vt4 nas pensacola

• Legacy of Training Excellence: VT-4 ("Warbucks") at NAS Pensacola has been a cornerstone of U.S. Navy flight training since its establishment in 1960, originally formed at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida. • Initial Aircraft: The squadron initially flew the Grumman TS-2A Tracker, a twin-engine aircraft, for multi-engine flight training. • Jet Transition: In the 1970s, VT-4 transitioned to flying the T-39 Sabreliner and T-2 Buckeye, expanding its training to include jet flight instruction. • International Training: VT-4 has trained not only U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard personnel but also student aviators from allied nations around the world. • Primary Mission Shift: Throughout its history, VT-4’s mission has evolved from advanced multi-engine training to basic and intermediate flight training, adapting to the needs of naval aviation. • Home of the “Warbucks”: VT-4’s mascot and call sign, the “Warbucks,” is a nod to the famous comic strip character Daddy Warbucks from "Little Orphan Annie." • T-6 Texan II Era: As of the 2010s, VT-4 transitioned to flying the Beechcraft T-6A Texan II, a modern turboprop trainer aircraft. • Critical Role in Naval Flight Officer (NFO) Training: VT-4 has been instrumental in training Naval Flight Officers, who serve as navigators and weapons systems officers aboard Navy aircraft. • Support to the Fleet: VT-4 graduates provide essential skills to the fleet, contributing to the readiness and effectiveness of carrier-based squadrons and patrol aviation. • Endurance through Change: Despite changes in aircraft, mission, and Navy training philosophy, VT-4 remains one of the oldest continuously operating training squadrons at NAS Pensacola.