VXN-8

Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron 8 (VXN-8), known as the "World Watchers," was a specialized U.S. Navy squadron established in 1968. Its primary mission was airborne oceanographic and electronic reconnaissance, utilizing modified aircraft such as the Lockheed EC-121 Warning Star, Martin P-3 Orion, and de Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter. VXN-8 conducted critical intelligence-gathering and scientific missions, supporting both military and national research objectives during the Cold War. The squadron was disestablished in 1993 as part of post-Cold War restructuring and advances in reconnaissance technology.