List of United States Navy aircraft squadrons

This is a list of United States Navy aircraft squadrons. Deactivated or disestablished squadrons are listed in the List of Inactive United States Navy aircraft squadrons. Navy aircraft squadrons are typically composed of several aircraft (from as few as two to as many as several dozen), the officers who fly them and the men and women that maintain them. Most squadrons also have a number of other administrative support personnel. Some of the activities listed are not technically "squadrons", but they all operate U.S. Navy aircraft in some capacity.

Squadrons and their history are listed in the Dictionary of American Naval Aviation Squadrons (DANAS).

Squadron organization

Navy squadron organizational chart. (Click the diagram to enlarge it)

Active duty squadrons are typically commanded by a Commander. Second in command is the Executive Officer (XO), also a Commander. The XO typically assumes command of the squadron after approximately 15 months. There are typically four functional departments - Operations, Maintenance, Safety/NATOPS, and Administration - each led by a Lieutenant Commander functioning as the Department Head. Within the departments are Divisions (each typically headed by a Lieutenant) and Branches (headed by a Lieutenant, junior grade or a Chief Petty Officer).

Reserve squadrons are also commanded by a Commander, with another Commander as the XO who will also assume command after approximately 15 months. However, reserve squadron demographics are typically older and more senior in rank than their active duty squadron counterparts. Department Heads in reserve squadrons are typically senior Lieutenant Commanders, although some may be recently promoted Commanders. Where this difference in maturity level becomes more apparent is at the Division Officer level. Since most officers in reserve squadrons previously served on active duty in the Regular Navy in a flying status for eight to ten or more years, they are typically already Lieutenant Commanders, or achieve that rank shortly after transferring to the Navy Reserve. As a result, Lieutenants are a minority and Lieutenants, junior grade, practically non-existent in reserve squadrons. As a result, Divisions are typically headed by Lieutenant Commanders and Branches by Lieutenants, Senior Chief Petty Officers or Chief Petty Officers.

Types of squadrons

Navy aircraft are classified by Type (rotary wing, fixed wing), Model (e.g. SH-60), and Series (e.g., SH-60B versus SH-60F).

Squadrons can be categorized in a number of ways: Active versus Navy Reserve, land-based versus sea-based, fixed wing versus rotary wing (helicopter) vs Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), and by mission. Unlike the USAF, US Army, and USMC, the US Navy does not typically refer to other organizations (such as maintenance or medical units) as "squadrons". An exception to this is that US Navy destroyers and submarines are administratively grouped by "squadrons".

Active squadrons are those in the regular US Navy. Reserve squadrons are in the US Navy Reserve and are manned by a combination of full-time and part-time reservists. For the most part, there is no way to know by the squadron's name alone whether it is an active or reserve squadron. There are Reserve elements of many Active squadrons, and active duty personnel serving in many Reserve squadrons. In general, reserve squadrons share the same missions as their active counterparts, although there are Reserve missions (e.g., Adversary and Fleet Logistics Support) that have no Active counterpart.

At any one time, the US Navy has approximately 600 aircraft that are associated with particular ships. There are also several thousand additional Navy aircraft that are capable of shipboard operations, but are not associated with a ship. The Navy also has several hundred land-based aircraft that are not capable of shipboard operations.

Squadrons are listed here by type (fixed/rotary wing) and by mission.

Squadron names

Navy aircraft squadrons can be properly referred to by three different names. The names can give an indication of the squadron's mission and type of aircraft.

• The Formal name (e.g., Strike Fighter Squadron EIGHT SIX) indicates the mission.
  • A subset of the formal name is a Navy acronym format in capital letters, e.g., STKFITRON EIGHT SIX
• The Informal name (e.g., VFA-86) also indicates the type and mission, as each of the letters has a meaning. In this case, "V" stands for fixed wing, "F" stands for fighter, and "A" stands for attack.
• Nickname – e.g., "Sidewinders".

Fixed Wing Squadrons

Most Navy fixed wing squadron informal names start with the letter "V". An exception to this was the use of "RVAH" to denote Reconnaissance Attack Squadrons which operated the North American RA-5C Vigilante RA-5C Vigilante during the 1960s and 1970s.

Electronic Attack

Boeing EA-18G Growler

A typical Electronic Attack Squadron consists of five Boeing EA-18G Growlers. The primary mission of the Growler is Electronic Attack (EA), also known as Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD) in support of strike aircraft and ground troops by interrupting enemy electronic activity and obtaining tactical electronic intelligence within the combat area. Navy Electronic Attack squadrons carry the letters VAQ (V-fixed wing, A-attack, Q-electronic). Most VAQ squadrons are carrier based, however a number are "expeditionary", deploying to overseas land bases. When not deployed (either on land or carrier), they are home-ported at NAS Whidbey Island. The exception is VAQ-141, which is forward deployed to NAF Atsugi, Japan.^[1]

Squadron Name	Insignia	Nickname	Aircraft[2]	Notes
VAQ-129		Vikings	EA-18G	Formerly VAH-10 FRS NAS Whidbey Island Established May 1, 1961
VAQ-130		Zappers	EA-18G	Formerly VAW-13 CVW-3 NAS Whidbey Island Established September 1, 1959
VAQ-131		Lancers	EA-18G	Formerly VP-920, VP-ML-70, VP-931, VP-57, VAH-4 CVW-8 NAS Whidbey Island Established May 1, 1946
VAQ-132		Scorpions	EA-18G	Formerly VAH-2 Expeditionary NAS Whidbey Island Established November 1, 1955]
VAQ-133 (2nd)		Wizards	EA-18G	CVW-9 NAS Whidbey Island Established March 4, 1969
VAQ-134		Garudas	EA-18G	Expeditionary NAS Whidbey Island Established June 17, 1969
VAQ-135		Black Ravens	EA-18G	Expeditionary NAS Whidbey Island Established May 15, 1969
VAQ-136		Gauntlets	EA-18G	CVW-2 NAS Whidbey Island Established April 6, 1973
VAQ-137 (2nd)		Rooks	EA-18G	CVW-1 NAS Whidbey Island Established December 14, 1973
VAQ-138		Yellowjackets	EA-18G	Expeditionary NAS Whidbey Island Established February 27, 1976
VAQ-139		Cougars	EA-18G	CVW-17 NAS Whidbey Island Established July 1, 1983
VAQ-140		Patriots	EA-18G	CVW-7 NAS Whidbey Island Established October 1, 1985
VAQ-141		Shadowhawks	EA-18G	CVW-5 NAF Atsugi Established July 1, 1987
VAQ-142 (2nd)		Gray Wolves	EA-18G	CVW-11 NAS Whidbey Island Established April 1, 1997
VAQ-209		Star Warriors	EA-18G	USNR Tactical Support Wing NAS Whidbey Island Established October 1, 1977

Carrier Airborne Early Warning

Each Carrier Airborne Early Warning squadron usually consists of four E-2C Hawkeyes, The Hawkeye's primary mission is to provide all-weather airborne early warning, airborne battle management and command and control (C2) functions for the carrier strike group and Joint Force Commander. Additional missions include surface surveillance coordination, air interdiction, offensive and defensive counter air control, close air support coordination, time critical strike coordination, search and rescue airborne coordination and communications relay. The E-2 Hawkeye and C-2 Greyhound are built on the same airframe and have many similar characteristics. For this reason, both aircraft are trained for in the same Fleet Replacement Squadron.^[3]

E-2C Hawkeye

Squadron Name	Insignia	Nickname	Aircraft	Notes
VAW-112		Golden Hawks	E-2C	CVW-9 NAS Pt. Mugu Established April 20, 1967
VAW-113		Black Eagles	E-2C	CVW-2 NAS Pt. Mugu Established April 20, 1967
VAW-115		Liberty Bells	E-2C	CVW-5 NAF Atsugi Established April 20, 1967
VAW-116		Sun Kings	E-2C	CVW-17 NAS Pt. Mugu Established April 20, 1967
VAW-117		Wallbangers	E-2C	CVW-11 NAS Pt. Mugu Established July 1, 1974
VAW-120		Grey Hawks	E-2C/D C-2	Formerly RVAW-120 FRS NS Norfolk Established July 1, 1967
VAW-121		Blue Tails	E-2D	CVW-7 NS Norfolk Established April 1, 1967
VAW-123		Screwtops	E-2C	CVW-3 NS Norfolk Established April 1, 1967
VAW-124		Bear Aces	E-2C	CVW-8 NS Norfolk Established September 1, 1967
VAW-125		Tigertails	E-2D	CVW-17 NS Norfolk Established October 1, 1968
VAW-126		Seahawks	E-2D	CVW-1 NS Norfolk Established April 1, 1969

Strike Fighter

A Strike Fighter Squadron consists of either ten F/A-18C Hornets, twelve F/A-18E/F Super Hornets, and in future, ten F-35C Lightning IIs.^[4][5] Training squadrons (known as fleet replacement squadrons) have many more aircraft. The Hornet is an all-weather aircraft that is used for attack and fighter missions. In its fighter mode, the F/A-18 is used primarily as a fighter escort and for fleet air defense; in its attack mode, it is used for force projection, interdiction and close and deep air support. The F/A-18 is also used for SEAD and aerial refueling.^[6] The F-35C is a fifth-generation strike fighter that is replacing the Navy's F/A-18 Hornets and will serve alongside the Super Hornet.

F/A-18E/F Super Hornet

according to USN Fact File^[7]

Squadron Name	Insignia	Nickname	Aircraft	Notes
VFA-2		Bounty Hunters	F/A-18F	Formerly VF-2(5th) CVW-2 NAS Lemoore Established October 1, 1972
VFA-11		Red Rippers	F/A-18F	Formerly VF-43(4th), VF-11(3rd) CVW-1 NAS Oceana Established September 1, 1950
VFA-14		Tophatters	F/A-18E	Formerly Air Det Pacflt, VT-5, VP-4-1, VF-4(1st), VF-1(1st), VF-1B(1st), VB-2B, VB-3, VB-4, VS-41, VB-41, VB-4, VA-1A, VA-14, VF-14(2nd) CVW-9 NAS Lemoore Established September 1919
VFA-22		Fighting Redcocks	F/A-18F	Formerly VF-63, VA-63, VA-22 CVW-17 NAS Lemoore Established July 28, 1948
VFA-25		Fist of the Fleet	F/A-18E	Formerly VT-7, VA-6B, VA-65(1st), VA-25(2nd) CVW-9 NAS Lemoore Established January 1, 1943
VFA-27		Royal Maces	F/A-18E	Formerly VA-27 CVW-5 NAF Atsugi Established September 1, 1967
VFA-31		Tomcatters	F/A-18E	Formerly VF-1B(2nd), VF-6(2nd), VF-3(3rd), VF-3A, VF-31(2nd) CVW-8 NAS Oceana Established July 1, 1935
VFA-32		Swordsmen	F/A-18F	Formerly VBF-3, VF-4A, VF-32(2nd) CVW-3 NAS Oceana Established February 1, 1945
VFA-41		Black Aces	F/A-18F	Formerly VF-41(4th) CVW-9 NAS Lemoore Established September 1, 1950
VFA-81		Sunliners	F/A-18E	Formerly VA-66(1st), VF-81(4th), VA-81 CVW-17 NAS Oceana Established July 1, 1955
VFA-86		Sidewinders	F/A-18E	Formerly VF-921(USNR), VF-84(2nd), VA-86(2nd) CVW-3 NAS Lemoore Established February 1, 1951
VFA-87		Golden Warriors	F/A-18E	Formerly VA-87 CVW-8 NAS Oceana Established February 1, 1968
VFA-94		Mighty Shrikes	F/A-18F	Formerly VF-94(2nd), VA-94(2nd) CVW-17 NAS Lemoore Established March 26, 1952
VFA-97		Warhawks	F/A-18E	Formerly VA-97 CVW-9 NAS Lemoore Established June 1, 1967
VFA-102		Diamondbacks	F/A-18F	Formerly VA-36(2nd), VF-102(2nd) CVW-5 NAF Atsugi Established July 1, 1955
VFA-103		Jolly Rogers	F/A-18F	Formerly VF-103 CVW-7 NAS Oceana Established May 1, 1952
VFA-105		Gunslingers	F/A-18E	Formerly VA-105(2nd) CVW-3 NAS Oceana Established March 4, 1968
VFA-106		Gladiators	F/A-18A/B/C/D/E/F	FRS NAS Oceana Established April 27, 1984
VFA-113		Stingers	F/A-18E	Formerly VF-113, VA-113 CVW-17 NAS Lemoore Established July 15, 1948
VFA-115		Eagles	F/A-18E	Formerly VT-11, VA-124, VA-115 CVW-5 NAF Atsugi Established October 10, 1942
VFA-122		Flying Eagles	F/A-18E/F	FRS NAS Lemoore Established January 15, 1999
VFA-136		Knighthawks	F/A-18E	CVW-1 NAS Lemoore Established July 1, 1985
VFA-137		Kestrels	F/A-18E	CVW-2 NAS Lemoore Established July 1, 1985
VFA-143		Pukin' Dogs	F/A-18E	Formerly VF-871(USNR), VF-123, VF-53(3rd), VF-143(2nd) CVW-7 NAS Oceana Established July 20, 1950
VFA-146		Blue Diamonds	F/A-18E	Formerly VA-146 CVW-11 NAS Lemoore Established February 1, 1956
VFA-147		Argonauts	F/A-18E	Formerly VA-147 CVW-11 NAS Lemoore Established February 1, 1967
VFA-151		Vigilantes	F/A-18E	Formerly VF-23(2nd), VF-151(4th) CVW-9 NAS Lemoore Established August 6, 1948
VFA-154		Black Knights	F/A-18F	Formerly VFB-718(USNR), VF-68A(USNR), VF-837(USNR), VF-154 CVW-11 NAS Lemoore Established July 1946
VFA-192		Golden Dragons	F/A-18E	Formerly VF-153(1st), VF-15A, VF-151(2nd), VF-192(2nd), VA-192 CVW-9 NAS Lemoore Established March 26, 1945
VFA-195		Dambusters	F/A-18E	Formerly VT-19, VA-20A, VA-195 CVW-5 NAF Atsugi Established August 15, 1943
VFA-211		Checkmates	F/A-18F	Formerly VB-74, VA-1B, VA-24, VF-24(2nd), VF-211(2nd) CVW-1 NAS Oceana Established May 1, 1945
VFA-213		Black Lions	F/A-18F	Formerly VF-213 CVW-8 NAS Oceana Established June 22, 1955

F/A-18A/C Hornet

"F/A-18 Hornet strike fighter". USN Fact File. United States Navy.

Squadron Name Insignia Nickname Aircraft Notes VFA-15 Valions F/A-18C Formerly VA-67, VA-15(2nd) CVW-8 NAS Oceana Established August 1, 1968 VFA-34 Blue Blasters F/A-18C Formerly VA-34(3rd) CVW-2 NAS Oceana Established January 1, 1970 VFA-37 Ragin Bulls F/A-18C Formerly VA-37 CVW-3 NAS Oceana Established July 1, 1967 VFA-83 Rampagers F/A-18C Formerly VF-961(USNR), VF-83(3rd), VA-83 CVW-7 NAS Oceana Established February 1, 1951 VFA-131 Wildcats F/A-18C CVW-3 NAS Oceana Established October 3, 1983 VFA-204 River Rattlers F/A-18A Formerly VA-204 USNR Tactical Support Wing NAS JRB New Orleans Established July 1, 1970

F-35 Lightning II

VFA-101 received its first F-35C at Eglin AFB, 22 June 2013.

Squadron Name Insignia Nickname Aircraft Notes VFA-101 Grim Reapers F-35C Formerly VF-101 FRS Eglin Air Force Base Established May 1, 1952; deactivated September 30, 2005; re-activated May 1, 2012

Fleet Air Reconnaissance

EP-3E Aries II

E-6B Mercury

Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron ONE is the Navy's only land-based signals intelligence (SIGINT) reconnaissance squadron. The 13 aircraft in the Navy's inventory are based on the Orion P-3 airframe and provide fleet and theater commanders worldwide with near real-time tactical SIGINT. With sensitive receivers and high-gain dish antennas, the EP-3E exploits a wide range of electronic emissions from deep within targeted territory.

Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadrons THREE and FOUR provide communications relay and strategic airborne command post missions. They provide survivable, reliable, and endurable airborne command, control, and communications between the National Command Authority (NCA) and U.S. strategic and non-strategic forces. The TACAMO ("Take Charge and Move Out") mission links the NCA with naval ballistic missile submarine forces during times of crisis. The aircraft carries a very low frequency communication system with dual trailing wire antennae. The E-6B is a dual-mission aircraft, capable of fulfilling the airborne strategic command post mission and is equipped with an airborne launch control system (ALCS), which is capable of launching U.S. land based intercontinental ballistic missiles.^[8]

Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron SEVEN is the E-6B Fleet Replacement Squadron, providing initial and requalification training for pilots, aircrews, and maintainers. It operates E-6B's on loan from VQ-3 and VQ-4, having returned its leased Lauda Air 737-600.

Squadron Name	Insignia	Nickname	Aircraft	Notes
VQ-1		World Watchers	EP-3E	NAS Whidbey Island Established 1 June 1955
VQ-3		Ironman	E-6B	Tinker AFB Established 1 July 1968
VQ-4		Shadows	E-6B	Tinker AFB Established 1 July 1968
VQ-7		Roughnecks	E-6B	Formerly Naval Training Support Unit (NTSU) FRS Tinker AFB Re-designated VQ-7 1 November 1999

Fleet Fighter Composite

F-5s.

Fleet Fighter Composite squadrons provide adversary simulation for fleet squadrons. All VFC squadrons are from the Navy Reserve.

Squadron Name	Insignia	Nickname	Aircraft	Notes
VFC-12		Fighting Omars	F/A-18A+/B	Reserve NAS Oceana
VFC-13		Saints	F-5	Reserve NAS Fallon
VFC-111		Sundowners	F-5	Reserve NAS Key West

Fleet Logistics Support

C-20.

C-130.

C-40A.

Fleet Logistics Support squadrons operate Navy unique airlift aircraft on a worldwide basis to provide responsive, flexible, and rapidly deployable air logistics support required to sustain combat operations from the sea. During peacetime, squadrons provide air logistics support for all Navy commands as well as provide continuous quality training for mobilization readiness. Fleet Logistics Support squadrons have no counterpart in the Regular Navy. They represent 100% of the Navy's medium and heavy intra-theater airlift, and operate year-round, around the world providing the critical link between deployed seagoing units and air mobility command logistics hubs. VR-1 provides dedicated airlift support to the Office of the Secretary of the Navy, Chief of Naval Operations and Commandant of the Marine Corps. All VR squadrons are from the Navy Reserve.

Squadron Name	Insignia	Nickname	Aircraft	Notes
VR-1		Star Lifters	C-20D C-37B	Reserve Andrews AFB
VR-46		Eagles	C-9	Reserve NAS Fort Worth (Deactivated Summer 2012)
VR-48		Capital Skyliners	C-20G	Reserve Andrews AFB
VR-51		Windjammers	C-20G	Reserve MCAS Kaneohe Bay
VR-52		Taskmasters	C-9	Reserve McGuire AFB (Relocated from NAS Willow Grove in Mar 2011 (Deactivated Summer 2012))
VR-53		Capital Express	C-130T	Reserve Andrews AFB
VR-54		Revelers	C-130T	Reserve NAS New Orleans
VR-55		Minutemen	C-130T	Reserve NAS Point Mugu
VR-56		Globemasters	C-40	Reserve NAS Oceana
VR-57		Conquistadors	C-40	Reserve NAS North Island
VR-58		Sunseekers	C-40	Reserve NAS Jacksonville
VR-59		Lone Star Express	C-40	Reserve NAS Fort Worth
VR-61		Islanders	C-40	Reserve NAS Whidbey Island
VR-62		Nomads	C-130T	Reserve NAS Jacksonville (Relocated from NAS Brunswick in 2009)
VR-64		Condors	C-130T	Reserve McGuire AFB (Relocated from NAS Willow Grove in Mar 2011) Formerly VP-64 – redesignated 18 Sep 2004

Carrier Fleet Logistics Support

C-2A Greyhound

There are two Carrier Fleet Logistic Support squadrons - one on each coast. VRC-30 is based at Naval Air Station North Island, VRC-40 is based at Naval Station Norfolk. These squadrons send two-plane detachments with each deploying aircraft carrier. The C-2A Greyhound, more commonly referred to as a "COD" (short for Carrier onboard delivery), is used to deliver high priority parts, supplies, people, and mail to/from the carrier and shore sites near the carrier operating area.

Squadron Name Insignia Nickname Aircraft Notes VRC-30 Providers NAS North Island VRC-30 Det 1 Hustlers C-2 CVW-14 VRC-30 Det 2 Roughnecks C-2 CVW-2 VRC-30 Det 3 Crusaders C-2 CVW-11 VRC-30 Det 4 Pure Horsepower C-2 CVW-9 VRC-30 Det 5 Providers C-2 CVW-5

Squadron Name Insignia Nickname Aircraft Notes VRC-40 Det 1 Rawhides C-2 CVW-3 VRC-40 Det 2 Rawhides C-2 CVW-1 VRC-40 Det 3 Rawhides C-2 CVW-7 VRC-40 Det 4 Rawhides C-2 CVW-17 VRC-40 Det 5 Rawhides C-2 CVW-8

Patrol

P-3C Orion

Maritime patrol aircraft are used primarily for reconnaissance, anti-surface warfare and anti-submarine warfare. Volume 2 of the Dictionary of American Naval Aviation Squadrons contains comprehensive histories over 150 patrol squadrons. Its Appendix 7 details the lineage of every VP, VPB, VP(H), and VP(AM) squadron from 1922 through the late 1990s.

P-8A Poseidon.

Squadron Name	Insignia	Nickname	Aircraft	Notes
VP-1		Screaming Eagles	P-3C	NAS Whidbey Island
VP-4		Skinny Dragons	P-3C	MCAS Kaneohe Bay
VP-5		Mad Foxes	P-8A	NAS Jacksonville
VP-8		Tigers	P-3C P-8A	NAS Jacksonville
VP-9		Golden Eagles	P-3C	MCAS Kaneohe Bay
VP-10		Red Lancers	P-8A	NAS Jacksonville
VP-16		War Eagles	P-8A	NAS Jacksonville
VP-26		Tridents	P-8A	NAS Jacksonville
VP-30		Pro's Nest	P-3C P-8A	FRS NAS Jacksonville
VP-40		Fighting Marlins	P-3C	NAS Whidbey Island
VP-45		Pelicans	P-8A	NAS Jacksonville
VP-46		Grey Knights	P-3C	NAS Whidbey Island
VP-47		Golden Swordsmen	P-3C	MCAS Kaneohe Bay
VP-62		Broadarrows	P-3C	Reserve NAS Jacksonville
VP-69		Totems	P-3C	Reserve NAS Whidbey Island
VPU-2		Wizards	P-3C	MCAS Kaneohe Bay

Other

Some of these organizations are not technically "squadrons", however they have custody of and routinely fly Navy aircraft.

Blue Angels

Squadron Name	Insignia	Nickname	Aircraft	Notes
Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron		Blue Angels	F/A-18A/B/C/D C-130T	NAS Pensacola NAF El Centro
Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center		Strike U Topgun Topdome	F/A-18A/B/C/D/E/F F-16 E-2C MH-60S	NAS Fallon
Strike Fighter Weapons School Pacific			F/A-18	NAS Lemoore
Pacific Missile Range Facility			RC-26D	Barking Sands

Helicopter Squadrons

Helo Master Plan

US Navy helicopters are used for antisubmarine warfare, antisurface warfare, mine warfare, combat search and rescue, special operations, and vertical replenishment missions. The USN helicopter community, in accordance with the "Helicopter Master Plan", is currently undergoing a transformation to reduce costs and infrastructure. The plan calls for expanding warfighting capabilities, modernizing the force, necking down from eight to three aircraft types, and consolidating force structure where possible. This plan is also leading to the renaming of many squadrons.^[9] All Navy helicopter (or rotary wing) squadrons' informal names start with the letter "H".

Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron

The Mine Countermeasures Squadrons employ 28 total MH-53E Sea Dragon helicopters. The primary mission of the Sea Dragon is Airborne Mine Countermeasures (AMCM). The MH-53 can operate from carriers and other warships and is capable of towing a variety of mine hunting/sweeping countermeasures systems.^[10] The MH-53E Sea Dragon is also a capable heavy-lift asset, with three powerful turboshaft engines and a maximum take-off weight of 69,750 pounds (31,640 kg). This gives the Sea Dragon the capability to carry an impressive amount of cargo, personnel or equipment over long distances. The Sea Dragon remains in service as the Navy's only heavy-lift helicopter and only proven mine countermeasure platform. While not intended to specifically be the MH-53E's replacement, the U.S. Navy's largest-ever helicopter, the new Sikorsky CH-53K King Stallion, intended to start flying its evaluations in 2015, has an increased MTOW figure of some 84,700 lb (38,400 kg), some 14,950 lb (6,781 kg) heavier than the Sea Dragon.

An MH-53 delivers aid in Sumatra following the 2004 Tsunami.

Squadron Name	Insignia	Nickname	Aircraft	Notes
HM-12(2nd)		Sea Dragons	MH-53E	FRS NS Norfolk Established 1 Oct 2015
HM-14		Vanguard	MH-53E	NS Norfolk Established 12 May 1978
HM-15		Blackhawks	MH-53E	NS Norfolk Established 2 Jan 1987

Helicopter Sea Combat Squadrons

The Helicopter Sea Combat Squadrons combine the strike rescue and ASUW capability of the former Helicopter Anti-submarine squadrons (HS) and the at sea logistics capability of the former Helicopter Combat Support squadrons.^[11]

An MH-60S Knighthawk conducts vertical replenishment (VERTREP)

Squadron Name	Insignia	Nickname	Aircraft	Notes
HSC-2		Fleet Angels	MH-60S	Formerly HC-2(2nd) FRS NS Norfolk Established 1 Apr 1987
HSC-3		Merlins	MH-60S	Formerly HC-3 FRS NAS North Island Established 1 Sep 1967
HSC-4		Black Knights	MH-60S	Formerly HS-4 CVW-2 NAS North Island Established 30 Jun 1952
HSC-5		Nightdippers	MH-60S	Formerly HS-5 CVW-7 NS Norfolk Established 3 Jan 1956
HSC-6		Indians	MH-60S	Formerly HS-6 CVW-17 NAS North Island Established 1 Jun 1956
HSC-7		Dusty Dogs	MH-60S	Formerly HS-7(2nd) CVW-3 NS Norfolk Established 15 Dec 1969
HSC-8		Eightballers	MH-60S	Formerly HS-8(2nd) CVW-11 NAS North Island Established 1 Nov 1969
HSC-9		Tridents	MH-60S	Formerly HS-3 CVW-8 NS Norfolk Established 18 Jun 1952
HSC-11		Dragon Slayers	MH-60S	Formerly HS-11 CVW-1 NS Norfolk Established 27 Jun 1957
HSC-12		Golden Falcons	MH-60S	Formerly HS-2 CVW-5 NAF Atsugi Established 7 Mar 1952
HSC-14		Chargers	MH-60S	Formerly HS-14 CVW-9 NAS North Island Established 10 Jul 1984
HSC-15		Red Lions	MH-60S	Formerly HS-15 NAS North Island Established 29 Oct 1971
HSC-21		Blackjacks	MH-60S	Formerly HC-11 Expeditionary NAS North Island Established 1 Oct 1977
HSC-22		Sea Knights	MH-60S	Expeditionary NS Norfolk Established 29 Sep 2006
HSC-23		Wild Cards	MH-60S	Expeditionary NAS North Island Established 29 Sep 2006
HSC-25		Island Knights	MH-60S	Formerly HC-5(2nd) Expeditionary Andersen AFB Established 3 Feb 1984
HSC-26		Chargers	MH-60S	Formerly HC-6 Expeditionary NS Norfolk Established 1 Sep 1967
HSC-28		Dragon Whales	MH-60S	Formerly HC-8 Expeditionary NS Norfolk Established 3 Dec 1984
HSC-85		Fire Hawks	HH-60H	Formerly HS-85, HC-85 Expeditionary (USNR) NAS North Island Established 1 Jul 1970

Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadrons

An MH-60R prepares to conduct sonar dip operations.

Helicopter Maritime Strike squadrons operate the MH-60R Seahawk. The first operational fleet squadron to receive the Romeo was HSM-71 in fiscal year 2008. The new squadron designation was created to reflect the MH-60Rs multi-mission capabilities.^[12]

Squadron Name	Insignia	Nickname	Aircraft	Notes
HSM-35		Magicians	MH-60R, MQ-8B	Expeditionary NAS North Island Established May 2, 2013.[13]
HSM-37		Easyriders	MH-60R	Formerly HSL-37 Expeditionary MCAS Kanehoe Bay Established 3 Jul 1975
HSM-40		Airwolves	MH-60R	Formerly HSL-40 FRS NS Mayport Established 4 Oct 1985
HSM-41		Seahawks	MH-60R	Formerly HSL-41 FRS NAS North Island Established 21 Jan 1983
HSM-46		Grandmasters	MH-60R	Formerly HSL-46 Expeditionary NS Mayport Established 7 Apr 1988
HSM-48		Vipers	MH-60R	Formerly HSL-48 Expeditionary NS Mayport Established 7 Sep 1989
HSM-49		Scorpions	MH-60R	Formerly HSL-49 Expeditionary NAS North Island Established 23 Mar 1990
HSM-51		Warlords	MH-60R	Formerly HSL-51 Expeditionary NAF Atsugi Established 1 Oct 1991
HSM-60		Jaguars	MH-60R	Formerly HSL-60 Expeditionary (USNR) NAS Jacksonville Established 1 April 2001
HSM-70		Spartans	MH-60R	CVW-8 NAS Jacksonville Established 12 Feb 2009
HSM-71		Raptors	MH-60R	CVW-9 NAS North Island Established 1 Mar 2012
HSM-72		Proud Warriors	MH-60R	Formerly HSL-42 CVW-7 NAS Jacksonville Established 5 Oct 1984
HSM-73		Battle Cats	MH-60R	Formerly HSL-43 CVW-17 NAS North Island Established 5 Oct 1984
HSM-74		Swamp Fox	MH-60R	Formerly HSL-44 CVW-3 NAS Jacksonville Established 21 Aug 1986
HSM-75		Wolfpack	MH-60R	Formerly HSL-45 CVW-11 NAS North Island Established 3 Oct 1986
HSM-77		Saberhawks	MH-60R	Formerly HSL-47 CVW-5 NAF Atsugi First LAMPS squadron deployment aboard carrier[14] Established 25 Sep 1987
HSM-78		Blue Hawks	MH-60R	CVW-2 NAS North Island Established 1 Mar 2012
HSM-79		Griffins	MH-60R	CVW pending NAS North Island Established 2 Jun 2016
HSMWSL		Talons	MH-60R	HSM Weapons School Atlantic NS Mayport
HSMWSP		Honey Badgers	MH-60R	HSM Weapons School Pacific NAS North Island

Training Squadrons

Fixed Wing Training Squadrons

There are three types of fixed wing training squadrons - Primary, Intermediate, and Advanced - that train Student Naval Aviators to become United States Naval Aviators and Naval Flight Officers in the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. Navy training aircraft are typically painted orange and white, the exception are the T-6As flown by TRAWING Six. The T-6As were procured along with the USAF's T-6As and are painted in the same blue and white color scheme as the USAF's T-6As.

T-6B Texan II

T-45 Goshawk

T-44 Pegasus

Squadron Name	Insignia	Nickname	Aircraft	Notes
VT-2		Doerbirds	T-6B	Formerly Basic Training Group-2 (BTG-2) Re-designated VT-2 on 1 May 1960 Primary TRAWING 5, NAS Whiting Field
VT-3		Red Knights	T-6B	Formerly BTG-3 Re-designated VT-3 on 1 May 1960 Primary TRAWING 5, NAS Whiting Field
VT-4		Warbucks	Multi-Crew Simulator	Formerly BTG-9 Re-designated VT-4 on 1 May 1960 (Inactive Dec 2010 - Jun 2013) NFO Advanced MPA, TACAMO, AEW TRAWING 6, NAS Pensacola
VT-6		Shooters	T-6B	Formerly Multi-Engine Training Group (METG) Established 1 Jul 56, redesig to VT-6 on 1 May 1960 Primary TRAWING 5, NAS Whiting Field
VT-7		Eagles	T-45C	Formerly BTG-7 Established 1 Jun 58, redesig to VT-7 on 1 Jul 1960 Intermediate Tailhook, Advanced Jet TRAWING 1, NAS Meridian
VT-9 (2nd)		Tigers	T-45C	Formerly VT-19 Established 2 Aug 71, redesig to VT-9 on 1 Oct 1998 (2nd Training Squadron desig VT-9) Intermediate Tailhook, Advanced Jet TRAWING 1, NAS Meridian
VT-10		Wildcats	T-6A	Formerly Basic Naval Aviation Officer (BNAO) school Established Jun 1960, redesig to VT-10 on 15 Jan 1968 NFO Primary/Intermediate TRAWING 6, NAS Pensacola
VT-21		Redhawks	T-45C	Formerly Advanced Training Unit-202 (ATU-202) Established Apr 1951, redesig VT-21 on 1 May 1960 Intermediate Tailhook, Advanced Jet TRAWING 2, NAS Kingsville
VT-22		Golden Eagles	T-45C	Formerly ATU-6, Jet Transitional Training Unit-1 (JTTU-1), ATU-3, ATU-212 Established 13 Jun 1949, redesig VT-22 on 1 May 1960 Intermediate Tailhook, Advanced Jet TRAWING 2, NAS Kingsville
VT-27		Boomers	T-6B	Formerly ATU-B, ATU-402 Established 11 Jul 1951, redesig VT-27 on 1 Jul 1960 Primary TRAWING 4, NAS Corpus Christi
VT-28		Rangers	T-6B	Formerly ATU-611 Re-designated to VT-28 on 1 May 1960 Primary TRAWING 4, NAS Corpus Christi
VT-31		Wise Owls	T-44A/C	Formerly ATU-601 Established Feb 1958, redesig VT-31 on 1 May 1960 Advanced Multi-engine TRAWING 4, NAS Corpus Christi
VT-35		Stingrays	TC-12B	Advanced Multi-engine Established 29 Oct 1999 TRAWING 4, NAS Corpus Christi
VT-86		Sabrehawks	T-45C	NFO Advanced Jet Established 5 Jun 1972 TRAWING 6, NAS Pensacola

Helicopter Training Squadrons

The United States Navy's Helicopter Training Squadrons provide advanced helicopter flight instruction to all Navy, US Marine Corps, and United States Coast Guard helicopter flight students as well as international students from several allied nations after completion of primary flight training in one of the VT squadrons. Students who successfully complete the program earn the right to wear the coveted "Wings of Gold."^[15] and will receive orders to their selected aircraft's FRS.

TH-57 training helicopter from HT-8 makes a landing aboard the Navy Helicopter Landing Trainer (HLT) IX-514

Squadron Name	Insignia	Nickname	Aircraft	Notes
HT-8		Eightballers	TH-57B/C	Formerly HTU-1, HTG-1 TRAWING 5 NAS Whiting Field Established 3 Dec 1950
HT-18		Vigilant Eagles	TH-57B/C	TRAWING 5 NAS Whiting Field Established 1 Mar 1972
HT-28		Hellions	TH-57B/C	TRAWING 5 NAS Whiting Field Established 2 May 2007

UAV Squadrons

Fleet Composite squadrons' primary missions include providing fixed wing and helicopter services to the Fleet in support of the United States and Allied operational training exercises and operating the Navy's only operational Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). This aircraft is utilized primarily in reconnaissance missions. Tactical employment of this unique asset primarily supports both Battle Group deployments and Amphibious Warfare Operations.^[16]

Unmanned Reconnaissance Helicopter Squadrons

The Unmanned Reconnaissance Helicopter Squadrons' mission is to support Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance demands for conventional forces and special forces. They will be used by HSM and HSC Expeditionary detachments to support Littoral Combat Ship operations and will also be used by unmanned detachments on other aviation capable navy ships.^[17] The aviation platforms will consist of the MQ-8B, flown by SH-60 aviators, and the MQ-8C Fire-X, flown by enlisted operators.^[18]

A US Navy MQ-8B with the BRITE Star II electro-optical/infrared payload at Webster Field, NAS Patuxent River, Maryland

Squadron Name	Insignia	Nickname	Aircraft	Notes
HUQ-1	TBD	TBD	MQ-8	FRS[17] NAS North Island

Unmanned Patrol Squadrons

Unmanned maritime patrol aircraft are used for Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance.

MQ-4C Triton.

Squadron Name	Insignia	Nickname	Aircraft	Notes
VUP-11	TBD	TBD	MQ-4C Triton	To be established in 2015[19]
VUP-19	TBD	Big Red	MQ-4C Triton	NAS Jacksonville NAS Point Mugu (detachment) To be established in 2014[20]

Test and Evaluation

Test and Evaluation squadrons test everything from basic aircraft flying qualities to advanced aerodynamics. VX-1 and VX-9 report to the Commander, Operational Test and Evaluation Force (OPTEVFOR).

VX-23 jets.

Squadron Name	Insignia	Nickname	Aircraft	Notes
USN Test Pilot School			Various	NAS Patuxent River
VX-1		Pioneers	P-3C MH-60R MH-60S SH-60F EP-3E E-6B KC-130J E-2C RQ-4 P-8A	Evaluation of airborne anti-submarine warfare and maritime anti-surface warfare weapons NAS Patuxent River[21]
VXS-1		Warlocks	P-3 C-12	formerly NRL's Flight Support Detachment Scientific Development NAS Patuxent River[21]
VX-9		Vampires	F/A-18A/A+/A++/B/C/D/E/F EA-18G	Operational Weapons Test NAWS China Lake
VX-20		Force	E-2C P-3C C-130 C-2A E-6B T-34C	Force Warfare Aircraft Test NAS Patuxent River[22]
HX-21		Blackjack	AH-1Z UH-1Y MH-60R MH-60S MV-22B AH-1W UH-1N VH-3A CH-53E TH-57C SH-60F	Rotary Wing Aircraft Test NAS Patuxent River[23]
VX-23		Salty Dogs	F-35B/C F/A-18A/A+/A++/B/C/D/E/F EA-6B EA-18G T-45	Strike Aircraft Test NAS Patuxent River
VX-30		Bloodhounds	C-130 P-3 All Variants S-3B F/A-18A/A+/A++/B/C/D/E/F	Weapons Test NAS Point Mugu
VX-31		Dust Devils	F/A-18A/A+/A++/B/C/D/E/F EA-18G NEA-18G P-3 C-130 AV-8 TAV-8B T-39 AH-1Z UH-1Y and other variants	Weapons Test NAWS China Lake

See also

• Naval aviation
• List of inactive United States Navy aircraft squadrons
• Modern US Navy carrier air operations
• List of military aircraft of the United States (naval) / List of US Naval aircraft
• United States Naval Aviator
• Naval Flight Officer
• United States Marine Corps Aviation
• NATOPS

References

1. "EA-18G Growler electronic warfare aircraft". USN Fact File. United States Navy.
2. "US Navy retires Prowler electronic attack aircraft after close to 45 years' service - IHS Jane's 360". www.janes.com. Retrieved 2015-07-04.
3. "E-2 Hawkeye early warning and control aircraft". USN Fact File. United States Navy. 5 February 2009. Retrieved 2014-10-20.
4. http://www.cnas.org/sites/default/files/publications-pdf/CNAS_CarrierAirWing_white.pdf
5. http://www.gao.gov/assets/250/243745.pdf
6. A, C, and E models are single seat. B, D, and F models are two seat.
7. "F/A-18 Hornet strike fighter". USN Fact File. United States Navy.
8. "E-6B Airborne Command Post (ABNCP)". United States Strategic Command.
9. "The Helicopter Master Plan". Federation of American Scientists.
10. "MH-53E Sea Dragon". USN Fact File. United States Navy.
11. "Helicopter Sea Combat Wing, Pacific COMHELSEACOMBATWINGPAC". Global Security.
12. All existing Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadrons (Light) (HSL) transitioned to Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadrons. "MH-60R Seahawk". USN Fact File. United States Navy.
13. London, Christina. "Navy Drone Squadron First of Its Kind." NBC San Diego, 3 May 2013.
14. Utz, Curtis A; Mark L Evans; Dale J Gordon (July–August 2005). "The Year in Review 2004" (PDF). Naval Aviation News. United States Navy: 37.
15. "Helicopter Training Squadron 8". Global Security.
16. "Fleet Composite Squadron SIX". U.S. Navy. Global Security.
17. OPNAV Notice 5400. 14 August 2012
18. Stewart, Joshua. "New squadron to deploy, train unmanned helicopter pilots." Navy Times. 30 August 2012.
19. Burgess, Richard. B. Seapower Magazine. "Navy Plans for Poseidon Crew Control of Triton UAV." August 13, 2013. http://www.seapowermagazine.org/stories/20130813-triton.html.
20. Stewart, Joshua. "UAV squadron to stand up Oct. 1; 1st since 2007." February 5, 2013. http://www.armytimes.com/article/20130205/NEWS/302050316/.
21. "Naval Air Station Patuxent River Base Guide". DCMilitary.com. Comprint Military Publications. 2008-08-12. Retrieved 2008-12-01.
22. "VX-20 Aircraft Platforms". Air Test and Evaluation Squadron TWO ZERO. United States Navy. 2006-06-10. Archived from the original on August 28, 2009. Retrieved 2008-12-01.
23. Carlson, Ted (Spring 2005). "HX-21 - Blackjack". Wings of Gold. Association of Naval Aviation. Retrieved 2008-12-01.