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COPYRIGHT
@
1988 SQUADRON/SIGNAL PUBLICATIONS, INC.
1115 CROWLEY DRIVE CARROLLTON, TEXAS 7501 1-5010
All rights reserved. No part ofthis publication may be reproduced,stored in a
retrieval system or transmitted in any form by any means electrical,mechanical or otherwise, without written permission of the publisher.
ISBN 0-89747-218-7
If you have any photographs of the aircraft, armor, soldiers or ships of any
nation, particularly wartime snapshots, why not share them with us and help
make Squadron/Signal's books all the more interesting and complete in the
future. Any photograph sent to us will be copied and the original returned. The
donor will be fully credited for any photos used. Please send them to:
Squadron/Signal Publications, Inc.
1115 Crowley Drive.
Carrollton, TX 75011-5010.
Dedicated
To Todd, my youngest son, who has kept me young at heart.
Acknowledgements
Pete Bowers
Roger Besecker
Beaver Blake
Roger Briggs
Kenneth Buchanam
Bill Cuddy
Robert Dorr
Russell Egnor
John Elliott
Bob Esposito
Jim Fister
Harry Gann
Clyde Gerdes
Mike Grove
Joe Handelman
Fred Harl
Grumman Aerospace
Naval Aviation News
Clay Jansson
Pete Lewis
Losis Lovisolo
Frank MacSorley
Hiedeki Nagakobo
Lional Paul
Gwen Rich
Bill Swisher
Larry Smalley
Bruce Trombecky
Masumi Wada
Joe Weathers, Jr.
McDonnell Douglas Corp
United States Navy
Tailhook Association
United States Marine Corps
(Above) A section of F-4B Phantom Ils of VF-111 Sundowners enroute
to targets in South Vietnam during March of 1973. VF-111 was deployed aboard USS CORAL SEA (CVA-43) and returned to CONUS in
November of 1973. (USN)
Plane handlers move an A-4C Skyhawk (BuNo 149603) of VA-34 Blue
Blasters forward on the flight deck of USS SARATOGA (CVA-60).VA-34
deployed aboard SARATOGA in March of 1965 for SARATOGA'Ssixth
Mediterraneancruise. (USN)
(Below)AUH-2BSeasprite (BuNo 160186) of HC-1FlyingAngelson station as the plane guard helo while USS ENTERPRISE (CVAN-65)conducts flight operations and takes on ammunition from a supply ship
during October of 1966. (USN)
USN
AIRCRAFT
CARRIER
AIR UNITS
1964-1973
The Vietnam War saw a heavy commitment of US Navy carrier
aviation, both in the South and in the bombing campaigns against
North Vietnam. American combat involvement in Southeast Asia
began on 2 August 1964 when North Vietnamese torpedo boats
attacked US surface ships operating within international waters in
the Gulf of T0nkin.A~in the Korean War, camer aviation was quickly called on to support our allies in South Vietnam.
The lack of international support for the French at Dien Bien
Phu in May of 1954, and their own populist clamoring for withdrawal, gave North Vietnam to the Communists. Twenty years later
public clamor in the United States, coupled with a war that was run
by politicians and the press, would give up South Vietnam to Communist rule.
South Vietnam had enjoyed a short lived peace during the early
1950s. During this time the communists regrouped and began organizing their guerrilla forces in the South. During the late 50s South
Vietnam. Loas, and Cambodia all began seeing increasing insurgent
activity. Throughout this period carriers of the US 7th Fleet maintained a presence in the South China Sea. After the attackon the destroyers USS MADDOX and USS TURNER JOY in August of 1964,
the US began supplying South Vietnam with limited numbers of
advisors, equipment, and provided aerial reconnaissance to monitor communist activities.Gradually carrier strength in the Gulf rose
to three attack and one anti-submarine carrier on station. On 7 February 1965 the guemllas (now known as the Viet Cong) attacked US
advisors at Pleiku, South Vietnam, killing nine and wounding one
hundred. The US retaliated against North Vietnam and this was
followed by another attack by the Viet Cong. Again US carrier aircraft were directed to retaliate and ninety-nine aircraft headed towards
North Vietnam. This cycle of attack and retaliation continued and
by June of 1965 the Navy was supporting five CVAs off the coast
of Vietnam.
While the war escalated in Vietnam, the communists in North
Korea became bold and seized the intelligence ship USS PUEBLO
on22 January 1968,while it was operating in international waters off
Korea. Acarrier Task Force was ordered into the area and in the US,
Naval Air Reserve carrier squadrons were activated. Finally the
crew was released but by then the long expected communist offensive in South Vietnam had begun.
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(Above) An A-7E Corsair II of VA-146 Blue Diamonds, armed with Mk 82
500 pound bombs on the outboard wing pylons, is positioned on the
port bow catapult of USS CONSTELLATION (CVA-64) during April of
1972. An A-7E of VA-147 is behindthecorsair, whilean F-4JPhantomof
VF-92 is positioned on the starboard catapult. (USN)
(Below) An A-6A (BuNo 151781) of VA-85 Falcons is tied down on the
hangar deck of USS KITTY HAWK (CVA-63) during the Falcon's first
Vietnam cruise. The squadron deployed in October of 1965. (Grumman Aerospace)
This S-2E Tracker (BuNo 152798) of VS-31 Topcats (side number 31) is
being hoisted aboard USS INTREPID (CVS-11) while pier side at NAS
Quonset Point, Rhode Island in September of 1969. The squadron is
(Above) The crowded bow catapult area of USS JOHN F KENNEDY
(CVA-67) during December of 1971 contains an RA-5C Vigilante (BuNo
147859) of RVAH-14 Bats, two A-6A Intruders of VA-34, an A-7B Corsair
II of VA-46, and an E-2B Tracer of VAW-125. (Duane Kasulka collection)
(Below) This F-3B Demon (BuNo 145266) of VF-161 Chargers is in full
afterburner as it prepares for launch from USS ORISKANY (CVA-34).
VF-161 was the last squadron to operate the McDonnell F-3 Demon,
151580) of VA-35 lack panthers refuelsanF-4J
A K A - ~ Intruder
D
Phantom (BuNo 153893) of VMFA-333 Shamrocks, while another F-4J
(BuNo 153808) of VF-101 Grim Reapers, DET-66 awaits its turn. The
mix of a USMC squadron and a LANT FRS Detachment to provide the
CAP fighters for a carrier, in this case USS AMERICA (CVA-661, is Unusual. (USN via Bill Cuddy)
President Nixon entered the White House in January of 1969.
The bombing halt. imposed by President Johnson the preceding
November, was ended in June, however, only protective reaction
strikes were authorized. Three days later Nixon announced aphased
withdrawal of US troops and the beginning of the Vietnamization
Program. The bombing now shifted to Cambodia and Loas where
the infiltration routes and encampments for the VC were located.
The battleground was now the Ho Chi Minh Trail.
US carriers also supported other hot spots around the world.
including the Avril of 1965 civil war in the Dominican Revublic. In
April of i969 thk North Koreans again ignited a crisis by ittacking
and shooting down an EC-121Warning Star electronic surveillance
aircraft operating over international waters; all thirty-one crewmen
were lost. The USS ENTERPRISE (CVAN-65) was called on to head
aTaskForce inNorth Korean waters on a show of force mission. The
Task Force included twenty-nine ships of which four were carriers,
however, by the end of April this force had been reduced to eight
ships. In September of 1970 US carriers were involved in a show of
force in the Mediterranean in response to PLO hijackings of airliners in the Middle East. The following year, in December of 1971,
carriers were again called on to demonstrate US support for Pakistan in its war with India.
In Vietnam, the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) between North and
South Vietnam was heating up and on 30 March 1972 South Vietnam was invaded by 120.000 North Vietnamese regular troops in
what became known as the Easter Invasion. While the US tried to
show restraint, the North Vietnamese played for time. As the Paris
cease fire talks dragged on and with South Vietnam troops in desperate need of support,
the President finally gave military leaders
..
what they had sought for years - authorityto mine ~ 0 r t h
Vietnamese harbors. To shut off the flow of Soviet supplies at the source,
Navy aircraft now began a mining campaign against all North Vietnamese harbors. So successful was this operation that the only supplies now getting into North Vietnam were coming overland through
China. Again the bombing was halted in October as a peace gesture,
however,-this halt just gave the North Vietnamese time to rebuild
and resupply, after which they walked out of the peace talks. President Nixon resumed full scale bombing on 2 January 1973 and a
cease fire was announced on the 23rd. The signing of a cease fire did
not stop the war in South East Asia, since the fighting continued in
Laos and Cambodia. A total cease fire for all of South East Asia,
however, was finally agreed to and put in place 15 August 1973. On
that date all US offensive operations ceased.
In the Middle East, US forces were called on to provide logistic
support to Israel after the October 1973 surprise attack by Egypt. A
subsequent strategic alert was ordered in response to a Soviet threat
to intervene in the Middle East. If anything the cold war was very hot
during these eight years, however, once again US forces were being
reduced. This cycle of force reductions always happens after the
close of a major conflict, despite the threat or the prevailing international climate.
CARRIERS
During this time period only two conventional fossil fueled
attack carriers (CVAs),USS A M E R I C A (CVA-66 - 1965) and USS
JOHN F KENNEDY (CVA-67 - 1968). entered the Fleet. T h e Navy
was committed to the Polaris nuclear submarine building program
and it would be 1967 before a new carrier construction program was
authorized. This program resulted i n the second nuclear attack carrier (CVN), the USS NIMITZ (CVN-68). This new construction
authorization resulted. i n large part, from the steady escalation o f
the Vietnam conflict into a full scale war. T h e concentration o f carriers i n the G u l f o f Tonkin had illustrated the shortage o f carriers
and carrier deployments to other locations around the world were
affected.T h e performance o f the attack carrier during the Vietnam
War re-emphasized the aircraft carrier's virtues o f high mobility and
striking power. lessons that had been already proven during the
Second World War and the Korean War.
This reinforced lesson. i n turn. produced funding for both the
U S S EISENHOWER (CVN-69) i n 1970 and the U S S C A R L V I N SON (CVN-70)i n 1974.Both ships required a five year construction
period before they could be commissioned. In the interim, proposals
existed for construction o f two others, however, both President Ford
and later President Carter opposed them. optimistically blundering
along the path o f "detente" with the Soviets.
T h e dedicated ASW carriers (CVSs). due to budget constraints
and age, were gradually retired. This forced the merger o f the ASW
and Attack missions aboard the attack carrier (CVA).In June 1971
an evaluation o f this multi-role configuration was conducted aboard
USS S A R A T O G A (CVA-60),re-designated as a "CV" carrier with a
blend o f squadrons to provide both attack and ASW capability. T h e
new Air Wings were flexible. reducing quantities o f attack aircraft
(usually deployed ashore) to make room for A S W aircraft. although
at other times the A S W aircraft would be reduced and attack squadrons would be redeployed back aboard i f the situation demanded
additional attack assets. Judged a success, U S S S A R A T O G A was
redesignated CV-60 o n 31 June 1972. T h e last CVS carrier cruise
began i n November o f 1972 and was concluded i n May o f 1973.
(AboveRight)An overall EngineGray SH-3DSea King (BuNo 156484)of
HS-7 lifts off from USS WASP (CVS-18)to take up the plane guard station during December of 1971. (USN via Bill Curry)
(Right) An F-46 Phantom of VF-92 Silverkings is catapulted from USS
RANGER (CVA-61)while on pre-cruise workups during the Summer of
1964. The squadron deployed for Vietnam in August of 1964 aboard
RANGER marking the first combat cruise for the Phantom. The Air
Group returned in May of 1965. (MDAC via Beaver Blake)
(Below) An A-4E Skyhawk (BuNo 149993) of VA-72 Blue Bolts, with
thirty-six Black mission markings on the fuselage under the cockpit, is
readied for launch from USS INDEPENDENCE (CVA-62) during the
squadron's first combat cruise. VA-72 deployed to Vietnam in May of
1965. (USN)
(Above) An F-8E Crusader (BuNo 149187) of VF-53 is spotted aft the
island aboard USS TICONDEROGA (CVA-14)prior to deploying in April
of 1964. This was VF-53s first deployment since converting from the F38 Demon. VF-53 was later credited with shooting down a MIG-17 during 1968. (Harry Gann)
CARRIER
AIR
WINGSIGROUPS
When this time period began the Navy had twenty-nine Fleet
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Carrier Air Wings (CVWs) and groups (CVSGs). This total remained
level until 1968 when the CVSGs began being reduced and, by the
end of 1973, the total number of Fleet CVWs and CVSGs was down
to seventeen. Four of these wingslgroups were dedicated to combat
readiness/replacement crew training. These were disestablished
with their squadrons being re-assigned to functional wings at individual Naval Air Stations (NAS). The other reductions had been
accomplished by disestablishing both the CVWICVSG and their
squadrons. A few of these squadrons were reassigned to existing
CVWs with the arrival of additional large deck carriers that could
support more squadrons.
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ANTI-SUBMARINE
WARFARE GROUPS
Each Anti-Submarine Warfare Group (CVSG) had two fixed
wing ASW squadrons (S-2 Tracker) and an ASW helicopter squadron (SH-3 Sea King). Various DETs were added to the air wing for
the airborne early warning (VAW) role (AD-SW Skyraider. E-IB
Tracker). A new squadron type was also introduced. initially as a
DET from a VA squadron. to provide Combat Air Patrol (CAP) for
the CVS that operated outside the protection of a CVA and her
fighters. This role was formally established during 1965 with the
establishment of anti-submarine warfare fighter squadrons (VSF).
These squadrons never actually deployed with a CVSG, because the
need for increased attack capability for the Vietnam War had created a
change in the CVS mission, with the majority of CVSs operating as
limited CVAs. By the close of 1973the last Fleet CVSG had been disestablished, leaving two newly established Reserve CVSGs
(CVSGRs).
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This S-2E (BuNo 152365) of VS-33 Screwbirds on the ramp at NAS
North Island during June of 1970 is the CAG aircraft for CVSG-59 and
has Red trim colors. The Screwbird insignia on the aft section of the
engine nacelle is Red on a Red outlined White circle. (Clay Jansson)
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ATTACK CARRIER
AIR WINGS
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An Attack Canier Air Wing (CVW) included the following squadrons: two fighter (F-8 Crusader. F-4 Phantom 11, F-14 Tomcat), two
light attack (A-4 Skyhawk, A-7 Corsair 11). one medium attack (A-1
Skyraider. A-6 Intruder), and initially a heavy attack squadron or
Detachment (DET) (A-3B Skywamor, A-5A Vigilante). Several CVWs
operated a third light attack squadron replacing the medium attaek
unit. Additionally, a variety of special mission DETs or squadrons
could be added to the CVW. These included photo reconnaissance
(RF-8 Crusader. RA-3 Skywarrior. RA-5 Vigilante). electronic warfare (EAIEK.4-3 Skywarrior, EA-6 Prowler). airborne early warning
(E-IB Tracker, E-2 Hawkeye). and a helicopter DET for plane
guard duties.
A major change to CVW composition began in 1972 when the
CV (multi-purpose) carrier was being evaluated. The idea of incorporating both CVSG and CVW operations into a single wing and
carrier, appealed to Navy planners. Typically a single VS (S-2 Tracker) and HS (SH-3 Sea King) squadron was added to the CVW. The
HS squadron preformed both ASW and Search and Rescue (SAR),
eliminating the HC DET.
AGrumman F-14ATomcat(BuNo 158620) of VF-124Mig Mastersonthe
rampat NAS Miramar during March of 1973. The trim color is Orange, in
keeping with the 4xx nose number series. VF-124 was designated a
Tomcat FRS during 1970. (Duane Kasulka)
FLEET READINESS
SQUADRONS
The Replacement Training Carrier Air Wings (RCVW) and Air
Groups (RCVSG) were disestablished in June 1970 with the squadrons being redesignated as Fleet Readiness Squadrons (FRS). The
Navy created a series of functional wings that consolidated like aircraft types with their maintenance and training at a specific Naval
Air Station. The tail codes of the disestablished RCVWIRCVSGs
were retained by the squadrons along with the squadron aircraft
nose numbers then in effect.
This A-4E Skyhawk (BuNo 150044) of VA-94 on the port bow catapult of
USS BON HOMME RICHARD (CVA-38) is ready for launch against VC
targets in South Vietnam during March of 1968. The aircraft number is
repeated on the partially lowered flaps in White against a Red background. (USN via Bill Curry)
RESERVE CARRIER
AIR GROUPS/WINGS
l'wo Reserve Carrier Air Wings (CVWRs) and two Reserve ASW
Carrier Air Groups (CVSGR) were established during 1970 with the
CVWRs being equipped similar to a Fleet CVW. The two CVSGRs
were equipped with three VS, two HS. one VSF, and one VAW
squadron.
An F-8H Crusader (BuNo 148662) of VSF-76 Saints is towed into a
hangar at NAS New Orleans in May of 1973. The reserve fighter squadron was disestablished later that same year. (Joe Weathers, Jr.)
CARRIER AIR GROUPIWING LINEAGE
AIRCRAFT COLORS
The colors used for carrier fixed wing aircraft were the same as
those first established during 1955; Flat Light Gull Gray applied to
the uppersurfaces with Glossy Insignia White undersurfaces. The
Flat Gull Gray was replaced by Glossy Light Gray in June of 1971
with the Glossy Insignia White undersurfaces being retained. Helicopter squadrons, having adopted overall Engine Gray in 1961. now
began using Glossy Light Gray and Insignia White for helicopter
squadrons deploying aboard carriers.
HIGH VISIBILITY
Those aircraft dedicated to training continued to use Insignia
White with International Orange trim. The International Orange,
first introduced during 1956, was deleted in June of 1971. Another
form of high visibility markings was introduced on aerial tankers to
aid in rapid identification. These markings were normally dark
colored fuselage bands, with the number of bands often matching
the last digit of the aircraft nose number.
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An overall Engine Gray U H - ~ C
(B~NO
150170) of HC-2, DET.66 lifts off
from USS AMERICA (CVA-66)for plane guard duties while in the Gulf of
Tonkin during April of 1968. Tied down on the port deck edge are F-4J
Phantoms of VF-33. (USN via Bill Cuddy)
/
CAMOUFLAGE
During the Vietnam War several experimental camouflage schemes were evaluated in combat. Attack Camer Air Wing Eleven
(CVW-11) aboard USS KI7TY HAWK (CVA-63) was ordered, during 1966, to camouflage half its aircraft with Matte Medium Green
uppersurfaces to reduce their visibility from above. The USAF had
begun to camouflage their aircraft some months before and the Navy
desired to evaluate the usefulness of camouflage in combat. CVW-11
selected VA-85 (A-6A), VF-213 (F-4B/Gs), VA-113 (A-4C), VA- 115
(A-IH), VAH-4 DET C (KA-3B), and RVAH-13 (RA-5C) to conduct
the evaluation. RVAH-13 and VA-115 applied an uppersurface pattern of Matte Medium Green, Olive Drab, and Tan. Warning and
international markings were also altered and the national insignia
was reduced in size. The only unit markings camed were the aircraft
side numbers. The remaining aircraft of the Air Wing were left in the
standard scheme to provide a control base. At the conclusion of the
cruise it was found that combat losses for both groups were nearly
the same. It was also found that night operations aboard ship were
hampered by the camouflage because the aircraft were less visible
on the darkened deck. Upon their return to CONUS in June of 1966,
the aircraft were repainted in standard schemes.
Other Air Wings also evaluated camouflage. CVW-9 aboard
USS ENTERPRISE (CVAN-65)had VA-36 camouflage their A-4s in
a pattern of Matte Medium Green and Olive Drab on the uppersurfaces, while CVW-15 aboard theUSS CONSTELLATION(CVA-64)
had VA-65 (A-6A),VA-155 (A-4E), and RVAH-6 (RA-5C) in the same
colors. The use of camouflage was abandoned by December of 1966
when CVW-15 returned to CONUS with the aircraft being repainted
in standard colors. Helicopters employed in Combat Search and
Rescue (CSAR) were also camouflaged and remained so until the
end of the war.
Heavy Photo Reconnaissance Squadrons (VAP) 61 and 62 during 1970painteda number oftheir RA-3Bs Skywaniors in camouflage.
These aircraft were used to provide shore based DETs at Danang.
South Vietnam and Muane
" RTAB. Thailand. Their mission was to
conduct real time surveillance along the HOChi Minh Trail and call
in air strikes. Most RA-3s employed a multi-tone Gray camouflage,
however, several aircraft aboard carriers were painted overall Black
for night missions over southern North Vietnam.
(Above)ThisTA-4J Skyhawk (BuNo 154343)of RVAH-3SeaDragonson
the ramp at NAS Albany, Georgia during October of 1973 is painted in
the high visibility Gloss Insignia White with International Orange trim
used by non-combataircraft. RVAH-3operated the RA-5C, two TA-4Js,
and several TA-3Bs. (Duane Kasulka)
(Below)A KA-6DIntruder of VA-65, painted in Matte Medium Green and
Olive Drab uppersurfaces with White nose numbers, refuels an F-4B
Phantom (BuNo 151463) of VF-161 Chargers. VA-65 evaluated this
camouflagescheme during the Fall of 1966while deployed aboard USS
CONSTELLATION (CVA-63). (USN via Bill Cuddy)
(Above) An EKA-3BSkywarrior (BuNo 142403)of VAQ-131 (previously
designated VAH-4I6ZB')on the ramp at NAS Alarneda in May of 1970.
The number of Black stripes on the rear fuselage match the aircraft
nose number's last digit, a common method of marking tanker aircraft.
(Bill Swisher)
VIETNAM WAR MARKINGS
As in the Korean War, mission markings and victory markings
were applied to aircraft in Vietnam. Silhouettes of downed enemy
aircraft or small North Vietnamese flags became popular as kill
markings. A number of squadrons marked their aircraft with the
total number of kills credited to the squadron. Strike missions often
referred to as "mud moving" missions, were usually shown by a
Black bomb silhouette with one bomb for each sortie. Other observed mission markings included cameras, drone targets, parachutes,
etc.As the war progressed some squadrons added city names to their
aircraft. Often these were cities that had adopted a particular pilot
or squadron.
This A-4C Skyhawk (BuNo 148576) of VA-216 Black Diamondson the
ramD at NAS Lemoore in Se~tember
of 1968carries forty Black mission
markings on the fuselage aiound the national insignia and on the nose
wheel door. (Duane Kasulka)
(Above) This F-4B Phantom (BuNo 151491) of VF-161 Chargers carries
a MiG kill silhouette on the splitter plate. The marking has a small White
circle with a Black six in the'cente;, for the squadron's total number of
MiG kills. Their first kill, a MiG-17,was in July of 1966and the last kill was
during Januaryof 1973(itwasalsothelast Navy kill of theVietnam War).
(Fred Harl)
fBelow) An A-4C Skyhawk (BuNo 145122) of VA-66 parked on the ramp
at NAS Los Alamitos in March of 1969 after returning from CVW-lo's
last deployment (the Wing was disestablished in September). VA-66's
sister A-4 squadrons in CVW-10 were VA-106 and VA-36. (Harry
Gann)
(Above) This A-6Alntruder (BuN0154133) of VA-52 BlueKnightsat NAS
Lemoore in May of 1969 has its mission markings painted on the lower
fuselage in Black. These strikes were flown from USS CORAL SEA
(CVA-43) during 1969. (Duane Kasulka)
(Below) An A-1H Skyraider (BuNo 135344) of VA-145 Swordsmen
~ ) at NAF Atsugi, Japan during
aboard uSS RANGER ( C V A - ~lands
1969. The graffiti on the fuselage reads ~GOMBEY69, USAF STRIKES
AGAIN,"indicating that this pilot must have been forced to land at an Air
Force Base. (Motosi lguchi via John Elliott)
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AIR WING TRIM COLORS & AIRCRAFT NUMBERS
The trim colors and squadron numbering system first introduced
in 1958 for Carrier Air Wings was only minimally changed until 7
May 1968 when colors were defined for the seventh through the
ninth squadrons within the Air Wing. Additionally, the system of
tying the squadron type to the aircraft side number was ended. The
only reference to squadron type within this change was a requirement that fighter sauadrons should receive the low numbers. Seniority
within a C*
now only applied to squadrons with the same role.
The final selection of aircraft number assignments was left to the
"...Force, Wing, Group, or Squadron Commanders, as appropriate..." This resulted in fighter and attack aircraft using the same
numbers and associated trim colors that had been established in
1958.Fighter squadrons continued to use the 100-200 series of numbers. Light attack squadrons used the 300 and 400 series numbers,
while medium attack squadrons used the 500 series. The 600 series,
initially used by VAH squadrons, was usually split into a 60X and
61X series whenever a RVAH and a VAH squadron operated together.
Some earlv VAO units used 800 series numbers. however, because
most
were redesignated VAH units, they usually used the
61X series,with the RVAH squadron using the 60X series.VFP units
began adopting the 60X series later, as had the RVAHS, dropping
their traditional 900 series. VAWs continued using the 700 series,
with DETs using either the 700 or OlX series. HC DETs used the 00X
series. AsVS units were assigned to CVWs they adopted a three digit
numbering series, either a OXX or an existing series starting at the
thirty or forty level (example 23X or 24X). Exceptions were common,
usually as a result of squadrons changing from one Air Wing to
another. DETs, while numbered from 1 to 99, now began adding
zeros to their designator, now read 001 to 099.
A series within a nose number series occurred at the second digit
(ten series) within the three digit hundred series. Squadrons with
similar types and DETs, especially the RVAH, VFP, VAH, VAQ, and
VAW units used this second number series for a short period; examples being: VAW-125 used 75X and VAW-122 used 7 z .
(Above) A UH-2A Seasprite ( B U N 151
~ 326) of HC-2, DET-67 lifts off
from the flight deck of USS JOHN F KENNEDY (CVA-67) during their
1969cruise to the Med. This was the KENNEDY'Sfirst cruise, deploying
in April of 1969 and returning in December. (Duane Kasulka collection)
inits its
(Above) A pair of F-4J Phantoms, (BuNo 155536) of VF-33 and (BuNo
155558)VF-102,are parked on the 'TOP GUN' line at NAS Miramar during April of 1971. The Navy Fighter Weapons School (TOP GUN) was
establishedto improvethe air combat maneuveringskills of Navy pilots
during the Vietnam War. (Duane Kasulka)
(Above) An A-7A Corsair II(BuNo 153147) of VA-105Gunslingers on the
starboard deckedgeelevator of USSSARATOGA(CV-60)while docked
at NAS New orleais. The squadron deployed in April 1972 to Vietnam.
(USN via PH2 Vamm)
(Below) A KA-6D Intruder (BuNo 152598) of VA-115 Arabs is spotted
aboard USS MIDWAY (CVA-41) while pier side at NAS Alameda in April
of 1971 prior to deploying to Vietnam. The trim colors (including the
fuselage band) are Light Blue. (Bill Swisher)
(Above) The trim colors on this RA-5C (BuNo 149307) of RVAH-5 are
Red. The squadron was at NAS Alameda awaiting loading aboard USS
RANGER (CVA-61) for their first cruise with CVW-2. They deployed for
Vietnam in October of 1968, returning in February of 1969. (Clay
Jansson)
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CVW SQUADRON TRIM COLORS AND AIRCRAm NUMBERS
December 1958
Sqd
Nose No.
Trim Color
CAG
VF
VA*
VA
XOO's
101 & Up
201 & Up
301 & U p
401 &
VA
VAH
VAW
VA(AW)
VFP
DETs
501 & Up
601 & U p
701 & Up
801 & Up
901 & U p
1 to99
Multi-Colors
Insignia Red
Orange-Yellow
Light Blue
~nkrnational
Orange
Light Green
Black
VF
1
Maroon
* Initially a thirdfighter squadron.
July 1965
Sqd
Trim Color
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
No change
No change
No change
No change
(Below) This RF-8G Crusader (BuNo 146873) of VFP-63 Eyes of The
Fleet illustrates the application of the 9XX nose number series used.
initially by the photo reconnaissancecommunity.The trim bandson the
Crusader are Maroon with White stars. (USN)
5th
No change
6th
No change
7th
Insignia Blue
8th
Maroon
9th
Maroon
DETs
I
(Above)An EA-1F Skyraider (BuNo 132613) airborne early warning aircraft of VAW-33, DET-59 Night Hawks aboard USS FORRESTAL (CVA59) while deployed to the Med during July of 1964. The squadron nose
number, 805, is partially hidden by the propeller. (Duane Kasulka
collection)
(Below) An E-2B Hawkeye (BuNo 152482) of VAW-126 Seahawks has
Insignia Blue trim colors and a 76X series nose number. The usage of
the second digit, '6', is for the 'six' in VAW-126. The squadron deployed
aboard USS FORRESTAL (CVA-59) in December of 1973. (Duane
Kasulka)
CVSG TRIM COLORS AND AIRCRAlT NUMBERS
Sqd
I
-
The changes within the CVSG community were primarily in aircraft nose numbers and recognition of the VS squadrons as the lst,
2nd or 3rd squadron within the Group. This lasted until 1December
1969 when another change was implemented with the consolidation
of CVSGs and their squadrons. Several other revisions followed
with the last occurring on 1 January 1973. This change restated a
1970 directive that dropped the 8xx and 9xx series of aircraft nose
numbers for CVSGs.
The aircraft nose numbers, trim colors, and composition of
squadrons within a CVSG did not change, however, with the addition of anti-submarine warfare squadrons to the Attack Carrier Air
Wing considerable variations followed. Some initially used a nose
number series similar to that of the older CVSG. while others used a
CVSG SQUADRON TRIM COLORS AND AIRCRAFT NUMBERS
three digit number series.
The actual number series
Jul 1965
Dec 1969
May 1960
also varied as squadrons
often used a series from
Trim Color
Trim Color
Nose No
Sqd
Nose No
Nose No
an off loaded squadron,
or the next series of numNo change
Insignia Red
10 to 29
1st VS
101 to 109
bers not already in use.
60 to 79
-
Orange-Yellow
Light-Blue
-
I1
30 to49
50 to 69
201 to 209
-
-
401 to 409
-
2nd HS
Spare
Spare
Spare
501 to 509
601 to 609
701 to 709
801 to 809
-
I
2nd VS
3rd VS
NINGTON(CVS-20)off thecoast of Hawaiiin Octoberof 1967. Theaddition of a '0' in the nose number became common for squadrons DETs in
both CVSGsand CVWs. The stripes on the nose and vertical fin are Red.
(USN)
(Below) An SH-3A Sea King (BuNo 149930) of HS-2 tied down on the
ramp at NAS Ream Field, Calif during June of 1965. CVSG-57 was
attached t o USS HORNET (CVS-8). The trim color is Blue and is carried
on the landing gear sponson. (Clay Jansson)
1
No change
No change
Int'l Yellow
Light Green
Black
Insignia Blue
Maroon
II
(Above) An E-1BTracer (BuNo 148921) of VAW-111 Hunters, DET-14at
NAS Alameda prior to deployingaboard USSTlCONDEROGA(CVS-14).
The squadron had previously operated as part of CVW-16 aboard USS
TICONDEROGA (CVA-14) when 'TICO' was an attack carrier operating
off Vietnam during 1969. (Larry Smalley)
PUEBLO CRISIS
On 22 January 1968, the communist government of North Korea
ordered its patrol boats to seize the US intelligence collection ship,
USS PUEBLO. At the time of the North Korean action, PUEBLO
was operating in international waters in the Sea of Japan. The first
US response came on 23 January and involved a buildup of forces in
the area. These forces included USS ENTERPRISE (CVAN-65)
along with a sizable Task Force which operated in the vicinity of
South Korea. Four days later six Naval Air Reserve attack and
fighter squadrons were called up for active duty. While the ENTERPRISE and her task force remained poised with a retaliatory air
strike, the PUEBLO remained in Wonsan Harbor. The North Koreans made it clear that the crew was being held hostage to prevent a
US air strike. Finally the crew was released, and DoD deactivated
the six reserve squadrons on 16 September 1968.
The six reserve squadrons were planned to be used as supplements to existing Carrier Air Wings, however, they were released
from active duty before this could be implemented. Three squadrons were West Coast units, VF-703, VA-776, and VA-873 and were
assigned the interim tail code "NR". The other three squadrons were
East Coast units and were assigned the tail code "MA". Few aircraft
were actually remarked since the squadrons began receiving upgraded aircraft and were quickly assigned to Fleet CVWs, receiving
their tail codes. Several of the squadron were originally planned for
different CVWs, however, the table below reflects their actual assignments.
(Above) An F-8A (BuNo 145370) of VF-703 from NAS Dallas during a
stop on a cross country flight to NAS Miramar in July of 1968. VF-703
was activatedfor duty in Vietnam and initially used a 'NR' tail code, later
adopting the 'AH' code of CW-10. (Clay Jansson)
An F-8HCrusader (BuNo 147914) of VF-703 at NAS Miramar during July
,of 1968as part of C W - 10. CVW-10was deployedaboardUSSINTREP-
ID (CVS-1O), when INTREPIDoperated in the Gulf of Tonkin off Vietnam
as a limited CVA. VF-703 was to have replaced VF-111 DET 11 (F-8C)
when they returned. (Clay Jansson)
PUEBLO RESERVE CALLUP (Sept 1968)
-
Reserve Station Lant Fleet
-
Reserve Station Pac Fleet
Washington
VF-661 F-8DIH AJ-1XX Los Alamitos VA-776 A-4C/F NF-5XX
Dallas
VF-703 F-8J
AH-IXX NewYork
Willow Grove VF-931 F-8CIH AJ-2XX Alameda
VA-831 A-4C
AB-5XX
VA-873 A-4C
NE-2XX
(Above)An F-8Hof VF-661 on the ramp at NAS Cecil Fieldduring squadron working ups during 1968for a plannedcruiseaboard USS SHANG-RILA (CVA-38). The squadron was to have replaced VF-13 on SHANG-RILA'S next cruise. (Duane Kasulka)
(Below) An A-4F Skyhawk (BuNo 151135) of VA-776 at NAS Alameda
during 1968. The squadron was slated for deployment with USS BON
HOMME RICHARD (CVA-31) and had recently upgraded to the A-4F
from the A-4B. (Larry Smalley)
(Above) An F-46 Phantom (BuNo 150491) of VF-41 Ace of Spades,
armed with low drag bombs, is enroute to targets in Vietnam during
October of 1965. This was the squadron's only Vietnam cruise, deploying aboard USS INDEPENDENCE (CVA-62) in May and returning to
under thecanopy rail. The 'double nuts' markings on the wing tanks are
in CAG multi-colors. (Bruce Trombecky)
1970. The squadron operated several A-6Cs, however, before their
next cruise the A-6Cs were replaced with A-66s. (USN)
(Above) An A-4%(BuNo 145013) of VA-15 Valions at NAS Los Alamitos
after returning from a Vietnam cruiseaboard USS INTREPID (CVS-11)in
November of 1966. This was INTREPID'Sfirst CVS cruise, however, her
air wing wascomposed of attacksquadrons; VA-15, VA-95, VA-165, and
VA-176 plus DETs from HC-2 and VFP-63. (Harry Gann)
(Right) This F-8E (BuNo 150323) of VF-53 at NAS Miramar in September
of 1966 carries CAG markings for deployment aboard USS RANGER
(CVA-61). The RANGER instead deployed with CVW-2 (tail code 'NE') in
November and USS HANCOCK (CVA-19) deployed with CVW-5 in January. (Clay Jansson)
(Above) This S-2F (BuNo 136613) of '6-32 at NAS Philadelphia in May
of 1966 carries the checker board markings of aircraft attached to
CVSG-54 on the rudder. The squadron later deployed aboard USS
ESSEX (CVS-9) to European waters. (Bob Esposito)
(Below) An RA-5C Vigilante (BuNo 149291) of RVAH-7 Peacemakersat
NAS North Islandjust prior to deploying aboard USS CONSTELLATION
(CVA-64)for Vietnam in August of 1969. This was ''CONNIE'S" fifth Vietnam cruise. (Duane Kasuika)
(Above) This A-7E (BuNo 156889) of VA-195 Dam Busters at NAS
Lemoore in October of 1970 carries 'triple nuts' CAG markings on the
nose and a multi-colored eagle on the fin. The squadron deployed for
Vietnam the following month for their first combat cruise with the A-7.
(Duane Kasulka)
NAVAL AIR RESERVES
1
1
I
As a result of the Pueblo Reserve callup, a number of Naval Air
Reserve units were found to be unsatisfactory for immediate active
duty. This was because the units lacked operational readiness training and lacked sufficient qualified personnel. As a result the Naval
Air Reserve underwent a reorganization and the Naval Reserve
Force concept was conceived on 1 July 1968. The new concept was
first implemented with two Reserve CVWs (CVWR) and two Reserve
CVSGs (CVSGR) being established. These were followed by twelve
Reserve Patrol squadrons 0 )
and three Logistic Support Squadrons (VR) - established on 1 July 1970. The air reserves were now
structured to duplicate Fleet squadrons, with Regular Navy Group/
Wing Commanders assigned to administer these new commands.
upgraded aircraft fo~lowedto bring the reserves more in with Fleet
squadrons. Considerable relocation within the two CVWRs followed
as squadrons changed aircraft and unit missions/roles were c h a p
ged.
(Above) An E-1B (BuNo 147232) of VAW-307 at NAS North Island in
November of 1971.The tail code6ND'uses the Greekalphabet'Delta1to
depict the 'D'. The squadron insignia is carried on the side of the
radome. (Duane Kasulka)
(Above) This F-8J Crusader (BuNo 150054)of VF-302 Stallions on the
ramp at NAS Miramar in April of 1971 has trim colors in Orange-Yellow
outlined in Black. (Duane Kasulka)
(Left) A KA-36 Skywarrior (BuNo 138923) of VAO-308 on the ramp at
NAS Alameda, with the tail section of a VAO-208 Skywarrior visible in
the background. The fin is Black with White numberslletters and the
chevrons on the forward fuselage are Black outlined in White. (Duane
Kasulka)
(Below) An A-4L Skyhawk (BuNo 147802) of VA-209 Air Baronsat NAS
Glenview in April of 1971. VA-209 and VA-210were later disestablished
when VF-201 and VF-202 were established to provide fighter squadrons within the air wing. (Fred Roos)
(Below) An SH-3A (BuNo 149899) of HS-75at NAS Lakehurst, New Jersey during 1971. HS-75was assigned to CVSG-70as the fifth squadron
within the group. CVSG-70 was assigned the 'AW' tail code originally
used by CVSG-60, which became available when CVSG-60was disestablished in 1968. (Bob Esposito)
(Above) This S-2E (BuNo 149880) of VS-81 at NAS North Island in
November of 1972 carries Red trim markings with White high lights. VS81 was attached to Reserve Anti-Submarine Air Group (CVSGR) 80.
(Duane Kasulka)
NEW NAVAL AIR RESERVES (July 1970)
Reserve Station
I
CVWR-20 'AF'
Jacksonville
Memphis
Atlanta
Detroit
South Weymouth
Washington
Norfolk
Alameda
I
*
VA-203
VA-204
VA-205
VA-209
VA-210
VFP-206
VAW-207
VAQ-208
A-4L
A-4CIL
A-4L
A-4L
A4B/C
RF-8G
E-1B
KA-3B
CVWR-30 'ND'
Dallas
Dallas
Alameda
Alameda
Los Alamitos
Washington
North Island
Alameda
--
CVGR-70 'AW
Lakehurst
Norfolk
Lakehurst
Quonset Point
Lakehurst
New Orleans
Norfolk
VS-71
S-2E
VS-72
S-2E
VS-73
S-2E
HS-74
SH-3A
HS-75
SH-3A
VSF-76 A-4C
VAW-78 E-1B
1
Reserve Station
VF-301
VF-302
VA-303
VA-304
VA-305
VFP-306
VAW-307
VAQ-308
F-8B
F-8B
A-4L
A-4C
A-4C
RF-8G
E-1B
KA-3B
1
-
CVGR-80 'NW'
Los Alamitos
Alameda
Whidbey Island
Los Alamitos
Alameda
New Orleans
North Island
VS-81
VS-82
VS-83
HS-84
HS-85
VSF-86
VAW-88
S-2E
S-2E
S-2E
SH-3A
SH-3A
A-4C
E-1B
I
I
* Initiallv established withoutjighters, insteadfive attack squadrons were established with VA209 and 210 beinn disestablished d u r i n ~1971.
(Below) An E-1B Tracer (BuNo 148919) of VAW-78 at NAS South
Wymouth in August of 1973. The Lightning bolts on the fin are Yellow,
while both the top and bottom of the fin are in Dark Blue. (Lional
Paul)
(Above) An A-4L Skyhawk (BuNo 149618) of VSF-76 Saints at NAF
Andrews, Washington DC in December of 1970. The squadron transitioned to F-8H Crusaders during 1971 and was disestablished in
August of 1973 when the Navy abandoned the dedicated CVSG/CVS
concept. (Joe Handelman)
MARINE CORPS
SQUADRONS
Support by the Marine Corps for Navy carrier aviation continued. with Marine squadrons augmenting Navy squadrons aboard
ship as needed. CVW tail codes were used by all Marine squadrons
stationed aboard ship, with the squadrons adopting the nose numbers and usually the trim colors. The exceptions to this were few, as
can be seen from the table that follows. The Marine Corps also provided DETs of A-4 Skyhawks aboard CVSs as fighter protection.
These A-4s were configured with launch rails for AIM-9 Sidewinder
missiles on the outboard wingpylons.When deployed aboard CVSs,
these Dets retained their parent squadron tail code.
(Below) An EA-6A (BuNo 147865) of VMCJ-2 is prepared for launch
from USS FORRESTAL (CVA-59)during 1971. The squadron deployed
in January of 1971, returning to CONUS in July. The unit used the 61X
series of nose numbers, which was common for VAQ units, while the
60X series was used by the photo squadrons. (USMC)
(Above) This A-4C Skyhawk (BuNo 148464)of H&MS-15from MAG-15
DET-Novemberwas part of a four Skyhawk CAP Detachment attached
to CVSG-57 (Tail Code 'NV') aboard USS HORNET CVS-12. While in
WestPac they operated for several weeks from USS MIDWAY (CVA-41),
USS RANGER (CVAdl), and USS TICONDEROGA (CVA-14) for missions over Vietnam, expending 134 tons of ordnance. (Naval Aviation
News)
(Left) Squadron maintenance personnel work on an A-4M Skyhawk
(BuNo 152097) of VMA-331 BumblebeesaboardUSS INDEPENDENCE
(CVA-62) deployed to the Mediterranean during June of 1970. The
squadron replaced VA-106 within CVW-7 when VA-106 was disestablished in November of 1969. (USMC)
(Below) A KA-6D Intruder (BuNo 151809) of VMA(AW)-224 Vikings at
NAS Alameda in August of 1971, just before deploying to Vietnam
aboard USS CORAL SEA (CVA-43). The squadron borrowed the tankers from the Navy for this cruise. (Bill Swisher)
MARINE CORPS DEPLOYMENTS WITH CARRIER AIR GROUPSIWLNGS 1964-1973
Squadron
Aircraft
ID
GroupIWing
Carrier
VMCJ-2 (DET)
VMCJ-2 (DET)
VMCJ-2 (DET)
H&MS-15 (DET)
H&MS-32 (DET)
VMF(AW)-212
VMA-214 (DET)
VMA-223 (DET)
VMA(AW)-224
VMA-225
VMA-324
VMA-324
VMA-331
VMA-33 1
VMF(AW)-333
VMFA-333
VMF(AW)-45 1
VMFA-53 1
EA-6A
EA-6A
EA-hA
A-4C
A-4B
F-8E
A-4B
A-4C
A-6A/B/KA-6D
A-4C
A-4B
A-4E
A-4E
A-4E
F-4J
F-4J
F-8D
F-4B
AA-61X
ACdlX
CY-XX
YV-8X
DA-8X
WD-1XX
WE-8X
WP-8X
NL-5XX
AK-6XX
AG-5X$
AG3XX
AJ-5XX
AG-3XX
AJ-2XX
AJ-2XX
AJ-2XX
AA-2XX
CVW-17
CVW-3
CVW-3
CVSG-57
CVSG-60
CVW-16
CVSG-57
CVSG-55
CVW-15
CVW-10
CVW-7
CVW-7
CVW-8
CVW-7
CVW-8
CVW-8
CVW-8
CVW-17
FORRESTAL
SARATOGA
SARATOGA
HORNET
ESSEX
ORISKANY
HORNET
YORKTOWN
CORAL SEA
SHANGRI-LA
INDEPENDENCE
INDEPENDENCE
FORRESTAL
INDEPENDENCE
AMERICA
AMERICA
FORRESTAL
FORRESTAL
Date
1/71 - 7/71
6/71 - 10171
4/72 - 2/73
8/65 - 3/66
10163 - 4/64
4/65 - 12/65
10163 - 4/64
10164 - 5/65
11/71 - 7/72
10163 - 4/64
8/63 - 3/64
6/66 - 2/67
7/64 - 3/65
6/70 - 2/71
7/71 - 12/71
6/72 - 3/73
8/65 - 4/66
9/72 - 7/73
* VMCI-I also provrded some DETs dunng 1964 and 1965, deployrngfrom Iwakunr
ATTACK CARRIER
SQUADRONS
An F-4J Phantom II (BuNo 153855) of VMFA-333 Shamrocks enroute to
targets in North Vietnam on 11 September 1972. VMFA-333, flying from
USS AMERICA (CVA-66),was the only Marine squadron to score a MiG
kill, shooting down a MiG-21 with an AIM-9 Sidewinder. (USMC)
The composition of the Attack Carrier Air Wing (CVW) had
evolved into two fighter squadrons, four attack squadrons, and a
mix of special mission squadrons and/or Detachments. During this
time period, the fighter squadrons operated the F-3 Demon, F-8
Crusader, F-4 Phantom 11, and F-14 Tomcat. The attack squadrons
within the Air Wing consisted of; two light attack squadrons operating the A-4 Skyhawk or A-7 Corsair 11, a medium attack squadron
operating A-1 Skyraiders or A-6 Intruders, and a heavy attack squadron of A-3 Skywamors or A-5 Vigilantes. The fourth attack type was
the VSF squadrons which operated A-4 Skyhawks, beginning in
1966. The special mission Detachments and squadrons included
VAQ, VAP/VFP/RVAH, VAW, VQ, and HUIHC. The first Helicopter Anti-Submarine (HS) squadronsjoined Attack Canier Air Wings
during 1969. These were followed by Anti-Submarine Squadrons
(VS) during 1971, as the carriers shifted to the new multi-purpose
(CV) camer role.
FIGHTER AND ATTACK
During this time frame two new aircraft types, the Vought A-7
Corsair I1 and the Gmmman F-14 Tomcat were introduced to the
Fleet; while the McDonnell F-3 Demon, Vought F-8 Crusader, and
Douglas A-1 Skyraider were retired.
F-3 DEMON - The McDonnell F-3 Demon was the Navy's first allweather interceptor when introduced to the Fleet during 1956. By
January of 1964,the Demon was being phased out, with four squadrons remaining in service.VF-161 Chargers was the last squadron to
use the Demon operationally, phasing out the aircraft later that
same year.
Asection of F-3B Demons(BuNo 143492/146715) of VF-13 Aggressors
carrying the markings of the disestablished VF-131 during 1962. The
squadron made their last cruise to the Med aboard USS SHANGRI-LA
(CVA-38) in October of 1963, returning in April of 1964. (USN)
A-1 SKYRAIDER - The Douglas A-1 Skyraider, having reached a
peak of twenty-nine squadrons during late 1955, was being slowly
phased out during this period. The Navy began by replacing the
second Skyraider squadron within each Air Wing with a Douglas A4 Skyhawk squadron. With the amval of the Grumman A-6 Intruder.
the Skyraider began the final chapter in its career and by 1964 there
were twelve active Skyraider squadrons remaining aboard CVAs.
Navy Skyraiders entered the Vietnam War on 5 August 1964
when the A-1Hs ofVA-52 andVA-145 launched their attacks against
targets along the North Vietnamese coast. At this time most Navy
squadrons operated either the A-1H or A-1J. along with a number of
AD-5s when shore based between cruises. During the Vietnam War
several North Vietnamese MiG-17 fighters were shot down by A-ls,
however, the Skyraider's slow speed, the intensity of AAA fire over
North Vietnam, coupled with the amval of the A-6 finally ended the
Skyraider's days as a useful attack bomber. VA-25 Fists of the Fleet,
was the last Fleet tactical squadron to operate the Skyraider, flying
their final combat sortie on 20 February 1968.The squadron returned
to NAS Lemoore, and on 10 April 1968 the Skyraider was officia11y retired.
(Below) An A-1H (BuNo 134562) of VA-165 Boomers at NAS Alameda in
October of 1964. They deployed aboard USS CORAL SEA (CVA-43) in
December as replacements for VA-152, adopting VA-152's 2XX series
nose numbers. (Bill Swisher)
(Above) An A-1H (BuNo 134588) of VA-115 at NAS Lemoore during
1966 just prior to deployment aboard USS HANCOCK (CVA-19) with
CVW-5 (tail code 'NF'). The squadron had previously deployed aboard
USS KITTY HAWK (CVA-63) with CVW-11 (tail code 'NH') and were in
the process of changing markings. (Clay Jansson)
(Below) An A-1H Skyraider (BuNo 135263) of VA-115 Arabs taxies forward for launch from USS KITTY HAWK (CVA-63) during 1966. The
Arabs operated about half of their Skyraiders in Matte Medium Green,
Tan, and Olive Drab over Gloss Insignia White camouflage. (USN)
(Left) This A-1H (BuNo 135300) of VA-52 Maces was assigned to USS
TICONDEROGA (CVA-14) during the 1966/67 combat cruise to Vietnam. Previously CVW-19 had deployed aboard USS BON HOMME
RICHARD (CVA-31)with VA-196 being replaced by VA-52. (Tom Hanson
via Roger Besecker)
(Below) This A-1H (BuNo 137502) of VA-152 Aces at NAS North Island
during April of 1966, carries Green mission markings on the fuselage
side below the cockpit. These missions were flown during 1965 aboard
USS ORISKANY (CVA-34). During this cruise the '0-Boat' remained at
sea for a record 256 days. (Clay Jansson)
(Above) An A-1H (BuNo 137496) of VA-176 Thunderbolts is readied for
launch from USS INTREPID (CVS-11) during September of 1966. A
month later VA-176 downed a MiG-17 with 20MM cannon fire. VA-176
was the second Skyraider squadron to down a MiG (the first being VA25 in June of 1965). (USN)
(Right) Three A-1H Skyraiders (BuNo 139734 in foreground) of VA-25
Fist of The Fleet on the ramp at NAS Quonset Point in August of 1968.
The Squadron had returned from a WestPac cruise aboard USS CORAL
SEA (CVA-43) in April. (Roger Besecker Collection)
(Below) A fully loaded A-1 Skyraider (BuNo 134515) of VA-215 Barn
Owls on the deck of USS HANCOCK while moored at NAS Alameda in
July of 1964. The squadron deployed to Vietnam in October of 1964
and again in November of 1965. (Larry Smalley)
A-4 SKYHAWK - The McDonnell-Douglas A-4C Skyhawk was the
first Skyhawk variant to be equipped with terrain-avoidance radar.
giving it a limited all-weather capability. The A-4C was, however,
used primarily in the day light attack role. Initially slated to be
replaced by the A-7A Corsair 11. attrition in Vietnam forced continued procurement of A4s. The improved A4E. with two additional
wing stations. entered Fleet service with VA-23 "Black Knights" during late 1962. A two-seat trainer variant. designated the TA-4F,
entered the Fleet in May of 1966, followed three years later by the
upgraded TA-4J. Fleet squadrons used a number of these two-seat
Skyhawks, mainly in the utilityltraining roles. The A-4F. which
entered Fleet service during 1967, had a more powerful engine,
improved ejection seat. wing spoilers. and an avionics pod for ECM
gear on the fuselage spine. Most A-4Es were retrofitted with these
pods. being referred to as "Super Es". During 1969 the first A-4Ls
(rebuilt A-4Cs with an upgraded engine and e1ectronics)were introduced, primarily in Reserve squadrons. By the end of this time
period. only squadrons attached to CVW-21 and CVWR-20 still
operated the Skyhawk (A-4Fs and A-4Ls respectively).
(Above) An A-4C (BuNo 149495) of VA-113 Stingers on the ramp at NAS
Miramar in September of 1964. The squadron deployed the following
year in October aboard USS KITTY HAWK (CVA-63). The Stingers
changed the styleof unit markings with each aircraft model change. (Bill
Swisher)
(Above) This A-4C (BuNo 147710) of VA-93 Blue Blazers carries Red
darts with Blue streamers and four rows of Black mission markings on
the fuselage side. The squadron returned to NAS Lemoore in September of 1966 and was reassigned to CVW-5, upgrading to the A-4F
before deploying aboard USS HANCOCK (CVA-19) in June of 1967.
(Bill Swisher)
(Left) This A-4C Skyhawk (BuNo 148543) of VA-15 Valions at NAS
Alameda in March of 1968, carries Gold trim and insignia. The squadron
deployed aboard FORRESTAL(CVA-59)in July of 1968fora Med cruise,
their only Med cruise as part of CVW-17. (Larry Smalley)
(Below)An A-4E (BuNo 150060) of VA-195 Dam Bustersat NAS Alameda
prior t o boarding USS ORISKANY (CVA-38)for the carriers fourth Vietnamcruise in April of 1969. Thesquadron converted to the A-7 Corsair II
upon their return in November. (Larry Smalley)
(Above)A section of A-4Fs (BuNo 155057/60)fromVA-155Silver Foxes
jettison fuel priorto landingaboard USS RANGER (CVA-61)after a combat mission over Vietnam. Both aircraft carry slightly different rudder
trim markings. The tail code letters on 410 are in Green while on 41 3
they are in Black. (USN)
of VA-212 Rampant Raiderson the NAS
f 1971 after returning from a Vietnam
(CVA-19). The Skyhawk carries a Black
, -.
(Right) Squadron plane handlers have hoisted this A-4C Skyhawk of
VA-76 aboard the deck edge elevator of USS AMERICA (CVA-66)on 24
March 1965, in preparation for the carrier's first at sea period. (USN)
(Below) This A-4C (BuNo 147749)of VA-76 Spirits, at NAS Alameda in
March of 1969, sports the squadron's MiG kill markingjust above and
behindthe intake warning stripe. The MiG kill wascredited to LCDR T.R.
Swartz who shot down a MiG-17 using Zuni air to ground rockets on 1
May 1967 while deployed with CVW-21. (Larry Smalley)
I
1
A-6 INTRUDER - The first Grumman A-6A Intruders entered the
Navy training syllabus with the Green Pawns of VA-42 during February of 1963. The Intruder was a state-of-the-art all-weather carrier
attack bomber, intended to replace the Douglas A-3B Skywarrior.
The first operational Fleet squadron, VA-75, finished their training
during early 1964. On 1 July 1965 the Sunday Punchers of VA-75
launched from USS INDEPENDENCE (CVA-62) on their first
combat mission with their new mounts. The A-6B was an A-6Amodified to fire the AGM-78 anti-radiation missile (ARM) against hostile radar sites. A total of nineteen A-6Bs were built, with VA-42
receiving several for training and VA-145 aboard USS RANGER
being the first squadron to deploy to Vietnam with the A-6B model
in January of 1969. The A-6C entered the Fleet in 1970. VA-145 was
the first squadron to deploy with the A-6C. The A-6C incorporated
large wing mounted pods mounting electro-optical sensors as part
of a system called Trails. Roads. Interdiction Multi-Sensor (TRIM).
A total of twenty-two A-6Cs were built with several squadrons suiplementing their A-6As with A-6Cs. The first tanker variants (modified A-6ks) were modified by Grumman during 1970-72 under the
designation KA-6D. Later a number of KA-6D modifications were
made by Naval Air Rework Facilities. KA-6Ds were attached to
regular A-6 squadrons, normally four to a squadron, with VA-176
being the first fleet squadron to receive the tanker during 1970. The
tanker modification involved the removal of the rear avionics bay to
(Above) The CAG marked A-6A (BuNo 155644) of VA-165 Boomers
catches an arresting cable aboard USS CONSTELLATION (CVA-64) in
April of 1972 while deployed to WestPac. The squadron returned to
CONUS in June. (USN)
(Above) A KA-6D(BuNo 149954) of VA-35 Black Panthersat NAS Oceana
prior to deploying aboard USS AMERICA (CVA-66) for a Med cruise in
July of 1971. The squadron operated a mix of A-6s, including the A-6A,
B, and C. (Fred ROOS)
make room for the refueling hose and reel. The newest Intruder
variant, the A-6E, first entered Fleet service in December of 1971,
with VA-85.
(Below) An A-66 (BuNo 149949) of VA-145 Swordsmen at NAS Miramar
in October of 1973. VA-145 had joined CVW-2 during 1970 operating
the A-6A and A-6C. The squadron later exchanged their A-6Cs for A66s before their 1972 deployment. (Duane Kasulka)
A-4C (148513) Of VA-873
NAS Alameda in 1968.
A-4C (148490) of VA-112
TlCONDEROGA (CVA-14) In 1968.
YA-4B (145002) of VSF-I
NAS Alameda I
A-4F Skyhawk (1
TlCONDEROGA (
A.4E (151135) Ot VA-778
NAS Alambda in le68.
DET-ROMEO
E (CVS-33) In 1964.
TA-4F Skyhawk (154301) of VF-101
NAS Oceana in '1969.
TA-4F (154330) of VA-22
NAS Le-6
in 1966.
A-4C (147733)of VA-64
INDEPENDENCE(CVA-62) In l96e.
A-4C (147733) of VA-30
SARATOGA (CVA-00)In 1964.
E-18 (147219) of VAW-207
NAS Jacksonville in 1973.
E-1B (148130) Of VAW-111
RANGER (CVA-61) in 1971.
E-1B (148913) of VAW-I 21
ROOSNELT (CVA-42) in 1972.
S-2E (149267) of VS-82
NAS Alamada In 1972.
5-20 (152842) of VS-30
NAS Quonset Point in 1973.
S-2E (152840) of VS-28
NAS Quonset Polnt In 1972.
29
F-8C (146960) Of VF-24
HANCOCK (CVA-19) in 1988.
F-ED (147910) of VF-32
SARATOGA (CVA-60) In 1965.
F-8H Crusader (148693) of VF-931
NAS Cwll Field in 1968.
30
NAS Daihs In 1966.
1 4 7 W ) of VF-24
HANCDCU(CVA-13 In 1968.
F.8H (147916) of VFP-83
NAS Mlramsr in 1969.
F-8H (1488d3) 33 VF-162
SHANGRI-LA (CVA-38) In 1970.
F-8H (148877) of VF-661
NAS Ceoll Field In 1988.
'
~COMATKCARAIRWJNGF~VE-
F-8 (150336) of VF-211
HANCOCK (CVA-19) h IS6
F-8E (150923) of VF-62
SHANGRI-LA(CVA-38) In 1968.
F-8H (147049) of VSF-86
NAS New Orleans in 1973.
-
VF-661.
F-8H (148882) Of VSF-76
NAS ~ e Orleans
w
In 1973.
J
F-8E Crusader (150323) of VF-53iCAG-5
HANCOCK (CVA-19) in 1966.
F-8H (147051) of VF.201
NAF Andrew8 In l o t 2
RF-BO (145031) of VFP.82
SHANGRI-LA(CVA-38) In 1967.
F-BH (140330)d VF-11
ROOSEVELT (CVA-42) In 1965.
RF-8G Crusader (146897) of VFP-63 DET
MIDWAY (CVA-41) in 1971.
A
-6J 1150854) of VF-302
NAS Mlramar In 1971.
31
F-4J (1538S6) Of VF-101
NAS Key West in 1970.
F-4J (155576) Of VF-103
SARATOGA (CV-60) in 1968.
32
F-48 (1,-,--, -. IF-161
MIDWAY (CVA.41) in 1971.
F . 4 (155741) Of VF-21
A-7A (153249) Of VA-27
CONSTELLATION (CVA-64) In 1969.
VA-11
A-7E (157563) Of VA-12
34 INDEPENDENCE (CVA-62) In 1972.
AMERICA (CVA-66)In 1970.
A-7E (157459) of VA-89
A.7A (153177) of VA-105
SARATOGA (CVA-0) in 197
1
A-7E (156880) Of VA-96
C O R M SEA (CVA-43) In 1971.
A-76 (15U437) O( VA-125
NAS Lemoore In 1969.
r
VA- 105.
A-76 (154462) d VA-46
JOHN F KENNEDY (CVA-67) b 1971.
A-76 (154589) of VA-93
MIDWAY (CVA-41) In 1971.
A-7E Corsair 11 (1 57483) of VA-25
FORRESTM (CVA-59) h1971.
A-7E (157496) of VA-113
A.7E (157567) of VA-W
AMERICA (CVA-66) in 1973.
A-7E (156803) VA'147
AMERICA (CVA-66) In 1870.
35
RA-SC (147859) Of RVAH.9
SARATOGA (CVA-60) in 1965.
RA-5C (151631) of RVAH-14
JOHN F KENNEDY (CVA-871 in 1969.
v
RA-5C Vigilante (149291) otRVAH-7
CONSTELLATION (CVA-64) in 1969.
RA.5C (150832) of RVAH-12
FORRESTAL (CVA.59) in 1969.
RA-5C (156632) Of RVAH-5
RA-5C (156617) of RVAH-1
AMERICA (CVA.66) In 1973.
37
..
L
C
_"
152488) Of VAW-128
FORRESTAL [CVAN-59) in 1972.
38
EA-6B (158035) Of VAQ.132 NAS
North Island in 1973.
52476) Of VAW-124
AMERICA (CVA-66) in 1970.
EA-86 (158032) of VAQ-131
ENTERPRISE (CVAN-65) in 1972.
E-2A (151708) of VAW-125
JOHN F KENNEDY (CVA-67) in 1971.
EA-6A (156991) Of VMCJ-2
SARATOGA (CVA-60) In 1971.
EA-6B (156481) ot VAQl29 NAS
Whidbey Island in 1971.
rite (152199) of HC-1 RE
SH-SA Sea King (149002) of HS-2
HORNET (CVS-12) in 1967.
a
SH.3A (145678) of HS.5
ESSEX (CVS-9)in 1967.
7
SH-3G (151527) of HC.2 DET 42
ROOSEVELT (CVA-42) in 1972.
-
SH-3D (1 56052) of HS-3
FORRESTAL (CVA-59) in 1971.
A-6A (151806) o f VA-35NAS
Oceana in 1970.
-
A-6A (151780) o f VA-85
ENTERPRISE(CVAN-65) in 1965.
---
ASS
A-6A (154144) Of VA-95
CORAL SEA (CVA-43) in 1973.
40
KA-BD (151566) Of VA-176
ROOSEVELT (CVA-42)in 1984.
A-6A (152606) of VA-145
ENTERPRISE(CVAN-65) in 1969.
A-6A (151783) of VA-85
KlrrY HAWK (CVA-63) in 1965.
(Above) A KA-6D (BuNo 151824) of VA-196 Main Battery refuelsan F-4B
(BuNo 155761) of VF-143 Pukin' Dogs over the Gulf of Tonkin in the Fall
of 1971. Trim colors on the A-6 are Orange and the squadron insignia is
Black on a circular field of Orange. (USN via Bill Cuddy)
(Below) An A-6A (BuNo 155631) of VA-75 at NAS Cecil Field in February
of 1973. The unit markings consist of a White tail with Blue and yellow
chevrons. The squadron deployed aboard USS SARATOGA (CV-60) in
April of 1973 for their only Vietnam cruise. (Joe Handleman)
(Below) An A-6A (BuNo 155715) of VA-52 Knight Riders is spotted forward of the island aboard USS K l m HAWK (CVA-63)as the 'Hawk' is
readied for deployment from NAS North Island in October of 1970. VA52 had previously deployed aboard USS CORAL SEA (CVA-43) as part
of CVW-15 carrying a 400 series nose number. (Duane Kasulka)
(Right) A KA-6D Intruder (BuNo 151783) of VA-85 Black Falcons at NAS
Oceana in August of 1972, carries an aerial refueling recognition stripe
painted on the aft fuselage to aid other aircraft in spotting the tanker.
(Frank MacSorley, Jr)
(Below) This A-6A (BuNo 152597) of VA-35 Black Panthers at NAS
Alameda in July of 1967, has just returned from the squadron's first
Vietnam cruise. The aircraft is carrying 100 mission markings on the
fuselage side below the wing root. (Larry Smalley)
-- .
_
.,, _.
.
-.
--
.
.
,-
.
I
F-8 CRUSADER- The ChanceVought F-8 Crusader began reaching
the Fleet during 1957.The first squadron to receive the F-8Awas VF32 of the Atlantic Fleet. By early 1964 the last F-8As were phased out
by VF-162. however. with the escalation of the Vietnam War, it was
decided to remanufacture a number of Crusader variants for use on
smaller camers. The first of these was the F-8D. eighty-nine being
rebuilt as the F-8H beginning in 1967. The F-8H had an underwing
pylon on each wing and a hump on the upper fuselage for the
Bullpup missile fire control system. During 1968 sixty-three F-8Bs
were upgraded with new avionics and redesignated as F-8Ls. The F8E. first introduced in 1962. was also upgraded with Boundary Layer
Control and a larger horizontal stabilizer with 136 being rebuilt as
F-8Js during 1968.During the Vietnam War, Crusader pilots claimed
eighteen North Vietnamese MiGs. At the close of this time period
only four squadrons of F-8Js remained operating from the 27 Charlie
Class carriers. USS BON HOMME RICHARD (CVA-31) and USS
HANCOCK (CVA-19).
(Below) This sharkmouthed F-8D (BuNo 147065) of VF-111 Sundowners, at NAS Miramar in March of 1965, is armed with Sidewinders and
twin tube Zuni rocket launchers on the fuselage stores stations.
(Pete Bowers)
(Above) This is the CAG F-8E (BuNo 149203) of VF-162 Hunters on the
ramp at NAS Miramar in February of 1965. VF-162 deployed aboard
ORISKANY (CVA-34) for Vietnam in May and were credited with a MiG21 kill. The squadron shot down a second MiG-21 during their 1967
cruise. (Clay Jansson)
(Below) A Yellow (with Black Trim) tailed F-8E (BuNo 150923) of VF-62
on the ramp at NAS Lemwre in May of 1966. The squadron had
returned from a Med cruise in September. (Bill Swisher)
(Above) This F-8E (BuNo 150336) of VF-211, at NAS Miramar after
returning from Vietnam in August of 1967, carries six small North Vietnamese flags on the ventral fin, representing the squadron's record of
MiG kills in Vietnam. (Clay Jansson)
(Below) This F-8D (BuNo 148673) of VF-154 at NAS Miramar in September of 1964 carries the squadron's Black Knight insignia on the vertical
stabilizer circled in Orange (in keeping with the assigned color of the
fourth squadron within a CVW). (Bill Swisher)
(Above)The VF-111 Sundowners CAG marked F-8H (BuNo 147048)at
NAS Miramar just before boarding USS SHANGRI-LA (CVA-38) for a
combat cruise to Vietnam in March of 1970 (returning in December).
Thesquadroncarried 100series nosenumbersduring thiscruise. (Clay
Jansson)
(Above) This F-8C Crusader (BuNo 146992) of VF-24, flown by LCDR
Robert Kirkwood, carriesa small Northvietnameseflag markingbehind
the nose number. LCDR Kirkwood scored his MiG kill flying this F-8 in
June of 1967 while aboard USS BON HOMME RICHARD (CVA-31). The
total squadrontally of four and a half kills are displayed on theventral fin
as Black MiG silhouettes. (Clay Jansson)
(Below) This F-8E (BuNo 150909) of VF-194 Red Lightnings, on the
ramp at NAS Miramar during July of 1966,carries CAG colors and CVW19's insignia on the base of the fin. The squadron had returned from a
cruise aboard USS BON HOMME RICHARD (CVA-31) in January. (Clay
Jansson)
(Below) An F-8E (BuNo 149201) of VF-51 Screaming Eagles aboard
USS TICONDEROGA (CVA-14) while pier side at NAS North Island in
August of 1965. The trim colors on the rudder and ventral fin are Red.
(Bill Swisher)
I
F-4 P H A N T O M I1 - T h e t w i n engined, two seat, McDonnell F-4
P h a n t o m I1 was the Navy's first fighter designed and built without
internal guns, relying instead on air-to-air missiles. T h e F-4 carried
either six AIM-7 Sparrow missiles or four Sparrows and four AIM-9
Sidewinders. T h e F-4 was the Navy's first true all-weather fighter
and was used t o replace the F-3 D e m o n . T h e F-4B was introduced t o
the Fleet b y VF-74 i n July o f 1961. T h e first P h a n t o m victory was
scored b y VF-21 Freelancers w h e n they downed two MiG-17s during June o f 1965. T h e F-4G was introduced i n 1963 w h e n twelve F4Bs were modified with a n air-to-ground data link system which
linked the aircraft with the carrier approach control system, permitting a hands-off landing approach. F-4Gs were assigned t o VF-213
w h o received ten, along with t w o F-4Bs. VF-213 deployed for combat
operations during early 1966 aboard U S S K I T T Y HAWK (CVA-63)
as part o f CVW-11. VF-121. the W e s t Coast F-4 FRS squadron. also
operated several F-4Gs after they were released b y VF-213. All F4 G s were eventually converted t o F-4B standards. T h e F-4J incorporated a stronger landing gear, pulse doppler radar. and new
avionics. T h e most noticeable external change was the removal o f
the infrared seeker and its fairing f r o m beneath the nose radome.
VF-101. the F-4 FRS, received the first F-4J i n M a y o f 1966. In the
early 1970s. with most F-4Bs n o w having some t e n years o n their airframes, the N a v y began a modernization program under the title.
(Above) An F-46 (BuNo 151485) of VF-21 Freelancers drops a load of
MK 82 Snakeye bombs during a practice mission in March of 1966. The
trim colors are Black, with the squadron insignia carried on a circular
field of Yellow. (MDAC)
'Project BEELINE'. T h e airframes were rebuilt with n e w electronics
and other systems upgrades and h a d t h e wing leading edge slats
fuced in the closed position. These rebuilt Phantoms were redesignated
as F-4Ns with deliveries beginning i n February o f 1973.
(Above)This F-4J Phantom (BuNo 153009)of VF-51 Screaming Eagles
carries one of the most colorful CAG markings ever developed. The
Screaming Eagles replaced VF-151 in Air Wing Fifteen, deploying
aboard USS CORAL SEA (CVA-43). (Bill Swisher)
(Left) An F-4G Phantom (BuNo 150633) of VF-213 Black Lions at NAS
Miramar in September of 1964. VF-213 was unofficiallydesignatedVF116 (as the junior squadron) when first attached to CVW-11. The squadron quickly reverted back to VF-213 and were assigned 100 series
nose numbers when VF-111 was detached. (Bill Swisher)
(Below) This F-4B (BuNo 152284) of VF-96 Black Falcons, at NAS
Miramar in July of 1966, carries three rows of mission markings on the
splitter plate. The squadron later adopted a 200 series nose number
during 1968when they converted to F-4Js. VF-96 scored the first Navy
kill in Vietnam (1965) and ended the war with ten kills. (Clay Jansson)
(Above) An F-4B (BuNo 151420) of VF-11 Red Rippers refuels from a
KA-6D (149945) of VA-85 Black Falcons. Both squadrons were operating from USS FORRESTAL(CVA-59)while deployed in the Med, having
departed CONUS in January of 1971 (returning in July). (USN via Bill
Cuddy)
(Below) A flight of F-4B Phantoms of VF-84 Jolly Rogers flying out of
NAS Oceana during early 1965. In May of 1965 VF-84 deployed aboard
USS INDEPENDENCE (CVA-62) for the carrier's first Vietnam cruise.
(MDAC)
(Above) An F-4JPhantom(BuNo 155882)of VF-142 Ghostridersat NAS
Miramar after returning from a Vietnam cruise aboard CONSTELLATION (CVA-64) in December of 1967. During this cruise the squadron
downed three MiGs, finishing the war with a total of five. (Duane
Kasulka)
(Above)ThisF-4B(BuNo 152267)of VF-151Vigilantes, at Andrews AFB
in October of 1970, carries CVW-16's tail code of 'AH'. CVW-16was disestablished in June of 1971 and VF-151 was then assigned to CVW-5
aboard USS MIDWAY (CVA-41). (Frank MacSorley, Jr.)
(Below) This F-4J (BuNo 155825) of VF-103 Sluggers, on NAS Miramar's transit line in March of 1973, carries a Mi921J kill marking on the
splitter plate. The kill occurred in August of 1972 while the Sluggers
were deployed aboard USS SARATOGA (CV-60)for their only Vietnam
cruise. (Duane Kasulka)
I
1
I,
A-7 CORSAIR IT - The A-7 was the first carrier jet designed
specifically for use in a limited-war, with a primary mission of
ground support and interdiction. The A-7A was first delivered to the
A-7 training squadron. the Hell Razors of VA-174 on 14 October
1966.The first operational Fleet squadron was the newly established
Argonauts ofVA-147, who began combat operations in December of
1967. only ten months after being established. The first East Coast
units to receive A-7s were the Marauders ofVA-82 and the Sidewinders of VA-86. Both squadrons deployed to Vietnam the following
year as part of CVW-6.
The A-7B, with an improved engine. made its debut with the
newly established Golden Warriors of VA-87 during 1968. VA-87
deployed for Vietnam. along with its sister squadron VA-25. in February of 1969, a year after both were established as part of CVW-16.
The A-7E incorporated a n advance navigation and weapon delivery
system which permitted both more accurate bombing and night
operations. A new engine was also incorporated into the A-7E. after
the first sixty-seven had beenproduced. These early A-7Es were later
redesignated as A-7Cs. The first A-7Es were delivered to the Blue
Diamonds of VA-146 and the Argonauts of VA-147 in September of
(Above) An A-7A (BuNo 153212) of VA-37 Bulls at NAS Lemoore in
December of 1967, just days before deployingto Vietnam. VA-37 was a
LANT Fleet squadron and, along with sister squadron VA-105, made
one cruise to WESTPAC with CVW-11 aboard USS K l m HAWK.
(Duane Kasulka)
1969. By the end of 1973 there were twenty-seven squadrons operating the A-7, all operating the A-7E, except for one CVW ofA-7Cs and
another equipped with A-7Bs. A-7s normally equipped two light
attack squadrons within each CVW.
(Below) An A-7E of VA-147 flies formation on an A-6A of VA-165 while
enrouteto targets in Vietnam during May of 1972. Both squadronswere
attached to CVW-9 aboard USS CONSTELLATION (CVA-64). (USN)
It-
(Left) An A-7E (BuNo 156860) of VA-94 Strikes at NAS Fallon, Navada
prior to deploying on their first cruise with USS CORALSEA (CVA-43)in
Novemberof 1971. The squadron underwent refreshertraining at NAS
Fallon during July as part of their pre-deployment workups. (Bill
Swisher)
(Below) An A-7E Corsair II(BuNo 157482) of VA-82 Maraudersat NAS
Cecil Field in January of 1971. CVW-8 had previouslydeployed aboard
USS SHANGRI-LA (CVA-38)and was now preparingfor a cruise aboard
USS AMERICA (CVA-66). (USN)
(Above) Aflightof A-7Es of VA-22 Fighting Red Roosters join on a KA-6D
(BuNo 151810) of VMA(AW)-224 for a practice refueling session. Both
unitsdeployed in Novemberof 1971, returning in July of 1972. (USN via
Bill Cuddy)
(Below) Three A-7As (BuNo 152685 in foreground) of VA-86 Sidewindersfly formation near NAS Cecil Field in August of 1967. VA-86 had just
converted from the A-4E and were scheduled to deploy with CVW-7,
however, they were reassigned to CVW-15 (tail code 'NL') aboard USS
CORAL SEA (CVA-43). (Roger Briggs)
(Left) An A-7E Corsair II (Bu No 157454) of VA-113 Stingers at NAS
Lemoore in May of 1970. The Stingers made their first A-7 combat
deployment t o Vietnam aboard USS RANGER (CVA-61) in October of
1970. (Duane Kasulka)
F-14 TOMCAT- With the demise of the Convair F-1 11Bproject, the
Navy issued a request for proposals for a new fighter. The result of
this request was the Grumman F-14A Tomcat. The first two Fleet
squadrons to be established with the Tomcat were VF-1 Wolfpack
and VF-2 Bounty Hunters, both being commissioned in July of 1973
at NAS Miramar, Calif. The F-14 is an all-weather fighterlinterceptor
with variable sweep wings. Equipped with the state-of-the-artAWG9 fire control system, the F-14 is capable of carrying a variety of airto-air missiles including the Phoenix, Sidewinder, and Sparrow.
~ Vulcangatling
~
Additionally, the F-14 mounts an internal 2 0 M61
gun for close in dogfighting.
(Below) An F-14A of VF-1 Wolfpack flies off the coast of San Diego during late 1973 while the squadron prepared for their first cruise. VF-1
was established in mid-year, along with sister squadron VF-2, as the
first Fleet tactical Tomcat squadrons. (USN)
(Above) This Zuni rocket armed A-7B (BuNo 154502) of VA-46 Clansmen is enroute to the practice range near NAS Cecil Field. The squadron deployed to the Med in December of 1971, returning to CONUS in
October of 1972. (USN)
I
I
HEAVY ATTACK
A-3 Skywarrior - The Douglas A-3 Skywarrior remained the
Navy's sole heavy attack aircraft because its intended replacement,
the A-5A Vigilante, had developed problems with its linear bomb
bay. Additionally, the shift of the strategic role from aircraft to ballistic missiles, led the Navy to drop the Vigilante's heavy attack mission. A-3s in Vietnam were used in the bombing role, however, such
use was limited because of both the age and slow speed of the
Skywarrior. During 1966 A-3 roles were expanded and a number
were converted to tankers under the designation KA-3B, while others
became electronics counter measures-(ECM) aircraft under the
designation EKA-3B (combining both the tanker and the ECM
roles). The first squadron to deploy with the EKAIKA-3B was VAW13 during 1967. Typical deployments aboard carriers consisted of a
three aircraft DET.
VAW-13 was redesignated in 1968 as VAQ-130, indicating its
primary role as an electronic warfare unit. Prior to this, training for
the A-3 had been consolidated in VAH-123(part of RCVW-12).With
the decreased emphasis on attack, VAH-123 was disestablished in
1970 and all A-3 training was transferred to VAQ-130. The use of tail
codes varied, with VAH-123 using RCVW-12's code, while the remainingVAH squadrons used individually assigned codes. As squadrons
were permanently assigned to a CVW, it became common for Atlantic Fleet squadrons to use the code of the parent CVW, while some
Pacific Fleet squadrons retained their own tail codes. During this
time period, use of three digit nose numbers became standard,
replacing the one or two digit numbers formerly used (except in
those squadrons retaining their own tail codes.)
As squadrons re-equipped with the RA-SC, they were redesignated as RVAH squadrons (Reconnaissance Heavy Attack). Remaining EKA-3B units were designated as VAH squadrons, however,
beginning in 1968 the remaining A-3 units were gradually disestablished, or redesignated as VAQ squadrons. VAH-10 was the last
A-3 squadron to be redesignated, becoming VAQ-129 on 1 September 1970. The last remaining VAH squadron was VAH-21, established in September of 1968 as a landed based squadron equipped with
Lockheed AP-2H Neptunes, specially equipped for missions over
the Ho Chi Minn Trail. The squadron deployed to Vietnam during
late 1968 and was disestablished a year later after flying numerous
missions over the Trail.
HEAVY ATTACK
I
Original
Squadron
Redesignated
Tail Code
Squadron
(Above) An A-3B Skywarrior (BuNo 147656) of VAH-2 high above USS
CORAL SEA (CVA-43)after returning from a strike against VC strongholds during late 1965. Two largeBlack bomb mission markingsarecarried under the squadron insignia just behind the canopy. (USN)
(Below) A KA-3B (BuNo 138974)tanker of VAH-10 Vikings at Edwards
AFB in June of 1969, prior to deploying on USS HANCOCK (CVA-19)in
September. For this cruise VAH-10 adopted the CVW-21 tail code of
'NP', replacing their assigned tail code of 'ZR'. (Clay Jansson)
1
Tail Code
r
VAH-1
VAH-2
VAH-3
VAH-4
VAH-5
VAHd
VAH-7
VAH-8
VAH-9
VAH-10
VAH-11
VAH-21
VAH-123
GH
ZA
GJ
ZB
GK
ZC
GL
ZD
GM
ZR
GN
SL
NJ
RVAH-1
VAQ-132
RVAH-3
VAQ-131
RVAH-5
RVAH-6
RVAH-7
Disestablished
RVAH-9
VAQ-129
RVAH- 11
Disestablished
Disestablished
GH
-
GJ
-
GK
GS
GL
1968
GM
TR
GN
1969
1970
-
+
(Above) An A-3B (BuNo 147658) of VAH-8 at NAS North Island awaits
loading aboard USS CONSTELLATION (CVA-64)for a Vietnam deployment in April of 1967. The squadron returned in December and disestablished the following year. The use of a 100 series nose number was
made possible because the two fighter squadrons used 200 and 300
series numbers. (Clay Jansson)
(Below) A KA-3B(BuNo 142652)tanker of VAH-4 Four Runners (DET C)
refuels an F-4B Phantom (BuNo 153017) of VF-213 Black Lions during
1965. Both squadrons were attached to USS KlrrY HAWK (CVA-63)
while deployed off Vietnam. (USN)
FLEET AIR
RECONNAISSANCE
Initially established as non-deploying squadrons, both VQ-1
and VQ-2 began providing DETs to carriers during the mid-1960s
for Electronic Intelligence (ELINT) services. These carrier DETs
were comprised of EA-3B Skywarriors. In addition to the EA-3B,
both squadrons operated the EC-121M, EP-3B/F, and RA-3B, as
well as a number of TA-3Bs and P-3As for utility and training duties.
Besides VQ-1 and VQ-2, there are two landed based VQ units, VQ-3
and VQ-4, both equipped with EC-130Qs and EC-130Gs.
FLEET AIR RECONNAISSANCE
Squadron
VQ- 1
VQ-3
Tail Code
PR
TC
Squadron
VQ-2
VQ-4
Tail Code
JQ
HL
(Above)This EA-39 (BuNo 1448453) of VQ-1 Elats, landinkg at NASAh.-uym,
a Blue fiield tail m;arking
Japan during 1973, carries the Eblack
aIn
. .bat .. .. - .. . . . .-..
designed by Squadron/Signal Editor (then IS1) NicholasJ. Waters Ill for
the VQ-1 DET aboard USS K l r P l HAWK (CVA-63). (M Wada)
(Below) An EKABB (BuNo 142654) of VAQ-134 Garudas on the ramp at
NAS Alameda after returning from a Vietnam cruise aboard USS
e G 7 1I. The sauadron converted to the EARANGER (CVA-61) in Ju~ n of
6B Prowler the following year. (La
ELECTRONIC WARFARE
The ECM role had been originally assigned to both VAH a
VAW squadrons. In September of 1970, to coincide with the intiroduction of the Navy's first specialized electronic warfare aircraft, tlhe
EA-6B Prowler, VAH-10 was redesignatedVAQ-129 and assigned as
the Fleet Readiness Squadron (FRS) for the Prowler (the first EA-6B
arrived in January of 1971). VAW-13 had been designated the A-3
VAQ FRS on 1 October 1968 and was then redesignated VAQ-130
when all EKAIKA-3B training was consolidated. Both units were
relocated. along with their operational sister squadrons, under the
operational Command and Control of VAQ Wing 13 (VAQW-13) at
NAS Whidbey Island on 1 October 1968. In addition to its training
role, VAQ-130 also supported the Fleet with DETs aboard the
ESSEX Class carriers. The first combat cruise for the EA-6B
occurred in mid-1972 when VAQ-132 deployed four aircraft aboard
AMERICA (CVA-66). VAQ-131 followed in September deploying
aboard ENTERPRISE (CVAN-65).The EA-6B was developed from
the EA-6A and had a forty inch fuselage stretch, provision for two
additional crew members, a larger ECM antenna pod on the vertical
fin, and four large ECM pods carried under the wings. On 1July 1972
VAQW-13 was disestablished. As more EA-6Bs were received, additional VAQ squadrons were established and the ERA-3B was phased
out from shipboard use.VAQ-33, which had been redesignated from
VAW-33 in February of 1968,remained equipped with ERA-3s as an
ECM adversity training squadron and also employs EA-4s ,EF-4s,
and EC-121s to carry out its training mission.
Tail codes within the VAWNAQ community follow no fixed pattern, since a number of initial DETs deployed using the 'VR' code,
while others used the tail code of the CVW to which they were
assigned. By 1970 DETs also began using the CVW code whenever
attached to a CVW. Other VAQ units were established without
individual tail codes and only used CVW codes. By 1969only VAQ130was supplying DETs to the smaller carriers, while the remaining
VAQ units were operated as dedicated squadrons within a CVW.
During late 1970 VAQW-13 was assigned the tail code 'TR', with
VAQ-129 and all non-deploying training aircraft ofVAQ-130 adopting this as their standard code. Other VAQ squadrons now adopted
the policy of using the 'TR' tail code when shore based and the tail
code of the CVW when deployed.
(Above) This TA-30 (BuNo 138951) trainer of VAQ-130 Zappers at NAS
Alameda in September of 1971 carriesthe newly establishedVAQWing
tailcodeof 'TR'and a nose numberof 20(displayedasa Romannumeral
on the nose and rear fuselage). (Bill Swisher)
(Below) An EKABB (BuNo 147663) of VAQ-135, DET 4at NAS Alameda
during October of 1972, having returned with USS JOHN F KENNEDY
(CVA-67) just days before. (Duane Kasulka collection)
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PHOTO RECONNAISSANCE
RA-3 SKYWARRIOR - Heavy Photographic Squadrons P A P ) equipped with the RA-3B Skywarrior had the primary mission o f supplying the Navy with cartographic (i.e. mapping) photography. I n Vietn a m RA-3Bs, equipped with infrared sensors and video real time
displays, were used t o locate Viet Cong targets at night. Once pinpointed, the RA-3 would then call i n strike aircraft to destroy the
target. V A P d l (PACFLT), after the November 1968 bombing halt
stopped missions over southern North Vietnam, performed intelligence gathering missions along the H o C h i ~ & Trail.
h A land
based DET was established at Da Nang i n January o f 1968 and supported a number o f CVWs. VAP-62 (LANTFLT) also supported
operations i n Vietnam,flying under the operational control o f VAP61. VAP-61 was disestablished during 1970.
RF-8 CRUSADER - During 1965, Fleet photographic fighter units
began converting from the Chance Vought R F d A Crusader to the
upgraded RF-8G. T h e RF-8G was arebuilt F-8A, modified with ventral fins, provisions for two underwing pylons, new cameras, sensors, electronics, and a new navigation system. RF-8Gs operated
from the smaller ESSEX-Class carriers, normally i n three aircraft
DETs supplied b y either Light Photographic Squadron (VFP)-62or
VFP-63. O n 1 January 1968 the East Coast VFP-62, was disestablished and VFP-63 at Miramar was expanded to supply all RF-8
photo DETs to the Fleet. Although the RA-5C Vigilante was considered superior i n the tactical reconnaissance role, the less temperamental RF-8 was often used to replace the Vigilante o n smaller
carriers. During 1972, VFP-63 received a number o f F-8H fighters
becoming the Fleet Readiness Squadron ( F R S ) for the Crusader.
VFP-63 became the last Crusader FRS when VF-124 transitioned to
the F-14 Tomcat.
This RF-8G (BuNo 145646) of VFP-63 the Eyes of the Fleet has the
squadron nickname (in White) and a pair of bloodshot eyes glaring out
from the canted wing during recovery aboard BON HOMME RICHARD
(CVA-31) in June of 1970. (USN)
(Above)This RA-3B(BuNo 1448470)of VAPdl on the wet ramp at NAS
Alameda in April of 1967 is painted overall Black for night reconnaissance missions while deployed aboard a CVA as part of a DET.
(Bill Swisher)
(Above) An RA3B Skywarrior (BuNo 16446)of VAP-62 at NAS Alameda
in April of 1967. The Black question mark beside the 'GB' tail code and
hand lettered VAP-62 under the 'Navy' was added to the aircraft during
its transit to the O&R facility at NAS Alameda. (Larry Smalley)
(Below) An RF-8G (BuNo 146866) of VFP-63 DET 11 at NAS Atsugi,
Japan in August of 1966 during a lull in Vietnam combat operations.
VFP-63 DET 11 was assigned as part of CVW-10 attached to USS
INTREPID (CVS-11). The 4XX series nose number was rare for a VFP
squadron. (M Wada)
(Below) An RF-8G Crusader (BuNo 144615) of VFP-62 DET 42 lands
aboard USS ROOSEVELT (CVA-42)after a mission over North Vietnam
in August of 1966. Atlantic Fleet squadronsandcarriersweredeployed
to Southeast Asia in an effort to spread the risks of combat beyond
PACFLT. (USN)
1
RAdC VIGILANTE - The RA-5C could be fitted with a variety of
sensors including radar, infrared,TV,and electromagnetic,along with
a number of different cameras. Additionally strobe lights, called
flashers, could be carried under the wings for night photography. The
reconnaissance systems were housed in a long "canoe" fairing under
the fuselage. The majority of A-5A and A-5B airframes were converted to RA-5C configuration, retaining the linear bomb bay which
was now used for fuel cells.The Vigilante could also carry four under
wing pylons for fuel tanks or weapons, however, these were rarely fitted. During 1964VAH squadrons equipped with the Vigilante were
redesignated as RVAH (Reconnaissance Heavy Attack) squadrons.
The first RA-5C unit to deploy aboard a carrier was RVAH-5 which
deployed aboard USS RANGER in June of 1964.RVAH squadrons
originally deployed as six aircraft squadrons, however,-this was
gradually reduced to three aircraft as the Vietnam War and normal
attrition reduced the numbers of RA-5Cs available. The Vigilante
was so successful that the production line was reopened, producing
an additional forty-eight aircraft. During the Vietnam War eight out
of the ten RVAH squadrons commissioned deployed to the combat
zone. The last Fleet squadron activated was RVAH-14 which was
established on 1 February 1968. RVAH tail codes were a carry over
from those assigned when the squadrons had been designated as
VAH squadrons. The exceptions were those that did not have a "G"
prefix letter originally or those that were established as RVAH
squadrons. The use of these codes occurred infrequently and, in the
case of the newly established squadrons, before they were assigned
to a parent CVW. Normally once a CVW code was adopted, it was
retained until the squadron was reassigned to a different CVW.
(Above) Three A-5As of VAH-7 Peacemakers practice formation flight
prior to deploying aboard USS ENTERPRISE (CVAN-65) for an around
the World cruise. The squadron deployed in February of 1964, returning in October. This was the last operational cruise for the A-5A.
(USN)
(Below) An RA-5C (BuNo 149299)of RVAH-12 Speartips takes on fuel
from a KA-6D tanker (BuNo 151795) of VA-65 Tigers. Both squadrons
were attached to USS INDEPENDENCE (CVA-62) in May of 1973. The
KA-6D has a 42X series nose number, while the A-6A used the 400
series. They deployed in June with a 500 series nose number and
RVAH-12 was replaced by RVAH-14.(USN via Bill Cuddy)
(Left)This RA-5C (BuNo 149289)of RVAH-6Fleurs at NAS Albany prior
to the squadron's deployment aboard USS CONSTELLATION (CVA-64)
in May of 1966. The 7XX nose number series was selected becausethe
embarkedVAH squadron was using the 6XX series. Prior to this cruise,
CVW-15 had used a 9XX series number for its attached photo squadrons. (Clay Jansson)
(Below)An RA-5C (BuNo 147859)of RVAH-9 Hoot Owls prior t o deploying aboard RANGER (CVA-61)in October of 1968. The small number of
RVAH squadrons forced the movement of squadrons from CVW to
CVW. RVAH-6 had been aboard USS RANGER, being replaced by
RVAH-9, who in turn was replaced by RVAH-5. (Bill Swisher)
I
PHOTO RECONNAISANCE
FIGHTER
HEAVY ATTACK
RVAH-1
RVAH-3 *
RVAH-5
RVAH-6
RVAH-7
GH
GJ
GK
GS
GL
RVAH-9
RVAH-11
RVAH-12
RVAH-13
RVAH-14
GM VFP-62
GN VFP-63
GP
GR
GQ
vmai
VAP-62
GA
PP
(Disest 1968)
HEAVY
SS
GB
* Fleet Readiness Squadron (FRS).
(Below) An RA-5C (BuNo 150840) of RVAH-11 Checkertails at NAS
North Island during 1967. 'Heavy Eleven' deployed aboard USS
FORRESTAL(CVA-59) in Juneand returned in September afterthe disastrous fire aboard FORRESTAL in July. (Clay Jansson)
(Above) An RA-5C (BuNo 149302) of RVAH-12 Speartips is tied down
aboard USS CONSTELLATION (CVA-64) during April of 1967. The use
of a 1XX series nose number for VAH/RVAH squadrons within CVW-14
had been common since 1964 when VF-142 replaced VF-141 freeing
this number series. With the realignment of numbers in 1968, the 60X
series was adopted. (Harry Gann)
AIRBORNE EARLY WARNING
During the mid-1960s, the Carrier Airborne Early Warning (XAW) role
was expanded to include anti-submarine warfare (ASW). The threat of
anti-ship missiles, however, demanded a VAW aircraft with upgraded
avionics, capable of detecting and tracking missiles,in addition toperforming standard VAW missions. This requirement resulted in the Grumman
E-2A Hawkeye, a state-of-the-art airborne early warning and control aircraft. The first E-2A squadron was VAW-11 established in January of 1964
and deploying aboard KITIY HAWK in October of 1965.The capabilities
of the E-2 led to an expansion of its mission to include weather reconnaissance. Search and Rescue, air traffic control, vectoring fighter and
attack aircraft to and from targets, and radio relay. Shortly after VAW-1 1
was established, the first LANTFLT unit, VAW-12, converted to the
Hawkeye. The Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) approved plans for a
reorganization that created individual E-1 and E-2 squadrons and on 1
April 1967 VAW-12 became Carrier Airborne Early Warning Wing 12
(CAEWW-12)with VAW-121,122. and 123 assigned. VAW-121 operated
E-1Bs as DETs, with VAW-122 and VAW-123 deploying as full squadrons. With the arrival ofthe E-2,VAW-124,VAW-125, andVAW-126 were
established. A Fleet Readiness Squadron (FRS), RVAW-120. was established in July of 1967 to support both E-1 and E-2 training. VAW-11 was
also reorganized, however, because they were supporting combat operations in Vietnam. the wing was provided sufficient E-2s to form six
squadrons. On 13 April 1967, ComAEWWing Eleven was established
with VAW-112, 113, 114, 115, 116. and RVAW-I 10. Additionally, VAW111 was established with E-1Bs to supply DETs to smaller carriers. No
individual tail codes were assigned because the E-2 squadrons used the
codes of their respective c W .
The E-2B was basically an E-2A with improved computers and
enhanced reliability. The first E-2B squadron was VAW-116 (1969),
while the first East Coast unit. VAW-125. received their E-2Bs during
1970.The first Fleet squadron to receive the E-2C variant was VAW-123
Screwtops (1973).
There were two other VAW squadrons; VAW-I3 stationed at NAS
Alameda and equipped with EKA-3Bs, and VAW-33 stationed at NAS
Norfolk with EA-IF Skyraiders, with both units supplying Dets to carriers. VAW-13 was redesignated in October of 1968 as VAQ-130, while
VAW-33 was redesignated as VAQ-33, an adversity readiness training
squadron.
(Above)A Grumman E-1B Tracer (BuNo 147213) of VAW-121 DET 11 is
tied down aboard USS INTREPID (CVS-11) during September of
1972. (USN)
(Above) A Douglas EA-1F Skyraider (BuNo 139579) of VAW-33 Knight
Hawks at Davis MonthamAFB in March of 1967. The squadron had last
deployed aboard USS WASP (CVS-19) as part of CVSG-52 (tail code
'AS'), which was composedof VS-28 and VS-31 (both flying S-2Es)and
HS-11 flying SH-3A Sea Kings. (Bill Swisher)
(Above)An E-1B (BuNo 148914) of VAW-111 DET 19 at NAS Alameda in
June of 1969. prior to their cruise aboard USS HANCOCK (CVA-19)the
squadron carried their own tail code of 'RR'. VAW-111 deployed in
Auaust aboard HANCOCK for the cartier's fifth WestPac cruise. (USN)
-
(Below)AGrumman E-1BTracer (BuNo 148135)of VAW-111 Huntersat
NAS Lemoore in April of 1972. This aircraft was scheduled for deployment aboard USS RANGER (CVA-61) in November. On the following
cruise the VAW-111 DET was replaced by VAW-112 with E-2B Hawkeyes. (Duane Kasulka)
(Below) An EKAQB (BuNo 142662) of VAW-13 Zappers in flight over
California during early 1968. The squadron was later redesignated
VAQ-130. Before deploying aboard USS HANCOCK (CVA-19) in July
this aircraft had the nose number changed t~ a 84X series by altering
the zero into an eight. (USN)
(Above)ThisEKA-3B(BuNo 147663)of VAW-13 Zappers was deployed
aboard USS AMERICA (CVA-66) in the Atlantic during March of 1968.
The 7XX series of nose numbers was common for LANT VAW squadrons. The six White stars on the vertical stabilizer band and curved presentation of the USS AMERICA on the fuselage were common on
CVW-6 A-3s. (USN)
(Below) A Grumman E-2B Hawkeye (BuNo 152482) of VAW-125
deployed aboard USS JOHN F KENNEDY (CVA-67) in the Med during
1970/71. The carrier deployed in September returning to CONUS in
March. (Duane Kasulka Collection)
CARRIER AIRBORNE EARLY WARNING
VAW-13
VAW-11
to
to
VAQ-130
CAEWW-11
RVAW-110
VAW-111
VAW-112
VAW-113
VAW-114
VAW-115
VAW-116
VR
RR
VAW-33
to
VAQ-33
VAW-12 to CAEWW-12
RVAW-120
VAW-121
VAW-122
VAW-123
VAW- 124
VAW-12.5
VAW-126
GGE
USS SARATOGA (CV-60),carriesa Black swirl design on the radome
along with a Black and White eye with a Yellow outline. (USN via Bill
Cuddy )
(Below) This E-2B (BuNo 150539) of VAW-11 Liberty Bells over the
South Pacific in October of 1973, carries colorful Commander CVW-5
colors on the fin and nose. The use of the 'CAG' colors was sometimes
employed by aircraft DETs using the 010,020, series of aircraft numbers, with the '0' aircraft receiving the CAG markings. (USN)
(Above) An E-2A (BuNo 151709) of VAW-122 flies off the Coast of
Virginia prior to deploying to the Med aboard USS INDEPENDENCE
(CVA-62)in June of 1970. The squadron had been aboard INDEPENDENCE for the carrier's first mini-cruisein the Atlantic during October
of 1969. (USN)
HELICOPTER
Two squadrons, HU-1 at NAS Ream Field and HU-2 at NAS
Lakehurst provided Search and Rescue (SAR) DETs aboard CVAs,
normally in three to four aircraft detachment equipped with Kaman
UH-2NB Seasprites. On 1July 1965 Helicopter Utility (HU) squadrons were redesignated as Helicopter Combat (HC) squadrons.
During Septemberof 1967HC-1 and HC-2 were reorganized to form
several new squadrons with varied missions and roles. The vertical
replenishment unit became HC-3, equipped with UH-46ND SeaKnights. HC-5 was designated the Pacific Fleet training unit with
UH-2A/Bs, SH-2As, RH-3As, and CH-19Es. HC-5 also provided
DETs for US Coast Guard ice breakers. HC-1, with UH-2A,B and Cs
provided SAR servicesfor the CVAs. The HC-1 DET at NAS Atsugi,
Japan was redesignated HC-7 and tasked with Combat SAR (CSAR).
CSAR in Vietnam was organized during 1965 after aircraft losses
overVietnam had shown the necessity of a dedicated CSARcapability
within the CVA air wing. Initially HC-7 used UH-2As and UH-2Bs
operating from destroyers lying close off shore. By November of
1965 a number of Sikorsky SH-3As, stripped of ASW gear, were
added to HC-7. Neither helicopter had armor, self-sealing fuel tanks,
camouflage, or suitable weapons, which resulted in high CSAR
helicopter losses. Later a number of UH-2s were fitted with machine
guns and armor under the designation HH-2C and a number of SH3As were also upgraded with similar modifications. During Vietnam, HC-7 rescued over fifty airmen from combat zones without
losing a single HC-7 crewmen to enemy action. The final HC- 1DET
to be redesignated was HC-1 DETVungTau, which became Helicopter
Light Attack Squadron Three (HAL-3). On the East Coast, HC-6
was established for the vertical replenishment role and equipped
with UH-46NDs, UH-34J/Es, RH-3As, and SH-3As.
During 1972 another role was added to the HC community with
the introduction of the Light Airborne Multi-Purpose System
(LAMPS) concept, which gave ASW destroyers an airborne search
and strike capability. The Kaman SH-2D Seasprite was the first
LAMPS helicopter, equipped with ASW weapons and Anti-Submarine Magnetic Detection (ASMD) equipment. The first LAMPS
squadrons were HC-4 and HC-5 which were redesignated as Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light (HSL) -30 and HSL-31 respectively. At the end of this period HC-1 and HC-2 were re-equipped
with the SH-3G and were supplying three to four aircraft DETs
aboard Fleet CVAs.
(Above) This UH-2ASeasprite (BuNo 149024)of HC-2 at NAS Alameda
in September of 1966 was camouflaged in a pattern of Matte Medium
Green, Flat Olive Drab, and Flat Tan on the uppersurfaces with Flat
White undersurface for combat SAR missions over land. (Larry Smalley)
(Below) This SH-3G (BuNo 149710) of HC-1 Flying Angles DET 2 from
USS MIDWAY (CVA-41)during late 1973 carries Yellow trim outlined in
Black on the sponson, with the DET number62'alsoin Yellow outlined in
Black. (M Wada)
HELICOPTER COMBAT SQUADRONS
(Below) An SH-3G Sea King (BuNo 148987) of HC-2 aboard USS KENNEDY (CVA-67)while deployed in the Med during 1973. The squadron
was replaced by HS-11 on KENNEDY'S next cruise. The fuselage band
is Yellow with Red stripes. (USN)
(Above) This UH-2C Seasprite (BuNo 152202) of HC-1 Flying Angels
DET 43 is about to land aboard USS CORAL SEA (CVA-43) in August of
1969. The Detachmentcarried the CVW tail codeand useda three digit
nose number. (USN)
ASW CARRIER SQUADRONS
Operating from converted Second World War Essex Class carriers, CVSGs began a gradual phaseout as the dedicated ASW carriers (CVSs) were retired during the early 1970s.Typical composition
of a Camer Anti-Submarine Warfare Group (CVSG) was, two fvred
wing VS squadrons, a helicopter HS squadron, and a VAW DET.
This was later expanded to include an air defenselcombat air patrol
(CAP) DET from either a VA or VF squadron. These Dets came
aboard whenever the CVS operated outside the protection of a CVA
and its fighters. The Marine Corps also provided periodic CAP
DETs. The Navy later (mid-1965) added a new squadron type to the
CVSG for the CAP role under the designation ASW Fighter Squadron (VSF). By the late 1960s CVSGs were expanded tonow include
three VS and two HS squadrons. As CVAs were converted to operate
ASW aircraft under the CV concept these squadrons were gradually
incorporated into the respective multi-purpose camer air wing
(CVW).
ASW FIGHTER
The first dedicated anti-submarine fighter squadron, VSF-1 was
established on 1July 1965 at NAS Lemoore, with the squadron later
relocating to NAS Alameda. VSF squadrons were originally conceived to provide four aircraft DETs to ASW carrier air groups for
the Air DefenseICombat Air Patrol role. VSF squadrons were equipped with A-4B Skyhawks armed with two 2 0 cannons
~ ~ and two
AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles mounted on the outboard wing plyons.
Before the squadrons became fully operational in February of 1966,
their role was expanded to include a full light attack capability. A
second squadron, VSF-3, was established on 1 April 1967 at NAS
Alameda and was also equipped with A-4s. The first VSF deployment occurred in September of 1966 when the War Eagles of VSF-1
deployed aboard USS SHANGRI-LA as part of CVW-8. In August
of 1967 both squadrons re-equipped with A-4Cs. Neither squadron
ever deployed aboard a CVS before they were disestablished in
January of 1970as part of a reductionin forces that occurred with the
wind-down of the Vietnam War. Two reserve VSF units were established later as part of their respective CVSGRs at NAS New Orleans.
Initially equipped with A-4Cs both squadrons re-equipped with F8H Crusaders before being disestablished during 1973.
(Above) A YA-46 Skyhawk (BuNo 145002) of VSF-1 Warhawks at NAS
Alameda in Decemberof 1966. The squadrontail code 'NA' was initially
carried, however, later the respectivewing/group tail codes were used.
This aircraft (nicknamed 'Rudolph') had the radar nose of an F-11A
installed, which was painted Red with a Black and White eye. (Larry
Smalley)
(Below) A Douglas A-46 Skyhawk (BuNo 142131) of VSFB about to
land at NAF Atsugi, Japan during December of 1967. VSF-3 was
deployed aboard USS INTREPID (CVS-11) which was operating as a
CVA with three A-4 squadrons, one A-1 squadron, plus DETs of E-ls,
EA-1Fs, RF-8Gs, and a fighter DET of F-8s for CAP. (M Wada)
ASW FIGHTER SQUADRONS
Fleet (Disestablished 1970)
VSF-1
VSF-3
NA
No Code
Resene (Disestablished 1973)
VSF-76
VSF-86
AW *
NW*
-
* Parent RCVSG tail code.
(Below)A-4Cs (BuNo 145114)of VSF-1Warhawks DET 10 linethe ramp
at NAS Alameda ready to deploy aboard USS YORKTOWN (CVS-10).
They had recently returned from a deploymentwith CVW-8 aboard USS
INDEPENDENCE (CVA-62) in April of 1968. This deployment gave
CVW-8 three A-4 squadrons for duty off Vietnam. (Larry Smalley)
(Above) This Vought F-8H Crusader (BuNo 147049) of VSF-86 Gators
on the ramp at NAS New Orleans during 1973 carries the squadron's
alligator insignia on the rudder. VSF-86 was disestablished in August of
1973. (Joe Weathers, Jr.)
CARRIER ANTI-SUBMARINE
Fixed wing ASW squadrons operated the Grumman S-2 Tracker
in a variety of variants including the early S-2B, second generation
S-2D with increased weapons capability and range, and S-2F which
featured upgraded avionics. During late 1962 the S-2E entered the
Fleet and re-equipped six of the twenty Fleet ASW squadrons. The
two replacement training squadrons operated the same variety of
variants along with a number of S-2As. Since S-2 engines burned
aviation gasoline (avgas) they were incompatible with CVAs which
had no provision for avgas storage. This became critical when the
Navy began phasing out the dedicated ASW carriers. A series of test
were conducted in 1971 aboard USS SARATOGAin which specific
fuel tanks were reserved for Avgas and SARATOGA was operated as
a multi-purpose (CV) carrier with VS-28 (S-2E) and HS-7 (SH-3D)
deployed aboard.The SARATOGAwas later modified with increased
avgas tankage to become the first CV carrier capable of accommodating ASW aircraft in squadron strength. As other CVAs were
modified, VS and HS squadrons were added to their air wings.
While awaiting the developmentof a new ASWjet aircraft, the S2E was upgraded with new data processing equipment under the
designation S-2G. The first S-2Gs arrived in the Fleet during December of 1972, going to S-2 squadrons assigned to CVA carrier air
wings. When attached to a CVA CVW, the S-2 squadrons dropped
their earlier CVSG tail codes. CVW-11 had three S-2G squadrons
assigned with two deploying. This was the exception, since the normal air wing makeup was a single, ten aircraft VS squadron, which
used the C W s tail code and initially a 10,20 or 30 series of nose
numbers.
(Above) This tied down and roped off S-2D (BuNo 148742) of VS-34
aboard USS RANDOLPH(CVS-15)during 1964carriesa full load of antisubmarine ordnance. Torpedos are carried on the inboard pylons and
air-to-surface rockets are on the two outboard pylons. (Duane KasuIka collection)
(Below) A Grumman S-2E Tracker (BuNo 149862)of VS-28 at Andrews
AFB in Juneof 1968. The trimcolor on thefin is Redagainst which iscarried Black diamonds and a White outlined Black Ace of Spades. (Frank
MacSorley Jr.)
(Above) This S-2D (BuNo 148727) of VS-35 was shore based at NAS
North Island during May of 1964. The squadron later deployed aboard
USS HORNET (CVS-12). The trim colors on the fin are Red. (Clay
(Below) An S-2ETracker(BuNo 149888)of VS-25flyingfrom NAS North
Island in Juneof 1967carriesa styalized form of tail codeand a two digit
nose number. (USN)
(Above) A S-2D (BuNo 147535) of VS-26 Lucky Tigers on the ramp at
NAS North Island, San Diego, Calif., in Novemberof 1964. The lightning
bolt on the fin is in Red. (Duane Kasulka)
I
(Above) An S-2E (BuNo 153580) of VS-31 Topcats flies off the coast of
Rhodes Island during early 1973. The squadron is the third VS unit in
CVSG-56as noted by the 33X seriesaircraft nose number and Blue trim
colors. (USN)
(Below) This S-2E (BuNo 152828)of VS-38 at NAS North Island in February of 1970 carries a three digit nose number series first introduced
during 1969. VS-38 was attached to CVSG-59 and was scheduled to
deploy aboard HORNET (CVS-12). (Bill Swisher)
(Above) This S-2E (BuNo 152362) of VS-28 Hukkers at NAS Quonset
Point in June of 1972 was attached to CVW-3. VS-29 carried a 22X
series nose number, as VF-32 had been assigned the 200 series of
numbers. (Fred Roos)
(Below) A mixed flight of S-2Es of VS-29 Trombones (NS-200/205)and
VS-21 Fighting Redtails (NS-111/102) fly past USS TICONDEROGA
(CVS-14)during June of 1970. Home Naval Air Station for both squadrons was NAS North Island at San Diego, Calif. (USN via PH2 Young)
HELICOPTER
ANTI-SUBMARINE WARFARE
Anti-submarine warfare (ASW) is the primary task of Helicopter
ASW (HS) Squadrons, although each squadron has the additional
missions of plane guardlsearch and rescue (SAR) and logistic support. Equipped with Sikorsky SH-3ASea Kings, there were nine HS
squadrons plus two Sea King Fleet Readiness Squadrons (FRS).
The SH-3A was followed by the SH-3D, which had more powerful
engines, greater fuel capability, and variable-position torpedo launch
rails which permitted the launching of torpedos while in a hover.
With the phase out of the CVSGs, the number of helicopters within
each squadron was reduced from sixteen to eight. Beginning in late
1969, HS squadrons began deploying aboard the multi-purpose
CVs. The first such deployment was HS-11, which deployed with
CVW-17 aboard USS FORRESTAL, followed by HS-2 who went to
sea with CVW-7 aboard USS INDEPENDENCE during 1970.The
use of HS squadrons aboard CVs gave the carrier close in ASW protection, plus the SAR capability of the replaced HC squadron.
The need for a SAR and utility helicopter aboard CVs led to the
development of the SH-3G Sea King(which were basically modified
SH-3.4s). The SH-3G had the sonar gear deleted with the space
being used for cargo and personnel. Other SH-3As were modified
with armor protection and weapons for the Combat SAR (CSAR)
role. These aircraft were usually camouflaged for overland operations.
A new role for HS squadrons came about during 1971 with the
establishment of HS-15, both to conduct training and to supply
DETs aboard Sea Control Ships. Established in October of 1971,
HS-15 deployed in January of 1972 aboard USS GUAM (LPH-9) to
(Above) This SH-3A Sea King (BuNo 152113) of HS-2 Red Falcons at
NAS Imperial Beach in May of 1971, carries a Stars and Stripes Flag
marking in place of the side number (405), which is partially visible on
the nose. (Duane Kasulka)
preform an evaluation of the SH-3G in the Sea Control Ship concept. The test was considered highly successful.During 1972the SH3H was introduced to the Fleet. The SH-3H had a multi-mission
capability and was equipped for both anti-ship missile defense and
surface ship surveillance/targeting in addition to having the standard ASW suite upgraded.
(Below) An overall Engine Gray SH-3A (BuNo 149728)of HS-11at NAS
North Islandin August of 1967. The squadron was home based at NAS
Quonset Point as part of CVSG-52 which composed VS-28 and VS-31
(S-2Es), and HS-11 with sixteen SH-3As. (Clay Jansson)
(Above) An SH-3D Sea King (BuNo 152694) of HS-3 Tridents, at NAS
North Island during August of 1967. HS-3 was the first helicopter
squadron within CVSG-56 which was assigned to USS RANDOLPH
(CVS-18). (Clay Jansson)
(Below) An SH-3A Sea King (BuNo 149928) of HS-9 Sea Griffins tied
down aboard USS RANDOLPH (CVS-18) during 1966. The sponson
markings consist of twelve Blue stars on a White field. (Bob Esposito)
CARRIER ANTI-SUBMARINE WARFARE UNITS
(15 Dec 1969)
CVSG-52
VS-28
VS-3 1
HS-11
AS
S-2E
S-2E
SH3A
(30 June 1973)
CVSG-53
VS-21
VS-29
HS-6
(31 Mar 1966)
CVSG-58
VS-26
VS-36
HS-7
AV
S-2D
S-2D
SHdA
(1 July 1972)
NS
S-2B/F
S-2B/F
SH3D
CVSG-54
VS-22
VS-32
HS-5
(30 June 1973)
CVSG-59
VS-33
VS-38
HS-8
AT
S-2F
S-2F
SHdA
(27 Sept 1968)
CVSG55
VS-23
VS-25
HS-4
(30 June 1973)
NU
S-2E/F
S-2E/F
SHdA/J
CVSG-56
VS-24
VS-27
HS-3
AU
S-2F
S-2F
SHdA
(1 Sept 1969)
CVSG57
VS-35
VS-37
HS-2
NV
S-2D
S-2D
SHJ A
(1 Oct 1968)
NT
CVSG-68
S-2E
VS-34
S-2E
VS-39
SHdA HS-9
Big Dippers whileattached toCVW3 aboard USS SARATOGA ICVA-60)
in late 1971 as part of the cv carrie;
concept evaluation. The squadron
wasassigned the 55X nose number
series because VA-75 was using
the 500 series. (USN)
AW
S-2D
S-2D
SHSA
CVSG-60 squadrons disestablished
on same date as parent CVSG
,
( ) Date CVSG disestablished.
'"a
CARRIER SQUADRONS AND WING/GROUP (Dec 1973)
KENNEDY
RANGER
SARATOGA
MIDWAY
ROOSEVELT
INDEPENDENCE
CVW-1
'AB'
CVW-2
'NE'
CVW-3
'AC'
CVW-5
'NF'
CVW-6
'AE'
CVW-7
'AG'
VF-14
F-4B
VF-2 1
F-4J
VF-31
F-4J
VF-151
F-4N
VF-41
F-4B
VF-33
F-4J
VF-32
F-4B
VF-154
F-4J
VF-103
F-4J
VF-161
F-4N
VF-84
F-4B
VF-102
F-4J
VA-46
A-7B
VA-25
A-7E
VA-37
A-7E
VA-56
A-7A
VA-15
A-7B
VA-12
A-7E
VA-72
A-7B
VA-113
A-7E
VA-105
A-7E
VA-93
A-7A
VA-87
A-7B
VA-66
A-7E
A-6BlCIA VA-145
VA-34
A-6NB VA-75
A-6E/C/B VA-115
A-6A/B VA-176
A-6NC VA-65
A-6E
RVAH-11
RA-5C
RVAH-13 RA-5C
RVAH-9
RA-5C
* VFP-63 RF-8G * VFP-63 R F 3 G RVAH-14
RA-5C
VAW-125
E-2B
VAW-112
E-2B
VAW-123
E-2C
VAW-121
E-1B
VAW-115
E-2B
VAW-122
E-2B
* VAQ-130 EKA-3B * VAQ-130 EKA-3B VS-24
S-20
* VAQ-130 EKA-3B
* VAQ-130 EKA-3B
* HC-2
SH-3G
* HC-1
SH-3G HS-7
SHdD/H * HC-1
SH3G
* HC-2
S H 3 G HS-5
SHdD
AMERICA
'M
CVW-8
VF-142
F-4J
VF-143
F-4J
VA-82
A-7C
VA-86
A-7C
VA-35
A-6E
RVAH-1
RA-5C
VAW-124
E-2B
VAQ-133
EA-6B
* HC-2
SH-3G
CONSTELLATION
KWNHAWK
CVW-9
'NG'
CVW-11
'NH'**
VF-92
F-4J
VF-114
F-4J
VF-96
F-4J
VF-213
F-4J
VA-146
A-7E
VA-192
A-7E
VA-147
A-7E
VA-195
A-7E
VA-165
A-6A
VA-52
A-6A
RVAHd
RA-5C
RVAH-7
RA-5C
VAW-116
E-2B
VAW-114
E-2B
VAQ-131
EA-6B
VAQ-136
EA-6B
* HS-6
SH-3G VS-33
S-2G
VS-37
S-2G
HS-4
SH3D
ORISKANY
HANCOCK
RESERVE
CVW-2 1
'NP'
'NM'
CVWR-20 'AF'
CVW-19
VF-24
F-8J
VF-191
F-8J
VF-201
F-8H
F-8J
VF-194
VF-211
F-8J
VF-202
F-8H
VA-153
A-7B
A-4F
VA-55
VA-203
A-4L
VA-155
A-7B
VA-164
T/A-4F VA-204
A-4L
VA-215
A-7B
VA-212
A-4F
VA-205
A-4L
* VFP-63 RF-8G
* VFP-63 RF-8G VFP-206
RF-8G
*VAW-111 E-1B
* VAW-111 E-1B
VAW-207
E-1B
* VAQ-130 EKA-3B * VAQ-130 EKA-3B VAQ-208 KA-3B
* HC-1
SHdG
*HC-1
SH3G
* DETs; A-6 squadmn also had KA-6Dstypically 4.
** VS-33 and HS-8 were attached to CVW-11 but dzd not deploy
---
-.
-
ENTERPRISE
CORAL SEA
FORRESTAL
CVW-14
'NK
CVW-15
'NL'
CVW-17
VF- 1
F-14A
VF-11
VF-51
F-4B
VF-111
F-4B
VF-2
F-14A
VF-74
VA-27
A-7E
VA-22
A-7E
VA-81
VA-97
A-7 E
VA-94
A-7E
VA-83
A-6A
A-6A/B VA-95
VA-196
VA-85
RVAH-12 RA-5C
* VFP-63 RF-8G RVAH-6
VAW-113
E-2B
VAW-126
* VAW-111 E-1B
VAQ-137
EA-6B
*VAQ-135 EKA-3B
HS-3
HS-2
SH-3D
* HC-1
SH3G
RESERVE
RESERVE
'AA'
F-4J
F-4J
A-7E
A-7E
A-6E
RA-5C
E-2B
-
SH3D
RESERVE
CVWR-30 'ND'
CVSGR-70 'AW
CVSGR-80
VF-301
F-8J
VS-71
S-2E
VS-81
VF-302
F-8J
VS-72
S-2E
VS-82
VA-303
A-7A
VS-73
S-2E
VS-83
VA-304
A-7A
HS-74
SH-3G HS-84
VA-305
A-7A
HS-75
SH-3A
HS-85
VFP-306
RF-8G
E-1B
VAW-307
VAW-78
E-1B
VAW-88
VAQ-308
KA-3B
'NW'
S-2E
S-2E
S-2E
SH3A
SHdA
E-1B
-
FLEET READINESS
SQUADRONS
The Fleet replacement/readiness training community was realigned during June of 1970when the Replacement Training Carrier
Air Wings (RCVW) and Air Groups (RCVSG) were disestablished.
Training squadrons were now referred to as Fleet Replacement
Squadrons (FRS).At this same time the Navy was creating a series of
base loaded functional air wings, which consolidated like aircraft
types, maintenance, and training at a single Naval Air Station (NAS).
These wings were shore based commands that supervised the replacement training squadrons for the aircraft type at their NAS and
provided training/logistical assistance for the tactical air wings/
groups when they were shore based. The tactical air windgroup
commander, however, still retained operational control over his
squadrons. The training squadrons retained the tail codes of the disestablished RCVW/RCVSGs, along with the aircraft nose numbers
then in effect.
Tactical Electronics Warfare Squadrons (VAQ) were already in
place on 1 October 1968 at NAS Whidbey Island as part of VAQW13. Initially A-3 training was conducted by VAQ-130, which also
supplied DETs to the Fleet. With its conversion to the EA-6B Prowler, however, the squadron dropped the training mission.VAQ-129
now became the A-3 training squadron equipped with the EKA-3B.
A-6A, and (in January of 1971) EA-6B. The EKA-3Bs were used to
close out the A-3 training cycle, while the A-6As were used as support
/trainer aircraft. The wing was redesignated Medium Attack Tactical Electronic Warfare Wing Pacific (MedAtVAQWingPac) and
now incorporated the West Coast A-6 Intruder squadrons into the
wing.VA-128joined the wing as the Pacific Fleet A-6 training squadron.
On the East Coast, attack A-6s were consolidated at NAS Oceana
under Medium Attack Wing One (MedAtWing-1)which was established on 1 October 1970. VA-42 remained as the Atlantic Fleet
Intruder replacement training squadron equipped with A-6s and (as
with VA-128) Grumman TC-4Cs, which were used as navigational
and bombardier trainers. VAQ-33, based at NAS Norfolk, provided
adversary training to Fleet squadrons using a variety of A-4 Skyhawk
variants, F-4 Phantoms, and one EC-121.
F-4 training was provided by VF-I01 for the Atlantic Fleet at
NAS Oceana as part of Fighter Wing One (FiWing-1) which was
established on 1October 1970.F-8 Crusader training was conducted
by VF- 174 at NAS Cecil Field, Flordia. VF-43, using a variety of A-4
variants, provided Fleet instrument training for F-4 crews as part of
FiWing-1 at Oceana.
On the West Coast, Fighter Wing Pacific, which had been in existence since 1965, was located at NAS Miramar. The Pace Makers of
(Below) This RA-5C (BuNo 156609) of RVAH-3 Dragons, at NAS Albany
in July of 1970 sports a CAG nose number and tail colors. The 'GJ' tail
code was the squadron's individually assigned tail code. (Bill
Swisher)
FJ-4 Furys (BuNo 139515) of VA-126 Trailblazersparked alongside the
runway at MCAS Yuma in July of 1965. VA-126 was deployed to Yuma
for weapons training and was the last FRS to operate the FJ Fury.
(Clay Jansson)
VF-121 provided F-4 training. VF-124, which had been the F-8
Crusader training squadron until August of 1972 when VFP-63
assumed this role, transitioned to the F-14 becoming the F-14 training squadron. VA-126 provided Fleet instrument training, however,
since this training was for fighter squadrons, the squadron was
redesignated VF-126 on 15 October 1965. In April 1967 the first TA4F Skyhawks arrived to replace the TF-9J Cougars in service with
the Fighting SeaHawks.
In the light attack role, A-7s assigned to the Atlantic Fleet were
based at NAS Cecil Field under Light Attack Wing One (LAtWing1)which was established on 1June 1970.Its Pacific Fleet equivalent,
Light Attack Wing Pacific (LatWingPac),was based at NAS Lemoore.
VF-174 transitioned from F-8 to A-7 training during 1966 and was
redesignated as a VA squadron. The Blackbirds of VA-45 had been
an A-1 Skyraider training squadron, however, during 1964the squadron became an instrument training squadron and transitioned to
(Above) This EC-1A Trader (BuNo 136787) of VA-122 carries the new
nickname 'Corsair College' and RCVW-12 CAG markings at NAS Miramar
in May of 1968. The Black tail code is carried on a Black outlined Yellow
field. (Clay Jansson)
(Above) This F-8E Crusader (6uNo 150903) of VF-124 at Van Nuys Airport, California during 1969 carries Commander Carrier Air Wing
Twelve Pacific Fleet markings on the fuselage side and the insigniasof
the squadrons attached to the Air Wing on the rudder. (Duane Kasulka)
(Below) This A-4L (BuNo 149647) of VA-45 Blackbirds DET 1 carried
CVSG-56 tail codes while deployed aboard USS INTREPID (CVS-11).
The lack of the 'S' on the USS INTREPIDlogo was intentional, since the
carrier had three deployments to Vietnam as a limited CVA while
designated as a CVS. To her crew, she was a CVA! (Lionai Paul)
the TF-9J Cougar, which was later replaced by a variety of A-4
Skyhawk variants as part of CCAW-1 at NAS Cecil Field.
The Pacific Fleet A-7 training squadron was VA-122, which had
previously been an A-1 Skyraider training unit. VA-122 received
their first A-7A Corsair I1 in November of 1966 at NAS Lemoore as
part of Commander Attack Wings Pacific (CAWPac). VA-122 shifted to A-7E training in July of 1969, with VA-125 assuming A-7A,/
B training.
Helicopter ASW training was provided by HS-1 based at NAS
Key West on the East Cast and by HS-10 at NAS Imperial Beach for
the Pacific Fleet. HS-1 also preformed survey, SAR, recovery, and
logistics missions in addition to their training role. The squadron
moved to NAS Quonset Point in July of 1970. Initially both squadrons were equipped with Sikorsky SH-34Jsand SH-3s, however, the
SH-34Js were phased out by 1963.HS-I0 was initially part of CVSG51 and when the group was disestablished in June of 1970, HS-10
retained the CVSG-51 tail code.
In the fixed wing ASW community, LANT Fleet S-2 Tracker
training was conducted by VS-30 at NAS Quonset Point (having
moved from NAS Key West in July of 1970),while the Paciftc Fleet S-2
FRS was VS-41 Shamrocks based at NAS North Island. The Shamrocks, in addition to providing Fleet S-2 training, also conducted
OV-IOA Bronco training for Light Attack Squadron Four (VAL-4)
Black Ponies. OV-10 training was discontinued in February of 1972
when VAL-4 was disestablished.
(Below) This TF-9JCougar (BuNo 147339)of VA-45at NASOceanaduring 1967, carries the markings of Commander Carrier Air Wing Four on
the fuselage sides in Black. The last FRS Cougars were phased out by
VA-43 during 1968. (Clay Jansson)
(Above)This A-76 (BuNo 154436) of VA-125 at NAS Lemoore in November of 1969 has a large Green lightning bolt on the fin. The squadron
had switched from A-4 to A-7 training during the summer of 1969.
(Duane Kasulka)
This EF-4B Phantom (BuNo 153070) of VAO-33 Firebirds, at NAS
Miramar during 1972, carries the Red 'Firebird' insignia on the wing
tanksand fin. The fin insignia hasaYellow lighting bolt passing through
the 'Firebird'. The logo FEWSG stands for "Fighter Evaluation Weapons Support Group". (Duane Kasulka)
A TE-2A Hawkeye (BuNo 149817) of RVAW-110 Firebirds at NAS
Lemwre in May of 1969. TE-2As were E-2As with high hour airframes
which had been regulated to the training role. (Duane Kasulka)
This A-6B (151820) was assigned to VA-42 Pawns at NAS Oceana during August of 1970. The Pawnsoperatedtwo A-GBs, twenty-two A-GAS,
and two TC-4Cs at this time. (Duane Kasulka)
This T-28C (BuNo 140058) at NAS Lemoore in April of 1972 carries a
dual squadron designation of VA-1221125. Both squadrons provided
Fleet units with A-7 Corsair training and used the Trojan as a utility aircraft. (Duane Kasulka)
FLEET READINESS SQUADRONS (December 1973)
Atlantic Fleet
VF-101
VA-174
VA-42
VF-43
VA-45
VAQ-33
RVAH-3
RVAW-120
VS-30
HS-1
F-4B/J, TA-4J. A-4E
A-7NBICE
A-6A/C/E, TC-4C
TA-4J, A-4E
TA-4J
EF-4B. ERA-3B. EA-4F. NC-121K
TA-3B. TA-4FlJ.C-47M. RA-5C
TEIE-2NB. E-2C. E-1B
S-2EIG
SHdA/D/H/G
Tail Code
AD
AD
AD
AD
AD
GD
GJ
GE
AR
AR
An SH-3A (BuNo 152124) of HS-10 flies low over the Pacific off NAS
Ream Field. The squadron provided Pacific Fleet Readiness Squadron
Training on the SH-3A, SH-3D, and SH-3G. The squadron had over a
dozen SH-3s with usually a third in maintenance. (USN)
Pacific Fleet
VF-121
VF-124
VA-122
VA-125
VA-126
VA-127
VA- 128
VAQ-129
RVAW-110
VS-41
HS-10
F-4BlJ
F-14A
A-7CE. T-28BlC. T-39D
A-7A/B/E
TA-4FIJ
TA-4F/J, A-4F
A-6AE, TC-4C
EA-6B. A-6A
TEE-2VB. E-1B
S-2E
SH-3A/D/G
Tail Code
NJ
NJ
NJ
NJ
NJ
NJ
NJ
TR
'IT
RA
RA
A sharkmouthed S-2G Tracker (BuNo 152842) of VS-30 Sea Tigers at
NAS Ouonset Point in June of 1972. The sponson pod on the engine
nacelle was a modification peculiar to the S-2G. (Fred Rws)
Glossary of Abbreviations
AAA
ARM
ASMD
ASW
AVGAS
BuNo
CAEW
CAG
CAWPAC
CONUS
CSAR
CV
CVA
CVAN
CVN
CVS
CVSGR
CVW
CVWR
DET
DIANE
DMZ
DOD
ECM
ELINT
FEWSG
FIS
FIWING
FLIR
FRS
HAL
HC
HS
HSL
IS
LANT
LANTFLT
CATWING
Anti-Aircraft Artillery
Anti-Radiation Missile
Anti-Submarine Magnetic Detection
Anti-Submarine Warfare
Aviation Gasoline
Bureau Number (Navy serial number)
Camer Airborne Early Warning Wing
Commander Air Group
Commander Attack Wing Pacific
Continental United States
Combat Search and Rescue
Aircraft Camer
Attack Aircraft Camer
Nuclear Attack Aircraft Camer
Nuclear Aircraft Camer
Anti-Submarine Aircraft Carrier
Reserve Anti-Submarine Camer Air
Group
Camer Air Wing (CVICVA)
Reserve Camer Air Wing (CV/CVA)
Detachment
Digital Integration Attack and
Navigation Equipment
Demilitarized Zone
Department of Defense
Electronic Counter Measures
Electronic Intelligence
Fighter Evaluation Weapons
Support Group
Fighter Interceptor Squadron
Fighter Wing
Forward Looking Infrared
Fleet Readiness Squadron
Helicopter Light Attack Squadron
Helicopter Combat Squadron
Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron
Helicopter Light Anti-Submarine
Squadron
Marine Headquarters and Maintenance
Squadron
Intelligence Specialist
Atlantic
Atlantic Fleet
Light Attack Wing
LATWTNGPAC
Light Attack Wing Pacific
LPH
Amphibious Assault Ship
MAD
Magnetic Anomaly Dectector
MCAS
Marine Corps Air Station
MDAC
McDonnel-Douglas Aircraft Corporation
MEDATVAQWTNGPACRMedium Attack ECM Wing Pacific
MEDATWTNG
Medium Attack Wing
NAF
Naval Air Facility
NAS
Naval Air Station
&V
North Vietnam
PAC
Pacific
PACFLT
Pacific Fleet
PC0
Palestine Liberation Organization
RCVSG
Replacement Training Carrier ASW
Group
RCVW
Replacement Training Canier Air Wing
RTAB
Royal Thai Air Base
RVAH
Reconnaissance Heavy Attack Squadron
RVAW
Replacement Training Airborne Early
Warning Squadron
RVN
Republic of Vietnam
SAR
Search and Rescue
SQN
Squadron
TRIM
Trails, Roads, Interdiction
Multi-sensor
US
United States
VA
Attack Squadron
VAH
Heavy Attack Squadron
VAP
Heavy Attack Photographic Squadron
VAQ
Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron
VAQW
Tactical Electronic Warfare Wing
VAW
Airborne Early Warning Squadron
VC
Viet Cong
VF
Fighter Squadron
VFP
Photographic Fighter Squadron
VMA
Marine Attack Squadron
VMCJ
Marine Composite Reconnaissance
Squadron
VMF
Marine Fighter Squadron
VMFA
Marine Fighter Attack Squadron
VR
Fleet Transportation Squadron
VS
Anti-Submarine Warfare Squadron
VSF
Anti-Submarine Fighter Squadron
Wwn
World War I1

attack carrier - MilitaryRussia.Ru

Transcription

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