VFA: Fixed Wing Fighter Attack
VFA squadrons operate F/A-18C,E,F. The F/A-18C is being fazed out but there are still a few fleet squadrons operating this aircraft. VFA squadrons are capable of preforming close air support, ground attack, dog fighting/ air defense, anti-ship missions, reconnaissance and many others. They have a multitude of weapons at their disposal, everything from their 20mm Vulcan Cannon to dumb bombs and multi-million dollar smart weapons.
VFA squadrons operate F/A-18C,E,F. The F/A-18C is being fazed out but there are still a few fleet squadrons operating this aircraft. VFA squadrons are capable of preforming close air support, ground attack, dog fighting/ air defense, anti-ship missions, reconnaissance and many others. They have a multitude of weapons at their disposal, everything from their 20mm Vulcan Cannon to dumb bombs and multi-million dollar smart weapons.
VAQ:
Fixed Wing Electronic Attack:
VAQ squadrons operate EA-18G Growlers; they EA-6B Prowler was the main aircraft they operated but it has since been almost completely fazed out. These squadrons are tasked with jamming communications or radar as well as ground attack missions. They can preform a huge variety of missions and have the same weapons available to them as the VFA squadrons.
VAQ squadrons operate EA-18G Growlers; they EA-6B Prowler was the main aircraft they operated but it has since been almost completely fazed out. These squadrons are tasked with jamming communications or radar as well as ground attack missions. They can preform a huge variety of missions and have the same weapons available to them as the VFA squadrons.
VAW: Fixed Wing Carrier Airborne Command and Control Squadron
VAW squadrons have the primary mission of extending the radar range of the battle group. They fly the E-2C,D Hawkeye which has a huge radar dish on top that is extremely powerful. They use that radar to keep track of all contacts surface or air with the range of the radar.
VAW squadrons have the primary mission of extending the radar range of the battle group. They fly the E-2C,D Hawkeye which has a huge radar dish on top that is extremely powerful. They use that radar to keep track of all contacts surface or air with the range of the radar.
HS: Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron
HS squadrons hunt enemy submarines. They fly the MH-60S Sea Hawk which has a sonar that can be dipped into the water to listen. They also have sensors and readouts in the cockpit and crew cabin that help them to track and enemy submarines within range. They can lock on, drop their MK-48 ADCAP (advanced capability) torpedo and destroy their target; thus keeping the surrounding ships safe.
HS squadrons hunt enemy submarines. They fly the MH-60S Sea Hawk which has a sonar that can be dipped into the water to listen. They also have sensors and readouts in the cockpit and crew cabin that help them to track and enemy submarines within range. They can lock on, drop their MK-48 ADCAP (advanced capability) torpedo and destroy their target; thus keeping the surrounding ships safe.
HSC: Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron
HSC squadrons have all the strike capability of the HS squadrons, but also have a large role in logistical support. They are used in both capacities on a regular basis. Over the next few years all HS and HC squadrons will be converted into HSM squadrons. This is far less costly than having separate squadrons for each mission, and more logistically effective as well.
HSC squadrons have all the strike capability of the HS squadrons, but also have a large role in logistical support. They are used in both capacities on a regular basis. Over the next few years all HS and HC squadrons will be converted into HSM squadrons. This is far less costly than having separate squadrons for each mission, and more logistically effective as well.
VP: Fixed Wing Patrol Squadron
VP squadrons are primarily reconnaissance and search and rescue squadrons. However, during wartime their main mission is submarine hunting and tracking. The Navy is currently switching from the P-3 Orion to the P-8 Poseidon. The P-8 Poseidon has updated avionics, flight control systems, radar and other secret reconnaissance/ submarine hunting electronics.
VP squadrons are primarily reconnaissance and search and rescue squadrons. However, during wartime their main mission is submarine hunting and tracking. The Navy is currently switching from the P-3 Orion to the P-8 Poseidon. The P-8 Poseidon has updated avionics, flight control systems, radar and other secret reconnaissance/ submarine hunting electronics.
VRC: Fixed Wing Carrier Fleet Logistics and Support Squadron
VRC squadrons fly the C-2 Greyhound. This aircraft is used as a COD. Carrier onboard delivery. They deliver food, equipment, mail and shuttle personnel on and off the ship.
VRC squadrons fly the C-2 Greyhound. This aircraft is used as a COD. Carrier onboard delivery. They deliver food, equipment, mail and shuttle personnel on and off the ship.
VX: Air Test and Evaluation Squadron
VX squadrons test the Navy's latest and greatest fixed wing experimental aircraft. These squadrons are based in Patuxent River, VA at NAS Patuxent River or "Pax River" for short. They are the squadrons currently testing the F-35C.
VX squadrons test the Navy's latest and greatest fixed wing experimental aircraft. These squadrons are based in Patuxent River, VA at NAS Patuxent River or "Pax River" for short. They are the squadrons currently testing the F-35C.
HT: Helicopter Training Squadron
HT squadrons have the responsibility of training all student naval aviators who have been assigned to the rotary wing pipeline. Throughout the course, instructors will teach the students how to start and fly a helicopter, hover and land in a moving ship as well as other essential skills.
HT squadrons have the responsibility of training all student naval aviators who have been assigned to the rotary wing pipeline. Throughout the course, instructors will teach the students how to start and fly a helicopter, hover and land in a moving ship as well as other essential skills.
VT: Fixed Wing Training Squadron
Fixed wing training squadrons fly the T-6 Texan II in the earlier stages of flight school and the T-45C Goshawk in later stages such as the Strike pipeline. VT squadrons train the largest amount of student pilots. This is because every pilot goes through primary flight school before branching off; VT squadrons are the ones who train them.
During the later stages where the VT squadrons are using jet aircraft, they receive students from the Strike pipeline as well as all other students who will be assigned to fly aircraft operating from the carrier; but who are not in the strike pipeline. Both fall under fixed wing training. These squadrons teach everything from dropping bombs and landing on a moving pitching aircraft carrier deck, to starting up the aircraft. What aircraft students are learning on and what they are taught depends on what stage they are in.
Fixed wing training squadrons fly the T-6 Texan II in the earlier stages of flight school and the T-45C Goshawk in later stages such as the Strike pipeline. VT squadrons train the largest amount of student pilots. This is because every pilot goes through primary flight school before branching off; VT squadrons are the ones who train them.
During the later stages where the VT squadrons are using jet aircraft, they receive students from the Strike pipeline as well as all other students who will be assigned to fly aircraft operating from the carrier; but who are not in the strike pipeline. Both fall under fixed wing training. These squadrons teach everything from dropping bombs and landing on a moving pitching aircraft carrier deck, to starting up the aircraft. What aircraft students are learning on and what they are taught depends on what stage they are in.
VFC: Fixed Wing Fleet Fighter Composite
VFC squadrons teach ACM (air combat maneuvering), dog fighting. Students are exposed to this type of flying, and the tactics involved, in the later stages of flight school. However, once in the fleet, they need to stay current. They practice with the other aircraft in their squadron, but for a more in depth and realistic experience, pilots travel to navy fighter weapons school in Fallon, Nevada. This is where “Top Gun” is held. VFC squadrons play the important role of the bandit.
They provide a more realistic training environment because they fly aggressor aircraft such as the F-5 Tiger. These fighters mimic Russian made fighters our pilots are likely to face in combat, such as the Mig-21. They also fly U.S. aircraft painted with aggressor colors and insignia such as the F-16 Viper or the F/A-18C painted with blue or tan camo. VFC pilots employ tactics enemy pilots are likely to use in combat to add to the realistic nature of the training.
VFC squadrons teach ACM (air combat maneuvering), dog fighting. Students are exposed to this type of flying, and the tactics involved, in the later stages of flight school. However, once in the fleet, they need to stay current. They practice with the other aircraft in their squadron, but for a more in depth and realistic experience, pilots travel to navy fighter weapons school in Fallon, Nevada. This is where “Top Gun” is held. VFC squadrons play the important role of the bandit.
They provide a more realistic training environment because they fly aggressor aircraft such as the F-5 Tiger. These fighters mimic Russian made fighters our pilots are likely to face in combat, such as the Mig-21. They also fly U.S. aircraft painted with aggressor colors and insignia such as the F-16 Viper or the F/A-18C painted with blue or tan camo. VFC pilots employ tactics enemy pilots are likely to use in combat to add to the realistic nature of the training.
VR: Fixed Wing Fleet Logistical Support
VR squadrons are logistical squadrons. They ferry personnel and supplies wherever they need to go. These squadrons use a variety of aircraft to accomplish the mission. Everything from Lear jets used to transport high ranking officers or officials to air busses used to transport personnel or supplies to a specific location. These squadrons play a critical role in the logistical operations of today’s Navy.
VR squadrons are logistical squadrons. They ferry personnel and supplies wherever they need to go. These squadrons use a variety of aircraft to accomplish the mission. Everything from Lear jets used to transport high ranking officers or officials to air busses used to transport personnel or supplies to a specific location. These squadrons play a critical role in the logistical operations of today’s Navy.
HX: Rotary Wing Test and Evaluation Squadron
HX squadrons are the rotary wing equivalent of VX squadrons. They have the exact same mission, just with rotary wing aircraft. They test and evaluate any new airframes, avionics upgrades, new weapons and any other type of change or modification to rotary wing aircraft.
This job is very dangerous because there is no ejection seat for helicopter pilots, therefore if something goes wrong you have to either get the aircraft on the ground safely or suffer the consequences. Only the best helicopter pilots are assigned to these squadrons.
HX squadrons are the rotary wing equivalent of VX squadrons. They have the exact same mission, just with rotary wing aircraft. They test and evaluate any new airframes, avionics upgrades, new weapons and any other type of change or modification to rotary wing aircraft.
This job is very dangerous because there is no ejection seat for helicopter pilots, therefore if something goes wrong you have to either get the aircraft on the ground safely or suffer the consequences. Only the best helicopter pilots are assigned to these squadrons.
HSM: Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron
HSM squadrons again have a very similar mission set to HS and HC squadrons. Most helicopter squadrons are soon being re-designated as HSM squadrons. These squadrons have to most flexibility in their mission set. They can perform anti-submarine warfare, SAR (search and rescue), logistical support missions or missions with Special Forces. They also fly one of the newest versions of the Sea Hawk, the MH-60R Sea Hawk.
HSM squadrons again have a very similar mission set to HS and HC squadrons. Most helicopter squadrons are soon being re-designated as HSM squadrons. These squadrons have to most flexibility in their mission set. They can perform anti-submarine warfare, SAR (search and rescue), logistical support missions or missions with Special Forces. They also fly one of the newest versions of the Sea Hawk, the MH-60R Sea Hawk.
HLS: Helicopter Anti-Submarine (Light) Squadron
HSL squadrons have a similar mission set and capability to the HS squadrons. Their main mission is submarine hunting. If required the could preform SAR mission as well as missions involving logistics. The main difference is that HSL squadrons are deployed on frigates and destroyers to help extend their overall anti-submarine warfare capabilities, instead of on a aircraft carrier.
HSL squadrons have a similar mission set and capability to the HS squadrons. Their main mission is submarine hunting. If required the could preform SAR mission as well as missions involving logistics. The main difference is that HSL squadrons are deployed on frigates and destroyers to help extend their overall anti-submarine warfare capabilities, instead of on a aircraft carrier.
HM: Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron
HM squadrons are tasked with mine clearing operations as well as logistical support missions. They fly the MH-53E Sea Dragon. This aircraft's rotor wash is so strong that if this aircraft tried to rescue someone floating in water, the rotor wash would push them under the water. This is what makes it perfect for heavy lifting and ferrying large amounts of supplies. These squadrons are widely employed in disaster relief missions.
When, not performing humanitarian missions, pilots practice their primary mission, mine hunting. They can drag a number of pieces of equipment behind the helicopter that can detect and destroy mines; thus clearing a path for ships and submarines.
HM squadrons are tasked with mine clearing operations as well as logistical support missions. They fly the MH-53E Sea Dragon. This aircraft's rotor wash is so strong that if this aircraft tried to rescue someone floating in water, the rotor wash would push them under the water. This is what makes it perfect for heavy lifting and ferrying large amounts of supplies. These squadrons are widely employed in disaster relief missions.
When, not performing humanitarian missions, pilots practice their primary mission, mine hunting. They can drag a number of pieces of equipment behind the helicopter that can detect and destroy mines; thus clearing a path for ships and submarines.