USN

VC-2, or Composite Squadron Two, was a unit of the United States Navy established during World War II. Formed in 1943, VC-2 was part of the escort carrier air groups, primarily tasked with anti-submarine warfare and convoy protection in the Atlantic Theater. Flying aircraft like the Grumman TBF Avenger and FM-2 Wildcat, VC-2 played a crucial role in safeguarding Allied shipping from German U-boat threats. After distinguished service throughout the war, the squadron was disestablished in 1945 following the Allied victory.

Strike Fighter Squadron 147 (VFA-147), known as the "Argonauts," was established on February 1, 1967. Initially flying the A-7 Corsair II, the squadron later transitioned to the F/A-18 Hornet and then to the advanced F-35C Lightning II. VFA-147 has participated in major operations including Vietnam, Desert Storm, Enduring Freedom, and Inherent Resolve, providing carrier-based strike and air superiority capabilities. The Argonauts are based at Naval Air Station Lemoore and continue to serve as a premier strike fighter squadron in the United States Navy.

Strike Fighter Squadron 22 (VFA-22), known as the "Fighting Redcocks," was originally established as VF-63 in 1948 and redesignated as VFA-22 in 1993. The squadron has participated in numerous significant conflicts, including the Korean War, Vietnam War, Operation Desert Storm, and Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. Throughout its history, VFA-22 has flown various aircraft, transitioning from the F4U Corsair to the F/A-18F Super Hornet, its current platform. Today, VFA-22 operates as a key strike fighter squadron within the U.S. Navy, based at Naval Air Station Lemoore, California.

Strike Fighter Squadron 27 (VFA-27), known as the "Royal Maces," is a United States Navy fighter squadron based at Naval Air Facility Atsugi, Japan. Established in 1967 as Attack Squadron 27 (VA-27), the squadron originally flew the A-7 Corsair II before transitioning to the F/A-18 Hornet in 1991 and later the advanced F/A-18E Super Hornet in 2004. VFA-27 has participated in numerous operations, including combat missions during Operation Desert Storm and ongoing deployments in support of U.S. interests in the Indo-Pacific region. As part of Carrier Air Wing 5, VFA-27 plays a key role in forward-deployed naval operations and the projection of American airpower in the Western Pacific.

Strike Fighter Squadron 81 (VFA-81), known as the "Sunliners," was established in 1955 and is a United States Navy fighter squadron based at Naval Air Station Oceana. Originally designated as VA-66 and later redesignated VA-81, the squadron first flew the A-4 Skyhawk before transitioning to the A-7 Corsair II and later to the F/A-18 Hornet. VFA-81 gained distinction during Operation Desert Storm in 1991, when its pilots were credited with the first air-to-air kills of the conflict, downing two Iraqi MiG-21s. The Sunliners continue to serve as a frontline strike fighter squadron, participating in numerous deployments and exercises around the world.

Strike Fighter Squadron 94 (VFA-94), known as the "Mighty Shrikes," was originally established as VF-94 in 1952. The squadron saw combat during the Vietnam War, flying A-4 Skyhawks from aircraft carriers in the Western Pacific. Over the decades, VFA-94 transitioned through several aircraft, including the A-7 Corsair II and later the F/A-18 Hornet, reflecting the evolution of naval aviation. The Mighty Shrikes have participated in numerous operations, including Operation Desert Storm and subsequent Middle East deployments, maintaining a reputation for excellence in strike fighter missions.

VFP-62, known as "Fighting Photos," was a United States Navy Light Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron established in January 1949. Originally designated as VJ-62, it was redesignated VFP-62 in 1956 and played a crucial role in aerial reconnaissance during the Cold War. The squadron is best known for its pivotal role during the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962, when it provided photographic evidence of Soviet missile installations in Cuba using RF-8A Crusader aircraft. VFP-62 was decommissioned in January 1968, having contributed significantly to U.S. naval reconnaissance operations and intelligence gathering.

Patrol Squadron 2 (VP-2) was a long-range maritime patrol unit of the United States Navy, first established in 1929. Over its history, VP-2 served in various forms and under different designations, participating in critical anti-submarine and reconnaissance missions during World War II and the Cold War. The squadron operated aircraft such as the PBY Catalina, PB4Y-2 Privateer, and later the P2V Neptune, conducting patrols throughout the Pacific theater, including the Aleutian Islands and Western Pacific. VP-2 was ultimately disestablished in 1969, after decades of distinguished service in maritime patrol and anti-submarine warfare.

Patrol Squadron 42 (VP-42) was a United States Navy maritime patrol squadron established during World War II. Commissioned in 1944, the squadron initially operated PBM Mariner seaplanes, conducting antisubmarine warfare, reconnaissance, and search-and-rescue missions in the Pacific Theater. After the war, VP-42 saw action during the Korean War and later transitioned to the P5M Marlin, continuing its patrol duties during the Cold War period. The squadron was ultimately disestablished in 1969, having played a critical role in maritime patrol operations for over two decades.