About this Unit
**VC-5 Detachment Cubi** was a unit of U.S. Navy Composite Squadron Five (VC-5), operating out of Cubi Point Naval Air Station in the Philippines during the Cold War era. The detachment was responsible for providing aerial target towing, electronic warfare training, and fleet support services to U.S. Navy and allied forces in the Western Pacific. Utilizing a variety of aircraft such as the A-3 Skywarrior and later the TA-4J Skyhawk, VC-5 Det Cubi played a vital role in maintaining fleet readiness and supporting exercises and operations throughout Southeast Asia. The unit was an essential part of the Navy’s forward-deployed air operations until the drawdown of U.S. bases in the Philippines in the early 1990s.
Historical Facts
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Origins: VC-5 Det Cubi was a detachment of Fleet Composite Squadron 5 (VC-5), operating out of Cubi Point Naval Air Station in the Philippines, primarily during the Vietnam War era.
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Mission: The unit provided target towing, electronic countermeasures (ECM), and aerial target services for the U.S. Navy’s 7th Fleet and allied forces in the Western Pacific.
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Aircraft Variety: VC-5 Det Cubi operated a range of aircraft including the Douglas A-3 Skywarrior, TA-4 Skyhawk, and the Grumman US-2C Tracker, tailored for its diverse mission set.
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Role in Vietnam War: The unit supported carrier air wings off the coast of Vietnam by providing live electronic warfare and target practice scenarios, helping prepare aviators for combat conditions.
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Nickname: VC-5 was known as the “Checkertails,” a moniker earned from their distinctive aircraft tail markings featuring a checkerboard pattern.
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International Cooperation: Detachment Cubi regularly worked with allied navies such as the Royal Australian Navy and the Royal New Zealand Navy, enhancing regional military training and cooperation.
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Hazardous Operations: Flying slow and steady towing targets for live-fire exercises was perilous work, and VC-5 Det Cubi crews faced significant risks from friendly fire and challenging weather.
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Electronic Warfare Pioneers: The unit contributed to the early development of airborne electronic countermeasures, laying groundwork for future generations of electronic warfare tactics.
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Support for Carrier Qualification: VC-5 Det Cubi played a vital role in carrier landing qualification, towing banners and simulating threats for pilots during their critical training phases.
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Closure and Legacy: With the end of the Vietnam War and evolving military needs, VC-5 Det Cubi eventually disbanded in the late 1980s, but its legacy lives on in the memories of those who served and in the evolution of naval aviation training.
