Second VA-54 (U.S. Navy)

Attack Squadron 54 (VA-54) was an attack squadron of the U.S. Navy. Originally established as Bomber Fighter Squadron VBF-153 on 26 March 1945, redesignated Fighter Squadron VF-61A (VF-16A) on 15 November 1946, redesignated VF-152 on 15 July 1948, and VF-54 on 15 February 1950. It was finally redesignated VA-54 on 15 June 1956. The squadron was disestablished on 1 April 1958. It was the second squadron to be designated VA-54, the first VA-54 was disestablished on 1 December 1949.[1]

Attack Squadron 54
Active26 March 1945-1 April 1958
CountryUnited States
BranchUnited States Navy
RoleAttack
Part ofInactive
Nickname(s)Copperheads
Hell's Angels
EngagementsKorean War
VF-54 F4U-4Bs on USS Valley Forge in 1950
VF-54 AD-4 lands on USS Valley Forge in 1953

The squadron's insignia changed several times over its lifetime, ending up as a devil's head with naval aviation wings. Its nickname was the Copperheads until 1951, and Hell's Angels thereafter.[1]

Operational history

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Home port assignments

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

Aircraft assignment

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

See also

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References

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

  1. ^ a b c d e Grossnick, Roy A. (1995). "Second VA-54" (pdf). Dictionary of American Naval Aviation Squadrons. Vol. 1. Washington, DC: Naval Historical Center. p. 96.