About this Unit
Sea Control Squadron 31 (VS-31), known as the "Topcats," was a U.S. Navy anti-submarine warfare squadron established in 1948. Originally flying the Grumman TBM Avenger, the squadron later operated the S-2 Tracker and, most notably, the S-3 Viking. VS-31 served with distinction in both the Atlantic and Mediterranean, conducting carrier-based anti-submarine and sea control missions aboard various aircraft carriers. The squadron was deactivated in 2008, concluding over six decades of operational service.
Historical Facts
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Establishment: VS-31, known as the "Topcats," was originally established on 28 September 1948 at NAS Atlantic City, New Jersey, as Composite Squadron VC-31.
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Early Aircraft: The squadron initially flew the TBM Avenger, a torpedo bomber famous for its use during World War II.
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Name Change: In 1950, the squadron was redesignated as Air Anti-Submarine Squadron 31 (VS-31), reflecting its new focus on anti-submarine warfare (ASW).
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Cold War Role: During the Cold War, VS-31 played a crucial role in tracking Soviet submarines in the Atlantic, using advanced sonar and magnetic anomaly detection technology.
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S-2 Tracker Era: The squadron transitioned to the Grumman S-2 Tracker in the 1950s, the U.S. Navy’s first purpose-built ASW aircraft.
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S-3 Viking Introduction: In 1975, VS-31 transitioned to the Lockheed S-3 Viking, an advanced jet-powered ASW platform, greatly increasing the squadron’s range and capabilities.
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Carrier Deployments: VS-31 deployed on numerous aircraft carriers, including the USS Saratoga (CV-60), USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67), and USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71).
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Desert Storm: The squadron participated in Operation Desert Storm in 1991, supporting coalition naval forces in the Persian Gulf.
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Humanitarian Missions: VS-31 was involved in humanitarian operations, such as assisting in the rescue of Cuban refugees during the 1994 Cuban rafter crisis.
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Deactivation: After nearly 60 years of service, VS-31 was officially deactivated on 1 March 2008, marking the end of the Navy’s S-3 Viking squadrons on the East Coast.
