List of inactive United States Navy aircraft squadrons

The VC designation was first created on 1 March 1943 when Escort Scouting Squadrons (VGS) which were based aboard Escort Carriers (CVEs) were redesignated Composite Squadrons (VC).[6] These VC squadrons flew combinations of fighters, dive bombers and/or torpedo bombers from Escort Carriers through WWII, at the end of which they were all disestablished by the end of 1945. There were two later uses of the VC designation. The first from 1948 to 1956 and the second from 1965 to 2008. There have been multiple unrelated squadrons using the same VC designations through the years. For example, the last two VC squadrons were VC-6 and VC-8 which were deactivated in 2008 and 2003 respectively. Both of those squadrons were the third squadron to use each of those designations, and neither squadron had any relation to earlier squadrons designated VC-6 or VC-8. The first VC-6 and VC-8 were WWII Escort Carrier composite squadrons, the second VC-6 was a heavy attack squadron which was redesignated VAH-6 then RVAH-6 and the second VC-8 was also a heavy attack squadron which was redesignated VAH-11 then RVAH-11.

Note: The parenthetical (1st), (2nd), (3rd) etc... appended to designations in the tables 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.

There were approximately 90 VC squadrons which existed from 1943 to 1945.[7] The table below contains a partial list of WWII VC squadrons

Designation	Insignia	Nickname	Aircraft[lower-alpha 1]	Establishment and Redesignation (if applicable) Dates[lower-alpha 2]	Disestablished as	Disestablished Date	Notes
VC-6 (first use)			FM-2, TBM	VGS-25: Jan 1943-Mar 1943 VC-25(1st): Mar 1943-Sep 1943 VC-6(1st): Sep 1943-5 Oct 1945	VC-6(1st)	5 October 1945
VC-8 (first use)				VC-8(1st): 1943-1945	VC-8(1st)	1945	Operated fighter and scouting planes from an escort carrier (CVE)
VC-10 (first use)				VC-10(1st): 23 Sep 1943-1945	VC-10(1st)	1945	Operated fighter and torpedo planes from USS Gambier Bay (CVE 73)[8]
VC-11				VGS-11: 5 Aug 1942-1 Mar 1943 VC-11(1st): 1 Mar 1943 – 16 May 1943 VF-21(1st): 16 May 1943 – 5 Nov 1945	VF-21 (1st)	5 November 1945
VC-13 (first use)		Fools in God's Oceans	F4F, TBM	VC-13(1st): 1943-1945	VC-13(1st)	c.1945	USS Tripoli (CVE-64), USS Anzio (CVE-57)
VC-16				VGS-16: 6 Aug 1942-1 Mar 1943 VC-16: 1 Mar 1943 – 15 Aug 1943 VF-33(1st): 15 Aug 1943 – 9 Nov 1945	VF-33 (1st)	19 November 1945
VC-18				VGS-18: 15 Oct 1942-1 Mar 1943 VC-18: 1 Mar 1943 – 15 Aug 1943 VF-36(1st): 15 Aug 1943-5 Mar 1944 VF-18(2nd): 5 Mar 1944-15 Nov 1946 VF-7A: 15 Nov 1946-28 Jul 1948 VF-71(2nd): 28 Jul 1948 – 31 Mar 1959	VF-71 (2nd)	31 March 1959
VC-25 (first use)			FM-2, TBM	VGS-25: Jan 1943-Mar 1943 VC-25(1st): Mar 1943-Sep 1943 VC-6(1st): Sep 1943-5 Oct 1945	VC-6(1st)	5 October 1945
VC-34				VGS-34: 24 Feb 1943-1 Mar 1943 VC-34(1st): 1 Mar 1943 – 15 Aug 1943 VF-34(1st): 15 Aug 1943 – 8 Jul 1944	VF-34 (1st)	8 July 1944
VC-64				VC-64: 1 Jun 1943 – 15 Aug 1943 VF-39(1st): 15 Aug 1943 – 15 Jul 1944	VF-39 (1st)	15 July 1944
VC-72		Ball the Jack	FM-2, TBM	VC-72: 1944-1945	VC-72	1945

VJ designated Utility squadron from 1925 to 1946.[9] In 1946 the designation for Utility Squadron was changed to "VU". The designation was later used from 1952 to 1956 to designate weather squadrons and photographic squadrons

The VO designation was one of the earliest by the U.S. Navy. It first appeared in 1922 to designate "Spotting Squadrons" which provided aerial naval gunfire spotting for battleships and cruisers. In 1923 the designation was changed to "Observation Plane Squadron" or "Observation Squadron" and continued in use as such until 1945 when the designation was discontinued. There were two later uses of the VO designation, from 1947 to 1949 and again during the Vietnam War from 1967 to 1968.

The VS designation first appeared in 1922 as the designation for scouting squadrons. It was used as the designation for scouting squadron until it was formally removed from the squadron designation system in 1946,[11] but it had ceased to exist in 1943 as by the end of that year VS squadrons had all been redesignated to VF, VT, VC or VCS (cruiser scouting squadron).[7] There were approximately 26 squadrons designated VS (scouting squadron) between the years 1922 and 1943, one of them (the second Scouting Squadron VS-41) still exists today as VFA-14, the rest were all disestablished, or redesignated then disestablished by the end of 1949.[7] There was a later use of the VS designation from 1950 to 2009 to designate "Antisubmarine" or "Sea Control squadrons"

Note: The parenthetical (first use), (second use), (1st), (2nd), (3rd) etc... 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 and which use of the designation is indicated. Absence indicates that the designation was used only once.

Designation	Insignia	Nickname	Aircraft[lower-alpha 1]	Establishment and Redesignation (if applicable) Dates[lower-alpha 4]	Disestablished as	Disestablished Date	Notes
Squadrons in operation prior to the beginning of U.S. Navy Aircraft Carrier operations. The Navy's aircraft squadron designation system came into being in the early 1920s. Prior to that time Navy aircraft were assigned to air stations but to fully utilize aviation's potential it was necessary to extend its capabilities to operate with the fleet through the organization of squadrons. Squadrons were numbered according to ship squadron numbers and were designated according to the use of the squadron's aircraft[12] such as "Scouting" or "Patrol" or "Spotting"; however, the official use of abbreviated designations such as VS, VP or VO had not yet been implemented.
VS-1				Estblshmnt and Disestblshmnt unknown			Navy Directory dated 1 Jan 1922 lists the squadron and notes that it and VS-2 were combined in Dec 1921 to form one squadron[12]
VS-2				Estblshmnt and Disestblshmnt unknown			Navy Directory dated 1 Jan 1922 lists the squadron and notes that it and VS-1 were combined in Dec 1921 to form one squadron[12]
1 July 1922 to 1 July 1927: Naval Aviation Organization for FY 1923 issued on 17 June 1922 and implemented on 1 July 1922 changed the numbering of squadrons from according to ship squadron number to serially within each class and listed the squadrons by abbreviated designation (VF, VO, VS, VT) for the first time.[12] USS Langley (CV 1) was commissioned on 20 March 1922.
VS-1				Estblshmnt and Disestblshmnt unknown			Naval Aviation Organization for Fiscal Year 1923 issued on 17 June 1922 and effective 1 July 1922 lists the squadron.[12] It may be the combined VS-1 and VS-2 listed in the Navy Directory dated 1 Jan 1922
1 July 1927 to 1 July 1937: Suffix letters were added to squadron designations which denoted to which fleet squadrons were assigned: B-Battle Fleet, S-Scouting Fleet, A-Asiatic Fleet or "D" followed by a Naval District number for those squadrons assigned to Naval Districts.[13] Squadrons were redesignated as they were reassigned between fleets. Squadrons were assigned variously to the Aircraft Carriers USS Langley (CV 1), USS Lexington (CV 2), USS Saratoga (CV 3) and USS Ranger (CV 4) as needed to continue the development of ship based aircraft operations and tactics.
VS-1B (first use)				VS-1B(1st): May 1928 – 1930 VS-1S: 1930-1931 VS-1B(2nd): 1931-1 Jul 1937 VS-41(1st): 1 Jul 1937-15 Mar 1941 VF-42(1st): 15 Mar 1941 – 22 Jun 1942	VF-42 (1st)	22 June 1942
VS-1S				VS-1B: May 1928 – 1930 VS-1S: 1930-1931 VS-1B: 1931-1 Jul 1937 VS-41(1st): 1 Jul 1937-15 Mar 1941 VF-42(1st): 15 Mar 1941 – 22 Jun 1942	VF-42 (1st)	22 June 1942
VS-1B (second use)				VS-1B(1st): May 1928 – 1930 VS-1S: 1930-1931 VS-1B(2nd): 1931-1 Jul 1937 VS-41(1st): 1 Jul 1937-15 Mar 1941 VF-42(1st): 15 Mar 1941 – 22 Jun 1942	VF-42 (1st)	22 June 1942
VS-1D7			OS2U	12 March 1942
VS-2B				VS-2B: 3 Jul 1928 – 1 Jul 1937 VS-3: 1 Jul 1937-1 Mar 1943 VB-4: 1 Mar 1943-15 Jul 1943 VB-5: 15 Jul 1943-15 Nov 1946 VA-5A: 15 Nov 1946-16 Aug 1948 VA-54(1st): 16 Aug 1948 – 1 Dec 1949	VA-54 (1st)	1 December 1949
VS-3B				Estblshmnt and Disestblshmnt unknown			Squadron was listed in the January 1929 "Fleet Organization"[13]
VS-4B				Estblshmnt and Disestblshmnt unknown			Squadron was listed in the January 1929 "Fleet Organization"[13]
VS-5S				Estblshmnt and Disestblshmnt unknown			Squadron was listed in the January 1929 "Fleet Organization"[13]
1 Jul 1937 through 1 Mar 1943: Squadron suffix letters were discontinued. Squadrons were redesignated to conform with the hull number of the Aircraft Carrier to which they were assigned:[13] CV 2, CV 3, CV 4 and CV 5 (USS Yorktown (CV 5) was commissioned on 30 Sep 1937). USS Langley (CV 1) had ceased operating as an Aircraft Carrier by October 1936 and had been converted to a Seaplane Tender
Ship Named Air Groups: On 1 July 1938 existing squadrons were assigned to five newly established "Air Groups" which were established to operate from USS Lexington (CV 2), USS Saratoga (CV 3), USS Ranger (CV 4), USS Yorktown (CV 5) and USS Enterprise (CV 6) (USS Enterprise was commissioned on 12 May 1938). The Air Groups were designated with the Aircraft Carrier's name (Lexington Air Group, Saratoga Air Group etc...) and the squadrons remained designated with the aircraft carrier's hull number (Lexington Air Group: VS-2, Saratoga Air Group: VS-3 etc...). Two new VS squadrons were established in 1939 and 1941 to equip two new Air Groups which were established in 1939 and 1941 to operate with USS Wasp (CV 7) and USS Hornet (CV 8) which were commissioned in 1940 and 1941 respectively
VS-2				Estblshmnt and Disestblshmnt unknown			Squadron was listed in the Bureau of Aeronautics' Monthly Report, Status of Naval Aircraft for July 1937.[14] Was assigned to USS Lexington (CV 2)
VS-3				VS-2B: 3 Jul 1928-1 Jul 1937 VS-3: 1 Jul 1937 – 1 Mar 1943 VB-4: 1 Mar 1943-15 Jul 1943 VB-5: 15 Jul 1943-15 Nov 1946 VA-5A: 15 Nov 1946-16 Aug 1948 VA-54(1st): 16 Aug 1948 – 1 Dec 1949	VA-54 (1st)	1 December 1949	Was assigned to USS Saratoga (CV 3)
VS-41 (first use)				VS-1B(1st): May 1928 – 1930 VS-1S: 1930-1931 VS-1B(2nd): 1931-1 Jul 1937 VS-41(1st): 1 Jul 1937 – 15 Mar 1941 VF-42(1st): 15 Mar 1941 – 22 Jun 1942	VF-42 (1st)	22 June 1942	Was assigned to USS Ranger (CV 4) as one of two VS squadrons, was redesigned as a second VF squadron in the Air Group on 15 Mar 1941
VS-33						5 June 1944
VS-41 (second use)		Top Hatters		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	VFA-14	Not applicable, still exists	Oldest continuously active aircraft squadron in the U.S. Navy. Ranger's VB squadron was redesignated VS-41(2nd) to replace VS-41(1st) when it was redesignated a VF squadron (VF-42)
VS-42				Establishment and Disestablishment unknown			Squadron was listed in the Bureau of Aeronautics' Monthly Report, Status of Naval Aircraft for July 1937.[14] Was assigned to USS Ranger (CV 4) as one of two VS squadrons
VS-5				Establishment and Disestablishment unknown			Squadron was listed in the Bureau of Aeronautics' Monthly Report, Status of Naval Aircraft for July 1937.[14] Was assigned to USS Yorktown (CV 5)
VS-6				Establishment and Disestablishment unknown			Squadron was listed in the Bureau of Aeronautics' Monthly Report, Status of Naval Aircraft for July 1937.[14] Was assigned to USS Enterprise (CV 6)
Lexington Air Group, Yorktown Air Group, Wasp Air Group and Hornet Air Group were disestablished in 1942 when USS Lexington, USS Yorktown, USS Wasp and USS Hornet were sunk. Enterprise Air Group was disestablished in Sep 1942 while USS Enterprise was undergoing repairs of major damage suffered in Aug 1942 and Saratoga Air Group and Ranger Air Group were redesignated CVG-3 and CVG-4 in Aug and Sep of 1943 respectively.
1 Mar 1943 to 15 Nov 1946: The squadron designation system was changed to cease numbering squadrons with the hull number of the ship to which it was assigned and newly established squadron were numbered serially within each class.[13] One year earlier, on 1 March 1942 new Numbered Carrier Air Groups were established, the first was CVG-9(1st) on 1 Mar 1942. Eighty eight numbered Air Groups were established during the course of WWII: CVGs were assigned to Essex Class "fleet carriers" and to CV 3, CV 4 and CV 6 which were the three pre-WWII Carriers which had not been sunk; CVBGs were assigned to Midway Class "large carriers" toward the end of the war; CVLGs were assigned to Independence class "light carriers"; and CVEGs were assigned to small "escort carriers". Each group's squadrons were all designated with that group's number and each Air Group had one VS squadron assigned. V!-1 belonged to CVG-1 etc...). A squadron reassigned from one group to another was redesignated to conform with the designation of the new group.

The VT designation is one of the earliest used by the U.S. Navy. A "Torpedo Plane Squadron" existed as early as 1920 but the use of abbreviated squadron designations (such as "VT") did not come into accepted use until 1922. From 1922 to 1930 it designated "Torpedo & Bombing Plane Squadrons" or "Torpedo and Bombing Squadrons". In 1930 it designated "Torpedo Squadrons" until 1946 when all remaining VT squadrons were redesignated Attack (VA) squadrons and the VT designation disappeared. Between 1927 and 1937 a suffix letter was added after the designation number to identify to which fleet or Naval District the squadron belonged: B for Battle Fleet, S for Scouting Fleet, A for Asiatic Fleet or D followed by a Naval District number for those squadrons assigned to Naval Districts.[13] On 15 November 1946 the squadron designation system underwent a major change; the 17 still existing VT and 14 still existing Bombing (VB) squadrons were redesignated Attack (VA) squadrons and the VT and VB designations were eliminated. On 1 May 1960 the VT designation was resurrected as the designation for training squadrons[9] but there is no relationship between the training squadrons which have used the VT designation since 1960 and the Torpedo or Torpedo and Bombing squadrons of the 1920s to 1940s. The VTN designation was used from 1944 to 1946 to designate "Night Torpedo Squadrons"

The table below is a partial list of the approximately 90 to 100 squadrons which carried the VT designation between 1921 and 1946.

Designation	Insignia	Nickname	Aircraft[lower-alpha 5]	Establishment and Redesignation (if applicable) Dates[lower-alpha 6]	Disestablished as (or current designation)	Disestablished Date	Notes
Squadrons in operation prior to the beginning of U.S. Navy Aircraft Carrier operations. The Navy's aircraft squadron designation system came into being in the early 1920s. Prior to that time Navy aircraft were assigned to air stations but to fully utilize aviation's potential it was necessary to extend its capabilities to operate with the fleet through the organization of squadrons. Squadrons were numbered according to ship squadron numbers and were designated according to the use of the squadron's aircraft[12] such as "Torpedo" or "Patrol" or "Combat"; however, the official use of abbreviated designations such as VT, VP or VF had not yet been implemented.
VT-5 (first use)		Top Hatters		[lower-alpha 7] 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	VFA-14	Not applicable, still exists	Oldest continuously active aircraft squadron in the U.S. Navy
1 July 1922 to 1 July 1927: Naval Aviation Organization for FY 1923 issued on 17 June 1922 and implemented on 1 July 1922 changed the numbering of squadrons from according to ship squadron number to serially within each class and listed the squadrons by abbreviated designation (VF, VO, VS, VT) for the first time.[12] USS Langley (CV 1) was commissioned on 20 March 1922, VT-2 operated from USS Langley (CV 1) conducting experimentation in the concept of shipborne aviation.
VT-1 (first use)			T3M	VT-1(1st): 1926-1 Jul 1927 VT-1B(1st): 1 Jul 1927- Jun 1932 VT-1S: Jun 1932-Apr 1933 VT-1B(2nd): Apr 1933-1934 VB-1B: 1934-1 Jul 1937 VT-2(2nd): 1 Jul 1937 – 6 Nov 1942	VT-2 (2nd)	6 November 1942
VT-2 (first use)		Dragons	DT SC CS T2D	VT-2(1st): 1925-1 Jul 1927 VT-2B: 1 Jul 1927- 1 Jul 1937 VT-3: 1 Jul 1937-15 Nov 1946 VA-4A: 15 Nov 1946-7 Aug 1948 VA-35(1st): 7 Aug 1948 – 7 Nov 1949	VA-35 (1st)	7 November 1949	Assigned to "Aircraft Squadrons, Battle Fleet". Operated from USS Langley (CV 1)
VT-19D14			DT	[lower-alpha 8] VT-19D14: 7 Feb 1924 – 1 Jul 1927 VT-6D14: 1 Jul 1927-1 Apr 1931 VP-6B: 1 Apr 1931-17 Jul 1933 VP-6F: 17 Jul 1933-1 Oct 1937 VP-6(2nd): 1 Oct 1937-1 Jul 1939 VP-23(1st): 1 Jul 1939-1 Aug 1941 VP-11(3rd): 1 Aug 1941-1 Oct 1944 VPB-11: 1 Oct 1944 – 20 Jun 1945	VPB-11	20 June 1945	Assigned to Naval District 14
1 July 1927 to 1 July 1937: Suffix letters were added to squadron designations which denoted to which fleet squadrons were assigned: B-Battle Fleet, S-Scouting Fleet, A-Asiatic Fleet or "D" followed by a Naval District number for those squadrons assigned to Naval Districts.[13] Squadrons were redesignated as they were reassigned between fleets. Squadrons were assigned variously to the aircraft carriers USS Langley (CV 1), USS Lexington (CV 2), USS Saratoga (CV 3) and USS Ranger (CV 4) as needed to continue the development of ship-based aircraft operations and tactics.
VT-1B (first use)			T3M T4M	VT-1(1st): 1926-1 Jul 1927 VT-1B(1st): 1 Jul 1927- Jun 1932 VT-1S: Jun 1932-Apr 1933 VT-1B(2nd): Apr 1933-1934 VB-1B: 1934-1 Jul 1937 VT-2(2nd): 1 Jul 1937 – 6 Nov 1942	VT-2 (2nd)	6 November 1942
VT-1S			T4M BM	VT-1(1st): 1926-1 Jul 1927 VT-1B(1st): 1 Jul 1927- Jun 1932 VT-1S: Jun 1932-Apr 1933 VT-1B(2nd): Apr 1933-1934 VB-1B: 1934-1 Jul 1937 VT-2(2nd): 1 Jul 1937 – 6 Nov 1942	VT-2 (2nd)	6 November 1942
VT-1B (second use)			BM	VT-1(1st): 1926-1 Jul 1927 VT-1B(1st): 1 Jul 1927- Jun 1932 VT-1S: Jun 1932-Apr 1933 VT-1B(2nd): Apr 1933-1934 VB-1B: 1934-1 Jul 1937 VT-2(2nd): 1 Jul 1937 – 6 Nov 1942	VT-2 (2nd)	6 November 1942
VT-2B	(1928)	Dragons	T2D T3M TB T4M, TG	VT-2(1st): 1925-1 Jul 1927 VT-2B: 1 Jul 1927 – 1 Jul 1937 VT-3: 1 Jul 1937-15 Nov 1946 VA-4A: 15 Nov 1946-7 Aug 1948 VA-35(1st): 7 Aug 1948 – 7 Nov 1949	VA-35 (1st)	7 November 1949	Assigned to "Aircraft Squadrons, Battle Fleet" until 9 Apr 1927 when it was assigned to Saratoga (CV 3) air group
VT-3D15			T3M	[lower-alpha 8] VT-3D15: 12 Jul 1928 – 21 Jan 1931 VP-3S: 21 Jan 1931-17 Jul 1933 VP-3F: 1 Jul 1933-1 Oct 1937 VP-3(1st): 1 Oct 1937-1 Jul 1939 VP-32(1st): 1 Jul 1939-1 Jul 1941 VP-52(2nd): 1 Jul 1941-1 Oct 1944 VPB-52: 1 Oct 1944 – 7 Apr 1945	VPB-52	7 April 1945	Assigned to Naval District 15
VT-6D14			SC T3M	[lower-alpha 8] VT-19D14: 7 Feb 1924-1 Jul 1927 VT-6D14: 1 Jul 1927 – 1 Apr 1931 VP-6B: 1 Apr 1931-17 Jul 1933 VP-6F: 17 Jul 1933-1 Oct 1937 VP-6(2nd): 1 Oct 1937-1 Jul 1939 VP-23(1st): 1 Jul 1939-1 Aug 1941 VP-11(3rd): 1 Aug 1941-1 Oct 1944 VPB-11: 1 Oct 1944 – 20 Jun 1945	VPB-11	20 June 1945	Assigned to Naval District 14
VT-7B			TBD	VT-7B: Jun 1937-1 Jul 1937 VT-5(2nd): 1 Jul 1937-Jul 1942	VT-5 (2nd)	Jul 1942	Established and redesignated on 1 Jul as Yorktown (CV 5) Air Group's VT squadron.
VT-8B			TBD	VT-8B: Jun 1937-1 Jul 1937 VT-6(1st): 1 Jul 1937-Feb 1943	VA-6 (1st)	Jul 1942	Established and redesignated on 1 Jul as Enterprise (CV 6) Air Group's VT squadron.
1 Jul 1937 through 1 Mar 1943: Squadron suffix letters were discontinued. Squadrons were redesignated to conform with the hull number of the Aircraft Carrier to which they were assigned:[13] CV 2, CV 3, CV 4 and CV 5 (USS Yorktown (CV 5) was commissioned on 30 Sep 1937). USS Langley (CV 1) had ceased operating as an Aircraft Carrier by October 1936 and had been converted to a Seaplane Tender
Ship Named Air Groups: On 1 July 1938 existing squadrons were assigned to five newly established "Air Groups" which were established to operate from USS Lexington (CV 2), USS Saratoga (CV 3), USS Ranger (CV 4), USS Yorktown (CV 5) and USS Enterprise (CV 6) (USS Enterprise was commissioned on 12 May 1938). The Air Groups were designated with the Aircraft Carrier's name (Lexington Air Group, Saratoga Air Group etc...) and the squadrons remained designated with the aircraft carrier's hull number (Lexington Air Group: VT-2, Saratoga Air Group: VT-3 etc...). Two new VT squadrons were established in 1939 and 1941 to equip two new Air Groups which were established in 1939 and 1941 to operate with USS Wasp (CV 7) and USS Hornet (CV 8) which were commissioned in 1940 and 1941 respectively
VT-2 (second use)			TBD	VT-1: 1926-1 Jul 1927 VT-1B(1st): 1 Jul 1927- Jun 1932 VT-1S: Jun 1932-Apr 1933 VT-1B(2nd): Apr 1933-1934 VB-1B: 1934-1 Jul 1937 VT-2(2nd): 1 Jul 1937 – 6 Nov 1942	VT-2 (2nd)	6 November 1942	Redesignated VT-2 as Lexington's (CV 2) VT squadron (became Lexington Air Group's VT squadron upon the group's establishment on 1 Jul 1938). Disestablished with the disestablishment Lexington Air Group after USS Lexington was sunk
VT-3		Dragons	T4M, TG TBD TBF, TBM	VT-2(1st): 1925-1 Jul 1927 VT-2B: 1 Jul 1927- 1 Jul 1937 VT-3: 1 Jul 1937 – 15 Nov 1946 VA-4A: 15 Nov 1946-7 Aug 1948 VA-35(1st): 7 Aug 1948 – 7 Nov 1949	VA-35 (1st)	7 November 1949	Redesignated VT-3 as Saratoga's (CV 3) VT squadron (became Saratoga Air Group's VT squadron upon the group's establishment on 1 Jul 1938). Saratoga Air Group redesignated CVG-3 in Sep 1943, remained as CVG-3's VT squadron. Redesignated after the war with CVG-3's redesignation
VT-4			TBD TBF, TBM	VT-4: 10 Jan 1942 – 15 Nov 1946 VA-2A: 15 Nov 1946-2 Aug 1948 VA-15(1st): 2 Aug 1948 – 1 Jun 1969	VA-15 (1st)	1 June 1969	Established as Ranger (CV 4) Air Group's VT squadron (Ranger Air Group had no VT squadron prior to VT-4's establishment). Ranger Air Group redesignated CVG-4 in Aug 1943, remained as CVG-4's VT squadron. Redesignated after the war with CVG-4's redesignation
VT-5 (second use)			TBD	VT-7B: Jun 1937-1 Jul 1937 VT-5(2nd): 1 Jul 1937-Jul 1942	VT-5 (2nd)	Jul 1942	Redesignated as Yorktown's (CV 5) VT squadron (became Yorktown Air Group's VT squadron upon the group's establishment on 1 Jul 1938). Yorktown Air Group disestablished in Jun 1942 after the sinking of USS Yorktown
VT-6(1st)			TBD	VT-8B: Jun 1937-1 Jul 1937 VT-6(1st): 1 Jul 1937-Feb 1943	VA-6 (1st)	Jul 1942	Redesignated as Enterprise's (CV 6) VT squadron (became Enterprise Air Group's VT squadron upon the group's establishment on 1 Jul 1938). Enterprise Air Group disestablished in Sep 1942 while USS Enterprise was undergoing major repairs
VT-8 (first use)			SBN TBD	VT-8(1st): Sep 1941-Jan 1943[7]	VT-8(1st)	January 1943	Hornet (CV 8) Air Group's VT squadron until Hornet Air Group was disestablished in Oct 1942 after the sinking of USS Hornet
Lexington Air Group, Yorktown Air Group, Wasp Air Group and Hornet Air Group were disestablished in 1942 when USS Lexington, USS Yorktown, USS Wasp and USS Hornet were sunk. Enterprise Air Group was disestablished in Sep 1942 while USS Enterprise was undergoing repairs of major damage suffered in Aug 1942 and Saratoga Air Group and Ranger Air Group were redesignated CVG-3 and CVG-4 in Aug and Sep of 1943 respectively.
1 Mar 1943 to 15 Nov 1946: The squadron designation system was changed to cease numbering squadrons with the hull number of the ship to which it was assigned and newly established squadron were numbered serially within each class.[13] One year earlier, on 1 March 1942 new Numbered Carrier Air Groups were established, the first was CVG-9(1st) on 1 Mar 1942. Eighty eight numbered Air Groups were established during the course of WWII: CVGs were assigned to Essex Class "fleet carriers" and to CV 3, CV 4 and CV 6 which were the three pre-WWII Carriers which had not been sunk; CVBGs were assigned to Midway Class "large carriers" toward the end of the war; CVLGs were assigned to Independence class "light carriers"; and CVEGs were assigned to small "escort carriers". Each group's squadrons were all designated with that group's number and each Air Group had one VT squadron assigned. VT-1 belonged to CVG-1 etc...). A squadron reassigned from one group to another was redesignated to conform with the designation of the new group.
VT-1 (second use)			TBF, TBM	VT-1(2nd): May 1943-Oct 1945	VT-1 (2nd)	October 1945	Established with CVG-1 as its VT squadron, disestablished with CVG-1 at the end of the war
VT-2 (third use)			TBM	VT-2(3rd): 1 Jun 1943 – 9 Nov 1945	VT-2 (3rd)	9 November 1945	Established with CVG-2 as its VT squadron, disestablished with CVG-2 at the end of the war
VT-5 (third use)		Torpcats	TBM	VT-5(3rd): 15 Feb 1943 – 15 Nov 1946 VA-6A: 15 Nov 1946-16 Aug 1948 VA-55(1st): 16 Aug 1948 – 12 Dec 1975	VA-55 (1st)	19 December 1975	Established with CVG-5 as its VT squadron. Redesignated after the war with CVG-5's redesignation
VT-7
VT-8 (second use)			TBF	VT-8(2nd): June 1943-Nov 1945		1945	Established with CVG-8 as its VT squadron, disestablished with CVG-8 at the end of the war
VT-11			TBM	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	VFA-115	Not applicable, still exists
VT-17			SB2C AD	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-125: 1 Jul 1983–present	VFA-25	Not applicable, still exists
VT-18		Air Barons	TBM	VT-18: 20 Jul 1943 – 15 Nov 1946 VA-8A: 15 Nov 1946-27 Jul 1948 VA-75(1st): 27 Jul 1948 – 30 Nov 1949	VA-75 (1st)	30 November 1949
VT-19			TBM AD	VT-19: 15 Aug 1943 – 15 Nov 1946 VA-20A: 15 Nov 1946 – 24 Aug 1948' VA-195: 24 Aug 1948-15 Apr 1985 VFA-195: 15 Apr 1985–present	VFA-195	Not applicable, still exists
VT-20			TBM	VT-20: 15 Oct 1943 – 15 Nov 1946 VA-10A: 15 Nov 1946-12 Aug 1948 VA-95(1st): 12 Aug 1948 – 30 Nov 1949	VA-95 (1st)	30 November 1949
VT-41			TBM	VT-41: 26 Mar 1946 – 15 Nov 1946 VA-1E: 15 Nov 1946 – 1 Sep 1948	VA-1E	1 September 1948
VT-42			TBM	VT-42: 19 Jul 1945 – 15 Nov 1946 VA-2E: 15 Nov 1946-1 Sep 1948 VC-22(2nd): 1 Sep 1948-20 Apr 1950 (same sqdn listed in VC section) VS-22(1st): 20 Apr 1950-1 Jun 1956 (same sqdn listed in VS section)	VS-22 (2nd)	1 June 1956
VT-58			TBM XTB2D AD	VT-58: 19 Mar 1946 – 15 Nov 1946 VA-1L: 15 Nov 1946 – 20 Nov 1948	VA-1L	20 November 1948
VT-74			SB2C, SBW TBM SNJ AD	VT-74: 1 May 1945 – 15 Nov 1946 VA-2B: 15 Nov 1946-1 Sep 1948 VA-25(1st): 1 Sep 1948-1 Jul 1959 VA-65(2nd): 1 Jul 1959 – 31 Mar 1993	VA-65 (2nd)	31 March 1993
VT-75		Fish Hawks	SB2C AD	VT-75: 1 Jun 1945 – 15 Nov 1946 VA-4B: 15 Nov 1946-1 Sep 1948 VA-45(1st): 1 Sep 1948 – 8 Jun 1950	VA-45 (1st)	8 June 1950
VT-81		Uninvited	TBM	VT-81: 1 Mar 1944 – 15 Nov 1946 VA-14A: 15 Nov 1946- 2 Aug 1948 VA-135(1st): 2 Aug 1948 – 30 Nov 1949	VA-135 (1st)	30 November 1949
VT-82		Devils Diplomats	TBM	VT-82: 1 Apr 1944 – 15 Nov 1946 VA-18A: 15 Nov 1946-11 Aug 1948 VA-175: 11 Aug 1948 – 15 Mar 1958	VA-175	15 March 1958
VT-98			TBM	VT-98: 28 Aug 1944 – 15 Nov 1946 VA-22A: 15 Nov 1946 – 5 Aug 1947	VA-22A	5 August 1947
VT-153			TBM	VT-153: 26 Mar 1945 – 15 Nov 1946 VA-16A: 15 Nov 1946-15 Jul 1948 VA-155(1st): 15 Jul 1948 – 30 Nov 1949	VA-155 (1st)	30 November 1949

The VA(AW) designation was created in 1956 when VC squadrons were redesignated using role descriptive designators. VC-33 and VC-35 had by then become attack squadrons with radar and electronic countermeasures equipped aircraft. All weather attack squadrons provided detachments of radar and electronic countermeasure equipped attack aircraft to Carrier Air Groups for night and all weather operations.

Designation	Insignia	Nickname	Aircraft[lower-alpha 1]	Establishment and Redesignation (if applicable) Dates[lower-alpha 2]	Disestablished as (or current designation)	Disestablished Date	Notes
VA(AW)-33		Nighthawks	AD-5N,5Q TF-1Q[15]	VC-33(2nd): 31 May 1949-2 Jul 1956 (same sqdn listed in VC section) VA(AW)-33: 2 Jul 1956 – 30 Jan 1959 VAW-33: 30 Jan 1959-1 Feb 1968 (same sqdn listed in VAW section) VAQ-33: 1 Feb 1968-1 Oct 1993 (same sqdn listed in VAQ section)	VAQ-33 Disestablished	1 October 1993	Provided Night Attack/All Weather Attack detachments to CVGs
VA(AW)-35		Night Hecklers	AD-5,5N,5Q,6,7 S2F-1 T-28B	VC-35(2nd): 25 May 1950-1 Jul 1956 (same sqdn listed in VC section) VA(AW)-35: 1 Jul 1956 – 29 Jun 1959 VA-122: 29 Jun 1959 – 31 May 1991	VA-122 Disestablished	31 May 1991	Provided Night Attack/All Weather Attack detachments to CVGs

The VAH designation was established in 1955 when the Composite (VC) squadrons flying Heavy Attack aircraft (nuclear bombers) were redesignated Heavy Attack (VAH) squadrons. The designation was retired in 1971 with the disestablishment of the last VAH squadron (squadrons listed below with disestablishment dates after 1971 had been redesignated RVAH squadrons by 1966 except for VAH-2, 4 and 10 which were eventually redesignated VAQ squadrons). With the end of the Navy's nuclear bomber role, the VAH squadrons based on the east coast were redesignated RVAH squadrons and were equipped with the RA-5C Vigilante Reconnaissance aircraft. VAH squadrons based on the west coast retained the VAH designation but their A-3B Skywarriors were converted to KA-3B aerial tankers. By the late 1960s, electronic jamming equipment had been added to some KA-3B tankers and those "EKA-3B" aircraft led to the creation of VAQ squadrons.

Designation	Insignia	Nickname	Aircraft[lower-alpha 1]	Establishment and Redesignation (if applicable) Dates[lower-alpha 2]	Disestablished as (or current designation)	Disestablished Date	Notes
VAH-1		Tigers	A3D-1 A3D-2/A-3B A-5A[16]	VAH-1: 1 Nov 1955 – 1 Sep 1964 RVAH-3: 1 Sep 1964-29 Jan 1979 (same sqdn listed in RVAH section)	RVAH-1 Disestablished	29 January 1979	Nucleus of VAH-1 was formed from VP-3 which was disestablished[17]
VAH-2		Royal Rampants	A3D-1 A3D-2/A-3B KA-3B	VAH-2: 1 Nov 1955 – 1 Nov 1968 VAQ-132: 1 Nov 1968–present	VAQ-132	Not applicable, still active	Nucleus of VAH-2 was formed from VP-29 which was disestablished[17]
VAH-3		Sea Dragons	A3D-1 A3D-2/A-3B TA-3B A-5A	VAH-3: 14 Jun 1956 – 1 Jul 1964 RVAH-3: 1 Jul 1964-17 Aug 1979 (same sqdn listed in RVAH section)	RVAH-3 Disestablished	17 August 1979	Nucleus of VAH-3 was formed from VP-34 which was disestablished[17] Atlantic Fleet Fleet Replacement Squadron from 1958.
VAH-4		Fourrunners	AD3-1 AD3-2/A-3B KA-3B	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[18]	VAQ-131	Not applicable, still active	USNR squadron VP-931 activated on 2 Sep 1950 for participation in the Korean War[17]
VAH-5		Savage Sons	AJ-2 A3D-2/A-3B	VC-5(2nd): 9 Sep 1948-1 Nov 1955 (same sqdn listed in VC section) VAH-5: 1 Nov 1955-May 1964 RVAH-5: May 1964-30 Sep 1977 (same sqdn listed in RVAH section)	RVAH-5 Disestablished	30 September 1977
VAH-6		Fleurs	AJ-2 A3D-2/A-3B	VC-6(2nd): 6 Jan 1950-1 Jul 1956 (same sqdn listed in VC section) VAH-6: 1 Jul 1956 – 23 Sep 1965 RVAH-6: 23 Sep 1965-20 Oct 1978 (same sqdn listed RVAH section)	RVAH-6 Disestablished	20 October 1978
VAH-7		Peacemakers of the Fleet	AJ-2 A3D-2 A3J-1/A-5A	VC-7(2nd): 10 Aug 1950-1 Nov 1955 (same sqdn listed in VC section) VAH-7: 1 Nov 1955 – 1 Dec 1964 RVAH-7: 1 Dec 1964-28 Sep 1979 (same sqdn listed in RVAH section)	RVAH-7 Disestablished	28 September 1979
VAH-8		Fireballers	A3D-2/A-3B KA-3B[19]	VAH-8: 1 May 1957 – 17 Jan 1968	VAH-8 Disestablished	17 January 1968
VAH-9		Hoot Owls	AJ-2 A3D-2/A-3B RA-5C	VC-9(2nd): 15 Jan 1953-1 Nov 1955 (same sqdn listed in VC section) VAH-9: 1 Nov 1955 – 3 Jun 1964 RVAH-9: 3 Jun 1964-30 Sep 1977 (same sqdn listed in RVAH section)	RVAH-9 Disestablished	30 September 1977
VAH-10			A3B-2/A-3B KA-3B	VAH-10: 1 May 1961 – 1 Sep 1970 VAQ-129: 1 Sep 1970–present	VAQ-129	Not applicable, still active
VAH-11		Checkertails	AJ-2 A3D-2/A-3B	VC-8(2nd): 3 Dec 1951-1 Nov 1955 (same sqdn listed in VC section) VAH-11: 1 Nov 1955 – 1 Jul 1966 RVAH-11: 1 Jul 1966-1 Jun 1975 (same sqdn listed in RVAH section)	RVAH-11 Disestablished	1 June 1975
VAH-13		Bats	A3D-2/A-3B	VAH-13: 3 Jan 1961 – 1 Nov 1964 RVAH-13: 1 Nov 1964-30 Jun 1976 (same sqdn listed in RVAH section)	RVAH-13 Disestablished	30 June 1976
VAH-15		Sambos	AJ-2 TV-2[19]	VAH-15: 15 Jan 1958 – 15 Feb 1959	VAH-15 Disestablished	15 February 1959
VAH-16		White Blades	AJ-2[19]	VAH-16: 15 Jan 1958 – 30 Jan 1959	VAH-16 Disestablished	30 January 1959
VAH-21		Roadrunners	AP-2H[19]	VAH-21: 1 Sep 1968 – 16 Jun 1969	VAH-21 Disestablished	16 June 1969
VAH-123		Pros	A3D-1/A-3A A3D-2/A-3B A3D-2T/TA-3B A3D-1Q,2Q KA-3B A-6A[19]	Heavy Attack Training Unit Pacific: 15 Jun 1957-29 Jun 1959 VAH-123: 29 Jun 1959 – 1 Feb 1971	VAH-123 Disestablished	1 February 1971	Pacific Fleet Fleet Replacement Squadron

The RVAH designation was created in 1964 when the Navy's nuclear bomber role was ended and the Heavy Attack (VAH) squadrons which were then equipped with the A-5A Vigilante nuclear bombers were converted to Reconnaissance squadrons and their A-5A nuclear bombers were converted to RA-5C reconnaissance aircraft. Those VAH squadrons which were then still equipped with the A-3B remained designated Heavy Attack (VAH) squadrons. The designation was retired in 1979 with the disestablishment of the last RA-5C squadron.

Designation	Insignia	Nickname	Aircraft[lower-alpha 1]	Establishment and Redesignation (if applicable) Dates[lower-alpha 2]	Disestablished as	Disestablished Date	Notes
RVAH-1		Smokin' Tigers	RA-5C	VAH-1: 1 Nov 1955-1 Sep 1964 (same sqdn listed in VAH section) RVAH-1: 1 Sep 1964 – 29 Jan 1979	RVAH-1 Disestablished	29 January 1979
RVAH-3		Sea Dragons	RA-5C TA-3B TA-4J	VAH-3: 14 Jun 1956-1 Jul 1964 (same sqdn listed in VAH section) RVAH-3: 1 Jul 1964 – 17 Aug 1979	RVAH-3 Disestablished	17 August 1979	Fleet Replacement Squadron
RVAH-5		Savage Sons	RA-5C	VC-5(2nd): 9 Sep 1948-1 Nov 1955 (same sqdn listed in VC section) VAH-5: 1 Nov 1955-May 1956 (same sqdn listed in VAH section) RVAH-5: May 1956-30 Sep 1977	RVAH-5 Disestablished	30 September 1977
RVAH-6		Fleurs	RA-5C	VC-6(2nd): 6 Jan 1950-1 Jul 1956 (same sqdn listed in VC section) VAH-6: 1 Jul 1956-23 Sep 1965 (same sqdn listed VAH section) RVAH-6: 23 Sep 1965 – 20 Oct 1978	RVAH-6 Disestablished	20 October 1978
RVAH-7		Peacemakers of the Fleet	RA-5C	VC-7(2nd): 10 Aug 1950-1 Nov 1955 (same sqdn listed in VC section) VAH-7: 1 Nov 1955-1 Dec 1964 (same sqdn listed in VAH section) RVAH-7: 1 Dec 1964 – 28 Sep 1979	RVAH-7 Disestablished	28 September 1979
RVAH-9		Hoot Owls	RA-5C	VC-9(2nd): 15 Jan 1953-1 Nov 1955 (same sqdn listed in VC section) VAH-9: 1 Nov 1955-3 Jun 1964 (same sqdn listed in VAH section) RVAH-9: 3 Jun 1964 – 30 Sep 1977	RVAH-9 Disestablished	30 September 1977
RVAH-11		Checkertails	RA-5C	VC-8(2nd): 3 Dec 1951-1 Nov 1955 (same sqdn listed in VC section) VAH-11: 1 Nov 1955-1 Jul 1966 (same sqdn listed in VAH section) RVAH-11: 1 Jul 1966 – 1 Jun 1975	RVAH-11 Disestablished	1 June 1975
RVAH-12		Speartips	RA-5C	RVAH-12: 1 Jul 1965 – 2 Jul 1979	RVAH-12 Disestablished	2 July 1979	One of only two squadrons established as a RVAH squadron.[20]
RVAH-13		Bats	RA-5C	VAH-13: 3 Jan 1961-1 Nov 1964 (same sqdn listed in VAH section) RVAH-13: 1 Nov 1964 – 30 Jun 1976	RVAH-13 Disestablished	30 June 1976
RVAH-14		Eagle Eyes	RA-5C	RVAH-14: 14 Feb 1968 – 1 May 1976	RVAH-14 Disestablished	1 May 1976	One of only two squadrons established as a RVAH squadron.[20]

The Light Attack (VAL) designation was created in 1969 and designated only one squadron (VAL-4) which was established to support riverine and special operations during the Vietnam War. The designation was retired with the disestablishment of the squadron. A Helicopter Light Attack (HAL) designation had been created in 1967 to designate a single light attack helicopter squadron (HAL-3). HAL-3 and VAL-4 conducted operations in the Mekong Delta region of South Vietnam.

Designation	Insignia	Nickname	Aircraft[lower-alpha 9]	Establishment and Redesignation (if applicable) Dates[lower-alpha 2]	Disestablished as	Disestablished Date	Notes
VAL-4		Yellow Jackets (1969) Black Ponies (1971)	OV-10A YOV-10D	VAL-4: 3 Jan 1969 – 10 Apr 1972	VAL-4 Disestablished	10 April 1972	Established to support River Patrol Craft, SEAL and joint operations in Mekong Delta region

This second use of the VC designation began in 1948 to designate squadrons which were composed of detachments of aircraft that deployed aboard aircraft carriers with the Carrier Air Group (later Carrier Air Wing) conducting specialized missions. Missions included: All-Weather/Night Fighter; Heavy Attack (Nuclear Bombers); Airborne Early Warning; Anti-Submarine Warfare; and Photographic Reconnaissance. Single digit numbers designated the Composite All Weather Fighter and the Heavy Attack squadrons, teens designated Composite Airborne Early Warning Squadrons, numbers in the 20s and 30s designated Composite Anti-Submarine Squadrons, and the numbers in the 60s designated Composite Photographic Squadrons. By 1956 these squadrons had all been redesignated as VF(AW), VAH, VAW, VS, VA(AW) or VFP depending on the specific mission, and the VC designation once again ceased to exist.[11] There have been multiple unrelated squadrons using the same VC designations through the years. For example, the last two VC squadrons were VC-6 and VC-8 which were deactivated in 2008 and 2003 respectively. Both of those squadrons were the third squadron to use each of those designations, and neither squadron had any relation to earlier squadrons designated VC-6 or VC-8. The first VC-6 and VC-8 were WWII Escort Carrier composite squadrons, the second VC-6 was a heavy attack squadron which was redesignated VAH-6 then RVAH-6 and the second VC-8 was also a heavy attack squadron which was redesignated VAH-11 then RVAH-11.

The table below does not list disestablished squadrons; it lists squadron designations which are no longer in use. Some of the squadron designations in the table belonged to squadrons which have been disestablished but some belonged to squadrons which have been deactivated and still exist in an inactive status.

Note: The parenthetical (1st), (2nd), (3rd) etc... appended to designations in the tables 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.

Designation	Insignia	Nickname	Aircraft[lower-alpha 1]	Establishment and Redesignation (if applicable) Dates[lower-alpha 2]	Disestablished/ Deactivated as	Disestablished/ Deactivated Date	Notes
VC-3 (second use)		Blue Nemesis	F4U-5N F2H-3 F9F-6 F7U-3 F11F TV-2 FJ-3 A4D F4D	VC-3(2nd): 20 May 1949 – 1 Jul 1956 VF(AW)-3: 1 Jul 1956-2 May 1958 (same sqdn listed in VF section)[21]	VF(AW)-3 (1st) Disestablished	2 May 1958	All wx/night Fighter Squadron until August 1954 then operated as Transitional Training Unit Pacific transitioning squadrons to new high performance jet aircraft[22]
VC-4 (second use)		Night Cappers	F4U-5N F9F F3D AM-1Q	VC-4(2nd): 28 Sep 1948 – 2 Jul 1956 VF(AW)-4: 2 Jul 1956-31 Aug 1959 (same sqdn listed in VF section)[21]	VF(AW)-4 Disestablished	31 August 1959	All wx/night Fighter Squadron
VC-5 (second use)		Savage Sons	P2V-3C AJ-1,2	VC-5(2nd): 9 Sep 1948 – 1 Nov 1955 VAH-5: 1 Nov 1955-May 1956 (same sqdn listed in VAH section) RVAH-5: May 1956-30 Sep 1977 (same sqdn listed in RVAH section)	RVAH-5 Disestablished	30 September 1977	Heavy Attack Squadron
VC-6 (second use)		Fire Bees, Fleurs	P2V AJ-2	VC-6(2nd): 6 Jan 1950 – 1 Jul 1956 VAH-6: 1 Jul 1956-23 Sep 1965 (same sqdn listed VAH section) RVAH-6: 23 Sep 1965-20 Oct 1978 (same sqdn listed in RVAH section)	RVAH-6 Disestablished	20 October 1978	Heavy Attack Squadron
VC-7 (second use)		Peacemakers of the Fleet	AJ-1,2	VC-7(2nd): 10 Aug 1950 – 1 Nov 1955 VAH-7: 1 Nov 1955-1 Dec 1964 (same sqdn listed in VAH section) RVAH-7: 1 Dec 1964-28 Sep 1979 (same sqdn listed in RVAH section)	RVAH-7 Disestablished	28 September 1979	Heavy Attack Squadron
VC-8 (second use)		Checkertails	P2V-3C AJ-1,2	VC-8(2nd): 3 Dec 1951 – 1 Nov 1955 VAH-11: 1 Nov 1955-1 Jul 1966 (same sqdn listed in VAH section) RVAH-11: 1 Jul 1966-1 Jun 1975 (same sqdn listed in RVAH section)	RVAH-11 Disestablished	1 June 1975	Heavy Attack Squadron
VC-9 (second use)		Hoot Owls	AJ-2	VC-9(2nd): 15 Jan 1953 – 1 Nov 1955 VAH-9: 1 Nov 1955-3 Jun 1964 (same sqdn listed in VAH section) RVAH-9: 3 Jun 1964-30 Sep 1977 (same sqdn listed in RVAH section)	RVAH-9 Disestablished	30 September 1977	Heavy Attack Squadron
VC-11 (second use)		Early Elevens	TBM-3W AD-3W,4W,5W	VAW-1: 6 July 1948-1 Sep 1948 (same sqdn listed in VAW section) VC-11(2nd): 1 Sep 1948 – 2 Jul 1956 VAW-11: 2 Jul 1956-20 Apr 1967 (same sqdn listed in VAW section)[7]	VAW-11 redesigned AEWWINGPAC and its dets were established as separate individual VAW squadrons	20 April 1967	Airborne Early Warning Squadron
VC-12 (second use)		Bats	TBM-3W AF-2W AD-4W,5W	VAW-2: 6 July 1948-1 Sep 1948 (same sqdn listed in VAW section) VC-12(2nd): 1-Sep 1948-2 Jul 1956 VAW-12: 2 Jul 1956-1 Apr 1967 (same sqdn listed in VAW section)[7]	VAW-12 redesigned AEWWINGLANT and its dets were established as separate individual VAW squadrons	1 April 1967	Airborne Early Warning Squadron
VC-21 (second use)		Redtails	TBM-3S	CVEG-41: 26 Mar 1945-15 Nov 1946 CVEG-1: 15 Nov 1946 – 1 Sep 1948* VC-21(2nd): 1 Sep 1948 – 23 Apr 1950 VS-21: 23 Apr 1950–present (inactive 28 Feb 2005–present) (same sqdn listed in VS section)[23]	VS-21 Deactivated	28 February 2005	ASW Squadron. *Escort Carrier Air Group-1 was redesignated as a single squadron designated VC-21 on 1 Sep 1948.[23]
VC-22 (second use)		Checkmates	TBM-3S, TBM-3W	VT-42: 19 Jul 1945-15 Nov 1946 (same sqdn listed in VT(torpedo) section) VA-2E: 15 Nov 1946-1 Sep 1948 (same sqdn listed in VA section) VC-22(2nd): 1 Sep 1948 – 20 Apr 1950 VS-22(1st): 20 April 1950-1 Jun 1956 (same sqdn listed in VS section)[17]	VS-22 (1st) Disestablished	1 June 1956	ASW Squadron
VC-23 (second use)		Black Cats	TBM-3S, TBM-3W	VA-3E: 21 Apr 1947-1 Sep 1948 (same sqdn listed in VA section) VC-23(2nd): 1 Sep 1948 – 23 Apr 1950 VS-23: 23 Apr 1950-27 Sep 1968 (same sqdn listed in VC section)[17]	VS-23 Disestablished	27 September 1968	ASW Squadron
VC-24 (second use)		Duty Cats	TBM-3E	VB-17: 1 Jan 1943-15 Nov 1946 VA-5B: 15 Nov 1946-27 Jul 1948 (same sqdn listed in VA section) VA-64(1st): 27 Jul 1948-8 Apr 1949 (same sqdn listed in VA section) VC-24(2nd): 8 Apr 1949 – 20 Apr 1950 VS-24(1st): 20 Apr 1950-1 Jun 1956 (same sqdn listed in VS section)[17]	VS-24 (1st) Disestablished	1 June 1956	ASW Squadron
VC-25 (third use)		Golden Eagles	TBM-3W, TBM-3S	VC-25(3rd): 1 Apr 1949 – 20 Apr 1950 VS-25(1st): 20 Apr 1950-1 Jun 1956 (same sqdn listed in VS section)	VS-25 (1st) Disestablished	1 June 1956	ASW Squadron
VC-31 (third use)		Topcats	TBM-3S, TBM-3W	VC-31(3rd): 28 Sep 1948 – 20 Apr 1950 VS-31: 20 Apr 1950–present (inactive 31 Mar 2008–present) (same sqdn listed in VS section)[23]	VS-31 Deactivated	31 March 2008	ASW Squadron
VC-32 (second use)		Maulers	TBM-3E, TBM-3W	VC-32(2nd): 31 May 1949 – 20 Apr 1950 VS-32: 20 Apr 1950–present (inactive 30 Sep 2008–present) (same sqdn listed in VS section)[23]	VS-32 Deactivated	30 September 2008	ASW Squadron
VC-33 (second use)		Night Hawks	TBM-3E TBM-3N TBM-3Q SNJ-5 AD-1Q AD-2 AD-3N,3Q AD-4,4N,4Q SNB-5[15]	VC-33(2nd): 31 May 1949 – 2 Jul 1956 VA(AW)-33: 2 Jul 1956-30 Jan 1959 (same sqdn listed in VA section) VAW-33: 30 Jan 1959-1 Feb 1968 (same sqdn listed in VAW section) VAQ-33: 1 Feb 1968-1 Oct 1993 (same sqdn listed in VAQ section)	VAQ-33 Disestablished	1 October 1993	ASW and All Weather Attack Squadron
VC-35 (second use)			[24] TBM-3E, TBM-3N AD-1H AD-2Q AD-3Q,N AD-4N,Q,NL,B AD-5,5N AD-6 F3D-2	VC-35(2nd): 25 May 1950 – 1 Jul 1956 VA(AW)-35: 1 Jul 1956-29 Jun 1959 (same sqdn listed in VA section) VA-122: 29 Jun 1959-31 May 1991 (same sqdn listed in VA section)	VA-122 Disestablished	31 May 1991	ASW and All Weather Attack Squadron
VC-61		Eyes Of The Fleet	F8F-2P, F4U-4P/5P, F9F-2P/5P, F9F-6P/8P, F2H-2P	VC-61: 20 Jan 1949 – 2 Jul 1956 VFP-61: 2 Jul 1956-1 Jul 1959 (same sqdn listed in VFP section) VCP-63: 1 Jul 1959-1 Jul 1961 (same sqdn listed in VCP section) VFP-63: on 1 Jul 1961-30 Jun 1984 (same sqdn listed in VFP section)[7]	VFP-63 Disestablished	30 June 1984	Photo Recon Squadron
VC-62		Fighting Photos	F8F-2P, F4U-5P	VC-62: 3 Jan 1949 – 2 Jul 1956 VFP-62: 2 Jul 1956-5 Jan 1968 (same sqdn listed in VFP section)[7]	VFP-62 Disestablished	5 January 1968	Photo Recon Squadron

In 1952, two reconnaissance squadrons were established and designated "Photographic Squadron (VJ)" (note: the VJ designation, at the same time also designated "Weather Squadron" or "Weather Reconnaissance Squadron"). In 1956 the Photographic Squadrons (VJ) were redesignated to "Heavy Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron (VAP)". For a short period from 1959 to 1961 one VAP squadron was redesignated a "Photographic Composite Squadron (VCP)" but in 1961 it reverted to its previous VAP designation.[9]

Note: The parenthetical (1st), (2nd) etc... appended to designations in the tables 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.

Designation	Insignia	Nickname	Aircraft[lower-alpha 1]	Establishment and Redesignation (if applicable) Dates[lower-alpha 2]	Disestablished as	Disestablished Date	Notes
VAP-61 (First use)		World Recorders	AJ-2P[25]	VP-61(4th): 20 Jan 1951-5 Mar 1952 (same sqdn listed in VP section) VJ-61: 5 Mar 1952-Apr 1956 (same sqdn listed in VJ section) VAP-61(1st): Apr 1956-1 Jul 1959 VCP-61: 1 Jul 1959-1 Jul 1961 (same sqdn listed in VCP section) VAP-61(2nd): 1 Jul 1961-1 Jul 1971 (same sqdn listed below)[26]	VAP-61(2nd) Disestablished	1 July 1971
VAP-61 (Second use)		World Recorders	A3D-2P/RA-3B KA-3B[25]	VP-61(4th): 20 Jan 1951-5 Mar 1952 (same sqdn listed in VP section) VJ-61: 5 Mar 1952-Apr 1956 (same sqdn listed in VJ section) VAP-61(1st): Apr 1956-1 Jul 1959 (same sqdn listed above) VCP-61: 1 Jul 1959-1 Jul 1961 (same sqdn listed in VCP section) VAP-61(2nd): 1 Jul 1961 – 1 Jul 1971[26]	VAP-61(2nd) Disestablished	1 July 1971
VAP-62		Tigers	F7F-4N A3D-1P A3D-2P/RA-3B[25]	VJ-62: 10 Apr 1952-2 Jul 1956 (same sqdn listed in VJ section) VAP-62: 2 Jul 1956 – 15 Oct 1969[27]	VAP-62 Disestablished	15 October 1969

For a short period from 1959 to 1961 one VAP and one VFP squadron were redesignated "Photographic Composite Squadron (VCP)" but in 1961 they reverted to their previous VAP or VFP designation.[9]

Designation	Insignia	Nickname	Aircraft[lower-alpha 1]	Establishment and Redesignation (if applicable) Dates[lower-alpha 2]	Disestablished as	Disestablished Date	Notes
VCP-61		World Recorders	F8U-1P A3D-2P[25]	VP-61(4th): 20 Jan 1951-5 Mar 1952 (same sqdn listed in VP section) VJ-61: 5 Mar 1952-Apr 1956 (same sqdn listed in VJ section) VAP-61(1st): Apr 1956-1 Jul 1959 (same sqdn listed in VAP section) VCP-61: 1 Jul 1959 – 1 Jul 1961 VAP-61(2nd): 1 Jul 1961-1 Jul 1971 (same sqdn listed in VAP section)[26]	VAP-61(2nd) Disestablished	1 July 1971
VCP-63		Eyes Of The Fleet	F8U-1P A3D-2P	VC-61: 20 Jan 1949-2 Jul 1956 (same sqdn listed in VC section) VFP-61:2 Jul 1956-1 Jul 1959 (same sqdn listed in VFP section) VCP-63:1 Jul 1959-1 Jul 1961 VFP-63: 1 Jul 1961-30 Jun 1984 (same sqdn listed in VFP section)[7]	VFP-63 Disestablished	30 June 1984

The VF(AW) designation was created in 1956 when VC squadrons were redesignated with role descriptive designators. All Weather Fighter squadrons were equipped with radar equipped fighters for night and all weather use. VF(AW)-3 operated as a night fighter squadron when it was still designated VC-3 but became a jet transition unit prior to its being redesignated an all weather fighter squadron. The squadron which was the second to use the VF(AW)-3 designation was a continental defense interceptor squadron. VF(AW)-4 provided night fighter detachments to Carrier Air Groups.

Designation	Insignia	Nickname	Aircraft[lower-alpha 1]	Establishment and Redesignation (if applicable) Dates[lower-alpha 2]	Disestablished as	Disestablished Date	Notes
VF(AW)-3 (1956-8) (first use)		Blue Nemesis	F4D A4D F8U	VC-3(2nd): 20 May 1949-1 Jul 1956 (same sqdn in disestablished VC section) VF(AW)-3(1st): 1 Jul 1956 – 2 May 1958	VF(AW)-3 (1st) Disestablished	2 May 1958	VF(AW): "All Weather" Fighter Squadron. Operated as a "Transition Training Unit" transitioning squadrons to new high performance jet aircraft[28]
VF(AW)-3 (1958-63) (second use)		Blue Nemesis	F3D F4D/F-6	Navy Air Trng Unit-Pac: 22 May 1944-6 Apr 1946 NightDevRonPac: 6 Apr 1946-1 Sep 1948 Fighter All Wx Trng Unit Pac: 1 Sep 1948-2 May 1958 VF(AW)-3(2nd): 2 May 1958-Apr 1963?	VF(AW)-3 (2nd) Disestablished	April 1963?	VF(AW): "All Weather" Fighter Squadron. Redesignated VF(AW)-3(2nd) on the same day VF(AW-3)(1st) was disestablished, adopted nickname and insignia. Began operating in a continental air defense role in Dec 1955 under the control of NORAD[29] while still designated Fighter All Weather Training Unit Pacific[30]
VF(AW)-4		Night Cappers	AD-5 F2H T2V[31]	VC-4(2nd): 28 Sep 1948-2 Jul 1956 (same sqdn in disestablished VC section) VF(AW)-4: 2 Jul 1956 – 31 Aug 1959	VF(AW)-4 Disestablished	31 August 1959	VF(AW): "All Weather" Fighter Squadron. Provided fighter detachments for defense of ASW aircraft carriers[31]

From 1952 to 1956 the VJ designation identified "Photographic Squadron" but for a year from 1952 to 1953 it also designated "Weather" or "Weather Reconniassance Squadron"[9] In 1952, two reconnaissance squadrons were established and designated "Photographic Squadron (VJ)" 61 and 62. In 1956 Photographic Squadrons VJ-61 and VJ-62 were redesignated to "Heavy Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron" (VAP) 61 and 62.[9]

Designation	Insignia	Nickname	Aircraft[lower-alpha 1]	Establishment and Redesignation (if applicable) Dates	Disestablished as	Disestablished Date	Notes
VJ-1			P4Y-2S	VJ-1: 19 Mar 1952-Sep 1953 VW-3: Sep 1953-Jun 1960 (same sqdn listed in VW section)[32]	VW-3	June 1960[33]	Established as "Weather Squadron ONE" (VJ-1) and redesignated "Airborne Early Warning Squadron THREE" (VW-3) in 1953. Pacific Fleet Early Warning and Typhoon Hunting squadron.
VJ-2		Hurricane Hunters	[34] P2V-3W	VJ-2: 1952-1953 VW-4: 1953-Apr 1975 (same sqdn liste in VW section)	VW-4	April 1975[35]	Established as "Weather Squadron TWO" (VJ-2) and redesignated Airborne Early Warning Squadron FOUR in 1953. Operated as a hurricane early warning squadron known as the "Hurricane Hunters".[36] Was again designated a "Weather Reconnaissance Squadron" (as VW-4) in 1967.[37]
VJ-61		World Recorders	P4Y-1P AJ-2P	VP-61(4th): 20 Jan 1951-5 Mar 1952 (same sqdn listed in VP section) VJ-61: 5 Mar 1952-Apr 1956 VAP-61(1st): Apr 1956-1 Jul 1959 (same sqdn listed in VAP section) VCP-61: 1 Jul 1959-1 Jul 1961 (same sqdn listed in VCP section) VAP-61(2nd): 1 Jul 1961-1 Jul 1971 (same sqdn listed in VAP section)[26]	VAP-61(2nd) Disestablished	1 July 1971	Photographic Squadron
VJ-62			P4Y-1P AJ-2P F7F-4N	VJ-62: 10 Apr 1952 – 2 Jul 1956 VAP-62: 2 Jul 1956-15 Oct 1969 (same sqdn listed in VAP section)[27]	VAP-62 Disestablished	15 October 1969	Photographic Squadron

This last use of the VO designation designated observation squadrons from 1967 to 1968 during the Vietnam War. The designation has not been used since 1968.[9]

The VU designation was used from 1946 to 1965.[9] Prior to the creation of the "VU" designation utility squadrons were designated "VJ". In 1965 still existing VU squadrons were redesignated Fleet Composite (VC) squadrons (third use of the VC designation).

The table below contains a partial list of VU squadrons

From its creation in 1952 until 1971 the VW designation designated "Air Early Warning Squadron", "Airborne Early Warning Squadron", or "Fleet Early Warning Squadron". By 1961 the VW squadrons which were still in existence were transitioned to destructive weather early warning or weather reconnaissance as a primary mission while retaining airborne early warning as a secondary role. In 1955 and 1956 six new VW squadrons were established to operate as early warning squadrons in the Atlantic and Pacific Barriers which were seaward extensions of the nation's Distant Early Warning (DEW) Line. These "barrier" VW squadrons did not operate as weather reconnaissance squadrons and they were all disestablished by 1965. In 1967 one of the two remaining VW squadrons was renamed a "Weather Reconnaissance Squadron" (while retaining the VW designation) while the other retained the "Airborne Early Warning" name even though its primary role was also weather reconnaissance. In 1971 that squadron was disestablished and thereafter until the single remaining VW squadron was disestablished in 1975 the VW designation designated solely "Weather Reconnaissance Squadron". In 1975 the VW designation cease being used.[9]

Designation	Insignia	Nickname	Aircraft[lower-alpha 1]	Establishment and Redesignation (if applicable) Dates	Disestablished as	Disestablished Date	Notes
VW-1		Typhoon Trackers	PB-1W PO-1W/WV-1 WV-2/EC-121K R7V-1/C-121J WV-3/WC-121N	VW-1: 18 Jun 1952[40]-Jul 1971	VW-1	July 1971[41]	Established as one of the first two Airborne Early Warning (VW) squadrons. In July 1961 the squadron's primary mission was changed to weather reconnaissance while retaining airborne early warning as a secondary task and it began operations as a typhoon early warning squadron known as the "Typhoon Trackers"[40][42]
VW-2			PO-1W/WV-1[43] WV-2	[18] VP-11F: 1 Jul 1936-1 Oct 1937 VP-11(1st): 1 Oct 1937-1 Jul 1939 VP-54(1st): 1 Jul 1939-1 Jul 1941 VP-51(2nd): 1 Jul 1941-1 Mar 1943 VB-101: 1 Mar 1943-1 Oct 1944 VPB-101: 1 Oct 1944-15 May 1946 VX-4(1st): 15 May 1946-18 Jun 1952 (same sqdn listed in VX section) VW-2: 18 Jun 1952 – 1 Jul 1961	VW-2	1 July 1961	Redesignated as one of the first two Airborne Early Warning (VW) squadrons[43]
VW-3			P4Y-2S P2V-5JF WV-3 WV-2	VJ-1: 19 Mar 1952-Sep 1953 VW-3: Sep 1953-Jun 1960[32]	VW-3	June 1960[33]	Established as "Weather Squadron One" (VJ-1) and redesignated "Airborne Early Warning Squadron Three" (VW-3) in 1953. Pacific Fleet Early Warning and Typhoon Hunting squadron.
VW-4		Hurricane Hunters	[34] P2V-3W PO-1W/WV-1 P2V-5JF WV-3/WC-121N WP-3A	VJ-2: 15 Nov 1952-1953 VW-4: 1953-30 Apr 1975	VW-4	April 1975[35]	Established as "Weather Squadron TWO" (VJ-2) and redesignated Airborne Early Warning Squadron FOUR in 1953. Operated as a hurricane early warning squadron known as the "Hurricane Hunters". Also tracked Mercury launches and provided other support to NASA.[36] Redesignated "Weather Reconnaissance Squadron FOUR" (VW-4) on 1 March 1967 to more accurately describe the primary mission of the squadron.[37]
VW-11			WV-2/EC-121K	VW-11: Aug 1955[44]-7 Oct 1965	VW-11	7 October 1965[45]	Established as the first squadron to operate as part of the "Atlantic Barrier", a seaward extension of the nation's Distant Early Warning (DEW) Line. Disestablished with the end of the Atlantic Barrier mission.
VW-12			WV-2	VW-12: 7 Jul 1956[46]-1 Feb 1960	VW-12 merged into AEWBARRONPAC	1 February 1960[47]	Established as the first squadron to operate as part of the "Pacific Barrier", a seaward extension of the nation's Distant Early Warning (DEW) Line. On 1 Feb 1960 Airborne Early Warning Wing Pacific, VW-12, VW-14 and Airborne Barrier Service Squadron-2 (the wing's aircraft maintenance organization)[48] were merged into a single squadron designated AEW Barrier Squadron Pacific (AEWBARRONPAC)[47] which continued in existence until 30 April 1965.[49]
VW-13 (first use)			WV-2	VW-13(1st): Sep 1955[44]-15 Sep 1957	VW-13(1st)	15 September 1957[50]	Established to operate as part of the "Atlantic Barrier", a seaward extension of the nation's Distant Early Warning (DEW) Line. Disestablished due to budgetary limitations.[50]
VW-13 (second use)			WV-2/EC-121K	VW-13(2nd): Jun 1958[51]-1965	VW-13(2nd)	1965	Established to operate as part of the "Atlantic Barrier", a seaward extension of the nation's Distant Early Warning (DEW) Line. Adopted name and insignia of VW-13 which was disestablished a year earlier. Also collected data on ice distribution for Naval Oceanographic Office[52]
VW-14			WV-2	VW-14: 1956-1 Feb 1960	VW-14 merged into AEWBARRONPAC	1 Feb 1960[47]	Established as part of the "Pacific Barrier", a seaward extension of the nation's Distant Early Warning (DEW) Line. On 1 Feb 1960 Airborne Early Warning Wing Pacific, VW-12, VW-14 and Airborne Barrier Service Squadron-2 (the wing's aircraft maintenance organization)[48] were merged into a single squadron designated AEW Barrier Squadron Pacific (AEWBARRONPAC)[47] which continued in existence until 30 April 1965.[49]
VW-15			WV-2	VW-15: Oct 1955[44]-Apr 1961	VW-15	April 1961[53]	Established to operate as part of the "Atlantic Barrier", a seaward extension of the nation's Distant Early Warning (DEW) Line
VW-16			WV-2	VW-16: 1956-1 Oct 1957	VW-16	1 October 1957	Established as part of the "Pacific Barrier", a seaward extension of the nation's Distant Early Warning (DEW) Line. Disestablished due to budgetary limitations[48] before the barrier became fully operational in July 1958

On 15 November 1946 the VA designation was created when the remaining Bombing (VB) and Torpedo (VT) squadrons from WWII were redesignated "Attack" squadrons (VA)[54] and the VB and VT designations ceased to exist.[9] The VA designation remained in use until 1996 when the last Attack Squadron completed transition to the F/A-18 Hornet and was redesignated a Strike Fighter (VFA) squadron. The VA designation has not been used since 1996. During the life of the VA designation there were three different periods during which the rules governing the squadron designation system differed creating three separate and distinct designation schemes over time. These three different designation scheme periods resulted in cases where a single squadron carried multiple designations during its existence, and in the occurrence of multiple uses of the same designation for unrelated squadrons.

The list below is not a list of disestablished squadrons, it is a list of squadron designations which are no longer in use. In many cases a single squadron carried multiple designations between the time it was established and the time it was disestablished, therefore in many cases multiple designations below belonged to a single squadron. Most of the squadron designations in the list belonged to squadrons which have been disestablished, but also included are former designations of some VFA squadrons which are still active. Note that many squadrons were designated as both VA and VF squadrons at different times during their existence. This list includes all "VA" designations which have been used by US Navy aircraft squadrons except for those assigned to USNR squadrons which existed before 1970 unless they were activated, in which case they are included.[17]

Note: The parenthetical (first use), (second use), (1st), (2nd), (3rd) etc... 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 and which use of the designation is indicated. Absence indicates that the designation was used only once.

Designation	Insignia	Nickname	Aircraft[lower-alpha 10]	Establishment and Redesignation (if applicable) Dates[55]	Disestablished as (or current designation)	Disestablished (or Deactivated) Date	Notes
On 15 November 1946, a major change to the Navy's Carrier Air Group and aircraft squadron designation system was instituted. At that time the Carrier Air Group designation (CVG) of WWII was modified to identify to which type of aircraft carrier the air group was assigned by the addition of a letter "A" or "B" between the "V" and the "G" in the CVG designation. The CVLG (light carrier air group) and CVEG (escort carrier air group) designations of WWII were retained creating four different types of Carrier Air Group. CVAGs were assigned to Essex class carriers (sometimes called "Attack" carriers), CVBGs were assigned to the large Midway class carriers (sometimes called "Battle" carriers), CVLGs were assigned to "light" Independence or Siapan class carriers, and CVEGs to remaining small WWII "escort carriers". At the same time, aircraft squadron designations were changed to include an "A", "B", "L" or "E" after the designation number to denote to which type of Carrier Air Group the squadron was assigned.[56] CVAGs and CVBGs were designated with odd numbers and each was assigned two VA squadrons with the first carrying the Air Group's number and the second the next consecutive even number (CVAG-1: VA-1A, VA-2A; CVBG-1: VA-1B, VA-2B; CVAG-7: VA-7A, VA-8A; CVAG-11; VA-11A, VA-12A etc...)
VA-1A		Top Hatters	SB2C F4U	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	VFA-14	Not applicable, still exists	Oldest continuously active aircraft squadron in the U.S. Navy 1st VA squadron of CVAG-1
VA-1B		unknown	SB2C AD	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(3rd): 9 Mar 1959-Aug 2006 VFA-211: Aug 2006–present	VFA-211	Not applicable, still exists	1st VA squadron of CVBG-1
VA-1E		unknown	TBM	VT-41: 26 Mar 1946-15 Nov 1946 VA-1E: 15 Nov 1946 – 1 Sep 1948	VA-1E	1 September 1948	Only VA squadron of CVEG-1. CVEG-1 (composed of VF-1E and VA-1E) was redesignated Composite Squadron 21 (VC-21) on 1 September 1948
VA-1L		unknown	TBM XTB2D AD	VT-58: 19 Mar 1946-15 Nov 1946 VA-1L: 15 Nov 1946 – 20 Nov 1948	VA-1L	20 November 1948	Only VA squadron of CVLG-1. Assets merged with VF-1L to form the first squadron designated VX-3
VA-2A		unknown	TBM	VT-4: 10 Jan 1942-15 Nov 1946 VA-2A: 15 Nov 1946 – 2 Aug 1948 VA-15(1st): 2 Aug 1948 – 1 Jun 1969	VA-15 (1st)	1 June 1969	2nd VA squadron of CVAG-1
VA-2B		unknown	SB2C, SBW TBM SNJ AD	VT-74: 1 May 1945-15 Nov 1946 VA-2B: 15 Nov 1946 – 1 Sep 1948 VA-25(1st): 1 Sep 1948-1 Jul 1959 VA-65(2nd): 1 Jul 1959 – 31 Mar 1993	VA-65 (2nd)	31 March 1993	2nd VA squadron of CVBG-1
VA-2E		unknown	TBM	VT-42: 19 Jul 1945-15 Nov 1946 VA-2E: 15 Nov 1946 – 1 Sep 1948 VC-22(2nd): 1 Sep 1948-20 Apr 1950 (same sqdn listed in VC section) VS-22(1st): 20 Apr 1950-1 Jun 1956 (same sqdn listed in VS section)	VS-22 (2nd)	1 June 1956	Only VA squadron of CVEG-2
VA-3A		Black Panthers	SB2C AD	VB-3B: 1 Jul 1934-1 Jul 1937 VB-4: 1 Jul 1937-1 Jul 1939 VB-3: 1 Jul 1939-15 Nov 1946 VA-3A: 15 Nov 1946 – 7 Aug 1948 VA-34(1st): 7 Aug 1948-15 Feb 1950 VA-35(2nd): 15 Feb 1950 – 31 Jan 1995	VA-35 (2nd)	31 January 1995	1st VA squadron of CVAG-3. The "diving panther" insignia was created by VB-3B and remained in use through the entire life of the squadron through all of its redesignations.
VA-3B		unknown	SB2C AD	VB-75: 1 Jun 1945-15 Nov 1946 VA-3B: 15 Nov 1946 – 1 Sep 1948 VA-44(1st): 1 Sep 1948 – 8 Jun 1950	VA-44 (1st)	8 June 1950	1st VA squadron of CVBG-3
VA-3E		unknown	TBM	VA-3E: 21 Apr 1947 – 1 Sep 1948 VC-23(2nd): 1 Sep 1948-23 Apr 1950 (same sqdn listed in VC section) VS-23: 23 Apr 1959-27 Sep 1968 (same sqdn listed in VS section)	VS-23	27 September 1968	Only VA squadron of CVEG-3
VA-4A		Dragons	TBM	VT-2: 1925-1 Jul 1927 VT-2B: 1 Jul 1927- 1 Jul 1937 VT-3: 1 Jul 1937-15 Nov 1946 VA-4A: 15 Nov 1946 – 7 Aug 1948 VA-35(1st): 7 Aug 1948 – 7 Nov 1949	VA-35 (1st)	7 November 1949	2nd VA squadron of CVAG-3
VA-4B		Fish Hawks	SB2C AD	VT-75: 1 Jun 1945-15 Nov 1946 VA-4B: 15 Nov 1946 – 1 Sep 1948 VA-45(1st): 1 Sep 1948 – 8 Jun 1950	VA-45 (1st)	8 June 1950	2nd VA squadron of CVBG-3
VA-5A		unknown	SB2C F4U	VS-2B: 3 Jul 1928-1 Jul 1937 (VS = "Scouting Squadron") VS-3: 1 Jul 1937-1 Mar 1943 VB-4: 1 Mar 1943-15 Jul 1943 VB-5: 15 Jul 1943-15 Nov 1946 VA-5A: 15 Nov 1946 – 16 Aug 1948 VA-54(1st): 16 Aug 1948 – 1 Dec 1949	VA-54 (1st)	1 December 1949	1st VA squadron of CVAG-5
VA-5B		unknown	SB2C AD	VB-17: 1 Jan 1943-15 Nov 1946 VA-5B: 15 Nov 1946 – 27 Jul 1948 VA-64(1st): 27 Jul 1948-8 Apr 1949 VC-24(2nd): 8 Apr 1949-20 Apr 1950 (same sqdn listed in VC section) VS-24(1st): 20 Apr 1950-1 Jun 1956 (same sqdn listed in VS section)	VS-24 (1st)	1 June 1956	1st VA squadron of CVBG-5
VA-6A		Torpcats	TBM	VT-5: 15 Feb 1943-15 Nov 1946 VA-6A: 15 Nov 1946 – 16 Aug 1948 VA-55(1st): 16 Aug 1948 – 12 Dec 1975	VA-55 (1st)	19 December 1975	2nd VA squadron of CVAG-5
VA-6B		unknown	SB2C AD	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-125: 1 Jul 1983–present	VFA-25	Not applicable, still exists	2nd VA squadron of CVBG-5
VA-7A		Sunday Punchers	SBW, SB2C F4U	VB-18: 20 Jul 1943-15 Nov 1946 VA-7A: 15 Nov 1946 – 27 Jul 1948 VA-74: 27 Jul 1948-15 Feb 1950 VA-75(2nd): 15 Feb 1950 – 28 Feb 1997	VA-75 (2nd)	28 February 1997	1st VA squadron of CVAG-7
VA-8A		Air Barons	TBM	VT-18: 20 Jul 1943-15 Nov 1946 VA-8A: 15 Nov 1946 – 27 Jul 1948 VA-75(1st): 27 Jul 1948 – 30 Nov 1949	VA-75 (1st)	30 November 1949	2nd VA squadron of CVAG-7
VA-9A		unknown	SB2C	VB-99: 1 Jul 1943-15 Oct 1943 VB-20: 15 Oct 1943-15 Nov 1946 VA-9A: 15 Nov 1946 – 12 Aug 1948 VA-94(1st): 12 Aug 1948 – 31 Nov 1949	VA-94 (1st)	31 November 1949	1st VA squadron of CVAG-9
VA-10A		unknown	TBM	VT-20: 15 Oct 1943-15 Nov 1946 VA-10A: 15 Nov 1946 – 12 Aug 1948 VA-95(1st): 12 Aug 1948 – 30 Nov 1949	VA-95 (1st)	30 November 1949	2nd VA squadron of CVAG-9
VA-11A		unknown	SB2C	VB-11: 10 Oct 1942-15 Nov 1946 VA-11A: 15 Nov 1946 – 15 Jul 1948 VA-114: 15 Jul 1948 – 1 Dec 1949	VA-114	1 December 1949	1st VA squadron of CVAG-11
VA-12A		unknown	TBM	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	VFA-115	Not applicable, still exists	2nd VA squadron of CVAG-11
VA-13A		Hell Razors	SBW F4U	VB-81: 1 Mar 1944-15 Nov 1946 VA-13A: 15 Nov 1946 – 2 Aug 1948 VA-134(1st): 2 Aug 1948-15 Feb 1950 VF-174: 15 Feb 1950-1 Jul 1966 VA-174(2nd): 1 Jul 1966 – 30 Jun 1988	VA-174 (2nd)	30 June 1988	1st VA squadron of CVAG-13
VA-14A		Uninvited	TBM	VT-81: 1 Mar 1944-15 Nov 1946 VA-14A: 15 Nov 1946 – 2 Aug 1948 VA-135(1st): 2 Aug 1948 – 30 Nov 1949	VA-135 (1st)	30 November 1949	2nd VA squadron of CVAG-13
VA-15A		Flying Cannons	SB2C	VB-153: 26 Mar 1945-15 Nov 1946 VA-15A: 15 Nov 1946 – 15 Jul 1948 VA-154: 15 Jul 1948 – 1 Dec 1949	VA-154	1 December 1949	1st VA squadron of CVAG-15
VA-16A		unknown	TBM	VT-153: 26 Mar 1945-15 Nov 1946 VA-16A: 15 Nov 1946 – 15 Jul 1948 VA-155(1st): 15 Jul 1948 – 30 Nov 1949	VA-155 (1st)	30 November 1949	2nd VA squadron of CVAG-15
VA-17A		Battering Rams	SBW AM	VB-82: 1 Apr 1944-15 Nov 1946 VA-17A: 15 Nov 1946 – 11 Aug 1948 VA-174: 11 Aug 1948 – 25 Jan 1950	VA-174	25 January 1950	1st VA squadron of CVAG-17
VA-18A		Devils Diplomats	TBM	VT-82: 1 Apr 1944-15 Nov 1946 VA-18A: 15 Nov 1946 – 11 Aug 1948 VA-175: 11 Aug 1948 – 15 Mar 1958	VA-175	15 March 1958	2nd VA squadron of CVAG-17
VA-19A		unknown	SB2C AD	VB-19: 15 Aug 1943-15 Nov 1946 VA-19A: 15 Nov 1946 – 15 Aug 1948 VA-194: 24 Aug 1948 – 1 Dec 1949	VA-194	1 December 1949	1st VA squadron of CVAG-19
VA-20A		unknown	TBM AD	VT-19: 15 Aug 1943-15 Nov 1946 VA-20A: 15 Nov 1946 – 24 Aug 1948 VA-195: 24 Aug 1948-15 Apr 1985 VFA-195: 15 Apr 1985–present	VFA-195	Not applicable, still exists	2nd VA squadron of CVAG-19
VA-21A		unknown	SB2C	VB-98: 28 Aug 1944-15 Nov 1946 VA-21A: 15 Nov 1946 – 5 Aug 1947	VA-21A	5 August 1947	1st VA squadron of CVAG-21
VA-22A		unknown	TBM	VT-98: 28 Aug 1944-15 Nov 1946 VA-22A: 15 Nov 1946 – 5 Aug 1947	VA-22A	5 August 1947	2nd VA squadron of CVAG-21
A new Squadron and Air Group designation scheme was established in 1948. CVAGs and CVBGs were all redesignated CVGs, CVLGs and CVEGs were disestablished, and squadron suffix letters were eliminated. New squadron designation numbers denoted to which CVG the squadron was assigned with the first one or two digits identifying the CVG followed by a 4 or 5 to differentiate between the two VA squadrons of each CVG. There were initially three VF squadrons in each CVG numbered with 1, 2 and 3 and two VA squadrons numbered with 4 and 5, therefore CVG-1's VA squadrons were VA-14 and VA-15; CVG-2's were VA-24 and VA-25; CVG-11's were VA-114 and VA-115; CVG-15's were VA-154 and VA-155 etc... When a squadron was moved from one CVG to another it was redesignated to conform with the designation of the newly assigned CVG. From 1951 to 1959 the Navy operated a number of Air Task Groups (ATG)s which were usually equipped by removing one squadron each from a number of then typical five VF/VA squadron CVGs leaving those CVGs at four VF/VA squadrons. Squadrons retained their former CVG's designation when assigned to an ATG. In some cases squadrons were established and assigned directly to an ATG, in those cases the squadron was typically assigned a designation as if assigned to one of the existing CVGs but with the last digit of the designation greater than "5". Squadrons and CVGs are grouped by designation below for ease of reading the table but it should not be assumed that the listed squadrons were assigned only to the CVG in which section they appear in the table as ATG assignment did not occasion a redesignation, and by the late 1950s the practice of redesignating squadrons upon transfer between CVGs had begun to be abandoned with squadrons being redesignated in some cases but not in others.
CVG-1 (2nd): CVAG-1 redesignated CVG-1 (2nd) 1 Sep 1948, currently exists as CVW-1
VA-12		Ubangis, Clinchers (1982)	F2H F7U AD4/A-4 A-7	VBF-4: 12 May 1945-15 Nov 1946 VF-2A: 15 Nov 1946-2 Aug 1948 VF-12: 2 Aug 1948-1 Aug 1955 VA-12: 1 Aug 1955 – 1 Oct 1986	VA-12	1 October 1986	CVG-1(2nd) VF squadron redesignated as a CVG-1(2nd) VA squadron.
VA-14		Top Hatters	F4U	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	VFA-14	Not applicable, still exists	Oldest continuously active aircraft squadron in the U.S. Navy. Redesignated as one of CVG-1(2nd)'s initial squadrons
VA-15 (First use)	(1951)	Valions (mid 1950s)	TBM AD/A-1 A-4	VT-4: 10 Jan 1942-15 Nov 1946 VA-2A: 15 Nov 1946-2 Aug 1948 VA-15(1st): 2 Aug 1948 – 1 Jun 1969	VA-15 (1st)	1 June 1969	Redesignated as one of CVG-1(2nd)'s initial squadrons
VA-16		unknown	AD	VA-16: 1 Jun 1955 – 1 Mar 1958	VA-16	1 March 1958	Established and assigned to Air Task Group 182 (ATG-182)
CVG-2 (2nd): CVBG-1 redesignated CVG-2 (2nd) 1 Sep 1948, currently exists as CVW-2
VA-22		Fighting Redcocks	FJ-4 A4D/A-4 A-7	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	VFA-22	Not applicable, still exists	VF-63 had been transferred to CVG-2(2nd) in 1950 without being redesignated. Was redesignated a VA squadron retaining the 63 designation while still in CVG-2(2nd). Was ultimately redesignated VA-22 in 1959 to conform with the CVG designation
VA-23		Black Knights	FJ-4 A4D/A-4	VF-653 (USNR): 1 Feb 1951-4 Feb 1953 VF-151(3rd): 4 Feb 1953-7 Feb 1956 VA-151: 7 Feb 1956-23 Feb 1959 VA-23: 23 Feb 1959 – 1 Apr 1970	VA-23	1 April 1970	VA-151 reassigned to CVG-2(2nd) and redesignated VA-23
VA-24		unknown	AD F4U	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(3rd): 9 Mar 1959-Aug 2006 VFA-211: Aug 2006–present	VFA-211	Not applicable, still exists	[lower-alpha 11] Redesignated as one of CVG-2(2nd)'s initial squadrons
VA-25 (First use)	(1950)	Tigers (1950)	SNJ AD/A-1	VT-74: 1 May 1945-15 Nov 1946 VA-2B: 15 Nov 1946-1 Sep 1948 VA-25(1st): 1 Sep 1948 – 1 Jul 1959 VA-65(2nd): 1 Jul 1959 – 31 Mar 1993	VA-65 (2nd)	31 March 1993	Redesignated as one of CVG-2(2nd)'s initial squadrons. Reassigned to CVG-6(2nd) in 1950 without being redesignated until 1959
VA-25 (Second use)	(1974)	Fist of the Fleet	AD/A-1 A-7	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-125: 1 Jul 1983–present	VFA-25	Not applicable, still exists	VA-65(1st) reassigned to CVG-2(2nd) in 1950 without being redesignated until 1959
VA-26		Skylancers	F9F-8	VA-26: 30 Jun 1956 – 11 Apr 1958 VA-125(2nd): 11 Apr 1958 – 1 Oct 1977	VA-125 (2nd)	11 April 1977	Established and assigned to Air Task Group THREE (ATG-3) until its redesignation to VA-125 and reassignment to RCVG-12
CVG-3 (2nd): CVAG-3 redesignated CVG-3 (2nd) 1 Sep 1948, currently exists as CVW-3
VA-34 (First use)		Black Panthers	AD/A-1	VB-3B: 1 Jul 1934-1 Jul 1937 VB-4: 1 Jul 1937-1 Jul 1939 VB-3: 1 Jul 1939-15 Nov 1946 VA-3A: 15 Nov 1946-7 Aug 1948 VA-34(1st): 7 Aug 1948 – 15 Feb 1950 VA-35(2nd): 15 Feb 1950 – 31 Jan 1995	VA-35 (2nd)	31 January 1995	Redesignated as one of CVG-3(2nd)'s initial squadrons. The "diving panther" insignia was created by VB-3B and remained in use through the entire life of the squadron through all of its redesignations.
VA-34 (1943-69) (Second use)		Blue Blasters	F2H F7U A4D/A-4	VF-20: 15 Oct 1943-15 Nov 1946 VF-9A: 15 Nov 1946-12 Aug 1948 VF-91(1st): 12 Aug 1948-15 Feb 1950 VF-34(3rd): 15 Feb 1950-1 Jul 1955 VA-34(2nd): 1 Jul 1955 – 1 Jun 1969	VA-34 (2nd)	1 June 1969	VF-34(3rd) returned to CVG-3(2nd) from Air Task Group 181 (ATG-181) and redesignated a VA squadron
VA-35 (First use)		Dragons	TBM AD	VT-2: 1925-1 Jul 1927 VT-2B: 1 Jul 1927- 1 Jul 1937 VT-3: 1 Jul 1937-15 Nov 1946 VA-4A: 15 Nov 1946-7 Aug 1948 VA-35(1st): 7 Aug 1948 – 7 Nov 1949	VA-35 (1st)	7 November 1949	Redesignated as one of CVG-3(2nd)'s initial squadrons
VA-35 (Second use)		Black Panthers	A-1 A-6, KA-6	VB-3B: 1 Jul 1934-1 Jul 1937 VB-4: 1 Jul 1937-1 Jul 1939 VB-3: 1 Jul 1939-15 Nov 1946 VA-3A: 15 Nov 1946-7 Aug 1948 VA-34(1st): 7 Aug 1948-15 Feb 1950 VA-35(2nd): 15 Feb 1950 – 31 Jan 1995	VA-35 (2nd)	31 January 1995	VA-34(1st) redesignated VA-35(2nd) when VF-91(1st) was reassigned to CVG-3(2nd) as the group's fourth VF squadron VF-34(3rd) on 15 Feb 1950. The "diving panther" insignia was created by VB-3B and remained in use through the entire life of the squadron through all of its redesignations.
VA-36 (First use)		Roadrunners	F9F-5 F9F-8 A4D/A-4	VF-102(1st): 1 May 1952-1 Jul 1955 VA-36(1st): 1 Jul 1955 – 1 Aug 1970	VA-36 (1st)	1 August 1970	VF-201 redesignated VA-36 and assigned to Air Task Group 201 (ATG-201). Ultimately assigned to CVG-3(2nd) in 1958
CVG-4 (2nd): CVBG-1 redesignated CVG-4 (2nd) 1 Sep 1948, disestablished 8 Jun 1950
VA-44 (First use)		unknown	AD AM	VB-75: 1 Jun 1945-15 Nov 1946 VA-3B: 15 Nov 1946-1 Sep 1948 VA-44(1st): 1 Sep 1948 – 8 Jun 1950	VA-44 (1st)	8 June 1950	Redesignated as one of CVG-4(2nd)'s initial squadrons
VA-45 (First use)		Black Knights	AD AM	VT-75: 1 Jun 1945-15 Nov 1946 VA-4B: 15 Nov 1946-1 Sep 1948 VA-45(1st): 1 Sep 1948 – 8 Jun 1950	VA-45 (1st)	8 June 1950	Redesignated as one of CVG-4(2nd)'s initial squadrons
CVG-4 (3rd): Established 1 Sep 1950, redesignated RCVG-4 on 1 Apr 1958 to control FRSs, disestablished 1 Jun 1970 as RCVW-4
VA-45 (Second use)		Blackbirds	AD	VA-45(2nd): 1 Sep 1950 – 1 Mar 1958	VA-45 (2nd)	1 March 1958	Established as one of CVG-4(3rd)'s initial squadrons (CVG-4(3rd) initially had four VF squadrons and only this single initial VA squadron). Was disestablished when CVG-4(3rd) was redesignated RCVG-4
VA-46		Clansmen (1960)	F9F-5 F9F-8 A4D/A-4 A-7E	VA-46: 25 May 1955 – 30 Jun 1991	VA-46	30 June 1991	Assigned to CVG-4(3rd) upon establishment but reassigned to Air Task Group 202 (ATG-202) two months later and never returned to CVG-4(3rd)
RCVG-4 / RCVW-4 Fleet Replacement Squadrons
VA-42	(1992)	Green Pawns, Thunderbolts (1992)	AD T-28 TC-4C A-6, KA-6	VF-42(4th): 1 Sep 1950-1 Nov 1953 VA-42: 1 Nov 1953 – 30 Sep 1994	VA-42	30 September 1994	VF-42 assigned to CVG-6(2nd) at the time redesignated a VA squadron in 1953. Transitioned from an operational VA squadron to an AD Sky Raider FRS on 24 Oct 1958 and reassigned to RCVG-4. Later became an A-6 FRS. Adopted "Thunderbolts" name and insignia from VA-176 when it was disestablished in 1992
VA-43		Challengers	A4D/A-4	VF-74A: 1 May 1945-1 Aug 1945 VF-74(2nd): 1 Aug 1945-15 Nov 1946 VF-1B(3rd): 15 Nov 1946-1 Sep 1948 VF-21(2nd): 1 Sep 1948-1 Jul 1959 VA-43: 1 Jul 1959 – 1 Jun 1973 VF-43(5th): 1 Jun 1973 – 1 Jul 1994	VF-43 (5th)	1 July 1994	VF-21 redesignated as an A4D Skyhawk FRS and assigned to RCVG-4
VA-44 (Second use)		Hornets	F2H F9F-8 F9F-8T/TF-9 TV-2 T-28 A4D/A-4, TA-4 AD/A-1	VF-44(2nd): 1 Sep 1950-1 Jan 1956 VA-44(2nd): 1 Jan 1956 – 1 May 1970	VA-44 (2nd)	1 May 1970	CVG-4(3rd)'s VF-44 redesignated a VA squadron in 1956. Transitioned from an operational VA squadron of CVG-4(3rd) to an A4D Skyhawk FRS on 1 Jun 1958 in conjunction with CVG-4(3rd)'s redesignation to RCVG-4. In 1959 AD Sky Raider training was added and the squadron operated as both an A4D (A-4 in Sep 1962) and an AD (A-1 in Sep 1962) FRS. "Split out" VA-45(3rd) in 1963 to continue A-1 training and became solely an A-4 FRS
VA-45 (1963-96) (Third use)		Blackbirds	A-1 A-4	VA-45(3rd): 15 Feb 1963 – 7 Feb 1985 VF-45(2nd): 7 Feb 1985 – 31 Mar 1996	VF-45 (2nd)	31 March 1996	Adopted both the "Blackbirds" name and the insignia of the disestablished VA-45(2nd). Established as an A-1 Sky Raider FRS and assigned to RCVG-4 (was "split out of" VA-44(2nd) to continue A-1 training to allow VA-44(2nd) to become solely an A-4 FRS). After the A-1's retirement the squadron provided A-4 detachments to ASW air groups and later assumed an adversary role in support of Air Combat Maneuvering training
CVG-5 (2nd): CVAG-5 redesignated CVG-5 (2nd) 1 Sep 1948, currently exists as CVW-5
VA-52		Knightriders	AD/A-1 A-6, KA-6	VF-884: 20 Jul 1950-4 Feb 1953 VF-144: 4 Feb 1953-23 Feb 1959 VA-52: 23 Feb 1959 – 31 Mar 1995	VA-52	31 March 1995	VF-144 was redesignated a VA squadron and reassigned to CVG-5(2nd)
VA-54 (First use)		unknown	F4U AD	VS-2B: 3 Jul 1928-1 Jul 1937 (VS = "Scouting Squadron") VS-3: 1 Jul 1937-1 Mar 1943 VB-4: 1 Mar 1943-15 Jul 1943 VB-5: 15 Jul 1943-15 Nov 1946 VA-5A: 15 Nov 1946-16 Aug 1948 VA-54(1st): 16 Aug 1948 – 1 Dec 1949	VA-54 (1st)	1 December 1949	Redesignated as one of CVG-5(2nd)'s initial squadrons
VA-54 (Second use)		Hell's Angels	AD F9F-8	VBF-153: 26 Mar 1945-15 Nov 1946 VF-16A: 15 Nov 1946-15 Jul 1948 VF-152(2nd): 15 Jul 1948-15 Feb 1950 VF-54(1st): 15 Feb 1950-15 Jun 1956 VA-54(2nd): 15 Jun 1956 – 1 Apr 1958	VA-54 (2nd)	1 April 1958	CVG-5(2nd) VF squadron redesignated a VA squadron
VA-55 (First use)	(1955)	Torpcats, Warhorses (1955)	TBM AD FJ-4 A4D/A-4	VT-5: 15 Feb 1943-15 Nov 1946 VA-6A: 15 Nov 1946-16 Aug 1948 VA-55(1st): 16 Aug 1948 – 12 Dec 1975	VA-55 (1st)	19 December 1975	Redesignated as one of CVG-5(2nd)'s initial squadrons
VA-56		Boomerangs, Champions (1958)	F9F-3 F9F-8 FJ-4 A4D/A-4 A-7	VA-56: 4 Jun 1956 – 31 Aug 1986	VA-56	31 August 1986	Established as a CVG-5(2nd) VA squadron
CVG-6 (2nd): CVBG-5 redesignated CVG-6 (2nd) 1 Sep 1948, disestablished 1 Apr 1992 as CVW-6
VA-63		Fighting Redcocks	F9F-8 FJ-4	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	VFA-22	Not applicable, still exists	VF-63 had been transferred to CVG-2(2nd) in 1950 without being redesignated. Was redesignated a VA squadron retaining the 63 designation while still in CVG-2(2nd). Was ultimately redesignated VA-22 in 1959 to conform with the CVG designation
VA-64 (First use)		unknown	AD	VB-17: 1 Jan 1943-15 Nov 1946 VA-5B: 15 Nov 1946-27 Jul 1948 VA-64(1st): 27 Jul 1948 – 8 Apr 1949 VC-24(2nd): 8 Apr 1949-20 Apr 1950 (same sqdn listed in VC section) VS-24(1st): 20 Apr 1950-1 Jun 1956 (same sqdn listed in VS section)	VS-24 (1st)	1 June 1956	Redesignated as one of CVG-6(2nd)'s initial squadrons
VA-64 (Second use)		Black Lancers	A4D/A-4	VA-64(2nd): 1 Jul 1961 – 7 Nov 1969	VA-64 (2nd)	7 November 1969	Established as a CVG-6(2nd) VA squadron
VA-65 (First use)	(1949)	Fist of the Fleet (1949)	AD	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-125: 1 Jul 1983–present	VFA-25	Not applicable, still exists	Redesignated as one of CVG-6(2nd)'s initial squadrons
VA-65 (Second use)		Tigers	AD/A-1 A-6, KA-6	VT-74: 1 May 1945-15 Nov 1946 VA-2B: 15 Nov 1946-1 Sep 1948 VA-25(1st): 1 Sep 1948-1 Jul 1959 VA-65(2nd): 1 Jul 1959 – 31 Mar 1993	VA-65 (2nd)	31 March 1993	Replaced VA-65(1st) in CVG-6(2nd) when VA-65(1st) was moved to CVG-2(2nd)
VA-66 (First use)		Crusaders	F9F-8	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	VFA-81	Not applicable, still exists	[lower-alpha 12] Established as VA-66(1st) but redesignated to VF-81(4th) on the same day and replaced VF-81(3rd) in CVG-8(2nd)
VA-66 (Second use)		Waldomen	F7U F9F-8 A4D/A-4 A-7	VF-671: 1 Feb 1951-4 Feb 1953 VF-81(3rd): 4 Feb 1953-1 Jul 1955 VA-66(2nd): 1 Jul 1955 – 1 Oct 1986	VA-66 (2nd)	1 October 1986	VF-81(3rd) which was assigned to CVG-8(2nd) was redesignated a VA squadron and reassigned to CVG-6(2nd)
CVG-7 (2nd): CVAG-7 redesignated CVG-7 (2nd) 1 Sep 1948, still exists as CVW-7
VA-72		Hawks, Blue Hawks (early 1960s)	F9F-5 A4D/A-4 A-7	VBF-18: 25 Jan 1945-15 Nov 1946 VF-8A: 15 Nov 1946-28 Jul 1948 VF-72(2nd): 28 Jul 1948-3 Jan 1956 VA-72: 3 Jan 1956 – 30 Jun 1991	VA-72	30 June 1991	CVG-7(2nd) VF squadron redesignated a CVG-7(2nd) VA squadron
VA-74		Sunday Punchers	F4U AD	VB-18: 20 Jul 1943-15 Nov 1946 VA-7A: 15 Nov 1946-27 Jul 1948 VA-74: 27 Jul 1948 – 15 Feb 1950 VA-75(2nd): 15 Feb 1950 – 28 Feb 1997	VA-75 (2nd)	28 February 1997	Redesignated as one of CVG-7(2nd)'s initial squadrons
VA-75 (First use)		Air Barons	TBM AD	VT-18: 20 Jul 1943-15 Nov 1946 VA-8A: 15 Nov 1946-27 Jul 1948 VA-75(1st): 27 Jul 1948 – 30 Nov 1949	VA-75 (1st)	30 November 1949	Redesignated as one of CVG-7(2nd)'s initial squadrons
VA-75 (Second use)	(after 1950)	Sunday Punchers	AD/A-1 A-6, KA-6	VB-18: 20 Jul 1943-15 Nov 1946 VA-7A: 15 Nov 1946-27 Jul 1948 VA-74: 27 Jul 1948-15 Feb 1950 VA-75(2nd): 15 Feb 1950 – 28 Feb 1997	VA-75 (2nd)	28 February 1997	CVG-7(2nd) VA-74 redesignated VA-75(2nd). Original insignia of VB-18 was re-adopated after 1950.
VA-76		Spirits	F2H F9F-8 A4D/A-4	VA-76: 1 Jun 1955 – 30 Sep 1969	VA-76	30 September 1969	Established and assigned to Air Task Group 182 (ATG-182). Was never assigned to CVG-7(2nd)
CVG-8 (2nd): Planned for establishment in 1948 but cancelled
VA-84		unknown	TBM AM	VA-84: 15 Sep 1948 – 29 Nov 1949	VA-84	29 November 1949	Established for assignment to CVG-8(2nd) but CVG-8 establishment was cancelled and squadron was disestablished
VA-85 (First use)		unknown	TBM AM	VA-85(1st): 15 Sep 1948 – 29 Nov 1949	VA-85 (1st)	29 November 1949	Established for assignment to CVG-8(2nd) but CVG-8 establishment was cancelled and squadron was disestablished
CVG-8 (2nd): Established 9 Apr 1951 to received USNR squadrons activated for the Korean War, still exists as CVW-8
VA-81	(1963)	Crusaders, Sunliners (1963)	A4D/A-4 A-7	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	VFA-81	Not applicable, still exists	CVG-8(2nd) VF squadron redesignated a CVG-8(2nd) VA squadron
VA-83	(1957)	Roaring Bulls, Rampagers (1957)	F7U A4D/A-4 A-7	VF-916: 1 Feb 1951-4 Feb 1953 VF-83(3rd): 4 Feb 1953-1 Jul 1955 VA-83: 1 Jul 1955 – 3 Mar 1988 VFA-83: 3 Mar 1988–present	VFA-83	Not applicable, still exists	CVG-8(2nd)'s VF-83 redesignated a CVG-8(2nd) VA squadron
VA-85 (Second use)	(1954) (1958)	Black Falcons (1958)	AD/A-1 A-6, KA-6	VA-859 (USNR): not listed-4 Feb 1953 VA-85(2nd): 4 Feb 1953 – 30 Sep 1994	VA-85 (2nd)	30 September 1994	USNR VA-859 establishment date not listed, activated 1 Feb 1951 for the Korean War and assigned to CVG-8(2nd) when it was established on 9 Apr. Permanently activated and redesignated VA-85(2nd) in 1953
VA-86 (First use)		Vagabonds	FJ-3	VA-86(1st): 1 July 1955 – 1 Jul 1955 VF-84(3rd): 1 Jul 1955 – 1 Oct 1995	VF-84 (3rd)	1 October 1995	Established as VA-86(1st) but redesignated to VF-84(3rd) on the same day
VA-86 (Second use)		Sidewinders	F7U A4D/A-4 A-7	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	VFA-86	Not applicable, still exists	VF-84 redesignated VA-86 and assigned to Air Task Group 181 (ATG-181)
CVG-9 (2nd): CVAG-9 redesignated CVG-9 (2nd) 1 Sep 1948, disestablished 1 Dec 1949
VA-94 (First use)		unknown	SB2C AD	VB-99: 1 Jul 1943-15 Oct 1943 VB-20: 15 Oct 1943-15 Nov 1946 VA-9A: 15 Nov 1946-12 Aug 1948 VA-94(1st): 12 Aug 1948 – 31 Nov 1949	VA-94 (1st)	31 November 1949	Redesignated as one of CVG-9(2nd)'s initial squadrons
VA-95 (First use)		unknown	TBM AD	VT-20: 15 Oct 1943-15 Nov 1946 VA-10A: 15 Nov 1946-12 Aug 1948 VA-95(1st): 12 Aug 1948 – 30 Nov 1949	VA-95 (1st)	30 November 1949	Redesignated as one of CVG-9(2nd)'s initial squadrons
CVG-9 (3rd): Established 26 Mar 1952, still exists as CVW-9
VA-93	(1957) (1965)	Blue Blazers, Ravens (1976)	A4D/A-4 A-7	VF-93(3rd): 26 Mar 1952-15 Sep 1956 VA-93: 15 Sep 1956 – 30 Aug 1986	VA-93	30 August 1986	CVG-9(3rd)'s VF-93 redesignated as a VA squadron
VA-94 (Second use)	(1967)	Shrikes or Mighty Shrikes (1959)	FJ-4 A4D/A-4 A-7	VF-94(2nd): 26 Mar 1952-1 Aug 1958 VA-94(2nd): 1 Aug 1958 – 28 Jun 1990 VFA-94: 28 Jun 1990–present	VFA-94	Not applicable, still exists	CVG-9(3rd)'s VF-94 redesignated as a VA squadron
VA-95 (Second use)		Sky Knights, Green Lizards (1963)	F6F AD/A-1 A-4	VA-95(2nd): 26 Mar 1952 – 1 Apr 1970	VA-95 (2nd)	1 April 1970	Established as CVG-9(3rd)'s only initial VA squadron (CVG-9(3rd) was established with four VF squadrons)
VA-96		unknown	AD	VA-96: 30 Jun 1956 – 10 Apr 1958	VA-96	10 April 1958	Established and assigned to Air Task Group THREE (ATG-3)
CVG-10 (2nd): Established 1 May 1952, disestablished 20 Nov 1969 as CVW-10(1st)
VA-104		Hells Archers	AD	VF-104: 1 May 1952-4 Dec 1953 VA-104: 4 Dec 1953 – 31 Mar 1959	VA-104	31 March 1959	CVG-10(2nd)'s VF-104 redesignated as a second VA squadron in the Air Group
VA-105 (First use)		Cannoneers	AD	VA-105(1st): 1 May 1952 – 1 Feb 1959	VA-105 (1st)	1 February 1959	Established as CVG-10(2nd)'s only initial VA squadron (CVG-10(2nd) was established with four VF squadrons). Reassigned to RCVG-4 in Nov 1958 as a FRS until its disestablishment less than 3 months later.
VA-106 (First use)		Boomerangs	FJ-3	VA-106(1st): 1 Jul 1955 – 1 Jul 1955 VF-62(2nd): 1 Jul 1955 – 1 Oct 1969	VF-62 (2nd)	1 October 1969	Established as VA-106(1st) on 1 Jul 1955 and redesignated VF-62(2nd) and assigned to CVG-6(2nd) on the same day
VA-106 (Second use)		Gladiators	F2H F9F-8 A4D/A-4	VBF-17: 2 Jan 1945-15 Nov 1946 VF-6B(3rd): 15 Nov 1946-28 Jul 1948 VF-62(1st): 28 Jul 1948-1 Jul 1955 VA-106(2nd): 1 Jul 1955 – 7 Nov 1969	VA-106 (2nd)	7 November 1969	VF-62(1st) redesignated and reassigned to CVG-10(2nd) while a new VF-63(2nd) was established (as VA-106(1st) and immediately redesignated) to replace VF-62(1st) in CVG-6(2nd)
CVG-11 (2nd): CVAG-11 redesignated CVG-11 (2nd) 1 Sep 1948, still exists as CVW-11
VA-112		Broncos (1961)	A4D/A-4	VBF-11: 9 Apr 1945-15 Nov 1946 VF-12A: 15 Nov 1946-15 July 1948 VF-112: 15 Jul 1948-15 Feb 1959 VA-112: 15 Feb 1959 – 10 Oct 1969	VA-112	10 October 1969	CVG-11(2nd)'s VF-112 redesignated as a CVG-11(2nd) VA squadron
VA-113		Stingers	F9F-8 A4D/A-4 A-7	VF-113: 15 Jul 1948-Mar 1956 VA-113: Mar 1956-25 Mar 1983 VFA-113: 25 Mar 1983–present	VFA-113	Not applicable, still exists	CVG-11(2nd)'s VF-113 redesignated as a CVG-11(2nd) VA squadron
VA-114		unknown	AD F8F	VB-11: 10 Oct 1942-15 Nov 1946 VA-11A: 15 Nov 1946-15 Jul 1948 VA-114: 15 Jul 1948 – 1 Dec 1949	VA-114	1 December 1949	Redesignated as one of CVG-11(2nd)'s initial squadrons
VA-115	(1956)	Arabs (1960) Eagles (1979)	TBM AD/A-1 A-6, KA-6	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	VFA-115	Not applicable, still exists	Redesignated as one of CVG-11(2nd)'s initial squadrons
VA-116		unknown	F7U FJ-4	VA-116: 1 Dec 1955 – 23 Feb 1959 VA-144: 23 Feb 1959 – 29 Jan 1971	VA-144	29 January 1971	Assigned to Air Task Group TWO (ATG-2) then redesignated VA-144 and assigned to CVG-14(2nd)
CVG-12 (2nd): Established as CVG-102 on 1 Aug 1950 to received USNR squadrons activated for the Korean War, redesignated CVG-12 (2nd) on 4 Feb 1952, redesignated RCVG-12 on 1 Apr 1958 to control FRSs
VA-125 (First use)		Rough Raiders	AD	VA-55E (USNR): 1946-Jan 1950 VA-923 (USNR): Jan 1950-4 Feb 1953 VA-125(1st): 4 Feb 1953 – 10 Apr 1958	VA-125 (1st)	10 April 1958	USNR VA-923 activated on 20 Jul 1950 for the Korean War and assigned to CVG-102 when it was established 1 Aug 1950. CVG-102 was later redesignated CVG-12(2nd) on 4 Feb 1952. VA-923 redesignated VA-125(1st) and permanently activated in 1953.
RCVG-12: CVG-12 (2nd) redesignated RCVG-12 on 1 Apr 1958 to control FRSs and other training support squadrons, redesignated RCVW-12 on 20 Dec 1963. Disestablished 30 Jun 1970
VA-122		Flying Eagles	AD/A-1 T-28 A-7 T-39	VC-35(2nd): 25 May 1950-1 Jul 1956 (same sqdn listed in VC section) VA(AW)-35: 1 Jul 1956-29 Jun 1959 VA-122: 29 Jun 1959 – 31 May 1991	VA-122 Disestablished	31 May 1991	Redesignated and assigned to RCVG-12 as an AD Skyraider FRS. Later transitioned to being an A-7 Corsair II FRS
VA-125 (1956-77) (Second use)		Rough Raiders	AD/A-1 A4D/A-4, TA-4 A-7	VA-26: 30 Jun 1956-11 Apr 1958 VA-125(2nd): 11 Apr 1958 – 1 Oct 1977	VA-125 (2nd)	1 October 1977	Adopted "Rough Raiders" name from disestablished VA-125(1st). VA-26 redesignated and assigned to RCVG-12 as an A4D/A-4 Skyhawk FRS. Later became an A-7 Corsair II FRS
VA-126		Fighting Seahawks	F9F-8T A4D/A-4, TA-4	VA-126: 6 Apr 1956 – 15 Oct 1965 VF-126: 15 Oct 1965 – 1 Apr 1994	VF-126	1 April 1994	Established as an instrument training squadron using the F9F-8T Cougar.[57] Later became an A4D/A-4 Skyhawk FRS assigned to RCVG-12
VA-127	(1980)	Royal Blues, Cylons (1981)	F9F-8T/TF-9 A-4, TA-4	VA-127: 15 Jun 1962 – 1 Mar 1987 VFA-127: 1 Mar 1987-23 Mar 1996 (same sqdn listed in VFA section)	VFA-127	23 March 1996	Established from VA-126 detachment Alfa to provide advanced instrument training and jet transition training and assigned to RCVG-12. Became an A-4 FRS from 1 Jun 1970 to 1975. Provided basic refresher instrument and jet transition training and Air Combat Maneuvering (ACM) training from 1975 to 1983. 1 Oct 1983 became an "Adversary" squadron providing ACM training to fleet squadrons.
VA-128		Golden Intruders	A-6 TC-4C	VA-128: 1 Sep 1967 – 29 Sep 1995	VA-128	29 September 1995	Established as an A-6 Intruder FRS assigned to RCVW-12
CVG-13 (2nd): CVAG-13 redesignated CVG-13 (2nd) 1 Sep 1948, disestablished 30 Nov 1949
VA-134 (First use)		Hell Razors	F4U	VB-81: 1 Mar 1944-15 Nov 1946 VA-13A: 15 Nov 1946-2 Aug 1948 VA-134(1st): 2 Aug 1948 – 15 Feb 1950 VF-174: 15 Feb 1950-1 Jul 1966 VA-174(2nd): 1 Jul 1966 – 30 Jun 1988	VA-174 (2nd)	30 June 1988	Initially assigned to CVG-1(2nd) but soon redesignated as one of CVG-13(2nd)'s initial squadrons
VA-135 (First use)		Uninvited	TBM AD	VT-81: 1 Mar 1944-15 Nov 1946 VA-14A: 15 Nov 1946- 2 Aug 1948 VA-135(1st): 2 Aug 1948 – 30 Nov 1949	VA-135 (1st)	30 November 1949	Redesignated as one of CVG-13(2nd)'s initial squadrons
CVG-13 (3rd): Established 21 Aug 1961, disestablished 1 Oct 1962
VA-133		Blue Knights	A4D	VA-133: 21 Aug 1961 – 1 Oct 1962	VA-133	1 October 1962	Established as one of CVG-13(3rd)'s initial squadrons
VA-134 (Second use)		Scorpions	A4D	VA-134(2nd): 21 Aug 1961 – 1 Oct 1962	VA-134 (2nd)	1 October 1962	Established as one of CVG-13(3rd)'s initial squadrons
VA-135 (Second use)		Thunderbirds	AD	VA-135(2nd): 21 Aug 1961 – 1 Oct 1962	VA-135 (2nd)	1 October 1962	Established as one of CVG-13(3rd)'s initial squadrons. Adopted the insignia but not the name of the disestablished VA-35(1st)
CVG-14 (2nd): Established as CVG-101 1 Aug 1950 to receive USNR squadrons activated for the Korean War, redesignated CVG-14 (2nd) 4 Feb 1952, deactivated 31 Mar 2017 as CVW-14
VA-144		Road Runners (1960s)	FJ-4 A4DA-4	VA-116: 1 Dec 1955-23 Feb 1959 VA-144: 23 Feb 1959 – 29 Jan 1971	VA-144	29 January 1971	VA-116 reassigned to CVG-14(2nd) and redesignated. Remained attached to CVG-14(2nd)/CVW-14 until 1965
VA-145	(1954)	Rustlers, Swordsmen (1954)	AD/A-1 A-6, KA-6	VA-702 (USNR): 1 Dec 1949-4 Feb 1953[58] VA-145: 4 Feb 1953 – 1 Oct 1993	VA-145	1 October 1993	USNR VA-702 activated on 20 Jul 1950 for the Korean War and assigned to CVG-101 when it was established 1 Aug 1950. CVG-101 was later redesignated CVG-14(2nd) on 4 Feb 1952. VA-702 redesignated VA-145 and permanently activated in 1953. Remained attached to CVG-14(2nd)/CVW-14 until 1967
VA-146	(1968)	Blacktails, Blue Diamonds (Late 1950s)	F9F Panther F9F Cougar FJ-4 A4D/A-4 A-7	VA-146: 1 Feb 1956 – 21 Jul 1989 VFA-146: 21 Jul 1989–present	VFA-146	Not applicable, still exists	Assigned to CVG-14(2nd)/CVW-14 until 1967
CVG-15 (2nd): CVAG-15 redesignated CVG-15 (2nd) 1 Sep 1948, disestablished 1 Dec 1949
VA-154		Flying Cannons	AD	VB-153: 26 Mar 1945-15 Nov 1946 VA-15A: 15 Nov 1946-15 Jul 1948 VA-154: 15 Jul 1948 – 1 Dec 1949	VA-154	1 December 1949	Redesignated as one of CVG-15(2nd)'s initial squadrons
VA-155 (First use)	(1949)	unknown	AD	VT-153: 26 Mar 1945-15 Nov 1946 VA-16A: 15 Nov 1946-15 Jul 1948 VA-155(1st): 15 Jul 1948 – 30 Nov 1949	VA-155 (1st)	30 November 1949	Redesignated as one of CVG-15(2nd)'s initial squadrons
CVG-15 (3rd): Established 5 Apr 1951 to receive USNR squadrons activated for the Korean War, disestablished 31 Mar 1995 as CVW-15
VA-151		Black Knights	F7U F9F-8 FJ-4	VF-653: Dec 1949-4 Feb 1953 VF-151(3rd): 4 Feb 1953-7 Feb 1956 VA-151: 7 Feb 1956 – 23 Feb 1959 VA-23: 23 Feb 1959 – 1 Apr 1970	VA-23	1 April 1970	Assigned to Air Task Group ONE (ATG-1). Reassigned to CVG-2(2nd) and redesignated VA-23
VA-152		Friendlies, Mavericks (1968)	F2H AD/A-1 A-4	VF-713 (USNR): late 1940s-4 Feb 1953 VF-152(3rd): 4 Feb 1953-1 Aug 1958 VA-152: 1 Aug 1958 – 29 Jan 1971	VA-152	29 January 1971	CVG-15(3rd) VF squadron redesignated as a VA squadron. Assigned to Air Task Group FOUR (ATG-4) and CVG-15(3rd)/CVW-15 until 1964.
VA-153		Blue Tail Flies	F9F-8 A4D/A-4 A-7	VF-718: est date unk-Sep 1949 VF-831: Sep 1949-4 Feb 1953 VF-153(3rd): 4 Feb 1953-17 Dec 1956 VA-153: 17 Dec 1956 – 30 Sep 1977	VA-153	30 September 1977	CVG-15(3rd) VF squadron redesignated as a VA squadron. Assigned to CVG-15(3rd)/CVW-15 until 1969
VA-155 (Second use)		Silver Fox (early 1960s)	AD A4D/A-4 A-7	VA-71E (USNR): 1946-1 Oct 1948 VA-58A (USNR): 1 Oct 1948-1 Nov 1949 VC-722 (USNR): 1 Nov 1949-1 Apr 1950 VA-728 (USNR): 1 Apr 1950-4 Feb 1953 VA-155(2nd): 4 Feb 1953 – 30 Sep 1977[58]	VA-155 (2nd)	30 September 1977	USNR VA-728 activated on 1 Feb 1951 for the Korean War and assigned to CVG-15(3rd) when it was established on 5 Apr. Permanently activated and redesignated VA-155(2nd) in 1953. Remained assigned to CVG-15(2nd)/CVW-15 until 1968. Adopted insignia of disestablished VA-155(1st)
VA-156		Iron Tigers	F11F	VA-156: 4 Jun 1956 – 20 Jan 1959 VF-111(2nd): 20 Jan 1959-1 Sep 1964 VF-26(2nd): 1 Sep 1964-17 Sep 1964 VF-111(3rd): 17 Sep 1964 – 31 Mar 1995	VF-111 (3rd)	31 March 1995	Though designated a VA squadron it was equipped with a front line fighter and identified itself as a fighter squadron. It was assigned to CVG-11(2nd) and eventually redesignated as a VF squadron carrying the CVG-11(2nd) designation of VF-111
CVG-16 (2nd): Established 1 Sep 1960, disestablished 30 Jun 1970 as CVW-16
VA-163		Saints	A4D/A-4	VA-163: 1 Sep 1960 – 1 Jul 1971	VA-163	1 July 1971	Established as one of CVG-16(2nd)'s initial squadrons
VA-164		Ghost Riders	A4D/A-4	VA-164: 1 Sep 1960 – 2 Dec 1975	VA-164	2 December 1975	Established as one of CVG-16(2nd)'s initial squadrons
VA-165	(mid 1960s)	Boomers (mid 1960s)	AD/A-1 A-6, KA-6	VA-165: 1 Sep 1960 – 30 Sep 1996	VA-165	30 September 1996	Established as one of CVG-16(2nd)'s initial squadrons
CVG-17 (2nd): CVAG-17 redesignated CVG-17 (2nd) 1 Sep 1948, disestablished 15 Sep 1958
VA-172		Bluebolts	F2H A4D/A-4	VBF-82: 20 Aug 1945-15 Nov 1946 VF-18A: 15 Nov 1946-11 Aug 1948 VF-172: 11 Aug 1948-1 Nov 1955 VA-172: 1 Nov 1955 – 15 Jan 1971	VA-172	15 January 1971	CVG-17(2nd) VF squadron redesignated a VA squadron. Remained assigned to CVG-17(2nd) until 1959
VA-174 (First use)		Battering Rams	AM AD	VB-82: 1 Apr 1944-15 Nov 1946 VA-17A: 15 Nov 1946-11 Aug 1948 VA-174: 11 Aug 1948 – 25 Jan 1950	VA-174	25 January 1950	Redesignated as one of CVG-17(2nd)'s initial squadrons
VA-175	(1951)	Devils Diplomats	TBM AD	VT-82: 1 Apr 1944-15 Nov 1946 VA-18A: 15 Nov 1946-11 Aug 1948 VA-175: 11 Aug 1948 – 15 Mar 1958	VA-175	15 March 1958	Redesignated as one of CVG-17(2nd)'s initial squadrons
VA-176		Thunderbolts	AD/A-1 A-6, KA-6	VA-176: 1 Jun 1955 – 1 Oct 1992	VA-176	1 October 1992	Initially assigned to Air Task Group 202 (ATG-202) and reassigned to CVG-17(2nd) in 1958 but only for six months before being again reassigned (without being redesignated)
CVG-19 (2nd): CVAG-19 redesignated CVG-19 (2nd) 1 Sep 1948, disestablished 30 Jun 1977 as CVW-19
VA-192		Golden Dragons	F9F Cougar FJ-4 A4D/A-4 A-7	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 1986 VFA-192: 10 Jan 1986–present	VFA-192	Not applicable, still exists	CVG-19(2nd) VF squadron redesignated a VA squadron. Remained assigned to CVG-19(2nd)/CVW-19 until 1970
VA-194		unknown	AD	VB-19: 15 Aug 1943-15 Nov 1946 VA-19A: 15 Nov 1946-15 Aug 1948 VA-194: 24 Aug 1948 – 1 Dec 1949	VA-194	1 December 1949	Redesignated as one of CVG-19(2nd)'s initial squadrons
VA-195	(1949) (1950s)	Tigers (1949) Dam Busters (1951)	AD A4D/A-4 A-7	VT-19: 15 Aug 1943-15 Nov 1946 VA-20A: 15 Nov 1946-24 Aug 1948 VA-195: 24 Aug 1948 – 15 Apr 1985 VFA-195: 15 Apr 1985–present	VFA-195	Not applicable, still exists	Redesignated as one of CVG-19(2nd)'s initial squadrons. Remained assigned to CVG-19(2nd)/CVW-19 until 1970
VA-196	(1967)	Main Battery, Milestones	AD/A-1 A-6, KA-6	VF-153(2nd): 15 Jul 1948-15 Feb 1950 VF-194(1st): 15 Feb 1950-4 May 1955 VA-196: 4 May 1955 – 21 Mar 1997	VA-196	21 March 1997	CVG-19(2nd) VF squadron redesignated a VA squadron. Assigned to Air Task Group ONE (ATG-1) and CVG-19(2nd)/CVW-19 until 1967. "Milestones" name used interchangeably with "Main Battery" beginning in 1979.
CVG-21 (1st): Established 15 Sep 1948, disestablished 15 Mar 1949
VA-213		unknown	TBM-3E	VA-213: 15 Sep 1948-Jun 1949	VA-213	June 1949	Established as one of CVG-21(1st)'s initial squadrons
VA-214 (First use)		unknown	TBM-3E	VA-214(1st): 15 Sep 1948 – 16 May 1949	VA-214 (1st)	16 May 1949	Established as one of CVG-21(1st)'s initial squadrons
CVG-21 (2nd): Established 1 Jul 1955, disestablished 12 Dec 1975 as CVW-21
VA-212		Rampant Raiders	F7U F9F-8 FJ-4 A4D/A-4	VF-212(2nd): 20 Jun 1955-1 Apr 1956 VA-212: 1 Apr 1956 – 12 Dec 1975	VA-212	12 December 1975	CVG-21(2nd) VF squadron redesignated a VA squadron. Assigned to CVG-21(2nd)/CVW-21
VA-214 (Second use)		Volunteers	F9F-8 FJ-4	VF-214: 30 Mar 1955-11 Oct 1956 VA-214(2nd): 11 Oct 1956 – 1 Aug 1958	VA-214 (2nd)	1 August 1958	CVG-21(2nd) VF squadron redesignated a VA squadron and reassigned to Air Task Group FOUR (ATG-4)
VA-215 (First use)		Barn Owls (1960)	AD/A-1	VA-215(1st): 15 Jun 1955 – 31 Aug 1967	VA-215 (1st)	31 August 1967	Assigned to CVG-21(2nd)/CVW-21 from establishment to disestablishment
VA-216		Black Diamonds	AD FJ-4 A4D/A-4	VA-216: 28 Mar 1955 – 1 Aug 1970	VA-216	1 August 1970	Initially assigned to Air Task Group FOUR (ATG-4) then to CVG-21(2nd)/CVW-21
The system that determined squadron designation by Carrier Air Wing (CVW) assignment (CVGs had been retitled CVWs on 20 December 1963) was discontinued by 1965. Existing squadron designation numbers were "frozen" and no longer changed with Carrier Air Wing reassignment. Newly established or redesignated squadrons were numbered in accordance with factors determined at the time of establishment or redesignation.
VA-15 (Second use)		Valions	A-7	VA-67:1 Aug 1968-2 Jun 1969 VA-15(2nd): 2 Jun 1969 – 1 Oct 1986 VFA-15: 1 Oct 1986–present (inactive 31 May 2017 – present) (same sqdn listed in VFA section)	VFA-15	31 May 2017 (Deactivated)	Adopted both the "Valions" name and the insignia from the disestablished VA-15(1st). Initially assigned to CVW-6
VA-27		Royal Maces	A-7	VA-27: 1 Sep 1967 – 24 Jan 1991 VFA-27: 24 Jan 1991–present	VFA-27	Not applicable, still exists	Initially assigned to CVW-14
VA-34 (1970-99 (Third use)		Blue Blasters	A-6, KA-6	VA-34(3rd): 1 Jan 1970 – 30 Sep 1996 VFA-34: 30 Sep 1996–present	VFA-34	Not applicable, still exists	Adopted both the "Blue Blasters" name and the insignia from the disestablished VA-34(2nd). Initially assigned to CVW-1
VA-36 (Second use)		Road Runners	A-6, KA-6	VA-36(2nd): 6 Mar 1987 – 1 Apr 1994	VA-36 (2nd)	1 April 1994	Adopted "Roadrunners" name from disestablished VA-36(1st). Assigned to CVW-8 from establishment to disestablishment
VA-37	(1980s)	Bulls	A-7	VA-37: 1 Jul 1967 – 28 Nov 1990 VFA-37: 28 Nov 1990–present	VFA-37	Not applicable, still exists	Initially assigned to CVW-11
VA-38			None	VA-38: 1 Mar 1967 – 1 Oct 1968	VA-38	1 October 1968	Was intended as a new A-7 squadron but never received any aircraft and was disestablished
VA-55 (Second use)		Warhorses	A-6, KA-6	VA-55(2nd): 7 Oct 1983 – 1 Jan 1991	VA-55 (2nd)	1 January 1991	Adopted both the "Warhorses" name and the insignia from the disestablished VA-55(1st). Assigned to CVW-13 from establishment to disestablishment
VA-67		Vulcans	A-7	VA-67:1 Aug 1968-2 Jun 1969 VA-15(2nd): 2 Jun 1969-1 Oct 1986 VFA-15: 1 Oct 1986–present (inactive 31 May 2017 – present)	VFA-15	31 May 2017 (Deactivated)	Established as VA-67 but redesignated VA-15(2nd) before it departed on its first deployment with CVW-6
VA-82		Marauders	A-7	VA-82: 1 May 1967 – 13 Jul 1987 VFA-82: 13 Jul 1987–present (inactive 30 Sep 2005–present) (same sqdn listed in VFA section)	VFA-82	30 September 2005 (Deactivated)	Initially assigned to CVW-6
VA-87		Golden Warriors	A-7	VA-87: 1 Feb 1968 – 1 May 1986 VFA-87: 1 May 1986 – present	VFA-87	Not applicable, still exists	Initially assigned to CVW-16
VA-95 (Third use)		Green Lizards	A-6, KA-6	VA-95(3rd): 1 Apr 1972 – 31 Oct 1995	VA-95 (3rd)	31 October 1995	Adopted "Green Lizards" name from disestablished VA-95(2nd)). Initially assigned to CVW-15
VA-97		Warhawks	A-7	VA-97: 1 Jun 1967 – 24 Jan 1991 VFA-97: 24 Jan 1991–present	VFA-97	Not applicable, still exists	Initially assigned to CVW-14
VA-105 (1967-90) (Second use)		Gunslingers	A-7	VA-105(2nd): 4 Mar 1968 – 17 Dec 1990 VFA-105: 17 Dec 1990–present	VFA-105	Not applicable, still exists	Initially assigned to CVW-11
VA-147		Argonauts	A-7	VA-147: 1 Feb 1967 – 20 Jul 1989 VFA-147: 20 Jul 1989–present	VFA-147	Not applicable, still exists	Initially assigned to CVW-2
VA-155 (Third use)		Silver Foxes	A-6, KA-6	VA-155(3rd): 1 Sep 1987 – 30 Apr 1993	VA-155 (3rd)	30 April 1993	Adopted "Silver Foxes" name from disestablished VA-155(2nd). Initially assigned to CVW-10(2nd)
VA-174 (Second use)		Hell Razors	A-7	VB-81: 1 Mar 1944-15 Nov 1946 VA-13A: 15 Nov 1946-2 Aug 1948 VA-134(1st): 2 Aug 1948-15 Feb 1950 VF-174: 15 Feb 1950-1 Jul 1966 VA-174(2nd): 1 Jul 1966 – 30 Jun 1988	VA-174 (2nd)	30 June 1988	VF-174 began operations as a F8U Crusader FRS in March 1958 and was reassigned from CVG-17(2nd) to RCVG-4 (without being redesignated). On 1 Jul 1966 it was redesignated a VA squadron and began operations as the first A-7 FRS
VA-185		Night Hawks	A-6, KA-6	VA-185: 1 Dec 1986 – 30 Aug 1991	VA-186	30 August 1991	Assigned to CVW-5 from establishment to disestablishment
VA-215 (Second use)		Barn Owls	A-7	VA-215(2nd): 1 Mar 1968 – 30 Sep 1977	VA-215 (2nd)	30 September 1977	Adopted "Barn Owls" name from disestablished VA-215(1st). Initially assigned to CVW-9
The U. S. Navy Reserve established two Reserve Carrier Air Wings designated CVWR-20 and CVWR-30 in 1970. It adopted the former system and designated the squadrons in accordance with Carrier Air Wing assignment.
VA-203		Blue Dolphins	A-4 A-7	VA-203: 1 Jul 1970 – 1 Oct 1989 VFA-203: 1 Oct 1989–present (inactive 30 Jun 2004–present)	VFA-203	30 June 2004 (Deactivated)	United States Navy Reserve Squadron. Established as part of Reserve Carrier Air Wing TWENTY (CVWR-20)
VA-204		River Rattlers	A-4 A-7	VA-204: 1 Jul 1970 – 1 May 1991 VFA-204: 1 May 1991 – present	VFA-204	Not applicable, still exists	United States Navy Reserve Squadron. Established as part of Reserve Carrier Air Wing TWENTY (CVWR-20)
VA-205		Green Falcons	A-4 A-7 A-6	VA-205: 1 Jul 1970 – 31 Dec 1994	VA-205	31 December 1994	United States Navy Reserve Squadron. Established as part of Reserve Carrier Air Wing TWENTY (CVWR-20)
VA-209		unknown	A-4	VA-209: 1 Jul 1970 – 15 Aug 1971	VA-209	15 August 1971	United States Navy Reserve Squadron. Established as part of Reserve Carrier Air Wing TWENTY (CVWR-20)
VA-210		Black Hawks	A-4	VA-210: 1 Jul 1970 – 30 Jun 1971	VA-210	30 June 1971	United States Navy Reserve Squadron. Established as part of Reserve Carrier Air Wing TWENTY (CVWR-20)
VA-303		Golden Hawks	A-4 A-7	VA-303: 1 Jul 1970 – 1 Jan 1984 VFA-303: 1 Jan 1984 – 31 Dec 1994	VFA-303	31 December 1994	United States Navy Reserve Squadron. Established as part of Reserve Carrier Air Wing THIRTY (CVWR-30)
VA-304		Firebirds	A-4 A-7 A-6	VA-304: 1 Jul 1970 – 31 Dec 1994	VA-304	31 December 1994	United States Navy Reserve Squadron. Established as part of Reserve Carrier Air Wing THIRTY (CVWR-30)
VA-305	(1971) (1974)	Hackers (1971) Lobos (1974)	A-4 A-7	VA-305: 1 Jul 1970 – 1 Jan 1987 VFA-305: 1 Jan 1987 – 31 Dec 1994	VFA-305	31 December 1994	United States Navy Reserve Squadron. Established as part of Reserve Carrier Air Wing THIRTY (CVWR-30)
U. S. Navy Reserve Squadrons called to active duty. There were many U. S. Navy Reserve squadrons during the period from the end of WWII through the 1960s. Only those few squadrons which were called to active duty for any period of time are included in this table.
VA-702		Rustlers	TBM AD	VA-702 (USNR): 1 Dec 1949 – 4 Feb 1953 VA-145: 4 Feb 1953-1 Oct 1993[58]	VA-145	1 October 1993	Activated on 20 Jul 1950 for the Korean War and assigned to CVG-101 (later redesignated to CVG-14(2nd)), redesignated and permanently activated on 4 Feb 1953
VA-728		unknown	AM AD	VA-71E (USNR): 1946-1 Oct 1948 VA-58A (USNR): 1 Oct 1948-1 Nov 1949 VC-722 (USNR): 1 Nov 1949-1 Apr 1950 VA-728 (USNR): 1 Apr 1950 – 4 Feb 1953 VA-155(2nd): 4 Feb 1953-30 Sep 1977[58]	VA-155 (2nd)	30 September 1977	Activated on 1 Feb 1951 for the Korean War and assigned to CVG-15(3rd), redesignated and permanently activated on 4 Feb 1953
VA-776		unknown	A-4	VA-776 (USNR): 27 Jan 1968 – 18 Oct 1968[58]	VA-776	18 October 1968 (Returned to reserve status)	Establishment and disestablishment dates are not listed. The dates listed are those of activation from and return to reserve status. The squadron was activated following the capture of USS Pueblo by North Korea[58]
VA-831		unknown	A-4	VA-831 (USNR): 27 Jan 1968 – 18 Oct 1968[58]	VA-831	18 October 1968 (Returned to reserve status)	Establishment and disestablishment dates are not listed. The dates listed are those of activation from and return to reserve status. The squadron was activated following the capture of USS Pueblo by North Korea[58]
VA-859		unknown	AD	VA-859 (USNR): not listed-4 Feb 1953 VA-85(2nd): 4 Feb 1953-30 Sep 1994[58]	VA-85 (2nd)	30 September 1994	Establishment date not listed, activated on 1 Feb 1951 for the Korean War and assigned to CVG-8(2nd), redesignated and permanently activated on 4 Feb 1953
VA-873		unknown	A-4	VA-873 (USNR): 27 Jan 1968 – 12 Oct 1968[58]	VA-873	12 October 1968 (Returned to reserve status)	Establishment and disestablishment dates are not listed. The dates listed are those of activation from and return to reserve status. The squadron was activated following the capture of USS Pueblo by North Korea[58]
VA-923		Rough Riders	AM AD	VA-55E (USNR): 1946-Jan 1950 VA-923 (USNR): Jan 1950-4 Feb 1953 VA-125(1st): 4 Feb 1953-10 Apr 1958[58]	VA-125 (1st)	10 April 1958	Activated on 20 Jul 1950 for the Korean War and assigned to CVG-102 (later redesignated to CVG-12(2nd)), redesignated and permanently activated on 4 Feb 1953.[lower-alpha 13]

The VAK designation was established in 1979.[9] It was only applied to two USNR squadrons then designated as VAQ squadrons but which performed tanking as their primary mission. It was discontinued in 1989 with the disestablishment of the last of the two squadrons.

Designation	Insignia	Nickname	Aircraft[lower-alpha 14]	Establishment and Redesignation Dates[lower-alpha 2]	Disestablished as	Disestablished Date	Notes
VAK-208		Jockeys	KA-3B	VAQ-208: 31 Jul 1970-1 Oct 1979 (same sqdn listed in VAQ section) VAK-208: 1 Oct 1979 – 30 Sep 1989	VAK-208 Disestablished	30 September 1989	U. S. Navy Reserve Squadron. VAK designation created to reflect the actual mission of the squadron.
VAK-308		Griffins	KA-3B	VAQ-308: 2 May 1970-1 Oct 1979 (same sqdn listed in VAQ section) VAK-308: 1 Oct 1979 – 30 Sep 1988	VAK-308 Disestablished	30 September 1988	U. S. Navy Reserve Squadron. VAK designation created to reflect the actual mission of the squadron.

This third and last use of the VC designation was instituted in 1965 as a redesignation of existing "utility" (VU) squadrons which were utility or support squadrons and were usually composed of more than one type aircraft conducting missions such as aerial target support, missile range support, fighter training as adversary aircraft and other miscellaneous missions.[11] There have been multiple unrelated squadrons using the same VC designations through the years. For example, the last two VC squadrons were VC-6 and VC-8 which were deactivated in 2008 and 2003 respectively. Both of those squadrons were the third squadron to use each of those designations, and neither squadron had any relation to earlier squadrons designated VC-6 or VC-8. The first VC-6 and VC-8 were WWII Escort Carrier composite squadrons, the second VC-6 was a heavy attack squadron which was redesignated VAH-6 then RVAH-6 and the second VC-8 was also a heavy attack squadron which was redesignated VAH-11 then RVAH-11.

The table below does not list disestablished squadrons; it lists squadron designations which are no longer in use. Some of the squadron designations in the table belonged to squadrons which have been disestablished but some belonged to squadrons which have been deactivated and still exist in an inactive status.

Note: The parenthetical (1st), (2nd), (3rd) etc... appended to designations in the tables 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.

Designation	Insignia	Nickname	Aircraft[lower-alpha 1]	Establishment and Redesignation (if applicable) Dates[lower-alpha 3]	Disestablished/ Deactivated as	Disestablished/ Deactivated Date	Notes
VC-1 (third use)		Blue Alli	F-8 RC-45J VC-118 DP-2E US-2C A-4 UH-34J SH-3A,G CH-53E Target Drones	VU-1(2nd): 20 Jul 1955-1 Jul 1965 VC-1(3rd): 1 Jul 1965 – 30 Sep 1992	VC-1 (3rd) Disestablished	30 September 1992	NAS Barbers Point Provided adversary servies for fleet and air combat maneuvering training. Also provided aerial target, aerial photographic, target drone and range services[38]
VC-2 (third use)		Blue Falcons	F-8 US-2C A-4	VU-2: 8 Jan 1952-1 Jul 1965 VC-2(3rd): 1 Jul 1965 – 30 Sep 1980	VC-2 (3rd) Disestablished	30 September 1980	NAS Oceana Provided adversary services for fleet and air combat maneuvering training[39]
VC-3 (third use)		Iron Man	DP-2E US-2 DC-130 BQM-34 BQM-74 Other Target Drones	VU-3(2nd): Dec 1948-1 Jul 1965 VC-3(3rd): 1 Jul 1965 – 1 Oct 1981	VC-3 (3rd) Disestablished	1 October 1981	NAS North Island Provided target drone services
VC-4 (third use)		Dragon Layers	F-8	VJ-4: 15 Nov 1940-14 Nov 1946 VU-4: 15 Nov 1946-1 Jul 1965 VC-4(3rd): 1 Jul 1965 – 30 Apr 1971	VC-4 (3rd) Disestablished	30 April 1971	NAS Jacksonville
VC-5 (third use)		Checkertails	A-4E TA-4J SH-3G CH-53E	VU-5(2nd): 16 Aug 1950-1 Jul 1965 VC-5(3rd): 1 Jul 1965 – 31 Aug 1992	VC-5 (2nd) Disestablished	31 August 1992	NAS Cubi Point
VC-6 (third use)		Skeeters, Firebees	RQ-2A[59] BQM-74 Other surface and air target drones	VU-6(2nd): 1 Mar 1952-1 Jul 1965 VC-6(3rd): 1 Jul 1965–present[23] (inactive 30 Jun 2008–present)	VC-6 (3rd) Deactivated	30 June 2008	NAS Norfolk Operated target drones (surface and air) and later operated the Pioneer UAV Originally nicknamed "Skeeters" but later adopted "Firebees" to honor VC-6(2nd) Firebees which flew the AJ savage and became VAH-6 Fleurs.
VC-7 (third use)		Redtails	A-4 F-8 F-4	VJ-1: 4 Dec 1942-1946 VU-7: 1946-1 Jul 1965 VC-7(3rd): 1 Jul 1965 – 30 Sep 1980	VC-7 (3rd) Disestablished	30 September 1980	NAS Miramar Towed targets and provided adversary services for fleet and air combat maneuvering training
VC-8 (third use)		Redtails	A-4 SH-3G	*GMSR-2: 1 Jul 1958-1 Jul 1960 VU-8: 1 Jul 1960-1 Jul 1965 VC-8(3rd): 1 Jul 1965–present[23] (inactive 1 Oct 2003–present)	VC-8 (3rd) Deactivated	1 October 2003	*GMSR: Guided Missile Service Squadron NS Roosevelt Roads
VC-10 (second use)		Challengers	US-2C F-8 TA-4J EA-4F	VJ-16: 1 Dec 1943-1945 VU-10: 1945-1 Jul 1965 VC-10(2nd): 1 Jul 1965 – 14 Aug 1993	VC-10 (2nd) Disestablished	14 August 1993	NAS Leeward Point Guantanamo Bay Provided adversary and aerial target services for Atlantic Fleet carrier battle group deployment work-ups. Also tasked with defense of the Guantanamo base.
VC-12 (third use)		Fighting Omars	A-4 TA-4	VC-12(3rd): 1 Sep 1973 – 22 Apr 1988 VFC-12: 22 Apr 1988–present[23]	VFC-12	Not applicable, still active	United States Navy Reserve Squadron NAF Detroit, NAS Oceana Provided "aggressor" services for air to air combat training
VC-13 (second use)		Saints	A-4 TA-4	VC-13(2nd): 1 Sep 1973 – 22 Apr 1988 VFC-13: 22 Apr 1988–present[23]	VFC-13	Not applicable, still active	United States Navy Reserve Squadron NAS New Orleans, NAS Miramar Provided "aggressor" services for air to air combat training

In 1949, two new Photographic Reconnaissance squadrons were established as "Composite Squadrons" VC-61 and VC-62 (see the Disestablished and Deactivated Composite (VC) (second use of the designation) section). In 1956 VC-61 and VC-62 were redesignated "Light Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron (VFP)". For a short period from 1959 to 1961 one VFP squadron was redesignated "Photographic Composite Squadron (VCP)" but in 1961 it reverted to its previous VFP designation.[9]

Note: The parenthetical (1st), (2nd) etc... appended to designations in the tables 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.