About this Unit
VU-10, originally designated Utility Squadron TEN (VU-10), was a U.S. Navy utility squadron established during World War II. It was based primarily at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and played a crucial role in providing target-towing, drone operations, and support services for fleet training exercises throughout the Caribbean. The squadron operated a variety of aircraft, including the JD-1 Invader and the F6F Hellcat, to simulate enemy threats and assist in anti-aircraft gunnery practice. VU-10 was later redesignated as VC-10 before its eventual disestablishment in the late 1960s, having contributed significantly to naval aviation training and readiness.
Historical Facts
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Formation and Name: Utility Squadron 10 (VU-10), also known as "The Lions," was a U.S. Navy utility squadron established in 1943 during World War II.
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Mission Profile: VU-10's primary mission was to provide target towing, drone operations, gunnery target services, and other utility tasks for fleet training exercises.
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Home Base: The squadron was based at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, serving as the base's resident utility squadron for many years.
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Aircraft Operated: Over its service, VU-10 operated a variety of aircraft, including the Grumman JRF Goose, JD-1 Invader, F6F Hellcat, F8F Bearcat, and the versatile QF-9 Cougar drone.
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Drone Operations: VU-10 was notable for its pioneering use of radio-controlled drones for live-fire training, an innovation that helped improve Navy anti-aircraft gunnery skills.
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Cold War Role: During the Cold War, VU-10 played a key role in providing aerial target services for ships conducting missile and gunnery exercises in the Atlantic and Caribbean.
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Cuban Missile Crisis: During the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis, VU-10 was on high alert at Guantanamo Bay, supporting fleet operations and base defense preparations.
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Squadron Insignia: The squadron's distinctive "Lion" insignia became a symbol of pride and identity for its members and was prominently displayed on its aircraft and facilities.
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Disestablishment: VU-10 was redesignated as VC-10 (Fleet Composite Squadron 10) in 1965 as part of a Navy-wide reorganization, and continued its utility mission until its disestablishment in 1976.
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Legacy: The legacy of VU-10 lives on in the stories of those who served, and in the important support role it played in keeping the U.S. Navy fleet combat-ready for over three decades.
