts | S2F-1/S-2A,F,D,E,G S-3A,B |
VS-24: 24 May 1960[33] | Deactivated 31 March 2007 | Adopted insignia from disestablished VS-24. Renamed "Sea Control Squadron" in Sep 1993 |
VS-25 (1950-1956) (first use) |
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Golden Eagles | AF-2S,W S2F-1 |
VC-25: 1 Apr 1949 VS-25: 20 Apr 1950 |
Disestablished 1 June 1956 | |
VS-25 (1960-1968) | ![]() |
Golden Eagles | S2F-1F/S-2F,E | VS-25: 1 Sep 1960 | Disestablished 27 September 1968 | Adopted name and insignia from first VS-25 |
VS-26 (1950-1956) (first use) |
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Ready Squadron | TBM-3E,W S2F-1 |
VS-26: 1 Sep 1950 | Disestablished 26 May 1956 | |
VS-26 (1960-1966) (second use) |
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Lucky Tigers | S2F-2F/S-2B,D | VS-26: 1 Jun 1960 | Disestablished 31 May 1966 | |
VS-27 (1950-1973) (first use) |
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Pelicans | TBM-3S,W AF-2S,W S2F-1,1F/S-2F,E,G |
VS-27: 15 Nov 1950 | Disestablished 30 June 1973 | |
VS-27 (1987-1994) (second use) |
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Sea Wolves | S-3A | VS-27: 22 Jan 1987 | Disestablished 30 September 1994 | First S-3A Squadron, East Coast FRS Renamed "Sea Control Squadron" in Sep 1993 |
VS-28 | ![]() |
Gamblers | S2F-1/S-2A,E S-3A,B |
VS-28: 1 Jun 1960 | Disestablished 1 October 1992 | |
VS-29 | ![]() |
Dragonfires | S2F-1/S-2A,F,E S-3A,B |
VS-29: 1 April 1960[33] | Deactivated 30 April 2004 | Renamed "Sea Control Squadron" in Sep 1993 |
VS-30 | ![]() |
Sea Tigers, Diamondcutters (1960) |
TBM-3E,W AF-2S,W S2F-1/S-2A,D,E,G S-3A,B |
VS-801: 9 Apr 1951 VS-30: 4 Feb 1953[33] |
Deactivated 20 April 2007 (official) Deactivation ceremony was 9 Dec 2005 |
VS-801 (USNR) activated on 9 Apr 1951. S-2 FRS Jun 1960-Apr 1976.[75] Renamed "Sea Control Squadron" in Sep 1993 |
VS-31 | ![]() |
Topcats | TBM-3S,W AF-2S,W S2F-1/S-2A,F,E,G S-3A,B |
VC-31: 28 Sep 1948 VS-31: 20 Apr 1950[33] |
Deactivated 31 March 2008 | Renamed "Sea Control Squadron" in Sep 1993 |
VS-32 | ![]() |
Maulers | TBM-3E,W S2F-1/S-2A,B,F,E S-3A,B |
VC-32: 31 May 1949 VS-32: 20 Apr 1950[33] |
Deactivated 30 September 2008 | Renamed "Sea Control Squadron" in Sep 1993 |
VS-33 | ![]() |
Screwbirds | S2F-1/S-2A,E,G S-3A,B |
VS-33: 1 Apr 1960[33] |
Deactivated 31 July 2006 | Renamed "Sea Control Squadron" in Sep 1993 |
VS-34 | ![]() |
Proud Tigers | S2F-1, S-2D,E | VS-34: 2 May 1960 | Disestablished 1 October 1968 | |
VS-35 (1961-1973) (first use) |
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Boomerangers | S2F-1,3/S-2D,E | VS-35: 3 Jan 1961 | Disestablished 30 June 1973 | |
VS-35 (1976-1977) (second use) |
None | VS-35: 1 Oct 1976 | Disestablished 30 March 1977 | Squadron was established in anticipation of the production of the S-3A Viking, but fiscal constraints prevented completion of the squadron stand up and it was disestablished after only six months. | ||
VS-35 (1987-1988) (third use) |
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Boomerangers | S-3A | VS-35: 3 Mar 1987 | Disestablished 1 June 1988 | Was established as part of the newly formed Carrier Air Wing 10 which was subsequently disestablished on 30 Sep 1988 due to fiscal constraints. |
VS-35 (1991-2005) (fourth use) |
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Blue Wolves | S-3A,B | VS-35: 4 Apr 1991[33] |
Deactivated 31 March 2005 | Renamed "Sea Control Squadron" in Sep 1993 |
VS-36 | ![]() |
Gray Wolves | TBM-3E,W AF-2S,W S2F-2, S-2D |
VS-831: 8 Feb 1951 VS-36: 4 Feb 1953 |
Disestablished 31 May 1966 | VS-831 (USNR) activated on 8 Feb 1951 |
VS-37 | ![]() |
Sawbucks | TBM-3E,W AF-2S,W S2F-1,1F, S-2D,E,G S-3A,B |
VS-871: 1 May 1951 VS-37: 8 July 1953 |
Disestablished 31 March 1995 | VA-76E (USNR) established in 1946, redesigned VC-871 (USNR) in 1948, redesigned VS-871 (USNR) in 1950 and activated on 1 May 1951 |
VS-38 | ![]() |
Red Griffins | TBM-3E,S S2F-1/S-2A,E,G S-3A,B |
VC-892: 20 Jul 1950 VS-892: 4 Aug 1950- VS-38: 4 Feb 1953[33] |
Deactivated 30 April 2004 | VC-892 (USNR) activated on 20 Jul 1950, redesigned VS-892 (USNR). Renamed "Sea Control Squadron" in Sep 1993 |
VS-39 | ![]() |
Hoot Owls | TBM-3S,W AF-2S,W S2F-1/S-3A,D,E |
VS-913: 1 Feb 1951
VS-39: 4 Feb 1953 |
Disestablished 30 September 1968 | VS-913 (USNR) activated on 1 Feb 1951 |
VS-41 | ![]() |
Shamrocks | S2F-1F/S-2F,D,E S-3A,B |
30 June 1960[33] |
Deactivated 30 September 2006 | FRS. Renamed "Sea Control Squadron" in Sep 1993 |
VS-42 | ![]() |
S2F-1F | 25 Aug 1961 | Disestablished 1 October 1962 | ||
VS-71 | ![]() |
S-2E | 1 Jul 1970 | Disestablished 1 January 1975 | United States Navy Reserve Squadrons. Established as part of CVSGR-70 | |
VS-72 | ![]() |
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VS-73 | ![]() |
Blue Bandits | ||||
VS-81 | ![]() |
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VS-82 | ![]() |
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VS-83 | ![]() |
VXE and VXN: Antarctic Development (VXE) and Oceanographic Development (VXN) squadrons
[edit]The VXE and VXN designations were created in 1969 for two specialized VX squadrons that were supporting Antarctic and oceanographic research. The VXN designation was discontinued in 1993 with the disestablishment of VXN-8. No active squadron has carried the VXE designation since 1999, though it continues to designate the inactive VXE-6.
Designation | Insignia | Nickname | Aircraft[7] | Establishment and Redesignation Dates | Disestablished/ Deactivated | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
VXE-6 | ![]() |
Puckered Penguins | Lockheed LC-130 Bell UH-1 |
Redesignation of VX-6 on 1 January 1969 inactive from 27 March 1999–present |
Deactivated 27 March 1999 | Supported Antarctic scientific research |
VXN-8 | ![]() |
World Travelers[76] | NC-121J,K Lockheed RP-3A |
AEWTULANT became OASU*: 1 Jul 1965 OASU: 1 Jul 1965-1 Jul 1967 VX-8: 1 Jul 1967-1 Jan 1969 VXN-8: 1 January 1969[77][78] |
Disestablished 1993 | *(Oceanographic Air Survey Unit) Project Magnet & oceanographic research with Project Seascan and Project Birdseye. Also operated psychological operations radio and TV broadcast aircraft (Blue Eagle aircraft) during the Vietnam War.[76] |
Designations still in use
[edit]VAQ: Tactical Electronics Warfare squadrons and Electronic Attack squadrons
[edit]By the late 1950s, Carrier Airborne Early Warning (VAW) squadrons, which used radar to detect airborne threats, had also begun developing electronic countermeasures equipment and procedures. Two squadrons (VAW-13 and VAW-33) were equipped for this purpose and provided specialized aircraft detachments to deploying carrier air groups. In 1968, those two squadrons were renamed "Tactical Electronics Warfare Squadron" to more accurately describe their role and differentiate them from the other VAW squadrons;[9] just a few months later, they received the new VAQ designation.[13]
Also receiving the new designation were some VAH squadrons whose KA-3 tankers had been fitted with electronic countermeasures equipment. (See the VAH section.)
On 30 March 1998, the name of the designation was changed to "Electronic Attack Squadron"[33] and all VAQ squadrons then in existence were renamed from "Tactical Electronics Warfare Squadron-____" to "Electronic Attack Squadron-____".
Designation | Insignia | Nickname | Aircraft[7] | Establishment and re-designation dates | Disestablished/ deactivated | Disestablished/ deactivated Date | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
VAW-33 | ![]() |
Nighthawks | Douglas AD-5W/EA-1E AD-5Q/EA-1F Grumman TF-1Q/EC-1A[79] |
redesignation of VA(AW)-33: 30 January 1959 Redesingated as VAQ-33 1 February 1968[9] |
VAQ-33 disestablished | 1 October 1993 | Though the squadron carried the VAW designation it was an electronics countermeasures (ECM) squadron providing AD-5Q/EA-1F detachments to carrier air groups. From 1961 to 1966 it provided both AD-5Q/EA-1F ECM and AD-5W/EA-1E airborne early warning detachments.[25] |
VAQ-33 | ![]() ![]() (1970) |
Nighthawks, Firebirds (1970) |
EA-1F ERA-3B TA-3B KA-3B TA-4F EA-4F EA-4J EC-121K NC-121K McDonnell Douglas F-4B Phantom II EF-4B EF-4J]] Grumman EA-6A LTV TA-7C Lockheed P-3A Orion EP-3A P-3B EP-3J]][25] |
VC-33(2nd): 31 May 1949-2 Jul 1956 VA(AW)-33: 2 Jul 1956-30 Jan 1959 VAW-33: 30 Jan 1959-1 Feb 1968 VAQ-33: 1 Feb 1968 – 1 Oct 1993[9] |
VAQ-33 Disestablished |
1 October 1993 | Provided Electronic Countermeasures (ECM) detachments of EA-1F aircraft to Carrier Air Wings until 1970 when its mission changed to simulation of electronic threats for Atlantic Fleet training ("Electronic Aggressor"). Operated as the A-3 variants Fleet Replacement Squadron from 1977 to 1991 when the A-3 was retired. Disestablished when the Electronic Aggressor role was transferred to the Navy Reserve in 1993. |
VAQ-34 | ![]() ![]() |
Electric Horsemen | RA-3B ERA-3B KA-3B TA-7C EA-7L McDonnell Douglas F/A-18A Hornet |
VAQ-34: 1 Mar 1983 – 5 Oct 1993 | VAQ-34 Disestablished |
5 October 1993 | Provided simulation of electronic threats for Pacific Fleet training ("Electronic Aggressor"). Disestablished when the Electronic Aggressor role was transferred to the Navy Reserve in 1993. |
VAQ-35 | ![]() |
Greywolves | EA-6B | VAQ-35: 14 Aug 1991 – 7 Oct 1993 | VAQ-35 Disestablished |
7 October 1993 | Established as the second Pacific Fleet "Electronic Aggressor" squadron using personnel and aircraft of disestablished VAQ-142(1st). Though not officially established until October 1991, it had begun operations in June 1991. Disestablished when the Electronic Aggressor role was transferred to the Navy Reserve in 1993. |
VAQ-128 | ![]() |
Fighting Phoenix | EA-6B | VAQ-128: 1 Oct 1997-3 Sep 2004[80] | VAQ-128 Deactivated |
3 September 2004 | Established as a land based squadron to replace the capacity lost when the USAF retired the EF-111. Squadron was supplemented with a few USAF aircrews. |
VAQ-133 (First use) |
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Wizards | EKA-3B EA-6B |
VAQ-133(1st): 4 Mar 1969-June 1992 | VAQ-133(1st) Disestablished |
June 1992 | A second squadron designated VAQ-133 also called the Wizards was established 1 Apr 1996. That second VAQ-133 is still active.[80] |
VAQ-137 (First use) |
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Rooks | EA-6B | VAQ-137(1st): 14 Dec 1973 – 26 May 1994 | VAQ-137(1st) Disestablished |
26 May 1994 | A second squadron designated VAQ-137 also called the Rooks was established 1 Oct 1996. That second VAQ-137 is still active.[80] |
VAQ-142 (First use) |
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Grim Watchdogs | EA-6B | VAQ-142(1st): 1 Jun 1988-Mar 1991 | VAQ-142(1st) Disestablished |
March 1991 | Personnel and aircraft were used to establish VAQ-35 upon disestablishment. A second squadron designated VAQ-142 called the Gray Wolves was established 1 Apr 1997. That second VAQ-142 is still active.[80] |
VAQ-143 | ![]() |
Cobras | EA-6B (planned) |
VAQ-143: 1 Aug 2002 – 12 Nov 2009[80] | VAQ-143 Deactivated |
12 November 2009 | Officially established but funding was never provided and shortage of aircraft made it impossible to effectively activate the squadron (was not officially deactivated until 12 November 2009).[80] |
VAQ-208 | ![]() |
Jockeys | KA-3B[81] | VAQ-208: 31 Jul 1970 – 1 Oct 1979 VAK-208: 1 Oct 1979-30 Sep 1989 (same sqdn listed in VAK section)[9] |
VAK-208 Disestablished |
30 September 1989 | U. S. Navy Reserve Squadron. Though designated VAQ, the squadron was established to provide tanking and COD services[81] and did not operate as a tactical electronic warfare squadron. |
VAQ-308 | ![]() |
Griffins | KA-3B[81] | VAQ-308: 2 May 1970 – 1 Oct 1979 VAK-308: 1 Oct 1979-30 Sep 1988 (same sqdn listed in VAK section)[9] |
VAK-308 Disestablished |
30 September 1988 | U. S. Navy Reserve Squadron. Though designated VAQ, the squadron was established to provide tanking and COD services[81] and did not operate as a tactical electronic warfare squadron. |
VAQ-309 | ![]() |
Axemen | EA-6A EA-6B |
VAQ-309: 1 Feb 1979 – 31 Dec 1994 | VAQ-309 Disestablished |
31 December 1994 | U. S. Navy Reserve Squadron |
VAW: Carrier Airborne Early Warning squadrons
[edit]The VAW designation was first used in July 1948 with the establishment of VAW-1 and VAW-2 to designate "Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron".[9] It was in use for only a month as in August 1948 VAW-1 and VAW-2 were redesignated "Composite Squadron" VC-11 and VC-12. In 1948 the VAW designation was resurrected when VC-11 and VC-12 were redesignated VAW-11 and VAW-12.[9] In 1967, VAW-11 and VAW-12 which were large land based squadrons that provided detachments of Airborne Early Warning aircraft to deploying carrier air wings were redesignated as wings and each of their detachments were established as separate squadrons.[82] Established from VAW-11 were RVAW-110 (a FRS), VAW-111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116 and established from VAW-12 were RVAW-120 (a FRS), VAW-121, 122, 123, 124. For a short time in 1968 the VAW designation designated "Tactical Electronics Warfare squadron" as well as "Airborne Early Warning squadron"[9] when VAW-13 and VAW-33 which had been operating as electronic countermeasures squadrons were retitled as such until they were redesignated with the new VAQ designation later that year (see the VAQ section).
In 2019 the name of the designation was changed to "Airborne Command and Control Squadron" and all VAW squadrons then in existence were renamed from "Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron-____" to "Airborne Command and Control Squadron-____".
Note: The parenthetical (First use), (Second use) and (1st), (2nd) appended to some designations in the table below are not a part of the squadron designation system. They are added to indicate that the designation was used more than once during the history of U.S. Naval Aviation and which use of the designation is indicated. Absence indicates that the designation was used only once.
Designation | Insignia | Nickname | Aircraft[7] | Establishment and Redesignation (if applicable) Dates | Disestablished/ Deactivated as (or current designation) | Disestablished/ Deactivated Date | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
VAW-1 | ![]() |
TBM-3W | VAW-1: 6 Jul 1948 – 1 Sep 1948 VC-11(2nd): 1 Sep 1948-2 Jul 1956 (same sqdn listed in VC section) VAW-11: 2 Jul 1956-20 Apr 1967[7] |
VAW-11 Was redesignated a wing and subordinate dets were established as squadrons[82] |
20 April 1967 | ||
VAW-2 | ![]() |
Bats | TBM-3W | VAW-2: 6 Jul 1948 – 1 Sep 1948 VC-12(2nd): 1 Sep 1948-2 Jul 1956 (same sqdn listed in VC section) VAW-12: 2 Jul 1956-1 Apr 1967[7] |
VAW-12 Was redesignated a wing and subordinate dets were established as squadrons[82] |
1 April 1967 | |
VAW-11 | ![]() |
Early Elevens | AD-5W AD-5Q F2H-4 SNB TF-1Q[83] E-1B E-2A |
VAW-1: 6 Jul 1948-1 Sep 1948 VC-11(2nd): 1 Sep 1948-2 Jul 1956 (same sqdn listed in VC section) VAW-11: 2 Jul 1956 – 20 Apr 1967[7] |
VAW-11 Was redesignated a wing and subordinate dets were established as squadrons[82] |
20 April 1967 | Land based squadron, provided detachments of Airborne Early Warning (AEW) AD-5W aircraft and Electronic Countermeasures (ECM) AD-5Q aircraft to deploying Carrier Air Groups until 1961 when its ECM AD-5Qs were transferred to VAW-13. From 1961 onward it provided only AEW detachments.[83] |
VAW-12 | ![]() |
Bats | AD-5W E-1B E-2A |
VAW-2: 6 Jul 1948-1 Sep 1948 VC-12(2nd): 1 Sep 1948-2 Jul 1956 (same sqdn listed in VC section) VAW-12: 2 Jul 1956 – 1 Apr 1967[7] |
VAW-12 Was redesignated a wing and subordinate dets were established as squadrons[82] |
1 April 1967 | Land based squadron, provided detachments of Airborne Early Warning Aircraft to deploying Carrier Air Groups (Carrier Air Wings after 1963) |
VAW-13 | ![]() |
Zappers | AD-5W AD-5Q/EA-1F TF-1Q/EC-1A EKA-3B[83] |
VAW-13: 1 Sep 1959 – 1 Oct 1968 VAQ-130:1 Oct 1968–present[33] |
VAQ-130 | Not Applicable still exists | Though the squadron carried the VAW designation it provided both AD-5W airborne early warning (AEW) and AD-5Q electronic countermeasures (ECM) detachments to carrier air groups until 1961 when its AEW AD-5Ws were transferred to VAW-11. From 1961 onward it provided only ECM detachments.[83] |
VAW-33 | ![]() |
Nighthawks | AD-5W/EA-1E AD-5Q/EA-1F TF-1Q/EC-1A[79] |
VC-33(2nd): 31 May 1949-2 Jul 1956 (same sqdn listed in VC section) VA(AW)-33: 2 Jul 1956-30 Jan 1959 (same sqdn listed in VA section) VAW-33: 30 Jan 1959 – 1 Feb 1968 VAQ-33: 1 Feb 1968-1 Oct 1993[9] (same sqdn listed in VAQ section) |
VAQ-33 Disestablished |
1 October 1993 | Though the squadron carried the VAW designation it was an electronics countermeasures (ECM) squadron providing AD-5Q/EA-1F detachments to carrier air groups. From 1961 to 1966 it provided both AD-5Q/EA-1F ECM and AD-5W/EA-1E airborne early warning detachments.[25] |
VAW-77 | ![]() |
Night Wolves | E-2C | VAW-77: 1 Oct 1995–present[33] (inactive 9 Mar 2013–present) |
VAW-77 Deactivated |
9 March 2013 | U S Navy Reserve Squadron Established specifically to support the USCG and other Federal Agencies in interdicting illegal drug trafficking |
VAW-78 | ![]() |
Fighting Escargots | E-1B E-2B, E-2C |
VAW-78: 1 Jul 1970–present[33] (inactive 31 Mar 2005–present) |
VAW-78 Deactivated |
31 March 2005 | U S Navy Reserve Squadron Established as a squadron of CVSGR-70. Moved to CVWR-20 upon VAW-207's disestablishment |
VAW-88 | ![]() |
Cotton Pickers | E-1B E-2B, E-2C |
VAW-88: 1 Jun 1970 – 31 Dec 1994 | VAW-88 Disestablished |
31 December 1994 | U S Navy Reserve Squadron Established as a squadron of CVSGR-80. Moved to CVWR-30 upon VAW-307's disestablishment |
RVAW-110 | ![]() |
Firebirds | E-1B E-2A, E-2B, E-2C |
RVAW-110: 20 Apr 1967 – 1 May 1983 VAW-110: 1 May 1983 – 1 Sep 1994 |
VAW-110 Disestablished |
1 September 1994 | RVAW-110 established from VAW-11 as a Fleet Replacement Squadron upon VAW-11's redesignation as a wing |
VAW-110 | ![]() |
Firebirds | E-2C | RVAW-110: 20 Apr 1967-May 1983 VAW-110: May 1983-1 Sep 1994 |
VAW-110 Disestablished |
1 September 1994 | The "R" was dropped from the RVAW designation to conform with all other Navy FRS designations |
VAW-111 (First use) |
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Hunters (1967) Grey Berets (1974) |
E-1B | VAW-111(1st): 20 Apr 1967 – 1 Jun 1977[7][84] | VAW-111(1st) Disestablished |
1 June 1977 | Established from a VAW-11 detachment |
VAW-111 (Second use) |
Grey Berets | E-2B | VAW-111(2nd): 1 Oct 1986 – 30 Apr 1988[7][84] | VAW-111(2nd) Disestablished |
30 April 1988 | Adopted "Grey Berets" name from the disestablished VAW-111(1st) | |
VAW-112 | ![]() |
Golden Hawks | E-2A, E-2B, E-2C | VAW-112: 20 Apr 1967–present[33] (inactive 31 May 2017 – present) |
VAW-112 Deactivated |
31 May 2017 | Established from a VAW-11 detachment |
VAW-114 | ![]() |
Hormel Hawgs | E-2A, E-2C | VAW-114: 20 Apr 1967 – 16 Feb 1995 | VAW-114 Disestablished |
16 February 1995 | Established from a VAW-11 detachment |
VAW-122 | ![]() |
Hummer Gators, Steeljaws |
E-2A, E-2B, E-2C | VAW-122: 1 Apr 1976 – 31 Mar 1996 | VAW-122 Disestablished |
31 March 1996 | Established from a VAW-12 detachment |
VAW-127 | ![]() |
Seabats | E-2C | VAW-127: 2 Sep 1983 – 30 Sep 1991 | VAW-127 Disestablished |
30 September 1991 | |
VAW-207 | ![]() |
E-1B | VAW-207: 1 Jul 1970 – 1 Sep 1974[85] | VAW-207 Disestablished |
1 September 1974 | U S Navy Reserve Squadron Established as a squadron of CVWR-20 | |
VAW-307 | ![]() |
E-1B | VAW-307: Jul 1970-Sep 1974[86] | VAW-307 Disestablished |
September 1974 | U S Navy Reserve Squadron Established as a squadron of CVWR-30 |
VFA: Fighter Attack and Strike Fighter squadrons
[edit]The VFA designation was created in 1980 when the VA squadrons flying the LTV A-7E Corsair II attack aircraft began transitioning to the new McDonnell Douglas F/A-18A Hornet fighter attack aircraft. The designation combined the "F" fighter and "A" attack designations from the VF and VA designations to create the new "Fighter Attack (VFA) Squadron" designation. In 1983 the VFA designation was renamed from "Fighter Attack Squadron" to "Strike Fighter Squadron"[13] and all then existing VFA squadrons were renamed from "Fighter Attack Squadron-____" to "Strike Fighter Squadron-_____".
Designation | Insignia | Nickname | Aircraft[87] | Establishment and Redesignation (if applicable) Dates[9] | Disestablished / Deactivated | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
VFA-15 | ![]() |
Valions | F/A-18A F/A-18C |
established as VA-67 1 Aug 1968 redesignated VA-15 2 Jun 1969 redesignated VFA-15 1 Oct 1986 |
Deactivated 31 May 2017 | |
VFA-82 | ![]() |
Marauders | F/A-18C | established as VA-82: 1 May 1967 redesignated VFA-82: 13 Jul 1987 |
Deactivated 30 September 2005 | |
VFA-101 | ![]() |
Grim Reapers | F-35C | established VF-101: 1 May 1952 inactive 30 Sep 2005 redesignated VFA-101: 1 May 2012 |
Deactivated 1 July 2019 | Second "Grim Reaper" squadron Fleet Replacement Squadron based at Eglin Air Force Base with the USAF 33rd Fighter Wing which is the USAF F-35A training wing. VF-101 was first deactivated on 30 Sep 2005 as an F-14 FRS and reactivated[80] and redesignated VFA-101 as a F-35C FRS on 1 May 2012. Was deactivated a second time (as an F-35C FRS) on 1 July 2019 |
VFA-127 | ![]() |
Cyclones | T-38B QT-38A F-5E/F F/A-18A |
VA-127: 15 Jun 1962 redesignated VFA-127: 1 Mar 1987 |
Disestablished 23 March 1996 | Adversary squadron to support air combat maneuver training |
VFA-132 | ![]() |
Privateers | F/A-18A | established 3 Jan 1984 | Disestablished 1 June 1992 | |
VFA-161 | ![]() |
Chargers | F/A-18A | established as VF-161: 1 Sep 1960.,
redesignated VFA-161 1 Jun 1986 |
Disestablished 1 April 1988 | |
VFA-201 | ![]() |
Hunters | F/A-18A | VF-201: 25 Jul 1970 redesignated VFA-201 1 Jan 1999[33] |
Deactivated 30 June 2007 | U S Navy Reserve Squadron |
VFA-203 | ![]() |
Blue Dolphins | F/A-18A | established as VA-203 1 Jul 1970 redesignated VFA-203 1 Oct 1989[33] |
Deactivated 30 June 2004 | U S Navy Reserve Squadron |
VFA-303 | ![]() |
Golden Hawks | F/A-18A | established as VA-303 1 Jul 1970 redesignated VFA-303: 1 Jan 1984 |
Disestablished 31 December 1994 | U S Navy Reserve Squadron |
VFA-305 | ![]() |
Lobos | F/A-18A | VA-305 established 1 Jul 1970 redesignated VFA-305: 1 Jan 1987 |
Disestablished 31 December 1994 | U S Navy Reserve Squadron |
VP: Patrol squadrons and VP Designations no longer in use. Also VA(HM), VPB, VB
[edit]Squadron Designation | Insignia | Nickname | Aircraft | Disestablished | Notes | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
VP-1 | Curtiss N-9 | July 1922 | ||||
VP-1 (1924-6) | Felixstowe F5L | 3 May 1926 | ||||
VP-1 (1937-9) | redesignated VP-21 on 1 July 1939 | |||||
VP-1 (1940) | redesignated VP-101 on 3 December 1940 | |||||
VP-1 (1943-4) | redesignated VPB-1 on 1 October 1944 | |||||
VP-1B | redesignated VP-1F on 15 April 1933 | |||||
VP-1D14 | redesignated VP-1B on 1 July 1931 | |||||
VP-1F | redesignated VP-1 on 1 October 1937 | |||||
VP-2 | redesignated VP-31 on 1 July 1939 | |||||
VP-2 (1948-69) | Lockheed SP-2H Neptune | 30 September 1969 | ||||
VP-2D15 | redesignated VP-2S on 1 July 1931 | |||||
VP-2F | redesignated VP-2 on 1 October 1937 | |||||
VP-2S | redesignated VP-2F on 17 July 1933 | |||||
VP-3 | redesignated VP-32 on 1 July 1939 | |||||
VP-3 (1948-55) | Lockheed P2V-5 | 1 November 1955 | ||||
VP-3F | redesignated VP-3 on 1 October 1937 | |||||
VP-3S | redesignated VP-3F on 17 July 1933 | |||||
VP-4-1 | ![]() |
Tophatters | Not Applicable. Still exists as VFA-14 | Established in Sep 1919 as Air Detachment Pacific Fleet, redesignated VT-5 1920, redesignated VP-4-1 1921, redesignated VF-4 1921, redesignated VF-1 1922, redesignated VF-1B 1927 redesignated VB-2B 1934, redesignated VB-3 1937, redesignated VB-4 1939, redesignated VS-41 1941, redesignated VB-41 1943, redesignated VB-4 1943, redesignated VA-1A 1946 , redesignated VA-14 1948 redesignated VF-14 on 1949 redesignated VFA-14 on 1 Dec 2001.[31] This is the oldest continuously operating squadron in the U.S. Navy. | ||
VP-4 | redesignated VP-22 on 1 July 1939 | |||||
VP-4B | redesignated VP-4F on 17 July 1933 | |||||
VP-4D14 | redesignated VP-4B on 21 January 1931 | |||||
VP-4F | redesignated VP-4 on 1 October 1937 | |||||
VP-6 (1924-6) | F5L | 3 May 1926 | ||||
VP-6 (1937-9) | redesignated VP-23 on 1 July 1939 | |||||
VP-6 (1948-93) | ![]() |
Blue Sharks | Lockheed P-3 Orion | 31 May 1993 | NAS Barbers Point | |
VP-6B | redesignated VP-6F on 17 July 1933 | |||||
VP-6F | redesignated VP-6 on 1 October 1937 | |||||
VP-7 | redesignated VP-11 on 1 July 1939 | |||||
VP-7 (1948-69) | Dragon Patrol Black Falcons |
SP-2H | 8 October 1969 | |||
VP-7B | redesignated VP-7F on 1 July 1931 | |||||
VP-7F | redesignated VP-7 on 1 October 1937 | |||||
VP-8 | redesignated VP-24 on 1 July 1939 | |||||
VP-8F | redesignated VP-8 on 1 October 1937 | |||||
VP-8S | redesignated VP-8F on 3 April 1933 | |||||
VP-9 | redesignated VP-12 on 1 July 1939 | |||||
VP-9B | redesignated VP-9F on 26 October 1931 | |||||
VP-9F | redesignated VP-9 on 1 October 1937 | |||||
VP-9S | redesignated VP-9B on 1 October 1930 | |||||
VP-10 | redesignated VP-2D15 on 21 September 1927 | |||||
VP-10 (1937-9) | redesignated VP-25 on 1 July 1939 | |||||
VP-10F | redesignated VP-10 on 1 October 1937 | |||||
VP-10S | redesignated VP-10F on 17 July 1933 | |||||
VP-11 | redesignated VP-54 on 1 October 1937 | |||||
VP-11 (1939-41) | redesignated VP-21 on 1 February 1941 | |||||
VP-11 (1941-4) | redesignated VPB-11 on 1 October 1944 | |||||
VP-11 (1952-97) | ![]() |
Proud Pegasus | P-3 | 15 January 1997 | ||
VP-11F | redesignated VP-11 on 1 October 1937 | |||||
VP-12 (1937-9) | redesignated VP-51 on 1 July 1939 | |||||
VP-12 (1939-41) | redesignated VP-24 on 1 August 1941 | |||||
VP-12 (1941-4) | redesignated VPB-120 on 1 October 1944 | |||||
VP-12F | redesignated VP-12 on 1 October 1937 | |||||
VP-13 | redesignated VP-26 on 11 December 1939 | |||||
VP-13 (1940-4) | redesignated VPB-13 on 1 October 1944 | |||||
VP-14 | redesignated VP-1D14 on 21 September 1927 | |||||
VP-14 (1937-9) | redesignated VP-52 on 1 July 1939 | |||||
VP-14 (1940-1) | redesignated VP-26 on 15 April 1941 | |||||
VP-14 (1941-4) | redesignated VPB-14 on 1 October 1944 | |||||
VP-14F | redesignated VP-14 on 4 September 1937 | |||||
VP-15 | redesignated VP-53 on 1 July 1939 | |||||
VP-15 (1943-4) | redesignated VPB-15 on 1 October 1944 | |||||
VP-15F | redesignated VP-15 on 1 October 1937 | |||||
VP-16 | redesignated VP-41 on 1 July 1939 | |||||
VP-16 (1943-4) | redesignated VPB-16 on 1 October 1944 | |||||
VP-16F | redesignated VP-16 on 1 October 1937 | |||||
VP-17 (1944) | redesignated VPB-17 on 1 October 1944 | |||||
VP-17 (1953-6) | redesignated VA(HM)-10 on 1 July 1956 | |||||
VP-17 (1959-95) | ![]() |
White Lightnings | P-3 | 31 March 1995 | NAS Barbers Point | |
VP-18 (1937-9) | redesignated VP-13 on 1 July 1939 | |||||
VP-18 (1944) | redesignated VPB-18 on 1 October 1944 | |||||
VP-18 (1953-68) | ![]() |
Flying Phantoms | P-2 | 10 October 1968 | ||
VP-19 | redesignated VP-43 on 1 July 1939 | |||||
VP-19 (1944) | redesignated VPB-19 on 1 October 1944 | |||||
VP-19 (1946) | redesignated VP-MS-9 on 15 November 1946 | |||||
VP-19 (1953-91) | ![]() |
Big Red | P-3 | 31 August 1991 | NAS Moffett Field | |
VP-20 | redesignated VP-44 on 1 July 1940 | |||||
VP-20 (1944) | redesignated VPB-20 on 1 October 1944 | |||||
VP-20 (1948-9) | PB4Y-2 | 31 March 1949 | ||||
VP-21 | redesignated VP-45 on 1 July 1939 | |||||
VP-21 (1939-40) | redesignated VP-1 on 30 July 1940 | |||||
VP-21 (1941-2) | PBY-5 | 18 April 1942 | merged with VP-101 and VP-22 | |||
VP-21 (1944) | redesignated VPB-21 on 1 October 1944 | |||||
VP-21 (1946) | redesignated VP-MS-11 on 15 November 1946 | |||||
VP-21 (1948-69) | Black Jacks | P-2 | 21 November 1969 | NAS Brunswick | ||
VP-22 | PBY-5 | 18 April 1942 | merged with VP-101 on 18 April 1942 | |||
VP-22 (1944) | redesignated VPB-22 on 1 October 1944 | |||||
VP-22 (1946) | redesignated VP-MS-2 on 15 November 1946 | |||||
VP-22 (1948-94) | ![]() |
Blue Geese | P-3 | 31 March 1994 | NAS Barbers Point | |
VP-23 | redesignated VP-11 on 1 August 1941 | |||||
VP-23 (1941-4) | redesignated VPB-23 on 1 October 1944 | |||||
VP-23 (1946-95) | ![]() |
Sea Hawks | P-3 | 28 February 1995 | NAS Brunswick | |
VP-24 | redesignated VP-12 on 1 August 1941 | |||||
VP-24 (1941-4) | redesignated VPB-24 on 1 October 1944 | |||||
VP-24 (1948-56) | redesignated as VA-HM-13 on 1 July 1956 | |||||
VP-24 (1959-95) | ![]() |
Batmen | P-3 | 30 April 1995 | NAS Jacksonville | |
VP-25 | redesignated VP-23 on 1 August 1941 | |||||
VP-25 (1944) | redesignated VPB-25 on 1 October 1944 | |||||
VP-25 (1946) | PBM-3D2 | 28 June 1946 | ||||
VP-25 (1948-50) | Bulldogs | PB4Y-2B | 1 January 1950 | |||
VP-26 | redesignated VP-102 on 16 December 1940 | |||||
VP-26 (1941) | redesignated VP-14 on 1 July 1941 | |||||
VP-26 (1944) | redesignated VPB-26 on 1 October 1944 | |||||
VP-26 (1946) | PBM-5 | 14 December 1946 | ||||
VP-27 | PB4Y-2 | 11 January 1950 | ||||
VP-28 | redesignated VPB-28 on 1 October 1944 | |||||
VP-28 (1946) | redesignated VP-MS-3 on 15 November 1946 | |||||
VP-28 (1948-69) | Hawaiian Warriors | P-3A | 1 October 1969 | |||
VP-29 | PB4Y-2 | 18 January 1950 | ||||
VP-29 (1952-55) | P2V-7 | 1 November 1955 | ||||
VP-31 | redesignated VB-105 on 15 May 1943 | |||||
VP-31 (1960-93) | ![]() |
Black Lightnings/Genies | P-3 | 1 November 1993 | NAS Moffett Field West Coast FRS | |
VP-32 | redesignated VP-52 on 1 July 1941 | |||||
VP-32 (1948-9) | PBY-6A | 6 June 1949 | ||||
VP-33 | redesignated VPB-33 on 1 October 1944 | |||||
VP-33 (1948-9) | PBM-5A | 15 December 1949 | ||||
VP-34 | redesignated VPB-34 on 1 October 1944 | |||||
VP-34 (1948-56) | PBM-5S | 30 June 1956 | ||||
VP-40 | PBM-5E | 25 January 1950 | ||||
VP-41 | redesignated VB-136 on 1 March 1943 | |||||
VP-41 (1948-9) | PBM-3D | 23 April 1949 | ||||
VP-42 | SP-2H | 26 September 1969 | ||||
VP-43 | redesignated VP-81 on 1 July 1941 | |||||
VP-43 (1941-4) | redesignated VPB-43 on 1 October 1944 | |||||
VP-43 (1948-9) | PBM-3D | 31 March 1949 | ||||
VP-44 (1940-1) | redesignated VP-61 on 6 January 1941 | |||||
VP-44 (1941-4) | redesignated VPB-44 on 1 October 1944 | |||||
VP-44 (1948-50) | PBM | 20 January 1950 | NAS Norfolk | |||
VP-44 (1951-91) | ![]() |
Golden Pelicans | P-3 | 28 June 1991 | NAS Brunswick | |
VP-45 | redesignated VP-14 on 1 December 1939 | |||||
VP-45 (1943-4) | redesignated VPB-45 on 1 October 1944 | |||||
VP-48 | PBM-5 | 31 December 1949 | ||||
VP-48 (1946-91) | ![]() |
Boomers | P-3 | 23 May 1991 | NAS Moffett Field | |
VP-49 | ![]() |
Woodpeckers | P-3 | 1 March 1994 | NAS Jacksonville | |
VP-50 | ![]() |
Blue Dragons | P-3 | 30 June 1992 | NAS Moffett Field | |
VP-51 | redesignated VP-71 on 1 July 1941 | |||||
VP-51 (1941-3) | redesignated VB-101 on 1 March 1943 | |||||
VP-51 (1948-50) | PB4Y-2 | 1 February 1950 | ||||
VP-52 | redesignated VP-72 on 1 July 1941 | |||||
VP-52 (1941-4) | redesignated VPB-52 on 1 October 1944 | |||||
VP-53 | redesignated VP-73 on 1 July 1941 | |||||
VP-53 (1942-4) | redesignated VPB-53 on 1 October 1944 | |||||
VP-53 (1946) | redesignated VP-AM-1 on 15 November 1946 | |||||
VP-54 | redesignated VP-51 on 1 July 1941 | |||||
VP-54 (1942-4) | redesignated VPB-54 on 1 October 1944 | |||||
VP-55 | redesignated VP-74 on 1 July 1941 | |||||
VP-56 | redesignated OTS on 1 July 1941 | |||||
VP-56 (1953-91) | ![]() |
Dragons | P-3 | 28 June 1991 | NAS Jacksonville | |
VP-60 | ![]() |
Cobras | P-3 | 1 September 1994 | USNR | |
VP-61 | redesignated VP-82 on 1 July 1941 | |||||
VP-61 (1942-4) | redesignated VPB-61 on 1 October 1944 | |||||
VP-61 (1948-50) | SNB-2P | 17 January 1950 | ||||
VP-61 (1951-2) | redesignated VJ-61 on 5 March 1952 | |||||
VP-62 | PBY-5A | 1 July 1943 | ||||
VP-62 (1943-4) | redesignated VPB-62 on 1 October 1944 | |||||
VP-62 (1946) | redesignated VP-AM-2 on 15 November 1946 | |||||
VP-62 (1948-50) | PB4Y-1P | 30 January 1950 | ||||
VP-63 | redesignated VPB-63 on 1 October 1944 | |||||
VP-67 | ![]() |
Golden Hawks | P-3 | 30 September 1994 | USNR | |
VP-68 | ![]() |
Blackhawks | P-3 | 16 January 1997 | USNR | |
VP-71 | redesignated VPB-71 on 1 October 1944 | |||||
VP-71 (1946) | redesignated VP-AM-3 on 15 November 1946 | |||||
VP-72 | redesignated VPB-122 on 1 October 1944 | |||||
VP-73 | redesignated VPB-73 on 1 October 1944 | |||||
VP-73 (1946) | redesignated VP-AM-4 on 15 November 1946 | |||||
VP-74 | redesignated VPB-74 on 1 October 1944 | |||||
VP-74 (1946) | redesignated VP-MS-10 on 15 November 1946 | |||||
VP-81 | redesignated VPB-121 on 1 October 1944 | |||||
VP-82 | redesignated VB-125 on 1 March 1943 | |||||
VP-83 | redesignated VB-107 on 15 May 1943 | |||||
VP-84 | redesignated VPB-84 on 1 October 1944 | |||||
VP-90 | ![]() |
Lions | P-3 | 30 September 1994 | USNR | |
VP-91 | redesignated VPB-91 on 1 October 1944 | |||||
VP-92 | redesignated VPB-92 on 1 October 1944 | |||||
VP-93 | ![]() |
Executioners | P-3 | 30 September 1994 | USNR | |
VP-94 | redesignated VPB-94 on 1 October 1944 | |||||
VP-100 | redesignated VPB-100 on 1 October 1944 | |||||
VP-101 | redesignated VPB-29 on 1 October 1944 | |||||
VP-102 | ![]() |
Unknown | PBY | 18 April 1942 | ||
VP-102 (1943-4) | redesignated VPB-4 on 1 October 1944 | |||||
VP-102 (1946) | redesignated VP-HL-2 on 15 November 1946 | |||||
VP-104 | redesignated as VP-HL-4 on 15 November 1946, | |||||
VP-106 | Wolverators | PB4Y-2 | 5 October 1946 | |||
VP-107 | redesignated VP-HL-7 on 15 November 1946 | |||||
VP-108 | redesignated VP-HL-8 on 15 November 1946 | |||||
VP-111 | redesignated VP-HL-11 on 15 November 1946 | |||||
VP-115 | redesignated VP-HL-13 on 15 November 1946 | |||||
VP-116 | redesignated VP-HL-1 on 15 November 1946 | |||||
VP-119 | redesignated VP-HL-9 on 15 November 1946 | |||||
VP-120 | redesignated VP-HL-10 on 15 November 1946 | |||||
VP-122 | redesignated VP-HL-12 on 15 November 1946 | |||||
VP-123 | PB4Y-2 | 1 October 1946 | ||||
VP-124 | redesignated VP-HL-3 on 15 November 1946 | |||||
VP-130 | redesignated VP-ML-2 on 15 November 1946 | |||||
VP-131 | PV-2 | 11 June 1946 | ||||
VP-133 | PV-2 | 17 June 1946 | ||||
VP-136 | redesignated VP-ML-3 on 15 November 1946 | |||||
VP-142 | PV-2 | 14 June 1946 | ||||
VP-143 | redesignated VP-HL-5 on 15 November 1946 | |||||
VP-146 | redesignated VP-ML-6 on 15 November 1946 | |||||
VP-148 | PV-2 | 15 June 1946 | ||||
VP-152 | PV-2 | 14 June 1946 | ||||
VP-153 | PV-2 | 14 June 1946 | ||||
VP-202 | redesignated VPB-202 on 1 October 1944 | |||||
VP-203 | redesignated VPB-203 on 1 October 1944 | |||||
VP-204 (1942-4) | redesignated VPB-204 on 1 October 1944 | |||||
VP-204 (1946) | redesignated VP-MS-4 on 15 November 1946 | |||||
VP-206 | redesignated VPB-206 on 1 October 1944 | |||||
VP-207 | redesignated VPB-207 on 1 October 1944 | |||||
VP-208 | redesignated VPB-208 on 1 October 1944 | |||||
VP-208 (1946) | redesignated VP-MS-8 on 15 November 1946 | |||||
VP-209 | redesignated VPB-209 on 1 October 1944 | |||||
VP-210 | redesignated VPB-210 on 1 October 1944 | |||||
VP-211 | redesignated VPB-211 on 1 October 1944 | |||||
VP-212 | redesignated VPB-212 on 1 October 1944 | |||||
VP-213 | redesignated VPB-213 on 1 October 1944 | |||||
VP-214 | redesignated VPB-214 on 1 October 1944 | |||||
VP-215 | redesignated VPB-215 on 1 October 1944 | |||||
VP-216 | redesignated VPB-216 on 1 October 1944 | |||||
VP-661 | redesignated VP-56 on 4 February 1953 | |||||
VP-731 | redesignated VP-48 on 4 February 1953 | |||||
VP-772 | redesignated VP-17 on 4 February 1953 | |||||
VP-812 | redesignated VP-29 on 27 August 1952 | |||||
VP-861 | redesignated VP-18 on 4 February 1953 | |||||
VP-871 | redesignated VP-19 on 4 February 1953 | |||||
VP-892 | redesignated VP-50 on 4 February 1953 | |||||
VP-900 | redesignated VP-ML-71 on 15 November 1946 | |||||
VP-905 | redesignated VP-ML-55 on 15 November 1946 | |||||
VP-907 | redesignated VP-ML-57 on 15 November 1946 | |||||
VP-911 | redesignated VP-ML-61 on 15 November 1946 | |||||
VP-914 | redesignated VP-ML-64 on 15 November 1946 | |||||
VP-916 | redesignated VP-ML-66 on 15 November 1946 | |||||
VP-917 | redesignated VP-ML-67 on 15 November 1946 | |||||
VPB-1 | PB2Y-3 | 6 March 1945 | ||||
VPB-4 | PB2Y-3R | 1 November 1945 | ||||
VPB-11 | PBY-5 | 20 June 1945 | ||||
VPB-13 | PB2Y-5 | 1 December 1945 | ||||
VPB-14 | redesignated VPB-197 on 2 December 1944 | |||||
VPB-15 | PB2Y-5 | 23 November 1945 | ||||
VPB-16 | PBM-3D | 30 June 1945 | ||||
VPB-17 | PBM-3D | 30 January 1946 | ||||
VPB-18 | ![]() |
Unknown | PBM | 23 November 1945 | ||
VPB-19 | redesignated VP-19 on 15 May 1946 | |||||
VPB-20 | PBM-5 | 4 February 1946 | ||||
VPB-21 | redesignated VP-21 on 15 May 1946 | |||||
VPB-22 | redesignated VP-22 on 15 May 1946 | |||||
VPB-23 | PBY-5A | 25 January 1946 | ||||
VPB-24 | PBY-5A | 30 June 1945 | ||||
VPB-25 | redesignated VP-25 on 15 May 1946 | |||||
VPB-26 | redesignated VP-26 on 15 May 1946 | |||||
VPB-28 | redesignated VP-28 on 25 June 1946 | |||||
VPB-29 | PBY-5 | 20 June 1945 | ||||
VPB-33 | PBY-5A | 7 April 1945 | ||||
VPB-34 | PBY-5 | 7 April 1945 | ||||
VPB-43 | PBY-5A | 15 September 1945 | ||||
VPB-44 | PBY-5A | 20 June 1945 | ||||
VPB-45 | PBY-5A | 5 June 1945 | ||||
VPB-52 | PBY-5 | 7 April 1945 | ||||
VPB-53 | redesignated VP-53 on 15 May 1946 | |||||
VPB-54 | PBY-5A | 7 April 1945 | ||||
VPB-61 | PBY-5A | 15 September 1945 | ||||
VPB-62 | redesignated VP-62 on 15 May 1946 | |||||
VPB-63 | ![]() |
Madcats | PBY-5 | 2 July 1945 | ||
VPB-71 | redesignated VP-71 on 15 May 1946 | |||||
VPB-73 | redesignated VP-73 on 15 May 1946 | |||||
VPB-74 | redesignated VP-74 on 15 May 1946 | |||||
VPB-84 | PBY-5 | 28 June 1945 | ||||
VPB-91 | PBM-3S | 2 April 1946 | ||||
VPB-92 | PBY-5A | 28 May 1945 | ||||
VPB-94 | PBY-5A | 22 December 1944 | ||||
VPB-98 | PBM-5D | 1 April 1946 | ||||
VPB-99 | PBM-5D | 15 January 1946 | ||||
VPB-100 | PV-2 | 15 December 1945 | ||||
VPB-101 | redesignated VX-4 on 15 May 1946 | |||||
VPB-102 | redesignated VP-102 on 15 May 1946 | |||||
VPB-103 | PB4Y-2 | 31 August 1945 | ||||
VPB-104 | redesignated as VP-104 on 15 May 1946 | |||||
VPB-105 | PB4Y-1 | 27 June 1945 | ||||
VPB-106 | redesignated VP-106 on 15 May 1946 | |||||
VPB-107 | redesignated VP-107 on 15 May 1946 | |||||
VPB-108 | redesignated VP-108 on 15 May 1946 | |||||
VPB-109 | PB4Y-2 | 12 October 1945 | ||||
VPB-110 | PB4Y-1 | 1 September 1945 | ||||
VPB-111 | redesignated VP-111 on 15 May 1946 | |||||
VPB-112 | PB4Y-2 | 1 September 1945 | ||||
VPB-113 | PB4Y-1 | 28 May 1945 | ||||
VPB-115 | redesignated VP-115 on 15 May 1946 | |||||
VPB-116 | redesignated VP-116 on 15 May 1946 | |||||
VPB-117 | PB4Y-2 | 15 November 1945 | ||||
VPB-118 | PB4Y-2 | 11 December 1945 | ||||
VPB-119 | redesignated VP-119 on 15 May 1946 | |||||
VPB-120 | redesignated VP-120 on 15 May 1946 | |||||
VPB-121 | PB4Y-2 | 1 June 1946 | ||||
VPB-122 | redesignated VP-122 on 15 May 1946 | |||||
VPB-123 | redesignated VP-123 on 15 May 1946 | |||||
VPB-124 | redesignated VP-124 on 15 May 1946 | |||||
VPB-125 | PV-1 | 8 June 1945 | ||||
VPB-126 | PV-1 | 27 June 1945 | ||||
VPB-127 | PV-1 | 10 July 1945 | ||||
VPB-129 | PV-1 | 4 June 1945 | ||||
VPB-130 | redesignated VP-130 on 15 May 1946 | |||||
VPB-131 | redesignated VP-131 on 15 May 1946 | |||||
VPB-132 | PV-1 | 30 May 1945 | ||||
VPB-133 | redesignated VP-133 on 15 May 1946 | |||||
VPB-134 | PV-1 | 25 April 1945 | ||||
VPB-136 | redesignated VP-136 on 15 May 1946 | |||||
VPB-137 | PV-1 | 20 July 1945 | ||||
VPB-138 | redesignated VPB-124 on 15 December 1944 | |||||
VPB-139 | Vee-Bees | PV-2 | 13 September 1945 | |||
VPB-140 | redesignated VPB-123 on 20 November 1944 | |||||
VPB-141 | PV-2 | 16 June 1945 | ||||
VPB-142 | redesignated VP-142 on 15 May 1946 | |||||
VPB-143 | redesignated VP-143 on 15 May 1946 | |||||
VPB-145 | PV-1 | 18 June 1945 | ||||
VPB-146 | redesignated as VP-146 on 15 May 1946 | |||||
VPB-147 | PV-2 | 2 July 1945 | ||||
VPB-148 | redesignated VP-148 on 15 May 1946 | |||||
VPB-149 | PV-1 | 6 September 1945 | ||||
VPB-150 | Devilfish P-Viators | PV-2 | 20 July 1945 | |||
VPB-151 | PV-1 | 30 June 1945 | ||||
VPB-152 | redesignated VP-152 on 15 May 1946 | |||||
VPB-153 | redesignated VP-153 on 15 May 1946 | |||||
VPB-197 | PB4Y-1 | 1 April 1946 | ||||
VPB-198 | PV-2 | 1 April 1946 | ||||
VPB-199 | PV-2 | 2 November 1945 | ||||
VPB-200 | 24 October 1945 | |||||
VPB-202 | Leeman's Demons | PBM-3D | 20 June 1945 | |||
VPB-203 | PBM-3S | 30 June 1945 | ||||
VPB-204 | redesignated VP-204 on 15 May 1946 | |||||
VPB-206 | PBM-3S | 4 June 1945 | ||||
VPB-207 | PBM-3S | 26 June 1945 | ||||
VPB-208 | redesignated VP-208 on 15 May 1946 | |||||
VPB-209 | PBM-3S | 20 June 1945 | ||||
VPB-210 | PBM-3S | 10 July 1945 | ||||
VPB-211 | PBM-3S | 14 June 1945 | ||||
VPB-212 | PBM-5E | 15 May 1946 | ||||
VPB-213 | PBM-3S | 10 July 1945 | ||||
VPB-214 | PBM-3S | 21 June 1945 | ||||
VPB-215 | PBM-3S | 28 May 1945 | ||||
VPB-216 | PBM-3D | 7 April 1945 | ||||
VA(HM)-10 | redesignated VP-17 on 1 July 1959 | |||||
VA-HM-13 | redesignated VP-24 on 1 July 1959 | |||||
VP-AM-1 | PBY-6A | 5 May 1948 | ||||
VP-AM-2 | redesignated VP-32 on 1 September 1948 | |||||
VP-AM-3 | redesignated VP-33 on 1 September 1948 | |||||
VP-AM-4 | redesignated VP-34 on 1 September 1948 | |||||
VP-AM-5 | PBY-5A | 31 December 1947 | ||||
VP-HL-1 | PB4Y-2 | 22 May 1947 | ||||
VP-HL-2 | redesignated VP-22 on 1 September 1948 | |||||
VP-HL-3 | PB4Y-2 | 22 May 1947 | ||||
VP-HL-4 | redesignated VP-24 on 1 September 1948 | |||||
VP-HL-5 | PB4Y-2 | 27 May 1947 | ||||
VP-HL-7 | redesignated VP-27 on 1 September 1948 | |||||
VP-HL-8 | redesignated VP-28 on 1 September 1948 | |||||
VP-HL-9 | redesignated VP-ML-7 on 25 June 1947 | |||||
VP-HL-10 | redesignated VP-20 on 1 September 1948 | |||||
VP-HL-11 | redesignated VP-21 on 1 September 1948 | |||||
VP-HL-12 | redesignated VP-29 on 1 September 1948 | |||||
VP-HL-13 | redesignated VP-25 on 1 September 1948 | |||||
VP-MAU | Rolling Thunder | P-3 | 17 August 1991 | USNR | ||
VP-ML-2 | redesignated VP-2 on 1 September 1948 | |||||
VP-ML-3 | redesignated VP-3 on 1 September 1948 | |||||
VP-ML-6 | redesignated VP-6 on 1 September 1948 | |||||
VP-ML-7 | redesignated VP-7 on 1 September 1948 | |||||
VP-ML-55 | redesignated VP-731 in February 1950 | |||||
VP-ML-57 | redesignated VP-871 in February 1950 | |||||
VP-ML-61 | redesignated VP-812 in February 1950 | |||||
VP-ML-64 | redesignated VP-861 in February 1950 | |||||
VP-ML-66 | redesignated VP-772 in February 1950 | |||||
VP-ML-67 | redesignated VP-892 in February 1950 | |||||
VP-ML-71 | redesignated VP-661 in February 1950 | |||||
VP-MS-2 | redesignated VP-42 on 1 September 1948 | |||||
VP-MS-3 | redesignated VP-43 on 1 September 1948 | |||||
VP-MS-4 | redesignated VP-44 on 1 September 1948 | |||||
VP-MS-8 | redesignated VP-48 on 1 September 1948 | |||||
VP-MS-9 | redesignated VP-49 on 1 September 1948 | |||||
VP-MS-10 | redesignated VP-40 on 1 September 1948 | |||||
VP-MS-11 | redesignated VP-41 on 1 September 1948 | |||||
VPW-1 | redesignated VP-51 on 1 September 1948 | |||||
VB-101 | redesignated VPB-101 on 1 October 1944 | |||||
VB-102 | redesignated VPB-102 on 1 October 1944 | |||||
VB-103 | redesignated VPB-103 on 1 October 1944 | |||||
VB-104 | redesignated VPB-104 on 1 October 1944 | |||||
VB-105 | redesignated VPB-105 on 1 October 1944 | |||||
VB-106 | redesignated VPB-106 on 1 October 1944 | |||||
VB-107 | redesignated VPB-107 on 1 October 1944 | |||||
VB-108 | redesignated VPB-108 on 1 October 1944 | |||||
VB-109 | redesignated VPB-109 on 1 October 1944 | |||||
VB-110 | redesignated VPB-110 on 1 October 1944 | |||||
VB-111 | redesignated VPB-111 on 1 October 1944 | |||||
VB-112 | redesignated VPB-112 on 1 October 1944 | |||||
VB-113 | redesignated VPB-113 on 1 October 1944 | |||||
VB-115 | redesignated VPB-115 on 1 October 1944 | |||||
VB-116 | redesignated VPB-116 on 1 October 1944 | |||||
VB-117 | redesignated VPB-117 on 1 October 1944 | |||||
VB-118 | redesignated VPB-118 on 1 October 1944 | |||||
VB-119 | redesignated VPB-119 on 1 October 1944 | |||||
VB-125 | redesignated VPB-125 on 1 October 1944 | |||||
VB-126 | redesignated VPB-126 on 1 October 1944 | |||||
VB-127 | redesignated VPB-127 on 1 October 1944 | |||||
VB-129 | redesignated VPB-129 on 1 October 1944 | |||||
VB-130 | redesignated VPB-130 on 1 October 1944 | |||||
VB-131 | redesignated VPB-131 on 1 October 1944 | |||||
VB-132 | redesignated VPB-132 on 1 October 1944 | |||||
VB-133 | redesignated VPB-133 on 1 October 1944 | |||||
VB-134 | redesignated VPB-134 on 1 October 1944 | |||||
VB-136 | redesignated VPB-136 on 1 October 1944 | |||||
VB-137 | redesignated VPB-137 on 1 October 1944 | |||||
VB-138 | redesignated VPB-138 on 1 October 1944 | |||||
VB-139 | redesignated VPB-139 on 1 October 1944 | |||||
VB-140 | redesignated VPB-140 on 1 October 1944 | |||||
VB-141 | redesignated VPB-141 on 1 October 1944 | |||||
VB-142 | redesignated VPB-142 on 1 October 1944 | |||||
VB-143 | redesignated VPB-143 on 1 October 1944 | |||||
VB-145 | redesignated VPB-145 on 1 October 1944 | |||||
VB-146 | redesignated VPB-146 on 1 October 1944 | |||||
VB-147 | redesignated VPB-147 on 1 October 1944 | |||||
VB-148 | redesignated VPB-148 on 1 October 1944 | |||||
VB-149 | redesignated VPB-149 on 1 October 1944 | |||||
VB-150 | redesignated VPB-150 on 1 October 1944 | |||||
VB-151 | redesignated VPB-151 on 1 October 1944 | |||||
VB-152 | redesignated VPB-152 on 1 October 1944 | |||||
VB-153 | redesignated VPB-153 on 1 October 1944 | |||||
VB-198 | redesignated VPB-198 on 1 October 1944 | |||||
VB-200 | redesignated VPB-200 on 1 October 1944 |
VP and VPU: Patrol squadrons
[edit]Squadron Designation | Insignia | Nickname | Aircraft | Deactivated | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
VP-64 | ![]() |
Condors | Lockheed P-3 Orion | N/A, still exists as VR-64 | USNR Established 1 November 1970, redesignated VR-64 on 18 September 2004. NAS Willow Grove |
VP-65 | ![]() |
Tridents | 31 March 2006 | USNR Established 16 November 1970. NAS Point Mugu | |
VP-66 | ![]() |
Liberty Bells | 31 March 2006 | USNR Established 1 November 1970. NAS Willow Grove | |
VP-91 (1970-99) | ![]() |
Black Cats | 31 March 1999 | USNR Established 1 November 1970. NAS Moffett Field | |
VP-92 (1970-2007) | ![]() |
Minutemen | 30 November 2007 | USNR Established 1 November 1970. NAS Brunswick | |
VP-94 (1970-2006) | Crawfishers | 31 March 2006 | USNR Established 1 November 1970. NAS New Orleans | ||
VPU-1 | Old Buzzards | 27 April 2012 | Established 1 July 1982 as "Patrol Squadron Special Project Unit ONE (VPU-1)", redesignated "Special Projects Patrol Squadron ONE (VPU-1)" 1 April 1998. |
VQ: Fleet Air Reconnaissance squadrons
[edit]In 1961 the VQ designation which from 1955 had designated "Electronic Countermeasures Squadron" through 1960 was changed to "Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron" as the squadrons rather than simply jamming communications and electronic signals had by then been equipped to collect them for intelligence purposes.[13]
Designation | Insignia | Nickname | Aircraft[7] | Establishment[80] | Deactivated | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
VQ-2 | ![]() |
Rangers | Martin P4M-1Q Lockheed P2V A3D-1Q A3D-2Q/EA-3B Lockheed WV-2Q/EC-121M EP-3E |
Established 1 September 1955 |
Deactivated 22 May 2012 | Operated land based Comint/Elint gathering aircraft and provided detachments of EA-3Bs to carrier air wings |
VQ-5 | ![]() |
Sea Shadows | ES-3A | Established 15 April 1991 |
Deactivated 30 July 1999 |
Provided Comint/Elint dets to Carrier Air Wings after VQ-1 and VQ-2 ceased operating the carrier based EA-3B |
VQ-6 | ![]() |
Black Ravens | ES-3A | Established 5 August 1991 |
Deactivated 30 September 1999 | Provided Comint/Elint dets to Carrier Air Wings after VQ-1 and VQ-2 ceased operating the carrier based EA-3B |
VQ-11 | ![]() |
Bandits | EP-3J | Established 1 July 1997 |
Deactivated 31 March 2000 | U S Navy Reserve Squadron. Simulated hostile radar and communications jamming for fleet training |
VR and VRC: Fleet Logistics Support Squadrons
[edit]The VR designation was first used in 1948 to designate Transport or Air Transport or Fleet Logistics Air squadrons. In 1958 the name of the designation was changed to Fleet Tactical Support squadron and in 1976 it was again changed to Fleet Logistics Support squadrons as it remains today.
Squadron Designation | Insignia | Nickname | Aircraft | Deactivated | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
VR-46 | ![]() |
Eagles | McDonnell Douglas C-9 | Summer 2012 | USNR NAS JRB Fort Worth |
VR-48 | ![]() |
Capital Skyliners | C-20G | USNR Joint Base Andrews | |
VR-52 | ![]() |
Taskmasters | McDonnell Douglas C-9 | Summer 2012 | USNR Joint Base McGuire, Dix, Lakehurst |
In 1960 the VRC designation was created to designate squadrons which operated logistics aircraft capable of landing on and taking off from aircraft carriers - Carrier Onboard Delivery. The designation name was the same as the VR designation of the time or Fleet Tactical Support squadron. In 1976 the designation was changed to Fleet Logistics Support squadron along with the change in name of the VR designation.
Squadron Designation | Insignia | Nickname | Aircraft | Disestablished | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
VRC-50 | ![]() |
Foo-Dogs | Lockheed US-3 Viking Grumman C-2 Greyhound Lockheed C-130 Hercules |
7 October 1994 |
VT: Training squadrons
[edit]The VT designation was variously used from 1920 to designate squadrons armed with torpedos until 1946 when all remaining VT squadrons were redesignated Attack (VA) squadrons. On 1 May 1960 the VT designation was resurrected and existing flying training units were designated "Training Squadrons (VT)".[13] From 1947 to 1960 training units were not designated as squadrons, they were "units" or "groups" called Basic Training Groups (BTG), Advanced Training Units (ATU), Jet Transition Training Units (JTTU) or Multi Engine Training Groups (METG).[citation needed]
Designation | Insignia | Nickname | Aircraft[7] | Establishment and Redesignation (if applicable) Dates | Disestablished/deactivated | Notes | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Transition Training Squadron Atlantic | |||||||
VT-1 | ![]() |
Eaglets | Beechcraft T-34 Mentor | BTG-1: redesignated VT-1 on 1 May 1960 VT-1: 1 May 1960 – 1 Oct 1976[89] |
VT-1 disestablished October 1976 | Training Air Wing SEVEN, NAS Saufley Field. Primary training squadron | |
VT-5 | ![]() |
Tigers | North American T-28 Trojan Beechcraft T-34 Mentor 1974 |
BTG-5: redesignated VT-5 on 1 May 1960 VT-5: 1 May 1960 – 1 Oct 1976[89] |
VT-5 Disestablished 1 October 1976 | Training Air Wing SEVEN, NAS Saufley Field. Carrier Qualification training squadron until 1974, then a primary training squadron | |
VT-9 (first training squadron use) |
![]() |
Tigers | T2J-1/T-2A 1961 North American T-2 Buckeye 1969 |
VT-9(1st): 15 Dec 1961-Jul 1987 | VT-9 Disestablished July 1987 | Training Air Wing ONE, NAS Meridian. Jet training squadron | |
VT-19 | ![]() |
Fighting Frogs | T-2C | VT-19: 2 Aug 1971 – 1 Oct 1998 VT-9(2nd): 1 Oct 1998–present. |
still in existence | Training Air Wing ONE, NAS Meridian. Jet training squadron | |
VT-23 | ![]() |
Professionals | F11F-1/F-11A 1958 TF-9J 1965 TA-4J 1970 T-2C 1972 T-45C 1997 |
ATU-222: 11 Nov 1958-1 May 1960 VT-23: 1 May 1960 – present (Inactive 30 Sep 1999–present) |
VT-23 Deactivated 30 September 1999 | Training Air Wing TWO, NAS Kingsville. Reassigned to Training Air Wing ONE, NAS Meridian in 1994.[90] Jet training squadron | |
VT-24 | ![]() |
Bobcats | F9F-8T/TF-9J 1954 TA-4J 1972 |
ATU-203: 1 Jul 1954-1 May 1960 VT-24: 1 May 1960 – 18 Sep 1992[91] |
VT-24 Disestablished 18 September 1992 | Training Air Wing THREE, NAS Chase Field. Jet training squadron | |
VT-25 | ![]() |
Cougars | F9F-8T/TF-9J Cougar 1954 TA-4J 1972 |
ATU-204: 1 Jul 1954-1955 ATU-213: 1955-1 May 1960 VT-25: 1 May 1960.[91] |
VT-25 Disestablished 18 September 1992 | Training Air Wing THREE, NAS Chase Field. Jet training squadron | |
VT-26 | ![]() |
Tigers | F11F-1/F-11A 1960 TF-9J 1967 T-2C 1971 |
ATU-223: 1 Mar 1960-1 May 1960 VT-26: 1 May 1960[92] |
VT-26 Disestablished 22 May 1992 | Training Air Wing THREE, NAS Chase Field. Jet training squadron | |
VT-29 | ![]() |
R4D-8T/TC-117D T-29 |
ATU-501: redesignated VT-29 on 1 May 1960[93] 1 May 1960[94] |
VT-29 Disestablished 31 December 1976[95] | NAS Corpus Christi. Land Based multi-engine aircraft navigator training squadron | ||
VT-30 | ![]() |
AD/A-1H T-28 |
ATU-301: redesignated VT-30 on 1 May 1960[93] 1 May 1960 |
VT-30 Disestablished Mid 1960s[96] | NAS Corpus Christi. |
VX: Experimental and Development squadrons
[edit]The VX designation first appeared in 1927 to designate "Experimental Squadron" and was used until 1943. It was used again beginning in 1946 when four "Experimental and Development" squadrons were established to develop and evaluate new equipment and methods.[97] From 1946 to 1968 the designation was variously "Experimental and Development" squadron, "Operational Development" squadron, "Air Operational Development" squadron and "Air Development" squadron. In 1969 the designation changed to "Air Test and Evaluation" squadron and it remains as such today.[13]
Designation | Insignia | Nickname | Aircraft[7] | Establishment and redesignation |
Disestablished/ Deactivated | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
VX-2 | Pilotless aircraft and guided missiles | 15 Mar 1946 | Disestablished January 1958[98] | Established in 1946 to test and evaluate pilotless aircraft, guided missiles and general electronics. Also provided drone support to gunnery projects and the atomic bomb test program[97] | ||
VX-3 | Sikorsky HNS-1 Sikorsky HOS-1 Sikorsky HO3S-1 Bell HTL-1 Piasecki HRP-1 Receiver[99] |
1 July 1946 | VX-3 1 April 1948 | "Helicopter Development Squadron" Aircraft and personnel used to establish the first two U. S. Navy operational helicopter squadrons (HU-1 and HU-2)[100] | ||
VX-3 |
![]() |
Vought F6U Pirate North American AJ Savage Grumman F9F Cougar Vought F8U Crusader |
20 Nov 1948 | Disestablished 1 March 1960[101] | Squadron was formed by merging VF-1L and VA-1L. Test and evaluation of high performance jet aircraft. Used tailcode XC then JC from 1957[100] | |
VX-4 (first use) |
Boeing PB-1W[97] PO-1W/WV-1[53] |
[27] VP-11F: 1 Jul 1936 VP-11: 1 Oct 1937 VP-54: 1 Jul 1939 VP-51: 1 Jul 1941 VB-101: 1 Mar 1943 VPB-101: 1 Oct 1944 VX-4: 15 May 1946 VW-2: 18 Jun 1952 |
VW-2 Disestablished 1 Jul 1961 |
In 1945 VPB-101 was assigned to support the development of airborne radar and procedures for early warning. In 1946 the squadron was redesignated as a development squadron to continue the task of development and evaluation of airborne early warning equipment and procedures.[53] | ||
VX-4 (second use) |
Evaluators | Vought F7U Cutlass F3D/F-10 Skyknight North American FJ Fury A4D/A-4 F-3H/F-3 F8U/F-8 Crusader McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II Grumman F-14 Tomcat F/A-18 Hornet |
15 Sep 1952 | VX-4 (2nd) Disestablished 30 September 1994 |
Established at NAS Point Mugu to conduct operational testing of airborne systems and weapons and develop all weather fighter tactics and employment of air launched guided missiles.[102] VX-4(2nd) and VX-5 were "consolidated" into a single squadron designated VX-9 by reassigning VX-4 aircraft and personnel to VX-5 then redesignating VX-5 to VX-9 | |
VX-5 | ![]() |
Vampires | AD/A-1 North American A2J North American FJ-4 Fury A4D/A-4 F4H/F-4 A-6 A-7 AH-1 C-1 EA-6B F-18 AV-8B[103] |
VX-5: 18 Jun 1951[103] VX-9: Sep 1994–present |
VX-9 still active | Established at NAWS China Lake to develop day and night tactics for delivery of conventional and special weapons from carrier based aircraft.[104] VX-4(2nd) and VX-5 were "consolidated" into a single squadron designated VX-9 by reassigning VX-4 aircraft and personnel to VX-5 then redesignating VX-5 to VX-9 |
VX-6 | ![]() |
Puckered Penguins | Lockheed P2V Neptune R7D LC-117 LC-130 Sikorsky HO4S Sikorsky HUS-1L/LH-34D |
VX-6: 17 Jan 1955 VXE-6: 1 Jan 1969 |
VXE-6 Deactivated 27 March 1999 |
Supported Antarctic scientific research |
VX-8 | Blue Eagles | NC-121J,K | AEWTULANT became Oceanographic Air Survey Unit (OASU): 1 Jul 1965 VX-8: 1 Jul 1967[77][78] VXN-8: 1 Jan 1969 |
VXN-8 Disestablished 1993 |
Supported oceanographic research. Also operated airborne psychological operations radio and TV broadcast platforms during the Vietnam War[citation needed] |
Helicopter squadrons
[edit]See: List of inactive United States Navy helicopter squadrons.
Blimp Patrol Squadrons (ZP)
[edit]Squadron Name | Insignia | Nickname | Aircraft | Date disestablished | Based in |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
ZP-12 | 1947 | NAS Lakehurst, NJ | |||
ZP-15 | 1947 | NAS Glynco, Georgia | |||
ZP-14 | 1947 | NAS Lakehurst, NJ | |||
ZP-15 | 1947 | NAS Weeksville, NC | |||
ZP-11 | 1947 | NAS South Weymouth, MA | |||
ZP-21 | 1947 | NAS Richmond, FL | |||
ZP-22 | 1947 | NAS Houma, LA | |||
ZP-23 | 1947 | NAS Hitchcock, TX | |||
ZP-32 | 1947 | NAS Moffett Field, CA | |||
ZP-31 | 1947 | NAS Santa Ana, CA | |||
ZP-33 | 1947 | NAS Tillamook, OR | |||
ZP-41 | 1947 | Sao Luiz, Brazil | |||
ZP-42 | 1947 | Maceió, Brazil | |||
ZP-51 | 1947 | Trinidad |
See also
[edit]- List of United States Navy aircraft designations (pre-1962) / List of US Naval aircraft
- List of United States Navy aircraft squadrons
- List of United States Navy aircraft wings
- Military aviation
- Modern US Navy carrier air operations
- Naval aviation
- Naval Flight Officer
- United States Marine Corps Aviation
- United States Naval Aviator
- Naval aircrewman
- VBF
References and notes
[edit]Notes
- ^ from RAF and Fleet air arm stocks. Aircraft were pooled and flown as available.
- ^ The Navy's aircraft squadron designation system came into being in the early 1920s. Prior to that time Navy aircraft were assigned to air stations but to fully utilize aviation's potential it was necessary to extend its capabilities to operate with the fleet through the organization of squadrons. Squadrons were numbered according to ship squadron numbers and were designated according to the use of the squadron's aircraft[18] such as "Scouting" or "Patrol" or "Spotting"; however, the official use of abbreviated designations such as VS, VP or VO had not yet been implemented.
- ^ Naval Aviation Organization for FY 1923 issued on 17 June 1922 and implemented on 1 July 1922 changed the numbering of squadrons from according to ship squadron number to serially within each class and listed the squadrons by abbreviated designation (VF, VO, VS, VT) for the first time.[18] USS Langley (CV 1) was commissioned on 20 March 1922.
- ^ Squadrons were redesignated as they were reassigned between fleets. Squadrons were assigned variously to the Aircraft Carriers USS Langley (CV 1), USS Lexington (CV 2), USS Saratoga (CV 3) and USS Ranger (CV 4) as needed to continue the development of ship based aircraft operations and tactics.
- ^ Squadron suffix letters were discontinued. Squadrons were redesignated to conform with the hull number of the Aircraft Carrier to which they were assigned:[19] CV 2, CV 3, CV 4 and CV 5 (USS Yorktown (CV 5) was commissioned on 30 Sep 1937). USS Langley (CV 1) had ceased operating as an Aircraft Carrier by October 1936 and had been converted to a Seaplane Tender
- ^ On 1 July 1938 existing squadrons were assigned to five newly established "Air Groups" which were established to operate from USS Lexington (CV 2), USS Saratoga (CV 3), USS Ranger (CV 4), USS Yorktown (CV 5) and USS Enterprise (CV 6) (USS Enterprise was commissioned on 12 May 1938). The Air Groups were designated with the Aircraft Carrier's name (Lexington Air Group, Saratoga Air Group etc...) and the squadrons remained designated with the aircraft carrier's hull number (Lexington Air Group: VS-2, Saratoga Air Group: VS-3 etc...). Two new VS squadrons were established in 1939 and 1941 to equip two new Air Groups which were established in 1939 and 1941 to operate with USS Wasp (CV 7) and USS Hornet (CV 8) which were commissioned in 1940 and 1941 respectively
- ^ One year earlier, on 1 March 1942 new Numbered Carrier Air Groups were established, the first was CVG-9(1st) on 1 Mar 1942. Eighty eight numbered Air Groups were established during the course of WWII: CVGs were assigned to Essex Class "fleet carriers" and to CV 3, CV 4 and CV 6 which were the three pre-WWII Carriers which had not been sunk; CVBGs were assigned to Midway Class "large carriers" toward the end of the war; CVLGs were assigned to Independence class "light carriers"; and CVEGs were assigned to small "escort carriers". Each group's squadrons were all designated with that group's number and each Air Group had one VS squadron assigned (V!-1 belonged to CVG-1 etc...). A squadron reassigned from one group to another was redesignated to conform with the designation of the new group.
- ^ On 1 July 1938 existing squadrons were assigned to five newly established "Air Groups" which were established to operate from USS Lexington (CV-2), USS Saratoga (CV-3), USS Ranger (CV-4), USS Yorktown (CV-5) and USS Enterprise (CV-6). The Air Groups were designated with the Aircraft Carrier's name (eg "Lexington Air Group") and the squadrons remained designated with the aircraft carrier's hull number (Lexington Air Group: VT-2,) Two new VT squadrons were established in 1939 and 1941 to equip two new Air Groups which were established in 1939 and 1941 to operate with USS Wasp (CV-7) and USS Hornet (CV-8)
- ^ One year earlier, on 1 March 1942 new Numbered Carrier Air Groups were established, the first was CVG-9 on 1 Mar 1942. Eighty eight numbered Air Groups were established during the course of WWII: CVGs were assigned to Essex-class "fleet carriers" and to CV 3, CV 4 and CV 6 which were the three pre-WWII carriers which had not been sunk; CVBGs were assigned to Midway-class "large carriers" toward the end of the war; CVLGs were assigned to Independence-class light carriers; and CVEGs were assigned to small escort carriers. Each group's squadrons were all designated with that group's number and each Air Group had one VT squadron assigned. VT-1 belonged to CVG-1 etc). A squadron reassigned from one group to another was redesignated to conform with the designation of the new group.
- ^ There were initially three VF squadrons in each CVG numbered with 1, 2 and 3 and two VA squadrons numbered with 4 and 5, therefore CVG-1's VA squadrons were VA-14 and VA-15; CVG-2's were VA-24 and VA-25; CVG-11's were VA-114 and VA-115; CVG-15's were VA-154 and VA-155 etc... When a squadron was moved from one CVG to another it was redesignated to conform with the designation of the newly assigned CVG. From 1951 to 1959 the Navy operated a number of Air Task Groups (ATG)s which were usually equipped by removing one squadron each from a number of then typical five VF/VA squadron CVGs leaving those CVGs at four VF/VA squadrons. Squadrons retained their former CVG's designation when assigned to an ATG. In some cases squadrons were established and assigned directly to an ATG, in those cases the squadron was typically assigned a designation as if assigned to one of the existing CVGs but with the last digit of the designation greater than "5". Squadrons and CVGs are grouped by designation below for ease of reading the table but it should not be assumed that the listed squadrons were assigned only to the CVG in which section they appear in the table as ATG assignment did not occasion a redesignation, and by the late 1950s the practice of redesignating squadrons upon transfer between CVGs had begun to be abandoned with squadrons being redesignated in some cases but not in others.
- ^ VFA-125 has some material in its History section that connects VA-55E, VA-923, and VA-125.
References
- ^ "Enclosure (2): Current Navy Aviation Squadron Lineage List". www.history.navy.mil. Archived from the original on 1 May 2017. Retrieved 6 June 2017.
- ^ "Enclosure (1): Rules for Navy Aviation Squadron Lineage Program and Approval Procedures". www.history.navy.mil. Archived from the original on 1 May 2017. Retrieved 6 June 2017.
- ^ "Chapter 2 Guidelines for Navy Aviation Squadron Lineage and Insignia". www.history.navy.mil. Archived from the original on 1 May 2017. Retrieved 6 June 2017.
- ^ "The Name's the Same". Archived from the original on 9 May 2008.
- ^ Current Navy Aviation Squadron Lineages, Naval Historical Center, 6 January 1998, archived from the original on 6 January 2015
- ^ "Chapter 1 The Evolution of Aircraft Class and Squadron Designation Systems". www.history.navy.mil. Archived from the original on 1 May 2017. Retrieved 6 June 2017.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac ad ae af ag ah ai aj ak al am "Squadrons of the US Navy". www.wings-aviation.ch. Archived from the original on 9 July 2017. Retrieved 6 June 2017.
- ^ a b c "Squadrons of the US Navy". Archived from the original on 9 July 2017. Retrieved 2 June 2017.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac ad ae af Dictionary of American Naval Aviation Squadrons Vol I, app 6
- ^ "Brians WWII Surplus and Antiques Store - WWII Patch, USN, VC-10 Composite Squadron (Powered by CubeCart)". www.wwiijeepparts.com. Archived from the original on 22 January 2018. Retrieved 6 June 2017.
- ^ Hill, Steven D. "Invasion! Fortress Europe" (PDF). Archived (PDF) from the original on 25 February 2022. Retrieved 1 February 2024.
- ^ Mersky, Peter (1986). "Naval Aviators in Spitfires". Proceedings. 112 (12). United States Naval Institute: 105&106.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q Dictionary of American Naval Aviation Squadrons Vol I App 4
- ^ a b c "Squadrons of the US Navy". www.wings-aviation.ch.
- ^ Dictionary of American Naval Aviation Squadrons Vol I, App 6
- ^ Naval History and Heritage Command VF squadron Lineage
- ^ a b c d e f Dictionary of American Naval Aviation Squadrons Vol I chap 1 pg 9
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j Dictionary of American Naval Aviation Squadrons Vol I chap 1 pg 10
- ^ a b c d Dictionary of American Naval Aviation Squadrons Vol I chap 1 pg 11
- ^ Dictionary of American Naval Aviation Squadrons (DANAS) Vol I
- ^ a b Dictionary of American Naval Aviation Squadrons Vol I, App 6 - VA Squadron Lineage Listing
- ^ "Naval Aviation Squadron Lineage". Archived from the original on 1 May 2017. Retrieved 29 January 2019.
- ^ DANAS Vol II, App 7
- ^ a b c d e Naval Aviation News Jul/Aug 1994 pg 10
- ^ Naval Aviation News Apr 1963 pg 11
- ^ a b c Dictionary of American Naval Aviation Squadrons Vol II app 7
- ^ a b c d e Dictionary of American Naval Aviation Squadrons Vol I chap 3
- ^ Dictionary of American Naval Aviation Squadrons Vol I chap 5
- ^ a b c "Lineage for Fighter Squadrons" (PDF). Naval History and Heritage Command. Retrieved 6 June 2017.
- ^ Naval Aviation News Apr 1955 pg 1
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac OPNAVINST 5030.4G Encl (2)
- ^ Dictionary of American Naval Aviation Squadrons Vol 1 Chap 2 pg 190
- ^ a b c d Dictionary of American Naval Aviation Squadrons Vol I, chap 6
- ^ a b c Grossnick 1995, Chapter 6 pp.309-313
- ^ a b Grossnick 1995, Chapter 6 pp.314-316
- ^ Naval Aviation News June 1958 pg 22
- ^ "Flightdeck Friday: F4D Skyray (Part 2)" Archived 11 August 2014 at the Wayback Machine Naval History Blog. U.S. Naval Institute
- ^ Naval Aviation News March 1961 pg 3
- ^ a b "AEWRON-3 Decommissioning Date Nears". vw1assoc.org. Archived from the original on 18 March 2018. Retrieved 18 March 2018.
- ^ a b Naval Aviation News July 1975 pg 12
- ^ a b "VC-1 History". www.utron1.itgo.com. Archived from the original on 22 January 2018. Retrieved 22 January 2018.
- ^ a b "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 22 January 2018. Retrieved 22 January 2018.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link) - ^ a b "VW1_hist". www.willyvictor.com. Archived from the original on 16 January 2002.
- ^ Naval Aviation News July 1971 pg 4
- ^ Naval Aviation News Nov 1963 pg 22
- ^ a b c d "Cold War". www.willyvictor.com. Archived from the original on 18 June 2002.
- ^ a b c Naval Aviation News May 1957 pg 1
- ^ Naval Aviation News Dec 1965 pg 11
- ^ Naval Aviation News Jan 1957 pg 5
- ^ a b c d Naval Aviation News Apr 1960 pg 38
- ^ a b c "Pacific Barrier". www.willyvictor.com. Archived from the original on 26 December 2001.
- ^ a b Naval Aviation News July 1965 pg 2
- ^ a b Naval Aviation News Nov 1957 pg 29
- ^ Naval Aviation News Feb 1959 pg 10
- ^ Naval Aviation News Sep 1962 pg 13
- ^ Naval Aviation News Feb 1962 pg 8
- ^ Dictionary of American Naval Aviation Squadrons chap 1 pg 13
- ^ Dictionary of American Naval Aviation Squadrons Vol I Chap 1
- ^ American Naval Aviation Squadrons (DANAS) Vol I
- ^ http://www.wings-aviation.ch/25-Navy-Sqn/Squadron-Basis-en.htm Archived 9 July 2017 at the Wayback Machine"
- ^ "VA-126 - A-4 Skyhawk Association". a4skyhawk.info. Archived from the original on 22 April 2018. Retrieved 22 April 2018.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l Dictionary of American Naval Aviation Squadrons Vol I Chap 2
- ^ Dictionary of American Naval Aviation Squadrons Vol I, Chap 4
- ^ "Squadrons of the US Navy". wings-aviation.ch. 1 August 2019. Archived from the original on 9 July 2017. Retrieved 2 June 2017.
- ^ "RQ-2A Pioneer Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)". United States Navy Fact File. United States Navy. 27 August 2007. Archived from the original on 10 February 2009. Retrieved 1 December 2008.
- ^ "Squadrons of the US Navy". www.wings-aviation.ch. Archived from the original on 9 July 2017. Retrieved 6 June 2017.
- ^ "Viking Squadrons and Wings". www.vikingassociation.com. Archived from the original on 4 March 2012. Retrieved 6 June 2017.
- ^ a b Chief of Naval Operations (1994). "VXN-8 World Travelers". Naval Aviation News. Vol. 78, no. 8 (September—October). Retrieved 11 August 2020.
- ^ a b "history". www.afvn.tv. Archived from the original on 25 April 2016. Retrieved 24 September 2017.
- ^ a b "VAW-33 Nighthawks Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron CARAEWRON US Navy". www.seaforces.org. Archived from the original on 11 February 2018. Retrieved 29 January 2018.
- ^ a b c d e f g h OPNAVINST 5030.4G
- ^ a b c d Dictionary of American Naval Aviation Squadrons Vol I, chap 4
- ^ a b c d e Naval Aviation News May 1967, pg 3
- ^ a b c d The Hook, Journal of Carrier Aviation; Spring 2002 pg 23
- ^ a b "VAW-111 Grey Berets Hunters Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron CARAEWRON US Navy". www.seaforces.org. Archived from the original on 11 February 2018. Retrieved 29 January 2018.
- ^ "VAW-207 Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron CARAEWRON US Navy". www.seaforces.org. Archived from the original on 18 March 2018. Retrieved 5 March 2018.
- ^ "Squadrons - VAW/VRC Foundation". Archived from the original on 22 January 2019. Retrieved 21 January 2019.
- ^ Dictionary of American Naval Aviation Squadrons Vol I
- ^ a b DANAS Appendix 7 Archived 2012-10-26 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ a b Naval Aviation News Feb 1977 pg 15
- ^ Naval Aviation News March–April 2000 pg 9
- ^ a b Naval Aviation News November–December 1992 pg 7
- ^ Naval Aviation News July–August 1992 pg 6
- ^ a b Naval Aviation News June 1960 pg 15
- ^ Naval Aviation News July 1964 pg 25
- ^ Naval Aviation News March 1977 pg 3
- ^ "VPNAVY - VT-30 Shipmates Summary Page - VP Patrol Squadron". www.vpnavy.com. Archived from the original on 19 March 2018. Retrieved 18 March 2018.
- ^ Naval Aviation News Feb 1959 pg 8
- ^ Naval Aviation News September 1947 p 1
- ^ a b Thomason, Tommy H. (23 July 2010), "VX Squadrons", U.S. Navy Aircraft History, archived from the original on 22 March 2012, retrieved 3 February 2012
- ^ Naval Aviation News Feb 1961 pg 16
- ^ Naval Aviation News Feb 1963 pg 36
- ^ a b "VX-5 Vampires". www.chinalakealumni.org. Archived from the original on 14 May 2017. Retrieved 24 September 2017.
- ^ Naval Aviation News Feb 1963 pg 38
Bibliography
- Grossnick, Roy A. (1995). Dictionary of American Naval Aviation Squadrons Volume 1 - The History of VA, VAH, VAK, VAL, VAP and VFA Squadrons. Naval Historic Center, Department of the Navy. ISBN 0-945274-29-7.
- Roberts, Michael D. (2000). Dictionary of American Naval Aviation Squadrons Volume 2 T- The History of VP, VPB, VP(HL) and VP(AM) Squadrons. Naval Historic Center, Department of the Navy. Archived from the original on 15 September 2008.
- OPNAVINST 5030.4G – Navy Aviation Squadron Lineage and Naval Aviation Command Insignia (2012)
- "APPENDIX 6 Lineage Listing for VA, VA(AW), VAH, VA(HM), VAK, VAL, VAP, and VFA Designated Squadrons" (PDF). Dictionary of American Naval Aviation Squadrons Volume 1. pp. 543–550. Archived from the original (PDF) on 20 September 2000.
External links
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