U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps Aircraft Squadron Designations

Last updated

VAW-120, designation for the Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 120, is prominently displayed on this E-2C Hawkeye. US Navy 040213-N-4768W-003 Final Checker flight deck personal give final clearance to launch an E-2C Hawkeye assigned to the Greyhawks of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron One Two Zero (VAW-120).jpg
VAW-120, designation for the Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 120, is prominently displayed on this E-2C Hawkeye.

The U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps have a well-defined set of principles that govern the designations given to their aircraft squadrons. This designation system was introduced in 1922 and, although there have been changes and additions to it over time, the system as a whole is still in use to present day.

Contents

Basic Principles

The U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps squadron designation comprises a combination of letters and numerals, each having a precise meaning. From left to right, the designation includes the following three components: [1]

Thus, for example, VP-1 is the designator for Patrol Squadron One, where the "V" stands for Heavier-than-Air and the class letter "P" stands for Patrol, while ZP-1 is the designator for Airship Patrol Squadron One, with the "Z" indicating Lighter-than-Air.

Two or more class letters may follow the "V". In such designators the following letters usually narrow down the class specified by the preceding one: for example, VAH-1 stands for Heavy Attack Squadron One. There are exceptions to this rule, however. In a designation like VAW-123, the "AW" is to be treated as an unbreakable combination that signifies Airborne Early Warning and has nothing to do with "A" for Attack.

What follows is a list of designations that have been used or are in use by actual squadrons of the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps. [2]

U.S. Navy - List of Fixed Wing Squadron Designations

DesignatorFull NameNotes
VAAttack SquadronThis designation first came into use in 1945, with carrier-based bomber (VB) and torpedo bomber (VT) squadrons being re-classified as attack squadrons. It was discontinued with the retirement of the Grumman A-6 Intruder in 1997.
VA(AW)All Weather Attack SquadronThe Navy employed this designator for squadrons equipped with all-weather variants of the Douglas AD Skyraider. It was discontinued with the demise of the wide-body Skyraiders from the Navy inventory, and squadrons equipped with newer all-weather attack aircraft such as Grumman A-6 Intruder received "plain" VA designators.
VAHHeavy Attack SquadronThis designator was first given in the 1950s to former composite (VC) squadrons flying the North American AJ Savage. VAH squadrons existed until the early 1970s.
VA(HM)Heavy Attack (Mining) SquadronThe Navy employed this designator in the 1950s for a very small number of Lockheed P2V Neptune units specifically tasked with minelaying duties.
VAKTactical Aerial Refueling SquadronThis designator was only used for a very short time by a small number of reserve units flying the Douglas KA-3B Skywarrior tanker variant. The majority of squadrons flying the KA-3B tankers did so while still being designated Heavy Attack Squadrons, and squadrons flying other types of tanker-capable aircraft such as the Grumman KA-6D Intruder did so without any change in designation.
VALLight Attack SquadronOnly one squadron has ever carried this designation, VAL-4 flying the North American OV-10 Bronco aircraft between 1969 and 1972.
VAPHeavy Photographic SquadronThis designator was instituted in the early 1950s for photo-reconnaissance squadrons equipped with heavy carrier-capable aircraft such as the North American AJ-2P Savage. It was discontinued with the demise of the last photo reconnaissance Douglas RA-3B Skywarriors in the early 1970s.
VAQTactical Electronic Warfare SquadronThis designator was instituted upon the introduction of the Douglas EKA-3B Skywarrior variant in the late 1960s. Before that, dedicated electronic warfare assets have been part of composite (VC) or early warning (VAW) squadrons.
VAQElectronic Attack SquadronIn early 1998 the VAQ designation was changed from "Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron" to "Electronic Attack Squadron".
VAWCarrier Airborne Early Warning SquadronThis designator was first given in the late 1950s to former composite (VC) squadrons flying the Douglas AD-5W Skyraider. Since then all airborne early warning units were designated as VAW.
VBBombing SquadronCarrier-based bomber squadrons, designated as VB, first appeared in the early 1920s. After the end of the World War II all remaining VB units were re-designated as attack squadrons (VA).
VBFFighter-Bomber SquadronAlthough most World War II era carrier-based fighter units have routinely performed ground attack missions, some squadrons have been specifically designated as VBF during the course of war. VBF designation was discontinued after the war, and until the introduction of the McDonnell-Douglas F/A-18 Hornet the Navy squadrons flying tactical fighters have carried out ground attack duties while being designated VF.
VCComposite SquadronThere have been several waves of composite squadrons in the U.S. Navy.

From 1942 until 1945 the VC designation was assigned to squadrons that comprised fighter and bomber aircraft and flew from escort carriers. All such units were disestablished with the post-war mothballing of escort carriers.

The second wave, starting from 1945 and until the late 1950s, consisted of large units that provided detachments of specialized night attack, heavy attack, photographic reconnaissance, electronic warfare and airborne early warning aircraft to active carriers. Many such detachments later transformed into dedicated VA(AW), VAH, VFP, VAP and VAW squadrons.

The third wave, between the 1960s and the 1980s, were former utility (VU) squadrons that performed various non-combat support duties such as target towing and specialized training.

VC(N)Night Development SquadronA one of a kind designation that was in use during the late 1940s by units responsible for the development and evaluation of night-time flying tactics and equipment.
VCPComposite Photographic SquadronFor a brief period of time in the 1950s this designation was given to heavy (VAP) and light (VFP) photographic reconnaissance squadrons, but they soon reverted to their original designations.
VCSCruiser Scouting SquadronSquadrons of this type were formed in the late 1930s to provide scout floatplanes for the Navy's cruisers. This designation was discontinued upon the end of World War II.
VDPhotographic SquadronPhotographic squadrons have probably undergone more re-designations than any other single type of squadron in the Navy. The VD designation was in use during the World War II years, to be replaced with VJ after the war.
VFFighter SquadronThis is one of the oldest aircraft squadron designators in the Navy, in use since the early 1920s and until 2006 when it was discontinued with the retirement of the Grumman F-14 Tomcat.
VFAFighter Attack SquadronThe Navy instituted this designation on 13 November 1980 upon the introduction of the McDonnell-Douglas F/A-18 Hornet.
VFAStrike Fighter SquadronOn 25 March 1983 the VFA designated squadrons were changed from "Fighter Attack Squadron" to "Strike Fighter Squadron".
VF(AW)All Weather Fighter SquadronThe Navy used this designator for a short period of time between the mid 1950s and the early 1960s. With all new tactical fighters being radar-equipped and thus all-weather capable (at least in theory), this designator was deemed to be redundant and was discontinued.
VFCFighter Squadron, CompositeIntroduced in the late 1980s when several former composite (VC) squadrons were thus re-designated to reflect their adversary fighter training role.
VF(N)Night Fighter SquadronVF(N) designator was instituted during the World War II years for squadrons composed of radar-equipped fighters. In the mid-1950s this designation was discontinued in favor of the VF(AW) variant to reflect the true all-weather role of newer radar-equipped aircraft.
VFPLight Photographic SquadronThe VFP designator was assigned to squadrons equipped with photo reconnaissance variants of carrier-capable tactical fighter aircraft. First introduced in the late 1940s, it was discontinued with the demise of the Vought RF-8G Crusader in the 1980s.
VGFAuxiliary Fighting SquadronIn use in 1942-1943 to designate fighter squadrons assigned for service on the first escort carriers of the U.S. Navy. VGF squadrons were redesignated VF in 1943.
VGSAuxiliary Scouting SquadronIn use in 1942-1943 to designate scouting squadrons assigned for service on the first escort carriers of the U.S. Navy. VGS squadrons were redesignated VC in 1943.
VJUtility SquadronBetween the 1920s and 1945 the VJ designator was assigned to squadrons tasked with support duties such as liaison, logistics and target towing.
VJPhotographic SquadronFor a brief period between 1945 and 1950 the VJ designator was used by squadrons flying land-based photo reconnaissance aircraft.
VNTraining SquadronVN was the designation in use for dedicated training squadrons until 1945 when it was replaced with VT.
VOObservation SquadronVO squadrons comprised cruiser- and battleship-based observation floatplanes. The designation was discontinued due to retirement of observation floatplanes from the Navy inventory in the late 1940s, but was briefly re-instituted in 1967-1968 for VO-67, a special-purpose squadron flying the Lockheed OP-2E Neptune intelligence-gathering aircraft.
VOFObservation Fighter SquadronA short-lived designator that was in use during the second half of the World War II for a small number of stateside units.
VPPatrol SquadronThis is one of the oldest aircraft squadron designators in the Navy, in use since the early 1920s until today.
VP(AM)Amphibious Patrol SquadronThis designation was assigned in 1946 to those of the patrol (VP) squadrons that flew amphibious aircraft. The uniform VP designator was re-instituted in 1948.
VP(HL)Heavy Patrol SquadronThis designation was assigned in 1946 to those of the patrol (VP) squadrons that flew heavy landplane types. The uniform VP designator was re-instituted in 1948.
VP(HS)Heavy Seaplane SquadronThis designation was assigned in 1946 to those of the patrol (VP) squadrons that flew heavy seaplanes. The uniform VP designator was re-instituted in 1948.
VP(ML)Medium Patrol SquadronThis designation was assigned in 1946 to those of the patrol (VP) squadrons that flew medium landplane types. The uniform VP designator was re-instituted in 1948.
VP(MS)Medium Seaplane SquadronThis designation was assigned in 1946 to those of the patrol (VP) squadrons that flew medium seaplanes. The uniform VP designator was re-instituted in 1948.
VPBPatrol Bombing SquadronIn use during the World War II years to designate land-based bomber units.
VPUSpecial Projects Patrol SquadronA designator assigned to intelligence gathering units flying specially modified P-3 Orions since the late 1960s. VPU units are one of the most obscure in the Navy, as their operations are typically clandestine and classified.
VQFleet Air Reconnaissance SquadronThis designator was instituted in the 1950s for use by squadrons flying highly specialized SIGINT, ELINT and communications relay aircraft.
VRFleet Logistics Support SquadronThe mission of VR squadrons is to transport cargo and personnel. At present, this designation is assigned to units that fly landplanes, while the squadrons that fly COD (Carrier Onboard Delivery) aircraft are designated VRC.
VRCFleet Logistics Support SquadronSince the 1960s this designation is reserved for logistics squadrons that fly specialized COD aircraft.
VR(F)Ferry SquadronThis designator is no longer in use.
VSScouting SquadronFirst instituted in the early 1920s, the scouting squadron designator was in use until the end of the World War II.
VSAir Anti-Submarine SquadronThis designation first came into use in the early 1950s with the forming of dedicated carrier-based anti-submarine warfare squadrons.
VSSea Control SquadronIn 1993 the VS designation was changed to "Sea Control" [3] to more accurately describe the capabilities of the VS squadrons in both anti-submarine warfare and anti-surface warfare. It was discontinued with the retirement of the Lockheed S-3 Viking in 2009.
VTTorpedo Bombing SquadronCarrier-based torpedo bomber squadrons, designated as VT, first appeared in the early 1920s. After the end of the World War II all such units were re-designated as attack squadrons (VA).
VTTraining SquadronThis designation has been in use for dedicated training squadrons since 1 May 1960 and is still in use today.
VT(N)Night Torpedo Bombing SquadronVT(N) designator was instituted during the World War II years for those of the torpedo bomber squadrons that were specifically dedicated to night-time attacks. This designation was discontinued after the end of the war.
VUUtility SquadronVU designation was assigned between the 1920s and the 1960s to squadrons tasked various non-combat duties, including liaison, light transport and target towing.
VUPUnmanned Patrol SquadronThis squadron designation was instituted in anticipation of the introduction of the MQ-4C Triton unmanned aerial vehicle into operational service. The first such squadron, VUP-19, was commissioned in October 2016.
VWAirborne Early Warning SquadronVW designation was assigned in the 1950s to land-based early warning squadrons. It was discontinued with the retirement of the Lockheed EC-121 Warning Star from the Navy inventory.
VWWeather Reconnaissance SquadronWeather Reconnaissance Squadron Four had been flying WC-121 Super Constellations as "Hurricane Hunter" aircraft for many years until 1972 when they transitioned to the WP-3A Orion. The WP-3 was subsequently adopted by NOAA as the WP-3D. VW-4 was disestablished in 1975 and the Navy's four WP-3A aircraft were subsequently converted to VP-3A or RP-3A for other missions.
VXAir Development Squadron, Air Test and Evaluation SquadronSquadrons bearing this designation are responsible for the operational testing and evaluation of new aircraft types, weapons, tactics and techniques.
VXEAntarctic Deployment SquadronA one of a kind designation that was in use between 1969 and 1999 by VXE-6 dedicated to support of operations and research in the Antarctica.
VXNOceanographic Development SquadronA one of a kind designation that was in use between 1965 and 1993 by VXN-8 dedicated to oceanographic research.
VXSScientific Development SquadronA one of a kind designation in use by VXS-1, a squadron tasked with support of a wide range of scientific research projects.
RVAHReconnaissance Attack (Heavy) SquadronThis designation was assigned to squadrons flying the North American RA-5C Vigilante reconnaissance aircraft between 1964 and 1979.

As a squadron designator, RVAH violates the established USN naming conventions: no "class" letter is supposed to go in front of the "V". To conform to the then existing squadrons tasked with the same type of mission, the designator should have been VAP (Heavy Photographic Squadron).

RVAWReadiness Carrier Airborne Early Warning SquadronFor a short period of time this designation was assigned to carrier airborne early warning (VAW) units acting as Fleet Replacement Squadrons.

Curiously, other types of fleet replacement squadrons (such as VA, VAQ, VFA, VS, etc.) did not get the "R" added to their designations.

Between 1927 and 1937 suffix letters (or assignment letters) were in use to indicate Fleet or Force assignments of a particular squadron.

Thus, for example, VF-1B stood for Fighter Squadron One, attached to Battle Fleet.

The full list of pre-war suffix letters is as follows: [4]

Suffix LetterNotes
ASquadron attached to Asiatic Fleet
BSquadron attached to Battle Fleet
DSquadron assigned to a Naval District; the "D" in this case is followed by district number (e.g. VN-1D8 is for Training Squadron One, Naval District Eight)
FSquadron attached to Base Force
RReserve Squadron
SSquadron attached to Scouting Fleet

A brief resurgence of suffix letters in the Navy squadron designators was seen between 1946 and 1948.

The following suffix letters were in use during that period: [5]

Suffix LetterNotes
ASquadron attached to Attack Carrier Air Group
BSquadron attached to Battle Carrier Air Group
BFor use by Observation Squadrons attached to Battleship Force
CFor use by Observation Squadron attached to Cruiser Force
ESquadron attached to Escort Carrier Air Group
LSquadron attached to Light Carrier Air Group

In 1948 the use of suffix letters in squadron designators was discontinued.

U.S. Navy - List of Lighter-than-Air Squadron Designations

The following designations for Lighter-than-Air squadron were in use: [6]

DesignatorFull NameNotes
ZJAirship Utility SquadronFirst established in 1944, airship utility squadrons were responsible for non-combat support tasks such as photography, calibration and torpedo recovery.
ZPAirship Patrol SquadronZP squadrons were established to carry out patrol, ASW and convoy escort duties. The designation was discontinued in 1961 with the retirement of airships from the active Navy inventory.
ZWAirship Early Warning SquadronEstablished in 1956, ZW squadrons were responsible for all-weather airborne early warning services to fleet forces and shore warning nets as a part of the AEW barrier system. Discontinued in 1961.
ZXAirship Development SquadronEstablished in 1950, responsibilities of ZX squadrons included operational testing and evaluation of new airship equipment, weapons and systems. Discontinued in 1957.

U.S. Navy - List of Rotary Wing and Tiltrotor Squadron Designations

DesignatorFull NameNotes
HA(L)Helicopter Attack Squadron (Light)Only three squadrons have ever carried this designation, HA(L)-3 flying the Bell UH-1 Huey helicopter between 1967 and 1972, and HA(L)-4 and HA(L)-5 which flew the HH-1K Huey beginning in the late 1970s until they transitioned to the HH-60H Seahawk and were redesignated HCS squadrons.
HCHelicopter Combat Support SquadronThis designation was in use between the 1960s and the 2000s. HC squadrons were tasked with a wide variety of duties such as rescue (including combat search and rescue), carrier onboard delivery, liaison, light transport, Vertical Replenishment (VERTREP) and range service.
HCSHelicopter Combat Support Squadron SpecialThis designation was in use between 1988 and 2006. HA(L)-4 and HA(L)-5 were redesignated HCS-4 and HCS-5 when they transitioned to the HH-60H Seahawk.
HCTHelicopter Combat Support Training SquadronA one of a kind designation that was in use between 1974 and 1977 by HCT-16. The mission of this squadron was to provide helicopter search and rescue and plane guard service for the training aircraft carrier USS Lexington and overall SAR coverage for the Pensacola Naval air training complex.
HMHelicopter Mine Countermeasures SquadronInstituted in the 1970s, this designation was assigned to the specialized minesweeping units. Historically, HM squadrons are flying the heaviest helicopter types in the Navy inventory and are thus tasked with logistics and carrier onboard delivery duties as well.
HSHelicopter Anti-Submarine SquadronHS designation for the rotary wing ASW squadrons was instituted in the early 1950s. It was discontinued with the retirement of the aircraft carrier based SH-60F Seahawk and the transition of those squadrons to the mulit-mission MH-60S Seahawk.
HSCHelicopter Sea Combat SquadronThis designation was instituted in the 2000s to emphasize multi-role capabilities of the former carrier based ASW HS squadrons and VERTREP HC squadrons as they transitioned from the SH-60F Seahawk and the H-46 Sea Knight respectively to the MH-60S Seahawk .
HSLHelicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron LightHSL designation was instituted in the early 1970s upon the introduction of the ASW variant of the Kaman Seasprite helicopter into the Navy inventory. It was discontinued in the 2000s when the HSL squadrons flying the SH-60B Seahawk transitioned to the MH-60R Seahawk and were redesignated HSM.
HSMHelicopter Maritime Strike SquadronThis designation was instituted in the 2000s upon the introduction of the Sikorsky MH-60R Seahawk multi-purpose helicopter into the fleet service.
HTHelicopter Training SquadronThis designation has been in use for dedicated training squadrons since the 1950s and is still in use today.
HUHelicopter Utility SquadronThis is one of the oldest rotary wing squadron designators in the Navy, in use since 1948 and into the 1960s. Helicopter utility squadrons were typically tasked with such duties as rescue, plane guard, liaison and light transport.
HXAir Test and Evaluation SquadronSquadrons bearing this designation are responsible for the operational testing and evaluation of new helicopter types, weapons, tactics and techniques.
VRMFleet Logistics Multi-Mission SquadronFirst VRM squadron designated 14 December 2018 for CMV-22 Osprey (tilt-rotor) COD transition from the C-2 COD (fixed wing) aircraft.

U.S. Marine Corps - List of Fixed Wing Squadron Designations

Squadron designations between 1920 and 1937:

DesignatorFull Name
VFFighter Squadron
VJUtility Squadron
VOObservation Squadron
VPPatrol Squadron
VSScouting Squadron

During that period of time a squadron of the Marine Corps could be distinguished from a Navy squadron by a suffix letter "M". [7]

Thus, VF-2M stood for Marine Fighter Squadron Two, VO-8M stood for Marine Observation Squadron Eight, and so forth.

In 1937 the suffix letters in squadron designators were discontinued, and the letter "M" signifying the Marine Corps was moved into a fixed place after the "V". Designations of all existing Marine squadrons were changed accordingly: e.g., VF-2M became VMF-2.

Squadron designations after 1937:

DesignatorFull NameNotes
VMAMarine Attack SquadronVMA designation was introduced after the World War II for use by Marine Corps squadrons dedicated to ground attack mission. Today VMA squadrons fly the AV-8B Harrier.
VMA(AW)Marine All-Weather Attack SquadronThis designator was instituted with the introduction of the Grumman A-6 Intruder all-weather attack bomber into the Marine Corps Aviation in 1966 and was discontinued in 1993 with its retirement.
VMAQMarine Tactical Electronic Warfare SquadronIn the mid-1970s, the Marine Corps composite community was reorganized and split into tactical electronic warfare (VMAQ) and photographic reconnaissance (VMFP) squadrons. Today VMAQ squadrons operate Grumman EA-6B Prowler highly specialized electronic warfare aircraft.
VMAQTMarine Tactical Electronic Warfare Training SquadronVMAQT squadrons are tasked with training pilots and crews on the aircraft employed by VMAQ squadrons.
VMATMarine Attack Training SquadronVMAT squadrons are tasked with training pilots and crews on the aircraft employed by VMA squadrons.
VMBMarine Bombing SquadronMarine bombing squadrons, in existence during the World War II years, were first equipped with the Douglas SBD Dauntless and tasked with bombing missions in support of the Marine Corps units.

Starting from 1943, a number of new VMB squadrons were formed to fill the need for a long range, land based bomber that could be used against enemy shipping and submarines. These VMB squadrons operated the North American PBJ-1 Mitchell.

VMCMarine Composite SquadronMarine composite squadrons, appearing in the early 1950s, consolidated specialized night attack, electronic warfare and airborne early warning aircraft and were tasked with supporting other Marine aviation units.
VMCJMarine Composite SquadronMarine composite squadrons changed their designation from VMC to VMCJ in the late 1950s when photographic reconnaissance assets of VMJ squadrons were integrated into existing composite squadrons.

VMCJ units continued to perform electronic warfare and photographic reconnaissance tasks until the 1970s, when these two types of missions were again separated into different types of squadrons, VMAQ and VMFP respectively.

VMDMarine Photographic SquadronThe VMD designation was in use by photographic reconnaissance squadrons of the Marine Corps during the World War II years, to be replaced with VMJ after the war.
VMFMarine Fighter SquadronThis is one of the oldest squadron designator in the Marine Corps, in use until the 1970s when it was discontinued with the retirement of the Vought F-8 Crusader.
VMFAMarine Fighter Attack SquadronVMFA designation gradually came into use in the mid-1960s with the widespread introduction of the McDonnell-Douglas F-4 Phantom II fighter-bomber into squadron service. Today VMFA squadrons fly the single-seat variants of the F/A-18 Hornet and the Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning II multirole fighters.
VMFA(AW)Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack SquadronThis squadron designation was instituted upon the introduction of the McDonnell-Douglas F/A-18D Hornet into the Marine Corps inventory.
VMFATMarine Fighter Attack Training SquadronVMFAT squadrons are tasked with training pilots and crews on the aircraft employed by VMFA and VMFA(AW) squadrons.
VMF(AW)Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack SquadronThis designation was introduced in the mid-1950s to replace the earlier night fighter variant, VMF(N). While those squadrons that received the McDonnell-Douglas F-4 Phantom II in the early 1960s have quickly acquired the new Fighter Attack (VMFA) designation, the units equipped with the Vought F-8 Crusader continued to use the VMF(AW) variant well into the 1970s until the retirement of the Crusader from the Marines inventory.
VMF(N)Marine Night Fighter SquadronVMF(N) designator was instituted during the World War II years for squadrons composed of radar-equipped fighters. In the mid-1950s this designation was discontinued in favor of the VMF(AW) variant to reflect the true all-weather role of newer radar-equipped aircraft.
VMFPMarine Tactical Reconnaissance SquadronIn the mid-1970s, the Marine Corps composite community was reorganized and split into tactical electronic warfare (VMAQ) and tactical reconnaissance (VMFP) squadrons. The single resulting reconnaissance squadron, VMFP-3, operated the McDonnell-Douglas RF-4B Phantom II dedicated photo-reconnaissance variant until its demise in 1990.
VMFTMarine Fighter Training SquadronIn the past, VMFT squadrons were tasked with training pilots and crews on the aircraft employed by VMF squadrons. Today, the single existing squadron of such type, VMFT-401, provides instruction to active and reserve squadrons through dissimilar adversary combat tactics.
VMFT(AW)Marine All-Weather Fighter Training SquadronVMFT(AW) squadrons were tasked with training pilots and crews on the aircraft employed by VMF(AW) squadrons.
VMGRMarine Aerial Refueler Transport SquadronWith the introduction of the KC-130F aerial refueling variant of the Lockheed Hercules in the early 1960s, several former VMR squadrons were re-designated VMGR, and their primary mission became aerial refueling. Besides that, VMGR squadrons are tasked with providing assault transport of troops, equipment, and supplies.
VMGRTMarine Aerial Refueler Transport Training SquadronVMGRT squadrons are tasked with training pilots and crews on the aircraft employed by VMGR squadrons.
VMJMarine Utility SquadronBetween the 1937 and 1945 the VMJ designation was assigned to Marine Corps squadrons tasked with support duties such as target towing, liaison and logistics
VMJMarine Photographic SquadronMarine photographic reconnaissance squadrons were assigned this designation for a brief period between 1945 and the early 1950s when the photo reconnaissance assets were integrated into composite (VMCJ) squadrons.
VMITMarine Instrument Training SquadronThis was a short-lived designation used in the 1950s by a small number of squadrons specially tasked with instrument flight training for the Marine Corps pilots.
VMLMarine Glider SquadronIn existence between 1942 and 1943, glider squadrons were supposed to be a part of the Marine Corps glider infantry force. The program was terminated with the general disillusionment in offensive glider operations.
VMOMarine Observation SquadronAlthough initially conceived for the purpose of observation and artillery spotting, VMO squadrons performed a wide variety of tasks, including fighter, close air support, liaison, rescue and medevac missions. The designation was in use until the 1990s when it was discontinued with the retirement of the North American OV-10 Bronco.

Despite being formally assigned to the fixed wing category, VMO squadrons routinely operated helicopters throughout the 1950s and 1960s.

VMPMarine Photographic SquadronThe VMP designation was in use by photographic reconnaissance squadrons of the Marine Corps during the World War II years, to be replaced with VMJ after the war.
VMRMarine Transport SquadronThe mission of VMR squadrons is to support the Marine Corps operations with transporting personnel and cargo, medical evacuation and aerial resupply.
VMSMarine Scouting SquadronSince their inception, Marine Corps scouting squadrons normally flew the same types of light scout bomber aircraft as did their Navy VS counterparts and were tasked with scouting and bombing duties. During the World War II years the VMS designation gradually gave way to VMSB, with both disappearing after the war end.
VMSBMarine Scout Bombing SquadronMarine scout bombing squadrons, in existence during the World War II, were tasked with bombing, close air support and scouting missions. They operated the Vought SB2U Vindicator, Douglas SBD Dauntless and Curtiss SB2C Helldiver.
VMTMarine Training SquadronVMT designation was in use for the Marine Corps training squadrons until the 1960s when the Corps introduced the practice of giving specialized designations to training squadrons depending on the mission type they were training for, such as VMAT, VMFT, VMFT(AW) and so forth.
VMTBMarine Torpedo Bombing SquadronMarine torpedo bombing squadrons, in existence during the World War II, performed bombing and close air support missions. They operated the Grumman TBF Avenger torpedo bomber aircraft.
VMUMarine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle SquadronThis squadron designation was instituted in 1996, a considerable time after the widespread introduction of tactical unmanned aerial vehicles into the Marine Corps inventory has begun. The primary mission of VMU squadrons is aerial surveillance and reconnaissance in support of the Marine Corps ground troops.
VMXMarine Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron VMX-1, the only squadron in existence bearing the VMX designation, is responsible for the operational testing and evaluation of new aircraft types, weapons, tactics and techniques for the Marine Corps. It operates fixed wing, rotary wing and tiltrotor assets, depending on the current programs.

U.S. Marine Corps - List of Rotary Wing and Tiltrotor Squadron Designations

DesignatorFull NameNotes
HMAMarine Attack Helicopter SquadronThis designation was instituted in the early 1970s upon the introduction of the Bell AH-1 Cobra into the Marine Corps inventory. Later this designation was discontinued and replaced with HMLA - Light Attack Helicopter Squadron.
HMHMarine Heavy Helicopter SquadronThis designation was instituted in the early 1960s. Since then it was assigned to squadrons flying heavy transport / heavy lift helicopters such as Sikorsky CH-37 Mojave and CH-53 Sea Stallion / Super Stallion.
HMHTMarine Heavy Helicopter Training SquadronHMHT squadrons are tasked with training pilots and crews on the helicopters employed by HMH squadrons.
HMLMarine Light Helicopter SquadronInstituted in the early 1960s, this designation was assigned to squadrons flying various incarnations of the ubiquitous Bell UH-1 Huey.
HMLAMarine Light Attack Helicopter SquadronIn use since the 1980s by squadrons tasked with ground attack missions and flying various variants of the Bell AH-1.
HMLATMarine Light Attack Helicopter Training SquadronHMLAT squadrons are tasked with training pilots and crews on the helicopters employed by HMLA squadrons.
HMMMarine Medium Helicopter SquadronThis designation was instituted in the early 1960s. Since then it was assigned to squadrons flying medium helicopters such as Sikorsky UH-34 Seahorse and Boeing Vertol CH-46 Sea Knight. Light helicopters (such as the Bell UH-1 Huey) were also assigned to HMM squadrons when required.
HMMTMarine Medium Helicopter Training SquadronHMMT squadrons are tasked with training pilots and crews on the helicopters employed by HMM squadrons.
HMRMarine Helicopter Transport SquadronThis is the oldest rotary wing squadron designator in the Marine Corps, in use since 1951 and until the late 1950s by squadrons flying the Sikorsky HRS transport helicopter.
HMR(L)Marine Helicopter Transport Squadron (Light)This short-lived designation was assigned in the late 1950s to squadrons flying the Sikorsky HRS and Sikorsky HUS transport helicopters. In 1962 these units were re-designated as HMM – Medium Helicopter Squadrons.
HMR(M)Marine Helicopter Transport Squadron (Medium)This short-lived designation was assigned in the late 1950s to squadrons flying the Sikorsky HR2S heavy transport helicopter. In 1962 these units were re-designated as HMH – Heavy Helicopter Squadrons.
HMTMarine Helicopter Training SquadronA designation assigned to training squadrons operating a mix of different helicopter types (e.g. medium and heavy).
HMXMarine Helicopter SquadronA one of a kind designation carried by HMX-1, the squadron responsible for the helicopter transportation of the highest ranking government officials as well as with operational test and evaluation of new flight systems for Marine Corps helicopters.
VMMMarine Medium Tiltrotor SquadronVMM designation was instituted with the transitioning of existing Medium Helicopter Squadrons (HMM) to the new MV-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft.
VMMTMarine Medium Tiltrotor Training SquadronInstituted upon the introduction of the MV-22 Osprey, VMMT squadrons are tasked with training pilots and crews on the tiltrotor aircraft employed by VMM squadrons.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">McDonnell FH Phantom</span> Early US twinjet fighter aircraft

The McDonnell FH Phantom is a twinjet, straight-wing, carrier-based fighter aircraft designed and first flown during late World War II for the United States Navy. As a first-generation jet fighter, the Phantom was the first purely jet-powered aircraft to land on an American aircraft carrier and the first jet deployed by the United States Marine Corps. Although only 62 FH-1s were built it helped prove the viability of carrier-based jet fighters. As McDonnell's first successful fighter, it led to the development of the follow-on F2H Banshee, which was one of the two most important naval jet fighters of the Korean War; combined, the two established McDonnell as an important supplier of navy aircraft.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">McDonnell F2H Banshee</span> American carrier-based jet fighter

The McDonnell F2H Banshee is a single-seat carrier-based jet fighter aircraft designed and produced by the American aircraft manufacturer McDonnell Aircraft. It was an early jet fighter operated by United States Navy and United States Marine Corps, as well as being the only jet-powered fighter to ever be deployed by the Royal Canadian Navy. The aircraft's name is derived from the banshee of Irish mythology.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Grumman TBF Avenger</span> American naval torpedo bomber

The Grumman TBF Avenger is an American World War II-era torpedo bomber developed initially for the United States Navy and Marine Corps, and eventually used by several air and naval aviation services around the world.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Douglas SBD Dauntless</span> Scout and dive bomber aircraft

The Douglas SBD Dauntless is a World War II American naval scout plane and dive bomber that was manufactured by Douglas Aircraft from 1940 through 1944. The SBD was the United States Navy's main carrier-based scout/dive bomber from mid-1940 through mid-1944. The SBD was also flown by the United States Marine Corps, both from land air bases and aircraft carriers. The SBD is best remembered as the bomber that delivered the fatal blows to the Japanese carriers at the Battle of Midway in June 1942. The type earned its nickname "Slow But Deadly" during this period, along with a rarely-used accompanying nickname of "Furious D."

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Curtiss SBC Helldiver</span> US navy biplane

The Curtiss SBC Helldiver was a two-seat scout bomber and dive bomber built by the Curtiss-Wright Corporation. It was the last combat military biplane procured by the United States Navy. Delivered in 1937, it became obsolete even before World War II and was kept well away from combat with Axis fighters.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Grumman F3F</span> US Navy biplane

The Grumman F3F is a biplane fighter aircraft produced by the Grumman aircraft for the United States Navy during the mid-1930s. Designed as an improvement on the F2F, it entered service in 1936 as the last biplane to be delivered to any American military air arm. It was retired from front line squadrons at the end of 1941 before it could serve in World War II, and replaced by the Brewster F2A Buffalo. The F3F, which inherited the Leroy Grumman-designed retractable main landing gear configuration first used on the Grumman FF, served as the basis for a biplane design ultimately developed into the much more successful F4F Wildcat that succeeded the subpar Buffalo.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">K-class blimp</span> Class of non-rigid airships built by the Goodyear Aircraft Company for the U.S. Navy (1938-59)

The K-class blimp was a class of blimps built by the Goodyear Aircraft Company of Akron, Ohio for the United States Navy. These blimps were powered by two Pratt & Whitney Wasp nine-cylinder radial air-cooled engines, each mounted on twin-strut outriggers, one per side of the control car that hung under the envelope. Before and during World War II, 134 K-class blimps were built and configured for patrol and anti-submarine warfare operations, and were extensively used in the Navy’s anti-submarine efforts in the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean areas.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hall XPTBH</span> 1937 US experimental torpedo-bomber seaplane

The Hall XPTBH was a prototype American twin-engined seaplane, submitted to the United States Navy by the Hall Aluminum Aircraft Corporation in response to a 1934 specification for new bomber and scout aircraft. Constructed in an innovative fashion that made extensive use of aluminum, the XPTBH proved successful in flight testing, but failed to win favor with the U.S. Navy. No production contract was awarded, and the single aircraft built served in experimental duties before its destruction in a hurricane during 1938.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Carrier air wing</span> Group of aircraft units operating from an aircraft carrier

A carrier air wing is an operational naval aviation organization composed of several aircraft squadrons and detachments of various types of fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft. Organized, equipped and trained to conduct modern US Navy carrier air operations while embarked aboard aircraft carriers, the various squadrons in an air wing have different but complementary missions, and provide most of the striking power and electronic warfare capabilities of a carrier battle group (CVBG). While the CVBG term is still used by other nations, the CVBG in US parlance is now known as a carrier strike group (CSG).

From 1922 until 1962, the United States Navy, the United States Marine Corps and the United States Coast Guard used a system to designate their aircraft that included information about a craft's role and its manufacturer. For a listing of all such designations, see the list of United States Navy aircraft designations (pre-1962).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Grumman XSBF</span> 1936 US scout bomber prototype biplane

The Grumman XSBF, also known by the company designation G-14, was an American biplane scout bomber developed by Grumman Aircraft for the United States Navy during the 1930s. Derived from Grumman's successful "Fifi" fighter, the aircraft was developed at a time when the biplane was giving way to the monoplane. In competition against other aircraft it proved to possess inferior performance in its intended role, and did not enter production. The sole prototype went on to serve as a liaison aircraft, as well as being used in experiments by NACA, before being destroyed in a crash in 1939.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vought XSB3U</span> Type of aircraft

The Vought XSB3U was an American biplane scout bomber developed by Vought-Sikorsky for the United States Navy during the 1930s. Developed as an alternative to the SB2U Vindicator monoplane, the aircraft proved unsatisfactory to the Navy in comparison, and development was not pursued.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">United States military aircraft national insignia</span>

This is a listing of the nationality markings used by military aircraft of the United States, including those of the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Army and their predecessors. The Civil Air Patrol is also included for the World War II period because it engaged in combat operations which its July 1946 charter has since explicitly forbidden.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps aircraft tail codes</span>

Tail codes on the U.S. Navy aircraft are the markings that help to identify the aircraft's unit and/or base assignment. These codes comprise one or two letters or digits painted on both sides of the vertical stabilizer, on the top right and on the bottom left wings near the tip. Although located both on the vertical stabilizer and the wings from their inception in July 1945, these identification markings are commonly referred as tail codes. It is important to note that tail codes are meant to identify units and assignments, not individual aircraft. For all aircraft of the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps unique identification is provided by bureau numbers.

References

Notes

  1. Doll, Jackson, Riley 1983, p.10.
  2. Grossnick 1995, p.8-16.
  3. "Chapter 1 The Evolution of Aircraft Class and Squadron Designation Systems". www.history.navy.mil. Archived from the original on 23 January 2015.
  4. Doll, Jackson, Riley 1983, p.10.
  5. Doll, Jackson, Riley 1985, p.6.
  6. Grossnick 1986, pp.62-63, 65-66, 75.
  7. Doll, Jackson, Riley 1983, p.10.

Bibliography

  • Thomas E. Doll, Berkley R. Jackson, William A. Riley. Navy Air Colors, United States Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard Aircraft Camouflage and Markings Vol.1. Carrollton, Texas: Squadron/Signal Publications, 1983. ISBN   0-89747-143-1.
  • Thomas E. Doll, Berkley R. Jackson, William A. Riley. Navy Air Colors, United States Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard Aircraft Camouflage and Markings Vol.2. Carrollton, Texas: Squadron/Signal Publications, 1985. ISBN   0-89747-168-7.
  • Roy A. Grossnick. Dictionary of American Naval Aviation Squadrons, Volume 1. Washington, D.C: Naval Historical Center, 1995. ISBN   0-945274-29-7.
  • Michael D. Roberts. Dictionary of American Naval Aviation Squadrons, Volume 2. Washington, D.C: Naval Historical Center, 2000.
  • Roy A. Grossnick. Kite Balloons to Airships... the Navy's Lighter-than-Air Experience. Washington, D.C: Naval Air Systems Command, 1986.