VFAW-3

VFAW-3, or Fighter All-Weather Squadron 3, was a United States Navy aviation unit established on February 1, 1952. The squadron was notable for being one of the Navy’s first dedicated all-weather jet fighter squadrons, initially flying the F2H-2N Banshee before transitioning to the F3D Skyknight. VFAW-3 was assigned the unique role of providing all-weather air defense for the continental United States as part of the Air Defense Command, operating from NAS North Island, California. The squadron was disestablished on September 7, 1958, marking the end of its pioneering role in naval all-weather jet operations.