About this Unit
Reconnaissance Attack (Heavy) Squadron 3 (RVAH-3), also known as the "Sea Dragons," was established on 15 June 1957 at Naval Air Station Sanford, Florida. Initially formed as Heavy Attack Squadron 3 (VAH-3), it served as a replacement training unit for crews and maintenance personnel operating the A-3 Skywarrior and later the RA-5C Vigilante. In 1964, the squadron was redesignated RVAH-3 to reflect its new focus on reconnaissance missions. RVAH-3 continued training aviators and support crews for the Navy's high-speed reconnaissance aircraft until its disestablishment on 1 February 1979.
Historical Facts
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Establishment: RVAH-3, officially known as Reconnaissance Attack (Heavy) Squadron THREE, was established on 15 June 1961 at Naval Air Station Sanford, Florida.
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Initial Mission: The squadron's primary role was to serve as the Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS) for the RA-5C Vigilante, responsible for training pilots and navigators for reconnaissance missions.
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Aircraft: RVAH-3 initially flew the A3D-2P Skywarrior (later designated RA-3B), transitioning to the RA-5C Vigilante in the early 1960s, one of the most advanced carrier-based reconnaissance aircraft of its time.
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Nickname: The squadron was known as the “Sea Dragons,” a nod to its maritime reconnaissance mission and the power of its aircraft.
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Vietnam War Era: While RVAH-3 itself did not deploy to Vietnam, its graduates flew critical reconnaissance missions over North Vietnam, gathering vital intelligence for strike planning and battle damage assessment.
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High-Tech Training: RVAH-3 was responsible for training all RA-5C crews in the use of complex camera and sensor systems, including infrared and side-looking airborne radar.
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Relocation: In 1968, when NAS Sanford closed, RVAH-3 moved to Naval Air Station Albany, Georgia, and later to Naval Air Station Key West, Florida, in 1974.
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Disestablishment: With the retirement of the RA-5C Vigilante and changing Navy reconnaissance needs, RVAH-3 was disestablished on 1 July 1979, after 18 years of service.
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Legacy: During its tenure, RVAH-3 trained hundreds of aviators and reconnaissance officers, many of whom earned distinguished awards during combat operations.
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Unit Insignia: The squadron patch featured a fierce, coiled sea dragon clutching a camera, symbolizing the unit’s strength and reconnaissance role—this insignia remains a collector’s item among naval aviation enthusiasts.
