VC-8

• Origins in World War II: Composite Squadron Eight (VC-8) was originally established during World War II, on 1 December 1942, as part of the U.S. Navy’s effort to provide air support from escort carriers. • Hunter-Killer Missions: VC-8 specialized in "hunter-killer" anti-submarine missions, protecting convoys and fleet units from German U-boats in the Atlantic and Caribbean. • Aircraft Variety: The squadron operated a mix of aircraft, including the FM-2 Wildcat fighter and the TBM Avenger torpedo bomber, highlighting its composite (multi-mission) nature. • Significant Carrier Assignments: VC-8 was assigned to several escort carriers, notably USS Card (CVE-11) and USS Bogue (CVE-9), both of which became famous for their anti-submarine successes. • U-Boat Kills: VC-8 is credited with assisting in the destruction of several enemy submarines, contributing significantly to the defeat of the U-boat threat in the Atlantic. • Postwar Re-designations: After WWII, the original VC-8 was disestablished, but the designation was reactivated multiple times, eventually becoming a Utility Squadron (VU-8) in the postwar era and later a Fleet Composite Squadron (VC-8). • Puerto Rico Home: The later version of VC-8 was based at Naval Station Roosevelt Roads in Puerto Rico, providing fleet support services in the Caribbean for decades. • Drone Operations: VC-8 became well-known for operating target drone aircraft and towing aerial targets for fleet training exercises, a critical but often overlooked mission. • Notable Aircraft: Over its history, VC-8 operated many types of aircraft, from the WWII-era Wildcats and Avengers to later jets like the TA-4J Skyhawk, S-2 Tracker, and the QF-4 Phantom drone. • Deactivation: VC-8 was finally disestablished on 31 January 2003, ending over 60 years of varied and distinguished service in the U.S. Navy.