Over 3,064,780 active members

Opening unit directory

Building the branch units surface

Loading unit filters, rankings, and the branch unit grid.

Overview

Members

Units

Opening branch overview

Building the branch home surface

Loading branch highlights, featured unit context, and gallery moments.

Overview

Members

Units

VA-95

U.S. Navy•11 members

VA-95 Homepage Photos Posts Members

Did you serve with the VA-95?

Find familiar faces
Explore unit photos
Share your photos

New to VetFriends?

Create a free account to explore unit members and photos, and reconnect with people you served with.

Create a free account

Already a member? Log in

About this Unit

VA-95

U.S. Navy

Attack Squadron 95 (VA-95), known as the "Green Lizards," was a United States Navy attack squadron established on April 1, 1972. The squadron primarily flew the A-6 Intruder, a twin-engine, all-weather attack aircraft, and was based at NAS Whidbey Island, Washington. VA-95 participated in several significant operations, including deployments during the Vietnam War’s final stages and Operation Desert Storm in 1991, where it conducted precision strike missions against Iraqi targets. The squadron was deactivated on October 31, 1995, as part of post-Cold War reductions in naval aviation.

About VA-95

About this Unit

Historical Facts

Origin: Attack Squadron 95 (VA-95), nicknamed the "Green Lizards," was established on April 1, 1972, making it one of the newer attack squadrons in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam and Cold War eras.
Aircraft Flown: VA-95 initially flew the A-6A Intruder, a versatile all-weather, twinjet attack aircraft, and later upgraded to the A-6E version, which featured advanced avionics and increased combat capability.
Vietnam War Service: Although established during the tail end of the Vietnam War, VA-95 participated in combat operations, including sorties over North Vietnam and Laos during their early deployments.
Nickname Story: The squadron’s nickname, "Green Lizards," originated from the distinctive green lizard insignia painted on their aircraft, which became a proud symbol of the unit.
Operation Praying Mantis: In 1988, VA-95 played a significant role in Operation Praying Mantis, the largest surface naval battle since World War II, where U.S. forces retaliated against Iranian naval units in the Persian Gulf.
Notable Engagement: During Operation Praying Mantis, VA-95’s A-6E Intruders were credited with sinking the Iranian frigate Sahand using Harpoon missiles and laser-guided bombs, showcasing the squadron’s strike capabilities.
Carrier Deployments: VA-95 was regularly deployed aboard aircraft carriers, including USS Coral Sea (CV-43), USS Enterprise (CVN-65), and USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72), participating in numerous exercises and operations worldwide.
Humanitarian Missions: Aside from combat operations, VA-95 also participated in humanitarian missions, providing support and assistance during international crises and natural disasters.
Desert Storm Preparation: Although VA-95 was disestablished in 1995, its final years included participation in exercises and operations related to the Gulf War era, training for potential operations in the Middle East.
Disestablishment: VA-95 was officially disestablished on October 31, 1995, as part of post-Cold War reductions in the U.S. Navy, ending over 20 years of distinguished service.

Opening unit directory

Building the branch units surface

Loading unit filters, rankings, and the branch unit grid.

Overview

Members

Units

VA-95

U.S. Navy•11 members

VA-95 Homepage Photos Posts Members

Did you serve with the VA-95?

Find familiar faces
Explore unit photos
Share your photos

New to VetFriends?

Create a free account to explore unit members and photos, and reconnect with people you served with.

Create a free account

Already a member? Log in

About this Unit

VA-95

U.S. Navy

Unit members

Ronald Falls

U.S. Navy Military Retiree · 1973 - 1983

Message View Profile

Robert morgan

U.S. Navy Veteran · 1967 - 1968

Message View Profile

Rodney Archibeque

U.S. Navy · 1989 - 1993

Message View Profile

John Kendall

U.S. Navy · 1974 - 1978

Message View Profile

View all members

Photos from VA-95 members

Gail HARGROVE wife of PVT. JOSEPH HARGROVE

District One VFW LADY AUX. PRESIDENT CHRISTINA DAVIS-FALLS DAY

View all photos

About VA-95

About this Unit

Historical Facts

Origin: Attack Squadron 95 (VA-95), nicknamed the "Green Lizards," was established on April 1, 1972, making it one of the newer attack squadrons in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam and Cold War eras.
Aircraft Flown: VA-95 initially flew the A-6A Intruder, a versatile all-weather, twinjet attack aircraft, and later upgraded to the A-6E version, which featured advanced avionics and increased combat capability.
Vietnam War Service: Although established during the tail end of the Vietnam War, VA-95 participated in combat operations, including sorties over North Vietnam and Laos during their early deployments.
Nickname Story: The squadron’s nickname, "Green Lizards," originated from the distinctive green lizard insignia painted on their aircraft, which became a proud symbol of the unit.
Operation Praying Mantis: In 1988, VA-95 played a significant role in Operation Praying Mantis, the largest surface naval battle since World War II, where U.S. forces retaliated against Iranian naval units in the Persian Gulf.
Notable Engagement: During Operation Praying Mantis, VA-95’s A-6E Intruders were credited with sinking the Iranian frigate Sahand using Harpoon missiles and laser-guided bombs, showcasing the squadron’s strike capabilities.
Carrier Deployments: VA-95 was regularly deployed aboard aircraft carriers, including USS Coral Sea (CV-43), USS Enterprise (CVN-65), and USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72), participating in numerous exercises and operations worldwide.
Humanitarian Missions: Aside from combat operations, VA-95 also participated in humanitarian missions, providing support and assistance during international crises and natural disasters.
Desert Storm Preparation: Although VA-95 was disestablished in 1995, its final years included participation in exercises and operations related to the Gulf War era, training for potential operations in the Middle East.
Disestablishment: VA-95 was officially disestablished on October 31, 1995, as part of post-Cold War reductions in the U.S. Navy, ending over 20 years of distinguished service.