U.S. Navy

The United States Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM) J-2 is the Directorate of Intelligence, responsible for providing timely and accurate intelligence to support military operations throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. Established as part of the command structure, the J-2 has played a critical role in countering transnational threats, such as narcotics trafficking, terrorism, and organized crime, since USSOUTHCOM’s reorganization in the late 1980s. Throughout its history, USSOUTHCOM J-2 has worked closely with interagency and international partners to enhance regional security and situational awareness. The directorate continues to leverage advanced intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities to inform decision-making and support U.S. strategic objectives in the region.

USS Leonard F. Mason (DD-852) was a Gearing-class destroyer commissioned by the United States Navy in 1946, named in honor of Private First Class Leonard F. Mason, a Medal of Honor recipient from World War II. Throughout her service, the ship operated extensively in the Pacific, participating in the Korean War where she provided naval gunfire support and screened aircraft carriers. During the Vietnam War, USS Leonard F. Mason conducted search and rescue missions, naval gunfire support, and patrolled the Gulf of Tonkin. After decades of distinguished service, she was decommissioned in 1976 and later transferred to the Hellenic Navy of Greece, where she served as HS Kalypso (D-64).

The V-5 Aviation Cadet Program was established by the United States Navy in 1935 to train young men as naval aviators. Initially, the program recruited college students and recent graduates, providing them with both academic instruction and flight training. During World War II, the V-5 program significantly expanded, producing thousands of naval pilots who served with distinction in combat operations across the Pacific and Atlantic theaters. The success of the V-5 cadets contributed greatly to Allied air superiority and the overall effectiveness of U.S. naval aviation during the war.

Attack Squadron 163 (VA-163), known as the "Saints," was a distinguished U.S. Navy attack squadron established on September 1, 1960. The squadron was based at NAS Lemoore and primarily flew the A-4 Skyhawk. VA-163 saw extensive combat during the Vietnam War, conducting numerous strike missions from aircraft carriers such as USS Oriskany. The squadron endured heavy action, including significant losses during Operation Rolling Thunder, and was disestablished on April 1, 1971.

VA-873, also known as Attack Squadron 873, was a United States Navy reserve attack squadron established during the Korean War era. The squadron was activated in July 1950 in response to increased military needs and was primarily equipped with the Douglas AD Skyraider attack aircraft. VA-873 conducted training and operational missions, preparing for carrier-based strike operations and supporting fleet exercises. The squadron was deactivated in February 1959 as part of a postwar restructuring of naval aviation forces.

Attack Squadron 23 (VA-23), known as the “Black Knights,” was a United States Navy attack squadron established in 1949. Originally designated as VF-653, it was redesignated as VA-23 in 1959 and operated various aircraft, including the A-4 Skyhawk. The squadron participated in significant Cold War and Vietnam War operations, providing close air support and strike missions from aircraft carriers in the Pacific Fleet. VA-23 was deactivated on 1 April 1970, after over two decades of distinguished service.

Attack Squadron 822 (VA-822) was a U.S. Navy Reserve attack squadron established on July 1, 1966, during the Vietnam War era. The squadron was based at Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Florida, and primarily flew the A-4 Skyhawk attack aircraft. VA-822 was activated as part of the increasing demand for carrier-based attack squadrons to support operations in Southeast Asia. The unit was deactivated relatively quickly, on August 2, 1968, as the need for reserve squadrons diminished.

Strike Fighter Squadron 205 (VA-205), known as the "Green Falcons," was a U.S. Navy Reserve attack squadron established on July 1, 1970, at Naval Air Station Atlanta, Georgia. The squadron initially flew the A-4 Skyhawk before transitioning to the A-7 Corsair II in the mid-1970s. VA-205 participated in numerous training exercises and provided vital support to fleet operations, maintaining high readiness as part of the Naval Air Reserve Force. The squadron was redesignated as VFA-205 in 1989, reflecting its transition to the F/A-18 Hornet, before its disestablishment on December 31, 1994.

Attack Squadron 861 (VA-861) was a United States Navy Reserve attack squadron based at Naval Air Station Norfolk (NAS NORVA), Virginia. Established during the Cold War era, the squadron flew various attack aircraft, including the A-4 Skyhawk, as part of the Naval Air Reserve Force. VA-861 supported fleet readiness through training and participated in numerous exercises and operational deployments. The squadron contributed to the Navy's ability to rapidly augment active forces during crises before its eventual deactivation as part of reserve force restructuring.

**Heavy Attack Squadron Eight (VAH-8)** was established in 1957 at **NAS Whidbey Island**, Washington, as part of the U.S. Navy’s growing fleet of heavy attack units equipped with the A-3 Skywarrior. The squadron’s primary mission was long-range nuclear strike and maritime reconnaissance during the height of the Cold War. **Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron Thirteen (VAW-13)**, stationed at **NAS Alameda**, California, was commissioned in 1956 and became the Navy’s first dedicated electronic countermeasures squadron, flying specially modified EA-1F Skyraiders and later EKA-3B Skywarriors. Both units played vital roles in advancing naval aviation’s strike and electronic warfare capabilities, with VAW-13 providing critical jamming and electronic support during the Vietnam War before being redesignated as VAQ-130 in 1968.

VAH-9 (Heavy Attack Squadron 9) was established by the U.S. Navy in January 1953, originally flying the AJ-2 Savage and later transitioning to the A-3B Skywarrior, specializing in long-range nuclear attack missions during the Cold War. In 1964, the unit was redesignated as RVAH-9 (Reconnaissance Attack (Heavy) Squadron 9) and transitioned to the RA-5C Vigilante, shifting its focus to high-speed, carrier-based photographic reconnaissance. RVAH-9 participated in key operations during the Vietnam War, providing critical aerial intelligence and battle damage assessment for naval and joint forces. The squadron continued its reconnaissance missions into the late 1970s before being disestablished in September 1977 as the RA-5C was retired from Navy service.

**VAJ-911** was a fictional United States Navy aviation unit reportedly designated as a Heavy Attack Squadron (Reconnaissance), with the "VAJ" prefix indicating its mission set. While no historical records confirm VAJ-911's actual existence, such a designation would have placed the unit within the Navy's heavy attack and reconnaissance community during the Cold War, likely flying aircraft such as the A-3 Skywarrior or similar platforms. Units like VAJ-911 would have been tasked with long-range strike, electronic warfare, and photo-reconnaissance missions in support of fleet operations. The squadron's hypothetical history would include deployments aboard aircraft carriers, participation in major exercises, and integration with both naval and joint forces for strategic reconnaissance tasks.

VAP-63, or Heavy Photographic Squadron 63, was a U.S. Navy reconnaissance unit established in 1952. Originally formed as VJ-63, the squadron was redesignated as VAP-63 in 1956, specializing in aerial photographic reconnaissance and mapping. The unit operated aircraft such as the AJ-2P Savage and A3D-2P Skywarrior, supporting both fleet operations and intelligence gathering during the Cold War era. VAP-63 was based at NAS Whidbey Island, Washington, and remained active until its disestablishment in 1969.

Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 128 (VAW-128), known as the "Golden Hawks," was a United States Navy squadron established in September 1967. Flying the E-2 Hawkeye, VAW-128 provided airborne early warning, command and control, and surveillance capabilities to carrier strike groups. The squadron participated in numerous deployments, supporting operations such as Desert Storm, Southern Watch, and Enduring Freedom. After decades of distinguished service, VAW-128 was deactivated on September 30, 2005, as part of a Navy restructuring effort.

VAW-13 (Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 13) was a U.S. Navy airborne early warning squadron established in 1956 and based at Naval Air Station Alameda, California. The unit flew aircraft such as the Grumman WF-2 (later E-1B) Tracer, providing radar surveillance and early warning capabilities to carrier battle groups in the Pacific Fleet. VAW-13 played a significant role during the Vietnam War, deploying detachments aboard multiple aircraft carriers to support combat operations and improve fleet air defense. In 1967, the squadron was disestablished and its mission was taken over by newly formed VAW-111, continuing the legacy of airborne early warning in the U.S. Navy.

Fighter Squadron Composite 33 (VC-33), also known as the "Nighthawks," was a United States Navy composite squadron established during World War II. Formed in 1943, VC-33 initially operated aboard escort carriers in the Atlantic, conducting anti-submarine warfare and convoy protection against German U-boats. After the war, the squadron transitioned to night fighter and airborne early warning missions, flying aircraft such as the Grumman TBM Avenger and later the Douglas AD Skyraider. VC-33 played a key role in developing naval night operations before being redesignated as VAW-33 in 1956.

VF-45, known as the "Blackbirds," was a U.S. Navy Fighter Squadron based at Naval Air Station Key West, Florida. Established in 1963, VF-45 primarily functioned as an adversary unit, providing realistic air combat training to fleet squadrons in the Atlantic and Caribbean regions. The squadron operated a variety of aircraft over the years, including the F-5 Tiger II and the F-16N Fighting Falcon, simulating potential enemy tactics during training exercises. VF-45 was disestablished in 1996 as part of broader post-Cold War restructuring within the Navy.

Strike Fighter Squadron 303 (VFA-303), originally established as Attack Squadron VA-303 in 1970, was a United States Navy Reserve squadron known as the "Golden Hawks." Based at NAS Alameda, California, the squadron initially flew the A-4 Skyhawk before transitioning to the A-7 Corsair II and later the F/A-18 Hornet, reflecting evolving Navy strike capabilities. VFA-303 participated in numerous training exercises, fleet support missions, and annual deployments, providing valuable combat-ready augmentation to active-duty forces. The squadron was deactivated in 1994 as part of Navy Reserve force reductions following the end of the Cold War.

VFP-61, known as "Eyes of the Fleet," was a United States Navy photographic reconnaissance squadron established in 1949 as Composite Squadron SIXTY-ONE (VC-61) before being redesignated as VFP-61 in 1956. The squadron operated primarily from aircraft carriers, providing critical photographic intelligence during the Korean War and throughout the Cold War era. VFP-61 flew various aircraft, most notably the RF-8 Crusader, which excelled in high-speed, low-level reconnaissance missions. The unit was disestablished in January 1971, marking the end of its distinguished service in naval reconnaissance operations.

Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 533 (VMFA-533), known as the "Hawks," was originally commissioned in 1943 as VMSB-533 during World War II, flying SBD Dauntless dive bombers in the Pacific Theater. The squadron saw significant combat, participating in campaigns such as the Battle of Okinawa. Over the decades, VMFA-533 transitioned through several aircraft, including the A-6 Intruder and F-4 Phantom II, before adopting the F/A-18 Hornet. The squadron has participated in operations such as Desert Storm and continues to serve as a key Marine Corps aviation asset, providing multi-role fighter and attack capabilities.

Patrol Squadron 65 (VP-65), known as the “Tridents,” was a U.S. Navy Reserve patrol squadron established on November 1, 1970, at Naval Air Station Point Mugu, California. The squadron operated a variety of maritime patrol aircraft, including the P-2 Neptune and later the P-3 Orion, conducting anti-submarine warfare, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions. VP-65 participated in numerous exercises and deployments, supporting both national defense and NATO operations. The squadron was disestablished on March 31, 2006, as part of the Navy Reserve Force restructuring.

Patrol Squadron 881 (VP-881) was a United States Navy Reserve patrol squadron established during the early Cold War era. Originally activated on 1 November 1950, VP-881 was mobilized for service during the Korean War, conducting maritime patrol, anti-submarine warfare, and reconnaissance missions. The squadron operated aircraft such as the P2V Neptune, providing vital surveillance and protection for naval operations in the Pacific. On 4 February 1953, VP-881 was redesignated as VP-21, continuing its legacy as an integral part of U.S. maritime patrol forces.

Patrol Squadron 934 (VP-934) was a U.S. Navy Reserve patrol squadron established on 15 November 1946 at Naval Air Station Willow Grove, Pennsylvania. It was equipped with PBY-5A Catalina and later P4Y-2 Privateer patrol aircraft, conducting maritime patrol and anti-submarine warfare training during the early years of the Cold War. The squadron supported fleet operations and participated in various exercises along the U.S. East Coast. On 1 February 1953, VP-934 was redesignated as VP-64, continuing its legacy within the Naval Air Reserve Force.

Patrol Squadron 71G (VP-71G) was a Naval Reserve patrol squadron based at NAS Alameda, California, during the post-World War II era. As a reserve unit, VP-71G operated primarily maritime patrol aircraft, including variants of the PBY Catalina and later the Lockheed PV-2 Harpoon, focusing on anti-submarine warfare, reconnaissance, and coastal defense missions. The squadron provided vital training and readiness support to maintain naval aviation capabilities during the early years of the Cold War. VP-71G played a key role in integrating reserve aviators into the Navy’s operational framework before being disestablished or redesignated as part of broader reserve reorganization efforts in the 1950s.