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.
Squadron organization[]
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.[citation needed] There are also several thousand additional Navy aircraft that are capable of shipboard operations, but are not associated with a ship.[citation needed] The Navy also has several hundred land-based aircraft that are not capable of shipboard operations.[citation needed]
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". A notable exception to this rule was the use of "RVAH" to denote Reconnaissance Attack Squadrons which operated the RA-5C Vigilante during the 1960s and 1970s.
Carrier Tactical Electronic Warfare[]
A typical Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron consists of four 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) are home-ported at NAS Whidbey Island. . Two exceptions are VAQ-141 (forward deployed to NAF Atsugi, Japan) and Reserve VAQ-209 based at Andrews AFB, Md [1]
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.[2]
Squadron Name | Insignia | Nickname | Aircraft | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
VAW-112 | Golden Hawks | E-2C | CVW-9 NAS Pt. Mugu | |
VAW-113 | Black Eagles | E-2C | CVW-2 NAS Pt. Mugu | |
VAW-115 | Liberty Bells | E-2C | CVW-5 NAF Atsugi | |
VAW-116 | Sun Kings | E-2C | CVW-17 NAS Pt. Mugu | |
VAW-117 | Wallbangers | E-2C | CVW-11 NAS Pt. Mugu | |
VAW-120 | Grey Hawks | E-2C C-2 |
Fleet Replacement Squadron NS Norfolk | |
VAW-121 | Blue Tails | E-2C | CVW-7 NS Norfolk | |
VAW-123 | Screwtops | E-2C | CVW-1 NS Norfolk | |
VAW-124 | Bear Aces | E-2C | CVW-8 NS Norfolk | |
VAW-125 | Tigertails | E-2C | CVW-17 NS Norfolk | |
VAW-126 | Seahawks | E-2C | CVW-3 NS Norfolk |
Strike Fighter[]
A Strike Fighter Squadron is usually made up of ten to twelve F/A-18 Hornets or F/A-18E/F Super Hornets.[citation needed] 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.[3]
F/A-18E/F Super Hornet[]
"F/A-18 Hornet strike fighter". USN Fact File. United States Navy. http://www.navy.mil/navydata/fact_display.asp?cid=1100&tid=1200&ct=1.
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F/A-18C Hornet[]
"F/A-18 Hornet strike fighter". USN Fact File. United States Navy. http://www.navy.mil/navydata/fact_display.asp?cid=1100&tid=1200&ct=1.
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F-35 Lightning II[]
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Fleet Air Reconnaissance[]
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.[4]
Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron SEVEN is the E-6B Fleet Replacement Squadron, providing initial and requalification training for pilots, aircrews, and maintainers. In addition to operating E-6B's on loan from VQ-3 and VQ-4, VQ-7 also leases Boeing 737 aircraft, with which it conducts initial pilot training.
Squadron Name | Insignia | Nickname | Aircraft | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
VQ-1 | World Watchers | EP-3E | NAS Whidbey Island | |
VQ-3 | Ironman | E-6B | Tinker AFB | |
VQ-4 | Shadows | E-6B | Tinker AFB | |
VQ-7 | Roughnecks | E-6B B737 |
E-6B Fleet Replacement Squadron Formerly Naval Training Support Unit (NTSU) Tinker AFB |
Fleet Fighter Composite[]
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 | Omars | FA-18 C | Reserve NAS Oceana | |
VFC-13 | Saints | F-5 | Reserve NAS Fallon | |
VFC-111 | Sundowners | F-5 | Reserve NAS Key West |
Fleet Logistics Support[]
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 (Deactivation scheduled for 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) | |
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-9 | 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[]
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.
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Patrol[]
Maritime patrol aircraft are used primarily for reconnaissance, anti-surface warfare and anti-submarine warfare.
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-3C P-8A |
NAS Jacksonville | |
VP-8 | Tigers | P-3C | NAS Jacksonville | |
VP-9 | Golden Eagles | P-3C | MCAS Kaneohe Bay | |
VP-10 | Lancers | P-3C | NAS Jacksonville | |
VP-16 | War Eagles | P-8A | NAS Jacksonville | |
VP-26 | Tridents | P-3C | 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-3C 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 |
Training[]
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. Some United States Air Force pilots are also trained in Navy squadrons. Likewise, some Student Naval Aviators receive some of their training at USAF training squadrons. Navy training aircraft are typically painted orange and white.
Squadron Name | Insignia | Nickname | Aircraft | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
VT-2 | Doerbirds | T-6B | Primary NAS Whiting Field | |
VT-3 | Red Knights | T-6B | Primary NAS Whiting Field | |
VT-4 | Warbucks | NFO Intermediate, Cadre Status NAS Pensacola | ||
VT-6 | Shooters | T-6B | Primary NAS Whiting Field | |
VT-7 | Eagles | T-45 | Intermediate Tailhook, Advanced Jet NAS Meridian | |
VT-9 | Tigers | T-45 | Intermediate Tailhook, Advanced Jet NAS Meridian | |
VT-10 | Wildcats | T-6A |
NFO Primary/Intermediate NAS Pensacola | |
VT-21 | Redhawks | T-45 | Intermediate Tailhook, Advanced Jet NAS Kingsville | |
VT-22 | Golden Eagles | T-45 | Intermediate Tailhook, Advanced Jet NAS Kingsville | |
VT-27 | Boomers | T-6B | Primary NAS Corpus Christi | |
VT-28 | Rangers | T-34C | Primary NAS Corpus Christi | |
VT-31 | Wise Owls | T-44 | Advanced Multi-engine NAS Corpus Christi | |
VT-35 | Stingrays | TC-12 | Advanced Multi-engine NAS Corpus Christi | |
VT-86 | Sabrehawks | T-39 T-45C |
NFO Advanced Jet NAS Pensacola |
Other[]
Some of these organizations are not technically "squadrons", however they have custody of and routinely fly Navy aircraft.
Squadron Name | Insignia | Nickname | Aircraft | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron | Blue Angels | FA-18 C-130 |
NAS Pensacola NAF El Centro | |
Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center | Strike U Topgun Topdome |
FA-18 F-16 E-2C MH-60S |
NAS Fallon | |
Strike Fighter Weapons School Pacific | FA-18 | NAS Lemoore | ||
Pacific Missile Range Facility | S-3B | Barking Sands |
Helicopter Squadrons[]
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.[5] All Navy helicopter (or rotary wing) squadrons' informal names start with the letter "H".
Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron[]
The Mine Countermeasures Squadrons are each made up of 16 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.[6] 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.
Squadron Name | Insignia | Nickname | Aircraft | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
HM-14 | Vanguard | MH-53E | NS Norfolk | |
HM-15 | Blackhawks | MH-53E | NS Norfolk |
Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadrons[]
Helicopter Anti-Submarine squadrons are composite squadrons usually made up of four to six SH-60F Seahawks and two to four HH-60H Seahawks. Both Aircraft are Carrier-Based. The SH-60Fs primary mission is Anti-submarine warfare (ASW) defense of the inner zone, which includes detection, classification and destruction of hostile submarines. HH-60Hs primary mission is combat search and rescue (CSAR), Naval Special Warfare support (NSW) and anti-surface warfare (ASUW).[7]
Squadron Name | Insignia | Nickname | Aircraft | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
HS-5 | File:Hs5.jpg | Nightdippers | SH-60F HH-60H |
CVW-7 NS Norfolk |
HS-11 | File:Hs11.jpg | Dragonslayers | SH-60F HH-60H |
CVW-1 NAS Jacksonville |
Helicopter Sea Combat Squadrons[]
The Sea Combat Squadron combines both the strike capability of the Helicopter Anti-submarine wing and the cargo capability of the Helicopter Combat Support wing into its primary mission. Over the next decade all HC and HS squadrons will transition to Sea Combat Squadrons upon receiving the MH-60S.[8]
Squadron Name | Insignia | Nickname | Aircraft | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
HSC-2 | File:Hsc-2.gif | Fleet Angels | MH-60S | FRS Formerly HC-2 Formerly HU-2 NS Norfolk |
HSC-3 | File:HSC-3.gif | Merlins | MH-60S | FRS Formerly HC-3 NAS North Island |
HSC-4 | File:Hs4.jpg | Black Knights | MH-60S | Formerly HS-4 CVW-2 NAS North Island |
HSC-6 | File:Hs6.jpg | Indians | MH-60S | Formerly HS-6 CVW-11 NAS North Island |
HSC-7 | Dusty Dogs | MH-60S | Formerly HS-7 CVW-3 NS Norfolk | |
HSC-8 | Eightballers | MH-60S | Formerly HS-8 CVW-9 NAS North Island | |
HSC-9 | Tridents | MH-60S | Formerly HS-3 CVW-8 NS Norfolk | |
HSC-12 | File:HSC-12 emblem.jpg | Golden Falcons | MH-60S | Formerly HS-2 CVW-5 NAF Atsugi |
HSC-14 | Chargers | MH-60S | Formerly HS-14 NAS North Island | |
HSC-15 | Red Lions | MH-60S | Formerly HS-15 CVW-17 NAS North Island | |
HSC-21 | File:Hsc-21.gif | Blackjacks | MH-60S | Formerly HC-11 Expeditionary NAS North Island |
HSC-22 | Sea Knights | MH-60S | Expeditionary NS Norfolk | |
HSC-23 | File:Hsc-23.gif | Wild Cards | MH-60S | Expeditionary NAS North Island |
HSC-25 | File:HSC-25.gif | Island Knights | MH-60S | Formerly HC-5 Expeditionary Andersen AFB |
HSC-26 | File:HSC-26.gif | Chargers | MH-60S | Formerly HC-6 Expeditionary NS Norfolk |
HSC-28 | File:Hsc-28.gif | Dragon Whales | MH-60S | Formerly HC-8 Expeditionary NS Norfolk |
HSC-84 | Red Wolves | HH-60H | Formerly HCS-4 Reserve and Active NS Norfolk | |
HSC-85 | Fire Hawks | HH-60H | Formerly HCS-5/HC-85 Reserve and Active NAS North Island |
Helicopter Anti-Submarine (Light) Squadrons[]
Anti-Submarine Light squadrons each operate between six and fifteen SH-60B LAMPS III helicopters. The SH-60Bs primary mission is to provide fully mission capable detachments aboard cruisers, destroyers, and frigates assigned to the Fleet. These detachments are an integral part of the ships weapon system, extending the ships under-sea and anti-ship warfare capabilities beyond the horizon. As of 2015[update] all Helicopter Anti-Submarine (Light) Squadrons are schedule to be redesignated Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadrons. This change will reflect the switch to the MH-60R Seahawk and the squadrons new multi-mission capability.[9]
Squadron Name | Insignia | Nickname | Aircraft | Notes |
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HSL-37 | File:Hsl37.jpg | Easyriders | SH-60B | MCAS Kaneohe Bay |
HSL-48 | File:Hsl48.jpg | Vipers | SH-60B | NS Mayport |
HSL-49 | File:Hsl49.jpg | Scorpions | SH-60B | NAS North Island |
HSL-60 | File:Hsl60.jpg | Jaguars | SH-60B | Reserve NS Mayport |
Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadrons[]
Helicopter Maritime Strike squadrons operate the MH-60R Seahawk. The first operational fleet squadron to receive the Romeo is HSM-71 in fiscal year 2008. The new squadron designation was created to reflect the MH-60Rs multi-mission capabilities. Eventually all Anti-submarine (Light) squadrons will transition to the MH-60R and be redesignated HSM.[10]
Squadron Name | Insignia | Nickname | Aircraft | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
HSM-35 | Magicians | MH-60R, MQ-8B | Expeditionary Actived May 2, 2013.[11] NAS North Island | |
HSM-40 | Airwolves | MH-60R | FRS NS Mayport | |
HSM-41 | File:Hsm-41.gif | Seahawks | MH-60R | FRS NAS North Island |
HSM-46 | Grandmasters | MH-60R | Expeditionary NS Mayport | |
HSM-51 | File:Hsl51.jpg | Warlords | MH-60R | Expeditionary NAF Atsugi |
HSM-70 | File:HSM-70 emblem.jpg | Spartans | MH-60R | CVW-8 NAS Jacksonville |
HSM-71 | Raptors | MH-60R | CVW-9 NAS North Island | |
HSM-72 | Proud Warriors | MH-60R | CVW-7 NAS Jacksonville | |
HSM-73 | Battle Cats | MH-60R | CVW-17 NAS North Island | |
HSM-74 | Swamp Fox | MH-60R | CVW-3 NAS Jacksonville | |
HSM-75 | Wolfpack | MH-60R | CVW-11 NAS North Island | |
HSM-77 | Saberhawks | MH-60R | CVW-5 NAF Atsugi First LAMPS deployment aboard carrier[12] | |
HSM-78 | Blue Hawks | MH-60R | CVW-2 NAS North Island |
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. Students who successfully complete the program earn the right to wear the coveted "Wings of Gold."[13]
Squadron Name | Insignia | Nickname | Aircraft | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
HT-8 | File:Ht-8.jpg | Eightballers | TH-57 | NAS Whiting Field |
HT-18 | File:Ht-18.jpg | Vigilant Eagles | TH-57 | NAS Whiting Field |
HT-28 | File:HT-28patch.gif | Hellions | TH-57 | NAS Whiting Field |
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.[14]
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.[15] The aviation platforms will consist of the MQ-8B, flown by SH-60 aviators, and the MQ-8C Fire-X, flown by enlisted operators.[16]
Squadron Name | Insignia | Nickname | Aircraft | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
HUQ-1 | TBD | TBD | MQ-8 | FRS To be established 1 October 2012[15] NAS North Island |
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).
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[17] | |
VXS-1 | Warlocks | P-3 C-12 |
formerly NRL's Flight Support Detachment Scientific Development NAS Patuxent River[17] | |
VX-9 | Vampires | FA-18 All Variants EA-18G AV-8 EA-6B AH-1Z UH-1Y and other variants |
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[18] | |
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[19] | |
VX-23 | Saltydogs | F-35 FA-18 EA-6B EA-18G T-45 |
Strike Aircraft Test NAS Patuxent River | |
VX-30 | Bloodhounds | C-130 P-3 All Variants S-3B FA-18 |
Weapons Test NAS Point Mugu | |
VX-31 | Dust Devils | FA-18 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[]
- ↑ The EA-6B will be replaced by the EA-18G Growler. "EA-18G Growler electronic warfare aircraft". USN Fact File. United States Navy. http://www.navy.mil/navydata/fact_display.asp?cid=1100&tid=900&ct=1.
- ↑ "E-2 Hawkeye early warning and control aircraft". USN Fact File. United States Navy. http://www.navy.mil/navydata/fact_display.asp?cid=1100&tid=700&ct=1.
- ↑ A, C, and E models are single seat. B, D, and F models are two seat.
- ↑ "E-6B Airborne Command Post (ABNCP)". United States Strategic Command. http://www.stratcom.mil/fact_sheets/fact_acp.html.
- ↑ "The Helicopter Master Plan". Federation of American Scientists. http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/navy/docs/vision/helomstr.htm.
- ↑ "MH-53E Sea Dragon". USN Fact File. United States Navy. http://www.navy.mil/navydata/fact_display.asp?cid=1200&tid=400&ct=1.
- ↑ "SH-60 Seahawk helicopter". USN Fact File. United States Navy. http://www.navy.mil/navydata/fact_display.asp?cid=1200&tid=500&ct=1.
- ↑ "Helicopter Sea Combat Wing, Pacific COMHELSEACOMBATWINGPAC". Global Security. http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/agency/navy/helseacombatwingpac.htm.
- ↑ "Helicopter Maritime Strike Wing, Pacific". Commander Helicopter Maritime Strike Wing, Pacific. Global Security. http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/agency/navy/hslwingpac.htm.
- ↑ "MH-60R Seahawk". USN Fact File. United States Navy. http://www.navy.mil/navydata/fact_display.asp?cid=1200&tid=500&ct=1.
- ↑ London, Christina. "Navy Drone Squadron First of Its Kind." NBC San Diego, 3 May 2013.
- ↑ Utz, Curtis A; Mark L Evans; Dale J Gordon (July–August 2005). "The Year in Review 2004" (PDF). Naval Aviation News. United States Navy. p. 37. http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/2000s/2005/julaug/p20-43_Year%20in%20Review%202004.pdf.
- ↑ "Helicopter Training Squadron 8". Global Security. http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/agency/navy/ht-8.htm.
- ↑ "Fleet Composite Squadron SIX". U.S. Navy. Global Security. http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/agency/navy/vc-6.htm.
- ↑ 15.0 15.1 OPNAV Notice 5400. 14 August 2012
- ↑ Stewart, Joshua. "New squadron to deploy, train unmanned helicopter pilots." Navy Times. 30 August 2012.
- ↑ 17.0 17.1 "Naval Air Station Patuxent River Base Guide". DCMilitary.com. Comprint Military Publications. 2008-08-12. http://www.dcmilitary.com/special_sections/sw/081206/ss_120846_31938.shtml. Retrieved 2008-12-01.
- ↑ "VX-20 Aircraft Platforms". Air Test and Evaluation Squadron TWO ZERO. United States Navy. 2006-06-10. http://www.navair.navy.mil/force/AircraftPg1.htm. Retrieved 2008-12-01.[dead link]
- ↑ Carlson, Ted (Spring 2005). "HX-21 - Blackjack". Association of Naval Aviation. http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3834/is_200504/ai_n15743379. Retrieved 2008-12-01.[dead link]
The original article can be found at List of United States Navy aircraft squadrons and the edit history here.