Air Anti-Submarine Squadron 39 (VS-39)

• Establishment and Nickname: Air Anti-Submarine Squadron 39 (VS-39), also known as the “Hoot Owls,” was established in 1950 as part of the US Navy’s growing focus on anti-submarine warfare in the early years of the Cold War. • Primary Mission: VS-39’s main mission was to detect, track, and engage enemy submarines using advanced sonar and airborne radar technology, protecting carrier groups from underwater threats. • Aircraft Operated: The squadron operated the Grumman S2F Tracker (later S-2 Tracker), a twin-engine anti-submarine warfare aircraft renowned for its versatility and reliability. • Korean War Involvement: Although VS-39 was established during the Korean War era, the squadron’s primary role was to provide anti-submarine coverage for carrier task forces in the Pacific. • Innovative Tactics: The squadron helped pioneer "hunter-killer" team tactics, pairing aircraft with surface ships to maximize the detection and destruction of enemy submarines. • Caribbean Operations: VS-39 deployed to the Caribbean Sea, conducting training and patrol missions that enhanced US control of strategic maritime routes during the Cold War. • Notable Deployments: The “Hoot Owls” participated in NATO exercises, helping to strengthen interoperability between US and allied naval forces. • Home Bases: The squadron was based at Naval Air Station Quonset Point, Rhode Island, a major hub for anti-submarine warfare units in the Atlantic Fleet. • Distinguished Personnel: Several VS-39 alumni went on to senior leadership positions within the Navy, contributing to the evolution of anti-submarine tactics and technology. • Deactivation: VS-39 was disestablished in 1968 as part of a broader reorganization of US Navy anti-submarine forces, but its legacy remains in the improved tactics and operational doctrines it helped develop.