Air Power Analysis

has determined the CVX should be a large-deck,

US Navy
nuclear-powered aircraft-carrier. The first CVX
(CVX-1) will begin construction in 2006 and
will replace the Enterprise in 2013. It will have a
new nuclear plant that requires less manpower to
operate and maintain, a new electrical power
generation and distribution system and will
continue efforts begun on CVN 77 to reduce
onboard manning and total ownership costs
(TOC). CVX-2 will feature the new topside to
As US naval aviation approaches the threshold of the 21st century be designed for CVN 77 and the new nuclear
the service holds a combat record second to none, and the plant to be designed for CVX-1 and will have an
potential of its combat power has influenced events worldwide. improved hull to provide the service-life margins
However, the Navy of the late 1990s is radically different to that of n e e d e d to accommodate improvements and
modernisations over the next century. Also to be
previous eras. Forced to do 'more with less', some within the Navy i n c l u d e d in CVX-2 are new aircraft l a u n c h
argue that it is now doing 'too much with too little'. The demands (EMALS) and recovery (EARS) systems and new
on US sea-based air power have not let up and, at times, the Navy functional arrangements and distributive systems
is struggling with the resources available to it. t o f u r t h e r r e d u c e o n b o a r d m a n n i n g and
improved maintenance and survivability features.
The end of the Cold War and the dissolution of the new Common Support Aircraft (CSA) and The fleet of other 'flat-tops', the amphibious
the Soviet Union brought about political and the Maritime Multimission Aircraft (MMA), is assault ships dedicated to the US Marine Corps,
public pressure to reduce defence budgets, but even less certain. has gone through extensive modernisation since
there has been no let-up in the need for Navy The fall in defence spending from 1990 1990. With the exception of Inchon, the entire
deployments if anything, demand has increased. onwards accelerated the steepest decline in US group of 'Iwo Jima'-class amphibious assault ships
The strain of a high tempo of operations, declining naval aviation force structure since the end of (LPHs) has been decommissioned: Okinawa in
budgets and the cancellation of some prominent World War I I . In 1994 alone, 37 squadrons were 1992, Iwojima in 1993, Guadalcanal in 1994,
aircraft programmes such as the A-12 and the disestablished, the greatest number in a single Tripoli in 1995, New Orleans in 1997 and Guam in
P-7 has pushed the resourcefulness of US naval year since the 12 months preceding the outbreak 1998. As a response for the need for a dedicated
aviation to the limit. Promising new programmes of the Korean War. Since 1988, when the free- mine countermeasures command ship (MCS) during
such as CVX, the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and spending Reagan build-up levelled off and began the Gulf War, Inchon was converted from 1994 at
the Joint Strike Fighter are encouraging for the to decline, 116 N a v y squadrons have been Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula, Mississippi to
future of naval aviation but all have had their disestablished; five more - VP-91, VQ-5, VQ-6, MCS 12, a Naval Reserve Force ship now based
difficulties and are far from guaranteed, even VXE-6 and possibly VQ-11 - are scheduled to be at I n g l e s i d e , Texas. Major changes to the
now. The outlook for other programmes, such as disbanded by 2000. command, control, communications, computers
and intelligence (C 4 I) systems were incorporated,
including upgrades to NAVMACS II, CIWS,
Primary aviation vessels SLQ-32, radars, etc. The addition of a number of
new shops and upgrades to the capabilities of
existing ships will enable the Inchon to respond
Today's carrier battle groups are focused less on extensive overhaul in 1995 is officially a part of promptly and efficiently to the need for emergency
open-ocean naval engagements and more on the Naval Reserve Force, with a small portion of repairs in any theatre of operations. I n g a l l s
projecting power ashore along the littoral areas of its crew composed of reservists, but has been completed the conversion on 28 May 1996. It
the world. Carrier battle groups have evolved maintained in the active force deployment rotation. will provide integrated mine countermeasures,
during the 1990s in several ways. The groups are The bulk of the force is formed by Enterprise command and control for aviation mine counter-
smaller in terms of numbers of ships assigned; (CVN 65), which was extensively overhauled and measures (AMCM), surface mine countermea-
fewer escorts are assigned, in light of the reduced refuelled (for its second time) during the early sures (SMCM) and explosive ordnance disposal
aircraft and submarine threat. CVBGs are now 1990s and the eight 'Nimitz'-class nuclear-powered m i n e c o u n t e r m e a s u r e s (EODMCM). Inchon
formed with permanently assigned ships, including carriers. In June 1998 Nitnitz (CVN 68) commenced made its first deployment in March 1997, with
submarines, under a battle group commander (a a three-year refuelling and overhaul (that will MH-53Es and HH-46Ds.
rear admiral, either a carrier group commander or extend its service life to 50 years) and will be The Navy is approaching its goal of a force of
a cruiser-destroyer group commander) and are followed by Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69). 12 large-deck amphibious assault ships (LHAs and
officially d e s i g n a t e d w i t h the name of t h e Carl Vinson (CVN 70), llieodorc Roosevelt (CVN 71) LHDs). The five 'Tarawa'-class LHAs (Tarawa,
CVBG's flagship, e.g., Enterprise Battle Group. and Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) presumably will Saipan, Belleau Wood, Nassau and Peleliu) continue
Continuing a trend that began in the mid-1980s, undergo the same process in turn. Only three in service, but plans to put them through a
the earner air wing commander is the strike warfare carriers, all 'Nimitz'-class, have entered service service-life extension programme (SLEP) are now
commander for the entire battle group. since 1990: George Washington (CVN 73) in 1992, being superseded by a plan to build more 'Wasp'-
The Navy's carrier force has declined in numbers John C. Stetmis '(CVN 74) in 1995 and Harry S. class LHDs. Concern over the age and stability of
from 14 to 11. Since 1990, eight carriers have 'Truman (CVN 75) in 1998. The Ronald Reagan the LHAs has brought calls from the Commandant
been retired: Coral Sea (CV 43) in 1990, Lexington (CVN 76), whose keel was laid in February 1998, of the Marine Corps for funding additional LHDs
(AVT 16) in 1991, Midway (CV 41) in 1992,'the is scheduled to join the fleet in 2003. instead of extending the life of the LHAs. The
entire 'Forrestal' class - Saratoga (CV 60) in 1994, CVN 77, a 'Nimitz'-class ship, will begin the FY 1999 budget includes advanced funding for
Forrestal (AVT 59) in 1993, ~ Ranger (CV 60) in transition to the CVX next-generation carrier. LHD 8 (as yet unnamed). Six LHDs are now in
1993 and Independence (CV 62) in 1998 - and Congress included $50 million for CVN 77 in commission (Wasp, Essex, Kearsarge, Boxer, Bataan
America (CV 66) in 1995. Forrestal was in conversion the FY 1998 budget and $124.5 million in the and Bonhomme Richard), the latest of these com-
to replace Lexington as an aviation training ship FY 1999 budget. Construction will begin in 2001 missioned in 1998. LHD 7 (Iwojima) is scheduled
(AVT) when it was promptly decommissioned. and CVN 77 will replace Kitty Hawk in 2008. for commissioning in February 2001.
Independence replaced Midway as the carrier A contract was awarded to Newport News Ship- LHAs and LHDs now embark two HH-46Ds
forward-deployed to Japan in 1991, but was itself building in September 1998 for construction of for rescue and utility work, in addition to their
replaced in 1998 by Kitty Hawk (CV 63). Kitty CVN 77, which will be the first ship of a three- Marine aircraft. The HH-46Ds are assigned as
Hawk, Constellation and John F. Kennedy are the ship evolution to CVX and will have a new detachments from HC squadrons, a change of
only non-nuclear powered carriers in service. topside. The Defense Acquisition Board Review practice during the early 1990s from the assignment
John F. Kennedy which completed a two-year (DAB) for CVX, conducted in September 1998, of a UH-1N directly to the ship.

124
Above: VF-2's latest markings Right: VF-11 'Red Rippers'
are seen on this F-14D, which flies F-14Bs. This aircraft
is also fitted with BOL launch wears the remnants of an
rails for its AIM-9 Sidewinders. NSAWC camouflage scheme

Above: Seen on deployment Right: The F-14Ds ofVF-31

at Twentynine Palms, this 'Tomcatters' are currently
F-14A carries the markings of attached to Air Wing 14
VF-14 'Tophalters'. aboard the USS Lincoln.

Above left: VF-32 'Swordsmen' Left: Tomcats from VF-101 Above: VF-41 'Black Aces'
operates F-14Bs as part of 'Grim Reapers' have worn a F-14s became the first to drop
CVW-3 attached to the USS progression of unit markings, bombs in combat, over Bosnia
Enterprise (CVN-65). and this F-14D wears the latest. in 1995. The unit flies F-14As.

US Navy Carrier Air Wings

US ATLANTIC FLEET CVW-8 AJ CVW-5 NF CVW-14 NK
i 100 T-* i o IA /r*iihi -i+\ IICC f/;#4. iJ....,f tf*\l COV
uoo ineoaore not/seven IUVIM i\) Ubb Kitty Hawk (LV bo) USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72)
CVW-1 AB VF-41 F-14A AJ1xx VF-154 F-14A NF1xx VF-31 F-14D NK1xx
USS John F. Kennedy (CM 67) VF-14 F-14A AJ2xx VFA-27 F/A-18C NF2xx VFA-115 F/A-18C NK2xx
VF-102 F-14B AB1xx VFA-15 F/A-18C AJ3xx VFA-192 F/A-18C NF3xx VFA-113 F/A-18C NK3xx
VMFA-251 F/A-18C AB2xx VFA-87 F/A-18C AJ4xx VFA-195 F/A-18C NF4xx VFA-25 F/A-18C NK4xx
VFA-82 F/A-18C AB3xx VAQ-141 EA-6B AJ50x VAQ-136 EA-6B NF50x VAQ-139 EA-6B NK50x
VFA-86 F/A-18C AB4xx VAW-124 E-2C AJBOx HS-14 SH-60F, HH-60H NF61x VAW-113 E-2C NKBOx
VAQ-137 EA-6B AB50x HS-3 SH-60F, HH-60H AJ61x VS-21 S-3B NF7xx HS-4 SH-60F, HH-60H NK61x
V AW- 123 E-2C ABBOx VS-24 S-3B AJ7xx VQ-5 Det 5 ES-3A NF76x VS-35 S-3B NK7xx
HS-11 SH-60F, HH-60H AB61x VRC-40 Det C-2A AJxx VRC-30 Det C-2A NFxx VRC-30 Det C-2A NKxx
VS-32 S-3B AB7xx
VRC-40 Det C-2A ABxx CVW-1 7 AA CVW-9 NG Assignments current as of 1 December 1998.
USS DwightD. Eisenhower (CVN 69) USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) During 1998, fleet VAQ squadron modexes
CVW-3 AC VF-103 F-14B AA1xx VF-2 11 F-14A NG1xx switched to 50x series from 62x. VQ detachments
USS Enterprise (CVN 65) VFA-34 F/A-18C AA2xx VMFA-314 F/A-18C NG2xx being disbanded over the course of late 1998 and
VF-32 F-14B AC1xx VFA-83 F/A-18C AA3xx VFA-146 F/A-18C NG3xx early 1999 as ES-3A is retired; only three
VMFA-312 F/A-18C AC2xx VFA-81 F/A-18C AA4xx VFA-147 F/A-18C NG4xx detachments remained deployed at the end of 1998.
VFA-37 F/A-18C AC3xx VAQ-132 EA-6B AA50x VAQ-138 EA-6B NG50x
VFA-105 F/A-18C AC4xx VAW-125 E-2C AABOx VAW-112 E-2C NGGOx NAVAL RESERVE FORCE
VAQ-130
r- A CD
LA-bb
A Pen,/
AUbUx LJC 1 C
Ho- lb cu cnc uu cnu
on-bUr, HH-bUH A AC1w
AAb IX
MO O
no-o
c u cnc Hrl-bUrl
on-bUr, uu cnu M n n 1 1,
Nub I x
VAW-126 E-2C ACBOx VS-30 S-3B AA7xx VS-33 S-3B NG7xx CVWR-20 AF
HS-7 SH-60F, HH-60H ACB1x VRC-40 Det C-2A AAxx VRC-30 Det C-2A NGxx VFA-201 F/A-18A AF10x
VS-22 S-3B AC7xx VMFA-142 F/A-18A MBxx*
VQ-6 Det A ES-3A AC76x
1
US PACIFIC FLEET CVW-1 1 NH VFA-203 F/A-18A AF30x
Ar 1 ICO f* i !/".., y o i / i v i -jn\
VRC-40 Det C-2A ALxx Ubb Lurl vinson (LVN 70) VFA-204 F/A-18A AF40x
CVW-2 NE VF-2 13 F-14D NG1xx VAW-78 E-2C AF60x
CVW-7 AG USS Constellation (CV 64) VFA-97 F/A-18C NG2xx HS-75 SH-3H, UH-3H
USS George Washington (CVN 73) VF-2 F-14D NE1xx VFA-24 F/A-18C NG3xx NW610
VF-143 F-14B AG1xx VMFA-323 F/A-18C NE2xx VFA-94 F/A-18C NG4xx VAQ-209 EA-6B AF62x**
VF-11 F-14B AG2xx VFA-151 F/A-18C NE3xx VAQ-135 EA-6B NG50x
VFA-136 F/A-18C AG3xx VFA-137 F/A-18C NE4xx VAW-117 E-2C NG60x Note: VF-201 redes ignated VFA-201 on 1 January
VFA-131 F/A-18C AG4xx VAQ-131 EA-6B NE5xx HS-6 SH-60F, HH-60H NG61x 1999 upon transition to the F/A-18A. HS-75 is
VAQ-140 EA-6B AG50x VAW-116 E-2C NEBOx VS-29 S-3B NG7xx administratively assigned to Commander Helicopter
VAW-121 E-2C AGBOx HS-2 SH-60F, HH-60H NE61x VQ-5 Det C ES-3A NG76x Wing Reserve.
HS-5 SH-60F, HH-60H AG61x VS-38 S-3B NE7xx VRC-30 Det C-2A NGxx * Presumably HS-75 and VMFA- 142 would adopt
VS-31 S-3B AG7xx VRC-30 Det C-2A NExx CVWR-20 modex if mobilised.
VRC-40 Det C-2A AGxx **VAQ-209 has not yet adopted 50x modex.

125
Air Power Analysis

Aircraft of the US Navy

To observers of military aviation, the current US scheduled retirement in 2008. The most significant test roles. The Navy is accelerating the retirement
military aircraft procurement environment, change was the addition of an air-to-ground of the F-14A, but planning to keep the F-14B
compared with that of the past, seems surreal. attack capability latent in the F-14 since its initial Upgrade and F-14D aircraft in service until 2008.
The US Navy has only one fixed-wing combat design. The retirement of the A-6, the cancellation Two Tomcat squadrons will transition to the
aircraft in production, the F/A-18E/F Super of the A-12 and the Navy's requirement for 50 F/A-18E; the others will receive the F/A-18F.
Hornet strike fighter. The only carrier support strike aircraft in each carrier air wing led to the
aircraft in production - the E-2 - is an upgrade of development of an F-14 strike capability. F-14s F/A-18 Hornet
a design that first flew over 35 years ago. The were fitted with the capability of dropping Production of the F/A-18C Hornet for the
only Navy helicopter in production is the CH-60S 'dumb' bombs, expanded to include laser-guided Navy is ending in 1999. The first production
Knighthawk, a new development of a 20-year- bombs. This air-to-ground capability was put version of the Hornet the F/A-18A equips
old design. The T-45C Goshawk trainer is in full into use in air strikes in Bosnia during 1995. only one active-duty operational squadron, in
production and will be joined early in the next Installation of the LANTIRN system, first addition to four Reserve squadrons, the two Hornet
decade by the T-6A Texan II primary trainer. deployed by VF-103 on USS Enterprise in June fleet readiness squadrons (FRSs) and the Naval
The A-12 and P-7 never made it off the drawing 1996, gave the F-14 the capability to laser-designate Flight Demonstration Squadron ('Blue Angels').
board and the P-3C Update IV and the EA-6B targets for its own GBU-24 LGBs. By April The two-seat counterpart to the F/A-18A, the
ADVCAP were cancelled in the prototype stages. 1997, all deploying carrier battle groups carried a F/A-18B, serves in small numbers in the two
The picture is not as bleak as it first appears. LANTIRN-equipped F-14 squadron. LANTIRN Hornet FRSs, one reserve adversary squadron,
Avionics upgrades, improved engines and new F-14s received upgrades including the with test squadrons and with the 'Blue Angels'.
'smart' weapons have maintained or improved ALR-67 radar warning system, BOL chaff The F/A-18C is the primary version of the
the tactical effectiveness of the aircraft in service. dispensers, night-vision capability and GPS. Hornet in front-line carrier service, equipping all
Service-life extension programmes and even LANTIRN-equipped F-14Bs were first used in but one active-duty strike fighter (VFA) squadron,
remanufacture programmes have kept ageing combat by VF-32 during the Desert Fox strikes as well as the two Hornet fleet readiness squadrons
airframes flying. Reducing the number of types in against Iraq in December 1998. Installation of the (FRSs). The F/A-18C incorporates improved
service has lowered the costs of maintaining the GPS began in 1995 on the F-14D and in 1996 on weapons in the form of the AIM-120 AMRAAM,
support structure for naval aircraft. Nevertheless, the F-14 As and F-14Bs. (Plans to arm the F-14 the AGM-84E SLAM and the IR-imaging
the advancing average age of the Navy's aircraft with the AIM-120 AMRAAM have been cancelled.) version of the AGM-65 Maverick. The AGM-154
fleet is of increasing concern to planners. The first F-14 remanufactured under the JSOW (Joint Stand-Off Weapon) was introduced
The first production Super Hornets will enter F-14B Upgrade (formerly F-14A/B Upgrade) in late 1997. The longer-range AGM-84H
fleet readiness squadron service in 1999 and the programme was delivered in 1997. These aircraft SLAM-ER (expanded response) is entering service
following year will see the service entry of the received a major computer upgrade, digital avionics in 1999. F/A-18Cs produced from 1989 feature
CH-60S, the T-6A, the SH-60R Seahawk and, if and structural and survivability enhancements to improved night-attack capabilities, including a
all goes well, the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF). Two make them comparable to the F-14D. The Navy FLIR pod, a raster HUD, night-vision goggles,
proposed programmes, the Common Support is replacing the vertical display indicator group cockpit lighting compatible with NVGs, a digital
Aircraft (CSA) and the Multi-purpose Maritime with a more reliable system that includes a HUD colour moving map and a multi-purpose colour
Aircraft (MMA), have not yet been funded. for the F-14B Upgrade. A plan to combine display. Improved-performance engines were
F-14B Upgrade and F-14D aircraft in the same introduced in production F7A-18Cs during the
F-14 Tomcat/Super Tomcat squadrons was cancelled in 1997. mid-1990s. The F/A-18C fleet is steadily being
The F-14 Tomcat (Super Tomcat in the case A major safety enhancement to the F-14 is the upgraded with a tactical FLIR/laser designator
of the F-14D), flown by the Navy's fighter (VF) incorporation of a digital flight control system pod, ARC-210 radios, GPS and a cockpit video
squadrons, remains the most capable naval inter- (DFCS) that will replace the existing analog one. recorder. Programmed upgrades to be completed
ceptor in the world, despite the relatively recent The DFCS is designed to prevent departures by 2001 include the AGM-84H, AIM-9X
addition of strike missions to its roles. The Navy from controlled flight, including spins that have Sidewinder, JSOW, Link 16 and ATARS
is accelerating the retirement of the initial long- resulted in the loss of several aircraft. (Advanced Tactical Air Reconnaissance System).
serving Tomcat version, the F-14A, which is still The Tomcat continues to perform photo- By 2004, further upgrades will include advanced
powered by troublesome TF30 engines. The reconnaissance with the TARPS (Tactical Air colour cockpit displays, satellite communications
F-14B (initially designated F-14A+) featured Reconnaissance Pod System). A digital system and the Block 6 version of the AGM-88 HARM.
F110 engines that resisted compressor stalls and TARPS-DI - entered service in 1996 and was The two-seat F/A-18D, counterpart to the
markedly improved performance, increasing able to downlink near-real-time imagery for F/A-18C, equips the two Hornet FRSs and some
thrust by 30 per cent, thereby eliminating the immediate threat and battle-damage assessment. test squadrons. Unlike the Marine Corps, which
need for afterburner on launch and greatly TARPS-DI first deployed in November 1996 uses the F/A-18D as a front-line combat aircraft,
increasing engine life and time on station. Some with VF-32. A further development, TARPS-CD, the Navy uses the aircraft only for pilot training
32 F-14 As were converted to F-1413s to augment began testing in 1998 and included real-time and test work.
production F-14Bs. A later batch of 14 F-14As electro-optical step-framing imagery. The Tomcat As of mid-1998, the Navy and Marine Corps
was remanufactured into F-14Bs during the mid- is being modified with a Fast Tactical Imagery had 252 F/A-18A, 32 F/A-18B, 414 F/A-18C
1990s. A few F-14As and F-14Bs were modified (FTI) system, which will allow day/night stand- and 127 F/A-18D aircraft in service, as well as
into NF-14As and NF-14Bs for test work. off imagery transmission and reception of any two NF/A-18As, two NF/A-18Cs and three
The last production version of the F-14, the imagery source on the F-14 (LANTIRN, TCS, NF/A-18Ds serving in permanent test roles.
F-14D Super Tomcat, features the F110 engine, TARPS-DI). With the FTI system, the F-14 can One poor F/A-18 characteristic is its range
the jam-resistant APG-71 radar, the Joint Tactical use the LANTIRN system to provide GPS-quality and/or endurance on certain strike-mission
Information Distribution System and the dual target co-ordinates for targeting options and profiles. The latest lot of F/A-18C/Ds is far more
Television Camera Set/Infra-Red Search and transmit them, with the imagery, to a carrier or capable than the first F/A-18A/Bs; however, by
Track sensor. The last of 37 production F-14Ds to other F T I - e q u i p p e d aircraft. The first 1991 it was clear that avionics cooling, electrical
rolled off the Grumman line on 10 July 1992. FTI-equipped F-14s will deploy with VF-14 and and space constraints would limit future growth
Another 18 F-14As were remanufactured into VF-41 in April 1999. in capability. Additionally, as improvements
F-14Ds. The Super Tomcat entered service too As of mid-1998, 107 F-14As, 76 F-14Bs and increased the aircraft's empty weight, Hornets
late to participate in the Gulf War. A few F-14Ds 46 F-14Ds were in service in four active F-14A were returning to their carriers with less than
have been converted to NF-14Ds for test work. squadrons, five F-14B squadrons and three optimal reserve fuel a n d / o r unexpended
The Navy has steadily upgraded its F-14 fleet F-14D squadrons, as well as four NF-14A, one weapons. Although the F/A-18C/D's growth is
during the 1990s to keep it effective until its NF-14B and four NF-14D aircraft in permanent now limited, the Hornet will continue to fill

126
 United States Navy

Above: The F-14Bs ofVF-102 Right: VF-103, once the

have begun to adopt this 'Sluggers', adopted the 'Jolly
revised marking, without Rogers' identity of VF-84 when
the traditional rattlesnake. the latter was disbanded in 1995.

Above: The badge ofVF-143 Right: VF-154, the 'Black

'Pukin 'Dogs', as seen on Knights', is today the only F-14
this F-14B, actually shows unit based outside the USA. Its
a winged griffin. F-14As operate from NAF Atsugi.

Left: VF-211 'Flying Above: VF-213 'Black Lions'

Checkmates' operated F-14Bs now flies F-14Ds as part of
between 1989 and 1992, but Air Wing 11 on the USS Carl
has now reverted to F-14As. Vinson (CVN-70).

Above: VFA-15 'Valions' Below: VFA-27 'Chargers' is

transitioned to the Hornet in one of three Pacific Fleet The Hornets of VFA-22
1986 and is now based at strike fighter units stationed 'Fighting Redcocks' (above)
NAS Oceana. at NAF Atsugi, Japan. are based at NAS Lemoore,
alongside those ofVFA-25
'Fist of the Fleet'(right).
VFA-34 'Blue Blasters'
(below) and VFA-37 'Bulls'
(below left) are both NAS
Oceana-based squadrons.

127
Air Power Analysis

carrier air wings for many years to come, slowly could increase to as much as 785, depending on In FY 1997 Congress increased, to $201.6 million,
giving way to the larger, farther-reaching and the progress, or lack thereof, of the JSF. Navy the president's EA-6B budget request of $100.6
more capable F/A-18E/F. plans project a production rim that will equip million to enable the Navy to procure another 60
each carrier wing with one F/A-18E and one Band 9/10 transmitters and 10 of 20 new wing
F/A-18E/F Super Hornet F/A-18F squadron, along with two F/A-18C centre-sections, which are needed to replace
The F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, an evolutionary squadrons that will eventually acquire the JSF as sections subject to embrittlement and fatigue.
development of the night-strike F/A-18C/D, is the Hornets are phased out. The F/A-18F will Another major upgrade to the aircraft, ICAP III
the highest priority programme in US naval replace the F-14 and fulfil its reconnaissance and 'Warfighter Upgrade System', is intended to
aviation. The Super Hornet will be a strike fighter forward air controller roles in addition to its upgrade Block 89A EA-6Bs with the equipment
that has significant growth potential, more than interceptor and strike roles. A variant of the needed to allow them to execute their missions
adequate carrier-based landing weight and range, F/A-18F, designated F/A-18G, has been proposed through 2015. The upgrade will replace the ageing
endurance and ordnance-carrying capabilities as a replacement for the EA-6B. ALQ-99 receivers, integrate off-board connectivity,
comparable to those of the A-6 and F-14 that the integrate the USQ-113 communications jammer
Super Hornet is replacing. The F/A-18E/F, Joint Strike Fighter and replace obsolete avionics. These upgrades
considerably more survivable than the F/A-18C/Ds The Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) is envisioned as a may be accomplished using currently available
currently in service, is designed to be able to stealthy replacement for the Hornet in the second avionics, contractor-off-the-shelf (COTS) equip-
conduct unescorted strikes against highly defended decade of the next century. The programme, ment, non-development items (NDI) and/or
targets early in a conflict. formerly known as JAST, Joint Advanced Strike government-furnished equipment (GFE). ICAP
The Super Hornet features two more stores Technology, is intended to field the next-generation III development began in March 1998 with an
stations and can carry the full array of new Navy strike aircraft for the Navy, Marine Corps and Air engineering and manufacturing development
air-to-ground ordnance, including the JDAM, Force with an emphasis on affordability. One of (EMD) c o n t r a c t awarded to a team led by
the JSOW and the SLAM-ER. The Super four planned variants of the JSF, the Navy's earner- Northrop Grumman. The ICAP III is expected to
Hornet's two F414 turbofans give it 44,000 lb capable version will be a single-seat, single-engined, fly in 2001 and enter service in January 2004.
(195.69 kN) of thrust - 12,000 lb (53.37 kN) supersonic fighter with an internal weapons bay The addition of the AGM-88 during the mid-
more than that available to the F/A-18C/D - and state-of-the-art avionics. The use of a single 1980s gave the EA-6B a weapon to supplement
and give the aircraft the ability to land on a carrier engine is a departure from the Navy's long-held its impressive jamming capability and on 31
with a load of expensive 'smart' weapons. Its insistence on two engines in tactical aircraft, for March 1998 the Navy's tactical electronic warfare
carrier recovery payload is increased to 9,000 lb safety in overwatcr and combat operations. (VAQ) squadrons were redesignated electronic
(4082 kg). The Super Hornet will be able to In November 1996, designs from Boeing and attack (VAQ) squadrons. The Department of
carryr an aerial refuelling store. Lockheed Martin were selected to compete Defense decided in 1994 that the EA-6B would
Although a 41 per cent interdiction-mission against each other. Boeing is expected to fly its become the nation's prime electronic warfare
range increase may be the most d r a m a t i c two X-32 concept demonstration aircraft (CDA) aircraft; the USAF's EF-lllAs were retired in
improvement in the Super Hornet, the ability to in mid-2000. The Lockheed Martin team, which May 1998. The last of four joint expeditionary
recover aboard a carrier with optimum reserve includes Northrop Grumman and British Aerospace, EA-6B squadrons, joining the 10 fleet EA-6B
fuel and a load of precision strike weapons is of is producing two X-35 CDAs. The X-32 and units, was established in October 1997. As such,
equal importance. The Super Hornet has the X-35 - which are demonstrators, not prototypes the EA-6Bs now deploy overseas in Navy expedi-
space, power and cooling capability needed to will use different configurations of the Pratt & tionary units in support of USAF operations.
accommodate valuable but installation-sensitive Whitney F119 engine. The first CDA from each The EA-6B has been out of production since
avionics, such as an electronically scanned-array company will represent the Air Force version; the the last of 170 built rolled off the Grumman line
antenna, as they become available. While the second will be the Marine Corps STOVL version. on 29 July 1991 and the high level of defence
F/A-18C/D has incorporated a modicum of Later, the Air Force version will be modified to commitments has strained the availability of this
low-observables technology, the Super Hornet perform as carrier-based aircraft. The winning ageing aircraft, which is programmed to serve
was designed from the outset to optimise stealth design will be engineered into a full-scale JSF in until 2015. Approximately 125 remain in service.
and other survivability enhancements. the engineering and manufacturing development No replacement has been identified, but a version
The first Super Hornet rolled out in September programme phase, to begin in 2001. of the F/A-18F Super Hornet (F/A-18G) has
1995 and flew for the first time in November The UK is a full partner in the programme and been mentioned as a possible option.
1995, ahead of schedule and 1,000 lb (454 kg) anticipates purchasing 60 JSFs to replace its Sea
under specified weight. The Super Hornet Harriers. Overall production of the JSF is expected Airborne early warning
successfully conducted its initial carrier trials in to reach 3,000 aircraft. The General Electric F120 The Northrop Grumman E-2 Hawkeye first
January 1997 aboard the USS John C. Stcnnis engine will be an alternative engine option for JSF flew in 1961; the E-2C version first flew in 1971.
(CVN 74). By September 1998, the five F/A-18Es customers. The JSF is scheduled to enter service The current variant's radar can detect targets
and two F/A-18Fs participating in the three-year in 2008 and eventually replace the F/A-18 in at anywhere in a 6-million cubic mile surveillance
flight test programme had flown over 2,300 least two squadrons per carrier air wing. The envelope and simultaneously track 2,000 targets.
flights and 3,500 hours. The first production Navy expects to acquire at least 480 JSFs. The five-man E-2C crew can control more than
aircraft (an F/A-18E) flew on 6 November 1998 20 airborne intercepts simultaneously.
and was delivered to VX-9, at Patuxcnt River. Electronic attack The E-2C has been in service and in production
The Super Hornet, which entered low-rate The Navy has operated the EA-6B Prowler so long that aircraft have been retired at the end
initial production in September 1997, is scheduled electronic warfare aircraft since 1972. The carrier- of their fatigue lives even as new E-2Cs left
to become operational in 2001. The first Super capable EA-6B is capable of jamming enemy production. The fleet has been progressively
Hornet fleet readiness squadron, VFA-122, was radars and communications and attacking radars upgraded with improvements to mission avionics
established at NAS Lemoore, California on 1 with AGM-88 HARMs. The EA-6B has been and communications equipment and has been
October 1998 and held a ceremony on 15 January upgraded through the years with the EXCAP produced in baseline, Group 0, Group I and
1999 to welcome the Super Hornet to the fleet. (expanded capability) and I CAP (increased capa- Group II (with T56-A-427 improved engines,
An East Coast Super Hornet FRS, VFA-174, is bility) I and II upgrades. ICAP II is now the standard which extend time on station) versions.
scheduled to stand up at NAS Oceana in 2003/04. fleet configuration. E-2 procurement was to have ended with the
The 1997 Quadrennial Defense Review The Prowlers are planned for upgrade to the last of the six aircraft funded in FY 1992. Subse-
reduced the projected Super Hornet purchase Block 89A configuration, which includes an quently, the Navy determined that it would be
from 1,000 to a minimum of 548. Twelve were upgraded AYK-14 mission computer, an inertial more cost-effective to buy new aircraft than to
funded in FY 1997; numbers increased to 20 in navigation set integrated with GPS and two anti- extensively upgrade existing models. Accordingly,
FY 1998 and to 30 in FY 1999 and are expected jam ARC-210 radios. The Block 89A version four new E-2Cs were funded in FY 1995, three
to reach a final maximum rate of 48 per year in first flew in June 1997. The first of 20 aircraft in FY 1996 and four each in FYs 1997 and 1998.
FY 2001. Initially, production will favour the (modified from a Block 82 Prowler) was delivered An additional 21 aircraft will be procured during
F/A-18F for transition training. Production to NAS Whidbey Island in December 1998. FY 1999-2003. The Navy's active inventory

128
 VFA-81 'Sunliners'
(above), VFA-82
'Marauders' (left),
VFA-83 'Rampagers'
(above right) and
VFA-86 'Sidewinders'
(right) are all
Atlantic Fleet units,
based at NAS Ocean a
(in the case of VFA-81
and VFA-83) and
MCAS Beaufort.

VFA-87 'Golden
Warriors' (left),
VFA-105 'Cunslingers'
(right) and VFA-106
'Gladiators' (below
left) are all Atlantic
Fleet units. VFA-113
'Stingers' (below
right) is a West
Coast unit, based at
NAS Lemoore.

Above: VFA-115 'Eagles' Below: VFA-125 is the West Coast

(until1996VA-115)isa FRS. Like all other FRSs, it is
MAS Lemoore-based unit known universally as 'the RAG'.

VFA-131 'Wildcats' (above) shares its home at NAS Oceana

with VFA-136 'Knighthawks' (below). Both units moved from
NAS Cecil Field in December 1998.

129
Air Power Analysis

includes 78 E-2Cs, as well as two TE-2Cs for each aircraft-carrier in two-ship detachments. end of the Cold War, found itself in demand in
training E-2 pilots. An updated version of the There were fewer ES-3A airframes than are the littoral warfare environment of the 1990s.
E-2C, known as Hawkeye 2000, made its first needed to support two 10-ship detachments and The current front-line version, the P-3C, first
flight in 1998. This upgrade includes an maintain a standard turnaround training schedule, entered service in 1969 and has been upgraded
improved COTS-based mission computer so ES-3A airframes are transferred from one frequently since, through Updates I, II, II.5 and
upgrade, a new Advance Control Indicator Set detachment to another to meet operational I I I and is currently undergoing several
(ACIS), a 12-ton vapour-cycle system, satellite requirements. Like S-3Bs, ES-3As serve as tankers programmes to extend the life of the airframe and
communications and the Co-operative Engagement for the carrier air wing. The ES-3As proved improve its mission suite and armament. (The
Capability (CEC). The Navy's ultimate goal is to exceptionally valuable over Bosnia in the recon- Boeing Update IV package, with a vastly
eventually update the entire E-2C fleet to the naissance role in support of NATO forces. improved mission suite and new engines, was
HE2000 configuration. In mid-1998, the Navy made the decision to cancelled in 1992, a victim of post-Cold War
All Group I variants have been retrofitted to withdraw the ES-3A from service by mid-1999, budget c u t b a c k s . ) The Navy is gradually
Group II standard. By 2010 all production Group without replacement. The aircraft's mission upgrading most P-3Cs to an Update III Common
II aircraft will be upgraded to the Hawkeye 2000 avionics suite, becoming obsolescent in the age of Configuration that will be the fleet standard.
standard. All Group 0 aircraft will be retired by interconnectivity in the electronic battlefield, was P-3C aircraft are continually being modernised
2004. A variant of the Common Support deemed too expensive to upgrade. Carrier battle with several improvement programmes to satisfy
Aircraft is programmed to replace the E-2C. groups in the future will rely on land-based Navy and joint requirements through the early
aircraft (such as EP-3Es and RC-135s) and space- part of the 21st century. A roll-on counter-drug
Sea control based sensors to support Sigint requirements. It upgrade (CDU) sensor package, which included
The S-3B Viking, which incorporated anti- has not been determined if a CSA variant will Cluster Ranger high-powered optical sensors,
surface warfare upgrades such as the APS-137 return the Sigint role to the carrier air wing. became available in the early 1990s and proved
inverse synthetic aperture radar and the AGM-84 useful in NATO peace enforcement over Bosnia.
Harpoon as well as the UYS-1 Proteus acoustic Carrier onboard delivery Additional upgrades include installation of a
sensor suite, completed replacement of the S-3A For the specialised mission of delivering modernised communications suite, GPS, common
in the early 1990s. Mission emphasis has shifted personnel, mail, spare parts and cargo to aircraft- avionics improvements, modernised cockpit
away from ASW towards anti-surface warfare and carriers at sea, the Navy still relies on a fleet of instrumentation and a new acoustic station
land-attack missions. In September 1993 this was Grumman C-2A Greyhound COD aircraft, sub-system display-and-control set that will
recognised when air anti-submarine (VS) derivatives of the E-2 Hawkeye early warning permit integration of shallow-water anti-submarine
squadrons were redesignated as sea control (VS). aircraft. Two fleet logistics (VRC) squadrons, one warfare (ASW) sensors in the littoral environment.
The S-3's versatility, long range, high endurance on each coast, deploy two-ship C-2 detachments Retrofits of 25 older P-3Cs to the Update III
and ability to carry stand-off weapons have resulted on each aircraft-carrier. The 38 C-2As currently common configuration via the Block Modification
in a marked increase in its missions and flying in service (plus one dedicated fatigue-test airframe), Upgrade Program (BMUP) are funded through
hours. With the retirement of KA-6Ds, A-6Es produced during the mid-1980s, replaced an FY 2000.
and now ES-3As, S-3Bs are the sole organic earlier production run of 17 produced in the The Navy has moved the P-3C's operational
refuelling platforms in carrier task forces and the mid-1960s. A SLEP, delayed from 1994, is awaiting emphasis to the littorals and is improving the
number assigned to each air wing has been the assessment of a full-scale fatigue-life study. anti-surface unit warfare (ASUW) capabilities of
increased from six to eight. As of mid-1998, 114 The SLEP will include installation of dual the P-3Cs. The Anti-surface Improvement
of 119 S-3Bs converted remained in service. ARC-210 radios, full-face oxygen masks and an Program (AIP), originally planned for 146 P-3Cs,
The Navy now is conducting an S-3B Service- improved pitot-static system. Installation of the incorporates enhancements in ASUW, over-the-
Life Assessment Program (SLAP) to identify CAINS II inertial navigation system, funded horizon targeting and command, communications,
structural components to be repaired and/or under SLEP, began in FY 1998. No other major control and intelligence (C3I), plus survivability
replaced in a Service-Life Extension Program improvements are planned. The C-2A is planned enhancements. These upgrades include anti-surface
(SLEP). A full-fatigue-article test is scheduled for for eventual replacement by a version of the weapons (AGM-65F and AGM-84E); APS-137
FY 1999 as a part of this effort. Several upgrades Common Support Aircraft (CSA). However, (V)5 inverse synthetic-aperture radar; a stand-off
are being installed on the S-3Bs (intended to Northrop Grumman has proposed a remanufac- electro-optics sensor; upgraded Elint detection
serve through 2015), including GPS, carrier ture programme for the C-2 A in which the T56 and classification; DAMA, SATCOM and
aircraft inertial navigation system II (CAINS II), a turboprops would be replaced by turbofans. OTCIXS C 3 I systems; and chaff and flare
new autopilot and flight control system, new dispensers, a missile warning system and 'inerted'
tactical displays, the AYK-23 central computer, Common Support Aircraft fuel tanks. The P-3C AIP development aircraft
satellite communications equipment and A feasibility study concluded in November began testing in December 1996 and is currently
improved UHF/VHP radios. 1997 determined that a single airframe was in use by VP-30 for fleet introduction training.
The S-3B is planned for replacement by a variant technically and economically able to replace the Twenty-eight AIP production upgrades are
of the Common Support Aircraft. However, in a E-2C, S-3B, ES-3A and C-2A by 2015. The presently on contract; five had been delivered to
surprise move in late 1998, the Navy decided to aircraft is envisioned either to be produced in the fleet by mid-1998. The AIP version was initially
delete ASW as a mission for the S-3B, leaving specialised variants or be equipped with modular deployed in June 1998 by VP-9, which operated
anti-surface warfare as its primary mission, with mission suites. The Navy submitted a mission the aircraft in support of the Fifth Fleet in the
overland strike support, mine warfare and aerial needs statement in early 1998, but Congress Persian Gulf. The initial inventory objective is 56
refuelling as secondary roles. In addition, half declined to provide any funding in the FY 1999 AIP aircraft, well short of the goal of equipping
(four) of the aircraft in each squadron will budget, encouraging the Navy to define further each VP squadron with four AIP aircraft.
become permanent tankers, a move that will its requirement. Given the 1999 retirement of the The Sustained Readiness Program (SRP) is
result in their redesignation (KS-3B?). The S-3Bs ES-3A and the deletion of ASW as an S-3B role, underway to keep the P-3C airframe in service
will no longer carry an enlisted sensor operator the eventual character of the CSA programme, if until 2015. The first P-3C to go through SRP
and will normally fly with one pilot and one it is ever funded, is likely to be somewhat different returned to service in February 1998 and was
naval flight officer. In view of the tanker capability from its original vision. delivered to the fleet in June 1998. Fifty SRP kits
of the F/A-18E/F, it is possible that the S-3B have been procured to date, with an inventory
eventually will be retired without replacement. Maritime patrol objective of 222 aircraft. An FY 1999 Service-
The Navy has long operated the land-based Life Assessment Program (SLAP) will determine
CV Sigint Lockheed P-3 Orion maritime patrol aircraft for ultimate airframe life. Its product, a SLEP kit, will
The 16 ES-3A Shadows converted from S-3As anti-submarine and anti-shipping roles, as well as be added to the ongoing SRP process in FY 2002.
during the early 1990s are being retired after less for surveillance, reconnaissance, mine laying, In recent years, P-3Cs have been valuable
than a decade in service. The Shadows, which drug-interdiction and search and rescue missions. reconnaissance platforms, serving joint commanders
had filled the gap left by the withdrawal from Developed to counter the Soviet submarine on missions over Somalia, Haiti, Rwanda, Bosnia
service of the EA-3B Skywarrior, deployed with threat, the P-3 force, greatly reduced since the and Kosovo. Maverick-armed P-3Cs were also

130
/FA-151 'Vigilantes' (above) operates as part ofCVW-2.
/FA-192 'The World Famous Golden Dragons' (right) is based
it NAS Atsugi, along with VFA-27 and VFA-195 (below).

Above: VAQ-128 'Fighting

Wove: VAQ-129 Below: Apart from the Japan-based Phoenix' is one of the four
Vikings'is the FRS units, all active-duty Navy EA-6B joint USN/USAF expeditionary
for the Prowler squadrons are based at Whidbey Island. Prowler units.
community. This is a VAQ-130 'Zappers' aircraft.
Right: VAQ-131 'Lancers'
operates as part ofCVW-2
aboard the USS Constellation.
Below: This VAQ-132
'Scorpions' EA-6B is the
squadron 'CAG bird'. VAQ-132
is attached to CVW-17.

Above: This VAQ-134 'Garudas' Below: VAQ-135 'Black

EA-6B is seen at Nellis AFB Ravens' sail as part of Air
during a regular Prowler Wing 11, aboard the USS
deployment to a 'Flag' exercise. Carl Vinson (CVN-70).

Left: VAQ-136 'Gauntlets'

is the sole Atsugi-based
EA-6B unit.
Above: VAQ-138 is one of
the few Prowler units
not to have seen combat.
Left: The badge of
VAQ-137'Rooks' features
a stylised North
American bird.
Right: VAQ-139 'Cougars'
sails as part of CVW-14.

131
Air Power Analysis

used to enforce sanctions in the Adriatic against a major mission systems upgrade to the E-6B 37 HH-60Hs in the fleet inventory, as well as
the former Yugoslavia. The 12 active patrol configuration to better support the submarine two NSH-60Bs and one YSH-60F in permanent
squadrons (down from 24 in 1991) all operate the communications role and serve as airborne test roles. Two follow-on types under development
P-3C Update III version, as do three of the seven command posts (ABNCPs) for the US Strategic are the SH-60R and the CH-60S.
reserve patrol squadrons. A few P-3Bs and P-3Cs Command. The E-6B retains all E-6A capabilities The SH-60B, which replaced the SH-2
in service with patrol squadron special projects and is equipped with a battle-staff compartment Seasprite in the early 1990s, functions as an
units are modified with specialised reconnaissance and an airborne launch-control system capable of extension of the shipboard weapon system of the
equipment. launching Peacekeeper and Minuteman ICBMs. cruiser, destroyer, or frigate on which it is
As of mid-1998, 228 P-3Cs remained in Other upgrades include installation of GPS, the deployed. With radar, ESM, MAD, IR and
service. Other variants of the P-3 still in service Orbit Improvement System (to increase antenna sonobuoy sensors, the SH-60B can detect and
include one TP-3A pilot trainer (to be retired in efficiency), a new mission computer system, track submarines and surface ships and attack with
February 1999), five VP-3A executive transports, UHF frequency division multiplexing, an LF ASW torpedoes and anti-shipping missiles. Its
five UP-3A/B utility transports, one NP-3C and transmit capability and a MILSTAR command secondary missions include SAR, medevac,
13 NP-3D (former EP-3A, RP-3A, EP-3B and post terminal. Planned upgrades include additional VertRep, fleet support and communications relay.
RP-3D) RDT&E and oceanographic survey satellite c o m m u n i c a t i o n s capabilities, a new SH-60Bs routinely deploy on 'Ticonderoga'-
aircraft, six P-3B/C special projects aircraft and receiver terminal and new cockpit displays. class Aegis guided-missile cruisers, 'Spruance'-
one EP-3J electronic aggressor aircraft. The first E-6B was delivered on 14 October class destroyers and 'Oliver Hazard Perry'-class
1997. E-6Bs flew their first operational missions guided-missile frigates. An upgrade programme
Land-based Sigint in April 1998 and completely replaced the Air for 93 SH-6()Bs, called Block I, will continue
The Navy operates 11 Lockheed EP-3E Orion Force EC-135C L o o k i n g Glass a i r c r a f t in through mid-1999 and includes installation of the
land-based electronic reconnaissance aircraft to September 1998. The first test launch of an Air Mk 50 torpedo, GPS and AGM-119 Penguin
intercept, collect, identify and exploit signals Force Minuteman I I I ICBM commanded by an anti-shipping missiles, as well as the AAS-44
intelligence (Sigint) in support of joint theatre E-6B took place on 24 June 1998. All 16 E-6As infra-red sensor.
and fleet commanders. The unarmed EP-3E will have been modified to the E-6B series by During FY 1997, eight SH-6()Bs were armed
carries a large crew, mostly electronic warfare 2000; six E-6Bs had been delivered by mid-1998. with Hellfire missiles, and the arming of 24
operators, communications intercept operators Fifteen of the Navy's 16 E-6s are divided into active-duty and 18 reserve HH-60H aircraft with
and linguists. The aircraft often fly missions off two operational squadrons (VQ-3 and VQ-4) those missiles has started. Another 79 SH-60Bs
the coast of potentially hostile nations, monitoring assigned to Strategic Communications Wing One will be armed with Hellfires, with fleet introduc-
their radar and communications activity. During at Tinker AFB, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; the tion planned for the second quarter of FY 1999.
the mid-1990s, 12 P-3Cs were converted under 16th aircraft is used as a test platform. Despite the Eventually, 230 H-60 helicopters will be armed
the CILOP (Conversion-In-Lieu-Of-Procurement) end of the Cold War, all 16 E-6 Mercury aircraft with Hellfire. However, until more missiles are
programme to EP-3Es with the A R I E S II will be kept in service and be postured to provide procured, the arming programme will result in
(Airborne Reconnaissance Integrated Electronic C3 through partial airborne coverage and ground the Hellfire inventory level being reduced from
System II) mission suite. These aircraft replaced alert. Two TC-18Fs, modified Boeing 707-32()s, 86 per cent to 73 per cent. By the end of
two EP-3B 'Bat Rack' and 10 EP-3E 'Aries I' (all are used as cockpit trainers for E-6 crews. FY 1999, 87 SH-60Bs will be able to launch
P-3A conversions) in service with two fleet air Penguin missiles.
reconnaissance (VQ) squadrons. The last EP-3E Multi-purpose Maritime Aircraft During the 1990s, the SH-60F (CV-Helo)
ARIES II aircraft was delivered in 1997. One The Multipurpose Maritime Aircraft (MMA) replaced the SH-3H Sea King in all active-duty
VQ-2 EP-3E was damaged beyond economical programme is envisioned to replace the P-3, HS squadrons as the aircraft-carrier's ASW
repair in a September 1997 landing mishap at EP-3, E-6 and C-130 in naval service. An MMA helicopter. Equipped with dipping sonar and
Souda Bay, Crete; a P-3C has been selected to definition study has been funded by the Navy and armed with ASW torpedoes, the SH-60F
receive the damaged EP-3E's mission suite and a technical and economic feasibility study is provides inner-zone defence to a carrier battle
will be converted to an EP-3E. planned for 1999. P-3 fleet service is expected to group. (The AQS-22 dipping sonar will replace
The Sensor System Improvement Program expire by 2016, so Navy planners hope to initiate the current AQS-13F.) The SH-60F also serves
(SSIP) upgrade, which features improvements to production of the MMA by 2010. in plane guard, rescue and logistics roles.
the EP-3E's communications and data automation In HS squadrons, the SH-60F is augmented by
capabilities, is nearing the end of combined Tiltrotors the HH-60H strike rescue version that has the
developmental and operational testing at NAS The p r o d u c t i o n of the MV-22B Osprey primary role of conducting combat SAR and
Patuxent River, Maryland. Theatre deployment tiltrotor is underway for the Marine Corps. The insertion and extraction of special operations
and fleet operational test and evaluation began in Navy envisions procuring 48 HV-22B rescue forces. The HH-60H, w h i c h replaced the
late 1998. All EP-3Es are scheduled for SSIP versions; however, no funding has been provided HH-1K in the Naval Air Reserve, is armed with
upgrade by FY 2000. One EP-3E modified to date and service entry of the HV-22B is not 7.62-mm machine-guns and Hellfire missiles.
beginning in December 1997 with the high-band likely before 2010.
Sigint prototype sub-system of the Joint Sigint SH-60R and CH-60S
Avionics Family (JSAF) is being operationally ASW helicopters The Navy is currently developing the SH-60R
tested. The retirement of the ES-3A in 1999 will The Navy has commenced the execution of its as a replacement for both the SH-60B and SH-60F.
further increase fleet reliance on the EP-3E and Helicopter Master Plan, which will ultimately Most SH-60B, SH-60F and HH-60H airframes
Air Force RC-135 for Sigint support. reduce the eight different types of helicopters will be remanufactured into SH-6()Rs, including
currently operated by the Navy to two H-60 38 SH-60Bs originally scheduled for the Block 1
Strategic communications variants, combining operational and cost effective- upgrade. The SH-60R will feature many
Since the late 1960s, the Navy has operated ness in meeting the burgeoning missions expected improvements, including an increase in gross
strategic communications aircraft which linked to be performed by fleet organic rotary-wing operating weight, two additional stores stations, a
the national command authority with the nuclear aircraft now and in the f u t u r e . Three types 1553 databus, an AYK-14 mission computer,
deterrent force's fleet ballistic missile submarines. currently in fleet service are the SH-60B LAMPS improved cockpit displays, an AQS-22 light-
Known by the programme name TACAMO I I I , the SH-60F (CV-Helo) and the HH-60H. weight low-frequency dipping sonar, a UYS-2
(take charge and move out), 16 Boeing E-6A (The Marine Corps operates eight VH-60Ns in acoustic processor, a multi-mode inverse synthetic-
Mercurys had replaced the EC-130G/Q Hercules its presidential support fleet. Three UH-6()As on aperture radar, an upgraded ESM system, an IR
aircraft by 1992. The Mercury transmits very- loan from the Army are used by the US Naval sensor and an integrated self-defence system. The
low-frequency communications with 30,000-ft Test Pilot School.) MAD system will be deleted, but the SH-60R
(9144-m) trailing-wire antennas. The E-6 continues Procurement of all existing Seahawk versions will retain the 7.62-mm machine-gun, the Penguin
to provide survivable and reliable command, of t h e H-60 ended with f u n d i n g for eight and Hellfire missiles and the Mk 46 and Mk 50
control and communications (C3) to US strategic HH-60Hs in the FY 1994 budget. As of mid- torpedoes as armament. Remanufacturing will
forces. All E-6A aircraft are currently undergoing 1998, there were 165 SH-6()Bs, 76 SH-6()Fs and commence in 1999, conclude in 2011 and extend

132
Above: VAQ-140 'Patriots' Below: VAQ-142 'Gray Wolves'is
is attached to CVW-7 one of the joint expeditionary
aboard the USS EA-6B units, along with VAQ-128,
Washington (CVN-73). VAQ-133andVAQ-134.

Above: VAQ-141
'Shadowhawks' played
an important part in
the Operation
Deliberate Force
strikes of August 1995.
Right: The S-3Bs of
VS-21 'Fighting
Redtails' each wear a
Viking's head fin badge.
Below: VS-30
'Diamondcutters' are
based at NAS
Jacksonville, with all
the Atlantic Fleet S-3s.

VS-22 'Checkmates' (above) and VS-24 'Scouts' (below) are

East Coast units attached to CVW-3 and CVW-8, respectively.

Left: VS-29
'Screaming
DragonfJies' is based
at NAS North Island,
home of the Pacific
Fleet S-3B force.
Only VS-21 is based
elsewhere, at NAF
Atsugi.
Right: VS-32
'Maulers' deployed
with Maverick-
capable S-3Bs
during its 1998 cruise
aspartofCVW-1.
LefL-VS-33'Screwbirds'
pioneered the
integration of the
AGM-84 Harpoon
with fleet Viking
squadrons.
Right: This is the
'CAGbird'ofVS-35
'Blue Wolves', the
most recently
established Viking
squadron, which
stood up in 1991.

Left: VS-38 'Red

Griffins' sails as part
of CVW-2, aboard the
USS Constellation.
Right: A shamrock
fin badge marks this
S-3B as a VS-41
aircraft, the sole
Viking FRS.
Air Power Analysis

the service life of the airframe to 20,000 hours NVH-3A is used by the Rotary-Wing Aircraft fleet. An approved COEA has identified the
from the current 10,000 hours. The SH-60R is Test Squadron as a test platform for the presidential CH-60S as the best alternative to replace the
scheduled to enter service in 2002. fleet of 11 Marine Corps VH-3Ds. The UH-3H H-46Ds, with savings of $650 million anticipated
A proposed v a r i a n t of the SH-60R, the and the VH-3A are scheduled for replacement by over the life cycle of the programme. The Navy
SH-60R(V), is planned for HS squadrons as a the CH-60S Knighthawk. has experimented with the Kaman K-MAX
less-expensive CV-Helo. This version is helicopter and the Bell 212 (operated by Evergreen)
envisioned to be wired for all SH-60R systems Mine countermeasures in the VertRep role, but no commitment has
but would not have all systems installed. A final The Sikorsky MH-53E Sea Dragon, a derivative been made.
decision on production has not been made. of the CH-53E Super Stallion assault transport,
Commencing in 1999, the Navy is procuring a remains the Navy's sole dedicated mine counter- Fleet logistics
second new H-60 variant, the CH-60S measures helicopter. Most of the Navy's 44 The Navy has managed to maintain control
Knighthawk, to perform the combat logistics MH-53Es are operated by HM-14 and HM-15; over a sizeable logistics aircraft fleet ever since
support, combat SAR, organic airborne mine these squadrons are manned by a 50-50 mix of World War II. The current fleet is used to meet
countermeasures, vertical replenishment and utility active and reserve personnel. Five MH-53Es are rapidly changing requirements in transporting
missions. In late 1997, Sikorsky flew the YCH-60 used to train Navy Sea Dragon crews with the personnel, mail, spare parts and other cargo to
development helicopter, fabricated from an Army Marine Corps' CH-53E t r a i n i n g squadron ports for transfer to ships at sea. Aircraft rotate on
UH-60L Black Hawk and a Navy SH-60F and (HMT-302) at MCAS New River, North Carolina. detachments to forward fleet operating areas such
demonstrated it in the VertRep role. Basically a One NMH-53E serves in a permanent test role. as the Mediterranean, Persian Gulf and the Western
Black Hawk with rotor, engines (T700-GE- In 1994 the Navy transferred the last of its Pacific.
401C), tail pylon, gear box, rescue hoist and CH-53E vertical onboard delivery (VOD) The McDonnell Douglas C-9B Skytrain II, a
automatic flight control system of a Seahawk, the helicopters to the Marine Corps and replaced military version of the DC-9-32 airliner, has been
CH-60 has dual large cargo doors, a cabin with them with MH-53Es, operated by HC-4 in the in naval service since 1973. These aircraft have
reversible floorboards (one side with rollers to Mediterranean. MH-53E deliveries were completed been augmented by second-hand DC-9-31s and
handle pallets) and an external cargo hook. The in FY 1994. The installation of GPS has greatly later by DC-9-33s, which retained their civil
CH-60S was approved in 1998 for low-rate increased the effectiveness of the MH-53E. Current designations. The 17 C-9B and 12 DC-9 aircraft
initial production and is planned for service as a plans call for the MH-53E to be operated well have been operated by the Naval Air Reserve for
replacement for the CH-46D, HH-46D, UH-46D, into the 21st century; as a consequence, the Navy almost two decades; they are currently going
UH-3H, HH-1N, VH-3A and HH-60H. The is conducting a SLAP to determine requirements through an avionics upgrade in order to remain
CH-60's advantages over the HH-60H include for a SLEP. Future plans call for the integration consistent with commercial aviation standards and
the ability to carry a rigid inflatable boat internally; of an upgraded GPS capable of stand-alone navi- FAA requirements. In 1997 Congress funded the
a Black Hawk-style tailwheel that allows steeper gation in national airspace and the installation of procurement of two Boeing 737-700s, designated
approaches to landing; and the external stores T64-GE-419 (versus -416) engines to allow for C-40A, to begin replacing the C-9 fleet. A third
support system. The YCH-60 is being tested in one-engine-out operation. If suitable mine coun- C-40A was ordered in 1998. The C-40A is
1999 as a mine-warfare platform and may yet termeasures systems are developed, the CH-60S scheduled to enter service in 2000.
prove to be a suitable replacement for the may be adapted to replace the MH-53E. During the early 1990s, the Navy retired its
MH-53E by using remotely operated systems and fleet of Lockheed C-130Fs and KC-130Fs (the
laser detection systems. Vertical replenishment latter borrowed from the Marine Corps). Twenty
Five CH-60Ss were funded in the FY 1999 An ageing fleet of Boeing Vertol H-46 Sea new C-130T transports were obtained for four
budget; production is expected to increase to 18 Knights in their fourth decade of service - Naval Air Reserve VR squadrons, the last two
per year until up to 185 have been produced. sustains the Navy's VertRep capability and provides being delivered in late 1996. These aircraft
The CH-60S is expected to reach IOC in FY rescue/utility detachments for the amphibious equipped two new squadrons (VR-53 and -54)
2001. The procurement of all Navy H-60 variants assault ships (LHAs and LHDs) and the single and replaced DC-9s in two others (VR-55 and
is scheduled for completion by 2011. mine countermeasures support ship (MCS). The VR-62). They routinely rotate on detachment to
CH-46D, HH-46D and UH-46D are essentially forward operating areas along with the C-9s, having
Exit LAMPS I similar and used interchangeably by the HC assumed the fleet-support airlift role once
The Kaman SH-2G Seaspnte (LAMPS Mk I) squadrons, with the HH-46Ds equipping the performed by the now retired C-130Fs of VR-22
remains in service with two reserve squadrons rescue detachments. and VRC-50 and the KC-130Fs of VR-22. The
(HSL-84 and HSL-94). The SH-2G is the only The Sea Knights are going through a dynamic modern C-130Ts have since been upgraded with
Navy platform currently using the Magic Lantern component upgrade (DCU) to extend their oper- ARC-210 radios and GPS. There are no plans to
laser mine-detection system (delivered in December ating life and to lift flight restrictions imposed by procure additional C-130Ts.
1996) and is expected to be retired from service fatigue. In the early years of the decade, major
by 2000. SH-2Gs deploy on reserve early-build funding was provided for modernisation of the Phase-out in Antarctica
'Perry'-class guided-missile frigates (FFGs) not aircraft, including night-flying improvements and In 1998, the Navy began retiring its
equipped to handle the SH-60B. With the pending dynamic-component upgrades (DCUs). The ski-equipped LC-130F and LC-130R Hercules
retirement of the early 'Perry' FFGs, the SH-2Gs latter include a new rotor head, a new aft-rotor transports used to supply the scientific research
will no longer be required. Seventeen SH-2Gs vertical shaft, a transmission upgrade and new stations in Antarctica. The LC-130Fs of VXE-6
remain in service. flight controls. When the upgrades are complete, have been retired and the squadron's LC-130Rs
the aircraft will have been returned only to its are being transformed into LC-130Hs for the
Reigning Sea Kings original level of capability. Half of the H-46 fleet New York Air National Guard's 109th Airlift
Another ASW helicopter, having been replaced has received DCU rotorheads. However, only a Wing, which has assumed the Antarctic support
on carriers by the SH-60F, is the Sikorsky SH-3H few aircraft have DCU completely installed; those role and operates similar LC-130H aircraft. VXE-6's
Sea King, one squadron of which provides ASW aircraft have improved corrosion resistance, TC-130Q training aircraft also have been retired.
and rescue services for CVWR-30. Reserve increased fleet readiness and reliability, and have The squadron retired its HH-lNs in 1996, turning
squadrons HS-75 and HC-85 also operate the eliminated the need for recurring inspections. A over helicopter services to contractors.
UH-3H, a utility version of the SH-3H (modi- total of 312 aircraft (this figures includes US In December 1998, the Air Force transferred to
fied with a cargo hook and redesigned cabin) for Marine Corps CH-46Es) is scheduled to receive the Navy the NC-130H, the former EC-130V
rescue, torpedo recovery and other range DCU modifications, with the last upgrade drug-interdiction aircraft (with an E-2C radome
services. The UH-3H is operated by VC-8, the planned for 2002. and radar system installed) used briefly by the
Pacific Missile Range Facility and by several air As of mid-1998, 42 HH-46Ds, 27 CH-46Ds Coast Guard in the early 1990s. The aircraft has
station base flights. The Navy converted 53 and 11 UH-46Ds remained in service. The joined the Naval Force Aircraft Test Squadron at
SH-3Hs into UH-3Hs. Four former presidential predicted shortage of H-46s will reach 48 aircraft NAS Patuxent River, Maryland as a development
transports, VH-3As, provide executive trans- by the turn of the century. The Navy is supporting platform for the Hawkeye 2005 radar system and
portation in the Norfolk, Virginia area. A single procurement of the CH-60S to replace the H-46 associated support architecture.

134
 The Navy's two ES-3A Shadow squadrons, VQ-5 'Sea
Shadows' (above) and VQ-6 'Black Ravens' (below), will be
disestablished in 1999 and the ES-3A withdrawn from service.
VAW-112 'Golden Hawks'
(above), VAW-113 'Black
Hawks' (left), VAW-116 'Sun
Kings' (below left) and
VAW-117 'Wallbangers'
(below) are all West Coast
E-2C Hawkey e squadrons,
based at NAWS Point Mugu.
A fifth Pacific Fleet Hawkeye
unit, VAW-115 'Sentinels', is
based at NAF Atsugi. VRC-30
is stationed at Point Mugu,
alongside the E-2Cs.

Right: VAW-121 'Bluetails'is

one of the very oldest ofE-2
squadrons, having stood up in
April 1967.
Below: VP-4 'Skinny
Dragons', now based at MCAF
Kaneohe Bay, is one of the six
Above: VAW-120, based at NAS Below: VAW-123 remaining P-3C squadrons
Norfolk, acts as the FRS for the 'Screwtops' is one of the six attached to the two Patrol
whole Hawkeye community. Atlantic Fleet E-2C units. Wings of the Pacific Fleet.

The US Navy's P-3

Orion force has,
arguably, seen the
greatest reduction in
the Soviet-era threat it
was designed to
counter-and thus the
Above: VAW-125 'Tiger Tails' Below: VAW-126 'Seahawks1 greatest cuts in its
is attached to Air Wing 17, is attached to Air Wing 3 overall strength. The
aboard the USS Eisenhower. aboard the USS Enterprise. Orion community is
now evenly split
between the active
Navy and Reserve,
with just 13 active-
duty patrol squadrons
remaining. These
P-3Cs are from VP-5
'Mad Foxes' (above
right) and VP-8
'Tigers' (right), both
East Coast units from
Patrol Wings 11 and 5,
respectively.

135
Air Power Analysis

Gulfstream C-20D Gulfstrcam Ills and C-20G Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) built, 55 remained in service in mid-1998. A
Gulfstream IVs are operated by the Naval Air The Navy has used RQ-2A Pioneer unmanned proposed T-44B follow-on version was cancelled
Reserve for a variety of rapid-response transport aerial vehicles (UAVs) for reconnaissance since before development. The shift of Air Force
duties, but mostly for transportation of high-level the late 1980s. The RQ-2A is a tactical system multi-engined turboprop pilot training to the
Navy and Marine Corps military and civilian for near real-time reconnaissance, surveillance Navy in 1997 increased the demand for training
officials. The C-20Ds - both operated from NAF and target acquisition (RSTA) and battle damage aircraft and some 20 Beech UC-12Bs are being
Washington, DC by Fleet Logistics Support assessment (BDA). The Pioneer is currently converted to TC-12Bs.
Squadron 1 (VR.-1) are fitted with executive configured for operations from land-based sites Two training squadrons of North American
compartments with accommodation for five and LPDs and will operate until the planned tran- T-2C Buckeyes take pilots and flight officers
passengers and staff compartments with accom- sition to the Tactical UAV (TUAV) system is through basic and intermediate strike training.
modation for eight passengers. completed. The 107 T-2Cs remaining in service experienced
Four C-20Gs are operated (two each) by VR-48 The Pioneer is launched using rocket-assisted airframe problems and were grounded for a period
at N A F Washington and VR-51 a t ' M C A F take-off or pneumatic rails and is recovered by in 1997. The T-2Cs still in the inventory are
Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii. The C-20G may be net at sea, or by landing ashore in a 200 x 75-m scheduled to be replaced by T-45Cs by 2010.
configured for cargo o p e r a t i o n s , passenger (656 x 246-ft) unimproved field. The UAV can Nine T-2Cs serve as chase aircraft and spin trainers
operations, or various combinations of the two. carry a payload of 65-100 lb (29-45 kg), including at the US Naval Test Pilot School in Patuxent
With passengers seats, removed the aircraft may be a day TV camera or IR camera and can patrol for River, Maryland.
modified to the following configurations: three periods of longer than five hours. Control of the The TA-4J remains the only variant of the
pallets/no passengers, two pallets/eight passengers RQ-2A can be handed from one control station to Skyhawk in US naval service. The TA-4J is used
and one pallet/14 passengers. With a full another, thereby increasing the vehicle's range as an advanced strike trainer in one training
complement of seats installed, the aircraft can and allowing launch from one site and recovery squadron (VT-7) and serves as an adversary and
accommodate up to 26 passengers and a crew of at another. The Pioneer system can control two target-tug in one composite squadron (VC-8). As
four. air vehicles simultaneously (but the video down- of mid-1998, 49 TA-4Js remained in service. The
link and positive control can be managed for only T-45C is in production to replace the TA-4J in
Base flights one air vehicle at a time). the strike training role. All TA-4Js were
Versions of the twin-turboprop Beech C-12 The Pioneer fleet has flown over 17,000 hours scheduled for phase-out by the end of 1999, but
Huron (Super King Air) are still used extensively during 11 years of operations by Army, Navy and the phase-out may be adjusted because of delays
for base flight support aircraft, with a fe\v Marine Corps tactical units. VC-6 deploys ship- in delivery of the T-45C.
specialised variants assigned the additional duty of board Pioneer detachments from NAS Patuxent The Boeing (formerly McDonnell Douglas)
range clearance and support. As of mid-1998, 44 River; the Marine Corps fields two Marine UAV T-45 Goshawk is steadily replacing the T-2C and
UC-12Bs, 20 TC-12Bs, 10 UC-12Fs, 10 UC-12Ms, squadrons, VMU-1 and VMU-2. Theatres of TA-4J in the strike-training role. A development
two RC-12Fs and two RC-12Ms remained in operation have included the Persian Gulf, Bosnia, of the British Aerospace Hawk with redesigned
service. Most UC-12Bs are assigned to Stateside Somalia and North Africa. A replacement has not landing gear, a strengthened mid-section and a
bases. The UC-12F is used at naval air facilities in been selected, but the Navy is considering tailhook, the T-45 is one component of an entire
Japan, while the UC-12M is used for base flights procurement of a VTOL UAV to augment the interactive training system, the T45TS (T-45
in Europe (and at NAS Norfolk, Virginia for type Pioneer. Pioneer UAV, Inc. is developing an Training System). The T-45 A, which entered
training). Two RC-12Fs (converted from improved version, the RQ-2B. service during the mid-1990s, equips two training
UC-12Fs) support the Pacific Missile Range squadrons. Deliveries of the T-45 A were completed
Facility in Hawaii and two new-build RC-12Ms Primary training aircraft in mid-1998. The proposed T-45B non-carrier-
assigned to NS Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico The Beech T-34C Turbo Mentor is operated capable version was never developed. The Navy's
support the Atlantic Fleet Weapons Training in large numbers by the N a v a l Air Training total requirement for the T-45 is 187 aircraft.
Facility. Surplus UC-12Bs are being converted to Command for basic and intermediate training of Through FY 1998, 123 aircraft had been funded;
TC-12Bs to augment the T-44A multi-engine naval aviators (including helicopter pilots) and funding for another 1 5 was included in the
training track with Training Air Wing 4. flight officers. Six training squadrons are equipped FY 1999 budget. By mid-1998 78 T-45As (of 83
In 1998, the Air National Guard transferred with the Turbo Mentor. As of mid-1998, 318 built) remained in service.
seven C-26Bs to the Navy at no cost to serve as T-34Cs remained in the Navy's inventory. A few The T-45C, which first flew on 21 October
on-call rapid-response modern air transport for T-34Cs serve as target-spotting aircraft for the 1997 and was first delivered in November 1997,
high-priority resupply and the movement of key N a v y ' s F-14 and F/A-18 fleet-readiness features Cockpit-21, a 'glass' cockpit with an
personnel to remote unserviced or feeder sites. squadrons. A single NT-34C serves as a develop- integral GPS/INS and a 1553 digital databus,
The aircraft are replacing some UC-12Bs that are ment aircraft at the Naval Air Warfare Center, compatible with modern military tactical aircraft.
being converted to TC-12B t r a i n e r s . The Aircraft Division and has been used to develop a The first production T-45C was delivered in
C-26Bs will be used to deliver repair parts, collision-avoidance system. November 1997 to Training Air Wing One
equipment, technical teams and mishap investiga- The T-34C will be replaced by the Raytheon- (TAW-1) as part of the stand-up of NAS Meridian,
tion teams and carry out such missions as range built T-6A Texan II beginning in 2003. The Mississippi as a T45TS training site. (The first six
clearance, medical evacuation, administrative T-6A, a variant of the Pilatus PC-9, was selected T-45Cs actually preceded the last T-45As off the
movement of personnel and courier services. through the Joint Primary Aircraft Training production line.) TAW-1's VT-23 began training
Crew training commenced in January 1999, but System (JPATS) competition. The T-6A, pilots in the T-45C, six of which were available
at that time the bases destined to receive C-26Bs equipped with a 'glass' cockpit, will be but one for use by mid-1998. The T-45C will eventually
had not been finalised. part of a comprehensive interactive training system. replace the T-2C and TA-4J in VT-7 and VT-9.
A few HH-1N helicopters remain in service in The T-6A will enter Air Force service in 2001 to Conversion of the T-45 As to the CP-21 configuration
base flights as air station SAR aircraft. These replace the T-37 and will begin replacing Navy is expected to begin in 2001 and be fully
aircraft, which may be required by the Marine T-34Cs in 2003. Total Air Force and Navy completed by 2007.
Corps for conversion to the four-bladed rotor procurement of 740 Texan I Is is planned, with The North American T-39N Sabreliner is used
UH-1Y, may be candidates for replacement by the last scheduled for delivery in 2017. by one training squadron for advanced strike
the CH-60S; alternatively, replacement by training for flight officers destined to crew the
contractor-operated helicopters is an option. Advanced training aircraft F-H, F/A-18D/F, S-3 and EA-6B. The 17
The Beech T-44A Pegasus advanced maritime T-39Ns are modifications of a variety of earlier
Adversaries multi-engined training aircraft (a military version T-39 and CT-39 models with avionics suited for
The once expansive adversary aircraft force is of the Beech King Air 90) has completed two training in radar navigation and airborne radar
now concentrated in two reserve VFC squadrons decades of service and is busily engaged by one intercepts. During the mid-1990s, the T-39Ns
flying F/A-18A/B Hornets (VFC-12) and Navy training squadron (VT-31) in training Navy replaced the Cessna T-47A Citations, which earlier
F-5E/F Tiger Us (VFC-13). The Navy's remaining and Air Force pilots to fly multi-engined aircraft had replaced the T-39D. The T-39Ns were
F-5s are all based at NAS Fallen, Nevada. such as the P-3 and the C-130. Of 61 T-44As purchased by the Navy (and issued with new
 United States Navy

VP-9 'Golden Eagles' (above)

is one of the three Hawaii-
based P-3C patrol units.
VP-10 'Lancers' (above right)
and VP-26 Tridents (left) are
both based at NAS
Brunswick, as part of Patrol
Wing 5, Atlantic Fleet. VP-30
'Pro's Nest' (right) is the P-3
FRS. VP-40 (below) is one of
the three NAS Whidbey
Island-based Orion units.

Above: VP-47 'Golden Swordsmen' is one of the three Pacific

Fleet P-3C units currently moving from NAS Barbers Point to
MCAS Kaneohe Bay, in Hawaii.
The US Navy has two
shadowy special operations
patrol units, VPU-1 'Old
Buzzards'and VPU-2
'Wizards' (right). VPU-1 is the
East Coast unit, based at
NAS Brunswick, while VPU-2
is based in Hawaii. The two
units operate a mix of largely
unmarked, but modified, P-3s
In addition to their specialised EP-3Es, VQ-1 (above) and VQ-2 on classified tasks, believed
(below) - the Navy's dedicated Elint-gathering units - operate to include reconnaissance.
P-3 and UP-3 'bounce birds' for transport and training duties.

Above left: This VP-3A is the Left: Named Valkyria, this UP-3A Above: The E-6Bs of VQ-3
personal transport of the is operated by the Keflavik base and VQ-4 are now the USA's
Commander in Chief, US flight under the Commander, only strategic warfighting
Pacific Fleet (CINCPAC). Fleet Air Keflavik, Iceland. airborne command posts.

137
Air Power Analysis

Bureau Numbers) having been owned and operated train Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard pilots A single Douglas EC-24A (a modified DC-8) is
under contract by Boeing North American. and flight officers: T-1A Jayhawk large multi- operated by Raytheon for the Navy as an electronic
Raytheon Systems Company won the contract to engine jet pilot training and navigator training; aggressor for fleet exercises. Two Boeing
operate and maintain the Sabreliners beginning in T-37B primary and intermediate pilot training; NKC-135A Stratotankers used for the same
1998. One T-39D serves in test roles with the T-43A navigator training. purpose were retired in the mid-1990s. Three
Naval Weapons Test Squadron in China Lake, DC-130A Hercules drone launcher aircraft are
California. (As of 1998, the CT-39G rapid- Miscellaneous types operated from NAWS Point Mugu under
response airlift Sabreliners remained in service The Navy has long included in its inventory contract with Avtel.
only with the Marine Corps.). Eleven Northrop numerous aircraft in small quantities, many on
T-38A Talons remain in service with the US loan from other services, for special purposes. Naval aircraft types or designations withdrawn
Naval Test Pilot School. Many continue to serve with the US Naval Test from service 1990-1998
Only one type of training helicopter, the Bell Pilot School in order to give students the oppor- A-3B A-4M C-130F HH-1K RP-3A
TH-57 Sea Ranger, is used to instruct the many tunity to fly in a wide variety of flight conditions. EA-3B NA-4M LC-130F TH-1L EP-3B
helicopter pilots who serve with the Navy, Aircraft in service with the USN TPS include EKA-3B OA-4M EC-130G HH-2D YP-3C
Marine Corps and Coast Guard. The Navy trains one de Havilland Canada NU-1B Otter, two KA-3B EA-6A EC-130Q SH-2F RP-3D
NA-3B NEA-6B TC-130Q HH-3A S-3A
several hundred student naval aviators with 47 DHC U-6A Beavers, four Beech U-21F Utes, RA-3B KA-6D LC-130R UH-3A NS-3A
TH-57Bs (for primary VFR training) and 77 two X-26A powered gliders, six Hughes TH-6B NRA-3B A-6E C-131H SH-3D US-3A
TH-57Cs (for advanced IFR training) in two Cayuses and four Bell OH-58C Kiowas. TA-3B A-6F NKC-135A SH-3G T-2B

helicopter training squadrons at NAS Whiting McDonnell Douglas QF-4N and QF-4S target NTA-3B TA-7C UC-880 OH-6A T-34B
UA-3B A-7E RF-4B CH-53A YT-34C
Field, Milton, Florida. Two TH-57Cs configured drones are expended periodically in missile tests. (NTRA-3B) YA-7E F-4S NCH-53A CT-39E
for RDT&E are used for photo, chase and utility They also serve (while manned) as chase planes A-4E NA-7E RF-8G RH-53D U-3A
missions at the Naval Air Warfare Center, for tests. A single YF-4J serves when needed as an A-4F EA-7L F-16N TH-57A U-11A
Aircraft Division at Patuxent River, Maryland. ejection-seat test platform. NA-4F TC-4C TF-16N OH-58A U-21A
TA-4F UC-8A QF-86F YSH-60B OV-10A
Of note, with the advent of joint undergraduate A single surviving X-31A high angle-of-attack NTA-4F DC-9-31 NUH-1E 0-2A OV-10D
pilot and navigator training during the mid- research aircraft is owned by the Navy but is used TA-4J UC-27 AH-1J EP-3A V-22A
1990s, the following Air Force aircraft are used to by NASA on research activities. NTA-4J C-28A AH-1T NP-3A

US Navy organisation and operations

The Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) is the Sixth Fleet (Gaeta, Italy), permanently deployed station liaison aircraft (a few have types such as
Department of the Navy's agent for training and to the Mediterranean Sea, with a NATO role as UP-3, VP-3, C-26 or RC-12) and many have
equipping naval forces, including naval aviation Striking Force Southern Europe. HH-1 or UH-3 SAR helicopters assigned. Some
and making them available for operational control air stations operated by the Naval Air Reserve that
by joint commanders to deploy in time of war or Type commanders host units of other services of the National Guard
crisis or for routine peacetime operations. The Virtually all naval aircraft and units are grouped are designated NAS-JRBs (joint reserve base).
CNO's staff (OPNAV), headquartered in the administratively under a type commander, who is The airfields at Point Mugu and China Lake
Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, includes the a flag officer with responsibility for administration, have been redesignated Naval Air Weapons Stations
Director, Air Warfare (N88), who co-ordinates training and maintenance support. Operational (NAWSs); they are under the command of their
air warfare and strike warfare policy and require- aircraft, aircraft-carriers and units assigned to the respective divisions of the Naval Air Warfare
ments. As a part of the move to reduce the power Atlantic and Pacific Fleets are administered, Center and host aircraft involved in weapons testing.
of the Navy's aviation, surface and submarine respectively, by Commander Naval Air Force, US Some Navy airfields are operated by bases
'fiefdoms', the CNO in 1992 downgraded the Atlantic Fleet (COMNAVAIRLANT, based at designated naval stations (NSs), such as Mayport,
Assistant Chief of Naval Operations (Air Warfare) NAS Norfolk, Virginia) and Commander Naval Florida, or Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico; or
position (a three-star admiral) to a two-star billet, Air Force, US Pacific Fleet (COMNAVAIRPAC, naval support activities (NSAs), such as Naples,
the Director, Air Warfare. based at North Island, California). Training aircraft Italy or Mid-South (Memphis, Tennessee). Some
and units are the responsibility of the Chief of naval aviation units are hosted by Air Force bases
Fleets Naval Air Training (CNATRA). Commander or federal airfields.
Most operational naval aviation forces are Naval Air Reserve Force (CNARF) administers
assigned to the US Atlantic Fleet or the US Pacific the Naval Air Reserve's aircraft and units Carrier air wings
Fleet, which provide the forces used by joint (described separately). The Navy's test aircraft The carrier air wing (CVW) projects the major
commanders to execute US defence policy. An fleet falls under the Commander Naval Air Systems conventional striking power of the Navy. Each
echelon below, five numbered fleets have both Command (NAVAIR, or NASC). wing includes a finely tuned balance of strike and
operational and administrative roles. Additionally, there are overseas commands that support aircraft designed to maximise the operational
The Pacific Fleet includes the US Third, Fifth act as agents for type commanders which provide effectiveness of the aircraft-carrier. The carrier air
and Seventh Fleets. The Third Fleet conducts similar support (under COMNAVAIRLANT or wing commander and his staff not only conduct
operations in the eastern Pacific and is available COMNAVAIRPAC) to aircraft stationed or the affairs of the wing, but advise the battle group
to serve as the naval component commander for a deployed at forward bases. Commander Fleet Air, commander in strike warfare doctrine and tactics.
joint operation. The Fifth Fleet, created during Western Pacific (NAF Atsugi, Japan), Commander Although the Navy operates 12 aircraft-carriers,
the mid-1990s to command the forces that comprised Fleet Air, Mediterranean (NSA Naples, Italy) and the number of CVWs is set at 10, plus one
the Middle East Force, operates in the Persian Commander Fleet Air, Keflavik (NAS Keflavik, reserve CVW (CVWR, described separately).
Gulf and northwest Indian Ocean. The Seventh Iceland) provide such support and some have a With two carriers normally in long-term overhaul,
Fleet operates in the Western Pacific and most of few units directly assigned. the 10 wings are fully occupied with operational
the Indian Ocean. commitment, normally deploying for six months
The US Second Fleet (Norfolk, Virginia) operates Naval air stations and facilities in each 18-month cycle. Over the last 10 years,
in the Atlantic, "with a NATO role as Striking The Navy's aviation infrastructure consists of the Navy has disbanded four CVWs (6, 10, 13
Force Atlantic. An adjunct to the Second Fleet, naval air stations (NASs), naval air weapons stations and 15) and most of their assigned squadrons.
the Western Hemisphere Group (Mayport, Florida) (NAWSs) and naval air facilities (NAFs). Air CVWs are assigned five each to the Atlantic
is the naval component commander for the US stations host the wings and squadrons assigned to (1, 3, 7, 8, 17) and Pacific (2, 5, 9, 11, 14) Fleets.
Southern Command, which deploys ships to the them and provide airfield services and personnel One Pacific Fleet air wing, CVW-5, is still
Caribbean Sea, particularly in counter-drug oper- support, but do not exercise operational control permanently based at NAF Atsugi, Japan and
ations. The Second Fleet trains forces for the US over the tenant units. Most bases have UC-12 deploys on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63).

138
C-2A Greyhound COD aircraft are in service with VRC-40
'Rawhides' (above), VRC-30 'Providers' (right) and VAW-120,
the E-2 FRS (below).

The Navy's two dedicated mine-countermeasures squadrons, Above: The LC-130Fs ofVXE-6
equipped with the MH-53ESea Dragon, are HM-14 'Sea 'Ice Pirates' will soon be
Stallions' (above) and HM-15 'Blackhawks' (below). withdrawn as the Navy hands
its Antarctic support role over
to the US Air National Guard.

Above left: Based at NAS Left: HSL-47 'Sabrehawks' is Above: This HSL-43 'Battle
Sigonella, the MH-53Es ofHC-4 one of the seven Pacific Fleet Cats'SH-60B Sea Hawk is a
provide heavy lift support for SH-60B squadrons, which are Hellfire-capable aircraft
Navy activities across Europe. largely based at North Island. with nose-mounted FUR.

139
Air Power Analysis

Squadron a s s i g n m e n t to CVWs is more Wings, US Pacific Fleet, supervises Patrol Wing 10, during the mid-1990s when this mission was
standardised now than at any time since before but directly supervises the patrol squadrons based assumed completely by the Naval Air Reserve.
World War II, in terms of types of squadrons, in Hawaii since Patrol Wing 2 was disbanded.
detachments and assigned aircraft. During the Patrol Wing 1 in Japan supervises only squadrons Strike fighter squadrons
early 1990s, the Navy's goal was to standardise its and detachments deployed in its operational area. The major striking power of carrier-based naval
CVWs with the 'Roosevelt Air Wing', centred Two naval air test wings were established in aviation resides in 24 strike fighter (VFA)
around a 60-aircraft strike force of two F-14, two 1995 to perform the functions of type wings for squadrons, all of which operate the F/A-18C.
F/A-18 and two A-6 squadrons. The cancellation the test aircraft fleet. The Hornet squadrons have both strike and
of the proposed A-12 Avenger II and the accelerated a i r - s u p e r i o r i t y roles. The n u m b e r of VFA
retirement of the A-6E Intruder, along with the Fleet readiness squadrons squadrons is insufficient to provide three 12-
need to maximise the number of aircraft able to Often called fleet replacement squadrons, or by aircraft squadrons in each of the 10 carrier air
deliver air-to-ground ordnance, doomed the the obsolete term replacement air group (RAG), wings; the deficit is compensated for by two
expensive 'Roosevelt Air Wing' in the early the fleet readiness squadrons (FRSs) provide type Tomcat-equipped VF squadrons (see above) and
1990s. The Navy switched to a 50-strike aircraft training for new aviation and maintenance four Marine fighter-attack (VMFA) squadrons
wing centred on one 14-aircraft F-14 squadron personnel. The FRS assists operational squadrons assigned to carrier duty. Most VFA squadrons are
and three 12-aircraft F/A-18 squadrons. with conducting tactical simulator training during equipped with night-attack-capable F/A-18C(N)
The only significant anomaly is the assignment work-up cycles. Many aircraft 'communities' versions of the F/A-18C.
in two CVWs (7 and 8) of two F-14 fighter have only one FRS that provides personnel to The F/A-18E Super Hornet and later the Joint
squadrons (versus one), with one of the VF units both fleets. In at least one case (HC-2), an FRS Strike Fighter are scheduled to replace the F/A-18C.
in each CVW displacing an F/A-18 squadron. As performs operational missions. Others have one Each air wing is currently scheduled to operate
the F-14 squadrons transition to the F/A-18F, this FRS on each coast. In some cases, such as for one F/A-18E squadron.
anomaly is scheduled to disappear. Four CVWs MH-53E and H H - 1 N s , M a r i n e t r a i n i n g The VFA s q u a d r o n s are evenly divided
each include one Marine Corps fighter-attack squadrons train Navy personnel; in others, such as between two strike-fighter wings, one each on
(VMFA) F/A-18 Hornet squadron in place of a for EA-613s, Navy FRSs train Marines. In other the East and West Coasts. Three Pacific Fleet
Navy strike fighter (VFA) squadron. For several cases, FRS training is conducted by an air station squadrons are stationed at NAF Atsugi, Japan,
years during the mid-1990s, one Marine tactical base fight (as NAS Norfolk does for C-12 crews), from where they deploy with CVW-5. The
electronic warfare (VMAQ) squadron deployed a training support unit (as for E-6 pilots) or the Atlantic Fleet VFA squadrons have begun moving
with one CVW in place of a Navy tactical electronic Air Force (such as for the C-130). to NAS Oceana, Virginia and MCAS Beaufort,
warfare (VAQ, now electronic attack) squadron. North Carolina, as NAS Cecil Field is prepared
Planners have earmarked aircraft replacements Fighter squadrons for closure.
to 2015, but intend to retain the current structure The number of fighter (VF) squadrons per Each strike fighter wing includes an FRS.
of the air wing, barring significant future budget carrier air wing changed in most wings during the VFA-106 and VFA-125 conduct training for the
reductions. The Joint Strike Fighter ()SF) and the mid-1990s. Of the 10 CVWs, only two (CVW-7 East and West Coasts, respectively, using
Common Support Aircraft (CSA) are still in the and CVW-8) retain the traditional pair of F-14- F/A-1 SA/B/C/Ds. These squadrons also train
development or conceptual stage, respectively. equipped VF squadrons. The remaining eight Marine Corps Hornet crews; in reciprocation, the
Shown below is today's typical CVW composition wings deploy with a single larger, TARPS-capable, Marine Corps Hornet FRS, VMFAT-101, trams
and future replacement aircraft: 14-aircraft VF squadron, the second squadron Navy Hornet crews as well. This 'cross-pollination'
Squadron Type Aircraft Type (current) Type (future) Quantity having been replaced by an F/A-18-equipped promotes a high degree of standardisation in the
VF (later VFA) F-14A/B/D F/A-18F 14 strike fighter squadron. This is the result of a large Hornet community.
VFA or VMFA F/A-18C JSF 12 restructuring that enshrines a 50-strike aircraft The training of F/A-18E/F crews will begin in
VFA F/A-18C JSF 12 wing, ideally consisting of 36 Hornets and 14 1999 after the stand-up of the FRS, VFA-122, at
VFA F/A-18C F/A-18E 12 Tomcats (eventually to be replaced by F/A-18Fs). NAS Lemoorc, California in January 1999. An
VAQ EA-6B F/A-18G? 4 Eleven active-duty F-14 squadrons (most non- FRS is planned eventually for the East Coast at
VAW E-2C E-2CorCSA 4 TARPS-equipped) have been disestablished since NAS Oceana.
HS SH-60F/HH-60H SH-60R/CH-60S 6/2 the end of the Cold War. Two VFA squadrons (132 and 161) - both
VS S-3B CSA variant 8 The reduction in carrier-based VF squadrons equipped with F/A-18As - were disbanded during
VQ Detachment ES-3A (None) 2 has resulted in the consolidation of almost all of the last decade. One land-based VFA squadron,
VRC Detachment C-2A CSA variant 2 the N a v y ' s VF squadrons at NAS Oceana, VFA-127, an air combat manoeuvring adversary
Virginia, with Fighter Wing, US Atlantic Fleet, squadron, was disbanded in 1996.
Type wings commensurate with the transfer of NAS Miramar,
For administrative convenience, squadrons flying California, to the Marine Corps. The 1 1 fleet VF Electronic attack
the same type of aircraft in the same role are squadrons at Oceana (three with F-14As, five The Navy operates 14 operational electronic
grouped into type wings and are usually assigned with F-14Bs and three with F-14Ds) deploy attack (VAQ) squadrons (redesignated in March
together at the same base. When deployed on aircraft- onboard carriers from both coasts. VF-154 is 1998 from 'tactical electronic warfare squadrons').
carriers or to overseas bases, they are assigned to permanently forward-deployed to NAF Atsugi, These units, all based with one electronic attack
an operational wing, such as a carrier wing. Japan, as the F-14A squadron assigned to CVW-5 wing at NAS Whidbey Island, Washington, fly
The type wing commander provides adminis- onboard USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63). A 13th F-14 the EA-6B Prowler. Ten four-aircraft squadrons
trative, training and maintenance support to the squadron, VF-101, is the FRS for the entire are assigned one each to the 10 carrier air wings.
squadrons in the wing. The fleet readiness community. This unit operates F-14A/B/Ds and The remaining four squadrons (VAQs 128, 133,
squadron (FRS) is normally assigned to the type a few T-34C trainers for spotter missions. 134 and 142) were organised in the mid- to late
wings (see below). Ten VF squadrons will transition to the F/A-18F, 199()s as expeditionary squadrons to replace the
Generally, the Atlantic and Pacific Fleets each beginning in 1999, with the first two squadrons EF-111A in USAF expeditionary wings. VAQ-134
include one of each category of type wing. Many operational by 2001. The squadrons equipped was slated for disbanding, but survived in a cadre
type wings were established during the 1990s as with the F-14A, including VF-154 in Japan, will status until built up as an expeditionary squadron.
most larger functional wings were broken up. For be the first to make the transition. Yet to be VAQs 133 and 142 resumed the traditions of
some aircraft types, such as the EA-6B, E-6 and determined is whether any of the VF squadrons s q u a d r o n s disestablished in the early 1990s.
F-14, the fleets are both supported by only one will move to the West Coast after they transition VAQ-128 honours the disbanded A-6 FRS,
type wing. In the case of patrol wings, each fleet to the F/A-18F and whether the change to the VA-128. (VAQ-137, carrying on the traditions of
is structured differently. The Atlantic Fleet has a two-seat Super Hornet will precipitate a redesig- an earlier VAQ-137, originally was established as
functional-wing flag-level staff - Commander nation to strike fighter (VFA) squadrons. an expeditionary squadron but was soon reverted
Patrol Wings, US Atlantic Fleet who supervises Several land-based fighter squadrons (VFs 43, to carrier duty to replace a Marine Corps VMAQ
the two type wings, Patrol Wings 5 and 11, as 45 and 126) which performed the air combat squadron.) These expeditionary squadrons -
well as the P-3 FRS, VP-30. Commander Patrol manoeuvring adversary role were disbanded which include some USAF flight crew have

140
 The Navy's 10 front-line
helicopter anti-submarine
squadrons (plus the FRS)
operate a mix ofSH-60Fs
(right) and HH-60Hs (above)
- the latter for planeguard
\bove:ThisSH-60B SAR and combat SAR duties.
's operated by HS-2 'Golden Falcons' (right)
HSL-49 and HS-4 'Black Knights'
Scorpions'. (above) are based at North
Top: This AGM-114- Island. Both the SH-60F and
urmed SH-60B is HH-60H will be replaced by
f
rom HSL-41. the SH-60R and the CH-60S.
Right: This SH-60F
's an HS-10
War hawks'
aircraft.

\bove: This SH-60F from HS-3 'Tridents' is one of the five

\tlantic Fleet HS squadrons, all based at NAS Jacksonville.
VC-8 'Red Tails' (above) operates UH-3Hs from NS Roosevelt
Roads, on range support duties. VC-8 is the last operator of
the Sky hawk, outside Training Command. UH-3Hs are on
strength with the NAS Key West base flight (below).

Above: Today, all

surviving Navy
H-3s are shore-
based, like this
SAP-tasked UH-3H
of the NAS
Patuxent River
base flight.
Left: HC-2 has
aircraft stationed
in the US, Italy and
Bahrain. This is
one of its VH-3As.
The C-12 serves widely in a number of essentially
similar variants, including this UC-12B of the
Lemoore base flight (above) and UC-12M from NAS
Norfolk (below).

The last HH-1Ns in Navy service survive as SAR

base flight aircraft. These examples are from NAS
Lemoore (left) and NAS Meridian (above).

141
Air Power Analysis

deployed to the Middle East (replacing the EF-111A ASW training at VS-41 has ended and S-3B Patrol squadrons primarily engage in anti-
in April 1998) and to Japan to cover gaps (caused ASW systems have been rendered inoperative. submarine and anti-shipping missions, as well as
by commitments in Bosnia and the Middle East) Four aircraft in each squadron are maintained as reconnaissance, shipping surveillance, rescue,
in Marine Corps EA-6B deployments to MCAS surface surveillance and strike aircraft with a logistics, range support, threat simulation and
Iwakuni, Japan. secondary tanker role; four others are assigned communications relay. Improved optical sensors
FRS training of Navy and Marine Corps permanent tanker duty, retaining limited surveil- have made the P-3C useful in overland surveillance
EA-6B crews and maintenance personnel is lance capability. in Bosnia and central Africa. Advancements,
conducted by VAQ-129 at Whidbey Island. embodied in the Anti-surface Improvement
The readiness of the EA-6B force has been Maritime patrol Programme (AIP) in the form of long-range optics,
severely stressed in the late 1990s by aircraft The Navy maintains a force of 12 active-duty improved command and control and weaponry
shortages aggravated by fatigued airframes and operational patrol (VP) squadrons, a force half the (such as the SLAM-ER missile), will make the
aircraft modification programmes. The demands size of that maintained at the height of the Cold MPA force potent in a stand-off land-attack role.
of deployments to the Middle East (in support of War; 12 squadrons have been disestablished since
'No-Fly Zones' over Iraq) and to Italy (in support 1990. The squadrons are evenly divided between VP special projects units
of operations over Bosnia) have exacerbated the East and West Coasts. Six squadrons under For three decades the Navy has fielded a small
stress on the EA-6B fleet. Commander Patrol wings, US Atlantic Fleet number of specialised reconnaissance versions of
(Norfolk, Virginia) are based, three each, at NAS the P-3. Initially, these aircraft were operated by
Airborne early warning Brunswick, Maine (Patrol Wing 5) and NAS special projects departments of selected VP
Each carrier air wing includes one carrier Jacksonville, Florida (Patrol Wing 11). The six squadrons. In 1982, however, the departments
airborne early warning (VAW) squadron West Coast squadrons, under Commander Patrol became separate units, designated Patrol
equipped with four E-2C Hawkeye. Ten fleet Wings, US Pacific Fleet are based, three each, at Squadron Special Projects Units (VPUs), VPU-1
VAW squadrons are evenly divided in two wings NAS Whidbey Island, Washington (Patrol Wing at NAS Brunswick, Maine and VPU-2 at NAS
between the Atlantic and Pacific Fleets. All Pacific 10) and NAS Barbers Point, Hawaii (directly Barbers Point, Hawaii (to move to MCAF
Fleet VAW squadrons operate the Group II under Patrol Wings, US Pacific Fleet, to move to Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii by July 1999). In 1996,
version of the aircraft. One Pacific fleet unit, MCAF Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii by 2 July 1999). these units became full commands, although they
VAW-115, is stationed at NAF Atsugi, Japan and Patrol Wing 10 maintains a detachment at NAS remain designated as units instead of squadrons.
deploys onboard USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) with North Island, California to support fleet training The VPUs fly modified P-3B and P-3C aircraft
CVW-5. The other four Pacific VAW squadrons and exercise requirements. VP squadrons from for tactical and strategic intelligence collection
moved in the second half of 1998 from MCAS Washington and Hawaii alternate in providing and maintain a P-3C or UP-3A for logistic
Miramar, California to NAWS Point Mugu, aircraft to support this detachment. support and crew training. VPU detachments
California. The five Atlantic Fleet operational Commander Patrol Wing Two at NAS Barbers typically deploy on short notice, frequently for
VAW squadrons operate either the Group 0 Point was disestablished when Commander Patrol short periods.
(VAWs 124, 125 and 126) or Group II version Wings Pacific moved from NAS Moffett Field to
(VAWs 121 and 123) of the E-2C. The Group II Barbers Point. The Navy is considering establishing Fleet air reconnaissance
is expected to equip the remaining Group 0 a new Commander Patrol Wing Two to command The Navy operates six active-duty fleet air
squadrons by 2001. the P-3 squadrons moving to Kaneohe Bay. reconnaissance (VQ) squadrons, two each of
The E-2C FRS, VAW-120, conducts crew All VP squadrons operate P-3C Orion patrol three types, one of each assigned to each coast.
training at NAS Norfolk, Virginia, where the five aircraft. Since the late 1980s, the Navy has been Two of the squadrons have a strategic communi-
Atlantic Fleet operational VAW units are based. upgrading older P-3Cs to the Update III configu- cations role and are described separately.
VAW-120 operates E-2C and TE-2C aircraft, as ration. As this process is not yet complete, many Two VQ squadrons, VQ-1 and VQ-2, collect
well as C-2A Greyhound carrier onboard delivery squadrons operate a mixture of Update II, II.5 signals intelligence with EP-3E Orions fitted with
(COD) aircraft to tram C-2A crews. The West and I I I versions, but shuffle aircraft to be the Aries II collection suite. These 12 aircraft are
Coast FRS, VAW-110, was disbanded and its equipped with nine Update III aircraft (10, in the P-3Cs modified in the early 1990s under a
role was absorbed by VAW-120. case of Hawaii-based squadrons) when deployed. conversion-in-lieu-of-procurement (CILOP)
All MPA crew and maintenance training is programme and replaced 10 earlier EP-3E Aries I
Sea control conducted by the FRS, VP-30, at Jacksonville. and two EP-3B 'Batrack' versions. Flying recon-
Each carrier air wing includes one sea control VP-30, which reports directly to Commander naissance missions, typically along the periphery
(VS) squadron (formerly air anti-submarine Patrol Wings Atlantic, operates P-3Cs and two of foreign nations, these aircraft collect Elint and
squadron) equipped with eight S-3B Vikings. VS remaining TP-3A versions. The squadron main- Comint for further analysis. They also operate
squadrons perform anti-submarine, anti-shipping, tains a VIP transport detachment comprised of UP-3A, UP-3B and P-3C aircraft for crew train-
mine-laying and surveillance missions for the three VP-3A aircraft, assigned to support the ing and logistics. VQ-1 moved from NAS Agana,
carrier battle group. An important secondary Chief of Naval Operations and the Commander Guam and is now based at NAS Whidbey Island,
mission is aerial refuelling; with the 1997 retirement in Chief, US Atlantic Fleet. Washington with Patrol Wing 10. VQ-1 keeps a
of the A-6 Intruder, the S-3B and ES-3A have Four VP squadrons are deployed at any given permanent detachment at NAF Misawa, Japan
been the only US carrier-based tankers available. time, two from each fleet. The Pacific squadrons and routinely deploys aircraft to sites in the Pacific
For this reason, the number of S-3Bs per deploy for six months to Misawa AB, Japan, or to and Indian Oceans and the Persian Gulf. VQ-2,
squadron, which had declined from 10 to six, has Diego Garcia, BIOT. These squadrons both based at NS Rota, Spain under Commander,
been increased to eight. maintain detachments in Kadena AB, Okinawa, Fleet Air Mediterranean, typically deploys aircraft
Fleet VS squadrons are evenly divided in two Japan and the Diego Garcia squadron keeps a in the Mediterranean, Europe and the Middle
wings between the Atlantic and Pacific Fleets. detachment in the Middle East, normally at Al East and frequently maintains a detachment at
The Atlantic fleet squadrons moved from NAS Masirah, Oman, in support of Fifth Fleet opera- Souda Bay, Crete. Consideration has been given
Cecil Field, Florida to nearby NAS Jacksonville tions in the Persian Gulf. One Atlantic Fleet by Navy planners to relocating VQ-2 to either
during late 1997. One Pacific Fleet unit, VS-21, squadron is deployed to NAS Sigonella, Sicily NAS Brunswick, Maine, or NAS Jacksonville,
is based at NAF Atsugi, Japan, for duty with and recently was engaged in operations in the Florida, but no decision has been announced.
CVW-5 onboard USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63). S-3 Adriatic and over Bosnia and Kosovo. A second For carrier-based intelligence collection, the
FRS training is handled by an additional unit, Atlantic Fleet squadron is split between NAS Navy has maintained one VQ squadron on each
VS-41 at North Island, California. (The Atlantic Keflavik, Iceland and NS Roosevelt Roads, coast. These VQ squadrons were formed in the
Fleet FRS, VS-27, was disbanded in 1994.) All Puerto Rico, from where it supports drug- early 1990s during the gap in carrier-based VQ
S-3 A versions have been withdrawn from service. interdiction operations in the Caribbean. Routine presence precipitated by the retirement of the
In a surprise move in late 1998, the Navy MPA operations are no longer conducted from EA-3B Skywarrior aircraft flown by VQs 1 and 2.
decided to delete ASW as a role of the S-3B, Bermuda; Lajes, Azores; Rota, Spain; Cubi Point, VQ-5, which moved from NAS Agana, Guam to
choosing to rely on P-3 and SH-60 aircraft for Republic of the Philippines; Agana, Guam; NAS North Island, California, has deployed two
aerial ASW protection for carrier battle groups. Midway Island; and Adak, Alaska. ES-3A Shadow aircraft with each carrier in the

142
 Formally established at NAS Fallen on 12 July 1996, the Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center
(NSAWC) centralised the training tasks of the Naval Fighter Weapons School ('Topgun'), the
Strike Warfare Center ('Strike U') and the Carrier AEWSchool ('Top Dome'). 'Topgun'remains
as a distinct entity within the organisation of NSAWC and its badge appears on every aircraft -
as part of a combined logo. NSAWC operates its own Hornets (above, left), Tomcats (below
left and right) and SH-60Fs (top left), the latter for C-SAR training. E-2s are deployed from fleet
units, as required. Apart from the SH-60s, most NSAWC aircraft wear standard Navy TPS grey.

4bove and below: The Naval Air Warfare Center, Aircraft

Division (NAWC-AD) at NAS Patuxent River is the Navy's
principal RDT&E organisation. Its Strike Aircraft Test
Squadron handles all F-14, F/A-18 and EA-6B flight testing.

Above and right: VX-1

'Pioneers' is the Navy's
ASW operational test unit
and flies a mix ofP-3Cs,
S-3Bs andSH-60B/Fs from
its base at NAS Patuxent
River.

Left: This F/A-18 is one of

those attached to the
NAWC-AD's Naval Strike
Aircraft Test Squadron.

VX-9 'Vampires' was formed through the merger of VX-4 and VX-5 in April 1994. It handles strike
fighter, ECM aircraft and combat helicopter operational testing. F-18 (above left) and EA-6B
(left) operations are conducted at NAWS China Lake - as are AV-8B and AH-1W flying for the
Marines. A detachment ofF-14s is maintained at NAS Point Mugu (above).

143
Air Power Analysis

Pacific Fleet. A permanent VQ-5 detachment at useful in supporting carriers in the North Arabian deployed at Atsugi, Japan for duty with CVW-5
Misawa, Japan has deployed with the USS Kitty Sea from Diego Garcia, were withdrawn from onboard USS Kitty Hawk. The HS FRS, HS-10,
Hawk, which is based in Japan. VQ-6, which service shortly before VRC-50 was disbanded trains pilots and crews for the SH-60F and
moved in January 1998 from NAS Cecil Field, and have been placed in storage. HH-60H at North Island, California.
Florida to nearby NAS Jacksonville, has deployed
two ES-3As with each Atlantic Fleet carrier. CompRons and contractors LAMPS HSL squadrons
Only 16 ES-3As were modified from S-3As. The n u m b e r of N a v y composite (VC) Ten helicopter anti-submarine squadrons light
VQ-5 has operated two S-3Bs for crew training. s q u a d r o n s has steadily dwindled as budget (HSL) operate the SH-60B Seahawk Light
The ES-3As have performed a secondary mission cutbacks reduced squadrons and economies were Airborne Multi-Purposc System (LAMPS) Mk III
- aerial refuelling - which has become all the achieved with a shift to the use of contractors to helicopter, which is deployed in detachments of
more i m p o r t a n t since the retirement of the provide aircraft services for fleet training. Only one or two aircraft (depending on ship capacity)
A-6/KA-6. two VC squadrons, distinctly different in compo- onboard cruisers, destroyers and frigates. These
During mid-1998, the Navy decided to phase sition, remain in service. detachments provide ASW, anti-shipping, rescue,
out the ES-3A because of the expense of upgrading VC-8, based at NS Roosevelt Roads, Puerto logistics and utility services for surface warships.
the aircraft's mission suite to be interoperable Rico, provides UH-3H helicopters for rescue, The 10 fleet squadrons are divided evenly
with the Joint Sigint Avionics Family of the torpedo recovery and logistics for ships exercising between the Atlantic and Pacific Fleets. One
future. VQ-5's last detachment deployed in in the Puerto Rican Op Area (PROA), including Pacific squadron, HSL-37, is based permanently
November onboard USS Carl Vinson. Retirement the torpedo range at St Croix. VC-8 is the only in Hawaii (at NAS Barbers Point, to move to
of the ES-3A began in January 1999. VQ-5 and operational squadron in the Navy still flying the MCAF Kaneohe Bay by 1999) to deploy with
VQ-6 will be disestablished in July and September Skyhawk; its TA-4Js are used to tow targets and ships based at Pearl Harbor. A second Pacific
1999, respectively. to simulate enemy aircraft and cruise missiles. The squadron, HSL-51, is based at NAF Atsugi, Japan
TA-4Js are due to be retired in 1999 or later; a to operate from destroyers based in Yokosuka,
Strategic communications replacement has not been identified, but turnover of J a p a n . HSL-51 operates a VIP detachment
Two VQ squadrons are not reconnaissance their duties to a contractor has been considered. (Detachment 11) that flies two UH-3Hs in
squadrons at all, but strategic communications VC-6, based at NAS Norfolk, Virginia, has long support of the Commander, US Seventh Fleet
units, with the mission of maintaining links been an operator of drones for target services. The from his flagship, USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19).
betwreen the National Command Authority and squadron also operates a number of fast boats to The LAMPS community employs two FRSs.
the strategic nuclear deterrent forces. VQ-3 and simulate fast patrol craft. VC-6 led the way for The West Coast FRS, HSL-41, is based at NAS
VQ-4, both based with Strategic Communications the introduction of the RQ-2A Pioneer UAV North Island, California and the East Coast FRS,
Wing One at Tinker AFB, Oklahoma, operate during the 1980s. The squadron sent two detach- HSL-40, is based at NS Mayport, Florida.
the Boeing E-6 Mercury. The 16 E-6As are being ments to the Persian Gulf during Operation
upgraded to E-6Bs, with the last scheduled for com- Desert Storm, one each deployed onboard the Helicopter combat support
pletion in 2001. The E-6B not only supports the battleships USS Missouri and USS Wisconsin. Seven helicopter combat s u p p o r t (HC)
ballistic missile submarine fleet, but by October VC-6's UAV detachments arc based at NAS squadrons provide the Navy with the vertical lift
1998 had assumed the Looking Glass command Patuxent River, Maryland and are available for capability necessary to keep its ships at sea properly
post role from USAF EC-135Cs in support of the deployment onboard amphibious warfare ships. provisioned. HC squadrons also undertake rescue
Minuteman ICBM force. E-6s operate from A number of aircraft bearing Navy markings detachments and a variety of utility missions.
permanent detachments at Travis AFB, California, are operated by companies providing services Four HC squadrons, two each with the
NAS Patuxent River, Maryland and, since 1998, under contract to the Navy. DC-130A Hercules Atlantic and Pacific Fleets, provide H-46 Sea
Offutt AFB, Nebraska. Flight crew training for aircraft, operated by AVTEL Services, a contractor Knight vertical replenishment (VertRep) detach-
the E-6 fleet is c o n d u c t e d at the U S A F ' s based at NAWS Point Mugu, California, perform ments to ships of the Combat Logistics Force and
Tinker AFB by the Naval Training Support Unit, drone launch services for missile shots. A single the Military Sealift Command that replenish
which operates two modified Boeing 707s, EC-24A (modified DC-8) operated by Raytheon Navy ships at sea. These helicopters shuttle
designated TC-18F. Systems Company for the Fleet Information supplies, spare parts, ordnance and personnel to
Warfare Center (FIWC, formerly Fleet Tactical other ships in a battle group. During the early
Carrier onboard delivery Readiness Group (FTRG), formerly Fleet 1990s, these HC squadrons assigned detachments
Although its requirements have not lessened Electronic Warfare Support Group (FEWSG)) to assume the rescue and utility role formerly
even with the post-Cold War drawdown, the provides electronic threat simulation to Navy performed by UH-1N and later HH-1Ns
Navy has consolidated its COD operations from ships during exercises. Raytheon (formerly onboard amphibious assault ships. An H-46
four squadrons to two and changed its mode of Hughes) also operates EA-3B, ERA-3B, NRA-3B, detachment deploys onboard the MCM command
operations from forward-deployed squadrons ser- TA-3B and NTA-3B Skywarriors for a variety of ship USS Inchon (MCS 1.2). These HC squadrons
vicing deployed carriers to that of assigning COD test services from Van Nuys, California. operate a mixture of essentially similar CH-46D,
detachments to each deploying carrier air wing. HH-46D and UH-46Ds. HC-11, based at North
Each carrier now deploys with a detachment of Carrier-based ASW^ helicopters Island, California, operates a single UH-3H from
two C-2A aircraft. When operating on station in Since the early 1970s, each carrier air wing has the command ship USS Coronado (AGF 11) to
areas such as the Mediterranean, Persian Gulf or included one helicopter anti-submarine (HS) support the commander of the Third Fleet. The
Western Pacific, the C-2As normally are staged at squadron for ASW, rescue, plane guard, logistics, Navy has experimented with civil contractor
shore bases, each flying one to three sorties per radar calibration and other duties. The SH-3H helicopters, such as the Kaman K-Max and Bell
day to the carrier and back. Atlantic Fleet carriers was phased out in 1995 and all fleet HS squadrons 214, but is considering the CH-60 as well to
draw C-2As from Fleet Logistics Support (VRC) operate a mixture of eight SH-60F and HH-60H replace the H-46. FRS training for the Navy's
Squadron 40. West Coast carriers deploy with helicopters. The HH-60Hs were added to give H-46 fleet is performed by a fifth H-46 squadron,
C-2As from VRC-30, which maintains a perma- the earner a more survivable combat SAR capability. HC-3 at NAS North Island, California.
nent detachment in Atsugi, Japan to support the The originally intended normal mix for deploy- Vertical onboard delivery missions in the
USS Kitty Hawk's CVW-5. FRS training for the ment is six SH-60Fs and two HH-60Hs, but this Mediterranean, Europe, Africa and the Middle
C-2A is conducted by the E-2 FRS, VAW-120, at mix has frequently been modified in favour of the East are handled by HC-4, based at NAS
NAS Norfolk, Virginia (VAW-110 also conducted HH-60H in such areas as the Adriatic Sea and the Sigonella, Sicily. HC-4 operates MH-53E Sea
C-2A training at NAS Miramar, California before Persian Gulf. Future plans call for the SH-60Fs Dragons, having a c q u i r e d them during the
it was disbanded). The C-2As normally wear the and HH-6()Hs to be remanufactured into an SH-60R mid-1990s when the Navy turned over all of its
tailcode of the CVW to which they are assigned. configuration and replacement of the HH-60H CH-53E Sea Stallions to the Marine Corps. FRS
VR-24 and VRC-50, the COD squadrons in with the CH-60S Kmghthawk. training for HC-4 personnel is accomplished by
the Mediterranean and Western Pacific, respectively, The 10 active-duty HS squadrons are divided the Marine Corps CH-53E training squadron,
were disbanded in the early 1990s. The long- evenly between the Atlantic and Pacific Fleets, HMT-302 at MCAS New River, North Carolina,
range US-3A COD aircraft, which proved so with one Pacific Fleet squadron (HS-14) forward- which has MH-53Es on strength.

144
 This NVH-3A (left) is
operated by NAWC-AD's
Rotary-Wing Test
Squadron. The NAWC-AD
is charged with testing
USMC aircraft, such as this The Rotary-Wing Test Squadron operates this SH-60F (above)
AV-8B (below). andSH-60B (below) as part of its ongoing SH-60R test effort.

Left: Most types attached to Above: This TH-57C Sea

the Naval Force Warfare Ranger is another type on
Aircraft Test Squadron now strength with the RWTS at
wear a distinctive fin-flash. Patuxent River.

Above and below: The Navy's distinctive NP-3Ds (each fitted

with the large EATS antenna) are assigned to the Naval
Weapons Test Squadron, at Point Mugu. Originally
The Naval Force Warfare designated EP-3As, they were redesignated as RP-3As in the
Aircraft Test Squadron handles early 1990s and later became RP-3Ds then NP-3Ds.
all P-3C (above), S-3B, E-3C
and other multi-engined
aircraft testing - including the
C-2A (above left) - for the
NAWC-AD. NFWATS operates a
small number of
T-34C Turbo Mentors.
Left and below: Aircraft attached
to the NAWC-AD's Strike
Aircraft Test Squadron now
wear revised markings
highlighting their strike role.
The 'SD' tailcode stands for
'Strike Directorate'.

Above: The Naval Research Laboratory's Flight Support

Detachment operates NP-3Ds from NAS Patuxent River on a
range of military and civil test and survey duties.

145
Air Power Analysis

HC-2, based at NAS Norfolk, Virginia, has Navy and Marine Corps aircraft and aviation torpedo firings. The Pacific Missile Range Facility
three assigned roles. The squadron's VH-3As weapons and systems remain the responsibility of operates UH-3Hs for torpedo recovery and
(former presidential support helicopters) provide the NAVAIR. RC-12Fs for range clearance. The Atlantic Fleet
VIP transportation to flag officers assigned to the Weapons Test Facility, with ranges in Puerto
Norfolk area, including the Commander in Chief, Naval Air Warfare Center Rico and at St Croix in the Virgin Islands, is
US Atlantic Command and to the Commander in Much of NAVAIR's structure was subordinated supported by UH-3Hs from VC-8 and RC-12Ms
Chief, US Atlantic Fleet. The unit's UH-3Hs into a new command, the Naval Air Warfare from NS Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico. The
operate in several detachments. One, formed as Center (NAWC), also headquartered at Patuxent Advanced Underwater Test and Evaluation Center
needed, transports the commander of the Second River. Most of its work is performed by the Center's (AUTEC) at Andros Island in the Bahamas is
Fleet, operating from the command ship USS three main divisions - the NAWC, Aircraft Divi- now supported by contractor helicopters and
Mt Whitney (LCC 20). Detachment 1, based at sion (NAWC-AD) at Patuxent River, Maryland, UH-3Hs from reserve squadron HS-75.
NSA Naples, Italy, supports the Sixth Fleet Trenton, New Jersey and Lakehurst, New Jersey;
commander onboard his flagship, USS LaSalle the NAWC, Weapons Division (NAWC-WD) at Naval aviation depots
(AGF 3). Detachment 2, the 'Desert Ducks', is China Lake and Point Mugu, California; and the NASC operates three major industrial facilities,
based in Bahrain and supports the Fifth Fleet in Training Systems Division in Orlando, Florida. called Naval Aviation Depots (NADEPs), which
the Persian Gulf. HC-2 serves as the FRS (suc- The NAWC-AD's aircraft fleet is assigned to overhaul and modify Navy and Marine Corps
ceeding HS-1 in this role in 1996) for the Navy's Commander Naval Air Test Wing Atlantic. The aircraft. Formerly called Naval Air Rework Facilities
H-3 helicopter fleet, training pilots and crews for four squadrons assigned to the wing were organised (NARFs), these depots now compete with
HC-2 detachments, several air station rescue units in 1995 from the directorates of the former Naval commercial companies for some contracts. The
and the Pacific Missile Range Facility in Barking Air Test Center at Patuxent River. The Naval number of depots has been halved since the end
Sands, Hawaii. HC-2's H-3s are planned for Strike Aircraft Test Squadron performs RDT&E of the Cold War; the depots at NAS Alameda,
replacement by the CH-60S. for fighter, attack and electronic attack aircraft. California, Pensacola, Florida and Norfolk,
The Naval Rotary-Wing Test Squadron does the Virginia were closed and their work moved to
Mine countermeasures same for Navy and Marine Corps helicopters. the other depots, to similar facilities of the other
Only two airborne mine countermeasures The Naval Force Warfare Test Squadron has test services, or to commercial contractors. NADEP
(AMCM) squadrons remain on strength, HMs 12 responsibilities for anti-submarine, electronic North Island, California handles work for F/A-18,
and 16 having been disestablished. Both operate reconnaissance, early warning, communications, S-3, E-2 and C-2 aircraft; NADEP Jacksonville,
the MH-53E Sea Dragon and perform vertical aerial refuelling and transport aircraft. The US Florida overhauls F-14, EA-6B and P-3 aircraft;
onboard delivery duties as well. These squadrons Naval Test Pilot School (USNTPS), now considered and NADEP Cherry Point, North Carolina conducts
deploy detachments overseas for exercises and a squadron, trains test pilots and flight officers on work on AV-8, H-46 and H-53 aircraft. Many
deploy onboard the mine countermeasures com- a variety of aircraft. aircraft are overhauled by commercial contractors,
mand ship USS Inchon (MCS 12). During the When new aircraft arc being evaluated at some affiliated with aircraft manufacturers, such as
early 1990s, HM-14 and HM-15 absorbed their NAWC-AD, integrated test teams (ITTs), com- Northrop Grumman.
reserve counterpart squadrons, HM-18 and HM-19, prising naval and industry pilots, engineers and
respectively, becoming joint active-duty/reserve support personnel, are formed to shepherd new Air test and evaluation squadrons
squadrons. With the closure of NAS Alameda, aircraft through development. Current ITTs are The Navy maintains two air test and evaluation
California, HM-15 moved to NAS Corpus evaluating the F/A-18E/F and the MV-22B. (VX) squadrons operationally assigned to the
Christi, Texas, near the mine warfare forces based The NAWC-AD facilities at Lakehurst, New Commander, Operational Test and Evaluation
at Ingleside. Plans to move HM-14 from Jersey are still used for aircraft-carrier catapult and Force (COMOPTEVFOR), headquartered in
Norfolk, Virginia to Corpus Christi have been arresting gear trials. The activities formerly Norfolk, Virginia. These squadrons, co-located
delayed indefinitely by funding constraints. conducted at Naval Air Development Center at but separate from the NASC organisation, put
FRS training for the HM squadrons, conducted Warminster, Pennsylvania have been consolidated new aircraft and systems through operational test-
until 1994 by now-disbanded HM-12, is handled at Patuxent River. The Trenton, New Jersey ing after they have gone through developmental
by Marine Corps H-53E training squadron facility used for aircraft engine test and development testing with the Naval Air Warfare Centers'
HMT-302, which operates several MH-53Es at closed in 1998; its functions were transferred to squadrons and ITTs. The VX squadrons test the
MCAS New River, North Carolina. Tactical NADEP North Island, California. new systems under 'real world' conditions and
training takes place at the AMCM School at The NAWC-WD was formed largely from the make recommendations to COMOPTEVFOR
Norfolk. facilities of the Pacific Missile Test Center at regarding the suitability of the system for fleet
In order to reduce the variety of helicopters in Point Mugu, California and the Naval Weapons introduction. VX-1 at Patuxent River is responsible
service, the Navy is considering replacing the Center in China Lake, California. NAWC-WD for operational testing of anti-submarine,
MH-53E with the CH-60S. The probability of is responsible for development and testing of air- electronic reconnaissance and strategic communi-
such a step would depend upon the success of launched weapons and (along with NAWC-AD) cations aircraft, and associated weapons and
matching AMCM technology with the H-60 integrating them with aircraft weapons systems. systems. VX-9, based at China Lake with a
airframe. Navy planners are considering assigning NAWC-WD operates two major sites, at China detachment at Point Mugu, conducts operational
three CH-60Ss to amphibious assault ships (LHAs Lake and Point Mugu, with two naval weapons tests of strike fighter and ECM aircraft, helicopter
and LHDs), replacing the two HH-46D SAR test squadrons (NWTS) under Commander gunships and associated weapons. (VX-9 was
helicopters and assuming a minesweeping role for Naval Air Test Wing Pacific. NAWS (Naval Air formed in 1994 from elements of VX-4 and VX-5
amphibious ready groups (ARGs). Weapons Station) China Lake, with purview of and assumed their roles. VX-9 retained the nick-
testing air-to-ground weapons, is the home of name 'Vampires' and code ('XE') from VX-5,
Naval Air Systems Command NWTS China Lake. NAS Point Mugu (NAWS but its F-14 detachment in Point Mugu continues
Beginning in 1992, the Navy's r e s e a r c h , Pt Mugu until October 1998) operates the Pacific to use the 'XF' code formerly assigned to VX-4.)
development, test and evaluation community Missile Range and hosts the NWTS Point Mugu
underwent a complete reorganisation. Gone are air-to-air weapons test unit. NWTS Point Mugu Strike warfare development
such familiar organisations as the Naval Air Test operates QF-4 drones as targets for missile test The Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center
Center and its directorates, the Pacific Missile shots. NWTS China Lake operates the station's (NSAWC), established in 1995 at NAS Fallen,
Test Center, the Naval Weapons Center, the HH-1N rescue helicopters. Nevada, is an expansion of the Naval Strike
Naval Weapons Evaluation Facility, VX-4, VX-5 NWEF Albuquerque, New Mexico was Warfare Center ('Strike University') that was set
and VXN-8. In their place is a streamlined estab- disestablished as part of the reorganisation. up in the mid-1980s to improve strike warfare
lishment under the supervision of the Naval Air The Navy's test ranges remain an important doctrine and tactics following the flawed December
Systems Command (NAVAIR, or NACS), element in the development of the Navy's 1983 strike on anti-aircraft sites in Lebanon. The
which moved in 1996 from Arlington, Virginia weapons and tactics. The Navy maintains an increasing use of cruise missiles in war at sea and
to NAS Patuxent River, Maryland. Development, extensive test range off the island of Kauai in the in strikes against land targets led to an expanded
procurement and depot-level maintenance of Hawaiian Islands, used for missile shots and exercise syllabus for students (aviators, surface warriors and

146
 These Naval
Weapons Test
Squadron F-14s - an
F-14D (above right)
and NF-14A (left) -
wear differing
NWTS markings.

Below: The NWTS

operates this unique
YF-4J Phantom as
an ejection-seat
testbed, from NAS
Point Mugu.
Above and below: The Naval Weapons Test Wing, which is an
element of the Naval Air Warfare Center, Weapons Division,
maintains two Test Squadrons at NAS Pt Mugu and NAWS
China Lake. All F/A-18s are based at China Lake.

]
et types flown by the NAS Patuxent River-based Naval Test
Allots School include the T-2C Buckeye (above) and several
VA-18A Hornets (above right).

<bove: The TPS still has a Below: Alongside a naval

umber of U-6As (de NSH-60B Seahawk the TPS
lavilland Canada DHC-2 operates this UH-60A bailed
leaver) on strength. from the US Army.

Above, clockwise from top

left: The TPS operates T-38s
on loan from the USAF, a
TH-6B and OH-58C on loan
from the Army and Schweizer
X-26A gliders - the only
gliders in the entire Navy.

Right: Another of the unusual

types in service with the
Naval Test Pilots School is
this NU-1B, better known as a
de Havilland Canada DHC-3
Otter.

147
Air Power Analysis

submariners) attending the NSWC. The Navy performed by the ski-equipped LC-130 Hercules The Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) in
decided to c o n s o l i d a t e the N a v y F i g h t e r aircraft owned by the National Science Foundation Washington, DC maintains a Flight Support
Weapons School ('Topgun') and the Carrier and assigned to Antarctic Development Squadron Detachment (FSD) at Patuxent River, Maryland
Airborne Early Warning School ('Topdome') Six (VXE-6), home-based at NAS Point Mugu - which operates several NP-3D Orion aircraft in
into the Fallon facility, accompanying its all- has come to an end. VXE-6 will be disestablished support of a variety of scientific and military
encompassing mission expansion. on 31 March 1999, but has already turned over research projects. NRL-FSD assumed some of
The NSAWC operates a small inventory of its role to the New York Air National Guard's the aircraft and oceanographic survey missions
fleet aircraft as of early 1999 this comprised 109th Mobility Air Wing. VXE-6's last Opera- formerly assigned to Oceanographic Development
eight F-14As, 25 F/A-18As, four F/A-18Bs and tion Deep Freeze deployment ended in March Squadron 8 (VXN-8) when that squadron was
four SH-60Fs for tactical development. Fleet 1998. Since then, the squadron has been operat- disbanded in 1993.
E-2C aircraft are assigned on a temporary basis as ing with the 109th MAW to complete the transi- The Naval Surface Warfare Center operates a
needed. The famous 'Topgun' school offers a tion. VXE-6's LC-130Fs (and TC-130Q trainer) small facility, Coastal Systems Station Panama
syllabus in air combat manoeuvring for fleet have been retired and three LC-13()Rs are pro- City, Florida, for the development of undersea
aviators and flight officers in fighter and strike grammed for modification to LC-130H standard. warfare systems, particularly mine countermeasures
fighter squadrons. (VXE-6's HH-1N helicopters were withdrawn systems. For these purposes, two MH-53E and
The Navy's long association with aerial support from service in 1996, replaced by a private con- one NMH-53E Sea Dragons are assigned, as is an
of Antarctic scientific research operations - tractor's helicopters.) HH-1N for utility support.

Naval Air Training Command

The Naval Air Training Command, headed by will complete their advanced strike training flying or TAW-5's VTs 2, 3, or 6. The students are
the Chief of Naval Air framing (CNATRA) and the T-45A with VTs 21 or 22 in a 39-week introduced to helicopters with a 21-week syllabus
headquartered at NAS Corpus Christi, Texas, syllabus. Students assigned to TAW-1 will undergo flying the TH-57B and TH-57C Sea Ranger
trains aviators and navigators for the Navy, a 23-week intermediate phase with VT-9 (redes- w i t h TAW-5's h e l i c o p t e r t r a i n i n g (HT)
Marine Corps, Coast Guard and, increasingly, for ignated from VT-19 on 1 October 1998) in the squadrons HT-8 or HT-18. Graduates proceed to
the Air Force. In turn, the Air Force now conducts T-2C Buckeye, followed by a 25-week advanced FRS training in the H-l, H-3, H-46, H-53, H-60
some phases of pilot and navigator training for phase with VT-7 in the TA-4J Skyhawk, or a or H-65 helicopters.
the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard. 29-week advanced phase with VT-23 in the T-45C.
CNATRA trains a number of pilots and naviga- The T-45C, introduced in early 1998 with VT-23 Naval flight officer training
tors for foreign navies and air forces. In addition to (which moved from TAW-2 to TAW-1), will Student naval flight officers (NFOs) and Air
training functions, CNATRA operates Naval eventually replace the TA-4J in 1999 and the Force navigators undergo 14 weeks of primary
Aviation Schools Command and the Naval Flight T-2C by 2010. At that point, the TAW-1 and training after completion of API. Students fly the
Demonstration Squadron (the 'Blue Angels') and TAW-2 syllabi will be identical. TAW-2 T-45As T-34C at TAW-6 (with VTs 4 or 10). Upon
maintains the N a t i o n a l M u s e u m ot Naval are programmed to be modified as T-45Cs. completion, students are funnelled into one of
Aviation. Strike training includes carrier qualification and five training tracks.
weapons employment. Graduates proceed to FRS
Training air wings training in the F/A-18, F-14, EA-6B and S-3. Maritime navigation training
CNATRA supervises five training air wings Upon completion of primary training, NFO
(TAWs), each based at a separate airfield in Florida, E-2/C-2 track students selected for long-range maritime navigator
Mississippi or Texas. Two wings, TAW-1 at These students complete a 15-week intermediate training are sent to Randolph AFB, Texas for 26
NAS Meridian, Mississippi and TAW-2 at NAS phase in the T-44A and TC-12B with TAW-4's weeks of advanced navigation training in the T-43A
Kingsville, Texas, conduct strike syllabus training. VT-31, followed by a 22-week carrier qualification aircraft operated by the Air Force's 562nd FTS.
TAW-4 conducts primary training and multi- phase flying the T-2C with TAW-1's VT-9. Navy graduates proceed to FRS training in the
engined turboprop training at NAS Corpus Upon graduation, aviators undergo FRS training P-3, E>-3 and E-6 aircraft. EP-3 NFOs will
Christi, Texas. TAW-5 trains primary students at VAW-120 at NAS Norfolk, Virginia. complete electronic warfare officer school at
and conducts all basic and advanced helicopter Corry Field, Pensacola, Florida. Air Force graduates
training at NAS Whiting Field, Florida. All basic Maritime training will fly the E-3, E-8, C-5, C-130, C-^135 and
and some advanced navigator training is conducted Students destined to fly large multi-engined C-141 aircraft.
by TAW-6 at NAS Pensacola, Florida. TAW-6 turboprop aircraft undergo a six-week intermediate
includes the German Luftwaffe's 2nd Training syllabus flying the T-34C with TAW-4's VT-27 Strike syllabus
Squadron. Upon completion of primary training, or -28 or with TAW-5's VTs 2, 3 or 6. Upon NFOs and navigators destined to fly non-fighter
student naval aviators proceed through one of six completion, students train in a 20-week syllabus tactical jets or Air Force bombers will remain
different training tracks. Navigators (naval flight (25 for Air Force students) flying the T-44A and \vith TAW-6 and undergo a 14-week intermediate
officers) and Air Force navigators have five training TC-12B with TAW-4's VT-31. TAW-4 has syllabus flying the T-34C and T-1A with VTs 4
tracks after primary training. assumed all training for future Air Force C-130 or 10. Strike training consists of 19 weeks flying
pilots. Graduates of the maritime syllabus proceed the T-2C and T-39N. Navy graduates proceed
Primary training to FRS training in the P-3, EP-3, HU-25 or C-130. to FRS training in the S-3 or EA-6B; NFOs
After aviation pre-flight indoctrination (API), destined for the latter two types will complete
student aviators undergo 23 weeks of primary TACAMO training electronic warfare officer school at Corry Field.
flight training at TAW-4 (with VTs 27 or 28, These students complete the 26-week intermediate USAF graduates will fly the B-l or B-52.
flying the T-34C), TAW-5 (with VTs 2, 3 or 6, phase with TAW-4's VT-27 or VT-28 or TAW-5's
flying the T-34C), or with the USAF at Vance VTs 2, 3 or 6 in the T-34C, or with the Air Strike fighter syllabus
AFB, Oklahoma, flying the T-37B. After primary Force in the T-37B. A 26-week advanced phase Students bound for fighter aircraft as radar
training, students proceed on one of the six pilot follows, conducted by the Air Force in the T-1A. intercept officers (RIOs) or weapon system oper-
training tracks. Graduates report to the Navy Training Support ators (WSOs) receive 14 weeks of intermediate
Unit at Tinker AFB, Oklahoma for transition into training with TAW-6 in the T-34C and T-1A
Strike training the E-6 using the TC-18F. operated by VTs 4 and 10. VT-86 conducts 26
After primary training, student aviators beginning weeks of training (including air combat manoeu-
the strike aviator syllabus are channelled into one Helicopter training vring) in the T-2C and T-39N. Navy graduates
of two tracks, determined by the type of training Helicopter pilot trainees complete a 26-week undergo FRS training to become F-14 RIOs.
aircraft available. Students assigned to TAW-2 T-34C syllabus with TAW-4's VT-27 or VT-28, Marine Corps graduates (and eventually Navy

48
 United States Navy

The QF-4 drones of Point Mugu's Naval Weapons Test

Squadron (part of the Naval Air Warfare Center, Weapons
Division) serve as targets for missile trials. Both QF-4N
'above) and QF-4S (right) drones are in use.

Specialist contractor-operated aircraft include the DC-130A

irone directors (above) flown by AVTEL from NAS Pi Mugu,
wd Raytheon's EC-24A (below) that acts as an electronic
iggressorfor the Fleet Information Warfare Center.

TW-1, based at NAS Meridian, currently operates a mix of

rA-4Js (VT-7), T-2Cs (VT-9) and T-45Cs (VT-23, as seen
)elow). TW-2 has two T-45C squadrons, including VT-21
Fighting Red Hawks' (right).

\bove: VT-22 'Golden Eagles' Above right: VT-86 'Sabre

s one of the two T-45C units Hawks' flies T-2Cs as part of
hat make up TW-2, at NAS TW-6, along with VT-4 and
tingsville. VT-10, which fly T-34Cs.

\bove: VT-9 'Tigers', part of Right: One squadron of TA-4Js,

"W-1 at NAS Meridian, is the VT-7 'Strike Eagles', remains
econd of two remaining in Training Command service,
~-2C Buckeye squadrons. as part of TW-1.

149
Air Power Analysis

graduates) will become F/A-18 WSOs. Air Force air tactical data system (ATDS) is provided in 32 keeps an intensive air show schedule, performing
graduates will become F-15E WSOs. weeks of training at VAW-120, the E-2 FRS at throughout the United States and occasionally in
NAS Norfolk, Virginia. During the FRS ATDS other nations. The squadron's Navy and Marine
ATDS syllabus training, the students are designated NFOs. Corps pilots fly F/A-18A Hornets (one two-seat
Students destined to become airborne intercept The Naval Flight Demonstration Squadron, F/A-18B also is assigned). A Marine Corps
controllers onboard E-2C aircraft undergo 14 known as the 'Blue Angels', is based at NAS TC-130G Hercules ('Fat Albert'), painted in the
weeks of intermediate training with TAW-6 in Pensacola and conducts its winter training at full team colours, provides logistic support for the
the T-34C and T-1A. Advanced training in the NAF El Centre, California. The acrobatic team team and participates in the display.

US Naval Air Reserve

United States naval aviation is augmented by a In recent years, for convenience, the CVWRs active fleet squadrons and therefore would have
powerful reserve force that provides reinforce- assumed administrative command of land-based difficulty mustering a full complement in the
ment in time of national emergency and in some VFC and VAW units that had no carrier mission. event of mobilisation.
cases provides capabilities not found in the active- Despite their level of training and readiness, the
duty forces. The Naval Air Reserve today reflects Navy's CVWRs have never made a combat Airborne early warning squadrons
the reserve force squadron structure created in deployment - even during Operation Desert CVWR-20 has two E-2C Hawkeye squadrons
1970 in wake of the lack of readiness displayed Storm, "when Navy resources were stretched to assigned, but only one, Carrier Airborne Early
with the failed reserve call-up during the 1968 the limit. Many within the organisation feel there Warning (VAW) Squadron 78, is intended to
Pueblo Crisis off North Korea. Today, the Naval is a lack of faith in the Reserve from higher-up operate onboard aircraft-carriers. Airborne Early
Air Reserve, headquartered in New Orleans, and that its long-term future may yet be called Warning Squadron (also designated VAW) 77
Louisiana under the command of Commander, into question. was formed in 1995 to replace active-duty
Naval Air Reserve Force, consists of five wings CVWR-20, which moved its headquarters squadron VAW-122 as a specialist dedicated
(soon to be four) and 37 squadrons. Since the end from NAS Cecil Field, Florida to NAS Atlanta, drug-interdiction and fleet exercise support
of the Cold War, 21 reserve force squadrons (as Georgia, is nominally assigned to USS John F. squadron. VAW-77, assigned to CVWR-20 as a
well as two patrol squadron master augmentation Kennedy (CV 67), which is part of the Naval matter of administrative convenience, has greatly
units and most squadron augmentation units) Reserve Force. This carrier, however, is still relieved the operational tempo required of active-
have been disbanded and only two squadrons integrated in the overseas deployment cycle with duty VAW squadrons.
have been formed (VAW-77 and VQ-11). active-duty CVWs.
In certain mission areas, the Naval Air Reserve Adversary services
operates all of the Navy's aircraft assigned those Fighter squadrons The Navy's once expansive active-duty air
missions. Today, all non-carrier-capable airlift The retirement of CVWR-30 and the consoli- combat adversary force (VF-43, VF-45, VF-126,
squadrons, combat SAR helicopter squadrons and dation in most active-duty carrier air wings of the VFA-127) has been disbanded and adversary
air combat manoeuvring adversary squadrons are two F-14A fighter squadrons resulted in the services are provided by only two squadrons,
part of the reserve force structure. disestablishment of VFs 202, 301 and 302 and the both units of the Naval Air Reserve. Fighter
The Naval Air Reserve is manned largely by retention of only one reserve fighter squadron, Composite Squadron (VFC) 12 flies F/A-18A/B
experienced officers and sailors who have been VF-201. The Navy's initiative to accelerate Hornets on the East Coast. VFC-13, which
released from active duty following their initial retirement of the F-14A led to the decision to moved in 1996 to NAS Fallon, Nevada from
service. A core of reservists on active duty, desig- transition VF-201 to F/A-18A Hornet strike NAS Miramar, Calif, retired its A-4Fs, A-4Ms
nated TARs (Training and Administration of fighters in 1999, which left CVWR-20 with four and TA-4Js, transferred its F/A-18As and F/A-18Bs
Reserves), ensure day-to-day operation of the Hornet squadrons and no Tomcat fighters. VF-201 and now flies the F-5E/F Tiger II in support of
reserve force squadrons and wings. was redesignated VFA-201 on 1 January 1999. carrier air wing work-ups at Fallon. Both VFC
units are administratively assigned to CVWR-20,
Reserve carrier aviation Strike fighter squadrons having been transferred from CFLSW. The
The Navy's determined effort to maintain two Most of CVWR-20's combat capability resides A-4M adversary detachment maintained by NAS
reserve carrier air wings (CVWRs) on strength in four F/A-18A Hornet strike fighter squadrons. Dallas has long since been disbanded.
since 1970 and to continuously upgrade their One of the assigned squadrons is Marine Fighter-
aircraft common to fleet standard - was dashed Attack Squadron (VMFA) 142, which replaced Patrol squadrons
with the end of the Cold War. Budget reductions VA-205 in the wing's structure when the A-6 For nearly three decades, one third of the
forced the disestablishment of the West Coast's Intruder was retired. The three VFA squadrons Navy's patrol (VP) squadrons have been operated
CVWR-30 and most of its squadrons (VF-301, have a secondary mission of electronic adversary by the Naval Air Reserve. Reserve VP units
VF-302, VFA-303, VA-304, VFA-305, VAQ-309 training support. routinely augment active-duty VP squadrons at
and VAW-88), leaving only East Coast-based overseas deployment sites and in fleet exercises in
CVWR-20, minus VF-202 and VA-205. The Electronic attack squadrons what has long been a remarkably successful
Navy's effort to modernise the CVWRs was CVWR-20 is assigned one electronic attack active-reserve operational integration. Since the
largely successful, with their aircraft and squadron (formerly tactical electronic warfare) squadron, end of the Cold War, the number of reserve VP
composition mirroring those of the active-duty VAQ-209, which performs suppression of enemy squadrons, however, has declined at a pace
CVWs for the most part. Their aircraft were usually air defences with electronic countermeasures and commensurate with that of the active-duty patrol
earlier models of the fleet-standard aircraft. missile strikes. VAQ-209 crews and EA-6B force, from 13 squadrons in 1990 to seven by the
Unlike active-duty CVWs, CVWRs were never Prowler aircraft have augmented active-duty first quarter of 1999 (with the 1 April 1999
equipped with VS squadrons, relying instead on VAQ units operating from carriers off Bosnia and scheduled disestablishment of VP-91). The units
squadron augmentation units that would draw have served in rotation in support of Air Force disbanded included VPs 60, 67, 68, 90 and 93, as
aircraft from the S-3 FRSs. The CVWRs have to expeditionary deployments to Turkey in support well as the two VP-Master Augmentation Units
rely on active-duty squadrons, whose aircraft are in of Operations Northern Watch over Iraq. A (VP-MAUs) at Brunswick and Moffett Field,
short supply, for fleet air reconnaissance and shortage of EA-6Bs in the fleet has produced which were equipped with a small number of
COD detachments. With the dissolution of the mounting pressure to relocate VAQ-209 from Orions. The drawdown will further result in the
fleet's three electronic adversary squadrons NAF Washington to the fleet's main EA-6B base, April 1999 consolidation of Commander Reserve
(VAQs 33, 34 and 35), the CVWR's VA, VAQ NAS Whidbey Island, Washington, to allow the Patrol Wing, US Pacific Fleet (also designated
and VFA assumed the role of providing electronic- squadron's aircraft to be used to support fleet Commander Patrol Wing 4), based at Moffett
adversary services to Navy ships (using special deployments. In the meantime, the squadron has Federal Air Field, with Commander Reserve
pods mounted on F/A-18 As, A-6Es and EA-6Bs). had some of its aircraft siphoned off to support Patrol Wing, US Atlantic Fleet, at NAS Norfolk,

150
 T-34C operations are concentrated at TW-4 (above) and TW-5
(left). TW-4 has two Turbo Mentor squadrons, VT-27 and
VT-28, while TW-5 has three, VT-2, VT-3 and 1/7-6.

Right: Some
Training
Command T-34Cs,
such as this VT-27
aircraft, have
adopted a more
tactical colour
scheme.

Below: The Navy's

fast T-39s are the
T-39Ns operated
by VT-86 at NAS
Pensacola, for
NFO training. Above: VT-31 'Wise Owls', Below: TH-57 flying is split
the third squadron at TW-4, between HT-8 and HT-18. Both
flies the T-44A Pegasus squadrons are attached to
from NAS Corpus Christi. TW-5, at NAS Whiting Field.

.ike the other F/A-18 units of Reserve Carrier Air Wing 20

CVWR-20), VFA-203 'Blue Dolphins'has a 'part-time'
\dversary training role and maintains some of its Hornets in a
ypical dissimilar Adversary scheme (below).

Left: VFA-204 'River Rattlers', Above: VFC-12 'Fighting Omars' Top: VFA-201 'Hunters' was
the third regular Reserve is one of just two surviving the last Reserve F-14 unit
Hornet squadron, flies from Adversary units in the entire and began its transition to
NAS New Orleans JRB. Navy. It flies only F/A-18As. the F/A-18A in early 1999.

151
Air Power Analysis

into one organisation, Reserve Patrol Wing, at CFLSW detachment to operate two C-20Gs active-reserve squadrons. (See mine countermea-
NAS Norfolk. based at MCAF Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii. VR-48 sures in the Navy section above.)
During the mid-1990s, the reserve VP operates two C-20Gs from NAF Washington.
squadrons retired their last P-3Bs, helping the VR-48 briefly operated the C-13()Ts that eventually Utility helicopter operations
Navy to finally reach its goal of an all P-3C patrol equipped VR-53 while the basing decision for Helicopter Wing Reserve operates one helicopter
force. The reserve VP squadrons operate a the future VR-53 was being made. Plans to base combat support (HC) squadron, HC-85, which
mixture of Update I, II, II.5 and III variants of VR-53 in Martinsburg, West Virginia were cancelled provides rescue, utility and torpedo recovery
the P-3C Orion; eventually, all units will operate and the unit remained at NAF Washington. services in the southern California area. HC-85,
a common Update III version. which replaced its SH-3Hs with UH-3H utility
Helicopter wing reserve versions, was redesignated from HS-85 when
Fleet air reconnaissance squadron All of the Navy's reserve helicopter squadrons CVWR-30 was disbanded. HC-85 assumed the
In 1997, the Naval Air Reserve formed its first are administratively assigned to Helicopter Wing duties of the now-disbanded active-duty HC-1.
fleet air reconnaissance (VQ) s q u a d r o n , Reserve, headquartered at NAS North Island,.
VQ-11, to operate two EP-3J Orion electronic California. Air stations
adversary aircraft formerly operated by VAQ-33 Four naval air stations and one naval air facility
and later VP-66, plus one P-3C for training and Helicopter anti-submarine (Washington, D.C.) operate under management
support. The squadron's name does not reflect its squadrons of the Naval Air Reserve. Most have been redes-
true mission; its aircraft do not perform recon- One carrier-based helicopter anti-submarine ignated Naval Air Station-Joint Reserve Bases
naissance, but simulate enemy electronic threats (HS) squadron, administratively assigned to Heli- (Atlanta, Fort Worth, New Orleans, Willow
during work-up training of Navy ships. One of copter Wing Reserve, operates as the helicopter Grove). NAS Fort Worth-JRB, established on
the EP-3Js was damaged beyond economic repair component for CVWR-20 in performing anti- the site of the former Carswell AFB, Texas, is
in a ground mishap in April 1998. In late 1998, submarine, rescue and utility missions. HS-75 is now the home of units formerly based at NAS
the Navy was considering disbanding VQ-11 in the only Navy squadron still operating the SH-3H Dallas (disestablished on 30 September 1998) and
1999 and transferring the remaining EP-3J to Sea King and flies the UH-3H version in the res- some units relocated from NAS Glenview and
another unit. cue and torpedo recovery role. NAS Memphis. Since the early 1990s, the naval
air stations at Glenview, Memphis and South
Airlift Light Airborne Multi-Purpose Weymouth, as well as NAF Detroit, have been
The Navy's entire organic airlift force continues System (LAMPS) units closed. NAS Memphis became Naval Support
to reside in the Naval Air Reserve. Drawing on Since the mid-1990s, the Navy's remaining Activity Memphis and finally, in October 1998,
former active-duty aviators, many of whom are SH-2G Super Seasprite LAMPS helicopters have became NSA Mid-South, home of the Navy
airline pilots, Commander Fleet Logistic Support been operated by the Naval Air Reserve's heli- Personnel Command, retaining an active airfield.
Wing's (CLSW's) 14 fleet logistic support (VR) copter anti-submarine squadron light (HSL) units, VR-62 moved to NAS South Weymouth when
squadrons transport high-priority cargo and two of three such units (HSL-84 and HSL-94) NAF Detroit closed and then to NAS Brunswick
passengers throughout the United States and still being in operation. In recent years, detachments when South Weymouth closed.
overseas. A major responsibility of the VR units of these squadrons have deployed in support of Many reserve squadrons are based at air stations
is to transport carrier air wing personnel and drug-interdiction operations. Their SH-2Gs are and facilities operated by the active-duty Navy
cargo from their bases to ports to meet deploying the only aircraft currently configured to operate and some are based at other federal facilities.
aircraft-carriers. The logistic support wing's the Magic Lantern laser mine detection system. VP-91 (soon to be disbanded) and VR-55 are
squadrons fly a mixture of C-9B, DC-9, C-130T, These HSL squadrons have been kept in operation based at Moffett Federal Airfield (formerly Naval
C-20D and C-20G aircraft. Normally, one to provide LAMPS helicopters to the Naval Air Station Moffett Field) in Mountainview,
C-130T and one C-9B or DC-9 each are Reserve's early 'Oliver Hazard Perry'-class guided- California and supported by Naval Air Reserve
deployed to the Mediterranean and Western missile frigates, which were incapable of operating Center Santa Clara. VR-55, soon to move to
Pacific to support airlift requirements in the Sixth the SH-60B LAMPS Mk III helicopter flown by NAS Point Mugu, will be last the Navy
and Seventh Fleets, respectively, partially filling active-duty squadrons. The imminent retirement aviation unit based in the San Francisco Bay area.
the gap caused by the disestablishment in the of these ships has resulted in the planned disestab- Like many air stations managed by active-duty
early 1990s of active-duty squadrons VR-22 and lishment of the two reserve HSL units by 2000. type commanders, the Naval Air Reserve operates
VRC-50. Two DC-9 squadrons (VR-51 and several UC-12B aircraft in base flights for
VR-60) were disbanded in the early 1990s and Combat search and rescue and air station liaison support. Richard R. Burgess
two other C-9 squadrons (VR-55 and VR-62) Special Operations
transitioned to the C-130T during the mid- The Naval Air Reserve operates the Navy's
1990s, but the redistribution of their aircraft to only two helicopter combat support squadron
other VR units resulted in no reduction in special (HCS) squadrons, HCS-4 and HCS-5, US Navy Aviation
C-9B/DC-9 aircraft inventory. When NAF which operate the HH-60H Seahawk for combat
Detroit closed, VR-62 moved to NAS South SAR missions and support of special warfare Chief of Naval Operations, Arlington, Va.
Weymouth and transitioned to the C-130T; forces, such as the Navy's Sea-Air-Land (SEAL)
when NAS South Weymouth closed, VR-62 commandos. In recent years, HCS personnel and Commander in Chief, US Atlantic Fleet, Norfolk, Va.
Commander, Naval Air Force, US Atlantic Fleet, NAS Norfolk
moved to NAS Brunswick. Another C-130T helicopters have augmented active-duty HS Commander, Carrier Group 2 NAS Norfolk, Va.
unit, VR-55, is slated to move from Moffett squadrons onboard carriers operating off Bosnia. Commander, Carrier Group 4 NAS Norfolk, Va.
Federal Airfield, California to NAS Point Mugu, The HH-60Hs are scheduled to be withdrawn Commander, Carrier Group 6 NS Mayport, Fla.
California in 1999. over the next decade for conversion to SH-60Rs Commander, Carrier Group 8
USS Enterprise (CVN 65)
NAS Norfolk, Va.
NS Norfolk, Va.
The replacement for the ageing C-9Bs and and to be replaced by new CH-60S variants. USS A//m/fe(CVN 68) Newport News, Va.
DC-9s has been selected: three Boeing C-40As, (3-year refuelling and overhaul)
versions of the Boeing 737-700 IGW (increased Mine countermeasures USS Dwight D. Eisenhower(WN 69) NS Norfolk, Va.
USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) NS Norfolk, Va.
gross weight) airliner, are on order for initial Helicopter Wing Reserve once operated two USS George Washington (CVN 73) NS Norfolk, Va.
delivery in 2001. helicopter mine countermeasures (HM) squadrons USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) NS Norfolk, Va.
The six C-20 aircraft, based in Maryland and (HM-18 at NAS Norfolk and HM-19 at NAS Commander, Carrier Air Wing 1 AB NAS Oceana, Va.
Hawaii, are used for rapid-response airlift and for Alameda), initially equipped with RH-53D Sea Commander, Carrier Air Wing 3 AC NAS Oceana, Va.
Stallions. Both squadrons transitioned to the Commander, Carrier Air Wing 7 AG NAS Oceana, Va.
transport of senior Navy Department officials and Commander, Carrier Air Wing 8 AJ NAS Oceana, Va.
flag officers. The two C-20Ds, formerly flown by MH-53E Sea Dragon but were disbanded during Commander, Carrier Air Wing 17 AA NAS Oceana, Va.
Commander Fleet Logistics Support Wing the mid-1990s, when their aircraft and many of
Detachment Washington, are now flown by a their personnel were absorbed by their active-duty Commander, Patrol Wings, US Atlantic Fleet NAS Norfolk
squadron formed in 1997 at NAF Washington: counterpart squadrons, HM-14 and HM-15, VP-30(FRS) Pro's Nest P-3C, TP-3A, VP-3A LL
NAS Jacksonville, Fla.
VR-1. VR-51 was formed the same year from a respectively, which became the Navy's first joint

152
 United States Navy

Right: NAS
Fallon-based
VFC-13'Saints'is
the last Navy F-5
Above: Proudly wearing its Below: VFC-13 shares its unit and is the
Dart/7 Vader badge, this EA-6B Nevada base with NSAWC, only provider of
is from the Reserve's single working closely with that unit dissimilar
Prowler squadron, VAQ-209. and 'Topgun' in particular. Adversary
training to US
Navy units.

Below: VP-62
'Broadarrows'
flies its P-3Cs
from NAS
Jacksonville.

Two E-2C Hawkeye squadrons are attached to Reserve

Carrier Air Wing 20. They are VAW-77 'Night Wolf and VAW-78
'Fighting Escargots' (above).

Reserve Patrol Wing has

eight P-3C patrol squadrons,
including VP-65 'Tridents'
(above left), VP-69 'Totems'
(above), VP-91 'Black Cats'
(above right) and VP-94
'Crawfish' (left). However,
one Reserve Orion squadron,
VP-91, will disappear in 1999.
The Reserve's only special
duties P-3 squadron, the
short-lived VQ-11 (right), is
scheduled to be
disestablished during 1999.

The last SH-2G Seasprites in

US service are flown by
HSL-84 'Thunderbolts' (above
left) and HSL-94'Titans'
(left). The Reserve has two
HH-60H squadrons,
HCS-4 'Red Wolves' (above)
andHCS-5 'Firehawks' (above
right). Two H-3 units round
out the assets of Helicopter
Wing Reserve. The first of
these is HS-75 'Emerald
Knights' (right).

153
Air Power Analysis

Commander, Patrol Wing 5, NAS Brunswick, Maine Commander, Helicopter Antisubmarine Wing Light, Commander, Electronic Attack Wing,
VP-8 Tigers P-3C LC NAS Brunswick, Maine US Atlantic Fleet, NS Mayport, Fla. US Pacific Fleet, NAS Whidbey Island, Wash.
VP-10 Lancers P-3C LD NAS Brunswick, Maine HSL-40(FRS) Air Wolves SH-60B HK NS Mayport, Fla. VAQ-1 28 Fighting Phoenix EA-6B NL NAS Whidbey Island, Wash.
VP-26 Tridents P-3C LK NAS Brunswick, Maine HSL-42 Proud Warriors SH-60B HH NS Mayport, Fla. VAQ-129 Vikings (FRS) EA-6B NJ NAS Whidbey Island, Wash.
VPU-1 Old Buzzards P-3B, P-3C OB NAS Brunswick, Maine HSL-44 Swamp Foxes SH-60B HP NS Mayport, Fla. VAQ-1 30 Zappers EA-6B NAS Whidbey Island, Wash.
Note: OB code for VPU-1 is unofficial. HSL-46 Grandmasters SH-60B HQ NS Mayport, Fla. VAQ-1 31 Lancers EA-6B NAS Whidbey Island, Wash.
HSL-48 Vipers SH-60B HR NS Mayport, Fla. VAQ-1 32 Scorpions EA-6B NAS Whidbey Island, Wash.
Commander, Patrol Wing 11, NAS Jacksonville, Fla. VAQ-1 33 Wizards EA-6B NL NAS Whidbey Island, Wash.
VP-5 Mad Foxes P-3C LA NAS Jacksonville, Fla. Commander, Helicopter Tactical Wing, VAQ-1 34 Garudas EA-6B NL NAS Whidbey Island, Wash.
VP-16 Eagles P-3C LF NAS Jacksonville, Fla. US Atlantic Fleet, NAS Norfolk, Va. VAQ-1 35 Black Ravens EA-6B NAS Whidbey Island, Wash.
VP-45 Pelicans P-3C LN NAS Jacksonville, Fla. HC-2(FRS) Circuit Riders UH-3H,VH-3A HU NAS Norfolk, Va. VAQ-1 36 Gauntlets EA-6B NAF Atsugi, Japan
Det1 UH-3H NSA Naples, Italy VAQ-1 37 Rooks EA-6B NAS Whidbey Island, Wash.
Commander, Fighter Wing, US Atlantic Fleet, NAS Oceana, Va. Det2 UH-3H ASU Bahrain VAQ-1 38 Yellowjackets EA-6B NAS Whidbey Island, Wash.
VF-2 Bounty Hunters F-14D NAS Oceana, Va. HC-4 Black Stallions MH-53E HC NAS Sigonella, Sicily VAQ-1 39 Cougars EA-6B NAS Whidbey Island, Wash.
VF-11 Red Rippers F-14B NAS Oceana, Va. HC-6 Chargers CH/HH/UH-46D HW NAS Norfolk, Va. VAQ-1 40 Patriots EA-6B NAS Whidbey Island, Wash.
VF-14 Tophatters F-14A NAS Oceana, Va. HC-8 Dragon Whales CH/HH/UH-46D BR NAS Norfolk, Va. VAQ-141 Shadowhawks EA-6B NAS Whidbey Island, Wash.
VF-31 Tomcatters F-14D NAS Oceana, Va. HM-14 Sea Stallions MH-53E BJ NAS Norfolk, Va. VAQ-1 42 Gray Wolves EA-6B NL NAS Whidbey Island, Wash.
VF-32 Swordsmen -14B NAS Oceana, Va. HM-15 Blackhawks MH-53E TB NAS Corpus Christi, Tx. Note: VAQs 128, 133, 134 and 142, all coded NL, provide electronic
VF-41 Black Aces -14A NAS Oceana, Va. VC-6 Skeet of the Fleet RQ-2A NAS Norfolk, Va. warfare support to Air Force expeditionary wings. Modexes as
VF-101(FRS) Grim Reapers -14A/B/D, T-34C NAS Oceana Note: HM squadrons are joint active/reserve squadrons. HC-2 serves follows: VAQ-1 28: NL570; VAQ-1 33: NL530; VAQ-1 34: NL540;
VF-102 Diamondbacks -14B NAS Oceana, Va. as both an FRS and an operational squadron. VAQ-1 42: NL520.
VF-103 Jolly Rogers -14B NAS Oceana, Va.
VF-143 PukinDogs -14B NAS Oceana, Va. VX-1 Pioneers P-3C, S-3B, SH-60B/F JA Commander, Strike Fighter Wing,
VF-154 Black Knights -14A NAS Atsugi, Japan NAS Patuxent River, Md. US Pacific Fleet, NAS Lemoore, Calif.
VF-2 11 Flying Checkmates -14A NAS Oceana, Va. VFA-22 Fighting Redcocks F/A-1 8C NAS Lemoore, Calif.
VF-213 Black Lions -14D NAS Oceana, Va. NAS Brunswick HH-1N 7F VFA-25 Fist of the Fleet F/A-18C NAS Lemoore, Calif.
VC-8 Red Tails (GF) TA-4J, UH-3H NAS Oceana UH-3H 7R VFA-27 Chargers F/A-1 8C NAF Atsugi, Japan
NS Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico NAS Norfolk UC-12B/M 7M VFA-94 Mighty Shrikes F/A-18C NAS Lemoore, Calif.
NAS Jacksonville UC-12B 7E VFA-97 Warhawks F/A-18A NAS Lemoore, Calif.
Commander, Strike Fighter Wing, NAS Cecil Field None 7U VFA-1 13 Stingers F/A-1 8C NAS Lemoore, Calif.
US Atlantic Fleet, NAS Oceana, Va. NAS Key West UC-12B.UH-3H 70 VFA-1 15 Eagles F/A-18C NAS Lemoore, Calif.
VFA-15 Valions F/A-18C NAS Oceana, Va. NS Mayport None 8U VFA-122 (NJ) F/A-18E/F NAS Lemoore, Calif.
VFA-34 Blue Blasters F/A-18C NAS Oceana, Va. NS Roosevelt Roads RC-12M 8E VFA-1 25 Rough Raiders (FRS) F/A-18A/B/C/D, T-34C NJ
VFA-37 Bulls F/A-18C NAS Oceana, Va. NS Guantanamo Bay UC-12B, HH-1N 8F NAS Lemoore, Calif.
VFA-81 Sunliners F/A-18C NAS Oceana, Va. VFA-137 Kestrels F/A-18C NAS Lemoore, Calif.
VFA-82 Marauders F/A-18C MCAS Beaufort, S.C. Commander, Fleet Air Keflavik, NAS Keflavik, Iceland VFA-146 Blue Diamonds F/A-18C NAS Lemoore, Calif.
VFA-83 Rampagers F/A-18C NAS Oceana, Va. VP-xx (Rotation) P-3C VFA-147 Argonauts F/A-18C NAS Lemoore, Calif.
VFA-86 Sidewinders F/A-18C MCAS Beaufort, S.C. NAS Keflavik UP-3A VFA-1 51 Vigilantes F/A-18C NAS Lemoore, Calif.
VFA-87 Golden Warriors F/A-18C NAS Oceana, Va. VFA-1 92 World Famous Golden Dragons F/A-1 8C NAF Atsugi
VFA-105 Gunslingers F/A-18C NAS Oceana, Va. Commander, US Naval Forces Europe, London, UK VFA-1 95 Dambusters F/A-18C NAF Atsugi, Japan
VFA-1 06 (FRS) Gladiators (AD) F/A-1 8A/B/C/D NAS Oceana, Va. NAFMildenhall.UK UC-12M 8G Note: VFA-97's transition to the F/A- 18C was stalled; the unit is the
VFA-131 Wildcats F/A-18C NAS Oceana, Va. last carrier-assigned active-duty unit to fly the F/A- 18A.
VFA-1 36 Knighthawks F/A-1 8C NAS Oceana, Va. Commander, Fleet Air Mediterranean, NSA Naples, Italy
Strike Fighter Weapons School T-34C NAS Oceana, Va. VQ-2 Batmen EP-3E, P-3C JO NS Rota, Spain Commander, Airborne Early Warning Wing,
Note: VFA-131 and VFA-1 36 moved from NAS Cecil Field, Fla., to VP-xx (Rotation) P-3C NAS Sigonella, Sicily US Pacific Fleet, NAS Point Mugu, Calif.
NAS Oceana in December 1998; VFA-34 in March 1999; VFA-81 and Note: HC-4, based at NAS Sigonella, is part of Helicopter Tactical VAW-1 12 Golden Hawks E-2C NAS Point Mugu, Calif.
VFA-83 in April 1999; VFA-37 and VFA-105 in July 1999 and VFA- 15 Wing, US Atlantic Fleet, but operates under control of Commander, VAW-113 Black Hawks E-2C NAS Point Mugu, Calif.
and VFA-87 in October 1999. VFA-82 and VFA-86 depart Cecil Field in Fleet Air Mediterranean. VAW-1 15 Sentinels E-2C NAF Atsugi, Japan
September 1999 for deployment and move to MCAS Beaufort, S.C., VAW-1 16 Sun Kings E-2C NAS Point Mugu, Calif.
in March 2000. Bases listed above reflect eventual destinations. NAS Sigonella, Sicily UC-12M.VP-3A 8C VAW-1 17 Wallbangers E-2C NAS Point Mugu, Calif.
NS Rota, Spain UC-12M 8D VRC-30(RW) Providers C-2A, UC-12B NAS North Island, Calif.
Commander, Airborne Early Warning Wing, NSA Naples, Italy UC-12M Note: VRC-30 aircraft normally wear codes of the CVWs to which
US Atlantic Fleet, GE, NAS Norfolk,Va. NSA Souda Bay, Crete None their detachments are assigned.
VAW-120(FRS) Greyhawks (AD) E-2C.TE-2C, C-2A Admin Support Unit Bahrain UC-12B
NAS Norfolk, Va. Commander, Sea Control Wing,
VAW-121 Bluetails E-2C NAS Norfolk, Va. US Pacific Fleet, NAS North Island, Calif.
VAW-123 Screwtops E-2C NAS Norfolk, Va. Commander in Chief, US Pacific Fleet, VS-21 Fighting Redtails S-3B NAF Atsugi, Japan
VAW-124 Bear Aces E-2C NAS Norfolk, Va. NB Pearl Harbor, Hawaii VS-29 Screaming Dragonfires S-3B NAS North Island, Calif.
VAW-125 Tigertails E-2C NAS Norfolk, Va. Commander, Naval Air Force, US Pacific Fleet VS-33 Screwbirds S-3B NAS North Island, Calif.
VAW-126 Seahawks E-2C NAS Norfolk, Va. NAS North Island, Hawaii VS-35 Blue Wolves S-3B NAS North Island, Calif.
VRC-40 Rawhides C-2A NAS Norfolk, Va. Commander, Carrier Group 1 NAS North Island, Calif. VS-38 Red Griffins S-3B NAS North Island, Calif.
Note: CAEWW- 12 is assigned the code GE, which has been used in Commander, Carrier Group 3 NS Bremerton, Wash. VS-41 (FRS) Shamrocks S-3B NAS North Island, Calif.
the past by VA W squadrons not assigned to a CVW. VA I/I/- 122, now Commander, Carrier Group 5 NS Yokosuka, Japan VQ-5(SS) Sea Shadows ES-3A, S-3B NAS North Island, Calif.
disestablished, used this code during its long assignment as a Commander, Carrier Group 7 NAS North Island, Calif. Note: VQ-5 is scheduled for disestablishment in July 1999. Its
counter-drug squadron. VHC-40 aircraft normally wear the code of USS Kitty Hawk (CM 63) NS Yokosuka, Japan aircraft usually wear the codes of the CVWs to which its
the CVW to which they are assigned. The JK code formerly assigned USS Constellation (CM 64) NAS North Island, Calif. detachments are assigned.
is now assigned to VR- 1. USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) NS Bremerton, Wash.
USS Abraham Lincoln (CM^ 72) NS Everett, Wash. Commander, Strategic Communications Wing 1, Tinker AFB,
Commander, Sea Control Wing, USS John C. Stennis(CW 74) NAS North Island, Calif. Okla.
US Atlantic Fleet, NAS Jacksonvile, Fla. Commander, Carrier Air Wing 2 NE NAS Lemoore, Calif. VQ-3 Ironmen E-6A/B TZ Tinker AFB, Okla.
VS-22 Checkmates S-3B NAS Jacksonville, Fla. Commander, Carrier Air Wing 5 NF NAF Atsugi, Japan Det Travis Travis AFB, Okla.
VS-24 Scouts S-3B NAS Jacksonville, Fla. Commander, Carrier Air Wing 9 NG NAS Lemoore, Calif. VQ-4 Shadows E-6A/B HL Tinker AFB, Okla.
VS-30 Diamondcutters S-3B NAS Jacksonville, Fla. Commander, Carrier Air Wing 1 1 NH NAS Lemoore, Calif. Det Patuxent River NAS Patuxent River, Md.
VS-31 Topcats S-3B NAS Jacksonville, Fla. Commander, Carrier Air Wing 14 NK NAS Lemoore, Calif. NTSU(FRS) TC-18F Tinker AFB, Okla.
VS-32 Maulers S-3B NAS Jacksonville, Fla. Note: In 1998, CSCW- 1 stood up a detachment at OffuttAFB, Neb.,
VQ-6(ET) Black Ravens ES-3A NAS Jacksonville, Fla. Commander, Patrol Wings (to become Patrol Wing 2), US for Looking Glass ABNCP operations. Both VQ-3 and VQ-4 provide
Note: VQ-6 is scheduled to be disestablished in September 1999. Its Pacific Fleet, MCAF Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii aircraft to this detachment.
EJ 'code, due to an administrative oversight, was assigned despite VP-4 Skinny Dragons P-3C YD MCAF Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii
the fact that the code has been assigned to HMM-262 for decades. VP-9 Golden Eagles P-3C PD MCAF Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii Commander, Helicopter Antisubmarine Wing,
VQ-6 aircraft normally wear the codes of the CVW to which they are VP-47 Golden Swordsmen P-3C RD MCAF Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii US Pacific Fleet, NAS North Island, Calif.
assigned. VPU-2 Wizards P-3C, UP-3A SP MCAF Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii HS-2 Golden Falcons SH-60F, HH-60H NAS North Island, Calif.
Note: Move of these units from NAS Barbers Point, Hawaii, to HS-4 Black Knights SH-60F, HH-60H NAS North Island, Calif.
Commander, Helicopter Antisubmarine Wing, MCAF Kaneohe Bay by July 1999 is reflected here. HS-6 Indians SH-60F, HH-60H NAS North Island, Calif.
US Atlantic Fleet, NAS Jacksonville, Fla. HS-8 Eightballers SH-60F, HH-60H NAS North Island, Calif.
HS-3 Tridents SH-60F, HH-60H NAS Jacksonville, Fla. Commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing 10, NAS HS-10 (FRS) Warhawks SH-60F, HH-60H (RA)
HS-5 Night Dippers SH-60F, HH-60H NAS Jacksonville, Fla. Whidbey Island, Wash. NAS North Island, Calif.
HS-7 Dusty Dogs SH-60F, HH-60H NAS Jacksonville, Fla. VP-1 Screaming Eagles P-3C YB NAS Whidbey Island, Wash. HS-14 Chargers SH-60F, HH-60H NAF Atsugi, Japan
HS-11 Dragonslayers SH-60F, HH-60H NAS Jacksonville, Fla. VP-40 Fighting Marlins P-3C QE NAS Whidbey Island, Wash.
HS-15 Red Lions SH-60F, HH-60H NAS Jacksonville, Fla. VP-46 Grey Knights P-3C RC NAS Whidbey Island, Wash. Commander, Helicopter Antisubmarine Wing Light,
Note: HS-7 is also known as the Shamrocks. VQ-1 World Watchers EP-3E, P-3C, UP-3A/B PR US Pacific Fleet, NAS North Island, Calif.
NAS Whidbey Island, Wash. HSL-37 Easy Riders SH-60B TH MCAF Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii

154
 The Navy's C-20s are split between three squadrons. The
C-20Ds (above) are all flown by VR-1 'Starlifters'. VR-51
'Windjammers' flies C-20Gs from MCAF Kaneohe Bay (below).
Below: VR-48 'Capital
Sky liners', based at
NAF Washington, is
one of the Reserve's
two C-20G squadrons.

Above: VR-53, the aptly Below: VR-55 'Minutemen'fly

named 'Capital Express', is C-130Ts from Moffett Field
based at NAF Washington (now Moffett Federal
DC, with C-130Ts. Airfield).

Above: The Reserve has four

C-130 squadrons which, with
the disestablishment of VXE-6,
will become the only Navy
Hercules. This C-130T is a
VR-54 'Revelers'aircraft.
All of the Navy's seven C-9
transport squadrons come
under Reserve control. These
aircraft are from VR-46 'Peach
Airlines' (right) and VR-52
'Taskmasters' (above left).

The Navy's extensive C-9 fleet includes VR-56 'Globemasters'

(above), VR-57 'Conquistadors' (right), VR-58 'Sun Seekers'
(below), VR-59 'Lone Star Express' (below right) and VR-61
'Islanders' (below far right).

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Air Power Analysis

HSL-41 (FRS) Sea Hawks SH-60B TS NAS North Island, Calif. VT-28 Rangers T-34C G NAS Corpus Christi, Texas
HSL-43 Battle Cats SH-60B TT NAS North Island, Calif. VT-31 Wise Owls T-44A.TC-12B G NAS Corpus Christi, Texas Chief of Naval Reserve NAS New Orleans, La.
HSL-45 Wolfpack SH-60B TZ NAS North Island, Calif. USS JohnF. Kennedy (WGl] NS Mayport, Fla.
HSL-47 Sabrehawks SH-60B TY NAS North Island, Calif. Commander, Training Air Wing 5 E NAS Whiting Field
HSL-49 Scorpions SH-60B TX NAS North Island, Calif. HT-8 Eightballers TH-57B/C E NAS Whiting Field, Milton, Fla. Commander, Naval Air Reserve Force, NAS New Orleans, La.
HSL-51 Warlords SH-60B UH-3H TA NAFAtsugi, Japan HT-18 Vigilant Eagles TH-57B/C E NAS Whiting Field, Milton, Fla. Commander, Reserve Patrol Wing, NAS Norfolk, /a.
Note: HSL-51 Del 11 operates maintains the UH-3H helicopters that VT-2 Doer Birds T-34C E NAS Whiting Field, Milton, Fla. VP-62 Broadarrows P-3C LT NAS Jacksonville, Fla.
transport Commander Seventh Fleet. List reflects move of HSL-37 VT-3 Red Knights T-34C E NAS Whiting Field, Milton, Fla. VP-64 Condors P-3C LU NAS Willow Grove JRB, Pa.
from NAS Barbers Point by July 1999. VT-6 Shooters T-34C E NAS Whiting Field, Milton, Fla. VP-65 Tridents P-3C PG NAS Point Mugu, Calif.
VP-66 Liberty Bells P-3C LV NAS Willow Grove JRB, Pa.
Commander, Helicopter Tactical Wing, Commander, Training Air Wing 6 F NAS Pensacola, Fla. VP-69 Totems P-3C PJ NAS Whidbey Island, Wash.
US Pacific Fleet, NAS North Island, Calif. VT-4 Mighty Warbucks T-34C.T-1A F NAS Pensacola, Fla. VP-91 Black Cats P-3C PM Moffett Federal Airfield, Calif.
HC-3(FRS) Packrats CH/HH-46D SA NAS North Island, Calif. VT-10 Wildcats T-34C.T-1A F NAS Pensacola, Fla. VP-92 Minutemen P-3C LY NAS Brunswick, Maine
HC-5 Providers CH/HH/UH-46D RB Andersen AFB, Guam VT-86 Sabre Hawks T-2C, T-39N F NAS Pensacola, Fla. VP-94 Crawfish P-3C PZ NAS New Orleans JRB, La.
HC-11 Gunbearers CH/HH/UH-46D, UH-3H VR VQ-11 Bandits EP-3J, P-3C LP NAS Brunswick, Maine
NAS North Island, Calif. NFDS ('Blue Angels') F/A-18A/B, TC-130G (BA) NAS Pensacola, Fla. Note: VP-91 was deactivated on 1 April 1999. On the same date,
VXE-6 Ice Pirates LC-130F/R XD NAS Point Mugu, Calif. Commander Reserve Patrol Wing Pacific/Commander Patrol Wing
Note: VXE-6 is scheduled for disestablishment in March 1999. HC-11 NAS Meridian, Miss. HH-1N A Four merged with Commander Patrol Wing Atlantic to form Reserve
operates the UH-3H assigned to transport Commander Third Fleet. NAS Corpus Christi, Texas UC-12B, HH-1N G Patrol Wing, headquartered at NAS Norfolk, Va. VQ-11 is scheduled
NAS Kingsville, Texas None B for deactivation in 1999.
VX-9 Vampires XE F/A-18A/B/C/D, EA-6B, AV-8B, AH-1W NAS Pensacola, Fla. UC-12B,UH-3H F
NAS China Lake, Calif. NAS Whiting Field, Fla. None E Commander, Reserve Carrier Air Wing 20, AF
Detachment Point Mugu F-14A/B/D XF NSA Mid-South (Memphis, Tenn.) UC-12B 6M NAS Atlanta, Ga
VFA-201 Hunters F/A-18A NAS Fort Worth JRB, Texas
Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center, Naval Fighter Weapons School Commander, Naval Air Systems Command VFA-203 Blue Dolphins F/A-18A NAS Atlanta JRB, Ga.
F/A-18A/B, F-14A, SH-60F NAS Fallen, Nev. NAS Patuxent River, Md. VFA-204 River Rattlers F/A-18A NAS New Orleans JRB, La.
Commander, Naval Air Warfare Center VAQ-209 Star Warriors EA-6B NAF Washington, D.C.
Pacific Missile Range Facility RC-12F, UH-3H NAS Patuxent River, Md. VAW-77 Night Wolf E-2C NAS Atlanta JRB, Ga.
Barking Sands, Hawaii Commander, Naval Air Warfare Center, Aircraft Division VAW-78 Fighting Escargots E-2C NAS Norfolk, Va.
NAS Patuxent River, Md. VFC-12 Fighting Omars F/A-18A/B NAS Oceana, Va.
NAS Barbers Point, Hawaii UP-3A, UP-3A Commander, Naval Test Wing Atlantic NAS Patuxent River, Md. VFC-13 Saints F-5E/F NAS Fallen, Nev.
NAS North Island, Calif. UC-12B 7M Naval Force Warfare Aircraft Test Squadron Note: VF-201 was redesignated VFA-201 on 1 January 1999 upon
NAS Lemoore, Calif. UC-12B,HH-1N 7S P-3C, UP-3A, NP-3C/D, S-3B, E-2C, C-2A, KC-130F, T-34C, NT-34C, transition to the F/A-18A. A Marine Corps Reserve F/A-18A
NAS Fallen, Nev. UC-12B,HH-1N 7H NC-130H NAS Patuxent River, Md. squadron, VMFA-142, is assigned to CVWR-20.
NAS Whidbey Island, Wash. UC-12B.UH-3H 7G
NAF El Centra, Calif. UC-12B 8N Naval Rotary-Wing Aircraft Test Squadron Commander, Helicopter Wing Reserve, NW
UH-1N, AH-1W, NVH-3A, CH-46E, CH-53E, NSH-60B, SH-60B/F, NAS North Island, Calif.
Commander, Fleet Air Western Pacific YSH-60F, HH-60H, TH-57C NAS Patuxent River, Md. HC-85 Golden Caters UH-3H NAS North Island, Calif.
NAFAtsugi, Japan HCS-4 Red Wolves HH-60H NAS Norfolk, Va.
Note: HC-5, part of Helicopter Tactical Wing, US Pacific Fleet, Naval Strike Aircraft Test Squadron SD NAS Patuxent River, Md. HCS-5 Firehawks HH-60H NAS Point Mugu, Calif.
operates under control of Commander Fleet Air, Western Pacific. F/A-18A/B/C, NF/A-18A/C/D, F-14A, NF-14A/D, EA-6B HS-75 Emerald Knights SH-3H, UH-3H NAS Jacksonville, Fla.
Commander, Patrol Wing One Kamiseya, Japan HSL-84 Thunderbolts SH-2G NAS North Island, Calif.
VP-xx (Rotation) P-3C NAF Misawa, Japan US Naval Test Pilot School HSL-94 Titans SH-2G NAS Willow Grove JRB, Pa.
VP-xx (Rotation) P-3C NSA Diego Garcia, BIOT F/A-18B, T-2C, T-38A, NP-3D, NU-1 B, U-BA, U-21 F, TH-6B, OH-58C,
VP-xx Det (Rotation) P-3C NAF Kadena, Okinawa UH-60A, NSH-60B, X-26A Commander, Fleet Logistics Support Wing NAS Fort Worth
VQ-1 Det EP-3E NAF Misawa, Japan VR-1 Starlifters C-20D JK NAF Washington, D.C.
NAS Patuxent River, Md. UC-12B, UH-3H 7A VR-46 Peach Airliners C-9B, DC-9 JS NAS Atlanta JRB, Ga.
NAFAtsugi, Japan UC-12F VR-48 Capital Skyliners C-20G JR NAF Washington, D.C.
NAF Misawa, Japan UC-12F 8M Commander, Naval Air Warfare Center, Weapons Division VR-51 Windjammers C-20G RG MCAF Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii
NAF Kadena, Okinawa, Japan UC-12F 8H NAWS China Lake, Calif. VR-52 Taskmasters DC-9 JT NAS Willow Grove JRB, Pa.
NSA Diego Garcia, BIOT None Commander, Naval Test Wing Pacific NAS Point Mugu, Calif. VR-53 Capital Express C-130T WV NAF Washington, D.C.
Naval Weapons Test Squadron China Lake VR-54 Revelers C-130T CW NAS New Orleans JRB, La.
F/A-18A/C/D, F-14A, NF/A-18D, AV-8B, NAV-8B, TAV-8B, T-39D, VR-55 Bicentennial Minutemen C-130T RU
Chief of Naval Education and Training AH-1W, HH-1N NAWS China Lake, Calif. Moffett Federal Airfield, Calif.
NAS Pensacola, Fla. VR-56 Globemasters C-9B JU NAS Norfolk, Va.
Commander, Naval Air Training Command, Naval Weapons Test Squadron Point Mugu VR-57 Conquistadors C-9B, DC-9 RX NAS North Island, Calif.
NAS Corpus Christi, Texas NF-14A/B/D, NP-3D, QF-4N, QF-4S, YF-4J VR-58 Sun Seekers C-9B JV NAS Jacksonville, Fla.
NAS Point Mugu, Calif. VR-59 Lone Star Express C-9B, DC-9 RY NAS Ft Worth JRB, Texas
Commander, Training Air Wing 1 A NAS Meridian, Miss. VR-61 Islanders DC-9 RS NAS Whidbey Island, Wash.
VT-7 Strike Eagles TA-4J A NAS Meridian, Miss. NAS Point Mugu, Calif. None 7L VR-62 Downeasters C-130T JW NAS Brunswick, Maine
VT-9 Tigers ' T-2C A NAS Meridian, Miss. NAWS China Lake, Calif. None 7P Note: VR-55 moving to NAS Point Mugu in 1999. VR-62 was
VT-23 Professionals T-45C A NAS Meridian, Miss, nicknamed the 'Motowners' while based at NAF Detroit and 'Mass
fltote: VT-19 was redesignated VT-9 on 1 October 1998. Naval Research Laboratory NS Washington, D.C. Transit' during its subsequent sojourn at NAS South Weymouth.
Flight Support Detachment NP-3D NRL NAS Patuxent River, Md.
Commander, Training Air Wing 2 B NAS Kingsville, Texas NAS New Orleans JRB, La. UC-12B 7X
VT-21 Fighting Red Hawks T-45A B NAS Kingsville, Texas Naval Surface Warfare Center Arlington, Va. NAS Fort Worth JRB, Texas UC-12B 7D
VT-22 Golden Eagles T-45A B NAS Kingsville, Texas Naval Coastal Systems Station MH-53E, NMH-53E,HH-1N NAS Atlanta JRB, Ga. UC-12B 7B
Panama City, Fla. NAS Willow Grove JRB, Pa. UC-12B 7W
Commander, Training Air Wing 4 G NAS Corpus Christi NAF Washington, D.C. UC-12B 7N
VT-27 Boomers T-34C G NAS Corpus Christi, Texas NARC Santa Clara, Calif. UC-12B 7Y

US Navy Fleet Readiness Squadrons (FRSs)

Fleet Readiness Squadrons Unit Type Aircraft FRS Site Note: The FRSs listed below have been disestablished since 1987:
Type conversion training is conducted by fleet readiness squadrons VFA F/A-18A/C VFA-106 NAS Oceana, Va.
(FRSs) or other units assigned similar additional duties. VFA-125 NAS Lemoore, Calif. Type Squadron
VMFAT-101 MCAS Miramar, Calif. A-3 VAQ-33
Unit Type Aircraft FRS Site F/A-18E/F VFA-122 NAS Lemoore, Calif. A-6 VA-42,VA-128
HC H-3 HC-2 NAS Norfolk, Va. VP VPU P-3 VP-30 NAS Jacksonville, Fla. A-7 VA-122,VA-125,VA-174
H-46 HC-3 NAS North Island, Calif. VQ EP-3E VP-30 NAS Jacksonville, Fla. E-2/C-2 VAW-110
HC, HM MH-53 HMT-302 MCAS New River, N.C. E-6 NTSU Tinker AFB, Okla. F-14 VF-124
HS SH-60F/HH-60H HS-10 NAS North Island, Calif. VR C-12 NAS Operations NAS Norfolk H-1 HC-16
HSL SH-60B HSL-40 NS Mayport, Fla. VRC-30 NAS North Island, Calif. H-2 HSL-30, HSL-31
HSL-41 NAS North Island, Calif. C-130 USAF Little Rock AFB, Ark. H-3 HC-1
VAQ EA-6B VAQ-129 NAS Whidbey Island, Wash. VRC C-2A VAW-120 NAS Norfolk, Va. H-60 HS-1
VAW E-2C VAW-120 NAS Norfolk.Va. VS S-3B VS-41 NAS North Island, Calif. P-3 VP-31
VF F-14 VF-101 NAS Oceana, Va. NAS H-1 HMT-303 MCAF Camp Pendleton, Calif. S-3 VS-27

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 United States Navy

US Navy disestablished units 1988-1999 |

Carrier Air Wings Disestablished 1988-1998 Unit Nickname Code Official date Ceremonial Date Unit Nickname Code Official date Ceremonial Date

Wing Code Official Date Ceremonial date VA-196 Main Battery 28 Feb 97 28 Feb 97 VFA-303 Goldenhawks 31 Dec 94 11 Sep 94?
CVW-6 AE 1 Apr 92 1 Apr 92 VA-205 Green Falcons 31 Dec 94 25 Sep 94 VFA-305 Lobos 31 Dec 94 20 Aug 94
CVW-10 NM 1 Jun88 VA-304 Firebirds 31 Dec 94 17 Sep 94
CVW-13 AK 1 Jan 91 16 Jan 91 Note: VA-42 was nicknamed Green Pawns until the demise of the VP-6 Blue Sharks PC 31 May 93 19 Mar 93
CVW-15 NL 31 Mar 95 16Feb95 VA-176 Thunderbolts. VP-11 Proud Pegasus LE 15 Jan 97 02 Aug 97
CVWR-30 ND 31 Dec 94 11 Sep 94 VP-17 White Lightnings ZE 31 Mar 95 17 Dec 94
VAK-208 Jockeys 30 Sep 89 30 Sep 89 VP-19 Big Red PE 31 Aug 91 17 May 91
Navy Squadrons Disestablished 1988-1999 VAK-308 Griffins 30 Sep 88 30 Sep 88 VP-22 Blue Geese QA 31 Mar 94 22 Jan 94
VP-23 Sea Hawks LJ 28 Feb 95 7 Dec 94
Unit Nickname Code Official date Ceremonial Date VAQ-33 Firebirds GD 1 Oct 93 1 Oct 93 VP-24 Batmen LR 30 Apr 95 13 Apr 95
HC-1 Fleet Angels UP 29 Apr 94 29 Apr 94 VAQ-34 Electric Horsemen GD 1 Oct 93 5 Oct 93 VP-31 Black LightningsRP 1 Nov 93 26 Aug 93
HC-9 Protectors NW 31 Jul90 9Jun90 VAQ-35 Grey Wolves GD 1 Oct 93 7 Oct 93 VP-44 Golden Pelicans LM 28 Jun 91 31 May 91
HC-1 6 Bullfrogs BF 1 Apr 94 18Feb94 VAQ-133 Wizards 1 Jun92 24 Apr 92 VP-48 Boomerangers SF 26 Jun 91 23 May 91
VAQ-137 Rooks 30 Sep 94 26 May 94 VP-49 Woodpeckers LP 1 Mar 94 14 Jan 94
HM-12 Sea Dragons DH 30 Sep 94 30 Sep 94 VAQ-142 Grim Watchdogs 1 Jul91 30 Apr 91 VP-50 Blue Dragons SG 30 Jun 92 21 May 92
HM-18 Norsemen NW 4 Mar 95 4 Mar 95 VAQ-309 Axemen 31 Dec 94 10 Sep 94 VP-56 Dragons LQ 28 Jun 91 28 Jun 91
HM-19 Golden Bears NW 5 Nov 94 5 Nov 94 VP-60 Cobras LS 1 Sep 94 20 Mar 94
VAW-88 Cottonpickers 31 Dec 94 27 Aug 94 VP-67 Golden Hawks PL 30 Sep 94 5 Mar 94
HS-1 Sea Horses 30Jun97 19Jun97 VAW-1 10 Firebirds NJ 30 Sep 94 28 Sep 94 VP-68 Blackhawks LW 31 Dec 96 2 Nov 96
HS-9 Sea Griffins 30 Apr 93 23 Apr 93 VAW-1 1 1 Seabats 30 Apr 88 VP-90 Lions LX 30 Sep 94 19 Mar 94
HS-12 Wyverns 30 Nov 94 23 Sep 94 VAW-114Hormel Hawgs 31 Mar 95 16 Feb 95 VP-91 Black Cats PM 1 Apr 99
HS-1 6 Night Hawks 1 Jun88 VAW-1 22 Steeljaws 31 Mar 96 14 Mar 96 VP-93 Executioners LH 30 Sep 94 17 Sep 94
HS-17 Valkyries 30Jun91 2Jul91 VAW-1 27 Seabats 30 Sep 91 30 Sep 91 VP-MAU Brunswick Northern Sabres LB 30 Jun 91 2 Jun 91
VP-MAU Moffett Rolling Thunder PS 30 Sep 91 17 Aug 91
HSL-30 Scooters HT 30 Sep 93 28Jul93 VC-1 BlueAliis UA 30 Sep 92 30 Sep 92
HSL-31 Archangels TD 31 Jul92 9Jul92 VC-5 Checkertails UE 31 Aug 92 1 May 92 VQ-5 Sea Shadows SS Jul99
HSL-32 Tridents HV 31 Jan 94 21 Jan 94 VC-10 Challengers JH 15Aug93 6 Aug 93 VQ-6 Black Ravens ET Sep 99
HSL-33 Sea Snakes TF 29 Apr 94 23 Mar 94 VQ-11 Bandits LP 1999?
HSL-34 Gray Checkers HX 30 Nov 93 19 Nov 93 VF-1 Wolfpack 30 Sep 93 1 Jul93
HSL-35 Magicians TG 4 Dec 92 19 Nov 92 VF-21 Freelancers 31 Jan 96 12 Jan 96 VR-22 Med Riders JL 31 Mar 93 2 Apr 93
HSL-36 Lamplighters HY 30 Sep 92 30 Sep 92 VF-24 Fighting Renegades 31 Aug 96 27 Jun 96 VR-24 Lifting Eagles JM 31 Jan 93 29 Jan 93
HSL-74 Demon Elves NW 1 Apr 94 19 Mar 94 VF-33 Starfighters 1 Oct 93 24 Sep 93 VR-51 Flamin' Hookers RV 30 Sep 94
VF-43 Challengers 1 Jul94 24 Jun 94 VR-60 Volunteer Express RT 1 Apr 95 Mar 95
VA-35 Panthers 31 Jan 95 24 Jan 95 VF-45 Blackbirds AD 31 Mar 96 8 Mar 96
VA-36 Roadrunners 31 Mar 94 11 Mar 94 VF-51 Screaming Eagles 31 Mar 95 16 Feb 95 VRC-50 Foo Dogs RG 7 Oct 94 29 Sep 94
VA-42 Thunderbolts* AD 30 Sep 94 23 Sep 94 VF-74 Bedevilers 30 Apr 94 28 Apr 94
VA-46 Clansmen 30Jun91 23 May 91 VF-84 Jolly Rogers 1 Oct 95 29 Sep 95 VS-27 Seawolves AD 30 Sep 94 29 Sep 94
VA-52 Knight Riders 31 Mar 95 17Mar95 VF-1 11 Sundowners 31 Mar 95 16 Feb 95 VS-28 Gamblers 1 Oct 92 28Jul92
VA-55 War Horses 1 Jan 91 22 Feb 91 VF-1 14 Aardvarks 30 Apr 93 28 Jan 93 VS-35 Boomerangers 1 Jun 88 25 May 88
VA-65 Fighting Tigers 31 Mar 93 26 Mar 93 VF-1 24 Gunfighters NJ 30 Sep 94 30 Sep 94 VS-37 Sawbucks 31 Mar 95 17 Feb 95
VA-72 Blue Hawks 30Jun91 23 May 91 VF-1 26 Bandits NJ 1 Apr 94 1 Apr 94
VA-75 Sunday Punchers 31 Mar 97 28 Feb 97 VF-1 42 Ghostriders 30 Apr 95 7 Apr 95 VT-24 Bobcats C 30 Oct 92 18 Sep 92
VA-85 Black Falcons 30 Sep 94 22 Sep 94 VF-1 91 Satan's Kittens 30 Apr 88 VT-25 Cougars C 30 Oct 92 18 Sep 92
VA-95 Green Lizards 31 Oct95 18 Nov 95 VF-1 94 Red Lightnings 30 Apr 88 VT-26 Tigers C 29 May 92 22 May 92
VA-122 Flying Eagles NJ 31 May 91 5 Apr 91 VF-202 Superheats 31 Dec 94 9Jul94
VA-128 Golden Intruders NJ 30 Sep 95 29 Sep 95 VF-301 Devil's Disciples 31 Dec 94 11 Sep 94 VX-4 Evaluators XF 30 Sep 94 30 Sep 94
VA-145 Swordsmen 1 Oct 93 13 Oct 93 VF-302 Stallions 31 Dec 94 11 Sep 94 VX-5 Vampires XE 29 Apr 94 29 Apr 94
VA-155 Silver Foxes 30 Apr 93 27 Apr 93 VXE-6 Ice Pirates XD 31 Mar 99 27 Mar 99
VA-165 Boomers 30 Sep 96 26Jul96 VFA-127 Desert Bogeys NJ 31 Mar 96 23 Mar 96 VXN-8 World Travellers JB 1 Oct 93 21 Sep 93
VA-174 Hell Razors AD 30Jun88 30Jun88 VFA-132 Privateers 1 Jun 92 15 May 92
VA-176 Thunderbolts 30 Sep 92 18 Sep 92 VFA-161 Chargers 1 Apr 88
VA-185 Knighthawks 30Aug91 6Aug91 Lists compiled by Michael Weeks and Rick Burgess

US Navy unit and vessel changes 1988-1999

Squadrons Established 1988-1999 VR-1 Starlifters JK 01 May 1997 VA-203 to VFA-203 Blue Dolphins 01 Oct 1 989 USS Harry Truman (CVN 75) 25 Jul 1998
VR-51 Windjammers RG 01 Jun 1997 VA-204 to VFA-204 River Rattlers 01 May 1991 USS George Washington (CVN 73) 04 Jul 1 992
HCS-5 Firehawks NW 01 Oct 1988 VR-53 Capital Express WV 01 Oct 1993 VF-201 to VFA-201 Hunters 01 Jan 1999 USS Wasp (LHD 1) 29 Jul 1989
HM-19 Golden Bears NW 09 Jan 1989 VR-54 Revelers CW 01 Jun 1991 VC-12toVFC-12 Fighting Omars 22 Apr 1988
HSL-46 Grandmasters HO 07 Apr 1988 VS-35 Blue Wolves VS 04 Apr 1991 VC-13toVFC-13 Saints 22 Apr 1988 Decommissioned
HSL-48 Vipers HR 07 Sep 1989 VX-9 Vampires XE/XF 30 Apr 1994 VT-19toVT-9 Tigers 01 Oct 1998 USS4/nflr/ca(CV66) 30 Sep 1996
HSL-49 Scorpions TX 23 Mar 1990 Note: VS-35 was temporarily assigned the tailcode Note: The following Air Antisubmarine Squadrons USS Coral Sea (CV 43) 30 Apr 1990
HSL-51 Warlords TA 01 Oct 1991 VS until assigned to a CVW. (VS) were redesignated Sea Control Squadrons (VS) USS Forrestal (AVT 59) 11 Sep 1993
Naval Force Aircraft Test Squadron 21 Jul 1 995 on 16 Sep /S93: VS-21, -22,-24, -27, -28, -29, -30, USS Independence (CV 62) 30 Sep 1 998
Naval Rotary-Wing Aircraft Test Sqn21 Jul 1 995 -31, -32, -33, -35, -37, -38, -41 USS/WDJ//na(LPH2) 14 Jul 1993
Naval Strike Aircraft Test Sqn SD 21 Jul 1 995 Squadrons Redesignated 1988-1999 The following Tactical Electronic Warfare USS Guadalcanal (L?\\ 7) 31 Aug 1994
Naval Weapons Test Squadron China Lake, Calif. Squadrons (VAQ) were redesignated Electronic USS&/am(LPH9) 25 Aug 1998
08 May 1995 HAL-4 to HCS-4 Red Wolves 1 Oct 1 989 Attack Squadrons (VAQ) on 31 Mar 1998: USS Lexington (AVT 1 6) 08 Nov 1 991
Naval Weapons Test Squadron Point Mugu, Calif HS-85toHC-85 Golden Gaters 1 Oct 1994 VAQ-128, -129, -130, -131, -132, -133, -134.-135, USS Midway (CV 41) 11 Apr 1992
08 May 1995 VA-22 to VFA-22 Fighting Redcocks 4 May 1 990 -136, -137, -138, -139, -140, -141, -142 USS/Ven/Or/eans(LPH11) 310ct1997
VAQ-35 Grey Wolves GD 14 Aug 1991 VA-27 to VFA-27 Chargers 24 Jan 1 991 USS0/r/rai/i/a(LPH3) 17 Dec 1992
VAQ-128 Fighting Phoenix NL 01 Oct 1997 VA-34 to VFA-34 Blue Blasters 30 Sep 1 996 Aviation Ship Changes 1988-1999 USSfla/7#e/-(CV61) 10 Jul 1993
VAQ-133 Wizards NL 01 Apr 1996 VA-37 to VFA-37 Bulls 28 Nov 1 990 USS Saratoga (CV 60) 30 Sep 1994
VAQ-137 Rooks NL 01 Oct 1996 VA-81 toVFA-81 Sunliners 04 Feb 1988 Commissioned USSrr//70//(LPH10) 08 Sep 1995
VAQ-142 Grim Watchdogs 01 Jun 1988 VA-83 to VFA-83 Rampagers 01 Mar 1988 USSa?aa/?(LHD5) 20 Sep 1997
VAQ-142 Gray Wolves NL 01 Apr 1997 VA-94 to VFA-94 Mighty Shrikes 28 Jun 1 990 USS Bonhomme Richard (LUD 6) 1 5 Aug 1 998 Redesignated
VAW-77 Night Wolf AF 01 Oct 1995 VA-105toVFA-105 Gunslmgers 17 Dec 1990 USSoxer(LHD4) 11 Feb 1995 USS Forrestal (CM 59) to (AVT 59) 04 Feb 1992
VFA-122 Flying Eagles NJ 01 Oct 1998 VA-97 to VFA-97 Warhawks 24 Jan 1991 USS Essex (LHD 2) 17 Oct 1992 USS/ncfto/?(LPH12)to(MCS12) 01 Mar 1995
VQ-5 Sea Shadows SS 15 Apr 1991 VA-115toVFA-115 Eagles 30 Sep 1996 USS Kearsarge(LUD 3) 16 Oct 1993
VQ-6 Black Ravens ET 05 Aug 1991 VA-1 46 to VFA-1 46 Blue Diamonds 21 Jul 1 989 USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) 1 1 Nov 1 989 Note: Some official dates differ from those on
VQ-11 Bandits LP 01 Jul 1997 VA-147toVFA-147 Argonauts 20 Jul 1989 USS John C. Stenms (CVN 74) 09 Dec 1 995 which ceremonies were actually held.

157