Second VA-64 (U.S. Navy)

VA-64 was an Attack Squadron of the U.S. Navy. It was established on 1 July 1961, and disestablished on 7 November 1969. The squadron was known as the Black Lancers, and was the second squadron to carry the VA-64 designation. It was formed to provide an air defense capability for Carrier AntiSubmarine Air Groups. The squadron flew A4D-2N/A-4C and A4D-2 aircraft.

Operational history

• 17 February–17 June 1962: VA-64 Detachment 48, formed to provide an air defense capability for Carrier Anti-Submarine Air Groups, deployed aboard for a North Atlantic cruise.
• October–18 November 1962: The squadron was embarked on operating in the Caribbean Sea in support of the Cuban quarantine.
• 18 November–5 December 1962: VA-64 switched places with VA-34 and embarked on . The complements of both squadrons were lifted between carriers by helicopters. Following the transfer the squadron continued to operate in the Caribbean as part of the Cuban quarantine.
• March 1964: The squadron conducted operations in the vicinity of Cyprus during a conflict between Turkish and Greek Cypriots.
• 31 July–3 October 1964: The squadron participated in Operation Sea Orbit, the first circumnavigation of the world by a nuclear task force. The sixty-five-day voyage was accomplished without logistic replenishment. The squadron participated in numerous air power demonstrations during the voyage.
• 8 June 1967: VA-64’s aircraft were part of an Air Wing 6 strike group that was launched to defend when she came under attack by the Israelis.
• November 1968: The squadron provided an A-4C, two pilots and seven enlisted personnel to augment the VSF-1 detachment aboard USS Wasp. The detachment provided the ship with a day time air defense capability.

See also

• List of Douglas A-4 Skyhawk operators
• History of the United States Navy
• List of inactive United States Navy aircraft squadrons
• List of United States Navy aircraft squadrons

References