After World War II, naval aviation saw great reductions in numbers, while new technologies fostered new types of aircraft squadrons leading to new designations for roles such as nuclear attack, airborne early warning, and "all-weather" (radar-equipped) squadrons. Others were developed specifically for roles necessitated by the Vietnam War. Designations that are still in use today are not included in this section.
The VA(AW) designation was created in 1956 when VC squadrons were re-designated using role descriptive designators. VC-33 and VC-35 had by then become attack squadrons with radar and electronic countermeasures equipped aircraft. All weather attack squadrons provided detachments of radar and electronic countermeasure equipped attack aircraft to Carrier Air Groups for night and all weather operations.
The VAH designation was established in 1955 when the Composite (VC) squadrons flying "Heavy Attack" aircraft (nuclear bombers) were redesignated Heavy Attack (VAH) squadrons. The designation was retired in 1971 with the disestablishment of the last VAH squadron. With the end of the Navy's nuclear bomber role, VAH squadrons based on the east coast were redesignated RVAH squadrons and were equipped with the North American RA-5C Vigilante reconnaissance aircraft. VAH squadrons based on the west coast retained the VAH designation but their A-3B Skywarriors were converted to KA-3B aerial tankers. By the late 1960s, electronic jamming equipment had been added to some KA-3B tankers and those "EKA-3B" aircraft led to the creation of VAQ squadrons.
The RVAH designation was created in 1964 when the Navy's nuclear bomber role was ended and the Heavy Attack (VAH) squadrons which were then equipped with the A-5A Vigilante nuclear bombers were converted to Reconnaissance squadrons and their A-5A nuclear bombers were converted to RA-5C reconnaissance aircraft. Those VAH squadrons which were then still equipped with the A-3B remained designated Heavy Attack (VAH) squadrons. The designation was retired in 1979 with the disestablishment of the last RA-5C squadron.
The Light Attack (VAL) designation was created in 1969 and designated only one squadron (VAL-4) which was established to support riverine and special operations during the Vietnam War. The designation was retired with the disestablishment of the squadron. A Helicopter Light Attack (HAL) designation had been created in 1967 to designate a single light attack helicopter squadron (HAL-3). HAL-3 and VAL-4 conducted operations in the Mekong Delta region of South Vietnam.
This second use of the VC designation began in 1948 to designate squadrons which were composed of detachments of aircraft that deployed aboard aircraft carriers with the carrier air group (later carrier air wing) conducting specialized missions. Missions included: All-Weather/Night Fighter; Heavy Attack (Nuclear Bombers); Airborne Early Warning; Anti-Submarine Warfare; and Photographic Reconnaissance. Single digit numbers designated the Composite All Weather Fighter and the Heavy Attack squadrons, teens designated Composite Airborne Early Warning Squadrons, numbers in the 20s and 30s designated Composite Anti-Submarine Squadrons, and the numbers in the 60s designated Composite Photographic Squadrons. By 1956 these squadrons had all been redesignated as VF(AW), VAH, VAW, VS, VA(AW) or VFP depending on the specific mission, and the VC designation once again ceased to exist. There have been multiple unrelated squadrons using the same VC designations through the years. For example, the last two VC squadrons were VC-6 and VC-8 which were deactivated in 2008 and 2003 respectively. Both of those squadrons were the third squadron to use each of those designations, and neither squadron had any relation to earlier squadrons designated VC-6 or VC-8. The first VC-6 and VC-8 were WWII Escort Carrier composite squadrons, the second VC-6 was a heavy attack squadron which was redesignated VAH-6 then RVAH-6 and the second VC-8 was also a heavy attack squadron which was redesignated VAH-11 then RVAH-11.
The table below does not list disestablished squadrons; it lists squadron designations which are no longer in use. Some of the squadron designations in the table belonged to squadrons which have been disestablished but some belonged to squadrons which have been deactivated and still exist in an inactive status.
Note: The parenthetical (1st), (2nd), (3rd) etc... appended to designations in the tables below are not a part of the squadron designation system. They are added to indicate that the designation was used more than once during the history of U.S. Naval Aviation and which use of the designation is indicated. Absence indicates that the designation was used only once.
In 1952, two reconnaissance squadrons were established and designated Photographic Squadrons (VJ), a designator shared at the time by Weather Squadrons and Weather Reconnaissance Squadrons. In 1956, the Photographic Squadrons were redesignated Heavy Photographic Reconnaissance Squadrons (VAP). In 1959, one VAP squadron was redesignated a Photographic Composite Squadron (VCP), but reverted in 1961 to the VAP designation.
In 1959, one VAP and one VFP squadron were redesignated Photographic Composite Squadrons (VCP), but reverted in 1961 to their previous designations.
In 1956, VC squadrons were redesignated VF squadrons of various types, including AF(AW) for All Weather Fighter squadrons whose fighters had radar for night and all-weather use.
VC-3, a night fighter squadron, became a jet transition unit and then was redesignated VF(AW)-3. In 1958, that squadron was disestablished and the VF(AW)-3 designator was given to a different unit: a continental defense interceptor squadron. VF(AW)-4 provided night fighter detachments to Carrier Air Groups.
From 1952 to 1956, VJ designated Photographic Squadrons; from 1952 to 1953, it also designated Weather or Weather Reconnaissance Squadrons. In 1952, two new squadrons were designated Photographic Squadrons VJ-61 and VJ-62; four years later, they were redesignated Heavy Photographic Reconnaissance Squadrons (VAP) 61 and 62.
This last use of VO designated observation squadrons from 1967 to 1968 and has not been used since.
The VU designation was used from 1946 to 1965. Before the creation of the VU designation, utility squadrons were designated VJ. In 1965, all VU squadrons were redesignated Fleet Composite (VC) squadrons (third use of the VC designation).
From its creation in 1952 until 1971 the VW designation designated "Air Early Warning Squadron", "Airborne Early Warning Squadron", or "Fleet Early Warning Squadron". By 1961 the VW squadrons which were still in existence were transitioned to destructive weather early warning or weather reconnaissance as a primary mission while retaining airborne early warning as a secondary role. In 1955 and 1956 six new VW squadrons were established to operate as early warning squadrons in the Atlantic and Pacific Barriers which were seaward extensions of the nation's Distant Early Warning (DEW) Line. These "barrier" VW squadrons did not operate as weather reconnaissance squadrons and they were all disestablished by 1965. In 1967 one of the two remaining VW squadrons was renamed a "Weather Reconnaissance Squadron" (while retaining the VW designation) while the other retained the "Airborne Early Warning" name even though its primary role was also weather reconnaissance. In 1971 that squadron was disestablished and thereafter until the single remaining VW squadron was disestablished in 1975 the VW designation designated solely "Weather Reconnaissance Squadron". In 1975 the VW designation cease being used.
Between 1980 and 2010, the rise of the multi-mission fighter-attack aircraft ended the VF and VA designations. As well, the end of the Cold War eliminated the need for squadron types, such as VS, geared solely to countering the Soviet Union.
Several changes to designations were made on 15 November 1946. First, the Bombing (VB) and Torpedo (VT) designations were retired; all such squadrons were redesignated Attack squadrons (VA).[60]
Second, the Carrier Air Group designation (CVG) was modified to identify the type of aircraft carrier to which the group was assigned. Henceforth, CVAGs were assigned to Essex-class carriers (sometimes called "Attack" carriers) and CVBGs were assigned to the large Midway-class carriers (sometimes called "Battle" carriers). Two designations from World War II survived: CVLGs (light carrier air group) were assigned to "light" Independence- or Saipan-class carriers, and CVEGs (escort carrier air group) to remaining small WWII escort carriers.
Third, and similarly, aircraft squadron designations were appended with an "A", "B", "L", or "E" to denote the type of Carrier Air Group the squadron was assigned.[61] CVAGs and CVBGs were designated with odd numbers; each was assigned two VA squadrons; the first carried the Air Group's number; the second, the Air Group number plus one (CVAG-1: VA-1A, VA-2A; CVBG-1: VA-1B, VA-2B; CVAG-7: VA-7A, VA-8A; CVAG-11; VA-11A, VA-12A etc...)
The rules governing the squadron designation system changed twice between 1946 and 1996, when the last Attack squadron switched to the F/A-18 Hornet and was redesignated a Strike Fighter (VFA) squadron.
The list below is not a list of disestablished squadrons; it is a list of squadron designations that are no longer in use. Many squadrons carried multiple designations over the years; some were both VA and VF at various times. Sometimes a single squadron was redesignated several times; sometimes a given designation was assigned to several distinct squadrons. Most of the squadron designations in the list belonged to squadrons which have been disestablished, but also included are former designations of some VFA squadrons which are still active.
| Designation | Insignia | Nickname | Aircraft[62] [63] | Establishment and Redesignation | Disestablished as
(or current designation) | Disestablished (or Deactivated) Date | Notes |
|---|
| VA-1A | | Top Hatters | SB2C
F4U | Air Det Pac Flt: Sep 1919-15 Jun 1920
VT-5: 15 Jun 1920-7 Sep 1921
VP-1-4: 7 Dec 1921-23 Sep 1921
VF-4(1st): 23 Sep 1921-1 Jul 1922
VF-1(1st): 1 Jul 1922-1 Jul 1927
VF-1B(1st): 1 Jul 1927-1 Jul 1934
| VB-2B: 1 Jul 1934-1 Jul 1937
VB-3: 1 Jul 1937-1 Jul 1939
VB-4: 1 Jul 1939-15 Mar 1941
VS-41: 15 Mar 1941-1 Mar 1943
VB-41: 1 Mar 1943-4 Aug 1943
VB-4: 4 Aug 1943-15 Nov 1946
VA-1A: 15 Nov 1946 – 2 Aug 1948
VA-14: 2 Aug 1948-15 Dec 1949
VF-14(2nd): 15 Dec 1949-1 Dec 2001
VFA-14: 1 Dec 2001–present | VFA-14 | Not applicable, still exists | Oldest continuously active aircraft squadron in the U.S. Navy
1st VA squadron of CVAG-1 |
| VA-1B | | unknown | SB2C
AD | VB-74: 1 May 1945-15 Nov 1946
VA-1B: 15 Nov 1946 – 1 Sep 1948
VA-24: 1 Sep 1948-1 Dec 1949
VF-24(2nd): 1 Dec 1949-9 Mar 1959
VF-211(3rd): 9 Mar 1959-Aug 2006
VFA-211: Aug 2006–present | VFA-211 | Not applicable, still exists | 1st VA squadron of CVBG-1 |
| VA-1E | | unknown | TBM | VT-41: 26 Mar 1946-15 Nov 1946
VA-1E: 15 Nov 1946 – 1 Sep 1948 | VA-1E | 1 September 1948 | Only VA squadron of CVEG-1.
CVEG-1 (composed of VF-1E and VA-1E) was redesignated Composite Squadron 21 (VC-21) on 1 September 1948 |
| VA-1L | | unknown | TBM
XTB2D
AD | VT-58: 19 Mar 1946-15 Nov 1946
VA-1L: 15 Nov 1946 – 20 Nov 1948 | VA-1L | 20 November 1948 | Only VA squadron of CVLG-1.
Assets merged with VF-1L to form the first squadron designated VX-3 |
| VA-2A | | unknown | TBM | VT-4: 10 Jan 1942-15 Nov 1946
VA-2A: 15 Nov 1946 – 2 Aug 1948
VA-15(1st): 2 Aug 1948 – 1 Jun 1969 | VA-15 (1st) | 1 June 1969 | 2nd VA squadron of CVAG-1 |
| VA-2B | | unknown | SB2C, SBW
TBM
SNJ
AD | VT-74: 1 May 1945-15 Nov 1946
VA-2B: 15 Nov 1946 – 1 Sep 1948
VA-25(1st): 1 Sep 1948-1 Jul 1959
VA-65(2nd): 1 Jul 1959 – 31 Mar 1993 | VA-65 (2nd) | 31 March 1993 | 2nd VA squadron of CVBG-1 |
| VA-2E | | unknown | TBM | VT-42: 19 Jul 1945-15 Nov 1946
VA-2E: 15 Nov 1946 – 1 Sep 1948
VC-22(2nd): 1 Sep 1948-20 Apr 1950
(same sqdn listed in VC section)
VS-22(1st): 20 Apr 1950-1 Jun 1956
(same sqdn listed in VS section) | VS-22 (2nd) | 1 June 1956 | Only VA squadron of CVEG-2 |
| VA-3A | | Black Panthers | SB2C
AD | VB-3B: 1 Jul 1934-1 Jul 1937
VB-4: 1 Jul 1937-1 Jul 1939
VB-3: 1 Jul 1939-15 Nov 1946
VA-3A: 15 Nov 1946 – 7 Aug 1948
VA-34(1st): 7 Aug 1948-15 Feb 1950
VA-35(2nd): 15 Feb 1950 – 31 Jan 1995 | VA-35 (2nd) | 31 January 1995 | 1st VA squadron of CVAG-3. The "diving panther" insignia was created by VB-3B and remained in use through the entire life of the squadron through all of its redesignations. |
| VA-3B | | unknown | SB2C
AD | VB-75: 1 Jun 1945-15 Nov 1946
VA-3B: 15 Nov 1946 – 1 Sep 1948
VA-44(1st): 1 Sep 1948 – 8 Jun 1950 | VA-44 (1st) | 8 June 1950 | 1st VA squadron of CVBG-3 |
| VA-3E | | unknown | TBM | VA-3E: 21 Apr 1947 – 1 Sep 1948
VC-23(2nd): 1 Sep 1948-23 Apr 1950
(same sqdn listed in VC section)
VS-23: 23 Apr 1959-27 Sep 1968
(same sqdn listed in VS section) | VS-23 | 27 September 1968 | Only VA squadron of CVEG-3 |
| VA-4A | | Dragons | TBM | VT-2: 1925-1 Jul 1927
VT-2B: 1 Jul 1927- 1 Jul 1937
VT-3: 1 Jul 1937-15 Nov 1946
VA-4A: 15 Nov 1946 – 7 Aug 1948
VA-35(1st): 7 Aug 1948 – 7 Nov 1949 | VA-35 (1st) | 7 November 1949 | 2nd VA squadron of CVAG-3 |
| VA-4B | | Fish Hawks | SB2C
AD | VT-75: 1 Jun 1945-15 Nov 1946
VA-4B: 15 Nov 1946 – 1 Sep 1948
VA-45(1st): 1 Sep 1948 – 8 Jun 1950 | VA-45 (1st) | 8 June 1950 | 2nd VA squadron of CVBG-3 |
| VA-5A | | unknown | SB2C
F4U | VS-2B: 3 Jul 1928-1 Jul 1937
(VS = "Scouting Squadron")
VS-3: 1 Jul 1937-1 Mar 1943
VB-4: 1 Mar 1943-15 Jul 1943
VB-5: 15 Jul 1943-15 Nov 1946
VA-5A: 15 Nov 1946 – 16 Aug 1948
VA-54(1st): 16 Aug 1948 – 1 Dec 1949 | VA-54 (1st) | 1 December 1949 | 1st VA squadron of CVAG-5 |
| VA-5B | | unknown | SB2C
AD | VB-17: 1 Jan 1943-15 Nov 1946
VA-5B: 15 Nov 1946 – 27 Jul 1948
VA-64(1st): 27 Jul 1948-8 Apr 1949
VC-24(2nd): 8 Apr 1949-20 Apr 1950
(same sqdn listed in VC section)
VS-24(1st): 20 Apr 1950-1 Jun 1956
(same sqdn listed in VS section) | VS-24 (1st) | 1 June 1956 | 1st VA squadron of CVBG-5 |
| VA-6A | | Torpcats | TBM | VT-5: 15 Feb 1943-15 Nov 1946
VA-6A: 15 Nov 1946 – 16 Aug 1948
VA-55(1st): 16 Aug 1948 – 12 Dec 1975 | VA-55 (1st) | 19 December 1975 | 2nd VA squadron of CVAG-5 |
| VA-6B | | unknown | SB2C
AD | VT-17: 1 Jan 1943-15 Nov 1946
VA-6B: 15 Nov 1946 – 27 Jul 1948
VA-65(1st): 27 Jul 1948-1 Jul 1959
VA-25(2nd): 1 Jul 1959-1 Jul 1983
VFA-125: 1 Jul 1983–present | VFA-25 | Not applicable, still exists | 2nd VA squadron of CVBG-5 |
| VA-7A | | Sunday Punchers | SBW, SB2C
F4U | VB-18: 20 Jul 1943-15 Nov 1946
VA-7A: 15 Nov 1946 – 27 Jul 1948
VA-74: 27 Jul 1948-15 Feb 1950
VA-75(2nd): 15 Feb 1950 – 28 Feb 1997 | VA-75 (2nd) | 28 February 1997 | 1st VA squadron of CVAG-7 |
| VA-8A |
| Air Barons | TBM | VT-18: 20 Jul 1943-15 Nov 1946
VA-8A: 15 Nov 1946 – 27 Jul 1948
VA-75(1st): 27 Jul 1948 – 30 Nov 1949 | VA-75 (1st) | 30 November 1949 | 2nd VA squadron of CVAG-7 |
| VA-9A | | unknown | SB2C | VB-99: 1 Jul 1943-15 Oct 1943
VB-20: 15 Oct 1943-15 Nov 1946
VA-9A: 15 Nov 1946 – 12 Aug 1948
VA-94(1st): 12 Aug 1948 – 31 Nov 1949 | VA-94 (1st) | 31 November 1949 | 1st VA squadron of CVAG-9 |
| VA-10A | | unknown | TBM | VT-20: 15 Oct 1943-15 Nov 1946
VA-10A: 15 Nov 1946 – 12 Aug 1948
VA-95(1st): 12 Aug 1948 – 30 Nov 1949 | VA-95 (1st) | 30 November 1949 | 2nd VA squadron of CVAG-9 |
| VA-11A | | unknown | SB2C | VB-11: 10 Oct 1942-15 Nov 1946
VA-11A: 15 Nov 1946 – 15 Jul 1948
VA-114: 15 Jul 1948 – 1 Dec 1949 | VA-114 | 1 December 1949 | 1st VA squadron of CVAG-11 |
| VA-12A | | unknown | TBM | VT-11: 10 Oct 1942-15 Nov 1946
VA-12A: 15 Nov 1946 – 15 Jul 1948
VA-115: 15 Jul 1948-30 Sep 1996
VFA-115: 30 Sep 1996–present | VFA-115 | Not applicable, still exists | 2nd VA squadron of CVAG-11 |
| VA-13A | | Hell Razors | SBW
F4U | VB-81: 1 Mar 1944-15 Nov 1946
VA-13A: 15 Nov 1946 – 2 Aug 1948
VA-134(1st): 2 Aug 1948-15 Feb 1950
VF-174: 15 Feb 1950-1 Jul 1966
VA-174(2nd): 1 Jul 1966 – 30 Jun 1988 | VA-174 (2nd) | 30 June 1988 | 1st VA squadron of CVAG-13 |
| VA-14A | | Uninvited | TBM | VT-81: 1 Mar 1944-15 Nov 1946
VA-14A: 15 Nov 1946 – 2 Aug 1948
VA-135(1st): 2 Aug 1948 – 30 Nov 1949 | VA-135 (1st) | 30 November 1949 | 2nd VA squadron of CVAG-13 |
| VA-15A | | Flying Cannons | SB2C | VB-153: 26 Mar 1945-15 Nov 1946
VA-15A: 15 Nov 1946 – 15 Jul 1948
VA-154: 15 Jul 1948 – 1 Dec 1949 | VA-154 | 1 December 1949 | 1st VA squadron of CVAG-15 |
| VA-16A | | unknown | TBM | VT-153: 26 Mar 1945-15 Nov 1946
VA-16A: 15 Nov 1946 – 15 Jul 1948
VA-155(1st): 15 Jul 1948 – 30 Nov 1949 | VA-155 (1st) | 30 November 1949 | 2nd VA squadron of CVAG-15 |
| VA-17A | | Battering Rams | SBW
AM | VB-82: 1 Apr 1944-15 Nov 1946
VA-17A: 15 Nov 1946 – 11 Aug 1948
VA-174: 11 Aug 1948 – 25 Jan 1950 | VA-174 | 25 January 1950 | 1st VA squadron of CVAG-17 |
| VA-18A | | Devils Diplomats | TBM | VT-82: 1 Apr 1944-15 Nov 1946
VA-18A: 15 Nov 1946 – 11 Aug 1948
VA-175: 11 Aug 1948 – 15 Mar 1958 | VA-175 | 15 March 1958 | 2nd VA squadron of CVAG-17 |
| VA-19A | | unknown | SB2C
AD | VB-19: 15 Aug 1943-15 Nov 1946
VA-19A: 15 Nov 1946 – 15 Aug 1948
VA-194: 24 Aug 1948 – 1 Dec 1949 | VA-194 | 1 December 1949 | 1st VA squadron of CVAG-19 |
| VA-20A | | unknown | TBM
AD | VT-19: 15 Aug 1943-15 Nov 1946
VA-20A: 15 Nov 1946 – 24 Aug 1948
VA-195: 24 Aug 1948-15 Apr 1985
VFA-195: 15 Apr 1985–present | VFA-195 | Not applicable, still exists | 2nd VA squadron of CVAG-19 |
| VA-21A | | unknown | SB2C | VB-98: 28 Aug 1944-15 Nov 1946
VA-21A: 15 Nov 1946 – 5 Aug 1947 | VA-21A | 5 August 1947 | 1st VA squadron of CVAG-21 |
| VA-22A | | unknown | TBM | VT-98: 28 Aug 1944-15 Nov 1946
VA-22A: 15 Nov 1946 – 5 Aug 1947 | VA-22A | 5 August 1947 | 2nd VA squadron of CVAG-21 |
| A new Squadron and Air Group designation scheme was established in 1948. CVAGs and CVBGs were all redesignated CVGs, CVLGs and CVEGs were disestablished, and squadron suffix letters were eliminated. New squadron designation numbers denoted to which CVG the squadron was assigned with the first one or two digits identifying the CVG followed by a 4 or 5 to differentiate between the two VA squadrons of each CVG. |
| CVG-1 (2nd) CVAG-1 redesignated CVG-1 (2nd) 1 Sep 1948, currently exists as CVW-1
|
|---|
| VA-12 | | Ubangis,
Clinchers
(1982) | F2H
F7U
AD4/A-4
A-7 | VBF-4: 12 May 1945-15 Nov 1946
VF-2A: 15 Nov 1946-2 Aug 1948
VF-12: 2 Aug 1948-1 Aug 1955
VA-12: 1 Aug 1955 – 1 Oct 1986 | VA-12 | 1 October 1986 | CVG-1(2nd) VF squadron redesignated as a CVG-1(2nd) VA squadron. |
| VA-14 | | Top Hatters | F4U | Air Det Pac Flt: Sep 1919-15 Jun 1920
VT-5(1st): 15 Jun 1920-7 Sep 1921
VP-1-4: 7 Dec 1921-23 Sep 1921
VF-4(1st): 23 Sep 1921-1 Jul 1922
VF-1(1st): 1 Jul 1922-1 Jul 1927
VF-1B(1st): 1 Jul 1927-1 Jul 1934
VB-2B: 1 Jul 1934-1 Jul 1937
VB-3: 1 Jul 1937-1 Jul 1939
VB-4: 1 Jul 1939-15 Mar 1941
VS-41(2nd): 15 Mar 1941-1 Mar 1943
VB-41: 1 Mar 1943-4 Aug 1943
VB-4: 4 Aug 1943-15 Nov 1946
VA-1A: 15 Nov 1946-2 Aug 1948
VA-14: 2 Aug 1948 – 15 Dec 1949
VF-14(2nd): 15 Dec 1949-1 Dec 2001
VFA-14: 1 Dec 2001–present | VFA-14 | Not applicable, still exists | Oldest continuously active aircraft squadron in the U.S. Navy.
Redesignated as one of CVG-1(2nd)'s initial squadrons |
VA-15
(First use) |
(1951) | Valions
(mid 1950s) | TBM
AD/A-1
A-4 | VT-4: 10 Jan 1942-15 Nov 1946
VA-2A: 15 Nov 1946-2 Aug 1948
VA-15(1st): 2 Aug 1948 – 1 Jun 1969 | VA-15 (1st) | 1 June 1969 | Redesignated as one of CVG-1(2nd)'s initial squadrons |
| VA-16 | | unknown | AD | VA-16: 1 Jun 1955 – 1 Mar 1958 | VA-16 | 1 March 1958 | Established and assigned to Air Task Group 182 (ATG-182) |
| CVG-2 (2nd) CVBG-1 redesignated CVG-2 (2nd) 1 Sep 1948, currently exists as CVW-2
|
|---|
| VA-22 | | Fighting Redcocks | FJ-4
A4D/A-4
A-7 | VF-63: 28 Jul 1948-Mar 1956
VA-63: Mar 1956-1 Jul 1959
VA-22: 1 Jul 1959-4 May 1990
VFA-22: 4 May 1990 – present | VFA-22 | Not applicable, still exists | VF-63 had been transferred to CVG-2(2nd) in 1950 without being redesignated. Was redesignated a VA squadron retaining the 63 designation while still in CVG-2(2nd). Was ultimately redesignated VA-22 in 1959 to conform with the CVG designation |
| VA-23 | | Black Knights | FJ-4
A4D/A-4 | VF-653 (USNR): 1 Feb 1951-4 Feb 1953
VF-151(3rd): 4 Feb 1953-7 Feb 1956
VA-151: 7 Feb 1956-23 Feb 1959
VA-23: 23 Feb 1959 – 1 Apr 1970 | VA-23 | 1 April 1970 | VA-151 reassigned to CVG-2(2nd) and redesignated VA-23 |
| VA-24 | | unknown | AD
F4U | VB-74: 1 May 1945-15 Nov 1946
VA-1B: 15 Nov 1946-1 Sep 1948
VA-24: 1 Sep 1948 – 1 Dec 1949
VF-24(2nd): 1 Dec 1949-9 Mar 1959
VF-211(3rd): 9 Mar 1959-Aug 2006
VFA-211: Aug 2006–present | VFA-211 | Not applicable, still exists | Redesignated as one of CVG-2 initial squadrons |
VA-25
(First use) |
(1950) | Tigers
(1950) | SNJ
AD/A-1 | VT-74: 1 May 1945-15 Nov 1946
VA-2B: 15 Nov 1946-1 Sep 1948
VA-25(1st): 1 Sep 1948 – 1 Jul 1959
VA-65(2nd): 1 Jul 1959 – 31 Mar 1993 | VA-65 (2nd) | 31 March 1993 | Redesignated as one of CVG-2(2nd)'s initial squadrons. Reassigned to CVG-6 in 1950 without being redesignated until 1959 |
VA-25
(Second use) |
(1974) | Fist of the Fleet | AD/A-1
A-7 | VT-17: 1 Jan 1943-15 Nov 1946
VA-6B: 15 Nov 1946-27 Jul 1948
VA-65(1st): 27 Jul 1948-1 Jul 1959
VA-25(2nd): 1 Jul 1959 – 1 Jul 1983
VFA-125: 1 Jul 1983–present | VFA-25 | Not applicable, still exists | VA-65(1st) reassigned to CVG-2(2nd) in 1950 without being redesignated until 1959 |
| VA-26 | | Skylancers | F9F-8 | VA-26: 30 Jun 1956 – 11 Apr 1958
VA-125(2nd): 11 Apr 1958 – 1 Oct 1977 | VA-125 (2nd) | 11 April 1977 | Established and assigned to Air Task Group THREE (ATG-3) until its redesignation to VA-125 and reassignment to RCVG-12 |
| CVG-3 (2nd) CVAG-3 redesignated CVG-3 (2nd) 1 Sep 1948, currently exists as CVW-3
|
|---|
VA-34
(First use) | | Black Panthers | AD/A-1 | VB-3B: 1 Jul 1934-1 Jul 1937
VB-4: 1 Jul 1937-1 Jul 1939
VB-3: 1 Jul 1939-15 Nov 1946
VA-3A: 15 Nov 1946-7 Aug 1948
VA-34(1st): 7 Aug 1948 – 15 Feb 1950
VA-35(2nd): 15 Feb 1950 – 31 Jan 1995 | VA-35 (2nd) | 31 January 1995 | Redesignated as one of CVG-3(2nd)'s initial squadrons. The "diving panther" insignia was created by VB-3B and remained in use through the entire life of the squadron through all of its redesignations. |
VA-34
(1943-69)
(Second use) | | Blue Blasters | F2H
F7U
A4D/A-4 | VF-20: 15 Oct 1943-15 Nov 1946
VF-9A: 15 Nov 1946-12 Aug 1948
VF-91(1st): 12 Aug 1948-15 Feb 1950
VF-34(3rd): 15 Feb 1950-1 Jul 1955
VA-34(2nd): 1 Jul 1955 – 1 Jun 1969 | VA-34 (2nd) | 1 June 1969 | VF-34(3rd) returned to CVG-3(2nd) from Air Task Group 181 (ATG-181) and redesignated a VA squadron |
VA-35
(First use) | | Dragons | TBM
AD | VT-2: 1925-1 Jul 1927
VT-2B: 1 Jul 1927- 1 Jul 1937
VT-3: 1 Jul 1937-15 Nov 1946
VA-4A: 15 Nov 1946-7 Aug 1948
VA-35(1st): 7 Aug 1948 – 7 Nov 1949 | VA-35 (1st) | 7 November 1949 | Redesignated as one of CVG-3(2nd)'s initial squadrons |
VA-35
(Second use) | | Black Panthers | A-1
A-6, KA-6 | VB-3B: 1 Jul 1934-1 Jul 1937
VB-4: 1 Jul 1937-1 Jul 1939
VB-3: 1 Jul 1939-15 Nov 1946
VA-3A: 15 Nov 1946-7 Aug 1948
VA-34(1st): 7 Aug 1948-15 Feb 1950
VA-35(2nd): 15 Feb 1950 – 31 Jan 1995 | VA-35 (2nd) | 31 January 1995 | VA-34(1st) redesignated VA-35(2nd) when VF-91(1st) was reassigned to CVG-3(2nd) as the group's fourth VF squadron VF-34(3rd) on 15 Feb 1950. The "diving panther" insignia was created by VB-3B and remained in use through the entire life of the squadron through all of its redesignations. |
VA-36
(First use) | | Roadrunners | F9F-5
F9F-8
A4D/A-4 | VF-102(1st): 1 May 1952-1 Jul 1955
VA-36(1st): 1 Jul 1955 – 1 Aug 1970 | VA-36 (1st) | 1 August 1970 | VF-201 redesignated VA-36 and assigned to Air Task Group 201 (ATG-201). Ultimately assigned to CVG-3(2nd) in 1958 |
| CVG-4 (2nd): CVBG-1 redesignated CVG-4 (2nd) 1 Sep 1948, disestablished 8 Jun 1950 |
|---|
VA-44
(First use) | | unknown | AD
AM | VB-75: 1 Jun 1945-15 Nov 1946
VA-3B: 15 Nov 1946-1 Sep 1948
VA-44(1st): 1 Sep 1948 – 8 Jun 1950 | VA-44 (1st) | 8 June 1950 | Redesignated as one of CVG-4(2nd)'s initial squadrons |
VA-45
(First use) | | Black Knights | AD
AM | VT-75: 1 Jun 1945-15 Nov 1946
VA-4B: 15 Nov 1946-1 Sep 1948
VA-45(1st): 1 Sep 1948 – 8 Jun 1950 | VA-45 (1st) | 8 June 1950 | Redesignated as one of CVG-4(2nd)'s initial squadrons |
| CVG-4 (3rd): Established 1 Sep 1950, redesignated RCVG-4 on 1 Apr 1958 to control FRSs, disestablished 1 Jun 1970 as RCVW-4 |
|---|
VA-45
(Second use) | | Blackbirds | AD | VA-45 : 1 Sep 1950 – 1 Mar 1958 | VA-45 (2nd) | 1 March 1958 | Established as one of CVG-4 initial squadrons. CVG-4 initially had four VF squadrons and only this single initial VA squadron. Was disestablished when CVG-4 was redesignated RCVG-4 |
| VA-46 | | Clansmen
(1960) | F9F-5
F9F-8
A4D/A-4
A-7E | VA-46: 25 May 1955 – 30 Jun 1991 | VA-46 | 30 June 1991 | Assigned to CVG-4(3rd) upon establishment but reassigned to Air Task Group 202 (ATG-202) two months later and never returned to CVG-4(3rd) |
| RCVG-4 / RCVW-4 Fleet Replacement Squadrons |
|---|
| VA-42 |
(1992) | Green Pawns,
Thunderbolts
(1992) | AD
North American T-28 Trojan
Grumman TC-4C
Grumman A-6, KA-6 | VF-42(4th): 1 Sep 1950-1 Nov 1953
VA-42: 1 Nov 1953 – 30 Sep 1994 | VA-42 | 30 September 1994 | VF-42 assigned to CVG-6(2nd) at the time redesignated a VA squadron in 1953. Transitioned from an operational VA squadron to an AD Sky Raider FRS on 24 Oct 1958 and reassigned to RCVG-4. Later became an A-6 FRS. Adopted "Thunderbolts" name and insignia from VA-176 when it was disestablished in 1992 |
| VA-43 | | Challengers | A4D/A-4 | VF-74A: 1 May 1945-1 Aug 1945
VF-74(2nd): 1 Aug 1945-15 Nov 1946
VF-1B(3rd): 15 Nov 1946-1 Sep 1948
VF-21(2nd): 1 Sep 1948-1 Jul 1959
VA-43: 1 Jul 1959 – 1 Jun 1973
VF-43(5th): 1 Jun 1973 – 1 Jul 1994 | VF-43 (5th) | 1 July 1994 | VF-21 redesignated as an A4D Skyhawk FRS and assigned to RCVG-4 |
VA-44
(Second use) | | Hornets | F2H
F9F-8
F9F-8T/TF-9
TV-2
T-28
A4D/A-4, TA-4
AD/A-1 | VF-44(2nd): 1 Sep 1950-1 Jan 1956
VA-44(2nd): 1 Jan 1956 – 1 May 1970 | VA-44 (2nd) | 1 May 1970 | CVG-4(3rd)'s VF-44 redesignated a VA squadron in 1956. Transitioned from an operational VA squadron of CVG-4(3rd) to an A4D Skyhawk FRS on 1 Jun 1958 in conjunction with CVG-4(3rd)'s redesignation to RCVG-4. In 1959 AD Sky Raider training was added and the squadron operated as both an A4D (A-4 in Sep 1962) and an AD (A-1 in Sep 1962) FRS. "Split out" VA-45(3rd) in 1963 to continue A-1 training and became solely an A-4 FRS |
VA-45
(1963-96)
(Third use) | | Blackbirds | A-1
A-4 | VA-45(3rd): 15 Feb 1963 – 7 Feb 1985
VF-45(2nd): 7 Feb 1985 – 31 Mar 1996 | VF-45 (2nd) | 31 March 1996 | Adopted both the "Blackbirds" name and the insignia of the disestablished VA-45(2nd). Established as an A-1 Sky Raider FRS and assigned to RCVG-4 (was "split out of" VA-44(2nd) to continue A-1 training to allow VA-44(2nd) to become solely an A-4 FRS). After the A-1's retirement the squadron provided A-4 detachments to ASW air groups and later assumed an adversary role in support of Air Combat Maneuvering training |
| CVG-5 (2nd) CVAG-5 redesignated CVG-5 (2nd) 1 Sep 1948, currently exists as CVW-5
|
|---|
| VA-52 | | Knightriders | AD/A-1
A-6, KA-6 | VF-884: 20 Jul 1950-4 Feb 1953
VF-144: 4 Feb 1953-23 Feb 1959
VA-52: 23 Feb 1959 – 31 Mar 1995 | VA-52 | 31 March 1995 | VF-144 was redesignated a VA squadron and reassigned to CVG-5(2nd) |
VA-54
(First use) | | unknown | F4U
AD | VS-2B: 3 Jul 1928-1 Jul 1937
(VS = "Scouting Squadron")
VS-3: 1 Jul 1937-1 Mar 1943
VB-4: 1 Mar 1943-15 Jul 1943
VB-5: 15 Jul 1943-15 Nov 1946
VA-5A: 15 Nov 1946-16 Aug 1948
VA-54(1st): 16 Aug 1948 – 1 Dec 1949 | VA-54 (1st) | 1 December 1949 | Redesignated as one of CVG-5(2nd)'s initial squadrons |
VA-54
(Second use) | | Hell's Angels | AD
F9F-8 | VBF-153: 26 Mar 1945-15 Nov 1946
VF-16A: 15 Nov 1946-15 Jul 1948
VF-152(2nd): 15 Jul 1948-15 Feb 1950
VF-54(1st): 15 Feb 1950-15 Jun 1956
VA-54(2nd): 15 Jun 1956 – 1 Apr 1958 | VA-54 (2nd) | 1 April 1958 | CVG-5(2nd) VF squadron redesignated a VA squadron |
VA-55
(First use) |
(1955) | Torpcats, Warhorses
(1955) | TBM
AD
FJ-4
A4D/A-4 | VT-5: 15 Feb 1943-15 Nov 1946
VA-6A: 15 Nov 1946-16 Aug 1948
VA-55(1st): 16 Aug 1948 – 12 Dec 1975 | VA-55 (1st) | 19 December 1975 | Redesignated as one of CVG-5(2nd)'s initial squadrons |
| VA-56 | | Boomerangs,
Champions
(1958) | F9F-3
F9F-8
FJ-4
A4D/A-4
A-7 | VA-56: 4 Jun 1956 – 31 Aug 1986 | VA-56 | 31 August 1986 | Established as a CVG-5(2nd) VA squadron |
| CVG-6 (2nd) CVBG-5 redesignated CVG-6 (2nd) 1 Sep 1948, disestablished 1 Apr 1992 as CVW-6
|
|---|
| VA-63 | | Fighting Redcocks | F9F-8
FJ-4 | VF-63: 28 Jul 1948-Mar 1956
VA-63: Mar 1956-1 Jul 1959
VA-22: 1 Jul 1959-4 May 1990
VFA-22: 4 May 1990 – present | VFA-22 | Not applicable, still exists | VF-63 had been transferred to CVG-2(2nd) in 1950 without being redesignated. Was redesignated a VA squadron retaining the 63 designation while still in CVG-2(2nd). Was ultimately redesignated VA-22 in 1959 to conform with the CVG designation |
VA-64
(First use) | | unknown | AD | VB-17: 1 Jan 1943-15 Nov 1946
VA-5B: 15 Nov 1946-27 Jul 1948
VA-64(1st): 27 Jul 1948 – 8 Apr 1949
VC-24(2nd): 8 Apr 1949-20 Apr 1950
(same sqdn listed in VC section)
VS-24(1st): 20 Apr 1950-1 Jun 1956
(same sqdn listed in VS section) | VS-24 (1st) | 1 June 1956 | Redesignated as one of CVG-6(2nd)'s initial squadrons |
VA-64
(Second use) | | Black Lancers | A4D/A-4 | VA-64(2nd): 1 Jul 1961 – 7 Nov 1969 | VA-64 (2nd) | 7 November 1969 | Established as a CVG-6(2nd) VA squadron |
VA-65
(First use) |
(1949) | Fist of the Fleet
(1949) | AD | VT-17: 1 Jan 1943-15 Nov 1946
VA-6B: 15 Nov 1946-27 Jul 1948
VA-65(1st): 27 Jul 1948 – 1 Jul 1959
VA-25(2nd): 1 Jul 1959-1 Jul 1983
VFA-125: 1 Jul 1983–present | VFA-25 | Not applicable, still exists | Redesignated as one of CVG-6(2nd)'s initial squadrons |
VA-65
(Second use) | | Tigers | AD/A-1
A-6, KA-6 | VT-74: 1 May 1945-15 Nov 1946
VA-2B: 15 Nov 1946-1 Sep 1948
VA-25(1st): 1 Sep 1948-1 Jul 1959
VA-65(2nd): 1 Jul 1959 – 31 Mar 1993 | VA-65 (2nd) | 31 March 1993 | Replaced VA-65(1st) in CVG-6(2nd) when VA-65(1st) was moved to CVG-2(2nd) |
VA-66
(First use) | | Crusaders | F9F-8 | VA-66(1st): 1 Jul 1955 – 1 Jul 1955
VF-81(4th): 1 Jul 1955-1 Jul 1959
VA-81: 1 Jul 1959-4 Feb 1988
VFA-81: 4 Feb 1988–present | VFA-81 | Not applicable, still exists | Established as VA-66(1st) but redesignated to VF-81(4th) on the same day and replaced VF-81(3rd) in CVG-8(2nd) |
VA-66
(Second use) | | Waldomen | F7U
F9F-8
A4D/A-4
A-7 | VF-671: 1 Feb 1951-4 Feb 1953
VF-81(3rd): 4 Feb 1953-1 Jul 1955
VA-66(2nd): 1 Jul 1955 – 1 Oct 1986 | VA-66 (2nd) | 1 October 1986 | VF-81(3rd) which was assigned to CVG-8(2nd) was redesignated a VA squadron and reassigned to CVG-6(2nd) |
| CVG-7 (2nd) CVAG-7 redesignated CVG-7 (2nd) 1 Sep 1948, still exists as CVW-7
|
|---|
| VA-72 | | Hawks,
Blue Hawks
(early 1960s) | F9F-5
A4D/A-4
A-7 | VBF-18: 25 Jan 1945-15 Nov 1946
VF-8A: 15 Nov 1946-28 Jul 1948
VF-72(2nd): 28 Jul 1948-3 Jan 1956
VA-72: 3 Jan 1956 – 30 Jun 1991 | VA-72 | 30 June 1991 | CVG-7(2nd) VF squadron redesignated a CVG-7(2nd) VA squadron |
| VA-74 | | Sunday Punchers | F4U
AD | VB-18: 20 Jul 1943-15 Nov 1946
VA-7A: 15 Nov 1946-27 Jul 1948
VA-74: 27 Jul 1948 – 15 Feb 1950
VA-75(2nd): 15 Feb 1950 – 28 Feb 1997 | VA-75 (2nd) | 28 February 1997 | Redesignated as one of CVG-7(2nd)'s initial squadrons |
VA-75
(First use) | | Air Barons | TBM
AD | VT-18: 20 Jul 1943-15 Nov 1946
VA-8A: 15 Nov 1946-27 Jul 1948
VA-75(1st): 27 Jul 1948 – 30 Nov 1949 | VA-75 (1st) | 30 November 1949 | Redesignated as one of CVG-7(2nd)'s initial squadrons |
VA-75
(Second use) |
(after 1950) | Sunday Punchers | AD/A-1
A-6, KA-6 | VB-18: 20 Jul 1943-15 Nov 1946
VA-7A: 15 Nov 1946-27 Jul 1948
VA-74: 27 Jul 1948-15 Feb 1950
VA-75(2nd): 15 Feb 1950 – 28 Feb 1997 | VA-75 (2nd) | 28 February 1997 | CVG-7(2nd) VA-74 redesignated VA-75(2nd). Original insignia of VB-18 was re-adopated after 1950. |
| VA-76 | | Spirits | F2H
F9F-8
A4D/A-4 | VA-76: 1 Jun 1955 – 30 Sep 1969 | VA-76 | 30 September 1969 | Established and assigned to Air Task Group 182 (ATG-182). Was never assigned to CVG-7(2nd) |
| CVG-8 (2nd): Planned for establishment in 1948 but cancelled |
|---|
| VA-84 | | unknown | TBM
AM | VA-84: 15 Sep 1948 – 29 Nov 1949 | VA-84 | 29 November 1949 | Established for assignment to CVG-8(2nd) but CVG-8 establishment was cancelled and squadron was disestablished |
VA-85
(First use) | | unknown | TBM
AM | VA-85(1st): 15 Sep 1948 – 29 Nov 1949 | VA-85 (1st) | 29 November 1949 | Established for assignment to CVG-8(2nd) but CVG-8 establishment was cancelled and squadron was disestablished |
| CVG-8 (2nd) Established 9 Apr 1951 to receive USNR squadrons activated for the Korean War, still exists as CVW-8
|
|---|
| VA-81 |
(1963) | Crusaders,
Sunliners
(1963) | A4D/A-4
A-7 | VA-66(1st): 1 Jul 1955-1 Jul 1955
VF-81(4th): 1 Jul 1955-1 Jul 1959
VA-81: 1 Jul 1959 – 4 Feb 1988
VFA-81: 4 Feb 1988–present | VFA-81 | Not applicable, still exists | CVG-8(2nd) VF squadron redesignated a CVG-8(2nd) VA squadron |
| VA-83 |
(1957) | Roaring Bulls,
Rampagers
(1957) | F7U
A4D/A-4
A-7 | VF-916: 1 Feb 1951-4 Feb 1953
VF-83(3rd): 4 Feb 1953-1 Jul 1955
VA-83: 1 Jul 1955 – 3 Mar 1988
VFA-83: 3 Mar 1988–present | VFA-83 | Not applicable, still exists | CVG-8(2nd)'s VF-83 redesignated a CVG-8(2nd) VA squadron |
VA-85
(Second use) |
(1954)
(1958) | Black Falcons
(1958) | AD/A-1
A-6, KA-6 | VA-859 (USNR): not listed-4 Feb 1953
VA-85(2nd): 4 Feb 1953 – 30 Sep 1994 | VA-85 (2nd) | 30 September 1994 | USNR VA-859 establishment date not listed, activated 1 Feb 1951 for the Korean War and assigned to CVG-8(2nd) when it was established on 9 Apr. Permanently activated and redesignated VA-85(2nd) in 1953 |
VA-86
(First use) | | Vagabonds | FJ-3 | VA-86(1st): 1 July 1955 – 1 Jul 1955
VF-84(3rd): 1 Jul 1955 – 1 Oct 1995 | VF-84 (3rd) | 1 October 1995 | Established as VA-86(1st) but redesignated to VF-84(3rd) on the same day |
VA-86
(Second use) | | Sidewinders | F7U
A4D/A-4
A-7 | VF-921: 1 Feb 1951-4 Feb 1953
VF-84(2nd): 4 Feb 1953-1 Jul 1955
VA-86(2nd): 1 Jul 1955 – 15 Jul 1987
VFA-86: 15 Jul 1987–present | VFA-86 | Not applicable, still exists | VF-84 redesignated VA-86 and assigned to Air Task Group 181 (ATG-181) |
| CVG-9 (2nd) CVAG-9 redesignated CVG-9 (2nd) 1 Sep 1948, disestablished 1 Dec 1949
|
|---|
VA-94
(First use) | | unknown | SB2C
AD | VB-99: 1 Jul 1943-15 Oct 1943
VB-20: 15 Oct 1943-15 Nov 1946
VA-9A: 15 Nov 1946-12 Aug 1948
VA-94(1st): 12 Aug 1948 – 31 Nov 1949 | VA-94 (1st) | 31 November 1949 | Redesignated as one of CVG-9(2nd)'s initial squadrons |
VA-95
(First use) | | unknown | TBM
AD | VT-20: 15 Oct 1943-15 Nov 1946
VA-10A: 15 Nov 1946-12 Aug 1948
VA-95(1st): 12 Aug 1948 – 30 Nov 1949 | VA-95 (1st) | 30 November 1949 | Redesignated as one of CVG-9(2nd)'s initial squadrons |
| CVG-9 (3rd) Established 26 Mar 1952, still exists as CVW-9
|
|---|
| VA-93 |
(1957)
(1965) | Blue Blazers,
Ravens
(1976) | A4D/A-4
A-7 | VF-93(3rd): 26 Mar 1952-15 Sep 1956
VA-93: 15 Sep 1956 – 30 Aug 1986 | VA-93 | 30 August 1986 | CVG-9(3rd)'s VF-93 redesignated as a VA squadron |
VA-94
(Second use) |
(1967) | Shrikes or Mighty Shrikes
(1959) | FJ-4
A4D/A-4
A-7 | VF-94(2nd): 26 Mar 1952-1 Aug 1958
VA-94(2nd): 1 Aug 1958 – 28 Jun 1990
VFA-94: 28 Jun 1990–present | VFA-94 | Not applicable, still exists | CVG-9(3rd)'s VF-94 redesignated as a VA squadron |
VA-95
(Second use) | | Sky Knights,
Green Lizards
(1963) | F6F
AD/A-1
A-4 | VA-95(2nd): 26 Mar 1952 – 1 Apr 1970 | VA-95 (2nd) | 1 April 1970 | Established as CVG-9(3rd)'s only initial VA squadron (CVG-9(3rd) was established with four VF squadrons) |
| VA-96 | | unknown | AD | VA-96: 30 Jun 1956 – 10 Apr 1958 | VA-96 | 10 April 1958 | Established and assigned to Air Task Group THREE (ATG-3) |
| CVG-10 (2nd) Established 1 May 1952, disestablished 20 Nov 1969 as CVW-10(1st)
|
|---|
| VA-104 | | Hells Archers | AD | VF-104: 1 May 1952-4 Dec 1953
VA-104: 4 Dec 1953 – 31 Mar 1959 | VA-104 | 31 March 1959 | CVG-10(2nd)'s VF-104 redesignated as a second VA squadron in the Air Group |
VA-105
(First use) | | Cannoneers | AD | VA-105(1st): 1 May 1952 – 1 Feb 1959 | VA-105 (1st) | 1 February 1959 | Established as CVG-10(2nd)'s only initial VA squadron (CVG-10(2nd) was established with four VF squadrons). Reassigned to RCVG-4 in Nov 1958 as a FRS until its disestablishment less than 3 months later. |
VA-106
(First use) | | Boomerangs | FJ-3 | VA-106(1st): 1 Jul 1955 – 1 Jul 1955
VF-62(2nd): 1 Jul 1955 – 1 Oct 1969 | VF-62 (2nd) | 1 October 1969 | Established as VA-106(1st) on 1 Jul 1955 and redesignated VF-62(2nd) and assigned to CVG-6(2nd) on the same day |
VA-106
(Second use) | | Gladiators | F2H
F9F-8
A4D/A-4 | VBF-17: 2 Jan 1945-15 Nov 1946
VF-6B(3rd): 15 Nov 1946-28 Jul 1948
VF-62(1st): 28 Jul 1948-1 Jul 1955
VA-106(2nd): 1 Jul 1955 – 7 Nov 1969 | VA-106 (2nd) | 7 November 1969 | VF-62(1st) redesignated and reassigned to CVG-10(2nd) while a new VF-63(2nd) was established (as VA-106(1st) and immediately redesignated) to replace VF-62(1st) in CVG-6(2nd) |
| CVG-11 (2nd) CVAG-11 redesignated CVG-11 (2nd) 1 Sep 1948, still exists as CVW-11
|
|---|
| VA-112 | | Broncos
(1961) | A4D/A-4 | VBF-11: 9 Apr 1945-15 Nov 1946
VF-12A: 15 Nov 1946-15 July 1948
VF-112: 15 Jul 1948-15 Feb 1959
VA-112: 15 Feb 1959 – 10 Oct 1969 | VA-112 | 10 October 1969 | CVG-11(2nd)'s VF-112 redesignated as a CVG-11(2nd) VA squadron |
| VA-113 | | Stingers | F9F-8
A4D/A-4
A-7 | VF-113: 15 Jul 1948-Mar 1956
VA-113: Mar 1956-25 Mar 1983
VFA-113: 25 Mar 1983–present | VFA-113 | Not applicable, still exists | CVG-11(2nd)'s VF-113 redesignated as a CVG-11(2nd) VA squadron |
| VA-114 | | unknown | AD
F8F | VB-11: 10 Oct 1942-15 Nov 1946
VA-11A: 15 Nov 1946-15 Jul 1948
VA-114: 15 Jul 1948 – 1 Dec 1949 | VA-114 | 1 December 1949 | Redesignated as one of CVG-11(2nd)'s initial squadrons |
| VA-115 |
(1956) | Arabs
(1960)
Eagles
(1979) | TBM
AD/A-1
A-6, KA-6 | VT-11: 10 Oct 1942-15 Nov 1946
VA-12A: 15 Nov 1946-15 Jul 1948
VA-115: 15 Jul 1948 – 30 Sep 1996
VFA-115: 30 Sep 1996–present | VFA-115 | Not applicable, still exists | Redesignated as one of CVG-11(2nd)'s initial squadrons |
| VA-116 | | unknown | F7U
FJ-4 | VA-116: 1 Dec 1955 – 23 Feb 1959
VA-144: 23 Feb 1959 – 29 Jan 1971 | VA-144 | 29 January 1971 | Assigned to Air Task Group TWO (ATG-2) then redesignated VA-144 and assigned to CVG-14(2nd) |
| CVG-12 (2nd) Established as CVG-102 on 1 Aug 1950 to receive USNR squadrons activated for the Korean War, redesignated CVG-12 (2nd) on 4 Feb 1952, redesignated RCVG-12 on 1 Apr 1958 to control FRSs
|
|---|
VA-125
(First use) | | Rough Raiders | AD | VA-55E (USNR): 1946-Jan 1950
VA-923 (USNR): Jan 1950-4 Feb 1953
VA-125(1st): 4 Feb 1953 – 10 Apr 1958 | VA-125 (1st) | 10 April 1958 | USNR VA-923 activated on 20 Jul 1950 for the Korean War and assigned to CVG-102 when it was established 1 Aug 1950. CVG-102 was later redesignated CVG-12(2nd) on 4 Feb 1952. VA-923 redesignated VA-125(1st) and permanently activated in 1953. |
| RCVG-12 CVG-12 (2nd) redesignated RCVG-12 on 1 Apr 1958 to control FRSs and other training support squadrons, redesignated RCVW-12 on 20 Dec 1963. Disestablished 30 Jun 1970
|
|---|
| VA-122 | | Flying Eagles | AD/A-1
T-28
A-7
T-39 | VC-35(2nd): 25 May 1950-1 Jul 1956
(same sqdn listed in VC section)
VA(AW)-35: 1 Jul 1956-29 Jun 1959
VA-122: 29 Jun 1959 – 31 May 1991 | VA-122
Disestablished | 31 May 1991 | Redesignated and assigned to RCVG-12 as an AD Skyraider FRS. Later transitioned to being an A-7 Corsair II FRS |
VA-125
(1956-77)
(Second use) | | Rough Raiders | AD/A-1
A4D/A-4, TA-4
A-7 | VA-26: 30 Jun 1956-11 Apr 1958
VA-125(2nd): 11 Apr 1958 – 1 Oct 1977 | VA-125 (2nd) | 1 October 1977 | Adopted "Rough Raiders" name from disestablished VA-125(1st). VA-26 redesignated and assigned to RCVG-12 as an A4D/A-4 Skyhawk FRS. Later became an A-7 Corsair II FRS |
| VA-126 | | Fighting Seahawks | F9F-8T
A4D/A-4, TA-4 | VA-126: 6 Apr 1956 – 15 Oct 1965
VF-126: 15 Oct 1965 – 1 Apr 1994 | VF-126 | 1 April 1994 | Established as an instrument training squadron using the F9F-8T Cougar.[64] Later became an A4D/A-4 Skyhawk FRS assigned to RCVG-12 |
| VA-127 |
(1980) | Royal Blues,
Cylons
(1981) | F9F-8T/TF-9
A-4, TA-4 | VA-127: 15 Jun 1962 – 1 Mar 1987
VFA-127: 1 Mar 1987-23 Mar 1996
(same sqdn listed in VFA section) | VFA-127 | 23 March 1996 | Established from VA-126 detachment Alfa to provide advanced instrument training and jet transition training and assigned to RCVG-12. Became an A-4 FRS from 1 Jun 1970 to 1975. Provided basic refresher instrument and jet transition training and Air Combat Maneuvering (ACM) training from 1975 to 1983. 1 Oct 1983 became an "Adversary" squadron providing ACM training to fleet squadrons. |
| VA-128 | | Golden Intruders | A-6
TC-4C | VA-128: 1 Sep 1967 – 29 Sep 1995 | VA-128 | 29 September 1995 | Established as an A-6 Intruder FRS assigned to RCVW-12 |
| CVG-13 (2nd) CVAG-13 redesignated CVG-13 (2nd) 1 Sep 1948, disestablished 30 Nov 1949
|
|---|
VA-134
(First use) | | Hell Razors | F4U | VB-81: 1 Mar 1944-15 Nov 1946
VA-13A: 15 Nov 1946-2 Aug 1948
VA-134(1st): 2 Aug 1948 – 15 Feb 1950
VF-174: 15 Feb 1950-1 Jul 1966
VA-174(2nd): 1 Jul 1966 – 30 Jun 1988 | VA-174 (2nd) | 30 June 1988 | Initially assigned to CVG-1(2nd) but soon redesignated as one of CVG-13(2nd)'s initial squadrons |
VA-135
(First use) | | Uninvited | TBM
AD | VT-81: 1 Mar 1944-15 Nov 1946
VA-14A: 15 Nov 1946- 2 Aug 1948
VA-135(1st): 2 Aug 1948 – 30 Nov 1949 | VA-135 (1st) | 30 November 1949 | Redesignated as one of CVG-13(2nd)'s initial squadrons |
| CVG-13 (3rd) Established 21 Aug 1961, disestablished 1 Oct 1962
|
|---|
| VA-133 | | Blue Knights | A4D | VA-133: 21 Aug 1961 – 1 Oct 1962 | VA-133 | 1 October 1962 | Established as one of CVG-13(3rd)'s initial squadrons |
VA-134
(Second use) | | Scorpions | A4D | VA-134(2nd): 21 Aug 1961 – 1 Oct 1962 | VA-134 (2nd) | 1 October 1962 | Established as one of CVG-13(3rd)'s initial squadrons |
VA-135
(Second use) | | Thunderbirds | AD | VA-135(2nd): 21 Aug 1961 – 1 Oct 1962 | VA-135 (2nd) | 1 October 1962 | Established as one of CVG-13(3rd)'s initial squadrons. Adopted the insignia but not the name of the disestablished VA-35(1st) |
| CVG-14 (2nd) Established as CVG-101 1 Aug 1950 to receive USNR squadrons activated for the Korean War, redesignated CVG-14 (2nd) 4 Feb 1952, deactivated 31 Mar 2017 as CVW-14
|
|---|
| VA-144 | | Road Runners
(1960s) | FJ-4
A4DA-4 | VA-116: 1 Dec 1955-23 Feb 1959
VA-144: 23 Feb 1959 – 29 Jan 1971 | VA-144 | 29 January 1971 | VA-116 reassigned to CVG-14(2nd) and redesignated. Remained attached to CVG-14(2nd)/CVW-14 until 1965 |
| VA-145 |
(1954) | Rustlers,
Swordsmen
(1954) | AD/A-1
A-6, KA-6 | VA-702 (USNR): 1 Dec 1949-4 Feb 1953[65]
VA-145: 4 Feb 1953 – 1 Oct 1993 | VA-145 | 1 October 1993 | USNR VA-702 activated on 20 Jul 1950 for the Korean War and assigned to CVG-101 when it was established 1 Aug 1950. CVG-101 was later redesignated CVG-14(2nd) on 4 Feb 1952. VA-702 redesignated VA-145 and permanently activated in 1953. Remained attached to CVG-14(2nd)/CVW-14 until 1967 |
| VA-146 |
(1968) | Blacktails,
Blue Diamonds
(Late 1950s) | F9F Panther
F9F Cougar
FJ-4
A4D/A-4
A-7 | VA-146: 1 Feb 1956 – 21 Jul 1989
VFA-146: 21 Jul 1989–present | VFA-146 | Not applicable, still exists | Assigned to CVG-14(2nd)/CVW-14 until 1967 |
| CVG-15 (2nd) CVAG-15 redesignated CVG-15 (2nd) 1 Sep 1948, disestablished 1 Dec 1949
|
|---|
| VA-154 | | Flying Cannons | AD | VB-153: 26 Mar 1945-15 Nov 1946
VA-15A: 15 Nov 1946-15 Jul 1948
VA-154: 15 Jul 1948 – 1 Dec 1949 | VA-154 | 1 December 1949 | Redesignated as one of CVG-15(2nd)'s initial squadrons |
VA-155
(First use) |
(1949) | unknown | AD | VT-153: 26 Mar 1945-15 Nov 1946
VA-16A: 15 Nov 1946-15 Jul 1948
VA-155(1st): 15 Jul 1948 – 30 Nov 1949 | VA-155 (1st) | 30 November 1949 | Redesignated as one of CVG-15(2nd)'s initial squadrons |
| CVG-15 (3rd) Established 5 Apr 1951 to receive USNR squadrons activated for the Korean War, disestablished 31 Mar 1995 as CVW-15
|
|---|
| VA-151 | | Black Knights | F7U
F9F-8
FJ-4 | VF-653: Dec 1949-4 Feb 1953
VF-151(3rd): 4 Feb 1953-7 Feb 1956
VA-151: 7 Feb 1956 – 23 Feb 1959
VA-23: 23 Feb 1959 – 1 Apr 1970 | VA-23 | 1 April 1970 | Assigned to Air Task Group ONE (ATG-1). Reassigned to CVG-2(2nd) and redesignated VA-23 |
| VA-152 | | Friendlies,
Mavericks
(1968) | F2H
AD/A-1
A-4 | VF-713 (USNR): late 1940s-4 Feb 1953
VF-152(3rd): 4 Feb 1953-1 Aug 1958
VA-152: 1 Aug 1958 – 29 Jan 1971 | VA-152 | 29 January 1971 | CVG-15(3rd) VF squadron redesignated as a VA squadron. Assigned to Air Task Group FOUR (ATG-4) and CVG-15(3rd)/CVW-15 until 1964. |
| VA-153 | | Blue Tail Flies | F9F-8
A4D/A-4
A-7 | VF-718: est date unk-Sep 1949
VF-831: Sep 1949-4 Feb 1953
VF-153(3rd): 4 Feb 1953-17 Dec 1956
VA-153: 17 Dec 1956 – 30 Sep 1977 | VA-153 | 30 September 1977 | CVG-15(3rd) VF squadron redesignated as a VA squadron. Assigned to CVG-15(3rd)/CVW-15 until 1969 |
VA-155
(Second use) | | Silver Fox
(early 1960s) | AD
A4D/A-4
A-7 | VA-71E (USNR): 1946-1 Oct 1948
VA-58A (USNR): 1 Oct 1948-1 Nov 1949
VC-722 (USNR): 1 Nov 1949-1 Apr 1950
VA-728 (USNR): 1 Apr 1950-4 Feb 1953
VA-155(2nd): 4 Feb 1953 – 30 Sep 1977 | VA-155 (2nd) | 30 September 1977 | USNR VA-728 activated on 1 Feb 1951 for the Korean War and assigned to CVG-15(3rd) when it was established on 5 Apr. Permanently activated and redesignated VA-155(2nd) in 1953. Remained assigned to CVG-15(2nd)/CVW-15 until 1968. Adopted insignia of disestablished VA-155(1st) |
| VA-156 | | Iron Tigers | F11F | VA-156: 4 Jun 1956 – 20 Jan 1959
VF-111(2nd): 20 Jan 1959-1 Sep 1964
VF-26(2nd): 1 Sep 1964-17 Sep 1964
VF-111(3rd): 17 Sep 1964 – 31 Mar 1995 | VF-111 (3rd) | 31 March 1995 | Though designated a VA squadron it was equipped with a front line fighter and identified itself as a fighter squadron. It was assigned to CVG-11(2nd) and eventually redesignated as a VF squadron carrying the CVG-11(2nd) designation of VF-111 |
| CVG-16 (2nd) Established 1 Sep 1960, disestablished 30 Jun 1970 as CVW-16
|
|---|
| VA-163 | | Saints | A4D/A-4 | VA-163: 1 Sep 1960 – 1 Jul 1971 | VA-163 | 1 July 1971 | Established as one of CVG-16(2nd)'s initial squadrons |
| VA-164 | | Ghost Riders | A4D/A-4 | VA-164: 1 Sep 1960 – 2 Dec 1975 | VA-164 | 2 December 1975 | Established as one of CVG-16(2nd)'s initial squadrons |
| VA-165 |
(mid 1960s) | Boomers
(mid 1960s) | AD/A-1
A-6, KA-6 | VA-165: 1 Sep 1960 – 30 Sep 1996 | VA-165 | 30 September 1996 | Established as one of CVG-16(2nd)'s initial squadrons |
| CVG-17 (2nd) CVAG-17 redesignated CVG-17 (2nd) 1 Sep 1948, disestablished 15 Sep 1958
|
|---|
| VA-172 | | Bluebolts | F2H
A4D/A-4 | VBF-82: 20 Aug 1945-15 Nov 1946
VF-18A: 15 Nov 1946-11 Aug 1948
VF-172: 11 Aug 1948-1 Nov 1955
VA-172: 1 Nov 1955 – 15 Jan 1971 | VA-172 | 15 January 1971 | CVG-17(2nd) VF squadron redesignated a VA squadron. Remained assigned to CVG-17(2nd) until 1959 |
VA-174
(First use) | | Battering Rams | AM
AD | VB-82: 1 Apr 1944-15 Nov 1946
VA-17A: 15 Nov 1946-11 Aug 1948
VA-174: 11 Aug 1948 – 25 Jan 1950 | VA-174 | 25 January 1950 | Redesignated as one of CVG-17(2nd)'s initial squadrons |
| VA-175 |
(1951) | Devils Diplomats | TBM
AD | VT-82: 1 Apr 1944-15 Nov 1946
VA-18A: 15 Nov 1946-11 Aug 1948
VA-175: 11 Aug 1948 – 15 Mar 1958 | VA-175 | 15 March 1958 | Redesignated as one of CVG-17(2nd)'s initial squadrons |
| VA-176 | | Thunderbolts | AD/A-1
A-6, KA-6 | VA-176: 1 Jun 1955 – 1 Oct 1992 | VA-176 | 1 October 1992 | Initially assigned to Air Task Group 202 (ATG-202) and reassigned to CVG-17(2nd) in 1958 but only for six months before being again reassigned (without being redesignated) |
| CVG-19 (2nd) CVAG-19 redesignated CVG-19 (2nd) 1 Sep 1948, disestablished 30 Jun 1977 as CVW-19
|
|---|
| VA-192 | | Golden Dragons | F9F Cougar
FJ-4
A4D/A-4
A-7 | VF-153(1st): 26 Mar 1945-15 Nov 1946
VF-15A: 15 Nov 1946-15 Jul 1948
VF-151(2nd): 15 Jul 1948-15 Feb 1950
VF-192(2nd): 15 Feb 1950-15 Mar 1956
VA-192: 15 Mar 1956 – 10 Jan 1986
VFA-192: 10 Jan 1986–present | VFA-192 | Not applicable, still exists | CVG-19(2nd) VF squadron redesignated a VA squadron. Remained assigned to CVG-19(2nd)/CVW-19 until 1970 |
| VA-194 | | unknown | AD | VB-19: 15 Aug 1943-15 Nov 1946
VA-19A: 15 Nov 1946-15 Aug 1948
VA-194: 24 Aug 1948 – 1 Dec 1949 | VA-194 | 1 December 1949 | Redesignated as one of CVG-19(2nd)'s initial squadrons |
| VA-195 |
(1949)
(1950s) | Tigers
(1949)
Dam Busters
(1951) | AD
A4D/A-4
A-7 | VT-19: 15 Aug 1943-15 Nov 1946
VA-20A: 15 Nov 1946-24 Aug 1948
VA-195: 24 Aug 1948 – 15 Apr 1985
VFA-195: 15 Apr 1985–present | VFA-195 | Not applicable, still exists | Redesignated as one of CVG-19(2nd)'s initial squadrons. Remained assigned to CVG-19(2nd)/CVW-19 until 1970 |
| VA-196 |
(1967) | Main Battery,
Milestones | AD/A-1
A-6, KA-6 | VF-153(2nd): 15 Jul 1948-15 Feb 1950
VF-194(1st): 15 Feb 1950-4 May 1955
VA-196: 4 May 1955 – 21 Mar 1997 | VA-196 | 21 March 1997 | CVG-19(2nd) VF squadron redesignated a VA squadron. Assigned to Air Task Group ONE (ATG-1) and CVG-19(2nd)/CVW-19 until 1967. "Milestones" name used interchangeably with "Main Battery" beginning in 1979. |
| CVG-21 (1st) Established 15 Sep 1948, disestablished 15 Mar 1949
|
|---|
| VA-213 | | unknown | TBM-3E | VA-213: 15 Sep 1948-Jun 1949 | VA-213 | June 1949 | Established as one of CVG-21(1st)'s initial squadrons |
VA-214
(First use) | | unknown | TBM-3E | VA-214(1st): 15 Sep 1948 – 16 May 1949 | VA-214 (1st) | 16 May 1949 | Established as one of CVG-21(1st)'s initial squadrons |
| CVG-21 (2nd) Established 1 Jul 1955, disestablished 12 Dec 1975 as CVW-21
|
|---|
| VA-212 | | Rampant Raiders | F7U
F9F-8
FJ-4
A4D/A-4 | VF-212(2nd): 20 Jun 1955-1 Apr 1956
VA-212: 1 Apr 1956 – 12 Dec 1975 | VA-212 | 12 December 1975 | CVG-21(2nd) VF squadron redesignated a VA squadron. Assigned to CVG-21(2nd)/CVW-21 |
VA-214
(Second use) | | Volunteers | F9F-8
FJ-4 | VF-214: 30 Mar 1955-11 Oct 1956
VA-214(2nd): 11 Oct 1956 – 1 Aug 1958 | VA-214 (2nd) | 1 August 1958 | CVG-21(2nd) VF squadron redesignated a VA squadron and reassigned to Air Task Group FOUR (ATG-4) |
VA-215
(First use) | | Barn Owls
(1960) | AD/A-1 | VA-215(1st): 15 Jun 1955 – 31 Aug 1967 | VA-215 (1st) | 31 August 1967 | Assigned to CVG-21(2nd)/CVW-21 from establishment to disestablishment |
| VA-216 | | Black Diamonds | AD
FJ-4
A4D/A-4 | VA-216: 28 Mar 1955 – 1 Aug 1970 | VA-216 | 1 August 1970 | Initially assigned to Air Task Group FOUR (ATG-4) then to CVG-21(2nd)/CVW-21 |
| The system that determined squadron designation by Carrier Air Wing (CVW) assignment (CVGs had been retitled CVWs on 20 December 1963) was discontinued by 1965. Existing squadron designation numbers were "frozen" and no longer changed with Carrier Air Wing reassignment. Newly established or redesignated squadrons were numbered in accordance with factors determined at the time of establishment or redesignation. |
|---|
VA-15
(Second use) | | Valions | A-7 | VA-67:1 Aug 1968-2 Jun 1969
VA-15(2nd): 2 Jun 1969 – 1 Oct 1986
VFA-15: 1 Oct 1986–present
(inactive 31 May 2017 – present)
(same sqdn listed in VFA section) | VFA-15 | 31 May 2017
(Deactivated) | Adopted both the "Valions" name and the insignia from the disestablished VA-15(1st). Initially assigned to CVW-6 |
| VA-27 | | Royal Maces | A-7 | VA-27: 1 Sep 1967 – 24 Jan 1991
VFA-27: 24 Jan 1991–present | VFA-27 | Not applicable, still exists | Initially assigned to CVW-14 |
VA-34
(1970-99
(Third use) | | Blue Blasters | A-6, KA-6 | VA-34(3rd): 1 Jan 1970 – 30 Sep 1996
VFA-34: 30 Sep 1996–present | VFA-34 | Not applicable, still exists | Adopted both the "Blue Blasters" name and the insignia from the disestablished VA-34(2nd). Initially assigned to CVW-1 |
VA-36
(Second use) | | Road Runners | A-6, KA-6 | VA-36(2nd): 6 Mar 1987 – 1 Apr 1994 | VA-36 (2nd) | 1 April 1994 | Adopted "Roadrunners" name from disestablished VA-36(1st). Assigned to CVW-8 from establishment to disestablishment |
| VA-37 |
(1980s) | Bulls | A-7 | VA-37: 1 Jul 1967 – 28 Nov 1990
VFA-37: 28 Nov 1990–present | VFA-37 | Not applicable, still exists | Initially assigned to CVW-11 |
| VA-38 | | | None | VA-38: 1 Mar 1967 – 1 Oct 1968 | VA-38 | 1 October 1968 | Was intended as a new A-7 squadron but never received any aircraft and was disestablished |
VA-55
(Second use) | | Warhorses | A-6, KA-6 | VA-55(2nd): 7 Oct 1983 – 1 Jan 1991 | VA-55 (2nd) | 1 January 1991 | Adopted both the "Warhorses" name and the insignia from the disestablished VA-55(1st). Assigned to CVW-13 from establishment to disestablishment |
| VA-67 | | Vulcans | A-7 | VA-67:1 Aug 1968-2 Jun 1969
VA-15(2nd): 2 Jun 1969-1 Oct 1986
VFA-15: 1 Oct 1986–present
(inactive 31 May 2017 – present) | VFA-15 | 31 May 2017
(Deactivated) | Established as VA-67 but redesignated VA-15(2nd) before it departed on its first deployment with CVW-6 |
| VA-82 | | Marauders | A-7 | VA-82: 1 May 1967 – 13 Jul 1987
VFA-82: 13 Jul 1987–present
(inactive 30 Sep 2005–present)
(same sqdn listed in VFA section) | VFA-82 | 30 September 2005
(Deactivated) | Initially assigned to CVW-6 |
| VA-87 | | Golden Warriors | A-7 | VA-87: 1 Feb 1968 – 1 May 1986
VFA-87: 1 May 1986 – present | VFA-87 | Not applicable, still exists | Initially assigned to CVW-16 |
VA-95
(Third use) | | Green Lizards | A-6, KA-6 | VA-95(3rd): 1 Apr 1972 – 31 Oct 1995 | VA-95 (3rd) | 31 October 1995 | Adopted "Green Lizards" name from disestablished VA-95(2nd)). Initially assigned to CVW-15 |
| VA-97 | | Warhawks | A-7 | VA-97: 1 Jun 1967 – 24 Jan 1991
VFA-97: 24 Jan 1991–present | VFA-97 | Not applicable, still exists | Initially assigned to CVW-14 |
VA-105
(1967-90)
(Second use) | | Gunslingers | A-7 | VA-105(2nd): 4 Mar 1968 – 17 Dec 1990
VFA-105: 17 Dec 1990–present | VFA-105 | Not applicable, still exists | Initially assigned to CVW-11 |
| VA-147 | | Argonauts | A-7 | VA-147: 1 Feb 1967 – 20 Jul 1989
VFA-147: 20 Jul 1989–present | VFA-147 | Not applicable, still exists | Initially assigned to CVW-2 |
VA-155
(Third use) | | Silver Foxes | A-6, KA-6 | VA-155(3rd): 1 Sep 1987 – 30 Apr 1993 | VA-155 (3rd) | 30 April 1993 | Adopted "Silver Foxes" name from disestablished VA-155(2nd). Initially assigned to CVW-10(2nd) |
VA-174
(Second use) | | Hell Razors | A-7 | VB-81: 1 Mar 1944-15 Nov 1946
VA-13A: 15 Nov 1946-2 Aug 1948
VA-134(1st): 2 Aug 1948-15 Feb 1950
VF-174: 15 Feb 1950-1 Jul 1966
VA-174(2nd): 1 Jul 1966 – 30 Jun 1988 | VA-174 (2nd) | 30 June 1988 | VF-174 began operations as a F8U Crusader FRS in March 1958 and was reassigned from CVG-17(2nd) to RCVG-4 (without being redesignated). On 1 Jul 1966 it was redesignated a VA squadron and began operations as the first A-7 FRS |
| VA-185 | | Night Hawks | A-6, KA-6 | VA-185: 1 Dec 1986 – 30 Aug 1991 | VA-186 | 30 August 1991 | Assigned to CVW-5 from establishment to disestablishment |
VA-215
(Second use) | | Barn Owls | A-7 | VA-215(2nd): 1 Mar 1968 – 30 Sep 1977 | VA-215 (2nd) | 30 September 1977 | Adopted "Barn Owls" name from disestablished VA-215(1st). Initially assigned to CVW-9 |
| The U. S. Navy Reserve established two Reserve Carrier Air Wings designated CVWR-20 and CVWR-30 in 1970. It adopted the former system and designated the squadrons in accordance with Carrier Air Wing assignment. |
|---|
| VA-203 | | Blue Dolphins | A-4
A-7 | VA-203: 1 Jul 1970
VFA-203: 1 Oct 1989
(inactive 30 Jun 2004 | Deactivated 30 June 2004 | United States Navy Reserve Squadron. Established as part of Reserve Carrier Air Wing Twenty (CVWR-20) |
| VA-204 | | River Rattlers | A-4
A-7 | VA-204: 1 Jul 1970
VFA-204: 1 May 1991 | still exists | United States Navy Reserve Squadron. Established as part of Reserve Carrier Air Wing Twenty (CVWR-20) |
| VA-205 | | Green Falcons | A-4
A-7
A-6 | VA-205: 1 Jul 1970 | 31 December 1994 | United States Navy Reserve Squadron. Established as part of Reserve Carrier Air Wing Twenty (CVWR-20) |
| VA-209 | | unknown | A-4 | VA-209: 1 Jul 1970 | 15 August 1971 | United States Navy Reserve Squadron. Established as part of Reserve Carrier Air Wing Twenty (CVWR-20) |
| VA-210 | | Black Hawks | A-4 | VA-210: 1 Jul 1970 | 30 June 1971 | United States Navy Reserve Squadron. Established as part of Reserve Carrier Air Wing Twenty (CVWR-20) |
| VA-303 | | Golden Hawks | A-4
A-7 | VA-303: 1 Jul 1970
VFA-303: 1 Jan 1984 | 31 December 1994 | United States Navy Reserve Squadron. Established as part of Reserve Carrier Air Wing THIRTY (CVWR-30) |
| VA-304 | | Firebirds | A-4
A-7
A-6 | 1 Jul 1970 | 31 December 1994 | United States Navy Reserve Squadron. Established as part of Reserve Carrier Air Wing THIRTY (CVWR-30) |
| VA-305 |
(1971)
(1974) | Hackers
(1971)
Lobos
(1974) | A-4
A-7 | VA-305: 1 Jul 1970
VFA-305: 1 Jan 1987 | 31 December 1994 | United States Navy Reserve Squadron. Established as part of Reserve Carrier Air Wing THIRTY (CVWR-30) |
| U. S. Navy Reserve Squadrons called to active duty. There were many U.S. Navy Reserve squadrons from the end of WWII through the 1960s. |
|---|
| VA-702 | | Rustlers | TBM
AD | VA-702 (USNR): 1 Dec 1949
VA-145: 4 Feb 1953 | VA-145 1 October 1993 | Activated on 20 Jul 1950 for the Korean War and assigned to CVG-101 (later redesignated to CVG-14), redesignated and permanently activated on 4 Feb 1953 |
| VA-728 | | | AM
AD | VA-71E (USNR): 1946
VA-58A (USNR): 1 Oct 1948
VC-722 (USNR): 1 Nov 1949
VA-728 (USNR): 1 Apr 1950
VA-155: 4 Feb 1953 | VA-155 30 September 1977 | Activated on 1 Feb 1951 for the Korean War and assigned to CVG-15(3rd), redesignated and permanently activated on 4 Feb 1953 |
| VA-776 | | | A-4 | VA-776 (USNR): 27 Jan 1968 | VA-776 18 October 1968
(Returned to reserve status) | Dates listed are those of activation from and return to reserve status. The squadron was activated following the capture of USS Pueblo by North Korea |
| VA-831 | | unknown | A-4 | VA-831 (USNR): 27 Jan 1968 | Returned to reserve status 18 October 1968
| Establishment and disestablishment dates are not listed. The dates listed are those of activation from and return to reserve status. The squadron was activated following the capture of USS Pueblo by North Korea |
| VA-859 | | unknown | AD | VA-859 (USNR): not listed
VA-85: 4 Feb 1953 | 30 September 1994 | Establishment date not listed, activated on 1 Feb 1951 for the Korean War and assigned to CVG-8(2nd), redesignated and permanently activated on 4 Feb 1953 |
| VA-873 | | unknown | A-4 | VA-873 (USNR): 27 Jan 1968 | Returned to reserve status 12 October 1968 | Establishment and disestablishment dates are not listed. The dates listed are those of activation from and return to reserve status. The squadron was activated following the capture of USS Pueblo by North Korea |
| VA-923 | | Rough Riders | AM
AD | VA-55E (USNR): 1946
VA-923 (USNR): Jan 1950
VA-125: 4 Feb 1953 | 10 April 1958 | Activated on 20 Jul 1950 for the Korean War and assigned to CVG-102 (later redesignated to CVG-12(2nd)), redesignated and permanently activated on 4 Feb 1953. | |
In 1979, two Naval Reserve VAQ squadrons that performed tanking as their primary mission received the new VAK designation, which was phased out when the squadrons were disestablished in 1989.
This third and last use of the VC designation was instituted in 1965 as a new designator for VU squadrons: utility units that usually operated more than one type of aircraft for a variety of missions such as aerial target support, missile range support, and fighter training as adversary aircraft. Some VC designations have been used by multiple unrelated squadrons through the years.
The table below lists squadron designations that are no longer in use. Some belonged to disestablished squadrons, while others have been deactivated but still exist in an inactive status.
In 1949, two new Photographic Reconnaissance squadrons were established as Composite Squadrons VC-61 and VC-62 (see the Disestablished and Deactivated Composite (VC) (second use of the designation) section). In 1956, VC-61 and VC-62 were redesignated Light Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron (VFP). In 1959, one VFP squadron was redesignated Photographic Composite Squadron (VCP); it reverted in 1961 to its previous VFP designation.
VS, which had been formally removed from the squadron designation system in 1946,[69] [70] was resurrected in 1950, when VC squadrons that operated Anti-Submarine Aircraft were redesignated Air Anti-Submarine Squadrons (VS). In September 1993, the name of the VS designation was changed from "Air Anti-Submarine Squadron" to "Sea Control Squadron" to reflect the squadrons' S-3B Vikings' ability to fight surface ships as well as submarines. The designation is no longer in active use but is still attached to 11 deactivated VS squadrons.
