USN

USS Leonard F. Mason (DD-852) was a Gearing-class destroyer commissioned by the United States Navy in 1946, named in honor of Private First Class Leonard F. Mason, a Medal of Honor recipient from World War II. Throughout her service, the ship operated extensively in the Pacific, participating in the Korean War where she provided naval gunfire support and screened aircraft carriers. During the Vietnam War, USS Leonard F. Mason conducted search and rescue missions, naval gunfire support, and patrolled the Gulf of Tonkin. After decades of distinguished service, she was decommissioned in 1976 and later transferred to the Hellenic Navy of Greece, where she served as HS Kalypso (D-64).

The V-5 Aviation Cadet Program was established by the United States Navy in 1935 to train young men as naval aviators. Initially, the program recruited college students and recent graduates, providing them with both academic instruction and flight training. During World War II, the V-5 program significantly expanded, producing thousands of naval pilots who served with distinction in combat operations across the Pacific and Atlantic theaters. The success of the V-5 cadets contributed greatly to Allied air superiority and the overall effectiveness of U.S. naval aviation during the war.

Attack Squadron 163 (VA-163), known as the "Saints," was a distinguished U.S. Navy attack squadron established on September 1, 1960. The squadron was based at NAS Lemoore and primarily flew the A-4 Skyhawk. VA-163 saw extensive combat during the Vietnam War, conducting numerous strike missions from aircraft carriers such as USS Oriskany. The squadron endured heavy action, including significant losses during Operation Rolling Thunder, and was disestablished on April 1, 1971.

VA-873, also known as Attack Squadron 873, was a United States Navy reserve attack squadron established during the Korean War era. The squadron was activated in July 1950 in response to increased military needs and was primarily equipped with the Douglas AD Skyraider attack aircraft. VA-873 conducted training and operational missions, preparing for carrier-based strike operations and supporting fleet exercises. The squadron was deactivated in February 1959 as part of a postwar restructuring of naval aviation forces.

Attack Squadron 23 (VA-23), known as the “Black Knights,” was a United States Navy attack squadron established in 1949. Originally designated as VF-653, it was redesignated as VA-23 in 1959 and operated various aircraft, including the A-4 Skyhawk. The squadron participated in significant Cold War and Vietnam War operations, providing close air support and strike missions from aircraft carriers in the Pacific Fleet. VA-23 was deactivated on 1 April 1970, after over two decades of distinguished service.

Attack Squadron 822 (VA-822) was a U.S. Navy Reserve attack squadron established on July 1, 1966, during the Vietnam War era. The squadron was based at Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Florida, and primarily flew the A-4 Skyhawk attack aircraft. VA-822 was activated as part of the increasing demand for carrier-based attack squadrons to support operations in Southeast Asia. The unit was deactivated relatively quickly, on August 2, 1968, as the need for reserve squadrons diminished.

Strike Fighter Squadron 205 (VA-205), known as the "Green Falcons," was a U.S. Navy Reserve attack squadron established on July 1, 1970, at Naval Air Station Atlanta, Georgia. The squadron initially flew the A-4 Skyhawk before transitioning to the A-7 Corsair II in the mid-1970s. VA-205 participated in numerous training exercises and provided vital support to fleet operations, maintaining high readiness as part of the Naval Air Reserve Force. The squadron was redesignated as VFA-205 in 1989, reflecting its transition to the F/A-18 Hornet, before its disestablishment on December 31, 1994.

Attack Squadron 861 (VA-861) was a United States Navy Reserve attack squadron based at Naval Air Station Norfolk (NAS NORVA), Virginia. Established during the Cold War era, the squadron flew various attack aircraft, including the A-4 Skyhawk, as part of the Naval Air Reserve Force. VA-861 supported fleet readiness through training and participated in numerous exercises and operational deployments. The squadron contributed to the Navy's ability to rapidly augment active forces during crises before its eventual deactivation as part of reserve force restructuring.

**Heavy Attack Squadron Eight (VAH-8)** was established in 1957 at **NAS Whidbey Island**, Washington, as part of the U.S. Navy’s growing fleet of heavy attack units equipped with the A-3 Skywarrior. The squadron’s primary mission was long-range nuclear strike and maritime reconnaissance during the height of the Cold War. **Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron Thirteen (VAW-13)**, stationed at **NAS Alameda**, California, was commissioned in 1956 and became the Navy’s first dedicated electronic countermeasures squadron, flying specially modified EA-1F Skyraiders and later EKA-3B Skywarriors. Both units played vital roles in advancing naval aviation’s strike and electronic warfare capabilities, with VAW-13 providing critical jamming and electronic support during the Vietnam War before being redesignated as VAQ-130 in 1968.