Most of the United States Navy aircraft squadrons established since the Navy designated its first aircraft squadrons in 1919 no longer exist, having been "disestablished". Another 40 or so have been "deactivated", currently existing only "on paper" in an inactive status. These disestablished and/or deactivated squadrons are sometimes incorrectly referred to as decommissioned squadrons, but the U.S. Navy does not "commission" or "decommission" aircraft squadrons. Until 1998, squadrons were "established", "disestablished", and sometimes "re-designated"; since 1998, squadrons are "established", "deactivated", and sometimes "reactivated" and/or "redesignated". It has never been correct to refer to U.S. Navy aircraft squadrons as being commissioned and decommissioned, ships are commissioned and decommissioned, U.S. Navy aircraft squadrons are not.
Under the system in use until 1998, a squadron's history and lineage began when it was established and ended when it was disestablished. During the course of its existence (between establishment and disestablishment) a squadron could be redesignated multiple times. The Navy's oldest currently active aircraft squadron is VFA-14 "Tophatters". It was established in September 1919 and has carried sixteen different designations (VT-5, VP-1-4, VF-4, VB-3, VS-41, VA-14, VF-14, VFA-14 to name just a few) having been redesignated fifteen times. Re-designation might assign a squadron a new number while leaving the basic designation untouched (e.g., VF-151 to VF-192), or it could change the entire designation (e.g., HS-3 to HSC-9). A Squadron retains its lineage regardless of its redesignation(s). When a squadron was disestablished or redesignated its former designation became available to be used for a new squadron or in the redesignation of an existing squadron. Squadrons which share a designation do not also share a lineage as a squadron's lineage follows that squadron regardless of the designation. A squadron which receives the designation of a former squadron might adopt the nickname and/or the insignia and carry on the traditions of the previous squadron, but it could not lay claim to the history or lineage of that previous squadron any more than a new ship commissioned with the name USS Enterprise could claim to be the actual WWII aircraft carrier USS Enterprise.
This system changed in March 1998 with Chief of Naval Operations Instruction (OPNAVINST) 5030.4E. U.S. Navy aircraft squadrons are now no longer disestablished, they are instead "deactivated." A deactivated squadron remains in existence, though only "on paper", awaiting possible future "reactivation". Neither its designation nor any previous designations are available for use by a new squadron. A reactivated squadron would trace its lineage back to the squadron's original establishment date, including its inactive period. Under this new system a squadron can still be redesignated if its function changes necessitating a different designation, for example Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron EIGHT (HS-8) was redesignated as a Sea Combat Squadron; Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron EIGHT (HSC-8)
The current update of OPNAVINST 3050.4 contains a list of all currently active and deactivated U.S. Navy aircraft squadrons.
The tables in this article list disestablished and deactivated squadrons but also listed will be the former no longer used designations of squadrons which are still active under their current designation.
The squadron types in this section existed only prior to or through WWII. Squadron types which existed prior to or during WWII and which continued to exist after the war are detailed in the sections which follow along with any squadron types which existed only after WWII.
Aircraft squadrons operating from the Navy's first Aircraft Carriers prior to WWII were assigned to that aircraft carrier and were organizationally grouped into that carrier's "air group". On the day that Pearl Harbor was attacked the Navy had seven aircraft carriers each with its own carrier air group. Each carrier air group was composed of four squadrons; one Fighting (VF), one Bombing (VB), one Scouting (VS) and one Torpedo (VT) squadron with the exception of the air group aboard USS Ranger. Because of its smaller size, USS Ranger unlike other the fleet carriers of the time had no room for torpedo storage and so she had no Torpedo Squadron. Instead of the standard air group she embarked one Fighting, one Bombing and two Scouting squadrons.
This four squadron air group aboard Fleet Carriers was the standard through the war, however by 1945 there had been a shift towards more fighters and fewer dive bombers per air group. The Scouting (VS) squadron of the air group was a second dive bombing squadron. The VB and the VS squadrons entered the war flying the Douglas SBD Dauntless dive bomber. The designation SBD designated "S-Scout" "B-Bomber" "D-Douglass" with the VS squadron focused on scouting with a secondary bombing role and the VB squadron as the primary bombing squadron. Beginning in 1943 VS squadrons began to disappear and by early 1945 VS squadrons had been replaced in carrier air groups by a "Bombing Fighting" (VBF) squadron flying either the Vought F4U Corsair or the Grumman F6F Hellcat as a second fighting squadron because by that time in the war the Japanese Navy had been virtually defeated at sea and the need for dive bombers for sinking Japanese warships was outstripped by the need for fighters capable of establishing air superiority and attacking ground targets as the Navy assaulted Japanese held islands in its advance across the Pacific. The F4Us and the F6Fs of the Fighting (VF) and Bombing Fighting (VBF) squadrons established air superiority and participated in amphibious assaults ashore with the air group's VB squadron flying a specialized dive bomber, the Curtiss SB2C Helldiver for both amphibious and counter warship actions when needed, and the VT squadron flying the Grumman TBF Avenger which could be used in the Torpedo bomber role against warships or glide bomber and horizontal bomber roles for amphibious operations.
In addition to the Carrier Air Groups (CVG) of four squadrons each aboard the large Fleet Carriers, there were smaller "Light Carrier Air Groups" (CVLG) aboard "light" Independence-class aircraft carriers made up of a single Fighting (VF) squadron and a single Torpedo (VT) squadron. Also it was initially planned that Escort carriers would embark small air groups made up of an "Escort Fighter" (VGF) squadron and an "Escort Scouting" (VGS) squadron but those designations were used only during 1942 and 1943 after which the VGF squadrons were redesignated to "Fighting" (VF) squadrons and the VGS squadrons were redesignated "Composite" (VC) squadrons. VC squadrons were single squadrons composed of both fighter and Grumman TBF Avenger torpedo/glide bomber/horizontal bombers which served as the air group aboard most of the war's escort carriers. The largest of the escort carriers were paired with "Escort Carrier Air Groups" (CVEG) which were structured the same as the CVLGs with a VF and a VT squadron each.
Fighting Squadrons operated from From Fleet Carriers during WWII initially as squadrons of the seven "Ship Named" Carrier Air Groups, then as squadrons of numbered Carrier Air Groups (CVG). They also operated from Light Carriers and Escort Carriers (larger escort carriers only)<br/>
Bombing Squadrons operated from From Fleet Carriers during WWII initially as squadrons of the seven "Ship Named" Carrier Air Groups, then as squadrons of numbered Carrier Air Groups (CVG).
Scouting Squadrons operated from From Fleet Carriers during WWII initially as squadrons of the seven "Ship Named" Carrier Air Groups, then as squadrons of numbered Carrier Air Groups (CVG).
VS was used to designate scouting squadrons from 1922 to 1946, 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). All except VS-41/VFA-14 were disestablished by the end of 1949. (From 1950 to 2009, VS was used for Antisubmarine or Sea Control squadrons.)
The Lexington Air Group, Yorktown Air Group, Wasp Air Group and Hornet Air Group were disestablished in 1942 after the loss of (Battle of the Coral Sea, May 1942), (Battle of Midway, June 1942), (September 1942), and (Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands, October 1942). Enterprise Air Group was disestablished in September 1942 while 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 1943 respectively. Between 1 March 1943 and 15 November 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 squadrons were numbered serially within each class.
Torpedo Squadrons operated from From Fleet Carriers during WWII initially as squadrons of the seven "Ship Named" Carrier Air Groups, then as squadrons of numbered Carrier Air Groups (CVG). They also operated from Light Carriers and Escort Carriers (larger escort carriers only).
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. 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
Approximately 90 to 100 squadrons carried the VT designation between 1921 and 1946.
Bombing Fighting Squadrons operated from From Fleet Carriers during WWII as squadrons of numbered Carrier Air Groups (CVG).
Escort Fighting Squadrons operated from Escort Carriers during WWII as squadrons of numbered Escort Carrier Air Groups (CEVG).
Escort Scouting Squadrons operated from Escort Carriers during WWII as squadrons of numbered Escort Carrier Air Groups (CEVG).
Composite Squadrons operated from the majority of Escort Carriers during WWII in lieu of numbered Escort Carrier Air Groups (CEVG) which were paired with only the largest Escort Carriers.
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. VC squadrons flew combinations of fighters, dive bombers, and torpedo bombers.
VFN squadrons were part of Night Carrier Air Groups CVG(N), CVLG(N) or CVEG(N). There were five CVG(N)s, three CVLG(N)s and one CVEG(N). The designation was in use only from 1944 to 1946.
VTN squadrons were part of Night Carrier Air Groups CVG(N), CVLG(N) or CVEG(N). There were five CVG(N)s, three CVLG(N)s and one CVEG(N). The designation was in use only from 1944 to 1946.
The squadrons below operated from ships other than aircraft carriers or from bases ashore
The VCS designation existed from 1937 to 1945. It designated squadrons which provided float planes to Cruisers to be used for scouting and naval gunfire spotting. The aircraft were launched from a shipboard catapult and landed in the water near the ship to be craned aboard and placed back on the catapult.
The VOS designation designated only one squadron which was formed for Operation Overlord. The squadron was formed from detachments of "Cruiser Scouting" (VCS) squadron 7 and existed only from 1 June 1944 to 27 June 1944. It was possibly the shortest lived military squadron.
Patrol squadrons were among the first type of squadrons established in the early 1920s. They generally were and remain squadrons of large multi-engine maritime patrol aircraft. Up until the 1950s patrol squadrons flew either seaplane or land based aircraft. During WWII patrol squadrons were at times designated Bombing (VB) squadrons and/or Patrol Bombing (VPB) squadrons. The VP designation remains in use today. Antisubmarine squadrons grew out of modifications to WWII torpedo bombers. They were first established as specialized aircraft carrier based squadrons in 1948 and they existed into the 21st century.
From April 1950 to September 1993 the VS designation designated "Air Antisubmarine" squadron. In September 1993 the name of the VS designation was changed from "Air Antisubmarine" (VS) squadron" to "Sea Control" (VS) squadron when the S-3A Viking was replaced with the S-3B Viking which was capable of anti-surface warfare as well as anti-submarine warfare. On 31 March 2009 the last VS squadron was deactivated ending the active use of the VS designation. Today it exists only attached to eleven deactivated VS squadrons.
Beginning in 1948 land based squadrons which provided detachments of specialized aircraft to Carrier Air Groups were established and designated "Composite" (VC) squadrons. These specialized functions were: All-Weather/Night Fighter; All Weather Attack; Heavy Attack (Nuclear Bombers); Airborne Early Warning; Anti-Submarine Warfare; and Photographic Reconnaissance. By 1956 all VC squadrons had been redesignated to role descriptive designations.
From September 1948 through May 1949 four squadrons were redesignated and three were established as "Composite" (VC) squadrons VC-21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 31 and 32. These seven squadrons were specialized antisubmarine warfare (ASW) squadrons and they provided detachments of ASW aircraft to Carrier Air Groups. In April 1950 these seven squadrons were all redesignated "Air Antisubmarine" (VS) squadrons.
In April 1950 the "Air Antisubmarine" squadron designation was created using the letters 'VS'. All seven VC squadrons were redesignated VS squadrons, two new Air Antisubmarine (VS) squadrons were established, and from 20 July 1950 to 1 May 1951 six U.S. Navy Reserve antisubmarine squadrons were activated for service in the Korean War (Navy Reserve squadrons were designated with three digit numbers in the 600, 700, 800 and 900 series). On 4 February 1953 five of the reserve squadrons were permanently activated and redesignated as active component squadrons and the sixth was permanently activated five months later on 8 July 1953.
Two new VS squadrons were established in September and November 1950
Six U. S. Navy Reserve squadrons were activated for Korean War between July 1950 and May 1951
At the beginning of 1960 there were ten Air Antisubmarine squadrons as five of the fifteen squadrons which had previously been established or redesignated as Air Antisubmarine squadrons had been disestablished. From April 1960 to September 1961 ten Antisubmarine Carrier Air Groups (CVSG) were established. These CVSGs were paired with Essex-class aircraft carriers which had been converted to "Anti-Submarine Carriers" (CVS). CVSGs consisted of two Air Antisubmarine squadrons and a Helicopter Antisubmarine squadron along with detachments of airborne early warning aircraft and a detachment of fighter type aircraft for defense of the carrier and air group. Additionally there were two Readiness Antisubmarine Carrier Air Groups (RCVSG) each consisting of one Air Antisubmarine (VS) Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS) "training" squadron and one Helicopter Antisubmarine (HS) FRS which provided trained aircrews and maintenance personnel to the fleet VS and HS squadrons. Twelve more VS squadrons were required to add to the ten existing squadrons to total the twenty-two VS squadrons to fill out ten CVSGs (two per CVSG) and two RCVSGs (one per RCVSG). Those twelve VS squadrons were established from April 1960 to August 1961.
A decade later, by 1970 six of the ten CVSGs had been disestablished along with eight of the twenty-two VS squadrons leaving the two RCVSGs each with a VS FRS, and three VS squadrons for each of the four remaining CVSGs. Both RCVSGs and the four remaining CVSG were all disestablished by 30 June 1973 along with two of the remaining fourteen VS squadrons. With the demise of the Antisubmarine carriers and Antisubmarine Carrier Air Groups VS squadrons were assigned to Carrier Air Wings (CVW), one VS squadron to each and from this point on the number of VS squadrons was determined by the number of CVWs plus two Fleet Replacement Squadrons until 1976 when VS-30 ceased operations as an FRS leaving VS-41 as the single VS FRS. A list of the VS squadrons which remained after these disestablishments along with squadron histories can be found at this reference:
In 1976 a new squadron was planned for establishment in conjunction with the fleet wide introduction of the new Lockheed S-3A Viking which had become operational in 1975, however sufficient resources were not available and the squadron was disestablished six months after its establishment without ever becoming operational
In 1987 a second S-3 Viking Fleet Replacement Squadron was established to support the fleet wide VS transition from the S-3A to the S-3B. Also a new Carrier Air Wing was planned for establishment and a new VS squadron was established for it; however, the air wing's establishment was cancelled and it and its squadrons were disestablished less than eighteen months later.
In 1991 one final VS squadron was established.
U. S. Navy Reserve Squadrons<br/> On 1 May 1970 the Navy Reserve established two Reserve Antisubmarine Carrier Air Groups (CVSGR)s, CVSGR-70 and CVSGR-80. Modeling them on the four CVGSs which still existed at the time each CVSGR consisted of three Air Antisubmarine (VS) squadrons and two Helicopter Antisubmarine (HS) squadrons along with an Airborne Early Warning (VAW) squadron and an Antisubmarine Fighter (VSF) squadron. The CVGRs were disestablished on 30 June 1976 and 30 July 1976.
Air Antisubmarine squadrons of CVSGR-70<br/>
Air Antisubmarine squadrons of CVSGR-80<br/>
Attack squadrons first appeared in 1946 when the remaining WWII Bombing (VB) and Torpedo (VT) squadrons were redesignated Attack (VA) squadrons. Attack squadrons are those with a primary role of attacking enemy ships or targets ashore. From the creation of Carrier Air Groups it has been Attack squadrons (first as VB and VT squadrons) along with Fighter squadrons that formed the nucleus of the Carrier Air Group. From the late 1940s through the decade of the 1950s there were specialized "All Weather" attack squadrons which were equipped with early radar equipped attack aircraft and until the mid-1960s "Heavy Attack" squadrons were tasked with the strategic nuclear bombing mission. During the Vietnam war a specialized "Light Attack" squadron was established to support riverine and naval special warfare forces. The VA designation disappeared in the mid 90s having been replaced with the "Strike Fighter" (VFA) designation which combines the Fighter and Attack functions into one squadron type.
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).
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. 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.
In 1949 and 1950 two squadrons were established as "Composite" squadrons VC-33 and VC-35. From 1948 to 1956 land based squadrons which provided detachments of specialized aircraft to Carrier Air Groups were designated "Composite Squadrons". These specialized functions were: All-Weather/Night Fighter; All Weather Attack and ASW; Heavy Attack (Nuclear Bombers); Airborne Early Warning; Anti-Submarine Warfare; and Photographic Reconnaissance. By 1956 composite squadrons were all redesignated with new descriptive designations. In July 1956 VC-33 and VC-35 were redesignated "Attack (All Weather)" (VA(AW))) squadrons.
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.
Operated early airborne electronic countermeasures aircraft through redesignations to All Weather Attack Squadron THIRTY-THREE, Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron THIRTY-THREE and ultimately to Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron THIRTY-THREE.
Operated early airborne electronic countermeasures aircraft as Composite Squadron THIRTY-FIVE and All Weather Attack Squadron THIRTY-FIVE. Redesignated Attack Squadron ONE-TWENTY-TWO assigned to Readiness Carrier Air Group 12 (RCVG-12) as an AD Skyraider FRS.
Between 1948 and 1953 five nuclear bomber squadrons were established as "Composite" (VC) squadrons. From 1948 to 1956 large land based squadrons which provided detachments of specialized aircraft to Carrier Air Groups were designated Composite Squadrons. These specialized functions were: All-Weather/Night Fighter; All Weather Attack and ASW; Heavy Attack (Nuclear Bombers); Airborne Early Warning; Anti-Submarine Warfare; and Photographic Reconnaissance. The five nuclear bomber VC squadrons were VC-5, 6, 7, 8 and 9. On 1 November 1955 four of these VC squadrons were redesignated to "Heavy Attack" (VAH) squadrons and the fifth was redesignated eight months later on 1 July 1956.
The VAH designation was created on 1 November 1955 when four of the five nuclear bomber Composite VC squadrons were redesignated Heavy Attack (VAH) squadrons and two new squadrons were established as such. The fifth VC squadron was redesignated 8 months later on 1 July 1956 at about the same time that a third new VAH squadron was established on 14 June 1956 and that a Patrol (VP) squadron was redesignated to VAH on 3 July 1956.
In 1964 the Navy ended its involvement with manned strategic nuclear bombing in favor of developing submarine ballistic missile capabilities. From 1964 through 1966 all Atlantic Fleet VAH squadrons transitioned to a photographic reconnaissance variant of the A-5 Vigilante and were redesignated "Reconnaissance Attack" (RVAH) squadrons. In the Pacific Fleet the five remaining squadrons retained the VAH designation but their A-3 attack aircraft were converted to KA-3 refueling tankers. In very short order electronic countermeasures (ECM) equipment was added to some of the tankers making them an EKA-3B variant. By 1970 three of the five squadrons flying the KA-3 and EKA-3 variants had been redesignated as three of the first Tactical Electronic Warfare (VAQ) squadrons. The remaining two VAH squadrons were disestablished, the last in 1971 retiring the VAH designation.
Established as an operational VAH squadron with the A3D-1 but converted to a Fleet Replacement Squadron when Heavy Attack Training Unit Atlantic was merged into the squadron in mid 1958.
Established in 1946 as one of many U.S. Navy Reserve squadrons created during the post WWII drawdown. Underwent two redesignations as a reserve squadron and on 2 September 1950 it was temporarily activated along with a number of other reserve squadrons for service in the Korean War. It was permanently activated as a Patrol Squadron and redesignated on 4 February 1953. Became the ninth VAH squadron on 3 July 1956 when it was redesignated VAH-4.
Established as a heavy bomber training unit under Heavy Attack Wing 2. Reassigned to Readiness Carrier Air Group 12 (RCVG-12) and redesignated as the 3rd FRS of RCVG-12
A unique land based squadron equipped with a specialized night and all-weather ground attack variant of the P-2 Neptune. Four were converted in 1968 for this squadron for operations in South Vietnam.
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.
Specialized airborne early warning technologies were first developed during WWII and were advanced and refined until early warning squadrons appeared for the first time in 1948 with the establishment of two squadrons to provide specialized radar equipped aircraft to carrier air groups. Similarly electronic countermeasures (ECM) aircraft first appeared during WWII. The early "Carrier Airborne Early Warning" (VAW) squadrons advanced the technologies, techniques and procedures in both of these specialized areas until in the early to mid 1960s squadrons were specialized in either airborne early warning or electronic countermeasures resulting in the creation of the two separate specialized squadron types of Airborne Early Warning (VW) and (VAW) and Electronic Countermeasures (VQ) and (VAQ). Two of those designations still designate squadrons today as "Airborne Command and Control" (VAW) and Electronic Attack (VAQ) squadrons.
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". 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. From 1948 to 1956 land based squadrons which provided detachments of specialized aircraft to Carrier Air Groups were designated "Composite Squadrons". These specialized functions were: All-Weather/Night Fighter; All Weather Attack and ASW; Heavy Attack (Nuclear Bombers); Airborne Early Warning; Anti-Submarine Warfare; and Photographic Reconnaissance. By 1956 composite squadrons were all redesignated with new descriptive designations. In February 1956 the two VC Carrier Airborne Early Warning squadrons were redesignated to "Carrier Airborne Early Warning" (VAW) squadrons.
In 1956 the VAW designation was resurrected when VC-11 and VC-12 were redesignated VAW-11 and VAW-12. 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. 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" 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 VAW designation was renamed from "Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron" to "Airborne Command and Control Squadron" and all VAW squadrons were renamed "Airborne Command & Control Squadron____" while retaining the VAW designation.
Note: The parenthetical (1st) and (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.
Provided Airborne Early Warning (AEW) aircraft detachments to deploying Carrier Air Groups and from 1958 through July 1961 also provided Electronic Countermeasures (ECM) detachments. Became Airborne Early Warning Wing 11 on 20 April 2967.
Provided Airborne Early Warning (AEW) aircraft detachments to deploying Carrier Air Groups. Became Airborne Early Warning Wing 12 on 1 April 2967.
Though the squadron carried the Carrier Airborne Early Warning (VAW) designation it provided both Airborne Early Warning (AEW) and Electronic Countermeasures (ECM) detachments to CVGs until July 1961. That month its AEW aircraft were transferred to VAW-11 after which it provided only ECM detachments. In early 1968 the squadron was renamed "Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron THIRTEEN" while retaining the VAW-13 designation until it was redesignated Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron ONE-THIRTY (VAQ-130) on 1 October of that year.
Provided Night Fighter, Airborne Early Warning (AEW), and Electronic Countermeasures (ECM) aircraft to deploying carrier air groups.
Established from VAW-11 when VAW-11 was elevated to wing status. Operated as the Pacific Fleet E-1B, later E-2 Fleet Replacement Squadron. Disestablished when all E-2C FRS training was consolidated into VAW-120.
Established from VAW-11 when VAW-11 was elevated to wing status. Operated as a deployable VAW squadron assigned to various Carrier Air Wings.
Established as a squadron of the newly established CVW-10(2nd). The air wing and its squadrons were sort-lived being disestablished a little under a year and a half later.
Established from VAW-11 when VAW-11 was elevated to wing status. Operated as a deployable VAW squadron assigned to various Carrier Air Wings.
Established from VAW-11 when VAW-11 was elevated to wing status. Operated as a deployable VAW squadron assigned to various Carrier Air Wings.
Established from VAW-12 when VAW-12 was elevated to wing status. Operated as the Atlantic Fleet E-1B, later E-2 Fleet Replacement Squadron.
Established from VAW-12 when VAW-12 was elevated to wing status. Operated as a deployable VAW squadron assigned to various Carrier Air Wings.
Operated as a deployable VAW squadron assigned to various Carrier Air Wings.
U. S. Navy Reserve Squadrons<br/> In 1970 the Navy Reserve established two Airborne Early Warning squadrons for its two Reserve Carrier Air Wings (CVWR-20 and CVWR-30) and two for its two Reserve AntiSubmarine Carrier Air Groups (CVSGR-70 and CVSGR-80).
Numbered as the seventh squadron of CVWR-20. Replaced in CVWR-20 by VAW-78 after CVSGR-70 was disestablished in 1976.
Numbered as the seventh squadron of CVWR-30. Replaced in CVWR-30 by VAW-88 after CVSGR-80 was disestablished in 1976.
Established as the VAW squadron of CVSGR-70. Moved to CVWR-20 when CVSGR-70 was disestablished in 1976 to replace VAW-207 which had been disestablished in 1974.
Established as the VAW squadron of CVSGR-80. Moved to CVWR-30 when CVSGR-80 was disestablished in 1976 to replace VAW-307 which had been disestablished in 1974.
In 1995, the U.S. Navy Reserve established a squadron for the specific purpose of supporting the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Customs and other federal agencies in anti-drug smuggling efforts in the Gulf of Mexico and along the southern border.
Established to support counter drug efforts in the Gulf of Mexico, was administratively assigned to CVWR-20 (later Tactical Support Wing)
From its creation in 1952 until 1971 the VW designation designated "Air Early Warning Squadron", "Airborne Early Warning Squadron", or "Fleet Early Warning Squadron". In 1953 the Navy's two "Weather Reconnaissance" (VJ) squadrons were redesignated VW squadrons. From 1955 to 1958 seven more 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. Those "barrier" VW squadrons were all disestablished by 1965 leaving only two VW squadrons remaining. In 1967 one of those 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 by that time 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 that last VW squadron was disestablished and the VW designation cease being used.
First Airborne Early Warning Squadrons. In 1945 Patrol Bombing Squadron 101 (VPB-101) was assigned to support the development of airborne radar and procedures for early warning. In 1946 the squadron was redesignated "Experimental and Development" squadron 4 (VX-4) continuing that development. On 18 June 1952 VX-4 was redesignated Airborne Early Warning (VW) squadron 2, and a second VW squadron was established as VW-1.
Established as one of the first two Airborne Early Warning (VW) squadrons. In July 1961 the squadron's primary role was changed to weather reconnaissance but it retained airborne early warning as a secondary task.
One of the Navy's earliest squadrons. Established as a Patrol Squadron in 1936. Operated as a Patrol Squadron through WWII. Redesignated VX-4 to develop airborne early warning equipment and procesures and redesignated on 18 June 1952 as one of the first two Airborne Early Warning (VW) squadrons
Redesignated Weather Reconnaissance (VJ) squadrons. From 1952 to 1953, VJ designated "Weather" or "Weather Reconnaissance" squadron. In 1953 the two weather reconnaissance squadrons were redesignated "Airborne Early Warning" (VW) squadrons becoming the third and fourth VW Squadrons.
After redesignation as an airborne early warning squadron (VW) it continued to perform hurricane hunting and weather reconnaissance as a secondary role until it was disestablished.
After redesignation as an airborne early warning squadron (VW) it continued as a hurricane hunter and weather reconnaissance squadron with secondary roles in tracking space launches and other support to NASA. It was redesignated a weather reconnaissance squadron (retaining the 'VW' designation) on 1 March 1967 as that was more descriptive of the squadron's primary role.
Atlantic and Pacific Barrier squadrons. From 1955 to 1958 seven 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.
Atlantic Barrier
Established as the first squadron to operate as part of the "Atlantic Barrier".
Established to operate as part of the "Atlantic Barrier" but disestablished after only two years due to budgetary limitations.
Established to operate as part of the "Atlantic Barrier".
Established to operate as part of the "Atlantic Barrier"
Pacific Barrier
Established as the first squadron to operate as part of the "Pacific Barrier".
Established as part of the "Pacific Barrier".
Established as part of the "Pacific Barrier" but disestablished due to budgetary limitations before the barrier was fully operational.
In 1955 two "Electronic Countermeasures" (VQ) Squadrons were established from detachments of VW-1 and VW-2. VQ-1 was established from VW-1 detachment A in the Pacific Fleet and VQ-2 was established from VW-2 detachment A in the Atlantic Fleet. These squadrons initially operated land based multi-engine aircraft equipped with Electronic Countermeasures (jamming) equipment. They soon added an aircraft carrier capable aircraft and VQ-1 then began operating both land based and aircraft carrier based detachments in support of fleet operations. In 1960 they were both redesignated "Fleet Air Reconnaissance" (VQ) squadrons as by then they had been equipped to collect communications and other electronic signals for intelligence purposes rather than simply jamming them.
Established as one of two "Electronic Countermeasures" (VQ) squadrons. Operated land based and aircraft carrier based detachments of electronic countermeasures (ECM) aircraft. It Was redesignated a "Fleet Air Reconnaissance" (VQ) squadron on 1 January 1960 when the VQ designation was changed from Electronic Countermeasures to Fleet Air Reconnaissance.
Established as one of two "Electronic Countermeasures" (VQ) squadrons. Operated land based detachments of electronic countermeasures (ECM) aircraft. It Was redesignated a "Fleet Air Reconnaissance" (VQ) squadron on 1 January 1960 when the VQ designation was changed from Electronic Countermeasures to Fleet Air Reconnaissance.
By the late 1950s electronic countermeasures equipment and procedures had been developed from the airborne early warning capabilities of the Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadrons as the technology for detecting airborne threats with radar had led to the development of electronic countermeasures equipment for countering enemy radar and the creation of an entirely new squadron type. The VAQ designation first appeared in 1968 when two Carrier Airborne Early Warning (VAW) squadrons which had been operating both airborne early warning and electronic countermeasures aircraft were redesignated Tactical Electronic Warfare (VAQ) squadrons THIRTY-THREE and ONE-THIRTY.
In February 1998 the name of the designation was changed to "Electronic Attack Squadron" and all VAQ squadrons then in existence were renamed from "Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron-____" to "Electronic Attack Squadron-____".
In 1970 the Navy Reserve established two Reserve Carrier Air Wings and included VAQ squadrons in those wings. Those VAQ squadrons however were equipped with aircraft which were primarily tasked with tanker and carrier onboard delivery (COD) responsibilities and in 1979 a new Tactical Aerial Refueling (VAK) designation was created for them. The Navy Reserve later did establish two additional VAQ squadrons which were properly equipped with aircraft capable of fulling the Tactical Electronic Warfare role.
Note: The parenthetical (1st) appended to some designations in the tables below is not a part of the squadron designation system. It is added to indicate that the designation was used more than once during the history of U.S. Naval Aviation. Absence indicates that the designation was used only once.
Though the squadron carried the Carrier Airborne Early Warning (VAW) designation it provided both Airborne Early Warning (AEW) and Electronic Countermeasures (ECM) detachments to CVGs until July 1961. That month its AEW aircraft were transferred to VAW-11 after which it provided only ECM detachments. In early 1968 the squadron was renamed "Carrier Tactical Electronics Warfare Squadron THIRTEEN" while retaining the VAW-13 designation until it was redesignated Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron ONE-THIRTY (VAQ-130) on 1 October of that year.
Operated early airborne electronic countermeasures aircraft through redesignations to All Weather Attack Squadron THIRTY-THREE, Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron THIRTY-THREE and ultimately to Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron THIRTY-THREE. Deployed detachments to carrier air wings until 1970 when it became an electronic aggressor squadron supporting Atlantic Fleet training. Disestablished on 1 October 1993 when electronic aggressor responsibilities were assumed by the Navy Reserve.
Established as an electronic aggressor squadron supporting Pacific Fleet training. Disestablished on 5 October 1993 when electronic aggressor responsibilities were assumed by the Navy Reserve.
Established as a second electronic aggressor squadron in support of Pacific Fleet training. It was established using personnel and aircraft of disestablished VAQ-142(1st). Though it was not officially established until August 1991, it had begun operations in June. Disestablished on 7 October 1993 when electronic aggressor responsibilities were assumed by the Navy Reserve.
Established as one of five planned new land based squadrons to replace USAF EF-111 squadrons when the Air Force retired that aircraft from service. The squadron was supplemented with USAF pilots and weapons systems officers.
Established as a sea-going squadron attached to various carrier air wings.
Established as a sea-going squadron attached to various carrier air wings.
Established as a sea-going squadron attached to various carrier air wings. Upon disestablishment the squadron's personnel and aircraft were used to establish VAQ-35.
Officially established but adequate funding was not available and shortage of aircraft made it impossible to effectively activate the squadron. The squadron was not officially deactivated until 12 November 2009.
U. S. Navy Reserve Squadrons<br/> In 1970 the Navy Reserve established two Tactical Electronic Warfare squadrons for its two Reserve Carrier Air Wings (CVWR-20 and CVWR-30). They were equipped with the KA-3B Skywarrior which was a tanker aircraft that the active Navy VAQ squadrons had been operating and were equipping with Electronic Countermeasures (ECM) equipment converting them to an EKA-3B variant. The aircraft of these squadrons were never converted to the EKA-3B and operated only as tankers and carrier on board delivery (COD) aircraft. On 1 October 1979 they were redesignated to Tactical Aerial Refueling Squadron TWO-ZERO-EIGHT (VAK-208) and Tactical Aerial Refueling Squadron THREE-ZERO-EIGHT (VAK-308) in recognition of the actual role of the squadrons.
In 1977 and 1979 two more Tactical Electronic Warfare squadrons were established but these squadrons were equipped with electronic countermeasures capable aircraft. One was established for each of the two Reserve Carrier Air Wings as Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron TWO ZERO NINE (VAQ-209) and Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron THREE ZERO NINE (VAQ-309). Only VAQ-309 is listed in this section below as VAQ-209 still exists as an active squadron.
Fighter squadrons were among the Navy's first squadrons in the early 1920s. Fighter squadrons have the primary role of air to air combat in the defense of the fleet and in defense of bombing and torpedo (later attack) squadrons carrying out their attacks on enemy ships and other targets. Though air to air combat is the primary role, fighter aircraft have always had the ability to conduct air to surface or air to ground attack as well. In the late 1940s through late 1950s "All Weather Fighter" (VF(AW)) squadrons flew early radar equipped fighters and in the late 1960s there were "Antisubmarine Fighter" (VSF) squadrons which were fleet defense squadrons for specialized antisubmarine aircraft carriers and air groups. From the 1980s to 2006 "Fighter Attack" (VFA) squadrons began replacing both dedicated Fighter and dedicated Attack squadrons. The "Fighter" (VF) designation was last used in 2006 when the last VF to VFA squadron transition was completed. Two types of fighter squadrons not listed in this section are the WWII "Bombing Fighting" (VBF) and "Night Fighting" (VF(N)) squadrons which did not exist past the post war drawdown.
In 1948 and 1949 two squadrons were established as "Composite" squadrons VC-3 and VC-4. From 1948 to 1956 land based squadrons which provided detachments of specialized aircraft to Carrier Air Groups were designated "Composite Squadrons". These specialized functions were: All-Weather/Night Fighter; All Weather Attack and ASW; Heavy Attack (Nuclear Bombers); Airborne Early Warning; Anti-Submarine Warfare; and Photographic Reconnaissance. By 1956 composite squadrons were all redesignated with new descriptive designations. In July 1956 VC-3 and VC-4 were redesignated "All Weather Fighter" (VF(AW)) squadrons.
Functioned as Training and Development unit from May 1944 to May 1958 operating under the following names: "Air Training Unit, Pacific"; "Night Development Squadron Pacific"; and "Fighter All Weather Training Unit Pacific". It was designated an All Weather Fighter Squadron on 2 May 1958 the same day that VF(AW)-3(1st) was disestablished adopting its designation name and insignia.
In the 1960s some WWII Essex class aircraft carriers were designated as "Anti-Submarine Carriers" (CVS) and were paired with newly established "Anti-Submarine Carrier Air Groups" (CVSG). CVSGs consisted of squadrons of anti-submarine fixed wing aircraft and helicopters along with a detachment of airborne early warning aircraft and one of A-4 Skyhawks for defense of the carrier and air group. There were two Anti-Submarine Fighter (VSF) squadrons established between 1965 and 1967 for this role but in practice most of the A-4 dets were sourced from Navy or USMC attack (VA/VMA) squadrons and the two VSF squadrons sometimes deployed as attack squadrons. Most of the CVSGs were disestablished by 1970 and these squadrons with them.
U. S. Navy Reserve Squadrons<br/> In 1970 the Navy Reserve established two Antisubmarine Fighter Squadrons, one for each of its two Reserve Antisubmarine Carrier Air Groups (CVSGR-70 and CVSGR-80). They were equipped with A-4 Skyhawks as the active component VSF squadrons had been, the last of which was disestablished the year the two USNR VSF squadrons were established.
The VFA designation was created in 1980 when the VA squadrons flying the A-7E Corsair II attack aircraft began transitioning to the new 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" and all then existing VFA squadrons were renamed from "Fighter Attack Squadron-____" to "Strike Fighter Squadron-_____".
U. S. Navy Reserve Squadrons<br/> The squadrons listed below were established as Fighter (VF) or Attack (VA) squadrons of the Navy Reserve's Reserve Carrier Air Wing TWENTY (CVWR-20) or Reserve Carrier Air Wing THIRTY (CVWR-30) and were ultimately redesignated Strike Fighter Squadrons when they received the F/A-18 Hornet.
Logistics is the critical function of supporting operational forces. Naval forces cannot sustain themselves at sea or conduct combat operations without logistical support, and logistics squadrons have existed in various forms since the 'VR' designation was first created in 1942 to designate "Transport Squadron" or "Air Transport Squadron" or "Fleet Logistic Air Squadron". Also critical to Naval Aviation since the mid 20th century is the ability to deliver fuel in mid air to combat aircraft of the carrier air wings. With the exception of two Navy Reserve squadrons which existed in the 1970s the Navy has not operated aerial refueling squadrons instead using aircraft of other type squadrons modified for the tanker role. First North American AJ Savage and Douglas A-3 Skywarrior variants flown by "Heavy Attack" (VAH) squadrons, followed by the EKA-3 variant of the Skywarrior flown by "Tactical Electronic Warfare" (VAQ) squadrons, the KA-6 variant of the Grumman A-6 Intruder flown by "Attack" (VA) squadrons, the Lockheed S-3B Viking flown by "Sea Control" (VS) squadrons and finally the F/A-18E Super Hornet flown by today's "Strike Fighter" (VFA) squadrons.
In 1970 the Navy Reserve established two Tactical Electronic Warfare squadrons for its two Reserve Carrier Air Wings (CVWR-20 and CVWR-30). They were equipped with the KA-3B Skywarrior which was a tanker aircraft that the active Navy VAQ squadrons had been operating and were equipping with Electronic Countermeasures (ECM) equipment converting them to an EKA-3B variant. The aircraft of these two squadrons however were never converted to the EKA-3B variant and operated only as tankers and carrier on board delivery (COD) aircraft. On 1 October 1979 they were redesignated to Tactical Aerial Refueling Squadron TWO-ZERO-EIGHT (VAK-208) and Tactical Aerial Refueling Squadron THREE-ZERO-EIGHT (VAK-308) in recognition of the actual role of the squadrons.
The "Fleet Tactical Support" (VRC) squadron designation first appeared in 1960 with the establishment of VRC-40 (VRC-40 is not listed below as it is still an active squadron) which was established to operate the Grumman C-1A Trader as a "Carrier Onboard Delivery" (COD) aircraft. At the same time, the designation 'VR' also designated "Fleet Tactical Support (VR) squadron; the difference being that VR squadrons were primarily "regular" logistics squadrons and VRC squadrons were primarily "Carrier Onboard Delivery" squadrons. In 1976 the names of both VR and VRC squadrons were changed to "Fleet Logistics Support" (VR) or (VRC) squadron. Fleet Logistics Support (VRC) squadrons are being replaced by Fleet Logistics Multi-Mission (VRM) squadrons operating the CMV-22B Osprey Carrier Onboard Delivery aircraft. Once that transition is complete the VRC designation will exist attached only to the deactivated squadrons below.
Established from VR-21's Alameda detachment.
Established from VR-21's Atsugi detachment.
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.
There has always been a need to collect information to support planning and execution at the tactical, operational and/or strategic levels of warfare. From the earliest "Observing" or "Spotting" squadrons of the 1920s which used binoculars and plotters for information gathering for Naval Gunfire, to the most sophisticated signals and communications intelligence gathering technologies of "Fleet Air Reconnaissance" squadrons, the Navy through the decades of the 20th century established various types of squadrons for the purpose of information gathering in support of all aspects of naval operations.
The VO designation, one of the U.S. Navy's earliest, first appeared in 1922 to designate "Spotting Squadron" 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.
This last use of the VO designation designated a single squadron established for a special mission during the Vietnam War. The designation has not been used since.
(VC) Composite Squadron (Photographic Reconnaissance), (VFP) Light Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron, and (VCP) Composite Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron
In 1949 two Photographic Reconnaissance Squadrons were established as "Composite" squadrons VC-61 and VC-62. From 1948 to 1956 the Navy designated land based squadrons which provided detachments of specialized aircraft to Carrier Air Groups "Composite Squadrons". These specialized functions were: All-Weather/Night Fighter; All Weather Attack; Heavy Attack (Nuclear Bombers); Airborne Early Warning; Anti-Submarine Warfare; and Photographic Reconnaissance. By 1956 these squadrons were all redesignated with new descriptive designations and the VC Photographic Reconnaissance Squadrons were redesignated "Light Photographic Reconnaissance" (VFP) squadrons. These VFP squadrons flew aircraft carrier based aircraft that deployed in detachments with Carrier Air Groups.
From 1959 to 1961 one of the Light Photographic Reconnaissance Squadrons was designated a "Composite Photographic Reconnaissance" (VCP) squadron. This squadron flew both small carrier based type and large land based type aircraft and provided both aircraft carrier based and land based detachments.
(VJ) Photographic Squadron, (VAP) Heavy Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron, and (VCP) Composite Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron
In 1952 one Patrol (VP) squadron was redesignated as a Photographic Reconnaissance squadron and a new squadron was established equipped with large land based multi-engine aircraft. These squadrons were designated "Photographic" (VJ) squadrons. In 1956 when VC-61 and VC-62 were redesignated "Light Photographic Reconnaissance" (VFP) squadrons the VJ squadrons which were VJ-61 and VJ-62 were redesignated "Heavy Photographic Reconnaissance" (VAP) squadrons.
From 1959 to 1969 one of the Heavy Photographic Reconnaissance Squadrons was designated a "Composite Photographic Reconnaissance" (VCP) squadron. This squadron flew both small carrier based type and large land based type aircraft and provided both aircraft carrier based and land based detachments.
U. S. Navy Reserve Squadrons<br/> In 1970 the Navy Reserve established two Light Photographic Reconnaissance squadrons for its two Reserve Carrier Air Wings (CVWR-20 and CVWR-30).
From 1952 to 1953, VJ designated "Weather" or "Weather Reconnaissance" squadron (it also at the same time, from 1952 to 1956 designated "Photographic" Squadron). Beginning in 1953 there was no designation for weather reconnaissance squadron and squadrons which performed that role were designated "Airborne Early Warning" (VW) squadrons along with actual airborne early warning squadrons. By 1967 there were only two VW squadrons remaining which were the Pacific Fleet's VW-1 "Typhoon Trackers" which retained the "Airborne Early Warning" (VW) designation and the Atlantic Fleet's VW-4 "Hurricane Hunters" which at that time was redesignated a "Weather Reconnaissance" (VW) squadron. VW-1 was disestablished in 1971 leaving Weather Reconnaissance Squadron 4 (VW-4) the last squadron to carry the VW designation until it was disestablished in 1975.
After redesignation as an airborne early warning squadron (VW) it continued to perform hurricane hunting and weather reconnaissance as a secondary role until it was disestablished.
After redesignation as an airborne early warning squadron (VW) it continued as a hurricane hunter and weather reconnaissance squadron with secondary roles in tracking space launches and other support to NASA. It was redesignated a weather reconnaissance squadron (retaining the 'VW' designation) on 1 March 1967 as that described the squadron's primary role.
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"
In 1955 two "Electronic Countermeasures" (VQ) Squadrons were established, one in the Atlantic Fleet and one in the Pacific Fleet. These squadrons operated both land based multi-engine aircraft equipped with Electronic Countermeasures (jamming) equipment and an aircraft carrier capable aircraft to provide detachments to Carrier Air Groups. In 1960 the 'VQ' designation was changed to "Fleet Air Reconnaissance" squadron to reflect the fact that by then the aircraft had been equipped to collect communications and other electronic signals for intelligence purposes rather than simply jamming them.
Redesignated from "Electronic Countermeasures" (VQ) to "Fleet Air Reconnaissance" (VQ) squadron on 1 January 1960. Operated land based reconnaissance aircraft. Also provided detachments of reconnaissance aircraft to carrier air groups (carrier air wings after December 1963) until late 1989.
Redesignated from "Electronic Countermeasures" (VQ) to "Fleet Air Reconnaissance" (VQ) squadron on 1 January 1960. Operated land based reconnaissance aircraft. Also provided detachments of reconnaissance aircraft to carrier air groups (carrier air wings after December 1963) until late 1989.
United States Navy Reserve squadron. Though it was designated a "Fleet Air Reconnaissance" (VQ) squadron it did not operate as a reconnaissance squadron. It provided electronic "aggressor" services simulating hostile radar and communications jamming for fleet training.
In 1964 the Navy ended its involvement with manned strategic nuclear bombing in favor of developing submarine ballistic missile capabilities. From 1964 through 1966 all Atlantic Fleet Heavy Attack (VAH) squadrons transitioned to a photographic reconnaissance variant of the A-5 Vigilante and were redesignated "Reconnaissance Attack" (RVAH) squadrons. There were also five Pacific Fleet Heavy Attack squadrons all of which retained the VAH designation but their A-3 attack aircraft were converted to KA-3 refueling tankers and the squadrons were disestablished or redesignated to Tactical Electronic Warfare (VAQ) squadrons by 1971.
All RVAH squadrons fell under the administrative control of the Atlantic Fleet's Reconnaissance Attack Wing ONE but squadrons were deployed with Carrier Air Wings of both the Atlantic and Pacific Fleets. Attrition of airframes and the increasing maintenance and flight hour costs of the RA-5C resulted in the incremental retirement of the RA-5C and sunset the RVAH community beginning in mid-1974. The RVAH designation was retired in 1979 with the disestablishment of the last RVAH squadron.
Six of the eight Atlantic Fleet VAH squadrons were redesignated to RVAH from May through December 1964.
In 1965 the seventh Atlantic Fleet VAH squadron was redesignated RVAH in September after a new RVAH squadron was established in July.
in July 1966 the last of the eight Atlantic Fleet VAH squadrons was redesignated to RVAH.
In 1968 the second of two RVAH squadrons to be established as such and which was the tenth and final RVAH squadron was established.
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. 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.
In 1946 three Experimental and Development (VX) squadrons were established and one Patrol (VP) squadron which had been involved in the development of airborne early warning radar was redesignated to develop the emerging technologies which had been invented during WWII. VX-1, VX-2, VX-3(1st) and VX-4(1st) were tasked with the development of airborne anti-submarine technologies, pilotless aircraft and guided missiles, helicopters, and airborne early warning radar respectively. VX-1 can be found listed in List of United States Navy aircraft squadrons which lists current Navy aircraft squadrons and VX-2, VX-3(1st) and VX-4(1st) are listed below
From 1948 to 1952 three more VX squadrons were established. VX-3(2nd) to develop and evaluate high performance jet aircraft, VX-4(2nd) to conduct operational test and evaluation of aircraft carrier based aircraft weapons systems and weapons delivery systems, and VX-5 to develop tactics for employment of airborne weapons from aircraft carrier based aircraft.
On 1 January 1969 two VX squadrons which had been established to support scientific research were redesignated with the descriptive designations of "Antarctic Development" (VXE) squadron and "Oceanographic Development" (VXN) squadron.
Established as VX-6 to support Operation Deep Freeze in the Antarctic. Redesignated VXE-6 on 1 January 1969.
Established as VX-8 from the Oceanographic Air Survey Unit whose function was to support the Naval Oceanographic Office and redesignated "Oceanographic Development" (VXN) squadron 8 on 1 January 1969.
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)". 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).
From 1925 to 1946 utility squadrons were designated VJ. On 15 November 1946 the designation was changed from VJ to VU. The VJ designation then reappeared from 1952 to 1956 to designate weather squadrons and some photographic squadrons. On 1 July 1965 utility squadrons were renamed and redesignated Fleet Composite (VC) squadrons.
The VC designation was first used from 1943 to 1945 to designate Composite (VC) squadrons. These VC squadrons were composed of fighters, dive bombers and/or torpedo bombers and flew from the decks of small Escort Carriers during WWII. From 1948 to 1956 the VC designation was again used to designated Composite (VC) squadrons but these VC squadrons were squadrons of specialized aircraft which were eventually redesignated Antisubmarine (VS) squadrons, All Weather or Night Fighter (VF(AW)) squadrons, All Weather or Night Attack (VA(AW)) squadrons, Heavy Attack (VAH) squadrons, Carrier Airborne Early Warning (VAW) squadrons or Photographic Reconnaissance (VFP)(VCP) squadrons. There is no relationship between these earlier VC squadrons and the Fleet Composite (VC) squadrons in the table below which had all been established and operated as utility squadrons.
This third and last use of the VC designation appeared on 1 July 1965 as a new name and designation for utility squadrons. These VC squadrons usually operated more than one type of aircraft in a variety of roles such as aerial target support, missile range support, fleet training or fighter squadron training. All but two of these squadrons were ultimately disestablished as the Navy transitioned the utility function to contracted services.
In addition to disestablished or deactivated squadrons, the table below lists the former no longer used VC designations of two squadrons which are still active under a new designation.
In 1920 General Order 541 was issued identifying two overall types of aircraft and assigning them permanent letters; lighter than air types were identified by the letter Z and heavier than air types by the letter V. The use of letter abbreviations for squadrons was promulgated in the "Naval Aeronautic Organization for Fiscal Year 1923" which is the first known record associating the abbreviated Aircraft Class Designations (V-heavier than air, Z-lighter than air, and letters designating role) with abbreviated squadron designations. The Navy's last lighter than air squadrons were disestablished in 1961 thus ending the use of the lighter than air "Z" designation.
The ZJ designation was a short lived designation in use only from 1944 to 1945 to designated a single squadron.
The ZK designation was the first lighter than air squadron designation. It was in use from 1922 to 1924.
The ZP designation was in use from 1942 to 1961 and designated variously through the period "Airship Patrol Squadron", "Blimp Squadron", "Airship Patrol Squadron (All Weather Anti-Submarine)", "Airship Squadron" or "Lighter Than Air (LTA) Patrol Squadron".
The ZW designation was in use from 1956 to 1961 to designate squadrons operating blimps equipped with early warning radar used to fill radar gaps in the North American early-warning network between the Contiguous Barrier and the Inshore Barrier during the Cold War.
The ZX designation was in use from 1950 to 1957.
Notes
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