List of United States Navy aircraft squadrons

This is a list of active 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 composed of several aircraft (from as few as about four to as many as about a dozen), the officers who fly them, the officers and sailors who maintain them and administrative support officers and sailors. Some of the units listed in this article 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[]

Active duty squadrons are typically Time 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[]

Squadrons can be categorized in a number of ways: Active versus Navy Reserve, land-based versus sea-based, fixed wing versus rotary wing (helicopter) versus Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), and by mission. Unlike the USAF, US Army, and USMC, the US Navy does not refer to organizations such as maintenance (though US Navy aircraft squadrons do include their own organic maintenance departments), medical, administrative or other units as "squadrons". In the US Navy a squadron is a unit of aircraft, ships, submarines or boats. There are two exceptions: Tactical Air Control Squadrons (TACRON) consists of personnel specialized in the control of aircraft in support of amphibious operations; and the operating units of Naval Special Warfare Development Group colloquially known as "SEAL Team SIX", are called "squadrons" named by color (these squadrons are the organizational equivalent of a "regular" SEAL Team). This article concerns US Navy aircraft 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.

Squadron designations[]

Navy aircraft squadrons can be properly referred to by designation or nickname. A squadron's designation describes its mission and therefore generally the type of aircraft it flies.

• The Formal form designation (e.g., Strike Fighter Squadron EIGHT SIX) indicates the mission.
  • A subset of the formal form designation is a Navy acronym format in capital letters, e.g., STKFITRON EIGHT SIX
• The abbreviated designation (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".

A single squadron can carry a number of designations through its existence. Chief Of Naval Operations Instruction (OPNAVINST) 5030.4G governs the squadron designation system. A squadron comes into existence when it is "established". Upon establishment it receives a designation, for example Patrol Squadron ONE or "VP-1". During the life of the squadron it may be "redesignated" one or more times, the Navy's oldest currently active squadron is VFA-14 and it has been redesignated 15 times since it was established in 1919. Over the history of U. S. Naval Aviation there have been many designations which have been used multiple times (re-used) resulting in multiple unrelated squadrons bearing the same designation at different times. A full description of the history and use of aircraft squadron designations along with the rules governing the lineages of U. S. Navy aircraft squadrons can be found at List of Inactive United States Navy aircraft squadrons.^[1]

Fixed Wing Squadrons[]

Navy fixed wing squadron designations start with the letter "V" because in 1920 with issuance of General Order 541, two overall types of aircraft were identified and assigned permanent letters; lighter than air types were identified by the letter Z and heavier than air types by the letter V.^[2] The use of letter abbreviations for squadrons was promulgated in the "Naval Aeronautic Organization for Fiscal Year 1923" which is the first known record associating the abbreviated Aircraft Class Designations (V-heavier than air, Z-lighter than air, and letters designating role) with abbreviated squadron designations.^[3] In 1948 the Navy established its first two operational helicopter squadrons designating them as Helicopter Utility Squadrons. It departed from the established "V" heavier than air and "Z" lighter than air system and instead gave them the designation "HU" (H-Helicopter, U-Utility). From that point on heavier than air squadrons which flew rotary wing aircraft were designated with the first letter of "H" while heavier than air squadrons flying fixed wing aircraft retained the original heavier than air "V" then associating the "V" only with fixed wing squadrons. There were two exceptions during the history of Naval Aviation that violated the rule, they were; the use of "RVAH" to denote Reconnaissance Attack Squadrons which operated the RA-5C Vigilante during the 1960s and 1970s and the use of "RVAW" from 1967 to 1983 to designate the Airborne Early Warning (VAW) Fleet Replacement Squadrons.

Electronic Attack (VAQ)[]

The VAQ designation was established in 1968 to designate "Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron".^[4] On 30 March 1998 the name of the designation was changed to "Electronic Attack Squadron"^[5] and all VAQ squadrons then in existence were renamed from "Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron-____" to "Electronic Attack Squadron-____".

Electronic Attack Squadrons consists of seven Boeing EA-18G Growlers with the exception of the Fleet Replacement Squadron which has more. 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, WA. The exception is VAQ-141, which is forward deployed to MCAS Iwakuni, Japan.^[6]

Note: The parenthetical (Second use) and (2nd) appended to some designations in the table below are not a part of the squadron designation system. They are added to indicate that the designation was used more than once during the history of U.S. Naval Aviation to designate a squadron and that these were the second use of that designation.

Squadron Designation	Insignia	Nickname	Aircraft[7]	Operational Commander [a]	Administrative Commander [a]	Squadron Lineage[5]	Notes
VAQ-129		Vikings	EA-18G	Commander, Electronic Attack Wing Pacific	Commander, Electronic Attack Wing Pacific	VAH-10: 1 May 1961-1 Sep 1970 VAQ-129: 1 Sep 1970–present	Fleet Replacement Squadron based at NAS Whidbey Island
VAQ-130		Zappers	EA-18G	Commander, Carrier Air Wing THREE	Commander, Electronic Attack Wing Pacific	VAW-13: 1 Sep 1959-1 Oct 1968 VAQ-130: 1 Oct 1968–present	Homeport NAS Whidbey Island
VAQ-131		Lancers	EA-18G	Commander, Carrier Air Wing EIGHT	Commander, Electronic Attack Wing Pacific	VP-920: 1 May 1946-15 Nov 1946 VP-ML-70: 15 Nov 1946-Feb 1950 VP-931: Feb 1950-4 Feb 1953 VP-57: 4 Feb 1953-3 Jul 1956 VAH-4: 3 Jul 1956-1 Nov 1968 VAQ-131: 1 Nov 1968–present	Homeport NAS Whidbey Island USNR squadron VP-931 was activated on 2 Sep 1950 for participation in the Korean War[5]
VAQ-132		Scorpions	EA-18G	Commander, Electronic Attack Wing Pacific	Commander, Electronic Attack Wing Pacific	VAH-2: 1 Nov 1955-1 Nov 1968 VAQ-132: 1 Nov 1968–present	Homeport NAS Whidbey Island Expeditionary Squadron
VAQ-133 (Second use)		Wizards	EA-18G	Commander, Carrier Air Wing NINE	Commander, Electronic Attack Wing Pacific	VAQ-133(2nd): 1 Apr 1996–present	Homeport NAS Whidbey Island There was an earlier squadron designated VAQ-133 also called the "Wizards" which existed from 4 Mar 1969 to Jun 1992
VAQ-134		Garudas	EA-18G	Commander, Electronic Attack Wing Pacific	Commander, Electronic Attack Wing Pacific	VAQ-134: 17 Jun 1969–present	Homeport NAS Whidbey Island Expeditionary Squadron
VAQ-135		Black Ravens	EA-18G	Commander, Electronic Attack Wing Pacific	Commander, Electronic Attack Wing Pacific	VAQ-135: 15 May 1969 – present	Homeport NAS Whidbey Island Expeditionary Squadron
VAQ-136		Gauntlets	EA-18G	Commander, Carrier Air Wing TWO	Commander, Electronic Attack Wing Pacific	VAQ-136: 6 Apr 1973–present	Homeport NAS Whidbey Island
VAQ-137 (Second use)		Rooks	EA-18G	Commander, Carrier Air Wing ONE	Commander, Electronic Attack Wing Pacific	VAQ-137(2nd): 1 Oct 1996–present	Homeport NAS Whidbey Island There was an earlier squadron designated VAQ-137 also called the "Rooks" which existed from 14 Dec 1973 to 26 May 1994
VAQ-138		Yellowjackets	EA-18G	Commander, Electronic Attack Wing Pacific	Commander, Electronic Attack Wing Pacific	VAQ-138: 27 Feb 1976–present	Homeport NAS Whidbey Island Expeditionary Squadron
VAQ-139		Cougars	EA-18G	Commander, Carrier Air Wing SEVENTEEN	Commander, Electronic Attack Wing Pacific	VAQ-139: 1 Jul 1983–present	Homeport NAS Whidbey Island
VAQ-140		Patriots	EA-18G	Commander, Carrier Air Wing SEVEN	Commander, Electronic Attack Wing Pacific	VAQ-140: 1 Oct 1985–present	Homeport NAS Whidbey Island
VAQ-141		Shadowhawks	EA-18G	Commander, Carrier Air Wing FIVE	Commander, Electronic Attack Wing Pacific	VAQ-141: 1 Jul 1987–present	Forward deployed to MCAS Iwakuni, Japan
VAQ-142 (Second use)		Gray Wolves	EA-18G	Commander, Carrier Air Wing ELEVEN	Commander, Electronic Attack Wing Pacific	VAQ-142(2nd): 1 Apr 1997–present	Homeport NAS Whidbey Island There was an earlier squadron designated VAQ-142 called the "Grim Watchdogs" which existed from 1 Jun 1988 to March 1991
VAQ-209		Star Warriors	EA-18G	Commander, Tactical Support Wing	Commander, Tactical Support Wing	VAQ-209: 1 Oct 1977–present	U.S. Navy Reserve Squadron Homeport NAS Whidbey Island

Airborne Command & Control (VAW)[]

The VAW designation was first created in July 1948 with the establishment of VAW-1 and VAW-2 to designate "Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron".^[8] It was in use for only one month as in August 1948 VAW-1 and VAW-2 were redesignated "Composite Squadron" VC-11 and VC-12. In 1948 the VAW designation was resurrected^[8] when VC-11 and VC-12 were redesignated VAW-11 and VAW-12. In 1967, VAW-11 and VAW-12 which were large land based squadrons that provided detachments of Airborne Early Warning aircraft to deploying Carrier Air Wings were redesignated as wings and each of their detachments were established as separate squadrons. Established from VAW-11 were RVAW-110 (a FRS), VAW-111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116 and established from VAW-12 were RVAW-120 (a FRS), VAW-121, 122, 123.^[9] In 2019, the VAW designation was renamed from Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron to Airborne Command and Control squadron and all VAW squadrons were renamed “Airborne Command & Control Squadron XXX” while retaining the VAW designation.

Each Carrier Airborne Command and Control squadron consists of four E-2C or five E-2D Hawkeyes except for the Fleet Replacement Squadron which has more. Transition to the E-2D Hawkeye is in progress and should be complete by 2025. 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.^[10]

When not deployed, they are home-ported at either Naval Station Norfolk, VA or Naval Air Station Point Mugu, CA. The exception is VAW-125, which is forward deployed to MCAS Iwakuni, Japan.

Squadron Designation	Insignia	Nickname	Aircraft	Operational Commander [a]	Administrative Commander [a]	Squadron Lineage[5]	Notes
VAW-113		Black Eagles	E-2D	Commander, Carrier Air Wing TWO	Commander, Airborne Command, Control, Logistics Wing	VAW-113: 20 Apr 1967–present	Homeport NAS Pt. Mugu Established from a detachment of VAW-11
VAW-115		Liberty Bells	E-2C	Commander, Carrier Air Wing ELEVEN	Commander, Airborne Command, Control, Logistics Wing	VAW-115: 20 Apr 1967–present	Homeport NAS Pt. Mugu Established from a detachment of VAW-11
VAW-116		Sun Kings	E-2C	Commander, Carrier Air Wing SEVENTEEN	Commander, Airborne Command, Control, Logistics Wing	VAW-116: 20 Apr 1967–present	Homeport NAS Pt. Mugu Established from a detachment of VAW-11
VAW-117		Wallbangers	E-2D	Commander, Carrier Air Wing NINE	Commander, Airborne Command, Control, Logistics Wing	VAW-117: 1 Jul 1974–present	Homeport NAS Pt. Mugu
VAW-120		Grey Hawks	E-2C E-2D C-2A	Commander, Airborne Command, Control, Logistics Wing	Commander, Airborne Command, Control, Logistics Wing	RVAW-120: 1 Jul 1967-1 May 1983 VAW-120: 1 May 1983 – present	Fleet Replacement Squadron based at NS Norfolk RVAW-120 established from VAW-12
VAW-121		Blue Tails	E-2D	Commander, Carrier Air Wing SEVEN	Commander, Airborne Command, Control, Logistics Wing	VAW-121: 1 Apr 1967–present	Homeport NS Norfolk Established from a detachment of VAW-12
VAW-123		Screwtops	E-2C	Commander, Carrier Air Wing THREE	Commander, Airborne Command, Control, Logistics Wing	VAW-123: 1 Apr 1967–present	Homeport NS Norfolk Established from a detachment of VAW-12
VAW-124		Bear Aces	E-2C	Commander, Carrier Air Wing EIGHT	Commander, Airborne Command, Control, Logistics Wing	VAW-124: 1 Sep 1967–present	Homeport NS Norfolk
VAW-125		Tigertails	E-2D	Commander, Carrier Air Wing FIVE	Commander, Airborne Command, Control, Logistics Wing	VAW-125: 1 Oct 1968–present	Forward deployed to MCAS Iwakuni Japan
VAW-126		Seahawks	E-2D	Commander, Carrier Air Wing ONE	Commander, Airborne Command, Control, Logistics Wing	VAW-126: 1 Apr 1969–present	Homeport NS Norfolk

Strike Fighter (VFA)[]

The VFA designation was created in 1980 to designate "Fighter Attack Squadron". The designation was assigned to squadrons equipped with the new F/A-18A Hornet fighter attack aircraft. In 1983 the designation was changed to "Strike Fighter Squadron"^[4] and all VFA squadrons in existence at the time were renamed from "Fighter Attack Squadron-___" to "Strike Fighter Squadron-___". An active component Strike Fighter Squadron consists of either ten or twelve F/A-18E single seat Super Hornets, twelve F/A-18F two seat Super Hornets^[11] or ten F-35C Lightning IIs.^[12][13] There is one reserve component VFA squadron equipped with the F/A-18C Hornet. Training squadrons (known as Fleet Replacement Squadrons) have many more aircraft. The Hornet and Super Hornet are all-weather aircraft used for attack and fighter missions. In fighter mode, they are used as a fighter escort and for fleet air defense; in attack mode, they are used for force projection, interdiction and close and deep air support. The Hornet and Super Hornet are also used for SEAD and the Super Hornet for aerial refueling.

The F-35C is a fifth-generation strike fighter that was originally planned to replace the F/A-18C Hornet, but expiring F/A-18C service life and delays in F-35C procurement forced the Navy to increase its buy of F/A-18E and F Super Hornets to replace F/A-18C Hornets while awaiting the arrival of the F-35C. The last active component F/A-18C Hornet squadron began its transition to the super hornet in February 2019, leaving only a single reserve component F/A-18C Hornet squadron. The first deployable squadron to transition to the F-35C was a Super Hornet squadron. Ultimately each Carrier Air Wing will be equipped with two Super Hornet squadrons and two F-35C squadrons.

VFA squadrons are home-ported at NAS Lemoore, CA or NAS Oceana, VA when not deployed, except for the squadrons of CVW-5 (which are forward deployed to MCAS Iwakuni, Japan).

Note: The parenthetical (1st), (2nd), (3rd) etc... appended to some designations in the lineage column of table below are not a part of the squadron designation system. They are added to indicate that the designation was used more than once during the history of U.S. Naval Aviation and which use of the designation is indicated. Absence indicates that the designation was used only once.

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

Squadron Designation	Insignia	Nickname	Aircraft	Operational Commander [a]	Administrative Commander [a]	Squadron Lineage[5]	Notes
VFA-2		Bounty Hunters	F/A-18F	Commander, Carrier Air Wing TWO	Commander, Strike Fighter Wing Pacific	VF-2(5th): 14 Oct 1942-21 Jul 2003 VFA-2: 21 Jul 2003–present	Homeport NAS Lemoore
VFA-11		Red Rippers	F/A-18F	Commander, Carrier Air Wing ONE	Commander, Strike Fighter Wing Atlantic	VF-43(4th): 1 Sep 1950-16 Feb 1959 VF-11(3rd): 16 Feb 1959–18 Oct 2005 VFA-11: 18 Oct 2005–present	Second "Red Rippers" squadron Homeport NAS Oceana
VFA-14		Tophatters	F/A-18E	Commander, Carrier Air Wing NINE	Commander, Strike Fighter Wing Pacific	Air Det Pac Flt: Sep 1919-15 Jun 1920 VT-5(1st): 15 Jun 1920-7 Sep 1921 VP-1-4: 7 Dec 1921–23 Sep 1921 VF-4(1st) 23 Sep 1921-1 Jul 1922 VF-1(1st): 1 Jul 1922-1 Jul 1927 VF-1B(1st): 1 Jul 1927-1 Jul 1934 VB-2B: 1 Jul 1934-1 Jul 1937 VB-3: 1 Jul 1937-1 Jul 1939 VB-4: 1 Jul 1939–15 Mar 1941 VS-41(2nd): 15 Mar 1941-1 Mar 1943 VB-41: 1 Mar 1943-4 Aug 1943 VB-4: 4 Aug 1943–15 Nov 1946 VA-1A: 15 Nov 1946-2 Aug 1948 VA-14: 2 Aug 1948–15 Dec 1949 VF-14(2nd): 15 Dec 1949-1 Dec 2001 VFA-14: 1 Dec 2001–present	Homeport NAS Lemoore Oldest currently active aircraft squadron in the U. S. Navy
VFA-22		Fighting Redcocks	F/A-18F	Commander, Carrier Air Wing SEVENTEEN	Commander, Strike Fighter Wing Pacific	VF-63: 28 Jul 1948-Mar 1956 VA-63: Mar 1956-1 Jul 1959 VA-22: 1 Jul 1959-4 May 1990 VFA-22: 4 May 1990 – present	Homeport NAS Lemoore
VFA-25		Fist of the Fleet	F/A-18E	Commander, Carrier Air Wing Eleven	Commander, Strike Fighter Wing Pacific	VT-17: 1 Jan 1943-15 Nov 1946 VA-6B: 15 Nov 1946–27 Jul 1948 VA-65(1st): 27 Jul 1948-1 Jul 1959 VA-25(2nd): 1 Jul 1959-1 Jul 1983 VFA-25: 1 Jul 1983–present	Homeport NAS Lemoore
VFA-27		Royal Maces	F/A-18E	Commander, Carrier Air Wing FIVE	Commander, Strike Fighter Wing Pacific	VA-27: 1 Sep 1967-24 Jan 1991 VFA-27: 24 Jan 1991–present	Forward deployed to MCAS Iwakuni, Japan
VFA-31		Tomcatters	F/A-18E	Commander, Carrier Air Wing Eight	Commander, Strike Fighter Wing Atlantic	VF-1B(2nd): 1 Jul 1935-1 Jul 1937 VF-6(2nd): 1 Jul 1937–15 Jul 1943 VF-3(3rd): 15 Jul 1943–15 Nov 1946 VF-3A: 15 Nov 1946-7 Aug 1948 VF-31(2nd): 7 Aug 1948-1 Aug 2006 VFA-31: 1 Aug 2006–present	Second "Felix the Cat" squadron Homeport NAS Oceana
VFA-32		Swordsmen	F/A-18F	Commander, Carrier Air Wing THREE	Commander, Strike Fighter Wing Atlantic	VBF-3: 1 Feb 1945-15 Nov 1946 VF-4A: 15 Nov 1946-7 Aug 1948 VF-32(2nd): 7 Aug 1948-1 Aug 2006 VFA-32: 1 Aug 2006–present	Homeport NAS Oceana
VFA-34		Blue Blasters	F/A-18E	Commander, Carrier Air Wing One	Commander, Strike Fighter Wing Atlantic	VA-34(3rd): 1 Jan 1970-30 Aug 1996 VFA-34: 30 Aug 1996–present	Homeport NAS Oceana Was the last active component F/A-18C Hornet squadron. Began transition to F/A-18E in Feb 2019
VFA-37		Ragin Bulls	F/A-18E	Commander, Carrier Air Wing EIGHT	Commander, Strike Fighter Wing Atlantic	VA-37: 1 Jul 1967-28 Nov 1990 VFA-37: 28 Nov 1990–present	Homeport NAS Oceana
VFA-41		Black Aces	F/A-18F	Commander, Carrier Air Wing NINE	Commander, Strike Fighter Wing Pacific	VF-41(4th): 1 Sep 1950-1 Dec 2001 VFA-41: 1 Dec 2001–present	Homeport NAS Lemoore
VFA-81		Sunliners	F/A-18E	Commander, Carrier Air Wing ONE	Commander, Strike Fighter Wing Atlantic	VA-66(1st): 1 Jul 1955-1 Jul 1955 VF-81(4th): 1 Jul 1955-1 Jul 1959 VA-81: 1 Jul 1959-4 Feb 1988 VFA-81: 4 Feb 1988–present	Homeport NAS Oceana Established 1 July 1955 as VA-66 and redesignated VF-81 on the same day
VFA-83		Rampagers	F/A-18E	Commander, Carrier Air Wing THREE	Commander, Strike Fighter Wing Atlantic	VF-916: 1 Feb 1951-4 Feb 1953 VF83(3rd): 4 Feb 1953-1 Jul 1955 VA-83: 1 Jul 1955-1 Mar 1988 VFA-83: 1 Mar 1988–present	Homeport NAS Oceana USNR squadron VF-916 activated on 1 Feb 1951 for the Korean War
VFA-86		Sidewinders	F/A-18E	Commander, Carrier Air Wing SEVEN	Commander, Strike Fighter Wing Pacific	VF-921: 1 Feb 1951-4 Feb 1953 VF-84(2nd): 4 Feb 1953-1 Jul 1955 VA-86(2nd): 1 Jul 1955–15 Jul 1987 VFA-86: 15 Jul 1987–present	Homeport NAS Lemoore USNR squadron VF-921 activated on 1 Feb 1951 for the Korean War
VFA-87		Golden Warriors	F/A-18E	Commander, Carrier Air Wing Eight	Commander, Strike Fighter Wing Atlantic	VA-87: 1 Feb 1968-May 1986 VFA-87: May 1986 – present	Homeport NAS Oceana
VFA-94		Mighty Shrikes	F/A-18F	Commander, Carrier Air Wing SEVENTEEN	Commander, Strike Fighter Wing Pacific	VF-94(2nd): 26 Mar 1952-1 Aug 1958 VA-94(2nd): 1 Aug 1958–24 Jan 1991 VFA-94: 24 Jan 1991–present	Homeport NAS Lemoore
VFA-97		Warhawks	transitioning to F-35C Lightning II	Commander, Carrier Air Wing Eleven	Commander, Strike Fighter Wing Pacific	VA-97: 1 Jun 1967-24 Jan 1991 VFA-97: 24 Jan 1991–present	Homeport NAS Lemoore
VFA-102		Diamondbacks	F/A-18F	Commander, Carrier Air Wing FIVE	Commander, Strike Fighter Wing Pacific	VA-36(2nd): 1 Jul 1955-1 Jul 1955 VF-102(2nd): 1 Jul 1955-1 May 2002 VFA-102: 1 May 2002 – present	Forward Deployed to MCAS Iwakuni, Japan Established 1 Jul 1955 as VA-36(2nd) and redesignated VF-102(2nd) on the same day
VFA-103		Jolly Rogers	F/A-18F	Commander, Carrier Air Wing SEVEN	Commander, Strike Fighter Wing Atlantic	VF-103: 1 May 1952-27 Apr 2006 VFA-103: 27 Apr 2006–present	Third "Jolly Roger" squadron Homeport NAS Oceana
VFA-105		Gunslingers	F/A-18E	Commander, Carrier Air Wing THREE	Commander, Strike Fighter Wing Atlantic	VA-105(2nd): 4 Mar 1968-17 Dec 1990 VFA-105:17 Dec 1990–present	Homeport NAS Oceana
VFA-106		Gladiators	F/A-18E, F/A-18F	Commander, Strike Fighter Wing Atlantic	Commander, Strike Fighter Wing Atlantic	VFA-106: 27 Apr 1984–present	Fleet Replacement Squadron based at NAS Oceana Adopted nickname and insignia of VA-106 which had been disestablished in 1969
VFA-113		Stingers	F/A-18E	Commander, Carrier Air Wing TWO	Commander, Strike Fighter Wing Pacific	VF-113: 15 Jul 1948-Mar 1959 VA-113: Mar 1956–25 Mar 1983 VFA-113: 25 Mar 1983–present	Homeport NAS Lemoore
VFA-115		Eagles	F/A-18E	Commander, Carrier Air Wing FIVE	Commander, Strike Fighter Wing Pacific	VT-11: 10 Oct 1942-15 Nov 1946 VA-12A: 15 Nov 1946–15 Jul 1948 VA-115: 15 Jul 1948–30 Sep 1996 VFA-115: 30 Sep 1996–present	Forward Deployed to MCAS Iwakuni, Japan
VFA-122		Flying Eagles	F/A-18E, F/A-18F	Commander, Strike Fighter Wing Pacific	Commander, Strike Fighter Wing Pacific	VFA-122: 1 Oct 1998–present	Fleet Replacement Squadron based at NAS Lemoore Adopted nickname and insignia of VA-122 which had been disestablished in 1991
VFA-125		Rough Raiders	center|F-35C	Commander, Joint Strike Fighter Wing	Commander, Joint Strike Fighter Wing	VFA-125: 13 Nov 1980–present (inactive 1 Oct 2010–12 Jan 2017)	Fleet Replacement Squadron based at NAS Lemoore Adopted nickname and insignia of VA-125 which had been disestablished in 1977 Deactivated on 1 Oct 2010 as a Hornet FRS and reactivated[1] as a F-35C FRS on 12 Jan 2017
VFA-131		Wild Cats	F/A-18E	Commander, Carrier Air Wing THREE	Commander, Strike Fighter Wing Atlantic	VFA-131: 3 Oct 1983–present	Homeport NAS Oceana
VFA-136		Knighthawks	F/A-18E	Commander, Carrier Air Wing Seven	Commander, Strike Fighter Wing Pacific	VFA-136: 1 Jul 1985–present	Homeport NAS Lemoore
VFA-137		Kestrels	F/A-18E	Commander, Carrier Air Wing SEVENTEEN	Commander, Strike Fighter Wing Pacific	VFA-137: 1 Jul 1985–present	Homeport NAS Lemoore
VFA-143		Pukin' Dogs	F/A-18E	Commander, Carrier Air Wing SEVEN	Commander, Strike Fighter Wing Atlantic	VF-871: 20 Jul 1950-4 Feb 1953 VF-123: 4 Feb 1953–12 Apr 1958 VF-53(3rd): 12 Apr 195-20 Jun 1962 VF-143(2nd): 20 Jun 1962–27 Apr 2006 VFA-143: 27 Apr 2006–present	Homeport NAS Oceana USNR squadron VF-871 activated on 20 Jul 1950 for the Korean War
VFA-146		Blue Diamonds	F/A-18E	Commander, Carrier Air Wing ELEVEN	Commander, Strike Fighter Wing Pacific	VA-146: 1 Feb 1956-21 Jul 1989 VFA-146: 21 Jul 1989–present	Homeport NAS Lemoore
VFA-147		Argonauts	F-35C	Commander, Carrier Air Wing TWO	Commander, Joint Strike Fighter Wing	VA-147: 1 Feb 1967-20 Jul 1989 VFA-147: 20 Jul 1989–present	Homeport NAS Lemoore First operational U.S. Navy F-35C squadron
VFA-151		Vigilantes	F/A-18E	Commander, Carrier Air Wing NINE	Commander, Strike Fighter Wing Pacific	VF-23(2nd): 6 Aug 1948-23 Feb 1959 VF-151(4th): 23 Feb 1959-1 Jun 1986 VFA-151: 1 Jun 1986–present	Homeport NAS Lemoore
VFA-154		Black Knights	F/A-18F	Commander, Carrier Air Wing ELEVEN	Commander, Strike Fighter Wing Pacific	VF-837: 1 Feb 1951-4 Feb 1953 VF-154: 4 Feb 1953-1 Oct 2003 VFA-154: 1 Oct 2003–present	Homeport NAS Lemoore USNR VF-837 activated on 1 Feb 1951 for the Korean War
VFA-192		Golden Dragons	F/A-18E	Commander, Carrier Air Wing TWO	Commander, Strike Fighter Wing Pacific	VF-153(1st): 26 Mar 1945-15 Nov 1946 VF-15A: 15 Nov 1946–15 Jul 1948 VF-151(2nd): 15 Jul 1948–15 Feb 1950 VF-192(2nd): 15 Feb 1950–15 Mar 1956 VA-192: 15 Mar 1956–10 Jan 1985 VFA-192: 10 Jan 1985–present	Homeport NAS Lemoore
VFA-195		Dambusters	F/A-18E	Commander, Carrier Air Wing FIVE	Commander, Strike Fighter Wing Pacific	VT-19: 15 Aug 1943-15 Nov 1946 VA-20A: 15 Nov 1946–24 Aug 1948 VA-195: 24 Aug 1948-1 Apr 1985 VFA-195: 1 Apr 1985–present	Forward Deployed to MCAS Iwakuni, Japan
VFA-204		River Rattlers	F/A-18C	Commander, Tactical Support Wing	Commander, Tactical Support Wing	VA-204: 1 Jul 1970-1 May 1991 VFA-204: 1 May 1991 – present	U S Navy Reserve Squadron Homeport NAS JRB New Orleans
VFA-211		Checkmates	F/A-18E	Commander, Carrier Air Wing ONE	Commander, Strike Fighter Wing Atlantic	VB-74: 1 May 1945-15 Nov 1946 VA-1B: 15 Nov 1946-1 Sep 1948 VA-24: 1 Sep 1948-1 Dec 1949 VF-24(2nd): 1 Dec 1949-9 Mar 1959 VF-211(2nd): 9 Mar 1959-1 Aug 2006 VFA-211: 1 Aug 2006–present	Homeport NAS Oceana
VFA-213		Black Lions	F/A-18F	Commander, Carrier Air Wing EIGHT	Commander, Strike Fighter Wing Atlantic	VF-213: 22 Jun 1955-1 Aug 2006 VFA-213: 1 Aug 2006–present	Homeport NAS Oceana

Fighter Squadron Composite (VFC)[]

The VFC designation was created in 1988 when two Fleet Composite (VC) squadrons which were dedicated adversary squadrons were redesignated to differentiate them from the remaining VC squadrons which fulfilled various miscellaneous or utility roles. In 2006 a third VFC squadron was established from what had become a permanent detachment of VFC-13. VFC squadrons provide adversary simulation for fleet squadrons. All VFC squadrons are Navy Reserve squadrons.

Two of the squadrons are based at NAS Fallon and NAS Key West to support fleet VFA squadron training at the extensive range complexes supported by those air stations. The third is based at NAS Oceana to support Strike Fighter Wing Atlantic squadron training.

Note: The parenthetical (2nd) and (3rd) appended to some designations in the lineage column of table below are not a part of the squadron designation system. They are added to indicate that the designation was used more than once during the history of U.S. Naval Aviation and which use of the designation is indicated. Absence indicates that the designation was used only once.

Squadron Designation	Insignia	Nickname	Aircraft	Operational and Administrative Commander [a]	Squadron Lineage[5]	Notes
VFC-12		Fighting Omars	F/A-18E/F	Commander, Tactical Support Wing	VC-12(3nd): 1 Sep 1973-22 Apr 1988 VFC-12: 22 Apr 1988–present	U S Navy Reserve Squadron Based at NAS Oceana
VFC-13		Saints	F-5F F-5N	Commander, Tactical Support Wing	VC-13(2nd): 1 Sep 1973-22 Apr 1988 VFC-13: 22 Apr 1988–present	U S Navy Reserve Squadron Based at NAS Fallon
VFC-111		Sundowners	F-5F F-5N	Commander, Tactical Support Wing	VFC-111: 1 Nov 2006–present	U S Navy Reserve Squadron Third "Sundowners" squadron Based at NAS Key West Adopted nickname and insignia of VF-111(3rd) which had been disestablished in 1995

Patrol (VP), Patrol Squadron Special Unit (VPU), Unmanned Patrol (VUP)[]

The VP designation is one of the oldest in the U. S. Navy and is the oldest designation currently in use. It first appeared in 1922 to designate "Seaplane Patrol Squadron" and from 1924 it has designated "Patrol Squadron".^[4] In 1982 the VPU Patrol Squadron Special Unit designation was created.^[4] 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.

In 2016 the first "Unmanned" Patrol Squadron (VUP) was established. VUP-19 operates the MQ-4C Triton unmanned air vehicle from an operations center located at NAS Jacksonville while its aircraft with aircraft maintenance personnel are deployed around the world as required. A second VUP squadron is programmed for establishment in 2018 with an operations center at NAS Whidbey Island.

When not deployed VP squadrons are home-ported at NAS Jacksonville, FL or NAS Whidbey Island, WA except for VPU-2 which is home-ported at MCAS Kaneohe Bay.

Note: The parenthetical (1st), (2nd), (3rd) and (First use), (Second use) etc... appended to some designations in the table below are not part of the squadron designation system. They are added to indicate that the designation was used more than once during the history of U.S. Naval Aviation and which use of the designation is indicated. Absence indicates that the designation was used only once.

Squadron Designation	Insignia	Nickname	Aircraft	Operational and Administrative Commander [a]	Squadron Lineage[5]	Notes
VP-1 (Fifth use)		Screaming Eagles	P-8A	Commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing TEN	VB-128: 15 Feb 1943-1 Oct 1944 VPB-128: 1 Oct 1944–15 May 1946 VP-128: 15 May 1946–15 Nov 1946 VP-ML-1: 15 Nov 1946-1 Sep 1948 VP-1(5th): 1 Sep 1948–present	Homeport NAS Whidbey Island
VP-4 (Second use)		Skinny Dragons	P-8A	Commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing TEN	VB-144: 1 Jul 1943-1 Oct 1944 VPB-144: 1 Oct 1944–15 May 1946 VP-144: 15 May 1946–15 Nov 1946 VP-ML-4: 15 Nov 1946-1 Sep 1948 VP-4(2nd): 1 Sep 1948–present	Homeport NAS Whidbey Island
VP-5 (Second use)		Mad Foxes	P-8A	Commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing ELEVEN	VP-17F: 2 Jan 1937-1 Oct 1937 VP-17(1st): 1 Oct 1937-1 Jul 1939 VP-42(1st): 1 Jul 1939–15 Feb 1943 VB-135: 15 Feb 1943-1 Oct 1944 VPB-135: 1 Oct 1944–15 May 1946 VP-135: 15 May 1946–15 Nov 1946 VP-ML-5: 15 Nov 1946-1 Sep 1948 VP-5(2nd): 1 Sep 1948–present	Homeport NAS Jacksonville
VP-8 (Second use)		Tigers	P-8A	Commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing ELEVEN	VP-201: 1 Sep 1942-1 Oct 1944 VPB-201: 1 Oct 1944–15 May 1946 VP-201: 15 May 1946–15 Nov 1946 VP-MS-1: 15 Nov 1946-5 Jun 1947 VP-ML-8: 5 Jun 1947-1 Sep 1948 VP-8(2nd): 1 Sep 1948–present	Homeport NAS Jacksonville
VP-9 (Second use)		Golden Eagles	P-8A	Commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing TEN	VP-9(2nd): 15 Mar 1951–present	Homeport NAS Whidbey Island
VP-10 (Third use)		Red Lancers	P-8A	Commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing ELEVEN	VP-10(3rd): 19 Mar 1951–present	Homeport NAS Jacksonville
VP-16 (Third use)		War Eagles	P-8A	Commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing ELEVEN	VP-906: May 1946-15 Nov 1946 VP-ML-56: 15 Nov 1946-Feb 1950 VP-741: Feb 1959-4 Feb 1953: VP-16(3rd): 4 Feb 1953–present[14]	Homeport NAS Jacksonville USNR VP-741 activated on 1 May 1951 for the Korean War
VP-26 (Third use)		Tridents	P-8A	Commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing ELEVEN	VB-114: 26 Aug 1943-1 Oct 1944 VPB-114: 1 Oct 1944–15 May 1946 VP-114: 15 May 1946–15 Nov 1946 VP-HL-6: 15 Nov 1946-1 Sep 1948 VP-26(3rd): 1 Sep 1948–present	Homeport NAS Jacksonville
VP-30		Pro's Nest	P-3C P-8A	Commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Group	VP-30: 30 Jun 1960–present	Fleet Replacement Squadron based at NAS Jacksonville
VP-40 (Second use)		Fighting Marlins	P-8A	Commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing TEN	VP-40(2nd): 20 Jan 1951–present	Homeport NAS Whidbey Island
VP-45 (Third use)		Pelicans	P-8A	Commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing ELEVEN	VP-205(1st): 1 Nov 1942-1 Oct 1944 VPB-205: 1 Oct 1944–15 May 1946 VP-205(2nd): 15 May 1946–15 Nov 1946 VP-MS-5: 15 Nov 1946-1 Sep 1948 VP-45(3rd): 1 Sep 1948–present	Homeport NAS Jacksonville
VP-46		Grey Knights	P-8A	Commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing TEN	VP-5S: 1 Sep 1931-1 Apr 1933 VP-5F: 1 Apr 1933–1937 VP-5(1st): 1937-1 Jul 1939 VP-33(1st): 1 Jul 1939-1 Jul 1941 VP-32(2nd): 1 Jul 1941-1 Oct 1944 VPB-32: 1 Oct 1944–15 May 1946 VP-MS-6: 15 Nov 1946-1 Sep 1948 VP-46: 1 Sep 1948-present	Homeport NAS Whidbey Island Second oldest currently active aircraft squadron in the U. S. Navy
VP-47		Golden Swordsmen	P-8A	Commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing TEN	VP-27(1st): 1 Jun 1944-1 Oct 1944 VPB-27: 1 Oct 1944–15 May 1946 VP-27(2nd): 15 May 1946–15 Nov 1946 VP-MS-7: 15 Nov 1946-1 Sep 1948 VP-47: 1 Sep 1948–present	Homeport NAS Whidbey Island
VP-62 (Fourth use)		Broadarrows	P-3C	Commander, Maritime Support Wing	VP-62(4th): 1 Nov 1970–present	U S Navy Reserve Squadron Homeport NAS Jacksonville
VP-69		Totems	P-3C	Commander, Maritime Support Wing	VP-69: 1 Nov 1970–present	U S Navy Reserve Squadron Homeport NAS Whidbey Island
		Wizards	P-8A	Commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing ELEVEN	VPU-2: 1 Jul 1982–present	Homeport NAS Jacksonville
			MQ-4C	Commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing TEN		To be established in 2025.	Homeport NAS Whidbey Island
VUP-19		Big Red	MQ-4C	Commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing ELEVEN	VUP-19: 1 Oct 2016[15][16]-present	Homeport NAS Jacksonville NAS Point Mugu (detachment)

Fleet Air Reconnaissance (VQ)[]

The VQ designation was created in 1955 to designate "Electronic Countermeasures Squadron" and did so though 1959. By 1960 the VQ squadrons, rather than simply jamming communications and electronic signals, had been equipped to collect them for intelligence purposes. In January 1960 this new role of the VQ squadrons was recognized by changing the VQ designation from "Electronic Countermeasures Squadron" to "Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron."^[17] Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron ONE is currently the Navy's only overt signals intelligence (SIGINT) and communications intelligence (COMINT) reconnaissance squadron. The 13 EP-3E 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 and COMINT. 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 carry the VQ designation, but they are not reconnaissance squadrons; they are airborne command and control, and communications relay squadrons which 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 squadrons' E-6B aircraft are dual-mission aircraft, capable of fulfilling both the airborne strategic command post mission equipped with an airborne launch control system (ALCS) which is capable of launching U.S. land based intercontinental ballistic missiles^[18] and fulfilling the TACAMO ("Take Charge and Move Out") mission which links the NCA with Navy ballistic missile submarine forces during times of crisis. The aircraft carries a very low frequency communication system with dual trailing wire antennae for that communications relay mission.

Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron SEVEN is the E-6B Fleet Replacement Squadron, providing initial and requalification training for pilots, aircrewmen, and maintainers. It operates E-6Bs on loan from VQ-3 and VQ-4, having returned a 737-600 it had previously operated on lease from Lauda Air.

Squadron Designation	Insignia	Nickname	Aircraft	Operational Commander [a]	Administrative Commander [a]	Squadron Lineage[5]	Notes
VQ-1		World Watchers	EP-3E	Commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing TEN	Commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing TEN	VQ-1: 1 Jun 1955–present	Homeport NAS Whidbey Island
VQ-3		Ironman	E-6B	Commander, United States Strategic Command task force 124[b]	Commander, Strategic Communications Wing ONE	VQ-3: 1 Jul 1968–present	Homeport Tinker AFB Dets at Travis AFB and Offutt AFB
VQ-4		Shadows	E-6B	Commander, United States Strategic Command task force 124[b]	Commander, Strategic Communications Wing ONE	VQ-4: 1 Jul 1968–present	Homeport Tinker AFB Det at NAS Patuxent River
		Roughnecks	E-6B	Commander, Strategic Communications Wing ONE	Commander, Strategic Communications Wing ONE	Naval Training Support Unit: 1992-1 Nov 1999 VQ-7: 1 Nov 1999–present	Fleet Replacement Squadron based at Tinker AFB

Fleet Logistics Support (VR)[]

The VR designator was first established in 1942 to designated "Transport" or "Air Transport" or Fleet Logistic Air" squadrons. From 1958 to 1976, it designated "Fleet Tactical Support Squadron"; from 1976 to the present, it designates "Fleet Logistics Support Squadron". Today, all Fleet Logistics Support squadrons are U.S. Navy Reserve squadrons

Fleet Logistics Support Squadrons operate Navy Unique Fleet Essential Airlift (NUFEA) 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. provides dedicated airlift support to the Office of the Secretary of the Navy, Chief of Naval Operations and Commandant of the Marine Corps.

The Headquarters of the Fleet Logistics Support Wing is based at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, TX, but the squadrons of the wing are based across the country from the east coast to Hawaii. In addition to the VR squadrons, the Fleet Logistics Support Wing also operates two "Executive Transport Detachments" based in Hawaii and Sigonella, Italy.

Note: The parenthetical (2nd), (3rd), or (second use), (third use), etc., appended to some designations in the table below are not part of the squadron designation system. They are added to indicate that the designation was used more than once during the history of U.S. Naval Aviation and which use of the designation is indicated. Absence indicates that the designation was used only once.

Squadron designation	Insignia	Nickname	Aircraft	Operational and administrative commander [a]	Squadron lineage[5]	Notes
(third use)		Star Lifters	C-37B	Commander, Fleet Logistics Support Wing	VR-1(3rd): 1 May 1997—present	U.S. Navy Reserve squadron Joint Base Andrews
VR-51 (second use)		Windjammers	C-40A	Commander, Fleet Logistics Support Wing	VR-51(2nd): 1 Jun 1997—present	U.S. Navy Reserve squadron MCAS Kaneohe Bay
		Capital Express	C-130T	Commander, Fleet Logistics Support Wing	VR-53: 1 Oct 1992—present	U.S. Navy Reserve squadron Naval Air Facility Washington
VR-54		Revelers	C-130T	Commander, Fleet Logistics Support Wing	VR-54: 1 Jun 1991—present	U.S. Navy Reserve squadron NAS JRB New Orleans
VR-55		Minutemen	C-130T	Commander, Fleet Logistics Support Wing	VR-55: 1 Apr 1976—present	U.S. Navy Reserve squadron NAS Point Mugu
VR-56		Globemasters	C-40A	Commander, Fleet Logistics Support Wing	VR-56: 1 Jul 1976—present	U.S. Navy Reserve squadron NAS Oceana
		Conquistadors	C-40A	Commander, Fleet Logistics Support Wing	VR-57: 1 Nov 1977—present	U.S. Navy Reserve squadron NAS North Island
		Sunseekers	C-40A	Commander, Fleet Logistics Support Wing	VR-58: 1 Nov 1977—present	U.S. Navy Reserve squadron NAS Jacksonville
VR-59		Lone Star Express	C-40A	Commander, Fleet Logistics Support Wing	VR-59: 1 Oct 1982—present	U.S. Navy Reserve squadron NAS JRB Fort Worth
		Islanders	C-40A	Commander, Fleet Logistics Support Wing	VR-61: 1 Oct 1982—present	U.S. Navy Reserve squadron NAS Whidbey Island
VR-62		Nomads	C-130T	Commander, Fleet Logistics Support Wing	VR-62: 1 Jul 1985—present	U.S. Navy Reserve squadron NAS Jacksonville (relocated from NAS Brunswick in 2009)
		Condors	C-130T	Commander, Fleet Logistics Support Wing	VP-64: 1 Nov 1970-18 Sep 2004 VR-64: 18 Sep 2004—present	U.S. Navy Reserve squadron Joint Base McGuire, Dix, Lakehurst (relocated from NAS Willow Grove in Mar 2011)

Fleet Logistics Support (VRC)[]

The VRC designation was established in 1960 to designate "Fleet Tactical Support Squadron". In 1976 the designation was changed to "Fleet Logistics Support Squadron."

There are two Fleet Logistic Support squadrons equipped with the C-2A Greyhound Carrier Onboard Delivery (COD) aircraft – 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 Carrier Air Wing. 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.

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, VAW-120 (see VAW section).

Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 30 (VRC-30)[]

Squadron Designation	Insignia	Nickname	Aircraft	Operational Commander [a]	Administrative Commander [a]	Squadron Lineage[5]	Notes
VRC-30		Providers	C-2A	Commander, Airborne Command, Control, Logistics Wing	Commander, Airborne Command, Control, Logistics Wing	VR-30: 1 Oct 1966-1 Oct 1978 VRC-30: 1 Oct 1978–present	Homeport NAS North Island
VRC-30 Det 1		Hustlers	C-2A	Commander, Carrier Air Wing SEVENTEEN	Commanding Officer, Fleet Logistics Support Squadron THIRTY		Homeport NAS North Island
VRC-30 Det 2		Roughnecks	C-2A	Commander, Carrier Air Wing TWO	Commanding Officer, Fleet Logistics Support Squadron THIRTY		Homeport NAS North Island
VRC-30 Det 3		Crusaders	C-2A	Commander, Carrier Air Wing ELEVEN	Commanding Officer, Fleet Logistics Support Squadron THIRTY		Homeport NAS North Island
VRC-30 Det 4		Pure Horsepower	C-2A	Commander, Carrier Air Wing NINE	Commanding Officer, Fleet Logistics Support Squadron THIRTY		Homeport NAS North Island
VRC-30 Det 5		Providers	C-2A	Commander, Carrier Air Wing FIVE	Commanding Officer, Fleet Logistics Support Squadron THIRTY		Forward deployed to MCAS Iwakuni, Japan

Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 40 (VRC-40)[]

Squadron Designation	Insignia	Nickname	Aircraft	Operational Commander [a]	Administrative Commander [a]	Squadron Lineage[5]	Notes
VRC-40		Rawhides	C-2A	Commander, Airborne Command, Control, Logistics Wing	Commander, Airborne Command, Control, Logistics Wing	VRC-40: 1 Jul 1960–present	Homeport NS Norfolk
VRC-40 Det 2		Rawhides	C-2A	Commander, Carrier Air Wing ONE	Commanding Officer, Fleet Logistics Support Squadron FORTY		Homeport NS Norfolk
VRC-40 Det 3		Rawhides	C-2A	Commander, Carrier Air Wing SEVEN	Commanding Officer, Fleet Logistics Support Squadron FORTY		Homeport NS Norfolk
VRC-40 Det 4		Rawhides	C-2A	Commander, Carrier Air Wing THREE	Commanding Officer, Fleet Logistics Support Squadron FORTY		Homeport NS Norfolk
VRC-40 Det 5		Rawhides	C-2A	Commander, Carrier Air Wing EIGHT	Commanding Officer, Fleet Logistics Support Squadron FORTY		Homeport NS Norfolk

Fleet Logistics Multi-Mission (VRM)[]

"The CMV-22B Osprey long-range tiltrotor aircraft is the US Navy’s future variant of MV-22B Osprey assault support aircraft developed by Bell Boeing for the US Marine Corps. The medium-lift variant will operate as a carrier on-board delivery (COD) aircraft to meet the logistics support requirements of the Joint Force Maritime Component Commander (JFMCC) during time-critical scenarios. It will replace Northrop Grumman-built C-2A Greyhound cargo aircraft that has been in service with the US Navy since the 1960s. The CMV-22B will be used by the US Navy for transportation of special warfare teams, mail and cargo from shore to its aircraft carriers, as well as for shore or sea-based combat search-and-rescue (CSAR) missions".^[19]

The development of the VRM designation and adoption of the CMV-22B demonstrates the Navy's intent to utilize the platform as a means of replacing the carrier-based C-2A Greyhound. This shift in direction has coincided with the formation of the Navy's first VRM squadron, the "Titans" of VRM-30 (The name of which was revived from the "Titans" of HSL-94).^[20]

Squadron Designation	Insignia	Nickname	Aircraft	Operational Commander [a]	Administrative Commander [a][21]	Squadron Lineage[22]	Notes[20]
VRM-30		Titans	CMV-22B	Fleet Logistics Multi-Mission Wing (COMVRMWING)	Fleet Logistics Multi-Mission Wing (COMVRMWING)	VRM-30: 1 Dec 2018–Present	Homeport NAS North Island
VRM-40			CMV-22B	Fleet Logistics Multi-Mission Wing (COMVRMWING)	Fleet Logistics Multi-Mission Wing (COMVRMWING)	Planned for future establishment	Homeport NS Norfolk
VRM-50		Sunhawks	CMV-22B	Fleet Logistics Multi-Mission Wing (COMVRMWING)	Fleet Logistics Multi-Mission Wing (COMVRMWING)	VRM-50: 1 Oct 2019–Present[23]	Fleet Replacement Squadron based at NAS North Island

Training (VT)[]

The VT designation was one of the original designations. It was established in 1921 to designate "Torpedo Plane Squadron". From 1922 to 1930 it designated "Torpedo & Bombing Squadron" and from 1930 to 1946 "Torpedo Squadron".^[4] In 1946 all remaining Torpedo Squadrons and Bombing Squadrons (VB) were redesignated "Attack Squadrons" (VA) and the VT designation was retired.^[24]

From 1927 to 1947 training squadrons were designated "VN".^[4] From 1947 to 1960 training units were not designated as squadrons, they were "units" or "groups" called Basic Training Groups (BTG), Advanced Training Units (ATU), Jet Transition Training Units (JTTU) or Multi Engine Training Groups (METG). On 1 May 1960 the VT designation was resurrected and existing flying training units were designated "Training Squadrons (VT)".^[4] There is no relationship between training squadrons designated VT in 1960 and the Torpedo or Torpedo and Bombing squadrons of the 1920s to 1940s.

There are two types of fixed wing training squadrons: Primary training squadrons train students in the first stage of flight training leading to selection to one of three advanced training pipelines for Aviators (Rotary Wing, Strike or Multi-Engine) or two advanced training pipelines for Flight Officers (Multi Crew or Strike). The advanced training squadrons conduct the final stage of flight training leading to "winging" of the new Naval Aviators and Naval Flight Officers in the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. Training squadrons are organized differently than the Navy's operational squadrons as training squadrons do not own their own aircraft. All training aircraft are assigned to and maintained by the Training Air Wing to which the squadrons are assigned. The training squadrons are composed only of Instructors and Students, with all maintenance and support functions carried out by the Training Air Wing. Training aircraft are painted orange and white.

Squadron Designation	Insignia	Nickname	Aircraft	Operational and Administrative Commander [a]	Squadron Lineage[5]	Notes
VT-2		Doerbirds	T-6B	Commander, Training Air Wing FIVE	BTG-2: ??-1 May 1960 VT-2: 1 May 1960-present	Primary Training, based at NAS Whiting Field
VT-3		Red Knights	T-6B	Commander, Training Air Wing FIVE	BTG-3: ??-1 May 1960 VT-3: 1 May 1960-present	Primary Training, based at NAS Whiting Field
VT-4		Warbucks	Multi-Crew Simulator	Commander, Training Air Wing SIX	BTG-9: ??-1 May 1960: VT-4: 1 May 1960-present (inactive Dec 2010-Jun 2013)	NFO Advanced Training, based at NAS Pensacola Deactivated in Dec 2010 as an NFO primary training squadron and reactivated[1] as an NFO advanced training squadron in Jun 2013
VT-6		Shooters	T-6B	Commander, Training Air Wing FIVE	METG Whiting Field: 1 Jul 1956-1 May 1960 VT-6: 1 May 1960 – present	Primary Training, based at NAS Whiting Field
		Eagles	T-45C	Commander, Training Air Wing ONE	BTG-7: 1 Jun 1958-1 May 1960 VT-7: 1 May 1960 – present	Advanced Training, based at NAS Meridian
VT-9 (Second training sqdn use)		Tigers	T-45C	Commander, Training Air Wing ONE	VT-19: 2 Aug 1971-1 Oct 1998 VT-9(2nd): 1 Oct 1998–present	Advanced Training, based at NAS Meridian (There was an earlier training squadron designated VT-9 also called "Tigers" which existed from 15 Dec 1961 to Jul 1987)
VT-10		Wildcats	T-6A	Commander, Training Air Wing SIX	BNAO School*: Jun 1960-15 Jan 1968 VT-10: 15 Jan 1968–present	*Basic Naval Aviation Officer School NFO Primary Training, based at NAS Pensacola
VT-21		Redhawks	T-45C	Commander, Training Air Wing TWO	ATU-202: Apr 1951-1 May 1960 VT-21: 1 May 1960 – present	Advanced Training, based at NAS Kingsville
VT-22		Golden Eagles	T-45C	Commander, Training Air Wing TWO	ATU-6: 13 Jun 1949-?? JTTU-1: ??-?? ATU-3: ??-?? ATU-212: ??-1 May 1960 VT-22: 1 May 1960-present	Advanced Training, based at NAS Kingsville
VT-27		Boomers	T-6B	Commander, Training Air Wing FOUR	ATU-B: 11 Jul 1951-?? ATU-402: ??-1 Jul 1960 VT-27: 1 Jul 1960-present	Primary Training, based at NAS Corpus Christi
VT-28		Rangers	T-6B	Commander, Training Air Wing FOUR	ATU-611: ??-1 May 1960 VT-28: 1 May 1960-present	Primary Training, based at NAS Corpus Christi
		Wise Owls	T-44C	Commander, Training Air Wing FOUR	ATU-601: Feb 1958-1 May 1960 VT-31: 1 May 1960 – present	Advanced Training, based at NAS Corpus Christi
		Stingrays	T-44C	Commander, Training Air Wing FOUR	VT-35: 29 Oct 1999–present	Advanced Training, based at NAS Corpus Christi
VT-86		Sabrehawks	T-45C	Commander, Training Air Wing SIX	VT-86: 5 Jun 1972–present	NFO Advanced Training, based at NAS Pensacola

Air Test and Evaluation (VX), Scientific Development (VXS)[]

The VX designation was first used from 1927 to 1943 to designate "Experimental Squadron". It was again used beginning in 1946 when four "Experimental and Development" squadrons (VX-1 (still exists today), 2, 3 and 4)^[25] were established to develop and evaluate new equipment and methods. From 1946 to 1968 the designation was variously "Experimental and Development" squadron, "Operational Development" squadron, "Air Operational Development" squadron and "Air Development" squadron. In 1969 the designation changed to "Air Test and Evaluation" and it remains as such today.^[4]

Test and Evaluation squadrons test everything from basic aircraft flying qualities to advanced aerodynamics to weapons systems effectiveness. VX-20, VX-23, VX-30, VX-31 (as well as HX-21 (rotary wing squadron) and UX-24 (UAS squadron)) are developmental test and evaluation squadrons which conduct or support developmental test and evaluation of aircraft and weapons as part of the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIRSYSCOM) while VX-1 and VX-9 are operational test and evaluation squadrons which conduct operational test and evaluation of aircraft and weapons as part of the Operational Test and Evaluation Force (OPTEVFOR).

Squadron Designation	Insignia	Nickname	Aircraft	Operational and Administrative Commander [a]	Squadron Lineage[5]	Notes
VX-1		Pioneers	P-3C MH-60R MH-60S SH-60F EP-3E E-6B KC-130J E-2D RQ-4 P-8A	Commander, Operational Test and Evaluation Force	Acft ASW Dev Det Atlantic Flt: 1 Apr 1943-17 Sep 1943 ASW Dev Det Atlantic Flt: 17 Sep 1943–15 Mar 1946 VX-1: 15 Mar 1946–present	Operational test and evaluation of ASW and other "maritime" aircraft and weapons. Based at NAS Patuxent River[26]
VX-9		Vampires	F/A-18A/B/C/D/E/F F-35B/C EA-18G	Commander, Operational Test and Evaluation Force	VX-9: 30 Apr 1994–present	Operational test and evaluation of strike aircraft and weapons. Based at NAWS China Lake Established from the assets of VX-4(2nd) "Evaluators" and VX-5 "Vampires" which were both disestablished in 1994
VX-20		Force	E-2D P-8A C-130T C-130J C-2A E-6B	Commander, Naval Test Wing Atlantic	Naval Force Acft Test Sqdn: 21 Jul 1955-1 May 2002 VX-20: 1 May 2002	Developmental test and evaluation of ASW and other maritime aircraft. NAS Patuxent River[27]
VX-23		Salty Dogs	F-35B/C F/A-18A/B/C/D/E/F EA-6B EA-18G T-45	Commander, Naval Test Wing Atlantic	Naval Strike Acft Test Sqdn: 21 Jul 1995-1 May 2002 VX-23: 1 May 2001 – present	Developmental test and evaluation of Strike Aircraft. NAS Patuxent River
		Ghost Wolves	MQ-8 RQ-20 RQ-21 RQ-26	Commander, Naval Test Wing Atlantic	UX-24: 18 October 2018 – present	Developmental test and evaluation of unmanned aircraft. NAS Patuxent River[28]
VX-30		Bloodhounds	C-130 P-3 NP-3D KC-130T UAVs	Commander, Naval Test Wing Pacific	Naval Weapons Test Sqdn, Pt Mugu: 8 May 1995 – 1 May 2002 VX-30: 1 May 2002 – present	Range surveillance, photometric support, area clearance, and airborne telemetry on the Naval Air Systems Command Sea Test Range in support of developmental test and evaluation of airborne weapons and platform-related systems. Based at NAS Point Mugu
VX-31		Dust Devils	F/A-18A/B/C/D/E/F EA-18G NEA-18G P-3 C-130 AV-8B TAV-8B T-39 MH-60S AH-1Z UH-1Y and other variants	Commander, Naval Test Wing Pacific	Naval Weapons Test Sqdn, China Lake: 8 May 1995 – 1 May 2002 VX-31: 1 May 2002 – present	Developmental test and evaluation of airborne weapons and platform-related systems. Based at NAWS China Lake
VXS-1		Warlocks	NP-3D P-3C UV-18A RC-12M Tiger Shark UAS	Commander, Naval Research Laboratory	VXS-1: 13 Dec 2004–present	NRL early scientific development and testing. Based at NAS Patuxent River[26] Formerly NRL's Flight detachment

Other Fixed Wing Aircraft Units[]

Other than the Naval Flight Demonstration Squadron (NFDS) "Blue Angels", the organizations in the table below are not technically "squadrons", however they either have custody of and routinely fly Navy aircraft or they routinely fly aircraft on loan from fleet squadrons for advanced training of those fleet squadrons.

The U.S. Naval Test Pilot School operates various fixed and rotary wing aircraft to train and graduate test pilots and test engineers.

The Navy Fighter Weapons School, Carrier Airborne Early Warning Weapons School and the Airborne Electronic Attack Weapons School train selected U. S. Navy Naval Aviators and Naval Flight Officers (NFO) in instructional techniques and in advanced tactics in their respective aircraft, qualifying them for assignment to their respective wing weapons schools (Strike Fighter Weapons School Lant and Pac, Electronic Attack Weapons School and Airborne Command Control and Logistics School) where they provide advanced training for each wing's squadrons utilizing squadron aircraft.

Squadron Designation	Insignia	Nickname	Aircraft	Operational and Administrative Commander	Notes
US Naval Test Pilot School			Various	Commander, Naval Test Wing Atlantic	NAS Patuxent River
Naval Flight Demonstration Squadron		Blue Angels	F/A-18E/F C-130J	Commander, Naval Air Training Command (CNATRA)	Homeport NAS Pensacola Winter training site NAF El Centro The 2021 Airshow season will be the first year the teams flies the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet.
Navy Fighter Weapons School		TOPGUN	F/A-18A/B/C/D/E/F F-16A/B	Commander, Naval Aviation Warfare Development Center	Based at NAS Fallon
Carrier Airborne Early Warning Weapons School		TOPDOME	E-2C/D	Commander, Naval Aviation Warfare Development Center	Based at NAS Fallon
Airborne Electronic Attack Weapons School		HAVOC	EA-18G	Commander, Naval Aviation Warfare Development Center	Based at NAS Fallon
Strike Fighter Weapons School Atlantic			F/A-18E/F	Commander, Strike Fighter Wing Atlantic	Based at NAS Oceana
Strike Fighter Weapons School Pacific			F/A-18E/F	Commander, Strike Fighter Wing Pacific	Based at NAS Lemoore
Electronic Attack Weapons School			EA-18G	Commander, Electronic Attack Wing Pacific	Based at NAS Whidbey Island
Airborne Command Control and Logistics Weapons School			E-2C/D C-2A	Commander, Airborne Command, Control, Logistics Wing	Based at NS Norfolk
Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Weapons School			P-3C P-8A MQ-4C	Commander Patrol and Reconnaissance Group	Based at NAS Jacksonville
Pacific Missile Range Facility		Outrider	RC-26D EC-26D		Pacific Missile Range Facility Barking Sands

Rotary Wing Squadrons[]

US Navy rotary wing squadron designations start with the letter H. The first use of the letter H to designate a helicopter squadron was in 1948 with the establishment of Helicopter Utility Squadrons (HU)^[4] ONE and TWO. Prior the creation of the HU designation, the two basic types of Navy squadrons were "heavier than air" squadrons designated with V as the first letter, and "lighter than air" squadrons designated with Z as the first letter. By 1961 the Navy had disestablished its last lighter than air squadrons leaving only the V and H designations. Since that time V has in practicality become the designation for "fixed wing squadron" and H for "rotary wing squadron." The Navy today uses helicopters primarily in the antisubmarine warfare, antisurface warfare, mine countermeasures, combat search and rescue, special operations, overwater search and rescue, and vertical replenishment roles.

Helicopter Mine Countermeasures (HM)[]

The HM designation was created in 1971 to designate "Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron". HM 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 aircraft carriers, large amphibious ships and the new expeditionary sea base and is capable of towing a variety of mine hunting/sweeping countermeasures systems.^[29]

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 programmed to replace the USMC's CH-53E and not the Navy's MH-53E, 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.

The Navy's recently completed "Helicopter Master Plan" was a plan to reduce the number of type/model/series from eight down to two (MH-60R and MH-60S). It recognized that the replacement of the MH-53 in the mine countermeasures role was dependent on technology which has not yet matured. As a result, the MH-53E continues in service as the only helicopter capable now and in the near future of effectively conducting airborne mine countermeasures.

Note: The parenthetical (second use) and (2nd) in the table below are not a part of the squadron designation system. They are added to indicate that the designation was used more than once during the history of U. S. Naval Aviation and which use of the designation is indicated.

Squadron Designation	Insignia	Nickname	Aircraft	Operational and Administrative Commander [a]	Squadron Lineage[5]	Notes
(Second use)		Sea Dragons	MH-53E	Commander, Helicopter Sea Combat Wing Atlantic	HM-12(2nd): 1 Oct 2015–present	Fleet Replacement Squadron based at NS Norfolk (There was an earlier squadron designated HM-12 also called the "Sea Dragons" which existed from 1 Apr 1971 to 30 Sep 1994)
HM-14		Vanguard	MH-53E	Commander, Helicopter Sea Combat Wing Atlantic	HM-14: 12 May 1978 – present	Homeport NS Norfolk
HM-15		Blackhawks	MH-53E	Commander, Helicopter Sea Combat Wing Atlantic	HM-15: 2 Jan 1987–present	Homeport NS Norfolk

Helicopter Sea Combat (HSC)[]

The Helicopter Sea Combat (HSC) Designation was created in 2005 after the Helicopter Combat Support (HC) squadrons equipped with the H-46 Sea Knight had completed their transitions to the new multi-mission MH-60S Seahawk, and in anticipation of the upcoming transition of the Helicopter Antisubmarine (HS) squadrons from the SH-60F and HH-60H Seahawks to the new MH-60S which began in 2007. The ASW capabilities resident in the HS squadrons were lost in the transition but the new HSC squadrons combine the at sea logistics capability of the former Helicopter Combat Support (HC) squadrons with greatly upgraded Combat Search and Rescue, Naval Special Warfare Support and Anti-Surface Warfare capabilities of the former Helicopter Anti-submarine squadrons (HS).^[30]

The HSC squadrons which were formerly HS squadrons are carrier based and deploy as part of a Carrier Air Wing, while the HSC squadrons which were formerly HC squadrons or were newly established are land based "expeditionary" squadrons which supply detachments for deployment aboard ships other than aircraft carriers or for land based deployments as required. The squadrons are home-ported at NS Norfolk, NAS North Island and Anderson AFB, Guam with one squadron forward deployed to NAF Atsugi, Japan. Expeditionary HSC squadrons are capable of deploying mixed detachments of MH-60S and MQ-8B aircraft.

Note: The parenthetical (2nd) used in the lineage column of table below is not a part of the squadron designation system. It is added to indicate that the designation was used more than once during the history of U. S. Naval Aviation and which use of the designation is indicated.

Squadron Designation	Insignia	Nickname	Aircraft	Operational Commander [a]	Administrative Commander [a]	Squadron Lineage[5]	Notes
HSC-2		Fleet Angels	MH-60S	Commander, Helicopter Sea Combat Wing Atlantic	Commander, Helicopter Sea Combat Wing Atlantic	HC-2(2nd): 1 Apr 1987-24 Aug 2005 HSC-2: 24 Aug 2005–present	Fleet Replacement Squadron based at NS Norfolk (There was an earlier squadron designated HC-2 also called "Fleet Angels" which existed from 1 Apr 1948 to 30 Sep 1977)
HSC-3		Merlins	MH-60S	Commander, Helicopter Sea Combat Wing Pacific	Commander, Helicopter Sea Combat Wing Pacific	HC-3: 1 Sep 1967-31 Oct 2005 HSC-3: 31 Oct 2005–present	Fleet Replacement Squadron based at NAS North Island
HSC-4		Black Knights	MH-60S	Commander, Carrier Air Wing TWO	Commander, Helicopter Sea Combat Wing Pacific	HS-4: 30 Jun 1952-Mar 2012 HSC-4: Mar 2012–present	Homeport NAS North Island
HSC-5		Nightdippers	MH-60S	Commander, Carrier Air Wing SEVEN	Commander, Helicopter Sea Combat Wing Atlantic	HS-5: 3 Jan 1956-28 Feb 2009: HSC-5: 28 Feb 2009–present	Homeport NS Norfolk
HSC-6		Indians	MH-60S	Commander, Carrier Air Wing SEVENTEEN	Commander, Helicopter Sea Combat Wing Pacific	HS-6: 1 Jun 1956-Jul 2011 HSC-6: Jul 2011–present	Homeport NAS North Island
HSC-7		Dusty Dogs	MH-60S	Commander, Carrier Air Wing THREE	Commander, Helicopter Sea Combat Wing Atlantic	HS-7(2nd): 15 Dec 1969-Apr 2011 HSC-7: Apr 2011–present	Homeport NS Norfolk (There was an earlier squadron designated HS-7 called the "Big Dippers" which existed from 2 Apr 1956 to 31 May 1966)
HSC-8		Eightballers	MH-60S	Commander, Carrier Air Wing ELEVEN	Commander, Helicopter Sea Combat Wing Pacific	HS-8(2nd): 1 Nov 1969-1 Apr 2007 HSC-8: 1 Apr 2007–present	Homeport NAS North Island (There was an earlier squadron designated HS-8 also called "Eighballers" which existed from 1 Jun 1956 to 31 Dec 1968)
HSC-9		Tridents	MH-60S	Commander, Carrier Air Wing EIGHT	Commander, Helicopter Sea Combat Wing Atlantic	HS-3: 18 Jun 1952-1 Jun 2009 HSC-9: 1 Jun 2009–present	Homeport NS Norfolk
HSC-11		Dragon Slayers	MH-60S	Commander, Carrier Air Wing ONE	Commander, Helicopter Sea Combat Wing Atlantic	HS-11: 27 Jun 1957-Jun 2016 HSC-11: Jun 2016–present	Homeport NS Norfolk
HSC-12		Golden Falcons	MH-60S	Commander, Carrier Air Wing FIVE	Commander, Helicopter Sea Combat Wing Pacific	HS-2: 7 Mar 1952-1 Jan 2009 HSC-12: 1 Jan 2009–present	Forward deployed to NAF Atsugi Japan
HSC-14		Chargers	MH-60S	Commander, Carrier Air Wing NINE	Commander, Helicopter Sea Combat Wing Pacific	HS-14: 19 Jul 1984-Jul 2013 HSC-14: Jul 2013–present	Homeport NAS North Island
HSC-21		Blackjacks	MH-60S	Commander, Helicopter Sea Combat Wing Pacific	Commander, Helicopter Sea Combat Wing Pacific	HC-11: 1 Oct 1977-7 Nov 2005 HSC-21: 7 Nov 2005–present	Homeport NAS North Island Expeditionary Squadron
HSC-22		Sea Knights	MH-60S	Commander, Helicopter Sea Combat Wing Atlantic	Commander, Helicopter Sea Combat Wing Atlantic	HSC-22: 1 Oct 2006–present	Homeport NS Norfolk Expeditionary Squadron
HSC-23		Wildcards	MH-60S	Commander, Helicopter Sea Combat Wing Pacific	Commander, Helicopter Sea Combat Wing Pacific	HSC-23: 1 Oct 2006–present	Homeport NAS North Island Expeditionary Squadron
HSC-25		Island Knights	MH-60S	Commander, Helicopter Sea Combat Wing Pacific	Commander, Helicopter Sea Combat Wing Pacific	HC-5(2nd): 3 Feb 1984-24 Oct 2005 HSC 25: 24 Oct 2005–present	Homeport Andersen AFB, Guam Expeditionary Squadron (There was an earlier squadron designated HC-5 called the "Arch Angels" which carried the HC-5 designation from 1 Sep 1967 to Mar 1972)
		Chargers	MH-60S	Commander, Helicopter Sea Combat Wing Atlantic	Commander, Helicopter Sea Combat Wing Atlantic	HC-6: 1 Sep 1967-24 Aug 2005 HSC-26: 24 Aug 2005–present	Homeport NS Norfolk Expeditionary Squadron
		Dragon Whales	MH-60S	Commander, Helicopter Sea Combat Wing Atlantic	Commander, Helicopter Sea Combat Wing Atlantic	HC-8: 3 Dec 1984-13 May 2005 HSC-28: 13 May 2005 – present	Homeport NS Norfolk Expeditionary Squadron
HSC-85	(2006) (2011)	High Rollers (2006) Fire Hawks (2011)	MH-60S (2006) HH-60H (2011)	Commander, Maritime Support Wing	Commander, Maritime Support Wing	HS-85: 1 Jul 1970-1 Oct 1994 HC-85: 1 Oct 1994-8 Feb 2006 HSC-85: 8 Feb 2006–present	U S Navy Reserve Squadron Naval Special Warfare Support Homeport NAS North Island Expeditionary Squadron (Adopted "Firehawks" name and insignia in 2011 from deactivated HCS-5)

Helicopter Maritime Strike (HSM)[]

The HSM designation was created in 2006 when the Fleet Replacement Squadron for the MH-60R Seahawk was redesignated from HSL. The new designation was created to reflect the MH-60Rs multi-mission capabilities^[31] which combined the area search capabilities of the SH-60B flown by the Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light (HSL) squadrons with the dipping sonar of the SH-60F flown by the carrier based Helicopter Anti-Submarine (HS) squadrons. The first operational fleet squadron to receive the MH-60 Romeo was HSM-71 in fiscal year 2008. With the transition of the HS squadrons to HSC squadrons without any ASW capability and the disestablishment of the last Air Antisubmarine (VS) squadrons, all ship based airborne ASW capabilities now reside in the new HSM squadrons.

From 2009 to 2015 all Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light (HSL) squadrons transitioned to the MH-60R and were redesignated Helicopter Maritime Strike (HSM) squadrons. Additionally, new HSM squadrons were established in order to provide an HSM squadron to each Carrier Air Wing and to provide "Expeditionary" squadrons to supply detachments of MH-60Rs to ships other than aircraft carriers. Expeditionary HSM squadrons are capable of deploying mixed detachments of MH-60R and MQ-8B aircraft.

HSM squadrons are home-ported at NAS North Island, NAS Jacksonville, NS Mayport and MCAS Kaneohe Bay with two squadrons forward deployed to NAF Atsugi Japan

Squadron Designation	Insignia	Nickname	Aircraft	Operational Commander [a]	Administrative Commander [a]	Squadron Lineage[5]	Notes
		Magicians	MH-60R MQ-8B	Commander, Helicopter Maritime Strike Wing Pacific	Commander, Helicopter Maritime Strike Wing Pacific	HSM-35: 2 May 2013 – present[32]	Homeport NAS North Island Expeditionary Squadron (There was an earlier squadron designated HSL-35 also called "Magicians" which existed from 15 Jan 1974 to 4 Dec 1992)
HSM-37		Easyriders	MH-60R	Commander, Helicopter Maritime Strike Wing Pacific	Commander, Helicopter Maritime Strike Wing Pacific	HSL-37: 3 Jul 1975-1 Oct 2013 HSM-37: 1 Oct 2013–present	Homeport MCAS Kanehoe Bay Expeditionary Squadron
		Airwolves	MH-60R	Commander, Helicopter Maritime Strike Wing Atlantic	Commander, Helicopter Maritime Strike Wing Atlantic	HSL-40: 4 Oct 1985-1 Nov 2009 HSM-40: 1 Nov 2009–present	Fleet Replacement Squadron based at NS Mayport
HSM-41		Seahawks	MH-60R	Commander, Helicopter Maritime Strike Wing Pacific	Commander, Helicopter Maritime Strike Wing Pacific	HSL-41: 21 Jan 1983-8 Dec 2005 HSM-41: 8 Dec 2005–present	Fleet Replacement Squadron based at NAS North Island
HSM-46		Grandmasters	MH-60R	Commander, Helicopter Maritime Strike Wing Atlantic	Commander, Helicopter Maritime Strike Wing Atlantic	HSL-46: 7 Apr 1988-2012 HSM-46: 2012-present	Homeport NS Mayport Expeditionary Squadron
		Vipers	MH-60R	Commander, Helicopter Maritime Strike Wing Atlantic	Commander, Helicopter Maritime Strike Wing Atlantic	HSL-48: 7 Sep 1989-May 2014 HSM-48: May 2014 – present	Homeport NS Mayport Expeditionary Squadron
HSM-49		Scorpions	MH-60R	Commander, Helicopter Maritime Strike Wing Pacific	Commander, Helicopter Maritime Strike Wing Pacific	HSL-49: 23 Mar 1990-Apr 2015 HSM-49: Apr 2015–present	Homeport NAS North Island Expeditionary Squadron
HSM-51		Warlords	MH-60R	Commander, Helicopter Maritime Strike Wing Pacific	Commander, Helicopter Maritime Strike Wing Pacific	HSL-51: 1 Oct 1991-Mar 2013 HSM-51: Mar 2013–present	Forward deployed to NAF Atsugi Japan Expeditionary Squadron
		Jaguars	MH-60R	Commander, Maritime Support Wing	Commander, Maritime Support Wing	HSL-60: 1 Apr 2001-Jul 2015 HSM-60: Jul 2015–present	U S Navy Reserve Squadron Homeport NAS Jacksonville Expeditionary Squadron
		Spartans	MH-60R	Commander, Carrier Air Wing EIGHT	Commander, Helicopter Maritime Strike Wing Atlantic	HSM-70: 1 Mar 2008–present	Homeport NAS Jacksonville
HSM-71		Raptors	MH-60R	Commander, Carrier Air Wing NINE	Commander, Helicopter Maritime Strike Wing Pacific	HSM-71: 1 Jan 2007–present	Homeport NAS North Island
HSM-72		Proud Warriors	MH-60R	Commander, Carrier Air Wing ONE	Commander, Helicopter Maritime Strike Wing Atlantic	HSL-42: 5 Oct 1984-Jan 2013 HSM-72: Jan 2013–present	Homeport NAS Jacksonville
HSM-73		Battle Cats	MH-60R	Commander, Carrier Air Wing SEVENTEEN	Commander, Helicopter Maritime Strike Wing Pacific	HSL-43: 5 Oct 1984-Feb 2012 HSM-73: Feb 2012–present	Homeport NAS North Island
HSM-74		Swamp Fox	MH-60R	Commander, Carrier Air Wing THREE	Commander, Helicopter Maritime Strike Wing Atlantic	HSL-44: 21 Aug 1986-Jun 2011 HSM-74: Jun 2011–present	Homeport NAS Jacksonville
		Wolfpack	MH-60R	Commander, Carrier Air Wing ELEVEN	Commander, Helicopter Maritime Strike Wing Pacific	HSL-45: 3 Oct 1986-Feb 2011 HSM-75: Feb 2011–present	Homeport NAS North Island
HSM-77		Saberhawks	MH-60R	Commander, Carrier Air Wing FIVE	Commander, Helicopter Maritime Strike Wing Pacific	HSL-47: 25 Sep 1987-1 Feb 2009 HSM-77: 1 Feb 2009–present	Forward deployed to NAF Atsugi (HSL-47 was the only HSL (LAMPS) squadron to have deployed aboard a carrier as a test of the CVN based HSM squadron concept)[33]
HSM-78		Blue Hawks	MH-60R	Commander, Carrier Air Wing TWO	Commander, Helicopter Maritime Strike Wing Pacific	HSM-78: 1 Mar 2012–present	Homeport NAS North Island
HSM-79		Griffins	MH-60R	Commander, Carrier Air Wing SEVEN	Commander, Helicopter Maritime Strike Wing Pacific	HSM-79: 2 Jun 2016–present	Homeport NAS North Island

Helicopter Training (HT)[]

The HT designation first appeared in May 1960 to designate Helicopter Training Squadron at the same time that the VT designation was resurrected to designate Training Squadron. In the early years of helicopter operations in the Navy, helicopter pilots were qualified fixed wing pilots who received transition training once they reported to a helicopter squadron. In 1950 a dedicated helicopter training unit was established and in 1960 that unit became the first HT squadron. As the demand for helicopter pilots increased over the decades, additional HT squadrons were established and today approximately 60% of the Student Naval Aviators from all services (Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard) are winged as helicopter pilots.

The Naval Air Training Command'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 to international students from several allied nations. Student Naval Aviators are selected for helicopter training after completion of primary flight training in the T-6B in one of the VT squadrons. Students who successfully complete the program earn the right to wear the coveted "Wings of Gold."^[34] and proceed on to their selected aircraft's Fleet Replacement Squadron. Training squadrons are organized differently than the Navy's operational squadrons as training squadrons do not own their own aircraft. All training aircraft are assigned to and maintained by the Training Air Wing to which the squadrons are assigned. The training squadrons are composed only of Instructors and Students, with all maintenance and support functions carried out by the Training Air Wing.

Squadron Designation	Insignia	Nickname	Aircraft	Operational and Administrative Commander [a]	Squadron Lineage[5]	Notes
HT-8		Eightballers	TH-57B TH-57C	Commander, Training Air Wing FIVE	HTU-1: 3 Dec 1950-Mar 1957 HTG-1: Mar 1957- 1 Jul 1960 HT-8: 1 Jul 1960–present	Advanced training based at NAS Whiting Field
HT-18		Vigilant Eagles	TH-57B TH-57C	Commander, Training Air Wing FIVE	HT-18: 1 Mar 1972–present	Advanced training based at NAS Whiting Field
HT-28		Hellions	TH-57B TH-57C	Commander, Training Air Wing FIVE	HT-28: 1 Nov 2006–present	Advanced training based at NAS Whiting Field

Air Test and Evaluation (HX)[]

Test and Evaluation squadrons test everything from basic aircraft flying qualities to advanced aerodynamics to weapons systems effectiveness. HX-21 conducts developmental test and evaluation of rotary wing and tilt rotor aircraft and weapons as part of the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIRSYSCOM).

Squadron Designation	Insignia	Nickname	Aircraft	Operational and Administrative Commander [a]	Squadron Lineage[5]	Notes
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	Commander, Naval Test Wing Atlantic	Naval Rotary Wing Acft Test Sqdn: 21 Jul 1995-1 May 2002 HX-21: 1 May 2002 – present	Developmental test and evaluation of Rotary Wing and Tilt Rotor Aircraft NAS Patuxent River[35]

Other Rotary Wing Aircraft Units[]

The organizations in the table below are not technically "squadrons", however they either have custody of and routinely fly Navy aircraft or they routinely fly aircraft on loan from fleet squadrons for advanced training of those fleet squadrons. The Navy Rotary Wing Weapons School trains selected U. S. Navy Naval Aviators in instructional techniques and in advanced tactics for their respective aircraft, qualifying them for assignment to their respective wing weapons schools (Helicopter Sea Combat Weapons School Lant and Pac and Helicopter Maritime Strike Weapons School Lant and Pac) where they provide advanced training for each wing's squadrons utilizing squadron aircraft.

Squadron Designation	Insignia	Nickname	Aircraft	Operational and Administrative Commander	Notes
Navy Rotary Wing Weapons School		SEAWOLF	MH-60S	Commander, Naval Aviation Warfare Development Center	Based at NAS Fallon
Helicopter Sea Combat Weapons School Atlantic			MH-60S MH-53E MQ-8B	Commander, Helicopter Sea Combat Wing Atlantic	Based at NS Norfolk
Helicopter Sea Combat Weapons School Pacific			MH-60S MQ-8B	Commander, Helicopter Sea Combat Wing Pacific	Based at NAS North Island
Helicopter Maritime Strike Weapons School Atlantic		Talons	MH-60R MQ-8B	Commander, Helicopter Maritime Strike Wing Atlantic	Based at NS Mayport
Helicopter Maritime Strike Weapons School Pacific		Honey Badgers	MH-60R MQ-8B	Commander, Helicopter Maritime Strike Wing Pacific	Based at NAS North Island

Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Squadrons[]

The U.S. Navy operates a number of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) utilizing different organizational constructs. The operational MQ-4 Triton is organized into "Unmanned Patrol Squadrons" (VUP) which operate alongside manned "Patrol Squadrons" (VP) utilizing the same administrative and operational command structures for both VP and VUP squadrons (VUP squadrons are listed in the "Fixed Wing Squadrons" section above). MQ-8 Fire Scouts are operated by HSM and HSC squadrons along with the squadrons' MH-60R (HSM) and MH-60S (HSC) aircraft. In April 2018 a new squadron type designation was created apart from the existing "V" for fixed wing squadron and "H" for rotary wing squadron when Air Test and Evaluation Squadron Twenty Four (UX-24) was programmed for establishment to develop unmanned aerial systems (UAS) for the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. This action created a third squadron type designation of "U".

Air Test and Evaluation (UX)[]

Test and Evaluation squadrons test everything from basic aircraft flying qualities to advanced aerodynamics to weapons systems effectiveness. UX-24 conducts developmental test and evaluation of fixed wing and rotary wing unmanned aerial systems (UAS) as part of the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIRSYSCOM).

Squadron Designation	Insignia	Nickname	Aircraft	Operational and Administrative Commander [a]	Squadron Lineage[5]	Notes
			Various fixed and rotary winged UAS	Commander, Naval Test Wing Atlantic	Unmanned Aircraft Systems Test Directorate UX-24: 17 Oct 2018–present	Developmental test and evaluation of Fixed Wing and Rotary Wing UAS NOLF Webster[36]

See also[]

• List of United States Navy aircraft wings
• Naval aviation
• List of inactive United States Navy aircraft squadrons
• Modern US Navy carrier air operations
• List of United States Navy aircraft designations (pre-1962) / List of US Naval aircraft
• United States Naval Aviator
• Naval Flight Officer
• United States Marine Corps Aviation
• NATOPS

Notes[]

References[]