VA-34

• Establishment: Attack Squadron 34 (VA-34), known as the "Blue Blasters," was first established on August 15, 1943, during World War II. • World War II Service: VA-34 participated in significant combat operations in the Pacific Theater, including strikes against the Japanese home islands in 1945. • Nickname Origin: The "Blue Blasters" nickname stems from the squadron’s insignia featuring a hand firing a lightning bolt, symbolizing their striking power. • Korean War Involvement: The squadron saw action during the Korean War, conducting attacks on enemy positions and infrastructure. • Vietnam War Actions: VA-34 flew A-4 Skyhawks and later A-6 Intruders in Vietnam, participating in major campaigns such as Operation Rolling Thunder. • Libya Strikes: In 1986, VA-34 took part in Operation El Dorado Canyon, the U.S. air strikes against Libya, launching A-6E Intruder attacks on Libyan targets. • Operation Desert Storm: VA-34 was deployed aboard USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67) and flew combat missions during the Gulf War in 1991. • Aircraft Evolution: Over its history, VA-34 flew several aircraft types, including the TBM Avenger, F6F Hellcat, F4U Corsair, A-4 Skyhawk, and A-6 Intruder. • Multiple Redesignations: The VA-34 designation has been used by three different U.S. Navy squadrons, with the most recent “Blue Blasters” now known as VFA-34, flying the F/A-18 Super Hornet. • Decommissioning and Legacy: The last VA-34 (Blue Blasters) was redesignated as VFA-34 in 1996, continuing the squadron’s distinguished legacy into the present day as a strike fighter squadron.