About this Unit
Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 50 (VRC-50), known as the "Foo Dogs," was a United States Navy squadron established in 1966. The squadron specialized in Carrier Onboard Delivery (COD) missions, utilizing aircraft such as the C-1 Trader, C-2 Greyhound, and C-130 Hercules to transport personnel, mail, and high-priority cargo to aircraft carriers and other fleet units throughout the Pacific and Indian Oceans. VRC-50 played a crucial logistical role during the Vietnam War and continued its support operations through the Cold War period. The unit was disestablished in 1994, with its mission and assets redistributed to other Navy logistics squadrons.
Historical Facts
• Origins: Fleet Tactical Support Squadron 50 (VRC-50), also known as the "Foo Dogs," was established in 1966 to provide logistics support to the U.S. Navy's Seventh Fleet in the Pacific and Southeast Asia.
• Nickname: The squadron was affectionately known as the "Foo Dogs," referencing the mythical Chinese guardian lions symbolizing protection and power.
• Aircraft Operated: VRC-50 operated a variety of aircraft during its history, including the C-1 Trader, C-2 Greyhound, CT-39 Saberliner, and US-3A Viking, all used for carrier onboard delivery (COD) missions.
• Vietnam War Support: The unit played a crucial role during the Vietnam War, delivering mail, supplies, and passengers between shore bases and aircraft carriers operating off Vietnam.
• Home Bases: Over its lifetime, VRC-50 was based at several key locations in the Pacific, including NAS Atsugi (Japan), NAS Cubi Point (Philippines), Andersen AFB (Guam), and NAS North Island (California).
• High-Tempo Operations: At its peak, VRC-50 was the Navy's busiest COD squadron, supporting up to eight aircraft carriers simultaneously and flying as many as 1,000 sorties per month.
• Tragic Losses: The squadron suffered several aircraft losses, including a C-2A Greyhound crash in 1970 near USS Constellation (CV-64) with 26 fatalities, marking one of the deadliest incidents in Navy COD history.
• Humanitarian Missions: In addition to combat support, VRC-50 participated in humanitarian operations, such as evacuations and disaster relief throughout the Asia-Pacific region.
• Deactivation: VRC-50 was deactivated in October 1994 as part of a Navy reorganization, with its roles assumed by other COD units, notably VRC-30 and VRC-40.
• Legacy: The squadron is remembered for its professionalism, resilience, and the critical logistical lifeline it provided to naval operations in the Western Pacific for nearly three decades.
