VF-662

• Naval Reserve Squadron: VF-662 was a United States Naval Reserve fighter squadron, part of the post-World War II expansion of the Naval Air Reserve. • Activation for Korean War: VF-662 was called to active duty on 1 February 1951 in response to the outbreak of the Korean War. • Home Base: The squadron was initially based at Naval Air Station Floyd Bennett Field in Brooklyn, New York. • Aircraft Flown: During its service, VF-662 operated the Grumman F9F-2 Panther, one of the Navy’s first jet fighters and a Korean War workhorse. • Carrier Deployment: VF-662 was assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Lake Champlain (CV-39) for its deployment to the Mediterranean and later to Korean waters. • Korean War Service: The squadron participated in combat operations during the Korean War, flying close air support, interdiction, and reconnaissance missions. • Squadron Nickname: VF-662 was nicknamed the “Black Aces,” a name later used by other Navy squadrons. • Postwar Deactivation: After its Korean War service, VF-662 was returned to reserve status and ultimately disestablished in 1953. • Notable Losses: The squadron experienced combat and operational losses during its deployments, reflecting the dangers faced by naval aviators in the early jet age. • Legacy: VF-662’s activation and service exemplified the crucial role of Naval Reserve units in augmenting active forces during periods of conflict, a pattern repeated in later American military history.