USN/USMC squadrons

[nev]

The numbers of the VF, VFA, VA squadrons etc, do they duplicate?  So there could e a VF-1, VA-1, VFA-1 etc.

Or can they change?  Eg, could VF-1 Wolfpack become VFA-1 Wolfpack?

Just I have some VMFA decals that I want to use on a potential VMA subject - can I just cut the F out and retain the same squadron identity?

[Eddie M.]

A lot of the VFs have transitioned to VFA because of the change from Tomcats to SuperHornets,VF-2 to VFA-2 is one I know of. Not sure about the rest. I personal can't remember ever seeing any duplicate #  for VMFAs VAs, VPs, VAWs, etc.......
   Eddie

[anthonyp]

In the past, each squadron classification ignored whatever squadrons of other classes had.  For example, there's an active VP-1 that was around when VF-1 was active.  

Here's a somewhat dubious list of active Navy squadrons for cross referencing (it's on Wikipedia, which isn't always accurate):

Wkipedia's US Navy units

And here's a Squadron Lineage PDF from the US Navy itself:

USN Squadron Lineage

Actually, I think you might find this entire directory interesting (they're missing Chapter 2 which is the VFA squadrons chapter):

Dictionary of American Naval Aviation Squadrons

And the above two links are hosted at the Naval Historical Center home page.

Most VMFA squadrons were originally VMF squadrons up until the 50's and 60's.  Some of the Harrier VMA squadrons started out life as VMF's in WWII, so I guess you could just cut out the F and have the same thing.

EDIT:  Did some quick clicking at the Naval Historical Center page, and found these:

Dictionary of American Naval Aviation Squadrons Volume 1 The History of VA, VAH, VAK, VAL, VAP and VFA Squadrons
Dictionary of American Naval Aviation Squadrons Volume 2 The History of VP, VPB, VP(H) and VP(AM) Squadrons

[elmayerle]

Dare I presume everyone's familiar with the interpretation of USN/USMC squadron designations?

First letter: V - Heavier than air (supposedly another letter would show up here if they ever again operate lighter-than-air vehicles)
Secone letter (if present): M - Marines (obviously)
Third & subsequent letters: F-fighter, A-attack, Q-electronic warfare, P-patrol, U- utility, C- composite, etc.

So, obviously, you could have both a VF-1 and a VP-1 with no problem.

[Son of Damian]

Then what does O stand for as in VAO-138 Yellowjackets? Is it another version of electronic warfare, cuz that is what it is under on wikipedia.  

[jcf]

Then what does O stand for as in VAO-138 Yellowjackets? Is it another version of electronic warfare, cuz that is what it is under on wikipedia.

Its VAQ-138 and they are based out of Whidbey Island...just to north of where I am. Wikipedia has it wrong..surprise, surprise.

As Evan pointed out, the "Q" is for Electronic Countermeasures and is actually  a throwback to the pre-1962 aircraft nomenclature system when the "Q" was used as part of the aircraft designation as in AD-3Q.

Cheers, Jon

[Ian the Kiwi Herder]

The Marines flew OV-10 Broncos with VMAO-???. Could the 'O' therefore be shorthand for 'Observation' ??

Ian

[elmayerle]

I would imagine so.

[garys]

The numbers of the VF, VFA, VA squadrons etc, do they duplicate?  


Just I have some VMFA decals that I want to use on a potential VMA subject - can I just cut the F out and retain the same squadron identity?

As far as VF, VA, and VFA Navy squadrons go, there should be no duplication of squadron numbers in the post-Korea era, between these different, carrier based classes.

I also believe each Marine squadron number is unique and can be transferred if the squadron is reroled.  Ie, VMF-214 to VMA-214 but still the Black Sheep.  

[Jschmus]

The Marines flew OV-10 Broncos with VMAO-???. Could the 'O' therefore be shorthand for 'Observation' ??

Ian

The Marine OV-10 units were all VMO.  The lone Navy unit was designated VAL.

[Joe C-P]

First letter: V - Heavier than air (supposedly another letter would show up here if they ever again operate lighter-than-air vehicles)

Z is lighter than air.