VA-174 Hellrazors

• Establishment and Nickname: VA-174, known as the "Hellrazors," was originally established as VBF-81 on March 1, 1944. The squadron underwent several redesignations before becoming VA-174 in 1966. • Longest Serving Jet Training Squadron: VA-174 was the U.S. Navy's largest and longest-serving fleet replacement squadron, specializing in training pilots and maintenance crews on various attack aircraft. • First to Train on A-7 Corsair II: In 1966, VA-174 became the first Navy squadron to receive and train pilots on the new LTV A-7A Corsair II attack aircraft, a key asset during the Vietnam War. • World War II Combat: As VBF-81, the unit participated in combat operations in the Pacific Theater during World War II, flying F6F Hellcats from the USS Wasp (CV-18). • Transition to Jet Aircraft: The squadron transitioned through several aircraft types, including the F4U Corsair, F9F Panther, FJ Fury, A-4 Skyhawk, and ultimately the A-7 Corsair II. • Record Training Output: At its peak, VA-174 trained hundreds of Navy and Marine Corps pilots, as well as thousands of maintenance personnel, playing a crucial role in fleet readiness. • Home Base: The squadron was based at Naval Air Station Cecil Field, Florida, which was a major hub for naval aviation training until its closure in 1999. • Safety Achievements: VA-174 was recognized for its outstanding safety record, logging hundreds of thousands of flight hours with minimal accidents—an impressive feat for a training unit. • Deactivation: VA-174 was officially disestablished on March 30, 1988, after more than four decades of service and training generations of naval aviators. • Legacy and Alumni: Many notable naval aviators and leaders, including future admirals and astronauts, passed through VA-174 for their advanced jet training, cementing its legacy in naval aviation history.