VF-92 (1952–1975)

Last updated
Fighter Squadron 92
Fighter Squadron 92 (US Navy) insignia c1970.png
Active23 March 1952 – 22 December 1975
CountryFlag of the United States.svg  United States
BranchFlag of the United States Navy (official).svg  United States Navy
Role Fighter aircraft
Part ofInactive
Nickname(s)Silver Kings
Aircraft flown
Fighter F4U-4 Corsair
F9F-2 Panther
F2H-3 Banshee
F3H-2 Demon
F-4B/J Phantom II

Fighter Squadron 92, or VF-92Silver Kings was an aviation unit of the United States Navy. Originally established as VF-92 on 26 March 1952, it was redesignated VF-54 on 1 June 1962, redesignated VF-92 on 15 October 1963, it was disestablished on 12 December 1975. It was the third US Navy squadron to be designated VF-92. [1]

Contents

History

F4U-4s of VF-92 on the USS Valley Forge in 1953 F4U-4s VF-92 on USS Valley Forge (CVA-45) c1953.jpg
F4U-4s of VF-92 on the USS Valley Forge in 1953

VF-92 was established on 26 March 1952 at Naval Air Station Alameda flying the F4U-4 Corsair. The squadron first deployed on the USS Valley Forge, deploying to Hawaii and Yokosuka Japan. It operated off the coast of Korea from 3 January until 25 June 1953 conducting ground attack operations. [2] : 409  In July 1953 the squadron returned to Alameda to transition to the F9F-2 Panther. In January 1954 the squadron was embarked on the USS Philippine Sea on a WestPac cruise. The Korean Cease Fire occurred while the carrier was transiting from Pearl Harbor and Yokosuka, Japan. It was decided to determine the effect of hot weather on jet operations and the carrier on which the squadron was embarked was directed to Manila Bay and conduct operations in the South China Sea. The tour was extended 3 months when the USS Boxer lost a propeller shaft on sea trials coming out of repairs. Ens. James Christensen was lost off the coast of Japan training flight because of a flame out in level flight.[ citation needed ]

An F2H-3 of VF-92 in flight in 1959 F2H-3 Banshee of VF-92 in flight c1959.jpg
An F2H-3 of VF-92 in flight in 1959
An F-3B of VF-92 in 1963 F-3B Demon of VF-92 parked c1963.jpg
An F-3B of VF-92 in 1963

In mid-1959 the squadron transitioned to the F3H Demon. In February 1960 the squadron deployed on the USS Ranger as part of Carrier Air Wing Nine and departed for a WestPac cruise. [2] : 375  In 1963 the squadron transitioned to the F-4B Phantom II and deployed on the USS Ranger from 5 August 1964 to 6 May 1965. [2] : 415 

Vietnam

An F-4B of VF-92 landing on USS Enterprise in 1968 F-4B VF-92 landing on USS Enterprise (CVAN-65) 1968.jpg
An F-4B of VF-92 landing on USS Enterprise in 1968

The squadron deployed from Miramar Naval Air Station in San Diego on the USS Enterprise from 26 October 1965 to 21 June 1966. [2] : 417  On 29 December 1965, F-4B #151412 was hit by enemy fire during Operation Barrel Roll and crashed in Mu Gia Pass. The Pilot, CDR Edgar A. Rawsthorne [3] (Commander, VF-92), and his radar intercept officer, LT Arthur S. Hill, [4] were both killed; their bodies were not recovered. [5] [6] On 18 February 1966, F-4B, #152297 was hit by enemy fire and crashed in Thanh Hóa Province, the pilot LTJG James Ruffin [7] was killed while the radar intercept officer LTJG Larry H. Spencer was taken prisoner. [8] On 20 March 1966 F-4B #151410 was hit by enemy fire while conducting an armed reconnaissance mission, the plane flew out to sea and both crewmen ejected successfully, the pilot Lieutenant James S. Greenwood was rescued while the radar intercept officer Lieutenant (jg) Richard R. Ratzlaff was captured. [8]

The squadron deployed on the USS Enterprise again from 19 November 1966 to 6 July 1967. [2] : 418  On 4 April 1967 F-4B 3152984 collided with another jet and crashed, killing the pilot Lieutenant Edward Szeyller [9] and the radar intercept officer Ensign David Martin [10]

The squadron deployed on the USS Enterprise again from 3 January 1968 to 18 July 1968. [2] : 420  On 7 May 1968 F-4B #151485 was hit by an SA-2. Both crewmen ejected successfully over water and were rescued. [8] On 2 June 1968 F-4B #150453 suffered mechanical failure while on a barrier combat air patrol. Both crewmen ejected successfully and were rescued. [8] On 7 June 1968 F-4B #150994 suffered mechanical failure on launch. Both crewmen ejected successfully and were rescued. [8]

An F-4J of VF-92 hitting barrier on USS America in 1970 F-4J VF-92 hitting barrier on USS America (CVA-66) 1970.jpg
An F-4J of VF-92 hitting barrier on USS America in 1970
An F-4J of VF-92 in flight in 1971-2 F-4J Phantom II of VF-92 in flight in 1973.jpg
An F-4J of VF-92 in flight in 1971-2

The squadron transitioned to the F-4J and deployed again on the USS Enterprise from 6 January 1969 to 2 July 1969 [2] : 421  On 14 January two of the squadron's F-4Js were destroyed in the USS Enterprise fire. [11]

The squadron deployed on the USS America from 10 April 1970 to 21 December 1970. [2] : 422  On 25 July 1970 F-4J #155789 suffered control problems over the Gulf of Tonkin. The radar intercept officer Lieutenant j.g. W Harding ejected successfully and was rescued but the pilot Lieutenant Paul Gregory was killed. [12]

The squadron deployed on the USS Constellation from 1 October 1971 to 30 June 1972 [2] : 423  [13] On 10 May 1972, F-4J #157269 flown by Lieutenant Commander James McDevitt and Lieutenant Curt Dose shot down a Vietnam People's Air Force Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21 with an AIM-9 Sidewinder. [14] The squadron again deployed on the USS Constellation from 5 January 1973 to 11 October 1973 [2] : 425  and from 21 June 1974 to 22 December 1974. [2] : 426 

The squadron was disestablished on 12 December 1975.

See also

Related Research Articles

A naval flight officer (NFO) is a commissioned officer in the United States Navy or United States Marine Corps who specializes in airborne weapons and sensor systems. NFOs are not pilots (naval aviators), but they may perform many "co-pilot" or "mission specialist" functions, depending on the type of aircraft. Until 1966, their duties were performed by both commissioned officer and senior enlisted naval aviation observers (NAO).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">VFA-211</span> Military unit

Strike Fighter Squadron 211 (VFA-211), nicknamed the "Fighting Checkmates", is an aviation unit of the United States Navy established in 1945. The squadron is based at Naval Air Station Oceana and is equipped with the Boeing F/A-18E Super Hornet.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">VFA-213</span> Military unit

Fighter Squadron 213 (VF-213)

<span class="mw-page-title-main">VFA-41</span> Military unit

Strike Fighter Squadron 41 (VFA-41) also known as the "Black Aces", is a United States Navy strike fighter squadron based at Naval Air Station Lemoore, California, flying the F/A-18F Super Hornet. They are attached to Carrier Air Wing 9 (CVW-9). Their radio callsign is "Fast Eagle" and their tailcode is NG.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">VFA-103</span> Military unit

Strike Fighter Squadron 103 (VFA-103), nicknamed the Jolly Rogers, is an aviation unit of the United States Navy established in 1952. VFA-103 flies the F/A-18F Super Hornet and is based at Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia (US). The squadron's radio callsign is Victory and it is assigned to Carrier Air Wing Seven.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">William P. Driscoll</span>

William Patrick "Willy Irish" Driscoll is a retired commander in the United States Navy and a highly decorated flying ace.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">VFA-151</span> Military unit

Strike Fighter Squadron One Five One (VFA-151) nicknamed the Vigilantes are a United States Navy F/A-18E Super Hornet fighter squadron stationed at Naval Air Station Lemoore, California. The squadron is a part of Carrier Air Wing 9 (CVW-9). As part of CVW-9, the squadron's tail code is NG and its radio callsign is "Ugly".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">VF-33</span> Military unit

Fighter Squadron 33 (VF-33) was an aviation unit of the United States Navy. Originally established on 11 October 1948 it was disestablished on 1 October 1993. It was the second U.S. Navy squadron to be designated VF-33.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">VF-74</span> Military unit

VF-74, Fighter Squadron 74, Be-Devilers was an aviation unit of the United States Navy in service from 1944 to 1994. Originally established as VBF-20 on 16 April 1945, it was redesignated as VF-10A on 15 November 1946, redesignated as VF-92 on 12 August 1948, redesignated as VF-74 on 15 January 1950 and disestablished on 30 April 1994. It was the third US Navy squadron to be designated as VF-74.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">VF-114</span> Military unit

Fighter Squadron 114 (VF-114) was a fighter squadron of the United States Navy that was active from 1945 through 1993. Nicknamed the "Aardvarks", it was based out of Naval Air Station Miramar, California. The squadron flew combat missions during the Korean War and Vietnam War. VF-114 was disestablished as part of the post-Cold War drawdown of forces on 30 April 1993.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">VFA-143</span> Military unit

Strike Fighter Squadron 143 (VFA-143), also known as the "Pukin Dogs," is a United States Navy strike fighter squadron based at Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia. The Pukin Dogs are an operational fleet squadron and flying the F/A-18E Super Hornet. They are currently attached to Carrier Air Wing One and USS Harry S Truman. They are currently at their homeport of NAS Oceana. Their radio callsign is Taproom.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">John Thomas Blackburn</span>

John Thomas Blackburn was an American naval aviator, World War II flying ace, and the first commanding officer of the famed F4U Corsair squadron VF-17 Jolly Rogers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">VFA-161</span> Military unit

VFA-161, nicknamed the Chargers, was a Strike Fighter Squadron of the U.S. Navy. It was established at NAS Cecil Field as Fighter Squadron VF-161 on 1 September 1960. It moved to NAS Miramar on 19 September 1961, and to Naval Station Yokosuka, Japan. On 1 April 1986, the squadron was redesignated VFA-161. It was disestablished on 1 April 1988.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">VF-96</span> Military unit

Fighter Squadron 96, or VF-96Fighting Falcons was an aviation unit of the United States Navy in service from 1962 to 1975. When assigned to Carrier Air Wing Nine (CVW-9) their tailcode was NG, and their radio callsign was Showtime. Originally established as United States Naval Reserve squadron VF-791Fighting Falcons on 20 July 1950 it was redesignated VF-142 after becoming a regular squadron on 4 February 1953. It was re-designated VF-96 on 1 June 1962 and disestablished on 1 December 1975.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">VFP-63</span> Military unit

VFP-63 was a Light Photographic Squadron of the U.S. Navy. Originally established as Composite Squadron Sixty-One (VC-61) on 20 January 1949, it was redesignated as Fighter Photographic Squadron (VFP-61) on 2 July 1956. Redesignated as Composite Photographic Squadron Sixty-Three (VCP-63) on 1 July 1959 and finally redesignated as Light Photographic Squadron Sixty-Three (VFP-63) on 1 July 1961. The squadron provided a detachment of reconnaissance planes for each of the Carrier Air Wings of the U.S. Pacific Fleet. The squadron was disestablished on 30 June 1982.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">RVAH-6</span> Military unit

RVAH-6 was a Reconnaissance Attack (Heavy) Squadron of the U.S. Navy. Originally established as Composite Squadron Six (VC-6) on 6 January 1950, it was redesignated as Heavy Attack Squadron Six (VAH-6) on 1 July 1956 and was redesignated as Reconnaissance Attack (Heavy) Squadron Six (RVAH-6) on 23 September 1965. The squadron was disestablished on 20 October 1978.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">RVAH-13</span> Military unit

RVAH-13 was a Reconnaissance Attack (Heavy) Squadron of the U.S. Navy. Originally established as Heavy Attack Squadron Thirteen (VAH-13) on 3 January 1961 it was redesignated as Reconnaissance Attack (Heavy) Squadron Thirteen (RVAH-13) on 1 November 1964. The squadron was disestablished on 30 June 1976.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">RVAH-12</span> US Navy squadron

RVAH-12 was a Reconnaissance Attack (Heavy) Squadron of the U.S. Navy. The squadron was established on 1 July 1965 and disestablished on 2 July 1979.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">VF-162</span> Military unit

Fighter Squadron 162 or VF-162 was an aviation unit of the United States Navy established on 1 September 1960 and disestablished on 29 January 1971.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">VF-111 (1956–1995)</span> Military unit

Fighter Squadron 111 (VF-111), also known as the Sundowners, was a fighter squadron of the United States Navy. Originally established as Attack Squadron 156 (VA-156) on 4 June 1955, it was redesignated VF-111 on 20 January 1959, the day after the original VF-111 was disestablished. The squadron was redesignated VF-26 on 1 September 1964, redesignated as VF-111 on 17 September 1964 and disestablished on 31 March 1995.

References

  1. ↑ "Lineage for Fighter Squadrons" (PDF). Naval History and Heritage Command. Retrieved 6 October 2016.PD-icon.svg This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain .
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Grossnick, Roy A.; Evans, Mark (2016). United States Naval Aviation, 1910-2010 (PDF). Naval History and Heritage Command. ISBN   9780945274759.PD-icon.svg This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain .
  3. ↑ "CDR Edgar Arthur Rawsthorne". The Virtual Wall. Retrieved 21 July 2012.
  4. ↑ "LT Arthur Sinclair Hill". The Virtual Wall. Retrieved 21 July 2012.
  5. ↑ "U.S. Unaccounted-For from the Vietnam War Prisoners of War, Missing in Action and Killed in Action/Body not Recovered (Sorted by Name)". Defense Prisoner of War Missing Personnel Office. 6 June 2012. Archived from the original on 16 June 2010.
  6. ↑ CDR Rawsthorne had also served in VF-92 during the Korean War, when it was flying F4U-4 Corsairs.
  7. ↑ "James Ruffin, LCDR". The Virtual Wall. Retrieved 30 April 2013.
  8. 1 2 3 4 5 "Enterprise". Naval Historical Center. Retrieved 30 April 2013.PD-icon.svg This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain .
  9. ↑ "LT Edward Phillip Szeyller". The Virtual Wall. Retrieved 30 April 2013.
  10. ↑ "ENS David Earl Martin". The Virtual Wall. Retrieved 30 April 2013.
  11. ↑ "McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II All Losses in USAF, USN & USMC Service (Part 5) 1969". EjectionHistory.org. Retrieved 20 January 2016.
  12. ↑ "Paul Gregory, LT". Virtualwall.org. Retrieved 30 April 2013.
  13. ↑ "VF-92 Silver Kings". Silverkings. Retrieved 29 April 2013.
  14. ↑ Elward, Brad (2012). US Navy F-4 Phantom II MiG Killers 1972-73. Osprey. ISBN   9781782006596.

This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.