VA-212

• Establishment: Attack Squadron 212 (VA-212), known as the "Rampant Raiders," was established on 20 June 1955 and served until its disestablishment on 12 December 1975. • Nickname: The squadron’s nickname, "Rampant Raiders," was represented by a distinctive charging horse insignia. • Aircraft Evolution: VA-212 operated several aircraft during its tenure, including the F7U Cutlass, F9F Cougar, FJ-4 Fury, A4D/A-4 Skyhawk, and A-7 Corsair II. • Vietnam War Service: The unit saw extensive combat during the Vietnam War, flying strike missions from aircraft carriers stationed in the Gulf of Tonkin. • Notable CO: Commander James B. Stockdale, who later became a Medal of Honor recipient and Vice Admiral, was the commanding officer of VA-212 from May 1963 to July 1965. • Operation Pierce Arrow: VA-212 participated in the 1964 retaliatory strikes against North Vietnamese targets following the Gulf of Tonkin incident. • First Combat Use of AGM-12 Bullpup: The squadron was among the first to deploy the AGM-12 Bullpup air-to-surface missile in combat. • Carrier Assignments: VA-212 was assigned to numerous carriers, including the USS Bon Homme Richard (CV-31), USS Hancock (CV-19), and USS Oriskany (CV-34). • Distinguished Unit Awards: The squadron received multiple Navy Unit Commendations for its exemplary performance during combat operations. • Disestablishment: VA-212 was disbanded in December 1975 as part of post-Vietnam reductions in the U.S. Navy’s attack squadrons.