About this Unit
VS-24, known as the "Scouts" and later the "Duty Cats," was a U.S. Navy anti-submarine squadron established in 1943. Originally flying SBD Dauntless dive bombers during World War II, the squadron transitioned to anti-submarine warfare missions with the advent of the Cold War, operating aircraft like the S-2 Tracker and later the S-3 Viking. VS-24 served aboard various aircraft carriers, supporting Atlantic and Mediterranean operations and participating in major exercises and real-world contingencies, including operations in the Persian Gulf. The squadron was disestablished in 2007 after more than six decades of distinguished service.
Historical Facts
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Establishment: Sea Control Squadron 24 (VS-24), also known as the "Scouts," was originally established during World War II, on April 10, 1945, as Bombing Squadron VB-17A, later redesignated several times before becoming VS-24.
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Anti-Submarine Warfare: VS-24 specialized in anti-submarine warfare (ASW), tasked with detecting and neutralizing enemy submarines, especially during the Cold War against the Soviet Navy.
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Aircraft Operated: Over its history, VS-24 flew a variety of aircraft including the S-2 Tracker and the S-3 Viking, the latter being one of the U.S. Navy’s most advanced ASW platforms.
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Carrier Deployments: The squadron deployed on multiple aircraft carriers, including the USS Nimitz (CVN-68), USS Saratoga (CV-60), and USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71).
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Desert Storm: During Operation Desert Storm in 1991, VS-24 played a significant role in maritime patrol, anti-submarine, and surface surveillance missions in the Persian Gulf.
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Historic First: VS-24 was the first operational squadron to deploy with the S-3A Viking, a milestone in naval aviation, in 1975 aboard the USS Saratoga.
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End of an Era: The squadron was disestablished on March 31, 2007, as part of the Navy’s shift away from specialized carrier-based ASW squadrons.
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Squadron Insignia: The unit’s insignia featured a caricatured scout, symbolizing its reconnaissance and search mission, and became a recognizable emblem among carrier air wings.
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International Exercises: VS-24 participated in numerous NATO and joint exercises, strengthening alliances and refining anti-submarine tactics with navies worldwide.
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Legacy: Though disbanded, VS-24’s legacy lives on in the training, tactics, and community contributions of its personnel, many of whom went on to leadership roles in naval aviation.
