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Dictionary of American
Naval Aviation Squadrons
Volume I

The History of VA, VAH, VAK, VAL, VAP

and VFA Squadrons

Roy A. Grossnick

Naval Historical Center

Department of the Navy
Washington, D.C., 1995

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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Grossnick, Roy A.

Dictionary of American Naval Aviation Squadrons / by Roy A.

Grossnick.
p. cm.
Contents: v. 1. The history of VA, VAH, VAK, VAL, VAP, and
VFA squadrons
ISBN 0–945274–29–7 (v. 1)
1. United States. Navy—Aviation—History. 2. Airplanes,
Military—United States—History. I. Naval Historical Center
(U.S.) II. Title. III. Title: American naval aviation
squadrons.
VG93.G76 1995
359.9’434’0973—dc20 94–35647

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Secretary of the Navy’s

Advisory Committee on Naval History
William D. Wilkinson, Chairman
CAPT Edward L. Beach, USN (Retired)
David R. Bender
John C. Dann
RADM Russell W. Gorman, USNR (Retired)
Richard L. Joutras
VADM William P. Lawrence, USN (Retired)
Vera D. Mann
Ambassador J. William Middendorf II
VADM Gerald E. Miller, USN (Retired)
Clark G. Reynolds
Betty M. Unterberger

iii

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About the Author

R OY A. GROSSNICK is currently a historian

and head of the Naval Aviation History Office, a
branch of the Naval Historical Center. He gradu-
ated from Wisconsin State University, Stevens
Point, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in
history in 1970. In 1972, Mr. Grossnick complet-
ed a Master of Arts in history at the University
of Wisconsin, Madison. He served in the Navy
on active duty for ten years. Following his sepa-
ration from military service, Mr. Grossnick
worked at the Smithsonian’s National Air and
Space Museum. In 1980, he assumed the histori-
an position in the Naval Aviation History Office. Mr. Grossnick resides in Chevy Chase, Maryland,
with his wife, Mary, and daughter Maki.
He has written numerous articles for Naval
Aviation News magazine and was the author of
the monograph Kite Balloons to Airships . . . the Navy’s Lighter-than-Air Experience,
Volume 4 in a commemorative collection published in 1986 to mark the 75th anniversary
of naval aviation.
Mr. Grossnick resides in Chevy Chase, Maryland, with his wife, Mary, and daughter Maki.

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Contents
Foreword / ix
Preface / xi
Acknowledgments / xiii
Chapter 1
The Evolution of Aircraft Class and Squadron
Designation Systems / 1
Chapter 2
Attack Squadron Histories (VA) / 17
VA-1E to VA-873

Chapter 3
Heavy Attack Squadron Histories (VAH) / 295
VAH-8 to VAH-123

Chapter 4
Tactical Aerial Refueling Squadron Histories (VAK) / 303
VAK-208 to VAK-308

Chapter 5
Light Attack Squadron History (VAL) / 307
VAL-4

Chapter 6
Heavy Photographic Squadron Histories (VAP) / 309
VAP-61 to VAP-62

Chapter 7
Strike Fighter Squadron Histories (VFA) / 317
VFA-15 to VFA-305

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Title Page

Appendix 1 Aircraft Data—Technical Information and Drawings 443

Appendix 2 Aircraft Carrier Listing for CV, CVB, CVA, CVAN, 517
CVN, CVL, and CVE Designations

Appendix 3 Carrier Deployments by Year 521

U.S. Navy Squadron Designations and Abbreviations 537
Appendix 4
Appendix 5 How to Trace Squadron Lineage 541
Appendix 6 Lineage Listing for VA, VA(AW), VAH, VA(HM), VAK, 543
VAL, VAP, and VFA Designated Squadrons

Appendix 7 Types of Aircraft Listed in Squadron Histories 551

Glossary of Abbreviations and Terms 553

Bibliography 557
Index of Squadron Histories and Aircraft Data 561

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Foreword

G REAT CREDIT IS DUE TO ROY GROSSNICK and

his expert staff in the Naval Historical Center’s
cles for Naval Aviation News and responding to an
increasingly heavy load of official and unofficial
Aviation History Branch for initiating a new publica- requests for information on all aspects of aviation his-
tion series entitled the Dictionary of American Naval tory.
Aviation Squadrons. The first volume of that series, History is a useful subject for the Navy for several
which we are now publishing, includes approximately reasons. Insofar as it represents the sum total of the
140 histories and other data covering every squadron Navy’s experience, it is an essential subject for study
in the attack (VA) and strike fighter (VFA) communities by naval professionals. History also is a means of giv-
from the time the first of these commands (VA-35) was ing an account to the American people of the activities
established in 1934. This publication may be com- of their Navy. Finally, since history allows naval per-
pared to the Dictionary of American Naval Fighting sonnel to learn about the origins, achievements, and
Ships, a nine-volume compilation of individual ship traditions of their commands and of the Navy as a
histories published by the Naval Historical Center whole, it is a powerful means to promote naval
between 1959 and 1991. Now, at long last, a basic ref- morale. The Navy’s historians publish the first volume
erence work is under preparation that provides similar with all of these purposes in mind. We hope this vol-
data for aviation commands. ume with be of interest and use to the active-duty
Subsequent volumes in this series will cover other Navy and to many other individuals interested in this
components of naval aviation. At the present time, the nation’s rich naval heritage.
Aviation History Branch is preparing a follow-on vol-
ume containing histories of all patrol squadrons of the
U.S. Navy. This task is in addition to the many other Dean C. Allard
duties that office handles, including the writing of arti- Director of Naval History

ix

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Preface

T HE DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION

SQUADRONS, the first of a multivolume series, pro-
remaining six sections pertain to the evolutionary his-
tory of the squadron and includes listings of home
vides a brief history, by community, of every squadron port assignments, commanding officers, aircraft assign-
the Navy has established since the evolution of the ments, overseas deployments, air wing assignments
squadron concept in the post-World War I era. The and major unit awards.
information and format selected to tell the story of This first volume covers the attack and strike fighter
each squadron was developed from a pattern of com- communities and includes VA (attack squadron), VAH
mon reference questions. The nature of the squadron (heavy attack squadron), VAK (tactical aerial refueling
data lends itself to a variety of formats for most entries squadron), VAL (light attack squadron), VAP (heavy
in the squadron histories instead of a straight narrative photographic squadron) and VFA (strike fighter
style. The dictionary, written primarily for use as a ref- squadron). Although VAK and VAP did not have a pri-
erence work, states concise facts about each squadron mary mission of offensive and defensive air-to-surface
that provide a better understanding of the contribu- operations, they are included here because these
tions made by naval aviation squadrons in service to squadrons operated attack-designated planes, such as
their country. the AJ-2 and the A-3 and its derivatives. The squadron
Naval aviation is primarily a twentieth century devel- histories in this volume cover only those squadrons
opment and has become an important element of U.S. that are currently designated VA or VFA or those that
sea power. It is part of the technological revolution that had the VA, VAH, VAK, VAL, VAP and VFA designations
has been the hallmark of the twentieth century. The air- when they were disestablished. Any attack squadron
craft, weapons systems and associated technical equip- redesignated VF, VS, RVAH, VAQ or VAW that did not
ment, combined with the men and women assigned to revert back to VA is not in this volume. The lineage
the squadrons, are instrumental to its success. listing in Appendix 6 provides a cross reference list for
Each squadron history begins with a lineage section all squadrons that may have had the VA, VA(AW), VAH,
that starts with the date of establishment. It also VA(HM), VAK, VAL, VAP and VFA designation.
includes any redesignations and disestablishment date Reserve squadron histories begin in 1970 following
if applicable. The squadron’s establishment date may the reorganization of the Naval Air Reserve Force.
be equated to a ship’s commissioning and the history Prior to that time reserve air squadrons were not per-
for a squadron or ship begins on that date. When a manently assigned aircraft. During weekend drills they
squadron is redesignated, there is no break in the his- used aircraft from their local naval air station. This pre-
tory of that squadron. The history of a squadron cov- 1970 organizational system, combined with the fact
ers the period from its establishment to its disestablish- that these squadrons provided no permanent historical
ment, regardless of how many redesignations it records, makes it difficult to trace its activities. Hence,
undergoes. Redesignations can cause confusion when histories on reserve squadrons prior to 1970 cover
tracing the lineage of a squadron. For more informa- only those squadrons called to active duty and
tion on how to trace squadron lineages, please refer to assigned their own aircraft.
Appendix 5. Histories for active squadrons cover the period from
A short description and photograph for all officially establishment up through 1990, an arbitrary cutoff
approved insignia used by a squadron follows the lin- date. If a squadron was redesignated or disestablished
eage section. The chronology narrates the squadron’s after 1990, its history is updated to its redesignation or
important operational events and developments. The disestablishment date.

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Most illustrations used in the book are official U.S. compilation of material presented in this book. When
Navy photographs unless otherwise identified. If avail- different sets of records or sources provided conflict-
able, a photograph is included for each major type of ing dates, I attempted to select the most accurate one
aircraft operated by a squadron. based on my research. In some cases only a specific
Extensive appendices not only provide additional year could be determined. As the writer and major
statistical material but also help to clarify or explain compiler of the data for this volume, I accept full
the Navy’s unique organization and use of acronyms responsibility for any mistakes or errors of fact or mis-
or designations. interpretations that may have occurred in the book,
When drafting a reference work with such an exten- and I welcome any corrections.
sive range of data, it is almost impossible to prevent
errors. An exhaustive effort was made to check the Roy A. Grossnick

xii
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Acknowledgments

I CONCEIVED THIS BOOK AFTER eight years of

working in the Naval Aviation History Office. A com-
the Ships’ Histories Branch was always there to provide
documentation regarding a particular carrier. The staff
mon request received by the office was for a complete of the Navy Department Library was particularly helpful
history of a particular squadron. Realizing the need for when I reviewed their collection of cruise books. The
a history of all naval aviation squadrons prompted the Photographic Section of the Curator Branch, particularly
development of a format that would meet the require- Mr. Edwin C. Finney, Jr., was always responsive to my
ments posed by the Navy and most people requesting needs for particular aircraft photographs. The services
information on a squadron. Using the Dictionary of provided by Ms. Sandra J. Doyle, the Naval Historical
American Fighting Ships as an example of an excellent Center’s senior editor, are also appreciated.
primary reference source, I patterned my approach The advice, information and comments offered by
along lines similar to that series. personnel outside the Naval Historical Center warrant
I am very grateful for the guidance and support pro- special attention. Mr. Harold Andrews, Captain Rosario
vided by many individuals and organizations that were (Zip) Rausa, USN (Ret.), and Captain Kenneth L.
instrumental in making this book possible. The initial Coskey, USN (Ret.), reviewed sections of the manu-
support I received from Captain Steven U. Ramsdell, USN script and provided valuable recommendations. A very
(Ret.), former Director, Naval Aviation History and special thank you goes to Vice Admiral William P.
Publications Division, in getting this project off the Lawrence, USN (Ret.), a member of the Secretary of
ground was one of the keys to the successful completion the Navy’s Advisory Committee on Naval History, for
of the book. He provided valuable comments in his reviewing the complete manuscript. Mr. Robert
reviews of the draft histories. His successors, Commander Lawson, past editor of The Hook magazine, has lent
Stephen R. Silverio, USN (Ret.) and Commander Michael encouragement over the past six years and provided
S. Lipari, continued in his footsteps, providing review many photographs from his collection. Mr. Duane
recommendations as well as support for the project. Kasulka, as well as many other individuals, also con-
The personnel in the Naval Aviation History Office, tributed photographs from their collections.
Ms. Gwen Rich, Ms. Judith Walters and Mr. Steven Hill, Dr. William J. Armstrong, historian for the Naval Air
were my prime supporters in writing the book. Special Systems Command, compiled and drafted the manu-
thanks go to Mr. John M. Elliott, retired historian from the script on aircraft data for Appendix 1. When writing
office, for his recommendations, and providing the air- the history of naval aviation, it is imperative that the
craft line drawings for Appendix 1, as well as other assis- technical aspects are included with the operational his-
tance in getting the book ready for publication. The staff tory. His contributions in Appendix 1 will help to
from the Naval Aviation News Branch, filled the editorial amplify and clarify information regarding the specific
role. The manuscript was reviewed several times by Mrs. aircraft operated by the Navy’s aviation squadrons.
Sandy Russell and Ms. Joan A. Frasher. Mr. Charles C. I would like to express my thanks to my wife, Mary,
Cooney provided design support for the squadron for- and daughter, Maki, for helping to assemble the book
mat, as well as extensive photographic support. during its last stages before publication. I owe a debt of
I would also like to recognize Naval Historical Center gratitude to Mr. John Grier, a design and typesetting spe-
offices that made their records available. First, and fore- cialist from the Government Printing Office, for his
most, was the Operational Archives Branch. Mrs. efforts in getting the book ready for the printer. For
Kathleen M. Lloyd and members of her Research and those I have not mentioned by name, let me say that
Reference Section, as well as Mrs. Judith W. Short, were your contributions are appreciated and are not forgotten.
always willing to make that extra effort to find the doc-
uments I needed for the book. Mr. John C. Reilly and Roy A. Grossnick

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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 1

CHAPTER 1

The Evolution of Aircraft Class and

Squadron Designation Systems

N AVAL AVIATION HAS BECOME the forward ele-

ment of America’s ability to project its influence, at
Yet, there is an inherent parallel relationship between
the two systems whereby changes in the Aircraft Class
short notice, any place in the world. It is a product of Designation System have an effect on the Squadron
the 20th century and reflects the massive technological Designation System. Both systems reflect the techno-
developments and changes that have characterized logical changes and mission developments in aircraft.
this century. One reason for naval aviation’s success Numerous changes have been made to both systems
has been its ability to change with the times and keep since the inception of naval aviation in 1911.
pace with innovations in technology. This, in turn, has With the evolution of the squadron concept, a
made aviation squadrons a flexible tool that can adapt Squadron Designation System was developed to identi-
quickly to new missions or requirements. fy the specialized missions of various aviation
This chapter will provide the background necessary squadrons using different types of aircraft. Since a spe-
to help understand the history and evolution of naval cific class of aircraft identifies the type of mission per-
aviation squadron designations. The Navy has used formed by the squadron operating a particular aircraft
over one hundred different squadron designations class, an inherent parallel relationship occurrs between
since the inception of the squadron concept. This fig- the Aircraft Class Designation System and the Squadron
ure does not include Marine Corps squadron designa- Designation System. As an example, an aircraft
tions. To further complicate the Navy’s squadron desig- designed and built primarily with a mission of dropping
nation system, many of the squadron abbreviations, torpedoes, such as the World War II TBF Avenger,
such as VT, have had different mission functions dur- would normally be assigned to a squadron with a simi-
ing different time frames. As an example, the VT desig- larly designated mission, such as a Torpedo Squadron
nation was used as an abbreviation for a Torpedo (VT). The TBF Avenger aircraft would fall under the VT
Squadron from the early 1920s and lasting until 15 class in the Aircraft Class Designation System.
November 1946 when the designation VT (Torpedo The evolution of squadron designations may be
Squadron) was abolished. Then, on 1 May 1960, the seen by tracing the development of the Aircraft Class
use of the VT designation was reinstituted. However, Designation System and the parallel changes in the
this time the meaning and mission for VT was assigned Squadron Designation System. While tracing the evo-
as training and stood for Training Squadron (VT). This lution of the two designation systems in this introduc-
is just one example of the many changes that have tory chapter, the primary emphasis will be placed on
occurred in the squadron designation system. those designations related to carrier aviation. While
In order to more fully understand squadron designa- reading this chapter various references will be made
tions, it is important to know the factors that played a to the Aircraft Class Designation System, Designation
role in developing the different missions that of Aircraft, Model Designation of Naval Aircraft,
squadrons have been called upon to perform. Aircraft Designation System, and Model Designation of
Technological changes affecting aircraft capabilities Military Aircraft. All of these references refer to the
have resulted in corresponding changes in the opera- same system involved in designating aircraft classes.
tional capabilities and techniques used by aviation This system is then used to develop the specific desig-
squadrons. In the early period of naval aviation a sys- nations assigned to each type of aircraft operated by
tem was developed to designate an aircraft’s mission. the Navy. The F3F-4, TBF-1, AD-3, PBY-5A, A-4, A-6E,
Different aircraft class designations evolved for the and F/A-18C are all examples of specific types of
various types of missions performed by naval aircraft. naval aircraft designations which were developed from
This became known as the Aircraft Class Designation the Aircraft Class Designation System.
System. The Squadron Designation System and the In order to make it easier to understand the evolu-
Aircraft Class Designation System are separate systems. tion and development of the Aircraft Class Designation

1
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2 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

System and the Squadron Designation System, each sys- E-1 OWL (over water and land) (a Curtiss hydroaero-
tem will be discussed separately in a chronological for- plane rebuilt as a short-hulled flying boat for flying
mat. This will help to make comparisons and connections over water or land and fitted with wheels for use as
between the two systems and enable the reader to grasp an amphibian)
the significant interplay between the two programs.
The Aircraft Class Designation System was devel- A new Aircraft Class Designation System was estab-
oped first. Squadrons and the Squadron Designation lished by Captain Mark L. Bristol, the second Director
System did not come into existence until the post- of Naval Aviation. He assumed the Director’s position
World War I period. The evolution of the Aircraft Class from Captain Chambers in December 1913. The new
Designation System is as follows: system was issued on 27 March 1914 as General Order
88, “Designation of Air Craft.” This system changed the
original designation of the aircraft to two letters and a
Aircraft Class Designation System number, of which the first letter denoted class; the sec-
ond, type within a class; and the number for the order
Early Period of Naval Aviation up to 1920 in which aircraft within the class were acquired. The
four classes set up on 27 March 1914 are as follows:

T HE UNCERTAINTIES DURING the early period of

Aircraft Designation System, 1914–1920
naval aviation were reflected by the problems encoun-
tered in settling on a functional system for designating Aircraft Classes
naval aircraft. Prior to 19201 two different Aircraft Class “A” for heavier-than-air craft. Within the “A” class:
Designation Systems were used. From 1911 up to L stood for land machines
1914, naval aircraft were identified by a single letter H stood for hydroaeroplanes
indicating the general type and manufacturer, followed B stood for flying boats
by a number to indicate the individual plane of that X stood for combination land and water machines
type-manufacturer. Under this system: (amphibians)
“A” was used for Curtiss hydroaeroplanes C stood for convertibles (could be equipped as
“B” for Wright hydroaeroplanes either land or water machines)
“C” for Curtiss flying boats “D” for airships or dirigibles
“D” for Burgess flying boats “B” for balloons
“E” for Curtiss amphibian flying boats “K” for kites

This system had been established in 1911 by Under this new system the A-1 aircraft (the Navy’s
Captain Washington I. Chambers, Director of Naval first airplane) was redesignated AH-1, with the “A”
Aviation. The following is a list of the types of aircraft identifying the plane as a heavier-than-air craft and the
and their designations in existence from 1911–1914: “H” standing for hydroaeroplane. General Order No.
88 also provided a corresponding link between the
old aircraft designations and the new system: “The
Aircraft Designation System, 1911–1914 aeroplanes now in the service are hereby designated
A-1 Curtiss hydroaeroplane (originally an amphibian, as follows:
and the Navy’s first airplane) A-1 became the AH-1
A-2 Curtiss landplane (rebuilt as a hydroaeroplane) A-2 became the AH-2
A-3 Curtiss hydroaeroplane A-3 became the AH-3
A-4 Curtiss hydroaeroplane B-1 became the AH-4
B-1 Wright landplane (converted to hydroaeroplane) B-2 became the AH-5
B-2 Wright type hydroaeroplane B-3 became the AH-6
B-3 Wright type hydroaeroplane C-1 became the AB-1
C-1 Curtiss flying boat C-2 became the AB-2
C-2 Curtiss flying boat C-3 became the AB-3
C-3 Curtiss flying boat C-4 became the AB-4
C-4 Curtiss flying boat C-5 became the AB-5
C-5 Curtiss flying boat D-1 became the AB-6
D-1 Burgess Co. and Curtiss flying boat D-2 became the AB-7
D-2 Burgess Co. and Curtiss flying boat E-1 became the AX-1”2

1 Administrative Histories, Office of the Deputy Chief of Naval

Operations (Air), Vol. III, Part 1, History of Naval Aviation 2 United States Naval Aviation 1910–1980, NAVAIR publication

(1898–1917), p. 120–121. 00–80P–1, 1981, p. 432.

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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 3

Despite the phrase, “now in the service,” the A-1, B-1 model designation. The aircraft class designations
and B-2 and probably the D-1 had ceased to exist remained the same as those issued by General Order
before the order was issued. 54l (G.O. 541); however, besides the six aircraft class-
es listed in G.O. 541 (VF, VO, VS, VP, VT, and VG), an
additional two classes were added to the aircraft class
The Early 1920s
list. The two new aircraft classes were VA for Training
In General Order 541, issued in 1920, two overall Aircraft and VM for Marine Expeditionary Plane.3
types of aircraft were identified and assigned perma-
nent letters which have remained in effect since 1920.
Lighter-than-air types were identified by the letter Z The mid to late 1920s
and heavier-than-air types were assigned the letter V. Between 1922 and 1933, there were only a few
Within these two categories, various class letters were modifications to the Aircraft Class Designation System.
assigned to further differentiate the aircraft’s operation The Bureau of Aeronautics was established in July
or construction. Class letters assigned to the Z types 1921 and, thereafter, made changes to the Aircraft
were R for rigid, N for nonrigid, and K for kite. By Class Designation System. In response to a Secretary
combining the type and class designation, the different of Navy letter dated 13 February 1923, the Bureau of
airships in the Navy’s inventory could be categorized. Aeronautics issued a Technical Note on 10 March 1923
As an example: that changed the VA designation for training aircraft to
ZR referred to rigid dirigibles (airships) VN, dropped the VG designation, and added the VJ
ZN stood for nonrigid airships designation for Transport Plane.4 This was followed by
ZK for kite balloons the addition, in 1925, of the VX designation for experi-
mental aircraft.5 The VX designation was dropped
The class letters assigned to the heavier-than-air from the Aircraft Class Designation list in January
vehicles covered a wider range and generally reflected 1927.6 In July 1928, the VM designation was dropped
the mission responsibilities of the aircraft classes. Class and the VJ designation was changed from
letters assigned to the V types were: Transportation Plane to General Utility. Two new des-
F for fighting ignations were also instituted, VB for bombing and VH
O for observation for ambulance.7 A new aircraft class was added in July
S for scouting 1930 and designated VR for transport aircraft.8 This VR
P for patrol designation has remained in effect for transport aircraft
T for torpedo since 1930.
G for fleet (utility)
The 1930s
By combining the V designation for heavier-than-air
vehicles with the class letters, the following aircraft Similar changes took place in the Aircraft Class
class definitions were assigned in 1920: Designation System during the early 1930s. By July
1933, there were ten aircraft class designations. This
VF for fighting plane
list did not vary much from those aircraft classes iden-
VO for observation plane
tified in the previous ten years. The aircraft class des-
VS for scouting plane
VP for patrol plane ignations in July 1933 were as follows:
VT for torpedo and bombing plane VB for bombing
VG for fleet plane (most likely a general utility aircraft) VF for fighting
VH for ambulance
This class designation system for aircraft has contin-
VJ for general utility
ued to remain a functional system and is still used
today. There have been many additions, deletions, and VN for training
major changes to the system over the years but the VO for observation
concept has remained intact. The current naval aircraft
inventory still lists VF, VS, VP, VG, VO, and VT aircraft
3 Bureau of Aeronautics Technical Note 213, Type, Class and
classes. Three of these, VF, VP, and VO, still have the
Model Designation of Airplanes, March 29, 1922.
same definitions they were assigned in 1920. The VS, 4 Bureau of Aeronautics Technical Note No. 235, Type, Class and

VG, and VT aircraft class designations now refer to Model Designation of Airplanes, March 10, 1923.
5 Bureau of Aeronautics, Model Designation of Naval Aircraft SH-
antisubmarine (VS), in-flight refueling (VG), and train-
3, 1 January 1925.
ing aircraft (VT). 6 Bureau of Aeronautics, Model Designation of Naval Airplanes
The aircraft designation system established in July SH-3C, 1 January 1927.
1920 by General Order 541 was modified on 29 March 7 Bureau of Aeronautics, Model Designation of Naval Airplanes

1922 by Bureau of Aeronautics Technical Note 213. It SH-3D, Aer-M-157-CRP, A9-11, July 1928.
8 Bureau of Aeronautics, Model Designation of Naval Airplanes,
added the identity of the manufacturer to the aircraft SH-3H, Aer-D-157, A9-11, 1 July 1930.
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4 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

VP for patrol Torpedo (VT)

VR for transport Training (VN)
VS for scouting Transport (multi-engine) (VR)
VT for torpedo.9 Transport (single-engine) (VG)
Utility (VJ)
A major change was instituted to the Aircraft
Observation-Scouting (VOS)
Designation System on 2 January 1934.10 Prior to 1934,
Patrol-Bombing (VPB)
aircraft classes had been established according to the
Scouting-Bombing (VSB)
primary mission the aircraft was to perform. The fact
Scouting-Observation (VSO)
that many aircraft were capable of performing more
Torpedo-Bombing (VTB)
than one mission was recognized in the revised sys-
Utility-Transport (VJR)
tem by assigning an additional letter to the previous
two-letter aircraft class designation. In the new three-
letter aircraft class designation, the first letter identified World War II
the type of vehicle, such as V for heavier-than-air The designation changes for the aircraft classes and
(fixed wing) and Z for lighter-than-air. For heavier- squadron system during World War II and the immedi-
than-air, the second letter identified the primary mis- ate postwar period are identified in the Model Desig-
sion of the aircraft, using the same 10 letter designa- nation of Naval Aircraft, the Aviation Circular Letters,
tions listed in the above paragraph. The third letter and in the Navy Department Bulletins.
indicated the secondary mission of the aircraft class, By mid-1943, many new aircraft class designations
such as: had been added to the Model Designation of Naval
F for fighting Aircraft.11 The additions included:
O for observation VA for ambulance
B for bombing VBT for bombing-torpedo
T for torpedo VSN for scout-training
S for scouting VL for gliders
VLN for training-gliders
By assigning these five secondary mission letters to
VLR for transport-gliders
the primary aircraft letter designations, seven new air-
VH for helicopters
craft class designations were established:
VHO for observation-helicopters
VBF for bombing-fighting VD for drones
VOS for observation-scouting VTD for torpedo-drones and/or target drones
VPB for patrol-bombing ZN for nonrigid airships
VPT for patrol-torpedo ZNN for nonrigid-training and/or utility airships
VSB for scouting-bombing ZNP for nonrigid patrol and/or scouting airships
VSO for scout-observation
VTB for torpedo-bombing As the war progressed, more changes were made to
the Model Designation of Naval Aircraft. In July 1944,
On the eve of World War II, the Model Designation a major change was instituted for the Aircraft Class
of Airplanes for 1 July 1939 was very similar to what Designation System. Naval aircraft were divided into
had been identified in 1934. There were eleven pri- three main types identified by a letter:
mary aircraft class designations and six designations V for fixed wing vehicles (airplanes, gliders and
that included a secondary mission letter in its class drones)
designation. The 1 July 1939 Model Designation of H for rotary wing vehicles (helicopters)
Airplanes included the following Aircraft Class Z for lighter-than-air vehicles (airships)
Designations:
The three main types were then each subdivided
Bombing (VB)
into classes. The classes under the heavier-than-air
Fighting (VF)
fixed wing type (V) included:
Miscellaneous (VM)
Observation (VO) VF fighters
Patrol (VP) VF(M) fighters (medium or 2 engine)
Scouting (VS) VSB scout bombers
VTB torpedo bombers
VO/VS observation scout
9 Bureau of Aeronautics, Model Designation of Naval Airplanes

SH-3N, Aer-D-157, A9-11, 1 July 1933.

10 Model Designation of Naval Airplanes, SH-3O, Aer-D-157, A9-11 11 Model Designation of Naval Aircraft, SH-3AK, Bureau of

dated 2 January 1934, p. 1. Aeronautics, July 1943, p. 1–2.

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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 5

VPB(HL) patrol bombers (heavy or 4 engine landplane) Utility purposes VU

VPB(ML) patrol bombers (medium or 2 engine landplane) Training purposes VT
VPB(HS) patrol bombers (heavy or 4 engine seaplane) Gliders VG
VPB(MS) patrol bombers (medium or 2 engine seaplane)
VR(HL) transport (heavy or 4 engine landplane) Within the class designation for H type (rotary
VR(ML) transport (medium or 2 engine landplane) wing), the primary mission and class designation were
VR(HS) transport (heavy or 4 engine seaplane) as follows:
VR(MS) transport (medium or 2 engine seaplane) Air-sea rescue HH
VJ(M) utility (medium or 2 engine) Observation HO
VJ utility Training HT
VSN(M) training Transport HR
VSN training Utility HU
VN training
VK drones Within the class designation for K type (pilotless air-
VKN drones (target training) craft), the primary mission and class designation were
VL gliders as follows:
VLN gliders (training) For attack on aircraft targets KA
VLR gliders (transport) For attack on ship targets KS
For attack on ground targets KG
The helicopter type (H) had the following classes: For use as target aircraft KD
HO helicopters (observation) For utility purposes KU
HN helicopters (training)
HR helicopters (transport) Within the class designation for Z type (lighter-than-
air), the primary mission and class designation were as
The lighter-than-air type (Z) had the following classes: follows:
ZN nonrigid airships Patrol and escort ZP
ZNN nonrigid airships (training) Air-sea rescue ZH
ZNP nonrigid airships (patrol and escort) Training ZT
Utility ZU
This July 1944 change to the Model Designation of
Naval Aircraft was still in effect at the close of World This order provided that “no changes . . . be made in
War II and only a couple of additions had been made. the model designation of aircraft already produced or
They included: in production, except that the mission letter of all BT
VKC for assault drones class aircraft shall be changed to A.”12 Thus, the SB2C
HJ for utility helicopters and TBF/TBM aircraft remained in use until they were
removed from the inventory, while the BT2D and BTM
aircraft were redesignated as AD and AM. These air-
Post World War II and the late 1940s craft were assigned to the new attack squadrons estab-
On 11 March 1946, a major revision was issued to the lished in the latter part of 1946.
Class Designation of Naval Aircraft. Aviation Circular In 1947 a modification was made to CNO’s Aviation
Letter Number 43–46 divided naval aircraft into four Circular Letter No. 43–46 of 11 March 1946 whereby a
types and assigned a letter designation. They were: fifth class designation was added to the naval aircraft
types. The new class designation was the M type for
V for heavier-than-air (fixed wing)
Guided Missiles and the primary mission and class des-
K for pilotless aircraft
ignation were as follows:
H for heavier-than-air (rotary wing)
Z for lighter-than-air Air-to-air AAM
Air-to-surface ASM
Within the class designation for V type aircraft, the Air-to-underwater AUM
primary mission and class designation were as follows: Surface-to-air SAM
Primary Mission Class Designation Surface-to-surface SSM
Surface-to-underwater SUM
Fighter (destroy enemy aircraft in the air) VF
Underwater-to-air UAM
Attack (destroy enemy surface or ground targets) VA
Underwater-to-surface USM
Patrol (search for enemy) VP
Test Vehicle TV
Observation (observe and direct ship and shore
gun fire) VO
12 Aviation Circular Letter No. 43–46 of 11 March 1946,
Transport purposes VR
OP–517–B1–EPA–dml, serial 63P517, paragraph 10.
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6 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

Since this volume of the Dictionary of American VS Antisubmarine Submarine search and attack
Naval Aviation Squadrons is dealing primarily with the VS Search and attack
attack community, the remaining discussion on the VS (S) Attack
Aircraft Class Designation System will deal only with VS (W) Search
the V (heavier-than-air fixed wing) type and its sub- VT Training Basic, fleet and primary training
classes. In 1949 the V type was composed of the fol- VT (Jet) Jet
lowing classes: VT (ME) Two-engine, reciprocating
VF Fighter Air defense and escort VT (SE) One-engine, reciprocating
VA Attack Surface and ground attack VT (E) Electronic
VP Patrol ASW reconnaissance and attack VT (Nav) Navigation
VO Observation Gunfire and artillery spotting VU Utility Fleet utility support
VR Transport Air logistic support VU (Gen) General
VU Utility Fleet utility support VU (SAR) Search and rescue
VT Training Basic and fleet training VU (Tow) Tow
VG Glider VW Warning Airborne Early Warning
VW Air early warning
The 1950s, 1960s, 1970s and 1980s Between 1953 and 1960 there was only one change
During the early 1950s several changes were made in the V class and a few modifications in the sub-classes.
to the V (heavier-than-air fixed wing) type. The VG The VG class, for in-flight refueling tanker, was added
glider class was dropped and the following classes in 1958. In 1960 the type letter for the heavier-than-air
were added: fixed wing class was still identified as “V”, however, it
was omitted from the acronym for the class designation.
VS Search Submarine search and attack (carrier)
The class designations for the heavier-than-air fixed
VW Warning Airborne early warning
wing type and their basic mission were as follows:
In 1953 the nine classes of the V type were further A Attack
divided into sub-classes. The V type classes and sub- F Fighter
classes were as follows: G In-flight refueling tanker
VA Attack Surface and ground attack O Observation
VA (Int’d) Interdiction P Patrol
VA (GS) Ground Support R Transport
VA (AW) All Weather and ASW S Antisubmarine (for carrier-based aircraft)
VA (W) Air Early Warning and ASW T Training
VA (H) Heavy U Utility
VF Fighter Air defense and escort W Airborne Early Warning
VF (Int) Interceptor
In 1962 a major changed occurred in the model des-
VF (Day) Day, jet
ignation for naval aircraft. The Department of Defense
VF (Day)(Prop) Day, reciprocating
consolidated the aircraft designation systems of the
VF (AW) All weather, jet
Navy, Army, and Air Force. A new DOD (Department
VF (AW)(Prop) All weather, reciprocating
of Defense) Directive was established that designated,
VF (P) Photographic, jet
redesignated, and named military aircraft. Under the
VF (P)(Prop) Photographic, reciprocating
new system the V for heavier-than-air fixed wing types
VF (D) Drone control
was dropped completely and a single letter was used
VO Observation Gunfire and artillery spotting
to identify the basic mission of the vehicle. The basic
VP Patrol ASW reconnaissance, mining and
mission and associated type symbols were as follows:
weather
VP (L) Landplane A Attack Aircraft designed to search out,
VP (S) Seaplane attack and destroy enemy land or
VP (MIN) Mining sea targets using conventional or
VP (WEA) Weather special weapons. Also used for
VP (Q) Countermeasure interdiction and close air support
VR Transport Air logistic support missions.
VR (H) Heavy landplane B Bomber Aircraft designed for bombing
VR (M) Medium landplane enemy targets.
VR (S) Heavy seaplane
VR (C) Carrier C Cargo/transport Aircraft designed for carrying
cargo and/or passengers.
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 7

E Special Electronic Aircraft possessing ECM capability The only type symbol not in use by the Navy from
or installation having electronic the above listing was the B for bomber aircraft. The O
devices to permit employment as for observation aircraft was in the naval inventory but
an early warning radar station. was used primarily by the Marine Corps.
Between 1962 and 1990 there were only two modifi-
F Fighter Aircraft designed to intercept and
cations to the listing of basic mission and aircraft type
destroy other aircraft and/or mis-
symbols in DOD’s Model Designation of Military
siles.
Aircraft, Rockets and Guided Missiles. These changes
H Helicopter A rotary wing aircraft designed involved the addition of the letter “R” for
with the capability of flight in any Reconnaissance and the deletion of the Z type for
plane; e.g., horizontal, vertical, or Airships. The basic mission for the R type was an air-
diagonal. craft designed to perform reconnaissance missions.
Even though a consolidated DOD directive was
K Tanker Aircraft designed for in-flight re-
issued on aircraft designations for the Navy, Air Force,
fueling of other aircraft.
and Army in 1962, the Navy continued to publish a
O Observation Aircraft designed to observe listing of naval aircraft classes and sub-classes that dif-
(through visual/other means) and fered slightly from the DOD directive. However, the
report tactical information con- Navy did follow the new procedures for designating
cerning composition and disposi- its aircraft, as an example, the AD-5 Skyraider aircraft
tion of enemy forces, troops, and designation was changed to A-1E. The December 1962
supplies in an active combat area. issue of the Allowances and Location of Naval Aircraft
lists the following classes and sub-classes for fixed
P Patrol Long-range, all-weather, multi-
wing aircraft (note the continued use of “V” as part of
engine aircraft operating from
the class designation and the failure to change the VG
land and/or water bases,
class designation for air refueler to K, as listed by the
designed for independent accom-
DOD instruction):
plishment of the following func-
tions: antisubmarine warfare, mar- VF Fighter
itime reconnaissance, and mining. VF FB Fighter-bomber
VF P Photo Reconnaissance
S Antisubmarine Aircraft designed to search out, VA Attack
detect, identify, attack and VA L Light Attack
destroy enemy submarines. VA LP Light Attack (Prop)
T Trainer Aircraft designed for training per- VA M Medium Attack
sonnel in the operation of aircraft VA H Heavy Attack
and/or related equipment, and VA P Photo Reconnaissance (long range)
having provisions for instructor VA Q ECM Reconnaissance (long range)
personnel. VA QM Tactical ECM
VA QMP Tactical ECM (Prop)
U Utility Aircraft used for miscellaneous
missions, such as carrying cargo VS ASW (Carrier based)
and/or passengers, towing targets, VP ASW Patrol
etc. These aircraft will include VP L ASW Patrol (shore based)
those having a small payload. VP S ASW Patrol (sea based)
V VTOL and STOL Aircraft designed for vertical take- VW Airborne early warning
off or landing with no take-off or VW M AEW Medium (carrier based)
landing roll, or aircraft capable of VW H AEW Heavy (shore based)
take-off and landing in a mini-
mum prescribed distance. VR Transport
VR H Heavy transport
X Research Aircraft designed for testing con- VR M Medium transport
figurations of a radical nature. VR C Carrier transport
These aircraft are not normally
intended for use as tactical air- VG Air refueler, heavy
craft. VT Trainer
Z Airship A self-propelled lighter-than-air VT AJ Advanced jet trainer
aircraft. VT BJ Basic jet trainer
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8 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

VT SJ Special jet trainer VS Antisubmarine

VT AP Advanced prop trainer
VP Patrol
VT BP Basic prop trainer
VP L Patrol
VT PP Primary prop trainer
VT SP Special Prop trainer VW Warning
VP M Warning
VK Drone
VP H Warning
VK D Drone control
VR Transport
The only change to this listing occurred in 1965 VR H Transport
with the addition of the VO class for observation. VR M Transport
Between 1965 and 1988 there was no change to the VR C Transport
aircraft class listing in the Allowances and Location of VR LJ Transport
Naval Aircraft. However, there were numerous
changes in the listing for the sub-classes. The final VG In-flight Refueling
publication of the Allowances and Location of Naval VO Observation
Aircraft was March 1988. VO L Observation
On 2 May 1975, the Navy selected a derivative of
the YF-17 as the winner of the Navy’s VFAX competi- VU Utility
tion for a new multimission fighter attack aircraft. The VU L Utility
VFAX aircraft was designed to replace two aircraft in VU S Utility
the Navy’s inventory, the F-4 Phantom II and the A-7 VT Training
Corsair II. This program was reinstituting an old Navy VT AJ Training Jet
policy, whereby, multimission requirements for attack VT SJ Training Jet
and fighter, be incorporated into a single aircraft. VT PP Training Prop
Fighter and light attack missions had previously been VT SP Training Prop
assigned to various types of aircraft, particularly in the VT SG Training Jet
period prior to World War II and also in the 1950s. The
Navy was now reverting to an old policy and designing H Rotary Wing
a plane with a dual capacity as a fighter and an attack HF Rotary Wing
aircraft to meet new multimission requirements. HA Rotary Wing
The VFAX aircraft was initially assigned the F-18A HG Rotary Wing
designation. A new model designation F/A (strike HS Rotary Wing
fighter) was established and assigned to the aircraft in HH Rotary Wing
the late 1970s. The Navy accepted its first F/A-18 HM Rotary Wing
Hornet on 16 January 1979. The F/A designation was HL Rotary Wing
identified as a sub-class and listed under the VF class HT Rotary Wing
in the Navy’s Allowances and Location of Naval HR Rotary Wing
Aircraft. Under the DOD model designation the F/A- VK Drones
18 designation is listed under both the A and F symbol VK D Drones
designations as A-18 and F-18. VK K Drones Jet

This ends the chronological section on the evolution

The 1990s
of the Aircraft Designation System.
The following is a list of the Naval Aircraft Class and
Sub-classes used in the 1990s:
VF Fighter Squadron Designation System
VF FA Striker Fighter
VF FB
VF P
Fighter
Fighter
T HE SQUADRON DESIGNATION SYSTEM did not
develop until after World War I. During the prewar
VA Attack and World War I period naval aviation and naval air-
VA L Attack craft (excluding Marine Corps aircraft) were primarily
VA M Attack aligned with shore-based commands. The majority of
VA H Attack the operations were conducted by water-based aircraft
VA P Attack assigned to naval air stations. Their primary mission
VA Q Attack was patrol. By the close of World War I the value of
VA QM Attack naval aviation as a military weapon had been demon-
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 9

strated on land and at sea. In the postwar period, to Fleet, respectively.17 The basis for the structure of avia-
more fully utilize aviation’s potential, it was necessary tion in the fleet became the aircraft squadron. The first
to extend its capabilities to operate with the fleet. evidence of these changes are found in the fleet orga-
On 3 February 1919, Captain G. W. Steel, Jr., nizational structure listed in the Navy Directory dated
assumed command of Fleet Air Detachment, Atlantic 1 January 1922. The different types of squadrons listed
Fleet. This marked the beginning of an aviation com- as being attached to the Atlantic and Pacific fleets are
mand within the fleet organization.13 From this begin- as follows:
ning, the concept of aviation squadrons evolved into a Air Squadrons, Atlantic Fleet
permanent part of the fleet. In July 1920, the Secretary Scouting Squadrons 1 and 2 (combined in
of the Navy issued two General Orders that played an December 1921 to form one squadron)
important role in solidifying a position for naval avia- Torpedo Plane Squadron 1
tion in the fleet and a role in its future operations. Kite Balloon Squadron 1
General Order Number 533 (series 1913) of 12 July
1920 “provided for the organization of naval forces Air Squadrons, Pacific Fleet
afloat into the Atlantic, Pacific and Asiatic Fleets and Spotting Squadrons 4, 3, and L-1
for the formation of type forces with each fleet, desig- Combat Squadrons 4, 3, and L-1 (Spotting Squadron
nated as Battleship, Cruiser Destroyer, Submarine, L-1 and Combat Squadron L-1 were not estab-
Mine, Air, and Train.”14 Aviation was now a distinct lished during FY-22 due to lack of personnel)
part of the fleet organization. General Order Number Patrol Squadron 1
541, issued 17 July 1920 and mentioned earlier in the
discussion on the evolution of the Aircraft Class This is the first instance in which the entire fleet
Designations, established the standard nomenclature organization of aircraft squadrons is identified and,
for the designation of aircraft types and classes (the more or less, corresponds to similar aircraft classes list-
Aircraft Class Designation System), as well as other ed in General Order 541. From this point on, there is a
naval vessels. The following is a discussion on the natural basis for the parallel association between the
evolution of the Squadron Designation System. Squadron Designation System and the Aircraft Class
Designation System.
The Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) issued the
Early Period of Naval Aviation up to 1920 “Naval Aviation Organization for Fiscal Year 1923” on
As mentioned earlier, squadrons and the Squadron 17 June 1922. This document ordered the redesigna-
Designation System did not exist during the early peri- tion of Air Squadrons, Atlantic Fleet and Air
od of naval aviation. Squadrons, Pacific Fleet to Aircraft Squadrons,
Scouting Fleet and Aircraft Squadrons, Battle Fleet,
respectively. The numbering of aircraft squadrons
The Early 1920s according to the ship squadron numbers was
Squadron designations were not immediately identi- changed to a system of numbering all air squadrons
fied in the fleet organization after General Order 533 serially in each class according to the order authoriz-
was issued in July 1920. The first known reference to a ing them to organize.18 The use of letter abbrevia-
squadron-like organization in the fleet appears in tions to indicate the squadron mission and designa-
September 1920 when Airboat Divisions 1 and 2 of Air tion were listed in the “Naval Aeronautic
Force, Atlantic Fleet are identified during their visit to Organization for Fiscal Year 1923.” This is the first
Annapolis.15 In August 1921, reference was made to known record associating the abbreviated Aircraft
Torpedo Plane Squadron 5.16 This is the first known Class Designations with the abbreviated squadron
reference to an aviation squadron with a designation designations. The squadrons assigned to each fleet
similar to those assigned to the aircraft classes in under this organization were as follows:
General Order 541. The “Annual Report of the Chief of
the Bureau of Aeronautics for Fiscal Year 1922”
Aircraft Squadrons, Scouting Fleet
emphasized the reorganization of the aviation forces in
the fleet. During this reorganization, Air Force, Atlantic Scouting Plane Squadron 1 (VS Squadron 1)
Fleet and Air Force, Pacific Fleet were redesignated Air Torpedo and Bombing Plane Squadron 1 (VT Squadron 1)
Squadrons, Atlantic Fleet and Air Squadrons, Pacific Kite Balloon Squadron 1 (ZK Squadron 1)

13 COMINCH U.S. Fleet letter of 7 February 1919.

14 United States Naval Aviation 1910–1980, NAVAIR publication
00–80P–1, 1981, p. 48–49. 17 Annual Report of the Chief of the Bureau of Aeronautics for the
15 CNO Daily Aviation News Bulletin, Op–15H–CCT of September Fiscal Year 1922, Washington Government Printing Office, 1922, p. 5.
24, 1920. 18 Naval Aeronautic Organization for Fiscal Year 1923 issued by
16 U.S. Naval Aviation Operations Report for October 8, 1921, p. 7. CNO ser 26983 of 17 June 1922.
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10 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

Aircraft Squadrons, Battle Fleet By combining the class designation, squadron identi-
Torpedo and Bombing Plane Squadron 2 (VT Squadron 2) fication number, and assignment letter, the squadron
Observation Plane Squadron 1 (VO Squadron 1) designation would be obtained. For example:
Observation Plane Squadron 2 (VO Squadron 2) VO-1B stood for Observation Squadron 1 in the Battle
Observation Plane Squadron 3 (VO Squadron 3) Fleet
Fighting Plane Squadron 1 (VF Squadron 1) VF-3S stood for Fighting Squadron 3 in the Scouting
Fighting Plane Squadron 2 (VF Squadron 2) Fleet
Fighting Plane Squadron 3 (VF Squadron 3) VT-5D14 stood for Torpedo and Bombing Squadron 5
assigned to the Fourteenth Naval District
The mid to late 1920s The lighter-than-air squadron designations were as
With the introduction of new types of planes in ser- follows:
vice and the formation of new squadrons, the Navy Nonrigid Airship Squadrons: ZNO, ZNS, ZNP, and ZNN
made modifications to its system of squadron designa- Rigid Airship Squadrons: ZRS, ZRP, and ZRN
tions. These changes continued to be issued as Kite Balloon Squadrons: ZKO and ZKN
General Orders by the Secretary of the Navy, while the
changes to the Aircraft Class Designation System were None of the lighter-than-air squadron designations
issued by the Bureau of Aeronautics as Technical listed above were ever used by the Navy.
Notes or later as Model Designation of Naval This change to the Squadron Designation System, as
Airplanes. On 1 July 1927, a new system for designat- directed by General Order 161, may be seen in the
ing aircraft squadrons was placed in effect.19 Under listing of aviation squadrons published in the 1 April
General Order 161, the designation system for 1928 Navy Directory20. The new squadron designations
squadrons used three categories to identify the were as follows:
squadron: class designations, squadron identification
Fighting Plane Squadrons (VF-1B, 2B, 3B, 5B and 6B)
numbers, and assignment letters.
Observation Plane Squadrons (VO-1B, 2B and 4B)
The first part of the squadron designation for heav-
Torpedo and Bombing Plane Squadrons (VT-1B and
ier-than-air units used the following class designations:
VT-2B)
VO for observation Utility Squadron (VJ-1B)
VF for fighting Observation Plane Squadrons (VO-3S and VO-5S)
VT for torpedo and bombing Torpedo and Bombing Plane Squadron (VT-9S)
VS for scouting Utility Squadron (VJ-2S)
VP for patrol West Indian Aerial Survey (VJ-3S)
VJ for utility Observation Plane Squadron (VO-11A)
VN for training Torpedo and Bombing Plane Squadron (VT-5A)
VX for experimental Experimental Squadron (VX-1D5)
The second part of the squadron designation used Training Squadrons (VN-6D5, VN-1D8, VN-3D8, VN-
squadron identification numbers within each class of 5D8, and VN-7D11)
squadrons. The numbers began with one and contin- Utility Squadrons (VJ-4D5 and VJ-5D11)
ued in numerical series for each class of squadrons. Torpedo and Bombing Plane Squadrons (VT-6D14,
The final part of the squadron designation used VT-7D14, and VT-8D15)
assignment letters to indicate what organization the Patrol Squadrons (VP-1D14 and VP-2D15)
squadron operated under. Assignment letters were as
A modification was made to General Order 161 on
follows:
28 September 1928.21 This amendment added B for
B for Battle Fleet bombing and VB in the class designation category.
S for Scouting Fleet The aviation squadrons listed for the January 1929
A for Asiatic Fleet fleet organization22 include two new squadron desig-
F for Fleet Base Force nations not identified in the 1928 fleet organization.
C for Control Force
D for Naval District (to be followed by district number)
M for United States Marine Corps 20 Navy Director, Officers of the United States Navy and Marine
R for United States Naval Reserve Corps, April 1, 1928, published by Bureau of Navigation, U.S.
U for United States Fleet Government Printing Office, Washington 1928, p. 128–133.
21 General Order 179 (series 1921) of September 28, 1928

(Amendment to General Order 161).

22 Navy Director, Officers of the United States Navy and Marine

19 General Order 161 (series 1921) dated March 5, 1927, System Corps, January 1, 1929, published by Bureau of Navigation, U.S.
for Designation Aircraft Squadrons. Government Printing Office, Washington, 1929.
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 11

This listing included the scouting squadrons (VS) and After ten years of adhering to the same policy for
bombing squadrons (VB). The new squadrons listed in squadron designations, the Navy canceled General
January 1929 were: Order 33 on 1 July 193725 and instituted a new System
Scouting Plane Squadrons (VS-1B, 2B, 3B, and 4B) for Naming Aircraft Squadrons. 26 The new system
Bombing Plane Squadrons (VB-1B and VB-2B) issued 9 March 1937 and effective 1 July 1937, simply
Scouting Plane Squadron (VS-5S) stated “Aircraft squadrons shall be named in accor-
dance with their primary missions and differentiated as
The January 1929 fleet organization listing also necessary by numbers and organization adjective.” The
removed some of the old squadrons that had been in functional designation of squadrons was assigned in
the previous fleet organization listings. This was most accordance with the primary mission. The squadron
likely the result of the redesignation of some designations promulgated by this CNO letter of 9
squadrons and the disestablishment of others. VB-1B March 1937 were the same as those issued by General
and VB-2B were most likely redesignated from VFs Order 33, plus the addition of transport as a new func-
(Fighting Squadrons). tional designation. The functional designations for
The squadron designations listed in the Navy’s orga- squadrons issued by the 9 March 1937 letter were:
nization for 1928 and early 1929 correspond to almost bombing (VB)
all the aircraft class designations listed in the Model fighting (VF)
Designation of Naval Airplanes for January 1929.23 Out observation (VO)
of the nine aircraft classes listed there is only one air- patrol (VP)
craft class designation that does not have a corre- scouting (VS)
sponding squadron designation. The Navy did not torpedo (VT)
have a squadron with the designation VH until 15 training (VN)
April 1944. VH-1 was the first squadron established as utility (VJ)
an Air-Sea Rescue Squadron. The use of the same experimental (VX)
functional designation for aircraft class abbreviations transport (VR)
and squadron abbreviations demonstrated the close
association between the two designation systems in Under this new System for Naming Aircraft
the late 1920s. Squadrons, the squadron letter designation remained
the same as the previous system; however, the suffix
lettering (assignment lettering) was dropped and a
The 1930s
major change was instituted for the numbering of air-
On 15 May 1930, an update to the system for craft carrier squadrons. The numbering system was
squadron designations was issued as General Order revised to provide for:
202. It canceled General Orders 161 and 179 and
1. numbering each carrier squadron according to the
became effective 1 July 1930. General Order 202 was
hull number of its carrier,
almost identical to the previous two general orders.
2. each battleship and cruiser squadron was to be
The only change was the removal of bombing from
assigned the same number as its ship division,
the torpedo and bombing class designation and
3. patrol squadrons were numbered serially without
assigning only torpedo as the functional designation
regard to their assignment.
for VT.
General Order 202 remained in effect until 13 May The primary designations listed for the aircraft classes
1935 when another revision was made to the Aircraft in July 193727 included all of the same designations
Squadron Designation System.24 General Order 33, listed by the CNO’s letter of 9 March 1937 for
effective 13 May 1935, made only one change to squadron designations except for experimental (VX).
General Order 202. The C for Control Force as an Out of the ten designations for squadrons, nine were
assignment letter was deleted. There were no changes assigned to active units in the Navy as of September
to the class designation or squadron identification 1937.28 The Bureau of Aeronautics’ “Monthly Report,
numbering categories. Essentially, General Order 33 Status of Naval Aircraft” for July 1937 identified the fol-
reaffirmed the Aircraft Squadron Designating System lowing squadrons as being in existence (this list does
that had been instituted by General Order 161, modi- not include Marine Corps or Reserve squadrons):
fied by General Order 179 and consolidated by
General Order 202. 25 General Order No. 94 of March 8, 1937.
26 CNO letter OP–38–E–EMR VZ1/F40–1(370309) of 9 March 1937,
System for Naming Aircraft Squadrons.
27 Bureau of Aeronautics, Model Designation of Naval Airplanes

SH-3V, 1 July 1937.

23 Bureau of Aeronautics, Model Designation of Naval Airplanes 28 Navy Directory, Officers of the United States Navy and Marine
SH-3E, Aer–D–157–CRP, January 1929. Corps, September 1, 1937, issued by Bureau of Navigation, U.S.
24 General Order No. 33 of May 13, 1935.
Government Printing Office, Washington, 1937.
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12 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

VB-2 VF-2 VB-3 VF-3 VF-5 VF-6 The Squadron Designation System underwent
VF-4 VB-5 VS-5 VT-5 VS-42 VB-6 changes similar to those previously mentioned in the
VS-6 VS-2 VS-3 VS-41 VB-4 VT-2 Aircraft Class Designation System. A review of the
VT-6 VT-3 VJ-1 VP-16 VP-17 VP-14 changes in the Squadron Designation System will
VP-3 VP-6 VP-8 VP-9 VP-11 VP-12 show the parallel developments between the two sys-
VP-5 VP-10 VP-4 VP-7 VP-15 VJ-2 tems. In July 1939, a modification was made to the
VO-1 VO-2 VO-3 VO-4 VCS-2 VCS-3 Squadron Designation System that was set up in July
VCS-4 VCS-5 VCS-6 VCS-7 VP-2 VP-1 1937. The modification standardized the numbering of
VX-2D1 VX-3D4 VX-4D4 VX-4D5 VX-5D5 VN-8D5 patrol squadrons in reference to wings so that the first
VJ-4D5 VN-1D8 VN-2D8 VN-3D8 VN-4D8 VN-5D8 digit of a patrol squadron designation number became
VJ-5D11 the same as the wing to which it was assigned. The
Squadron Designation System that was set up in 1937,
The only designation not in use for squadrons at which numbered squadrons according to the hull
this time was the one for transport (VR). However, number of its ship or division, became totally impracti-
none of the three-letter Aircraft Class Designations cal during World War II. In early 1941 the squadron
(such as VBF, VOS, VPB, VPT, VSB, VSO or VTB) were designations in use included the following:
used in the squadron designation system at this time.
The separate but parallel relationship that exists VF for Fighting Squadrons
between the system of naming aircraft squadrons and VB for Bombing Squadrons
the designations assigned to aircraft classes is appar- VT for Torpedo Squadrons
ent. They serve separate purposes, yet, are so closely VS for Scouting Squadrons
related in their requirements that they must be regard- VJ for Utility Squadrons
ed as mutually supporting systems. VX for Experimental Squadrons
It is important to note paragraph 7 of the Chief of VP for Patrol Squadrons
Naval Operation’s letter of 9 March 1937; it states VN for Training Squadrons
“Model designations of aircraft, published by the VO for Observation Squadrons
Bureau of Aeronautics, employ the same functional VCS for Cruiser Scouting Squadrons
designations and corresponding letters (or combina-
tions thereof to indicate secondary as well as primary World War II
functions) as are listed herein. These model designa-
During the early part of World War II many new
tions, however, are distinct from and not to be con-
squadron designations were established. The following
fused with squadron names and abbreviations covered
new squadron designations became effective in 1942:
in the Order.” The parallel relationship between the
two systems is quite evident from this statement, as ZP for Blimp Squadrons
well as the confusion that develops when it is neces- VGS for Escort Scouting Squadrons
sary to show the interdependence of the two systems VGF for Escort Fighting Squadrons
(Aircraft Class Designation System and the Aircraft VR for Transport Squadrons
Squadron Designation System).
In late 1942 the Squadron Designation System setup
The 1 July 1937 change to the aircraft carrier
in 1937, and modified in 1939, was discontinued. A
squadron numbering proved to be a disaster during
new system was issued in January 1943 and became
the massive World War II expansion of naval aviation.
effective 1 March 1943. 29 According to this Navy
With the large increase in the number of aircraft carri-
Department Bulletin, all squadrons were numbered
ers and air groups (with their assigned carrier
serially without regard to which carrier, battleship,
squadrons), combined with the movement of air
cruiser, or shore station the squadron was assigned.
groups from one carrier to another, it became impossi-
The carrier squadrons that had VSB and VTB aircraft
ble to associate the air group’s squadron numbers with
classes assigned were designated in this directive as
the hull number of the carrier it was operating from
VB and VT, respectively. Carrier-based dive bombing
during the war. The counterpart to this, the prolifera-
squadrons (VB) were numbered serially from 1 to 99
tion of aircraft class designations, with its many primary
and torpedo squadrons (VT) from 1 to 65. There were
and secondary missions, subsequently led to many
no changes in the designations for these two types of
squadron designation changes during World War II
squadrons under this new directive; however, as the
and the postwar period. By reviewing the “U.S. Navy
war progressed, the VT squadron numbers increased
Squadron Designation and Abbreviations” listing in
Appendix 4, the reader will be able to identify all the
changes that occurred in squadron designations 29 SecNav Confidential ltr (SC) A3–1/VV Serial 0104540 of January

between 1942 and 1948 or at any other time frame in 2, 1943, Naval Aircraft Squadrons, Designation and Renumbering of,
issued as Navy Department Bulletin C–19 of January 15, 1943, effec-
naval aviation. tive 1 March 1943.
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 13

from 65 and continued into the three-digit series. Post World War II and the late 1940s
Other squadron designation changes, effective 1 In 1946, to complement the change in the Aircraft
March 1943, included: Class Designation System (or Class Designation of
inshore patrol squadrons redesignated VS (scouting Naval Aircraft) instituted by Aviation Circular Letter
squadrons), Number 43–46, the Navy issued a major revision to its
escort fighting squadrons (VGF) became fighting method of designating naval aircraft squadrons. On 22
squadrons (VF), July 1946, a Secretary of Navy letter established a new
escort scouting squadrons (VGS) redesignated com- System of Squadron Designations to be effective 1
posite squadrons (VC), September 1946.30 The Secretary of Navy letter was
patrol squadrons operating land-based aircraft became issued as Navy Department Bulletin 46–1543 of 31 July
bombing squadrons (VB) with three-digit numbers. 1946; however, an All Navy Bulletin (ALNAV) 482–46
This separated them from the bombing squadrons postponed the effective date of the Secretary of Navy
(VB) that were carrier-based and had two-digit letter. The redesignation of naval aircraft squadrons
numbers. issued by the Secretary of Navy letter became effective
on 15 November 1946 in accordance with Navy
Squadron designations in existence in March 1943 Department Bulletin 46–2123.31 The carrier squadron
were as follows: designations VB and VT were replaced by the designa-
VF Fighting Squadrons tion VA for attack squadrons. This was the first use of
VB Bombing Squadrons (carrier-based) the designation VA for attack squadrons. Squadron
VB Bombing Squadrons (Patrol Squadrons flying designations in existence as a result of the 15
land-based aircraft) November 1946 change were as follows:
VT Torpedo Squadrons VF Fighting Squadrons
VC Composite Squadrons VA Attack Squadrons
VP Patrol Squadrons VCN Night Composite Squadrons
VS Scouting Squadrons (included carrier and VP-HL Heavy Patrol Squadrons (landplane)
land-based) VP-ML Medium Patrol Squadrons (landplane)
ZP Blimp Squadrons VP-MS Medium Patrol Squadrons (seaplane)
VJ Utility Squadrons VP-AM Amphibian Patrol Squadrons
VR Transport Squadrons VPM Meteorological Squadrons
VD Photographic Squadrons ZP Blimp Squadrons
VO Observation Squadrons VR Transport Squadrons
VCS Cruiser Scouting Squadrons VRU Transport Utility Squadrons
Numerous modifications were made to this VRF Transport Ferry and Service Squadrons
Squadron Designation System during the remainder of VX Experimental and Development Squadrons
the war. On 1 October 1944, patrol squadrons (VP) VO Observation Squadrons
and multiengine land-based bombing squadrons (VB) VU Utility Squadrons
were redesignate patrol bombing squadrons (VPB). VPP Photographic Squadrons
Additional new squadron designations in the Squadron VN Training Squadrons
Designation System during the latter part of World War With the establishment of attack squadrons, many of
II included: the old VT and VB squadrons were redesignated VA
VBF Bombing Fighting Squadrons squadrons. The following is a list of VT and VB
VFN Night Fighter Squadrons squadrons redesignated as attack squadrons on 15
VTN Night Torpedo Squadrons November 1946:32
VOF Observation Fighter Squadrons VB-4 redesignated VA-1A
VOC Composite Spotting Squadrons VB-74 redesignated VA-1B
VE Evacuation Squadrons VT-41 redesignated VA-1E
VH Rescue Squadrons VT-58 redesignated VA-1L
VK Special Air Task Force Squadrons
ZJ Blimp Utility Squadron
VRE Air Transport Evacuation Squadron 30 SecNav ltr Serial 203P517, OP–517–B16-EPA:ls of 22 July 1946.
VRJ Utility Transport Squadron 31 Navy Department Bulletin 46–2123, Redesignation and
VRF Ferry Transport Squadrons Renumbering of Fleet Air Groups and Squadrons, Op–55–C–KB,
Serial 3P55C of 31 October 1946.
VRS Service Transport Squadron 32 CNO ltr Naval-Marine Aviation Unit Designations, History of,

VOS Air Spotting Squadrons rest. serial 4184P33, A12–1 of 15 December 1947.
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14 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

VT-4 redesignated VA-2A VF Fighter Squadrons

VT-74 redesignated VA-2B VA Attack Squadrons
VT-42 redesignated VA-2E VC Composite Squadrons
VB-3 redesignated VA-3A VP Patrol Squadrons
VB-75 redesignated VA-3B ZP Blimp Squadrons
VT-3 redesignated VA-4A VU Utility Squadrons
VT-75 redesignated VA-4B VR Transport Squadrons
VB-5 redesignated VA-5A VX Experimental and Development Squadrons
VB-17 redesignated VA-5B VO Observation Squadrons
VT-5 redesignated VA-6A HU Helicopter Squadrons
VT-17 redesignated VA-6B VAW Carrier Air Early Warning Squadrons
VB-18 redesignated VA-7A
VT-18 redesignated VA-8A Numerous modifications have been made to the
VB-20 redesignated VA-9A Squadron Designation System issued in September
VT-20 redesignated VA-10A 1948, however, these changes have been made on a
VB-11 redesignated VA-11A case by case basis. The Navy has not issued a major
VT-11 redesignated VA-12A directive to change the Squadron Designation System
VB-81 redesignated VA-13A since 1948.
VT-81 redesignated VA-14A
VB-153 redesignated VA-15A The 1950s, 1960s, 1970s and 1980s
VT-153 redesignated VA-16A
Since this volume of the Dictionary of American
VB-82 redesignated VA-17A
Naval Aviation Squadrons is dealing primarily with
VT-82 redesignated VA-18A
VA designations and its derivatives, the remaining dis-
VB-19 redesignated VA-19A
cussion will deal only with those designations.
VT-19 redesignated VA-20A
Various modifications to the VA squadron designation
VB-98 redesignated VA-21A
occurred between 1946 and the present. Modifications
VT-98 redesignated VA-22A
to VA squadron designations included the establish-
The suffix letters attached to the above designations ment of VA(AW), VAH, and VAL squadron designa-
identifies the squadron’s assignment to a particular tions. The VAH designation was established in the
type of carrier air group and its assignment to a Battle mid-1950s to identify heavy attack squadrons which
Carrier or Attack Carrier. The “A” suffix was for Attack also had been VC (Composite) squadrons. Their pri-
Carrier assignments and the “B” was for Battle Carriers. mary mission was the delivery of nuclear weapons
On 6 December 1946, VA-19A became the first fleet from carriers. The VA(AW) designation was also estab-
operational squadron to have an attack-designated air- lished in the mid-1950s to identify squadrons that
craft assigned. The development of a single-seat air- were all-weather capable. The VAL (light attack
plane to execute the missions and functions of the squadron) designation was established during the
VSB and VTB aircraft classes and the consolidation of Vietnam conflict and only one VAL squadron was
these missions into attack squadrons, vice VT and VB established. Its mission was to provide surveillance
squadrons, had finally evolved. and offensive operations in support of the river patrol
The last major overall change to the Squadron forces based in South Vietnam, as well as air support
Designation System occurred on 1 September 1948. for SEALs (Sea-Air-Land team) and combined U.S.
The VF and VA carrier squadrons were assigned two Army, Navy, and South Vietnamese operations.
or three digit numbers. The first digit number was the Numerous other derivatives of the VA squadron des-
same as the parent air group number. The suffix letters ignation were established, including VAP, VAQ, VAW,
under the old system were dropped, as an example, VAK, and VA(HM); however, the primary mission of
VA-22A would have dropped the “A” letter at the end these squadrons did not involve an attack role. The
of the designation. Patrol squadrons reverted to the most likely reason for the use of the VA in these
simple VP designation, instead of using the four sepa- squadron designations may have been because the ini-
rate designations of VP-HL, VP-ML, VP-MS, and VP- tial aircraft used by or assigned to the squadrons was
AM. Special designations for transport squadrons, such a modified attack aircraft.
as VRF and VRU, became VR. Some VC squadrons The most recent modification to the VA squadron
became VAW to reflect their air warning mission. As a designation is the VFA designation. The evolution of
result of the 1 September 1948 change to the the VFA (fighter attack and later strike fighter)
Squadron Designation System, the following squadron squadron designation involved several traditional fac-
designations were in existence: tors that have influenced aircraft and squadron desig-
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 15

nations in the past, as well as the addition of certain VFC Fighter Squadron Composite
economic and political aspects. The following are VT Training Squadron
some of the factors that played a role in the creation HT Helicopter Training Squadron
of the VFA designation: HCS Helicopter Combat Support Special Squadron
• increased cost factors surrounding the acquisition of The basic mission symbols for military aircraft class-
F-14 Tomcats es listed in the DOD Model Designation of Military
• Congressional emphasis on achieving greater com- Aerospace Vehicles for 1990 were as follows:
monality between Navy and Air Force aircraft (par-
ticularly with regard to adopting a derivative of the A Attack
Air Force’s Air Combat Fighter, which involved a B Bomber (not used by the Navy)
competitive flyoff between the YF-17 and YF-16 in C Transport
the early 1970s) E Special Electronic Installation
• the Navy’s need for aircraft with new performance, F Fighter
electronics, and weaponry technology to counter the O Observation
progressively more sophisticated Soviet aircraft P Patrol
• the Navy’s need for an aircraft to replace overage R Reconnaissance
and outdated tactical aircraft and maintain approved S Antisubmarine
tactical force levels T Trainer
• a need to provide a multipurpose aircraft capable of U Utility
performing fighter, attack, and support roles, thereby, X Research
reducing the different types of aircraft required to be In the Navy’s last publication of the Allowances and
supported by the Navy, especially for those assigned Location of Naval Aircraft (March 1988) the aircraft
to the carriers class listing was as follows:
On 13 November 1980, the Navy’s first fighter VF Fighter
attack squadron, using the VFA designation, was VA Attack
established as VFA-125. The squadron was established VS Antisubmarine
with the mission of training fighter and attack pilots VP Patrol
to fly the F/A-18 Hornet. On 25 March 1983, VFA-des- VW Early Warning
ignated squadrons were changed from fighter attack VR Transport
to strike fighter squadrons, but the VFA acronym VG In-flight refueling
remained the same. VO Observation
The similarities between the Squadron Designation VU Utility
System and the Naval Aircraft Class System may be VT Trainer
seen by making a final comparison between the two VK Drones
systems as they currently exist. The following is a list- H Rotary Wing
ing of the current squadron designations:
The interplay between the two systems is evident
VF Fighter Squadron from the comparisons presented. The “Naval
VA Attack Squadron Aeronautic Organization for Fiscal Year 1923” estab-
VFA Strike Fighter Squadron lished the precedent for the corresponding relation-
VAW Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron ship between Aircraft Class Designations and the
VS Sea Control Squadron abbreviated designations used for aircraft squadrons
HS Carrier Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron and their missions. From this point on, a parallel asso-
HC Helicopter Combat Support Squadron ciation can be drawn between the Squadron
HSL Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron Light Designation System and the Aircraft Class Designation
HM Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron System. This concept has remained a viable union for
VP Patrol Squadron naval aviation since 17 June 1922, even though numer-
VR Fleet Logistic Squadron ous changes have occurred within the aircraft classes
VRC Fleet Logistic Support Squadron and squadron designations since 1922.
VC Fleet Composite Squadron Modifications to these two systems were, and are,
VQ Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron constantly being made to keep pace with the advances
VX Air Test and Evaluation Squadron in aircraft capabilities and changes in mission require-
VXE Antarctic Development Squadron ments and tactical approaches utilized by the
VXN Oceanographic Development Squadron squadrons. Needless to say, there have always been
VAQ Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron exceptions to the rule in this association between the
VPU Patrol Squadron Special Projects Unit two systems. Special aircraft class designations have
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16 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

existed at various times without having a correspond- If the trend toward consolidation of missions into
ing squadron designation and vice versa. However, on single airframes continues, the types of fixed-wing air-
the whole, aircraft class designations have had corre- craft operating from the deck of a carrier could be
sponding, or been associated with similar, squadron reduced to only four different planes or even less. The
designations since 1922. trend, no doubt, will continue toward the use of a
The use of common letter designations in the Aircraft common airframe that may be designed to perform a
Class Designation System and the Squadron Desig- wide variety of missions by the addition of specific
nation System leaves no doubt about the parallel con- external pods or interchangeable payloads. The AD
nection between the two systems. It was only logical (A-1) Skyraider is an example of the use of a common
that when a new type of aircraft with advanced operat- airframe that was modified to perform a variety of mis-
ing capabilities and new weapon systems was intro- sions other than the primary one it had been designed
duced there would be a corresponding development to fulfill. The Navy’s Squadron Designation System and
for a new type of squadron. The interplay of technolo- Aircraft Designation System will undoubtedly continue
gy and tactics continue to be the dominating factors in to undergo other major revisions in the future to keep
developing aircraft class and squadron designations. pace with changing defense requirements.
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 17

CHAPTER 2

Attack Squadron Histories (VA)

VA-1E to VA-873

VA-1E Home Port Assignments

Location Assignment Date
Lineage
NAS Seattle 26 Mar 1945
Established as Torpedo Squadron FORTY ONE (VT- NAS Pasco 15 Apr 1945
41) on 26 March 1945. NAS Seattle 04 Jul 1945
Redesignated Attack Squadron ONE E (VA-1E) on 15 NAAS Arlington 10 Jul 1945
November 1946. MCAAF Gillespie 01 Aug 1945
Disestablished on 1 September 1948. The first and NAS San Diego 19 Sep 1945
only squadron to be designated VA-1E.
Commanding Officers
Squadron Insignia and Nickname
Date Assumed Command
VT-41’s insignia was approved by CNO on 18 July
LT Joseph P. Keigher (acting) 26 Mar 1945
1945. The insignia depicted the multi-armament capa-
LT Charles A. Collins 29 Apr 1945
bility of the squadron’s
LCDR Kent M. Cushman 14 Sep 1946
aircraft. Colors for the
LCDR Harold A. Robinson 24 Nov 1947
insignia were: light blue
background with white
cloud outlined in black; Aircraft Assignment
yellow torpedo with Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received
black markings; the TBM-1/1C 26 Mar 1945
machine gun and rock- TBM-3 26 Mar 1945
ets were gray with black TBF-1 Apr 1945
markings and the bomb TBF-1C/P May 1945
was black; the shell and TBM-3E May 1945
mouth of the turtle were TBM-3S 1948
Squadron insignia approved for green, while the arms,
use by VT-41.
legs, neck and upper Air Wing Assignments
face were orange; the Air Wing Tail Code Assignment Date
flight helmet and lower shell of the turtle were brown
CVEG-41/CVEG-1* BS 26 Mar 1945
and the goggles were black. The outer circle of the
insignia was outlined in black.
After VT-41 was redesignated VA-1E, the squadron * CVEG-41 was redesignated CVEG-1 on 15 November 1946.
apparently continued to use its original insignia. There
is no record of approval for a VA-1E insignia.
Nickname: unknown.

Chronology of Significant Events

1 Mar 1946: Commander Air Force Pacific Fleet des-
ignated the primary mission of VA-1E as antisubmarine
warfare (ASW).
4 Dec 1946: Escort Carrier Air Group 1 (CVEG-1)
was assigned to Badoeng Strait (CVE 116) with VA-1E
as part of this Hunter-Killer ASW team.
1947–1948: Squadron conducted Hunter-Killer ASW
operations intermittently from Badoeng Strait (CVE A squadron TBM-3S Avenger in flight, June 1950 (Courtesy Robert
116) in the western Pacific off the coast of California. Lawson Collection).

17
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18 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

VA-1L Feb 1948: Squadron aircraft participated in a fly-over

during the inauguration ceremonies in Caracas,
Lineage Venezeula, for President-elect Romulo Gallegos.
Established as Torpedo Squadron FIFTY EIGHT (VT- 20 Nov 1948: When VA-1L was disestablished, ele-
58) on 19 March 1946. ments of this squadron, as well as elements from VF-
Redesignated Attack Squadron ONE L (VA-1L) on 15 1L and Light Carrier Air Group 1 (CVLG-1), were com-
November 1946. bined to form Aircraft Development Squadron 3
Disestablished on 20 November 1948. The Navy’s (VX-3).
first and only squadron to be designated VA-1L.
Home Port Assignments
Squadron Insignia and Nickname
Location Assignment Date
CNO approved an insignia for VT-58 on 1 July 1946.
NAAS Fentress 19 Mar 1946
The insignia represents
NAS Atlantic City 19 Jun 1946
the squadron’s multimis-
sion, day-and-night car-
rier operational capabili- Commanding Officers
ties. Insignia colors
Date Assumed Command
were: a red background
outlined in black; the LT Dean S. Laird (acting) 19 Mar 1946
aircraft and ship were LCDR Samuel G. Parsons 29 Apr 1946
black with white mark- LCDR John W. Shong 20 Aug 1946
ings; lightning bolts LCDR Laurence W. Abbott, Jr. 13 Jun 1948
were silver; lettering
Insignia approved for use by VT-58. was yellow with black Aircraft Assignment
outlines; upper half of
the day circle was light blue and lower half was dark Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received
blue; the sun, moon and stars were yellow; and the F6F-5N May 1946
night circle was dark blue on top and black on the SB2C-5 May 1946
bottom. TBM-3/3E May 1946
There is no record of approval for a VA-1L insignia. TBM-3N Dec 1946
Nickname: unknown. TBM-3W 04 Mar 1947
XBT2D-1 Jan 1948
AD-2 19 Oct 1948
Chronology of Significant Events
Mar 1946: The squadron’s mission, when estab-
lished, was to work with the Operational
Development Force United States Fleet (COMOPDEV-
FOR). That organization’s duties included the opera-
tional test and evaluation of new weapons, equipment
and methods for use by the fleet; reporting the results;
and recommending required training, operating proce-
dures and tactical doctrine. To accomplish this mis-
sion, the squadron operated three different types of
aircraft, the F6F-5N, SB2C-5 and TBM-3, giving them a
day and night capability.
13 Dec 1946: The squadron’s F6F-5Ns were trans-
ferred to VF-1L; thereafter, VA-1L operated only the
SB2Cs and TBMs.
4 Mar 1947: When the squadron received the TBM-3W
aircraft, it also received qualified personnel to support
and operate the airborne early warning (AEW) TBMs.
4 Apr–5 May 1947: The squadron operated aboard
Saipan (CVL 48) during her shakedown cruise in the A squadron TBM Avenger catches the wire aboard Saipan (CVL 48)
Caribbean. (Courtesy Robert Lawson Collection).
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 19

Major Overseas Deployments

Date of Date of Air Type of Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Aircraft Operation

07 Feb 1948 24 Feb 1948 CVLG-1 CVL 48 TBM-3N/E Carib

Air Wing Assignments

Air Wing Tail Code Assignment Date

CVLG-58/CVLG-1* SA 19 Mar 1946

* CVLG-58 was redesignated CVLG-1 on 15 November 1946.

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20 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

VA-12 operated ashore at

Kobler Field, Saipan.
Lineage Conducted training and
Established as Bomber-Fighter Squadron FOUR preparations for special
(VBF-4) on 12 May 1945. fleet exercises while
Redesignated Fighter Squadron TWO A (VF-2A) on shore based.
15 November 1946. 26 Apr 1952: The
Redesignated Fighter Squadron TWELVE (VF-12) on squadron was
2 August 1948. embarked in Wasp (CV
Redesignated Attack Squadron TWELVE (VA-12) on 18) en route to the
1 August 1955, the first squadron to be assigned the Mediterranean when
The squadron’s second insignia, the the carrier collided with
VA-12 designation. “Kiss of Death” design, was ap-
Disestablished on 1 October 1986. proved for squadron use in 1949. the Hobson (DMS 26)
which sank along with
her 176 men. There were no injuries to squadron
Squadron Insignia and Nickname personnel. The squadron’s F2H-2s remained aboard
The squadron’s first insignia was approved by CNO until Wasp entered dry dock at New York to repair
on 19 December 1945. Insignia colors were as follows: her catapults which were damaged in the collision.
crimson circular back- 19 Aug 1953: While operating from Franklin D.
ground; four of spades Roosevelt (CVA 42) in the Mediterranean Sea, the
on white background squadron’s commanding officer, Lieutenant Commander
with black markings; Breen, was lost at sea.
black bomb with white Feb 1955: VA-12 supported the evacuation of
eyes, mouth, arms and Chinese Nationalist civilians and military personnel
other white markings; from the Tachen Islands which were being bombarded
brown gloves; gold by the People’s Republic of China.
wings; and pink fire on 1 Aug 1955: With the redesignation of VF-12 to VA-
the bomb fuse. 12 and the acquisition of a new type of aircraft in
There are no records December 1955, the F7U Cutlass, the squadron’s mis-
indicating VF-2A sion changed from jet intercept to special weapons
The squadron’s first approved
insignia used by VBF-4.
changed the VBF-4 attack.
insignia following redes- 14–27 Nov 1960: VA-12, embarked in Shangri-La
ignation. In 1949, almost a year after VF-2A was redes- (CVA 38), was part of the task force ordered to the
ignated VF-12, the squadron requested approval for a coast of Central America to counter the infiltration of
new insignia. CNO approved VF-12’s new insignia on Cubans into Guatemala and Nicaragua.
29 September 1949. The theme of the new insignia, 21–27 Nov 1961: VA-12, embarked in Franklin D.
“Kiss of Death,” was well illustrated: black background; Roosevelt, operated off the coast of the Dominican
white skull and letters; red lips; and the inner circle Republic to support the newly established democratic
and squadron designation was outlined in red. government.
When VF-12 was redesignated VA-12, the squadron Apr 1962: VA-12 was selected by CNO to conduct
continued to use the “Kiss of Death” insignia. It “Operation Trap,” a test firing of Bullpup missiles to
became a well-known insignia and was used by the evaluate their usefulness to the Navy. The test firings
squadron until its disestablishment in 1986. took place while the squadron was based at their
Nickname: Ubangis, Date unknown-1982 home port of NAS Cecil Field.
Clinchers, 1982–1986 Jul–Aug 1963: A-4C detachments from the squadron
operated aboard Essex (CVS 9) and Intrepid (CVS 11)
as fighter support for antisubmarine exercises. These
Chronology of Significant Events
operations were also used to help develop and evalu-
5 Oct 1945: The squadron participated in an aerial ate ASW tactics and doctrine.
parade over Washington, D.C., in honor of Fleet 8–29 Aug 1964: Franklin D. Roosevelt and her air
Admiral Chester W. Nimitz. It also engaged in several wing were ordered to operated in the vicinity of
other air parades and exhibition flights during the Cyprus after fighting escalated between Turkish and
month of October. Greek forces on the island.
6 Oct 1945: VBF-4’s commanding officer, Lieutenant Aug 1966: VA-12 flew its first combat sortie since its
Commander Lackey, was killed during a training flight establishment 21 years earlier. The squadron complet-
in an SNJ. ed its Vietnam deployment in December 1966 without
21 Aug–19 Sep and Nov–Dec 1946: The squadron sustaining any combat damage to its aircraft.
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 21

12 Nov 1966: VA-12’s commanding officer, Commanding Officers

Commander Robert C. Frosio, was lost at sea during
flight operations from Franklin D. Roosevelt. Date Assumed Command
14 Dec 1966: Commander Barnett, commanding LTJG Joseph F. Simpson (acting) 12 May 1945
officer of VA-12, led a 42-plane strike against a heavily LTJG John S. Tyler (acting) 15 May 1945
defended target in North Vietnam and for which he
LCDR John H. Lackey 19 May 1945
was awarded the Silver Star.
LCDR William L. Conley 06 Oct 1945
Oct–Dec 1973: Independence (CV 62) and VA-12
LCDR Richard H. Guinn 21 Jun 1947
took station southeast of Crete after the outbreak of
war between Israel, Egypt and Syria on 6 October LCDR W. H. Kilgore (acting) 07 May 1948
1973. During this period of operations the squadron LCDR Ronald W. Hoel 02 Jul 1948
conducted surveillance flights against a large Soviet LCDR Albert W. Newhall, Jr. 03 May 1949
fleet that had sortied from the Black Sea. CDR Brainard T. Macomber 29 Jun 1950
Aug 1974: As a result of the crisis on Cyprus, LCDR John L. Carter 02 Nov 1951
Independence, with VA-12 aboard, was stationed off LCDR John M. Breen 15 Dec 1952
the coast of Crete. Tensions increased significantly on LCDR Hamilton McWhorter 19 Aug 1953
19 August when the American Ambassador to Cyprus, CDR Frederick G. Kidd Oct 1954
Roger Davies, was killed by a Cypriot mob. The squadron CDR Paul H. Durand Aug 1955
prepared for possible assistance in the evacuation of CDR Marshall P. Deputy, Jr. Jan 1957
American nationals. It flew surveillance of Greek, Turkish CDR Charles A. Pendleton, Jr. 10 Jan 1958
and Soviet naval and merchant activity in the area.
CDR William B. Barrow 22 Jan 1959
7 Sep 1974: The squadron participated in the search
CDR Richard J. Deprez Mar 1960
for victims of a TWA airliner crash in the Ionian Sea.
No survivors were located. CDR John E. Hansen 18 Jun 1961
15 Apr 1980: VA-12 deployed aboard Dwight D. CDR Robert E. Oechslin 14 Jun 1962
Eisenhower (CVN 69) to the Indian Ocean in response CDR Max E. Malan 14 Jun 1963
to the Iran-American Embassy hostage situation. The CDR Burton E. Berglund 15 Jun 1964
squadron was at sea for 254 days with only one port call CDR James D. Whyte 30 Apr 1965
during the entire eight and one-half month deployment. CDR Robert C. Frosio Apr 1966
Jun, Aug and Sep 1983: VA-12 operated from Dwight CDR Gerald P. Barnett 18 Nov 1966
D. Eisenhower while on station off the coast of CDR Austin C. O’Brien, Jr. 21 Nov 1967
Lebanon. The squadron flew in support of the multi- CDR Richard M. Fletcher Nov 1968
national peacekeeping force stationed in Beirut. CDR Walter R. Petersen 30 Sep 1969
23 Oct 1983: Dwight D. Eisenhower and her air CDR Daniel H. L. Gholson 10 Jul 1970
wing returned to the coast of Beirut after 241 Marines
LCDR Henry E. Nelson 16 Jun 1971
died in a terrorist-suicide attack there.
CDR Anthony A. Less 30 Jun 1972
1 Oct 1986: VA-12 was disestablished, bringing to a
close the long history of the squadron and its motto CDR John F. Calhoun Oct 1973
“Kiss of Death.” CDR James M. Hickerson 1975
CDR Gary W. Mau 14 Feb 1976
CDR David R. Edwards 10 May 1977
Home Port Assignment
CDR Richard B. Curtis 26 Jul 1978
Location Assignment Date CDR Robert A. Maier 01 Nov 1979
NAS Alameda 12 May 1945 CDR Audrey B. Whitten 26 Feb 1981
NAAS Watsonville 21 May 1945 CDR James M. Gill 19 May 1982
NAS Wildwood 09 Jul 1945 CDR Michael W. Samuels 01 Oct 1983
NAAS Groton 09 Sep 1945 CDR Harry M. Conner 21 May 1985
NAS Norfolk 18 Jan 1946
NAS San Diego (North Island) 15 Jul 1946
NAS Norfolk 21 Feb 1949 Aircraft Assignment
NAAS Cecil Field 25 Feb 1949
NAS Jacksonville 24 Mar 1950 Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received
NAAS Cecil Field 25 Mar 1951 F6F 23 May 1945
NAS Jacksonville 07 Oct 1951 F4U-1/1D and FG-1/1D 23 May 1945
NAAS Cecil Field 28 Feb 1952 F4U-4 30 Sep 1945
NAS Jacksonville 16 May 1952 F8F-1/1B May 1947
NAS Cecil Field 13 Oct 1952 F6F-5P May 1947
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22 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

Aircraft Assignment—Continued

Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received

F2H-1 01 Sep 1950
F2H-2 Dec 1950
F7U-3 Dec 1955
A4D-1 Apr 1957
A4D-2 Jan 1958
A4D-2N (A-4C)* 08 Jan 1962
A-4E 08 Mar 1965
A-4C 09 Mar 1967
A-7E 01 Apr 1971

*In 1962, the Navy’s aircraft designation system was changed and A flight of squadron F4U-4s deployed aboard Tarawa (CV 40) oper-
the A4D-2N was redesignated the A-4C Skyhawk. ating from Naval Air Base Kobler, Saipan, in August 1946.

Major Overseas Deployments

Date of Date of Air Type of Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Aircraft Operation

28 Jun 1946 15 Jul 1946 CVG-4 CV 40 F4U-4 Transit to West

Coast via Panama
Canal
01 Aug 1946 29 Apr 1947 CVG-4/CVAG-1 CV 40 F4U-4 WestPac
01 Oct 1948 21 Feb 1949 CVG-1 CV 40 F8F-1 World Cruise
20 Mar 1951 06 Oct 1951 CVG-1 CVB 43 F2H-2 Med
24 May 1952 11 Oct 1952 CVG-1 CV 18 F2H-2 Med/NorLant
11 Jun 1953 03 Dec 1953 CVG-1 CVA 42 F2H-2 Med
27 Dec 1954 14 Jul 1955 CVG-1 CVA 41 F2H-2 World Cruise
02 Sep 1958 12 Mar 1959 CVG-10 CVA 59 A4D-2 Med
06 Sep 1960 20 Oct 1960 CVG-10 CVA 38 A4D-2 NorLant
14 Nov 1960 27 Nov 1960 CVG-10 CVA 38 A4D-2 Carib
15 Feb 1961 28 Aug 1961 CVG-1 CVA 42 A4D-2 Med

The squadron’s F2H Banshee, second from left, in formation with other aircraft from Air Group 1.
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 23

Major Overseas Deployments—Continued

Date of Date of Air Type of Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Aircraft Operation

19 Nov 1961 30 Nov 1961 CVG-1 CVA 42 A4D-2 Carib

14 Sep 1962 22 Apr 1963 CVG-1 CVA 42 A4D-2N Med
28 Apr 1964 22 Dec 1964 CVW-1 CVA 42 A-4C Med
28 Jun 1965 17 Dec 1965 CVW-1 CVA 42 A-4E Med
21 Jun 1966 21 Feb 1967 CVW-1 CVA 42 A-4E WestPac/Vietnam
24 Aug 1967 19 May 1968 CVW-1 CVA 42 A-4C Med
07 Jan 1969 29 Jul 1969 CVW-8 CVA 38 A-4C Med
05 Mar 1970 17 Dec 1970 CVW-8 CVS 38 A-4C WestPac/Vietnan
16 Sep 1971 16 Mar 1972 CVW-7 CVA 62 A-7E NorLant/Med
21 Jun 1973 19 Jan 1974 CVW-7 CVA 62 A-7E Med
19 Jul 1974 21 Jan 1975 CVW-7 CV 62 A-7E Med
15 Oct 1975 05 May 1976 CVW-7 CV 62 A-7E NorLant/Med
31 Mar 1977 21 Oct 1977 CVW-7 CV 62 A-7E Med
16 Jan 1979 13 Jul 1979 CVW-7 CVN 69 A-7E Med
15 Apr 1980 22 Dec 1980 CVW-7 CVN 69 A-7E IO
20 Aug 1981 07 Oct 1981 CVW-7 CVN 69 A-7E NorLant
05 Jan 1982 13 Jul 1982 CVW-7 CVN 69 A-7E Med
27 Apr 1983 02 Dec 1983 CVW-7 CVN 69 A-7E Med
08 May 1984 20 Jun 1984 CVW-7 CVN 69 A-7E NorLant
10 Oct 1984 08 May 1985 CVW-7 CVN 69 A-7E Med

Air Wing Assignments

Air Wing Tail Code Assignment Date
CVG-4/CVAG-1/CVG-1* T† 12 May 1945
CVG-10 AK 20 Jan 1958
CVG-1/CVW-1‡ AB 05 Dec 1960
CVW-8 AJ 25 Aug 1968
CVW-7 AG 1971
* CVG-4 was redesignated CVAG-1 on 15 November 1946 and CVG-
1 on 1 September 1948.
† CVG-4 assigned the tail code T when it was assigned to the carrier
Tarawa (CV 40) in January 1946.
‡ Carrier Air Groups were redesignated Carrier Air Wings on 20
December 1963, hence, CVG-1 became CVW-1.

A couple of squadron A-4Cs with markings from their deployment

aboard Shangri-La with Air Group 8.

Unit Awards Received

Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award

NAVE 01 Jul 1964 30 Jun 1965
AFEM 06 Jun 1983 14 Jun 1983
27 Jul 1983 30 Aug 1983
01 Sep 1983 19 Oct 1983
27 Oct 1983 20 Nov 1983
MUC 11 Apr 1970 06 Nov 1970
NEM 29 Apr 1980 16 Jul 1980
A squadron F7U-3 Cutlass, circa 1956 (Courtesy Robert Lawson 22 Jul 1980 08 Dec 1980
Collection). 25 May 1983 27 May 1983
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24 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

Unit Awards Received—Continued Unit Awards Received—Continued

Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award
NUC 29 Apr 1980 10 Dec 1980 10 Apr 1970 02 May 1970
21 Jul 1983 20 Nov 1983 12 May 1970 29 May 1970
VNSM 30 Jul 1966 13 Jun 1970 04 Jul 1970
09 Aug 1966 12 Sep 1966
28 Jul 1970 19 Aug 1970
01 Oct 1966 03 Oct 1966
19 Oct 1966 14 Nov 1966 30 Aug 1970 30 Sep 1970
24 Nov 1966 28 Dec 1966 20 Oct 1970 07 Nov 1970
20 Jan 1967 21 Jan 1967 RVNGC 21 Oct 1966

A flight of squadron A-7E Corsair IIs in their low-visibility paint scheme.

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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 25

VA-15 white circular border; lion in gold with brown mark-

ings; and the missile and ripples in the water white.
Lineage This insignia remained with VA-15 until it was dises-
tablished in 1969.
Established as Torpedo Squadron FOUR (VT-4) on Nickname: Valions, mid-1950s–1969
10 January 1942.
Redesignated Attack Squadron TWO A (VA-2A) on
15 November 1946. Chronology of Significant Events
Redesignated Attack Squadron FIFTEEN (VA-15) on 10 Jan 1942: Torpedo Squadron FOUR (VT-4) was
2 August 1948. established aboard Ranger (CV 4) while the ship was
Disestablished on 1 June 1969. The first squadron to in port at Grassy Bay, Bermuda.
be assigned the VA-15 designation.

Squadron Insignia and Nickname

The squadron’s insignia was approved by BuAer on
22 April 1942. The theme of the insignia was VT-4
sweeps the seas. The
lion represented the
squadron’s TBD-1
Devastator, and the six
teeth were for the num-
ber of Devastators
assigned to it. Colors in
the insignia were as fol-
lows: circular outline in
black; background A squadron TBD-1 launches from Ranger (CV 4) sometime in
white; the sea a deep early 1942.
blue with pale blue
The squadron’s first insignia was
approved for VT-4 by the Bureau marks, torpedo pearl
8 Aug 1943: Ranger, with VT-4 aboard, met the con-
of Aeronautics. gray with black outline
voy with the liner Queen Mary, which was bringing
and marks; lion ocher
Winston Churchill to North America for the Quebec
outlined in black with black markings; white eyes out-
Conference.
lined in black with black pupils; nose black; teeth
Aug–Nov 1943: VT-4, while deployed aboard
white, lips and mouth red; and the broom was lemon
Ranger, operated as part of the British Home Fleet.
yellow outlined in black with red dashes on lower
4 Oct 1943: The squadron participated in Operation
part of broom.
Leader and struck at shipping targets around Kunna
There is no record of VA-2A’s changing the insignia
Head, Norway, while
following its redesignation from VT-4. Three years
other elements of CVG-4
after the squadron was
struck targets at Bodo,
redesignated, VA-15
Norway. The squadron’s
requested a modification
TBF-1 Avengers, along
to the old VT-4 insignia.
with its escort of F4F
On 19 September 1951,
Wildcats, destroyed a
CNO approved the
German freighter and a
modification. The lion
small coaster and dam-
was retained to repre-
aged a troop transport.
sent the strong attack
Oct 1943: VT-4, flying
capabilities of the
from Ranger, operated
squadron and the torpe-
with the British Second
do was replaced by a Squadron TBFs attack a German
In 1951, a modification to the coaster off the coast of Norway in Battle Squadron and
squadron’s original lion insignia missile. The background
October 1943. patrolled the waters of
was approved. color of the upper half
the Norwegian Sea.
of the insignia was red
1 May 1944: CVG-4 reformed as a spare air group
to represent the flames of past targets, and the lower
with a composition that was designed to include 36
half was blue to indicate water and the squadron’s car-
fighter aircraft (F6F), 36 scout-bomber aircraft (SB2C)
rier-based capabilities. Other insignia colors included a
and 18 torpedo aircraft (TBF/TBM). This air group
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26 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

composition was organized to operate from the large bombing, dive-bombing, rocket firing, day-and-night
deck carriers of the Essex class. Squadrons in CVG-4 tactics and carrier qualifications in the AD Skyraider.
included VT-4, VF-4 and VB-4. This change also 13–23 Sep 1952: VA-15, while deployed aboard
brought an end to Air Group FOUR’s operations Wasp (CVA 18), participated in the first NATO naval
aboard Ranger. operation, Operation Mainbrace, conducted in the
Jul 1944: VT-4 and CVG-4 transferred from Atlantic North Atlantic.
to Pacific Fleet. Feb 1955: While deployed aboard Midway (CVA
15–21 Jul 1944: VT-4 aboard Barnes (CVE 20) en 41), the squadron supported the evacuation of
route to Pearl Harbor from San Diego. Chinese Nationalist civilians and military personnel
21 Sep 1944: During a pre-dawn sortie involving from the Tachen Islands which were being bombarded
simulated torpedo tactics, three of the squadron’s air- by the People’s Republic of China.
craft collided with each other, resulting in the loss of Nov–Dec 1956: As a result of the Suez Crisis, VA-15
nine personnel, including the squadron’s commanding deployed aboard Forrestal (CVA 59) and operated in
officer, Lieutenant Commander Homer H. Hutcheson. the vicinity of the Azores.
4–17 Nov 1944: CVG-4 and VT-4 were temporarily 12 Sep 1958: VA-15 was assigned the additional mis-
embarked on Bunker Hill (CV 17) for operations in sion of in-flight refueling (Buddy Stores).
support of landings at Leyte. The squadron participat- 14–28 Nov 1960: VA-15, temporarily assigned to
ed in combat strikes at Ormoc Bay, Cavite and Clark CVG-10, deployed aboard Shangri-La (CVA 38) to the
Field. Caribbean Sea to guard against possible infiltration
Dec 1944: The squadron participated in combat into Guatemala and Nicaragua by insurgent organiza-
operations in support of landings on Mindoro. tions that were believed to have ties to Cuba.
Jan 1945: While operating from Essex (CV 9), the 21–27 Nov 1961: VA-15, embarked in Franklin D.
squadron struck targets on Formosa, Luzon, Hainan Roosevelt (CVA 42), operated off the coast of the
and the Ryukyu Island chain as well as in French Dominican Republic to support the newly established
Indochina (Vietnam). Operations in Vietnam were democratic government.
around Saigon and Camranh Bay. These operations Mar–Apr 1962: VA-15 deployed aboard Enterprise
were in support of the continued assault against the (CVAN 65) to the Caribbean and participated in the
Japanese in the Philippines. shakedown cruise of the world’s first nuclear powered
16 Feb 1945: The squadron conducted its first carrier.
strikes against the home islands of Japan, hitting Aug 1965: VA-15 began training under VA-44 for
Mawatari airfield on Honshu. Other strikes against tar- transition to the A-4 Skyhawk.
gets on Honshu were conducted on 17 and 25 4 Apr–21 Nov 1966: VA-15 deployed to Vietnam as a
February. component of CVW-10 embarked on Intrepid (CVS
19–22 Feb 1945: CVG-4 provided support for land- 11). CVW-10 was an all-attack air wing comprised of
ings on Iwo Jima. four attack squadrons, two squadrons flying A-4
1 Mar 1945: The airfield, facilities and shipping at Skyhawks and two squadrons with A-1 Skyraiders.
Naha, Okinawa, were hit by squadron aircraft. 15 May 1966: The squadron flew its first combat
4 Mar 1945: VT-4 disembarked from Essex at Ulithi mission since March 1945 when it was designated VT-
completing the squadron’s last combat cruise during 4 and a member of Carrier Air Group 4.
World War II.
9–23 Mar 1945: CVG-4 aboard Long Island (CVE 1)
Home Port Assignments
for passage from Ulithi to Pearl Harbor. VT-4 eventual-
ly returned to the States in April 1945 for reforming Location Assignment Date
following its combat cruise. NAS Norfolk Mar 1942
15 Feb–15 Apr 1946: VT-4 along with other NAS Quonset Point Apr 1942
squadrons in CVG-4, participated in Tarawa’s (CV 40) NAAF Ayer (Fort Devens) May 1944
shakedown cruise in the Caribbean Sea following the NAS Pearl Harbor Jul 1944
ship’s commissioning in December 1945. NAS Hilo Field Aug 1944
Nov 1946: Some squadron aircraft were fitted with NAS Alameda Apr 1945
sonobuoy gear and personnel were trained in antisub- NAAS Watsonville 21 May 1945
marine missions as well as their normal torpedo-attack NAS Quonset Point 11 Jul 1945
requirements. NAAF Groton Aug 1945
22 May 1950: VA-15, along with the other squadrons NAS Norfolk Apr 1946
in CVG-1, were designated as training squadrons and NAS San Diego 15 Jul 1946
CVG-1 as a training air group. The squadron’s primary NAAS Cecil Field 21 Mar 1949
mission was the training of fleet pilots in attack air- NAS Jacksonville 09 Jan 1950
craft. VA-15’s training syllabus emphasized glide NAAS Cecil Field (NAS)* 29 Feb 1952
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 27

Home Port Assignments—Continued Commanding Officers—Continued

Location Assignment Date Date Assumed Command
NAS Jacksonville Jul 1957 CDR Ted L. Farrell 30 Nov 1960
NAS Oceana Apr 1965 CDR David L. Munns 06 Nov 1961
NAS Cecil Field Aug 1965 CDR Joseph L. Coleman 26 Nov 1962
CDR R. G. Bowerman 04 Oct 1963
* Naval Air Auxiliary Station, Cecil Field (NAAS Cecil Field), was
redesignated Naval Air Station, Cecil Field (NAS), on 30 June 1952. CDR Steven D. Marvin 01 Apr 1964
CDR Jack L. Gracey 12 Aug 1965
CDR Isaac F. Jones, Jr. 27 Sep 1966
Commanding Officers CDR William K. Carr (acting) 29 Jan 1967
Date Assumed Command CDR William K. Carr 10 Feb 1967
CDR James M. Snyder 14 Feb 1968
LT Wallace A. Sherrill 10 Jan 1942
CDR Richard G. Daly 15 Feb 1969
LCDR David W. Taylor, Jr. Dec 1942
LCDR Homer H. Hutcheson Dec 1943
LT P. J. Davis, Jr. Sep 1944 Aircraft Assignment
LT John Warren (acting) 12 May 1945
LT Frederic Viewig, Jr. (acting) 23 May 1945 Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received
LCDR J. P. Barron 26 Sep 1945 TBD-1 Jan 1942
LCDR John A. Camera Jul 1946 TBF-1 Aug 1942
CDR Charles E. Roemer 07 Jul 1947 TBF-1C/TBM-1C Jan 1944
LCDR Robert A. Newcomb (acting) 29 May 1948 TBM-3 Jan 1945
CDR Paul C. Lovelace 30 Aug 1948 TBM-3E May 1945
LCDR Clay A. Mitchell (acting) 03 Jun 1950 TBM-3Q 1946
LCDR John E. Lacouture 12 Jul 1950 AD-4 19 Aug 1949
LCDR Roy M. Isaman 21 Dec 1951 AD-4L 08 Mar 1951
LCDR W. R. Prescott 05 Jan 1953 AD-6/A-1H* May 1954
CDR John B. Bain Jan 1954 A-4B Dec 1965
CDR L. B. Jennings 24 Aug 1955 A-4C Dec 1966
LCDR William J. Gray 10 Dec 1957
* AD-6 designation changed in 1962 to A-1H.
CDR J. Patterson, Jr. 18 Sep 1959

It is believed that this photo of the squadron’s AD-6 Skyraiders was taken in 1962 when they operated aboard Enterprise (CVAN 65) during its
shakedown cruise in the Caribbean. The squadron never made an overseas deployment aboard Enterprise.
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28 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

Major Overseas Deployment

Date of Date of Air Type of Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Aircraft Operation

10 Jan 1942 19 Mar 1942 Ranger CV 4 TBD-1 Bermuda

Air Group
02 Jun 1942 22 Jun 1942 Ranger CV 4 TBD-1 Newfoundland
Air Group
08 Jan 1943 30 Jan 1943 * CV 4 TBF-1 Morocco
13 Feb 1943 06 Mar 1943 * CV 4 TBF-1 Morocco
23 Mar 1943 27 Jul 1943 CVG-4 CV 4† TBF-1 Newfoundland
05 Aug 1943 03 Dec 1943 CVG-4 CV 4 TBF-1 NorLant/
Norwegian Sea
05 Nov 1944 17 Nov 1944 CVG-4 CV 17 TBM-1C Philippines
22 Nov 1944 02 Dec 1944 CVG-4 CV 9 TBM-1C Philippines
11 Dec 1944 24 Dec 1944 CVG-4 CV 9 TBM-1C Philippines
30 Dec 1944 26 Jan 1945 CVG-4 CV 9 TBM-1C/3 South China Sea/
Philippines/
Formosa/Okinawa
10 Feb 1945 04 Mar 1945 CVG-4 CV 9 TBM-3 Japan/Iwo Jima/
Okinawa
28 Jun 1946 15 Jul 1946 CVG-4 CV 40 TBM-3E/Q Transit to
West Coast via
Panama Canal
01 Aug 1946 29 Apr 1947 CVG-4/CVAG-1 CV 40 TBM-3E/Q WestPac
01 Oct 1948 23 Dec 1948 CVG-13 CV 37 TBM-3E WestPac
20 Mar 1951 06 Oct 1951 CVG-1 CVB 43 AD-4/L Med
24 May 1952 11 Oct 1952 CVG-1 CVA 18 AD-4/L Med/NorLant
11 Jun 1953 03 Dec 1953 CVG-1 CVA 42 AD-4/B/L Med
27 Dec 1954 14 Jul 1955 CVG-1 CVA 41 AD-6 World Cruise
07 Nov 1956 12 Dec 1956 CVG-1 CVA 59 AD-6 Azores
15 Jan 1957 22 Jul 1957 CVG-1 CVA 59 AD-6 Med
16 Aug 1957 21 Oct 1957 CVG-1 CVA 59 AD-6 NorLant
13 Feb 1959 01 Sep 1959 CVG-1 CVA 42 AD-6 Med
28 Jan 1960 24 Aug 1960 CVG-1 CVA 42 AD-6 Med
14 Nov 1960 28 Nov 1960 CVG-10 CVA 38 AD-6 Carib
15 Feb 1961 28 Aug 1961 CVG-1 CVA 42 AD-6 Med
19 Nov 1961 30 Nov 1961 CVG-1 CVA 42 AD-6 Carib
14 Sep 1962 22 Apr 1963 CVG-1 CVA 42 AD-6 Med
28 Apr 1964 22 Dec 1964 CVW-1 CVA 42 A-1H Med
04 Apr 1966 21 Nov 1966 CVW-10 CVS 11 A-4B Med/IO/WestPac/
Vietnam
11 May 1967 30 Dec 1967 CVW-10 CVS 11 A-4C Med/IO/WestPac/
Vietnam
22 Jul 1968 29 Apr 1969 CVW-17 CVA 59 A-4C Med

* Half of VT-4’s aircraft were aboard for this cruise which ferried Army P-40 fighters to Morocco. There were no other squadrons from Ranger’s
Air Group aboard for this cruise.
† Ranger returned to Boston during late March for four days of repairs and then back to Newfoundland for operations.
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 29

Air Wing Assignments Unit Awards Received

Air Wing Tail Code Assignment Date Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award

Ranger Air Group/ T† 10 Jan 1942 NAVE 1953

CVG-4/CVAG-1/CVG-1* 01 Jul 1960 30 Jun 1961
01 Jul 1961 30 Jun 1962
CVG-13 P 23 Sep 1948
NUC 12 Jun 1967 08 Dec 1967
CVG-1/CVW-1§ T/AB‡ 23 Feb 1949
RVNGC 01 May 1966 01 Oct 1966
RCVW-4/VA-44** Aug 1965 21 Jun 1967 13 Jul 1967
CVW-10 AK Jan 1966 29 Jul 1967 27 Aug 1967
CVW-17 AA 16 Jan 1968 14 Sep 1967 12 Oct 1967
31 Oct 1967 24 Nov 1967
* Ranger Air Group was formed on 1 July 1938. When VT-4 was VNSM 14 May 1966 15 Jun 1966
established on 10 January 1942, it became part of the Ranger Air
08 Jul 1966 10 Aug 1966
Group. The Ranger Air Group was redesignated Carrier Air Group
FOUR (CVG-4) on 3 August 1943. CVG-4 was redesignated Attack 01 Sep 1966 23 Sep 1966
Carrier Air Group ONE (CVAG-1) on 15 November 1946. The CVAG- 02 Oct 1966 18 Oct 1966
1 designation was changed to CVG-1 on 1 September 1948. 21 Jun 1967 13 Jul 1967
† This tail code assignment was used beginning in 1946. 29 Jul 1967 27 Aug 1967
14 Sep 1967 12 Oct 1967
‡ Carrier Air Group 1’s tail code was changed from T to AB in the
31 Oct 1967 24 Nov 1967
latter part of 1957. The effective date was most likely the beginning
of FY 58 (1 July 1957). PUC 11 Nov 1944 25 Nov 1944
14 Dec 1944 16 Dec 1944
§ Carrier Air Groups were redesignated Carrier Air Wings on 20
03 Jan 1945 22 Jan 1945
December 1963; hence, CVG-1 became CVW-1.
16 Feb 1945 01 Mar 1945
** During VA-15’s transition to the A-4 Skyhawk, the squadron was Campaign Medal
assigned to VA-44, a Fleet Readiness Training Squadron, for opera-
(European) 02 Oct 1943 06 Oct 1943
tional training. VA-44 was assigned to Readiness Attack Carrier Air
Wing FOUR (RCVW-4). NEM 20 Nov 1961 29 Nov 1961

A flight of squadron A-4C Skyhawks sport markings from its combat cruise to Vietnam on Intrepid. Notice the bomb silhouettes next to the
squadron insignia identifying the number of combat sorties flown by the aircraft. The unofficial “Tonkin Gulf Yacht Club” insignia is on the tail
of the planes.
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30 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

VA-16 Apr 1957: VA-16, while deployed to the Mediter-

ranean aboard Lake Champlain (CVA 39), operated off
Lineage the coast of Lebanon during the Jordanian crisis.
18 Dec 1957: VA-16 conducted the first air-to-air refu-
Established as Attack Squadron SIXTEEN (VA-16) on
eling by an operational AD Skyraider squadron using
1 June 1955.
the “buddy store.” The refueling took place over NAS
Disestablished on 1 March 1958. The first and only
Oceana and the squadron’s AD-6 refueled an F9F-8.
squadron to be designated VA-16.
9 Jan 1958: The squadron conducted the first carri-
er-based AD Skyraider in-flight refueling while operat-
Squadron Insignia and Nickname ing from Ranger (CVA 61).
VA-16’s insignia was approved by CNO on 24 July
1956. The squadron’s design centered around a black Home Port Assignments
knight symbolizing valor and dedication to duty. The Location Assignment Date
background was divided into two fields of gold and NAS Oceana 01 Jun 1955
gray to signify vigilance both day and night. A blue
border surrounded the insignia. VA-16’s motto was “Per Commanding Officers
Aspera Ad Metam” (through adversities to the target).
There is no copy of the insignia in the squadron’s file. Date Assumed Command
Nickname: unknown CDR Bartholomew J. Connolly III Aug 1955
CDR Richard W. Willis Jul 1957
Chronology of Significant Events
Aircraft Assignment
Jun 1955: The squadron was established with a mis-
sion of all-weather attack, including special (nuclear) Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received
weapons delivery. AD-6 Jun 1955

Major Overseas Deployments

Date of Date of Air Type of Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Aircraft Operation

21 Jan 1957 27 Jul 1957 ATG-182 CVA 39 AD-6 Med

Air Wing Assignments

Air Wing Tail Code Assignment Date

ATG-182* O/AN† 01 Jun 1955
* Air Task Group ONE EIGHTY TWO (ATG-182). Air Task Groups
were non-established Carrier Air Group equivalents created for the
first time during the Korean War when the requirement for such
units exceeded the statutory limit on their number. They were com-
posed of squadrons withdrawn from existing air groups, which had
been determined to operate more effectively with four instead of a
larger number of assigned squadrons. ATG-182 was organized in
1955 and remained in existence until 1959.
† Air Task Group 182’s tail code was changed from O to AN in the
latter part of 1957. The effective date was most likely the beginning
of FY 58 (1 July 1957).

The squadron’s AD-6 Skyraiders are spotted on the flight deck aft of
the rear centerline elevator. This photo was taken in June 1957 when
Lake Champlain (CVA 39) was at anchor in Cannes, France.
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 31

VA-21A Home Port Assignments

Location Assignment Date
Lineage NAAS Ventura (Oxnard) 28 Aug 1944
Established as Bombing Squadron NINETY EIGHT NAAS Los Alamitos 25 Nov 1944
(VB-98) on 28 August 1944. NAS San Diego 26 Aug 1946
Redesignated Attack Squadron TWENTY ONE A
(VA-21A) on 15 November 1946. Commanding Officers
Disestablished on 5 August 1947. The first and only Date Assumed Command
squadron to be designated VA-21A.
LCDR James D. Ramage 05 Sep 1944
LCDR Martin D. Carmody 01 Jun 1946
Squadron Insignia and LCDR Louis L. Bangs 18 Nov 1946
Nickname LT Mark T. Essling (acting) 07 Jun 1947
There is no record of LCDR C. T. Durgin, Jr. 03 Jul 1947
an approved insignia for
VB-98. In 1947, an Aircraft Assignment
insignia was approved Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received
for VA-21A. However, SB2C-3 Sep 1944
squadron files do not SBD-6 Sep 1944
indicate the colors used SB2C-4 Oct 1944
The squadron’s only officially
in the insignia. FM-2 Oct 1944
approved insignia. Nickname: unknown SBD-5 Nov 1944
SBW-3 Dec 1944
Chronology of Significant Events SBW-4E Mar 1945
SB2C-5 Apr 1945
28 Aug 1944: VB-98 was established with the mis-
sion of providing a pool of trained dive-bomber pilots
Air Wing Assignments
and aircrewmen for assignment as replacements to
squadrons operating in the Pacific. The training Air Wing Tail Code Assignment Date
included carrier landing qualifications, gunnery, bomb- CVG-98/CVAG-21* RI† 28 Aug 1944
ing and night flying. When VB-98 was redesignated
* CVG-98 redesignated CVAG-21 on 15 November 1946.
VA-21A, the mission remained the same.
† Tail code assigned to CVAG-21 on 12 December 1946.

A flight of squadron SB2C-3

Helldivers, September 1944.
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32 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

VA-22A There is no record of an approved insignia for VA-

22A.
Lineage Nickname: unknown
Established as Torpedo Squadron NINETY EIGHT
(VT-98) on 28 August 1944. Chronology of Significant Events
Redesignated Attack Squadron TWENTY TWO A 28 Aug 1944: VT-98 was established with the mis-
(VA-22A) on 15 November 1946. sion of providing a pool of trained torpedo plane
Disestablished on 5 August 1947. The first and only pilots and aircrewmen for assignment as replacements
squadron to be designated VA-22A. to squadrons operating in the Pacific.

Home Port Assignments

Location Assignment Date

NAAS Ventura (Oxnard) 28 Aug 1944
NAAS Los Alamitos 01 Dec 1944
NAS San Diego 25 Aug 1946

Commanding Officers

Date Assumed Command

LCDR Tom B. Bash 28 Aug 1944
LT Jack C. Heishman (acting) 03 May 1945
LCDR Leo Meacher 12 Jul 1945
LCDR Paul N. Gray 15 Jul 1947

Aircraft Assignment

Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received

TBF-1 Aug 1944
The time frame for the squadron’s use of this insignia is unknown. TBM-1C Aug 1944
TBM-3 Oct 1944
TBM-3E May 1945
Squadron Insignia and Nickname
There is no record of an approval date for VT-98’s
Air Wing Assignments
insignia. The motto of the squadron was “Parati—in
Pace-Aut Bello” (Prepared—in Peace or War). Colors Air Wing Tail Code Assignment Date
of the insignia were: dark blue background; banners CVG-98/CVAG-21* RI† 28 Aug 1944
white with red lettering; gold naval aviator wings; light
blue crest; yellow sword; white clouds outlined in * CVG-98 redesignated CVAG-21 on 15 November 1946.
blue; yellow and gold torch; and black torpedo. † Tail code assigned to CVAG-21 on 12 December 1946.
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 33

VA-23 was yellow and black.

There is no record relating
Lineage to the use of this insignia
following the squadron’s
Established as Reserve Fighter Squadron SIX HUN- redesignation to VA-151.
DRED FIFTY THREE (VF-653) in December 1949. However, on 29 April
Called to active duty on 1 February 1951. 1959, CNO approved VA-
Redesignated Fighter Squadron ONE HUNDRED 23’s request to retain the
FIFTY ONE (VF-151) on 4 February 1953. insignia formerly used by
Redesignated Attack Squadron ONE HUNDRED VA-151. The insignia used
FIFTY ONE (VA-151) on 7 February 1956. by VA-23 was the Black
Redesignated Attack Squadron TWENTY THREE The insignia used by VF-151 Knight insignia.
(VA-23) on 23 February 1959. and VA-151 was adopted by Nickname: Black Knights,
Disestablished on 1 April 1970. The first and only VA-23.
circa 1955–1970
squadron to be designated VA-23.

Chronology of Significant Events

Squadron Insignia and Nickname
11 Dec 1951: The squadron conducted its first com-
The squadron’s first insignia was approved by CNO
bat strikes.
on 7 February 1951. The central figure is the dragon,
Feb 1955: The squadron, deployed aboard Wasp
symbolizing the terrify-
(CVA 18), provided air suport during the evacuation of
ing qualities representa-
tive of a fighter Chinese Nationalists from the Tachen Islands following
squadron, and the the bombardment of the islands by the People’s
shield portraying its Republic of China.
strength. Insignia colors Apr 1965: While operating from Midway, on Yankee
were: yellow outer bor- Station, VA-23 conducted its first combat operations
der; blue background; since the Korean War.
red dragon with yellow 25 Apr 1965: The squadron became the first to use
shaded areas and black the Shrike missile in combat. The Shrike is an antiradi-
markings; light blue ation missile for use against radar sites.
shield with diamond 15–20 Mar 1968: VA-23, along with other squadrons
The squadron’s first officially ap- and checkered bar in
proved insignia, used by VF-653. in CVW-19, conducted flight operations from
yellow. Ticonderoga (CVA 14) in the Sea of Japan. These oper-
When the squadron was redesignated VF-151, it ations were part of a continuing show of American
adopted a new insignia sometime between 1953 and forces in the area, named Operation Formation Star,
1955. This insignia was a shield with a knight’s helmet following the capture of Pueblo (AGER 2) by North
at the top and a scroll at the bottom. The Latin inscrip- Korea on 23 January 1968.
tion “In Omnia Paratus” on the scroll translated as
Apr 1968: VA-23 flew combat strikes around Khe
“Always Prepared.” Colors for this insignia were: white
Sanh, South Vietnam, in support of the besieged
background with the outer circle in black; the helmet,
Marine base.
scroll, outer section of the shield and the bar across the
20 Mar 1970: A disestablishment ceremony was held
shield were black; visor of the helmet was yellow with
black markings; the two central portions of the shield by the squadron under the direction of its last com-
and the Latin lettering was yellow; the helmet plumage manding officer, Commander Theodore L. Lloyd, Jr.
Commander Lloyd accepted the colors of the
squadron and brought to a close over 19 years of
active service. The squadron was officially disestab-
This insignia was adopted by lished on 1 April 1970.
the squadron sometime in the
mid- 1950s. It was used by
VF-151 and VA-151. When
VF-151 was redesignated VA-
Home Port Assignments
151, the appropriate change
in the scroll showed the VA- Location Assignment Date
151 designation.
NAS Akron Dec 1949
NAS Alameda 16 Apr 1951
NAS Lemoore 30 Sep 1961
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34 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

Commanding Officers Commanding Officers—Continued

Date Assumed Command Date Assumed Command
LCDR Cook Cleland Dec 1949 CDR John R. Dewenter 02 Jul 1964
LCDR J. M. Rickabaugh 28 Aug 1952 CDR Robert R. King, Jr. 02 Jul 1965
LCDR Benjamin Tappan, Jr. Nov 1953 CDR Richard A. Mackell 01 Jul 1966
CDR E. S. Parks Jun 1955 CDR Charles L. Bush 23 Jun 1967
LCDR Robert H. Moore, Jr. * CDR Morris A. Peelle 24 Jul 1968
LCDR Bernard Sevilla Jan 1957 CDR Theodore L. Lloyd, Jr. 09 Jul 1969
CDR E. W. Blackburn 30 May 1958 * Lieutenant Commander Robert H. Moore assumed command of the
CDR L. M. Cauble 06 Mar 1959 squadron sometime between late 1955 and early 1956.
CDR S. G. Gorsline, Jr. 08 Apr 1960
LCDR Edward E. Riley (acting) 28 Sep 1961 Aircraft Assignment
CDR G. M. Veling 06 Nov 1961 Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received
CDR Edward E. Riley 18 Sep 1962 FG-1D *
CDR Robert P. Smith 20 Aug 1963 F4U-4 1951†
F4U-4B 1951‡
F9F-2 28 Aug 1952
F9F-5 02 Oct 1952
F7U-3M May 1955
F7U-3 Jun 1955
F9F-8B Dec 1956
F9F-8 Jan 1957
FJ-4B Jul 1957
A4D-2 18 May 1960
A-4E 26 Dec 1962
A-4F 13 Jul 1967
* Prior to being activated, the squadron flew the FG-1Ds which were
assigned to NAS Akron, a reserve naval air station.
† The squadron received the F4U-4 in either April or May 1951.
‡ The squaron received the F4U-4B sometime between June and
August 1951.
A squadron F4U-4 Corsair, July 1951 (Courtesy Robert Lawson Collection).

Two of the squadron’s F9F-2 Panthers fly over Wasp (CVA 18) during her deployment to the western Pacific between September 1954 and April
1955 (Courtesy Robert Lawson Collection).
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 35

Major Overseas Deployment

Date of Date of Air Type of Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Aircraft Operation

12 Oct 1951 03 Jul 1952 ATG-1 CV 45 F4U-4/4B WestPac/Korea

30 Mar 1953 28 Nov 1953 ATG-1 CVA 21 F9F-2 WestPac/Korea
01 Sep 1954 11 Apr 1955 ATG-1 CVA 18 F9F-2 WestPac
25 May 1956 20 Dec 1956 ATG-1 CVA 16 F7U-3 WestPac
04 Oct 1958 16 Feb 1959 ATG-1 CVA 14 FJ-4B WestPac
15 Aug 1959 25 Mar 1960 CVG-2 CVA 41 FJ-4B WestPac
16 Feb 1961 28 Sep 1961 CVG-2 CVA 41 A4D-2 WestPac
06 Apr 1962 20 Oct 1962 CVG-2 CVA 41 A4D-2 WestPac
08 Nov 1963 26 May 1964 CVW-2 CVA 41 A-4E WestPac
06 Mar 1965 23 Nov 1965 CVW-2 CVA 41 A-4E WestPac/Vietnam
29 Jul 1966 23 Feb 1967 CVW-2 CVA 43 A-4E WestPac/Vietnam
28 Dec 1967 17 Aug 1968 CVW-19 CVA 14 A-4F WestPac/Vietnam
14 Apr 1969 17 Nov 1969 CVW-19 CVA 34 A-4F WestPac/Vietnam

A squadron F7U-3 Cutlass prepares for a launch from Lexington (CVA 16) during her deployment to the western Pacific in 1956.
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36 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

Unit Awards Received

Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award
KSM 04 Dec 1951 20 Jun 1952
03 Apr 1953 09 Aug 1953
22 Aug 1953 21 Nov 1953
NUC 11 Dec 1951 11 Jun 1952
16 Apr 1965 04 Nov 1965
12 Aug 1966 01 Feb 1967
26 Jan 1968 23 Jul 1968
KPUC 07 Dec 1951 20 Jun 1952
30 Apr 1953 27 Jul 1953
UNSM 04 Dec 1951 20 Jun 1952
03 Apr 1953 09 Aug 1953
22 Aug 1953 21 Nov 1953
NDSM (Korea) Dec 1951 Jun 1952
AFEM 23 Oct 1958 01 Jan 1959
An FJ-4B Fury prepares to engage a aerial refueling basket during
the squadron’s deployment aboard Ticonderoga (CVA 14) during its 28 Mar 1961 07 Apr 1961
1958–1959 deployment to WestPac. 23 Jan 1968 22 Mar 1968
17 Sep 1969
28 Sep 1969 04 Oct 1969
MUC 05 May 1969 03 Nov 1969
Air Wing Assignments VNSM 22 Jul 1965 26 Aug 1965
11 Sep 1965 09 Oct 1965
Air Wing Tail Code Assignment Date 12 Sep 1966 19 Oct 1966
CVG-15 H 05 Apr 1951 30 Oct 1966 04 Dec 1966
ATG-1 * 03 Aug 1951 26 Dec 1966 01 Feb 1967
25 Jan 1968 04 Mar 1968
CVG-15 H 03 Jul 1952
25 Mar 1968 08 Apr 1968
ATG-1 U/NA* 01 Nov 1952 16 Apr 1968
CVG-2/CVW-2† NE 24 Feb 1959 24 Apr 1968 12 May 1968
CVW-19 NM 01 Jul 1967 20 May 1968 14 Jun 1968
25 Jun 1968 23 Jul 1968
* The squadron deployed with ATG-1 but used its parent air group
tail code (H) until the tail code “U” was assigned to ATG-1 on 24 05 May 1969 04 Jun 1969
July 1956. ATG-1’s tail code was changed from U to NA in 1957. The 15 Jun 1969 01 Jul 1969
effective date was most likely the beginning of FY 58 (1 July 1957). 12 Jul 1969 30 Jul 1969
† Carrier Air Groups were redesignated Carrier Air Wings (CVG-2 14 Aug 1969 12 Sep 1969
became CVW-2) on 20 December 1963. 08 Oct 1969 31 Oct 1969

Two of the squadron’s A-4F Skyhawks fly a training mission over the Imperial Valley of southern California in 1967.
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 37

SECOND VA-34
Lineage
Established as Fighter Squadron TWENTY (VF-20)
on 15 October 1943.
Redesignated Fighter Squadron NINE A (VF-9A) on
15 November 1946.
Redesignated Fighter Squadron NINTY ONE (VF-91)
on 12 August 1948.
Redesignated Fighter Squadron THIRTY FOUR (VF-
34) on 15 February 1950. A new insignia was adopted by A new insignia was adopted by
Redesignated Attack Squadron THIRTY FOUR (VA- the squadron and approved in the squadron and approved in
1946. A modification to this June 1949. This insignia is a well-
34) on 1 July 1955. insignia was made in 1947 that known design that was in use
Disestablished on 1 June 1969. The second changed the “Fighting 20” to from 1949 until the squadron’s
squadron to be assigned the VA-34 designation. “Fighting 9A.” disestablishment in 1969.

outlined in black. Red stylized wings outlined in blue

Squadron Insignia and Nickname and white were added, as well as a black and white
The first insignia used by the squadron was a machine gun in the shape of a cigarette with a yellow
“Joker” breaking out of a deck of cards carrying a ammunition belt and red bullets. The machine gun
machine gun. This was held by the skelton’s hand which was outlined in
insignia was selected by black. Fighting 9A was dropped and replaced by regu-
the squadron because lar shaped teeth. The skull remained white outlined in
the young and inexperi- black and the LSO paddles were red and white.
enced pilots in the Nickname: Blue Blasters, 1957–1969
squadron were referred
to as the “Jokers.” It was
Chronology of Significant Events
approved by CNO on 15
March 1944. Colors for 16 Apr 1944: The squadron departed NAS Alameda
the insignia were: the aboard Essex (CV 9) en route to Hawaii for four
deck of cards was out- months of operational training prior to its first combat
lined in black with the tour.
The squadron’s first insignia was 31 Aug 1944: Combat strikes were flown against the
approved for use by VF-20 during
diamond marking on
World War II. the back of the card in Bonin Islands. This was the squadron’s first combat
blue and white; the face action.
of the card was white with black outlines and letter- 24–25 Oct 1944: The squadron participated in the
ing; the Joker’s hat and neck garment were blue; his Battle for Leyte Gulf, sometimes referred to as the
right arm was yellow and the other arm white, out- Second Battle of the Philippines Sea. VF-20 aircraft
lined in black; a black and white machine gun; facial struck elements of all three Japanese Task Forces
features of Joker outlined in black; and the ripped which were converging on Leyte Gulf.
portion of the card was in the blue and white dia- Aug–Nov 1944: The squadron flew strikes against
mond design. targets on the Bonin Islands, Yap and Palau Islands,
The next insignia adopted by the squadron was the Peleliu Island, Okinawa, Formosa, Luzon, and Leyte.
outline of a human skull. This insignia was approved 14 Dec 1944: Lieutenant (jg) Douglas Baker was on
by CNO on 1 February 1946. Superimposed on the a strike mission against Clark Field on Luzon when he
nose of a skull was a human skelton with the arms encountered Japanese fighter opposition. During this
holding paddles that became the eyes of the skull, engagement he destroyed four Japanese aircraft before
while the teeth were represented by the word being shot down by antiaircraft fire and lost in the
“Fighting 20.” The colors were primarily black and action. This final action brought his air-to-air kills to
white, with the exception of the paddles (eyes) and 16, making him one of the high ranking aces for the
the lettering which were red. On 28 February 1947 Navy. Only eight other Navy pilots equalled or
CNO, approved a modification of this insignia which exceeded this record.
changed the Fighting 20 to Fighting 9A. Dec 1944–Jan 1945: VF-20 engaged in another series
On 10 June 1949, CNO approved another modifica- of combat actions, flying missions against targets on
tion to the squadron insignia which embellished the and around Luzon, Formosa, French Indochina
skull design. The background became a blue diamond (Vietnam), Hong Kong, the South China Sea, and
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38 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

Okinawa. Many of these operations were in support of fly quarantine missions aboard Independence until her
the landings at Lingayen Gulf. return to the States on 26 November.
22 Jan 1945: This was the last day of combat action 3–21 Dec 1962: The squadron was aboard Saratoga
for the squadron during World War II. During the peri- (CVA 60) for carrier refresher training in the Caribbean
od from 31 August 1944, the squadron compiled a and continued operations relating to the Cuban missile
formidable combat record. There were 8 aces (9 crisis.
counting the Commander of CVG-20 who flew the Dec 1963 and Jan–Feb 1964: The squadron provided
squadron’s aircraft), 12 individuals received the Navy detachments of A-4C Skyhawks aboard Intrepid (CVS
Cross and 22 individuals received the Silver Star. VF-20 11) and Randolph (CVS 15). The aircraft were used for
credits itself with the destruction of over 15 ships and Combat Air Patrol to provide a fighter capability for
407 aircraft, not counting an even greater number that the ASW carriers.
were damaged but not destroyed. May–Dec 1967: VA-34 deployed to Vietnam as a
Feb 1945: Embarked in Kwajalein (CVE 98) at Ulithi component of an Attack Carrier Air Wing (CVW-10)
and departed for the United States, arriving there in embarked in Intr epid (CVS-11). This was the
the latter part of the month. squadron’s first combat action since 1945.
Jul–Sep 1948: In cooperation with Commander
Operational Development Force, Atlantic Fleet, the Home Port Assignments
squadron participated in the experimental carrier
Location Assignment Date
controlled approach program aboard Philippine Sea
(CV 47). NAS San Diego 15 Oct 1943*
Apr 1953: The squadron embarked on Antietam NAS Atlantic City 16 Apr 1945
(CVA 36) with its F2H-2s to conduct evaluation tests NAS Edenton 26 Jun 1945
on the Navy’s first angled deck carrier. NAS Elizabeth City 02 Nov 1945
26 May 1954: The squadron was aboard Bennington NAAS Charlestown 11 Mar 1946
(CVA 20), en route to the Mediterranean Sea, when an NAS Quonset Point 01 May 1947
explosion aboard ship resulted in the death of 7 NAAS Charlestown 26 Jun 1948
squadron personnel. The ship returned to the States NAS Quonset Point 01 Dec 1949
and the squadron disembarked. NAAS Sanford 01 May 1951
31 Oct 1954: Ensign Duane L. Varner completed a NAS Jacksonville 06 Oct 1952
NAS Cecil Field 04 Feb 1953
1,900 mile nonstop, non-refueling, transcontinental
flight from Los Alamitos, California, to NAS Cecil Field, * During the squadron’s Pacific tour from April 1944 to February
Florida, in a squadron F2H-2 Banshee. His flight took 1945 it operated from numerous air and shore stations.
3 hours and 58 minutes and set a new long distance
record for the Banshee. Commanding Officers
4 Mar 1958: During cross-deck operations the Date Assumed Command
squadron landed its A4D-1 Skyhawks aboard HMS Ark
LCDR Frederick E. Bakutis 15 Oct 1943
Royal.
LCDR Herbert D. Remington 17 Apr 1945
Jul 1958: VA-34 flew support missions during the LCDR T. W. Ramsay 11 Feb 1946
amphibious landings in Beirut, Lebanon, by U.S. LCDR W. W. Brehm 28 Oct 1947
Marines. LCDR Thomas C. Provost, III 01 Jul 1948
Jun 1959: Operating from NAAS Mayport, the LCDR Donald K. Olson 12 Dec 1949
squadron conducted the first operational firing of the LCDR Robert A. Sweatt 21 Feb 1951
Bull Pup air-to-ground missile in the Atlantic Fleet. LCDR H. B. Gibbs 01 May 1952
Apr 1961: VA-34’s A4D-2 Skyhawks operated from LCDR F. H. O’Brien 10 May 1953
Essex (CVS 9) in the Caribbean Sea during the Bay of CDR A. L. Detweiller (acting) 05 Jul 1955
Pigs invasion. This operation involved the first use of CDR Charles W. Pittman 28 Oct 1955
jet attack aircraft as part of an ASW Air Group, CVSG- CDR Ernest L. McClintock Jan 1957
60, operating aboard an ASW designated carrier. CDR George C. Talley, Jr. 07 Oct 1958
26 Oct–18 Nov 1962: During the Cuban missile cri- CDR Mitchell C. Griffin 11 Mar 1960
sis the entire squadron flew aboard Enterprise (CVAN CDR William J. Forgy 26 May 1961
65) on 26 October to augment the assigned air wing. CDR Hector W. Davis, Jr. 29 May 1962
Enterprise had departed for the Caribbean on 19 CDR Walter T. Zebrowski 05 May 1963
October. VA-34 flew numerous missions in support of CDR Grant C. Young 05 May 1964
Cuban quarantine. CDR Rodney B. Carter 05 May 1965
18–26 Nov 1962: On 18 November the squadron CDR Robert A. Zajichek 07 May 1966
transferred from Enterprise to Independence (CVA 62) CDR Richard A. Wigent 11 May 1967
during the quarantine operations. VA-34 continued to CDR Mark E. Perrault 04 May 1968
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 39

Aircraft Assignment

Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received

F6F-3 Oct 1943
F6F-5 Jul 1944
F8F-1 03 Apr 1946
F8F-2 03 Dec 1948
F9F-2 27 Nov 1950
F2H-2 14 Feb 1952
F7U-3 06 Oct 1955
A4D-1 Jan 1957
A4D-2 Nov 1958
A4D-2N/A-4C* 07 Jul 1962

The squadron’s CO, Commander H. W. Davis, Jr., stands in front of * A4D-2N designation was changed to A-4C in 1962.
the squadron’s first A4D-2N (A-4C) Skyhawk.

A squadron
F6F-5 Hellcat
in flight,
circa 1945
(Courtesy
Robert Lawson
Collection).

Major Overseas Deployment

Date of Date of Air Type of Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Aircraft Operation

16 Aug 1944* 21 Nov 1944 CVG-20 CV 6 F6F-3 WestPac

11 Dec 1944* 26 Jan 1945 CVG-20 CV 16 F6F-3 WestPac
20 Feb 1948 26 Jun 1948 CVAG-9 CV 47 F8F-1 Med
03 Sep 1951 20 Dec 1951 CVG-3 CV 32 F9F-2 Med
28 Aug 1952 04 Feb 1953 CVG-3 CVA 32 F2H-2 Med
30 Nov 1954 18 Jun 1955 ATG-181 CVA 15 F2H-2 Med
01 Feb 1958 01 Oct 1958 CVG-3 CVA 60 A4D-1 Med
15 Aug 1959 16 Feb 1960 CVG-3 CVA 60 A4D-2 Med
22 Aug 1960 25 Feb 1961 CVG-3 CVA 60 A4D-2 Med/NorLant
28 Nov 1961 12 May 1962 CVG-3 CVA 60 A4D-2 Med
29 Mar 1963 25 Oct 1963 CVG-3 CVA 60 A-4C Med
28 Nov 1964 12 Jul 1965 CVW-3 CVA 60 A-4C Med
11 Mar 1966 26 Oct 1966 CVW-3 CVA 60 A-4C Med
11 May 1967 30 Dec 1967 CVW-10 CVS 11 A-4C Med/IO/WestPac/
Vietnam
22 Jul 1968 29 Apr 1969 CVW-17 CVA 59 A-4C Med
* These deployment dates only cover the squadron’s combat operations while staging out of Ulithi.
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40 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

§ CVW-3 records for 1967 list VA-46 being transferred from the air
wing on 1 February 1967 but does not list VA-34. VA-34, as well as
VA-46 and VA-103, were part of CVW-3 for the entire year of 1966,
consequently, VA-34 probably was transferred from CVW-3 at the
same time as VA-46 and VA-103, although such a transfer was not
recorded in the air wing’s history report.

Unit Awards Received

Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award

NAVE 01 Jul 1948 30 Jun 1949
NUC 31 Aug 1944 18 Sep 1944
10 Oct 1944 22 Nov 1944
Squadron F8F-1 Bearcats in flight, circa 1948 (Courtesy Robert 12 Jun 1967 08 Dec 1967
Lawson Collection). PUC 14 Dec 1944 16 Dec 1944
03 Jan 1945 22 Jan 1945
AFEM 17 Jul 1958 25 Jul 1958
Air Wing Assignments 29 Jul 1958 11 Aug 1958
Air Wing Tail Code Assignment Date 19 Aug 1958 07 Sep 1958
CVG-20/CVAG-9/CVG-9* PS 15 Oct 1943 26 Oct 1962 18 Nov 1962
CVG-3 K 01 Dec 1949 18 Nov 1962 20 Nov 1962
ATG-181 01 Nov 1953 03 Dec 1962 20 Dec 1962
CVG-3/CVW-3† K/AC‡ 18 Jun 1955 RVNGC 21 Jun 1967 13 Jul 1967
CVW-10 AK 01 Feb 1967§ 29 Jul 1967 27 Aug 1967
CVW-17 AA 16 Jan 1968 14 Sep 1967 12 Oct 1967
* Carrier Air Group 20 (CVG-20) was redesignated CVAG-9 on 15
31 Oct 1967 24 Nov 1967
November 1946 and was assigned the tail code PS on 12 December VNSM 21 Jun 1967 13 Jul 1967
1946. CVAG-9 was redesignated CVG-9 on 1 September 1948. 29 Jul 1967 27 Aug 1967
† Carrier Air Groups were redesignated Carrier Air Wings on 20
December 1963, hence, CVG-3 became CVW-3.
14 Sep 1967 12 Oct 1967
‡ CVG-3’s tail code was changed from K to AC in the latter part of 31 Oct 1967 24 Nov 1967
1957. The effective date was most likely the beginning of FY 58 (1 NEM 13 Apr 1961 26 Apr 1961
July 1957).

Squadron F2H-2 Banshees on the deck of Randolph (CVA 15) during her cruise to the Med in 1954–1955.
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 41

THIRD VA-34 Sep 1985: While deployed aboard America to the

North Atlantic, the squadron conducted flight opera-
Lineage tions from the carrier while it operated within
Vestfjord, a Norwegian fjord.
Established as Attack Squadron THIRTY FOUR (VA- 24 Mar 1986: Libyan missiles were fired at U.S. Navy
34) on 1 January 1970. This is the third squadron to be forces operating in the Gulf of Sidra. As a result of this
designated VA-34. hostile act retalitory strikes, known as Operation
Prairie Fire, were initiated against Libya by the
Squadron Insignia and American naval forces in the area. VA-34’s A-6E
Nickname Intruders, operating from America, attacked and dam-
aged a Libyan Combattante II G-class fast attack mis-
When VA-34 was
sile craft with a Harpoon missile. A follow-up attack
established, it adopted
by VA-85 aircraft with Rockeye bombs resulted in the
the insignia and Blue
sinking of the Combattante II. The Harpoon firing was
Blasters nickname used
the first use of this missile in combat and the
by the previous VA-34
squadron’s first combat action since its establishment
squadron (the second
in 1970.
VA-34). Colors for the
14 Apr 1986: Due to continued Libyan sponsorship
insignia are as follows:
of terrorist activity the United States initiated
blue diamond back-
When the third VA-34 squadron Operation Eldorado Canyon. VA-34 participated in this
ground outlined in
was established, it adopted this operation with its A-6Es, conducting a night, low level
insignia which had been used by black, red stylized
high speed attack against terrorists targets at the
the second VA-34 squadron. wings outlined in blue
Benina airfield and military barracks in Banghazi,
and white, black and
Libya.
white machine gun in the shape of a cigarette, with a
Aug 1990: The squadron flew missions in support of
yellow ammunition belt and red bullets, white skull
Operation Desert Shield, the build up of American and
and skeleton with black markings and outline, red
Allied forces to counter a threatened invasion of Saudi
teeth, and red markings on the paddles (eyes).
Arabia by Iraq and as part of an economic blockade of
Nickname: Blue Blasters, 1970-present
Iraq to force its withdrawal from Kuwait.

Chronology of Significant Events

Home Port Assignments
17 Apr 1970: VA-34’s establishment ceremony was
conducted at NAS Oceana. Location Assignment Date
18 Sep 1970: The squadron boarded Kennedy (CVA NAS Oceana 01 Jan 1970
67) and departed on 14 September for final training
and an Operational Readiness Inspection prior to its
scheduled November deployment to the Commanding Officers
Mediterranean Sea. However, while en route to the Date Assumed Command
Caribbean, the ship was ordered to deploy to the
Mediterranean after Syria invaded Jordan. CDR Robert W. Miles Feb 1970
Sep 1972: A squadron A-6 Intruder conducted cross- CDR Samuel L. Sayers 25 Jun 1971
decking operations on HMS Ark Royal while operating CDR Philip M. Shannon Jul 1972
in the Norwegian Sea. CDR Lester T. Jackson 28 Jul 1973
Oct–Nov 1973: Due to the outbreak of war in the CDR William R. Westerman 19 Jul 1974
Middle East (Yon Kippur War), VA-34 and Kennedy CDR Gary F. Wheatley 29 Oct 1975
departed the Norwegian Sea and reentered the CDR Robert H. Byng 03 Jan 1977
Mediterranean, conducting surveillance operations CDR John M. McNabb 21 Apr 1978
south of Crete. CDR John G. Hawley 03 Jul 1979
Sep–Oct 1982: During the deployment to the North CDR Brinley K. McDanel 20 Oct 1980
Atlantic, America (CV 66), with VA-34 embarked, CDR Bennice L. Liner 25 Nov 1981
received orders on 22 September to proceed to the CDR Garth A. Van Sickle 13 Feb 1983
Mediterranean due to the continuing crisis in Lebanon. CDR James B. Dadson 07 Aug 1984
Jan and May 1983: While in the Eastern CDR Richard G. Coleman 27 Jan 1986
Mediterranean the squadron conducted air operations CDR Bernis H. Bailey 05 Jun 1987
from America in support of the multinational peace- CDR Eugene K. Nielsen 04 Nov 1988
keeping forces in Beirut, Lebanon. CDR Ronald K. Alexander 16 May 1990
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42 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

Aircraft Assignment Aircraft Assignment—Continued

Total of Aircraft Date Type First Received Total of Aircraft Date Type First Received
A-6A 17 Apr 1970 A-6E Dec 1973
A-6B May 1970 * The squadron received its first KA-6D sometime between April and
KA-6D 1971* June 1971.
† The squadron received its first A-6C sometime between July and
A-6C 1971† September 1971.

A squadron A-6E Intruder conducts operations off the coast of Norway in 1985.

Major Overseas Deployment

Date of Date of Air Type of Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Aircraft Operation

14 Sep 1970 01 Mar 1971 CVW-1 CVA 67 A-6A/B Carib/Med/

NorLant
01 Dec 1971 06 Oct 1972 CVW-1 CVA 67 A-6A/B/C Med/NorLant
& KA-6D
16 Apr 1973 01 Dec 1973 CVW-1 CVA 67 A-6A/B/C Med/NorLant
& KA-6D
28 Jun 1975 27 Jan 1976 CVW-1 CV 67 A-6E & KA-6D Med
02 Sep 1976 09 Nov 1976 CVW-1 CV 67 A-6E & KA-6D NorLant
15 Jan 1977 01 Aug 1977 CVW-1 CV 67 A-6E & KA-6D Med
29 Jun 1978 08 Feb 1979 CVW-1 CV 67 A-6E & KA-6D Med
04 Aug 1980 28 Mar 1981 CVW-1 CV 67 A-6E & KA-6D Med
23 Aug 1982 30 Oct 1982 CVW-1 CV 66 A-6E & KA-6D NorLant/Med/
Carib
08 Dec 1982 02 Jun 1983 CVW-1 CV 66 A-6E & KA-6D Med/IO
24 Apr 1984 14 Nov 1984 CVW-1 CV 66 A-6E & KA-6D Carib/Med/IO
24 Aug 1985 09 Oct 1985 CVW-1 CV 66 A-6E & KA-6D NorLant
10 Mar 1986 10 Sep 1986 CVW-1 CV 66 A-6E & KA-6D Med
29 Feb 1988 29 Aug 1988 CVW-7 CVN 69 A-6E & KA-6D Med
08 Mar 1990 12 Sep 1990 CVW-7 CVN 69 A-6E & KA-6D Med/Red Sea
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 43

Air Wing Assignments Unit Awards Received—Continued

Air Wing Tail Code Assignment Date Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award
CVW-1 AB 02 Mar 1970 NAVE 01 Jan 1970 30 Jun 1971
CVW-7 AG 01 Oct 1986 01 Jan 1982 31 Dec 1982
NEM 01 Jan 1983 20 Jan 1983
Unit Awards Received 06 May 1983 08 May 1983
21 Mar 1986 27 Jun 1986
Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award NUC 23 Mar 1986 17 Apr 1986
MUC 29 Sep 1970 31 Oct 1970 SLOC 04 Aug 1980 28 Mar 1981
01 Dec 1977 01 Mar 1979 23 Aug 1982 02 Jun 1983
29 Aug 1985 20 Sep 1985 SASM 08 Aug 1990 24 Aug 1990

A VA-34 A-6E makes a low-level strike at Vieques Island bombing range in the Caribbean in 1988.
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44 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

VA-35 Chronology of
Significant Events
Lineage 6 Jul 1925: VT-2 was
Established as Torpedo and Bombing Squadron established on board
TWO (VT-2) on 6 July 1925. Ar oostook (CM 3) at
Redesignated Torpedo and Bombing Squadron Pearl Harbor. Ar oo-
TWO B (VT-2B) on 1 July 1927.* stook had been a
Redesignated Torpedo Squadron THREE (VT-3) on 1 minelayer that was
July 1937. refitted as an aircraft
Redesignated Attack Squadron FOUR A (VA-4A) on tender but continued
The final version of the dragon
15 November 1946. insignia was used by the squadron
to carry the CM
Redesignated Attack Squadron THIRTY FIVE (VA- during World War II and into the minelayer designation.
postwar period. Aug 1926: The
35) on 7 August 1948.
Disestablished on 7 November 1949. The first squadron was engaged
squadron to be assigned the VA-35 designation. in experimental work relating to the use of signal
lights as a means of communicating between aircraft
and ships.
Squadron Insignia and Nickname 1928: With the arrival of the T3M-2 aircraft, the
The squadron’s first insignia was a winged dragon squadron began the transition from water based air-
holding the sun in its webbed foot. Several years later craft to land planes. The squadron continued its air-
a bomb replaced the sun craft transition from T3M-2s, which were difficult to
in the dragon’s foot to land on the carrier, to T4M-1s. Primary mission with
symbolize the squadron’s the T4M-1s was bombing, although they could be
mission. The dragon’s used for torpedo work and laying smoke screens.
color was red, and was Jan–Feb 1929: Fleet Problem IX was the first time
spitting fire from its the Navy’s two large carriers, Saratoga (with VT-2B
mouth. There are no embarked) and Lexington (CV 2), participated in a
records indicating an major fleet exercise.
approval date, however, Mar–Apr 1930: In March the squadron participated in
there are references to Fleet Problem X which was conducted in the Caribbean
the insignia in a news- Sea, followed by the Fleet Problem XI in April.
This was the first version of the
dragon insignia used by the paper published by May 1930: VT-2B’s aircraft joined with the planes
squadron. It dates from the mid- Saratoga (CV 3). from 9 other squadrons, which included the Saratoga,
1920s. A modification to the
Lexington, and Langley Air Groups, for a three-day
original insignia was
tour of east coast cities from Norfolk, Virginia to
approved sometime in 1928 or 1929. The new insignia
Boston. The flight was commanded by Captain
depicted a dragon astride a bomb. Colors for the dragon
Kenneth Whiting and consisted of 36 torpedo and
were red with a green spine, yellow claws and the tip of
the tail in yellow. The bomb was black. When the bombing planes, 57 fighting planes, 24 scouting planes,
squadron was redesignat- 3 amphibian utility planes, 3 Ford trimotored transports
ed in 1937 it continued
to use this insignia.
During World War II
the dragon took on a
fatter, more stylized
shape, however, the col-
ors remained the same.
There are no records
indicating the squadron
changed its insignia fol-
lowing its designation
A more detailed version of the
changes in the 1940s. dragon insignia was adopted by
Nickname: unknown the squadron in the late 1920s.

* The squadron designation system was changed on 1 July 1930 by

General Order 202 and Bombing was dropped from the designation
Torpedo and Bombing Squadron. However, there was no change to
A VT-2B T3M-2 with parachutists jumping from the wing, circa 1935.
the abbreviated squadron designation, it still remained VT.
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 45

and 2 staff planes. It was the largest air parade that had 25 Sep 1943: VT-3 and Saratoga Air Group were
ever been assembled on the east coast. reformed at NAS Seattle. The Saratoga Air Group was
1931–1934: The squadron participated in Fleet reformed as Carrier Air Group THREE (CVG-3) with
Problems XII through XV. VT-3 as one of the three squadrons.
31 May 1934: A Fleet Review for President Franklin Nov 1944: VT-3 conducted combat operations from
D. Roosevelt was held in New York Harbor. Yorktown (CV 10) against targets in the Philippines in
1935–1938: The squadron participated in Fleet support of the Leyte invasion.
Problems XVI through XIX. Dec 1944: The squadron flew combat operations
May 1937: VT-2B participated in the celebration from Yorktown against targets on Luzon in preparation
marking the opening of the Golden Gate Bridge. for the invasion of the island. While retiring from the
Apr–May 1940: The squadron participated in Fleet combat area Task Force 38, which included Yorktown
Problem XXI. This was the last major Fleet Problem con- and CVG-3, sailed through a typhoon which sank
ducted before America’s involvement in World War II. three destroyers and extensively damaged other ships
May–Jun 1942: VT-3, consisting primarily of its in the task force.
pilots, flight crews and a limited number of ground Jan 1945: Combat operations were conducted
crewmen, operated from Yorktown (CV 5) during the against targets in Formosa and the Philippines in sup-
Battle of Midway. The other officers and ground crews port of the Lingayen Gulf landings on Luzon in early
remained ashore at NAS Kaneohe. Shortly after noon January. With Yorktown leading the way, Task Force
on the 4th, Lieutenant Commander Massey led a flight 38 entered the South China Sea on 10 January. VT-3
of 12 TBD-1 Devastors into the attack against the struck targets near Saigon and along the Vietnamese
Japanese carriers. They were the last of the three tor- coast, Hong Kong and Canton areas, Formosa and
pedo squadrons to engage the enemy. Only two air- Okinawa.
craft survived, both flown by enlisted pilots. The two 9 Jan 1945: For actions against enemy targets on
surviving TBDs returned to the task force while Formosa Lieutenant Frank F. Frazier was awarded the
Yorktown was under attack from Japanese carrier air- Silver Star.
craft. These two TBDs were ditched and their crews Feb 1945: VT-3 participated in the first carrier strikes
picked up by ships in the task force. VT-3’s survivors against the Tokyo area, bombing the Tachikawa
from Yorktown returned to the squadron at NAS Engine Factory, 16 miles from the Imperial Palace.
Kaneohe. Following these strikes the squadron concentrated its
4 Jun 1942: Lieutenant Commander Massey was attention on Chichi Jima and air support for the inva-
posthumously awarded the Navy Cross for his action sion of Iwo Jima. This operation was the last combat
during the battle. Eleven other squadron TBD pilots action for the squadron during World War II. In early
also were awarded the Navy Cross, they were Ensign March VT-3 transferred to Lexington (CV 16) for transit
Wesley F. Osmus, Ensign Carl A. Osberg, Lieutenant to the States.
Patrick H. Hart, Enlisted Pilot Harry L. Corl, Enlisted Jun–Oct 1948: During the squadron’s tour of duty in
Pilot Wilhelm G. Esders, Lieutenant (jg) Curtiss W. the Mediterranean the Sixth Fleet was placed on alert
Howard, Ensign Leonard L. Smith, Enlisted Pilot John due to the out break of war between Israel and the
W. Haas, Ensign David J. Roche, Ensign Oswald A. Arab countries following the establishment of the state
Powers, and Lieutenant (jg) Richard W. Suesens. of Israel.
Aug 1942: Operating from Enterprise (CV 6), VT-3 Nov 1948: The squadron participated in cold weath-
participated in the Battle of the Eastern Solomons. er operations in the Northern Atlantic.
Nov 1942–Jul 1943: VT-3 operated from Saratoga,
flying combat missions against various Japanese held
islands in the South Pacific and providing air cover for
American forces operating in the Eastern Solomons.
When the squadron was not operating from Saratoga
it was based ashore at various places, including Fiji;
Efate and Espiritu Santo, New Hebrides; Tontouta,
New Caledonia, and Guadalcanal, Solomons.
May 1943: The British carrier HMS Victorious joined
the Saratoga task force and operated with it until the
latter part of July.
31 Jul 1943: VT-3’s TBFs were transferred to
Tontouta on 30 July and the following day squadron
personnel embarked on HMS Victorious for transfer to This is a well-known photo of the squadron’s T4M-1 making an
CONUS to reform. This ended the air group and approach on Saratoga (CV 3). Notice the squadron’s dragon insignia
squadron’s association with Saratoga. on the fuselage just aft of the lower wing.
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46 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

Home Port Assignments Commanding Officers—Continued

Location Assignment Date Date Assumed Command

Aroostook (CM 2)* 06 Jul 1925 LCDR John A. Collett Jan 1942
NAS San Diego Sep 1925 LT John N. Myers (acting) Jan 1942
Ford Island (NAS Pearl Harbor) Jan 1942† LCDR Lance E. Massey 17 Apr 1942
NAS Kaneohe 03 Feb 1942† LT John N. Myers (acting) Jun 1942
Efate Aug 1942‡ LCDR Charles M. Jett 20 Jun 1942
Hawaii Sep 1942† LT John N. Myers (acting) 29 Dec 1942
NAS Seattle Sep 1943 LT Charles H. Turner (later LCDR) Apr 1943
NAS Whidbey Island 11 Oct 1943 LT Roy S. Belcher, Jr. (later LCDR) 24 May 1945
NAS Pasco 02 Feb 1944 LCDR Norman D. Johnson Jan 1948
LCDR Roy P. Gee 24 Aug 1949
NAS Alameda 05 Apr 1944†
NAS Puunene 22 Apr 1944†
NAS Hilo 07 Jun 1944†
NAS Kahului 22 Jul 1944†
NAS Seattle Mar 1945
NAAF Lewiston 07 May 1945
NAS Key West 15 Jun 1945
NAAS Oceana 15 Jul 1945
NAS Quonset Point 11 Aug 1947
NAAS Charlestown 13 Oct 1947
NAS Quonset Point 21 Mar 1949
* The ship was at NAS Pearl Harbor.
† Temporily based ashore during World War II.
‡ When Enterprise (CV 6) was damaged by air attacks on 24 August,
during the Battle of the Eastern Solomons, VT-3’s surviving aircraft A squadron TG-2 with its dragon insignia on the fuselage, circa mid
were flown to Efate. These aircraft remained at Efate while the 1930s.
majority of the squadron personnel went aboard Saratoga (CV 3)
and returned to Hawaii in September 1942.

Aircraft Assignment
Commanding Officers
Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received
Date Assumed Command DT-2* Jul 1925
LT A. O. Rule, Jr. 06 July 1925 SC-2 Nov 1925
LT J. B. Kniep Sep 1925 SC-1 Mar 1926
LCDR M. Griffin Oct 1925 CS-1 Nov 1926
LCDR J. G. Strong 18 Jan 1926 T2D-1 Jun 1927
LCDR J. B. Kniep Jun 1926 T3M-2 Aug 1927
CDR Read Jul 1926 TB-1 Sep 1927
LCDR J. B. Kniep Sep 1926 T4M-1 Jul 1928
LT A. P. Schneider Aug 1927 TG-1 Jun 1930
LCDR Harry R. Bogusch Feb 1928 TG-2 Apr 1932
LCDR A. E. Montgomery Jul 1929 TBD-1 05 Oct 1937
LCDR William Masek Jul 1930 TBF-1 Jul 1942†
LCDR J. L. Cotton Mar 1931 TBM-1C 15 Mar 1944
LT T. C. Lonnquest (acting) Jun 1931 TBM-3E Jun 1945
LCDR J. J. Ballentine Jul 1931 TBM-3Q Jun 1946
LCDR Theodore C. Lonnquest Dec 1932 TBM-3J May 1947
LCDR Harold J. Brow May 1933 TBM-3W Sep 1947
LCDR Herman E. Halland Jun 1934 AD-1 Apr 1949
LCDR William H. Buracker Jun 1936 AD-2 May 1949
LCDR Marion E. Crist Jun 1937
* The aircraft were on loan to the squadron from NAS Pearl Harbor.
LCDR Frank C. Sutton 27 Jun 1938
† VT-3’s shore detachment received its first TBF-1 in early May 1942.
LT Austin V. Magly 28 May 1940 However, the squadron continued to operate the TBD-1s aboard the
LT J. C. Clark 27 Jun 1941 carrier until the latter part of July 1942 when it became an all TBF unit.
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 47

A TBD-1 with VT-3 markings and the ever-present dragon insignia on the fuselage (Courtesy Harry Gann and the Douglas Collection).

Major Overseas Deployment

Date of Date of Air Type of Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Aircraft Operation

15 Jan 1929 Mar 1929 Saratoga CV 3 T4M-1 Canal Zone

Air Group (Pac side)
15 Feb 1930 21 Jun 1930 Saratoga CV 3 T4M-1 Canal Zone/
Air Group Carib
05 Feb 1931 15 Apr 1931 Saratoga CV 3 TG-1 Canal Zone/
Air Group Carib
Feb 1932 19 Mar 1932 Saratoga CV 2/3* TG-1 Hawaii
Air Group
23 Jan 1933 17 Feb 1933 Saratoga CV 3 TG-2 Hawaii
Air Group
09 Apr 1934 09 Nov 1934 Saratoga CV 3/ TG-2 Canal Zone/
Air Group CV 2† Carib & East
Coast of U.S.
May 1935 Jun 1935 Saratoga CV 3 TG-2 Hawaii/
Air Group NorPac
Apr 1936 Jun 1936 Saratoga CV 3 TG-2 Canal Zone/
Air Group Pac
Apr 1937 May 1937 Saratoga CV 3 TG-2 Hawaii/Pac
Air Group
15 Mar 1938 Apr 1938 Saratoga CV 3 TBD-1 Hawaii/Pac
Air Group
02 Apr 1940 21 Jun 1940 Saratoga CV 3 TBD-1 Hawaii/Pac
Air Group
08 Dec 1941 Jan 1942 Saratoga CV 3‡ TBD-1 Hawaii/Pac
Air Group
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48 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

Major Overseas Deployment—Continued

Date of Date of Air Type of Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Aircraft Operation

May 1942 Jun 1942 Yorktown CV 5 TBD-1 Midway Island

Air Group
15 Jul 1942 Aug 1942 Enterprise Air CV 6 TBF-1 Pacific ops
Group
10 Nov 1942 Jul 1943 Saratoga CV 3§ TBF-1 Pacific ops
Air Group
24 Oct 1944 27 Mar 1945 CVG-3 CV 10/ TBM-1C Pacific ops
CV 16**
07 Jun 1947 11 Aug 1947 CVAG-3 CV 33 TBM-3E/Q NorLant/
& TBM-3J Carib
01 Jun 1948 02 Oct 48 CVG-3 CV 33 TBM-3E/J Med
& TBM-3W
* The squadron’s cruise to Hawaii began aboard Lexington (CV 2) and prior to the beginning of Fleet Problem XXIII in late February it was
transferred to Saratoga.
† During the squadron’s 7 month deployment in 1934 VT-2B was divided into two divisions, with division 1 aboard Saratoga and division 2
aboard Lexington. VT-2B’s division 2 operated with Lexington’s Air Group.
‡ The squadron was operating from Saratoga in the Hawaiian area when the ship was hit by a torpedo from a Japanese submarine on 11
January 1942. Saratoga departed Hawaii and returned to Bremerton, Washington for repairs and VT-3 remained in Hawaii.
§ The squadron and air group transferred from Saratoga to HMS Victorious in July 1943 and returned to Hawaii aboard the British carrier.
Saratoga remained in the South Pacific and continued her combat operations with a different air group embarked.
** On 5 March 1945 VT-3 and CVG-3 were transferred from Yorktown to Lexington for its return to the States via Hawaii. Lexington departed
Ulithi on 6 March, arriving in Hawaii on 17 March, departing on the 20th and arriving at Bremerton, Washington on 27 March.

Squadron TBM-3 Avenger at NAAS Oceana in 1946 (Courtesy Robert Lawson Collection).
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 49

Air Wing Assignments squadrons used the K tail code. On 12 December 1946 the tail code
K was removed from Kearsarge and assigned to CVG-3.
Air Wing Tail Code Assignment Date § Saratoga Air Group redesignated Carrier Air Group THREE (CVG-
3) on 25 September 1943. The CVG-3 designation was changed to
Aircraft Squadrons, 06 Jul 1925 CVAG-3 on 15 November 1946 to show the air wing’s association
Battle Fleet, with an attack carrier. CVAG-3 was changed back CVG-3 on 1
Aroostook (CM 2) September 1948 regardless of the air groups’ aassignment to an
attack or battle carrier.
Saratoga Air Group* 09 Apr 1927
Yorktown Air Group† May 1942
Enterprise Air Group Jul 1942 Unit Awards
Saratoga Air Group/ K‡ Sep 1942
CVG-3/CVAG-3/CVG-3§ Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award
PUC 11 Nov 1944 19 Nov 1944
* CNO’s Assignment of Naval Aircraft (Naval Aeronautic
Organization) for FY 27 (July 1927–June 1928) assigned VT-2B to 14 Dec 1944 16 Dec 1944
Saratoga (CV 3) prior to the carrier’s commissioning. Evolution of 03 Jan 1945 22 Jan 1945
the Saratoga Air Group was as follows: Saratoga (CV 3) was com-
missioned 16 November 1927 with squadrons previously assigned; 16 Feb 1945 25 Feb 1945
the squadrons assigned to the carrier were known as the Saratoga Campaign Medal 23 Aug 1942 25 Aug 1942
Air Group. However, it was not until 1 July 1938 when the Air
Group Commander billets were established that the air group
(Asiatic-Pacific) Nov 1942 08 Feb 1943
became an official organization. 11 Nov 1944 19 Nov 1944
† Temporily assigned to Yorktown Air Group during the Battle of 14 Dec 1944 16 Dec 1944
Midway. 03 Jan 1945 22 Jan 1945
‡ The tail code K was assigned to Kearsar ge (CV 33) on 7 16 Feb 1945 25 Feb 1945
November 1946. Since CVG-3 was assigned to Kearsarge its

A squadron AD-1 trapping aboard Leyte (CV 32), November 1950 (Courtesy Duane Kasulka Collection).
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50 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

SECOND VA-35 Apr–Jun 1936: The squadron participated in Fleet

Problem XVII.
Lineage Apr–May 1937: The squadron participated in Fleet
Problem XVIII.
Established as Bombing Squadron THREE B (VB-3B) 28 May 1937: VB-3B participated in an aerial review
on 1 July 1934. celebrating the opening of the Golden Gate Bridge.
Redesignated Bombing Squadron FOUR (VB-4) on 1 Jul 1937: The squadron, embarked in Lexington (CV
July 1937. 2), participated in the search for Amelia Earhart
Redesignated Bombing Squadron THREE (VB-3) on Putnam and Fred Noonan.
1 July 1939. Sep 1937: VB-4, embarked in Ranger, visited Lima,
Redesignated Attack Squadron THREE A (VA-3A) on Peru, in conjunction with the International Aviation
15 November 1946. Conference being held there.
Redesignated Attack Squadron THIRTY FOUR (VA- Mar–Apr 1938: The squadron participated in Fleet
34) on 7 August 1948. Problem XIX.
Redesignated Attack Squadron THIRTY FIVE (VA- Apr–May 1940: The squadron participated in Fleet
35) on 15 February 1950. The second squadron to be Problem XXI. This was the last major fleet problem
assigned the VA-35 designation. conducted before America’s involvement in World
War II.
Squadron Insignia and Nickname Apr 1942: VB-3, embarked in Enterprise (CV 6), pro-
vided escort patrols for the task force which launched
There is no record of
Colonel Doolittle’s B-25 raid against Tokyo.
official approval for the
4 Jun 1942: At the Battle of Midway, VB-3,
diving black panther
embarked in Yorktown (CV 5), engaged in its first
insignia used by VB-3B.
combat operations. Yorktown’s first strike included 17
However, by mid–1935,
SBD-3’s from VB-3 led by Lieutenant Commander
the design appeared in
Leslie. Approximately an hour after launch, VB-3’s air-
Navy documents as
craft sighted the Japanese Fleet and commenced their
Bombing THREE’s in-
dive-bombing attack; the primary target was the carrier
signia. The diving black
Soryu. Lieutenant (jg) Paul A. Holmberg was the first
panther design has been
to drop his 1,000 pounder on the Soryu. His hit was
carried on through the
followed by two more from VB-3’s SBDs. Soryu erupt-
various redesignations
The original squadron diving ed into flames and eventually sank.
panther insignia is one of the old- of the squadron and is
With the Soryu in flames, the other VB-3 SBDs
est squadron insignias in contin- the present insignia for
uous use by a naval aviation directed their attack against other targets. They
VA-35. It was officially
command. attacked a destroyer, the Isokaze, making one hit on
approved for VA-35 by
her fantail and “what appeared to be a battleship,”
CNO on 1 October
claiming a hit on her stern. All 17 SBDs from VB-3
1957.
escaped the attack without a hit and returned to
Nickname: Black
Yorktown. Prior to landing on the carrier, they were
Panthers.
directed to leave the area due to incoming enemy air-
craft. All VB-3’s SBDs landed on Enterprise except for
Chronology of Lieutenant Commander Leslie and his wingman,
Significant Events Lieutenant (jg) Holmberg. These two men, low on
May 1935: Ranger fuel, ditched their aircraft along side the cruiser
(CV 4) and her em- Astoria and were picked up by the ship’s motor
whaleboat.
barked air group,
The battle was still not over for VB-3. In late after-
including VB-3B, partici-
noon, 14 of VB-3’s SBDs were launched from
pated in Fleet Exercise
Enterprise as part of a strike group ordered to attack
XVI. This was the first the fourth Japanese carrier, Hiryu. Lieutenant
The squadron’s insignia with the
scroll and designation added to time VB-3B and Ranger Shumway was in charge of VB-3’s formation. The
the original design. participated in a Fleet strike force located Hiryu and again caught a Japanese
Exercise. carrier in the vulnerable position of having armed and
25 Nov 1935–25 Feb fueled planes on deck. Direct hits from Shumway’s
1936: A detachment from VB-3B, including six BG-1s, SBD’s resulted in a torched Hiryu and her eventual
was assigned to Ranger’s Cold Weather Test Detachment sinking. Several of VB-3’s aircraft suffered heavy dam-
and operated aboard Ranger in Alaskan waters. age from attacking Japanese aircraft. However, all but
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 51

two of VB-3’s aircraft returned to Enterprise. Seventeen Crisis. During December, the squadron was embarked
of VB-3’s pilots received the Navy Cross for their in Saratoga (CVA 60).
action during the Battle of Midway, they were Ensigns 4 Feb 1965: The squadron’s commanding officer,
Benson, Butler, Campbell, Cobb, Cooner, Elder, Commander Richard G. Layser, was killed in an acci-
Hanson, Isaman, Lane, Merrill and Schoegel; dent.
Lieutenant (jg)s Holmberg, Sherwood and Wiseman; 15 Aug 1965: VA-35 transferred from CVW-3 in
Lieutenants Bottomley and Shumway; and Lieutenant preparation for its transition to the A-6A Intruder. This
Commander Leslie. brought to a close an illustrious career with CVW-3
Aug 1942: While operating from Saratoga in the that began in 1939.
South Pacific, the squadron participated in strikes 26 Feb 1967: The squadron participated in the first
against Guadalcanal and other enemy installations in combat aerial mining operations since World War II,
the Solomon Islands in support of the occupation of when its A-6A Intruders dropped mines in the Song Ca
Guadalcanal. and Song Giang Rivers of North Vietnam.
24 Aug 1942: VB-3 participated in the Battle of the 1 Oct 1967: During a weapons training deployment
Eastern Solomons, attacking Ryujo, a Japanese light to NAS Yuma, Arizona, VA-35 became the first A-6A
carrier, and helping to sink her. squadron to fire the AIM-9 Sidewinder missile.
Jan–Jul 1943: VB-3 operated in the South Pacific fly- Jan–Feb 1968: While embarked in Enterprise (CVAN
ing combat sorties against various Japanese-held 65) and en route to Yankee Station, the carrier was
islands and providing air cover for American forces. ordered to the Sea of Japan for operations following
July 1943: VB-3 and the Saratoga Air Group were the seizure of the Pueblo (AGER 2) by the North
relieved by Air Group 12 and boarded HMS Victorious Koreans.
for transfer to CONUS to reform, arriving at San Diego 12 Mar 1968: The squadron’s commanding officer,
on 18 August. This ended the air group and VB-3’s Commander Kollmann, was lost in an operational acci-
association with Saratoga (CV 3). dent.
Nov 1944: VB-3 conducted combat operations from 17 Sep 1972: While on a mission over North
Yorktown (CV 10) against various targets, including Vietnam the squadron’s commanding officer,
shipping, in support of the Leyte invasion. Commander Donnelly, was lost and is still listed as
Jan 1945: Combat operations were conducted missing in action.
against targets in Formosa and the Philippines in sup- 3 Jan 1980: VA-35 departed Naples, Italy, embarked
port of the Lingayen Gulf landings on Luzon in early in Nimitz (CVN 68), en route to the Indian Ocean via
January. With Yorktown leading the way, Task Force the Cape of Good Hope after the U.S. Embassy staff
38 entered the South China Sea on 10 January. VB-3 was taken hostage in Tehran, Iran. This was the begin-
struck targets near Saigon and along the Vietnamese ning of 144 consecutive days at sea for the squadron.
coast, Canton and Hong Kong areas, Formosa and 26 May 1981: While on a training exercise aboard
Okinawa. Nimitz off the coast of Charleston, S.C., an EA-6B from
Feb 1945: VB-3 participated in the first carrier strikes VMAQ-2 crashed into parked aircraft while attempting
against the Tokyo area, bombing the Kasumiga-ura to land. VA-35 personnel provided firefighting support
Airfield, an air depot 25 miles north of Tokyo, and the and assistance to the injured. There were no injuries
Tachikawa Aircraft Engine Plant, located 16 miles west to VA-35 personnel. Over 130 members of the
of the Imperial Palace. Following these strikes, the squadron received awards for fighting fires and assist-
squadron concentrated its attention on air support for ing the injured.
the invasion of Iwo Jima. This operation was the last Jun 1985: Nimitz and VA-35 were ordered to oper-
combat action for the squadron during World War II. ate off the coast of Lebanon due to the hijacking of
On 6 March, the squadron transferred from Yorktown TWA flight 847 by Arab radicals. The carrier and
to Lexington (CV 16) for transfer to CONUS. squadron remained on station until the release of the
11 Oct 1950: While deployed to the Korean Theater hostages in the latter part of June.
aboard Leyte (CV 32), the squadron launched its first Feb 1987: VA-35, embarked in Nimitz, operated off
combat mission since February 1945, striking North the coast of Lebanon after three U.S. citizens were
Korean targets. taken hostage from the American University in Beirut.
12 Dec 1950: The squadron’s commanding officer, Jul 1988: VA-35 participated in a firepower demon-
Lieutenant Commander Bagwell, crash-landed in North stration for the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
Korea and was taken prisoner. and his guest, the Marshal of the Soviet Union.
Jul–Aug 1958: VA-35, along with other squadrons Sep 1988: While deployed to the North Atlantic
from CVG-3, provided support for U.S. Marines land- aboard Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), the squadron
ing in Lebanon. conducted flight operations from the carrier while in
Oct–Nov 1962: VA-35 deployed to McCalla Field, the Vestfjord of Norway.
Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, during the Cuban Missile Aug–Dec 1990: The squadron flew missions in sup-
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52 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

port of Operation Desert Shield, the build-up of Commanding Officers

American and Allied forces to counter a threatened
invasion of Saudi Arabia by Iraq and part of an eco- Date Assumed Command
nomic blockade of Iraq to force its withdrawal from LCDR George C. Fairlamb, Jr. 01 Jul 1934
Kuwait. LCDR Robert H. Harrell 10 Jun 1935
LCDR Paul E. Roswall 05 Jun 1937
LCDR Edgar A. Cruise Jul 1938
LCDR Robert E. Blick, Jr. 01 Jul 1939
LCDR Maxwell F. Leslie 1942
LCDR Dewitt W. Shumway 15 Jun 1942
LT Harold S. Bottomley, Jr 16 Apr 1943
LCDR John T. Lowe, Jr. 29 Sep 1943
LT Raymond S. Osterhoudt (acting) 22 Dec 1944
LT Raymond S. Osterhoudt 23 Feb 1945
LT. H. N. Murphy 07 May 1945
LCDR Heber J. Badger 04 Oct 1946
LCDR Ralph M. Bagwell 30 Nov 1948
LCDR John G. Osborn 19 Dec 1950
LCDR James W. Conger 31 Mar 1952
The BM-1 was the first type of aircraft operated by the squadron. The LCDR David G. Adams, Jr. 10 Aug 1953
vertical fin of the aircraft was most likely painted willow green, indi- CDR C. W. Johnson Nov 1954
cating it was assigned to the Ranger air group.
CDR Alfred E. Brown Sep 1956
CDR Harlan W. Foote 07 Oct 1958
Home Port Assignments CDR William F. Bailey 21 Mar 1960
CDR E. C. Hastings II 28 Apr 1961
Location Assignment Date CDR W. F. Walker 29 May 1962
NAS Norfolk 01 Jul 1934 CDR J. R. Constantine 07 Mar 1963
NAS San Diego 14 Apr 1935 CDR J. B. Allred 13 Mar 1964
Ford Island (NAS Pearl Harbor)* Jan 1942 CDR Richard G. Layser 22 Jan 1965
NAS Kaneohe* Feb 1942 LCDR Joseph F. Frick (acting) 04 Feb 1965
NAS Ewa* Jun 1942 CDR John W. Shute 22 Mar 1965
NAS Kaneohe* Sep 1942 CDR Donald S. Ross 13 Aug 1965
Nandi Field, Fiji Islands* Nov 1942 CDR Arthur H. Barie 29 Jul 1966
Tontouta Airfield, New Caledonia* Dec 1942 CDR Glenn E. Kollmann 14 Jul 1967
NAS Sand Point Sep 1943 CDR Herman L. Turk 15 Mar 1968
NAS Whidbey Island Oct 1943 CDR Joseph F. Frick 29 May 1969
NAS Pasco 02 Feb 1944 CDR Hugh J. Campbell 02 Jun 1970
NAS Alameda* 05 Apr 1944 CDR Kenneth B. Russell 12 Apr 1971
NAS Puunene* 22 Apr 1944
CDR Verne G. Donnelly 24 May 1972
NAS Hilo* 07 Jun 1944
CDR Milton D. Beach (acting) 17 Sep 1972
NAS Kahului* 22 Jul 1944
CDR Milton D. Beach 26 Sep 1972
NAS Seattle 28 Mar 1945
NAS Wildwood 07 May 1945 CDR Gerald H. Hesse 21 Sep 1973
NAAS Oceana 19 Jul 1945 CDR Ronald P. Hyde 15 Aug 1974
NAAS Charlestown 15 Apr 1947 CDR Brian K. Bryans 10 Dec 1975
NAS Quonset Point 14 Aug 1947 CDR George D. O’Brien 31 Mar 1977
NAAS Charlestown 01 Oct 1947 CDR James D. Joyner 23 Jun 1978
NAS Quonset Point 01 Feb 1949 CDR John A. Pieno, Jr. 19 Jul 1979
NAAS Oceana* 24 Aug 1950 CDR J. M. Luecke 05 Feb 1981
NAS Quonset Point 03 Feb 1951 CDR A. H. White 24 Jun 1982
NAAS Sanford 30 Apr 1951 CDR Stephen A. Richmond 15 Dec 1983
NAS Cecil Field Feb 1953 CDR Ronald S. Pearson 24 Jun 1985
NAS Jacksonville 01 Oct 1958 CDR Louis P. Lalli 24 Oct 1986
NAS Oceana Aug 1965 CDR James A. Bolcar 08 Apr 1988
* Temporary shore base assignment during World War II.
CDR James B. Andersen 06 Sep 1989
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 53

One of the squadron’s early aircraft, a BG-1, at Floyd Bennett Field, New York. Note the diving panther insignia on the fuselage. The squadron
was assigned to the Ranger air group when this photo was taken.

Aircraft Assignment Aircraft Assignment—Continued

Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received
BM-1 and BM-2 Jul 1934 AD-4 Oct 1950
BG-1* Nov 1934 AD-3 May 1950
SB2U-2 Jan 1938 AD-4L Feb 1951
SB2U-1 Jul 1940
AD-4B Mar 1953
BT-1 Mar 1941
AD-4N Aug 1953
SBC-4 Mar 1941
AD-6/A-1H† Sep 1953
SBD-3 Aug 1941
AD-5 Oct 1954
SBD-4 Apr 1943
SBD-3P Apr 1943 A-6A 15 Dec 1965
SBD-5 Aug 1943 A-6B Jan 1968
SB2C-1C Dec 1943 KA-6D Dec 1970
SBW-3 Jul 1944 A-6C Feb 1971
SB2C-4 Sep 1944 A-6E 19 Apr 1973
SB2C-5 Jan 1946
AD-2 24 Nov 1948 * The XBG-1 was received by the squadron in October 1934, fol-
AD-2Q Feb 1949 lowed by the BG-1 production versions in November 1934.
AD-1 Feb 1949 † AD-6 designation changed to A-1H in 1962.
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54 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

A formation of the squadron’s SB2U Vindicators. The squadron’s diving panther insignia is barely visible on the fuselage of the aircraft.

Major Overseas Deployment

Date of Date of Air Type of Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Aircraft Operation

28 Mar 1935 15 Apr 1935 Ranger CV 4 BG-1 Carib/Panama

Air Group Canal/West
Coast
May 1935 May 1935 Ranger CV 4 BG-1 Hawaii
Air Group
* * * CV 4 BG-1 Alaska
27 Apr 1936 Jun 1936 Lexington CV 2 BG-1 Central
Air Group America/West
Coast
Apr 1937 May 1937 Lexington CV 2 BG-1 Hawaii
Air Group
Mar 1938 Apr 1938 Ranger CV 4 BG-2 Hawaii
Air Group
02 Apr 1940 21 Jun 1940 Saratoga CV 3 SB2U-2 Hawaii
Air Group
08 Dec 1941 †Jan 1942 Saratoga CV 3 SBD-3 Hawaii
Air Group
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 55

Major Overseas Deployment—Continued

Date of Date of Air Type of Area of

Departure Return Wing Carrier Aircraft Operation

Apr 1942 Apr 1942 Enterprise CV 6 SBD-3 Pacific Ops

Air Group
30 May 1942 Jun 1942 Yorktown CV 5‡ SBD-3 Battle of
Air Group Midway
07 Jul 1942 21 Sep 1942 Saratoga CV 3 SBD-3 SoPac
Air Group
12 Nov 1942 26 Jul 1943 Saratoga CV 3§ SBD-3 SoPac
Air Group
24 Oct 1944 27 Mar 1945 CVG-3 CV 10/ SB2C-4 Pacific Ops
CV 16**
07 Jun 1947 11 Aug 1947 CVAG-3 CV 33 SB2C-5 NorLant/Carib
01 Jun 1948 02 Oct 1948 CVG-3 CV 33 SB2C-5 Med
02 May 1950 24 Aug 1950 CVG-3 CV 32 AD-3 Med
06 Sep 1950 18 Sep 1950 CVG-3 CV 32 AD-3 Carib/Panama
Canal/West
Coast
19 Sep 1950 03 Feb 1951 CVG-3 CV 32 AD-3/4 WestPac/
Korea
03 Sep 1951 21 Dec 1951 CVG-3 CV 32 AD-4/L Med
29 Aug 1952 Feb 1953 CVG-3 CVA 32 AD-4 Med
12 Nov 1953 Sep 1954 CVG-3 CVA 40 AD-6 World Cruise
04 Nov 1955 02 Aug 1956 CVG-3 CVA 14 AD-6 Med
01 Feb 1958 01 Oct 1958 CVG-3 CVA 60 AD-6 Med
16 Aug 1959 26 Feb 1960 CVG-3 CVA 60 AD-6 Med
22 Aug 1960 26 Feb 1961 CVG-3 CVA 60 AD-6 NorLant/Med
28 Nov 1961 11 May 1962 CVG-3 CVA 60 AD-6 Med
29 Mar 1963 25 Oct 1963 CVG-3 CVA 60 AD-6 Med
28 Nov 1964 12 Jul 1965 CVW-3 CVA 60 A-1H Med
19 Nov 1966 06 Jul 1967 CVW-9 CVAN 65 A-6A WestPac/Vietnam
03 Jan 1968 18 Jul 1968 CVW-9 CVAN 65 A-6A/B WestPac/Vietnam
23 Sep 1969 01 Jul 1970 CVW-15 CVA 43 A-6A WestPac/Vietnam
06 Jul 1971 16 Dec 1971 CVW-8 CVA 66 A-6A/B/C Med
& KA-6D
05 Jun 1972 24 Mar 1973 CVW-8 CVA 66 A-6A/C & KA-6D WestPac/Vietnam
03 Jan 1974 03 Aug 1974 CVW-8 CVA 66 A-6E & KA-6D Med
06 Sep 1974 12 Oct 1974 CVW-8 CVA 66 A-6E & KA-6D NorLant
16 Jul 1975 24 Sep 1975 CVW-8 CVN 68 A-6E & KA-6D Carib/NorLant
07 Jul 1976 07 Feb 1977 CVW-8 CVN 68 A-6E & KA-6D Med
01 Dec 1977 20 Jul 1978 CVW-8 CVN 68 A-6E & KA-6D Med/
NorLant
10 Sep 1979 26 May 1980 CVW-8 CVN 68 A-6E & Med/SoLant/
KA-6D IO
29 Aug 1980 17 Oct 1980 CVW-8 CVN 68 A-6E & KA-6D NorLant
03 Aug 1981 12 Feb 1982 CVW-8 CVN 68 A-6E & KA-6D Med
10 Nov 1982 20 May 1983 CVW-8 CVN 68 A-6E & KA-6D Carib/Med
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56 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

Major Overseas Deployment—Continued

Date of Date of Air Type of Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Aircraft Operation

08 Mar 1985 04 Oct 1985 CVW-8 CVN 68 A-6E & KA-6D Carib/Med
15 Aug 1986 16 Oct 1986 CVW-8 CVN 68 A-6E & KA-6D NorLant
30 Dec 1986 26 Jul 1987 CVW-8 CVN 68 A-6E & KA-6D Med/SoLant/
West Coast
25 Aug 1988 11 Oct 1988 CVW-8 CVN 71 A-6E NorLant
30 Dec 1988 30 Jun 1989 CVW-8 CVN 71 A-6E Med
07 Aug 1990 28 Mar 1991 CVW-17 CV 60 A-6E & KA-6D Med/Red Sea
* Detachments from Aircraft Squadrons, Battle Fleet, including a detachment from VB-3B, were organizated as Ranger’s Cold Weather Test
Detachment and operated on a northern cruise to Alaska sometime between late November 1935 and 25 February 1936.
† The squadron was operating from Saratoga in the Hawaiian area when the ship was hit by a torpedo from a Japanese submarine on 11
January 1942. Saratoga departed Hawaii for repairs at Bremerton, Washington, and VB-3 remained in Hawaii.
‡ After the squadron’s first strike against the Japanese carriers, it operated from Enterprise (CV 6) for the remainder of the Midway battle.
§ While deployed to the South Pacific, as part of the Saratoga Air Group, the squadron operated from Saratoga and various shore stations in
New Caledonia, Fiji Islands, and Solomon Islands.
** On 5 March 1945, VB-3 and CVG-3 were transferred from Yorktown (CV 10) to Lexington (CV 16) for its return to CONUS via Hawaii. Lexington
departed Ulithi on 6 March, arriving in Hawaii on 17 March, departing on the 20th and arriving at Bremerton, Washington, on 27 March.

The squadron’s SBD Dauntlesses are in the foreground on the deck of Saratoga (CV 3), circa late 1941. In the background are F4F Wildcats and
TBD Devastators from Saratoga’s air group.
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 57

ers prior to 1 July 1938 were part of that carrier’s air group.
However, it was not until after 1 July 1938, when Air Group
Commander billets were established, that the air group became an
offical organization.
† The Saratoga Air Group was redesignated Carrier Air Group
THREE (CVG-3) on 25 September 1943. The CVG-3 designation was
changed to CVAG-3 on 15 November 1946 to show the air wing’s
association with an attack carrier. It was changed back to CVG-3 on
1 September 1948 and no longer indicated the air group’s associa-
tion to a particular carrier designation, such as attack or battle carri-
er. On 20 December 1963, all Carrier Air Groups (CVG) were redes-
ignated Carrier Air Wings (CVW).
‡ The tail code K was assigned to Kearsar ge (CV 33) on 7
November 1946. Since CVG-3 was assigned to Kearsarge, its
squadrons used the K tail code. On 12 December 1946, the tail code
K was removed from Kearsarge and assigned to CVG-3. Carrier Air
Group 3’s tail code was changed from K to AC in the latter part of
1957. The effective date was most likely the beginning of FY 58 (1
SB2C-4 Helldivers from VB-3 fly over the invasion fleet at Iwo Jima July 1957).
en route to bomb targets on the island, 22 February 1945.

Unit Awards Received

Air Wing Assignments
Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award
Air Wing Tail Code Assignment Date
PUC 11 Nov 1944 19 Nov 1944
Ranger Air Group* 01 Jul 1934
14 Dec 1944 16 Dec 1944
Lexington Air Group* Nov 1935
03 Jan 1945 22 Jan 1945
Ranger Air Group 01 Jul 1937 NAVE 01 Jul 1971 31 Dec 1972
Saratoga Air Group 01 Jan 1939 01 Oct 1976 30 Sep 1977
Yorktown Air Group May 1942 01 Oct 1978 30 Sep 1979
Saratoga Air Group/ K/AC‡ Jun 1942 01 Oct 1980 31 Dec 1981
CVG-3/CVAG-3/ 01 Jan 1983 31 Dec 1983
CVG-3/CVW-3† 01 Jan 1987 31 Dec 1987
CVW-4 15 Aug 1965 PUC 11 Nov 1944 19 Nov 1944
COMFAIRNORFOLK 16 Dec 1965 14 Dec 1944 16 Dec 1944
CVW-9 NG 22 Sep 1966 03 Jan 1945 22 Jan 1945
COMFAIRNORFOLK Jul 1968 16 Feb 1945 25 Feb 1945
CVW-15 NL 31 Jul 1969 KPUC 05 Oct 1950 19 Jan 1951
COMFAIRNORFOLK 01 Jul 1970 NUC 09 Oct 1950 19 Jan 1951
CVW-8 AJ 01 Jan 1971 18 Dec 1966 20 Jun 1967
CVW-17 AA 07 Sep 1989 22 Feb 1968 26 Jun 1968
23 Jan 1980 01 May 1980
* Ranger (CV 4) was commissioned on 4 June 1934 and VB-3B was 17 Jan 1991 28 Feb 1991
assigned to Ranger on 1 July 1934. Squadrons assigned to the carri- MUC 27 Oct 1969 01 Jun 1970
14 Jul 1972 20 Feb 1973
01 Dec 1977 21 Dec 1979
01 Jan 1981 12 Feb 1982
AFEM 23 Jan 1968 22 Mar 1968
10 Dec 1969 11 Dec 1969
NEM 18 Oct 1962 23 Oct 1962
14 Jan 1980 14 May 1980
05 Dec 1982 31 Dec 1982
21 Jan 1983 13 Feb 1983
18 Feb 1983 24 Feb 1983
19 Mar 1983 21 Mar 1983
18 Apr 1983 22 Apr 1983
RVNGC 22 Feb 1968 24 Feb 1968
26 Feb 1968 03 Mar 1968
05 Mar 1968 08 Mar 1968
12 Mar 1968
A squadron AD-6 (A-1H) Skyraider, circa late 1950s or early 1960s.
13 Mar 1968
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58 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

Unit Awards Received—Continued Unit Awards Received—Continued

Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award
14 Mar 1968 26 Oct 1969 18 Nov 1969
16 Mar 1968 22 Dec 1969 19 Jan 1970
29 Mar 1968 30 Mar 1968 17 Feb 1970 09 Mar 1970
01 Apr 1968 05 Apr 1968 19 Mar 1970 11 Apr 1970
07 Apr 1968 10 Apr 1968 28 Apr 1970 01 Jun 1970
12 Apr 1968 02 Jul 1972 04 Jul 1972
14 Apr 1968 11 Jul 1972 24 Jul 1972
16 Apr 1968 20 Apr 1968 10 Aug 1972 28 Aug 1972
22 Apr 1968 23 Apr 1968
06 Sep 1972 07 Oct 1972
02 May 1968
11 Oct 1972 12 Oct 1972
01 Jun 1968 02 Jun 1968
20 Oct 1972 01 Dec 1972
04 Jun 1968
09 Dec 1972 27 Dec 1972
15 Jun 1968
16 Aug 1968 10 Sep 1968 09 Jan 1973 02 Feb 1973
VNSM 19 Dec 1966 17 Jan 1967 12 Feb 1973 16 Feb 1973
31 Jan 1967 03 Mar 1967 21 Feb 1973 25 Feb 1973
20 Mar 1967 18 Apr 1967 KLM 17 Jan 1991 07 Feb 1991
28 Apr 1967 28 May 1967 SASM 22 Aug 1990 21 Sep 1990
04 Jun 1967 21 Jun 1967 23 Oct 1990 09 Dec 1990
21 Feb 1968 17 Mar 1968 06 Jan 1991 11 Mar 1991
26 Mar 1968 24 Apr 1968 Campaign Medal
30 Apr 1968 21 May 1968 (Asiatic-Pacific) For numerous periods during World
30 May 1968 27 Jun 1968 War II.

A squadron A-6 Intruder with its famous diving panther insignia on the tail.
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 59

VA-36 Dixie Station in the South China Sea off the coast of
Vietnam. This marked the first time a nuclear powered
Lineage ship had engaged in combat.
Dec 1965–Jun 1966: During this period of combat
Established as Fighter Squadron ONE HUNDRED operations squadron personnel were awarded over
TWO (VF-102) on 1 May 1952. 170 Air Medals.
Redesignated Attack Squadron THIRTY SIX (VA-36) May–Jun 1967: VA-36, embarked on America, was
on 1 July 1955. on station in the eastern Mediterranean during the
Disestablished on 1 August 1970. The first squadron Middle East War between Israel and Egypt and Syria.
to be designated VA-36. Units of America’s air wing were launched to provide
air cover for Liberty (AGTR 5) when it came under
Squadron Insignia and Nickname attack by Israeli forces.
VF-102’s first insignia was approved by CNO in
October 1952. Unfortunately, the squadron’s insignia Home Port Assignments
file does not contain a
drawing or photograph Location Assignment Date
of the design. The NAAS Cecil Field 01 May 1952
insignia included: a blue NAS Jacksonville Jul 1955
circular design with a NAS Cecil Field Apr 1956
black winged wolf leap-
ing diagonally from left
Commanding Officers
to right in front of a yel-
low moon and over a Date Assumed Command
red lightning bolt; and a
LCDR R. B. Dalton 01 May 1952
blue sea depicted in the
CDR R. A. Clarke 1953
lower part of the circle.
It is believed the squadron adopted CDR L. A. Menard, Jr. 10 Sep 1954
the roadrunner insignia sometime
The wolf, lightning bolt,
CDR Thad T. Coleman, Jr. 31 May 1956
after receiving its first A-4 Sky- blue sea and circular
hawks. One of the nicknames for the insignia were outlined CDR Hugh M. Garvey 26 Jul 1957
A-4 was “Heinemann’s Hot Rod”
in yellow. CDR A. L. Detweiler 22 Jul 1958
and the logo on the insignia may be
indicative of that nickname. The squadron also LCDR P. D. Davidson 30 Jan 1960
used an insignia design CDR G. L. Ayers, Jr. 28 Apr 1961
with a roadrunner. CDR E. J. Carroll 29 May 1962
However, there is no indication when it was approved CDR H .K. Matthes 18 May 1963
or used by the squadron. Colors for the roadrunner CDR R. W. Somers 01 May 1964
insignia were: a green background outlined in yellow; CDR J. E. Marshall 22 Apr 1965
and a gray roadrunner with blue wings and head CDR T. F. Rush 02 Apr 1966
feathers, a yellow beak, red tongue and white legs CDR A. R. Cunningham 19 May 1967
holding white rockets with red tips. The insignia’s CDR E. H. Brooks 24 May 1968
upper and lower scrolls had a blue background with CDR N. H. Rose 29 May 1969
Attack Squadron 36 in white on the upper and CDR W. C. Nix 30 Mar 1970
Hotrodus Supersonicus in white on the lower. Both
scrolls were outlined in yellow.
Nickname: Roadrunners, timeframe unknown. Aircraft Assignment

Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received

Chronology of Significant Events FG-1D May 1952
Nov 1953–Sep 1954: During the squadron’s world F9F-5 Oct 1952
cruise aboard Tarawa (CVA 40), it visited 14 different F9F-8 & F9F-8B 02 Nov 1956
ports in 10 foreign countries and transited the Suez F9F-8T 14 Apr 1957
and Panama Canals. A4D-2 11 Sep 1958
Jul–Aug 1961: While deployed on a training cruise A4D-2N/A-4C* 21 Mar 1961
aboard Saratoga in the Caribbean, the squadron was A-4E† Oct 1967
on an alert status due to the Bay of Pigs invasion. * The A4D-2N designation changed to A-4C in 1962.
2 Dec 1965: The squadron conducted its first com-
† The squadron began its transition to A-4Es in October 1967 and in
bat operations, flying from Enterprise (CVAN 65) on November 1967 transitioned back to A-4Cs.
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60 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

In the background is a squadron F9F-5 Panther and the pilots who night carrier qualified aboard Bennington (CVA 20) in September 1955 prior
to the squadron’s WestPac deployment on the carrier. VA-36 pilots are: Bottom row, left to right: Lt. K. T. Weaver, Lt. P. M. McGucken, Cdr. L. A.
Mendar, Jr., CO; Cdr. T. T. Coleman, Jr., XO; and LCdr. R. G. Altman. Top row, left to right: Lt. (jg) D. R. Fall, Lt. P. E. Johnson, Lt. (jg) D. A.
Brown, Lt. (jg) A. J. Cooper, Lt. R. C. Doan, Lt. (jg) B. J. Gordon, Lt. T. W. Luckett, Ens. G. V. Smith, Lt. (jg) H. L. Brooks, Lt. H. A. Lackey II, Lt. A. J.
Kermes, Lt. (jg) H. W. Newhard, Lt. (jg) W. D. Baker, Lt. (jg) M. N. Guess, Ens. L. Ames (AIO), Lt. (jg) R. C. Scott, Lt. J. D. Blackwood, Lt. (jg) J. B.
Busey and Lt. (jg) M. E. Hill.

Major Overseas Deployment

Date of Date of Air Type of Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Aircraft Operation

Nov 1953 Sep 1954 CVG-3 CVA 40 F9F-5 World Cruise

31 Oct 1955 16 Apr 1956 ATG-201 CVA 20 F9F-5 WestPac
15 Aug 1959 26 Feb 1960 CVG-3 CVA 60 A4D-2 Med
22 Aug 1960 26 Feb 1961 CVG-3 CVA 60 A4D-2 NorLant/Med
05 Jul 1961 22 Aug 1961 CVG-3 CVA 60 A4D-2N Carib
28 Nov 1961 11 May 1962 CVG-3 CVA 60 A4D-2N Med
03 Dec 1962 21 Dec 1962 CVG-3 CVA 60 A4D-2N Carib
29 Mar 1963 25 Oct 1963 CVG-3 CVA 60 A-4C Med
28 Nov 1964 12 Jul 1965 CVW-3 CVA 60 A-4C Med
26 Oct 1965 21 Jun 1966 CVW-9 CVAN 65 A-4C SoLant/IO/
WestPac/
Vietnam
10 Jan 1967 20 Sep 1967 CVW-6 CVA 66 A-4C Med
04 Jun 1968 08 Feb 1969 CVW-10 CVS 11 A-4C SoLant/IO/
Pacific/Vietnam
02 Dec 1969 08 Jul 1970 CVW-17 CVA 59 A-4C Med
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 61

Air Wing Assignments Unit Awards Received—Continued

Air Wing Tail Code Assignment Date Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award
CVG-10 P 01 May 1952 NEM 07 Jul 1961 19 Aug 1961
CVG-3 K Nov 1953 RVNGC 02 Dec 1965
CVG-10 P Sep 1954 11 Dec 1965
ATG-201 J/AP* May 1955† 21 Dec 1965
ATG-202 AQ 15 Jan 1958 24 Dec 1965
CVG-17 AL 14 Mar 1958 26 Dec 1965 30 Dec 1965
CVG-3/CVW-3‡ AC 11 Oct 1958 01 Jan 1966 02 Jan 1966
CVW-9 NG 22 Sep 1965 04 Jan 1966 14 Jan 1966
CVW-8 AJ 15 Jul 1966 04 Feb 1966
CVW-6 AE 01 Sep 1966 19 Feb 1966
CVW-10 AK 16 Oct 1967 23 Feb 1966
CVW-17 AA 01 Aug 1969 27 Mar 1966 28 Mar 1966
30 Mar 1966 31 Mar 1966
* The tail code J was assigned to ATG-201 on 24 July 1956 and
changed to AP in the latter part of 1957. The effective date for the 02 Apr 1966
change was most likely the beginning of FY 58 (1 July 1957). 11 Apr 1966
† The specific date the squadron was assigned to Air Task Group 29 Apr 1966
201 (ATG-201) has not been verified. However, it probably was in 01 Oct 1968 01 Nov 1968
May 1955, the date the squadron deployed aboard Bennington (CVA VNSM 02 Dec 1965 14 Jan 1966
20) for a shakedown cruise to Guantanamo Bay.
04 Feb 1966 23 Feb 1966
‡ Carrier Air Groups were redesignated Carrier Air Wings on 20
December 1963, hence, CVG-3 became CVW-3. 16 Mar 1966 12 Apr 1966
22 Apr 1966 14 May 1966
23 May 1966 06 Jun 1966
Unit Awards Received 11 Jul 1968 12 Jul 1968
14 Jul 1968 15 Jul 1968
Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award
23 Jul 1968 22 Aug 1968
NAVE Jul 1958 Jun 1959 14 Oct 1968 14 Nov 1968
01 Jan 1967 30 Jun 1968 03 Dec 1968 27 Dec 1968
AFEM 03 Dec 1962 20 Dec 1962 NUC 06 Jul 1968 16 Jan 1969

Squadron A-4C Skyhawks assigned to CVW-9 deployed aboard Enterprise (CVAN 65).
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62 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

SECOND VA-36 Mar–Sep 1993: The squadron, along with other units
of CVW-8, deployed aboard Roosevelt (CVN 71) in a
Lineage new approach to joint operations to test the Navy’s
ability to project a wide range of power and mobility
Established as Attack Squadron THIRTY SIX (VA-36)
from the sea. The composition on the carrier during
on 6 March 1987.
the deployment included the regular air wing, minus
Disestablished on 1 April 1994. The second Navy
an F-14 and S-3 squadron, and a Special Marine Air-
squadron to be assigned the VA-36 designation.
Ground Task Force consisting of a Marine Corps fixed-
wing and helo squadron and a company of Marines.
Squadron Insignia and Nickname The mix of units provided the carrier with the ability
to project air and ground striking power ashore from a
The insignia adopted by VA-36 is a modification of
single deck.
the Roadrunner insignia used by the first VA-36
Jun 1993: The squadron, along with other units
squadron. The old
embarked on Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), operated
insignia had been a
in the Red Sea in support of a strike on the Iraqi
Roadrunner cartoon
Intelligence Service headquarters building in Baghdad
character, but the modi-
in response to Iraq’s attempt on the life of former
fication depicted a real
President Bush while on a visit to Kuwait in April.
bird with its primary
enemy clutched in its During this time, the squadron also participated in
talons. Colors for the Operation Southern Watch missions, enforcing the U.
insignia are: blue back- N. no-fly zone within southern Iraq.
ground and scrolls; sil-
ver and black bird with
Home Port Assignments
The squadron adopted a roadrun-
a red eye and tongue;
ner insignia similar to the first VA- yellow snake with Location Assignment Date
36 squadron. black markings; and red NAS Oceana 06 Mar 1987
lettering in the scrolls.
VA-36’s insignia was tentatively approved by CNO on
6 April 1987. Commanding Officers
Nickname: Roadrunners, 1987–1994.
Date Assumed Command
CDR T. Lamar Willis 06 Mar 1987
Chronology of Significant Events CDR Daniel J. Franken 01 Dec 1988
30 Dec 1988: VA-36 deployed aboard Theodore CDR T. Ladson Webb, Jr. 04 May 1990
Roosevelt (CVN 71) for the carrier’s maiden cruise to CDR Thomas M. Deyke 27 Aug 1991
the Mediterranean Sea. CDR Mark T. McNally 03 Sep 1992
20 Jan–28 Feb 1991: The squadron participated in CDR Mark J. Himler 23 Sep 1993
Operation Desert Storm, combat operations against
Iraq.
Apr–Jun 1991: The squadron participated in Aircraft Assignment
Operation Provide Comfort, a multi-national operation Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received
providing relief and aid for Kurdish refugees in north-
A-6E May 1987
ern Iraq.

Major Overseas Deployment

Date of Date of Air Type of Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Aircraft Operation

25 Aug 1988 11 Oct 1988 CVW-8 CVN 71 A-6E NorLant

30 Dec 1988 30 Jun 1989 CVW-8 CVN 71 A-6E Med
28 Dec 1990 28 Jun 1991 CVW-8 CVN 71 A-6E Med/IO
11 Mar 1993 08 Sep 1993 CVW-8 CVN 71 A-6E Med/IO
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 63

Air Wing Assignments Unit Awards Received

Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award
Air Wing Tail Code Assignment Date
NUC 17 Jan 1991 07 Feb 1991
CVW-8 AJ Sep 1987 SASM 14 Jan 1991 20 Apr 1991
JMUA 05 Apr 1991 16 Jul 1991
MUC 01 Mar 1993 01 Aug 1993

A squadron A-6E Intruder on a mission over the northern Arabian Gulf during Operation Desert Storm. Note the cluster bombs on the wing pylons.
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64 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

VA-38 The squadron’s administrative assignment was to

Commander Fleet Air, Jacksonville. However, it
Lineage appears VA-38 existed only on paper. The squadron
Established as Attack Squadron THIRTY EIGHT (VA- was established while the A-7A Corsair II was being
38) on 1 March 1967. introduced to the fleet and may have been programed
Disestablished on 1 October 1968. The first and only to be a new A-7A attack squadron. However, accord-
squadron to be assigned the VA-38 designation. ing to the CNO publication, Allowances and Location
of Navy Aircraft, the squadron was not assigned air-
Chronology of Significant Events craft. The only records on the squadron are the CNO
The establishment of VA-38 was directed by CNO. messages establishing and disestablishing the unit.
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 65

VA-42 bolt were: a blue background and scroll outlined in

white; the mailed fist was outlined in white with a
Lineage blue background; white stars; yellow lightning bolt;
and the lettering was white.
Established as Fighter Squadron FORTY TWO (VF- Nickname: Green Pawns, 1950–1992.
42) on 1 September 1950. Thunderbolts, 1992–1994.
Redesignated Attack Squadron FORTY TWO (VA-42)
on 1 November 1953.
Disestablished on 30 September 1994. The first Chronology of Significant Events
squadron to be assigned the VA-42 designation. 20 Oct–15 Nov 1951: During training operations in
the Caribbean, the squadron operated aboard three
Squadron Insignia and Nickname different carriers. They departed from Norfolk aboard
The insignia for VA-42, the green pawn, was origi- Midway (CVB 41) and then transferred to Wright (CVL
nally approved by CNO for Bombing and Fighting 49) while the ships were off the coast of Puerto Rico.
Squadron 75 (VBF-75) A couple of days later the squadron was transferred to
on 28 October 1946. Cabot (CVL 28) while operating at sea.
When VBF-75 was Jan–Apr 1956: The squadron operated aboard the
redesignated VF-4B on Navy’s first super carrier, Forrestal (CVA 59), during
15 November 1946, the her shakedown cruise.
insignia was carried 24 Oct 1958: The primary mission of VA-42 was
over for use by changed to the training of fleet replacement pilots in
Fighting Squadron 4B the AD (A-1) Skyraider. The training involved all-
(VF-4B). On 1 weather flight training, low-level navigation flights,
September 1948 VF-4B simulated special weapons training flights, convention-
was redesignated al weapons training flights, and day and night carrier
Fighting Squadron 42 qualifications.
(VF-42). This squadron 19 Feb 1959: VA-42 graduated its first AD Skyraider
The Green Pawn insignia was used
continued to use the replacement pilot.
by the squadron for almost 40 9 Mar 1959: With the acquisition of the T-28B air-
years. green pawn insignia
until it was disestab- craft, VA-42’s instrument instructors used this plane to
lished on 8 June 1950. conduct all-weather flight training for the light attack
When a new Fighting Squadron 42 (VF-42) was community.
established on 1 September 1950 they adopted the 10 Nov 1962: VA-42 pilots flew three A-1H
green pawn insignia that had been used by the former Skyraiders from Argentia, Newfoundland, to Rota,
VF-42. In 1953 the insignia was carried over to VA-42 Spain, via Lajes, Azores. The squadron claims this was
following its redesignation from VF-42. the first trans-Atlantic flight conducted by A-1H
The green pawn insignia is a simple, uncluttered Skyraiders.
and highly recognizable design. The symbol of the 1 Feb 1963: VA-42 became the first fleet squadron to
pawn was chosen because it has the most potential receive the A-6A Intruder. The squadron also initiated
power of any piece on the chess board. The pawn is the Fleet Introduction Program for the all-weather A-
canted at a 45 degree angle inside a shield design. 6A. VA-42’s new mission was the training of A-6A
Colors are as follows: Bombardier/Navigators, as well as its pilots. It was
green pawn; back- also responsible for conducting the A-6A Fleet
ground of the shield is Replacement Aviation Maintenance Program which
white outlined in green; trained maintenance personnel.
and the scroll is white 12 Jun 1963: The Green Pawns received the first A-
outlined in green with 6A (bureau number 149939) with a complete weapon
green lettering. system, thereby permitting the initiation of weapon
A new insignia was system indoctrination flight training program for VA-
approved for the 42’s instructor pilots and bombardier/navigators.
squad-ron by CNO on 3 Sep 1963: Formal flight training in the A-6A fleet
19 Octo-ber 1992. The replacement program began with the convening of
new insig-nia design Class 1-63. This training was for VA-75 pilots and bom-
In 1992, the squadron’s insignia
had been used by VA- bardier/navigators.
was officially changed from the 8 Sep 1963: The squadron’s last A-1H Skyraider
Green Pawn to the mailed fist 176 until it was disestab-
and lighting bolt previously used lished. Colors for the (bureau number 135324) was transferred. This brought
by Attack Squadron 176.
mailed fist and lightning to a close the training of A-1 replacement pilots by VA-
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66 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

42. VA-42 still maintained one A-1E and two T-28Bs Jun 1982: A VA-42 pilot became the first female
for use in propeller instrument training. naval aviator to make an arrested landing in an A-6
14 Oct 1963: The Green Pawns conducted the first during carrier qualifications on Lexington (AVT 16).
fleet night arrested landings and catapult launchings
with the A-6A aboard the Forrestal (CVA 59).
12 Mar 1964: The squadron’s last T-28B was trans-
ferred, and the instrument training program for fleet A-
1 pilots came to an end. Two days later, their last
Skyraider, an A-1E, was transferred.
13 Mar 1964: VA-75 became the first fully trained
fleet A-6A squadron ready for deployment following
successful completion of VA-42’s fleet introduction
program on the A-6A.
15 Dec 1964: VMA-242 became the first Marine
Corps squadron to complete transition training in the
A-6A and qualify for fleet deployment with the Squadron F4U-4 Corsairs prepare to launch from Midway (CVA 41)
during her cruise to the Med in 1953.
Intruder.
28 Jan 1968: With the acquisition of the TC-4C air-
craft, VA-42 was able to provide more training on air- Home Port Assignments
borne radar operation for A-6A bombardier/navigators.
The new aircraft was equipped with a complete A-6A Location Assignment Date
cockpit console and weapon system, multiple bom- NAAS Oceana 01 Sep 1950
bardier/navigator stations, plus ECM equipment, and NAS Jacksonville 19 Sep 1950
other radar operational capabilities. NAAS Cecil Field 09 Jun 1951
Nov 1968: VA-42’s A-6A pilot training syllabus was NAAS Oceana (later NAS*) 27 Aug 1951
modified to include lessons learned from the Intruder’s
* NAAS Oceana redesignated NAS Oceana on 1 April 1952.
employment in combat. The new tactics phase includ-
ed air combat maneuvering and Sidewinder missile
shoots, while conventional weapons training was Commanding Officers
made more realistic.
12 Nov 1969: With the acquisition of the updated Date Assumed Command
Intruder, the A-6B, in June 1969, the squadron devel- LCDR Ross B. Spencer 01 Sep 1950
oped a new training syllabus for the A-6B Standard LCDR Millard C. Thrash 22 Aug 1951
ARM aircraft and a detachment from VA-165 became LCDR Shelley B. Pittman 01 Jul 1953
the first to complete this course of instruction on 12 LCDR Leroy P. Smith 08 Oct 1953
November 1969. CDR L. W. Squires 09 Aug 1955
21 Nov 1969: The squadron assumed the duties of CDR Clifton R. Largess, Jr. 10 Jul 1957
providing A-6 orientation training for Air Intelligence CDR Robert (nmn) Linwick, Jr. 15 Aug 1958
Officers reporting to fleet A-6 squadrons. Lieutenant CDR M. J. Stack 05 Aug 1959
(jg) Erickson became the first Air Intelligence Officer CDR F. M. McLinn 10 Aug 1960
to complete the training on 21 November 1969.
CDR Ted L. Farrell 22 Nov 1961
1 Oct 1971: When COMMATWING ONE was estab-
CDR J. S. Herman 28 Dec 1962
lished on 1 October, VA-42 was reassigned from COM-
CDR W. S. Nelson 22 Nov 1963
FAIRNORFOLK to this command, and VA-42’s
Commanding Officer, CDR Andrassy, was also CDR L. A. Snead 20 Aug 1965
assigned as Commander of Medium Attack Wing One, LCDR J. C. Ellison 17 Jun 1966
making him dual-hatted. CDR W. N. Small 18 Jul 1966
5 Jan 1973: VA-42’s Commanding Officer, CDR Zick, CDR A. H. Barie Jun 1967
was relieved of his duties as COMMATWING ONE by CDR Frank Cramblet 20 Jun 1968
CAPT Turk ending the dual-hatted role of the CDR Robert J. Sample 18 Jul 1969
squadron’s commanding officer. CDR Jerrold M. Zacharias 02 Jul 1970
1980: Lieutenant (jg) Beth Hubert was trained as an CDR Michael F. Andrassy 09 Jul 1971
A-6 Intruder pilot by the Green Pawns and became CDR Richard A. Zick 31 Aug 1972
the first woman naval aviator to qualify as an A-6 CDR Thomas E. Shanahan 17 Aug 1973
pilot. CDR Samuel L. Sayers 10 Jan 1975
Jan 1982: VA-42 implemented a training program for CDR William H. Greene, Jr. 12 Mar 1976
the Harpoon weapons system. CDR Jackson E. Cartwright 24 Jun 1977
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 67

A squadron Skyraider refuels an F9F-8P Cougar from VFP-62 in 1958.

Commanding Officers—Continued Aircraft Assignments

Date Assumed Command Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received

CDR John K. Peiguss 29 Sep 1978 F4U-4 Sep 1950

CAPT William R. Galbraith 18 Jan 1980 AD-4 Sep 1953
CDR John A. Pieno 24 Apr 1981 AD-4L Oct 1953
CDR Herbert A. Browne, Jr. 02 Jul 1982 AD-6 Nov 1953
CDR John M. Luecke, Jr. 30 Sep 1983 AD-4N Dec 1953
CDR Allen H. White 10 Jan 1985 T-28B 09 Mar 1959
CDR Robin Y. Weber 30 Jul 1986 A-6A 01 Feb 1963
CDR Garth A. Van Sickle 17 Jul 1987 TC-4C 28 Jan1968
CDR Stephen H. Baker 26 Oct 1988 A-6B Jun1969
CDR John T. Meister 13 Dec 1989 A-6C 1971
CDR Daniel J. Franken 03 Jul 1991 A-6E 02 Dec 1971
CDR Bernard M. Satterwhite, Jr. 15 Dec 1992 KA-6D 1976
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68 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

A flight of squadron AD (A-1) Skyraiders.

Major Overseas Deployments

Date of Date of Air Carrier Type of Area of

Departure Return Wing Aircraft Operation

06 Mar 1951 08 Jun 1951 AirDet CVL 48 F4U-4 Med

01 Dec 1952 19 May 1953 CVG-6 CVA 41 F4U-4 Med
30 Nov 1954 18 Jun 1955 ATG-181 CVA 15 AD-6 Med
12 Oct 1956 22 May 1957 ATG-181 CVA 20 AD-6 WestPac
09 Jun 1958 08 Aug 1958 ATG-181 CVA 11 AD-6 NorLant

Air Wing Assignments

Air Wing Tail Code Assignment Date

CVG-6 C 01 Sep 1950

ATG-181* I 24 July 1956
CVG-8 AJ 14 Aug 1958
RCVG-4† AD 24 Oct 1958
COMFAIRNORFOLK‡ AD 01 May 1970
COMMATWING ONE AD 01 Oct 1971

* VA-42 had operated as part of ATG-181 prior to July 1956.

However, ATG-181 was not assigned a tail code letter until 24 July
1956. Prior to July 1956 VA-42 still carried the tail code for CVG-6
even though it deployed as part of ATG-181.
† RCVG-4 redesignated RCVW-4 on 20 December 1963.
‡ On 1 June 1970, RCVW-4 was disestablished. The AD tail code that
A T-28B Trojan used by the squadron for instrument all-weather had been allocated to RCVW-4 and its assigned squadrons contin-
flight training. ued to be used by the squadrons that had been in RCVW-4. VA-42
continued to use the AD tail code for its aircraft.
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 69

A squadron TC-4C Academe used to train Naval Flight Officers as bombardier navigators.

Unit Awards Received

Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award

MUC Jan 1979 Dec 1981
01 Oct 1986 30 Sep 1988

A flight of the squadron’s A-6E Intruders on a training mission in 1974.

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70 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

VA-44 ward part of the carrier was black while the fantail
was white; blue feather tipped with red; and the scroll
Lineage was white, outlined in black with black letters.
When the squadron was redesignated VA-44 it sub-
Established as Bombing Squadron SEVENTY FIVE mitted a request to change its insignia to a scarlet
(VB-75) on 1 June 1945. chess knight centered on a white shield. There is no
Redesignated Attack Squadron THREE B (VA-3B) on record of official approval by CNO for this insignia.
15 November 1946. Nickname: unknown
Redesignated Attack Squadron FORTY FOUR (VA-
44) on 1 September 1948.
Disestablished on 8 June 1950. The first squadron to Chronology of Significant Events
be assigned the VA-44 designation. 4 Jun 1945: The squadron began its first flight oper-
ations.
Squadron Insignia and Nickname Jan–Feb 1946: VB-75 deployed aboard Franklin D.
Roosevelt (CVB 42) for her shakedown cruise to the
The squadron’s insignia was approved by CNO on Caribbean and Brazil. While visiting Rio de Janeiro the
23 August 1945. VB-75’s insignia colors were as fol- squadron, air group, and carrier represented the U.S.
lows: white background at the inauguration of Brazilian president, Eurico G.
outlined in forest green; Dutra.
the head, arms, body
and antenna of the bee
were royal blue and the Home Port Assignments
wings were light blue
Location Assignment Date
with royal blue vains;
the V on the bee was NAAS Chincoteague 1 Jun 1945
yellow, his eyeball was NAS Norfolk Mar 1946
white, eyelid light blue, NAS Jacksonville 12 Feb 1949
and pupil black; deep
scarlet nose, dark gray Commanding Officers
This insignia was approved for mouth with an inner lin-
use by the squadron when it was Date Assumed Command
designated VB-75.
ing of deep scarlet;
LT Ben K. Harrison (acting) 01 Jun 1945
white teeth and deep
LCDR John W. McManus 10 Jun 1945
scarlet drops of blood;
the bee’s gloves were white; its lower body had bands LCDR Elmer Maul 20 Dec 1946
of green and yellow with a deep scarlet tip; dark gray LCDR Oscar I. Chenoweth, Jr. 03 Dec 1947
telescope with white highlights and a white lens, for- LT K. F. Rowell (acting) 30 Jan 1949
est green bomb with yellow fins and the rocket had LCDR Robert N. Miller 28 Feb 1949
yellow fins and nose while the body was forest green;
the banner was royal blue with yellow lettering.
When redesignated as
an attack squadron, a
new insignia was
approved by CNO on 8
August 1947. The indian
head and bomb insignia
represented the bomb-
ing and scouting mis-
sion of the carrier based
squadron. Its colors
were: red background
with a blue border out-
lined in black; black A new insignia was approved for
bomb with the center the squadron following its redesig-
nation to VA-3B. Note the use of
portion white; the indi- the squadron designation in the
an head silhouette was insignia design. During World
black with the center War II, squadron numbers or des-
ignations were not permitted in A formation of squadron AD-1 Skyraiders in flight, circa 1948
portion white; the for- the design.
(Courtesy Robert Lawson Collection).
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 71

Aircraft Assignment Aircraft Assignment—Continued

Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received
SBF-4E Jun 1945 AD-1Q May 1948
SB2C-4E Aug 1945 AM-1 25 Feb 1949
SB2C-5 Mar 1946 AD-1 12 Oct 1949
AD-1 20 Mar 1947

Major Overseas Deployments

Date of Date of Air Type of Area of

Departure Return Wing Carrier Aircraft Operation

08 Jan 1946 19 Mar 1946 CVBG-75 CVB 42 SB2C-4E Carib/SoLant

08 Aug 1946 04 Oct 1946 CVBG-75 CVB 42 SB2C-5 Med
13 Sep 1948 23 Jan 1949 CVG-4 CVB 42 AD-1 Med
06 Jan 1950 23 May 1950 CVG-4 CVB 41 AD-1 Med

Air Wing Assignments

Air Wing Tail Code Assignment Date

CVBG-75/CVBG-3/CVG-4* F 01 Jun 1945

* CVBG-75 was established on 1 June 1945, redesignated CVBG-3 on 15 November 1946; redesignated CVG-4 on 1 September 1948 and dises-
tablished on 8 June 1950.

A squadron AM-1 Mauler launches from Midway (CVB 41), circa 1949 (Courtesy Robert Lawson Collection).
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72 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

SECOND VA-44 and preparations began for the additional mission of

replacement training for this aircraft, plus the A4D
Lineage Skyhawk.
15 Nov 1961: The squadron graduated the 1,000th
Established as Fighter Squadron FORTY FOUR (VF- enlisted maintenance trainee on the A4D Skyhawk.
44) on 1 September 1950. 15 Feb 1963: The propeller training section of the
Redesignated Attack Squadron FORTY FOUR (VA- squadron was removed from VA-44 and established as
44) on 1 January 1956. a separate squadron and designated VA-45. VA-44 con-
Disestablished on 1 May 1970. The second squadron tinued in its training mission concentrating on A-4
to be assigned the VA-44 designation. Skyhawk training. It became a strictly jet squadron fly-
ing A-4Bs, A-4Cs and TF-9Js.
Squadron Insignia and
Nickname
The squadron’s
insignia was approved
by CNO on 11
December 1952. The
insignia consisted of a
blue shield; a yellow
banner across the shield
with the word “Hornets”
The squadron insignia used by
in red; two white play-
VF-44 and VA-44. Note the unique ing cards, one had four
use of the 4 of clubs and 4 of black clubs and the
hearts to identify the squadron’s
designation number.
other four red hearts; the
caricature of the hornet
was yellow and black
A squadron F4U-4 Corsair on the deck of Boxer (CVA-21) during a
with a red eye and white details. When the squadron combat tour to Korea, circa 1953 (Courtesy Robert Lawson Collection).
was redesignated VA-44, it retained the same insignia.
Nickname: Hornets, 1950–1970. Home Port Assignments

Location Assignment Date

Chronology of Significant Events
NAS Jacksonville 01 Sep 1950
13 Jun 1953: The squadron conducted its first com- NAAS Cecil Field 19 Sep 1950
bat operations, striking targets in Korea. NAS Jacksonville 13 Oct 1952
Sep–Oct 1957: During the squadron’s deployment NAS Cecil Field 18 Feb 1963
aboard Wasp (CVS 18), its mission was temporarily
changed from attack to a fighter role in order to pro-
vide air protection for the VS squadrons operating Commanding Officers
from the carrier.
Date Assumed Command
1 Jun 1958: The squadron’s mission changed from a
light attack squadron to a fleet replacement training LCDR J. B. Bain (acting) 01 Sep 1950
squadron. The new mission involved flight training for LCDR P. E. Greenlee, Jr. 11 Sep 1950
pilots and maintenance training for enlisted personnel. LCDR Reid W. Stone 09 Dec 1951
Under this concept, pilots and enlisted personnel LCDR W. D. Houser 10 Nov 1952
ordered to East Coast fleet A4D squadrons completed CDR V. P. O’Neil Nov 1953
the course of instruction provided by VA-44 before CDR C. A. Crow, Jr. Oct 1954
reporting to their assigned fleet squadrons. LCDR Theron J. Taylor 27 Jan 1956
6 Jun 1958: Fleet All Weather Training Unit CDR T. R. Sedell Jun 1957
Detachment ALFA, an instrument training detachment, CDR Clifford A. McDougal 30 Jun 1958
was disestablished and its personnel and aircraft were CDR Damon W. Cooper 14 Jul 1959
transferred to VA-44. CDR A. L. Detweiler 22 Jul 1960
8 Aug 1958: The squadron graduated its first CDR W. B. Barrow, Jr. 21 Jul 1961
replacement pilot under the new training program for CDR M. C. Griffin 17 Apr 1962
attack pilots. CDR S. W. Callaway, Jr. 06 Mar 1963
Jan 1959: The squadron’s first AD Skyraiders arrived CDR Harold K. Matthes May 1964
CDR Max E. Malan Jul 1965
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 73

Commanding Officers—Continued Aircraft Assignment

Date Assumed Command Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received

CDR James W. Roberts 22 Sep 1966 F4U-5 Sep 1950
CDR Joe D. Adkins Oct 1967 F4U-4 01 Dec 1951
CDR J. H. Wynn III Feb 1969 F2H-2 Dec 1953
CDR Robert E. Holt Jan 1970
F9F-8 Apr 1956
F9F-8T/TF-9J* 23 Jan 1958
A4D-1 04 Feb 1958
TV-2 Jun 1958
T-28B Jun 1958
A4D-2/A-4B* Sep 1958
AD-5 and 6/A-1E and H* Jan 1959
A4D-2N/A-4C* 09 Feb 1960
A-4E Oct 1964
TA-4F 03 Aug 1966
A-4F Nov 1969
A-4L Dec 1969

A squadron F2H-2 Banshee is prepared for launch from Intrepid * The F9F-8T, A4D-2, AD-5 and 6, and A4D-2N designations were
(CVA 11) during her Med deployment in 1955. changed in 1962 to TF-9J, A-4B, A-1E and H, and A-4C, respectively.

Major Overseas Deployments

Date of Date of Air Type of Area of

Departure Return Wing Carrier Aircraft Operation

20 Mar 1951 06 Oct 1951 CVG-1 CVB 43 F4U-5 Med

19 Apr 1952 12 Oct 1952 CVG-4 CVB 43 F4U-4 Med
26 Apr 1953 04 Dec 1953 CVG-4/ATG-1* CVA 39/CVA 21* F4U-4 Med/IO/
WestPac/Korea
28 May 1955 22 Nov 1955 CVG-4 CVA 11 F2H-2 Med
30 Aug 1957 22 Oct 1957 † CVS 18 F9F-8 NorLant
* VF-44 deployed to Korea as part of CVG-4 embarked in Lake Champlain (CVA 39) and conducted its first line period from Lake Champlain.
On 30 June 1953, the squadron was transferred to ATG-1 aboard Boxer (CVA 21). The squadron remained aboard Boxer until 9 October 1953
when it transferred back to CVG-4 and Lake Champlain.
† Unable to locate records indicating a carrier air group aboard during this deployment on Wasp (CVS 18). Antisubmarine carrier air groups were
not established until 1960.

Air Wing Assignments

Air Wing Tail Code Assignment Date

CVG-4 F 01 Sep 1950
CVG-1 T 19 Mar 1951
CVG-4 F 08 Oct 1951
ATG-1 30 Jun 1953
CVG-4 F 09 Oct 1953
COMFAIRJACKSONVILLE 1957
ATG-202 AQ 15 Feb 1958
CVG-4/RCVG-4/RCVW-4* AD 15 Mar 1958

* CVG-4 was redesignated RCVG-4 in April 1958. On 20 December

A squadron F9F-8T (TF-9J) Cougar in flight, circa 1964 (Courtesy 1963, RCVG-4 was redesignated RCVW-4.
Robert Lawson Collection).
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74 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

Unit Awards Received

Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award

KPUC 09 Jun 1953 27 Jul 1953
KSM 09 Jun 1953 27 Jul 1953
UNSM 09 Jun 1953 27 Jul 1953

Squadron A-4 Skyhawks in flight with the day-glow paint scheme.

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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 75

VA-45 Chronology of Significant Events

Jan–Feb 1946: VT-75 deployed aboard Franklin D.
Lineage Roosevelt (CVB 42) for her shakedown cruise to the
Established as Torpedo Squadron SEVENTY FIVE Caribbean and Brazil. While visiting Rio de Janeiro the
squadron, air group, and carrier represented the U.S.
(VT-75) on 1 June 1945.
at the inauguration of Brazilian president, Eurico G.
Redesignated Attack Squadron FOUR B (VA-4B) on
Dutra.
15 November 1946.
Redesignated Attack Squadron FORTY FIVE (VA-45)
on 1 September 1948. Home Port Assignments
Disestablished on 8 June 1950. The first squadron to Location Assignment Date
be assigned the VA-45 designation.
NAAS Chincoteague 01 Jun 1945
NAS Norfolk 20 Mar 1946
Squadron Insignia and Nickname NAS Jacksonville 14 Feb 1949
VT-75’s insignia was approved by CNO on 10
August 1945. Colors for the Fish-Hawk insignia were: Commanding Officers
light blue background
Date Assumed Command
outlined in black by two
concentric cirles; white LT Richard W. Bond (acting) 01 Jun 1945
LT Paul J. Davis, Jr. 11 Jun 1945
clouds with black out-
LCDR James E. Mahan 28 Jun 1945
lines; turquoise waves;
LCDR Garald R. Stablein 31 Oct 1946
riding astride a torpedo LCDR Chester L. Dillard (acting) 19 Feb 1947
was an animated hawk LCDR Lucien G. Powell, Jr. 26 May 1947
clothed in a green flying LCDR Leroy V. Swanson 15 Jun 1948
suit with white para- LCDR Frederick C. Kidd 27 May 1950
chute straps and sitting
on a gray parachute
The insignia approved for use by pack; brown shoes; yel-
VT-75. low hands and beak;
red eye; black hair and
tongue; gray face; pink earphones with a black center
and a white band outlined in black; gray rocket and
gun with red tips; brown torpedo with a yellow nose,
white teeth, red eye and
outlined in black; and
the words “The Fish-
Hawks” were black.
There is no record of
the insignia used by the
squadron after it was
redesignated VA-4B.
A squadron SB2C-4E prepares to launch from Franklin D. Roosevelt
When the squadron was (CVB-42), January 1946 (Courtesy Robert Lawson Collection).
redesignated VA-45, it
adopted a new insignia Aircraft Assignment
which was approved by
Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received
CNO on 15 April 1949.
The squadron’s second insignia
This insignia was a SBF-4E Jun 1945
was part of its carrier air group’s
approach for insignia used by its black chess knight on a SBW-4E Jun 1945
assigned squadrons. In the air SB2C-4E Sep 1945
white shield outlined in
group, the king chess piece was for SB2C-5 Mar 1946
the air group, the knight chess black.
piece was for the attack squadron
AD-1 27 Mar 1947
Nickname: Fish- AM-1 Feb 1949
and the pawn was for the fighter
squadron. Hawks, 1945-unknown. AD-1 20 Oct 1949
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76 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

Major Overseas Deployments

Date of Date of Air Type of Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Aircraft Operation

08 Jan 1946 19 Mar 1946 CVBG-75 CVB 42 SB2C-4E Carib/SoLant

08 Aug 1946 04 Oct 1946 CVBG-75 CVB 42 SB2C-5 Med
13 Sep 1948 23 Jan 1949 CVG-4 CVB 42 AD-1 Med
06 Jan 1950 23 May 1950 CVG-4 CVB 41 AD-1 Med

Air Wing Assignments

Air Wing Tail Code Assignment Date

CVBG-75/CVBG-3/CVG-4* F 01 Jun 1945

* CVBG-75 was established on 1 June 1945; redesignated CVBG-3

on 15 November 1946; redesignated CVG-4 on 1 September 1948
and disestablished on 8 June 1950.

A squadron AM-1 Mauler in flight; note the squadron’s insignia on

the cowling, circa 1949 (Courtesy Wallace Russel Collection).

A squadron AD Skyraider taxies on flight deck of Intrepid (CVA-11), circa 1955 (Courtesy Robert Lawson Collection).
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 77

SECOND VA-45 nursery rhyme, “Four and Twenty Blackbirds” and rep-
resent the original 24 pilots assigned to the squadron.
Lineage Nickname: Blackbirds, 1950–1958.
Established as Attack Squadron FORTY FIVE (VA-45) Chronology of Significant Events
on 1 September 1950.
Disestablished on 1 March 1958. The second 13 Jun 1953: The squadron flew its first combat
squadron to be assigned the VA-45 designation. operation while deployed to Korea aboard Lake
Champlain (CVA 39).

Squadron Insignia and Nickname Home Port Assignments

The squadron’s insignia was approved by CNO on
Location Assignment Date
10 April 1951. A blackbird in a cocky stance became
the focal point of the NAS Jacksonville 01 Sep 1950
insignia’s design. Colors NAAS Cecil Field 18 Sep 1950
for the insignia were: an NAS Jacksonville 12 Oct 1952
oval design with a light
blue background; black Commanding Officers
crow and cigar; the
bird’s legs, feet and Date Assumed Command
gloves were yellow; red LCDR G. O. Wood 01 Sep 1950
tongue; the cigar ash LCDR Richard H. Mills 11 Apr 1952
and shaded area of the LCDR William F. Krantz Oct 1953
gloves were red; white CDR Daniel W. Wildfong Nov 1954
star and spats; green CDR Glendon Goodwin Dec 1955
derby; and the lower
portion of the insignia Aircraft Assignment
had a dark green back-
ground with the num- Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received
The well-known 4 and 20 black
birds insignia was first used by
bers 4 and 20 in yellow. AD-2 Sep 1950
this squadron. The numbers 4 and 20 AD-4 14 Feb 1952
were taken from the AD-6 Jun 1954

Squadron personnel load 5-inch high-velocity aircraft rockets on one of its AD-6 Skyraiders prior to launch.
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78 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

Major Overseas Deployments

Date of Date of Air Type of Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Aircraft Operation

15 May 1951 04 Oct 1951 CVG-4 CV 34 AD-2 Med

19 Apr 1952 12 Oct 1952 CVG-4 CVB 43 AD-4 Med
26 Apr 1953 04 Dec 1953 CVG-4 CVA 39 AD-4 WestPac/Korea
28 May 1955 22 Nov 1955 CVG-4 CVA 11 AD-6 Med
01 Jul 1957 24 Feb 1958 CVG-4 CVA 15 AD-6 Med

Air Wing Assignments Unit Awards Received

Air Wing Tail Code Assignment Date Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award
CVG-4 F 01 Sep 1950 KPUC 09 Jun 1953 27 Jul 1953
KSM 09 Jun 1953 27 Jul 1953
UNSM 09 Jun 1953 27 Jul 1953

A squadron AD-6 Skyraider launches from the deck of Intrepid (CVA 11) in 1955.
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 79

VA-46 Forrestal (CVA 59). Flames engulfed the fantail and

spread below decks touching off bombs and ammu-
Lineage nition. Heroic efforts by VA-46 personnel, along with
Established as Attack Squadron FORTY SIX (VA-46) other members of CVW-17 and ship’s company,
on 24 May 1955. brought the fires under control. Damage to the carri-
Disestablished on 30 June 1991. The first squadron er and aircraft was severe and the casualty count
to be assigned the VA-46 designation. included 132 dead, two missing and presumed dead
and 62 injured.
4 May–15 Nov 1968: VA-46 transitioned to the A-7
Squadron Insignia and Nickname Corsair II.
17 Sep 1970: While enroute to the Caribbean for
VA-46’s insignia was approved by CNO on 25
training exercises, John F. Kennedy (CVA 67) with VA-
November 1960. The circular insignia had a blue field
46 and other units of CVW-1 embarked, received
outlined by two concen-
emergency orders to deploy immediately to the
tric black lines; the
Mediterranean due to the Jordanian Crisis and the
McDougal clan tartan,
hijacking of four airliners by Arab terrorists. They
drawn from the heritage
of the squadron’s first remained on station off the coast of Israel until
commanding officer, November.
had dark blue and white Oct 1973: Due to the outbreak of war between
lines on a red back- Israel and Egypt and Syria, Kennedy and her air wing,
ground, interspaced while operating in the North Atlantic after just com-
with green squares; the pleting a Mediterranean deployment, were ordered
crest was white, out- back to the Mediterranean. During the latter part of
VA-46’s insignia with the distinc- lined in black with the October through mid November, VA-46 conducted
tive McDougal clan tartan. flight operations while the carrier was on station south
Latin words Vincere Vel
Mori, meaning to con- of Crete.
quer or to die; a white stylized aircraft outlined in 22 Nov 1975: During night operations Kennedy col-
black; and the banner was white with the designation lided with Belknap (CG 26) causing major damage to
VA 46 in black. the cruiser. Eight VA-46 personnel received awards for
Nickname: Clansmen, 1960–1991. their heroism and devotion to duty as a result of their
actions following the collision.
17–19 Sep 1985: VA-46, along with other units of
Chronology of Significant Events CVW-1, were the first to conduct flight operations
14 Jul 1956: VA-46 departed the U.S. aboard from a carrier operating inside a fjord. America
Randolph (CVA 15) for deployment to the (CV 66) operated in Vestfjord, Norway, during this
Mediterranean, equipped with Sidewinder missiles. evolution.
This was the first overseas deployment of the 14 Apr 1986: Because of terrorist activities linked to
Sidewinder. Lybia, American forces struck targets in that country.
Oct–Nov 1956: VA-46, along with other units of During that action, VA-46 provided air-to-surface
ATG-202, provided air support for the evacuation of Shrike and Harm missile strikes against Libyian radar
foreign nationals from Alexandria, Egypt, during the missile sites.
Suez War. Sep–Oct 1990 and Dec 1990–Jan 1991: The
Aug 1965: VA-46 and other units of the air wing squadron participated in Operation Desert Shield, the
aboard Shangri-La (CVA 38) operated off the coast of build up of American and Allied forces to counter a
Cyprus in response to a crisis in that country between threatened invasion of Saudi Arabia by Iraq and as
Greek and Turkish Cypriots. part of an economic blockade of Iraq to force its with-
25 Jul 1967: The squadron engaged in its first com- drawal from Kuwait.
bat operations. 17 Jan 1991: Operation Desert Storm, combat opera-
29 Jul 1967: While aircraft were being prepared for tions to remove Iraqi forces from Kuwait, was launched.
the second launch of the day against targets in The squadron’s A-7E Corsair IIs participated in the first
Vietnam, a fire broke out on the flight deck of combat strike against Iraqi targets in Baghdad.
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80 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

Commanding Officers—Continued

Date Assumed Command

CDR Alfred J. Hall, Jr. 21 Sep 1959
CDR Hugh J. Tate 07 Sep 1960
CDR S. W. Callaway, Jr. 13 Dec 1961
CDR W. H. Sells 10 Dec 1962
CDR R. P. McKenzie 04 Dec 1963
CDR M. P. Mead 28 Oct 1964
CDR R. L. Lawler, Jr. 12 Nov 1965
CDR Fred S. Dunning, Jr. 17 Nov 1966
CDR Jack F. O’Hara Nov 1967
CDR Alan G. Murdoch 04 Sep 1968
CDR Fred J. Withers 30 Jan 1970
CDR Marvin D. Reynolds 10 Mar 1971
A squadron F9F-8 Cougar preparing for a launch from Randolph
(CVA 15).
CDR Dale Lewey 03 Mar 1972
CDR Jeremy D. Taylor 23 Mar 1973
CDR Ronald R. Boyle 13 Jun 1974
Home Port Assignments CDR Edward F. Bronson Aug 1975
CDR David A. Page 23 Nov 1976
Location Assignment Date
CDR James T. Matheny 16 Feb 1978
NAS Cecil Field 24 May 1955 CDR Phillip J. Rooney 24 May 1979
CDR Morris M. Demple, Jr. 08 Jul 1980
Commanding Officers CDR Thomas R. Mitchell III 01 Oct 1981
CDR John W. Peterson 23 Dec 1982
Date Assumed Command CDR Dean M. Hendrickson, Jr. 13 Jun 1984
LT Charles L. Marshall (acting) 24 May 1955 CDR Robert C. Kolsterman 21 Jan 1986
CDR Clifford A. McDougal 22 Jun 1955 CDR Tommy H. Van Brunt May 1987
CDR A. R. Hawkins 10 May 1957 CDR Edward J. Fahy, Jr. 04 Nov 1988
CDR Kent L. Lee 15 Aug 1958 CDR Mark Fitzgerald 22 May 1990

A squadron A-4C Skyhawk flies over Shangri-La (CVA 38) during their deployment to the Med in 1962.
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 81

Aircraft Assignment Aircraft Assignment—Continued

Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received
F9F-5 Jun 1955 A-4B Sep 1967
F9F-8 Aug 1955 A-7B 15 Nov 1968
A4D-2 Mar 1958 A-7E Aug 1977
A4D-2N/A-4C* 29 Aug 1960
A-4E Jan 1967 * The A4D-2N designation was changed to A-4C in 1962.

Major Overseas Deployments

Date of Date of Air Type of Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Aircraft Operation

14 Jul 1956 19 Feb 1957 ATG-202 CVA 15 F9F-8 Med

13 Feb 1959 30 Aug 1959 CVG-6 CVA 11 A4D-2 Med
28 Jan 1960 24 Aug 1960 CVG-1 CVA 42 A4D-2 Med
02 Feb 1961 15 May 1961 CVG-10 CVA 38 A4D-2N Med
07 Feb 1962 28 Aug 1962 CVG-10 CVA 38 A4D-2N Med
01 Oct 1963 23 May 1964 CVG-10 CVA 38 A-4C Med
10 Feb 1965 20 Sep 1965 CVG-10 CVA 38 A-4C Med
11 Mar 1966 26 Oct 1966 CVG-3 CVA 60 A-4C Med
06 Jun 1967 15 Sep 1967 CVW-17 CVA 59 A-4E WestPac/Vietnam
09 Jul 1969 22 Jan 1970 CVW-3 CVA 60 A-7B Med
14 Sep 1970 01 Mar 1971 CVW-1 CVA 67 A-7B Med/NorLant
01 Dec 1971 06 Oct 1972 CVW-1 CVA 67 A-7B Med/NorLant
16 Apr 1973 01 Dec 1973 CVW-1 CV 67 A-7B Med/NorLant
28 Jun 1975 27 Jan 1976 CVW-1 CV 67 A-7B Med
02 Sep 1976 09 Nov 1976 CVW-1 CV 67 A-7B NorLant
15 Jan 1977 01 Aug 1977 CVW-1 CV 67 A-7B Med
29 Jun 1978 08 Feb 1979 CVW-1 CV 67 A-7E Med
04 Aug 1980 28 Mar 1981 CVW-1 CV 67 A-7E Med
23 Aug 1982 30 Oct 1982 CVW-1 CV 66 A-7E NorLant/Med/Carib
08 Dec 1982 02 Jun 1983 CVW-1 CV 66 A-7E Med/IO
24 Apr 1984 14 Nov 1984 CVW-1 CV 66 A-7E Carib/Med/IO
24 Aug 1985 09 Oct 1985 CVW-1 CV 66 A-7E NorLant
10 Mar 1986 10 Sep 1986 CVW-1 CV 66 A-7E Med
29 Feb 1988 29 Aug 1988 CVW-7 CVN 69 A-7E Med
15 Aug 1990 28 Mar 1991 CVW-3 CV 67 A-7E Med/Red Sea

Air Wing Assignments Air Wing Assignments—Continued

Air Wing Tail Code Assignment Date Air Wing Tail Code Assignment Date
CVG-4 F 24 May 1955 CVW-7 AG 01 Oct 1986
ATG-202 X/AQ* Jul 1955 COMLATWING 1‡ Sep 1988
CVG-1 AB 15 Feb 1958 CVW-3 AC 01 Mar 1989
CVG-6 AF 13 Jan 1959
* ATG-202’s tail code was changed from X to AQ in the latter part of
CVG-1 AB 30 Aug 1959 1957. The effective date was most likely the beginning of FY 58 (1
CVG-10/CVW-10† AK 05 Dec 1960 July 1957).
CVW-3 AC 01 Jan 1966 † Carrier Air Groups were redesignated Carrier Air Wings on 20
CVW-17 AA 01 Jan 1967 December 1963, hence, CVG-10 became CVW-10.
CVW-3 AC 01 Jan 1968 ‡ The squadron was detached from CVW-7 and came under the
CVW-1 AB 12 Feb 1970 operational and administrative control of Commander Light Attack
Wing 1.
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82 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

Unit Awards Received Unit Awards Received—Continued

Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award
NAVE 01 Oct 1978 30 Sep 1979 21 Mar 1986 27 Jun 1986
01 Oct 1980 31 Dec 1981 NUC 17 Mar 1986 23 Mar 1986
01 Jan 1986 31 Dec 1986 17 Jan 1991 28 Feb 1991
01 Jan 1988 31 Dec 1988 SLOC 04 Aug 1980 28 Mar 1981
MUC 29 Sep 1970 31 Oct 1970 23 Aug 1982 02 Jun 1983
01 Dec 1977 01 Mar 1979 VNSM 15 Jul 1967 17 Jul 1967
03 Jun 1983 20 Dec 1984 23 Jul 1967 31 Jul 1967
29 Aug 1985 20 Sep 1985 12 Aug 1967 13 Aug 1967
NEM 01 Jan 1983 20 Jan 1983 KLM 17 Jan 1991 28 Feb 1991
06 May 1983 08 May 1983 SASM 14 Sep 1990 12 Mar 1991

A flight of squadron A-7E Corsair IIs in 1979.

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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 83

VA-52 Colors were: a blue background outlined in black; six

white stylized stars, three above and three below the
Lineage bird; a white outer cone with a yellow inner part; and
a black bird.
Established as Fighter Squadron EIGHT HUNDRED In 1959 VF-144 was redesignated VA-52 and a
EIGHTY FOUR (VF-884), a reserve squadron, on 1 squadron insignia was approved by CNO on 5 January
November 1949. 1960. This design depicts a stylized knight riding a sea
Called to active duty on 20 July 1950. turtle and armed with a mace. The knight and turtle
Redesignated Fighter Squadron ONE HUNDRED are superimposed on a target. With the assignment of
FORTY FOUR (VF-144) on 4 February 1953. an attack mission the squadron’s new insignia was
Redesignated Attack Squadron FIFTY TWO (VA-52) designed to portray the pilot in the role of the knight,
on 23 February 1959. The first to be assigned the VA- the legendary protector of honor. His means of trans-
52 designation. portation was a sea turtle, a capable and speedy per-
former in his element, the sea. Using his mace, a
Squadron Insignia and Nickname feared weapon from an earlier time, he exemplified
the squadron’s powerful striking capability. Colors for
VF-884 was assigned to NAS Olathe, Kansas, prior
the insignia were: the outer part of the circular
to being called to active duty. The insignia, approved
insignia was outlined in black; the next concentric cir-
by CNO on 29 January 1951, portrayed its association
cle was a light blue, followed by alternating colors of
with the state of
red and white to form the target; a white and black
Kansas. The circular
knight and turtle, with the boots and gloves of the
designed insignia cen-
knight a solid black; the spikes of the mace were solid
tered around a deter-
black; the turtle was shaded black; the eye of the tur-
mined looking Jay-
tle was red; and a white scroll with black lettering.
hawk with a club in its
Nickname: Bitter Birds, 1951-circa 1953.
hand. Inside the
Knightriders, circa 1960-present.
insignia were the
words “Bitter Birds,”
reflecting the squad- Chronology of Significant Events
ron’s feelings about 20 Jul 1950: VF-884 called to active duty as a result
the Korean Conflict of the Korean conflict.
The design of the squadron’s first and its call to active 28 Jul 1950: Squadron reported for active duty at
insignia identifies their reserve
home and reflects their feelings
duty. Colors for the NAS San Diego.
about being activated for the insignia were: blue Mar 1951: In the later part of March, VF-884 aircraft
Korean Conflict. Jayhawk with red head conducted their first combat operations, flying close
and yellow beak, air support missions on Korea’s eastern coast.
gloves and shoes; black club; and a white back- 24 May 1951: VF-884’s first Commanding Officer,
ground outlined in red. Lieutenant Commander G. F. Carmichael died after
When VF-884 was redesignated VF-144 on 4 parachuting from his F4U which had been hit by
February 1953 the old insignia apparently fell out of enemy ground fire.
use and a new insignia was not approved until 23 May 4 Oct 1952: Lieutenant E. F. Johnson was attacked
1956. The new design depicted a stylized bird diving and shot down by enemy MIG aircraft. This was the
in the sky surrounded by a cone-shaped barrier. first VF-884 and CVG-101 aircraft shot down by enemy
aircraft.
8 Nov 1952: Lieutenant Commander Bowen, VF-
884’s third Commanding Officer, was listed as missing
in action when his aircraft crashed near Pyongyang,
North Korea.
4 Feb 1953: VF-884 was redesignated VF-144 during
its second combat tour in Korea. In this change, the
reserve squadron number was replaced by an active
squadron number.
21 Feb 1953: VF-144 completed the last line period
of its second combat tour in Korea. Its primary mis-
sions had been close air support of ground troops,
The knight and turtle insignia
interdiction of enemy main supply routes, and the
This stylized insignia was ap-
proved for squadron use follow- has been in use by the squadron destruction of military supplies, vehicles and troops.
ing its redesignation as VF-144. for over three decades. 18 Aug 1958: The squadron returned to NAS
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84 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

Miramar following Ranger’s (CVA 61) first major 27 Apr 1967: This was the last day of line opera-
deployment. The cruise took the squadron from tions for VA-52 and the completion of her third com-
Virginia to California, via Cape Horn, transferring bat tour to Vietnam. During this deployment squadron
Ranger from the Atlantic to the Pacific Fleet. operations included rescue combat air patrol missions,
23 Feb 1959: The squadron’s mission was changed coastal reconnaissance, Steel Tiger missions and Sea
to attack and it was redesignated VA-52. Dragon operations. Steel Tiger involved concentrated
13 Jul–1 Aug 1964: VA-52 aircraft participated in strikes in southern Laos. Sea Dragon operations
Yankee Team operations in South Vietnam and Laos, involved spotting for naval gunfire against waterborne
involving aerial reconnaissance to detect Communist cargo and coastal radar and gun battery sites.
military presence and operations. Other missions 7 Sep 1968: VA-52 deployed aboard Coral Sea (CVA
included weather reconnaissance and SAR. 43). This was the first A-6 Intruder deployment aboard
2–4 Aug 1964: During a Desoto Patrol mission a Midway Class carrier.
(intelligence collection missions begun in 1962), 8 Dec 1970–23 Jun 1971: During this period VA-52’s
Maddox (DD 731) was attacked by three motor torpe- main emphasis was on operations in Laos against the
do boats on 2 August off the coast of North Vietnam. enemy’s lines of communication and their transporta-
Following this incident the squadron flew 44 sorties in tion networks.
support of the destroyers on the Desoto Patrol. 23 Nov 1971: Commander Lennart R. Salo became
4 Aug 1964: During the night, two destroyers on the first Naval Flight Officer to command an A-6
Desoto Patrol, Turner Joy (DD 951) and Maddox (DD Intruder squadron.
731), believing themselves under attack by North 3 Apr 1972: VA-52 commenced line operations from
Vietnamese motor torpedo boats, called for air sup- Yankee Station a few days earlier than scheduled as a
port. Several A-1H Skyraiders from the squadron, result of the North Vietnamese invasion across the
along with several F-8s, were launched from DMZ in South Vietnam on 30 March. During this line
Ticonder oga (CVA 14). Commander George H. period heavy air raids were conducted against North
Edmondson and Lieutenant Jere A. Barton reported Vietnam. These were the first major heavy air raids
gun flashes and bursts of light at their altitude which into North Vietnam since October 1968 and became
they felt came from enemy antiaircraft fire. known as operation Freedom Train.
5 Aug 1964: Four Skyraiders from VA-52, piloted by 16 Apr 1972: VA-52 conducted strikes in the
Commander L. T. McAdams, Lieutenant Commander L. Haiphong, Vinh, and Thanh Hoa as part of operation
E. Brumbach and Lieutenant (jg)s R. E. Moore and P. “Freedom Porch.”
A. Carter, participated in “Pierce Arrow,” retaliatory 9 May 1972: Operation Pocket Money, the mining of
strikes against the North Vietnamese. Along with other Haiphong harbor, was launched. VA-52’s Intruders
aircraft from CVG-5, they struck the Vinh oil storage took part in a diversionary attack at Phu Qui railroad
facilities and destroyed about ninety percent of the yard while aircraft from Coral Sea conducted the actu-
complex. The four aircraft returned with no battle al mining.
damage. 10 May 1972: Linebacker I operations began and
6–29 Oct 1964: The squadron conducted rescue involved concentrated air strikes against targets in
combat air patrols missions in support of “Yankee North Vietnam above the 20th parallel. During these
Team” operations. operations VA-52’s aircraft flew armed reconnaissance,
7 Feb 1966: Lieutenant (jg) Harvey M. Browne was Alpha strikes (large coordinated attacks), mine seeding
awarded the Silver Star for conspicuous gallantry and operations, tanker operations, and standard arm sor-
intrepidity during rescue missions in the Republic of ties (use of antiradiation missiles to destroy missile
Vietnam. radar sites).
13 Apr 1966: Commander John C. Mape was killed 1–27 Jun 1972: VA-52 flew special single aircraft
in action, becoming the third VA-52 commanding offi- night missions designated Sneaky Pete as part of
cer to be lost in combat action. Linebacker I operations.
21 Apr 1966: The squadron completed its second 23 Nov 1973: VA-52 deployed with CVW-11 aboard
combat tour of duty in Vietnam, having participated in Kitty Hawk (CV 63) as part of the first CV concept air
Rolling Thunder operations designed to interdict the wing on the west coast. VA-52’s Intruders were
enemy’s lines of communication into Laos and South equipped with new ASW electronic equipment, the
Vietnam. Multi-Channel Jezebel Relay pods.
9 Mar 1967: Commander John F. Wanamaker 24–28 Jul 1979: VA-52 and other elements of CVW-
received the Silver Star for conspicuous gallantry and 15, participated in search and assistance operations to
intrepidity during operations against North Vietnam. aid Vietnamese boat people. A total of 114 people
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 85

were rescued through the efforts of the air wing and 10–12 Oct 1983: Carl Vinson (CVN 70), with CVW-
Kitty Hawk. These operations continued during 15 and VA-52, were kept on station in the Sea of Japan
August. after the attempted assassination of South Korea’s
27 Oct 1979: South Korea’s President Park Chung president.
Hee was assassinated and Kitty Hawk immediately 14–31 Aug 1986: VA-52 participated in the first carri-
departed the Philippine Sea for the southwest coast of er operations in the Bering Sea since World War II.
Korea, where they remained until 4 November. Most of the squadron’s 400 hours and 200 sorties were
29 Dec 1979: During operations off Kitty Hawk, the made under adverse weather conditons.
squadron’s commanding officer, Commander Walter D. 20–31 Jan 1987: VA-52 conducted its second period
Williams, was lost at sea in a KA-6D. of operations in the Northern Pacific and Bering Sea.
3 Dec 1979–23 Jan 1980: After the assault on the At one point the most effective means of clearing
American Embassy in Tehran and the taking of snow and ice from Carl Vinson’s flight deck was the
hostages on 4 November 1979, Kitty Hawk entered the jet exhaust from the squadron’s aircraft.
Indian Ocean and operated in the Arabian Sea 23 Sep 1987: During night operations off Carl
throughout this period. Vinson the squadron’s Commanding Officer,
19 May 1981: While transiting the South China Sea Commander Lloyd D. Sledge, was lost at sea.
VA-52 aircraft spotted a small boat with 47 Vietnamese Aug 1988: The squadron flew sorties in support of
refugees on board and reported their location for res- Earnest Will operations, the escorting of reflagged
cue operations. Kuwait tankers in the Persian Gulf.

Squadron F4U-4 Corsairs launch from Boxer (CV 21) during a combat deployment to Korea in 1951.
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86 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

Home Port Assignments Commanding Officers—Continued

Location Date of Assignment Date Assumed Command

NAS Olathe 01 Nov 1949 CDR James R. McGuire 25 Aug 1978
NAS San Diego 28 Jul 1950 CDR Walter D. Williams 08 Nov 1979
NAS Miramar Mar 1953 CDR Peter A. Rice 29 Dec 1979
NAS Moffett Field 15 Jan 1962 CDR David T. Waggoner 09 May 1981
NAS Alameda 29 Aug 1963 CDR Bruce V. Wood 27 Aug 1982
NAS Whidbey Island 01 Jul 1967 CDR Donald L. Sullivan 10 Feb 1984
CDR James M. Burin 26 Jul 1985
CDR Lloyd D. Sledge 08 Dec 1986
Commanding Officers
CDR Richard P. Dodd 23 Sep 1987
Date Assumed Command CDR Timothy Thomson 31 Mar 1989
CDR James M. Zortman 05 Oct 1990
LCDR Glenn F. Carmichael 01 Nov 1949
LCDR Gordon E. Hartley May 1951
LCDR Frederick W. Bowen 07 Mar 1952 Aircraft Assignment
LCDR Robert E. McElwee 08 Nov 1952
LCDR John C. Coulthard Jan 1953 Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received
LCDR Dallas E. Runion Jul 1954 F8F-1 *
CDR Gerald A. Robinson Mar 1956 F4U-4 01 Aug 1950
CDR Donald Michie 09 Aug 1957 F9F-5 Apr 1953
CDR A. S. Taddeo 24 Feb 1959 F9F-4 and F9F-6 †
CDR A. R. English 28 Oct 1960 F9F-8B Apr 1956
CDR M. E. Beaulieu 30 Jan 1962 F9F-8 Aug 1956
CDR Raymond W. West 17 Jan 1963 AD-5 Dec 1958
CDR George H. Edmondson 09 Jan 1964 AD-6‡ Dec 1958
CDR Lee T. McAdams 29 Dec 1964 AD-7§ Mar 1959
CDR John C. Mape 10 Dec 1965 A-6A 10 Nov 1967
CDR Robert R. Worchesek 19 Apr 1966 A-6B Oct 1970
CDR Lester W. Berglund, Jr. 30 Jun 1967 KA-6D **
CDR James A. McKenzie 20 Jan 1969 A-6E Jul 1974
CDR Robert H. Kobler 29 Jan 1970
* The squadron was not assigned aircraft before its call to active
CDR Douglas R. McCrimmon 20 Nov 1970 duty. Pilots trained in and flew F8F-1s that were assigned to the air
CDR Lennart R. Salo 23 Nov 1971 station where the squadron was home ported.
CDR Charles H. Kinney 03 Oct 1972 † The squadron operated a few of these models in the mid 1950s.
CDR Robert S. Owen 02 Oct 1973 ‡ AD-6 designation was changed to A-1H in 1962.
CDR Clifton E. Banta 17 Jan 1975 § AD-7 designation was changed to A-1J in 1962.
CDR Daryl L. Kerr 23 Apr 1976
** The KA-6Ds were received some time between September and
CDR William R. Galbraith 20 May 1977 December 1971.

VF-144’s F9F-8 Cougar on the flight line at NAS Miramar, California, in 1957.
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 87

Major Overseas Deployments

Date of Date of Air Carrier Type of Area of
Departure Return Wing Aircraft Operation

02 Mar 1951 24 Oct 1951 CVG-101 CV 21 F4U-4 WestPac/Korea

11 Aug 1952 17 Mar 1953 CVG-101 CVA 33 F4U-4 WestPac/Korea
03 Feb 1954 06 Aug 1954 CVG-14 CVA 15 F9F-5 Med
Jun 1955 03 Feb 1956 CVG-14 CVA 21 F9F-5 WestPac
21 Jan 1957 25 Jul 1957 CVG-14 CVA 12 F9F-8 WestPac
20 Jun 1958 20 Aug 1958 CVG-14 CVA 61 F9F-8 SoLant/SoPac
05 Mar 1960 10 Oct 1960 CVG-5 CVA 14 AD-6 WestPac
10 May 1961 15 Jan 1962 CVG-5 CVA 14 AD-6 WestPac
21 Jul 1962 11 Sep 1962 CVG-5* CVA 16 AD-6/7 SoPac/SoLant
03 Jan 1963 16 Jul 1963 CVG-5 CVA 14 A-1H/J WestPac/NorPac
13 Apr 1964 06 Dec 1964 CVW-5 CVA 14 A-1H/J WestPac
28 Sep 1965 13 May 1966 CVW-5 CVA 14 A-1H/J WestPac/Vietnam
15 Oct 1966 29 May 1967 CVW-19 CVA 14 A-1H/J WestPac/Vietnam
07 Sep 1968 18 Apr 1969 CVW-15 CVA 43 A-6A WestPac/Vietnam
06 Nov 1970 17 Jul 1971 CVW-11 CVA 63 A-6A/B WestPac/Vietnam
17 Feb 1972 28 Nov 1972 CVW-11 CVA 63 A-6A/B & KA-6D WestPac/Vietnam
23 Nov 1973 09 Jul 1974 CVW-11 CV 63 A-6A & KA-6D WestPac/IO
21 May 1975 15 Dec 1975 CVW-11 CV 63 A-6E & KA-6D WestPac
25 Oct 1977 5 May 1978 CVW-11 CV 63 A-6E & KA-6D WestPac
30 May 1979 25 Feb 1980 CVW-15 CV 63 A-6E & KA-6D WestPac/IO
01 Apr 1981 23 Nov 1981 CVW-15 CV 63 A-6E & KA-6D WestPac/IO
01 Mar 1983 29 Oct 1983 CVW-15 CVN 70 A-6E & KA-6D World Cruise
18 Oct 1984 24 May 1985 CVW-15 CVN 70 A-6E & KA-6D WestPac/IO
12 Aug 1986 05 Feb 1987 CVW-15 CVN 70 A-6E & KA-6D NorPac/WestPac/IO
15 Jun 1988 14 Dec 1988 CVW-15 CVN 70 A-6E & KA-6D NorPac/WestPac/IO
05 Sep 1989 09 Nov 1989 CVW-15 CVN 70 A-6E & KA-6D NorPac
01 Feb 1990 31 Jul 1990 CVW-15 CVN 70 A-6E & KA-6D WestPac/IO

* Only two squadrons from CVG-5 were aboard Lexington for her transfer cruise from the Pacific Fleet to the Atlantic Fleet.

A squadron A-1H Skyraider in 1966. The squadron began it active duty in prop planes, then transitioned to F9F jets in 1953 and returned to
props when it received its first Skyraiders in 1958 (Courtesy Robert Lawson Collection).
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88 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

Air Wing Assignments Unit Awards Received—Continued

Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award
Air Wing Tail Code Assignment Date
CVG-101 A 28 Jul 1950 01 Oct 1987 15 Dec 1988
CVG-14* A 04 Feb 1953 NAVE 01 Jul 1983 31 Dec 1984
CVG-14 NK† 1957 01 Jul 1971 31 Dec 1972
CVG-5/CVW-5‡ NF 26 Sep 1958 NEM 25 Nov 1979 28 Jan 1980
CVW-19§ NM 25 Aug 1966 25 May 1981 30 Sep 1981
COMFAIRWHIDBEY 01 Jul 1967 NUC 02 Aug 1964 05 Aug 1964
CVW-15 NL Jun 1968 10 Oct 1968 31 Mar 1969
CVW-11 NH ** 07 Dec 1970 24 Jun 1971
CVW-15 NL 01 Jul 1978 09 Mar 1972 04 Nov 1972
RVNGC 01 Sep 1968 01 Apr 1969
* CVG-101, a reserve carrier air group, was redesignated CVG-14 on
4 February 1953.
VNSM 05 Nov 1965 01 Dec 1965
† CVG-14’s tail code was changed from A to NK in the latter part of 22 Dec 1965 14 Jan 1966
1957. The effective date was most likely the beginning of FY 58 (1 22 Jan 1966 16 Feb 1966
July 1957). 06 Mar 1966 31 Mar 1966
‡ Carrier Air Groups were redesignated Carrier Air Wings on 20 10 Apr 1966 21 Apr 1966
December 1963, hence, CVG-5 became CVW-5.
12 Nov 1966 18 Dec 1966
§ On 1 July 1967, VA-52 detached from CVW-19 and moved to their
new home port at NAS Whidbey Island to transition from the A-1 to 03 Jan 1967 07 Feb 1967
the A-6. 13 Feb 1967 16 Mar 1967
** The squadron was assigned to CVW-11 sometime in late 1969 or 28 Mar 1967 28 Apr 1967
early 1970. 29 Dec 1968 30 Jan 1969
08 Feb 1969 02 Mar 1969
Unit Awards Received 19 Mar 1969 30 Mar 1969
Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award 07 Dec 1970 30 Dec 1970
KPUC 26 Mar 1951 08 Oct 1951 12 Jan 1971 04 Feb 1971
17 Sep 1952 23 Feb 1953 19 Feb 1971 01 Mar 1971
AFEM 11 Aug 1964 22 Sep 1964 09 Apr 1971 26 Apr 1971
07 Oct 1964 29 Oct 1964 03 May 1971 17 May 1971
29 May 1971 23 Jun 1971
02 Nov 1964 06 Nov 1964
08 Mar 1972 25 Mar 1972
21 Nov 1964 28 Nov 1964
03 Apr 1972 22 May 1972
05 May 1990 01 Jun 1990
01 Jun 1972 27 Jun 1972
HSM 17 May 1981
07 Jul 1972 04 Aug 1972
02 Oct 1981
14 Aug 1972 05 Sep 1972
MUC 13 Nov 1979 08 Feb 1980
15 Sep 1972 02 Oct 1972
10 Nov 1984 07 May 1985
12 Oct 1972 31 Oct 1972

A squadron A-6E Intruder in 1984. Notice the lance and knight helmet markings taken from the squadron’s insignia.
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VA-54 that had been in exis-

tence prior to World
Lineage War II. It was a winged
devil’s head with a red
Established as Scouting Squadron TWO B (VS-2B) ball of fire and a black
on 3 July 1928. bomb with red mark-
Redesignated Scouting Squadron THREE (VS-3) on 1 ings. The devil’s helmet
July 1937. and beard were black;
Redesignated Bombing Squadron FOUR (VB-4) on 1 the face and horn was
March 1943. red; yellow goggles and
Redesignated Bombing Squadron FIVE (VB-5) on 15 mustache; and red
July 1943. Following World War II, the wings outlined in black.
Redesignated Attack Squadron FIVE A (VA-5A) on squadron adopted this insignia.
CNO approved a
15 November 1946. change to the squadron
Redesignated Attack Squadron FIFTY FOUR (VA-54) insignia on 3 June 1946. The new insignia had a yel-
on 16 August 1948. low circle with a green bomb, outlined in black, with
Disestablished on 1 December 1949. The first a red tip on the bomb. Overlaying the bomb were
squadron to be assigned the VA-54 designation. four aces and the joker. The playing cards had a white
background, outlined in black, with the aces in the
Squadron Insignia and Nickname appropriate colors, while the joker was black with red
eyes and mouth. The five cards signified the
The squadron’s first insignia was approved by BuAer
squadron’s number. The squadron continued to use
prior to the squadron’s winter cruise in 1930. A point-
the insignia when it was redesignated VA-54.
ing bird dog was adopt-
Nickname: unknown.
ed to reflect the duties
as a scouting squadron.
The dog was black with Chronology of Significant Events
white spots and white Jan–Feb 1929: Fleet Problem IX was the first time
outlines highlighting the the Navy’s two large carriers, Saratoga (CV 3) (with
dog’s features. VS-2B embarked) and Lexington (CV 2), participated
In 1933, VS-2B re- in a major fleet exercise.
versed the color for the Mar–Apr 1930: In March, Fleet Problem X was con-
dog, giving it an overall ducted in the Caribbean Sea, followed by Fleet
white color with black Problem XI in April.
markings. This insignia May 1930: VS-2B’s aircraft joined with the planes
As a scouting squadron, the
pointing bird dog was an appro- was used by the from 9 other squadrons, which included Saratoga,
priate design for the squadron’s squadron following its Lexington and Langley Air Groups, for a three-day tour
first insignia. redesignations to VS-3 of east coast cities from Norfolk, Virginia to Boston.
in 1937, VB-4 in March The flight was commanded by Captain Kenneth
1943 and VB-5 in July 1943. On 24 October 1945, CNO Whiting and consisted of 36 torpedo and bombing
approved a new insignia for VB-5. It was a modifica- planes, 57 fighting planes, 24 scouting planes, 3
tion of an insignia used by a previous VB-5 squadron amphibian utility planes, 3 Ford tri-motored transports
and 2 staff planes. It was the largest air parade that had
ever been assembled on the east coast.
5 Nov 1931: The squadron’s commanding officer,
Lieutenant Commander Oscar W. Erickson, was killed
in an airplane crash at sea.
1931–1934: The squadron participated in Fleet
Problems XII through XIX.
31 May 1934: A fleet review for President Franklin
D. Roosevelt was held in New York Harbor.
1935–1938: The squadron participated in Fleet
Problems XVI through XV.
Apr–May 1940: The squadron participated in Fleet
The squadron’s pointing bird During World War II, the Problem XXI. This was the last major fleet problem
dog insignia was modified in squadron adopted this insignia conducted before Pearl Harbor and America’s involve-
1933 when the colors of the dog to keep it in line with its mission
were reversed. as a bombing squadron. ment in World War II.
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90 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

Aug 1942: VS-3 and the other squadrons in Saratoga killed and 265 wounded. However, the crew’s heroic
Air Group provided air support for the landings on efforts saved the ship. CVG-5 personnel were trans-
Guadalcanal. ferred to Sante Fe (CL 60). CVG-5 aircraft in the air
24–25 Aug 1942: VS-3 participated in the Battle of landed on other carriers, primarily Bennington (CV 20).
Eastern Solomons and, along with other squadrons in Personnel in the water were picked up by destroyers.
the Saratoga Air Group, attacked and sunk the May 1949: VA-54 was the last fleet squadron to
Japanese carrier Ryujo. Enroute back to Saratoga after operate the SB2C aircraft. The squadron completed its
their attack on the Ryujo, Lieutenant Commander Kirn, Operational Readiness Inspection on 19 May and the
and ten of his SBDs attacked a Japanese flight of four last operational flight of the SB2C.
Vals (Aichi D3A, Japanese Navy Type 99 Carrier
Bombers), downing three and damaging the fourth.
Sep–Nov 1942: VS-3 operated from Espiritu Santo,
New Hebrides until its return to CONUS in December.
6–24 Jul 1943: VB-5 departed Norfolk embarked in
Yorktown (CV 10) enroute to Hawaii via the Panama
Canal.
31 Aug 1943: VB-5, embarked in Yorktown, partic-
pated in a raid on Marcus Island.
5–6 Oct 1943: The squadron participated in a raid
on Wake Island.
Nov–Dec 1943: VB-5 participated in operations
against the Gilberts in support of the landings on Makin
and Tarawa, as well as strikes against the Marshalls.
Jan–Feb 1944: The squadron flew strikes against the
Marshall Islands and provided air support for the inva-
sion of the Marshalls.
16–17 Feb 1944: VB-5, along with other squadrons
in Air Group 5, flew strikes against the the Japanese This photo shows a squadron O2U laying a smoke screen.
stronghold of Truk.
22 Feb 1944: CVG-5’s aircraft, including VB-5, raided Home Port Assignments
the Marianas striking targets on Saipan.
30 Mar–1 Apr 1944: VB-5’s SBDs struck ships and Location Assignment Date
facilities at Palau in the Caroline Islands. NAS San Diego 03 Jul 1928
21–23 Apr 1944: Strikes were flown by VB-5 against Espiritu Santo, New Hebrides Sep 1942*
targets on Wade Island and Hollandia in New Guinea. NAS San Diego Dec 1942
These operations were in support of the landings at MCAS El Centro Jan 1943
Hollandia by General Douglas MacArthur’s forces. NAS San Diego Mar 1943
29–30 Apr 1944: VB-5 conducted another strike NAS Norfolk Apr 1943
operation against Truk. NAS Pearl Harbor Jul 1943*
14 May 1944: Following a ten-month combat tour, NAS Barbers Point Sep 1943*
which began in August 1943, Air Group 5 was relieved NAS Puunene Oct 1943*
aboard Yorktown by Air Group 1 and the Air Group, NAS Hilo Dec 1943*
including VB-5, returned to CONUS. NAS Kaneohe Dec 1943*
07 Feb 1945: CVG-5, with VB-5, embarked in NAS Alameda 25 Jun 1944
Franklin (CV 13) and departed NAS Alameda for NAAS Fallon 25 Jul 1944
Hawaii, arriving there on 13 February. This was the NAAS Vernalis 29 Oct 1944
beginning of the squadron’s third major combat tour NAAS Santa Rosa 10 Nov 1944
in the Pacific. Hawaii Feb 1945*
19 Mar 1945: Following the launch of CVG-5 aircraft, NAS Klamath Falls 08 May 1945
including SB2Cs from VB-5, for an attack against the NAS Pasco 28 Sep 1945
city of Kobe, Japan, the Franklin was hit by two enemy NAAS Brown Field 03 Dec 1945
bombs from a Japanese aircraft. Fires were ignited on NAS Barbers Point 25 Mar 1946
the second and third decks from the first bomb and the NAS San Diego 20 May 1946
second triggered munitions on the carrier. All CVG-5’s NAS Seattle 13 Jan 1947
aircraft still on the carrier were destroyed. The damage NAS San Diego 20 Mar 1947
was one of the most extensive experienced by an Essex
* Temporary shore assignment during World War II.
class carrier during World War II. A total of 724 were
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This is a close-up view of the squadron O2U laying a smoke screen.

Commanding Officers

Date Assumed Command

LT Forrest P. Sherman (acting)* 03 Jul 1928
LCDR Virgil C. Griffin 03 Jul 1928
LT Forrest P. Sherman (acting) Apr 1929
LCDR Dewitt C. Watson 21 Jun 1929
LCDR Adolph P. Schneider 01 Jun 1931
LCDR Oscar W. Erickson 17 Aug 1931
LT Robert P. McConnell (acting) 05 Nov 1931
LCDR Gordon Rowe Jun 1932
LCDR Theodore C. Lonnquest Dec 1932
LT Harold M. Martin (acting) Jul 1932
LCDR Felix B. Stump 13 Jul 1934
LCDR John F. Gillon Jun 1936
LCDR Frederick W. McMahon Jun 1937
LCDR Charles F. Greber Jun 1938
LCDR Robert C. Sutliff †
LCDR Sutlia 03 Apr 1941
LCDR Herbert L. Hoerner 01 Oct 1941
LCDR Louis J. Kirn May 1942
LCDR Robert M. Milner Mar 1943
LCDR Edgar E. Stebbins Sep 1943
LT Charles P. Mason 25 Jun 1944
LCDR John G. Sheridan 02 Jul 1944
Squadron SU aircraft are parked on the forward flight deck of
Lexington (CV 2) as she passes through the Panama Canal. LT Harold W. Calhoun (acting) 15 May 1945
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Commanding Officers—Continued

Date Assumed Command

LTJG F. D. Brunner (acting) 31 May 1945

LCDR Paul J. Knapp 25 Jun 1945
LT Eugene M. Yoder (acting) 28 Aug 1945
LTJG H. M. Ziskin (acting) 07 Sep 1945
LCDR Howard L. Grimmell (acting) 08 Sep 1945
LCDR Allen L. Lewis (acting) 07 Nov 1945
LCDR Allen L. Lewis 05 Dec 1945
CDR Walter F. Madden 04 Oct 1947
LCDR Willard L. Nyburg (acting) 21 Jun 1948
CDR Edgar S. Keats 27 Jul 1948
LCDR R. A. Newcomb 04 Feb 1949
LCDR D. K. English 08 Apr 1949

* Lieutenant Sherman was the senior officer assigned to the

squadron during its establishment ceremonies. Following the estab-
lishment ceremonies Lieutenant Commander Griffin reported aboard
and became the commanding officer.
† Assumed command sometime between October 1939 and June
1940.
A formation of squadron SUs, circa 1933.

Aircraft Assignment Aircraft Assignment

Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received
UO Jul 1928 SBD-4 Jan 1943
FU-1 27 Aug 1928 SB2C Apr 1943
O2U-1 Dec 1928 SBD-5 Jun 1943
O2U-2 Dec 1928 SB2C-3 25 Jun 1944
O3U-2 Dec 1931 SBW-3 25 Jun 1944
SU-1 May 1932 SB2C-4 Sep 1944
SU-3 Nov 1932 SB2C-4E Dec 1944
SU-2 Dec 1932 SB2C-5* Mar 1946
F4U-4 19 Apr 1948
SBU-1 Jan 1936
AD-1 May 1949
SBC-3 Aug 1937
AD-4 Oct 1949
SBC-4 Mar 1941
SBD-3 Aug 1941 * The squadron continued to operate the SB2C-5s until May 1949.

Major Overseas Deployments

Date of Date of Air Type of Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Aircraft Operation

15 Jan 1929 Mar 1929 Saratoga CV 3 O2U-2 Central America/

Air Group Pacific
15 Feb 1930 21 Jun 1930 Saratoga CV 3 O2U-2 Pacific/Carib
Air Group
05 Feb 1931 15 Apr 1931 Saratoga CV 3 O2U-2 Pacific/Carib
Air Group
Feb 1932 19 Mar 1932 Saratoga CV 3 O3U-2 Hawaii
Air Group
23 Jan 1933 17 Feb 1933 Saratoga CV 3 SU-1/2/3 Hawaii
Air Group
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 93

A formation of squadron SBC-3s in 1938 (Courtesy Robert Lawson Collection).

Major Overseas Deployments

Date of Date of Air Type of Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Aircraft Operation

09 Apr 1934 09 Nov 1934 Saratoga CV 3 SU-1/2/3 Pacific/Carib/

Air Group East Coast
May 1935 Jun 1935 Saratoga CV 3 SU-2/3 Hawaii/NorPac
Air Group
Apr 1936 Jun 1936 Saratoga CV 3 SBU-1 Central America
Air Group Pacific
Apr 1937 May 1937 Saratoga CV 3 SBU-1 Hawaii
Air Group
15 Mar 1938 Apr 1938 Saratoga CV 3 SBC-3 Hawaii
Air Group
02 Apr 1940 21 Jun 1940 Saratoga CV 3 SBC-3 Hawaii
Air Group
08 Dec 1941 19 Feb 1942 Saratoga CV 3* SBD-3 Hawaii
Air Group
07 Jul 1942 Sep 1942 Saratoga CV 3† SBD-3 SoPac
Air Group
22 Aug 1943 07 Sep 1943 CVG-5 CV 10 SBD-5 Pacific
29 Sep 1943 11 Oct 1943 CVG-5 CV 10 SBD-5 Pacific
10 Nov 1943 09 Dec 1943 CVG-5 CV 10 SBD-5 Pacific
16 Jan 1944 11 May 1944 CVG-5 CV 10 SBD-5 Pacific
03 Mar 1945 19 Mar 1945 CVG-5 CV 13 SB2C-4E Pacific
31 Mar 1947 16 Jun 1947 CVG-5 CV 38 SB2C-5 WestPac

* The squadron was operating from Saratoga in the Hawaiian area when, on 11 January 1942, the ship was hit by a torpedo from a Japanese
submarine. With VS-3 aboard, Saratoga departed Hawaii and returned to Bremerton, Washington, for repairs. The other squadrons in Saratoga’s
Air Group remained in Hawaii.
† Saratoga was torpedoed for a second time on 31 August 1942 and VS-3 was transferred ashore at Espiritu Santo in early September.
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94 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

Air Wing Assignments

Air Wing Tail Code Assignment Date
Saratoga Air Group* Jul 1928
† Sep 1942
CVG-5 S‡ 15 Feb 1943
* Squadrons assigned to the carriers prior to 1 July 1938 were part of
that carrier’s air group. However, it was not until 1 July 1938, when
air group commander billets were established, that the air groups
themselves became offical organizations.
† When VS-3 was transferred ashore at Espiritu Santo, New
Hebrides, from Saratoga the squadron’s association with the
A close-up view of a squadron SBC-3 in flight. Part of the squadron’s Saratoga Air Group came to an end.
pointing bird dog insignia is visible on the fuselage just below the pilot. ‡ CVG-5 aircraft were assigned the tailcode S on 12 December 1946.

Squadron SB2C-5 Helldivers fly over Boulder Dam in 1948.

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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 95

Unit Awards Received Unit Awards Received—Continued

Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award

PUC 31 Aug 1943 31 Aug 1943

05 Oct 1943 06 Oct 1943 05 Oct 1943 06 Oct 1943
19 Nov 1943 05 Dec 1943 19 Nov 1943 04 Dec 1943
29 Jan 1944 23 Feb 1944 29 Jan 1944 08 Feb 1944
16 Feb 1944 17 Feb 1944
29 Mar 1944 30 Apr 1944
21 Feb 1944 22 Feb 1944
NAVE 01 Jul 1947 30 Jun 1948 30 Mar 1944 01 Apr 1944
Campaign Medal 07 Aug 1942 09 Aug 1942 21 Apr 1944 24 Apr 1944
(Asiatic/Pacific) 23 Aug 1942 25 Aug 1942 29 Apr 1944 01 May 1944

A squadron AD-1 Skywarrior loaded with dud rockets and general purpose bombs. The squadron’s joker and card insignia and Battle E award
are on the fuselage just forward of the pilot.
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96 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

SECOND VA-54
Lineage
Established as Bomber Fighter Squadron ONE HUN-
DRED FIFTY THREE (VBF-153) on 26 March 1945.
Redesignated Fighter Squadron SIXTEEN A (VF-16A)
on 15 November 1946.
Redesignated Fighter Squadron ONE HUNDRED
FIFTY TWO (VF-152) on 15 July 1948.
Redesignated Fighter Squadron FIFTY FOUR (VF-54)
on 15 February 1950. The squadron’s second insignia, The squadron’s last insignia,
Redesignated Attack Squadron FIFTY FOUR (VA-54) approved in 1948, depicts the the devil’s head, gave them the
nickname “Coppperheads.” nickname “Hell’s Angels.”
on 15 June 1956.
Disestablished on 1 April 1958. The second
eyebrows, mustache and highlights; his eyes were
squadron to be assigned the VA-54 designation.
white with emerald pupils and vermilion iris; the
mouth was white; and gold anchor, shield and wings.
Squadron Insignia and Nickname The squadron’s motto was Angeli Inferni meaning
The squadron’s first insignia was approved by CNO Hell’s Angels. When the squadron was redesignated
on 17 July 1945. The insignia was designed by Walt VA-54 in 1956, it continued to use the Hell’s Angels
Disney Productions. insignia.
Colors for the dog on a Nickname: Copperheads, until 1951.
winged bomb were: Hell’s Angels, 1951–1958.
white background, pale
yellow circle outline; Chronology of Significant Events
blue powder head
bomb with black body, 29 Jun 1950: VF-54 was deployed aboard Valley
blue middle fin, and Forge (CV 45) in the Western Pacific when hostilities
bright orange corsair erupted in Korea on 25 June. The carrier was ordered
wings with white high- north from the Philippines and the squadron’s aircraft
lights; the dog was a conducted a sweep along the western coast of Taiwan
mottled brown and due to the concern that the North Korean invasion of
The squadron’s first insignia was black, jowls and chest a South Korea might be a prelude to an invasion of that
designed by Walt Disney Productions. flesh color, nose black island by the Chinese Communists.
with white highlights, 3 Jul 1950: The squadron participated in its first
right eye ringed in black, eyeballs white, pupils blue combat strikes since its establishment in 1945. These
with black centers, mouth black, and tongue red; box- strikes were the first made by carrier aircraft in the
ing gloves orange; and collar black with blue loop and Korean War. VF-54’s Corsairs struck targets in
black leash. Pyongyang, North Korea.
Following the redesignation to VF-16A the squadron 15 Sep 1950: VF-54 provided air support for the
had a new insignia approved on 26 May 1948. Colors landings at Inchon, South Korea.
for the flying ace of spades were: black outer circle 26 Jul 1954: VF-54’s AD-4 Skyraiders were on a SAR
and red inner circle; black background; gold wings
mission looking for survivors, rafts or debris from a
outlined in black; ace of spades and card markings
British Cathay Pacific DC-4 airliner, that had been shot
were black; red bloodspots; copper arrowhead out-
down by the Chinese Communists, when they were
lined in black. When the squadron was redesignated
attacked by two Chinese LA-7 fighter aircraft. Two of
VF-152 it retained the flying ace of spades insignia.
A new squadron insignia was approved by CNO on the squadron’s Skyraiders, along with an F4U, shot
14 February 1951, a year after the squadron had been down the two LA-7s 13 miles southeast of Hainan
redesignated VF-54. The insignia’s design was based Island.
on the statement “through Hell or High Water.” Colors Sep 1957: Bon Homme Richard (CVA 31), with VA-
for this insignia were: sky blue background in the 54 embarked, operated in the vicinity of Taiwan in
upper half and sapphire blue in the lower half of the response to a buildup of Chinese Communist forces
insignia, the overall insignia outlined in black; a crim- on the mainland opposite Taiwan.
son devil’s head was encircled by yellow, red and Dec 1957: The squadron began the transition from
amber flames; the devil’s features include black hair, propeller aircraft to jets.
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 97

A squadron F6F-5 Hellcat in flight, circa 1947 (Courtesy Robert Lawson Collection).

Home Port Assignments Commanding Officers

Location Assignment Date Date Assumed Command

NAS Wildwood 26 Mar 1945 LCDR Hayden M. Jensen 26 Mar 1945
NAAS Oceana 01 Jun 1945 LCDR Levern E. Forkner 01 May 1947
CDR Robert G. Boyd 09 Jul 1948
NAS Norfolk 02 Jul 1946
LCDR Douglas K. English 01 Dec 1949
NAS Alameda 11 Aug 1946 LCDR Paul N. Gray 16 Jan 1951
NAS Sand Point 04 May 1948 LCDR Henry Suerstedt, Jr. 27 Jun 1952
NAS Alameda 28 Jun 1948 LCDR Christian Fink 21 Jul 1953
NAS San Diego 01 Dec 1949 CDR Donald E. Bruce Dec 1954
NAS Miramar 19 May 1952 CDR Frank M. McLinn Sep 1955
CDR William A. Lewiston Jun 1956
CDR Emmit W. Blackburn 16 Dec 1957

Aircraft Assignment

Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received

F4U-1 26 Mar 1945
F4U-4 04 Jun 1945
F6F-5 10 Sep 1945
F8F-1 21 Oct 1947
F8F-2 May 1949
AD-4 01 Dec 1949
F4U-4B 14 Dec 1949
AD-1/4 Mar 1951
AD-6 Dec 1954*
AD-5 Dec 1954
AD-7 Jan 1957
F9F-8B Dec 1957
* VF-54 operated AD-6s for a short period of time between October
A squadron F8F-1 Bearcat on the deck of Tarawa (CV 40) in 1948
and December 1953.
(Courtesy Robert Lawson Collection).
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Major Overseas Deployments

Date of Date of Air Type of Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Aircraft Operation

31 Mar 1947 08 Oct 1947 CVAG-15 CV 36 F6F-5 WestPac

01 May 1950 01 Dec 1950 CVG-5 CV 45 F4U-4B WestPac/Korea
28 Jun 1951 25 Mar 1952 CVG-5 CV 9 AD-2/3/4 WestPac/Korea
20 Nov 1952 25 Jun 1953 CVG-5 CVA 45 AD-4 WestPac/Korea
12 Mar 1954 Nov 1954 CVG-5 CVA 47 AD-4 WestPac
29 Oct 1955 17 May 1956 CVG-5 CVA 33 AD-6 WestPac
12 Jul 1957 09 Dec 1957 CVG-5 CVA 31 AD-6/7 WestPac

A squadron F4U-4B Corsair prepares to launch from Valley Forge(CV 45) during a combat deployment to Korea in 1950 (Courtesy Robert
Lawson Collection).

Air Wing Assignments

Air Wing Tail Code Assignment Date

CVG-153/CVAG- B/A† 26 Mar 1945
15/CVG-15*
CVG-5 S/NF‡ 01 Dec 1949
* CVG-153 was redesignated CVAG-15 on 15 November 1946 and
then redesignated CVG-15 on 1 September 1948.
† CVAG-15 was assigned the tail code B on 12 December 1946. It
was changed to A on 4 August 1948.
‡ CVG-5’s tail code was changed from S to NF in the latter part of
A squadron AD-6 Skyraider coming in for a landing on Kearsarge 1957. The effective date was most likely the beginning of FY 58 (1
(CVA 33) during its 1955–1956 WestPac deployment. July 1957).
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Unit Awards Received Unit Awards Received—Continued

Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award
NAVE 01 Jul 1948 30 Jun 1949 30 Dec 1952 10 Jun 1953
NUC 03 Jul 1950 18 Nov 1950 15 Aug 1951 11 Mar 1952
01 Jan 1953 05 Jun 1953
KSM 30 Jun 1950 23 Nov 1950
21 Aug 1951 05 Mar 1952
KPUC 01 Jul 1950 18 Nov 1950 13 Aug 1951 01 Nov 1951

Squadron F9F-8B Cougars on the flight line at NAS Miramar, California, in 1958.
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VA-55
Lineage
In the mid-1950s, the
Established as Torpedo Squadron FIVE (VT-5) on 15 squadron adopted the sea-
horse insignia that became
February 1943. a well-known design.
Redesignated Attack Squadron SIX A (VA-6A) on 15
November 1946.
Redesignated Attack Squadron FIFTY FIVE (VA-55)
on 16 August 1948.
Disestablished on 12 December 1975. The first
squadron to be designated VA-55.

Squadron Insignia and Nickname

Chronology of Significant Events
The squadron’s first insignia was not submitted or
approved by CNO. This insignia was a horned black cat, 15 Feb 1943: VGS-30 was disestablished and person-
grasping a rat, astride a nel from the squadron were used to form VT-5 and
torpedo. The colors were: VF-1.
a red background with a 6–24 Jul 1943: The squadron departed Norfolk
black cat; the cat’s face, embarked in Yorktown (CV 10) enroute to Hawaii via
claws and horns were the Panama Canal.
red; the rat had a yellow 31 Aug 1943: Embarked in Yorktown, the squadron
face and a red body; the participated in a raid on Marcus Island.
torpedo had a yellow 5–6 Oct 1943: The squadron participated in a raid
nose and tail section with on Wake Island.
a red center and black Nov–Dec 1943: The squadron supported the land-
markings; and the word ings on Makin and Tarawa, in the Gilberts, and flew
Torpcats was black.
This TORPCATS insignia was used strikes against Kwajalein in the Marshalls.
On 10 July 1946, a
by VT-5 during World War II but Jan–Feb 1944: The squadron provided air support
was never officially approved. new squadron insignia
was approved by CNO. for the invasion of the Marshalls.
The insignia design was the face of a cat grasping a 16–17 Feb 1944: Squadron aircraft flew strikes
torpedo in its mouth. Colors were: a lemon yellow against the Japanese stronghold of Truk.
background; a blue cat’s head with green eyes, gray 22 Feb 1944: The squadron participated in a raid on
jowls, black nose and whiskers, and white teeth; the the Marianas, striking targets on Saipan.
torpedo was red with white highlights and outlined in 30 Mar–1 Apr 1944: Squadron aircraft struck ships
black. This insignia was used by VT-5, VA-6A and VA- and facilities at Palau in the Caroline Islands. The
55 until September 1955. strike on 30 March was the first time the squadron’s
On 27 September 1955 a new insignia was approved. TBFs were armed with torpedoes in combat.
The winged seahorse insignia was outlined by alternat- 21–23 Apr 1944: Strikes were flown against targets
ing white and dark green square blocks; the upper half on Wakde Island and Hollandia in New Guinea. These
of the insignia was operations were in support of the landings at
turquoise and the lower Hollandia by General Douglas MacArthur’s forces.
half dark blue; the waves 29–30 Apr 1944: The squadron participated in
were highlighted in
another strike operation against Truk.
white; the seahorse was
30 Apr 1944: The squadron’s commanding officer,
silver with gold wings
Lieutenant Commander Dick Upson, failed to return
and highlighted with
black markings; the from a SAR mission to locate a downed pilot.
rocket was silver with 14 May 1944: Following a ten-month combat tour
red tail fins and nose, beginning in August 1943, Air Group 5 was relieved
black markings, and a aboard Yorktown by Air Group 1 and returned to
flame of red and yellow. CONUS to reform on 25 June 1944.
This squadron insignia was Nickname: Torpcats, 07 Feb 1945: Embarked in Franklin (CV 13), the
approved for use in the post- 1943–1955. squadron departed NAS Alameda for Hawaii, arriv-
World War II period, retaining the Warhorses, 1955–1975.
cat and torpedo motif.
ing there on 13 February. This was the beginning of
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 101

the squadron’s second major combat tour in the deployed to the South China Sea following several
Pacific. defeats of neutralist forces by the Communists in Laos.
19 Mar 1945: VT-5 was preparing to launch its air- After a ceasefire agreement was arranged, the ship
craft for an attack against the city of Kobe, Japan, resumed normal Seventh Fleet operations on 5 May.
when the Franklin was hit by two enemy bombs from Jul–Sep 1964: Participated in special Yankee
a Japanese aircraft. Fires were ignited on the second Teamoperations involving missions over Laos and
and third decks from the first bomb and the second South Vietnam.
triggered munitions on the carrier. All VT-5’s aircraft 2 and 4 Aug 1964: The squadron flew air support for
on the flight and hangar deck were destroyed by the Maddox (DD 731) and Turner Joy (DD 951) while the
ensuing explosions and fire. The damage was one of destroyers were on Desoto Patrol missions (intelli-
the most extensive experienced by an Essex class carri- gence collection missions begun in 1962) off the coast
er during World War II. A total of 724 men were killed of North Vietnam.
and 265 wounded. VT-5’s commanding officer, 5 Aug 1964: VA-55’s Skyhawks participated in opera-
Lieutenant Commander Edmands, was lost in the tion Pierce Arrow, retaliatory strikes against the North
action. All surviving VT-5 personnel were transferred Vietnamese. Along with other aircraft from CVG-5,
from Franklin and returned to CONUS. they were part of the mission that struck the Vinh oil
3 Jul 1950: Participated in the first combat strikes by storage facility. Ninety percent of the complex was
carrier aircraft against the North Koreans. The destroyed.
squadron flew its AD-4 Skyraiders on strikes against Oct–Nov 1964: The squadron continued to operate
airfields, supply lines and transportation facilities in from Ticonderoga off the coast of South Vietnam and
and around Pyongyang, North Korea. This was also participated in special Yankee Team operations, flying
missions over South Vietnam.
the first use of the AD Skyraider in combat.
3 Jun 1966: The squadron’s commanding officer,
12 Sep 1950: Pre-invasion strikes against targets in
Commander M. J. Chewning, while on a mission over
and around Inchon and Seoul, Korea, began in prepa-
North Vietnam, lost the use of his left arm due to a
ration for the landing at Inchon.
shrapnel hit. He continued his mission, striking a road
15 Sep 1950: Strikes were flown to support the land-
target, and then returned to the carrier, making a one-
ings at Inchon. handed carrier landing. For his exploits he was award-
16 May 1951: All VA-55 personnel, except 16 officers ed the Silver Star and the Purple Heart.
and 5 enlisted men, embarked USNS General William 15 Jun 1966: Lieutenant Commander Theodore F.
Weigel (TAP 119) enroute to Japan for duty with Air Kopfman was awarded the Silver Star, in absentia, for
Group 19 aboard Princeton (CV 37). The remainder of his actions on a mission over North Vietnam. During
the personnel were airlifted to Japan on 17 May. the sortie his aircraft was shot down and he was taken
29 May 1951: VA-55 embarked on Princeton, prisoner. He was released by North Vietnam and
replaced VA-195 in Air Group 19, and proceeded to returned to the United States in 1973.
Korea for combat operations. Apr 1972: The squadron participated in Operation
Mar 1954: The squadron was deployed to the Freedom Train, tactical air sorties against military and
Western Pacific aboard Essex (CVA 9) when the carrier logistic targets in the southern part of North Vietnam.
was ordered to operate off the coast of Vietnam dur- It also provided close air support for forces in South
ing the Viet Minh’s assault against the French at Dien Vietnam following a massive invasion by North
Bien Phu. Vietnam.
Jul–Sep 1957: Operated intermittently off the coast May 1972: Participated in the early phase of opera-
of Taiwan due to the build-up of Chinese Communist tion Linebacker I, heavy air strikes against targets in
forces and the threat of a possible invasion of Taiwan North Vietnam.
or its off-shore islands. Jun 1973: Missions were flown in support of
Sep 1958: Operated in the Formosa Straits during Operation End Sweep, the clearing of mines in the ter-
the Chinese Communist shelling of Quemoy and ritorial waters of North Vietnam.
Matsu. Oct 1973: With the outbreak of war between Israel,
30–31 Oct 1962: Participated in cross deck opera- Egypt and Syria, the Hancock (CVA 19), with VA-55
tions on HMS Victorious (R 38) in the South China Sea. embarked, was directed to leave Yankee Station and
Apr 1963: Ticonderoga, with VA-55 embarked, operate in the Arabian Sea and Gulf of Aden.
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102 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

VT-5 flight crews in front of a squadron TBM-3. The squadron TORPCATS insignias on all the flight jackets, circa summer 1945.

Home Port Assignments † Temporary shore station for the squadron while it conducted train-
ing in preparation for its next combat cruise.
Location Assignment Date ‡ Temporary shore assignment in Hawaii when not aboard Franklin
(CV 13), no specific air station listed.
NAS Norfolk (NAAF Pungo) 15 Feb 1943
§ Temporary shore station awaiting reforming of squadron in May
Hawaii Jul 1943* 1945.
NAS Alameda May 1944
NAAS Monterey Aug 1944†
NAAS Santa Rosa Oct 1944† Commanding Officers
Hawaii Feb 1945‡ Date Assumed Command
NAS Seattle Apr 1945§
LCDR Richard Upson 15 Feb 1943
NAS Klamath Falls 08 May 1945
LT Andrew C. Lett (acting) 30 Apr 1944
NAS Pasco 02 Sep 1945 LCDR Allan C. Edmands 18 Jun 1944
NAAS Brown Field, Chula Vista 04 Dec 1945 LT Charles H. Carr (acting) 08 May 1945
NAS Barbers Point 25 Mar 1946 LCDR Tom B. Bash 18 May 1945
NAS San Diego 21 May 1946 LT John D. Cornwell (acting) 31 Aug 1945
NAS Miramar 20 Mar 1952 LT William L. Dodd (acting) 12 Oct 1945
NAS Lemoore Jan 1962 LCDR Allard G. Russell 21 Oct 1945
LCDR William A. Rawls (acting) 01 Oct 1947
* Temporary shore assignments at various air stations in Hawaii
when not aboard Yorktown (CV 10). CDR Charles H. Crabill, Jr. 24 Dec 1947
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 103

Commanding Officers—Continued Commanding Officers—Continued

Date Assumed Command Date Assumed Command

LCDR Norman D. Hodson 14 Jan 1949 CDR George J. Fenzil, Jr. 03 Jun 1972
LCDR A. L. Maltby, Jr. 17 Jan 1951 CDR P. M. Feran 1973
LCDR L. W. Chick 03 Oct 1951 CDR Almer C. Vold 21 Jun 1974
LCDR Jack T. Dowler Feb 1953
LCDR R. J. Thompson Oct 1953 Aircraft Assignment
CDR Jack T. Dowler Aug 1954
CDR Franklin V. Bernhard Nov 1955 Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received
CDR Billy D. Holder 20 Mar 1957 TBF-1 01 Mar 1943
CDR D. H. Stinemates 21 Feb 1958 TBF-1C Oct 1943
CDR J. E. McQuary 06 Feb 1959 TBM-3 Sep 1944
CDR H. M. Richey 13 Nov 1959 TBM-3E Jun 1945
CDR Lloyd F. Cooper 23 Nov 1960 TBM-3Q Oct 1946
CDR Earl F. Godfrey 23 Feb 1962 TBM-3J Mar 1947
CDR E. J. Lawrence 01 May 1963 AD-1 18 Jun 1949
CDR H. Urban, Jr. 01 May 1964 AD-4 03 Oct 1949
CDR J. E. Krimmel 28 May 1965 AD-6 Jul 1954
CDR M. J. Chewning 04 Apr 1966 AD-7 Dec 1956
CDR E. E. Holt (acting) 03 Jun 1966 FJ-4B Nov 1957
CDR E. E. Holt 09 Aug 1966 A4D-2 Mar 1959
CDR Robert E. Kirksey 17 Oct 1967 A4D-2N/A-4C* Jan 1962
CDR John F. Wellings 18 Dec 1968 A-4E Jul 1963
CDR Frederick W. Lawler 27 Sep 1969 A-4C 12 Sep 1966
CDR Richard A. Hendricks 27 Mar 1970 A-4F 29 Dec 1967
CDR Maurice D. Fitzgerald 1971 * The A4D-2N designation was changed to A-4C in 1962.

Squadron AD-4Q Skyraiders at NAS San Diego, California, in December 1950 following their return from a Korean combat tour aboard Valley
Forge (CV 45) (Courtesy Robert Lawson Collection).
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104 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

Major Overseas Deployments

Date of Date of Air Type of Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Aircraft Operation

22 Aug 1943 07 Sep 1943 CVG-5 CV 10 TBF-1 Pacific

29 Sep 1943 11 Oct 1943 CVG-5 CV 10 TBF-1 Pacific
10 Nov 1943 09 Dec 1943 CVG-5 CV 10 TBF-1C Pacific
16 Jan 1944 11 May 1944 CVG-5 CV 10 TBF-1C Pacific
03 Mar 1945 19 Mar 1945 CVG-5 CV 13 TBF-3 Pacific
31 Mar 1947 16 Jun 1947 CVG-5 CV 38 TBM-3E/Q/J WestPac
01 May 1950 01 Dec 1950 CVG-5 CV 45 AD-4/4Q WestPac/Korea
16 May 1951 29 Aug 1951 CVG-19 CV 37* AD-4/4Q/4W WestPac/Korea
16 Jun 1952 06 Feb 1953 ATG-2 CVA 9 AD-4/4B WestPac/Korea
01 Dec 1953 12 Jul 1954 ATG-2 CVA 9 AD-4/4B WestPac
01 Apr 1955 23 Nov 1955 ATG-2 CVA 47 AD-6 WestPac
06 Apr 1957 18 Sep 1957 ATG-2 CVA 19 AD-6/7 WestPac
21 Aug 1958 12 Jan 1959 ATG-4 CVA 20 FJ-4B WestPac
06 Mar 1960 11 Oct 1960 CVG-5 CVA 14 A4D-2 WestPac
10 May 1961 15 Jan 1962 CVG-5 CVA 14 A4D-2 WestPac
25 Jul 1962 17 Sep 1962 CVG-5 CVA 64 A4D-2 SoLant/West Coast
03 Jan 1963 15 Jul 1963 CVG-5 CVA 14 A-4C WestPac
14 Apr 1964 15 Dec 1964 CVW-5 CVA 14 A-4E WestPac/Vietnam
10 Dec 1965 25 Aug 1966 CVW-14 CVA 61 A-4E WestPac/Vietnam
29 Apr 1967 04 Dec 1967 CVW-14 CVA 64 A-4C WestPac/Vietnam
18 Jul 1968 03 Mar 1969 CVW-21 CVA 19 A-4F WestPac/Vietnam
02 Aug 1969 15 Apr 1970 CVW-21 CVA 19 A-4F WestPac/Vietnam
22 Oct 1970 03 Jun 1971 CVW-21 CVA 19 A-4F WestPac/Vietnam
07 Jan 1972 03 Oct 1972 CVW-21 CVA 19 A-4F WestPac/Vietnam
08 May 1973 08 Jan 1974 CVW-21 CVA 19 A-4F WestPac/IO
18 Mar 1975 20 Oct 1975 CVW-21 CV 19 A-4F WestPac
* See chronology entry for 16 May 1951.

Air Wing Assignments Unit Awards Received

Air Wing Tail Code Assignment Date Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award
CVG-5 S* 15 Feb 1943 NAVE 01 Jul 1948 30 Jun 1949
CVG-19 (X)† 23 Apr 1951 01 Jul 1949 30 Jun 1950
CVG-19 B 29 May 1951 1965 1966
ATG-2 W/NB‡ 11 Sep 1951 AFEM 02 Aug 1964 05 Aug 1964
CVG-5 NF 01 Apr 1958 11 Aug 1964 22 Sep 1964
ATG-4 ND 18 Aug 1958 07 Oct 1964 29 Oct 1964
CVG-5/CVW-5§ NF 19 Jan 1959 02 Nov 1964 06 Nov 1964
CVW-14 NK 01 Jun 1965 21 Nov 1964 28 Nov 1964
CVW-21 NP 05 Feb 1968 02 Dec 1968 04 Dec 1968
30 Oct 1969
* The tail code S was assigned to the air group and squadron on 12
December 1946. 03 Jan 1970 08 Jan 1970
† The squadron was assigned to Air Group 19 (X-ray), an air group 22 Feb 1970 25 Feb 1970
that was organized in CONUS and then sent to Japan to replace the MUC 21 Aug 1969 31 Mar 1970
squadrons in Air Group 19 which had been operating in Korea 20 Nov 1970 07 Mar 1971
aboard Princeton (CV 37).
NUC 02 Aug 1964 05 Aug 1964
‡ ATG-2 was assigned the letter W as its tail code on 24 July 1956. 10 Jan 1966 06 Aug 1966
The tail code was changed to NB in 1957. The effective date for this
change was most likely the beginning of FY 58 (1 July 1957). 18 May 1967 26 Nov 1967
§ CVG-5 became CVW-5 when Carrier Air Group designations were 01 Aug 1968 22 Feb 1969
changed to Carrier Air Wings on 20 December 1963. 08 Feb 1972 14 Sep 1972
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 105

Unit Awards Received—Continued Unit Awards Received—Continued

Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award
RVNGC 30 Mar 1972 15 Jul 1972 11 May 1972 01 Jun 1972
VNSM 15 Jan 1966 12 Feb 1966 12 Jun 1972 14 Jul 1972
23 Feb 1966 22 Mar 1966 24 Jul 1972 17 Aug 1972
30 May 1966 30 Jun 1966 27 Aug 1972 14 Sep 1972
08 Jun 1967 11 Jun 1967 PUC 31 Aug 1943
18 Jun 1967 25 Jul 1967 05 Oct 1943 06 Oct 1943
01 Aug 1967 03 Sep 1967 19 Nov 1943 05 Dec 1943
25 Sep 1967 15 Oct 1967 29 Jan 1944 23 Feb 1944
24 Oct 1967 12 Nov 1967
29 Mar 1944 30 Apr 1944
23 Aug 1968 04 Sep 1968
Campaign Medal 31 Aug 1943
13 Sep 1968 15 Oct 1968
(Asiatic/Pacific) 05 Oct 1943 06 Oct 1943
23 Oct 1968 28 Nov 1968
20 Dec 1968 15 Jan 1969 19 Nov 1943 04 Dec 1943
29 Jan 1969 10 Feb 1969 29 Jan 1944 08 Feb 1944
31 Aug 1969 24 Sep 1969 16 Feb 1944 17 Feb 1944
03 Oct 1969 27 Oct 1969 21 Feb 1944 22 Feb 1944
24 Nov 1969 17 Dec 1969 30 Mar 1944 01 Apr 1944
18 Jan 1970 11 Feb 1970 21 Apr 1944 24 Apr 1944
09 Mar 1970 26 Mar 1970 29 Apr 1944 01 May 1944
19 Nov 1970 08 Dec 1970 17 Mar 1945 19 Mar 1945
29 Dec 1970 15 Jan 1971 KSM 27 Jun 1950 03 Nov 1950
23 Jan 1971 31 Jan 1971 29 May 1951 16 Aug 1951
09 Mar 1971 10 Apr 1971 26 Jul 1952 25 Jan 1953
17 Apr 1971 04 May 1971 UNSM 27 Jun 1950 03 Nov 1950
07 Feb 1972 09 Mar 1972 29 May 1951 16 Aug 1951
25 Mar 1972 02 May 1972 26 Jul 1952 25 Jan 1953

A squadron A-4F Skyhawk piloted by Lieutenant Duncan, 14 February 1975.

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106 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

SECOND VA-55 14–15 Apr 1986: Six of the squadron’s Intruders par-
Lineage ticipated in an attack against Benina Airfield at
Benghazi, Libya. Numerous parked aircraft were
Established as Attack Squadron FIFTY FIVE (VA-55) destroyed and the surrounding hangars, support facili-
on 7 October 1983. ties, aircraft aprons, and other airfield equipment and
Disestablished on 1 January 1991. The second vehicles were damaged. These strikes were in
squadron to be to be assigned the VA-55 designation. response to the involvement of Libyan trained terror-
ists in a specific incident (Berlin disco bombing in
Squadron Insignia and Nickname which American servicemen were killed).
Aug–Sep 1989: Coral Sea (CV 43), with VA-55
The squadron adopted the insignia used by the first
embarked, was ordered to operate off the coast of
VA-55. It was approved
Lebanon following terrorist claims to have killed an
by CNO on 12 May
American hostage, Lieutenant Colonel William R.
1983. Colors for the fly-
Higgins, and the capture of Sheik Obeid from Lebanon
ing seahorse were: alter-
by Israeli forces. The unstable situation in Lebanon
nating white and dark
ultimately led to the evacuation of the American
green square blocks
Embassy. Squadron aircraft flew missions in support of
outline the circular
the evacuation.
insignia; the upper half
22 Feb 1991: The squadron held a disestablishment
of the insignia was light
ceremony at NAS Oceana. It was officially disestab-
blue and the lower half
lished on 1 January 1991.
dark blue; the waves
were highlighted in
Home Port Assignment
The squadron adopted the same white; the seahorse was
flying seahorse insignia used by light gray-green with Location Assignment Date
the first VA-55.
white and dark green NAS Oceana 07 Oct 1983
markings; the wings
were gold with dark green markings; the flames from Commanding Officers
the seahorse and rocket were red, outlined in yellow;
and the rocket was white with a red tip. Date Assumed Command
Nickname: Warhorses, 1983–1991. CDR Stan W. Bryant 07 Oct 1983
CDR Robin Y. Weber 18 May 1985
Chronology of Significant Events CDR Warren C. Chewning 27 Jun 1986
CDR Ralph E. Suggs 07 Dec 1987
25 Mar 1986: Due to the initiation of hostile fire by
CDR John W. Henson 07 Jan 1989
Libya on 24 March, a squadron aircraft attacked a
Libyan Nanuchka II class guided missile patrol boat
Aircraft Assignment
with Rockeye cluster bombs. The Libyan vessel was
damaged by the attack and then sunk by a Harpoon Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received
strike from VA-85, an Intruder squadron operating A-6E 25 Jan 1984
from Saratoga (CV 60). KA-6D Feb 1984

Major Overseas Deployments

Date of Date of Air Type of Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Aircraft Operation

01 Oct 1985 19 May 1986 CVW-13 CV 43 A-6E/KA-6D Med

29 Sep 1987 28 Mar 1988 CVW-13 CV 43 A-6E Med
31 May 1989 30 Sep 1989 CVW-13 CV 43 A-6E Med

Air Wing Assignments Unit Awards Received

Air Wing Tail Code Assignment Date Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award
COMMATWING-1* 07 Oct 1983 NAVE 01 Jan 1985 31 Dec 1985
CVW-13 AK 01 Mar 1984 01 Jan 1986 31 Dec 1986
NEM 20 Jan 1986 05 May 1986
* Administratively assigned to Commander Medium Attack Wing
ONE. NUC 02 Oct 1985 19 May 1986
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 107

Unit Awards Received—Continued Unit Awards Received—Continued

Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award
23 Mar 1986 17 Apr 1986 MUC 01 Jan 1985 31 Dec 1986
AFEM 20 Jan 1986 05 May 1986 30 Mar 1988 30 Sep 1989

A squadron A-6E Intruder; note the flying seahorse insignia on the tail.
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108 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

VA-56 5 Aug 1964: VA-56’s Skyhawks participated in Pierce

Arrow, retaliatory strikes against the North Vietnamese.
Lineage Along with other aircraft from CVW-5, they were part
of the first sortie that struck the antiaircraft gun
Established as Attack Squadron FIFTY SIX (VA-56)
emplacements at the Vinh oil storage facility. Ninety
on 4 June 1956.
percent of the complex was destroyed by the sorties
Disestablished on 31 August 1986. The first
flown against this facility. The squadron also partici-
squadron to be assigned the VA-56 designation.
pated in strikes against the Ben Thuy naval base,
resulting in the sinking and destruction of several tor-
Squadron Insignia and Nickname pedo boats.
The squadron’s insignia was officially approved by 10–29 Oct, 1–5 and 22–28 Nov 1964: The squadron
CNO on 25 March 1957. A boomerang with a speed continued to participate in special Yankee Team oper-
arrow and electron rings ations off the coast of Vietnam.
represented the 7 Feb 1966: Lieutenant Commander Render Crayton
squadron’s capabilities was awarded the Silver Star (in absentia) for his
as a jet attack squadron actions while engaged in a combat mission over North
with modern electronic Vietnam.
equipment. The circular 10 Jun 1967: The squadron’s commanding officer,
insignia had a gold cir- Commander Sherman, failed to return from a strike in
cumference outlined in North Vietnam and is now listed as missing in action,
dark blue, with a white presumed dead.
background; a yellow Jan–Feb 1968: While embarked in Enterprise (CVAN
boomerang outlined in 65) and en route to Yankee Station, the carrier was
The squadron’s stylized insignia is dark blue and with ordered to the Sea of Japan for operations following
an example of an excellent design white racing strips; dark the seizure of Pueblo (AGER 2) by the North Koreans
that remained viable throughout blue speed arrow and on 23 January.
the squadron’s 30 years of history
and numerous aircraft changes. stars; and the electron 19 Jun 1968: Lieutenant Commander Crater received
rings and banner letter- the Silver Star for his actions in coordinating the suc-
ing were black with a white banner outlined in dark cessful night rescue of a downed F-4 crewman in
blue and gold. North Vietnam. This action was part of the rescue
Nickname: Boomerangs, 1957-circa 1958. operations in which Lieutenant Lassen, a helicopter
Champions, circa 1958–1986. pilot and not a member of VA-56, received the Medal
of Honor for his exploits.
Chronology of Significant Events 1 Nov 1968: The squadron’s last A-4E Skyhawk was
transfered and training began for the transition to the
25–31 Oct 1961: VA-56 participated in Operation A-7 Corsair II.
Crosstie with HMS Victorious (R-38), conducting flight May 1972: On 12 May Midway (CVA 41), with VA-56
operations from the deck of Victorious to evaluate the embarked, shifted its operations from the area of An
compatibility of USN/RN aircraft, armament, and han- Loc, South Vietnam to targets in North Vietnam. It par-
dling facilities. ticipated in the mining and interdiction of Haiphong
16 Jul–15 Sep 1962: The squadron was embarked in Harbor and North Vietnam’s extensive coastal water-
Constellation (CVA 64) during her transit from the East way system. This was an extension of operation
Coast, via Cape Horn, to her new home port on the Pocket Money which was initiated on 9 May by
West Coast.
squadrons from Kitty Hawk (CVA 63) and Coral Sea
Jul 1964: VA-56’s A-4E Skyhawks participated in spe-
(CVA 43). It also participated in operation Linebacker
cial Yankee Team operations, providing aerial refuel-
I, the concentration of heavy strikes against targets in
ing support and experimenting with the tactic of
North Vietnam to interdict the flow of supplies into
employing A-4Es as armed escorts for the RF-8 and
the country and reduce its ability to prosecute the war.
RA-3 reconnaissance aircraft flying missions over Laos
Linebacker I operations lasted until 22 October.
and South Vietnam to detect Communist military pres-
29–30 Apr 1975: Midway, including elements of VA-
ence and operations.
56, participated in operation Frequent Wind, the evac-
2–4 Aug 1964: During a Desoto Patrol mission
uation of American citizens from Saigon, South
(intelligence collection missions begun in 1962)
Vietnam.
Maddox (DD 731) was attacked by three motor torpe-
do boats on 2 August off the coast of North Vietnam. Aug 1976: VA-56, embarked in Midway, operated in
Following this incident, the squadron flew sorties in Korean waters following the killing of two American
support of the destroyers on Desoto Patrol. officers in the DMZ by the North Koreans.
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 109

Apr–May 1979: Midway, with VA-56 embarked, Commanding Officers

deployed to the Gulf of Aden to relieve Constellation
(CV 64) and maintain a U.S. carrier presence following Date Assumed Command
the out break of fighting between North and South
Yemen and the fall of the Shah of Iran. CDR Richard O. Devine 04 Jun 1956
Oct 1979: As a response to anti-American demon- CDR C. G. Mitchell 31 Dec 1957
strations in Iran, Midway and its air wing, including LCDR R. L. Walker 10 Dec 1958
VA-56, were ordered to deploy to the Indian Ocean CDR R. McBride 05 Dec 1959
for the second time in 1979. CDR W. H. Hoover 06 Jan 1961
Nov 1979–Feb 1980: Following the Iranian seizure CDR James A. Homyak 31 Jan 1962
of the American Embassy in Teheran and the taking of CDR Donald L. Campbell 17 Mar 1963
American hostages on 4 November, Midway proceed-
CDR Wesley L. McDonald 10 Feb 1964
ed to the Gulf of Oman and remained on station until
relieved in early February 1980. CDR William G. Nealon 23 Mar 1965
May–Jun 1980: Midway, with VA-56 embarked, CDR Carl Ray Smith, Jr. 28 Feb 1966
operated off the coast of Korea due to the civil unrest CDR Peter W. Sherman 17 Mar 1967
in South Korea and the massacre of several hundred CDR Ernest R. Seymour 14 Jun 1967
people in the town of Kwangju. CDR John L. Nicholson, Jr. 31 Jul 1968
May 1986: The squadron was reassigned to NAS CDR Joseph E. Potosnak 11 Dec 1969
Lemoore as a result of the change in CVW-5’s compo-
CDR John W. Weed Oct 1970
sition from A-7 and F-4 aircraft to FA-18A. It began the
transfer of its personnel and aircraft in preparation for CDR Neil L. Harvey 21 Aug 1971
the disestablishment of the squadron on 31 August. CDR Walter Lewis Chatham 02 Aug 1972
CDR Charles G. Andres 03 Aug 1973
CDR Ronald N. Artim 30 Jul 1974
CDR Gary L. Starbird 26 Sep 1975
CDR Robert E. Smith 19 Dec 1976
CDR Roger P. Flower 30 Mar 1978
CDR Leon C. Bryant 19 Jun 1979
CDR Charles S. Mitchell IV 22 Aug 1980
CDR Edwin E. Shipe III 28 Dec 1981
CDR Garold S. McDaniel 22 Mar 1983
CDR Paul R. Statskey 25 Jul 1984
CDR J. R. Hutchison 24 Jan 1986

Aircraft Assignment

Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received

A flight of squadron F9F-8 Cougars that deployed aboard Bon
Homme Richard’s (CVA 31) 1957 WestPac cruise. F9F-3 Jun 1956
F9F-8B Jul 1956
Home Port Assignments F9F-8 Oct 1956
FJ-4B 29 May 1958
Location Assignment Date
A4D-1 23 Dec 1958
NAS Miramar 04 Jun 1956 A4D-2/A-4B* Apr 1959
NAS Lemoore 30 Jun 1961 A-4E 15 Jul 1963
NS Yokosuka/Midway (CV 41)* 30 Jun 1973
A-4C 23 Jul 1966
NAS Lemoore May 1986
A-4E 18 Aug 1967
* Under the Overseas Home Port Program, VA-56 and CVW-5 were
A-7B Jan 1969
permanently based aboard Midway (CV 41) and home ported with A-7A Mar 1973
the carrier at Naval Station Yokosuka, Japan. The home port was A-7E 24 Apr 1977
officially changed on 30 June 1973. However, Midway did not arrive
in Japan until 5 October. Elements of VA-56, when not operating
* The A4D-2 designation was changed to A-4B in 1962.
from Midway, were based ashore at NAF Atsugi or Misawa, Japan.
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110 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

A squadron A-4C Skyhawk with Enterprise markings, 1966.

Major Overseas Deployments

Date of Date of Air Type of Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Aircraft Operation

12 Jul 1957 09 Dec 1957 CVG-5 CVA 31 F9F-8 WestPac

06 Mar 1960 10 Oct 1960 CVG-5 CVA 14 A4D-2 WestPac
10 May 1961 15 Jan 1962 CVG-5 CVA 14 A4D-2 WestPac
03 Jan 1963 15 Jul 1963 CVG-5 CVA 14 A-4B WestPac
14 Apr 1964 15 Dec 1964 CVW-5 CVA 14 A-4E WestPac/Vietnam
28 Sep 1965 13 May 1966 CVW-5 CVA 14 A-4E WestPac/Vietnam
19 Nov 1966 06 Jul 1967 CVW-9 CVAN 65 A-4C WestPac/Vietnam
03 Jan 1968 18 Jul 1968 CVW-9 CVAN 65 A-4E WestPac/Vietnam
14 Oct 1969 01 Jun 1970 CVW-2 CVA 61 A-7B WestPac/Vietnam
16 Apr 1971 06 Nov 1971 CVW-5 CVA 41 A-7B WestPac/Vietnam
10 Apr 1972 03 Mar 1973 CVW-5 CVA 41 A-7B WestPac/Vietnam
11 Sep 1973 05 Oct 1973 CVW-5 CVA 41 A-7A WestPac*
26 Nov 1973 22 Dec 1973 CVW-5 CVA 41 A-7A WestPac
29 Jan 1974 06 Mar 1974 CVW-5 CVA 41 A-7A WestPac
18 Oct 1974 20 Dec 1974 CVW-5 CVA 41 A-7A WestPac
13 Jan 1975 18 Feb 1975 CVW-5 CVA 41 A-7A WestPac
31 Mar 1975 29 May 1975 CVW-5 CVA 41 A-7A WestPac
04 Oct 1975 19 Dec 1975 CVW-5 CV 41 A-7A WestPac/IO
13 Mar 1976 26 Apr 1976 CVW-5 CV 41 A-7A WestPac
19 May 1976 22 Jun 1976 CVW-5 CV 41 A-7A WestPac
09 Jul 1976 04 Aug 1976 CVW-5 CV 41 A-7A WestPac
01 Nov 1976 17 Dec 1976 CVW-5 CV 41 A-7A WestPac
11 Jan 1977 01 Mar 1977 CVW-5 CV 41 A-7A WestPac
19 Apr 1977 02 Sep 1977 CVW-5 CV 41 A-7E WestPac†
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 111

Major Overseas Deployments—Continued

Date of Date of Air Type of Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Aircraft Operation

27 Sep 1977 21 Dec 1977 CVW-5 CV 41 A-7E WestPac/IO

11 Apr 1978 23 May 1978 CVW-5 CV 41 A-7E WestPac
09 Nov 1978 23 Dec 1978 CVW-5 CV 41 A-7E WestPac
11 Jan 1979 20 Feb 1979 CVW-5 CV 41 A-7E WestPac
07 Apr 1979 18 Jun 1979 CVW-5 CV 41 A-7E IO
20 Aug 1979 14 Sep 1979 CVW-5 CV 41 A-7E WestPac
30 Sep 1979 20 Feb 1980 CVW-5 CV 41 A-7E IO
14 Jul 1980 26 Nov 1980 CVW-5 CV 41 A-7E WestPac/IO
23 Feb 1981 05 Jun 1981 CVW-5 CV 41 A-7E WestPac/IO
26 Jun 1981 16 Jul 1981 CVW-5 CV 41 A-7E WestPac
03 Sep 1981 06 Oct 1981 CVW-5 CV 41 A-7E WestPac
26 Apr 1982 18 Jun 1982 CVW-5 CV 41 A-7E WestPac
14 Sep 1982 11 Dec 1982 CVW-5 CV 41 A-7E NorPac/WestPac
02 Jun 1983 13 Aug 1983 CVW-5 CV 41 A-7E WestPac
25 Oct 1983 11 Dec 1983 CVW-5 CV 41 A-7E WestPac
28 Dec 1983 23 May 1984 CVW-5 CV 41 A-7E IO
15 Oct 1984 12 Dec 1984 CVW-5 CV 41 A-7E WestPac
01 Feb 1985 14 Oct 1985 CVW-5 CV 41 A-7E IO/WestPac
15 Nov 1985 12 Dec 1985 CVW-5 CV 41 A-7E WestPac
17 Jan 1986 30 Mar 1986 CVW-5 CV 41 A-7E WestPac

* The squadron and Midway (CVA 41) arrived at their new home port, Naval Station Yokosuka, Japan. Since the squadron was permanently for-
ward deployed all future deployments for the squadron will cover only those operations outside the home waters of Japan. The squadron
returned to CONUS in May 1986, ending its overseas basing assignment.
† The squadron was shorebased at NAS Cubi Point during the latter part of April to August 1977 undergoing transitional training in the A-7E.

Air Wing Assignments Unit Awards Received—Continued

Air Wing Tail Code Assignment Date Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award
CVG-5/CVW-5* S/NF† 04 Jun 1956 21 Nov 1964 28 Nov 1964
CVW-9 NG 01 Jul 1966 10 Jan 1970 13 Jan 1970
COMFAIRALAMEDA Oct 1968 12 Apr 1970 13 Apr 1970
CVW-2 NE 09 Jun 1969 29 Apr 1975 30 Apr 1975
CVW-5 NF 01 Jun 1970 HSM 29 Apr 1975 30 Apr 1975
MUC 27 Oct 1969 12 May 1970
* Carrier Air Groups were redesignated Carrier Air Wings on 20
December 1963, hence, CVG-5 became CVW-5. 07 May 1971 28 Oct 1971
01 Jan 1978 20 May 1979
† CVG-5’s tail code was changed from S to NF in 1957. The effective
date was most likely the beginning of FY 58 (1 July 1957). 13 Nov 1979 08 Feb 1980
27 Jul 1982 01 May 1984
NEM 15 Apr 1979 06 Jun 1979
Unit Awards Received 21 Nov 1979 07 Feb 1980
19 Aug 1980 13 Nov 1980
Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award
12 Mar 1981 19 May 1981
NAVE 01 Jul 1959 30 Jun 1960 NUC 02 Aug 1964 05 Aug 1964
01 Jul 1977 31 Dec 1978 18 Dec 1966 20 Jan 1967
AFEM 26 Sep 1961 30 Sep 1961 14 Jan 1968 26 Jun 1968
27 Sep 1961 01 Oct 1961 29 Apr 1975 30 Apr 1975
10 Oct 1961 14 Oct 1961 01 Jan 1978 30 Jun 1979
16 Oct 1961 17 Oct 1961 PUC 30 Apr 1972 09 Feb 1973
02 Aug 1964 05 Aug 1964 RVNGC 30 Mar 1972 15 Jul 1972
11 Aug 1964 22 Sep 1964 VNSM 05 Nov 1965 01 Dec 1965
07 Oct 1964 29 Oct 1964 22 Dec 1965 14 Jan 1966
02 Nov 1964 06 Nov 1964 22 Jan 1966 16 Feb 1966
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112 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

Unit Awards Received—Continued Unit Awards Received—Continued

Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award
06 Mar 1966 31 Mar 1966 04 Apr 1969 17 Apr 1969
10 Apr 1966 21 Apr 1966 16 Nov 1969 07 Dec 1969
17 Dec 1966 17 Jan 1967 17 Dec 1969 12 Jan 1970
31 Jan 1967 03 Mar 1967 29 Jan 1970 18 Feb 1970
20 Mar 1967 18 Apr 1967 27 Feb 1970 30 Mar 1970
28 Apr 1967 26 May 1967 16 Apr 1970 14 May 1970
04 Jun 1967 21 Jun 1967 17 May 1971 09 Jun 1971
21 Feb 1968 17 Mar 1968 29 Jun 1971 20 Jul 1971
26 Mar 1968 24 Apr 1968
31 Jul 1971 17 Aug 1971
11 Jun 1972 07 Jul 1972
26 Sep 1971 11 Oct 1971
16 Jul 1972 13 Aug 1972
01 May 1972 01 Jun 1972
23 Aug 1972 10 Sep 1972
23 Oct 1972 23 Nov 1972 11 Jun 1972 07 Jul 1972
03 Dec 1972 22 Dec 1972 16 Jul 1972 13 Aug 1972
31 Dec 1972 23 Aug 1972 10 Sep 1972
04 Jan 1973 24 Jan 1973 23 Oct 1972 23 Nov 1972
30 Apr 1968 21 May 1968 03 Dec 1972 22 Dec 1972
30 May 1968 27 Jun 1968 31 Dec 1972
07 Jan 1969 30 Jan 1969 04 Jan 1973 24 Jan 1973
15 Feb 1969 16 Mar 1969 03 Feb 1973 09 Feb 1973

A flight of squadron A-7 Corsair IIs, 1973.

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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 113

SECOND VA-64 18 Nov–5 Dec 1962: On 18 November, in an unusu-

al at-sea evolution, VA-64 switched places with VA-34
Lineage and embarked in Enterprise (CVAN 65). The comple-
ments of both squadrons were lifted between carriers
Established as Attack Squadron SIXTY FOUR (VA-
by helicopters. Following the transfer the squadron
64) on 1 July 1961.
Disestablished on 7 November 1969. The second continued to operate in the Caribbean as part of the
squadron to be assigned the VA-64 designation. Cuban quarantine.
Mar 1964: The squadron conducted operations in
the vicinity of Cyprus during a conflict between
Squadron Insignia and Nickname Turkish and Greek Cypriots.
The squadron’s insignia was approved by CNO on 31 Jul–3 Oct 1964: The squadron participated in
26 December 1961. Colors for the insignia were: a operation Sea Orbit, the first circumnavigation of the
world by a nuclear task force. The sixty-five day voy-
age was accomplished without logistic replenishment.
The squadron participated in numerous air power
demonstrations during the voyage.
8 Jun 1967: VA-64’s aircraft were part of an Air Wing
6 strike group that was launched to defend Liberty
(AGTR 5) when she came under attack by the Israelis.
When word was received that the attack had been a
mistake on the part of the Israelis the aircraft were
recalled.
Nov 1968: The squadron provided an A-4C, two
pilots and seven enlisted personnel to augment the
VSF-1 detachment aboard Wasp. The detachment pro-
vided the ship with a day time air defense capability.

Home Port Assignments

Location Assignment Date

NAS Oceana 01 Jul 1961
NAS Cecil Field 15 Feb 1965

Commanding Officers
The Black Lancers’ insignia.
Date Assumed Command
white background outlined in black; the knight’s hel-
LCDR Paul A. Anderson 01 Jul 1961
met was black with white markings and red plumage;
and the scrolls had a white background, outlined in CDR R. A. Uhwat 31 May 1962
black, with black lettering. CDR F. E. Babineau 20 Jun 1963
Nickname: Black Lancers, circa 1961–1969. CDR David E. Scherrer 28 Jun 1964
CDR Max D. Barr 12 Jun 1965
CDR James E. Kneale 07 Jun 1966
Chronology of Significant Events CDR Keith C. Spayde, Jr. 12 Jun 1967
17 Feb–17 Jun 1962: VA-64 Det 48, formed to pro- CDR Jerald W. Bucklin 29 May 1968
vide an air defense capability for Carrier Anti- CDR Stuart T. Meredith 1969
Submarine Air Groups, deployed aboard Wasp (CVS
18) for a North Atlantic cruise. The detachment’s des-
Aircraft Assignment
ignation was changed to VA-64 Det 18B in April 1962.
Lieutenant Commander E. D. Herbert was officer-in- Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received
charge of the detachment during the cruise. A4D-2N/A-4C* 18 Jul 1961
Oct–18 Nov 1962: The squadron was embarked in A4D-2† 28 Dec 1961
Independence (CVA 62) operating in the Caribbean * The A4D-2N was redesignated A-4C in 1962.
Sea in support of the Cuban quarantine. † The A4D-2 was used by VA-64 Detachment 48.
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114 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

Major Overseas Deployments—Continued

Date of Date of Air Type of Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Aircraft Operation

06 Feb 1963 04 Sep 1963 CVG-6 CVAN 65 A-4C Med

08 Feb 1964 03 Oct 1964 CVW-6 CVAN 65 A-4C Med/World Cruise
30 Nov 1965 10 Jul 1966 CVW-6 CVA 66 A-4C Med
10 Jan 1967 20 Sep 1967 CVW-6 CVA 66 A-4C Med
30 Apr 1968 27 Jan 1969 CVW-7 CVA 62 A-4C Med
03 Sep 1969 09 Oct 1969 CVW-7 CVA 62 A-4C NorLant

Air Wing Assignments * CVG-6 was redesignated CVW-6 when all Carrier Air Group (CVG)
designations were changed to Carrier Air Wings (CVW) on 20
Air Wing Tail Code Assignment Date December 1963. Sometime in the latter part of 1962 CVG-6’s tail
code was changed from AF to AE.
CVG-6 AF 01 Jul 1961
CVG-1 AB 08 Feb 1962
COMFAIRNORFOLK 31 Jul 1962 Unit Awards Received
CVG-7 AG 01 Oct 1962
CVG-6/CVW-6* AF/AE* 18 Nov 1962 Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award
CVW-7 AG 16 Oct 1967 AFEM 24 Oct 1962 20 Nov 1962

A squadron A-4C Skyhawk is prepared for launch from America (CVA 66) in 1965.
 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 115

After VT-74 was redesignated VA-2B, it continued to

SECOND VA-65 use the old insignia until 17 April 1947 when CNO
approved a new insignia for the squadron. The
Lineage insignia adopted by VA-2B reflected the squadron’s
Established as Torpedo Squadron SEVENTY FOUR new attack mission. The horsehead chess piece was
(VT-74) on 1 May 1945. designed to relate the squadron’s power to that of a
Redesignated Attack Squadron TWO B (VA-2B) on medieval knight and the fleur-de-lis represented
15 November 1946. integrity. Colors for the insignia were: a yellow back-
Redesignated Attack Squadron TWENTY FIVE (VA- ground; red scroll with yellow lettering, black banner
25) on 1 September 1948. with a black and white pole; white knight with a yel-
Redesignated Attack Squadron SIXTY FIVE (VA-65) low collar; a white lightning bolt; and the Fleur-de-lis
on 1 July 1959. was red with a black band.
Diesestablished on 31 March 1993. The second The Knight insignia continued as the official insignia
squadron to be assigned the VA-65 designation. for the squadron following its redesignation to VA-25
on 1 September 1948. A new insignia for VA-25 was
approved by CNO on 4 April 1950. The new insignia
Squadron Insignia and Nickname
was a front view of a tiger on the prowl. Colors were:
The squadron’s first insignia was approved by CNO yellow background; brown tiger with green eyes, and
white teeth, whiskers and claws; and a red tongue and
mouth. When VA-25 was redesignated VA-65 in 1959
the tiger insignia was retained and remained VA-65’s
insignia until its disestablishment.
Nickname: Tigers, 1950–1993.

Chronology of Significant Events

7 Nov 1945: Squadron embarked in Midway (CVB
41) for her shakedown cruise. The squadron had origi-
nally been established for the purpose of being part of
the Midway Air Group.
Jul–Aug 1948: The squadron participated in operation
CAMID III, close air support for amphibious landings.
During this operation the squadron became the first VA
unit in the Atlantic Fleet to fire Tiny Tim rockets.
The beast was the squadron’s first insignia. It was designed by the 1–20 Jun 1961: Following a four-hour notice for an
squadron when they were flying the SB2C, nicknamed the “Beast.”
emergency deployment, VA-65 deployed to the
Caribbean Sea aboard Intrepid (CVA 11) due to unset-
on 9 August 1945. During the time when the
tled conditions in the Dominican Republic following
squadron’s insignia was approved, VT-74 was flying
the assassination of General Trujillo.
the SB2C which was nicknamed the Beast. Conse-
3 Aug–11 Oct 1962: VA-65 was aboard for the maid-
quently, the squadron’s insignia took on the shape of
en cruise of the world’s first nuclear powered aircraft
a beast riding a torpedo. There is no record of the col-
carrier, Enterprise (CVAN 65), during her deployment
ors used for this insignia.
to the Mediterranean Sea.
19 Oct–6 Dec 1962: VA-65 was back at sea aboard
Enterprise one week after returning from a Med cruise
and headed for the Caribbean Sea due to the Cuban
missile crisis. The squadron participated in the naval
quarantine of Cuba.
31 Jul–3 Oct 1964: The squadron participated in
Operation Sea Orbit as part of CVW-6 aboard Enter-
prise. This operation was an around-the-world voyage
of a task force composed of all nuclear powered
ships. The sixty-five day cruise was accomplished
without logistic support, which demonstrated the
Following the squadron’s redes- The squadron’s last insignia, the capability of these ships to steam to any area in the
ignation as an attack squadron, prowling tiger, was in use for over world and project power without support.
the knight chess piece insignia 40 years and was a well-known 15 Jun 1966: VA-65 conducted its first combat sortie.
was approved. insignia in naval aviation.
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116 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

1 Jul 1966: VA-65’s aircraft joined other CVW-15 air- 7 Mar 1985: VA-65 and Dwight D. Eisenhower cut
craft in attacking and sinking three North Vietnamese short a port visit to Palma, Spain and departed on a
patrol vessels that were approaching Coontz (DLG 9) high speed transit to the Eastern Mediterranean due to
at high speed. the increased tension in Lebanon. The squadron oper-
25–31 Oct 1966: Due to the inclement weather, the ated in the vicinity of Lebanon until early April.
squadron’s all-weather A-6As were used to the maxi- 1 Sep 1986: VA-65 was assigned to CVW-13 and
mum. During this period VA-65 flew 37 percent of all Coral Sea (CV 43) as part of the Coral Sea Concept
Yankee Team sorties in North Vietnam. whereby two A-6 Intruder squadrons would be part of
29 Jul 1967: VA-65 personnel were among those the air wing and share a common aircraft maintenance
killed or injured when a flight deck explosion and fire department. The concept was intended to reduce the
occurred on Forrestal (CVA 59) during operations on number of personnel needed to support the squadrons.
Yankee Station. 29 Sep 1987: VA-65 deployed to the Mediterranean
Jul–Dec 1967: Due to the fire on the Forrestal and Sea aboard Coral Sea as the first Night Vision Goggle
her departure from combat duty on Yankee Station, (NVG) capable A-6 squadron.
VA-65 sent a detachment (Det-64) to the Constellation Aug–Sep 1989: Coral Sea (CV 43), with VA-65
(CVA 64) to augment VA-196 for the remainder of the embarked, was ordered to operate off the coast of
ship’s 1967 combat tour in Vietnam. Lebanon following terrorist claims to have killed an
May–Jun 1969: Kitty Hawk (CVA 63), with VA-65 American hostage, Lieutenant Colonel William R.
aboard, relieved Enterprise in the Sea of Japan. Higgins, and the capture of Sheik Obeid from Lebanon
Enterprise had been ordered to operate in the area as by Israeli forces. The unstable situation in Lebanon
a result of the shoot down in April of an unarmed ultimately led to the evacuation of the American
Navy EC-121 reconnaissance aircraft by North Korean Embassy. Squadron aircraft flew missions in support of
MiGs. VA-65 conducted operations in the area during the evacuation.
this two month period. Jan–Feb 1990: The squadron was embarked in
9 Sep–5 Oct 1970: VA-65 operated from Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) for her shakedown cruise.
Independence (CVA 62) on Bravo Station off the coast Jan–Feb 1991: The squadron participated in
of Israel as a result of the crisis in Jordan and the Operation Desert Storm, the liberation of Kuwait from
hijacking of three commerical airliners. Iraqi forces. Squadron aircraft struck targets in Iraq,
7 Oct–3 Nov & 9–21 Nov 1973: After the outbreak of Iraqi forces in Kuwait, and Iraqi naval units. The
the Yom Kippur War (Arab-Israeli War of 1973), VA-65 squadron claimed the destruction (sinking) of 22 Iraqi
operated from Independence in an area southwest of naval vessels during the conflict.
Crete and provided tanker support to fighter aircraft Apr–May 1991: VA-65 participated in Operation
escorting Air Force One on Secretary of State Provide Comfort, flying close air support sorties over
Kissinger’s mission to Israel as well as tanker support Northern Iraq in support of the 24th Marine
for A-4 Skyhawks being ferried to Israel from the Expeditionary Unit’s mission to aid the Kurdish
United States. refugees in Iraq.
4–22 Aug 1974: Independence, with VA-65 26 Mar 1993: The squadron held a disestablishment
embarked, operated between Crete and Cyprus in ceremony at NAS Oceana, it was officially disestab-
response to the crisis in Cyprus and the death of the lished on 31 March 1993.
American Ambassador to Cyprus at the hands of anti-
American demonstrators.
12 Mar 1975: During exercises in the Caribbean Sea,
VA-65 conducted cross deck operations with HMS Ark
Royal.
Nov 1975: During the NATO exercise Ocean Safari
in the North Altantic, the squadron once again con-
ducted cross deck operations with HMS Ark Royal.
15 Apr 1980: VA-65 deployed aboard Dwight D.
Eisenhower (CVN 69) to the Indian Ocean after
Iranians took the American Embassy personnel
hostage.
22 Dec 1980: VA-65 returned from its deployment
that included only one port visit of five days in dura-
tion and a total of 246 days at sea.
24 Jun 1982: VA-65 provided support during the
A rare photo of a squadron SB2C in post-World War II markings.
evacuation of American and foreign civilians from What is even more interesting is the fact that a torpedo squadron
Beiruit, Lebanon. was assigned an aircraft designed primarily as a bomber.
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 117

Home Port Assignments Commanding Officers—Continued

Location Assignment Date Date Assumed Command

NAAF Otis Field, Camp Edwards 01 May 1945 CDR Ralph H. Coon 23 Feb 1990
NAS Norfolk Oct 1945 CDR Thomas J. Ross 12 Aug 1991
NAAS Charlestown Feb 1946 CDR James K. Stark, Jr. 04 Sep 1992
NAAS Oceana Jun 1946
CGAS Elizabeth City 20 Nov 1950
NAAS Oceana/NAS Oceana* 20 Sep 1951
* NAAS Oceana was redesignated NAS Oceana on 1 April 1952.

Commanding Officers

Date Assumed Command

LCDR Howard U. Bush 01 May 1945
LCDR John J. Hilton 05 Oct 1945
LCDR J. C. Micheel 16 Nov 1946
CDR K. W. Caffey 09 Apr 1947
CDR Arthur B. Sweet 11 Jun 1948
LCDR William W. Jones (Acting) 07 Sep 1949
CDR Arthur M. Ershler 10 Nov 1949 Squadron AD-6 Skyraiders are directed to the catapult aboard
Intrepid (CVA 11) in 1961.
CDR Ray C. Tylutki 31 May 1951
LCDR Jean C. Mills 27 Oct 1952
CDR Thomas H. Stetson Sep 1953 Aircraft Assignment
CDR Roy P. Gee Feb 1955 Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received
CDR William G. Weber Apr 1956
SBW-4E May 1945
LCDR John R. O’Neil, Jr. 25 Nov 1957
SB2C-4E Jul1945
CDR Leland B. Cornell 17 Dec 1957
SB2C-5 Feb 1946
CDR William D. McNair 11 Sep 1959
TBM-3E Feb 1946
CDR Maurice O. Rishel 16 Nov 1960
SBW-5 1946
CDR W. F. Offtermatt 23 Oct 1961
SNJ-4 Jul 1947
CDR Harry W. Swinburne, Jr. 19 Oct 1962
AD-1 Jul 1947
CDR William J. Whitney 04 Jul 1963
AD-4 01 Dec 1949
CDR Norman E. Larsen 01 May 1964
AD-6/A-1H* Oct 1953
CDR William N. Small 30 Nov 1964
A-6A Mar 1965
CDR Robert C. Mandeville 30 Jun 1966
A-6B Dec 1968
CDR Frank Cramblet Jun 1967
KA-6D 1971†
CDR St. Clair Smith 14 Jun 1968 A-6E 03 May 1972
CDR Michael F. Andrassy 16 Jun 1969
CDR Peter B. Easton 19 Jun 1970 * AD-6 designation changed in 1962 to A-1H.
CDR William P. Lyons 10 Jun 1971 † The KA-6D was received sometime between April and June 1971.
CDR Thomas E. Shanahan 23 Jun 1972
CDR Paul F. Hollandsworth 29 Jun 1973
CDR Charles D. Hawkins, Jr. 25 Jun 1974
CDR George H. Strohsahl, Jr. 27 Jun 1975
CDR Donald L. Hahn 14 Sep 1976
CDR William R. Needham 16 Dec 1977
CDR Herbert A. Browne, Jr. 23 Mar 1979
CDR Joseph W. Prueher 20 Jun 1980
CDR Dickey P. Davis 25 Sep 1981
CDR Robert E. Houser 07 Dec 1982
CDR William J. Fallon 03 May 1984
CDR Robert L. Leitzel 06 Sep 1985
CDR Stephen H. Baker 13 Feb 1987
CDR Michael C. Vogt 12 Aug 1988 A squadron A-6A Intruder in flight with a load of bombs, 1970.
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118 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

Major Overseas Deployments

Date of Date of Air Type of Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Aircraft Operation

29 Oct 1947 11 Mar 1948 CVBG-1 CVB 41 AD-1 Med

03 May 1949 25 Sep 1949 CVG-2 CVB 43 AD-1 Med
10 Jan 1951 18 May 1951 CVG-6 CVB 42 AD-4 Med
09 Jan 1952 05 May 1952 CVG-6 CVB 41 AD-4 Med
26 Aug 1952 08 Oct 1952 CVG-6 CVB 41 AD-4 NorLant
01 Dec 1952 19 May 1953 CVG-6 CVA 41 AD-4 Med
04 Jan 1954 04 Aug 1954 CVG-6 CVA 41 AD-6 Med
09 Oct 1955 30 Apr 1956 CVG-6 CVA 39 AD-6 Med
03 Sep 1957 21 Oct 1957 CVG-6 CVA 11 AD-6 NorLant
12 Feb 1959 30 Aug 1959 CVG-6 CVA 11 AD-6 Med
04 Aug 1960 17 Feb 1961 CVG-6 CVA 11 AD-6 Med
03 Aug 1961 01 Mar 1962 CVG-6 CVA 11 AD-6 Med
03 Aug 1962 11 Oct 1962 CVG-6 CVAN 65 A-1H Med
19 Oct 1962 06 Dec 1962 CVG-6 CVAN 65 A-1H Carib
06 Feb 1963 04 Sep 1963 CVG-6 CVAN 65 A-1H Med
08 Feb 1964 03 Oct 1964 CVW-6 CVAN 65 A-1H Med/World Cruise
12 May 1966 03 Dec 1966 CVW-15 CVA 64 A-6A WestPac/Vietnam
06 Jun 1967 15 Sep 1967 CVW-17 CVA 59 A-6A WestPac/Vietnam
30 Dec 1968 04 Sep 1969 CVW-11 CVA 63 A-6A/B WestPac/Vietnam
23 Jun 1970 31 Jan 1971 CVW-7 CVA 62 A-6A Med
16 Sep 1971 16 Mar 1972 CVW-7 CVA 62 A-6A/KA-6D NorLant/Med
21 Jun 1973 19 Jan 1974 CVW-7 CV 62 A-6E/KA-6D Med
19 Jul 1974 21 Jan 1975 CVW-7 CV 62 A-6E/KA-6D Med
15 Oct 1975 05 May 1976 CVW-7 CV 62 A-6E/KA-6D NorLant/Med
31 Mar 1977 21 Oct 1977 CVW-7 CV 62 A-6E/KA-6D Med
16 Jan 1979 13 Jul 1979 CVW-7 CVN 69 A-6E/KA-6D Med
15 Apr 1980 22 Dec 1980 CVW-7 CVN 69 A-6E/KA-6D IO
20 Aug 1981 07 Oct 1981 CVW-7 CVN 69 A-6E/KA-6D NorLant
05 Jan 1982 13 Jul 1982 CVW-7 CVN 69 A-6E/KA-6D Med
27 Apr 1983 02 Dec 1983 CVW-7 CVN 69 A-6E/KA-6D Med
08 May 1984 20 Jun 1984 CVW-7 CVN 69 A-6E/KA-6D Carib/NorLant
10 Oct 1984 08 May 1985 CVW-7 CVN 69 A-6E/KA-6D Med
08 Jul 1985 22 Aug 1985 CVW-7 CVN 69 A-6E/KA-6D Carib
29 Sep 1987 28 Mar 1988 CVW-13 CV 43 A-6E Med
31 May 1989 30 Sep 1989 CVW-13 CV 43 A-6E Med
28 Dec 1990 28 Jun 1991 CVW-8 CVN 71 A-6E Med/Red Sea/
Persian Gulf

A KA-6D from VA-65 refuels an RA-5C Vigilante, 1971.

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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 119

Air Wing Assignments Unit Awards—Continued

Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award
Air Wing Tail Code Assignment Date
01 Jan 1991 31 Dec 1991
CVG-74 01 May 1945 AFEM 24 Oct 1962 21 Nov 1962
CVBG-1* M 15 Nov 1946 15 May 1969
CVG-2† M 01 Sep 1948 25 May 1969 27 May 1969
CVG-6 C Aug 1950 05 Jun 1969
CVG-6 AF‡ 07 Jun 1969 15 Jun 1969
CVG-6/CVW-6§ AE§ 25 Jun 1969
RCVW-4 AD 01 Jan 1965 06 Jun 1983 14 Jun 1983
COMFAIRNORFOLK 05 Jun 1965 27 Jul 1983 30 Aug 1983
CVW-15 NL 20 Feb 1966 01 Sep 1983 19 Oct 1983
COMFAIRNORFOLK 03 Dec 1966 27 Oct 1983 20 Nov 1983
CVW-17 AA 22 Dec 1966 MUC 09 Sep 1970 05 Oct 1970
COMFAIRNORFOLK 15 Sep 1967 30 Mar 1988 30 Sep 1989
CVW-11 NH 1968 NEM 29 Apr 1980 16 Jul 1980
COMFAIRNORFOLK Sep 1969 22 Jul 1980 08 Dec 1980
CVW-7 AG Feb 1970 25 May 1983 27 May 1983
CVW-13 AK 01 Sep 1986 NUC 15 Jan 1969 27 Aug 1969
CVW-8 AJ 30 Oct 1989 29 Apr 1980 10 Dec 1980
* CVG-74 was redesignated CVBG-1 on 15 November 1946.
21 Jul 1983 20 Nov 1983
27 Oct 1984 24 Apr 1985
† CVBG-1 was redesignated CVG-2 on 1 September 1948.
17 Jan 1991 07 Feb 1991
‡ CVG-6’s tail code was changed from C to AF in the latter part of
1957. The effective date was most likely the beginning of FY 58 (1 VNSM 14 Jun 1966 13 Jul 1966
July 1957). 27 Jul 1966 31 Aug 1966
§ CVG-6’s tailcode was changed from AF to AE sometime in the lat- 08 Sep 1966 01 Oct 1966
ter part of 1962. Carrier Air Groups (CVG) were redesignated Carrier 19 Oct 1966 09 Nov 1966
Air Wings (CVW) on 20 December 1963, hence, CVG-6 became 23 Jul 1967 30 Jul 1967
CVW-6.
12 Aug 1967
27 Jan 1969 01 Mar 1969
Unit Awards 12 Mar 1969 05 Apr 1969
Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award 17 Apr 1969 10 May 1969
NAVE 1948 1948* 28 Jun 1969 15 Jul 1969
01 Jul 1951 30 Jun 1952 27 Jul 1969 16 Aug 1969
01 Jul 1959 30 Jun 1960 KLM 7 Jan 1991 28 Feb 1991
1967 1967† SASM 14 Jan 1991 20 Apr 1991
JMUC 05 Apr 1991 16 Jul 1991
01 Oct 1977 30 Sep 1978
01 Oct 1979 30 Sep 1980 * The award covers the competitive year 1948.
01 Jan 1984 31 Dec 1984 † The award covers the competitive year 1967.

A British Victor tanker refuels a squadron KA-6D Intruder and an F-4 Phantom II. Note the refueling line and basket being trailed by the squadron’s KA-6D.
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120 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

SECOND VA-66 14 Aug 1962: The squadron participated in cross

deck operations aboard the British carrier HMS
Lineage Hermes (R-12).
Oct–Dec 1962: While embarked in Enterprise (CVAN
65), the squadron participated in the Cuban Blockade.
Reserve Fighter Squadron SIX SEVENTY ONE (VF- 31 Jul–3 Oct 1964: Enterprise (CVAN 65), with VA-66
671) was called to active duty on 1 February 1951. embarked, participated in operation Sea Orbit, the first
Redesignated Fighter Squadron EIGHTY ONE (VF- circumnavigation of the world by a nuclear task force.
81) on 4 February 1953. The sixty-five day voyage was accomplished without
Redesignated Attack Squadron SIXTY SIX (VA-66) replenishment. The squadron participated in numer-
on 1 July 1955. ous air power demonstrations during the voyage.
Disestablished on 1 October 1986. The second 8 Jun 1967: VA-66’s aircraft were part of an Air Wing
squadron to be assigned the VA-66 designation. A VA-66 6 strike group that was launched to defend Liberty
detachment continued in existence until 31 March 1987. (AGTR 5) when she came under attack by the Israelis
during the 1967 Israeli-Arab War. When word was
Squadron Insignia and Nickname received that the attack had been a mistake on the
part of the Israelis, the aircraft were recalled.
The squadron’s first insignia was approved by CNO
Jun 1970: VA-66, embarked in Forrestal (CVA 59),
on 28 September 1953. No description or photograph
operated in the Eastern Mediterranean after Americans
of it is available in the squadron records.
were taken hostage by the Popular Front for the
The squadron’s sec-
Liberation of Palestine in Amman, Jordan.
ond insignia was
Oct–Nov 1973: Embarked on Independence (CV 62),
approved by CNO on 25
the squadron operated south of Crete during the Arab-
January 1955. This
Israeli War.
insignia, a rooster toting
Aug 1974: Independence (CV 62) relieved America
a machine gun, became
(CV 66) off Cyprus following a coup on the island.
a well known design
During the crisis the American Ambassador was killed
during the next three
and anti-American demonstrations took place which led
decades. Colors for the
to the evacuation of U.S. citizens to American vessels.
insignia were: a black
15 Apr 1980: Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69)
background outlined in
deployed to the Indian Ocean as part of the continu-
red; the rooster was red
The official records do not con- ing response to the hostage crisis in Iran.
tain a copy of the squadron’s first
with black markings; his
22 Dec 1980: The squadron returned from its
insignia. However, the second feet and beak were yel-
insignia, a rooster toting a deployment to the Indian Ocean after spending a total
low, as well as the life
machine gun, is a well-known of 246 days at sea. With only one port visit, the
design in naval aviation.
vest; the face, hands
longest at sea period was for 153 days.
and neck were white
Jun 1982: After the Israeli invasion of Lebanon on 6
with black markings
June, VA-66 operated in the Eastern Mediterranean.
and he had black eyes; his claws and spurs were gray;
During the latter part of June the American carrier
the machine gun was gray with black markings and
forces in the Mediterranean included Eisenhower (CVN
white smoke trailing from the barrel; and the banner
65), Independence (CV 62), Forrestal (CV 59), and
was white, outlined in black and with black letters.
John F. Kennedy (CV 67).
The insignia continued in use following the squadron’s
24 Jun 1982: VA-66 provided air support during the
redesignation on 1 July 1955.
evacuation of Americans from Beirut, Lebanon, prior
Nickname: Waldomen, circa 1950s-early 1960s.
to the siege of Beirut by the Israelis.
Waldos, circa early 1960s–1987.
25 Oct 1983: Due to the bombing of the Marine
Corps barracks in Beirut, Eisenhower (CVN 65) termi-
Chronology of Significant Events nated its visit to Naples anddeparted for the eastern
Jan–Feb 1953: VF-81, with its F9F-5s, participated in Mediterranean. The squadron operated in the vicinity
operational tests aboard the Navy’s first angled deck of Lebanon until the latter part of November.
carrier, Antietam (CVA 36). 7 Mar 1985: Eisenhower (CVN 65) cut short a visit to
Apr 1954: VF-81 became the first operational fleet Palma, Spain, and made a high speed transit to the
squadron to receive and operate the F7U Cutlass. Eastern Mediterranean due to the increased tension in
27 May 1959: During the squadron’s deployment to Lebanon.
the Mediterranean Sea, the commanding officer, 1 Oct 1986: The Waldos of VA-66 were officially dis-
Commander McNeil, was killed in an aircraft accident established but continued to operate as a detachment.
during a practice Carrier Controlled Approach. The detachment continued to operate because its pri-
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 121

mary mission during the deployment was to provide Commanding Officers—Continued

Harm missile support for the air wing and carrier.
30 Jan 1987: Kennedy (CV 67) cancelled its port visit Date Assumed Command
to Malaga, Spain, and made a high speed transit to the CDR E. C. Griffin 28 Jun 1959
eastern Mediterranean due to the increased tension CDR R. I. Kasten 06 Jul 1960
over the hostages held in Lebanon. CDR J. S. Herman 26 May 1961
31 Mar 1987: VA-66 Detachment was disestablished. CDR J. M. Tierney 04 May 1962
CDR R. E. Spruit 31 May 1963
CDR D. L. Hancock 11 May 1964
CDR W. B. Bagwell 23 Apr 1965
CDR L. Wayne Smith 06 Jun 1966
CDR E. M. Crow 06 Jun 1967
CDR W. E. Ramsey May 1968
CDR A. J. Karpaitis Feb 1969
CDR B. A. White Jan 1970
CDR W. C. Nix Aug 1970
CDR J. J. Fleming Jun 1971
CDR L. E. Barringer Jun 1972
CDR R. C. Macke 13 Aug 1973
CDR D. P. March Nov 1974
CDR Robert T. Davis 05 Mar 1976
A squadron F4U-4 Corsair during its deployment to the Med aboard
Tarawa (CV 40) in 1952 (Courtesy Duane Kasulka Collection). CDR Stuart J. Fitrell 03 Jun 1977
CDR James E. Gill Jun 1978
Home Port Assignments CDR Frank H. Gerwe, Jr. 02 Aug 1979
CDR Kent W. Ewing 11 Oct 1980
Location Assignment Date CDR Richard D. Lichtermann II 05 Feb 1982
NAS Atlanta 01 Feb 1951 CDR Robert W. Nordman 13 Apr 1983
NAS Jacksonville 05 Apr 1951 CDR Robert J. Kelsey 03 Oct 1984
NAS Quonset 28 Sep 1951 CDR Richard L. Marquis 15 Apr 1986
NAS Oceana 11 Jun 1952
NAS Cecil Field 15 Mar 1965
Aircraft Assignment

Commanding Officers Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received

F4U-4 Feb 1951
Date Assumed Command F8F-2 13 Jun 1952
CDR H. K. Pryce 01 Feb 1951 F9F-5 05 Dec 1952
CDR J. M. James 30 Sep 1952 F7U-3 Apr 1954
F9F-8B Aug 1956
CDR Herman J. Harders Oct 1953
A4D-1 Mar 1958
CDR W. Manby, Jr. Jun 1955
A4D-2 Jun 1958
CDR Uncas L. Fretwell Aug 1955
A4D-2N/A-4C* Mar 1961
CDR Robert J. Selmer Sep 1956 A-7E Oct 1970
CDR W. J. McNeil, Jr. 16 Dec 1957
CDR D. V. Marshall, Jr. (acting) 27 May 1959 * The A4D-2N designation was changed to A-4C in 1962.

Major Overseas Deployments

Date of Date of Air Type of Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Aircraft Operation

28 Nov 1951 11 Jun 1952 CVG-8 CV 40 F4U-4 Med

26 Apr 1953 21 Oct 1953 CVG-8 CVA 43 F9F-5 Med
04 Nov 1955 02 Aug 1956 CVG-3 CVA 14 F7U-3 Med
03 Sep 1957 22 Oct 1957 CVG-6 CVA 11 F9F-8B NorLant
13 Feb 1959 30 Aug 1959 CVG-6 CVA 11 A4D-2 Med
04 Aug 1960 17 Feb 1961 CVG-6 CVA 11 A4D-2 Med
03 Aug 1961 01 Mar 1962 CVG-6 CVA 11 A4D-2N Med
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122 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

Major Overseas Deployments—Continued

Date of Date of Air Type of Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Aircraft Operation

03 Aug 1962 11 Oct 1962 CVG-6 CVAN 65 A4D-2N Med

06 Feb 1963 04 Sep 1963 CVG-6 CVAN 65 A-4C Med
08 Feb 1964 03 Oct 1964 CVW-6 CVAN 65 A-4C Med/World Cruise
30 Nov 1965 10 Jul 1966 CVW-6 CVA 66 A-4C Med
10 Jan 1967 20 Sep 1967 CVW-6 CVA 66 A-4C Med
04 Jun 1968 08 Feb 1969 CVW-10 CVS 11 A-4C WestPac/Vietnam
02 Dec 1969 08 Jul 1970 CVW-17 CVA 59 A-4C Med
16 Sep 1971 16 Mar 1972 CVW-7 CVA 62 A-7E NorLant/Med
21 Jun 1973 19 Jan 1974 CVW-7 CV 62 A-7E Med
19 Jul 1974 21 Jan 1975 CVW-7 CV 62 A-7E Med
15 Oct 1975 05 May 1976 CVW-7 CV 62 A-7E NorLant/Med
31 Mar 1977 21 Oct 1977 CVW-7 CV 62 A-7E Med
16 Jan 1979 13 Jul 1979 CVW-7 CVN 69 A-7E Med
15 Apr 1980 22 Dec 1980 CVW-7 CVN 69 A-7E IO
20 Aug 1981 07 Oct 1981 CVW-7 CVN 69 A-7E NorLant
05 Jan 1982 13 Jul 1982 CVW-7 CVN 69 A-7E Med
27 Apr 1983 02 Dec 1983 CVW-7 CVN 69 A-7E Med
08 May 1984 20 Jun 1984 CVW-7 CVN 69 A-7E Carib/NorLant
10 Oct 1984 08 May 1985 CVW-7 CVN 69 A-7E Med
08 Jul 1985 22 Aug 1985 CVW-7 CVN 69 A-7E Carib
18 Aug 1986 02 Mar 1987 CVW-3 CV 67 A-7E Med

Air Wing Assignments—Continued

Air Wing Tail Code Assignment Date

COMLATWING-1 09 Jul 1970
CVW-7 AG 1971
CVW-3 01 Oct 1986‡
* CVG-6 was redesignated CVW-6 when all Carrier Air Group (CVG)
designations were redesignated Carrier Air Wings (CVW) on 20
December 1963.
† CVG-6’s tail code was changed from C to AF in 1957. The effective
date was most likely the beginning of FY 58 (1 July 1957). Sometime
in the latter part of 1962 CVG-6’s tail code was changed from AF to
AE.
‡ VA-66 deployed with CVW-3 in John F. Kennedy (CV 67) in August
1986. Administratively, it continued to be assigned to CVW-7 until its
offical disestablishment on 1 October 1986. After that date, the same
organization continued to operate as a detachment assigned to
A squadron F7U-3 Cutlass on the flight line, believed to be at NAS CVW-3 until the deployment ended in March 1987.
Port Lyautey, Morocco. The squadron was stationed at the air station
during part of its 1953 Med cruise.

Air Wing Assignments

Air Wing Tail Code Assignment Date

CVG-8 E 09 Apr 1951
CVG-6 C 01 Jul 1955
CVG-3 K Nov 1955
CVG-6/CVW-6* C/AF/AE† Aug 1956
CVW-7 AG 06 Oct 1967
CVW-10 AK Jan 1968
CVW-17 AA 02 Jun 1969 A squadron A4D-2 Skyhawk in 1959.
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 123

Unit Awards Received Unit Awards Received—Continued

Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award
AFEM 24 Oct 1962 03 Dec 1962 29 Apr 1980 10 Dec 1980
06 Jun 1983 14 Jun 1983 21 Jul 1983 20 Nov 1983
27 Jul 1983 30 Aug 1983 RVNGC 01 Oct 1968 01 Nov 1968
01 Sep 1983 19 Oct 1983 SLOC Oct 1978 Dec 1979
27 Oct 1983 20 Nov 1983 VNSM 11 Jul 1968 12 Jul 1968
NEM 19 Oct 1962 23 Oct 1962
14 Jul 1968 15 Jul 1968
29 Apr 1980 16 Jul 1980
23 Jul 1968 22 Aug 1968
22 Jul 1980 08 Dec 1980
25 May 1983 27 May 1983 14 Oct 1968 14 Nov 1968
NUC 06 Jul 1968 16 Jan 1969 03 Dec 1968 27 Dec 1968

Two squadron A-7E Corsair IIs show the difference between the old and new paint schemes in 1984. The gun-toting rooster insignia is on the tail
of both aircraft.
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124 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

VA-72 Nickname: Hawks,

circa early 1950s-early
Lineage 1960s.
Established as Bomber Fighter Squadron EIGHTEEN Blue Hawks, early
(VBF-18) on 25 January 1945. 1960s–1991.
Redesignated Fighter Squadron EIGHT A (VF-8A) on
15 November 1946. Chronology of
Redesignated Fighter Squadron SEVENTY TWO (VF- Significant Events
72) on 28 July 1948.
Redesignated Attack Squadron SEVENTY TWO (VA- Sep–Dec 1946: Parti-
72) on 3 January 1956. In the mid-1950s, the squadron cipated in Leyte (CV 32)
Disestablished on 30 June 1991. The first squadron modified the hawk insignia. Thisshakedown cruise in the
insignia was used by VA-72 for 35
to be assigned the VA-72 designation. Caribbean and a good-
years until its disestablishment.
will cruise to South
Squadron Insignia and Nickname America for the inauguration of Chile’s President.
19 Aug 1948: Squadron commanding officer,
The squadron’s first insignia was approved by CNO
Lieutenant Commander B. F. Haker, lost at sea while
on 9 April 1946. Colors for the bear-cat insignia were:
attempting a carrier approach.
white upper background
25 Jan 1949: Cross deck operations with the British
and sky blue lower
background outlined in carrier HMS Triumph in the Mediterranean.
black; black bear-cat Apr 1961: The squadron operated from
with white markings and Independence (CVA 62) in an area south of
a red tongue; white Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, during the Bay of Pigs, the
cloud with sky blue unsuccessful invasion of Cuba by American supported
markings; white and Cuban exiles.
black carrier and the 22 Oct–22 Nov 1962: Participated in the Cuban
waves extending from Quarantine while embarked in Independence.
the carrier were white, 10–16 May 1963: A detachment of three aircraft
streaked with black; and deployed in Wasp (CVS 18) to provide courier service
The bearcat was the squadron’s
first insignia.
a black bomb and gun during a Mercury Project space flight of the Faith 7
with white markings. capsule.
On 5 December 1950 a new insignia was 17 Oct 1965: The squadron’s executive officer,
approved by CNO. Colors for the peregrine falcon Commander H. B. Southworth, led the first successful
were: a red outline with upper background white strike against a surface-to-air SA-2 missile installation
and the lower background blue; the falcon had a in North Vietnam. The strike was composed of four
black head with gray feathers and black markings; VA-72 A-4Es and one A-6A from VA-75.
the beak, eye and feet were yellow with black mark- 18 Sep 1970: While operating in the Caribbean
ings and the aboard John F. Kennedy (CVA 67), the squadron was
tongue was red. ordered to deploy with the carrier to the
Following the Mediterranean due to the fighting between Jordanian
squadron’s redes- and Palestinian forces and the intervention of Syria on
ignation in 1956 behalf of the Palestinians.
it continued to Oct 1973: With the outbreak of war in the Middle
East (Yon Kippur War), Kennedy and her air wing,
use the falcon
while operating in the North Atlantic after just com-
insignia but mod-
pleting a Mediterranean deployment, were ordered
ified it to include
back to the Mediterranean. VA-72 conducted flight
a scroll with the
operations while the carrier was on station south of
word ATAKRON Crete, from the latter part of October through mid
72. The scroll is November.
outlined in red, 17–19 Sep 1985: VA-72, along with other units of
with a white CVW-1, were the first to conduct flight operations from
background and a carrier operating inside a fjord. America (CV 66)
The hawk insignia was adopted by the
squadron in 1950. blue letters. operated in Vestfjord, Norway, during this evolution.
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 125

22–27 Mar 1986: During Freedom of Navigation Home Port Assignments

Exercises in the Gulf of Sidra and the resulting combat
action with Libyan forces, VA-72 flew patrols to protect Location Assignment Date
the task force from attack by surface ships or sub- NAS Astoria 25 Jan 1945
marines and also provided tanker missions for fighters NAS San Diego 22 Apr 1945
flying combat air patrols. NAS Quonset Point 14 Nov 1945
14 Apr 1986: The United States initiated Operation NAS Oceana 03 Sep 1957
Eldorado Canyon, air strikes against targets in Libya. NAS Cecil Field 15 Feb 1966
VA-72 provided air-to-surface missile support for possi-
ble employment against surface-to-air missile radar
Commanding Officers
sites.
Sep–Oct 1990 and Dec 1990–Jan 1991: The Date Assumed Command
squadron participated in Operation Desert Shield, the
LT Mohl C. Norton, Jr. (Acting) 25 Jan 1945
build up of American and Allied forces to counter a
LCDR Jeremy Morrison 05 Mar 1945
threatened invasion of Saudi Arabia by Iraq and as
CDR Sam E. Clark 14 Sep 1945
part of an economic blockade of Iraq to force its with-
LCDR Frank Malinasky 11 Jun 1947
drawal from Kuwait.
17 Jan 1991: Operation Desert Storm, combat opera- LCDR Burton F. Haker 06 Jul 1948
tions to remove Iraqi forces from Kuwait, was LT G. F. Colleran (acting) 19 Aug 1948
launched. The squadron’s A-7E Corsair IIs participated LCDR Frank Malinasky 20 Oct 1948
in the first combat strike against Iraqi targets in LCDR Carlton H. Clark 20 Jun 1949
Baghdad. LCDR John B. Jorgensen 04 Jul 1950
29 Jan 1991: Squadron aircraft flew their first combat LCDR Archibald W. Curtis 09 Jul 1951
mission in the Kuwait theater, striking Iraqi troops, CDR Gordon J. Brown Jan 1953
tanks and artillery positions. LCDR Carlton F. Naumann 12 Nov 1954
27 Feb 1991: Squadron aircraft participated in the LCDR Robert F. Hunt 08 Feb 1956
last naval air combat strike of the war, hitting retreat- CDR C. K. Ruiz 23 Jul 1957
ing Iraqi troops east of An Najef, Iraq. During the 43 CDR John K. Beling 04 Feb 1959
days of war the squadron flew 362 sorties without the CDR C. A. Hill, Jr. 04 Mar 1960
loss of a pilot or aircraft. CDR W. W. Kendall Miller, Jr. 12 May 1961
8 Jun 1991: The last two squadron aircraft participat- CDR Frederick S. Gore 16 Apr 1962
ed in the Desert Storm Victory Parade Fly Over in CDR T. L. Neilson 25 Mar 1963
Washington, D.C. CDR Grover C. Walker 17 Feb 1964
CDR Joe D. Adkins 10 Feb 1965
CDR Harrison B. Southworth 11 Feb 1966
CDR E. J. Hofstra 15 Mar 1967
CDR R. A. Phillips 15 Mar 1968
CDR S. E. Latimer, Jr. 10 Apr 1969
CDR D. B. Young, Jr. 17 Oct 1969
CDR R. K. Shea 09 Sep 1970
CDR M. G. Basford 02 Jul 1971
CDR J. F. Donahue 08 Jul 1972
CDR Robert J. Kelly 14 Jul 1973
CDR Edward D. Estes 12 Sep 1974
CDR Robert F. Brennock 16 Oct 1975
CDR Patrick M. Commons 16 Dec 1976
CDR Hugh A. Merrill 06 Apr 1978
CDR Howard E. Koss Jul 1979
CDR Carter B. Refo Oct 1980
CDR Robert L. Kiem 16 Feb 1982
CDR C. A. Cook 09 Jun 1983
CDR Arthur F. Richardson 21 Nov 1984
CDR Gordon G. Stewart 03 May 1986
A VBF-18 F8F Bearcat on Leyte’s (CV 32) flight deck during her CDR James B. Waddell 15 Oct 1987
goodwill cruise to South America in 1946. In the background are CDR John R. Sanders 15 Jun 1989
other Carrier Air Group 18 aircraft.
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126 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

A F9F-5 Panther on Bennington’s (CVA 20) elevator during her cruise to the Med in 1953–1954. This particular squadron F9F was assigned to
Captain H. E. Ball, an Air Force exchange pilot with VF-72.

Aircraft Assignment Aircraft Assignment—Continued

Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received
F6F-3/5 07 Feb 1945 F9F-5 Feb 1953
F8F-1 10 Aug 1945 A4D-1 Sep 1956
F8F-1B Jan 1947 A4D-2 12 Feb 1958
F8F-2 20 Mar 1948 A4D-2N/A-4C* Mar 1961
F8F-1 01 Dec 1948 A-4E May 1964
F8F-1B 09 Feb 1950 A-4B Mar 1967
F9F-2 16 Mar 1951 A-7B Jan 1970
F9F-5 11 Oct 1951 A-7E 13 Sep 1977
F9F-2 Feb 1952 * The A4D-2N designation was changed to A-4C in 1962.
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 127

Major Overseas Deployments

Date of Date of Air Type of Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Aircraft Operation

16 Sep 1946 12 Dec 1946 CVG-18 CV 32 F8F-1 Carib/East Coast

of South America
03 Apr 1947 09 Jun 1947 CVAG-7 CV 32 F8F-1B Med
30 Jul 1947 19 Nov 1947 CVAG-7 CV 32 F8F-1B Med
04 Jan 1949 23 May 1949 CVG-7 CV 47 F8F-1 Med
10 Jul 1950 10 Nov 1950 CVG-7 CVB 41 F8F-1B Med
20 May 1952 08 Jan 1953 CVG-7 CV 31 F9F-2 WestPac/Korea
16 Sep 1953 21 Feb 1954 CVG-7 CVA 20 F9F-5 NorLant/Med
02 Sep 1958 12 Mar 1959 CVG-7 CVA 15 A4D-2 Med
04 Aug 1960 03 Mar 1961 CVG-7 CVA 62 A4D-2 Med
04 Aug 1961 19 Dec 1961 CVG-7 CVA 62 A4D-2N Med
19 Apr 1962 27 Aug 1962 CVG-7 CVA 62 A4D-2N Med
06 Aug 1963 04 Mar 1964 CVG-7 CVA 62 A-4C Med
08 Sep 1964 05 Nov 1964 CVW-7 CVA 62 A-4E NorLant/Med
10 May 1965 13 Dec 1965 CVW-7 CVA 62 A-4E WestPac/Vietnam
21 Jun 1966 21 Feb 1967 CVW-1 CVA 42 A-4E WestPac/Vietnam
24 Aug 1967 19 May 1968 CVW-1 CVA 42 A-4B Med
07 Jan 1969 29 Jul 1969 CVW-8 CVA 38 A-4B Med
14 Sep 1970 01 Mar 1971 CVW-1 CVA 67 A-7B Carib/Med/NorLant
01 Dec 1971 06 Oct 1972 CVW-1 CVA 67 A-7B Med/NorLant
16 Apr 1973 01 Dec 1973 CVW-1 CVA 67 A-7B Med/NorLant/Med
28 Jun 1975 27 Jan 1976 CVW-1 CV 67 A-7B Med
02 Sep 1976 09 Nov 1976 CVW-1 CV 67 A-7B NorLant
15 Jan 1977 01 Aug 1977 CVW-1 CV 67 A-7B Med
29 Jun 1978 08 Feb 1979 CVW-1 CV 67 A-7E Med
04 Aug 1980 28 Mar 1981 CVW-1 CV 67 A-7E Med
23 Aug 1982 30 Oct 1982 CVW-1 CV 66 A-7E NorLant/Med/Carib
08 Dec 1982 02 Jun 1983 CVW-1 CV 66 A-7E Med/IO
24 Apr 1984 14 Nov 1984 CVW-1 CV 66 A-7E Carib/Med/IO
24 Aug 1985 09 Oct 1985 CVW-1 CV 66 A-7E NorLant
10 Mar 1986 10 Sep 1986 CVW-1 CV 66 A-7E Med
29 Feb 1988 29 Aug 1988 CVW-7 CVN 69 A-7E Med
15 Aug 1990 28 Mar 1991 CVW-3 CV 67 A-7E Med/Red Sea

A squadron A-4 Skyhawk launches from Independence (CVA 62). Notice the combat markings on the aircraft just forward of the jet intake show-
ing the number of combat sorties flown by the aircraft.
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128 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

Air Wing Assignments Unit Awards Received—Continued

Air Wing Tail Code Assignment Date Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award
CVG-18/CVAG-7/CVG-7/ L/AG† 25 Jan 1945 01 Dec 1977 01 Mar 1979
CVW-7* 29 Aug 1985 20 Sep 1985
CVW-1 AB 07 Mar 1966 NEM 18 Oct 1962 23 Oct 1962
CVW-8 AJ 26 Aug 1968 01 Jan 1983 20 Jan 1983
RCVW-4‡ AD 22 Sep 1969 06 May 1983 08 May 1983
CVW-1 AB 02 Mar 1970 21 Mar 1986 27 Jun 1986
CVW-7 AG 01 Oct 1986 NUC 05 Jun 1965 21 Nov 1965
COMLATWING 1§ Sep 1988 23 Mar 1986 17 Apr 1986
CVW-3 AC 01 Mar 1989
17 Jan 1991 28 Feb 1991
* CVG-18 was redesignated CVAG-7 on 15 November 1946. On 1 RVNGC 21 Oct 1965
September 1948, CVAG-7 was redesignated CVG-7. CVG-7 was 23 Oct 1965
redesignated CVW-7 when Carrier Air Group (CVG) designations
were redesignated Carrier Air Wings (CVW) on 20 December 1963. 25 Oct 1965 02 Nov 1965
† The tail code was changed from L to AG in 1957. The effective 09 Nov 1965 10 Nov 1965
date for this change was most likely the beginning of FY 58 (1 July SLOC 04 Aug 1980 28 Mar 1981
1957). 23 Aug 1982 02 Jun 1983
‡ The squadron was assigned to RCVW-4 during its transition to the VNSM 04 Jul 1965 09 Aug 1965
A-7B.
25 Aug 1965 21 Sep 1965
§ The squadron detached from CVW-7 and came under the opera-
tional and administrative control of Commander Light Attack Wing 1. 14 Oct 1965 12 Nov 1965
30 Jul 1966
09 Aug 1966 12 Sep 1966
Unit Awards Received
01 Oct 1966 03 Oct 1966
Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award 19 Oct 1966 14 Nov 1966
NAVE 01 Jan 1970 30 Jun 1971 24 Nov 1966 28 Dec 1966
AFEM 24 Oct 1962 20 Nov 1962 20 Jan 1967 21 Jan 1967
15 Jun 1965 KSM 18 Jun 1952 24 Dec 1952
29 Jun 1965 03 Jul 1965 KLM 17 Jan 1991 28 Feb 1991
MUC 29 Sep 1970 31 Oct 1970 SASM 14 Sep 1990 12 Mar 1991

A flight of squadron A-7 Corsair IIs.

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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 129

VA-75 in the Sibuyan Sea. These attacks contributed to the

sinking of the Musashi, one of the two largest battle-
Lineage ships in the world. On 25 October, the squadron’s
Established as Torpedo Squadron EIGHTEEN (VT- planes were part of a Fast Carrier Task Force that
18) on 20 July 1943. attacked a Japanese carrier force in the Battle of Cape
Redesignated Attack Squadron EIGHT A (VA-8A) on Engano. Four Japanese carriers were sunk during that
15 November 1946. engagement. On the 26th, squadron planes participat-
Redesignated Attack Squadron SEVENTY FIVE (VA- ed in an attack on the Japanese surface force which
75) on 27 July 1948. was retiring from the Battle Off Samar.
Disestablished on 30 November 1949. The first Sep–Dec 1946: The squadron participated in Leyte
squadron to be designated VA-75. (CV 32) shake-down cruise in the Caribbean and a
goodwill cruise to South America for the inauguration
Squadron Insignia and Nickname of Chile’s Presient.
The squadron’s first insignia was in use by the
squadron prior to its approval by CNO on 24 March Home Port Assignments
1945. Colors for “The
Location Assignment Date
Carrier Clowns” insignia
were: a blue back- NAS Alameda 20 Jul 1943
ground with an orange NAAS Monterey 28 Oct 1943*
center and a dark blue NAAS Hollister Nov 1943*
strip through the center; NAS Hilo Feb 1944*
the words “The Carrier NAS Kaneohe Jun 1944*
Clowns” in black; a NAS Alameda 20 Dec 1944
white Zebra with black NAS Astoria 25 Jan 1945
markings; a black bird NAS San Diego 22 Apr 1945
with white markings; NAS Quonset Point 14 Nov 1945
The Carrier Clowns insignia was orange bombs; and a
used by VT-18. torpedo with yellow tip, * Temporary shore assignments while the squadron conducted train-
ing in preparation for combat deployment.
a white front section
and the remainder in Commanding Officers
black.
Following the Date Assumed Command
squadron’s redesigna- LTJG Al Long (acting) 20 Jul 1943
tion a new insignia was LCDR Lloyd W. Van Antwerp 02 Aug 1943
approved by CNO on ENS Joseph B. Baker (acting) 25 Jan 1945
30 December 1946. LT John G. Williams (acting) 31 Jan 1945
Colors for the knight LT John G. Williams 25 Apr 1945
insignia were: a rust LT Jack C. Heishman 19 Sep 1945
background with a gold LCDR James L. Hooper 04 Feb 1946
border; a white horse Following the squadron’s redesig-
LCDR Charles A. Iarrobino 01 Dec 1947
with blue bridle and nation to attack, the knight
CDR Morris R. Doughty 13 Oct 1948
gold harness; the shield insignia was approved
was blue with a gold
anchor; a silver knight holding a gold torpedo. The Aircraft Assignment
squadron continued to use this insignia following its
Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received
redesignation to VA-75.
Nickname: The Carrier Clowns, circa 1943–1946. TBF-1 Jul 1943
TBM-1 Sep 1943
TBM-1C Nov 1943
Chronology of Significant Events
TBM-3 Feb 1945
24–26 Oct 1944: The squadron participated in the TBM-3E 22 Apr 1945
Battle for Leyte Gulf. On 24 October VT-18’s TBMs TBM-3Q 06 May 1946
flew sorties against a powerful Japanese surface force AD-3 18 Apr 1949
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130 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

A squadron TBM-3 takes off from Leyte (CV 32) during its goodwill cruise to South America in 1946.

Major Overseas Deployments

Date of Date of Air Type of Area of

Departure Return Wing Carrier Aircraft Operation

16 Aug 1944 20 Dec 1944 CVG-18 CV 11 TBM-1C Pacific

16 Sep 1946 12 Dec 1946 CVG-18 CV 32 TBM-3E/Q Carib/East Coast
of South America
03 Apr 1947 09 Jun 1947 CVAG-7 CV 32 TBM-3E/Q Med
& TBM-3J
30 Jul 1947 19 Nov 1947 CVAG-7 CV 32 TBM-3E/Q Med
04 Jan 1949 23 May 1949 CVG-7 CV 47* TBM-3E/Q Med

* Only half of the squadron’s personnel and aircraft deployed aboard Philippine Sea (CV 47), the other half remained at NAS Quonset Point.
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Air Wing Assignments Unit Awards Received

Air Wing Tail Code Assignment Date Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award
CVG-18/CVAG-7/CVG-7* L† 20 Jul 1943 WW-II Campaign Oct 1944 Nov 1944
Medal (Asiatic/
* CVG-18 was redesignated CVAG-7 on 15 November 1946 and then
redesignated CVG-7 on 1 September 1948. Pacific)
† The tail code L was assigned to CVAG-7 in December 1946.

A squadron AD-4 Skyraider launches from deck of Bon Homme Richard (CVA 31), November 1952 (Courtesy Robert Lawson Collection).
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SECOND VA-75 Chronology of Significant Events

5 Feb 1944: Lieutenant Commander Dickson, the
Lineage squadron’s commanding officer, was killed in a train-
Established as Bombing Squadron EIGHTEEN (VB- ing exercise when his aircraft went into a high speed
18) on 20 July 1943. stall and crashed during a practice dive.
Redesignated Attack Squadron SEVEN A (VA-7A) on 12 Oct 1944: Squadron commanding officer,
15 November 1946. Commander Mark Eslick, was lost in combat during an
attack on Kiirun Harbor, Formosa.
Redesignated Attack Squadron SEVENTY FOUR (VA-
24–26 Oct 1944: The squadron participated in the
74) on 27 July 1948.
Battle for Leyte Gulf, part of the operations surround-
Redesignated Attack Squadron SEVENTY FIVE (VA-
ing the occupation of Leyte. On 24 October VB-18’s
75) on 15 February 1950. The second squadron to be
SB2Cs flew sorties against a powerful Japanese surface
assigned the VA-75 designation. force in the Sibuyan Sea. These attacks contributed to
the sinking of the mighty Musashi, one of the two
largest battleships in the world. On 25 October the
Squadron Insignia and Nickname
squadron’s planes were part of a Fast Carrier Task
The squadron’s first insignia was approved by CNO Force that attacked the Japanese carrier force in the
on 14 January 1944. Colors for the Sunday Punchers Battle of Cape Engano. Four Japanese carriers were
winged glove and sunk during this engagement. On the 26th, squadron
bomb insignia were: planes participated in attacks on the Japanese surface
white background with force which was retiring from the Battle Off Samar.
royal blue outlines and 24 Oct 1944: While assigned to VB-18, Lieutenant
lettering; the glove was Donald L. Wilson was awarded the Navy Cross for
dark brown with yellow scoring a direct hit on a Japanese battleship during the
lacing; wings were yel- Battle for Leyte Gulf. Following World War II,
low with black outlines; Lieutenant Wilson became the squadron’s command-
and the bomb was ing officer.
black with black and 25 Oct 1944: The squadron’s commanding officer,
yellow fins. Lieutenant Commander George D. Ghesquiere was
Following the squad- awarded the Navy Cross for leading his squadron in
The winged glove was the
squadron’s first insignia used ron’s redesignation in an attack against a Japanese carrier task force during
between 1944 to 1947. It was
1946, a new insignia the Battle of Cape Engano, in which he scored a direct
readopted sometime after 1950. hit on a Japanese carrier.
was approved by CNO
26 Oct 1944: Lieutenant Benjamin G. Preston was
on 25 June 1947. Colors
awarded a Gold Star in lieu of his third Navy Cross for
for the insignia of a boy riding a bomb were: a light
leading a division of dive bombers in an attack against
blue background outlined in gold; Sunday Punchers
the Japanese carrier task force during the Battle of
lettering was medium blue and the VA-7A lettering on
Cape Engano. In 1953 he became the commanding
the trunks was gold; the bomb was medium blue with
officer of the squadron.
black highlights; the boy had tan skin with red cheeks, Sep–Dec 1946: The squadron participated in Leyte
yellow hair, black eyes; (CV 32) shake-down cruise in the Caribbean and a
wearing red trunks and goodwill cruise to South America for the inauguration
black boots with white of Chile’s President.
tops; the gloves were 25 Jan 1949: Cross deck operations with the British
brown. carrier HMS Triumph in the Mediterranean.
Sometime after the 23 Jun 1952: The squadron’s first combat action in
squadron’s redesigna- Korea was a joint operation with Air Group 7 and the
tion to VA-75 it reverted U.S. Air Force in an attack against hydro-electric com-
to the winged glove and plexes in North Korea that had previously been
bomb insignia. The col- restricted from attack.
ors are the same as 11 Jul 1952: The squadron participated in a com-
those used in the previ- bined attack against Pyongyang, North Korea, with air-
This insignia was used by the ously approved insignia. craft from CVG-7, Princeton (CV 37), the U.S. Air
squadron from 1947 to sometime Force, Marine Corps, Australian Air Force and British
around 1950. Nickname: Sunday
Punchers, 1943-present. Royal Navy.
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 133

5 Dec 1952: On a strike against enemy troop con- 18 Jan 1975: Following violent demonstrations
centrations the squadron’s commanding officer, against the American Embassy in Nicosia, Cyprus, VA-
Commander H. K. Evans, was lost when his aircraft 75 operated from Saratoga off the coast of Cyrpus.
was hit by antiaircraft fire and crashed. Apr 1976: As tensions increased in Lebanon,
Apr 1961: The squadron operated from Indepen- Saratoga and her air wing wing operated south of
dence (CVA 62) in an area south of Guantanamo Bay, Crete, prepared to provide support for the evacuation
Cuba, during the Bay of Pigs, the unsuccessful inva- of Americans from that country if it became necessary.
sion of Cuba by American supported Cuban exiles. 8 Jan 1980: The squadron’s commanding officer,
22 Oct–22 Nov 1962: Participated in the Cuban Commander A. J. Lynch, and Lieutenant Charles J.
Quarantine while embarked in Independence. Morrow were lost when their aircraft struck several
14 Nov 1963: The first operational fleet squadron to parked planes during a night landing and careened
be assigned the A-6A Intruder. into the sea.
May–Dec 1965: VA-75 was the first squadron to Jun 1982: Israel invaded Lebanon and John F.
deploy with the A-6A Intruder and operate the aircraft Kennedy (CV 67) was ordered to operate off the coast
in a combat environment. of Lebanon. VA-75 operated from the carrier, preparing
18 Sep 1965: The squadron’s commanding officer, for possible air support if it became necessary to evac-
Commander Leonard Vogt, was lost during a combat uate Americans from Beirut, Lebanon.
mission while engaged in a night bombing attack on 4 Dec 1983: During Kennedy’s operations off the
enemy patrol boats. coast of Lebanon in support of the Multinational
24 Feb 1968: Commander Jerrold M. Zacharias and Peacekeeping Force, several of the carrier’s F-14
Lieutenant Commander Michael L. Hall were awarded reconnaissance aircraft received hostile fire from
the Navy Cross for their action with VA-35 in planning Syrian surface-to-air missile and anti-aircraft positions
and executing a coordinated A-6A strike on Hanoi. on 3 December. A retaliatory strike was flown by ele-
Sep and Oct 1970: VA-75 operated from Saratoga ments from CVW-3 and aircraft from Independence
(CVA 60) while on station in the eastern Mediterranean (CV 62) against the Syrian antiaircraft positions near
during the continuing crisis with the Palestinians in Hammana, Lebanon. The squadron’s commanding
Jordan and the invasion of Jordan by Syria. officer, Commander Glover, led three of VA-75’s A-6Es
7 Oct 1971: VA-75 became the first A-6 squadron to in the strike and succeeded in destroying an anti-air-
drop sonobuoys. The integrated A-6A radar system craft position. VA-75 also provided two KA-6D tanker
and the A-6B antiradiation system were utilized for aircraft for the operation.
exact positioning and release of the sonobuoys. This 6 Feb 1984: VA-75 launched its alert aircraft from
event was part of an overall evaluation of the CV Kennedy in response to a request from U.S. Marines
Concept being conducted by the Saratoga to deter- (part of the Multinational Peacekeeping Force) at the
Beirut International Airport to surpress attacks against
mine the carrier’s capability to operate effectively in
their positions. The squadron’s A-6E dropped its laser
both the attack and ASW roles.
guided bombs on the enemy positions and effectively
Jun–Oct 1972: Participated in Linebacker I opera-
ended the attack.
tions, heavy air strikes against targets in North Vietnam
Feb 1987: With the increased tensions in Lebanon
and mining operations along coastal waters.
surrounding the American hostages, Kennedy was
6 Aug 1972: Commander Charles Earnest and
ordered to operate off the coast of Lebanon. VA-75
Lieutenant Commander Grady L. Jackson were award- flew operations from the carrier in preparation for
ed the Silver Star for directing a successful night inland possible evacuation.
rescue of a downed pilot in a heavily defended area Jan 1989: During routine training exercises off the
of North Vietnam. northeastern tip of Libya, two F-14 Tomcats were
10 Oct 1972: Lieutenant Commander John A. Pieno approached by two Libyan MiG-23 jets, and after
and Lieutenant Junior Grade John R. Fuller were repeated attempts for a peaceful intercept, the F-14s
awarded the Silver Star for their actions as bom- shot down the Libyan aircraft. VA-75’s KA-6D tankers
bardier/navigators of a two plane attack, at dusk, on provided refueling support for the two F-14s involved
the North Vietnamese airfield of Bai Thong. in the shoot down.
28 Nov 1972: The squadron’s commanding officer, Aug 1989: During a training exercise, a squadron A-6E
Commander Charles Earnest, was lost in an aircraft SWIP aircraft was the first to fire a Sidewinder (AIM-9H)
accident following a catapult launch from Saratoga air-to-air missile, scoring a direct hit with the missile.
while operating on Yankee Station. Sep–Oct 1990 and Dec 1990–Jan 1991: The
19–29 Dec 1972: Participated in Linebacker II opera- squadron participated in Operation Desert Shield, the
tions, the resumption of heavy bombing strikes above build up of American and Allied forces to counter a
the 20th parallel in North Vietnam. This operation con- threatened invasion of Saudi Arabia by Iraq and as
centrated attacks around Hanoi and the coastal areas part of an economic blockade of Iraq to force its with-
of Haiphong. drawal from Kuwait.
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134 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

Commanding Officers—Continued
Date Assumed Command
CDR Benjamin G. Preston Jan 1953
CDR Griffith P. Stokes Sep 1954
CDR Samuel M. Tharp, Jr. Jan 1956
CDR Clifford L. Brown 02 May 1957
CDR C. R. Anderson 02 Jul 1958
CDR C. S. Curtis 10 Jul 1959
CDR Stanley Montunnas May 1960
CDR Alphonse G. Goodberlet Apr 1961
CDR K. H. Lyons 13 Apr 1962
CDR J. A. Denton, Jr. 05 Apr 1963
CDR William L. Harris, Jr. 02 Aug 1963
CDR Leonard A. Snead 08 May 1964
CDR Leonard F. Vogt, Jr. 1965
CDR William B. Warwick 18 Sep 1965
CDR Robert J. Sample 08 Jul 1966
CDR Jerrold M. Zacharias 30 Jun 1967
CDR Alastair S. Falconer 31 Jul 1968
A squadron SB2C-5 Helldiver on a flight over Valparaiso Harbor dur- CDR Richard P. Bordone 25 Jul 1969
ing its goodwill cruise to South America aboard Leyte (CV 32) in 1946. CDR Charles J. Cellar, Jr. 03 Jul 1970
CDR Everett W. Foote 03 Jun 1971
CDR Charles M. Earnest 07 Jun 1972
Home Port Assignments CDR William H. Greene, Jr. 28 Nov 1972
Location Assignment Date
CDR Morgan M. France 22 Feb 1974
CDR Melvin L. Seidel 07 Apr 1975
NAS Alameda 20 Jul 1943
CDR David L. Osburn 02 Jul 1976
NAAS Watsonville 26 Sep 1943*
CDR Kenneth R. Werhan 18 Oct 1977
NAAS Crows Landing 10 Dec 1943*
CDR Anthony J. Lynch 12 Jan 1979
NAS Hilo 29 Feb 1944*
CDR Rodney A. Bankson 08 Jan 1980
NAS Kaneohe 05 Jun 1944*
CDR Joseph S. Mobley 30 Jan 1981
NAS Alameda 20 Dec 1944
CDR Earl D. Wolfgang 19 Mar 1982
NAS Astoria 25 Jan 1945
CDR James R. Glover 13 Oct 1983
NAS San Diego 22 Apr 1945
CDR Gregory C. Brown 03 Apr 1985
NAS Quonset Point 27 Nov 1945
CDR Alfred G. Harms, Jr. 26 Oct 1986
NAS Oceana Oct 1957
CDR John T. Meister 14 Apr 1988
* Temporary shore assignments while the squadron conducted train- CDR Robert E. Besal 29 Sep 1989
ing in preparation for combat deployment.

Commanding Officers

Date Assumed Command

LCDR Charles C. Gold 20 Jul 1943
LCDR Harlan R. Dickson 27 Nov 1943
LCDR George D. Ghesquiere 05 Feb 1944
LCDR Mark Eslick, Jr. 12 Feb 1944
LCDR George D. Ghesquiere 12 Oct 1944
LT Max H. Matzick (acting) 25 Jan 1945
LT Donald L. Wilson (acting) 01 Feb 1945
LT Donald L. Wilson 25 Apr 1945
LCDR William D. Carter 19 Aug 1946
LCDR L. Weidlein (acting) 15 Jun 1948
LCDR William B. Morton 21 Jun 1948
LCDR Nils R. Larson 16 Dec 1949
LCDR H. K. Evans 10 Mar 1951
A squadron F4U-4 Corsair launches from Bon Homme Richard (CV
LCDR W. M. Harnish (acting) 05 Dec 1952 31), circa 1952 (Courtesy Robert Lawson Collection).
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 135

Aircraft Assignment Aircraft Assignment—Continued

Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received
SBD-5 20 Jul 1943 AD-3 Jun 1949
SB2C-1 25 Mar 1944 AD-4 Jun 1950
SB2C-1C 25 Apr 1944 AD-6/A-1H* Aug 1954
SB2C-3 10 Jul 1944 AD-5 Apr 1956
SB2C-4 Feb 1945 A-6A 14 Nov 1963
SB2C-4E Mar 1945 A-6B 21 Dec 1967
SBW-5 Jul 1946 KA-6D 18 Dec 1970
SB2C-5 Jul 1946 A-6E 06 Aug 1973
F4U-4B 15 Apr 1948
F4U-4 Dec 1948 * The AD-6 designation was changed to A-1H in 1962.

Major Overseas Deployments

Date of Date of Air Type of Area of

Departure Return Wing Carrier Aircraft Operation

16 Aug 1944 20 Dec 1944 CVG-18 CV 11 SB2C-3 Pacific

16 Sep 1946 12 Dec 1946 CVG-18 CV 32 SB2C-5/ SBW-5 Carib/East Coast
of South America
03 Apr 1947 09 Jun 1947 CVAG-7 CV 32 SB2C-5/SBW-5 Med
30 Jul 1947 19 Nov 1947 CVAG-7 CV 32 SB2C-5 Med
04 Jan 1949 23 May 1949 CVG-7 CV 32 F4U-4 Med
10 Jul 1950 10 Nov 1950 CVG-7 CVB 41 AD-4 Med
20 May 1952 08 Jan 1953 CVG-7 CV 31 AD-4 WestPac/Korea
16 Sep 1953 21 Feb 1954 CVG-7 CVA 20 AD-4 NorLant/Med
04 May 1955 10 Dec 1955 CVG-7 CVA 12 AD-6 WestPac
03 Sep 1957 22 Oct 1957 CVG-7 CVA 60 AD-6 NorLant
02 Sep 1958 12 Mar 1959 CVG-7 CVA 15 AD-6 Med
04 Aug 1960 03 Mar 1961 CVG-7 CVA 62 AD-6 Med
04 Aug 1961 19 Dec 1961 CVG-7 CVA 62 AD-6 Med
19 Apr 1962 27 Aug 1962 CVG-7 CVA 62 AD-6 Med
10 May 1965 13 Dec 1965 CVW-7 CVA 62 A-6A WestPac/Vietnam
13 Jun 1966 01 Feb 1967 CVW-7 CVA 62 A-6A Med
18 Nov 1967 28 Jun 1968 CVW-11 CVA 63 A-6A/B WestPac/Vietnam
09 Jul 1969 22 Jan 1970 CVW-3 CVA 60 A-6A Med
17 Jun 1970 09 Nov 1970 CVW-3 CVA 60 A-6A/B Med
07 Jun 1971 28 Oct 1971 CVW-3 CVA 60 A-6A/B & KA-6D NorLant/Med
11 Apr 1972 13 Feb 1973 CVW-3 CVA 60 A-6A/B & KA-6D WestPac/Vietnam
27 Sep 1974 19 Mar 1975 CVW-3 CV 60 A-6E & KA-6D Med
06 Jan 1976 28 Jul 1976 CVW-3 CV 60 A-6E & KA-6D Med
11 Jul 1977 23 Dec 1977 CVW-3 CV 60 A-6E & KA-6D Med
03 Oct 1978 08 Apr 1979 CVW-3 CV 60 A-6E & KA-6D Med
10 Mar 1980 27 Aug 1980 CVW-3 CV 60 A-6E & KA-6D Med
04 Jan 1982 14 Jul 1982 CVW-3 CV 67 A-6E & KA-6D Med/IO
25 May 1983 01 Jul 1983 CVW-3 CV 67 A-6E & KA-6D NorLant
27 Sep 1983 02 May 1984 CVW-3 CV 67 A-6E & KA-6D SoLant/Med
18 Aug 1986 03 Mar 1987 CVW-3 CV 67 A-6E & KA-6D Med
02 Aug 1988 01 Feb 1989 CVW-3 CV 67 A-6E & KA-6D Med
15 Aug 1990 28 Mar 1991 CVW-3 CV 67 A-6E & KA-6D Med/Red Sea
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136 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

A formation of squadron AD-6 Skyraiders.

Air Wing Assignments Unit Awards Received

Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award

Air Wing Tail Code Assignment Date
NUC 22 Jun 1952 18 Dec 1952
CVG-18/CVAG-7/ L/AG** 20 Jul 1943 05 Jun 1965 21 Nov 1965
CVG-7/CVW-7* 18 May 1972 08 Jan 1973
COMFAIRNORFOLK 01 Jul 1967 14 Aug 1988 22 Jan 1989
CVW-11 NH 10 Oct 1967 17 Jan 1991 28 Feb 1991
COMFAIRNORFOLK 28 Jun 1968 WW-II Campaign Oct 1944 Nov 1944
CVW-3 AC 15 Oct 1968 Medal (Asiatic/
Pacific)
NAVE 01 Jul 1968 31 Dec 1969
* CVG-18 was redesignated CVAG-7 on 15 November 1946. On 1
September 1948, CVAG-7 was redesignated CVG-7. CVG-7 was AFEM 24 Oct 1962 20 Nov 1962
redesignated CVW-7 when Carrier Air Group (CVG) designations 17 Jun 1965
were redesignated Carrier Air Wings (CVW) on 20 December 1963. 29 Jun 1965 03 Jul 1965
** The tail code was changed from L to AG in 1957. The effective 06 Nov 1983 27 Nov 1983
date for this change was most likely the beginning of FY 58 (1 July 02 Dec 1983 21 Jan 1984
1957). 31 Jan 1984 22 Feb 1984
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 137

Unit Awards Received—Continued Unit Awards Received—Continued

Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award
25 Feb 1984 29 Feb 1984 13 May 1968 01 Jun 1968
MUC 17 Sep 1970 18 Oct 1970 06 May 1972 07 May 1972
01 Jan 1973 31 Dec 1973 17 May 1972 22 Jun 1972
01 Oct 1979 15 Nov 1980 30 Jun 1972 16 Jul 1972
15 Jul 1982 22 Apr 1984 27 Jul 1972 23 Aug 1972
NEM 18 Oct 1962 23 Oct 1962 02 Sep 1972 19 Sep 1972
PUC 23 Dec 1967 01 Jun 1968 29 Sep 1972 21 Oct 1972
VNSM 04 Jul 1965 09 Aug 1965 25 Oct 1972 26 Oct 1972
25 Aug 1965 21 Sep 1965 03 Nov 1972 08 Dec 1972
14 Oct 1965 12 Nov 1965 18 Dec 1972 31 Dec 1972
22 Dec 1967 22 Feb 1968 KSM 18 Jun 1952 24 Dec 1952
04 Mar 1968 27 Mar 1968 SASM 14 Sep 1990 28 Mar 1991
12 Apr 1968 01 May 1968 KLM 17 Jan 1991 28 Feb 1991

A squadron A-6E Intruder refuels from a French Super Etendard off Lebanon in 1984.
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138 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

VA-76 exercise. The aircraft were used for limited daylight

fighter protection for embarked ASW aircraft.
Lineage 29 May–15 Jun 1965: While temporarily based
Established as Attack Squadron SEVENTY SIX (VA- ashore at Naval Station Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico,
76) on 1 June 1955. the squadron flew armed reconnaissance sorties over
Disestablished on 30 September 1969. The first the Dominican Republic during a crisis in that country.
squadron to be assigned the VA-76 designation. 11 May 1966: The squadron’s commanding officer,
Commander J. B. Linder, was awarded the Silver Star
for leading the squadron on a strike against a mobile
Squadron Insignia and Nickname
SAM site at Thanh Hoa, North Vietnam.
The squadron’s in- 6 Dec 1966: The squadron’s commanding officer,
signia was approved
Commander A. D. McFall, was killed when his aircraft
by CNO on 28 March
crashed following a night launch from Bon Homme
1956. The following
colors were used for Richard (CVA 31).
the insignia: blue 1 May 1967: During a sortie against North Vietnam’s
background with a MiG airfield at Kep, Lieutenant Commander Theodore
dark blue border; R. Swartz shot down a MiG-17 with air-to-ground
purple hat with black rockets. This was the first, and only, MiG aircraft to be
crown, red piping on downed by an A-4 Skyhawk during the Vietnam con-
brim and a white flict. Lieutenant Commander Swartz received the Silver
cockade; black mus- Star for his action.
ket; and the scroll 14 Jul 1967: The squadron’s commanding officer,
The squadron’s insignia, reflecting was gold with red let- Commander R. B. Fuller, was shot down during a sor-
their motto “Fighting Spirits of 76.” tering and outlined in
tie over North Vietnam. He was released from captivity
dark blue.
on 4 March 1973 following the 27 January 1973 cease-
Nickname: Spirits (from motto Fighting Spirits of
76), 1955–1969. fire agreement with North Vietnam.

Chronology of Significant Events Home Port Assignments

Nov–Dec 1956: The squadron operated from Location Assignment Date

Forrestal (CVA 59) off the coast of the Azores during NAS Oceana 01 Jun 1955
the Suez Crisis, awaiting a call to enter the NAS Lemoore 24 Aug 1966
Mediterranean if necessary.
Jun 1961: The squadron deployed aboard Intrepid
Commanding Officers
(CVA 11) and operated in the Caribbean during the
Dominican Republic crisis. Date Assumed Command
19 Oct–08 Dec 1962: The squadron deployed CDR F. J. Gibson 01 Jun 1955
aboard Enterprise (CVAN 65) and operated in the CDR W. R. McQuilkin 30 Jul 1957
Caribbean during the Cuban missile crisis and naval LCDR H. R. Cheuvront 03 Oct 1958
blockade. CDR H. Ricks 04 Dec 1959
Mar 1964: Conducted operations in the vicinity of CDR L. M. Nearman 14 Dec 1960
Cyrpus during a conflict in that country between CDR W. R. Bascom 18 Dec 1961
Turkish and Greek Cypriots. CDR J. R. Sanderson 15 Nov 1962
31 Jul–3 Oct 1964: While embarked in Enterprise, the CDR George A. Reaves III 11 Dec 1963
squadron participated in Operation Sea Orbit, the first CDR Richard C. Boyd 30 Nov 1964
circumnavigation of the world by a nuclear task force. CDR James B. Linder 21 Oct 1965
The sixty-five day voyage was accomplished without CDR Albert D. McFall 01 Oct 1966
replenishment. The squadron participated in numerous CDR Robert B. Fuller (acting) 06 Dec 1966
air power demonstrations during the voyage. CDR Robert B. Fuller 19 Dec 1966
8–25 Feb 1965: A detachment of the squadron’s A- LCDR R. A. Mauldin 14 Jul 1967
4C Skyhawks, configured with Sidewinder missiles, CDR J. J. Barth 1968
were embarked in Essex (CVS 9) for an Atlantic Fleet CDR R. A. Mauldin 1969
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 139

A squadron F2H-2 Banshee in 1956.

Aircraft Assignment Aircraft Assignment—Continued

Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received
F2H-2 Jul 1955 A4D-2 27 May 1959
F9F-8 06 Jan 1956 A4D-2N/A-4C* 02 Mar 1962
F9F-8B Apr 1956 * The A4D-2N designation was changed to A-4C in 1962.

Major Overseas Deployments

Date of Date of Air Type of Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Aircraft Operation

15 Jan 1957 22 Jul 1957 CVG-1 CVA 59 F9F-8B Med

09 Jun 1958 08 Aug 1958 ATG-181 CVA 11 F9F-8B NorLant
04 Aug 1960 17 Feb 1961 CVG-6 CVA 11 A4D-2 Med
03 Aug 1961 01 Mar 1962 CVG-6 CVA 11 A4D-2 Med
03 Aug 1962 11 Oct 1962 CVG-6 CVAN 65 A4D-2N Med
06 Feb 1963 04 Sep 1963 CVG-6 CVAN 65 A-4C Med
08 Feb 1964 03 Oct 1964 CVW-6 CVAN 65 A-4C Med/World Cruise
26 Oct 1965 21 Jun 1966 CVW-9 CVAN 65 A-4C WestPac/Vietnam
26 Jan 1967 25 Aug 1967 CVW-21 CVA 31 A-4C WestPac/Vietnam
30 Apr 1968 27 Jan 1969 CVW-7 CVA 62 A-4C Med
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140 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

Air Wing Assignments Air Wing Assignments—Continued

Air Wing Tail Code Assignment Date Air Wing Tail Code Assignment Date
ATG-182 O* 01 Jun 1955 CVW-21 NP 01 Sep 1966
CVG-1 T Nov 1956 CVW-7 AG Dec 1967
ATG-182 AN 23 Jul 1957 COMFAIRALAMEDA 27 Jan 1969
ATG-181 AM 15 Mar 1958
CVG-6 AF 08 Aug 1958 *The tail code O was not assigned until 24 July 1956.
CVG-8 AJ 01 Apr 1959 † CVG-6 was redesignated CVW-6 when Carrier Air Group (CVG)
CVG-6/CVW-6† AF/AE 29 Aug 1959 designations were redesignated Carrier Air Wings (CVW) on 20
December 1963. Sometime in the latter part of 1962 CVG-6’s tail
CVW-9 NG 22 Sep 1965 code was changed from AF to AE.

Squadron F9F-8Bs prepares for launch from Forrestal (CVA 59) during her first deployment to the Med in 1957.

Unit Awards Received Unit Awards Received—Continued

Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award
AFEM 03 Jun 1965 06 Jun 1965 23 May 1966 06 Jun 1966
24 Oct 1962 03 Dec 1962 25 Feb 1967 21 Mar 1967
NEM 19 Oct 1962 23 Oct 1962 17 Apr 1967 07 May 1967
04 Jun 1961 18 Jun 1961 27 Jun 1967 29 Jul 1967
PUC 26 Feb 1967 30 Jul 1967 RVNGC 02 Dec 1965
VNSM 02 Dec 1965 14 Jan 1966 11 Dec 1965
04 Feb 1966 23 Feb 1966 21 Dec 1965
16 Mar 1966 12 Apr 1966 24 Dec 1965
22 Apr 1966 14 May 1966 26 Dec 1965 30 Dec 1965
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 141

Unit Awards Received—Continued Unit Awards Received—Continued

Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award
01 Jan 1966 02 Jan 1966 29 Apr 1966
04 Jan 1966 14 Jan 1966 28 Feb 1967
04 Feb 1966 07 Mar 1967
19 Feb 1966 11 Mar 1967
23 Feb 1966 13 Mar 1967
27 Mar 1966 28 Mar 1966 16 Mar 1967
30 Mar 1966 31 Mar 1966 20 Mar 1967 21 Mar 1967
02 Apr 1966 29 Apr 1967 01 May 1967
11 Apr 1966 16 May 1967 18 May 1967

A squadron A-4C Skyhawk on the elevator of Enterprise (CVAN 65) in 1965.

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142 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

VA-84 insignia: the four cards had a white background and

were outlined in black; the card on the left had a red
Lineage letter “A” with a torpedo, outlined in black, with a red
tip and aft section and a yellow tailfin and mid-section;
Established as Attack Squadron EIGHTY FOUR (VA-
84) on 15 September 1948. the next card had a black letter “A” with two bombs,
Disestablished on 29 November 1949. The first outlined and shaded in black, with a yellow tip and aft
squadron to be assigned the VA-84 designation. section, red tailfin and mid-section; the third card had a
red letter “A” with three missiles outlined in black, red
tip and tailfins and a white mid-section; the fourth card
Squadron Insignia and Nickname
had a black “A” with black and white crossed machine
The squadron’s insignia was approved by CNO on 9 guns and red bullets with black base and tips; the air-
May 1949. The following colors were used in the plane was blue with black and white markings, a green
strip on the tail, the nose was green and white, the
gloves were green with white and yellows markings
and a red star outlined in black with a white center,
the lips and eye of the plane were yellow with a black
pupil, the teeth were white and the tongue was red;
the cloud was white, outlined in black with light blue
shading at the bottom.
Nickname: unknown.

Home Port Assignments

Location Assignment Date

NAAS Oceana 15 Sep 1948
The squadron’s short-lived insignia. NAS Jacksonville 05 Nov 1948

Squadron pilots in front of a squadron AM-1 Mauler, circa 1948.

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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 143

Commanding Officers Aircraft Assignment—Continued

Date Assumed Command Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received

LCDR R. P. Kline 15 Sep 1948 AM-1 20 Nov 1948

Aircraft Assignment Air Wing Assignments

Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received Air Wing Tail Code Assignment Date
TBM-3E Nov 1948 CVG-8 E 15 Sep 1948

A squadron AM-1 Mauler in flight, circa 1949 (Courtesy Robert Lawson Collection).
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VA-85 Commanding Officers

Date Assumed Command

Lineage
Established as Attack Squadron EIGHTY FIVE (VA- LCDR Frank B. Stone 15 Sep 1948
85) on 15 September 1948.
Disestablished on 29 November 1949. The first
squadron to be assigned the VA-85 designation. Aircraft Assignment

Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received

Squadron Insignia and Nickname
There are no records of an approved insignia or TBM-3E Oct 1948
nickname for VA-85. AM-1 30 Nov 1948

Home Port Assignments

Air Wing Assignments
Location Assignment Date
NAAS Oceana 15 Sep 1948 Air Wing Tail Code Assignment Date
NAS Jacksonville 05 Nov 1948 CVG-8 E 15 Sep 1948

A squadron AM-1 Mauler aboard Midway (CVB 41) in May 1949 (Courtesy Wallace Russel Collection).
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 145

SECOND VA-85
Lineage
Attack Squadron EIGHT HUNDRED FIFTY NINE The stylized black falcon was
used by the squadron for over
(VA-859) was a reserve squadron called to active duty 35 years before its disestab-
on 1 February 1951. lishment.
Redesignated Attack Squadron EIGHTY FIVE (VA-
85) on 4 February 1953.
Disestablished on 30 September 1994. The second
squadron to be assigned the VA-85 designation.
Chronology of Significant Events
Squadron Insignia and Nickname May 1958: As part of an Atlantic Fleet training exer-
The squadron’s insignia was approved by CNO on cise (LANTRAEX 1-58), two of the squadron’s AD-6
22 May 1951. Colors for the woodpecker astride a Skyraiders, flown by Lieutenant (jg)s Strang and
Woods, flew nonstop from Forrestal (CVA 59), operat-
rocket were: a blue
ing off the coast of Jacksonville, Florida, to NAS North
gray background out-
Island. The flight was conducted below 1000 feet to
lined in black; brown demonstrate the low level and long range capability of
woodpecker shaded the squadron. Two days later the aircraft returned,
with white and differ- nonstop, to Forrestal.
ent tones of brown; 5 Feb 1963: The squadron’s commanding officer,
the shoes, gloves and Commander C. H. Mundt, was killed in an air crash.
face of the bird were 22 Dec 1965: The squadron’s commanding officer,
white; the beak and Commander B. J. Cartwright, and his bombardier/navi-
Mae West lifejacket gator, Lieutenant Ed Gold, failed to return from a
were yellow; its eyes strike into North Vietnam and are listed as missing in
were green with black action, presumed dead.
The squadron’s first insignia. 21 Apr 1966: The squadron’s commanding officer,
pupils and a red head;
Commander J. E. Keller, and his bombardier/navigator,
the bomb was dark
Lieutenant Commander E. E. Austin, were killed in
blue with a red flame and the rocket was shaded light action during a mission over North Vietnam.
green on top and dark green on the bottom, outlined 27 Apr 1966: While serving with VA-85 as a bom-
in black. bardier/navigator in an A-6A, Lieutenant (jg) Brian E.
Following the squadron’s redesignation a new Westin was awarded the Navy Cross for heroism dur-
insignia was approved by CNO on 24 May 1954. ing a combat mission over North Vietnam when he
Colors for the winged bomb insignia were: blue back- risked his own life to save that of his wounded pilot,
ground outlined in red; the clouds and wings were sil- Lieutenant W. R. Westerman.
ver with black markings; the lightning bolt was yel- 6 Sep 1968: The squadron’s commanding officer,
low, edged with red; and the bomb was black with Commander K. L. Coskey, was shot down over North
silver shading. Vietnam. His bombardier/navigator, Lieutenant
Commander R. G. McKee, was rescued but Commander
The CNO approved a
Coskey became a POW. He survived the internment at
change in the squadron’s
Hanoi and was released on 14 March 1973.
insignia on 7 May 1958.
Jul 1974: Following a coup that overthrew the gov-
Colors for the black fal- ernment of Cyprus, VA-85 operated from Forrestal in
con insignia are as fol- the vicinity of Cyprus and provided air cover for the
lows: a white back- evacuation of Americans and foreign nationals from
ground outlined in black; the island.
the falcon is black with a May–Jun 1981: Following increased military action
white eye; the scroll has and Israeli reprisal raids against Syrian missile posi-
a white background out- tions in southern Lebanon, Forrestal was ordered to
lined in black, with black the eastern Mediterranean. VA-85 operated from the
The squadron’s second insignia lettering. carrier while on station off the coast of Lebanon.
was a more stylized designed Jul 1982: Following the Israeli invasion of Lebanon in
reflecting its attack mission. Nickname: Black
June and the siege of west Beirut, Forrestal operated off
Falcons, 1958–1994.
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146 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

the coast of Lebanon with VA-85 prepared to provide from Saratoga (CV 60), America (CV 66) and Coral
air support for a possible evacuation of Americans. Sea (CV 43). VA-85’s A-6Es conducted a follow-up
Aug–Sep 1982: Forrestal and its embarked squadrons attack with Rockeye bombs on a Libyan Combattante
provided air cover for the landing of 800 U.S. Marines II G-class fast attack missile craft that had been hit by
in Beirut, Lebanon. The Marines became part of the a Harpoon missile fired by a VA-34 aircraft. The attack
multi-national peacekeeping force in that country. resulted in the sinking of the Combattante II. VA-85
4 Dec 1983: During Kennedy’s operations off the aircraft also attacked a Nanuchka II class missile
coast of Lebanon in support of the Multi-national corvette with Rockeyes, damaging the corvette.
Peacekeeping Force, several of the carrier’s F-14 recon- 25 Mar 1986: VA-55 attacked a Nanuchka with
naissance aircraft received hostile fire from Syrian sur- Rockeyes, damaging but not stopping the corvette. A
face-to-air missile and anti-aircraft positions on 3 VA-85 aircraft then launched a Harpoon against the
December. A retaliatory strike was flown by elements corvette which resulted in its sinking.
of CVW-3 and aircraft from Independence (CV 62) 6 Sep 1989: Squadron aircraft flew missions in sup-
against the Syrian antiaircraft positions near Hammana, port of the evacuation of personnel from the American
Lebanon. One of the squadron’s A-6Es was lost in the Embassy in Beirut, Lebanon, due to the unstable situa-
attack, its pilot, Lieutenant Mark Lange, was killed and tion in that country.
the NFO, Lieutenant Robert Goodman, was captured 17 Jan–28 Feb 1991: The squadron participated in
by the Syrians. He was released 4 January 1985. Operation Desert Storm, combat strikes against targets
Jul 1984: The squadron operated in the Caribbean in Iraq and the Kuwaiti theater of operations. During
and off the coast of Central America to assist the Coast this period of combat the squadron flew 585 combat
Guard with drug interdiction operations. sorties, consisting of 1,700 flight hours and expended
10 Oct 1985: The squadron’s KA-6D tanker aircraft over 850 tons of ordnance.
refueled F-14s from Saratoga (CV 60) enroute to their Aug 1993: Squadron aircraft flew missions over
intercept of an Egyptian 737 airliner that was carrying Bosnia-Hercegovina in support of U. N. Operation
Arab terrorists who had hijacked the Italian cruise ship Deny Flight.
Achille Lauro on 7 October and murdered an American Nov 1993: Squadron aircraft flew sorties over
citizen. The F-14s forced the airliner to land at NAS Mogadishu, Somalia, in support of U. N. Operation
Sigonella, Sicily, leading to the capture of the terrorists. Continue Hope.
24 Mar 1986: Libyan missiles were fired at U.S. Dec 1993: Squadron aircraft provided support for
Naval forces operating in the Gulf of Sidra. This action reconnaissance missions over southern Iraq, part of
precipitated a retaliation against Libya by squadrons Operation Southern Watch.

A squadron AD-6 Skyraider during its deployment to the Med aboard Lake Champlain (CVA 39) in 1954–1955.
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Home Port Assignments Commanding Officers—Continued

Location Assignment Date Date Assumed Command
NAS Niagara Falls 01 Feb 1951 CDR Richard C. Allen 07 Nov 1975
NAS Jacksonville 05 Apr 1951 CDR Charles R. Bubeck 25 Feb 1977
NAS Quonset Point 26 Sep 1951 CDR Bruce B. Bremner May 1978
NAS Oceana 11 Jun 1952 CDR Ronald J. Zlatoper 26 Jun 1979
CDR Daniel P. Wright 07 Aug 1980
Commanding Officers CDR John I. Dow 10 Dec 1981
CDR Kirby E. Hughes II 18 Feb 1983
Date Assumed Command
CDR Paul L. Bernard 17 Aug 1984
LCDR Richard E. Moot 01 Feb 1951 CDR Robert W. Day 01 Jul 1985
LCDR Joe W. Williams, Jr. 26 Sep 1952 CDR Robert A. Tolhurst 16 Sep 1986
CDR Adolph Mencin Mar 1954 CDR James B. Stone, Jr. 11 Mar 1988
CDR Charles H. Jaep III 06 May 1955 CDR Dean W. Ellerman, Jr. 05 Jun 1989
CDR Jack C. Heishman Sep 1956 CDR Lewis W. Crenshaw, Jr. 16 Aug 1990
CDR M. G. Bramilla, Jr. Sep 1957 CDR Ralph C. Miko 01 Sep 1991
CDR E. M. Coppola 05 Sep 1958 CDR Bruce A. Weber 22 Sep 1992
CDR Howard C. Lee 25 Mar 1959 CDR John W. Scheffler 29 Sep 1993
CDR William Carrier, Jr. 29 Nov 1960
CDR N. O. Scott, Jr. Dec 1961 Aircraft Assignment
CDR Clinton H. Mundt 21 Dec 1962
CDR John C. McKee 05 Feb 1963 Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received
CDR A. H. Barie Feb 1964 TBM-3E *
CDR Billie J. Cartwright 15 Apr 1964 AD-2 05 Mar 1951
CDR J. E. Keller 22 Dec 1965 AD-4 Jul 1952
CDR Ronald J. Hays 21 Apr 1966 AD-6/A-1H‡ Jan 1954†
CDR J. C. Patterson 20 Jun 1967 A-6A 06 Mar 1964
CDR Ken L. Coskey 28 Jun 1968 KA-6D 18 Nov 1970
CDR Charles B. Hunter 06 Sep 1968 A-6E§ 09 Dec 1971
CDR Herbert A. Hope, Jr. 06 Jun 1969
CDR Donald H. Westbrock 05 Jun 1970 * During its reserve duty prior to 1 February 1951, the squadron
CDR David W. Timberlake 08 May 1971 flew the TBM-3E.
CDR Michael R. Hall 30 May 1972 † The full complement of AD-6s was not received until May 1954.
CDR Arthur M. Page 01 May 1973 ‡ The AD-6 designation was changed to A-1H in 1962.
CDR Donald V. Boecker 01 Jul 1974 § VA-85 was the first fleet squadron to receive the A-6E.

A squadron Skyraider, circa 1963 or 1964.

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148 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

Major Overseas Deployments

Date of Date of Air Type of Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Aircraft Operation

28 Nov 1951 11 Jun 1952 CVG-8 CV 40 AD-2 Med

26 Apr 1953 21 Oct 1953 CVG-8 CVA 43 AD-4 Med
27 Sep 1954 15 Apr 1955 CVG-8 CVA 39 AD-6 Med
12 Mar 1956 05 Sep 1956 CVG-8 CVA 11 AD-6 Med
28 Jan 1960 31 Aug 1960 CVG-8 CVA 59 AD-6 Med
09 Feb 1961 25 Aug 1961 CVG-8 CVA 59 AD-6 Med
03 Aug 1962 02 Mar 1963 CVG-8 CVA 59 AD-6/A-1H Med
19 Oct 1965 13 Jun 1966 CVW-11 CVA 63 A-6A WestPac/Vietnam
05 Nov 1966 19 Jun 1967 CVW-11 CVA 63 A-6A WestPac/Vietnam
10 Apr 1968 16 Dec 1968 CVW-6 CVA 66 A-6A/B WestPac/Vietnam
11 Aug 1969 08 May 1970 CVW-14 CVA 64 A-6A/B WestPac/Vietnam
05 Jan 1971 02 Jul 1971 CVW-17 CVA 59 A-6A & KA-6D Med
22 Sep 1972 06 Jul 1973 CVW-17 CVA 59 A-6E & KA-6D Med
11 Mar 1974 11 Sep 1974 CVW-17 CVA 59 A-6E & KA-6D Med
05 Mar 1975 22 Sep 1975 CVW-17 CV 59 A-6E & KA-6D Med
04 Apr 1978 26 Oct 1978 CVW-17 CV 59 A-6E & KA-6D Med/NorLant
27 Nov 1979 07 May 1980 CVW-17 CV 59 A-6E &KA-6D Med
02 Mar 1981 15 Sep 1981 CVW-17 CV 59 A-6E & KA-6D Med/NorLant
08 Jun 1982 16 Nov 1982 CVW-17 CV 59 A-6E & KA-6D Med/IO
25 May 1983 01 Jul 1983 CVW-3 CV 67 A-6E NorLant
27 Sep 1983 02 May 1984 CVW-3 CV 67 A-6E SoLant/Med
25 Aug 1985 16 Apr 1986 CVW-17 CV 60 A-6E & KA-6D Med/IO
05 Jun 1987 17 Nov 1987 CVW-17 CV 60 A-6E & KA-6D Med
08 Feb 1989 03 Apr 1989 CVW-1 CV 66 A-6E & KA-6D Carib/NorLant
11 May 1989 10 Nov 1989 CVW-1 CV 66 A-6E & KA-6D Med/IO
28 Dec 1990 18 Apr 1991 CVW-1 CV 66 A-6E & KA-6D Med/Red Sea/
Persian Gulf
21 Aug 1991 11 Oct 1991 CVW-1 CV 66 A-6E & KA-6D NorLant
02 Dec 1991 06 Jun 1992 CVW-1 CV 66 A-6E & KA-6D Med/Red Sea/
Persian Gulf
11 Aug 1993 05 Feb 1994 CVW-1 CV 66 A-6E Med

Air Wing Assignments * The tail code was changed from E to AJ in 1957. The effective date
for this change was most likely the beginning of FY 58 (1 July
Air Wing Tail Code Assignment Date 1957).
CVG-8 E/AJ* 05 Apr 1951 † CVG-8 was redesignated CVW-8 when Carrier Air Group (CVG)
designations were redesignated Carrier Air Wings (CVW) on 20
CVG-1 AB 19 May 1963 December 1963.
CVG-8/CVW-8† AJ 25 May 1963
COMFAIRNORFOLK 06 Apr 1964
CVW-11 NH 23 Jul 1965 Unit Awards Received
COMFAIRNORFOLK 12 Aug 1965
Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award
CVW-11 NH 23 Sep 1965
COMFAIRNORFOLK 10 Jun 1966 NAVE 01 Jul 1963 30 Jun 1964
CVW-11 NH 25 Sep 1966 01 Jan 1973 30 Jun 1974
COMFAIRNORFOLK Jun 1967 01 Jul 1975 30 Sep 1976
CVW-6 AE 01 Oct 1967 AFEM 16 Oct 1969 24 Oct 1969
CVW-14 NK 01 Apr 1969 16 Mar 1970 23 Mar 1970
COMFAIRNORFOLK May 1970 06 Nov 1983 27 Nov 1983
CVW-17 AA 01 Aug 1970 02 Dec 1983 21 Jan 1984
CVW-3 AC 01 Jan 1983 31 Jan 1984 22 Feb 1984
CVW-17 AA 31 Dec 1984 25 Feb 1984 29 Feb 1984
CVW-1 AB 01 Jan 1988 MUC 07 Sep 1969 30 Apr 1970
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 149

Unit Awards Received—Continued Unit Awards Received—Continued

Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award
15 Jul 1982 22 Apr 1984 08 May 1966 26 May 1966
NEM 20 Jan 1986 29 Mar 1986 08 Dec 1966 03 Jan 1967
NUC 04 Dec 1966 28 Apr 1967 02 Mar 1967 28 Mar 1967
12 May 1968 20 Nov 1968 12 Apr 1967 28 Apr 1967
10 Oct 1985 11 Oct 1985 08 May 1967 23 May 1967
23 Mar 1986 29 Mar 1986
29 May 1968 28 Jun 1968
17 Jan 1991 07 Feb 1991
06 Jul 1968 03 Aug 1968
RVNGC 15 Jan 1966 19 Jan 1966
23 Jan 1966 27 Jan 1966 17 Aug 1968 12 Sep 1968
30 Jan 1966 27 Sep 1968 30 Oct 1968
03 Feb 1966 11 Sep 1969 03 Oct 1969
07 Mar 1966 01 Nov 1969 23 Nov 1969
10 Mar 1966 07 Dec 1969 22 Dec 1969
13 Mar 1966 05 Jan 1970 30 Jan 1970
22 Apr 1966 12 Feb 1970 01 Mar 1970
VNSM 25 Nov 1965 23 Dec 1965 26 Mar 1970 17 Apr 1970
15 Jan 1966 04 Feb 1966 SASM 15 Jan 1991 03 Apr 1991
01 Apr 1966 29 Apr 1966 KLM 17 Jan 1991 28 Feb 1991

A squadron A-6E Intruder, with CAG markings, landing aboard America (CV 66) in 1993.
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150 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

VA-93 blue circle and a white center; the stylized aircraft were
dark blue with red contrails; the scroll had a white
Lineage background outlined in black, with black lettering.
Nickname: Blue Blazers, 1954–1976.
Established as Fighter Squadron NINETY THREE Ravens, 1976–1986.
(VF-93) on 26 March 1952.
Redesignated Attack Squadron NINETY THREE (VA-
93) on 15 September 1956. Chronology of Significant Events
Disestablished on 31 August 1986. The first
squadron to be assigned the VA-93 designation. May 1963: Following the military losses of the Lao
neutralist to the Pathet Lao in the Plaine de Jarres,
Squadron Insignia and Nickname Laos, Ranger (CVA 61) transited to the South China
The squadron’s first insignia was approved by CNO Sea to support possible operations in Laos.
on 14 April 1954. Colors for the flying tiger shark 15 Oct 1963: The squadron established a
insignia were: a back- Detachment Q for deployment aboard the anti-subma-
ground of light blue rine carrier Bennington (CVS 20) to provide daylight
with a buzz saw outline fighter protection for the ASW aircraft. The detachment
in red; the upper part of
flew A-4B Skyhawks.
the shark was dark blue,
the lower part white and 7 Feb 1965: Following a Viet Cong attack against the
the shark was outlined American advisors compound at Pleiku, South
in black; gold wings Vietnam, a reprisal strike, named Flaming Dart I, was
with a white eye and ordered by the President. VA-93 participated in this
red pupil; the carrier strike, but upon reaching the target, the military bar-
was gray outlined in
racks at Vit Thu Lu, the mission was aborted due to
black with white streaks
The flying tiger shark was the running from the carrier the weather.
squadron’s first insignia. to the tail of the shark. 11 Feb 1965: Participated in Flaming Dart II, retalia-
tory strikes against the military barracks at Chanh Hoa,
Following the squad-
North Vietnam.
ron’s redesignation a
new insignia was ap- 15 Mar 1965: Participated in Rolling Thunder strikes
proved by CNO on 8 against ammunition storage area in Phu Qui, North
May 1957. The skull and Vietnam.
stylized aircraft insignia May–Oct 1972: Participated in Operation Linebacker
colors were: a dark blue I, heavy air strikes against targets in North Vietnam to
background; white
reduce that country’s ability to continue the war effort
clouds outlined in black;
black skull with white in South Vietnam.
highlights and red eyes; Apr 1975: Participated in Operation Frequent Wind,
yellow lightning bolts The skull and stylized aircraft the evacuation of American personnel from Saigon,
outlined in black; silver insignia was adopted by the South Vietnam as the country fell to the communists.
gray aircraft outlined in squadron in 1957.
Aug-Sep 1976: Operated near the Korea Peninsula
following the murder of U.S. military personnel in the
black and red contrails
outlined in black; a Korean DMZ by North Koreans.
white scroll outlined in Nov–Dec 1979: In response to the seizure of the
black with black letters. American Embassy and its staff, by an Iranian mob,
A new insignia was and the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, Midway (CV
approved by CNO on 19 41) operated in the Arabian Sea.
November 1965. May–Jun 1980: Following the massacre of several
Insignia colors for the
hundred people in the city of Kwangju, South Korea,
stylized aircraft with a
series of circles were: a Midway operated off the coast of South Korea until
dark blue outer circle the crisis had subsided.
The stylized aircraft design was the followed by a medium Dec 1981: Following unrest in Korea, Midway oper-
last insignia used by the squadron. blue circle, then a light ated off the coast of South Korea for several days.
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 151

Home Port Assignment Commanding Officers—Continued

Location Assignment Date Date Assumed Command

NAS Alameda 26 Mar 1952 CDR William M. Gortney 02 Mar 1963
NAS Lemoore 08 Mar 1962 CDR E. W. O’Callaghan 05 Feb 1964
NS Yokosuka (NAF Atsugi & Misawa)* 05 Oct 1973* CDR A. J. Monger 11 Jan 1965
NAS Lemoore 16 Apr 1986 CDR W. G. Sizemore 04 Jan 1966
CDR R. S. Salin Jan 1967
* VA-93, along with CVW-5 and Midway (CVA 41), were part of a CDR R. R. Wilson 17 Jan 1968
program to permanently assign a carrier and air wing to an overseas CDR Thomas W. Schaaf 10 Jul 1968
home port. Midway’s new home port was NS Yokosuka, Japan, and
the squadron would normally operate out of NAF Atsugi or Misawa CDR David L. Glunt, Jr. 19 Jan 1970
when the carrier was at NS Yokosuka. The assignment was effective CDR Edwin R. Kohn, Jr. 19 Nov 1970
30 June 1973. However, the squadron did not arrive until 5 October CDR Carl E. Erie 22 Jul 1971
1973.
CDR Jerry L. Terrell 13 Jul 1972
CDR Douglas L. Clarke 29 Jan 1973
Commanding Officers CDR Walter V. Roeser 10 May 1974
CDR William A. Dougherty, Jr. 06 Jun 1975
Date Assumed Command CDR Rodger W. Wright 18 Sep 1976
LCDR E. W. Smith (acting) 26 Mar 1952 CDR John W. Patterson 3 Jan 1977
LCDR W. E. Carver 23 Apr 1952 CDR Clarence S. Vaught 30 Mar 1978
LCDR J. T. Barker May 1953 CDR Eugene F. Mitchell 22 Jun 1979
CDR G. E. Hartley Jul 1955 CDR Marion R. Rackowitz 22 Oct 1980
CDR James H. Finney 21 Dec 1981
CDR Paul E. Padget 24 Sep 1956
CDR Dennis W. Irelan 11 May 1982
CDR Robert F. Kanze 30 Apr 1958
CDR Harry W. Hartsell 04 Oct 1984
CDR E. W. Gendron 27 May 1959 CDR David V. Park* 15 Jun 1986
CDR William H. Hile, Jr. 21 Jul 1960
CDR J. W. Porter, Jr. 09 Jun 1961 * Commander Park assumed the duties of VA-93 as Officer in
CDR Robert F. Schoultz 27 Mar 1962 Charge, not Commanding Officer.

A squadron F9F-8 Cougar flies along side a VC-61 Det M F9F-8 during deployment to WestPac in 1956 aboard Oriskany (CVA 34).
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Aircraft Assignment Aircraft Assignment—Continued

Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received
FG-1D May 1952 A-4B 15 Oct 1963
F9F-2 May 1952 A-4E Sep 1966
F9F-5 Sep 1953 A-4F Sep 1967
F9F-8 Jan 1955 A-7B 20 Apr 1969
A4D-1 26 Nov 1956 A-7A Mar 1973
A4D-2 25 May 1958 A-7E Apr 1977
A4D-2N/A-4C* 01 Sep 1960
* The A4D-2N designation was changed to A-4C in 1962.

Major Overseas Deployments

Date of Date of Air Type of Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Aircraft Operation

15 Dec 1952 14 Aug 1953 CVG-9 CVA 47 F9F-2 Korea

11 May 1954 12 Dec 1954 CVG-9 CVA 12 F9F-5 World Cruise
11 Feb 1956 13 Jun 1956 CVG-9 CVA 34 F9F-8 WestPac
16 Sep 1957 25 Apr 1958 CVG-9 CVA 14 A4D-1 WestPac
06 Feb 1960 30 Aug 1960 CVG-9 CVA 61 A4D-2 WestPac
11 Aug 1961 08 Mar 1962 CVG-9 CVA 61 A4D-2N WestPac
09 Nov 1962 14 Jun 1963 CVG-9 CVA 61 A-4C WestPac
05 Aug 1964 06 May 1965 CVW-9 CVA 61 A-4C WestPac/Vietnam
26 Oct 1965 21 Jun 1966 CVW-9 CVAN 65 A-4C WestPac/Vietnam
05 Jan 1967 22 Jul 1967 CVW-5 CVA 19 A-4E WestPac/Vietnam
27 Jan 1968 10 Oct 1968 CVW-5 CVA 31 A-4F WestPac/Vietnam
14 Oct 1969 01 Jun 1970 CVW-2 CVA 61 A-7B WestPac/Vietnam
16 Apr 1971 06 Nov 1971 CVW-5 CVA 41 A-7B WestPac/Vietnam
10 Apr 1972 03 Mar 1973 CVW-5 CVA 41 A-7B WestPac/Vietnam
11 Sep 1973 05 Oct 1973 CVW-5 CVA 41 A-7A WestPac*
26 Nov 1973 22 Dec 1973 CVW-5 CVA 41 A-7A WestPac
29 Jan 1974 06 Mar 1974 CVW-5 CVA 41 A-7A WestPac
18 Oct 1974 20 Dec 1974 CVW-5 CVA 41 A-7A WestPac
13 Jan 1975 18 Feb 1975 CVW-5 CVA 41 A-7A WestPac
31 Mar 1975 29 May 1975 CVW-5 CVA 41 A-7A WestPac
04 Oct 1975 19 Dec 1975 CVW-5 CV 41 A-7A WestPac/IO
13 Mar 1976 26 Apr 1976 CVW-5 CV 41 A-7A WestPac
19 May 1976 22 Jun 1976 CVW-5 CV 41 A-7A WestPac
09 Jul 1976 04 Aug 1976 CVW-5 CV 41 A-7A WestPac
01 Nov 1976 17 Dec 1976 CVW-5 CV 41 A-7A WestPac
11 Jan 1977 01 Mar 1977 CVW-5 CV 41 A-7A WestPac
19 Apr 1977 25 Apr 1977 CVW-5 CV 41 A-7A WestPac†
18 Aug 1977 02 Sep 1977 CVW-5 CV 41 A-7E WestPac
27 Sep 1977 21 Dec 1977 CVW-5 CV 41 A-7E WestPac/IO
11 Apr 1978 23 May 1978 CVW-5 CV 41 A-7E WestPac
09 Nov 1978 23 Dec 1978 CVW-5 CV 41 A-7E WestPac
11 Jan 1979 20 Feb 1979 CVW-5 CV 41 A-7E WestPac
07 Apr 1979 18 Jun 1979 CVW-5 CV 41 A-7E IO
20 Aug 1979 14 Sep 1979 CVW-5 CV 41 A-7E WestPac
30 Sep 1979 20 Feb 1980 CVW-5 CV 41 A-7E IO
14 Jul 1980 26 Nov 1980 CVW-5 CV 41 A-7E WestPac/IO
23 Feb 1981 05 Jun 1981 CVW-5 CV 41 A-7E WestPac/IO
26 Jun 1981 16 Jul 1981 CVW-5 CV 41 A-7E WestPac
03 Sep 1981 06 Oct 1981 CVW-5 CV 41 A-7E WestPac
26 Apr 1982 18 Jun 1982 CVW-5 CV 41 A-7E WestPac
14 Sep 1982 11 Dec 1982 CVW-5 CV 41 A-7E NorPac/WestPac
02 Jun 1983 14 Aug 1983 CVW-5 CV 41 A-7E WestPac
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 153

Major Overseas Deployments—Continued

Date of Date of Air Type of Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Aircraft Operation

25 Oct 1983 11 Dec 1983 CVW-5 CV 41 A-7E WestPac

28 Dec 1983 23 May 1984 CVW-5 CV 41 A-7E IO
15 Oct 1984 12 Dec 1984 CVW-5 CV 41 A-7E WestPac
01 Feb 1985 28 Mar 1985 CVW-5 CV 41 A-7E WestPac
10 Jun 1985 14 Oct 1985 CVW-5 CV 41 A-7E IO/WestPac
15 Nov 1985 12 Dec 1985 CVW-5 CV 41 A-7E WestPac
17 Jan 1986 30 Mar 1986 CVW-5 CV 41 A-7E WestPac

* Midway (CVA 41) with CVW-5 and its assigned squadrons, including VA-93, were forward deployed and home ported overseas at NS
Yokosuka, Japan. Only operations outside the home waters of Japan are listed as deployments.
† During the period 25 April to 17 August 1977, VA-93 was shore based at NAS Cubi Point, Philippines, transitioning from the A-7A to the A-7E.

A squadron A-4E Skyhawk aboard Hancock (CVA 19) during their 1967 combat cruise to Vietnam. Notice the stylized aircraft on the fuselage aft
of the jet intake.

Air Wing Assignments Unit Awards Received

Air Wing Tail Code Assignment Date Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award
CVG-9/CVW-9† N/NG* Mar 1952 KPUC 25 Jan 1953 27 Jul 1953
CVW-5 NF 01 Aug 1966 NUC 31 Jan 1953 27 Jul 1953
COMFAIRALAMEDA 01 Nov 1968 29 Apr 1975 30 Apr 1975
CVW-2 NE 19 May 1969 01 Jan 1978 30 Jun 1979
COMFAIRLEMOORE 01 Jun 1970 MUC 27 Oct 1969 12 May 1970
CVW-16 AH 01 Sep 1970 07 May 1971 28 Oct 1971
13 Nov 1979 08 Feb 1980
CVW-5 NF 16 Feb 1971
27 Jul 1982 01 May 1984
NAVE 01 Jul 1962 30 Jun 1963
* The tail code was changed from N to NG in 1957. The effective
date for this change was most likely the beginning of FY 58 (1 July 01 Jan 1970 30 Jun 1971
1957). 01 Jan 1982 30 Jun 1983
† CVG-9 was redesignated CVW-9 when Carrier Air Group (CVG) AFEM 24 Jun 1960 25 Jun 1960
designations were redesignated Carrier Air Wings (CVW) on 20 01 May 1963 05 May 1963
December 1963.
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154 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

Unit Awards Received—Continued Unit Awards Received—Continued

Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award
19 Sep 1964 20 Sep 1964 12 Jun 1967 27 Jun 1967
01 Oct 1964 09 Oct 1964 20 Feb 1968 24 Mar 1968
28 Nov 1964 30 Dec 1964 13 Jun 1968 07 Jul 1968
17 Jan 1965 17 Mar 1965 21 Jul 1968 18 Aug 1968
04 Apr 1965 13 Apr 1965 27 Aug 1968 14 Sep 1968
04 May 1968 07 May 1968 16 Nov 1969 07 Dec 1969
10 Jan 1970 13 Jan 1970 17 Dec 1969 06 Jan 1970
12 Apr 1970 13 Apr 1970 29 Jan 1970 18 Feb 1970
29 Apr 1975 30 Apr 1975 27 Feb 1970 30 Mar 1970
HSM 29 Apr 1975 30 Apr 1975 16 Apr 1970 13 May 1970
NEM 15 Apr 1979 06 Jun 1979 17 May 1971 09 Jun 1971
21 Nov 1979 07 Feb 1980 29 Jun 1971 20 Jul 1971
19 Aug 1980 13 Nov 1980 31 Jul 1971 17 Aug 1971
12 Mar 1981 19 May 1981 26 Sep 1971 11 Oct 1971
PUC 30 Apr 1972 09 Feb 1973 01 May 1972 01 Jun 1972
RVNGC 30 Mar 1972 15 Jul 1972 11 Jun 1972 07 Jul 1972
VNSM 02 Dec 1965 14 Jan 1966 16 Jul 1972 13 Aug 1972
04 Feb 1966 23 Feb 1966 23 Aug 1972 10 Sep 1972
16 Mar 1966 12 Apr 1966 19 Sep 1972 12 Oct 1972
22 Apr 1966 14 May 1966 23 Oct 1972 23 Nov 1972
23 May 1966 06 Jun 1966 03 Dec 1972 22 Dec 1972
05 Feb 1967 25 Feb 1967 31 Dec 1972
15 Mar 1967 12 Apr 1967 04 Jan 1973 24 Jan 1973
28 Apr 1967 04 Jun 1967 03 Feb 1973 09 Feb 197

A flight of squadron A-7B Corsair IIs in 1969.

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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 155

VA-94 Ross, and D. D. J. Spanagel; Lieutenant (jg)s P. P.

Cook, J. M. Glynn, R. D. Reed, J. P. Trytten, and J. E.
Lineage Tsarnas; Lieutenants W. N. Christensen, J. S. Cooper,
H. C. Hogan, R. E. Moore, R. D. Warner and R. S.
Established as Bombing Squadron NINETY NINE Wilcox; and Commander R. E. Riera.
(VB-99) on 1 July 1943. 25 Oct 1944: Squadron aircraft were part of the Fast
Redesignated Bombing Squadron TWENTY (VB-20) Carrier Task Force that attacked the Japanese carrier
on 15 October 1943. force in the Battle of Cape Engano. Four Japanese car-
Redesignated Attack Squadron NINE A (VA-9A) on riers were sunk during this engagement. The following
15 November 1946. squadron personnel were awarded the Navy Cross for
Redesignated Attack Squadron NINETY FOUR (VA- their actions during the Battle of Cape Engano:
94) on 12 August 1948. Ensigns H. C. Bearden, D. F. Hughes, C. Z. Stevens III,
Disestablished on 30 November 1949. The first and W. P. Wright; Lieutenant (jg) W. C. Phtilla;
squadron to be assigned the VA-94 designation. Lieutenants W. W. Anderson, C. Burkhart and L. C.
Flynt; and Commander R. E. Riera.
Squadron Insignia and Nickname Nov 1944: Squadron aircraft flew strikes against a
Japanese troop convoy in Ormoc Bay, Leyte and
The squadron insignia was approved by CNO on 9
enemy positions on Luzon.
December 1943. Colors for the cat and skull insignia
Dec 1944: The squadron participated in strikes
were: light blue back-
flown against Luzon.
ground with white bor-
Jan 1945: Squadron aircraft flew strikes against
der and dark blue out-
Luzon, Formosa, Hong Kong, and Japanese convoys in
line; the cat was black
South China Sea and Okinawa.
and white with green
12 Jan 1945: The following squadron personnel
eyes; the skull was shad-
were awarded the Silver Star medal for action against
ed white and green with
a Japanese cruiser protecting a convoy of cargo ships:
black outlines and shad-
Lieutenants W. N. Christensen and W. W. Anderson
ows; helmet was mus-
and Lieutenant (jg) H. Rubner.
tard yellow, goggles were
brown with white shad-
ing, the glasses were Home Port Assignment
The squadron insignia was ap- green and black; and a
proved for use in December 1943. Location Assignment Date
yellow bomb with brown
and white shading. NAS San Diego 01 Jul 1943
Nickname: Bombing Twenty’s Tough Kitty, NAS Kaneohe 21 Apr 1944*
1943–1946. NAS Barbers Point 30 Apr 1944*
NAS Puunene 17 Jun 1944*
Chronology of Significant Events NAS San Diego 23 Feb 1945
Jul–Oct 1943: VB-99 was established as an experi- NAS Wildwood 16 Apr 1945
mental squadron for the new SB2C aircraft until its NAS Edenton 22 Jun 1945
redesignation as VB-20 and assignment to CVG-20. NAAS Elizabeth City 01 Nov 1945
31 Aug 1944: The squadron’s first combat action NAAS Charlestown 01 Mar 1946
involved an attack on the Bonin Islands.
* Temporary shore assignment while the squadron conducted train-
Sep 1944: The squadron participated in pre-invasion ing in preparation for combat deployment.
strikes on Palau Islands and provided air support for
landings on Peleliu Island.
Oct 1944: Squadron aircraft participated in air Commanding Officers
strikes against Okinawa, Formosa and Luzon.
Date Assumed Command
24 Oct 1944: The squadron participated in the Battle
for Leyte Gulf. VB-20’s SB2Cs flew sorties against a LCDR Louis J. Kirn Jul 1943
powerful Japanese surface force in the Sibuyan Sea. LCDR Robert E. Riera 10 Nov 1943
These attacks contributed to the sinking of the LCDR Raymond E. Moore 10 Nov 1944
Musashi, one of the two largest battleships in the LT James S. Cooper (acting) 16 Apr 1945
world. The following squadron personnel were award- LT James S. Cooper 19 Apr 1945
ed the Navy Cross for this action: Ensigns M. E. LCDR Lawrence G. Traynor 05 Jun 1947
Adams, R. J. Barnes, H. A. Koster, R. D. Olson, M. T. LCDR Harlin M. Keister 06 Jul 1948
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156 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

Aircraft Assignment Aircraft Assignment—Continued

Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received
SBD-5 Jul 1943 SBW-5 04 Aug 1945
SB2C-1C 15 Nov 1943 SB2C-5 Mar 1946
SB2C-3 Jul 1944 AD-2 04 Oct 1948
SB2C-4E 18 Apr 1945

Major Overseas Deployments

Date of Date of Air Type of Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Aircraft Operation

16 Aug 1944 23 Nov 1944 CVG-20 CV 6* SB2C-3 Pacific

23 Nov 1944 02 Feb 1945 CVG-20 CV 16** SB2C-3 Pacific
09 Feb 1948 26 Jun 1948 CVAG-9 CV 47 SB2C-5 Carib/Med

* The squadron transferred from Enterprise (CV 6) to Lexington (CV 16) and remained deployed in the Pacific.
** The squadron completed its combat tour in the Pacific and transferred from Lexington (CV 16) to Kwajalein (CVE 98) for transporation back
to the United States.

Air Wing Assignments

Air Wing Tail Code Assignment Date

CVG-20/CVAG-9/CVG-9* PS/D** 15 Oct 1943
* Established as CVG-20 on 15 October 1943. Redesignated CVAG-9
on 15 November 1946. CVAG-9 redesignated CVG-9 on 1 September
1948. CVG-9 was disestablished on 1 December 1949.
** The tail code PS was assigned to Philippine Sea (CV 47) and CVG-
9 in 1946. In 1948 the tail code for CVG-9 was changed to D.

Unit Awards Received

Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award

NUC 31 Aug 1944 18 Sep 1944
10 Oct 1944 22 Nov 1944
PUC 14 Dec 1944 16 Dec 1944
03 Jan 1945 22 Jan 1945
Campaign Medal
(Asiatic-Pacific) 31 Aug 1944 18 Sep 1944
10 Oct 1944 22 Nov 1944
14 Dec 1944 16 Dec 1944 A flight of squadron SB2C-5 Helldivers during deployment to the
03 Jan 1945 22 Jan 1945 Med in 1948 aboard Philippine Sea (CV 47).
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 157

VA-95 ed the Navy Cross for their action against the Japanese
task force: Ensigns W. T. Ross, W. J. Schaller, and G.
Lineage Swint III; Lieutenant (jg) M. Throwbridge; Lieutenants
C. H. H. Dickey, E. B. Holley, and R. E. McHenry, and
Established as Torpedo Squadron TWENTY (VT-20) Lieutenant Commander S. L. Prickett.
on 15 October 1943. 25 Oct 1944: Squadron aircraft were part of the Fast
Redesignated Attack Squadron TEN A (VA-10A) on Carrier Task Force that attacked the Japanese carrier
15 November 1946. force in the Battle of Cape Engano. Four Japanese car-
Redesignated Attack Squadron NINETY FIVE (VA- riers were sunk during this engagement. The following
95) on 12 August 1948. squadron personnel were awarded the Navy Cross for
Disestablished on 30 November 1949. The first their action during the Battle of Cape Engano: Ensigns
squadron to be designated VA-95. T. E. Armour, J. L. Baxter, M. H. Krouse, and C. D.
Leeper; Lieutenant (jg)s P. H. Bradley and C. F.
Squadron Insignia and Nickname Schlegel; and Lieutenants J. H. Howell, Jr., M. L.
Leedom, E. E. Rodenburg, and R. J. Savage.
The squadron’s insignia was approved by CNO on
Nov 1944: The squadron participated in strikes
21 March 1944. Colors for the vulture insignia were:
against a Japanese troop convoy in Ormoc Bay, Leyte
background of light
and enemy positions on Luzon.
blue with an inner circle
of white and a black Dec 1944: Strikes were flown against Luzon in
outer circle; the bird preparation for the landings at Lingayan Gulf, Luzon.
was pearl gray with Jan 1945: Squadron aircraft flew strikes against
white highlights and Luzon, Formosa, Hong Kong, Japanese convoys in
outlined in black; the South China Sea and along coast of French Indochina,
leg and ruff of feathers and Okinawa.
around the neck were 12 Jan 1945: Lieutenant J. N. Howell, Jr and
white with blue mark- Lieutenant (jg) M. Throwbridge were awarded the
ings; the head, neck and Silver Star Medal for their action against a Japanese
feet a drab yellow, and cruiser that was protecting a convoy off the coast of
The squadron insignia was ap- the beak was black; the
proved in March 1944. French Indochina. Their attacks contributed to the
torpedo had shades of sinking of the cruiser.
gray with a white, black
and yellow streak, the nose was black and the torpedo
was outlined in black; streaks emanating from the Home Port Assignments
nose of the torpedo were blue and white. Location Assignment Date
Nickname: unknown.
NAS San Diego 15 Oct 1943
NAS Barbers Point 21 Apr 1944*
Chronology of Significant Events NAS Puunene 17 Jun 1944*
1 Sep 1944: The squadron’s first combat action NAS San Diego 23 Feb 1945
involved strikes against shore installations on Chichi NAAF Lewiston 16 Apr 1945
Jima in the Bonin Islands. NAS Edenton Jun 1945
Sep 1944: Squadron aircraft participated in strikes NAAS Elizabeth City 02 Nov 1945
against Palau Islands in preparation for and support of NAAS Charlestown 21 Mar 1946
the landings on Peleliu Island.
Oct 1944: The squadron participated in strikes
* Temporary shore assignment while the squadron conducted train-
against Okinawa, Formosa and Luzon in preparation ing in preparation for combat deployment.
for and support of the landings on Leyte.
15 Oct 1944: Lieutenant Edward B. Holley, flying a
squadron TBM, shot down a Zero, Mitsubishi A6M Commanding Officers
fighter, over Luzon.
Date Assumed Command
24 Oct 1944: The squadron participated in the Battle
for Leyte Gulf. VT-20’s TBM-1Cs flew sorties against a LCDR David E. Dressendorfer 15 Oct 1943
powerful Japanese surface force in the Sibuyan Sea. LCDR Samuel L. Prickett 27 Dec 1943
These attacks contrtibuted to the sinking of the mighty LCDR James N. Howell, Jr. 16 Apr 1945
Musashi, one of the two largest battleships in the LCDR J. J. Maechtlen Jul 1947
world. The following squadron personnel were award- LCDR Charles C. Ainsworth 07 Feb 1949
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158 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

Aircraft Assignment Aircraft Assignment

Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received
TBF-1/TBM-1 Nov 1943 TBM-3E Jul 1945
TBM-1C Feb 1944 AD-1 01 Aug 1949

Major Overseas Deployments

Date of Date of Air Type of Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Aircraft Operation

16 Aug 1944 23 Nov 1944 CVG-20 CV 6* TBM-1C Pacific

23 Nov 1944 02 Feb 1945 CVG-20 CV 16† TBM-1C Pacific
09 Feb 1948 26 Jun 1948 CVAG-9 CV 47 TBM-3E Carib/Med

Air Wing Assignments Unit Awards Received

Air Wing Tail Code Assignment Date Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award
NUC 31 Aug 1944 18 Sep 1944
CVG-20/CVAG-9/ PS/D† 15 Oct 1943 10 Oct 1944 22 Nov 1944
CVG-9* PUC 14 Dec 1944 16 Dec 1944
03 Jan 1945 22 Jan 1945
* Established as CVG-20 on 15 October 1943. Redesignated CVAG-9 Campaign Medal
on 15 November 1946. CVAG-9 redesignated CVG-9 on 1 September
(Asiatic-Pacific) 31 Aug 1944 18 Sep 1944
1948. CVG-9 was disestablished on 1 December 1949.
10 Oct 1944 22 Nov 1944
† The tail code PS was assigned to Philippine Sea (CV 47) and CVG- 14 Dec 1944 16 Dec 1944
9 in 1946. In 1948 the tail code for CVG-9 was changed to D. 03 Jan 1945 22 Jan 1945

A squadron TBM-1C aboard Enterprise (CV 6) in October 1944. Note the damage on the wing of the aircraft (Courtesy David Laucabaugh Collection).
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 159

SECOND VA-95 enroute to Vietnam as part of an air wing composed

only of attack squadrons.
Lineage Sep 1969: Following a coup that overthrew the
Libyan monarchy Kennedy (CVA 67) cut short its visit
Established as Attack Squadron NINETY FIVE (VA- to Cannes, France, and departed for operations in the
95) on 26 March 1952. Ionian Sea. The United States later extended diplomat-
Disestablished on 1 April 1970. The second ic recognition to the new Libyan government.
squadron to be assigned the VA-95 designation.

Home Port Assignments

Squadron Insignia and Nickname
The squadron’s insignia was approved by CNO on Location Assignment Date
16 January 1957. Colors for the knight plumed helmet NAS Alameda 26 Mar 1952
were: black background NAS Moffett Field 08 Mar 1962
on left hand side and NAS Lemoore 01 Apr 1963
silver on the right half NAS Alameda 04 Aug 1968
of the circular design,
with a silver outline on
Commanding Officers
the left and a black out-
line on the right; silver Date Assumed Command
mace and black sword; LCDR Samuel B. Berrey 26 Mar 1952
the left side of the hel- LT L. Wilson (acting) 1953
met was silver with CDR David L. Berrey Aug 1953
green and black mark- CDR John C. Allman Oct 1954
ings; the right side of CDR Donald L. Irgens Jan 1955
The squadron’s plumed helmet
insignia was approved in 1957. the helmet was green CDR Martin J. Stack Sep 1956
with silver markings; CDR F. L. Brady 21 Mar 1958
the plume was red; and the scroll was silver, outlined CDR Rollin E. Gray, Jr. 20 Apr 1958
in black with green lettering. CDR Carl Weisse 04 Mar 1959
Nickname: Skyknights, 1957–1963. CDR R. R. Renaldi 02 Sep 1960
Green Lizards, 1963–1970. CDR Stanley F. Abele 13 Jun 1961
CDR H. G. Silliman 17 Jul 1962
Chronology of Significant Events CDR Harold J. Zenner 19 Jul 1963
CDR Dwight E. DeCamp 05 Jun 1964
Jan 1963: The squadron participated in cross deck
CDR G. E. Jacobssen, Jr. 15 Jun 1965
operations with the British carrier HMS Hermes while
CDR F. E. O’Connor, Jr. 10 Jun 1966
operating in the western Pacific.
CDR W. E. Ohlrich, Jr. 26 Jun 1967
May 1963: Following the military losses of Lao neu-
CDR M. A. Benero, Jr. 1968
tralists to the Pathet Lao in the Plaine de Jarres, Laos,
CDR J. K. Hassett 02 Jul 1969
Ranger (CVA 61) transited to the South China Sea to
support possible operations in Laos.
Nov 1964–Apr 1965: The squadron particpated in Aircraft Assignment
support for photo reconnaissance missions and con-
ducted strikes against targets in Laos. Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received
7 Feb 1965: Following a Viet Cong attack against the F6F-5 21 Apr 1952
American advisors compound at Pleiku, South AD-1 19 May 1952
Vietnam, the President ordered a reprisal strike against AD-4NA 03 Jul 1952
North Vietnam, named Flaming Dart I. The squadron’s AD-4 Sep 1952
target was the Vit Thu Lu Barracks. However, the AD-4L Oct 1952
strike turned back due to poor weather conditions.
AD-6/A-1H* Oct 1953
11 Feb 1965: Squadron aircraft participated in
AD-7/A-1J* Sep 1956
Flaming Dart II, retaliatory strikes against the Chanh
Hoa military barracks near Dong Hoi, North Vietnam. A-4C 15 Jul 1965
Mar 1965: The squadron participated in Rolling A-4B 05 Dec 1965
Thunder strikes against the Phu Qui ammunition A-4C Sep 1968
depot in North Vietnam.
* The AD-6 and AD-7 designations were changed to A-1H and A-1J
Apr 1966: The squadron departed Norfolk, Virginia, in 1962.
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160 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

A squadron AD-6 Skyraider positioned on the forward part of the flight deck along with other air wing Skyraiders. The photo was taken during
Hornet’s (CVA 12) transit through the Suez Canal in June 1954 during her world cruise.

Major Overseas Deployments

Date of Date of Air Type of Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Aircraft Operation

15 Dec 1952 14 Aug 1953 CVG-9 CVA 47 AD-4/L/NA Korea

11 May 1954 12 Dec 1954 CVG-9 CVA 12 AD-6 World Cruise
11 Feb 1956 13 Jun 1956 CVG-9 CVA 34 AD-6 WestPac
16 Sep 1957 25 Apr 1958 CVG-9 CVA 14 AD-7 WestPac
06 Feb 1960 30 Aug 1960 CVG-9 CVA 61 AD-7 WestPac
11 Aug 1961 08 Mar 1962 CVG-9 CVA 61 AD-7 WestPac
09 Nov 1962 14 Jun 1963 CVG-9 CVA 61 AD-6/7 WestPac
05 Aug 1964 06 May 1965 CVW-9 CVA 61 A-1H/J WestPac/Vietnam
04 Apr 1966 21 Nov 1966 CVW-10 CVS 11 A-4B WestPac/Vietnam
15 Nov 1967 04 Aug 1968 CVW-8 CVA 38 A-4B Med
05 Apr 1969 21 Dec 1969 CVW-1 CVA 67 A-4C Med
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 161

Air Wing Assignments Unit Awards Received

Air Wing Tail Code Assignment Date Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award
CVG-9/CVW-9† N/NG* 26 Mar 1952 KPUC 25 Jan 1953 27 Jul 1953
COMFAIRALAMEDA 02 Oct 1965 NUC 31 Jan 1953 27 Jul 1953
CVW-10 AK 01 Feb 1966 AFEM 19 Sep 1964 20 Sep 1964
CVW-8 AJ Oct 1967 01 Oct 1964 09 Oct 1964
COMFAIRALAMEDA 26 Aug 1968 28 Nov 1964 30 Dec 1964
CVW-1 AB Feb 1969
17 Jan 1965 17 Mar 1965
COMFAIRALAMEDA 02 Mar 1970
04 Apr 1965 13 Apr 1965
* The tail code was changed from N to NG in 1957. The effective VNSM 15 May 1966 15 Jun 1966
date for this change was most likely the beginning of FY 58 (1 July
1957). 08 Jul 1966 10 Aug 1966
† CVG-9 was redesignated CVW-9 when Carrier Air Group (CVG) 01 Sep 1966 23 Sep 1966
designations were redesignated Carrier Air Wings (CVW) on 20 02 Oct 1966 18 Oct 1966
December 1963.

All 14 of the squadron’s A-4B Skyhawks are parked in numerical order on the flight line in 1967.
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162 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

THIRD VA-95 of the squadron’s aircraft while they were flying a sur-
face combat air patrol for Joseph Strauss (DDG 16). The
Lineage aircraft evaded the missiles and returned fire with two
Harpoons and four laser-guided Skipper bombs. This
attack was followed by a Harpoon firing from Joseph
Established as Attack Squadron NINETY FIVE (VA- Strauss. The attack against the Sahand left her blazing.
95) on 1 April 1972. The third squadron to be assigned Eventually the fires reached her magazines, and the
the VA-95 designation. final explosions lead to her sinking. Following this
action the sister ship of the Sahand, the Sabalan, left
Squadron Insignia and Nickname port and engaged several of the squadron’s aircraft, fir-
ing a missile at them. One of the squadron’s Intruders
The squadron’s insignia was approved by CNO on
responded with a laser-guided bomb that hit Sabalan,
25 July 1972. Colors for the green lizard insignia are as
and she went dead in the water. The Sabalan was
follows: a white scroll
taken in tow by an Iranian tug, her fantail partially sub-
with black letters and a
merged. VA-95’s aircraft were ordered not to continue
black outline of the
the attack. The squadron continued to fly combat sor-
insignia and scroll; back-
ties during 19 April but no other action resulted.
ground of the lower half
Oct–Nov 1990: During the Abraham Lincoln’s (CVN
is dark blue with black
72) cruise from the East to West Coast via Cape Horn,
and yellow markings;
the squadron participated in joint exercises with the
background for the
Argentinean, Chilean, and Ecuadorian Armed Forces.
upper half is light blue
with white rays outlined
in black; the sun is Home Port Assignments
orange with a yellow
The squadron’s “Green Lizard”
background; the lizard is Location Assignment Date
insignia.
green with black and NAS Whidbey Island 01 Apr 1972
yellow markings, the
eye and teeth are white; and the trident is black. Commanding Officers
Nickname: Green Lizards, 1972-present.
Date Assumed Command
CDR G. E. Wales 01 Apr 1972
Chronology of Significant Events CDR W. D. Zirbel 1973
Apr 1973: The squadron provided support for CDR Van F. Westfall 05 Apr 1974
Operation End Sweep, the clearing of mine fields CDR Jerry W. Rogers 1974
along the coast of North Vietnam. CDR Robert M. McEwen 29 Oct 1976
Apr 1975: Squadron aircraft participated in CDR Ken G. Craig 27 Jan 1978
Operation Frequent Wind, the evacuation of American CDR Richard J. Toft 1979
personnel from Saigon. The squadron provided armed CDR Patrick C. Hauert 21 Aug 1980
escort flights over the Saigon area for protection of the CDR Richard C. Wolter 10 Dec 1981
helos conducting the evacuation. CDR Raymond T. Wojcik 02 Feb 1983
15 May 1975: The squadron participated in the CDR John S. McMahon, Jr. 01 Aug 1984
recovery of the American merchant ship SS Mayaguez CDR Jeremy C. Rosenberg 01 Feb 1986
following its capture by Cambodian gunboats. The CDR William H. Miller 19 Jun 1987
CDR John F. Schork 01 Dec 1988
squadron flew sorties in support of the Marine land-
CDR John R. Worthington 25 May 1990
ings on Koh Tang Island and retaliatory strikes against
Cambodian targets. Squadron aircraft struck the airfield
Aircraft Assignment
and naval facility at Ream, Cambodia. The squadron’s
KA-6D aircraft were used to provide tanker support Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received
for the combat sorties.
A-6A 1972*
18–19 Apr 1988: The squadron participated in A-6B 1972†
Operation Praying Mantis, retaliatory strikes against KA-6D 1972†
Iran after Samuel B. Roberts (FFG 58) struck an Iranian A-6E 04 Feb 1976
mine in international waters. Squadron aircraft attacked
Iranian Boghammar speedboats, using Rockeye cluster * The squadron received their first A-6A Intruders sometime
between April and June 1972.
bombs. They sunk one and damaged another. Later in
† The squadron received their first A-6B and KA-6Ds sometime
the day, the Iranian frigate Sahand fired missiles at two between October and December 1972.
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 163

Major Overseas Deployments

Date of Date of Air Type of Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Aircraft Operation

09 Mar 1973 08 Nov 1973 CVW-15 CVA 43 A-6A/B & KA-6D WestPac
05 Dec 1974 02 Jul 1975 CVW-15 CVA 43 A-6A & KA-6D WestPac
15 Feb 1977 05 Oct 1977 CVW-15 CV 43 A-6E & KA-6D WestPac
13 Mar 1979 22 Sep 1979 CVW-11 CV 66 A-6E & KA-6D Med
14 Apr 1981 12 Nov 1981 CVW-11 CV 66 A-6E & KA-6D Med/IO
01 Sep 1982 28 Apr 1983 CVW-11 CVN 65 A-6E & KA-6D NorPac/WestPac/IO
30 May 1984 20 Dec 1984 CVW-11 CVN 65 A-6E & KA-6D WestPac/IO
15 Jan 1986 12 Aug 1986 CVW-11 CVN 65 A-6E & KA-6D World Cruise
25 Oct 1987 24 Nov 1987 CVW-11 CVN 65 A-6E & KA-6D NorPac
05 Jan 1988 03 Jul 1988 CVW-11 CVN 65 A-6E & KA-6D WestPac/IO
17 Sep 1989 16 Mar 1990 CVW-11 CVN 65 A-6E & KA-6D World Cruise
25 Sep 1990 20 Nov 1990 CVW-11 CVN 72 A-6E & KA-6D East Coast to West
Coast cruise via
Cape Horn

Air Wing Assignments Unit Awards Received—Continued

Air Wing Tail Code Assignment Date Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award
CVW-15 NL 1972 HSM 29 Apr 1975 30 Apr 1975
CVW-11 NH 01 Jul 1978 23 Oct 1982
JMUA 18 Apr 1988 19 Apr 1988
NAVE 01 Jul 1980 31 Dec 1981
Unit Awards Received 01 Jan 1988 31 Dec 1988
Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award
01 Jan 1990 31 Dec 1990
MUC 22 Apr 1975 30 Apr 1975
AFEM 29 Apr 1975 30 Apr 1975
15 May 1975
15 May 1975 15 Feb 1988 21 May 1988
15 Feb 1988 09 Mar 1988 NEM 09 May 1981 18 Oct 1981
25 Mar 1988 19 Apr 1988 30 Apr 1986 27 Jun 1986

A squadron A-6E Intruder in flight, 1987.

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164 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

VA-96
Lineage
Established as Attack Squadron NINETY SIX (VA-96)
on 30 June 1956.
Disestablished on 10 April 1958. The first squadron
to be assigned the VA-96 designation.

Squadron Insignia and

Nickname
The squadron’s
insignia was approved
by CNO on 20 February
1957. Colors for the
eagle crest and sword
insignia were: light blue A squadron AD Skyraider launches from Kearsarge (CVA 33) during
its 1957–1958 western Pacific cruise.
background outlined in
orange, with an orange
scroll and black letter- Home Port Assignments
VA-96’s approved insignia.
ing; the shield was
orange with a black Location Assignment Date
stylized eagle; the eagle’s wing feathers, tongue and NAS Miramar 30 Jun 1956
feet were white; the sword and maces were yellow. NAS Moffett Field Aug 1956
Nickname: unknown.
Commanding Officers
Chronology of Significant Events
Date Assumed Command
4 Jun 1957: The squadron’s commanding officer, CDR Milton K. Dennis 30 Jun 1956
Commander M. K. Dennis, was lost in a night midair CDR Stanley E. Sloan 04 Jun 1957
collision while operating from Kearsarge (CVA 33) off
the coast of California. Aircraft Assignment
Sep 1957: Kearsarge operated in the vicinity of
Taiwan following the build up of Chinese communist Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received
forces opposite the offshore islands belonging to AD-6 Jul 1956
Taiwan. AD-7 Mar 1957

Major Overseas Deployments

Date of Date of Air Type of Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Aircraft Operation

09 Aug 1957 02 Apr 1958 ATG-3 CVA 33 AD-6/7 WestPac

Air Wing Assignments

Air Wing Tail Code Assignment Date

ATG-3 Y/NC* 30 Jun 1956
* The tail code was changed from Y to NC in 1957. The effective
date for this change was most likely the beginning of FY 58 (1 July
1957).
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VA-104 Chronology of Significant Events

Nov 1956: During the Suez War the squadron oper-
Lineage ated from Coral Sea (CVA 43) off the coast of Egypt. It
provided air support for the evacuation of Americans
Established as Fighter Squadron ONE HUNDRED and foreign nationals from that country.
FOUR (VF-104) on 1 May 1952. Jul 1958: The squadron operated from Forrestal
Redesignated Attack Squadron ONE HUNDRED (CVA 59) in the eastern Atlantic, ready to enter the
FOUR (VA-104) in December 1953. Mediterranean if needed for the U.S. Marines’ landing
Disestablished on 31 March 1959. The first squadron in Beirut, Lebanon.
to be assigned the designation VA-104.
Home Port Assignments
Location Assignment Date
Squadron Insignia and Nickname
NAAS Cecil Field* 01 May 1952
There is no record of official approval for the NAS Jacksonville Apr 1953
squadron insignia. The insignia on file for the NAS Cecil Field Dec 1953
squadon was a missile NAS Jacksonville Feb 1957
being shot by a long * NAAS Cecil Field was redesignated NAS Cecil Field on 30 June
bow with an atomic 1952.
explosion in the back-
ground. Colors for this Commanding Officers
insignia were: a light Date Assumed Command
blue background out- LT J. R. Mills (acting) 01 May 1952
lined in yellow; the LCDR R. E. Sequin 13 May 1952
water was medium blue LCDR Harold H. Brock Nov 1952
and the atomic explo- CDR D. H. Johnson Feb 1954
CDR George E. Ford 10 Mar 1955
sion was white with
CDR Jack N. Durio Apr 1957
There is no record of an official shades of light and
approval for this insignia.
medium blue; the long Aircraft Assignment
bow was red with a
Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received
black bow string; the missile had a black body, yel-
FG-1D May 1952
low fins outlined in black, and a red tipped nose.
F4U-5 Dec 1952
Nickname: Hell’s Archers. AD-6 Jan 1954

A squadron F4U-5 aboard Randolph (CVA 15), circa 1953 (Courtesy Robert Lawson Collection).
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Major Overseas Deployments

Date of Date of Air Type of Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Aircraft Operation

07 Jul 1954 20 Dec 1954 CVG-10 CVA 43 AD-6 Med

13 Aug 1956 11 Feb 1957 CVG-10 CVA 43 AD-6 Med
02 Sep 1958 12 Mar 1959 CVG-10 CVA 59 AD-6 Med

Air Wing Assignments

Air Wing Tail Code Assignment Date

CVG-10 P/AK* 01 May 1952
* The tail code was changed from P to AK in 1957. The effective date for this change was most likely the beginning of FY 58 (1 July 1957).

A squadron AD Skyraider, piloted by Commander G. E. Ford, prepares to launch from Leyte (CVA 33) during carrier qualifications in 1955.
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VA-105 Sep 1958: When the Chinese communists began

shelling the Quemoy Island group in August, Essex
Lineage was ordered to transit the Suez Canal and report to the
Seventh Fleet for duty in the Taiwan Straits. The
Established as Attack Squadron ONE HUNDRED squadron flew numerous sorties in the Taiwan Straits
FIVE (VA-105) on 1 May 1952. until relieved on 26 September.
Disestablished on 1 February 1959. The first Nov 1958: When the squadron was assigned to
squadron to be assigned the designation VA-105. Replacement Air Group 4, its mission was changed to
training personnel in the AD-6 Skyraider for assign-
Squadron Insignia and Nickname ment to fleet operating squadrons.
The squadron’s
insignia was approved Home Port Assignments
by CNO on 2 March
1953. Colors for the Location Assignment Date
winged canon and NAAS Cecil Field* 01 May 1952
bomb insignia were: a NAS Jacksonville Jul 1955
black bomb superim- NAS Cecil Field Apr 1956
posed on a yellow back- NAS Jacksonville Nov 1958
ground with a red fuse
* NAAS Cecil Field was redesignated NAS Cecil Field on 30 June
on the bomb; the canon 1952.
was red with black
markings; and the wings
The squadron’s only insignia, ap- Commanding Officers
proved March 1953. were yellow with black
markings.
Date Assumed Command
Nickname: unknown.
CDR F. C. Auman 01 May 1952
LCDR R. S. Reeves Aug 1953
Chronology of Significant Events CDR Samuel W. Forrer Oct 1954
4 Mar 1958: The squadron’s commanding officer, CDR Eugene F. Ternasky Jun 1956
Commander E. F. Ternasky, was killed during a night CDR L. W. S. Cummins 16 Mar 1958
ditching astern of Essex (CVA 9). LCDR U. W. Patrick, Jr. 08 Dec 1958
Jul–Aug 1958: The squadron flew close air support
missions during the landing of U.S. Marines in Beirut, Aircraft Assignment
Lebanon. Aircraft from VA-105 were the first to be on
station during the landings. Squadron aircraft flew Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received
road and border reconnaissance sorties. Several air- AD-1 09 May 1952
craft were damaged by ground fire on their reconnais- AD-4 22 Sep 1952
sance missions. However, all aircraft returned to the AD-4NA Sep 1952
Essex safely. AD-6 Nov 1954

A squadron AD-4 Skyraider coming in for a landing during deployment aboard Tarawa (CVA 40) in 1953.
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168 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

Major Overseas Deployments

Date of Date of Air Type of Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Aircraft Operation

07 Jan 1953 03 Jul 1953 CVG-10 CVA 40 AD-4/4NA Med

31 Oct 1955 16 Apr 1956 ATG-201 CVA 20 AD-6 WestPac
02 Feb 1958 17 Nov 1958 ATG-201 CVA 9 AD-6 Med/WestPac

Air Wing Assignments Unit Awards Received

Air Wing Tail Code Assignment Date Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award
CVG-10 P 01 May 1952 NAVE 01 Jul 1953 30 Jun 1954
ATG-201 J/AP* 1954 01 Jul 1954 30 Jun 1955
RCVG-4 AD 16 Nov 1958
AFEM 16 Jul 1958 01 Aug 1958
* The tail code was changed from J to AP in 1957. The effective date 11 Aug 1958 20 Aug 1958
for this change was most likely the beginning of FY 58 (1 July 1957).
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SECOND VA-106 Chronology of Significant Events

Jan 1945: The squadron was established only a
Lineage month before it entered combat. Personnel from VF-17
Established as Bomber-Fighter Squadron SEVEN- were the core of the newly established Bomber
TEEN (VBF-17) on 2 January 1945. Fighter Squadron 17.
Redesignated Fighter Squadron SIX B (VF-6B) on 15 16–17 Feb 1945: The squadron participated in
November 1946. strikes against targets in and around the Tokyo area.
Redesignated Fighter Squadron SIXTY TWO (VF-62) 20–22 Feb 1945: Squadron aircraft participated in
on 28 July 1948. strikes against Iwo Jima and provided air support for
Redesignated Attack Squadron ONE HUNDRED SIX
the landings on the island.
(VA-106) on 1 July 1955.
25 Feb 1945: Conducted strikes in the Tokyo area.
Disestablished on 7 November 1969. The second
squadron to be assigned the VA-106 designation. 18–19 Mar 1945: Major strikes were conducted by
squadron aircraft against Kanoya, the largest airfield
on Kyushu and against the Japanese Fleet anchored at
Squadron Insignia and Nickname Kure Naval Base. On 19 March Lieutenant Edwin S.
The squadron’s first insignia was approved by CNO Conant was awarded the Silver Star for his action as
on 23 November 1945. Colors for the skeleton riding a flight leader on a fighter sweep over the Kure Bay. He
rocket were: a back- shot down three planes during an engagement with
ground with a deep pur- the enemy and his flight group accounted for a total of
ple sky, aquamarine 24 enemy planes downed and probably eight or more
water and white clouds damaged.
outlined in pale blue; 21 Mar 1945: Lieutenant (jg) Henry E. Mitchell
the skeleton had a deep became an Ace when he shot down five Bettys
purple sombrero, a (Japanese Navy Mitsubishi Attack Bombers) that were
white face with light part of a sortie attacking the squadron’s task force. He
green shading and deep
was later killed in action on 3 April 1945. For his
purple sockets, magenta
action on 21 March he was awarded the Navy Cross
shirt with an orange
posthumously.
neckerchief, the hands
The squadron’s first insignia. Mar–May 1945: The squadron conducted strikes in
were white with light
support of the Okinawa campaign.
green markings, teal
6 Apr 1945: Ensign Harold Yeremain became an
trousers with a light blue cuff, tan boots with a brown
sole, dark purple stirrups, tan saddle with pommel and Ace when he added three more aircraft to his total by
under-portions brown; light gray rocket outlined in downing two Zekes (Mitsubishi A6M Fighters, com-
purple with yellow and orange lines emanating from monly known as Zeros) and one Val (an Aichi Navy
the tail, light gray pistol outlined in purple with yellow Carrier Bomber) during an engagement near
smoke, magenta bomb, and a brown belt and holster. Okinawa. Ensigns John J. Gafeney and William J.
A new insignia was Kostik were awarded Silver Stars for their actions in
approved by CNO on 16 shooting down three Japanese aircraft each during
April 1952. Colors for the this engagement.
helmet and shield 7 Apr 1945: The unit participated in the combined
insignia were: a gold task force strikes against the super battleship Yamato
background outlined in and its accompanying escorts, resulting in the sinking
dark blue; dark blue of Yamato, two cruisers and three destroyers.
shield; the Roman hel- 7 Apr 1945: Lieutenant Byron A. Eberts became an
met was gold with black Ace when he brought his total to five by shooting
markings; white arrow down a Francis (a Yokosuka Japanese Navy Night
and stylized wing; and Fighter).
the scroll was gold with 12 Apr 1945: Lieutenant Edwin S. Conant became an
This insignia was adopted by the Ace when he shot down a Zeke (Zero) and a Tojo (a
squadron in the early 1950s.
black lettering.
Following the squadron’s disestab- Nickname: unknown, Japanese Army Nakajima Fighter) and brought his tally
lishment a new strike fighter 1945–1952. to six aircraft downed.
squadron adopted this insignia in
the 1980s. Gladiators, 1952–1969. 14 Apr 1945: Ensigns Robert A. Clarke and William
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170 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

J. Kostik became Aces when they each shot down a

Zeke (Zero).
16 Apr 1945: Lieutenant John M. Johnston became
an Ace when he shot down four Zekes (Zeros), bring-
ing his total to eight aircraft. For his action during this
engagement he was awarded the Silver Star.
May 1945: The squadron participated in strikes against
Kyushu and Shikoku, hitting aircraft plants and airfields.
14 May 1945: The squadron’s commading officer,
Lieutenant Commander H. W. Nicholson, was killed in
action during a strike against Kyushu.
14 May 1945: Lieutenant (jg) Carl V. Stone became
an Ace when he added two Franks (a Japanese Army
Fighter) to his total of downed aircraft.
Aug 1956: Following the nationalization of the Suez
Canal by Egypt on 26 July, Coral Sea (CVA 43) was
ordered to the eastern Mediterranean as tensions A squadron F8F-2 Bearcat prepares for launch from Coral Sea (CVB
increased and France and the United Kingdom began 43) in September 1948 (Courtesy David Lucabaugh Collection).
preparations for military action against Egypt.
Oct–Nov 1956: On 29 October Israel invaded Egypt Home Port Assignments
and a day later France and the United Kingdom joined
Location Assignment Date
in the invasion, with the intent of reoccupying the
NAS Agana 02 Jan 1945*
Suez Canal. Coral Sea was on station in the eastern
NAS Alameda 08 Jul 1945
Mediterranean during the American evacuation of
NAAS Fallon Sep 1945
Western nationals from Egypt and Israel.
NAS Brunswick Feb 1946
Jul 1959: During the NATO exercise Riptide, held off
NAS Norfolk 1946†
the east coast of the United States, the squadron con-
NAAS Oceana 25 Sep 1948
ducted cross deck operations with the British carrier
NAS Norfolk 22 Nov 1948
HMS Victorious.
NAAS Oceana 20 Jan 1949
15–28 Nov 1960: Following a request from
NAAS Cecil Field 18 Sep 1950‡
Guatemala and Nicaragua, a Navy patrol was estab-
NAS Jacksonville 13 Oct 1952
lished off the coast of these Central American coun-
NAS Cecil Field Dec 1954
tries to prevent infiltration by communists from Cuba.
The squadron operated from Shangri-La (CVA 38) as * Temporary shore assignment while the squadron conducted train-
part of the patrol force. ing in preparation for combat deployment.
2–19 Jun 1961: Following the assassination of the † The squadron was transferred from NAS Brunswick to NAS
Norfolk sometime in July or August 1946.
Dominican Republic’s dictator, General Rafael Trujillo, the
‡ The squadron’s home port was changed to NAS Jacksonville on 5
squadron operated from Shangri-La off the coast of that September 1950 and the move from NAAS Oceana was conducted
country until the domestic situation began to stabilize. between 6 and 7 September. On 18 September, Commander Fleet Air
22 Oct–28 Nov 1962: During the Cuban Missile Jacksonville changed the squadron’a home port to NAAS Cecil Field.
Crisis the squadron was assigned to the U.S. Air
Force’s 19th Tactical Air Force, in an alert status.
May 1963: The squadron operated from Shangri-La
in the Caribbean during the period of unrest in Haiti
and the civil strife with the Dominican Republic.
29 Jul 1967: After four days on the line at Yankee
Station tragedy struck Forrestal (CVA 59). A Zuni rock-
et was accidentally ignited on the flight deck causing a
chain reaction of explosions among the aircraft loaded
with bombs and fuel. The squadron lost eight people
out of the 132 killed, two missing and presumed dead
and 62 injured. Those killed were Petty Officers H.
Fontenot, W. W. Stewart, R. N. Plesh, J. A. Earick and
Airman C. R. Rich, J. A. Velez, A. R. Metz and G. E.
Wall. Numerous squadron personnel were cited for Two squadron F2H-2 Banshees fly over Lake Champlain (CVA 39)
their acts of heroism during the tragedy. during their 1953 deployment to Korea.
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Commanding Officers

Date Assumed Command

LCDR Hugh W. Nicholson 11 Jan 1945
LT Edwin S. Connant (acting) 14 May 1945
LCDR Edwin S. Connant 20 Aug 1945
CDR C. E. Houston 01 Jul 1947
LCDR Walter O. Zoecklein (acting) 1948
LCDR James E. Shew 02 Jul 1948
LCDR Hugh A. Kelly 03 Jan 1950
CDR Douglas A. Clark 19 Oct 1951
LCDR William W. Kelly 25 Nov 1952
CDR Lewis W. Jenkins 27 Feb 1954
CDR Hollis H. Hills Jul 1955 Squadron CO, Commander H. H. Hills, inspecting an F2H-2, 1955.
CDR O. L. Dauphin Feb 1957
CDR Newton P. Foss 25 Apr 1958 Aircraft Assignment
CDR S. O. Bach 05 Dec 1959
Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received
CDR L. W. Baldwin, Jr. 22 Jul 1960 F6F-5 Jan 1945
CDR L. E. Irvin 31 Jul 1961 F4U Sep 1945
CDR W. S. Nelson 25 Jul 1962 F4U-4 Feb 1946
CDR G. E. R. Kinnear II Jul 1963 F8F-2 30 Jun 1948
F8F-1B Feb 1950
CDR C. B. Crockett 1 Aug 1964
F2H-2 03 Aug 1950
CDR James H. Scott Jun 1965 F9F-8B Oct 1955
CDR S. R. Foley, Jr. 24 Jun 1966 A4D-2 04 Jun 1958
CDR S. E. Latimer, Jr. 07 Aug 1967 A-4C 18 Dec 1962
CDR Walter L. Clarke, Jr. 17 Nov 1967 A-4E Nov 1966
A-4B Feb 1969
CDR J. H. Harns 03 Mar 1969 A-4C Mar 1969

Personnel discuss the refueling probe on a squadron F9F-8 Cougar, 1955.

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Major Overseas Deployments

Date of Date of Air Type of Area of

Departure Return Wing Carrier Aircraft Operation

10 Feb 1945 13 Jun 1945 CVG-17 CV 12 F6F-5 Pacific

27 Oct 1949 23 Nov 1949 CVG-6 CVB 42 F8F-2 NorLant
15 May 1951 04 Oct 1951 CVG-4 CV 34 F2H-2 Med
19 Apr 1952 12 Oct 1952 CVG-4 CVB 43 F2H-2 Med
26 Apr 1953 04 Dec 1953 CVG-4 CVA 39 F2H-2 Korea/West
Pac/Med
07 Jul 1954 20 Dec 1954 CVG-10 CVA 43 F2H-2 Med
13 Aug 1956 11 Feb 1957 CVG-10 CVA 43 F9F-8B Med
07 Aug 1959 26 Feb 1960 CVG-10 CVA 9 A4D-2 Med
06 Sep 1960 20 Oct 1960 CVG-10 CVA 38 A4D-2 NorLant
02 Feb 1961 15 May 1961 CVG-10 CVA 38 A4D-2 Med
07 Feb 1962 28 Aug 1962 CVG-10 CVA 38 A4D-2 Med
01 Oct 1963 23 May 1964 CVW-10 CVA 38 A-4C Med
15 Feb 1965 20 Sep 1965 CVW-10 CVA 38 A-4C Med
11 Mar 1966 26 Oct 1966 CVW-3 CVA 60 A-4C Med
06 Jun 1967 15 Sep 1967 CVW-17 CVA 59 A-4E WestPac/Vietnam
04 Jun 1968 08 Feb 1969 CVW-10 CVS 11 A-4E WestPac/Vietnam
03 Sep 1969 09 Oct 1969 CVW-7 CVA 62 A-4C NorLant

Squadron A-4C Skyhawks fly over Saratoga (CVA 60), 1966.

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Air Wing Assignments Unit Awards Received

Air Wing Tail Code Assignment Date Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award
CVG-17/CVBG-17/ C 02 Jan 1945 PUC 16 Feb 1945 10 Jun 1945
CVBG-5/CVG-6* Campaign Medal
CVG-4 F Sep 1950 WW-II Asiatic-
CVG-10 P/AK† 1954
Pacific Area Feb 1945 Jun 1945
CVG-1‡ 12 Oct 1961
CVG-10/CVW-10§ AK 12 Nov 1961 NAVE 01 Jul 1949 30 Jun 1950
CVW-3 AC 01 Jan 1966 01 Jul 1955 30 Jun 1956
CVW-17 AA 01 Feb 1967 01 Jul 1959 30 Jun 1960
CVW-10 AK 10 Jan 1968 01 Jul 1965 31 Dec 1966
CVW-7 AG 03 Mar 1969 KPUC 09 Jun 1953 27 Jul 1953
* CVG-17 was established on 1 January 1943, redesignated CVBG-17
KSM 09 Jun 1953 27 Sep 1953
on 22 January 1946, then redesignated CVBG-5 on 15 November VNSM 15 Jul 1967 17 Jul 1967
1946. CVBG-5 was then redesignated CVG-6 on 27 July 1948.
23 Jul 1967 31 Jul 1967
† The tail code was changed from P to AK in 1957. The effective date
for this change was most likely the beginning of FY 58 (1 July 1957). 12 Aug 1967 13 Aug 1967
‡ The squadron was temporarily assigned to Air Group 1 for opera- 05 Sep 1968 27 Sep 1968
tion Blow Torch, simulated nuclear strikes against North American
targets, and for nuclear operational suitability tests aboard Franklin 14 Oct 1968 14 Nov 1968
D. Roosevelt (CVA 42). 03 Dec 1968 27 Dec 1968
§ CVG-10 was redesignated CVW-10 when Carrier Air Group (CVG) NEM 03 Jun 1961 11 Jun 1961
designations were redesignated Carrier Air Wings (CVW) on 20
December 1963. 14 Jun 1961 18 Jun 1961

Squadron officers and an A-4C on Saratoga (CVA 60) during its 1966 cruise to the Med. Standing left to right: Marine Capt. J. W. Orr, LCdr. C. C.
Smith, LCdr. J. E. Potosnak, LCdr. P. E. Phillips, Lt. W. R. Needham, LCdr. J. L. Burton, Lt. (jg) J. B. Mattly, Lt. S. C. Cole, LCdr. K. A. McMillen and
Lt. E. L. DeSha. Kneeling left to right: Lt. (MC) H. K. Leathers III, Lt. L. W. Scott, Ens. M. W. Davis, Cdr. J. H. Scott, Cdr. S. R. Foley, Jr., Lt. (jg) R. L.
Mattingly, Lt. R. A. Pennington, Ens. J. E. Gause and WO1 G. E. Connolly.
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VA-112
Lineage
Established as Bomber-Fighter Squadron ELEVEN
(VBF-11) on 9 April 1945.
Redesignated Fighter Squadron TWELVE A (VF-12A)
on 15 November 1946.
Redesignated Fighter Squadron ONE HUNDRED
TWELVE (VF-112) on 15 July 1948.
Redesignated Attack Squadron ONE HUNDRED
TWELVE (VA-112) on 15 February 1959. The Custodes Pacis Armis in-sig- This was the squadron’s last
Disestablished on 10 October 1969. The first nia became the squadron’s third insignia, a modification of the
design. Custodes Pacis Armis design.
squadron to be assigned the designation VA-112.
The squadron continued to use the Custode Paris
Squadron Insignia and Nickname Armis insignia following its redesignation to VA-112.
The squadron’s first insignia was approved by CNO However, the following color modifications were
on 28 August 1945. Colors for the dragon and two made: background was yellow outlined in black; upper
headed eagle were: a half of shield was blue; lettering for the motto was red;
yellow background; the white banner was removed and a lower scroll was
black dragon; sky blue added with a yellow background and black lettering.
eagle with white heads Nickname: Broncos, 1961–1969.
and red tongues; other
markings and outlines Chronology of Significant Events
were black.
A new squadron 25 Mar 1948: Valley Forge (CV 45) operated in the
insignia was approved Persian Gulf with Saudi Arabian Prince Ibn Saud
by CNO on 9 November embarked to view air operations. However, the air dis-
1945. There is no color play was cancelled because of a sand storm and hazy
description of this conditions.
The squadron’s first insignia was the insignia in the official 29 Apr 1948: Valley Forge (CV 45) moored port side
double-headed eagle and dragon. to Dokkeskjaerkaien Dock, Bergen, Norway. The
files. This insignia con-
tinued to use the two- mooring was conducted without the aid of tugs, using
headed eagle. It replaced the dragon with a globe the engine power of the squadron’s eight F8Fs spotted
showing North and South America. Clouds surrounded on the forward deck and eight other aircraft on the aft
the globe. deck. The mooring operation was called “Operation
The CNO approved a new squadron insignia on 12 Pinwheel.”
July 1948. Colors for the Custode Pacis Armis (Armed 5 Aug 1950: The squadron participated in its first
combat operations, flying sorties against targets in the
Keeper of the Peace) insignia were: a light blue back-
Mokpo-Kwangju area of South Korea.
ground; the rocket and machine gun were black with
12–19 Sep 1950: The squadron participated in the
white highlights; gold naval aviator wings outlined in
pre-assault strikes against targets in and around
black; upper half of the shield was purple and lower
Inchon, Korea, in preparation for the landings there
half was dark green; the
on 15 September. These strikes included road, rail,
motto on the shield had
and airfield sweeps and Combat Air Patrol. During and
a white background
after the invasion the squadron continued to fly daily
with light blue lettering; air sweeps, striking at targets of opportunity and the
the dove was white with enemy’s lines of communications.
a red eye and green 10 Nov 1950: The squadron’s first encounter with
wreath in its beak; gray MiG-15s occurred during a sortie over Sinuiju, Korea.
helmet highlighted in One MiG-15 was damaged during the engagement.
black, with a red plum; 23–24 June 1952: The squadron participated in
black sword; the shield coordinated strikes against North Korean hydroelectric
and items on the shield power plants, the first heavy attack conducted against
were outlined in black; these installations. Nine different hydroelectric power
The squadron’s second insignia
replaced the dragon with a globe and the banner below plants were struck by forces from Carrier Air Groups
of the world surrounded by clouds. the shield was white. 2, 7, 11, 19, and the 5th Air Force.
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 175

6–13 Feb 1955: The squadron was on station and Commanding Officers
available for air support during the evacuation of over
26,000 personnel from the Tachen Islands which had Date Assumed Command
come under bombardment by the People’s Republic of LT Richard E. James (acting) 09 Apr 1945
China in January 1955. LCDR Ralph W. Cousins 17 Apr 1945
24 Apr 1967: Squadron aircraft participated in a LCDR George E. Savage 09 Jun 1945
multi-carrier coordinated strike against North LCDR Norman W. Ackley 14 Oct 1945
Vietnam’s MiG base, Kep Airfield, northeast of Hanoi. LCDR Melvin C. Hoffman 31 Jan 1947
This was the first time a strike had been conducted CDR Joseph T. Lawler 01 Jul 1948
against a North Vietnam MiG airfield. CDR R. Weymouth 08 May 1950
10 May 1967: Commander M. L. Minnis, Sr., was LCDR J. L. Butts, Jr. 29 Aug 1950
awarded the Silver Star for action during a strike into LCDR J. V. Rowney 29 Jun 1951
North Vietnam against the thermal power plant at LCDR James Ferris 11 Aug 1952
Haiphong. LCDR R. W. Jackson (acting) 01 Oct 1952
Apr 1969: Following the shoot down of a Navy EC- LCDR C. E. Lair 07 Oct 1952
121 aircraft by the North Koreans, Ticonderoga (CVA CDR George S. Morrison Mar 1954
14), along with two other attack carriers, was ordered CDR Marcel N. Piller 01 Oct 1955
to the Sea of Japan. LCDR M. M. Casey, Jr. 12 Apr 1957
LCDR J. J. Konzen (acting) 04 Mar 1959
CDR Clyde J. Lee 31 Mar 1959
CDR Hugh N. Batten 18 Feb 1960
CDR James T. Parady 30 Mar 1961
CDR J. F. Kirklighter 25 Apr 1962
CDR F. L. Leib 09 Apr 1963
CDR P. E. Russell 08 May 1964
CDR J. A. Chalbeck 08 Jun 1965
CDR J. H. Alvis 08 Jul 1966
CDR Marion L. Minnis 31 Dec 1966
CDR Charles H. Brown 10 Nov 1967
CDR Tommy L. Gatewood 13 Sep 1968

A squadron F9F-2B Panther launches from the deck of Philippine

The squadron’s snow-covered F8F-1 Bearcats, along with VF-11A’s Sea (CV 47) during her combat cruise to Korea in 1951–1952.
F8Fs, on the forward flight deck of Valley Forge (CV 45) during her
visit to Bergen, Norway, in 1948.
Aircraft Assignment
Home Port Assignments Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received

Location Assignment Date F6F-3/5 Apr 1945

NAS Alameda 09 Apr 1945 F8F-1 11 Dec 1946
NAAS Fallon 30 Apr 1945 F8F-2 03 Jan 1949
NAAS Santa Rosa 31 Jul 1945 F9F-2 11 Jan 1950
NAS Kahului, Hawaii 21 Feb 1946 F9F-2B* Jul 1950
NAS San Diego 25 Nov 1946 F9F-3 31 May 1951
NAAS Miramar/NAS Miramar* 07 Apr 1951 F9F-2B 12 Jul 1951
NAS Lemoore 11 Sep 1961 F9F-5 Oct 1952
* NAAS Miramar was redesignated NAS Miramar on 1 March 1952. F9F-6 Feb 1954
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176 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

Aircraft Assignment—Continued

Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received

F9F-8 Jul 1955
F9F-8B Apr 1956
F3H-2M 05 Apr 1957
A4D-1/2 Apr 1959
A4D-2N/A-4C† 26 Mar 1961

* The squadron’s F9F-2s were modified at NAS Barbers Point and

equipped with rocket launchers and bomb racks and designated
F9F-2Bs.
A squadron F9F-8B Cougar on the deck of Essex (CVA 9) following a
† The A4D-2N designation was changed to A-4C in 1962.
successful landing during deployment to WestPac in 1956–1957.

Major Overseas Deployments

Date of Date of Air Type of Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Aircraft Operation

09 Oct 1947 11 Jun 1948 CVAG-11 CV 45* F8F-1 World Cruise

05 Jul 1950 07 Apr 1951 CVG-11 CV 47† F9F-2B WestPac/Korea
31 Dec 1951 08 Aug 1952 CVG-11 CV 47 F9F-2B WestPac/Korea
01 Jul 1953 18 Jan 1954 CVG-11 CVA 33 F9F-5 WestPac
07 Oct 1954 12 May 1955 CVG-11 CVA 33 F9F-6 WestPac
16 Jul 1956 26 Jan 1957 CVG-11 CVA 9 F9F-8B WestPac
04 Oct 1958 16 Feb 1959 ATG-1 CVA 14 F3H-2M WestPac
16 Jul 1960 18 Mar 1961 CVG-11 CVA 19 A4D-2 WestPac
13 Sep 1962 02 Apr 1963 CVG-11 CVA 63 A-4C WestPac
17 Oct 1963 20 Jul 1964 CVW-11 CVA 63 A-4C WestPac
24 Aug 1965 07 Apr 1966 CVW-8 CVA 59 A-4C Med
05 Nov 1966 19 Jun 1967 CVW-11 CVA 63 A-4C WestPac/Vietnam
18 Nov 1967 28 Jun 1968 CVW-11 CVA 63 A-4C WestPac/Vietnam
01 Feb 1969 18 Sep 1969 CVW-16 CVA 14 A-4C WestPac/Vietnam

* During October through December the squadron operated primarily from NAS Barbers Point with ocassional exercises aboard Valley Forge
(CV 45).
† While docked at Yokosuka, Japan, the squadron transferred from Philippine Sea (CV 47) to Valley Forge (CV 45) on 30 March 1951 for its
return trip to the U.S. Philippine Sea continued its tour of duty in Korea with another air group.

Air Wing Assignments * CVG-11 was redesignated CVAG-11 on 15 November 1946. It was
redesignated CVG-11 on 1 September 1948.
Air Wing Tail Code Assignment Date
CVG-11/CVAG-11/ V†/NH‡ 09 Apr 1945 † The tail code V was assigned to CVG-11 on 12 December 1946.

CVG-11* ‡ The tail code was changed from V to NH in 1957. The effective
COMFAIRSANDIEGO 03 Mar 1958 date for this change was most likely the beginning of FY 58 (1 July
ATG-1 NA 28 Jun 1958 1957).

CVG-5 NF 13 Mar 1959 § CVG-11 was redesignated CVW-11 when Carrier Air Group (CVG)
CVG-11/CVW-11§ NH Nov 1959 designations were redesignated Carrier Air Wings (CVW) on 20
CVW-8 AJ 08 Jul 1965 December 1963.

COMFAIRALAMEDA 08 Apr 1966 ** VA-112 was reassigned to CVW-11 sometime between June and
CVW-11 NH 1966** November 1966. There are no records available for VA-112 and
CVW-16 AH 01 Oct 1968 CVW-11 for this period.
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 177

A flight of squadron F3H-2M Demons, circa 1957–1958.

Unit Awards Received Unit Awards Received—Continued

Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award
KPUC 01 Aug 1950 16 Mar 1951 MUC 18 Feb 1969 07 Sep 1969
20 Jan 1952 12 Jul 1952 PUC 23 Dec 1967 01 Jun 1968
NUC 04 Aug 1950 16 Mar 1951 VNSM 03 Dec 1966 03 Jan 1967
AFEM 20 Apr 1969 27 Apr 1969 02 Mar 1967 28 Mar 1967
12 Apr 1967 28 Apr 1967
29 Jun 1969
08 May 1967 23 May 1967
07 Jul 1969 13 Jul 1969
04 Mar 1968 27 Mar 1968
24 Jul 1969 12 Apr 1968 01 May 1968
04 Aug 1969 13 May 1968 01 Jun 1968
16 Aug 1969 24 Aug 1969 03 Mar 1969 20 Mar 1969
30 Aug 1969 29 Mar 1969 16 Apr 1969
03 Sep 1969 09 May 1969 04 Jun 1969
13 Sep 1969 14 Sep 1969 25 Jun 1969 01 Aug 1969

A squadron A-4C Skyhawk

lands aboard Kitty Hawk (CVA
63), circa 1967–1968.
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178 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

VA-114 25 Oct 1944: During the Battle for Leyte Gulf, the
squadron participated in the engagement known as the
Lineage Battle Off Samar. Launching from a range of 340 miles,
which was beyond the normal combat radius for World
Established as Bombing Squadron ELEVEN (VB-11) War II carrier aircraft, 11 of the squadron’s SB2Cs
on 10 October 1942. engaged the Japanese fleet after it broke off its engage-
Redesignated Attack Squadron ELEVEN A (VA-11A) ment with the American escort carriers and destroyers
on 15 November 1946. guarding the landing force at Leyte. Hits were scored
Redesignated Attack Squadron ONE HUNDRED on a battleship and cruiser. A second strike by nine
FOURTEEN (VA-114) on 15 July 1948. squadron aircraft later scored hits on two cruisers.
Disestablished on 1 December 1949. The first Nov 1944: Squadron aircraft struck targets on Luzon
squadron to be assigned the VA-114 designation. in continued support for the capture of Leyte.
Dec 1944: Targets were struck on Luzon in support
Squadron Insignia and Nickname of the landings on Mindoro.
18 Dec 1944: While operating east of the
The squadron’s
Philippines, the task force, of which the squadron was
insignia was approved
part, was overtaken by an unusually severe typhoon
by the Bureau of
causing the loss of three destroyers and damage to
Aeronautics on 17 several other ships, including four light carriers.
September 1942. Colors Jan 1945: In early January, the squadron struck
for the Bellerophon- ships and targets on Formosa in support of the land-
Pegasus insignia were: a ings in Lingayen Gulf, Luzon.
black winged horse, 9–20 Jan 1945: The squadron participated in opera-
rider, and bomb with tions in the South China Sea, the first time an
white highlights; and a American Task Force had entered these waters since
red shield and helmet the beginning of the war. During these operations,
plume. The Greek moto squadron aircraft struck a large convoy of tankers; tar-
translated as First to gets along the coast of Indochina reaching almost to
This was the only insignia approved
and used by the squadron.
Attack. Saigon; Formosa was hit again; and then strikes were
Nickname: unknown. flown against Hong Kong.
25 Mar 1948: Valley Forge (CV 45) operated in the
Chronology of Significant Events Persian Gulf with Saudi Arabian Prince Ibn Saud em-
Apr–Jul 1943: The squadron was landbased at barked to view air operations. The air display was can-
Guadalcanal and participated in the Solomons Cam- celled because of a sand storm and hazy air conditions.
paign. Flying patrol, search and strike missions against 29 Apr 1948: Valley Forge moored port side to
Dokkeskjaerkaien Dock, Bergen, Norway. The mooring
targets primarily in and around New Georgia.
was conducted without the aid of tugs, using the engine
10 Oct 1944: Squadron aircraft participated in the first
power of the squadron’s eight SB2C-5s spotted on the aft
strikes against Okinawa, opening the Leyte campaign.
deck and eight other aircraft on the forward deck. The
12 Oct 1944: The squadron participated in the first
mooring operation was called “Operation Pinwheel.”
strikes against Formosa.

A squadron SBD-3 Dauntless on the flight

deck, circa late 1942 (Courtesy Robert
Lawson Collection).
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 179

Home Port Assignments Commanding Officers—Continued

Location Assignment Date Date Assumed Command

NAS San Diego 10 Oct 1942 LT Eugene M. Yoder (acting) 01 Nov 1944
NAS Barbers Point 26 Nov 1942* LCDR Edwin John Kroeger 07 Nov 1944
NAF Nandi (in the Fiji Islands) Feb 1943* LTJG George G. Beckham (acting) 09 Apr 1945
NAF Guadalcanal 26 Apr 1943 LT Eugene M. Yoder (acting) 10 Apr 1945
NAS Alameda Aug 1943 LCDR Ried W. Stone 05 May 1945
NAS Hilo 06 Apr 1944* LCDR Raymond A. Boyd 05 Jun 1947
NAS Barbers Point 19 Jun 1944* LCDR F. E. Miller (acting) 16 Jun 1948
NAS Alameda Feb 1945 CDR Adolf L. Siegener 28 Jun 1948
NAAS Fallon 30 Apr 1945* LCDR J. E. Savage 30 Jun 1949
NAAS Santa Rosa 26 Jul 1945* LCDR E. T. Deacon 01 Aug 1949
NAS Kahului, Hawaii 21 Feb 1946
NAS San Diego 25 Nov 1946 Aircraft Assignment
* Temporary shore assignment while the squadron conducted train-
Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received
ing in preparation for combat deployment.
SBD-3 Oct 1942
SBD-4 Feb 1943
Commanding Officers SBD-5 Oct 1943
SB2C-1C 25 Nov 1943
Date Assumed Command
SB2C-4/4E Apr 1945
LCDR Weldon L. Hamilton 10 Oct 1942 SB2C-5 Jan 1946
LCDR Raymond B. Jacoby 30 Sep 1943 AD-1 31 Aug 1948
LT Charles A. Skinner (acting) 01 Nov 1943 AD-2 20 Dec 1948
LCDR Lloyd A. Smith 15 Nov 1943 F8F-2 Nov 1949

A squadron SB2C-5 flies over Gibraltar during its world cruise aboard Valley Forge (CV 45), 1948.
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180 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

Major Overseas Deployments

Date of Date of Air Type of Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Aircraft Operation

Feb 1943 Aug 1943 CVG-11 * SBD-3/4 SoPac

29 Sep 1944 01 Feb 1945 CVG-11 CV 12† SB2C-1C Pacific
09 Oct 1947 11 Jun 1948 CVAG-11 CV 45‡ SB2C-5 World Cruise
* The squadron was landbased during operations in the South Pacific.
† The squadron transferred to Kasaan Bay (CVE 69) on 1 February 1945 at Ulithi for its return trip back to the States.
‡ During October through December 1947 the squadron operated from NAS Barbers Point with occasional exercises aboard Valley Forge (CV
45). The squadron departed NAS Barbers Point, embarked on Valley Forge, and continued on its world cruise, stopping at Australia, China,
Singapore, Ceylon, Saudi Arabia, Gibralter, Norway, England, New York, and Panama Canal Zone.

Air Wing Assignments

Air Wing Tail Code Assignment Date

CVG-11/CVAG-11/CVG-11† V* 10 Oct 1942
* The tail code V was assigned on 7 November 1946.
† CVG-11 was redesignated CVAG-11 on 15 November 1946. CVAG-11 was changed back to CVG-11 on 1 September 1948.

Unit Awards Received Unit Awards Received—Continued

Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award
PUC 10 Oct 1944 22 Nov 1944 10 Oct 1944 29 Nov 1944
14 Dec 1944 16 Dec 1944 14 Dec 1944 16 Dec 1944
03 Jan 1945 22 Jan 1945 09 Jan 1945
Campaign Medal 12 Jan 1945
(Asiatic-Pacific) 08 Feb 1943 20 Jun 1943 16 Jan 1945

A squadron AD-2 Skyraider loaded with weapons on the deck of Valley Forge (CV 45), circa 1949 (Courtesy Robert Lawson Collection).
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 181

VA-115
Lineage
Established as Torpedo Squadron ELEVEN (VT-11)
on 10 October 1942.
Redesignated Attack Squadron TWELVE A (VA-12A)
on 15 November 1946.
Redesignated Attack Squadron ONE HUNDRED FIF-
TEEN (VA-115) on 15 July 1948. The first squadron to
be assigned the VA-115 designation.

Squadron Insignia and Nickname

The squadron’s first insignia was approved by CNO
on 25 June 1945. Colors for this Walt Disney designed
insignia were: a grayish
blue background out-
lined in black with a
wide outer red ring;
deep green ocean; black The squadron’s C.O., LCdr. F. L. Ashworth, in his TBF-1 Avenger on
Guadalcanal in May 1943.
torpedo with a white
skull face and white
markings and gray Apr–Jul 1943: The squadron was landbased at
streaks with black out- Guadalcanal and participated in the Solomons (New
lines and markings; the Georgia) Campaign. They flew patrol, search, spotting,
winged cherub was strike, and night minelaying missions against targets in
flesh color with white the Solomon Islands.
The squadron’s first insignia was wings and eyes, black 5 May 1944: Squadron aircraft were involved in an
designed by Walt Disney Studio. pupils and mouth, and antisubmarine attack off the coast of Hilo, Hawaii. The
a deep pink tongue; the attack against the enemy submarine was assessed as
cherub was wearing a deep green helmet and cream probable by the squadron commander.
colored goggles with a black strap and black outlines. 10 Oct 1944: The squadron participated in the first
A new squadron strikes against Okinawa, part of the opening of the
insignia was approved Leyte Campaign.
by CNO on 17 25 Oct 1944: The Japanese Fleet, in three elements,
September 1956. Colors converged on Leyte to oppose the landings. While 340
for the globe and miles from Leyte, which was beyond the normal com-
abstract wing design bat radius for World War II carrier aircraft, squadron
are: a black back- aircraft were launched for a strike on the central ele-
ground; white globe ment of the Japanese Fleet. Its TBMs arrived over the
with black lines; white enemy fleet after it had broken off its engagement, the
stylized clock hands; Battle Off Samar, with the American escort carriers and
gold stars and abstract destroyers guarding the landing and supply ships. The
wing design; gold scroll TBMs struck the retiring Japanese Central Fleet, scor-
outlined in black with ing hits on a battleship and two cruisers. All the
A new stylized globe and wing black lettering. squadron’s aircraft returned, completing a 600 mile
insignia was approved for use by Nickname: Arabs,
the squadron in 1956 and has round trip combat flight. For their actions during this
become a well-known design. 1950s–1979. engagement, the following squadron personnel were
Eagles, 1979-present.* awarded the Navy Cross: Lieutenants Wilbur J.
Engman, Melvin L. Tegge, and Thomas B. Adams and
Chronology of Significant Events Lieutenant (jg)s Richard W. Russell, Lawrence E.
1 Jan–1 Feb 1943: A detachment of 6 aircraft from the Helmuth, John M. Davis and William Maier.
squadron were sent to Kanton Island, in the Phoenix 26 Oct 1944: Strikes continued against the Japanese
Islands, for antisubmarine defense and search missions.
Fleet and Lieutenant Leroy H. Grau was awarded the
* During the squadron’s deployment to the Indian Ocean in 1989, Navy Cross for a successful torpedo attack against a
they temporarily changed their nickname back to Arabs to enhance
the esprit de corps while operating in the Arabian Sea.
Japanese light cruiser.
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182 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

Nov 1944: The squadron continued to provide sup- Aug 1967–Jan 1970: During this period the squadron
port for the Occupation of Leyte, striking targets on was in an inactive stand-down status. There were no
Luzon. aircraft and only a few administrative personnel
13 Nov 1944: The squadron’s commanding officer, assigned. The inactive status was a transitional period,
Lieutenant Commander R. Denniston, Jr., was lost on a awaiting the time when the squadron would assume
combat mission over Manila Harbor. an active status and receive the A-6 Intruder. This is
Dec 1944: Squadron aircraft struck targets on Luzon the only known instance in which a squadron was not
in support of the landings on Mindoro. disestablished but remained on the active squadron
18 Dec 1944: While operating east of the inventory in an inactive status. The squadron resumed
Philippines the task force was overtaken by an unusu- an active status on 1 January 1970.
ally severe typhoon causing the loss of three destroy- May–Oct 1972: The squadron participated in
ers and damage to several other ships, including four Linebacker I operations, heavy air strikes against tar-
light carriers. gets in North Vietnam to interdict the flow of supplies.
Jan 1945: In early January, the squadron struck Apr–May 1975: The squadron participated in
ships and targets on Formosa and Luzon in support of Operation Frequent Wind, the evacuation of American
the landings in Lingayen Gulf, Luzon. personnel from Saigon, South Vietnam, as the country
9–20 Jan 1945: The squadron participated in opera- fell to the communists.
tions in the South China Sea, the first time an Aug–Sep 1976: The squadron operated near the
American Task Force had entered these waters since Korean Peninsula following the murder of U.S. military
the beginning of the war. The squadron struck targets personnel in the Korean DMZ by North Koreans.
at Cam Ranh Bay and a convoy off Qui Nhon, French Apr–May 1979: Midway, with VA-115 embarked,
Indo-China; shipping at the Pescadores Island; and deployed to the Gulf of Aden to relieve Constellation
Hong Kong. (CV 64) and maintain a U.S. carrier presence following
12–18 Sep 1950: The squadron participated in the the outbreak of fighting between North and South
pre-assault strikes against targets in and around Yemen and the fall of the Shah of Iran.
Inchon, Korea, in preparation for the landings there Oct 1979: As a response to anti-American demon-
on 15 September. During and after the invasion, the strations in Iran, Midway and its air wing, including
squadron continued to fly deep support missions into VA-115, were ordered to deploy to the Indian Ocean
the areas surrounding Inchon, striking at targets of for the second time in 1979.
opportunity. Nov–Dec 1979: In response to the seizure of the
9 Nov 1950: The squadron’s first encounter with American Embassy and its staff by an Iranian mob,
MiG-15s was during a mission against Sinuiju, Korea. Midway returned to the Arabian Sea.
All the aircraft returned safely to Philippine Sea. May–Jun 1980: Following the massacre of several
Dec 1950: The squadron provided close air support hundred people in the city of Kwangju, South Korea,
for American troops in the Chosen Reservoir area. the squadron operated from Midway off the coast of
Feb–Jul 1952: The squadron’s combat missions in South Korea until the crisis subsided.
Korea during this time period centered on rail interdic- Dec 1981: Following unrest in South Korea the
tion, with some strikes against North Korean trans- squadron operated from Midway off the coast of
portation, communication, industrial and supply facili- South Korea for several days.
ties. 29 Feb 1988: During an exercise in the Gulf of Siam,
23–24 Jun 1952: The squadron participated in coor- a squadron aircraft spotted a boatload of Vietnamese
dinated strikes against North Korean hydroelectric refugees, leading to their rescue by Midway (CV 41).
power plants, these were the first heavy attacks con- Sep 1988: During the Summer Olympics in Seoul,
ducted against these installations. Nine different South Korea, the squadron was embarked on Midway
hydroelectric power plants were struck by forces from and operating in the Sea of Japan to demonstrate U.S.
Carrier Air Groups 2, 7, 11, 19, and the 5th Air Force. support for a peaceful olympics.
Feb 1955: The squadron flew air cover missions dur- Nov 1990–Jan 1991: The squadron flew missions in
ing the evacuation of over 26,000 personnel from support of Operation Desert Shield, the build-up of
Tachen Islands which had come under bombardment American and Allied forces to counter a threatened
by the People’s Republic of China in January. invasion of Saudi Arabia by Iraq and were part of an
Aug–Sep 1958: The squadron was part of the task economic blockade of Iraq to force its withdrawal
force that provided support to the Republic of China from Kuwait.
during the shelling of the Quemoy Island group by the 20 Jan–9 Mar 1991: The squadron participated in
Chinese Communists. Operation Desert Storm, striking Iraqi naval targets
May–Jun 1964: During the Laotian crisis, the and bases, airfields and bridges, a communication cen-
squadron flew Combat Air Patrol and Search and ter, and providing close air support for Allied ground
Rescue sorties over the country. forces.
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 183

A squadron TBF-1 Avenger on Guadalcanal with Lt. (jg) George Gay, LCdr W. L. Hamilton and LCdr F. L. Ashworth, May 1943.

Home Port Assignments Commanding Officers

Location Assignment Date Date Assumed Command

NAS San Diego 10 Oct 1942 LCDR Frederick L. Ashworth 10 Oct 1942
NAS Pearl Harbor 01 Nov 1942* LCDR Radcliffe Denniston, Jr. 25 Sep 1943
NAS Barbers Point 07 Nov 1942* LT Wilbur J. Engman (acting) 13 Nov 1944
NAF Nandi (in the Fiji Islands) 28 Feb 1943* LCDR John A. Fidel 25 Dec 1944
NAF Guadalcanal (Henderson Field) 17 Apr 1943 LT John W. Carmody 12 Sep 1946
NAS Alameda 19 Aug 1943 LCDR George B. Riley 14 Oct 1946
NAS Hilo 08 Apr 1944* LCDR Lawrence B. Green 09 Jan 1948
NAS Barbers Point 19 Jun 1944* LCDR William H. House 14 Oct 1948
LCDR Richard W. Fleck 16 Jan 1950
NAS Alameda 24 Feb 1945
CDR Charles H. Carr 30 Jun 1951
NAAS Fallon 30 Apr 1945*
LCDR J. H. Sands (acting) 08 Jul 1952
NAAS Santa Rosa 26 Jul 1945
LCDR J. M. Ritzdorf (acting) 17 Sep 1952
NAS Kahalui 22 Feb 1946 CDR J. D. Taylor 18 Oct 1952
NAS San Diego 26 Nov 1946 CDR C. L. Dillard Jun 1954
NAS Miramar 15 Sep 1952 CDR C. W. Smith, Jr. May 1955
NAS Moffett Field 08 Dec 1961† CDR Leone E. Kirk, Jr. Mar 1957
NAS Lemoore 03 Apr 1963 LCDR R. L. Bothwell 04 Jun 1958
NAS Whidbey Island 01 Jan 1970 CDR G. W. Gaiennie 09 Oct 1959
NS Yokosuka (NAF Atsugi & Misawa) 05 Oct 1973‡ CDR J. F. Driscoll 27 Feb 1961
CDR C. H. Bowen 15 Jan 1962
* Temporary shore assignment while the squadron conducted train-
ing in preparation for combat deployment. CDR George A. Parker 03 Jan 1963
† On 30 June 1961 the squadron’s home port was changed to NAS CDR Merrill C. Pinkepank 21 Jan 1964
Moffett Field. However, the squadron did not arrive there until 8 CDR M. C. Cook (acting) 05 Aug 1964
December 1961. CDR D. D. Smith Oct 1964
‡ VA-115, along with CVW-5 and Midway (CVA 41), were part of a CDR M. C. Cook 22 Jul 1965
program to permanently assign a carrier and air wing to an overseas
home port. Midway’s new home port was Naval Station Yokosuka,
CDR H. G. Bailey 15 Jul 1966
Japan, and the squadron would normally operate out of NAF Atsugi CDR C. E. Hathaway Aug 1967*
or Misawa when the carrier was in NS Yokosuka. The assignment CDR O. E. Krueger Jul 1968*
was effective 30 June 1973. However, the squadron did not arrive
until 5 October 1973.
CDR R. H. Caldwell Jul 1969*
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184 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

Commanding Officers—Continued Aircraft Assignment

Date Assumed Command Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received

CDR C. J. Ward 16 Jan 1970 TBF-1 Oct 1942
CDR E. I. Carmichael 09 Jul 1971 TBM-1 13 Oct 1943
CDR Paul D. Barrish 11 Jul 1972 TBM-1C Nov 1943
CDR J. C. Presley 06 Jul 1973 TBM-3 19 Dec 1944
CDR James J. Hower 12 Jun 1974 TBM-3E Apr 1945
CDR Russell E. Whipps 22 Dec 1975 TBM-3Q Jan 1947
CDR Jay T. Grafton 28 Jan 1977 TBM-3W Oct 1947
CDR Louis E. Thomassy 24 Feb 1978 AD-1 Dec 1948
CDR Rodney C. Franz 26 Jun 1979 AD-2 20 Dec 1948
CDR Joseph D. Favaro 01 Nov 1980 AD-3Q Aug 1949
CDR Robert R. Wittenburg 21 Apr 1981 AD-4 Dec 1949
CDR William W. Radican 16 Jul 1982 AD-4Q Jul 1950
CDR William A. Gouslin 27 Dec 1983 AD-4L May 1951
CDR Richard J. Rhoades 20 Jun 1985 AD-4NA Aug 1952
CDR Paul D. Cash 19 Dec 1986 AD-6/A-1H* Jan 1954
CDR David P. Polatty III 10 Jun 1988 AD-7/A-1J* Nov 1958
CDR Terry J. Toms Nov 1989 A-6A 03 Apr 1970
CDR James D. Kelly 01 Jul 1991 KA-6D Feb 1971
A-6B Oct 1973
* During the squadron’s inactive period between August 1967 and A-6E Apr 1977
January 1970 the squadron was under the administrative control of
VA-125. The Commanding Officer of VA-125 was also the * The AD-6 and AD-7 designations were changed to A-1H and A-1J
Commanding Officer of VA-115. in 1962.

A photo of Manila harbor following an attack by squadron TBMs in Squadron TBM-3s on the deck of Valley Forge (CV 45) depart Ports-
November 1944. mouth, England, during its world cruise in 1947–1948.

Major Overseas Deployments

Date of Date of Air Type of Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Aircraft Operation

Feb 1943 Jul 1943 CVG-11 * TBF-1 SoPac

29 Sep 1944 01 Feb 1945 CVG-11 CV 12† TBM-1C/3 Pacific
09 Oct 1947 11 Jun 1948 CVAG-11 CV 45‡ TBM-3E/Q/W World Cruise
05 Jul 1950 07 Apr 1951 CVG-11 CV 47§ AD-4/4Q WestPac/Korea
31 Dec 1951 08 Aug 1952 CVG-11 CV 47 AD-4/4L WestPac/Korea
01 Jul 1953 18 Jan 1954 CVG-11 CVA 33 AD-4NA/4B WestPac
07 Oct 1954 12 May 1955 CVG-11 CVA 33 AD-6 WestPac
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 185

Major Overseas Deployments—Continued

Date of Date of Air Type of Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Aircraft Operation

16 Jul 1956 26 Jan 1957 CVG-11 CVA 9 AD-6 WestPac

08 Mar 1958 22 Nov 1958 CVG-11 CVA 38 AD-6 WestPac
09 Mar 1959 03 Oct 1959 CVG-11 CVA 38 AD-7 WestPac
16 Jul 1960 18 Mar 1961 CVG-11 CVA 19 AD-7 WestPac
11 Aug 1961 01 Nov 1961 CVG-11 CVA 63 AD-6 ++
13 Sep 1962 02 Apr 1963 CVG-11 CVA 63 A-1H/J WestPac
17 Oct 1963 20 Jul 1964 CVW-11 CVA 63 A-1H/J WestPac
19 Oct 1965 13 Jun 1966 CVW-11 CVA 63 A-1H/J WestPac/Vietnam
05 Jan 1967 22 Jul 1967 CVW-5 CVA 19 A-1H WestPac/Vietnam
16 Apr 1971 06 Nov 1971 CVW-5 CVA 41 A-6A/KA-6D WestPac/Vietnam
10 Apr 1972 03 Mar 1973 CVW-5 CVA 41 A-6A/B & KA-6D WestPac/Vietnam
11 Sep 1973 05 Oct 1973 CVW-5 CVA 41 A-6A/B & KA-6D WestPac**
26 Nov 1973 22 Dec 1973 CVW-5 CVA 41 A-6A/B & KA-6D WestPac
29 Jan 1974 06 Mar 1974 CVW-5 CVA 41 A-6A/B & KA-6D WestPac
18 Oct 1974 20 Dec 1974 CVW-5 CVA 41 A-6A/B & KA-6D WestPac
13 Jan 1975 18 Feb 1975 CVW-5 CVA 41 A-6A/B & KA-6D WestPac
31 Mar 1975 29 May 1975 CVW-5 CVA 41 A-6A/B & KA-6D WestPac
04 Oct 1975 19 Dec 1975 CVW-5 CV 41 A-6A/B & KA-6D WestPac/IO
13 Mar 1976 26 Apr 1976 CVW-5 CV 41 A-6A/B & KA-6D WestPac
19 May 1976 22 Jun 1976 CVW-5 CV 41 A-6A/B & KA-6D WestPac
09 Jul 1976 04 Aug 1976 CVW-5 CV 41 A-6A/B & KA-6D WestPac
01 Nov 1976 17 Dec 1976 CVW-5 CV 41 A-6A/B & KA-6D WestPac
11 Jan 1977 01 Mar 1977 CVW-5 CV 41 A-6A/B & KA-6D WestPac
19 Apr 1977 05 May 1977 CVW-5 CV 41 A-6A/B & KA-6D WestPac††
08 Aug 1977 02 Sep 1977 CVW-5 CV 41 A-6E & KA-6D WestPac
27 Sep 1977 21 Dec 1977 CVW-5 CV 41 A-6E & KA-6D WestPac/IO
11 Apr 1978 23 May 1978 CVW-5 CV 41 A-6E & KA-6D WestPac
09 Nov 1978 23 Dec 1978 CVW-5 CV 41 A-6E & KA-6D WestPac
11 Jan 1979 20 Feb 1979 CVW-5 CV 41 A-6E & KA-6D WestPac
07 Apr 1979 18 Jun 1979 CVW-5 CV 41 A-6E & KA-6D IO
20 Aug 1979 14 Sep 1979 CVW-5 CV 41 A-6E & KA-6D WestPac
30 Sep 1979 20 Feb 1980 CVW-5 CV 41 A-6E & KA-6D IO
14 Jul 1980 26 Nov 1980 CVW-5 CV 41 A-6E & KA-6D WestPac/IO
23 Feb 1981 05 Jun 1981 CVW-5 CV 41 A-6E & KA-6D WestPac/IO
26 Jun 1981 16 Jul 1981 CVW-5 CV 41 A-6E & KA-6D WestPac
03 Sep 1981 06 Oct 1981 CVW-5 CV 41 A-6E & KA-6D WestPac
26 Apr 1982 18 Jun 1982 CVW-5 CV 41 A-6E & KA-6D WestPac
14 Sep 1982 11 Dec 1982 CVW-5 CV 41 A-6E & KA-6D NorPac/WestPac
02 Jun 1983 13 Aug 1983 CVW-5 CV 41 A-6E & KA-6D WestPac
25 Oct 1983 11 Dec 1983 CVW-5 CV 41 A-6E & KA-6D WestPac
28 Dec 1983 23 May 1984 CVW-5 CV 41 A-6E & KA-6D IO
15 Oct 1984 12 Dec 1984 CVW-5 CV 41 A-6E & KA-6D WestPac
01 Feb 1985 28 Mar 1985 CVW-5 CV 41 A-6E & KA-6D WestPac
10 Jun 1985 4 Oct 1985 CVW-5 CV 41 A-6E & KA-6D IO/WestPac
15 Nov 1985 12 Dec 1985 CVW-5 CV 41 A-6E & KA-6D WestPac
17 Jan 1986 30 Mar 1986 CVW-5 CV 41 A-6E & KA-6D WestPac
09 Jan 1987 20 Mar 1987 CVW-5 CV 41 A-6E & KA-6D WestPac
23 Apr 1987 13 Jul 1987 CVW-5 CV 41 A-6/E & KA-6D WestPac
15 Oct 1987 12 Apr 1988 CVW-5 CV 41 A-6E & KA-6D WestPac/IO
18 Oct 1988 09 Nov 1988 CVW-5 CV 41 A-6E & KA-6D WestPac
21 Jan 1989 24 Feb 1989 CVW-5 CV 41 A-6E & KA-6D WestPac
27 Feb 1989 09 Apr 1989 CVW-5 CV 41 A-6E & KA-6D WestPac
31 May 1989 25 Jul 1989 CVW-5 CV 41 A-6E & KA-6D WestPac
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186 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

Major Overseas Deployments—Continued

Date of Date of Air Type of Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Aircraft Operation

15 Aug 1989 11 Dec 1989 CVW-5 CV 41 A-6E & KA-6D WestPac/IO

20 Feb 1990 06 Apr 1990 CVW-5 CV 41 A-6E & KA-6D WestPac
02 Oct 1990 17 Apr 1991 CVW-5 CV 41 A-6E & KA-6D WestPac/IO/
Persian Gulf
* The squadron was landbased during its operations in the South Pacific.
† The squadron transferred to Kasaan Bay (CVE 69) on 1 February 1945 at Ulithi for transport back to Hawaii, it then boarded Curtiss (AV 4) for
transporation to the States.
‡ During October through December 1947 the squadron operated from NAS Barbers Point with occasional exercises aboard Valley Forge
(CV 45). In January 1948 the squadron departed NAS Barbers Point, embarked in Valley Forge, continuing its world cruise.
§ While docked at Yokosuka, Japan, the squadron transferred from Philippine Sea (CV 47) to Valley Forge (CV 45) on 29 March 1951 for its
return trip to the U.S. Philippine Sea continued its tour of duty in Korea with another air group.
++ The squadron operated from Kitty Hawk (CVA 63) during its home port change from the Atlantic to the Pacific. The transit to the Pacific, via
Cape Horn, was part of a training cruise that included operations in the Caribbean, South Atlantic and eastern Pacific.
** The squadron and Midway (CVA 41) arrived at their new home port, Naval Station Yokosuka, Japan. Since the squadron is permanently for-
ward deployed all future deployments for the squadron will cover only those operations outside the home waters of Japan.
†† The squadron exchanged its A-6A and B model Intruders for A-6Es while Midway was in port at NS Subic Bay. Transitional training in the
A-6E was conducted from NAF Atsugi during May to August 1977.

Squadron AD-4 Skyraiders prepare to launch a strike from Philippine Sea (CV 47) during their first combat deployment to Korea, circa September 1950.
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 187

Air Wing Assignments

Air Wing Tail Code Assignment Date

CVG-11/CVAG-11/ V/NH* 10 Oct 1942
CVG-11/CVW-11†
CVW-5 NF 16 Jul 1966
VA-125‡ Aug 1967
CVW-16 AH 1970
CVW-5 NF 1971

* The tail code V was assigned to CVG-11 on 7 November 1946. The

tail code was changed from V to NH in 1957. The effective date for
this change was most likely the beginning of FY 58 (1 July 1957).
† CVG-11 was redesignated CVAG-11 on 15 November 1946. The
CVAG-11 designation was changed back to CVG-11 on 1
September 1948. CVG-11 was redesignated CVW-11 when Carrier
Air Group (CVG) designations were redesignated Carrier Air Wings
(CVW) on 20 December 1963.
‡ Administratively assigned to VA-125 during the squadron’s stand-
A flight of squadron A-1H Skyraiders, circa 1964.
down.

Unit Awards Received—Continued

Unit Awards Received
Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award
Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award
Campaign Medal
PUC 10 Oct 1944 22 Nov 1944 (Asiatic-Pacific) 08 Feb 1943 20 Jun 1943
14 Dec 1944 16 Dec 1944 10 Oct 1944 29 Nov 1944
03 Jan 1945 22 Jan 1945 14 Dec 1944
30 Apr 1972 09 Feb 1973 09 Jan 1945

A flight of two squadron A-6E Intruders loaded with cluster bombs, 1991.
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188 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

Unit Awards Received—Continued Unit Awards Received—Continued

Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award
12 Jan 1945 21 Nov 1979 07 Feb 1980
16 Jan 1945 19 Aug 1980 13 Nov 1980
KPUC 01 Aug 1950 16 Mar 1951 12 Mar 1981 19 May 1981
20 Jan 1952 12 Jul 1952 RVNGC 30 Mar 1972 15 Jul 1972
NUC 04 Aug 1950 16 Mar 1951 VNSM 25 Nov 1965 23 Dec 1965
26 Nov 1965 14 May 1966 15 Jan 1966 04 Feb 1966
29 Apr 1975 30 Apr 1975 18 Feb 1966 14 Mar 1966
01 Jan 1978 30 Jun 1979 01 Apr 1966 29 Apr 1966
17 Jan 1991 07 Feb 1991 08 May 1966 23 May 1966
SASM 02 Nov 1990 14 Mar 1991 05 Feb 1967 25 Feb 1967
KLM 17 Jan 1991 28 Feb 1991 15 Mar 1967 12 Apr 1967
NAVE 01 Jul 1959 30 Jun 1960 28 Apr 1967 04 Jun 1967
01 Jul 1961 Oct 1962 12 Jun 1967 27 Jun 1967
Nov 1962 Feb 1964 17 May 1971 09 Jun 1971
01 Jul 1977 31 Dec 1978 29 Jun 1971 20 Jul 1971
01 Jan 1978 30 Jun 1980 31 Jul 1971 17 Aug 1971
26 Sep 1971 11 Oct 1971
AFEM 20 May 1964 10 Jun 1964
01 May 1972 01 Jun 1972
17 Oct 1971 19 Oct 1971
11 Jun 1972 07 Jul 1972
29 Apr 1975 30 Apr 1975
16 Jul 1972 13 Aug 1972
HSM 29 Apr 1975 30 Apr 1975
23 Aug 1972 10 Sep 1972
MUC 20 Jan 1967 14 Jul 1967
19 Sep 1972 12 Oct 1972
07 May 1971 28 Oct 1971
23 Oct 1972 23 Nov 1972
13 Nov 1979 08 Feb 1980
03 Dec 1972 22 Dec 1972
27 Jul 1982 01 May 1984 31 Dec 1972
15 Oct 1989 29 Oct 1989 04 Jan 1973 24 Jan 1973
NEM 15 Apr 1979 06 Jun 1979 03 Feb 1973 09 Feb 1973
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 189

VA-122 missions for the squadron detachments that deployed

to Korea.
29 Jun 1959: The squadron’s mission was changed
Lineage
from all-weather attack to fleet replacement training. It
Established as Composite Squadron THIRTY FIVE was responsible for instrument flight training for fleet
(VC-35) on 25 May 1950. prop pilots, including ground school; enlisted ground
Redesignated Attack Squadron (All Weather) THIRTY training for Skyraider maintenance personnel; and the
FIVE (VA(AW)-35) on 1 July 1956. training of fleet replacement pilots for the AD-6/7
Redesignated Attack Squadron ONE TWENTY TWO Skyraider.
(VA-122) on 29 June 1959. Jun–Aug 1960: The squadron trained eight officers
from the South Vietnamese Air Force in the operation
Disestablished on 31 May 1991. The first squadron
of the AD Skyraider.
to be assigned the VA-122 designation. Nov 1966: With the acceptance of the A-7A Corsair
II, the squadron took on the additional mission of fleet
Squadron Insignia and Nickname replacement training in this new aircraft.
1967: VA-147 was the first squadron to be trained in
The squadron’s first insignia was approved by CNO the A-7 by VA-122.
on 13 September 1951. Colors for the owl insignia Dec 1969: The squadron joined with VA-125 to inau-
were: a red background gurate a graduate level Light Attack Weapons School
with a blue and white which involved three intensive weeks of classroom
owl, the eyes of the owl and flight syllabus training covering all phases of
were gold. attack aviation.
Following the redesig- 15 Oct 1973: VA-122’s Weapons Training Center,
nation to VA-122 the which conducted the Light Attack Weapons School,
became a separate command and was designated
squadron requested
Light Attack Weapons School, Pacific.
approval for a new 30 Jun 1988: With the disestablishment of VA-174
insignia. The new insignia the east coast Fleet Readiness Squadron for the A-7,
was approved by CNO VA-122 assumed the responsibility for A-7 training on
on 22 April 1960. The col- both coasts.
The owl design was the ors of the eagle and book May 1991: Prior to VA-122’s disestablishment, it had
squadron’s first approved insignia were: a blue trained and graduated over 5,000 light attack pilots and
insignia. background for the over 55,000 highly skilled maintenance personnel dur-
insignia and scroll, out- ing its career as a fleet replacement training squadron.
lined in black; a white
wreath; the book had Home Port Assignments
black pages, edged in Location Assignment Date
white with a red cover; NAS San Diego/North Island* 25 May 1950
brown eagle with black NAS Moffett Field 01 Jul 1961
highlights, its head was NAS Lemoore 01 Jan 1963
white with black high-
* NAS San Diego was redesignated NAS North Island in 1955.
lights and a yellow beak
and claws; a white bomb
outlined in black with
three red bands; and the
scroll’s lettering was
white. The squadron’s second insignia
Nickname: Flying highlights its mission as a fleet
Eagles, 1971–1991. replacement training squadron.

Chronology of Significant Events

May 1950: The squadron was established with a mis-
sion of all-weather attack and ASW. The squadron
trained detachments for carrier deployments and also
participated in various exercises held on the west coast.
9 Nov 1950–9 Jun 1951: VC-35 Det 3 was the Squadron AD-4NL Sky-
squadron’s first detachment to deploy. It deployed to raiders in flight, 6 October
1951 (Courtesy Robert
Korea and flew ASW patrols, night heckler missions, Lawson Collection).
and other combat sorties. These became the standard
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190 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

Commanding Officers Commanding Officers—Continued

Date Assumed Command Date Assumed Command

CDR Charles R. Stapler 25 May 1950 CDR Russell C. York 17 Dec 1986
CDR David A. Marks 19 May 1951 CDR George Crim 15 Mar 1988
CDR William L. Conley (acting) 25 Aug 1951 CAPT Jeffery Harrison 14 Jul 1989
CDR David A. Marks 29 Nov 1951
CDR Louis E. Burke, Jr. 31 Jul 1952 Aircraft Assignment
CDR Frank G. Edwards (acting) 31 Oct 1952
CDR Louis E. Burke, Jr. 25 Nov 1952 Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received
CDR John H. Pennoyer Apr 1953 AD-4N Jun 1950
CDR Guiseppi Macri 16 Sep 1955 AD-3Q Jun 1950
CDR Donald B. Ingerslew Jan 1956 AD-4Q Jul 1950
CAPT Edward V. Wedell 09 Aug 1957 AD-2Q Jul 1950
CAPT L. E. Harris 29 Jul 1959 AD-3 Jul 1950
CDR P. E. Payne 26 Jul 1960 TBM-3E/N Jul 1950
CDR J. A. Davenport 23 Jun 1961 AD-1Q Aug 1950
CDR John E. Ford 19 Oct 1962 AD-3N Dec 1950
CDR Joseph L. Coleman 08 Nov 1963 AD-4NL Aug 1951
CDR M. C. Pinkepank 10 Aug 1964 AD-4N Jan 1952
CDR Hugh A. Hoy 06 Oct 1965 AD-4B Feb 1952
CDR Melvin D. Blixt 11 Oct 1966 F3D-2 Feb 1953
CDR Carl Birdwell, Jr. Jul 1967 AD-5N Mar 1954
CDR Melvin M. Quaid, Jr. 23 Aug 1968 AD-5/A-1E* May 1954
CDR Walter S. Gray III 29 Aug 1969 AD-6/A-1H* May 1954
CDR John L. Nicholson, Jr. 07 Aug 1970 S2F-1 Oct 1956
CDR Jesse R. Emerson III 10 Aug 1971 TF-1Q 18 Jan 1957
CDR Cecil B. Hawkins, Jr. 08 Aug 1972 AD-5Q 20 Nov 1957
CAPT Robert N. Livingston 30 Nov 1973 AD-7/A-1J* 05 Dec 1958
CDR Richard L. Grant 07 Feb 1975 T-28B 01 Mar 1959
CDR Kenneth A. Dickerson 16 Apr 1976 A-7A 15 Nov 1966
CDR Meredith W. Patrick 19 Aug 1977 A-7B May 1968
CDR John A. Moriarty 06 Dec 1978 A-7E 14 Jul 1969
CDR Lawrence H. Price 20 May 1980 A-7C Jul 1971
CDR Howard E. Koss 09 Sep 1981 T-39D 1971
CDR John E. Vomastic 05 Apr 1983 T-28C 1973
TA-7C 1978
CDR William S. Orr, Jr. 01 Jun 1984
CDR Thomas R. Mitchell III 11 Sep 1985 * AD-5/6/7 designations were changed to A-1E/H/J in 1962.

Major Overseas Deployments

Date of Date of Air Type of Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Det* Aircraft Operation

09 Nov 1950 09 Jun 1951 CVG-19 CV 37 3 AD-4N Korea

06 Dec 1950 09 Jun 1951 CVG-2 † 4 AD-4N Korea
02 Mar 1951 24 Oct 1951 CVG-101 CV 21 5/A AD-2/4N & 4Q Korea
10 May 1951 17 Dec 1951 CVG-102 CV 31 6/G AD-3/4N Korea
May 1951 29 Aug 1951 CVG-19X ‡ 7 AD-4N Korea
26 Jun 1951 25 Mar 1952 CVG-5 CV 9 8/B AD-2, Korea
AD-3, N/Q,
AD-4, L/Q
& AD-4NL
08 Sep 1951 02 May 1952 CVG-15 CV 36 9/D AD-4NL/4Q Korea
15 Oct 1951 03 Jul 1952 ATG-1 CV 45 10/H AD-4NL & AD-2Q Korea
31 Dec 1951 08 Aug 1952 CVG-11 CV 47 C AD-4NL/Q & 2Q Korea
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 191

Major Overseas Deployments—Continued

Date of Date of Air Type of Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Det* Aircraft Operation

08 Feb 1952 25 Sep 1952 CVG-2 CV 21 A AD-4N/2Q/3N/4NL Korea

21 Mar 1952 03 Nov 1952 CVG-19 CV 37 E AD-4NL/4Q & 3Q Korea
16 Jun 1952 06 Feb 1953 ATG-2 CVA 9 I AD-4N Korea/WestPac
16 Jun 1952 Sep 1953 § § W AD-4B/NL/N WestPac
11 Aug 1952 17 Mar 1953 CVG-101 CVA 33 F AD-4N/NL Korea
15 Sep 1952 18 May 1953 CVG-102 CVA 34 G AD-4N Korea
20 Nov 1952 25 Jun 1953 CVG-5 CVA 45 B AD-4N Korea
15 Dec 1952 14 Aug 1953 CVG-9 CVA 47 M AD-4N Korea
24 Jan 1953 21 Sep 1953 CVG-15 CVA 37 D AD-4N Korea/WestPac
30 Mar 1953 28 Nov 1953 ATG-1 CVA 21 H AD-4N Korea/WestPac
01 Jul 1953 18 Jan 1954 CVG-11 CVA 33 C AD-4N Korea/WestPac
03 Aug 1953 03 Mar 1954 CVG-2 CVA 10 A AD-4N WestPac
14 Sep 1953 22 Apr 1954 CVG-19 CVA 34 E AD-4N WestPac
01 Dec 1953 12 Jul 1954 ATG-2 CVA 9 I AD-4N WestPac
03 Mar 1954 11 Oct 1954 CVG-12 CVA 21 G AD-4NL WestPac
12 Mar 1954 19 Nov 1954 CVG-5 CVA 47 B AD-4NL WestPac
11 May 1954 12 Dec 1954 CVG-9 CVA 12 M AD-4N World Cruise
01 Jul 1954 28 Feb 1955 CVG-15 CVA 10 D AD-4N WestPac
01 Sep 1954 11 Apr 1955 ATG-1 CVA 18 H AD-4N WestPac
07 Oct 1954 12 May 1955 CVG-11 CVA 33 C AD-5N WestPac
03 Nov 1954 21 Jun 1955 CVG-2 CVA 9 A AD-5N WestPac
02 Mar 1955 21 Sep 1955 CVG-19 CVA 34 E AD-5N WestPac
01 Apr 1955 23 Nov 1955 ATG-2 CVA 47 I AD-5N WestPac
03 Jun 1955 03 Feb 1956 CVG-14 CVA 21 F AD-5N WestPac
10 Aug 1955 15 Mar 1956 CVG-12 CVA 19 G AD-5N WestPac
29 Oct 1955 17 May 1956 CVG-5 CVA 33 B AD-5N WestPac
05 Jan 1956 23 Jun 1956 ATG-3 CVA 38 J AD-5N WestPac
11 Feb 1956 13 Jun 1956 CVG-9 CVA 34 M AD-5N WestPac
19 Mar 1956 13 Sep 1956 ATG-4 CVA 10 K AD-5N WestPac
23 Apr 1956 15 Oct 1956 CVG-15 CVA 18 D AD-5N WestPac
28 May 1956 20 Dec 1956 ATG-1 CVA 16 H AD-5N WestPac
16 Jul 1956 26 Jan 1957 CVG-11 CVA 9 C AD-5N WestPac
16 Aug 1956 28 Feb 1957 CVG-21 CVA 31 L AD-5N WestPac
13 Nov 1956 20 May 1957 CVG-2 CVA 38 A AD-5N WestPac
21 Jan 1957 25 Jul 1957 CVG-14 CVA 12 F AD-5N WestPac
09 Mar 1957 25 Aug 1957 CVG-19 CVA 10 E AD-5N WestPac
06 Apr 1967 18 Sep 1957 ATG-2 CVA 19 I AD-5N WestPac
19 Apr 1957 17 Oct 1957 CVG-12 CVA 16 G AD-5N WestPac
10 Jul 1957 11 Dec 1957 CVG-5 CVA 31 B AD-5N WestPac
09 Aug 1957 02 Apr 1958 ATG-3 CVA 33 J AD-5N WestPac
16 Sep 1957 25 Apr 1958 CVG-9 CVA 14 M AD-5N WestPac
06 Jan 1958 30 Jun 1958 ATG-4 CVA 12 K AD-5N WestPac
15 Feb 1958 02 Oct 1958 CVG-15 CVA 19 D AD-5N WestPac
08 Mar 1958 21 Nov 1958 CVG-11 CVA 38 C AD-5N WestPac
14 Jul 1958 19 Dec 1958 CVG-21 CVA 16 L AD-5N WestPac
16 Aug 1958 12 Mar 1959 CVG-2 CVA 41 A AD-5N WestPac
21 Aug 1958 12 Jan 1959 ATG-4 CVA 20 K AD-5N WestPac
04 Oct 1958 17 Feb 1959 ATG-1 CVA 14 H AD-5N WestPac
01 Nov 1958 18 Jun 1959 CVG-19 CVA 31 E AD-5N WestPac
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192 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

Major Overseas Deployments—Continued

Date of Date of Air Type of Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Det* Aircraft Operation

03 Jan 1959 27 Jul 1959 CVG-14 CVA 61 F AD-5N WestPac

09 Mar 1959 02 Oct 1959 CVG-11 CVA 38 C AD-5N WestPac
26 Apr 1959 02 Dec 1959 CVG-21 CVA 16 L** AD-5N WestPac
* The squadron only deployed in detachments, usually four aircraft, and never as a complete squadron. In October 1951 the squadron’s detach-
ment designations were changed from numbers to letters.
† Detachment 4 deployed to Korea embarked in Valley Forge (CV 45) and on 29 March 1951, as part of CVG-2, transferred to Philippine Sea (CV
47). It returned to the States embarked in Philippine Sea.
‡ The detachment was sent to Japan, via air and ship transport, as part of Replacement Air Group 19X (CVG-19X). When it arrived in Japan it
relieved CVG-19 in Princeton (CV 37). Upon completion of its combat tour in Korea it returned to the States embarked in Princeton.
§ VC-35 Det W deployed to NAS Atsugi, Japan. The detachment departed for NAS Atsugi embarked in Essex (CV 9) and arrived there in the latter
part of July 1952. While deployed to Japan, VC-35 Det W was under the operational control of COMFAIRJAPAN (Commander Fleet Air, Japan).
** VA(AW)-35 Det L was the squadron’s last detachment to deploy prior to the squadron’s change of mission to training fleet replacement pilots
and enlisted men and the phase out of its all-weather attack mission.

A squadron TF-1, circa 1957 (Courtesy Duane Kasulka Collection).

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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 193

Air Wing Assignments Readiness Air Group 12 was then redesignated Combat Readiness
Air Wing 12 (RCVW-12) on 20 December 1963.
Air Wing Tail Code Assignment Date § RCVW-12 was disestablished on 1 July 1970 and the squadron was
COMAIRPAC NR*/VV† assigned to Commander Fleet Air Lemoore. However, the tail code
NJ, which had been assigned to RCVW-12, was retained by VA-122
RCVG-12/RCVW-12‡ NJ 29 Jun 1959 and the other squadrons that had been assigned to RCVW-12.
COMFAIRLEMOORE NJ§ 01 Jul 1970
** COMFAIRLEMOORE was redesignated COMLATWINGPAC
COMLATWINGPAC** NJ 30 Jun 1973 (Commander Light Attack Wing, Pacific) on 30 June 1973.

* The tail code NR was assigned to VC-35 by Aviation Circular Letter

No. 43-50 dated 19 July 1950.
Unit Awards Received
† The tail code was changed from NR to VV in 1957. The effective
date for this change was most likely the beginning of FY 58 (1 July
Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award
1957).
‡ Replacement Air Group 12 (RCVG-12) was redesignated Combat MUC 01 Jul 1970 31 Jul 1971
Readiness Air Group 12 (RCVG-12) on 1 April 1963. Combat 01 Oct 1978 30 Sep 1980

A formation of the squadron’s A-7E Corsair II aircraft over the Sierras.

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194 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

VA-125 Home Port Assignments

Location Assignment Date

Lineage
NAS St. Louis *
Reserve Attack Squadron FIFTY FIVE E (VA-55E)
NAS San Diego 02 Aug 1950
was most likely established during the activation of
NAS Miramar Jan 1952
the Naval Air Reserve in 1946 and remained in an
inactive status. * The squadron’s home port was assigned prior to 1950, the exact
Redesignated Reserve Attack Squadron NINE HUN- date is unknown.
DRED TWENTY THREE (VA-923) in January 1950.
Reserve Attack Squadron NINE HUNDRED TWENTY
THREE (VA-923) was called to active duty on 20 July Commanding Officers
1950.
Date Assumed Command
Redesignated Attack Squadron ONE HUNDRED
TWENTY FIVE (VA-125) on 4 February 1953. LCDR Herb W. Wiley *
Disestablished on 10 April 1958. The first squadron CDR John C. Micheel 24 Mar 1952
to be assigned the VA-125 designation. LCDR Allan H. Gunderson 01 Feb 1953
LCDR John L. McMahon, Jr. Jul 1953
Squadron Insignia and LCDR Bernard E. Hackett Oct 1954
Nickname CDR John H. Bahlman Apr 1956
CDR A. J. Henry, Jr. 25 Oct 1957
There is no record for
an approved squadron * Assumed command prior to 1950, date unknown.
insignia. However, an
insignia was used by the
squadron during its Aircraft Assignment
deployment aboard
Oriskany (CVA 34) in Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received
1952–1953. There are no TBM *
colors available for this AM 1950
insignia. The Latin AD-2 Sep 1950
phrase Mors ab Alto
This insignia was used by the
AD-4Q Oct 1950
means Death from
squadron during its deployment AD-4 Dec 1950
to Korea in 1952–1953 aboard Above.
Oriskany (CVA 34). AD-3 Dec 1950
Nickname: Rough
Raiders, 1952–1958. AD-4B Jun 1953
AD-4NA Sep 1953
AD-6 Oct 1954
Chronology of Significant Events AD-7 Jan 1957
1 Feb 1953: The squadron’s commanding officer,
* The squadron was assigned the TBM prior to 1950, date unknown.
Commander J. C. Micheel was killed in action in Korea.

A squadron AM-1 Mauler flown by VA-923. Pilot in photo is

Hank Gastrich; it was taken following his landing in the
plane in which a gauge indicated the wings were unlocked
during flight, circa 1950 (Courtesy Steve Ginter Collection).
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 195

Major Overseas Deployments

Date of Date of Air Type of Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Aircraft Operation

10 May 1951 17 Dec 1951 CVG–102 CV 31 AD-3/4Q Korea

15 Sep 1952 18 May 1953 CVG-102 CVA 34 AD-3/4 Korea
03 Mar 1954 11 Oct 1954 CVG-12 CVA 21 AD-4B/NA WestPac
10 Aug 1955 15 Mar 1956 CVG-12 CVA 19 AD-6 WestPac
19 Apr 1957 17 Oct 1957 CVG-12 CVA 16 AD-6/7 WestPac

A squadron AD-3 or 4 takes

off from Bon Homme
Richard (CV 31) during
their combat deployment to
Korea in 1951.

Air Wing Assignments Unit Awards Received

Air Wing Tail Code Assignment Date Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award
CVG-102/CVG-12† D/NJ‡ 1950* KSM 30 May 1951 06 Dec 1951
* VA-923’s assignment to CVG-102 was in August or September 1950. 17 Oct 1952 29 Oct 1952
† CVG-102 was redesignated CVG-12 on 4 February 1953. 31 Oct 1952 29 Mar 1953
‡ The tail code was changed from D to NJ in 1957. The effective date
for this change was most likely the begnining of FY 58 (1 July 1957). 27 Apr 1953 02 May 1953

A squadron AD Sky-
raider prepares to launch
from Hancock (CVA 19)
during its cruise to
WestPac in 1955–1956.
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196 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

SECOND VA-125 19 May 1966: VA-125 was the first squadron in the
Navy to receive the TA-4F Skyhawk.
Lineage Jun 1966: The first of several groups of Australians
Established as Attack Squadron TWENTY SIX (VA-26) arrived for training by the squadron on the A-4
on 30 June 1956. Skyhawk. The pilots were to form the nucleus of
Redesignated Attack Squadron ONE HUNDRED Australia’s first A-4 squadron scheduled for assignment
TWENTY FIVE (VA-125) on 11 April 1958. to HMAS Melborne (R-21).
Disestablished on 1 October 1977. The second 13 Mar 1967: The squadron’s commanding officer,
squadron to be assigned the designation VA-125. Commander J. D. Shaw, was killed in an aircraft acci-
dent during a routine carrier qualification exercise on
Squadron Insignia and the Kearsarge (CVS 33).
Nickname 31 Mar 1969: The last A-4 Fleet Replacement Pilot
class began.
The squadron’s first
30 Jun 1969: The last A-4 Fleet Replacement
insignia was approved
Enlisted Maintenance training program was completed.
by CNO on 18
December 1956. Colors Nov 1969: The squadron began to develop the
for the cougar insignia required training program for the Light Attack
were: a dark blue back- Weapons School. In December 1969 the squadron, in
ground outlined in conjunction with VA-122, inaugurated a graduate level
black; white scroll out- course for the Light Attack Weapons School that
lined in black with involved all phases of attack aviation.
The tiger head was the squadron’s black lettering; white
first insignia.
Jan 1970: The first A-7 Fleet Replacement Enlisted
stars; the cougar’s face Maintenance and Fleet Replacement Pilot classes began.
was brown and white
with black markings; the
lightning bolt whiskers
were yellow and out-
lined in black; the
tongue and inside of the
mouth were red.
When the squadron’s
mission was changed, a
new insignia was
approved by CNO on 13
May 1959. Colors for the
torch of learning
insignia are unknown. When the squadron’s mission
changed to fleet replacement
Nickname: Skylanch- training, this insignia was adopted
ers, 1956–1958 and approved for used by the A formation of squadron F9F-8 Cougars, circa 1957.
Rough Raiders, 1958– squadron.
1977. Home Port Assignments

Location Assignment Date

Chronology of Significant Events NAS Miramar 30 Jun 1956
NAS Moffett Field Aug 1956
11 Apr 1958: The squadron’s mission was changed
NAS Lemoore 24 Jul 1961
from air-to-ground/surface attack to the indoctrination
and training of pilots and enlisted personnel in attack
aircraft for assignment to combat carrier squadrons. Commanding Officers
11 Dec 1958: The squadron’s commanding officer,
Commander J. E. Thomas, was killed in an aircraft Date Assumed Command
accident. CDR Richard D. Greer, Jr. 30 Jun 1956
Mar 1960: With the addition of the A4D-2N CDR C. H. Carr 11 Apr 1958
Skyhawk, the squadron added radar and inflight refu- CDR J. E. Thomas 15 Jul 1958
eling training to its flight syllabus. CDR F. E. Ward, Jr. 11 Dec 1958
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 197

Commanding Officers—Continued Aircraft Assignment

Date Assumed Command Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received

CDR P. H. Durand 30 Nov 1959 F9F-8B Jul 1956
CDR O. L. Dauphin 05 Apr 1961
F9F-8 Oct 1956
CDR James W. Porter 09 Apr 1962
CDR Earl F. Godfrey 29 May 1963 A4D-1 10 Jun 1958
CDR William J. Forgy 14 Sep 1964 A4D-2/A-4B* Aug 1958
CDR Jack A. Endacott 27 Aug 1965 A4D-2N/A-4C* 03 Mar 1960
CDR John D. Shaw 29 Jul 1966
CDR Gary H. Palmer (acting) 13 Mar 1967 AD-5/A-1E* Sep 1960
CDR Charles E. Hathaway 12 May 1967 A-4E Dec 1962
CDR Otto E. Krueger 11 Jul 1968 TA-4F 19 May 1966
CDR Ronald H. Caldwell 31 Jul 1969 A-4F Feb 1968
CDR George E. LeBlanc, Jr. 31 Jul 1970
CDR James B. Busey IV 10 May 1971 A-7B 25 Sep 1969
CDR James M. Gleim 31 Mar 1972 A-7A Oct 1969
CDR Charles R. Bowling 06 Jul 1973 A-7C Aug 1975
CDR Robert C. Taylor 12 Sep 1974
CDR Denis R. Weichman 17 Dec 1975 * The A4D-2, A4D-2N and AD-5 designations were changed to A-4B,
CDR J. W. Keathley 28 Mar 1977 A-4C and A-1E in 1962.

A close up of an F9F-8 Cougar with squadron personnel, taken during the squadron’s 1957–1958 deployment to WestPac aboard Kearsarge (CVA

Major Overseas Deployments

Date of Date of Air Type of Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Aircraft Operation

09 Aug 1957 02 Apr 1958 ATG-3 CVA 33* F9F-8 WestPac

* During the deployment aboard Kearsarge (CVA 33) the squadron was based at NAS Agana, Guam, for a considerable part of the cruise.
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198 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

A formation of five different models of the A-4 Skyhawk flown by the squadron in 1969; the A-4B, A-4C, A-4E, A-4F and TA-4F.

Air Wing Assignments

Air Wing Tail Code Assignment Date

ATG-3 Y/NC* 30 Jun 1956
RCVG-12/RCVW-12† NJ 11 Apr 1958
COMFAIRLEMOORE NJ‡ 01 Jul 1970
COMLATWINGPAC§ NJ 30 Jun 1973
* The tail code was changed from Y to NC in 1957. The effective date
for this change was most likely the beginning of FY 58 (1 July 1957).
† The Replacement Air Group designation (RCVG) was changed to
Combat Readiness Air Group (RCVG) on 1 April 1963 and then to
Combat Readiness Air Wing (RCVW) on 20 December 1963.
‡ RCVW-12 was disestablished on 1 July 1970 and the squadron was
assigned to Commander Fleet Air Lemoore. However, the tailcode
NJ, which had been assigned RCVW-12, was retained by VA-125 and
the other squadrons that had been assigned to RCVW-12.
§ COMFAIRLEMOORE was redesignated COMLATWINGPAC
(Commander Light Attack Wing, Pacific) on 30 June 1973. A squadron A-1E Skyraider, 1965 or 1966.

A formation of squadron A-7

Corsair IIs over NAS Lemoore,
California, 1970.
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 199

VA-128 authorities provided the forewarning necessary to save

hundreds of lives since the mountain was a popular
Lineage place for campers, boaters and mountain climbers.
Oct 1986: The squadron assumed the additional
Established as Attack Squadron ONE HUNDRED
duty of training all Marine Corps personnel on the A-6
TWENTY EIGHT (VA-128) on 1 September 1967. The
following the disestablishment of VMAT(AW)-202.
first squadron to be assigned the VA-128 designation.
1990: The squadron received the first composite
wing A-6E on the West Coast.
Squadron Insignia and
Nickname
Home Port Assignments
The squadron’s
insignia was approved Location Assignment Date
by CNO on 9 August NAS Whidbey Island 01 Sep 1967
1967. Colors for the styl-
ized Phoenix insignia
Commanding Officers
are: white background
for insignia and scroll, Date Assumed Command
outlined in gold; the
CDR W. B. Warwick 01 Sep 1967
stylized Phoenix and the
CDR N. R. Gooding, Jr. 16 May 1969
The stylized phoenix insignia used lettering are also gold.
by the squadron. CDR Leland S. Kollmorgen 26 Jun 1970
Nickname: Golden
CDR Lester W. Berglund 1971
Intruders, 1967-present
CDR Robert W. Miles 07 Jul 1972
CDR Richard M. Dunleavy 03 Aug 1973
Chronology of Significant Events CDR George E. Matt 17 Oct 1974
CDR Robert S. Owens 12 Dec 1975
1 Sep 1967: The squadron was assigned the mission
CDR Van F. Westfall 01 Nov 1976
of training combat ready flight crews and replacement
CDR Lyle F. Bull 03 Feb 1978
maintenance personnel for the A-6 Intruder.
CDR Daryl L. Kerr 29 Jun 1979
Oct 1968: Two U.S. Air Force exchange officers
CDR John M. McNabb 01 Aug 1980
reported aboard for training in the A-6A. CDR Rodney C. Franz 10 Jul 1981
Jun 1973: A Naval Officer from the Federal Republic CDR David D. Williams 15 Oct 1982
of Germany reported aboard for training in the A-6. CDR Patrick C. Hauert 06 Jan 1984
Mar–May 1980: The squadron’s TC-4C, Target CDR Robert R. Whittenburg 1985
Recognition Attack Multisensor (TRAM) equipped air- CDR Bruce V. Wood 24 Oct 1986
craft, was used to monitor the hot spots on Mt. St. CDR Kenneth G. Bixler 22 Jan 1988
Helens in Washington prior to a major eruption on 18 CDR Gary W. Stubbs 30 Jun 1989
May. The squadron’s work with U.S. Geological Survey CDR Michael J. McCamish 17 Aug 1990

Squadron A-6E Intruders conducting aerial refueling, 1982.

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200 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

Aircraft Assignment * RCVW-12 was disestablished on 1 July 1970 and the squadron was
assigned to Commander Fleet Air Whidbey. However, the tail code
Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received NJ, which had been assigned to RCVW-12, was retained by VA-128
and the other squadrons that had been assigned to RCVW-12.
A-6A 01 Sep 1967
† Commander Fleet Air Whidbey was redesignated Commander
TC-4C 15 Mar 1968 Medium Attack Tactical Electronic Warfare Wing Pacific (COMMAT-
A-6E 16 Dec 1973 VAQWINGPAC) on 1 March 1973.

Air Wing Assignments Unit Awards Received

Air Wing Tail Code Assignment Date Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award
RCVW-12 NJ 01 Sep 1967 MUC 15 Oct 1982 06 Jan 1984
COMFAIRWHIDBEY NJ* 01 Jul 1970 01 Feb 1987 01 Feb 1988
COMMATVAQWINGPAC† NJ 01 Mar 1973 SLOC 01 Mar 1980 31 Mar 1981

A squadron TC-4C Academe at Eglin AFB, Florida, in 1993.

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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 201

VA-133 Chronology of Significant Events

Aug 1961: The squadron was established as part of
Lineage a new Air Group to increase the strength of the fleet
as a result of the Berlin Crisis of 1961–1962.
Established as Attack Squadron ONE HUNDRED 8–19 Feb 1962: A squadron detachment was aboard
THIRTY THREE (VA-133) on 21 August 1961. Constellation (CVA 64) for carrier trials and in a stand-
Disestablished on 1 October 1962. The first by status for possible assistance during Project
squadron to be assigned the VA-133 designation. Mercury, the launching of Lieutenant Colonel John H.
Glenn, USMC, in Mercury spacecraft Friendship 7.
Mar–May 1962: The squadron participated in
Squadron Insignia and Nickname Constellation’s shakedown cruise in the Caribbean.
The squadron’s insignia was approved by CNO on
13 February 1962. Colors for the blue knight Home Port Assignments
insignia were: a
blue background; Location Assignment Date
a white shield NAS Cecil Field 21 Aug 1961
outlined in black;
a yellow lightning Commanding Officers
bolt outlined in Date Assumed Command
black; a blue
CDR M. A. Feher 21 Aug 1961
chess knight with
white markings
and outlined in Aircraft Assignment
black; and the
scroll had a white Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received
background, out- A4D-2 12 Sep 1961
lined in black and
blue lettering. Air Wing Assignments
The short lived “Blue Knight” insignia. Nickname: Blue
Air Wing Tail Code Assignment Date
Knights, 1962.
CVG-13 AE 21 Aug 1961
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202 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

SECOND VA-134 Feb 1962: The squadron was aboard Constellation

(CVA 64) for carrier trials and in a stand-by status for
Lineage possible assistance during Project Mercury, the launch-
Established as Attack Squadron ONE HUNDRED ing of Lieutenant Colonel John H. Glenn, USMC, in
THIRTY FOUR (VA-134) on 21 August 1961. Mercury spacecraft Friendship 7.
Disestablished on 1 October 1962. The second Mar–May 1962: The squadron participated in
squadron to be assigned the VA-134 designation. Constellation’s shakedown cruise in the Caribbean.

Squadron Insignia and Nickname Home Port Assignments

The squadron’s insignia was approved by CNO on
15 February 1962. Colors for the scorpion insignia Location Assignment Date
were: a burnt orange background and scroll, out- NAS Cecil Field 21 Aug 1961
lined in black; a white
star with black high-
lights; the globe was Commanding Officers
outlined in black with a
blue ocean and orange Date Assumed Command
land mass, outlined in CDR Kenneth B. Austin 21 Aug 1961
black; the scorpion was
black with white high-
lights; the lettering was Aircraft Assignment
orange outlined in
black. Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received
Nickname: Scorpions, A4D-2 Sep 1961
The scorpion insignia for VA-134. 1962.

Chronology of Significant Events Air Wing Assignments

Aug 1961: The squadron was established as part of Air Wing Tail Code Assignment Date
a new Air Group to increase the strength of the fleet
CVG-13 AE 21 Aug 1961
during the Berlin Crisis of 1961–1962.

A squadron A4D-2 Skyhawk is prepared for launch from Constellation (CVA 64) in February 1962. This was the first aircraft launched from
Constellation after her commissioning in October 1961.
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 203

VA-135 due to enemy action (two personnel were lost due to

operational accidents).
Lineage 15–29 Jun 1946: The squadron embarked in
Princeton (CV 37) and transited from Norfolk to San
Established as Torpedo Squadron EIGHTY ONE
(VT-81) on 1 March 1944. Diego via the Panama Canal.
Redesignated Attack Squadron FOURTEEN A (VA-
14A) on 15 November 1946.
Redesignated Attack Squadron ONE HUNDRED Home Port Assignments
THIRTY FIVE (VA-135) on 2 August 1948.
Location Assignment Date
Disestablished on 30 November 1949. The first
squadron to be assigned the VA-135 designation. NAS Quonset Point 01 Mar 1944
NAAF Martha’s Vineyard 01 Mar 1944*
NAAF Boca Chica 20 Apr 1944*
Squadron Insignia and Nickname
NAAF Otis Field, Camp Edwards 10 May 1944*
There is no record of official approval for the NAS San Diego 10 Aug 1944*
squadron insignia. Colors for the bird insignia, which NAS Puunene 01 Sep 1944*
is believed to have been
NAS Pasco 13 May 1945*
used by VA-14A, were: a
NAAF Sanford, Maine 31 Jul 1945*
white background with
a green border; the NAS Quonset Point 15 Sep 1945
bird’s body and wings NAS San Diego Jun 1946
were black with white NAS Jacksonville 01 Apr 1949
markings, red head and
* Temporary shore assignment while the squadron conducted train-
neck, orange beak and
ing in preparation for combat deployment.
black eyes with red
streaks; the machine
gun in the beak was
Commanding Officers
black and white, the
This insignia was used by VA-14A. legs were brown and Date Assumed Command
the tailhook had black
and white strips with a gray hook; the torpedo had a LT George D. M. Cunha 01 Mar 1944
yellow warhead streaked with orange, the body was LT John A. McGlinn, Jr. 13 May 1945
pale blue, the detonator was green and the propeller LT Harold E. Brown, Jr. (acting) Jul 1945
was yellow; the bomb was black and the rocket was LT Humphrey L. Tallman 20 Aug 1945
gray with blue shading and a red flame. LCDR Albert K. Earnest Apr 1947
Nickname: Uninvited, time frame unknown. LCDR Robert P. Chase Jun 1948
LCDR LeVern C. T. Niehaus 21 Jun 1949
Chronology of Significant Events
14 Nov 1944: The squadron’s first combat strike was
conducted against Manila Harbor. Aircraft Assignment
9–20 Jan 1945: The squadron was part of a task
force that entered the South China Sea and conducted Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received
combat operations against Cam Rahn Bay; Hong Kong TBM-1C Mar 1944
and Takao Harbor, Formosa. TBM-1 Mar 1944
16 Feb 1945: The squadron struck the home islands TBF-1 Mar 1944
of Japan, flying a seven-plane attack against TBF-1C Nov 1944
Hamamatuo Airfield on Honshu.
TBM-1D Nov 1944
21 Feb 1945: The squadron participated in its first
ground support mission, flying sorties over Iwo Jima. TBM-3 May 1945
1 Mar 1945: The squadron flew its last combat strike TBM-3E May 1945
of the war. During the four months of combat opera- TBM-3Q 1946
tions from Wasp (CV 18) it did not lose any personnel AD-4 Sep 1949
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204 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

Major Overseas Deployments

Date of Date of Air Type of Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Aircraft Operation

10 Nov 1944 13 Mar 1945 CVG-81 CV 18 TBM-1C/D Pacific

03 Jul 1946 15 Apr 1947 CVG-81 CV 37 TBM-3E/Q WestPac
01 Oct 1948 16 Dec 1948 CVG-13 CV 37 TBM-3E/Q WestPac

Air Wing Assignments Unit Awards Received

Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award

Air Wing Tail Code Assignment Date
NUC 14 Nov 1944 19 Nov 1944
CVG-81/CVAG-13/ P† 01 Mar 1944 14 Dec 1944 16 Dec 1944
CVG-13* 03 Jan 1945 22 Jan 1945
16 Feb 1945 01 Mar 1945
* CVG-81 was redesignated CVAG-13 on 15 November 1946. CVAG- Campaign Medal
13 was redesignated CVG-13 on 1 September 1948. CVG-13 was dis- (Asiatic-Pacific) 14 Nov 1944 19 Nov 1944
established on 30 November 1949. 14 Dec 1944 16 Dec 1944
† The tail code P was assigned to the carrier Princeton (CV 37) in 03 Jan 1945 22 Jan 1945
November 1946 and then reassigned to CVAG-13 in December 1946. 16 Feb 1945 01 Mar 1945

A squadron TBM-3E in flight, March 1946 (Courtesy Robert Lawson Collection).

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SECOND VA-135 pedo with black markings and outlines; yellow bomb
with black markings and outlines.
Lineage Nickname: Thunderbirds, 1962.
Established as Attack Squadron ONE HUNDRED Chronology of Significant Events
THIRTY FIVE (VA-135) on 21 August 1961.
Disestablished on 1 October 1962. The second Aug 1961: The squadron was established as part of
a new Air Group to increase the strength of the fleet
squadron to be assigned the VA-135 designation.
during the Berlin Crisis of 1961–1962.
Mar–May 1962: The squadron participated in
Squadron Insignia and Nickname Constellation’s shakedown cruise in the Caribbean.
The squadron’s insignia was approved by CNO on
Home Port Assignments
15 February 1962. This insignia was similar to the
insignia that had been Location Assignment Date
used by the first VA-135. NAS Jacksonville 21 Aug 1961
Colors for the insignia NAS Cecil Field 07 Aug 1962
were: upper back-
ground light blue, lower Commanding Officers
background dark blue;
insignia outlined in Date Assumed Command
green with a green CDR Barclay W. Smith 21 Aug 1961
scroll and white letter-
ing; silver bird with Aircraft Assignment
white highlights and
black outlines; the head Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received
The Second VA-135 adopted the and neck were red with AD-6 21 Aug 1961
same insignia used by the first a white star burst at the
VA-135.
neck outlined in black; Air Wing Assignments
olive green beak and
legs outlined in black; white eye with a black pupil; Air Wing Tail Code Assignment Date
white tailhook with black stripes; silver rocket and tor- CVG-13 AE 21 Aug 1961

A squadron AD-6 Skyraider, August 1961. Commander G. C. Watkins, left, congratulates squadron CO Commander B. W. Smith on having the
first plane in CVG-13 to fly operationally following the air group’s establishment in 1961.
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206 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

VA-144 Chronology of Significant Events

Sep 1957: The squadron, embarked in Hancock
Lineage (CVA 19), was on station off the coast of Taiwan due
Established as Attack Squadron ONE HUNDRED to a build-up of Chinese Communist forces on the
SIXTEEN (VA-116) on 1 December 1955. mainland opposite Taiwan.
Redesignated Attack Squadron ONE HUNDRED 26 May–18 Aug 1958: The squadron was embarked in
FORTY FOUR (VA-144) on 23 February 1959. Ranger (CVA 61) during its transit from the east coast,
Disestablished on 29 January 1971. The first via South America, to its new home port at Alameda.
squadron to be assigned the VA-144 designation. Jul 1959: The squadron, embarked in Ranger (CVA
61), maintained station off the coast of Taiwan due to
increased tension between Taiwan and Communist
Squadron China.
Insignia and Jun–Nov 1964: The squadron participated in Yankee
Nickname Team Operations. These operations involved support
for photo reconnaissance missions over Laos. During
The squadron’s these operations, the squadron was the first opera-
insignia was tional unit to fly with and drop the Snakeye weapon.
approved by CNO 4 Aug 1964: The squadron flew night sorties in
on 23 February support of the American destroyers, Turner Joy (DD
1956. Colors for 951) and Maddox (DD 731), following their harass-
the lightning bolt ment by North Vietnamese Motor Torpedo Boats in
and electron ring the Gulf of Tonkin.
5 Aug 1964: VA-144 participated in Operation Pierce
insignia were: a
Arrow, air strikes against North Vietnamese torpedo
The insignia used by VA-116. black background
boats, their bases and supporting facilities in retalia-
tion for the attacks on the American destroyers the
outlined in white previous day. Strikes were flown against the North
with a white scroll Vietnamese home port of Hon Gay and the naval craft
and black lettering; located there. During this engagement Lieutenant (jg)
red lightning bolt; Everett Alvarez’s A-4C was hit by antiaircraft fire and
yellow electron he was forced to eject. A rescue attempt failed and he
rings and white was captured. He became the first American naval
stars. This insignia prisoner-of-war during the Vietnam Conflict and was
was retained by held by the North Vietnamese until 1973.
the squadron fol- 20 Dec 1967: Commanders J. R. Powell, Jr. and R. C.
lowing its redesig- Bos were awarded the Silver Star for planning and
leading a successful strike against the heavily defend-
nation.
ed Haiphong Thermal Power Plant (west).
Nickname: 24 Apr 1967: VA-144’s aircraft participated in a strike
When the squadron was redesignated
Roadrunners, VA-144, it continued to use the old against the Kep Airfield, the first time the airfield was
1960s–1971. insignia and changed only the lower
banner designation.
hit during the air war over North Vietnam.

A squadron F7U-3M
with squadron person-
nel in formation dur-
ing the establishment
ceremony for VA-116
at NAS Miramar,
California, in
December 1955.
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 207

Home Port Assignments Commanding Officers—Continued

Location Assignment Date Date Assumed Command

NAS Miramar 01 Dec 1955 CDR Robert P. Nottingham 02 Jan 1965
NAS Lemoore May 1962 CDR David B. Miller 04 Nov 1965
CDR J. Richard Powell, Jr. 14 Sep 1966
CDR Gary H. Palmer 28 Jul 1967
CDR William H. Robinson, Jr. 26 Jul 1968
CDR Donald Hull-Ryde 17 Jul 1969
CDR Galen B. Allen 01 Jul 1970

A squadron F7U-3M Cutlass prepares to launch from Hancock (CVA

19) during their 1957 cruise to WestPac.

Two squadron FJ-4B Furys on the deck of Ranger (CVA 61) during
Commanding Officers their 1959 deployment to WestPac.

Date Assumed Command

CDR J. L. Callis 01 Dec 1955 Aircraft Assignment
CDR Ralph H. Beatle 10 Oct 1957
CDR James Ritchie 29 Aug 1958 Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received
CDR Carl B. Tanner, Jr. 12 Aug 1959 F7U-3M Dec 1955
CDR Rowland G. Freeman III 10 Dec 1960 FJ-4B 15 Oct 1957
CDR Jerome S. Roth 12 Oct 1961 A-4C 04 Jun 1962
CDR Harry S. Sellers 02 Jan 1963 A-4E Jul 1967
CDR Donald B. Bolstad 06 Dec 1963 A-4F 12 Nov 1969

Major Overseas Deployments

Date of Date of Air Type of Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Aircraft Operation

06 Apr 1957 18 Sep 1957 ATG-2 CVA 19 F7U-3M WestPac

03 Jan 1959 7 Jul 1959 CVG-14 CVA 61 FJ-4B WestPac
14 May 1960 15 Dec 1960 CVG-14 CVA 34 FJ-4B WestPac
09 Nov 1961 12 May 1962 CVG-14 CVA 16 FJ-4B WestPac
21 Feb 1963 10 Sep 1963 CVG-14 CVA 64 A-4C WestPac
05 May 1964 01 Feb 1965 CVW-14 CVA 64 A-4C WestPac/Vietnam
28 Sep 1965 13 May 1966 CVW-5 CVA 14 A-4C WestPac/Vietnam
05 Nov 1966 19 Jun 1967 CVW-11 CVA 63 A-4C WestPac/Vietnam
18 Nov 1967 28 Jun 1968 CVW-11 CVA 63 A-4E WestPac/Vietnam
18 Mar 1969 29 Oct 1969 CVW-5 CVA 31 A-4E WestPac/Vietnam
02 Apr 1970 12 Nov 1970 CVW-5 CVA 31 A-4F WestPac/Vietnam
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208 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

Air Wing Assignments Unit Awards Received—Continued

Air Wing Tail Code Assignment Date Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award
ATG-2 W/NB* 01 Dec 1955 03 Sep 1969
CVG-14/CVW-14† NK 01 Apr 1958 13 Sep 1969 14 Sep 1969
CVW-5 NF 01 Jun 1965 VNSM 04 Nov 1965 22 Apr 1966
CVW-11 NH 15 Sep 1966 03 Dec 1966 03 Jan 1967
CVW-5 NF 01 Nov 1968 02 Mar 1967 28 Mar 1967
* The tail code W was assigned to ATG-2 on 24 July 1956. It was 12 Apr 1967 28 Apr 1967
changed to NB in 1957. The effective date for this change was most 08 May 1967 23 May 1967
likely the beginning of FY 58 (1 July 1957). 04 Mar 1968 27 Mar 1968
† CVG-14 was redesignated CVW-14 when Carrier Air Group (CVG) 12 Apr 1968 01 May 1968
designations were redesignated Carrier Air Wings (CVW) on 20
December 1963. 13 May 1968 01 Jun 1968
27 Jan 1969 01 Mar 1969
12 Mar 1969 05 Apr 1969
Unit Awards Received
17 Apr 1969 18 May 1969
Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award 04 Jun 1969 26 Jul 1969
NAVE 01 Jul 1960 30 Jun 1961 31 Jul 1969 01 Sep 1969
PUC 23 Dec 1967 01 Jun 1968 23 Sep 1969 09 Oct 1969
MUC 18 Apr 1969 08 Oct 1969 02 May 1970 26 May 1970
02 May 1970 20 Oct 1970 01 Jun 1970 14 Jun 1970
NUC 02 Aug 1964 05 Aug 1964 10 Jul 1970 29 Jul 1970
AFEM 29 Jun 1969 17 Aug 1970 03 Sep 1970
07 Jul 1969 13 Jul 1969 11 Sep 1970 12 Sep 1970
24 Jul 1969 26 Sep 1970 21 Oct 1970

A squadron A-4F Skyhawk comes in for a landing on Bon Homme Richard (CVA 31) during deployment to Vietnam, circa 1969 or 1970.
 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 209

VA-145 fairly stable front lines, was effective 21 September

and applied to all units of the Fast Carrier Task Force.
Lineage Close air support missions were now flown only by
the Marine Corps and Air Force. This policy was modi-
Established as Reserve Attack Squadron SEVEN fied later in the war and Fast Carrier Task Force
HUNDRED TWO (VA-702) on 1 December 1949. squadrons again flew close air support missions.
Reserve Attack Squadron SEVEN HUNDRED TWO 16 Oct 1952: Commander B. T. Simonds, the
(VA-702) called to active duty on 20 July 1950. squadron’s commanding officer, was lost when his
Redesignated Attack Squadron ONE HUNDRED plane crashed into the water immediately following its
FORTY FIVE (VA-145) on 4 February 1953. launch from Kearsarge (CVA 33).
Disestablished on 1 October 1993. The first Jun–Aug 1958: The squadron was embarked in
squadron to be assigned the VA-145 designation. Ranger (CVA 61) for her transit from Norfolk, via Cape
Horn, to her new home port at Alameda.
Squadron Insignia 5–8 Jul 1959: The squadron, embarked in Ranger,
and Nickname flew sorties from the carrier while it operated off
Taiwan due to increasing tensions between the
The squadron’s
Chinese Nationalists and Chinese Communists.
insignia was approved
Jun 1964–Jan 1965: The squadron participated in
by CNO on 8 March
Yankee Team Operations, flying Rescue Combat Air
1951. There is no
Patrols in South Vietnam and Laos.
record of the color
5 Aug 1964: VA-145 participated in Operation Pierce
scheme for the insignia.
Arrow, air strikes against North Vietnam in retaliation
The “Rustlers” insignia
for the attacks on the American destroyers Turner Joy
denotes the squadron’s
(DD 951) and Maddox (DD 731) in the Gulf of Tonkin
The first insignia used by the Texas origins and
on 4 August. The squadron’s Skyraiders, along with
squadron. attack mission.
other aircraft from the air wing, struck torpedo boats
Following the redesig-
and other targets at Hon Gay, North Vietnam. A sec-
nation of the squadron, a new insignia was approved ond sortie of squadron aircraft, along with Skyhawks
by CNO on 7 April 1954. Colors for the sword and lion from VA-144, attacked five enemy naval vessels that
insignia are: a background of black, yellow and blue were at sea, near the Lach Chao Estuary and Hon Me
with a red border; the scroll is outlined in red with a Island. The two vessels attacked by VA-145 were left
yellow background and dead in the water and smoking. During this attack
black lettering; the Lieutenant (jg) Richard C. Sather was shot down. He
sword is silver and blue was the first naval aviator lost in the Vietnam Conflict.
with a blue hilt, a yellow 31 Jan 1966: The squadron’s commanding officer,
and black handle out- Commander H. F. Griffith, was awarded the Silver Star
lined in black; the light- for his actions as a flight leader directing and coordi-
nating simultaneous attacks, under extremely adverse
ning bolts are yellow;
weather conditons, against a heavily defended primary
the lion is black with
enemy line of communications and for his participation
white markings and a in the successful rescue of a downed naval aviator.
red tongue and claws. 1 Feb 1966: During one of the squadron’s combat
Nickname: Rustlers, missions over North Vietnam, Lieutenant (jg) Dieter
The squadron’s second insignia 1951–1954. Dengler was shot down. He was captured in Laos and
was a more stylized design used by
the squadron for almost 40 years.
Swordsmen, 1954– imprisoned. On 30 June 1966 he escaped from a pris-
1993. oner-of-war stockade, was rescued and returned to the
squadron on 21 July. For his daring escape he was
awarded the Navy Cross.
Chronology of Significant Events
Jun–Nov 1967: During 120 days on Yankee Station,
27 Mar 1951: The squadron conducted its first com- the squadron assisted in the recovery of 14 downed
bat sortie, flying close air support missions in Korea. airmen, both Navy and Air Force.
Apr 1951: The squadron, embarked in Boxer (CV 9), 16 Apr 1969: Enterprise, with VA-145 embarked,
operated in the Formosa Straits. departed Yankee Station enroute to Korean waters in
20 Sep 1951: VA-702 flew its last close air support response to the downing of a VQ-1 EC-121 aircraft by
sortie in Korea and thereafter, concentrated its strikes the North Koreans on 15 April. The squadron operated
on enemy facilities and targets of opportunity as part in the Sea of Japan and the Yellow Sea until 11 May.
of the interdiction program. This policy, the result of Dec 1972: The squadron participated in Linebacker
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210 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

II Operations, heavy air strikes against targets primari-

ly around Hanoi and Haiphong.
15 Jan 1973: The squadron led the first massive laser
bombing attack against targets in North Vietnam. A
coordinated strike was launched involving squadron
A-6s, which used their Pave Knife Laser Designation
System, and A-7s from VA-113 and VA-25. These
strikes suceeded in destroying 14 bridges in North
Vietnam.
Jan–Feb 1973: Following the cease-fire with North
Vietnam on 27 January, the squadron concentrated its
attention on strikes against lines-of-communication tar-
gets in Laos until an agreement was reached with that
country.
Feb–Mar 1973: The squadron flew limited sorties in
support of Operation Endsweep, minesweeping oper-
ations in North Vietnamese waters.
Jul 1976: Following the Israeli raid on Entebbe and
the threatened military operations against Kenya by
Uganda, the Ranger (CV 61), with VA-145 embarked, A squadron AD-2 Skyraider prepares for launch from Boxer (CV 21)
during their 1951 combat deployment to Korea.
was ordered to transit from the South China Sea to the
western Indian Ocean and operate off the coast of
Kenya. Home Port Assignments
Aug–Nov 1987: The squadron provided support for
Operation Earnest Will, the escorting of reflagged Location Assignment Date
Kuwaiti oil tankers through the Persian Gulf. NAS Dallas 01 Dec 1949
Oct 1987: VA-145 and other assets from CVW-2 pro- NAS San Diego 28 Jul 1950
vided support for Operation Nimble Archer, retaliatory NAS Miramar Mar 1953
strikes by surface forces against an Iranian oil platform NAS Moffett Field May 1962
used as a base by Iranian small boats that were attack- NAS Alameda Sep 1963
ing oil tankers. NAS Whidbey Island 28 Jan 1968
Aug 1989: During a routine mission, a squadron air-
craft sighted a foundering Vietnamese refugee boat
Commanding Officers
leading to the rescue of 39 refugees by HS-14 and
Ranger. Date Assumed Command
15 Jan 1991: Ranger (CV 61), with VA-145 LCDR S. C. Seagraves 01 Dec 1949
embarked, transited to station in the Persian Gulf.
CDR Bruce T. Simonds 06 Dec 1951
16 Jan–28 Feb 1991: The squadron participated in
LCDR Harry C. McClaugherty (acting) 16 Oct 1952
Desert Storm, flying combat missions against targets in
LCDR Harry C. McClaugherty 28 Oct 1952
Iraq and Kuwait. VA-145 flew 621 combat sorties, strik-
CDR John A. Duncan May 1953
ing land based and sea based targets. Squadron strikes
LCDR Gale L. Bergey Jul 1954
resulted in the destruction of 33 tanks, 1 bridge, 48
CDR W. P. Blackwell Feb 1956
artillery pieces, 41 Iraqi naval vessels, 20 ammunition
CDR Charles S. Brooks Jul 1957
storage bunkers, 3 chemical weapon storage facilities,
and 7 command and control sites. All of this was CDR W. H. Alexander II 15 Sep 1958
accomplished by the squadron without the loss of a CDR Harvey S. Herrick Aug 1959
single person or damage to its aircraft. CDR Warren H. Ireland 11 May 1960
17 Sep–3 Dec 1992: Squadron aircraft flew missions CDR Harvey S. Herrick 17 Aug 1960
in support of Operation Southern Watch. This opera- CDR E. B. Berger 28 Dec 1960
tion was in support of UN Resolution 688, which LCDR B. L. Blackwelder (acting) 12 Sep 1961
demanded that Iraqi government stop the repression CDR R. A. Norin 12 Oct 1961
of its Shi’ite population in southern Iraq and banned CDR B. L. Blackwelder 14 Aug 1962
Iraqi planes from flying south of the 32nd parallel. CDR H. A. Hoy 31 Jul 1963
7–18 Dec 1992: Squadron aircraft flew missions in CDR Melvin D. Blixt 03 Aug 1964
support of Operation Restore Hope, a UN authorized CDR H. F. Griffith 06 Aug 1965
effort to relieve mass starvation amid factional fighting CDR D. E. Sparks 03 Aug 1966
in Somalia. CDR W. J. Schultz 20 Jul 1967
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 211

Commanding Officers—Continued Aircraft Assignment

Date Assumed Command Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received

CDR N. R. Gooding, Jr. 02 Feb 1968 TBM 1949
CDR J. S. Holland 27 Apr 1969 AD-2 Aug 1950
CDR W. A. Rubey 29 Apr 1970 AD-4Q Sep1950
CDR G. E. Matt 23 Apr 1971 AD-1 Dec 1951
CDR R. S. Owens 29 Feb 1972
AD-4L Apr1952
CDR F. J. Metz 01 Jun 1973
CDR R. W. McFerren 15 Jul1974 AD-3Q Apr1953
CDR R. A. Powell 07 Nov 1975 AD-4B Apr1953
CDR V. J. Huth 18 Feb 1977 AD-4NA Aug 1954
CDR J. Juan 20 Jun 1978 AD-5 Oct1954
CDR D. D. Williams 28 Sep 1979 AD-6/A-1H* Feb1956
CDR F. D. Litvin 08 Dec 1980 A-6A 04 Jun1968
CDR M. J Reilly 12 Mar 1982 A-6B 06 Aug 1968
CDR C. G. Overton 29 Jul1983 A-6C 11 May 1970
CDR A. N. Langston III 07 Dec 1984 KA-6D 1972
CDR K. G. Bixler 21 Feb 1986
A-6E 22 Sep 1976
CDR S. A. Hazelrigg 02 Nov 1987
CDR Russell T. Palsgrove 30 Nov 1988 A-6E TRAM† 30 Nov 1981
CDR H. Denby Starling II 1990 * The AD-6 designation was changed to A-1H in 1962.
CDR Richard J. Cassara 29 Jul 1991 † The A-6E TRAM version was capable of carrying and firing the
CDR David A. Rogers 27 Nov 1992 Harpoon missile (an antiship missile).

A squadron A-1H Skyraider at NAS Alameda, California, in 1967. Note the unofficial Tonkin Gulf Yacht Club insignia on the fuselage (Courtesy
Duane Kasulka Collection).
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212 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

Major Overseas Deployments

Date of Date of Air Type of Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Aircraft Operation

02 Mar 1951 24 Oct 1951 CVG-101 CV 21 AD-2/4Q Korea/WestPac

11 Aug 1952 17 Mar 1953 CVG-101 CVA 33 AD-4/4L Korea/WestPac
03 Jun 1955 03 Feb 1956 CVG-14 CVA 21 AD-4/4B WestPac
21 Jan 1957 25 Jul 1957 CVG-14 CVA 12 AD-6 WestPac
03 Jan 1959 27 Jul 1959 CVG-14 CVA 61 AD-6 WestPac
14 May 1960 15 Dec 1960 CVG-14 CVA 34 AD-6 WestPac
09 Nov 1961 12 May 1962 CVG-14 CVA 16 AD-6 WestPac
21 Feb 1963 10 Sep 1963 CVG-14 CVA 64 A-1H WestPac
05 May 1964 01 Feb 1965 CVW-14 CVA 64 A-1H/J WestPac/Vietnam
10 Dec 1965 25 Aug 1966 CVW-14 CVA 61 A-1H/J WestPac/Vietnam
11 May 1967 30 Dec 1967 CVW-10 CVS 11 A-1H Med/IO/West
Pac/Vietnam
06 Jan 1969 02 Jul 1969 CVW-9 CVAN 65* A-6A/B WestPac/Vietnam
27 Oct 1970 17 Jun 1971 CVW-2 CVA 61 A-6A/C WestPac/Vietnam
16 Nov 1972 23 Jun 1973 CVW-2 CVA 61 A-6A/B & KA-6D WestPac/Vietnam
07 May 1974 18 Oct 1974 CVW-2 CVA 61 A-6A & KA-6D WestPac
30 Jan 1976 07 Sep 1976 CVW-2 CV 61 A-6A & KA-6D WestPac/IO
21 Feb 1979 22 Sep 1979 CVW-2 CV 61 A-6E & KA-6D WestPac
10 Sep 1980 05 May 1981 CVW-2 CV 61 A-6E & KA-6D WestPac/IO
07 Apr 1982 19 Oct 1982 CVW-2 CV 61 A-6E & KA-6D WestPac/IO
13 Jan 1984 01 Aug 1984 CVW-2 CV 63 A-6E & KA-6D WestPac/IO
18 Aug 1986 20 Oct 1986 CVW-2 CV 61 A-6E & KA-6D NorPac/WestPac
02 Mar 1987 29 Apr 1987 CVW-2 CV 61 A-6E & KA-6D NorPac
14 Jul 1987 29 Dec 1987 CVW-2 CV 61 A-6E WestPac/IO
24 Feb 1989 24 Aug 1989 CVW-2 CV 61 A-6E WestPac/IO
08 Dec 1990 08 Jun 1991 CVW-2 CV 61 A-6E WestPac/IO/
Persian Gulf
01 Aug 1992 31 Jan 1993 CVW-2 CV 61 A-6E WestPac/IO/
Persian Gulf
* The squadron was temporarily shore based at NAS Barbers Point from January to March 1969 following a fire on Enterprise (CVAN 65) on 14
January 1969. The carrier was repaired at Pearl Harbor and was enroute to WestPac on 11 March with VA-145 embarked.

Air Wing Assignments Unit Awards Received

Air Wing Tail Code Assignment Date Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award
CVG-101/CVG-14/ A/NK† 01 Aug 1950 KSM 26 Mar 1951 09 Apr 1951
CVW-14* 16 Apr 1951 08 Oct 1951
COMFAIRALAMEDA Oct 1966 08 Sep 1952 29 Oct 1952
CVW-10 AK 1967 31 Oct 1952 05 Jan 1953
COMFAIRWHIDBEY/ Jan 1968 19 Jan 1953 28 Feb 1953
VA-128‡ NAVE 01 Jan 1973 30 Jun 1974
AFEM 09 Oct 1960 12 Oct 1960
CVW-9 NG Sep 1968
06 Jun 1964 13 Jul 1964
COMFAIRWHIDBEY 02 Jul 1969
04 Aug 1964 21 Sep 1964
CVW-2 NE 01 Jun 1970 29 Oct 1964 23 Nov 1964
* CVG-101 was redesignated CVG-14 on 4 February 1953. CVG-14 20 Apr 1969 11 May 1969
was redesignated CVW-14 when Carrier Air Groups (CVG) were HSM 20 Mar 1981
redesignated Carrier Air Wings (CVW) on 20 December 1963. MUC 18 Nov 1970 10 Jun 1971
† The tail code was changed from A to NK in 1957. The effective NEM 30 Oct 1980 12 Mar 1981
date for this change was most likely the beginning of FY 58 (1 July
1957). NUC 02 Aug 1964 05 Aug 1964
‡ The squadron was assigned to VA-128 during its transition from
10 Jan 1966 06 Aug 1966
the A-1 to the A-6. 12 Jun 1967 08 Dec 1967
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 213

Unit Awards Received—Continued Unit Awards Received—Continued

Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award
18 Jul 1988 24 Aug 1989 09 Dec 1972 03 Jan 1973
17 Jan 1991 07 Feb 1991 14 Jan 1973 30 Jan 1973
SASM 13 Jan 1991 19 Apr 1991 01 Feb 1973 06 Feb 1973
KLM 17 Jan 1991 28 Feb 1991 RVNGC 24 Jan 1966
VNSM 15 Jan 1966 12 Feb 1966 26 Jan 1966 27 Jan 1966
23 Feb 1966 22 Mar 1966 30 Jan 1966
12 Apr 1966 09 May 1966 04 Feb 1966
30 May 1966 30 Jun 1966 06 Feb 1966
13 Jul 1966 06 Aug 1966 24 Feb 1966
21 Jun 1967 13 Jul 1967 26 Feb 1966 28 Feb 1966
29 Jul 1967 27 Aug 1967 04 Mar 1966
14 Sep 1967 12 Oct 1967 06 Mar 1966 12 Mar 1966
31 Oct 1967 24 Nov 1967 20 Mar 1966
30 Mar 1969 17 Apr 1969 27 Apr 1966 28 Apr 1966
22 May 1969 23 May 1969 21 Jun 1967 13 Jul 1967
29 May 1969 16 Jun 1969 29 Jul 1967 27 Aug 1967
18 Nov 1970 19 Dec 1970 14 Sep 1967 12 Oct 1967
27 Dec 1970 13 Jan 1971 31 Oct 1967 24 Nov 1967
02 Feb 1971 17 Mar 1971 31 Mar 1969 03 Apr 1969
31 Mar 1971 18 Apr 1971 05 Apr 1969
25 Apr 1971 18 May 1971 31 May 1969 16 Jun 1969

A couple of squadron A-6E Intruders fly over Ranger (CV 61) in 1992 during the squadron’s last deployment prior to its 1993 disestablishment.
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214 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

VA-152 the wings were gold with

black markings; the
Lineage arrow was gold with
white streaks; and gold
Established as Reserve Fighter Squadron SEVEN lettering on the scroll.
HUNDRED THIRTEEN (VF-713) sometime in the late Nickname: Fighting
1940s. Aces, 1953–1956.
Called to active duty on 1 February 1951. The Friendly Squadron
Redesignated Fighter Squadron ONE HUNDRED The squadron’s third insignia (Friendlies), 1957–1968.
was the flying ace of spades.
FIFTY TWO (VF-152) on 4 February 1953. Mavericks, 1968–1971.
Redesignated Attack Squadron ONE HUNDRED
FIFTY TWO (VA-152) on 1 August 1958. Chronology of Significant Events
Disestablished on 29 January 1971. The first
squadron to be assigned the VA-152 designation. 15 Oct 1951: The squadron participated in its first
combat operations.
31 Dec 1951: Squadron aircraft were used for
Squadron Insignia and Nickname Operation Pin Wheel. The aircraft were secured to the
The squadron’s first insignia was approved by CNO flight deck, with engines running, and the thrust pro-
on 15 April 1952. Colors for the hooded falcon vided by the aircraft was used to assist in the docking
of Antietam (CV 36).
insignia were: the
Feb 1955: Squadron aircraft flew night surveillance
shield had a white and
operations supporting the evacuation of Chinese
black background out- Nationalists from the Tachen Islands.
lined in gold; brown Mar 1958: Due to revolts and unsettled conditions in
falcon with white and Indonesia and the concern for the safety of Americans
light brown shadings; in the country, Hor net (CVA 12), with VF-152
yellow feet and beak; embarked, departed Hong Kong to operate in the
the hood was crimson South China Sea.
with a gold edge and a Sep–Oct 1958: Due to the crisis between the
Chinese Nationalists and Communists surrounding the
white plume; and the
Quemoy Islands, and the bombardment of these
gauntlet was silver
The hooded falcon was the squad- islands by the Chinese Communists, Bennington (CVA
ron’s first insignia. edged in blue with gray 20), with VF-152 embarked, operated in the area of
shadings. Taiwan.
A new insignia was approved by the CNO on 11 Jan 1961: Due to the crisis in Laos and the capture
March 1953. Colors for the vulture insignia were: of strategic postions in the country by the Pathet Lao
background of light blue, yellow and dark blue, out- force, Coral Sea (CVA 43), with VA-152 embarked, was
lined in yellow; gray vulture with black and white directed to operate in the South China Sea.
markings and wings, outlined in yellow; red neck and 11–12 Jul 1962: The squadron participated in the
feet; a yellow head with black markings and a white first carrier flight operations in the Bering Sea since
the end of World War II.
beak; black bomb with
Apr–Dec 1964: Squadron personnel, while based at
white highlights and
Bien Hoa Air Force Base, South Vietnam, trained
outlined in yellow. South Vietnamese pilots to fly the A-1.
There is no record of 6 and 7 Nov 1965: Commander Gordon H. Smith
approval for the ace of was awarded the Silver Star for his participation as
spades insignia. Colors Flight Leader in directing and assisting in the first
for the flying ace of night rescue of a downed aviator in enemy territory
spades insignia were: a on 6 November. This was followed by an attempt to
black background for rescue another aviator the following day in the
same area.
the insignia and scroll,
7 Nov 1965: Lieutenant Gordon C. Wileen was
outlined in red; the ace
awarded the Silver Star for his participation in an
of spades was white The squadron’s second insignia, attempted air rescue of a downed aviator deep in
a vulture carrying a bomb, was
with black markings; approved in 1953. enemy territory.
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 215

13 Nov 1965: Commander Albert E. Knutson was to launch her first strike of the day, Oriskany (CVA 34)
awarded the Silver Star for his attempt to locate and suffered a disasterous fire on the starboard side of the
rescue a downed pilot in enemy territory. During the ship’s forward hangar bay. The squadron lost two per-
rescue attempt his aircraft sustained 26 hits. sonnel in the fire and the damage to the carrier was so
26 Oct 1966: While on Yankee Station and preparing extensive that it returned to the States for repairs.

A squadron F4U-4 Corsair launches from Princeton (CVA 37) during their 1953 combat deployment to Korea.

Home Port Assignments

Location Assignment Date

NAS Denver *
NAS Alameda 11 Apr 1951
NAS Moffett Field 05 Jun 1952
NAS Alameda Nov 1963
* Assigned to NAS Denver prior to 1951, exact date unknown.

A formation of squadron F2H-3

Banshees stationed aboard Yorktown
(CVA 10), November 1954.
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216 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

Commanding Officers Aircraft Assignment

Date Assumed Command Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received

LCDR Robert L. Doering * F4U-4 16 Apr 1951
LCDR B. M. Richards 02 May 1952 FG-1D 12 Jun 1952
LT W. M. Doss (acting) 04 Jul 1952 F2H-3 Oct 1953
LCDR Robert Stanek 05 Aug 1952 AD-6/A-1H* 05 Feb 1959
CDR Frank G. Edwards Sep 1953 A-1J Dec 1962
LCDR F. X. Bushner (acting) † A-4B Feb 1968
LCDR Robert G. Nester Apr 1955 A-4C Feb 1968
CDR Robert M. Soule 27 Sep 1956 A-4E May 1969
CDR Royce A. Singleton 23 Jul 1958 * The AD-6 designation was changed to A-1H in 1962.
LCDR V. E. Sanderson 16 Feb 1959
LCDR R. M. Sullivan (acting) 08 Feb 1960
CDR John A. Davenport 04 Mar 1960
CDR John R. Bicknell 21 Jun 1961
CDR Isaac N. Pell, Jr. 17 Apr 1962
CDR R. B. Bergner 01 Apr 1963
CDR H. F. Gernert 03 Mar 1964
CRR Albert E. Knutson 19 Mar 1965
CDR Gordon H. Smith 25 Feb 1966
CDR Donald M. Willson 16 Mar 1967
CDR Philip E. Johnson 14 Feb 1968
CDR Elmer E. Sheeley, Jr. 17 Jan 1969
CDR Gerard M. Sturm 28 Jan 1970
* LCDR Doering was commanding officer of the reserve squadron
prior to its activation.
† LCDR Bushner became acting commanding officer in late 1954 or A loaded squadron AD-6 Skyraider on the deck of Coral Sea (CVA
early 1955. 43), 1960.

Major Overseas Deployments

Date of Date of Air Type of Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Aircraft Operation

08 Sep 1951 02 May 1952 CVG-15 CV 36 F4U-4 Korea

24 Jan 1953 21 Sep 1953 CVG-15 CVA 37 F4U-4 Korea/WestPac
01 Jul 1954 28 Feb 1955 CVG-15 CVA 10 F2H-3 WestPac
23 Apr 1956 15 Oct 1956 CVG-15 CVA 18 F2H-3 WestPac
06 Jan 1958 30 Jun 1958 ATG-4 CVA 12 F2H-3 WestPac
21 Aug 1958 12 Jan 1959 ATG-4 CVA 20 F2H-3 WestPac
01 Aug 1959 18 Jan 1960 CVG-15 CVA 19 AD-6 WestPac
19 Sep 1960 27 May 1961 CVG-15 CVA 43 AD-6 WestPac
12 Dec 1961 17 Jul 1962 CVG-15 CVA 43 AD-6 WestPac
03 Apr 1963 25 Nov 1963 CVG-15 CVA 43 A-1H/J WestPac
22 Apr 1964 01 Aug 1964 * * A-1H/J South Vietnam
05 Apr 1965 16 Dec 1965 CVW-16 CVA 34 A-1H/J WestPac/Vietnam
26 May 1966 16 Nov 1966 CVW-16 CVA 34 A-1H WestPac/Vietnam
16 Jun 1967 31 Jan 1968 CVW-16 CVA 34 A-1H/J WestPac/Vietnam
22 Jul 1968 29 Apr 1969 CVW-17 CVA 59 A-4B Med
05 Mar 1970 17 Dec 1970 CVW-8 CVS 38 A-4E SoLant/IO/West
Pac/Vietnam
* The squadron, along with 20 of its A-1s, was sent to Bien Hoa Air Force Base, South Vietnam, to train South Vietnamese pilots to fly the A-1. A
detachment, VA-152 Det Zulu, was left at NAS Alameda. While operating in South Vietnam the squadron came under the control of Chief, Air
Force Advisory Group, Saigon. On 1 August 1964 the squadron (VA-152) based at Bien Hoa was redesignated VA-152 Det Zulu and the detach-
ment at NAS Alameda was designated VA-152. VA-152 Det Zulu continued to train South Vietnamese pilots until 1 December 1964.
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 217

Unit Awards Received—Continued

Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award

10 May 1965 06 Dec 1965
12 Jun 1966 01 Nov 1966
14 Jul 1967 12 Jan 1968
AFEM 24 Nov 1958 03 Dec 1958
14 Sep 1959 17 Sep 1959
25 Apr 1961 28 Apr 1961
30 Apr 1961 01 May 1961
04 May 1961 09 May 1961
12 Jan 1962 19 Jan 1962
24 Jan 1962 27 Jan 1962
22 Apr 1964 31 Jul 1964
07 May 1965 02 Jun 1965
10 Jun 1965 03 Jul 1965
A couple of squadron AD-6 Skyraiders in flight, circa 1960–1961. 17 Sep 1965 18 Sep 1965
AFEM 31 Jul 1964 01 Sep 1964
Air Wing Assignments (VA-152 Det Z)
MUC 11 Apr 1970 06 Nov 1970
Air Wing Tail Code Assignment Date
VNSM 04 Jul 1965 18 Jul 1965
CVG-15 H 11 Apr 1951
09 Aug 1965 11 Sep 1965
ATG-4 ND 14 Oct 1957
CVG-15/CVW-15* NL Feb 1959 28 Oct 1965 27 Nov 1965
CVW-16 AH 01 Oct 1964 06 Jul 1966
CVW-17 AA Feb 1968 07 Aug 1966 08 Sep 1966
COMFAIRALAMEDA Apr 1969 24 Sep 1966 26 Oct 1966
CVW-8 AJ Dec 1969 10 Apr 1970 02 May 1970
12 May 1970 29 May 1970
* CVG-15 was redesignated CVW-15 when Carrier Air Groups (CVG) 13 Jun 1970 04 Jul 1970
were redesignated Carrier Air Wings (CVW) on 20 December 1963.
28 Jul 1970 19 Aug 1970
30 Aug 1970 30 Sep 1970
Unit Awards Received
20 Oct 1970 07 Nov 1970
Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award RVNGC 02 Oct 1965
KSM 04 Oct 1951 15 Apr 1952 30 Oct 1965
27 Feb 1953 16 May 1953 01 Nov 1965
29 May 1953 07 Sep 1953 03 Nov 1965
NUC 13 Mar 1953 15 May 1953 11 Nov 1965 12 Nov 1965
11 Jun 1953 27 Jul 1953 06 Jul 1966 07 Jul 1966

A squadron
A-4E at NAS
Alameda,
California,
circa 1970.
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218 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

VA-153 23 Aug–9 Sep 1958: The squadron flew sorties in the

Taiwan Straits after the Chinese Communists bombard-
Lineage ed Quemoy Island.
Jan 1961: Coral Sea (CVA 43), with VA-153
During a reorganization of the Naval Air Reserve, a embarked, operated in the South China Sea after
Fighter Squadron at NAS New York (believed to have
Pathet Lao forces captured strategic positions in Laos.
been VF-718) was redesignated Fighter Squadron
2 Feb 1965: The squadron began participating in
EIGHT HUNDRED THIRTY ONE (VF-831) in
operations in Laos. These operations involved Yankee
September 1949.
Team, Barrel Roll and Steel Tiger missions.
Reserve Fighter Squadron EIGHT HUNDRED THIRTY
ONE (VF-831) was called to active duty on 1 February 7 and 11 Feb 1965: The squadron participated in
1951. Flaming Dart I and II, reprisal strikes against targets in
Redesignated Fighter Squadron ONE HUNDRED North Vietnam following a Viet Cong attack on the
FIFTY THREE (VF-153) on 4 February 1953. American advisors compound at Pleiku and the
Redesignated Attack Squadron ONE HUNDRED American billet in Qui Nhon, South Vietnam.
FIFTY THREE (VA-153) on 15 December 1956. Mar 1965: The squadron participated in Rolling
Disestablished on 30 September 1977. The first Thunder operations, the bombing of military targets in
squadron to be assigned the VA-153 designation. North Vietnam.
13 Aug 1965: The squadron’s commanding officer,
Commander H. E. Thomas, was killed in action over
Squadron Insignia North Vietnam.
and Nickname Mar 1968: Coral Sea (CVA 43), with VA-153
The squadron’s embarked, operated on station off the coast of Korea
insignia was approved following the capture of Pueblo (AGER 2) in January
by CNO on 17 May by North Korea.
1951. Colors for the 21 Nov 1970: The squadron flew missions in sup-
griffin insignia were: port of an attempt to rescue American prisoners-of-
light blue background war at the Son Tay prisoner compound, 20 miles west
outlined in orange; the of Hanoi.
griffin’s body was black 11–22 Feb 1973: Following the cease fire with North
with white highlights, Vietnam the squadron flew combat missions in Laos
The squadron’s only insignia its beak and claws were until a cease fire was signed with that country on 22
sported the mythical griffin. orange and yellow, and February 1973.
the eagle head was Feb 1973: Commander D. R. Weichman, the
white. Following the
squadron’s executive officer, completed his 625th
squadron’s two designation changes the basic insignia
combat mission of the Vietnam Conflict. He maintains
continued in use with minor modifications.
the record for the highest number of combat missions
Nickname: Blue Tail Flies, 1953–1977.
for a Navy fixed-wing pilot during this conflict.
Nov 1973: Oriskany (CVA 34), with VA-153
Chronology of Significant Events embarked, departed from operations in the South
Feb 1955: Squadron aircraft flew sorties in support China Sea to relieve Hancock (CVA 19) on station in
of the evacuation of Chinese Nationalists from the the Arabian Sea due to the unsettled conditions fol-
Tachen Islands. lowing the Yom Kippur War in the Middle East.

A VF-831 F9F-2 Panther on the

deck of Antietam (CV 36) in
January 1952 during combat
operations off the coast of Korea.
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 219

Home Port Assignments

Location Assignment Date

NAS New York, Floyd Bennett Field *
NAS Alameda 01 Apr 1951
NAS Moffett Field 05 May 1952
NAS Lemoore 21 Aug 1961
* Assigned to NAS New York prior to the squadron’s recall to active
duty on 1 February 1951.

Commanding Officers

Date Assumed Command

LCDR A. J. Denman *
LCDR G. E. Miller 05 May 1952
LCDR Loys M. Satterfield Sep 1953
CDR W. L. Abbott Mar 1955
CDR Alexander D. C. Byers 1956 Squadron F9F-6 Cougars flying over Mount Fuji, Japan, in
December 1954 while the squadron was deployed aboard Yorktown
LCDR Hildry L. Nelson 27 Feb 1957 (CVA 10) (USN, Courtesy Duane Kasulka Collection).
CDR John F. Bauman 17 Oct 1958
CDR Vernon R. Fierce, Jr. 08 Feb 1960
Aircraft Assignment
CDR W. C. May 21 Jun 1961
CDR Zeb V. Knott 30 Jul 1962 Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received
CDR William C. Raposa 10 Jul 1963
F6F *
CDR Peter Mongilardi, Jr. 26 May 1964
F9F-2 06 Feb 1951
CDR Harry E. Thomas Apr 1965
F9F-5 Aug 1952
(acting commanding officer) 13 Aug 1965
F9F-6 Oct 1953
CDR K. V. McArthur 15 Sep 1965
FJ-3 Mar 1955
CDR D. E. Leue 25 Jul 1966
F9F-8 Nov 1955
CDR T. E. Woolcock 1967
F9F-8B Apr 1956
CDR R. J. Dapogny 08 May 1968
A4D-1 12 Feb 1957
CDR Olaf M. Carlson, Jr. 23 May 1969
A4D-2 27 Oct 1958
CDR Peter G. Frederick 20 Aug 1970
A4D-2N/A-4C† 20 Jun 1961
CDR William J. M. O’Connor 11 Jun 1971
A-4E Jan 1967
CDR Paul D. Stephenson 01 Jun 1972
A-4F Apr 1968
CDR Denis R. Weichman 27 Jul 1973
A-7A 14 Sep 1969
LCDR Keith S. Jones 20 Sep 1974
A-7B May 1973
LCDR Robert F. Hofford 12 Sep 1975
CDR Lawrence H. Price 15 Dec 1976 * While in a reserve status from September 1949 to January 1951, the
squadron was most likely utilizing F6F pool aircraft assigned to NAS
* LCDR Denman was commanding officer of the reserve squadron New York.
prior to its activation on 1 February 1951. † The A4D-2N designation was changed to A-4C in 1962.

Major Overseas Deployments

Date of Date of Air Type of Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Aircraft Operation

08 Sep 1951 02 May 1952 CVG-15 CV 36 F9F-2 Korea

24 Jan 1953 21 Sep 1953 CVG-15 CVA 37 F9F-5 Korea/WestPac
01 Jul 1954 28 Feb 1955 CVG-15 CVA 10 F9F-6 WestPac
23 Apr 1956 15 Oct 1956 CVG-15 CVA 18 F9F-8/8B WestPac
15 Feb 1958 02 Oct 1958 CVG-15 CVA 19 A4D-1 WestPac
01 Aug 1959 18 Jan 1960 CVG-15 CVA 19 A4D-2 WestPac
19 Sep 1960 27 May 1961 CVG-15 CVA 43 A4D-2 WestPac
12 Dec 1961 17 Jul 1962 CVG-15 CVA 43 A4D-2N WestPac
03 Apr 1963 25 Nov 1963 CVG-15 CVA 43 A-4C WestPac
07 Dec 1964 01 Nov 1965 CVW-15 CVA 43 A-4C WestPac/Vietnam
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220 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

Major Overseas Deployments—Continued

Date of Date of Air Type of Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Aircraft Operation

12 May 1966 03 Dec 1966 CVW-15 CVA 64 A-4C WestPac/Vietnam

26 Jul 1967 06 Apr 1968 CVW-15 CVA 43 A-4E WestPac/Vietnam
07 Sep 1968 18 Apr 1969 CVW-15 CVA 43 A-4F WestPac/Vietnam
14 May 1970 10 Dec 1970 CVW-19 CVA 34 A-7A WestPac/Vietnam
14 May 1971 18 Dec 1971 CVW-19 CVA 34 A-7A WestPac/Vietnam
05 Jun 1972 30 Mar 1973 CVW-19 CVA 34 A-7A WestPac/Vietnam
18 Oct 1973 05 Jun 1974 CVW-19 CVA 34 A-7B WestPac/IO
16 Sep 1975 03 Mar 1976 CVW-19 CV 34 A-7B WestPac
04 Oct 1976 21 Apr 1977 CVW-19 CV 42 A-7B Med

Air Wing Assignments Unit Awards Received

Air Wing Tail Code Assignment Date Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award
CVG-15/CVW-15† H/NL* Apr 1951 KSM 04 Oct 1951 15 Apr 1952
COMFAIRLEMOORE 1969 27 Feb 1953 16 May 1953
CVW-19 NM 22 Nov 1969 29 May 1953 07 Sep 1953
NAVE 01 Jan 1973 30 Jun 1974
* The tail code was changed from H to NL in 1957. The effective
date for this change was most likely the beginning of FY 58 (1 July 01 Jul 1974 01 Apr 1976
1957). 02 Apr 1976 30 Jun 1977
† CVG-15 was redesignated CVW-15 when Carrier Air Groups (CVG) AFEM 26 Aug 1958 07 Sep 1958
were redesignated Carrier Air Wings (CVW) on 20 December 1963. 14 Sep 1959 17 Sep 1959

A squadron A-4F Skyhawk prepares to launch from Coral Sea (CVA 43), 1969.
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 221

Unit Awards Received—Continued Unit Awards Received—Continued

Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award
25 Apr 1961 28 Apr 1961 14 Jan 1969 19 Jan 1969
30 Apr 1961 01 May 1961 22 Jan 1969
04 May 1961 09 May 1961 24 Jan 1969
12 Jan 1962 19 Jan 1962 26 Jan 1969
24 Jan 1962 27 Jan 1962 09 Feb 1969 20 Feb 1969
02 Feb 1965 05 Mar 1965 22 Feb 1969 03 Mar 1969
16 Mar 1965 17 Apr 1965 19 Mar 1969 31 Mar 1969
02 May 1965 28 May 1965 VNSM 04 Jul 1965 24 Jul 1965
23 Jun 1965 03 Jul 1965 11 Aug 1965 11 Sep 1965
23 Jan 1968 22 Mar 1968 21 Sep 1965 15 Oct 1965
NUC 13 Mar 1953 15 May 1953 14 Jun 1966 13 Jul 1966
11 Jun 1953 27 Jul 1953 27 Jul 1966 31 Aug 1966
07 Feb 1965 18 Oct 1965
08 Sep 1966 01 Oct 1966
29 May 1966 24 Nov 1966
19 Oct 1966 09 Nov 1966
13 Aug 1967 19 Feb 1968
26 Aug 1967 01 Oct 1967
10 Oct 1968 31 Mar 1969
MUC 01 Jun 1970 09 Dec 1970 12 Oct 1967 28 Oct 1967
28 Jun 1972 06 Mar 1973 04 Nov 1967 05 Nov 1967
RVNGC 12 Oct 1965 11 Nov 1967 08 Dec 1967
21 Jun 1966 22 Jun 1966 16 Dec 1967 07 Jan 1968
23 Nov 1967 15 Jan 1968 21 Feb 1968
02 Dec 1967 29 Dec 1968 30 Jan 1969
04 Dec 1967 08 Feb 1969 03 Mar 1969
20 Dec 1967 22 Dec 1967 19 Mar 1969 30 Mar 1969
20 Jan 1968 13 Jun 1970 29 Jun 1970
23 Jan 1968 27 Jan 1968 12 Jul 1970 22 Jul 1970
29 Jan 1968 19 Feb 1968 02 Aug 1970 26 Aug 1970
15 Oct 1968 17 Sep 1970 13 Oct 1970
17 Oct 1968 18 Oct 1968 06 Nov 1970 23 Nov 1970
21 Oct 1968 15 Jun 1971 10 Jul 1971
25 Oct 1968 27 Oct 1968 24 Jul 1971 07 Aug 1971
14 Nov 1968 16 Nov 1968 03 Sep 1971 27 Sep 1971
23 Nov 1968 29 Oct 1971 21 Nov 1971
25 Nov 1968 26 Jun 1972 23 Jul 1972
01 Dec 1968 02 Dec 1968 16 Aug 1972 01 Sep 1972
04 Dec 1968 05 Dec 1968 11 Sep 1972 28 Sep 1972
30 Dec 1968 08 Oct 1972 31 Oct 1972
01 Jan 1969 03 Jan 1969 24 Nov 1972 18 Dec 1972
05 Jan 1969 27 Dec 1972 31 Jan 1973
07 Jan 1969 10 Jan 1969
10 Feb 1973 06 Mar 1973

A squadron A-7B
Corsair II at
NAS Glenview,
Illinois, August
1973 (Courtesy
Fred Roos
Collection).
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222 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

VA-154
Lineage
Established as Bombing Squadron ONE HUNDRED
FIFTY THREE (VB-153) on 26 March 1945.
Redesignated Attack Squadron FIFTEEN A (VA-15A)
on 15 November 1946.
Redesignated Attack Squadron ONE HUNDRED
FIFTY FOUR (VA-154) on 15 July 1948.
Disestablished on 1 December 1949. The first
squadron to be designated VA-154.

Squadron Insignia and Nickname

The first squadron insignia, a Walt Disney design,
was approved by CNO on 10 August 1945. Colors for

A modification to the squadron’s first insignia was approved for use

in 1946.

highlights and black outlines and the nose of the

rockets were yellow with green highlights and black
outlines; the streaks were yellow with black markings.

Chronology of Significant Events

Oct 1945: The squadron participated in a 1200
plane fly over of New York City in honor of Navy Day.

Home Port Assignments

Location Assignment Date

NAAS Manteo 26 Mar 1945
NAS Wildwood 07 Apr 1945
NAAS Oceana 31 May 1945
NAS Norfolk Jul 1946
NAS Alameda 07 Aug 1946
The squadron’s first insignia was a Walt Disney design.

the flying cannon were: a maroon background out- Commanding Officers

lined in yellow; black cannon with blue and white
highlights; silver wings and neck with white highlights Date Assumed Command
and black markings; the bomb head was black with LT J. W. Aulson 26 Mar 1945
blue highlights and a yellow and orange eye and LT Leonard Robinson 16 Apr 1945
white teeth; the rocket legs were yellow, the body of LCDR Francis D. McGaffigan 26 Nov 1945
the rockets were orange with white highlights and the LCDR Robert J. Celustka 06 Sep 1946
nose of the rocket was yellow with white higlights, LCDR Philip W. Cobb 15 Nov 1946
outlined in black; and the streaks were silver with LCDR John B. Howland 10 Jan 1948
black markings. LCDR Charles N. Conatser 19 Nov 1948
A modification to the insignia was approved by
CNO on 10 April 1946. Colors for this insignia were: a Aircraft Assignments
shield with a white background outlined in black and
red; the cannon and bomb were black with green Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received
highlights; the eye and teeth were yellow; the neck SB2C-4E Apr 1945
and wings were red with yellow highlights and black SB2C-5 Jun 1945
markings; the legs and rocket were red with yellow AD-2 08 Jul 1948
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 223

Major Overseas Deployments

Date of Date of Air Type of Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Aircraft Operation

31 Mar 1947 08 Oct 1947 CVAG-15 CV 36 SB2C-5 WestPac

Air Wing Assignments

Air Wing Tail Code Assignment Date

CVG-153/CVAG-15/CVG-15* B/A† 26 Mar 1945

* CVG-153 was redesignated CVAG-15 on 15 November 1946. CVAG-15 was redesignated CVG-15 on 1 September 1948.
† The tail code B was assigned to CVAG-15 on 12 December 1946 and changed to A on 4 August 1948.

Squadron personnel in November 1949 with an AD-2 in the background; CO was Lieutenant Commander Charles N. Conatser.
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224 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

VA-155 was approved by CNO

on 12 June 1947. Colors
Lineage for the caricature of the
two TBFs was: a yellow
Established as Torpedo Squadron ONE HUNDRED
sky and light green
FIFTY THREE (VT-153) on 26 March 1945.
ocean background; blue
Redesignated Attack Squadron SIXTEEN A (VA-16A)
TBFs with yellow letter-
on 15 November 1946.
ing; red was used for
Redesignated Attack Squadron ONE HUNDRED
the rockets, lightning
FIFTY FIVE (VA-155) on 15 July 1948.
bolts, and the mouth
Disestablished on 30 November 1949. The first
The skull and cobra was the third and eyes of the TBFs,
squadron to be assigned the VA-155 designation.
insignia used by the squadron. the radome was light
green; the cloud and
Squadron Insignia and Nickname hands of the TBFs were white; all other details were
The squadron’s first insignia was approved by CNO black, such as the prop hubs, music notes and ship
on 11 February 1946. Colors for the gremlin riding a silhouettes.
torpedo were: a The squadron’s next insignia was approved by CNO
light green on 18 February 1949. Colors for the skull and cobra
background design were: a red background, white skull, and yel-
encircled by low cobra.
yellow stars Nickname: unknown.
outlined in
black; the grem- Chronology of Significant Events
lin’s hat was red
Mar–Oct 1947: During the squadron’s deployment
with black top
to the western Pacific, three of its aircraft were
and yellow cen- equipped as ASW planes, giving the squadron an ASW
ter; his face was mission as well as attack.
shaded green,
red and orange
The gremlin was the squadron’s first insignia. Home Port Assignments
with pale blue
eyes and black Location Assignment Date
pupils, he had tan ears and a red tongue, pale blue NAAF Lewiston 26 Mar 1945
wings and light orange arms; lavender jacket with yel- NAAS Oceana 01 Jun 1945
low stripes and red buttons, black belt with a red and NAS Norfolk 02 Jul 1946
black buckle, green trousers with light purple stock- NAS Alameda 08 Aug 1946
ings and brown shoes with purple pompons; yellow
torpedo with brown highlights, a blue nose and red
Commanding Officers
snout, a green eyeball and black pupil, the teeth and
lips were red, Date Assumed Command
the tail was yel- LT Harlan C. McFadden, Jr. (acting) 26 Mar 1945
low and white LCDR Frederick G. Lewis 06 Apr 1945
with a black LCDR Richard D. King (acting) 26 Jun 1946
propeller; the LCDR Gaylord T. Forrest 03 Jul 1946
reins were LCDR Gerald R. Stablein 10 Jan 1948
black and yel- LCDR Don L. Ely Jan 1949
low and the let-
tering was Aircraft Assignment
black, outlined
in yellow. Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received
Following the TBM-3E 30 Mar 1945
squadron’s TBM-3Q Apr 1946
redesignation, a TBM-3W Apr 1947
This insignia was approved for the squad- AD-2 19 Jul 1948
ron following its redesignation to VA-16A. new insignia
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 225

Major Overseas Deployments

Date of Date of Air Type of Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Aircraft Operation

31 Mar 1947 08 Oct 1947 CVAG-15 CV 36 TBM-3E/3Q/3W WestPac

Air Wing Assignments

Air Wing Tail Code Assignment Date

CVG-153/CVAG-15/CVG-15* B/A† 26 Mar 1945
* CVG-153 was redesignated CVAG-15 on 15 November 1946. CVAG-15 was redesignated CVG-15 on 1 September 1948.
† The tail code B was assigned to CVAG-15 on 12 December 1946 and changed to A on 4 August 1948.

Squadron personnel with TBM-3E in the background, circa 1945. CO was Lieutenant Commander Frederick G. Lewis.
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226 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

SECOND VA-155
Lineage
Established as Reserve Attack Squadron SEVENTY A modification was
made to the skull and
ONE E (VA-71E) in 1946. cobra design in 1959,
Redesignated Reserve Attack Squadron FIFTY adding diagonal
EIGHT A (VA-58A) on 1 October 1948. stripes.
Redesignated Reserve Composite Squadron SEVEN
HUNDRED TWENTY TWO (VC-722) on 1 November
1949.
Redesignated Reserve Attack Squadron SEVEN HUN-
DRED TWENTY EIGHT (VA-728) on 1 April 1950.
Called to active duty as Attack Squadron SEVEN part of the snake was greenish black; and the two
HUNDRED TWENTY EIGHT (VA-728) on 1 February diagonal lines were green.
1951. Sometime in the 1960s the squadron used an unoffi-
Redesignated Attack Squadron ONE HUNDRED cial insignia with the head of a fox as its design.
FIFTY FIVE (VA-155) on 4 February 1953. Nickname: Silver Fox, early 1960s–1977.
Disestablished on 30 September 1977. The second
squadron to be assigned the VA-155 designation. Chronology of Significant Events
Oct 1951: The squadron engaged in combat opera-
Squadron Insignia and Nickname tions, flying its first sorties over Korea.
The squadron’s first insignia was approved by CNO Feb 1955: Squadron aircraft flew sorties in support
on 23 September 1952. A photograph of the approved of the evacuation of Chinese Nationalists from the
Tachen Islands.
21 Aug–11 Sep 1958: The squadron flew sorties in
the Taiwan Straits after the Chinese Communists bom-
barded Quemoy Island.
Jan 1961: Coral Sea (CVA 43), with VA-155
embarked, operated in the South China Sea after
Pathet Lao forces captured strategic positions in Laos.
7 and 11 Feb 1965: The squadron participated in
Flaming Dart I and II, reprisal strikes against targets in
North Vietnam following a Viet Cong attack on the
American advisors compound at Pleiku and the
American billet in Qui Nhon, South Vietnam.
The squadron’s second insignia
Mar 1965: The squadron began participation in
An artist’s rendition of the
squadron’s first insignia adopted the skull and cobra Rolling Thunder operations, the bombing of military
design. design used by the first VA-155. targets in North Vietnam.
May 1966: VA-155 was the first A-4 squadron
design was not available. Colors and description of the deploying to Vietnam using a new camouflage paint
insignia were: a silver-gray disk with a red border; a scheme nicknamed the “Flying Mulberrybushes.” The
yellow-winged white and red lightening flash in front new paint scheme and colors were expected to reduce
of a black cloud. battle damage by making the aircraft more difficult to
A new insignia was adopted by the squadron in detect visually.
1953 following its redesignation. There is no official 1 Jul 1966: The squadron’s commanding officer,
approval date for this insignia. The insignia adopted Commander C. H. Peters, was killed in action while
was the skull and snake design used by the first VA- leading an attack on petroleum facilities at Duong
155. On 8 July 1959, CNO approved a modification to Nham, North Vietnam.
the skull and snake insignia that included the addition 20 Oct 1967: Squadron aircraft sighted six North
of two diagonal stripes. Colors for this insignia were: a Vietnamese PT boats near Thanh Hoa and engaged
red background outlined in green; a white banner, the boats. Four of the PT boats were sunk, one was
outlined in green with black lettering; the skull was damaged and the sixth escaped, seeking refuge in the
white with black markings; the snake’s upper body mouth of the river near Thanh Hoa.
was a salmon color with black lines, its head was 25 Nov 1967: Commander W. H. Searfus, the
green with white eyes and black pupils, the coiled squadron’s commanding officer, was lost at sea follow-
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 227

ing a flight deck accident in which his aircraft was lost Commanding Officers
over the side of the carrier.
Mar 1968: Coral Sea (CVA 43), with VA-155 Date Assumed Command
embarked, operated on station off the coast of Korea LCDR Soule T. Bitting 29 Aug 1946
following the capture of Pueblo (AGER 2) in January LCDR B. K. Harrison (acting) May 1952
by North Korea.
LCDR Raymond S. Osterhoudt 08 Aug 1952
Apr 1969: Following the shoot down of a Navy EC-
121 aircraft by the North Koreans on 15 April, Ranger LCDR Frank R. West Oct 1953
(CVA 61), with VA-155 embarked, left Yankee Station LCDR Jack B. Jones 21 Mar 1955
and proceeded to the Sea of Japan for operations off CDR Henry E. Clark 10 Dec 1956
the coast of Korea. CDR Deforest Q. Joralmon 29 Oct 1958
21 Nov 1970: The squadron flew missions in sup- CDR Robert E. McElwee Feb 1960
port of an attempt to rescue American prisoners-of- CDR Ira K. Kruger 04 Aug 1961
war at the Son Tay prisoner compound, 20 miles west CDR Patrick F. Cunningham 31 Jul 1962
of Hanoi. CDR T. B. Russell, Jr. 27 Jun 1963
Feb 1973: Following the cease fire with North
CDR J. H. Harris 17 Jul 1964
Vietnam, the squadron flew combat missions in Laos
until a cease fire was signed with that country on 22 CDR J. B. Morin 1965
February 1973. CDR Charles H. Peters 1966
Nov 1973: Oriskany (CVA 34), with VA-155 CDR E. W. Ingley 11 Jul 1966
embarked, departed from operations in the South CDR William H. Searfus Jun 1967
China Sea to relieve Hancock (CVA 19) on station in CDR David J. Sperling Dec 1967
the Arabian Sea due to the unsettled conditions fol- CDR Robert F. Reynolds, Jr. 07 Dec 1968
lowing the Yom Kippur War in the Middle East. CDR Edwin C. Adamson, Jr. 24 Oct 1969
CDR James H. Mauldin 28 Aug 1970
CDR Markley R. Seibert 1971
CDR Dean E. Cramer 02 Jun 1972
CDR Robert L. Leuschner, Jr. 07 Jun 1973
CDR Larry E. Kaufman 17 Jul 1974
CDR Robert D. Miller 24 Oct 1975
CDR Robert C. Kaup 05 Jan 1977

Aircraft Assignment

Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received

SB2C/TBM/AM *
AD-1 1951
AD-2 1951
AD-4 1951
AD-4L 1951
A squadron AD-4 launches from Antietam (CV 36) during their AD-4Q 1951
1951-1952 combat cruise to Korea.
AD-4NA 26 Jul 1952
Home Port Assignments AD-6 Nov 1953
AD-7 Nov 1956
Location Assignment Date A4D-2/A-4B† 08 Oct 1958
NAS Glenview 1946 A-4E Dec 1963
NAS Alameda 1951 A-4F 10 Apr 1968
NALF Santa Rosa May 1952* A-7B 29 Sep 1969
NAS Moffett Field 25 Aug 1952
NAS Lemoore 21 Aug 1961 * During the squadron’s Reserve duty between 1946 and its activa-
tion in February 1951, it most likely flew SB2Cs, TBMs and/or AMs.
* Temporary assignment for training and reforming following its
return from a combat tour in Korea. † The A4D-2 designation was changed to A-4B in 1962.
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228 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

Two squadron A-4E Skyhawks return to Coral Sea (CVA 43) following a mission over Vietnam, 1965.

Major Overseas Deployments

Date of Date of Air Type of Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Aircraft Operation

08 Sep 1951 02 May 1952 CVG-15 CV 36 AD-4/L/Q & AD-2 Korea

24 Jan 1953 21 Sep 1953 CVG-15 CVA 37 AD-4NA Korea/WestPac
01 Jul 1954 28 Feb 1955 CVG-15 CVA 10 AD-6 WestPac
23 Apr 1956 15 Oct 1956 CVG-15 CVA 18 AD-6 WestPac
15 Feb 1958 02 Oct 1958 CVG-15 CVA 19 AD-7 WestPac
01 Aug 1959 18 Jan 1960 CVG-15 CVA 19 A4D-2 WestPac
19 Sep 1960 27 May 1961 CVG-15 CVA 43 A4D-2 WestPac
12 Dec 1961 17 Jul 1962 CVG-15 CVA 43 A4D-2 WestPac
03 Apr 1963 25 Nov 1963 CVG-15 CVA 43 A-4B WestPac
07 Dec 1964 01 Nov 1965 CVW-15 CVA 43 A-4E WestPac/Vietnam
12 May 1966 03 Dec 1966 CVW-15 CVA 64 A-4E WestPac/Vietnam
26 Jul 1967 06 Apr 1968 CVW-15 CVA 43 A-4E WestPac/Vietnam
26 Oct 1968 17 May 1969 CVW-2 CVA 61 A-4F WestPac/Vietnam
14 May 1970 10 Dec 1970 CVW-19 CVA 34 A-7B WestPac/Vietnam
14 May 1971 18 Dec 1971 CVW-19 CVA 34 A-7B WestPac/Vietnam
05 Jun 1972 30 Mar 1973 CVW-19 CVA 34 A-7B WestPac/Vietnam
18 Oct 1973 05 Jun 1974 CVW-19 CVA 34 A-7B WestPac/IO
16 Sep 1975 03 Mar 1976 CVW-19 CV 34 A-7B WestPac
04 Oct 1976 21 Apr 1977 CVW-19 CV 42 A-7B Med
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 229

A formation of squadron
A-4F Skyhawks, circa
1968.

Air Wing Assignments Unit Awards Received—Continued

Air Wing Tail Code Assignment Date Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award
CVG-15/CVW-15† H/NL* 01 Apr 1951 07 Feb 1965 18 Oct 1965
CVW-16 AH Apr 1968 29 May 1966 24 Nov 1966
CVW-2 NE 12 Sep 1968 13 Aug 1967 19 Feb 1968
CVW-12‡ 24 Jun 1969 29 Nov 1968 10 May 1969
CVW-19 NM 22 Nov 1969 MUC 01 Jun 1970 09 Dec 1970
28 Jun 1972 06 Mar 1973
* The tail code was changed from H to NL in 1957. The effective
date for this change was most likely the beginning of FY 58 (1 July RVNGC 12 Oct 1965
1957). 21 Jun 1966 22 Jun 1966
† CVG-15 was redesignated CVW-15 when Carrier Air Groups (CVG) 23 Nov 1967
were redesignated Carrier Air Wings (CVW) on 20 December 1963. 02 Dec 1967
‡ When the squadron was assigned to CVW-12, it operated under 04 Dec 1967
the control of VA-122 while undergoing training for the transition to 20 Dec 1967 22 Dec 1967
the A-7 Corsair II.
20 Jan 1968
23 Jan 1968 27 Jan 1968
Unit Awards Received 29 Jan 1968 19 Feb 1968
07 Jan 1969 30 Jan 1969
Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award 15 Feb 1969 16 Mar 1969
KSM 04 Oct 1951 15 Apr 1952 04 Apr 1969 14 Apr 1969
27 Feb 1953 16 May 1953 VNSM 04 Jul 1965 24 Jul 1965
29 May 1953 07 Sep 1953 11 Aug 1965 11 Sep 1965
AFEM 26 Aug 1958 07 Sep 1958 21 Sep 1965 15 Oct 1965
14 Sep 1959 17 Sep 1959 14 Jun 1966 13 Jul 1966
25 Apr 1961 28 Apr 1961 27 Jul 1966 31 Aug 1966
30 Apr 1961 01 May 1961 08 Sep 1966 01 Oct 1966
04 May 1961 09 May 1961 19 Oct 1966 09 Nov 1966
12 Jan 1962 19 Jan 1962 26 Aug 1967 01 Oct 1967
24 Jan 1962 27 Jan 1962 12 Oct 1967 28 Oct 1967
02 Feb 1965 05 Mar 1965 04 Nov 1967 05 Nov 1967
16 Mar 1965 17 Apr 1965 11 Nov 1967 08 Dec 1967
02 May 1965 28 May 1965 16 Dec 1967 07 Jan 1968
23 Jun 1965 03 Jul 1965 15 Jan 1968 21 Feb 1968
23 Jan 1968 22 Mar 1968 07 Jan 1969 30 Jan 1969
20 Mar 1969 22 Mar 1969 15 Feb 1969 16 Mar 1969
20 Apr 1969 27 Apr 1969 04 Apr 1969 17 Apr 1969
NUC 13 Mar 1953 15 May 1953 13 Jun 1970 29 Jun 1970
11 Jun 1953 27 Jul 1953 12 Jul 1970 22 Jul 1970
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230 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

Unit Awards Received—Continued Unit Awards Received—Continued

Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award
02 Aug 1970 26 Aug 1970 26 Jun 1972 23 Jul 1972
17 Sep 1970 13 Oct 1970 16 Aug 1972 01 Sep 1972
06 Nov 1970 23 Nov 1970 11 Sep 1972 28 Sep 1972
15 Jun 1971 10 Jul 1971 08 Oct 1972 31 Oct 1972
24 Jul 1971 07 Aug 1971 24 Nov 1972 18 Dec 1972
03 Sep 1971 27 Sep 1971 27 Dec 1972 31 Jan 1973
29 Oct 1971 21 Nov 1971 10 Feb 1973 06 Mar 1973

A formation of squadron A-7B Corsair IIs in late 1969.

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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 231

Chronology of Significant Events

THIRD VA-155
15 August–8 October 1988: Independence (CV 62),
Lineage with VA-155 embarked, conducted a change of home
port transit from Norfolk to San Diego via Cape Horn.
Established as Attack Squadron ONE HUNDRED
During the transit numerous air power demonstrations
FIFTY FIVE (VA-155) on 1 September 1987. were conducted for dignitaries from various South
Disestablished on 30 April 1993. The third squadron American countries.
to be assigned the VA-155 designation. 17 Jan 1991: The squadron conducted its first com-
bat operations. VA-155’s commanding officer,
Commander Sweigart, led Air Wing Two’s aircraft in its
Squadron Insignia and Nickname first strike against Iraq.
The squadron’s insignia was approved by CNO on 18 Jan 1991: The squadron suffered its first and only
24 July 1987. Colors for the Silver Fox insignia are as loss during the war with Iraq when one of its A-6E
Intruders was shot down while on a mining sortie by
the Um Qasr Naval Base in Iraq.
28 Feb 1991: Ranger’s last combat strike of the Gulf
War was launched and led by a VA-155 aircraft. During
the 43 day Gulf War the squadron flew 1,388.4 hours,
a total of 635 sorties, and delivered 2,289,940 pounds
of ordnance on Iraqi military targets.
Sep–Dec 1992: Squadron aircraft flew sorties in sup-
port of Operation Southern Watch, flights over south-
ern Iraq south of the 32nd parallel to ensure Iraq was
adhering to United Nations sanctions.
Dec 1992: The squadron participated in Operation
Restore Hope, flying sorties in support of the humani-
tarian relief effort in Somalia.

Home Port Assignments

Location Assignment Date

NAS Whidbey Island 01 Sep 1987

Commanding Officers

Date Assumed Command

The fox insignia used by the squadron. CDR Jack J. Samar 01 Sep 1987
CDR Kenneth R. Zimmerman 12 Jan 1989
follows: the circular design is outlined in silver with the CDR Frank Sweigart 29 Jun 1990
upper background black and lower background blue CDR Larry J. Munns 12 Sep 1991
with light blue highlights; yellow star, lightning bolt,
Aircraft Assignment
moon, and wolf’s pupils; silver wolf with black mark-
ings and outlined in white; and a silver scroll, outlined Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received
in black with black lettering. KA-6D 16 Nov 1987
Nickname: Silver Foxes, 1987–1993. A-6E Dec 1987

Major Overseas Deployments

Date of Date of Air Type of Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Aircraft Operation

08 Dec 1990 09 Jun 1991 CVW-2 CV 61 A-6E WestPac/IO/

Persian Gulf
01 Aug 1992 31 Jan 1993 CVW-2 CV 61 A-6E WestPac/IO/
Persian Gulf
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232 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

Air Wing Assignments Unit Awards Received

Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award
Air Wing Tail Code Assignment Date MUC 04 Sep 1987 03 Sep 1988
NUC 17 Jan 1991 07 Feb 1991
CVW-10 NM 01 Dec 1987
SASM 13 Jan 1991 19 Apr 1991
CVW-17 AA 01 May 1988 KLM 17 Jan 1991 07 Feb 1991
CVW-2 NE 01 Oct 1989 NAVE 01 Jan 1992 31 Dec 1992

A squadron A-6E Intruder loaded with weapons, 1990.

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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 233

VA-163 Wack was awarded the Silver Star for his action in
leading a sortie against SAM sites south of Nam Dinh,
Lineage North Vietnam. He pressed his attack even though his
Established as Attack Squadron ONE HUNDRED aircraft was badly damaged by antiaircraft fire and suc-
SIXTY THREE (VA-163) on 1 September 1960. cessfully completed his mission before being forced to
Placed on inactive status on 1 April 1969 but main- eject from the aircraft when it caught fire.
tained on the Naval Aeronautical Organization’s list of 13 Nov 1965: Commander H. T. Jenkins, the
designated squadrons. While inactive, no aircraft and squadron’s commanding officer, was shot down while
only 1 administrative person was assigned to the conducting an armed reconnaissance mission a few
squadron. VA-163 was removed from the Naval miles north of the DMZ and was captured. He
Aeronautical Organization list on 1 July 1971. The remained a POW until his release in February 1973.
squadron probably was placed in an inactive status 23 Jul 1966: During a successful POL mission over
due to manpower and aircraft availability while await- Vinh, North Vietnam, Commander W. F. Foster’s air-
ing transition to the A-6 Intruder.
craft was hit by antiaircraft fire and he suffered the
Disestablished on 1 July 1971. The first squadron to
loss of his right arm. Using only his left hand, he pilot-
be assigned the VA-163 designation.
ed his crippled aircraft out to sea and ejected over the
Gulf of Tonkin, where he was rescued. He was award-
Squadron Insignia and Nickname ed the Silver Star for his actions.
The squadron’s insignia was approved by CNO on 26 Oct 1966: A major fire broke out in Oriskany on
31 January 1961. Colors for the insignia were: a light Yankee Station. The squadron lost four officers in the
blue background with a fire. Several squadron personnel received awards for
white border outlined in their heroic actions during the fire.
black; the shield had a 21 Aug 1967: Commander B. W. Compton, Jr., the
yellow border outlined
squadron’s commanding officer, was awarded the
in black; the back-
Navy Cross for his actions as a strike leader of a major
ground in the upper left
quarter of the shield coordinated air attack against the Hanoi Thermal
was dark blue with a Power Plant.
yellow crescent moon
and white star; the Home Port Assignments
upper right quarter had
Location Assignment Date
a light blue background
NAS Cecil Field 01 Sep 1960
The squadron’s one and only with a yellow moon and
insignia. NAS Lemoore 26 Sep 1961
white cloud, outlined in
black; the lower left
quarter had a light blue background and the waves Commanding Officers
were a medium blue with white caps, outlined in
black; the lower right quarter had a light blue back- Date Assumed Command
ground with snow capped dark blue mountains; the CDR Jack M. Manherz 01 Sep 1960
center of the shield had a square yellow box with CDR D. V. Marshall, Jr. 01 Sep 1961
black electron rings; the scroll was light blue outlined CDR M. D. Short 14 Oct 1962
in black and had white lettering. CDR Jarl J. Diffendorfer 05 Feb 1964
Nickname: Saints, 1960–1971. CDR Harry T. Jenkins, Jr. 30 Dec 1964
CDR Wynn F. Foster 13 Nov 1965
CDR Ronald H. Caldwell 30 Jul 1966
Chronology of Significant Events
CDR Bryan W. Compton, Jr. 10 Jul 1967
Nov 1963: Oriskany (CVA 34), with VA-163 CDR Elbert D. Lighter 10 Jul 1968
embarked, operated in the South China Sea during a
crisis in South Vietnam and the coup that overthrew
President Diem. Aircraft Assignment
Jun 1965: The squadron’s commanding officer, Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received
Commander Jenkins, led the first major POL
A4D-2/A-4B* 03 Oct 1960
(petroleum, oil, lubricants) strike of the war against
A-4E Mar 1964
the Dam Dinh, North Vietnam storage facility.
7 Nov 1965: Lieutenant Commander Charles G. * The A4D-2 designation was changed to A-4B in 1962.
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234 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

Major Overseas Deployments

Date of Date of Air Type of Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Aircraft Operation

07 Jun 1962 17 Dec 1962 CVG-16 CVA 34 A4D-2 WestPac

01 Aug 1963 10 Mar 1964 CVW-16 CVA 34 A-4B WestPac
05 Apr 1965 16 Dec 1965 CVW-16 CVA 34 A-4E WestPac/Vietnam
26 May 1966 16 Nov 1966 CVW-16 CVA 34 A-4E WestPac/Vietnam
16 Jun 1967 31 Jan 1968 CVW-16 CVA 34 A-4E WestPac/Vietnam
18 Jul 1968 03 Mar 1969 CVW-21 CVA 19 A-4E WestPac/Vietnam

Air Wing Assignments Unit Awards Received—Continued

Air Wing Tail Code Assignment Date
Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award
CVG-16/CVW-16* AH 01 Sep 1960
CVW-21 NP 01 Mar 1968 13 Oct 1968
02 Nov 1968
* CVG-16 was redesignated CVW-16 when Carrier Air Groups (CVG) 07 Nov 1968 08 Nov 1968
were redesignated Carrier Air Wings (CVW) on 20 December 1963. 10 Nov 1968 11 Nov 1968
13 Nov 1968 19 Nov 1968
Unit Awards Received 21 Nov 1968 26 Nov 1968
21 Dec 1968 24 Dec 1968
Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award 26 Dec 1968 28 Dec 1968
AFEM 05 Sep 1963 13 Sep 1963 30 Dec 1968
03 Nov 1963 08 Nov 1963 01 Jan 1969 03 Jan 1969
07 May 1965 02 Jun 1965 07 Jan 1969 14 Jan 1969
10 Jun 1965 03 Jul 1965 31 Jan 1969 08 Feb 1969
17 Sep 1965 18 Sep 1965 VNSM 04 Jul 1965 18 Jul 1965
02 Dec 1968 04 Dec 1968 09 Aug 1965 11 Sep 1965
NUC 10 May 1965 06 Dec 1965 30 Sep 1965 19 Oct 1965
12 Jun 1966 01 Nov 1966 28 Oct 1965 27 Nov 1965
14 Jul 1967 12 Jan 1968 29 Jun 1966 29 Jul 1966
01 Aug 1968 22 Feb 1969 06 Aug 1966 08 Sep 1966
RVNGC 02 Oct 1965 23 Sep 1966 26 Oct 1966
30 Oct 1965 13 Jul 1967 08 Aug 1967
01 Nov 1965 17 Aug 1967 30 Sep 1967
03 Nov 1965 04 Oct 1967 03 Nov 1967
07 Nov 1965 19 Nov 1967 17 Dec 1967
11 Nov 1965 12 Nov 1965 30 Dec 1967 13 Jan 1968
06 Jul 1966 07 Jul 1966 21 Aug 1968 04 Sep 1968
26 Sep 1968 13 Sep 1968 15 Oct 1968
29 Sep 1968 23 Oct 1968 28 Nov 1968
09 Oct 1968 11 Oct 1968 20 Dec 1968 15 Jan 1969
29 Jan 1969 10 Feb 1969

A formation of squadron A-4 Skyhawks.

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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 235

VA-164 It also provided close air support for forces in South

Vietnam following a massive invasion by North
Lineage Vietnam.
May 1972: Squadron aircraft participated in the early
Established as Attack Squadron ONE HUNDRED phase of operation Linebacker I, heavy air strikes
SIXTY FOUR (VA-164) on 1 September 1960. against targets in North Vietnam.
Disestablished on 12 December 1975. The first Aug 1972: TA-4s acquired by VA-164 from the
squadron to be assigned the VA-164 designation. Marine Corps at MCAS Iwakuni were used for the first
time operationally in a combat role off a carrier.
Squadron Insignia and Nickname Jun 1973: Missions were flown in support of
Operation End Sweep, the clearing of mines in the ter-
The squadron’s insignia was approved by CNO on
ritorial waters of North Vietnam.
24 May 1961. Colors for the Ghostrider insignia were:
Oct 1974: With the outbreak of war between Israel
a black background outlined in black and white; the
and Egypt and Syria the Hancock (CVA 19), with VA-
ghost rider was gold with black markings; the winged
164 embarked, was directed to leave Yankee Station
horse, diamond and
and operate in the Arabian Sea and Gulf of Aden.
scrolls were silver with
black markings or letter-
ing; the smoke/cloud
Home Port Assignments
was white with black
markings; the flames Location Assignment Date
were red, yellow,
orange, blue, and green; NAS Cecil Field 01 Sep 1960
and the aerodynamic NAS Lemoore 26 Sep 1961
(triangular) design was
orange.
Nickname: Ghost- Commanding Officers
The squadron’s ghost rider insignia.
riders, 1961–1975.
Date Assumed Command

CDR Harlan D. Williams 01 Sep 1960

Chronology of Significant Events
CDR Lloyd W. Moffit 05 Sep 1961
Nov 1963: Oriskany (CVA 34), with VA-164 CDR C. A. Banks, Jr. Oct 1962
embarked, operated in the South China Sea during a CDR R. M. Netherland 21 Sep 1963
crisis in South Vietnam and the coup that overthrew
CDR J. W. Roberts 28 Aug 1964
President Diem.
CDR John D. Shaw 24 Jul 1965
5 May 1965: The squadron flew its first combat sor-
tie. From May through July 1965, it flew close air sup- CDR Paul H. Engel 26 Jun 1966
port missions in South Vietnam. CDR Douglas F. Mow 31 May 1967
7 Nov 1965: The squadron’s commanding officer, CDR William F. Span 04 Jul 1968
Commander J. D. Shaw, was awarded the Silver Star CDR Roy V. Hagberg 18 Jul 1969
for successfully leading a strike against a SAM site in CDR George L. Boaz 24 Jul 1970
North Vietnam. CDR Ramsay (N) Lawson 08 Jul 1971
26 Oct 1966: A major fire broke out in Oriskany on CDR Stanley R. Arthur 01 Jul 1972
Yankee Station. The squadron lost four officers in the CDR Fred J. Gosebrink 15 Jun 1973
fire. Several squadron personnel received awards for CDR Frederick P. Meyers 30 May 1974
their heroic actions during the fire.
Oct 1967: Commander D. F. Mow, the squadron’s
commanding officer, was awarded the Silver Star for Aircraft Assignment
his actions during a combat mission over North
Vietnam. Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received
Mar 1970: The squadron completed the last line
A4D-2/A-4B* 07 Oct 1960
period of its fifth combat deployment to Vietnam. This
A-4E 13 Mar 1964
was the squadron’s first combat deployment without
losing a pilot. A-4F 06 Apr 1969
Apr 1972: The squadron participated in Operation TA-4F 08 Aug 1972
Freedom Train, tactical air sorties against military and
logistic targets in the southern part of North Vietnam. * The A4D-2 designation was changed to A-4B in 1962.
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236 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

Major Overseas Deployments

Date of Date of Air Type of Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Aircraft Operation

07 Jun 1962 17 Dec 1962 CVG-16 CVA 34 A4D-2 WestPac

01 Aug 1963 10 Mar 1964 CVW-16 CVA 34 A-4B WestPac
05 Apr 1965 16 Dec 1965 CVW-16 CVA 34 A-4E WestPac/Vietnam
26 May 1966 16 Nov 1966 CVW-16 CVA 34 A-4E WestPac/Vietnam
16 Jun 1967 31 Jan 1968 CVW-16 CVA 34 A-4E WestPac/Vietnam
18 Jul 1968 03 Mar 1969 CVW-21 CVA 19 A-4E WestPac/Vietnam
02 Aug 1969 15 Apr 1970 CVW-21 CVA 19 A-4F WestPac/Vietnam
22 Oct 1970 03 Jun 1971 CVW-21 CVA 19 A-4F WestPac/Vietnam
07 Jan 1972 03 Oct 1972 CVW-21 CVA 19 A-4F & TA-4F WestPac/Vietnam
08 May 1973 08 Jan 1974 CVW-21 CVA 19 A-4F & TA-4F WestPac/IO
18 Mar 1975 20 Oct 1975 CVW-21 CV 19 A-4F & TA-4F WestPac

Two squadron A-4F Skyhawks in flight, 1973.

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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 237

Air Wing Assignments Unit Awards Received—Continued

Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award
Air Wing Tail Code Assignment Date
CVG-16/CVW-16* AH 01 Sep 1960 21 Nov 1968 26 Nov 1968
CVW-21 NP 01 Mar 1968 21 Dec 1968 24 Dec 1968
26 Dec 1968 28 Dec 1968
* CVG-16 was redesignated CVW-16 when Carrier Air Groups (CVG) 30 Dec 1968
were redesignated Carrier Air Wings (CVW) on 20 December 1963. 01 Jan 1969 03 Jan 1969
07 Jan 1969 14 Jan 1969
Unit Awards Received 31 Jan 1969 08 Feb 1969
01 Aug 1969 01 Sep 1969
Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award 30 Mar 1972 15 Jul 1972
NUC 10 May 1965 06 Dec 1965 VNSM 04 Jul 1965 18 Jul 1965
12 Jun 1966 01 Nov 1966 09 Aug 1965 11 Sep 1965
14 Jul 1967 12 Jan 1968 30 Sep 1965 19 Oct 1965
01 Aug 1968 22 Feb 1969 28 Oct 1965 27 Nov 1965
08 Feb 1972 14 Sep 1972 29 Jun 1966 29 Jul 1966
NAVE 01 Jul 1971 31 Dec 1972 06 Aug 1966 08 Sep 1966
AFEM 05 Sep 1963 13 Sep 1963 23 Sep 1966 26 Oct 1966
03 Nov 1963 08 Nov 1963 13 Jul 1967 08 Aug 1967
07 May 1965 02 Jun 1965 17 Aug 1967 30 Sep 1967
10 Jun 1965 03 Jul 1965 04 Oct 1967 03 Nov 1967
17 Sep 1965 18 Sep 1965 19 Nov 1967 17 Dec 1967
02 Dec 1968 04 Dec 1968 30 Dec 1967 13 Jan 1968
30 Oct 1969 21 Aug 1968 04 Sep 1968
13 Sep 1968 15 Oct 1968
03 Jan 1970 08 Jan 1970
23 Oct 1968 28 Nov 1968
22 Feb 1970 25 Feb 1970
20 Dec 1968 15 Jan 1969
MUC 21 Aug 1969 31 Mar 1970
29 Jan 1969 10 Feb 1969
20 Nov 1970 07 May 1971
31 Aug 1969 24 Sep 1969
RVNGC 02 Oct 1965
03 Oct 1969 27 Oct 1969
30 Oct 1965
24 Nov 1969 17 Dec 1969
01 Nov 1965 18 Jan 1970 11 Feb 1970
03 Nov 1965 09 Mar 1970 26 Mar 1970
07 Nov 1965 19 Nov 1970 08 Dec 1970
11 Nov 1965 12 Nov 1965 29 Dec 1970 15 Jan 1971
06 Jul 1966 07 Jul 1966 23 Jan 1971 20 Feb 1971
26 Sep 1968 09 Mar 1971 10 Apr 1971
29 Sep 1968 17 Apr 1971 04 May 1971
09 Oct 1968 11 Oct 1968 07 Feb 1972 09 Mar 1972
13 Oct 1968 25 Mar 1972 02 May 1972
02 Nov 1968 11 May 1972 01 Jun 1972
07 Nov 1968 08 Nov 1968 12 Jun 1972 14 Jul 1972
10 Nov 1968 11 Nov 1968 24 Jul 1972 17 Aug 1972
13 Nov 1968 19 Nov 1968 27 Aug 1972 14 Sep 1972
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238 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

VA-165 deploy. Two squadrons flew the A-1 Skyraider and the
other two squadrons flew the A-4 Skyhawk.
Lineage 26 Jan 1968: The Ranger (CVA 62), with VA-165
Established as Attack Squadron ONE HUNDRED embarked, while operating on Yankee Station, was
SIXTY FIVE (VA-165) on 1 September 1960. ordered to the Sea of Japan following the capture of
The first squadron to be assigned the VA-165 Pueblo (AGER 2) on 23 January by the North Koreans.
designation. Ranger and VA-165 operated in the area until relieved
on 5 March 1968.
Apr 1969: Following the shoot down of a Navy EC-
Squadron Insignia and
Nickname 121 aircraft by the North Koreans on 15 April, Ranger
(CVA 61), with VA-165 embarked, left Yankee Station
The squadron’s first
and proceeded to the Sea of Japan for operations off
insignia was approved
the coast of Korea.
by CNO on 24 May
1961. Colors for this 26 May 1970: The squadron’s commanding officer,
insignia were: a silver Commander F. M. Backman, flew the newest update
background with a version of the A-6 Intruder, the A-6C, into combat for
white scroll outlined in the first time.
black, lettering on the Apr 1972: The squadron participated in Operation
scroll was green; brown Freedom Train, tactical air sorties against military and
map outlined in black; logistic targets in the southern part of North Vietnam.
The squadron’s first insignia. black and white tail- It also provided support for forces in South Vietnam
hook with a red triangu- following a massive invasion by North Vietnam on 1
lar device at one end; red electron rings circled the April 1972.
tailhook and the boomerang or wedge shaped device
May 1972: The squadron participated in the early
was green, outlined in black.
phase of Operation Linebacker I, heavy air strikes
Sometime in the early 1960s, following the
squadrons transfer to the west coast, a new insignia against targets in North Vietnam above 20 degrees
was adopted. There is north latitude.
no record of an Nov 1974: VA-165, part of the CVW-9 team
approval date for this embarked on Constellation (CV 64), operated in the
insignia. Colors for the Persian Gulf. This was the first time in 26 years that an
insignia are: a silver American carrier had entered and operated in the
background with green Persian Gulf.
scrolls and outlined in Mar 1979: Constellation (CV 64), with VA-165
black; gold lettering and embarked, was ordered to make a high speed transit
compass star with black to the Indian Ocean from the Philippines in response
markings on the star;
to the conflict between North and South Yemen.
green boomerang out-
Oct 1981: The squadron was the first operational A-
lined in black; and a
white knight chessman 6 unit to deploy with a Harpoon missile capability.
The squadron’s second insignia Jul–Aug 1983: Ranger, with VA-165 embarked, was
had a more stylized design adopt-
with black markings.
ed sometime in the early 1960s. Nickname: Boomers, ordered to operate off the coast of Nicaragua in
mid 1960s to present. response to an unstable situation in Central America
and the possible invasion of Honduras by Nicaragua.
Oct 1983–Jan 1984: Ranger, with VA-165 embarked,
Chronology of Significant Events
was extended on station in the Arabian Sea due to the
Nov 1963: Oriskany (CVA 34), with VA-165 Iranian threat to block oil exports from the Persian
embarked, operated in the South China Sea during a Gulf.
crisis in South Vietnam and the coup that overthrew Sep 1988: Nimitz (CVN 68), with VA-165 embarked,
President Diem. operated in the Sea of Japan in support of the Summer
Feb 1965: The squadron began participation in com- Olympic Games in Seoul, Republic of Korea.
bat operations over Laos. Nov 1988: Squadron aircraft participated in Earnest
4 Apr 1966: VA-165 deployed to Vietnam as a com- Will Operations, the escorting of reflagged Kuwaiti
ponent of CVW-10 embarked in Intrepid (CVS 11). tankers through the Persian Gulf.
This was the first all attack air wing and the first to
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 239

A squadron AD-5 Skyraider at NAS Glenview, Illinois (Courtesy Fred Dickey Collection).

Home Port Assignments Commanding Officers

Location Assignment Date Date Assumed Command

NAS Jacksonville 01 Sep 1960 CDR Robert M. Proshek 05 Nov 1976
NAS Moffett Field 07 Sep 1961 CDR H. G. Sprouse Feb 1978
NAS Alameda 10 Mar 1964 CDR Ian K. Graham 22 Apr 1979
NAS Whidbey Island 01 Jan 1967 CDR Michael C. Scully 25 Jul 1980
CDR Paul S. Bloch 02 Oct 1981
Commanding Officers CDR Gary C. Wasson 14 Jan 1983
CDR Robert T. Knowles 15 Jun 1984
Date Assumed Command CDR John C. Scrapper 31 Jan 1986
CDR Carl H. Yeagle 01 Sep 1960 CDR Donald C. Brown 01 Aug 1987
CDR John E. Ford 25 Aug 1961 CDR William H. Shurtleff IV 10 Dec 1988
CDR R. Houck 1962 CDR John W. Indorf, Jr. 23 May 1990
CDR L. L. Andrews, Jr. 02 Sep 1963
CDR R. E. Chamblerlain, Jr. 10 Apr 1964
Aircraft Assignment
CDR A. K. Knoizen 1965
CDR Harry D. Parode 1966 Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received
CDR William S. Jett III 22 Dec 1966
AD-6/A-1H* 04 Oct 1960
CDR Leland S. Kollmorgen 11 Jun 1968
A-1J Jun 1963
CDR Fred M. Backman 27 Jun 1969
A-6A May 1967
CDR Richard A. Zick 09 Jun 1970
A-6B Nov 1969
CDR Thomas W. Conboy 17 Jun 1971
A-6C 27 Feb 1970
CDR James M. Seely 13 Jul 1972
KA-6D 28 Mar 1971
CDR George C. Crater 21 Jun 1973
A-6E 20 Jan 1975
CDR Gary C. Caron 14 Jun 1974
CDR Samuel A. Belcher III 29 Aug 1975 * The AD-6 designation was changed to A-1H in 1962.

Major Overseas Deployments

Date of Date of Air Type of Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Aircraft Operation

07 Jun 1962 17 Dec 1962 CVG-16 CVA 34 AD-6 WestPac

01 Aug 1963 10 Mar 1964 CVW-16 CVA 34 A-1H/J WestPac
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240 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

Major Overseas Deployments

Date of Date of Air Type of Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Aircraft Operation

07 Dec 1964 01 Nov 1965 CVW-15 CVA 43 A-1H/J WestPac/Vietnam

04 Apr 1966 21 Nov 1966 CVW-10 CVS 11 A-1H WestPac/Vietnam
04 Nov 1967 25 May 1968 CVW-2 CVA 61 A-6A WestPac/Vietnam
26 Oct 1968 17 May 1969 CVW-2 CVA 61 A-6A WestPac/Vietnam
10 Apr 1970 21 Dec 1970 CVW-9 CVA 66 A-6A/B/C WestPac/Vietnam
01 Oct 1971 30 Jun 1972 CVW-9 CVA 64 A-6A & KA-6D WestPac/Vietnam
05 Jan 1973 11 Oct 1973 CVW-9 CVA 64 A-6A & KA-6D WestPac/Vietnam
21 Jun 1974 22 Dec 1974 CVW-9 CVA 64 A-6A & KA-6D WestPac/IO
12 Apr 1977 21 Nov 1977 CVW-9 CV 64 A-6E & KA-6D WestPac
26 Sep 1978 17 May 1979 CVW-9 CV 64 A-6E & KA-6D WestPac/IO
26 Feb 1980 15 Oct 1980 CVW-9 CV 64 A-6E & KA-6D WestPac/IO
20 Oct 1981 23 May 1982 CVW-9 CV 64 A-6E & KA-6D WestPac/IO
15 Jul 1983 29 Feb 1984 CVW-9 CV 61 A-6E & KA-6D CentralAmerica/
WestPac/IO
24 Jul 1985 21 Dec 1985 CVW-9 CV 63 A-6E & KA-6D WestPac/IO
03 Jan 1987 29 Jun 1987 CVW-9 CV 63 A-6E & KA-6D World Cruise
02 Sep 1988 27 Feb 1989 CVW-9 CVN 68 A-6E & KA-6D WestPac/IO
15 Jun 1989 09 Jul 1989 CVW-9 CVN 68 A-6E & KA-6D NorPac
12 Feb 1990 07 Apr 1990 CVW-9* CV 64 A-6E & KA-6D *
* VA-165 was part of a composite CVW-9 that was embarked in Constellation (CV 64) for her home port change and transit from the east coast
to the west coast via Cape Horn.

A squadron KA-6D Intruder

refuels an F-14 Tomcat from
VF-211.

Air Wing Assignments Unit Awards Received

Air Wing Tail Code Assignment Date Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award
CVG-16/CVW-16* AH 01 Sep 1960 NAVE 01 Jul 1968 31 Dec 1969
CVW-15 NL 22 Jun 1964 01 Jan 1970 30 Jun 1971
CVW-10 AK 14 Mar 1966 01 Jul 1974 31 Dec 1975
COMFAIRALAMEDA/ Nov 1966 01 Jan 1976 30 Jun 1977
CVW-15† 01 Jan 1985 30 Jun 1986
COMFAIRWHIDBEY 01 Jan 1967 01 Jul 1986 31 Dec 1987
CVW-2 NE 16 Jun 1967 MUC 03 Dec 1967 09 May 1968
CVW-9 NG 02 Jul 1969
26 May 1970 08 Nov 1970
* CVG-16 was redesignated CVW-16 when Carrier Air Groups (CVG) 12 Mar 1979 19 Apr 1979
were redesignated Carrier Air Wings (CVW) on 20 December 1963.
15 Jun 1984 27 Feb 1986
† When VA-165 returned from its deployment to WestPac on 21 Jan 1987 May 1987
November 1966 it was assigned to CVW-15. However, CVW-15 was
still on a WestPac cruise and did not return until 3 December 1966. AFEM 05 Sep 1963 13 Sep 1963
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 241

Unit Awards Received Unit Awards Received

Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award
03 Nov 1963 08 Nov 1963 02 Oct 1966 18 Oct 1966
02 Feb 1965 05 Mar 1965 03 Dec 1967 29 Dec 1967
16 Mar 1965 11 Apr 1965 06 Jan 1968 28 Jan 1968
02 May 1965 28 May 1965 18 Mar 1968 12 Apr 1968
23 Jun 1965 03 Jul 1965 21 Apr 1968 09 May 1968
23 Jan 1968 22 Mar 1968 07 Jan 1969 30 Jan 1969
20 Mar 1969 22 Mar 1969 15 Feb 1969 16 Mar 1969
20 Apr 1969 27 Apr 1969 04 Apr 1969 17 Apr 1969
24 Sep 1970 26 Sep 1970 17 May 1970
02 Nov 1988 05 Dec 1988 19 May 1970
NEM 12 Mar 1979 19 Apr 1979 24 May 1970 16 Jun 1970
26 Apr 1980 04 Aug 1980 28 Jun 1970 13 Jul 1970
12 Aug 1980 19 Aug 1980
20 Jul 1970 04 Aug 1970
NUC 07 Feb 1965 18 Oct 1965
24 Aug 1970 18 Sep 1970
29 Nov 1968 10 May 1969
13 Oct 1970 08 Nov 1970
PUC 22 Oct 1971 13 Jun 1972
02 Nov 1971 22 Nov 1971
RVNGC 12 Oct 1965
29 Nov 1971 31 Dec 1971
30 Mar 1972 01 Jun 1972
VNSM 04 Jul 1965 24 Jul 1965 09 Jan 1972 03 Feb 1972
11 Aug 1965 11 Sep 1965 09 Feb 1972 02 Mar 1972
21 Sep 1965 15 Oct 1965 13 Mar 1972 23 Mar 1972
15 May 1966 15 Jun 1966 07 Apr 1972 18 May 1972
08 Jul 1966 10 Aug 1966 24 May 1972 25 May 1972
01 Sep 1966 23 Sep 1966 31 May 1972 13 Jun 1972

A squadron A-6E Intruder in flight, 1978.

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242 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

VA-172 with F9Fs from VF-51, provided escort for 30 U.S. Air
Force B-29 bombers raiding the marshalling yards at
Lineage Rashin, North Korea.
Nov–Dec 1956: Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA 42), with
Established as Bomber Fighter Squadron EIGHTY VA-172 embarked, was ordered to deploy and operate
TWO (VBF-82) on 20 August 1945. off the coast of Spain as a result of the Suez Canal crisis.
Redesignated Fighter Squadron EIGHTEEN A (VF- Sep–Oct 1957: A detachment of squadron’s F2H-2
18A) on 15 November 1946. aircraft were embarked in Tarawa (CVS 40) to provide
Redesignated Fighter Squadron ONE HUNDRED fighter support for the ASW carrier during a NATO
SEVENTY TWO (VF-172) on 11 August 1948. exercise in the North Atlantic.
Redesignated Attack Squadron ONE HUNDRED Nov 1961: VA-172, embarked in Roosevelt, operated
SEVENTY TWO (VA-172) on 1 November 1955. off the coast of the Dominican Republic to support the
Disestablished on 15 January 1971. The first newly established democratic government.
squadron to be assigned the VA-172 designation. May 1963: Roosevelt, with VA-172 embarked,
deployed to the Caribbean and operated off the coast
Squadron Insignia and of Haiti in response to a rebel attempt to overthrow
Nickname the Haitian government.
Jul–Sep 1963: A detachment from the squadron was
The squadron’s first
deployed aboard Randolph (CVS 15) to provide fighter
insignia was approved
coverage for the ASW Task Group during operations
by CNO on 12 June in the Caribbean Sea.
1946. Colors for insignia 8–29 Aug 1964: Roosevelt, with VA-172 embarked,
were: a gold background was ordered to operate in the vicinity of Cyrpus after
outlined in grey with fighting escalated between Turkish and Greek forces
blue triangles; the knight on the island.
and queen chess pieces Aug 1966: The squadron commenced combat opera-
were red with white tions in Vietnam. These were its first combat sorties
The design using the chess pieces highlights and the pawn since the Korean War in 1952.
was the squadron’s first insignia.
and king were grey with 2 Dec 1966: The squadron’s commanding officer,
white highlights. Commander Bruce A. Nystrom, was lost in a night
The chess piece insignia was used by the squadron reconnaissance mission over the Red River delta area
until 19 October 1950 when CNO approved a new in North Vietnam.
insignia. Colors for the
new insignia were: a
blue border outlined a
red and white shield;
gold naval aviator wings
with black markings;
blue lightning bolt; and
the lettering Blue Bolts
was black.
Nickname: Check-
mates, 1946–1950.
The squadron adopted the blue Blue Blots, 1950–
bolts design as its second insignia. 1971.

Chronology of Significant Events

28 Jan 1949: Squadron aircraft, while secured to the
flight deck and engines running, were used to assist in
berthing Midway (CVB 41) in Augusta, Sicily. This pro-
cedure is known as operation Pinwheel.
23 Aug 1951: The squadron participated in its first
combat sortie. This also marked the first use of the
F2H-2 in combat.
A squadron F4U-4 Corsair traps aboard Coral Sea (CVB 43), 1948
25 Aug 1951: The squadron’s F2H-2 aircraft, along (Courtesy Robert Lawson Collection).
Chap 2--382-018--242-276 4/10/95 7:23 AM Page 243 (Black plate)

DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 243

Home Port Assignments Commanding Officers

Location Assignment Date Date Assumed Command

NAS Alameda 20 Aug 1945 CDR William S. Stewart 19 Dec 1961
NAS Quonset Point 15 Jan 1946 CDR M. Blaylock 19 Dec 1962
NAAS Cecil Field 04 Mar 1949 CDR E. D. Herbert 09 Dec 1963
NAS Jacksonville 24 Mar 1950 CDR K. A. Burrows 08 Dec 1964
CDR Bruce A. Nystrom 23 Dec 1965
NAS Cecil Field 22 Feb 1958
CDR Robert D. Harris, Jr. 03 Dec 1966
CDR Thomas A. Francis 24 Nov 1967
Commanding Officers CDR John D. Yamnicky 27 Nov 1968
CDR Conrad B. Olson 31 Oct 1969
Date Assumed Command
LT Benjamin T. Pugh (acting) 20 Aug 1945
Aircraft Assignment
LCDR Jacob W. Onstott 10 Sep 1945
LCDR Pierre N. Charbonnet, Jr. 28 May 1946 Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received
LCDR V. P. de Poix 12 Feb 1948 F6F Aug 1945
LCDR C. A. Blouin 19 Apr 1950 F4U 06 Sep 1945
LCDR Marvin E. Barnett 15 Mar 1951 F8F 1946
LCDR James B. Cain 17 Jun 1952 FH-1 Mar 1949
LT R. P. McCloskey (acting) 04 Aug 1954 F2H-1 May 1949
CDR Glenn G. Estes, Jr. 26 Aug 1954 F2H-2 21 Jun 1950
CDR Robert M. McConnell, Jr. 31 Oct 1955 F2H-4 13 Jan 1956
LCDR F. A. Fox (acting) 25 Apr 1957 F2H-2B Sep 1956
A4D-1 16 Dec 1957
CDR Robert J. Robison 10 Jun 1957
A4D-2 May 1958
LCDR H. O. Cutler 25 Jul 1958
A4D-2N/A-4C* 06 Sep 1961
CDR Arthur Barker, Jr. 21 Sep 1959
CDR John D. Kidd 19 Dec 1960 * The A4D-2N designation was changed to A-4C in 1962.

Major Overseas Deployments

Date of Date of Air Type of Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Aircraft Operation

22 Oct 1946 21 Dec 1946 CVG-82* CV 15 F4U-4 Med

02 Feb 1947 19 Mar 1947 CVAG-17 CV 15 F4U-4 EasternLant/Carib
07 Jun 1948 06 Aug 1948 CVG-17 CVB 43 F4U-4 Med/Carib
04 Jan 1949 05 Mar 1949 CVG-17 CVB 41 F4U-4 Med
09 Sep 1950 01 Feb 1951 CVG-17 CVB 43 F2H-2 Med
21 Jul 1951 25 Mar 1952 CVG-5 CV 9† F2H-2 WestPac/Korea
26 Aug 1952 19 Dec 1952 CVG-17 CVA 42 F2H-2 NorLant/Med
16 Sep 1953 01 May 1954 CVG-17 CVA 18 F2H-2 World Cruise
05 Apr 1955 29 Sep 1955 CVG-17 CVA 43 F2H-2 Med
13 Feb 1959 01 Sep 1959 CVG-1 CVA 42 A4D-2 Med
28 Jan 1960 24 Aug 1960 CVG-1 CVA 42 A4D-2 Med
15 Feb 1961 28 Aug 1961 CVG-1 CVA 42 A4D-2 Med
19 Nov 1961 30 Nov 1961 CVG-1 CVA 42 A4D-2N Carib
14 Sep 1962 22 Apr 1963 CVG-1 CVA 42 A-4C Med
28 Apr 1964 22 Dec 1964 CVW-1 CVA 42‡ A-4C Med
28 Jun 1965 17 Dec 1965 CVW-1 CVA 42 A-4C Med
21 Jun 1966 21 Feb 1967 CVW-1 CVA 42 A-4C SoLant/IO/West
Pac/Vietnam
24 Aug 1967 19 May 1968 CVW-1 CVA 42 A-4C Med
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244 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

Major Overseas Deployments—Continued

Date of Date of Air Type of Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Aircraft Operation

07 Jan 1969 29 Jul 1969 CVW-8 CVA 38 A-4C Med

05 Mar 1970 17 Dec 1970 CVW-8 CVS 38 A-4C SoLant/IO/West
Pac/Vietnam
* CVG-82 was redesignated CVAG-17 during the deployment.
† The squadron departed NAS San Diego on 16 July 1951 embarked in Antietam (CV 36) and arrived in Hawaii on 20 July. On 21 July it
embarked in Essex (CV 9) and departed for a combat cruise to Korea on 9 August.
‡ In October 1964 Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA 42) returned to the States for an emergency dry docking to repair a propeller. The squadron was
based ashore at NAS Cecil Field during that time frame. Following the repair, the carrier and squadron returned to the Mediterranean.

A squadron F2H-2 Banshee in flight during its combat deployment to Korea aboard Essex (CV 9), 1951.

Air Wing Assignments * CVG-82 was redesignated CVAG-17 on 15 November 1946. CVAG-
17 was redesignated CVG-17 on 1 September 1948.
Air Wing Tail Code Assignment Date
CVG-82/CVAG-17/ R† 20 Aug 1945 † The tail code R was assigned to CVAG-17 on 12 December 1946.
CVG-17* ‡ The squadron was transferred from CVG-17 and operational con-
CVG-5 S 21 Jul 1951 trol was assigned to COMFAIRJACKSONVILLE some time in early
CVG-17 R 25 Mar 1952 1957.
COMFAIRJACKSONVILLE 1957‡
§ CVG-1 was redesignated CVW-1 when Carrier Air Groups (CVG)
CVG-1/CVW-1§ AB 15 Mar 1958
were redesignated Carrier Air Wings (CVW) on 20 December 1963.
CVW-8 AJ 25 Aug 1968
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 245

Unit Awards Received Unit Awards Received

Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award
NUC 21 Aug 1951 05 Mar 1952 24 Nov 1966 28 Dec 1966
KSM 13 Aug 1951 05 Mar 1952 20 Jan 1967 21 Jan 1967
NEM 20 Nov 1961 29 Nov 1961 10 Apr 1970 02 May 1970
MUC 11 Apr 1970 06 Nov 1970
12 May 1970 29 May 1970
RVNGC 21 Oct 1966
13 Jun 1970 04 Jul 1970
VNSM 30 Jul 1966
09 Aug 1966 12 Sep 1966 28 Jul 1970 19 Aug 1970
01 Oct 1966 03 Oct 1966 30 Aug 1970 30 Sep 1970
19 Oct 1966 14 Nov 1966 20 Oct 1970 07 Nov 1970

A flight of squadron A-4C Skyhawks with tail hooks down preparing for a landing on Shangri-La (CVS 38) during her deployment in 1970.
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246 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

VA-174 attacks resulted in the sinking of the Yamato, one

cruiser and four destroyers.
Lineage Mar–May 1945: The squadron participated in prein-
vasion strikes on Okinawa and provided air support
Established as Bombing Squadron EIGHTY TWO during the invasion of the island.
(VB-82) on 1 April 1944. 17 Jun–9 Jul 1945: The squadron was embarked in
Redesignated Attack Squadron SEVENTEEN A (VA- White Plains (CVE 66) for transit back to the States.
17A) on 15 November 1946.
Redesignated Attack Squadron ONE HUNDRED
SEVENTY FOUR (VA-174) on 11 August 1948. Home Port Assignments
Disestablished on 25 January 1950. The first
Location Assignment Date
squadron to be assigned the VA-174 designation.
NAS Wildwood 01 Apr 1944*
NAAS Oceana 15 Jun 1944*
Squadron Insignia and Nickname
NAS Norfolk, East Field 17 Sep 1944*
The squadron’s insig- NAS Quonset Point 13 Nov 1944*
nia was approved by NAS Kahului 08 Jan 1945*
CNO on 21 January NAS Alameda 09 Jul 1945
1946. Colors for the NAS Quonset Point 01 Feb 1946
insignia were: a dark NAAS Cecil Field 01 Feb 1949
blue background with a
yellow border; the star * Temporary shore assignment while the squadron conducted train-
had alternating shades ing in preparation for combat deployment.
of yellow and light mus-
tard; the goat and bomb Commanding Officers
were shaded light gray Date Assumed Command
to dark gray. LCDR Samuel R. Brown, Jr. 01 Apr 1944
The squadron’s battering ram
insignia.
Nickname: Battering LCDR Hugh Wood, Jr. (acting) 31 Dec 1944
Rams, 1946–1950. LCDR Hugh Wood, Jr. 11 Jan 1945
LT J. A. Derby (acting) 11 Jul 1945
Chronology of Significant Events LT Harry R. McRae, Jr. (acting) 04 Sep 1945
LCDR Hugh Wood, Jr. 13 Oct 1945
15 Dec 1944: The squadron embarked in
LCDR Robert E. Farkas 02 Apr 1948
Bennington (CV 20), along with other units of CVG-
LCDR William R. Pittman 10 Jun 1949
82, and departed for Pearl Harbor, arriving there on 7
LCDR Harold E. Vita 14 Dec 1949
January 1945, following a stop over at NAS San Diego.
16 Feb 1945: VB-82 participated in the first carrier-
based air strikes on Tokyo, flying sorties against instal- Aircraft Assignment
lations at Mitsune and Mikatagahara Airfields on
Hachijo Jima, Nanpo Shoto. Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received
20–22 Feb 1945: Squadron aircraft provided air sup- SB2C-1C 01 Apr 1944
port for the landings on Iwo Jima. SB2C-3 22 May 1944
19 Mar 1945: Japanese naval vessels in the Inland SB2C-4E 17 Nov 1944
Sea were attacked by VB-82 aircraft and other aircraft SBW-4E Feb 1946
assigned to Task Group 58.1. SB2C-5 01 Jul 1946
7 Apr 1945: Squadron aircraft participated in Task SBW-5 Jul 1946
Force 58’s attacks on the Japanese super battleship AM-1 01 Mar 1948
Yamato and her escorts in the East China Sea. The AD-3 Apr 1949

Major Overseas Deployments

Date of Date of Air Type of Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Aircraft Operation

29 Jan 1945 17 Jun 1945 CVG-82 CV 20 SB2C-4E Pacific

22 Oct 1946 21 Dec 1946 CVG-82* CV 15 SB2C-5 Med

* CVG-82 was redesignated CVAG-17 during the deployment.

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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 247

Air Wing Assignments Unit Awards Received

Air Wing Tail Code Assignment Date Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award
CVG-82/CVAG-17/ R† 01 Apr 1944 NAVE 01 Jul 1947 30 Jun 1948
CVG-17* Campaign Medal
* CVG-82 was redesignated CVAG-17 on 15 November 1946. CVAG- (Asiatic Pacific) 15 Feb 1945 04 Mar 1945
17 was redesignated CVG-17 on 1 September 1948. 17 Mar 1945 11 Jun 1945
† The tail code R was assigned to CVAG-17 on 12 December 1946.

A squadron SB2C-4E Helldiver launches from Bennington (CV 20), 1945 (Courtesy Robert Lawson Collection).
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248 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

SECOND VA-174 for transportation to Guam.

14 Nov 1944: CVG-81 aircraft engaged in their first
Lineage combat sorties, flying missions against Luzon from
Wasp (CV 18).
Established as Bombing Squadron EIGHTY ONE 27 Dec 1944: The squadron was detached from
(VB-81) on 1 March 1944. CVG-81, embarked in Wasp (CV 18), and flew to
Redesignated Attack Squadron THIRTEEN A (VA- Guam. This was done to accommodate an increase in
13A) on 15 November 1946. the fighter strength aboard the carrier.
Redesignated Attack Squadron ONE HUNDRED Mar 1945: VB-81 rejoined CVG-81 aboard Copahee
THIRTY FOUR (VA-134) on 2 August 1948. for the transit back to the States.
Redesignated Fighter Squadron ONE HUNDRED Aug 1948–Apr 1949: Even though the squadron’s
SEVENTY FOUR (VF-174) on 15 February 1950. designation was attack (VA) its mission during this
Redesignated Attack Squadron ONE HUNDRED period, with the assigned F4U-4 Corsairs, was high
SEVENTY FOUR (VA-174) on 1 July 1966. altitude intercept.
Disestablished on 30 June 1988. The second Oct 1948–Feb 1949: VA-134, assigned to CVG-1,
squadron to be assigned the VA-174 designation. embarked in Tarawa (CV 40), was part of an all-fight-
er aircraft air group deployed on a world cruise.
Squadron Insignia Jan 1949: The squadron operated in the Persian Gulf
and Nickname while embarked in Tarawa.
Feb 1955: While deployed aboard Midway (CVA
The squadron’s
43), the squadron supported the evacuation of
Walt Disney designed
Chinese Nationalist civilians and military personnel
insignia was ap-
from the Tachen Islands which were being bombarded
proved by CNO on
by the People’s Republic of China.
23 May 1944. Colors
28 Apr 1958: The squadron’s mission was changed
for the bat insignia
to the training of pilots and enlisted men for F8U
were: a lemon yellow
Crusader fleet squadrons on the east coast.
background; the
10–17 May 1958: Four squadron Crusaders partici-
underside of the bat’s
This Walt Disney design was the pated in Operation Pipeline, the transAtlantic flight of
squadron’s first insignia. wings were reddish
carrier jet aircraft for the resupply of deployed
brown and the upper
squadrons in the Sixth Fleet.
side orange; the bat’s face, neck, feet and lower part of
14 Oct 1966: VA-174 was the first Navy squadron to
the razor were orange; the upper part of the razor was
receive the A-7A Corsair II aircraft.
light blue with white markings; the bat’s eye was
Jan 1967: VA-86 was the first squadron to undergo
white, pupil black and horns white outlined in black;
training with VA-174 in the A-7A.
white machine gun with
9 Dec 1976: Lieutenant Junior Grade Rosemary
black markings and red
Conatser, while undergoing pilot training with VA-174,
flame from the gun;
became the first woman to fly the A-7 Corsair II.
black bombs with white
markings and the letter-
ing “Hell Razors” was
red. The red color was
not authorized for use
during World War II.
The insignia re-mained
in use throughout out
the squadron’s numer-
ous redesignations. The squadron added the scroll at the
Nickname: Hell bottom of the original insignia fol-
Razors, 1944–1988. lowing its redesignation to VA-174.

Chronology of Significant Events

23–31 Aug 1944: The squadron, along with other
units of CVG-81, embarked in Hancock (CV 19) for
transportation to Hawaii.
A squadron SB2C-3 Helldiver coming in for a landing, 1945
28 Oct–7 Nov 1944: Embarked in Copahee (CVE 12) (Courtesy Robert Lawson Collection).
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 249

Home Port Assignments Commanding Officers

Location Assignment Date Date Assumed Command

NAS Wildwood 01 Mar 1944* CDR Jerry L. Terrell 16 May 1975
NAAF Otis Field 08 May 1944* CDR John S. McCain III 01 Jul 1976
NAS San Diego 10 Aug 1944* CDR John F. Calhoun 28 Jul 1977
NAS Puunene 01 Sep 1944* CDR John D. Rasmussen 26 Oct 1978
NAS Guam 27 Dec 1944 CDR Robert J. Naughton 17 Jan 1980
NAS San Diego 31 Mar 1945 CDR Robert S. Smith 12 Mar 1981
NAS Pasco 13 May 1945 CAPT D. B. Hunt Jul 1982
NAS Wildwood 05 Aug 1945 CAPT Robert L. Kiem 31 Aug 1983
NAS Quonset Point 19 Sep 1945 CDR Michael B. Nordeen 06 Sep 1984
NAS San Diego Jul 1946 CDR Charles A. Cook 06 Sep 1985
NAS Sand Point 28 Jun 1947 CDR E. Evan Shipe III 29 Apr 1986
NAS San Diego 02 Sep 1947 CDR Dean M. Hendrickson 16 Apr 1987
NAS Jacksonville 11 Apr 1949
* Commander H. P. Lanham was detached as Commanding Officer
NAS Cecil Field Apr 1954 of VB-81 and assigned as Commanding Officer of VF-81. There is no
record of who assumed the position as acting commanding officer
* Temporary shore assignment while the squadron conducted train- of VB-81 while it was shore based at Guam.
ing in preparation for combat deployment.

Commanding Officers

Date Assumed Command

LCDR Harvey P. Lanham 01 Mar 1944
Feb 1945*
LT Hugh Burns (acting) 13 May 1945
LT Hugh Burns 04 Jun 1945
LTJG W. D. Page (acting) 09 Sep 1945
LCDR William E. Rouse 21 Sep 1945
LT Loren E. Nelson (acting) 07 Nov 1946
LCDR Gene C. Anderson 13 Jan 1947
LT Martin G. O’Neill (acting) 06 Jun 1948
LCDR S. C. Walls 06 Jul 1948
CDR John C. Kelly 20 Jun 1949
LCDR Ralph E. Elliott, Jr. 25 May 1950 A squadron F4U-4 Corsair launching from the deck of Tarawa (CV
LCDR Paul B. Garrison 14 Aug 1951 40) during her world cruise in 1948-1949.
LCDR John H. Iarrobino 20 Jun 1952
CDR George H. Sult Mar 1953 Aircraft Assignment
CDR J. C. Schroeder Sep 1955
LCDR John F. Davis Aug 1957 Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received
CDR W. S. Miller 09 Jan 1959 SB2C-3 Mar 1944
CDR R. T. Hoppe 01 Jul 1960 SB2C-1C Mar 1944
CDR Carl C. Dace 09 Jun 1961 SB2C-4E May 1945
CDR Edward Iglesias Feb 1962 SB2C-5 Dec 1945
CDR Homer A. Winter Jul 1963 SBW-5 Jan 1946
CDR Wiley A. Scott 28 Aug 1964 F4U-4 04 Mar 1948
CDR G. L. Gray, Jr. 11 Aug 1965 F4U-5 Jun 1950
CDR Donald S. Ross 12 Aug 1966 F9F-6 Jan 1953
CDR William F. Sallada 16 Jun 1967 FJ-3 Sep 1955
CDR Edwin M. Crow 09 Aug 1968 F9F-8 Mar 1956
CDR J. E. Russ 03 Jul 1969 F8U-1/F-8A* 30 Oct 1957
CDR Roger C. Bos 04 Sep 1970 TV-2 17 Sep 1958
CDR John J. Lahr 06 Aug 1971 F9F-8T 08 Jul 1959
CDR Rolland K. Shea 07 Jul 1972 F8U-1P/RF-8A* Oct 1959
CDR Michael G. Basford 01 Jun 1973 F8U-2/F-8C* Oct 1959
CDR Donald B. Gilbert 27 Jun 1974 F8U-1E/F-8B* Jul 1959
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250 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

Aircraft Assignment

Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received

F8U-2N/F-8D* Nov 1960
F8U-2NE/F-8E* Apr 1962
A-7A 14 Oct 1966
A-7B 09 Jul 1968
A-7E 18 Dec 1969
T-39D 1975
TA-7C 09 Jun 1978
A flight of squadron F9F-8 Cougars during their deployment aboard
* The F8U Crusader designations were changed in 1962 to F-8. Bennington (CVA 20) in 1956–1957.

Major Overseas Deployments

Date of Date of Air Type of Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Aircraft Operation

10 Nov 1944 27 Dec 1944 CVG-81 CV 18 SB2C-3 Pacific

03 Jul 1946 15 Apr 1947 CVG-81* CV 37 SB2C-5/SBW-5 WestPac
01 Oct 1948 21 Feb 1949 CVG-1 CV 40 F4U-4 World Cruise
09 Sep 1950 01 Feb 1951 CVG-17 CVB 43 F4U-5 Med
03 Sep 1952 18 Dec 1952 CVG-17 CVA 42 F4U-4 NorLant/Med
27 Dec 1954 14 Jul 1955 CVG-1 CVA 41 F9F-6 World Cruise
15 Oct 1956 22 May 1957 ATG-181 CVA 20 F9F-8 WestPac

* During the deployment CVG-81 was redesignated CVAG-13.

Air Wing Assignments * CVG-81 was redesignated CVAG-13 on 15 November 1946 and
then redesignated CVG-13 on 1 September 1948.
Air Wing Tail Code Assignment Date
CVG-81/CVAG-13/ P† 01 Mar 1944 † The tail code P was assigned to CVAG-13 on 12 December 1946.
CVG-13* ‡ The squadron left ATG-181 upon its return from the WestPac
CVG-1 T 22 Sep 1948 deployment in May 1957. VF-174 probably remained under
CVG-13 P 25 Feb 1949 Commander Fleet Air Jacksonville until its assignment to CVG-1.
COMFAIRJACKSONVILLE 30 Nov 1949 However, no records are available to confirm this supposition.
CVG-17 R 14 Feb 1950
§ RCVG-4 was redesignated RCVW-4 when Carrier Air Groups
CVG-1 T Apr 1954
(CVG/RCVG) were redesignated Carrier Air Wings (CVW/RCVW) on
ATG-181 I Oct 1956
20 December 1963.
COMFAIRJACKSONVILLE May 1957‡
CVG-1 AB 01 Nov 1957 ** RCVW-4 was disestablished on 1 June 1970. However, the
RCVG-4/RCVW-4§ AD 16 Mar 1958 squadrons that had been assigned to RCVW-4, such as VA-174, con-
COMLATWING-1 AD** 01 Jun 1970 tinued to use RCVW-4’s AD tail code.

A squadron F-8E
Crusader at MCAAS
Yuma, 1963
(Courtesy William
Swisher Collection).
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 251

Unit Awards Received Unit Awards Received—Continued

Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award
Campaign Medal 01 Jul 1953 30 Jun 1954
(Asiatic Pacific) 12 Dec 1944 27 Dec 1944 MUC 10 Jun 1976 26 Apr 1977
NUC 14 Nov 1944 19 Nov 1944 05 Feb 1979 03 Sep 1980
14 Dec 1944 16 Dec 1944 01 Jan 1984 01 Apr 1985
01 Jul 1950 30 Jun 1951 01 Apr 1985 31 Dec 1986

A squadron A-7 Corsair II loaded with weapons.

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252 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

VA-175 16 Feb 1945: The squadron participated in its first

combat operations, flying sorties against the air strip at
Lineage Hachijo Jima and against airfields in the Tokyo area.
The squadron’s commanding officer, Lieutenant
Established as Torpedo Squadron EIGHTY TWO Commander E. D. DeGarmo, was awarded the Silver
(VT-82) on 1 April 1944. Star for his actions during the missions against the
Redesignated Attack Squadron EIGHTEEN A (VA-18A) Japanese airfields.
on 15 November 1946. 20–22 Feb 1945: The squadron provided close air
Redesignated Attack Squadron ONE HUNDRED support for operations on Iwo Jima.
SEVENTY FIVE (VA-175) on 11 August 1948. 19 Mar 1945: Squadron aircraft participated in
Disestablished on 15 March 1958. The first squadron strikes against the Japanese Fleet, which included the
to be assigned the VA-175 designation. battleship Yamato, located near Kure and Hiroshima
in the Inland Sea.
Squadron Insignia and Nickname 7 Apr 1945: Squadron aircraft were the first to attack
a powerful Japanese Task Force that had sortied from
The squadron’s first
the Inland Sea and were operating west of Kyushu.
insignia was approved
This force included the battleship Yamato and her
by CNO on 4 December
escorts. The squadron achieved hits on two destroyers
1945. Colors for the
and one light cruiser, sinking one of the destroyers.
devil insignia were: a
Attacks from other task force aircraft resulted in the
hyacinth blue back-
sinking of the Yamato, a cruiser and three other
ground; a white hypo-
destroyers. Seven squadron pilots were awarded the
dermic needle with a
Navy Cross for their actions during this engagement.
black tip; the devil was
They were: Lieutenant Commander Edward E.
red with yellow eyes
DeGarmo; Lieutenants Jesse W. Naul, Jr. and Norman
and black pupils; yel-
A. Wiese; and Lieutenant (jg)s John F. Gilbreath, Jr.,
The first squadron insignia was low horns and teeth;
Wilfred O. McDowell, Donald B. Barber and Charles
the devil design. and black wings with
R. Walton.
white ribs.
Mar–May 1945: The squadron was involved in
A new insignia was approved by CNO on 18
preinvasion strikes on Okinawa and provided support
October 1951. Colors for the winged figure were: a
following the invasion of the island.
black background with a yellow border; red winged
17 Jun 1945: VT-82 completed its tour of combat
figure with black mark-
duty and embarked in White Plains (CVE 66) for its
ings, white skull with
transit back to the States, arriving at NAS Alameda on
black markings and the
9 July.
wings were black with
Nov–Dec 1956: Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA 42), with
red markings; white
VA-175 embarked, was ordered to deploy and operate
cloud with black mark-
off the coast of Spain as a result of the Suez Canal crisis.
ings; yellow bomb with
black markings and a
green nose; green rock-
et with black markings,
a red nose and yellow
and red flames coming
from the tail.
Nickname: Devil’s During Korea the winged skull
Diplomats, time frame man was approved for used by the
unknown. squadron.

Chronology of Significant Events

15 Dec 1944–7 Jan 1945: The squadron, embarked
in Bennington (CV 20), was in transit from Norfolk to
Hawaii, with a two day stop over at San Diego.
7 Jan 1945: The squadron’s commanding officer,
Lieutenant Commander W. F. Eadie, was killed in an
A squadron flak-damaged TBM-3 Avenger returning from a combat
automobile accident. mission in February 1945.
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 253

Home Port Assignments Commanding Officers

Location Assignment Date Date Assumed Command

NAS Quonset Point 01 Apr 1944 LCDR Malcolm E. Wolfe 19 Mar 1951
NAAF New Bedford 13 Apr 1944* LCDR Ross A. Knight 29 May 1952
NAAS Oceana 16 Jun 1944* LCDR P. P. Hambsch (acting) 01 Aug 1953
NAS Quonset Point 13 Nov 1944* CDR M. J. Hanley Aug 1953
NAS Kahului 08 Jan 1945* LCDR J. M. Nifong 10 Oct 1953
NAS Alameda Jul 1945 CDR W. L. Nyburg Oct 1954
NAF Newport Mar 1946 CDR E. F. Gallagher 28 Oct 1955
NAS Quonset Point Apr 1946 CDR E. H. Potter, Jr. Dec 1955
NAAS Cecil Field 11 Jan 1949
NAS Jacksonville 09 Jan 1950 Aircraft Assignment
* Temporary shore assignment while the squadron conducted train- Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received
ing in preparation for combat deployment.
TMF-1/TBM-1 Apr 1944
TBM-1C Apr 1944
Commanding Officers TBM-3 06 Aug 1944
TBM-3E Sep 1945
Date Assumed Command TBM-3Q May 1946
LCDR William F. Eadie 01 Apr 1944 TBM-3J Mar 1947
LCDR Edward E. DeGarmo 09 Jan 1945 AD-3 16 Feb 1949
LT Norman A. Wiese (acting) 03 Jun 1945 AD-4 04 Apr 1950
LCDR William I. McGowan Aug 1945 AD-4L Feb 1951
LCDR Guiseppi Macri 11 Feb 1948 AD-4B Feb 1953
LCDR John E. Kennedy 15 Jul 1949 AD-6 Aug 1954

Major Overseas Deployments

Date of Date of Air Type of Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Aircraft Operation

29 Jan 1945 17 Jun 1945 CVG-82 CV 20 TBM-3 Pacific

22 Oct 1946 21 Dec 1946 CVAG-17 CV 15 TBM-3E/Q Med
20 May 1947 11 Aug 1947 CVAG-17 CV 15 TBM-3E/Q/J NorLant/Carib
07 Jun 1948 06 Aug 1948 CVG-17 CVB 43 TBM-3E/Q/J Med/Carib
09 Sep 1950 01 Feb 1951 CVG-17 CVB 43 AD-4 Med
03 Sep 1951 04 Feb 1952 CVG-17 CVB 42 AD-4/4L Med
26 Aug 1952 19 Dec 1952 CVG-17 CVB 42 AD-4/4L NorLant/Med
16 Sep 1953 01 May 1954 CVG-17 CVA 18 AD-4/B/L World Cruise
05 Apr 1955 29 Sep 1955 CVG-17 CVA 43 AD-6 Med
12 Jul 1957 05 Mar 1958 CVG-17 CVA 42 AD-6 Med

A flight of squadron TBM-3E Avengers in July

1948 (Courtesy Duane Kasulka Collection).
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254 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

Air Wing Assignments ‡ The tail code was changed from R to AL in 1957. The effective date
for this change was most likely the beginning of FY 58 (1 July 1957).
Air Wing Tail Code Assignment Date
CVG-82/CVAG-17/ R†/AL‡ 01 Apr 1944 Unit Awards Received
CVG-17* Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award
NAVE 01 Jul 1948 30 Jun 1949
* CVG-82 was redesignated CVAG-17 on 15 November 1946 and Campaign Medal
then redesignated CVG-17 on 1 September 1948.
(Asiatic Pacific) 15 Feb 1945 04 Mar 1945
† The tail code R was assigned to CVAG-17 on 12 December 1946.
17 Mar 1945 11 Jun 1945

A squadron AD-3 or 4 Skyraider, circa 1948 or 1949. Notice the Battle E on the fuselage (Courtesy Duane Kasulka Collection).
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 255

VA-176 2–19 Jun 1961: Following the assassination of the

Dominican Republic’s dictator, General Rafael Trujillo,
Lineage the squadron operated from Shangri-La off the coast
of that country until the domestic situation began to
Established as Attack Squadron ONE HUNDRED stabilize.
SEVENTY SIX (VA-176) on 1 June 1955. May 1963: The squadron operated from Shangri-La
Disestablished 30 October 1992. The first squadron in the Caribbean during the period of unrest in Haiti
to be assigned the VA-176 designation. and the civil strife with the Dominican Republic.
Aug 1965: Squadron aircraft were used in Operation
Squadron Insignia and Pinwheel on several occasions while Shangri-La was
Nickname moored at Naples, Italy. The aircraft were secured to
the deck of the carrier and the thrust from their pro-
The squadron’s first
pellers were used to help prevent the ship, which was
insignia was approved
undergoing repairs, from breaking out of her mooring
by CNO on 16 July
during bad weather and high winds.
1956. Colors for torch
4 Apr 1966: VA-176 deployed to Vietnam as a com-
insignia were: a light
ponent of CVW-10 embarked in Intrepid (CVS 11).
blue background out-
This was the first all attack air wing formed and the
lined in dark blue; the
first to deploy. Two squadron were flying the A-1
shield was outlined in
Skyraider and two the A-4 Skyhawk.
white with white stars
15 May 1966: Flying from Dixie Station, the
The torch design was the squad- on a dark blue field; the
ron’s first insignia. squadron conducted its first combat sorties, flying
outer thunderbolt was
strikes against insurgent forces in the Republic of
international orange and
Vietnam.
the inner one was light blue; white mailed fist with
9 Oct 1966: While flying a rescue combat air patrol
black markings; yellow torch with black markings and
mission, four squadron aircraft engaged four North
a bright red flame; white atomic clouds with blue bor-
Vietnamese MiGs. Lieutenant (jg) William T. Patton
ders and markings. The scroll had a white background
shot down one of the MiG-17s during the engagement.
outlined in dark blue with dark blue lettering.
This was the first and only shoot down of an enemy
The squadron’s sec-
jet aircraft by a propeller driven plane during the
ond insignia was
Vietnam Conflict. For this action, Lieutenant (jg) Patton
approved by CNO on 3
was awarded the Silver Star.
January 1974. Colors for
8 Jun 1967: When Israeli forces attacked Liberty
this insignia were: a
(AGTR 5), four squadron aircraft were launched from
dark blue background
Saratoga (CVA 60) and ordered to proceed to the ship
and scroll outlined in
and defend it. Shortly after their launch the aircraft
black and white; white
were recalled when Israel apologized for the attack.
stars and lettering; blue
Aug 1969: Squadron A-6A Intruders were used in
mailed fist is outlined in
operation Storm Fury 1969. The aircraft were used to
white; and an orange
seed Hurrican Debbie by flying sorties that penetrated
lightning bolt.
the wall of the hurricane, flew through the eye and
The squadron’s second insignia Nickname: Thunder-
exited the wall again, at which time seeding chemicals
adopted the mailed fist. bolts, 1955–1992.
were dispensed.
25 Sep 1970: VA-176 became the first fleet squadron
Chronology of Significant Events to operate the KA-6D tanker aircraft.
Oct–Dec 1956: Randolph (CVA 15), with VA-176 Oct-Nov 1973: The squadron, embarked in Franklin
embarked, was ordered to operate off the coast of D. Roosevelt (CVA 42), operated in the vicinity of Crete
Egypt in response to the Suez War. in response to the Arab-Israeli war.
14 Nov–8 Dec 1960: Following a request from Jun 1976: The American Ambassador to Lebanon was
Guatemala and Nicaragua, a Navy patrol was estab- assassinated on 13 June and America (CV 66), with VA-
lished off the coast of these Central American coun- 176 embarked, operated in the vicinity of Lebanon.
tries to prevent infiltration by communists from Cuba. Squadron aircraft flew support missions during the
The squadron operated from Shangri-La (CVA 38) evacuation of noncombatants from that country.
until 25 November when it conducted a complete May 1981: Independence (CV 62), with VA-176
transfer of aircraft and personnel from Shangri-La to embarked, following its transit of the Suez Canal,
Wasp (CVA 18) while underway. It remained on station remained on station in the eastern Mediterranean due
aboard Wasp until 8 December. to the crisis between Israel and Syria following Israeli
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256 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

raids against Syrian surface-to-air missile sites in strike against Syrian radar, communications and artillery
Lebanon. positions overlooking the Multi-National Peacekeeping
25 Oct–1 Nov 1983: In response to continued politi- Forces. All five of the squadron aircraft completed their
cal strife and the need to protect and evacuate mission and returned safely to the carrier.
Americans from the island country of Granada, VA-176 Jun–Jul 1988: The squadron flew support for Earnest
aircraft flew combat close air support and reconnais- Will Missions, escort operations for reflagged Kuwaiti
sance sorties in support of operation Urgent Fury, the oil tankers during the Iraq-Iranian War in the Persian
landing of U.S. Marines and Army rangers on the Gulf.
island. Jun–Sep 1991: The squadron flew missions in sup-
4 Dec 1983: In response to hostile fire against U.S. port of Operation Provide Comfort, supporting the
reconnaissance aircraft from Syrian positions in 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s mission to aid the
Lebanon, VA-176 aircraft participated in a coordinated Kurdish refugees in Iraq following the Gulf War.

A squadron A-1H Skyraider launching from the deck of Intrepid (CVS 11) during their combat deployment to Vietnam in 1966. Note the sortie
mission marks and the aircraft symbol for a MiG shoot down on the fuselage just below the canopy.

Home Port Assignments Commanding Officers

Location Assignment Date Date Assumed Command

NAS Cecil Field 01 Jun 1955 CDR B. B. Forbes, Jr. 11 Sep 1961
NAS Jacksonville Feb 1955 CDR H. P. Maulden 1962
NAS Oceana May 1968 CDR R. Brooke 27 Sep 1963
CDR George D. Edwards, Jr. 09 Oct 1964
Commanding Officers CDR Robert J. Martin 08 Oct 1965
CDR A. R. Ashworth 27 Sep 1966
Date Assumed Command CDR J. T. French 01 Aug 1967
CDR James M. O’Brien 01 Jun 1955 CDR Charles L. Cook 25 Apr 1968
CDR L. W. S. Cummins 10 Apr 1957 CDR John B. Davis 30 Aug 1969
CDR D. C. Standley 17 Mar 1958 CDR Howard W. Alexander 11 Aug 1970
CDR U. W. Patrick 27 Feb 1959 CDR Samson Mikitarian 24 Aug 1971
CDR Robert J. Stegg 30 Mar 1960 CDR Richard M. Dunleavy 31 Jul 1972
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 257

Commanding Officers

Date Assumed Command

CDR John H. McKenzie 18 Jun 1973
CDR Raymond P. Ilg 27 Jun 1974
CDR Robert H. Ferguson 10 Oct 1975
CDR Marshall A. Howard 06 Feb 1977
CDR Manuel Oretega 23 Mar 1978
CDR Frank L. Stauts 15 Jun 1979
CDR Douglas K. Griffith 02 Sep 1980
CDR Timothy R. Beard 19 Nov 1981
CDR Michael P. Currie 11 Feb 1983
CDR James E. Hurston 26 Jul 1984
CDR Gary W. Stubbs 23 Jan 1986
CDR Ross A. Word 04 Jun 1987
CDR Frank W. Montesano 08 Dec 1988
CDR William G. Ballard 01 Jun 1990
CDR Lee A. Hawks 31 Jul 1991

Aircraft Assignment
Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received
AD-6/A-1H* Jun 1955
A-6A 05 Feb 1969
KA-6D 25 Sep 1970
A-6C 1971
A-6E Jul 1975 Lieutenant (jg) William T. Patton standing alongside the A-1H
Skyraider that he was flying when he shot down a North Vietnamese
* The AD-6 designation was changed to A-1H in 1962. MiG-17 on 9 October 1966.

Major Overseas Deployments

Date of Date of Air Type of Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Aircraft Operation

14 Jul 1956 19 Feb 1957 ATG-202 CVA 15 AD-6 Med

07 Aug 1959 26 Feb 1960 CVG-10 CVA 9 AD-6 Med
06 Sep 1960 20 Oct 1960 CVG-10 CVA 38 AD-6 NorLant
02 Feb 1961 15 May 1961 CVG-10 CVA 38 AD-6 Med
07 Feb 1962 28 Aug 1962 CVG-10 CVA 38 AD-6 Med
01 Oct 1963 23 May 1964 CVW-10 CVA 38 A-1H Med
15 Feb 1965 20 Sep 1965 CVW-10 CVA 38 A-1H Med
04 Apr 1966 21 Nov 1966 CVW-10 CVS 11 A-1H Med/IO/West
Pac/Vietnam
02 May 1967 06 Dec 1967 CVW-3 CVA 60 A-1H Med
02 Jan 1970 27 Jul 1970 CVW-6 CVA 42 A-6A Med
29 Jan 1971 23 Jul 1971 CVW-6 CVA 42 A-6A & KA-6D Med
15 Feb 1972 08 Dec 1972 CVW-6 CVA 42 A-6A/C & KA-6D Med
14 Sep 1973 17 Mar 1974 CVW-6 CVA 42 A-6A/C & KA-6D Med
03 Jan 1975 16 Jul 1975 CVW-6 CV 42 A-6A/C & KA-6D Med
15 Apr 1976 25 Oct 1976 CVW-6 CV 66 A-6E & KA-6D Med
10 Jun 1977 19 Jul 1977 CVW-6 CV 66 A-6E & KA-6D SoLant
29 Sep 1977 25 Apr 1978 CVW-6 CV 66 A-6E & KA-6D Med
28 Jun 1979 14 Dec 1979 CVW-6 CV 62 A-6E & KA-6D Med
19 Nov 1980 10 Jun 1981 CVW-6 CV 62 A-6E & KA-6D SoLant/IO/Med
07 Jun 1982 22 Dec 1982 CVW-6 CV 62 A-6E & KA-6D Med
18 Oct 1983 11 Apr 1984 CVW-6 CV 62 A-6E & KA-6D Carib/Med/
NorLant
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258 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

Major Overseas Deployments—Continued

Date of Date of Air Type of Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Aircraft Operation

16 Oct 1984 19 Feb 1985 CVW-6 CV 62 A-6E & KA-6D Med/IO

02 Jun 1986 10 Nov 1986 CVW-6 CV 59 A-6E & KA-6D Med
28 Aug 1987 08 Oct 1987 CVW-6 CV 59 A-6E & KA-6D NorLant
25 Apr 1988 07 Oct 1988 CVW-6 CV 59 A-6E & KA-6D Med/IO/NorLant
03 Nov 1989 12 Apr 1990 CVW-6 CV 59 A-6E & KA-6D Med
30 May 1991 21 Dec 1991 CVW-6 CV 59 A-6E & KA-6D Med

Air Wing Assignments Unit Awards Received

Air Wing Tail Code Assignment Date Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award
ATG-202 X*/AQ† 01 Jun 1955 NAVE 01 Jul 1962 30 Jun 1963
01 Jul 1964 30 Jun 1965
CVG-17 AL 15 Mar 1958 01 Jul 1974 30 Jun 1975
COMFAIRJACKSON- 01 Jan 1988 31 Dec 1988
VILLE 13 Sep 1958 01 Jan 1989 31 Dec 1989
CVG-10/CVW-10‡ AK 16 Apr 1959 01 Jan 1990 31 Dec 1990
CVW-3 AC 01 Mar 1967 NEM 07 Dec 1980 11 May 1981
20 Aug 1982 05 Sep 1982
COMFAIRJACKSON- 01 Oct 1982 06 Dec 1982
VILLE 06 Dec 1967§ 16 Nov 1983 30 Nov 1983
COMFAIRNORFOLK May 1968 AFEM 24 Oct 1983 02 Nov 1983
CVW-6 AE 01 Apr 1969 16 Nov 1983 22 Dec 1983
28 Dec 1983 03 Jan 1984
15 Jan 1984 03 Feb 1984
* The tail code X was not assigned to ATG-202 until 1956. 09 Feb 1984 02 Mar 1984
HSM 20 Jun 1976 27 Jul 1976
† The tail code was changed from X to AQ in 1957. The effective date
for this change was most likely the beginning of FY 58 (1 July 1957).
MUC 09 Mar 1972 01 Dec 1972
01 May 1987 08 Oct 1988
‡ CVG-10 was redesignated CVW-10 when Carrier Air Groups (CVG) NUC 20 Oct 1983 03 Mar 1984
were redesignated Carrier Air Wings (CVW) on 20 December 1963. JMUA Jun 1991 Sep 1991
§ VA-176 was tansferred from CVW-3 when it returned from its Med
VNSM 05 May 1966 06 May 1966
deployment on 6 December 1967. It is believed the squadron came 14 May 1966 17 Jun 1966
under the control of Commander Fleet Air Jacksonville until its 08 Jul 1966 10 Aug 1966
transfer to Commander Fleet Air Norfolk, when it began transition 01 Sep 1966 23 Sep 1966
training for the A-6 Intruder. 02 Oct 1966 18 Oct 1966
RVNGC 01 May 1966 01 Oct 1966

A squadron A-6E Intruder in

flight, 1976.
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 259

VA-185 Dec 1989: Midway, with VA-185 embarked, main-

tained station off the coast of Philippines during an
Lineage attempted coup in that country.
Nov 1990–Jan 1991: The squadron flew missions in
support of Operation Desert Shield, the build-up of
Established as Attack Squadron ONE HUNDRED American and Allied forces to counter a threatened
EIGHTY FIVE (VA-185) on 1 December 1986 invasion of Saudi Arabia by Iraq and were part of an
Disestablished on 30 August 1991. The first economic blockade of Iraq to force its withdrawal
squadron to be assigned the VA-185 designation. from Kuwait.
Jan–Feb 1991: The squadron participated in
Squadron Insignia and Nickname Operation Desert Storm. VA-185 led the first air strikes
from naval elements operating in the Persian Gulf.
The squadron’s insignia was approved by CNO on 8
During the Gulf War, squadron aircraft struck Iraqi
September 1986. Colors for the hawk insignia were: a
naval targets and bases, airfields and bridges, and pro-
black background; a
vided close air support for Allied ground forces. The
blue sea and white sky
squadron flew a total of 457 combat missions, com-
with black markings;
prising 940 combat flight hours and delivered 720,000
white hawk with black
pounds of ordnance on enemy targets.
markings, red eyes and
6 Aug 1991: The squadron held a disestablishment
claws; gold star; blue
ceremony at NAF Atsugi, Japan. It was officially dises-
upper scroll outlined in
tablished on 30 August 1991.
black with gold letter-
ing; gold lower scroll
Home Port Assignments
outlined in black with
blue lettering. Location Assignment Date
Nickname: Night- NAS Whidbey Island 01 Dec 1986
The squadron’s Nighthawks
insignia. hawks, 1986–1991. NAF Atsugi, Japan* 13 Sep 1987
* VA-185 was forward deployed and based aboard Midway (CV 41).
Chronology of Significant Events
Sep 1987: The squadron was forward deployed to Commanding Officers
NAS Atsugi, Japan, and assigned to Midway (CV 41), Date Assumed Command
home ported at Naval Station Yokosuka, Japan.
CDR William J. Magnan 01 Dec 1986
Nov 1987–Jan 1988: The squadron flew support for
CDR Michael J. McCamish 18 Nov 1988
Earnest Will Missions, escort operations for reflagged
CDR Bernard M. Satterwhite, Jr. 01 Jun 1990
Kuwaiti oil tankers during the Iraq-Iranian War in the
Persian Gulf.
Aircraft Assignment
Sep 1988: VA-185, embarked in Midway, operated in
the Sea of Japan during the summer Olympics being Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received
held in Seoul, Korea, to demonstrate U.S. support for a A-6E 18 Feb 1987
peaceful olympics. KA-6D 19 Sep 1987

Major Overseas Deployments

Date of Date of Air Type of Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Aircraft Operation

15 Oct 1987 12 Apr 1988 CVW-5 CV 41 A-6E & KA-6D WestPac/IO

18 Oct 1988 09 Nov 1988 CVW-5 CV 41 A-6E & KA-6D WestPac
21 Jan 1989 24 Feb 1989 CVW-5 CV 41 A-6E & KA-6D WestPac
27 Feb 1989 09 Apr 1989 CVW-5 CV 41 A-6E & KA-6D WestPac
31 May 1989 25 Jul 1989 CVW-5 CV 41 A-6E & KA-6D WestPac
15 Aug 1989 11 Dec 1989 CVW-5 CV 41 A-6E & KA-6D WestPac/IO
25 Jan 1990 06 Apr 1990 CVW-5 CV 41 A-6E & KA-6D WestPac
02 Oct 1990 17 Apr 1991 CVW-5 CV 41 A-6E & KA-6D WestPac/IO/
Persian Gulf
Note: Deployments will cover only those operations which take the carrier outside the home waters of Japan. It does not include squadron
shore-based operations in Korea or the Philippines.
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260 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

Air Wing Assignments

Air Wing Tail Code Assignment Date

COMMATVAQ-
WINGPAC 01 Dec 1986
CVW-5 NF 13 Sep 1987

Unit Awards Received

Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award
MUC 01 Dec 1986 15 Oct 1987
15 Oct 1989 29 Oct 1989
KLM 17 Jan 1991 28 Feb 1991
SASM 02 Nov 1990 14 Mar 1991
NAVE 01 Jan 1989 31 Dec 1989
01 Jan 1990 31 Dec 1990
NUC 17 Jan 1991 07 Feb 1991

A flight of squadron A-6E Intruders, July 1987 (Courtesy Robert Lawson).

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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 261

VA-194 CNO on 11 March 1948 pending the removal of the

squadron designation. Colors for the winged lightning
Lineage bolt were: a blue background with a white inner bor-
der ringed by a yellow rope; maroon lightning bolt;
Established as Bombing Squadron NINETEEN (VB- and the wings were yellow with black markings.
19) on 15 August 1943. Nickname: unknown.
Redesignated Attack Squadron NINETEEN A (VA-
19A) on 15 November 1946.
Redesignated Attack Squadron ONE HUNDRED Chronology of Significant Events
NINTY FOUR (VA-194) on 24 August 1948. 18–21 Jul 1944: The squadron’s first combat sorties
Disestablished on 1 December 1949. The first involved preinvasion strikes on Guam. It also provided
squadron to be assigned the VA-194 designation. support for the initial landings on the island.
Jul–Oct 1944: Squadron aircraft flew sorties against
targets on Palau, Bonin Islands, the Philippines,
Squadron Insignia and Nickname
including Mindanao and Luzon, Okinawa, Formosa
The squadron’s first insignia was approved by CNO and the Pescadores.
on 26 May 1944. Colors 24 Oct 1944: Squadron aircraft participated in several
for the winged lion ram- major engagements during the Battle for Leyte Gulf. VB-
pant and bomb were: 19 aircraft flew search missions from north of Lingayen
yellow shield outlined Gulf to the northern tip of Mindoro to locate the
in black; black bomb; Japanese Task Force. It struck the Japanese Central
and a green winged lion Force in the Sibuyan Sea, which included the super bat-
rampant with black tleship Musashi. However, only limited damage was
markings on the wings caused by the squadron’s attack since its aircraft were
and a red eye and armed only with general purpose bombs instead of
tongue. armor piercing bombs. For his actions during this
A new insignia was engagement Lieutenant Leonard R. Swanson was award-
approved by CNO on 9 ed the Navy Cross and Lieutenant (jg)s Stuart E. Crapser
July 1945. Colors for this and Herbert N. Walters were awarded Silver Stars.
The rampant winged lion was the insignia were: a medium 24 Oct 1944: The squadron’s commanding officer,
squadron’s first insignia. blue background; a yel- Commander R. S. McGowan, failed to return from a
low flying bomb with
combat mission and was declared missing in action.
black markings, its wings
25 Oct 1944: The squadron participated in coordi-
were chartreuse with a
nated attacks against the Japanese Carrier Task Force
white star on a circular
in the Battle Off Cape Engano. VB-19 aircraft claimed
blue background; yellow
rockets and chartreuse they either sunk or assisted in the sinking of three
machine guns with black Japanese carriers. Four Japanese carriers were sunk
markings; white bulldogs during the battle. Thirty-two squadron pilots were
with orange collars; the awarded the Navy Cross for their actions in this battle.
bulldog in front had a They were: Lieutenants Price R. Stradley, Robert D.
black face with yellow Niemeyer, John B. Gunter, William E. McBride, Emil B.
eyes, black pupils, and an Stella, Jack Meeker, John L. Butts, Jr., Donald F. Helm,
orange snout, tongue and Norman E. Thurmon, Donald F. Banker, Robert B.
lips and white teeth. Parker, Joe W. Williams, Jr., William A. Wright and
A new squadron The dogs riding a winged bomb
was the second insignia used by
Raymond G. Wicklander; Lieutenant (jg)s George H.
insignia was approved by the squadron. Bowen, Melvin L. Chapman, Robert E. Lee Duncan, Jr.,
Donald D. Engen, Arnost Jancar, Jerry B. Wilton,
Webster P. Wodell, Daniel Sadler, Jr., Louis A.
Heilmann, George W. Peck, Jack Scott, Stuart E.
Crapser, John H. Crocker, William T. Good and Robert
This insignia was tentatively
approved for the squadron.
G. Smith; and Ensigns Leon F. Kinard, Robert W.
However, the squadron was dis- Doyle and William H. Wagner, Jr. Two squadron per-
established three months after- sonnel were awarded the Silver Star for their actions;
wards and it most likely was not
implemented for use by the
they were: Lieutenants Donald F. Banker and Leonard
squadron. R. Swanson.
5–6 Nov 1944: The squadron’s final sorties involved
attacks on Manila Bay and the successfull sinking of a
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262 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

Japanese Heavy Cruiser on 5 November. For their Commanding Officers

actions in the sinking of the cruiser, Lieutenants
Donald F. Banker and Price R. Stradley were awarded Date Assumed Command
Gold Stars in lieu of their second Navy Cross. LCDR Richard S. McGowan 15 Aug 1943
26 Nov–14 Dec 1944: The squadron and air group LT Donald F. Banker (acting) 24 Oct 1944
were relieved by CVG-20 and were enroute from LT Price R. Stradley (acting) 05 Nov 1944
Ulithi Atoll, via Hawaii, to the States. LT Robert D. Niemeyer 20 Jan 1945
LCDR William H. Craven, Jr. Aug 1945
LCDR M. D. Norton, Jr. 06 Jun 1947
Home Port Assignments
LCDR W. Denton, Jr. 13 Sep 1947
Location Assignment Date CDR Edwin J. Kroeger 24 Aug 1948
NAAS Los Alamitos 15 Aug 1943
NAS Kahului 29 Feb 1944* Aircraft Assignment
NAS Alameda 20 Jan 1945*
Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received
NAAS Santa Rosa 06 Feb 1945*
SBD-5 Sep 1943
NAS Kahului 09 Aug 1945
SB2C-1 01 Apr 1944
NAS Barbers Point 04 Nov 1945
SB2C-1C May 1944
NAB Marpi Pt. and SB2C-3 Jun 1944
NAB Kobler, Saipan 01 Apr 1946† SB2C-4 Feb 1945
NAS Alameda 19 Aug 1946 SB2C-4E Feb 1945
* Temporary shore assignment while the squadron conducted train-
SB2C-5 Aug 1945
ing in preparation for combat deployment. AD-1 06 Dec 1946
† Temporary shore assignment while the squadron was deployed to AD-2 Sep 1948
WestPac. AD-3 10 Jan 1949

A squadron SB2C-5 Helldiver in flight, circa mid 1946 (Courtesy Robert Lawson Collection).
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 263

Major Overseas Deployments

Date of Date of Air Type of Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Aircraft Operation

10 Jul 1944 23 Nov 1944 CVG-19 CV 16 SB2C-3 Pacific

20 Apr 1946 09 Aug 1946 CVG-19 CV 36* SB2C-5 WestPac
* During the squadron deployment to WestPac aboard Antietam (CV 36) it was temporarily shore based at Saipan on several occasions.

Air Wing Assignments Unit Awards Received

Air Wing Tail Code Assignment Date Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award

CVG-19/CVAG-19* A/B† 15 Aug 1943 PUC 18 Jul 1944 05 Aug 1944

06 Sep 1944 06 Nov 1944
Campaign Medal
* CVG-19 was redesignated CVAG-19 on 15 November 1946.
(Asiatic Pacific) 18 Jul 1944 27 Aug 1944
† The tail code A was assigned to CVAG-19 on 12 December 1946. 31 Aug 1944 14 Oct 1944
On 4 August 1948 CVG-19’s tail code was changed to B. 10 Oct 1944 23 Nov 1944

A squadron AD-1 Skyraider launches from Princeton (CV 37), 1948 (Courtesy Robert Lawson Collection).
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264 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

VA-196 ace of spades is black; the devil’s face is superimposed

on the ace of spades and outlined in yellow, the teeth,
Lineage eyes and horns are white with black pupils and black
markings on the horns; the scroll has a white back-
ground outlined in black, with black lettering.
Established as Fighter Squadron ONE HUNDRED Nicknames: Thundercats, 1948–1950s.
FIFTY THREE (VF-153) on 15 July 1948. The Main Battery, 1950s-present.
Redesignated Fighter Squadron ONE HUNDRED Beginning in 1979 the squadron used
NINETY FOUR (VF-194) on 15 February 1950. Milestones interchangeably with its
Redesignated Attack Squadron ONE HUNDRED nickname Main Battery.
NINETY SIX (VA-196) on 4 May 1955. The first
squadron to be assigned the VA-196 designation.
Chronology of Significant Events
Squadron Insignia 11 Dec 1951: The squadron flew its first combat sor-
and Nickname ties, flying interdiction missions in Korea against
enemy lines of communications, transportation, indus-
There is no record trial and supply facilities.
of approval by CNO 22 Mar 1952: During a bombing run on a rail line
for the squadron’s first north of Kowon, Korea, Ensign K. A. Schechter was
insignia. The colors for wounded when an enemy shell struck the canopy of
the winged tiger prob- his AD Skyraider and exploded. He was blinded by
ably were: a white the blood from the wound causing him to maneuver
background outlined erractically. Lieutenant (jg) J. H. Thayer, heard Ensign
in red; gold wings with Schechter’s call for assistance and observing his erratic
The winged tiger, the squadron’s black markings; blue maneuvering, flew alongside and began giving radio
first insignia, is not recorded as waves with black instructions to the blinded pilot. Using Lieutenant
officially approved. markings; the clouds Thayer’s radio guidance, Ensign Schechter flew his
shaded gray with plane to an emergency air strip and successfully land-
black outlines; yellow claws and tiger head, with black ed the aircraft.
markings; and red lightning bolts with black markings. Feb 1955: In January 1955, the People’s Republic of
A new insignia was approved by CNO on 5 October China began bombardment of the Tachen Islands held
1950. Colors for the devil and ace of spades insignia by Nationalist China. In February squadron aircraft
were: a white background with a black border; the provided air cover during the evacuation of Chinese
devil was yellow with black markings; the machine Nationalist military and civilian personnel from the
gun, rocket and ammo belt were red with black mark- islands.
ings; the ace of spades was black; and the lightning Aug–Oct 1964: The squadron was involved in oper-
bolt was orange outlined in black. ations off the coast of Vietnam following the Tonkin
Following the squadron’s redesignation to VA-196, it Gulf Incident.
continued to use the devil and ace of spades insignia 21 Aug 1967: The squadron’s commanding officer,
until 14 September 1967 when CNO approved a new Commander L. T. Profilet and his NFO Lieutenant
insignia. Colors for the ace of spades with the devil Commander W. M. Hardman, were shot down and
face is: an orange background with a black border; the taken prisoner during a mission over North Vietnam.
They were released by North Vietnam and returned to
the U.S. on 29 March 1973.
Dec 1971: Following the outbreak of war between
India and Pakistan over East Pakistan (Bangladesh),
Enterprise (CVAN 65) was ordered to leave Yankee
Station for operations in the Indian Ocean. The carrier,
with VA-196 embarked, operated in the Bay of Bengal
until the early part of January 1972 and cessation of
hostilities.
Oct 1972: The squadron participated in Linebacker I
operations, heavy air strikes against targets in North
Vietnam to interdict the flow of supplies into South
Vietnam.
The devil and ace of spades The squadron modified its devil
insignia was the squadron’s sec- insignia in 1967 and adopted
Dec 1972: Squadron aircraft participated in
ond insignia and was used for the devil face superimposed on Linebacker II operations, an intensified version of
17 years. the ace of spades. Linebacker I.
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 265

Feb–May 1973: Squadron aircraft flew air support off the coast of Nicaragua and also participated in
for Operation End Sweep, the clearing of mines from surveillance for illegal drug traffic.
North Vietnamese waters. Jul 1987: Due to the increased attacks on merchant
Apr 1975: The squadron, along with other CVW-14 and tanker shipping in the Persian Gulf during the
units, provided air cover support during the evacua- Iran/Iraqi War, the United States began to escort
tion of personnel from Saigon as it fell to the commu- reflagged Kuwaiti oil tankers. During operation
nists. Earnest Will, VA-196 provided air support for the first
Feb 1977: During the crisis in Uganda and threats convoy of reflagged tankers passing through the Strait
against Americans in that country, Enterprise, with VA- of Hormuz.
196 embarked, operated off the coast of Kenya ready Aug 1990: Due to the invasion of Kuwait by Iraq,
to evacuate Americans from Uganda.
Independence (CV 62), with VA-196 embarked, was
Dec 1979: Coral Sea (CV 43), with VA-196
ordered to the North Arabian Sea.
embarked, operated off the coast of South Korea fol-
Aug–2 Oct 1990: VA-196 flew sorties from
lowing the assassination of South Korea’s President
Park Chung-Hee in late October. Independence in support of Operation Desert Shield,
Apr 1980: Coral Sea, with the squadron embarked, the build up of American and Allied forces to counter
was part of the task force involved in supporting the a threatened invasion of Saudi Arabia by Iraq.
Iranian hostage rescue attempt. 2 Oct–2 Nov 1990: On 2 October, Independence
May 1980: Following civil unrest in South Korea, the entered the Persian Gulf and operated in those waters
squadron, embarked in Coral Sea, operated off the for two days before returning to the Northern Arabian
coast of that country. Sea. VA-196 continued flying sorties for operation
Aug 1983: Due to the unsettled conditions in Central Desert Shield until Independence was relieved on 2
America, Coral Sea, with VA-196 embarked, operated November and departed for its return trip to the States.

A squadron F8F-2 Bearcat on the elevator being brought up to the flight deck, 1950 (Courtesy Robert Lawson Collection).
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266 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

Home Port Assignments Commanding Officers—Continued

Location Assignment Date Date Assumed Command

NAS Alameda 15 Jul 1948 CDR Gordon R. Nakagawa 12 Jul 1974
NAS Moffett Field 23 Feb 1959 CDR Lyle F. Bull 23 Jun 1975
NAS Lemoore Feb 1963 CDR John K. Peiguss 10 Sep 1976
NAS Oceana 01 May 1966 CDR Gerald L. Smith 23 Nov 1977
NAS Whidbey Island 15 Nov 1966 CDR Thomas K. Woodka 18 Jan 1979
CDR David L. Russell 18 Jan 1980
CDR Robert E. Wilks 07 Aug 1981
Commanding Officers
CDR Kenneth L. Pyle 17 Dec 1982
Date Assumed Command CDR Harry A. Juplin 08 Jun 1984
CDR Thomas F. Cleverdon 06 Dec 1985
LCDR Eugene W. Krebsbach (acting) 15 Jul 1948
CDR Tom S. Fellin 16 May 1987
CDR Thomas D. Harris 26 Jul 1948
CDR Bruce T. Stuckert 12 Aug 1988
LCDR Theodore C. Schaible 05 Dec 1949
CDR David C. Nichols 09 Feb 1990
LCDR Robert S. Schreiber 06 Dec 1950
LCDR Arthur N. Melhuse 19 Aug 1952
LCDR B. R. Trexler Dec 1953 Aircraft Assignment
CDR R. B. Giblin Jun 1955
LCDR Robert T. Lynn Jan 1957 Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received
LCDR Dicky Wieland 18 Apr 1958 F8F-1 Jul 1948
CDR R. R. Newman 01 Jul 1959 F8F-2 11 May 1949
CDR G. P. Powers 01 Jun 1960 F4U-4 Aug 1950
CDR J. L. Delaware 17 Mar 1961 AD-3 Dec 1950
CDR W. E. Edwards 09 Feb 1962 AD-1 Jan 1951
CDR W. P. Robinson Dec 1962 AD-2 Sep 1951
CDR J. R. Driscoll Jan 1964 AD-4NA Aug 1952
CDR Joseph Gallagher 04 Jan 1965 AD-4Q Aug 1952
CDR James A. Donovan 25 Jan 1966 AD-6/A-1H* Dec 1953
CDR Leo T. Profilet 22 Dec 1966 AD-7/A-1J* Mar 1962
CDR Edward C. Bauer 28 Aug 1967 A-6A 01 Oct 1966
CDR L. C. Dittmar 07 Feb 1969 A-6B Jun 1968
CDR John R. Wunsch 12 Jun 1970 KA-6D Mar 1971
CDR Lloyd W. Richards 04 Jun 1971 A-6E 02 Jul 1975
CDR Howard I. Young 30 May 1972
* The AD-6 and AD-7 designations were changed to A-1H and A-1J
CDR Jackson E. Cartwright 26 Jul 1973 in 1962.

Major Overseas Deployments

Date of Date of Air Type of Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Aircraft Operation

11 Jan 1950 13 Jun 1950 CVG-19 CV 21 F8F-2 WestPac

15 Oct 1951 03 Jul 1952 ATG-1 CV 45 AD-2/3 Korea
30 Mar 1953 28 Nov 1953 ATG-1 CVA 21 AD-4NA/Q Korea/WestPac
01 Sep 1954 09 Apr 1955 ATG-1 CVA 18 AD-6 WestPac
28 May 1956 20 Dec 1956 ATG-1 CVA 16 AD-6 WestPac
04 Oct 1958 17 Feb 1959 ATG-1 CVA 14 AD-6 WestPac
21 Nov 1959 14 May 1960 CVG-19 CVA 31 AD-6 WestPac
26 Apr 1961 13 Dec 1961 CVG-19 CVA 31 AD-6 WestPac
12 Jul 1962 11 Feb 1963 CVG-19 CVA 31 A-1H/J WestPac
28 Jan 1964 21 Nov 1964 CVW-19 CVA 31 A-1H/J WestPac/IO/Vietnam
21 Apr 1965 13 Jan 1966 CVW-19 CVA 31 A-1H/J WestPac/Vietnam
29 Apr 1967 04 Dec 1967 CVW-14 CVA 64 A-6A WestPac/Vietnam
29 May 1968 31 Jan 1969 CVW-14 CVA 64 A-6A/B WestPac/Vietnam
14 Oct 1969 01 Jun 1970 CVW-2 CVA 61 A-6A WestPac/Vietnam
11 Jun 1971 12 Feb 1972 CVW-14 CVAN 65 A-6A/B & KA-6D WestPac/Vietnam/IO
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 267

Major Overseas Deployments—Continued

Date of Date of Air Type of Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Aircraft Operation

12 Sep 1972 12 Jun 1973 CVW-14 CVAN 65 A-6A/B & KA-6D WestPac/Vietnam
17 Sep 1974 20 May 1975 CVW-14 CVAN 65 A-6A & KA-6D WestPac/IO
30 Jul 1976 28 Mar 1977 CVW-14 CVN 65 A-6E & KA-6D WestPac/IO
04 Apr 1978 30 Oct 1978 CVW-14 CVN 65 A-6E & KA-6D WestPac/IO
13 Nov 1979 11 Jun 1980 CVW-14 CV 43 A-6E & KA-6D WestPac/IO
20 Aug 1981 23 Mar 1982 CVW-14 CV 43 A-6E & KA-6D WestPac/IO
21 Mar 1983 12 Sep 1983 CVW-14 CV 43 A-6E & KA-6D World Cruise
21 Feb 1985 24 Aug 1985 CVW-14 CV 64 A-6E & KA-6D WestPac/IO
04 Sep 1986 20 Oct 1986 CVW-14 CV 64 A-6E & KA-6D NorPac
11 Apr 1987 13 Oct 1987 CVW-14 CV 64 A-6E & KA-6D WestPac/IO
01 Dec 1988 01 Jun 1989 CVW-14 CV 64 A-6E & KA-6D WestPac/IO
16 Sep 1989 19 Oct 1989 CVW-14 CV 64 A-6E & KA-6D NorPac
23 Jun 1990 20 Dec 1990 CVW-14 CV 62 A-6E WestPac/IO/
Persian Gulf

Air Wing Assignments

Air Wing Tail Code Assignment Date

CVG-15 A 15 Jul 1948
CVG-19 B 01 Dec 1949
ATG-1 U/NA* 01 Jul 1951
COMFAIRALAMEDA 23 Feb 1959
CVG-19/CVW-19† NM 22 Jun 1959
CVW-14 NK 15 Oct 1966
CVW-2 NE 02 Aug 1969
CVW-14 NK 01 Jun 1970
* ATG-1 was not assigned a tail code designation until 1956 when it
received the letter “U.” Before then the squadron was using the tail
code assigned to CVG-19. The tail code was changed from U to NA
in 1957. The effective date for this change was most likely the
beginning of FY 58 (1 July 1957).
† CVG-19 was redesignated CVW-19 when Carrier Air Groups (CVG)
were redesignated Carrier Air Wings (CVW) on 20 December 1963.

Unit Awards Received

Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award

KSM 04 Dec 1951 19 Jun 1952
30 Apr 1953 10 Nov 1953
KPUC 07 Dec 1951 20 Jun 1952
12 May 1953 27 Jul 1953
NAVE 01 Jan 1982 30 Jun 1983
AFEM 12 Nov 1958 15 Nov 1958
20 Nov 1958 22 Nov 1958
05 Dec 1958 08 Dec 1958
29 Dec 1958 01 Jan 1959
03 Apr 1960 04 Apr 1960
26 Apr 1960 27 Apr 1960
22 May 1961 27 May 1961
05 Mar 1964 13 Mar 1964
12 May 1964 14 May 1964
05 Jun 1964 10 Jun 1964
A squadron AD-6 Skyraider on the deck of Lexington (CVA 16) dur-
ing deployment to WestPac in 1956. 13 Jun 1964 17 Jun 1964
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268 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

Unit Awards Received—Continued Unit Awards Received—Continued

Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award
31 Aug 1964 06 Nov 1964 29 Jan 1970 18 Feb 1970
26 May 1965 03 Jul 1965 27 Feb 1970 20 Mar 1970
10 Jan 1970 13 Jan 1970 16 Apr 1970 13 May 1970
12 Apr 1970 13 Apr 1970 14 Jul 1971 31 Jul 1971
29 Apr 1975 30 Apr 1975 15 Aug 1971 04 Sep 1971
RVNGC 19 Oct 1965 20 Oct 1965 12 Sep 1971
23 Oct 1965 28 Oct 1965 25 Sep 1971 26 Sep 1971
22 Nov 1965 19 Jan 1972 24 Jan 1972
24 Nov 1965 02 Oct 1972 23 Oct 1972
06 Dec 1965 01 Nov 1972 11 Dec 1972
VNSM 18 Jul 1965 13 Aug 1965 18 Dec 1972 13 Jan 1973
10 Sep 1965 01 Oct 1965 24 Jan 1973 23 Feb 1973
01 Mar 1973 02 Mar 1973
08 Oct 1965 29 Oct 1965
11 Mar 1973 28 Mar 1973
13 Nov 1965 17 Dec 1965
MUC 14 Jun 1968 23 Jan 1969
08 Jun 1967 11 Jun 1967
27 Oct 1969 12 May 1970
18 Jul 1967 25 Jul 1967
02 Jul 1971 03 Feb 1972
01 Aug 1967 03 Sep 1967 22 Apr 1975 30 Apr 1975
25 Sep 1967 15 Oct 1967 07 Mar 1978 01 May 1980
24 Oct 1967 12 Nov 1967 01 Jan 1984 24 Aug 1985
27 Jun 1968 22 Jul 1968 NUC 18 May 1967 26 Nov 1967
02 Aug 1968 28 Aug 1968 03 Oct 1972 22 Feb 1973
11 Sep 1968 09 Oct 1968 01 Jan 1982 30 Aug 1983
26 Oct 1968 29 Nov 1968 02 Aug 1990 01 Nov 1990
09 Dec 1968 21 Dec 1968 HSM 29 Apr 1975 30 Apr 1975
01 Jan 1969 07 Jan 1969 NEM 01 Feb 1980 05 May 1980
16 Nov 1969 07 Dec 1969 11 Oct 1981 20 Oct 1981
17 Dec 1969 06 Jan 1970 SASM 05 Aug 1990 04 Nov 1990

A squadron A-6E Intruder on an exercise mission dropping snake eye bombs in 1988; Constellation (CV 64) is in the background.
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 269

VA-205
Lineage
Established as Attack Squadron TWO HUNDRED
FIVE (VA-205) on 1 July 1970.
Disestablished on 31 December 1994. The first
squadron to be assigned the VA-205 designation.

Squadron Insignia and

Nickname
The squadron’s insig-
nia was approved by
CNO on 15 October
1971. Colors for the in-
signia are white and
green: a white back-
A squadron A-4L Skyhawk at NAS Atlanta, Georgia, 1973.
ground and scroll out-
Home Port Assignments
lined in green; green
lettering; and green Location Assignment Date
bomb and falcon with
The squadron’s one and only NAS Atlanta 01 Jul 1970
white markings.
insignia.
Nickname: Green
Falcons, 1971–1994. Commanding Officers

Date Assumed Command

Chronology of Significant Events
CDR John B. Barnes 01 Jul 1970
1 Jul 1970: VA-205, a reserve squadron, was estab- CDR Virgil R. Tedder 12 Feb 1972
lished as part of a reorganization intended to increase CDR Jack S. Smith 21 Jul 1973
the combat readiness of the Naval Air Reserve Force. LCDR David K. Maskell 19 Jul 1975
Aug 1971: The squadron conducted its two weeks CDR Robert D. Sibold 16 Jan 1977
of active duty training embarked on John F. Kennedy CDR James G. Bailey 20 Aug 1978
(CVA 67) as part of CVWR-20. This was the first com- CDR Gadsden S. Gause 24 Feb 1980
plete Reserve Carrier Air Wing deployment aboard a CDR Gary C. Ayers 25 Oct 1981
carrier. CDR John D. Kish 24 Apr 1983
May 1972: The squadron participated in exercise CDR Robert T. Golden 21 Oct 1984
Exotic Dancer V, designed to test multi-service opera- CDR Michael C. Crabtree 27 Apr 1986
tions under a unified command organization. CDR Dana F. Miller 25 Oct 1987
4 Sep 1975: Squadron pilots began transition train- CDR Daniel E. Caldwell 23 Oct 1988
ing with VA-125 in preparation for receiving the A-7 CDR Randall C. Schultz 28 Apr 1990
Corsair II. CDR M. Kent Horne 19 Oct 1991
6–16 Jul 1982: The squadron, along with other units CDR Thomas R. McInvale 15 Aug 1992
of CVWR-20, participated in operations on Carl Vinson CDR Kent D. White 06 Nov 1993
(CVN 70), with the emphasis on coordinated air wing
operations.
10–23 May 1986: During an annual active duty
deployment to NAS Fallon, the squadron participated
in close air support training, air wing strike evolutions,
and an excellent simulated two day war exercise con-
ducted by Strike University.
1 Oct 1993: The squadron assumed the additional
mission (Fleet Support Readiness Group, FTRG) of
providing electronic support to simulate missile attacks
on surface ships for training purposes. This mission
had previously been performed by VAQ-33 (Carrier
Tactical Electronics Warfare Squadron-33). A squadron A-7B Corsair II in flight, circa late 1970s or early 1980s.
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270 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

Aircraft Assignment Air Wing Assingments

Air Wing Tail Code Assignment Date
Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received
CVWR-20 AF 01 Jul 1970
A-4L 01 Oct 1970
A-7B 26 Sep 1975 Unit Awards Received
A-7E 20 Jun 1984 Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award
KA-6D 22 Aug 1990 MUC 01 Jul 1977 31 Dec 1978
A-6E 17 Nov 1990 NAVE 01 Oct 1981 31 Dec 1982

A squadron A-6E Intruder at NAS Fallon, Nevada, 1992 (Courtesy Robert Lawson Collection).
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 271

VA-209 Home Port Assignments

Location Assignment Date

Lineage
NAS Glenview 01 Jul 1970
Established as Reserve Attack Squadron TWO HUN-
DRED NINE (VA-209) on 1 July 1970.
Disestablished on 15 August 1971. The first Commanding Officers
squadron to be assigned the VA-209 designation.
Date Assumed Command
Squadron Insignia and Nickname CDR William J. Miller 01 Jul 1970
There is no record of an officially approved insignia
for the squadron.
Aircraft Assignment
Nickname: unknown.
Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received
Chronology of Significant Events A-4L 01 Jul 1970
1 Jul 1970: VA-209 was a reserve squadron estab-
lished as part of a reorganization intended to increase
the combat readiness of the Naval Air Reserve Force. Air Wing Assignments
15 Aug 1971: The squadron was disestablished due
to its replacement by the addition of two fighter Air Wing Tail Code Assignment Date
squadrons to Reserve Air Wing 20. CVWR-20 AF 01 Jul 1970

Squadron A-4L Skyhawks in flight over Chicago, Illinois, circa 1971.

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272 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

VA-210 Chronology of Significant Events

1 Jul 1970: VA-210 was a reserve squadron estab-
Lineage lished as part of a reorganization intended to increase
Established as Reserve Attack Squadron TWO HUN- the combat readiness of the Naval Air Reserve Force.
DRED TEN (VA-210) on 1 July 1970. Assets from reserve squadron VA-2Z1 were utilized to
Disestablished on 30 June 1971. The first squadron form VA-210.
to be assigned the VA-210 designation. 14 Dec 1970: The squadron conducted its last oper-
ational flight.
Squadron Insignia and Nickname 30 Jun 1971: The squadron was disestablished due
The squadron’s insignia was approved by CNO on to its replacement by the addition of two fighter
15 April 1970. Colors for the insignia were: sky blue squadrons to Reserve Air Wing 20.
background with three concentric rings of yellow,

Home Port Assignments

Location Assignment Date

NAS South Weymouth 01 Jul 1970

Commanding Officers

Date Assumed Command

CDR W. M. Hollister 01 Jul 1970

Aircraft Assignment

Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received

TA-4B 1970*
A-4C 1970*

* These aircraft were operated by VA-210 but may not have been
The squadron’s one and only insignia.
permanently assigned to the squadron.

dark blue and yellow, all outlined in black; yellow

lightning bolt; black aircraft and flag staff; red pen- Air Wing Assingments
nants; dark blue waves; and a white scroll outlined in
black with black lettering. Air Wing Tail Code Assignment Date
Nickname: Unknown. CVWR-20 AF 01 Jul 1970
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 273

VA-212 Sep 1963: VA-212, embarked in Hancock, operated

off the coast of Taiwan due to increased tensions
Lineage between the People’s Republic of China and the
Republic of China.
Established as Fighter Squadron TWO HUNDRED Nov 1963: Hancock, with VA-212 embarked, operat-
TWELVE (VF-212) on 20 June 1955. ed off the coast of South Vietnam following the coup
Redesignated Attack Squadron TWO HUNDRED that overthrew President Diem.
TWELVE (VA-212) on 1 April 1956. 7 Feb 1965: Following the shelling of an American
Disestablished on 12 December 1975. The first to be advisors’ compound at Pleiku by the Viet Cong, VA-212
assigned the VA-212 designation. participated in reprisal attacks against targets in North
Vietnam. During the strikes, named Flaming Dart I, VA-
Squadron Insignia and 212’s Skyhawks struck the Dong Hoi Barracks.
Nickname 11 Feb 1965: VA-212’s Skyhawks participated in
Flaming Dart II operations, reprisal attacks against the
The squadron’s
barracks at Chanh Hoa.
insignia was approved
Mar–May 1965: The squadron’s Skyhawks participat-
by CNO on 4 September
ed in special operations in Southeast Asia, including
1956. Colors for the
the Rolling Thunder campaign, strikes against desig-
insignia were: a black
nated military targets in North Vietnam.
background outlined in
Mar 1966: Squadron aircraft participated in
yellow; yellow rampant
Operation Jackstay, providing combat air support for
lion; black scrolls out-
amphibious operations that cleared the Rung Sat zone
lined in yellow with yel-
southeast of Saigon.
low lettering.
The squadron’s rampant lion 30 Jun 1966: Commander H. L. Smith, the
insignia. Nickname: Rampant
squadron’s commanding officer, was awarded the
Raiders, 1956–1975.
Silver Star for leading an air strike against the Bac
Giang POL facility.
Chronology of Significant Events Oct–Nov 1966: During the squadron’s training cycle,
6 Jun 1958: The squadron’s commanding officer, its aircraft were modified to incorporate the Walleye
Commander G. W. Staeheli, was killed in an aircraft weapons system, becoming the first fleet unit
accident. equipped with the new system.
Aug–Sep 1958: VA-212, embarked on Lexington 11 Mar 1967: The squadron’s commanding officer,
(CVA 16), operated in the Formosa Straits due to the Commander H. L. Smith, conducted the first combat
tension surrounding the Chinese Communist shelling Walleye attack, striking the Sam Son Army Barracks.
of the Quemoy Islands. 20 May 1967: Commander H. L. Smith was awarded
Apr 1959: VA-212 became the first operational the Navy Cross for his action during strikes on the Bac
squadron to deploy with the Bullpup air-to-ground Giang Thermal Power Plant on 19 and 20 May. He
missile. was killed in action during the mission on 20 May.
Mar 1961: Lexington (CVA 16), with VA-212 Feb–Mar 1968: Squadron aircraft flew combat air sup-
embarked, was ordered to operate off the coast of port missions for the Marines under seige at Khe Sahn.
Thailand as a result of the deteriorating position of Apr 1972: With the North Vietnamese invasion of
Laotian government forces against the Communists. South Vietnam, the Easter Offensive, the squadron
Units of Lexington’s air group flew reconnaissance concentrated its strikes in the area of An Loc, South
missions over Laos while on station. Vietnam. It provided combat air support for U.S. and
15 Apr 1962: VA-212, embarked in Hancock (CVA South Vietnamese ground forces defending the city.
19), operated off the coast of South Vietnam during May 1972: VA-212 participated in Operation
the arrival of the first USMC advisory unit in the Linebacker I, heavy air strikes against targets in North
Republic of Vietnam. Vietnam.
16–20 May 1962: Following the continued successes 25 May 1972: The squadron’s commanding officer,
of the Pathet Lao forces against Laotian government Commander H. H. Strong, was killed in action when
forces, particularly along the border with Thailand, the his aircraft was hit by antiaircraft fire during a strike
Thai government requested U.S. support. A unit of U.S near Vinh, North Vietnam.
Marines landed in Bangkok and moved by air to Oct–Dec 1973: With the outbreak of war in the
Udorn. VA-212, along with other units of CVG-21, Middle East between Israel, Syria and Egypt and the
embarked in Hancock, operated in the area and were initiation of the Arab oil embargo, Hancock, with VA-
available to provide air support for the Marines if 212 embarked, was ordered to enter the Indian Ocean
required. and operate in the Arabian Sea.
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274 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

A squadron F7U-3 Cutlass catching the wire aboard Bon Homme Richard (CVA 31) in July 1956 (Courtesy Duane Kasulka Collection).

Home Port Assignments Commanding Officers—Continued

Location Assignment Date Date Assumed Command

NAS Moffett Field 20 Jun 1955 CDR Richard R. Allmann 09 Jul 1968
NAS Lemoore 15 Sep 1961 CDR David C. Coe, Jr. 21 Feb 1969
CDR Edwin D. Shropshire 22 Dec 1969
Commanding Officers CDR Thomas M. Corkhill 13 Nov 1970
CDR Henry H. Strong, Jr. 17 Dec 1971
Date Assumed Command CDR Robert W. Peacher 25 May 1972
LCDR D. R. Hagood 20 Jun 1955 CDR Milton R. Gorham 02 May 1973
LCDR T. H. Cooper Feb 1957 CDR James M. Curtin 31 May 1974
CDR G. W. Staeheli 23 Apr 1958
Aircraft Assignment
LCDR L. Krupp (acting) 06 Jun 1958
CDR Jack C. Stuart 13 Jun 1958 Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received
CDR Meryl A. Iiams 30 Dec 1959 F7U-3M Jul 1955
CDR Emmett B. Boutwell 05 Jul 1961 F7U-3 Aug 1955
CDR N. J. Gambrill 11 Jun 1962 F9F-8B Apr 1957
CDR Frank T. Hemler 22 Jun 1963 FJ-4B 19 Jul 1957
CDR W. B. Muncie 09 Jul 1964 A4D-2/A-4B* 20 Jun 1961
CDR K. L. Shugart 01 Jun 1965 A-4E 02 Jan 1964
CDR Holmer L. Smith 01 Jun 1966 A-4F Oct 1967
CDR Marvin M. Quaid May 1967 * The A4D-2 designation was changed to A-4B in 1962.
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 275

Major Overseas Deployments

Date of Date of Air Type of Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Aircraft Operation

16 Aug 1956 28 Feb 1957 CVG-21 CVA 31 F7U-3 WestPac

14 Jul 1958 19 Dec 1958 CVG-21 CVA 16 FJ-4B WestPac
26 Apr 1959 02 Dec 1959 CVG-21 CVA 16 FJ-4B WestPac
29 Oct 1960 06 Jun 1961 CVG-21 CVA 16 FJ-4B WestPac
02 Feb 1962 24 Aug 1962 CVG-21 CVA 19 A4D-2 WestPac
07 Jun 1963 16 Dec 1963 CVG-21 CVA 19 A-4B WestPac
21 Oct 1964 29 May 1965 CVW-21 CVA 19 A-4E WestPac/Vietnam
10 Nov 1965 01 Aug 1966 CVW-21 CVA 19 A-4E WestPac/Vietnam
26 Jan 1967 25 Aug 1967 CVW-21 CVA 31 A-4E WestPac/Vietnam
27 Jan 1968 10 Oct 1968 CVW-5 CVA 31 A-4F WestPac/Vietnam
02 Aug 1969 15 Apr 1970 CVW-21 CVA 19 A-4F WestPac/Vietnam
22 Oct 1970 03 Jun 1971 CVW-21 CVA 19 A-4F WestPac/Vietnam
07 Jan 1972 03 Oct 1972 CVW-21 CVA 19 A-4F WestPac/Vietnam
08 May 1973 08 Jan 1974 CVW-21 CVA 19 A-4F WestPac/IO
18 Mar 1975 20 Oct 1975 CVW-21 CV 19 A-4F WestPac

Unit Awards Received—Continued

Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award

02 Oct 1958
06 Oct 1958
10 Nov 1958 15 Nov 1958
27 Nov 1958 28 Nov 1958
28 Jun 1959 02 Jul 1959
11 Jul 1959 16 Jul 1959
17 Oct 1959 19 Oct 1959
15 Dec 1960 24 Dec 1960
01 Jan 1961 08 Jan 1961
10 Mar 1962 14 Mar 1962
14 Apr 1962 16 Apr 1962
16 May 1962 18 May 1962
A squadron FJ-4B Fury preparing for launch from Lexington (CVA
16) during her 1959 deployment to WestPac. 04 Nov 1963 10 Nov 1963
07 Dec 1964 04 May 1965
04 May 1968 07 May 1968
Air Wing Assignments 30 Oct 1969
Air Wing Tail Code Assignment Date 03 Jan 1970 08 Jan 1970
22 Feb 1970 25 Feb 1970
CVG-21/CVW-21† G/NP* 01 Jul 1955
NUC 06 Dec 1965 25 Jul 1966
CVW-5 NF 01 Oct 1967
21 Feb 1968 13 Sep 1968
CVW-21 NP 01 Nov 1968
08 Feb 1972 14 Sep 1972
* The tail code was changed from G to NP in 1957. The effective MUC 21 Aug 1969 31 Mar 1970
date for this change was most likely the beginning of FY 58 (1 July 20 Nov 1970 07 May 1971
1957).
RVNGC 26 Dec 1965
† CVG-21 was redesignated CVW-21 when Carrier Air Groups (CVG) 28 Dec 1965 31 Dec 1965
were redesignated Carrier Air Wings (CVW) on 20 December 1963.
02 Jan 1966 04 Jan 1966
09 Jan 1966
Unit Awards Received 15 Jan 1966 19 Jan 1966
25 Feb 1966 26 Feb 1966
Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award 28 Feb 1966 05 Mar 1966
AFEM 15 Aug 1958 17 Aug 1958 01 Apr 1966 02 Apr 1966
27 Aug 1958 16 Sep 1958 25 May 1966
14 Sep 1958 24 Jun 1966
26 Sep 1958 15 Oct 1958 27 Jun 1966 29 Jun 1966
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276 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

Unit Awards Received—Continued Unit Awards Received—Continued

Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award
28 Feb 1967 01 Jun 1967 18 Jun 1967
07 Mar 1967 27 Jun 1967 31 Jul 1967
11 Mar 1967 20 Feb 1968 25 Mar 1968
13 Mar 1967 06 Apr 1968 20 Apr 1968
16 Mar 1967 09 May 1968 30 May 1968
20 Mar 1967 21 Mar 1967 04 Jun 1968 05 Jun 1968
29 Apr 1967 01 May 1967 13 Jun 1968 07 Jul 1968
16 May 1967 18 May 1967 21 Jul 1968 18 Aug 1968
21 Feb 1968 25 Feb 1968 27 Aug 1968 14 Sep 1968
27 Feb 1968 07 Mar 1968
31 Aug 1969 25 Sep 1969
12 Mar 1968 18 Mar 1968
03 Oct 1969 28 Oct 1969
22 Mar 1968 23 Mar 1968
23 Nov 1969 18 Dec 1969
25 Mar 1968
06 Apr 1968 11 Apr 1968 17 Jan 1970 12 Feb 1970
13 Apr 1968 14 Apr 1968 07 Mar 1970 27 Mar 1970
17 Apr 1968 20 Apr 1968 18 Nov 1970 08 Dec 1970
13 May 1968 14 May 1968 29 Dec 1970 15 Jan 1971
26 May 1968 27 May 1968 23 Jan 1971 20 Feb 1971
04 Jul 1968 09 Mar 1971 15 Mar 1971
02 Aug 1968 18 Aug 1968 17 Mar 1971 10 Apr 1971
27 Aug 1968 14 Sep 1968 17 Apr 1971 04 May 1971
30 Mar 1972 15 Jul 1972 07 Feb 1972 09 Mar 1972
VNSM 17 Dec 1965 23 Jan 1966 25 Mar 1972 02 May 1972
11 Feb 1966 06 Mar 1966 11 May 1972 01 Jun 1972
21 Mar 1966 10 Apr 1966 12 Jun 1972 14 Jul 1972
27 Apr 1966 09 Jul 1966 24 Jul 1972 17 Aug 1972
25 Feb 1967 21 Mar 1967 27 Aug 1972 14 Sep 1972
17 Apr 1967 07 May 1967 PUC 26 Feb 1967 30 Jul 1967

A squadron A-4E Skyhawk preparing to launch on a combat mission from Bon Homme Richard (CVA 31) during her deployment to Vietnam in 1967.
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 277

VA-213 Home Port Assignments

Location Assignment Date
Lineage NAS Seattle 15 Sep 1948
Established as Attack Squadron TWO HUNDRED
THIRTEEN (VA-213) on 15 September 1948. Commanding Officers
It is believed the squadron was disestablished some-
time in May 1949. It was the first squadron to be Date Assumed Command
assigned the VA-213 designation. LCDR H. Suerstedt, Jr. 15 Sep 1948

Squadron Insignia and Nickname Aircraft Assignment

There is no record of an officially approved insignia Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received
for the squadron.
TBM-3E Jan 1949
Nickname: unknown.
Air Wing Assignments
Chronology of Significant Events
Sep 1948: The squadron was established with the Air Wing Tail Code Assignment Date
mission of being an all-weather attack unit and part of CVG-21 * 15 Sep 1948
a carrier air group that was to be all-weather capable.
Squadron personnel attended instrument training at * There is no record of a tail code being assigned to CVG-21 for the
period of its existence from 15 September 1948 to 15 March 1949.
the Fleet All-Weather Training Unit, Pacific.
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278 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

VA-214 Home Port Assignments

Location Assignment Date
Lineage NAS Seattle 15 Sep 1948
Established as Attack Squadron TWO HUNDRED
FOURTEEN (VA-214) on 15 September 1948. Commanding Officers
Disestablished on 16 May 1949. The first squadron
to be assigned the VA-214 designation. Date Assumed Command
LT William H. Bartles (acting) 15 Sep 1948
LCDR Joseph A. Riley Nov 1948
Squadron Insignia and Nickname
There is no record of an officially approved insignia Aircraft Assignment
for the squadron.
Nickname: unknown. Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received
TBM-3E Jan 1949
Chronology of Significant Events
Air Wing Assignments
Sep 1948: The squadron was established with the
mission of being an all-weather attack unit and part of Air Wing Tail Code Assignment Date
a carrier air group that was to be all-weather capable. CVG-21 * 15 Sep 1948
Squadron personnel attended instrument training at
* There is no record of a tail code being assigned to CVG-21 for the
the Fleet All-Weather Training Unit, Pacific. period of its existence from 15 September 1948 to 15 March 1949.
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 279

SECOND VA-214
Lineage
Established as Fighter Squadron TWO HUNDRED
FOURTEEN (VF-214) on 30 March 1955.
Redesignated Attack Squadron TWO HUNDRED
FOURTEEN (VA-214) on 11 October 1956.
Disestablished on 1 August 1958. The second
squadron to be assigned the VA-214 designation.

Squadron Insignia and Nickname

The squadron’s
insignia was approved
by CNO on 5 December
1955. Colors for the
thunderbird insignia
were: a light blue back-
ground with a yellow The squadron’s acting commanding officer, Lieutenant Commander
border; black stylized R. M. Soule, delivering the squadron’s first aircraft, an FJ-3 Fury, at
thunderbird; yellow and NAS Moffett Field, California, March 1955.
red flame; and white
double arrow shafts. Commanding Officers
The squadron’s thunderbird Nickname: Volun-
insignia. teers, 1957–1958. Date Assumed Command
LCDR R. M. Soule (acting) 30 Mar 1955
CDR L. T. Raynor 07 Jun 1955
Chronology of Significant Events
CDR R. D. King 21 Sep 1956
6 Jan 1958: VA-214 was the first squadron on the
west coast to make an extended deployment to the
western Pacific with the new FJ-4B Fury. Aircraft Assignment

Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received

Home Port Assignment
FJ-3 31 Mar 1955
Location Assignment Date F9F-8 Nov 1955
NAS Moffett Field 30 Mar 1955 FJ-4B 18 Jun 1957

A squadron F9F-8 Cougar aboard Yorktown (CVA-10), circa 1956 (Courtesy Robert Lawson Collection).
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280 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

Major Overseas Deployments

Date of Date of Air Type of Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Aircraft Operation

19 Mar 1956 13 Sep 1956 ATG-4 CVA 10 F9F-8 WestPac

06 Jan 1958 02 Jul 1958 ATG-4 CVA 12 FJ-4B WestPac

Air Wing Assignments

Air Wing Tail Code Assignment Date

ATG-4 Z*/ND† 30 Mar 1955

* The tail code Z for ATG-4 was assigned on 24 July 1956.

† The tail code was changed from Z to ND in 1957. The effective date for this change was most likely the beginning of FY 58 (1 July 1957).

A flight of squadron FJ-4Bs, circa 1957 or 1958.

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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 281

VA-215 ing the success of Pathet Lao forces along the Thai-
Laotian border.
Lineage Sep 1963: VA-215, embarked in Hancock, operated
off the coast of Taiwan due to increased tensions
Established as Attack Squadron TWO HUNDRED between the People’s Republic of China and the
FIFTEEN (VA-215) on 22 June 1955. Republic of China.
Disestablished on 31 August 1967. The first Nov 1963: VA-215, embarked in Hancock, operated
squadron to be assigned the VA-215 designation. off the coast of South Vietnam following the coup that
overthrew President Diem.
Dec 1964: Squadron aircraft participated in its first
Barrell Roll operations, armed reconnaissance and
strike missions along infiltration routes in Laos.
Feb 1965: Skyraiders from the squadron participated
in Flaming Dart operations, reprisal attacks against
military targets in North Vietnam.
Mar–May 1965: The squadron’s Skyraiders participat-
ed in special operations in Southeast Asia, including
the Rolling Thunder campaign, strikes against desig-
nated military targets in North Vietnam.
5 Mar 1966: The squadron’s commanding officer,
Commander R. C. Hessom, was killed in action during
a mission over North Vietnam.
Mar 1966: Squadron aircraft participated in
Operation Jackstay, providing close air support for
amphibious operations that cleared the Rung Sat zone,
the river channels, southeast of Saigon.

The barn owl insignia used by the squadron.

Home Port Assignments
Location Assignment Date
Squadron Insignia and Nickname NAS Moffett Field Jun 1955
The squadron’s insignia was approved by CNO on NAS Alameda Dec 1963
20 August 1956. The insignia colors are not on record.
Nickname: Barn Owls, early 1960’s–1967. Commanding Officers
Date Assumed Command
Chronology of Significant Events CDR E. E. Kerr Jun 1955
Aug–Nov 1958: VA-215, operating from Lexington LCDR W. A. Skon Mar 1957
(CVA 16), conducted flight operations in the Formosa CDR O. N. Ford Apr 1958
Straits due to the tension surrounding the Chinese LCDR Peter Rippa Jan 1959
Communist shelling of the Quemoy Islands. LCDR J. L. Morrison, Jr. (acting) 24 Mar 1959
24 Mar 1959: The squadron’s commanding officer, CDR H. Broadbent, Jr. 03 Apr 1959
Commander P. Rippa, was killed on a training flight in CDR G. A. Buckowski 04 Apr 1960
Yosemite Valley. CDR L. A. Dewing 12 Jun 1961
Mar 1961: Lexington, with VA-215 embarked, oper- CDR F. W. Brown, Jr. 12 Jun 1962
ated off the coast of Thailand as a result of the deteri- CDR Richard J. Licko 22 Jun 1963
orating position of Laotian government forces against CDR Donald E. Brubaker 03 Jun 1964
the Pathet Lao. Units of Lexington’s air group flew CDR Robert C. Hessom 01 Mar 1965
reconnaissance missions over Laos. CDR Frederick L. Nelson 05 Mar 1966
15 Apr 1962: Embarked in Hancock (CVA 19), the CDR George A. Carlton Jan 1967
squadron operated off the coast of South Vietnam dur-
ing the arrival of the first USMC advisor unit in the Aircraft Assignment
Republic of Vietnam.
Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received
May 1962: VA-215 and other CVG-21 squadrons
from Hancock were prepared to support a U.S. Marine AD-6* Aug 1955
Corps unit that landed in Bangkok and moved by air AD-7* Jun 1961
to Udorn. The Marine landing was at the request of * The AD-6 and AD-7 designations were changed to A-1H and A-1J
the Thai goverment because of its concerns surround- in 1962.
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Major Overseas Deployments

Date of Date of Air Type of Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Aircraft Operation

16 Aug 1956 28 Feb 1957 CVG-21 CVA 31 AD-6 WestPac

14 Jul 1958 19 Dec 1958 CVG-21 CVA 16 AD-6 WestPac
26 Apr 1959 02 Dec 1959 CVG-21 CVA 16 AD-6 WestPac
29 Oct 1960 06 Jun 1961 CVG-21 CVA 16 AD-6 WestPac
02 Feb 1962 24 Aug 1962 CVG-21 CVA 19 AD-6/7 WestPac
07 Jun 1963 16 Dec 1963 CVG-21 CVA 19 A-1H/J WestPac
21 Oct 1964 29 May 1965 CVW-21 CVA 19 A-1H/J WestPac/Vietnam
10 Nov 1965 01 Aug 1966 CVW-21 CVA 19 A-1H/J WestPac/Vietnam
26 Jan 1967 25 Aug 1967 CVW-21 CVA 31 A-1H/J WestPac/Vietnam

Air Wing Assingments Unit Awards Received—Continued

Air Wing Tail Code Assignment Date Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award
CVG-21/CVW-21† G/NP* 01 Jul 1955
13 Mar 1967
* The tail code was changed from G to NP in 1957. The effective 16 Mar 1967
date for this change was most likely the beginning of FY 58 (1 July 20 Mar 1967 21 Mar 1967
1957). 29 Apr 1967 01 May 1967
† CVG-21 was redesignated CVW-21 when Carrier Air Groups (CVG) 16 May 1967 18 May 1967
were redesignated Carrier Air Wings (CVW) on 20 December 1963. VNSM 17 Dec 1965 23 Jan 1966
11 Feb 1966 06 Mar 1966
21 Mar 1966 10 Apr 1966
Unit Awards Received
27 Apr 1966 09 Jul 1966
Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award 25 Feb 1967 21 Mar 1967
17 Apr 1967 07 May 1967
AFEM 15 Aug 1958 17 Aug 1958 01 Jun 1967 18 Jun 1967
27 Aug 1958 16 Sep 1958 27 Jun 1967 31 Jul 1967
14 Sep 1958 PUC 26 Feb 1967 30 Jul 1967
26 Sep 1958 15 Oct 1958 NAVE 01 Jul 1965 31 Dec 1966
02 Oct 1958
06 Oct 1958
10 Nov 1958 15 Nov 1958
27 Nov 1958 28 Nov 1958
28 Jun 1959 02 Jul 1959
11 Jul 1959 16 Jul 1959
17 Oct 1959 19 Oct 1959
15 Dec 1960 24 Dec 1960
01 Jan 1961 08 Jan 1961
10 Mar 1962 14 Mar 1962
14 Apr 1962 16 Apr 1962
16 May 1962 18 May 1962
04 Nov 1963 10 Nov 1963
07 Dec 1964 04 May 1965
NUC 06 Dec 1965 25 Jul 1966
RVNGC 26 Dec 1965
28 Dec 1965 31 Dec 1965
02 Jan 1966 04 Jan 1966
09 Jan 1966
15 Jan 1966 19 Jan 1966
25 Feb 1966 26 Feb 1966
28 Feb 1966 05 Mar 1966
01 Apr 1966 02 Apr 1966
25 May 1966
24 Jun 1966
27 Jun 1966 29 Jun 1966
28 Feb 1967
07 Mar 1967 A flight of squadron A-1H Skyraiders during their deployment
11 Mar 1967 aboard Hancock (CVA 19) in 1965.
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SECOND VA-215 16 Apr 1969: Enterprise, with VA-215 embarked,

departed Yankee Station enroute to Korean waters in
Lineage response to the downing of a Navy EC-121 aircraft by
the North Koreans on 15 April. The squadron operated
Established as Attack Squadron TWO HUNDRED in the Sea of Japan and the Yellow Sea until 11 May.
FIFTEEN (VA-215) on 1 March 1968. Dec 1972: The squadron participated in Linebacker
Disestablished on 30 September 1977. The second II operations, concentrated air strikes against North
squadron to be assigned the VA-215 designation. Vietnam.
Feb 1973: Following the cease fire with North
Squadron Insignia and Nickname Vietnam, the squadron flew combat missions in Laos
until a cease fire was signed with that country on 22
The squadron’s insignia was not submitted to CNO
February 1973.
for approval. The insignia used by VA-215 incorporat-
Nov 1973: Oriskany (CVA 34), with VA-215
ed a section of the first
embarked, departed from operations in the South
VA-215’s insignia. Colors
China Sea to relieve Hancock (CVA 19) on station in
for this insignia were: a
the Arabian Sea due to the unsettled conditons follow-
white background out-
ing the Yom Kippur War in the Middle East.
lined by two rows of
Oct 1976–Apr 1977: This was the twilight cruise of
alternating green and
the Roosevelt, CVW-19 and VA-215.
white squares outlined
in black; the stylized
owl’s head was silver Home Port Assignments
with black markings,
green eyes, and green Location Assignment Date
plumage and wings, NAS Lemoore 01 Mar 1968
The squadron’s insignia used ele- outlined in black; white
ments from the first VA-215
insignia and also used the name
scroll outlined in black Commanding Officers
Barn Owls. with green lettering and
the nickname, Barn Date Assumed Command
Owls, in black. CDR George E. LeBlanc, Jr. 01 Mar 1968
Nickname: Barn Owls, 1968–1977 CDR D. L. McConnell 08 May 1969
CDR W. H. Beck Apr 1970
Chronology of Significant Events CDR Paul E. Phillips 19 Mar 1971
1 Mar 1968: Following establishment, the squadron CDR James F. Crummer 20 Mar 1972
remained under the operational control of VA-122 dur- CDR Douglas E. French 04 May 1973
ing its training in the A-7 Corsair II. CDR Riley D. Mixson 26 Jul 1974
14 Jan 1969: The squadron was embarked in CDR John J. Schultz 31 Oct 1975
Enterprise (CVAN 65), conducting operational training CDR Gary L. Harter 01 Dec 1976
in Hawaiian waters prior to deployment when a major
fire occurred on the flight deck of the carrier. Several
Aircraft Assignment
squadron personnel were presented with citations
from the Secretary of the Navy and the Commanding Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received
Officer of Enterprise for heroism during the fire. A-7B Jul 1968

Major Overseas Deployments

Date of Date of Air Type of Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Aircraft Operation

06 Jan 1969 02 Jul 1969 CVW-9 CVAN 65 A-7B WestPac/Vietnam

02 Jan 1970 27 Jul 1970 CVW-6 CVA 42 A-7B Med
14 May 1971 18 Dec 1971 CVW-19 CVA 34 A-7B WestPac/Vietnam
05 Jun 1972 30 Mar 1973 CVW-19 CVA 34 A-7B WestPac/Vietnam
18 Oct 1973 05 Jun 1974 CVW-19 CVA 34 A-7B WestPac/IO
16 Sep 1975 03 Mar 1976 CVW-19 CV 34 A-7B WestPac
04 Oct 1976 21 Apr 1977 CVW-19 CV 42 A-7B Med
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284 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

Air Wing Assingments Unit Awards Received—Continued

Air Wing Tail Code Assignment Date Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award
CVW-9 NG Sep 1968 15 Jun 1971 10 Jul 1971
CVW-6 AE Jul 1969 24 Jul 1971 07 Aug 1971
CVW-19 NM 10 Dec 1970 03 Sep 1971 27 Sep 1971
29 Oct 1971 21 Nov 1971
26 Jun 1972 23 Jul 1972
Unit Awards Received
16 Aug 1972 01 Sep 1972
Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award 11 Sep 1972 28 Sep 1972
08 Oct 1972 31 Oct 1972
AFEM 20 Apr 1969 11 May 1969
24 Nov 1972 18 Dec 1972
VNSM 30 Mar 1969 18 Apr 1969
27 Dec 1972 31 Jan 1973
22 May 1969 24 May 1969
10 Feb 1973 06 Mar 1973
29 May 1969 17 Jun 1969
MUC 28 Jun 1972 06 Mar 1973

A formation of squadron A-7B Corsair IIs in 1972.

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VA-216 May 1962: The squadron, along with other CVG-21

units embarked in Hancock, were prepared to support
Lineage a U.S. Marine Corps unit that landed in Bangkok and
Established as Attack Squadron TWO HUNDRED moved by air to Udorn. The Marine landing was at the
SIXTEEN (VA-216) on 30 March 1955. request of the Thai government because of its con-
Disestablished on 1 August 1970. The first squadron cerns surrounding the success of Pathet Lao forces
to be assigned the VA-216 designation. along the Thai-Laotian border.
Sep 1963: VA-216, embarked in Hancock, operated
Squadron Insignia off the coast of Taiwan due to increased tensions
and Nickname between the People’s Republic of China and the
Republic of China.
The squadron’s
Nov 1963: Embarked in Hancock, the squadron
insignia was ap-
operated off the coast of South Vietnam following the
proved by CNO on
28 March 1956. coup that overthrew President Diem.
Colors for the insig- 29 Dec 1964–May 1965: VA-216 participated in
nia were black and Yankee Team operations, armed reconnaissance flights
white. The back- over Laos, and Barrel Roll operations, armed recon-
ground was black naissance and strike missions in eastern Laos covering
with a white and the infiltration routes used by the Communists.
black border; the 7 Feb 1965: VA-216 participated in Flaming Dart I
The Black Diamond insignia. shield and weapons operations, striking the Dong Hoi Barracks. These
were white with reprisal attacks against targets in North Vietnam were
black markings; the scroll was white outlined in black in response to the shelling of an American advisors
with black lettering. compound at Pleiku by the Viet Cong.
Nickname: Black Diamonds, 1956–1970. 11 Feb 1965: The squadron participated in Flaming
Dart II operations, reprisal attacks against the barracks
Chronology of Significant Events at Chanh Hoa, North Vietnam.
Sep 1958: VA-216, embarked in Bennington (CVA Mar–May 1965: VA-216’s Skyhawks participated in
20), operated in the Formosa Straits during the the Rolling Thunder campaign, strikes against desig-
Chinese Communist shelling of Quemoy and Matsu. nated military targets in North Vietnam.
1 Jul 1959: A reorganization by the Commander Mar 1966: Squadron aircraft participated in
Naval Air Force, Pacific directed VA-216 and VA-192 to Operation Jackstay, providing close air support for the
swap aircraft and all personnel. Commander amphibious operations that cleared the Rung Sat zone,
Baumgaertel, the commanding officer of VA-192, the river channels, southeast of Saigon.
became the commanding officer of VA-216 and all 1 May 1966: Lieutenant C. O. Tolbert was awarded
other personnel assigned to VA-192 were reassigned to the Silver Star for his actions during a combat mission
VA-216. The FJ-4Bs that had been assigned to VA-192 over North Vietnam involving the Xom Dom Dien sup-
were transferred to VA-216. This exchange was similar ply area and the sighting of a SAM missile battery
to a redesignation, but for reasons that are not on which was destroyed in a later mission.
record, it was officially directed as an “exchange” 7 Jul 1966: The squadron’s commanding officer,
rather than as a “redesignation.” Commander C. Birdwell, was awarded the Silver Star
Mar 1961: VA-216, embarked in Lexington (CVA 16), for his actions in a strike against the Haiphong POL
was ordered to operate off the coast of Thailand as a storage area.
result of the deteriorating position of Laotian govern-
Jun 1970: VA-216, embarked in Forrestal (CVA 59),
ment forces against the Pathet Lao. Units of
operated in the Eastern Mediterranean after American
Lexington’s air group flew reconnaissance missions
hostages were taken by the Popular Front for the
over Laos.
Liberation of Palestine in Amman, Jordon. The
Apr 1962: VA-216, embarked in Hancock (CVA 19),
squadron, along with other units of CVW-17, were
operated off the coast of South Vietnam during the
arrival of the first USMC advisor unit in the Republic of available also for air support during the evacuation of
Vietnam. Americans from Jordon.
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286 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

A formation of squadron AD-4NA Skyraiders, July 1956 (Courtesy Robert Lawson Collection).

Home Port Assingments Commanding Officers—Continue

Location Assignment Date Date Assumed Command

NAS Moffett Field 30 Mar 1955 CDR James J. Tyson 10 Oct 1967
NAS Lemoore Sep 1961 CDR James B. Busey IV 17 Dec 1968
NAS Alameda 01 Aug 1968 CDR Roger A. Massey, Jr. 19 Sep 1969

Aircraft Assignment
Commanding Officers
Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received
Date Assumed Command
AD-4 Apr 1955
CDR Frank W. Ault 30 Mar 1955
AD-4NA Apr 1955
CDR Hope Strong, Jr. Sep 1956
AD-5 May 1955
CDR W. E. Payne, Jr. 13 Feb 1959
AD-4B Jul 1955
CDR L. F. Baumgaertel 01 Jul 1959
AD-7 Oct 1956
CDR M. E. Stewart 09 Oct 1959
AD-6 Jul 1958
CDR T. M. Smyer 05 Jul 1961
A4D-2 16 Feb 1959
CDR R. W. Gait (acting) 02 Dec 1961
FJ-4B 01 Jul 1959
CDR G. W. Bailey 06 Jan 1962
A4D-2N/A-4C* 04 Sep 1962
CDR J. R. Anderson 31 Dec 1962
A-4B Aug 1966
CDR J. W. Miller 10 Nov 1963
A-4C 1968
CDR R. E. Schwoeffermann 07 Nov 1964
A-4E 13 Jun 1969
CDR Carl Birdwell, Jr. 1965
CDR Robert S. Moore 21 Oct 1966 * The A4D-2N designation was changed to A-4C in 1962.
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 287

Major Overseas Deployments

Date of Date of Air Type of Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Aircraft Operation

19 Mar 1956 13 Sep 1956 ATG-4 CVA 10 AD-4B/NA WestPac

06 Jan 1958 02 Jul 1958 ATG-4 CVA 12 AD-7 WestPac
21 Aug 1958 12 Jan 1959 ATG-4 CVA 20 AD-6 WestPac
29 Oct 1960 06 Jun 1961 CVG-21 CVA 16 FJ-4B WestPac
02 Feb 1962 24 Aug 1962 CVG-21 CVA 19 FJ-4B WestPac
07 Jun 1963 16 Dec 1963 CVG-21 CVA 19 A-4C WestPac
21 Oct 1964 29 May 1965 CVW-21 CVA 19 A-4C WestPac/Vietnam
10 Nov 1965 01 Aug 1966 CVW-21 CVA 19 A-4C WestPac/Vietnam
02 May 1967 06 Dec 1967 CVW-3 CVA 60 A-4B Med
07 Sep 1968 18 Apr 1969 CVW-15 CVA 43 A-4C WestPac/Vietnam
02 Dec 1969 08 Jul 1970 CVW-17 CVA 59 A-4E Med

Two squadron FJ-4B Fury aircraft on Hancock’s (CVA 19)

flight deck during her deployment to WestPac in 1962.

Air Wing Assignments Unit Awards Received

Air Wing Tail Code Assignment Date Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award
ATG-4 Z*/ND† 30 Mar 1955 NAVE 01 Jul 1957 30 Jun 1958
CVG-21 NP 01 Jul 1959‡ AFEM 15 Dec 1960 24 Dec 1960
COMFAIRALAMEDA 01 Sep 1966 01 Jan 1961 08 Jan 1961
CVW-3 AC 01 Feb 1967 10 Mar 1962 14 Mar 1962
14 Apr 1962 16 Apr 1962
COMFAIRALAMEDA 09 Dec 1967
16 May 1962 18 May 1962
CVW-15 NL 1968§
04 Nov 1963 10 Nov 1963
CVW-17 AA 1969 07 Dec 1964 04 May 1965
NUC 06 Dec 1965 25 Jul 1966
* The tail code Z for Air Task Group 4 (ATG-4) was assigned on 24 10 Oct 1968 31 Mar 1969
July 1956.
RVNGC 26 Dec 1965
† The tail code was changed from Z to ND in 1957. The effective 28 Dec 1965 31 Dec 1965
date for this change was most likely the beginning of FY 58 (1 July
02 Jan 1966 04 Jan 1966
1957).
09 Jan 1966
‡ ATG-4 was disestablished on 19 January 1959. VA-216 was
15 Jan 1966 19 Jan 1966
assigned to CVG-21 on 1 July 1959 but was not an active part of the
Air Group until its return from deployment in December 1959. 25 Feb 1966 26 Feb 1966
28 Feb 1966 05 Mar 1966
§ VA-216 probably joined CVW-15 upon the air wing’s return from
its deployment in April 1968. 01 Apr 1966 02 Apr 1966
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288 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

Unit Awards Received—Continued Unit Awards Received—Continued

Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award
25 May 1966 07 Jan 1969 10 Jan 1969
24 Jun 1966 14 Jan 1969 19 Jan 1969
27 Jun 1966 29 Jun 1966 22 Jan 1969
15 Oct 1968 24 Jan 1969
17 Oct 1968 18 Oct 1968 26 Jan 1969
21 Oct 1968 09 Feb 1969 20 Feb 1969
25 Oct 1968 27 Oct 1968 22 Feb 1969 03 Mar 1969
14 Nov 1968 16 Nov 1968 19 Mar 1969 31 Mar 1969
23 Nov 1968 VNSM 17 Dec 1965 23 Jan 1966
25 Nov 1968 11 Feb 1966 06 Mar 1966
01 Dec 1968 02 Dec 1968 21 Mar 1966 10 Apr 1966
04 Dec 1968 05 Dec 1968 27 Apr 1966 09 Jul 1966
30 Dec 1968 29 Dec 1968 30 Jan 1969
01 Jan 1969 03 Jan 1969 08 Feb 1969 03 Mar 1969
05 Jan 1969 19 Mar 1969 30 Mar 1969

Two squadron A-4C Skyhawks in flight, circa 1964–1965.

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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 289

VA-304
Lineage
Established as Attack Squadron THREE HUNDRED
FOUR (VA-304) on 1 July 1970.
Disestablished on 31 December 1994. The first
squadron to be assigned the VA-304 designation.

Squadron Insignia and

Nickname
The squadron’s insig-
nia was approved by
CNO on 21 January
1971. Colors for the A squadron A-4C Skyhawk, circa 1970 or 1971.
insignia were: a black
background with a
Home Port Assignments
white border; the out-
line of the phoenix is Location Assignment Date
red and the claws are
The squadron’s skull and phoenix NAS Alameda 01 Jul 1970
insignia. black; white skull with
shades of gray; and a
black scroll with red lettering. Commanding Officers
Nickname: Firebirds, 1970–1994.
Date Assumed Command
CDR John H. Thompson 01 Jul 1970
Chronology of Significant Events CDR Peter L. Hammes 01 Jul 1971
CDR Jerry V. Kirk 21 Jan 1973
1 Jul 1970: VA-304, a reserve squadron, established CDR Raymond G. Blake 20 Jul 1974
as part of a reorganization intended to increase the CDR David M. Boaz 17 Jan 1976
combat readiness of the Naval Air Reserve Force. CDR Matthew A. McCarthy Jan 1978
Elements of reserve unit, VA-20G3, were used to form CDR Frank J. Bender 20 Oct 1979
the newly established VA-304. CDR R. F. Bush Jun 1981
May 1987: VA-304 operated from the Canadian CDR D. B. Ashworth Mar 1983
Forces Base at Edmonton, Alberta, while participating CDR Thomas W. Hearn Sep 1984
in exercise Rendezvous 87-Bold Warrior. The exercise CDR Donald K. Simmons 20 Apr 1986
was a mock full-scale battle between elements of the CDR Daniel R. Kestly 26 Apr 1987
CDR Michael F. Dibello 16 Oct 1988
Canadian Armed Forces with VA-304 acting as an
CDR John R. Hines, Jr. 20 May 1990
aggressor force.
CDR Robert S. Mull, Jr. 16 Nov 1991
Aug 1988: VA-304 was the first reserve squadron to CDR William A. Roig 22 May 1993
receive and operate the A-6E Intruder. CDR Craig C. Groom 25 Jun 1994

A squadron A-7A
Corsair II at NAS
Alameda,
California, in 1975.
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290 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

Aircraft Assignment Air Wing Assignments

Air Wing Tail Code Assignment Date
Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received
A-4C Jul 1970 CVWR-30 ND 01 Jul 1970
A-7A 06 Aug 1971
A-7B Sep 1977 Unit Awards Received
A-7E Sep 1986 Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award
KA-6D 22 Jul 1988 MUC 01 Nov 1973 30 Nov 1975
A-6E 05 Aug 1988 NAVE 01 Jul 1974 30 Sep 1976

Two squadron A-6 Intruders over the Golden Gate Bridge.

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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 291

VA-776 Chronology of Significant Events

27 Jan 1968: The President directed the activation of
Lineage VA-776 following the capture of Pueblo (AGER 2) by a
Reserve Attack Squadron SEVEN HUNDRED SEVEN- North Korean patrol boat on 23 January 1968.
TY SIX (VA-776) called to active duty on 27 January
1968*. Home Port Assignments
Deactivated and returned to reserve status on 18
October 1968. Location Assignment Date
NAS Los Alamitos 27 Jan 1968
Squadron Insignia and Nickname NAS Lemoore 13 Jun 1968

The squadron’s insignia was approved by CNO on

21 November 1963. Commanding Officers
Colors for the insignia
Date Assumed Command
were: a blue back-
ground outlined in gold; CDR Milton E. Johnson, Jr. 27 Jan 1968
white cloud outlined in
black; gold eagle with Aircraft Assignment
black markings; gray lib-
erty bell with black Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received
markings and the cross A-4B Feb 1968
bar holding the bell was TA-4F Jun 1968
brown with black mark- A-4E Jun 1968
ings; orange bombs and
The squadron’s liberty bell
the scroll was gold with Air Wing Assignments
insignia. black lettering.
Nickname: unknown. Air Wing Tail Code Assignment Date
COMFAIRALAMEDA NR* 27 Jan 1968
* Few records exist for reserve squadrons prior to 1970. They did * This tail code was also assigned two other activated reserve
not submit history reports until 1970. squadrons, VA-873 and VF-703.

A squadron A-4B Skyhawk (Courtesy Robert Lawson Collection).

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292 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

VA-831 Home Port Assignments

Location Assignment Date

Lineage
NAS New York 27 Jan 1968
Reserve Attack Squadron EIGHT HUNDRED THIR- NAS Cecil Field 30 May 1968
TY ONE (VA-831) called to active duty on 27 January
1968*.
Deactivated and returned to reserve status on 18 Commanding Officers
October 1968.
Date Assumed Command
CDR Raymond Ketcham 27 Jan 1968
Squadron Insignia and Nickname
There is no record of an officially approved insignia. Aircraft Assignment
Nickname: unknown.
Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received

Chronology of Significant Events A-4B Jan 1968

27 Jan 1968: The President directed the activation of
VA-831 following the capture of Pueblo (AGER 2) by a Air Wing Assignments
North Korean patrol boat on 23 January 1968.
1 Jul 1968: The squadron was the first activated Air Wing Tail Code Assignment Date
reserve unit on the east coast to be assigned to an COMFAIRJACKSONVILLE MA* 1968
operational air wing. CVW-1 AB 01 Jul 1968

* Few records exist for reserve squadrons prior to 1970. They did * This tail code was also assigned two other activated reserve
not submit history reports until 1970. squadrons, VF-661 and VF-931.

A squadron A-4 Skyhawk, circa 1968 (Courtesy Duane Kasulka Collection).

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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 293

VA-873 Chronology of Significant Events

27 Jan 1968: The President directed the activation of
Lineage VA-873 following the capture of Pueblo (AGER 2) by a
Reserve Attack Squadron EIGHT HUNDRED SEV- North Korean patrol boat on 23 January 1968.
ENTH THREE (VA-873) called to active duty on 27
January 1968*. Home Port Assignments
Deactivated and returned to reserve status on 12
October 1968. Location Assignment Date
NAS Alameda 27 Jan 1968
Squadron Insignia and Nickname
The squadron’s insignia was approved by CNO on 16 Commanding Officers
March 1964. Colors for the insignia were: a white and
blue background out- Date Assumed Command
lined in black; the blue CDR Glen W. Stinnett, Jr. 27 Jan 1968
background section had
five white stars and the
Aircraft Assignment
white section had a gold
outline of San Francisco’s
Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received
Golden Gate with two
blue rows of waves A-4B 27 Jan 1968
beneath the bridge; sepa- A-4C May 1968
rating the two sections
was a stylized aircraft in Air Wing Assignments
black with a red flame
coming from the tail; the Air Wing Tail Code Assignment date
The squadron’s insignia used a
stylized aircraft design with stars scroll was white out- COMFAIRALAMEDA NR* 27 Jan 1968
in the upper half and the Golden lined in black with black
Gate Bridge in the lower part. CVW-2 NE 01 Jul 1968
lettering.
COMFAIRALAMEDA 01 Oct 1968
Nickname: unknown.

* Few records exist for reserve squadrons prior to 1970. They did * This tail code was also assigned to two other activated reserve
not submit history reports until 1970. squadrons, VA-776 and VF-703.

A squadron A-4 Skyhawk, circa 1968 (Courtesy Doug Olson Collection).

p.294 blank
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 295

CHAPTER 3

Heavy Attack Squadron Histories (VAH)

VAH-8 to VAH-123

VAH-8 accident. His aircraft, while returning to NAS Cubi

Point from a training flight, crashed into Mount
Lineage Silanguin. The crewmembers, Lieutenant Ray G.
English and ATCS Russell J. Marshall were also killed
Established as Heavy Attack Squadron EIGHT (VAH- in the accident.
8) on 1 May 1957. Apr 1965: The squadron participated in its first com-
Disestablished on 17 January 1968. The first bat operations. Bombing missions were performed
squadron to be assigned the VAH-8 designation. against targets such as army camps and marshalling
yards during the combat deployment. Air-to-air refuel-
ing sorties for attack and fighter aircraft were also
Squadron
flown.
Insignia and
May–Jun 1966: The squadron’s A-3B aircraft left
Nickname
Constellation (CVA 64), in late May while in Hawaii,
The squadron’s and flew to Cubi Point to await the arrival of
insignia was ap- Constellation. During the period prior to the carriers
proved by CNO on arrival in the Philippines, the squadron’s aircraft flew
29 April 1958. operations in support of Yankee Team from Ranger
Colors for the in- (CVA 61) and Enterprise (CVAN 65). During the
signia were not deployment, the squadron’s primary mission was com-
available. bat aerial refuelling in support of CVW-15 and other
units flying missions in North Vietnam.
Nickname:
Fireballers,
The squadron’s approved insignia.
1959–1968. Home Port Assignments

Chronology of Significant Events Location Assignment Date

NAS North Island 01 May 1957
13 Mar 1960: All nine of the squadron’s A3D-2
NAS Whidbey Island 01 Jul 1957
Skywarriors were launched from the deck of Midway
(CVA 41), while deployed to WestPac, and flew a for-
mation trans-Pacific flight of 4,800 miles to their home Commanding Officers
port of NAS Whidbey Island. Refueling stops were
made at NAS Barbers Point and Alameda. The total Date Assumed Command
flight time was 10.9 hours and the aircraft arrived at CDR Halford Woodson (acting) 01 May 1957
NAS Whidbey Island on 15 March. CDR LeRoy B. Fraser 28 Jun 1957
Mar–Apr 1961: The squadron, while deployed CDR Halford Woodson 21 Jun 1958
aboard Midway, operated in the South China Sea due CDR Frederick R. Fearnow 29 Jan 1959
to the deteriorating position of Laotian government CDR Cyrus F. Fitton 05 Feb 1960
forces. CDR James T. Cockrill 1961
13 Mar 1962: During exercise Potshot, squadron CDR Frank S. Haak 30 Mar 1962
A3Ds were launched from Midway carrying Marine CDR C. E. Guthrie 01 Mar 1963
paratroopers who were dropped on a target site at CDR Archie B. Treadwell 12 Dec 1963
Camp Pendleton. CDR Charles W. Cates 04 Dec 1964
12 Dec 1963: The squadron’s commanding officer, CDR Ralph E. Neiger 03 Dec 1965
Commander C. E. Guthrie, was killed in an aircraft CDR Thomas P. Stewart 14 Dec 1966

295
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Aircraft Assignment Aircraft Assignment—Continued

Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received

A3D-2/A-3B† 12 Aug 1957 KA-3B May 1967

F9F-8B* 28 Aug 1957 * These aircraft were used for training flights during the latter part of
F3D-2* 01 Sep 1957 1957.
† The A3D-2 designation was changed to A-3B in 1962.

Major Overseas Deployments

Date of Date of Air Type of Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Aircraft Operation

14 Jul 1958 19 Dec 1958 CVG-21 CVA 16* A3D-2 WestPac

16 Aug 1958 12 Mar 1959 CVG-2 CVA 41 A3D-2 WestPac
15 Aug 1959 25 Mar 1960 CVG-2 CVA 41 A3D-2 WestPac
16 Feb 1961 28 Sep 1961 CVG-2 CVA 41 A3D-2 WestPac
06 Apr 1962 20 Oct 1962 CVG-2 CVA 41 A3D-2 WestPac
08 Nov 1963 26 May 1964 CVW-2 CVA 41 A-3B WestPac
06 Mar 1965 23 Nov 1965 CVW-2 CVA 41 A-3B WestPac/Vietnam
12 May 1966 03 Dec 1966 CVW-15 CVA 64 A-3B WestPac/Vietnam
29 Apr 1967 04 Dec 1967 CVW-14 CVA 64 KA-3B WestPac/Vietnam
* VAH-8 Det L was embarked in Lexington (CVA 16) during its deployment to WestPac, operating with four squadron aircraft.

Two squadron A3D-2 Skywarriors fly over Midway (CVA 41) in 1959.
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 297

Air Wing Assignments Unit Awards Received—Continued

Air Wing Tail Code Assignment Date Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award
COMHATWING-2* NL/ZD† 01 May 1957 11 Nov 1958 15 Nov 1958
COMFAIRWHIDBEY 01 Jul 1959 30 Nov 1958 12 Dec 1958
CVG-2‡/CVW-2§ NE 02 Jul 1959 24 Mar 1961 25 Mar 1961
CVW-15 NL 15 Jan 1966 28 Mar 1961 07 Apr 1961
CVW-14 NK 01 Jan 1967 08 Apr 1965 11 May 1965
* VAH-8 was assigned to Commander Heavy Attack Wing 2 and tem-
19 May 1965 28 Jun 1965
porarily assigned to a Carrier Air Group during deployment. NUC 16 Apr 1965 04 Nov 1965
† Each heavy attack squadron was assigned its own tail code. These 29 May 1966 24 Nov 1966
tail codes were different from the ones assigned to the carrier air 18 May 1967 26 Nov 1967
groups. VAH-8’s tail code was changed from NL to ZD in 1957. The
effective date for this change was most likely the beginning of FY RVNGC 05 Oct 1965
58 (1 July 1957). 09 Oct 1965
‡ On 30 June 1959 COMHATWING-2 was disestablished and VAH-8 21 Jun 1966 22 Jun 1966
was administratively assigned to COMFAIRWHIDBEY. On 2 July 01 May 1967 01 Nov 1967
1959, CVG-2 was assigned as VAH-8’s operational senior command.
CVG-2 became VAH-8’s administrative senior on 15 August 1959. VNSM 22 Jul 1965 26 Aug 1965
§ CVG-2 was redesignated CVW-2 when Carrier Air Groups (CVG) 10 Sep 1965 09 Oct 1965
were redesignated Carrier Air Wings (CVW) on 20 December 1963. 18 Oct 1965 04 Nov 1965
14 Jun 1966 13 Jul 1966
27 Jul 1966 31 Aug 1966
Unit Awards Received
08 Sep 1966 01 Oct 1966
Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award 08 Jun 1967 11 Jun 1967
NAVE Mar 1964 30 Jun 1965 18 Jun 1967 25 Jul 1967
AFEM 06 Sep 1958 10 Sep 1958 01 Aug 1967 03 Sep 1967
12 Sep 1958 29 Sep 1958 25 Sep 1967 15 Oct 1967
12 Oct 1958 30 Oct 1958 24 Oct 1967 12 Nov 1967
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298 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

VAH-15 Home Port Assignments

Location Assignment Date

Lineage
NAS Norfolk 15 Jan 1958
Established Heavy Attack Squadron FIFTEEN (VAH-
15) on 15 January 1958.
Disestablished on 15 February 1959. The first
Commanding Officers
squadron to be assigned the VAH-15 designation.
Date Assumed Command
Squadron Insignia and
Nickname LCDR Alfred G. Trube, Jr. (acting) Jan 1958
CDR Trazewell T. Shepard, Jr. 13 Jun 1958
There is no record of
the squadron receiving
CNO approval for its
Aircraft Assignment
insignia. Colors for the
insignia are unknown.
Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received
Nickname: unknown.
AJ-2 Apr 1958
Chronology of TV-2 Jul 1958
Significant Events
The squadron’s stylized aircraft
insignia. Note the refueling line Jan 1958: VAH-15 was
connecting the two aircraft. Air Wing Assignments
established with the des-
ignation heavy attack Air Wing Tail Code Assignment Date
but its primary mission was to provide aerial refueling
to the Naval Air Force, Atlantic Fleet. NALCOLANTUNIT GP 1958

A squadron AJ-2 Savage at NAS Glenview, Illinois, circa 1958.

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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 299

VAH-16 Chronology of Significant Events

1 Jul 1958: The squadron’s primary heavy attack
Lineage high altitude bombing mission was changed to aerial
Established as Heavy Attack Squadron SIXTEEN refueling.
(VAH-16) on 15 January 1958. 13 Jun 1958: The squadron established Detachment
Disestablished on 30 January 1959. The first A in Hawaii and then relocated it to Agana, Guam,
squadron to be assigned the VAH-16 designation. with four AJ-2 aircraft.

Squadron Insignia and Nickname

Home Port Assignments
The squadron’s insignia was approved by CNO on
25 July 1958. Colors for the insignia were: a back-
Location Assignment Date
ground of alter-
nating white and NAS North Island 15 Jan 1958
blue quadrants
outlined in blue;
light blue light- Commanding Officers
ning bolt outlined
in gold; white Date Assumed Command
sword blade with CDR R. L. Ashcraft 1958
a gold handle;
and a blue scroll
outlined in gold Aircraft Assignment
with red lettering.
Nickname: un- Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received
The squadron’s one and only insignia.
known. AJ-2 15 Jan 1958

Major Overseas Deployments

Date of Date of Air Type of Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Det* Aircraft Operation

09 Aug 1957 02 Apr 1958 ATG-3 CVA 33 J* AJ-2 WestPac

06 Jan 1958 30 Jun 1958 ATG-4 CVA 12 K* AJ-2 WestPac
* The squadron only deployed detachments. The departure dates listed above are for the carrier and do not apply to VAH-16’s detachments.
VAH-16’s detachments were not established until after 15 January 1958 and their departure dates are not known.

Air Wing Assignments

Air Wing Tail Code Assignment Date
COMHATWING-2 ZH 15 Jan 1958

A squadron AJ-2 Savage refueling

an F3H-2M Demon from VF-64,
circa 1958.
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300 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

VAH-21 1 Sep 1968: A detachment of VAH-21 was estab-

lished at NAF Cam Ranh Bay, South Vietnam. The
Lineage detachment at NAF Cam Ranh Bay had been a Naval
Established as Heavy Attack Squadron TWENTY Air Test Center Project TRIM Detachment (TRIM: Trails
ONE (VAH-21) on 1 September 1968. Roads Interdiction Multi-sensor) prior to becoming a
Disestablished on 16 June 1969. The first squadron VAH-21 detachment.
to be assigned the VAH-21 designation. 16 Jun 1969: With the disestablishment of VAH-21,
its record included no loss of aircraft or any wounds
suffered by its personnel during operations in
Squadron Insignia and Nickname
Southeast Asia.
The squadron’s insignia request was disapproved by
CNO because the insignia instruction restricted the use
of cartoon designs. A new insignia request was not Home Port Assignments
submitted prior to the squadron’s disestablishment.
Nickname: unknown. Location Assignment Date
NS Sangley Point, Philippines 01 Sep 1968

Commanding Officers

Date Assumed Command

CDR A. E. Forsman 01 Sep 1968
CDR N. D. Dunnan 1968

Aircraft Assignment

Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received

AP-2H Sep 1968

Squadron personnel standing at attention during the establishment Air Wing Assignments
ceremony at NS Sangley Point, Philippines, in September 1968.
Air Wing Tail Code Assignment Date
Chronology of Significant Events COMFAIRWESTPAC SL 01 Sep 1968
1 Sep 1968: Heavy Attack Squadron 21 became the
first squadron in the Navy with a night interdiction Unit Awards Received
mission using new electronic surveillance equipment
(multi-sensors). Its mission was to interdict logistics Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award
moving over land or sea. MUC 14 Jan 1968 01 Dec 1968

A squadron AP-2H
Neptune at NAS
Patuxent River, 1969
(Courtesy Robert Lawson
Collection).
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 301

VAH-123
Lineage
Established as Heavy Attack Training Unit, Pacific
(HATUPAC) on 15 June 1957.
Redesignated Heavy Attack Squadron ONE HUN-
DRED TWENTY THREE (VAH-123) on 29 June 1959.
Disestablished on 1 February 1971. The first
squadron to be assigned the VAH-123 designation.

Squadron Insignia and Nickname

A squadron P2V-3B at NAF Litchfield following its retirement from
The unit’s insignia service (Courtesy Robert Lawson Collection).
was approved by CNO
on 12 August 1959. Home Port Assignments
Colors for the insignia
are unknown. Following Location Assignment Date
the unit’s redesignation NAS North Island 15 Jun 1957
to VAH-123 the HATU- NAS Whidbey Island 01 Jul 1957
PAC designation was
removed from the scroll
and replaced with VAH- Commanding Officers
123. In 1961 the design Date Assumed Command
was modified to include
LCDR R. H. Grant (acting) 15 Jun 1957
an upper scroll with the
CDR Donald A. Miller 16 Jul 1957
The squadron’s insignia following motto Professionalism is
its modification in 1961 which CDR Frank J. Shaw 18 Jul 1958
Our Business.
added the motto Professionalism CDR Norman K. McInnis 29 Dec 1959
is our Business. Nickname: Profes-
CDR C. F. Fitton 20 Jun 1961
sionals, 1961–1971.
CDR R. E. Osterholm 15 Jan 1963
CDR L. E. Kirkemo 20 Feb 1964
Chronology of Significant Events CDR Edward C. Fritsch 05 Jan 1965
Jun 1957: The unit was established to train person- CDR John L. Underwood 14 Jan 1966
CDR John P. Sundberg 20 Jan 1967
nel for the heavy attack mission, including the pilots,
CDR Horace B. Chambers 01 Dec 1967
bombardier/navigators and aircrewmen.
CDR Donald K. Forbes 07 Jan 1969
25 Nov 1958: Lieutenant Commander C. L. Chute CDR James E. Service 1970
became the first student to complete the unit’s heavy
attack training syllabus, through the solo stage, for the
A3D-2 Skywarrior.
Jan–Mar 1959: The unit incorporated the maintenance
training program into its syllabus, thereby providing a
complete training program for all aspects of the heavy
attack community’s operational requirements.
Aug 1966: The squadron received its first A-6A
Intruder in preparation for fleet replacement training
in the new attack aircraft.
1 Sep 1967: VAH-123 was relieved of its mission of
replacement training in the A-6 Intruder when VA-128
was established as a separate squadron from VAH-123
and assumed that mission.
1 Feb 1971: VAH-123 was disestablished and the
mission of replacement training for the A-3/KA-3B was
transferred to VAQ-130. Elements of VAH-123 were A squadron A-3 Skywarrior preparing to launch from Constellation
transferred to VAQ-130. (CVA 64) in March 1968.
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Aircraft Assignment Aircraft Assignment—Continued

Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received
P2V-3B Jul 1957 A3D-2T/TA-3B* 21 Dec 1959
F3D-2 Jul 1957 A3D-2Q 04 Aug 1960
F9F-8B 01 May 1958 A3D-1Q 12 Aug 1960
A3D-2/A-3B* 01 Aug 1958 A-6A 17 Aug 1966
F9F-8T 11 Feb 1958 KA-3B May 1967
A3D-1/A-3A* Jul 1959 * The A3D-2, A3D-1 and A3D-2T designations were changed to A-
A3D-2P 04 Dec 1959 3B, A-3A and TA-3B in 1962.

A squadron A-6A Intruder,

most likely at NAS Whidbey
Island, Washington.

Air Wing Assignments

Air Wing Tail Code Assignment Date

HATWING-2 ZG* 15 Jun 1957
RCVG-12/RCVW-12† NJ‡ 29 Jun 1958
* The tail code ZG was assigned to Heavy Attack Training Unit, Pacific.
† Replacement Carrier Air Group 12 (RCVG-12) was redesignated RCVW-12 when Carrier Air Groups (CVG) were redesignated Carrier Air Wings
(CVW) on 20 December 1963.
‡ RCVW-12 was disestablished on 1 June 1970 but VAH-123 continued to use the NJ tail code that had been assigned to RCVW-12.

A squadron A-3 Skywarrior being placed on display for the squadron’s disestablishment ceremony at NAS Whidbey Island, Washington, 1971.
Chap 3, 4, 5, 6, 7--295-344 4/10/95 12:29 PM Page 303

CHAPTER 4

Tactical Aerial Refueling Squadron

Histories (VAK)
VAK-208 to VAK-308

VAK-208 Chronology of Significant Events

31 Jul 1970: The squadron was established as part of
Lineage a reorganization intended to increase the combat readi-
Established as Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron ness of the Naval Air Reserve Force. It was to provide
TWO HUNDRED EIGHT (VAQ-208) on 31 July 1970. tanking, pathfinding and COD service to the Atlantic
Redesignated Aerial Refueling Squadron TWO HUN- and Pacific Fleets and other units around the world.
DRED EIGHT (VAK-208) on 1 October 1979. Mar 1971: The squadron’s first operational mission
was conducted when it provided tanker support for
Disestablished 30 September 1989. The first and only
CVWR-20 aircraft embarked in Independence (CVA 62)
squadron to be assigned the VAK-208 designation.
for a training exercise.
Aug 1971: The squadron conducted its two weeks of
Squadron Insignia and Nickname
active duty training embarked in John F. Kennedy (CVA
The squadron’s first insignia was approved by CNO 67) as part of CVWR-20. This was the first complete
on 6 May 1971. Colors for the insignia were: a yellow Reserve Carrier Air Wing deployment aboard a carrier.
background outlined in Oct 1971: The squadron conducted its first overseas
red with a red scroll and operational assignment by providing tanker service
black lettering; blue styl- across the Atlantic for RA-5C Vigilantes returning from
ized tail code letters; a Mediterranean cruise.
brown eagle with white Jan 1972: Squadron aircraft provided COD services
markings, orange beak for Constellation (CVA 64) on Yankee Station and
and claws outlined in Enterprise (CVAN 65) in the Indian Ocean.
black, and a red eye; Sep 1972: Squadron aircaft provided COD services
and red lightning bolts. for Kennedy while she was operating in the North Sea.
Following the squad- The squadron aircraft operated out of NAF Mildenhall,
ron’s redesignation a England, during this evolution.
new insignia was ap- Apr 1973: Squadron aircraft provided support for
The squadron’s first insignia used Yellow Aspirin, a CNO mission to Kuwait to review
proved by CNO on 10
the eagle and a stylized AF tail the defense capabilities of that country.
code in its design. October 1980. Colors
Oct 1973: Squadron aircraft provide COD and refu-
for this insignia were: a eling support during NATO Operation Swift Move for
yellow background out- the air wing embarked in Kennedy, operating in the
lined in black; red scroll North Atlantic.
with white lettering; 16–30 Oct 1973: During the Yon Kippur War in the
black latitude and longi- Middle East, squadron aircraft provided support for
tudinal lines; alternating Operation Nickle Grass, the transatlantic flight of A-4
white and red compass Skyhawks to Israel.
star outlined in black; Jul–Aug 1974: During civil unrest and the Turkish
red directional letters; invasion of Cyprus, squadron aircraft provided tanker
and a blue whale with and logistic support for Forrestal (CVA 59) and
black markings and a Independence (CV 62) operating in the area of Cyprus
during the crisis.
The second insignia used by the white eye and teeth.
Sep 1976: Squadron aircraft provided support for
squadron depicted the whale, re- Nickname: Jockeys,
flecting the nickname of the aircraft the NATO Exercise Teamwork conducted in the North
flown by the squadron, the A-3.
1970–1989. Atlantic.

303
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304 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

Sep 1978: Squadron aircraft provided support for Commanding Officers—Continued

the NATO Exercise Northern Wedding conducted in
the North Atlantic. Squadron aircraft operated out of Date Assumed Command
NAF Mildenhall during this exercise. CDR Earl B. Wynn, Jr. 06 Dec 1975
1 Oct 1979: The squadron was redesignated Aerial LCDR Phillip L. Middleton 14 Oct 1978
Refueling Squadron 208 (VAK-208) and the mission CDR B. A. Dempsey 04 Oct 1980
of the squadron changed to primarily tanker service. CDR Howard W. Goodroe 07 Nov 1981
The electronic warfare capability was removed from CDR David O. Mason 13 Nov 1982
its mission. CDR Donald L. Dostal 06 May 1984
May–Jun 1980: Squadron aircraft provided support CDR David E. Boyd 03 May 1986
for the French naval Exercise Suroit-80 in Landivisiau, CDR Alden F. Mullins, Jr. 07 Nov 1987
France. CDR Andrew J. Kisela, Jr. 1989
Sep 1980: Squadron aircraft provided support for the
NATO Exercise Teamwork 80 held in the North Atlantic.
Sep 1982: Squadron aircraft provided support for Aircraft Assignment
Exercise Agile Falcon held in the North Atlantic.
Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received
Sep–Oct 1984: Squadron aircraft provided
tanker/pathfinding support for NATO Exercise Display KA-3B 20 Nov 1970
Determination–84.
Air Wing Assignments
Home Port Assignments
Air Wing Tail Code Assignment Date
Location Assignment Date CVWR-20 AF 31 Jul 1970
NAS Alameda 31 Jul 1970
Unit Awards Received
Commanding Officers
Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award
Date Assumed Command MUC 21 Dec 1971 30 Sep 1974
AMSC L.V. Lambert (Petty Officer in Charge) 31 Jul 1970 01 Oct 1986 30 Sep 1989
LCDR J. F. Jefferson (Officer in Charge) 20 Nov 1970 SLOC 28 Mar 1983 18 Apr 1983
CDR Thomas E. Frey 02 Jul 1971 NAVE 01 Jul 1974 30 Sep 1976
CDR Tad H. Bingham 08 Jul 1973 01 Oct 1976 30 Sep 1978

A squadron KA-3B aboard

Eisenhower (CVN 69) in
September 1985.
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 305

VAK-308 23 Sep 1971: The squadron conducted its first

tanker/pathfinder service across the Atlantic.
Lineage 29 Nov–4 Dec 1971: The squadron conducted its
first tanker/pathfinder service across the Pacific.
Established as Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron Dec 1971–Jan 1972: Squadron aircraft provided COD
THREE HUNDRED EIGHT (VAQ-308) on 2 May 1970. service to the Enterprise (CVAN 65) while operating in
Redesignated Aerial Refueling Squadron THREE the Bay of Bengal during the Indo-Pakistani War.
HUNDRED EIGHT (VAK-308) on 1 October 1979. Sep 1972: Squadron aircraft provided COD services
Disestablished on 30 September 1988. The first for Kennedy (CVA 67) while she was operating in the
squadron to be assigned the VAK-308 designation. North Sea.
Apr–May 1973: Squadron aircraft provided
Squadron Insignia and Nickname tanker/pathfinder services for two Reserve F-8
squadrons enroute to operations in the Middle East.
The squadron’s insignia was approved by CNO on
Sep–Oct 1973: Squadron aircraft provided COD and
28 December 1971. Colors for the Griffin insignia
tanker service to Kennedy operating in the North
were: a blue back-
Atlantic during NATO exercise Operation Magic
ground outlined in gold,
Sword/Swift Move.
blue scroll outlined in
October 1973: During the Yon Kippur War in the
gold with gold lettering;
Middle East squadron aircraft provided
gold lightning bolt; the
tanker/pathfinder service for Operation Nickle Grass,
griffin had markings of
the transatlantic flight of A-4 Skyhawks enroute to
different shades of
Israel.
brown, its head was
Jul–Aug 1974: During civil unrest and the Turkish
white with shades of
invasion of Cyprus squadron aircraft provided tanker
gray and its left wing
and logistic support for Forrestal (CVA 59) and
had different shades of
Independence (CV 62) operating in the area of Cyprus
gray, the beak and eye
The squadron’s Griffin insignia. during the crisis.
were yellow with black
Sep 1974: Squadron aircraft provided COD and
markings, the tongue
tanker service to Kennedy operating in the North
and claws were red outlined in black; red diamond
Atlantic during NATO exercise Operation Northern
designs outlined in white.
Merger.
On 6 October 1981 CNO approved a modification to
Sep–Oct 1984: Squadron aircraft provided
the squadron’s insignia that changed the designation
tanker/pathfinder service to squadrons involved in
on the scroll from VAQ-308 to VAK-308.
exercise Display Determination held in the
Nickname: Griffins, 1971–1988.
Mediterranean.
Apr–May 1987: Squadron aircraft provided tanker
Chronology of Significant Events service to units involved in exercise Dragon Hammer.
2 May 1970: The squadron was established as part The squadron’s aircraft operated out of NAS Sigonella
of a reorganization intended to increase the combat during this evolution.
readiness of the Naval Air Reserve Force. It was to Apr 1988: Squadron aircraft provided tanker service
provide tanking, pathfinding and logistic support ser- to units involved in exercise Dragon Hammer. The
vices to the Atlantic and Pacific Fleets and other units squadron’s aircraft operated out of NAS Sigonella dur-
around the world. ing this evolution.

A squadron KA-3B Skywarrior at NAS

Alameda, California, in 1973. Notice the
squadron designation VAQ-308 on the
extended speed brake.
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Home Port Assignments Aircraft Assignment

Location Assignment Date
Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received
NAS Alameda 02 May 1970
KA-3B Sep 1970
Commanding Officers
Date Assumed Command
CDR Gregory B. Bambo, Jr. 02 May 1970 Air Wing Assignments
CDR Charles Jacob 16 Jul 1972
Air Wing Tail Code Assignment Date
CDR Gregory L. Davison 16 Jun 1974
CDR Tad H. Bingham 06 Dec 1975 CVWR-30 ND 02 May 1970
CDR Gerald F. Hicks 17 Dec 1977
CDR George L. Green Jan 1980
CDR James T. Edwards 16 Jan 1982 Unit Awards Received
CDR Dennis J. Kowalzyk 24 Jul 1983
CDR William C. Burgess 19 Jan 1985 Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award
CDR Daniel Kalashian 20 Jul 1986 MUC 21 Dec 1971 30 Sep 1974
CDR David D. Abelson 28 Jan 1988

A squadron KA-3B in flight, 1984.

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CHAPTER 5

Light Attack Squadron History (VAL)

VAL-4 Chronology of Significant Events

Sep 1968: VS-41 was assigned the responsiblity of
Lineage training personnel scheduled for assignment to VAL-4.
Established as Light Attack Squadron FOUR (VAL-4) Oct 1968: VS-41 received its first OV-10A Broncos
on 3 January 1969. for training VAL-4 personnel.
Disestablished on 10 April 1972. The first squadron Jan 1969: VAL-4 was established with the mission of
to be assigned the VAL-4 designation. conducting surveillance and offensive operations in
support of river patrol craft, as well as providing air
support for SEALS and combined U.S. Army, Navy and
Squadron Insignia and Nickname South Vietnamese operations.
The squadron’s first insignia was approved by CNO Mar 1969: VAL-4 was permanently based at the
on 7 March 1969. Colors for the Yellow Jacket Naval Support Activity Detachment Airfield, Binh
insignia were: a red Thuy, South Vietnam, for combat operations. The
background outlined squadron had two detachments, Det A assigned to
in black; a white Vietnamese Air Force Base, Binh Thuy and Det B at
scroll outlined in the Vung Tau, Army Airfield.
black with black let- 19 Apr 1969: The squadron began its first combat
tering; black stylized operations, flying air support of the Naval River Forces
aircraft with yellow in the Mekong Delta of South Vietnam. The missions
contrails; the yellow included normal patrol, overhead air cover, scramble
jacket had silver alert and gunfire/artillery spotting.
wings with black Apr–May 1970: VAL-4’s OV-10A Broncos participated
markings, a brown in combined South Vietnamese and U.S. Riverine
body outlined in Force operations designed to neutralize sanctuary
black, the head and bases in the Mekong River Corridor in support of U.S.
stinger tail were yel- and South Vietnamese strikes against enemy sanctuar-
The yellow jacket wasp was the
squadron’s first insignia design. low with black mark- ies in Cambodia.
ings; the lightning
bolt from the tail was black and the explosion was
yellow outlined in black.
On 14 July 1971
CNO approved a
modification to the
squadron’s insignia.
Colors for the Pony
insignia were: a red
background outlined
in black; a white
scroll outlined in
black with black let-
tering; the stylized
aircraft were black
with yellow contrails;
The squadron’s second insignia, the the pony was black.
Black Ponies, is the one that is best Nickname: Black A OV-10A Bronco taking off from Vung Tau, Republic of Vietnam,
known. Ponies, 1971–1972. on a combat mission, June 1969.

307
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308 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

1 Jul 1970: With the completion of new facilities for Aircraft Assignment
VAL-4 on Vietnamese Air Force Base Binh Thuy and
the consolidation of VAL-4’s operating units, the Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received
squadron’s Detachment B was disestablished. OV-10A 03 Jan 1969
31 Mar 1972: The squadron conducted its last combat YOV-10D Jun 1971
mission prior to its disestablishment on 10 April 1972.
Air Wing Assignments
Home Port Assignments
Air Wing Tail Code Assignment Date
Location Assignment Date VS-41 UM Sep 1968
NAS North Island 03 Jan 1969 COMFAIRWESTPAC UM Mar 1969
NSA Binh Thuy, South Vietnam 23 Mar 1969
Unit Awards Received
Commanding Officers
Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award
Date Assumed Command NUC 01 Jun 1964 01 Jun 1968
CDR Gilbert L. Winans 03 Jan 1969 01 Apr 1971 31 Oct 1971
CDR Martin S. Schuman 06 Sep 1969 MUC 26 Mar 1969 03 Sep 1969
CDR Verle W. Klein 06 Mar 1970 RVNGC 21 Nov 1968 21 Nov 1970
CDR Leonard M. Rausch 03 Sep 1970
CDR Robert W. Porter 03 Mar 1971
Unit Awards Received for VAL-4 Detachment B

Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award

NUC 14 Jun 1969 12 Aug 1969
PUC 24 Jun 1969 28 Feb 1970

Three squadron OV-10A Broncos on a combat mission over the

Mekong Delta, circa 1971. Note the squadron’s Black Ponies insignia
A squadron OV-10A Bronco in flight, 1969. on the tail.
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CHAPTER 6

Heavy Photographic Squadron Histories (VAP)

VAP-61 to VAP-62

VAP-61
Lineage
Established as Patrol Squadron SIXTY ONE (VP-61)
on 20 January 1951.
Redesignated Photographic Squadron SIXTY ONE
(VJ-61) on 5 March 1952.
Redesignated Heavy Photographic Squadron SIXTY
ONE (VAP-61) in April 1956.
Redesignated Composite Photographic Reconnais-
sance Squadron SIXTY ONE (VCP-61) on 1 July 1959. The squadron’s second insignia When VCP-61 was redesignated
Redesignated Heavy Photographic Squadron SIXTY was approved for use by the VAP-61, for the second time, it
unit when it was designated retained the stylized aircraft and
ONE (VAP-61) on 1 July 1961. VCP-61. The acronym in the globe design and just changed
Disestablished on 1 July 1971. The first squadron to scroll was for Photo Composite the scroll designation from PHO-
be assigned the VAP-61 designation. Squadron (VCP) 61. TOCOMPRON-61 to VAP-61.

Squadron Insignia and Nickname ver-blue background outlined in a medium blue; light
The squadron’s first insignia was approved by CNO silver-blue scroll outlined in dark blue with dark blue
on 2 October 1951. This insignia had been used by lettering; silver stylized aircraft with silver viewing
lines; the land masses on the globe were an olive tan,
a white ocean and dark blue longitude and latitude
lines. The scroll designatation was changed to VAP-61
in 1962.
This insignia was used by a
different squadron prior to Nickname: World Recorders.
its approval for use by VP-
61. It continued in use fol- Chronology of Significant Events
lowing VP-61’s redesigna-
tion to VJ-61, VAP-61 and 20 Jan 1951: The squadron’s mission was aerial pho-
then VCP-61.
tographic reconnaissance and cartographic mapping. It
deployed detachments around the world.
Mar 1951: A squadron detachment was ordered to
photograph the Mississippi Delta area and adjacent
VC-61 before being approved for use by VP-61. Colors coastline.
for the insignia were: a blue background; a gray and May 1951: A squadron detachment was ordered to
white goose with a pink foot, green eyes, yellow bill, Alaska in connection with mapping Alaska for the U.S.
and a red tongue; the pilot and gunner’s uniforms Army Map Service.
were olive green with yellow life jackets, pink faces, 1 Jul 1959: The squadron’s mission was to provide
brown gloves, boots were olive green and brown, red aerial photographic intelligence for naval operations
nose and green eyes; black and white pilot’s helmet and cartographic mapping in the Pacific, providing
and red gunner’s helmet; black gun with white high- detachments for deployment aboard carriers, as well
lights and a brown stock; gray camera with white as land facilities.
sides, a black and white lens with a blue and white May 1964: Squadron detachments began flying pho-
sight; the globe had blue water, yellow and white land tographic reconnaissance missions over Laos and
areas and black longitude and latitude lines. South Vietnam as part of Yankee Team Operations.
A new insignia was approved by CNO on 11 Missions were flown from carriers operating in the
January 1961. Colors for this insignia were: a light sil- South China Sea.

309
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310 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

A squadron PB4Y-1P in 1951 (Courtesy Robert Lawson Collection).

2–5 Aug 1964: Squadron detachments aboard carri- 31 Jan 1970: The squadron’s participation in
ers operating in the South China Sea provided photo Yankee Team Operations came to an end after 68
reconnaissance support during the Tonkin Gulf months of providing day and night reconnaissance
Crisisinvolving North Vietnamese patrol boat attacks flights over hostile areas in Southeast Asia. Yankee
on American destroyers. Team missions were flown from carriers operating in
1965: Squadron detachments continued to operate the South China Sea as well as shore facilities in
from carriers in the South China Sea; providing photo
Southeast Asia.
reconnaissane support for Yankee Team Operations;
1 Jul 1971: The squadron was disestablished. During
as well as flying missions over North Vietnam, part of
the Rolling Thunder Operations; and assisting in its period of service the squadron conducted mapping
Market Time Operations, coastal and shipping surveil- and special photographic projects in the
lance along the coast of South Vietnam. Mediterranean area, Alaska, Hawaii and numerous
7 Aug 1966: The squadron flew its first night combat other Pacific Islands, Korea, Japan, Okinawa,
infrared reconnaissance mission over North Vietnam. Philippines, North and South Vietnam, Laos, Thailand,
This began the use of infrared devices on squadron New Guinea, New Britain, Australia and numerous
aircraft for interdicting truck convoys at night. places in the continental United States.

A squadron F8U-1P
Crusader in flight, circa
1960 (Courtesy Robert
Lawson Collection).
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 311

Home Port Assignments Commanding Officers—Continued

Location Assignment Date Date Assumed Command
NAAS Miramar/NAS Miramar* 20 Jan 1951
NAS Agana Jun 1956 CDR Jerry F. McDaniel Sep 1958
CDR Ralph W. Spuhler Dec 1959
* NAAS Miramar was redesignated NAS Miramar on 1 April 1952. CDR Jonathan J. Crowder 16 Sep 1960
CDR Donald B. Brady 09 Nov 1961
Commanding Officers CDR Robert E. Morris 07 Nov 1962
CDR Hal B. Stewart 24 Oct 1963
Date Assumed Command CDR D. A. Woodard 06 Nov 1964
CDR Jesse L. Pennell 20 Jan 1951 CDR George H. Lee 16 Nov 1965
CDR John S. Harris 19 Jul 1952 CDR Horace B. Chambers 19 Nov 1966
CDR Herbert L. Salyer Jun 1953 CDR Archibald S. Thompson 14 Nov 1967
CDR David L. Soper May 1954 CDR Arthur R. Day 01 Nov 1968
CDR Gilbert B. Jansen, Jr. Jun 1955 CDR William E. Pippin 10 Nov 1969
CDR Sy E. Mendenhall Nov 1956 CDR Robert L. Skillen 30 Nov 1970

A couple of squadron AJ-2P Savages in flight, March 1953.

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312 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

Aircraft Assignment Aircraft Assignment—Continued

Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received
PB4Y-1P/P4Y-1P* Jan 1951 KA-3B 26 Dec 1963
AJ-2P 14 Sep 1952
F8U-1P Aug 1959 * PB4Y-1Ps were redesignated P4Y-1Ps in 1951.
A3D-2P/RA-3B† Sep 1959 † The A3D-2P designation was changed to RA-3B in 1962.

A squadron AJ-2P Savage

over NAS Agana, Guam,
April 1958.

Air Wing Assignments Air Wing Assignments—Continued

Air Wing Tail Code Assignment Date Air Wing Tail Code Assignment Date
FAW-14 EF/PB* 20 Jan 1951 COMFAIRWESTPAC SS 15 Jan 1964
COMFAIRSANDIEGO PB 1955 * It is believed the squadron’s tail code was changed from EF to PB
COMHATWING-2 PB/SS† Jul 1956 in 1953.
COMFAIRPHILIPPINES SS 01 Jan 1959 † The tail code was changed from PB to SS in 1957. The effective
date for this change was most likely the beginning of FY 58 (1 July
COMFAIRSOWESTPAC SS 1960 1957).

A squadron RA-3B
Skywarrior at NAS
Agana, Guam, sur-
rounded by a display of
aerial cameras used for
cartographic and recon-
naissance photography
taken by the squadron,
circa 1965 or 1966.
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 313

Unit Awards Received Unit Awards Received—Continued

Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award
MUC 02 Jun 1968 28 Feb 1970
AFEM 22 May 1961 04 Jun 1961
NUC 01 Jun 1964 01 Jun 1968
02 Aug 1964 05 Aug 1964 13 Apr 1969 15 Jun 1969

A camouflaged squadron RA-3B Skywarrior on the flight line at Da Nang, Republic of Vietnam, 1969.
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314 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

VAP-62 15 Oct 1969: The squadron was disestablished.

During its period of service the squadron conducted
Lineage mapping and special photographic projects in Saudi
Arabia, Turkey, Italy, Spain, various countries in north-
Established as Photographic Squadron SIXTY TWO ern Europe, Greenland, Iceland, Labrador, various
(VJ-62) on 10 April 1952. Central American and Caribbean countries, Morocco,
Redesignated Heavy Photographic Squadron SIXTY the Mediterranean and Atlantic Ocean areas and
TWO (VAP-62) on 2 July 1956. numerous places in the United States.
Disestablished on 15 October 1969. The first
squadron to be assigned the VAP-62 designation.

Squadron Insignia and

Nickname
The squadron’s
insignia was approved
by CNO on 3 August
1953. Colors for the
insignia were: a red
background outlined in
yellow; the film strip
had gray frames with
white borders; yellow
This was the only insignia officially
approved for use by the squadron. wings; blue eye with a
white iris and a white
beam emanating from
the eye.
The squadron’s A formation of squadron PB4Y-1Ps (P4Y-1P), 1953 (Courtesy Robert
Lawson Collection).
request for a new
insignia was disap-
proved by CNO on 20 Home Port Assignments
October 1960. The tiger
insignia was disap- Location Assignment Date
proved because cartoon NAS Jacksonville 10 Apr 1952
portrayals were no NAAS Sanford 20 Oct 1952
longer acceptable under NAS Norfolk Jul 1955
the insignia guidelines. NAS Jacksonville 15 Aug 1957
CNO disapproved the use of the
cartoon tiger insignia as the offi- Nickname: Tigers,
cial squadron logo. 1960–1969.

Chronology of Significant Events

Apr 1952: The squadron’s mission was aerial photo-
graphic intelligence for naval operations, deploying
detachments in the Atlantic Ocean, Mediterranean Sea
and other areas as required.
1 Sep–19 Dec 1952: A squadron detachment was
deployed to Dhahran Air Force Base in Saudi Arabia.
29 Jul 1960: During a landing aboard Saratoga (CVA
60), the squadron’s commanding officer, Commander
C. T. Frohne, and two other squadron crewmembers,
were lost when the tailhook of their A3D-2P
Skywarrior separated and the aircraft plunged off the
deck into the sea.
Oct 1966: The squadron transferred a detachment of
aircraft and personnel to VAP-61 to augment that
squadron’s operations in Vietnam. A formation of squadron AJ-2P Savages over Sanford, Florida, in 1953.
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 315

Commanding Officers Commanding Officers—Continued

Date Assumed Command Date Assumed Command

LCDR D. C. McNeil (acting) 10 Apr 1952 CDR John E. Cousins 09 Sep 1960
CDR J. Kennedy, Jr. 30 Apr 1952 CDR Charles H. Boldt, Jr. 06 Oct 1961
CDR H. S. Klenk Jun 1953 CDR Robert F. Roemer 04 Sep 1962
CDR J. A. Goodwin Jul 1954 CDR John D. Stuffiebeem Jul 1963
CDR John P. Cullen 08 Aug 1964
CDR E. B. Johnson, Jr. Jan 1956
CDR William E. Nowers 05 Jul 1965
CDR Henry W. Drum 12 Jul 1957
CDR Harry F. Bryant 22 Apr 1966
CDR Charles W. Hollinshead 10 Nov 1958 CDR Frank S. Coleman 16 Jun 1967
CDR Charles T. Frohne 10 Nov 1959 CDR Burke E. Eakie Jul 1968
CDR W. L. Berkey (acting) Jul 1960 CDR James E. Service 18 Jul 1969

A squadron A3D-2P Skywarrior on the deck of Independence (CVA 62) after a successful landing, 1961.

Aircraft Assignment Air Wing Assignments

Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received Air Wing Tail Code Assignment Date
COMFAIRJACKSON-
P4Y-1P May 1952
VILLE TP 10 Apr 1952
AJ-2P Sep 1952
COMFAIRNORFOLK TP Jul 1955
F7F-4N May 1953 COMFAIRJACKSON-
A3D-1P 14 Oct 1957 VILLE TP/GB* 15 Aug 1957
A3D-2P/RA-3B* 19 Oct 1959
* The tail code was changed from TP to GB in 1957. The effective
date for this change was most likely the beginning of FY 58 (1 July
* The A3D-2P designation was changed to RA-3B in 1962. 1957).
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316 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

A squadron A3D-2P in flight, 1961.

Unit Awards Received

Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award

NUC 18 Jan 1960 25 Oct 1962
AFEM 06 Jun 1964 13 Jul 1964

A squadron A3D-2P Skywarrior on display at NS Mayport, Florida, in May 1961.

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CHAPTER 7

Strike Fighter Squadron Histories (VFA)

VFA-15 to VFA-305

VFA-15 19 Oct 1973: The squadron provided maintenance

personnel for Operation Nickle Grass, the transatlantic
Lineage flight of A-4 Skyhawks to Israel using Franklin D.
Established as Attack Squadron SIXTY SEVEN (VA- Roosevelt (CVA 42) as an intermediate air field.
67) on 1 August 1968. Oct–Nov 1973: The squadron, embarked in
Redesignated Attack Squadron FIFTEEN (VA-15) on Roosevelt, operated in the vicinity of Crete in response
2 June 1969. to the Arab-Israeli war.
Redesignated Strike Fighter Squadron FIFTEEN Jun–Jul 1976: Following the assassination of the
(VFA-15) on 1 October 1986. The first squadron to be American Ambassador to Lebanon on 13 June, America
assigned the VA-67 designation, the second to be (CV 66), with VA-15 embarked, operated in the vicinity
assigned the VA-15 designation and the first to be of Lebanon and flew support missions during the evac-
assigned the VFA-15 designation. uation of non-combatants from that country.
May 1981: Independence (CV 62), with VA-15
Squadron Insignia and Nickname
embarked, transited the Suez Canal and maintained
The squadron does not have a CNO approval date station in the eastern Mediterranean due to the crisis
for the use of the lion and missile insignia. This between Israel and Syria following Israeli raids against
Syrian surface-to-air missile sites in Lebanon.
25 Oct–1 Nov 1983: In response to continued politi-
cal strife and the need to protect and evacuate
Americans from the island country of Grenada, VA-15
The squadron adopted the
lion insignia used by the first aircraft flew combat close air support and reconnais-
VA-15. The designation in the sance sorties in support of operation Urgent Fury, the
scroll was changed to VFA-15
in 1986. landing of U.S. Marines and Army rangers on the
island.
4 Dec 1983: In response to hostile fire against U.S.
reconnaissance aircraft from Syrian positions in
Lebanon, VA-15 aircraft participated in coordinated
strikes against Syrian radar, communications and
insignia was approved by the CNO for use by the first artillery positions overlooking the Multi-National
squadron to be assigned the VA-15 designation. When Peacekeeping Forces. One of the squadron’s A-7E
VA-67 was redesignated VA-15 on 2 June 1969, it adopt- Corsair IIs, flown by the Air Wing Commander,
ed the insignia that had been used by the first VA-15, Command Edward Andrews, was lost when it was hit
which had been disestablished on 1 June 1969. Colors by a Syrian surface-to-air missile. Commander
for the lion insignia are: background with red upper Andrews ejected, was rescued and returned to
half and blue-green lower half, the insignia and scroll Independence.
are outlined in white; blue scroll with white lettering;
Dec 1985–Jun 1986: The squadron returned from a
white waves; white rocket with black markings and yel-
low streaks emanating from the tail; yellow lion with six-month deployment to MCAS Iwakuni in the western
black markings. Pacific. It was assigned to MAG-12, 1st Marine Air Wing
Nickname: Valions, 1969-present. during the deployment. This deployment was designed
to test the enhanced interoperability between Marine
Chronology of Significant Events and Naval Air Forces, with emphasis on close air sup-
1 Aug 1968: The squadron began training under VA- port for Marine ground operations and the sharing of
174 in preparation for operating the A-7 Corsair II. other techniques used by both communities.

317
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318 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

Home Port Assignments Commanding Officers—Continued

Location Assignment Date Date Assumed Command

NAS Cecil Field 01 Aug 1968 CDR John J. Coonan 26 Jun 1980
CDR Michael B. Nordeen 24 Sep 1981
Commanding Officers CDR Byron L. Duff 01 Nov 1982
CDR Leslie G. Kappel 01 Jun 1984
Date Assumed Command CDR Philip Craig Landon 08 Oct 1985
CDR Lawrence C. Chambers 06 Nov 1968 CDR John W. Curtin 08 Jan 1987
CDR Robert B. Bristol 12 Feb 1970 CDR Milton W. Smith 13 May 1988
CDR Donald D. Brown 30 Mar 1971 CDR Brian M. Calhoun 29 Nov 1989
CDR Forrest A. Lees, Jr. 30 Mar 1972
CDR Richard C. McClary 21 Mar 1973 Aircraft Assignment
CDR Harry P. Kober, Jr. 24 May 1974
CDR Gordon E. Evans 30 Jul 1975 Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received
CDR Kelvin W. Huehn 02 Oct 1976 A-7B 10 Mar 1969
CDR Robert S. Smith 17 Dec 1977 A-7E Aug 1975
CDR John J. Mazach 19 Apr 1979 F/A-18A 06 Jan 1987

A squadron A-7E Corsair II taking off from the deck of Independence (CV 62) in 1982.

Major Overseas Deployments

Date of Date of Air Type of Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Aircraft Operation

02 Jan 1970 27 Jul 1970 CVW-6 CVA 42 A-7B Med

29 Jan 1971 23 Jul 1971 CVW-6 CVA 42 A-7B Med
15 Feb 1972 08 Dec 1972 CVW-6 CVA 42 A-7B Med
14 Sep 1973 17 Mar 1974 CVW-6 CVA 42 A-7B Med
03 Jan 1975 16 Jul 1975 CVW-6 CV 42 A-7B Med
15 Apr 1976 25 Oct 1976 CVW-6 CV 66 A-7E Med
10 Jun 1977 19 Jul 1977 CVW-6 CV 66 A-7E SoLant
29 Sep 1977 25 Apr 1978 CVW-6 CV 66 A-7E Med
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 319

Major Overseas Deployments

Date of Date of Air Type of Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Aircraft Operation

28 Jun 1979 14 Dec 1979 CVW-6 CV 62 A-7E Med

19 Nov 1980 10 Jun 1981 CVW-6 CV 62 A-7E SoLant/IO/Med
07 Jun 1982 22 Dec 1982 CVW-6 CV 62 A-7E Med
18 Oct 1983 11 Apr 1984 CVW-6 CV 62 A-7E Carib/Med/NorLant
16 Oct 1984 19 Feb 1985 CVW-6 CV 62 A-7E Med/IO
01 Dec 1985 13 Jun 1986 MAG-12 * A-7E WestPac
25 Aug 1988 11 Oct 1988 CVW-8 CVN 71 F/A-18A NorLant
30 Dec 1988 30 Jun 1989 CVW-8 CVN 71 F/A-18A Med
28 Dec 1990 28 Jun 1991 CVW-8 CVN 71 F/A-18A Med/Red Sea/
Persian Gulf
* The squadron forward deployed to MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, to provide close air support for Marine forces in WestPac. While deployed to
WestPac the squadron also operated at NAF Kadena, Okinawa; NAS Cubi Point, Philippines and stations in Korea.

Air Wing Assignments Unit Awards Received—Continued

Air Wing Tail Code Assignment Date Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award
COMFAIRJACKSON- 01 Jul 1976 31 Dec 1980
VILLE 01 Aug 1968 01 Jan 1987 31 Dec 1988
CVW-6 AE 11 Mar 1969 NAVE 01 Oct 1977 30 Sep 1978
COMLATWING 1 Apr 1985 01 Oct 1979 30 Sep 1980
MAG-12, 1st MAW* AC* Dec 1985 01 Jan 1983 31 Dec 1983
COMLATWING 1 Jun 1986 01 Jan 1988 31 Dec 1988
CVW-8 AJ 01 Sep 1987 NEM 07 Dec 1980 11 May 1981
* VA-15 was assigned to MAG-12, 1st Marine Air Wing during its 20 Aug 1982 05 Sep 1982
shore-based deployment to MCAS Iwakuni, Japan. While deployed 01 Oct 1982 06 Dec 1982
with MAG-12 the squadron used the tail code AC on its aircraft. AFEM 24 Oct 1983 02 Nov 1983
16 Nov 1983 22 Dec 1983
Unit Awards Received 28 Dec 1983 03 Jan 1984
15 Jan 1984 03 Feb 1984
Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award 09 Feb 1984 02 Mar 1984
MUC 09 Mar 1972 01 Dec 1972 HSM 20 Jun 1976 27 Jul 1976

A flight of squadron
F/A-18A Hornets in
1990.
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320 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

VFA-22 added a scroll at the bottom of the shield. The scroll

has a white background outlined in black with red let-
tering. On 14 September 1990, CNO approved a modifi-
cation to the insignia, changing the designation in the
Lineage scroll to VFA-22.
Established as Fighting Squadron SIXTY THREE (VF- Nickname: Fighting Redcocks, 1949-present.
63) on 27 July 1948.
Redesignated Attack Squadron SIXTY THREE (VA- Chronology of Significant Events
63) in March 1956.
Redesignated Attack Squadron TWENTY TWO (VA- 16 Sep 1950: The squadron participated in its first
22) on 1 July 1959. combat action, providing close air support for the
Redesignated Strike Fighter Squadron TWENTY amphibious landings at Inchon, Korea.
TWO (VFA-22) on 4 May 1990. The first squadron to 23 Jun 1952: VF-63, along with other units from
be assigned the VA-22, VA-63 and VFA-22 designation. Boxer (CV 21), Princeton (CV 37), Philippine Sea (CV
47), Bon Homme Richard (CV 31), U.S. Air Force and
Marine Corps squadrons, conducted a major offensive
Squadron Insignia and Nickname against hydro-electric targets in North Korea.
The squadron’s insignia was approved by CNO on 9 6 Aug 1952: While launching combat sorties a
May 1949. The background is a heraldic bar sinister severe fire broke out on the hangar deck of Boxer fol-
shield and with cumulus lowing the explosion of an aircraft gasoline tank. Eight
clouds. Overlaying the people were killed and one was missing, with several
background is a game- seriously injured. VF-63 did not suffer any casualties,
cock ready to strike. however, three of the squadron’s personnel were
Colors for the insignia awarded Bronze Stars for their heroic and courageous
are as follows: the action during the fire.
gamecock and bar on Feb 1955: The squadron, while deployed aboard
the shield are red with Essex (CVA 9), provided air support during the evacua-
black outlines; the beak tion of Chinese Nationalist from the Tachen Islands
and feet of the game- after the bombardment of the islands by the People’s
cock are gold and the Republic of China.
background of the 9 May 1958: The squadron became the first fleet
shield and clouds are unit to receive the FJ-4B Buddy Tanker package and
white outlined in black. successfully demonstrated its refueling capability.
The squadron continued Mar–Apr 1961: The squadron, while deployed
This insignia has been used by the
squadron since its CNO approval to use the insignia fol- aboard Midway (CVA 41), operated in the South China
in 1949. The only modification lowing its redesigna- Sea due to the crisis in Laos.
was the addition of the scroll and tions to VA-63, VA-22 6 Mar 1963: The squadron formed Detachment
the VA-22 designation, which
changed to VFA-22 in 1990. and then VFA-22. VA-22 Romeo consisting of four A-4B Skyhawks, six pilots

Squadron personnel on the deck of Valley Forge (CV 45) in February 1951. A squadron F4U-4 Corsair is in the background.
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 321

and forty-eight enlisted personnel. Its mission was to port of Operation End Sweep, the clearing of mines
deploy aboard ASW carriers and provide them with a from North Vietnam’s coastal waters.
limited amount of air defense. 29 Apr 1975: VA-22’s aircraft provided air cover for
19 Apr–3 Dec 1963: VA-22 Detachment Romeo was Operation Frequent Wind, the evacuation of American
deployed to the western Pacific aboard Kearsarge citizens from Saigon. The last American helicopter to
(CVS 33) and part of CVSG-53. During the deployment lift off the roof of the United States Embassy was
it participated in the recovery of space capsule Faith 7 escorted by an A-7E from the squadron.
and astronaut Major L. Gordon Cooper, USAF, follow- 15 May 1975: VA-22 aircraft, along with other ele-
ing his 22 successful orbits around the earth. ments from CVW-15 aboard Coral Sea, launched air
18 Dec 1963: VA-22 Detachment Romeo was dises- strikes against the Cambodian mainland after the cap-
tablished. ture of the SS Mayaguez by Cambodian gunboats on
Apr 1965: The squadron participated in its first com- 12 May. Squadron aircraft flew ten combat sorties and
bat operations since the Korean War and on 20 April struck targets at Ream Airfield.
suffered its first aircraft loss. Lieutenant Phillip N. Butler’s 27 Oct 1979: Following the assassination of Park
A-4C was hit by enemy antiaircraft fire while on a night Chung Hee, President of the Republic of Korea, Kitty
armed reconnaissance mission over North Vietnam. He Hawk (CV 63) was ordered to operate off the coast of
Korea.
successfully ejected and became a prisoner of war.
21 Nov 1979: Kitty Hawk, along with VA-22 and the
3 Jun 1965: Lieutenant Raymond P. Ilg (later Vice
rest of CVW-15, departed Subic Bay, Philippines,
Admiral) was shot down in his A-4C while on an
enroute to the Arabian Sea as a response to the 4
armed road reconnaissance mission over northern
November Iranian seizure of the American Embassy in
Laos. He successfully ejected and, following three days
Tehran and the taking of over 60 American hostages.
of evading capture deep inside enemy territory, was
6 Dec 1985: A squadron aircraft fired an AGM-88
rescued by a helicopter. Harm missile while operating out of NWC China Lake.
22 Nov 1966: Commander Henry D. Arnold, com- This was the first AGM-88 Harm missile fired by a
manding officer of VA-22, received the Silver Star West Coast Fleet squadron.
Medal for his actions during a strike against a Apr–Jul 1986: In late April Enterprise (CVN 65), with
Haiphong surface-to-air missile support facility. VA-22 onboard, transited the Suez Canal from the
26 Jan 1968: The Ranger (CVA 62), with VA-22 Indian Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea to augment car-
aboard, while operating on Yankee Station was rier forces there. Earlier in the month American strikes
ordered to the Sea of Japan following the capture of were flown against Libyan military targets as a response
Pueblo (AGER 2) by the North Koreans on 23 January to Libya’s continuing support of terrorist activity.
1968. Ranger and VA-22 operated in the area until 18 Apr 1988: VA-22 participated in retaliatory strikes
relieved on 5 March 1968. against Iranian oil platforms, gunboats and other naval
9 May 1972: Operation Pocket Money, the mining of ships after Samuel B. Roberts (FFG 58) struck an
Haiphong harbor, was launched. Aircraft from VA-22, as Iranian mine on 14 April in international waters.
well as the other attack squadrons deployed aboard Dec 1989: The squadron participated in Operation
Coral Sea (CVA 43), planned and executed the mining. Classic Resolve, providing support for the Philippine
Apr–Jul 1973: The squadron flew missions in sup- government during a coup d’etat attempt.

A formation of squadron F4U-4 Corsairs,

May 1952 (Courtesy Robert Lawson
Collection).
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322 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

A squadron A-7E Corsair II at NAS Lemoore, California, in 1975.

A squadron A-7E Corsair II in an unusual paint scheme, 1989.

A squadron
Home Port Assignments F9F-5
Panther gets
Location Assignment Date a wave-off
from the
NAS Norfolk 27 Jul 1948 Landing
NAAS Oceana 20 Mar 1949 Signal Officer
aboard
NAS Alameda 09 Aug 1950 Yorktown
NALF Santa Rosa 12 Jul 1951 (CVA 10)
during her
NAS Alameda 25 Sep 1952 cruise to
NAS Lemoore 28 Sep 1961 WestPac,
1953–1954.
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 323

Commanding Officers Aircraft Assignment

Date Assumed Command Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received

LCDR Malcolm W. Cagle 27 Jul 1948 F8F-2 Jul 1948
LCDR Thomas J. Ball 13 Feb 1950 F4U-4 Jan 1950
LT L. W. S. Cummins (acting) 17 Aug 1951 F9F-2* 14 Sep 1951
LCDR Ward S. Miller 20 Aug 1951 F9F-5* Dec 1952
LCDR Elmon A. Miller, Jr. 31 Oct 1952 F9F-6 Apr 1954
CDR Robert H. Benson Apr 1953 F9F-8 Aug 1955
CDR Howard B. Eddy Jul 1955 FJ-4B 30 Jul 1957
LCDR William C. Chapman 07 Jun 1957 A4D-2/A-4B† 24 May 1960
CDR John H. Lobdell 20 Mar 1959 A4D-2N/A-4C† 06 Oct 1961
CDR Jack D. Kendall 31 Mar 1960 A-4F Jun 1968
CDR W. T. Laws 10 Oct 1961 TA-4F‡ Jun 1968
CDR E. W. Abbott 29 Oct 1962 A-7E 04 Feb 1971
CDR R. S. Smith 12 Sep 1963 F/A-18C 06 Jul 1990
CDR C. E. Dechow 02 Oct 1964
* The squadron was scheduled to transition to the F9F-2 aircraft and
CDR E. H. Schorz (acting) 06 Oct 1964 received eight of the aircraft in September 1951, however, due to
CDR D. M. Wyand 20 Oct 1964 the severe lag in production of the aircraft and lack of critical spare
CDR E. H. Schorz 1965 parts, the squadron returned to flying the F4U-4 Corsair in the latter
part of September 1951. It continued to fly the F4U-4 until
CDR Henry D. Arnold 20 Oct 1966 November 1952 when it transitioned to jets. Initially it received F9F-
CDR Jack K. Ashmore 07 Oct 1967 2 aircraft in November 1952 and then switched to F9F-5 Panthers.
CDR Richard T. Gaskill 18 Oct 1968 † In 1962 the Navy’s aircraft designation system was changed and
CDR Henry C. Holt IV 16 Oct 1969 A4D-2 was redesignated A-4B and A4D-2N became A-4C.
CDR James C. Thompson 22 Oct 1970 ‡ The TA-4Fs were tandem seat Skyhawks used for instrument training.
CDR Robert G. Ehrman 1971
CDR Leonard E. Giuliani 31 Aug 1972
CDR Gary A. Scoffield 28 Jul 1973
CDR John F. Calvert 08 Nov 1974
CDR Alan M. Dundon 27 Feb 1976
CDR Lee B. Cargill 22 Apr 1977
CDR John D. Grice 06 Jul 1978
CDR Jerry D. Palmer 25 Sep 1979
CDR John E Vomastic 09 May 1981
CDR Russell C. York Feb 1983
CDR Raymond A. Kellett 26 Jul 1984
CDR Richard J. Burns 01 Feb 1986
CDR William H. Roberson III 31 Jul 1987
CDR Dale M. Doorly 20 Jan 1989
CDR G. Robert Darwin 09 Aug 1990 A squadron FJ-4B Fury, circa 1958 (Courtesy Robert Lawson Collection).

A formation of
squadron F9F-8
Cougars, 1957
(Courtesy Robert
Lawson Collection)
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324 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

Major Overseas Deployments

Date of Date of Air Type of Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Aircraft Operation

27 Oct 1949 22 Nov 1949 CVG-6 CVB 42 F8F-2 NorLant

24 Aug 1950 11 Nov 1950 CVG-2 CV 21 F4U-4 WestPac/Korea
06 Dec 1950 * CVG-2 CV 45 F4U-4 WestPac/Korea
* 09 Jun 1951 CVG-2 CV 47 F4U-4 WestPac/Korea
07 Feb 1952 25 Sep 1952 CVG-2 CV 21 F4U-4 WestPac/Korea
03 Aug 1953 03 Mar 1954 CVG-2 CVA 10 F9F-5 WestPac
03 Nov 1954 21 Jun 1955 CVG-2 CVA 9 F9F-6 WestPac
13 Nov 1956 20 May 1957 CVG-2 CVA 38 F9F-8 WestPac
16 Aug 1958 12 Mar 1959 CVG-2 CVA 41 FJ-4B WestPac
15 Aug 1959 25 Mar 1960 CVG-2 CVA 41 FJ-4B WestPac
16 Feb 1961 28 Sep 1961 CVG-2 CVA 41 A4D-2 WestPac
06 Apr 1962 20 Oct 1962 CVG-2 CVA 41 A4D-2N WestPac
08 Nov 1963 26 May 1964 CVW-2 CVA 41 A-4C WestPac
06 Mar 1965 23 Nov 1965 CVW-2 CVA 41 A-4C WestPac/Vietnam
29 Jul 1966 23 Feb 1967 CVW-2 CVA 43 A-4C WestPac/Vietnam
04 Nov 1967 25 May 1968 CVW-2 CVA 61 A-4C WestPac/Vietnam
18 Mar 1969 29 Oct 1969 CVW-5 CVA 31 A-4F WestPac/Vietnam
02 Apr 1970 12 Nov 1970 CVW-5 CVA 31 A-4F WestPac/Vietnam
12 Nov 1971 17 Jul 1972 CVW-15 CVA 43 A-7E WestPac/Vietnam
09 Mar 1973 08 Nov 1973 CVW-15 CVA 43 A-7E WestPac
05 Dec 1974 02 Jul 1975 CVW-15 CVA 43 A-7E WestPac
15 Feb 1977 05 Oct 1977 CVW-15 CV 43 A-7E WestPac
30 May 1979 25 Feb 1980 CVW-15 CV 63 A-7E WestPac/IO
01 Apr 1981 23 Nov 1981 CVW-15 CV-63 A-7E WestPac/IO
01 Sep 1982 28 Apr 1983 CVW-11 CVN 65 A-7E NorPac/WestPac/IO
30 May 1984 20 Dec 1984 CVW-11 CVN 65 A-7E WestPac/IO/NorPac
12 Jan 1986 13 Aug 1986 CVW-11 CVN 65 A-7E WestPac/IO/
Med/SoLant
25 Oct 1987 24 Nov 1987 CVW-11 CVN 65 A-7E NorPac
05 Jan 1988 03 Jul 1988 CVW-11 CVN 65 A-7E WestPac/IO/NorPac
17 Sep 1989 16 Mar 1990 CVW-11 CVN 65 A-7E World Cruise

* On 29 March 1951 VF-63 and CVG-2 transferred from Valley Forge (CV 45) to Philippine Sea (CV 47) while inport Yokosuka, Japan.

Air Wing Assignment Unit Awards Received

Air Wing Tail Code Assignment Date Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award
CVG-6 C 27 Jul 1948 NAVE Nov 1962 Feb 1964
CVG-2/CVW-2† M/NE* 31 Jul 1950 01 Jan 1979 30 Jun 1980
CVW-19 NM 01 Oct 1968 01 Jul 1980 31 Dec 1981
CVW-5 NF 01 Nov 1968 AFEM 06 Sep 1958 10 Sep 1958
COMFAIRLEMOORE 08 Jan 1971 12 Sep 1958 29 Sep 1958
CVW-15 NL 02 Jun 1971 12 Oct 1958 30 Oct 1958
CVW-11 NH 15 Jan 1982 11 Nov 1958 15 Nov 1958
30 Nov 1958 12 Dec 1958
* CVG-2’s tail code was changed from M to NE in 1957. The effec- 24 Mar 1961 25 Mar 1961
tive date was most likely the beginning of FY 58 (1 July 1957). 28 Mar 1961 07 Apr 1961
† Carrier Air Groups were redesignated Carrier Air Wings and CVG-2 09 Apr 1965 11 May 1965
became CVW-2 on 20 December 1963.
20 May 1965 28 Jun 1965
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 325

A composite photograph of the different types of aircraft flown by the squadron between 1948 and 1965.
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326 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

A squadron A-4C Skyhawk preparing for a launch from Midway (CVA 41) in June 1963.

Unit Awards Received—Continued Unit Awards Received—Continued

Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award
23 Jan 1968 22 Mar 1968 15 May 1975
29 Jun 1969 01 May 1979 23 Nov 1981
07 Jul 1969 13 Jul 1969 RVNGC 05 Oct 1965
24 Jul 1969 09 Oct 1965
03 Sep 1969 30 Mar 1972 01 Jul 1972
13 Sep 1969 14 Sep 1969 VNSM 22 Jul 1965 26 Aug 1965
29 Apr 1975 30 Apr 1975 11 Sep 1965 09 Oct 1965
15 May 1975 18 Oct 1965 04 Nov 1965
Mar 1988 12 Sep 1966 19 Oct 1966
17 Jan 1990 31 Jan 1990 30 Oct 1966 04 Dec 1966
HSM 29 Apr 1975 30 Apr 1975 26 Dec 1966 01 Feb 1967
17 May 1981 03 Dec 1967 29 Dec 1967
02 Oct 1981 06 Jan 1968 28 Jan 1968
23 Oct 1982 18 Mar 1968 12 Apr 1968
MUC 03 Dec 1967 09 May 1968 21 Apr 1968 09 May 1968
15 Feb 1988 21 May 1988 17 Apr 1969 19 May 1969
NEM 25 Nov 1979 28 Jan 1980 04 Jun 1969 26 Jun 1969
25 May 1981 30 Sep 1981 31 Jul 1969 01 Sep 1969
30 Apr 1986 27 Jun 1986 23 Sep 1969 09 Oct 1969
NUC Apr 1951 31 May 1951 02 May 1970 26 May 1970
16 Apr 1965 04 Nov 1965 01 Jun 1970 14 Jun 1970
12 Aug 1966 01 Feb 1967 10 Jul 1970 29 Jul 1970
18 Apr 1969 08 Oct 1969 17 Aug 1970 03 Sep 1970
02 May 1970 30 Oct 1970 11 Sep 1970 12 Sep 1970
15 Dec 1971 01 Jul 1972 26 Sep 1970 21 Oct 1970
22 Apr 1975 30 Apr 1975 14 Dec 1971
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 327

Unit Awards Received—Continued Unit Awards Received—Continued

Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award
31 Dec 1971 17 Jan 1972 Apr 1951 31 May 1951
26 Jan 1972 17 Feb 1972 10 Mar 1952 9 Sep 1952
01 Apr 1972 11 May 1972 KSM 14 Sep 1950 26 Oct 1950
16 Dec 1950 30 Mar 1951
01 Jun 1972 11 Jun 1972
15 Apr 1951 2 Jun 1951
21 Jun 1972 30 Jun 1972 10 Mar 1952 9 Sep 1952
KPUC 15 Sep 1950 26 Oct 1950 UNSM 14 Sep 1950 26 Oct 1950
Dec 1950 20 Mar 1951 10 Mar 1952 09 Sep 1952

A squadron F/A-18C Hornet in flight, 1990.

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328 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

VFA-25
Lineage
Established as Torpedo Squadron SEVENTEEN (VT-
17) on 1 January 1943.
Redesignated Attack Squadron SIX B (VA-6B) on 15
November 1946.
Redesignated Attack Squadron SIXTY FIVE (VA-65)
on 27 July 1948.
Redesignated Attack Squadron TWENTY FIVE (VA-
25) on 1 July 1959. This modification to the insig- This is the current insignia used
Redesignated Strike Fighter Squadron TWENTY nia was approved by CNO on by the squadron.
FIVE (VFA-25) on 1 July 1983. The first squadron to be 24 January 1974.
assigned the VFA-25 designation.

Squadron Insignia and Nickname Chronology of Significant Events

The squadron’s first insignia was approved by CNO 10 Sep–2 Oct 1943: The squadron was embarked in
on 28 September 1944. Colors for the four leaf clover, Bunker Hill (CV 17), enroute from Norfolk to Pearl
horseshoe and flying tor- Harbor via the Panama Canal and San Diego.
pedo insignia were: a 11 Nov 1943: The squadron flew its first combat sor-
blue background with ties, striking targets in Rabaul.
white shading; green Nov 1943–Feb 1944: The squadron flew numerous
four-leaf clover with combat missions, striking targets in Kavieng,
black markings; white Kwajalein, Eniwetok, Truk and Tinian.
horseshoe with black 2 Feb 1944: During operations over Eniwetok, the
markings; the wings and squadron’s commanding officer, Lieutenant Commander
nose of the torpedo F. M. Whitaker, was lost in a midair collision.
were yellow with black Feb 1945: The squadron flew numerous combat mis-
markings and the sions against targets in Japan and the Bonin Islands and
remaining part of the provided ground support for the invasion of Iwo Jima.
The squadron’s first insignia torpedo was white with 19 Mar 1945: For their actions against the Japanese
was indicative of its mission as black markings.
a torpedo squadron. Fleet in the Kure Bay area of the Inland Sea, the fol-
The clenched fist and lowing squadron personnel were awarded the Navy
lightning bolt insignia was Cross: Lieutenant Commander W. M. Romberger;
approved by CNO on 9
Lieutenant H. E. Clark; Lieutenant (jg)s T. J. Coghlan,
June 1949. Colors for the
H. W. Foote, H. C. Johnson, A. C. Traxler and Ensign J.
insignia are: a gold back-
Behl. Lieutenant J. A. Tew was awarded the Silver Star
ground with a black bor-
for his actions during this attack.
der; black fist with gold
markings and a red light- Mar 1945: Squadron aircraft struck Japanese ships in
ning bolt. On 24 July 1959, the East China Sea, Inland Sea and around the Ryukyu
CNO approved a modifi- Islands and land based targets in and around
cation to the insignia. The Okinawa.
modified insignia added a 7 Apr 1945: VT-17, along with other units from the
scroll with the designa- task force, attacked a Japanese naval force composed
tion VA-25. The scroll of the superbattleship Yamato and her escorts.
was yellow with black The clenched fist and lightning Squadron aircraft scored several torpedo hits on the
markings and lettering. bolt became the squadron’s sec- Yamato and sunk one of her destroyer escorts. For
ond insignia and has been in
On 24 January 1974 use, with some modifications, their actions in this battle the following squadron per-
CNO approved another since 1949. sonnel were awarded the Navy Cross: Lieutenants T.
modification to the C. Durkin and S. G. Sullivan; Lieutenant (jg) J. F.
insignia, adding three black stars. When the squadron Monaghan and Ensign W. F. Nickel. Lieutenant H. E.
was designated VFA-25 it continued to use the fist and Clark, Lieutenant (jg) T. J. Coghlan and Ensign R. S.
lightning bolt insignia but dropped the three stars. Hanlon were awarded the Silver Star for their actions.
Nickname: Fist of the Fleet, 1949-present. Apr 1945: Combat missions were flown against tar-
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 329

gets in and around Okinawa in preparation for the attack squadron to deploy and operate the A-1. The A-
invasion of that island. 1’s last combat mission with VA-25 came to an end on
May–Jun 1945: VT-17 aircraft struck targets in and 20 February when the aircraft touched down on the
around Okinawa, Kyushu, Shikoku and ships in the deck of Coral Sea (CVA 43).
East China Sea. Apr 1969: Following the shoot down of a Navy EC-
27 Oct–23 Nov 1949: VA-65, embarked in Franklin 121 aircraft by the North Koreans, Ticonderoga (CVA
D. Roosevelt (CVB 42), operated in the Davis Straits 14), with VA-25 embarked, was ordered to the Sea of
area conducting cold weather exercises. Japan.
15 Sep 1950: Squadron aircraft participated in com- 21 Nov 1970: Squadron aircraft flew Rescue Combat
bat strikes against shore defenses in and around Air Patrol sorties while an Army-Air Force search and
Inchon, Korea, just before the landings at Inchon. rescue team landed at the Son Tay POW compound,
1 Oct 1950: Squadron aircraft struck the North 20 miles west of Hanoi, in an attempt to free American
Korean capital of P’yongyang, hitting the airfield and POWs. Unfortunately the POW compound had already
scoring a direct hit on a large electrical power plant. been evacuated by the North Vietnamese.
23 Jun 1952: Squadron aircraft participated in a Dec 1972: The squadron participated in Linebacker
coordinated four carrier strike on North Korean hydro- II Operations, heavy air strikes against targets primari-
electric power plants. VA-65’s Skyraiders hit the Suiho ly around Hanoi and Haiphong.
power plant on the Yalu River. 15 Jan 1973: The squadron participated with several
6 Aug 1952: Embarked in Boxer, the squadron was other squadrons in a large laser bombing attack
preparing for routine combat operations when a fire against bridge targets in North Vietnam. This coordi-
broke out on the hangar deck. Squadron personnel nated strike used the A-6’s Pave Knife Laser
assisted in removing armed ordnance from planes on Designation System to guide laser-guided bombs
the flight deck and helped fight the fire on the hangar dropped by A-7 aircraft.
deck. One casualty was suffered by the squadron as a Jan–Feb 1973: Following the cease fire with North
result of the fire. Vietnam on 27 January, the squadron concentrated its
Feb 1955: While embarked in Essex (CVA 9) and attention on strikes against lines-of-communication tar-
operating in the Formosa Straits, the squadron provid- gets in Laos until an agreement was reached with that
ed air support during the evacuation of Nationalist country.
Chinese forces from the Tachen Islands which had
Jul 1976: Following the Israeli raid on Entebbe and
come under bombardment by the People’s Republic of
the threatened military operations against Kenya by
China.
Uganda, the Ranger (CV 61), with VA-25 embarked,
25 Aug 1958: Midway (CVA 41), with VA-65
was ordered to transit from the South China Sea to the
embarked, was ordered to discontinue its ORI and
western Indian Ocean and operate off the coast of
proceed to the vicinity of Taiwan following the
Kenya.
shelling of the Quemoy Islands on 23 August by the
21 Feb 1985: VFA-25 and 113, embarked in
Chinese Communists.
Constellation (CV 64), were the first to deploy with the
Mar 1961: The squadron, while embarked in
F/A-18 Hornet. During the deployment the Hornets
Midway, operated in the South China Sea due to the
operated in the western Pacific and Indian Ocean.
crisis in Laos.
Apr 1965: The squadron engaged in its first combat Jul 1987: Due to the increased attacks on merchant
operations in the Vietnam theater. and tanker shipping in the Persian Gulf during the
20 Jun 1965: Four of the squadron’s Skyraiders Iran/Iraqi War, the United States began to escort
engaged enemy fighters over North Vietnam resulting reflagged Kuwaiti oil tankers. During operation
in the shoot down of a MiG-17. Lieutenant Clinton B. Earnest Will, VFA-25 provided air cover for reflagged
Johnson and Lieutenant (jg) Charles W. Hartman III tankers transiting the Straits of Hormuz.
were awarded Silver Stars for their actions in downing Aug 1990: Due to the invasion of Kuwait by Iraq,
the MiG-17. Independence (CV 62), with VFA-25 embarked, was
14 Sep 1966: While on a combat sortie near Vinh, ordered to operate in the Gulf of Oman.
North Vietnam, the squadron’s commanding officer, Aug–Nov 1990: VFA-25 flew sorties from
Commander C. W. Stoddard, was shot down by a sur- Independence in support of Operation Desert Shield,
face-to-air missile and lost at sea. the build-up of American and Allied forces to counter
Jan 1968: Squadron aircraft provided close air sup- a threatened invasion of Saudi Arabia by Iraq and as
port for U.S. Marines beseiged at Khe Sanh, South part of an economic blockade of Iraq to force its with-
Vietnam. drawal from Kuwait. On 2 October Independence
6 Apr 1968: The squadron returned to NAS Lemoore entered the Persian Gulf and operated in those waters
from a combat deployment to Vietnam, bringing to a for two days before returning to the Northern Arabian
close an era for the A-1 Skyraider. It was the last Sea and being relieved on station by Midway (CV 41).
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330 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

A squadron TBF-1C prepares

to take off from Bunker Hill
(CV 17) during its combat
cruise on the carrier from
October 1943 to March 1944.

Home Port Assignments Commanding Officers—Continued

Location Assignment Date Date Assumed Comma

NAS Norfolk 01 Jan 1943 LCDR Harry M. Thompson 28 Oct 1952
NAS Kaneohe 03 Oct 1943* LCDR J. A. Rapp 12 Mar 1954
NAS Alameda 10 Mar 1944† CDR John R. Bowen II 15 Jul 1955
NAS Hilo 12 Nov 1944* CDR William C. Bates 22 May 1957
NAB Agana 28 Dec 1944* CDR Edward V. Izac, Jr. 15 May 1958
NAS Alameda 08 Jul 1945 CDR John W. Fairbanks 03 Apr 1959
NAAS Fallon Sep 1945 CDR Warren H. Ireland 08 Apr 1960
NAS Brunswick 01 Feb 1946 LCDR M. E. Mann (acting) 11 May 1960
NAS Norfolk 15 Aug 1946 CDR William S. Hertig 16 May 1960
NAAS Oceana 05 Mar 1949 CDR C. R. Bradford 03 Aug 1961
NAS Alameda 15 Aug 1950 CDR John A. Overn 11 Aug 1962
NALF Santa Rosa 11 Jul 1951 CDR Herman W. Presson 25 Jun 1963
NAS Alameda 25 Sep 1952 CDR Ralph F. Smith 29 May 1964
NAS Moffett Field 28 Sep 1961 CDR Harry E. Ettinger 24 May 1965
NAS Lemoore 07 Jan 1963 CDR C. William Stoddard 13 Apr 1966
* Temporary shore assignment while the squadron conducted train- CDR James D. Burden 14 Sep 1966
ing in preparation for combat deployment. CDR Clifford E. Church 01 Oct 1967
† During the squadron’s reforming and training cycle it operated CDR Scott L. Smith Mar 1968
from numerous other shore stations, inlcuding NAAS Monterey, CDR Fred J. Orrik 09 Jun 1969
NAAS Vernalis, and NAAS Arcata.
CDR F. M. Humphreys 26 Jun 1970
CDR Juan H. Carcaba 26 May 1971
Commanding Officers CDR Edwin A. Greathouse 19 May 1972
CDR Paul M. Moore 02 Jun 1973
Date Assumed Command CDR George R. Vezina 05 May 1974
LCDR Frank M. Whitaker 01 Jan 1943 CDR Peter W. Ogle 08 Jul 1975
LT Gordon N. Owens 02 Feb 1944 CDR James B. Hamilton 29 Oct 1976
LT Jack Martin (acting) 18 Apr 1944 CDR Warner L. Butler 31 Jan 1978
LCDR William M. Romberger 02 May 1944 CDR Donald J. Wright 26 Mar 1979
LT Arnold C. Traxler (acting) 18 Aug 1945 CDR John A. Lockard 29 Jul 1980
LCdr William N. Janes (acting) 21 Aug 1945 CDR Robert W. Leone 07 Oct 1981
CDR Rubin H. Konig 11 Oct 1945 CDR Steve L. Webb 25 Apr 1983
LCDR Glen B. Butler 31 Oct 1947 CDR C. J. Leslie 16 Nov 1984
LCDR Michael J. Hanley 08 Dec 1948 CDR Jeorme L. Arbiter Feb 1986
CDR Richard W. Phillips 01 Feb 1950 CDR Anthony V. Colantoni, Jr. 02 Sep 1987
CDR Gordon A. Sherwood 31 Aug 1951 CDR Daniel W. Gabriel 23 Nov 1988
LCDR Marvin R. Novak (acting) 22 Oct 1952 CDR Gregory R. Peairs 31 May 1990
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 331

Aircraft Assignment Aircraft Assignment—Continued

Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received
TBF-1 Jan 1943 AD-1/2/3/4 1951*
TBF-1C Oct 1943 AD-4NA 03 Dec 1952
TBM-1 May 1944 AD-4B 23 Dec 1952
TBM-1C Oct 1944 AD-5 Jul 1955
TBM-3 Feb 1945 AD-6/A-1H† Jul 1955
TBM-3E Sep 1945 AD-7/A-1J† Apr 1959
SB2C-4E Mar 1946 A-7B Oct 1968
SB2C-5 Nov 1946 A-7E Dec 1969
AD-1 23 Sep 1947 F/A-18A 11 Nov 1984
AD-1Q Jul 1948 F/A-18C Jun 1989
AD-4 02 Dec 1949
* Between July and December 1951 the squadron received and
AD-3 14 Nov 1950 transferred numerous models of the AD Skyraider.
AD-2 05 Dec 1950 † The AD-6 and AD-7 designations were changed to A-1H and A-1J
AD-4Q 05 Dec 1950 respectively in 1962.

Photo of squadron officers aboard Philippine Sea (CV 47) in 1951. A squadron AD-2 Skyraider is in the background.
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332 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

Major Overseas Deployments

Date of Date of Air Type of Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Aircraft Operation
21 Oct 1943 04 Mar 1944 CVG-17 CV 17 TBF-1C Pacific*
02 Feb 1945 08 Jul 1945 CVG-17 CV 12 TBM-1C/3 Pacific†
04 Jan 1949 05 Mar 1949 CVG-6 CVB 41 AD-1 Med
24 Aug 1950 11 Nov 1950 CVG-2 CV 21 AD-4 WestPac/Korea
06 Dec 1950 09 Jun 1951 CVG-2 ‡ AD-2 WestPac/Korea
08 Feb 1952 26 Sep 1952 CVG-2 CV 21 AD-4 WestPac/Korea
03 Aug 1953 03 Mar 1954 CVG-2 CVA 10 AD-4B/NA WestPac
03 Nov 1954 21 Jun 1955 CVG-2 CVA 9 AD-4/4B WestPac
13 Nov 1956 22 May 1957 CVG-2 CVA 38 AD-6 WestPac
16 Aug 1958 12 Mar 1959 CVG-2 CVA 41 AD-6 WestPac
15 Aug 1959 25 Mar 1960 CVG-2 CVA 41 AD-7 WestPac
16 Feb 1961 28 Sep 1961 CVG-2 CVA 41 AD-7 WestPac
06 Apr 1962 20 Oct 1962 CVG-2 CVA 41 A-1H/J WestPac
08 Nov 1963 26 May 1964 CVW-2 CVA 41 A-1H/J WestPac
06 Mar 1965 23 Nov 1965 CVW-2 CVA 41 A-1H/J WestPac/Vietnam
29 Jul 1966 23 Feb 1967 CVW-2 CVA 43 A-1H WestPac/Vietnam
26 Jul 1967 06 Apr 1968 CVW-15 CVA 43 A-1H/J WestPac/Vietnam
01 Feb 1969 18 Sep 1969 CVW-16 CVA 14 A-7B WestPac/Vietnam
27 Oct 1970 17 Jun 1971 CVW-2 CVA 61 A-7E WestPac/Vietnam
16 Nov 1972 23 Jun 1973 CVW-2 CVA 61 A-7E WestPac/Vietnam
07 May 1974 18 Oct 1974 CVW-2 CVA 61 A-7E WestPac
30 Jan 1976 07 Sep 1976 CVW-2 CV 61 A-7E WestPac/IO
21 Feb 1979 22 Sep 1979 CVW-2 CV 61 A-7E WestPac
10 Sep 1980 05 May 1981 CVW-2 CV 61 A-7E WestPac/IO
07 Apr 1982 19 Oct 1982 CVW-2 CV 61 A-7E WestPac/IO
21 Feb 1985 24 Aug 1985 CVW-14 CV 64 F/A-18A WestPac/IO
04 Sep 1986 20 Oct 1986 CVW-14 CV 64 F/A-18A NorPac
11 Apr 1987 13 Oct 1987 CVW-14 CV 64 F/A-18A WestPac/IO
01 Dec 1988 01 Jun 1989 CVW-14 CV 64 F/A-18A WestPac/IO
16 Sep 1989 19 Oct 1989 CVW-14 CV 64 F/A-18A/C NorPac
23 Jun 1990 20 Dec 1990 CVW-14 CV 62 F/A-18C WestPac/IO/
Persian Gulf
* The combat deployment time frame covers the squadron’s departure from Pearl Harbor aboard Bunker Hill (CV 17) and its return to Pearl
Harbor on 4 March 1944. The squadron detached from Bunker Hill on 4 March and returned to the States on 10 March 1944.
† The combat deployment time frame covers the squadron’s 2 February 1945 embarkation in Hornet (CV 12) at Ulithi atoll and its return to the
States on 8 July 1945.
‡ VA-65 deployed to Korea embarked in Valley Forge (CV 45). On 29 March 1951 the squadron, along with the rest of CVG-2, transferred to
Philippine Sea (CV 47) for continued operations in Korea. It returned to the States embarked in Philippine Sea.

Squadron A-1H Skyraiders on the deck of Coral Sea (CVA 43) in 1966 during their deployment to Vietnam.
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 333

Air Wing Assignments Unit Awards Received

Air Wing Tail Code Assignment Date Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award
CVG-17/CVBG-17/ C† 01 Jan 1943 PUC 11 Nov 1943 23 Feb 1944
CVBG-5/CVG-6* 16 Feb 1945 10 Jun 1945
CVG-2/CVW-2§ M/NE‡ 01 Aug 1950 NAVE 01 Jul 1948 30 Jun 1949
CVW-15 NL 31 Mar 1967 01 Jul 1949 30 Jun 1950
COMFAIRALAMEDA 1968** 01 Jul 1964 30 Jun 1965
CVW-16 AH 1968 01 Jan 1986 31 Dec 1986
CVW-2 NE 1970*** 01 Jan 1987 31 Dec 1987
CVW-14 NK Jan 1984 01 Jan 1990 31 Dec 1990
KSM 14 Sep 1950 26 Oct 1950
* CVG-17 was established on 1 January 1943. It was redesignated 16 Dec 1951 30 Mar 1951
CVBG-17 on 22 January 1946 and then became CVBG-5 on 15
November 1946. The CVGB-5 designation was changed to CVG-6 on 15 Apr 1951 02 Jun 1951
27 July 1948. 10 Mar 1952 09 Sep 1952
† The tail code was assigned to CVBG-5 on 12 December 1946. HSM 25 May 1976 01 Jun 1976
‡ The tail code was changed from M to NE in 1957. The effective 20 Mar 1981
date for this change was most likely the beginning of FY 58 (1 July
1957). NUC 29 Mar 1951 31 May 1951
§ CVG-2 was redesignated CVW-2 when Carrier Air Groups (CVG) 16 Apr 1965 04 Nov 1965
were redesignated Carrier Air Wings (CVW) on 20 December 1963. 12 Aug 1966 01 Feb 1967
** During the squadron’s transition to the A-7B Corsair II, its admin- 13 Aug 1967 19 Feb 1968
istrative superior was Commander Fleet Air Alameda. Once the tran-
sition was complete it was assigned to CVW-16. 02 Aug 1990
*** CVW-2 returned from a WestPac deployment on 1 June 1970 and 01 Nov 1990
VA-25 was assigned to the air wing sometime in the summer or fall AFEM 06 Sep 1958 10 Sep 1958
of 1970.
12 Sep 1958 29 Sep 1958

A squadron A-7E Corsair II at NAS North Island, California, in 1975.

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334 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

Unit Awards Received—Continued Unit Awards Received—Continued

Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award
12 Oct 1958 30 Oct 1958 02 Apr 1969 03 Apr 1969
11 Nov 1958 15 Nov 1958 06 Apr 1969 07 Apr 1969
30 Nov 1958 12 Dec 1958 09 Apr 1969 15 Apr 1969
24 Mar 1961 25 Mar 1961 10 May 1969 29 May 1969
28 Mar 1961 07 Apr 1961 31 May 1969 03 Jun 1969
09 Apr 1965 11 May 1965 28 Jun 1969 30 Jun 1969
20 May 1965 28 Jun 1965 VNSM 22 Jul 1965 26 Aug 1965
20 Apr 1967 27 Apr 1967 10 Sep 1965 09 Oct 1965
23 Jan 1968 22 Mar 1968 18 Oct 1965 04 Nov 1965
20 Apr 1969 27 Apr 1969 12 Sep 1966 19 Oct 1966
04 Aug 1969 30 Oct 1966
16 Aug 1969 24 Aug 1969 01 Nov 1966 04 Dec 1966
30 Aug 1969 26 Dec 1966 01 Feb 1967
MUC 18 Feb 1969 07 Sep 1969 26 Aug 1967 01 Oct 1967
18 Nov 1970 02 Jun 1971 12 Oct 1967 28 Oct 1967
01 Jan 1988 31 Aug 1989 04 Nov 1967 05 Nov 1967
NEM 30 Oct 1980 12 Mar 1981 11 Nov 1967 08 Dec 1967
RVNGC 05 Oct 1965 16 Dec 1967 07 Jan 1968
09 Oct 1965 15 Jan 1968 21 Feb 1968
20 Nov 1966 21 Nov 1966 03 Mar 1969 20 Mar 1969
29 Dec 1966 29 Mar 1969 16 Apr 1969
23 Nov 1967 09 May 1969 04 Jun 1969
02 Dec 1967 25 Jun 1969 01 Aug 1969
04 Dec 1967 18 Nov 1970 18 Dec 1970
20 Dec 1967 22 Dec 1967 27 Dec 1970 13 Jan 1971
20 Jan 1968 02 Feb 1971 17 Mar 1971
23 Jan 1968 27 Jan 1968 31 Mar 1971 18 Apr 1971
29 Jan 1968 19 Feb 1968 25 Apr 1971 18 May 1971
04 Mar 1969 08 Mar 1969 09 Dec 1972 03 Jan 1973
10 Mar 1969 14 Jan 1973 30 Jan 1973
12 Mar 1969 19 Mar 1969 01 Feb 1973 06 Feb 1973
29 Mar 1969 31 Mar 1969 SASM 05 Aug 1990 04 Nov 1990

Two squadron F/A-18 Hornets on deck

preparing to launch, circa 1988 or 1989.
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 335

VFA-27 ter support for the island country of Mauritius follow-

ing a tropical storm.
Lineage Apr 1975: Participated in operation Frequent Wind
and provided air support for helicopters evacuating
Established as Attack Squadron TWENTY SEVEN personnel from Saigon as it fell to the communists.
(VA-27) on 1 September 1967. Feb 1977: During the crisis in Uganda and threats
Redesignated Strike Fighter Squadron TWENTY against Americans in that country, Enterprise operated
SEVEN (VFA-27) on 24 January 1991. The first off the coast of Kenya for possible support in the
squadron to be assigned the VFA-27 designation. evacuation of Americans.
Dec 1979: Coral Sea (CV 43) operated off the coast
Squadron Insignia and Nickname of South Korea following the assassination of South
Korea’s President Park Chung-Hee in late October.
The squadron’s insignia was approved by the CNO Apr 1980: The squadron participated in the Iranian
on 25 March 1968. Colors for the glove and mace hostage rescue attempt by providing air cover for the
forces directly involved in the rescue operation.
May 1980: Following civil unrest in South Korea,
Coral Sea operated off the coast of that country.
Aug 1983: Due to the unsettled conditions in Central
America, Coral Sea (CV 43) operated off the coast of
Nicaragua.
Aug 1986: The squadron participated in the first car-
rier tactical flight operations in the Bering Sea since
the end of World War II.

Home Port Assignments

The squadron’s Royal Maces The squadron maintained the Location Assignment Date
insignia with the VA-27 (Attack same insignia design following
Squadron 27) designation in its redesignation to VFA-27. The
NAS Lemoore 01 Sep 1967
the scroll. only change was the designa-
tion in the scroll. Commanding Officers
Date Assumed Command
insignia are as follows: sky blue blackground with a CDR George T. Pappas 01 Sep 1967
white cloud outlined in blue; light blue glove outlined CDR Donald L. Felt 28 Feb 1969
in black and with USN in white; orange-red mace han- CDR Thomas W. Durant 04 Feb 1970
dle with a black mace, outlined in white; white scroll CDR Leroy B. Keeley 22 Jan 1971
outlined in black with black lettering. CDR Jerome L. Johnson 22 Dec 1971
Nickname: Royal Maces, 1968-present. CDR Leon A. Edney 15 Dec 1972
CDR Meredith W. Patrick 09 Jan 1974
Chronology of Significant Events CDR James A. Kenney 07 Mar 1975
28 Jun 1968: The squadron flew its first combat sortie, CDR Dale A. Iverson 28 May 1976
striking targets in the panhandle region of North Vietnam. CDR Richard K. Pottratz 01 Aug 1977
4 Feb–7 Mar 1971: VA-27 embarked in Enterprise CDR James W. Partington 30 Nov 1978
(CVAN 65), conducted training flights during the carri- CDR James S. Zayicek 10 May 1980
er’s transit around Cape Horn to her new home port CDR Dennis V. McGinn 24 Sep 1981
in California. CDR Joseph E. Hart 16 Dec 1982
Dec 1971: With the outbreak of war between India CDR Hugh D. Connell II 01 May 1984
and Pakistan over East Pakistan (later Bangladesh), CDR Joseph P. Sciabarra 25 Oct 1985
Enterprise departed Yankee Station and made a quick CDR Malcolm P. Branch 29 May 1987
transit to the Indian Ocean to provide support for the CDR Richard E. Clayton 03 Sep 1988
evacuation of foreign civilians from East Pakistan. CDR Stanford H. Hlavka 29 Mar 1990
Oct 1972: Participated in Linebacker I operations,
heavy air strikes against targets in North Vietnam to Aircraft Assignment
interdict the flow of supplies in that country and into
South Vietnam. Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received
Dec 1972: Participated in Linebacker II operations, A-7A Jan 1969
an intensified version of Linebacker I operations. A-7E 30 Jun 1970
Feb 1975: Enterprise, with CVW-14, provided disas- F/A-18A 20 Feb 1991
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336 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

Two squadron A-7E Corsair IIs fly along a deserted coast line during their deployment to the Indian Ocean, 1986.

Major Overseas Deployments

Date of Date of Air Type of Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Aircraft Operation

28 May 1968 31 Jan 1969 CVW-14 CVA 64 A-7A WestPac/Vietnam

11 Aug 1969 08 May 1970 CVW-14 CVA 64 A-7A WestPac/Vietnam
11 Jun 1971 12 Feb 1972 CVW-14 CVAN 65 A-7E WestPac/
Vietnam/IO
12 Sep 1972 11 Jun 1973 CVW-14 CVAN 65 A-7E WestPac/Vietnam
17 Sep 1974 20 May 1975 CVW-14 CVAN 65 A-7E WestPac /IO
30 Jul 1976 28 Mar 1977 CVW-14 CVN 65 A-7E WestPac/IO
04 Apr 1978 30 Oct 1978 CVW-14 CVN 65 A-7E WestPac/IO
13 Nov 1979 11 Jun 1980 CVW-14 CV 43 A-7E WestPac/IO
20 Aug 1981 23 Mar 1982 CVW-14 CV 43 A-7E WestPac/IO
21 Mar 1983 12 Sep 1983 CVW-14 CV 43 A-7E World Cruise
13 Oct 1984 24 May 1985 CVW-15 CVN 70 A-7E WestPac/IO
12 Aug 1986 05 Feb 1987 CVW-15 CVN 70 A-7E WestPac/IO
15 Jun 1988 14 Dec 1988 CVW-15 CVN 70 A-7E WestPac/IO
05 Sep 1989 09 Nov 1989 CVW-15 CVN 70 A-7E NorPac/WestPac
01 Feb 1990 29 Jul 1990 CVW-15 CVN 70 A-7E WestPac/IO
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 337

Air Wing Assignments Unit Awards Received—Continued

Air Wing Tail Code Assignment Date Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award
COMFAIRALAMEDA 01 Sep 1967 11 Sep 1968 09 Oct 1968
CVW-14 NK 05 Jan 1968 23 Oct 1968 29 Nov 1968
CVW-15 NL 21 Nov 1983 09 Dec 1968 21 Dec 1968
01 Jan 1969 07 Jan 1969
11 Sep 1969 03 Oct 1969
Unit Awards Received
01 Nov 1969 23 Nov 1969
Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award 07 Dec 1969 22 Dec 1969
05 Jan 1970 30 Jan 1970
AFEM 16 Oct 1969 24 Oct 1969
12 Feb 1970 01 Mar 1970
16 Mar 1970 23 Mar 1970
26 Mar 1970 17 Apr 1970
29 Apr 1975 30 Apr 1975
14 Jul 1971 31 Jul 1971
MUC 14 Jun 1968 23 Jan 1969 15 Aug 1971 14 Sep 1971
07 Sep 1969 30 Apr 1970 12 Sep 1971
02 Jul 1971 03 Feb 1972 25 Sep 1971 26 Sep 1971
22 Apr 1975 30 Apr 1975 02 Oct 1972 23 Oct 1972
10 Nov 1984 07 May 1985 01 Nov 1972 11 Dec 1972
16 Jan 1987 02 Feb 1987 18 Dec 1972 13 Jan 1973
NEM 01 Feb 1980 05 May 1980 24 Jan 1973 23 Feb 1973
11 Oct 1981 20 Oct 1981 01 Mar 1973 02 Mar 1973
NUC 03 Oct 1972 22 Feb 1973 11 Mar 1973 28 Mar 1973
VNSM 27 Jun 1968 22 Jul 1968 HSM 29 Apr 1975 30 Apr 1975
02 Aug 1968 28 Aug 1968 NAVE 01 Jan 1985 31 Dec 1985

A squadron F/A-18A Hornet in flight, 1992.

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338 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

VFA-37 1 Aug 1972: While on a combat mission near the

island of Hon Nieu, off the coast of North Vietnam, a
Lineage squadron’s A-7A Corsair II was used to establish a
sonobuoy field in an anchorage area. This was the first
Established as Attack Squadron THIRTY SEVEN (VA- time an A-7 had ever been used to drop sonobuoys.
37) on 1 July 1967. Jun 1982: John F. Kennedy, with VA-37 embarked,
Redesignated Strike Fighter Squadron THIRTY took station off the coast of Lebanon after Israel invad-
SEVEN (VFA-37) on 28 November 1990. The first ed that country.
squadron to be assigned the VFA-37 designation. Jun 1984: The primary mission of the squadron was
changed to close air support in preparation for its
Squadron Insignia and Nickname deployment to MCAS Iwakuni as part of the Marine
Corps Unit Deployment Program. VA-37’s deployment
The squadron’s insignia was approved by CNO on
was scheduled as a replacement for a Marine Corps A-
26 March 1968. A design centering on a Bull was
4M squadron. Two Navy A-7 squadrons had been
selected to symbol-
selected for the program because the A-7 Corsair II
ize the spirit, pride
was very similar in size and make-up to a Marine
and mission of the
Corps A-4 Skyhawk squadron. The deployment of the
unit. The insignia
two Navy attack squadrons was designed to test the
colors are as fol-
interoperational abilities of the Marine Corps and Navy.
lows: a light blue
Dec 1984: VA-37 deployed to MCAS Iwakuni and
circular background
relieved VA-105. VA-105 was the first Navy squadron
surrounded by a
to participate in the Marine Corps Unit Deployment
white border out-
Program and it was also the first time a Navy squadron
lined in black; red-
came under the operational control of the Marine
brown bull with a
Corps since World War II.
black mane, white
Mar 1985: While deployed to MCAS Iwakuni, the
horns tipped with
squadron was detached to Yechon, Korea, to partici-
The squadron has used the Bulls insig- red and the nostrils
pate in exercise Team Spirit 85. This was the first time
nia since March 1968. emitting clouds of
a Navy carrier-based squadron had deployed in field
white steam; white
conditions since World War II.
teeth and a red eye; and a dark blue scroll outlined in
black with lettering in white.
Nickname: Bulls, 1968-present.

Chronology of Significant Events

Jul–Nov 1967: Squadron personnel were trained by
VA-174 in the operation of the A-7A Corsair II.
Sep 1970: Fighting erupted between Palestinian
forces and the Jordanian Army as a result of the
Palestinian hijacking of several civilian airliners to
Jordan. Saratoga (CVA 60) with its embarked air wing,
including VA-37, was directed to operate in the eastern
Mediterranean in response to this crisis. The conflict
intensified when Syria invaded Jordan and VA-37
remained on station until the latter part of September
when the Jordanian Army had successfully repulsed
the Syrians and the crisis had abated.
29 Sep 1970: VA-37 participated in an air power
demonstration for President Nixon during his two day
visit to Saratoga while she steamed in the Med.
Jun–Oct 1971: VA-37 participated in the test and
evaluation of the new CV concept during the
Saratoga’s deployment to the North Atlantic and the
Mediterranean Sea. The CV concept involved combin-
ing the capabilities of the attack and antisubmarine
carriers (CVA and CVS) into a single ship.
A formation of squadron A-7E Corsair IIs, 1989.
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 339

Home Port Assignments Commanding Officers—Continued

Location Assignment Date Date Assumed Command
NAS Cecil Field 01 Jul 1967
CDR A. Coward IV 18 Apr 1979
CDR W. B. Christie 03 Jul 1980
Commanding Officers CDR Leroy A. Farr 21 Oct 1981
CDR Robert L. Ramsay III 01 Feb 1983
Date Assumed Command CDR Brian L. Lehman 12 Jul 1984
CDR James A. Burnett 01 Jul 1967 CDR Jeffrey Harrison 05 Dec 1985
CDR J. R. Tappan 08 Nov 1968 CDR James R. O’Hora 02 Jul 1987
CDR K. E. Moranville Sep 1969 CDR L. Scott Jacobsen 14 Dec 1988
CDR C. B. Hawkins, Jr. 03 Jul 1970 CDR Carroll L. White 22 Jun 1990
CDR Thomas F. Brown III 28 May 1971
CDR Jerome F. Watson 07 Jan 1972 Aircraft Assignment
CDR Clarence E. Armstrong 22 Feb 1973
CDR James W. Keathley 21 Mar 1974 Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received
CDR George K. Coyne, Jr. 10 Jul 1975 A-7A Aug 1967
CDR Richard W. Hamon 15 Oct 1976 A-7E 23 Apr 1973
CDR Robert J. Spane 12 Jan 1978 F/A-18A 13 Dec 1990

Major Overseas Deployments

Date of Date of Air Type of Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Aircraft Operation

30 Dec 1968 04 Sep 1969 CVW-11 CVA 63 A-7A WestPac/Vietnam

17 Jun 1970 09 Nov 1970 CVW-3 CVA 60 A-7A Med
07 Jun 1971 28 Oct 1971 CVW-3 CVA 60 A-7A NorLant/Med
11 Apr 1972 13 Feb 1973 CVW-3 CV 60 A-7A SoLant/IO/West
Pac/Vietnam
27 Sep 1974 19 Mar 1975 CVW-3 CV 60 A-7E Med
06 Jan 1976 28 Jul 1976 CVW-3 CV 60 A-7E Med
11 Jul 1977 23 Dec 1977 CVW-3 CV 60 A-7E Med
03 Oct 1978 05 Apr 1979 CVW-3 CV 60 A-7E Med
10 Mar 1980 27 Aug 1980 CVW-3 CV 60 A-7E Med
04 Jan 1982 14 Jul 1982 CVW-3 CV 67 A-7E Med/IO
01 Mar 1983 29 Oct 1983 CVW-15 CVN 70 A-7E World Cruise
01 Dec 1984 14 Jun 1985 MAG-12 MCAS A-7E Japan/WestPac
Iwakuni
02 Jun 1986 10 Nov 1986 CVW-6 CV 59 A-7E Med
28 Aug 1987 09 Oct 1987 CVW-6 CV 59 A-7E NorLant
25 Apr 1988 07 Oct 1988 CVW-6 CV 59 A-7E Med/IO/NorLant
04 Nov 1989 12 Apr 1990 CVW-6 CV 59 A-7E Med

Air Wing Assignments Air Wing Assignments—Continued

Air Wing Tail Code Assignment Date Air Wing Tail Code Assignment Date
COMFAIRJACKSON- COMLATWING ONE Oct 1983
VILLE Jul 1967 MAG-12, 1st MAW* 01 Dec 1984
CVW-11 NH Oct 1968 CVW-6 AE Aug 1985
COMFAIRJACKSON- COMLATWING ONE 01 Oct 1990
VILLE Sep 1969
CVW-3 AC Jan 1970 * VA-37 was assigned to MAG-12, 1st MAW during its shorebased
CVW-15 NL 01 Oct 1982 deployment to MCAS Iwakuni, Japan.
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340 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

Unit Awards Received Unit Awards Received—Continued

Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award
NAVE 01 Jul 1971 31 Dec 1972 28 Jun 1969 15 Jul 1969
01 Jan 1989 31 Dec 1989 27 Jul 1969 16 Aug 1969
MUC 17 Sep 1970 18 Oct 1970 06 May 1972 07 May 1972
04 May 1971 17 May 1972 17 May 1972 22 Jun 1972
09 Jan 1973 03 May 1977
30 Jun 1972 16 Jul 1972
01 Oct 1979 15 Nov 1980
01 Jan 1989 01 Apr 1990 27 Jul 1972 23 Aug 1972
NUC 15 Jan 1969 27 Aug 1969 02 Sep 1972 19 Sep 1972
18 May 1972 08 Jan 1973 29 Sep 1972 21 Oct 1972
VNSM 27 Jan 1969 01 Mar 1969 25 Oct 1972 26 Oct 1972
12 Mar 1969 05 Apr 1969 03 Nov 1972 08 Dec 1972
17 Apr 1969 10 May 1969 18 Dec 1972 31 Dec 1972

Two squadron F/A-18C Hornets in flight over snow-covered mountains; note the bull on the tail of each aircraft, 1992.
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 341

VFA-81 orange; orange scrolls with black lettering; silver stars

and stylized aircraft; gold aircraft contrails and an
Lineage orange mach wave design.
Nickname: Crusaders, 1955–1963.
Established as Attack Squadron SIXTY SIX (VA-66) Sunliners, 1963-present.
on 1 July 1955.
Redesignated Fighter Squadron EIGHTY ONE (VF-
81) on 1 July 1955, the same day it was established as Chronology of Significant Events
VA-66. Nov–Dec 1956: Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA 42), with
Redesignated Attack Squadron EIGHTY ONE (VA- VF-81 embarked, was ordered to deploy and operate off
81) on 1 July 1959. the coast of Spain as a result of the Suez Canal crisis.
Redesignated Strike Fighter Squadron EIGHTY ONE Apr–May 1957: VF-81, while deployed to the
(VFA-81) on 4 February 1988. The first squadron to be Mediterranean aboard Lake Champlain (CVA 39),
assigned the VA-66, VA-81 and VFA-81 designation. operated off the coast of Lebanon during a crisis in
Jordan.
Squadron Insignia and Nickname Oct 1961–Feb 1962: VA-81 Det 45 deployed to the
North Atlantic embarked in Essex (CVS 9). The detach-
The squadron’s first insignia was approved by CNO
ment was part of CVSG-56, and with its A4D
on 16 December 1955. Colors for the insignia were: a
Skyhawks employing Sidewinder missiles, provided air
light blue background with an outer ring of alternating
red and yellow sections, cover for antisubmarine units embarked in Essex. The
outlined in black; white detachment was the first jet unit to function as part of
cloud with black mark- an antisubmarine killer force.
ings; black cougar with Sep 1969: John F. Kennedy (CVA 67), with VA-81
white markings and red embarked, were ordered to operate off the coast of
eyes, mouth and claws; Libya following a coup that overthrew the Libyan
gray knight with black monarchy on 1 September 1969.
markings; red scarf; red 2–5 Dec 1972: The squadron’s A-7E Corsair II air-
and yellow helmet craft conducted cross-deck operations with the British
plume, shield and lance carrier HMS Ark Royal.
outlined in black; red Jul–Aug 1974: The squadron operated from Forrestal
scroll outlined in black, (CVA 59) in the vicinity of Cyprus following a coup in
The squadron’s first insignia, the with yellow lettering. that country and its invasion by Turkish forces.
Crusaders, was approved in 1955. Surveillance and cover missions were flown by the
A new insignia was
approved by CNO on squadron during the crisis.
21 November 1963. Color for this insignia were: a May–Jun 1981: Embarked in Forrestal, VA-81 operat-
black background outlined in international orange; ed in the eastern Mediterranean following Israeli
international orange mach wave design; orange scroll reprisal raids against Syrian missile batteries located in
with black lettering. southern Lebanon.
A modification to the squadron’s insignia was Aug 1981: The squadron participated a Freedom of
approved by CNO on 30 March 1988. Colors for this Navigation Exercise in the Gulf of Sidra. During this
insignia are: a dark blue background outlined in exercise two F-14 Tomcats from Nimitz (CVN 68) shot
down two Libyan SU-22 Fitters on 18 August. Tensions
escalated and VA-81 flew reconnaissance missions
over potentially hostile Libyan ships.
24 Mar 1986: Following a Libyan SA-5 missile firing
against U.S. naval aircraft operating in the Gulf of
Sidra during a Freedom of Navigation exercise, VA-81
aircraft participated in a retaliatory strike against the
missile site at Surt, Libya. Squadron aircraft acted as
the decoy group for VA-83’s HARM strike against the
Libyan missile radar site.
Aug–Dec 1990: The squadron participated in
Operation Desert Shield, the build-up of American and
The squadron’s second When the squadron was redes- Allied forces to counter a threatened invasion of Saudi
insignia was a stylized mach ignated VFA a modification to Arabia by Iraq and as part of an economic blockade of
wave design, approved in its second insignia was
1963. approved for use in 1988. Iraq to force its withdrawal from Kuwait.
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342 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

A squadron F9F-8B in flight, 1957 (Courtesy Duane Kasulka Collection).

Home Port Assignment Commanding Officers—Continued

Location Assignment Date Date Assumed Command

NAS Oceana 01 Jul 1955 CDR Richard Birtwistle III 03 Jun 1976
NAS Cecil Field 01 May 1966 CDR Jerry O. Yarborough 30 Jun 1977
CDR Philip H. Jacobs 14 Jul 1978
Commanding Officers CDR James E. Killian 26 Jul 1979
CDR George J. Webb, Jr. 18 Dec 1980
Date Assumed Command CDR William C. Miller III 09 Mar 1982
CDR Merle M. Hershey 01 Jul 1955 CDR William E. Beaty III Sep 1983
LCDR Robert Godman 30 Jul 1957 CDR Kenneth C. Cech 07 Mar 1985
LCDR J. M. Scarborough 15 Aug 1958 CDR Jay M. Munninghoff 02 Jul 1986
CDR Lawrence Heyworth, Jr. 17 Oct 1958 CDR William N. Deaver, Jr. 04 Feb 1988
CDR William P. Kiser 04 Nov 1959
CDR Gerald L. Hoewing 11 May 1989
CDR Richard E. Rumble 09 Nov 1960
CDR Michael T. Anderson 29 Aug 1990
CDR John N. Longfield 31 Oct 1961
CDR Robert B. Gohr 01 Dec 1962
CDR Grover K. Gregory 01 Oct 1963
Aircraft Assignment
CDR Nicholas A. Castruccio 06 Oct 1964
CDR Burton H. Sheperd 16 Oct 1965
Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received
CDR Edward A. Grunwald 20 Sep 1966
CDR Melville D. Cunningham 19 Sep 1967 F9F-8 Aug 1955
CDR Lloyd M. Westphal 25 Sep 1968 F9F-8B Apr 1956
CDR John J. Lahr 24 Jul 1969 A4D-2/A-4B* 04 Mar 1959
CDR Richard J. Damico 12 Jun 1970 A-4E 03 Apr 1963
CDR Thomas C. Watson, Jr. 14 Apr 1971 A-4C Sep 1967
CDR Jerry O. Tuttle 18 Feb 1972 A-7E May 1970
CDR Kenneth A. Dickerson 18 Feb 1973 F/A-18C 30 Mar 1988
CDR Ralph E. Whitby 21 Feb 1974
CDR Robert V. Sallada 03 Mar 1975 * The A4D-2 designation was changed to A-4B in 1962.
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 343

A squadron A-4C Skyhawk after completing a successful landing aboard John F. Kennedy (CVA 67) in 1969.

Major Overseas Deployments

Date of Date of Air Type of Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Aircraft Operation

21 Jan 1957 27 Jul 1957 ATG-182 CVA 39 F9F-8/8B Med

09 Jun 1958 08 Aug 1958 ATG-181 CVA 11 F9F-8 NorLant
28 Jan 1960 31 Aug 1960 CVG-8 CVA 59 A4D-2 Med
09 Feb 1961 25 Aug 1961 CVG-8 CVA 59 A4D-2 Med
03 Aug 1962 02 Mar 1963 CVG-8 CVA 59 A4D-2 Med
10 Jul 1964 13 Mar 1965 CVW-8 CVA 59 A-4E Med
24 Aug 1965 07 Apr 1966 CVW-8 CVA 59 A-4E Med
29 Sep 1966 20 May 1967 CVW-8 CVA 38 A-4E Med
15 Nov 1967 04 Aug 1968 CVW-8 CVA 38 A-4C Med
05 Apr 1969 21 Dec 1969 CVW-1 CVA 67 A-4C Med
05 Jan 1971 02 Jul 1971 CVW-17 CVA 59 A-7E Med
22 Sep 1972 06 Jul 1973 CVW-17 CVA 59 A-7E Med
11 Mar 1974 11 Sep 1974 CVW-17 CVA 59 A-7E Med
05 Mar 1975 22 Sep 1975 CVW-17 CV 59 A-7E Med
04 Apr 1978 26 Oct 1978 CVW-17 CV 59 A-7E Med/NorLant
27 Nov 1979 07 May 1980 CVW-17 CV 59 A-7E Med
02 Mar 1981 15 Sep 1981 CVW-17 CV 59 A-7E Med/NorLant
08 Jun 1982 16 Nov 1982 CVW-17 CV 59 A-7E Med/IO
02 Apr 1984 20 Oct 1984 CVW-17 CV 60 A-7E Med
26 Aug 1985 16 Apr 1986 CVW-17 CV 60 A-7E Med/IO
05 Jun 1987 17 Nov 1987 CVW-17 CV 60 A-7E Med
07 Aug 1990 28 Mar 1991 CVW-17 CV 60 F/A-18C Med/Red Sea
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344 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

A formation of squadron A-7E Corsair IIs over NAS Cecil Field, Florida, in 1970.

Air Wing Assignments Unit Awards Received

Air Wing Tail Code Assignment Date Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award
ATG-182 O 01 Jul 1955 NAVE 01 Jul 1968 31 Dec 1969
CVG-17 R Nov 1956 01 Jan 1973 30 Jun 1974
ATG-182 O/AN* Dec 1956 01 Jan 1987 31 Dec 1987
ATG-181 AM 15 Mar 1958 NUC 10 Oct 1985 11 Oct 1985
CVG-8/CVW-8† AJ 08 Aug 1958 23 Mar 1986 29 Mar 1986
CVW-1 AB 25 Aug 1968 17 Jan 1991 28 Feb 1991
COMFAIRJACKSON- MUC 28 Feb 1979 07 May 1980
VILLE 02 Mar 1970 NEM 05 Sep 1982 10 Sep 1982
COMLATWING 1 01 Jun 1970
13 Oct 1982 05 Nov 1982
CVW-17 AA 01 Aug 1970
20 Jan 1986 29 Mar 1986
* The tail code was changed from O to AN in 1957. The effective SASM 22 Aug 1990 21 Sep 1990
date for this change was most likely the beginning of FY 58 (1 July 23 Oct 1990 09 Dec 1990
1957).
06 Jan 1991 11 Mar 1991
† CVG-8 was redesignated CVW-8 when Carrier Air Groups (CVG)
were redesignated Carrier Air Wings (CVW) on 20 December 1963. KLM 17 Jan 1991 28 Feb 1991

A squadron F/A-18C in flight, 1988.

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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 345

VFA-82
Lineage
Established as Attack Squadron EIGHTY TWO (VA-
82) on 1 May 1967.
Redesignated Strike Fighter Squadron EIGHTY TWO
(VFA-82) on 13 July 1987. The first squadron to be
assigned the VA-82 and VFA-82 designations.

Squadron Insignia
and Nickname
The squadron’s in-
signia was approved
by CNO on 8 Novem-
ber 1967. Colors for the A squadron A-7A Corsair II preparing to launch from Coral Sea
insignia are: a white (CVA 43) while deployed to Vietnam in 1969.
background outlined
in blue; blue shield out- Home Port Assignments
lined in black; brown
Location Assignment Date
eagle with white and
black markings; yel- NAS Cecil Field 01 May 1967
This is the only insignia the
squadron has used since it was low trident outlined in
established in 1967. When it was black; and a blue scroll Commanding Officers
redesignated VFA in 1987, the with white lettering.
squadron changed the ATKRON 82
acronym in the scroll to STRK- Nickname: Maraud- Date Assumed Command
FITRON 82. ers, 1967-present. CDR J. A. Burnett 20 Jul 1967
CDR J. E. Jones 05 Sep 1967
Chronology of Significant Events CDR D. P. Thomas 08 Jan 1969
CDR E. M. Clemens 01 Dec 1969
31 May 1968: The squadron participated in its first CDR James M. Gleim 30 Oct 1970
combat operations, flying sorties over North Vietnam. CDR Thomas P. Scott 22 Oct 1971
Jul-Oct 1972: The squadron participated in CDR Donald M. Sumner 02 Sep 1972
Operation Linebacker I, heavy air strikes against tar- CDR Jerry C. Breast 25 Oct 1973
gets in North Vietnam. CDR Peter R. Schoeffel 13 Aug 1974
Dec 1972: The squadron participated in Linebacker CDR Douglas P. Dunbar, Jr. 04 Aug 1975
II operations, a more intensified version of Linebacker CDR Thomas A. Mercer 04 Nov 1976
I operations. CDR Donald B. Hunt 16 Nov 1977
Jan 1980: After the U.S. Embassy staff was taken CDR David M. Gist Jan 1979
hostage in Tehran, Iran, VA-82 departed Naples, Italy, CDR Robert B. Newell, Jr. 12 Mar 1980
embarked in Nimitz (CVN 68), enroute to the Indian CDR Dan H. Ryder 01 May 1981
Ocean via the Cape of Good Hope. This was the begin- CDR David H. Finney 14 Jul 1982
ning of 144 consecutive days at sea for the squadron. CDR Dennis J. Carroll 23 Feb 1984
Oct 1981: Following the assassination of President CDR Robert J. Sanderson 06 Jul 1985
Sadat of Egypt, Nimitz, with VA-82 embarked, was CDR Gerald A. Pike 23 Feb 1987
ordered to operate off the coast of Egypt. CDR Richard A. Eason 02 Sep 1988
Jun 1985: Nimitz, with VA-82 embarked, was CDR James Ross 02 Feb 1990
ordered to operate off the coast of Lebanon due to the
hijacking of TWA flight 847 by Arab radicals. The carri-
er and squadron remained on station until the release Aircraft Assignment
of the hostages in the latter part of July.
Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received
Sep 1989: Squadron aircraft flew support missions
during the evacuation of the American Embassy in A-7A Jun 1967
Beirut, Lebanon. A-7E 08 Sep 1970
12 Feb–7 Apr 1990: VFA-82 was embarked in A-7C Apr 1972
Constellation (CV 64) during its transit from the west A-7E Nov 1974
coast to the east coast via the Straits of Magellan. F/A-18C 09 Nov 1987
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346 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

Two squadron A-7E Corsair IIs in flight, showing the low-visibility paint scheme, 1987.

Major Overseas Deployments

Date of Date of Air Type of Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Aircraft Operation

10 Apr 1968 16 Dec 1968 CVW-6 CVA 66 A-7A WorldCruise/

Vietnam
23 Sep 1969 01 Jul 1970 CVW-15 CVA 43 A-7A WestPac/Vietnam
06 Jul 1971 16 Dec 1971 CVW-8 CVA 66 A-7E Med
05 Jun 1972 24 Mar 1973 CVW-8 CVA 66 A-7C WestPac/Vietnam
03 Jan 1974 03 Aug 1974 CVW-8 CVA 66 A-7C Med
06 Sep 1974 12 Oct 1974 CVW-8 CVA 66 A-7C NorLant
16 Jul 1975 24 Sep 1975 CVW-8 CVN 68 A-7E Carib/NorLant
07 Jul 1976 07 Feb 1977 CVW-8 CVN 68 A-7E Med
01 Dec 1977 20 Jul 1978 CVW-8 CVN 68 A-7E Med/NorLant
10 Sep 1979 26 May 1980 CVW-8 CVN 68 A-7E Med/SoLant/IO
29 Aug 1980 17 Oct 1980 CVW-8 CVN 68 A-7E NorLant
03 Aug 1981 12 Feb 1982 CVW-8 CVN 68 A-7E Med
10 Nov 1982 20 May 1983 CVW-8 CVN 68 A-7E Carib/Med
08 Mar 1985 04 Oct 1985 CVW-8 CVN 68 A-7E Carib/Med
15 Aug 1986 16 Oct 1986 CVW-8 CVN 68 A-7E NorLant
30 Dec 1986 26 Jul 1987 CVW-8 CVN 68 A-7E Med/SoLant/
West Coast
08 Feb 1989 03 Apr 1989 CVW-1 CV 66 F/A-18C Carib/NorLant
11 May 1989 10 Nov 1989 CVW-1 CV 66 F/A-18C Med/IO
28 Dec 1990 18 Apr 1991 CVW-1 CV 66 F/A-18C Med/Red Sea/
Persian Gulf
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 347

Air Wing Assignments Unit Awards Received—Continued

Air Wing Tail Code Assignment Date Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award
COMFAIRJACKSON- 17 Aug 1968 12 Sep 1968
VILLE* 01 Sep 1967 27 Sep 1968 30 Oct 1968
CVW-6 AE 01 Dec 1967 26 Oct 1969 18 Nov 1969
CVW-15 NL 1969 22 Dec 1969 19 Jan 1970
COMFAIRJACKSON- 17 Feb 1970 09 Mar 1970
VILLE 01 Jul 1970 19 Mar 1970 11 Apr 1970
CVW-8 AJ Apr 1971 28 Apr 1970 01 Jun 1970
COMLATWING 1 01 Sep 1987 02 Jul 1972 04 Jul 1972
CVW-1 AB 1988 11 Jul 1972 24 Jul 1972
10 Aug 1972 28 Aug 1972
* Between 1 May and 1 September 1967 the squadron was under
the administrative control of VA-174 during its training in the A-7 06 Sep 1972 07 Oct 1972
Corsair II. 11 Oct 1972 12 Oct 1972
20 Oct 1972 01 Dec 1972
09 Dec 1972 27 Dec 1972
Unit Awards Received 09 Jan 1973 02 Feb 1973
Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award 12 Feb 1973 16 Feb 1973
21 Feb 1973 25 Feb 1973
NAVE 01 Jul 1975 30 Sep 1976
AFEM 10 Dec 1969 11 Dec 1969
01 Jan 1989 31 Dec 1989 MUC 27 Oct 1969 01 Jun 1970
NUC 12 May 1968 20 Nov 1968 14 Jul 1972 20 Feb 1973
23 Jan 1980 01 May 1980 NEM 14 Jan 1980 14 May 1980
17 Jan 1991 07 Feb 1991 05 Dec 1982 31 Dec 1982
RVNGC 30 May 1968 02 Jun 1968 21 Jan 1983 13 Feb 1983
29 Sep 1968 18 Feb 1983 24 Feb 1983
10 Oct 1968 12 Oct 1968 19 Mar 1983 21 Mar 1983
17 Oct 1968 18 Apr 1983 22 Apr 1983
VNSM 29 May 1968 28 Jun 1968 SASM 15 Jan 1991 03 Apr 1991
06 Jul 1968 03 Aug 1968 KLM 17 Jan 1991 28 Feb 1991

A squadron F/A-18C Hornet in flight, 1987.

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348 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

VFA-83 Skyhawk was the first to be equipped with an inflight

refueling capability.
Lineage Jul–Aug 1958: Following continued civil violence in
Lebanon, VA-83 operating from Essex (CVA 9) flew sor-
Reserve Fighter Squadron NINE HUNDRED SIXTEEN ties during the U.S. Marine Corps landings in Lebanon
(VF-916) called to active duty on 1 February 1951. to support the Lebanese government and protect
Redesignated Fighter Squadron EIGHTY THREE American lives. During the squadron’s more than 500
(VF-83) on 4 February 1953. sorties, two of its aircraft were hit by hostile small
Redesignated Attack Squadron EIGHTY THREE (VA- arms fire during road reconnaissance missions, no
83) on 1 July 1955. casualties were sustained.
Redesignated Strike Fighter Squadron EIGHTY Sep 1958: On 23 August 1958 the People’s Republic
THREE (VFA-83) on 3 March 1988. The first squadron of China began shelling the Quemoy Islands held by
to be assigned the VA-83 and VFA-83 designations. the Republic of China. Essex, with VA-83 embarked,
was ordered to transit the Suez Canal and augment the
Squadron Insignia 7th Fleet forces in the Taiwan Straits. During
and Nickname September the squadron conducted flight operations
while operating in the Taiwan Straits.
The squadron’s first
Aug 1962: A squadron A4D-2N Skyhawk cross-
insignia was ap-
decked on the British carrier HMS Hermes.
proved by CNO on
Sep 1969: John F. Kennedy (CVA 67), with VA-83
16 May 1950. Colors
embarked, was ordered to operate off the coast of
for the insignia were:
Libya following a coup that overthrew the Libyan
a yellow background;
monarchy on 1 September 1969.
black bull with brown
Jul–Aug 1974: The squadron operated from Forrestal
hair around the horns;
(CVA 59) in the vicinity of Cyprus following a coup in
white horns with light
The squadron’s first insignia, the bull that country and its invasion by Turkish forces.
with machine guns, was approved in blue shading; the
May–Jun 1981: Embarked in Forrestal, VA-83 operat-
1950. teeth, eye and smoke
ed in the eastern Mediterranean following Israeli
were white; the nose,
reprisal raids against Syrian missile batteries located in
mouth and ring around the eye were pink.
southern Lebanon.
A new squadron insignia was approved by CNO on
Aug 1981: The squadron participated in a Freedom
12 April 1957. Colors for
of Navigation Exercise in the Gulf of Sidra. During this
the Rampager insignia
exercise two F-14 Tomcats from Nimitz (CVN 68) shot
are: a light blue back-
down two Libyan SU-22 Fitters on 18 August. Tensions
ground outlined in gold;
escalated and VA-83 flew reconnaissance missions
blue scroll outlined in
over potentially hostile Libyan ships.
black with black letter-
24 Mar 1986: Following a Libyan SA-5 missile firing
ing; white ram’s head
against U.S. naval aircraft operating in the Gulf of
with black markings;
Sidra during a Freedom of Navigation exercise, VA-83
red eyes; and white
aircraft participated in a retaliatory strike against the
horns with yellow,
missile site at Surt, Libya. Squadron aircraft fired
green and black mark-
HARMs against the Libyan missile radar site. This was
ings.
the first use of the AGM-88 HARM missile in combat.
Nickname: The Roar-
The squadron adopted the ram Aug–Dec 1990: The squadron participated in
head insignia in 1957 and has ing Bulls, 1950–1953.
Operation Desert Shield, the build-up of American and
used this design for the past four Rampagers, 1957 to
decades. Allied forces to counter a threatened invasion of Saudi
present.
Arabia by Iraq and as part of an economic blockade of
Iraq to force its withdrawal from Kuwait.
Chronology of Significant Events
12 Mar 1956: VA-83, equipped with F7U-3M Cutlass Home Port Assignments
aircraft and Sparrow I missiles, departed Norfolk,
Virginia, embarked in Intrepid (CVA 11), for deploy- Location Assignment Date
ment to the Mediterranean Sea. This was the first over- NAS Jacksonville 01 Feb 1951
seas deployment of a naval missile squadron. NAAS Oceana/NAS Oceana* Sep 1951
Dec 1957: The squadron was the first fleet squadron NAS Cecil Field 15 Jun 1966
to receive the A4D-2 Skyhawk. This version of the
* NAAS Oceana was redesignated NAS Oceana on 1 April 1952.
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 349

A squadron F7U-3M Cutlass preparing for

a launch from Intrepid (CVA 11) in 1956.

Commanding Officers Commanding Officers—Continued

Date Assumed Command Date Assumed Command

LCDR A. J. Fecke Apr 1950 CDR Douglas J. Bradt 21 Jan 1982
CDR W. R. Sisley 16 Dec 1952 CDR W. E. Franson 28 Apr 1983
CDR R. J. Swanson Dec 1953 CDR S. F. Bloyer 10 Sep 1984
CDR H. E. Vita 28 Jan 1955 CDR R. J. Nibe 24 Apr 1986
CDR James L. Holloway III 12 Sep 1956 CDR Terry A. Miller 28 Sep 1987
CDR Albert H. Vito, Jr. 05 Dec 1958 CDR Michael W. Longworth 03 Jun 1988
CDR David S. Stear 15 Jan 1960 CDR Dennis M. Gillespie 30 Nov 1989
CDR James W. Nance 02 Dec 1960
CDR James Spargo 15 Dec 1961
Aircraft Assignment
CDR A. H. Cummings 10 Dec 1962
CDR R. G. Thomson, Jr. 20 Dec 1963 Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received
CDR F. B. Bromley 19 Dec 1964 F4U-4 Feb 1951
CDR E. S. Carver 07 Dec 1965 F9F-2 Dec 1951
CDR G. F. Brummitt 08 Dec 1966 F8F-2 May 1952
CDR D. M. Trimble Nov 1967 F9F-5 Sep 1952
CDR F. J. Almberg Sep 1968 F7U-3 Aug 1954
CDR Theodore C. Casimes 02 Sep 1969 F7U-3M Apr 1955
CDR William M. Shewchuk 04 Jan 1971 A4D-1 Mar 1957
CDR D. B. Gilbert 12 Jan 1972 A4D-2 15 Dec 1957
CDR J. E. Craig, Jr. 03 Jan 1973 A4D-2N/A-4C* 14 Sep 1960
CDR G. A. Appelhof 14 Feb 1974 A-4E May 1963
CDR A. H. Henderson 15 May 1975 A-4C Aug 1967
CDR John M. Waples 05 Aug 1976 A-7E 19 Jun 1970
CDR Robert J. Naughton 27 Nov 1977 F/A-18C 25 Apr 1988
CDR R. E. Wolf 28 Feb 1979
CDR Austin E. Chapman 29 May 1980 * The A4D-2N designation was changed to A-4C in 1962.
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350 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

A squadron A4D-2N (A-4C) Skyhawk, circa 1960–1962.

Major Overseas Deployments

Date of Date of Air Type of Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Aircraft Operation

26 Apr 1953 21 Oct 1953 CVG-8 CVA 43 F9F-5 Med

12 Mar 1956 05 Sep 1956 CVG-8 CVA 11 F7U-3M Med
02 Feb 1958 17 Nov 1958 ATG-201 CVA 9 A4D-2 Med/IO/WestPac
28 Jan 1960 31 Aug 1960 CVG-8 CVA 59 A4D-2 Med
09 Feb 1961 25 Aug 1961 CVG-8 CVA 59 A4D-2N Med
03 Aug 1962 02 Mar 1963 CVG-8 CVA 59 A-4C Med
10 Jul 1964 13 Mar 1965 CVW-8 CVA 59 A-4E Med
24 Aug 1965 07 Apr 1966 CVW-8 CVA 59 A-4E Med
29 Sep 1966 20 May 1967 CVW-8 CVA 38 A-4E Med
15 Nov 1967 04 Aug 1968 CVW-8 CVA 38 A-4C Med
05 Apr 1969 21 Dec 1969 CVW-1 CVA 67 A-4C Med
05 Jan 1971 02 Jul 1971 CVW-17 CVA 59 A-7E Med
22 Sep 1972 06 Jul 1973 CVW-17 CVA 59 A-7E Med
11 Mar 1974 11 Sep 1974 CVW-17 CVA 59 A-7E Med
05 Mar 1975 22 Sep 1975 CVW-17 CV 59 A-7E Med
04 Apr 1978 26 Oct 1978 CVW-17 CV 59 A-7E Med/NorLant
27 Nov 1979 07 May 1980 CVW-17 CV 59 A-7E Med
02 Mar 1981 15 Sep 1981 CVW-17 CV 59 A-7E Med/NorLant
08 Jun 1982 16 Nov 1982 CVW-17 CV 59 A-7E Med/IO
02 Apr 1984 20 Oct 1984 CVW-17 CV 60 A-7E Med
26 Aug 1985 16 Apr 1986 CVW-17 CV 60 A-7E Med/IO
05 Jun 1987 17 Nov 1987 CVW-17 CV 60 A-7E Med
07 Aug 1990 28 Mar 1991 CVW-17 CV 60 F/A-18C Med/Red Sea

Air Wing Assignments Air Wing Assignments—Continued

Air Wing Tail Code Assignment Date Air Wing Tail Code Assignment Date
CVG-8 E Apr 1951
ATG-201 AP 15 Oct 1957 COMLATWING 1 01 Jun 1970
CVG-8/CVW-8* AJ 18 Nov 1958 CVW-17 AA 01 Aug 1970
CVW-1 AB 25 Aug 1968
COMFAIRJACKSON- * CVG-8 was redesignated CVW-8 when Carrier Air Groups (CVG)
VILLE 02 Mar 1970 were redesignated Carrier Air Wings (CVW) on 20 December 1963.
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 351

A formation of
squadron A-7E Corsair
IIs in flight during their
deployment to the Med
aboard Forrestal (CV
59) in 1974.

Unit Awards Received Unit Awards Received—Continued

Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award
NAVE 01 Jul 1960 30 Jun 1961 20 Jan 1986 29 Mar 1986
01 Jul 1961 30 Jun 1962 NUC 10 Oct 1985 11 Oct 1985
01 Jan 1990 31 Dec 1990 23 Mar 1986 29 Mar 1986
AFEM 16 Jul 1958 01 Aug 1958 17 Jan 1991 28 Feb 1991
11 Aug 1958 20 Aug 1958 SASM 22 Aug 1990 21 Sep 1990
16 Sep 1958 27 Sep 1958 23 Oct 1990 09 Dec 1990
NEM 05 Sep 1982 10 Sep 1982 06 Jan 1991 11 Mar 1991
13 Oct 1982 05 Nov 1982 KLM 17 Jan 1991 28 Feb 1991

A squadron F/A-18C Hornet over the bombing range in Florida.

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352 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

VFA-86 Apr 1961: The squadron operated from

Independence (CVA 62) in an area south of
Lineage Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, during the Bay of Pigs, the
unsuccessful invasion of Cuba by American supported
Reserve Fighter Squadron NINE HUNDRED TWENTY
Cuban exiles.
ONE (VF-921) called to active duty on 1 February 1951.
Redesignated Fighter Squadron EIGHTY FOUR (VF- Nov 1962: The squadron embarked in Lexington
84) on 4 February 1953. (CVS 16) during the Cuban Missile Crisis and operated
Redesignated Attack Squadron EIGHTY SIX (VA-86) off the coast of Jacksonville, Florida, on call and avail-
on 1 July 1955. able for operations in the Caribbean.
Redesignated Strike Fighter Squadron EIGHTY SIX Apr–May 1963: The squadron provided detachments
(VFA-86) on 15 July 1987. The second squadron to be for operation aboard Randolph (CVS 15), Essex (CVS
assigned the VA-86 designation and the first squadron 9) and Wasp (CVS 18). The detachment’s A-4C
to be assigned the VFA-86 designation. Skyhawks were equipped with Sidewinder missiles
and used to provide the ASW carriers with an antiair
warfare capability.
Squadron Insignia and
Nickname 1 Jul 1965: The squadron conducted its first combat
mission, flying against targets in South Vietnam.
The squadron’s first 11 Oct 1967: Squadron aircraft and pilots participat-
insignia was approved
ed in naval gun spotting missions in support of New
by CNO on 6 August
Jersey’s (BB 62) shore bombardment role in Vietnam.
1951. Colors for the
Jul–Oct 1972: Squadron aircraft participated in
insignia were: a blue
background; red bird Operation Linebacker I, heavy air strikes against tar-
with black markings, gets in North Vietnam.
yellow beak and feet Dec 1972: The squadron participated in Linebacker
outlined in black and a II operations, a more intensified version of Linebacker
This was the first insignia approved I operations.
for and used by the squadron. white eye; yellow avia-
tor wings and anchor Jan 1980: After the U.S. Embassy staff was taken
with black markings; and a white machine gun and hostage in Tehran, Iran, VA-86 departed Naples, Italy,
missile with black markings. embarked in Nimitz (CVN 68), enroute to the Indian
A new insignia was approved by CNO on 7 April Ocean via the Cape of Good Hope. This was the
1954. Colors for the top beginning of 144 consecutive days at sea for the
hat and snake insignia squadron.
are: a black background Aug 1981: Embarked in Nimitz, the squadron partic-
outlined in white and ipated in a Freedom of Navigation Exercise in the Gulf
black; gold snake with of Sidra. During this exercise two F-14 Tomcats from
black markings, white Nimitz were fired upon by two Libyan SU-22 Fitters
fangs, red eyes and on 18 August. The F-14’s returned fire and shot down
tongue; black top hat the two aircraft. Tensions escalated and VA-86 flew
with white markings;
refueling and reconnaissance missions over potentially
and a black cane out-
hostile Libyan ships.
lined in white with gold
Oct 1981: Following the assassination of President
markings at the top and
bottom. The top hat and snake became the Sadat of Egypt, Nimitz, with VA-86 embarked, was
squadron’s second insignia in ordered to operate off the coast of Egypt.
Nickname: Side- 1954 and has become a well-
winders, 1955-present. known design. Feb 1983: Following hostile threats against Sudan by
Libya, Nimitz, with VA-86 embarked, operated off the
coast bordering Libya and Egypt.
Chronology of Significant Events Jun 1985: Nimitz, with VA-86 embarked, was
29 Jun–2 Jul 1953: VF-84 was embarked in Antietam ordered to operate off the coast of Lebanon due to the
(CVA 36) and operated with the British Royal Navy, hijacking of TWA flight 847 by Arab radicals. The carri-
demonstrating flight operations from the carrier’s new er and squadron remained on station until the release
angled deck. of the hostages in the latter part of July.
7 Jan 1961: The squadron’s commanding officer,
Jan–Feb 1987: VA-86, embarked in Nimitz, operated
Commander J. W. Shuff, was killed in an aircraft acci-
dent while the squadron was deployed to the off the coast of Lebanon after three U.S. citizens were
Mediterranean. taken hostage from the American University in Beirut.
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 353

A squadron F4U-4 Corsair prepares to launch

from Tarawa (CV 40), September 1951
(Courtesy Robert Lawson Collection).

Home Port Assignments Commanding Officers—Continued

Location Assignment Date Date Assumed Command

NAS St. Louis * CDR Herbert W. Taylor 02 Jun1977
NAS Jacksonville 28 Mar 1951 CDR Bernard J. Smith 02 Jun1978
NAS Oceana 11 Jun 1952 CDR Virgil F. Jackson, Jr. 19 Nov 1979
NAS Cecil Field 15 Mar 1966 CDR John P. Gay 12 Feb 1981
* As a reserve squadron, it was assigned to NAS St. Louis prior to a CDR Charles S. Abbot 23 Jun1982
recall to active duty in 1951. CDR Ralph J. Castor 16 Jun1983
CDR John L. Fitzpatrick 29 Jan1985
Commanding Officers CDR John M. Johnson 05 Jun1986
Date Assumed Command CDR Howard A. Petrea 28 Jan1988
LT L. H. Pulford 1947* CDR Ted J. Venable 1989
LCDR Harold L. Buell Jul 1952 CDR Matthew G. Moffit 06 Nov 1990
LCDR Herbert V. Ladley Jul 1953 * Lieutenant Pulford was commanding officer of VF-921 during its
CDR Chester W. Gates, Jr. May 1955 reserve status and continued as its commanding officer when it was
LCDR Grant Boice Sep 1956 called to active duty.
LCDR Jack H. Robcke (acting) Sep 1957
CDR William A. Schroeder, Jr. 24 Sep 1957
CDR Rodney F. Schall 12 Mar 1959
CDR John W. Shuff, Jr. 29 Feb 1960
CDR Sam Rorex, Jr. 07 Jan 1961
CDR Richard J. McAndrew 12 Jan 1962
CDR F. B. Koch 21 Dec 1962
CDR Wilbur J. Burgin 06 Dec 1963
CDR William F. Sallada 11 Dec 1964
CDR William W. Bowers 15 Nov 1965
CDR C. R. Long 16 Nov 1966
CDR J. E. Russ 30 Nov 1967
CDR D. E. Gordon 10 Jan 1969
CDR Standley H. Block 21 Jan 1970
CDR Grant Augustine III 15 Jan 1971
CDR William D. Yonke 28 Jan 1972
CDR Benjamin F. Short 06 Dec 1972
CDR Duane O. Schumacher 14 Dec 1973
CDR Perry W. Gard III 07 Mar 1975 A squadron F9F-5 Panther on the deck of Antietam (CVA 36) during
CDR Leighton W. Smith, Jr. 22 Apr 1976 her cruise in 1953.
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354 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

Squadron officers and their F7U-3M Cutlass in the background, November 1955. Bottom row, left to right: Lt. (jg) W. M. Austin, Ens. C. R. Hill,
Ens. S. J. Kreider, Ens. D. C. Gandee, Ens. W. E. Dennison, Lt. A. L. Kivien, Lt. (jg) J. F. McNerney, Lt. (jg) G. W. Lenox. Top row, left to right: Lt.
(jg) J. T. Bucy, Cdr. C. W. Gates, Jr., Lcdr. R. J. Burns, Lt. (jg) D. A. Kueth, Lt. (jg) R. C. Barron, Lt. (jg) T. B. Green, Lt. (jg) H. W. Hall, Lt. (jg) R. L.
Stevenson, and Ens. G. L. Atkinson.

Aircraft Assignment Aircraft Assignment—Continued

Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received
F4U-4 Feb 1951 A-4E 28 Apr 1964
F8F-2 18 Jun 1952 A-7A Feb 1967
F9F-5 Sep 1952 A-7E 01 Oct 1970
F7U-3M Jun 1955 A-7C Apr 1972
A4D-1 26 May 1957 A-7E 14 Nov 1974
A4D-2 24 Dec 1957 F/A-18C 18 Nov 1987
A4D-2N/A-4C* Sep 1962 * The A4D-2N designation was changed to A-4C in 1962.

Major Overseas Deployments

Date of Date of Air Type of Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Aircraft Operation

28 Nov 1951 11 Jun 1952 CVG-8 CV 40 F4U-4 Med

11 Jun 1953 21 Jul 1953 * CV 36 F9F-5 NorLant
28 Sep 1954 22 Apr 1955 CVG-8 CVA 39 F9F-5 Med
02 Sep 1958 12 Mar 1959 CVG-7 CVA 15 A4D-2 Med
04 Aug 1960 03 Mar 1961 CVG-7 CVA 62 A4D-2 Med
04 Aug 1961 19 Dec 1961 CVG-7 CVA 62 A4D-2 Med
19 Apr 1962 27 Aug 1962 CVG-7 CVA 62 A4D-2 Med
06 Aug 1963 04 Mar 1964 CVG-7 CVA 62 A-4C Med
08 Sep 1964 05 Nov 1964 CVW-7 CVA 62 A-4E NorLant/Med
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 355

Major Overseas Deployments—Continued

Date of Date of Air Type of Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Aircraft Operation

10 May 1965 13 Dec 1965 CVW-7 CVA 62 A-4E WestPac/Vietnam

13 Jun 1966 01 Feb 1967 CVW-7 CVA 62 A-4E Med
10 Apr 1968 16 Dec 1968 CVW-6 CVA 66 A-7A World Cruise/
Vietnam
23 Sep 1969 01 Jul 1970 CVW-15 CVA 43 A-7A WestPac/Vietnam
06 Jul 1971 16 Dec 1971 CVW-8 CVA 66 A-7E Med
05 Jun 1972 24 Mar 1973 CVW-8 CVA 66 A-7C WestPac/Vietnam
03 Jan 1974 03 Aug 1974 CVW-8 CVA 66 A-7C Med
06 Sep 1974 12 Oct 1974 CVW-8 CVA 66 A-7C NorLant
16 Jul 1975 24 Sep 1975 CVW-8 CVN 68 A-7E Carib/NorLant
07 Jul 1976 07 Feb 1977 CVW-8 CVN 68 A-7E Med
01 Dec 1977 20 Jul 1978 CVW-8 CVN 68 A-7E Med/NorLant
10 Sep 1979 26 May 1980 CVW-8 CVN 68 A-7E Med/SoLant/IO
29 Aug 1980 17 Oct 1980 CVW-8 CVN 68 A-7E NorLant
03 Aug 1981 12 Feb 1982 CVW-8 CVN 68 A-7E Med
10 Nov 1982 20 May 1983 CVW-8 CVN 68 A-7E Carib/Med
08 Mar 1985 04 Oct 1985 CVW-8 CVN 68 A-7E Carib/Med
15 Aug 1986 16 Oct 1986 CVW-8 CVN 68 A-7E NorLant
30 Dec 1986 26 Jul 1987 CVW-8 CVN 68 A-7E Med/SoLant/West
Coast
08 Feb 1989 03 Apr 1989 CVW-1 CV 66 F/A-18C Carib/NorLant
11 May 1989 10 Nov 1989 CVW-1 CV 66 F/A-18C Med/IO
28 Dec 1990 18 Apr 1991 CVW-1 CV 66 F/A-18C Med/RedSea/
Persian Gulf
* VF-84, VC-4 and VS-27 deployed aboard Antietam (CVA 36). The carrier did not have an air group embarked.

Squadron A-4E
Skyhawks at NAS
Oceana in 1965. Cdr.
W. W. Bowers is climbing
out of the aircraft. Note
the Tonkin Gulf Yacht
Club insignia on the for-
ward part of the fuselage
and the combat sortie
mission marks on the
fuselage just aft of the jet
intake.
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356 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

Air Wing Assignments Air Wing Assignments—Continued

Air Wing Tail Code Assignment Date Air Wing Tail Code Assignment Date
CVG-8 E 09 Apr 1951 CVW-8 AJ Jan 1971
ATG-181 I/AM* Jul 1955 COMLATWING 1 01 Sep 1987
CVG-7/CVW-7† AG 15 Jan 1958 CVW-1 AB 1988
CVW-6 AE 16 Oct 1967 * The tail code was changed from I to AM in 1957. The effective
CVW-15 NL 1969 date for this change was most likely the beginning of FY 58 (1 July
1957).
COMFAIRJACKSON-
† CVG-7 was redesignated CVW-7 when Carrier Air Groups (CVG)
VILLE 01 Jul 1970 were redesignated Carrier Air Wings (CVW) on 20 December 1963.

A formation of squadron A-7E Corsair IIs, circa 1978.

Unit Awards Received Unit Awards Received—Continued

Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award
NAVE 01 Jul 1962 30 Jun 1963 14 Jul 1972 20 Feb 1973
01 Jul 1963 30 Jun 1964 04 Aug 1981 20 May 1983
01 Jan 1982 31 Dec 1982 NEM 19 Apr 1961 29 Apr 1961
01 Jan 1985 31 Dec 1985 14 Jan 1980 14 May 1980
AFEM 24 Sep 1958 26 Sep 1958 05 Dec 1982 31 Dec 1982
15 Jun 1965 21 Jan 1983 13 Feb 1983
29 Jun 1965 03 Jul 1965 18 Feb 1983 24 Feb 1983
10 Dec 1969 11 Dec 1969 19 Mar 1983 21 Mar 1983
MUC 27 Oct 1969 01 Jun 1970 18 Apr 1983 22 Apr 1983
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 357

Unit Awards Received—Continued Unit Awards Received—Continued

Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award
NUC 05 Jun 1965 21 Nov 1965 27 Sep 1968 30 Oct 1968
12 May 1968 20 Nov 1968 26 Oct 1969 18 Nov 1969
23 Jan 1980 01 May 1980 22 Dec 1969 19 Jan 1970
17 Jan 1991 07 Feb 1991 17 Feb 1970 09 Mar 1970
RVNGC 21 Oct 1965 19 Mar 1970 11 Apr 1970
23 Oct 1965 28 Apr 1970 01 Jun 1970
25 Oct 1965 02 Nov 1965 02 Jul 1972 04 Jul 1972
09 Nov 1965 10 Nov 1965 11 Jul 1972 24 Jul 1972
30 May 1968 02 Jun 1968 10 Aug 1972 28 Aug 1972
20 Sep 1968 06 Sep 1972 07 Oct 1972
10 Oct 1968 12 Oct 1968 11 Oct 1972 12 Oct 1972
17 Oct 1968 20 Oct 1972 01 Dec 1972
VNSM 04 Jul 1965 09 Aug 1965 09 Dec 1972 27 Dec 1972
25 Aug 1965 21 Sep 1965 09 Jan 1973 02 Feb 1973
14 Oct 1965 12 Nov 1965 12 Feb 1973 16 Feb 1973
29 May 1968 28 Jun 1968 21 Feb 1973 25 Feb 1973
06 Jul 1968 03 Aug 1968 SASM 15 Jan 1991 03 Apr 1991
17 Aug 1968 12 Sep 1968 KLM 17 Jan 1991 28 Feb 1991

A squadron F/A-18C in flight, 1992.

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358 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

VFA-87 Chronology of Significant Events

4 Mar 1969: The squadron flew its first combat mis-
Lineage sions, striking enemy targets in South Vietnam.
Established as Attack Squadron EIGHTY SEVEN (VA- Apr 1969: Following the shoot down of a Navy EC-
87) on 1 February 1968. 121 aircraft by the North Koreans, Ticonderoga (CVA
Redesignated Strike Fighter Squadron EIGHTY 14), with VA-87 embarked, was ordered to the Sea of
SEVEN (VFA-87) on 1 May 1986. The first squadron to Japan.
be assigned the VA-87 and VFA-87 designations. Oct–Nov 1973: VA-87, embarked in Franklin D.
Roosevelt (CVA 42), operated in the vicinity of Crete in
response to the Arab-Israeli War.
Squadron Insignia and Nickname Jun–Jul 1976: The American Ambassador to Lebanon
The squadron’s insignia was approved by CNO on was assassinated on 13 June and America (CV 66), with
29 July 1968. Colors for the insignia are: a red back VA-87 embarked, operated in the vicinity of Lebanon.
Squadron aircraft flew support missions during the
evacuation of non-combatants from that country.
May 1981: Independence (CV 62), with VA-87
embarked, following its transit of the Suez Canal,
The squadron’s Golden remained on station in the eastern Mediterranean due
Warrior insignia was
approved for use in
to the crisis between Israel and Syria following Israeli
1968. When the raids against Syrian surface-to-air missile sites in
squadron was redesig- Lebanon.
nated VFA, the designa-
tion in the scroll was
25 Oct–1 Nov 1983: In response to continued politi-
changed from ATKRON cal strife and the need to protect and evacuate
87 to STRKFITRON 87 Americans from the island country of Grenada, VA-87
or VFA-87.
aircraft flew combat close air support missions during
Operation Urgent Fury, the landing of U.S. Marines
and Army rangers on the island.
4 Dec 1983: In response to hostile fire against U.S.
reconnaissance aircraft from Syrian positions in
Lebanon, VA-87 aircraft participated in a coordinated
ground outlined in yellow and black; the Indian, war strike against Syrian radar, communications and
bonnet, spear and pony are yellow; and the arrow- artillery positions overlooking the Multi-National
head is black. Peacekeeping Forces. All squadron aircraft completed
Nickname: Golden Warriors, 1968-present. their mission and returned to the carrier.

A flight of squadron A-7B

Corsair IIs in 1971.
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 359

Home Port Assignments Commanding Officers—Continued

Location Assignment Date Date Assumed Command

NAS Cecil Field 01 Feb 1968 CDR Daniel D. Hill 23 Jun 1980
CDR Hugh C. Bowles 03 Sep 1981
CDR Michael F. O’Brien 11 Jan 1983
Commanding Officers
CDR Douglas G. Knappe 13 Jun 1984
Date Assumed Command CDR Raymond A. Dudderar 07 Nov 1985
CDR Timothy J. Keating 22 May 1987
CDR Thomas E. Dunlop 01 Feb 1968
CDR Orren R. Crouch 23 Jan 1989
CDR Walter H. McCall 02 May 1969
CDR John C. Stencil 14 Jun 1990
CDR Robert W. McKay 31 Mar 1970
CDR Richard F. Coleman 26 Mar 1971
CDR John H. Fetterman, Jr. 29 Mar 1972 Aircraft Assignment
CDR Edward J. Rice 20 Mar 1973
Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received
CDR Ronald G. Horne 1974
CDR J. D. Rasmussen 28 Aug 1975 A-7B 09 Jun 1968
CDR W. J. Catlett III 30 Nov 1976 A-7E 1975*
CDR Donald A. Gerrish 15 Feb 1978 F/A-18A 24 Oct 1986
CDR Lewis W. Dunton III 27 Feb 1979 * It is believed VA-87 received its first A-7E in October 1975.

Major Overseas Deployments

Date of Date of Air Type of Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Aircraft Operation

01 Feb 1969 18 Sep 1969 CVW-16 CVA 14 A-7B WestPac/Vietnam

29 Jan 1971 23 Jul 1971 CVW-6 CVA 42 A-7B Med
15 Feb 1972 08 Dec 1972 CVW-6 CVA 42 A-7B Med
14 Sep 1973 17 Mar 1974 CVW-6 CVA 42 A-7B Med
03 Jan 1975 16 Jul 1975 CVW-6 CV 42 A-7B Med
15 Apr 1976 25 Oct 1976 CVW-6 CV 66 A-7E Med
10 Jun 1977 19 Jul 1977 CVW-6 CV 66 A-7E SoLant
29 Sep 1977 25 Apr 1978 CVW-6 CV 66 A-7E Med
28 Jun 1979 14 Dec 1979 CVW-6 CV 62 A-7E Med
19 Nov 1980 10 Jun 1981 CVW-6 CV 62 A-7E SoLant/IO/Med
07 Jun 1982 22 Dec 1982 CVW-6 CV 62 A-7E Med
18 Oct 1983 11 Apr 1984 CVW-6 CV 62 A-7E Carib/Med/
NorLant
16 Oct 1984 19 Feb 1985 CVW-6 CV 62 A-7E Med/IO
25 Aug 1988 11 Oct 1988 CVW-8 CVN 71 F/A-18A NorLant
30 Dec 1988 30 Jun 1989 CVW-8 CVN 71 F/A-18A Med
28 Dec 1990 28 Jun 1991 CVW-8 CVN 71 F/A-18A Med/Red
Sea/Persian Gulf

A squadron F/A-18C Hornet in flight, 1991.

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360 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

Air Wing Assignments Unit Awards Received

Air Wing Tail Code Assignment Date Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award
COMFAIRJACKSON- MUC 18 Feb 1969 07 Sep 1969
VILLE 01 Feb 1968 09 Mar 1972 01 Dec 1972
CVW-16 AH 1969 HSM 20 Jun 1976 27 Jul 1976
COMFAIRJACKSON- NEM 07 Dec 1980 11 May 1981
VILLE Sep 1969 20 Aug 1982 05 Sep 1982
CVW-6 AE 01 Aug 1970 01 Oct 1982 06 Dec 1982
COMLATWING-1 Jul 1985 NUC 20 Oct 1983 03 Mar 1984
CVW-8 AJ 01 Sep 1987 RVNGC 04 Mar 1969 08 Mar 1969
10 Mar 1969
Unit Awards Received 12 Mar 1969 19 Mar 1969
29 Mar 1969 31 Mar 1969
Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award
02 Apr 1969 03 Apr 1969
AFEM 20 Apr 1969 27 Apr 1969 06 Apr 1969 07 Apr 1969
04 Aug 1969 09 Apr 1969 15 Apr 1969
16 Aug 1969 24 Aug 1969 10 May 1969 29 May 1969
30 Aug 1969 31 May 1969 03 Jun 1969
24 Oct 1983 02 Nov 1983 28 Jun 1969 30 Jun 1969
16 Nov 1983 22 Dec 1983 VNSM 03 Mar 1969 20 Mar 1969
28 Dec 1983 03 Jan 1984 29 Mar 1969 16 Apr 1969
15 Jan 1984 03 Feb 1984 09 May 1969 04 Jun 1969
09 Feb 1984 02 Mar 1984 25 Jun 1969 01 Aug 1969

A squadron A-7E Corsair II with a low-vivibility paint scheme, 1984.

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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 361

VFA-94 CNO on 16 May 1967.

The atom symbol was
Lineage replaced by a stylized
bird design. The stylized
Established as Fighter Squadron NINETY FOUR (VF- bird was orange and the
94) on 26 March 1952. other colors from the
Redesignated Attack Squadron NINETY FOUR (VA- previous design stayed
94) on 1 August 1958. the same.
Redesignated Strike Fighter Squadron NINETY On 14 September
FOUR (VFA-94) on 28 June 1990. The second 1990 CNO approved a
squadron to be assigned the VA-94 designation and modification to the
the first to be assigned the VFA-94 designation. A modification to the second insignia which changed
insignia was approved in 1967.
The atom symbol was replaced the designation in the
Squadron Insignia and Nickname with a stylized bird design. In scroll to Strike Fighter
1990, CNO approved another Squadron 94.
When the squadron deployed aboard Hornet (CVA modification to this design,
replacing the Attack Squadron 94 Nickname: Shrikes or
12) during its world cruise in 1954 it was using a car-
designation in the scroll to Strike Mighty Shrikes, 1959-
toon cat insignia. There Fighter Squadron 94. present.
is no record of this
insignia being officially
approved for use by the Chronology of Significant Events
squadron. May 1963: Following the military losses of Laotian
The squadron’s first neutralists to the Pathet Lao in the Plaine de Jarres,
official insignia was Laos, Ranger (CVA 61) with VA-94 embarked, transited
approved by CNO on 21 to the South China Sea to support possible operations
November 1955. Colors in Laos.
for the tiger paw 1 Dec 1964: The squadron flew its first sorties in
insignia were: a blue support of Yankee Team Operations, armed escort for
background outlined in photoreconnaissance missions over Laos.
This cartoon cat insignia was used
by the squadron prior to 1955 but
yellow; the tiger paw 7 Feb 1965: Following a Viet Cong attack against the
was never officially approved. was yellow, orange and American advisors compound at Pleiku, South
black with the under Vietnam, the President ordered a reprisal strike against
part of the paw white North Vietnam, named Flaming Dart I. The squadron’s
with black marks, the claws were black outlined in target, Vit Thu Lu barracks, was concealed by heavy
yellow; the lightning bolts were yellow; and the bomb weather and the mission was aborted due to the bad
blast was white with an orange-red center; the scroll weather.
was blue with a black outline and lettering. 11 Feb 1965: The squadron participated in Flaming
A new insignia was approved by CNO on 21 April Dart II, retaliatory strikes against the Chanh Hoa mili-
1959. Colors for this insignia were: a light blue back- tary barracks near Dong Hoi, North Vietnam.
ground; dark blue stylized aircraft with an orange con- Mar 1965: The squadron participated in Rolling
trail; dark blue crescent; red atom symbol with dark blue Thunder strikes against the Phu Qui ammunition
electrons; and an orange scroll with dark blue lettering. depot in North Vietnam.
A modification to the insignia was approved by 9 May 1972: The squadron participated in Operation
Pocket Money, the mining of Haiphong harbor.
Aircraft from VA-94, as well as the other attack
squadrons deployed aboard Coral Sea (CVA 43),
planned and executed the mining of the harbor.
May–Jun 1972: VA-94 participated in operation
Linebacker I, heavy air strikes against targets in North
Vietnam.
29 Apr 1975: Squadron aircraft provided air cover
for Operation Frequent Wind, the evacuation of
American citizens from Saigon.
15 May 1975: VA-94 aircraft, along with other ele-
ments from CVW-15 embarked in Coral Sea, launched
The tiger paw design was the The squadron’s second insignia
first insignia approved for use used the atom symbol with elec-
air strikes against the Cambodian mainland after the
by the squadron, 1955. trons and a stylized aircraft, 1959. capture of the SS Mayaguez by Cambodian gunboats
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362 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

A squadron F4U-4 Corsair on the deck of Philippine Sea (CVA 47)

during her deployment to Korea, 1952–1953.

Two squadron A-7E Corsair IIs in flight, 1971.

Home Port Assignments

on 12 May. Combat sorties were flown against targets Location Assignment Date
at Ream Naval Facility, Kompong Som Naval Facility NAS Alameda 26 Mar 1952
and a Cambodian patrol boat. NAS Moffett Field Jan 1955
27 Oct 1979: Following the assassination of Park NAS Alameda 20 Aug 1958
Chung Hee, President of the Republic of Korea, Kitty NAS Lemoore 08 Mar 1962
Hawk (CV 63), with VA-94 embarked, was ordered to
operate off the coast of Korea.
21 Nov 1979: Kitty Hawk, along with VA-94 and the
rest of CVW-15, departed Subic Bay, Philippines,
enroute to the Arabian Sea in response to the 4
November Iranian seizure of the American Embassay
in Tehran and the taking of over 60 American
hostages.
14 Jun 1982: While the squadron was deployed to
NAS Fallon for weapons training, its commanding offi-
cer, Commander M. A. Gary, was killed in a landing
accident.
Apr–Jul 1986: In late April Enterprise (CVN 65), with
VA-94 embarked, transited the Suez Canal from the
Indian Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea to augment the A squadron F9F-5 Panther on the deck of Hornet (CVA 12) during
her world cruise in 1954.
carrier forces in the Med. Earlier in the month,
American strikes were flown against Libyan military
Commanding Officers
targets as a response to Libya’s continuing support of
terrorist activity. Date Assumed Command
Feb–May 1988: The squadron flew air support for CDR Armind T. Holderman 09 Apr 1952
Operation Earnest Will, escorting reflagged Kuwaiti oil LCDR R. A. Singleton (acting) Mar 1953
tankers in the Persian Gulf. CDR Armind T. Holderman 01 Jul 1953
18 Apr 1988: VA-94 participated in Operation CDR William T. Harding Sep 1953
Praying Mantis, retaliatory strikes against Iranian oil CDR C. H. Gates Jun 1955
platforms, gunboats and other naval ships after CDR Robert M. Soule 1956
Sameul B. Roberts (FFG 58) struck an Iranian mine in CDR Francis X. Brady Sep 1956
international waters on 14 April. Squadron aircraft CDR Richard D. Lazenby 28 Jul 1958
delivered direct hits on the Iranian frigate Sahand. CDR D. G. Patterson 24 Jul 1959
Dec 1989: The squadron participated in Operation CDR G. M. Hart 02 Sep 1960
CDR J. A. Endacott 20 Dec 1961
Classic Resolve, providing support for the Philippine
CDR Donald Loranger Dec 1962
government during a coup attempt.
CDR Malcolm E. Vail 10 Dec 1963
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 363

Commanding Officers—Continued Commanding Officers—Continued

Date Assumed Command Date Assumed Command

CDR Paul A. Peck 05 Nov 1964 CDR John A. Moriarty 01 Jul 1977
CDR Otto E. Krueger 23 Oct 1965 CDR Paul E. Otto 20 Oct 1978
CDR J. H. Wynn III 28 Oct 1966 CDR Paul A. Cassiman 20 Jan 1980
CDR Joseph B. Wilkinson, Jr. 09 Nov 1967 CDR James I. Maslowski 23 Mar 1981
CDR John E. Wasson 08 Nov 1968 CDR M. A. Gary 04 Jun 1982
CDR Zygmont J. Kowalskey, Jr. 26 Nov 1969 CDR J. J. Zerr 28 Jun 1982
CDR Robert B. Browning 22 Oct 1970 CDR E. L. Tetrick 14 Feb 1983
CDR David L. Moss 29 Oct 1971 CDR Terrence L. Hightower Jun 1984
CDR W. A. Lacey 13 Oct 1972 CDR Larry S. Doyle 17 Oct 1985
CDR Ted W. Reynolds 26 Sep 1973 CDR Carl W. Chamberlain 27 Feb 1987
CDR Harvey A. Eikel 21 Jan 1975 CDR John A. Roe 01 Sep 1988
CDR S. R. Briggs 15 Apr 1976 CDR Lewis G. Mason 26 Apr 1990

A squadron F9F-8B
Cougar at NAS Moffett
Field, California, June
1957 (Courtesy Robert
Lawson Collection).

Aircraft Assignment Aircraft Assignment—Continued

Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received
FG-1D Apr 1952 FJ-3M 01 Jul 1957
F4U-4 Aug 1952 FJ-4 25 Aug 1958
F9F-5 Sep 1953 A4D-2 11 Jan 1959
FJ-3 Feb 1955 A4D-2N/A-4C* 07 Sep 1960
F9F-8 Nov 1955 A-4E 23 Oct 1967
F9F-8B Apr 1956 A-7E Jan 1971
F/A-18C 05 May 1990
FJ-3 Jun 1957
FJ-3M 01 Jul 1957 * The A4D-2N designation was changed to A-4C in 1962.

A squadron FJ-3M Fury,

circa 1958 (Courtesy
Robert Lawson Collection).
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364 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

Major Overseas Deployments

Date of Date of Air Type of Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Aircraft Operation

15 Dec 1952 14 Aug 1953 CVG-9 CVA 47 F4U-4 WestPac/Korea

11 May 1954 12 Dec 1954 CVG-9 CVA 12 F9F-5 World Cruise
19 Mar 1956 13 Sep 1956 ATG-4 CVA 10 F9F-8B WestPac
06 Jan 1958 30 Jun 1958 ATG-4 CVA 12 FJ-3M WestPac
06 Feb 1960 30 Aug 1960 CVG-9 CVA 61 A4D-2 WestPac
11 Aug 1961 08 Mar 1962 CVG-9 CVA 61 A4D-2N WestPac
09 Nov 1962 14 Jun 1963 CVG-9 CVA 61 A-4C WestPac
05 Aug 1964 06 May 1965 CVW-9 CVA 61 A-4C WestPac/Vietnam
26 Oct 1965 21 Jun 1966 CVW-9 CVAN 65 A-4C WestPac/Vietnam
05 Jan 1967 22 Jul 1967 CVW-5 CVA 19 A-4C WestPac/Vietnam
27 Jan 1968 10 Oct 1968 CVW-5 CVA 31 A-4E WestPac/Vietnam
18 Mar 1969 29 Oct 1969 CVW-5 CVA 31 A-4E WestPac/Vietnam
02 Apr 1970 12 Nov 1970 CVW-5 CVA 31 A-4E WestPac/Vietnam
12 Nov 1971 17 Jul 1972 CVW-15 CVA 43 A-7E WestPac/Vietnam
09 Mar 1973 08 Nov 1973 CVW-15 CVA 43 A-7E WestPac
05 Dec 1974 02 Jul 1975 CVW-15 CVA 43 A-7E WestPac
15 Feb 1977 05 Oct 1977 CVW-15 CV 43 A-7E WestPac
30 May 1979 25 Feb 1980 CVW-15 CV 63 A-7E WestPac/IO
01 Apr 1981 23 Nov 1981 CVW-15 CV 63 A-7E WestPac/IO
01 Sep 1982 28 Apr 1983 CVW-11 CVN 65 A-7E NorPac/
WestPac/IO
30 May 1984 20 Dec 1984 CVW-11 CVN 65 A-7E WestPac/IO/
NorPac
12 Jan 1986 13 Aug 1986 CVW-11 CVN 65 A-7E WestPac/IO/
Med/SoLant
25 Oct 1987 24 Nov 1987 CVW-11 CVN 65 A-7E NorPac
05 Jan 1988 03 Jul 1988 CVW-11 CVN 65 A-7E WestPac/IO/
NorPac
17 Sep 1989 16 Mar 1990 CVW-11 CVN 65 A-7E World Cruise

A squadron A-4E Skyhawk flies

over Bon Homme Richard (CVA
31) during her deployment to
Vietnam in 1969.
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 365

Air Wing Assignments

Air Wing Tail Code Assignment Date

CVG-9 N 26 Mar 1952
ATG-4 Z/ND* 1955
CVG-9/CVW-9† NG 01 Aug 1958
CVW-5 NF 01 Jul 1966
COMFAIRLEMOORE Nov 1970
CVW-15 NL 02 Jan 1971
CVW-11 NH 18 Jan 1982
* The tail code was changed from Z to ND in 1957. The effective
date for this change was most likely the beginning of FY 58 (1 July
1957).
† CVG-9 was redesignated CVW-9 when Carrier Air Groups (CVG) A squadron A-7E Corsair II, in a low-visibility paint scheme, prepar-
were redesignated Carrier Air Wings (CVW) on 20 December 1963. ing to trap aboard Enterprise (CVN 65) in 1989.

Unit Awards Received Unit Awards Received—Continued

Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award
KPUC 31 Jan 1953 27 Jul 1953 NEM 25 Nov 1979 28 Jan 1980
KSM 25 Jan 1953 01 Aug 1953 25 May 1981 30 Sep 1981
NUC 31 Jan 1953 27 Jul 1953 30 Apr 1986 27 Jun 1986
21 Feb 1968 13 Sep 1968 RVNGC 02 Dec 1965
15 Dec 1971 01 Jul 1972 11 Dec 1965
NAVE 01 Jul 1973 30 Jun 1974 21 Dec 1965
01 Jul 1983 31 Dec 1984 24 Dec 1965
01 Jan 1989 31 Dec 1989 26 Dec 1965 30 Dec 1965
AFEM 24 Jun 1960 25 Jun 1960 01 Jan 1966 02 Jan 1966
01 May 1963 05 May 1963 04 Jan 1966 14 Jan 1966
18 Sep 1964 20 Sep 1964 04 Feb 1966
01 Oct 1964 09 Oct 1964 19 Feb 1966
28 Nov 1964 01 Jan 1965 23 Feb 1966
16 Jan 1965 17 Mar 1965 27 Mar 1966 28 Mar 1966
04 Apr 1965 14 Apr 1965 30 Mar 1966 31 Mar 1966
04 May 1968 07 May 1968 02 Apr 1966
29 Jun 1969 11 Apr 1966
07 Jul 1969 13 Jul 1969 29 Apr 1966
24 Jul 1969 20 Feb 1967
03 Sep 1969 23 Feb 1967
13 Sep 1969 14 Sep 1969 16 Mar 1967
29 Apr 1975 30 Apr 1975 24 Mar 1967 25 Mar 1967
15 May 1975 07 May 1967
15 Feb 1988 09 Mar 1988 09 May 1967
17 Jan 1990 31 Jan 1990 12 May 1967
HSM 29 Apr 1975 30 Apr 1975 15 May 1967 21 May 1967
17 May 1981 29 May 1967 30 May 1967
02 Oct 1981 03 Jun 1967
23 Oct 1982 16 Jun 1967
MUC 20 Jan 1967 14 Jul 1967 21 Feb 1968 25 Feb 1968
18 Apr 1969 08 Oct 1969 27 Feb 1968 07 Mar 1968
02 May 1970 20 Oct 1970 12 Mar 1968 18 Mar 1968
22 Apr 1975 30 Apr 1975 22 Mar 1968 23 Mar 1968
15 May 1975 25 Mar 1968
13 Nov 1979 08 Feb 1980 06 Apr 1968 11 Apr 1968
01 Oct 1983 31 Mar 1985 13 Apr 1968 14 Apr 1968
15 Feb 1988 09 Mar 1988 17 Apr 1968 20 Apr 1968
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366 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

Unit Awards Received—Continued Unit Awards Received—Continued

Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award
13 May 1968 14 May 1968 09 May 1968 30 May 1968
26 May 1968 27 May 1968 04 Jun 1968 05 Jun 1968
04 Jul 1968 13 Jun 1968 07 Jul 1968
02 Aug 1968 18 Aug 1968 21 Jul 1968 18 Aug 1968
27 Aug 1968 14 Sep 1968 27 Aug 1968 14 Sep 1968
18 Apr 1969 17 May 1969 17 Apr 1969 18 May 1969
01 Jun 1969 03 Jun 1969 26 Jun 1969
04 Jun 1969 09 Jun 1969 30 Jul 1969 31 Aug 1969
11 Jun 1969 24 Jun 1969 23 Sep 1969 08 Oct 1969
26 Jun 1969 02 May 1970 26 May 1970
VNSM 02 Dec 1965 14 Jan 1966 01 Jun 1970 14 Jun 1970
04 Feb 1966 23 Feb 1966 01 Jul 1970 29 Jul 1970
16 Mar 1966 12 Apr 1966 17 Aug 1970 03 Sep 1970
22 Apr 1966 14 May 1966 11 Sep 1970 12 Sep 1970
23 May 1966 06 Jun 1966 26 Sep 1970 21 Oct 1970
04 Feb 1967 26 Feb 1967 14 Dec 1971
15 Mar 1967 12 Apr 1967 31 Dec 1971 17 Jan 1972
27 Apr 1967 05 Jun 1967 26 Jan 1972 17 Feb 1972
11 Jun 1967 28 Jun 1967 01 Apr 1972 11 May 1972
20 Feb 1968 25 Mar 1968 01 Jun 1972 11 Jun 1972
06 Apr 1968 20 Apr 1968 21 Jun 1972 02 Jul 1972

A squadron F/A-18C Hornet flies over the burning oil fields of Kuwait, 1991.
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 367

VFA-97 Dec 1971: Following the outbreak of war between

India and Pakistan over East Pakistan (Bangladesh),
Lineage Enterprise (CVAN 65) was ordered to leave Yankee
Station for operations in the Indian Ocean. The carrier,
Established as Attack Squadron NINETY SEVEN (VA- with Air Wing 14 embarked, operated in the Bay of
97) on 1 June 1967. Bengal until the cessation of hostilities in the latter
Redesignated Strike Fighter Squadron NINETY part of December.
SEVEN (VFA-97) on 24 January 1991. The first Oct 1972: Squadron aircraft participated in Line-
squadron to be assigned the VA-97 and VFA-97 desig- backer I operations, heavy air strikes against targets in
nation. North Vietnam to interdict the flow of supplies into
South Vietnam.
Squadron Insignia and Nickname Dec 1972: The squadron participated in Linebacker
II operations, an intensified version of Linebacker I.
The squadron’s insignia was approved by the CNO
Feb 1975: Enterprise, with CVW-14, provided disas-
on 6 March 1968. Colors for the hawk and shield
ter support for the island country of Mauritius follow-
insignia are as follows: background light blue outlined
ing a tropical storm.
in black; gold scroll out-
Apr 1975: The squadron participated in Operation
lined in black with
Frequent Wind and provided air support for the evacua-
black lettering; black
tion of personnel from Saigon as it fell to the communists.
hawk with gold mark-
Feb 1977: During the crisis in Uganda and threats
ings, a gold beak, red
against Americans in that country, Enterprise operated
tongue and eye; dark
off the coast of Kenya ready to evacuate Americans.
blue shield with a gold
Dec 1979: Coral Sea (CV 43) operated off the coast
trident, both outlined in
of South Korea following the assassination of South
black; gray knight’s hel-
Korea’s President Park Chung-Hee in late October.
met with a blue and
Apr 1980: Coral Sea was part of the task force
gold crest and black
involved in supporting the Iranian hostage rescue
markings.
attempt.
The squadron’s hawk and trident
Nickname: Warhawks,
May 1980: Following civil unrest in South Korea,
insignia. 1968-present.
Coral Sea operated off the coast of that country.
Aug 1983: Due to the unsettled conditions in Central
Chronology of Significant Events America, Coral Sea operated off the coast of Nicaragua
28 Jun 1968: The squadron conducted its first com- and also participated in surveillance for illegal drug traffic.
bat missions. Aug 1986: The squadron participated in carrier tacti-
4 Feb–7 Mar 1971: The squadron embarked in cal flight operations in the Bering Sea.
Enterprise (CVAN 65) for the ship’s transit around South Jul 1988: During the Olympics in Seoul, Korea, Carl
America to her new home port on the west coast. Vinson (CVN 70), with VA-97 embarked, operated off
the coast of Korea.

A formation of squadron A-7E

Corsair IIs, 1975.
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368 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

Home Port Assignments Commanding Officers—Continued

Location Assignment Date Date Assumed Command

NAS Lemoore 01 Jun 1967 CDR David L. Carroll 29 Mar 1980
CDR Michael L. Bowman 06 Jun 1981
Commanding Officers CDR Thomas L. McClelland 21 Sep 1982
CDR Norman L. Westerbuhr 03 Feb 1984
Date Assumed Command CDR Joseph W. Parker, Jr. 20 Sep 1985
CDR Richard P. Vaillancourt 28 Jul 1967 CDR T. Barry McFarland 27 Mar 1987
CDR Leroy M. Kraft 27 Feb 1969 CDR Michael F. Winkler 31 Jul 1988
CDR James E. Doolittle 19 Dec 1969 CDR James T. Noland, Jr. 11 Jan 1990
CDR Robert B. Arnold 16 Dec 1970
CDR Hugh F. Lynch 27 Dec 1971
CDR Robert C. Coffey 15 Dec 1972 Aircraft Assignment
CDR Bert D. Terry 29 Mar 1974
Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received
CDR Robert P. Nicolls 26 Jun 1975
CDR John F. Murray 17 Sep 1976 A-7A Oct 1967
CDR Rex R. Arnett, Jr. 22 Nov 1977 A-7E Jul 1970
CDR John M. McGrath 11 Jan 1979 F/A-18A 22 Feb 1991

A squadron A-7E Corsair II in flight with its low-visibility paint scheme, 1984.
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 369

Major Overseas Deployments

Date of Date of Air Type of Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Aircraft Operation

29 May 1968 31 Jan 1969 CVW-14 CVA 64 A-7A WestPac/Vietnam

11 Aug 1969 08 May 1970 CVW-14 CVA 64 A-7A WestPac/Vietnam
11 Jun 1971 12 Feb 1972 CVW-14 CVAN 65 A-7E WestPac/
Vietnam/IO
12 Sep 1972 12 Jun 1973 CVW-14 CVAN 65 A-7E WestPac/Vietnam
17 Sep 1974 20 May 1975 CVW-14 CVAN 65 A-7E WestPac/IO
30 Jul 1976 28 Mar 1977 CVW-14 CVN 65 A-7E WestPac/IO
04 Apr 1978 30 Oct 1978 CVW-14 CVN 65 A-7E WestPac/IO
13 Nov 1979 11 Jun 1980 CVW-14 CV 43 A-7E WestPac/IO
20 Aug 1981 23 Mar 1982 CVW-14 CV 43 A-7E WestPac/IO
21 Mar 1983 12 Sep 1983 CVW-14 CV 43 A-7E World Cruise
13 Oct 1984 24 May 1985 CVW-15 CVN 70 A-7E NorPac/
WestPac/IO
12 Aug 1986 05 Feb 1987 CVW-15 CVN 70 A-7E NorPac/
WestPac/IO
15 Jun 1988 14 Dec 1988 CVW-15 CVN 70 A-7E NorPac/
WestPac/IO
05 Sep 1989 09 Nov 1989 CVW-15 CVN 70 A-7E NorPac/WestPac
01 Feb 1990 31 Jul 1990 CVW-15 CVN 70 A-7E WestPac/IO

Air Wing Assignments Unit Awards Received—Continued

Air Wing Tail Code Assignment Date Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award
CVW-14 NK 15 Dec 1967* 01 Nov 1969 23 Nov 1969
CVW-15 NL 01 Nov 1983 07 Dec 1969 22 Dec 1969
* Before being assigned to CVW-14 the squadron was under the 05 Jan 1970 30 Jan 1970
operational and administrative control of VA-122 during its training 12 Feb 1970 01 Mar 1970
in the A-7A Corsair II. 26 Mar 1970 17 Apr 1970
14 Jul 1971 31 Jul 1971
Unit Awards Received 15 Aug 1971 04 Sep 1971
Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award
12 Sep 1971
25 Sep 1971 26 Sep 1971
NAVE 01 Jul 1968 31 Dec 1969
02 Oct 1972 23 Oct 1972
01 Jul 1974 31 Dec 1975
01 Nov 1972 11 Dec 1972
01 Jan 1988 31 Dec 1988
18 Dec 1972 13 Jan 1973
MUC 07 Sep 1969 30 Apr 1970
24 Jan 1973 23 Feb 1973
02 Jul 1971 03 Feb 1972
01 Mar 1973 02 Mar 1973
22 Apr 1975 30 Apr 1975
11 Mar 1973 28 Mar 1973
07 Mar 1978 01 May 1980
10 Nov 1984 07 May 1985
16 Jan 1987 02 Feb 1987
NUC 03 Oct 1972 22 Feb 1973
AFEM 16 Oct 1969 24 Oct 1969
16 Mar 1970 23 Mar 1970
29 Apr 1975 30 Apr 1975
HSM 29 Apr 1975 30 Apr 1975
VNSM 27 Jun 1968 22 Jul 1968
02 Aug 1968 28 Aug 1968
11 Sep 1968 09 Oct 1968
28 Nov 1968 29 Nov 1968
09 Dec 1968 21 Dec 1968
01 Jan 1969 07 Jan 1969
11 Sep 1969 03 Oct 1969 A squadron F/A-18A Hornet at NAS Lemoore, California, 1991.
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370 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

VFA-105 ing in Jordan and the invasion of Jordan by Syria,

Saratoga (CVA 60) with VA-105 embarked, operated in
Lineage the eastern Mediterranean, prepared to support an
evacuation of Americans from Jordan and to show
Established as Attack Squadron ONE HUNDRED support for the Jordanian government.
FIVE (VA-105) on 1 November 1967. Jun–Oct 1971: As part of CVW-3, embarked in
Redesignated Strike Fighter Squadron ONE HUN- Saratoga, the squadron participated in the CV Concept
DRED FIVE (VFA-105) on 17 December 1990. The sec- Evaluation while deployed to the North Atlantic and
ond squadron to be assigned the designation VA-105 Mediterranean Sea. The concept added antisubmarine
and the first to be designated VFA-105. warfare to the missions of the attack carriers. ASW air-
craft were added to the carrier air wings and the carri-
Squadron Insignia and ers were redesignated from CVA to CV.
Nickname Jun–Oct 1972: The squadron participated in
Linebacker I operations, heavy air strikes against tar-
The squadron’s in-sig-
gets in North Vietnam to interdict the flow of supplies
nia was approved by the
into South Vietnam.
CNO on 20 September
18–29 Dec 1972: Squadron aircraft participated in
1968. Colors for the
Linebacker II operations against North Vietnam, an
knight and holster
intensified version of Linebacker I.
insignia are as follows: a
Jan 1975: Following violent demonstrations in
white background with a
Cyprus, Saratoga operated off the coast of that island
kelly green border; silver
country, prepared to provide support for the possible
45 caliber revolver with
evacuation of Americans.
a black handle; black
The squadron’s insignia as it was Apr 1976: The squadron operated off the coast of
holster and gold knight;
first approved in 1968. Lebanon and participated in Operation Fluid Drive,
black ammunition belt
preparations to support a possible evacuation of
with silver trim and gold
Americans from that country.
bullets; kelly green scroll
Jun 1982: Following the invasion of Lebanon by
with white lettering.
Israel on 6 June, John F. Kennedy (CV 67) operated off
On 31 December 1984
the coast of Lebanon, available to support an evacua-
the CNO approved a
tion of Americans from that country.
modfication to the
Jul–Dec 1984: The squadron returned from a six-
squadron insignia. The
month deployment to MCAS Iwakuni in the western
modification included
Pacific. It was assigned to MAG-12, 1st MAW. This was
adding an upper scroll
the first time a Navy squadron participated in the
with the nickname Gun-
Marine Corps Unit Deployment Program and the first
slingers and changes to
Navy squadron since World War II to come under the
the colors. The back-
command of a Marine Corps officer. While deployed
ground color and letter-
In 1984, a modification was ap- with the Marines the squadron’s major mission was
ing in the scrolls were
proved for the squadron’s insignia close air support.
that added an upper scroll with changed to silver and
the nickname Gunslingers. When the insignia was out-
the squadron was redesignated lined in black.
VFA, the designation in the lower
scroll changed from ATKRON 105 Nickname: Gun-
to STRKFITRON 105. slingers, 1968-present.

Chronology of Significant Events

4 Mar 1968: The squadron completed its training
under VA-174 on the A-7A and became an operational
unit of the Atlantic Fleet.
May and Jun 1969: Following the shootdown of a
Navy EC-121 by the North Koreans in April, Kitty
Hawk (CVA 63) was part of a continuing American
presence being maintained off the coast of Korea.
Sep and Oct 1970: Following the hijacking of several
airliners by Palestinians, the outbreak of serious fight- A squadron A-7E Corsair II in 1978.
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 371

Home Port Assignments Commanding Officers—Continued

Location Assignment Date Date Assumed Command

NAS Cecil Field 01 Nov 1967 CDR R. G. Pearson 06 Nov 1980
CDR D. V. Raebel 17 Feb 1981
CDR R. G. Brodsky 10 May 1982
Commanding Officers
CDR D. A. Weiss 17 Nov 1983
Date Assumed Command CDR G. G. Johnson 16 May 1985
CDR L. E. Osborn 06 Oct 1986
CDR R. C. Bos 01 Nov 1967
CDR K. T. Lewis 25 Mar 1988
CDR R. K. Halverson 21 Jan 1969
CDR K. A. Richardson 27 Jul 1989
CDR C. R. Bowling 30 Dec 1969
CDR Gene A. Smith 28 Mar 1991
CDR J. C. Perkins 05 Oct 1970
CDR H. B. Chase 16 Jul 1971
CDR W. R. Zipperer 07 May 1972 Aircraft Assignment
CDR P. N. Puerling 23 May 1973
CDR R. F. Moreau 20 Jul 1974 Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received
CDR J. E. Carpenter 17 Nov 1975 A-7A 04 Mar 1968
CDR F. H. Saunders 07 Jan 1977 A-7E 07 May 1973
CDR B. M. Bennitt 27 Apr 1978 F/A-18A 27 Dec 1990
CDR R. M. Nutwell 03 Jul 1979 F/A-18C 11 Mar 1991

Major Overseas Deployments

Date of Date of Air Type of Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Aircraft Operation

30 Dec 1968 04 Sep 1969 CVW-11 CVA 63 A-7A WestPac/Vietnam

17 Jun 1970 09 Nov 1970 CVW-3 CVA 60 A-7A Med
07 Jun 1971 28 Oct 1971 CVW-3 CVA 60 A-7A NorLant/Med
11 Apr 1972 13 Feb 1973 CVW-3 CV 60 A-7A WestPac/Vietnam
27 Sep 1974 19 Mar 1975 CVW-3 CV 60 A-7E Med
06 Jan 1976 28 Jul 1976 CVW-3 CV 60 A-7E Med
11 Jul 1977 23 Dec 1977 CVW-3 CV 60 A-7E Med
03 Oct 1978 05 Apr 1979 CVW-3 CV 60 A-7E Med
10 Mar 1980 27 Aug 1980 CVW-3 CV 60 A-7E Med
04 Jan 1982 14 Jul 1982 CVW-3 CV 67 A-7E Med/IO
01 Mar 1983 29 Oct 1983 CVW-15 CVN 70 A-7E World Cruise
02 Jun 1984 17 Dec 1984 MAG-12 * A-7E WestPac
02 Jun 1986 10 Nov 1986 CVW-6 CV 59 A-7E Med
28 Aug 1987 09 Oct 1987 CVW-6 CV 59 A-7E NorLant
25 Apr 1988 07 Oct 1988 CVW-6 CV 59 A-7E Med/IO/NorLant
04 Nov 1989 12 Apr 1990 CVW-6 CV 59 A-7E Med
* The squadron deployed to MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, as part of Marine Aircraft Group 12. While deployed to WestPac the squadron also operated
from NAF Kadena, Okinawa; NAS Cubi Point, Philippines and stations in Korea.

A squadron A-7E Corsair II in flight

with low-visibility paint scheme, 1984.
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372 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

Air Wing Assignments Unit Awards Received

Air Wing Tail Code Assignment Date Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award
NAVE 01 Jul 1968 31 Dec 1969
VA-174* 01 Nov 1967
01 Jul 1974 30 Jun 1975
COMFAIRJACKSON- 01 Oct 1976 30 Sep 1977
VILLE 01 Mar 1968 01 Jan 1984 31 Dec 1984
CVW-11 NH 1968† MUC 17 Sep 1970 18 Oct 1970
COMFAIRJACKSON- 01 Oct 1979 15 Nov 1980
VILLE Sep AFEM 1969 15 May 1969
CVW-3 AC 1970‡ 25 May 1969 27 May 1969
CVW-15 NL 01 Oct 1982 05 Jun 1969
07 Jun 1969 15 Jun 1969
COMLATWING ONE Oct 1983
25 Jul 1969
MAG-12, 1st MAW§ AC 08 Jun 1984
NUC 15 Jan 1969 27 Aug 1969
COMLATWING ONE Dec 1984 18 May 1972 08 Jan 1973
CVW-6 AE 01 Apr 1985 01 Mar 1984 14 Dec 1984
COMLATWING ONE 01 Oct 1990 VNSM 27 Jan 1969 01 Mar 1969
CVW-3 AC 01 Sep 1991 12 Mar 1969 05 Apr 1969
17 Apr 1969 11 May 1969
* The squadron was assigned to VA-174 during training in the new 28 Jun 1969 15 Jul 1969
A-7A Corsair II. 27 Jul 1969 17 Aug 1969
06 May 1972 07 May 1972
† The squadron was assigned to CVW-11 sometime after June 1968
and prior to its deployment in December 1968. Squadron and air
17 May 1972 22 Jun 1972
wing records do not indicate the day or month. 30 Jun 1972 16 Jul 1972
27 Jul 1972 23 Aug 1972
‡ The squadron was assigned to CVW-3 sometime in the early part
02 Sep 1972 19 Sep 1972
of 1970.
29 Sep 1972 21 Oct 1972
§ VA-105 was assigned to MAG-12, 1st MAW during its shorebased 25 Oct 1972 26 Oct 1972
deployment to MCAS Iwakuni, Japan. While deployed with MAG-12 03 Nov 1972 08 Dec 1972
the squadron used the tail code AC on its aircraft.
18 Dec 1972 31 Dec 1972

A squadron F/A-18C Hornet at NAS Fallon, Nevada, March 1992 (Courtesy Robert Lawson Collection).
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 373

VFA-106 Chronology of Significant Events

27 Apr 1984: The squadron’s mission is the training
Lineage of F/A-18 replacement pilots and maintenance person-
Established as Strike Fighter Squadron ONE HUN- nel for east coast F/A-18 fleet squadrons.
DRED SIX (VFA-106) on 27 April 1984. The first 7 Oct 1985: The first Replacement Pilot Class arrives
squadron to be assigned the VFA-106 designation. at VFA-106 to begin training on the F/A-18 Hornet.

Home Port Assignments

Squadron Insignia and Nickname
Location Assignment Date
The squadron’s insignia was approved by CNO on 26
NAS Cecil Field 27 Apr 1984
May 1982. The insignia approved for VFA-106 had been
used by VA-106 prior to
Commanding Officers
its disestablishment on 7
November 1969. Colors Date Assumed Command
for the VFA-106 insignia CDR D. J. L’Herault 27 Apr 1984
are: a gold background CDR J. W. Peterson 13 Dec 1985
outlined in red; a blue CDR L. G. Kappel 13 Feb 1987
shield with a white CDR W. O. King, Jr. 03 Jun 1988
arrow and Roman hel- CDR W. N. Deaver, Jr. 12 Jun 1989
met, the upper part of CDR J. Barry Waddell 19 Mar 1991
the helmet is red; a gold
stylized wing is on the Aircraft Assignment
upper right hand cornor Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received
of the shield; white air-
The Gladiators insignia used by F/A-18A 09 Feb 1985
the squadron.
craft with blue markings; TF/A-18A 22 Mar 1985
and blue scrolls with F/A-18B May 1986
white lettering. F/A-18C Oct 1987
Nickname: Gladiators, 1984-present. F/A-18D Dec 1987

A squadron F/A-18A Hornet in flight, May 1987 (Courtesy Robert Lawson Collection).
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374 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

Air Wing Assignments Unit Awards Received

Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award
Air Wing Tail Code Assignment Date
NUC 01 May 1985 30 Apr 1986
COMLATWING MUC 01 May 1986 31 Oct 1987
ONE AD 27 Apr 1984 01 Nov 1987 31 Dec 1989

A squadron TF/A-18A Hornet at NAS Fallon, Nevada, March 1986 (Courtesy Robert Lawson Collection).
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 375

VFA-113 carrier from the pier using aircraft engine power to

move the ship.
Lineage 9–10 & 12 Nov 1950: During strikes by the
squadron’s F4U-4Bs on bridges crossing the Yalu River
Established as Fighter Squadron ONE HUNDRED between Sinuiju and Antung, they were attacked by
THIRTEEN (VF-113) on 15 July 1948. MiG-15s. No damage was inflicted on the squadron’s
Redesignated Attack Squadron ONE HUNDRED aircraft and no apparent damage was done to the
THIRTEEN (VA-113) in March 1956. MiG-15s.
Redesignated Strike Fighter Squadron ONE HUN- 22–23 Dec 1950: Two squadron aircraft flew spot-
DRED THIRTEEN (VFA-113) on 25 March 1983. The ting missions for Saint Paul (CA 73) on 22 December
first squadron to be assigned the VA-113 and VFA-113 and for Missouri (BB 63) on 23 December during
designation. shore bombardment against villages and troop con-
centrations near the front line.
Squadron Insignia and 23 Jun 1952: Squadron aircraft, along with planes
Nickname from 3 other air groups and the 5th Air Force, participat-
ed in the first coordinated strikes against North Korean
The squadron’s in-
hydroelectric power plants. This was the first time that
signia was approved by
enemy power plants had been so heavily targeted. It
CNO on 15 April 1949.
also marked the first time that four carriers were on line
Colors for the insignia
off the coast of Korea since the fall of 1950.
are: red beehive with
8–13 Feb 1955: Squadron aircraft were on station
white markings and
and available for air support during the evacuation of
outlined in yellow,
personnel from the Tachen Islands due to the bom-
with yellow lettering;
bardment of the islands by the People’s Republic of
This beehive and hornet insignia
black and yellow bum-
China.
was adopted by the squadron in ble bee with red legs
1949. Aug–Sep 1958: The squadron was part of a task
and white wings with
force that provided support to the Republic of China
black markings.
during the shelling of the Quemoy Island group by the
CNO approved a mod-
Chinese Communists.
ification to the insignia
11 Aug–1 Nov 1961: The squadron was embarked in
on 4 February 1985. The
Kitty Hawk (CVA 63) for her transit, via Cape Horn,
beehive insignia was
from Norfolk to her new home port at San Diego.
placed inside a circle
Jun 1964: Squadron aircraft participated in Yankee
with a blue background
Team operations, including inflight refueling for RF-8A
outlined in yellow; the
and RF-101 aircraft and search and rescue missions
scroll is red, outlined in
over South Vietnam and Laos.
black and yellow, with
Nov 1964–Oct 1965: The squadron provided a
yellow lettering; the
detachment of personnel and aircraft for use as fighter
other colors of the
When the squadron was redesig- insignia remained the
nated VFA, the insignia was mod-
ified by adding a scroll with the same.
squadron designation; it was Nickname: Stingers,
approved by CNO in 1983. 1949 to present.

Chronology of Significant Events

5 Aug 1950: The squadron flew its first combat mis-
sion, striking land and sea targets southeast of Kunsan,
Korea, and Mokpo harbor.
12–14 Sep 1950: Squadron aircraft flew combat sor-
ties in and around Inchon, Korea, in preparation for
the landings at Wolmi Island.
15 Sep 1950: The squadron participated in offensive
sorties during the landings at Inchon, striking targets
on the roads between Inchon and Seoul.
2 & 5 Nov 1950: Squadron aircraft participated in
Operation Pinwheel, the docking and departing of the A squadron F4U-4 Corsair catching the wire aboard Philippine Sea
(CV 47) during their 1951–1952 combat deployment to Korea.
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376 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

protection for the Antisubmarine Carrier Air Group

embarked in Bennington (CVS 20).
Dec 1965: During the squadron’s first line-period on
Yankee Station, it participated in three major strikes
against important North Vietnamese targets, including
the Hai Phong Bridge, Uong Bi Thermal Power Plant
and the Hai Duong Bridge.
Jan–Feb 1968: While embarked in Enterprise (CVAN
65) and enroute to Yankee Station, the carrier was
ordered to the Sea of Japan for operations following
the seizure of the Pueblo (AGER 2) by the North
Koreans.
Dec 1972: The squadron participated in Linebacker
II Operations, heavy air strikes against targets primari-
ly around Hanoi and Haiphong.
Jul 1976: Following the Israeli raid on Entebbe and Squadron F9F-5 Panthers over Kearsarge (CVA 33) during their
the threatened military operations against Kenya by 1953–1954 deployment to Korea and WestPac.
Uganda, the Ranger (CV 61), with VA-113 embarked,
was ordered to transit from the South China Sea to the Home Port Assignments
western Indian Ocean and operate off the coast of
Kenya. Location Assignment Date
15 Oct 1980–22 Mar 1981: Under the Swing Wing NAS San Diego 15 Jul 1948
Concept to reduce the deck multiple on Ranger, VA- NAS Miramar 15 Sep 1952
113 was off loaded at NAS Cubi Point and operated as NAS Lemoore 12 Dec 1961
a CVW-2 Detachment from the air station. While tem-
porarily shore based the squadron participated in
Commanding Officers
numerous joint and interservice exercises.
Mar–Oct 1983: The squadron underwent transition Date Assumed Command
training with VFA-125, becoming the first Navy fleet
LCDR Robert S. Merritt 15 Jul 1948
operational squadron assigned the F/A-18 Hornet.
LCDR Roy M. Voris 09 Jun 1949
Feb–Aug 1985: VFA-113, along with VFA-25, made
LCDR John T. O’Neill 20 Jan 1950
the first deployment with the new F/A-18 Hornet. The
CDR Harold P. Ady, Jr. 30 Jun 1951
squadrons deployed aboard Constellation (CV 64) and
LCDR John R. Strane 24 Oct 1951
operated in the western Pacific and Indian Ocean.
LCDR J. H. Tripp 29 Sep 1952
Jul 1987: Squadron aircraft, along with other units of
CVW-14, conducted surveillance in the strategic Strait CDR Charles C. Sanders Aug 1954
of Hormuz and provided air cover for the first five CDR Harold W. Davis Apr 1955
Earnest Will operations, the escort of reflagged CDR Richard L. Cormier Dec 1956
Kuwaiti oil tankers through the Gulf of Oman and CDR H. S. Matthews, Jr. 26 Nov 1958
Persian Gulf. CDR Robert E. Gallatin 16 Oct 1959
2 Aug 1990: Independence (CV 62), with VFA-113 CDR L. A. Tomkins 17 Feb 1961
embarked, was ordered to the Gulf of Oman following CDR G. A. White, Jr. 30 Mar 1962
the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait. CDR H. A. Borgerding 01 Mar 1963
Aug 1990: The squadron’s F/A-18s flew mixed com- CDR G. G. Zimmerman 21 Feb 1964
bat air patrol missions with F-14s in the Persian Gulf CDR Henry M. Dibble 02 Apr 1965
up to 28 degrees north latitude in support of CDR J. Abbott (acting) 11 Apr 1966
Operation Desert Shield, the build up of American and CDR J. A. Burnett (acting) 04 May 1966
Allied forces to counter a threatened invasion of Saudi CDR R. E. Bennett 30 May 1966
Arabia by Iraq and as part of an economic blockade of CDR R. J. Thomas 16 Jul 1967
Iraq to force its withdrawal from Kuwait. CDR E. J. Jacobs 23 Jul 1968
3–4 Oct 1990: VFA-113 conducted flight operations CDR J. E. Newton 03 Sep 1969
from Independence while she operated in the Persian CDR J. Brent Streit 17 Jul 1970
Gulf. This was the first time a carrier had operated in CDR Weston H. Byng 26 Mar 1971
the Persian Gulf since 1974. CDR Richard L. Grant 28 Apr 1972
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 377

Commanding Officers—Continued Aircraft Assignment

Date Assumed Command Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received

CDR D. Bruce Cargill 16 Apr 1973 F8F-1 15 Jul 1948
CDR Judson H. Springer 10 Dec 1973 F8F-2 28 Mar 1949
CDR M. D. Munsinger 28 Mar 1975 F4U-4B 09 Mar 1950
CDR H. D. Lesesne 17 May 1976 F9F-5 Oct 1952
F9F-2 Feb 1954
CDR Michael J. Webber 26 Aug 1977
F9F-8 May 1955
CDR John P. Park 22 Nov 1978
F9F-8B Apr 1956
CDR T. D. Hill, Jr. 21 Feb 1980 A4D-1 29 Apr 1957
CDR W. C. Trafton 10 Jun 1981 A4D-2 08 Sep 1958
CDR William W. Pickavance, Jr. 01 Aug 1982 A4D-2N/A-4C* 29 Mar 1961
CDR C. A. Langbehn 29 Feb 1984 A-4F Oct 1967
CDR Robert G. Sprigg 05 Sep 1985 A-7B 10 Dec 1968
CDR David V. Park 24 Jan 1987 A-7E Apr 1970
CDR John V. Chenevey 28 Feb 1988 F/A-18A 24 Aug 1983
F/A-18C 09 Jun 1989
CDR Gary L. Koger 07 Jul 1989
CDR Danny L. Clarkson 24 Jan 1991 * The A4D-2N designation was changed to A-4C in 1962.

A squadron A4D-1 (A-4) Skyhawk on Hancock’s (CVA 19) flight deck, November 1957.
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378 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

Major Overseas Deployments

Date of Date of Air Type of Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Aircraft Operation

05 Jul 1950 07 Apr 1951 CVG-11 CV 47/45* F4U-4B WestPac/Korea

31 Dec 1951 08 Aug 1952 CVG-11 CV 47 F4U-4 WestPac/Korea
01 Jul 1953 18 Jan 1954 CVG-11 CVA 33 F9F-5 WestPac/Korea
07 Oct 1954 12 May 1955 CVG-11 CVA 33 F9F-2 WestPac
16 Jul 1956 26 Jan 1957 CVG-11 CVA 9 F9F-8B WestPac
08 Mar 1958 21 Nov 1958 CVG-11 CVA 38 A4D-1 WestPac
09 Mar 1959 03 Oct 1959 CVG-11 CVA 38 A4D-2 WestPac
16 Jul 1960 18 Mar 1961 CVG-11 CVA 19 A4D-2 WestPac
13 Sep 1962 02 Apr 1963 CVG-11 CVA 63 A4D-2N WestPac
17 Oct 1963 20 Jul 1964 CVW-11 CVA 63 A-4C WestPac
19 Oct 1965 13 Jun 1966 CVW-11 CVA 63 A-4C WestPac/Vietnam
19 Nov 1966 06 Jul 1967 CVW-9 CVAN 65 A-4C WestPac/Vietnam
03 Jan 1968 18 Jul 1968 CVW-9 CVAN 65 A-4F WestPac/Vietnam
09 Jul 1969 22 Jan 1970 CVW-3 CVA 60 A-7B Med
27 Oct 1970 17 Jun 1971 CVW-2 CVA 61 A-7E WestPac/Vietnam
16 Nov 1972 23 Jun 1973 CVW-2 CVA 61 A-7E WestPac/Vietnam
07 May 1974 18 Oct 1974 CVW-2 CVA 61 A-7E WestPac
30 Jan 1976 07 Sep 1976 CVW-2 CV 61 A-7E WestPac/IO
21 Feb 1979 22 Sep 1979 CVW-2 CV 61 A-7E WestPac
10 Sep 1980 05 May 1981 CVW-2 CV 61 A-7E WestPac/IO
07 Apr 1982 19 Oct 1982 CVW-2 CV 61 A-7E WestPac/IO
21 Feb 1985 24 Aug 1985 CVW-14 CV 64 F/A-18A WestPac/IO
04 Sep 1986 20 Oct 1986 CVW-14 CV 64 F/A-18A NorPac
11 Apr 1987 13 Oct 1987 CVW-14 CV 64 F/A-18A WestPac/IO
01 Dec 1988 01 Jun 1989 CVW-14 CV 64 F/A-18A WestPac/IO
16 Sep 1989 19 Oct 1989 CVW-14 CV 64 F/A-18A/C NorPac
23 Jun 1990 20 Dec 1990 CVW-14 CV 62 F/A-18C WestPac/IO/
Persian Gulf
* CVG-11 deployed to Korea embarked in Philippine Sea (CV 47) and on 29 March 1951 transferred to Valley Forge (CV 45) and returned to the
States embarked in Valley Forge.

A formation of
squadron A-7E
Corsair IIs in 1971.
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 379

Air Wing Assignments

Air Wing Tail Code Assignment Date

CVAG-11/CVG-11/-
CVW-11* V/NH† 15 Jul 1948
CVW-9 NG 1966
COMFAIRALAMEDA Aug 1968
CVW-3 AC 1969
CVW-2 NE 01 Jun 1970
COMLATWING-
PAC/VFA-125 1983
CVW-14 NK Feb 1984
* CVAG-11 was redesignated CVG-11 on 1 September 1948. CVG-11
was redesignated CVW-11 when Carrier Air Group (CVG) designa-
tions were redesignated Carrier Air Wings (CVW) on 20 December
1963.
† The tail code was changed from V to NH in 1957. The effective
date for this change was most likely the beginning of FY 58 (1 July A squadron F/A-18A Hornet launching a Sparrow missile, 1984.
1957).

Unit Awards Received Unit Awards Received—Continued

Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award
NUC 04 Aug 1950 29 Mar 1951 21 Feb 1968 17 Mar 1968
26 Dec 1965 14 May 1966 26 Mar 1968 24 Apr 1968
18 Dec 1966 20 Jun 1967 30 Apr 1968 21 May 1968
22 Feb 1968 26 Jun 1968 30 May 1968 27 Jun 1968
02 Aug 1990 01 Nov 1990 18 Nov 1970 18 Dec 1970
KSM 01 Aug 1950 29 Mar 1951 27 Dec 1970 13 Jan 1971
20 Jan 1952 12 Jul 1952 02 Feb 1971 17 Mar 1971
KPUC 01 Aug 1950 29 Mar 1951 31 Mar 1971 18 Apr 1971
20 Jan 1952 12 Jul 1952 25 Apr 1971 18 May 1971
NAVE 01 Jul 1957 30 Jun 1958 09 Dec 1972 03 Jan 1973
01 Jul 1967 30 Jun 1968 14 Jan 1973 30 Jan 1973
01 Jan 1985 30 Jun 1986 01 Feb 1973 06 Feb 1973
MUC 18 Nov 1970 10 Jun 1971 RVNGC 22 Dec 1966
27 Mar 1983 27 Aug 1985 04 Jan 1967
01 Jan 1984 24 Aug 1985 07 Jan 1967 09 Jan 1967
AFEM 30 Aug 1958 01 Sep 1958 12 Jan 1967 13 Jan 1967
03 Sep 1958 27 Sep 1958 16 Jan 1967
15 Oct 1958 16 Oct 1958 20 Feb 1967
21 Oct 1958 29 Oct 1958 21 Feb 1967
15 Nov 1962 16 Nov 1962 23 Feb 1967
20 Dec 1962 25 Feb 1967
19 May 1964 10 Jun 1964 01 Mar 1967
23 Jan 1968 22 Mar 1968 23 Mar 1967
SASM 05 Aug 1990 04 Nov 1990 27 Mar 1967
VNSM 25 Nov 1965 23 Dec 1965 14 Apr 1967 15 Apr 1967
15 Jan 1966 04 Feb 1966 29 Apr 1967
18 Feb 1966 14 Mar 1966 10 Jun 1967
01 Apr 1966 29 Apr 1966 22 Feb 1968 24 Feb 1968
08 May 1966 23 May 1966 26 Feb 1968 03 Mar 1968
17 Dec 1966 17 Jan 1967 05 Mar 1968 08 Mar 1968
31 Jan 1967 03 Mar 1967 12 Mar 1968
20 Mar 1967 18 Apr 1967 14 Mar 1968
28 Apr 1967 28 May 1967 16 Mar 1968
04 Jun 1967 21 Jun 1967 29 Mar 1968 30 Mar 1968
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380 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

Unit Awards Received—Continued Unit Awards Received—Continued

Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award
01 Apr 1968 05 Apr 1968 15 Jun 1968
07 Apr 1968 10 Apr 1968 HSM 25 May 1976 01 Jun 1976
12 Apr 1968 20 Mar 1981
14 Apr 1968 NEM 30 Oct 1980 12 Mar 1981
16 Apr 1968 20 Apr 1968 27 Jun 1987 23 Jul 1987
22 Apr 1968 23 Apr 1968 VA-113 Det Q
02 May 1968 AFEM 19 May 1965 20 May 1965
13 May 1968 25 May 1965 26 May 1965
01 Jun 1968 02 Jun 1968 VNSM 26 Jul 1965 17 Aug 1965
04 Jun 1968 27 Aug 1965 10 Sep 1965

A squadron F/A-18C Hornet in flight, circa 1990.

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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 381

VFA-125 squadron to begin transition training in the F/A-18.

Sep 1982: The squadron’s first carrier qualification
Lineage detachment began operations aboard Constellation
(CV 64).
Established as Fighter Attack Squadron ONE HUN- Mar 1983: Training began for the first Navy
DRED TWENTY FIVE (VFA-125) on 13 November squadron to transition to the F/A-18.
1980.
The Fighter Attack designation was changed to
Strike Fighter on 25 March 1983. However, the VFA
acronym remained the same. It is the first squadron to
be assigned the VFA-125 designation.

Squadron Insignia and

Nickname
The squadron’s insig-
nia was approved by
CNO on 3 October 1980.
The squadron adopted
the insignia that had
been used by VA-125.
Colors for the torch
insignia are: a black Squadron F/A-18 Hornets on the flight line at NAS Lemoore, California.

The squadron’s first insignia was background outlined in

approved in 1980 using the old gray; yellow scroll with
design from VA-125. Home Port Assignments
black lettering and a
gray outline; white torch Location Assignment Date
with gray outlines; yel-
NAS Lemoore 13 Nov 1980
low flame outlined in
gray followed by red,
outlined in gray; gray
Commanding Officers
electron rings.
CNO approved a Date Assumed Command
modification to the
squadron’s insignia on CDR James W. Partington 13 Nov 1980
29 January 1991. The CDR Jerry D. Palmer 24 Jun 1982
gray colors were CDR John A. Lockard 14 Oct 1983
changed to a light blue CDR Dennis V. McGinn 14 Dec 1984
and a red and dark blue CDR W. W. Pickavance, Jr. 13 Mar 1986
A modification to the squadron’s horizontal strip was CDR John C. Leslie, Jr. 15 Jun 1987
insignia was approved in 1991, added to the lower part CDR Joseph W. Parker, Jr. 02 Sep 1988
adding two horizontal lines and
changing the designation in the
of the insignia. CDR Alan R. Gorthy, Jr. 01 Dec 1989
scroll. Nickname: Rough CDR David C. Kendall 08 Mar 1991
Raiders, 1980-present.

Chronology of Significant Events Aircraft Assignment

13 Nov 1980: The squadron was established with a Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received
mission of training fighter and attack pilots to fly the
F/A-18 Hornet. It was also tasked with training Navy F/A-18A 19 Feb 1981
and Marine Corps maintenance personnel. The com- TF/A-18A 10 Mar 1981
manding officer was a naval officer and the executive A-7E 12 Mar 1981
officer a Marine Corps officer. O-2A Apr 1986
Jun 1981: Squadron’s officers, along with the F/A- F/A-18B May 1986
18, participated in the Paris Air Show. F/A-18D Jul 1988
Aug 1982: The squadron achieved a “Ready for F/A-18C 1988
Training” status and VMFA-314 became the first T-34C 1990
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382 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

Air Wing Assignments Unit Awards Received

Air Wing Tail Code Assignment Date Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award
COMLATWINGPAC NJ 13 Nov 1980 MUC 13 Nov 1980 28 Mar 1983

A formation of squadron F/A-18 Hornets, including the two-seat versions (Courtesy Duane Kasulka Collection).
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 383

VFA-127 A new insignia was

approved by CNO on
Lineage 10 August 1980.
Colors for the red star
Established as Attack Squadron ONE HUNDRED insignia were: a gray
TWENTY SEVEN (VA-127) on 15 June 1962. background outlined
Redesignated Strike Fighter Squadron ONE HUN- in black, red and
DRED TWENTY SEVEN (VFA-127) on 1 March 1987. black lines; a red star
The first squadron to be assigned the VA-127 and VFA- outlined in white and
127 designations. red; gray aircraft with
a black canopy; yel-
Squadron Insignia and Nickname In 1984, a modification was made low compass mark-
to the red star insignia adding an
ings; gray scroll out-
The squadron’s first insignia was approved by CNO upper scroll and wording that iden-
tified the mission of the squadron. lined in black with
on 4 February 1963. Colors for the bat and torch
When the squadron was redesig- black lettering.
insignia were: white and nated VFA in 1987, the Attack
A modification to the
black background out- Squadron 127 designation in the
lower scroll changed to Strike red star insignia was
lined in red; black and
Fighter Squadron 127. approved by CNO on
white bat; white torch
25 October 1984. This
outlined in black with a
modification added an upper scroll with Pacific Fleet
yellow and red flame,
Adversary in black lettering.
also outlined in black;
Nickname: Royal Blues, 1960s–1980.
white scroll outlined in
Cylons, 1981-present.
black with black letter-
ing.
A new insignia was Chronology of Significant Events
approved by CNO on 4
The bat and torch design was the 24 Jul 1961–15 Jun 1962: Prior to being established
first insignia approved for use by June 1975. Colors for
as VA-127, the unit operated as VA-126 Det Alfa with a
the squadron. the globe and serpent
design were: a light mission to provide basic and refresher all-weather jet
blue background outlined in dark blue; blue and instrument and transition training for pilots on the
green globe with black latitude and longitude lines; west coast.
yellow lightning bolts outlined in black and red; 15 Jun 1962: The squadron’s primary mission was to
black and yellow serpent with red tongue and fangs; provide advanced all-weather jet instrument training
the open book was white with yellow and black for fleet replacement pilots and refresher training for
markings; black and white aircraft carrier; black light jet attack pilots. A secondary mission included jet
plane with dark blue contrail; red and black interna- transition and refresher training.
tional date line; light blue scroll outlined in dark blue
1 Jun 1970: The squadron’s mission was modified
with black lettering.
when it was designated as the only A-4 Replacement
On 17 December
1975 CNO approved the Air Wing squadron in the Navy. The primary mission
squadron’s request to included fleet replacement pilot training, basic and
return to its original bat refresher all weather jet instrument training and
and torch insignia. replacement enlisted training in both the TA-4 and A-4
model aircraft, plus the ancillary mission of providing
jet transition training. The flight syllabus included
weapons delivery (conventional and nuclear), airborne
electronic countermeasures, field mirror landing prac-
tice, low level navigation, inflight aerial refueling,
In June 1975, CNO approved defensive tactics and carrier qualifications (day and
the use of the globe and serpent night).
insignia for the squadron.
However, this design was used Apr 1971: The squadron expanded its training on
only for the remainder of 1975 the A-4 to include personnel from the Argentine Navy,
and then the squadron request-
ed approval to revert back to its previously only U.S. naval aviators had been trained
first design, the bat and torch. The next insignia approved and by the squadron.
This request was approved by used by the squadron was the
CNO in December 1975. red star design. 1973: The squadron continued its program of pro-
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384 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

viding training on the A-4 to foreign pilots. Beginning Home Port Assignments
in 1973 pilot training for the Singapore Air Defense
Location Assignment Date
Command was conducted by VA-127.
Jul 1975: The squadron’s primary mission was NAS Lemoore 15 Jun 1962
NAS Fallon 01 Oct 1987
changed. Fleet Replacement Pilot training and the
Fleet Replacement Aviation Maintenance Program
were discontinued. The squadron’s new missions Commanding Officers
included basic refresher all weather jet instrument
Date Assumed Command
training, air combat maneuvering adversary training,
CDR Emory G. Tiffany 15 Jun 1962
foreign pilot training and jet transition/refresher train-
CDR Simpson Evans, Jr. 19 Oct 1962
ing. In November 1975 CNO officially designated VA- CDR William F. McCullough 13 Sep 1963
127 with the mission of air combat maneuvering CDR J. R. Harper 25 Sep 1964
(ACM) adversary training. CDR W. S. Brown 17 Sep 1965
1 Oct 1983: The squadron’s instrument training mis- CDR J. C. Duck 02 Sep 1966
sion was dropped and the primary mission became CDR Edward W. V. Webster 05 May 1967
the Adversary Role (Dissimilar Air Combat CDR Timothy J. Perry 12 Jul 1968
Maneuvering). CDR Loren M. Dierdorff 13 Jun 1969
CDR Lawrence A. Sharpe 05 Jun 1970
CDR George E. Sheldon, Jr. 14 May 1971
CDR Thomas W. Poore 12 May 1972
CDR Cecil Richard Tulley 31 May 1973
CDR Ronald M. Shields Aug 1974
CDR Arvin R. Chauncey 10 Oct 1975
CDR Ronald L. Waters 21 Dec 1976
CDR Gary L. Beck 08 Mar 1978
CDR John A. McAuley, Jr. 03 Aug 1979
CDR Donald L. Dill 26 Nov 1980
CDR Wiley P. DeCarli 26 Feb 1982
CDR Paul J. Valovich 26 May 1983
CDR Michael J. Sullivan 30 Nov 1984
CDR David R. Olson 30 May 1986
CDR Ridgeway W. Corbin II 20 Nov 1987
CDR Alan R. Gorthy, Jr. 05 Dec 1988
A squadron F9F-8T (TF-9J) Cougar at NAS Lemoore, California, July CDR Gary A. Barrett 20 Oct 1989
1963 (Courtesy Robert Lawson Collection). CDR Vance L. Toalson 11 Jan 1991

Two squadron TA-4F

Skyhawks in flight, 1967.
 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 385

Aircraft Assignment Aircraft Assignment—Continued

Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received
F9F-8T/TF-9J* 15 Jun 1962 QT-38A Sep 1987
TA-4F 03 Aug 1966 F-5E Sep 1987
A-4F Mar 1970 F-5F Sep 1987
A-4E Apr 1970 F/A-18A Mar 1992
TA-4J 15 Apr 1971
T-38B Sep 1987 * The F9F-8T designation was changed to TF-9J in 1962.

Three squadron TA-4J Skyhawks fly in formation with one of the squadron’s A-4F Skyhawks, 1983.

A squadron F-5E Tiger II at NAS Fallon, Nevada, July 1989 (Courtesy Robert Lawson Collection).
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386 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

Air Wing Assignments * Replacement Air Groups were redesignated Combat Readiness Air
Groups on 1 April 1963. They were popularly known by the short
titles RAG and CRAG in the respective periods, but the designation
Air Wing Tail Code Assignment Date
throughout was RCVG. On 20 December 1963, when Carrier Air
RCVG-12/RCVW-12* NJ† 15 Jun 1962 Group (CVG) designations were changed to Carrier Air Wings
(CVW) the RCVG designation was changed to RCVW.
COMFAIRLEMOORE/ 01 Jun 1970 † RCVW-12 was disestablished on 1 June 1970. However, VA-127,
COMLATWINGPAC/ and the other squadrons assigned to RCVW-12, continued to use the
NJ tail code.
COMSTRKFIGHT-
‡ COMFAIRLEMOORE was redesignated COMLATWINGPAC on 30
WINGPAC‡ June 1973 and in 1991 redesignated COMSTRKFIGHTWINGPAC.

A squadron F/A-18A Hornet at NAS Fallon, Nevada, 1992 (Courtesy Robert Lawson Collection).
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 387

VFA-131 15 Aug–8 Oct 1988: Squadron was embarked in

Independence (CV 62) during the carrier’s transit, via
Lineage Cape Horn, from Norfolk to its new home port at San
Diego.
Established as Strike Fighter Squadron ONE HUN-
Aug 1990: Embarked in Eisenhower (CVN 69), the
DRED THIRTY ONE (VFA-131) on 3 October 1983.
The first squadron to be assigned the VFA-131 des- squadron’s F/A-18s flew missions in the Red Sea in sup-
ignation. port of Operation Desert Shield, the build-up of
American and Allied forces to counter a threatened inva-
sion of Saudi Arabia by Iraq and as part of an economic
Squadron Insignia and Nickname blockade of Iraq to force its withdrawal from Kuwait.
The squadron’s insignia was approved by CNO on 26 The Eisenhower task force was the first U.S. force in
January 1984. Colors for position to deter Iraqi incursion into Saudi Arabia.
the insignia are: a blue
background outlined in
white and blue; white Home Port Assignments
stars and aircraft; red,
Location Assignment Date
white and blue contrail
outlined in white; white NAS Lemoore 03 Oct 1983
wildcat head with black NAS Cecil Field 15 Apr 1985*
markings, black nose,
*This is the official transfer date, however, the squadron had aircraft
red eye and mouth; and personnel onboard the air station in February 1985.
blue scroll with white
lettering.
Nickname: Wildcats, Commanding Officers
The squadron’s Wildcat insignia.
1984-present.
Date Assumed Command
CDR James O. Ellis, Jr. 03 Oct 1983
Chronology of Significant Events CDR Charles W. Moore, Jr. 02 Dec 1985
Mar 1986: During Freedom of Navigation exercises CDR Dean L. Steele 05 Jun 1987
in the Gulf of Sidra, the squadron’s aircraft flew CDR Jerry B. Singleton 01 Dec 1988
Combat Air Patrols in support of the exercise, includ- CDR Robert C. Rubel 20 Jun 1990
ing the period of 24 and 25 March following a Libyan CDR R. E. Hoppock 18 Sep 1991
firing of an SA-5 missile on 24 March against an
American aircraft operating in international waters.
Aircraft Assignment
14–15 Apr 1986: Squadron aircraft, along with other
units of CVW-13 and A-7s from CVW-1, provided air-
Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received
to-surface Shrike and Harm missile strikes against
Libyan surface-to-air missile sites at Banghazi. This F/A-18A May 1984
was the first use of the F/A-18 in combat. F/A-18C 05 Nov 1990

A squadron F/A-18C Hornet

on the deck of George
Washington (CVN 73),
September 1993.
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388 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

Major Overseas Deployments

Date of Date of Air Type of Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Aircraft Operation

02 Oct 1985 19 May 1986 CVW-13 CV 43 F/A-18A Med

29 Sep 1987 28 Mar 1988 CVW-13 CV 43 F/A-18A Med
08 Mar 1990 12 Sep 1990 CVW-7 CVN 69 F/A-18A Med/Red Sea

Air Wing Assignments Unit Awards Received

Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award
Air Wing Tail Code Assignment Date NEM 20 Jan 1986 05 May 1986
NAVE 01 Jan 1986 31 Dec 1986
COMLATWINGPAC 03 Oct 1983 NUC 02 Oct 1985 19 May 1986
CVW-13 AK 01 Mar 1984 23 Mar 1986 17 Apr 1986
MUC 08 Mar 1990 12 Sep 1990
CVW-17 AA 05 May 1988 AFEM 12 Apr 1986 17 Apr 1986
CVW-7 AG 17 Oct 1988 SASM 08 Aug 1990 24 Aug 1990

A formation of squadron F/A-18A Hornets, 1986.

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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 389

VFA-132 units of CVW-13 and A-7s from CVW-1, provided air-

to-surface Shrike and Harm missile strikes against
Lineage Libyan surface-to-air missile sites at Banghazi. This
was the first use of the F/A-18 in combat.
Established as Strike Fighter Squadron ONE HUN- Oct 1987–Apr 1988: The squadron deployed to
DRED THIRTY TWO (VFA-132) on 3 January 1984. MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, and was assigned to Marine Air
Disestablished on 1 June 1992. The first squadron to Group 15. While deployed to Japan, the squadron
be assigned the VFA-132 designation. operated detachments at NAS Cubi Point, Tsuiki AB,
Clark AB, Yechon AB, Misawa AB and Kadena AB.
Squadron Insignia and Nickname Aug–Sep 1989: Coral Sea (CV 43), with VFA-132
embarked, operated off the coast of Lebanon follow-
The squadron’s insignia was approved by CNO on 2
ing the Israeli capture of Sheik Obeid and the reported
May 1985. Colors for the privateer insignia were: a
killing of Lieutenant Colonel William R. Higgins,
light blue background
USMC. In early September the squadron provided air
outlined in yellow; the
cover for the CH-53 helos used to evacuate personnel
privateer’s coat was red
from the U.S. embassy in Beirut.
with yellow trim; black
Jun–Sep 1991: CVW-6 squadrons participated in
boots; black hat with
Operation Provide Comfort, flying missions over
yellow trim; white
northern Iraq in support of the Kurdish relief effort.
trousers; the man’s face
and hands were white
and his mustache and Home Port Assignments
eye patch were black; Location Assignment Date
white rockets and green NAS Lemoore 03 Jan 1984
bombs, both outlined in NAS Cecil Field Feb 1985
black; yellow contrails
The squadron’s one and only in-
signia. from the rockets and
bombs; white cutlass Commanding Officers
outlined in black with a yellow handle; dark blue
Date Assumed Command
scrolls with yellow lettering.
Nickname: Privateers, 1984–1992. CDR Robert E. Lakari 10 Jan 1984
CDR John B. Nathman 22 Apr 1985
CDR Scott C. Ronnie 1986
Chronology of Significant Events CDR John T. Morris 01 Oct 1987
Mar 1986: During Freedom of Navigation exercises CDR Robert C. Stephens 05 May 1989
in the Gulf of Sidra, the squadron’s aircraft flew CDR J. L. Fleming 13 Sep 1990
Combat Air Patrols in support of the exercise, includ-
ing the period of 24 and 25 March following a 24
Aircraft Assignment
March Libyan firing of an SA-5 missile against an
American aircraft operating in international waters. Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received
14–15 Apr 1986: Squadron aircraft, along with other F/A-18A 21 Jun 1984

Two squadron F/A-

18A Hornets
preparing to launch
from Coral Sea (CV
43), January 1986.
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390 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

Major Overseas Deployments

Date of Date of Air Type of Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Aircraft Operation

02 Oct 1985 19 May 1986 CVW-13 CV 43 F/A-18A Med

05 Oct 1987 28 Apr 1988 MAG-15 MCAS F/A-18A Japan/WestPac
Iwakuni
31 May 1989 30 Sep 1989 CVW-13 CV 43 F/A-18A Med
30 May 1991 22 Dec 1991 CVW-6 CV 59 F/A-18A Med

Air Wing Assignments Unit Awards Received

Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award

Air Wing Tail Code Assignment Date
NEM 20 Jan 1986 05 May 1986
CVW-13 AK 01 Mar 1984 NUC 02 Oct 1985 19 May 1986
MAG-15 Oct 1987 23 Mar 1986 17 Apr 1986
MUC 30 Mar 1988 30 Sep 1989
CVW-13 AK May 1988 AFEM 12 Apr 1986 17 Apr 1986
CVW-6 AE 01 Oct 1990 JMUA Jun 1991 Sep 1991

A close-up of a squadron F/A-18A in flight.

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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 391

VFA-136 Home Port Assignments

Location Assignment Date

Lineage
NAS Lemoore 01 Jul 1985
Established as Strike Fighter Squadron ONE HUN- NAS Cecil Field 28 Mar 1986
DRED THIRTY SIX (VFA-136) on 1 July 1985.
The first squadron to be assigned the VFA-136 des-
ignation. Commanding Officers

Date Assumed Command

Squadron Insignia and Nickname CDR G. A. Gurick 01 Jul 1985
The squadron’s insig- CDR M. D. Malone 24 Aug 1987
nia was approved by CDR John B. Sandknop 11 Mar 1989
CNO on 23 May 1985. CDR Jeffrey R. Nelson 20 Sep 1990
Colors for the Knight- CDR D. R. Miller 14 Dec 1991
hawk insignia are: a light
blue background outlined Aircraft Assignment
in dark blue; black shield
outlined in red; blue- Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received
white hawk with black F/A-18A 07 Jan 1986
markings; yellow feet and F/A-18C 13 Nov 1990
beak; red tongue; black
eye; light blue scrolls out-
lined in dark blue with
black lettering.
The squadron’s Knighthawks Nickname: Knight-
insignia.
hawks, 1985-present.

Chronology of Significant Events

Aug 1990: Embarked in Eisenhower (CVN 69), the
squadron’s F/A-18s flew missions in the Red Sea in sup-
port of Operation Desert Shield, the build-up of
American and Allied forces to counter a threatened inva-
sion of Saudi Arabia by Iraq and as part of an economic
blockade of Iraq to force its withdrawal from Kuwait.
The Eisenhower task force was the first U.S. force in A squadron F/A-18A Hornet about to be launched from Eisenhower
position to deter Iraqi incursions into Saudi Arabia. (CVN 69).

A squadron F/A-18A Hornet

in flight, circa 1986 or
1987.
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392 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

Major Overseas Deployments

Date of Date of Air Type of Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Aircraft Operation

29 Sep 1987 28 Mar 1988 CVW-13 CV 43 F/A-18A Med

08 Mar 1990 12 Sep 1990 CVW-7 CVN 69 F/A-18A Med/Red Sea
26 Sep 1991 02 Apr 1992 CVW-7 CVN 69 F/A-18C Med/IO/NorLant

Air Wing Assignments Unit Awards Received

Air Wing Tail Code Assignment Date Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award
CVW-13 AK 10 Jun 1986 MUC 08 Mar 1990 12 Sep 1990
CVW-7 AG 01 Oct 1988 SASM 08 Aug 1990 24 Aug 1990

A squadron F/A-18A Hornet in flight armed with a Sidewinder missile on its wing tip, February 1989.
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 393

VFA-137 Chronology of Significant Events

Aug–Sep 1989: Coral Sea (CV 43), with VFA-137
Lineage embarked, operated off the coast of Lebanon follow-
Established as Strike Fighter Squadron ONE HUN- ing the Israeli capture of Sheik Obeid and the reported
DRED THIRTY SEVEN (VFA-137) on 1 July 1985. killing of Lieutenant Colonel William R. Higgins,
The first squadron to be assigned the VFA-137 USMC. Squadron aircraft flew air support (Combat Air
designation. Patrols) during this crisis and the evacuation personnel
from the U.S. embassy in Beirut.
Squadron Insignia and Nickname
The squadron’s insignia was approved by CNO on 1 Home Port Assignments
April 1985. Colors for
the stylized hawk Location Assignment Date
design are: a black NAS Cecil Field 01 Jul 1985
background outlined
in orange; the upper
part of the hawk Commanding Officers
design is white and the
Date Assumed Command
lower part is reddish-
brown; gray beak out- CDR Raymond E. Thomas 01 Jul 1985
lined in black; yellow CDR Barry J. Dysart 03 Sep 1987
eye with a black pupil; CDR Philip G. Howard 02 Mar 1989
grayish-blue contrails; CDR Craig B. Henderson 04 May 1990
orange stylized aircraft;
black scrolls outlined
in orange and the let- Aircraft Assignment
The squadron’s stylized hawk
design was approved by CNO in tering is orange.
Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received
April 1985. Nickname: Kestrels,
1985-present. F/A-18A 25 Nov 1985

A squadron F/A-18A Hornet about to trap on Coral Sea (CV 43), 1989.
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394 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

Major Overseas Deployments

Date of Date of Air Type of Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Aircraft Operation

29 Sep 1987 28 Mar 1988 CVW-13 CV 43 F/A-18A Med

31 May 1989 30 Sep 1989 CVW-13 CV 43 F/A-18A Med

Air Wing Assignments Unit Awards Received

Air Wing Tail Code Assignment Date Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award
CVW-13 AK 01 Jun 1986 NAVE 01 Jan 1987 31 Dec 1987
CVW-6 AE 01 Oct 1990 MUC 30 Mar 1988 30 Sep 1989

A squadron F/A-18A in flight, March 1991.

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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 395

VFA-146 outlined in dark blue with a light blue background

and lettering in yellow.
Lineage Nickname: Blacktails, 1956-late 1950s.
Blue Diamonds, late 1950s-present.
Established as Attack Squadron ONE HUNDRED
FORTY SIX (VA-146) on 1 February 1956.
Redesignated Strike Fighter Squadron ONE HUN- Chronology of Significant Events
DRED FORTY SIX (VFA-146) on 21 July 1989. This is 17–21 Jan 1960: VA-146 squadron aircraft participat-
the first squadron in the Navy to be assigned the des- ed in a coast to coast non-stop cross country flight.
ignation VA-146 and VFA-146. 8 Jun–13 Jul 1964: The Blue Diamonds participated
in Yankee Team Operations. These operations
Squadron Insignia and Nickname involved photo reconnaissance missions over Laos.
The squadron’s A-4C Skyhawks were used to provide
The first insignia for VA-146 was approved by CNO tanker and rocket-armed escort support for the photo
on 23 November 1956. This design consisted of two reconnaissance sorties over Laos and South Vietnam.
concentric circles. The This type of support was also provided by the
outer circle, in dark blue, squadron during the period 15 August to 20
symbolized the all September 1964.
encompassing mission of 4–5 Aug 1964: Aircraft from VA-146 flew night sor-
the attack community. ties in support of Desoto Patrol operations conducted
The inner circle had a by American destroyers operating in international
light blue background waters off the coast of North Vietnam. These sorties
which was outlined in were the result of attacks conducted against Maddox
black and divided into (DD 731) by North Vietnamese motor torpedo boats
four quadrants. Inside on 2 August 1964. The American destroyer had been
the inner circle was a conducting Desoto Patrol operations when this inci-
yellow mach wave sym- dent occurred. Desoto Patrol operations involved the
The globe and mach wave symbol bol and a yellow globe collection of signal intelligence.
was part of the squadron’s first showing North and
insignia. 5 Aug 1964: VA-146 aircraft participated in
South America with a Operation Pierce Arrow. This operation involved retal-
dark blue sea. iatory air strikes against North Vietnamese torpedo
Emanating from North America was a 300 degree arc in boats and their bases and supporting facilities because
black. The mach wave and arc from North America sym- of the attacks against the Maddox (DD 731) and
bolized the range and striking power of the squadron. Tur ner Joy (DD 951) on 4 August by North
The first nickname the squadron reported to have Vietnamese motor torpedo boats. VA-146’s A-4Cs flew
used was Blacktails. This name was in reference to the 8 sorties against two installations. They experienced
black color assigned to the squadron’s position in the heavy antiaircraft ground fire but none of their aircraft
air group. The nickname Blue Diamonds was adopted were damaged. The sorties by VA-146 and the other
by the squadron sometime in the late 1950s. In 1968
the squadron elected to simplify their insignia and
bring it in concert with
their nickname. Their
insignia was revised and
approved by CNO on 29
August 1968. The new
insignia kept the old
design of two concentric
circles with an outer cir-
cle of dark blue and the
inner circle of light blue.
Superimposed on the
two circles was the yel-
low mach wave and
The squadron’s insignia was
modified and approved for use by four dark blue dia-
CNO in 1968. When the squadron monds. Attached to the
was designated VFA, the designa- lower part of the
tion in the scroll was changed A squadron F9F-8 Cougar trapping aboard Hornet (CVA 12), March
from VA-146 to VFA-146. insignia was a scroll
1957 (Courtesy Robert Lawson Collection).
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396 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

units of CVW-14 against Hon Gay and the torpedo 7 Mar 1979: Constellation and her air wing were
boats operating near Hon Me Island resulted in the ordered to make a high speed transit to the Indian
sinking or damaging of 8 torpedo boats. Ocean from the Philippines in response to the conflict
5 Aug 1964: VA-146 was one of the first squadrons between North and South Yemen.
to employ the A-4C in combat. Feb–Oct 1980: VA-146 made the first western Pacific
29 Jun 1966: CDR Schaufelberger led a 28 plane deployment with the new Forward Looking Infrared
strike of VA-146 and other CVW-14 aircraft against the Radar System (FLIR) installed on the A-7E Corsair II.
Haiphong POL complex. This was the first American 1983: The Blue Diamonds were tasked with fleet
strike against this complex. introduction of the HARM system. This new missile
30 Sep 1967: CDR Robert F. Dunn was awarded a succeeds Shrike and ARM as the primary antiradiation,
Silver Star for his actions on this date. defense-suppression air-to-surface missile.
16 Jun 1969: While operating on Yankee Station Sep 1988: Nimitz (CVN 68), with VA-146 embarked,
aboard Enterprise, the carrier was ordered north to the operated in the Sea of Japan in support of the Summer
Sea of Japan in response to an international incident Olympic Games in Seoul, Republic of Korea.
involving the shoot down of a Navy EC-121 by the
North Korean Air Force.
Home Port Assignments
Apr 1970: The squadron flew across the country to
board an east coast based carrier, America (CVA 66), Location Assignment Date
for an extended combat deployment to Vietnam.
NAS Miramar 01 Feb 1956
May 1970: CDR Stephens, along with other pilots
NAS Lemoore 15 May 1962
from VA-147, flew the newest update version of the A-
7 Corsair II, the A-7E, into combat for the first time.
Commanding Officers
Dec 1971: During their second line period on
Yankee Station, VA-146 became the first Navy Date Assumed Command
squadron to use the laser-guided bomb (LGB) during CDR E. V. Davidson 01 Feb 1956
combat in Southeast Asia. CDR J. R. Kincaid 30 Aug 1957
May 1972: The squadron’s A-7Es conducted the first LCDR W. W. Alldredge 29 Aug 1958
night mining missions for the Corsair II E models CDR G. S. Hodgson 12 Aug 1959
when they flew combat mining sorties on North LCDR J. R. Faulk 28 Dec 1960
Vietnamese rivers. CDR R. G. Hanecak 12 Oct 1961
Feb–Apr 1973: VA-146 acted as a deterrant force CDR J. D. Ingram 09 Mar 1963
during Operation Endsweep, the sweeping of mines CDR E. V. Crangle 28 Oct 1963
from North Vietnamese waters. CDR W. H. Harris 20 Nov 1964
Nov 1974: VA-146, as part of the CVW-9 team CDR H. B. Loheed 03 Dec 1965
aboard Constellation, operated in the Persian Gulf. CDR A. A. Schaufelberger 01 Feb 1966
This was the first time in 26 years that an American CDR R. F. Dunn 25 Jan 1967
carrier had entered and operated in the Persian Gulf. CDR P. E. Johnson 14 Nov 1967
CDR Ford J. E. Schultz 13 Feb 1968
CDR Jesse R. Emerson III 18 Feb 1969
CDR Wayne L. Stephens 19 Dec 1969
CDR Manual B. Sousa 29 Jan 1971
CDR John A. Miller 07 Dec 1971
CDR O. F. Baldwin 15 Dec 1972
CDR D. K. Tyler 28 Mar 1974
CDR L. A. Sanders 11 Jun 1975
CDR R. I. Howson 16 Sep 1976
CDR L. H. Price 14 Dec 1977
CDR J. A. Lair 04 Nov 1978
CDR L. J. Vernon 26 Feb 1980
CDR W. S. Orr 22 Apr 1981
CDR M. G. Shaw 09 Jul 1982
CDR P. C. Campbell 01 Dec 1983
CDR G. N. Crim, Jr. 14 Jun 1985
CDR R. E. Arnott 30 Sep 1986
CDR David C. Kendall 11 Mar 1988
A squadron FJ-4B Fury on the elevator of Ranger (CVA 61) during CDR Phillip H. Mills 21 Jul 1989
her cruise to the Med in 1959. CDR Steven E. Davis 02 Nov 1990
Chap 7-382-018 Pg 381- 4/11/95 1:43 PM Page 397 (Black plate)

DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 397

A formation of squadron FJ-4B Furys, 1961.

Aircraft Assignment Aircraft Assignment—Continued

Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received
F9F-8 Feb 1956 A-7B 04 Jun 1968
F9F-6 Feb 1956 A-7E 20 Sep 1969
F9F-5 Feb 1956 F/A-18C 18 Nov 1989
FJ-4B 04 Sep 1957
A4D-2N/A-4C* 06 Jun 1962 * The A4D-2N designation was changed to A-4C in 1962.

A squadron A-4C Skyhawk and a VA-144

Skyhawk on Constellation’s (CVA 64) eleva-
tor during her combat deployment to
Vietnam in 1964–1965.
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398 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

Major Overseas Deployments

Date of Date of Air Type of Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Aircraft Operation

21 Jan 1957 25 Jul 1957 CVG-14 CVA 12 F9F-8/8B WestPac

27 May 1958 20 Aug 1958 CVG-14 CVA 61 FJ-4B SoLant
03 Jan 1959 27 Jul 1959 CVG-14 CVA 61 FJ-4B WestPac
14 May 1960 15 Dec 1960 CVG-14 CVA 34 FJ-4B WestPac
09 Nov 1961 12 May 1962 CVG-14 CVA 16 FJ-4B WestPac
21 Feb 1963 10 Sep 1963 CVG-14 CVA 64 A-4C WestPac
05 May 1964 01 Feb 1965 CVW-14 CVA 64 A-4C WestPac/Vietnam
10 Dec 1965 25 Aug 1966 CVW-14 CVA 61 A-4C WestPac/Vietnam
29 Apr 1967 04 Dec 1967 CVW-14 CVA 64 A-4C WestPac/Vietnam
06 Jan 1969 02 Jul 1969 CVW-9 CVAN 65 A-7B WestPac/Vietnam
10 Apr 1970 21 Dec 1970 CVW-9 CVA 66 A-7E WestPac/Vietnam
01 Oct 1971 30 Jun 1972 CVW-9 CVA 64 A-7E WestPac/Vietnam
05 Jan 1973 11 Oct 1973 CVW-9 CVA 64 A-7E WestPac/Vietnam
21 Jun 1974 22 Dec 1974 CVW-9 CVA 64 A-7E WestPac/IO
12 Apr 1977 21 Nov 1977 CVW-9 CV 64 A-7E WestPac
26 Sep 1978 17 May 1979 CVW-9 CV 64 A-7E WestPac/IO
26 Feb 1980 15 Oct 1980 CVW-9 CV 64 A-7E WestPac/IO
20 Oct 1981 23 May 1982 CVW-9 CV 64 A-7E WestPac/IO
13 Jan 1984 01 Aug 1984 CVW-2 CV 63 A-7E WestPac/IO
24 Jul 1985 21 Dec 1985 CVW-9 CV 63 A-7E WestPac/IO
03 Jan 1987 29 Jun 1987 CVW-9 CV 63 A-7E World Cruise
02 Sep 1988 27 Feb 1989 CVW-9 CVN 68 A-7E WestPac/IO
15 Jun 1989 09 Jul 1989 CVW-9 CVN 68 A-7E NorPac

Air Wing Assignments

Air Wing Tail Code Assignment Date

CVG-14/CVW-14† A/NK* 01 Feb 1956
CVW-9 NG Aug 1968
CVW-2 NE 12 Nov 1982
CVW-9 NG 15 Sep 1984
* The tail code was changed from A to NK in 1957. The effective
date for this change was most likely the beginning of FY 58 (1 July
1957).
† CVG-14 was redesignated CVW-14 when Carrier Air Group (CVG)
designations were redesignated Carrier Air Wings (CVW) on 20
December 1963. A squadron A-7E Corsair II in flight alongside an A-6 Intruder, 1984.

Unit Awards Received Unit Awards Received—Continued

Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award
AFEM 09 Oct 1960 12 Oct 1960 17 May 1979 31 May 1980
20 Dec 1961 21 Dec 1961 21 Jan 1987 17 May 1987
28 Feb 1962 06 Mar 1962 NEM 12 Mar 1979 19 Apr 1979
06 Jun 1964 13 Jul 1964 26 Apr 1980 04 Aug 1980
04 Aug 1964 21 Sep 1964 12 Aug 1980 19 Aug 1980
NUC 02 Aug 1964 05 Aug 1964
29 Oct 1964 23 Nov 1964
10 Jan 1966 06 Aug 1966
20 Apr 1969 11 May 1969
18 May 1967 26 Nov 1967
24 Sep 1970 26 Sep 1970 PUC 22 Oct 1971 13 Jun 1972
02 Nov 1988 05 Dec 1988 RVNGC 24 Jan 1966
MUC 26 May 1970 08 Nov 1970 26 Jan 1966 27 Jan 1966
12 Mar 1979 19 Apr 1979 30 Jan 1966
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 399

Unit Awards Received—Continued Unit Awards Received—Continued

Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award
04 Feb 1966 25 Sep 1967 15 Oct 1967
06 Feb 1966 24 Oct 1967 12 Nov 1967
24 Feb 1966 30 Mar 1969 18 Apr 1969
26 Feb 1966 28 Feb 1966 22 May 1969 24 May 1969
04 Mar 1966 29 May 1969 17 Jun 1969
06 Mar 1966 12 Mar 1966 17 May 1970
20 Mar 1966 19 May 1970
27 Apr 1966 28 Apr 1966 24 May 1970 16 Jun 1970
01 May 1967 01 Nov 1967 28 Jun 1970 13 Jul 1970
31 Mar 1969 03 Apr 1969 20 Jul 1970 04 Aug 1970
05 Apr 1969 24 Aug 1970 18 Sep 1970
31 May 1969 16 Jun 1969 13 Oct 1970 08 Nov 1970
02 Nov 1971 22 Nov 1971
30 Mar 1972 01 Jun 1972
29 Nov 1971 31 Dec 1971
VNSM 15 Jan 1966 12 Feb 1966
09 Jan 1972 03 Feb 1972
23 Feb 1966 22 Mar 1966
09 Feb 1972 02 Mar 1972
12 Apr 1966 09 May 1966
13 Mar 1972 23 Mar 1972
30 May 1966 30 Jun 1966
07 Apr 1972 18 May 1972
13 Jul 1966 06 Aug 1966 24 May 1972 25 May 1972
08 Jun 1967 11 Jun 1967 31 May 1972 13 Jun 1972
18 Jun 1967 25 Jul 1967 25 Feb 1973 14 Mar 1973
01 Aug 1967 03 Sep 1967 19 Mar 1973 28 Mar 1973

A squadron F/A-18C Hornet on the flight line at NAS Lemoore, California, December 1989.
Chap 7-382-018 Pg 381- 4/11/95 1:48 PM Page 400 (Black plate)

400 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

VFA-147 Chronology of Significant Events

Dec 1967: The squadron flew its first combat mis-
Lineage sions, striking targets in North Vietnam. This was the
Established as Attack Squadron ONE HUNDRED first introduction of the A-7 Corsair II in combat.
FORTY SEVEN (VA-147) on 1 February 1967. Jan 1968: The squadron flew support missions for the
Redesignated Strike Fighter Squadron ONE HUN- defenders during the seige at Khe Sanh, South Vietnam.
DRED FORTY SEVEN (VFA-147) on 20 July 1989. The Jan 1968: Ranger (CVA 61), with VA-147 embarked,
first squadron to be assigned the VA-147 and VFA-147 was operating on Yankee Station when it was ordered
designations. to the Sea of Japan following the capture of Pueblo
(AGER 2) by the North Koreans on 23 January 1968.
Ranger and VA-147 operated in the area until relieved
Squadron Insignia and Nickname on 5 March.
The squadron’s insignia was approved by CNO on Apr 1969: Following the shoot down of a Navy EC-
30 June 1967. Colors for Argonaut insignia are: a yel- 121 aircraft by the North Koreans on 15 April, Ranger,
low background out- with VA-147 embarked, left Yankee Station and pro-
lined in black with an ceeded to the Sea of Japan for operations off the coast
inner circle of yellow of Korea.
and white; gray mythical Apr 1972: The squadron participated in Operation
flying animal with black Freedom Train, tactical air sorties against military and
markings and outlined logistic targets in the southern part of North Vietnam.
in black with a red and It also provided support for forces in South Vietnam
white eye; white following a massive invasion by North Vietnam on 1
Argonaut with a gray April 1972.
breast plate and helmet, May 1972: The squadron participated in the early
a red skirt and helmet phase of Operation Linebacker I, heavy air strikes
plumage, gray sword against targets in North Vietnam above 20 degrees
The squadron’s Argonaut insig- and the entire figure has north latitude.
nia was approved by CNO on 30
June 1967. black markings. At a 29 Jan 1973: The squadron’s commanding officer,
later date, a lower scroll Commander T. R. Wilkinson, failed to return from a
was added to the routine sortie off the coast of the Philippines.
insignia. The scroll was Mar–Jun 1973: VA-147 provided aerial support dur-
red outlined in black ing Operation End Sweep, the removal of mines in
with black lettering. North Vietnamese waters.
A modification to the Nov 1974: VA-147, part of the CVW-9 team embarked
insignia was approved on Constellation (CVA 64), operated in the Persian Gulf.
by CNO on 22 Decem- This was the first time in 26 years that an American car-
ber 1989. The color of the rier had entered and operated in the Persian Gulf.
Argonaut’s skirt, helmet Mar 1979: Constellation, with elements of VA-147
plumage and scroll were embarked, was ordered to make a high speed transit
changed to orange and to the Indian Ocean from the Philippines in response
the mythical flying animal to the conflict between North and South Yemen.
When the squadron was redesig-
nated VFA, the only change to its was given a twin tail. Sep 1988: Nimitz (CVN 68), with VA-147 embarked,
insignia was the designation in Nickname: Argonauts, operated in the Sea of Japan in support of the Summer
the scroll and the addition of a Olympic Games in Seoul, Republic of Korea.
twin tail on the mythical beast.
1967-present.

A formation of squadron A-7E Corsair IIs,

circa 1975.
Chap 7-382-018 Pg 381- 4/11/95 1:52 PM Page 401 (Black plate)

DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 401

Home Port Assignments Commanding Officers—Continued

Location Assignment Date Date Assumed Command

NAS Lemoore 01 Feb 1967 CDR Philip S. Gubbins 03 Nov 1978

CDR David J. L’Herault 29 Jan 1980
CDR Frank C. Bledsoe 18 May 1981
Commanding Officers CDR Eric Vanderpoel II 05 Aug 1982
CDR Christopher G. Gates 06 Jan 1984
Date Assumed Command
CDR James H. Oliver 21 Jun 1985
CDR James C. Hill 01 Feb 1967 CDR J. R. Hutchison 01 Jul 1986
CDR W. Scott Gray III 21 Jun 1968 CDR Terry R. Nolan 04 Sep 1987
CDR Donald J. Duhrkopf 27 Mar 1969 CDR Jeffrey A. Lehman 24 Mar 1989
CDR R. N. Livingston 13 Mar 1970 CDR Craig F. Weideman 14 Sep 1990
CDR W. T. Majors 29 Jan 1971
CDR T. R. Wilkinson 04 Feb 1972 Aircraft Assignment
CDR W. C. Smith 29 Jan 1973
CDR D. D. Smith 08 Mar 1974 Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received
CDR Bobby C. Lee 23 May 1975 A-7A 28 Jun 1967
CDR Paul B. Austin 30 Aug 1976 A-7E 17 Sep 1969
CDR Gary L. Harter 15 Dec 1977 F/A-18C 05 Dec 1989

Two squadron F/A-18C Hornets firing air-to-ground rockets, 1990.

Chap 7-382-018 Pg 381- 4/11/95 1:54 PM Page 402 (Black plate)

402 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

Major Overseas Deployments

Date of Date of Air Type of Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Aircraft Operation

04 Nov 1967 25 May 1968 CVW-2 CVA 61 A-7A WestPac/Vietnam

26 Oct 1968 17 May 1969 CVW-2 CVA 61 A-7A WestPac/Vietnam
10 Apr 1970 21 Dec 1970 CVW-9 CVA 66 A-7E WestPac/Vietnam
01 Oct 1971 30 Jun 1972 CVW-9 CVA 64 A-7E WestPac/Vietnam
05 Jan 1973 11 Oct 1973 CVW-9 CVA 64 A-7E WestPac/Vietnam
21 Jun 1974 22 Dec 1974 CVW-9 CVA 64 A-7E WestPac/IO
12 Apr 1977 21 Nov 1977 CVW-9 CV 64 A-7E WestPac
26 Sep 1978 17 May 1979 CVW-9 CV 64 A-7E WestPac/IO
26 Feb 1980 15 Oct 1980 CVW-9 CV 64* A-7E WestPac
20 Oct 1981 23 May 1982 CVW-9 CV 64* A-7E WestPac
13 Jan 1984 01 Aug 1984 CVW-2 CV 63 A-7E WestPac/IO
24 Jul 1985 21 Dec 1985 CVW-9 CV 63 A-7E WestPac/IO
03 Jan 1987 29 Jun 1987 CVW-9 CV 63 A-7E World Cruise
02 Sep 1988 27 Feb 1989 CVW-9 CVN 68 A-7E WestPac/IO
15 Jun 1989 09 Jul 1989 CVW-9 CVN 68 A-7E NorPac
* The squadron remained ashore at NAS Cubi Point as CVW-9’s Beach Detachment during most of Constellation’s deployment to WestPac. This
shore based period for VA-147 was part of the Swing Wing Concept.

Air Wing Assignments Unit Awards Received

Air Wing Tail Code Assignment Date Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award
VA-122* 01 Feb 1967 MUC 03 Dec 1967 09 May 1968
CVW-2 NE 28 Jun 1967 26 May 1970 08 Nov 1970
CVW-9 NG 02 Jul 1969 12 Mar 1979 19 Apr 1979
CVW-2 NE 12 Nov 1982 21 Jan 1987 17 May 1987
NUC 29 Nov 1968 10 May 1969
CVW-9 NG 15 Sep 1984
PUC 22 Oct 1971 13 Jun 1972
* The squadron was under the operational control of VA-122 during NAVE 01 Jan 1976 30 Jun 1977
its period of training in the new A-7 Corsair II. AFEM 23 Jan 1968 22 Mar 1968

A formation of squadron F/A-18C Hornets fly over Kuwait City during Operation Southern Watch, 1993.
Chap 7-382-018 Pg 381- 4/11/95 1:57 PM Page 403 (Black plate)

DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 403

Unit Awards Received Unit Awards Received

Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award
20 Mar 1969 22 Mar 1969 06 Jan 1968 28 Jan 1968
20 Apr 1969 27 Apr 1969 18 Mar 1968 12 Apr 1968
24 Sep 1970 26 Sep 1970 21 Apr 1968 09 May 1968
02 Nov 1988 05 Dec 1988 07 Jan 1969 30 Jan 1969
NEM 12 Mar 1979 19 Apr 1979 15 Feb 1969 16 Mar 1969
26 Apr 1980 04 Aug 1980 04 Apr 1969 17 Apr 1969
12 Aug 1980 19 Aug 1980 17 May 1970
RVNGC 02 Dec 1967 19 May 1970
09 Jan 1968
24 May 1970 16 Jun 1970
15 Jan 1968 16 Jan 1968
28 Jun 1970 13 Jul 1970
20 Jan 1968 24 Jan 1968
20 Jul 1970 04 Aug 1970
26 Jan 1968
24 Aug 1970 18 Sep 1970
19 Mar 1968 25 Mar 1968
29 Mar 1968 06 Apr 1968 13 Oct 1970 09 Nov 1970
08 Apr 1968 10 Apr 1968 02 Nov 1971 22 Nov 1971
21 Apr 1968 29 Nov 1971 31 Dec 1971
23 Apr 1968 24 Apr 1968 09 Jan 1972 03 Feb 1972
29 Apr 1968 02 May 1968 09 Feb 1972 02 Mar 1972
07 Jan 1969 30 Jan 1969 13 Mar 1972 23 Mar 1972
15 Feb 1969 16 Mar 1969 07 Apr 1972 18 May 1972
24 May 1972 25 May 1972
04 Apr 1969 14 Apr 1969 31 May 1972 13 Jun 1972
30 Mar 1972 01 Jun 1972 25 Feb 1973 14 Mar 1973
VNSM 03 Dec 1967 29 Dec 1967 19 Mar 1973 28 Mar 1973

A squadron F/A-18C Hornet being refueled by an Air Force KC-135H Stratotanker with a couple of F-14 Tomcats in the background, 1993.
Chap 7-382-018 Pg 381- 4/11/95 2:00 PM Page 404 (Black plate)

404 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

VFA-151 Chronology of Significant Events

15 Sep 1950: The squadron flew combat missions in
Lineage support of the amphibious landings at Inchon, Korea.
Established as Fighter Squadron TWENTY THREE Aug 1952: Squadron aircraft participated in joint
(VF-23) on 6 August 1948. operations with the U.S. Air Force, striking targets in
Redesignated Fighter Squadron ONE HUNDRED Pyongyang and the surrounding area.
FIFTY ONE (VF-151) on 23 February 1959. Mar 1954: The squadron was deployed to the west-
Redesignated Strike Fighter Squadron ONE HUN- ern Pacific aboard Essex (CVA 9) when the carrier was
DRED FIFTY ONE (VFA-151) on 1 June 1986. The first ordered to operate off the coast of Vietnam during the
squadron to be assigned the VFA-151 designation. Viet Minh’s assault against the French at Dien Bien
Phu.

Squadron Insignia and

Nickname
The squadron’s first
insignia was approved by
CNO on 9 August 1949.
Colors for the knight and
shield insignia were:
large white shield out-
lined in black; blue hel-
met outlined in black
with red gems; fuchsia
cloak; purple outer gar-
ment with a green band
The squadron’s first insignia was around the waist and
the knight and shield design.
over the shoulder, silver
chain mail; brown boots
and straps; blue small
shield outlined in black, A squadron F2H-3 Banshee prepares to launch from Essex (CVA 9),
inside the shield was an 1954 (Courtesy Robert Lawson Collection).
outer circle of white and
a center of green; red Aug–Sep 1958: The squadron flew sorties in the
lightning bolt; gold sword Taiwan Straits after the Chinese Communists bombard-
outlined in black with ed Quemoy Island.
red gems. Jan 1961: Coral Sea (CVA 43), with VF-151
A new insignia was embarked, operated in the South China Sea after
approved by CNO on 26 Pathet Lao forces captured strategic positions in Laos.
May 1955. Colors for the Mar 1965: The squadron participated in Rolling
The squadron’s second insignia, skull insignia are: a Thunder operations, the systematic bombing of mili-
the skull and electron rings black background out-
design, was approved by CNO in tary targets in North Vietnam.
lined in yellow; white
May 1955. 24 Oct 1967: The squadron’s commanding officer,
skull with black teeth
Commander C. R. Gillespie and his RIO Lieutenant (jg)
and markings; red and
R. C. Clark, were shot down by a surface-to-air missile
black eyes; blue elec-
while on a mission over North Vietnam. Commander
tron rings; gray sword
Gillespie became a POW and was released on 14
with a red flame at the
March 1973, his RIO died in captivity.
tip; white scroll with
Mar 1968: Coral Sea, with VF-151 embarked, operat-
black lettering. The
ed on station off the coast of Korea following the cap-
squadron continued to
ture of Pueblo (AGER 2) in January by North Korea.
use this insignia follow-
ing its redesignation to May–Oct 1972: The squadron participated in
VF-151 and VFA-151. Linebacker I operations, heavy air strikes against tar-
Nickname: The Flash- gets in North Vietnam to interdict the flow of supplies
ers, 1949–1959. and to reduce North Vietnam’s ability to continue the
The squadron continued to use war effort in South Vietnam.
the skull and electron rings design Vi g i l a n t e s , 1 9 5 9 -
following its redesignation to VFA. present. Apr–May 1975: Squadron aircraft participated in
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 405

Operation Frequent Wind, the evacuation of American Dec 1981: Following tensions in Korea, the
personnel from Saigon, South Vietnam, as the country squadron operated from Midway off the coast of
fell to the communists. Korea until the tensions subsided.
Aug–Sep 1976: Embarked in Midway (CV 41), the Apr–Nov 1986: VF-151 temporarily relocated to NAS
squadron conducted flight operations near the Korean Lemoore for transition training in the F/A-18 Hornet.
Peninsula following the murder of U.S. military per- The squadron’s new Hornets were flown to Japan
sonnel in the Korean DMZ by North Koreans. between 18-21 November. VF-151 was one of only
Apr–May 1979: Midway, with VF-151 embarked, two F-4 fighter squadrons to transition to the F/A-18
deployed to the Gulf of Aden to relieve Constellation and be redesignated a strike fighter squadron.
(CV 64) and maintain a U.S. carrier presence following Sep 1988: During the Summer Olympics in Seoul,
the outbreak of fighting between North and South South Korea, the squadron was embarked on Midway
Yemen and the fall of the Shah of Iran. and operating in the Sea of Japan to demonstrate U.S.
Nov 1979–Feb 1980: Following the Iranian seizure support for a peaceful olympics.
of the American Embassy in Teheran and the taking of Dec 1989: Midway, with VFA-151 embarked, main-
American hostages on 4 November, Midway, with VF- tained station off the coast of the Philippines during
151 embarked, proceeded to the Gulf of Oman and an attempted coup in that country.
remained on station until relieved in early February Nov 1990–Jan 1991: The squadron flew missions in
1980. support of Operation Desert Shield, the build up of
May–Jun 1980: Midway, with VF-151 embarked, American and Allied forces to counter a threatened
operated off the coast of Korea due to the civil unrest invasion of Saudi Arabia by Iraq and as part of an eco-
in South Korea and the massacre of several hundred nomic blockade of Iraq to force its withdrawal from
people in the town of Kwangju. Kuwait.

A squadron F4U-5 Corsair on the deck of Wright (CVL 49), November 1948 (Courtesy Robert Lawson Collection).
Chap 7-382-018 Pg 381- 4/11/95 2:06 PM Page 406 (Black plate)

406 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

Home Port Assignments Commanding Officers—Continued

Location Assignment Date Date Assumed Command

NAAS Oceana 06 Aug 1948 CDR Charles R. Gillispie, Jr. Mar 1967
NAS Alameda Aug 1950 CDR Bobbie D. Williard 24 Oct 1967
NAS Moffett Field 11 Nov 1950 CDR Russell E. Davis 04 Nov 1968
NAS Miramar 10 Jul 1961 CDR Fred B. Winton, Jr. 28 Nov 1969
NS Yokosuka (NAF Atsugi & Misawa) 05 Oct 1973* CDR Glenn F. Keene 19 Nov 1970
CDR Charles G. Kother 17 Dec 1971
* VF-151, along with CVW-5 and Midway (CVA 41), were part of a
program to permanently assign a carrier and air wing to an overseas CDR John S. Disher 01 Dec 1972
home port. Midway’s new home port was Naval Station Yokosuka, CDR Denis T. Schwaad 30 Aug 1973
Japan. The squadron would normally operate out of NAF Atsugi or CDR Eugene D. Conner 06 Dec 1974
Misawa when the carrier was in port NS Yokosuka. The assignment
was effective 30 June 1973. However, the squadron did not arrive CDR James D. Curry 30 Apr 1976
until 5 October 1973. CDR Jay H. Hall 01 Jul 1977
CDR Hugh D. Wisely 18 Oct 1978
CDR Gary M. Hughes 25 Sep 1979
CDR Richard S. Farrell 30 Dec 1980
CDR Charles C. Buchanan, Jr. 16 Apr 1982
CDR Charles L. Robinson 12 Oct 1983
CDR Russell M. Taylor II 30 Apr 1985
CDR Terrill S. Heath 09 May 1986
CDR Thomas A. Perkins III 22 Apr 1988
CDR James R. Goddard, Jr. 09 Sep 1989

Aircraft Assignment

Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received

F4U-5 06 Aug 1948
F6F-5P 06 Aug 1948
F4U-4 Apr 1949
F9F-2 04 Jan 1951
F2H-3 Mar 1953
F4D-1 Dec 1956
F3H-2 13 Jan 1959
A squadron F-4B Phantom II is refueled by an A-6 Intruder while F-4B 14 Jan 1964
another squadron aircraft flies escort, June 1966. F-4N Mar 1973
F-4J Aug 1977
Commanding Officers F-4S 08 Dec 1980
F/A-18A 15 Jul 1986
Date Assumed Command
LCDR Thomas J. Gallagher, Jr. 06 Aug 1948
LCDR C. E. Russell Jul 1950
CDR R. C. Mueller 14 Mar 1951
LCDR Charles C. Aikins 01 Feb 1952
LCDR William J. Moran Feb 1953
CDR William H. Neal III Jul 1954
CDR Charles A. Knight Aug 1956
CDR R. K. Awtrey 07 Oct 1958
CDR J. H. Stewart 21 Nov 1958
CDR M. S. Alexatos 05 Feb 1960
CDR Randell H. Prothro 23 Jun 1961
CDR Charles L. Brooks 21 Jul 1962
CDR E. P. Hermann 09 Jul 1963
CDR Joseph M. Schneiders 07 Jul 1964
A formation of squadron F9F-2 Panthers in flight during their com-
CDR J. D. Ward Jun 1965 bat deployment to Korea aboard Princeton (CV 37) between May to
CDR John J. Chambers 09 Apr 1966 August 1951.
Chap 7-382-018 Pg 381- 4/11/95 2:08 PM Page 407 (Black plate)

DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 407

A squadron F-4S Phantom II, in a

low-visibility paint scheme, dives drop-
ping bombs, circa 1986.

Major Overseas Deployments

Date of Date of Air Type of Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Aircraft Operation

03 May 1949 26 Sep 1949 CVG-2 CVB 43 F4U-4 Med

24 Aug 1950 11 Nov 1950 CVG-2 CV 21 F4U-4 WestPac/Korea
12 May 1951 29 Aug 1951 CVG-19* CV 37* F9F-2 WestPac/Korea
16 Jun 1952 06 Feb 1953 ATG-2 CVA 9 F9F-2 WestPac/Korea
01 Dec 1953 12 Jul 1954 ATG-2 CVA 9 F2H-3 WestPac
19 Mar 1956 13 Sep 1956 ATG-4 CVA 10 F2H-3 WestPac
15 Feb 1958 02 Oct 1958 CVG-15 CVA 19 F4D-1 WestPac
01 Aug 1959 18 Jan 1960 CVG-15 CVA 19 F3H-2 WestPac
19 Sep 1960 27 May 1961 CVG-15 CVA 43 F3H-2 WestPac
12 Dec 1961 17 Jul 1962 CVG-15 CVA 43 F3H-2 WestPac
03 Apr 1963 25 Nov 1963 CVG-15 CVA 43 F3H-2 WestPac
07 Dec 1964 01 Nov 1965 CVW-15 CVA 43 F-4B WestPac/Vietnam
12 May 1966 03 Dec 1966 CVW-15 CVA 64 F-4B WestPac/Vietnam
26 Jul 1967 06 Apr 1968 CVW-15 CVA 43 F-4B WestPac/Vietnam
07 Sep 1968 18 Apr 1969 CVW-15 CVA 43 F-4B WestPac/Vietnam
23 Sep 1969 01 Jul 1970 CVW-15 CVA 43 F-4B WestPac/Vietnam
16 Apr 1971 06 Nov 1971 CVW-5 CVA 41 F-4B WestPac/Vietnam
Chap 7-382-018 Pg 381- 4/11/95 2:08 PM Page 408 (Black plate)

408 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

Major Overseas Deployments—Continued

Date of Date of Air Type of Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Aircraft Operation

10 Apr 1972 03 Mar 1973 CVW-5 CVA 41 F-4B WestPac/Vietnam

11 Sep 1973 05 Oct 1973 CVW-5 CVA 41 F-4N WestPac†
16 Nov 1973 22 Dec 1973 CVW-5 CVA 41 F-4N WestPac
29 Jan 1974 06 Mar 1974 CVW-5 CVA 41 F-4N WestPac
18 Oct 1974 20 Dec 1974 CVW-5 CVA 41 F-4N WestPac
13 Jan 1975 18 Feb 1975 CVW-5 CVA 41 F-4N WestPac
31 Mar 1975 29 May 1975 CVW-5 CVA 41 F-4N WestPac
04 Oct 1975 19 Dec 1975 CVW-5 CV 41 F-4N WestPac/IO
13 Mar 1976 26 Apr 1976 CVW-5 CV 41 F-4N WestPac
19 May 1976 22 Jun 1976 CVW-5 CV 41 F-4N WestPac
09 Jul 1976 04 Aug 1976 CVW-5 CV 41 F-4N WestPac
01 Nov 1976 17 Dec 1976 CVW-5 CV 41 F-4N WestPac
11 Jan 1977 01 Mar 1977 CVW-5 CV 41 F-4N WestPac
19 Apr 1977 05 May 1977 CVW-5 CV 41 F-4N WestPac
08 Aug 1977 02 Sep 1977 CVW-5 CV 41 F-4N/J WestPac
27 Sep 1977 21 Dec 1977 CVW-5 CV 41 F-4J WestPac/IO
11 Apr 1978 23 May 1978 CVW-5 CV 41 F-4J WestPac
09 Nov 1978 23 Dec 1978 CVW-5 CV 41 F-4J WestPac
11 Jan 1979 20 Feb 1979 CVW-5 CV 41 F-4J WestPac
07 Apr 1979 18 Jun 1979 CVW-5 CV 41 F-4J WestPac/IO
20 Aug 1979 14 Sep 1979 CVW-5 CV 41 F-4J WestPac
30 Sep 1979 20 Feb 1980 CVW-5 CV 41 F-4J WestPac/IO
14 Jul 1980 26 Nov 1980 CVW-5 CV 41 F-4J WestPac/IO
23 Feb 1981 05 Jun 1981 CVW-5 CV 41 F-4S WestPac/IO
26 Jun 1981 16 Jul 1981 CVW-5 CV 41 F-4S WestPac
03 Sep 1981 06 Oct 1981 CVW-5 CV 41 F-4S WestPac
26 Apr 1982 18 Jun 1982 CVW-5 CV 41 F-4S WestPac
14 Sep 1982 11 Dec 1982 CVW-5 CV 41 F-4S NorPac/WestPac/IO
02 Jun 1983 13 Aug 1983 CVW-5 CV 41 F-4S WestPac
25 Oct 1983 11 Dec 1983 CVW-5 CV 41 F-4S WestPac
28 Dec 1983 23 May 1984 CVW-5 CV 41 F-4S WestPac/IO
15 Oct 1984 12 Dec 1984 CVW-5 CV 41 F-4S WestPac
01 Feb 1985 28 Mar 1985 CVW-5 CV 41 F-4S WestPac
10 Jun 1985 14 Oct 1985 CVW-5 CV 41 F-4S WestPac/IO
15 Nov 1985 12 Dec 1985 CVW-5 CV 41 F-4S WestPac
17 Jan 1986 30 Mar 1986 CVW-5 CV 41 F-4S WestPac
09 Jan 1987 20 Mar 1987 CVW-5 CV 41 F/A-18A WestPac
23 Apr 1987 13 Jul 1987 CVW-5 CV 41 F/A-18A WestPac
15 Oct 1987 12 Apr 1988 CVW-5 CV 41 F/A-18A WestPac/IO
18 Oct 1988 09 Nov 1988 CVW-5 CV 41 F/A-18A WestPac
21 Jan 1989 24 Feb 1989 CVW-5 CV 41 F/A-18A WestPac
27 Feb 1989 09 Apr 1989 CVW-5 CV 41 F/A-18A WestPac
31 May 1989 25 Jul 1989 CVW-5 CV 41 F/A-18A WestPac
15 Aug 1989 11 Dec 1989 CVW-5 CV 41 F/A-18A WestPac/IO
20 Feb 1990 06 Apr 1990 CVW-5 CV 41 F/A-18A WestPac
02 Oct 1990 17 Apr 1991 CVW-5 CV 41 F/A-18A WestPac/IO/
Persian Gulf
* Squadron personnel, except 20 pilots and 13 enlisted men who were flown to Japan, embarked USNS General Weigel (TAP 119) for transporta-
tion from the U.S. to Princeton (CV 37), operating in Korea. The squadron embarked Princeton on 30 May 1951 and, along with other
squadrons, replaced the original Air Group 19 squadrons that had deployed to Korea with the carrier. The primary squadrons in CVG-19 when it
deployed to Korea in November 1950 included VF-191, VF-192, VF-193 and VA-195. These squadrons were replaced in May 1951 by VF-23, VF-
821, VF-871 and VA-55.
† VF-151, CVW-5 and Midway arrived at their new home port, Naval Station Yokosuka, Japan. With the squadron permanently forward deployed
all future deployments for the squadron will cover only those operations outside the home waters of Japan.
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 409

A squadron F3H-2 Demon at NAS Miramar, California (Courtesy Duane Kasulka Collection).

Two squadron F4D-1

Skyrays in flight during
their deployment aboard
Hancock (CVA 19) to
WestPac in 1958.

Air Wing Assignments Air Wing Assignments—Continued

Air Wing Tail Code Assignment Date Air Wing Tail Code Assignment Date

CVBG-1/CVG-2* M 06 Aug 1948 CVW-16 AH 01 Sep 1970

COMFAIRALAMEDA 03 Dec 1950 CVW-5 NF 16 Feb 1971
CVG-19 B 25 May 1951
* CVBG-1 was redesignated CVG-2 on 1 September 1948.
CVG-2 M 29 Aug 1951
† ATG-2 was not assigned a tail code until July 1956.
ATG-2 † 23 May 1952
‡ The tail code Z was assigned to ATG-4 on 24 July 1956.
ATG-4 Z‡ 30 Mar 1955
§ CVG-15 was redesignated CVW-15 when Carrier Air Groups (CVG)
CVG-15/CVW-15§ NL 29 Oct 1957 were redesignated Carrier Air Wings (CVW) on 20 December 1963.
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410 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

A squadron F/A-18A Hornet lands aboard Midway (CV 41), 1987.

Unit Awards Received Unit Awards Received—Continued

Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award
NAVE 01 Jan 1982 30 Jun 1983 29 Apr 1975 30 Apr 1975
01 Jul 1983 31 Dec 1984 01 Jan 1978 30 Jun 1979
KPUC 15 Sep 1950 26 Oct 1950 17 Jan 1991 07 Feb 1991
KSM 14 Sep 1950 26 Oct 1950 MUC 27 Oct 1969 01 Jun 1970
30 May 1951 16 Aug 1951 07 May 1971 28 Oct 1971
26 Jul 1952 25 Jan 1953 13 Nov 1979 08 Feb 1980
AFEM 26 Aug 1958 07 Sep 1958 27 Jul 1982 01 May 1984
14 Sep 1959 17 Sep 1959 07 Sep 1989 25 Oct 1989
25 Apr 1961 28 Apr 1961 PUC 30 Apr 1972 09 Feb 1973
30 Apr 1961 01 May 1961 NEM 15 Apr 1979 06 Jun 1979
04 May 1961 09 May 1961 21 Nov 1979 07 Feb 1980
12 Jan 1962 19 Jan 1962 19 Aug 1980 13 Nov 1980
24 Jan 1962 27 Jan 1962 12 Mar 1981 19 May 1981
02 Feb 1965 05 Mar 1965 SASM 17 Jan 1991 28 Feb 1991
16 Mar 1965 17 Apr 1965 RVNGC 12 Oct 1965
02 May 1965 28 May 1965 21 Jun 1966 22 Jun 1966
23 Jun 1965 03 Jul 1965 23 Nov 1967
23 Jan 1968 22 Mar 1968 02 Dec 1967
10 Dec 1969 11 Dec 1969 04 Dec 1967
17 Oct 1971 19 Oct 1971 20 Dec 1967 22 Dec 1967
20 Apr 1975 30 Apr 1975 20 Jan 1968
HSM 29 Apr 1975 30 Apr 1975 23 Jan 1968 27 Jan 1968
NUC 07 Feb 1965 18 Oct 1965 29 Jan 1968 19 Feb 1968
29 May 1966 24 Nov 1966 15 Oct 1968
13 Aug 1967 19 Feb 1968 17 Oct 1968 18 Oct 1968
10 Oct 1968 31 Mar 1969 21 Oct 1968
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 411

Unit Awards Received—Continued Unit Awards Received—Continued

Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award
25 Oct 1968 27 Oct 1968 12 Oct 1967 28 Oct 1967
14 Nov 1968 16 Nov 1968 04 Nov 1967 05 Nov 1967
23 Nov 1968 11 Nov 1967 08 Dec 1967
25 Nov 1968 16 Dec 1967 07 Jan 1968
28 Nov 1968 15 Jan 1968 21 Feb 1968
01 Dec 1968 02 Dec 1968 29 Dec 1968 30 Jan 1969
04 Dec 1968 05 Dec 1968 08 Feb 1969 03 Mar 1969
30 Dec 1968 19 Mar 1969 30 Mar 1969
01 Jan 1969 03 Jan 1969 26 Oct 1969 18 Nov 1969
05 Jan 1969 22 Dec 1969 19 Jan 1970
07 Jan 1969 10 Jan 1969 17 Feb 1970 09 Mar 1970
14 Jan 1969 19 Jan 1969 19 Mar 1970 11 Apr 1970
28 Apr 1970 01 Jun 1970
22 Jan 1969
17 May 1971 09 Jun 1971
24 Jan 1969
29 Jun 1971 20 Jul 1971
26 Jan 1969
31 Jul 1971 17 Aug 1971
09 Feb 1969 20 Feb 1969
26 Sep 1971 11 Oct 1971
22 Feb 1969 03 Mar 1969
01 May 1972 01 Jun 1972
19 Mar 1969 31 Mar 1969 11 Jun 1972 07 Jul 1972
30 Mar 1972 15 Jul 1972 16 Jul 1972 13 Aug 1972
VNSM 04 Jul 1965 24 Jul 1965 23 Aug 1972 10 Sep 1972
11 Aug 1965 11 Sep 1965 19 Sep 1972 12 Oct 1972
21 Sep 1965 15 Oct 1965 23 Oct 1972 23 Nov 1972
14 Jun 1966 13 Jul 1966 03 Dec 1972 22 Dec 1972
27 Jul 1966 31 Aug 1966 31 Dec 1972
08 Sep 1966 01 Oct 1966 04 Jan 1973 24 Jan 1973
19 Oct 1966 09 Nov 1966 03 Feb 1973 09 Feb 1973
26 Aug 1967 01 Oct 1967 SASM 02 Nov 1990 14 Mar 1991

A squadron F/A-18A Hornet flies over Mt. Fuji, Japan.

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412 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

VFA-161 The other MiGs were driven off and all CVW-15 air-
craft returned from the mission.
Lineage Mar 1968: Coral Sea (CVA 43), with VF-161
embarked, operated on station off the coast of Korea
Established as Fighter Squadron ONE HUNDRED
following the capture of Pueblo (AGER 2) in January
SIXTY ONE (VF-161) on 1 September 1960.
by North Korea.
Redesignated Strike Fighter Squadron ONE HUN-
May–Oct 1972: The squadron participated in
DRED SIXTY ONE (VFA-161) on 1 June 1986.
Linebacker I operations, heavy air strikes against tar-
Disestablished on 1 April 1988. The first squadron to
gets in North Vietnam to interdict the flow of supplies
be assigned the VFA-161 designation.
and to reduce North Vietnam’s ability to continue the
war effort in South Vietnam.
Squadron Insignia and 18 May 1972: While flying MiG Combat Air Patrol
Nickname near Kep Airfield in North Vietnam, two of the
The squadron’s first squadron’s F-4B Phantoms engaged two MiG-19s.
insignia was approved Lieutenant Henry A. Bartholomay and his RIO,
by CNO on 14 June Lieutenant Oran R. Brown, shot down the first MiG
1962. Colors for the with a Sidewinder. A few seconds later, their wing-
shield insignia were: a man, Lieutenant Patrick E. Arwood and his RIO,
black shield with a Lieutenant James M. Bell, shot down the other MiG
white diagonal stripe; with a Sidewinder.
white trident and com- 23 May 1972: Two of the squadron’s aircraft, while
pass rose; and red styl- flying MiG Combat Air Patrol for a strike in the
The squadron’s first insignia was Haiphong area, were vectored toward Kep Airfield
approved for use by CNO in 1962. ized symbols on the
diagonal stripe. A modi- and sighted 4 MiG-17s and 2 MiG-19s. VF-161’s air-
fication to the insignia craft proceeded to engage the MiGs even though they
was adopted at a later date, placing the design inside were outnumbered 3 to 1. In the ensuing battle
a red circular background with white scrolls outlined Lieutenant Commander Ronald E. McKeown and his
in red and red lettering RIO, Lieutenant John C. Ensch, shot down a MiG-17
on the scrolls. and a MiG-19 with Sidewinders. The other 4 MiGs
A new squadron escaped and both of VF-161’s aircraft returned to
insignia was approved Midway (CVA 41). Both men were awarded the Navy
by CNO on 19 January Cross for their actions.
1982. Colors for the torii 12 Jan 1973: Lieutenant Victor T. Kovaleski and his
gate insignia were: a RIO, Lieutenant James A. Wise, shot down a MiG-17
white background with over the Gulf of Tonkin. This was the last MiG aircraft
a black and red torii to be shot down during the Vietnam Conflict.
gate; red lightning bolt Apr–May 1975: Squadron aircraft participated in
outlined in white and Operation Frequent Wind, the evacuation of American
black; black scrolls with personnel from Saigon, South Vietnam, as the country
red and white lettering. A new insignia design was adopt- fell to the communists.
Nickname: Chargers, ed by the squadron in 1982; how- Aug–Sep 1976: Embarked in Midway (CV 41), the
ever, the squadron still main- squadron conducted flight operations near the Korean
1960–1988. tained its old Chargers nickname.
Peninsula following the murder of U.S. military per-
sonnel in the Korean DMZ by North Koreans.
Chronology of Significant Events Apr–May 1979: Midway, with VF-161 embarked,
Nov 1963: Embarked on Oriskany (CVA 34), the deployed to the Gulf of Aden to relieve Constellation
squadron operated in the South China Sea during a (CV 64) and maintain a U.S. carrier presence following
crisis in South Vietnam and the coup that overthrew the outbreak of fighting between North and South
Yemen and the fall of the Shah of Iran.
President Diem.
Nov 1979–Feb 1980: Following the Iranian seizure
13 Jun 1966: Following a strike by CVW-15 aircraft
of the American Embassy in Teheran and the taking of
against a railroad and highway bridge in North
American hostages on 4 November, Midway, with VF-
Vietnam, four Phantoms from VF-161 engaged six 161 embarked, proceeded to the Gulf of Oman and
North Vietnamese MiG-17s that were pursuing the remained on station until relieved in early February
retiring strike aircraft. Lieutenant William M. McGuigan 1980.
and his RIO, Lieutenant (jg) Robert M. Fowler, shot May–Jun 1980: Midway, with VF-161 embarked,
down one of the MiG-17s with a Sidewinder missile. operated off the coast of Korea due to the civil unrest
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 413

in South Korea and the massacre of several hundred Home Port Assignments
people in the town of Kwangju.
Dec 1981: Due to tensions in Korea the squadron Location Assignment Date
operated from Midway off the coast of Korea until the NAS Cecil Field 01 Sep 1960
tensions subsided. NAS Miramar 19 Sep 1961
May–Oct 1986: The squadron relocated to NAS NS Yokosuka (NAF Atsugi & Misawa) 05 Oct 1973*
Lemoore for transition training in the F/A-18 Hornet NAS Lemoore Oct 1986†
and redesignation to a Strike Fighter Squadron. VF-161
* VF-161, along with CVW-5 and Midway (CVA 41), were part of a
was one of only two F-4 fighter squadrons to be program to permanently assign a carrier and air wing to an overseas
assigned the VFA designation. home port. Midway’s new home port was NS Yokosuka, Japan and
Oct 1986-Jun 1987: Following the transfer of the the squadron would normally operate out of NAF Atsugi or Misawa
when the carrier was in NS Yokosuka. The assignment was effective
squadron from CVW-5, and awaiting transfer to a 30 June 1973. However, the squadron and carrier did not arrive until
newly established air wing, the squadron was in an 5 Oct 1973.
inactive status at NAS Lemoore. † When the decision was made to remove VFA-161 from CVW-5 and
not send it back to Japan following its transition training in the F/A-
18, it is believed the squadron’s home port was changed to NAS
Lemoore at that time.

Commanding Officers

Date Assumed Command

CDR W. C. Hartung 01 Sep 1960
CDR Albert R. Groves 28 Dec 1961
CDR Joseph F. Bolger 28 Dec 1962
CDR Walter T. Broughton II 12 Jul 1963
CDR Wayne J. Welty 10 Jul 1964
CDR L. N. Hoover 28 Sep 1965
CDR Richard J. Schulte 16 Dec 1966
CDR Roger E. Sheets 04 Feb 1968
CDR Sherman W. Turner 09 May 1969
CDR Thomas J. Cassidy, Jr. 17 Apr 1970
A squadron F3H-2 (F-3) Demon is refueled by an A-4 Skyhawk. CDR John A. Dickson 26 Mar 1971

The squadron’s last F3H-2 (F-3) Demon is piped over the side during a ceremony at NAS Miramar, California, September 1964.
Chap 7--382-018 - 412-442 4/12/95 7:32 AM Page 414 (Black plate)

414 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

Commanding Officers—Continued Commanding Officers—Continued

Date Assumed Command
Date Assumed Command
CDR John F. Williams 03 Apr 1986
CDR Earl W. Connell 10 Mar 1972
CDR A. R. Gorthy, Jr. 1987
CDR C. C. Hoffner 23 Mar 1973
CDR T. R. Swartz 08 Mar 1974 Aircraft Assignment
CDR J. W. Lovell 25 Jun 1975
Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received
CDR Thomas C. Koehler 23 Sep 1976
CDR John M. Nash 30 Dec 1977 F3H-2/F-3B* 12 Oct 1960
F-4B 05 Aug 1964
CDR Andrew L. Burgess 27 Mar 1979
F-4N 1973
CDR Joseph L. K. Corcoran 05 Jun 1980 F-4J 1977
CDR Newell Tarrant 22 Oct 1981 F-4S 06 Feb 1981
CDR R. C. Williamson 22 Dec 1982 F/A-18A 09 Jul 1986
CDR John P. Patton 22 Jun 1984 * The F3H-2 designation was changed to F-3B in 1962.

A formation of squadron F-4B Phantom IIs, 1971.

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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 415

Major Overseas Deployments

Date of Date of Air Type of Area of

Departure Return Wing Carrier Aircraft Operation

07 Jun 1962 17 Dec 1962 CVG-16 CVA 34 F3H-2 WestPac

01 Aug 1963 10 Mar 1964 CVW-16 CVA 34 F-3B WestPac
12 May 1966 03 Dec 1966 CVW-15 CVA 64 F-4B WestPac/Vietnam
26 Jul 1967 06 Apr 1968 CVW-15 CVA 43 F-4B WestPac/Vietnam
07 Sep 1968 18 Apr 1969 CVW-15 CVA 43 F-4B WestPac/Vietnam
23 Sep 1969 01 Jul 1970 CVW-15 CVA 43 F-4B WestPac/Vietnam
16 Apr 1971 06 Nov 1971 CVW-5 CVA 41 F-4B WestPac/Vietnam
10 Apr 1972 03 Mar 1973 CVW-5 CVA 41 F-4B WestPac/Vietnam
11 Sep 1973 05 Oct 1973 CVW-5 CVA 41 F-4N WestPac*
16 Nov 1973 22 Dec 1973 CVW-5 CVA 41 F-4N WestPac
29 Jan 1974 06 Mar 1974 CVW-5 CVA 41 F-4N WestPac
18 Oct 1974 20 Dec 1974 CVW-5 CVA 41 F-4N WestPac
13 Jan 1975 18 Feb 1975 CVW-5 CVA 41 F-4N WestPac
31 Mar 1975 29 May 1975 CVW-5 CVA 41 F-4N WestPac
04 Oct 1975 19 Dec 1975 CVW-5 CV 41 F-4N WestPac/IO
13 Mar 1976 26 Apr 1976 CVW-5 CV 41 F-4N WestPac
19 May 1976 22 Jun 1976 CVW-5 CV 41 F-4N WestPac
09 Jul 1976 04 Aug 1976 CVW-5 CV 41 F-4N WestPac
01 Nov 1976 17 Dec 1976 CVW-5 CV 41 F-4N WestPac
11 Jan 1977 01 Mar 1977 CVW-5 CV 41 F-4N WestPac
19 Apr 1977 05 May 1977 CVW-5 CV 41 F-4N WestPac
08 Aug 1977 02 Sep 1977 CVW-5 CV 41 F-4N/J WestPac
27 Sep 1977 21 Dec 1977 CVW-5 CV 41 F-4J WestPac/IO
11 Apr 1978 23 May 1978 CVW-5 CV 41 F-4J WestPac
09 Nov 1978 23 Dec 1978 CVW-5 CV 41 F-4J WestPac
11 Jan 1979 20 Feb 1979 CVW-5 CV 41 F-4J WestPac
07 Apr 1979 18 Jun 1979 CVW-5 CV 41 F-4J WestPac/IO
20 Aug 1979 14 Sep 1979 CVW-5 CV 41 F-4J WestPac
30 Sep 1979 20 Feb 1980 CVW-5 CV 41 F-4J WestPac/IO
14 Jul 1980 26 Nov 1980 CVW-5 CV 41 F-4J WestPac/IO
23 Feb 1981 05 Jun 1981 CVW-5 CV 41 F-4S WestPac/IO
26 Jun 1981 16 Jul 1981 CVW-5 CV 41 F-4S WestPac
03 Sep 1981 06 Oct 1981 CVW-5 CV 41 F-4S WestPac
26 Apr 1982 18 Jun 1982 CVW-5 CV 41 F-4S WestPac
14 Sep 1982 11 Dec 1982 CVW-5 CV 41 F-4S NorPac/WestPac/IO
02 Jun 1983 13 Aug 1983 CVW-5 CV 41 F-4S WestPac
25 Oct 1983 11 Dec 1983 CVW-5 CV 41 F-4S WestPac
28 Dec 1983 23 May 1984 CVW-5 CV 41 F-4S WestPac/IO
15 Oct 1984 12 Dec 1984 CVW-5 CV 41 F-4S WestPac
01 Feb 1985 28 Mar 1985 CVW-5 CV 41 F-4S WestPac
10 Jun 1985 14 Oct 1985 CVW-5 CV 41 F-4S WestPac/IO
15 Nov 1985 12 Dec 1985 CVW-5 CV 41 F-4S WestPac
17 Jan 1986 30 Mar 1986 CVW-5 CV 41 F-4S WestPac

* VF-161, CVW-5 and Midway arrived at their new home port, NS Yokosuka, Japan. With the squadron permanently forward deployed, all future
deployments for the squadron will cover only those operations outside the home waters of Japan.
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416 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

A squadron F-4S Phantom II, in a low-visibility paint scheme, comes in for a landing on Midway (CV 41), 1985.

Air Wing Assignments Awards Received—Continued

Air Wing Tail Code Assignment Date Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award
CVG-16/CVW-16* AH 01 Sep 1960 23 Jan 1968 22 Mar 1968
RCVW-12† Oct 1964 10 Dec 1969 11 Dec 1969
CVW-15 NL 15 Dec 1965 17 Oct 1971 19 Oct 1971
CVW-16 AH 01 Sep 1970 20 Apr 1975 30 Apr 1975
CVW-5 NF 16 Feb 1971 HSM 29 Apr 1975 30 Apr 1975
COMLATWINGPAC Oct 1986 NUC 29 May 1966 24 Nov 1966
CVW-10 NM 15 Jun 1987 13 Aug 1967 19 Feb 1968
10 Oct 1968 31 Mar 1969
* CVG-16 was redesignated CVW-16 when Carrier Air Groups (CVG)
were redesignated Carrier Air Wings (CVW) on 20 December 1963.
29 Apr 1975 30 Apr 1975
01 Jan 1978 30 Jun 1979
† The squadron was assigned to RCVW-12 during transitional train-
ing in the F-4 Phantom II. MUC 27 Oct 1969 01 Jun 1970
07 May 1971 28 Oct 1971
13 Nov 1979 08 Feb 1980
Unit Awards Received 27 Jul 1982 01 May 1984
NEM 15 Apr 1979 06 Jun 1979
Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award
21 Nov 1979 07 Feb 1980
PUC 30 Apr 1972 09 Feb 1973 19 Aug 1980 13 Nov 1980
NAVE 01 Jul 1977 31 Dec 1978 12 Mar 1981 19 May 1981
01 Jan 1979 30 Jun 1980 RVNGC 21 Jun 1966 22 Jun 1966
AFEM 05 Sep 1963 13 Sep 1963 23 Nov 1967
03 Nov 1963 08 Nov 1963 02 Dec 1967
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 417

Awards Received—Continued Awards Received—Continued

Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award
04 Dec 1967 19 Oct 1966 09 Nov 1966
20 Dec 1967 22 Dec 1967 26 Aug 1967 01 Oct 1967
20 Jan 1968 12 Oct 1967 28 Oct 1967
23 Jan 1968 27 Jan 1968 04 Nov 1967 05 Nov 1967
29 Jan 1968 19 Feb 1968 11 Nov 1967 08 Dec 1967
15 Oct 1968 16 Dec 1967 07 Jan 1968
17 Oct 1968 18 Oct 1968 15 Jan 1968 21 Feb 1968
21 Oct 1968 29 Dec 1968 30 Jan 1969
25 Oct 1968 27 Oct 1968 08 Feb 1969 03 Mar 1969
14 Nov 1968 16 Nov 1968 19 Mar 1969 30 Mar 1969
23 Nov 1968 26 Oct 1969 18 Nov 1969
25 Nov 1968 22 Dec 1969 19 Jan 1970
17 Feb 1970 09 Mar 1970
28 Nov 1968
19 Mar 1970 11 Apr 1970
01 Dec 1968 02 Dec 1968
28 Apr 1970 01 Jun 1970
04 Dec 1968 05 Dec 1968
17 May 1971 09 Jun 1971
30 Dec 1968
29 Jun 1971 20 Jul 1971
01 Jan 1969 03 Jan 1969
31 Jul 1971 17 Aug 1971
14 Jan 1969 19 Jan 1969 26 Sep 1971 11 Oct 1971
22 Jan 1969 01 May 1972 01 Jun 1972
24 Jan 1969 11 Jun 1972 07 Jul 1972
26 Jan 1969 16 Jul 1972 13 Aug 1972
09 Feb 1969 20 Feb 1969 23 Aug 1972 10 Sep 1972
22 Feb 1969 03 Mar 1969 19 Sep 1972 12 Oct 1972
19 Mar 1969 31 Mar 1969 23 Oct 1972 23 Nov 1972
30 Mar 1972 15 Jul 1972 03 Dec 1972 22 Dec 1972
VNSM 14 Jun 1966 13 Jul 1966 31 Dec 1972
27 Jul 1966 31 Aug 1966 04 Jan 1973 24 Jan 1973
08 Sep 1966 01 Oct 1966 03 Feb 1973 09 Feb 1973

A squadron F/A-18A Hornet prepares to launch from Enterprise (CVN 65), July 1987.
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418 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

VFA-192 Following the squad-

ron’s redesignation to
Lineage VF-15A, a new insignia
was approved by CNO
Established as Fighter Squadron ONE HUNDRED on 24 November 1947.
FIFTY THREE (VF-153) on 26 March 1945. Colors for the helmet
Redesignated Fighter Squadron FIFTEEN A (VF-15A) and shield insignia were:
on 15 November 1946. a white background
Redesignated Fighter Squadron ONE HUNDRED outlined in black; gold
FIFTY ONE (VF-151) on 15 July 1948. shield outlined in black
Redesignated Fighter Squadron ONE HUNDRED with a black diagonal
NINETY TWO (VF-192) on 15 February 1950. In 1950, the squadron adopted the
stripe; black helmet
Redesignated Attack Squadron ONE HUNDRED dragon and carrier insignia follow-
ing its redesignation from VF-151 with gold markings;
NINETY TWO (VA-192) on 15 March 1956. to VF-192. black and gold scroll
Redesignated Strike Fighter Squadron ONE HUN- with white lettering.
DRED NINETY TWO (VFA-192) on 10 January 1986. When the squadron was redesignated VF-151, the
The first squadron to be assigned the VA-192 and VFA- helmet and shield insignia was modified and the Latin
192 designations. inscription In Omnia Paratus was added to the scroll
inside the design. The Latin phrase means ever ready
Squadron Insignia and Nickname or a state of readiness. The squadron’s designation
Fighting One Fifty One was added in a lower scroll.
The squadron’s first insignia was approved by CNO
Colors for the design remained the same as the previ-
on 11 October 1945. Colors for the kangaroo insignia
ous design.
were: a white cloud
A new squadron insignia was approved by CNO on
with pale blue shading;
8 August 1950. Colors for the dragon and carrier
reddish brown kangaroo
insignia were: sky blue
with a white chest and
background and dark
belly, ears were lined in
blue water with white
reddish tan with blue
markings; gray carrier
markings, white jowls
outlined in black; silver
with blue shading, black
dragon with a red
nose, blue eye with a
tongue and tail.
black pupil, white teeth
When the squadron
outlined in black, and a
was redesignated VA-
red mouth; crimson
192, a new insignia was
The fighting kangaroo design was boxing gloves; red,
approved by CNO on 21
the squadron’s first insignia. orange and white rocket
June 1956. Colors for
tips; blue rocket body
In 1956, following another redes- the new dragon design
with pale tan markings, and royal blue tail fins; yellow
ignation, the squadron adopted a are: a blue background
bombs with a forest green tail; tan machine gun bul- newly designed dragon insignia.
outlined in black; yel-
lets with red tips and held together by a black belt;
blue perspiration marks and black lettering. low dragon with black
markings, red tongue
and white teeth, white
eye with a black and
red pupil; black and
white nuclear symbol
and a white cloud with
black markings with a
red rising center; blue
scroll outlined in black
with black lettering. This
design was continued
A scroll with the designation VA-
following the designa- 192 was added to the dragon
The helmet and shield design When the squadron was redes- tion change to VFA. insignia. This design remained
with the Fighting Fifteen A des- ignated VF-151, this modified Nicknames: Golden the same following the squadron’s
ignation in the scroll was the helmet and shield design was redesignation to VFA; and the
squadron’s second insignia. adopted by the squadron. Dragons, 1956-present. only change was in the scroll.
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 419

Chronology of Significant Events for his personal safety he reentered the target area
27 Jan–24 Feb 1949: Half of the squadron’s person- with his damaged aircraft, in the face of intense anti-
nel and aircraft deployed aboard Boxer (CV 21) for a aircraft fire, to attack another missile site to ensure the
Pacific Fleet Minor Cold Weather Exercise near target area’s missile sites were neutralized prior to
Kodiak, Alaska. strikes from the carriers’ incoming aircraft. Commander
Estocin departed the target area with only five minutes
of fuel left. He was refueled enroute to the
Ticonderoga and landed his damaged plane on the
carrier. Upon landing, his plane burst into flames. He
was able to secure the engine and escape the aircraft
without assistance. On 26 April Commander Estocin
led a two-plane group on a similar mission in prepara-
tion for a coordinate strike against an oil facility in
Haiphong. During this mission his aircraft was again
damaged by an exploding surface-to-air missile. He
continued his attack against the missile site, launching
his missiles from a burning aircraft. Following the
attack he attempted to guide his burning aircraft to the
safety of the sea. The aircraft was last seen going out
of control as it entered a cloud layer over North
Vietnam. Commander Estocin was listed as MIA on 26
April 1967 and on 10 November 1977 his MIA status
A squadron F4U-4 prepares to launch from Princeton (CV 37), circa was changed to presumed KIA. For his actions
1950 or 1951 (Courtesy Robert Lawson Collection). Commander Estocin was posthumously awarded the
Medal of Honor.
5 Dec 1950: The squadron flew its first combat mis- Mar 1968: VA-192, along with other squadrons in
sions, providing close air support for U.S. Marines CVW-19, conducted flight operations from
near Chosen Reservoir in North Korea. Ticonderoga in the Sea of Japan. These operations,
1 May 1951: The squadron participated in a special part of Operation Formation Star, were conducted as
strike against the Hwachon Reservoir Dam with VF- part of a continuing show of American forces in the
193 and VA-195. The purpose of the mission was to area following the capture of Pueblo (AGER 2) by
destroy the flood gates and raise the level of the river North Korea on 23 January 1968.
to form a natural barrier against the enemy’s advance. Apr 1972: Following the invasion by North Vietnam
While VA-195 was dropping torpedoes to destroy the into South Vietnam the squadron participated in tacti-
flood gates of the dam, the squadron’s F4U-4s were cal air sorties against military and logistic targets in
concentrating on flak and small arms suppression. North Vietnam.
23–24 Jun 1952: The squadron, along with units May 1972: Squadron aircraft participated in the min-
from two other carrier air groups and the Fifth Air ing of North Vietnamese harbors and Linebacker I
Force, conducted coordinated air strikes against North operations, concentrated air strikes against targets in
Korean hydroelectric plants. Squadron aircraft struck North Vietnam above the 20th parallel.
the Suiho hydroelectric plant on the Yalu River on 23 23 Nov 1973: VA-192 deployed with CVW-11
June. On 24 June their aircraft struck the Kyosen embarked on Kitty Hawk (CV 63) as part of the first
Number Three hydroelectric plant and the Fusen CV concept air wing deployment on the west coast.
Number Two hydroelectric plant. This concept employed all aspects of carrier aviation
Jul 1952: Squadron aircraft participated in one of the warfare into one air wing deployed on a single deck.
major joint Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps air strikes Jul–Aug 1983: Ranger (CV 61), with VA-912
of the war, hitting industrial targets in North Korea’s embarked, was ordered to operate off the coast of
capital city of Pyongyang during the month of July. Nicaragua in response to an unstable situation in
20 and 26 Apr 1967: On 20 April Lieutenant Central America and the possible invasion of
Commander Michael J. Estocin, a member of VA-192, Honduras by Nicaragua.
lead a three-plane group on an antisurface-to-air mis- Oct 1983–Jan 1984: Ranger, with VA-192 embarked,
sile mission over North Vietnam in advance of a coor- was extended on station in the Arabian Sea due to the
dinated strike by aircraft from Ticonderoga (CVA 14) Iranian threat to block oil exports from the Persian
and Kitty Hawk (CVA 63) against two important ther- Gulf.
mal power plants in Haiphong. After personally neu- 4–8 Jun 1985: The squadron flew its A-7E Corsair IIs
tralizing three surface-to-air missile sites, his aircraft via Hawaii and Wake Island for deployment to MCAS
was damaged by an exploding missile. Without regard Iwakuni, Japan.
420 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

Jun–Dec 1985: While deployed to MCAS Iwakuni as Korea, the squadron was embarked on Midway and
part of MAG-12 the squadron also conducted opera- operating in the Sea of Japan to demonstrate U.S. sup-
tions from NAF Kadena and NAS Cubi Point. port for a peaceful Olympics.
Nov 1986: The squadron flew its F/A-18 Hornets Dec 1989: Midway, with VFA-192 embarked, main-
from NAS Lemoore, via Hawaii and Guam, to NAF tained station off the coast of the Philippines during
Atsugi, Japan, for operations with CVW-5 and Midway an attempted coup in that country.
(CV 41). Nov 1990–Jan 1991: The squadron flew missions in
Nov 1987–Feb 1988: The squadron participated in support of Operation Desert Shield, the build up of
Earnest Will Operations, the escorting of reflagged American and Allied forces to counter a threatened inva-
Kuwaiti tankers through the Persian Gulf. sion of Saudi Arabia by Iraq and as part of an economic
Sep 1988: During the Summer Olympics in Seoul, blockade of Iraq to force its withdrawal from Kuwait.

A squadron F6F-5P Hellcat in flight, 1946 (Courtesy Robert Lawson Collection).

A squadron F8F-1
Bearcat on the deck of
Tarawa (CV 40), 1948
(Courtesy Robert Lawson
Collection).
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 421

Home Port Assignments Commanding Officers—Continued

Location Assignment Date Date Assumed Command

NAS Atlantic City 26 Mar 1945 LCDR Frank C. Perry 08 Mar 1949
NAAS Oceana 01 Jun 1945 LCDR K. S. Van Meter 26 Jun 1950
NAS Alameda Aug 1946 CDR Elwin A. Parker 27 Jul 1951
NAS Moffett Field 16 Jul 1951 LCDR John H. Dinneen 28 Nov 1952
NAS Lemoore 01 Jan 1962 LCDR Ciro N. V. Whited Apr 1954
NS Yokosuka, Japan (NAF Atsugi CDR Frank E. Foltz Oct 1955
& Misawa) 01 Jul 1986* LCDR William R. Flanagan 30 Sep 1957
LCDR Larry F. Baumgaertel 19 Sep 1958
* VFA-192 was assigned to CVW-5 on 1 July 1986 as part of a pro-
gram that has a permanently assigned carrier and air wing at an CDR William E. Payne, Jr. 01 Jul 1959
overseas home port. The home port for CVW-5 and Midway (CV 41) CDR Harold F. Snowden May 1960
was NS Yokosuka, Japan. The squadron did not arrive in Japan until CDR Benjamin W. Adams Mar 1961
November 1986.
LCDR Mitchell M. Simmons 15 Feb 1962
CDR Keith T. Weaver 21 Feb 1963
CDR William H. Rogers 10 Dec 1963
CDR Eugene E. Tissot Dec 1964
CDR Allen E. Hill Dec 1965
CDR Ed D. McKellar 15 Dec 1966
CDR Lowell F. Eggert Dec 1967
CDR Joseph K. Stanley 13 Dec 1968
CDR Robert E. Woodbury 19 Oct 1969
CDR David C. Parkhurst 05 Aug 1970
CDR Richard L. Kiehl 30 Apr 1971
CDR Robert C. Taylor, Jr. 08 May 1972
CDR Darrel D. Owens May 1973
CDR David N. Rogers 16 Jul 1974
CDR Gordon R. Goldenstein 06 Oct 1975
CDR Joseph D. Cole 21 Jan 1977
CDR John L. McWhinney 24 Apr 1978
CDR Thomas B. Latendresse 27 Jun 1980
CDR John J. Zerr 12 Sep 1981
A squadron F9F-5 on the elevator of Oriskany (CVA 34) during a
WestPac cruise in 1953–1954. CDR Harry T. Rittenour 28 Jun 1982
CDR Gilman E. Rud 15 Jun 1983
Commanding Officers CDR C. D. Englehardt 17 Aug 1984
CDR Robert G. Ferver 10 Jan 1986
Date Assumed Command CDR John F. Williams 09 Apr 1987
LCDR Kenneth P. Hance 26 Mar 1945 CDR John A. Pettitt 13 May 1988
LCDR Wilson G. Wright 26 Apr 1946 CDR Michael D. Shutt 06 Sep 1989
LCDR Richard E. Brown 22 Oct 1947 CDR James B. Godwin III 01 Mar 1991

Two squadron F9F-8 Cougars fly in

formation with an aircraft from
VFP-61 during their deployment
aboard Yorktown (CVA 10) in
1957.
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422 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

Aircraft Assignment
Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received
F6F-3 Mar 1945
F6F-5 Apr 1945
F8F-1 Nov 1947
F8F-2 Jul 1949
F4U-4 Jul 1950
F9F-2* 14 Jul 1951
F9F-2 03 Dec 1952
F9F-5 Jan 1953
F9F-6 Jan 1956
F9F-8B Jun 1956
F9F-8 Jul 1956
FJ-4B 10 Dec 1957
A4D-2 Jul 1959
A4D-2N/A-4C† 01 Jun 1960
A-4E Jun 1966
A-4F Jul 1967
A-7E 26 Feb 1970
F/A-18A 05 May 1986
* On 9 October 1951 the squadron transferred all its F9F-2s to VF-
191 and received F4U-4s in exchange. Squadron FJ-4B Furys fly over Mt. Fuji, Japan, during their deploy-
† The A4D-2N designation was changed to A-4C in 1962. ment to WestPac aboard Bon Homme Richard (CVA 31), 1958–1959.

Major Overseas Deployments

Date of Date of Air Type of Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Aircraft Operation

31 Mar 1947 08 Oct 1947 CVAG-15 CV 36 F6F-5 WestPac

11 Jan 1950 13 Jun 1950 CVG-19 CV 21 F8F-2 WestPac
09 Nov 1950 09 Jun 1951 CVG-19 CV 37* F4U-4 WestPac/Korea
21 Mar 1952 03 Nov 1952 CVG-19 CV 37 F4U-4 WestPac/Korea
14 Sep 1953 22 Apr 1954 CVG-19 CVA 34 F9F-5 WestPac
02 Mar 1955 21 Sep 1955 CVG-19 CVA 34 F9F-5 WestPac
09 Mar 1957 25 Aug 1957 CVG-19 CVA 10 F9F-8/8B WestPac
01 Nov 1958 18 Jun 1959 CVG-19 CVA 31 FJ-4B WestPac
21 Nov 1959 14 May 1960 CVG-19 CVA 31 A4D-2 WestPac
26 Apr 1961 13 Dec 1961 CVG-19 CVA 31 A4D-2N WestPac
12 Jul 1962 11 Feb 1963 CVG-19 CVA 31 A-4C WestPac
28 Jan 1964 21 Nov 1964 CVW-19 CVA 31 A-4C WestPac/IO/Vietnam
21 Apr 1965 13 Jan 1966 CVW-19 CVA 31 A-4C WestPac/Vietnam
15 Oct 1966 29 May 1967 CVW-19 CVA 14 A-4E WestPac/Vietnam
28 Dec 1967 17 Aug 1968 CVW-19 CVA 14 A-4F WestPac/Vietnam
14 Apr 1969 17 Nov 1969 CVW-19 CVA 34 A-4F WestPac/Vietnam
06 Nov 1970 17 Jul 1971 CVW-11 CVA 63 A-7E WestPac/Vietnam
17 Feb 1972 28 Nov 1972 CVW-11 CVA 63 A-7E WestPac/Vietnam
23 Nov 1973 09 Jul 1974 CVW-11 CV 63 A-7E WestPac/IO
21 May 1975 15 Dec 1975 CVW-11 CV 63 A-7E WestPac
25 Oct 1977 22 Sep 1978 CVW-11 CV 63 A-7E WestPac
13 Mar 1979 22 Sep 1979 CVW-11 CV 66 A-7E Med
14 Apr 1981 12 Nov 1981 CVW-11 CV 66 A-7E Med/IO
15 Jul 1983 29 Feb 1984 CVW-9 CV 61 A-7E Central America/
WestPac/IO
04 Jun 1985 14 Dec 1985 MAG-12 † A-7E WestPac
09 Jan 1987 20 Mar 1987 CVW-5 CV 41‡ F/A-18A WestPac‡
23 Apr 1987 13 Jul 1987 CVW-5 CV 41 F/A-18A WestPac
15 Oct 1987 12 Apr 1988 CVW-5 CV 41 F/A-18A WestPac/IO
18 Oct 1988 09 Nov 1988 CVW-5 CV 41 F/A-18A WestPac
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 423

Major Overseas Deployments

Date of Date of Air Type of Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Aircraft Operation

21 Jan 1989 24 Feb 1989 CVW-5 CV 41 F/A-18A WestPac

27 Feb 1989 09 Apr 1989 CVW-5 CV 41 F/A-18A WestPac
31 May 1989 25 Jul 1989 CVW-5 CV 41 F/A-18A WestPac
15 Aug 1989 11 Dec 1989 CVW-5 CV 41 F/A-18A WestPac/IO
20 Feb 1990 06 Apr 1990 CVW-5 CV 41 F/A-18A WestPac
02 Oct 1990 17 Apr 1991 CVW-5 CV 41 F/A-18A WestPac/IO/
Persian Gulf
* The squadron and CVG-19 were relieved aboard Princeton (CV 27) by Carrier Air Group 19X in the latter part of May 1951. Squadron officers
were flown back to the States and the enlisted personnel were embarked on a transport ship for their return to NAS Alameda.
† The squadron deployed to MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, as part of the Marine Corps Unit Deployment Program and was assigned to MAG-12.
‡ The squadron was permanently forward deployed and home ported in Japan. Consequently, all future deployments for the squadron while
embarked on Midway (CV 41) will cover only those operations outside the home waters of Japan.

A formation of squadron A-4F Skyhawks fly over San Francisco, California, 1968.
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424 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

Air Wing Assignments Unit Awards Received—Continued

Air Wing Tail Code Assignment Date Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award
CVG-153/CVAG-15/ KLM 17 Jan 1991 28 Feb 1991
CVG-15* B/A† 26 Mar 1945 NUC 05 Dec 1950 May 1951
CVG-19/CVW-19§ B/NM‡ Nov 1949 15 Apr 1952 18 Oct 1952
COMFAIRLEMOORE§§ 01 Dec 1969 28 Oct 1966 21 May 1967
CVW-11§§ NH 01 Dec 1969 26 Jan 1968 23 Jul 1968
CVW-15 NL 18 Jan 1982 07 Dec 1970 24 Jun 1971
COMLATWINGPAC 31 Aug 1982 09 Mar 1972 04 Nov 1972
CVW-9 NG 12 Nov 1982 17 Jan 1991 07 Feb 1991
COMLATWINGPAC 15 Sep 1984 KPUC 05 Dec 1950 May 1951
MAG-12 NM** 04 Jun 1985 KSM 01 Dec 1950 31 May 1951
COMLATWINGPAC 14 Dec 1985 14 Apr 1952 24 Apr 1952
CVW-5 NF 01 Jul 1986 30 Apr 1952 21 Oct 1952
AFEM 03 Apr 1960 04 Apr 1960
* CVG-153 was redesignated Attack CVAG-15 on 15 November 1946
and then became CVG-15 on 1 September 1948. 26 Apr 1960 27 Apr 1960
22 May 1961 27 May 1961
† The tail code B was assigned to CVAG-15 on 12 December 1946
and changed to A on 4 August 1948. 05 Mar 1964 13 Mar 1964
‡ The tail code B was changed to NM in 1957. The effective date for 12 May 1964 14 May 1964
this change was most likely the beginning of FY 58 (1 July 1957). 05 Jun 1964 10 Jun 1964
§ CVG-19 was redesignated CVW-19 when Carrier Air Groups (CVG) 13 Jun 1964 17 Jun 1964
were redesignated Carrier Air Wings (CVW) on 20 December 1963. 31 Aug 1964 06 Nov 1964
§§ The squadron was operationally assigned to CVW-11 and under 14 Nov 1964 21 Nov 1964
the administrative command of Commander Fleet Air Lemoore. 26 May 1965 03 Jun 1965
During the latter part of 1969 and early 1970 the squadron under-
went transitional training with VA-122 in the A-7 Corsair II. 23 Jan 1968 22 Mar 1968
** While deployed to MCAS Iwakuni and assigned to MAG-12 the 17 Sep 1969
squadron used the NM tail code. 28 Sep 1969 04 Oct 1969
MUC 05 May 1969 03 Nov 1969
07 Sep 1989 25 Oct 1989
NEM 09 May 1981 18 Oct 1981
RVNGC 19 Oct 1965 20 Oct 1965
23 Oct 1965 28 Oct 1965
22 Nov 1965
24 Nov 1965
06 Dec 1965
15 Nov 1966 16 Nov 1966
20 Nov 1966 21 Nov 1966
06 Dec 1966
15 Dec 1966
06 Jan 1967
09 Jan 1967
30 Jan 1967
21 Feb 1967
25 Feb 1967
03 Mar 1967 04 Mar 1967
A squadron A-7E Corsair II in flight with a low-visibility paint 06 Mar 1967 07 Mar 1967
scheme, 1982.
09 Mar 1967
30 Mar 1967
Unit Awards Received 11 Apr 1967
Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award
15 Apr 1967
24 Apr 1967
NAVE 01 Jul 1965 31 Dec 1966 26 Apr 1967
01 Jul 1968 31 Dec 1969 27 Jan 1968
01 Jan 1989 31 Dec 1989 31 Jan 1968 03 Feb 1968
01 Jan 1990 31 Dec 1990 05 Feb 1968 03 Mar 1968
SASM 02 Nov 1990 14 Mar 1991 27 Mar 1968 06 Apr 1968
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 425

Unit Awards Received—Continued Unit Awards Received—Continued

Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award
08 Apr 1968 09 Apr 1971 26 Apr 1971
26 Apr 1968 03 May 1971 17 May 1971
28 Apr 1968 01 May 1968 29 May 1971 23 Jun 1971
08 May 1968 08 Mar 1972 25 Mar 1972
11 May 1968 03 Apr 1972 22 Apr 1972
31 May 1968 01 Jun 1972 27 Jun 1972
02 Jun 1968 07 Jul 1972 04 Aug 1972
17 May 1969 03 Jun 1969 14 Aug 1972 05 Sep 1972
15 Sep 1972 02 Oct 1972
15 Jun 1969 30 Jun 1969
12 Oct 1972 31 Oct 1972
VNSM 18 Jul 1965 13 Aug 1965
10 Sep 1965 01 Oct 1965
08 Oct 1965 29 Oct 1965
13 Nov 1965 17 Dec 1965
12 Nov 1966 18 Dec 1966
03 Jan 1967 07 Feb 1967
13 Feb 1967 16 Mar 1967
28 Mar 1967 28 Apr 1967
25 Jan 1968 04 Mar 1968
25 Mar 1968 08 Apr 1968
16 Apr 1968
24 Apr 1968 12 May 1968
20 May 1968 14 Jun 1968
25 Jun 1968 23 Jul 1968
05 May 1969 04 Jun 1969
15 Jun 1969 01 Jul 1969
12 Jul 1969 30 Jul 1969
14 Aug 1969 12 Sep 1969
08 Oct 1969 31 Oct 1969
07 Dec 1970 30 Dec 1970
12 Jan 1971 04 Feb 1971
19 Feb 1971 01 Apr 1971 A squadron F/A-18A Hornet in flight, loaded with weapons, 1990.

A squadron F/A-
18A Hornet over
Midway (CV 41) in
1987.
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426 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

VFA-195
Lineage
Established as Torpedo Squadron NINETEEN (VT-
19) on 15 August 1943.
Redesignated Attack Squadron TWENTY A (VA-20A)
on 15 November 1946.
Redesignated Attack Squadron ONE HUNDRED
NINETY FIVE (VA-195) on 24 August 1948.
Redesignated Strike Fighter Squadron ONE HUN-
DRED NINETY FIVE (VFA-195) on 1 April 1985. The The squadron adopted the hel- In 1985, the squadron adopted
first squadron to be assigned the VA-195 and VFA-195 met and shield insignia some- the stylized eagle insignia
designation. time in the 1950s. design.

Squadron Insignia and Nickname this insignia was approved. It is believed the use of
The squadron’s first insignia was approved by CNO on the shield insignia began sometime in the 1950s. There
4 March 1944. Colors for the lion cub and torpedo are no color markings available on this insignia.
insignia were: a A new insignia was approved by CNO on 30 August
white background 1985. Colors for the eagle insignia are: a green back-
with light blue wave ground outlined in a checker board pattern of green,
lines and streaks; black and gray squares; gray stylized eagle outlined in
orange torpedo nose, white, with a white head, a red eye, and a yellow
wings and tail sec- beak and claws; black bomb and missiles outlined in
tion outlined in white; silver scrolls outlined in black with black letter-
black; blue torpedo ing.
body; light tan lion Nicknames: Tigers, 1949-early 1950s.
cub with dark brown Dambusters, early 1950s-present.
spots and outlined in
The lion cub was the squadron’s first black, red tongue Chronology of Significant Events
insignia. and eyes, black
mouth, nose and 18 Jul 1944: The squadron flew its first combat mis-
whiskers; yellow scarf and line to the torpedo; dark sion when it conducted preinvasion strikes against
brown bazooka. Guam.
A new insignia was approved by CNO on 18 April Jul–Oct 1944: The squadron flew combat strikes
1949. Two versions of the tiger and parrot insignia against Guam, Palau, the Bonin and Volcano Islands,
exist and the records do not identify which one was Mindanao, Visayans, Luzon, Okinawa and Formosa.
the officially approved insignia. There are no color 24 Oct 1944: Squadron aircraft participated in strikes
markings available for either insignia. against the Central Japanese Task Force in the Sibuyan
The squadron adopted the shield insignia at a later Sea, which included the super battleship Musashi.
date. There are no records available to identify when Three of the squadron’s personnel, Lieutenants Joseph
C. Black and Max E. Gregg and Lieutenant (jg) Edward
H. Schulke, were awarded the Silver Star for their
actions during this strike.
25 Oct 1944: Squadron aircraft participated in the
Battle Off Cape Engano, strikes against the Japanese
Northern Force composed primarily of carriers. The fol-
lowing squadron personnel were awarded the Navy
Cross for their actions during this battle: Lieutenant
Commander Frank C. Perry; Lieutenants Leonard R.
Prater, Joseph C. Black, Max E. Gregg, Frederick Doll, Jr.,
James C. West, Leonard P. Mathias, Donald W. McMillan,
The squadron’s second insignia
was the tiger and parrot design. Richard D. Greer, Jr., and Gordon B. Whelpley;
This is one of the designs on file; Lieutenant (jg)s Frank A. Fox, Morris R. Goebel, James H.
unfortunately, the insignia This is the other tiger and parrot
design on file in the squadron’s Langrall, Ray J. Stacy, Robert F. Durian, William R.
records do not identify which
design was approved by CNO. insignia records. Garrett, John S. McDonald, Edward H. Schulke, Edward
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 427

A close-up of squadron AD-4 Skyraiders, loaded with weapons,

aboard Princeton (CV 37) during their combat deployment to Korea The Hwachon Reservoir Dam under attack by squadron AD-4
from 1950–1951. Skyraiders, 1 May 1951.

C. Myers, Jr., Irvin Kramer, Jr. and James E. Sipprell; and 20 Apr 1967: Commander S. R. Chessman, the
Ensigns Mercer L. Jackson, Jr., Wallace F. Leeker, squadron’s executive officer, was awarded the Silver
Frederick Schuler and Warner W. Tyler. Star for his actions in planning and executing a suc-
5 Nov 1944: Squadron aircraft participated in an cessful strike against a Haiphong thermal power plant,
attack on the Nachi, a Japanese heavy cruiser, which accomplishing the mission without the loss of a single
was making a sortie out of Manila Bay. The cruiser aircraft.
was sunk and Lieutenant (jg)s Robert F. Durian, James Mar 1968: VA-195, along with other squadrons in
E. Sipprell and Ray J. Stacy were awarded a Gold Star CVW-19, conducted flight operations from
in lieu of their second Navy Cross for their actions in Ticonderoga (CVA 14) in the Sea of Japan. These oper-
this engagement. Lieutenant Joseph C. Hebert was ations, part of Operation Formation Star, were con-
awarded a Navy Cross for actions in this strike. ducted as part of a continuing show of American
5 Dec 1950: The squadron flew its first combat mis- forces in the area following the capture of Pueblo
sion since the end of World War II, flying close air (AGER 2) by North Korea on 23 January 1968.
support missions for U.S. Marines near Chosen 6 Mar 1972: During night operations off Kitty Hawk
Reservoir in North Korea. (CVA 63) in Philippine waters, the squadron’s com-
1 May 1951: The squadron’s AD-4 Skyraiders made
manding officer, Commander D. L. Hall, was lost when
a torpedo strike against the flood gates of the
his aircraft crashed into the water astern of the carrier.
Hwachon Reservoir Dam. The purpose of the mission
Apr 1972: Following the invasion by North Vietnam
was to destroy the flood gates and raise the level of
into South Vietnam the squadron participated in tacti-
the river to form a natural barrier against the enemy’s
advance. It was from this mission that the squadron cal air sorties against military and logistic targets in
derived its nickname, Dambusters. North Vietnam.
23 Jun 1952: The squadron, along with units from 9 May 1972: Squadron aircraft participated in the
two other carrier air groups and the Fifth Air Force, mining of North Vietnamese harbors.
conducted coordinated air strikes against the Suiho 10 May 1972: VA-195 participated in the begin-
hydroelectric plant on the Yalu River and the Kyosen ning of Linebacker I operations, concentrated air
Number Three hydroelectric plant. Squadron aircraft strikes against targets in North Vietnam above the
participated in attacks against other hydroelectric 20th parallel.
plants the following day. 23 Nov 1973: VA-195 deployed with CVW-11
11 Jul 1952: Squadron aircraft participated in one of embarked on Kitty Hawk (CV 63) as part of the first CV
the major joint Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps air concept air wing deployment on the west coast. This
strikes of the war, hitting industrial targets in North concept consolidated all aspects of carrier aviation war-
Korea’s capital city of Pyongyang. fare into one air wing deployed on a single deck.
Aug–Oct 1964: The squadron participated in special Jul–Aug 1983: Ranger (CV 61), with VA-195
operations, flying escort and reconnaissance sorties in embarked, was ordered to operate off the coast of
support of U.S. operations in Vietnam and Laos. Nicaragua in response to an unstable situation in
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428 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

Central America and the possible invasion of Sep 1988: During the Summer Olympics in Seoul,
Honduras by Nicaragua. Korea, the squadron was embarked on Midway and
Oct 1983–Jan 1984: Ranger, with VA-195 embarked, operating in the Sea of Japan to demonstrate U.S. sup-
was extended on station in the Arabian Sea due to the port for a peaceful Olympics.
Iranian threat to block oil exports from the Persian Dec 1989: Midway, with VFA-195 embarked, main-
Gulf. tained station off the coast of the Philippines during
Nov 1986: The squadron flew its F/A-18 Hornets an attempted coup in that country.
from NAS Lemoore to NAF Atsugi, Japan, for opera- Nov 1990–Jan 1991: The squadron flew missions in
tions with CVW-5 and Midway (CV 41), home ported support of Operation Desert Shield, the build up of
at NS Yokosuka, Japan. American and Allied forces to counter a threatened
Nov 1987–Feb 1988: The squadron participated in invasion of Saudi Arabia by Iraq and as part of an eco-
Earnest Will Operations, the escorting of reflagged nomic blockade of Iraq to force its withdrawal from
Kuwaiti tankers through the Persian Gulf. Kuwait.

A squadron TBM-3E in
flight, circa mid 1946
(Courtesy Robert
Lawson Collection).

Home Port Assignments

Location Assignment Date

NAAS Los Alamitos 15 Aug 1943
NAS Kahului 29 Feb 1944*
NAS San Diego 14 Dec 1944
NAS Alameda 20 Jan 1945
NAAS Santa Rosa 05 Feb 1945
NAS Kahului 09 Aug 1945*
NAS Barbers Point 03 Nov 1945
NAS Alameda 19 Aug 1946
NAS Moffett Field 03 Nov 1952
NAS Lemoore 13 Dec 1961
NS Yokosuka, Japan (NAF Atsugi Three squadron AD-6 Skyraiders on the deck of Yorktown (CVA 10)
preparing to launch, 1957.
& Misawa) 01 Jul 1986†
* Temporary shore assignment while the squadron conducted train- Commanding Officers
ing in preparation for combat deployment.
† VFA-195 was assigned to CVW-5 on 1 July 1986 as part of a pro- Date Assumed Command
gram that has a permanently assigned carrier and air wing at an
overseas home port. The home port for CVW-5 and Midway (CV 41) LT Leonard R. Prater (acting) 15 Aug 1943
was NS Yokosuka, Japan. The squadron did not arrive in Japan until LCDR Karl E. Jung 18 Aug 1943
November 1986.
LCDR Albert P. Coffin 22 Sep 1943
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 429

LCDR David E. Dressendorfer 31 Dec 1943

LCDR Frank C. Perry 26 Sep 1944
LCDR James F. McRoberts 24 Nov 1945
LCDR Melvin H. Warner 11 Aug 1947
LCDR Harry C. White 07 Aug 1948
LCDR Harold G. Carlson 26 Jun 1950
CDR Neil A. MacKinnon 28 Sep 1951
CDR August W. Elliott, Jr. 01 Dec 1952
CDR Lewis R. Hardy, Jr. 16 Jul 1954
CDR William A. Rawls 30 Sep 1955
CDR R. J. Mead 06 Sep 1957
CDR Fletcher H. Burnham 18 Jul 1958
CDR Harry N. O’Connor Jul 1959
CDR George W. Blease 01 Jun 1960
CDR Walter E. Scholz 17 Mar 1961 A formation of squadron A-4C Skyhawks during their combat
CDR Anson D. Geiger 27 Apr 1962 deployment to Vietnam aboard Bon Homme Richard (CVA-31), 1965.
CDR Robert F. Doss 29 Mar 1963
CDR J. V. Smith 28 Apr 1964 Aircraft Assignment
CDR Bertrand O. Larsen 12 Apr 1965
Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received
CDR Charles E. Hathaway 01 Apr 1966
CDR Samuel R. Chessman 28 Apr 1967 TBM-1 1943*
CDR W. H. Greiwe 24 Jul 1968 TBM-1C 04 Nov 1943
CDR C. W. Jorgensen Jun 1969 TBM-3 Feb 1945
CDR D. D. Hicks, Jr. 06 Mar 1970 TBM-3E Apr 1945
CDR Paul F. McCarthy, Jr. 09 Feb 1971 TBM-3Q 1946
CDR Donald L. Hall 30 Dec 1971 AD-1 03 May 1947
CDR Mace C. Gilfry 07 Mar 1972 AD-2 25 Aug 1948
CDR Norman D. Campbell 16 Mar 1973 AD-3 10 Jan 1949
CDR Brian D. Woods 01 Jun 1974 AD-4 Jul 1950
LCDR James R. Lee 02 Jun 1975 AD-4L Jun 1952
CDR William E. Newman 27 Aug 1976 AD-4B Jan 1953
CDR Robert C. Kaup 07 Oct 1977 AD-4NA Feb 1953
CDR William C. Bowes 06 Oct 1978 AD-6 May 1954
CDR James M. Hays 13 Dec 1979 A4D-2 01 Jul 1959
CDR Alexander M. Phillips 24 Mar 1981 A4D-2N/A-4C† May 1960
CDR David I. Pierce 09 Jun 1982 A-4E Sep 1968
CDR Kirwin S. Webster 01 Dec 1983 TA-4F Oct 1968
CDR W. O. King, Jr. 08 May 1985 A-7E Feb 1970
CDR Patrick D. Moneymaker 10 Oct 1986 F/A-18A 30 Sep 1985
CDR Thomas G. Otterbein 15 Apr 1988 * The squadron received its first TBM-1s sometime in either late
CDR Gregory C. Wooldridge 09 Aug 1989 August or early September 1943.
CDR Randolph R. Robb 17 Oct 1990 † The A4D-2N designation was changed to A-4C in 1962.

Three squadron A-7E Corsair IIs on the deck

of Kitty Hawk (CVA 63) prepare to launch
on a combat mission against Viet Cong posi-
tions, 1971.
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430 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

Major Overseas Deployments

Date of Date of Air Type of Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Aircraft Operation

23 Jun 1944 23 Nov 1944 CVG-19 CV 16* TBM-1C Pacific

18 Mar 1946 19 Aug 1946 CVG-19 CV 36† TBM-3E WestPac
11 Jan 1950 13 Jun 1950 CVG-19 CV 21 AD-3 WestPac
09 Nov 1950 09 Jun 1951 CVG-19 CV 37‡ AD-4 WestPac/Korea
21 Mar 1952 03 Nov 1952 CVG-19 CV 37 AD-4/4L WestPac/Korea
14 Sep 1953 22 Apr 1954 CVG-19 CVA 34 AD-4B/NA WestPac
02 Mar 1955 21 Sep 1955 CVG-19 CVA 34 AD-6 WestPac
09 Mar 1957 25 Aug 1957 CVG-19 CVA 10 AD-6 WestPac
01 Nov 1958 18 Jun 1959 CVG-19 CVA 31 AD-6 WestPac
21 Nov 1959 14 May 1960 CVG-19 CVA 31 A4D-2 WestPac
26 Apr 1961 13 Dec 1961 CVG-19 CVA 31 A4D-2N WestPac
12 Jul 1962 11 Feb 1963 CVG-19 CVA 31 A-4C WestPac
28 Jan 1964 21 Nov 1964 CVW-19 CVA 31 A-4C WestPac/IO/Vietnam
21 Apr 1965 13 Jan 1966 CVW-19 CVA 31 A-4C WestPac/Vietnam
15 Oct 1966 29 May 1967 CVW-19 CVA 14 A-4C WestPac/Vietnam
28 Dec 1967 17 Aug 1968 CVW-19 CVA 14 A-4C WestPac/Vietnam
14 Apr 1969 17 Nov 1969 CVW-19 CVA 34 A-4E WestPac/Vietnam
06 Nov 1970 17 Jul 1971 CVW-11 CVA 63 A-7E WestPac/Vietnam
17 Feb 1972 28 Nov 1972 CVW-11 CVA 63 A-7E WestPac/Vietnam
23 Nov 1973 09 Jul 1974 CVW-11 CV 63 A-7E WestPac/IO
21 May 1975 15 Dec 1975 CVW-11 CV 63 A-7E WestPac
25 Oct 1977 15 May 1978 CVW-11 CV 63 A-7E WestPac
13 Mar 1979 22 Sep 1979 CVW-11 CV 66 A-7E Med
14 Apr 1981 12 Nov 1981 CVW-11 CV 66 A-7E Med/IO
15 Jul 1983 29 Feb 1984 CVW-9 CV 61 A-7E Central America/
WestPac/IO
09 Jan 1987 20 Mar 1987 CVW-5 CV 41§ F/A-18A WestPac§
23 Apr 1987 13 Jul 1987 CVW-5 CV 41 F/A-18A WestPac
15 Oct 1987 12 Apr 1988 CVW-5 CV 41 F/A-18A WestPac/IO
18 Oct 1988 09 Nov 1988 CVW-5 CV 41 F/A-18A WestPac
21 Jan 1989 24 Feb 1989 CVW-5 CV 41 F/A-18A WestPac
27 Feb 1989 09 Apr 1989 CVW-5 CV 41 F/A-18A WestPac
31 May 1989 25 Jul 1989 CVW-5 CV 41 F/A-18A WestPac
15 Aug 1989 11 Dec 1989 CVW-5 CV 41 F/A-18A WestPac/IO
20 Feb 1990 06 Apr 1990 CVW-5 CV 41 F/A-18A WestPac
02 Oct 1990 17 Apr 1991 CVW-5 CV 41 F/A-18A WestPac/IO/
Persian Gulf

* The squadron departed Hawaii enroute to Eniwetok Atoll embarked on Intrepid (CV 11) and arrived there on 30 June 1944. On 9 July the
squadron flew aboard Lexington (CV 16) in preparation for its combat deployment. The squadron’s combat deployment ended on 23 November
1944 when they were transferred to Enterprise (CV 6) while at Ulithi Atoll. They arrived at Hawaii on 27 November and were transferred to Long
Island (CVE 1) for the final leg of the return trip to the States, arriving at NAS San Diego on 14 December 1944.
† The squadron departed Hawaii enroute to Saipan embarked on Hancock (CV 19) and arrived there on 3 April 1946. On 20 April the squadron
flew aboard Antietam (CV 36) for deployment to WestPac. During the squadron’s deployment to WestPac it was temporarily shore based at
Saipan on several occasions.
‡ The squadron and CVG-19 were relieved aboard Princeton (CV 37) by Carrier Air Group 19X. Squadron aircraft were transferred to VA-55. The
officers were flown back to the States and the enlisted personnel were transferred to USAT General Nelson M. Walker for transportation back to
NAS Alameda.
§ The squadron was permanently forward deployed and home ported in Japan. Consequently, all future deployments for the squadron will
cover only those operations outside the home waters of Japan.
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 431

A formation of squadron A-7E Corsair IIs in low-visibility paint scheme, circa 1982–1983.

Air Wing Assignments Air Wing Assignments—Continued

Air Wing Tail Code Assignment Date Air Wing Tail Code Assignment Date
CVG-19/CVAG-19/ A/B/NM† 15 Aug 1943 CVW-5 NF 01 Jul 1986
CVG-19/CVW-19*
* CVG-19 was redesignated CVAG-19 on 15 November 1946. On 1
COMFAIRLEMOORE 01 Dec 1969 September 1948 CVAG-19 was redesignated CVG-19. CVG-19 was
CVW-11 NH 1970 redesignated CVW-19 when Carrier Air Groups (CVG) were redesig-
CVW-15 NL 18 Jan 1982 nated Carrier Air Wings (CVW) on 20 December 1963.
COMLATWINGPAC 01 Oct 1982 † The tail code A was assigned to CVAG-19 on 12 December 1946
and changed to B on 4 August 1948. The tail code B was changed
CVW-9 NG 12 Nov 1982 to NM in 1957. The effective date for this change was most likely
COMLATWINGPAC 15 Sep 1984 the beginning of FY 58 (1 July 1957).

A squadron F/A-18A Hornet in flight,

1986. The aircraft has the tail code NM
but the squadron was not assigned to
CVW-19 when it received its Hornets.
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432 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

Unit Awards Received Unit Awards Received—Continued

Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award
NAVE 01 Jan 1970 30 Jun 1971 09 Jan 1967
PUC 18 Jul 1944 05 Aug 1944 30 Jan 1967
06 Sep 1944 06 Nov 1944 21 Feb 1967
Campaign Medal 25 Feb 1967
(Asiatic Pacific) 18 Jul 1944 27 Aug 1944 03 Mar 1967 04 Mar 1967
31 Aug 1944 14 Oct 1944 06 Mar 1967 07 Mar 1967
10 Oct 1944 23 Nov 1944 09 Mar 1967
SASM 02 Nov 1990 14 Mar 1991 30 Mar 1967
KLM 17 Jan 1991 28 Feb 1991 11 Apr 1967
NUC 05 Dec 1950 10 Aug 1951 15 Apr 1967
15 Apr 1952 18 Oct 1952 24 Apr 1967
28 Oct 1966 21 May 1967 26 Apr 1967
26 Jan 1968 23 Jul 1968 27 Jan 1968
07 Dec 1970 24 Jun 1971 31 Jan 1968 03 Feb 1968
09 Mar 1972 04 Nov 1972 05 Feb 1968 03 Mar 1968
17 Jan 1991 07 Feb 1991 27 Mar 1968 06 Apr 1968
KPUC 05 Dec 1950 10 Aug 1951 08 Apr 1968
KSM 01 Dec 1950 31 May 1951 26 Apr 1968
14 Apr 1952 24 Apr 1952 28 Apr 1968 01 May 1968
30 Apr 1952 21 Oct 1952 08 May 1968
AFEM 03 Apr 1960 04 Apr 1960 11 May 1968
26 Apr 1960 27 Apr 1960 31 May 1968
22 May 1961 27 May 1961 02 Jun 1968
05 Mar 1964 13 Mar 1964 17 May 1969 03 Jun 1969
12 May 1964 14 May 1964 15 Jun 1969 30 Jun 1969
05 Jun 1964 10 Jun 1964 VNSM 18 Jul 1965 13 Aug 1965
13 Jun 1964 17 Jun 1964 10 Sep 1965 01 Oct 1965
31 Aug 1964 06 Nov 1964 08 Oct 1965 29 Oct 1965
14 Nov 1964 21 Nov 1964 13 Nov 1965 17 Dec 1965
26 May 1965 03 Jun 1965 12 Nov 1966 18 Dec 1966
17 Mar 1968 21 Mar 1968 03 Jan 1967 07 Feb 1967
17 Sep 1969 13 Feb 1967 16 Mar 1967
28 Sep 1969 04 Oct 1969 28 Mar 1967 28 Apr 1967
MUC 05 May 1969 03 Nov 1969 25 Jan 1968 04 Mar 1968
01 Jan 1987 30 Jun 1988 25 Mar 1968 08 Apr 1968
07 Sep 1989 25 Oct 1989 16 Apr 1968
NEM 09 May 1981 18 Oct 1981 24 Apr 1968 12 May 1968
RVNGC 19 Oct 1965 20 Oct 1965 20 May 1968 14 Jun 1968
23 Oct 1965 28 Oct 1965 25 Jun 1968 23 Jul 1968
22 Nov 1965 05 May 1969 04 Jun 1969
24 Nov 1965 15 Jun 1969 01 Jul 1969
06 Dec 1965 12 Jul 1969 30 Jul 1969
15 Nov 1966 16 Nov 1966 14 Aug 1969 12 Sep 1969
20 Nov 1966 21 Nov 1966 08 Oct 1969 31 Oct 1969
06 Dec 1966 07 Dec 1970 30 Dec 1970
15 Dec 1966 12 Jan 1971 04 Feb 1971
06 Jan 1967 19 Feb 1971 01 Apr 1971
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 433

Unit Awards Received—Continued Unit Awards Received—Continued

Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award
09 Apr 1971 26 Apr 1971 01 Jun 1972 27 Jun 1972
03 May 1971 17 May 1971 07 Jul 1972 04 Aug 1972
29 May 1971 23 Jun 1971 14 Aug 1972 05 Sep 1972
08 Mar 1972 25 Mar 1972 15 Sep 1972 02 Oct 1972
03 Apr 1972 22 Apr 1972 12 Oct 1972 31 Oct 1972

A squadron F/A-18A Hornet assigned to CVW-5 aboard Midway (CV 41).

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434 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

VFA-203 Chronology of Significant Events

1 Jul 1970: VA-203 was established as a reserve
Lineage squadron under a new concept in the reorganization
Established as Attack Squadron TWO HUNDRED of the Naval Air Reserve Force. The reorganization
AND THREE (VA-203) on 1 July 1970. was intended to make the reserves more compatible
Redesignated Strike Fighter Squadron TWO HUN- with active duty units and to increase the combat
DRED AND THREE (VFA-203) on 1 October 1989. The readiness of the Naval Air Reserve Force.
first squadron to be assigned the VA-203 and VFA-203 15–22 May 1972: The squadron deployed to NAS
designation. Oceana to participate in exercise Exotic Dancer V,
designed to test multiservice operations under a uni-
fied command organization.
Squadron Insignia and Nickname Feb 1980: The squadron participated in a combined
The squadron’s insig- NATO forces exercise conducted at NAS Bermuda
nia was approved by called Safe Passage.
CNO on 24 October
1974. Colors for the blue Home Port Assignments
dolphin are as follows: a
dark blue border with Location Assignment Date
the upper half of the NAS Jacksonville 01 Jul 1970
background blue and the NAS Cecil Field 01 Dec 1977
lower half red, separated
by a dark blue line; dark Commanding Officers
blue dolphin with white
markings; blue scroll Date Assumed Command
The squadron’s one and only
insignia, the Blue Dolphins. When
with dark blue outlines CDR Walter N. Vance III 01 Jul 1970
the squadron was redesignated and lettering. CDR James S. Bassett 22 Jan 1972
VFA the VA designation in the Nickname: Blue CDR Bobby S. Morgan 29 Sep 1973
scroll was changed to VFA.
Dolphins, 1971-present. LCDR Jimmie W. Seeley 13 Sep 1975

A couple of squadron A-4L Skyhawks in flight, circa early 1970s.

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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 435

Commanding Officers—Continued Commanding Officers—Continued

Date Assumed Command Date Assumed Command

CDR F. Francis Hughes, Jr. 20 Aug 1977 CDR Timothy G. Palmer 24 Apr 1985
CDR A. Anthony Isger 21 Jul 1979 CDR Thomas J. Verrengia Jun 1986
CDR David A. Dollarhide 21 Feb 1981 CDR Ray K. Waddell 12 Dec 1987
CDR Jack C. Harris 21 Aug 1982 CDR Richard A. Bailey 1989
CDR George W. Weiler 1984 CDR William C. Bailey 26 May 1990

A squadron A-7A Corsair II in flight, circa 1974–1977.

Aircraft Assignment Air Wing Assignments

Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received Air Wing Tail Code Assignment Date
A-4L Jul 1971 CVWR-20 AF 01 Jul 1970
A-7A 05 Apr 1974
A-7B Aug 1977
A squadron F/A-18A Hornet at NAS
A-7E 22 Sep 1983 Fallon, Nevada, May 1990 (Courtesy
F/A-18 05 Nov 1989 Robert Lawson Collection).
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436 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

VFA-204 Chronology of Significant Events

1 Jul 1970: VA-204 was a reserve squadron estab-
Lineage lished as part of a reorganization intended to increase
Established as Attack Squadron TWO HUNDRED the combat readiness of the Naval Air Reserve Force.
FOUR (VA-204) on 1 July 1970. May 1972: The squadron participated in exercise
Redesignation Strike Fighter Squadron TWO HUN- Exotic Dancer V, designed to test multiservice opera-
DRED FOUR (VFA-204) on 1 May 1991. It is the first tions under a unified command organization.
squadron to be assigned the VA-204 and VFA-204 Feb 1980: VA-204 participated in a combined NATO
designation. forces exercise conducted near NAS Bermuda called
Safe Passage.
Squadron Insignia and
Nickname Home Port Assignments
The squadron’s
Location Assignment Date
insignia was approved
by CNO on 31 August NAS Memphis 01 Jul 1970
1970. Colors for the NAS New Orleans Jan 1978
insignia are: a yellow
background outlined in
Commanding Officers
red; white scroll out-
lined in red with blue Date Assumed Command
lettering; green bomb
The squadron’s River Rattlers CDR A. R. Scharff, Jr. 01 Jul 1970
insignia was approved by CNO in outlined in black, with a
CDR Theodore B. Hannah 01 Jul 1972
1970. yellow band on the
nose and white mark- CDR Sidney C. Dabbs 12 Jan 1974
ings on the fin; tan CDR Kenneth C. Juergens 12 Jul 1975
snake with green dia- CDR James S. Greenwood 15 Feb 1977
mond and white mark- CDR Norris J. Flagler 23 Sep 1978
ings, the underside of CDR James A. Cook 22 Mar 1980
the snake is yellow with CDR Edwin R. Phelps III 24 Oct 1981
black markings; white CDR Joseph A. Chronic 08 Jan 1983
fangs outlined in black; CAPT Kenneth A. McCluskey 14 Apr 1984
a red tongue with a CDR Donald R. Roesh 02 Mar 1985
dark pink mouth, out- CDR Robert O. Buschmann 13 Sep 1986
lined in red and a yel-
CDR Douglas R. Fischer 19 Mar 1988
low eye with a red
CDR Keith R. LaFlair Jul 1989
When the squadron was redesig- pupil; the entire snake
nated, the VA designation in the is outlined in black. CDR Ronald J. Roshelli Jul 1990
insignia scroll was changed to Nickname: River CDR D. L. Kloeppel Jul 1991
VFA.
Rattlers, 1970s-present.

A squadron A-4L Skyhawk comes in for a landing aboard Saratoga

A squadron A-7E Corsair II comes in for a landing, 1984.
(CV 60).
 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 437

Aircraft Assignment

Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received

A-4C 01 Jul 1970
A-4L Aug 1970
A-7B 15 Mar 1978
A-7E Jun 1986
F/A-18A Apr 1991

Air Wing Assignments

Air Wing Tail Code Assignment Date

CVWR-20 AF 01 Jul 1970

Unit Awards Received

Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award

NAVE 01 Jan 1984 31 Dec 1984 A squadron A-7E Corsair II flies over New Orleans, Louisiana, 1984.

A squadron F/A-18A Hornet, 1992 (Courtesy Robert Lawson Collection).

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438 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

VFA-303 of CVWR-30’s tactical air mobilization test and the

operational readiness exercise/inspection to ensure the
Lineage squadron was seaworthy and combat ready.
19 Oct 1985: VFA-303 was the first reserve squadron
Established as Attack Squadron THREE HUNDRED to transition to the F/A-18 Hornet.
THREE (VA-303) on 1 July 1970. 25 Sep–20 Nov 1990: A detachment of the
Redesignated Strike Fighter Squadron THREE HUN- squadron’s F/A-18 Hornets and personnel, along with
DRED THREE (VFA-303) on 1 January 1984. VFA-305, joined CVW-11 aboard Abraham Lincoln
Disestablished on 31 December 1994. The first (CVN 72) for her transit from Norfolk to Alameda, via
squadron to be assigned the VA-303 and VFA-303 Cape Horn.
designation. Nov 1990: A detachment of squadron aircraft and
personnel deployed to NWC China Lake in direct sup-
Squadron Insignia and port of Operation Desert Shield. Provided critical real
Nickname world electronic warfare test and evaluation missions
requiring aircraft fully functional with electronic war-
The squadron’s
fare, Harm missile and electronic countermeasure
insignia was approved
suites.
by CNO on 23 February
1993: In early 1993 the squadron added the roles of
1972. Colors for the
Adversary and Fleet Support to its primary mission.
hawk insignia are: a
blue background out-
lined by two gold circles
with white diamonds
The squadron’s Golden Hawks between the gold cir-
insignia. cles; white and red
bridge; gold hawk with
black markings and a red lightning bolt eminating
from its beak; the Corsair II design is white; blue
scrolls outlined in gold with gold lettering.
A modification to the above insignia was approved
by CNO on 24 April
1984. The bridge design
was replaced by brown
mountains with white
A squadron A-4C Skyhawk, April 1971 (Courtesy Robert Lawson
markings; the Corsair II Collection).
design was replaced by
a white hornet and the Home Port Assignments
Attack Squadron 303
designation was Location Assignment Date
changed to Strike NAS Alameda 01 Jul 1970
Fighter Squadron 303. NAS Lemoore 01 Jan 1984
All the other colors
Following the redesignation of the remained the same as
Commanding Officers
squadron, the designation in the the previous insignia.
insignia scroll was changed to
Strike Fighter Squadron 303.
Nickname: Golden Date Assumed Command
Hawks, 1972–1994.
CDR William E. Nelson 01 Jul1970
CDR Philip H. Benz 17 Jul1971
Chronology of Significant Events CDR Olin A. Gray 21 Jan 1973
1 Jul 1970: VA-303, a reserve squadron, established CDR Reid T. Melville 14 Dec 1974
as part of a reorganization of the reserves intended to CDR Alfred F. Talley 19 Jun 1976
increase the combat readiness of the Naval Air Reserve CDR Thomas E. Gehman 17 Jun 1978
Force. CDR Donald P. Smith 21 Jun 1980
Apr 1971: VA-303 was the first reserve squadron to CDR Harold Shorr 1982
transition to the A-7A Corsair II. CDR Richard A. Banks 23 Jul 1983
Nov 1975: The squadron deployed aboard Ranger CDR Robert R. Greathouse 1984
(CV 61) for the annual active duty training and as part CDR Jon L. Green Oct 1985
CDR Scott H. Davis 11 Apr 1987
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 439

Commanding Officers—Continued

Date Assumed Command

CDR John S. Wood 22 Oct 1988
CDR Charles B. Askey 19 May 1990
CDR Barry C. Douglas 18 May 1991
CDR Ronald J. Smeltzer 19 Sep 1992
CDR Jeffrey L. Schram 08 Jan 1994

Aircraft Assignment

Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received

A-4C 01 Jul 1970
A-7A 05 Apr 1971
A-7B 11 Aug 1977
F/A-18A 19 Oct 1985

Air Wing Assignments

Air Wing Tail Code Assignment Date

CVWR-30 ND 01 Jul 1970

Unit Awards Received

Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award

NAVE 01 Jul 1971 31 Dec 1972
01 Jan 1987 31 Dec 1987
01 Jan 1989 31 Dec 1989
Two squadron A-7A Corsair IIs in flight, 1977. 01 Jan 1991 31 Dec 1991

A squadron F/A-18A Hornet comes in for a carrier landing, circa 1986.

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440 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

VFA-305 Chronology of Significant Events

1 Jul 1970: VA-305, a reserve squadron, established
Lineage as part of a reorganization of the reserves intended to
Established as Attack Squadron THREE HUNDRED increase the combat readiness of the Naval Air Reserve
FIVE (VA-305) on 1 July 1970. Force.
Redesignated Strike Fighter Squadron THREE HUN- Nov 1976: The squadron deployed aboard Ranger
DRED FIVE (VFA-305) on 1 January 1987. (CV 61) for the annual active duty training and as part
Disestablished on 31 December 1994. The first of CVWR-30’s tactical air mobilization test and the
squadron to be assigned the VA-305 and VFA-305 operational readiness exercise/inspection to ensure the
designation. squadron was seaworthy and combat ready and as
part of a congressional ordered Reserve Air Test.
25 Sep–20 Nov 1990: The squadron’s deployment
Squadron Insignia and with CVW-11 aboard Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) was
Nickname the first total integration of a reserve squadron with an
The squadron’s first active duty air wing for a long deployment in support
insignia was approved of a direct fleet operational requirements. Squadron
by CNO on 29 June personnel participated in exercises and officer
1971. Colors for the dag- exchanges with the armed forces of Argentina and
ger insignia were: a gray Chile and also flew drug interdiction missions during
background outlined in the deployment.
green; green diagonal 1993: In 1993 the squadron added the roles of
strips; gold dagger out- Adversary and Fleet Support to its primary mission.
lined in black; gray
scroll outlined in green
The dagger design was the
squadron’s first insignia.
with black lettering.
A new insignia was
adopted and approved
by CNO on 3 January
1974. Colors for the
wolf insignia are: a
white background out-
lined in brown; green
diagonal strips outlined
in brown; brown and
white wolf’s head, white
and red eye, white A line of squadron A-4C Skyhawks, 1971.
mouth and teeth with a
red tongue; white scroll
outlined in bown with Home Port Assignments
In 1974, the squadron adopted a brown lettering.
the wolf head insignia. The desig- Location Assignment Date
nation in the scroll was changed Nicknames: The
from Attack Squadron 305 to Strike Hackers, 1971–1974. NAS Los Alamitos 01 Jul 1970
Fighter Squadron 305 in 1987. Lobos, 1974–1994. NAS Point Mugu Jan 1971

A squadron A-7A
Corsair II on a train-
ing flight, circa early
1970s.
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 441

Commanding Officers Commanding Officers—Continued

Date Assumed Command Date Assumed Command

CDR Steven B. Daggett 01 Jul 1970 CDR John K. McGuire, Jr. 21 Jul 1990
CDR Louis F. Carson, Jr. 09 Jan 1972 CDR P. B. Sanwick 20 Jul 1991
CDR Earl L. Jackson, Jr. 08 Jul 1973 CDR Steven R. Sewell 14 Nov 1992
CDR Donald B. Norris 1975 CDR Barry E. Rainey 12 Feb 1994
CDR Ronald V. Boch 1976
CDR Louis E. Jones 21 Jan 1978 Aircraft Assignment
CDR Paul G. Giberson 30 Sep 1979
CDR Douglas L. Bailey 25 Apr 1981 Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received
CDR Jerry R. DeGiorgio 24 Oct 1982 A-4C 01 Jul 1970
CDR Robert W. Lind 23 Jul 1984 A-4E Dec 1971
CDR Dennis J. Sapp 23 Feb 1986 A-7A 26 Jun 1972
CDR John P. Hazelrig 19 Sep 1987 A-7B 1978
CDR Jan D. Janiec 23 Oct 1988 F/A-18A Jan 1987

A formation of squadron A-7E Corsair IIs, 1984.

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442 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

Major Overseas Deployments

Date of Date of Air Type of Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Aircraft Operation

25 Sep 1990 20 Nov 1990 CVW-11 CVN-72 F/A-18A East to West Coast
Transit via Cape Horn

A squadron F/A-18A Hornet touches down on Abraham Lincoln’s (CVN 72) deck, October 1990.

Air Wing Assignments Unit Awards Received

Unit Award Inclusive Dates Covering Unit Award
Air Wing Tail Code Assignment Date
NAVE 01 Oct 1976 30 Sep 1978
CVWR-30 ND 01 Jul 1970 01 Jan 1983 31 Dec 1983
CVW-11 Sep 1990 01 Jan 1990 31 Dec 1990
CVWR-30 ND Dec 1990 MUC Nov 1976 Jan 1980

A squadron F/A-18A
Hornet at Naval Air
Warfare Center Weapons
Division Point Mugu,
California, 1993.
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

APPENDIX 1

Aircraft Data—
Technical Information and Drawings
Compiled and written by

Dr. William J. Armstrong

Historian
Naval Air Systems Command

A-3 (A3D) Skywarrior led to the development and production of the A3D
Skywarrior. Unusually large for a carrier-based aircraft,
Early in the Second World War, the Navy began to the A3D quickly earned the nickname whale.
explore the concept of a jet powered aircraft operating The Navy would never have a strategic bombing
from carriers. Success encouraged further development role in the defense of the United States, but the 282
of the concept, and early in the post war years the Skywarriors which the Navy purchased served well in
Navy began to consider jet power as a possible means many roles. And as the last decade of the century
of operating from carriers, aircraft that were large began, the KA-3 and EA-3 soldiered on as tankers and
enough to provide a strategic bombing capability. electronic warfare aircraft.
In January 1948, the Chief of Naval Operations First contract 29 September 1949
issued a requirement to develop a long range, carrier- First flight 22 October 1952
based attack plane that could deliver a 10,000 pound First reported in squadron By VAH-1 on 31 March 1956
bomb load. The contract which the Navy awarded to Last delivery January 1961
the Douglas Aircraft Company on 29 September 1949 Number accepted 282

An A3D-1 Skywarrior, 1956.

443
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444 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

Model Designations Accepted from the six 1,000 pound Mk 36

Manufacturer (New Builds) four 2,000 pound Mk 25
two 2,000 pound Mk 10
XA3D-1:
six 1,000 pound Mk 52-1
Experimental aircraft.
twelve 374 pound Mk 53-0
YA3D-1: four 2,000 pound XG-7
Prototype aircraft. one 1,558 pound Mk 12
A3D-1 (redesignated A-3A): four 2,000 pound Mk 39-0
The primary mission was attack of enemy surface Special stores:
targets. The A-3A had a conventional swept-wing Guns/ammunition two 20 mm (M3)/500
structure, two turbo-jet engines, provisions for a three-
rounds per gun
man crew of pilot, bomber-assistant pilot and a gun-
tail turret system Aero 21B
ner-navigator. There were provisions for twelve 4,500
Radar bomb director AN/ASB-1A
pound thrust JATO bottles and for in-flight refueling.
The airplane was a conventional swept-wing structure Power plant:
with an all metal wing and a semi-monocoque fuse- Two J57-P10 Pratt & Whitney turbojet dual rotor, axial
lage. The two turbo-jet engines were enclosed in flow engines.
under-wing nacelles. The tricycle landing gear, arrest- Length 158 in
ing gear, wing fold and tail fold mechanisms, single Diameter 41 in
slotted wing flaps and power boost were operated by Electronics:
hydraulic power. The horizontal stabilizer was Radio altimeter AN/APN-22
adjustable for trim in flight. VOR homing AN/ARN-14E
A3D-2 (redesignated A-3B): VHF trans-receiver AN/ARC-27A
At first designated A3D-1B, the A3D-2 differed from TACAN AN/ARN-21
the A3D-1 by additional provisions for a fourth crew HF trans-receiver AN/ARC-38
member. The leading edge slats were actuated auto- IFF transponder AN/APX-6B
matically by aerodynamic loads. Anti-skid braking was Interphone AN/AIC-4A
provided. The JATO installation accommodated twelve Coder AN/APA-89
4,500 pound thrust bottles. In-flight refueling and UHF direction finder AN/ARA-25
tanker provisions were provided for the A3D-2. The
following are technical specifications for the A-3B: A3D-2P (redesignated RA-3B):
The production version of the YA3D-2P. This recon-
Weight: naissance aircraft carried a pressurized camera com-
Empty 37,077 lbs partment with twelve camera stations. The compart-
Basic 37,545 lbs ment also housed camera controls, camera door
Design 55.942 lbs
controls and stowage for spare film magazines. The
Combat 61.377 lbs
bomb bay accommodated photo-flash bombs and/or
Max T.O. (Land) 78.000 lbs
cartridges. Sighting equipment and view-finders were
Max T.O. (Cat) 73.000 lbs
located in the cockpit.
Max landing (land) 56,000 lbs
Max landing (carrier) 49.000 lbs A3D-2C (redesignated EA-3B):
The principal mission of the A3D-2Q was to search
Dimensions:
Wing area 770 sq ft for enemy radar. Provisions were made for a crew of
Wing span 72.5 ft seven: pilot, navigator-assistant pilot, gunner-radioman
M.A.C. 140.14 in and four ECM operators including an evaluator.
Sweepback 36 degrees A3D-2T (redesignated TA-3B):
Length 74.7 ft Trainer version.
Height 22.8 ft
Tread 10.4 ft
Other Designations
Ordnance:
Bombs twelve 500 pound G.P. A3D-1P (redesignated RA-3A):
six 1,000 pound G.P.. Same as A-3A except equipped for photography.
eight 1,600 pound A.P. A3D-1Q (EA-3A):
four 2,000 pound G.P. Same as A-3A except equipped for countermea-
Mines twelve 500 pound Mk 50 sures. Bomb capabilities removed.
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 445

VA-3B: Bureau Numbers

Similar to EA-3B aircraft except certain readily XA3D-1 125412-125413
detachable electronic equipments removed from cabin YA3D-1 130352
area and the installation of equipment necessary for A3D-1 130353-130363
personnel accommodations. A3D-1 135407-135444
KA-3B: A3D-2 138902-138976
Similar to A-3A aircraft except modified to a tanker A3D-2 142236-142255
capability. YA3D-2P 142256 (Aircraft never accepted)
A3D-2Q 142257 (Aircraft never accepted)
EKA-3B: A3D-2W 142258 (Bureau number canceled)
Model A-3B aircraft configured for the TACOS A3D-2 142400-142407
(Tanker Aircraft/Countermeasures or Strike) mission. A3D-2 142630-142665
NRA-3B: A3D-2P 142666-142669
An A-3B equipped as test bed for Harpoon and A3D-2Q 142670-142673
A3D-2 144626-144629
Cruise missile guidance systems.
A3D-2P 144825-144847
ERA-3B: A3D-2Q 144848-144855
RA-3B modified to fleet electronic warfare support A3D-2T 144856-144867
group configuration. A3D-2 147648-147668

Line drawings for an A-3 Skywarrior.

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446 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

A4D (A-4) Skyhawk Weight:

Empty 8,286 lbs
By the early 1950s, jet power had matured to the Basic 8,375 lbs
point where the Navy became interested in using it for Design 12,504 lbs
an attack aircraft. At that time, the AD Skyraider was Combat 11,702 lbs
the Navy’s premier VA plane. The A4D Skyhawk Max Takeoff (Field) 19,910 lbs
(redesignated A-4) was the successor of the AD-1 Max Takeoff (Catapult) 19,910 lbs
Skyraider. Interdiction and close air support was what Max Landing (Field) 11,556 lbs
the aircraft was designed to do by the Douglas Max Landing (Arrest) 11,556 lbs
Company’s aeronautical engineer, Mr. Ed Heinemann. Ordnance:
First contract 10 Sep 1952 Four 20 mm guns with 280 rounds on wing
First flight 22 Jun 1954 Fire control: six Aero 14B racks on wing
First reported in squadron 27 Sep 1956 Max load capacity 3,000 pounds
Last delivery 27 Feb 1979 Electronics:
Number accepted 2,876 UHF Comm AN/ARC-27A
IFF AN/APX-6
IFF Coder AN/APA-B9
UHF ADF AN/ARA-25
TACAN (Backfit) AN/ARN-21
Power Plant:
One Wright J65-W-4 axial flow engine.
A4D-2 (Redesignated A-4B):
The A4D-2 differed from the A4D-1 primarily by the
incorporation of a pressure fueling-system, flight refuel-
ing provisions and a powered elevator system. One seat.
A4D-2N (Redesignated A-4C):
Improved A-4B with longer nose. One seat.
A4D-5 (Redesignated A-4E):
The A4D-5 was an A4D-2N with the J-52-P6 engine
and two additional wing weapon stations. One crew.
An XA4D-1 Skyhawk takes off on its maiden flight from Edwards A-4F:
AFB, California, June 1954. Similar to A-4E but with J52-P-8A engine. ESCAPAC
IC-3 ejection seat. One crew.
Model Designations Accepted from the A-4G:
Manufacturer (New Builds) For Australian Navy.
Only one model will list the technical specifica- A-4H:
tions for the aircraft. All the other models will only For FMS.
identify the specific changes resulting in a new A-4K:
model designation.
For New Zealand.
A4D-1 (Redesignated A-4A):
A-4KU:
The A4D-1 was a single seat aircraft designed as a
For FMS.
light weight, carrier-based, turbo-jet plane whose pri-
mary mission was the destruction of enemy ground A-4M:
and surface targets. The structure was a conventional Similar to A-4F but with enlarged canopy. One crew.
all metal semi-monocoque type. Fitted with automati- A-4N:
cally operated wing slats and hydraulically operated For FMS.
split flaps. Folding wings were not provided. The fol-
lowing are the technical specifications for the A4D-1:
Dimensions: Other Designations
Wing area 260 sq ft TA-4B:
Wing span 27 ft 6 in Small, single-seat, delta wing, carrier-based, attack
Length 39 ft 5 in aircraft with tricycle landing gear and in-flight refuel-
Height 15 ft 7 in ing capability.
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 447

EA-4P: A-4E 151984-152100

TA-4F modified for ECM missions. TA-4E 152102-152106
A-4L: A-4F 152101, 154172-154286, 154970-155069
A-4C with new engine, winglift spoilers, Walleye TA-4F 152846-152878, 153459-153531, 153660-
and Shrike missile capability, and improved avionics. 153690, 154287-154343, 154614-151657
A-4G 154903-154910
OA-4M: TA-4G 154911-154912
A-4M modified for use by Marine Corps in high A-4H 155242-155289, 157395-157428, 157918-
speed reconnaissance and tactical air control. 157925
A-4S: TA-4H 157429-157134, 157926-157929
A-4B aircraft for use by Singapore. TA-4J 155070-155119, 156891-156950, 158073-
TA-4S: 158147, 158453-158527, 158712-158723,
Trainer version of the A-4S. 159099-159104, 159546-159556, 153795-
159798
A-4K 157904-157913
Bureau Numbers TA-4K 157914-157917
XA4D-1 137812 A-4KU 160180-160209
A4D-1 137813-137831, 139919-139970, 142142 TA-4KU 160210-160215
- 142235 A-4M 158148-158136, 158412-158435, 159470-
142082-142141, 142116-142423, 142674- 159493, 159778-159794, 160022-160045,
142953, 144868-145061 160241-160264
A4D-2N 145062-145146, 146460-146692, 147669- A-4N 158726-158746, 159035-153052, 159075-
147819, 148304-148317, 159098, 159349-159350, 159515-159545,
148465-148614, 149487-149646, 150581- 159799-159824
150600 A4D-5 149647-149666, 149959-150438, 151022-
A4D-3 145147-145156 151261

Line drawings for an A-4 Skyhawk.

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448 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

A3J (A-5) Vigilante Weight:

Empty 32,714 lbs
The two aircraft that rank as the heaviest the Navy Combat 47,530 lbs
ever deployed aboard carrier are the A-3 Skywarrior Combat Range 1,750 nm to 2,270 nm
Engines two 17,000 lbs General Electric
and the A-5 Vigilante. Designed by North American to
J79-8 or
be a supersonic, allweather, strategic bomber, the
two 15,690 lbs General Electric J79-2
Vigilante began life as the A3J and was redesignated A-
Ordnance Internal stores including special
5 in the general redesignation of Defense Department
weapons
airplanes that occurred in 1962. The contractor referred Two wing stations for external stores.
to this design as the “North American General Purpose
Attack Weapon” (NAGPAW). The first contract for this A3J-2 (redesignated A-5B):
aircraft was awarded to North American by the Navy Greater fuel capacity and two additional wing sta-
on 29 August 1956. Its first flight occurred two years tions for ordnance.
later on 31 August 1958. Technical difficulties and A3J-3P (redesignated RA-5C):
strategic prioritites prevented the A3J from ever serving Same as A-5B but equipped with day and night
in its intended role, but it did find a valuable place as a panoramic cameras that could scan horizon to hori-
reconnaissance aircraft. The Vigilante was first reported zon. Also equipped with cameras for still photogra-
in squadron by VAH-3 in June 1961, and completed its phy. Electronic systems included jamming and intelli-
final deployment in September 1979. A total of 156 gence gathering capabilities.
Vigilantes were bought.
Bureau Numbers
YA3J-1 145157-145158
A3J-1 147850-147863
A3J-1 148924-148923
A3J-1 149276-149299
A3J-2 149300-149305
A3J-3P 149306-149317
A3J-3P 150823-150842
RA-5C 151615-151634
RA-5C 151726-151728
RA-5C 151962-151969 (all canceled)
RA-5C 156608-156653

A YA3J-1 Vigilante takes off, circa late 1950s.

Model Designations Accepted from the

Manufacturer (New Builds)

YA3J-1:
Prototype version of the A3J-1.
A3J-1 (redesignated A-5A):
Crew two
Length 76 ft 6 in
Span:
Open 53 ft
Folded 42 ft
Wing area 700 sq ft
Height:
Tail upright 19 ft
Tail folded 14 ft 6 in Line drawings for an A3J (A-5) Vigilante.
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 449

A-6 Intruder Model Designations Accepted from the

Manufacturer (New Builds)
The Navy’s experience with jet aircraft in the Korean A-6A:
conflict led to a requirement for a low-level attack
Originally designated A2F-1 and changed to A-6A in
bomber that could deliver ordnance against moving
the DOD uniform designation system, this aircraft was
and fixed sea and land targets in all-weather and dark-
first accepted by the Navy in February 1963 by VA-42.
ness. It was to be subsonic and capable of delivering
At light weights it could operate from short unpre-
nuclear as well as conventional ordnance thus being
pared fields in close support of ground troops; at
useful in both nuclear retaliatory and conventional
higher weights it could operate from catapult on long
conflicts. The Chief of Naval Operations issued the
range special weapon strikes against heavily defended
operational requirement (CA-01504) for this aircraft on
fixed targets. The A-6A had an attack-navigation and
2 October 1956. On 5 March 1957 the Navy
central digital computer system to find targets in all
announced its intention to conduct a design competi-
moving conditions.
tion for an aircraft that would meet the operational
requirement. Eight manufacturers submitted eleven EA-6A:
designs to this competition. The Navy selected the The original designation of the EA-6A was A2F-1Q.
Grumman design. The aircraft that Grummman pro- This aircraft retained a portion of the A-6A’s attack
duced was a swept-wing two-place plane with excep- capability but gave up much of its bombing and navi-
tional loitering ability that could fly under enemy radar gation equipment to make space for antennas to con-
and carry greater and more varied stores than any vert the attack plane into an effective electronic war-
naval attack aircraft of its time. It was powered by two fare aircraft.
Pratt & Whitney J-52 P-6 turbojet engines each with A-6B:
8,500 pounds of thrust. The Intruder made its first The A-6B was a version of the A-6A design pro-
flight 19 April 1960 as the A2F-1, a designation that
duced to meet the special wartime need of destroying
became A-6A in the Department of Defense’s uniform
ground-based antiaircraft defenses. The A-6B was
designation system.
equipped to carry the Standard Anti-Radiation Missile
First contract 26 March 1959 (ARM) and had emitter location sensors.
First flight 19 April 1960
KA-6D:
First reported in squadron February 1963 (A-6A
A-6A modified for use as aerial refueling tanker.
in VA-42)
Initial operating capability February 1963 A-6E:
Number accepted 687 The Navy began to develop this version of the

An early A2F-1 Intruder in flight, circa early 1960s.

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450 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

Intruder in the late 1960s. The first production deliver- Other Designations (Modifications of
ies were made in 1971. The A-6E was intended to existing airframes)
reduce the necessary maintenance on the aircraft by
increasing the reliability of its equipment and support. A-6C:
There were also improvements in the search and track The A-6C was another special version of the A-6A
radar, the computer and armament control equipment. produced to meet a wartime necessity. It was
The A-6E program involved new production A-6E’s and equipped with infrared sensors and Low Light Level
the modification of A-6A’s to the -6E configuration. The Television (LLLT). The A-6C was known by the
latter resulted in converting 240 A-6As to A-6Es. acronym TRIM which described the aircraft’s mission
A-6E TRAM: as Trails, Roads Interdiction Multi-sensor. The A-6C’s
The Target Recognition Attack Multisensor (TRAM) sensors were meant to detect the enemy’s supply
configuration of the A-6E greatly improved the air- depots and truck traffic in Southeast Asia.
craft’s capability. Introduced in 1976, the TRAM ver-
sion was equipped with a laser ranger and designator, JA-6A:
a laser spot tracker and high resolution infrared sen- A-6A modified as a test-bed for Circulation Control
sor. The crew was able to view television quality Wing research and development.
images of their targets by day or night. The TRAM sen-
sors greatly improve both ballistic and visual bombing
accuracy. The TRAM version is equipped to launch Bureau Numbers
laser-guided bombs and missiles. The TRAM’s ASN-92 A2F-1 147861-147867, 148615-148626,
CAINS inertial navigation system gave the crew greater 149475-149486, 149935-149958,
reliability and accuracy than was possible with the 151558-151594
ASN-31. The TRAM version also had an Automatic A2F-lQ 151595-151612
Carrier Landing System (ACLS) and the Approach
A-6A 151780-151827, 152583-152646,
Power Compensator to provide totally automatic land-
ing aboard carrier. 152891-152964, 154124-154171,
Specifications for the A-6E are as follows: 155137-155190, 155581-155721,
Length 54 ft 9 in 156994-157029, 158041-158052,
Span 53 ft 160421-160431
Height 16 ft 3 in A-6B 154046-154099
Height with wings folded 21 ft 11 in KA-6D 158053-158072
Weight 26,896 pounds empty A-6E 158041-158052, 158528-158539,
60,400 pounds gross 158787-158798, 159174-159185,
Crew 2 159309-159317, 159567-159581,
Speed Over 500 knots 159895-159906, 160421-160431,
Engines 2 Pratt & Whitney 9,300 lb
160993-160998, 161082-161093,
J52-P-8
Ordnance Five external store positions. 161100-161114, 161230-161241,
Maximum load of 17,280 161659-161694, 161886-161897,
pounds 163520-163530

Line drawings for an A-6 Intruder.

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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 451

A-7 Corsair II Model Designations Accepted from

Manufacturer (New Builds)
In May 1963, the Navy began a design competition
A-7A:
for a light-attack, carrier-based aircraft to replace the
A single-place, carrier-based, light attack, subsonic,
Douglas A-4E Skyhawk. The new aircraft was to carry
medium range aircraft, the A-7A was powered by the
a larger ordnance payload than the Skyhawk and fly a
Pratt & Whitney TF30-P-6 engine and designed to pro-
greater combat radius. Vought, Douglas, Grumman,
vide high attack utility and flexibility for close support
and North American responded to the Navy’s invita-
and interdiction missions by virtue of a large number
tion to bid. Vought was selected as the winner in
of external store stations to provide ordnance loading
February 1964. In March, the designation A-7A was
capacity and freedom of ordnance choice. A large
approved for the new aircraft. The proposal by Vought
internal fuel capacity made external fuel unnecessary
engineers was based on their F-8 Crusader but without
for most missions while retaining maximum number of
that fighter’s adjustable wing incidence. It was to
stations for armament. The A-7A’s combat range was
incorporate the Pratt & Whitney TF30-P-6 turbo-fan
not less than 1,180 nautical miles with an average
engine which had been developed for the F-111. The
cruising speed never under 390 knots. The aircraft had
engine for the A-7, however, was not to have an after-
an excellent overload capability in terms of wind-over-
burner. By using a proven design and engine, devel-
deck requirements, flying qualities and structural
opment of the A-7 was greatly accelerated over what it
integrity. Features to expedite maintenance and air-
would have been if both airframe and powerplant
plane turnaround were important A-7A design charac-
were entirely new concepts.
teristics. The A-7A was designed with a fixed wing
The following are significant dates for the A-7:
incidence and a high-lift system composed of leading
The first flight occurred on 27 September 1965, and
edge flaps and single slotted trailing edge flaps. Lateral
an A-7A Corsair II was delivered to VA-174 on 13
control was provided by outboard ailerons and
October 1966.
inboard spoilers.
Carrier trials began aboard America (CVA 66) in
November 1966. A-7B:
Carrier trials ended with the final acceptance trials at Similar to A-7A except with improved engine, a
sea aboard Constellation (CVA 64) in March 1967. Pratt & Whitney TF30-P-8 or -408, instead of the TF30-
First tactical unit, VA-147 was established February P-6 used in the A-7A. Also, variable position flaps, not
1967 and the second, VA-87, was established in June found in the A-7A, were incorporated in the A-7B.
1967. A-7C:
First operational squadron deployed aboard Ranger Initially intended to be a two-seat training version
(CVA 61) in November 1967. of the A-7B. When this plan was not pursued, the A-
CDR James C. Hill, writing in Proceedings, states 7C designation served as a “stop-gap” assigned to
that his squadron, VA-147, was established February those aircraft accepted with the improvements intend-
1967 and the A-7 “deployed into the combat environ- ed for aircraft accepted as A-7E but lacking the Rolls
ment of Southeast Asia on 4 November.” Royce TF41-A-2 engine intended for the A-7E. All A-7Cs
First A-7 combat action was December 1967, flown were powered by either the Pratt & Whitney TF30-P-8
by VA-147 from Ranger (CVA 61). or -408.

An early A-7A Corsair

II in flight, circa mid-
1960s.
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452 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

A-7D: EA-7L:
For U.S. Air Force. Converted from TA-7C; modified to FEWSG configu-
A-7E: rations.
Made its combat debut when VA-146 and VA-147 A-7P:
deployed in April 1970 in America (CVA 66). The A-7E For Portugal, converted from A-7A.
was similar to A-7B but with improved naval weapons TA-7P:
delivery system, the AVQ-7B Head-Up Display, the Two-seat trainer version for Portugal, converted
ASN-91 Tactical Computer, the APQ-126 Forward from A-7A.
Looking Radar, the ASN-90 Inertial Measurement Set
and one 20 mm M61Al gun instead of two 20 mm MK- Bureau Numbers
12 guns. All A-7Es were powered by the Rolls Royce
TF41-A-2 engine built, with modifications under YA-7A 152580-152582
license by Allison division of General Motors. The A-7A 152647-152685
A-7A 153134-153273
TF41, a non-afterburner engine, had a thrust of 15,000
A-7A 154344-154360
pounds which was a considerable increase over the
A-7A 154913-154929 (Deliveries canceled)
TF30-P-8 and -408. Specifications for the A-7E are as
A-7B 154361-154573 (Deliveries of 154557-154573
follows:
canceled)
Wing: A-7B 156178-156417 (Deliveries canceled)
Area 375 sq ft A-7C 156734-156800
Maximum span 38.73 ft A-7E 156801-156890
Folded span 23.77 ft A-7E 157435-157648 (Deliveries of 157595-157648
Aspect ratio 4 canceled)
Sweep 1/4 chord 35° A-7E 158002-158028
MGC 130.08 in A-7E 158652-158681
Length 46.13 ft A-7E 158819-158842
Height 16.06 ft A-7E 159261-159308
Maximum tread 9.49 ft A-7E 159638-159661
Weight (with TF41-A-2 engine): A-7E 159668-159679
Empty 18,546 lbs A-7E 159967-160006
Basic 19,576 lbs A-7E 160537-160566
Design 29,575 lbs A-7E 160613-160618
Combat (Clean A/P) 25,834 lbs A-7E 160710-160739
Maximum takeoff (Overload) 42,000 lbs A-7E 160857-160886 (Deliveries of 160881-160886
Maximum takeoff (Normal) 37,279 lbs canceled)
Maximum landing (Carrier) 25,300 lbs A-7H 159622-159667
Ordnance: A-7H 159913-159966
One 20 mm aircraft gun, M61. TA-7H 161218-161222
Two fuselage pylons for missiles.
Six wing-mounted pylons with total capacity of
19,000 pounds.
A-7H:
For Greece.
TA-7H:
Two-seat trainer version of A-7H for Greece.
A-7K:
Two-seat A-7D for U.S. Air Force.

Other Designations

TA-7C:
Two-seat trainer version, converted from A-7B and
A-7C.
A-7G:
Designation of aircraft for Switzerland. Never
delivered. Line drawings for an A-7 Corsair II.
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 453

AD (A-1) Skyraider Model Designations Accepted from the

Manufacturer (New Builds)
During World War II the Navy began looking for a Only one model will list the technical specifica-
new dive-bomber torpedo aircraft to meet its changing tions for the aircraft. All the other models will only
tactical and operational requirements. Several planes, identify the specific changes resulting in a new
among them the AD’s direct predecessor, the model designation.
SB2D/BTD, were developed by the Bureau of AD-1:
Aeronautics. Design difficulties and over-weight prob- The initial single seat version of the Skyraider was
lems, however, ultimately led to a decision not to pro- powered by a 2,500 hp Wright R-3350-24W engine. Its
duce the SB2D/BTD. This in turn led to a new design details were as follows:
which incorporated the good features of the Weight empty 10,508 lbs
SB2D/BTD while overcoming its inherent difficulties. Gross (Scout) 13,924 lbs
The AD series (later redesignated A-1) that emerged Gross (Bomber) 18,030 lbs
from the combined efforts of the Bureau of Dimensions:
Aeronautics and Douglas, who was the contractor, had Wing span 50 ft
two particularly significant design aspects. First, great Length 38 ft 4 in
emphasis was placed on the importance of the strin- Height 17 ft 6 in
gent weight control policy. Secondly, the standard Ordnance on Fuselage:
bulky, heavy bomb displacing gear was replaced by a Bombs one 2,000 lbs
light, explosive device which literally blew the bomb Depth bomb one 650 lbs
clear. In comparison with the most advanced opera- Mine one 2,000 lbs
tional dive-bombers in 1945, the AD’s initial design Torpedo one MK 13-3
compared most favorably with a 27 percent greater Ordnance on Wings:
top speed and a capability of carrying up to 4,000 Bombs two 2,000 lbs
Depth Bombs two 650 lbs
pounds of either bombs or torpedoes.
Mines two 1,000 lbs
First contract 6 Jul 1944 Rockets two 11.75 in. Tiny Tim
First flight 18 Mar 1945 twelve HVAR
First reported in squadron 6 Dec 1946 Torpedo two MK 13-3
Last delivery Mar 1957 Guns two 20 mm (M3)
Last reported in squadron 31 Dec 1971 AD-1Q:
Number accepted 3,180 AD-1 with countermeasures unit.

An XBT2D-1 in
flight. This was
the first designa-
tion assigned to
the AD
Skyraider.
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454 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

AD-2: terline bomb station of the AD-6 was capable of carry-

Powered with the improved 2,700 hp Wright R- ing external stores up to 3500 pounds weight and 30
3350-26W engine. inches diameter. A combination 14 and 30 inch sus-
AD-2Q: pension bomb ejector was installed. A bomb director
AD-2 with countermeasures equipment. suitable for either high or low altitude bombing was
also installed.
AD-3:
Stronger fuselage, improved landing gear, new AD-7 (Redesignated A-1J):
canopy design. The improvements in the AD-7 over its predecessors
include the use of the R-3350-26WB engine and struc-
AD-3N: tural improvements in the wing to improve fatigue life.
Equipped for night attack.
AD-3Q:
Other Designations
Countermeasures equipment improved and relocat-
ed to provide better operation and crew comfort. AD-1U:
AD-3W: AD-1 with radar countermeasures and tow target
Airborne early warning equipment. equipment. Deletion of armament and water injection
equipment.
AD-4:
The AD-4 was equipped with a strengthened land- XAD-1W:
ing gear, improved radar, G-2 compass, anti-G suit AD-1 with airborne early warning equipment. AD-
provisions, 4-20 mm cannon, and Aero 14 rocket 3W prototype.
launchers capable of carrying up to 50 pounds of XAD-2:
bombs. Similar to XBT2D-1 except engine, increased fuel
AD-4W: capacity.
Airborne early warning equipment. AD-2N:
AD-1N: Equipped for night operations.
The primary mission of the AD-4N airplane was AD-2U:
night attack and radar countermeasures. AD-2 with radar countermeasure and tow target
AD-4Q: equipment. Deletion of armament and water injection
Countermeasures equipment. equipment.
AD-5 (Redesignated A-1E): XAD-3E:
A redesign of the aircraft. The AD-5 incorporated AD-3W modified for submarine search.
side by side seating for an assistant pilot. The revised Aeroproducts propeller.
crew arrangement facilitated all-weather operation and AD-2W:
permitted utilization for long range navigation, radar AD-2 with airborne early warning equipment.
search, spotting and observation, air support coordina-
AD-4L:
tion, instrument training, pilot familiarization and other
AD-4 equipped for winterized version.
operations requiring a second crew member. Controls,
armament and tactical equipment were located for sin-
gle pilot operation. A single dive brake was provided Bureau Numbers
for dive bombing and maneuvering control. The AD-5 The Navy ordered the AD under the designation
could be converted rapidly aboard a carrier for opera- BT2D indicating that it was the second bomber torpe-
tion as a passenger, cargo, ambulance or long range do aircraft which Douglas had designed for the Navy.
airplane by installation of appropriate conversion kits The designation was later changed to A to reflect the
supplied as alternate equipment. Navy’s decision to adopt the letter A in its designation
AD-5N (Redesignated A-1G): system to the replace the older system of T, B, SB indi-
Night attack version with radar countermeasures. cating assault aircraft and the intention to combine
AD-5W (Redesignated EA-1E): these missions in one aircraft.
Airborne early warning version. XBT2D-1 09085-09095, 09097, 09100-09106
XBT2D-1W 09107
AD-6 (Redesignated A-1H): XBT2D-1P 09096
The single-place airplane is conventional in design XBT2D-1Q 09109
and structure, landing gear, canopy, flaps, wing fold- XBT2D-1N 09098-09099
ing and three fuselage dive brakes are operated XAD-2 09108
hydraulically. Capable of low level bombing, the cen- AD-1 09110-09351, 21742-22006
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 455

AD-1Q 09352-09392 (09387-09392 canceled) AD-4NL 124725-124760

AD-2 122210-122365 AD-4Q 124037-124075
AD-2Q 122366-122372, 122374-122387 AD-4W 124076-124127, 124761-124777, 125765-
AD-2QU 122373 125782, 126836-126875, 127921-127961
AD-3 122729-122852 XAD-5 124006
AD-3E 122906-122907
AD-5 132392-132476, 132478, 132637-132728,
AD-3N 122908-122909, 122912-122922
(132687-132728 canceled) 133854-134004
AD-3Q 122854-122876
AD-3S 122910-122911 (133930-134004 canceled), (134076-134233
AD-3W 122877-122905 canceled)
AD-4 122853, 123771-124005 (124007-124036 AD-5N 132477, 132480-132636, 134974-135053,
canceled), 127844-127853, 127861-127865, (135055-135138 canceled)
127873-127879, 128917-128936, 128944- AD-5Q 135054
128970, 128979-129016 AD-5S 132479
AD-4B 127854-127860, 127866-127872, 128937- AD-5W 132729-132792 (132731-132792 canceled),
128943, 128971-128978, 132227-132391, 133757-133776, 135139-135222, (138535-
(134005-134018 canceled) 138568 canceled), 139556-139605
AD-4N 124128-124156, 124725-124760, 125707-
AD-6 134466-134637, 135223-135406, 137492-
125741, 126876-126902, 126926-126946,
137632, 139606-139821, 142010-142081
126970-126987, 127011-127018, 127880-
127920 XAD-7 (142010 canceled)
AD-4NA 125742-125764, 126903-126925, 126947- AD-7 142011-142081, (142546-142629 canceled)
126969, 126988-127010 (143050-143133 canceled)

Line drawings for an AD (A-1) Skyraider.

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456 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

AF Guardian bombs could be carried to augment the attack. The

AF-2S was a three-place plane for operation ashore or
The genesis of the Guardian begins in the late aboard carriers. It was conventional in design and
months of World War II as Grumman developed plans structure with an all-metal two spar wing and a semi-
to replace the TBF Avenger. The normal continuation monocoque fuselage. Landing gear, slotted flaps, wing
of the designation, TB2F, was used on a design for a folding mechanism and pilot’s canopy were hydrauli-
two-engine aircraft that never was built but the desig- cally operated. Ailerons were of sealed balance type
nation was recognized by the Navy. The design which with spring tabs and one trim tab. Rudder had a com-
the Navy ordered in February 1945 was a single bination trim and four to one ratio balance tab.
engine attack aircraft designated XTB3F. Because of Elevators were interconnected, one equipped with a
the designation change of all Navy attack aircraft to spring tab and the other with a trim tab. Power plant
“A” the TB3F entered squadron service in October installation was conventional with steel tube mount.
1950 as the AF. The aircraft was intended to work in Specifications for the AF-2S are as follows:
hunter-killer pairs composed of an AF-2S and AF-2W. Power plant One Pratt & Whitney R-2800-48
Weight:
First contract 19 February 1945 Empty 14,658 lbs
First flight December 1946 Basic 15,336 lbs
First reported in squadron 18 October 1950 Design 19,200lbs
Last delivery April 1953 Combat 18,123 lbs
Last reported in squadron 31 August 1955 Maximum Takeoff 23,015 lbs
Initial operational capability October 1950 Maximum Landing 22,500 lbs
Number accepted 389 Dimensions:
Wing
Area 549 sq ft
Span 60 ft
Length 43 ft 5 in
Height 16 ft 7 in
Tread 14 ft 5 in
Ordnance:
Bomb bay
1 Mk 41 Torpedo
1 Mk 34 Torpedo
1 Mk 24 Torpedo
1 Mk 24 Mine could be substituted for either the
Mk 41 or the Mk 34 Torpedo.
4 Wing Points (inboard and mid-wing)
Six 5-inch HPAG or HVAR Rockets.
An AF-2S Guardian in flight, June 1950. Four 3.5 inch aircraft rockets.
Four Mk 54 depth bombs.
Model Designations Accepted from the Three AN/SSQ-1 Sonobuoys.
Manufacturer (New Builds) Two dispensers of AN/SSQ-2 Sonobuoys and
Mk 5 drift signals (nine each).
XTB3F-1 Two releasable fuel tanks, 75 or 150 gallons each.
XTB3F-2S Fire control:
1 Mk 23-6 Bombsight mounted on a Mk 41-3 periscope.
AF-2W
1 Mk 8-8 Gun sight.
AF-2S Maximum bomb capacity: 3,700 lbs
AF-3S Cameras:
1 AN-N6A, Gun
AF-2S (Mission and Description):
1 K-25A, Reconnaissance
The AF-2S was the production development of the
AN/AVQ-2 Searchlight on starboard outboard wingpoint.
XTB3F-2S. Its primary mission was to attack enemy
AN/APS-31 Radar on port outboard wingpoint.
submarines after being directed to the target’s position
Combat range 795–990 nautical miles
by the AF-2W. The AF-2S laid down a pattern of
sonobouys to determine exact location of the enemy AF-2W (Mission and Description):
submarine after which it launched its sonic-directed The AF-2W was the production development of the
torpedo to complete the attack. Rockets and depth XTB3F-1S. Its mission was radar search for submarines.
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 457

After detecting an underwater craft the AF-2W would Radar Altimeter AN/APN-1 or AN/APN-22
direct its companion aircraft, the AF-2S onto the target Range Receiver R-23A/ARC-5
to launch an attack. The AF-2W was a four-place air- Radar Countermeasures AN/APR-9B and AN/APA-
craft for operation ashore and aboard carriers. The air- 70C
plane was conventional in design and structure with Radar AN/APS-20C
an all metal two-spar wing and a semi-monocoque Speed Control Kit AN/APS-20
fuselage. The landing gear, slotted flaps, wing folding Radar Receiving Set AN/APR-12
mechanism, and pilot’s canopy were hydraulically Radar Relay Transmitter AN/ART-26 or AN/ART-28
operated. Ailerons were of the sealed balance type Ground Position Indicator AN/APA-57A or AN/APA-
with spring tabs and one trim tab. Rudder had a com- 57C or AN/APA-81
bination trim and 4 to 1 ratio balance tab. Elevators IFF AN/APX-2 or AN/APX-2A
were interconnected, one equipped with a spring tab or AN/APX-6 or AN/APX-7
and the other with a trim tab. Power plant installation Combat Range: 750-1,315 nautical miles
was conventional with steel tube mount.
Specifications for the AF-2W are as follows: AF-3S (Mission and Description):
Power plant One Pratt and Whitney Same as the AF-2S but with MAD gear installed.
R-2800-48
Weight: Bureau Numbers
Empty 15,858 lbs
Basic 16,037 lbs XTB3F-1 90504
Design 19,200 lbs XTB3F-2S 90505
Combat 18,629 lbs XTB3F-1S 90506 (XTB3F-1S canceled)
Maximum takeoff 21,802 lbs AF-2S 123088-123116 (Even numbers to AF-2S)
Maximum landing 21,500 lbs AF-2W 123089-123117 (Odd numbers to AF-2W)
Dimensions: AF-2W 124187-124209 (Odd numbers to AF-2W)
Wing AF-2S 124188-124210 (Even numbers to AF-2S)
Area 549 sq ft
AF-2S 124778-124848 (Even numbers to AF-2S)
Span 60 ft
Length 43 ft 5 in AF-2W 124779-124849 (Odd numbers to AF-2W)
Height 16 ft 7 in AF-2S 126720-126737
Tread 14 ft 5 in AF-2W 126738-126755
Ordnance: AF-2S 126756-126821
None AF-2W 126822-126835
Electronics: AF-2S 129196-129242
VHF Communication AN/ARC-28 AF-3S 129243-129257
UHF Communication (Dual) AN/ARC-27 AF-2W 129258-129299
MHF Liaison AN/ARC-2
AF-3S 130364-130388
Interphone AN/AIC-4 or AN/AIC-4A
Homing AN/ARR-2A and AN/ARN-21 AF-2W 130389-130404

Line drawings for an AF Guardian.

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458 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

AJ (A-2) Savage Weights:

Empty 27,558 lbs
On 24 June 1946, the Navy awarded North Basic 27,938 lbs
American a contract to build the aircraft that would Design 47,000 lbs
become the AJ Savage. Intended as a carrier based Combat 35,742 lbs
bomber, the AJ was first reported in squadron service Maximum take off 50,954 lbs
by VC-5 on 13 September 1949. It was eventually Maximum Landing 41,300 lbs
redesignated A-2. Power plant:
Two Pratt & Whitney R-2800 44W propellers on wings.
First contract 26 June 1946 One Allison J-33-A-1 turbojet in tail.
First flight 3 July 1948 Dimensions:
First reported in squadron 13 Sept 1949 Wing area 836 sq ft
Last delivery June 1954 Wing span 71 ft 5 in
Last reported in squadron An AJ-2P by VAP-62 and Length 63 ft 1 in
VCP-61 in January 1960 Height 20 ft 5 in
Number Accepted 143 Ordnance:
Guns None
Maximum Bomb Capacity 12,000 lbs
AJ-2:
The AJ-1 with two Pratt & Whitney R-2800-48 and
one Allison J33-A-10 engine. Fuel capacity was
increased over that of AJ-1.
AJ-2P:
AJ-2 aircraft with nose redesigned to accommodate
cameras.

Bureau Numbers

An AJ-2 Savage.
XAJ-1 121460-121462
AJ-1 122590-122601
Models Accepted from the Manufacturer AJ-1 124157-124186
(New Builds) AJ-1 124850-124864
AJ-2P 128043-128051
XAJ-1:
Experimental version. AJ-2P 129185-129195
AJ-2 130405-130421
AJ-1 (Redesignated A-2A):
Crew of three in pressurized cockpit. Wing con- AJ-2P 130422-130425
tained slotted flaps. Power boost system for ailerons, AJ-2 134035-134072
elevators, and rudder. AJ-2P 134073-134075

Line drawings for an AJ Savage.

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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 459

AM Mauler changes when the letter A for Attack replaced S

(Scout), B (Bomber) and T (Torpedo). The BT2D
Improvements in engines and aircraft design led the served virtually all its life as the AD and later A-1. The
Navy to abandon its old system of using different air- BTM is remembered as the AM Mauler.
craft such as SB for Scout Bomber and TB for Torpedo First contract 14 January 1944
Bomber and to combine these missions in one aircraft. First flight 26 August 1944
The Douglas Company’s BT2D was an example of an First reported in squadron 1 March 1948
aircraft that was to combine the bombing and torpedo Last delivery October 1949
launching functions in one airframe. The Martin Last reported in squadron An AM-1Q on 1 October
Company’s BTM was designed in the same spirit. 1950 by VC-4
Eventually the old system of designation reflected the Number Accepted 152

An AM-1 Mauler in flight carrying a full load of ordnance, March 1949.

Models Accepted from the Manufacturer of carrying incendiary and fragmentation clusters and
(New Builds) smoke tanks.
Weight:
XBTM-1: Empty 15,100 lbs
Experimental model of the AM-1. Basic 15,830 lbs
AM-1 Design 19,450 lbs
Torpedo and dive bomber, also for use in scouting Combat 20,083 lbs
missions. All bombs, mines, torpedoes, rockets, etc. Maximum take off 25,000 lbs
were carried externally on three pylons on wings and Maximum landing 17,950 lbs on carrier.
fuselage. Provision for radar on right wing pylon. 20,600 lbs on land.
One crew. Structure was conventional, all-metal. Split Power plant One Pratt & Whitney R-4360-4W.
dive brakes interlocked with landing flaps. Capable Dimensions:
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460 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

Wing area 496 sq ft Bureau Numbers

Wing span 50 ft 1 3/8 in
Length 41 ft 8 13/16 in XBTM-1 85161-85162
Height 16 ft 10 5/8 in AM-1 22257-22295
Ordnance: AM-1Q 22296
Guns four 20 mm (M3) with 800 rounds AM-1 22297-22345
Maximum Bomb AM-1Q 22346-22355
Capacity 6,000 lbs AM-1 22356-22856
AM-1Q: AM-1Q 122388-122393
Equipped for radar countermeasures. AM-1 122394-122437

Line drawings for an AM Mauler.

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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 461

BG
An attack biplane capable of delivering a 1,000
pound bomb, the BG was the only aircraft that the
Great Lakes Corporation designed and produced for
the U.S. Navy. Other Great Lakes aircraft which the
Navy used include the TG-1 and TG-2, both of which
were variations of Martin’s T4M. Great Lakes won the
contract for the BG on 13 June 1932. The aircraft made
its first flight the following summer. Eventually, the
Navy accepted 61 of these planes. They remained in
squadron use until June 1941. An XBG-1, June 1933.

Models Accepted Range 550 statute miles

XBG-1: Engine one Pratt & Whitney 750 hp R-1535-82
Experimental version of the BG-1. Ordnance:
BG-1: bomb up to 1,000 lbs
Crew two guns one .30 fixed forward firing
Length 28 ft 9 in one .30 flexible in rear cockpit
Height 11 ft
Span: Bureau Numbers
upper 36 ft
lower 33 ft 8 in XBG-1 9220
Wing area 383.8 sq ft XBG-1 9494-9520
Weights: BG-1 9534-9550
gross 6,349 lbs BG-1 9840-9855

Line drawings for a BG-1.

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462 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

BM
On 13 June 1928 the Navy awarded the Martin
Company a contract to build a biplane dive bomber
that could handle a torpedo as well as a thousand
pound bomb. It would be the first Navy dive bomber
that could carry a payload this large. Martin built the
prototype to Bureau of Aeronautics Design 77 under
the designation XT5M-1. To provide costing data the
Naval Aircraft Factory also built a prototype and desig-
nated it the XT2N-1. Martin’s XT5M-1 first flew in the
spring of 1929. The production version was designated
BM-1 and was first accepted by a squadron (VT-1S) in
October 1932. Besides the XT5M-1, the Navy accepted
33 BMs from Martin and the XT2N-1 from the Naval
Aircraft Factory. A BM-1.

Models Accepted from the Manufacturer

(New Builds) Range 415 nautical miles
XT5M-1: Engine One 600 hp Pratt & Whitney R-1690-44
Prototype of the BM-1. Ordnance:
bomb one 1,000 pounder
XBM-1: guns one .30 fixed synchronized mounted
Built by Martin for use by the National Advisory within the fuselage to the right of the
Committee for Aeronautics (NACA). This aircraft was centerline.
not an experimental version of the BM in the usual one .30 flexible gun in rear cockpit.
sense; its X indicated that it would be used experi-
mentally by NACA. BM-2:
Modified version of BM-1. Very small differences.
BM-1:
Crew Two XT2N-1:
Length 28 ft 4 in Prototype manufactured by the Naval Aircraft Factory.
Height 12 ft 3 in
Span: Bureau Numbers
upper 41 ft XT2N-1 A8052
lower 40 ft XT5M-1 A8051
Wing area 435.8 sq. ft XBM-1 9212
Weights: BM-1 A8879-A8890
gross 6,183 lbs BM-1 9214-9217
useful 2,559 lbs BM-2 A9170-A9185

Line drawings for a BM.

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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 463

BT Models Accepted from the Manufacturer

(New Builds)
Designed by John Northrop, this aircraft conformed XBT-1:
to his practice of using all-metal structures with pro- Experimental version of the BT-1.
gressive aerodynamic features. The Navy awarded
Northrop a contract to produce this attack plane in BT-1:
November 1934 and designated it BT, the T being Crew two
Northrop’s manufacturer’s letter. After his company Length 31 ft 8 in
became a division of the Douglas Corporation in 1937, Height 13 ft
Douglas used the XBT-2 as a prototype for the aircraft Span 41 ft 6 in
that became the SBD Dauntless. Wing area 315 sq ft
Weights:
gross 6,978 lbs
useful 2,511 lbs
Range 546 statute miles
Engine one 825 hp Pratt & Whitney R-1535-94
Ordnance:
bomb one 1,000 pound
guns one .50 fixed, forward firing
one .30 flexible, dorsal
XBT-2:
Slightly modified version of the BT-1. The XBT-2
served as a prototype for the SBD Dauntless.

Bureau Numbers
XBT-1 9745
BT-1 0590-0626
BT-1 0628-0643
An XBT-1 coming in for a landing, circa mid-1930s. XBT-2 0627

Line drawings for a BT.

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464 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

CS and SC
In one of those unusual developments that stands
out in the history of military procurement this aircraft
has a story to tell. The Curtiss Company designed and
built the CS torpedo bomber as a large biplane that
could be equipped with floats or landing gear and
powered by an in-line engine. The Navy gave Curtiss
the development contract for this aircraft in June 1922;
Curtiss delivered the first articles in early 1924. In the
subsequent competition for the production contract,
Martin underbid Curtiss and produced the aircraft as
the SC.
Curtiss built a total of 6 CS-1 and 2 CS-2 aircraft. The
CS-2 had provision for a third float and was powered
by a Wright T-3 engine where the CS-1 was powered
A CS-2, circa mid-1920s.
by a Wright T-2. The CS-2 has some success in setting
distance, duration, and speed records.
Martin built 35 SC-1s and 40 SC-2s. The SC was first Empty Weight 5,685 lbs for the SC-1
reported in squadron in January 1924. It was last 6,019 lbs for the SC-2
reported by VT-2 on 19 December 1927. The specifica- Engine Wright T-3 engine
tions of the SC are as follows: Maximum bomb load 1,600 lbs
Span 56 ft (SC-2 had folding wings
that folded along the fuse- Bureau Numbers
lage)
CS-1 A6500-A6505
Length 34 ft
CS-2 A6731-A6732
Wing Area 852 sq ft
SC-1 A6801-A6835
Gross Weight 9,100 lbs for the SC-1
SC-2 A6928-A6967
9,433 lbs for the SC-2

Line drawings for a CS-1.

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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 465

DT-2 Models Accepted from the Manufacturer

(New Builds)
In 1921 the Navy Department ordered a torpedo DT-1:
bomber from the Douglas Aircraft Company. Douglas Initial designation of the DT-2. Crew of one.
was a new company at the time and had yet to pro-
duce an aircraft for either the Navy or the Army. The DT-2:
company’s owner, Donald W. Douglas, Sr., personally Specifications for the seaplane configuration are
designed the aircraft that would fill the Navy’s order. given below. Some of the landplane’s dimensions
Powered by a 400 horsepower Liberty, the DT-1 had were slightly different.
folding wings. It made its first flight in November Crew 2, aviator and observer
1921. Although there were three aircraft on the Navy’s Engine one Liberty, 400 hp.
original order only one was accepted with the desig- Length 37 ft 8 in
nation DT-1, the other two, and all subsequent, were Weights:
accepted as DT-2. full load 7,291 lbs
Eventually this aircraft was supplied to the Navy by useful 2,765 lbs
four sources. Douglas built 41, the Naval Aircraft Armament one 1,835 pound torpedo
Factory built 6 under the designations DT-2 and DT-4, fixed guns and 2,350 rounds
Dayton Wright built 11 DT-2s, and LWF (Lowe, Willard, Range about 234 nautical miles
and Fowler) built 20 DT-2s. The aircraft was first deliv- Height 15 ft 1 in
ered to squadron on 12 December 1922. It was last Length 37 ft 8 in
reported in squadron by VF-6B on 1 April 1928. Span 50 ft
Wing area 707 sq ft

Other Designations

DT-4:
Same as DT-2 but powered by the Wright T-2, 525
hp engine. The DT-4 was a modification of the DT-2
by the Naval Aircraft Factory.

Bureau Numbers
DT A6031-A6033
DT-2 A6085-A6095 (Dayton-Wright)
DT-2 A6405-A6422 (Douglas)
DT-2 A6423-A6428 (Naval Aircraft Factory)
DT-2 A6563-A6582 (Douglas)
The first DT built by Douglas, December 1924.
DT-2 A6583-A6602 (LWF)

Line drawings for DT-2.

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466 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

F-4 Phantom II F4H-1 (F-4B):

Modification of the F-4A with the J79-GE-8 engine.
The F-4 began life as an unsolicited proposal from Specifications for the F4H-1 (F-4B) are as follows:
Crew Two
the McDonnell Aircraft Company to the Navy’s Bureau
Power Plant Two General Electric J79-8
of Aeronautics in 1953. McDonnell envisioned a twin-
Range Maximum Combat 1,606 nautical
engine strike/fighter, and the aircraft’s initial designa-
miles
tion was AH-1, but the Navy soon made changes in Weight
the specification to require a high-altitude, long range Empty 27,424 lbs
fighter with the designation F4H-1. The name Basic 27,694 lbs
Phantom II was chosen to declare the aircraft’s lineage Design 34,500 lbs
from McDonnell’s FD-1 Phantom which was the first Combat 38,018 lbs
all-jet aircraft the Navy operated. The Phantom II first Maximum Take-off 56,000 lbs
flew on 27 May 1958 and was first reported in Maximum Landing 34,000 lbs arrested
squadron, VF-121, in December 1960. It would prove Dimensions
to be one of the finest aircraft ever operated by the Wing
Navy and Marine Corps. Before the last delivery was Area 530 sq ft
made in December 1971, the Navy accepted 4,261 Span 38.4 ft
Phantom IIs, 3,057 of which were for foreign military Length 58.2 ft
sales attesting to the aircraft’s international success. It Height 16.3 ft
was redesignated F-4 in 1962. Tread 17.9 ft
Ordnance AIM-7 Sparrow and AIM-9 Side-
winder missiles
Model Designations Accepted From the
F4H-1P (RF-4B):
Manufacturer (New Builds)
F-4B equipped for photography.
F4H-1F (F-4A): F-4J:
Two-place, twin-engine, tricycle gear, carrier-based, Similar to F-4B equipped with the AWG-10 pulse
all-weather fighter carrying missiles and special stores. doppler radar and improved avionics.

An F4H-1 Phantom II in flight, circa late 1950s.

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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 467

Other Designations U.S. Air Force Use

F-4C EF-4C
TF-4A:
RF-4C F-4D
Trainer version. Not carrier deployable EF-4D F-4E
QF-4B: RF-4E YF-4E
Modified as a drone or control plane. Suitable for F-4F TF-4F
operational use.
Foreign Military Use
F-4G:
F-4K F-4M
F-4B aircraft equipped with two-way tactical digital
data communications set (AN/ASW-21) for all nonau- Bureau Numbers
tonomous modes of flight including automatic vector- F4H-1F (F-4A) 143388-143392, 145307-145317,
ing, automatic traffic control and automatic carrier 146817-146821, 148252-148275
landing. F4H-1 (F-4B) 142259-142260, 148363-148434,
YF-4J: 149403-149474, 150406-150493,
Similar to F-4B but equipped with Pulse Doppler 150624-150653, 150993-151021,
Radar. 151397-151519, 152207-152331,
152965-153070, 153912-153950
RF-4J: (canceled)
Similar to RF-4C but with improved engine. Navy F4H-1P (RF-4B) 151975-151983, 153089-153115,
use. 157342-157351
F-4N: F-4J 153071-153088, 153768-153911
Extensive redesign of F-4B. 154781-154788, 155404-155580
155731-155916, 155904-155916
F-4S:
(canceled), 157242-157309, 158346-
F-4J modified for extended service life.
158379

Line drawings for the F-4.

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468 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

F-5 (T-38) Talon

On 7 October 1969, the U.S. Navy took delivery of
its first Northrop T-38 Talon supersonic trainer. This
was the first of five that the Navy had ordered for the
U.S. Naval Test Pilot School at Patuxent River,
Maryland. The aircraft had been in use by the Air
Force since 1961. From the development work that
produced the T-38 design, Northrop developed the F-5
Tiger II for the Air Force. In 1974, the Navy began
using the F-5E Tiger II at the Navy Fighter Weapons
School as an adversary aircraft. An F-5E Tiger II in flight.

Dimensions
Model Designations Accepted from the Wing Span 6 ft 8 in
Manufacturer (New Builds) Wing Area 186 sq ft
F-5E: Length 48 ft
Initial version of the Tiger II used by the Navy. The Height 13 ft 3 in
following are characteristics of the F-5E: F-5F:
Crew One Upgraded F-5E. Two-place fighter/trainer.
Power Plant Two 5,000-lb General Electric
J85-GE-21 turbojets
Weight Bureau Numbers
Maximum Takeoff 24,664 lbs F-5E 159878-159882, 160792-160796, 162307
Empty 9,683 lbs F-5F 160964-160966

Line drawings for the F-5.

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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 469

F2H (F-2) Banshee Length 42 ft 1 in

Wing span 44 ft 10 in
Beginning its life as the XF2D-1, the Banshee was the Wing area 294 sq ft
last of McDonnell’s aircraft to bear the company’s origi- F2H-2N:
nal Navy designation letter “D”. This change was made F2H-2 configured for night operations.
by Navy Aircraft Circular Letter 81–47 of 28 August 1947. F2H-2P:
The immediate successor to McDonnell’s FD-1 Phantom, F2H-2 configured for photographic reconnaissance.
the Banshee bore a great resemblance to the Phantom
but was larger. The Navy placed the first contract for this F2H-3 (Became F-2C):
all jet, carrier-based fighter on 2 March 1945. The first Basically the F2H-2 adapted to all-weather opera-
flight occurred 11 January 1947. It was first delivered to tions.
VF-171 in March 1949 and its last squadron employment F2H-4 (Became F-2D):
was reported by VAW-11 on 30 September 1959. A total The F2H-3 with improved radar equipment.
of 894 Banshees were procured.
Bureau Numbers
XF2H-1 99858-99860
F2H-1 122530-122559
F2H-1 122990-123015
F2H-2 123204-123299
F2H-2N 123300-123396
F2H-2 123314-123396 (123383-123396 canceled)
F2H-2 124940-125071
F2H-2P 125072-125079
F2H-2 125500-125505
F2H-2 125649-125679
F2H-2P 125680-125706
F2H-3 126291-126350
F2H-4 126351-126353
F2H-3 126354-126489
An F2H-3 at the McDonnell Aircraft Company. F2H-2P 126673-126695
F2H-3 127493-127546
Models Accepted from the Manufacturer F2H-4 127547-127693
(New Builds) F2H-3P 127694-127695 (all canceled)
F2H-3 128745-128856 (all canceled)
XF2H-1: F2H-2 128857-128886
Experimental version of the F2H-1. F2H-3/3P 129050-129132 (all canceled)
F2H-1:
Powered by two Westinghouse J34-22A/30 engines,
3,150 lbs at takeoff .
F2H-2:
Longer fuselage than the F2H-1, capacity to carry
external fuel tanks on wing tips, and powered by
two J34-34 engines. Specifications for the F2H-2 are
as follows:
Crew one
Engine 2 Westinghouse 3,250 lbs takeoff J34-34
Weights:
empty 10,321 lbs
combat 15,540-17,742 lbs
Armament:
bombs 1,540 lbs maximum
guns four 20 mm nose (M3)
Combat range 755–1,280 nautical miles
Height 14 ft 6 in Line drawings for the F2H.
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470 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

F3D (F-10) Skyknight

In April 1946, the U.S. Navy awarded the Douglas
Company a contract to produce the first carrier-based,
all-weather, jet- powered night interceptor. The aircraft
first flew March 1948 and was delivered to its first
squadron, VC-3, in February 1951. The last delivery
was in October 1953. A total of 268 aircraft were
accepted. It was last reported in squadron in May
1970. The aircraft’s designation was changed to F-10 in
1962. The production versions F3D-1 and F3D-2 both
deployed. Plans for an F3D-3 never materialized and
no aircraft by that designation was ever accepted. An XF3D-1 at NAS Patuxent River, Maryland, circa 1950.

Model Designations Accepted from the earliest tactical jet aircraft modified for the Electronic
Manufacturer (New Builds) Warfare role. The designation was changed to EF-10B
in 1962.
XF3D-1:
F3D-2T:
Experimental variant of the Skyknight. Three articles
F3D-2 converted to serve as a radar trainer. The des-
were built.
ignation was no longer in service in 1962.
F3D-1 (F-10A):
F3D-2T2 (TF-10B):
Twenty-eight F3D-1s were eventually procured. The
F3D-2T equipped with AN/APG-51 radar. The desig-
F3D-1 designation was changed to F-10A in 1962.
nation was changed to TF-10B in 1962.
Characteristics of the F3D-1 are as follows:
Crew Two
Power Plant Two 3,000-lb Westinghouse J34-WE-38 Bureau Numbers
Combat Radius 675 nautical miles XF3D-1 121457-121459
Weight F3D-1 123741-123770
Gross 22,609 lbs F3D-2 124595-124664
Dimensions 125783-125882
Wing 127019-127085
Area 401 sq ft F3D-3 125883-125892 all canceled
Span 50 ft
Length 45 ft 5 in
Height 16 ft 1 in
Ordnance Four 20-mm nose guns with 800 rounds.
F3D-2 (F-10B):
This second variant of the Skyknight used the 3,400
lb Westinghouse J34-WE-36 engine. A total of 237
were procured. This designation was changed to F-
10B in 1962.

Other Designations:

F3D-1M and -2M (MF-10B):

F3D-1 and F3D-2 equipped with radar and provi-
sions for launching missiles. The F3D-2M designation
was changed to MF-10B in 1962. The F3D-1 was no
longer in service in 1962.
F3D-2Q (EF-10B):
F3D-2 modified for electronic warfare. One of the Line drawings for the F3D.
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 471

Model Designations Accepted from the

F3H (F-3) Demon Manufacturer (New Builds)
In 1949, the Navy awarded the McDonnell XF3H-1:
Company a contract to produce a carrier-based, jet- The experimental version of the Demon. Two articles
powered, all-weather interceptor designed as a suc- were accepted by the Navy. It was initially intended to be
cessor to the F2H Banshee and incorporating the lat- powered by the Westinghouse J40-WE-8 engine, which
est technology addressing the questions about soon changed to the J40-WE-10, but production problems
jet-powered carrier-based tactical planes. The Demon with the -10 engine led to one of the XF3Hs being pow-
would become one of the earliest Navy fighters to
ered by the Westinghouse J40-6. The production prob-
deploy with air-to-air missiles and the only single-
lems resulted in a decision to use the Allison J71-A-2 as a
engine fighter McDonnell ever built for the Navy. The
back-up engine. The production version of the
Demon made its initial flight in August 1951. The first
Westinghouse J40-WE-8 was designated -22 and it was
delivery was to VF-14 on 7 March 1956. The F3H
this engine that would power the initial production F3H-1s,
fought a long and ultimately unsuccessful battle with
its power plant; while the aircraft has its place in while the Allison J71-A-2 powered the later articles.
naval aviation history, it never fully met expectations. F3H-1:
The last delivery occurred in November 1959. A total First production version of the Demon. The F3H-1
of 519 articles were accepted and it was last reported designation was never changed since the -1 was no
in squadron by VF-161 in August 1964. The F3H was longer in service at the time of the redesignation in
redesignated the F-3 in 1962. 1962.

An XF3H-1 Demon taking off on a routine test flight, May 1953.

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472 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

F3H-1N: Ordnance Four Sparrow or Sidewinder mis

All-weather version of the F3H-1. siles; four 20-mm fixed forward-
F3H-2 (F-3B): firing guns with 600 rounds.
Production version. Powered by Allison J71-A-2 F3H-2N (F-3C):
engine. Redesignated F-3B in 1962. All-weather version of the F3H-2. Also improved fire
F3H-2M (MF-3B): control. Redesignated F-3C in 1962.
The F3H-2M was equipped to launch four Sparrow
or Sidewinder missiles. The aircraft was redesignated Other Designations
MF-3B in 1962. Its characteristics were as follows:
F3H-1P and -2P:
Crew One
Equipped for reconnaissance.
Power Plant One 14,400 lb Allison J71-A-2B
engine
Combat Radius 302 nautical miles Bureau Numbers
Weight F3H-1 133389-133488 canceled, 137096-137131
Maximum Takeoff 39,000 lbs canceled, 137156-137215, 137859-137886
Basic 22,028 lbs canceled, 138660-138819 canceled
Empty 21,292 lbs F3H-1N 133489-133554
Dimensions F3H-2 146328-146339, 143403-143492, 146741-
Wing 146816 canceled, 143403-143492, 145202-
Area 519 sq ft 145306
Span 35 ft 4 in F3H-2M 133569, 133623-133638, 137033-137095
Length 58 ft 11.5 in F3H-2N 133545-133568, 133570-133622, 136966-137032
Height 14 ft 6.6 in F3H-2P 137132-137155 canceled

Line drawings for an F3H.

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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 473

F4D (F-6) Skyray

The Navy’s need for a carrier-based, short-range
fighter led to a contract award in December 1948 to
Douglas for the aircraft design that became the F4D
Skyray. To meet the requirement for a high rate of
climb, Douglas designers came up with a swept-back
modified delta wing on a tailless airframe. The F4D
first flew in January 1951, but due to delays and deliv-
ery of the power plant initially intended, Composite
Squadron THREE (VC-3) did not accept the first Skyray
until April 1956. It was last reported in squadron by
Marine Fighter Squadron ONE ONE FIVE (VMF-115) in
February 1964. The F4D-1 was redesignated F-6A in
An XF4D-1 Skyray landing aboard Coral Sea (CVA 43), October 1953.
1962. A total of 421 Skyrays were accepted.

Dimensions
Model Designations Accepted from the
Wing
Manufacturer (New Builds)
Area 557 sq ft
XF4D-1: Span 33 ft 6 in
Experimental version of the F4D-1. Length 58 ft 11.5 in
Height 13 ft
F4D-1:
Ordnance: Wing provisions for rockets.Four
Crew One
20 mm fixed forward-firing guns
Power Plant One Pratt & Whitney 8,000 lb
with 280 rounds.
J57-P-2
Combat Radius 200 nautical miles
Weight Bureau Numbers
Maximum Takeoff 23,050 lbs from catapult XF4D-1 124586-124587
Basic 15,450 lbs F4D-1 134744-134973, 130740-130751, 139030-
Empty 15,225 lbs 139207, 136163-136392 all canceled

Line drawings for the F4D-1.

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474 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

F4U/FG/F3A Corsair Propeller Hamilton Standard, constant speed,

three-bladed hydromatic; 13 ft 3 in
The Navy awarded a contract to the Vought Wing span 40 ft 11 in
Company on 30 June 1938 to produce a new single- Length 33 ft 4 in
seat, carrier-based fighter aircraft. The contract had Height 18 ft 3 in
resulted from a requirement the Navy had released to Wing area 314 sq ft
industry earlier that year. Vought engineers responded Weights:
with a design that has become legendary because of empty 8,873 lbs
its propeller of unusually large diameter and inverted gross 13,090 lbs
gull wings which kept the main landing gear short and Armament six 50 calibre fixed guns and 2,350
retractable straight back, but the fuselage stayed high
rounds
enough to compensate for the large blades driven by
Combat radius about 365 nautical miles
the Pratt & Whitney R-2800 Double Wasp, the first
2,000 horsepower engine ever to power a Navy fighter F4U-1B:
aircraft. The Navy designated the airplane F4U. F4U-1 for the United Kingdom.
The XF4U-1 made its initial flight on 29 May 1940.
F4U-1C:
The first squadron delivery of the Corsair occurred on
Same as F4U-1 but equipped with four 20 mm guns
3 October 1942 when VF-12 accepted an F4U-1. The
and 924 rounds. Later redesignated F4U-1B.
Navy accepted the last delivery of a Corsair in January
1953. F4U-1D:
Because production orders were so heavy during the Same as F4U-1 but equipped with wing points for
Second World War, the Navy gave production contracts carrying releasable tanks, bombs, or rockets.
to Goodyear, who built the Corsair under the designa-
F4U-4:
tions FG-1 and FG-1D, and to Brewster who built the
aircraft as the F3A-1. Vought built 7,829 Corsairs, of Same as F4U-1D but powered by Pratt & Whitney R-
which 1,067 were for foreign use; Goodyear built 2800-18W engine. Also, an improved cockpit arrange-
4,006, of which 989 were for foreign use; and Brewster ment.
built 735, of which 430 were for foreign use. A modi- F4U-4B:
fied version designed to fulfill a strike role was fur- Same as the F4U-4 for the United Kingdom
nished by Vought under the designation AU-1.
F4U-4C:
Same as F4U-4 but with four 20 mm guns and 924
Models Accepted from Vought (New Builds) rounds. Later redesignated F4U-4B.
XF4U-1: F4U-4P:
Experimental version of the F4U-1. F4U-4 equipped for photography.
F4U-1: F4U-5:
Specifications for the F4U-1 are as follows: Same as F4U-4 except for 2-stage engine (Pratt &
Crew one Whitney R-2800-32W).
Engine one R-2800-8 or -8W
F4U-5N:
Same as F4U-5 but equipped for night fighting.
F4U-5P:
Same as F4U-5 but equipped for photography.
F4U-7:
The end of the Corsair production line. The F4U-7
was similar to the AU-1 except for being powered by
the Pratt & Whitney R-2800-18W engine. These aircraft
were built for France under the Military Assistance
Plan.
AU-1:
F4U-5 but equipped to fulfill a ground support
attack role, this version was powered by the Pratt &
Whitney R-2800-833WA engine. Armament included
An F4U-1D Corsair.
four 20 mm guns with 924 rounds. Maximum bomb
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 475

capacity was 8,200 pounds. There was a new instru- F4U-1 49764-50300
ment panel, relocated oil coolers, and additional XF4U-4 50301
armor over the F4U-5. F4U- 1 50302-50359
F4U-1D 50360-50659
F4U-1 55784-56483
Models Accepted from Goodyear (New Builds) F4U-1D 57084-57656
FG-1: F4U-1C 57657-57659
F4U-1 built by Goodyear. F4U-1D 57660-57776
F4U-1C 57777-57791
FG-1B: F4U-1D 57792-57965
F4U-1B built by Goodyear for the United Kingdom. F4U-1C 57966-57983
FG-1A: F4U-1B 62915-62929
F4U-1A built by Goodyear. F4U-4P 62930
FG-1D: F4U-4B 62931-62949
F4U-1D built by Goodyear. F4U-4P 62950
F4U-4B 62951-62969
F4U-4P 62970
Models Accepted from Brewster (New Builds) F4U-4B 62971-62989
F4U-4P 62990
F3A-1:
F4U-4B 62991-63009
F4U-1 built by Brewster.
F4U-4P 63010
F4U-4B 63011-63029
Other Designations F4U-4P 63030
F4U-4B 63031-63049
F4U-5NL: F4U-4P 63050
F4U-5N equipped for cold weather operations. F4U-4B 63051-63069
FG-1E: F4U-4P 63070
FG-1D equipped with special radar. F4U-4B/P 63071-63914 (63072-63914 canceled)
FG-3: XF4U-4 80759-80763
Development of FG-1D with two-stage turbo-super- F4U-4 80764-82177
charged engine. F4U-1C 82178-82189
F4U-1D 82190-82259
FG-4: F4U-1C 82260-82289
Same as F4U-4. F4U-1D 82290-82369
F2G-1: F4U-1C 82370-82394
Similar to FG-1 except engine and rearrangement of F4U-1D 82395-82434
cockpit and cowling. F4U-1C 82435-82459
F2G-2: F4U-1D 82460-82539
Carrier version of the F2G-1 with folding wings, and F4U-1C 82540-82582
provisions for launching and recovery. F4U-1D 82583-82632
F4U-1C 82633-82639
F3A-1D: F4U-1C 82740-82761
Same as F4U-1D. F4U-1D 82762-82854 (82853-82854 canceled)
F4U-4 96752-97295
Bureau Numbers XF4U-5 97296
F4U-4 97297-97363
F4U-1 02153-02156
XF4U-5 97364
XF4U-1 1443
F4U-4 97365-97414
F4U-1 02158-02736
XF4U-5 97415
F4U-1 03802-03841
F4U-4 97416-97531
F4U-1 17392-17455
F4U-4 105176-106875 (105176-106875 canceled)
F4U-1A 17456-17515
F4U-4 114529-115728 (114529-115728 canceled)
XF4U-3 17516
F4U-5 121793-121803
F4U-1A 17517-18121
F4U-5P 121804
F4U-1 18122-18191
F4U-5 121805-121815
F4U-1 49660-49762
F4U-5N 121816
XF4U-4 49763
F4U-5 121817-121831
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476 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

F4U-5N 121832-121833 F4U-5P 122167-122206

F4U-5 121834-121851 F4U-5N/NL 123144-123203
F4U-5N 121852-121853 F4U-5N 124441-124503
F4U-5 121854-121871 F4U-5NL 124504-124522
F4U-5N 121872-121874 F4U-5 124523
F4U-5 121875-121890 F4U-5NL 124524-124560
F4U-5N 121891-121893 F4U-5NL 124666-124709
F4U-5 121894-121911 F4U-5N 124710-124724
F4U-5N 121912-121915 F4U-7 133652-133731
F4U-5 121916-121931 F4U-7 133819-133832
F4U-5N 121932-121925 XAU-1 124665
F4U-5P 121936 AU-1 129318-129417
F4U-5 121937-121951 AU-1 133833-133843
F4U-5N 121952-121955
XF2G-1 12992
F4U-5P 121956-121957
FG-1D 12993-13470
F4U-5 121958-121972
XF2G-1 13471-13472
F4U-5N 121973-121976
FG-1D 13473-14690
F4U-5P 121977-121978
XF2G-1 14691-14695
F4U-5 121979-121994
F4U-5N 121995-121998 FG-1D 14696-14991
F4U-5P 121999-122002 FG-1D 67055-67254 (67100-67254 canceled)
F4U-5 122003-122014 FG-4 67255-67754 (all canceled)
F4U-5N 122015-122018 FG-1 76139-76148
F4U-5P 122019-122022 FG-1D 76149-76449
F4U-5 122023-122036 FG-3 76450
F4U-5N 122037-122040 FG-1 76451-76739
F4U-5 122041-122044 FG-1D 87788-88453
F4U-5P 122045-122048 F2G-1 88454-88458
F4U-5 122049-122057 F2G-2 88459-88871 (88464-88871 canceled)
F4U-5N 122058-122061 FG-1D 92007-93301 (92702-93301 canceled)
F4U-5P 122062-122065 F3A-1 04515-04774
F4U-5 122066 F3A-1 08550-08797
F4U-5 122153-122166 F3A-1 11067-11646 (11294-11646 canceled)

Line drawings for the F4U-1.

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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 477

F6F Hellcat F6F-3:

Specifications for the F6F-3 are as follows:
Among the Navy’s successful aircraft, the Hellcat Crew one
enjoys a most, if not the most, special place. The Length 33 ft 7 in
Grumman Company’s F4F Wildcat served well by tak- Span:
ing the heat from the Japanese Zero while at a signifi- open 42 ft 10 in
cant, but hardly overwhelming degree, technologically folded 16 ft 2 in
inferior. The F6F, begun in 1941, would deploy in the Wing area 334 sq ft
summer of 1943, quickly prove itself the Zero’s superi- Height 13 ft 1 in
or, and become the Navy’s frontline fighter in the long Weight:
march across the Pacific to Tokyo Harbor and the end empty 9,109 lbs
of World War II. The Navy accepted a total of 12,275 combat 15,509 lbs
Hellcats; it was last reported in squadron by VC-4 on Range 1,335 statute miles
31 August 1953. Engine Pratt & Whitney R-2800-10
Ordnance:
Models Accepted from the Manufacturer bombs 2,000 lbs
(New Builds) guns six .50 cal. fixed forward firing
F6F-3E:
XF6F-1/2/3:
The original contract, dated 30 June 1941, called for F6F-3 equipped with APS radar.
two prototypes to be designated XF6F-1 and powered F6F-3N:
by the Wright R-2600 engine. Before they were built, the F6F-3 equipped for night operations.
Navy decided to change the powerplants and equip one XF6F-4:
of the prototypes with the Pratt & Whitney R-2800. The This was the original XF6F-3 equipped with a two-
aircraft powered with the Wright R-2600 was accepted as
speed Pratt & Whitney R-2800 engine.
XF6F-1, the one powered by the Pratt & Whitney R-2800
was accepted as the XF6F-3. A third aircraft was F6F-5:
equipped with the Wright R-2600 that was fitted with a The main differences between the F6F-3 and the
turbo-supercharger and accepted as XF6F-2. F6F-5 were in a reshaped windshield, increased armor,

An F6F-3 Hellcat, circa mid-1943.

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478 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

increased strength, a close fitting cowl, spring tab Bureau Numbers

ailerons, and a smoother finish. The F6F-5 has about
XF6F-1/4 02981
15 percent increase in speed over the F6F-3.
XF6F-1/3 02982
F6F-5N: F6F-3 04775-04958
The F6F-5 equipped for night operations. F6F-3 08798-09047
XF6F-6: F6F-3/3N 25721-26195
Experimental version, never in production. F6F-3/3N/3E 39999-43137
Powered by a new and more powerful Pratt & F6F-5/5N 58000-58999
Whitney R-2800 engine called the “C” series. It had a F6F-3 65890-66244
four-bladed propeller.
F6F-5 69992-70187
XF6F-6 70188
Other Designations
F6F-5/5N/5P 70189-70912
F6F-5D: XF6F-6 70913
Modified as a drone directing aircraft. F6F-5/5N/5P 70914-72991
F6F-5K: F6F-5/5N/5P 77259-80258
Modified as a target or assault drone. F6F-5 93652-94751 (94522-94751 canceled)
F6F-5P: F6F-5N 108226-109272 (108226-109272 canceled)
Equipped for photo-reconnaissance. F6F-5 111349-111748 (all canceled)

Line drawings for an F6F-3.

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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 479

F7F Tigercat Model Designations Accepted from the

Manufacturer (New Builds)
Another of the Navy’s fighters produced in World
XF7F-1:
War II but never saw action in that conflict and was
Experimental version of the F7F-1.
quickly replaced by jet power. The Tigercat was a
twin-engine, tricycle landing gear, carrier-based plane F7F-1N:
with greater air-to-ground capability than was normal Night fighter powered by two Pratt & Whitney R-
in a Navy aircraft designated fighter. The Navy award- 2800-22W engines and equipped with radar.
ed Grumman the initial contract for the F7F in June
XF7F-2N:
1941. The plane first flew on 3 November 1943. VMF-
Experimental version of the F7F-2N.
911 and VMF(N)-531 took the initial deliveries in
January 1944. Some F7Fs saw land-based action with F7F-2N:
the Marine Crops in Korea. On 31 January 1954, VJ-62 Same as F7F-1N but equipped for two crewmen, a
reported a F7F-3N and -4N, the last time Tigercats were pilot and a radar operator. Powered by two Pratt &
reported in squadron. A total of 364 were accepted. Whitney R-2800-22W engines.

An XF7F-1 Tigercat in flight, December 1943.

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480 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

F7F-3: Provisions on wings and fuse

This version was similar to the F7F-2N but built for lage for launching rockets, bombs,
pilot only; the radar operator’s place had been fitted torpedoes and mines.
with an extra fuel tank. It was powered with the Maximum bomb capacity was
upgraded Pratt & Whitney R-2800-34W. 4,600 lbs
F7F-3N:
Another two-place plane. The radar operator station Other Designations:
was restored in place of the fuel tank. Also, this ver-
sion was equipped with a nose radome. F7F-1:
A designation that never existed anywhere but on
F7F-4N: paper. No bureau number was assigned to an F7F-1
Structurally modified to correct most of the carrier and no record has yet surfaced to indicate that an air-
suitability problems encountered in earlier versions. craft with the F7F-1 designation was accepted into
The F7F-4N was a two-place night fighter with radar Navy inventory.
operator and AN/APS-19 radar in a nose radome and
F7F-2P:
powered by two Pratt & Whitney R-2800-34W engines. F7F-2 modified for photographic reconnaissance.
Characteristics for the F7F-4N are as follows:
Crew Two F7F-3P:
Power Plant Two 1,700 hp Pratt & Whitney F7F-3 modified for photographic reconnaissance.
R-2800-34W
Combat Radius 305 nautical miles Bureau Numbers
Weight XF7F-1 03549-03550
Maximum Takeoff 24,139 lbs F7F-3 69740-69989
Basic 18,518 lbs F7F-1N 80259-80260
Empty 17,518 lbs XF7F-2N 80261
Dimensions F7F-1N 80262-80293
Wing F7F-2N 80294-80358
Area 455 sq ft F7F-3 80359-80547
Span 51 ft 6 in F7F-4N 80548
Length 46 ft 11 in F7F-3N 80549-80608
Height 16 ft 7 in F7F-4N 80609-80620
Ordnance: Four 20-mm fixed wing guns F7F 80621-80758 canceled
with 800 rounds. F7F-3 116729-117728

Line drawings for the F7F.

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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 481

F7U Cutlass Weights:

empty 18,500 lbs
The Vought Company designed the Cutlass as a tail- combat 24,068 lbs
less, carrier-based fighter for high speed and high rate Armament:
of climb. Three models were designed, F7U-1, F7U-2 bombs four pylons, 2,000 lbs
and F7U-3, but owing to problems with the power
guns four 20 mm cannon
plant in the F7U-2, only the F7U-1 and F7U-3 were
produced. Experience with the F7U-1 indicated that Range about 575 nautical miles
the F7U-3 would benefit from redesign of the airframe. Height 14 ft 4 in
The most obvious of the changes was in the nose sec- Length 43 ft 1 in
tion. All F7U-1s served as trainers; only the F7U-3 Wing span 39 ft 8 in
deployed in the fleet as a fighter aircraft.
The Navy awarded Vought a contract for the XF7U-1 F7U-3M:
on 25 June 1946. The aircraft first flew in August 1948. F7U-3 with provisions for launching four guided
The first squadron delivery of an F7U-3 did not occur missiles.
until May 1954; the Cutlass was last reported in
F7U-3P:
squadron less than four years later on 30 November
1957. A total of 305 F7Us were delivered to the Navy. F7U-3 equipped for photographic reconnaissance.

Bureau Numbers

XF7U-1 122472-122474
F7U-1 124415-124434 (124429-124434 canceled)
F7U-2 125322-125409 (all canceled)
F7U-3 125410-125411 (all canceled)
F7U-3 128451-128478
F7U-3 129545-129676
F7U-3M 129677
F7U-3 129678-129697
F7U-3M 129698-129744
F7U-3P 129745-129756
F7U-3 136912-136963 (all canceled)
F7U-3P 136964-136965 (all canceled)
F7U-3M 139868-139917

An F7U-3 Cutlass during a test flight, with an F6U-1 Pirate chase

plane.

Models Accepted from the Manufacturer

(New Builds)

XF7U-1:
Experimental model of the F7U-1.
F7U-1:
Initial production model of the Cutlass. Used for
training only.
F7U-3:
Production model assigned to fleet squadrons.
Specifications for the F7U-3 are as follows:
Crew One
Engine 2 Westinghouse 4,000 lbs J46-WE-8
engines Line drawings for an F7U-3.
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482 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

F8F Bearcat
In November 1943, the Navy awarded Grumman a
contract to develop a fighter aircraft that could operate
from all carriers rather than being limited to the largest
of ships. To meet the requirement, Grumman engi-
neers pursued a derivative of the F6F Hellcat.
Designated the F8F Bearcat by the Navy, Grumman’s
Design G-58 first flew on 31 August 1944. It was deliv-
ered on 21 May 1945, but was not ready for service
before World War II ended. The F8F was the last pis-
ton engine fighter Grumman would build for the An XF8F-1 Bearcat.
Navy. A total of 1,263 Bearcats were procured.
Other Designations
Models Accepted from the Manufacturer
(New Builds) F8F-1D and F8F-2D:
XF8F-1: F8F-1 and F8F-2 equipped for use as a drone con-
Experimental version of F8F-1. trol plane.
XF8F-1N: F3M-1:
Experimental version of the F8F-1N night fighter. Planned designation for F8Fs built by General
Motors. The contract ordering these aircraft was can-
XF8F-2: celed at the end of World War II, and the aircraft were
Experimental version of the F8F-2. never delivered.
F8F-1:
Specifications for the F8F-1 are as follows:
Bureau Numbers
Crew one
Length 27 ft 8 in F8F-1 90437-90459
Height 12 ft 2 in XF8F-1 90460-90461
Span: F8F-1 94752-95048
open 35 ft 6 in XF8F-2 95049
folded 23 ft 9 in F8F-1 95050-95329
Wing area 244 sq ft XF8F-1 95330
Weights: F8F-1 95331-96751 (95499-96751 canceled)
empty 7,323 lbs F8F-1 100001-102000 (all canceled)
combat 9,672 lbs F8F-1 112529-114528 (all canceled)
Range 217 nautical miles (combat) F8F-1 121463-121522
Engine one Pratt & Whitney 2100 hp R-2800- F8F-2 121523-121792
34W F8F-1B 122087-122152
Ordnance: F8F-2 122614-122708
bombs 2,000 lbs
guns four .50 calibre forward firing fixed in
wings
F8F-1B:
The F8F-1 with four 20 mm guns replacing the .50
calibers.
F8F-1N:
The F8F-1 equipped for night fighting.
F8F-2:
F8F-1 but powered by higher rated engine (Pratt &
Whitney R2800-30W) and the 20 mm gun installation.
F8F-2N:
F8F-2 equipped for night fighting.
F8F-2P:
F8F-2 equipped for photographic reconnaissance.
Line drawings for an F8F-2.
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 483

F8U (F-8) Crusader F-8A equipped with AN/APS-67 visual assist radar.
F8U-1P (RF-8A):
In 1952, the Chance Vought Company submitted a Photographic version of F-8A
design in response to a Navy request for proposals to F8U-1T (TF-8A):
build a supersonic daytime fighter aircraft The Navy Two-seat trainer
awarded Vought the contract on 29 June 1953. The
F8U first flew on 25 March 1955, the first delivery was XF8U-2:
in March 1957. By the time the last delivery was made Experimental version of the F8U-2
in January 1965, 1,264 had been accepted for the F8U-2 (F-8C):
Navy, the Marine Corps and foreign military use. The Improved version of F-8B with improved engine
Crusader was last reported in squadron by VFP-206 on and fixed ventral fins. Characteristics of F8U-2 (F-8C)
1 April 1987 at NAF Washington, D.C. A single-seat, are as follows:
single-engine daytime fighter, the F8U was distinctive Crew One
for its high wing with variable incidence to alter land- Power Plant Pratt & Whitney J57-P-16
ing speed. The F8U was redesignated F-8 in 1962. Combat Range 1,195-1,295 nautical miles
Weight
Empty 16,483 lbs
Model Designations Accepted from the
Basic 17,673 lbs
Manufacturer (New Builds)
Design 23,192 lbs
XF8U-1: Maximum Combat 24,475 lbs
Experimental version of the F8U-1. Maximum Takeoff 27,938 lbs (catapult)
Maximum Landing 22,000 lbs (arrested)
F8U-1 (F-8A):
Dimensions
Single place, swept-wing, carrier-based day fighter.
Wing
Equipped to carry AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles.
Area 375 sq ft
F8U-1E (F-8B): Span 35 ft 8 in

An F8U-1 Crusader prepares for take off from Hensley Field, Dallas, Texas.
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484 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

Length 54 ft 3 in F-8L:
Height 15 ft 9 in Similar to F-8B but with structural changes to fuse-
Tread 9 ft 8 in lage, wing and landing gear.
Ordnance Four 20-mm aircraft guns F-8M:
front fuselage and 500 rounds. Similar to F-8A but with structural changes to fuse-
Thirty-two 2.75-inch rockets lage, wing and landing gear.
carried internally or in rocket
pack, centerline fuselage or two
Bureau Numbers
AIM-9 missiles externally on
pylon each side of fuselage. XF8U-1 138899-138901 138901 (canceled)
F8U-1 (F-8A) 140444-140446, 141336-141362,
F8U-2N (F-8D):
142408-142415, 143677-143821, 144427-
Similar to F-8C. Limited all-weather aircraft with
144606 (144462-144606 canceled)
AN/APQ-83 radar, autopilot, higher thrust engine and
F8U-1E (F-8B) 145416-145545
additional fuel capacity. Equipped to carry four
F8U-1P (RF-8A) 141363, 144607-144625, 145604-145647,
Sidewinder missiles.
146822-146905 (146902-146905 canceled),
F8U-2NE (F-8E): 147078-147084 (canceled)
Similar to F-8D except equipped with AN/APQ-94 F8U-1T (TF-8A) 145648-145659 (canceled)
radar with larger antenna. XF8U-2 140447-140448
F8U-3: F8U-2 (F-8C) 145546-145603, 146906-147034
Improved version of F8U with all-weather capabilities. F8U-2N (F-8D) 147035-147077 (147073-147077 canceled),
147896-147925, 148627-148710
F8U-2NE (F-8E) 149134-149227, 150284-150355, 150654-
Other Designations 150683, 150843-150932, 151732-151755
F8U-3 146340-146341, 147085-147100 (147088-
F8U-1D (DF-8A): 147100 canceled)
Configured as a high-speed control aircraft for
Regulus I/II missile.
F8U-1KD (QF-8A):
Configured as a Regulus I missile high-speed
trounce and control aircraft.
DF-8F:
Configured for remote control of QF-9F and QF-9G
aircraft and BQM-34A, AQM-34B and AQM-34C
drones.
RF-8G:
F-8A modernized for increased service life and
reconnaissance capabilities.
F-8H:
F-8D modified to include external wing store capa-
bility, increased strength fuselage, lead-launch com-
puter and other improvements.
F-8J:
F-8E with increased fuselage and wings, and other
improvements.
F-8K:
Similar to F-8C but with structural changes to fuse-
lage, wing and landing gear. Line drawings for an F8U.
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F9F (F-9) Panther and Cougar Models Accepted from the Manufacturers
(New Builds)
The McDonnell Company of St. Louis built the Panther
Navy’s first all jet aircraft and demonstrated that the jet
engine was adaptable to naval aviation, but it was XF9F-2:
Experimental version of the F9F-2. Straight wing.
Grumman’s F9F Panther that became the first Navy jet
Powered by Rolls Royce Nene engine.
fighter to shoot down another jet fighter.
Grumman’s departure from propeller driven fighters F9F-2:
was accompanied by abandoning the tradition of nam- Powered by Pratt & Whitney J42-P-8 engine.
ing the Company’s fighters “Cats.” However, the feline XF9F-3:
connection lived on with Panther and Cougar and Experimental version of the F9F-3. Powered by
eventually returned to original policy with the F-14 Allison J33A-8 engine.
Tomcat. F9F-3:
Grumman received a Navy contract on 16 December Powered by Allison J33-A-8 engine. These aircraft
1946 to produce a jet powered, straight wing, carried were converted to the F9F-2 configuration and pow-
based fighter. The aircraft Grumman proposed first ered by the J42 engine.
flew on 21 November 1947 and was eventually desig- XF9F-4:
nated and named the F9F-2 Panther. It was first deliv- Experimental version of the F9F-4. Powered by the
ered to Navy squadron in May 1949 and remained in Allison J33-A-16 engine.
service until October 1958. The Navy accepted a total
F9F-4:
of 1,388 Panthers with designations of F9F-2, F9F-3,
Powered by the Allison J33-A-16 engine.
F9F-4 and F9F-5.
The Panther’s success led Grumman to design a XF9F-5:
swept wing derivative and propose it to the Navy. Experimental version of the F9F-5. Powered by the
The new design retained the fuselage of the Panther Pratt & Whitney J48-P-6 engine.
but included a swept wing and tail. The Navy F9F-5:
awarded Grumman a contract for this new aircraft Specifications for the F9F-5 are as follows:
on 2 March 1951. It made its first flight on 20 Crew one
September and was named the Cougar but retained Length 38 ft
the F9F designation. The Cougar was first delivered Height 12 ft 3 in
to the Navy in November 1952 and remained in Span:
squadron until February 1960. The Navy accepted a open 38 ft
folded 23 ft 5 in
total of 1,985 Cougars with the designations F9F-6,
Wing area 250 sq ft
F9F-7 and F9F-8.

An XF9F-2 Panther,
November 1947.
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486 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

Weights: F9F-6P:
empty 10,147 lbs F9F-6 equipped for photo reconnaissance.
combat 15,359 lbs F9F-7 (Redesignated F-9H):
Engine Pratt and Whitney J48-P-6 Similar to F9F-6 but powered by Allison J33-A-16A
Performance: engine.
Combat radius 420 nautical miles F9F-8 (Redesignated F-9J):
Cruising speed 418 nautical mph The last single-seat version of the Cougar. It had
Ordnance: additional fuel storage and an extended fuselage.
bomb 3,465 lbs total capacity Specifications for the F9F-8 (F-9J) are as follows:
guns four 20 mm guns in fuselage Crew one
F9F-5P: Length 41 ft 6 in
F9F-5 equipped for photo reconnaissance. Height 12 ft 3 in
Span:
open 34 ft 6 in
Cougar folded 15 ft 8 in
Wing area 337 sq ft
XF9F-6:
Weights:
Experimental version. Swept wing and swept tail.
empty 11,628 lbs
Powered by Pratt & Whitney J48-P-6.
combat 17,125 lbs
F9F-6 (Redesignated F-9F): Engine Pratt & Whitney J48-P-8
Powered by Pratt & Whitney J48-P-6. Performance:

An F9F-6 Cougar in flight, circa 1952.

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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 487

Combat range 1,120 nautical miles Performance:

Cruising speed about 480 nmph Combat radius 295 nautical miles
Ordnance: Cruising speed 418 nautical mph
bombs 4,000 lbs total capacity Maximum Weight
guns four 20 mm guns in fuselage catapult launch 24,763 lbs
F9F-8P (Redesignated RF-9J): Ordnance:
F9F-8 equipped for photo reconnaissance. bomb two wing stations for fuel tanks,
bombs, or air-to-air and air-to-
YF9F-8T (Redesignated YTF-9J): surface missiles
Prototype of a trainer configuration of the F9F-8. guns four 20 mm guns in fuselage
F9F-8T (Redesignated TF-9J): F9F-9:
Two-seat trainer version of the F9F-8. Planned designation for an F9F-8 powered by a
Wright J65-W-6 engine. This aircraft was never deliv-
Other Designations ered to the Navy.

F9F-2KD:
F9F-2 modified and equipped as combination target Bureau Numbers
drone and control aircraft for Regulus missile training XF9F-2 122475
program. XF9F-3 122476
F9F-2P: XF9F-2 122477
F9F-2 equipped for photo reconnaissance. F9F-2 122614-122708
F9F-3 123016-123083
F9F-5KD (Redesignated DF-9E):
XF9F-4 123084
F9F-5 modified for use as a target drone or a control
XF9F-5 123085
plane.
F9F-3 123068-123087 (123087 canceled)
F9F-6D (Redesignated DF-9F): F9F-2 123397-123740 (123714-123740 canceled)
F9F-6 modified and equipped to control either the F9F-5 125080-125152
F9F target drone or the KDA-1 target. F9F-4 125153-125225
F9F-6K (Redesignated QF-9F): F9F-5 125226-125313
F9F-6 modified as a target drone. F9F-5P 125314-125321
F9F-5 125414-125443
F9F-6K2 (Redesignated QF-9G):
F9F-5 125489-125499
F9F-6 modified as a Research Development and
F9F-5 125533-125648
Evaluation target aircraft.
F9F-5 125893-126256
YF9F-8B (Redesignated YAF-9J): F9F-6 126257-126264
Prototype of F9F-8B. F9F-5P 126265-126290
F9F-8B (Redesignated AF-9J): F9F-5 126627-126669
F9F-8 equipped to perform attack missions. It had XF9F-6 126670-126672
increased wing area, flap area, fuel capacity and a F9F-2 127086-127215
cambered leading edge. Specifications for the F9F-8B F9F-6 127216-127470
are as follows: F9F-5P 127471-127472
Crew one F9F-6P 127473-127492
Length 41 ft 9 in F9F-6 128055-128294
Height 12 ft 3 in F9F-6P 128295-128310
Span: F9F-7 130752-130919
open 34 ft 6 in F9F-6 130920-131062
folded 15 ft 8 in F9F-8 131063-131251
Wing area 337 sq ft F9F-6P 131252-131255
Weights: F9F-8 134234-134244
empty 11,866 lbs F9F-6 134245-134433
combat 17,345 lbs F9F-6P 134446-134465
Engine Pratt & Whitney J48-P-8A F9F-8 138823-138898
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488 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

F9F-8 141030-141229 F9F-8T 142945-143013

F9F-8 141648-141666 F9F-8 144271-144376
YF9F-8T 141667 F9F-8P 144377-144426
F9F-8P 141668-141727 F9F-8T 146342-146425
F9F-8T 142437-142532 F9F-8T 147270-147429

Line drawings for an F9F Panther.

Line drawings for an F9F Cougar.

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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 489

F/A-18 Hornet
On 6 June 1974, the Navy released to the aerospace
industry a pre-solicitaion notice for the development
of a new fighter and attack aircraft. Six manufacturers
responded. On 28 August, the Chief of Naval
Operations released the operational requirement for a
strike fighter aircraft. The intent was to produce a
fighter that would supplement the F-14 Tomcat and
eventually replace both the F-4 Phantom II and the
light attack A-7 Corsair II. This was to be done at the
least expense possible, and Congress directed that the
aircraft was to be a derivative of the YF-16/YF-17 then
under evaluation by the Air Force.
On 2 May 1975, the Navy announced the selection
of McDonnell Douglas’ F-18 aircraft design. The An F/A-18A Hornet takes off from Lambert-St. Louis International
General Electric Corporation was awarded a contract Airport on its first flight, November 1978.
to develop the aircraft’s engine. McDonnell Douglas
was selected as the prime contractor. The Northrop Take off weight for
Corporation was selected to build the after fuselage fighter mission 36,710 lbs
portion of the aircraft. Take off weight for
By the end of the 1980s, the F/A-18 Hornet, had attack mission 49,224 lbs
proved to be a truly multi-mission tactical aircraft. It Armament:
brought to the fleet a light-attack capability and a nine external stations for missiles and bombs
potent fighter complement to the F-14 in the outer air M61 20 mm six-barrel gun in nose
battle. Engines:
First flight 18 Nov 1978 two General Electric F404-GE-400
First reported in squadron VFA-125 F/A-18D:
Number delivered as of 1 Oct 1993 859 Two seat version of the F/A-18C with reconnais-
sance capability.
Model Designations Accepted from the TF/A-18A:
Manufacturer (New Builds) Training version with combat capability. This desig-
nation was replaced with F/A-18B.
F/A-18A:
The original version. Single seat, capable of carrying
bombs and air-to-air guided missiles. Modifications to Existing Airframes

F/A-18B: F/A-18D (RC):

Training version of the F/A-18A with combat capa- Tactical reconnaissance version.
bility. This designation replaced TF/A-18A. Other Designations
F/A-18C: CF-18:
Single seat with maximum level speed of more than Version for Canada.
Mach 1.8. The F/A-18C differs from F/A-18A in its abil-
ity to carry the AMRAAM missile, the infra-red EF-18A and EF-18B:
Maverick missile, and the Airborne Self-Protection Versions for Spain.
Jammer (ASPJ). There is also an enhanced avionics AF-18A and ATF-18A:
suite and night attack capability. Specifications for the Versions for Australia.
F/A-18C are as follows:
Dimensions: Bureau Numbers
Wing Span 37 ft 6 in
F/A-18A 160775-160785
Length 56 ft
F/A-18A 161213-161216
Height 15 ft 3 1/2 in
F/A-18A 161248
Weight:
F/A-18A 161250-161251
Empty 23,050 lbs
F/A-18A 161353
Maximum fuel weight,
F/A-18A 161358-161359
internal and external 17,592 lbs
F/A-18A 161361-161367
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490 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

F/A-18A 161519-161528 TF/A-18A 162419

F/A-18A 161702-161703 TF/A-18A 162427
F/A-18A 161705-161706 TF/A-18A 162842
F/A-18A 161708-161710 TF/A-18A 162850
F/A-18A 161712-161713 TF/A-18A 162857
F/A-18A 161715-161718 TF/A-18A 162864
F/A-81A 161720-161722 TF/A-18A 162870
F/A-18A 161725-161726 TF/A-18A 162885
F/A-18A 161728-161732 TF/A-18A 163104
F/A-18A 161734-161739 TF/A-18A 163110
F/A-18A 161741-161745 TF/A-18A 163115
F/A-18A 161747-161761 TF/A-18A 163123
F/A-18A 161925-161931 F/A-18C 163427-163433
F/A-18A 161933-161937 F/A-18C 163435
F/A-18A 161939-161942 F/A-18C 163437-163440
F/A-18A 161944-161946 F/A-18C 163442-163444
F/A-18A 161948-161987 F/A-18C 163446
F/A-18A 162394-162401 F/A-18C 163448-163451
F/A-18A 162403-162407 F/A-18C 163453
F/A-18A 162409-162412 F/A-18C 163455-163456
F/A-18A 162414-162418 F/A-18C 163458-163459
F/A-18A 162420-162426 F/A-18C 163461-163463
F/A-18A 162428-162477 F/A-18C 163465-163467
F/A-18A 162826-162841 F/A-18C 163470-163478
F/A-18A 162843-162849 F/A-18C 163480-163481
F/A-18A 162851-162856 F/A-18C 163483-163485
F/A-18A 162858-162863 F/A-18C 163487
F/A-18A 162865-162869 F/A-18C 163489-163491
F/A-18A 162871-162884 F/A-18C 163493-163499
F/A-18A 162886-162909 F/A-18C 163502-163506
F/A-18A 163092-163103 F/A-18C 163508-163509
F/A-18A 163105-163109 F/A-18C 163699
F/A-18A 163111-163114 F/A-18C 163701-163706
F/A-18A 163116-163122 F/A-18C 163708-163719
F/A-18A 163124-163175 F/A-18C 163721-163762
TF/A-18A 161217 F/A-18C 163764-163770
TF/A-18A 161249 F/A-18C 163772-163777
TF/A-18A 161354-161357 F/A-18C 163779-163782
TF/A-18A 161360 F/A-18C 163985
TF/A-18A 161704 F/A-18C 163987-163988
TF/A-18A 161707 F/A-18C 163990
TF/A-18A 161711 F/A-18C 163992-163993
TF/A-18A 161714 F/A-18C 163995-163996
TF/A-18A 161719 F/A-18C 163998-164000
TF/A-18A 161723 F/A-18C 164002-164004
TF/A-18A 161727 F/A-18C 164006
TF/A-18A 161733 F/A-18C 164008
TF/A-18A 161740 F/A-18C 164012-164013
TF/A-18A 161746 F/A-18C 164015-164016
TF/A-18A 161924 F/A-18C 164018
TF/A-18A 161932 F/A-18C 164020-164021
TF/A-18A 161938 F/A-18D 163434
TF/A-18A 161943 F/A-18D 163436
TF/A-18A 161947 F/A-18D 163441-163442
TF/A-18A 162402 F/A-18D 163445
TF/A-18A 162408 F/A-18D 163447
TF/A-18A 162413 F/A-18D 163454
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 491

F/A-18D 163457 F/A-18D 163720

F/A-18D 163464 F/A-18D 163763
F/A-18D 163468 F/A-18D 163771
F/A-18D 163479 F/A-18D 163778
F/A-18D 163482 F/A-18D 163986
F/A-18D 163486 F/A-18D 163989
F/A-18D 163488 F/A-18D 163991
F/A-18D 163492 F/A-18D 163994
F/A-18D 163500-163501 F/A-18D 163997
F/A-18D 163507 F/A-18D 164005
F/A-18D 163510 F/A-18D 164009
F/A-18D 163700 F/A-18D 164011
F/A-18D 163707 F/A-18D 164019

Line drawings for the F/A-18.

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492 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

FH (FD) Phantom was the last squadron to report a Phantom on 1 July

1950. A total of 61 aircraft were accepted.
In January 1943, the Navy’s decision to build an all
jet-powered, carrier-based aircraft led to a contract Model Designations Accepted from the
award to the McDonnell Aircraft Company, St. Louis, Manufacturer (New Builds)
Missouri. McDonnell had never designed an aircraft
for the Navy, and the Navy had never before sought a XFD-1:
jet aircraft. Following the procedure of the day, the Experimental version of the FD-1. The designation
Navy assigned a manufacturer’s letter to McDonnell for was never changed to XFH-1.
its incorporation into the aircraft’s designation. At the FD-1:
time, all usable letters were in use, so the Navy— Production version of the FD-1. Basically the same
almost presciently-assigned McDonnell the letter D as the XFD-1 but with some redesign of the vertical tail
which was already used by Douglas. On 6 June 1947, structure. Designation was later changed to FH-1.
the letter was later changed to H; the Phantom was
first designated FD and later FH. Characteristics of XFD-1:
The aircraft first flew on 26 January 1945. VF-17A Crew One
made the first acceptance on 23 July 1947. VMF-122 Power Plant Two 1,560 lb Westinghouse J60 engines
Combat Range 475 nautical miles
Weight
Gross 8,626 lbs
Empty 6,156 lbs
Dimensions
Wing Span 42 ft
Length 37 ft 2 in
Height 13 ft 2 in
Ordnance: None in experimental version.
Four fixed .50 cal. guns in FD-1.

Bureau Numbers
XFD-1 48235-48236
The XFD-1 Phantom in flight, later redesignated FH. FD-1 111749-111848 (111809-111848 canceled)

Line drawings for the FH.

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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 493

FJ-3/4 (F-1) Fury Height 13 ft 8 in

Tread 9 ft
North American’s straight-wing Navy FJ-1 of the Ordnance on FJ-3 beyond Bureau Number 136118:
1940s led to the swept wing F-86 Sabre; it seemed a Four 20 mm guns in forward
logical development for the company to later produce fuselage with 646 rounds.
a swept-wing, carrier-based fighter. It would be desig- Wing stations to carry: 5 inch
nated FJ-2 and would first fly on 27 December 1951. rockets; 250, 500 and 1,000
All FJ-2s were powered by a single General Electric lb bombs; 260 lb fragmenta-
J47-GE-2 engine with 6,000 pounds thrust; all were tion bomb; two AIM-9 mis-
assigned to the Marine Corps. The later carrier-based siles
variant was designated FJ-3 and was powered by a FJ-3M (MF-1C):
single Wright J65-W-4 engine with 7,800 pounds FJ-3 equipped to carry AIM-9 Sidewinder missile.
thrust; it first flew in 1953. The FJ-4 had a redesigned XFJ-4:
fuselage and wings with greater fuel capacity but the Experimental version of FJ-4.
same engine as the FJ-3. The FJ-4 was used primarily
by the Marine Corps. In 1962, the FJ-3 and FJ-4 were FJ-4 (F-1E):
redesignated F-1C and F-1E, respectively. The last Fury Production improvement of the FJ-3.
was delivered in May 1958. The Fury was last reported FJ-4B (AF-1E):
in squadron on 30 September 1962. FJ-4 with provisions for attack missions.

Other Designations

FJ-3D (DF-1C):
FJ-3 modified for control of Regulus missile.
FJ-3D2 (DF-1D):
FJ-3 capable of controlling the F9F-6K and KDA-1.
FJ-4F:
FJ-4 with provision for rocket assist.

Bureau Numbers
FJ-3 (F-1C) 135774-136162, 139210-139278, 139324-
139423 (canceled)
An XFJ-4 Fury in flight, November 1954.
FJ-3M (MF-1C) 141364-141443
XFJ-4 139279-139280
FJ-4 (F-1E) 139281-139323, 139424-139530
Model Designations Accepted from the
FJ-4B (AF-1E) 139531-139555, 141444-141489, 143493-
Manufacturer (New Builds)
143676 (143644-143676 canceled)
FJ-3 (F-1C):
Single-engine, swepwing, single-place, high-perfor-
mance day fighter. Characteristics of FJ-3 (F-1C) are as
follows:
Crew One
Power Plant 7,800 pound Wright J65-W-4A
Combat Range 990 nautical miles
Weight
Empty 12,815 lbs
Basic 13,790 lbs
Design 16,482 lbs
Combat 16,632 lbs
Maximum Takeoff 19,390 lbs (catapult)
Maximum Landing 15,000 lbs (arrested)
Dimensions
Wing
Area 288 sq ft
Span 37 ft 1 in
Length 38 ft 7 in Line drawings for the FJ Fury.
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494 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

FM Wildcat
Built by the Eastern Aircraft Division of General
Motors to Grumman’s F4F Wildcat design, an FM first
flew in August 1942. Eastern was made a second pro-
duction source for this aircraft to allow Grumman to
concentrate on the Wildcat’s successor, the F6F
Hellcat. In all, Eastern delivered 5,927 FMs to the
Navy, including those for use by the Allies. An FM was
last reported in squadron in November 1945.

Model Designations Accepted from the

Manufacturer (New Builds)
An FM-2 Wildcat in flight, April 1944.
FM-1:
Based on F4F-4, the FM-1 had a gross weight 75 FM-2:
pounds greater than that of the F4F-4. Characteristics Based on a Grumman prototype designated XF4F-8,
the FM-2 was powered by one Wright R-1820-56
of the FM-1 are as follows:
engine of 1,350 hp and had a tail fin slightly taller than
Crew One
the FM-1’s.
Power Plant Pratt & Whitney R-1830-86 with
1,200 hp
Combat Radius 324 nautical miles Other Designations:
Weight XFM-2:
Gross 8,837 lbs F4F-4 converted to facilitate production engineering
Empty 5,895 lbs of the FM-2.
Dimensions FM-2P:
Wing FM-2 equipped for reconnaissance.
Area 260 sq ft
Span 38 ft Bureau Numbers
Length 28 ft 10 in
FM-1 14992-15951, 46738-46837
Height 12 ft 2 in FM-2 15952-16791, 46838-47437, 55050-55649, 56684-
Ordnance: Four forward-firing .50 cal. guns 57083, 73499-75158, 86297-87719 (86974-87719
with 1,720 rounds. canceled)

Line drawings for an FM-2.

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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 495

OV-10A:
OV-10 Bronco Production version of the Bronco. It was the only
variant accepted for the Marine Corps. Characteristics
In October 1964, the Navy awarded a contract to of the OV-10A are as follows:
North American to design a Light Armed Crew Two
Reconnaissance Aircraft (LARA) for the Marine Corps.
Power Plant Two 715-shp Garrett Air Research
Two years later, the LARA had developed into a tri-ser-
turboprops
vice program to provide a Counter-Insurgency (COIN)
aircraft for the United States Armed Forces. HML-267 Combat Range 789 nautical miles
accepted the first article for the Marine Corps in Weight
February 1968. A total of 356 Broncos were accepted Maximum Takeoff 14,444 lbs
for Navy and Marine Corps use and for foreign military Empty 6,921 lbs
sales. Dimensions
Wing Span 40 ft 4 in
Model Designations Accepted from the Wing Area 291 sq ft
Manufacturer (New Builds) Length 41 ft 6 in
Height 15 ft 1 in
YOV-10A: Ordnance: Four 7.62-mm guns, AIM-9 Side-
Prototype of the Bronco. winders, rockets, bombs, gun pods.

Other Designations

OV-10D:
The result of an improvement program to produce
what was referred to as the OV-10D Plus configura-
tion. Begun in 1988, the -10D included the Service Life
Extension Program, which comprised a wide range of
engineering change proposals to update the aircraft
and improve its performance. Some structural changes
were made and avionics equipment was added. The
aircraft was night vision capable.

Bureau Numbers
YOV-10A 152879-152885
A full-scale mock-up of the OV-10 at the North American factor, OV-10A 155390-155503, 613552, 674652, 674623,
circa mid-1960s. 683809, 683799, 683796, 674626

Line drawings for the OV-10A.

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496 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

PB4Y Liberator PB4Y-2:

(and its other names and designations) Single tail fin, longer fuselage than the -1, additional
armament and powered by four Pratt & Whitney R-
By 1942, the Royal Air Force (RAF) was using 1830-94s. Redesignated P4Y-2. Characteristics of the
Consolidated’s U.S. Army land-based B-24 Liberator on PB4Y-2 are as follows:
long-range patrol against German submarines and sur- Crew 11
face vessels. The RAF’s success in this deployment was Power Plant Four Pratt & Whitney R-1830-43.
sufficient to induce the U.S. Navy to acquire a quantity Combat Range 1,920 nautical miles
of the type. The B-24D entered Navy inventory as the Weight
PB4Y-1 Liberator when VP-51 accepted the first arti- Maximum Takeoff 64,000 lbs
cles in October 1942. The B-24 remained in U.S. Navy Empty 37,464 lbs
service until VJ-62 last reported a P4Y-1P in squadron. Dimensions
At the time of the redesignation in 1962, the only vari- Wing Span 110 ft
ant of the aircraft remaining in Navy use was the target Wing Area 1,048 sq ft
drone P4Y-2K, which was redesignated QP-4B. A total Length 74 ft 9 in
of 977 -1s and 739 -2s were procured. Height 29 ft 2 in
Records show that at sometime the PB4Y-1s and Ordnance: Twelve .50 cal. guns: 2 in the
PB4Y-2s were both called Liberator, although it was nose turret, 2 in the tail tur-
probably the intention always to refer to all -1s as ret, 4 in the waist, 2 in the for-
Liberator and all -2s as Privateer. The P4Y-2s, which ward deck and 2 in the after
were PB4Y-2s redesignated, were all called Privateer. deck. Total of 6,800 rounds.
The Coast Guard flew some Privateers under the des- Provisions for four 2,000 pound
ignation P4Y-2G. Other Navy acquisitions included the or eight 1,000 pound or
transport version designated RY-1, RY-2 and RY-3—all twelve 500 pound bombs; or
of which were called Liberator Express. twelve 324 pound depth
charges; or four 2,000 pound
or eight 1,000 pound mines.
Model Designations Accepted from the
Manufacturer (New Builds) PB4Y-2B:
PB4Y-2 modified to launch and control the ASM-N-2
PB4Y-1: Bat glide bomb. Redesignated P4Y-2B.
Land-based bomber used mainly for ASW. Dual tail
PB4Y-2M:
fin. Powered by four Pratt & Whitney R-1830-43s.
Demilitarized version of the PB4Y-2 used for weath-
er reconnaissance.
PB4Y-2S:
Antisubmarine version of the PB4Y-2. Redesignated
P4Y-2S.

Other Designations

PB4Y-1P:
PB4Y-1 equipped for photoreconnaissance. Redesig-
nated P4Y-1P.
PB4Y-1Z:
PB4Y-1 converted for administrative purposes.
XPB4Y-2:
Experimental version of the PB4Y-2.
PB4Y-2C:
PB4Y-2 with an Emerson turret in lieu of the ERCO
turret in the bow.
P4Y-2G:
P4Y-2 flown by the U.S. Coast Guard.
P4Y-2S2:
Improved version of the P4Y-2S.
A naval reserve P4Y-2 from NAS Glenview at Gibraltar.
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 497

P4Y-2K: PB4Y-2 59350-59924 (59554 canceled), 59926,

Equipped as a target drone. 59929-59937, 59939-59944, 59946-59948,
59950-59954, 59970-60009, 66245-66394,
Bureau Numbers (66325-66394 canceled), 66795-67054 (all
PB4Y-1 31936-32085, 32087-32094, 32097-32335, canceled), 76839-77138 (all canceled)
38773-38979, 46725-46737, 63915-63991 PB4Y-2B 59925
(63960-63991 canceled), 65287-65396,
PB4Y-2S 59927
90132-90271, 90462-90271
XPB4Y-2 32086, 32095-32096 PB4Y-2M 59928, 59938, 59945, 59949, 59955-59969

Line drawings for the PB4Y-2.

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498 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

SB2A Buccaneer First contract 4 April 1939

First flight 17 June 1941
In 1934, the Brewster Aeronautical Corporation First reported in squadron 31 January 1943, VMF(N)-
531
designed the XSBA-1 for the Navy and built one arti-
Last delivery February 1944
cle. On 4 April 1939, the Navy awarded Brewster a
Last reported in squadron 30 Nov 1943 by VMF(N)-532
contract for another Scout Bomber. This contract led Number accepted 771
to the SB2A Buccaneer. The Navy accepted a total of
SB2A-1:
771 SB2As of which 468 were for foreign military use.
Specifications for the SB2A-1 are as follows:
The Navy eventually used some of these aircraft for Weights:
training, but if any of the 771 SB2As ever saw combat, Empty 9,491 lbs
no record of it has yet been found. Gross 14,565 lbs
Ordnance:
Two .30 cal. wing guns
Two .50 cal. nose (propeller synchroized) guns
Two .30 cal. flexible guns
Two 500 or one 1,000 pound bomb
Wing area 379 sq ft
Wing span 47 ft
Height 15 ft 9 in
Length 38 ft 10 in
Max range 1,700 statute miles
Power plant One 1,700 hp Wright R-2600

Bureau Numbers
XSB2A-1 1632
XSB2A-1 01005
SB2A-2 00803-00882
SB2A-3 00883-00942
An SB2A Buccaneer. SB2A-4 29214-29375

Line drawings for an SB2A-4.

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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 499

SB2C/SBW/SBF Helldiver ent models, carried both fixed wing guns and flexible
guns ranging from .30 to .50 calibre and 20 mm. Bomb
Curtiss added to its list of Navy combat aircraft in capability was based on two external wing racks and
December 1942 upon delivering the service’s first an internal bomb bay equipped with displacement
SB2C Helldiver to VS-9. Powered by the Wright R-2600 gear, or crutch, to release a single bomb. Some models
Cyclone engine, the SB2C monoplane scout bomber could carry 5 inch rockets.
was ordered by the Navy in 1939 as a replacement for First contract 15 May 1939
the SBD Dauntless. It was Curtiss’s first monoplane First flight 18 Dec 1940
attack aircraft and would eventually be built in 19 des- First reported in squadron 15 Dec 1942
ignations by three manufacturers. By the time the Last delivery Oct 1945
Navy accepted the last Helldiver in October 1945, pro- Number accepted 6,650
duction had reached 6,650. The Helldiver, in its differ- Last reported in squadron 1 Jun 1949

An XSB2C-1 Helldiver,
December 1940.

Model Designations Accepted from Manufacturer SB2C-3:

(New Builds) Carried two 20 mm fixed guns in the wings and
twin .30 calibres on a flexible mount. It was powered
XSB2C-2, XSB2C-5, XSB2C-6: by R-2600-20 engine.
Experimental models.
SB2C-4:
SB2C-1: SB3C-3 with perforated flaps.
The first production model of the Helldiver. The air-
craft carried four .50 calibre fixed guns in the wings SB2C-4E:
and twin .30 calibre guns in flexible mount. The SB2C- SB2C-4 with special radar.
1 was tested for its torpedo launching capability but SB2C-5:
never tried to launch any in combat. Was powered by Same as SB2C-4 but with improved pilot’s cockpit,
the R-2600-8 engine. two 50 gallon wing tanks, and a strengthened fuse-
SB2C-1A: lage. Specifications for the SB2C-5 are as follows:
A designation used only for procurement of SB2C-1s Weights:
for the U.S. Army which designated them A-25A with Empty 10,589 lbs
the intention of using them for dive-bombers. There Combat 14,415 lbs
were some structural modifications from the Navy Ordnance:
SB2C-1. The Army never used the land-based A-25A in Two 20 mm wing guns
combat, and neither did the Navy and Marine Corps, Two .30 cal. guns on aft flexible mount
all of which eventually used the SB2C-1/A-25A for Eight 5 inch HVAR rockets
training. Internal bomb bay that could accommodate up
SB2C-1C: to 1,000 lbs, and two external wing racks that
Carried two 20 mm fixed guns in the wings and could handle up to 1,000 lbs each.
twin .30 calibre guns on a flexible mount. It was pow- Wing area 422 sq ft
ered by the R-2600-8 engine. Wing span 49 ft 9 in
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500 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

Height 14 ft 9 in SB2C-3P:
Length 36 ft 8 in Equipped for photographic reconnaissance.
Power plant Wright R-2600-20 cyclone SB2C-5D:
SBW-1: Equipped for use as a control plane.
SB2C-1 built by Canadian Car and Foundry Co.
SBW-1B: Bureau Numbers
Built for the United Kingdom.
XSB2C-1 1758
SBW-3: SB2C-1 00001-00004, 00006-00200
Similar to SB2C-3. SB2C-1A 75218-75588, 76780-76818
SBW-4: SB2C-1C 00201-00370, 01008-01215, (01209-01215
Same as SB2C-4. canceled), 18192-18307, 18309-18598
SBW-4E: XSB2C-2 00005
Equipped with radar. SB2C-3 18622-19710
SB2C-3/3E 18599-18619
SBW-5:
SB2C-4/4E 19711-21191, 64993-65285, 82858-83126
Same as SB2C-5.
XSB2C-5 18308, 65286, 83127
SBF-1: SB2C-5 83128-83751, 89120-90019 (89466-90019
SB2C-1 built by Fairchild of Canada. canceled)
SBF-3: XSB2C-6 18620-18621
Same as SB2C-3. SBF-1 31636-31685
SBF-4E: SBF-3 31686-31835
Same as SB2C-4E. SBF-4E 31836-31935
SBW-1 21192-21231, 60010-60035
SBW-3 21233-21645
Other Designations
SBW-4E 21646-21741, 60036-60209
SB2C-1E, SB2C-3E, and SB2C-5E: SBW-5 60210-60459 (60210, 60296-60459 canceled),
Equipped with radar. 21232 (21232 canceled)

Line drawings for an SB2C.

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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 501

SB2U Vindicator
Among the first monoplanes to fly from a carrier,
the SB2U Vindicator was produced by Vought to pro-
vide the Navy with a new dive bomber incorporating
the latest aerodynamic developments. The aft portions
of the SB2U-1’s wings were partially covered with fab-
ric, and the aircraft had some shortcomings such as an
uncomfortable cockpit and poor lateral control, but it
would prove to be reliable and effective in performing
its intended mission.
First contract 11 October 1934 An XSB2U-1 Vindicator, May 1936.
First flight 4 January 1936
in the cowling and was powered by a Pratt & Whitney
First reported in squadron 20 December 1937 by VB-3
R-1535-2 engine. Specifications for the SB2U-3 sea-
Last delivery July 1941
plane are as follows:
Last reported in squadron SB2U-1 by VB-9 on 28
Weights:
February 1943
Empty 6,153 lbs
Number accepted 170
Gross 8,900 lbs
Ordnance:
Models Accepted from the Manufacturer Two .30 cal. wing guns
(New Builds) One .30 cal. flexible gun
One 500 or 1,000 lb bomb
XSB2U-1: Wing area 305 sq ft
Experimental version. Wing span 41 ft 10 in
XSB2U-3: Height 16 ft 6 in
Experimental version. Length 37 ft
SB2U-1: Power plant Pratt & Whitney 825 hp R-1535
Powered by the Pratt & Whitney 850 hp R-1535-96 Max range 1,240 statute miles
engine. Two .30 calibre wing guns, a .30 calibre aft fir-
ing gun, carried a 1,000 lb bomb. Bureau Numbers
SB2U-2: XSB2U-1 9725
Same as SB2U-1 but with a higher gross weight. SB2U-1 0726-0778
SB2U-3: XSB2U-3 0779
Built for the Marine Corps, the SB2U-3 could oper- SB2U-2 1326-1383
ate from a carrier. It had two .50 calibre guns mounted SB2U-3 2044-2100

Line drawings for an SB2U.

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502 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

SBC
A Bureau of Aeronautics contract of 30 June 1932 to
the Curtiss Company resulted in the prototype of a
fighter aircraft designated XF12C. But before the air-
craft was assigned to any fleet squadron, or even put
into production, its mission was changed to scout
bomber and its designation became SBC-1. Along the
way, what had begun life as a monoplane became the
last biplane to enter Navy service.
First contract 30 June 1932
First flight 14 June 1934
First reported in squadron 17 July 1937 by VS-5
Last delivery April 1941
Last reported in squadron 1 June 1943 by VMSB- An XSBC-3 in flight, April 1936.
151 and VC-4
Number accepted 258 Gross 7,632 lbs
Dimensions:
Models Accepted from the Manufacturer Wing span 34 ft
(New Builds) Length 27 ft 7 in
Ordnance:
XSBC-3:
Guns one forward firing .30
Experimental article.
cal. and one flexible
XSBC-4: .30 cal. gun in rear
Experimental article. Maximum bomb capacity 1,000 lbs
SBC-3:
Two crew scout bomber powered by Pratt &
Bureau Numbers
Whitney R-1535-94.
XSBC-3 9225
SBC-4:
Two crew scout bomber powered by Pratt & SBC-3 0507-0589 (0582 modified to XSBC-4)
Whitney R-1820-94. SBC-4 1268-1325
Specifications for the SBC-4 are as follows: SBC-4 1474-1504
Weight: SBC-4 1809-1843
Empty 4,841 lbs SBC-4 4199-4248

Line drawings for an SBC-3.

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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 503

SBD Dauntless Of all the models accepted from the manufacturer,

the differences were in such areas as range, dimen-
Begun by the Northrop Company as the BL-1 and sions and engines. For example the SBD-1 had a maxi-
later redesignated BT-2, this aircraft’s manufacturer mum bombing range of about 860 miles and the SBD-
5’s was around 1,100. All models were powered by
was incorporated into the Douglas Company before
the Wright R-1820. The SBD-1 and the SBD-2 used the
the plane was ready for delivery to the Navy. For this
R-1820-32; the SBD-3 and the SBD-4 used the R-1820-
reason, it arrived in squadron with the Douglas D in
52; and the SBD-5 used the R-1820-50. The wingspan
its designation. One of the Navy’s most successful of 41 feet 6 inches was the same in all models, but the
combat aircraft, the Dauntless was an indispensable length increased from 32 feet 2 inches in the SBD-1 to
part of the fleet’s striking power throughout the 33 feet in the SBD-5.
Second World War.
First contract 11 Nov 1934
Douglas built the aircraft under the designation
First flight Estimated Aug 1935
SBD. The Navy accepted 5,321 SBDs, of which 338
First reported in squadron 11 Apr 1938 by VB-5
were for Foreign Military Sales. The Navy also accept-
Last delivery Aug 1944
ed 55 BTs from Northrop. The SBD-5 was the most Last reported in squadron SBD-6 on 30 Sep 1945
numerous of all the models. Number accepted 5,321

An SBD-3 Dauntless in flight, circa 1941.

Models Accepted from the Manufacturer Empty 6,533 lbs

(New Builds) Power Plant Wright R-1820-60
SBD-1 SBD-2 SBD-3 Dimensions:
SBD-3A SBD-4 SBD-4A Wing area 325 sq ft
SBD-5A XSBD-6 SBD-6 Wing span 41 ft 6 & 5/16 in
XBT-1 XBT-2 BT-1 Length 33 ft & 1/8 in
Height 13 ft 11 in
SBD-5: Ordnance:
Specifications for the SBD-5 are as follows: Guns two fixed .50 cal. for pilot
Weight: two free .30 cal. for gunner
Gross 10,403 lbs Maximum bomb capacity 1,600 lbs
Appendix 1--pgs. 477-508 4/12/95 4:02 PM Page 504

504 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

Bureau Numbers SBD-5 10807-11066

SBD-1 1596-1631 SBD-5 28059-28829
SBD-1 1735-1755 XSBD-6 28830
SBD-2 2102-2188 SBD-5 28831-29213
SBD-3 4518-4691 SBD-5 35922-35949
SBD-3 03185-03384 SBD-6 35950
SBD-3 06492-06701 SBD-5 35951-36421
SBD-4 06702-06991 SBD-5 36433-36932
SBD-5A 09693-09752 SBD-5 54050-54599
SBD-4 10317-10806 SBD-6 54600-55049

Line drawings of an SBD.

Appendix 1--pgs. 477-508 4/12/95 4:06 PM Page 505

DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 505

T3J (T-39) Sabreliner Mission Range 1,100 nautical miles

Weight
In July 1961, the Navy ordered ten of North Maximum Takeoff 17,760 lbs
American’s Model NA-277 to train radar operators. In Empty 10,250 lbs
that order the aircraft was designated T3J-1, but by the Dimensions
time the first one was delivered in 1962, the designation Wing Span 44 ft 4 in
had been changed to T-39D. A total of 52 aircraft were Wing Area 342 sq ft
accepted. Characteristics of the T-39 are as follows: Length 43 ft 8 in
Crew Pilot and a copilot as the main Height 16 ft
student. Provision in aft cabin Ordnance: None
for an instructor. Two stand-
by students and a navigator’s
station. Bureau Numbers
Power Plant Two Pratt & Whitney 2,400-lb T-39D 150542-150551, 151336-151347, (151344-151347
J60-P-3 axial turbojets. canceled), 150969-150992

A Training Squadron
10 (VT-10) T-39
Sabreliner in flight.

Line drawings for a T-39.

Appendix 1--pgs. 477-508 4/12/95 4:13 PM Page 506

506 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

T2D/P2D The aircraft made its first flight on 27 January 1927.

It was first reported in squadron by VT-2 on 25 May
Beginning its life as a Bureau of Aeronautics design, 1927. The designation last reported in squadron was a
this aircraft’s prototype was built at the Naval Aircraft P2D-1 by VP-3F on 28 February 1937. A total of thirty
Factory and designated the XTN-1. A large twin engine aircraft were accepted.
aircraft, its design was the Bureau’s response to a need
XT2D-1:
for an improved torpedo bomber. At that time, Rear
Specifications for the XT2D-1 are as follows:
Admiral William Moffett was Chief of the Bureau of
Aeronautics. Moffett championed the existence of the Span 57 ft.
Aircraft Factory for its research and development capa- Height 14 ft 4 1/2 in
bility, but he also recognized the need for a strong Length 44 ft 10 in
aviation industry in the United States and accordingly Width (wings folded) 26 ft
opposed large production runs at the Factory. In keep- Full load 9,575 lbs
ing with this attitude, BuAer gave the production con- Useful load 3,715 lbs
tract for the XTN-1 to Douglas who produced the air- Empty weight 5,860 lbs
craft as the T2D. Landing speed 55 mph
Built to operate from land and carrier, the T2D-1 ran
afoul of the Army who felt the Navy was encroaching
upon its purview with a big land-based bomber. In Bureau Numbers
response to complaints, the Navy had Douglas pro- XTN-1 A7027
duce the rest of the T2Ds with twin floats and redesig- T2D-1 A7051-A7053, A7587-A7595
nated them P2D for patrol craft. P2D-1 A8644-A8661

A Douglas T2D-1.

Line drawings for a T2D-1.

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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 507

T3M and Bureau Number A7224 was used for both the
XT3M-1 and XT3M-2.
The Martin T3M was an improved version of their The date the aircraft first flew is uncertain but is
SC. The Navy contract that ordered it in 1925 was for a estimated to have done so in July 1926. It was first
torpedo bomber biplane capable of operating with delivered to squadron on 7 September 1926 to VT-2. It
wheels or floats. Martin eventually delivered 123 T3Ms was last reported in squadron when VP-3S reported a
under the designations T3M-1 and T3M-2. Both were T3M-2 on 30 July 1932.
three crew: pilot, bombardier and gunner. The T3M-1 T3M-1:
was powered by a 575 horsepower Wright T-3 engine Twin float seaplane. Specifications for the T3M-1 are
and the T3M-2 had a 770 horsepower Packard 3A- as follows:
2500. In developing the aircraft, the same airframe Gross weight 9,856 lbs
Empty weight 6,324 lbs
Total useful load 3,532 lbs
Armament one .30 cal. gun in rear cockpit
Wing Area 848 sq ft
Wing span upper 52 ft 4 in
Wing span lower 56 ft 7 in
Height 16 ft
Length 42 ft 9 in

Bureau Numbers
T3M-1 A7065-A7078
XT3M-1 & XT3M-2 A7224
An XT3M-3.
T3M-2 A7225-A7322
T3M-2 & XT3M-3 A7323

Line drawings for the T3M-1.

Appendix 1--pgs. 477-508 4/12/95 4:23 PM Page 508

508 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

T4M and TG and TE 18 aircraft designated TG-1. By June 1929, Great Lakes
had taken over Martin’s plant at Cleveland. On 2 July
The earliest model of this aircraft was the Martin 1930, the Navy awarded a contract to the Detroit
(Cleveland) Model 74. Martin designed and developed Aircraft Corporation for 32 TE-1 aircraft which were to
this torpedo bomber and sold it to the Navy who des- be similar to Martin’s T4M-1. Detroit subcontracted
ignated it T4M-1 and later referred to it as the XT4M-1. much of the work on the TE-1 to Great Lakes and
It was purchased for experimental use to determine soon encountered serious financial difficulties.
the practicality of its type for further production. A Eventually Detroit virtually subcontracted to Great
production contract of 30 June 1927 ordered 102 T4M- Lakes the entire job to build the TE-1s. For this reason,
1 aircraft. They were described as single engine, three the Navy accepted the TE-1s with Great Lakes data
purpose convertible biplane equipped for catapulting plates and the designation TG-2. Great Lakes delivered
and for deck landing, with emergency floatation gear. a total of 50 aircraft designated TG.
The aircraft would be used mainly for carrier opera- The date of the T4M’s first flight is not definitely
tions. It had a crew of three: pilot, bombardier, and known but is estimated to have occurred in May 1927.
gunner. Counting the XT4M-1 and the 102 production It was first delivered to a squadron on 9 August 1928
planes, Martin delivered 103 aircraft designated T4M. and was last delivered in December 1931. The desig-
On 25 June 1929, the Bureau of Aeronautics award- nation last reported was a TG-2 by VT-6 on 31 March
ed to the Great Lakes Aircraft Company a contract for 1938.

A T4M-1 assigned to Naval Air Reserve Base

Seattle.

T4M-1 (Landplane): Total useful load 2,709 lbs

Specifications for the T4M-1 are as follows: Armament One flexible .30 cal. gun, rear cockpit
Power plant 525 hp Pratt & Whitney R-1690 Wing area 656 sq ft
(575 hp Wright R-1820 in T4M-2) Wing span 53 ft both wings
Gross weight 6,599 lbs Height 13 ft 5 in
Empty weight 3,890 lbs Length 35 ft 7 in

A TG-1 at Hampton Roads,

Virginia, September 1935.
 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 509

TG-1 (Landplane): Wing span 53 ft both upper and lower

Specifications for the TG-1 are as follows: Height 14 ft 9 in
Power Plant Pratt & Whitney R-1690 in TG-1 Length 34 ft 8 in
Pratt & Whitney R-1820 in TG-2
Gross weight 7,652 lbs Bureau Numbers
Empty weight 4,179 lbs XT4M-1 A7566
Total useful load 3,472 lbs T4M-1 A7852-A7899, A7596-A7649
Armament one flexible .30 cal. gun, rear cockpit TG-1 A8458-A8475
Wing area 656 sq ft TG-2 A8697-A8728

Line drawings for the T4M-1.

Appendix 1---ps. 509-562 4/13/95 6:24 AM Page 510

510 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

TB Length 42 ft 7 in
Height 15 ft
The Boeing Company built this single engine Span 55 ft both wings
amphibious float plane to Bureau of Aeronautics Wing area 868.4 sq ft
Design Number 35. Only three were produced and all
Weights
of them were delivered to the Navy during 1927.
Powered by a 720 horsepower Packard 1A-2500, this gross 10,703 lbs
large biplane, had a crew of three and, as a float useful 4,405 lbs
plane, could carry up to 1,968 pounds of ordnance. Range about 340 nautical miles at full speed
The TBs were similar to the Martin T3M aircraft.
TB-1:
Bureau Numbers
Specifications for the TB-1 are as follows:
Crew three TB-1 A7024-A7026

An XTB-1, Boeing’s version of the Martin T3M.

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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 511

TBD Devastator Models Accepted from the Manufacturer

(New Builds)
In 1934 the Navy conducted a competition for a XTBD-1:
new carrier-based torpedo bomber. Great Lakes sub- Experimental version of the Douglas design.
mitted a design for a biplane, Douglas for a mono- TBD-1:
plane. The Great Lakes’ design was built as the TBG-1. Production version of the XTBD-1. It was a horizon-
The design which Douglas was invited to reduce to tal bomber, three-place, carrier-based aircraft.
practice, first flew on 15 April 1935 and became the Specifications for the TBD-1 are as follows:
Navy’s initial carrier-based monoplane, the TBD Maximum gross weight 10,261 lbs
Devastator. The first delivery occurred on 5 October Maximum fuel weight 1,080 lbs
Maximum speed 221 mph at 8,000 ft
1937. The last delivery was in November 1939. The
Maximum range 1,080 statute miles
aircraft was last reported in squadron on 31 August Armament:
1942. A total of 130 aircraft were accepted. One .30 cal. synchronized gun (500 rounds)
One .30 cal. flexible gun (600 rounds)
Up to 1,500 pounds of bombs or up to a 1,850
pound torpedo
Engine one 900 hp Pratt & Whitney
R-1930-64
Wing span 50 ft (folded, 25 ft 8 1/2 in)
Length 35 ft

Other Designations
TBD-1A:
Twin float landing gear added by the Naval Aircraft
Factory.

Bureau Numbers
XTBD-1 9720
TBD-1 0268-0381
The XTBD-1 Devastator.
TBD-1 1505-1519

Line drawings
for the TBD-1.
Appendix 1---ps. 509-562 4/13/95 6:30 AM Page 512

512 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

TBF/TBM Avenger The TBF-1 was powered by a single 1700 horsepower

Wright R-2600-8 engine.
Among the Grumman Company’s outstanding con- The XTBF-3 was developed to provide the
tributions to naval aviation, the Avenger perhaps holds Avenger with the 1900 horsepower Wright 2600-20
the honor of being the most versatile. It was in engine. The production version of the XTBF-3 was
squadron from March 1942 until October 1954, a never produced in its F designation but was built by
shorter time than some other aircraft, but during those Eastern as the TBM-3. The TBM-3’s range was from
years it served as a torpedo bomber, an ASW aircraft, 1,130 to 2,530 statute miles and an average speed of
and the Navy’s first carrier-based AEW plane; there 150 mph.
was also a modification for night operations, one for The TBM-3 had a length of 40 feet 111⁄2 inches, a
radar countermeasures, and another for Carrier height of 16 feet 9 inches. The wing span was 54 feet
Onboard Delivery. 2 inches (folded size was 19 feet).
The contract of 8 April 1940 which the Navy award-
ed to Grumman was for the company’s first attack air- Model Designations Accepted from
craft. Until that time, Grumman’s work for the Navy Manufacturer (New Builds)
had been entirely with fighters. The first flight of the
mid-wing monoplane, three-place, torpedo bomber XTBF-1:
occurred on 7 August 1941. During the Second World Experimental version of design.
War, the Avenger was produced by Grumman as the TBF-1:
TBF and by the Eastern Aircraft Division of General Production version of XTBF-1.
Motors as the TBM. Grumman produced a total of
TBF-1B:
2,290 aircraft, Eastern produced 7,546 aircraft. The last
TBF-1 diverted from Navy delivery.
delivery to the Navy was made in September 1945.
The TBF-1 could carry up to 2,000 pounds of torpe- TBF-1C:
does or bombs in the bomb bay. It had a dorsal turret Same as TBF-1 but with provision for two .50 cal.
with a .50 calibre gun at the after end of the cockpit, a wing guns.
forward-firing .30 calibre gun at the nose cowling and XTBF-2:
another .30 calibre gun located ventrally facing aft. Test bed for Wright experimental R-2600-10 engine.

A TBF-1 in flight.
Appendix 1---ps. 509-562 4/13/95 6:30 AM Page 513

DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 513

XTBF-3: TBM-3J:
Experimental version with Wright R-2600-20 engine. TBM-3 converted to utility plane.
TBM-1: TBM-3L:
Built to same specifications as the TBF-1. Same as TBM-3 but with searchlight mounted in
TBM-1C: bombay.
Same as TBF-1C. TBM-3N:
XTBM-3: TBM-3 equipped for night operations (all-weather).
Experimental version with Wright R-2600-20 engine. TBM-3P:
TBM-3: Same as TBM-3 but with trimetrogon camera for
Production development of the XTBF-3 which was photo reconnaissance.
similar to the TBF-l but with improved engine, 1900 TBM-3Q:
hp Wright R-2600-20. TBM-3 equipped for ECM missions.
TBM-3E: TBM-3R:
TBM-3 equipped with ASW radar. COD version TBM-3.
XTBM-4: TBM-3S:
TBM-3 with structural strength increased to with- ASW version of the TBM-3E.
stand 5Gs. TBM-3S2:
Same as TBM-3S with improved ASW equipment
Other Designations and rearrangement of the after crew space.
TBM-3U:
TBF-1CP:
Utility version of TBM-3E.
Same as the TBF-1C but equipped with trimetregon
camera for photo reconnaissance. TBM-3W:
Same as TBM-3 but equipped as a special radar
TBF-1D: search plane.
Same as TBF-1C except for special radio and radar
TBM-3W2:
installation.
TBM-3W with improved ASW equipment and rear-
TBF-1E: rangement of the after crew space with APS-20 radar.
Same as TBF-1C but equipped with special radar.
TBF-1J: Bureau Numbers
TBF-1 converted to utility plane.
XTBF-1 2539-2540
TBF-1L: TBF-1 00373-00392
The TBF-1, TBF-1C, TBF-1D, TBF-1E but equipped XTBF-2 00393
with searchlight mounted in bomb bay. TBF-1 00394-00658
TBM-1CP: TBF-1 01731-01770
Same as TBM-1C but equipped with trimetrogon TBF-1 05877-06491
TBM-1C 16792-17019
camera for photo reconnaissance.
TBF-1 23857-24140
TBM-1D: XTBF-3 24141
Same as TBF-1D. TBF-1 24142-24340
TBM-1E: XTBF-3 24341
Same as TBM-1C but equipped with special radar. TBF-1 24342-24520
TBM-1 24521-25070
TBM-1J: TBM-1C 25071-25174
TBM-1 converted to utility plane. XTBM-3 25175
TBM-1L: TBM-1C 25176-25520
TBF-1C, TBF-1D, or TBF-1E but equipped with XTBM-3 25521
searchlight mounted in the bomb bay. TBM-1C 25522-25699
XTBM-3 25700
TBM-3D: TBM-1C 25701-25720
Same as TBM-3 but equipped with special radar. TBM-1C 34102-34105
TBM-3E: TBM-1C 45445-45644
Same as TBM-3 but equipped with special radar XTBM-3 45645
(APS-4). TBM-1C 45646-46444
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514 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

TBF-1 47438-47637 TBM-3E 91107-92006 (Deliveries of 91753-92006

TBF-1C 47638-48123 canceled)
TBM-3E 53050-53949 TBM-3 97532-97672 (Deliveries canceled)
TBM-3 68062-69538 XTBM-4 97673-97675
TBM-1C 73117-73498 TBM-4 97676-98601 (Deliveries canceled)
TBM-3E 85459-86296 (Deliveries of 86293-86296 TBM-4 102576-104575 (Deliveries canceled)
canceled) TBM-4 117729-118928 (Deliveries canceled)

Line drawing for a TBF-1.

Appendix 1---ps. 509-562 4/13/95 6:39 AM Page 515

DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 515

TBY Seawolf built only 180 before the order was canceled. The lone
Vought aircraft was designated XTBU-1. The
Although Vought designed and built the prototype Consolidated version was designated TBY-2.
of the TBY, and Consolidated built 180 production air- First flight 22 December 1941
craft, the Seawolf never served operationally. Vought Last reported in squadron A TBY-2 on 31 Aug 1945
designed the torpedo bomber on a Navy contract TBY-2:
awarded 22 April 1940, but heavy production orders Specifications for the TBY-2 are as follows:
led both the Navy and the firm to conclude that anoth- Weight
er manufacturer should build the aircraft in quantity. Gross 17,491–18,940 lbs
Consolidated received an order for 1,100 planes, but Empty 11,366 lbs
Wing span 56 ft 11 5/32 in
Wing area 440 sq ft
Height 18 ft 6 1/2 in
Length 39 ft 2 1/4 in
Ordnance:
Guns three fixed .50 cal. with 640
rounds
one flexible .50 cal. with 400
rounds
one flexible .30 cal. with 500
rounds
Bomb capacity 2,000 lbs internal
2,000 lbs external

Bureau Numbers
TBY-2 30299-31398 (30368-30370 canceled)
TBY-2 30481-31398 (all canceled)
A flight of TBYs, July 1945. TBY-2 30369

Line drawings for a TBY-1.

Appendix 1---ps. 509-562 4/13/95 6:46 AM Page 516

516 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

TC-4C Academe Weight

Maximum Takeoff 57,500 lbs
In December 1966, the Navy ordered nine Dimensions
Grumman Gulfstream I aircraft converted to train the Wing Span 69 ft 10 in
Wing Area 793.5 sq ft
bombardier navigator for the A-6 Intruder. Deliveries
Length 79 ft 11 in
of the TC-4C Academe began in October 1967 and
Height 24 ft 6 in
were completed in May 1968. Characteristics of the
Ordnance: None
TC-4C are as follows:
Power Plant Two 11,400 lb Rolls Royce Spey
MK 511-8 turbofans. Bureau Numbers
Maximum Range 3,045 nautical miles TC-4C 155722-155730

A TC-4C Acadame in flight.

Line drawings
for a TC-4C.
Appendix 1---ps. 509-562 4/13/95 6:46 AM Page 517

APPENDIX 2

Aircraft Carrier Listing for CV, CVB,

CVA, CVAN, CVN, CVL, and CVE
Designations
Carrier Listing for CV, CVA, CVB, CVAN, CVN, and

T HE CVB AND CVL designations were established

within the original CV designation on 15 July 1943.
CVL—Continued
Date of
commission
CVA replaced CV and CVB on 1 October 1952; CVL and
went out of use on 15 May 1959. CV and CVN decommission, Date of
Hull loss, stricken Designation
replaced CVA and CVAN on 30 June 1975 to designate
No. Name or transfer Designations Change
the multimission character of aircraft carriers after the
decommissioning of the last CVS in 1974. 6 Enterprise 12 May 1938 CV 6
During World War II (7 December 1941 to 2 1 Jul 1958 CVA 6 1 Oct 1952
September 1945) the Navy operated 110 carriers CVS 6 8 Aug 1953
(includes those designated CV, CVE and CVL). It com- 7 Wasp 25 Apr 1940 CV 7
15 Sep 1942
missioned 102 carriers (includes those designated CV,
8 Hornet 20 Oct 1941 CV 8
CVE and CVL) during the above mentioned time frame.
26 Oct 1942
Original Classes—Of the first 7 ships, Langley, 9 Essex 31 Dec 1942 CV 9
Ranger, and Wasp were single types, Lexington and 1 Jun 1973 CVA 9 1 Oct 1952
Saratoga were sisters as were Yorktown, Enterprise CVS 9 8 Mar 1960
and Hornet. 10 Yorktown 15 Apr 1943 CV 10
Essex Class—24 ships; CV-9 through 21, 31 through 1 Jun 1973 CVA 10 1 Oct 1952
35, 37 through 40, 45, and 47. Of these numbers, 14, CVS 10 1 Sep 1957
15, 19, 21, 32–34, 36–40, 45 and 47 are sometimes 11 Intrepid 16 Aug 1943 CV 11
referred to as “Long-Hull” Essex class. 15 Mar 1974 CVA 11 1 Oct 1952
Independence Class—9 ships, CVL 22 through 30. CVS 11 31 Mar 1962
Midway Class—3 ships, CVB 41 through 43. 12 Hornet 29 Nov 1943 CV 12
Saipan Class—2 ships, CVL 48 and 49. 26 May 1970 CVA 12 1 Oct 1952
Enterprise Class—1 ship, CVAN 65. CVS 12 27 Jun 1958
13 Franklin 31 Jan 1944 CV 13
Forrestal Class—4 ships, CVA 59 through 62.
13 Feb 1969 CVA 13 1 Oct 1952
Kitty Hawk Class—4 ships, CVA 63, 64, 66 and 67.
CVS 13 8 Aug 1953
Nimitz Class—8 ships, CVN 68 through 75. 14 Ticonderoga 8 May 1944 CV 14
16 Nov 1973 CVA 14 1 Oct 1952
Carrier Listing for CV, CVA, CVB, CVAN, 15 Randolph 9 Oct 1944 CV 15
CVN, and CVL 13 Feb 1969 CVA 15 1 Oct 1952
Date of CVS 15 31 Mar 1959
commission 16 Lexington 17 Feb 1943 CV 16
and 8 Nov 1991 CVA 16 1 Oct 1952
decommission, Date of CVS 16 1 Oct 1962
Hull loss, stricken Designation
No. Name or transfer Designations Change CVT 16 1 Jan 1969
AVT 16 1 Jul 1978
1 Langley 20 Mar 1922 CV 1 17 Bunker Hill 25 May 1943 CV 17
27 Feb 1942 AV 3 21 Apr 1937 1 Nov 1966 CVA 17 1 Oct 1952
2 Lexington 14 Dec 1927 CV 2 CVS 17 8 Aug 1953
8 May 1942 18 Wasp 24 Nov 1943 CV 18
3 Saratoga 16 Nov 1927 CV 3 1 Jul 1972 CVA 18 1 Oct 1952
26 Jul 1946 CVS 18 1 Nov 1956
4 Ranger 4 Jun 1934 CV 4 19 Hancock 15 Apr 1944 CV 19
31 Jan 1947 30 Jan 1976 CVA 19 1 Oct 1952
5 Yorktown 30 Sep 1937 CV 5 20 Bennington 6 Aug 1944 CV 20
7 Jun 1942
517
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518 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

Carrier Listing for CV, CVA, CVB, CVAN, Carrier Listing for CV, CVA, CVB, CVAN,
CVN, and CVL—Continued CVN, and CVL—COntinued
Date of Date of
commission commission
and and
decommission, Date of decommission, Date of
Hull loss, stricken Designation Hull loss, stricken Designation
No. Name or transfer Designations Change No. Name or transfer Designations Change

15 Jan 1970 CVA 20 1 Oct 1952 42 Franklin D.

CVS 20 30 Jun 1959 Roosevelt 27 Oct 1945 CVB 42
21 Boxer 16 Apr 1945 CV 21 1 Oct 1977 CVA 42 1 Oct 1952
1 Dec 1969 CVA 21 1 Oct 1952 CV 42 30 Jun 1975
CVS 21 1 Feb 1956 43 Coral Sea 1 Oct 1947 CVB 43
22 Independence 14 Jan 1943 CVL 22 26 Apr 1990 CVA 43 1 Oct 1952
29 Jan 1951 CV 43 30 Jun 1975
23 Princeton 25 Feb 1943 CVL 23 45 Valley Forge 3 Nov 1946 CV 45
24 Oct 1944 15 Jan 1970 CVA 45 1 Oct 1952
24 Belleau Wood 31 Mar 1943 CVL 24 CVS 45 1 Jan 1954
1 Oct 1960 LPH 8 1 Jul 1961
25 Cowpens 28 May 1943 CVL 25 47 Philippine Sea 11 May 1946 CV 47
1 Nov 1959 AVT 1 15 May 1959 1 Dec 1969 CVA 47 1 Oct 1952
26 Monterey 17 Jun 1943 CVL 26 CVS 47 15 Nov 1955
1 Jun 1970 AVT 2 15 May 1959 AVT 11 15 May 1959
27 Langley 31 Aug 1943 CVL 27 48 Saipan 14 Jul 1946 CVL 48
6 Jun 1951 14 Jan 1970 AVT 6 15 May 1959
28 Cabot 24 Jul 1943 CVL 28 AGMR 2 8 Apr 1965
1 Nov 1959 AVT 3 15 May 1959 49 Wright 6 Feb 1947 CVL 49
29 Bataan 17 Nov 1943 CVL 29 22 May 1970 AVT 7 15 May 1959
1 Sep 1959 AVT 4 15 May 1959 CC 2 11 May 1963
30 San Jacinto 15 Dec 1943 CVL 30 59 Forrestal 1 Oct 1955 CVA 59
1 Jun 1970 AVT 5 15 May 1959
30 Sep 1993 CV 59 30 Jun 1975
31 Bon Homme
AVT 59 4 Feb 1992
Richard 26 Nov 1944 CV 31
60 Saratoga 14 Apr 1956 CVA 60
2 Jul 1971 CVA 31 1 Oct 1952
20 Aug 1994 CV 60 30 Jun 1972
32 Leyte 11 Apr 1946 CV 32
61 Ranger 10 Aug 1957 CVA 61
1 Jun 1969 CVA 32 1 Oct 1952
10 Jul 1993 CV 61 30 Jun 1975
CVS 32 8 Aug 1953
62 Independence 10 Jan 1959 CVA 62
33 Kearsarge 2 Mar 1946 CV 33
CV 62 28 Feb 1973
15 Jan 1970 CVA 33 1 Oct 1952
63 Kitty Hawk 29 Apr 1961 CVA 63
CVS 33 1 Oct 1958
34 Oriskany 25 Sep 1950 CV 34 CV 63 29 Apr 1973
20 Sep 1976 CVA 34 1 Oct 1952 64 Constellation 27 Oct 1961 CVA 64
CV 34 30 Jun 1975 CV 64 30 Jun 1975
36 Antietam 28 Jan 1945 CV 36 65 Enterprise 24 Nov 1961 CVAN 65
1 May 1973 CVA 36 1 Oct 1952 CVN 65 30 Jun 1975
CVS 36 8 Aug 1953 66 America 23 Jan 1965 CVA 66
37 Princeton 26 Nov 1945 CV 37 CV 66 30 Jun 1975
30 Jan 1970 CVA 37 1 Oct 1952 67 John F.
CVS 37 1 Jan 1954 Kennedy 7 Sep 1968 CVA 67
LPH 5 2 Mar 1959 CV 67 29 Apr 1973
38 Shangri-La 15 Sep 1944 CV 38 68 Nimitz 3 May 1975 CVAN 68
15 Jul 1982 CVA 38 1 Oct 1952 CVN 68 30 Jun 1975
CVS 38 30 Jun 1969 69 Dwight D.
39 Lake Champlain 3 Jun 1945 CV 39 Eisenhower 18 Oct 1977 CVN 69
1 Dec 1969 CVA 39 1 Oct 1952 70 Carl Vinson 13 Mar 1982 CVN 70
CVS 39 1 Aug 1957 71 Theordore
40 Tarawa 8 Dec 1945 CV 40 Roosevelt 25 Oct 1986 CVN 71
1 Jun 1967 CVA 40 1 Oct 1952 72 Abraham
CVS 40 10 Jan 1955 Lincoln 11 Nov 1989 CVN 72
AVT 12 17 Apr 1961 73 George
41 Midway 10 Sep 1945 CVB 41 Washington 4 Jul 1992 CVN 73
11 Apr 1992 CVA 41 1 Oct 1952 74 John C. Stennis
CV 41 30 Jun 1975 75 United States
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 519

Carrier Listing for CVE Designations Carrier Listing for CVE Designations—Continued
The original escort carrier designation AVG changed Date of
to ACV on 20 August 1942 and to CVE on 15 July commission
and
1943. The CVE designation went out of use when the decommission,
remaining escort carriers were reclassified AKV Hull loss, stricken Date of
(Aircraft Ferry) on 7 May 1959. No. Name or transfer Designations Change

Date of 60 Guadalcanal 25 Sep 1943 CVU 60 12 Jun 1955

commission
27 May 1958
and
decommission, 61 Manila Bay 5 Oct 1943 CVU 61 12 Jun 1955
Hull loss, stricken Date of 27 May 1958
No. Name or transfer Designations Change 62 Natoma Bay 14 Oct 1943 CVU 62 12 Jun 1955
27 May 1958
1 Long Island 2 Jun 1941
63 St. Lo
12 Apr 1946
(ex-Midway) 23 Oct 1943
9 Bogue 26 Sep 1942 CVHE 9 12 Jun 1955
25 Oct 1944
1 Mar 1959
64 Tripoli 31 Oct 1943 CVU 64 12 Jun 1955
11 Card 8 Nov 1942 CVHE 11 12 Jun 1955
1 Feb 1959
15 Sep 1970 CVU 11 1 Jun 1959
65 Wake Island 7 Nov 1943
AKV 40 7 May 1959
17 Apr 1946
12 Copahee 15 Jun 1942 CVHE 12 12 Jun 1955
66 White Plains 15 Nov 1943 CVU 66 12 Jun 1955
1 Mar 1959
27 Jun 1958
13 Core 10 Dec 1942 CVHE 13 12 Jun 1955
67 Solomons 21 Nov 1943
15 Sep 1970 CVU 13 1 Jul 1958
5 Jun 1946
AKV 41 7 May 1959
68 Kalinin Bay 27 Nov 1943
16 Nassau 20 Aug 1942 CVHE 16 12 Jun 1955
5 Jun 1946
1 Mar 1959
69 Kasaan Bay 4 Dec 1943 CVHE 69 12 Jun 1955
18 Altamaha 15 Sep 1942 CVHE 18 12 Jun 1955
1 Mar 1959
1 Mar 1959
70 Fanshaw Bay 9 Dec 1943 CVHE 70 12 Jun 1955
20 Barnes 20 Feb 1943 CVHE 20 12 Jun 1955
1 Mar 1959
1 Mar 1959
71 Kitkun Bay 15 Dec 1943
21 Block Island 8 Mar 1943
3 Jan 1947
29 May 1944
72 Tulagi 21 Dec 1943
23 Breton 12 Apr 1943 CVHE 23 12 Jun 1955
8 May 1946
6 Aug 1971 CVU 23 1 Jul 1958
73 Gambier Bay 28 Dec 1943
AKV 42 7 May 1959
25 Oct 1944
25 Croatan 28 Apr 1943 CVHE 25 12 Jun 1955
74 Nehenta Bay 3 Jan 1944 CVU 74 12 Jun 1955
15 Sep 1970 CVU 25 1 Jul 1958
1 Aug 1959 AKV 24 7 May 1959
AKV 43 7 May 1959
75 Hoggatt Bay 11 Jan 1944 CVHE 75 12 Jun 1955
26 Sangamon 25 Aug 1942
1 Aug 1959 AKV 25 7 May 1959
1 Nov 1945
76 Kadashan Bay 18 Jan 1944 CVU 76 12 Jun 1955
27 Suwannee 24 Sep 1942 CVHE 27 12 Jun 1955
1 Aug 1959 AKV 26 7 May 1959
1 Mar 1959
77 Marcus Island 26 Jan 1944 CVHE 77 12 Jun 1955
28 Chenango 19 Sep 1942 CVHE 28 12 Jun 1955
1 Aug 1959 AKV 27 7 May 1959
1 Mar 1959
78 Savo Island 3 Feb 1944 CHVE 78 12 Jun 1955
29 Santee 24 Aug 1942 CVHE 29 12 Jun 1955
1 Sep 1959 AKV 28 7 May 1959
1 Mar 1959
79 Ommaney Bay 11 Feb 1944
30 Charger 3 Mar 1942
4 Jan 1945
29 Mar 1946
80 Petrof Bay 18 Feb 1944 CVU 80 12 Jun 1955
31 Prince William 9 Apr 1943 CVHE 31 12 Jun 1955
27 Jun 1958
1 Mar 1959
81 Rudyerd Bay 25 Feb 1944 CVU 81 12 Jun 1955
55 Casablanca 8 Jul 1943
1 Aug 1959 AKV 29 7 May 1959
23 Apr 1947
82 Saginaw Bay 2 Mar 1944 CVHE 82 12 Jun 1955
56 Liscome Bay 7 Aug 1943
1 Mar 1959
24 Nov 1943
83 Sargent Bay 9 Mar 1944 CVU 83 12 Jun 1955
57 Anzio
27 Jun 1958
(ex-Coral Sea) 27 Aug 1943 CVHE 57 12 Jun 1955
84 Shamrock Bay 15 Mar 1944 CVU 84 12 Jun 1955
1 Mar 1959
27 Jun 1958
58 Corregidor 31 Aug 1943 CVU 58 12 Jun 1955
85 Shipley Bay 21 Mar 1944 CVHE 85 12 Jun 1955
1 Oct 1958
1 Mar 1959
59 Mission Bay 13 Sep 1943 CVU 59 12 Jun 1955
86 Sitkoh 28 Mar 1944 CVU 86 12 Jun 1955
1 Sep 1958
1 Apr 1960 AKV 30 7 May 1959
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520 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

Carrier Listing for CVE Designations—Continued Carrier Listing for CVE Designations—Continued
Date of Date of
commission commission
and and
decommission, decommission,
Hull loss, stricken Date of Hull loss, stricken Date of
No. Name or transfer Designations Change No. Name or transfer Designations Change

87 Steamer Bay 4 Apr 1944 CVHE 87 12 Jun 1955 106 Block Island 30 Dec 1944 LPH 1 22 Dec 1957
1 Mar 1959 1 Jul 1959 CVE 106 17 Feb 1959
88 Cape Esperance 9 Apr 1944 CVU 88 12 Jun 1955 AKV 38 7 May 1959
1 Mar 1959 107 Gilbert Islands 5 Feb 1945 AKV 39 7 May 1959
89 Takanis Bay 9 Apr 1944 CVU 89 12 Jun 1955 1 Jun 1961
1 Aug 1959 AKV 31 7 May 1959
108 Kula Gulf 12 May 1945 AKV 8 7 May 1959
90 Thetis Bay 21 Apr 1944 CVHA 1 1 Jul 1955
15 Sep 1970
1 Mar 1964 LPH 6 28 Apr 1959
91 Makassar Strait 27 Apr 1944 CVU 91 12 Jun 1955 109 Cape Gloucester 3 Mar 1945 CVHE 109 12 Jun 1955
1 Sep 1958 1 Apr 1971 AKV 9 7 May 1959
92 Windham Bay 3 May 1944 CVU 92 12 Jun 1955 110 Salerno Bay 19 May 1945 AKV 10 7 May 1959
1 Feb 1959 1 Jun 1961
93 Makin Island 9 May 1944 111 Vella Gulf 9 Apr 1945 CVHE 111 12 Jun 1955
5 Jun 1946 1 Jun 1960 AKV 11 7 May 1959
94 Lunga Point 14 May 1944 CVU 94 12 Jun 1955 112 Siboney 14 May 1945 AKV 12 7 May 1959
1 Apr 1960 AKV 32 7 May 1959 1 Jun 1970
95 Bismarck Sea 20 May 1944 113 Puget Sound 18 Jun 1945 CVHE 113 12 Jun 1955
21 Feb 1945 1 Jun 1960 AKV 13 7 May 1959
96 Salamaua 26 May 1944
114 Rendova 22 Oct 1945 AKV 14 7 May 1959
21 May 1946
1 Apr 1971
97 Hollandia 1 Jun 1944 CVU 97 12 Jun 1955
1 Apr 1960 AKV 33 7 May 1959 115 Bairoko 16 Jul 1945 AKV 15 7 May 1959
98 Kwajalein 7 Jun 1944 CVU 98 12 Jun 1955 1 Apr 1960
1 Apr 1960 AKV 34 7 May 1959 116 Badoeng Strait 14 Nov 1945 AKV 16 7 May 1959
99 Admiralty 1 Dec 1970
Islands 13 Jun 1944 117 Saidor 4 Sep 1945 CVHE 117 12 Jun 1955
8 May 1946 1 Dec 1970 AKV 17 7 May 1959
100 Bougainville 18 Jun 1944 CVU 100 12 Jun 1955 118 Sicily 27 Feb 1946 AKV 18 7 May 1959
1 Apr 1960 AKV 35 7 May 1959 1 Jul 1960
101 Matanikau 24 Jun 1944 CVU 101 12 Jun 1955 119 Point Cruz 16 Oct 1945 AKV 19 7 May 1959
1 Apr 1960 AKV 36 7 May 1959 15 Sep 1970
102 Attu 30 Jun 1944
120 Mindoro 4 Dec 1945 AKV 20 7 May 1959
3 Jul 1946
9 Dec 1959
103 Roi 6 Jul 1944
21 May 1946 121 Rabaul 30 Aug 1946 CVHE 121 12 Jun 1955
104 Munda 8 Jul 1944 CVU 104 12 Jun 1955 1 Sep 1971 AKV 21 7 May 1959
1 Sep 1958 122 Palau 15 Jan 1946 AKV 22 7 May 1959
105 Commencement 1 Apr 1960
Bay 27 Nov 1944 CVHE 105 12 Jun 1955 123 Tinian 30 Jul 1946 CVHE 123 12 Jun 1955
1 Apr 1971 AKV 37 7 May 1959 1 Jun 1970 AKV 23 7 May 1959
Appendix 1---ps. 509-562 4/13/95 6:46 AM Page 521

APPENDIX 3

Carrier Deployments by Year

T HE CARRIER DEPLOYMENT LISTS do not cover the deployments for escort carriers (CVEs), most of
the small carriers (CVLs), or most of the antisubmarine carriers (CVS). Departure and return dates are nor-
mally from the carriers’ home port or other state side port.

Major Overseas Deployments for 1946

Date of Date of Air Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Operation

08 Jan 1946 19 Mar 1946 CVBG-75 CVB 42 Carib/SoLant

20 Apr 1946 09 Aug 1946 CVG-19 CV 36 WestPac
03 Jul 1946 15 Apr 1947 CVG-81* CV 37 WestPac
01 Aug 1946 29 Apr 1947 CVG-4† CV 40 WestPac
08 Aug 1946 04 Oct 1946 CVBG-75 CVB 42 Med
16 Sep 1946 12 Dec 1946 CVG-18 CV 32 Carib/East Coast of South America
22 Oct 1946 21 Dec 1946 CVG-82‡ CV 15 Med
*CVG-81 redesignated CVAG-13
†CVG-4 redesignated CVAG-1
‡CVG-82 redesignated CVAG-17

Major Overseas Deployments for 1947

Date of Date of Air Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Operation

02 Feb 1947 19 Mar 1947 CVAG-17 CV 15 EasternLant/Carib

31 Mar 1947 16 Jun 1947 CVG-5 CV 38 WestPac
31 Mar 1947 08 Oct 1947 CVAG-15 CV 36 WestPac
03 Apr 1947 09 Jun 1947 CVAG-7 CV 32 Med
20 May 1947 11 Aug 1947 CVAG-17 CV 15 NorLant/Carib
07 Jun 1947 11 Aug 1947 CVAG-3 CV 33 NorLant/Carib
30 Jul 1947 19 Nov 1947 CVAG-7 CV 32 Med
09 Oct 1947 11 Jun 1948 CVAG-11 CV 45 World Cruise
29 Oct 1947 11 Mar 1948 CVBG-1 CVB 41 Med

Major Overseas Deployments for 1948

Date of Date of Air Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Operation

07 Feb 1948 24 Feb 1948 CVLG-1 CVL 48 Carib

09 Feb 1948 26 Jun 1948 CVAG-9 CV 47 Carib/Med
01 Jun 1948 02 Oct 1948 CVG-3 CV 33 Med
07 Jun 1948 06 Aug 1948 CVG-17 CVB 43 Med/Carib
13 Sep 1948 23 Jan 1949 CVG-4 CVB 42 Med
01 Oct 1948 23 Dec 1948 CVG-13 CV 37 WestPac
01 Oct 1948 21 Feb 1949 CVG-1 CV 40 World Cruise
521
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522 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

Major Overseas Deployments for 1949

Date of Date of Air Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Operation

04 Jan 1949 05 Mar 1949 CVG-6 CVB 41 Med

04 Jan 1949 22 May 1949 CVG-7 CV 47 Med
03 May 1949 26 Sep 1949 CVG-2 CVB 43 Med
06 Sep 1949 26 Jan 1950 CVG-7 CV 32 Med
27 Oct 1949 23 Nov 1949 CVG-6 CVB 42 NorLant

Major Overseas Deployments for 1950

Date of Date of Air Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Operation

06 Jan 1950 23 May 1950 CVG-4 CVB 41 Med

11 Jan 1950 13 Jun 1950 CVG-19 CV 21 WestPac
01 May 1950 01 Dec 1950 CVG-5 CV 45 WestPac/Korea
02 May 1950 24 Aug 1950 CVG-3 CV 32 Med
05 Jul 1950 09 Jun 1951 CVG-11* CV 47 WestPac/Korea
10 Jul 1950 10 Nov 1950 CVG-7 CVB 41 Med
24 Aug 1950 11 Nov 1950 CVG-2 CV 21 WestPac/Korea
09 Sep 1950 01 Feb 1951 CVG-17 CVB 43 Med
19 Sep 1950 03 Feb 1951 CVG-3 CV 32 WestPac/Korea
09 Nov 1950 09 Jun 1951 CVG-19 CV 37 WestPac/Korea
06 Dec 1950 07 Apr 1951 CVG-2† CV 45 WestPac/Korea
* CVG-11 deployed to Korea embarked in Philippine Sea (CV 47) and on 29 March 1951 transferred to Valley Forge (CV 45) and CVG-2 trans-
ferred from Valley Forge to Philippine Sea. CVG-11 returned to the States embarked in Valley Forge.
† CVG-2 deployed to Korea embarked in Valley Forge (CV 45). On 29 March 1951 the CVG-2 transferred to Philippine Sea (CV 47) and CVG-11
transferred to Valley Forge (CV 45).

Major Overseas Deployments for 1951

Date of Date of Air Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Operation

10 Jan 1951 18 May 1951 CVG-6 CVB 42 Med

02 Mar 1951 24 Oct 1951 CVG-101 CV 21 WestPac/Korea
06 Mar 1951 08 Jun 1951 AirDet CVL 48 Med
20 Mar 1951 06 Oct 1951 CVG-1 CVB 43 Med
10 May 1951 17 Dec 1951 CVG-102 CV 31 Korea
15 May 1951 04 Oct 1951 CVG-4 CV 34 Med
16 May 1951 29 Aug 1951 CVG-19 CV 37 WestPac/Korea
26 Jun 1951 25 Mar 1952 CVG-5 CV 9 WestPac/Korea
03 Sep 1951 21 Dec 1951 CVG-3 CV 32 Med
03 Sep 1951 04 Feb 1952 CVG-17 CVB 42 Med
08 Sep 1951 02 May 1952 CVG-15 CV 36 Korea
15 Oct 1951 03 Jul 1952 ATG-1 CV 45 WestPac/Korea
28 Nov 1951 11 Jun 1952 CVG-8 CV 40 Med
31 Dec 1951 08 Aug 1952 CVG-11 CV 47 WestPac/Korea

Major Overseas Deployments for 1952

Date of Date of Air Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Operation

09 Jan 1952 05 May 1952 CVG-6 CVB 41 Med

08 Feb 1952 26 Sep 1952 CVG-2 CV 21 WestPac/Korea
21 Mar 1952 03 Nov 1952 CVG-19 CV 37 WestPac/Korea
19 Apr 1952 12 Oct 1952 CVG-4 CVB 43 Med
Appendix 1---ps. 509-562 4/13/95 6:46 AM Page 523

DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 523

Major Overseas Deployments for 1952—Continued

Date of Date of Air Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Operation

20 May 1952 08 Jan 1953 CVG-7 CV 31 WestPac/Korea

24 May 1952 11 Oct 1952 CVG-1 CV 18 Med/NorLant
16 Jun 1952 06 Feb 1953 ATG-2 CVA 9 WestPac/Korea
11 Aug 1952 17 Mar 1953 CVG-101 CVA 33 WestPac/Korea
26 Aug 1952 08 Oct 1952 CVG-6 CVB 41 NorLant
26 Aug 1952 19 Dec 1952 CVG-17 CVB 42 NorLant/Med
28 Aug 1952 04 Feb 1953 CVG-3 CVA 32 Med
15 Sep 1952 18 May 1953 CVG-102 CVA 34 WestPac/Korea
20 Nov 1952 25 Jun 1953 CVG-5 CVA 45 WestPac/Korea
01 Dec 1952 19 May 1953 CVG-6 CVA 41 Med
15 Dec 1952 14 Aug 1953 CVG-9 CVA 47 WestPac/Korea

Major Overseas Deployments for 1953

Date of Date of Air Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Operation

07 Jan 1953 03 Jul 1953 CVG-10 CVA 40 Med

24 Jan 1953 21 Sep 1953 CVG-15 CVA 37 Korea/WestPac
30 Mar 1953 28 Nov 1953 ATG-1 CVA 21 WestPac/Korea
26 Apr 1953 04 Dec 1953 CVG-4 CVA 39 Med/IO/WestPac/Korea
26 Apr 1953 21 Oct 1953 CVG-8 CVA 43 Med
11 Jun 1953 03 Dec 1953 CVG-1 CVA 42 Med
11 Jun 1953 21 Jul 1953 * CV 36 NorLant
01 Jul 1953 18 Jan 1954 CVG-11 CVA 33 Korea/WestPac
03 Aug 1953 03 Mar 1954 CVG-2 CVA 10 WestPac
14 Sep 1953 22 Apr 1954 CVG-19 CVA 34 WestPac
16 Sep 1953 01 May 1954 CVG-17 CVA 18 World Cruise
16 Sep 1953 21 Feb 1954 CVG-7 CVA 20 NorLant/Med
12 Nov 1953 19 Aug 1954 CVG-3 CVA 40 World Cruise
01 Dec 1953 12 Jul 1954 ATG-2 CVA 9 WestPac
* The carrier deployed with VF-84, VC-4 and VS-27 but did not have an assigned air group.

Major Overseas Deployments for 1954

Date of Date of Air Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Operation

04 Jan 1954 04 Aug 1954 CVG-6 CVA 41 Med

03 Feb 1954 06 Aug 1954 CVG-14 CVA 15 Med
03 Mar 1954 11 Oct 1954 CVG-12 CVA 21 WestPac
12 Mar 1954 19 Nov 1954 CVG-5 CVA 47 WestPac
11 May 1954 12 Dec 1954 CVG-9 CVA 12 World Cruise
07 Jul 1954 20 Dec 1954 CVG-10 CVA 43 Med
01 Jul 1954 28 Feb 1955 CVG-15 CVA 10 WestPac
01 Sep 1954 11 Apr 1955 ATG-1 CVA 18 WestPac
28 Sep 1954 22 Apr 1955 CVG-8 CVA 39 Med
07 Oct 1954 12 May 1955 CVG-11 CVA 33 WestPac
03 Nov 1954 21 Jun 1955 CVG-2 CVA 9 WestPac
30 Nov 1954 18 Jun 1955 ATG-181 CVA 15 Med
27 Dec 1954 14 Jul 1955 CVG-1 CVA 41 World Cruise
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524 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

Major Overseas Deployments for 1955

Date of Date of Air Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Operation

02 Mar 1955 21 Sep 1955 CVG-19 CVA 34 WestPac

01 Apr 1955 23 Nov 1955 ATG-2 CVA 47 WestPac
05 Apr 1955 29 Sep 1955 CVG-17 CVA 43 Med
04 May 1955 10 Dec 1955 CVG-7 CVA 12 WestPac
28 May 1955 22 Nov 1955 CVG-4 CVA 11 Med
03 Jun 1955 03 Feb 1956 CVG-14 CVA 21 WestPac
10 Aug 1955 15 Mar 1956 CVG-12 CVA 19 WestPac
09 Oct 1955 30 Apr 1956 CVG-6 CVA 39 Med
29 Oct 1955 17 May 1956 CVG-5 CVA 33 WestPac
31 Oct 1955 16 Apr 1956 ATG-201 CVA 20 WestPac
04 Nov 1955 02 Aug 1956 CVG-3 CVA 14 Med

Major Overseas Deployments for 1956

Date of Date of Air Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Operation

05 Jan 1956 23 Jun 1956 ATG-3 CVA 38 WestPac

11 Feb 1956 13 Jun 1956 CVG-9 CVA 34 WestPac
12 Mar 1956 05 Sep 1956 CVG-8 CVA 11 Med
19 Mar 1956 13 Sep 1956 ATG-4 CVA 10 WestPac
23 Apr 1956 15 Oct 1956 CVG-15 CVA 18 WestPac
28 May 1956 20 Dec 1956 ATG-1 CVA 16 WestPac
14 Jul 1956 19 Feb 1957 ATG-202 CVA 15 Med
16 Jul 1956 26 Jan 1957 CVG-11 CVA 9 WestPac
13 Aug 1956 11 Feb 1957 CVG-10 CVA 43 Med
16 Aug 1956 28 Feb 1957 CVG-21 CVA 31 WestPac
15 Oct 1956 22 May 1957 ATG-181 CVA 20 WestPac
07 Nov 1956 12 Dec 1956 CVG-1 CVA 59 Azores
13 Nov 1956 20 May 1957 CVG-2 CVA 38 WestPac

Major Overseas Deployments for 1957

Date of Date of Air Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Operation

15 Jan 1957 22 Jul 1957 CVG-1 CVA 59 Med

21 Jan 1957 25 Jul 1957 CVG-14 CVA 12 WestPac
21 Jan 1957 27 Jul 1957 ATG-182 CVA 39 Med
09 Mar 1957 25 Aug 1957 CVG-19 CVA 10 WestPac
06 Apr 1957 18 Sep 1957 ATG-2 CVA 19 WestPac
19 Apr 1957 17 Oct 1957 CVG-12 CVA 16 WestPac
01 Jul 1957 24 Feb 1958 CVG-4 CVA 15 Med
12 Jul 1957 09 Dec 1957 CVG-5 CVA 31 WestPac
12 Jul 1957 05 Mar 1958 CVG-17 CVA 42 Med
09 Aug 1957 02 Apr 1958 ATG-3 CVA 33 WestPac
16 Aug 1957 21 Oct 1957 CVG-1 CVA 59 NorLant
30 Aug 1957 22 Oct 1957 * CVS 18 NorLant
03 Sep 1957 22 Oct 1957 CVG-6 CVA 11 NorLant
03 Sep 1957 22 Oct 1957 CVG-7 CVA 60 NorLant
16 Sep 1957 25 Apr 1958 CVG-9 CVA 14 WestPac
* Unable to locate records indicating a carrier air group (CVG) was assigned to the carrier during the deployment. CVSGs (Antisubmarine Carrier
Air Groups) were not established until 1960.
Appendix 1---ps. 509-562 4/13/95 6:47 AM Page 525

DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 525

Major Overseas Deployments for 1958

Date of Date of Air Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Operation

06 Jan 1958 30 Jun 1958 ATG-4 CVA 12 WestPac

01 Feb 1958 01 Oct 1958 CVG-3 CVA 60 Med
02 Feb 1958 17 Nov 1958 ATG-201 CVA 9 Med/IO/WestPac
15 Feb 1958 02 Oct 1958 CVG-15 CVA 19 WestPac
08 Mar 1958 21 Nov 1958 CVG-11 CVA 38 WestPac
09 Jun 1958 08 Aug 1958 ATG-181 CVA 11 NorLant
20 Jun 1958 20 Aug 1958 CVG-14 CVA 61 SoLant/SoPac
14 Jul 1958 19 Dec 1958 CVG-21 CVA 16 WestPac
16 Aug 1958 12 Mar 1959 CVG-2 CVA 41 WestPac
21 Aug 1958 12 Jan 1959 ATG-4 CVA 20 WestPac
02 Sep 1958 12 Mar 1959 CVG-10 CVA 59 Med
02 Sep 1958 12 Mar 1959 CVG-7 CVA 15 Med
04 Oct 1958 16 Feb 1959 ATG-1 CVA 14 WestPac
01 Nov 1958 18 Jun 1959 CVG-19 CVA 31 WestPac

Major Overseas Deployments for 1959

Date of Date of Air Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Operation

03 Jan 1959 27 Jul 1959 CVG-14 CVA 61 WestPac

13 Feb 1959 01 Sep 1959 CVG-1 CVA 42 Med
13 Feb 1959 30 Aug 1959 CVG-6 CVA 11 Med
09 Mar 1959 03 Oct 1959 CVG-11 CVA 38 WestPac
26 Apr 1959 02 Dec 1959 CVG-21 CVA 16 WestPac
01 Aug 1959 18 Jan 1960 CVG-15 CVA 19 WestPac
07 Aug 1959 26 Feb 1960 CVG-10 CVA 9 Med
15 Aug 1959 25 Mar 1960 CVG-2 CVA 41 WestPac
15 Aug 1959 26 Feb 1960 CVG-3 CVA 60 Med
21 Nov 1959 14 May 1960 CVG-19 CVA 31 WestPac

Major Overseas Deployments for 1960

Date of Date of Air Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Operation

28 Jan 1960 24 Aug 1960 CVG-1 CVA 42 Med

28 Jan 1960 31 Aug 1960 CVG-8 CVA 59 Med
06 Feb 1960 30 Aug 1960 CVG-9 CVA 61 WestPac
05 Mar 1960 11 Oct 1960 CVG-5 CVA 14 WestPac
14 May 1960 15 Dec 1960 CVG-14 CVA 34 WestPac
16 Jul 1960 18 Mar 1961 CVG-11 CVA 19 WestPac
04 Aug 1960 17 Feb 1961 CVG-6 CVA 11 Med
04 Aug 1960 03 Mar 1961 CVG-7 CVA 62 Med
22 Aug 1960 26 Feb 1961 CVG-3 CVA 60 Med/NorLant
06 Sep 1960 20 Oct 1960 CVG-10 CVA 38 NorLant
19 Sep 1960 27 May 1961 CVG-15 CVA 43 WestPac
29 Oct 1960 06 Jun 1961 CVG-21 CVA 16 WestPac
14 Nov 1960 27 Nov 1960 CVG-10 CVA 38 Carib
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526 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

Major Overseas Deployments for 1961

Date of Date of Air Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Operation

02 Feb 1961 15 May 1961 CVG-10 CVA 38 Med

09 Feb 1961 25 Aug 1961 CVG-8 CVA 59 Med
15 Feb 1961 28 Aug 1961 CVG-1 CVA 42 Med
16 Feb 1961 28 Sep 1961 CVG-2 CVA 41 WestPac
26 Apr 1961 13 Dec 1961 CVG-19 CVA 31 WestPac
10 May 1961 15 Jan 1962 CVG-5 CVA 14 WestPac
05 Jul 1961 22 Aug 1961 CVG-3 CVA 60 Carib
03 Aug 1961 01 Mar 1962 CVG-6 CVA 11 Med
04 Aug 1961 19 Dec 1961 CVG-7 CVA 62 Med
11 Aug 1961 08 Mar 1962 CVG-9 CVA 61 WestPac
11 Aug 1961 01 Nov 1961 CVG-11 CVA 63 *
09 Nov 1961 12 May 1962 CVG-14 CVA 16 WestPac
19 Nov 1961 30 Nov 1961 CVG-1 CVA 42 Carib
28 Nov 1961 12 May 1962 CVG-3 CVA 60 Med
12 Dec 1961 17 Jul 1962 CVG-15 CVA 43 WestPac
* The Kitty Hawk (CVA 63) changed home ports from the Atlantic to the Pacific. During the transit to the Pacific, via Cape Horn, the carrier and
its embarked squadrons participated in operations in the Caribbean, South Atlantic and eastern Pacific.

Major Overseas Deployments for 1962

Date of Date of Air Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Operation

02 Feb 1962 24 Aug 1962 CVG-21 CVA 19 WestPac

07 Feb 1962 28 Aug 1962 CVG-10 CVA 38 Med
06 Apr 1962 20 Oct 1962 CVG-2 CVA 41 WestPac
19 Apr 1962 27 Aug 1962 CVG-7 CVA 62 Med
07 Jun 1962 17 Dec 1962 CVG-16 CVA 34 WestPac
12 Jul 1962 11 Feb 1963 CVG-19 CVA 31 WestPac
21 Jul 1962 11 Sep 1962 CVG-5* CVA 16 SoPac/SoLant
25 Jul 1962 17 Sep 1962 CVG-5 CVA 64 SoLant/West Coast
03 Aug 1962 11 Oct 1962 CVG-6 CVAN 65 Med
03 Aug 1962 02 Mar 1963 CVG-8 CVA 59 Med
13 Sep 1962 02 Apr 1963 CVG-11 CVA 63 WestPac
14 Sep 1962 22 Apr 1963 CVG-1 CVA 42 Med
19 Oct 1962 06 Dec 1962 CVG-6 CVAN 65 Carib
09 Nov 1962 14 Jun 1963 CVG-9 CVA 61 WestPac
03 Dec 1962 21 Dec 1962 CVG-3 CVA 60 Carib

* Only two squadrons from CVG-5 were aboard Lexington (CVA 16) during her home port change and transit from the Pacific Fleet to the
Atlantic Fleet.

Major Overseas Deployments for 1963

Date of Date of Air Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Operation

03 Jan 1963 15 Jul 1963 CVG-5 CVA 14 WestPac/NorPac

06 Feb 1963 04 Sep 1963 CVG-6 CVAN 65 Med
21 Feb 1963 10 Sep 1963 CVG-14 CVA 64 WestPac
29 Mar 1963 25 Oct 1963 CVG-3 CVA 60 Med
03 Apr 1963 25 Nov 1963 CVG-15 CVA 43 WestPac
Appendix 1---ps. 509-562 4/13/95 6:47 AM Page 527

DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 527

Major Overseas Deployments for 1963—Continued

Date of Date of Air Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Operation

07 Jun 1963 16 Dec 1963 CVG-21 CVA 19 WestPac

01 Aug 1963 10 Mar 1964 CVW-16 CVA 34 WestPac
06 Aug 1963 04 Mar 1964 CVG-7 CVA 62 Med
01 Oct 1963 23 May 1964 CVG-10 CVA 38 Med
17 Oct 1963 20 Jul 1964 CVW-11 CVA 63 WestPac
08 Nov 1963 26 May 1964 CVW-2 CVA 41 WestPac

Major Overseas Deployments for 1964

Date of Date of Air Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Operation

28 Jan 1964 21 Nov 1964 CVW-19 CVA 31 WestPac/IO/Vietnam

08 Feb 1964 03 Oct 1964 CVW-6 CVAN 65 Med/World Cruise
14 Apr 1964 15 Dec 1964 CVW-5 CVA 14 WestPac/Vietnam
28 Apr 1964 22 Dec 1964 CVW-1 CVA 42 Med
05 May 1964 01 Feb 1965 CVW-14 CVA 64 WestPac/Vietnam
10 Jul 1964 13 Mar 1965 CVW-8 CVA 59 Med
05 Aug 1964 06 May 1965 CVW-9 CVA 61 WestPac/Vietnam
08 Sep 1964 05 Nov 1964 CVW-7 CVA 62 NorLant/Med
21 Oct 1964 29 May 1965 CVW-21 CVA 19 WestPac/Vietnam
28 Nov 1964 12 Jul 1965 CVW-3 CVA 60 Med
07 Dec 1964 01 Nov 1965 CVW-15 CVA 43 WestPac/Vietnam

Major Overseas Deployments for 1965

Date of Date of Air Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Operation

10 Feb 1965 20 Sep 1965 CVW-10 CVA 38 Med

06 Mar 1965 23 Nov 1965 CVW-2 CVA 41 WestPac/Vietnam
05 Apr 1965 16 Dec 1965 CVW-16 CVA 34 WestPac/Vietnam
21 Apr 1965 13 Jan 1966 CVW-19 CVA 31 WestPac/Vietnam
10 May 1965 13 Dec 1965 CVW-7 CVA 62 WestPac/Vietnam
28 Jun 1965 17 Dec 1965 CVW-1 CVA 42 Med
24 Aug 1965 07 Apr 1966 CVW-8 CVA 59 Med
19 Oct 1965 13 Jun 1966 CVW-11 CVA 63 WestPac/Vietnam
26 Oct 1965 21 Jun 1966 CVW-9 CVAN 65 SoLant/IO/WestPac/Vietnam
28 Sep 1965 13 May 1966 CVW-5 CVA 14 WestPac/Vietnam
10 Nov 1965 01 Aug 1966 CVW-21 CVA 19 WestPac/Vietnam
30 Nov 1965 10 Jul 1966 CVW-6 CVA 66 Med
10 Dec 1965 25 Aug 1966 CVW-14 CVA 61 WestPac/Vietnam

Major Overseas Deployments for 1966

Date of Date of Air Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Operation

11 Mar 1966 26 Oct 1966 CVW-3 CVA 60 Med

04 Apr 1966 21 Nov 1966 CVW-10 CVS 11 Med/IO/WestPac/Vietnam
12 May 1966 03 Dec 1966 CVW-15 CVA 64 WestPac/Vietnam
26 May 1966 16 Nov 1966 CVW-16 CVA 34 WestPac/Vietnam
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528 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

Major Overseas Deployments for 1966—Continued

Date of Date of Air Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Operation

13 Jun 1966 01 Feb 1967 CVW-7 CVA 62 Med

21 Jun 1966 21 Feb 1967 CVW-1 CVA 42 SoLant/IO/WestPac/Vietnam
29 Jul 1966 23 Feb 1967 CVW-2 CVA 43 WestPac/Vietnam
29 Sep 1966 20 May 1967 CVW-8 CVA 38 Med
15 Oct 1966 29 May 1967 CVW-19 CVA 14 WestPac/Vietnam
05 Nov 1966 19 Jun 1967 CVW-11 CVA 63 WestPac/Vietnam
19 Nov 1966 06 Jul 1967 CVW-9 CVAN 65 WestPac/Vietnam

Major Overseas Deployments for 1967

Date of Date of Air Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Operation

05 Jan 1967 22 Jul 1967 CVW-5 CVA 19 WestPac/Vietnam

10 Jan 1967 20 Sep 1967 CVW-6 CVA 66 Med
26 Jan 1967 25 Aug 1967 CVW-21 CVA 31 WestPac/Vietnam
29 Apr 1967 04 Dec 1967 CVW-14 CVA 64 WestPac/Vietnam
02 May 1967 06 Dec 1967 CVW-3 CVA 60 Med
11 May 1967 30 Dec 1967 CVW-10 CVS 11 Med/IO/WestPac/Vietnam
06 Jun 1967 15 Sep 1967 CVW-17 CVA 59 WestPac/Vietnam
16 Jun 1967 31 Jan 1968 CVW-16 CVA 34 WestPac/Vietnam
26 Jul 1967 06 Apr 1968 CVW-15 CVA 43 WestPac/Vietnam
24 Aug 1967 19 May 1968 CVW-1 CVA 42 Med
04 Nov 1967 25 May 1968 CVW-2 CVA 61 WestPac/Vietnam
15 Nov 1967 04 Aug 1968 CVW-8 CVA 38 Med
18 Nov 1967 28 Jun 1968 CVW-11 CVA 63 WestPac/Vietnam
28 Dec 1967 17 Aug 1968 CVW-19 CVA 14 WestPac/Vietnam

Major Overseas Deployments for 1968

Date of Date of Air Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Operation

03 Jan 1968 18 Jul 1968 CVW-9 CVAN 65 WestPac/Vietnam

27 Jan 1968 10 Oct 1968 CVW-5 CVA 31 WestPac/Vietnam
10 Apr 1968 16 Dec 1968 CVW-6 CVA 66 World Cruise/Vietnam
30 Apr 1968 27 Jan 1969 CVW-7 CVA 62 Med
29 May 1968 31 Jan 1969 CVW-14 CVA 64 WestPac/Vietnam
04 Jun 1968 08 Feb 1969 CVW-10 CVS 11 SoLant/IO/Pacific/Vietnam
18 Jul 1968 03 Mar 1969 CVW-21 CVA 19 WestPac/Vietnam
22 Jul 1968 29 Apr 1969 CVW-17 CVA 59 Med
07 Sep 1968 18 Apr 1969 CVW-15 CVA 43 WestPac/Vietnam
26 Oct 1968 17 May 1969 CVW-2 CVA 61 WestPac/Vietnam
30 Dec 1968 04 Sep 1969 CVW-11 CVA 63 WestPac/Vietnam

Major Overseas Deployments for 1969

Date of Date of Air Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Operation

06 Jan 1969 02 Jul 1969 CVW-9 CVAN 65 WestPac/Vietnam

07 Jan 1969 29 Jul 1969 CVW-8 CVA 38 Med
01 Feb 1969 18 Sep 1969 CVW-16 CVA 14 WestPac/Vietnam
18 Mar 1969 29 Oct 1969 CVW-5 CVA 31 WestPac/Vietnam
05 Apr 1969 21 Dec 1969 CVW-1 CVA 67 Med
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Major Overseas Deployments for 1969—Continued

Date of Date of Air Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Operation

14 Apr 1969 17 Nov 1969 CVW-19 CVA 34 WestPac/Vietnam

09 Jul 1969 22 Jan 1970 CVW-3 CVA 60 Med
02 Aug 1969 15 Apr 1970 CVW-21 CVA 19 WestPac/Vietnam
11 Aug 1969 08 May 1970 CVW-14 CVA 64 WestPac/Vietnam
03 Sep 1969 09 Oct 1969 CVW-7 CVA 62 NorLant
23 Sep 1969 01 Jul 1970 CVW-15 CVA 43 WestPac/Vietnam
14 Oct 1969 01 Jun 1970 CVW-2 CVA 61 WestPac/Vietnam
02 Dec 1969 08 Jul 1970 CVW-17 CVA 59 Med

Major Overseas Deployments for 1970

Date of Date of Air Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Operation

02 Jan 1970 27 Jul 1970 CVW-6 CVA 42 Med

05 Mar 1970 17 Dec 1970 CVW-8 CVS 38 SoLant/IO/WestPac/Vietnam
02 Apr 1970 12 Nov 1970 CVW-5 CVA 31 WestPac/Vietnam
10 Apr 1970 21 Dec 1970 CVW-9 CVA 66 WestPac/Vietnam
14 May 1970 10 Dec 1970 CVW-19 CVA 34 WestPac/Vietnam
17 Jun 1970 09 Nov 1970 CVW-3 CVA 60 Med
23 Jun 1970 31 Jan 1971 CVW-7 CVA 62 Med
14 Sep 1970 01 Mar 1971 CVW-1 CVA 67 Carib/Med/NorLant
22 Oct 1970 03 Jun 1971 CVW-21 CVA 19 WestPac/Vietnam
27 Oct 1970 17 Jun 1971 CVW-2 CVA 61 WestPac/Vietnam
06 Nov 1970 17 Jul 1971 CVW-11 CVA 63 WestPac/Vietnam

Major Overseas Deployments for 1971

Date of Date of Air Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Operation

05 Jan 1971 02 Jul 1971 CVW-17 CVA 59 Med

29 Jan 1971 23 Jul 1971 CVW-6 CVA 42 Med
16 Apr 1971 06 Nov 1971 CVW-5 CVA 41 WestPac/Vietnam
14 May 1971 18 Dec 1971 CVW-19 CVA 34 WestPac/Vietnam
07 Jun 1971 28 Oct 1971 CVW-3 CVA 60 NorLant/Med
11 Jun 1971 12 Feb 1972 CVW-14 CVAN 65 WestPac/Vietnam/IO
06 Jul 1971 16 Dec 1971 CVW-8 CVA 66 Med
16 Sep 1971 16 Mar 1972 CVW-7 CVA 62 NorLant/Med
01 Oct 1971 30 Jun 1972 CVW-9 CVA 64 WestPac/Vietnam
12 Nov 1971 17 Jul 1972 CVW-15 CVA 43 WestPac/Vietnam
01 Dec 1971 06 Oct 1972 CVW-1 CVA 67 Med/NorLant

Major Overseas Deployments for 1972

Date of Date of Air Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Operation

07 Jan 1972 03 Oct 1972 CVW-21 CVA 19 WestPac/Vietnam

15 Feb 1972 08 Dec 1972 CVW-6 CVA 42 Med
17 Feb 1972 28 Nov 1972 CVW-11 CVA 63 WestPac/Vietnam
10 Apr 1972 03 Mar 1973 CVW-5 CVA 41 WestPac/Vietnam
11 Apr 1972 13 Feb 1973 CVW-3 CV 60 SoLant/IO/WestPac/Vietnam
05 Jun 1972 24 Mar 1973 CVW-8 CVA 66 WestPac/Vietnam
05 Jun 1972 30 Mar 1973 CVW-19 CVA 34 WestPac/Vietnam
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530 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

Major Overseas Deployments for 1972—Continued

Date of Date of Air Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Operation

12 Sep 1972 12 Jun 1973 CVW-14 CVAN 65 WestPac/Vietnam

22 Sep 1972 06 Jul 1973 CVW-17 CVA 59 Med
16 Nov 1972 23 Jun 1973 CVW-2 CVA 61 WestPac/Vietnam

Major Overseas Deployments for 1973

Date of Date of Air Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Operation

05 Jan 1973 11 Oct 1973 CVW-9 CVA 64 WestPac/Vietnam

09 Mar 1973 08 Nov 1973 CVW-15 CVA 43 WestPac
16 Apr 1973 01 Dec 1973 CVW-1 CVA 67 Med/NorLant/Med
08 May 1973 08 Jan 1974 CVW-21 CVA 19 WestPac/IO
21 Jun 1973 19 Jan 1974 CVW-7 CV 62 Med
11 Sep 1973 05 Oct 1973 CVW-5 CVA 41* WestPac
14 Sep 1973 17 Mar 1974 CVW-6 CVA 42 Med
18 Oct 1973 05 Jun 1974 CVW-19 CVA 34 WestPac/IO
23 Nov 1973 09 Jul 1974 CVW-11 CV 63 WestPac/IO
26 Nov 1973 22 Dec 1973 CVW-5 CVA 41* WestPac
* Midway (CVA 41) with CVW-5 and its assigned squadrons were forward deployed and home ported overseas at Naval Station Yokosuka,
Japan. Only operations outside the home waters of Japan are listed as deployments.

Major Overseas Deployments for 1974

Date of Date of Air Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Operation

03 Jan 1974 03 Aug 1974 CVW-8 CVA 66 Med

29 Jan 1974 06 Mar 1974 CVW-5 CVA 41* WestPac
11 Mar 1974 11 Sep 1974 CVW-17 CVA 59 Med
07 May 1974 18 Oct 1974 CVW-2 CVA 61 WestPac
21 Jun 1974 22 Dec 1974 CVW-9 CVA 64 WestPac/IO
19 Jul 1974 21 Jan 1975 CVW-7 CV 62 Med
06 Sep 1974 12 Oct 1974 CVW-8 CVA 66 NorLant
17 Sep 1974 20 May 1975 CVW-14 CVAN 65 WestPac/IO
27 Sep 1974 19 Mar 1975 CVW-3 CV 60 Med
18 Oct 1974 20 Dec 1974 CVW-5 CVA 41* WestPac
05 Dec 1974 02 Jul 1975 CVW-15 CVA 43 WestPac
* Midway (CVA 41) with CVW-5 and its assigned squadrons were forward deployed and home ported overseas at Naval Station Yokosuka,
Japan. Only operations outside the home waters of Japan are listed as deployments.

Major Overseas Deployments for 1975

Date of Date of Air Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Operation

03 Jan 1975 16 Jul 1975 CVW-6 CV 42 Med

13 Jan 1975 18 Feb 1975 CVW-5 CVA 41* WestPac
05 Mar 1975 22 Sep 1975 CVW-17 CV 59 Med
18 Mar 1975 20 Oct 1975 CVW-21 CV 19 WestPac
31 Mar 1975 29 May 1975 CVW-5 CVA 41* WestPac
21 May 1975 15 Dec 1975 CVW-11 CV 63 WestPac
28 Jun 1975 27 Jan 1976 CVW-1 CV 67 Med
16 Jul 1975 24 Sep 1975 CVW-8 CVN 68 Carib/NorLant
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Major Overseas Deployments for 1975—Continued

Date of Date of Air Area of

Departure Return Wing Carrier Operation

16 Sep 1975 03 Mar 1976 CVW-19 CV 34 WestPac

04 Oct 1975 19 Dec 1975 CVW-5 CV 41* WestPac/IO
15 Oct 1975 05 May 1976 CVW-7 CV 62 NorLant/Med

* Midway (CVA 41) with CVW-5 and its assigned squadrons were forward deployed and home ported overseas at Naval Station Yokosuka,
Japan. Only operations outside the home waters of Japan are listed as deployments.

Major Overseas Deployments for 1976

Date of Date of Air Area of

Departure Return Wing Carrier Operation

06 Jan 1976 28 Jul 1976 CVW-3 CV 60 Med

30 Jan 1976 07 Sep 1976 CVW-2 CV 61 WestPac/IO
13 Mar 1976 26 Apr 1976 CVW-5 CV 41* WestPac
15 Apr 1976 25 Oct 1976 CVW-6 CV 66 Med
19 May 1976 22 Jun 1976 CVW-5 CV 41* WestPac
07 Jul 1976 07 Feb 1977 CVW-8 CVN 68 Med
09 Jul 1976 04 Aug 1976 CVW-5 CV 41* WestPac
30 Jul 1976 28 Mar 1977 CVW-14 CVN 65 WestPac/IO
02 Sep 1976 09 Nov 1976 CVW-1 CV 67 NorLant
04 Oct 1976 21 Apr 1977 CVW-19 CV 42 Med
01 Nov 1976 17 Dec 1976 CVW-5 CV 41* WestPac

* Midway (CV 41) with CVW-5 and its assigned squadrons were forward deployed and home ported overseas at Naval Station Yokosuka, Japan.
Only operations outside the home waters of Japan are listed as deployments.

Major Overseas Deployments for 1977

Date of Date of Air Area of

Departure Return Wing Carrier Operation

11 Jan 1977 01 Mar 1977 CVW-5 CV 41* WestPac

15 Jan 1977 01 Aug 1977 CVW-1 CV 67 Med
15 Feb 1977 05 Oct 1977 CVW-15 CV 43 WestPac
31 Mar 1977 21 Oct 1977 CVW-7 CV 62 Med
12 Apr 1977 21 Nov 1977 CVW-9 CV 64 WestPac
19 Apr 1977 05 Sep 1977 CVW-5 CV 41* WestPac
10 Jun 1977 19 Jul 1977 CVW-6 CV 66 SoLant
11 Jul 1977 23 Dec 1977 CVW-3 CV 60 Med
08 Aug 1977 02 Sep 1977 CVW-5 CV 41* WestPac
27 Sep 1977 21 Dec 1977 CVW-5 CV 41* WestPac/IO
29 Sep 1977 25 Apr 1978 CVW-6 CV 66 Med
25 Oct 1977 15 May 1978 CVW-11 CV 63 WestPac
01 Dec 1977 20 Jul 1978 CVW-8 CVN 68 Med/NorLant

* Midway (CV 41) with CVW-5 and its assigned squadrons were forward deployed and home ported overseas at Naval Station Yokosuka, Japan.
Only operations outside the home waters of Japan are listed as deployments.
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532 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

Major Overseas Deployments for 1978

Date of Date of Air Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Operation

04 Apr 1978 26 Oct 1978 CVW-17 CV 59 Med/NorLant

04 Apr 1978 30 Oct 1978 CVW-14 CVN 65 WestPac/IO
11 Apr 1978 23 May 1978 CVW-5 CV 41* WestPac
29 Jun 1978 08 Feb 1979 CVW-1 CV 67 Med
26 Sep 1978 17 May 1979 CVW-9 CV 64 WestPac/IO
03 Oct 1978 05 Apr 1979 CVW-3 CV 60 Med
09 Nov 1978 23 Dec 1978 CVW-5 CV 41* WestPac

* Midway (CV 41) with CVW-5 and its assigned squadrons were forward deployed and home ported overseas at Naval Station Yokosuka, Japan.
Only operations outside the home waters of Japan are listed as deployments.

Major Overseas Deployments for 1979

Date of Date of Air Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Operation

11 Jan 1979 20 Feb 1979 CVW-5 CV 41* WestPac

16 Jan 1979 13 Jul 1979 CVW-7 CVN 69 Med
21 Feb 1979 22 Sep 1979 CVW-2 CV 61 WestPac
13 Mar 1979 22 Sep 1979 CVW-11 CV 66 Med
07 Apr 1979 18 Jun 1979 CVW-5 CV 41* IO
30 May 1979 25 Feb 1980 CVW-15 CV 63 WestPac/IO
28 Jun 1979 14 Dec 1979 CVW-6 CV 62 Med
20 Aug 1979 14 Sep 1979 CVW-5 CV 41* WestPac
10 Sep 1979 26 May 1980 CVW-8 CVN 68 Med/SoLant/IO
30 Sep 1979 20 Feb 1980 CVW-5 CV 41* IO
13 Nov 1979 11 Jun 1980 CVW-14 CV 43 WestPac/IO
27 Nov 1979 07 May 1980 CVW-17 CV 59 Med

* Midway (CV 41) with CVW-5 and its assigned squadrons were forward deployed and home ported overseas at Naval Station Yokosuka, Japan.
Only operations outside the home waters of Japan are listed as deployments.

Major Overseas Deployments for 1980

Date of Date of Air Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Operation

26 Feb 1980 15 Oct 1980 CVW-9 CV 64 WestPac/IO

10 Mar 1980 27 Aug 1980 CVW-3 CV 60 Med
15 Apr 1980 22 Dec 1980 CVW-7 CVN 69 IO
14 Jul 1980 26 Nov 1980 CVW-5 CV 41* WestPac/IO
04 Aug 1980 28 Mar 1981 CVW-1 CV 67 Med
29 Aug 1980 17 Oct 1980 CVW-8 CVN 68 NorLant
10 Sep 1980 05 May 1981 CVW-2 CV 61 WestPac/IO
19 Nov 1980 10 Jun 1981 CVW-6 CV 62 SoLant/IO/Med
* Midway (CV 41) with CVW-5 and its assigned squadrons were forward deployed and home ported overseas at Naval Station Yokosuka, Japan.
Only operations outside the home waters of Japan are listed as deployments.

Major Overseas Deployments for 1981

Date of Date of Air Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Operation

23 Feb 1981 05 Jun 1981 CVW-5 CV 41* WestPac/IO

02 Mar 1981 15 Sep 1981 CVW-17 CV 59 Med/NorLant
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Major Overseas Deployments for 1981—Continued

Date of Date of Air Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Operation

01 Apr 1981 23 Nov 1981 CVW-15 CV 63 WestPac/IO

14 Apr 1981 12 Nov 1981 CVW-11 CV 66 Med/IO
26 Jun 1981 16 Jul 1981 CVW-5 CV 41* WestPac
03 Aug 1981 12 Feb 1982 CVW-8 CVN 68 Med
20 Aug 1981 07 Oct 1981 CVW-7 CVN 69 NorLant
20 Aug 1981 23 Mar 1982 CVW-14 CV 43 WestPac/IO
03 Sep 1981 06 Oct 1981 CVW-5 CV 41* WestPac
20 Oct 1981 23 May 1982 CVW-9 CV 64 WestPac/IO
* Midway (CV 41) with CVW-5 and its assigned squadrons were forward deployed and home ported overseas at Naval Station Yokosuka, Japan.
Only operations outside the home waters of Japan are listed as deployments.

Major Overseas Deployments for 1982

Date of Date of Air Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Operation

04 Jan 1982 14 Jul 1982 CVW-3 CV 67 Med/IO

05 Jan 1982 13 Jul 1982 CVW-7 CVN 69 Med
07 Apr 1982 19 Oct 1982 CVW-2 CV 61 WestPac/IO
26 Apr 1982 18 Jun 1982 CVW-5 CV 41* WestPac
07 Jun 1982 22 Dec 1982 CVW-6 CV 62 Med
08 Jun 1982 16 Nov 1982 CVW-17 CV 59 Med/IO
23 Aug 1982 30 Oct 1982 CVW-1 CV 66 NorLant/Med/Carib
01 Sep 1982 28 Apr 1983 CVW-11 CVN 65 NorPac/WestPac
14 Sep 1982 11 Dec 1982 CVW-5 CV 41* NorPac/WestPac
10 Nov 1982 20 May 1983 CVW-8 CVN 68 Carib/Med
08 Dec 1982 02 Jun 1983 CVW-1 CV 66 Med/IO
* Midway (CV 41) with CVW-5 and its assigned squadrons were forward deployed and home ported overseas at Naval Station Yokosuka, Japan.
Only operations outside the home waters of Japan are listed as deployments.

Major Overseas Deployments for 1983

Date of Date of Air Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Operation

01 Mar 1983 29 Oct 1983 CVW-15 CVN 70 World Cruise

21 Mar 1983 12 Sep 1983 CVW-14 CV 43 World Cruise
27 Apr 1983 02 Dec 1983 CVW-7 CVN 69 Med
25 May 1983 01 Jul 1983 CVW-3 CV 67 NorLant
02 Jun 1983 08 Aug 1983 CVW-5 CV 41* WestPac
15 Jul 1983 29 Feb 1984 CVW-9 CV 61 Central America/WestPac/IO
27 Sep 1983 02 May 1984 CVW-3 CV 67 SoLant/Med
25 Oct 1983 11 Dec 1983 CVW-5 CV 41* WestPac
18 Oct 1983 11 Apr 1984 CVW-6 CV 62 Carib/Med/NorLant
28 Dec 1983 23 May 1984 CVW-5 CV 41* IO
* Midway (CV 41) with CVW-5 and its assigned squadrons were forward deployed and home ported overseas at Naval Station Yokosuka, Japan.
Only operations outside the home waters of Japan are listed as deployments.

Major Overseas Deployments for 1984

Date of Date of Air Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Operation

13 Jan 1984 01 Aug 1984 CVW-2 CV 63 WestPac/IO

02 Apr 1984 20 Oct 1984 CVW-17 CV 60 Med
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534 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

Major Overseas Deployments for 1984—Continued

Date of Date of Air Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Operation

24 Apr 1984 14 Nov 1984 CVW-1 CV 66 Carib/Med/IO

08 May 1984 20 Jun 1984 CVW-7 CVN 69 Carib/NorLant
30 May 1984 20 Dec 1984 CVW-11 CVN 65 WestPac/IO/NorPac
10 Oct 1984 08 May 1985 CVW-7 CVN 69 Med
18 Oct 1984 24 May 1985 CVW-15 CVN 70 NorPac/WestPac/IO
15 Oct 1984 12 Dec 1984 CVW-5 CV 41* WestPac
16 Oct 1984 19 Feb 1985 CVW-6 CV 62 Med/IO
* Midway (CV 41) with CVW-5 and its assigned squadrons were forward deployed and home ported overseas at Naval Station Yokosuka, Japan.
Only operations outside the home waters of Japan are listed as deployments.

Major Overseas Deployments for 1985

Date of Date of Air Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Operation

01 Feb 1985 28 Mar 1985 CVW-5 CV 41* WestPac

21 Feb 1985 24 Aug 1985 CVW-14 CV 64 WestPac/IO
08 Mar 1985 04 Oct 1985 CVW-8 CVN 68 Carib/Med
10 Jun 1985 14 Oct 1985 CVW-5 CV 41* IO/WestPac
08 Jul 1985 22 Aug 1985 CVW-7 CVN 69 Carib
24 Jul 1985 21 Dec 1985 CVW-9 CV 63 WestPac/IO
24 Aug 1985 09 Oct 1985 CVW-1 CV 66 NorLant
25 Aug 1985 16 Apr 1986 CVW-17 CV 60 Med/IO
01 Oct 1985 19 May 1986 CVW-13 CV 43 Med
15 Nov 1985 12 Dec 1985 CVW-5 CV 41* WestPac
* Midway (CV 41) with CVW-5 and its assigned squadrons were forward deployed and home ported overseas at Naval Station Yokosuka, Japan.
Only operations outside the home waters of Japan are listed as deployments.

Major Overseas Deployments for 1986

Date of Date of Air Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Operation

15 Jan 1986 12 Aug 1986 CVW-11 CVN 65 World Cruise

17 Jan 1986 30 Mar 1986 CVW-5 CV 41* WestPac
10 Mar 1986 10 Sep 1986 CVW-1 CV 66 Med
02 Jun 1986 10 Nov 1986 CVW-6 CV 59 Med
12 Aug 1986 05 Feb 1987 CVW-15 CVN 70 NorPac/WestPac/IO
15 Aug 1986 16 Oct 1986 CVW-8 CVN 68 NorLant
18 Aug 1986 03 Mar 1987 CVW-3 CV 67 Med
18 Aug 1986 20 Oct 1986 CVW-2 CV 61 NorPac/WestPac
04 Sep 1986 20 Oct 1986 CVW-14 CV 64 NorPac
30 Dec 1986 26 Jul 1987 CVW-8 CVN 68 Med/SoLant/West Coast
* Midway (CV 41) with CVW-5 and its assigned squadrons were forward deployed and home ported overseas at Naval Station Yokosuka, Japan.
Only operations outside the home waters of Japan are listed as deployments.

Major Overseas Deployments for 1987

Date of Date of Air Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Operation

03 Jan 1987 29 Jun 1987 CVW-9 CV 63 World Cruise

09 Jan 1987 20 Mar 1987 CVW-5 CV 41* WestPac
02 Mar 1987 29 Apr 1987 CVW-2 CV 61 NorPac
11 Apr 1987 13 Oct 1987 CVW-14 CV 64 WestPac/IO
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Major Overseas Deployments for 1987—Continued

Date of Date of Air Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Operation

23 Apr 1987 13 Jul 1987 CVW-5 CV 41* WestPac

05 Jun 1987 17 Nov 1987 CVW-17 CV 60 Med
14 Jul 1987 29 Dec 1987 CVW-2 CV 61 WestPac/IO
28 Aug 1987 09 Oct 1987 CVW-6 CV 59 NorLant
29 Sep 1987 28 Mar 1988 CVW-13 CV 43 Med
15 Oct 1987 12 Apr 1988 CVW-5 CV 41* WestPac/IO
25 Oct 1987 24 Nov 1987 CVW-11 CVN 65 NorPac

* Midway (CV 41) with CVW-5 and its assigned squadrons were forward deployed and home ported overseas at Naval Station Yokosuka, Japan.
Only operations outside the home waters of Japan are listed as deployments.

Major Overseas Deployments for 1988

Date of Date of Air Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Operation

05 Jan 1988 03 Jul 1988 CVW-11 CVN 65 WestPac/IO/NorPac

29 Feb 1988 29 Aug 1988 CVW-7 CVN 69 Med
25 Apr 1988 07 Oct 1988 CVW-6 CV 59 Med/IO/NorLant
15 Jun 1988 14 Dec 1988 CVW-15 CVN 70 NorPac/WestPac/IO
02 Aug 1988 01 Feb 1989 CVW-3 CV 67 Med
25 Aug 1988 11 Oct 1988 CVW-8 CVN 71 NorLant
02 Sep 1988 02 Mar 1989 CVW-9 CVN 68 WestPac/IO
18 Oct 1988 09 Nov 1988 CVW-5 CV 41* WestPac
01 Dec 1988 01 Jun 1989 CVW-14 CV 64 WestPac/IO
30 Dec 1988 30 Jun 1989 CVW-8 CVN 71 Med

* Midway (CV 41) with CVW-5 and its assigned squadrons were forward deployed and home ported overseas at Naval Station Yokosuka, Japan.
Only operations outside the home waters of Japan are listed as deployments.

Major Overseas Deployments for 1989

Date of Date of Air Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Operation

21 Jan 1989 24 Feb 1989 CVW-5 CV 41* WestPac

08 Feb 1989 03 Apr 1989 CVW-1 CV 66 Carib/NorLant
24 Feb 1989 24 Aug 1989 CVW-2 CV 61 WestPac/IO
27 Feb 1989 09 Apr 1989 CVW-5 CV 41* WestPac
11 May 1989 10 Nov 1989 CVW-1 CV 66 Med/IO
31 May 1989 25 Jul 1989 CVW-5 CV 41* WestPac
31 May 1989 30 Sep 1989 CVW-13 CV 43 Med
15 Jun 1989 09 Jul 1989 CVW-9 CVN 68 NorPac
15 Aug 1989 11 Dec 1989 CVW-5 CV 41* WestPac/IO
05 Sep 1989 09 Nov 1989 CVW-15 CVN 70 NorPac/WestPac
16 Sep 1989 19 Oct 1989 CVW-14 CV 64 NorPac
17 Sep 1989 16 Mar 1990 CVW-11 CVN 65 World Cruise
04 Nov 1989 12 Apr 1990 CVW-6 CV 59 Med

* Midway (CV 41) with CVW-5 and its assigned squadrons were forward deployed and home ported overseas at Naval Station Yokosuka, Japan.
Only operations outside the home waters of Japan are listed as deployments.
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Major Overseas Deployments for 1990

Date of Date of Air Area of
Departure Return Wing Carrier Operation

25 Jan 1990 06 Apr 1990 CVW-5 CV 41* WestPac

01 Feb 1990 31 Jul 1990 CVW-15 CVN 70 WestPac/IO
08 Mar 1990 12 Sep 1990 CVW-7 CVN 69 Med/Red Sea
23 Jun 1990 20 Dec 1990 CVW-14 CV 62 WestPac/IO/Persian Gulf
07 Aug 1990 28 Mar 1991 CVW-17 CV 60 Med/Red Sea
15 Aug 1990 28 Mar 1991 CVW-3 CV 67 Med/Red Sea
02 Oct 1990 17 Apr 1991 CVW-5 CV 41* WestPac/IO/Persian Gulf
08 Dec 1990 08 Jun 1991 CVW-2 CV 61 WestPac/IO/Persian Gulf
28 Dec 1990 18 Apr 1991 CVW-1 CV 66 Med/Red Sea/Persian Gulf
28 Dec 1990 28 Jun 1991 CVW-8 CVN 71 Med/Red Sea/Persian Gulf
* Midway (CV 41) with CVW-5 and its assigned squadrons were forward deployed and home ported overseas at Naval Station Yokosuka, Japan.
Only operations outside the home waters of Japan are listed as deployments.
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APPENDIX 4

U.S. Navy Squadron Designations

and Abbreviations

T HE SYSTEM OF SQUADRON designations was

established to help define part of naval aviation’s orga-
also made to the designation system when new plane
types were developed and new squadrons were
nizational structure and help identify the operational formed to carry out those new missions. There is no
and administrative functions of aviation within the logical sequence for the numerical designation
fleet. Just as the designations for ships, such as DD, assigned the various squadrons throughout most of
CA, BB, etc., were used to define the duties of the naval aviation’s history. The Marine Corps did estab-
specific units and their alignment within the fleet orga- lish a logical sequence for their squadron designations,
nization, so also were the squadron designations however, there are variations to this system, too.
established to formulate the responsibilities and align- As Navy squadrons were established, disestablished
ment within naval aviation and the fleet structure. or redesignated, many of the same letters and num-
During naval aviation’s early years there were big bers were reused and assigned at a later date for
question marks concerning naval aviation’s ability to newly established or redesignated units, hence, the
succeed as a functional component of the fleet and lineage of a squadron cannot always be traced or
whether it would survive due to the limited capabili- linked by using the same designation. As an example,
ties of the aircraft. In official publications and refer- VF-1 from World War II has no direct relationship to
ences, such as the Daily Aviation News Bulletin of 1 VF-1 established in the 1970s. The rich tradition and
October 1919, casual terms were used to describe or heritage of the various squadrons in the Navy has not
identify various aircraft squadrons and units. The casu- always been carried over because of the break in con-
al terms were used because no specific fleet aviation tinuity between units. Once a squadron is disestab-
organizational structure for squadrons had been offi- lished that ends its history. If a new squadron is estab-
cially established. Prior to 1919, naval aircraft, exclud- lished using the same designation of a previous
ing Marine Corps planes, were primarily assigned to squadron it does not have any direct relationship with
shore stations. Therefore, in order to integrate aviation that unit. The reuse of many of the same letters and
into the fleet, it was necessary to develop a fleet orga- numerical designations adds considerable confusion to
nization that included aviation units. The development the squadron designation system. A new squadron
of a system of squadron designations is discussed in may carry on the traditions of a previous squadron,
Chapter 1. just as a ship that has been assigned the same name
In general terms, the Navy’s system for designating more than once carries on the traditions of the past
naval aircraft squadrons has usually conformed to the ships with the same name. However, a squadron, just
following loose classification structure: like a ship, can not claim a heritage or historical link
(1) Squadron designations were based on specific to the old unit with the same designation.
letters used for indicating the missions for Consistency has been the major ingredient lacking
each particular type of squadron and its in the Navy’s squadron designation system. As an
assigned aircraft. As an example, a World War example, the use of “Plane” in squadron designations
II squadron operating the F4U Corsair aircraft was not consistent during the 1920s. Sometimes the
would have been designated a fighting full designation would be written differently, depend-
squadron (VF). The letter F, for fighting or ing on the squadron’s assignment to the Battle Fleet,
fighter, was the key in identifying the type of Scouting Fleet, or Asiatic Fleet. A designation such as
squadron and was also used in the aircraft’s Scouting Squadron and Scouting Plane Squadron,
designation. which used the same abbreviation, VS, was listed in
(2) Identification numbers were assigned to each the Navy Directory as Scouting Squadron under the
squadron, such as VF-1. The number 1 sepa- Battle Fleet and Scouting Plane Squadron under the
rates Fighter Squadron 1 (VF-1) from Fighter Scouting Fleet. The use of “Plane” in squadron desig-
Squadron 10 (VF-10). nations was most likely designed to identify the
There have been many variations to this basic sys- squadron as an aviation unit, vice a destroyer
tem throughout naval aviation’s history. Changes were squadron. This seems to be especially true during the

537
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538 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

1920s when aviation was first being integrated into the different for these two types of squadrons but they used
fleet organization and operations. The Navy Directory; a common abbreivated squadron designation.
Monthly Report, Status of Naval Aircraft; and the Bureau There are four factors that play a role in developing
of Aeronautics, Weekly Newsletter all list squadron desig- or changing squadron designations. They have been
nations using “Plane.” The Chief of Naval Operations’ around since the introduction of aviation in the Navy
Naval Aeronautical Organization, published for each and will continue to be the primary factors effecting
Fiscal Year, lists the squadron designations without using squadron designations. The factors are:
“Plane” in the designation. It is obvious there is no differ-
1. the duties or mission of a squadron
ence between the squadrons with or without the use of
2. technical advances in aircraft or equipment
“Plane” in the squadron designation. The acronym
3. changes in tactics or development of new tactics
remained the same, with or without the use of “Plane” in
4. changes in naval aviation or fleet organziation
the full squadron designation. In the 1930s the squadron
designations listed in all four sources identified above The following is a list of various squadron designa-
usually refer to the squadron using its abbreviated desig- tions used by the Navy since the early 1920s. It does
nation, such as VF Squadron 1 (VF-1) instead of Fighting not include Marine Corps squadron designations. The
Plane Squadron 1. In the 1940s the use of “Plane” in the list is in alphabetical order rather than in the chrono-
full squadron designation is dropped. logical order of squadron development. The general
In the late 1940s and early 1950s the VC squadron time frame for when the designation was in use is list-
designation was used to identify a group of squadrons ed with the squadron designation. Further elaboration
with several different missions but all assigned the VC on the assignment of squadrons to other organizations
designation. Missions for specific Composite and their designations such as: a battle group, carrier
Squadrons (VC) included all-weather night, attack and air wing, cruiser group, fleet air force, scouting fleet,
defense; air early warning; anti-submarine warfare; Asiatic Fleet, naval district, reserves, etc..., has not been
and photographic. The only identifying factor to sepa- included in this list to prevent it from becoming to con-
rate the different types of Composite Squadrons was fusing or extensive. The only exception to this is for
the numerical designation. In the late 1940s the single the reserves. Reserve squadron designations, beginning
digit numbers were for the Composite Night or Attack in 1970, are included in this list. In 1970 the naval air
and Defense units, those numbers in the teens were reserve was reorganized and the squadron structure
for Composite Air Warning squadrons, numbers in the and arrangement was aligned to mirror the squadron
20s and 30s were for Composite Anti-Submarine units, designation system in existence for active fleet units.
and the numbers in the 60s were for Composite
Photographic squadrons.
U.S. NAVY SQUADRON DESIGNATIONS AND
Besides the composite squadrons (VC), several patrol ABBREVIATIONS
squadrons (VP) had specific mission requirements that
Acronym Full Squadron Designation General time-
were different from its normal patrol and reconnais- frame in use
sance duties. However, these squadrons still maintained
HAL or HA(L) Helicopter Attack Squadron Light 1967-1972
the normal VP designation. In the late 1940s there were 1976-1988
two VP squadrons with a primary mission of photo- HC Helicopter Combat Support Squadron 1965-present
graphic and one with an air early warning mission. VP- HCS Helicopter Combat Support Special
61 and VP-62 were the photographic squadrons and Squadron 1988-present
HCT Helicopter Combat Support Training
VP-51 was the air early warning squadron.
Squadron 1974-1977
The special VC and VP designated units, were on HM Helicopter Mine Countermeasures
the cutting edge of technology, which eventually lead Squadron 1971-present
to the development of specialized squadron designa- HS Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron 1951-present
tions in the 1950s and 1960s. Squadrons such as VAW HSL Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron
(Light) 1972-present
(Carrier Airborne Early Warning), VAQ (Tactical HT Helicopter Training Squadron 1960-present
Electronic Warfare), and VQ (Electronic HTU Helicopter Training Unit 1950-1957
Countermeasures or Air Reconnaissance) were the HU Helicopter Utility Squadron 1948-1965
result of technical developments in the late 1940s and RVAH Reconnaissance Attack Squadron 1964-1979
RVAW Carrier Airborne Early Warning
early 1950s.
Training Squadron 1967-1983
The use of an abbreivated squadron designation with STAGRON Special Air Task Force Squadron (VK) 1943-1944
different missions occurred in the early 1950s when the TACRON Tactical Squadron or Tactical Air
VJ designation was used for both photographic Control Squadron or Tactical Control
squadrons and weather squadrons. VJ-1 and 2 were Squadron 1946-present
VA Attack Squadron 1946-present
designated Weather Squadrons or Weather
VA(AW) All-Weather Attack Squadron 1956-1959
Reconnaissance Squadrons. VJ-61 and 62 were designat- VAH or VA(H) Heavy Attack Squadron 1955-1971
ed Photographic Squadrons. The missions were totally VA(HM) Attack Mining Squadron 1956-1959
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 539

U.S. NAVY SQUADRON DESIGNATIONS AND U.S. NAVY SQUADRON DESIGNATIONS AND
ABBREVIATIONS—Continued ABBREVIATIONS—Continued
Acronym Full Squadron Designation General time- Acronym Full Squadron Designation General time-
frame in use frame in use

VAK Tactical Aerial Refueling Squadron 1979-1989 VPB Patrol Bombing Squadron 1944-1946
VAL or VA(L) Light Attack Squadron 1969-1972 VP-HL Heavy Patrol Squadron (landplane) 1946-1948
VAP or VA(P) Heavy Photographic Reconnaissance VPM Meteorological Squadron 1946-1947
Squadron or Photographic VP-ML Medium Patrol Squadron (landplane) 1946-1948
Reconnaissance Squadron (Heavy) or VP-MS Medium Patrol Squadron (seaplane) 1946-1948
Heavy Photographic Squadron 1956-1971 VPP or VP(P) Photographic Squadron or Patrol
VAQ Carrier Tactical Electronics Warfare Squadron (photographic) 1946-1948
Squadron or Tactical Electronics VPU Patrol Squadron Special Unit 1982-present
Warfare Squadron 1968-present VPW Weather Reconnaissance Squadron 1945-1948
VAW Carrier Airborne Early Warning VPW Air Early Warning Squadron 1948
Squadron 1948 VQ Electronic Countermeasures Squadron 1955-1960
1956-present VQ Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron 1961-present
VAW Carrier Tactical Electronics Warfare VR Transport Squadron or Air Transport
Squadron 1968 Squadron or Fleet Logistic Air
VB Bombing Squadron or Light Bombing Squadron 1942-1958
Plane Squadron 1928-1946 VR Fleet Tactical Support Squadron 1958-1976
VBF Bombing Fighting Squadron 1945-1946 VR Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 1976-present
VC Composite Squadron 1943-1945 VRC or VR(C) Fleet Tactical Support Squadron 1960-1976
1948-1956 VRC Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 1976-present
VC Fleet Composite Squadron 1965-present VRE Air Transport Evacuation Squadron 1945
VCN Night Composite Squadron 1946-1948 VRF Transport Ferry and Service Squadron 1943-1946
VCP Photographic Composite Squadron 1959-1961 VRF Air Ferry Transport Squadron or
VCS Cruiser Scouting Squadron 1937-1945 Air Ferry Squadron 1943-1948
VD Photographic Squadron 1943-1946 VRF or VR(F) Aircraft Ferry Squadron 1957-1986
VE Evacuation Squadron 1944-1945 VRJ Utility Transport Squadron 1945-1946
VF Combat Squadron 1922 VRS Air Ferry Service Squadron or Ferry
VF Fighting Plane Squadron or Fighting Command Service Squadron 1943-1946
Squadron 1922-1948 VRU Transport Utility Squadron 1946-1948
VF Fighter Squadron 1948-present VS Scouting Plane Squadron or
VFA Fighter Attack Squadron 1980-1983 Scouting Squadron 1922-1946
VFA Strike Fighter Squadron 1983-present VS Anti-Submarine Squadron or Air
VF(AW) All-Weather Fighter Squadron Anti-Submarine Squadron or Carrier
or Fighter (All-Weather) Squadron 1956-1963 Air Anti-Submarine Squadron 1950-1993
VFN or VF(N) Night Fighting Squadron 1944-1946 VS Sea Control Squadron 1993-present
VFP or VF(P) Light Photographic Reconnaissance VSF Anti-Submarine Fighter Squadron 1965-1973
Squadron or Photographic VT Torpedo & Bombing Plane Squadron or
Reconnaissance Squadron or Torpedo & Bombing Squadron 1922-1930
Photographic Reconnaissance VT Torpedo Plane Squadron 1921
Squadron (Light) or Light VT Torpedo Squadron 1930-1946
Photographic Squadron 1956-1987 VT Training Squadron 1960-present
VGF Escort-Fighter Squadron 1942-1943 VTN Night Torpedo Squadron 1944-1946
VGS Escort-Scouting Squadron 1942-1943 VU Utility Squadron 1946-1965
VH Rescue Squadron 1944-1946
VW Air Early Warning Squadron or Airborne
VJ Utility Squadron or General Utility
Early Warning Squadron or Fleet
Squadron 1925-1946
Early Warning Squadron 1952-1971
VJ Weather Squadron or Weather
VW Weather Reconnaissance Squadron or
Reconnaissance Squadron 1952-1953
Fleet Weather Reconnaissance Squadron 1967-1975
VJ Photographic Squadron 1952-1956
VK Special Air Task Force Squadron VX Experimental Squadron 1927-circa
(STAGRON) 1943-1944 1943
VN Training Squadron 1927-1947 VX Experimental and Development
VO Spotting Squadron 1922 Squadron or Operational Development
VO Observation Plane Squadron or Squadron or Air Operational
Observation Squadron 1923-1945 Development Squadron or Air
1947-1949 Development Squadron 1946-1968
1967-1968 VX Air Test and Evaluation Squadron 1969-present
VOC Composite Spotting Squadron 1944-1945 VXE Antarctic Development Squadron 1969-present
VOF Observation Fighter Squadron 1942-1945 VXN Oceanographic Development Squadron 1969-1993
VP Seaplane Patrol Squadron 1922 ZJ Blimp Utility Squadron 1944-1945
VP Patrol Squadron 1924-1944 ZK Kite Balloon Squadron 1922-1924
1946 ZKN Kite Balloon Training Squadron *
1948-present ZKO Kite Balloon Observation Squadron *
VP-AM Amphibian Patrol Squadron 1946-1948 ZNN Non-rigid Airship Training Squadron *
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540 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

U.S. NAVY SQUADRON DESIGNATIONS AND U.S. NAVY SQUADRON DESIGNATIONS AND
ABBREVIATIONS—Continued ABBREVIATIONS—Continued
Acronym Full Squadron Designation General time- Acronym Full Squadron Designation General time-
frame in use frame in use

ZNO Non-rigid Airship Observation Squadron * ZRP Rigid Airship Patrol Squadron *
ZNP Non-rigid Airship Patrol Squadron * ZRS Rigid Airship Scouting Squadron *
ZNS Non-rigid Airship Scouting Squadron * ZS Airship Anti-Submarine Squadron *
ZP Airship Patrol Squadron 1942-1961 ZW Airship Early Warning Squadron 1956-1961
ZP Blimp Squadron 1942-1961 ZX Airship Operational Development
ZP Airship Patrol Squadron (All-Weather Squadron or Airship Development
Anti-Submarine) or Airship Squadron Squadron 1950-1957
or LTA Patrol Squadron 1942-1961
ZRN Rigid Airship Training Squadron * * These squadron designations were developed, however, the Navy never established any
squadrons using the designations.
ZRP Rigid Airship Patrol Squadron *
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 541

APPENDIX 5

How to Trace Squadron Lineage

T HE LINEAGE AND HISTORY of U.S. naval avia-

tion squadrons has been a source of confusion since
insignia. The lineage or history of a squadron cannot
be traced using only its insignia, because the same
the birth of naval aviation in 1911. Much of this confu- insignia may have been adopted and approved for
sion arose from the terminology used by the Navy, the official use by more than one squadron during differ-
lack of a consistent policy in selecting the alphanu- ent time frames. The insignia of a disestablished
meric designations for squadrons; constantly reusing squadron may be officially approved for use by anoth-
the same letter and numeric designations; and the er squadron but this does not confer upon the new
many establishments, redesignations and disestablish- squadron the right to the previous unit’s history and
ments of aviation squadrons. lineage. The following outline of the Jolly Roger
When dealing with a squadron’s lineage, the only insignia is an example of the confusion that results if
correct terms to use are establishment, disestablish- one attempts to trace the lineage and history of a
ment and redesignation. The terms commissioning and squadron insignia without considering other factors.
establishment have been used interchangeably for VF-17 was established on 1 January 1943, and dur-
years and that is incorrect. Only ships are commis- ing World War II it produced an outstanding record as
sioned, decommissioned and receive commissioning a fighter squadron. The Jolly Roger insignia for VF-17
pennants. Squadrons have establishment and disestab- was adopted during World War II. On 15 November
lishment ceremonies. 1946, all Navy squadrons were redesignated and VF-17
A unit’s history and lineage begins when it is estab- became VF-5B. Subsequently, it was redesignated VF-
lished and ends at the time it is disestablished. 61 on 28 April 1948, and then disestablished on 15
Determining a squadron’s “family tree” may seem cut April 1959. Commander Hoppe was the Commanding
and dried, but that is not the case. A squadron may Officer of VF-61 when it was disestablished. The Jolly
undergo numerous redesignations during the period Roger insignia had been used by VF-17/VF-5B/VF-61
between its establishment and disestablishment. A from 1943 until 15 April 1959.
newly established squadron bearing the same designa- On 2 July 1955, VA-86 was established and on the
tion of a unit that had previously existed may carry on same day was redesignated VF-84. This squadron was
the traditions of the old organization but it cannot equipped with the FJ Fury and adopted the nickname
claim the history or lineage of the previous unit. The Vagabonds. An insignia consisting of a lightning bolt
same is true of U. S. Navy ships and, thus, the ratio- striking the world in the area of Norfolk, with a sword
nale for such a policy becomes apparent. For exam- behind the bolt, was approved on 27 September 1955.
ple, Ranger (CV 61) is the seventh ship to bear the The squadron operated under this name and insignia
name Ranger and may carry on the traditions of the until it replaced the FJs with F8U Crusaders in 1959.
previous six ships. Ranger (CV 61) is obviously not Commander Hoppe assumed command of VF-84 two
the same Continental Navy Ship Ranger commanded days after the disestablishment of VF-61, the Jolly
by Captain John Paul Jones during the War of Roger squadron. He initiated the request to have VF-
Independence. The history of Ranger (CV 61) begins 84 adopt the old Jolly Roger insignia, which had been
with its commissioning date, not with the commission- used by VF-61 and was no longer active. This request
ing date of the first Ranger. was approved by CNO on 1 April 1960. There is no
The most recent squadron with the designation direct connection between the former Jolly Roger
Fighter Squadron One (VF-1) was established 1 squadron (VF-17/VF-5B/VF-61) and VF-84, which
October 1972 and disestablished 1 October 1993. It adopted the Jolly Roger insignia. To further complicate
was the seventh squadron in the Navy to be designat- a review of the records, there have been other
ed VF-1. This squadron is not the same VF-1 that used squadrons with the designation VF-84. During World
the designation for the first time in 1922. Designations, War II, a VF-84 was established on 1 May 1944, and
like ship’s names, are reused again and again. If there disestablished 8 October 1945. Naval air reserve
is a break in the active status of a unit designation as a squadron VF-921 was called to active duty 1 February
result of a disestablishment, then there is no connec- 1951, and was redesignated VF-84 on 4 February 1954.
tion between the units bearing the same designation. This squadron then became VA-86 on 2 July 1955. This
Another common problem area involves squadron occurred on the same day, the current Jolly Roger

541
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542 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

squadron was established as VA-86 and immediately Squadron 25 until it was redesignated VFA-25 on 1
redesignated VF-84. Neither of these two VF-84 July 1983. The history and lineage of the present VFA-
squadrons had any connection with the original Jolly 25 may be traced to 1 January 1943, because there
Rogers. Thus, the present VF-84 operating with the was no break in active duty status of the squadron,
insignia and title of Jolly Rogers can lay claim to the even though its designation changed four times.
traditions of VF-17, VF-5B and VF-61, if it wishes to do The current VFA-106 provides an example of what
so, but can only claim a history which commenced on happens when a squadron is disestablished and then,
2 July 1955, and it is not a direct descendant of the years later, the same number is used again. This
original Jolly Rogers squadron.
squadron was established at NAS Cecil Field on 27
A squadron’s history and lineage covers only the
April 1984. VFA-106 adopted the old insignia of VA-
period during which a unit is officially declared active
106 and had it officially approved. The squadron may
(established by CNO), has personnel assigned to it,
and is listed in the Naval Aeronautical Organization. carry on the traditions of the old VA-106, but it cannot
When a squadron is disestablished, its history and lin- trace its lineage and history back to VA-106. The list of
eage ends. If a squadron is redesignated while it is commanding officers for VA-106 is not part of the list
active, the lineage and history of the unit is carried on of commanding officers for VFA-106. The history of
by the newly redesignated squadron. The following is VA-106 came to an end on 7 November 1969, when it
an example of what occurs when a squadron is redes- was disestablished and its personnel were transferred
ignated and its lineage and history remain unbroken. to other duty stations. At this time, VA-106 was
The current VFA-25 was originally established as removed from the active list in the Naval Aeronautical
Torpedo Squadron 17 (VT-17) on 1 January 1943. On Organization.
15 November 1946, VT-17 was redesignated VA-6B Appendix 6 in this book will provide the lineage
and carried this designation until 27 April 1948, when listing for all squadrons that have been assigned the
it was redesignated VA-65. On 1 July 1959, VA-65 was VA, VA(AW), VAH, VA(HM), VAK, VAL, VAP, and VFA
redesignated VA-25 and the unit remained Attack designations.
Appendix 1---ps. 509-562 4/13/95 6:47 AM Page 543

APPENDIX 6

Lineage Listing for VA, VA(AW), VAH,

VA(HM), VAK, VAL, VAP, and VFA
Designated Squadrons

T
Attack Squadrons (VA)—Continued
Squadron Action
HE FOLLOWING LINEAGE LIST of squadrons will Designation Lineage Date
identify every VA, VA(AW), VAH, VA(HM), VAK, VAL, VT-58 redesig. VA-1L 15 Nov 1946
VAP and VFA designated squadron the Navy has had VA-1L disest. 20 Nov 1948
in existence, with the exception of Reserve squadrons VA-2A (See 1st VA-15)
prior to 1970. If a squadron was assigned another unit VA-2B (See 2nd VA-65)
designation other than the designation series listed VA-2E Est. as VT-42 19 Jul 1945
above, then information giving a cross reference to a VT-42 redesig. VA-2E 15 Nov 1946
VA-2E redesig. VC-22 01 Sep 1948
different designation series will be provided, such as
VC-22 redesig. VS-22 20 Apr 1950
“See VF-45’s history records.” As an example, the lin- VS-22 disest. 01 Jun 1956
eage for the third squadron assigned the VA-45 desig- (See VS-22 history records)
nation is as follows: VA-3A (See 2nd VA-35)
VA-3B (See 1st VA-44)
Established as VA-45 on 24 May 1955 VA-3E Est. as VA-3E 21 Apr 1947
VA-45 redesignated VF-45 on 7 February 1985 VA-3E redesig. VC-23 01 Sep 1948
(See VF-45 history records) VC-23 redesig. VS-23 23 Apr 1950
VS-23 disest. 27 Sep 1968
Squadron histories in this book will cover only (See VS-23 history records)
those units that are still assigned the VA or VFA desig- VA-4A (See 1st VA-35)
nations or were disestablished when they were VA-4B (See 1st VA-45)
assigned the VA, VAH, VAK, VAL, VAP or VFA designa- VA-5A (See 1st VA-54)
tions. Consequently, the squadron history for the third VA-5B (See 1st VA-64)
VA-45 squadron is not in this book because the history VA-6A (See 1st VA-55)
of the squadron belongs with the current VF-45 VA-6B (See VFA-25)
VA-7A (See 2nd VA-75)
squadron. The squadron history for VF-45 will be writ-
VA-8A (See 1st VA-75)
ten and placed in a future volume dealing with the VA-9A (See 1st VA-94)
Fighter Squadrons. VA-10A (See 1st VA-95)
The year 1990 was arbitrarily selected as the cutoff VA-11A (See VA-114)
date for concluding the active squadron histories. VA-12 Est. as VBF-4 12 May 1945
Squadron histories were extended beyond the 1990 VBF-4 redesig. VF-2A 15 Nov 1946
date if a squadron was disestablished or redesignated VF-2A redesig. VF-12 02 Aug 1948
VF-12 redesig. VA-12 01 Aug 1955
prior to the book’s going to press.
VA-12 disest. 01 Oct 1986
The aircraft listing in Appendix 7 identifies the types VA-12A (See VA-115)
of planes used by the squadrons listed below. The VA-13A (See 2nd VA-174)
individual aircraft assignment for each squadron is list- VA-14 Est. as Air detachment,
ed in the squadron’s history. Pacific Fleet Sep 1919
Became VT-5, an element
Attack Squadrons (VA) of Air detachment,
Pacific Fleet 15 Jun 1920
Squadron Action
Designation Lineage Date
VT-5 redesig. VP-4-1 07 Sep 1921
VP-4-1 redesig. VF-4 23 Sep 1921
VA-1A (See VA-14) VF-4 redesig. VF-1 01 Jul 1922
VA-1B (See VA-24) VF-1 redesig. VF-1B 01 Jul 1927
VA-1E Est. as VT-41 26 Mar 1946 VF-1B redesig. VB-2B 01 Jul 1934
VT-41 redesig. VA-1E 15 Nov 1946 VB-2B redesig. VB 3 01 Jul 1937
VA-1E disest. 01 Sep 1948 VB-3 redesig. VB-4 01 Jul 1939
VA-1L Est. as VT-58 19 Mar 1946 VB-4 redesig. VS-41 15 Mar 1941

543
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544 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

Attack Squadrons (VA)—Continued Attack Squadrons (VA)—Continued

Squadron Action Squadron Action
Designation Lineage Date Designation Lineage Date
VS-41 redesig. VB-41 01 Mar 1943 VT-2 redesig. VT-2B 01 Jul 1927
VB-41 redesig. VB-4 04 Aug 1943 VT-2B redesig. VT-3 01 Jul 1937
VB-4 redesig. VA-1A 15 Nov 1946 VT-3 redesig. VA-4A 15 Nov 1946
VA-1A redesig. VA-14 02 Aug 1948 VA-4A redesig. VA-35 07 Aug 1948
VA-14 redesig. VF-14 15 Dec 1949 VA-35 disest. 07 Nov 1949
(See VF-14 history records) (2nd) VA-35 Est. as VB-3B 01 Jul 1934
VA-14A (See 1st VA-135) VB-3B redesig. VB-4 01 Jul 1937
(1st) VA-15 Est. as VT-4 10 Jan 1942 VB-4 redesig. VB-3 01 Jul 1939
VT-4 redesig. VA-2A 15 Nov 1946 VB-3 redesig. VA-3A 15 Nov 1946
VA-2A redesig. VA-15 02 Aug 1948 VA-3A redesig. VA-34 07 Aug 1948
VA-15 disest. 01 Jun 1969 VA-34 redesig. VA-35 15 Feb 1950
VA(AW)-35 (See VA-122)
(2nd) VA-15 (See VFA-15) (1st) VA-36 Est. as VF-102 01 May 1952
VA-15A (See VA-154) VF-102 redesig. VA-36 01 Jul 1955
VA-16 Est. as VA-16 01 Jun 1955 VA-36 disest. 01 Aug 1970
VA-16 disest. 01 Mar 1958 (2nd) VA-36 Est. as VA-36 06 Mar 1987
VA-16A (See 1st VA-155) VA-36 disest. 01 Apr 1994
VA-17A (See 1st VA-174) VA-37 (See VFA-37)
VA-18A (See VA-175) VA-38 Est. as VA-38 01 Mar 1967
VA-19A (See VA-194) VA-38 disest. 01 Oct 1968
VA-20A (See VFA-195) VA-42 Est. as VF-42 01 Sep 1950
VA-21A Est. as VB-98 28 Aug 1944 VF-42 redesig. VA-42 01 Nov 1953
VB-98 redesig. VA-21A 15 Nov 1946 VA-42 disest. 30 Sep 1994
VA-21A disest. 05 Aug 1947 VA-43 Est. as VF-74A 01 May 1945
VA-22 (See VFA-22) VF-74A redesig. VF-74 01 Aug 1945
VA-22A Est. as VT-98 28 Aug 1944 VF-74 redesig. VF-1B 5 Nov 1946
VT-98 redesig. VA-22A 15 Nov 1946 VF-1B redesig. VF-21 01 Sep 1948
VA-22A disest. 05 Aug 1947 VF-21 redesig. VA-43 01 Jul 1959
VA-23 Called to Active duty as VA-43 redesig. VF-43 01 Jun 1973
VF-653 01 Feb 1951 (See VF-43 history records)
VF-653 redesig. VF-151 04 Feb 1953 (1st) VA-44 Est. as VB-75 01 Jun 1945
VF-151 redesig. VA-151 07 Feb 1956 VB-75 redesig. VA-3B 15 Nov 1946
VA-151 redesig. VA-23 23 Feb 1959 VA-3B redesig. VA-44 01 Sep 1948
VA-23 disest. 01 Apr 1970 VA-44 disest.(believe to be 8 Jun 1950)
VA-24 Est. as VB-74 01 May 1945 (2nd) VA-44 Est. as VF-44 01 Sep 1950
VB-74 redesig. VA-1B 15 Nov 1946 VF-44 redesig. VA-44 01 Jan 1956
VA-1B redesig. VA-24 01 Sep 1948 VA-44 disest. 01 May 1970
VA-24 redesig. VF-24 01 Dec 1949 (1st) VA-45 Est. as VT-75 01 Jun 1945
VF-24 redesig. VF-211 09 Mar 1959 VT-75 redesig. VA-4B 15 Nov 1946
(See VF-211 history records) VA-4B redesig. VA-45 01 Sep 1948
(1st) VA-25 (See 2nd VA-65 lineage) VA-45 disest. 08 Jun 1950
(2nd) VA-25 (See VFA-25) (2nd) VA-45 Est. as VA-45 01 Sep 1950
VA-26 (See 2nd VA-125) VA-45 disest. 01 Mar 1958
VA-27 (See VFA-27) (3rd) VA-45 Est. as VA-45 15 Feb 1963
VA(AW)-33 Est. as VC-33 31 May 1949 VA-45 redesig. VF-45 07 Feb 1985
VC-33 redesig. VA(AW)-33 02 Jul 1956 (See VF-45 history records)
VA(AW)-33 redesig. VAW-33 30 Jan 1959 VA-46 Est. as VA-46 24 May 1955
VAW-33 redesig. VAQ-33 01 Feb 1968 VA-46 disest. 30 Jun 1991
(See VAQ-33 history records) VA-52 Reserve sqd. VF-884 called
(1st) VA-34 (See 2nd VA-35 lineage) to active duty 20 Jul 1950
(2nd) VA-34 Est. as VF-20 15 Oct 1943 VF-884 redesig. VF-144 04 Feb 1953
VF-20 redesig. VF-9A 15 Nov 1946 VF-144 redesig. VA-52 23 Feb 1959
VF-9A redesig. VF-91 12 Aug 1948 (1st) VA-54 Est. as VS-2B 03 Jul 1928
VF-91 redesig. VF-34 15 Feb 1950 VS-2B redesig. VS-3 01 Jul 1937
VF-34 redesig. VA-34 01 Jul 1955 VS-3 redesig. VB-4 01 Mar 1943
VA-34 disest. 01 Jun 1969 VB-4 redesig. VB-5 15 Jul 1943
(3rd) VA-34 Est. 01 Jan 1970 VB-5 redesig. VA-5A 15 Nov 1946
(1st) VA-35 Est. as VT-2 1925 VA-5A redesig. VA-54 16 Aug 1948
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 545

Attack Squadrons (VA)—Continued Attack Squadrons (VA)—Continued

Squadron Action Squadron Action
Designation Lineage Date Designation Lineage Date
VA-54 disest. 01 Dec 1949 VA-83 (See VFA-83)
(2nd) VA-54 Est. as VBF-153 26 Mar 1945 VA-84 Est. as VA-84 15 Sep 1948
VBF-153 redesig. VF-16A 15 Nov 1946 VA-84 disest. 29 Nov 1949
VF-16A redesig. VF-152 15 Jul 1948 (1st) VA-85 Est. as VA-85 15 Sep 1948
VF-152 redesig. VF-54 15 Feb 1950 VA-85 disest. 29 Nov 1949
VF-54 redesig. VA-54 15 Jun 1956 (2nd) VA-85 Reserve sqd. VA-859 called
VA-54 disest. 01 Apr 1958 to active duty 01 Feb 1951
(1st) VA-55 Est. as VT-5 15 Feb 1943 VA-859 redesig. VA-85 04 Feb 1953
VT-5 redesig. VA-6A 15 Nov 1946 VA-85 disest. 30 Sep 1994
VA-6A redesig. VA-55 16 Aug 1948 (1st) VA-86 Est. as VA-86 01 Jul 1955
VA-55 disest. 12 Dec 1975 VA-86 redesig. VF-84 on
(2nd) VA-55 Est. as VA-55 07 Oct 1983 the same day it was est.
VA-55 disest. 01 Jan 1991 as VA-86 01 Jul 1955
VA-56 Est. as VA-56 04 Jun 1956 (See VF-84 history records)
VA-56 disest. 31 Aug 1986 (2nd) VA-86 (See VFA-86)
VA-63 (See VFA-22) VA-87 (See VFA-87)
(1st) VA-64 Est. as VB-17 01 Jan 1943 VA-93 Est. as VF-93 26 Mar 1952
VB-17 redesig. VA-5B 15 Nov 1946 VF-93 redesig. VA-93 15 Sep 1956
VA-5B redesig. VA-64 27 Jul 1948 VA-93 disest. 31 Aug 1986
VA-64 redesig. VC-24 08 Apr 1949 (1st) VA-94 Est. as VB-99 01 Jul 1943
VC-24 redesig. VS-24 20 Apr 1950 VB-99 redesig. VB-20 15 Oct 1943
VS-24 disest. 01 Jun 1956 VB-20 redesig. VA-9A 15 Nov 1946
(See VS-24 history records) VA-9A redesig. VA-94 12 Aug 1948
(2nd) VA-64 Est. as VA-64 01 Jul 1961 VA-94 disest.(believe to be 30 Nov 1949)
VA-64 disest. 07 Nov 1969 (2nd) VA-94 (See VFA-94)
(1st) VA-65 (See VFA-25) (1st) VA-95 Est. as VT-20 15 Oct 1943
(2nd) VA-65 Est. as VT-74 01 May 1945 VT-20 redesig. VA-10A 15 Nov 1946
VT-74 redesig. VA-2B 15 Nov 1946 VA-1OA redesig. VA-95 12 Aug 1948
VA-2B redesig. VA-25 01 Sep 1948 VA-95 disest. 30 Nov 1949
VA-25 redesig. VA-65 01 Jul 1959 (2nd) VA-95 Est. as VA-95 26 Mar 1952
VA-65 disest. 31 Mar 1993 VA-95 disest. 01 Apr 1970
(1st) VA-66 (See VFA-81) (3rd) VA-95 Est. as VA-95 01 Apr 1972
(2nd) VA-66 Reserve sqd. VF-671 called VA-96 Est. as VA-96 30 Jun 1956
to active duty 01 Feb 1951 VA-96 disest. 10 Apr 1958
VF-671 redesig. VF-81 04 Feb 1953 VA-97 (See VFA-97)
VF-81 redesig. VA-66 01 Jul 1955 VA-104 Est. as VF-104 01 May 1952
VA-66 disest. 01 Oct 1986 VF-104 redesig. VA-104 04 Dec 1953
Note: VA-66 Det continued VA-104 disest. 31 Mar 1959
in existence until 31 Mar 1987 (1st) VA-105 Est. as VA-105 01 May 1952
VA-67 (See VFA-15) VA-105 disest. 01 Feb 1959
VA 72 Est. as VBF-18 25 Jan 1945 (2nd) VA-105 (See VFA-105)
VBF-18 redesig. VF-8A 15 Nov 1946 (1st) VA-106 Est. as VA-106 01 Jul 1955
VF-8A redesig. VF-72 28 Jul 1948 VA-106 redesig. VF-62 on
VF-72 redesig. VA-72 03 Jan 1956 the same day it was est.
VA-72 disest. 30 Jun 1991 as VA-106 01 Jul 1955
VA 74 (See 2nd VA-75) (See VF-62 history records)
(1st) VA-75 Est. as VT-18 20 Jul 1943 (2nd) VA-106 Est. as VBF 17 02 Jan 1945
VT-18 redesig. VA-8A 15 Nov 1946 VBF 17 redesig. VF-6B 15 Nov 1946
VA-8A redesig. VA-75 27 Jul 1948 VF-6B redesig. VF-62 28 Jul 1948
VA-75 disest. 30 Nov 1949 VF-62 redesig. VA-106 01 Jul 1955
(2nd) VA-75 Est. as VB-18 20 Jul 1943 VA-106 disest. 07 Nov 1969
VB-18 redesig. VA-7A 15 Nov 1946 VA-112 Est. as VBF-11 09 Apr 1945
VA-7A redesig. VA-74 27 Jul 1948 VBF-11 redesig. VF-12A 15 Nov 1946
VA-74 redesig. VA-75 15 Feb 1950 VF-12A redesig. VF-112 15 Jul 1948
VA-76 Est. as VA-76 01 Jun 1955 VF-112 redesig. VA-112 15 Feb 1959
VA-76 disest. 30 Sep 1969 VA-112 disest. 10 Oct 1969
VA-81 (See VFA-81) VA-113 (See VFA-113)
VA-82 (See VFA-82) VA-114 Est. as VB-11 10 Oct 1942
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Attack Squadrons (VA)—Continued Attack Squadrons (VA)—Continued

Squadron Action Squadron Action
Designation Lineage Date Designation Lineage Date
VB-11 redesig. VA-11A 15 Nov 1946 VF 152 redesig. VA-152 01 Aug 1958
VA-11A redesig. VA-114 15 Jul 1948 VA-152 disest. 29 Jan 1971
VA-114 disest. 01 Dec 1949 VA-153 Called to active duty as
VA-115 Est. as VT-11 10 Oct 1942 VF-831 01 Feb 1951
VT-11 redesig. VA-12A 15 Nov 1946 VF-831 redesig. VF-153 04 Feb 1953
VA-12A redesig. VA-115 15 Jul 1948 VF-153 redesig. VA-153 17 Dec 1956
VA-115 was in an inactive VA-153 disest. 30 Sep 1977
status from Aug 1967 VA-154 Est. as VB-153 26 Mar 1945
to 1 Jan 1970 (it was VB-153 redesig. VA-15A 15 Nov 1946
not disestablished during VA-15A redesig. VA-154 15 Jul 1948
this time frame and had VA-154 disest. 01 Dec 1949
a very limited number of (1st) VA-155 Est. as VT-153 26 Mar 1945
personnel assigned to the VT-153 redesig. VA-16A 15 Nov 1946
squadron which was located VA-16A redesig. VA-155 15 Jul 1948
at NAS Lemoore during VA-155 disest. 30 Nov 1949
the inactive period) (2nd) VA-155 Called to active duty as
VA-115 reactivated 01 Jan 1970 VA-728 01 Feb 1951
VA-116 (See VA-144) VA-728 redesig. VA-155 04 Feb 1953
VA-122 Est. as VC-35 25 May 1950 VA-155 disest. 30 Sep 1977
VC-35 redesig. VA (AW)-35 01 Jul 1956 (3rd) VA-155 Est. as VA-155 01 Sep 1987
VA(AW)-35 redesig. VA-122 29 Jun 1959 VA-155 disest. 30 Apr 1993
VA-122 disest. 31 May 1991 VA-156 Est. as VA-156 04 Jun 1956
(1st) VA-125 Called to active duty as VA-156 redesig. VF-111 20 Jan 1959
VA-923 20 Jul 1950 VF-111 redesig. VF-26 01 Sep 1964
VA-923 redesig. VA-125 04 Feb 1953 VF-26 redesig. VF-111 17 Sep 1964
VA-125 disest. 10 Apr 1958 (See VF-111 history records)
(2nd) VA-125 Est. as VA-26 30 Jun 1956 VA-163 Est. as VA-163 01 Sep 1960
VA-26 redesig. VA-125 11 Apr 1958 VA-163 disest. 01 Jul 1971
VA-125 disest. 01 Oct 1977 VA-164 Est. as VA-164 01 Sep 1960
VA-126 Est. as VA-126 06 Apr 1956 VA-164 disest. 02 Dec 1975
VA-126 redesig. VF-126 15 Oct 1963 VA-165 Est. as VA-165 01 Sep 1960
(See VF-126 history records) VA-172 Est. as VBF-82 20 Aug 1945
VA-127 (See VFA-127) VBF-82 redesig. VF-18A 15 Nov 1946
VA-128 Est. as VA-128 01 Sep 1967 VF-18A redesig. VF-172 11 Aug 1948
VA-133 Est. as VA-133 21 Aug 1961 VF-172 redesig. VA-172 01 Nov 1955
VA-133 disest. 01 Oct 1962 VA-172 disest. 15 Jan 1971
(1st) VA-134 (See 2nd VA-174) (1st) VA-174 Est. as VB-82 01 Apr 1944
(2nd) VA-134 Est. as VA-134 21 Aug 1961 VB-82 redesig. VA-17A 15 Nov 1946
VA-134 disest. 01 Oct 1962 VA-17A redesig. VA-174 11 Aug 1948
(1st) VA-135 Est. as VT-81 01 Mar 1944 VA-174 disest. 25 Jan 1950
VT-81 redesig. VA-14A 15 Nov 1946 (2nd) VA-174 Est. as VB-81 01 Mar 1944
VA-14A redesig. VA-135 02 Aug 1948 VB-81 redesig. VA-13A 15 Nov 1946
VA-135 disest. 30 Nov 1949 VA-13A redesig. VA-134 02 Aug 1948
(2nd) VA-135 Est. as VA-135 21 Aug 1961 VA-134 redesig. VF-174 15 Feb 1950
VA-135 disest. 01 Oct 1962 VF-174 redesig. VA-174 01 Jul 1966
VA-144 Est. as VA-116 01 Dec 1955 VA-174 disest. 30 Jun 1988
VA-116 redesig. VA-144 23 Feb 1959 VA-175 Est. as VT-82 01 Apr 1944
VA-144 disest. 29 Jan 1971 VT-82 redesig. VA-18A 15 Nov 1946
VA-145 Reserve sqd. VA-702 called VA-18A redesig. VA-175 11 Aug 1948
to active duty 20 Jul 1950 VA-175 disest. 15 Mar 1958
VA-702 redesig. VA-145 04 Feb 1953 VA-176 Est. as VA-176 01 Jun 1955
VA-145 disest. 01 Oct 1993 VA-176 disest. 01 Oct 1992
VA-146 (See VFA-146) VA-185 Est. as VA-185 01 Dec 1986
VA-147 (See VFA-147) VA-185 disest. 30 Aug 1991
VA-151 (See VA-23) VA-192 (See VFA-192)
VA-152 Called to active duty as VA-194 Est. as VB-19 15 Aug 1943
VF-713 01 Feb 1951 VB-19 redesig. VA-19A 15 Nov 1946
VF-713 redesig. VF-152 04 Feb 1953 VA-19A redesig. VA-194 24 Aug 1948
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Attack Squadrons (VA)—Continued Heavy Attack Squadrons (VAH)

Squadron Action Squadron Action
Designation Lineage Date Designation Lineage Date
VA-194 disest. 01 Dec 1949 VAH-1 Est. as VAH-1 01 Nov 1955
VA-195 (See VFA-195) (Nucleus of VAH-1 formed
VA-196 Est. as VF-153 15 Jul 1948 from VP-3 which was
VF-153 redesig. VF-194 15 Feb 1950 disest.)
VF-194 redesig. VA-196 04 May 1955 VAH-1 redesig. RVAH-1 01 Sep 1964
VA-203 (See VFA-203) RVAH-1 disest. 29 Jan 1979
VA-204 (See VFA-204) (See RVAH-1 history records)
VA-205 Est as VA-205 01 Jul 1970 VAH-2 Est. as VAH-2 01 Nov 1955
VA-205 disest. 31 Dec 1994 (Nucleus of VAH-2 formed
VA-209 Est. as VA-209 01 Jul 1970 from VP-29 which was
VA-209 disest. 15 Aug 1971 disest.)
VA-210 Est. as VA-210 01 Jul 1970 VAH-2 redesig. VAQ-132 01 Nov 1968
VA-210 disest. 30 Jun 1971 (See VAQ-132 history records)
VA-212 Est. as VF-212 20 Jun 1955 VAH-3 Est. as VAH-3 15 Jun 1956
VF-212 redesig. VA-212 01 Apr 1956 (Nucleus of VAH-3 formed
VA-212 disest. 12 Dec 1975 from VP-34 which was
VA-213 Est. as VA-213 15 Sep 1948 disest.)
VA-213 disest.(believed to be Jun 1949) VAH-3 redesig. RVAH-3 01 Jul 1964
(1st) VA-214 Est. as VA-214 15 Sep 1948 RVAH-3 disest. 17 Aug 1979
VA-214 disest. 16 May 1949 (See RVAH-3 history records)
(2nd) VA-214 Est. as VF-214 30 Mar 1955 VAH-4 Called to active duty as
VF-214 redesig. VA-214 11 Oct 1956 VP-931 02 Sep 1950
VA-214 disest. 01 Aug 1958 VP-931 redesig. VP-57 04 Feb 1953
(1st) VA-215 Est. as VA-215 15 Jun 1955 VP-57 redesig. VAH-4 03 Jul 1956
VA-215 disest. 31 Aug 1967 VAH-4 redesig. VAQ-131 01 Nov 1968
(2nd) VA-215 Est. as VA-215 01 Mar 1968 (See VAQ-131 history records)
VA-215 disest. 30 Sep 1977 VAH-5 Est. as VC-5 09 Sep 1948
VA-216 Est. as VA-216 28 Mar 1955 VC-5 redesig. VAH-5 01 Nov 1955
VA-216 disest. 01 Aug 1970 VAH-5 redesig. RVAH-5 May 1956
VA-303 (See VFA-303) RVAH-5 disest. 30 Sep 1977
VA-304 Est. as VA-304 01 Jul 1970 (See RVAH-5 history records)
VA-304 disest. 31 Dec 1994 VAH-6 Est. as VC-6 06 Jan 1950
VA-305 (See VFA-305) VC-6 redesig. VAH-6 01 Jul 1956
VA-702 (See VA-145) VAH-6 redesig. RVAH-6 23 Sep 1965
VA-728 (See 2nd VA-155) RVAH-6 disest. 20 Oct 1978
VA-776 Reserve sqd. VA-776 (See RVAH-6 history records)
activated Feb 1968 VAH-7 Est. as VC-7 10 Aug 1950
VA-776 returned to VC-7 redesig. VAH-7 01 Nov 1955
reserve status 01 Nov 1968 VAH-7 redesig. RVAH-7 01 Dec 1964
VA-831 Reserve sqd. VA-831 RVAH-7 disest. 28 Sep 1979
activated Feb 1968 (See RVAH-7 history records)
VA-831 returned to VAH-8 Est. as VAH-8 01 May 1957
reserve status 01 Nov 1968 VAH-8 disest. 17 Jan 1968
VA-859 (See 2nd VA-85) VAH-9 Est. as VC-9 15 Jan 1953
VA-873 Reserve sqd. VA-873 VC-9 redesig. VAH-9 01 Nov 1955
activated Feb 1968 VAH-9 redesig. RVAH-9 03 Jun 1964
VA-873 returned to RVAH-9 disest. 30 Sep 1977
reserve status 01 Nov 1968 (See RVAH-9 history records)
VA-923 (See 1st VA-125) VAH-10 Est. as VAH-10 01 May 1961
VAH-10 redesig. VAQ-129 01 Sep 1970
Attack Squadron (All Weather) (VA(AW)) (See VAQ-129 history records)
Squadron Action VAH-11 Est. as VC-8 03 Dec 1951
Designation Lineage Date VC-8 redesig. VAH-11 01 Nov 1955
VA(AW)-33 Est. as VC-33 31 May 1949 VAH-11 redesig. RVAH-11 01 Jul 1966
VC-33 redesig. VA(AW)-33 02 Jul 1956 RVAH-11 disest. 01 Jun 1975
VA(AW)-33 redesig. VAW-33 30 Jan 1959 (See RVAH-11 history records)
VAW-33 redesig. VAQ-33 01 Feb 1968 VAH-13 Est. as VAH-13 03 Jan 1961
(See VAQ-33 history records) VAH-13 redesig. RVAH-13 01 Nov 1964
VA(AW)-35 (See VA-122) RVAH-13 disest. 30 Jun 1976
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Heavy Attack Squadrons (VAH)—Continued Heavy Photographic Squadron (VAP)—Continued

Squadron Action Squadron Action
Designation Lineage Date Designation Lineage Date
(See RVAH-13 history records) VAP-62 Est. as VJ-62 10 Apr 1952
VAH-15 Est. as VAH-15 15 Jan 1958 VJ-62 redesig. VAP-62 02 Jul 1956
VAH-15 disest. 15 Feb 1959 VAP-62 disest. 15 Oct 1969
VAH-16 Est. as VAH-16 15 Jan 1958
VAH-16 disest. 30 Jan 1959
VAH-21 Est. as VAH-21 01 Sep 1968 Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA)
VAH-21 disest. 16 Jun 1969 Squadron Action
VAH-123 Est. as Heavy Attack Designation Lineage Date
Training Unit, Pacific 15 Jun 1957 VFA-15 Est. as VA-67 01 Aug 1968
Redesig. VAH-123 29 Jun 1959 VA-67 redesig. VA-15 02 Jun 1969
VAH-123 disest. 01 Feb 1971 VA-15 redesig. VFA-15 01 Oct 1986
VFA-22 Est. as VF-63 27 Jul 1948
VF-63 redesig. VA-63 Mar 1956
Attack Mining Squadron (VA(HM)) VA-63 redesig. VA-22 01 Jul 1959
Squadron Action VA-22 redesig. VFA-22 04 May 1990
Designation Lineage Date VFA-25 Est. as VT-17 01 Jan 1943
VA(HM)-10 To active duty as VP-772 01 Sep 1950 VT-17 redesig. VA-6B 15 Nov 1946
VP-772 redesig. VP-17 04 Feb 1953 VA-6B redesig. VA-65 27 Jul 1948
VP-17 redesig. VA(HM)-10 01 Jul 1956 VA-65 redesig. VA-25 01 Jul 1959
VA(HM)-10 redesig. VP-17 01 Jul 1959 VA-25 redesig. VFA-25 01 Jul 1983
(See VP-17 history records) VFA-27 Est. as VA-27 01 Sep 1967
VA(HM)-13 Est. as VB-104 10 Apr 1943 VA-27 redesig. VFA-27 24 Jan 1991
VB-104 redesig. VPB-104 01 Oct 1944 VFA-37 Est. as VA-37 01 Jul 1967
VPB-104 redesig. VP-104 15 May 1946 VA-37 redesig. VFA-37 28 Nov 1990
VP-104 redesig. VP-HL-4 15 Nov 1946 VFA-81 Est. as VA-66 01 Jul 1955
VP-HL-4 redesig. VP-24 01 Sep 1948 VA-66 redesig. VF-81 on
VP-24 redesig. VA(HM)-13 01 Jul 1956 the same day it was
VA(HM)-13 redesig. VP-24 01 Jul 1959 est. as VA-66 01 Jul 1955
(See VP-24 history records) VF-81 redesig. VA-81 01 Jul 1959
VA-81 redesig. VFA-81 04 Feb 1988
VFA-82 Est. as VA-82. 01 May 1967
VA-82 redesig. VFA-82 13 Jul 1987
Tactical Aerial Refueling Squadron (VAK) VFA-83 Reserve sqd. VF-916 called
Squadron Action to active duty 01 Feb 1951
Designation Lineage Date VF-916 redesig. VF-83 04 Feb 1953
VAK-208 Est. as VAQ-208 31 Jul 1970 VF-83 redesig. VA-83 01 Jul 1955
VAQ-208 redesig. VAK-208 01 Oct 1979 VA-83 redesig. VFA-83 03 Mar 1988
VAK-208 disest. 30 Sep 1989 VFA-86 Reserve sqd. VF-921 called
VAK-308 Est. as VAQ-308 02 May 1970 to active duty 01 Feb 1951
VAQ-308 redesig. VAK-308 01 Oct 1979 VF-921 redesig. VF-84 04 Feb 1953
VAK-308 disest. 30 Sep 1988 VF-84 redesig. VA-86 01 Jul 1955
VA-86 redesig. VFA-86 15 Jul 1987
VFA-87 Est. as VA-87 01 Feb 1968
Light Attack Squadron (VAL) VA-87 redesig. VFA-87 01 May 1986
Squadron Action VFA-94 Est. as VF-94 26 Mar 1952
Designation Lineage Date
VF-94 redesig. VA-94 01 Aug 1958
VAL-4 Est. as VAL-4 03 Jan 1969 VA-94 redesig. VFA-94 28 Jun 1990
VAL-4 disest. 10 Apr 1972 VFA-97 Est. as VA-97 01 Jun 1967
VA-97 redesig. VFA-97 24 Jan 1991
VFA-105 Est. as VA-105 04 Mar 1968
Heavy Photographic Squadron (VAP) VA-105 redesig. VFA-105 17 Dec 1990
Squadron Action VFA-106 Est. as VFA-106 27 Apr 1984
Designation Lineage Date
VFA-113 Est. as VF-113 15 Jul 1948
VAP-61 Est. as VP-61 20 Jan 1951 VF-113 redesig. VA-113 Mar 1956
VP-61 redesig. VJ-61 05 Mar 1952 VA-113 redesig. VFA-113 25 Mar 1983
VJ-61 redesig. VAP-61 Apr 1956 VFA-125 Est. as VFA-125 13 Nov 1980
VAP-61 redesig. VCP-61 01 Jul 1959 VFA-127 Est. as VA-127 15 Jun 1962
VCP-61 redesig. VAP-61 01 Jul 1961 VA-127 redesig. VFA-127 01 Mar 1987
VAP-61 disest. 01 Jul 1971 VFA-131 Est. as VFA-131 03 Oct 1983
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Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA)

Squadron Action Squadron Action
Designation Lineage Date Designation Lineage Date
VFA-132 Est. as VFA-132 03 Jan 1984 VF-151 redesig. VF-192 15 Feb 1950
VFA-132 disest. 01 Jun 1992 VF 192 redesig. VA-192 15 Mar 1956
VFA-136 Est. as VFA-136 01 Jul 1985 VA-192 redesig. VFA-192 10 Jan 1986
VFA-137 Est. as VFA-137 01 Jul 1985 VFA-195 Est. as VT-19 15 Aug 1943
VFA-146 Est. as VA-146 01 Feb 1956 VT-19 redesig. VA-20A 15 Nov 1946
VA-146 redesig. VFA-146 21 Jul 1989 VA-20A redesig. VA-195 24 Aug 1948
VFA-147 Est. as VA-147 01 Feb 1967 VA-195 redesig. VFA-195 15 Apr 1985
VA-147 redesig. VFA-147 20 Jul 1989 VFA-203 Est. as VA-203 01 Jul 1970
VFA-151 Est. as VF-23 06 Aug 1948 VA-203 redesig. VFA-203 01 Oct 1989
VF-23 redesig. VF-151 23 Feb 1959 VFA-204 Est. as VA-204 01 Jul 1970
VF-151 redesig. VFA-151 01 Jun 1986 VA-204 redesig. VFA-204 01 May 1991
VFA-161 Est. as VF-161 01 Sep 1960 VFA-303 Est as VA-303 01 Jul 1970
VF-161 redesig. VFA-161 01 Jun 1986 VA-303 redesig. VFA-303 01 Jan 1984
VFA-161 disest. 01 Apr 1988 VFA-303 disest. 31 Dec 1994
VFA-192 Est. as VF-153 26 Mar 1945 VFA-305 Est. as VA-305 01 Jul 1970
VF-153 redesig. VF-15A 15 Nov 1946 VA-305 redesig. VFA-305 01 Jan 1987
VF-15A redesig. VF-151 15 Jul 1948 VFA-305 disest. 31 Dec 1994

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APPENDIX 7

Types of Aircraft Listed in the

Squadron Histories

T
Aircraft Designation Popular Name Manufacturer
A3D-1Q Skywarrior Douglas
HE FOLLOWING TYPES OF AIRCRAFT are listed A3D-2 (Redesignated A-3B) Skywarrior Douglas
in the Aircraft Assignment section of the squadron his- A3D-2P (Redesignated RA-3B) Skywarrior Douglas
tories covered in this book. A3D-2Q Skywarrior Douglas
A3D-2T (Redesignated TA-3B) Skywarrior Douglas
Aircraft Designation Popular Name Manufacturer
A3J (Redesignated A-5) Vigilante North American
A-1E (see AD-5) Skyraider Douglas A4D-1 Skyhawk Douglas
A-1H (see AD-6) Skyraider Douglas A4D-2 (Redesignated A-4B) Skyhawk Douglas
A-1J (see AD-7) Skyraider Douglas A4D-2N (Redesignated A-4C) Skyhawk Douglas
A-3A (see A3D-1) Skywarrior Douglas BG-1 Great Lakes
A-3B (see A3D-2) Skywarrior Douglas BM-1 Martin
A-4B (see A4D-2) Skyhawk Douglas BM-2 Martin
A-4C (see A4D-2N) Skyhawk Douglas BT-1 Northrop
A-4E Skyhawk Douglas CS-1 Curtiss
A-4F Skyhawk Douglas DT-2 Douglas/NAF/
A-4L Skyhawk Douglas LWF/Dayton-Wright
A-5 (see A3J) Vigilante North American F-3B (see F3H-2) Demon McDonnell
A-6A Intruder Grumman F-4B Phantom II McDonnell
A-6B Intruder Grumman F-4J Phantom II McDonnell
A-6C Intruder Grumman F-4N Phantom II McDonnell
A-6E Intruder Grumman F-4S Phantom II McDonnell
A-7A Corsair II Vought F-5E Tiger II Northrop
A-7B Corsair II Vought F-5F Tiger II Northrop
A-7C Corsair II Vought F-8A (see F8U-1) Crusader Vought
A-7E Corsair II Vought F-8B (see F8U-1E) Crusader Vought
AD-1 Skyraider Douglas F-8C (see F8U-2) Crusader Vought
AD-1Q Skyraider Douglas F-8D (see F8U-2N) Crusader Vought
AD-2 Skyraider Douglas F-8E (see F8U-NE) Crusader Vought
AD-2Q Skyraider Douglas F/A-18 Hornet McDonnell-Douglas
AD-3 Skyraider Douglas F/A-18A Hornet McDonnell-Douglas
AD-3N Skyraider Douglas F/A-18B Hornet McDonnell-Douglas
AD-3Q Skyraider Douglas F/A-18C Hornet McDonnell-Douglas
AD-4 Skyraider Douglas F/A-18D Hornet McDonnell-Douglas
AD-4B Skyraider Douglas FG-1 Corsair Goodyear
AD-4L Skyraider Douglas FG-1D Corsair Goodyear
AD-4N Skyraider Douglas FH-1 Phantom McDonnell
AD-4NA Skyraider Douglas FJ-3 Fury North American
AD-4NL Skyraider Douglas FJ-3M Fury North American
AD-4Q Skyraider Douglas FJ-4 Fury North American
AD-5 (Redesignated A-1E) Skyraider Douglas FJ-4B Fury North American
FM-2 Wildcat General Motors
AD-5N Skyraider Douglas
F2H-1 Banshee McDonnell
AD-5Q Skyraider Douglas
F2H-2 Banshee McDonnell
AD-6 (Redesignated A-1H) Skyraider Douglas
F2H-2B Banshee McDonnell
AD-7 (Redesignated A-1J) Skyraider Douglas
F2H-3 Banshee McDonnell
AF Guardian Grumman
F2H-4 Banshee McDonnell
AJ-2 Savage North American
F3D-2 Skyknight Douglas
AJ-2P Savage North American
F3H-2 (Redesignated F-3B) Demon McDonnell
AM-1 Mauler Martin
F3H-2M Demon McDonnell
AP-2H Neptune Lockheed
F4D-1 Skyray Douglas
A3D-1 (Redesignated A-3A) Skywarrior Douglas
F4U Corsair Vought
A3D-1P Skywarrior Douglas F4U-1 Corsair Vought

551
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Aircraft Designation Popular Name Manufacturer Aircraft Designation Popular Name Manufacturer
F4U-1D Corsair Vought SB2A Buccaneer Brewster
F4U-4 Corsair Vought SB2C-1 Helldiver Curtiss
F4U-4B Corsair Vought SB2C-1C Helldiver Curtiss
F4U-5 Corsair Vought SB2C-3 Helldiver Curtiss
F6F Hellcat Grumman SB2C-4 Helldiver Curtiss
F6F-3 Hellcat Grumman SB2C-4E Helldiver Curtiss
F6F-5 Hellcat Grumman SB2C-5 Helldiver Curtiss
F6F-5N Hellcat Grumman SB2U-1 Vindicator Vought/Sikorsky
F6F-5P Hellcat Grumman SB2U-2 Vindicator Vought/Sikorsky
F7F-4N Tigercat Grumman SC-1 Martin
F7U-3 Cutlass Vought
SC-2 Martin
F7U-3M Cutlass Vought
S2F-1 Tracker Grumman
F8F Bearcat Grumman
T-28B Trojan North American
F8F-1 Bearcat Grumman
T-28C Trojan North American
F8F-1B Bearcat Grumman
T-34C Mentor Beech
F8F-2 Bearcat Grumman
T-38B Talon Northrop
F8U-1 (Redesignated F-8A) Crusader Vought
F8U-1E (Redesignated F-8B) Crusader Vought T-39D Sabreliner North American
F8U-1P (Redesignated RF-8A) Crusader Vought TA-3B (see A3D-2T) Skywarrior Douglas
F8U-2 (Redesignated F-8C) Crusader Vought TA-4B Skyhawk Douglas
F8U-2N (Redesignated F-8D) Crusader Vought TA-4F Skyhawk Douglas
F8U-2NE (Redesignated F-8E) Crusader Vought TA-4J Skyhawk Douglas
F9F-2 Panther Grumman TA-7C Corsair II Vought
F9F-2B Panther Grumman TB-1 Boeing
F9F-3 Panther Grumman TBD-1 Devastator Douglas
F9F-5 Panther Grumman TBF-1 Avenger Grumman
F9F-6 Cougar Grumman TBF-1C Avenger Grumman
F9F-8 Cougar Grumman TBF-1P Avenger Grumman
F9F-8B Cougar Grumman TBM-1 Avenger General Motors
F9F-8T (Redesignated TF-9J) Cougar Grumman TBM-1C Avenger General Motors
KA-3B Skywarrior Douglas TBM-1D Avenger General Motors
KA-6D Intruder Grumman TBM-3 Avenger General Motors
O-2A Cessna TBM-3E Avenger General Motors
OV-10A Bronco North American TBM-3J Avenger General Motors
PB4Y-1P (Redesignated P4Y-1P) Liberator Consolidated TBM-3N Avenger General Motors
P2V-3B Neptune Lockheed TBM-3Q Avenger General Motors
P4Y-1P (see PB4Y-1P) Liberator Consolidated TBM-3S Avenger General Motors
QT-38A Talon Northrop TBM-3W Avenger General Motors
RA-3B (see A3D-2P) Skywarrior Douglas
TBY Seawolf Vought/Consolidated
RF-8A (see F8U-1P) Crusader Vought
TC-4C Academe or Grumman
SBC-4 Helldiver Curtiss
Gulfstream
SBD-3 Dauntless Douglas
TF-1Q Trader Grumman
SBD-3P Dauntless Douglas
TF-9J (see F9F-8T) Cougar Grumman
SBD-4 Dauntless Douglas
TF/A-18A Hornet McDonnell-Douglas
SBD-5 Dauntless Douglas
SBD-6 Dauntless Douglas TG-1 Great Lakes
SBF-4E Helldiver Canadian Fairchild TG-2 Great Lakes
SBW-3 Helldiver Canadian Car and TV-2 Shooting Star Lockheed
Foundry T2D-1 Douglas
SBW-4E Helldiver Canadian Car and T3M-2 Martin
Foundry T4M-1 Martin
SBW-5 Helldiver Canadian Car and XBT2D-1 (see AD or A-1) Dauntless II Douglas
Foundry YOV-10D Bronco North American
Appendix 1---ps. 509-562 4/13/95 6:47 AM Page 553

Glossary of Abbreviations and Terms

AMRAAM Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile

ACV Designation for Escort Carriers or Auxiliary Aircraft Carrier
ADM Admiral
AFEM Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal
AG Air Group
AGMR Major Communications Relay Ship
AirDet Air Detachment
AKV Aircraft Ferry, later Cargo Ship and Aircraft Ferry
a.p. Armor piercing
ARM Antiradiation Missile
ASW Antisubmarine Warfare
ATG Air Task Group
AVG Designation for Escort Carriers
AVT Designation for Training Aircraft Carrier
BuAer Bureau of Aeronautics
CAINS Carrier Aircraft Inertial Navigation System
CAP Combat Air Patrol
CAPT Captain
Carib Caribbean Sea
CDR Commander
C.O. Commanding Officer
COD Carrier on board delivery
COMFAIR Commander Fleet Air
COMHATWING Commander Heavy Attack Wing
COMLATWING Commander Light Attack Wing
COMMATWING Commander Medium Attack Wing
COMOPDEVFOR Commander Operational Development Force United States Fleet
COMSTRKFIGHTWING Commander Strike Fighter Wing
CONUS Continental United States
CNO Chief of Naval Operations
CV Designation for Aircraft Carrier
CVA Designation for Attack Aircraft Carrier
CVAG Attack Carrier Air Groups
CVAN Designation for Attack Aircraft Carrier, Nuclear-powered
CVB Designation for Aircraft Carrier, Large
CVBG Battle Carrier Air Groups
CVE Designation for Aircraft Carrier, Escort
CVEG Escort Carrier Air Groups
CVG Carrier Air Group
CVG(N) Night Carrier Air Groups
CVHA Assault Helicopter Aircraft Carrier
CVHE Escort Helicopter Aircraft Carrier
CVL Designation for Aircraft Carrier, Small
CVLG Light Carrier Air Groups
CVN Designation for Aircraft Carrier, Nuclear
CVS Designation for Antisubmarine Support Aircraft Carrier
CVSG Antisubmarine Carrier Air Groups
CVT Designation for Training Aircraft Carrier
CVW Carrier Air Wing
CVU Designation for Utility Aircraft Carrier

553
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554 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

Disest. Disestablished
DMZ Demilitarized Zone
ECM Electronic Countermeasures
Enter Enterprise (CV 6)
Enter AG Enterprise Air Group
Est. Established
FEWSG Fleet Electronic Warfare Support Group
FMS Foreign Military Sales
ft Feet
FY Fiscal Year
g.p. General purpose
HARM High speed antiradiation missile
hp horsepower
HSM Humanitarian Service Medal
HVAR High Velocity Aircraft Rocket
IFF Identification Friend or Foe
in inch
IO Indian Ocean
JATO Jet Assisted Takeoff
JMUA Joint Meritorious Unit Award
KIA Killed in action
KLM Kuwait Liberation Medal
KPUC Korean Presidential Unit Citation
KSM Korean Service Medal
Lant Atlantic
lbs Pounds
LCDR Lieutenant Commander
Lex Lexington (CV 2)
Lex AG Lexington Air Group
LPH Amphibious Assault Ship
LSO Landing Signal Officer
LT Lieutenant
LT (jg) Lieutenant Junior Grade
MAD Magnetic Airborne (or Anomaly) Detection
MAG Marine Air Group
MAW Marine Air Wing
MCAS Marine Corps Air Station
Med Mediterranean Sea
MIA Missing in action
MiG Russian designated aircraft designed by Artem I. Mikoyan and Mikhail I.
Gurevich
MUC Meritorious Unit Commendation
NAAF Naval Air Auxiliary Facility
NAAS Naval Air Auxiliary Station
NAF Naval Air Facility
NALCOLANTUNIT Naval Air Logistics Controll Office, Atlantic Unit
NAS Naval Air Station
NATO North Atlantic Treaty Organization
NAVE Navy Battle E Ribbon
NDSM National Defense Service Medal
NEM Navy Expeditionary Medal
NFO Naval Flight Officer
Appendix 1---ps. 509-562 4/13/95 6:47 AM Page 555

DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 555

nm Nautical mile
NorLant Northern Atlantic Ocean
NorPac Northern Pacific
NS Naval Station
NUC Navy Unit Commendation
NVG Night Vision Goggle
Ops Operations
ORI Operational Readiness Inspection
Pac Pacific
POL Petroleum, oil, lubricants
POW Prisoner of war
PUC Presidential Unit Citation
RADM Rear Admiral
RCVG Replacement Air Group (later Combat Readiness Air Group)
RCVW Combat Readiness Air Wing
Redesig. Redesignated
RIO Radar Intercept Officer
RN Royal Navy
RVAH Reconnaissance Attack Squadron
RVNGC Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation
(Gallantry Cross Medal Color with Palm)
SAM Surface to air missile
SAR Search and rescue
Sara Saratoga (CV 3)
Sara AG Saratoga Air Group
SASM Southwest Asia Service Medal
SEALS Sea-air-land team
SoLant Southern Atlantic Ocean
SoPac South Pacific
sq Square
TACAN Tactical Air Navigation (system)
t.o. Takeoff
TWA Trans World Airlines
UNSM United Nations Service Medal
USAT U.S. Army Transport
USMC United States Marine Corps
USN United States Navy
USNS United States Naval Ship
VA Attack Squadron
VA(AW) All-Weather Attack Squadron
VADM Vice Admiral
VAH Heavy Attack Squadron
VA(HM) Attack Mining Squadron
VAK Tactical Aerial Refueling Squadron
VAL Light Attack Squadron
VAP Heavy Photographic Squadron
VAQ Carrier Tactical Electronics Warfare Squadron
VAW All-Weather Airborne Early Warning Squadron or Carrier Airborne Early
Warning Squadron
VB Bombing Squadron
VBF Bomber-Fighter Squadron
VC Composite Squadron
Appendix 1---ps. 509-562 4/13/95 6:47 AM Page 556

556 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

VCP Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron Composite

VGS Escort Scouting Squadron
VF Fighting Plane Squadron or Fighter Squadron
VFA Fighter Attack Squadron or Strike Fighter Squadron
VJ Reconnaissance Squadron or Photographic Squadron
VNSM Vietnam Service Medal
VP Patrol Squadron
VS Scouting Squadron or Carrier Antisubmarine Squadron
VSF Antisubmarine Fighter Squadron
VT Torpedo Squadron
VX Aircraft Development Squadron
WestPac Western Pacific Ocean
York Yorktown (CV 5)
York AG Yorktown Air Group
1st First
2nd Second
Appendix 1---ps. 509-562 4/13/95 6:47 AM Page 557

DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 557

Bibliography

Primary Source

Manuscripts/Collections VA: Center for Naval Analyses, CRC 322, prepared

for Office of Naval Research and Office of the
National Archives, Military Reference Branch, Chief of Naval Operations, July 1977.
Washington, DC. Ross, R. A. Air Defense During the Mining of Haiphong
Ship’s Deck Logs, 1946–1961. Harbor on 9 May 1972. Arlington, VA: OEG
Naval Historical Center Center for Naval Analyses (CNA)00449–73,
Aviation History Branch, Washington, DC. November 1973.
Aircraft File, 1911- Siegel, Adam B. U.S. Navy Crisis Response Activity,
Air Station Binder File, 1920s–1950s. 1946-1989: Preliminary Report. Alexandria, VA:
Aviation Carrier and Unit History Card File, 1942– Center for Naval Analyses, CRM 89–315,
1952. November 1989.
Aviation Insignia File, disest., circa 1930s– U.S. Department of Navy. Bureau of Aeronautics.
Aviation Insignia File, active, circa 1930s– Aviation Circular Letters, 1944–1952. Naval
Aviation Unit Command History and Misc. File, Historical Center, Aviation History Branch.
1957- _____._____. Monthly Status of Naval Aircraft. Wash-
Awards File, 1940s- (not complete). ington, 1926–1954.
Biographical Files, circa 1930s- This document was originally called
Model Designation of Naval Airplane Files, 1926– Status of Aircraft and then changed to
1962. Monthly Status of Naval Aircraft. In 1944
Naval Air Reserve File, 1940s– (not complete). control of the document changed from
Personnel Award Cards, microfilm, 1942–1970s. Bureau of Aeronautics to Office of Chief of
Vietnam Subject File, 1964–1975. Naval Operations.
Visual Identification System (Tail Codes) File, _____Bureau of Personnel. The U.S. Navy and Marine
1946– Corps Awards Manual (NavPers 15,790 Revised
Navy Department Library, Washington, DC. 1953). Washington, 1953.
Annual Report of the Chief of Naval Operations to _____. Chief of Naval Operations. Aircraft Inventory
the Secretary of the Navy. In the Collection of
Reporting System (AIRS), Naval Aircraft Listing by
the Secretary of the Navy’s Annual Report, 1916–
Unit (INV–16). Washington, 1989–
Cruise Book Collection, 1940s-
_____._____. Aircraft Inventory Reporting System
Operational Archives Branch, Washington, DC.
(AIRS), Naval Aircraft Listing by Command
Action Reports, World War II.
(INV–15). Washington, 1989–
Action Reports, Post-1 Jan 1946.
Aviation History Collection, 1942–1952. _____._____. Aircraft Inventory Reporting System
Biographical Collection, circa 1930s–1972. (AIRS), Naval Aircraft Listing by TMS (Aircraft
Command Files, Post-1 Jan 1946. Type)(INV-14). Washington, 1989–
Command Files, Post-1 Jan 1974. _____._____. Allowances and Location of Naval (Navy)
War Diaries, World War II. Aircraft. Washington, 1946–1988.
Ships’ History Branch, Washington, DC. The forerunner to this document was
Personnel Award Cards, 1942–1970s. originally issued by two separate offices
Ships’ Deck Logs, 1962– within the Chief of Naval Operations under
Ships’ Command History and Misc. Files, 1950s– different titles. In 1946 the Deputy Chief of
Naval Operations (Operations) issued the
Unpublished Sources Location of United States Naval, Marine and
Coast Guard Aircraft and the Deputy Chief
Mahoney, Robert B. U.S. Navy Responses to Inter- of Naval Operations (Air) issued Aircraft
national Incidents and Crisis, 1955–1975, Volume Complements and Allowances of the Navy
1: Survey of Navy Crisis Operations and Volume 2: and Marine Corps. In 1948 the Aircraft
Summaries of Incidents and Responses. Arlington, Statistics Branch of the Deputy Chief of

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Appendix 1---ps. 509-562 4/13/95 6:47 AM Page 558

558 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

Naval Operations (Air) issued a document _____. USS Saratoga (CV 3). Plane Talk of USS Saratoga
titled Location of Naval Aircraft. Sometime (CV 3), Flights I-XV, Feb 1928-Jun 1942. Naval
in 1949 the publication Air craft Historical Center, Aviation History Branch.
Complements and Allowances of the Navy U.S. Naval Administrative Histories of World War II,
and Marine Corps was discontinued. In Office of the Deputy Chief of Naval Operations
January 1950 the publications Location of (Air), “Air Task Organization in the Atlantic Ocean
United States Naval, Marine and Coast Area.” Washington. 1945.
Guard Aircraft and Location of Naval _____._____. “Air Task Organization in the Pacific
Aircraft were consolidated and formed the Ocean Areas: Task Organization of Ship-Based
publication Location of Navy Aircraft. In Aircraft.” Washington. n.d.
September 1951 the publication Location of _____._____. “Aviation in the Fleet Exercises,
Navy Air craft was replaced by the 1911–1939.” Vol. XVI. Washington. n.d.
Allowances and Location of Navy Aircraft _____._____. “History of Naval Aviation (1898–1917).”
(OPNAV NOTICE 3110). This title was Vol. III, Part 1. Washington. 1946.
changed to Allowances and Location of
Naval Aircraft (OPNAV NOTICE 3110) in Secondary Sources
1969. In 1988 the Allowances and Location
Books
of Naval Aircraft (OPNAV NOTICE 3110)
Cressman, Robert. That Gallant Ship USS Yorktown
was discontinued.
(CV-5). Missoula, MT: Pictorial Histories
_____._____. DCNO (Air Warfare) OEG/OP-508W.
Publishing Co., 1985.
Summary of Air Operations in Southeast Asia 1
Francillon, Rene J. Tonkin Gulf Yacht Club U.S. Carrier
January 1972–31 January 1973. Arlington, VA:
Operations Off Vietnam. Annapolis: Naval
Center for Naval Analyses (CNA)001448–73,
Institute Press, 1988.
January 1974.
_____. Japanese Aircraft of the Pacific War. London:
_____._____. DCNO (Air Warfare) OEG/OP-05W.
Putnam and Co., 1970.
Summary of Air Operations in Southeast Asia May
Morison, Samuel Eliot. History of United States Naval
1972. Arlington, VA: Center for Naval Analyses
Operations in World War II. Boston: Little, Brown
(CNA)001368–72, September 1972.
and Company, 1947–1962. 15 vols.
_____.____. Letter from the Office of Chief of Naval
Marolda, Edward J., and Oscar P. Fitzgerald. The
Operations, Op–33M6 Serial: 1739P33 dated 1
United States Navy and the Vietnam Conflict,
October 1946, Subject: Naval and Marine Fleet
Volume II, From Military Assistance to Combat
Aviation Unit Designations, History of.
1959–1965. Naval Historical Center, Department
Washington, June 1941-September 1946.
of the Navy, Washington, 1986.
_____._____. Letter from the Office of Chief of Naval
Marolda, Edward J., and G. Wesley Pryce III. A Short
Operations, Serial: 4184P33 dated 15 December
History of the United States Navy and the Southeast
1947, Subject: Naval and Marine Fleet Aviation
Asian Conflict 1950–1975. Naval Historical Center,
Unit Designations, History of. Washington, June
Department of the Navy, Washington, 1984.
1941–15 Demember 1947.
Naval Historical Center. Dictionary of American Naval
_____._____. Letter from the Office of Chief of Naval
Fighting Ships. Washington: Naval Historical
Operations, Op–331B/jfs, A12–1, Serial: 1694P33
Center/GPO, 1959–1991. 9 vols.
dated 15 December 1948, Subject: Naval and
_____United States Naval Chronology, World War II.
Marine Fleet Aviation Unit Designations, History Washington: GPO, 1955.
of. Washington, June 1941-December 1948. Olynyk, Frank J. USN Credits for the Destruction of
_____._____. Naval Aeronautic Organization. Washing- Enemy Aircraft in Air-to-Air Combat World War II,
ton, 1922– Victory List No. 2. Aurora, OH: Frank J. Olynyk
In 1951 OPNAV Notice 0530 was attached to the publisher, 1982.
title of the Naval Aeronautic Organization and in Reynolds, Clark G. The Fighting Lady, The New
1953 the OPNAV Notice number was changed to Yorktown in the Pacific War. Missoula, MT:
5400. Thereafter, the Naval Aer onautical Pictorial Histories Publishing Co., 1986.
Organization has been issued under OPNAV Stafford, Edward P. The Big E: the Story of the USS
Notice 5400. Enterprise. New York: Random House, 1962.
_____._____. Unit Awards Office. Unit Awards and Swanborough, Gordon and Peter M. Bowers. United
Campaign Participation (computer listing). States Navy Aircraft Since 1911. Annapolis, MD:
Washington, 1987. Naval Institute Press, 1968, 1976 and 1990.
_____. U.S. Navy and Marine Corps Awards Manual. U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association. Register of
Washington: SECNAVINST. 1650.1C, 9 November Alumni, Graduates and Former Naval Cadets and
1966. Midshipmen. Annapolis: The Association, 1986–
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DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 559

U.S. Navy Department. Bureau of Aeronautics. Officers and Enlisted Men of the United States
“Annual Report of the Chief of the Bureau of Navy Awarded the Navy Cross. December 7,
Aeronautics for the Fiscal Year 1922.” Washington, 1941–July 1, 1945. Washington, 1945.
GPO, 1922.
_____._____. Technical Note 213 and 235, “Type, Class Periodicals
and Model Designation of Airplanes.” Washington, All Hands. (U.S. Bureau of Naval Personnel).
GPO, March 29, 1922 and March 10, 1923. Washington, August 1922–
_____.Bureau of Navigation. Navy Directory; Officers of American Aviation Historical Society Jour nal.
the United States Navy and Marine Corps. Redondo Beach, CA, Vol. 1, Spring 1956–
Washington: GPO, 1908–1942. Approach; The Naval Aviation Safety Review. (U.S.
_____. Bureau of Personnel. Decorations, Medals, Naval Safety Center). Norfolk, VA, Vol. 1, July
Ribbons, and Badges of the United States Navy, 1955–
Marine Corps and Coast Guard, 1861-1948. Foundation. (Naval Aviation Museum Foundation,
Washington, GPO, 1948. Inc.). Pensacola, FL, Vol. 1 No. 1, May 1980–
_____._____. Register of Commissioned and Warrant The Hook, Journal of Carrier Aviation. San Diego, CA,
Officers of the United States Naval Reserve. Vol. 1 No. 1, 1973–
Washington: GPO, 1921- The National Geographic Magazine. (National
_____._____. Register of Commissioned and Warrant Geographic Society). Washington, Vol. 83 No. 6,
Officers of the United States Navy and Marine June 1943.
Corps and Reserve Officers on Active Duty. National Geographic Society. Insignia and
Washington: Various publishers, 1798– Decorations of the U.S. Armed Forces, by Gilbert
_____. General Orders. Washington: GPO, 1920s–1930s. Grosvenor and others. Washington, Revised
_____. Office of Naval Operations. United States Naval Edition, December 1, 1944.
Aviation 1910–1980. 3r ed. Prepared at the Naval Aviation News. (U.S. Office of Naval
Direction of the Deputy Chief of Naval Operations). Washington, December 1917–
Operations (Air Warfare) and the Commander, Navy Times. Washington, Vol. 1, October 20, 1951–
Naval Air Systems Command. Washington: GPO, Sur face War fare. (U.S. Office of Chief of Naval
1981. Operations). Washington, 1975-
_____. Office of Public Information. Navy Cross: United States Naval Institute Proceedings. Annapolis,
MD, Vol. 1, 1874–

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560 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

Appendix 1---ps. 509-562 4/13/95 6:47 AM Page 561

DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I 561

Index of Squadron Histories and

Aircraft Data

Squadron Histories
Page Page
VA-1E 17 Second VA-106 169
VA-1L 18 VA-112 174
VA-12 20 VA-114 178
VA-15 25 VA-115 181
VA-16 30 VA-122 189
VA-21A 31 VA-125 194
VA-22A 32 Second VA-125 196
VA-23 33 VA-128 199
Second VA-34 37 VA-133 201
Third VA-34 41 Second VA-134 202
VA-35 44 VA-135 203
Second VA-35 50 Second VA-135 205
VA-36 59 VA-144 206
Second VA-36 62 VA-145 209
VA-38 64 VA-152 214
VA-42 65 VA-153 218
VA-44 70 VA-154 222
Second VA-44 72 VA-155 224
VA-45 75 Second VA-155 226
Second VA-45 77 Third VA-155 231
VA-46 79 VA-163 233
VA-52 83 VA-164 235
VA-54 89 VA-165 238
Second VA-54 96 VA-172 242
VA-55 100 VA-174 246
Second VA-55 106 Second VA-174 248
VA-56 108 VA-175 252
Second VA-64 113 VA-176 255
Second VA-65 115 VA-185 259
Second VA-66 120 VA-194 261
VA-72 124 VA-196 264
VA-75 129 VA-205 269
Second VA-75 132 VA-209 271
VA-76 138 VA-210 272
VA-84 142 VA-212 273
VA-85 144 VA-213 277
Second VA-85 145 VA-214 278
VA-93 150 Second VA-214 279
VA-94 155 VA-215 281
VA-95 157 Second VA-215 283
Second VA-95 159 VA-216 285
Third VA-95 162 VA-304 289
VA-96 164 VA-776 291
VA-104 165 VA-831 292
VA-105 167 VA-873 293

561
Appendix 1---ps. 509-562 4/13/95 6:47 AM Page 562

562 DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume I

Squardron Histories—Continued Aircraft Data

Page Page
VAH-8 295 A-3 (A3D) Skywarrior 443
VAH-15 298 A4D (A-4) Skyhawk 446
VAH-16 299 A3J (A-5) Vigilante 448
A-6 Intruder 449
VAH-21 300
A-7 Corsair II 451
VAH-123 301 AD (A-1) Skyraider 453
VAK-208 303 AF Guardian 456
VAK-308 305 AJ (A-2) Savage 458
VAL-4 307 AM Mauler 459
VAP-61 309 BG 461
VAP-62 314 BM 462
BT 463
VFA-15 317
CS and SC 464
VFA-22 320 DT-2 465
VFA-25 328 F-4 Phantom II 466
VFA-27 335 F-5 (T-38) Talon 468
VFA-37 338 F2H (F-2) Banshee 469
VFA-81 341 F3D (F-10) Skyknight 470
VFA-82 345 F3H (F-3) Demon 471
F4D (F-6) Skyray 473
VFA-83 348
F4U/FG/F3A Corsair 474
VFA-86 352 F6F Hellcat 477
VFA-87 358 F7F Tigercat 479
VFA-94 361 F7U Cutlass 481
VFA-97 367 F8F Bearcat 482
VFA-105 370 F8U (F-8) Crusader 483
VFA-106 373 F9F (F-9) Panther and Cougar 485
VFA-113 375 F/A-18 Hornet 489
FH (FD) Phantom 492
VFA-125 381 FJ-3/4 (F-1) Fury 493
VFA-127 383 FM Wildcat 494
VFA-131 387 OV-10 Bronco 495
VFA-132 389 PB4Y Liberator 496
VFA-136 391 SB2A Buccaneer 498
VFA-137 393 SB2C/SBW/SBF Helldiver 499
VFA-146 395 SB2U Vindicator 501
SBC 502
VFA-147 400 SBD Dauntless 503
VFA-151 404 T3J (T-39) Sabreliner 505
VFA-161 412 T2D/P2D 506
VFA-192 418 T3M 507
VFA-195 426 T4M and TG and TE 508
VFA-203 434 TB 510
TBD Devastator 511
VFA-204 436 TBF/TBM Avenger 512
VFA-303 438 TBY Seawolf 515
VFA-305 440 TC-4C Academe 516

✩ U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE: 1995 382–018

 Welcome
to
to the
the CD-ROM
CD-ROM edition
edition
of
of the
the

Dictionary of American
Naval Aviation Squadrons
Volume
Volume 11

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 Please note . . .
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between the material on this
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Dictionary of American Naval
Aviation Squadrons

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How to use the CD-ROM
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 Contents
Foreword
Preface
Acknowledgments
Chapter 1 The Evolution of Aircraft Class and Squadron Designation Systems

Chapter 2 Attack Squadron Histories (VA) VA-1E to VA-873

Chapter 3 Heavy Attack Squadron Histories (VAH) VAH-8 to VAH-123

Chapter 4 Tactical Aerial Refueling Squadron Histories (VAK) VAK-208 to VAK-308

Chapter 5 Light Attack Squadron History (VAL) VAL-4

Chapter 6 Heavy Photographic Squadron Histories (VAP) VAP-61 to VAP-62

Chapter 7 Strike Fighter Squadron Histories (VFA) VAF-15 to VFA-305

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Appendix 1 Aircraft Data—Technical Information and Drawings

Appendix 2 Aircraft Carrier Listing for CV, CVB, CVA, CVAN, CVN, CVL, and CVE Designations

Appendix 3 Carrier Deployments by Year

Appendix 4 U.S. Navy Squadron Designations and Abbreviations

Appendix 5 How to Trace Squadron Lineage

Lineage Listing for VAS, VA(AW), VAH, VA(HM), VAK, VAL, VAP, and VFA
Appendix 6 Designated Squadrons

Appendix 7 Types of Aircraft Listed in Squadron Historties

Glossary Of Abbreviations and Terms

Bibliography

Index of Squadron Histories and Aircraft Data

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 Welcome to Naval Aviation History
Welcome to the Naval Aviation History Office and its publication Dictionary of American
Naval Aviation Squadrons Volume 1 The History of VA, VAH, VAK, VAL, VAP and VFA Squadrons.
Information on the development of this book may be found in its Foreword, Preface and
Acknowledgments sections. This series will continue to cover all the squadron communities and
designations in Naval Aviation.
To fully understand the purpose of this book, the reader should know the background of the
Naval Aviation History Office and its mission. The office was established in January 1942 with
the missions of documenting Naval Aviation’s involvement in World War II; collecting records;
writing the history of Naval Aviation; and providing advice and research assistance on Naval
Aviation to the Bureau of Aeronautics and Deputy Chief of Naval Operations (Air). These func-
tions have changed very little since the office’s inception. Today’s primary functions include
writing and publishing articles, monographs and books on Naval Aviation; collecting, process-
ing, indexing, preserving and maintaining official documents relevant to the history of Naval
Aviation; and providing advice and research assistance on Naval Aviation history to the
Director, Air Warfare, an office of the Chief of Naval Operations; the Director, Naval Historical
Center; active duty Naval Aviation Commands; and other individuals or organizations that have
an interest in Naval Aviation.
The Naval Aviation History Office became a branch of the Naval Historical Center in 1986. It
deals primarily with the operational aspects of Naval Aviation, and the bulk of its records cover
those activities. Technical developments are handled by the Naval Air Systems Command. The
majority of the records currently in the office cover the operational activities of Naval Aviation
Commands from 1957 to present. These comprise annual history reports submitted by all the
aviation commands, and aviation records from the Chief of Naval Operations. The office has a
limited amount of data and records dealing with the early period of Naval Aviation from its
inception in 1911 to 1957. Records prior to 1953 are held by the Naval Historical Center’s
Operational Archives Branch or the National Archives.

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 There are several specific aviation record collections maintained by the office that are impor-
tant reference works pertinent to the study of Naval Aviation. These reference collections include:
Naval Aviation Insignia, World War II to present.
Aircraft History Cards, a record of assignment by bureau number, for every aircraft in the
Navy’s inventory up to 1987. This collection is on microfilm.
Aircraft Accident Summaries, a summary report on naval aircraft accidents, filed by aircraft
type and date of accident. This collection is on microfilm and covers the period 1920 to June 1955.
Naval Aviation News magazine and its forerunners, 1917 to present.
Naval Aeronautical Organization publication, Fiscal Year 1923 to present.
Monthly Report, Status of Naval Aircraft publication, 1926 to 1954.
Allowances and Location of Navy Aircraft publication, 1949 to 1988.
Naval Aviation Summary publication, 1949 to present.
The office has been active in writing the history of Naval Aviation. Its first major writing
project was part of the United States Naval Administrative Histories of World War II. In that col-
lection, the history of the Office of Deputy Chief of Naval Operations (Air) covers 20 volumes
dealing with Naval Aviation from 1911 through World War II. Besides the Administrative
Histories series, the office has published, and updated every decade, a major reference work on
the history of Naval Aviation entitled United States Naval Aviation 1910–1980. It is a chronology
of significant events in Naval Aviation with an extensive appendices covering a wide range of
special projects and data. This book is being updated and is scheduled to be published as United
States Naval Aviation 1910–1995. Other works published by the office are as follows:
Naval Aviation in World War I, a monograph.
U.S. Naval Aviation in the Pacific, a monograph.
Kite Balloons to Airships . . . the Navy’s Lighter-than-Air Experience, a monograph.
The annual “Naval Aviation in Review” article published in Naval Aviation News magazine.
The Naval Aviation History Office is open to the public. Researchers are welcome to visit the
office Monday through Wednesday and Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The office is closed
on Thursdays and all Federal Holidays. It is located in Building 157 on the historic Washington
Navy Yard in Washington, D.C.

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We welcome your comments regarding this CD-ROM
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