List of inactive United States Navy aircraft squadrons

There are hundreds of Inactive US Navy aircraft squadrons dating back to before World War I. Various sources sometimes refer to these as "disestablished" or "decommissioned" squadrons. However, squadrons are only "established", "disestablished", or "redesignated", while ships are "commissioned" or "decommissioned". Many squadrons have been re-designated or re-established, etc. making their "lineage" somewhat difficult to chart.[1] Squadrons, including those that have been redesignated, are in the List of United States Navy aircraft squadrons. The US Navy's official position is that once a squadron is disestablished, its lineage "dies", even if the name/insignia is later revived by a new unit. It is not uncommon, however, for these "reborn" squadrons to claim a link to the earlier squadron and assume their traditions and insignia. If a squadron is re-designated with a new name or aircraft (i.e., an unbroken link), its lineage lives on in the new squadron/aircraft.[2]

Contents

Inactive fixed wing squadrons

Fighter squadrons

Squadron Name Insignia Nickname Aircraft Date deactivated Notes
VF-1 Wolfpack F-14 October 1, 1993
VF-1L November 20, 1948
VF-3 May 1924
VF-5 January 7, 1943
VF-6 October 1, 1945
VF-7 June 8, 1946
VF-8 November 23, 1945
VF-9 September 28, 1945
VF-10 November 26, 1945
VF-6 October 1, 1945
VF-12 September 17, 1945
VF-13 October 20, 1945
VF-13 October 1, 1969
VF-14 June 14, 1946
VF-15 October 20, 1945
VF-16 November 6, 1945
VF-18 March 5, 1944
VF-21 Freelancers F-14 January 31, 1996
VF-24 Fighting Renegades F-14 August 31, 1996
VF-33 Starfighters F-14 October 1, 1993
VF-43 Challengers FA-18 July 1, 1994
VF-51 Screamin' Eagles F-14 March 31, 1995
VF-74 Be-Devilers F-14 April 30, 1994
VF-84 Jolly Rogers F-14 October 1, 1995
VF-92 Silver Kings F-4 December 12, 1975
VF-96 Fighting Falcons F-4 December 12, 1975
VF-101 Grim Reapers F-14 September 30, 2005 East Coast FRS
VF-111 Sundowners F-14 March 31, 1995
VF-114 Aardvarks F-14 April 30, 1993
VF-121 Pacemakers F-4 September 30, 1980
VF-124 Gunfighters F-14 September 30, 1994 West Coast FRS
VF-126 Bandits A-4
F-16N		 April 1, 1994
VF-142 Ghostriders F-14 April 30, 1995
VF-191 Satan's Kittens F-14 April 30, 1988
VF-194 Red Lightning F-14 April 30, 1988
VF-202 Superheats F-14 December 31, 1994 USNR
VF-301 Devils Disciples F-14 December 31, 1994 USNR
VF-302 Stallions F-14 December 31, 1994 USNR

Strike fighter squadrons

Squadron Name Insignia Nickname Aircraft Date deactivated Notes
VFAW-3 Blue Nemesis F-6(F4D) April 1963 All wx interceptor
VFA-82 Marauders FA-18 September 30, 2005
VFA-127 Desert Bogies FA-18 March 23, 1996 USNR
VFA-132 Privateers FA-18 June 1, 1992
VFA-161 Chargers FA-18 April 1, 1988
VFA-201 Hunters FA-18 June 30, 2007 USNR
VFA-203 Blue Dolphins FA-18 June 30, 2004 USNR
VFA-303 Golden Hawks FA-18 December 31, 1994 USNR
VFA-305 Lobo's FA-18 December 31, 1994 USNR

Attack squadrons

Squadron Name Insignia Nickname Aircraft Date deactivated Notes
VA-1L November 20, 1948
VA-2B Beasts September 1, 1948
VA-2E Valions September 1, 1948
VA-3A Black Panthers August 3, 1948
VA-3B Indians September 1, 1948
VA-3E September 1, 1948
VA-4A Dragons August 7, 1948
VA-4B Fish Hawks September 1, 1948
VAL-4 Black Ponies OV-10A April 10, 1972
VA-5A August 16, 1948
VA-5B July 27, 1948
VA-6A Torpcats August 16, 1948
VA-6B July 27, 1948
VA-7A Sunday Punchers July 27, 1948
VA-8A Air Barons July 27, 1948
VA-9A Tough Kitties August 12, 1948
VA-10A Vultures August 12, 1948
VA-11A July 15, 1948
VA-12 Flying Ubangis August 2, 1948
VA-12 Flying Ubangis A-7 October 1, 1986
VA-12A July 15, 1948
VA-13A Hell Razors August 2, 1948
VA-14A Uninvited August 2, 1948
VA-15A Flying Cannons July 15, 1948
VA-16A Gremlins June 15, 1948
VA-17A Battering Rams August 11, 1948
VA-18A Devils Diplomats August 11, 1948
VA-19A Bulldogs August 24, 1948
VA-20A August 24, 1948
VA-21A August 4, 1947
VA-22A August 5, 1948
VA-23 Black Knights A-4 April 1, 1970
VA-24 Corsairs March 9, 1959
VA-25 Tigers July 1, 1959
VA-26 Skylancers April 1, 1958
VA-34 Blue Blasters February 15, 1950
VA-35 Black Panthers A-6 January 31, 1995
VA-36 Roadrunners A-4 August 1, 1970
VA-36 Road Runners A-6 April 1, 1994
VA-38 October 1, 1968 VA-38 existed only on paper
no aircraft assigned
VA-42 Green Pawns A-6 September 30, 1994 Eastcoast A-6 RAG (FRS)
VA-44 Hornets June 8, 1950
VA-44 Hornets A-4 May 1, 1970
VA-45 Blackbirds June 8, 1950
VA-46 Clansmen A-7E June 30, 1991
VA-52 Knightriders A-6 March 17, 1995
VA-54 Hells Angels April 1, 1958
VA-55 Warhorses A-4 December 12, 1975
VA-55 Warhorses A-6E January 1, 1991
VA-56 Champions A-7 August 31, 1986
VA-64 Black Lancers November 7, 1969
VA-65 Tigers A-6 March 31, 1993
VA-66 Waldomen A-7 October 1, 1986 det in existence until March 31, 1987
VA-67 June 2, 1969
VA-72 Blue Hawks A-7 June 30, 1991
VA-74 Sunday Punchers February 15, 1950
VA-75 Sunday Punchers A-6 February 28, 1997
VA-76 Spirits September 30, 1969
VA-84 November 29, 1949
VA-85 Black Falcons A-6 September 30, 1994
VA-93 Ravens A-7 August 31, 1986
VA-94 Mighty Shrikes November 30, 1949
VA-95 Green Lizards A-4 April 1, 1970
VA-95 Green Lizards A-6 November 18, 1995
VA-96 Eagles April 10, 1958
VA-104 Hells Archers March 31, 1959
VA-105 Gunslingers February 1, 1959
VA-106 Gladiators November 7, 1969
VA-112 Bombing Broncos October 10, 1969
VA-114 December 1, 1949
VA-116 Road Runners February 25, 1959
VA-122 Flying Eagles A-7 May 31, 1991
VA-125 Rough Raiders April 10, 1958
VA-125 Rough Raiders A-7 October 1, 1977
VA-126 Nulli Secondus October 15, 1963
VA-128 Golden Intruders A-6 September 29, 1995
VA-133 Blue Knights October 1, 1962
VA-134 Scorpions October 1, 1962
VA-135 Thunderbirds October 1, 1962
VA-144 Road Runners A-4 January 29, 1971
VA-145 Swordsmen A-6 October 1, 1993
VA-151 Black Knights February 23, 1959
VA-152 Mavericks A-4 January 29, 1971
VA-153 Blue Tail Flies A-7 September 30, 1977
VA-154 Flying Cannons December 1, 1949
VA-155 Silver Foxes A-7 September 30, 1977
VA-155 Silver Foxes A-6 April 30, 1993
VA-156 Iron Tigers January 20, 1959
VA-163 Saints A-4 July 1, 1971
VA-164 Ghost Riders A-4 December 2, 1975
VA-165 Boomers A-6 July 26, 1996
VA-172 Bluebolts A-4 January 15, 1971
VA-174 Hellrazors A-7 June 30, 1988 Eastcoast A-7 RAG (FRS)
VA-175 Devils Diplomats TBM, AD-1 March 15, 1958
VA-176 Thunderbolts A-6 October 1, 1992
VA-185 Night Hawks A-6 August 30, 1991
VA-194 Winged Lightnings December 1, 1949
VA-196 Main Battery A-6 February 28, 1997
VA-205 Green Falcons A-6 December 31, 1994
VA-209 Air Barons A-4 August 15, 1971
VA-210 Black Hawks A-4 June 30, 1971
VA-212 Rampant Raiders A-4 December 12, 1975
VA-213 June 1, 1949
VA-214 Volunteers August 1, 1958
VA-215 Barn Owls A-7 September 30, 1977
VA-216 Black Diamonds A-4 August 1, 1970
VA-304 Firebirds A-6 December 31, 1994
VA-702 Rustlers February 4, 1953
VA-728 February 4, 1953
VA-776 Golden Eagles November 1, 1968
VA-831 Mohicans November 1, 1968
VA-873 November 1, 1968
VA-859 Black Falcons February 4, 1953
VA-923 Rough Riders February 4, 1953

Heavy attack squadrons

Squadron Name Insignia Nickname Aircraft Date deactivated Notes
VAH-1 Tigers September 1, 1964
VAH-3 Sea Dragons July 1, 1964
VAH-4 Fourrunners KA-3B November 1, 1968
VAH-5 Savage Sons May 1956
VAH-6 Fleurs September 23, 1965
VAH-7 Peacemakers of the Fleet December 1, 1964
VAH-8 Fireballers January 1, 1968
VAH-9 Hoot Owls June 30, 1964
VAH-11 Checkertails July 1, 1966
VAH-13 Bats November 1, 1964
VAH-15 February 15, 1959
VAH-16 White Blades January 30, 1959
VAH-21 Roadrunners AP-2H June 16, 1969
VAH-123 Pros A-3 February 1, 1971

Aerial refueling squadrons

Squadron Name Insignia Nickname Aircraft Date deactivated Notes
VAK-208 Jockeys KA-3B September 30, 1989
VAK-308 Griffins KA-3B September 30, 1988

Electronic warfare squadrons

Squadron Name Insignia Nickname Aircraft Date deactivated Notes
VAQ-13 Scorpions October 1, 1968
VA(AW)-33 Knight Hawks February 1, 1968
VAQ-33 Firebirds EA-6A
EP-3J
TA-3B
ERA-3B
KA-3B
NC-121K
EA-4F
EF-4B
EF-4J		 September 30, 1993
VAQ-34 Flashbacks ERA-3B
KA-3B
EA-3B
EA-7L
TA-7C		 February 1, 1991
VA(AW)-35 Night Hecklers June 29, 1959
VAQ-128 Fighting Phoenix EA-6B September 30, 2004

Airborne early warning squadrons

Squadron Name Insignia Nickname Aircraft Date deactivated Notes
VAW-11 Early Elevens E-2C March 31, 1995
VAW-12 Bats E-2C April 1, 1967
VAW-13 Zappers October 1, 1968
VAW-33 Knight Hawks February 1, 1968
VAW-78 Fighting Escargots E-2C March 31, 2005 USNR
VAW-88 Cotton Pickers E-2C December 31, 1994 USNR
VAW-110 Firebirds E-2C September 1, 1994 West Coast E-2/C-2 RAG (FRS)
VAW-114 Hormel Hawgs E-2C February 16, 1995
VAW-122 Steeljaw E-2C March 31, 1996
VAW-127 Seabats E-2C September 30, 1991

Sea control squadrons

Squadron Name Insignia Nickname Aircraft Date deactivated Notes
VS-21 Redtails S-3B February 28, 2005
VS-22 Checkmates S-3B January 29, 2009
VS-24 Scouts S-3B March 31, 2007
VS-27 Sea Wolves S-3B September 30, 1994 First S-3B Squadron
VS-28 Hukkers,
Gamblers		 S-3B October 1, 1992
VS-29 Dragonfires S-3B April 30, 2004
VS-30 Diamondcutters S-3B April 20, 2007
VS-31 Topcats S-3B March 27, 2008
VS-32 Maulers S-3B September 25, 2008
VS-33 Screwbirds S-3B June 15, 2005
VS-35 Blue Wolves S-3B March 31, 2005
VS-37 Sawbucks S-3B March 1, 1995
VS-38 Red Griffins S-3B April 30, 2004
VS-41 Shamrocks S-3B September 30, 2006

Reconnaissance squadrons

Squadron Name Insignia Nickname Aircraft Date deactivated Notes
VQ-5 Sea Shadows ES-3A July 30, 1999
VQ-6 Black Ravens ES-3A September 30, 1999
VQ-11 Bandits EP-3J March 31, 2000
VAP-61 World Recorders RA-3B July 1, 1971
VAP-62 Tigers RA-3B October 15, 1969
VFP-63 Eyes Of The Fleet RF-8A/G Crusader September, 1982

Heavy reconnaissance squadrons

Squadron Name Insignia Nickname Aircraft Date deactivated Notes
RVAH-1 Smokin' Tigers RA-5C January 29, 1979
RVAH-3 Sea Dragons RA-5C August 17, 1979
RVAH-5 Savage Sons RA-5C September 30, 1977
RVAH-6 Fleurs RA-5C October 20, 1978
RVAH-7 Peacemakers RA-5C September 28, 1979
RVAH-9 Hoot Owls June 3, 1964
RVAH-9 Hoot Owls RA-5C September 30, 1977
RVAH-11 Checkertails RA-5C June 1, 1975
RVAH-12 Speartips RA-5C July 2, 1979
RVAH-13 Bats RA-5C June 30, 1976

Patrol squadrons

Squadron Name Insignia Nickname Aircraft Date deactivated Notes
VP-6 Blue Sharks P-3 May 31, 1993
VA(HM)-10 July 1, 1959
VP-11 Proud Pegasus P-3 January 15, 1997
VA(HM)-13 July 1, 1959
VP-17 White Lightnings P-3 March 31, 1995
VP-19 Big Red P-3 August 31, 1991
VP-22 Blue Geese P-3 March 31, 1994
VP-23 Sea Hawks P-3 February 28, 1995
VP-24 Batmen P-3 April 30, 1995
VP-31 Black Lightenings/Genies P-3 November 1, 1993
VP-44 Golden Pelicans P-3 June 28, 1991
VP-48 Boomers P-3 May 23, 1991
VP-49 Woodpeckers P-3 March 1, 1994
VP-50 Blue Dragons P-3 June 30, 1992
VP-56 Dragons P-3 June 28, 1991
VP-60 Cobras P-3 September 1, 1994 USNR

Glenview
VP-64 [1] Condors P-3 Redesignated VR-64

on September 18, 2004

 USNR

WillowGrove
VP-66 [2] Liberty Bells P-3 February 11, 2006 USNR

WillowGrove
VP-67 Golden Hawks P-3 September 30, 1994 USNR

Memphis
VP-68 Blackhawks P-3 January 16, 1997 USNR

Washington
VP-90 Lions P-3 September 30, 1994 USNR

Glenview
VP-91 Black Cats P-3 March 31, 1999 USNR

Moffett
VP-92 Minutemen P-3 November 30, 2007 USNR

Brunswick
VP-93 Executioners P-3 September 30, 1994 USNR

Detroit

Fleet logistics squadrons

Squadron Name Insignia Nickname Aircraft Date deactivated Notes
VRC-50 Foo-Dogs US-3
C-2
C-130		 October 7, 1994

Composite squadrons

Squadron Name Insignia Nickname Aircraft Date deactivated Notes
VC-4 Night Cappers F4U, F9F, F3D 1949-1956[3] SEE VFAW-4
VC-5 Checkertails A-4E,TA-4J,SH-3G,CH-53E 1992 NAS Cubi Point Phillipines
VC-6 Firebees RQ-2A[4]
BQM-74		 August 7, 2008 NAS Norfolk
VC-8 Redtail A-4 October 1, 2003 NAS Roosevelt Roads
VC-10 Crusaders F-8 July 1, 1968 NAS Leeward Point Guantanamo Bay

Training squadrons

Squadron Name Insignia Nickname Aircraft Date deactivated Notes
VT-23 Professionals T-2C September 30, 1999

VF-171 Nas Oceana was a training squadron. F-4 Phantom Aircraft. Decommissioned.

Other squadrons

Squadron Name Insignia Nickname Aircraft Date deactivated Notes
VX-6 Ice Pirates LC-130
 December 31, 1969
VXE-6 Puckered Penguins
 LC-130
UH-1		 March 27, 1999

Inactive helicopter squadrons

Anti-submarine squadrons

Squadron Name Insignia Nickname Aircraft Date deactivated
HS-1 Seahorses SH-3 May 28, 1997
HS-7 Dusty Dogs HSS-1 May 31, 1966
HS-8 Eightballers HSS-1 December 31, 1968
HS-9 Sea Griffins HSS-1 October 1, 1968
HS-9 Sea Griffins SH-3 April 30, 1993
HS-12 Wyverns SH-3 November 30, 1994
HS-13 Sub Choppers HSS-1N (SH-34J) October 1, 1962
HS-16 Nighthawks SH-3H June 1, 1988
HS-17 Neptune Raiders SH-3 June 30, 1991
HSL-30 Neptune's Horsemen SH-2F September 30, 1993
HSL-31 Arch Angels SH-2F July 31, 1992
HSL-32 Invaders SH-2F January 31, 1994
HSL-33 Seasnakes SH-2F April 29, 1994
HSL-34 Greencheckers SH-2F November 30, 1993
HSL-35 Magicians SH-2F December 4, 1992
HSL-36 Lamplighters SH-2F September 30, 1992
HSL-74 Demon Elves SH-2G April 1, 1994
HS-75 Emerald Knights SH-60F
HH-60H		 March 31, 2007
HSL-84 Thunderbolts SH-2G June 30, 2001
HSL-94 Titans SH-2G April 1, 2001

Combat support squadrons

Squadron Name Insignia Nickname Aircraft Date deactivated
HC-1 Fleet Angels CH-53E April 29, 1994
HU-2 Fleet Angels UH-1 July 1, 1965
HC-2 Fleet Angels H-3 September 30, 1977
HC-4 Black Stallions CH-53 September 30, 2007
HCS-5 Firehawks (USNR) HH-60H December 3, 2006
HC-7 Seadevils H-3
H-46		 June 30, 1975
HC-9 Black Cats HH-3A July 31, 1990
HC-16 NAS Pensacola
Bullfrogs		 SH-3 April 1, 1994

Mine coutermeasure squadrons

Squadron Name Insignia Nickname Aircraft Date deactivated
HM-12 Sea Dragons MH-53E September 30, 1994
HM-16 Seahawks RH-53D January 2, 1987
HM-18 Norsemen (USNR) MH-53E March 4, 1995
HM-19 Golden Bears MH-53E November 5, 1994

Other squadrons

Squadron Name Insignia Nickname Aircraft Date deactivated
HA(L)-3 Seawolves UH-1/HH-1 March 16, 1972
VX-3 Helicopter Training April 1, 1948
VO-67 Gandydancers OP-2E July 1, 1968

See also

References

  1. ^ The Name's the Same
  2. ^ Naval Aviation Squadron Lineages
  3. ^ Dictionary of American Naval Aircraft: VC-4/VFAW-4 Squadron www.wings-aviation.ch, accessed:18 Nov 2011
  4. ^ "RQ-2A Pioneer Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)". United States Navy Fact File. United States Navy. 2007-08-27. http://www.navy.mil/navydata/fact_display.asp?cid=1100&tid=2100&ct=1. Retrieved 2008-12-01.