VC-7

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Branch

U.S. Navy

Members

About VC-7

VC-7, also known as Composite Squadron SEVEN, was a United States Navy aviation unit established during World War II. Initially formed in December 1942, the squadron was tasked with providing target towing and training services, including radar and gunnery training for fleet units. Throughout its service, VC-7 operated a variety of aircraft, such as the TBM Avenger and later the FJ-4 Fury and A-4 Skyhawk. The squadron was redesignated as VAH-7 and then VAQ-7 before being disestablished in May 1980, having contributed significantly to Navy pilot training and fleet readiness during its active years.

Unit Members

Larry Adcock

U.S. Navy

VC-7View Profile

William Rice

U.S. Navy

VC-7View Profile

Photos

FR Jose Ferrera III

U.S. Navy • 1981

FR Jose Ferrera III

U.S. Navy • 1981

FR Jose Ferrera III

U.S. Navy • 1981

FR Jose Ferrera III

U.S. Navy • 1981

About VC-7

About this Unit

Historical Facts

• Origins and Designation: VC-7, originally designated as VJ-1, was established on December 4, 1942, and later redesignated as Composite Squadron Seven (VC-7) in 1943. • Primary Mission: VC-7’s main role was to provide target towing and simulated attack services for fleet gunnery training, helping surface ships and fighter squadrons practice live-fire exercises. • Nickname - "Tallyhoers": The squadron was nicknamed the “Tallyhoers,” a reference to the traditional call used by fighter pilots to announce sighting an enemy. • World War II Service: During WWII, VC-7 operated from various bases, including NAS Quonset Point, and provided essential training services to Atlantic Fleet units. • Postwar Innovations: After WWII, VC-7 pioneered the use of radio-controlled target drones, including the KD2R-1 (Shelduck) and other target aircraft, to simulate enemy planes and missiles. • Jet Era Transition: In the 1950s, VC-7 transitioned from propeller-driven aircraft like the TBM Avenger to jet aircraft such as the FJ-3 Fury and F9F-8 Cougar for high-speed target simulation. • Vietnam War Contribution: VC-7 played a key role in preparing Navy and Marine Corps aviators for combat in Vietnam by providing realistic air combat training. • Aircraft Variety: Over its history, VC-7 operated a wide range of aircraft, including the SNJ Texan, JD-1 Invader, FJ-4B Fury, and A-4 Skyhawk, reflecting its evolving mission. • Disestablishment: VC-7 was disestablished on September 1, 1980, after nearly four decades of service as the Navy’s premier target-towing and simulated attack squadron. • Legacy: The squadron’s legacy continues in the modern Navy’s adversary and training units, which trace their roots to the pioneering work done by VC-7 in improving fleet readiness and aircrew proficiency.