List of United States Navy aircraft squadrons

This is a list of United States Navy aircraft squadrons. Deactivated or disestablished squadrons are listed in the List of Inactive United States Navy aircraft squadrons. Navy aircraft squadrons are typically composed of several aircraft (from as few as two to as many as several dozen), the officers who fly them and the men and women that maintain them. Most squadrons also have a number of other administrative support personnel. Some of the activities listed are not technically "squadrons", but they all operate U.S. Navy aircraft in some capacity.

Squadron organization

Navy squadron organizational chart.

Squadrons are typically commanded by a Commander. Second in command is the Executive Officer (XO), also a Commander. The XO typically assumes command of the squadron after approximately 15 months. There are typically four functional departments - Operations, Maintenance, Safety, and Administration - each led by a Lieutenant Commander. Within the departments are Divisions (each typically headed by a Lieutenant) and Branches (headed by a Chief Petty Officer).

Types of squadrons

Navy aircraft are classified by Type (rotary wing, fixed wing), Model (e.g. H-60), and Series (e.g., SH-60B vs HH- 60H).

Squadrons can be categorized in a number of ways: Active versus Navy Reserve, land-based versus sea-based, fixed wing versus rotary wing (helicopter) vs Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), and by mission. Unlike the USAF, the US Navy does not typically refer to other organizations (such as maintenance or medical units) as “squadrons”. An exception to this is that US Navy destroyers and submarines are administratively grouped by “squadrons”.

Active squadrons are those in the regular US Navy. Reserve squadrons are in the US Navy Reserve and are manned by reservists. For the most part, there is no way to know by the squadron's name alone whether it is an active or reserve squadron. There are Reserve elements of many Active squadrons, and active duty personnel serving in many Reserve squadrons. In general, reserve squadrons share the same missions as their active counterparts, although there are Reserve missions (e.g., Adversary and Fleet Logistics Support) that have no Active counterpart.

The US Navy has approximately 600 aircraft that are associated with particular ships. There are several hundred Navy aircraft that are capable of shipboard operations, but are not associated with a ship. The Navy also has several hundred land-based aircraft that are not capable of shipboard operations.

Squadrons are listed here by type (fixed/rotary wing) and by mission.

Squadron names

Navy aircraft squadrons can be properly referred to by three different names. The names can give an indication of the squadron’s mission and type of aircraft.

• The ‘’’Formal name’’’ (e.g., Strike Fighter Squadron EIGHT SIX) indicates the mission.
• The ‘’’Informal name’’’ (e.g., VFA-86) also indicates the type and mission, as each of the letters has a meaning. In this case, "V" stands for fixed wing, "F" stands for fighter, and "A" stands for attack.
• Nickname – e.g., "Sidewinders”.

Fixed Wing Squadrons

Most Navy fixed wing squadron informal names start with the letter "V". A notable exception to this rule was the use of "RVAH" to denote Reconnaissance Attack Squadrons which operated the RA-5C Vigilante during the 1960's and 1970's.

Carrier Tactical Electronic Warfare

A typical Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron consists of four EA-6B Prowlers. The primary mission of the Prowler is Electronic Attack (EA), also known as Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD) in support of strike aircraft and ground troops by interrupting enemy electronic activity and obtaining tactical electronic intelligence within the combat area. Navy Electronic Attack squadrons carry the letters VAQ (V-fixed wing, A-attack, Q-electronic). Most VAQ squadrons are carrier based, however a number are "expeditionary", deploying to overseas land bases.When not deployed (either on land or carrier) are home-ported at NAS Whidbey Island. . Two exceptions are VAQ-136 (forward deployed to NAF Atsugi, Japan) and Reserve VAQ-209 based at Andrews AFB, Md ^[1]

EA-6B Prowler

EA-18G Growler

Squadron Name	Insignia	Nickname	Aircraft	Notes
VAQ-129		Vikings	EA-6B EA-18G	Fleet Replacement Squadron NAS Whidbey Island
VAQ-130		Zappers	EA-6B	CVW-3
VAQ-131		Lancers	EA-6B	CVW-2
VAQ-132		Scorpions	EA-18G	Expeditionary
VAQ-133		Wizards	EA-6B	CVW-9
VAQ-134		Garudas	EA-6B	CVW-17
VAQ-135		Black Ravens	EA-18G	Expeditionary
VAQ-136		Gauntlets	EA-6B	CVW-5
VAQ-137		Rooks	EA-6B	CVW-1
VAQ-138		Yellowjackets	EA-18G	Expeditionary
VAQ-139		Cougars	EA-6B	CVW-14
VAQ-140		Patriots	EA-6B	CVW-7
VAQ-141		Shadowhawks	EA-18G	CVW-8
VAQ-142		Gray Wolves	EA-6B	Expeditionary
VAQ-209		Star Warriors	EA-6B	Reserve Tactical Support Wing Andrews AFB

Carrier Airborne Early Warning

Each Carrier Airborne Early Warning squadron usually consists of four E-2C Hawkeyes, The Hawkeye's primary mission is to provide all-weather airborne early warning, airborne battle management and command and control (C2) functions for the Carrier Strike Group and Joint Force Commander. Additional missions include surface surveillance coordination, air interdiction, offensive and defensive counter air control, close air support coordination, time critical strike coordination, search and rescue airborne coordination and communications relay. The E-2 Hawkeye and C-2 Greyhound are built on the same airframe and have many similar characteristics. For this reason, both airframes are trained for in the same Fleet Replacement Squadron.^[2]

E-2C Hawkeye

Squadron Name	Insignia	Nickname	Aircraft	Notes
VAW-77		Nightwolves	E-2C	Reserve Tactical Support Wing JRB New Orleans
VAW-112		Golden Hawks	E-2C	CVW-9
VAW-113		Black Eagles	E-2C	CVW-14
VAW-115		Liberty Bells	E-2C	CVW-5
VAW-116		Sun Kings	E-2C	CVW-2
VAW-117		Wallbangers	E-2C	CVW-11
VAW-120		Grey Hawks	E-2C C-2	Fleet Replacement Squadron NS Norfolk
VAW-121		Blue Tails	E-2C	CVW-17 NAS Norfolk
VAW-123		Screwtops	E-2C	CVW-1 NAS Norfolk
VAW-124		Bear Aces	E-2C	CVW-8 NAS Norfolk
VAW-125		Tigertails	E-2C	CVW-7 NAS Norfolk
VAW-126		Seahawks	E-2C	CVW-3 NAS Norfolk

Strike Fighter

A Strike Fighter Squadron is usually made up of ten to twelve F/A-18 Hornets or F/A-18E/F Super Hornets. The Hornet is an all-weather aircraft that is used for attack and fighter missions. In its fighter mode, the F/A-18 is used primarily as a fighter escort and for fleet air defense; in its attack mode, it is used for force projection, interdiction and close and deep air support. The F/A-18 is also used for SEAD and aerial refueling.^[3]

Super Hornet

"F/A-18 Hornet strike fighter". USN Fact File. United States Navy. http://www.navy.mil/navydata/fact_display.asp?cid=1100&tid=1200&ct=1. 

Squadron Name Insignia Nickname Aircraft Notes VFA-2 Bounty Hunters FA-18F CVW-2 NAS Lemoore VFA-11 Red Rippers FA-18F CVW-1 NAS Oceana VFA-14 Tophatters FA-18E CVW-9 NAS Lemoore VFA-22 Fighting Redcocks FA-18F CVW-17 NAS Lemoore VFA-27 Royal Maces FA-18E CVW-5 NAF Atsugi VFA-31 Tomcatters FA-18E CVW-8 NAS Oceana VFA-32 Swordsmen FA-18F CVW-3 NAS Oceana VFA-41 Black Aces FA-18F CVW-9 NAS Lemoore VFA-81 Sunliners FA-18E CVW-17 NAS Oceana VFA-102 Diamondbacks FA-18F CVW-5 NAF Atsugi VFA-103 Jolly Rogers FA-18F CVW-7 NAS Oceana

Squadron Name Insignia Nickname Aircraft Notes VFA-105 Gunslingers FA-18E CVW-3 NAS Oceana VFA-106 Gladiators FA-18A/B/C/D/E/F Fleet Replacement Squadron NAS Oceana VFA-115 Eagles FA-18E CVW-5 NAF Atsugi VFA-122 Flying Eagles FA-18A/B/C/D/E/F Fleet Replacement Squadron NAS Lemoore VFA-136 Knighthawks FA-18E CVW-1 NAS Oceana VFA-137 Kestrels FA-18E CVW-2 NAS Lemoore VFA-143 Pukin' Dogs FA-18E CVW-7 NAS Oceana VFA-147 Argonauts FA-18E CVW-14 NAS Lemoore VFA-154 Black Knights FA-18F CVW-14 NAS Lemoore VFA-195 Dambusters FA-18E CVW-5 NAF Atsugi VFA-211 Checkmates FA-18F CVW-1 NAS Oceana VFA-213 Black Lions FA-18F CVW-8 NAS Oceana

Legacy Hornet

"F/A-18 Hornet strike fighter". USN Fact File. United States Navy. http://www.navy.mil/navydata/fact_display.asp?cid=1100&tid=1200&ct=1. 

Squadron Name Insignia Nickname Aircraft Notes VFA-15 Valions FA-18C CVW-8 NAS Oceana VFA-25 Fist of the Fleet FA-18C CVW-14 NAS Lemoore VFA-34 Blue Blasters FA-18C CVW-2 NAS Oceana VFA-37 Ragin Bulls FA-18C CVW-3 NAS Oceana VFA-83 Rampagers FA-18C CVW-7 NAS Oceana VFA-86 Sidewinders FA-18C CVW-11 NAS Lemoore VFA-87 Golden Warriors FA-18A+ CVW-8 NAS Oceana VFA-94 Mighty Shrikes FA-18C UDP MCAS Iwakuni

Squadron Name Insignia Nickname Aircraft Notes VFA-97 Warhawks FA-18C CVW-11 NAS Lemoore VFA-113 Stingers FA-18C CVW-17 NAS Lemoore VFA-125 Rough Raiders FA-18A/B/C/D Fleet Replacement Squadron NAS Lemoore VFA-131 Wildcats FA-18C CVW-7 NAS Oceana VFA-146 Blue Diamonds FA-18C CVW-9 NAS Lemoore VFA-151 Vigilantes FA-18C CVW-2 NAS Lemoore VFA-192 Golden Dragons FA-18C CVW-9 NAS Lemoore

Fleet Air Reconnaissance

EP-3E Aries II

Fleet Air Reconnaissance squadrons 1 and 2 are the Navy's only land-based signals intelligence (SIGINT) reconnaissance squadrons. The 13 aircraft in the Navy's inventory are based on the Orion P-3 airframe and provide fleet and theater commanders worldwide with near real-time tactical SIGINT. With sensitive receivers and high-gain dish antennas, the EP-3E exploits a wide range of electronic emissions from deep within targeted territory. Fleet Air Reconnaissance squadrons 3, 4, and 7 provide communications relay and strategic airborne command post missions. They provide survivable, reliable, and endurable airborne command, control, and communications between the National Command Authority (NCA) and U.S. strategic and non-strategic forces. The TACAMO ("Take Charge and Move Out") mission links the NCA with naval ballistic missile submarine forces during times of crisis. The aircraft carries a very low frequency communication system with dual trailing wire antennae. The E-6B is a dual-mission aircraft, capable of fulfilling the airborne strategic command post mission and is equipped with an airborne launch control system (ALCS), which is capable of launching U.S. land based intercontinental ballistic missiles.^[4]

Squadron Name	Insignia	Nickname	Aircraft	Notes
VQ-1		World Watchers	EP-3E	NAS Whidbey Island
VQ-2		Sandemen	EP-3E	NAS Whidbey Island
VQ-3		Ironman	E-6B	Tinker AFB
VQ-4		Shadows	E-6B	Tinker AFB
VQ-7		Roughnecks	EC-18	Training Unit, Tinker AFB

Fleet Fighter Composite

F-5s.

Fleet Fighter Composite squadrons provide adversary simulation for fleet squadrons. All VFC squadrons are from the Navy Reserve.

Squadron Name	Insignia	Nickname	Aircraft	Notes
VFC-12		Omars	FA-18	Reserve NAS Oceana
VFC-13		Saints	F-5	Reserve NAS Fallon
VFC-111		Sundowners	F-5	Reserve NAS Key West

Fleet Logistics Support

C-20.

C-37A.

C-130.

C-40A.

Fleet Logistics Support squadrons operate Navy unique airlift aircraft on a worldwide basis to provide responsive, flexible, and rapidly deployable air logistics support required to sustain combat operations from the sea. During peacetime, squadrons provide air logistics support for all Navy commands as well as provide continuous quality training for mobilization readiness. Feet Logistics Support squadrons have no counterpart in the Regular Navy. They represent 100% of the Navy’s medium and heavy intra-theater airlift, and operate year-round, around the world providing the critical link between deployed sea going units and air mobility command logistics hubs. VR-1 provides dedicated airlift support to the Office of the Secretary of the Navy, Chief of Naval Operations and Commandant of the Marine Corps. All VR squadrons are from the Navy Reserve.

Squadron Name	Insignia	Nickname	Aircraft	Notes
VR-1		Star Lifters	C-20D C-37B	Reserve Andrews AFB
VR-46		Eagles	C-9	Reserve NAS Atlanta to JRB Fort Worth in 2009
VR-48		Capital Skyliners	C-20G	Reserve Andrews AFB
VR-51		Windjammers	C-20G	Reserve MCAF Kaneohe Bay
VR-52		Taskmasters	C-9	Reserve NAS Willow Grove	Reserve [Relocated to McGuire AFB, NJ in Mar 2011]
VR-53		Capital Express	C-130	Reserve Andrews AFB
VR-54		Revelers	C-130	Reserve JRB New Orleans
VR-55		Minutemen	C-130	Reserve NAS Point Mugu
VR-56		Globemasters	C-9	Reserve NAS Oceana
VR-57		Conquistadors	C-40	Reserve NAS North Island
VR-58		Sunseekers	C-40	Reserve NAS Jacksonville
VR-59		Lone Star Express	C-40	Reserve JRB Fort Worth
VR-61		Islanders	C-9	Reserve NAS Whidbey Island
VR-62		Nomads	C-130	Reserve NAS Jacksonville
VR-64		Condors	C-130	Formerly VP-64, Redesignated 18 September 2004 Reserve NAS Willow Grove	Reserve [Relocated to McGuire AFB, NJ in Mar 2011]

Carrier Fleet Logistics Support

C-2A Greyhound

There are two Carrier Fleet Logistic Support squadrons - one on each coast. VRC-30 is based at Naval Air Station North Island, VRC-40 is based at Naval Station Norfolk. These squadrons send two-plane detachments with each deploying aircraft carrier. The C-2A Greyhound, more commonly referred to as a "COD" (short for Carrier onboard delivery), is used to deliver high priority parts, supplies, people, and mail to/from the carrier and shore sites near the carrier operating area.

Squadron Name Insignia Nickname Aircraft Notes VRC-30 Providers NAS North Island VRC-30 Det 1 Providers C-2 CVW-14 VRC-30 Det 2 Providers C-2 CVW-2 VRC-30 Det 3 Providers C-2 CVW-11 VRC-30 Det 4 Providers C-2 CVW-9 VRC-30 Det 5 Providers C-2 CVW-5

Squadron Name Insignia Nickname Aircraft Notes VRC-40 Det 1 Rawhides C-2 CVW-3 VRC-40 Det 2 Rawhides C-2 CVW-1 VRC-40 Det 3 Rawhides C-2 CVW-7 VRC-40 Det 4 Rawhides C-2 CVW-17 VRC-40 Det 5 Rawhides C-2 CVW-8

Patrol

P-3C Orion

Maritime patrol aircraft are used primarily for reconnaissance, anti-surface warfare and anti-submarine warfare.

Squadron Name	Insignia	Nickname	Aircraft	Notes
VP-1		Screaming Eagles	P-3C	NAS Whidbey Island
VP-4		Skinny Dragons	P-3C	MCAS Kaneohe Bay
VP-5		Mad Foxes	P-3C	NAS Jacksonville
VP-8		Tigers	P-3C	NAS Jacksonville
VP-9		Golden Eagles	P-3C	MCAS Kaneohe Bay
VP-10		Lancers	P-3C	NAS Jacksonville
VP-16		War Eagles	P-3C	NAS Jacksonville
VP-26		Tridents	P-3C	NAS Jacksonville
VP-30		Pro’s Nest	P-3C	FRS NAS Jacksonville
VP-40		Fighting Marlins	P-3C	NAS Whidbey Island
VP-45		Pelicans	P-3C	NAS Jacksonville
VP-46		Grey Knights	P-3C	NAS Whidbey Island
VP-47		Golden Swordsmen	P-3C	MCAS Kaneohe Bay
VP-62		Broadarrows	P-3C	Reserve NAS Jacksonville
VP-69		Totems	P-3C	Reserve NAS Whidbey Island
VPU-1	[1]	Old Buzzards	P-3C	NAS Jacksonville
VPU-2	[2]	Wizards	P-3C	MCAS Kaneohe Bay

Training

There are three types of fixed wing training squadrons - Primary, Intermediate, and Advanced - that train Student Naval Aviators to become United States Naval Aviators and Naval Flight Officers in the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. Some United States Air Force pilots are also trained in Navy squadrons. Likewise, some Student Naval Aviators receive some of their training at USAF training squadrons. Navy training aircraft are typically painted orange and white.

T-34 Turbo Mentor

T-45 Goshawk

T-6A Texan II

Squadron Name	Insignia	Nickname	Aircraft	Notes
VT-2		Doerbirds	T-34	Primary NAS Whiting Field
VT-3		Red Knights	T-6B	Primary NAS Whiting Field
VT-4		Warbucks	T-6A T-39 T-1A	NFO Primary/Intermediate NAS Pensacola
VT-6		Shooters	T-6B	Primary NAS Whiting Field
VT-7		Eagles	T-45	Intermediate Tailhook, Advanced Jet NAS Meridian
VT-9		Tigers	T-45	Intermediate Tailhook, Advanced Jet NAS Meridian
VT-10		Wildcats	T-6A T-1A	NFO Primary/Intermediate NAS Pensacola
VT-21		Redhawks	T-45	Intermediate Tailhook, Advanced Jet NAS Kingsville
VT-22		Golden Eagles	T-45	Intermediate Tailhook, Advanced Jet NAS Kingsville
VT-27		Boomers	T-34	Primary NAS Corpus Christi
VT-28		Rangers	T-34	Primary NAS Corpus Christi
VT-31		Wise Owls	T-44	Advanced Multi-engine NAS Corpus Christi
VT-35		Stingrays	TC-12	Advanced Multi-engine NAS Corpus Christi
VT-86		Sabrehawks	T-39 T-45C	NFO Advanced Jet NAS Pensacola

Other

Some of these organizations are not technically "squadrons", however they have custody of, and routinely fly navy aircraft.

Blue Angels

Squadron Name	Insignia	Nickname	Aircraft	Notes
Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron		Blue Angels	FA-18 C-130	NAS Pensacola
Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center		Strike U Topgun Topdome	FA-18 F-16 E-2C MH-60S	NAS Fallon
Strike Fighter Weapons School Pacific			T-34 Mentor	NAS Lemoore
Pacific Missile Range Facility			S-3B	Barking Sands

Helicopter Squadrons

Helo Master Plan

US Navy helicopters are used for antisubmarine warfare, antisurface warfare, mine warfare, combat search and rescue, special operations, and vertical replenishment missions. The USN helicopter community, in accordance with the "Helicopter Master Plan", is currently undergoing a transformation to reduce costs and infrastructure. The plan calls for expanding warfighting capabilities, modernizing the force, necking down from eight to three aircraft types, and consolidating force structure where possible. This plan is also leading to the renaming of many squadrons.^[5] All Navy helicopter (or rotary wing) squadrons' informal names start with the letter "H".

Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron

The Mine Countermeasures Squadrons are each made up of 16 MH-53E Sea Dragon helicopters. The primary mission of the Sea Dragon is Airborne Mine Countermeasures (AMCM). The MH-53 can operate from carriers and other warships and is capable of towing a variety of mine hunting/sweeping countermeasures systems.^[6] The MH-53E Sea Dragon is also a capable heavy-lift asset, with three powerful turboshaft engines and a maximum take-off weight of 69,750 pounds (31,640 kg). This gives the Sea Dragon the capability to carry an impressive amount of cargo, personnel or equipment over long distances. The Sea Dragon remains in service as the Navy's only heavy-lift helicopter. According to the Navy's Helo Master Plan, the MH-60S is being considered for the Airborne Mine Countermeasures mission.

An MH-53 delivers aid in Sumatra following the 2004 Tsunami.

Squadron Name	Insignia	Nickname	Aircraft	Notes
HM-14		Vanguard	MH-53E
HM-15		Blackhawks	MH-53E

Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadrons

Helicopter Anti-Submarine squadrons are composite squadrons usually made up of four to six SH-60F Seahawks and two to four HH-60H Seahawks. Both Aircraft are Carrier-Based. The SH-60Fs primary mission is Anti-submarine warfare (ASW) defense of the inner zone, which includes detection, classification and destruction of hostile submarines. HH-60Hs primary mission is combat search and rescue (CSAR), Naval Special Warfare support (NSW) and anti-surface warfare (ASUW).^[7]

A SH-60F assigned to HS-11 releases flares

A HH-60H from HS-11 prepares to take off with an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit in tow.

Squadron Name	Insignia	Nickname	Aircraft	Notes
HS-4		Black Knights	SH-60F HH-60H	CVW-14
HS-5		Nightdippers	SH-60F HH-60H	CVW-7
HS-10		Warhawks	SH-60F HH-60H	FRS NAS North Island
HS-11		Dragonslayers	SH-60F HH-60H	CVW-1
HS-14		Chargers	SH-60F HH-60H	CVW-5 NAF Atsugi
HS-15		Red Lions	SH-60F HH-60H	CVW-17

Helicopter Sea Combat Squadrons

The Sea Combat Squadron combines both the strike capability of the Helicopter Anti-submarine wing and the cargo capability of the Helicopter Combat Support wing into its primary mission. Over the next decade all HC and HS squadrons will transition to Sea Combat Squadrons upon receiving the MH-60S.^[8]

An MH-60S Knighthawk conducts vertical replenishment (VERTREP)

Squadron Name	Insignia	Nickname	Aircraft	Notes
HSC-2		Fleet Angels	MH-60S	Formerly HC-2 Formerly HU-2
HSC-3		Merlins	MH-60S	Formerly HC-3
HSC-6		Indians	MH-60S	Formerly HS-6 CVW-11
HSC-7		Dusty Dogs	MH-60S	Formerly HS-7 CVW-3
HSC-8		Eightballers	MH-60S	Formerly HS-8 CVW-9
HSC-9		Tridents	MH-60S	Formerly HS-3 CVW-8
HSC-12		Golden Falcons	MH-60S	Formerly HS-2 CVW-2
HSC-21		Blackjacks	MH-60S	Formerly HC-11
HSC-22		Sea Knights	MH-60S	NS Norfolk
HSC-23		Wild Cards	MH-60S	NAS North Island
HSC-25		Island Knights	MH-60S	Formerly HC-5
HSC-26		Chargers	MH-60S	Formerly HC-6
HSC-28		Dragon Whales	MH-60S	Formerly HC-8
HSC-84		Red Wolves	HH-60H	Formerly HCS-4 Reserve and Active
HSC-85		Fire Hawks	HH-60H	Formerly HCS-5/HC-85 Reserve and Active

Helicopter Anti-Submarine (Light) Squadrons

Anti-Submarine Light squadrons each operate between six and fifteen SH-60B LAMPS III helicopters. The SH-60Bs primary mission is to provide fully mission capable detachments aboard cruisers, destroyers, and frigates assigned to the Fleet. These detachments are an integral part of the ships weapon system, extending the ships under-sea and anti-ship warfare capabilities beyond the horizon. As of 2003 all Helicopter Anti-Submarine (Light) Squadrons are schedule to be redesignated Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadrons. This change will reflect the switch to the MH-60R Seahawk and the squadrons new multi-mission capability.^[9]

A SH-60B attached to HSL-47 lowers a rescue swimmer.

Squadron Name	Insignia	Nickname	Aircraft	Notes
HSL-37		EasyRiders	SH-60B	MCBH Kaneohe
HSL-40		Airwolves	SH-60B	FRS NS Mayport
HSL-42		Proud Warriors	SH-60B	NAS Jacksonville
HSL-43		Battle Cats	SH-60B
HSL-44		Swamp Fox	SH-60B	NAS Jacksonville
HSL-45		Wolfpack	SH-60B	NAS North Island
HSL-46		Grandmasters	SH-60B	NS Mayport
HSL-48		Vipers	SH-60B
HSL-49		Scorpions	SH-60B
HSL-51		Warlords	SH-60B	NAF Atsugi
HSL-60		Jaguars	SH-60B	Reserve NS Mayport

Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadrons

An MH-60R prepares to conduct sonar dip operations.

Helicopter Maritime Strike squadrons operate the MH-60R Seahawk. The first operational fleet squadron to receive the Romeo is HSM-71 in fiscal year 2008. The new squadron designation was created to reflect the MH-60Rs multi-mission capabilities. Eventually all Anti-submarine (Light) squadrons will transition to the MH-60R and be redesignated HSM.^[10]

Squadron Name	Insignia	Nickname	Aircraft	Notes
HSM-41		Seahawks	MH-60R	FRS
HSM-70		Spartans	MH-60R	CVW-8
HSM-71		Raptors	MH-60R	CVW-9
HSM-77		Saberhawks	MH-60R	First LAMPS deployment aboard carrier[11]

Helicopter Training Squadrons

The United States Navy's Helicopter Training Squadrons provide advanced helicopter flight instruction to all Navy, US Marine Corps, and United States Coast Guard helicopter flight students as well as international students from several allied nations. Students who successfully complete the program earn the right to wear the coveted "Wings of Gold."^[12]

TH-57 training helicopter from HT-8 makes a landing aboard the Navy Helicopter Landing Trainer (HLT) IX-514

Squadron Name	Insignia	Nickname	Aircraft	Notes
HT-8		Eightballers	TH-57	NAS Whiting Field
HT-18		Vigilant Eagles	TH-57	NAS Whiting Field
HT-28		Hellions	TH-57	NAS Whiting Field

UAV Squadrons

Fleet Composite squadrons' primary missions include providing fixed wing and helicopter services to the Fleet in support of the United States and Allied operational training exercises and operating the Navy's only operational Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). This aircraft is utilized primarily in reconnaissance missions. Tactical employment of this unique asset primarily supports both Battle Group deployments and Amphibious Warfare Operations.^[13]

RQ-2B Pioneer Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, assigned to Fleet Composite Squadron Six (VC-6).

Test and Evaluation

Test and Evaluation squadrons test everything from basic aircraft flying qualities to advanced aerodynamics. VX squadrons report to the Commander, Operational Test and Evaluation Force (OPTEVFOR).

VX-23 jets.

RQ-4A Globalhawk.

Squadron Name	Insignia	Nickname	Aircraft	Notes
USN Test Pilot School			Various	NAS Patuxent River
VX-1		Pioneers	P-3C MH-60R MH-60S SH-60F EP-3E E-6B KC-130J E-2C RQ-4 P-8A	Evaluation of airborne anti-submarine warfare and maritime anti-surface warfare weapons NAS Patuxent River[14]
VXS-1		Warlocks	P-3 C-12	formerly NRL's Flight Support Detachment Scientific Development NAS Patuxent River[14]
VX-9		Vampires	FA-18 All Variants EA-18G AV-8 EA-6B AH-1Z UH-1Y and other variants	Operational Weapons Test NAWS China Lake
VX-20		Force	E-2C P-3C C-130 C-2A E-6B T-34C	Force Warfare Aircraft Test NAS Patuxent River[15]
HX-21		Blackjack	AH-1Z UH-1Y MH-60R MH-60S MV-22B AH-1W UH-1N VH-3A CH-53E TH-57C SH-60F	Rotary Wing Aircraft Test NAS Patuxent River[16]
VX-23		Saltydogs	F-35 FA-18 EA-6B EA-18G T-45	Strike Aircraft Test NAS Patuxent River
VX-30		Bloodhounds	C-130 P-3 All Variants S-3B FA-18	Weapons Test NAS Point Mugu
VX-31		Dust Devils	FA-18 EA-18G NEA-18G P-3 C-130 AV-8 TAV-8B T-39 AH-1Z UH-1Y and other variants	Weapons Test NAWS China Lake

See also

United States Navy portal

• Naval aviation
• List of Disestablished United States Navy Squadrons
• Modern US Navy carrier air operations
• List of military aircraft of the United States (naval) / List of US Naval aircraft
• United States Naval Aviator
• Naval Flight Officer
• United States Marine Corps Aviation
• United States Air Force
• United States Army Aviation Branch
• Military aviation
• NATOPS

References

1. ^ The EA-6B will be replaced by the EA-18G Growler. "EA-6B Prowler electronic warfare aircraft". USN Fact File. United States Navy. http://www.navy.mil/navydata/fact_display.asp?cid=1100&tid=900&ct=1. 
2. ^ "E-2 Hawkeye early warning and control aircraft". USN Fact File. United States Navy. http://www.navy.mil/navydata/fact_display.asp?cid=1100&tid=700&ct=1. 
3. ^ A, C, and E models are single seat. B, D, and F models are two seat.
4. ^ "E-6B Airborne Command Post (ABNCP)". United States Strategic Command. http://www.stratcom.mil/fact_sheets/fact_acp.html. 
5. ^ "The Helicopter Master Plan". Federation of American Scientists. http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/navy/docs/vision/helomstr.htm. 
6. ^ "MH-53E Sea Dragon". USN Fact File. United States Navy. http://www.navy.mil/navydata/fact_display.asp?cid=1200&tid=400&ct=1. 
7. ^ "SH-60 Seahawk helicopter". USN Fact File. United States Navy. http://www.navy.mil/navydata/fact_display.asp?cid=1200&tid=500&ct=1. 
8. ^ "Helicopter Sea Combat Wing, Pacific COMHELSEACOMBATWINGPAC". Global Security. http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/agency/navy/helseacombatwingpac.htm. 
9. ^ "Helicopter Maritime Strike Wing, Pacific". Commander Helicopter Maritime Strike Wing, Pacific. Global Security. http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/agency/navy/hslwingpac.htm. 
10. ^ "MH-60R Seahawk". USN Fact File. United States Navy. http://www.navy.mil/navydata/fact_display.asp?cid=1200&tid=500&ct=1. 
11. ^ Utz, Curtis A; Mark L Evans; Dale J Gordon (July-August 2005). "The Year in Review 2004" (PDF). Naval Aviation News (United States Navy): 37. http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/2000s/2005/julaug/p20-43_Year%20in%20Review%202004.pdf. 
12. ^ "Helicopter Training Squadron 8". Global Security. http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/agency/navy/ht-8.htm. 
13. ^ "Fleet Composite Squadron SIX". U.S. Navy. Global Security. http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/agency/navy/vc-6.htm. 
14. ^ ^{a b} "Naval Air Station Patuxent River Base Guide". DCMilitary.com. Comprint Military Publications. 2008-08-12. http://www.dcmilitary.com/special_sections/sw/081206/ss_120846_31938.shtml. Retrieved 2008-12-01. 
15. ^ "VX-20 Aircraft Platforms". Air Test and Evaluation Squadron TWO ZERO. United States Navy. 2006-06-10. http://www.navair.navy.mil/force/AircraftPg1.htm. Retrieved 2008-12-01. ^{[dead link]}
16. ^ Carlson, Ted (Spring 2005). "HX-21 - Blackjack". Wings of Gold (Association of Naval Aviation). http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3834/is_200504/ai_n15743379. Retrieved 2008-12-01. ^{[dead link]}