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

Contents 1 Squadron organization 2 Types of squadrons 3 Squadron names 4 Fixed Wing Squadrons 4.1 Carrier Tactical Electronic Warfare 4.2 Carrier Airborne Early Warning 4.3 Strike Fighter 4.4 Fleet Air Reconnaissance 4.5 Fleet Fighter Composite 4.6 Fleet Logistics Support 4.7 Carrier Fleet Logistics Support 4.8 Patrol 4.9 Training 4.10 Other 5 Helicopter Squadrons 5.1 Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron 5.2 Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadrons 5.3 Helicopter Sea Combat Squadrons 5.4 Helicopter Anti-Submarine (Light) Squadrons 5.5 Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadrons 5.6 Helicopter Training Squadrons 6 UAV Squadrons 7 Test and Evaluation 8 See also 9 References

[edit] Squadron organization

Squadrons are typically commanded by a Commander. Second in command is the Executive Officer (XO), also a Commander. The XO typically assumes command of the squadron after approximately 18 months. There are typically four functional departments - Operations, Maintenance, Safety, and Administration - each led by a Lieutenant Commander. Within the departments are Divisions (each typically headed by a Lieutenant) and Branches (headed by a Chief Petty Officer).

[edit] Types of squadrons

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

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

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

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

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

[edit] Squadron names

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

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

[edit] Fixed Wing Squadrons

Most Navy fixed wing squadron informal names start with the letter "V".

[edit] Carrier Tactical Electronic Warfare

A typical Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron consists of four EA-6B Prowlers. The primary mission of the Prowler is Electronic Attack (EA), also known as Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD) in support of strike aircraft and ground troops by interrupting enemy electronic activity and obtaining tactical electronic intelligence within the combat area. Navy Electronic Attack squadrons carry the letters VAQ (V-fixed wing, A-attack, Q-electronic). Most VAQ squadrons are carrier based, however a number are "expeditionary", deploying to overseas land bases.^[1]

Squadron Name	Insignia	Nickname	Aircraft	Notes
VAQ-129		Vikings	EA-6B EA-18G	Fleet Replacement Squadron NAS Whidbey Island
VAQ-130		Zappers	EA-6B	CVW-3
VAQ-131		Lancers	EA-6B	CVW-2
VAQ-132		Scorpions	EA-6B	CVW-17
VAQ-133		Wizards	EA-6B	Expeditionary
VAQ-134		Garudas	EA-6B	Expeditionary
VAQ-135		Black Ravens	EA-6B	CVW-11
VAQ-136		Gauntlets	EA-6B	CVW-5
VAQ-137		Rooks	EA-6B	CVW-1
VAQ-138		Yellowjackets	EA-6B	CVW-9
VAQ-139		Cougars	EA-6B	CVW-14
VAQ-140		Patriots	EA-6B	CVW-7
VAQ-141		Shadowhawks	EA-6B	CVW-8
VAQ-142		Gray Wolves	EA-6B	Expeditionary
VAQ-143		Cobras	EA-6B	Expeditionary
VAQ-209		Star Warriors	EA-6B	Reserve Tactical Support Wing

[edit] Carrier Airborne Early Warning

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

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

[edit] Strike Fighter

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

Squadron Name Insignia Nickname Aircraft Notes VFA-2 Bounty Hunters FA-18F CVW-2 VFA-11 Red Rippers FA-18F CVW-3 VFA-14 Tophatters FA-18E CVW-11 VFA-15 Valions FA-18C CVW-8 VFA-22 Fighting Redcocks FA-18F CVW-14 VFA-25 Fist of the Fleet FA-18C CVW-14 VFA-27 Royal Maces FA-18E CVW-5 VFA-31 Tomcatters FA-18E CVW-8 VFA-32 Swordsmen FA-18F CVW-3 VFA-34 Blue Blasters FA-18C CVW-2 VFA-37 Ragin Bulls FA-18C CVW-3 VFA-41 Black Aces FA-18F CVW-11 VFA-81 Sunliners FA-18E CVW-11 VFA-83 Rampagers FA-18C CVW-7 VFA-86 Sidewinders FA-18C CVW-1 VFA-87 Golden Warriors FA-18C CVW-8 VFA-94 Mighty Shrikes FA-18C UDP MCAS Iwakuni VFA-97 Warhawks FA-18C UDP MCAS Iwakuni VFA-102 Diamondbacks FA-18F CVW-5 VFA-103 Jolly Rogers FA-18F CVW-7

Squadron Name Insignia Nickname Aircraft Notes VFA-105 Gunslingers FA-18E CVW-3 VFA-106 Gladiators FA-18B/C/D/E/F Fleet Replacement Squadron NAS Oceana VFA-113 Stingers FA-18C CVW-14 VFA-115 Eagles FA-18E CVW-14 VFA-122 Flying Eagles FA-18E/F Fleet Replacement Squadron NAS Lemoore VFA-125 Rough Raiders FA-18A/B/C/D Fleet Replacement Squadron NAS Lemoore VFA-131 Wildcats FA-18C CVW-7 VFA-136 Knighthawks FA-18E CVW-1 VFA-137 Kestrels FA-18E CVW-2 VFA-143 Pukin' Dogs FA-18E CVW-7 VFA-146 Blue Diamonds FA-18C CVW-9 VFA-147 Argonauts FA-18E CVW-9 VFA-151 Vigilantes FA-18C CVW-2 VFA-154 Black Knights FA-18F CVW-9 VFA-192 Golden Dragons FA-18C CVW-5 VFA-195 Dambusters FA-18C CVW-5 VFA-204 River Rattlers FA-18A Reserve Tactical Support Wing VFA-211 Checkmates FA-18F CVW-1 VFA-213 Black Lions FA-18F CVW-8

[edit] Fleet Air Reconnaissance

Fleet Air Reconnaissance squadrons are responsible for communications relay and strategic airborne command post missions. They provide survivable, reliable, and endurable airborne command, control, and communications between the National Command Authority (NCA) and U.S. strategic and non-strategic forces. The TACAMO ("Take Charge and Move Out") mission links the NCA with naval ballistic missile submarine forces during times of crisis. The aircraft carries a very low frequency communication system with dual trailing wire antennae. The E-6B is a dual-mission aircraft also capable of fulfilling the airborne strategic command post mission and is equipped with an airborne launch control system (ALCS), which is capable of launching U.S. land based intercontinental ballistic missiles.^[4]

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

[edit] Fleet Fighter Composite

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

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

[edit] Fleet Logistics Support

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

Squadron Name	Insignia	Nickname	Aircraft	Notes
VR-1		Star Lifters	C-20D C-37B	Reserve Andrews AFB
VR-46		Eagles	C-9	Reserve NAS Atlanta to JRB Fort Worth in 2009
VR-48		Capital Skyliners	C-20G	Reserve Andrews AFB
VR-51		Windjammers	C-20G	Reserve MCAF Kaneohe Bay
VR-52		Taskmasters	C-9	Reserve NAS Willow Grove
VR-53		Capital Express	C-130	Reserve Andrews AFB
VR-54		Revelers	C-130	Reserve JRB New Orleans
VR-55		Minutemen	C-130	Reserve NAS Point Mugu
VR-56		Globemasters	C-9	Reserve NS Norfolk
VR-57		Conquistadors	C-40	Reserve NAS North Island
VR-58		Sunseekers	C-40	Reserve NAS Jacksonville
VR-59		Lone Star Express	C-40	Reserve JRB Fort Worth
VR-61		Islanders	C-9	Reserve NAS Whidbey Island
VR-62		Nor' Easters	C-130	Reserve NAS Brunswick
VR-64		Condors	C-130	Formerly VP-64, Redesignated 18 September 2004 Reserve NAS Willow Grove

[edit] Carrier Fleet Logistics Support

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

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

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

[edit] Patrol

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

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

[edit] Training

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

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

[edit] Other

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

Squadron Name	Insignia	Nickname	Aircraft	Notes
Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron		Blue Angels	FA-18 C-130	NAS Pensacola
Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center		Strike U Topgun Topdome	FA-18 F-16 E-2C	NAS Fallon
Strike Fighter Weapons School Atlantic		Ubangi	T-34	NAS Oceana
Strike Fighter Weapons School Pacific			T-34	NAS Lemoore
Pacific Missile Range Facility	[[Image:|40px]]		S-3B	Barking Sands

[edit] Helicopter Squadrons

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

[edit] Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron

The Mine Countermeasures Squadrons are each made up of 10 MH-53E Sea Dragon helicopters. The primary mission of the Sea Dragon is Airborne Mine Countermeasures (AMCM). The MH-53 can operate from carriers and other warships and is capable of towing a variety of mine hunting/sweeping countermeasures systems.^[6] The MH-53E Sea Dragon is also a capable heavy-lift asset, with three powerful turboshaft engines and a maximum take-off weight of 69,750 pounds (31,640 kg). This gives the Sea Dragon the capability to carry an impressive amount of cargo, personnel or equipment over long distances. The Sea Dragon remains in service as the Navy's only heavy-lift helicopter. According to the Navy's Helo Master Plan, the CH-60 is being considered for the Airborne Mine Countermeasures mission.

Squadron Name	Insignia	Nickname	Aircraft	Notes
HM-14		Vanguard	MH-53E	NS Norfolk
HM-15		Blackhawks	MH-53E	NAS Corpus Christi Relocating to NS Norfolk in 2010[7]

[edit] Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadrons

Helicopter Anti-Submarine squadrons are composite squadrons usually made up of four to six SH-60F Seahawks and two to four HH-60H Seahawks. Both Aircraft are Carrier-Based. The SH-60Fs primary mission is Anti-submarine warfare (ASW) defense of the inner zone, which includes detection, classification and destruction of hostile submarines. HH-60Hs primary mission is combat search and rescue (CSAR), Naval Special Warfare support (NSW) and anti-surface warfare (ASUW).^[8]

Squadron Name	Insignia	Nickname	Aircraft	Notes
HS-2		Golden Falcons	SH-60F HH-60H	CVW-2
HS-3		Tridents	SH-60F HH-60H	CVW-8, Becoming HSC-9
HS-4		Black Knights	SH-60F HH-60H	CVW-14
HS-5		Nightdippers	SH-60F HH-60H	CVW-7
HS-6		Indians	SH-60F HH-60H	CVW-11
HS-7		Dusty Dogs	SH-60F HH-60H	CVW-3
HS-10		Warhawks	SH-60F HH-60H	FRS NAS North Island
HS-11		Dragonslayers	SH-60F HH-60H	CVW-1
HS-14		Chargers	SH-60F HH-60H	CVW-5 NAF Atsugi
HS-15		Red Lions	SH-60F HH-60H	CVW-17

[edit] Helicopter Sea Combat Squadrons

The Sea Combat Squadron combines both the strike capability of the Helicopter Anti-submarine wing and the cargo capability of the Helicopter Combat Support wing into its primary mission. Over the next decade all HC and HS squadrons will transition to Sea Combat Squadrons upon receiving the MH-60S.^[9]

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

[edit] Helicopter Anti-Submarine (Light) Squadrons

Anti-Submarine Light squadrons each operate between six and fifteen SH-60B LAMPS III helicopters. The SH-60Bs primary mission is to provide fully mission capable detachments aboard cruisers, destroyers, and frigates assigned to the Fleet. These detachments are an integral part of the ships weapon system, extending the ships under-sea and anti-ship warfare capabilities beyond the horizon. As of 2003 all Helicopter Anti-Submarine (Light) Squadrons are schedule to be redesignated Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadrons. This change will reflect the switch to the MH-60R Seahawk and the squadrons new multi-mission capability.^[10]

Squadron Name	Insignia	Nickname	Aircraft	Notes
HSL-37		Easy Riders	SH-60B
HSL-40		Airwolves	SH-60B	FRS NS Mayport
HSL-42		Proud Warriors	SH-60B	NS Mayport
HSL-43		Battle Cats	SH-60B
HSL-44		Swamp Fox	SH-60B	NS Mayport
HSL-45		Wolfpack	SH-60B	NS Mayport
HSL-46		Grandmasters	SH-60B	NS Mayport
HSL-47		Saberhawks	SH-60B	First LAMPS deployment aboard carrier[11]
HSL-48		Vipers	SH-60B
HSL-49		Scorpions	SH-60B
HSL-51		Warlords	SH-60B	NAF Atsugi
HSL-60		Jaguars	SH-60B	Reserve NS Mayport

[edit] Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadrons

Helicopter Maritime Strike squadrons operate the MH-60R Seahawk. The first operational fleet squadron to receive the Romeo is HSM-71 in fiscal year 2008. The new squadron designation was created to reflect the MH-60Rs multi-mission capabilities. Eventually all Anti-submarine (Light) squadrons will transition to the MH-60R and be redesignated HSM.^[12]

Squadron Name	Insignia	Nickname	Aircraft	Notes
HSM-41		Seahawks	MH-60R	FRS
HSM-71		Raptors	MH-60R	CVW-9

[edit] Helicopter Training Squadrons

The United States Navy's Helicopter Training Squadrons provide advanced helicopter flight instruction to all Navy, US Marine Corps, and United States Coast Guard helicopter flight students as well as international students from several allied nations. Students who successfully complete the program earn the right to wear the coveted "Wings of Gold."^[13]

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

[edit] UAV Squadrons

Fleet Composite squadrons' primary missions include providing fixed wing and helicopter services to the Fleet in support of the United States and Allied operational training exercises and operating the Navy's only operational Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). This aircraft is utilized primarily in reconnaissance missions. Tactical employment of this unique asset primarily supports both Battle Group deployments and Amphibious Warfare Operations.^[14]

[edit] Test and Evaluation

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

Squadron Name	Insignia	Nickname	Aircraft	Notes
USN Test Pilot School			Various	NAS Patuxent River
VX-1		Pioneers	P3-C MH-60R MH-60S SH-60F EP-3E E-6B KC-130J E-2C RQ-4 P-8A	Evaluation of airborne anti-submarine warfare and maritime anti-surface warfare weapons NAS Patuxent River[15]
VXS-1		Warlocks	P-3 C-12	formerly NRL's Flight Support Detachment Scientific Development NAS Patuxent River[15]
VX-9		Vampires	FA-18 AV-8 EA-6B	Operational Weapons Test NAWS China Lake
VX-20		Force	E-2C P-3C C-130 C-2A E-6B S3-B T-34C	Force Warfare Aircraft Test NAS Patuxent River[16]
HX-21		Blackjack	AH-1Z UH-1Y MH-60R MH-60S MV-22B AH-1W UH-1N VH-3A CH-53E TH-57C SH-60F	Rotary Wing Aircraft Test NAS Patuxent River[17]
VX-23		Saltydogs	F-35 FA-18 EA-6B EA-18G T-45	Strike Aircraft Test NAS Patuxent River
VX-30		Bloodhounds	C-130 P-3 S-3B FA-18	Weapons Test NAS Point Mugu
VX-31		Dust Devils	FA-18 P-3 C-130	Weapons Test NAWS China Lake

[edit] See also

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

[edit] References

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