List of United States Navy aircraft squadrons - wikipedia List of United States Navy aircraft squadrons Jump to : navigation , search This is a list of United States Navy aircraft squadrons . Deactivated or disestablished squadrons are listed in the List of Inactive United States Navy aircraft squadrons . Navy aircraft squadrons are typically composed of several aircraft ( from as few as two to as many as several dozen ) , the officers who fly them and the men and women that maintain them . Most squadrons also have a number of other administrative support personnel . Some of the activities listed are not technically `` squadrons '' , but they all operate U.S. Navy aircraft in some capacity . Squadrons and their history are listed in the Dictionary of American Naval Aviation Squadrons ( DANAS ) . Contents ( hide ) 1 Squadron organization 2 Types of squadrons 3 Squadron designations 4 Fixed Wing Squadrons 4.1 Electronic Attack 4.2 Carrier Airborne Early Warning 4.3 Strike Fighter 4.3. 1 F / A-18E / F Super Hornet 4.3. 2 F / A-18A / C Hornet 4.3. 3 F - 35C Lightning II 4.4 Fleet Air Reconnaissance 4.5 Fleet Fighter Composite 4.6 Fleet Logistics Support ( VR ) 4.7 Fleet Logistics Support ( VRC ) 4.8 Patrol 4.9 Other 5 Helicopter Squadrons 5.1 Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron 5.2 Helicopter Sea Combat Squadrons 5.3 Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadrons 6 Training Squadrons 6.1 Fixed Wing Training Squadrons 6.2 Helicopter Training Squadrons 7 UAV Squadrons 7.1 Unmanned Patrol Squadrons 8 Test and Evaluation 9 See also 10 References Squadron organization ( edit ) Navy squadron organizational chart . ( Click the diagram to enlarge it ) Active duty squadrons are typically commanded by a Commander . Second in command is the Executive Officer ( XO ) , also a Commander . The XO typically assumes command of the squadron after approximately 15 months . There are typically four functional departments - Operations , Maintenance , Safety / NATOPS , and Administration - each led by a Lieutenant Commander functioning as the Department Head . Within the departments are Divisions ( each typically headed by a Lieutenant ) and Branches ( headed by a Lieutenant , junior grade or a Chief Petty Officer ) . Reserve squadrons are also commanded by a Commander , with another Commander as the XO who will also assume command after approximately 15 months . However , reserve squadron demographics are typically older and more senior in rank than their active duty squadron counterparts . Department Heads in reserve squadrons are typically senior Lieutenant Commanders , although some may be recently promoted Commanders . Where this difference in maturity level becomes more apparent is at the Division Officer level . Since most officers in reserve squadrons previously served on active duty in the Regular Navy in a flying status for eight to ten or more years , they are typically already Lieutenant Commanders , or achieve that rank shortly after transferring to the Navy Reserve . As a result , Lieutenants are a minority and Lieutenants , junior grade , practically non-existent in reserve squadrons . As a result , Divisions are typically headed by Lieutenant Commanders and Branches by Lieutenants , Senior Chief Petty Officers or Chief Petty Officers . Types of squadrons ( edit ) This section does not cite any sources . Please help improve this section by adding citations to reliable sources . Unsourced material may be challenged and removed . ( December 2017 ) ( Learn how and when to remove this template message ) Navy aircraft are classified by Type ( rotary wing , fixed wing ) , Model ( e.g. SH - 60 ) , and Series ( e.g. , SH - 60B versus SH - 60F ) . Squadrons can be categorized in a number of ways : Active versus Navy Reserve , land - based versus sea - based , fixed wing versus rotary wing ( helicopter ) vs Unmanned aerial vehicle ( UAV ) , and by mission . Unlike the USAF , US Army , and USMC , the US Navy does not typically refer to other organizations ( such as maintenance or medical units ) as `` squadrons '' . An exception to this is that US Navy destroyers and submarines are administratively grouped by `` squadrons '' . Active squadrons are those in the regular US Navy . Reserve squadrons are in the US Navy Reserve and are manned by a combination of full - time and part - time reservists . For the most part , there is no way to know by the squadron 's name alone whether it is an active or reserve squadron . There are Reserve elements of many Active squadrons , and active duty personnel serving in many Reserve squadrons . In general , reserve squadrons share the same missions as their active counterparts , although there are Reserve missions ( e.g. , Adversary and Fleet Logistics Support ) that have no Active counterpart . At any one time , the US Navy has approximately 600 aircraft that are associated with particular ships . There are also several thousand additional Navy aircraft that are capable of shipboard operations , but are not associated with a ship . The Navy also has several hundred land - based aircraft that are not capable of shipboard operations . Squadrons are listed here by type ( fixed / rotary wing ) and by mission . Squadron designations ( edit ) Navy aircraft squadrons can be properly referred to by designation or nickname . The designations describe the squadron 's mission and therefor the general type of aircraft . The Formal form designation ( e.g. , Strike Fighter Squadron EIGHT SIX ) indicates the mission . A subset of the formal form designation is a Navy acronym format in capital letters , e.g. , STKFITRON EIGHT SIX The abbreviated designation ( e.g. , VFA - 86 ) also indicates the type and mission , as each of the letters has a meaning . In this case , `` V '' stands for fixed wing , `` F '' stands for fighter , and `` A '' stands for attack . Nickname -- e.g. , `` Sidewinders '' . Fixed wing squadrons ( edit ) Most Navy fixed wing squadron designations start with the letter `` V '' . An exception to this was the use of `` RVAH '' to denote Reconnaissance Attack Squadrons which operated the RA - 5C Vigilante during the 1960s and 1970s . Electronic attack ( edit ) Boeing EA - 18G Growler Prior to 1998 VAQ squadrons were called `` Tactical Electronic Warfare '' squadrons . A typical Electronic Attack Squadron consists of five Boeing EA - 18G Growlers . The primary mission of the Growler is Electronic Attack ( EA ) , also known as Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses ( SEAD ) in support of strike aircraft and ground troops by interrupting enemy electronic activity and obtaining tactical electronic intelligence within the combat area . Navy Electronic Attack squadrons carry the letters VAQ ( V - fixed wing , A-attack , Q - electronic ) . Most VAQ squadrons are carrier based , however a number are `` expeditionary '' , deploying to overseas land bases . When not deployed ( either on land or carrier ) , they are home - ported at NAS Whidbey Island . The exception is VAQ - 141 , which is forward deployed to NAF Atsugi , Japan . Squadron Designation Insignia Nickname Aircraft Notes VAQ - 129 Vikings EA - 18G Formerly VAH - 10 FRS NAS Whidbey Island Established May 1 , 1961 VAQ - 130 Zappers EA - 18G Formerly VAW - 13 CVW - 3 NAS Whidbey Island Established September 1 , 1959 VAQ - 131 Lancers EA - 18G Formerly VP - 920 , VP - ML - 70 , VP - 931 , VP - 57 , VAH - 4 CVW - 8 NAS Whidbey Island Established May 1 , 1946 VAQ - 132 Scorpions EA - 18G Formerly VAH - 2 Expeditionary NAS Whidbey Island Established November 1 , 1955 VAQ - 133 ( 2nd ) Wizards EA - 18G CVW - 9 NAS Whidbey Island Established April 1 , 1996 ( There was an earlier squadron designated VAQ - 133 also called the `` Wizards '' which existed from 4 Mar 1969 to Jun 1992 ) VAQ - 134 Garudas EA - 18G Expeditionary NAS Whidbey Island Established June 17 , 1969 VAQ - 135 Black Ravens EA - 18G Expeditionary NAS Whidbey Island Established May 15 , 1969 VAQ - 136 Gauntlets EA - 18G CVW - 2 NAS Whidbey Island Established April 6 , 1973 VAQ - 137 ( 2nd ) Rooks EA - 18G CVW - 1 NAS Whidbey Island Established October 1 , 1996 ( There was an earlier squadron designated VAQ - 137 also called the `` Rooks '' which existed from 14 Dec 1973 to 26 May 1994 ) VAQ - 138 Yellowjackets EA - 18G Expeditionary NAS Whidbey Island Established February 27 , 1976 VAQ - 139 Cougars EA - 18G CVW - 17 NAS Whidbey Island Established July 1 , 1983 VAQ - 140 Patriots EA - 18G CVW - 7 NAS Whidbey Island Established October 1 , 1985 VAQ - 141 Shadowhawks EA - 18G CVW - 5 NAF Atsugi Established July 1 , 1987 VAQ - 142 ( 2nd ) Gray Wolves EA - 18G CVW - 11 NAS Whidbey Island Established April 1 , 1997 ( There was an earlier squadron designated VAQ - 142 called the `` Grim Watchdogs '' which existed from 1 Jun 1988 to March 1991 ) VAQ - 209 Star Warriors EA - 18G USNR Tactical Support Wing NAS Whidbey Island Established October 1 , 1977 Carrier airborne early warning ( edit ) Each Carrier Airborne Early Warning squadron consists of four E-2C Hawkeyes except for the FRS which has more . Transition to the E-2D Hawkeye is in progress and should be complete by 2025 . The Hawkeye 's primary mission is to provide all - weather airborne early warning , airborne battle management and command and control ( C2 ) functions for the carrier strike group and Joint Force Commander . Additional missions include surface surveillance coordination , air interdiction , offensive and defensive counter air control , close air support coordination , time critical strike coordination , search and rescue airborne coordination and communications relay . The E-2 Hawkeye and C - 2 Greyhound are built on the same airframe and have many similar characteristics . For this reason , both aircraft are trained for in the same Fleet Replacement Squadron . E-2C Hawkeye E-2D Hawkeye Squadron Designation Insignia Nickname Aircraft Notes VAW - 113 Black Eagles E-2C CVW - 2 NAS Pt . Mugu Established April 20 , 1967 VAW - 115 Liberty Bells E-2D Expeditionary NAS Pt . Mugu Established April 20 , 1967 VAW - 116 Sun Kings E-2C CVW - 17 NAS Pt . Mugu Established April 20 , 1967 VAW - 117 Wallbangers E-2C CVW - 11 NAS Pt . Mugu Established July 1 , 1974 VAW - 120 Grey Hawks E-2C / D C - 2 Formerly RVAW - 120 FRS NS Norfolk Established July 1 , 1967 VAW - 121 Blue Tails E-2D CVW - 7 NS Norfolk Established April 1 , 1967 VAW - 123 Screwtops E-2C CVW - 3 NS Norfolk Established April 1 , 1967 VAW - 124 Bear Aces E-2C CVW - 8 NS Norfolk Established September 1 , 1967 VAW - 125 Tigertails E-2D CVW - 5 MCAS Iwakunii Established October 1 , 1968 VAW - 126 Seahawks E-2D CVW - 1 NS Norfolk Established April 1 , 1969 Strike fighter ( edit ) A Strike Fighter Squadron consists of either ten F / A-18C Hornets , twelve F / A-18E / F Super Hornets , and in future , ten F - 35C Lightning IIs . Training squadrons ( known as fleet replacement squadrons ) have many more aircraft . The Hornet is an all - weather aircraft that is used for attack and fighter missions . In its fighter mode , the F / A-18 is used primarily as a fighter escort and for fleet air defense ; in its attack mode , it is used for force projection , interdiction and close and deep air support . The F / A-18 is also used for SEAD and aerial refueling . The F - 35C is a fifth - generation strike fighter that is replacing the Navy 's F / A-18 Hornets and will serve alongside the Super Hornet . F / A-18E / F Super Hornet ( edit ) according to USN Fact File Squadron Designation Insignia Nickname Aircraft Notes VFA - 2 Bounty Hunters F / A-18F Formerly VF - 2 ( 5th ) CVW - 2 NAS Lemoore Established October 1 , 1972 VFA - 11 Red Rippers F / A-18F Formerly VF - 43 ( 4th ) , VF - 11 ( 3rd ) CVW - 1 NAS Oceana Established September 1 , 1950 VFA - 14 Tophatters F / A-18E Formerly Air Det Pacflt , VT - 5 , VP - 4 - 1 , VF - 4 ( 1st ) , VF - 1 ( 1st ) , VF - 1B ( 1st ) , VB - 2B , VB - 3 , VB - 4 , VS - 41 , VB - 41 , VB - 4 , VA - 1A , VA - 14 , VF - 14 ( 2nd ) CVW - 9 NAS Lemoore Established September 1919 VFA - 22 Fighting Redcocks F / A-18F Formerly VF - 63 , VA - 63 , VA - 22 CVW - 17 NAS Lemoore Established July 28 , 1948 VFA - 25 Fist of the Fleet F / A-18E Formerly VT - 7 , VA - 6B , VA - 65 ( 1st ) , VA - 25 ( 2nd ) CVW - 9 NAS Lemoore Established January 1 , 1943 VFA - 27 Royal Maces F / A-18E Formerly VA - 27 CVW - 5 NAF Atsugi Established September 1 , 1967 VFA - 31 Tomcatters F / A-18E Formerly VF - 1B ( 2nd ) , VF - 6 ( 2nd ) , VF - 3 ( 3rd ) , VF - 3A , VF - 31 ( 2nd ) CVW - 8 NAS Oceana Established July 1 , 1935 VFA - 32 Swordsmen F / A-18F Formerly VBF - 3 , VF - 4A , VF - 32 ( 2nd ) CVW - 3 NAS Oceana Established February 1 , 1945 VFA - 41 Black Aces F / A-18F Formerly VF - 41 ( 4th ) CVW - 9 NAS Lemoore Established September 1 , 1950 VFA - 81 Sunliners F / A-18E Formerly VA - 66 ( 1st ) , VF - 81 ( 4th ) , VA - 81 CVW - 17 NAS Oceana Established July 1 , 1955 VFA - 86 Sidewinders F / A-18E Formerly VF - 921 ( USNR ) , VF - 84 ( 2nd ) , VA - 86 ( 2nd ) CVW - 7 NAS Lemoore Established February 1 , 1951 VFA - 87 Golden Warriors F / A-18E Formerly VA - 87 CVW - 8 NAS Oceana Established February 1 , 1968 VFA - 94 Mighty Shrikes F / A-18F Formerly VF - 94 ( 2nd ) , VA - 94 ( 2nd ) CVW - 17 NAS Lemoore Established March 26 , 1952 VFA - 97 Warhawks F / A-18E Formerly VA - 97 CVW - 9 NAS Lemoore Established June 1 , 1967 VFA - 102 Diamondbacks F / A-18F Formerly VA - 36 ( 2nd ) , VF - 102 ( 2nd ) CVW - 5 NAF Atsugi Established July 1 , 1955 VFA - 103 Jolly Rogers F / A-18F Formerly VF - 103 CVW - 7 NAS Oceana Established May 1 , 1952 VFA - 105 Gunslingers F / A-18E Formerly VA - 105 ( 2nd ) CVW - 3 NAS Oceana Established March 4 , 1968 VFA - 106 Gladiators F / A-18A / B / C / D / E / F FRS NAS Oceana Established April 27 , 1984 VFA - 113 Stingers F / A-18E Formerly VF - 113 , VA - 113 CVW - 17 NAS Lemoore Established July 15 , 1948 VFA - 115 Eagles F / A-18E Formerly VT - 11 , VA - 124 , VA - 115 CVW - 5 NAF Atsugi Established October 10 , 1942 VFA - 122 Flying Eagles F / A-18E / F FRS NAS Lemoore Established January 15 , 1999 VFA - 136 Knighthawks F / A-18E CVW - 1 NAS Lemoore Established July 1 , 1985 VFA - 137 Kestrels F / A-18E CVW - 2 NAS Lemoore Established July 1 , 1985 VFA - 143 Pukin ' Dogs F / A-18E Formerly VF - 871 ( USNR ) , VF - 123 , VF - 53 ( 3rd ) , VF - 143 ( 2nd ) CVW - 7 NAS Oceana Established July 20 , 1950 VFA - 146 Blue Diamonds F / A-18E Formerly VA - 146 CVW - 11 NAS Lemoore Established February 1 , 1956 VFA - 147 Argonauts F / A-18E Formerly VA - 147 CVW - 11 NAS Lemoore Established February 1 , 1967 VFA - 151 Vigilantes F / A-18E Formerly VF - 23 ( 2nd ) , VF - 151 ( 4th ) CVW - 9 NAS Lemoore Established August 6 , 1948 VFA - 154 Black Knights F / A-18F Formerly VFB - 718 ( USNR ) , VF - 68A ( USNR ) , VF - 837 ( USNR ) , VF - 154 CVW - 11 NAS Lemoore Established July 1946 VFA - 192 Golden Dragons F / A-18E Formerly VF - 153 ( 1st ) , VF - 15A , VF - 151 ( 2nd ) , VF - 192 ( 2nd ) , VA - 192 CVW - 9 NAS Lemoore Established March 26 , 1945 VFA - 195 Dambusters F / A-18E Formerly VT - 19 , VA - 20A , VA - 195 CVW - 5 NAF Atsugi Established August 15 , 1943 VFA - 211 Checkmates F / A-18F Formerly VB - 74 , VA - 1B , VA - 24 , VF - 24 ( 2nd ) , VF - 211 ( 2nd ) CVW - 1 NAS Oceana Established May 1 , 1945 VFA - 213 Black Lions F / A-18F Formerly VF - 213 CVW - 8 NAS Oceana Established June 22 , 1955 F / a-18a / C Hornet ( edit ) `` F / A-18 Hornet strike fighter '' . USN Fact File . United States Navy . Squadron Designation Insignia Nickname Aircraft Notes VFA - 34 Blue Blasters F / A-18C Formerly VA - 34 ( 3rd ) CVW - 2 NAS Oceana Established January 1 , 1970 VFA - 37 Ragin Bulls F / A-18C Formerly VA - 37 CVW - 3 NAS Oceana Established July 1 , 1967 VFA - 83 Rampagers F / A-18C Formerly VF - 961 ( USNR ) , VF - 83 ( 3rd ) , VA - 83 CVW - 7 NAS Oceana Established February 1 , 1951 VFA - 204 River Rattlers F / A-18A Formerly VA - 204 USNR Tactical Support Wing NAS JRB New Orleans Established July 1 , 1970 F - 35C Lightning ii ( edit ) VFA - 101 received its first F - 35C at Eglin AFB , 22 June 2013 . Squadron Designation Insignia Nickname Aircraft Notes VFA - 101 Grim Reapers F - 35C Formerly VF - 101 FRS Eglin Air Force Base Established May 1 , 1952 ; deactivated September 30 , 2005 ; re-activated May 1 , 2012 VFA - 125 Rough Raiders F - 35C FRS Naval Air Station Lemoore Established Nov 13 , 1980 ; deactivated October 1 , 2010 ; re-activated January 12 , 2017 VX - 9 Vampires F - 35C Test and Evaluation Edwards Air Force Base Established May 1 , 2012 Fleet air Reconnaissance ( edit ) EP - 3E Aries II E-6B Mercury Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron ONE is the Navy 's only land - based signals intelligence ( SIGINT ) reconnaissance squadron . The 13 aircraft in the Navy 's inventory are based on the Orion P - 3 airframe and provide fleet and theater commanders worldwide with near real - time tactical SIGINT . With sensitive receivers and high - gain dish antennas , the EP - 3E exploits a wide range of electronic emissions from deep within targeted territory . Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadrons THREE and FOUR provide communications relay and strategic airborne command post missions . They provide survivable , reliable , and endurable airborne command , control , and communications between the National Command Authority ( NCA ) and U.S. strategic and non-strategic forces . The TACAMO ( `` Take Charge and Move Out '' ) mission links the NCA with naval ballistic missile submarine forces during times of crisis . The aircraft carries a very low frequency communication system with dual trailing wire antennae . The E-6B is a dual - mission aircraft , capable of fulfilling the airborne strategic command post mission and is equipped with an airborne launch control system ( ALCS ) , which is capable of launching U.S. land based intercontinental ballistic missiles . Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron SEVEN is the E-6B Fleet Replacement Squadron , providing initial and requalification training for pilots , aircrews , and maintainers . It operates E-6B's on loan from VQ - 3 and VQ - 4 , having returned its leased Lauda Air 737 - 600 . Squadron Designation Insignia Nickname Aircraft Notes VQ - 1 World Watchers EP - 3E NAS Whidbey Island Established 1 June 1955 VQ - 3 Ironman E-6B Tinker AFB Established 1 July 1968 VQ - 4 Shadows E-6B Tinker AFB Established 1 July 1968 VQ - 7 Roughnecks E-6B Formerly Naval Training Support Unit ( NTSU ) FRS Tinker AFB Re-designated VQ - 7 1 November 1999 Fleet fighter Composite ( edit ) F - 5s . Fleet Fighter Composite squadrons provide adversary simulation for fleet squadrons . All VFC squadrons are from the Navy Reserve . Squadron Designation Insignia Nickname Aircraft Notes VFC - 12 Fighting Omars F / A-18A+ / B Reserve NAS Oceana VFC - 13 Saints F - 5 Reserve NAS Fallon VFC - 111 Sundowners F - 5 Reserve NAS Key West Fleet logistics support ( VR ) ( edit ) C - 20 . C - 130 . C - 40A . Fleet Logistics Support squadrons operate Navy unique airlift aircraft on a worldwide basis to provide responsive , flexible , and rapidly deployable air logistics support required to sustain combat operations from the sea . During peacetime , squadrons provide air logistics support for all Navy commands as well as provide continuous quality training for mobilization readiness . Fleet Logistics Support squadrons have no counterpart in the Regular Navy . They represent 100 % of the Navy 's medium and heavy intra-theater airlift , and operate year - round , around the world providing the critical link between deployed seagoing units and air mobility command logistics hubs . VR - 1 provides dedicated airlift support to the Office of the Secretary of the Navy , Chief of Naval Operations and Commandant of the Marine Corps . All VR squadrons are from the Navy Reserve . Squadron Designation Insignia Nickname Aircraft Notes VR - 1 Star Lifters C - 37B Reserve Joint Base Andrews VR - 51 Windjammers C - 20G Reserve MCAS Kaneohe Bay VR - 53 Capital Express C - 130T Reserve Naval Air Facility Washington VR - 54 Revelers C - 130T Reserve NAS JRB New Orleans VR - 55 Minutemen C - 130T Reserve NAS Point Mugu VR - 56 Globemasters C - 40 Reserve NAS Oceana VR - 57 Conquistadors C - 40 Reserve NAS North Island VR - 58 Sunseekers C - 40 Reserve NAS Jacksonville VR - 59 Lone Star Express C - 40 Reserve NAS JRB Fort Worth VR - 61 Islanders C - 40 Reserve NAS Whidbey Island VR - 62 Nomads C - 130T Reserve NAS Jacksonville ( Relocated from NAS Brunswick in 2009 ) VR - 64 Condors C - 130T Reserve Joint Base McGuire , Dix , Lakehurst ( Relocated from NAS Willow Grove in Mar 2011 ) Formerly VP - 64 -- redesignated 18 Sep 2004 Fleet logistics support ( VRC ) ( edit ) C - 2A Greyhound There are two Fleet Logistic Support squadrons equipped with the C - 2A Greyhound Carrier Onboard Delivery ( COD ) aircraft - one on each coast . VRC - 30 is based at Naval Air Station North Island , VRC - 40 is based at Naval Station Norfolk . These squadrons send two - plane detachments with each deploying aircraft carrier . The C - 2A Greyhound , more commonly referred to as a `` COD '' ( short for Carrier onboard delivery ) , is used to deliver high priority parts , supplies , people , and mail to / from the carrier and shore sites near the carrier operating area . Squadron Designation Insignia Nickname Aircraft Notes VRC - 30 Providers C - 2A NAS North Island VRC - 30 Det 1 Hustlers C - 2A CVW - 14 VRC - 30 Det 2 Roughnecks C - 2A CVW - 2 VRC - 30 Det 3 Crusaders C - 2A CVW - 11 VRC - 30 Det 4 Pure Horsepower C - 2A CVW - 9 VRC - 30 Det 5 Providers C - 2A CVW - 5 Squadron Designation Insignia Nickname Aircraft Notes VRC - 40 Det 1 Rawhides C - 2A CVW - 3 VRC - 40 Det 2 Rawhides C - 2A CVW - 1 VRC - 40 Det 3 Rawhides C - 2A CVW - 7 VRC - 40 Det 4 Rawhides C - 2A CVW - 17 VRC - 40 Det 5 Rawhides C - 2A CVW - 8 Patrol ( edit ) P - 3C Orion Maritime patrol aircraft are used primarily for reconnaissance , anti-surface warfare and anti-submarine warfare . Volume 2 of the Dictionary of American Naval Aviation Squadrons contains comprehensive histories over 150 patrol squadrons . Its Appendix 7 details the lineage of every VP , VPB , VP ( H ) , and VP ( AM ) squadron from 1922 through the late 1990s . P - 8A Poseidon . Squadron Designation Insignia Nickname Aircraft Notes VP - 1 Screaming Eagles P - 3C NAS Whidbey Island VP - 4 Skinny Dragons P - 8A NAS Whidbey Island VP - 5 Mad Foxes P - 8A NAS Jacksonville VP - 8 Tigers P - 8A NAS Jacksonville VP - 9 Golden Eagles P - 3C MCAS Kaneohe Bay VP - 10 Red Lancers P - 8A NAS Jacksonville VP - 16 War Eagles P - 8A NAS Jacksonville VP - 26 Tridents P - 8A NAS Jacksonville VP - 30 Pro 's Nest P - 3C P - 8A FRS NAS Jacksonville VP - 40 Fighting Marlins P - 3C NAS Whidbey Island VP - 45 Pelicans P - 8A NAS Jacksonville VP - 46 Grey Knights P - 3C NAS Whidbey Island VP - 47 Golden Swordsmen P - 8A NAS Whidbey Island VP - 62 Broadarrows P - 3C Reserve NAS Jacksonville VP - 69 Totems P - 3C Reserve NAS Whidbey Island VPU - 2 Wizards P - 3C MCAS Kaneohe Bay Other ( edit ) Some of these organizations are not technically `` squadrons '' , however they have custody of and routinely fly Navy aircraft . Blue Angels Squadron Designation Insignia Nickname Aircraft Notes Naval Flight Demonstration Squadron Blue Angels F / A-18A / B / C / D C - 130T NAS Pensacola NAF El Centro Naval Aviation Warfare Development Center NAWDC F / A-18A / B / C / D / E / F F - 16A / B E-2C EA - 18G MH - 60S NAS Fallon Naval Fighter Weapons School TOPGUN F / A-18E / F F - 16A / B NAS Fallon Strike Fighter Weapons School Pacific F / A-18 NAS Lemoore Pacific Missile Range Facility Outrider RC - 26D EC - 26D Barking Sands Helicopter squadrons ( edit ) Helo Master Plan US Navy helicopters are used for antisubmarine warfare , antisurface warfare , mine warfare , combat search and rescue , special operations , and vertical replenishment missions . The USN helicopter community , in accordance with the `` Helicopter Master Plan '' , is currently undergoing a transformation to reduce costs and infrastructure . The plan calls for expanding warfighting capabilities , modernizing the force , necking down from eight to three aircraft types , and consolidating force structure where possible . This plan is also leading to the renaming of many squadrons . All Navy helicopter ( or rotary wing ) squadrons ' informal names start with the letter `` H '' . Helicopter mine Countermeasures squadron ( edit ) The Mine Countermeasures Squadrons employ 28 total MH - 53E Sea Dragon helicopters . The primary mission of the Sea Dragon is Airborne Mine Countermeasures ( AMCM ) . The MH - 53 can operate from carriers and other warships and is capable of towing a variety of mine hunting / sweeping countermeasures systems . The MH - 53E Sea Dragon is also a capable heavy - lift asset , with three powerful turboshaft engines and a maximum take - off weight of 69,750 pounds ( 31,640 kg ) . This gives the Sea Dragon the capability to carry an impressive amount of cargo , personnel or equipment over long distances . The Sea Dragon remains in service as the Navy 's only heavy - lift helicopter and only proven mine countermeasure platform . While not intended to specifically be the MH - 53E 's replacement , the U.S. Navy 's largest - ever helicopter , the new Sikorsky CH - 53K King Stallion , intended to start flying its evaluations in 2015 , has an increased MTOW figure of some 84,700 lb ( 38,400 kg ) , some 14,950 lb ( 6,781 kg ) heavier than the Sea Dragon . An MH - 53 delivers aid in Sumatra following the 2004 Tsunami . Squadron Designation Insignia Nickname Aircraft Notes HM - 12 ( 2nd ) Sea Dragons MH - 53E FRS NS Norfolk Established 1 Oct 2015 ( There was an earlier squadron designated HM - 12 also called the `` Sea Dragons '' which existed from 1 Apr 1971 to 30 Sep 1994 ) HM - 14 Vanguard MH - 53E NS Norfolk Established 12 May 1978 HM - 15 Blackhawks MH - 53E NS Norfolk Established 2 Jan 1987 Helicopter Sea combat squadrons ( edit ) The Helicopter Sea Combat Squadrons combine the strike rescue and ASUW capability of the former Helicopter Anti-submarine squadrons ( HS ) and the at sea logistics capability of the former Helicopter Combat Support squadrons ( HC ) . An MH - 60S Knighthawk conducts vertical replenishment ( VERTREP ) Squadron Designation Insignia Nickname Aircraft Notes HSC - 2 Fleet Angels MH - 60S Formerly HC - 2 ( 2nd ) ( There was an earlier squadron designated HC - 2 ( established as HU - 2 ) also called `` Fleet Angels '' which existed from 1 Apr 1948 to 30 Sep 1977 ) FRS NS Norfolk Established 1 Apr 1987 HSC - 3 Merlins MH - 60S Formerly HC - 3 FRS NAS North Island Established 1 Sep 1967 HSC - 4 Black Knights MH - 60S Formerly HS - 4 CVW - 2 NAS North Island Established 30 Jun 1952 HSC - 5 Nightdippers MH - 60S Formerly HS - 5 CVW - 7 NS Norfolk Established 3 Jan 1956 HSC - 6 Indians MH - 60S Formerly HS - 6 CVW - 17 NAS North Island Established 1 Jun 1956 HSC - 7 Dusty Dogs MH - 60S Formerly HS - 7 ( 2nd ) ( There was an earlier squadron designated HS - 7 called the `` Big Dippers '' which existed from 2 Apr 1956 to 31 May 1966 ) CVW - 3 NS Norfolk Established 15 Dec 1969 HSC - 8 Eightballers MH - 60S Formerly HS - 8 ( 2nd ) ( There was an earlier squadron designated HS - 8 also called `` Eighballers '' which existed from 1 Jun 1956 to 31 Dec 1968 ) CVW - 11 NAS North Island Established 1 Nov 1969 HSC - 9 Tridents MH - 60S Formerly HS - 3 CVW - 8 NS Norfolk Established 18 Jun 1952 HSC - 11 Dragon Slayers MH - 60S Formerly HS - 11 CVW - 1 NS Norfolk Established 27 Jun 1957 HSC - 12 Golden Falcons MH - 60S Formerly HS - 2 CVW - 5 NAF Atsugi Established 7 Mar 1952 HSC - 14 Chargers MH - 60S Formerly HS - 14 CVW - 9 NAS North Island Established 10 Jul 1984 HSC - 21 Blackjacks MH - 60S Formerly HC - 11 Expeditionary NAS North Island Established 1 Oct 1977 HSC - 22 Sea Knights MH - 60S Expeditionary NS Norfolk Established 29 Sep 2006 HSC - 23 Wild Cards MH - 60S Expeditionary NAS North Island Established 29 Sep 2006 HSC - 25 Island Knights MH - 60S Formerly HC - 5 ( 2nd ) Expeditionary Andersen AFB Established 3 Feb 1984 HSC - 26 Chargers MH - 60S Formerly HC - 6 Expeditionary NS Norfolk Established 1 Sep 1967 HSC - 28 Dragon Whales MH - 60S Formerly HC - 8 Expeditionary NS Norfolk Established 3 Dec 1984 HSC - 85 ( 2006 ) ( 2011 ) High Rollers ( 2006 ) Fire Hawks ( 2011 ) MH - 60S ( 2006 ) HH - 60H ( 2011 ) Formerly HS - 85 , HC - 85 ( USNR ) Naval Special Warfare Support ( Adopted `` Firehawks '' name and insignia from deactivated HCS - 5 ) NAS North Island Established 1 Jul 1970 Helicopter Maritime strike squadrons ( edit ) An MH - 60R prepares to conduct sonar dip operations . Helicopter Maritime Strike squadrons operate the MH - 60R Seahawk . The first operational fleet squadron to receive the Romeo was HSM - 71 in fiscal year 2008 . The new squadron designation was created to reflect the MH - 60Rs multi-mission capabilities . Squadron Designation Insignia Nickname Aircraft Notes HSM - 35 Magicians MH - 60R , MQ - 8B Expeditionary NAS North Island Established 2 May 2013 . ( There was an earlier squadron designated HSL - 35 also called `` Magicians '' which existed from 15 Jan 1974 to 4 Dec 1992 ) HSM - 37 Easyriders MH - 60R Formerly HSL - 37 Expeditionary MCAS Kanehoe Bay Established 3 Jul 1975 HSM - 40 Airwolves MH - 60R Formerly HSL - 40 FRS NS Mayport Established 4 Oct 1985 HSM - 41 Seahawks MH - 60R Formerly HSL - 41 FRS NAS North Island Established 21 Jan 1983 HSM - 46 Grandmasters MH - 60R Formerly HSL - 46 Expeditionary NS Mayport Established 7 Apr 1988 HSM - 48 Vipers MH - 60R Formerly HSL - 48 Expeditionary NS Mayport Established 7 Sep 1989 HSM - 49 Scorpions MH - 60R Formerly HSL - 49 Expeditionary NAS North Island Established 23 Mar 1990 HSM - 51 Warlords MH - 60R Formerly HSL - 51 Expeditionary NAF Atsugi Established 1 Oct 1991 HSM - 60 Jaguars MH - 60R Formerly HSL - 60 Expeditionary ( USNR ) NAS Jacksonville Established 1 April 2001 HSM - 70 Spartans MH - 60R CVW - 8 NAS Jacksonville Established 12 Feb 2009 HSM - 71 Raptors MH - 60R CVW - 9 NAS North Island Established 1 Mar 2012 HSM - 72 Proud Warriors MH - 60R Formerly HSL - 42 CVW - 1 NAS Jacksonville Established 5 Oct 1984 HSM - 73 Battle Cats MH - 60R Formerly HSL - 43 CVW - 17 NAS North Island Established 5 Oct 1984 HSM - 74 Swamp Fox MH - 60R Formerly HSL - 44 CVW - 3 NAS Jacksonville Established 21 Aug 1986 HSM - 75 Wolfpack MH - 60R Formerly HSL - 45 CVW - 11 NAS North Island Established 3 Oct 1986 HSM - 77 Saberhawks MH - 60R Formerly HSL - 47 CVW - 5 NAF Atsugi First LAMPS squadron deployment aboard carrier Established 25 Sep 1987 HSM - 78 Blue Hawks MH - 60R CVW - 2 NAS North Island Established 1 Mar 2012 HSM - 79 Griffins MH - 60R CVW - 7 NAS North Island Established 2 Jun 2016 HSMWSL Talons MH - 60R HSM Weapons School Atlantic NS Mayport HSMWSP Honey Badgers MH - 60R HSM Weapons School Pacific NAS North Island Training squadrons ( edit ) Fixed wing training squadrons ( edit ) There are three types of fixed wing training squadrons - Primary , Intermediate , and Advanced - that train Student Naval Aviators to become United States Naval Aviators and Naval Flight Officers in the Navy , Marine Corps , and Coast Guard . Navy training aircraft are typically painted orange and white , the exception are the T - 6As flown by TRAWING Six . The T - 6As were procured along with the USAF 's T - 6As and are painted in the same blue and white color scheme as the USAF 's T - 6As . T - 6B Texan II T - 45 Goshawk T - 44 Pegasus Squadron Designation Insignia Nickname Aircraft Notes VT - 2 Doerbirds T - 6B Formerly Basic Training Group - 2 ( BTG - 2 ) Re-designated VT - 2 on 1 May 1960 Primary TRAWING 5 , NAS Whiting Field VT - 3 Red Knights T - 6B Formerly BTG - 3 Re-designated VT - 3 on 1 May 1960 Primary TRAWING 5 , NAS Whiting Field VT - 4 Warbucks Multi-Crew Simulator Formerly BTG - 9 Re-designated VT - 4 on 1 May 1960 ( Inactive Dec 2010 - Jun 2013 ) NFO Advanced MPA , TACAMO , AEW TRAWING 6 , NAS Pensacola VT - 6 Shooters T - 6B Formerly Multi-Engine Training Group ( METG ) Established 1 Jul 56 , redesig to VT - 6 on 1 May 1960 Primary TRAWING 5 , NAS Whiting Field VT - 7 Eagles T - 45C Formerly BTG - 7 Established 1 Jun 58 , redesig to VT - 7 on 1 Jul 1960 Intermediate Tailhook , Advanced Jet TRAWING 1 , NAS Meridian VT - 9 ( 2nd ) Tigers T - 45C Formerly VT - 19 Established 2 Aug 71 , redesig to VT - 9 on 1 Oct 1998 ( There was an earlier training squadron designated VT - 9 also called `` Tigers '' which existed from 15 Dec 1961 to Jul 1987 ) Intermediate Tailhook , Advanced Jet TRAWING 1 , NAS Meridian VT - 10 Wildcats T - 6A Formerly Basic Naval Aviation Officer ( BNAO ) school Established Jun 1960 , redesig to VT - 10 on 15 Jan 1968 NFO Primary / Intermediate TRAWING 6 , NAS Pensacola VT - 21 Redhawks T - 45C Formerly Advanced Training Unit - 202 ( ATU - 202 ) Established Apr 1951 , redesig VT - 21 on 1 May 1960 Intermediate Tailhook , Advanced Jet TRAWING 2 , NAS Kingsville VT - 22 Golden Eagles T - 45C Formerly ATU - 6 , Jet Transitional Training Unit - 1 ( JTTU - 1 ) , ATU - 3 , ATU - 212 Established 13 Jun 1949 , redesig VT - 22 on 1 May 1960 Intermediate Tailhook , Advanced Jet TRAWING 2 , NAS Kingsville VT - 27 Boomers T - 6B Formerly ATU - B , ATU - 402 Established 11 Jul 1951 , redesig VT - 27 on 1 Jul 1960 Primary TRAWING 4 , NAS Corpus Christi VT - 28 Rangers T - 6B Formerly ATU - 611 Re-designated to VT - 28 on 1 May 1960 Primary TRAWING 4 , NAS Corpus Christi VT - 31 Wise Owls T - 44 C Formerly ATU - 601 Established Feb 1958 , redesig VT - 31 on 1 May 1960 Advanced Multi-engine TRAWING 4 , NAS Corpus Christi VT - 35 Stingrays T - 44 C Established 29 Oct 1999 Advanced Multi-engine TRAWING 4 , NAS Corpus Christi VT - 86 Sabrehawks T - 45C Established 5 Jun 1972 NFO Advanced Jet TRAWING 6 , NAS Pensacola Helicopter training squadrons ( edit ) The United States Navy 's Helicopter Training Squadrons provide advanced helicopter flight instruction to all Navy , US Marine Corps , and United States Coast Guard helicopter flight students as well as international students from several allied nations after completion of primary flight training in one of the VT squadrons . Students who successfully complete the program earn the right to wear the coveted `` Wings of Gold . '' and will receive orders to their selected aircraft 's FRS . TH - 57 training helicopter from HT - 8 makes a landing aboard the Navy Helicopter Landing Trainer ( HLT ) IX - 514 Squadron Designation Insignia Nickname Aircraft Notes HT - 8 Eightballers TH - 57 B / C Formerly HTU - 1 , HTG - 1 TRAWING 5 NAS Whiting Field Established 3 Dec 1950 HT - 18 Vigilant Eagles TH - 57 B / C TRAWING 5 NAS Whiting Field Established 1 Mar 1972 HT - 28 Hellions TH - 57 B / C TRAWING 5 NAS Whiting Field Established 2 May 2007 UAV squadrons ( edit ) Unmanned patrol squadrons ( edit ) Unmanned maritime patrol aircraft are used for Intelligence , Surveillance , and Reconnaissance . MQ - 4C Triton . Squadron Designation Insignia Nickname Aircraft Notes VUP - 11 TBD TBD MQ - 4C Triton To be established in 2018 VUP - 19 TBD Big Red MQ - 4C Triton NAS Jacksonville NAS Point Mugu ( detachment ) Established October 1 , 2016 Test and Evaluation ( edit ) Test and Evaluation squadrons test everything from basic aircraft flying qualities to advanced aerodynamics . VX - 1 and VX - 9 report to the Commander , Operational Test and Evaluation Force ( OPTEVFOR ) . VX - 23 jets . Squadron Designation Insignia Nickname Aircraft Notes USN Test Pilot School Various NAS Patuxent River VX - 1 Pioneers P - 3C MH - 60R MH - 60S SH - 60F EP - 3E E-6B KC - 130J E-2C RQ - 4 P - 8A Evaluation of airborne anti-submarine warfare and maritime anti-surface warfare weapons NAS Patuxent River VXS - 1 Warlocks P - 3 C - 12 formerly NRL 's Flight Support Detachment Scientific Development NAS Patuxent River VX - 9 Vampires F / A-18A / A+ / A++ / B / C / D / E / F EA - 18G Operational Weapons Test NAWS China Lake VX - 20 Force E-2C P - 3C C - 130 C - 2A E-6B T - 34C Force Warfare Aircraft Test NAS Patuxent River HX - 21 Blackjack AH - 1Z UH - 1Y MH - 60R MH - 60S MV - 22B AH - 1W UH - 1N VH - 3A CH - 53E TH - 57C SH - 60F Rotary Wing Aircraft Test NAS Patuxent River VX - 23 Salty Dogs F - 35B / C F / A-18A / A+ / A++ / B / C / D / E / F EA - 6B EA - 18G T - 45 Strike Aircraft Test NAS Patuxent River VX - 30 Bloodhounds C - 130 P - 3 All Variants S - 3B F / A-18A / A+ / A++ / B / C / D / E / F Weapons Test NAS Point Mugu VX - 31 Dust Devils F / A-18A / A+ / A++ / B / C / D / E / F EA - 18G NEA - 18G P - 3 C - 130 AV - 8 TAV - 8B T - 39 AH - 1Z UH - 1Y and other variants Weapons Test NAWS China Lake See also ( edit ) United States Navy portal List of United States Navy aircraft wings Naval aviation List of inactive United States Navy aircraft squadrons Modern US Navy carrier air operations List of military aircraft of the United States ( naval ) / List of US Naval aircraft United States Naval Aviator Naval Flight Officer United States Marine Corps Aviation NATOPS References ( edit ) Jump up ^ `` EA - 18G Growler electronic warfare aircraft '' . USN Fact File . United States Navy . Jump up ^ `` US Navy retires Prowler electronic attack aircraft after close to 45 years ' service - IHS Jane 's 360 '' . www.janes.com . Retrieved 2015 - 07 - 04 . Jump up ^ `` E-2 Hawkeye early warning and control aircraft '' . USN Fact File . United States Navy . 5 February 2009 . Retrieved 2014 - 10 - 20 . Jump up ^ `` Archived copy '' ( PDF ) . Archived from the original ( PDF ) on 2014 - 08 - 10 . Retrieved 2014 - 11 - 04 . Jump up ^ http://www.gao.gov/assets/250/243745.pdf Jump up ^ A , C , and E models are single seat . B , D , and F models are two seat . Jump up ^ `` F / A-18 Hornet strike fighter '' . USN Fact File . United States Navy . Jump up ^ `` E-6B Airborne Command Post ( ABNCP ) '' . United States Strategic Command . Archived from the original on 2009 - 01 - 09 . Jump up ^ `` The Helicopter Master Plan '' . Federation of American Scientists . Jump up ^ `` MH - 53E Sea Dragon '' . USN Fact File . United States Navy . Jump up ^ `` Helicopter Sea Combat Wing , Pacific COMHELSEACOMBATWINGPAC '' . Global Security . Jump up ^ All existing Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadrons ( Light ) ( HSL ) transitioned to Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadrons . `` MH - 60R Seahawk '' . USN Fact File . United States Navy . Jump up ^ London , Christina . `` Navy Drone Squadron First of Its Kind . '' NBC San Diego , 3 May 2013 . Jump up ^ Utz , Curtis A ; Mark L Evans ; Dale J Gordon ( July -- August 2005 ) . `` The Year in Review 2004 '' ( PDF ) . Naval Aviation News . United States Navy : 37 . Archived from the original ( PDF ) on 2008 - 02 - 28 . Jump up ^ `` Helicopter Training Squadron 8 '' . Global Security . Jump up ^ Burgess , Richard . B. Seapower Magazine . `` Navy Plans for Poseidon Crew Control of Triton UAV . '' August 13 , 2013 . http://www.seapowermagazine.org/stories/20130813-triton.html . Jump up ^ http://jaxairnews.jacksonville.com/military-jax-air-news/2016-11-02/story/vup-19-commissioning-ceremony Jump up ^ Stewart , Joshua . `` UAV squadron to stand up Oct. 1 ; 1st since 2007 . '' February 5 , 2013 . http://www.armytimes.com/article/20130205/NEWS/302050316/ . ^ Jump up to : `` Naval Air Station Patuxent River Base Guide '' . DCMilitary.com . Comprint Military Publications . 2008 - 08 - 12 . Archived from the original on 2013 - 01 - 21 . Retrieved 2008 - 12 - 01 . Jump up ^ `` VX - 20 Aircraft Platforms '' . Air Test and Evaluation Squadron TWO ZERO . United States Navy . 2006 - 06 - 10 . Archived from the original on August 28 , 2009 . Retrieved 2008 - 12 - 01 . Jump up ^ Carlson , Ted ( Spring 2005 ) . `` HX - 21 - Blackjack '' . Wings of Gold . Association of Naval Aviation . Archived from the original on 2007 - 12 - 29 . Retrieved 2008 - 12 - 01 . United States Navy Portal Leadership Secretary of the Navy Under Secretary of the Navy Chief of Naval Operations Vice Chief of Naval Operations Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy 4 - star admirals House Armed Services Subcommittee on Seapower and Projection Forces Senate Subcommittee on Seapower Structure Navy Navy Reserve Fleet Marine Force Expeditionary Combat Command Merchant Marine Units Aircraft wings Aircraft squadrons Carrier strike group Installations Naval Observatory Master jet base Operating forces Fleet Forces Command Pacific Fleet Naval Forces Europe Naval Forces Central Command Naval Forces Southern Command Naval Special Warfare Command Naval Reserve Forces Operational Test and Evaluation Force Naval Network Warfare Command Military Sealift Command Shore Naval Sea Systems Command Naval Air Systems Command Naval Facilities Engineering Command Naval Supply Systems Command Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command Fleet Cyber Command Naval Academy Naval Education and Training Command Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command Office of Naval Intelligence Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center Naval Legal Service Command Naval Observatory Navy Occupational Safety & Health Bureau of Naval Personnel Chief of Naval Personnel Bureau of Medicine and Surgery Navy Installations Command Fleets Third Fleet Fourth Fleet Fifth Fleet Sixth Fleet Seventh Fleet Tenth Fleet Ships A -- B D -- F G -- H I -- K N -- O Q -- R T -- V W -- Z Aircraft carriers Airships Amphibious warfare ships Auxiliaries Battleships Cruisers Destroyers Destroyer escorts Escort carriers Frigates Mine warfare vessels Monitors Patrol vessels Sailing frigates Steam frigates Steam gunboats Ships of the line Sloops of war Submarines Torpedo boats Personnel and training People Officers Insignia Designators Enlisted Rates Ratings Classification Personnel Chaplain Corps Chief Deputy Chief Explosive ordnance disposal Medical Corps Dental Corps Nurse Corps Medical Service Corps Supply Corps Civil Engineer Corps JAG Corps JAG DJAG NCIS Boatswain 's mates Hospital corpsman Naval Aviator SEALs Seabees Master - at - arms Operations specialist SWCCs Hispanic sailors Training Recruit Naval Academy Officer Candidate School STA - 21 NROTC BESS BFTT CNATT COMPTUEX NAWCTSD AIM Naval Chaplaincy School Naval Hospital Corps School Naval Justice School Naval Postgraduate School United States Armed Forces School of Music Navy Senior Enlisted Academy Navy Supply Corps School Naval War College Nuclear Power School JMTC TOPGUN USNTPS Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences Equipment Uniforms Awards and decorations Badges Current fleet Reserve fleet Aircraft Weapons Naval reactors History and traditions History `` Anchors Aweigh '' Blue Angels Ceremonial Barge Chesapeake Continental Navy Ensign Fleet bands Fleet Week Jack Line - crossing ceremony National Museum Navy Band Navy Flag Navy Hymn Navy Memorial Navy service numbers Navy Weeks Revolt of the Admirals Sailor 's Creed Ship commissioning Ship decommissioning Tingey House USS Constitution Wetting - down United States naval gunfire support debate United States Navy Aircraft Squadrons Book Category : Aircraft squadrons of the United States Navy Electronic Attack ( VAQ ) 129 130 131 132 133 134 135 136 137 138 139 140 141 142 209 Carrier Airborne Early Warning ( VAW ) 112 113 115 116 117 120 121 123 124 125 126 Strike Fighter ( VFA ) 11 14 15 22 25 27 31 32 34 37 41 81 83 86 87 94 97 102 103 105 106 115 122 125 131 136 137 143 146 147 151 154 192 195 211 213 Fleet Air Reconnaissance ( VQ ) 7 Fleet Fighter Composite ( VFC ) 12 13 111 Fleet Logistics Support ( VR ) 46 48 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 61 62 64 Carrier Fleet Logistics Support ( VRC ) 30 40 Patrol VP 5 6 8 9 10 16 22 23 24 26 30 40 41 42 43 45 46 47 60 62 64 65 66 67 68 69 90 91 92 93 VPU Unmanned ( VUP ) 19 Training ( VT ) 6 7 9 10 21 22 27 28 31 35 86 Helicopter Mine Countermeasures ( HM ) 14 15 Helicopter Anti-Submarine Light ( HSL ) 37 40 43 44 45 46 48 49 51 60 Helicopter Sea Combat ( HSC ) 5 6 7 8 9 11 12 14 15 21 22 23 25 26 28 84 85 Helicopter Maritime Strike ( HSM ) 35 41 70 71 77 78 79 Helicopter Training ( HT ) 8 18 28 Retrieved from `` https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=List_of_United_States_Navy_aircraft_squadrons&oldid=817225403 '' Categories : Aircraft squadrons of the United States Navy United States Navy lists United States naval aviation Lists of military units and formations of the United States Lists of flying squadrons Hidden categories : All articles with dead external links Articles with dead external links from May 2017 Articles with permanently dead external links Articles needing additional references from December 2017 All articles needing additional references Talk Contents About Wikipedia Қазақша Русский Edit links This page was last edited on 27 December 2017 , at 00 : 56 . 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what type of aircraft does the navy fly
This is a list of United States Navy aircraft squadrons . Deactivated or disestablished squadrons are listed in the List of Inactive United States Navy aircraft squadrons . Navy aircraft squadrons are typically composed of several aircraft ( from as few as two to as many as several dozen ) , the officers who fly them and the men and women that maintain them . Most squadrons also have a number of other administrative support personnel . Some of the activities listed are not technically `` squadrons '' , but they all operate U.S. Navy aircraft in some capacity . Squadrons and their history are listed in the Dictionary of American Naval Aviation Squadrons ( DANAS ) . Active duty squadrons are typically commanded by a Commander . Second in command is the Executive Officer ( XO ) , also a Commander . The XO typically assumes command of the squadron after approximately 15 months . There are typically four functional departments - Operations , Maintenance , Safety / NATOPS , and Administration - each led by a Lieutenant Commander functioning as the Department Head . Within the departments are Divisions ( each typically headed by a Lieutenant ) and Branches ( headed by a Lieutenant , junior grade or a Chief Petty Officer ) . Reserve squadrons are also commanded by a Commander , with another Commander as the XO who will also assume command after approximately 15 months . However , reserve squadron demographics are typically older and more senior in rank than their active duty squadron counterparts . Department Heads in reserve squadrons are typically senior Lieutenant Commanders , although some may be recently promoted Commanders . Where this difference in maturity level becomes more apparent is at the Division Officer level . Since most officers in reserve squadrons previously served on active duty in the Regular Navy in a flying status for eight to ten or more years , they are typically already Lieutenant Commanders , or achieve that rank shortly after transferring to the Navy Reserve . As a result , Lieutenants are a minority and Lieutenants , junior grade , practically non-existent in reserve squadrons . As a result , Divisions are typically headed by Lieutenant Commanders and Branches by Lieutenants , Senior Chief Petty Officers or Chief Petty Officers . This section does not cite any sources . Please help improve this section by adding citations to reliable sources . Unsourced material may be challenged and removed . ( December 2017 ) ( Learn how and when to remove this template message ) This section does not cite any sources . Please help improve this section by adding citations to reliable sources . Unsourced material may be challenged and removed . ( December 2017 ) ( Learn how and when to remove this template message ) Navy aircraft are classified by Type ( rotary wing , fixed wing ) , Model ( e.g. SH - 60 ) , and Series ( e.g. , SH - 60B versus SH - 60F ) . Squadrons can be categorized in a number of ways : Active versus Navy Reserve , land - based versus sea - based , fixed wing versus rotary wing ( helicopter ) vs Unmanned aerial vehicle ( UAV ) , and by mission . Unlike the USAF , US Army , and USMC , the US Navy does not typically refer to other organizations ( such as maintenance or medical units ) as `` squadrons '' . An exception to this is that US Navy destroyers and submarines are administratively grouped by `` squadrons '' . Active squadrons are those in the regular US Navy . Reserve squadrons are in the US Navy Reserve and are manned by a combination of full - time and part - time reservists . For the most part , there is no way to know by the squadron 's name alone whether it is an active or reserve squadron . There are Reserve elements of many Active squadrons , and active duty personnel serving in many Reserve squadrons . In general , reserve squadrons share the same missions as their active counterparts , although there are Reserve missions ( e.g. , Adversary and Fleet Logistics Support ) that have no Active counterpart . At any one time , the US Navy has approximately 600 aircraft that are associated with particular ships . There are also several thousand additional Navy aircraft that are capable of shipboard operations , but are not associated with a ship . The Navy also has several hundred land - based aircraft that are not capable of shipboard operations . Squadrons are listed here by type ( fixed / rotary wing ) and by mission . Navy aircraft squadrons can be properly referred to by designation or nickname . The designations describe the squadron 's mission and therefor the general type of aircraft . The Formal form designation ( e.g. , Strike Fighter Squadron EIGHT SIX ) indicates the mission . A subset of the formal form designation is a Navy acronym format in capital letters , e.g. , STKFITRON EIGHT SIX The abbreviated designation ( e.g. , VFA - 86 ) also indicates the type and mission , as each of the letters has a meaning . In this case , `` V '' stands for fixed wing , `` F '' stands for fighter , and `` A '' stands for attack . Nickname -- e.g. , `` Sidewinders '' . The Formal form designation ( e.g. , Strike Fighter Squadron EIGHT SIX ) indicates the mission . A subset of the formal form designation is a Navy acronym format in capital letters , e.g. , STKFITRON EIGHT SIX A subset of the formal form designation is a Navy acronym format in capital letters , e.g. , STKFITRON EIGHT SIX A subset of the formal form designation is a Navy acronym format in capital letters , e.g. , STKFITRON EIGHT SIX The abbreviated designation ( e.g. , VFA - 86 ) also indicates the type and mission , as each of the letters has a meaning . In this case , `` V '' stands for fixed wing , `` F '' stands for fighter , and `` A '' stands for attack . Nickname -- e.g. , `` Sidewinders '' . Most Navy fixed wing squadron designations start with the letter `` V '' . An exception to this was the use of `` RVAH '' to denote Reconnaissance Attack Squadrons which operated the RA - 5C Vigilante during the 1960s and 1970s . Prior to 1998 VAQ squadrons were called `` Tactical Electronic Warfare '' squadrons . A typical Electronic Attack Squadron consists of five Boeing EA - 18G Growlers . The primary mission of the Growler is Electronic Attack ( EA ) , also known as Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses ( SEAD ) in support of strike aircraft and ground troops by interrupting enemy electronic activity and obtaining tactical electronic intelligence within the combat area . Navy Electronic Attack squadrons carry the letters VAQ ( V - fixed wing , A-attack , Q - electronic ) . Most VAQ squadrons are carrier based , however a number are `` expeditionary '' , deploying to overseas land bases . When not deployed ( either on land or carrier ) , they are home - ported at NAS Whidbey Island . The exception is VAQ - 141 , which is forward deployed to NAF Atsugi , Japan . Squadron Designation Insignia Nickname Aircraft Notes VAQ - 129 Vikings EA - 18G Formerly VAH - 10 FRS NAS Whidbey Island Established May 1 , 1961 VAQ - 130 Zappers EA - 18G Formerly VAW - 13 CVW - 3 NAS Whidbey Island Established September 1 , 1959 VAQ - 131 Lancers EA - 18G Formerly VP - 920 , VP - ML - 70 , VP - 931 , VP - 57 , VAH - 4 CVW - 8 NAS Whidbey Island Established May 1 , 1946 VAQ - 132 Scorpions EA - 18G Formerly VAH - 2 Expeditionary NAS Whidbey Island Established November 1 , 1955 VAQ - 133 ( 2nd ) Wizards EA - 18G CVW - 9 NAS Whidbey Island Established April 1 , 1996 ( There was an earlier squadron designated VAQ - 133 also called the `` Wizards '' which existed from 4 Mar 1969 to Jun 1992 ) VAQ - 134 Garudas EA - 18G Expeditionary NAS Whidbey Island Established June 17 , 1969 VAQ - 135 Black Ravens EA - 18G Expeditionary NAS Whidbey Island Established May 15 , 1969 VAQ - 136 Gauntlets EA - 18G CVW - 2 NAS Whidbey Island Established April 6 , 1973 VAQ - 137 ( 2nd ) Rooks EA - 18G CVW - 1 NAS Whidbey Island Established October 1 , 1996 ( There was an earlier squadron designated VAQ - 137 also called the `` Rooks '' which existed from 14 Dec 1973 to 26 May 1994 ) VAQ - 138 Yellowjackets EA - 18G Expeditionary NAS Whidbey Island Established February 27 , 1976 VAQ - 139 Cougars EA - 18G CVW - 17 NAS Whidbey Island Established July 1 , 1983 VAQ - 140 Patriots EA - 18G CVW - 7 NAS Whidbey Island Established October 1 , 1985 VAQ - 141 Shadowhawks EA - 18G CVW - 5 NAF Atsugi Established July 1 , 1987 VAQ - 142 ( 2nd ) Gray Wolves EA - 18G CVW - 11 NAS Whidbey Island Established April 1 , 1997 ( There was an earlier squadron designated VAQ - 142 called the `` Grim Watchdogs '' which existed from 1 Jun 1988 to March 1991 ) VAQ - 209 Star Warriors EA - 18G USNR Tactical Support Wing NAS Whidbey Island Established October 1 , 1977 Squadron Designation Insignia Nickname Aircraft Notes VAQ - 129 Vikings EA - 18G Formerly VAH - 10 FRS NAS Whidbey Island Established May 1 , 1961 VAQ - 130 Zappers EA - 18G Formerly VAW - 13 CVW - 3 NAS Whidbey Island Established September 1 , 1959 VAQ - 131 Lancers EA - 18G Formerly VP - 920 , VP - ML - 70 , VP - 931 , VP - 57 , VAH - 4 CVW - 8 NAS Whidbey Island Established May 1 , 1946 VAQ - 132 Scorpions EA - 18G Formerly VAH - 2 Expeditionary NAS Whidbey Island Established November 1 , 1955 VAQ - 133 ( 2nd ) Wizards EA - 18G CVW - 9 NAS Whidbey Island Established April 1 , 1996 ( There was an earlier squadron designated VAQ - 133 also called the `` Wizards '' which existed from 4 Mar 1969 to Jun 1992 ) VAQ - 134 Garudas EA - 18G Expeditionary NAS Whidbey Island Established June 17 , 1969 VAQ - 135 Black Ravens EA - 18G Expeditionary NAS Whidbey Island Established May 15 , 1969 VAQ - 136 Gauntlets EA - 18G CVW - 2 NAS Whidbey Island Established April 6 , 1973 VAQ - 137 ( 2nd ) Rooks EA - 18G CVW - 1 NAS Whidbey Island Established October 1 , 1996 ( There was an earlier squadron designated VAQ - 137 also called the `` Rooks '' which existed from 14 Dec 1973 to 26 May 1994 ) VAQ - 138 Yellowjackets EA - 18G Expeditionary NAS Whidbey Island Established February 27 , 1976 VAQ - 139 Cougars EA - 18G CVW - 17 NAS Whidbey Island Established July 1 , 1983 VAQ - 140 Patriots EA - 18G CVW - 7 NAS Whidbey Island Established October 1 , 1985 VAQ - 141 Shadowhawks EA - 18G CVW - 5 NAF Atsugi Established July 1 , 1987 VAQ - 142 ( 2nd ) Gray Wolves EA - 18G CVW - 11 NAS Whidbey Island Established April 1 , 1997 ( There was an earlier squadron designated VAQ - 142 called the `` Grim Watchdogs '' which existed from 1 Jun 1988 to March 1991 ) VAQ - 209 Star Warriors EA - 18G USNR Tactical Support Wing NAS Whidbey Island Established October 1 , 1977 Each Carrier Airborne Early Warning squadron consists of four E-2C Hawkeyes except for the FRS which has more . Transition to the E-2D Hawkeye is in progress and should be complete by 2025 . The Hawkeye 's primary mission is to provide all - weather airborne early warning , airborne battle management and command and control ( C2 ) functions for the carrier strike group and Joint Force Commander . Additional missions include surface surveillance coordination , air interdiction , offensive and defensive counter air control , close air support coordination , time critical strike coordination , search and rescue airborne coordination and communications relay . The E-2 Hawkeye and C - 2 Greyhound are built on the same airframe and have many similar characteristics . For this reason , both aircraft are trained for in the same Fleet Replacement Squadron . Squadron Designation Insignia Nickname Aircraft Notes VAW - 113 Black Eagles E-2C CVW - 2 NAS Pt . Mugu Established April 20 , 1967 VAW - 115 Liberty Bells E-2D Expeditionary NAS Pt . Mugu Established April 20 , 1967 VAW - 116 Sun Kings E-2C CVW - 17 NAS Pt . Mugu Established April 20 , 1967 VAW - 117 Wallbangers E-2C CVW - 11 NAS Pt . Mugu Established July 1 , 1974 VAW - 120 Grey Hawks E-2C / D C - 2 Formerly RVAW - 120 FRS NS Norfolk Established July 1 , 1967 VAW - 121 Blue Tails E-2D CVW - 7 NS Norfolk Established April 1 , 1967 VAW - 123 Screwtops E-2C CVW - 3 NS Norfolk Established April 1 , 1967 VAW - 124 Bear Aces E-2C CVW - 8 NS Norfolk Established September 1 , 1967 VAW - 125 Tigertails E-2D CVW - 5 MCAS Iwakunii Established October 1 , 1968 VAW - 126 Seahawks E-2D CVW - 1 NS Norfolk Established April 1 , 1969 Squadron Designation Insignia Nickname Aircraft Notes VAW - 113 Black Eagles E-2C CVW - 2 NAS Pt . Mugu Established April 20 , 1967 VAW - 115 Liberty Bells E-2D Expeditionary NAS Pt . Mugu Established April 20 , 1967 VAW - 116 Sun Kings E-2C CVW - 17 NAS Pt . Mugu Established April 20 , 1967 VAW - 117 Wallbangers E-2C CVW - 11 NAS Pt . Mugu Established July 1 , 1974 VAW - 120 Grey Hawks E-2C / D C - 2 Formerly RVAW - 120 FRS NS Norfolk Established July 1 , 1967 VAW - 121 Blue Tails E-2D CVW - 7 NS Norfolk Established April 1 , 1967 VAW - 123 Screwtops E-2C CVW - 3 NS Norfolk Established April 1 , 1967 VAW - 124 Bear Aces E-2C CVW - 8 NS Norfolk Established September 1 , 1967 VAW - 125 Tigertails E-2D CVW - 5 MCAS Iwakunii Established October 1 , 1968 VAW - 126 Seahawks E-2D CVW - 1 NS Norfolk Established April 1 , 1969 A Strike Fighter Squadron consists of either ten F / A-18C Hornets , twelve F / A-18E / F Super Hornets , and in future , ten F - 35C Lightning IIs . Training squadrons ( known as fleet replacement squadrons ) have many more aircraft . The Hornet is an all - weather aircraft that is used for attack and fighter missions . In its fighter mode , the F / A-18 is used primarily as a fighter escort and for fleet air defense ; in its attack mode , it is used for force projection , interdiction and close and deep air support . The F / A-18 is also used for SEAD and aerial refueling . The F - 35C is a fifth - generation strike fighter that is replacing the Navy 's F / A-18 Hornets and will serve alongside the Super Hornet . according to USN Fact File Squadron Designation Insignia Nickname Aircraft Notes VFA - 2 Bounty Hunters F / A-18F Formerly VF - 2 ( 5th ) CVW - 2 NAS Lemoore Established October 1 , 1972 VFA - 11 Red Rippers F / A-18F Formerly VF - 43 ( 4th ) , VF - 11 ( 3rd ) CVW - 1 NAS Oceana Established September 1 , 1950 VFA - 14 Tophatters F / A-18E Formerly Air Det Pacflt , VT - 5 , VP - 4 - 1 , VF - 4 ( 1st ) , VF - 1 ( 1st ) , VF - 1B ( 1st ) , VB - 2B , VB - 3 , VB - 4 , VS - 41 , VB - 41 , VB - 4 , VA - 1A , VA - 14 , VF - 14 ( 2nd ) CVW - 9 NAS Lemoore Established September 1919 VFA - 22 Fighting Redcocks F / A-18F Formerly VF - 63 , VA - 63 , VA - 22 CVW - 17 NAS Lemoore Established July 28 , 1948 VFA - 25 Fist of the Fleet F / A-18E Formerly VT - 7 , VA - 6B , VA - 65 ( 1st ) , VA - 25 ( 2nd ) CVW - 9 NAS Lemoore Established January 1 , 1943 VFA - 27 Royal Maces F / A-18E Formerly VA - 27 CVW - 5 NAF Atsugi Established September 1 , 1967 VFA - 31 Tomcatters F / A-18E Formerly VF - 1B ( 2nd ) , VF - 6 ( 2nd ) , VF - 3 ( 3rd ) , VF - 3A , VF - 31 ( 2nd ) CVW - 8 NAS Oceana Established July 1 , 1935 VFA - 32 Swordsmen F / A-18F Formerly VBF - 3 , VF - 4A , VF - 32 ( 2nd ) CVW - 3 NAS Oceana Established February 1 , 1945 VFA - 41 Black Aces F / A-18F Formerly VF - 41 ( 4th ) CVW - 9 NAS Lemoore Established September 1 , 1950 VFA - 81 Sunliners F / A-18E Formerly VA - 66 ( 1st ) , VF - 81 ( 4th ) , VA - 81 CVW - 17 NAS Oceana Established July 1 , 1955 VFA - 86 Sidewinders F / A-18E Formerly VF - 921 ( USNR ) , VF - 84 ( 2nd ) , VA - 86 ( 2nd ) CVW - 7 NAS Lemoore Established February 1 , 1951 VFA - 87 Golden Warriors F / A-18E Formerly VA - 87 CVW - 8 NAS Oceana Established February 1 , 1968 VFA - 94 Mighty Shrikes F / A-18F Formerly VF - 94 ( 2nd ) , VA - 94 ( 2nd ) CVW - 17 NAS Lemoore Established March 26 , 1952 VFA - 97 Warhawks F / A-18E Formerly VA - 97 CVW - 9 NAS Lemoore Established June 1 , 1967 VFA - 102 Diamondbacks F / A-18F Formerly VA - 36 ( 2nd ) , VF - 102 ( 2nd ) CVW - 5 NAF Atsugi Established July 1 , 1955 VFA - 103 Jolly Rogers F / A-18F Formerly VF - 103 CVW - 7 NAS Oceana Established May 1 , 1952 VFA - 105 Gunslingers F / A-18E Formerly VA - 105 ( 2nd ) CVW - 3 NAS Oceana Established March 4 , 1968 VFA - 106 Gladiators F / A-18A / B / C / D / E / F FRS NAS Oceana Established April 27 , 1984 VFA - 113 Stingers F / A-18E Formerly VF - 113 , VA - 113 CVW - 17 NAS Lemoore Established July 15 , 1948 VFA - 115 Eagles F / A-18E Formerly VT - 11 , VA - 124 , VA - 115 CVW - 5 NAF Atsugi Established October 10 , 1942 VFA - 122 Flying Eagles F / A-18E / F FRS NAS Lemoore Established January 15 , 1999 VFA - 136 Knighthawks F / A-18E CVW - 1 NAS Lemoore Established July 1 , 1985 VFA - 137 Kestrels F / A-18E CVW - 2 NAS Lemoore Established July 1 , 1985 VFA - 143 Pukin ' Dogs F / A-18E Formerly VF - 871 ( USNR ) , VF - 123 , VF - 53 ( 3rd ) , VF - 143 ( 2nd ) CVW - 7 NAS Oceana Established July 20 , 1950 VFA - 146 Blue Diamonds F / A-18E Formerly VA - 146 CVW - 11 NAS Lemoore Established February 1 , 1956 VFA - 147 Argonauts F / A-18E Formerly VA - 147 CVW - 11 NAS Lemoore Established February 1 , 1967 VFA - 151 Vigilantes F / A-18E Formerly VF - 23 ( 2nd ) , VF - 151 ( 4th ) CVW - 9 NAS Lemoore Established August 6 , 1948 VFA - 154 Black Knights F / A-18F Formerly VFB - 718 ( USNR ) , VF - 68A ( USNR ) , VF - 837 ( USNR ) , VF - 154 CVW - 11 NAS Lemoore Established July 1946 VFA - 192 Golden Dragons F / A-18E Formerly VF - 153 ( 1st ) , VF - 15A , VF - 151 ( 2nd ) , VF - 192 ( 2nd ) , VA - 192 CVW - 9 NAS Lemoore Established March 26 , 1945 VFA - 195 Dambusters F / A-18E Formerly VT - 19 , VA - 20A , VA - 195 CVW - 5 NAF Atsugi Established August 15 , 1943 VFA - 211 Checkmates F / A-18F Formerly VB - 74 , VA - 1B , VA - 24 , VF - 24 ( 2nd ) , VF - 211 ( 2nd ) CVW - 1 NAS Oceana Established May 1 , 1945 VFA - 213 Black Lions F / A-18F Formerly VF - 213 CVW - 8 NAS Oceana Established June 22 , 1955 Squadron Designation Insignia Nickname Aircraft Notes VFA - 2 Bounty Hunters F / A-18F Formerly VF - 2 ( 5th ) CVW - 2 NAS Lemoore Established October 1 , 1972 VFA - 11 Red Rippers F / A-18F Formerly VF - 43 ( 4th ) , VF - 11 ( 3rd ) CVW - 1 NAS Oceana Established September 1 , 1950 VFA - 14 Tophatters F / A-18E Formerly Air Det Pacflt , VT - 5 , VP - 4 - 1 , VF - 4 ( 1st ) , VF - 1 ( 1st ) , VF - 1B ( 1st ) , VB - 2B , VB - 3 , VB - 4 , VS - 41 , VB - 41 , VB - 4 , VA - 1A , VA - 14 , VF - 14 ( 2nd ) CVW - 9 NAS Lemoore Established September 1919 VFA - 22 Fighting Redcocks F / A-18F Formerly VF - 63 , VA - 63 , VA - 22 CVW - 17 NAS Lemoore Established July 28 , 1948 VFA - 25 Fist of the Fleet F / A-18E Formerly VT - 7 , VA - 6B , VA - 65 ( 1st ) , VA - 25 ( 2nd ) CVW - 9 NAS Lemoore Established January 1 , 1943 VFA - 27 Royal Maces F / A-18E Formerly VA - 27 CVW - 5 NAF Atsugi Established September 1 , 1967 VFA - 31 Tomcatters F / A-18E Formerly VF - 1B ( 2nd ) , VF - 6 ( 2nd ) , VF - 3 ( 3rd ) , VF - 3A , VF - 31 ( 2nd ) CVW - 8 NAS Oceana Established July 1 , 1935 VFA - 32 Swordsmen F / A-18F Formerly VBF - 3 , VF - 4A , VF - 32 ( 2nd ) CVW - 3 NAS Oceana Established February 1 , 1945 VFA - 41 Black Aces F / A-18F Formerly VF - 41 ( 4th ) CVW - 9 NAS Lemoore Established September 1 , 1950 VFA - 81 Sunliners F / A-18E Formerly VA - 66 ( 1st ) , VF - 81 ( 4th ) , VA - 81 CVW - 17 NAS Oceana Established July 1 , 1955 VFA - 86 Sidewinders F / A-18E Formerly VF - 921 ( USNR ) , VF - 84 ( 2nd ) , VA - 86 ( 2nd ) CVW - 7 NAS Lemoore Established February 1 , 1951 VFA - 87 Golden Warriors F / A-18E Formerly VA - 87 CVW - 8 NAS Oceana Established February 1 , 1968 VFA - 94 Mighty Shrikes F / A-18F Formerly VF - 94 ( 2nd ) , VA - 94 ( 2nd ) CVW - 17 NAS Lemoore Established March 26 , 1952 VFA - 97 Warhawks F / A-18E Formerly VA - 97 CVW - 9 NAS Lemoore Established June 1 , 1967 VFA - 102 Diamondbacks F / A-18F Formerly VA - 36 ( 2nd ) , VF - 102 ( 2nd ) CVW - 5 NAF Atsugi Established July 1 , 1955 VFA - 103 Jolly Rogers F / A-18F Formerly VF - 103 CVW - 7 NAS Oceana Established May 1 , 1952 VFA - 105 Gunslingers F / A-18E Formerly VA - 105 ( 2nd ) CVW - 3 NAS Oceana Established March 4 , 1968 VFA - 106 Gladiators F / A-18A / B / C / D / E / F FRS NAS Oceana Established April 27 , 1984 VFA - 113 Stingers F / A-18E Formerly VF - 113 , VA - 113 CVW - 17 NAS Lemoore Established July 15 , 1948 VFA - 115 Eagles F / A-18E Formerly VT - 11 , VA - 124 , VA - 115 CVW - 5 NAF Atsugi Established October 10 , 1942 VFA - 122 Flying Eagles F / A-18E / F FRS NAS Lemoore Established January 15 , 1999 VFA - 136 Knighthawks F / A-18E CVW - 1 NAS Lemoore Established July 1 , 1985 VFA - 137 Kestrels F / A-18E CVW - 2 NAS Lemoore Established July 1 , 1985 VFA - 143 Pukin ' Dogs F / A-18E Formerly VF - 871 ( USNR ) , VF - 123 , VF - 53 ( 3rd ) , VF - 143 ( 2nd ) CVW - 7 NAS Oceana Established July 20 , 1950 VFA - 146 Blue Diamonds F / A-18E Formerly VA - 146 CVW - 11 NAS Lemoore Established February 1 , 1956 VFA - 147 Argonauts F / A-18E Formerly VA - 147 CVW - 11 NAS Lemoore Established February 1 , 1967 VFA - 151 Vigilantes F / A-18E Formerly VF - 23 ( 2nd ) , VF - 151 ( 4th ) CVW - 9 NAS Lemoore Established August 6 , 1948 VFA - 154 Black Knights F / A-18F Formerly VFB - 718 ( USNR ) , VF - 68A ( USNR ) , VF - 837 ( USNR ) , VF - 154 CVW - 11 NAS Lemoore Established July 1946 VFA - 192 Golden Dragons F / A-18E Formerly VF - 153 ( 1st ) , VF - 15A , VF - 151 ( 2nd ) , VF - 192 ( 2nd ) , VA - 192 CVW - 9 NAS Lemoore Established March 26 , 1945 VFA - 195 Dambusters F / A-18E Formerly VT - 19 , VA - 20A , VA - 195 CVW - 5 NAF Atsugi Established August 15 , 1943 VFA - 211 Checkmates F / A-18F Formerly VB - 74 , VA - 1B , VA - 24 , VF - 24 ( 2nd ) , VF - 211 ( 2nd ) CVW - 1 NAS Oceana Established May 1 , 1945 VFA - 213 Black Lions F / A-18F Formerly VF - 213 CVW - 8 NAS Oceana Established June 22 , 1955 `` F / A-18 Hornet strike fighter '' . USN Fact File . United States Navy . Squadron Designation Insignia Nickname Aircraft Notes VFA - 34 Blue Blasters F / A-18C Formerly VA - 34 ( 3rd ) CVW - 2 NAS Oceana Established January 1 , 1970 VFA - 37 Ragin Bulls F / A-18C Formerly VA - 37 CVW - 3 NAS Oceana Established July 1 , 1967 VFA - 83 Rampagers F / A-18C Formerly VF - 961 ( USNR ) , VF - 83 ( 3rd ) , VA - 83 CVW - 7 NAS Oceana Established February 1 , 1951 VFA - 204 River Rattlers F / A-18A Formerly VA - 204 USNR Tactical Support Wing NAS JRB New Orleans Established July 1 , 1970 Squadron Designation Insignia Nickname Aircraft Notes VFA - 34 Blue Blasters F / A-18C Formerly VA - 34 ( 3rd ) CVW - 2 NAS Oceana Established January 1 , 1970 VFA - 37 Ragin Bulls F / A-18C Formerly VA - 37 CVW - 3 NAS Oceana Established July 1 , 1967 VFA - 83 Rampagers F / A-18C Formerly VF - 961 ( USNR ) , VF - 83 ( 3rd ) , VA - 83 CVW - 7 NAS Oceana Established February 1 , 1951 VFA - 204 River Rattlers F / A-18A Formerly VA - 204 USNR Tactical Support Wing NAS JRB New Orleans Established July 1 , 1970 Squadron Designation Insignia Nickname Aircraft Notes VFA - 34 Blue Blasters F / A-18C Formerly VA - 34 ( 3rd ) CVW - 2 NAS Oceana Established January 1 , 1970 VFA - 37 Ragin Bulls F / A-18C Formerly VA - 37 CVW - 3 NAS Oceana Established July 1 , 1967 VFA - 83 Rampagers F / A-18C Formerly VF - 961 ( USNR ) , VF - 83 ( 3rd ) , VA - 83 CVW - 7 NAS Oceana Established February 1 , 1951 VFA - 204 River Rattlers F / A-18A Formerly VA - 204 USNR Tactical Support Wing NAS JRB New Orleans Established July 1 , 1970 Squadron Designation Insignia Nickname Aircraft Notes VFA - 34 Blue Blasters F / A-18C Formerly VA - 34 ( 3rd ) CVW - 2 NAS Oceana Established January 1 , 1970 VFA - 37 Ragin Bulls F / A-18C Formerly VA - 37 CVW - 3 NAS Oceana Established July 1 , 1967 VFA - 83 Rampagers F / A-18C Formerly VF - 961 ( USNR ) , VF - 83 ( 3rd ) , VA - 83 CVW - 7 NAS Oceana Established February 1 , 1951 VFA - 204 River Rattlers F / A-18A Formerly VA - 204 USNR Tactical Support Wing NAS JRB New Orleans Established July 1 , 1970 Squadron Designation Insignia Nickname Aircraft Notes VFA - 101 Grim Reapers F - 35C Formerly VF - 101 FRS Eglin Air Force Base Established May 1 , 1952 ; deactivated September 30 , 2005 ; re-activated May 1 , 2012 VFA - 125 Rough Raiders F - 35C FRS Naval Air Station Lemoore Established Nov 13 , 1980 ; deactivated October 1 , 2010 ; re-activated January 12 , 2017 VX - 9 Vampires F - 35C Test and Evaluation Edwards Air Force Base Established May 1 , 2012 Squadron Designation Insignia Nickname Aircraft Notes VFA - 101 Grim Reapers F - 35C Formerly VF - 101 FRS Eglin Air Force Base Established May 1 , 1952 ; deactivated September 30 , 2005 ; re-activated May 1 , 2012 VFA - 125 Rough Raiders F - 35C FRS Naval Air Station Lemoore Established Nov 13 , 1980 ; deactivated October 1 , 2010 ; re-activated January 12 , 2017 VX - 9 Vampires F - 35C Test and Evaluation Edwards Air Force Base Established May 1 , 2012 Squadron Designation Insignia Nickname Aircraft Notes VFA - 101 Grim Reapers F - 35C Formerly VF - 101 FRS Eglin Air Force Base Established May 1 , 1952 ; deactivated September 30 , 2005 ; re-activated May 1 , 2012 VFA - 125 Rough Raiders F - 35C FRS Naval Air Station Lemoore Established Nov 13 , 1980 ; deactivated October 1 , 2010 ; re-activated January 12 , 2017 VX - 9 Vampires F - 35C Test and Evaluation Edwards Air Force Base Established May 1 , 2012 Squadron Designation Insignia Nickname Aircraft Notes VFA - 101 Grim Reapers F - 35C Formerly VF - 101 FRS Eglin Air Force Base Established May 1 , 1952 ; deactivated September 30 , 2005 ; re-activated May 1 , 2012 VFA - 125 Rough Raiders F - 35C FRS Naval Air Station Lemoore Established Nov 13 , 1980 ; deactivated October 1 , 2010 ; re-activated January 12 , 2017 VX - 9 Vampires F - 35C Test and Evaluation Edwards Air Force Base Established May 1 , 2012 Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron ONE is the Navy 's only land - based signals intelligence ( SIGINT ) reconnaissance squadron . The 13 aircraft in the Navy 's inventory are based on the Orion P - 3 airframe and provide fleet and theater commanders worldwide with near real - time tactical SIGINT . With sensitive receivers and high - gain dish antennas , the EP - 3E exploits a wide range of electronic emissions from deep within targeted territory . Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadrons THREE and FOUR provide communications relay and strategic airborne command post missions . They provide survivable , reliable , and endurable airborne command , control , and communications between the National Command Authority ( NCA ) and U.S. strategic and non-strategic forces . The TACAMO ( `` Take Charge and Move Out '' ) mission links the NCA with naval ballistic missile submarine forces during times of crisis . The aircraft carries a very low frequency communication system with dual trailing wire antennae . The E-6B is a dual - mission aircraft , capable of fulfilling the airborne strategic command post mission and is equipped with an airborne launch control system ( ALCS ) , which is capable of launching U.S. land based intercontinental ballistic missiles . Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron SEVEN is the E-6B Fleet Replacement Squadron , providing initial and requalification training for pilots , aircrews , and maintainers . It operates E-6B's on loan from VQ - 3 and VQ - 4 , having returned its leased Lauda Air 737 - 600 . Squadron Designation Insignia Nickname Aircraft Notes VQ - 1 World Watchers EP - 3E NAS Whidbey Island Established 1 June 1955 VQ - 3 Ironman E-6B Tinker AFB Established 1 July 1968 VQ - 4 Shadows E-6B Tinker AFB Established 1 July 1968 VQ - 7 Roughnecks E-6B Formerly Naval Training Support Unit ( NTSU ) FRS Tinker AFB Re-designated VQ - 7 1 November 1999 Squadron Designation Insignia Nickname Aircraft Notes VQ - 1 World Watchers EP - 3E NAS Whidbey Island Established 1 June 1955 VQ - 3 Ironman E-6B Tinker AFB Established 1 July 1968 VQ - 4 Shadows E-6B Tinker AFB Established 1 July 1968 VQ - 7 Roughnecks E-6B Formerly Naval Training Support Unit ( NTSU ) FRS Tinker AFB Re-designated VQ - 7 1 November 1999 Fleet Fighter Composite squadrons provide adversary simulation for fleet squadrons . All VFC squadrons are from the Navy Reserve . Squadron Designation Insignia Nickname Aircraft Notes VFC - 12 Fighting Omars F / A-18A+ / B Reserve NAS Oceana VFC - 13 Saints F - 5 Reserve NAS Fallon VFC - 111 Sundowners F - 5 Reserve NAS Key West Squadron Designation Insignia Nickname Aircraft Notes VFC - 12 Fighting Omars F / A-18A+ / B Reserve NAS Oceana VFC - 13 Saints F - 5 Reserve NAS Fallon VFC - 111 Sundowners F - 5 Reserve NAS Key West Fleet Logistics Support squadrons operate Navy unique airlift aircraft on a worldwide basis to provide responsive , flexible , and rapidly deployable air logistics support required to sustain combat operations from the sea . During peacetime , squadrons provide air logistics support for all Navy commands as well as provide continuous quality training for mobilization readiness . Fleet Logistics Support squadrons have no counterpart in the Regular Navy . They represent 100 % of the Navy 's medium and heavy intra-theater airlift , and operate year - round , around the world providing the critical link between deployed seagoing units and air mobility command logistics hubs . VR - 1 provides dedicated airlift support to the Office of the Secretary of the Navy , Chief of Naval Operations and Commandant of the Marine Corps . All VR squadrons are from the Navy Reserve . Squadron Designation Insignia Nickname Aircraft Notes VR - 1 Star Lifters C - 37B Reserve Joint Base Andrews VR - 51 Windjammers C - 20G Reserve MCAS Kaneohe Bay VR - 53 Capital Express C - 130T Reserve Naval Air Facility Washington VR - 54 Revelers C - 130T Reserve NAS JRB New Orleans VR - 55 Minutemen C - 130T Reserve NAS Point Mugu VR - 56 Globemasters C - 40 Reserve NAS Oceana VR - 57 Conquistadors C - 40 Reserve NAS North Island VR - 58 Sunseekers C - 40 Reserve NAS Jacksonville VR - 59 Lone Star Express C - 40 Reserve NAS JRB Fort Worth VR - 61 Islanders C - 40 Reserve NAS Whidbey Island VR - 62 Nomads C - 130T Reserve NAS Jacksonville ( Relocated from NAS Brunswick in 2009 ) VR - 64 Condors C - 130T Reserve Joint Base McGuire , Dix , Lakehurst ( Relocated from NAS Willow Grove in Mar 2011 ) Formerly VP - 64 -- redesignated 18 Sep 2004 Squadron Designation Insignia Nickname Aircraft Notes VR - 1 Star Lifters C - 37B Reserve Joint Base Andrews VR - 51 Windjammers C - 20G Reserve MCAS Kaneohe Bay VR - 53 Capital Express C - 130T Reserve Naval Air Facility Washington VR - 54 Revelers C - 130T Reserve NAS JRB New Orleans VR - 55 Minutemen C - 130T Reserve NAS Point Mugu VR - 56 Globemasters C - 40 Reserve NAS Oceana VR - 57 Conquistadors C - 40 Reserve NAS North Island VR - 58 Sunseekers C - 40 Reserve NAS Jacksonville VR - 59 Lone Star Express C - 40 Reserve NAS JRB Fort Worth VR - 61 Islanders C - 40 Reserve NAS Whidbey Island VR - 62 Nomads C - 130T Reserve NAS Jacksonville ( Relocated from NAS Brunswick in 2009 ) VR - 64 Condors C - 130T Reserve Joint Base McGuire , Dix , Lakehurst ( Relocated from NAS Willow Grove in Mar 2011 ) Formerly VP - 64 -- redesignated 18 Sep 2004 There are two Fleet Logistic Support squadrons equipped with the C - 2A Greyhound Carrier Onboard Delivery ( COD ) aircraft - one on each coast . VRC - 30 is based at Naval Air Station North Island , VRC - 40 is based at Naval Station Norfolk . These squadrons send two - plane detachments with each deploying aircraft carrier . The C - 2A Greyhound , more commonly referred to as a `` COD '' ( short for Carrier onboard delivery ) , is used to deliver high priority parts , supplies , people , and mail to / from the carrier and shore sites near the carrier operating area . Squadron Designation Insignia Nickname Aircraft Notes VRC - 30 Providers C - 2A NAS North Island VRC - 30 Det 1 Hustlers C - 2A CVW - 14 VRC - 30 Det 2 Roughnecks C - 2A CVW - 2 VRC - 30 Det 3 Crusaders C - 2A CVW - 11 VRC - 30 Det 4 Pure Horsepower C - 2A CVW - 9 VRC - 30 Det 5 Providers C - 2A CVW - 5 Squadron Designation Insignia Nickname Aircraft Notes VRC - 40 Det 1 Rawhides C - 2A CVW - 3 VRC - 40 Det 2 Rawhides C - 2A CVW - 1 VRC - 40 Det 3 Rawhides C - 2A CVW - 7 VRC - 40 Det 4 Rawhides C - 2A CVW - 17 VRC - 40 Det 5 Rawhides C - 2A CVW - 8 Squadron Designation Insignia Nickname Aircraft Notes VRC - 30 Providers C - 2A NAS North Island VRC - 30 Det 1 Hustlers C - 2A CVW - 14 VRC - 30 Det 2 Roughnecks C - 2A CVW - 2 VRC - 30 Det 3 Crusaders C - 2A CVW - 11 VRC - 30 Det 4 Pure Horsepower C - 2A CVW - 9 VRC - 30 Det 5 Providers C - 2A CVW - 5 Squadron Designation Insignia Nickname Aircraft Notes VRC - 40 Det 1 Rawhides C - 2A CVW - 3 VRC - 40 Det 2 Rawhides C - 2A CVW - 1 VRC - 40 Det 3 Rawhides C - 2A CVW - 7 VRC - 40 Det 4 Rawhides C - 2A CVW - 17 VRC - 40 Det 5 Rawhides C - 2A CVW - 8 Squadron Designation Insignia Nickname Aircraft Notes VRC - 30 Providers C - 2A NAS North Island VRC - 30 Det 1 Hustlers C - 2A CVW - 14 VRC - 30 Det 2 Roughnecks C - 2A CVW - 2 VRC - 30 Det 3 Crusaders C - 2A CVW - 11 VRC - 30 Det 4 Pure Horsepower C - 2A CVW - 9 VRC - 30 Det 5 Providers C - 2A CVW - 5 Squadron Designation Insignia Nickname Aircraft Notes VRC - 30 Providers C - 2A NAS North Island VRC - 30 Det 1 Hustlers C - 2A CVW - 14 VRC - 30 Det 2 Roughnecks C - 2A CVW - 2 VRC - 30 Det 3 Crusaders C - 2A CVW - 11 VRC - 30 Det 4 Pure Horsepower C - 2A CVW - 9 VRC - 30 Det 5 Providers C - 2A CVW - 5 Squadron Designation Insignia Nickname Aircraft Notes VRC - 40 Det 1 Rawhides C - 2A CVW - 3 VRC - 40 Det 2 Rawhides C - 2A CVW - 1 VRC - 40 Det 3 Rawhides C - 2A CVW - 7 VRC - 40 Det 4 Rawhides C - 2A CVW - 17 VRC - 40 Det 5 Rawhides C - 2A CVW - 8 Squadron Designation Insignia Nickname Aircraft Notes VRC - 40 Det 1 Rawhides C - 2A CVW - 3 VRC - 40 Det 2 Rawhides C - 2A CVW - 1 VRC - 40 Det 3 Rawhides C - 2A CVW - 7 VRC - 40 Det 4 Rawhides C - 2A CVW - 17 VRC - 40 Det 5 Rawhides C - 2A CVW - 8 Maritime patrol aircraft are used primarily for reconnaissance , anti-surface warfare and anti-submarine warfare . Volume 2 of the Dictionary of American Naval Aviation Squadrons contains comprehensive histories over 150 patrol squadrons . Its Appendix 7 details the lineage of every VP , VPB , VP ( H ) , and VP ( AM ) squadron from 1922 through the late 1990s . Squadron Designation Insignia Nickname Aircraft Notes VP - 1 Screaming Eagles P - 3C NAS Whidbey Island VP - 4 Skinny Dragons P - 8A NAS Whidbey Island VP - 5 Mad Foxes P - 8A NAS Jacksonville VP - 8 Tigers P - 8A NAS Jacksonville VP - 9 Golden Eagles P - 3C MCAS Kaneohe Bay VP - 10 Red Lancers P - 8A NAS Jacksonville VP - 16 War Eagles P - 8A NAS Jacksonville VP - 26 Tridents P - 8A NAS Jacksonville VP - 30 Pro 's Nest P - 3C P - 8A FRS NAS Jacksonville VP - 40 Fighting Marlins P - 3C NAS Whidbey Island VP - 45 Pelicans P - 8A NAS Jacksonville VP - 46 Grey Knights P - 3C NAS Whidbey Island VP - 47 Golden Swordsmen P - 8A NAS Whidbey Island VP - 62 Broadarrows P - 3C Reserve NAS Jacksonville VP - 69 Totems P - 3C Reserve NAS Whidbey Island VPU - 2 Wizards P - 3C MCAS Kaneohe Bay Squadron Designation Insignia Nickname Aircraft Notes VP - 1 Screaming Eagles P - 3C NAS Whidbey Island VP - 4 Skinny Dragons P - 8A NAS Whidbey Island VP - 5 Mad Foxes P - 8A NAS Jacksonville VP - 8 Tigers P - 8A NAS Jacksonville VP - 9 Golden Eagles P - 3C MCAS Kaneohe Bay VP - 10 Red Lancers P - 8A NAS Jacksonville VP - 16 War Eagles P - 8A NAS Jacksonville VP - 26 Tridents P - 8A NAS Jacksonville VP - 30 Pro 's Nest P - 3C P - 8A FRS NAS Jacksonville VP - 40 Fighting Marlins P - 3C NAS Whidbey Island VP - 45 Pelicans P - 8A NAS Jacksonville VP - 46 Grey Knights P - 3C NAS Whidbey Island VP - 47 Golden Swordsmen P - 8A NAS Whidbey Island VP - 62 Broadarrows P - 3C Reserve NAS Jacksonville VP - 69 Totems P - 3C Reserve NAS Whidbey Island VPU - 2 Wizards P - 3C MCAS Kaneohe Bay Some of these organizations are not technically `` squadrons '' , however they have custody of and routinely fly Navy aircraft . Squadron Designation Insignia Nickname Aircraft Notes Naval Flight Demonstration Squadron Blue Angels F / A-18A / B / C / D C - 130T NAS Pensacola NAF El Centro Naval Aviation Warfare Development Center NAWDC F / A-18A / B / C / D / E / F F - 16A / B E-2C EA - 18G MH - 60S NAS Fallon Naval Fighter Weapons School TOPGUN F / A-18E / F F - 16A / B NAS Fallon Strike Fighter Weapons School Pacific F / A-18 NAS Lemoore Pacific Missile Range Facility Outrider RC - 26D EC - 26D Barking Sands Squadron Designation Insignia Nickname Aircraft Notes Naval Flight Demonstration Squadron Blue Angels F / A-18A / B / C / D C - 130T NAS Pensacola NAF El Centro Naval Aviation Warfare Development Center NAWDC F / A-18A / B / C / D / E / F F - 16A / B E-2C EA - 18G MH - 60S NAS Fallon Naval Fighter Weapons School TOPGUN F / A-18E / F F - 16A / B NAS Fallon Strike Fighter Weapons School Pacific F / A-18 NAS Lemoore Pacific Missile Range Facility Outrider RC - 26D EC - 26D Barking Sands US Navy helicopters are used for antisubmarine warfare , antisurface warfare , mine warfare , combat search and rescue , special operations , and vertical replenishment missions . The USN helicopter community , in accordance with the `` Helicopter Master Plan '' , is currently undergoing a transformation to reduce costs and infrastructure . The plan calls for expanding warfighting capabilities , modernizing the force , necking down from eight to three aircraft types , and consolidating force structure where possible . This plan is also leading to the renaming of many squadrons . All Navy helicopter ( or rotary wing ) squadrons ' informal names start with the letter `` H '' . The Mine Countermeasures Squadrons employ 28 total MH - 53E Sea Dragon helicopters . The primary mission of the Sea Dragon is Airborne Mine Countermeasures ( AMCM ) . The MH - 53 can operate from carriers and other warships and is capable of towing a variety of mine hunting / sweeping countermeasures systems . The MH - 53E Sea Dragon is also a capable heavy - lift asset , with three powerful turboshaft engines and a maximum take - off weight of 69,750 pounds ( 31,640 kg ) . This gives the Sea Dragon the capability to carry an impressive amount of cargo , personnel or equipment over long distances . The Sea Dragon remains in service as the Navy 's only heavy - lift helicopter and only proven mine countermeasure platform . While not intended to specifically be the MH - 53E 's replacement , the U.S. Navy 's largest - ever helicopter , the new Sikorsky CH - 53K King Stallion , intended to start flying its evaluations in 2015 , has an increased MTOW figure of some 84,700 lb ( 38,400 kg ) , some 14,950 lb ( 6,781 kg ) heavier than the Sea Dragon . Squadron Designation Insignia Nickname Aircraft Notes HM - 12 ( 2nd ) Sea Dragons MH - 53E FRS NS Norfolk Established 1 Oct 2015 ( There was an earlier squadron designated HM - 12 also called the `` Sea Dragons '' which existed from 1 Apr 1971 to 30 Sep 1994 ) HM - 14 Vanguard MH - 53E NS Norfolk Established 12 May 1978 HM - 15 Blackhawks MH - 53E NS Norfolk Established 2 Jan 1987 Squadron Designation Insignia Nickname Aircraft Notes HM - 12 ( 2nd ) Sea Dragons MH - 53E FRS NS Norfolk Established 1 Oct 2015 ( There was an earlier squadron designated HM - 12 also called the `` Sea Dragons '' which existed from 1 Apr 1971 to 30 Sep 1994 ) HM - 14 Vanguard MH - 53E NS Norfolk Established 12 May 1978 HM - 15 Blackhawks MH - 53E NS Norfolk Established 2 Jan 1987 The Helicopter Sea Combat Squadrons combine the strike rescue and ASUW capability of the former Helicopter Anti-submarine squadrons ( HS ) and the at sea logistics capability of the former Helicopter Combat Support squadrons ( HC ) . Squadron Designation Insignia Nickname Aircraft Notes HSC - 2 Fleet Angels MH - 60S Formerly HC - 2 ( 2nd ) ( There was an earlier squadron designated HC - 2 ( established as HU - 2 ) also called `` Fleet Angels '' which existed from 1 Apr 1948 to 30 Sep 1977 ) FRS NS Norfolk Established 1 Apr 1987 HSC - 3 Merlins MH - 60S Formerly HC - 3 FRS NAS North Island Established 1 Sep 1967 HSC - 4 Black Knights MH - 60S Formerly HS - 4 CVW - 2 NAS North Island Established 30 Jun 1952 HSC - 5 Nightdippers MH - 60S Formerly HS - 5 CVW - 7 NS Norfolk Established 3 Jan 1956 HSC - 6 Indians MH - 60S Formerly HS - 6 CVW - 17 NAS North Island Established 1 Jun 1956 HSC - 7 Dusty Dogs MH - 60S Formerly HS - 7 ( 2nd ) ( There was an earlier squadron designated HS - 7 called the `` Big Dippers '' which existed from 2 Apr 1956 to 31 May 1966 ) CVW - 3 NS Norfolk Established 15 Dec 1969 HSC - 8 Eightballers MH - 60S Formerly HS - 8 ( 2nd ) ( There was an earlier squadron designated HS - 8 also called `` Eighballers '' which existed from 1 Jun 1956 to 31 Dec 1968 ) CVW - 11 NAS North Island Established 1 Nov 1969 HSC - 9 Tridents MH - 60S Formerly HS - 3 CVW - 8 NS Norfolk Established 18 Jun 1952 HSC - 11 Dragon Slayers MH - 60S Formerly HS - 11 CVW - 1 NS Norfolk Established 27 Jun 1957 HSC - 12 Golden Falcons MH - 60S Formerly HS - 2 CVW - 5 NAF Atsugi Established 7 Mar 1952 HSC - 14 Chargers MH - 60S Formerly HS - 14 CVW - 9 NAS North Island Established 10 Jul 1984 HSC - 21 Blackjacks MH - 60S Formerly HC - 11 Expeditionary NAS North Island Established 1 Oct 1977 HSC - 22 Sea Knights MH - 60S Expeditionary NS Norfolk Established 29 Sep 2006 HSC - 23 Wild Cards MH - 60S Expeditionary NAS North Island Established 29 Sep 2006 HSC - 25 Island Knights MH - 60S Formerly HC - 5 ( 2nd ) Expeditionary Andersen AFB Established 3 Feb 1984 HSC - 26 Chargers MH - 60S Formerly HC - 6 Expeditionary NS Norfolk Established 1 Sep 1967 HSC - 28 Dragon Whales MH - 60S Formerly HC - 8 Expeditionary NS Norfolk Established 3 Dec 1984 HSC - 85 ( 2006 ) ( 2011 ) High Rollers ( 2006 ) Fire Hawks ( 2011 ) MH - 60S ( 2006 ) HH - 60H ( 2011 ) Formerly HS - 85 , HC - 85 ( USNR ) Naval Special Warfare Support ( Adopted `` Firehawks '' name and insignia from deactivated HCS - 5 ) NAS North Island Established 1 Jul 1970 Squadron Designation Insignia Nickname Aircraft Notes HSC - 2 Fleet Angels MH - 60S Formerly HC - 2 ( 2nd ) ( There was an earlier squadron designated HC - 2 ( established as HU - 2 ) also called `` Fleet Angels '' which existed from 1 Apr 1948 to 30 Sep 1977 ) FRS NS Norfolk Established 1 Apr 1987 HSC - 3 Merlins MH - 60S Formerly HC - 3 FRS NAS North Island Established 1 Sep 1967 HSC - 4 Black Knights MH - 60S Formerly HS - 4 CVW - 2 NAS North Island Established 30 Jun 1952 HSC - 5 Nightdippers MH - 60S Formerly HS - 5 CVW - 7 NS Norfolk Established 3 Jan 1956 HSC - 6 Indians MH - 60S Formerly HS - 6 CVW - 17 NAS North Island Established 1 Jun 1956 HSC - 7 Dusty Dogs MH - 60S Formerly HS - 7 ( 2nd ) ( There was an earlier squadron designated HS - 7 called the `` Big Dippers '' which existed from 2 Apr 1956 to 31 May 1966 ) CVW - 3 NS Norfolk Established 15 Dec 1969 HSC - 8 Eightballers MH - 60S Formerly HS - 8 ( 2nd ) ( There was an earlier squadron designated HS - 8 also called `` Eighballers '' which existed from 1 Jun 1956 to 31 Dec 1968 ) CVW - 11 NAS North Island Established 1 Nov 1969 HSC - 9 Tridents MH - 60S Formerly HS - 3 CVW - 8 NS Norfolk Established 18 Jun 1952 HSC - 11 Dragon Slayers MH - 60S Formerly HS - 11 CVW - 1 NS Norfolk Established 27 Jun 1957 HSC - 12 Golden Falcons MH - 60S Formerly HS - 2 CVW - 5 NAF Atsugi Established 7 Mar 1952 HSC - 14 Chargers MH - 60S Formerly HS - 14 CVW - 9 NAS North Island Established 10 Jul 1984 HSC - 21 Blackjacks MH - 60S Formerly HC - 11 Expeditionary NAS North Island Established 1 Oct 1977 HSC - 22 Sea Knights MH - 60S Expeditionary NS Norfolk Established 29 Sep 2006 HSC - 23 Wild Cards MH - 60S Expeditionary NAS North Island Established 29 Sep 2006 HSC - 25 Island Knights MH - 60S Formerly HC - 5 ( 2nd ) Expeditionary Andersen AFB Established 3 Feb 1984 HSC - 26 Chargers MH - 60S Formerly HC - 6 Expeditionary NS Norfolk Established 1 Sep 1967 HSC - 28 Dragon Whales MH - 60S Formerly HC - 8 Expeditionary NS Norfolk Established 3 Dec 1984 HSC - 85 ( 2006 ) ( 2011 ) High Rollers ( 2006 ) Fire Hawks ( 2011 ) MH - 60S ( 2006 ) HH - 60H ( 2011 ) Formerly HS - 85 , HC - 85 ( USNR ) Naval Special Warfare Support ( Adopted `` Firehawks '' name and insignia from deactivated HCS - 5 ) NAS North Island Established 1 Jul 1970 Helicopter Maritime Strike squadrons operate the MH - 60R Seahawk . The first operational fleet squadron to receive the Romeo was HSM - 71 in fiscal year 2008 . The new squadron designation was created to reflect the MH - 60Rs multi-mission capabilities . Squadron Designation Insignia Nickname Aircraft Notes HSM - 35 Magicians MH - 60R , MQ - 8B Expeditionary NAS North Island Established 2 May 2013 . ( There was an earlier squadron designated HSL - 35 also called `` Magicians '' which existed from 15 Jan 1974 to 4 Dec 1992 ) HSM - 37 Easyriders MH - 60R Formerly HSL - 37 Expeditionary MCAS Kanehoe Bay Established 3 Jul 1975 HSM - 40 Airwolves MH - 60R Formerly HSL - 40 FRS NS Mayport Established 4 Oct 1985 HSM - 41 Seahawks MH - 60R Formerly HSL - 41 FRS NAS North Island Established 21 Jan 1983 HSM - 46 Grandmasters MH - 60R Formerly HSL - 46 Expeditionary NS Mayport Established 7 Apr 1988 HSM - 48 Vipers MH - 60R Formerly HSL - 48 Expeditionary NS Mayport Established 7 Sep 1989 HSM - 49 Scorpions MH - 60R Formerly HSL - 49 Expeditionary NAS North Island Established 23 Mar 1990 HSM - 51 Warlords MH - 60R Formerly HSL - 51 Expeditionary NAF Atsugi Established 1 Oct 1991 HSM - 60 Jaguars MH - 60R Formerly HSL - 60 Expeditionary ( USNR ) NAS Jacksonville Established 1 April 2001 HSM - 70 Spartans MH - 60R CVW - 8 NAS Jacksonville Established 12 Feb 2009 HSM - 71 Raptors MH - 60R CVW - 9 NAS North Island Established 1 Mar 2012 HSM - 72 Proud Warriors MH - 60R Formerly HSL - 42 CVW - 1 NAS Jacksonville Established 5 Oct 1984 HSM - 73 Battle Cats MH - 60R Formerly HSL - 43 CVW - 17 NAS North Island Established 5 Oct 1984 HSM - 74 Swamp Fox MH - 60R Formerly HSL - 44 CVW - 3 NAS Jacksonville Established 21 Aug 1986 HSM - 75 Wolfpack MH - 60R Formerly HSL - 45 CVW - 11 NAS North Island Established 3 Oct 1986 HSM - 77 Saberhawks MH - 60R Formerly HSL - 47 CVW - 5 NAF Atsugi First LAMPS squadron deployment aboard carrier Established 25 Sep 1987 HSM - 78 Blue Hawks MH - 60R CVW - 2 NAS North Island Established 1 Mar 2012 HSM - 79 Griffins MH - 60R CVW - 7 NAS North Island Established 2 Jun 2016 HSMWSL Talons MH - 60R HSM Weapons School Atlantic NS Mayport HSMWSP Honey Badgers MH - 60R HSM Weapons School Pacific NAS North Island Squadron Designation Insignia Nickname Aircraft Notes HSM - 35 Magicians MH - 60R , MQ - 8B Expeditionary NAS North Island Established 2 May 2013 . ( There was an earlier squadron designated HSL - 35 also called `` Magicians '' which existed from 15 Jan 1974 to 4 Dec 1992 ) HSM - 37 Easyriders MH - 60R Formerly HSL - 37 Expeditionary MCAS Kanehoe Bay Established 3 Jul 1975 HSM - 40 Airwolves MH - 60R Formerly HSL - 40 FRS NS Mayport Established 4 Oct 1985 HSM - 41 Seahawks MH - 60R Formerly HSL - 41 FRS NAS North Island Established 21 Jan 1983 HSM - 46 Grandmasters MH - 60R Formerly HSL - 46 Expeditionary NS Mayport Established 7 Apr 1988 HSM - 48 Vipers MH - 60R Formerly HSL - 48 Expeditionary NS Mayport Established 7 Sep 1989 HSM - 49 Scorpions MH - 60R Formerly HSL - 49 Expeditionary NAS North Island Established 23 Mar 1990 HSM - 51 Warlords MH - 60R Formerly HSL - 51 Expeditionary NAF Atsugi Established 1 Oct 1991 HSM - 60 Jaguars MH - 60R Formerly HSL - 60 Expeditionary ( USNR ) NAS Jacksonville Established 1 April 2001 HSM - 70 Spartans MH - 60R CVW - 8 NAS Jacksonville Established 12 Feb 2009 HSM - 71 Raptors MH - 60R CVW - 9 NAS North Island Established 1 Mar 2012 HSM - 72 Proud Warriors MH - 60R Formerly HSL - 42 CVW - 1 NAS Jacksonville Established 5 Oct 1984 HSM - 73 Battle Cats MH - 60R Formerly HSL - 43 CVW - 17 NAS North Island Established 5 Oct 1984 HSM - 74 Swamp Fox MH - 60R Formerly HSL - 44 CVW - 3 NAS Jacksonville Established 21 Aug 1986 HSM - 75 Wolfpack MH - 60R Formerly HSL - 45 CVW - 11 NAS North Island Established 3 Oct 1986 HSM - 77 Saberhawks MH - 60R Formerly HSL - 47 CVW - 5 NAF Atsugi First LAMPS squadron deployment aboard carrier Established 25 Sep 1987 HSM - 78 Blue Hawks MH - 60R CVW - 2 NAS North Island Established 1 Mar 2012 HSM - 79 Griffins MH - 60R CVW - 7 NAS North Island Established 2 Jun 2016 HSMWSL Talons MH - 60R HSM Weapons School Atlantic NS Mayport HSMWSP Honey Badgers MH - 60R HSM Weapons School Pacific NAS North Island There are three types of fixed wing training squadrons - Primary , Intermediate , and Advanced - that train Student Naval Aviators to become United States Naval Aviators and Naval Flight Officers in the Navy , Marine Corps , and Coast Guard . Navy training aircraft are typically painted orange and white , the exception are the T - 6As flown by TRAWING Six . The T - 6As were procured along with the USAF 's T - 6As and are painted in the same blue and white color scheme as the USAF 's T - 6As . Squadron Designation Insignia Nickname Aircraft Notes VT - 2 Doerbirds T - 6B Formerly Basic Training Group - 2 ( BTG - 2 ) Re-designated VT - 2 on 1 May 1960 Primary TRAWING 5 , NAS Whiting Field VT - 3 Red Knights T - 6B Formerly BTG - 3 Re-designated VT - 3 on 1 May 1960 Primary TRAWING 5 , NAS Whiting Field VT - 4 Warbucks Multi-Crew Simulator Formerly BTG - 9 Re-designated VT - 4 on 1 May 1960 ( Inactive Dec 2010 - Jun 2013 ) NFO Advanced MPA , TACAMO , AEW TRAWING 6 , NAS Pensacola VT - 6 Shooters T - 6B Formerly Multi-Engine Training Group ( METG ) Established 1 Jul 56 , redesig to VT - 6 on 1 May 1960 Primary TRAWING 5 , NAS Whiting Field VT - 7 Eagles T - 45C Formerly BTG - 7 Established 1 Jun 58 , redesig to VT - 7 on 1 Jul 1960 Intermediate Tailhook , Advanced Jet TRAWING 1 , NAS Meridian VT - 9 ( 2nd ) Tigers T - 45C Formerly VT - 19 Established 2 Aug 71 , redesig to VT - 9 on 1 Oct 1998 ( There was an earlier training squadron designated VT - 9 also called `` Tigers '' which existed from 15 Dec 1961 to Jul 1987 ) Intermediate Tailhook , Advanced Jet TRAWING 1 , NAS Meridian VT - 10 Wildcats T - 6A Formerly Basic Naval Aviation Officer ( BNAO ) school Established Jun 1960 , redesig to VT - 10 on 15 Jan 1968 NFO Primary / Intermediate TRAWING 6 , NAS Pensacola VT - 21 Redhawks T - 45C Formerly Advanced Training Unit - 202 ( ATU - 202 ) Established Apr 1951 , redesig VT - 21 on 1 May 1960 Intermediate Tailhook , Advanced Jet TRAWING 2 , NAS Kingsville VT - 22 Golden Eagles T - 45C Formerly ATU - 6 , Jet Transitional Training Unit - 1 ( JTTU - 1 ) , ATU - 3 , ATU - 212 Established 13 Jun 1949 , redesig VT - 22 on 1 May 1960 Intermediate Tailhook , Advanced Jet TRAWING 2 , NAS Kingsville VT - 27 Boomers T - 6B Formerly ATU - B , ATU - 402 Established 11 Jul 1951 , redesig VT - 27 on 1 Jul 1960 Primary TRAWING 4 , NAS Corpus Christi VT - 28 Rangers T - 6B Formerly ATU - 611 Re-designated to VT - 28 on 1 May 1960 Primary TRAWING 4 , NAS Corpus Christi VT - 31 Wise Owls T - 44 C Formerly ATU - 601 Established Feb 1958 , redesig VT - 31 on 1 May 1960 Advanced Multi-engine TRAWING 4 , NAS Corpus Christi VT - 35 Stingrays T - 44 C Established 29 Oct 1999 Advanced Multi-engine TRAWING 4 , NAS Corpus Christi VT - 86 Sabrehawks T - 45C Established 5 Jun 1972 NFO Advanced Jet TRAWING 6 , NAS Pensacola Squadron Designation Insignia Nickname Aircraft Notes VT - 2 Doerbirds T - 6B Formerly Basic Training Group - 2 ( BTG - 2 ) Re-designated VT - 2 on 1 May 1960 Primary TRAWING 5 , NAS Whiting Field VT - 3 Red Knights T - 6B Formerly BTG - 3 Re-designated VT - 3 on 1 May 1960 Primary TRAWING 5 , NAS Whiting Field VT - 4 Warbucks Multi-Crew Simulator Formerly BTG - 9 Re-designated VT - 4 on 1 May 1960 ( Inactive Dec 2010 - Jun 2013 ) NFO Advanced MPA , TACAMO , AEW TRAWING 6 , NAS Pensacola VT - 6 Shooters T - 6B Formerly Multi-Engine Training Group ( METG ) Established 1 Jul 56 , redesig to VT - 6 on 1 May 1960 Primary TRAWING 5 , NAS Whiting Field VT - 7 Eagles T - 45C Formerly BTG - 7 Established 1 Jun 58 , redesig to VT - 7 on 1 Jul 1960 Intermediate Tailhook , Advanced Jet TRAWING 1 , NAS Meridian VT - 9 ( 2nd ) Tigers T - 45C Formerly VT - 19 Established 2 Aug 71 , redesig to VT - 9 on 1 Oct 1998 ( There was an earlier training squadron designated VT - 9 also called `` Tigers '' which existed from 15 Dec 1961 to Jul 1987 ) Intermediate Tailhook , Advanced Jet TRAWING 1 , NAS Meridian VT - 10 Wildcats T - 6A Formerly Basic Naval Aviation Officer ( BNAO ) school Established Jun 1960 , redesig to VT - 10 on 15 Jan 1968 NFO Primary / Intermediate TRAWING 6 , NAS Pensacola VT - 21 Redhawks T - 45C Formerly Advanced Training Unit - 202 ( ATU - 202 ) Established Apr 1951 , redesig VT - 21 on 1 May 1960 Intermediate Tailhook , Advanced Jet TRAWING 2 , NAS Kingsville VT - 22 Golden Eagles T - 45C Formerly ATU - 6 , Jet Transitional Training Unit - 1 ( JTTU - 1 ) , ATU - 3 , ATU - 212 Established 13 Jun 1949 , redesig VT - 22 on 1 May 1960 Intermediate Tailhook , Advanced Jet TRAWING 2 , NAS Kingsville VT - 27 Boomers T - 6B Formerly ATU - B , ATU - 402 Established 11 Jul 1951 , redesig VT - 27 on 1 Jul 1960 Primary TRAWING 4 , NAS Corpus Christi VT - 28 Rangers T - 6B Formerly ATU - 611 Re-designated to VT - 28 on 1 May 1960 Primary TRAWING 4 , NAS Corpus Christi VT - 31 Wise Owls T - 44 C Formerly ATU - 601 Established Feb 1958 , redesig VT - 31 on 1 May 1960 Advanced Multi-engine TRAWING 4 , NAS Corpus Christi VT - 35 Stingrays T - 44 C Established 29 Oct 1999 Advanced Multi-engine TRAWING 4 , NAS Corpus Christi VT - 86 Sabrehawks T - 45C Established 5 Jun 1972 NFO Advanced Jet TRAWING 6 , NAS Pensacola The United States Navy 's Helicopter Training Squadrons provide advanced helicopter flight instruction to all Navy , US Marine Corps , and United States Coast Guard helicopter flight students as well as international students from several allied nations after completion of primary flight training in one of the VT squadrons . Students who successfully complete the program earn the right to wear the coveted `` Wings of Gold . '' and will receive orders to their selected aircraft 's FRS . Squadron Designation Insignia Nickname Aircraft Notes HT - 8 Eightballers TH - 57 B / C Formerly HTU - 1 , HTG - 1 TRAWING 5 NAS Whiting Field Established 3 Dec 1950 HT - 18 Vigilant Eagles TH - 57 B / C TRAWING 5 NAS Whiting Field Established 1 Mar 1972 HT - 28 Hellions TH - 57 B / C TRAWING 5 NAS Whiting Field Established 2 May 2007 Squadron Designation Insignia Nickname Aircraft Notes HT - 8 Eightballers TH - 57 B / C Formerly HTU - 1 , HTG - 1 TRAWING 5 NAS Whiting Field Established 3 Dec 1950 HT - 18 Vigilant Eagles TH - 57 B / C TRAWING 5 NAS Whiting Field Established 1 Mar 1972 HT - 28 Hellions TH - 57 B / C TRAWING 5 NAS Whiting Field Established 2 May 2007 Unmanned maritime patrol aircraft are used for Intelligence , Surveillance , and Reconnaissance . Squadron Designation Insignia Nickname Aircraft Notes VUP - 11 TBD TBD MQ - 4C Triton To be established in 2018 VUP - 19 TBD Big Red MQ - 4C Triton NAS Jacksonville NAS Point Mugu ( detachment ) Established October 1 , 2016 Squadron Designation Insignia Nickname Aircraft Notes VUP - 11 TBD TBD MQ - 4C Triton To be established in 2018 VUP - 19 TBD Big Red MQ - 4C Triton NAS Jacksonville NAS Point Mugu ( detachment ) Established October 1 , 2016 Test and Evaluation squadrons test everything from basic aircraft flying qualities to advanced aerodynamics . VX - 1 and VX - 9 report to the Commander , Operational Test and Evaluation Force ( OPTEVFOR ) . Squadron Designation Insignia Nickname Aircraft Notes USN Test Pilot School Various NAS Patuxent River VX - 1 Pioneers P - 3C MH - 60R MH - 60S SH - 60F EP - 3E E-6B KC - 130J E-2C RQ - 4 P - 8A Evaluation of airborne anti-submarine warfare and maritime anti-surface warfare weapons NAS Patuxent River VXS - 1 Warlocks P - 3 C - 12 formerly NRL 's Flight Support Detachment Scientific Development NAS Patuxent River VX - 9 Vampires F / A-18A / A+ / A++ / B / C / D / E / F EA - 18G Operational Weapons Test NAWS China Lake VX - 20 Force E-2C P - 3C C - 130 C - 2A E-6B T - 34C Force Warfare Aircraft Test NAS Patuxent River HX - 21 Blackjack AH - 1Z UH - 1Y MH - 60R MH - 60S MV - 22B AH - 1W UH - 1N VH - 3A CH - 53E TH - 57C SH - 60F Rotary Wing Aircraft Test NAS Patuxent River VX - 23 Salty Dogs F - 35B / C F / A-18A / A+ / A++ / B / C / D / E / F EA - 6B EA - 18G T - 45 Strike Aircraft Test NAS Patuxent River VX - 30 Bloodhounds C - 130 P - 3 All Variants S - 3B F / A-18A / A+ / A++ / B / C / D / E / F Weapons Test NAS Point Mugu VX - 31 Dust Devils F / A-18A / A+ / A++ / B / C / D / E / F EA - 18G NEA - 18G P - 3 C - 130 AV - 8 TAV - 8B T - 39 AH - 1Z UH - 1Y and other variants Weapons Test NAWS China Lake Squadron Designation Insignia Nickname Aircraft Notes USN Test Pilot School Various NAS Patuxent River VX - 1 Pioneers P - 3C MH - 60R MH - 60S SH - 60F EP - 3E E-6B KC - 130J E-2C RQ - 4 P - 8A Evaluation of airborne anti-submarine warfare and maritime anti-surface warfare weapons NAS Patuxent River VXS - 1 Warlocks P - 3 C - 12 formerly NRL 's Flight Support Detachment Scientific Development NAS Patuxent River VX - 9 Vampires F / A-18A / A+ / A++ / B / C / D / E / F EA - 18G Operational Weapons Test NAWS China Lake VX - 20 Force E-2C P - 3C C - 130 C - 2A E-6B T - 34C Force Warfare Aircraft Test NAS Patuxent River HX - 21 Blackjack AH - 1Z UH - 1Y MH - 60R MH - 60S MV - 22B AH - 1W UH - 1N VH - 3A CH - 53E TH - 57C SH - 60F Rotary Wing Aircraft Test NAS Patuxent River VX - 23 Salty Dogs F - 35B / C F / A-18A / A+ / A++ / B / C / D / E / F EA - 6B EA - 18G T - 45 Strike Aircraft Test NAS Patuxent River VX - 30 Bloodhounds C - 130 P - 3 All Variants S - 3B F / A-18A / A+ / A++ / B / C / D / E / F Weapons Test NAS Point Mugu VX - 31 Dust Devils F / A-18A / A+ / A++ / B / C / D / E / F EA - 18G NEA - 18G P - 3 C - 130 AV - 8 TAV - 8B T - 39 AH - 1Z UH - 1Y and other variants Weapons Test NAWS China Lake