VA-55 (U.S. Navy)

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Attack Squadron 55
Attack Squadron 55 (US Navy) patch c1955.png
VA-55 squadron patch
Active5 February 1943 – 12 December 1975
Country United States
Branch United States Navy
Nickname(s)Torpcats (1943-1948), Warhorses (1948-1991)
Engagements World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War

VA-55 was an Attack Squadron of the U.S. Navy. It was established as Torpedo Squadron VT-5 on 15 February 1943, redesignated VA-6A on 15 November 1946, and finally designated VA-55 on 16 August 1948. The squadron was disestablished on 12 December 1975. It was the first squadron to be designated VA-55, the second VA-55 was established on 7 October 1983 and disestablished on 1 January 1991. [1]

Contents

The squadron's nickname was the Torpcats from 1943-1955, and the Warhorses from 1955 onward. Its insignia changed several times over its lifetime, ending up as a winged seahorse. [1] [2] They were established in 1943. [3]

Operational history

World War II

Korean War

1950s

See also

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References

Vietnam War

A VA-55 A-4F, ready for a mission over Vietnam in 1972. It is armed with Mk 82 (500 lb/227 kg) and Mk 83 (1000 lb/454 kg) bombs. A-4F VA-55 CVA-19 1972.JPEG
A VA-55 A-4F, ready for a mission over Vietnam in 1972. It is armed with Mk 82 (500 lb/227 kg) and Mk 83 (1000 lb/454 kg) bombs.

Home port assignments

The squadron was assigned to these home ports, effective on the dates shown: [1]

Aircraft assignment

The squadron first received the following aircraft on the dates shown: [1]

References

Citations

This article incorporates text from the public domain Dictionary of American Naval Aviation Squadrons .

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 Grossnick, Roy A. (1995). "VA-55" (pdf). Dictionary of American Naval Aviation Squadrons. Naval Historical Center . Vol. 1. Washington, DC: Department of the Navy. p. 100.
  2. Bruning, John R. (1999), Crimson Sky: The Air Battle for Korea, Brassey's, ISBN   978-1-57488-841-6 p.24
  3. "VA-55 Warhorses attack squadron ATKRON FIVE FIVE - US Navy".
  4. Hinman & Campbell, pp. 318–321.

References