VA 873

• Formation and Role: VA-873 (Attack Squadron 873) was a United States Navy Reserve attack squadron established in 1951 during the Korean War buildup. • Reserve to Active Duty: The squadron was called to active duty on 20 July 1951, as part of the rapid expansion of naval aviation forces needed for the Korean conflict. • Aircraft Operated: VA-873 initially flew the F4U Corsair, a legendary World War II fighter-bomber, before transitioning to jet-powered aircraft. • Jet Transition: Later in its service, VA-873 operated the Douglas AD Skyraider, a versatile attack aircraft known for its durability and heavy payload capacity. • Home Base: The squadron was based at Naval Air Station Alameda, California, a key hub for West Coast naval aviation units. • Carrier Deployments: VA-873 was deployed aboard the USS Oriskany (CV-34) for carrier qualifications and operational exercises in the Pacific. • Short Service Life: The squadron had a relatively brief lifespan, being deactivated and returned to reserve status on 20 February 1953, after the Korean War armistice. • Squadron Nickname: While many Navy squadrons had colorful nicknames, VA-873 was often simply referred to by its designation, as was common for reserve squadrons of the era. • Training Mission: In addition to operational duties, VA-873 played a significant role in training new pilots and ground crews transitioning to attack aircraft during the war buildup. • Legacy: Although short-lived, the squadron exemplified the crucial role of reserve units in augmenting active forces during times of crisis, a concept still vital to U.S. Navy operations today.