List of inactive United States Navy aircraft squadrons

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Most of the hundreds of United States Navy aircraft squadrons created since World War I no longer exist, having been "disestablished".[1] Another 40 or so have been "deactivated",[2] currently existing only "on paper" in an inactive status.

The U.S. Navy does not say aircraft squadrons are "commissioned" or "decommissioned". Until 1998, squadrons were "established", "disestablished", and sometimes "re-designated"; since 1998, squadrons are "established", "deactivated", and sometimes "reactivated".[3]

Under the system that pertained until 1998, squadron designations were often reused. A squadron's history and lineage began when it was established and ended when it was disestablished. When a squadron was disestablished or re-designated, its former designation became available for reuse by a new or re-designating squadron, just as the name of a decommissioned ship (e.g., USS Enterprise) might be given to a new vessel. The new or re-designated squadron could carry on the traditions, nickname, or the insignia of the previous squadron, but it could not lay claim to the history or lineage of that previous squadron.[4] Re-designation might assign a squadron a new number under the same basic designation (e.g., VF-151 to VF-192), or change the entire designation (e.g., HS-3 to HSC-9). A squadron could be re-designated several times, retaining its lineage throughout.

This system changed in March 1998 with Chief of Naval Operations Instruction (OPNAVINST) 5030.4E. U.S. Navy aircraft squadrons are no longer disestablished but "deactivated." A deactivated squadron remains in existence, though only "on paper", awaiting possible future "re-activation". Neither its designation nor any previous designations are available for use by a new squadron. A re-activated squadron would trace its lineage back to the squadron's original establishment date, including its inactive period.

The current update of OPNAVINST 3050.4 contains a list of all currently active and deactivated U.S. Navy aircraft squadrons.[5]

Designations used from 1921 to 1947

[edit]

This section contains squadrons whose designations were discontinued by 1947. Most of the squadrons listed in this section were disestablished by the end of World War II. Others remained active under different designations for decades. A few still exist today.

Composite (VC) squadrons

[edit]

A total of about 90 Composite Squadron (VC) squadrons existed between 1 March 1943, when Escort Scouting Squadrons (VGS) based aboard escort carriers (CVE) were redesignated as VC units, and the end of 1945, when they had all been disestablished.[6][7] VC squadrons flew combinations of fighters, dive bombers, and torpedo bombers.

Designation Insignia Nickname Aircraft[8] Establishment/

redesignation[9]

Disestablished as Notes
VC-6 Grumman FM-2 Wildcat

Grumman TBM Avenger

VGS-25: Jan 1943
VC-25: Mar 1943
VC-6: Sep 1943
5 October 1945
VC-8 VC-8: 1943 1945 Operated fighter and scouting planes from an escort carrier (CVE)
VC-10 VC-10: 23 Sep 1943 1945 Operated fighter and torpedo planes from USS Gambier Bay (CVE 73)[10]
VC-11 VGS-11: 5 Aug 1942
'VC-11: 1 Mar 1943
VF-21: 16 May 1943
VF-21 5 November 1945
VC-13
(first use)
Fools in God's Oceans F4F Wildcat, TBM VC-13: 1943-1945 c.1945 USS Tripoli (CVE-64), USS Anzio (CVE-57)
VC-16 VGS-16: 6 Aug 1942
VC-16: 1 Mar 1943
VF-33: 15 Aug 1943
VF-33 19 November 1945
VC-18 VGS-18: 15 Oct 1942
VC-18: 1 Mar 1943
VF-36: 15 Aug 1943
VF-1): 5 Mar 1944
VF-7A: 15 Nov 1946
VF-71: 28 Jul 1948
VF-71 31 March 1959
VC-25
(first use)
FM-2, TBM VGS-25: Jan 1943
VC-25: Mar 1943
VC-6: Sep 1943
VC-6 5 October 1945
VC-34 VGS-34: 24 Feb 1943
VC-34: 1 Mar 1943
VF-34: 15 Aug 1943
VF-34 8 July 1944
VC-64 VC-64: 1 Jun 1943
VF-39: 15 Aug 1943
VF-39 15 July 1944
VC-72 Ball the Jack FM-2, TBM 1944-1945 1945
VC-91 Green Weenies FM-2, TBM 11 February 1944 22 September 1945 November 1944 - February 1945 USS Kitkun Bay (CVE-71)
February 1945 - May 1945 USS Savo Island (CVE-78)

July 1945 - November 1945 USS Makin Island (CVE-93)

VCS: Cruiser Scouting Squadron, and VO: Spotting or Observation squadrons

[edit]
Squadron Designation Insignia Nickname Aircraft Established-disestablished Notes
VCS-7 Cruiser Scouting Squadron Seven, also recorded as VOS-7 4Q Supermarine Spitfire Mk Vb and Supermarine Seafire[a] 8 May 1944 – 29 June 1944 Based at RNAS Lee-on-Solent (HMS Daedalus) United Kingdom. Part of 34th Reconnaissance Wing, RAF Second Tactical Air Force, it was a mixed force of USN, RAF, and FAA pilots flying spotting flights for naval artillery. VCS-7 operated from the invasion of Normandy until the capture of Cherbourg.[11][12]

The VO designation, one of the U.S. Navy's earliest, first appeared in 1922 to designate "Spotting Squadrons" that spotted targets for naval gunfire from battleships and cruisers. In 1923, the designation was changed to "Observation Plane Squadron" or "Observation Squadron". The designation was discontinued in 1945, but resurrected from 1947 to 1949 and again during the Vietnam War from 1967 to 1968.



VH: Rescue Squadrons

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Squadron Designation Insignia Nickname Last aircraft Disestablished Notes
VH-1 Martin PBM Mariner April 1946 Rescue Squadron established on 1 February 1944
VH-2 November 1945 Rescue Squadron established August 1944
VH-3 April 1946 Rescue Squadron established on 1 August 1944
VH-4 November 1946 Rescue Squadron established in September 1944
VH-5 June 1946 Rescue Squadron established in September 1944
VH-6 February 1946 Rescue Squadron established in January 1945

VJ: Utility or General Utility squadrons

[edit]

Utility squadrons were designated VJ from 1925 to 1946, when the designation changed to VU.[13] (The VJ designation was later used from 1952 to 1956 to designate weather squadrons and photographic squadrons.)

Designation Insignia Nickname Aircraft[7] Establishment and re-designation[14] Disestablished/ Deactivated Notes
VJ-1 Redtails Established as VJ-1: 4 December 1942
redesignated VU-7: 1946-1 Jul 1965
redesignated VC-7 1 Jul 1965
VC-7 disestablished -30 September 1980 NAS Miramar
Towed targets and provided adversary services for fleet and air combat maneuvering training
VJ-4 Dragon Layers Established as VJ-4: 15 November 1940
redesignated VU-4: 15 Nov 1946
redesignated VC-4: 1 July 1965-30 Apr 1971
VC-4 Disestablished 30 April 1971 NAS Jacksonville
VJ-16 Challengers established as VJ-16: 1 December 1943
redesginated VU-10: 1945
redesginated VC-10 1 July 1965
VC-10 disestablished 14 August 1993 NAS Leeward Point Guantanamo Bay

VS: Scouting squadrons and VS designations no longer in use

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VS was used to designate scouting squadrons from 1922 to 1946,[15] although all 26 or so VS squadrons had by the end of 1943 been given other designations (VF, VT, VC or VCS cruiser scouting squadron).[7] All except VS-41/VFA-14 were disestablished by the end of 1949.[7] (From 1950 to 2009, VS was used for Antisubmarine or Sea Control squadrons.)

Designation Insignia Nickname Aircraft[7] Establishment and Redesignation[16][17][14] Disestablished as Disestablished Date Notes
Squadrons in operation before the U.S. Navy began aircraft carrier operations[b]
VS-1 Establishment and Disestablishment unknown Navy Directory dated 1 Jan 1922 lists the squadrons and notes that it and VS-2 were combined in Dec 1921 to form one squadron[18]
VS-2
1 July 1922 to 1 July 1927[c]
VS-1 Establishment and Disestablishment unknown Naval Aviation Organization for Fiscal Year 1923 issued on 17 June 1922 and effective 1 July 1922 lists the squadron.[18] It may be the combined VS-1 and VS-2 listed in the Navy Directory dated 1 Jan 1922
1 July 1927 to 1 July 1937: Suffix letters were added to squadron designations which denoted to which fleet squadrons were assigned: B-Battle Fleet, S-Scouting Fleet, A-Asiatic Fleet or "D" followed by a Naval District number for those squadrons assigned to Naval Districts.[19][d]
VS-1B
(first use)
VS-1B(1st): May 1928 – 1930
VS-1S: 1930-1931
VS-1B(2nd): 1931-1 Jul 1937
VS-41(1st): 1 Jul 1937-15 Mar 1941
VF-42(1st): 15 Mar 1941 – 22 Jun 1942
VF-42 (1st) 22 June 1942
VS-1S VS-1B: May 1928 – 1930
VS-1S: 1930-1931
VS-1B: 1931-1 Jul 1937
VS-41(1st): 1 Jul 1937-15 Mar 1941
VF-42(1st): 15 Mar 1941 – 22 Jun 1942
VF-42 (1st) 22 June 1942
VS-1B
(second use)
VS-1B(1st): May 1928 – 1930
VS-1S: 1930-1931
VS-1B(2nd): 1931-1 Jul 1937
VS-41(1st): 1 Jul 1937-15 Mar 1941
VF-42(1st): 15 Mar 1941 – 22 Jun 1942
VF-42 (1st) 22 June 1942
VS-1D7 OS2U 12 March 1942
VS-2B VS-2B: 3 Jul 1928 – 1 Jul 1937
VS-3: 1 Jul 1937-1 Mar 1943
VB-4: 1 Mar 1943-15 Jul 1943
VB-5: 15 Jul 1943-15 Nov 1946
VA-5A: 15 Nov 1946-16 Aug 1948
VA-54(1st): 16 Aug 1948 – 1 Dec 1949
VA-54 (1st) 1 December 1949
VS-3B Establishment and Disestablishment unknown Squadron was listed in the January 1929 "Fleet Organization"[19]
VS-4B Establishment and Disestablishment unknown Squadron was listed in the January 1929 "Fleet Organization"[19]
VS-5S Establishment and Disestablishment unknown Squadron was listed in the January 1929 "Fleet Organization"[19]
1 Jul 1937 through 1 Mar 1943:[e]
Ship Named Air Groups:[f]
VS-2 Establishment and disestablishment unknown listed in the Status of Naval Aircraft for July 1937.[20] assigned to USS Lexington (CV 2)
VS-3 established as VS-2B: 3 July 1928
redesignated as VS-3: 1 Jul 1937
redesignated VB-4: 1 Mar 1943
redesignated VB-5: 15 July 1943
redesignated as VA-5A: 15 Nov 1946
redesignated as VA-54: 16 Aug 1948
VA-54 1 December 1949 assigned to USS Saratoga (CV 3)
VS-41
VS-1B(1st): May 1928 – 1930
VS-1S: 1930-1931
VS-1B(2nd): 1931-1 Jul 1937
VS-41: 1 Jul 1937 – 15 Mar 1941
VF-42(1st): 15 Mar 1941 – 22 Jun 1942
VF-42 (1st) 22 June 1942 assigned to USS Ranger (CV 4) as one of two VS squadrons. Redesignated as second VF squadron in the Air Group on 15 March 1941
VS-33 5 June 1944
VS-41
(second use)
Top Hatters Air Det Pac Flt: Sep 1919-15 Jun 1920
VT-5(1st): 15 Jun 1920-7 Sep 1921
VP-1-4: 7 Dec 1921-23 Sep 1921
VF-4(1st): 23 Sep 1921-1 Jul 1922
VF-1(1st): 1 Jul 1922-1 Jul 1927
VF-1B(1st): 1 Jul 1927-1 Jul 1934
VB-2B: 1 Jul 1934-1 Jul 1937
VB-3: 1 Jul 1937-1 Jul 1939
VB-4: 1 Jul 1939-15 Mar 1941
VS-41(2nd): 15 Mar 1941 – 1 Mar 1943
VB-41: 1 Mar 1943-4 Aug 1943
VB-4: 4 Aug 1943-15 Nov 1946
VA-1A: 15 Nov 1946-2 Aug 1948
VA-14: 2 Aug 1948-15 Dec 1949
VF-14(2nd): 15 Dec 1949-1 Dec 2001
VFA-14: 1 Dec 2001–present
VFA-14 Not applicable, still exists Oldest continuously active aircraft squadron in the U.S. Navy. Ranger's VB squadron was redesignated VS-41(2nd) to replace VS-41(1st) when it was redesignated a VF squadron (VF-42)
VS-42 Establishment and disestablishment unknown listed in 'Status of Naval Aircraft' for July 1937.[20] Assigned to USS Ranger (CV 4) as one of two VS squadrons
VS-5 listed in the 'Status of Naval Aircraft' for July 1937.[20] assigned to USS Yorktown (CV 5)
VS-6 listed in the 'Status of Naval Aircraft' for July 1937.[20] assigned to USS Enterprise (CV 6)

The Lexington Air Group, Yorktown Air Group, Wasp Air Group and Hornet Air Group were disestablished in 1942 after the loss of USS Lexington (Battle of the Coral Sea, May 1942) , USS Yorktown (Battle of Midway, June 1942), USS Wasp and USS Hornet (Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands, October 1942). Enterprise Air Group was disestablished in September 1942 while USS Enterprise was undergoing repairs of major damage suffered in August 1942 and Saratoga Air Group and Ranger Air Group were redesignated CVG-3 and CVG-4 in August and September of 1943 respectively. Between 1 Mar 1943 to 15 Nov 1946 the squadron designation system was changed: numbering squadrons with the hull number of the ship to which it was assigned was stopped and newly established squadron were numbered serially within each class.[19] [g]

VT: Torpedo squadrons and VT designations no longer in use

[edit]

The VT designation is one of the earliest used by the U.S. Navy. A "Torpedo Plane Squadron" existed as early as 1920 but the use of abbreviated squadron designations (such as "VT") did not come into accepted use until 1922. From 1922 to 1930 it designated "Torpedo & Bombing Plane Squadrons" or "Torpedo and Bombing Squadrons". In 1930 it designated "Torpedo Squadrons" until 1946 when all remaining VT squadrons were redesignated Attack (VA) squadrons and the VT designation disappeared. Between 1927 and 1937 a suffix letter was added after the designation number to identify to which fleet or Naval District the squadron belonged: B for Battle Fleet, S for Scouting Fleet, A for Asiatic Fleet or D followed by a Naval District number for those squadrons assigned to Naval Districts.[19] On 15 November 1946 the squadron designation system underwent a major change; the 17 still existing VT and 14 still existing Bombing (VB) squadrons were redesignated Attack (VA) squadrons and the VT and VB designations were eliminated. The VTN designation was used from 1944 to 1946 to designate "Night Torpedo Squadrons"

On 1 May 1960 the VT designation was resurrected as the designation for training squadrons[13]

Approximately 90 to 100 squadrons carried the VT designation between 1921 and 1946.

Designation Insignia Nickname Aircraft[21][8] Establishment and Redesignation (if applicable) Dates[22] Disestablished as
(or current designation)
Disestablished Date Notes
Squadrons in operation prior to the beginning of U.S. Navy Aircraft Carrier operations. Squadrons were numbered according to ship squadron numbers and were designated according to the use of the squadron's aircraft[18] such as "Torpedo" or "Patrol" or "Combat"; however, the official use of abbreviated designations such as VT, VP or VF had not yet been implemented.
VT-5
(first use)
Top Hatters {[23]
Air Det Pac Flt: Sep 1919
VT-5(1st): 15 Jun 1920
VP-1-4: 7 Dec 1921
VF-4(1st): 23 Sep 1921
VF-1: 1 Jul 1922
VF-1B: 1 Jul 1927
VB-2B: 1 Jul 1934
VB-3: 1 Jul 1937
VB-4: 1 Jul 1939
VS-41: 15 Mar 1941
VB-41: 1 Mar 1943
VB-4: 4 Aug 1943
VA-1A: 15 Nov 1946
VA-14: 2 Aug 1948
VF-14(2nd): 15 Dec 1949
VFA-14: 1 Dec 2001
VFA-14 Not applicable, still exists Oldest continuously active aircraft squadron in the U.S. Navy
1 July 1922 to 1 July 1927: Naval Aviation Organization for FY 1923 issued on 17 June 1922 and implemented on 1 July 1922 changed the numbering of squadrons from according to ship squadron number to serially within each class and listed the squadrons by abbreviated designation (VF, VO, VS, VT) for the first time.[18] USS Langley (CV 1) was commissioned on 20 March 1922, VT-2 operated from USS Langley (CV 1) conducting experimentation in the concept of shipborne aviation.
VT-1
(first use)
T3M VT-1(1st): 1926
VT-1B(1st): 1 Jul 1927
VT-1S: Jun 1932
VT-1B(2nd): Apr 1933
VB-1B: 1934
VT-2(2nd): 1 Jul 1937
VT-2 (2nd) 6 November 1942
VT-2
(first use)
Dragons DT
SC
CS
T2D
VT-2(1st): 1925-
VT-2B: 1 Jul 1927
VT-3: 1 Jul 1937
VA-4A: 15 Nov 1946
VA-35(1st): 7 Aug 1948
VA-35 (1st) 7 November 1949 Assigned to "Aircraft Squadrons, Battle Fleet". Operated from USS Langley (CV 1)
VT-19D14 DT [24]
VT-19D14: 7 Feb 1924
VT-6D14: 1 Jul 1927
VP-6B: 1 Apr 1931
VP-6F: 17 Jul 1933
VP-6(2nd): 1 Oct 1937
VP-23(1st): 1 Jul 1939
VP-11(3rd): 1 Aug 1941
VPB-11: 1 Oct 1944
VPB-11 20 June 1945 Assigned to Naval District 14
1 July 1927 to 1 July 1937: Suffix letters were added to squadron designations which denoted to which fleet squadrons were assigned: B-Battle Fleet, S-Scouting Fleet, A-Asiatic Fleet or "D" followed by a Naval District number for those squadrons assigned to Naval Districts.[19] Squadrons were redesignated as they were reassigned between fleets.
VT-1B
(first use)
T3M
T4M
VT-1(1st): 1926
VT-1B(1st): 1 Jul 1927
VT-1S: Jun 1932
VT-1B(2nd): Apr 1933
VB-1B: 1934

VT-2(2nd): 1 Jul 1937

VT-2 (2nd) 6 November 1942
VT-1S T4M
BM
VT-1(1st): 1926-1 Jul 1927
VT-1B(1st): 1 Jul 1927- Jun 1932
VT-1S: Jun 1932-Apr 1933
VT-1B(2nd): Apr 1933-1934
VB-1B: 1934-1 Jul 1937
VT-2(2nd): 1 Jul 1937 – 6 Nov 1942
VT-2 (2nd) 6 November 1942
VT-1B
(second use)
BM VT-1(1st): 1926-1 Jul 1927
VT-1B(1st): 1 Jul 1927- Jun 1932
VT-1S: Jun 1932-Apr 1933
VT-1B(2nd): Apr 1933-1934
VB-1B: 1934-1 Jul 1937
VT-2(2nd): 1 Jul 1937 – 6 Nov 1942
VT-2 (2nd) 6 November 1942
VT-2B
(1928)
Dragons T2D
T3M
TB
T4M, TG
VT-2(1st): 1925-1 Jul 1927
VT-2B: 1 Jul 1927 – 1 Jul 1937
VT-3: 1 Jul 1937-15 Nov 1946
VA-4A: 15 Nov 1946-7 Aug 1948
VA-35(1st): 7 Aug 1948 – 7 Nov 1949
VA-35 (1st) 7 November 1949 Assigned to "Aircraft Squadrons, Battle Fleet" until 9 Apr 1927 when it was assigned to Saratoga (CV 3) air group
VT-3D15 T3M DANAS Vol II, App 7
VT-3D15: 12 Jul 1928 – 21 Jan 1931
VP-3S: 21 Jan 1931-17 Jul 1933
VP-3F: 1 Jul 1933-1 Oct 1937
VP-3(1st): 1 Oct 1937-1 Jul 1939
VP-32(1st): 1 Jul 1939-1 Jul 1941
VP-52(2nd): 1 Jul 1941-1 Oct 1944
VPB-52: 1 Oct 1944 – 7 Apr 1945
VPB-52 7 April 1945 Assigned to Naval District 15
VT-6D14 SC
T3M
DANAS Vol II, App 7
VT-19D14: 7 Feb 1924-1 Jul 1927
VT-6D14: 1 Jul 1927 – 1 Apr 1931
VP-6B: 1 Apr 1931-17 Jul 1933
VP-6F: 17 Jul 1933-1 Oct 1937
VP-6(2nd): 1 Oct 1937-1 Jul 1939
VP-23(1st): 1 Jul 1939-1 Aug 1941
VP-11(3rd): 1 Aug 1941-1 Oct 1944
VPB-11: 1 Oct 1944 – 20 Jun 1945
VPB-11 20 June 1945 Assigned to Naval District 14
VT-7B TBD VT-7B: Jun 1937-1 Jul 1937
VT-5(2nd): 1 Jul 1937-Jul 1942
VT-5 (2nd) Jul 1942 Established and redesignated on 1 Jul as Yorktown (CV 5) Air Group's VT squadron.
VT-8B TBD VT-8B: Jun 1937-1 Jul 1937
VT-6(1st): 1 Jul 1937-Feb 1943
VA-6 (1st) Jul 1942 Established and redesignated on 1 Jul as Enterprise (CV 6) Air Group's VT squadron.
1 Jul 1937 through 1 Mar 1943: Squadron suffix letters were discontinued. Squadrons were redesignated to conform with the hull number of the Aircraft Carrier to which they were assigned:[19] CV 2, CV 3, CV 4 and CV 5 (USS Yorktown (CV-5) was commissioned on 30 Sep 1937). USS Langley (CV 1) had ceased operating as an Aircraft Carrier by October 1936 and had been converted to a seaplane tender
Ship Named Air Groups[h]
VT-2
(second use)
TBD VT-1: 1926-1 Jul 1927
VT-1B(1st): 1 Jul 1927- Jun 1932
VT-1S: Jun 1932-Apr 1933
VT-1B(2nd): Apr 1933-1934
VB-1B: 1934-1 Jul 1937
VT-2(2nd): 1 Jul 1937 – 6 Nov 1942
VT-2 (2nd) 6 November 1942 Redesignated VT-2 as Lexington's (CV 2) VT squadron (became Lexington Air Group's VT squadron upon the group's establishment on 1 Jul 1938). Disestablished with the disestablishment Lexington Air Group after USS Lexington was sunk
VT-3 Dragons T4M, TG
TBD
TBF, TBM
VT-2(1st): 1925-1 Jul 1927
VT-2B: 1 Jul 1927- 1 Jul 1937
VT-3: 1 Jul 1937 – 15 Nov 1946
VA-4A: 15 Nov 1946-7 Aug 1948
VA-35(1st): 7 Aug 1948 – 7 Nov 1949
VA-35 (1st) 7 November 1949 Redesignated VT-3 as Saratoga's (CV 3) VT squadron (became Saratoga Air Group's VT squadron upon the group's establishment on 1 July 1938). Saratoga Air Group redesignated CVG-3 in Sep 1943, remained as CVG-3's VT squadron. Redesignated after the war with CVG-3's redesignation
VT-4 TBD
TBF, TBM
VT-4: 10 Jan 1942 – 15 Nov 1946
VA-2A: 15 Nov 1946-2 Aug 1948
VA-15(1st): 2 Aug 1948 – 1 Jun 1969
VA-15 (1st) 1 June 1969 Established as Ranger (CV-4) Air Group's VT squadron. Ranger Air Group redesignated CVG-4 in Aug 1943, remained as CVG-4's VT squadron. Redesignated after the war with CVG-4's redesignation
VT-5
(second use)
TBD VT-7B: Jun 1937-1 Jul 1937
VT-5(2nd): 1 Jul 1937-Jul 1942
VT-5 (2nd) Jul 1942 Redesignated as Yorktown's VT squadron (became Yorktown Air Group's VT squadron upon the group's establishment on 1 Jul 1938). Yorktown Air Group disestablished in June 1942 after it was sunk
VT-6(1st) TBD VT-8B: Jun 1937-1 Jul 1937
VT-6(1st): 1 Jul 1937-Feb 1943
VA-6 (1st) Jul 1942 Redesignated as Enterprise's (CV 6) VT squadron (became Enterprise Air Group's VT squadron upon the group's establishment on 1 Jul 1938). Enterprise Air Group disestablished in September 1942 while USS Enterprise was undergoing major repairs
VT-8
(first use)
SBN
TBD
VT-8(1st): Sep 1941-Jan 1943[7] VT-8(1st) January 1943 Hornet (CV 8) Air Group's VT squadron until Hornet Air Group was disestablished in Oct 1942 after the sinking of USS Hornet
Lexington Air Group, Yorktown Air Group, Wasp Air Group and Hornet Air Group were disestablished in 1942 when USS Lexington, USS Yorktown, USS Wasp and USS Hornet were sunk. Enterprise Air Group was disestablished in Sep 1942 while USS Enterprise was undergoing repairs of major damage suffered in Aug 1942 and Saratoga Air Group and Ranger Air Group were redesignated CVG-3 and CVG-4 in Aug and Sep of 1943 respectively.
1 Mar 1943 to 15 Nov 1946: The squadron designation system was changed to cease numbering squadrons with the hull number of the ship to which it was assigned.[19][i]
VT-1
(second use)
TBF, TBM VT-1(2nd): May 1943-Oct 1945 VT-1 (2nd) October 1945 Established with CVG-1 as its VT squadron, disestablished with CVG-1 at the end of the war
VT-2
(third use)
TBM VT-2(3rd): 1 Jun 1943 – 9 Nov 1945 VT-2 (3rd) 9 November 1945 Established with CVG-2 as its VT squadron, disestablished with CVG-2 at the end of the war
VT-5
(third use)
Torpcats TBM VT-5(3rd): 15 Feb 1943 – 15 Nov 1946
VA-6A: 15 Nov 1946-16 Aug 1948
VA-55(1st): 16 Aug 1948 – 12 Dec 1975
VA-55 (1st) 19 December 1975 Established with CVG-5 as its VT squadron. Redesignated after the war with CVG-5's redesignation
VT-7
VT-8
(second use)
TBF VT-8(2nd): June 1943-Nov 1945 1945 Established with CVG-8 as its VT squadron, disestablished with CVG-8 at the end of the war
VT-11 TBM VT-11: 10 Oct 1942 – 15 Nov 1946
VA-12A: 15 Nov 1946-15 Jul 1948
VA-115: 15 Jul 1948-30 Sep 1996
VFA-115: 30 Sep 1996–present
VFA-115 Not applicable, still exists
VT-17 SB2C
AD
VT-17: 1 Jan 1943 – 15 Nov 1946
VA-6B: 15 Nov 1946-27 Jul 1948
VA-65(1st): 27 Jul 1948-1 Jul 1959
VA-25(2nd): 1 Jul 1959-1 Jul 1983
VFA-125: 1 Jul 1983–present
VFA-25 Not applicable, still exists
VT-18
Air Barons TBM VT-18: 20 Jul 1943 – 15 Nov 1946
VA-8A: 15 Nov 1946-27 Jul 1948
VA-75(1st): 27 Jul 1948 – 30 Nov 1949
VA-75 (1st) 30 November 1949
VT-19 TBM
AD
VT-19: 15 Aug 1943 – 15 Nov 1946
VA-20A: 15 Nov 1946 – 24 Aug 1948'
VA-195: 24 Aug 1948-15 Apr 1985
VFA-195: 15 Apr 1985–present
VFA-195 Not applicable, still exists
VT-20 TBM VT-20: 15 Oct 1943 – 15 Nov 1946
VA-10A: 15 Nov 1946-12 Aug 1948
VA-95(1st): 12 Aug 1948 – 30 Nov 1949
VA-95 (1st) 30 November 1949
VT-41 TBM VT-41: 26 Mar 1946 – 15 Nov 1946
VA-1E: 15 Nov 1946 – 1 Sep 1948
VA-1E 1 September 1948
VT-42 TBM VT-42: 19 Jul 1945 – 15 Nov 1946
VA-2E: 15 Nov 1946-1 Sep 1948
VC-22(2nd): 1 Sep 1948-20 Apr 1950
(same sqdn listed in VC section)
VS-22(1st): 20 Apr 1950-1 Jun 1956
(same sqdn listed in VS section)
VS-22 (2nd) 1 June 1956
VT-58 TBM
XTB2D
AD
VT-58: 19 Mar 1946 – 15 Nov 1946
VA-1L: 15 Nov 1946 – 20 Nov 1948
VA-1L 20 November 1948
VT-74 Curtiss SB2C Helldiver, SBW]]
TBM
SNJ
Douglas A-1 Skyraider
VT-74: 1 May 1945 – 15 Nov 1946
VA-2B: 15 Nov 1946-1 Sep 1948
VA-25(1st): 1 Sep 1948-1 Jul 1959
VA-65(2nd): 1 Jul 1959 – 31 Mar 1993
VA-65 (2nd) 31 March 1993
VT-75 Fish Hawks SB2C
AD
VT-75: 1 Jun 1945 – 15 Nov 1946
VA-4B: 15 Nov 1946-1 Sep 1948
VA-45(1st): 1 Sep 1948 – 8 Jun 1950
VA-45 (1st) 8 June 1950
VT-81 Uninvited TBM VT-81: 1 Mar 1944 – 15 Nov 1946
VA-14A: 15 Nov 1946- 2 Aug 1948
VA-135(1st): 2 Aug 1948 – 30 Nov 1949
VA-135 (1st) 30 November 1949
VT-82 Devils Diplomats TBM VT-82: 1 Apr 1944 – 15 Nov 1946
VA-18A: 15 Nov 1946-11 Aug 1948
VA-175: 11 Aug 1948 – 15 Mar 1958
VA-175 15 March 1958
VT-98 TBM VT-98: 28 Aug 1944 – 15 Nov 1946
VA-22A: 15 Nov 1946 – 5 Aug 1947
VA-22A 5 August 1947
VT-153 TBM VT-153: 26 Mar 1945 – 15 Nov 1946
VA-16A: 15 Nov 1946-15 Jul 1948
VA-155(1st): 15 Jul 1948 – 30 Nov 1949
VA-155 (1st) 30 November 1949

Designations used from 1948 to 1979

[edit]

After World War II, naval aviation saw great reductions in numbers, while new technologies fostered new types of aircraft squadrons leading to new designations for roles such as nuclear attack, airborne early warning, and "all-weather" (radar-equipped) squadrons. Others were developed specifically for roles necessitated by the Vietnam War. Designations that are still in use today are not included in this section.

VA(AW): All Weather Attack squadrons

[edit]

The VA(AW) designation was created in 1956 when VC squadrons were re-designated using role descriptive designators. VC-33 and VC-35 had by then become attack squadrons with radar and electronic countermeasures equipped aircraft. All weather attack squadrons provided detachments of radar and electronic countermeasure equipped attack aircraft to Carrier Air Groups for night and all weather operations.

Designation Insignia Nickname Aircraft[7] Establishment/

Redesignation[9]

Disestablished Notes
VA(AW)-33 Nighthawks AD-5N,5Q
TF-1Q[25]
VC-33: 31 May 1949
VA(AW)-33: 2 Jul 1956
VAW-33: 30 Jan 1959
VAQ-33: 1 Feb 1968
VAQ-33 Disestablished 1 October 1993 Provided Night Attack/All Weather Attack detachments to CVGs
VA(AW)-35 Night Hecklers AD-5,5N,5Q,6,7
S2F-1
T-28B
established as VC-35
VA(AW)-35: 1 Jul 1956

VA-122 on 29 Jun 1959

VA-122 Disestablished 31 May 1991

VAH: Heavy Attack squadrons and VAH designations no longer in use

[edit]

The VAH designation was established in 1955 when the Composite (VC) squadrons flying "Heavy Attack" aircraft (nuclear bombers) were redesignated Heavy Attack (VAH) squadrons. The designation was retired in 1971 with the disestablishment of the last VAH squadron. With the end of the Navy's nuclear bomber role, VAH squadrons based on the east coast were redesignated RVAH squadrons and were equipped with the North American RA-5C Vigilante reconnaissance aircraft. VAH squadrons based on the west coast retained the VAH designation but their A-3B Skywarriors were converted to KA-3B aerial tankers. By the late 1960s, electronic jamming equipment had been added to some KA-3B tankers and those "EKA-3B" aircraft led to the creation of VAQ squadrons.[citation needed]

Designation Insignia Nickname Aircraft[7] Establishment and Redesignation (if applicable) Dates[9] Disestablished as (or current designation) Disestablished Date Notes
VAH-1 Tigers A3D-1
A3D-2/A-3B

A-5A[26]
VAH-1: 1 Nov 1955 – 1 Sep 1964
RVAH-3: 1 Sep 1964-29 Jan 1979
(same sqdn listed in RVAH section)
RVAH-1
Disestablished
29 January 1979 Nucleus of VAH-1 was formed from VP-3 which was disestablished[9]
VAH-2 Royal Rampants A3D-1
A3D-2/A-3B
KA-3B
VAH-2: 1 Nov 1955 – 1 Nov 1968
VAQ-132: 1 Nov 1968–present
VAQ-132 Not applicable, still active Nucleus of VAH-2 was formed from VP-29 which was disestablished[9]
VAH-3 Sea Dragons A3D-1
A3D-2/A-3B
TA-3B

A-5A
VAH-3: 14 Jun 1956 – 1 Jul 1964
RVAH-3: 1 Jul 1964-17 Aug 1979
(same sqdn listed in RVAH section)
RVAH-3
Disestablished
17 August 1979 Nucleus of VAH-3 was formed from VP-34 which was disestablished[9]
Atlantic Fleet Fleet Replacement Squadron from 1958.
VAH-4 Fourrunners AD3-1
AD3-2/A-3B
KA-3B
VP-920: 1 May 1946-15 Nov 1946
VP-ML-70: 15 Nov 1946-Feb 1950
VP-931: Feb 1950-4 Feb 1953
VP-57: 4 Feb 1953-3 Jul 1956
VAH-4: 3 Jul 1956 – 1 Nov 1968
VAQ-131: 1 Nov 1968–present[27]
VAQ-131 Not applicable, still active USNR squadron VP-931 activated on 2 Sep 1950 for participation in the Korean War[9]
VAH-5 Savage Sons AJ-2
A3D-2/A-3B
VC-5(2nd): 9 Sep 1948-1 Nov 1955
(same sqdn listed in VC section)
VAH-5: 1 Nov 1955-May 1964
RVAH-5: May 1964-30 Sep 1977
(same sqdn listed in RVAH section)
RVAH-5
Disestablished
30 September 1977
VAH-6 Fleurs AJ-2
A3D-2/A-3B
VC-6(2nd): 6 Jan 1950-1 Jul 1956
(same sqdn listed in VC section)
VAH-6: 1 Jul 1956 – 23 Sep 1965
RVAH-6: 23 Sep 1965-20 Oct 1978
(same sqdn listed RVAH section)
RVAH-6
Disestablished
20 October 1978
VAH-7 Peacemakers of the Fleet AJ-2
A3D-2
A3J-1/A-5A
VC-7(2nd): 10 Aug 1950-1 Nov 1955
(same sqdn listed in VC section)
VAH-7: 1 Nov 1955 – 1 Dec 1964
RVAH-7: 1 Dec 1964-28 Sep 1979
(same sqdn listed in RVAH section)
RVAH-7
Disestablished
28 September 1979
VAH-8 Fireballers A3D-2/A-3B
KA-3B
[28]
VAH-8: 1 May 1957 – 17 Jan 1968 VAH-8
Disestablished
17 January 1968
VAH-9 Hoot Owls AJ-2
A3D-2/A-3B
RA-5C
VC-9(2nd): 15 Jan 1953-1 Nov 1955
(same sqdn listed in VC section)
VAH-9: 1 Nov 1955 – 3 Jun 1964
RVAH-9: 3 Jun 1964-30 Sep 1977
(same sqdn listed in RVAH section)
RVAH-9
Disestablished
30 September 1977
VAH-10 A3B-2/A-3B
KA-3B
VAH-10: 1 May 1961 – 1 Sep 1970
VAQ-129: 1 Sep 1970–present
VAQ-129 Not applicable, still active
VAH-11 Checkertails AJ-2
A3D-2/A-3B
VC-8(2nd): 3 Dec 1951-1 Nov 1955
(same sqdn listed in VC section)
VAH-11: 1 Nov 1955 – 1 Jul 1966
RVAH-11: 1 Jul 1966-1 Jun 1975
(same sqdn listed in RVAH section)
RVAH-11
Disestablished
1 June 1975
VAH-13 Bats A3D-2/A-3B VAH-13: 3 Jan 1961 – 1 Nov 1964
RVAH-13: 1 Nov 1964-30 Jun 1976
(same sqdn listed in RVAH section)
RVAH-13
Disestablished
30 June 1976
VAH-15 Sambos AJ-2
TV-2[28]
VAH-15: 15 Jan 1958 – 15 Feb 1959 VAH-15
Disestablished
15 February 1959
VAH-16 White Blades AJ-2[28] VAH-16: 15 Jan 1958 – 30 Jan 1959 VAH-16
Disestablished
30 January 1959
VAH-21 Roadrunners AP-2H[28] VAH-21: 1 Sep 1968 – 16 Jun 1969 VAH-21
Disestablished
16 June 1969
VAH-123 Pros A3D-1/A-3A
A3D-2/A-3B
A3D-2T/TA-3B
A3D-1Q,2Q
KA-3B

A-6A[28]
Heavy Attack Training Unit Pacific: 15 Jun 1957-29 Jun 1959
VAH-123: 29 Jun 1959 – 1 Feb 1971
VAH-123
Disestablished
1 February 1971 Pacific Fleet Fleet Replacement Squadron

RVAH: Reconnaissance Attack squadrons

[edit]

The RVAH designation was created in 1964 when the Navy's nuclear bomber role was ended and the Heavy Attack (VAH) squadrons which were then equipped with the A-5A Vigilante nuclear bombers were converted to Reconnaissance squadrons and their A-5A nuclear bombers were converted to RA-5C reconnaissance aircraft. Those VAH squadrons which were then still equipped with the A-3B remained designated Heavy Attack (VAH) squadrons. The designation was retired in 1979 with the disestablishment of the last RA-5C squadron.

Designation Insignia Nickname Aircraft[7] Establishment and Redesignation[9] Disestablished Notes
RVAH-1 Smokin' Tigers RA-5C VAH-1: 1 Nov 1955
RVAH-1: 1 Sep 1964
Disestablished 29 January 1979
RVAH-3 Sea Dragons RA-5C
TA-3B
TA-4J
VAH-3: 14 Jun 1956
RVAH-3: 1 Jul 1964
Disestablished 17 August 1979 Fleet Replacement Squadron
RVAH-5 Savage Sons RA-5C VC-5: 9 Sep 1948
VAH-5: 1 Nov 1955
RVAH-5: May 1956

Disestablished 30 September 1977
RVAH-6 Fleurs RA-5C VC-6: 6 Jan 1950
VAH-6: 1 Jul 1956
RVAH-6: 23 Sep 1965
Disestablished 20 October 1978
RVAH-7 Peacemakers of the Fleet RA-5C VC-7: 10 Aug 195)
VAH-7: 1 Nov 1955
RVAH-7: 1 Dec 1964
Disestablished 28 September 1979
RVAH-9 Hoot Owls RA-5C VC-9: 15 Jan 1953
VAH-9: 1 Nov 1955
RVAH-9: 3 Jun 1964
Disestablished 30 September 1977
RVAH-11 Checkertails RA-5C VC-8: 3 Dec 1951
VAH-11: 1 Nov 1955
RVAH-11: 1 Jul 1966
Disestablished 1 June 1975
RVAH-12 Speartips RA-5C 1 Jul 1965 Disestablished 2 July 1979 One of only two squadrons established as a RVAH squadron.[29]
RVAH-13 Bats RA-5C VAH-13: 3 Jan 1961
RVAH-13: 1 Nov 1964
Disestablished 30 June 1976
RVAH-14 Eagle Eyes RA-5C 14 Feb 1968 Disestablished 1 May 1976 One of only two squadrons established as a RVAH squadron.[29]

VAL: Light attack squadrons

[edit]

The Light Attack (VAL) designation was created in 1969 and designated only one squadron (VAL-4) which was established to support riverine and special operations during the Vietnam War. The designation was retired with the disestablishment of the squadron. A Helicopter Light Attack (HAL) designation had been created in 1967 to designate a single light attack helicopter squadron (HAL-3). HAL-3 and VAL-4 conducted operations in the Mekong Delta region of South Vietnam.

Designation Insignia Nickname Aircraft[30] Establishment[9] Disestablished Notes
VAL-4 Yellow Jackets (1969)
Black Ponies (1971)
OV-10A Bronco
YOV-10D]]
3 Jan 1969 Disestablished 10 April 1972 Established to support River Patrol Craft, SEAL and joint operations in Mekong Delta region

VC: Composite squadrons

[edit]

This second use of the VC designation began in 1948 to designate squadrons which were composed of detachments of aircraft that deployed aboard aircraft carriers with the carrier air group (later carrier air wing) conducting specialized missions. Missions included: All-Weather/Night Fighter; Heavy Attack (Nuclear Bombers); Airborne Early Warning; Anti-Submarine Warfare; and Photographic Reconnaissance. Single digit numbers designated the Composite All Weather Fighter and the Heavy Attack squadrons, teens designated Composite Airborne Early Warning Squadrons, numbers in the 20s and 30s designated Composite Anti-Submarine Squadrons, and the numbers in the 60s designated Composite Photographic Squadrons. By 1956 these squadrons had all been redesignated as VF(AW), VAH, VAW, VS, VA(AW) or VFP depending on the specific mission, and the VC designation once again ceased to exist.[15] There have been multiple unrelated squadrons using the same VC designations through the years. For example, the last two VC squadrons were VC-6 and VC-8 which were deactivated in 2008 and 2003 respectively. Both of those squadrons were the third squadron to use each of those designations, and neither squadron had any relation to earlier squadrons designated VC-6 or VC-8. The first VC-6 and VC-8 were WWII Escort Carrier composite squadrons, the second VC-6 was a heavy attack squadron which was redesignated VAH-6 then RVAH-6 and the second VC-8 was also a heavy attack squadron which was redesignated VAH-11 then RVAH-11.

The table below does not list disestablished squadrons; it lists squadron designations which are no longer in use. Some of the squadron designations in the table belonged to squadrons which have been disestablished but some belonged to squadrons which have been deactivated and still exist in an inactive status.

Note: The parenthetical (1st), (2nd), (3rd) etc... appended to designations in the tables below are not a part of the squadron designation system. They are added to indicate that the designation was used more than once during the history of U.S. Naval Aviation and which use of the designation is indicated. Absence indicates that the designation was used only once.

Designation Insignia Nickname Aircraft[7] Establishment and Redesignation (if applicable) Dates[9] Disestablished/ Deactivated as Disestablished/ Deactivated Date Notes
VC-3
(second use)

Blue Nemesis F4U-5N
F2H-3
F9F-6
F7U-3
F11F
TV-2
FJ-3
A4D
F4D
VC-3(2nd): 20 May 1949 – 1 Jul 1956
VF(AW)-3: 1 Jul 1956-2 May 1958
(same sqdn listed in VF section)[31]
VF(AW)-3 (1st)
Disestablished
2 May 1958 All wx/night Fighter Squadron until August 1954 then operated as Transitional Training Unit Pacific transitioning squadrons to new high performance jet aircraft[32]
VC-4
(second use)
Night Cappers F4U-5N
F9F
F3D
AM-1Q
VC-4(2nd): 28 Sep 1948 – 2 Jul 1956
VF(AW)-4: 2 Jul 1956-31 Aug 1959
(same sqdn listed in VF section)[31]
VF(AW)-4
Disestablished
31 August 1959 All wx/night Fighter Squadron
VC-5
(second use)
Savage Sons P2V-3C
AJ-1,2
VC-5(2nd): 9 Sep 1948 – 1 Nov 1955
VAH-5: 1 Nov 1955-May 1956
(same sqdn listed in VAH section)
RVAH-5: May 1956-30 Sep 1977
(same sqdn listed in RVAH section)
RVAH-5
Disestablished
30 September 1977 Heavy Attack Squadron
VC-6
(second use)
Fire Bees, Fleurs P2V
AJ-2
VC-6(2nd): 6 Jan 1950 – 1 Jul 1956
VAH-6: 1 Jul 1956-23 Sep 1965
(same sqdn listed VAH section)
RVAH-6: 23 Sep 1965-20 Oct 1978
(same sqdn listed in RVAH section)
RVAH-6
Disestablished
20 October 1978 Heavy Attack Squadron
VC-7
(second use)
Peacemakers of the Fleet AJ-1,2 VC-7(2nd): 10 Aug 1950 – 1 Nov 1955
VAH-7: 1 Nov 1955-1 Dec 1964
(same sqdn listed in VAH section)
RVAH-7: 1 Dec 1964-28 Sep 1979
(same sqdn listed in RVAH section)
RVAH-7
Disestablished
28 September 1979 Heavy Attack Squadron
VC-8
(second use)
Checkertails P2V-3C
AJ-1,2
VC-8(2nd): 3 Dec 1951 – 1 Nov 1955
VAH-11: 1 Nov 1955-1 Jul 1966
(same sqdn listed in VAH section)
RVAH-11: 1 Jul 1966-1 Jun 1975
(same sqdn listed in RVAH section)
RVAH-11
Disestablished
1 June 1975 Heavy Attack Squadron
VC-9
(second use)
Hoot Owls AJ-2 VC-9(2nd): 15 Jan 1953 – 1 Nov 1955
VAH-9: 1 Nov 1955-3 Jun 1964
(same sqdn listed in VAH section)
RVAH-9: 3 Jun 1964-30 Sep 1977
(same sqdn listed in RVAH section)
RVAH-9
Disestablished
30 September 1977 Heavy Attack Squadron
VC-11
(second use)
Early Elevens TBM-3W
AD-3W,4W,5W
VAW-1: 6 July 1948-1 Sep 1948
(same sqdn listed in VAW section)
VC-11(2nd): 1 Sep 1948 – 2 Jul 1956
VAW-11: 2 Jul 1956-20 Apr 1967
(same sqdn listed in VAW section)[7]
VAW-11 redesigned AEWWINGPAC and its dets were established as separate individual VAW squadrons 20 April 1967 Airborne Early Warning Squadron
VC-12
(second use)
Bats TBM-3W
AF-2W
AD-4W,5W
VAW-2: 6 July 1948-1 Sep 1948
(same sqdn listed in VAW section)
VC-12(2nd): 1-Sep 1948-2 Jul 1956
VAW-12: 2 Jul 1956-1 Apr 1967
(same sqdn listed in VAW section)[7]
VAW-12 redesigned AEWWINGLANT and its dets were established as separate individual VAW squadrons 1 April 1967 Airborne Early Warning Squadron
VC-21
(second use)
Redtails TBM-3S CVEG-41: 26 Mar 1945-15 Nov 1946
CVEG-1: 15 Nov 1946 – 1 Sep 1948*
VC-21(2nd): 1 Sep 1948 – 23 Apr 1950
VS-21: 23 Apr 1950–present
(inactive 28 Feb 2005–present)
(same sqdn listed in VS section)[33]
VS-21
Deactivated
28 February 2005 ASW Squadron.
*Escort Carrier Air Group-1 was redesignated as a single squadron designated VC-21 on 1 Sep 1948.[33]
VC-22
(second use)
Checkmates TBM-3S,
TBM-3W
VT-42: 19 Jul 1945-15 Nov 1946
(same sqdn listed in VT(torpedo) section)
VA-2E: 15 Nov 1946-1 Sep 1948
(same sqdn listed in VA section)
VC-22(2nd): 1 Sep 1948 – 20 Apr 1950
VS-22(1st): 20 April 1950-1 Jun 1956
(same sqdn listed in VS section)[9]
VS-22 (1st)
Disestablished
1 June 1956 ASW Squadron
VC-23
(second use)
Black Cats TBM-3S,
TBM-3W
VA-3E: 21 Apr 1947-1 Sep 1948
(same sqdn listed in VA section)
VC-23(2nd): 1 Sep 1948 – 23 Apr 1950
VS-23: 23 Apr 1950-27 Sep 1968
(same sqdn listed in VC section)[9]
VS-23
Disestablished
27 September 1968 ASW Squadron
VC-24
(second use)
Duty Duty Cats TBM-3E VB-17: 1 Jan 1943-15 Nov 1946
VA-5B: 15 Nov 1946-27 Jul 1948
(same sqdn listed in VA section)
VA-64(1st): 27 Jul 1948-8 Apr 1949
(same sqdn listed in VA section)
VC-24(2nd): 8 Apr 1949 – 20 Apr 1950
VS-24(1st): 20 Apr 1950-1 Jun 1956
(same sqdn listed in VS section)[9]
VS-24 (1st)
Disestablished
1 June 1956 ASW Squadron
VC-25
(third use)
Golden Eagles TBM-3W,
TBM-3S
VC-25(3rd): 1 Apr 1949 – 20 Apr 1950
VS-25(1st): 20 Apr 1950-1 Jun 1956
(same sqdn listed in VS section)
VS-25 (1st)
Disestablished
1 June 1956 ASW Squadron
VC-31
(third use)
Topcats TBM-3S,
TBM-3W
VC-31(3rd): 28 Sep 1948 – 20 Apr 1950
VS-31: 20 Apr 1950–present
(inactive 31 Mar 2008–present)
(same sqdn listed in VS section)[33]
VS-31
Deactivated
31 March 2008 ASW Squadron
VC-32
(second use)
Maulers TBM-3E,
TBM-3W
VC-32(2nd): 31 May 1949 – 20 Apr 1950
VS-32: 20 Apr 1950–present
(inactive 30 Sep 2008–present)
(same sqdn listed in VS section)[33]
VS-32
Deactivated
30 September 2008 ASW Squadron
VC-33
(second use)
Night Hawks TBM-3E
TBM-3N
TBM-3Q

SNJ-5
AD-1Q
AD-2
AD-3N,3Q
AD-4,4N,4Q

SNB-5[25]
VC-33(2nd): 31 May 1949 – 2 Jul 1956
VA(AW)-33: 2 Jul 1956-30 Jan 1959
(same sqdn listed in VA section)
VAW-33: 30 Jan 1959-1 Feb 1968
(same sqdn listed in VAW section)
VAQ-33: 1 Feb 1968-1 Oct 1993
(same sqdn listed in VAQ section)
VAQ-33
Disestablished
1 October 1993 ASW and All Weather Attack Squadron
VC-35
(second use)
[34]
TBM-3E,
TBM-3N

AD-1H
AD-2Q
AD-3Q,N
AD-4N,Q,NL,B
AD-5,5N
AD-6

F3D-2
VC-35(2nd): 25 May 1950 – 1 Jul 1956
VA(AW)-35: 1 Jul 1956-29 Jun 1959
(same sqdn listed in VA section)
VA-122: 29 Jun 1959-31 May 1991
(same sqdn listed in VA section)
VA-122
Disestablished
31 May 1991 ASW and All Weather Attack Squadron
VC-61 Eyes Of The Fleet F8F-2P,
F4U-4P/5P,
F9F-2P/5P,
F9F-6P/8P,
F2H-2P
VC-61: 20 Jan 1949 – 2 Jul 1956
VFP-61: 2 Jul 1956-1 Jul 1959
(same sqdn listed in VFP section)
VCP-63: 1 Jul 1959-1 Jul 1961
(same sqdn listed in VCP section)
VFP-63: on 1 Jul 1961-30 Jun 1984
(same sqdn listed in VFP section)[7]
VFP-63
Disestablished
30 June 1984 Photo Recon Squadron
VC-62 Fighting Photos F8F-2P,
F4U-5P
VC-62: 3 Jan 1949 – 2 Jul 1956
VFP-62: 2 Jul 1956-5 Jan 1968
(same sqdn listed in VFP section)[7]
VFP-62
Disestablished
5 January 1968 Photo Recon Squadron

VAP: Heavy Photographic Reconnaissance squadrons

[edit]

In 1952, two reconnaissance squadrons were established and designated Photographic Squadrons (VJ), a designator shared at the time by Weather Squadrons and Weather Reconnaissance Squadrons. In 1956, the Photographic Squadrons were redesignated Heavy Photographic Reconnaissance Squadrons (VAP). In 1959, one VAP squadron was redesignated a Photographic Composite Squadron (VCP), but reverted in 1961 to the VAP designation.[13]

Designation Insignia Nickname Aircraft[7] Establishment and Redesignation[9] Disestablished Notes
VAP-61

1956-1959

World Recorders AJ-2P[35] VP-61 established 20 Jan 1951
redesignated VJ-61: 5 Mar 1952
redesignated VAP-61 Apr 1956
redesigated VCP-61: 1 Jul 1959
redesignated VAP-61 1 Jul 1961[36]
VAP-61 disestablished 1 July 1971
VAP-61
1961-1971
A3D-2P/RA-3B
KA-3B[35]
VAP-62 Tigers F7F-4N
A3D-1P
A3D-2P/RA-3B[35]
VJ-62: 10 Apr 1952-2 Jul 1956
(same sqdn listed in VJ section)
VAP-62: 2 Jul 1956 – 15 Oct 1969[37]
VAP-62 Disestablished 15 October 1969

VCP: Composite Photographic Reconnaissance squadrons

[edit]

In 1959, one VAP and one VFP squadron were redesignated Photographic Composite Squadrons (VCP), but reverted in 1961 to their previous designations.[13]

Designation Insignia Nickname Aircraft[7] Establishment and Redesignation[9] Disestablished Notes
VCP-61 World Recorders F8U-1P
A3D-2P[35]
VP-61 established 20 Jan 1951
redesignated VJ-61: 5 Mar 1952
redesignated VAP-61 Apr 1956
redesigated VCP-61: 1 Jul 1959
redesignated VAP-61 1 Jul 1961[36]
VAP-61 disestablished 1 July 1971
VCP-63 Eyes Of The Fleet F8U-1P
A3D-2P
VC-61: 20 Jan 1949
redesigated VFP-61:2 Jul 1956
redesigated VCP-63:1 Jul 1959
redesigated VFP-63: 1 Jul 1961[7]
VFP-63 disestablished 30 June 1984

VF(AW): All Weather Fighter squadrons

[edit]

In 1956, VC squadrons were redesignated VF squadrons of various types, including AF(AW) for All Weather Fighter squadrons whose fighters had radar for night and all-weather use.

VC-3, a night fighter squadron, became a jet transition unit and then was redesignated VF(AW)-3. In 1958, that squadron was disestablished and the VF(AW)-3 designator was given to a different unit: a continental defense interceptor squadron. VF(AW)-4 provided night fighter detachments to Carrier Air Groups.

Designation Insignia Nickname Aircraft[7] Establishment and Redesignation (if applicable) Dates[9] Disestablished as Notes
VF(AW)-3
(1956-8)

(first use)
Blue Nemesis Douglas F4D Skyray
Douglas A4D Skyhawk
Vought F8U Crusader
VC-3: 20 May 1949-
VF(AW)-3: 1 Jul 1956
VF(AW)-3
Disestablished 2 May 1958
Operated as a "Transition Training Unit" transitioning squadrons to new high performance jet aircraft[38]
VF(AW)-3
(1958-63)

(second use)
Blue Nemesis Douglas F3D Skyknight
Douglas F4D/F-6 Skyray
Navy Air Trng Unit-Pac: 22 May 1944
NightDevRonPac: 6 Apr 1946
Fighter All Wx Trng Unit Pac: 1 Sep 1948
VF(AW)-3: 2 May 1958
VF(AW)-3
Disestablished April 1963?
Redesignated VF(AW)-3 on the same day VF(AW-3) was disestablished, adopted nickname and insignia. Began operating in a continental air defense role in December 1955 under the control of NORAD[39] while still designated Fighter All Weather Training Unit Pacific[40]
VF(AW)-4 Night Cappers AD-5 Skyraider
McDonnell F2H Banshee
Lockheed T2V SeaStar[41]
VC-4: 28 Sep 1948
VF(AW)-4: 2 Jul 1956
VF(AW)-4
Disestablished 31 August 1959
VF(AW): "All Weather" Fighter Squadron.
Provided fighter detachments for defense of ASW aircraft carriers[41]

VJ: Weather or Weather Reconnaissance squadrons and Heavy Photographic Reconnaissance squadrons

[edit]

From 1952 to 1956, VJ designated Photographic Squadrons; from 1952 to 1953, it also designated Weather or Weather Reconnaissance Squadrons.[13] In 1952, two new squadrons were designated Photographic Squadrons VJ-61 and VJ-62; four years later, they were redesignated Heavy Photographic Reconnaissance Squadrons (VAP) 61 and 62.[13]

Designation Insignia Nickname Aircraft[7] Establishment and Redesignation Disestablished Notes
VJ-1 P4Y-2S VJ-1: 19 Mar 1952
VW-3: Sep 1953[42]
VW-3 June 1960[43] Established as "Weather Squadron ONE" (VJ-1) and redesignated "Airborne Early Warning Squadron THREE" (VW-3) in 1953. Pacific Fleet Early Warning and Typhoon Hunting squadron.
VJ-2 Hurricane Hunters [44]
P2V-3W
VJ-2: 1952-1953
VW-4: 1953
VW-4 April 1975[45] Established as "Weather Squadron TWO" (VJ-2) and redesignated Airborne Early Warning Squadron FOUR in 1953. Operated as a hurricane early warning squadron known as the "Hurricane Hunters".[46] Was again designated a "Weather Reconnaissance Squadron" (as VW-4) in 1967.[47]
VJ-61 World Recorders P4Y-1P
AJ-2P
VP-61: 20 Jan 1951
VJ-61: 5 Mar 1952
VAP-61: Apr 1956
VCP-61: 1 Jul 1959
VAP-61: 1 Jul 1961[36]
VAP-61 disestablished 1 July 1971 Photographic Squadron
VJ-62 P4Y-1P
AJ-2P
F7F-4N
VJ-62: 10 Apr 1952
VAP-62: 2 Jul 1956)[37]
VAP-62 disestablished 15 October 1969 Photographic Squadron

VO: Observation squadrons

[edit]

This last use of VO designated observation squadrons from 1967 to 1968 and has not been used since.[13]

Squadron Designation Insignia Nickname Aircraft Disestablished Notes
VO-67 Gandydancers OP-2E 1 July 1968

VU: Utility squadrons

[edit]

The VU designation was used from 1946 to 1965.[13] Before the creation of the VU designation, utility squadrons were designated VJ. In 1965, all VU squadrons were redesignated Fleet Composite (VC) squadrons (third use of the VC designation).

Designation Insignia Nickname Aircraft[7] Establishment and Redesignation[14] Disestablished/ Deactivated Notes
VU-1
(second use)
Blue Alli VU-1: 20 Jul 1955
VC-1: 1 Jul 1965
VC-1 disestablished 30 September 1992 NAS Barbers Point
Provided adversary servies for fleet and air combat maneuvering training. Also provided aerial target, aerial photographic, target drone and range services[48]
VU-2 Blue Falcons VU-2: 8 Jan 1952
VC-2: 1 Jul 1965
VC-2 disestablished 30 September 1980 NAS Oceana
Provided adversary services for fleet and air combat maneuvering training[49]
VU-3
(second use)
Iron Man VU-3: Dec 1948
VC-3: 1 Jul 1965
VC-3 disestablished 1 October 1981 NAS North Island
Provided target drone services
VU-4 Dragon Layers VJ-4: 15 Nov 1940
VU-4: 15 Nov 1946
VC-4: 1 Jul 1965
VC-4 disestablished 30 April 1971 NAS Jacksonville
VU-5
(second use)
Checkertails VU-5: 16 Aug 1950
VC-5: 1 Jul 1965
VC-5 disestablished 31 August 1992 NAS Cubi Point
VU-6
(second use)
Skeeters VU-6: 1 Mar 1952
VC-6): 1 Jul 1965[33]
VC-6 deactivated 30 June 2008 NAS Norfolk
Operated target drones (surface and air)
VU-7 Redtails VJ-1: 4 Dec 1942
VU-7: 1946
VC-7: 1 Jul 1965
VC-7 disestablished 30 September 1980 NAS Miramar
Towed targets and provided adversary services for fleet and air combat maneuvering training
VU-8 Redtails GMSR-2: 1 Jul 1958
VU-8: 1 Jul 1960
VC-8: 1 Jul 1965[33]
VC-8 deactivated 1 October 2003 Guided Missile Service Squadron
NS Roosevelt Roads
VU-10 Challengers VJ-16: 1 Dec 1943
VU-10: 1945
VC-10: 1 Jul 1965
VC-10 disestablished 14 August 1993 NAS Leeward Point Guantanamo Bay

VW: Airborne Early Warning squadrons and Weather Reconnaissance squadrons

[edit]

From its creation in 1952 until 1971 the VW designation designated "Air Early Warning Squadron", "Airborne Early Warning Squadron", or "Fleet Early Warning Squadron". By 1961 the VW squadrons which were still in existence were transitioned to destructive weather early warning or weather reconnaissance as a primary mission while retaining airborne early warning as a secondary role. In 1955 and 1956 six new VW squadrons were established to operate as early warning squadrons in the Atlantic and Pacific Barriers which were seaward extensions of the nation's Distant Early Warning (DEW) Line. These "barrier" VW squadrons did not operate as weather reconnaissance squadrons and they were all disestablished by 1965. In 1967 one of the two remaining VW squadrons was renamed a "Weather Reconnaissance Squadron" (while retaining the VW designation) while the other retained the "Airborne Early Warning" name even though its primary role was also weather reconnaissance. In 1971 that squadron was disestablished and thereafter until the single remaining VW squadron was disestablished in 1975 the VW designation designated solely "Weather Reconnaissance Squadron". In 1975 the VW designation cease being used.[13]

Designation Insignia Nickname Aircraft[7] Establishment and Redesignation (if applicable) Dates Disestablished as Disestablished Date Notes
VW-1 Typhoon Trackers PB-1W
PO-1W/WV-1
WV-2/EC-121K
R7V-1/C-121J
WV-3/WC-121N
VW-1: 18 Jun 1952[50]-Jul 1971 VW-1 July 1971[51] Established as one of the first two Airborne Early Warning (VW) squadrons. In July 1961 the squadron's primary mission was changed to weather reconnaissance while retaining airborne early warning as a secondary task and it began operations as a typhoon early warning squadron known as the "Typhoon Trackers"[50][52]
VW-2 PO-1W/WV-1[53]
WV-2
[27]
VP-11F: 1 Jul 1936-1 Oct 1937
VP-11(1st): 1 Oct 1937-1 Jul 1939
VP-54(1st): 1 Jul 1939-1 Jul 1941
VP-51(2nd): 1 Jul 1941-1 Mar 1943
VB-101: 1 Mar 1943-1 Oct 1944
VPB-101: 1 Oct 1944-15 May 1946
VX-4(1st): 15 May 1946-18 Jun 1952
(same sqdn listed in VX section)
VW-2: 18 Jun 1952 – 1 Jul 1961
VW-2 1 July 1961 Redesignated as one of the first two Airborne Early Warning (VW) squadrons[53]
VW-3 P4Y-2S
P2V-5JF
WV-3
WV-2
VJ-1: 19 Mar 1952-Sep 1953
VW-3: Sep 1953-Jun 1960[42]
VW-3 June 1960[43] Established as "Weather Squadron One" (VJ-1) and redesignated "Airborne Early Warning Squadron Three" (VW-3) in 1953. Pacific Fleet Early Warning and Typhoon Hunting squadron.
VW-4 Hurricane Hunters [44]
P2V-3W
PO-1W/WV-1
P2V-5JF
WV-3/WC-121N
WP-3A
VJ-2: 15 Nov 1952-1953
VW-4: 1953-30 Apr 1975
VW-4 April 1975[45] Established as "Weather Squadron TWO" (VJ-2) and redesignated Airborne Early Warning Squadron FOUR in 1953. Operated as a hurricane early warning squadron known as the "Hurricane Hunters". Also tracked Mercury launches and provided other support to NASA.[46] Redesignated "Weather Reconnaissance Squadron FOUR" (VW-4) on 1 March 1967 to more accurately describe the primary mission of the squadron.[47]
VW-11 WV-2/EC-121K VW-11: Aug 1955[54]-7 Oct 1965 VW-11 7 October 1965[55] Established as the first squadron to operate as part of the "Atlantic Barrier", Disestablished with the end of the Atlantic Barrier mission.
VW-12 WV-2 VW-12: 7 Jul 1956[56]-1 Feb 1960 VW-12
merged into AEWBARRONPAC
1 February 1960[57] Established as the first squadron to operate as part of the "Pacific Barrier". On 1 Feb 1960 Airborne Early Warning Wing Pacific, VW-12, VW-14 and Airborne Barrier Service Squadron-2 (the wing's aircraft maintenance organization)[58] were merged into a single squadron designated AEW Barrier Squadron Pacific (AEWBARRONPAC)[57] which continued in existence until 30 April 1965.[59]
VW-13
(first use)
WV-2 VW-13(1st): Sep 1955[54]-15 Sep 1957 VW-13(1st) 15 September 1957[60] Established to operate as part of the "Atlantic Barrier". Disestablished due to budgetary limitations.[60]
VW-13
(second use)
WV-2/EC-121K VW-13(2nd): Jun 1958[61]-1965 VW-13(2nd) 1965 Established to operate as part of the "Atlantic Barrier",. Adopted name and insignia of VW-13 which was disestablished a year earlier. Also collected data on ice distribution for Naval Oceanographic Office[62]
VW-14 WV-2 VW-14: 1956-1 Feb 1960 VW-14
merged into AEWBARRONPAC
1 Feb 1960[57] Established as part of the "Pacific Barrier". On 1 Feb 1960 Airborne Early Warning Wing Pacific, VW-12, VW-14 and Airborne Barrier Service Squadron-2 (the wing's aircraft maintenance organization)[58] were merged into a single squadron designated AEW Barrier Squadron Pacific (AEWBARRONPAC)[57] which continued in existence until 30 April 1965.[59]
VW-15 WV-2 VW-15: Oct 1955[54]-Apr 1961 VW-15 April 1961[63] Established to operate as part of the "Atlantic Barrier", a seaward extension of the nation's Distant Early Warning (DEW) Line
VW-16 WV-2 VW-16: 1956-1 Oct 1957 VW-16 1 October 1957 Established as part of the "Pacific Barrier", a seaward extension of the nation's Distant Early Warning (DEW) Line. Disestablished due to budgetary limitations[58] before the barrier became fully operational in July 1958

Designations used from 1980 to 2009

[edit]

Between 1980 and 2010, the rise of the multi-mission fighter-attack aircraft ended the VF and VA designations. As well, the end of the Cold War eliminated the need for squadron types, such as VS, geared solely to countering the Soviet Union.

VA: Attack squadrons and VA designations no longer in use

[edit]

Several changes to designations were made on 15 November 1946. First, the Bombing (VB) and Torpedo (VT) designations were retired; all such squadrons were redesignated Attack squadrons (VA).[64][13]

Second, the Carrier Air Group designation (CVG) was modified to identify the type of aircraft carrier to which the group was assigned. Henceforth, CVAGs were assigned to Essex-class carriers (sometimes called "Attack" carriers) and CVBGs were assigned to the large Midway-class carriers (sometimes called "Battle" carriers). Two designations from World War II survived: CVLGs (light carrier air group) were assigned to "light" Independence- or Saipan-class carriers, and CVEGs (escort carrier air group) to remaining small WWII escort carriers.

Third, and similarly, aircraft squadron designations were appended with an "A", "B", "L", or "E" to denote the type of Carrier Air Group the squadron was assigned.[65] CVAGs and CVBGs were designated with odd numbers; each was assigned two VA squadrons; the first carried the Air Group's number; the second, the Air Group number plus one (CVAG-1: VA-1A, VA-2A; CVBG-1: VA-1B, VA-2B; CVAG-7: VA-7A, VA-8A; CVAG-11; VA-11A, VA-12A etc...)

The rules governing the squadron designation system changed twice between 1946 and 1996, when the last Attack squadron switched to the F/A-18 Hornet and was redesignated a Strike Fighter (VFA) squadron.

The list below is not a list of disestablished squadrons; it is a list of squadron designations that are no longer in use. Many squadrons carried multiple designations over the years; some were both VA and VF at various times. Sometimes a single squadron was redesignated several times; sometimes a given designation was assigned to several distinct squadrons. Most of the squadron designations in the list belonged to squadrons which have been disestablished, but also included are former designations of some VFA squadrons which are still active.[9]

Designation Insignia Nickname Aircraft[66][67] Establishment and Redesignation[22] Disestablished as
(or current designation)
Disestablished (or Deactivated) Date Notes
VA-1A Top Hatters SB2C
F4U
VB-2B: 1 Jul 1934-1 Jul 1937
VB-3: 1 Jul 1937-1 Jul 1939
VB-4: 1 Jul 1939-15 Mar 1941
VS-41: 15 Mar 1941-1 Mar 1943
VB-41: 1 Mar 1943-4 Aug 1943
VB-4: 4 Aug 1943-15 Nov 1946
VA-1A: 15 Nov 1946 – 2 Aug 1948
VA-14: 2 Aug 1948-15 Dec 1949
VF-14(2nd): 15 Dec 1949-1 Dec 2001
VFA-14: 1 Dec 2001–present
VFA-14 Not applicable, still exists Oldest continuously active aircraft squadron in the U.S. Navy
1st VA squadron of CVAG-1
VA-1B unknown SB2C
AD
VB-74: 1 May 1945-15 Nov 1946
VA-1B: 15 Nov 1946 – 1 Sep 1948
VA-24: 1 Sep 1948-1 Dec 1949
VF-24(2nd): 1 Dec 1949-9 Mar 1959
VF-211(3rd): 9 Mar 1959-Aug 2006
VFA-211: Aug 2006–present
VFA-211 Not applicable, still exists 1st VA squadron of CVBG-1
VA-1E unknown TBM VT-41: 26 Mar 1946-15 Nov 1946
VA-1E: 15 Nov 1946 – 1 Sep 1948
VA-1E 1 September 1948 Only VA squadron of CVEG-1.
CVEG-1 (composed of VF-1E and VA-1E) was redesignated Composite Squadron 21 (VC-21) on 1 September 1948
VA-1L unknown TBM
XTB2D
AD
VT-58: 19 Mar 1946-15 Nov 1946
VA-1L: 15 Nov 1946 – 20 Nov 1948
VA-1L 20 November 1948 Only VA squadron of CVLG-1.
Assets merged with VF-1L to form the first squadron designated VX-3
VA-2A unknown TBM VT-4: 10 Jan 1942-15 Nov 1946
VA-2A: 15 Nov 1946 – 2 Aug 1948
VA-15(1st): 2 Aug 1948 – 1 Jun 1969
VA-15 (1st) 1 June 1969 2nd VA squadron of CVAG-1
VA-2B unknown SB2C, SBW
TBM
SNJ
AD
VT-74: 1 May 1945-15 Nov 1946
VA-2B: 15 Nov 1946 – 1 Sep 1948
VA-25(1st): 1 Sep 1948-1 Jul 1959
VA-65(2nd): 1 Jul 1959 – 31 Mar 1993
VA-65 (2nd) 31 March 1993 2nd VA squadron of CVBG-1
VA-2E unknown TBM VT-42: 19 Jul 1945-15 Nov 1946
VA-2E: 15 Nov 1946 – 1 Sep 1948
VC-22(2nd): 1 Sep 1948-20 Apr 1950
(same sqdn listed in VC section)
VS-22(1st): 20 Apr 1950-1 Jun 1956
(same sqdn listed in VS section)
VS-22 (2nd) 1 June 1956 Only VA squadron of CVEG-2
VA-3A Black Panthers SB2C
AD
VB-3B: 1 Jul 1934-1 Jul 1937
VB-4: 1 Jul 1937-1 Jul 1939
VB-3: 1 Jul 1939-15 Nov 1946
VA-3A: 15 Nov 1946 – 7 Aug 1948
VA-34(1st): 7 Aug 1948-15 Feb 1950
VA-35(2nd): 15 Feb 1950 – 31 Jan 1995
VA-35 (2nd) 31 January 1995 1st VA squadron of CVAG-3. The "diving panther" insignia was created by VB-3B and remained in use through the entire life of the squadron through all of its redesignations.
VA-3B unknown SB2C
AD
VB-75: 1 Jun 1945-15 Nov 1946
VA-3B: 15 Nov 1946 – 1 Sep 1948
VA-44(1st): 1 Sep 1948 – 8 Jun 1950
VA-44 (1st) 8 June 1950 1st VA squadron of CVBG-3
VA-3E unknown TBM VA-3E: 21 Apr 1947 – 1 Sep 1948
VC-23(2nd): 1 Sep 1948-23 Apr 1950
(same sqdn listed in VC section)
VS-23: 23 Apr 1959-27 Sep 1968
(same sqdn listed in VS section)
VS-23 27 September 1968 Only VA squadron of CVEG-3
VA-4A Dragons TBM VT-2: 1925-1 Jul 1927
VT-2B: 1 Jul 1927- 1 Jul 1937
VT-3: 1 Jul 1937-15 Nov 1946
VA-4A: 15 Nov 1946 – 7 Aug 1948
VA-35(1st): 7 Aug 1948 – 7 Nov 1949
VA-35 (1st) 7 November 1949 2nd VA squadron of CVAG-3
VA-4B Fish Hawks SB2C
AD
VT-75: 1 Jun 1945-15 Nov 1946
VA-4B: 15 Nov 1946 – 1 Sep 1948
VA-45(1st): 1 Sep 1948 – 8 Jun 1950
VA-45 (1st) 8 June 1950 2nd VA squadron of CVBG-3
VA-5A unknown SB2C
F4U
VS-2B: 3 Jul 1928-1 Jul 1937
(VS = "Scouting Squadron")
VS-3: 1 Jul 1937-1 Mar 1943
VB-4: 1 Mar 1943-15 Jul 1943
VB-5: 15 Jul 1943-15 Nov 1946
VA-5A: 15 Nov 1946 – 16 Aug 1948
VA-54(1st): 16 Aug 1948 – 1 Dec 1949
VA-54 (1st) 1 December 1949 1st VA squadron of CVAG-5
VA-5B unknown SB2C
AD
VB-17: 1 Jan 1943-15 Nov 1946
VA-5B: 15 Nov 1946 – 27 Jul 1948
VA-64(1st): 27 Jul 1948-8 Apr 1949
VC-24(2nd): 8 Apr 1949-20 Apr 1950
(same sqdn listed in VC section)
VS-24(1st): 20 Apr 1950-1 Jun 1956
(same sqdn listed in VS section)
VS-24 (1st) 1 June 1956 1st VA squadron of CVBG-5
VA-6A Torpcats TBM VT-5: 15 Feb 1943-15 Nov 1946
VA-6A: 15 Nov 1946 – 16 Aug 1948
VA-55(1st): 16 Aug 1948 – 12 Dec 1975
VA-55 (1st) 19 December 1975 2nd VA squadron of CVAG-5
VA-6B unknown SB2C
AD
VT-17: 1 Jan 1943-15 Nov 1946
VA-6B: 15 Nov 1946 – 27 Jul 1948
VA-65(1st): 27 Jul 1948-1 Jul 1959
VA-25(2nd): 1 Jul 1959-1 Jul 1983
VFA-125: 1 Jul 1983–present
VFA-25 Not applicable, still exists 2nd VA squadron of CVBG-5
VA-7A Sunday Punchers SBW, SB2C
F4U
VB-18: 20 Jul 1943-15 Nov 1946
VA-7A: 15 Nov 1946 – 27 Jul 1948
VA-74: 27 Jul 1948-15 Feb 1950
VA-75(2nd): 15 Feb 1950 – 28 Feb 1997
VA-75 (2nd) 28 February 1997 1st VA squadron of CVAG-7
VA-8A
Air Barons TBM VT-18: 20 Jul 1943-15 Nov 1946
VA-8A: 15 Nov 1946 – 27 Jul 1948
VA-75(1st): 27 Jul 1948 – 30 Nov 1949
VA-75 (1st) 30 November 1949 2nd VA squadron of CVAG-7
VA-9A unknown SB2C VB-99: 1 Jul 1943-15 Oct 1943
VB-20: 15 Oct 1943-15 Nov 1946
VA-9A: 15 Nov 1946 – 12 Aug 1948
VA-94(1st): 12 Aug 1948 – 31 Nov 1949
VA-94 (1st) 31 November 1949 1st VA squadron of CVAG-9
VA-10A unknown TBM VT-20: 15 Oct 1943-15 Nov 1946
VA-10A: 15 Nov 1946 – 12 Aug 1948
VA-95(1st): 12 Aug 1948 – 30 Nov 1949
VA-95 (1st) 30 November 1949 2nd VA squadron of CVAG-9
VA-11A unknown SB2C VB-11: 10 Oct 1942-15 Nov 1946
VA-11A: 15 Nov 1946 – 15 Jul 1948
VA-114: 15 Jul 1948 – 1 Dec 1949
VA-114 1 December 1949 1st VA squadron of CVAG-11
VA-12A unknown TBM VT-11: 10 Oct 1942-15 Nov 1946
VA-12A: 15 Nov 1946 – 15 Jul 1948
VA-115: 15 Jul 1948-30 Sep 1996
VFA-115: 30 Sep 1996–present
VFA-115 Not applicable, still exists 2nd VA squadron of CVAG-11
VA-13A Hell Razors SBW
F4U
VB-81: 1 Mar 1944-15 Nov 1946
VA-13A: 15 Nov 1946 – 2 Aug 1948
VA-134(1st): 2 Aug 1948-15 Feb 1950
VF-174: 15 Feb 1950-1 Jul 1966
VA-174(2nd): 1 Jul 1966 – 30 Jun 1988
VA-174 (2nd) 30 June 1988 1st VA squadron of CVAG-13
VA-14A Uninvited TBM VT-81: 1 Mar 1944-15 Nov 1946
VA-14A: 15 Nov 1946 – 2 Aug 1948
VA-135(1st): 2 Aug 1948 – 30 Nov 1949
VA-135 (1st) 30 November 1949 2nd VA squadron of CVAG-13
VA-15A Flying Cannons SB2C VB-153: 26 Mar 1945-15 Nov 1946
VA-15A: 15 Nov 1946 – 15 Jul 1948
VA-154: 15 Jul 1948 – 1 Dec 1949
VA-154 1 December 1949 1st VA squadron of CVAG-15
VA-16A unknown TBM VT-153: 26 Mar 1945-15 Nov 1946
VA-16A: 15 Nov 1946 – 15 Jul 1948
VA-155(1st): 15 Jul 1948 – 30 Nov 1949
VA-155 (1st) 30 November 1949 2nd VA squadron of CVAG-15
VA-17A Battering Rams SBW
AM
VB-82: 1 Apr 1944-15 Nov 1946
VA-17A: 15 Nov 1946 – 11 Aug 1948
VA-174: 11 Aug 1948 – 25 Jan 1950
VA-174 25 January 1950 1st VA squadron of CVAG-17
VA-18A Devils Diplomats TBM VT-82: 1 Apr 1944-15 Nov 1946
VA-18A: 15 Nov 1946 – 11 Aug 1948
VA-175: 11 Aug 1948 – 15 Mar 1958
VA-175 15 March 1958 2nd VA squadron of CVAG-17
VA-19A unknown SB2C
AD
VB-19: 15 Aug 1943-15 Nov 1946
VA-19A: 15 Nov 1946 – 15 Aug 1948
VA-194: 24 Aug 1948 – 1 Dec 1949
VA-194 1 December 1949 1st VA squadron of CVAG-19
VA-20A unknown TBM
AD
VT-19: 15 Aug 1943-15 Nov 1946
VA-20A: 15 Nov 1946 – 24 Aug 1948
VA-195: 24 Aug 1948-15 Apr 1985
VFA-195: 15 Apr 1985–present
VFA-195 Not applicable, still exists 2nd VA squadron of CVAG-19
VA-21A unknown SB2C VB-98: 28 Aug 1944-15 Nov 1946
VA-21A: 15 Nov 1946 – 5 Aug 1947
VA-21A 5 August 1947 1st VA squadron of CVAG-21
VA-22A unknown TBM VT-98: 28 Aug 1944-15 Nov 1946
VA-22A: 15 Nov 1946 – 5 Aug 1947
VA-22A 5 August 1947 2nd VA squadron of CVAG-21
A new Squadron and Air Group designation scheme was established in 1948. CVAGs and CVBGs were all redesignated CVGs, CVLGs and CVEGs were disestablished, and squadron suffix letters were eliminated. New squadron designation numbers denoted to which CVG the squadron was assigned with the first one or two digits identifying the CVG followed by a 4 or 5 to differentiate between the two VA squadrons of each CVG.[j]
CVG-1 (2nd): CVAG-1 redesignated CVG-1 (2nd) 1 Sep 1948, currently exists as CVW-1
VA-12 Ubangis,
Clinchers
(1982)
F2H
F7U
AD4/A-4
A-7
VBF-4: 12 May 1945-15 Nov 1946
VF-2A: 15 Nov 1946-2 Aug 1948
VF-12: 2 Aug 1948-1 Aug 1955
VA-12: 1 Aug 1955 – 1 Oct 1986
VA-12 1 October 1986 CVG-1(2nd) VF squadron redesignated as a CVG-1(2nd) VA squadron.
VA-14 Top Hatters F4U Air Det Pac Flt: Sep 1919-15 Jun 1920
VT-5(1st): 15 Jun 1920-7 Sep 1921
VP-1-4: 7 Dec 1921-23 Sep 1921
VF-4(1st): 23 Sep 1921-1 Jul 1922
VF-1(1st): 1 Jul 1922-1 Jul 1927
VF-1B(1st): 1 Jul 1927-1 Jul 1934
VB-2B: 1 Jul 1934-1 Jul 1937
VB-3: 1 Jul 1937-1 Jul 1939
VB-4: 1 Jul 1939-15 Mar 1941
VS-41(2nd): 15 Mar 1941-1 Mar 1943
VB-41: 1 Mar 1943-4 Aug 1943
VB-4: 4 Aug 1943-15 Nov 1946
VA-1A: 15 Nov 1946-2 Aug 1948
VA-14: 2 Aug 1948 – 15 Dec 1949
VF-14(2nd): 15 Dec 1949-1 Dec 2001
VFA-14: 1 Dec 2001–present
VFA-14 Not applicable, still exists Oldest continuously active aircraft squadron in the U.S. Navy.
Redesignated as one of CVG-1(2nd)'s initial squadrons
VA-15
(First use)


(1951)
Valions
(mid 1950s)
TBM
AD/A-1
A-4
VT-4: 10 Jan 1942-15 Nov 1946
VA-2A: 15 Nov 1946-2 Aug 1948
VA-15(1st): 2 Aug 1948 – 1 Jun 1969
VA-15 (1st) 1 June 1969 Redesignated as one of CVG-1(2nd)'s initial squadrons
VA-16 unknown AD VA-16: 1 Jun 1955 – 1 Mar 1958 VA-16 1 March 1958 Established and assigned to Air Task Group 182 (ATG-182)
CVG-2 (2nd): CVBG-1 redesignated CVG-2 (2nd) 1 Sep 1948, currently exists as CVW-2
VA-22 Fighting Redcocks FJ-4
A4D/A-4
A-7
VF-63: 28 Jul 1948-Mar 1956
VA-63: Mar 1956-1 Jul 1959
VA-22: 1 Jul 1959-4 May 1990
VFA-22: 4 May 1990 – present
VFA-22 Not applicable, still exists VF-63 had been transferred to CVG-2(2nd) in 1950 without being redesignated. Was redesignated a VA squadron retaining the 63 designation while still in CVG-2(2nd). Was ultimately redesignated VA-22 in 1959 to conform with the CVG designation
VA-23 Black Knights FJ-4
A4D/A-4
VF-653 (USNR): 1 Feb 1951-4 Feb 1953
VF-151(3rd): 4 Feb 1953-7 Feb 1956
VA-151: 7 Feb 1956-23 Feb 1959
VA-23: 23 Feb 1959 – 1 Apr 1970
VA-23 1 April 1970 VA-151 reassigned to CVG-2(2nd) and redesignated VA-23
VA-24 unknown AD
F4U
VB-74: 1 May 1945-15 Nov 1946
VA-1B: 15 Nov 1946-1 Sep 1948
VA-24: 1 Sep 1948 – 1 Dec 1949
VF-24(2nd): 1 Dec 1949-9 Mar 1959
VF-211(3rd): 9 Mar 1959-Aug 2006
VFA-211: Aug 2006–present
VFA-211 Not applicable, still exists Redesignated as one of CVG-2 initial squadrons
VA-25
(First use)


(1950)
Tigers
(1950)
SNJ
AD/A-1
VT-74: 1 May 1945-15 Nov 1946
VA-2B: 15 Nov 1946-1 Sep 1948
VA-25(1st): 1 Sep 1948 – 1 Jul 1959
VA-65(2nd): 1 Jul 1959 – 31 Mar 1993
VA-65 (2nd) 31 March 1993 Redesignated as one of CVG-2(2nd)'s initial squadrons. Reassigned to CVG-6 in 1950 without being redesignated until 1959
VA-25
(Second use)


(1974)
Fist of the Fleet AD/A-1
A-7
VT-17: 1 Jan 1943-15 Nov 1946
VA-6B: 15 Nov 1946-27 Jul 1948
VA-65(1st): 27 Jul 1948-1 Jul 1959
VA-25(2nd): 1 Jul 1959 – 1 Jul 1983
VFA-125: 1 Jul 1983–present
VFA-25 Not applicable, still exists VA-65(1st) reassigned to CVG-2(2nd) in 1950 without being redesignated until 1959
VA-26 Skylancers F9F-8 VA-26: 30 Jun 1956 – 11 Apr 1958
VA-125(2nd): 11 Apr 1958 – 1 Oct 1977
VA-125 (2nd) 11 April 1977 Established and assigned to Air Task Group THREE (ATG-3) until its redesignation to VA-125 and reassignment to RCVG-12
CVG-3 (2nd): CVAG-3 redesignated CVG-3 (2nd) 1 Sep 1948, currently exists as CVW-3
VA-34
(First use)
Black Panthers AD/A-1 VB-3B: 1 Jul 1934-1 Jul 1937
VB-4: 1 Jul 1937-1 Jul 1939
VB-3: 1 Jul 1939-15 Nov 1946
VA-3A: 15 Nov 1946-7 Aug 1948
VA-34(1st): 7 Aug 1948 – 15 Feb 1950
VA-35(2nd): 15 Feb 1950 – 31 Jan 1995
VA-35 (2nd) 31 January 1995 Redesignated as one of CVG-3(2nd)'s initial squadrons. The "diving panther" insignia was created by VB-3B and remained in use through the entire life of the squadron through all of its redesignations.
VA-34
(1943-69)

(Second use)
Blue Blasters F2H
F7U
A4D/A-4
VF-20: 15 Oct 1943-15 Nov 1946
VF-9A: 15 Nov 1946-12 Aug 1948
VF-91(1st): 12 Aug 1948-15 Feb 1950
VF-34(3rd): 15 Feb 1950-1 Jul 1955
VA-34(2nd): 1 Jul 1955 – 1 Jun 1969
VA-34 (2nd) 1 June 1969 VF-34(3rd) returned to CVG-3(2nd) from Air Task Group 181 (ATG-181) and redesignated a VA squadron
VA-35
(First use)
Dragons TBM
AD
VT-2: 1925-1 Jul 1927
VT-2B: 1 Jul 1927- 1 Jul 1937
VT-3: 1 Jul 1937-15 Nov 1946
VA-4A: 15 Nov 1946-7 Aug 1948
VA-35(1st): 7 Aug 1948 – 7 Nov 1949
VA-35 (1st) 7 November 1949 Redesignated as one of CVG-3(2nd)'s initial squadrons
VA-35
(Second use)
Black Panthers A-1
A-6, KA-6
VB-3B: 1 Jul 1934-1 Jul 1937
VB-4: 1 Jul 1937-1 Jul 1939
VB-3: 1 Jul 1939-15 Nov 1946
VA-3A: 15 Nov 1946-7 Aug 1948
VA-34(1st): 7 Aug 1948-15 Feb 1950
VA-35(2nd): 15 Feb 1950 – 31 Jan 1995
VA-35 (2nd) 31 January 1995 VA-34(1st) redesignated VA-35(2nd) when VF-91(1st) was reassigned to CVG-3(2nd) as the group's fourth VF squadron VF-34(3rd) on 15 Feb 1950. The "diving panther" insignia was created by VB-3B and remained in use through the entire life of the squadron through all of its redesignations.
VA-36
(First use)
Roadrunners F9F-5
F9F-8
A4D/A-4
VF-102(1st): 1 May 1952-1 Jul 1955
VA-36(1st): 1 Jul 1955 – 1 Aug 1970
VA-36 (1st) 1 August 1970 VF-201 redesignated VA-36 and assigned to Air Task Group 201 (ATG-201). Ultimately assigned to CVG-3(2nd) in 1958
CVG-4 (2nd): CVBG-1 redesignated CVG-4 (2nd) 1 Sep 1948, disestablished 8 Jun 1950
VA-44
(First use)
unknown AD
AM
VB-75: 1 Jun 1945-15 Nov 1946
VA-3B: 15 Nov 1946-1 Sep 1948
VA-44(1st): 1 Sep 1948 – 8 Jun 1950
VA-44 (1st) 8 June 1950 Redesignated as one of CVG-4(2nd)'s initial squadrons
VA-45
(First use)
Black Knights AD
AM
VT-75: 1 Jun 1945-15 Nov 1946
VA-4B: 15 Nov 1946-1 Sep 1948
VA-45(1st): 1 Sep 1948 – 8 Jun 1950
VA-45 (1st) 8 June 1950 Redesignated as one of CVG-4(2nd)'s initial squadrons
CVG-4 (3rd): Established 1 Sep 1950, redesignated RCVG-4 on 1 Apr 1958 to control FRSs, disestablished 1 Jun 1970 as RCVW-4[citation needed]
VA-45
(Second use)
Blackbirds AD VA-45 : 1 Sep 1950 – 1 Mar 1958 VA-45 (2nd) 1 March 1958 Established as one of CVG-4 initial squadrons. CVG-4 initially had four VF squadrons and only this single initial VA squadron. Was disestablished when CVG-4 was redesignated RCVG-4
VA-46 Clansmen
(1960)
F9F-5
F9F-8
A4D/A-4
A-7E
VA-46: 25 May 1955 – 30 Jun 1991 VA-46 30 June 1991 Assigned to CVG-4(3rd) upon establishment but reassigned to Air Task Group 202 (ATG-202) two months later and never returned to CVG-4(3rd)
RCVG-4 / RCVW-4 Fleet Replacement Squadrons
VA-42

(1992)
Green Pawns,
Thunderbolts
(1992)
AD
North American T-28 Trojan
Grumman TC-4C
Grumman A-6, KA-6
VF-42(4th): 1 Sep 1950-1 Nov 1953
VA-42: 1 Nov 1953 – 30 Sep 1994
VA-42 30 September 1994 VF-42 assigned to CVG-6(2nd) at the time redesignated a VA squadron in 1953. Transitioned from an operational VA squadron to an AD Sky Raider FRS on 24 Oct 1958 and reassigned to RCVG-4. Later became an A-6 FRS. Adopted "Thunderbolts" name and insignia from VA-176 when it was disestablished in 1992
VA-43 Challengers A4D/A-4 VF-74A: 1 May 1945-1 Aug 1945
VF-74(2nd): 1 Aug 1945-15 Nov 1946
VF-1B(3rd): 15 Nov 1946-1 Sep 1948
VF-21(2nd): 1 Sep 1948-1 Jul 1959
VA-43: 1 Jul 1959 – 1 Jun 1973
VF-43(5th): 1 Jun 1973 – 1 Jul 1994
VF-43 (5th) 1 July 1994 VF-21 redesignated as an A4D Skyhawk FRS and assigned to RCVG-4
VA-44
(Second use)
Hornets F2H
F9F-8
F9F-8T/TF-9

TV-2
T-28
A4D/A-4, TA-4
AD/A-1
VF-44(2nd): 1 Sep 1950-1 Jan 1956
VA-44(2nd): 1 Jan 1956 – 1 May 1970
VA-44 (2nd) 1 May 1970 CVG-4(3rd)'s VF-44 redesignated a VA squadron in 1956. Transitioned from an operational VA squadron of CVG-4(3rd) to an A4D Skyhawk FRS on 1 Jun 1958 in conjunction with CVG-4(3rd)'s redesignation to RCVG-4. In 1959 AD Sky Raider training was added and the squadron operated as both an A4D (A-4 in Sep 1962) and an AD (A-1 in Sep 1962) FRS. "Split out" VA-45(3rd) in 1963 to continue A-1 training and became solely an A-4 FRS
VA-45
(1963-96)

(Third use)
Blackbirds A-1
A-4
VA-45(3rd): 15 Feb 1963 – 7 Feb 1985
VF-45(2nd): 7 Feb 1985 – 31 Mar 1996
VF-45 (2nd) 31 March 1996 Adopted both the "Blackbirds" name and the insignia of the disestablished VA-45(2nd). Established as an A-1 Sky Raider FRS and assigned to RCVG-4 (was "split out of" VA-44(2nd) to continue A-1 training to allow VA-44(2nd) to become solely an A-4 FRS). After the A-1's retirement the squadron provided A-4 detachments to ASW air groups and later assumed an adversary role in support of Air Combat Maneuvering training
CVG-5 (2nd): CVAG-5 redesignated CVG-5 (2nd) 1 Sep 1948, currently exists as CVW-5
VA-52 Knightriders AD/A-1
A-6, KA-6
VF-884: 20 Jul 1950-4 Feb 1953
VF-144: 4 Feb 1953-23 Feb 1959
VA-52: 23 Feb 1959 – 31 Mar 1995
VA-52 31 March 1995 VF-144 was redesignated a VA squadron and reassigned to CVG-5(2nd)
VA-54
(First use)
unknown F4U
AD
VS-2B: 3 Jul 1928-1 Jul 1937
(VS = "Scouting Squadron")
VS-3: 1 Jul 1937-1 Mar 1943
VB-4: 1 Mar 1943-15 Jul 1943
VB-5: 15 Jul 1943-15 Nov 1946
VA-5A: 15 Nov 1946-16 Aug 1948
VA-54(1st): 16 Aug 1948 – 1 Dec 1949
VA-54 (1st) 1 December 1949 Redesignated as one of CVG-5(2nd)'s initial squadrons
VA-54
(Second use)
Hell's Angels AD
F9F-8
VBF-153: 26 Mar 1945-15 Nov 1946
VF-16A: 15 Nov 1946-15 Jul 1948
VF-152(2nd): 15 Jul 1948-15 Feb 1950
VF-54(1st): 15 Feb 1950-15 Jun 1956
VA-54(2nd): 15 Jun 1956 – 1 Apr 1958
VA-54 (2nd) 1 April 1958 CVG-5(2nd) VF squadron redesignated a VA squadron
VA-55
(First use)


(1955)
Torpcats, Warhorses
(1955)
TBM
AD
FJ-4
A4D/A-4
VT-5: 15 Feb 1943-15 Nov 1946
VA-6A: 15 Nov 1946-16 Aug 1948
VA-55(1st): 16 Aug 1948 – 12 Dec 1975
VA-55 (1st) 19 December 1975 Redesignated as one of CVG-5(2nd)'s initial squadrons
VA-56 Boomerangs,
Champions
(1958)
F9F-3
F9F-8
FJ-4
A4D/A-4
A-7
VA-56: 4 Jun 1956 – 31 Aug 1986 VA-56 31 August 1986 Established as a CVG-5(2nd) VA squadron
CVG-6 (2nd): CVBG-5 redesignated CVG-6 (2nd) 1 Sep 1948, disestablished 1 Apr 1992 as CVW-6
VA-63 Fighting Redcocks F9F-8
FJ-4
VF-63: 28 Jul 1948-Mar 1956
VA-63: Mar 1956-1 Jul 1959
VA-22: 1 Jul 1959-4 May 1990
VFA-22: 4 May 1990 – present
VFA-22 Not applicable, still exists VF-63 had been transferred to CVG-2(2nd) in 1950 without being redesignated. Was redesignated a VA squadron retaining the 63 designation while still in CVG-2(2nd). Was ultimately redesignated VA-22 in 1959 to conform with the CVG designation
VA-64
(First use)
unknown AD VB-17: 1 Jan 1943-15 Nov 1946
VA-5B: 15 Nov 1946-27 Jul 1948
VA-64(1st): 27 Jul 1948 – 8 Apr 1949
VC-24(2nd): 8 Apr 1949-20 Apr 1950
(same sqdn listed in VC section)
VS-24(1st): 20 Apr 1950-1 Jun 1956
(same sqdn listed in VS section)
VS-24 (1st) 1 June 1956 Redesignated as one of CVG-6(2nd)'s initial squadrons
VA-64
(Second use)
Black Lancers A4D/A-4 VA-64(2nd): 1 Jul 1961 – 7 Nov 1969 VA-64 (2nd) 7 November 1969 Established as a CVG-6(2nd) VA squadron
VA-65
(First use)


(1949)
Fist of the Fleet
(1949)
AD VT-17: 1 Jan 1943-15 Nov 1946
VA-6B: 15 Nov 1946-27 Jul 1948
VA-65(1st): 27 Jul 1948 – 1 Jul 1959
VA-25(2nd): 1 Jul 1959-1 Jul 1983
VFA-125: 1 Jul 1983–present
VFA-25 Not applicable, still exists Redesignated as one of CVG-6(2nd)'s initial squadrons
VA-65
(Second use)
Tigers AD/A-1
A-6, KA-6
VT-74: 1 May 1945-15 Nov 1946
VA-2B: 15 Nov 1946-1 Sep 1948
VA-25(1st): 1 Sep 1948-1 Jul 1959
VA-65(2nd): 1 Jul 1959 – 31 Mar 1993
VA-65 (2nd) 31 March 1993 Replaced VA-65(1st) in CVG-6(2nd) when VA-65(1st) was moved to CVG-2(2nd)
VA-66
(First use)
Crusaders F9F-8 VA-66(1st): 1 Jul 1955 – 1 Jul 1955
VF-81(4th): 1 Jul 1955-1 Jul 1959
VA-81: 1 Jul 1959-4 Feb 1988
VFA-81: 4 Feb 1988–present
VFA-81 Not applicable, still exists Established as VA-66(1st) but redesignated to VF-81(4th) on the same day and replaced VF-81(3rd) in CVG-8(2nd)
VA-66
(Second use)
Waldomen F7U
F9F-8
A4D/A-4
A-7
VF-671: 1 Feb 1951-4 Feb 1953
VF-81(3rd): 4 Feb 1953-1 Jul 1955
VA-66(2nd): 1 Jul 1955 – 1 Oct 1986
VA-66 (2nd) 1 October 1986 VF-81(3rd) which was assigned to CVG-8(2nd) was redesignated a VA squadron and reassigned to CVG-6(2nd)
CVG-7 (2nd): CVAG-7 redesignated CVG-7 (2nd) 1 Sep 1948, still exists as CVW-7
VA-72 Hawks,
Blue Hawks
(early 1960s)
F9F-5
A4D/A-4
A-7
VBF-18: 25 Jan 1945-15 Nov 1946
VF-8A: 15 Nov 1946-28 Jul 1948
VF-72(2nd): 28 Jul 1948-3 Jan 1956
VA-72: 3 Jan 1956 – 30 Jun 1991
VA-72 30 June 1991 CVG-7(2nd) VF squadron redesignated a CVG-7(2nd) VA squadron
VA-74 Sunday Punchers F4U
AD
VB-18: 20 Jul 1943-15 Nov 1946
VA-7A: 15 Nov 1946-27 Jul 1948
VA-74: 27 Jul 1948 – 15 Feb 1950
VA-75(2nd): 15 Feb 1950 – 28 Feb 1997
VA-75 (2nd) 28 February 1997 Redesignated as one of CVG-7(2nd)'s initial squadrons
VA-75
(First use)
Air Barons TBM
AD
VT-18: 20 Jul 1943-15 Nov 1946
VA-8A: 15 Nov 1946-27 Jul 1948
VA-75(1st): 27 Jul 1948 – 30 Nov 1949
VA-75 (1st) 30 November 1949 Redesignated as one of CVG-7(2nd)'s initial squadrons
VA-75
(Second use)


(after 1950)
Sunday Punchers AD/A-1
A-6, KA-6
VB-18: 20 Jul 1943-15 Nov 1946
VA-7A: 15 Nov 1946-27 Jul 1948
VA-74: 27 Jul 1948-15 Feb 1950
VA-75(2nd): 15 Feb 1950 – 28 Feb 1997
VA-75 (2nd) 28 February 1997 CVG-7(2nd) VA-74 redesignated VA-75(2nd). Original insignia of VB-18 was re-adopated after 1950.
VA-76 Spirits F2H
F9F-8
A4D/A-4
VA-76: 1 Jun 1955 – 30 Sep 1969 VA-76 30 September 1969 Established and assigned to Air Task Group 182 (ATG-182). Was never assigned to CVG-7(2nd)
CVG-8 (2nd): Planned for establishment in 1948 but cancelled
VA-84 unknown TBM
AM
VA-84: 15 Sep 1948 – 29 Nov 1949 VA-84 29 November 1949 Established for assignment to CVG-8(2nd) but CVG-8 establishment was cancelled and squadron was disestablished
VA-85
(First use)
unknown TBM
AM
VA-85(1st): 15 Sep 1948 – 29 Nov 1949 VA-85 (1st) 29 November 1949 Established for assignment to CVG-8(2nd) but CVG-8 establishment was cancelled and squadron was disestablished
CVG-8 (2nd): Established 9 Apr 1951 to receive USNR squadrons activated for the Korean War, still exists as CVW-8
VA-81

(1963)
Crusaders,
Sunliners
(1963)
A4D/A-4
A-7
VA-66(1st): 1 Jul 1955-1 Jul 1955
VF-81(4th): 1 Jul 1955-1 Jul 1959
VA-81: 1 Jul 1959 – 4 Feb 1988
VFA-81: 4 Feb 1988–present
VFA-81 Not applicable, still exists CVG-8(2nd) VF squadron redesignated a CVG-8(2nd) VA squadron
VA-83

(1957)
Roaring Bulls,
Rampagers
(1957)
F7U
A4D/A-4
A-7
VF-916: 1 Feb 1951-4 Feb 1953
VF-83(3rd): 4 Feb 1953-1 Jul 1955
VA-83: 1 Jul 1955 – 3 Mar 1988
VFA-83: 3 Mar 1988–present
VFA-83 Not applicable, still exists CVG-8(2nd)'s VF-83 redesignated a CVG-8(2nd) VA squadron
VA-85
(Second use)

(1954)

(1958)
Black Falcons
(1958)
AD/A-1
A-6, KA-6
VA-859 (USNR): not listed-4 Feb 1953
VA-85(2nd): 4 Feb 1953 – 30 Sep 1994
VA-85 (2nd) 30 September 1994 USNR VA-859 establishment date not listed, activated 1 Feb 1951 for the Korean War and assigned to CVG-8(2nd) when it was established on 9 Apr. Permanently activated and redesignated VA-85(2nd) in 1953
VA-86
(First use)
Vagabonds FJ-3 VA-86(1st): 1 July 1955 – 1 Jul 1955
VF-84(3rd): 1 Jul 1955 – 1 Oct 1995
VF-84 (3rd) 1 October 1995 Established as VA-86(1st) but redesignated to VF-84(3rd) on the same day
VA-86
(Second use)
Sidewinders F7U
A4D/A-4
A-7
VF-921: 1 Feb 1951-4 Feb 1953
VF-84(2nd): 4 Feb 1953-1 Jul 1955
VA-86(2nd): 1 Jul 1955 – 15 Jul 1987
VFA-86: 15 Jul 1987–present
VFA-86 Not applicable, still exists VF-84 redesignated VA-86 and assigned to Air Task Group 181 (ATG-181)
CVG-9 (2nd): CVAG-9 redesignated CVG-9 (2nd) 1 Sep 1948, disestablished 1 Dec 1949
VA-94
(First use)
unknown SB2C
AD
VB-99: 1 Jul 1943-15 Oct 1943
VB-20: 15 Oct 1943-15 Nov 1946
VA-9A: 15 Nov 1946-12 Aug 1948
VA-94(1st): 12 Aug 1948 – 31 Nov 1949
VA-94 (1st) 31 November 1949 Redesignated as one of CVG-9(2nd)'s initial squadrons
VA-95
(First use)
unknown TBM
AD
VT-20: 15 Oct 1943-15 Nov 1946
VA-10A: 15 Nov 1946-12 Aug 1948
VA-95(1st): 12 Aug 1948 – 30 Nov 1949
VA-95 (1st) 30 November 1949 Redesignated as one of CVG-9(2nd)'s initial squadrons
CVG-9 (3rd): Established 26 Mar 1952, still exists as CVW-9
VA-93
(1957)

(1965)
Blue Blazers,
Ravens
(1976)
A4D/A-4
A-7
VF-93(3rd): 26 Mar 1952-15 Sep 1956
VA-93: 15 Sep 1956 – 30 Aug 1986
VA-93 30 August 1986 CVG-9(3rd)'s VF-93 redesignated as a VA squadron
VA-94
(Second use)

(1967)
Shrikes or Mighty Shrikes
(1959)
FJ-4
A4D/A-4
A-7
VF-94(2nd): 26 Mar 1952-1 Aug 1958
VA-94(2nd): 1 Aug 1958 – 28 Jun 1990
VFA-94: 28 Jun 1990–present
VFA-94 Not applicable, still exists CVG-9(3rd)'s VF-94 redesignated as a VA squadron
VA-95
(Second use)
Sky Knights,
Green Lizards
(1963)
F6F
AD/A-1
A-4
VA-95(2nd): 26 Mar 1952 – 1 Apr 1970 VA-95 (2nd) 1 April 1970 Established as CVG-9(3rd)'s only initial VA squadron (CVG-9(3rd) was established with four VF squadrons)
VA-96 unknown AD VA-96: 30 Jun 1956 – 10 Apr 1958 VA-96 10 April 1958 Established and assigned to Air Task Group THREE (ATG-3)
CVG-10 (2nd): Established 1 May 1952, disestablished 20 Nov 1969 as CVW-10(1st)
VA-104 Hells Archers AD VF-104: 1 May 1952-4 Dec 1953
VA-104: 4 Dec 1953 – 31 Mar 1959
VA-104 31 March 1959 CVG-10(2nd)'s VF-104 redesignated as a second VA squadron in the Air Group
VA-105
(First use)
Cannoneers AD VA-105(1st): 1 May 1952 – 1 Feb 1959 VA-105 (1st) 1 February 1959 Established as CVG-10(2nd)'s only initial VA squadron (CVG-10(2nd) was established with four VF squadrons). Reassigned to RCVG-4 in Nov 1958 as a FRS until its disestablishment less than 3 months later.
VA-106
(First use)
Boomerangs FJ-3 VA-106(1st): 1 Jul 1955 – 1 Jul 1955
VF-62(2nd): 1 Jul 1955 – 1 Oct 1969
VF-62 (2nd) 1 October 1969 Established as VA-106(1st) on 1 Jul 1955 and redesignated VF-62(2nd) and assigned to CVG-6(2nd) on the same day
VA-106
(Second use)
Gladiators F2H
F9F-8
A4D/A-4
VBF-17: 2 Jan 1945-15 Nov 1946
VF-6B(3rd): 15 Nov 1946-28 Jul 1948
VF-62(1st): 28 Jul 1948-1 Jul 1955
VA-106(2nd): 1 Jul 1955 – 7 Nov 1969
VA-106 (2nd) 7 November 1969 VF-62(1st) redesignated and reassigned to CVG-10(2nd) while a new VF-63(2nd) was established (as VA-106(1st) and immediately redesignated) to replace VF-62(1st) in CVG-6(2nd)
CVG-11 (2nd): CVAG-11 redesignated CVG-11 (2nd) 1 Sep 1948, still exists as CVW-11
VA-112 Broncos
(1961)
A4D/A-4 VBF-11: 9 Apr 1945-15 Nov 1946
VF-12A: 15 Nov 1946-15 July 1948
VF-112: 15 Jul 1948-15 Feb 1959
VA-112: 15 Feb 1959 – 10 Oct 1969
VA-112 10 October 1969 CVG-11(2nd)'s VF-112 redesignated as a CVG-11(2nd) VA squadron
VA-113 Stingers F9F-8
A4D/A-4
A-7
VF-113: 15 Jul 1948-Mar 1956
VA-113: Mar 1956-25 Mar 1983
VFA-113: 25 Mar 1983–present
VFA-113 Not applicable, still exists CVG-11(2nd)'s VF-113 redesignated as a CVG-11(2nd) VA squadron
VA-114 unknown AD
F8F
VB-11: 10 Oct 1942-15 Nov 1946
VA-11A: 15 Nov 1946-15 Jul 1948
VA-114: 15 Jul 1948 – 1 Dec 1949
VA-114 1 December 1949 Redesignated as one of CVG-11(2nd)'s initial squadrons
VA-115

(1956)
Arabs
(1960)
Eagles
(1979)
TBM
AD/A-1
A-6, KA-6
VT-11: 10 Oct 1942-15 Nov 1946
VA-12A: 15 Nov 1946-15 Jul 1948
VA-115: 15 Jul 1948 – 30 Sep 1996
VFA-115: 30 Sep 1996–present
VFA-115 Not applicable, still exists Redesignated as one of CVG-11(2nd)'s initial squadrons
VA-116 unknown F7U
FJ-4
VA-116: 1 Dec 1955 – 23 Feb 1959
VA-144: 23 Feb 1959 – 29 Jan 1971
VA-144 29 January 1971 Assigned to Air Task Group TWO (ATG-2) then redesignated VA-144 and assigned to CVG-14(2nd)
CVG-12 (2nd): Established as CVG-102 on 1 Aug 1950 to receive USNR squadrons activated for the Korean War, redesignated CVG-12 (2nd) on 4 Feb 1952, redesignated RCVG-12 on 1 Apr 1958 to control FRSs
VA-125
(First use)
Rough Raiders AD VA-55E (USNR): 1946-Jan 1950
VA-923 (USNR): Jan 1950-4 Feb 1953
VA-125(1st): 4 Feb 1953 – 10 Apr 1958
VA-125 (1st) 10 April 1958 USNR VA-923 activated on 20 Jul 1950 for the Korean War and assigned to CVG-102 when it was established 1 Aug 1950. CVG-102 was later redesignated CVG-12(2nd) on 4 Feb 1952. VA-923 redesignated VA-125(1st) and permanently activated in 1953.
RCVG-12: CVG-12 (2nd) redesignated RCVG-12 on 1 Apr 1958 to control FRSs and other training support squadrons, redesignated RCVW-12 on 20 Dec 1963. Disestablished 30 Jun 1970
VA-122 Flying Eagles AD/A-1
T-28
A-7
T-39
VC-35(2nd): 25 May 1950-1 Jul 1956
(same sqdn listed in VC section)
VA(AW)-35: 1 Jul 1956-29 Jun 1959
VA-122: 29 Jun 1959 – 31 May 1991
VA-122
Disestablished
31 May 1991 Redesignated and assigned to RCVG-12 as an AD Skyraider FRS. Later transitioned to being an A-7 Corsair II FRS
VA-125
(1956-77)

(Second use)
Rough Raiders AD/A-1
A4D/A-4, TA-4
A-7
VA-26: 30 Jun 1956-11 Apr 1958
VA-125(2nd): 11 Apr 1958 – 1 Oct 1977
VA-125 (2nd) 1 October 1977 Adopted "Rough Raiders" name from disestablished VA-125(1st). VA-26 redesignated and assigned to RCVG-12 as an A4D/A-4 Skyhawk FRS. Later became an A-7 Corsair II FRS
VA-126 Fighting Seahawks F9F-8T
A4D/A-4, TA-4
VA-126: 6 Apr 1956 – 15 Oct 1965
VF-126: 15 Oct 1965 – 1 Apr 1994
VF-126 1 April 1994 Established as an instrument training squadron using the F9F-8T Cougar.[68] Later became an A4D/A-4 Skyhawk FRS assigned to RCVG-12
VA-127

(1980)
Royal Blues,
Cylons
(1981)
F9F-8T/TF-9
A-4, TA-4
VA-127: 15 Jun 1962 – 1 Mar 1987
VFA-127: 1 Mar 1987-23 Mar 1996
(same sqdn listed in VFA section)
VFA-127 23 March 1996 Established from VA-126 detachment Alfa to provide advanced instrument training and jet transition training and assigned to RCVG-12. Became an A-4 FRS from 1 Jun 1970 to 1975. Provided basic refresher instrument and jet transition training and Air Combat Maneuvering (ACM) training from 1975 to 1983. 1 Oct 1983 became an "Adversary" squadron providing ACM training to fleet squadrons.
VA-128 Golden Intruders A-6
TC-4C
VA-128: 1 Sep 1967 – 29 Sep 1995 VA-128 29 September 1995 Established as an A-6 Intruder FRS assigned to RCVW-12
CVG-13 (2nd): CVAG-13 redesignated CVG-13 (2nd) 1 Sep 1948, disestablished 30 Nov 1949
VA-134
(First use)
Hell Razors F4U VB-81: 1 Mar 1944-15 Nov 1946
VA-13A: 15 Nov 1946-2 Aug 1948
VA-134(1st): 2 Aug 1948 – 15 Feb 1950
VF-174: 15 Feb 1950-1 Jul 1966
VA-174(2nd): 1 Jul 1966 – 30 Jun 1988
VA-174 (2nd) 30 June 1988 Initially assigned to CVG-1(2nd) but soon redesignated as one of CVG-13(2nd)'s initial squadrons
VA-135
(First use)
Uninvited TBM
AD
VT-81: 1 Mar 1944-15 Nov 1946
VA-14A: 15 Nov 1946- 2 Aug 1948
VA-135(1st): 2 Aug 1948 – 30 Nov 1949
VA-135 (1st) 30 November 1949 Redesignated as one of CVG-13(2nd)'s initial squadrons
CVG-13 (3rd): Established 21 Aug 1961, disestablished 1 Oct 1962
VA-133 Blue Knights A4D VA-133: 21 Aug 1961 – 1 Oct 1962 VA-133 1 October 1962 Established as one of CVG-13(3rd)'s initial squadrons
VA-134
(Second use)
Scorpions A4D VA-134(2nd): 21 Aug 1961 – 1 Oct 1962 VA-134 (2nd) 1 October 1962 Established as one of CVG-13(3rd)'s initial squadrons
VA-135
(Second use)
Thunderbirds AD VA-135(2nd): 21 Aug 1961 – 1 Oct 1962 VA-135 (2nd) 1 October 1962 Established as one of CVG-13(3rd)'s initial squadrons. Adopted the insignia but not the name of the disestablished VA-35(1st)
CVG-14 (2nd): Established as CVG-101 1 Aug 1950 to receive USNR squadrons activated for the Korean War, redesignated CVG-14 (2nd) 4 Feb 1952, deactivated 31 Mar 2017 as CVW-14
VA-144 Road Runners
(1960s)
FJ-4
A4DA-4
VA-116: 1 Dec 1955-23 Feb 1959
VA-144: 23 Feb 1959 – 29 Jan 1971
VA-144 29 January 1971 VA-116 reassigned to CVG-14(2nd) and redesignated. Remained attached to CVG-14(2nd)/CVW-14 until 1965
VA-145

(1954)
Rustlers,
Swordsmen
(1954)
AD/A-1
A-6, KA-6
VA-702 (USNR): 1 Dec 1949-4 Feb 1953[69]
VA-145: 4 Feb 1953 – 1 Oct 1993
VA-145 1 October 1993 USNR VA-702 activated on 20 Jul 1950 for the Korean War and assigned to CVG-101 when it was established 1 Aug 1950. CVG-101 was later redesignated CVG-14(2nd) on 4 Feb 1952. VA-702 redesignated VA-145 and permanently activated in 1953. Remained attached to CVG-14(2nd)/CVW-14 until 1967
VA-146

(1968)
Blacktails,
Blue Diamonds
(Late 1950s)
F9F Panther
F9F Cougar
FJ-4
A4D/A-4
A-7
VA-146: 1 Feb 1956 – 21 Jul 1989
VFA-146: 21 Jul 1989–present
VFA-146 Not applicable, still exists Assigned to CVG-14(2nd)/CVW-14 until 1967
CVG-15 (2nd): CVAG-15 redesignated CVG-15 (2nd) 1 Sep 1948, disestablished 1 Dec 1949
VA-154 Flying Cannons AD VB-153: 26 Mar 1945-15 Nov 1946
VA-15A: 15 Nov 1946-15 Jul 1948
VA-154: 15 Jul 1948 – 1 Dec 1949
VA-154 1 December 1949 Redesignated as one of CVG-15(2nd)'s initial squadrons
VA-155
(First use)


(1949)
unknown AD VT-153: 26 Mar 1945-15 Nov 1946
VA-16A: 15 Nov 1946-15 Jul 1948
VA-155(1st): 15 Jul 1948 – 30 Nov 1949
VA-155 (1st) 30 November 1949 Redesignated as one of CVG-15(2nd)'s initial squadrons
CVG-15 (3rd): Established 5 Apr 1951 to receive USNR squadrons activated for the Korean War, disestablished 31 Mar 1995 as CVW-15
VA-151 Black Knights F7U
F9F-8
FJ-4
VF-653: Dec 1949-4 Feb 1953
VF-151(3rd): 4 Feb 1953-7 Feb 1956
VA-151: 7 Feb 1956 – 23 Feb 1959
VA-23: 23 Feb 1959 – 1 Apr 1970
VA-23 1 April 1970 Assigned to Air Task Group ONE (ATG-1). Reassigned to CVG-2(2nd) and redesignated VA-23
VA-152 Friendlies,
Mavericks
(1968)
F2H
AD/A-1
A-4
VF-713 (USNR): late 1940s-4 Feb 1953
VF-152(3rd): 4 Feb 1953-1 Aug 1958
VA-152: 1 Aug 1958 – 29 Jan 1971
VA-152 29 January 1971 CVG-15(3rd) VF squadron redesignated as a VA squadron. Assigned to Air Task Group FOUR (ATG-4) and CVG-15(3rd)/CVW-15 until 1964.
VA-153 Blue Tail Flies F9F-8
A4D/A-4
A-7
VF-718: est date unk-Sep 1949
VF-831: Sep 1949-4 Feb 1953
VF-153(3rd): 4 Feb 1953-17 Dec 1956
VA-153: 17 Dec 1956 – 30 Sep 1977
VA-153 30 September 1977 CVG-15(3rd) VF squadron redesignated as a VA squadron. Assigned to CVG-15(3rd)/CVW-15 until 1969
VA-155
(Second use)
Silver Fox
(early 1960s)
AD
A4D/A-4
A-7
VA-71E (USNR): 1946-1 Oct 1948
VA-58A (USNR): 1 Oct 1948-1 Nov 1949
VC-722 (USNR): 1 Nov 1949-1 Apr 1950
VA-728 (USNR): 1 Apr 1950-4 Feb 1953
VA-155(2nd): 4 Feb 1953 – 30 Sep 1977[69]
VA-155 (2nd) 30 September 1977 USNR VA-728 activated on 1 Feb 1951 for the Korean War and assigned to CVG-15(3rd) when it was established on 5 Apr. Permanently activated and redesignated VA-155(2nd) in 1953. Remained assigned to CVG-15(2nd)/CVW-15 until 1968. Adopted insignia of disestablished VA-155(1st)
VA-156 Iron Tigers F11F VA-156: 4 Jun 1956 – 20 Jan 1959
VF-111(2nd): 20 Jan 1959-1 Sep 1964
VF-26(2nd): 1 Sep 1964-17 Sep 1964
VF-111(3rd): 17 Sep 1964 – 31 Mar 1995
VF-111 (3rd) 31 March 1995 Though designated a VA squadron it was equipped with a front line fighter and identified itself as a fighter squadron. It was assigned to CVG-11(2nd) and eventually redesignated as a VF squadron carrying the CVG-11(2nd) designation of VF-111
CVG-16 (2nd): Established 1 Sep 1960, disestablished 30 Jun 1970 as CVW-16
VA-163 Saints A4D/A-4 VA-163: 1 Sep 1960 – 1 Jul 1971 VA-163 1 July 1971 Established as one of CVG-16(2nd)'s initial squadrons
VA-164 Ghost Riders A4D/A-4 VA-164: 1 Sep 1960 – 2 Dec 1975 VA-164 2 December 1975 Established as one of CVG-16(2nd)'s initial squadrons
VA-165

(mid 1960s)
Boomers
(mid 1960s)
AD/A-1
A-6, KA-6
VA-165: 1 Sep 1960 – 30 Sep 1996 VA-165 30 September 1996 Established as one of CVG-16(2nd)'s initial squadrons
CVG-17 (2nd): CVAG-17 redesignated CVG-17 (2nd) 1 Sep 1948, disestablished 15 Sep 1958
VA-172 Bluebolts F2H
A4D/A-4
VBF-82: 20 Aug 1945-15 Nov 1946
VF-18A: 15 Nov 1946-11 Aug 1948
VF-172: 11 Aug 1948-1 Nov 1955
VA-172: 1 Nov 1955 – 15 Jan 1971
VA-172 15 January 1971 CVG-17(2nd) VF squadron redesignated a VA squadron. Remained assigned to CVG-17(2nd) until 1959
VA-174
(First use)
Battering Rams AM
AD
VB-82: 1 Apr 1944-15 Nov 1946
VA-17A: 15 Nov 1946-11 Aug 1948
VA-174: 11 Aug 1948 – 25 Jan 1950
VA-174 25 January 1950 Redesignated as one of CVG-17(2nd)'s initial squadrons
VA-175

(1951)
Devils Diplomats TBM
AD
VT-82: 1 Apr 1944-15 Nov 1946
VA-18A: 15 Nov 1946-11 Aug 1948
VA-175: 11 Aug 1948 – 15 Mar 1958
VA-175 15 March 1958 Redesignated as one of CVG-17(2nd)'s initial squadrons
VA-176 Thunderbolts AD/A-1
A-6, KA-6
VA-176: 1 Jun 1955 – 1 Oct 1992 VA-176 1 October 1992 Initially assigned to Air Task Group 202 (ATG-202) and reassigned to CVG-17(2nd) in 1958 but only for six months before being again reassigned (without being redesignated)
CVG-19 (2nd): CVAG-19 redesignated CVG-19 (2nd) 1 Sep 1948, disestablished 30 Jun 1977 as CVW-19
VA-192 Golden Dragons F9F Cougar
FJ-4
A4D/A-4
A-7
VF-153(1st): 26 Mar 1945-15 Nov 1946
VF-15A: 15 Nov 1946-15 Jul 1948
VF-151(2nd): 15 Jul 1948-15 Feb 1950
VF-192(2nd): 15 Feb 1950-15 Mar 1956
VA-192: 15 Mar 1956 – 10 Jan 1986
VFA-192: 10 Jan 1986–present
VFA-192 Not applicable, still exists CVG-19(2nd) VF squadron redesignated a VA squadron. Remained assigned to CVG-19(2nd)/CVW-19 until 1970
VA-194 unknown AD VB-19: 15 Aug 1943-15 Nov 1946
VA-19A: 15 Nov 1946-15 Aug 1948
VA-194: 24 Aug 1948 – 1 Dec 1949
VA-194 1 December 1949 Redesignated as one of CVG-19(2nd)'s initial squadrons
VA-195
(1949)

(1950s)
Tigers
(1949)
Dam Busters
(1951)
AD
A4D/A-4
A-7
VT-19: 15 Aug 1943-15 Nov 1946
VA-20A: 15 Nov 1946-24 Aug 1948
VA-195: 24 Aug 1948 – 15 Apr 1985
VFA-195: 15 Apr 1985–present
VFA-195 Not applicable, still exists Redesignated as one of CVG-19(2nd)'s initial squadrons. Remained assigned to CVG-19(2nd)/CVW-19 until 1970
VA-196

(1967)
Main Battery,
Milestones
AD/A-1
A-6, KA-6
VF-153(2nd): 15 Jul 1948-15 Feb 1950
VF-194(1st): 15 Feb 1950-4 May 1955
VA-196: 4 May 1955 – 21 Mar 1997
VA-196 21 March 1997 CVG-19(2nd) VF squadron redesignated a VA squadron. Assigned to Air Task Group ONE (ATG-1) and CVG-19(2nd)/CVW-19 until 1967. "Milestones" name used interchangeably with "Main Battery" beginning in 1979.
CVG-21 (1st): Established 15 Sep 1948, disestablished 15 Mar 1949
VA-213 unknown TBM-3E VA-213: 15 Sep 1948-Jun 1949 VA-213 June 1949 Established as one of CVG-21(1st)'s initial squadrons
VA-214
(First use)
unknown TBM-3E VA-214(1st): 15 Sep 1948 – 16 May 1949 VA-214 (1st) 16 May 1949 Established as one of CVG-21(1st)'s initial squadrons
CVG-21 (2nd): Established 1 Jul 1955, disestablished 12 Dec 1975 as CVW-21
VA-212 Rampant Raiders F7U
F9F-8
FJ-4
A4D/A-4
VF-212(2nd): 20 Jun 1955-1 Apr 1956
VA-212: 1 Apr 1956 – 12 Dec 1975
VA-212 12 December 1975 CVG-21(2nd) VF squadron redesignated a VA squadron. Assigned to CVG-21(2nd)/CVW-21
VA-214
(Second use)
Volunteers F9F-8
FJ-4
VF-214: 30 Mar 1955-11 Oct 1956
VA-214(2nd): 11 Oct 1956 – 1 Aug 1958
VA-214 (2nd) 1 August 1958 CVG-21(2nd) VF squadron redesignated a VA squadron and reassigned to Air Task Group FOUR (ATG-4)
VA-215
(First use)
Barn Owls
(1960)
AD/A-1 VA-215(1st): 15 Jun 1955 – 31 Aug 1967 VA-215 (1st) 31 August 1967 Assigned to CVG-21(2nd)/CVW-21 from establishment to disestablishment
VA-216 Black Diamonds AD
FJ-4
A4D/A-4
VA-216: 28 Mar 1955 – 1 Aug 1970 VA-216 1 August 1970 Initially assigned to Air Task Group FOUR (ATG-4) then to CVG-21(2nd)/CVW-21
The system that determined squadron designation by Carrier Air Wing (CVW) assignment (CVGs had been retitled CVWs on 20 December 1963) was discontinued by 1965. Existing squadron designation numbers were "frozen" and no longer changed with Carrier Air Wing reassignment. Newly established or redesignated squadrons were numbered in accordance with factors determined at the time of establishment or redesignation.
VA-15
(Second use)
Valions A-7 VA-67:1 Aug 1968-2 Jun 1969
VA-15(2nd): 2 Jun 1969 – 1 Oct 1986
VFA-15: 1 Oct 1986–present
(inactive 31 May 2017 – present)
(same sqdn listed in VFA section)
VFA-15 31 May 2017
(Deactivated)
Adopted both the "Valions" name and the insignia from the disestablished VA-15(1st). Initially assigned to CVW-6
VA-27 Royal Maces A-7 VA-27: 1 Sep 1967 – 24 Jan 1991
VFA-27: 24 Jan 1991–present
VFA-27 Not applicable, still exists Initially assigned to CVW-14
VA-34
(1970-99

(Third use)
Blue Blasters A-6, KA-6 VA-34(3rd): 1 Jan 1970 – 30 Sep 1996
VFA-34: 30 Sep 1996–present
VFA-34 Not applicable, still exists Adopted both the "Blue Blasters" name and the insignia from the disestablished VA-34(2nd). Initially assigned to CVW-1
VA-36
(Second use)
Road Runners A-6, KA-6 VA-36(2nd): 6 Mar 1987 – 1 Apr 1994 VA-36 (2nd) 1 April 1994 Adopted "Roadrunners" name from disestablished VA-36(1st). Assigned to CVW-8 from establishment to disestablishment
VA-37

(1980s)
Bulls A-7 VA-37: 1 Jul 1967 – 28 Nov 1990
VFA-37: 28 Nov 1990–present
VFA-37 Not applicable, still exists Initially assigned to CVW-11
VA-38 None VA-38: 1 Mar 1967 – 1 Oct 1968 VA-38 1 October 1968 Was intended as a new A-7 squadron but never received any aircraft and was disestablished
VA-55
(Second use)
Warhorses A-6, KA-6 VA-55(2nd): 7 Oct 1983 – 1 Jan 1991 VA-55 (2nd) 1 January 1991 Adopted both the "Warhorses" name and the insignia from the disestablished VA-55(1st). Assigned to CVW-13 from establishment to disestablishment
VA-67 Vulcans A-7 VA-67:1 Aug 1968-2 Jun 1969
VA-15(2nd): 2 Jun 1969-1 Oct 1986
VFA-15: 1 Oct 1986–present
(inactive 31 May 2017 – present)
VFA-15 31 May 2017
(Deactivated)
Established as VA-67 but redesignated VA-15(2nd) before it departed on its first deployment with CVW-6
VA-82 Marauders A-7 VA-82: 1 May 1967 – 13 Jul 1987
VFA-82: 13 Jul 1987–present
(inactive 30 Sep 2005–present)
(same sqdn listed in VFA section)
VFA-82 30 September 2005
(Deactivated)
Initially assigned to CVW-6
VA-87 Golden Warriors A-7 VA-87: 1 Feb 1968 – 1 May 1986
VFA-87: 1 May 1986 – present
VFA-87 Not applicable, still exists Initially assigned to CVW-16
VA-95
(Third use)
Green Lizards A-6, KA-6 VA-95(3rd): 1 Apr 1972 – 31 Oct 1995 VA-95 (3rd) 31 October 1995 Adopted "Green Lizards" name from disestablished VA-95(2nd)). Initially assigned to CVW-15
VA-97 Warhawks A-7 VA-97: 1 Jun 1967 – 24 Jan 1991
VFA-97: 24 Jan 1991–present
VFA-97 Not applicable, still exists Initially assigned to CVW-14
VA-105
(1967-90)

(Second use)
Gunslingers A-7 VA-105(2nd): 4 Mar 1968 – 17 Dec 1990
VFA-105: 17 Dec 1990–present
VFA-105 Not applicable, still exists Initially assigned to CVW-11
VA-147 Argonauts A-7 VA-147: 1 Feb 1967 – 20 Jul 1989
VFA-147: 20 Jul 1989–present
VFA-147 Not applicable, still exists Initially assigned to CVW-2
VA-155
(Third use)
Silver Foxes A-6, KA-6 VA-155(3rd): 1 Sep 1987 – 30 Apr 1993 VA-155 (3rd) 30 April 1993 Adopted "Silver Foxes" name from disestablished VA-155(2nd). Initially assigned to CVW-10(2nd)
VA-174
(Second use)
Hell Razors A-7 VB-81: 1 Mar 1944-15 Nov 1946
VA-13A: 15 Nov 1946-2 Aug 1948
VA-134(1st): 2 Aug 1948-15 Feb 1950
VF-174: 15 Feb 1950-1 Jul 1966
VA-174(2nd): 1 Jul 1966 – 30 Jun 1988
VA-174 (2nd) 30 June 1988 VF-174 began operations as a F8U Crusader FRS in March 1958 and was reassigned from CVG-17(2nd) to RCVG-4 (without being redesignated). On 1 Jul 1966 it was redesignated a VA squadron and began operations as the first A-7 FRS
VA-185 Night Hawks A-6, KA-6 VA-185: 1 Dec 1986 – 30 Aug 1991 VA-186 30 August 1991 Assigned to CVW-5 from establishment to disestablishment
VA-215
(Second use)
Barn Owls A-7 VA-215(2nd): 1 Mar 1968 – 30 Sep 1977 VA-215 (2nd) 30 September 1977 Adopted "Barn Owls" name from disestablished VA-215(1st). Initially assigned to CVW-9
The U. S. Navy Reserve established two Reserve Carrier Air Wings designated CVWR-20 and CVWR-30 in 1970. It adopted the former system and designated the squadrons in accordance with Carrier Air Wing assignment.
VA-203 Blue Dolphins A-4
A-7
VA-203: 1 Jul 1970
VFA-203: 1 Oct 1989
(inactive 30 Jun 2004
Deactivated 30 June 2004 United States Navy Reserve Squadron. Established as part of Reserve Carrier Air Wing Twenty (CVWR-20)
VA-204 River Rattlers A-4
A-7
VA-204: 1 Jul 1970
VFA-204: 1 May 1991
still exists United States Navy Reserve Squadron. Established as part of Reserve Carrier Air Wing Twenty (CVWR-20)
VA-205 Green Falcons A-4
A-7
A-6
VA-205: 1 Jul 1970 31 December 1994 United States Navy Reserve Squadron. Established as part of Reserve Carrier Air Wing Twenty (CVWR-20)
VA-209 unknown A-4 VA-209: 1 Jul 1970 15 August 1971 United States Navy Reserve Squadron. Established as part of Reserve Carrier Air Wing Twenty (CVWR-20)
VA-210 Black Hawks A-4 VA-210: 1 Jul 1970 30 June 1971 United States Navy Reserve Squadron. Established as part of Reserve Carrier Air Wing Twenty (CVWR-20)
VA-303 Golden Hawks A-4
A-7
VA-303: 1 Jul 1970
VFA-303: 1 Jan 1984
31 December 1994 United States Navy Reserve Squadron. Established as part of Reserve Carrier Air Wing THIRTY (CVWR-30)
VA-304 Firebirds A-4
A-7
A-6
1 Jul 1970 31 December 1994 United States Navy Reserve Squadron. Established as part of Reserve Carrier Air Wing THIRTY (CVWR-30)
VA-305
(1971)

(1974)
Hackers
(1971)
Lobos
(1974)
A-4
A-7
VA-305: 1 Jul 1970
VFA-305: 1 Jan 1987
31 December 1994 United States Navy Reserve Squadron. Established as part of Reserve Carrier Air Wing THIRTY (CVWR-30)
U. S. Navy Reserve Squadrons called to active duty. There were many U.S. Navy Reserve squadrons from the end of WWII through the 1960s.
VA-702 Rustlers TBM
AD
VA-702 (USNR): 1 Dec 1949
VA-145: 4 Feb 1953[69]
VA-145 1 October 1993 Activated on 20 Jul 1950 for the Korean War and assigned to CVG-101 (later redesignated to CVG-14), redesignated and permanently activated on 4 Feb 1953
VA-728 AM
AD
VA-71E (USNR): 1946
VA-58A (USNR): 1 Oct 1948
VC-722 (USNR): 1 Nov 1949
VA-728 (USNR): 1 Apr 1950
VA-155: 4 Feb 1953[69]
VA-155 30 September 1977 Activated on 1 Feb 1951 for the Korean War and assigned to CVG-15(3rd), redesignated and permanently activated on 4 Feb 1953
VA-776 A-4 VA-776 (USNR): 27 Jan 1968[69] VA-776 18 October 1968
(Returned to reserve status)
Dates listed are those of activation from and return to reserve status. The squadron was activated following the capture of USS Pueblo by North Korea[69]
VA-831 unknown A-4 VA-831 (USNR): 27 Jan 1968[69] Returned to reserve status 18 October 1968
Establishment and disestablishment dates are not listed. The dates listed are those of activation from and return to reserve status. The squadron was activated following the capture of USS Pueblo by North Korea[69]
VA-859 unknown AD VA-859 (USNR): not listed
VA-85: 4 Feb 1953[69]
30 September 1994 Establishment date not listed, activated on 1 Feb 1951 for the Korean War and assigned to CVG-8(2nd), redesignated and permanently activated on 4 Feb 1953
VA-873 unknown A-4 VA-873 (USNR): 27 Jan 1968[69] Returned to reserve status 12 October 1968 Establishment and disestablishment dates are not listed. The dates listed are those of activation from and return to reserve status. The squadron was activated following the capture of USS Pueblo by North Korea[69]
VA-923 Rough Riders AM
AD
VA-55E (USNR): 1946
VA-923 (USNR): Jan 1950
VA-125: 4 Feb 1953[69]
10 April 1958 Activated on 20 Jul 1950 for the Korean War and assigned to CVG-102 (later redesignated to CVG-12(2nd)), redesignated and permanently activated on 4 Feb 1953.[k]

VAK: Tactical Aerial Refueling squadrons

[edit]

In 1979, two Naval Reserve VAQ squadrons that performed tanking as their primary mission received the new VAK designation, which was phased out when the squadrons were disestablished in 1989.[13]

Designation Insignia Nickname Aircraft[70] Establishment and Redesignation[9] Disestablished Notes
VAK-208 Jockeys KA-3B VAQ-208: 31 Jul 1970
VAK-208: 1 Oct 1979
Disestablished 30 September 1989 U. S. Navy Reserve Squadron. VAK designation created to reflect the actual mission of the squadron.
VAK-308 Griffins KA-3B VAQ-308: 2 May 1970
VAK-308: 1 Oct 1979
Disestablished 30 September 1989 U. S. Navy Reserve Squadron. VAK designation created to reflect the actual mission of the squadron.

VC: Fleet Composite squadrons and VC designations no longer in use

[edit]

This third and last use of the VC designation was instituted in 1965 as a new designator for VU squadrons: utility units that usually operated more than one type of aircraft for a variety of missions such as aerial target support, missile range support, and fighter training as adversary aircraft.[15] Some VC designations have been used by multiple unrelated squadrons through the years.

The table below lists squadron designations that are no longer in use. Some belonged to disestablished squadrons, while others have been deactivated but still exist in an inactive status.

Designation Insignia Nickname Aircraft[7] Establishment and Redesignation[71] Disestablished/ deactivated Notes
VC-1
(third use)
Blue Alli F-8
RC-45J
VC-118
DP-2E
US-2C
A-4
UH-34J
SH-3A,G
CH-53E
Target Drones
VU-1 20 Jul 1955
VC-1: 1 Jul 1965
Disestablished 30 September 1992 NAS Barbers Point
Provided adversary servies for fleet and air combat maneuvering training. Also provided aerial target, aerial photographic, target drone and range services[48]
VC-2
(third use)
Blue Falcons F-8
US-2C
A-4
VU-2: 8 Jan 1952
VC-2: 1 Jul 1965
Disestablished 30 September 1980 NAS Oceana
Provided adversary services for fleet and air combat maneuvering training[49]
VC-3
(third use)
Iron Man DP-2E
US-2
DC-130
BQM-34 Firevbee
BQM-74 Chukar
Other Target Drones
VU-3 Dec 1948
VC-3: 1 Jul 1965
Disestablished 1 October 1981 NAS North Island
Provided target drone services
VC-4
(third use)
Dragon Layers Vought F-8 Crusader VJ-4: 15 Nov 1940
VU-4: 15 Nov 1946
VC-4: 1 Jul 1965
Disestablished 30 April 1971 NAS Jacksonville
VC-5
(third use)
Checkertails A-4E
TA-4J
SH-3G
CH-53E
VU-5: 16 Aug 1950
VC-5: 1 Jul 1965
Disestablished 31 August 1992 NAS Cubi Point
VC-6
(third use)
Skeeters,
Firebees
RQ-2A Pioneer[72]
BQM-74
Other surface and air target drones
VU-6: 1 Mar 1952
VC-6: 1 Jul 1965[33]

Deactivated 30 June 2008
NAS Norfolk
Operated target drones (surface and air) and later operated the Pioneer UAV
Originally nicknamed "Skeeters" but later adopted "Firebees" to honor VC-6(2nd) Firebees which flew the AJ savage and became VAH-6 Fleurs.
VC-7
(third use)
Redtails A-4 Skyhawk
F-8
F-4 PhantomII
VJ-1: 4 Dec 1942
VU-7: 1946
VC-7: 1 Jul 1965

Disestablished 30 September 1980
NAS Miramar
Towed targets and provided adversary services for fleet and air combat maneuvering training
VC-8
(third use)
Redtails A-4
SH-3G
GMSR-2: 1 Jul 1958
VU-8: 1 Jul 1960
VC-8: 1 Jul 1965[33]
Deactivated 1 October 2003 *GMSR: Guided Missile Service Squadron
NS Roosevelt Roads
VC-10
(second use)
Challengers US-2C
F-8
TA-4J
EA-4F
VJ-16: 1 Dec 1943
VU-10: 1945
VC-10: 1 Jul 1965
Disestablished 14 August 1993 NAS Leeward Point Guantanamo Bay
Provided adversary and aerial target services for Atlantic Fleet carrier battle group deployment work-ups. Also tasked with defense of the Guantanamo base.
VC-12
(third use)
Fighting Omars A-4
TA-4
VC-12: 1 Sep 1973
VFC-12: 22 Apr 1988[33]
VFC-12 still active United States Navy Reserve Squadron
NAF Detroit, NAS Oceana
Provided "aggressor" services for air to air combat training
VC-13
(second use)
Saints A-4
TA-4
VC-13: 1 Sep 1973
VFC-13: 22 Apr 1988[33]
VFC-13 still active United States Navy Reserve Squadron
NAS New Orleans, NAS Miramar
Provided "aggressor" services for air to air combat training

VF: Fighter squadrons and VF designations no longer in use

[edit]

VFP: Light Photographic Reconnaissance squadrons

[edit]

In 1949, two new Photographic Reconnaissance squadrons were established as Composite Squadrons VC-61 and VC-62 (see the Disestablished and Deactivated Composite (VC) (second use of the designation) section). In 1956, VC-61 and VC-62 were redesignated Light Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron (VFP). In 1959, one VFP squadron was redesignated Photographic Composite Squadron (VCP); it reverted in 1961 to its previous VFP designation.[13]

Designation Insignia Nickname Aircraft[7] Establishment and Redesignation (if applicable) Dates[9] Disestablished as Disestablished Date Notes
VFP-61 Eyes Of The Fleet F2H-2P
F9F-2P,6P
VC-61: 20 Jan 1949-2 Jul 1956
(same sqdn listed in VC section)
VFP-61:2 Jul 1956-1 Jul 1959
VCP-63:1 Jul 1959-1 Jul 1961
(same sqdn listed in VCP section)
VFP-63: 1 Jul 1961-30 Jun 1984
(same sqdn listed below)[7]
VFP-63
Disestablished
30 June 1984
VFP-62 Fighting Photos F9F-6P, F9F-8P
F8U-1P/RF-8A
RF-8G
VC-62: 3 Jan 1949-2 Jul 1956
(same sqdn listed in VC section)
VFP-62: 2 Jul 1956 – 5 Jan 1968[7]
VFP-62
Disestablished
5 January 1968
VFP-63 Eyes Of The Fleet F8U-1P/RF-8A
RF-8G
VC-61: 20 Jan 1949-2 Jul 1956
(same sqdn listed in VC section)
VFP-61:2 Jul 1956-1 Jul 1959
(same sqdn listed above)
VCP-63:1 Jul 1959-1 Jul 1961
(same sqdn listed above)
VFP-63: 1 Jul 1961 – 30 Jun 1984[7]
VFP-63
Disestablished
30 June 1984 F-8 Fleet Replacement Squadron from 1982 to disestablishment
VFP-206 Hawkeyes RF-8G VFP-206: 1 Jun 1970 – 20 Mar 1987 VFP-206
Disestablished
20 March 1987 U.S. Navy Reserve
VFP-306 Photomasters RF-8G VFP-306: 1 Jun 1970 – 30 Sep 1984 VFP-306
Disestablished
30 September 1984 U.S. Navy Reserve

VS: Air Anti-Submarine and Sea Control squadrons

[edit]

VS, which had been formally removed from the squadron designation system in 1946,[73][74] was resurrected in 1950, when VC squadrons that operated Anti-Submarine Aircraft were redesignated Air Anti-Submarine Squadrons (VS). In September 1993, the name of the VS designation was changed from "Air Anti-Submarine Squadron" to "Sea Control Squadron" to reflect the squadrons' S-3B Vikings' ability to fight surface ships as well as submarines.[15] The designation is no longer in active use but is still attached to 11 deactivated VS squadrons.

Designation Insignia Nickname Aircraft[7] Establishment and Redesignation{[8] Disestablished/ Deactivated Notes
VS-20 (1953-1956)
(first use)
AF-2S,W
S2F-1
VC-931: 1948
VS-931: 1 Aug 1950
VS-20: 4 Feb 1953
Disestablished 1 June 1956 Established as VC-931 (USNR), redesigned VS-931 (USNR) then activated on 1 Mar 1951
VS-20 (1961-1962)
(second use)
S2F-1F VS-20: 25 Aug 1961 Disestablished 1 October 1962
VS-21 Fighting Redtails AF-2S,W
S2F-1,1F/S-2F,E
S-3A,B
CVEG-41: 26 Mar 1945
CVEG-1: 15 Nov 1946
VC-21: 1 Sep 1948
VS-21: 23 Apr 1950[33]
Deactivated 28 February 2005 Escort Carrier Air Group-1 was redesignated as a single squadron designated VC-21 on 1 Sep 1948.[33]
Renamed "Sea Control Squadron" in Sep 1993
VS-22 (1950-1956)
(first use)
Checkmates AF-2S,W VT-42: 19 Jul 1945
VA-2E: 15 Nov 1946
VC-22: 1 Sep 1948
VS-22: 20 April 1950[9]
Disestablished 1 June 1956
VS-22 (1960-2009)
(second use)
Checkmates S2F-1/S-2F,E
S-3A,B
VS-22: 18 May 1960[33] Deactivated 31 March 2009 Adopted name and insignia from disestablished VS-22(1st).
Renamed "Sea Control Squadron" in Sep 1993
VS-23 Black Cats S2F-1/S-2A,E VA-3E: 21 Apr 1947
VC-23(2nd): 1 Sep 1948
VS-23: 23 Apr 1950[9]
Disestablished 27 September 1968
VS-24 (1950-1956)
(first use)
Duty Duty Cats AF-2S,W
S2F-1
VB-17: 1 Jan 1943
VA-5B: 15 Nov 1946
VA-64: 27 Jul 1948
VC-24 : 8 Apr 1949
VS-24 : 20 Apr 1950 [9]
Disestablished 1 June 1956
VS-24 (1960-2007)
(second use)
Scouts S2F-1/S-2A,F,D,E,G
S-3A,B
VS-24: 24 May 1960[33] Deactivated 31 March 2007 Adopted insignia from disestablished VS-24.
Renamed "Sea Control Squadron" in Sep 1993
VS-25 (1950-1956)
(first use)
Golden Eagles AF-2S,W
S2F-1
VC-25: 1 Apr 1949
VS-25: 20 Apr 1950
Disestablished 1 June 1956
VS-25 (1960-1968) Golden Eagles S2F-1F/S-2F,E VS-25: 1 Sep 1960 Disestablished 27 September 1968 Adopted name and insignia from first VS-25
VS-26 (1950-1956)
(first use)
Ready Squadron TBM-3E,W
S2F-1
VS-26: 1 Sep 1950 Disestablished 26 May 1956
VS-26 (1960-1966)
(second use)
Lucky Tigers S2F-2F/S-2B,D VS-26: 1 Jun 1960 Disestablished 31 May 1966
VS-27 (1950-1973)
(first use)
Pelicans TBM-3S,W
AF-2S,W
S2F-1,1F/S-2F,E,G
VS-27: 15 Nov 1950 Disestablished 30 June 1973
VS-27 (1987-1994)
(second use)
Sea Wolves S-3A VS-27: 22 Jan 1987 Disestablished 30 September 1994 First S-3A Squadron, East Coast FRS
Renamed "Sea Control Squadron" in Sep 1993
VS-28 Gamblers S2F-1/S-2A,E
S-3A,B
VS-28: 1 Jun 1960 Disestablished 1 October 1992
VS-29 Dragonfires S2F-1/S-2A,F,E
S-3A,B
VS-29: 1 April 1960[33] Deactivated 30 April 2004 Renamed "Sea Control Squadron" in Sep 1993
VS-30 Sea Tigers,
Diamondcutters (1960)
TBM-3E,W
AF-2S,W
S2F-1/S-2A,D,E,G
S-3A,B
VS-801: 9 Apr 1951
VS-30: 4 Feb 1953[33]
Deactivated 20 April 2007 (official)
Deactivation ceremony was 9 Dec 2005
VS-801 (USNR) activated on 9 Apr 1951.
S-2 FRS Jun 1960-Apr 1976.[75]
Renamed "Sea Control Squadron" in Sep 1993
VS-31 Topcats TBM-3S,W
AF-2S,W
S2F-1/S-2A,F,E,G
S-3A,B
VC-31: 28 Sep 1948
VS-31: 20 Apr 1950[33]
Deactivated 31 March 2008 Renamed "Sea Control Squadron" in Sep 1993
VS-32 Maulers TBM-3E,W
S2F-1/S-2A,B,F,E
S-3A,B
VC-32: 31 May 1949
VS-32: 20 Apr 1950[33]
Deactivated 30 September 2008 Renamed "Sea Control Squadron" in Sep 1993
VS-33 Screwbirds S2F-1/S-2A,E,G
S-3A,B
VS-33: 1 Apr 1960[33]
Deactivated 31 July 2006 Renamed "Sea Control Squadron" in Sep 1993
VS-34 Proud Tigers S2F-1, S-2D,E VS-34: 2 May 1960 Disestablished 1 October 1968
VS-35 (1961-1973)
(first use)
Boomerangers S2F-1,3/S-2D,E VS-35: 3 Jan 1961 Disestablished 30 June 1973
VS-35 (1976-1977)
(second use)
None VS-35: 1 Oct 1976 Disestablished 30 March 1977 Squadron was established in anticipation of the production of the S-3A Viking, but fiscal constraints prevented completion of the squadron stand up and it was disestablished after only six months.
VS-35 (1987-1988)
(third use)
Boomerangers S-3A VS-35: 3 Mar 1987 Disestablished 1 June 1988 Was established as part of the newly formed Carrier Air Wing 10 which was subsequently disestablished on 30 Sep 1988 due to fiscal constraints.
VS-35 (1991-2005)
(fourth use)
Blue Wolves S-3A,B VS-35: 4 Apr 1991[33]
Deactivated 31 March 2005 Renamed "Sea Control Squadron" in Sep 1993
VS-36 Gray Wolves TBM-3E,W
AF-2S,W
S2F-2, S-2D
VS-831: 8 Feb 1951
VS-36: 4 Feb 1953
Disestablished 31 May 1966 VS-831 (USNR) activated on 8 Feb 1951
VS-37 Sawbucks TBM-3E,W
AF-2S,W
S2F-1,1F, S-2D,E,G
S-3A,B
VS-871: 1 May 1951
VS-37: 8 July 1953
Disestablished 31 March 1995 VA-76E (USNR) established in 1946, redesigned VC-871 (USNR) in 1948, redesigned VS-871 (USNR) in 1950 and activated on 1 May 1951
VS-38 Red Griffins TBM-3E,S
S2F-1/S-2A,E,G
S-3A,B
VC-892: 20 Jul 1950
VS-892: 4 Aug 1950-
VS-38: 4 Feb 1953[33]
Deactivated 30 April 2004 VC-892 (USNR) activated on 20 Jul 1950, redesigned VS-892 (USNR).
Renamed "Sea Control Squadron" in Sep 1993
VS-39 Hoot Owls TBM-3S,W
AF-2S,W
S2F-1/S-3A,D,E
VS-913: 1 Feb 1951

VS-39: 4 Feb 1953

Disestablished 30 September 1968 VS-913 (USNR) activated on 1 Feb 1951
VS-41 Shamrocks S2F-1F/S-2F,D,E
S-3A,B
30 June 1960[33]
Deactivated 30 September 2006 FRS.
Renamed "Sea Control Squadron" in Sep 1993
VS-42 S2F-1F 25 Aug 1961 Disestablished 1 October 1962
VS-71 S-2E 1 Jul 1970 Disestablished 1 January 1975 United States Navy Reserve Squadrons.
Established as part of CVSGR-70
VS-72
VS-73 Blue Bandits
VS-81
VS-82
VS-83

VXE and VXN: Antarctic Development (VXE) and Oceanographic Development (VXN) squadrons

[edit]

The VXE and VXN designations were created in 1969 for two specialized VX squadrons that were supporting Antarctic and oceanographic research. The VXN designation was discontinued in 1993 with the disestablishment of VXN-8. No active squadron has carried the VXE designation since 1999, though it continues to designate the inactive VXE-6.

Designation Insignia Nickname Aircraft[7] Establishment and Redesignation Dates Disestablished/ Deactivated Notes
VXE-6 Puckered Penguins Lockheed LC-130
Bell UH-1
Redesignation of VX-6 on 1 January 1969
inactive from 27 March 1999–present
Deactivated 27 March 1999 Supported Antarctic scientific research
VXN-8 World Travelers[76] NC-121J,K
Lockheed RP-3A
AEWTULANT became OASU*: 1 Jul 1965
OASU: 1 Jul 1965-1 Jul 1967
VX-8: 1 Jul 1967-1 Jan 1969
VXN-8: 1 January 1969[77][78]
Disestablished 1993 *(Oceanographic Air Survey Unit)
Project Magnet & oceanographic research with Project Seascan and Project Birdseye. Also operated psychological operations radio and TV broadcast aircraft (Blue Eagle aircraft) during the Vietnam War.[76]

Designations still in use

[edit]

VAQ: Tactical Electronics Warfare squadrons and Electronic Attack squadrons

[edit]

By the late 1950s, Carrier Airborne Early Warning (VAW) squadrons, which used radar to detect airborne threats, had also begun developing electronic countermeasures equipment and procedures. Two squadrons (VAW-13 and VAW-33) were equipped for this purpose and provided specialized aircraft detachments to deploying carrier air groups. In 1968, those two squadrons were renamed "Tactical Electronics Warfare Squadron" to more accurately describe their role and differentiate them from the other VAW squadrons;[9] just a few months later, they received the new VAQ designation.[13]

Also receiving the new designation were some VAH squadrons whose KA-3 tankers had been fitted with electronic countermeasures equipment. (See the VAH section.)

On 30 March 1998, the name of the designation was changed to "Electronic Attack Squadron"[33] and all VAQ squadrons then in existence were renamed from "Tactical Electronics Warfare Squadron-____" to "Electronic Attack Squadron-____".

Designation Insignia Nickname Aircraft[7] Establishment and re-designation dates Disestablished/ deactivated Disestablished/ deactivated Date Notes
VAW-33 Nighthawks Douglas AD-5W/EA-1E
AD-5Q/EA-1F

Grumman TF-1Q/EC-1A[79]
redesignation of VA(AW)-33: 30 January 1959
Redesingated as VAQ-33 1 February 1968[9]
VAQ-33 disestablished 1 October 1993 Though the squadron carried the VAW designation it was an electronics countermeasures (ECM) squadron providing AD-5Q/EA-1F detachments to carrier air groups. From 1961 to 1966 it provided both AD-5Q/EA-1F ECM and AD-5W/EA-1E airborne early warning detachments.[25]
VAQ-33

(1970)
Nighthawks,
Firebirds
(1970)
EA-1F
ERA-3B
TA-3B
KA-3B

TA-4F
EA-4F
EA-4J

EC-121K
NC-121K

McDonnell Douglas F-4B Phantom II
EF-4B
EF-4J]]
Grumman EA-6A
LTV TA-7C
Lockheed P-3A Orion
EP-3A
P-3B
EP-3J]][25]
VC-33(2nd): 31 May 1949-2 Jul 1956
VA(AW)-33: 2 Jul 1956-30 Jan 1959
VAW-33: 30 Jan 1959-1 Feb 1968
VAQ-33: 1 Feb 1968 – 1 Oct 1993[9]
VAQ-33
Disestablished
1 October 1993 Provided Electronic Countermeasures (ECM) detachments of EA-1F aircraft to Carrier Air Wings until 1970 when its mission changed to simulation of electronic threats for Atlantic Fleet training ("Electronic Aggressor"). Operated as the A-3 variants Fleet Replacement Squadron from 1977 to 1991 when the A-3 was retired. Disestablished when the Electronic Aggressor role was transferred to the Navy Reserve in 1993.
VAQ-34
Electric Horsemen RA-3B
ERA-3B
KA-3B

TA-7C
EA-7L

McDonnell Douglas F/A-18A Hornet
VAQ-34: 1 Mar 1983 – 5 Oct 1993 VAQ-34
Disestablished
5 October 1993 Provided simulation of electronic threats for Pacific Fleet training ("Electronic Aggressor"). Disestablished when the Electronic Aggressor role was transferred to the Navy Reserve in 1993.
VAQ-35 Greywolves EA-6B VAQ-35: 14 Aug 1991 – 7 Oct 1993 VAQ-35
Disestablished
7 October 1993 Established as the second Pacific Fleet "Electronic Aggressor" squadron using personnel and aircraft of disestablished VAQ-142(1st). Though not officially established until October 1991, it had begun operations in June 1991. Disestablished when the Electronic Aggressor role was transferred to the Navy Reserve in 1993.
VAQ-128 Fighting Phoenix EA-6B VAQ-128: 1 Oct 1997-3 Sep 2004[80] VAQ-128
Deactivated
3 September 2004 Established as a land based squadron to replace the capacity lost when the USAF retired the EF-111. Squadron was supplemented with a few USAF aircrews.
VAQ-133
(First use)
Wizards EKA-3B
EA-6B
VAQ-133(1st): 4 Mar 1969-June 1992 VAQ-133(1st)
Disestablished
June 1992 A second squadron designated VAQ-133 also called the Wizards was established 1 Apr 1996. That second VAQ-133 is still active.[80]
VAQ-137
(First use)
Rooks EA-6B VAQ-137(1st): 14 Dec 1973 – 26 May 1994 VAQ-137(1st)
Disestablished
26 May 1994 A second squadron designated VAQ-137 also called the Rooks was established 1 Oct 1996. That second VAQ-137 is still active.[80]
VAQ-142
(First use)
Grim Watchdogs EA-6B VAQ-142(1st): 1 Jun 1988-Mar 1991 VAQ-142(1st)
Disestablished
March 1991 Personnel and aircraft were used to establish VAQ-35 upon disestablishment. A second squadron designated VAQ-142 called the Gray Wolves was established 1 Apr 1997. That second VAQ-142 is still active.[80]
VAQ-143 Cobras EA-6B
(planned)
VAQ-143: 1 Aug 2002 – 12 Nov 2009[80] VAQ-143
Deactivated
12 November 2009 Officially established but funding was never provided and shortage of aircraft made it impossible to effectively activate the squadron (was not officially deactivated until 12 November 2009).[80]
VAQ-208 Jockeys KA-3B[81] VAQ-208: 31 Jul 1970 – 1 Oct 1979
VAK-208: 1 Oct 1979-30 Sep 1989
(same sqdn listed in VAK section)[9]
VAK-208
Disestablished
30 September 1989 U. S. Navy Reserve Squadron. Though designated VAQ, the squadron was established to provide tanking and COD services[81] and did not operate as a tactical electronic warfare squadron.
VAQ-308 Griffins KA-3B[81] VAQ-308: 2 May 1970 – 1 Oct 1979
VAK-308: 1 Oct 1979-30 Sep 1988
(same sqdn listed in VAK section)[9]
VAK-308
Disestablished
30 September 1988 U. S. Navy Reserve Squadron. Though designated VAQ, the squadron was established to provide tanking and COD services[81] and did not operate as a tactical electronic warfare squadron.
VAQ-309 Axemen EA-6A
EA-6B
VAQ-309: 1 Feb 1979 – 31 Dec 1994 VAQ-309
Disestablished
31 December 1994 U. S. Navy Reserve Squadron

VAW: Carrier Airborne Early Warning squadrons

[edit]

The VAW designation was first used in July 1948 with the establishment of VAW-1 and VAW-2 to designate "Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron".[9] It was in use for only a month as in August 1948 VAW-1 and VAW-2 were redesignated "Composite Squadron" VC-11 and VC-12. In 1948 the VAW designation was resurrected when VC-11 and VC-12 were redesignated VAW-11 and VAW-12.[9] In 1967, VAW-11 and VAW-12 which were large land based squadrons that provided detachments of Airborne Early Warning aircraft to deploying carrier air wings were redesignated as wings and each of their detachments were established as separate squadrons.[82] Established from VAW-11 were RVAW-110 (a FRS), VAW-111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116 and established from VAW-12 were RVAW-120 (a FRS), VAW-121, 122, 123, 124. For a short time in 1968 the VAW designation designated "Tactical Electronics Warfare squadron" as well as "Airborne Early Warning squadron"[9] when VAW-13 and VAW-33 which had been operating as electronic countermeasures squadrons were retitled as such until they were redesignated with the new VAQ designation later that year (see the VAQ section).

In 2019 the name of the designation was changed to "Airborne Command and Control Squadron" and all VAW squadrons then in existence were renamed from "Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron-____" to "Airborne Command and Control Squadron-____".

Note: The parenthetical (First use), (Second use) and (1st), (2nd) appended to some designations in the table below are not a part of the squadron designation system. They are added to indicate that the designation was used more than once during the history of U.S. Naval Aviation and which use of the designation is indicated. Absence indicates that the designation was used only once.

Designation Insignia Nickname Aircraft[7] Establishment and Redesignation (if applicable) Dates Disestablished/ Deactivated as (or current designation) Disestablished/ Deactivated Date Notes
VAW-1 TBM-3W VAW-1: 6 Jul 1948 – 1 Sep 1948
VC-11(2nd): 1 Sep 1948-2 Jul 1956
(same sqdn listed in VC section)
VAW-11: 2 Jul 1956-20 Apr 1967[7]
VAW-11
Was redesignated a wing and subordinate dets were established as squadrons[82]
20 April 1967
VAW-2 Bats TBM-3W VAW-2: 6 Jul 1948 – 1 Sep 1948
VC-12(2nd): 1 Sep 1948-2 Jul 1956
(same sqdn listed in VC section)
VAW-12: 2 Jul 1956-1 Apr 1967[7]
VAW-12
Was redesignated a wing and subordinate dets were established as squadrons[82]
1 April 1967
VAW-11 Early Elevens AD-5W
AD-5Q

F2H-4
SNB
TF-1Q[83]
E-1B
E-2A
VAW-1: 6 Jul 1948-1 Sep 1948
VC-11(2nd): 1 Sep 1948-2 Jul 1956
(same sqdn listed in VC section)
VAW-11: 2 Jul 1956 – 20 Apr 1967[7]
VAW-11
Was redesignated a wing and subordinate dets were established as squadrons[82]
20 April 1967 Land based squadron, provided detachments of Airborne Early Warning (AEW) AD-5W aircraft and Electronic Countermeasures (ECM) AD-5Q aircraft to deploying Carrier Air Groups until 1961 when its ECM AD-5Qs were transferred to VAW-13. From 1961 onward it provided only AEW detachments.[83]
VAW-12 Bats AD-5W
E-1B
E-2A
VAW-2: 6 Jul 1948-1 Sep 1948
VC-12(2nd): 1 Sep 1948-2 Jul 1956
(same sqdn listed in VC section)
VAW-12: 2 Jul 1956 – 1 Apr 1967[7]
VAW-12
Was redesignated a wing and subordinate dets were established as squadrons[82]
1 April 1967 Land based squadron, provided detachments of Airborne Early Warning Aircraft to deploying Carrier Air Groups (Carrier Air Wings after 1963)
VAW-13 Zappers AD-5W
AD-5Q/EA-1F

TF-1Q/EC-1A
EKA-3B[83]
VAW-13: 1 Sep 1959 – 1 Oct 1968
VAQ-130:1 Oct 1968–present[33]
VAQ-130 Not Applicable still exists Though the squadron carried the VAW designation it provided both AD-5W airborne early warning (AEW) and AD-5Q electronic countermeasures (ECM) detachments to carrier air groups until 1961 when its AEW AD-5Ws were transferred to VAW-11. From 1961 onward it provided only ECM detachments.[83]
VAW-33 Nighthawks AD-5W/EA-1E
AD-5Q/EA-1F

TF-1Q/EC-1A[79]
VC-33(2nd): 31 May 1949-2 Jul 1956
(same sqdn listed in VC section)
VA(AW)-33: 2 Jul 1956-30 Jan 1959
(same sqdn listed in VA section)
VAW-33: 30 Jan 1959 – 1 Feb 1968
VAQ-33: 1 Feb 1968-1 Oct 1993[9]
(same sqdn listed in VAQ section)
VAQ-33
Disestablished
1 October 1993 Though the squadron carried the VAW designation it was an electronics countermeasures (ECM) squadron providing AD-5Q/EA-1F detachments to carrier air groups. From 1961 to 1966 it provided both AD-5Q/EA-1F ECM and AD-5W/EA-1E airborne early warning detachments.[25]
VAW-77 Night Wolves E-2C VAW-77: 1 Oct 1995–present[33]
(inactive 9 Mar 2013–present)
VAW-77
Deactivated
9 March 2013 U S Navy Reserve Squadron
Established specifically to support the USCG and other Federal Agencies in interdicting illegal drug trafficking
VAW-78 Fighting Escargots E-1B
E-2B, E-2C
VAW-78: 1 Jul 1970–present[33]
(inactive 31 Mar 2005–present)
VAW-78
Deactivated
31 March 2005 U S Navy Reserve Squadron
Established as a squadron of CVSGR-70. Moved to CVWR-20 upon VAW-207's disestablishment
VAW-88 Cotton Pickers E-1B
E-2B, E-2C
VAW-88: 1 Jun 1970 – 31 Dec 1994 VAW-88
Disestablished
31 December 1994 U S Navy Reserve Squadron
Established as a squadron of CVSGR-80. Moved to CVWR-30 upon VAW-307's disestablishment
RVAW-110 Firebirds E-1B
E-2A, E-2B, E-2C
RVAW-110: 20 Apr 1967 – 1 May 1983
VAW-110: 1 May 1983 – 1 Sep 1994
VAW-110
Disestablished
1 September 1994 RVAW-110 established from VAW-11 as a Fleet Replacement Squadron upon VAW-11's redesignation as a wing
VAW-110 Firebirds E-2C RVAW-110: 20 Apr 1967-May 1983
VAW-110: May 1983-1 Sep 1994
VAW-110
Disestablished
1 September 1994 The "R" was dropped from the RVAW designation to conform with all other Navy FRS designations
VAW-111
(First use)
Hunters (1967)
Grey Berets (1974)
E-1B VAW-111(1st): 20 Apr 1967 – 1 Jun 1977[7][84] VAW-111(1st)
Disestablished
1 June 1977 Established from a VAW-11 detachment
VAW-111
(Second use)
Grey Berets E-2B VAW-111(2nd): 1 Oct 1986 – 30 Apr 1988[7][84] VAW-111(2nd)
Disestablished
30 April 1988 Adopted "Grey Berets" name from the disestablished VAW-111(1st)
VAW-112 Golden Hawks E-2A, E-2B, E-2C VAW-112: 20 Apr 1967–present[33]
(inactive 31 May 2017 – present)
VAW-112
Deactivated
31 May 2017 Established from a VAW-11 detachment
VAW-114 Hormel Hawgs E-2A, E-2C VAW-114: 20 Apr 1967 – 16 Feb 1995 VAW-114
Disestablished
16 February 1995 Established from a VAW-11 detachment
VAW-122 Hummer Gators,
Steeljaws
E-2A, E-2B, E-2C VAW-122: 1 Apr 1976 – 31 Mar 1996 VAW-122
Disestablished
31 March 1996 Established from a VAW-12 detachment
VAW-127 Seabats E-2C VAW-127: 2 Sep 1983 – 30 Sep 1991 VAW-127
Disestablished
30 September 1991
VAW-207 E-1B VAW-207: 1 Jul 1970 – 1 Sep 1974[85] VAW-207
Disestablished
1 September 1974 U S Navy Reserve Squadron
Established as a squadron of CVWR-20
VAW-307 E-1B VAW-307: Jul 1970-Sep 1974[86] VAW-307
Disestablished
September 1974 U S Navy Reserve Squadron
Established as a squadron of CVWR-30

VFA: Fighter Attack and Strike Fighter squadrons

[edit]

The VFA designation was created in 1980 when the VA squadrons flying the LTV A-7E Corsair II attack aircraft began transitioning to the new McDonnell Douglas F/A-18A Hornet fighter attack aircraft. The designation combined the "F" fighter and "A" attack designations from the VF and VA designations to create the new "Fighter Attack (VFA) Squadron" designation. In 1983 the VFA designation was renamed from "Fighter Attack Squadron" to "Strike Fighter Squadron"[13] and all then existing VFA squadrons were renamed from "Fighter Attack Squadron-____" to "Strike Fighter Squadron-_____".

Designation Insignia Nickname Aircraft[87] Establishment and Redesignation (if applicable) Dates[9] Disestablished / Deactivated Notes
VFA-15 Valions F/A-18A
F/A-18C
established as VA-67 1 Aug 1968
redesignated VA-15 2 Jun 1969
redesignated VFA-15 1 Oct 1986
Deactivated 31 May 2017
VFA-82 Marauders F/A-18C established as VA-82: 1 May 1967
redesignated VFA-82: 13 Jul 1987
Deactivated 30 September 2005
VFA-101 Grim Reapers F-35C established VF-101: 1 May 1952
inactive 30 Sep 2005
redesignated VFA-101: 1 May 2012
Deactivated 1 July 2019 Second "Grim Reaper" squadron
Fleet Replacement Squadron based at Eglin Air Force Base with the USAF 33rd Fighter Wing which is the USAF F-35A training wing. VF-101 was first deactivated on 30 Sep 2005 as an F-14 FRS and reactivated[80] and redesignated VFA-101 as a F-35C FRS on 1 May 2012. Was deactivated a second time (as an F-35C FRS) on 1 July 2019
VFA-127 Cyclones T-38B
QT-38A

F-5E/F
F/A-18A
VA-127: 15 Jun 1962
redesignated VFA-127: 1 Mar 1987
Disestablished 23 March 1996 Adversary squadron to support air combat maneuver training
VFA-132 Privateers F/A-18A established 3 Jan 1984 Disestablished 1 June 1992
VFA-161 Chargers F/A-18A established as VF-161: 1 Sep 1960.,

redesignated VFA-161 1 Jun 1986

Disestablished 1 April 1988
VFA-201 Hunters F/A-18A VF-201: 25 Jul 1970
redesignated VFA-201 1 Jan 1999[33]
Deactivated 30 June 2007 U S Navy Reserve Squadron
VFA-203 Blue Dolphins F/A-18A established as VA-203 1 Jul 1970
redesignated VFA-203 1 Oct 1989[33]
Deactivated 30 June 2004 U S Navy Reserve Squadron
VFA-303 Golden Hawks F/A-18A established as VA-303 1 Jul 1970
redesignated VFA-303: 1 Jan 1984
Disestablished 31 December 1994 U S Navy Reserve Squadron
VFA-305 Lobos F/A-18A VA-305 established 1 Jul 1970
redesignated VFA-305: 1 Jan 1987
Disestablished 31 December 1994 U S Navy Reserve Squadron

VP: Patrol squadrons and VP Designations no longer in use. Also VA(HM), VPB, VB

[edit]
Squadron Designation Insignia Nickname Aircraft Disestablished Notes
VP-1 Curtiss N-9 July 1922
VP-1 (1924-6) Felixstowe F5L 3 May 1926
VP-1 (1937-9) redesignated VP-21 on 1 July 1939
VP-1 (1940) redesignated VP-101 on 3 December 1940
VP-1 (1943-4) redesignated VPB-1 on 1 October 1944
VP-1B redesignated VP-1F on 15 April 1933
VP-1D14 redesignated VP-1B on 1 July 1931
VP-1F redesignated VP-1 on 1 October 1937
VP-2 redesignated VP-31 on 1 July 1939
VP-2 (1948-69) Lockheed SP-2H Neptune 30 September 1969
VP-2D15 redesignated VP-2S on 1 July 1931
VP-2F redesignated VP-2 on 1 October 1937
VP-2S redesignated VP-2F on 17 July 1933
VP-3 redesignated VP-32 on 1 July 1939
VP-3 (1948-55) Lockheed P2V-5 1 November 1955
VP-3F redesignated VP-3 on 1 October 1937
VP-3S redesignated VP-3F on 17 July 1933
VP-4-1 Tophatters Not Applicable. Still exists as VFA-14 Established in Sep 1919 as Air Detachment Pacific Fleet, redesignated VT-5 1920, redesignated VP-4-1 1921, redesignated VF-4 1921, redesignated VF-1 1922, redesignated VF-1B 1927 redesignated VB-2B 1934, redesignated VB-3 1937, redesignated VB-4 1939, redesignated VS-41 1941, redesignated VB-41 1943, redesignated VB-4 1943, redesignated VA-1A 1946 , redesignated VA-14 1948 redesignated VF-14 on 1949 redesignated VFA-14 on 1 Dec 2001.[31] This is the oldest continuously operating squadron in the U.S. Navy.
VP-4 redesignated VP-22 on 1 July 1939
VP-4B redesignated VP-4F on 17 July 1933
VP-4D14 redesignated VP-4B on 21 January 1931
VP-4F redesignated VP-4 on 1 October 1937
VP-6 (1924-6) F5L 3 May 1926
VP-6 (1937-9) redesignated VP-23 on 1 July 1939
VP-6 (1948-93) Blue Sharks Lockheed P-3 Orion 31 May 1993 NAS Barbers Point
VP-6B redesignated VP-6F on 17 July 1933
VP-6F redesignated VP-6 on 1 October 1937
VP-7 redesignated VP-11 on 1 July 1939
VP-7 (1948-69) Dragon Patrol
Black Falcons
SP-2H 8 October 1969
VP-7B redesignated VP-7F on 1 July 1931
VP-7F redesignated VP-7 on 1 October 1937
VP-8 redesignated VP-24 on 1 July 1939
VP-8F redesignated VP-8 on 1 October 1937
VP-8S redesignated VP-8F on 3 April 1933
VP-9 redesignated VP-12 on 1 July 1939
VP-9B redesignated VP-9F on 26 October 1931
VP-9F redesignated VP-9 on 1 October 1937
VP-9S redesignated VP-9B on 1 October 1930
VP-10 redesignated VP-2D15 on 21 September 1927
VP-10 (1937-9) redesignated VP-25 on 1 July 1939
VP-10F redesignated VP-10 on 1 October 1937
VP-10S redesignated VP-10F on 17 July 1933
VP-11 redesignated VP-54 on 1 October 1937
VP-11 (1939-41) redesignated VP-21 on 1 February 1941
VP-11 (1941-4) redesignated VPB-11 on 1 October 1944
VP-11 (1952-97) Proud Pegasus P-3 15 January 1997
VP-11F redesignated VP-11 on 1 October 1937
VP-12 (1937-9) redesignated VP-51 on 1 July 1939
VP-12 (1939-41) redesignated VP-24 on 1 August 1941
VP-12 (1941-4) redesignated VPB-120 on 1 October 1944
VP-12F redesignated VP-12 on 1 October 1937
VP-13 redesignated VP-26 on 11 December 1939
VP-13 (1940-4) redesignated VPB-13 on 1 October 1944
VP-14 redesignated VP-1D14 on 21 September 1927
VP-14 (1937-9) redesignated VP-52 on 1 July 1939
VP-14 (1940-1) redesignated VP-26 on 15 April 1941
VP-14 (1941-4) redesignated VPB-14 on 1 October 1944
VP-14F redesignated VP-14 on 4 September 1937
VP-15 redesignated VP-53 on 1 July 1939
VP-15 (1943-4) redesignated VPB-15 on 1 October 1944
VP-15F redesignated VP-15 on 1 October 1937
VP-16 redesignated VP-41 on 1 July 1939
VP-16 (1943-4) redesignated VPB-16 on 1 October 1944
VP-16F redesignated VP-16 on 1 October 1937
VP-17 (1944) redesignated VPB-17 on 1 October 1944
VP-17 (1953-6) redesignated VA(HM)-10 on 1 July 1956
VP-17 (1959-95) White Lightnings P-3 31 March 1995 NAS Barbers Point
VP-18 (1937-9) redesignated VP-13 on 1 July 1939
VP-18 (1944) redesignated VPB-18 on 1 October 1944
VP-18 (1953-68) Flying Phantoms P-2 10 October 1968
VP-19 redesignated VP-43 on 1 July 1939
VP-19 (1944) redesignated VPB-19 on 1 October 1944
VP-19 (1946) redesignated VP-MS-9 on 15 November 1946
VP-19 (1953-91)

Big Red P-3 31 August 1991 NAS Moffett Field
VP-20 redesignated VP-44 on 1 July 1940
VP-20 (1944) redesignated VPB-20 on 1 October 1944
VP-20 (1948-9) PB4Y-2 31 March 1949
VP-21 redesignated VP-45 on 1 July 1939
VP-21 (1939-40) redesignated VP-1 on 30 July 1940
VP-21 (1941-2) PBY-5 18 April 1942 merged with VP-101 and VP-22
VP-21 (1944) redesignated VPB-21 on 1 October 1944
VP-21 (1946) redesignated VP-MS-11 on 15 November 1946
VP-21 (1948-69) Black Jacks P-2 21 November 1969 NAS Brunswick
VP-22 PBY-5 18 April 1942 merged with VP-101 on 18 April 1942
VP-22 (1944) redesignated VPB-22 on 1 October 1944
VP-22 (1946) redesignated VP-MS-2 on 15 November 1946
VP-22 (1948-94) Blue Geese P-3 31 March 1994 NAS Barbers Point
VP-23 redesignated VP-11 on 1 August 1941
VP-23 (1941-4) redesignated VPB-23 on 1 October 1944
VP-23 (1946-95) Sea Hawks P-3 28 February 1995 NAS Brunswick
VP-24 redesignated VP-12 on 1 August 1941
VP-24 (1941-4) redesignated VPB-24 on 1 October 1944
VP-24 (1948-56) redesignated as VA-HM-13 on 1 July 1956
VP-24 (1959-95) Batmen P-3 30 April 1995 NAS Jacksonville
VP-25 redesignated VP-23 on 1 August 1941
VP-25 (1944) redesignated VPB-25 on 1 October 1944
VP-25 (1946) PBM-3D2 28 June 1946
VP-25 (1948-50) Bulldogs PB4Y-2B 1 January 1950
VP-26 redesignated VP-102 on 16 December 1940
VP-26 (1941) redesignated VP-14 on 1 July 1941
VP-26 (1944) redesignated VPB-26 on 1 October 1944
VP-26 (1946) PBM-5 14 December 1946
VP-27 PB4Y-2 11 January 1950
VP-28 redesignated VPB-28 on 1 October 1944
VP-28 (1946) redesignated VP-MS-3 on 15 November 1946
VP-28 (1948-69) Hawaiian Warriors P-3A 1 October 1969
VP-29 PB4Y-2 18 January 1950
VP-29 (1952-55) P2V-7 1 November 1955
VP-31 redesignated VB-105 on 15 May 1943
VP-31 (1960-93) Black Lightnings/Genies P-3 1 November 1993 NAS Moffett Field
West Coast FRS
VP-32 redesignated VP-52 on 1 July 1941
VP-32 (1948-9) PBY-6A 6 June 1949
VP-33 redesignated VPB-33 on 1 October 1944
VP-33 (1948-9) PBM-5A 15 December 1949
VP-34 redesignated VPB-34 on 1 October 1944
VP-34 (1948-56) PBM-5S 30 June 1956
VP-40 PBM-5E 25 January 1950
VP-41 redesignated VB-136 on 1 March 1943
VP-41 (1948-9) PBM-3D 23 April 1949
VP-42 SP-2H 26 September 1969
VP-43 redesignated VP-81 on 1 July 1941
VP-43 (1941-4) redesignated VPB-43 on 1 October 1944
VP-43 (1948-9) PBM-3D 31 March 1949
VP-44 (1940-1) redesignated VP-61 on 6 January 1941
VP-44 (1941-4) redesignated VPB-44 on 1 October 1944
VP-44 (1948-50) PBM 20 January 1950 NAS Norfolk
VP-44 (1951-91) Golden Pelicans P-3 28 June 1991 NAS Brunswick
VP-45 redesignated VP-14 on 1 December 1939
VP-45 (1943-4) redesignated VPB-45 on 1 October 1944
VP-48 PBM-5 31 December 1949
VP-48 (1946-91) Boomers P-3 23 May 1991 NAS Moffett Field
VP-49 Woodpeckers P-3 1 March 1994 NAS Jacksonville
VP-50 Blue Dragons P-3 30 June 1992 NAS Moffett Field
VP-51 redesignated VP-71 on 1 July 1941
VP-51 (1941-3) redesignated VB-101 on 1 March 1943
VP-51 (1948-50) PB4Y-2 1 February 1950
VP-52 redesignated VP-72 on 1 July 1941
VP-52 (1941-4) redesignated VPB-52 on 1 October 1944
VP-53 redesignated VP-73 on 1 July 1941
VP-53 (1942-4) redesignated VPB-53 on 1 October 1944
VP-53 (1946) redesignated VP-AM-1 on 15 November 1946
VP-54 redesignated VP-51 on 1 July 1941
VP-54 (1942-4) redesignated VPB-54 on 1 October 1944
VP-55 redesignated VP-74 on 1 July 1941
VP-56 redesignated OTS on 1 July 1941
VP-56 (1953-91) Dragons P-3 28 June 1991 NAS Jacksonville
VP-60 Cobras P-3 1 September 1994 USNR

NAS Glenview

VP-61 redesignated VP-82 on 1 July 1941
VP-61 (1942-4) redesignated VPB-61 on 1 October 1944
VP-61 (1948-50) SNB-2P 17 January 1950
VP-61 (1951-2) redesignated VJ-61 on 5 March 1952
VP-62 PBY-5A 1 July 1943
VP-62 (1943-4) redesignated VPB-62 on 1 October 1944
VP-62 (1946) redesignated VP-AM-2 on 15 November 1946
VP-62 (1948-50) PB4Y-1P 30 January 1950
VP-63 redesignated VPB-63 on 1 October 1944
VP-67 Golden Hawks P-3 30 September 1994 USNR

NAS Memphis

VP-68 Blackhawks P-3 16 January 1997 USNR

NAF Washington/Andrews AFB

VP-71 redesignated VPB-71 on 1 October 1944
VP-71 (1946) redesignated VP-AM-3 on 15 November 1946
VP-72 redesignated VPB-122 on 1 October 1944
VP-73 redesignated VPB-73 on 1 October 1944
VP-73 (1946) redesignated VP-AM-4 on 15 November 1946
VP-74 redesignated VPB-74 on 1 October 1944
VP-74 (1946) redesignated VP-MS-10 on 15 November 1946
VP-81 redesignated VPB-121 on 1 October 1944
VP-82 redesignated VB-125 on 1 March 1943
VP-83 redesignated VB-107 on 15 May 1943
VP-84 redesignated VPB-84 on 1 October 1944
VP-90 Lions P-3 30 September 1994 USNR

NAS Glenview

VP-91 redesignated VPB-91 on 1 October 1944
VP-92 redesignated VPB-92 on 1 October 1944
VP-93 Executioners P-3 30 September 1994 USNR

NAF Detroit/Selfridge ANGB

VP-94 redesignated VPB-94 on 1 October 1944
VP-100 redesignated VPB-100 on 1 October 1944
VP-101 redesignated VPB-29 on 1 October 1944
VP-102 Unknown PBY 18 April 1942
VP-102 (1943-4) redesignated VPB-4 on 1 October 1944
VP-102 (1946) redesignated VP-HL-2 on 15 November 1946
VP-104 redesignated as VP-HL-4 on 15 November 1946,
VP-106 Wolverators PB4Y-2 5 October 1946
VP-107 redesignated VP-HL-7 on 15 November 1946
VP-108 redesignated VP-HL-8 on 15 November 1946
VP-111 redesignated VP-HL-11 on 15 November 1946
VP-115 redesignated VP-HL-13 on 15 November 1946
VP-116 redesignated VP-HL-1 on 15 November 1946
VP-119 redesignated VP-HL-9 on 15 November 1946
VP-120 redesignated VP-HL-10 on 15 November 1946
VP-122 redesignated VP-HL-12 on 15 November 1946
VP-123 PB4Y-2 1 October 1946
VP-124 redesignated VP-HL-3 on 15 November 1946
VP-130 redesignated VP-ML-2 on 15 November 1946
VP-131 PV-2 11 June 1946
VP-133 PV-2 17 June 1946
VP-136 redesignated VP-ML-3 on 15 November 1946
VP-142 PV-2 14 June 1946
VP-143 redesignated VP-HL-5 on 15 November 1946
VP-146 redesignated VP-ML-6 on 15 November 1946
VP-148 PV-2 15 June 1946
VP-152 PV-2 14 June 1946
VP-153 PV-2 14 June 1946
VP-202 redesignated VPB-202 on 1 October 1944
VP-203 redesignated VPB-203 on 1 October 1944
VP-204 (1942-4) redesignated VPB-204 on 1 October 1944
VP-204 (1946) redesignated VP-MS-4 on 15 November 1946
VP-206 redesignated VPB-206 on 1 October 1944
VP-207 redesignated VPB-207 on 1 October 1944
VP-208 redesignated VPB-208 on 1 October 1944
VP-208 (1946) redesignated VP-MS-8 on 15 November 1946
VP-209 redesignated VPB-209 on 1 October 1944
VP-210 redesignated VPB-210 on 1 October 1944
VP-211 redesignated VPB-211 on 1 October 1944
VP-212 redesignated VPB-212 on 1 October 1944
VP-213 redesignated VPB-213 on 1 October 1944
VP-214 redesignated VPB-214 on 1 October 1944
VP-215 redesignated VPB-215 on 1 October 1944
VP-216 redesignated VPB-216 on 1 October 1944
VP-661 redesignated VP-56 on 4 February 1953
VP-731 redesignated VP-48 on 4 February 1953
VP-772 redesignated VP-17 on 4 February 1953
VP-812 redesignated VP-29 on 27 August 1952
VP-861 redesignated VP-18 on 4 February 1953
VP-871 redesignated VP-19 on 4 February 1953
VP-892 redesignated VP-50 on 4 February 1953
VP-900 redesignated VP-ML-71 on 15 November 1946
VP-905 redesignated VP-ML-55 on 15 November 1946
VP-907 redesignated VP-ML-57 on 15 November 1946
VP-911 redesignated VP-ML-61 on 15 November 1946
VP-914 redesignated VP-ML-64 on 15 November 1946
VP-916 redesignated VP-ML-66 on 15 November 1946
VP-917 redesignated VP-ML-67 on 15 November 1946
VPB-1 PB2Y-3 6 March 1945
VPB-4 PB2Y-3R 1 November 1945
VPB-11 PBY-5 20 June 1945
VPB-13 PB2Y-5 1 December 1945
VPB-14 redesignated VPB-197 on 2 December 1944
VPB-15 PB2Y-5 23 November 1945
VPB-16 PBM-3D 30 June 1945
VPB-17 PBM-3D 30 January 1946
VPB-18 Unknown PBM 23 November 1945
VPB-19 redesignated VP-19 on 15 May 1946
VPB-20 PBM-5 4 February 1946
VPB-21 redesignated VP-21 on 15 May 1946
VPB-22 redesignated VP-22 on 15 May 1946
VPB-23 PBY-5A 25 January 1946
VPB-24 PBY-5A 30 June 1945
VPB-25 redesignated VP-25 on 15 May 1946
VPB-26 redesignated VP-26 on 15 May 1946
VPB-28 redesignated VP-28 on 25 June 1946
VPB-29 PBY-5 20 June 1945
VPB-33 PBY-5A 7 April 1945
VPB-34 PBY-5 7 April 1945
VPB-43 PBY-5A 15 September 1945
VPB-44 PBY-5A 20 June 1945
VPB-45 PBY-5A 5 June 1945
VPB-52 PBY-5 7 April 1945
VPB-53 redesignated VP-53 on 15 May 1946
VPB-54 PBY-5A 7 April 1945
VPB-61 PBY-5A 15 September 1945
VPB-62 redesignated VP-62 on 15 May 1946
VPB-63 Madcats PBY-5 2 July 1945
VPB-71 redesignated VP-71 on 15 May 1946
VPB-73 redesignated VP-73 on 15 May 1946
VPB-74 redesignated VP-74 on 15 May 1946
VPB-84 PBY-5 28 June 1945
VPB-91 PBM-3S 2 April 1946
VPB-92 PBY-5A 28 May 1945
VPB-94 PBY-5A 22 December 1944
VPB-98 PBM-5D 1 April 1946
VPB-99 PBM-5D 15 January 1946
VPB-100 PV-2 15 December 1945
VPB-101 redesignated VX-4 on 15 May 1946
VPB-102 redesignated VP-102 on 15 May 1946
VPB-103 PB4Y-2 31 August 1945
VPB-104 redesignated as VP-104 on 15 May 1946
VPB-105 PB4Y-1 27 June 1945
VPB-106 redesignated VP-106 on 15 May 1946
VPB-107 redesignated VP-107 on 15 May 1946
VPB-108 redesignated VP-108 on 15 May 1946
VPB-109 PB4Y-2 12 October 1945
VPB-110 PB4Y-1 1 September 1945
VPB-111 redesignated VP-111 on 15 May 1946
VPB-112 PB4Y-2 1 September 1945
VPB-113 PB4Y-1 28 May 1945
VPB-115 redesignated VP-115 on 15 May 1946
VPB-116 redesignated VP-116 on 15 May 1946
VPB-117 PB4Y-2 15 November 1945
VPB-118 PB4Y-2 11 December 1945
VPB-119 redesignated VP-119 on 15 May 1946
VPB-120 redesignated VP-120 on 15 May 1946
VPB-121 PB4Y-2 1 June 1946
VPB-122 redesignated VP-122 on 15 May 1946
VPB-123 redesignated VP-123 on 15 May 1946
VPB-124 redesignated VP-124 on 15 May 1946
VPB-125 PV-1 8 June 1945
VPB-126 PV-1 27 June 1945
VPB-127 PV-1 10 July 1945
VPB-129 PV-1 4 June 1945
VPB-130 redesignated VP-130 on 15 May 1946
VPB-131 redesignated VP-131 on 15 May 1946
VPB-132 PV-1 30 May 1945
VPB-133 redesignated VP-133 on 15 May 1946
VPB-134 PV-1 25 April 1945
VPB-136 redesignated VP-136 on 15 May 1946
VPB-137 PV-1 20 July 1945
VPB-138 redesignated VPB-124 on 15 December 1944
VPB-139 Vee-Bees PV-2 13 September 1945
VPB-140 redesignated VPB-123 on 20 November 1944
VPB-141 PV-2 16 June 1945
VPB-142 redesignated VP-142 on 15 May 1946
VPB-143 redesignated VP-143 on 15 May 1946
VPB-145 PV-1 18 June 1945
VPB-146 redesignated as VP-146 on 15 May 1946
VPB-147 PV-2 2 July 1945
VPB-148 redesignated VP-148 on 15 May 1946
VPB-149 PV-1 6 September 1945
VPB-150 Devilfish P-Viators PV-2 20 July 1945
VPB-151 PV-1 30 June 1945
VPB-152 redesignated VP-152 on 15 May 1946
VPB-153 redesignated VP-153 on 15 May 1946
VPB-197 PB4Y-1 1 April 1946
VPB-198 PV-2 1 April 1946
VPB-199 PV-2 2 November 1945
VPB-200 24 October 1945
VPB-202 Leeman's Demons PBM-3D 20 June 1945
VPB-203 PBM-3S 30 June 1945
VPB-204 redesignated VP-204 on 15 May 1946
VPB-206 PBM-3S 4 June 1945
VPB-207 PBM-3S 26 June 1945
VPB-208 redesignated VP-208 on 15 May 1946
VPB-209 PBM-3S 20 June 1945
VPB-210 PBM-3S 10 July 1945
VPB-211 PBM-3S 14 June 1945
VPB-212 PBM-5E 15 May 1946
VPB-213 PBM-3S 10 July 1945
VPB-214 PBM-3S 21 June 1945
VPB-215 PBM-3S 28 May 1945
VPB-216 PBM-3D 7 April 1945
VA(HM)-10 redesignated VP-17 on 1 July 1959
VA-HM-13 redesignated VP-24 on 1 July 1959
VP-AM-1 PBY-6A 5 May 1948
VP-AM-2 redesignated VP-32 on 1 September 1948
VP-AM-3 redesignated VP-33 on 1 September 1948
VP-AM-4 redesignated VP-34 on 1 September 1948
VP-AM-5 PBY-5A 31 December 1947
VP-HL-1 PB4Y-2 22 May 1947
VP-HL-2 redesignated VP-22 on 1 September 1948
VP-HL-3 PB4Y-2 22 May 1947
VP-HL-4 redesignated VP-24 on 1 September 1948
VP-HL-5 PB4Y-2 27 May 1947
VP-HL-7 redesignated VP-27 on 1 September 1948
VP-HL-8 redesignated VP-28 on 1 September 1948
VP-HL-9 redesignated VP-ML-7 on 25 June 1947
VP-HL-10 redesignated VP-20 on 1 September 1948
VP-HL-11 redesignated VP-21 on 1 September 1948
VP-HL-12 redesignated VP-29 on 1 September 1948
VP-HL-13 redesignated VP-25 on 1 September 1948
VP-MAU Rolling Thunder P-3 17 August 1991 USNR

NAS Moffett Field

VP-ML-2 redesignated VP-2 on 1 September 1948
VP-ML-3 redesignated VP-3 on 1 September 1948
VP-ML-6 redesignated VP-6 on 1 September 1948
VP-ML-7 redesignated VP-7 on 1 September 1948
VP-ML-55 redesignated VP-731 in February 1950
VP-ML-57 redesignated VP-871 in February 1950
VP-ML-61 redesignated VP-812 in February 1950
VP-ML-64 redesignated VP-861 in February 1950
VP-ML-66 redesignated VP-772 in February 1950
VP-ML-67 redesignated VP-892 in February 1950
VP-ML-71 redesignated VP-661 in February 1950
VP-MS-2 redesignated VP-42 on 1 September 1948
VP-MS-3 redesignated VP-43 on 1 September 1948
VP-MS-4 redesignated VP-44 on 1 September 1948
VP-MS-8 redesignated VP-48 on 1 September 1948
VP-MS-9 redesignated VP-49 on 1 September 1948
VP-MS-10 redesignated VP-40 on 1 September 1948
VP-MS-11 redesignated VP-41 on 1 September 1948
VPW-1 redesignated VP-51 on 1 September 1948
VB-101 redesignated VPB-101 on 1 October 1944
VB-102 redesignated VPB-102 on 1 October 1944
VB-103 redesignated VPB-103 on 1 October 1944
VB-104 redesignated VPB-104 on 1 October 1944
VB-105 redesignated VPB-105 on 1 October 1944
VB-106 redesignated VPB-106 on 1 October 1944
VB-107 redesignated VPB-107 on 1 October 1944
VB-108 redesignated VPB-108 on 1 October 1944
VB-109 redesignated VPB-109 on 1 October 1944
VB-110 redesignated VPB-110 on 1 October 1944
VB-111 redesignated VPB-111 on 1 October 1944
VB-112 redesignated VPB-112 on 1 October 1944
VB-113 redesignated VPB-113 on 1 October 1944
VB-115 redesignated VPB-115 on 1 October 1944
VB-116 redesignated VPB-116 on 1 October 1944
VB-117 redesignated VPB-117 on 1 October 1944
VB-118 redesignated VPB-118 on 1 October 1944
VB-119 redesignated VPB-119 on 1 October 1944
VB-125 redesignated VPB-125 on 1 October 1944
VB-126 redesignated VPB-126 on 1 October 1944
VB-127 redesignated VPB-127 on 1 October 1944
VB-129 redesignated VPB-129 on 1 October 1944
VB-130 redesignated VPB-130 on 1 October 1944
VB-131 redesignated VPB-131 on 1 October 1944
VB-132 redesignated VPB-132 on 1 October 1944
VB-133 redesignated VPB-133 on 1 October 1944
VB-134 redesignated VPB-134 on 1 October 1944
VB-136 redesignated VPB-136 on 1 October 1944
VB-137 redesignated VPB-137 on 1 October 1944
VB-138 redesignated VPB-138 on 1 October 1944
VB-139 redesignated VPB-139 on 1 October 1944
VB-140 redesignated VPB-140 on 1 October 1944
VB-141 redesignated VPB-141 on 1 October 1944
VB-142 redesignated VPB-142 on 1 October 1944
VB-143 redesignated VPB-143 on 1 October 1944
VB-145 redesignated VPB-145 on 1 October 1944
VB-146 redesignated VPB-146 on 1 October 1944
VB-147 redesignated VPB-147 on 1 October 1944
VB-148 redesignated VPB-148 on 1 October 1944
VB-149 redesignated VPB-149 on 1 October 1944
VB-150 redesignated VPB-150 on 1 October 1944
VB-151 redesignated VPB-151 on 1 October 1944
VB-152 redesignated VPB-152 on 1 October 1944
VB-153 redesignated VPB-153 on 1 October 1944
VB-198 redesignated VPB-198 on 1 October 1944
VB-200 redesignated VPB-200 on 1 October 1944

VP and VPU: Patrol squadrons

[edit]
Squadron Designation Insignia Nickname Aircraft Deactivated Notes
VP-64 Condors Lockheed P-3 Orion N/A, still exists as VR-64 USNR
Established 1 November 1970, redesignated VR-64 on 18 September 2004. NAS Willow Grove
VP-65 Tridents 31 March 2006 USNR
Established 16 November 1970. NAS Point Mugu
VP-66 Liberty Bells 31 March 2006 USNR
Established 1 November 1970. NAS Willow Grove
VP-91 (1970-99) Black Cats 31 March 1999 USNR
Established 1 November 1970. NAS Moffett Field
VP-92 (1970-2007) Minutemen 30 November 2007 USNR
Established 1 November 1970. NAS Brunswick
VP-94 (1970-2006) Crawfishers 31 March 2006 USNR
Established 1 November 1970. NAS New Orleans
VPU-1 Old Buzzards 27 April 2012 Established 1 July 1982 as "Patrol Squadron Special Project Unit ONE (VPU-1)", redesignated "Special Projects Patrol Squadron ONE (VPU-1)" 1 April 1998.

VQ: Fleet Air Reconnaissance squadrons

[edit]

In 1961 the VQ designation which from 1955 had designated "Electronic Countermeasures Squadron" through 1960 was changed to "Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron" as the squadrons rather than simply jamming communications and electronic signals had by then been equipped to collect them for intelligence purposes.[13]

Designation Insignia Nickname Aircraft[7] Establishment[80] Deactivated Notes
VQ-2 Rangers Martin P4M-1Q
Lockheed P2V
A3D-1Q
A3D-2Q/EA-3B

Lockheed WV-2Q/EC-121M
EP-3E
Established 1 September 1955
Deactivated 22 May 2012 Operated land based Comint/Elint gathering aircraft and provided detachments of EA-3Bs to carrier air wings
VQ-5 Sea Shadows ES-3A Established 15 April 1991

Deactivated 30 July 1999
Provided Comint/Elint dets to Carrier Air Wings after VQ-1 and VQ-2 ceased operating the carrier based EA-3B
VQ-6 Black Ravens ES-3A Established 5 August 1991
Deactivated 30 September 1999 Provided Comint/Elint dets to Carrier Air Wings after VQ-1 and VQ-2 ceased operating the carrier based EA-3B
VQ-11 Bandits EP-3J Established 1 July 1997
Deactivated 31 March 2000 U S Navy Reserve Squadron.
Simulated hostile radar and communications jamming for fleet training

VR and VRC: Fleet Logistics Support Squadrons

[edit]

The VR designation was first used in 1948 to designate Transport or Air Transport or Fleet Logistics Air squadrons. In 1958 the name of the designation was changed to Fleet Tactical Support squadron and in 1976 it was again changed to Fleet Logistics Support squadrons as it remains today.

Squadron Designation Insignia Nickname Aircraft Deactivated Notes
VR-46 Eagles McDonnell Douglas C-9 Summer 2012 USNR
NAS JRB Fort Worth
VR-48 Capital Skyliners C-20G USNR
Joint Base Andrews
VR-52 Taskmasters McDonnell Douglas C-9 Summer 2012 USNR
Joint Base McGuire, Dix, Lakehurst

In 1960 the VRC designation was created to designate squadrons which operated logistics aircraft capable of landing on and taking off from aircraft carriers - Carrier Onboard Delivery. The designation name was the same as the VR designation of the time or Fleet Tactical Support squadron. In 1976 the designation was changed to Fleet Logistics Support squadron along with the change in name of the VR designation.

Squadron Designation Insignia Nickname Aircraft Disestablished Notes
VRC-50 Foo-Dogs Lockheed US-3 Viking
Grumman C-2 Greyhound
Lockheed C-130 Hercules
7 October 1994

VT: Training squadrons

[edit]

The VT designation was variously used from 1920 to designate squadrons armed with torpedoes until 1946 when all remaining VT squadrons were redesignated Attack (VA) squadrons. On 1 May 1960 the VT designation was resurrected and existing flying training units were designated "Training Squadrons (VT)".[13] From 1947 to 1960 training units were not designated as squadrons, they were "units" or "groups" called Basic Training Groups (BTG), Advanced Training Units (ATU), Jet Transition Training Units (JTTU) or Multi Engine Training Groups (METG).[citation needed]

Designation Insignia Nickname Aircraft[7] Establishment and Redesignation (if applicable) Dates Disestablished/deactivated Notes
Transition Training Squadron Atlantic
VT-1 Eaglets Beechcraft T-34 Mentor BTG-1: redesignated VT-1 on 1 May 1960
VT-1: 1 May 1960 – 1 Oct 1976[89]
VT-1 disestablished October 1976 Training Air Wing SEVEN, NAS Saufley Field. Primary training squadron
VT-5 Tigers North American T-28 Trojan
Beechcraft T-34 Mentor 1974
BTG-5: redesignated VT-5 on 1 May 1960
VT-5: 1 May 1960 – 1 Oct 1976[89]
VT-5 Disestablished 1 October 1976 Training Air Wing SEVEN, NAS Saufley Field. Carrier Qualification training squadron until 1974, then a primary training squadron
VT-9
(first training squadron use)
Tigers T2J-1/T-2A 1961
North American T-2 Buckeye 1969
VT-9(1st): 15 Dec 1961-Jul 1987 VT-9 Disestablished July 1987 Training Air Wing ONE, NAS Meridian. Jet training squadron
VT-19 Fighting Frogs T-2C VT-19: 2 Aug 1971 – 1 Oct 1998
VT-9(2nd): 1 Oct 1998–present.
still in existence Training Air Wing ONE, NAS Meridian. Jet training squadron
VT-23 Professionals F11F-1/F-11A 1958
TF-9J 1965
TA-4J 1970
T-2C 1972
T-45C 1997
ATU-222: 11 Nov 1958-1 May 1960
VT-23: 1 May 1960 – present
(Inactive 30 Sep 1999–present)
VT-23 Deactivated 30 September 1999 Training Air Wing TWO, NAS Kingsville. Reassigned to Training Air Wing ONE, NAS Meridian in 1994.[90] Jet training squadron
VT-24 Bobcats F9F-8T/TF-9J 1954
TA-4J 1972
ATU-203: 1 Jul 1954-1 May 1960
VT-24: 1 May 1960 – 18 Sep 1992[91]
VT-24 Disestablished 18 September 1992 Training Air Wing THREE, NAS Chase Field. Jet training squadron
VT-25 Cougars F9F-8T/TF-9J Cougar 1954
TA-4J 1972
ATU-204: 1 Jul 1954-1955
ATU-213: 1955-1 May 1960
VT-25: 1 May 1960.[91]
VT-25 Disestablished 18 September 1992 Training Air Wing THREE, NAS Chase Field. Jet training squadron
VT-26 Tigers F11F-1/F-11A 1960
TF-9J 1967
T-2C 1971
ATU-223: 1 Mar 1960-1 May 1960
VT-26: 1 May 1960[92]
VT-26 Disestablished 22 May 1992 Training Air Wing THREE, NAS Chase Field. Jet training squadron
VT-29 R4D-8T/TC-117D
T-29
ATU-501: redesignated VT-29 on 1 May 1960[93]
1 May 1960[94]
VT-29 Disestablished 31 December 1976[95] NAS Corpus Christi. Land Based multi-engine aircraft navigator training squadron
VT-30 AD/A-1H
T-28
ATU-301: redesignated VT-30 on 1 May 1960[93]
1 May 1960
VT-30 Disestablished Mid 1960s[96] NAS Corpus Christi.

VX: Experimental and Development squadrons

[edit]

The VX designation first appeared in 1927 to designate "Experimental Squadron" and was used until 1943. It was used again beginning in 1946 when four "Experimental and Development" squadrons were established to develop and evaluate new equipment and methods.[97] From 1946 to 1968 the designation was variously "Experimental and Development" squadron, "Operational Development" squadron, "Air Operational Development" squadron and "Air Development" squadron. In 1969 the designation changed to "Air Test and Evaluation" squadron and it remains as such today.[13]

Designation Insignia Nickname Aircraft[7] Establishment
and redesignation
Disestablished/ Deactivated Notes
VX-2 Pilotless aircraft and guided missiles 15 Mar 1946 Disestablished January 1958[98] Established in 1946 to test and evaluate pilotless aircraft, guided missiles and general electronics. Also provided drone support to gunnery projects and the atomic bomb test program[97]
VX-3 Sikorsky HNS-1
Sikorsky HOS-1
Sikorsky HO3S-1
Bell HTL-1
Piasecki HRP-1 Receiver[99]
1 July 1946 VX-3 1 April 1948 "Helicopter Development Squadron"
Aircraft and personnel used to establish the first two U. S. Navy operational helicopter squadrons (HU-1 and HU-2)[100]
VX-3
Vought F6U Pirate
North American AJ Savage
Grumman F9F Cougar
Vought F8U Crusader
20 Nov 1948 Disestablished 1 March 1960[101] Squadron was formed by merging VF-1L and VA-1L. Test and evaluation of high performance jet aircraft. Used tailcode XC then JC from 1957[100]
VX-4
(first use)
Boeing PB-1W[97]
PO-1W/WV-1[53]
[27]
VP-11F: 1 Jul 1936
VP-11: 1 Oct 1937
VP-54: 1 Jul 1939
VP-51: 1 Jul 1941
VB-101: 1 Mar 1943
VPB-101: 1 Oct 1944
VX-4: 15 May 1946
VW-2: 18 Jun 1952
VW-2
Disestablished 1 Jul 1961
In 1945 VPB-101 was assigned to support the development of airborne radar and procedures for early warning. In 1946 the squadron was redesignated as a development squadron to continue the task of development and evaluation of airborne early warning equipment and procedures.[53]
VX-4
(second use)
Evaluators Vought F7U Cutlass
F3D/F-10 Skyknight
North American FJ Fury
A4D/A-4
F-3H/F-3
F8U/F-8 Crusader
McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II
Grumman F-14 Tomcat
F/A-18 Hornet
15 Sep 1952 VX-4 (2nd)
Disestablished 30 September 1994
Established at NAS Point Mugu to conduct operational testing of airborne systems and weapons and develop all weather fighter tactics and employment of air launched guided missiles.[102] VX-4(2nd) and VX-5 were "consolidated" into a single squadron designated VX-9 by reassigning VX-4 aircraft and personnel to VX-5 then redesignating VX-5 to VX-9
VX-5 Vampires AD/A-1
North American A2J
North American FJ-4 Fury
A4D/A-4
F4H/F-4
A-6
A-7
AH-1
C-1
EA-6B
F-18
AV-8B[103]
VX-5: 18 Jun 1951[103]
VX-9: Sep 1994–present
VX-9 still active Established at NAWS China Lake to develop day and night tactics for delivery of conventional and special weapons from carrier based aircraft.[104] VX-4(2nd) and VX-5 were "consolidated" into a single squadron designated VX-9 by reassigning VX-4 aircraft and personnel to VX-5 then redesignating VX-5 to VX-9
VX-6 Puckered Penguins Lockheed P2V Neptune
R7D
LC-117
LC-130
Sikorsky HO4S
Sikorsky HUS-1L/LH-34D
VX-6: 17 Jan 1955
VXE-6: 1 Jan 1969
VXE-6
Deactivated 27 March 1999
Supported Antarctic scientific research
VX-8 Blue Eagles NC-121J,K AEWTULANT became Oceanographic Air Survey Unit (OASU): 1 Jul 1965
VX-8: 1 Jul 1967[77][78]
VXN-8: 1 Jan 1969
VXN-8
Disestablished 1993
Supported oceanographic research. Also operated airborne psychological operations radio and TV broadcast platforms during the Vietnam War[citation needed]

Helicopter squadrons

[edit]

See: List of inactive United States Navy helicopter squadrons.

Blimp Patrol Squadrons (ZP)

[edit]
Squadron Name Insignia Nickname Aircraft Date disestablished Based in
ZP-12 1947 NAS Lakehurst, NJ
ZP-15 1947 NAS Glynco, Georgia
ZP-14 1947 NAS Lakehurst, NJ
ZP-15 1947 NAS Weeksville, NC
ZP-11 1947 NAS South Weymouth, MA
ZP-21 1947 NAS Richmond, FL
ZP-22 1947 NAS Houma, LA
ZP-23 1947 NAS Hitchcock, TX
ZP-32 1947 NAS Moffett Field, CA
ZP-31 1947 NAS Santa Ana, CA
ZP-33 1947 NAS Tillamook, OR
ZP-41 1947 Sao Luiz, Brazil
ZP-42 1947 Maceió, Brazil
ZP-51 1947 Trinidad

See also

[edit]

References and notes

[edit]

Notes

  1. ^ from RAF and Fleet air arm stocks. Aircraft were pooled and flown as available.
  2. ^ The Navy's aircraft squadron designation system came into being in the early 1920s. Prior to that time Navy aircraft were assigned to air stations but to fully utilize aviation's potential it was necessary to extend its capabilities to operate with the fleet through the organization of squadrons. Squadrons were numbered according to ship squadron numbers and were designated according to the use of the squadron's aircraft[18] such as "Scouting" or "Patrol" or "Spotting"; however, the official use of abbreviated designations such as VS, VP or VO had not yet been implemented.
  3. ^ Naval Aviation Organization for FY 1923 issued on 17 June 1922 and implemented on 1 July 1922 changed the numbering of squadrons from according to ship squadron number to serially within each class and listed the squadrons by abbreviated designation (VF, VO, VS, VT) for the first time.[18] USS Langley (CV 1) was commissioned on 20 March 1922.
  4. ^ Squadrons were redesignated as they were reassigned between fleets. Squadrons were assigned variously to the Aircraft Carriers USS Langley (CV 1), USS Lexington (CV 2), USS Saratoga (CV 3) and USS Ranger (CV 4) as needed to continue the development of ship based aircraft operations and tactics.
  5. ^ Squadron suffix letters were discontinued. Squadrons were redesignated to conform with the hull number of the Aircraft Carrier to which they were assigned:[19] CV 2, CV 3, CV 4 and CV 5 (USS Yorktown (CV 5) was commissioned on 30 Sep 1937). USS Langley (CV 1) had ceased operating as an Aircraft Carrier by October 1936 and had been converted to a Seaplane Tender
  6. ^ On 1 July 1938 existing squadrons were assigned to five newly established "Air Groups" which were established to operate from USS Lexington (CV 2), USS Saratoga (CV 3), USS Ranger (CV 4), USS Yorktown (CV 5) and USS Enterprise (CV 6) (USS Enterprise was commissioned on 12 May 1938). The Air Groups were designated with the Aircraft Carrier's name (Lexington Air Group, Saratoga Air Group etc...) and the squadrons remained designated with the aircraft carrier's hull number (Lexington Air Group: VS-2, Saratoga Air Group: VS-3 etc...). Two new VS squadrons were established in 1939 and 1941 to equip two new Air Groups which were established in 1939 and 1941 to operate with USS Wasp (CV 7) and USS Hornet (CV 8) which were commissioned in 1940 and 1941 respectively
  7. ^ One year earlier, on 1 March 1942 new Numbered Carrier Air Groups were established, the first was CVG-9(1st) on 1 Mar 1942. Eighty eight numbered Air Groups were established during the course of WWII: CVGs were assigned to Essex Class "fleet carriers" and to CV 3, CV 4 and CV 6 which were the three pre-WWII Carriers which had not been sunk; CVBGs were assigned to Midway Class "large carriers" toward the end of the war; CVLGs were assigned to Independence class "light carriers"; and CVEGs were assigned to small "escort carriers". Each group's squadrons were all designated with that group's number and each Air Group had one VS squadron assigned (V!-1 belonged to CVG-1 etc...). A squadron reassigned from one group to another was redesignated to conform with the designation of the new group.
  8. ^ On 1 July 1938 existing squadrons were assigned to five newly established "Air Groups" which were established to operate from USS Lexington (CV-2), USS Saratoga (CV-3), USS Ranger (CV-4), USS Yorktown (CV-5) and USS Enterprise (CV-6). The Air Groups were designated with the Aircraft Carrier's name (eg "Lexington Air Group") and the squadrons remained designated with the aircraft carrier's hull number (Lexington Air Group: VT-2,) Two new VT squadrons were established in 1939 and 1941 to equip two new Air Groups which were established in 1939 and 1941 to operate with USS Wasp (CV-7) and USS Hornet (CV-8)
  9. ^ One year earlier, on 1 March 1942 new Numbered Carrier Air Groups were established, the first was CVG-9 on 1 Mar 1942. Eighty eight numbered Air Groups were established during the course of WWII: CVGs were assigned to Essex-class "fleet carriers" and to CV 3, CV 4 and CV 6 which were the three pre-WWII carriers which had not been sunk; CVBGs were assigned to Midway-class "large carriers" toward the end of the war; CVLGs were assigned to Independence-class light carriers; and CVEGs were assigned to small escort carriers. Each group's squadrons were all designated with that group's number and each Air Group had one VT squadron assigned. VT-1 belonged to CVG-1 etc). A squadron reassigned from one group to another was redesignated to conform with the designation of the new group.
  10. ^ There were initially three VF squadrons in each CVG numbered with 1, 2 and 3 and two VA squadrons numbered with 4 and 5, therefore CVG-1's VA squadrons were VA-14 and VA-15; CVG-2's were VA-24 and VA-25; CVG-11's were VA-114 and VA-115; CVG-15's were VA-154 and VA-155 etc... When a squadron was moved from one CVG to another it was redesignated to conform with the designation of the newly assigned CVG. From 1951 to 1959 the Navy operated a number of Air Task Groups (ATG)s which were usually equipped by removing one squadron each from a number of then typical five VF/VA squadron CVGs leaving those CVGs at four VF/VA squadrons. Squadrons retained their former CVG's designation when assigned to an ATG. In some cases squadrons were established and assigned directly to an ATG, in those cases the squadron was typically assigned a designation as if assigned to one of the existing CVGs but with the last digit of the designation greater than "5". Squadrons and CVGs are grouped by designation below for ease of reading the table but it should not be assumed that the listed squadrons were assigned only to the CVG in which section they appear in the table as ATG assignment did not occasion a redesignation, and by the late 1950s the practice of redesignating squadrons upon transfer between CVGs had begun to be abandoned with squadrons being redesignated in some cases but not in others.
  11. ^ VFA-125 has some material in its History section that connects VA-55E, VA-923, and VA-125.

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Bibliography

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