VT-23

• Establishment: VT-23, known as Training Squadron TWENTY-THREE, was established on June 15, 1958, at Naval Air Station Kingsville, Texas. • Nickname: The squadron is famously known as the "Professionals," highlighting its reputation for high standards in naval aviation training. • Aircraft Evolution: Over the years, VT-23 has flown various aircraft, including the T-28 Trojan, T-2 Buckeye, and the jet-powered T-45 Goshawk. • Role: VT-23 played a key role in intermediate and advanced jet training for U.S. Navy and Marine Corps student aviators, preparing them for carrier operations. • Carrier Landings: The squadron specialized in training students for their first arrested landings on aircraft carriers, a critical milestone in naval aviation. • International Training: VT-23 has trained pilots from allied nations, including Canada, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait, fostering international military cooperation. • Historic Firsts: VT-23 was among the first squadrons to utilize the T-2C Buckeye, significantly modernizing the Navy’s jet training pipeline in the 1970s. • Distinguished Alumni: Many VT-23 graduates have gone on to become Navy Blue Angels, astronauts, and decorated combat pilots. • Safety Record: The squadron received multiple Chief of Naval Operations Aviation Safety Awards, reflecting its commitment to safe flight training operations. • Deactivation: VT-23 was disestablished on August 23, 2010, with its training mission absorbed by other squadrons as part of a Navy training reorganization.