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VT-19

U.S. Navy•5 members

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About this Unit

VT-19

U.S. Navy

VT-19, also known as Training Squadron NINETEEN, is a United States Navy aviation training unit established in 1960. Originally formed at Naval Air Station Meridian, Mississippi, VT-19’s primary mission is to provide advanced flight training to student naval aviators, preparing them for operational assignments in the fleet. Over the years, the squadron has operated various training aircraft, transitioning from the T-2 Buckeye to the T-45C Goshawk to meet evolving training requirements. VT-19 has played a crucial role in shaping generations of Navy and Marine Corps pilots, maintaining a legacy of excellence and professionalism in naval aviation training.

About VT-19

About this Unit

Historical Facts

Establishment: Training Squadron NINETEEN (VT-19) was originally established on August 2, 1960, at Naval Air Station (NAS) Meridian, Mississippi.
Mission: VT-19’s primary mission was to conduct basic and intermediate flight training for Student Naval Aviators, focusing on jet aircraft training.
Aircraft Operated: Over its history, VT-19 operated several aircraft, most notably the T-2 Buckeye and later the T-45 Goshawk, both essential for jet training in the U.S. Navy.
Nickname: VT-19 was known as the “Frogs,” a nod to their amphibious and adaptable nature in training.
Tail Code: The squadron’s aircraft carried the tail code “E,” signifying its assignment to Training Air Wing ONE at NAS Meridian.
Training Achievements: Over decades, VT-19 trained thousands of Navy and Marine Corps aviators, contributing significantly to U.S. naval aviation readiness.
Safety Record: VT-19 earned numerous safety awards for its exemplary flight safety record, including Chief of Naval Operations Aviation Safety Awards.
Disestablishment and Legacy: VT-19 was deactivated on October 1, 1987, as part of a Navy training reorganization, but its traditions were incorporated into other training units.
Wing Patch: The squadron patch featured a green frog wearing a pilot helmet and goggles, symbolizing the unit's playful spirit and aviation excellence.
Notable Alumni: Many VT-19 graduates went on to become distinguished combat aviators, test pilots, and even astronauts, highlighting the unit’s impact on naval aviation history.

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VT-19

U.S. Navy•5 members

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About this Unit

VT-19

U.S. Navy

Unit members

Michael Trudeau

U.S. Navy · 1979 - 1982

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David Mayes

U.S. Navy · 1986 - 1988

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Richard Bolden

U.S. Navy Veteran · 1984 - 1986

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Ivan Maletich

U.S. Navy · 1972 - 1976

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Navy photos

Somewhere in Kuwait near the Iraqi border

Siezed Soviet/Iraqi Tank that was abandoned

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About VT-19

About this Unit

Historical Facts

Establishment: Training Squadron NINETEEN (VT-19) was originally established on August 2, 1960, at Naval Air Station (NAS) Meridian, Mississippi.
Mission: VT-19’s primary mission was to conduct basic and intermediate flight training for Student Naval Aviators, focusing on jet aircraft training.
Aircraft Operated: Over its history, VT-19 operated several aircraft, most notably the T-2 Buckeye and later the T-45 Goshawk, both essential for jet training in the U.S. Navy.
Nickname: VT-19 was known as the “Frogs,” a nod to their amphibious and adaptable nature in training.
Tail Code: The squadron’s aircraft carried the tail code “E,” signifying its assignment to Training Air Wing ONE at NAS Meridian.
Training Achievements: Over decades, VT-19 trained thousands of Navy and Marine Corps aviators, contributing significantly to U.S. naval aviation readiness.
Safety Record: VT-19 earned numerous safety awards for its exemplary flight safety record, including Chief of Naval Operations Aviation Safety Awards.
Disestablishment and Legacy: VT-19 was deactivated on October 1, 1987, as part of a Navy training reorganization, but its traditions were incorporated into other training units.
Wing Patch: The squadron patch featured a green frog wearing a pilot helmet and goggles, symbolizing the unit's playful spirit and aviation excellence.
Notable Alumni: Many VT-19 graduates went on to become distinguished combat aviators, test pilots, and even astronauts, highlighting the unit’s impact on naval aviation history.