Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Plane handlers move an A-4C Skyhawk (BuNo 149603) of VA-34 Blue (Below)AUH-2BSeasprite (BuNo 160186) of HC-1FlyingAngelson sta-
Blasters forward on the flight deck of USS SARATOGA (CVA-60).VA-34 tion as the plane guard helo while USS ENTERPRISE (CVAN-65)con-
deployed aboard SARATOGA in March of 1965 for SARATOGA'Ssixth ducts flight operations and takes on ammunition from a supply ship
Mediterraneancruise. (USN) during October of 1966. (USN)
(Above) An A-7E Corsair II of VA-146 Blue Diamonds, armed with Mk 82
AIRCRAFT
USN
500 pound bombs on the outboard wing pylons, is positioned on the
port bow catapult of USS CONSTELLATION (CVA-64) during April of
CARRIER 1972. An A-7E of VA-147 is behindthecorsair, whilean F-4JPhantomof
VF-92 is positioned on the starboard catapult. (USN)
AIR UNITS (Below) An A-6A (BuNo 151781) of VA-85 Falcons is tied down on the
1964-1973 hangar deck of USS KITTY HAWK (CVA-63) during the Falcon's first
Vietnam cruise. The squadron deployed in October of 1965. (Grum-
The Vietnam War saw a heavy commitment of US Navy carrier man Aerospace)
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 quick-
ly 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 with-
drawal, 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 Com-
munist rule.
South Vietnam had enjoyed a short lived peace during the early
1950s. During this time the communists regrouped and began orga-
nizing 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 main-
tained a presence in the South China Sea. After the attackon the de- This S-2E Tracker (BuNo 152798) of VS-31 Topcats (side number 31) is
stroyers USS MADDOX and USS TURNER JOY in August of 1964, being hoisted aboard USS INTREPID (CVS-11) while pier side at NAS
the US began supplying South Vietnam with limited numbers of Quonset Point, Rhode Island in September of 1969. The squadron is
advisors, equipment, and provided aerial reconnaissance to mon-
itor communist activities.Gradually carrier strength in the Gulf rose
to three attack and one anti-submarine carrier on station. On 7 Feb-
ruary 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 air-
craft 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 offen-
sive in South Vietnam had begun.
-- - - - -. -. -- p~
. - -.
(Above) The crowded bow catapult area of USS JOHN F KENNEDY President Nixon entered the White House in January of 1969.
(CVA-67) during December of 1971 contains an RA-5C Vigilante (BuNo The bombing halt. imposed by President Johnson the preceding
147859) of RVAH-14 Bats, two A-6A Intruders of VA-34, an A-7B Corsair November, was ended in June, however, only protective reaction
II of VA-46, and an E-2B Tracer of VAW-125. (Duane Kasulka collec- strikes were authorized. Three days later Nixon announced aphased
tion) withdrawal of US troops and the beginning of the Vietnamization
(Below) This F-3B Demon (BuNo 145266) of VF-161 Chargers is in full Program. The bombing now shifted to Cambodia and Loas where
afterburner as it prepares for launch from USS ORISKANY (CVA-34). the infiltration routes and encampments for the VC were located.
VF-161 was the last squadron to operate the McDonnell F-3 Demon, 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 air-
liners in the Middle East. The following year, in December of 1971,
carriers were again called on to demonstrate US support for Pakis-
tan 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 Viet-
nam 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 des-
perate need of support,
.. the President finally gave military leaders
A K A - ~ Intruder
D 151580) of VA-35 lack panthers refuelsanF-4J what they had sought for years - authorityto mine ~ 0 r t h Viet-
Phantom (BuNo 153893) of VMFA-333 Shamrocks, while another F-4J namese harbors. To shut off the flow of Soviet supplies at the source,
(BuNo 153808) of VF-101 Grim Reapers, DET-66 awaits its turn. The Navy aircraft now began a mining campaign against all North Viet-
mix of a USMC squadron and a LANT FRS Detachment to provide the namese harbors. So successful was this operation that the only sup-
CAP fighters for a carrier, in this case USS AMERICA (CVA-661, is Un- plies now getting into North Vietnam were coming overland through
usual. (USN via Bill Cuddy) 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. Presi-
dent 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 inter-
national 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 car-
rier (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 car-
riers 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. (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
This reinforced lesson. i n turn. produced funding for both the of 1964. This was VF-53s first deployment since converting from the F-
U S S EISENHOWER (CVN-69) i n 1970 and the U S S C A R L V I N - 38 Demon. VF-53 was later credited with shooting down a MIG-17 dur-
SON (CVN-70)i n 1974.Both ships required a five year construction ing 1968. (Harry Gann)
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 squad-
rons 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 sta-
tion during December of 1971. (USN via Bill Curry)
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 back-
This S-2E (BuNo 152365) of VS-33 Screwbirds on the ramp at NAS ground. (USN via Bill Curry)
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 RESERVE CARRIER
engine nacelle is Red on a Red outlined White circle. (Clay Jansson)
I AIR GROUPS/WINGS
ATTACK CARRIER l'wo Reserve Carrier Air Wings (CVWRs) and two Reserve ASW
AIR WINGS Carrier Air Groups (CVSGR) were established during 1970 with the
CVWRs being equipped similar to a Fleet CVW. The two CVSGRs
An Attack Canier Air Wing (CVW) included the following squad- were equipped with three VS, two HS. one VSF, and one VAW
rons: two fighter (F-8 Crusader. F-4 Phantom 11, F-14 Tomcat), two squadron.
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 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 squad-
Detachment (DET) (A-3B Skywamor, A-5A Vigilante). Several CVWs ron was disestablished later that same year. (Joe Weathers, Jr.)
i operated a third light attack squadron replacing the medium attaek
i
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 war-
1
fare (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 incor-
porating both CVSG and CVW operations into a single wing and
I carrier, appealed to Navy planners. Typically a single VS (S-2 Trac-
ker) and HS (SH-3 Sea King) squadron was added to the CVW. The
HS squadron preformed both ASW and Search and Rescue (SAR),
6 eliminating the HC DET.
CARRIER AIR GROUPIWING LINEAGE
AIRCRAFT COLORS CAMOUFLAGE
During the Vietnam War several experimental camouflage sch-
The colors used for carrier fixed wing aircraft were the same as emes were evaluated in combat. Attack Camer Air Wing Eleven
those first established during 1955; Flat Light Gull Gray applied to (CVW-11) aboard USS KI7TY HAWK (CVA-63) was ordered, dur-
the uppersurfaces with Glossy Insignia White undersurfaces. The ing 1966, to camouflage half its aircraft with Matte Medium Green
Flat Gull Gray was replaced by Glossy Light Gray in June of 1971 uppersurfaces to reduce their visibility from above. The USAF had
with the Glossy Insignia White undersurfaces being retained. Heli- begun to camouflage their aircraft some months before and the Navy
copter squadrons, having adopted overall Engine Gray in 1961. now desired to evaluate the usefulness of camouflage in combat. CVW-11
began using Glossy Light Gray and Insignia White for helicopter selected VA-85 (A-6A), VF-213 (F-4B/Gs), VA-113 (A-4C), VA- 115
squadrons deploying aboard carriers. (A-IH), VAH-4 DET C (KA-3B), and RVAH-13 (RA-5C) to conduct
HIGH VISIBILITY the evaluation. RVAH-13 and VA-115 applied an uppersurface pat-
Those aircraft dedicated to training continued to use Insignia tern of Matte Medium Green, Olive Drab, and Tan. Warning and
White with International Orange trim. The International Orange, international markings were also altered and the national insignia
first introduced during 1956, was deleted in June of 1971. Another was reduced in size. The only unit markings camed were the aircraft
form of high visibility markings was introduced on aerial tankers to side numbers. The remaining aircraft of the Air Wing were left in the
aid in rapid identification. These markings were normally dark standard scheme to provide a control base. At the conclusion of the
colored fuselage bands, with the number of bands often matching cruise it was found that combat losses for both groups were nearly
the last digit of the aircraft nose number. 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 uppersur-
faces, 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 dur-
ing 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
An overall Engine Gray U H - ~ C
(B~NO 150170) of HC-2, DET.66 lifts off conduct real time surveillance along the HOChi Minh Trail and call
from USS AMERICA (CVA-66)for plane guard duties while in the Gulf of in air strikes. Most RA-3s employed a multi-tone Gray camouflage,
Tonkin during April of 1968. Tied down on the port deck edge are F-4J however, several aircraft aboard carriers were painted overall Black
Phantoms of VF-33. (USN via Bill Cuddy) for night missions over southern North Vietnam.
CAG XOO's Multi-Colors (Below) This RF-8G Crusader (BuNo 146873) of VFP-63 Eyes of The
VF 101 & Up Insignia Red 1st No change Fleet illustrates the application of the 9XX nose number series used.
VF 201 & Up Orange-Yellow 2nd No change initially by the photo reconnaissancecommunity.The trim bandson the
VA* 301 & U p Light Blue 3rd No change Crusader are Maroon with White stars. (USN)
VA 401 & ~nkrnational 4th No change
Orange
VA 501 & Up Light Green 5th No change
VAH 601 & U p Black 6th No change
VAW 701 & Up 7th Insignia Blue
VA(AW) 801 & Up 8th Maroon
1 VFP 901 & U p 9th Maroon
DETs 1 to99 Maroon DETs
(Above)An EA-1F Skyraider (BuNo 132613) airborne early warning air- (Below) An E-2B Hawkeye (BuNo 152482) of VAW-126 Seahawks has
craft of VAW-33, DET-59 Night Hawks aboard USS FORRESTAL (CVA- Insignia Blue trim colors and a 76X series nose number. The usage of
59) while deployed to the Med during July of 1964. The squadron nose the second digit, '6', is for the 'six' in VAW-126. The squadron deployed
number, 805, is partially hidden by the propeller. (Duane Kasulka aboard USS FORRESTAL (CVA-59) in December of 1973. (Duane
collection) Kasulka)
CVSG TRIM COLORS AND AIRCRAlT NUMBERS
The changes within the CVSG community were primarily in air-
craft 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 addi-
tion 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
May 1960 Jul 1965 Dec 1969 also varied as squadrons
often used a series from
Sqd Nose No Trim Color Nose No Sqd Nose No Trim Color an off loaded squadron,
Insignia Red 10 to 29 1st VS 101 to 109 No change or the next series of num-
bers not already in use.
Orange-Yellow 30 to49 2nd VS 201 to 209 No change
I -
60 to 79
-
-
Light-Blue
-
-
I1 50 to 69
-
-
3rd VS
-
2nd HS
401 to 409
501 to 509 1
No change
Int'l Yellow
Light Green
II
- Spare 601 to 609 Black
- Spare 701 to 709 Insignia Blue
- Spare 801 to 809 Maroon
I (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)
(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 ENTER- An F-8HCrusader (BuNo 147914) of VF-703 at NAS Miramar during July
PRISE and her task force remained poised with a retaliatory air ,of 1968as part of C W - 10. CVW-10was deployedaboardUSSINTREP-
strike, the PUEBLO remained in Wonsan Harbor. The North Ko- ID (CVS-1O), when INTREPIDoperated in the Gulf of Tonkin off Vietnam
reans made it clear that the crew was being held hostage to prevent a as a limited CVA. VF-703 was to have replaced VF-111 DET 11 (F-8C)
US air strike. Finally the crew was released, and DoD deactivated when they returned. (Clay Jansson)
the six reserve squadrons on 16 September 1968.
The six reserve squadrons were planned to be used as sup-
PUEBLO RESERVE CALLUP (Sept 1968)
plements to existing Carrier Air Wings, however, they were released
from active duty before this could be implemented. Three squad-
rons were West Coast units, VF-703, VA-776, and VA-873 and were
-
Reserve Station Lant Fleet -
Reserve Station Pac Fleet
assigned the interim tail code "NR". The other three squadrons were
East Coast units and were assigned the tail code "MA". Few aircraft Washington VF-661 F-8DIH AJ-1XX Los Alamitos VA-776 A-4C/F NF-5XX
were actually remarked since the squadrons began receiving up-
graded aircraft and were quickly assigned to Fleet CVWs, receiving Dallas VF-703 F-8J AH-IXX NewYork VA-831 A-4C AB-5XX
their tail codes. Several of the squadron were originally planned for Willow Grove VF-931 F-8CIH AJ-2XX Alameda VA-873 A-4C NE-2XX
different CVWs, however, the table below reflects their actual as-
signments.
under thecanopy rail. The 'double nuts' markings on the wing tanks are 1970. The squadron operated several A-6Cs, however, before their
in CAG multi-colors. (Bruce Trombecky) 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 Jan-
uary. (Clay Jansson)
1
1
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)
I
I I
* Initiallv established withoutjighters, insteadfive attack squadrons were established with VA-
209 and 210 beinn disestablished d u r i n ~1971.
(Below) An E-1B Tracer (BuNo 148919) of VAW-78 at NAS South (Above) An A-4L Skyhawk (BuNo 149618) of VSF-76 Saints at NAF
Wymouth in August of 1973. The Lightning bolts on the fin are Yellow, Andrews, Washington DC in December of 1970. The squadron tran-
while both the top and bottom of the fin are in Dark Blue. (Lional sitioned to F-8H Crusaders during 1971 and was disestablished in
Paul) 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 con-
tinued. 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 num-
bers and usually the trim colors. The exceptions to this were few, as
can be seen from the table that follows. The Marine Corps also pro-
vided 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.
(Above) This A-4C Skyhawk (BuNo 148464)of H&MS-15from MAG-15
DET-Novemberwas part of a four Skyhawk CAP Detachment attached
(Below) An EA-6A (BuNo 147865) of VMCJ-2 is prepared for launch to CVSG-57 (Tail Code 'NV') aboard USS HORNET CVS-12. While in
from USS FORRESTAL (CVA-59)during 1971. The squadron deployed WestPac they operated for several weeks from USS MIDWAY (CVA-41),
in January of 1971, returning to CONUS in July. The unit used the 61X USS RANGER (CVAdl), and USS TICONDEROGA (CVA-14) for mis-
series of nose numbers, which was common for VAQ units, while the sions over Vietnam, expending 134 tons of ordnance. (Naval Aviation
60X series was used by the photo squadrons. (USMC) News)
(Left) This A-1H (BuNo 135300) of VA-52 Maces was assigned to USS
TICONDEROGA (CVA-14) during the 1966/67 combat cruise to Viet-
nam. 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 VA-
25 in June of 1965). (USN)
(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 Septem-
ber 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 Viet-
namcruise 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 com-
bat 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
, -.
A-4F Skyhawk (1
TlCONDEROGA (
E (CVS-33) In 1964.
~COMATKCARAIRWJNGF~VE-
VF-661.
J F-8E Crusader (150323) of VF-53iCAG-5
HANCOCK (CVA-19) in 1966.
F-8H (148882) Of VSF-76 F-8H (147051) of VF.201 F-BH (140330)d VF-11 RF-BO (145031) of VFP.82
NAS ~ e Orleans
w In 1973. NAF Andrew8 In l o t 2 ROOSEVELT (CVA-42) In 1965. SHANGRI-LA(CVA-38) In 1967.
VA-11
1 r
VA- 105.
v
RA-5C Vigilante (149291) otRVAH-7
CONSTELLATION (CVA-64) in 1969.
EA-6B (158035) Of VAQ.132 NAS EA-86 (158032) of VAQ-131 EA-6A (156991) Of VMCJ-2 EA-6B (156481) ot VAQl29 NAS
38 North Island in 1973. ENTERPRISE (CVAN-65) in 1972. SARATOGA (CVA-60) In 1971. Whidbey Island in 1971.
rite (152199) of HC-1 RE
7 -
SH-3G (151527) of HC.2 DET 42 SH-3D (1 56052) of HS-3
ROOSEVELT (CVA-42) in 1972. 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. RANGER (CVA-61) in 1970.
--- ASS
A-6A (154144) Of VA-95 KA-BD (151566) Of VA-176 A-6A (152606) of VA-145 A-6A (151783) of VA-85
CORAL SEA (CVA-43) in 1973. ROOSEVELT (CVA-42)in 1984. ENTERPRISE(CVAN-65) in 1969. KlrrY HAWK (CVA-63) in 1965.
40
(Above) A KA-6D (BuNo 151824) of VA-196 Main Battery refuelsan F-4B (Below) An A-6A (BuNo 155715) of VA-52 Knight Riders is spotted for-
(BuNo 155761) of VF-143 Pukin' Dogs over the Gulf of Tonkin in the Fall ward of the island aboard USS K l m HAWK (CVA-63)as the 'Hawk' is
of 1971. Trim colors on the A-6 are Orange and the squadron insignia is readied for deployment from NAS North Island in October of 1970. VA-
Black on a circular field of Orange. (USN via Bill Cuddy) 52 had previously deployed aboard USS CORAL SEA (CVA-43) as part
of CVW-15 carrying a 400 series nose number. (Duane Kasulka) I
(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) 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 (Below) This F-8D (BuNo 148673) of VF-154 at NAS Miramar in Septem-
returning from Vietnam in August of 1967, carries six small North Viet- ber of 1964 carries the squadron's Black Knight insignia on the vertical
namese flags on the ventral fin, representing the squadron's record of stabilizer circled in Orange (in keeping with the assigned color of the
MiG kills in Vietnam. (Clay Jansson) 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 (Below) This F-8E (BuNo 150909) of VF-194 Red Lightnings, on the
combat cruise to Vietnam in March of 1970 (returning in December). ramp at NAS Miramar during July of 1966,carries CAG colors and CVW-
Thesquadroncarried 100series nosenumbersduring thiscruise. (Clay 19's insignia on the base of the fin. The squadron had returned from a
Jansson) cruise aboard USS BON HOMME RICHARD (CVA-31) in January. (Clay
Jansson)
It-
I Original Redesignated 1
Squadron Tail Code Squadron Tail Code
r
VAH-1 GH RVAH-1 GH
VAH-2 ZA VAQ-132 -
VAH-3 GJ RVAH-3 GJ - ---+
VAH-4 ZB VAQ-131 - (Above) An A-3B (BuNo 147658) of VAH-8 at NAS North Island awaits
VAH-5 GK RVAH-5 GK loading aboard USS CONSTELLATION (CVA-64)for a Vietnam deploy-
VAHd ZC RVAH-6 GS ment in April of 1967. The squadron returned in December and dises-
VAH-7 GL RVAH-7 GL tablished the following year. The use of a 100 series nose number was
VAH-8 ZD Disestablished 1968 made possible because the two fighter squadrons used 200 and 300
VAH-9 GM RVAH-9 GM series numbers. (Clay Jansson)
VAH-10 ZR VAQ-129 TR
(Below) A KA-3B(BuNo 142652)tanker of VAH-4 Four Runners (DET C)
VAH-11 GN RVAH- 11 GN
refuels an F-4B Phantom (BuNo 153017) of VF-213 Black Lions during
VAH-21 SL Disestablished 1969 1965. Both squadrons were attached to USS KlrrY HAWK (CVA-63)
VAH-123 NJ Disestablished 1970 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. (Above)This EA-39 (BuNo 1448453) of VQ-1 Elats, landinkg at NASAh.-uym,
Japan during 1973, carries the Eblack aIn
. .bat .-
a Blue fiield tail m;arking
. .. - .. . . . .-..
FLEET AIR RECONNAISSANCE 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)
Squadron Tail Code Squadron Tail Code
(Below) An EKABB (BuNo 142654) of VAQ-134 Garudas on the ramp at
VQ- 1 PR VQ-2 JQ NAS Alameda after returning from a Vietnam cruise aboard USS
VQ-3 TC VQ-4 HL RANGER (CVA-61) in Ju~ n of
e G 7 1I. The sauadron converted to the EA-
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 intiro-
duction 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, addi-
tional 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 pat-
tern, 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 VAQ-
130was supplying DETs to the smaller carriers, while the remaining (Above) This TA-30 (BuNo 138951) trainer of VAQ-130 Zappers at NAS
VAQ units were operated as dedicated squadrons within a CVW. Alameda in September of 1971 carriesthe newly establishedVAQWing
During late 1970 VAQW-13 was assigned the tail code 'TR', with tailcodeof 'TR'and a nose numberof 20(displayedasa Romannumeral
VAQ-129 and all non-deploying training aircraft ofVAQ-130 adopt- on the nose and rear fuselage). (Bill Swisher)
ing this as their standard code. Other VAQ squadrons now adopted (Below) An EKABB (BuNo 147663) of VAQ-135, DET 4at NAS Alameda
the policy of using the 'TR' tail code when shore based and the tail during October of 1972, having returned with USS JOHN F KENNEDY
code of the CVW when deployed. (CVA-67) just days before. (Duane Kasulka collection)
x1 E I -MOVA - -
- LEI-OVA a9 EE-OVA 01 a9 E E-MVA
- 9E1-OVA - ZEI-OVA 01 vz Z-WA
- SET-OVA - IEI-OVA 01 82 V-WA
- PEI-OVA W OEI-OVA 01 W E I -MVA
- EEI-OVA X1 621-OVA 01 XZ 01-WA
PaVs!lCls?I MaN palsu8!sapa~
(eylnsey euena) -rmA 6u!mollo~ (leqs!ms II!~) '896 I40 ~eqluecmau! uo~penbs
eql 6u!Ao1de~(6s-VA3)l V l S 3 W 0 4 SSn P J m eL 1-MA3 u! 96 1-OVA OVA e Se Pe$e~6!~8pel ~U!W 'C L-MvA pe$eu6!sep Alsno!neJd S ~ M
pe3eldeJ 'JeIMOJd ell$O l 6u!uo!t!su~eJ04W 2-HVA pe$eu6!sep ~)
06 I-OVA 'eunf U! ( P ~ - v ANOllWl31SN03 SSn PJ-e luawAoldep
Alsno!neld sem uorpenbs 841 ' 6 ~ 40 6 ~wn6nv u! puels~~ V O NSVN e woy 6u!~JnleJreue Z L ~ 80 C A~nru! epewelv SVN l e d w e ~eq$ uo
89-v3
$e S U O ! ~ J O ~ Szc 1-OVA40 ( ~ 6 0 8 cs o ~ n a l)e ~ m o ~ d u v (moles) L M a weddez 06 1-OVA40 ( ~ S ~ILo P ~ n aec-vn3
) ue '9 19 ON (anoqv)
PHOTO RECONNAISSANCE
RA-3 SKYWARRIOR - Heavy Photographic Squadrons P A P ) equip-
ped with the RA-3B Skywarrior had the primary mission o f supply-
ing the Navy with cartographic (i.e. mapping) photography. I n Viet-
n a m RA-3Bs, equipped with infrared sensors and video real time
displays, were used t o locate Viet Cong targets at night. Once pin-
pointed, 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 intell-
igence 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 sup-
(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 recon-
1
ported a number o f CVWs. VAP-62 (LANTFLT) also supported naissance missions while deployed aboard a CVA as part of a DET.
operations i n Vietnam,flying under the operational control o f VAP- (Bill Swisher)
61. 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 ven-
tral fins, provisions for two underwing pylons, new cameras, sen-
sors, 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 dises-
tablished and VFP-63 at Miramar was expanded to supply all RF-8
photo DETs to the Fleet. Although the RA-5C Vigilante was con-
sidered superior i n the tactical reconnaissance role, the less tem- (Above) An RA3B Skywarrior (BuNo 16446)of VAP-62 at NAS Alameda
peramental RF-8 was often used to replace the Vigilante o n smaller in April of 1967. The Black question mark beside the 'GB' tail code and
carriers. During 1972, VFP-63 received a number o f F-8H fighters hand lettered VAP-62 under the 'Navy' was added to the aircraft during
becoming the Fleet Readiness Squadron ( F R S ) for the Crusader. its transit to the O&R facility at NAS Alameda. (Larry Smalley)
VFP-63 became the last Crusader FRS when VF-124 transitioned to
(Below) An RF-8G (BuNo 146866) of VFP-63 DET 11 at NAS Atsugi,
the F-14 Tomcat. Japan in August of 1966 during a lull in Vietnam combat operations.
This RF-8G (BuNo 145646) of VFP-63 the Eyes of the Fleet has the VFP-63 DET 11 was assigned as part of CVW-10 attached to USS
squadron nickname (in White) and a pair of bloodshot eyes glaring out INTREPID (CVS-11). The 4XX series nose number was rare for a VFP
from the canted wing during recovery aboard BON HOMME RICHARD squadron. (M Wada)
(CVA-31) in June of 1970. (USN)
PHOTO RECONNAISANCE
* Fleet Readiness Squadron (FRS). (Above) An RA-5C (BuNo 149302) of RVAH-12 Speartips is tied down
aboard USS CONSTELLATION (CVA-64) during April of 1967. The use
(Below) An RA-5C (BuNo 150840) of RVAH-11 Checkertails at NAS of a 1XX series nose number for VAH/RVAH squadrons within CVW-14
North Island during 1967. 'Heavy Eleven' deployed aboard USS had been common since 1964 when VF-142 replaced VF-141 freeing
FORRESTAL(CVA-59) in Juneand returned in September afterthe dis- this number series. With the realignment of numbers in 1968, the 60X
astrous fire aboard FORRESTAL in July. (Clay Jansson) 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 toperform-
ing standard VAW missions. This requirement resulted in the Grumman
E-2A Hawkeye, a state-of-the-art airborne early warning and control air-
craft. The first E-2A squadron was VAW-11 established in January of 1964
and deploying aboard KITIY HAWK in October of 1965.The capabilities (Above) A Douglas EA-1F Skyraider (BuNo 139579) of VAW-33 Knight
of the E-2 led to an expansion of its mission to include weather recon- Hawks at Davis MonthamAFB in March of 1967. The squadron had last
naissance. Search and Rescue, air traffic control, vectoring fighter and 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
attack aircraft to and from targets, and radio relay. Shortly after VAW-1 1
HS-11 flying SH-3A Sea Kings. (Bill Swisher)
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 squad-
rons. With the arrival ofthe E-2,VAW-124,VAW-125, andVAW-126 were
established. A Fleet Readiness Squadron (FRS), RVAW-120. was estab-
lished in July of 1967 to support both E-1 and E-2 training. VAW-11 was
also reorganized, however, because they were supporting combat opera-
tions 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, VAW-
111 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 . (Above)An E-1B (BuNo 148914) of VAW-111 DET 19 at NAS Alameda in
The E-2B was basically an E-2A with improved computers and June of 1969. prior to their cruise aboard USS HANCOCK (CVA-19)the
enhanced reliability. The first E-2B squadron was VAW-116 (1969), squadron carried their own tail code of 'RR'. VAW-111 deployed in
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
-
Auaust aboard HANCOCK for the cartier's fifth WestPac cruise. (USN)
(Below) This E-2B (BuNo 150539) of VAW-11 Liberty Bells over the (Above) An E-2A (BuNo 151709) of VAW-122 flies off the Coast of
South Pacific in October of 1973, carries colorful Commander CVW-5 Virginia prior to deploying to the Med aboard USS INDEPENDENCE
colors on the fin and nose. The use of the 'CAG' colors was sometimes (CVA-62)in June of 1970. The squadron had been aboard INDEPEN-
employed by aircraft DETs using the 010,020, series of aircraft num- DENCE for the carrier's first mini-cruisein the Atlantic during October
bers, with the '0' aircraft receiving the CAG markings. (USN) 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) squad-
rons 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 Sea- (Above) This UH-2ASeasprite (BuNo 149024)of HC-2 at NAS Alameda
in September of 1966 was camouflaged in a pattern of Matte Medium
Knights. HC-5 was designated the Pacific Fleet training unit with
Green, Flat Olive Drab, and Flat Tan on the uppersurfaces with Flat
UH-2A/Bs, SH-2As, RH-3As, and CH-19Es. HC-5 also provided White undersurface for combat SAR missions over land. (Larry Smalley)
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, (Below) This SH-3G (BuNo 149710) of HC-1 Flying Angles DET 2 from
Japan was redesignated HC-7 and tasked with Combat SAR (CSAR). USS MIDWAY (CVA-41)during late 1973 carries Yellow trim outlined in
CSAR in Vietnam was organized during 1965 after aircraft losses Black on the sponson, with the DET number62'alsoin Yellow outlined in
overVietnam had shown the necessity of a dedicated CSARcapability Black. (M Wada)
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 SH-
3As were also upgraded with similar modifications. During Viet-
nam, 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-Sub-
marine Magnetic Detection (ASMD) equipment. The first LAMPS
squadrons were HC-4 and HC-5 which were redesignated as Heli-
copter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light (HSL) -30 and HSL-31 res-
pectively. 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.
HELICOPTER COMBAT SQUADRONS
(Below) An SH-3G Sea King (BuNo 148987) of HC-2 aboard USS KEN- (Above) This UH-2C Seasprite (BuNo 152202) of HC-1 Flying Angels
NEDY (CVA-67)while deployed in the Med during 1973. The squadron DET 43 is about to land aboard USS CORAL SEA (CVA-43) in August of
was replaced by HS-11 on KENNEDY'S next cruise. The fuselage band 1969. The Detachmentcarried the CVW tail codeand useda three digit
is Yellow with Red stripes. (USN) nose number. (USN)
ASW CARRIER SQUADRONS
Operating from converted Second World War Essex Class car-
riers, CVSGs began a gradual phaseout as the dedicated ASW car-
riers (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 Squad-
ron (VSF). By the late 1960s CVSGs were expanded tonow include (Above) A YA-46 Skyhawk (BuNo 145002) of VSF-1 Warhawks at NAS
three VS and two HS squadrons. As CVAs were converted to operate Alameda in Decemberof 1966. The squadrontail code 'NA' was initially
ASW aircraft under the CV concept these squadrons were gradually carried, however, later the respectivewing/group tail codes were used.
incorporated into the respective multi-purpose camer air wing This aircraft (nicknamed 'Rudolph') had the radar nose of an F-11A
(CVW). installed, which was painted Red with a Black and White eye. (Larry
Smalley)
ASW FIGHTER (Below) A Douglas A-46 Skyhawk (BuNo 142131) of VSFB about to
The first dedicated anti-submarine fighter squadron, VSF-1 was land at NAF Atsugi, Japan during December of 1967. VSF-3 was
established on 1July 1965 at NAS Lemoore, with the squadron later deployed aboard USS INTREPID (CVS-11) which was operating as a
relocating to NAS Alameda. VSF squadrons were originally con- CVA with three A-4 squadrons, one A-1 squadron, plus DETs of E-ls,
ceived to provide four aircraft DETs to ASW carrier air groups for EA-1Fs, RF-8Gs, and a fighter DET of F-8s for CAP. (M Wada)
the Air DefenseICombat Air Patrol role. VSF squadrons were equip-
ped 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 deploy-
ment 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 estab-
lished later as part of their respective CVSGRs at NAS New Orleans.
Initially equipped with A-4Cs both squadrons re-equipped with F-
8H Crusaders before being disestablished during 1973.
ASW FIGHTER SQUADRONS
VSF-1 NA VSF-76 AW *
VSF-3 No Code VSF-86 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). (Above) This Vought F-8H Crusader (BuNo 147049) of VSF-86 Gators
They had recently returned from a deploymentwith CVW-8 aboard USS on the ramp at NAS New Orleans during 1973 carries the squadron's
INDEPENDENCE (CVA-62) in April of 1968. This deployment gave alligator insignia on the rudder. VSF-86 was disestablished in August of
CVW-8 three A-4 squadrons for duty off Vietnam. (Larry Smalley) 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 (Above) This tied down and roped off S-2D (BuNo 148742) of VS-34
a multi-purpose (CV) carrier with VS-28 (S-2E) and HS-7 (SH-3D) aboard USS RANDOLPH(CVS-15)during 1964carriesa full load of anti-
submarine ordnance. Torpedos are carried on the inboard pylons and
deployed aboard.The SARATOGAwas later modified with increased air-to-surface rockets are on the two outboard pylons. (Duane Kasu-
avgas tankage to become the first CV carrier capable of accom- Ika collection)
modating 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 S-
2E was upgraded with new data processing equipment under the
designation S-2G. The first S-2Gs arrived in the Fleet during De-
cember 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 nor-
mal 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.
(Below) A Grumman S-2E Tracker (BuNo 149862)of VS-28 at Andrews (Above) This S-2D (BuNo 148727) of VS-35 was shore based at NAS
AFB in Juneof 1968. The trimcolor on thefin is Redagainst which iscar- North Island during May of 1964. The squadron later deployed aboard
ried Black diamonds and a White outlined Black Ace of Spades. (Frank USS HORNET (CVS-12). The trim colors on the fin are Red. (Clay
MacSorley Jr.) I
(Below) An S-2ETracker(BuNo 149888)of VS-25flyingfrom NAS North (Above) A S-2D (BuNo 147535) of VS-26 Lucky Tigers on the ramp at
Island in Juneof 1967carriesa styalized form of tail codeand a two digit NAS North Island, San Diego, Calif., in Novemberof 1964. The lightning
nose number. (USN) bolt on the fin is in Red. (Duane Kasulka)
(Above) An S-2E (BuNo 153580) of VS-31 Topcats flies off the coast of (Below) This S-2E (BuNo 152828)of VS-38 at NAS North Island in Feb-
Rhodes Island during early 1973. The squadron is the third VS unit in ruary of 1970 carries a three digit nose number series first introduced
CVSG-56as noted by the 33X seriesaircraft nose number and Blue trim during 1969. VS-38 was attached to CVSG-59 and was scheduled to
colors. (USN) deploy aboard HORNET (CVS-12). (Bill Swisher)
(Above) This S-2E (BuNo 152362) of VS-28 Hukkers at NAS Quonset (Below) A mixed flight of S-2Es of VS-29 Trombones (NS-200/205)and
Point in June of 1972 was attached to CVW-3. VS-29 carried a 22X VS-21 Fighting Redtails (NS-111/102) fly past USS TICONDEROGA
series nose number, as VF-32 had been assigned the 200 series of (CVS-14)during June of 1970. Home Naval Air Station for both squad-
numbers. (Fred Roos) rons 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 sup-
port. 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. (Above) This SH-3A Sea King (BuNo 152113) of HS-2 Red Falcons at
With the phase out of the CVSGs, the number of helicopters within NAS Imperial Beach in May of 1971, carries a Stars and Stripes Flag
each squadron was reduced from sixteen to eight. Beginning in late marking in place of the side number (405), which is partially visible on
the nose. (Duane Kasulka)
1969, HS squadrons began deploying aboard the multi-purpose
CVs. The first such deployment was HS-11, which deployed with preform an evaluation of the SH-3G in the Sea Control Ship con-
CVW-17 aboard USS FORRESTAL, followed by HS-2 who went to cept. The test was considered highly successful.During 1972the SH-
sea with CVW-7 aboard USS INDEPENDENCE during 1970.The 3H was introduced to the Fleet. The SH-3H had a multi-mission
use of HS squadrons aboard CVs gave the carrier close in ASW pro- capability and was equipped for both anti-ship missile defense and
tection, plus the SAR capability of the replaced HC squadron. surface ship surveillance/targeting in addition to having the stan-
The need for a SAR and utility helicopter aboard CVs led to the dard ASW suite upgraded.
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 oper-
ations.
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
(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)
(15 Dec 1969) (30 June 1973) (1 July 1972) (27 Sept 1968) (30 June 1973) (1 Sept 1969)
CVSG-52 AS CVSG-53 NS CVSG-54 AT CVSG55 NU CVSG-56 AU CVSG57 NV
VS-28 S-2E VS-21 S-2B/F VS-22 S-2F VS-23 S-2E/F VS-24 S-2F VS-35 S-2D
VS-3 1 S-2E VS-29 S-2B/F VS-32 S-2F VS-25 S-2E/F VS-27 S-2F VS-37 S-2D
HS-11 SH3A HS-6 SH3D HS-5 SHdA HS-4 SHdA/J HS-3 SHdA HS-2 SHJ A
(31 Mar 1966) (30 June 1973) (1 Oct 1968)
CVSG-60 squadrons disestablished
CVSG-58 AV CVSG-59 NT CVSG-68 AW on same date as parent CVSG
VS-26 S-2D VS-33 S-2E VS-34 S-2D
VS-36
HS-7
S-2D
SHdA
VS-38
HS-8
S-2E VS-39
SHdA HS-9
S-2D
SHSA
, ( ) Date CVSG disestablished.
--- -. -
FLEET READINESS
SQUADRONS
The Fleet replacement/readiness training community was re-
aligned 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 re- FJ-4 Furys (BuNo 139515) of VA-126 Trailblazersparked alongside the
placement training squadrons for the aircraft type at their NAS and runway at MCAS Yuma in July of 1965. VA-126 was deployed to Yuma
provided training/logistical assistance for the tactical air wings/ for weapons training and was the last FRS to operate the FJ Fury.
groups when they were shore based. The tactical air windgroup (Clay Jansson)
commander, however, still retained operational control over his
squadrons. The training squadrons retained the tail codes of the dis- VF-121 provided F-4 training. VF-124, which had been the F-8
established RCVW/RCVSGs, along with the aircraft nose numbers Crusader training squadron until August of 1972 when VFP-63
then in effect. assumed this role, transitioned to the F-14 becoming the F-14 train-
Tactical Electronics Warfare Squadrons (VAQ) were already in ing squadron. VA-126 provided Fleet instrument training, however,
place on 1 October 1968 at NAS Whidbey Island as part of VAQW- since this training was for fighter squadrons, the squadron was
13. Initially A-3 training was conducted by VAQ-130, which also redesignated VF-126 on 15 October 1965. In April 1967 the first TA-
supplied DETs to the Fleet. With its conversion to the EA-6B Pro- 4F Skyhawks arrived to replace the TF-9J Cougars in service with
wler, however, the squadron dropped the training mission.VAQ-129 the Fighting SeaHawks.
now became the A-3 training squadron equipped with the EKA-3B. In the light attack role, A-7s assigned to the Atlantic Fleet were
A-6A, and (in January of 1971) EA-6B. The EKA-3Bs were used to based at NAS Cecil Field under Light Attack Wing One (LAtWing-
close out the A-3 training cycle, while the A-6As were used as support 1)which was established on 1June 1970.Its Pacific Fleet equivalent,
/trainer aircraft. The wing was redesignated Medium Attack Tacti- Light Attack Wing Pacific (LatWingPac),was based at NAS Lemoore.
cal Electronic Warfare Wing Pacific (MedAtVAQWingPac) and VF-174 transitioned from F-8 to A-7 training during 1966 and was
now incorporated the West Coast A-6 Intruder squadrons into the redesignated as a VA squadron. The Blackbirds of VA-45 had been
wing.VA-128joined the wing as the Pacific Fleet A-6 training squad- an A-1 Skyraider training squadron, however, during 1964the squad-
ron. ron became an instrument training squadron and transitioned to
On the East Coast, attack A-6s were consolidated at NAS Oceana
under Medium Attack Wing One (MedAtWing-1)which was estab-
lished 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 exis-
tence since 1965, was located at NAS Miramar. The Pace Makers of
(Below) This RA-5C (BuNo 156609) of RVAH-3 Dragons, at NAS Albany (Above) This EC-1A Trader (BuNo 136787) of VA-122 carries the new
in July of 1970 sports a CAG nose number and tail colors. The 'GJ' tail nickname 'Corsair College' and RCVW-12 CAG markings at NAS Miramar
code was the squadron's individually assigned tail code. (Bill in May of 1968. The Black tail code is carried on a Black outlined Yellow
Swisher) field. (Clay Jansson)
(Above) This F-8E Crusader (6uNo 150903) of VF-124 at Van Nuys Air- (Below) This A-4L (BuNo 149647) of VA-45 Blackbirds DET 1 carried
port, California during 1969 carries Commander Carrier Air Wing CVSG-56 tail codes while deployed aboard USS INTREPID (CVS-11).
Twelve Pacific Fleet markings on the fuselage side and the insigniasof The lack of the 'S' on the USS INTREPIDlogo was intentional, since the
the squadrons attached to the Air Wing on the rudder. (Duane Kas- carrier had three deployments to Vietnam as a limited CVA while
ulka) designated as a CVS. To her crew, she was a CVA! (Lionai Paul)
(Below) This TF-9JCougar (BuNo 147339)of VA-45at NASOceanadur- (Above)This A-76 (BuNo 154436) of VA-125 at NAS Lemoore in Novem-
ing 1967, carries the markings of Commander Carrier Air Wing Four on ber of 1969 has a large Green lightning bolt on the fin. The squadron
the fuselage sides in Black. The last FRS Cougars were phased out by had switched from A-4 to A-7 training during the summer of 1969.
VA-43 during 1968. (Clay Jansson) (Duane Kasulka)
This EF-4B Phantom (BuNo 153070) of VAO-33 Firebirds, at NAS A TE-2A Hawkeye (BuNo 149817) of RVAW-110 Firebirds at NAS
Miramar during 1972, carries the Red 'Firebird' insignia on the wing Lemwre in May of 1969. TE-2As were E-2As with high hour airframes
tanksand fin. The fin insignia hasaYellow lighting bolt passing through which had been regulated to the training role. (Duane Kasulka)
the 'Firebird'. The logo FEWSG stands for "Fighter Evaluation Wea-
pons Support Group". (Duane Kasulka)
This A-6B (151820) was assigned to VA-42 Pawns at NAS Oceana dur- This T-28C (BuNo 140058) at NAS Lemoore in April of 1972 carries a
ing August of 1970. The Pawnsoperatedtwo A-GBs, twenty-two A-GAS, dual squadron designation of VA-1221125. Both squadrons provided
and two TC-4Cs at this time. (Duane Kasulka) Fleet units with A-7 Corsair training and used the Trojan as a utility air-
craft. (Duane Kasulka)
FLEET READINESS SQUADRONS (December 1973)
An SH-3A (BuNo 152124) of HS-10 flies low over the Pacific off NAS
Ream Field. The squadron provided Pacific Fleet Readiness Squadron A sharkmouthed S-2G Tracker (BuNo 152842) of VS-30 Sea Tigers at
Training on the SH-3A, SH-3D, and SH-3G. The squadron had over a NAS Ouonset Point in June of 1972. The sponson pod on the engine
dozen SH-3s with usually a third in maintenance. (USN) nacelle was a modification peculiar to the S-2G. (Fred Rws)
Glossary of Abbreviations
AAA Anti-Aircraft Artillery LATWTNGPAC Light Attack Wing Pacific
ARM Anti-Radiation Missile LPH Amphibious Assault Ship
ASMD Anti-Submarine Magnetic Detection MAD Magnetic Anomaly Dectector
ASW Anti-Submarine Warfare MCAS Marine Corps Air Station
AVGAS Aviation Gasoline MDAC McDonnel-Douglas Aircraft Corporation
BuNo Bureau Number (Navy serial number) MEDATVAQWTNGPACRMedium Attack ECM Wing Pacific
CAEW Camer Airborne Early Warning Wing MEDATWTNG Medium Attack Wing
CAG Commander Air Group NAF Naval Air Facility
CAWPAC Commander Attack Wing Pacific NAS Naval Air Station
CONUS Continental United States &V North Vietnam
CSAR Combat Search and Rescue PAC Pacific
CV Aircraft Camer PACFLT Pacific Fleet
CVA Attack Aircraft Camer PC0 Palestine Liberation Organization
CVAN Nuclear Attack Aircraft Camer RCVSG Replacement Training Carrier ASW
CVN Nuclear Aircraft Camer Group
CVS Anti-Submarine Aircraft Carrier RCVW Replacement Training Canier Air Wing
CVSGR Reserve Anti-Submarine Camer Air RTAB Royal Thai Air Base
Group RVAH Reconnaissance Heavy Attack Squadron
CVW Camer Air Wing (CVICVA) RVAW Replacement Training Airborne Early
CVWR Reserve Camer Air Wing (CV/CVA) Warning Squadron
DET Detachment RVN Republic of Vietnam
DIANE Digital Integration Attack and SAR Search and Rescue
Navigation Equipment SQN Squadron
DMZ Demilitarized Zone TRIM Trails, Roads, Interdiction
DOD Department of Defense Multi-sensor
ECM Electronic Counter Measures US United States
ELINT Electronic Intelligence VA Attack Squadron
FEWSG Fighter Evaluation Weapons VAH Heavy Attack Squadron
Support Group VAP Heavy Attack Photographic Squadron
FIS Fighter Interceptor Squadron VAQ Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron
FIWING Fighter Wing VAQW Tactical Electronic Warfare Wing
FLIR Forward Looking Infrared VAW Airborne Early Warning Squadron
FRS Fleet Readiness Squadron VC Viet Cong
HAL Helicopter Light Attack Squadron VF Fighter Squadron
HC Helicopter Combat Squadron VFP Photographic Fighter Squadron
HS Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron VMA Marine Attack Squadron
HSL Helicopter Light Anti-Submarine VMCJ Marine Composite Reconnaissance
Squadron Squadron
Marine Headquarters and Maintenance VMF Marine Fighter Squadron
Squadron VMFA Marine Fighter Attack Squadron
IS Intelligence Specialist VR Fleet Transportation Squadron
LANT Atlantic VS Anti-Submarine Warfare Squadron
LANTFLT Atlantic Fleet VSF Anti-Submarine Fighter Squadron
CATWING Light Attack Wing Wwn World War I1