VAH 8, NAS Whibey Island,, VAW 13, NAS Alameda

**Heavy Attack Squadron Eight (VAH-8)** was established in 1957 at **NAS Whidbey Island**, Washington, as part of the U.S. Navy’s growing fleet of heavy attack units equipped with the A-3 Skywarrior. The squadron’s primary mission was long-range nuclear strike and maritime reconnaissance during the height of the Cold War. **Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron Thirteen (VAW-13)**, stationed at **NAS Alameda**, California, was commissioned in 1956 and became the Navy’s first dedicated electronic countermeasures squadron, flying specially modified EA-1F Skyraiders and later EKA-3B Skywarriors. Both units played vital roles in advancing naval aviation’s strike and electronic warfare capabilities, with VAW-13 providing critical jamming and electronic support during the Vietnam War before being redesignated as VAQ-130 in 1968.