About this Unit
VS-32, known as the "Maulers," was a U.S. Navy anti-submarine warfare squadron established during World War II in 1943. The squadron initially flew SBD Dauntless and TBF Avenger aircraft, conducting patrol and convoy escort missions in the Atlantic. Reactivated during the Cold War, VS-32 operated S-2 Tracker and later S-3 Viking aircraft from various aircraft carriers, focusing on hunting submarines and maritime surveillance. The unit was based at Naval Air Station Cecil Field, Florida, and served with distinction until its deactivation in 1997.
Historical Facts
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Establishment: VS-32, also known as Sea Control Squadron 32, was originally established as VS-892 on 1 April 1951 during the Korean War, and it was redesignated as VS-32 on 4 February 1953.
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Nickname: The squadron was famously known as the "Maulers."
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Aircraft Legacy: Over its history, VS-32 operated a variety of fixed-wing anti-submarine warfare (ASW) aircraft, including the S-2 Tracker and later the S-3 Viking, both iconic in naval aviation.
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Carrier Deployments: The Maulers were deployed on multiple aircraft carriers, including the USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67), USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69), and USS Saratoga (CV-60).
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Cuban Missile Crisis: VS-32 participated in operations during the Cuban Missile Crisis in October 1962, supporting the naval blockade of Cuba.
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Cold War Operations: Throughout the Cold War, the squadron was an important part of anti-submarine operations, tracking Soviet submarines in the Atlantic and Mediterranean.
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Gulf War Service: VS-32 took part in Operation Desert Storm in 1991, flying missions from the USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67).
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Operation Enduring Freedom: The squadron supported Operation Enduring Freedom after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, conducting surveillance and reconnaissance missions.
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Notable Commanding Officers: Several future admirals served in VS-32, contributing to its legacy of leadership in naval aviation.
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Deactivation: After over 50 years of service, VS-32 was deactivated on 27 September 2007, marking the end of an era for the S-3 Viking community in the U.S. Navy.
