About this Unit
Reconnaissance Attack (Heavy) Squadron 11 (RVAH-11), known as the "Checkertails," was a United States Navy squadron established in 1951 as VC-11 and later redesignated RVAH-11 in 1966. Initially flying the AJ Savage, the squadron transitioned to the A3D Skywarrior, and ultimately to the RA-5C Vigilante for high-speed, high-altitude reconnaissance missions. RVAH-11 played a significant role during the Vietnam War, conducting vital photo-reconnaissance missions over hostile territory from aircraft carriers. The squadron was disestablished on June 1, 1975, as the Navy phased out the Vigilante and reorganized its reconnaissance assets.
Historical Facts
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Establishment: RVAH-11 (Reconnaissance Attack (Heavy) Squadron 11), also known as the "Checkertails," was established on 1 September 1951 as Composite Squadron 11 (VC-11) and redesignated RVAH-11 in 1966.
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Aircraft Legacy: The squadron operated a variety of aircraft, starting with the PB4Y Privateer, transitioning to the AJ Savage, A3D/A-3 Skywarrior, and finally the RA-5C Vigilante, a supersonic reconnaissance jet.
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Cuban Missile Crisis: RVAH-11 participated in aerial reconnaissance missions during the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962, gathering vital intelligence on Soviet missile installations.
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Vietnam War Deployments: The squadron completed numerous deployments aboard U.S. Navy aircraft carriers, conducting critical reconnaissance missions over Vietnam from 1965 to 1975.
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Nickname Origin: The "Checkertails" nickname came from the distinctive checkerboard pattern painted on the squadron's aircraft tails.
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Distinguished Unit: RVAH-11 earned multiple awards for its service, including Navy Unit Commendations and Meritorious Unit Commendations, highlighting its operational excellence.
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Dangerous Missions: The squadron's RA-5C Vigilantes flew high-risk, high-speed photo-reconnaissance missions deep into enemy territory, often facing intense anti-aircraft fire.
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Losses in Combat: RVAH-11 suffered the loss of several aircraft and aircrew during the Vietnam War, with some crew members captured and held as prisoners of war.
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Technological Innovation: The RA-5C Vigilante featured advanced reconnaissance equipment for the era, including side-looking radar and infrared sensors, greatly enhancing Navy intelligence capabilities.
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Deactivation: RVAH-11 was disestablished on 1 June 1975, as the Navy retired the RA-5C and shifted carrier-based reconnaissance missions to other platforms.
