About this Unit
VFP-62, known as "Fighting Photos," was a United States Navy Light Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron established in January 1949. Originally designated as VJ-62, it was redesignated VFP-62 in 1956 and played a crucial role in aerial reconnaissance during the Cold War. The squadron is best known for its pivotal role during the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962, when it provided photographic evidence of Soviet missile installations in Cuba using RF-8A Crusader aircraft. VFP-62 was decommissioned in January 1968, having contributed significantly to U.S. naval reconnaissance operations and intelligence gathering.
Historical Facts
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Establishment and Name: VFP-62 was established as Composite Squadron SIX TWO (VC-62) on January 10, 1949, and redesignated as Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron SIX TWO (VFP-62) on July 2, 1956.
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Primary Mission: VFP-62's main mission was photographic reconnaissance, providing vital intelligence through aerial photography for the U.S. Navy during both peacetime and combat operations.
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Korean War Service: Although VFP-62 was established after World War II, it played a significant role during the Korean War by providing reconnaissance support to carrier air groups.
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Aircraft Used: The squadron operated a variety of aircraft, including the F8F Bearcat, F2H-2P Banshee, F9F-6P and F9F-8P Cougar, and most famously, the RF-8A/G Crusader, a photo-reconnaissance variant of the F-8 Crusader.
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Cuban Missile Crisis: VFP-62 is best known for its critical role in the Cuban Missile Crisis of October 1962, where its RF-8A Crusader aircraft provided the first low-level photographic evidence of Soviet missile installations in Cuba.
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Dangerous Missions: During the Cuban Missile Crisis, VFP-62 pilots flew extremely low and risky missions over hostile territory, facing potential ground fire and anti-aircraft threats to obtain crucial intelligence.
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Presidential Unit Citation: For its outstanding service during the Cuban Missile Crisis, VFP-62 was awarded the prestigious Presidential Unit Citation by President John F. Kennedy.
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Vietnam War Deployments: VFP-62 detachments were deployed aboard aircraft carriers in the Gulf of Tonkin, supporting U.S. naval operations during the early years of the Vietnam War.
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Disestablishment: VFP-62 was disestablished on January 1, 1968, as part of a consolidation of Navy reconnaissance assets, with its missions and aircraft being transferred to other units.
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Legacy: VFP-62's legacy lives on in naval aviation history as a pioneer of carrier-based photo-reconnaissance, remembered for its professionalism and daring during some of the Cold War's most critical moments.
