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Naval Aircrewman (AW) is an enlisted general rating of the U.S. Navy. Sailors in the AW rating serve as aircraft systems operators or inflight system maintenance technicians aboard U. S. Navy fixed and rotoray winged aircraft. They perform duties as varied as aerial gunners, rescue swimmers, radar and sonar operators, airborne mine countermeasures system operators, strategic communications systems specialists, loadmasters, repair technicians, and various other functions depending on the specific aircraft type in which they fly. The rating is divided into five subdivisions termed "service ratings". Those service ratings are: Naval Aircrewman Operator (AWO); Naval Aircrewman Helicopter (AWS); Naval Aircrewman Tactical Helicopter (AWR); Naval Aircrewman Mechanical (AWF); and Naval Aircrewman Avionics (AWV). All five service ratings are identified by a single AW Rating Badge. Many technologically advanced navies have a similar trade.

History of the AW Rating
The AW rating was originally established on 1 Sep 1968 by BuPers Note 1440 of 29 Feb 1968 as the "Aviation Antisubmarine Warfare Operator" rating (abbreviated AW). It identified those Sailors who's job it was to operate radar, sonar and other submarine detection systems installed in the Navy's submarine hunting fixed and rotary winged aircraft of the time. In 1993 the rating name was changed to "Aviation Warfare Systems Operator" (without changing the AW abbreviation) by BuPers Note 1440 of 16 Nov 1993. The change in the rating's name reflected the expanded scope of the duties performed by AW Sailors who were by then flying in newer, more multi-mission aircraft and were performing, depending on the specific aircraft type, anti-surface warfare, combat search and rescue and/or naval special warfare support missions in addition to their traditional antisubmarine warfare functions.

In addition to Sailors in the AW rating, other Sailors primarily in aircraft maintenance ratings had been flying as crewmen aboard the Navy's various fixed and rotary winged utility, cargo or special mission aircraft performing airborne mine countermeasures, logistics, communications relay, airborne repair or maintenance of critical systems, flight engineer, loadmaster or other specialized functions.

On 2 May of 2005, NAVADMIN 092/05 titled "Helicopter Enlisted Naval Aircrew Rating Consolidation" was released which directed the consolidation of all helicopter aircrewmen in maintenance ratings (those holding Navy Enlisted Classifications (NEC) of 78xx and 94xx) into the Aviation Warfare Systems Operator (AW) rating thereby bringing all helicopter aircrewmen into the AW rating.

On 30 May of 2008, NAVADMIN 153/08 titled "Enlisted Naval Aircrew (NAC) Rating Consolidation" was released which brought about major changes to the AW rating. It changed the name of the AW rating from "Aviation Warfare Systems Operator" to "Naval Aircrewman" (while retaining the AW abbreviation); it converted all remaining aircrewmen with maintenance ratings to the AW rating (NAVADMIN 092/05 had previously converted all helicopter aircrewmen to the AW rating, but it had not converted the fixed wing maintenance rating crewmen to AW); and it subdivided the AW rating into five "service ratings." Those five service ratings being: Naval Aircrewman Operator (AWO); Naval Aircrewman Helicopter (AWS); Naval Aircrewman Tactical Helicopter (AWR); Naval Aircrewman Mechanical (AWF); and Naval Aircrewman Avionics (AWV).

Naval Aircrew Warfare Specialist
Naval Aircrewmen are easily identified by the Gold Wings which they wear which are similar to the wings of Naval Aviators who pilot the aircraft and of Naval Flight Officers who along with the Naval Aircrewmen perform the critical non-pilot functions which are essential to operating and employing naval aircraft. These Gold Wings are earned after an AW completes his or her training pipeline and reports to his or her first operational squadron. Within 18 months of arrival in the squadron the new Naval Aircrewman is required to earn qualification as a "Naval Aircrew Warfare Specialist" (NAC). The qualification is earned through a training program in the squadron during which he or she is required to learn and demonstrate the knowledge and abilities required to operate and employ naval aircraft in the missions or tasks assigned.

Upon satisfactory completion of the program and demonstration of the required knowledge by sitting for a qualification board of the squadrons leaders, the new AW is awarded the Gold Naval Aircrew Warfare Specialist "Wings" and the designation "NAC" is added to the Sailor's title or rate in the following manner "AWO2(NAC) John Smith." When spoken the designation "NAC" is spoken "Aircrew Warfare so "AWO2(NAC) John Smith" is spoken "Naval Aircrewman Operator Second Class, Aircrew Warfare, John Smith.

Prior to the change in the name of the AW rating from "Aviaition Warfare Systems Operator" to the current name "Naval Aircrewman", these Gold Wings were called "Naval Aircrew" Wings and the designation "(NAC)" was spoken "Naval Aircrew".

Following is an example of the change in the names of the rating and the wings: -Prior to the changes: AW2(NAC) John Smith, spoken as "Aviation Warfare Systems Operator 2nd Class, Naval Aircrew, John Smith. -After the changes: AWS2(NAC) John Smith, spoken as "Naval Aircrewman Helicopter 2nd Class, Aircrew Warfare, John Smith.

Training
The Navy offers two training programs to recruits and to fleet personnel both of which result in the Sailor becoming a Naval Aircrewmen (AW). Those two programs are the Aircrew Program which is abbreviated AIRC, and the Aviation Rescue Swimmer Program which is abbreviated AIRR. The initial training for both programs is conducted at Naval Aircrew Candidate School (NACCS).

After completion of NACCS those in the AIRC program will progress directly to a rating specific "A" school. Assignment to an "A" school for a rating within the program will be made while assigned to NACCS and will be based on the applicant's test scores, personal desires and needs of the Navy. The ratings within the AIRC program are AWO, AWF and AWV.

While in NACCS Sailors in the AIRR program are also assigned to a follow-on "A" school for a rating within their program based on the same selection criteria described above, but those Sailors will attend Aviation Rescue Swimmer School (ARSS) after completion of NACCS and prior to reporting to their rating specific "A" school. The ratings within the AIRR program are AWR and AWS.

After Completion of the rating specific "A" school, training continues with assignment to an aircraft specific Fleet Replacement Squadron's Fleet Replacement Aircrew Training (FRAC) department where the AW learns the specifics of the aircraft he or she will be crewing.

Additionally, Sailors in either program will attend Survival Evasion Resistance and Escape (SERE) training prior to reporting to their first operational squadron.

Training pipelines vary in length depending on the program (AIRC or AIRR) and the lengths of each the rating specific "A" schools (AWO, AWF, AWV, AWR, AWS) but on average it will take between 18 months and two years for an AW to complete his or her training pipeline.

Training Pipeline Schools
NACCS, at NAS Pensacola, Florida, is a four week school whch trains and evaluates AW students in basic flight physiology and water survival. The course includes low-pressure hypobaric chamber training, night-vision evaluations, multi-station spatial-disorientation device (also known as the "spin and puke") training, and aircraft-emergency-water-egress device. The curriculum also includes advanced first aid and CPR and physical training with road runs up to 2–4 miles and one-mile swims.
 * Naval Aircrew Candidate School (NACCS)

ARSS is a six week school, also at NAS Pensacola, Florida. Is the second step in the AWR and AWS training pipeline (AWO, AWF and AWV do not attend ARSS) and leads to qualification as a Navy rescue swimmer. To graduate from Aviation Rescue Swimmer School applicants must: Be comfortable in a water and underwater environment; Quickly adapt to the use of mask, fins and snorkel; Be comfortable and proficient in administering medical and lifesaving procedures; Complete the Rescue Swimmer Fitness out Test: 4 pull-ups in a flight suit and boots within 2 minutes, Carry two 50-pound dumbbells, Perform 42 push-ups in 2 minutes, Perform 50 sit-ups in 2 minutes, Swim a 400-meter buddy tow in 18 minutes; Complete all in-course testable evolutions: 90 minutes of extensive calisthenics and 30 to 35 minute runs daily, Swim 800 meters within 20 minutes, Swim 1500 meters within 35 minutes, Swim 2000 meters within 55 minutes, Swim 400 meters buddy tow within 16 minutes, Swim 800 meters buddy tow within 35 minutes.
 * Aviation Rescue Swimmer School (ARSS)

Naval Air Technical Training Center (NATTC) provides accession students a basic introduction to the fundamentals the student must be well versed in to operate on their prospective platform. Active and passive electronic warfare, active and passive sonar. Reading sonograms, magnetic anomaly detection equipment, physics, wave propagation, oceanography, meteorology and working with classified information are included in this phase of training.
 * “A” School

The Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape (SERE) course is designed to provide Level "C" Code of Conduct training to pilots, flight officers, intelligence officers, aircrew, and other designated high-risk-of-capture personnel, as directed by respective TYCOMs/MCCDC in accordance with DOD Instruction 1300.21 and the Joint Personnel Recovery Agency (JPRA) executive agent instruction. Training encompasses those basic skills necessary for worldwide survival, facilitating search-and-rescue efforts, evading capture by hostile forces, resistance to interrogation, exploitation, and indoctrination, and escape from detention by enemy forces, in accordance with DOD Instruction 1300.21. It is based on and reinforces the values expressed in the code of conduct while maintaining an appropriate balance of sound educational methodology and realistic/stressful training scenarios.
 * Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape (SERE)

Participation in SERE training requires certification of a current physical examination (within 1 year for aircrew) and completion of a medical-screening form within 14 days of training by competent medical authority (i.e., flight surgeon, IDC). If students report for training without medical and dental records, they are dis-enrolled from the course. Because SERE training is physically demanding, students must comply with their own service's body fat standards and have successfully passed their most recent physical-readiness test.

This phase of training immerses the student much further into training for their specific platform and specialty. Typically, the student will report to an East Coast or West Coast Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS) to conduct training. Naval Air Training and Operating Procedures Standardization (NATOPS) and tactics are also introduced. After completion of training and reporting for duty in the fleet, they are required to complete “on the job training” lasting around six months before being recognized as fully qualified.
 * Fleet Replacement Aircrew Training (FRAC)

Position summaries
There are several platforms (fixed wing P-3 Orion and rotary wing MH-60R/S aircraft, aircraft carriers, etc.) specialties and special certifications available within the rating. Additional training can be acquired to qualify rotary wing AWs as Combat Search and Rescue(CSAR) crewman. Below is a list of specialties within the rating.

Aviation Rescue Swimmer (AIRR)
(abbreviated as AWS/AWR)

These Aircrewmen have successfully completed Aviation Rescue Swimmer School (ARSS) in Pensacola, Florida along with the multiple schools in the training pipeline. According to multiple sources, the average pipeline graduation rate is 22%. Sailors who choose this career path need to possess above-average maturity and the ability to stay calm in high-stress situations. AIRR's are trained in basic emergency medicine, rappelling, and various other skills other AW's will not receive. They share many similarities to Coast Guard Aviation Survival Technicians. They are often utilized in humanitarian, combat, and peacetime missions. On average, with both the pipeline and required on-the-job training, it takes about two years to become a qualified AIRR. The training pipeline is as follows:


 * 1) Aircrew Candidate School (3 weeks)
 * 2) Rescue Swimmer School (5 weeks)
 * 3) "A" School (7 weeks for AWS, 14 weeks for AWR)
 * 4) SERE (2 weeks)
 * 5) Fleet Replacement Squadrons (6-12 months at assigned Air Station)

AIRR Tactical Helicopter
(abbreviated as AWR)

AWRs go through NACCS and Rescue Swimmer Schools as well, then split off into their own pipeline from there. Going to A-School (13 weeks), FRAC(about 1 year long), SERE (2 weeks). AWRs perform the same jobs as regular AIRR crewman (AWS) as well as locating submarines using acoustics sensors, which has earned them the nickname "Subhunters". They also perform various Surface Warfare missions using Radar and other sensors on board the aircraft.

C-2A Loadmaster
These AWFs fly on the C-2A Greyhound, a carrier-based fixed-wing aircraft. They fly high priority passengers, cargo, and mail to and from aircraft carriers. Their designations as loadmasters start from FRAC school at VAW-120 in Norfolk, Virginia where they become transport second crewman. From there these AWs complete on the job training, their NAWS package, and a second crewman board to become carrier transport second crewman. And then finally completing more job specific qualifications to become a carrier transport crew chief. These AWF's are also highly skilled and qualified in the maintenance program and work hand in hand with their maintenance work centers to better improve their knowledge of the aircraft.

Naval Aircrewman (operator)

 * Aboard aircraft


 * Note: abbreviated as AWO, SS1, & SS2

These AWs fly in a fixed wing, long range patrol aircraft. Currently the P-3 Orion is fulfilling this role, with the P-8 Poseidon planned to take over this mission starting in 2013. Acoustic sensor operators begin their career in the fleet after attending specialized training. They start as sensor operator 2, and after sufficient flight and related experience is acquired, advance to sensor operator 1 with their own crew. The job can be related to the civilian fields of machine condition monitoring, or predictive maintenance. The AW is responsible for the analysis of all sensor data and must interpret this data in order to search for, localize and track, determine spatial orientation and vector, identify, assess condition of, establish attack parameters on a single, or multiple surface or subsurface contacts. These systems include but are not limited to passive sonar used to listen to underwater sounds, active sonar systems which can be used to pinpoint targets. They control the type and settings for the sonobuoys, underwater communication equipment for platform to platform communication, sensor system to fire control system data transfer and recording.


 * Aboard aircraft
 * Note: abbreviated as AWO, SS3



Non-acoustic AWs, also known as "sensor 3s" or electronic warfare operators, (EWO's), currently fly in P-3 Orion aircraft, they will be transitioning to the P-8A Poseidon beginning in 2013. Non-acoustic AWs are responsible for operating the radar, electronic support measures system, electro-optical/infrared imaging devices and magnetic anomaly detection device aboard variants of the P-3 Orion. They acquire data necessary to identify surface or air contacts, and can also provide data to help search, localize, and track contacts of interest. SS3s aid in establishing attack parameters on a single, or multiple surface contact. Non-acoustic operators also work with the flight station and navigator to ensure safety-of-flight conditions are maintained.


 * Aboard ship or on land
 * ''Note: abbreviated as ASWMOD/ASWOC

These AWs brief and debrief aircrews, filter through, organize, and relay intelligence collected during the mission in an aircraft carrier ASW module (ASMOD) or in a land-based ASW operations center (ASWOC). They coordinate ASW information-gathering throughout the battle group, operate various under-sea warfare and non-under-sea warfare related sensor systems to extract, analyze and classify data obtained; perform specified pre-flight, in-flight and post-flight operations in a multitude of naval aircraft serving anti-surface, USW, mine countermeasures, electronic, counter-narcotics, and land and sea rescue missions performance; operate tactical support center systems to analyze and classify USW and non-USW data; assist in aircrew briefing and debriefing; and provide data base information to the tactical commander for use in prescribing mission objectives and tactics.

Previous platforms
Past AW-crewed aircraft include aircraft carrier-based S-3 Viking and S-2 Tracker aircraft. They also flew in SH-3 Sea King and SH-2 Seasprite helicopters and P-2 Neptune patrol aircraft.

Currently Active Carrier Air Wings
Carrier Air Wings were first established on 1 July 1938 when the aircraft squadrons assigned to the aircraft carriers USS Lexington (CV 2), USS Saratoga (CV 3), USS Ranger (CV 4), USS Yorktown (CV 5) and USS Enterprise (CV 6) were established as "Carrier Air Groups" assigned to each of those ships. Two of those Carrier Air Groups are still active today as Carrier Air Wings ONE and THREE. On 20 December 1963 all Carrier Air Groups which were then in existence were redesignated Carrier Air Wings (CVW).
 * Tail codes with a first letter "A" denote Atlantic Fleet airwings, while "N" denotes Pacific Fleet airwings.

Carrier Air Wings (CVW)

 * Tail codes with a first letter "A" denoted Atlantic Fleet airwings, while "N" denoted Pacific Fleet airwings.

Antisubmarine Carrier Air Groups (CVSG)
In the 1960s some WWII Essex class aircraft carriers were designated as "Anti-Submarine Carriers" (CVS) and were paired with newly established "Anti-Submarine Carrier Air Groups" (CVSG). CVSGs consisted of Helicopter Antisubmarine (HS) squadrons of SH-3 Sea Kings and Air Antisubmarine (VS) squadrons of S-2 Trackers along with a detachment of airborne early warning E-1 Tracers from Airborne Early Warning (VAW) squadrons and a detachment A-4 Skyhawks from Anti-Submarine Fighter (VSF) squadrons for self defense. The CVSGs were not included in the redesignation of Carrier Air Groups (CVG)s to Carrier Air Wings (CVW)s in 1963 and therefore they were the last "Carrier Air Groups" to exist in the U.S. Navy.


 * Tail codes with a first letter "A" denoted Atlantic Fleet airwings, while "N" denoted Pacific Fleet airwings.

Air Task Groups (ATG)
Air Task Groups were formed beginning in 1951 to address a shortage of Carrier Air Groups (CVG)s due to involvement in the Korean War. The number of CVGs was statutorily limited but the Navy needed more of them. The solution was to form "temporary" task groups by reassigning some squadrons from existing CVGs and using them to form an "Air Task Group" (ATG). This reduced the number of squadrons in those CVGs from the then typical five total VF/VA squadrons to four total VF/VA squadrons but gave the Navy more "CVGs". They were carrier air group (CVG) equivalents in every respect but in name but as "temorary" units they were neither formerly "established" or "disestablished" instead they were "formed" and "disbanded." Though the ATG was created in response to the Korean War, they ended up outlasting that conflict.


 * Tail codes with a first letter "A" denoted Atlantic Fleet Air Task Groups, while "N" denoted Pacific Fleet Air Task Groups.

Carrier Air Groups (CVG)
The Carrier Air Group designation (CVG) was in use from 1942 to 20 December 1963. Prior to 20 Dec 1963 aircraft squadrons which operated from aircraft carriers were organized into Carrier Air Groups (CVG). There were sometimes variations of the Air Group designation adding a modifying letter between the V and the G to indicate the type of aircraft carrier from which the group operated: E-Escort Carrier Air Group (CVEG), L-Light Carrier Air Group (CVLG), B-Large Carrier Air Group (CVBG), A-Medium Carrier Air Group (CVAG). On 20 December 1963 all still existing Carrier Air Groups were redesignated Carrier Air Wings (CVW).

Aircraft squadrons operating from the Navy's first Aircraft Carriers prior to WWII were assigned to that aircraft carrier and were organizationally grouped into that carrier's "air group". On 1 July 1938 the "Carrier Air Group" was formally established as a separate unit and the previously informally named air groups were titled "name of ship Air Group". Air Groups were permanently assigned to a specific Aircraft Carrier and carried that Aircraft Carrier's name (Lexington Air Group, Saratoga Air Group etc...)
 * Langley Air Group Squadrons operating from USS Langley (CV-1) from Jan 1923 to June 1936 informally called "Langley Air Group".
 * Lexington Air Group Squadrons operating from USS Lexington (CV-2) beginning Aug 1927 informally called "Lexington Air Group". Lexington Air Group officially established 1 Jul 1938, disestablished 8 May 1942 after the loss of USS Lexington in the battle of the Battle of the Coral Sea.
 * Saratoga Air Group See CVW-3 in the "Currently Active Wings" section
 * Ranger Air Group See CVW-1 in the "Currently Active Wings" section
 * Yorktown Air Group Squadrons operating from USS Yorktown (CV-5) from Jan 1938 informally called "Yorktown Air Group". Yorktown Air Group officially established 1 Jul 1938, disestablished 7 Jun 1942 after the loss of USS Yorktown in the Battle of Midway.
 * Enterprise Air Group Established 1 July 1938 to fly from USS Enterprise (CV-6), disestablished 1 Sep 1942 after USS Enterprise was damaged during the Battle of the Eastern Solomons and entered Pearl Harbor naval shipyard for repairs.
 * Wasp Air Group Established 1 Jul 1939 to fly from USS Wasp (CV-7), disestablished 15 Sep 1942 after the loss of USS Wasp during the Guadalcanal Campaign.
 * Hornet Air Group Established 20 Oct 1941 to fly from USS Hornet (CV-8), disestablished 26 Oct 1942 after the loss of USS Hornet in the Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands.

With the massive buildup of Aircraft Carriers and Carrier Air Groups after the U.S. entry into WWII, the Carrier Air Group designation scheme was changed to drop the name of the Aircraft Carrier to which the Air Group was assigned and a numbering system was adopted. the number system included the designation "CVG" meaning "Carrier Air Group" followed by a number such as "CVG-3" meaning "Carrier Air Group THREE". By this time CV 1 had been converted to a Seaplane Tender (in 1936), and CV 2, CV 5, CV 7 and CV 8 had been sunk. The Air Groups of the remaining CV 3 and CV 4 were redesignated CVG-3 and CVG-4 respectively and CV 6's "Enterprise Air Group" was disestablished and a new CVG-6 was established and assigned to the ship. In 1943 new CVGs 1, 2, 5, 7 and 8 were established (with no corresponding CVs 1, 2, 5, 7 or 8 as CV 1 had long ago been converted and CV 2, 5, 7 and 8 had been sunk) and the practice of numbering CVGs with the hull number of the Aircraft Carrier to which they were assigned ceased. Note: the parenthetical (1st), (2nd), (3rd) appended to some Carrier Air Group designations below are not a part of the Group's designation. They are added to indicate that the designation was used more than one time during the history of U.S. Naval Aviation and to specify which use of the designation is indicated. There is not necessarily any connection between Carrier Air Groups which shared the same designation.

WWII Fleet Carrier Carrier Air Groups (CVG) and Large Carrier (Midway class) Carrier Air Groups (CVBG) (March 1942 to November 1946)
 * CVG-1(1st) Established 1 May 1943, disestablished 25 Oct 1945.
 * CVG-2(1st) Established 1 Jun 1943, disestablished 9 Nov 1945.
 * CVG-3(1st) See CVW-3 in the "Currently Active Wings" section.
 * CVG-4(1st) See CVW-1 in the "Currently Active Wings" section.
 * CVG-5(1st) See CVW-5 in the "Currently Active Wings" section.
 * CVG-6(1st) Established 15 Mar 1943, disestablished 29 Oct 1945.
 * CVG-7(1st) Established 3 Jan 1944, disestablished 8 Jul 1946.
 * CVG-8(1st) Established 1 Jun 1943, disestablished 23 Nov 1945.
 * CVG-9(1st) Established 1 Mar 1942, disestablished 15 Oct 1945.
 * CVG-10(1st) Established 16 Apr 1942, disestablished 16 Nov 1945.
 * CVG-11(1st) See CVW-11 in the "Currently Active Wings" section.
 * CVG-12(1st) Established 9 Jan 1943, disestablished 17 Sep 1945.
 * CVG-13(1st) Established 2 Nov 1943, disestablished 20 Oct 1945.
 * CVG-14(1st) Established 1 Sep 1943, disestablished 14 Jun 1945.
 * CVG-15(1st) Established 1 Sep 1942, disestablished 30 Oct 1945.
 * CVG-16(1st) Established 16 Nov 1942, disestablished 6 Nov 1945.
 * CVG-17(1st)/CVBG-17 See CVW-6 in the "Disestablished Carrier Air Wings" section.
 * CVG-18 See CVW-7 in the "Currently Active Wings" section
 * CVG-19(1st) See CVW-19 in the "Disestablished Carrier Air Wings" section.
 * CVG-20 Established 15 Oct 1943, redesignated CVAG-9 on 15 Nov 1946, redesignated CVG-9(2nd) on 1 Sep 1948, disestablished 1 Dec 1949.
 * CVBG-74 See CVW-2 in the "Currently Active Wings" section.
 * CVBG-75 Established 1 Jun 1945, redesignated CVBG-3 on 15 Nov 1946, redesignated CVG-4(2nd) on 1 Sep 1948, disestablished 8 Jun 1950.
 * CVG-80 Established 1 Feb 1944, disestablished 16 Sep 1946.
 * CVG-81 Established 1 Mar 1944, redesignated CVAG-13 on 15 Nov 1946, redesignated CVG-13(2nd) on 1 Sep 1948, disestablished 30 Nov 1949.
 * CVG-82 Established 1 Apr 1944, redesignated CVAG-17 on 15 Nov 1946, redesignated CVG-17(2nd) on 1 Sep 1948, disestablished 15 Sep 1958.
 * CVG-83 Established 1 May 1944, disestablished 24 Sep 1945.
 * CVG-84 Established 1 May 1944, disestablished 8 Oct 1945.
 * CVG-85 Established 15 May 1944, disestablished 27 Sep 1945.
 * CVG-86 Established 15 Jun 1944, disestablished 21 Nov 1945.
 * CVG-87 Established 1 Jul 1944, disestablished 2 Nov 1945.
 * CVG-88 Established 18 Aug 1944, disestablished 29 Oct 1945.
 * CVG-89 Established 2 Oct 1944, disestablished 27 Apr 1946.
 * CVG-92 Established 2 Dec 1944, disestablished 18 Dec 1946.
 * CVG-93 Established 21 Dec 1944, disestablished 30 Apr 1946.
 * CVG-94 Established 15 Nov 1944, disestablished 7 Nov 1945.
 * CVG-95 Established 2 Jan 1945, disestablished 31 Oct 1945.
 * CVG-97 Established 1 Nov 1944, disestablished 31 Mar 1946.
 * CVG-98 Established 28 Aug 1944, redesignated CVAG-21 on 15 Nov 1946, disestablished 5 Aug 1947.
 * CVG-99 Established 15 Jul 1944, disestablished 8 Sep 1945.
 * CVG-100 Established 1 Apr 1944, disestablished 20 Feb 1946.
 * CVG-150 Established 22 Jan 1945, disestablished 2 Nov 1946.
 * CVG-151 Established 12 Feb 1945, disestablished 6 Oct 1945.
 * CVG-152 Established 5 Mar 1945, disestablished 21 Sep 1945.
 * CVG-153 Established 26 Mar 1945, redesignated CVAG-15 on 15 Nov 1946, redesignated CVG-15(2nd) on 1 Sep 1948, disestablished 1 Dec 1949.

WWII Light Carrier Carrier Air Groups (CVLG) and Escort Carrier Carrier Air Groups (CVEG) (March 1942 to November 1946)
 * CVLG-21 Established 15 May 1943, disestablished 5 Nov 1945.
 * CVLG-22 Established 30 Sep 1943, disestablished 15 Sep 1945.
 * CVLG-23 Established 16 Nov 1942, disestablished 19 Sep 1945.
 * CVLG-24 Established 31 Dec 1942, disestablished 25 Sep 1945.
 * CVLG-25/CVEG-25 Established 15 Feb 1943, redesignated CVEG-25 28 Aug 1944, disestablished 20 Sep 1945.
 * CVEG-26 Established 4 May 1942, disestablished 13 Nov 1945.
 * CVLG-27 Established 1 Mar 1942, disestablished 26 Oct 1945.
 * CVLG-28 Established 6 May 1942, disestablished 6 Nov 1945.
 * CVLG-29 Established 18 Jul 1942, disestablished 10 Sep 1945.
 * CVLG-30 Established 1 Apr 1943, disestablished 12 Sep 1945.
 * CVLG-31 Established 1 May 1943, disestablished 28 Oct 1945.
 * CVLG-32 Established 1 Jun 1943, disestablished 13 Nov 1945.
 * CVEG-33 Established 15 May 1944, disestablished 19 Nov 1945.
 * CVLG-34 Established 1 Apr 1945, disestablished 5 Dec 1945.
 * CVEG-35 Established 15 Jul 1943, disestablished 19 Nov 1945.
 * CVEG-36 Established 15 May 1944, disestablished 28 Jan 1946.
 * CVEG-37 Established 15 Jul 1943, disestablished 20 Dec 1945.
 * CVLG-38/CVEG-38 Established 16 Jun 1943, redesignated CVEG-38 on 15 Aug 1944, disestablished 31 Jan 1946.
 * CVEG-39/CVLG-39 Established 15 Mar 1945, redesignated CVLG-39 on 2 Jul 1945, disestablished 10 Sep 1945.
 * CVEG-40 Established 15 Jun 1943, disestablished 19 Nov 1945.
 * CVEG-41 Established 26 Mar 1945, redesignated CVEG-1 on 15 Nov 1946, disestablished 1 Sep 1948.
 * CVEG-42 Established 15 Jul 1945, redesignated CVEG-2 on 15 Nov 1946, disestablished 1 Sep 1948.
 * CVEG-43 Established 9 Aug 1945, disestablished 17 Jun 1946.
 * CVLG-43 Established 1 Aug 1943, disestablished 8 Nov 1943.
 * CVLG-44 Established 1 Feb 1944, disestablished 18 Sep 1945.
 * CVLG-45 Established 1 Apr 1944, disestablished 10 Sep 1945.
 * CVLG-46 Established 15 Apr 1944, disestablished 14 Sep 1945.
 * CVLG-47 Established 15 Apr 1944, disestablished 21 Sep 1945.
 * CVLG-48 Established 1 Jun 1944, disestablished 2 Jan 1945.
 * CVEG-49/CVLG-49 Established 10 Aug 1944, redesignated CVLG-49 on 1 Jan 1945, disestablished 27 Nov 1945.
 * CVLG-50/CVEG-50 Established 10 Aug 1944, redesignated CVEG-50 on 1 Oct 1944, disestablished 29 Oct 1945.
 * CVLG-51 Established 22 Sep 1943, disestablished 13 Nov 1945.
 * CVLG-52 Established 1 Sep 1943, disestablished 8 Nov 1943.
 * CVEG-60 Established 15 Jul 1943, disestablished 15 Nov 1945.
 * CVEG-66 Established 1 Jan 1945, disestablished 6 Jun 1945.

WWII Night Carrier Air Groups (CVG(N), CVLG(N), CVEG(N)) (August 1944 to June 1946)
 * CVLG(N)-41 Established 28 Aug 1944, disestablished 25 Feb 1945.
 * CVLG(N)-42 Established 28 Aug 1944, disestablished 2 Jan 1945.
 * CVLG(N)-43 Established 2 Aug 1944, disestablished 2 Jan 1945.
 * CVLG(N)-52/CVG(N)-52 Established 20 Oct 1944, redesignated CVG(N)-52 on 6 Jan 1945, disestablished 15 Dec 1945.
 * CVG(N)-53 Established 2 Jan 1945, disestablished 11 Jun 1945.
 * CVG(N)-55 Established 1 Mar 1945, disestablished 11 Dec 1945.
 * CVEG(N)-63 Established 20 Jun 1945, disestablished 11 Dec 1945.
 * CVG(N)-90 Established 25 Aug 1944, disestablished 21 Jun 1946.
 * CVG(N)-91 Established 5 Oct 1944, disestablished 21 Jun 1946.

Air Groups established after WWII but before 15 Nov 1946 redesignations
 * CVLG-58 Established as CVLG-58 on 19 Mar 1946, redesignated CVLG-1 on 15 Nov 1946, disestablished 1 Sep 1948.

Carrier Air Groups still in existence on 15 November 1946 or established after that date were redesignated or newley designated in accordance with a new Carrier Air Group Designation scheme which added an "A" for Air Groups assigned to medium carriers (Essex class), a "B" for those assigned to large carriers (Midway class), an "L" for those assigned to light carriers (Independence or Siapan classes) and an "E" for those assigned to remaining WWII escort carriers.

Medium Carrier Carrier Air Groups (CVAG) (November 1946 to September 1948)
 * CVAG-1 Tail Code "T". See CVW-1 in the "Currently Active Wings" section.
 * CVAG-3 Tail Code "K". See CVW-3 in the "Currently Active Wings" section.
 * CVAG-5 Tail Code "S". See CVW-5 in the "Currently Active Wings" section.
 * CVAG-7 Tail Code "L". See CVW-7 in the "Currently Active Wings" section.
 * CVAG-9 Tail Code "PS". See CVG-20 in the "Air Groups established during WWII" section.
 * CVAG-11 Tail Code "V". See CVW-11 in the "Currently Active Wings" section.
 * CVAG-13 Tail Code "P". See CVG-81 in the "Air Groups established during WWII" section.
 * CVAG-15 Tail Code "A". See CVG-153 in the "Air Groups established during WWII" section.
 * CVAG-17 Tail Code "R". See CVG-82 in the "Air Groups established during WWII" section.
 * CVAG-19 Tail Code "B". See CVW-19 in the "Disestablished Carrier Air Wings" section.
 * CVAG-21 Tail Code "RI". See CVG-98 in the "Air Groups established during WWII" section.

Large Carrier Carrier Air Groups (CVBG) (November 1946 to September 1948)
 * CVBG-1 Tail Code "M". See CVW-2 in the "Currently Active Wings" section.
 * CVBG-3 Tail Code "F". See CVBG-75 in the "Air Groups established during WWII" section.
 * CVBG-5 Tail Code "C". See CVW-6 in the "Disestablished Carrier Air Wings" section.

Light Carrier Carrier Air Groups (CVLG) and Escort Carrier Carrier Air Groups (CVEG) (November 1946 to September 1948)
 * CVLG-1 Tail Code "SA". See CLVG-58 in the "Air Groups established after WWII but before 15 Nov 1946" section.
 * CVEG-1 Tail Code "BS". See CVEG-41 in the "Air Groups established during WWII" section.
 * CVEG-2 Tail Code "SL". See CVEG-42 in the "Air Groups established during WWII" section.
 * CVEG-3 Established 21 Apr 1947, disestablished 15 Sep 1948.

'''Carrier Air Groups still in existence on 1 Sep 1948 were redesignated again in accordance with a new Carrier Air Group designation scheme which redesignated all groups designated CVAG or CVBG back to just "CVG" and disestablished all CVLG and CVEG groups. CVGs which were still in existance on 20 December 1963 were then redisignated "Carrier Air Wings" (CVW)'''
 * CVG-1(2nd) Tail Code "T" (1946), "AB" (1957). See CVW-1 in the "Currently Active Wings" section.
 * CVG-2(2nd) Tail Code "M" (1946), "NE" (1957). See CVW-2 in the "Currently Active Wings" section.
 * CVG-3(2nd) Tail Code "K" (1946), "AC" (1957). See CVW-3 in the "Currently Active Wings" section.
 * CVG-4(2nd) Tail Code "F" (1946). See CVBG-75 in the "Air Groups established during WWII" section.
 * CVG-4(3rd) Tail Code "F" (1950), "AD" (1957). See RCVW-4 in the "Disestablished Carrier Air Wings" section.
 * CVG-5(2nd) Tail Code "S" (1946), "NF" (1957). See CVW-5 in the "Currently Active Wings" section.
 * CVG-6(2nd) Tail Code "C" (1946), "AF" (1957), "AE" (1963). See CVW-6 in the "Disestablished Carrier Air Wings" section.
 * CVG-7(2nd) Tail Code "L" (1946), "AG" (1957). See CVW-7 in the "Currently Active Wings" section.
 * CVG-8(2nd) Tail Code "E" (1951), "AJ" (1957). See CVW-8 in the "Currently Active Wings" section.
 * CVG-9(2nd) Tail Code "PS" (1946), "D" (1948). See CVG-20 in the "Air Groups established during WWII" section.
 * CVG-9(3rd) Tail Code "N" (1952), "NG" (1957). See CVW-9 in the "Currently Active Wings" section.
 * CVG-10(2nd) Tail Code "P" (1952), "AK" (1957). See CVW-10(1st) in the "Disestablished Carrier Air Wings" section.
 * CVG-11(2nd) Tail Code "V" (1946), "NH" (1957). See CVW-11 in the "Currently Active Wings" section.
 * CVG-12(2nd) Tail Code "D" (1950), "NJ" (1957). See RCVW-12 in the "Disestablished Carrier Air Wings" section.
 * CVG-13(2nd) Tail Code "P" (1946). See CVG-81 in the "Air Groups established during WWII" section.
 * CVG-13(3rd) Tail Code "AE". Established 21 Aug 1961, disestablished 1 Oct 1962.
 * CVG-14(2nd) Tail Code "A" (1950), "NK" (1957). See CVW-14 in the "Disestablished Carrier Air Wings" section.
 * CVG-15(2nd) Tail Code "A: (1946). See CVG-153 in the "Air Groups established during WWII" section.
 * CVG-15(3rd) Tail Code "H" (1951), "NL" (1957). See CVW-15 in the "Disestablished Carrier Air Wings" section.
 * CVG-16(2nd) Tail Code "AH". See CVW-16 in the "Disestablished Carrier Air Wings" section.
 * CVG-17(2nd) Tail Code "R" (1946), "AL" (1957). See CVG-82 in the "Air Groups established during WWII" section.
 * CVG-19(2nd) Tail Code "B" (1946), "NM" (1957). See CVW-19 in the "Disestablished Carrier Air Wings" section.
 * CVG-21(1st) Established 15 Sep 1948, disestablished 15 Mar 1949.
 * CVG-21(2nd) Tail Code "G" (1955), "NP" (1957). See CVW-21 in the "Disestablished Carrier Air Wings" section.
 * CVG-101 Tail Code "A" (1950), "NK" (1957). See CVW-14 in the "Disestablished Carrier Air Wings" section.
 * CVG-102 Tail Code "D" (1950) "NJ" (1957). See RCVW-12 in the "Disestablished Carrier Air Wings" section.

=Type and Functional Wings= Type Wings are non-deploying "force provider" wings which supply combat ready squadrons or detachments to Carrier Air Wings or for land based or shipboard (non-aircraft carrier) detachment deployments. Type Wing squadrons which deploy as part of a Carrier Air Wing (CVW) are based with their Type Wing when not deployed, not with their Carrier Air Wing. The exception are those squadrons assigned to the Carrier Air Wing which is forward deployed to Japan, those squadrons are based in Japan with their Carrier Air Wing, not with their Type Wings which are all based in the United States. Type Wings also operate their aircraft's Fleet Replacement Squadrons. Functional Wings are organized to perform a specific function such as logistics, flight test, or patrol and reconnaissance and may include squadrons of various aircraft which perform that specific function.

Type and Functional Wings are not assigned Tail Codes except for the Navy Reserve's Tactical Support Wing which retains the code "AF" from its former existence as Carrier Air Wing Reserve TWENTY and Electronic Attack Wing, U.S. Pacific Fleet (VAQWINGPAC) which adopted the code "NL" from the disestablished CVW-15 for use by the wing's land based "expeditionary" squadrons only. Type Wing squadrons which deploy as a part of a Carrier Air Wing wear the tail code of that Carrier Air Wing. Type Wing squadrons which do not deploy as part of a Carrier Air Wing and Functional Wing squadrons are all assigned tail codes unique to each squadron (except for the aforementioned expeditionary VAQ squadrons). See U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps Aircraft Tail Codes.

Currently Active Type and Functional Wings
There have been numerous Type and Functional Wings throughout the history of the U. S. Navy. Type and Functional Wings have been established, disestablished or re-designated as the Navy has operated different aircraft through the years. The tables below list the Type and Functional Wings which are active as of April 2022.

Disestablished Type and Functional Wings
Included in the table of disestablished wings below are no longer used former designations of disestablished or currently active wings. For example the currently active Helicopter Maritime Strike Wing Atlantic Fleet (HSMWINGLANT) was previously designated Helicopter Anti-Submarine (Light) Wing Atlantic Fleet (HSLWINGLANT), before that it was designated Helicopter Anti-Submarine (Light) Wing ONE (HSLWING ONE) and before that it was designated Helicopter Sea Control Wing THREE (HELSEACONWING THREE). HELSEACONWING THREE, HSLWING ONE and HSLWINGLANT are not disestablished wings as the wing still exists as HSMWINGLANT, they are former designations of the currently active wing which are no longer used.

=Training Air Wings (TAW)= See Naval Air Training Command

Training Air Wings train Student Naval Aviators or Student Naval Flight Officers of the U. S. Navy, U. S. Marine Corps and U. S. Coast Guard culminating in their designation as Naval Aviators or Naval Flight Officers. Prior to the establishment of Training Air Wings Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard flight training was conducted by Training Squadrons organized under the Flag Officers "Chief of Naval Air Basic Training" and "Chief of Naval Air Advanced Training" which were aligned under the "Chief of Naval Air Training. Those Flag Officer level commands were disestablished with the establishment of the Training Air Wings which then and still today report directly to the Chief of Naval Air Training.

Disestablished Training Air Wings
=See also=
 * List of United States Navy aircraft squadrons
 * List of inactive United States Navy aircraft squadrons

=Notes=

=References=
 * Roy A. Grossnick (ed.), United States Naval Aviation 1910–1995,

Aircraft wings list Navy aircraft wings

=Disestablished and Deactivated squadrons=

Disestablished or Deactivated Fixed Wing (V) squadrons and designations no longer in use
Navy fixed wing squadron designations start with the letter "V" because in 1920 with issuance of General Order 541 two overall types of aircraft were identified and assigned permanent letters; lighter than air types were identified by the letter Z and heavier than air types by the letter V. The use of letter abbreviations for squadrons was promulgated in the "Naval Aeronautic Organization for Fiscal Year 1923" which is the first known record associating the abbreviated Aircraft Class Designations (V-heavier than air, Z-lighter than air, and letters designating role) with abbreviated squadron designations. In 1948 the Navy established its first two operational helicopter squadrons designating them as Helicopter Utility Squadrons. It departed from the established "V" heavier than air and "Z" lighter than air system and instead gave them the designation "HU" (H-Helicopter, U-Utility). From that point on heavier than air squadrons which flew rotary wing aircraft were designated with the first letter of "H" while heavier than air squadrons flying fixed wing aircraft retained the original heaver than air "V" then associating the "V" only with fixed wing squadrons. There were two exceptions during the history of Naval Aviation that violated the rule, they were; the use of "RVAH" to denote Reconnaissance Attack Squadrons which operated the RA-5C Vigilante during the 1960s and 1970s and the use of "RVAW" from 1967 to 1983 to designate the Airborne Early Warning (VAW) Fleet Replacement Squadrons.

Squadron designations below are listed in alphabetical order

Disestablished Attack (VA) squadrons and VA designations no longer in use
On 15 November 1946 the VA designation was created when the remaining Bombing (VB) and Torpedo (VT) squadrons from WWII were redesignated "Attack" squadrons (VA) and the VB and VT designations ceased to exist. The VA designation remained in use until 1996 when the last Attack Squadron completed transition to the F/A-18 Hornet and was redesignated a Strike Fighter (VFA) squadron. The VA designation has not been used since 1996. During the life of the VA designation there were three different periods during which the rules governing the squadron designation system differed creating three separate and distinct designation schemes over time. These three different designation scheme periods resulted in cases where a singe squadron carried multiple designations during its existence, and in the occurrence of multiple uses of the same designation for unrelated squadrons.

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

Note: The parenthetical (first use), (second use), (1st), (2nd), (3rd) etc... appended to some designations in the table below are not a part of the squadron designation system. They are added to indicate that the designation was used more than once during the history of U.S. Naval Aviation and which use of the designation is indicated. Absence indicates that the designation was used only once.

Disestablished Heavy Attack squadrons (VAH) and VAH designations no longer in use
The VAH designation was established in 1955 when the Composite (VC) squadrons flying Heavy Attack aircraft (nuclear bombers) were redesignated Heavy Attack (VAH) squadrons. The designation was retired in 1971 with the disestablishment of the last VAH squadron (squadrons listed below with disestablishment dates after 1971 had been redesignated RVAH squadrons by 1966 except for VAH-2, 4 and 10 which were eventually redesignated VAQ squadrons). With the end of the Navy's nuclear bomber role, the VAH squadrons based on the east coast were redesignated RVAH squadrons and were equipped with the RA-5C Vigilante Reconnaissance aircraft. VAH squadrons based on the west coast retained the VAH designation but their A-3B Skywarriors were converted to KA-3B aerial tankers. By the late 1960s, electronic jamming equipment had been added to some KA-3B tankers and those "EKA-3B" aircraft led to the creation of VAQ squadrons.

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

Disestablished Tactical Aerial Refueling squadrons (VAK)
The VAK designation was established in 1979. It was only applied to two USNR squadrons then designated as VAQ squadrons but which performed tanking as their primary mission. It was discontinued in 1989 with the disestablishment of the last of the two squadrons.

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

Disestablished Heavy Photographic Reconnaissance (VAP) squadrons
During the history of Naval Aviation, there have been several different designations used to designate photographic reconnaissance squadrons. The first squadrons specifically designated as photographic reconnaissance squadrons were designated during WWII as "Photographic Squadron (VD)". The VD designation was in use from 1943 to 1946. From 1946 to 1948 the VPP designation designated "Photographic Squadron" or "Patrol Squadron (Photographic)". In 1949, two new Photographic Reconnaissance squadrons were established as "Composite Squadrons" VC-61 and VC-62 (see the Disestablished and Deactivated Composite and Fleet Composite (VC) squadrons and VC designations no longer in use section). In 1956 VC-61 and VC-62 were redesignated "Light Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron (VFP) 61 and 62" (see the VFP squadrons section). The designation "VFP" was used as those two squadrons were then flying lighter fighter type aircraft modified for photographic Reconnaissance. In 1952, two additional reconnaissance squadrons were established, but instead of being designated "Composite Squadron" as were VC-61 and 62, they were designated "Photographic Squadron (VJ)" 61 and 62 (note: the VJ designation, at the same time also designated "Weather Squadron" or "Weather Reconnaissance Squadron"). In 1956 when VC-61 and 62 were redesignated VFP-61 and 62, Photographic Squadrons VJ-61 and VJ-62 were redesignated to "Heavy Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron (VAP) 61 and 62". The designation "VAP" was used because those two squadrons were flying heavier attack type aircraft modified for photographic reconnaissance. For a short period from 1959 to 1961 one VAP squadron and one VFP squadron were redesignated "Photographic Composite Squadron (VCP)" (see the VCP section) each one flying both a modified fighter type and a modified attack type aircraft but in 1961 they reverted to their previous VAP and VFP designations.

Note: The parenthetical (1st), (2nd) etc... appended to designations in the tables below are not a part of the squadron designation system. They are added to indicate that the designation was used more than once during the history of U.S. Naval Aviation and which use of the designation is indicated. Absence indicates that the designation was used only once.

Disestablished and Deactivated Tactical Electronics Warfare squadrons (VAQ) and (VAW) and Electronic Attack squadrons (VAQ) and VAW designations no longer in use
In 1968 the VAQ designation was established to designate "Tactical Electronics Warfare Squadron". Prior to the creation of the VAQ designation there were two squadrons (VAW-13 and VAW-33) which by the late 1950s had been equipped to conduct electronic countermeasures and were providing electronic countermeasures aircraft detachments to deploying Carrier Air Groups. By the late 1950s electronic countermeasures equipment and procedures had been developed from the airborne early warning capabilities of the VAW "Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadrons" as the technology for detecting airborne threats with radar led to development of electronic countermeasures equipment for countering enemy radar. In 1968 those two squadrons were renamed "Tactical Electronics Warfare Squadron" (while retaining the VAW designation) to more accurately describe their role and differentiate them from the remaining VAW squadrons which were Airborne Early Warning squadrons.

Later in 1968 the VAQ designation was created and those VAW "Tactical Electronics Warfare" squadrons were redesigned to VAQ. At that same time, some VAH squadrons which were operating the KA-3 tanker had electronic countermeasures equipment added to their aircraft and were in turn also designated VAQ squadrons (see the VAH section).

In February 1998 the name of the designation was changed to "Electronic Attack Squadron" and all VAQ squadrons then in existence were renamed from "Tactical Electronics Warfare Squadron-____" to "Electronic Attack Squadron-____".

Disestablished and Deactivated Carrier Airborne Early Warning squadrons (VAW) and (RVAW) and VAW designations no longer in use
The VAW designation was first used in July 1948 with the establishment of VAW-1 and VAW-2 to designate "Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron". It was in use for only a month as in August 1948 VAW-1 and VAW-2 were redesignated "Composite Squadron" VC-11 and VC-12. In 1948 the VAW designation was resurrected when VC-11 and VC-12 were redesignated VAW-11 and VAW-12. In 1967, VAW-11 and VAW-12 which were large land based squadrons that provided detachments of Airborne Early Warning aircraft to deploying Carrier Air Wings were redesignated as wings and each of their detachments were established as separate squadrons. Established from VAW-11 were RVAW-110 (a FRS), VAW-111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116 and established from VAW-12 were RVAW-120 (a FRS), VAW-121, 122, 123, 124. For a short time in 1968 the VAW designation designated "Tactical Electronics Warfare squadron" as well as "Airborne Early Warning squadron" when VAW-13 and VAW-33 which had been operating as electronic countermeasures squadrons were retitled as such until they were redesignated with the new VAQ designation later that year (see the VAQ section).

Note: The parenthetical (First use), (Second use) and (1st), (2nd) appended to some designations in the table below are not a part of the squadron designation system. They are added to indicate that the designation was used more than once during the history of U.S. Naval Aviation and which use of the designation is indicated. Absence indicates that the designation was used only once.

Disestablished Composite (VC) squadrons (first use of the VC designation: 1943 to 1945)
The VC designation was first created on 1 March 1943 when Escort Scouting Squadrons (VGS) which operated from Escort Carriers (CVEs) were redesignated Composite Squadrons (VC). These VC squadrons flew combinations of fighters, dive bombers and/or torpedo bombers from Escort Carriers through WWII, at the end of which they were all disestablished by the end of 1945.

Note: The parenthetical (first use) and (1st) appended to designations in the table below are not a part of the squadron designation system. They are added to indicate that the designation was used more than once during the history of U.S. Naval Aviation and which use of the designation is indicated. Absence indicates that the designation was used only once.

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

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

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

Note: The parenthetical (2nd) and (3rd) appended to designations in the tables below are not a part of the squadron designation system. They are added to indicate that the designation was used more than once during the history of U.S. Naval Aviation and which use of the designation is indicated. Absence indicates that the designation was used only once.

Disestablished and Deactivated Fleet Composite (VC) squadrons and VC designations no longer in use (third use of the VC designation: 1965 to 2008)
In 1965 the VC designation was again resurrected as the designation for new Fleet Composite Squadrons which were utility or support squadrons and were usually composed of more than one type aircraft conducting missions such as aerial target support, missile range support, fighter training as adversary aircraft and other miscellaneous missions. There have been multiple unrelated squadrons using the same VC designations through the years. For example, the last two VC squadrons were VC-6 and VC-8 which were deactivated in 2008 and 2003 respectively. Both of those squadrons were the third squadron to use each of those designations, and neither squadron had any relation to earlier squadrons designated VC-6 or VC-8. The first VC-6 and VC-8 were WWII Escort Carrier composite squadrons, the second VC-6 was a heavy attack squadron which was redesignated VAH-6 then RVAH-6 and the second VC-8 was also a heavy attack squadron which was redesignated VAH-11 then RVAH-11.

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

Note: The parenthetical (2nd) and (3rd) appended to designations in the tables below are not a part of the squadron designation system. They are added to indicate that the designation was used more than once during the history of U.S. Naval Aviation and which use of the designation is indicated. Absence indicates that the designation was used only once.

Disestablished Composite Photographic Reconnaissance (VCP) squadrons
During the history of Naval Aviation, there have been several different designations used to designate photographic reconnaissance squadrons. The first squadrons specifically designated as photographic reconnaissance squadrons were designated during WWII as "Photographic Squadron (VD)". The VD designation was in use from 1943 to 1946. From 1946 to 1948 the VPP designation designated "Photographic Squadron" or "Patrol Squadron (Photographic)". In 1949, two new Photographic Reconnaissance squadrons were established as "Composite Squadrons" VC-61 and VC-62 (see the Disestablished and Deactivated Composite and Fleet Composite (VC) squadrons and VC designations no longer in use section). In 1956 VC-61 and VC-62 were redesignated "Light Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron (VFP) 61 and 62" (see the VFP squadrons section). The designation "VFP" was used as those two squadrons were then flying lighter fighter type aircraft modified for photographic Reconnaissance. In 1952, two additional reconnaissance squadrons were established, but instead of being designated "Composite Squadron" as were VC-61 and 62, they were designated "Photographic Squadron (VJ)" 61 and 62 (note: the VJ designation, at the same time also designated "Weather Squadron" or "Weather Reconnaissance Squadron"). In 1956 when VC-61 and 62 were redesignated VFP-61 and 62, Photographic Squadrons VJ-61 and VJ-62 were redesignated to "Heavy Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron (VAP) 61 and 62" (see the VAP section). The designation "VAP" was used because those two squadrons were flying heavier attack type aircraft modified for photographic reconnaissance. For a short period from 1959 to 1961 one VAP squadron and one VFP squadron were redesignated "Photographic Composite Squadron (VCP)" each one flying both a modified fighter type and a modified attack type aircraft but in 1961 they reverted to their previous VAP and VFP designations.

Disestablished Cruiser Scouting (VCS) squadrons
The VCS designation was used from 1937 to 1945 to designate "Cruiser Scouting Squadron". These squadrons provided seaplanes to Cruisers to act as scouts and provide spotting for the ships' gunfire. They were catapult launched from the aft deck of the Cruiser and landed on the water and were craned back aboard the Cruiser at the end of the flight. One of these squadrons, VCS-7 was temporarily equipped with Spitfire aircraft on loan from the RAF and operated from a shore base in England to provide naval gunfire spotting in support of the Normandy Invasion.

Disestablished Fighter (VF) squadrons and VF designations no longer in use
The VF designation was one of the oldest in use by the U.S. Navy. From 1921 to 1948 it designated "Fighting Plane Squadron" or "Fighting Squadron". It designated "Fighter Squadron" from 1948 until 2006 when the last VF squadron was redesignated to Strike Fighter (VFA) squadron. The designation has not been used since 2006. During the time the VF designation was in use there were two periods during which a suffix letter was added after the squadron designation number. From 1927 to 1937 the suffix letter denoted to which fleet the squadron belonged; B for Battle Fleet and S for Scouting Fleet. From 15 November 1946 to as late as 1 September 1948 the suffix letter denoted to which type of Carrier Air Group the squadron belonged: A for those assigned to Essex class carriers (sometimes called "Attack" carriers), B for those assigned to the large Midway class carriers (sometimes called "Battle" carriers), L for those assigned to "light" Independence or Siapan class carriers and E for those assigned to remaining small WWII "escort carriers".

Beginning in 1937, VF squadron designation numbers were determined by the hull number of the aircraft carrier (CV) from which they operated. VF-3 for example belonged to the Saratoga's Air Group as USS Saratoga was CV 3. When the ship named Air Groups were given designation numbers themselves, their designation numbers matched the CV hull numbers, the Saratoga Air Group became Carrier Air Group Three (CVG-3) and CVG-3's VF squadron was VF-3. With the massive build up of WWII the CVG numbers became divorced from CV hull numbers, but the CVG's squadrons were still numbered with the CVG to which they were assigned so, VF-6 was the fighter squadron assigned to CVG-6 and VF-81 was the fighter squadron assigned to CVG-81. Before and during WWII each ship named Air Group and CVG had only one VF squadron assigned so numbering the VF squadron with the ship hull number or CVG designation number worked well. There were a few exceptions and in those cases either a second digit was added (VF-41 and VF-42) or a letter was added (VF-74A and VF-74B), but those instances were rare. After the war the CVG and squadron designation system was changed. CVGs were redesignated CVAG, CVBG, CVLG and CVEG according to the type of aircraft carrier to which they were assigned and they were all designated with odd numbers. Each had two VF squadrons assigned which were designated VF-1A and VF-2A for CVAG-1, VF-3A and VF-4A for CVAG-3, VF-1B and VF-2B for CVBG-1 etc... On 1 Sep 1948 the designation system changed again dropping the "A", "B", "L" and "E" from both the CVG designations and from the squadron designations. CVGs were numbered sequentially beginning with CVG-1 and each had three VF squadrons assigned which were numbered sequentially by using the CVG number followed by a single digit, so CVG-1's VF squadrons were designated VF-11, VF-12 and VF-13 and CVG-11's VF squadrons were designated VF-111, VF-112 and VF-113 etc... Beginning in 1949 most CVGs received a forth VF squadron (VF-14, VF-24, VF-114 etc...). These varied designation systems used though the years resulted in squadron designations being reused for completely unrelated squadrons; take the designations VF-11, VF-12 and VF-13 for example. The first use of each of those designations was used to designate the single VF squadron of each of three different CVGs during WWII, CVG-11, CVG-12 and CVG-13. The second use of those designations designated three VF squadrons of CVG-1 after 1 September 1948.

Throughout this entire period, from pre-WWII to 1965, as squadrons were reassigned from one CVG to another they were redesignated to conform with the numbering system of that CVG. That practice began to be abandoned by the mid 1950s but did not completely cease until 1965. By then, all squadron designation numbers had been "frozen" and were divorced from the Carrier Air Wing (CVW) designation numbers. Later, newly established squadrons were numbered either sequentially (such as VF-1 and VF-2 established in 1972) or were given designation numbers to commemorate a long serving disestablished squadron (VF-191 established in 1986 commemorated a squadron which had existed from 1943 to 1978). This is why today there are squadrons with numbers as low as VFA-2 and as high as VFA-213 with many numbers missing in between.

The table below does not list disestablished squadrons, it is a list of squadron designations which are no longer in use. In most cases a single squadron carried multiple designations between the time it was established and the time it was disestablished, therefore multiple designations in the table belonged to a single squadron. Most of the squadron designations in the table belonged to squadrons which have been disestablished, but also included are former designations of some VFA squadrons which are still active, and one which as been deactivated. This table includes all "VF" designations which have been used by US Navy aircraft squadrons except for those assigned to USNR squadrons which existed before 1970 unless they were activated, in which case they are included. It also does not include 25 "VF(N)" designations (night fighter) which were used between 1943 and 1946. Sorting the table by the "Disestablished as (or current designation)" column will display all designations belonging to a single squadron grouped together, note that many squadrons were designated as both VF and VA squadrons at different times during their existence.

Note: The parenthetical (first use), (second use), (1st), (2nd), (3rd) etc... appended to some designations in the table below are not a part of the squadron designation system. They are added to indicate that the designation was used more than once during the history of U.S. Naval Aviation and which use of the designation is indicated. Absence indicates that the designation was used only once.

Disestablished and Deactivated Strike Fighter (VFA) squadrons
The VFA designation was created in 1980 when the VA squadrons flying the A-7E Corsair II attack aircraft began transitioning to the new F/A-18A Hornet fighter attack aircraft. The designation combined the "F" fighter and "A" attack designations from the VF and VA designations to create the new "Fighter Attack (VFA) Squadron" designation. In 1983 the VFA designation was renamed from "Fighter Attack Squadron" to "Strike Fighter Squadron" and all then existing VFA squadrons were renamed from "Fighter Attack Squadron-____" to "Strike Fighter Squadron-_____".

Disestablished Light Photographic Reconnaissance (VFP) squadrons
During the history of Naval Aviation, there have been several different designations used to designate photographic reconnaissance squadrons. The first squadrons specifically designated as photographic reconnaissance squadrons were designated during WWII as "Photographic Squadron (VD)". The VD designation was in use from 1943 to 1946. From 1946 to 1948 the VPP designation designated "Photographic Squadron" or "Patrol Squadron (Photographic)". In 1949, two new Photographic Reconnaissance squadrons were established as "Composite Squadrons" VC-61 and VC-62 (see the Disestablished and Deactivated Composite and Fleet Composite (VC) squadrons and VC designations no longer in use section). In 1956 VC-61 and VC-62 were redesignated "Light Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron (VFP) 61 and 62". The designation "VFP" was used as those two squadrons were then flying lighter fighter type aircraft modified for photographic Reconnaissance. In 1952, two additional reconnaissance squadrons were established, but instead of being designated "Composite Squadron" as were VC-61 and 62, they were designated "Photographic Squadron (VJ)" 61 and 62 (note: the VJ designation, at the same time also designated "Weather Squadron" or "Weather Reconnaissance Squadron"). In 1956 when VC-61 and 62 were redesignated VFP-61 and 62, Photographic Squadrons VJ-61 and VJ-62 were redesignated to "Heavy Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron (VAP) 61 and 62" (see the VAP section). The designation "VAP" was used because those two squadrons were flying heavier attack type aircraft modified for photographic reconnaissance. For a short period from 1959 to 1961 one VAP squadron and one VFP squadron were redesignated "Photographic Composite Squadron (VCP)" (see the VCP section) each one flying both a modified fighter type and a modified attack type aircraft but in 1961 they reverted to their previous VAP and VFP designations.

Disestablished Rescue (VH) Squadrons
The VH designation was a short lived designation used only during WWII to designate "Rescue Squadron" from 1944 to 1946. The squadrons operated seaplanes in the "Air-Sea Rescue" role rescuing crews of ships and aviators downed at sea.

Disestablished Utility or General Utility (VJ) squadrons (first use of the VJ designation: 1925 to 1946)
VJ designated Utility squadron from 1925 to 1946. In 1946 the designation for Utility Squadron was changed to "VU".

The table below contains a partial list of VU squadrons

Disestablished Weather or Weather Reconnaissance (VJ) squadrons and Photographic (VJ) squadrons (second use of the VJ designation: 1952 to 1956)
From 1952 to 1956 the VJ designation identified "Photographic Squadron" but for a year from 1952 to 1953 it also designated "Weather" or "Weather Reconniassance Squadron"

During the history of Naval Aviation, there have been several different designations used to designate photographic reconnaissance squadrons. The first squadrons specifically designated as photographic reconnaissance squadrons were designated during WWII as "Photographic Squadron (VD)". The VD designation was in use from 1943 to 1946. From 1946 to 1948 the VPP designation designated "Photographic Squadron" or "Patrol Squadron (Photographic)". In 1949, two new Photographic Reconnaissance squadrons were established as "Composite Squadrons" VC-61 and VC-62 (see the Disestablished and Deactivated Composite and Fleet Composite (VC) squadrons and VC designations no longer in use section). In 1956 VC-61 and VC-62 were redesignated "Light Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron (VFP) 61 and 62" (see the VFP squadrons section). The designation "VFP" was used as those two squadrons were then flying lighter fighter type aircraft modified for photographic Reconnaissance. In 1952, two additional reconnaissance squadrons were established, but instead of being designated "Composite Squadron" as were VC-61 and 62, they were designated "Photographic Squadron (VJ)" 61 and 62 (note: the VJ designation, at the same time also designated "Weather Squadron" or "Weather Reconnaissance Squadron"). In 1956 when VC-61 and 62 were redesignated VFP-61 and 62, Photographic Squadrons VJ-61 and VJ-62 were redesignated to "Heavy Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron (VAP) 61 and 62". The designation "VAP" was used because those two squadrons were flying heavier attack type aircraft modified for photographic reconnaissance. For a short period from 1959 to 1961 one VAP squadron and one VFP squadron were redesignated "Photographic Composite Squadron (VCP)" (see the VCP section) each one flying both a modified fighter type and a modified attack type aircraft but in 1961 they reverted to their previous VAP and VFP designations.

Deactivated Electronic Countermeasures or Fleet Air Reconnaissance (VQ) squadrons
The VQ designation was created in 1955 to designate "Electronic Countermeasures Squadron" and did so though 1959. By 1960 the VQ squadrons, rather than simply jamming communications and electronic signals, had been equipped to collect them for intelligence purposes. In January 1960 this new role of the VQ squadrons was recognized by changing the VQ designation from "Electronic Countermeasures Squadron" to "Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron."

===Disestablished Transport or Air Transport or Fleet Logistic Air (VR) squadrons, Air Transport Evacuation (VRE) squadrons, Transport Ferry and Service or Air Ferry Transport or Air Ferry (VRF) squadrons, Utility Transport (VRJ) squadrons and Air Ferry Service or Ferry Command Service (VRS) squadrons===

Disestablished Scouting Plane or Scouting (VS) squadrons (first use of the VS designation: 1922 to 1946)
The VS designation was one of the first designations in use appearing in 1922 as the designation for Scouting Plane or Scouting squadrons. It was used as the designation for Scouting squadron until it was formally removed from the squadron designation system in 1946, but it had ceased to exist in 1943 as by the end of that year VS squadrons had all been redesignated to VF, VT, VC or VCS (cruiser scouting squadron). There were approximately 26 squadrons designated VS (scouting squadron) between the years 1922 and 1943, one of them (the second Scouting Squadron VS-41) still exists today as VFA-14, the rest were all disestablished, or redesignated then disestablished by the end of 1949.

Disestablished and Deactivated Air Anti-Submarine and Sea Control (VS) squadrons (second use of the VS designation: 1950 to 2009)
The VS designation was first used from 1922 to 1946 as the designation for scouting squadrons. In 1950 the VS designation was resurrected and VC squadrons which operated Anti-Submarine Aircraft were redesignated Air Anti-Submarine Squadrons (VS). In September 1993, the name of the VS designation was changed from "Air Anti-Submarine Squadron" to "Sea Control Squadron" as by that time all VS squadrons were flying the S-3B Viking which was capable of both Anti-Submarine Warfare and Anti-Surface Warfare and the new name better described the capabilities of the VS squadrons All VS squadrons which existed at the time of that name change were renamed from "Air Anti-Submarine Squadron-__" to "Sea Control Squadron-__". The designation is no longer in active use but is still attached to eleven deactivated VS squadrons

The table below does not list disestablished squadrons; it is a list of squadron designations which are no longer in active use. Most of the designations in the table belonged to squadrons which have been disestablished but some belong to squadrons which still exist in an inactive status.

Note: The parenthetical (1st), (2nd), (3rd) etc... appended to some designations and the (first use), (second use), (third use) etc... in the table below are not a part of the squadron designation system. They are added to indicate that the designation was used more than once to designate an Antisubmarine (or after 1993, a Sea Control) squadron and which use of the designation is indicated. They are not in series with any VS designations which existed from 1922 to 1943 to designate Scouting Squadrons. Absence indicates that the designation was used only once to designate an Antisubmarine or Sea Control squadron.

Disestablished Anti-Submarine Fighter (VSF) squadrons
The VSF designation existed from 1965 to 1973 and designated squadrons which provided detachments of fighter or attack aircraft to Anti-Submarine Air Groups (CVSG)s which deployed aboard Anti-Submarine Carriers (CVS) for defense of the Carrier.

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

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

Disestablished and Deactivated Training (VT) squadrons (second use of the VT designation: 1960 to present)
From 1920 to 1946 the VT designation designated "Torpedo Plane Squadron", "Torpedo & Bombing Plane Squadrons", "Torpedo and Bombing Squadrons" and "Torpedo Squadron". The VT designation was retired in 1946 when all remaining VT squadrons were redesignated as VA squadrons. On 1 May 1960 the VT designation was resurrected and existing flying training units were designated "Training Squadrons (VT)". There is no relationship between the training squadrons using the VT designation after 1960 and the Torpedo or Torpedo and Bombing squadrons of the 1920s to 1940s. From 1927 to 1947 training squadrons used the designation "VN". From 1947 to 1960 training units were not designated as squadrons, they were "units" or "groups" called Basic Training Groups (BTG), Advanced Training Units (ATU), Jet Transition Training Units (JTTU) or Multi Engine Training Groups (METG).

Note: The parenthetical (1st) and (2nd) appended to the VT-9 designations in the table below are not a part of the squadron designation system. They are added to indicate that the designation was used twice to designate two different training squadrons. They are not counted in sequence with the actual first use of the VT-9 designation during WWII to designate Torpedo Squadron Nine.

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

The table below contains a partial list of VU squadrons

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

Disestablished and Deactivated Experimental and Development (VX) squadrons (second use of the VX designation: 1946 to present)
The VX designation was resurrected in 1946 when four "Experimental and Development" squadrons (VX-1 (still exists today), 2, 3 and 4) were established to develop and evaluate new equipment and methods. From 1946 to 1968 the designation was variously "Experimental and Development" squadron, "Operational Development" squadron, "Air Operational Development" squadron and "Air Development" squadron. In 1969 the designation changed to "Air Test and Evaluation" and it remains as such today.

Disestablished and Deactivated Antarctic Development (VXE) and Oceanographic Development (VXN) squadrons
The VXE and VXN designations were created in 1969 to designate two specialized VX squadrons which were supporting Antarctic and Oceanographic scientific research. The VXN designation was discontinued in 1993 with the disestablishment of VXN-8 and the VXE designation was discontinued in active use with the deactivation of VXE-6, though it continues to designate the inactive squadron.

Disestablished or Deactivated Helicopter (H) squadrons and designations no longer in use
The Navy's first Helicopter Squadron was established in 1946 and was designated VX-3 (the first use of the designation). The "V" as the first letter of the squadron's designation followed the established system of designating heavier than air aircraft squadrons with a "V". The mission of VX-3 was to develop the helicopter as an operational aircraft. In 1948 when the Navy established its first two operational helicopter squadrons it designated them as "Helicopter Utility" squadrons and departed from the established system of "V" for heavier then air and "Z" for lighter than air squadrons creating a third designation of "H" for helicopter squadrons. From that time onward "V" has designated fixed wing squadrons and "H" rotary wing squadrons.

Disestablished and Deactivated Helicopter Light Attack (HAL) squadrons
The "Light Attack" (HAL) designation was created in 1967 when HC-1's attack helicopter detachment was established as a separate squadron. It was disestablished with the end of U. S. involvement in the Vietnam war but in 1976 two Navy Reserve Light Attack Squadrons were established.

Disestablished and Deactivated Helicopter Combat Support (HC) squadrons and HC designations no longer in use
The "Combat Support" designation (HC) was created in July 1965 when the three existing "Utility" squadrons (HU-1, HU-2 and HU-4) were redesignated "Combat Support" squadrons. The HC designation was used to designate squadrons who's primary function was either logistics or the provision of utility services with two notable exceptions; HC-7 and HC-9 were Combat Search and Rescue squadrons. In April 2005 all existing HC squadrons but one were redesignated Helicopter Sea Combat (HSC) squadrons and the single remaining HC squadron (the second squadron to be designated HC-4) was deactivated on 28 September 2007. Since 28 September 2007 the HC designation exists only as the designation for a single inactive squadron.

HC squadrons were numbered sequentially beginning with HC-1 with odd numbers given to Pacific Fleet squadrons and even numbers to Atlantic Fleet squadrons. The jump from HC-11 to HC-16 occurred because HC-16 was originally established by the Naval Air Training Command as HCT-16 to provide Plane Guard services aboard the Naval Air Training Command's training Aircraft Carrier USS Lexington (AVT-16). It was redesignated HC-16 when it was administratively transferred from the Naval Air Training Command to Commander, Naval Air Forces Atlantic Fleet in 1977. HC-85 was a redesignation of the Navy Reserve's HS-85 and it kept its designation number through the redesignation.

The table below does not list disestablished squadrons; it is a list of squadron designations which are no longer in use. Some of the squadron designations in the table belonged to squadrons which have been disestablished, some are former designations of HSC squadrons which are still active, and one is a designation of a currently inactive squadron.

Note: The parenthetical (1st), (2nd), (3rd) etc... appended to some designations in the table below are not a part of the squadron designation system. They are added to indicate that the designation was used more than once during the history of U.S. Naval Aviation and which use of the designation is indicated. Absence indicates that the designation was used only once.

Deactivated Helicopter Combat Support (Special) (HCS) squadrons
The HCS designation was created in 1989 when the Navy put the HH-60H Seahawk in service with the Navy Reserve. It combined the light attack function of the Reserve's two HAL squadrons with the Reserve's only Combat Search and Rescue squadron (HC-9), redesignated the two USNR HAL squadrons to HCS and disestablished HC-9. The HCS designation remained in active use until 2006 when one of the squadrons was deactivated and the other was redesignated to a Helicopter Sea Combat (HSC) squadron (and was subsequently also deactivated).

Disestablished Helicopter Combat Support (Training) (HCT) squadron
HCT-16 was established by the Naval Air Training Command to provide Plane Guard services aboard the Naval Air Training Command's training Aircraft Carrier USS Lexington (AVT-16) and Pensacola area search and rescue services in support of training command activities. It was redesignated HC-16 when it was administratively transferred from the Naval Air Training Command to Commander, Naval Air Forces Atlantic Fleet in 1977.

Disestablished Helicopter Mine Countermeasure (HM) squadrons
The HM designation was established in 1971 to designate "Mine Countermeasures" squadrons. It remains in use to the present day.

Disestablished and Deactivated Helicopter Anti-submarine (HS) squadrons and HS designations no longer in use
The HS designation was created in 1951 to designate Anti-Submarine squadrons and was in use until the last active HS squadron was redesignated to Helicopter Sea Combat (HSC) squadron on 1 June 2016. The designation has not been in active use since.

HS designations were numbered sequentially beginning with HS-1 without regard to Carrier Air Group (later Carrier Air Wing) assignment, though; odd numbered designations were given to Atlantic Fleet squadrons and even numbered designations to Pacific Fleet squadrons (the opposite of the HC designation scheme). USNR HS designations were numbered in accordance with the Reserve Carrier Air Antisubmarine Groups (CVSGR) for which they were established for assignment: HS-74 and HS-75 to CVSGR-70, and HS-84 and HS-85 to CVSGR-80.

The table below does not list disestablished squadrons; it is a list of squadron designations which are no longer in use. Some of the squadron designations in the table belonged to squadrons which have been disestablished but some are former designations of HSC squadrons which are still active. There are currently two inactive HS squadrons, HS-75 which was deactivated in 2007 and HS-10 which was deactivated in 2012.

Note: The parenthetical (1st), (2nd), (3rd) etc... appended to some designations in the table below are not a part of the squadron designation system. They are added to indicate that the designation was used more than once during the history of U.S. Naval Aviation and which use of the designation is indicated. Absence indicates that the designation was used only once.

Deactivated Helicopter Sea Combat (HSC) squadrons
The "Sea Combat" (HSC) designation was instituted April 2005 when the "Combat Support" (HC) squadrons conducting at sea logistics had completed their transitions from the H-46 to the multi-mission MH-60S. Beginning in 2007 the "Helicopter Anti-submarine" (HS) squadrons began transitioning to the MH-60S as well relinquishing the anti-submarine role aboard the aircraft carrier to the new "Maritime Strike" (HSM) squadrons. The HSC designation identifies squadrons with the primary functions of Naval Special Warfare support, Anti-surface Warfare, Combat Search and Rescue, and Vertical Replenishment.

Disestablished and Deactivated Helicopter Anti-submarine (Light) (HSL) squadrons and HSL designations no longer in use
The "Anti-submarine Squadron (Light)" (HSL) designation was established in 1972 to designate Anti-submarine squadrons which operated the "light" SH-2 helicopter (as compared to the HS squadrons' much larger SH-3 helicopters) in detachments aboard surface force ships as a part of the "Light Airborne Multipurpose System" (LAMPS Mk I) program to provide surface ships with a helicopter to extend the ship's sensor and weapons ranges. The designation was discontinued in active use in July 2015 when the last HSL squadron was redesignated a Helicopter Maritime Strike (HSM) squadron. The designation currently exists only attached to two inactive HSL squadrons which were deactivated in 2001.

HSL designations began with HSL-30 and squadrons were numbered sequentially with even numbers assigned to Atlantic Fleet squadrons and odd numbers to Pacific Fleet squadrons (in line with the HC designation scheme and opposite of the HS squadron numbering system). When new HSL squadrons were established to operated the new LAMPS Mk III system they were designated beginning with HSL-40 and continued the even Atlantic and odd Pacific scheme. HSL-74 and HSL-84 were redesignations of the Navy Reserve's HS-74 and HS-84 and they kept their designation numbers through the redesignation. When HSL-94 was established it was designated to fit the pattern HSL-74, 84, 94.

Disestablished Helicopter Utility (HU) squadrons
The HU designation was created in 1948 with the establishment of the Navy's first two operational helicopter squadrons: "Utility" squadrons One and Two (HU-1 and HU-2). The creation of the HU designation marked a departure from the established designation system using "V" as the first letter for squadrons of heavier than air aircraft and "Z" for squadrons of lighter than air aircraft adding the letter "H" to the squadron designation scheme to identify squadrons operating heavier than air rotary wing aircraft. In July 1965 the three HU squadrons were redesignated to "Combat Support" (HC) squadrons.

Disestablished Helicopter Development (VX) squadron
The Navy's first Helicopter Squadron was established in 1946 and was designated VX-3 (the first use of the designation). The "V" as the first letter of the squadron's designation followed the established system of designating heavier than air aircraft squadrons with a "V". The mission of VX-3 was to develop the helicopter as an operational aircraft. In 1948 when the Navy established its first two operational helicopter squadrons it designated them as "Helicopter Utility" squadrons and departed from the established system of "V" for heavier then air and "Z" for lighter than air squadrons creating a third designation of "H" for helicopter squadrons. From that time onward "V" has designated fixed wing squadrons and "H" rotary wing squadrons.

Disestablished Lighter Than Air (Z) squadrons
In 1920 General Order 541 was issued identifying two overall types of aircraft and assigning them permanent letters; lighter than air types were identified by the letter Z and heavier than air types by the letter V. The use of letter abbreviations for squadrons was promulgated in the "Naval Aeronautic Organization for Fiscal Year 1923" which is the first known record associating the abbreviated Aircraft Class Designations (V-heavier than air, Z-lighter than air, and letters designating role) with abbreviated squadron designations. The Navy's last lighter than air squadrons were disestablished in 1961 thus ending the use of the lighter than air "Z" designation.

Disestablished Blimp Utility (ZJ) squadrons
The ZJ designation was a short lived designation in use only from 1944 to 1945.

Disestablished Kite Balloon (ZK) squadrons
The ZK designation was the first lighter than air squadron designation. It was in use from 1922 to 1924.

Disestablished Airship Patrol, Blimp, Airship Patrol (All Weather Anti-Submarine), Airship, or LTA Patrol (ZP) squadrons
The ZP designation was in use from 1942 to 1961 and designated variously through the period "Airship Patrol Squadron", "Blimp Squadron", "Airship Patrol Squadron (All Weather Anti-Submarine)", "Airship Squadron" or "Lighter Than Air (LTA) Patrol Squadron".

Disestablished Airship Early Warning (ZW) squadrons
The ZW designation was in use from 1956 to 1961 to designate squadrons operating blimps equipped with early warning radar used to fill radar gaps in the North American early-warning network between the Contiguous Barrier and the Inshore Barrier during the Cold War.

Disestablished Airship Operational Development or Airship Development (ZX) squadrons
The ZX designation was in use from 1950 to 1957.

=Current Squadrons=

Squadron designations
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".

A single squadron can carry a number of designations through its existence. Chief Of Naval Operations Instruction (OPNAVINST) 5030.4G governs the squadron designation system. A squadron comes into existence when it is "established". Upon establishment it receives a designation, for example Patrol Squadron ONE or "VP-1". During the life of the squadron it may be "redesignated" one or more times, the Navy's oldest currently active squadron is VFA-14 and it has been redesignated 15 times since it was established in 1919. Over the history of U. S. Naval Aviation there have been many designations which have been used multiple times (re-used) resulting in multiple unrelated squadrons bearing the same designation at different times. A full description of the history and use of aircraft squadron designations along with the rules governing the lineages of U. S. Navy aircraft squadrons can be found at List of Inactive United States Navy aircraft squadrons.

Fixed Wing Squadrons
Navy fixed wing squadron designations start with the letter "V" because in 1920 with issuance of General Order 541, two overall types of aircraft were identified and assigned permanent letters; lighter than air types were identified by the letter Z and heavier than air types by the letter V. The use of letter abbreviations for squadrons was promulgated in the "Naval Aeronautic Organization for Fiscal Year 1923" which is the first known record associating the abbreviated Aircraft Class Designations (V-heavier than air, Z-lighter than air, and letters designating role) with abbreviated squadron designations. In 1948 the Navy established its first two operational helicopter squadrons designating them as Helicopter Utility Squadrons. It departed from the established "V" heavier than air and "Z" lighter than air system and instead gave them the designation "HU" (H-Helicopter, U-Utility). From that point on heavier than air squadrons which flew rotary wing aircraft were designated with the first letter of "H" while heavier than air squadrons flying fixed wing aircraft retained the original heaver than air "V" then associating the "V" only with fixed wing squadrons. There were two exceptions during the history of Naval Aviation that violated the rule, they were; the use of "RVAH" to denote Reconnaissance Attack Squadrons which operated the RA-5C Vigilante during the 1960s and 1970s and the use of "RVAW" from 1967 to 1983 to designate the Airborne Early Warning (VAW) Fleet Replacement Squadrons.

Electronic Attack (VAQ)
The VAQ designation was established in 1968 to designate "Tactical Electronics Warfare Squadron". In February 1998 the name of the designation was changed to "Electronic Attack Squadron" and all VAQ squadrons then in existence were renamed from "Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron-____" to "Electronic Attack Squadron-____".

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, WA. The exception is VAQ-141, which is forward deployed to MCAS Iwakuni, Japan.

Note: The parenthetical (Second use) and (2nd) appended to some designations in the table below are not a part of the squadron designation system. They are added to indicate that the designation was used more than once during the history of U.S. Naval Aviation to designate a squadron and that these were the second use of that designation.

Carrier Airborne Early Warning (VAW)
The VAW designation was first created in July 1948 with the establishment of VAW-1 and VAW-2 to designate "Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron". It was in use for only one month as in August 1948 VAW-1 and VAW-2 were redesignated "Composite Squadron" VC-11 and VC-12. In 1948 the VAW designation was resurrected when VC-11 and VC-12 were redesignated VAW-11 and VAW-12. In 1967, VAW-11 and VAW-12 which were large land based squadrons that provided detachments of Airborne Early Warning aircraft to deploying Carrier Air Wings were redesignated as wings and each of their detachments were established as separate squadrons. Established from VAW-11 were RVAW-110 (a FRS), VAW-111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116 and established from VAW-12 were RVAW-120 (a FRS), VAW-121, 122, 123, 124.

Each Carrier Airborne Early Warning squadron consists of four E-2C or E-2D Hawkeyes except for the Fleet Replacement Squadron 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.

When not deployed, they are home-ported at either Naval Station Norfolk, VA or Naval Air Station Point Mugu, CA. The exception is VAW-125, which is forward deployed to MCAS Iwakuni, Japan.

Strike Fighter (VFA)
The VFA designation was created in 1980 to designate "Fighter Attack Squadron". The designation was assigned to squadrons equipped with the new F/A-18A Hornet fighter attack aircraft. In 1983 the designation was changed to "Strike Fighter Squadron" and all VFA squadrons in existence at the time were renamed from "Fighter Attack Squadron-___" to "Strike Fighter Squadron-___". A Strike Fighter Squadron consists of either ten F/A-18C Hornets, twelve F/A-18E/F Super Hornets, or in future, ten F-35C Lightning IIs. Training squadrons (known as Fleet Replacement Squadrons) have many more aircraft. The Hornet and Super Hornet are all-weather aircraft used for attack and fighter missions. In fighter mode, the they are used primarily as a fighter escort and for fleet air defense; in attack mode, they are used for force projection, interdiction and close and deep air support. The Hornet and Super Hornet are also used for SEAD and the Super Hornet for aerial refueling.

The F-35C is a fifth-generation strike fighter that was originally planned to replace the F/A-18C Hornet, but expiring F/A-18C service life and delays in F-35C procurement forced the Navy to increase its buy of F/A-18E and F Super Hornets to replace F/A-18C Hornets while awaiting the arrival of the F-35C. As of 2018, all but three active component F/A-18C Hornet squadrons and the single reserve component Hornet squadron had transitioned to the F/A-18E or F Super Hornet. The first deployable squadron to transition to the F-35C is a Super Hornet squadron. Ultimately the three active component Hornet squadrons will transition to either the Super Hornet or F-35C and each Carrier Air Wing will be equipped with two Super Hornet squadrons and two F-35C squadrons.

When not deployed VFA squadrons are home-ported at NAS Lemoore, CA or NAS Oceana, VA except for the squadrons of CVW-5 which are forward deployed to MCAS Iwakuni, Japan

Note: The parenthetical (1st), (2nd), (3rd) etc... appended to some designations in the lineage column of table below are not a part of the squadron designation system. They are added to indicate that the designation was used more than once during the history of U.S. Naval Aviation and which use of the designation is indicated. Absence indicates that the designation was used only once.

Fighter Squadron Composite (VFC)
The VFC designation was created in 1988 when two Fleet Composite (VC) squadrons which were dedicated adversary squadrons were redesignated to differentiate them from the remaining VC squadrons which fulfilled various miscellaneous or utility roles. In 2006 a third VFC squadron was established from what had become a permanent detachment of VFC-13. VFC squadrons provide adversary simulation for fleet squadrons. All VFC squadrons are Navy Reserve squadrons.

Two of the squadrons are based at NAS Fallon and NAS Key West to support fleet VFA squadron training at the extensive range complexes supported by those air stations. The third is based at NAS Oceana to support Strike Fighter Wing Atlantic squadron training.

Note: The parenthetical (2nd) and (3rd) appended to some designations in the lineage column of table below are not a part of the squadron designation system. They are added to indicate that the designation was used more than once during the history of U.S. Naval Aviation and which use of the designation is indicated. Absence indicates that the designation was used only once.

Patrol (VP), Patrol Squadron Special Unit (VPU), Unmanned Patrol (VUP)
The VP designation is one of the oldest in the U. S. Navy and is the oldest designation currently in use. It first appeared in 1922 to designate "Seaplane Patrol Squadron" and from 1924 it has designated "Patrol Squadron". In 1982 the VPU Patrol Squadron Special Unit designation was created. 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.

In 2016 the first "Unmanned" Patrol Squadron (VUP) was established. VUP-19 operates the MQ-4C Triton unmanned air vehicle from an operations center located at NAS Jacksonville while its aircraft with aircraft maintenance personnel are deployed around the world as required. A second VUP squadron is programmed for establishment in 2018 with an operations center at NAS Whidbey Island.

When not deployed VP squadrons are home-ported at NAS Jacksonville, FL or NAS Whidbey Island, WA except for VPU-2 which is home-ported at MCAS Kaneohe Bay.

Note: The parenthetical (1st), (2nd), (3rd) and (First use), (Second use) etc... appended to some designations in the table below are not part of the squadron designation system. They are added to indicate that the designation was used more than once during the history of U.S. Naval Aviation and which use of the designation is indicated. Absence indicates that the designation was used only once.

Fleet Air Reconnaissance (VQ)
The VQ designation was created in 1955 to designate "Electronic Countermeasures Squadron" and did so though 1960. By 1961 the VQ squadrons, rather than simply jamming communications and electronic signals, had been equipped to collect them for intelligence purposes. This new role of the VQ squadrons was recognized by changing the VQ designation from "Electronic Countermeasures Squadron" to "Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron." Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron ONE is currently the Navy's only overt signals intelligence (SIGINT) and communications intelligence (COMINT) reconnaissance squadron. The 13 EP-3E 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 and COMINT. 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 carry the VQ designation, but they are are not reconnaissance squadrons; they are airborne command and control, and communications relay squadrons which 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 squadrons' E-6B aircraft are dual-mission aircraft, capable of fulfilling both the airborne strategic command post mission equipped with an airborne launch control system (ALCS) which is capable of launching U.S. land based intercontinental ballistic missiles and fulfilling the TACAMO ("Take Charge and Move Out") mission which links the NCA with Navy ballistic missile submarine forces during times of crisis. The aircraft carries a very low frequency communication system with dual trailing wire antennae for that communications relay mission.

Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron SEVEN is the E-6B Fleet Replacement Squadron, providing initial and requalification training for pilots, aircrewmen, and maintainers. It operates E-6Bs on loan from VQ-3 and VQ-4, having returned a 737-600 it had previously operated on lease from Lauda Air.

Fleet Logistics Support (VR)
The VR designator was first established in 1942 to designated "Transport" or "Air Transport" or Fleet Logistic Air" squadrons. From 1958 to 1976 it designated "Fleet Tactical Support Squadron" and from 1976 to the present it designates "Fleet Logistics Support Squadron". Today all Fleet Logistics Support squadrons are U. S. Navy Reserve squadrons

Fleet Logistics Support Squadrons operate Navy Unique Fleet Essential Airlift (NUFEA) 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.

The Headquarters of the Fleet Logistics Support Wing is based at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, TX but the squadrons of the wing are based across the country from the east coast to Hawaii. In addition to the VR squadrons, the Fleet Logistics Support Wing also operates two "Executive Transport Detachments (ETDs)" based in Hawaii and Sigonella Italy.

Note: The parenthetical (2nd), (3rd), or (Second use), (Third use) etc... appended to some designations in the table below are not part of the squadron designation system. They are added to indicate that the designation was used more than once during the history of U.S. Naval Aviation and which use of the designation is indicated. Absence indicates that the designation was used only once.

Fleet Logistics Support (VRC)
The VRC designation was established in 1960 to designate "Fleet Tactical Support Squadron". In 1976 the designation was changed to "Fleet Logistics Support Squadron."

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 Carrier Air Wing. 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.

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, VAW-120 (see VAW section).

Training (VT)
The VT designation was one of the original designations. It was established in 1921 to designate "Torpedo Plane Squadron". From 1922 to 1930 it designated "Torpedo & Bombing Squadron" and from 1930 to 1946 "Torpedo Squadron". In 1946 all remaining Torpedo Squadrons and Bombing Squadrons (VB) were redesignated "Attack Squadrons" (VA) and the designation was retired.

From 1927 to 1947 training squadrons were designated "VN". From 1947 to 1960 training units were not designated as squadrons, they were "units" or "groups" called Basic Training Groups (BTG), Advanced Training Units (ATU), Jet Transition Training Units (JTTU) or Multi Engine Training Groups (METG). On 1 May 1960 the VT designation was resurrected and existing flying training units were designated "Training Squadrons (VT)". There is no relationship between training squadrons designated VT in 1960 and the Torpedo or Torpedo and Bombing squadrons of the 1920s to 1940s.

There are two types of fixed wing training squadrons: Primary training squadrons train students in the first stage of flight training leading to selection to one of three advanced training pipelines for Aviators (Rotary Wing, Strike or Multi-Engine) or two advanced training pipelines for Flight Officers (Multi Crew or Strike). The advanced training squadrons conduct the final stage of flight training leading to "winging" of the new Naval Aviators and Naval Flight Officers in the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. Navy training aircraft are painted orange and white.

Air Test and Evaluation (VX), Scientific Development (VXS)
The VX designation was first used from 1927 to 1943 to designate "Experimental Squadron". It was again used beginning in 1946 when four "Experimental and Development" squadrons (VX-1 (still exists today), 2, 3 and 4) were established to develop and evaluate new equipment and methods. From 1946 to 1968 the designation was variously "Experimental and Development" squadron, "Operational Development" squadron, "Air Operational Development" squadron and "Air Development" squadron. In 1969 the designation changed to "Air Test and Evaluation" and it remains as such today.

Test and Evaluation squadrons test everything from basic aircraft flying qualities to advanced aerodynamics to weapons systems effectiveness. VX-20, VX-23, VX-30, VX-31 (as well as HX-21) conduct developmental test and evaluation of aircraft and weapons as part of the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIRSYSCOM) while VX-1 and VX-9 conduct operational test and evaluation of aircraft and weapons as part of the Operational Test and Evaluation Force (OPTEVFOR).

Other
Other than the Naval Flight Demonstration Squadrons (NFDS) "Blue Angels", the organizations in the table below are not technically "squadrons", however they either have custody of and routinely fly Navy aircraft or they routinely fly aircraft on loan from fleet squadrons for advanced training of those fleet squadrons.

Rotary Wing Squadrons
US Navy rotary wing squadron designations start with the letter H. The first use of the letter H to designate a "Helicopter" squadron was in 1948 with the establishment of Helicopter Utility Squadrons (HU) ONE and TWO. Prior the creation of the HU designation, the two types of Navy squadrons were "heavier than air" squadrons designated with V as the first letter, and "lighter than air" squadrons designated with Z as the first letter. By 1961 the Navy had disestablished its last lighter than air squadrons leaving only the V and H designations. Since that time V has in practicality become the designation for "fixed wing squadron" and H for "rotary wing squadron." The Navy today uses helicopters primarily in the antisubmarine warfare, antisurface warfare, mine countermeasures, combat search and rescue, special operations, overwater search and rescue, and vertical replenishment roles.

Helicopter Mine Countermeasures (HM)
The HM designation was created in 1971 to designate "Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron". HM 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 aircraft carriers, large amphibious ships and the new expeditionary sea base 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 69750 lb. 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 programmed to replace the USMC's CH-53E and not the Navy's MH-53E, 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.

The Navy's recently completed "Helicopter Master Plan" was a plan to reduce the number of type/model/series from eight down to two (MH-60R and MH-60S). It recognized that the replacement of the MH-53 in the mine countermeasures role was dependent on technology which has not yet matured. As a result, the MH-53E continues in service as the only helicopter capable now and in the near future of effectively conducting airborne mine countermeasures.

Note: The parenthetical (second use) and (2nd) in the table below are not a part of the squadron designation system. They are added to indicate that the designation was used more than once during the history of U. S. Naval Aviation and which use of the designation is indicated.

Helicopter Sea Combat (HSC)
The Helicopter Sea Combat (HSC) Designation is one of the newest designations in Naval Aviation. It was first used in 2005 after the Helicopter Combat Support (HC) squadrons equipped with the H-46 Sea Knight had completed their transitions to the new MH-60S Seahawk. Beginning in 2007 the Helicopter Antisubmarine (HS) squadrons began their transitions from the SH-60F and HH-60H Seahawks to the new MH-60S as well. The ASW capabilities resident in the HS squadrons were lost in the transition but the new HSC squadrons combine the at sea logistics capability of the former Helicopter Combat Support (HC) squadrons with greatly upgraded Combat Search and Rescue, Naval Special Warfare Support and Anti-Surface Warfare capabilities of the former Helicopter Anti-submarine squadrons (HS).

The HSC squadrons which were formerly HS squadrons are carrier based and deploy as part of a Carrier Air Wing, while the HSC squadrons which were formerly HC squadrons or were newly established are land based "expeditionary" squadrons which supply detachments for deployment aboard ships other than aircraft carriers or for land based deployments as required. The squadrons are home-ported at NS Norfolk, NAS North Island and Anderson AFB, Guam with one squadron forward deployed to NAF Atsugi, Japan. Expeditionary HSC squadrons are capable of deploying mixed detachments of MH-60S and MQ-8B aircraft.

Note: The parenthetical (2nd) used in the lineage column of table below is not a part of the squadron designation system. It is added to indicate that the designation was used more than once during the history of U. S. Naval Aviation and which use of the designation is indicated.

Helicopter Maritime Strike (HSM)
The HSM designation is the newest designation in Naval Aviation having been first used in 2006 when the Fleet Replacement Squadron for the MH-60R Seahawk was redesignated from HSL. The first operational fleet squadron to receive the MH-60 Romeo was HSM-71 in fiscal year 2008. The new designation was created to reflect the MH-60Rs multi-mission capabilities which combined the area search capabilities of the SH-60B flown by the Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light (HSL) squadrons with the dipping sonar of the SH-60F flown by the carrier based Helicopter Anti-Submarine (HS) squadrons. With the transition of the HS squadrons to HSC squadrons without any ASW capability and the disestablishment of the last Air Antisubmarine (VS) squadrons, all ship based airborne ASW capabilities now reside in the new HSM squadrons.

From 2009 to 2015 all Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light (HSL) squadrons transitioned to the MH-60R and were redesignated Helicopter Maritime Strike (HSM) squadrons. Additionally, new HSM squadrons were established in order to provide an HSM squadron to each Carrier Air Wing and to provide "Expeditionary" squadrons to supply detachments of MH-60Rs to ships other than aircraft carriers. Expeditionary HSM squadrons are capable of deploying mixed detachments of MH-60R and MQ-8B aircraft.

HSM squadrons are home-ported at NAS North Island, NAS Jacksonville, NS Mayport and MCAS Kaneohe Bay with two squadrons forward deployed to NAF Atsugi Japan

Helicopter Training (HT)
The HT designation first appeared in May of 1960 to designate Helicopter Training Squadron at the same time that the VT designation was resurrected to designate Training Squadron. In the early years of helicopter operations in the Navy, helicopter pilots were qualified fixed wing pilots who received transition training once they reported to a helicopter squadron. In 1950 a dedicated helicopter training unit was established and in 1960 that unit became the first HT squadron. As the demand for helicopter pilots increased over the decades, additional HT squadrons were established and today approximately 60% of the Student Naval Aviators from all services (Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard) are winged as helicopter pilots.

The Naval Air Training Command'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 to international students from several allied nations. Student Naval Aviators are selected for helicopter training after completion of primary flight training in the T-6B in one of the VT squadrons. Students who successfully complete the program earn the right to wear the coveted "Wings of Gold." and proceed on to their selected aircraft's Fleet Replacement Squadron.

Air Test and Evaluation (HX)
Test and Evaluation squadrons test everything from basic aircraft flying qualities to advanced aerodynamics to weapons systems effectiveness. HX-21 conducts developmental test and evaluation of rotary wing and tilt rotor aircraft and weapons as part of the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIRSYSCOM).

Other
The organizations in the table below are not technically "squadrons", however they either have custody of and routinely fly Navy aircraft or they routinely fly aircraft on loan from fleet squadrons for advanced training of those fleet squadrons.