VA-56

• Establishment and Nickname: Attack Squadron 56 (VA-56), nicknamed the "Champions," was established on June 4, 1956. It adopted the "Champions" moniker and a distinctive shield insignia. • Multiple Redesignations: The squadron underwent several redesignations, being originally established as VA-56 and redesignated as Strike Fighter Squadron 56 (VFA-56) in 1986, before being disestablished later that same year. • Early Aircraft: VA-56 initially flew the F9F-8 Cougar, a carrier-based jet fighter aircraft, before transitioning to the A4D Skyhawk series. • Vietnam War Service: VA-56 saw extensive combat during the Vietnam War, participating in multiple deployments and conducting air strikes from aircraft carriers such as USS Ticonderoga (CV-14) and USS Enterprise (CVN-65). • USS Hancock Fire: In 1964, while deployed aboard the USS Hancock (CV-19), VA-56 personnel played a role in damage control efforts during a major fire on the ship, helping to avert disaster. • MiG Kill: On June 1, 1967, VA-56 pilot Lieutenant Commander Theodore R. Swartz achieved a rare feat by shooting down a North Vietnamese MiG-17 with a Zuni rocket—a notable air-to-air kill for an attack squadron. • Operation Linebacker: The squadron participated in Operation Linebacker and Linebacker II, major bombing campaigns over North Vietnam in 1972, flying the A-7 Corsair II attack aircraft. • Carrier Deployments: VA-56 was deployed aboard several renowned aircraft carriers, including USS Ranger (CV-61), USS Midway (CV-41), and USS Coral Sea (CV-43), reflecting its wide operational reach in the Pacific and Southeast Asia. • Transition to A-7 Corsair II: In the late 1960s, the squadron transitioned to the A-7A/B Corsair II, a more advanced light attack jet, greatly enhancing its strike capabilities. • Disestablishment: VA-56 was disestablished on August 31, 1986, after 30 years of distinguished service, having contributed significantly to U.S. naval aviation history.