Attack Squadron 163 (United States Navy)

Infobox Military Unit
unit_name= Attack Squadron 163


caption= VA-163 Insignia
dates= September 1, 1960 - July 1, 1971
country= United States
allegiance=
branch= US Navy
type= Attack Squadron
role=
size=
command_structure= Inactive
garrison= NAS Cecil Field
garrison_label=
equipment=
equipment_label=
nickname= "Saints"
patron=
motto=
colors=
colors_label=
march=
mascot=
battles= Vietnam War
anniversaries=
decorations= Navy Unit Commendation x 4
aircraft_attack=A-4 Skyhawk
battle_honours=

Attack Squadron 163 (VA-163) "Saints" was an aviation unit of the United States Navy. VA-163 flew the Douglas A-4 Skyhawk from 1960 to 1969.

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History

On September 1, 1960, Attack Squadron 163 was established at Naval Air Station Cecil Field, Florida. Shortly thereafter, the Saints moved to Naval Air Station Lemoore, California where they began training for their first deployment.

Attack Squadron 163 made six Pacific Fleet cruises, including four during the Vietnam War. The first five were with Carrier Air Wing 16 in USS "Oriskany" between 1962 and 1968, and the last with Carrier Air Wing 21 in USS "Hancock" in 1968-1969.

Throughout the war VA-163 sustained periods of heavy losses, including 14 aircraft destroyed by enemy action with at least five pilots killed, five captured, and two severely wounded. Among the prisoners were then-Commander James B. Stockdale, Commander Air Group of "Attack Carrier Air Wing 16 (CVW-16)" in 1965, and then-Lieutenant Commander John S. McCain, III in 1967. Commander Wynn F. Foster lost his right arm on a 1966 mission but waged a successful battle to remain on active duty.

Three "Saints" were awarded the Navy Cross for extraordinary combat heroism: Commander Bryan Compton and Lieutenant Commanders James Busey and Marvin Reynolds.

On April 1, 1969 VA-163 was placed on inactive status and two years later the squadron officially disestablished on July 1, 1971.

Deployments

Notable former members

* Wynn Foster
* John McCain
* James Stockdale

ee also

* History of the United States Navy
* List of United States Navy aircraft squadrons

References

* [http://www.skyhawk.org/3e/va163/va163.htm VA-163 page at skyhawk.org]