About this Unit
Reconnaissance Attack (Heavy) Squadron 14 (RVAH-14) was a U.S. Navy squadron established on February 14, 1968, at Naval Air Station Sanford, Florida. The squadron operated the RA-5C Vigilante, a carrier-based supersonic reconnaissance aircraft, providing vital photographic intelligence during the Cold War era. RVAH-14 conducted deployments aboard various aircraft carriers, supporting fleet operations and surveillance missions, though it did not participate in combat operations in Vietnam due to its late formation. The squadron was disestablished on May 1, 1974, as part of the Navy's post-war drawdown and the retirement of the RA-5C Vigilante.
Historical Facts
• Establishment: RVAH-14 (Reconnaissance Attack (Heavy) Squadron 14) was established on 14 February 1968 at Naval Air Station Sanford, Florida, in response to increased reconnaissance demands during the Vietnam War.
• AIRCRAFT: The squadron was equipped with the North American RA-5C Vigilante, a supersonic reconnaissance aircraft originally designed as a nuclear bomber.
• Short Service: RVAH-14 was one of the shortest-lived Vigilante squadrons, being decommissioned on 1 May 1974 after just over six years of service.
• Combat Deployment: The squadron participated in one combat deployment to Southeast Asia aboard USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67) from 1970 to 1971, conducting reconnaissance missions over Vietnam.
• Home Base Relocation: When NAS Sanford was closed in 1968 due to defense budget cuts, RVAH-14 moved to NAS Albany, Georgia.
• Nickname and Insignia: RVAH-14 was known as the "Eagle Eyes," and its squadron insignia featured a stylized eagle in flight, symbolizing its reconnaissance mission.
• Technological Prowess: The RA-5C Vigilante carried advanced electronic sensors and cameras, making RVAH-14 part of the Navy’s most technologically advanced photo reconnaissance units at the time.
• Peacetime Operations: In addition to Vietnam, RVAH-14 also participated in peacetime reconnaissance and intelligence-gathering operations in the Atlantic and Mediterranean regions.
• Deactivation: Budget cuts and the high maintenance needs of the RA-5C led to the squadron’s deactivation in 1974, as the Navy shifted to using RF-8G Crusaders and RF-4B Phantoms for reconnaissance.
• Legacy: Although short-lived, RVAH-14 contributed to critical intelligence collection during a pivotal period in naval aviation history, and its personnel continued to serve in other aviation and reconnaissance roles after disestablishment.
