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VC-8

U.S. Navy•22 members

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About this Unit

VC-8

U.S. Navy

Fleet Composite Squadron 8 (VC-8), also known as "Redtails," was a United States Navy aviation unit established in December 1956. Originally based at Naval Station Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico, VC-8 provided a variety of support roles, including aerial target towing, electronic warfare training, and fleet exercises for Atlantic Fleet forces. The squadron operated various aircraft over its history, such as the A-4 Skyhawk, S-2 Tracker, and later the HH-60H Seahawk for search and rescue missions. VC-8 was deactivated on September 26, 2003, concluding nearly five decades of versatile service to the Navy.

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About this Unit

Historical Facts

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.

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VC-8

U.S. Navy•22 members

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About this Unit

VC-8

U.S. Navy

Unit members

John Belin

U.S. Navy Military Retiree · 1990 - 1993

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Rafael Valentin

U.S. Navy Military Retiree · 1983 - 1985

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Ricardo Hernandez

U.S. Navy Veteran · 1981 - 1982

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Kurt Koller

U.S. Navy Veteran · 1972 - 1975

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Navy photos

Somewhere in Kuwait near the Iraqi border

Siezed Soviet/Iraqi Tank that was abandoned

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About VC-8

About this Unit

Historical Facts

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.