The numbers of the VF, VFA, VA squadrons etc, do they duplicate? So there could e a VF-1, VA-1, VFA-1 etc.
Or can they change? Eg, could VF-1 Wolfpack become VFA-1 Wolfpack?
Just I have some VMFA decals that I want to use on a potential VMA subject - can I just cut the F out and retain the same squadron identity?
A lot of the VFs have transitioned to VFA because of the change from Tomcats to SuperHornets,VF-2 to VFA-2 is one I know of. Not sure about the rest. I personal can't remember ever seeing any duplicate # for VMFAs VAs, VPs, VAWs, etc.......
Eddie
In the past, each squadron classification ignored whatever squadrons of other classes had. For example, there's an active VP-1 that was around when VF-1 was active.
Here's a somewhat dubious list of active Navy squadrons for cross referencing (it's on Wikipedia, which isn't always accurate):
Wkipedia's US Navy units (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_units_of_the_United_States_Navy)
And here's a Squadron Lineage PDF from the US Navy itself:
USN Squadron Lineage (http://www.history.navy.mil/avh-vol1/Appendx6.pdf)
Actually, I think you might find this entire directory interesting (they're missing Chapter 2 which is the VFA squadrons chapter):
Dictionary of American Naval Aviation Squadrons (http://www.history.navy.mil/avh-vol1/)
And the above two links are hosted at the Naval Historical Center (http://www.history.navy.mil/) home page.
Most VMFA squadrons were originally VMF squadrons up until the 50's and 60's. Some of the Harrier VMA squadrons started out life as VMF's in WWII, so I guess you could just cut out the F and have the same thing.
EDIT: Did some quick clicking at the Naval Historical Center page, and found these:
Dictionary of American Naval Aviation Squadrons Volume 1 The History of VA, VAH, VAK, VAL, VAP and VFA Squadrons (http://www.history.navy.mil/branches/dictvol1.htm)
Dictionary of American Naval Aviation Squadrons Volume 2 The History of VP, VPB, VP(H) and VP(AM) Squadrons (http://www.history.navy.mil/branches/dictvol2.htm)
Dare I presume everyone's familiar with the interpretation of USN/USMC squadron designations?
First letter: V - Heavier than air (supposedly another letter would show up here if they ever again operate lighter-than-air vehicles)
Secone letter (if present): M - Marines (obviously)
Third & subsequent letters: F-fighter, A-attack, Q-electronic warfare, P-patrol, U- utility, C- composite, etc.
So, obviously, you could have both a VF-1 and a VP-1 with no problem.
Then what does O stand for as in VAO-138 Yellowjackets? Is it another version of electronic warfare, cuz that is what it is under on wikipedia.
QuoteThen what does O stand for as in VAO-138 Yellowjackets? Is it another version of electronic warfare, cuz that is what it is under on wikipedia.
Its VAQ-138 and they are based out of Whidbey Island...just to north of where I am. Wikipedia has it wrong..surprise, surprise.
As Evan pointed out, the "Q" is for Electronic Countermeasures and is actually a throwback to the pre-1962 aircraft nomenclature system when the "Q" was used as part of the aircraft designation as in AD-3Q.
Cheers, Jon
The Marines flew OV-10 Broncos with VMAO-???. Could the 'O' therefore be shorthand for 'Observation' ??
Ian
I would imagine so.
QuoteThe numbers of the VF, VFA, VA squadrons etc, do they duplicate?
Just I have some VMFA decals that I want to use on a potential VMA subject - can I just cut the F out and retain the same squadron identity?
As far as VF, VA, and VFA Navy squadrons go, there should be no duplication of squadron numbers in the post-Korea era, between these different, carrier based classes.
I also believe each Marine squadron number is unique and can be transferred if the squadron is reroled. Ie, VMF-214 to VMA-214 but still the Black Sheep.
QuoteThe Marines flew OV-10 Broncos with VMAO-???. Could the 'O' therefore be shorthand for 'Observation' ??
Ian
The Marine OV-10 units were all VMO. The lone Navy unit was designated VAL.
QuoteFirst letter: V - Heavier than air (supposedly another letter would show up here if they ever again operate lighter-than-air vehicles)
Z is lighter than air.