VA861, NAS, NORVA

Attack Squadron 861 (VA-861) was a United States Navy Reserve attack squadron based at Naval Air Station Norfolk (NAS NORVA), Virginia. Established during the Cold War era, the squadron flew various attack aircraft, including the A-4 Skyhawk, as part of the Naval Air Reserve Force. VA-861 supported fleet readiness through training and participated in numerous exercises and operational deployments. The squadron contributed to the Navy's ability to rapidly augment active forces during crises before its eventual deactivation as part of reserve force restructuring.