Attack Squadron 42 (United States Navy)

Attack Squadron 42

VA-42 Insignia
Active September 1, 1950 – September 30, 1994
Country  United States of America
Branch United States Navy
Type Attack
Role Close air support
Air interdiction
Garrison/HQ NAS Oceana
Nickname Green Pawns
Engagements Korean War
Vietnam War

Attack Squadron 42 (VA-42) was a United States Navy attack squadron based at Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia. VA-42 was known as the "Green Pawns" (1950–1992) and the "Thunderbolts" (1992–1994; and has evolved several times throughout its history that dates back to 1950. [1]

Contents

History

VA-42 was established on September 1, 1950 the squadron was designated Fighter Squadron 42 (VF-42). The unit was redesignated (VA-42) on November 1, 1953 the squadron designation remained the same until it was disestablished on September 30, 1994.[1]

"Green Pawn" nickname

The insignia for VA-42, the "Green Pawn", was originally approved by the Chief of Naval Operations CNO for Bombing and Fighting Squadron 75 (VBF-75) on October 28, 1946. When VBF-75 was redesignated VF-4B on November 15, 1946, the insignia was carried over for use by Fighting Squadron 4B (VF-4B).

On September 1, 1948 VF-4B was redesignated Fighting Squadron 42 (VF-42). This squadron continued to use the Green Pawn insignia until it was disestablished on June 8, 1950. When a new Fighting Squadron 42 (VF-42) was established on September 1, 1950 they adopted the Green Pawn insignia that had been used by the former VF-42. In 1953 the insignia was carried over to VA-42 following its redesignation from VF-42.

The Green Pawn insignia is a simple, uncluttered and highly recognizable design. The symbol of the pawn was chosen because it has the most potential power of any piece on the chess board. The pawn is canted at a 45 degree angle inside a shield design. It is also said that the aircrews said they were called the Green Pawns for two reasons: it was the Fleet Replacement Squadron (Responsible for training new aircrew and aircraft maintainers; thereby, they were green, or new); and their squadron was a pawn which could be pushed around by the fleet and the senior commands.

Colors are as follows: green pawn; background of the shield is white outlined in green; and the scroll is white outlined in green with green lettering.

"Thunderbolts" nickname

In 1992 the name and insignia was changed to "Thunderbolts" and the old logo of [then recently disestablished A-6 fleet squadron, VA-176 ]. On the insignia was a dark blue background, a maced fist and lightning bolt held by the fist. Interestingly, the stars in the background, still were shown in the count of 1, 7, and 6 [these were separated by the parts of the insignia].

Chronology of significant events

Assignments

Home ports

Location Assignment Date

Aircraft

Type of Aircraft Date Type First Received

Major overseas deployments

Depart Return Airwing Aircraft Area of Ops

Air Wing assignments

Air Wing Tail Code Date

However, ATG-181 was not assigned a tail code letter until July 24 1956. Prior to July 1956 VA-42 still carried the tail code for CVG-6 even though it deployed as part of ATG-181. † RCVG-4 redesignated RCVW-4 on December 20, 1963. ‡ On June 1, 1970, RCVW-4 was disestablished. The AD tail code that had been allocated to RCVW-4 and its assigned squadrons continued to be used by the squadrons that had been in RCVW-4. VA-42 continued to use the AD tail code for its aircraft.

Unit awards

MUC Meritorious Unit Commendation

Inclusive Dates Covering Award

See also

References

  1. ^ a b "DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS". US Navy. Naval Historical Center. http://www.history.navy.mil/download/va-42-52.pdf. Retrieved 2007-02-22. 

External links