RVAH-3

• Establishment: RVAH-3, officially known as Reconnaissance Attack (Heavy) Squadron THREE, was established on 15 June 1961 at Naval Air Station Sanford, Florida. • 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. • 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. • Nickname: The squadron was known as the “Sea Dragons,” a nod to its maritime reconnaissance mission and the power of its aircraft. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • Legacy: During its tenure, RVAH-3 trained hundreds of aviators and reconnaissance officers, many of whom earned distinguished awards during combat operations. • 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.