Training squadron 22

• Establishment: Training Squadron 22 (VT-22) was originally established in 1949 as Advanced Training Unit (ATU) 611, later redesignated as VT-22 in 1960. • Nickname: VT-22 is famously known as the "Golden Eagles," a nickname that reflects their high standards in training naval aviators. • Primary Mission: The squadron is tasked with training U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps student naval aviators in advanced strike jet flying, marking a crucial step in producing carrier-qualified pilots. • T-45 Goshawk: VT-22 currently utilizes the T-45C Goshawk jet trainer, a carrier-capable aircraft specifically designed for teaching advanced tactics and carrier landings. • Historic Aircraft: Over its history, VT-22 has flown several aircraft types, including the T-2 Buckeye and TA-4J Skyhawk before transitioning to the T-45 in the 1990s. • Location: The squadron is based at Naval Air Station Kingsville, Texas, one of the Navy’s primary locations for advanced jet training. • Carrier Qualifications: One of VT-22’s key milestones for students is their first arrested landing on an aircraft carrier, a rite of passage for all naval aviators. • International Training: VT-22 has also trained student pilots from allied nations, including those from the United Kingdom and other NATO countries. • Safety Milestones: The squadron is recognized for its outstanding safety record, frequently earning the Chief of Naval Operations Safety Award. • Cultural Impact: VT-22 graduates often go on to serve in frontline fighter and attack squadrons, making the unit a critical link in the legacy of naval aviation excellence.