VT-21

Strike Fighter Squadron 21 (VT-21), known as the "Redhawks," is a United States Navy training squadron based at Naval Air Station Kingsville, Texas. Established in 1960 as Advanced Training Unit 213 (ATU-213), it was redesignated as VT-21 and tasked with advanced jet training for future Navy and Marine Corps aviators. Over the decades, VT-21 has operated various aircraft including the T-2 Buckeye and T-45 Goshawk, preparing student naval aviators for carrier-based operations. The squadron has played a pivotal role in producing highly skilled pilots, contributing significantly to the operational readiness of U.S. naval aviation forces.