About this Unit
Attack Squadron 85 (VA-85), known as the "Black Falcons" and later the "Black Falcons," was established by the U.S. Navy on September 1, 1950. The squadron initially flew the AD Skyraider before transitioning to the A-6 Intruder, specializing in all-weather attack missions. VA-85 participated in major conflicts, including the Vietnam War, where it conducted numerous combat sorties, and later operations such as Desert Storm. The unit was disestablished on September 30, 1994, after over four decades of distinguished service.
Historical Facts
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Two Distinct Units Named VA-85: There were actually two separate squadrons designated VA-85 in the U.S. Navy. The first existed from 1948 to 1949, and the second from 1951 to 1994, which is the more famous and long-lived unit, nicknamed the "Black Falcons" and later the "Black Falcons."
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Nickname – “Black Falcons”: VA-85 adopted the nickname “Black Falcons” in the 1980s, signified by the prominent falcon on their squadron insignia.
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Attack Aircraft: The squadron operated several attack aircraft, most notably the A-6A, A-6E Intruder, a versatile all-weather attack aircraft known for precision strikes.
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Vietnam War Service: VA-85 saw extensive combat during the Vietnam War, flying from aircraft carriers on strike missions, including the famous Operation Rolling Thunder.
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Libya Strikes (1986): VA-85 participated in Operation El Dorado Canyon, the U.S. air strike on Libya in April 1986, flying A-6 Intruders from USS Coral Sea (CV-43).
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Gulf War Operations: The squadron played a significant role in Operation Desert Storm in 1991, conducting night and low-level attacks against Iraqi targets.
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“Iron Men” Legacy: VA-85’s radio callsign was “Ironman,” and their reputation for toughness and determination became part of their legacy.
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Carrier Deployments: Throughout its history, VA-85 deployed on numerous carriers, including USS Forrestal, USS America, USS Saratoga, and USS Nimitz.
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Notable Rescue: In 1981, a VA-85 A-6 crew performed a daring rescue of a downed aviator in the Mediterranean, highlighting the unit’s courage and skill.
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Deactivation and Legacy: VA-85 was disestablished in 1994 as the A-6 Intruder was retired from service; its traditions and history live on in the collective memory of Navy attack aviation.
