Attack Squadron 15 (ATKRON 15)

VA-15 ‘Valions’

 

va-15 valions insignia crest patch badge attack squadron atkron us navy

va-15 valions attack squadron atkron a-7e corsair ii us navy

 

STATUS:

First VA-15:

established as Torpedo Squadron FOUR (VT-4) on January 10, 1942
VT-4 redesignated Attack Squadron TWO A (VA-2A) on November 15, 1946
VA-2A redesignated Attack Squadron FIFTEEN (VA-15) on August 2, 1948
VA-15 disestablished on June 1, 1969 (men and equipment were merged with VA-67)

    

Second VA-15:
VA-67 redesignated VA-15 on June 2, 1969
VA-15 redesignated VFA-15 on October 1, 1986

AIRCRAFT:

First VA-15:

Douglas AD-4 Skyraider (1949-54)

Douglas AD-6 Skyraider (1954-63)

Douglas A-1H Skyraider (1963-65)

Douglas A-4B/C Skyhawk (1965-69)

  

Second VA-15:

Ling-Temco-Vought A-7B Corsair II (1969-75)

Ling-Temco-Vought A-7E Corsair II (1975-86)

 

 

DEPLOYMENTS:

First VA-15:

March 1951 - October 1951 with CVG-1 aboard USS Coral Sea (CVB 43)

May 1952 - October 1952 with CVG-1 aboard USS Wasp (CV 18)

June 1953 - December 1953 with CVG-1 aboard USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA 42)

December 1954 - July 1955 with CVG-1 aboard USS Midway (CVA 41)

November 1956 - October 1957 with CVG-1 aboard USS Forrestal (CVA 59)

February 1959 - September 1959 with CVG-1 aboard USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA 42)

January 1960 - August 1960 with CVG-1 aboard USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA 42)

November 1960 with CVG-10 aboard USS Shangri-La (CVA 38)

February 1961 - August 1961 with CVG-1 aboard USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA 42)

November 1961 with CVG-1 aboard USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA 42)

February 1962 - April 1962 with CVG-1 aboard USS Enterprise (CVAN 65)

July 1962 - April 1963 with CVG-1 aboard USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA 42)

November 1963 - December 1963 with CVG-1 aboard USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA 42)

April 1964 - December 1964 with CVW-1 aboard USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA 42)

April 1966 - November 1966 with CVW-10 aboard USS Intrepid (CVS 11)

May 1967 - December 1967 with CVW-10 aboard USS Intrepid (CVS 11)

April 1968 - May 1968 with CVW-17 aboard USS Forrestal (CVA 59)

July 1968 - April 1969 with CVW-17 aboard USS Forrestal (CVA 59)

 

Second VA-15:

August 1969 - September 1969 with CVW-6 aboard USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA 42)

January 1970 - July 1970 with CVW-6 aboard USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA 42)

January 1971 - July 1971 with CVW-6 aboard USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA 42)

November 1971 - December 1971 with CVW-6 aboard USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA 42)

February 1972 - December 1972 with CVW-6 aboard USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA 42)

September 1973 - March 1974 with CVW-6 aboard USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA 42)

January 1975 - July 1975 with CVW-6 aboard USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA 42)

April 1976 - October 1976 with CVW-6 aboard USS America (CV 66)

June 1977 - July 1977 with CVW-6 aboard USS America (CV 66)

September 1977 - April 1978 with CVW-6 aboard USS America (CV 66)

June 1979 - December 1979 with CVW-6 aboard USS Independence (CV 62)

November 1980 - June 1981 with CVW-6 aboard USS Independence (CV 62)

June 1982 - December 1982 with CVW-6 aboard USS Independence (CV 62)

October 1983 - April 1984 with CVW-6 aboard USS Independence (CV 62)

October 1984 - February 1985 with CVW-6 aboard USS Independence (CV 62)

July 1985 - August 1985 with CVW-6 aboard USS Forrestal (CV 59)

    

December 1985 - June 1986 - VA-15 was forward deployed to MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, to provide close air support for Marine forces in WestPac. While deployed to WestPac the squadron also operated at NAF Kadena, Okinawa, NAS Cubi Point, Philippines and stations in Korea.

 

images

 

va-15 valions attack squadron a-7e corsair ii carrier air wing cvw-6 uss independence cv 62

A-7E Corsair II (VA-15 / CVW-6) embarked on USS Independence (CV 62) - 1984 (courtesy of the National Naval Aviation Museum)

 

A-7E Corsair II (VA-15 / CVW-6) embarked on USS Independence (CV 62) - off Lebanon - 1983

 

attack squadron va-15 valions carrier air wing cvw-6 a-7e corsair ii uss independence cv 62

2 A-7E Corsair II of VA-15 and VA-86 (CVW-6) embarked on USS Independence (CV 62) - circa 1981 (courtesy of the National Naval Aviation Museum)

 

va-15 valions a-7e corsair ii cvw-6

A-7E Corsair II’s (VA-15 / CVW-6) embarked on USS Independence (CV 62) - 1981 (courtesy of the National Naval Aviation Museum)

 

attack squadron va-15 valions a-7e corsair cvw-6 uss independence cv 62

A-7E Corsair II (VA-15 / CVW-6) embarked on USS Independence (CV 62) - 1981 (courtesy of the National Naval Aviation Museum)

 

attack squadron va-15 valions a-7e corsair cvw-6 cv 62 uss independence

A-7E Corsair II (VA-15 / CVW-6) embarked on USS Independence (CV 62) - circa 1980 (courtesy of the National Naval Aviation Museum)

 

va-15 valions atkron a-7e corsair carrier air wing cvw-6 uss independence cv 62

A-7E Corsair II (VA-15 / CVW-6) embarked on USS Independence (CV 62) - circa 1980 (courtesy of the National Naval Aviation Museum)

 

attack squadron va-15 valions a-7e corsair cvw-6 uss independence cv 62

A-7E Corsair II (VA-15 / CVW-6) embarked on USS Independence (CV 62) - circa 1980 (courtesy of the National Naval Aviation Museum)

 

va-15 valions a-7e corsair cvw-6

A-7E Corsair II (VA-15 / CVW-6) embarked on USS Independence (CV 62) - 1980 (courtesy of the National Naval Aviation Museum)

 

va-15 valions attack squadron a-7e corsair carrier air wing cvw-6 uss independence cv 62

A-7E Corsair II (VA-15 / CVW-6) embarked on USS Independence (CV 62) - circa 1980 (courtesy of the National Naval Aviation Museum)

 

attack squadron va-15 valions a-7e corsair cvw-6 cv 60 uss independence

A-7E Corsair II (VA-15 / CVW-6) embarked on USS Independence (CV 62) - circa 1980 (courtesy of the National Naval Aviation Museum)

 

va-15 valions attack squadron a-7e corsair cvw-6

A-7E Corsair II (VA-15 / CVW-6) embarked on USS Independence (CV 62) - 1979 (courtesy of the National Naval Aviation Museum)

 

va-15 valions attack squadron a-7e corsair carrier air wing cvw-6 uss independence cv 60

A-7E Corsair II (VA-15 / CVW-6) embarked on USS Independence (CV 62) - 1979 (courtesy of the National Naval Aviation Museum)

 

attack squadron va-15 valions a-7e corsair cvw-6 aboard uss independence cv 62

A-7E Corsair II’s (VA-15 / CVW-6) aboard USS Independence (CV 62) - 1979 (courtesy of the National Naval Aviation Museum)

 

va-15 valions a-7e corsair cvw-6 f-4j phantom vf-102 uss independence cv 62

A-7E Corsair II (VA-15 / CVW-6) and an F-4J Phantom II (VF-102) aboard USS Independence (CV 62) - 1979 (courtesy of the National Naval Aviation Museum)

 

va-15 valions attack squadron a-7e corsair carrier air wing cvw-6 uss independence cv 62

A-7E Corsair II (VA-15 / CVW-6) embarked on USS America (CV 66) - 1977 (courtesy of the National Naval Aviation Museum)

 

attack squadron va-15 valions a-7e corsair cvw-6 uss america cv 66

A-7E Corsair II (VA-15 / CVW-6) embarked on USS America (CV 66) - 1977 (courtesy of the National Naval Aviation Museum)

 

va-15 valions a-7e corsair cvw-6

A-7E Corsair II (VA-15 / CVW-6) - 1970’s (courtesy of the National Naval Aviation Museum)

 

attack squadron va-15 valions a-7e corsair carrier air wing cvw-6 uss america cv 66

A-7E Corsair II (VA-15 / CVW-6) embarked on USS America (CV 66) - 1977 (courtesy of the National Naval Aviation Museum)

 

va-15 valions carrier air wing cvw-6 uss america cv 66 a-7e corsair

A-7E Corsair II (VA-15 / CVW-6) embarked on USS America (CV 66) - 1977 (courtesy of the National Naval Aviation Museum)

 

attack squadron va-15 valions a-7e corsair cvw-6 uss america cv 66

A-7E Corsair II (VA-15 / CVW-6) embarked on USS America (CV 66) - 1977 (courtesy of the National Naval Aviation Museum)

 

va-15 valions attack squadron a-7e corsair carrier air wing cvw-6 uss america cv 66

A-7E Corsair II (VA-15 / CVW-6) embarked on USS America (CV 66) - 1977 (courtesy of the National Naval Aviation Museum)

 

attack squadron va-15 valions cvw-6 a-7e corsair uss america cv 66

A-7E Corsair II (VA-15 / CVW-6) embarked on USS America (CV 66) - 1977 (courtesy of the National Naval Aviation Museum)

 

va-15 valions attack squadron atkron a-7e corsair ii cvw-6 uss america cv-66 us navy

3 A-7E Corsair II (VA-15 / CVW-6) embarked on USS America (CV 66) - June 1976

 

attack squadron va-15 valions a-7e corsair cvw-6 uss america cv 66

A-7E Corsair II (VA-15 / CVW-6) embarked on USS America (CV 66) - June 1976

 

va-15 valions attack squadron a-7e corsair cvw-6 uss america cv 66

A-7E Corsair II (VA-15 / CVW-6) embarked on USS America (CV 66) - June 1976

 

va-15 valions attack squadron a-7b corsair uss franklin d. roosevelt cva-42 atkron

A-7B Corsair II (VA-15 / CVW-6) embarked on USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA 42) - circa 1969/70 (courtesy of the National Naval Aviation Museum)

 

va-15 valions attack squadron a-7b corsair ii cvw-6 uss franklin d. roosevelt cva 42

A-7B Corsair II (VA-15 / CVW-6) embarked on USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA 42) - 1970’s (courtesy of the National Naval Aviation Museum)

 

attack squadron va-15 valions carrier air wing cvw-6 a-7b corsair uss franklin d. roosevelt cva 42

A-7B Corsair II (VA-15 / CVW-6) embarked on USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA 42) - 1970’s (courtesy of the National Naval Aviation Museum)

 

va-15 valions a-7b corsair carrier air wing cvw-6 uss franklin d. roosevelt cva 42

A-7B Corsair II (VA-15 / CVW-6) embarked on USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA 42) - 1970’s (courtesy of the National Naval Aviation Museum)

 

va-15 valions a-7b corsair cvw-6

A-7B Corsair II (VA-15 / CVW-6) embarked on USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA 42) - 1970’s (courtesy of the National Naval Aviation Museum)

 

attack squadron va-15 valions a-7b corsair carrier air wing cvw-6 uss franklin d. roosevelt cva 42

A-7B Corsair II (VA-15 / CVW-6) embarked on USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA 42) - circa 1969/70 (courtesy of the National Naval Aviation Museum)

 

va-15 valions attack squadron a-7b corsair cvw-6 uss franklin d. roosevelt cva 42

A-7B Corsair II (VA-15 / CVW-6) embarked on USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA 42) - circa 1969/70 (courtesy of the National Naval Aviation Museum)

 

attack squadron va-42 valions cvw-6 a-7b corsair uss franklin d. roosevelt cva 42

A-7B Corsair II (VA-15 / CVW-6) embarked on USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA 42) - circa 1969/70 (courtesy of the National Naval Aviation Museum)

 

attack squadron va-15 valions a-7b corsair cvw-6

A-7B Corsair II (VA-15 / CVW-6) embarked on USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA 42) - circa 1969/70 (courtesy of the National Naval Aviation Museum)

 

attack squadron va-15 valions a-7b corsair ii cvw-6

A-7B Corsair II (VA-15 / CVW-6) embarked on USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA 42) - circa 1969/70 (courtesy of the National Naval Aviation Museum)

 

va-15 valions attack squadron a-7b corsair cvw-6 uss franklin d. roosevelt cva 42

A-7B Corsair II (VA-15 / CVW-6) embarked on USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA 42) - circa 1969/70 (courtesy of the National Naval Aviation Museum)

 

va-15 valions a-7b corsair carrier air wing cvw-6 uss franklin d. roosevelt cva 42

A-7B Corsair II (VA-15 / CVW-6) embarked on USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA 42) - circa 1969/70 (courtesy of the National Naval Aviation Museum)

 

va-15 valions a-7b corsair cvw-6

A-7B Corsair II (VA-15 / CVW-6) embarked on USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA 42) - circa 1969/70 (courtesy of the National Naval Aviation Museum)

 

attack squadron va-15 valions cvw-6 uss franklin d. roosevelt cva 42

A-7B Corsair II (VA-15 / CVW-6) embarked on USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA 42) - circa 1969/70 (courtesy of the National Naval Aviation Museum)

 

va-15 valions attack squadron cvw-6

A-7B Corsair II (VA-15 / CVW-6) embarked on USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA 42) - circa 1969/70 (courtesy of the National Naval Aviation Museum)

 

va-15 valions attack squadron carrier air wing cvw-6 a-7b corsair

A-7B Corsair II (VA-15 / CVW-6) embarked on USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA 42) - circa 1969/70 (courtesy of the National Naval Aviation Museum)

 

va-15 valions attack squadron carrier air wing cvw-6 uss franklin d. roosevelt cva 42

A-7B Corsair II (VA-15 / CVW-6) embarked on USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA 42) - circa 1969/70 (courtesy of the National Naval Aviation Museum)

 

attack squadron va-15 valions cvw-6 uss franklin d. roosevelt cva 42

A-7B Corsair II (VA-15 / CVW-6) embarked on USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA 42) - circa 1969/70 (courtesy of the National Naval Aviation Museum)

 

va-15 valions attack squadron cvw-6 a-7b corsair

A-7B Corsair II (VA-15 / CVW-6) embarked on USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA 42) - circa 1969/70 (courtesy of the National Naval Aviation Museum)

 

attack squadron va-15 valions cvw-6

A-7B Corsair II (VA-15 / CVW-6) embarked on USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA 42) - circa 1969/70 (courtesy of the National Naval Aviation Museum)

 

va-15 valions cvw-6 a-7b corsair ii

A-7B Corsair II (VA-15 / CVW-6) embarked on USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA 42) - circa 1969/70 (courtesy of the National Naval Aviation Museum)

 

attack squadron va-15 valions a-7b corsair carrier air wing cvw-6

A-7B Corsair II (VA-15 / CVW-6) embarked on USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA 42) - circa 1969/70 (courtesy of the National Naval Aviation Museum)

 

va-15 valions a-7b corsair cvw-6

A-7B Corsair II (VA-15 / CVW-6) embarked on USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA 42) - circa 1969/70 (courtesy of the National Naval Aviation Museum)

 

attack squadron va-15 valions a-7b corsair ii carrier air wing cvw-6 uss franklin d. roosevelt cva 42

A-7B Corsair II (VA-15 / CVW-6) embarked on USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA 42) - circa 1969/70 (courtesy of the National Naval Aviation Museum)

 

va-15 valions attack squadron a-7b corsair cvw-6 uss franklin d. roosevelt cva 42

A-7B Corsair II (VA-15 / CVW-6) embarked on USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA 42) - circa 1969/70 (courtesy of the National Naval Aviation Museum)

 

va-15 valions attack squadron a-7b corsair cvw-6

A-7B Corsair II (VA-15 / CVW-6) embarked on USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA 42) - circa 1969/70 (courtesy of the National Naval Aviation Museum)

 

va-15 valions attack squadron a-7b corsair cvw-6 uss franklin d. roosevelt cva 42

A-7B Corsair II (VA-15 / CVW-6) embarked on USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA 42) - circa 1969/70 (courtesy of the National Naval Aviation Museum)

 

 

 

attack squadron va-15 valions a-4c skyhawk carrier air wing cvw-17 uss forrestal cva 59

A-4C Skyhawk (VA-15 / CVW-17) embarked on USS Forrestal (CVA 59) - mid 1968/69 (courtesy of the National Naval Aviation Museum)

 

va-15 valions attack squadron cvw-17 uss forrestal cva 59 a-4c skyhawk

A-4C Skyhawk (VA-15 / CVW-17) embarked on USS Forrestal (CVA 59) - mid 1968/69 (courtesy of the National Naval Aviation Museum)

 

va-15 valions attack squadron atkron a-4c skyhawk uss forrestal cva 59

A-4C Skyhawk (VA-15 / CVW-17) embarked on USS Forrestal (CVA 59) - mid 1968/69 (courtesy of the National Naval Aviation Museum)

 

attack squadron va-15 valions a-4c skyhawk cvw-17 uss forrestal cva 59

A-4C Skyhawk (VA-15 / CVW-17) embarked on USS Forrestal (CVA 59) - mid 1968/69 (courtesy of the National Naval Aviation Museum)

 

attack squadron va-15 valions a-4c skyhawk carrier air wing cvw-17 uss forrestal cva 59

A-4C Skyhawk (VA-15 / CVW-17) embarked on USS Forrestal (CVA 59) - mid 1968/69 (courtesy of the National Naval Aviation Museum)

 

va-15 valions attack squadron a-4b skyhawk carrier air wing cvw-10 uss intrepid cvs 11

A-4B Skyhawk (VA-15 / CVW-10) embarked on USS Intrepid (CVS 11) - mid 1960’s (courtesy of the National Naval Aviation Museum)

 

attack squadron va-15 valions a-4b skyhawk cvw-10 uss intrepid cvs 11

A-4B Skyhawks (VA-15 / CVW-10) embarked on USS Intrepid (CVS 11) - mid 1960’s (courtesy of the National Naval Aviation Museum)

 

va-15 valions attack squadron a-4b skyhawk carrier air wing cvw-10 uss intrepid cvs 11

A-4B Skyhawk (VA-15 / CVW-10) embarked on USS Intrepid (CVS 11) - mid 1960’s (courtesy of the National Naval Aviation Museum)

 

attack squadron va-15 valions a-4b skyhawk cvw-10 uss intrepid cvs 11

A-4B Skyhawk (VA-15 / CVW-10) embarked on USS Intrepid (CVS 11) - mid 1960’s (courtesy of the National Naval Aviation Museum)

 

a-4b skyhawk attack squadron va-15 valions cvw-10 uss intrepid cvs 11

A-4B Skyhawk (VA-15 / CVW-10) embarked on USS Intrepid (CVS 11) - mid 1960’s (courtesy of the National Naval Aviation Museum)

 

va-15 valions attack squadron carrier air wing cvw-10 a-4b skyhawk uss intrepid cvs 11

A-4B Skyhawk (VA-15 / CVW-10) embarked on USS Intrepid (CVS 11) - mid 1960’s (courtesy of the National Naval Aviation Museum)

 

va-15 valions atkron a-4b skyhawk cvw-10 uss intrepid cvs 11

A-4B Skyhawk (VA-15 / CVW-10) embarked on USS Intrepid (CVS 11) - mid 1960’s (courtesy of the National Naval Aviation Museum)

 

attack squadron va-15 valions a-4b skyhawk cvw-10 uss intrepid cvs 11

A-4B Skyhawk (VA-15 / CVW-10) embarked on USS Intrepid (CVS 11) - mid 1960’s (courtesy of the National Naval Aviation Museum)

 

 

 

va-15 valions attack squadron ad-6 skyraider cvg-1 uss forrestal cva 59

AD-6 Skyraider (VA-15 / CVG-1) aboard USS Forrestal (CVA 59) - mid 1950’s (courtesy of the National Naval Aviation Museum)

 

va-15 valions attack squadron carrier air group cvg-1 uss forrestal cva 59

AD-6 Skyraider (VA-15 / CVG-1) aboard USS Forrestal (CVA 59) - 1950’s (courtesy of the National Naval Aviation Museum)

 

attack squadron va-15 valions ad-6 skyraider cvg-1

AD-6 Skyraider (VA-15 / CVG-1) - undated (courtesy of the National Naval Aviation Museum)

 

attack squadron va-15 valions ad-6 skyraider cvg-1

AD-6 Skyraider (VA-15 / CVG-1) - undated (courtesy of the National Naval Aviation Museum)

 

va-15 valions attack squadron ad-6 skyraider cvg-1 us navy atkron

AD-6 Skyraider (VA-15 / CVG-1) - undated (courtesy of the National Naval Aviation Museum)

 

 

history

Two distinct squadrons have been called the Valions of VA-15/VFA-15. Officially, the US Navy does not recognize a direct lineage with disestablished squadrons if a new squadron is formed with the same designation. Often, the new squadron will assume the nickname, insignia, and traditions of the earlier squadrons.


1940s – The first VA-15

The first Valion squadron was established just one month after the attack on Pearl Harbor as Torpedo Squadron FOUR (VT-4) on January 10, 1942 aboard the USS Ranger in Grassy Bay, Bermuda.

The squadron initially flew the TBD Devastator and was assigned to protect the sea lanes between Bermuda and Newfoundland from their homeport of Naval Air Station Quonset Point, Rhode Island. In August 1942, VT-4 transitioned from the Devastator to the TBF/TBM Avenger. The Valions were aboard the Ranger when it escorted the RMS Queen Mary, with British Prime Minister Winston Churchill aboard, to the Quebec Conference in August 1943. From August to November 1943, VT-4, while deployed aboard Ranger, operated as part of the British Home Fleet. On October 4, 1943, the squadron participated in Operation Leader and struck at shipping targets around Kunna Head, Norway. The squadron’s TBF-1 Avengers, along with its escort of F4F Wildcats, destroyed a German freighter and a small coaster and damaged a troop transport. In October 1943, VT-4, flying from Ranger, operated with the British Second Battle Squadron and patrolled the waters of the Norwegian Sea. In July 1944, VT-4 transferred from Atlantic to Pacific Fleet. On September 21, 1944 during a pre-dawn sortie, three of the squadron’s aircraft collided with each other, resulting in the loss of nine personnel, including the squadron’s commanding officer. From November 4–17, 1944, VT-4 was temporarily embarked on USS Bunker Hill (CV-17) for operations in support of landings at Leyte. The squadron participated in combat strikes at Ormoc Bay, Cavite and Clark Field. In December 1944, the squadron participated in combat operations in support of landings on Mindoro. In January 1945 while operating from USS Essex (CV-9), the squadron struck targets on Formosa, Luzon, Hainan and the Ryukyu Island chain as well as in French Indochina (Vietnam). Operations in Vietnam were around Saigon and Camranh Bay. These operations were in support of the continued assault against the Japanese in the Philippines. On February 16, 1945 the squadron conducted its first strikes against the home islands of Japan, hitting Mawatari airfield on Honshu. From February 19–22, 1945, the squadron provided support for the Battle of Iwo Jima. On March 1, 1945, the airfield, facilities and shipping on Okinawa were hit by squadron aircraft. On March 4, 1945, VT-4 disembarked from Essex at Ulithi completing the squadron’s last combat cruise during World War II. VT-4 returned to NAS Alameda in April 1945.

In Spring 1946, VT-4 participated in USS Tarawa's shakedown cruise in the Caribbean Sea following the ship’s commissioning in December 1945.

In the closing months of World War II, VT-4 moved to San Diego and was redesignated VA-2A on November 15, 1946. On August 2, 1948, the squadron’s designation was changed to Attack Squadron 15 (VA-15). Then in March 1949, VA-15 moved to NAS Cecil Field, Florida and transitioned to the AD Skyraider.


1950s

On May 22, 1950, VA-15, was designated as training squadron, with the primary mission of training fleet pilots in attack aircraft. VA-15’s training syllabus emphasized glide bombing, dive-bombing, rocket firing, day-and-night tactics and carrier qualifications in the AD Skyraider.

On September 19, 1951, the CNO approved the current insignia, which was a modification of an earlier one depicting a lion riding a torpedo. The lion was retained to represent the strong attack capabilities of the squadron and the torpedo was replaced by a missile. In February 1955 while deployed aboard USS Midway (CV-41), the squadron supported the evacuation of Chinese Nationalist civilians and military personnel from the Dachen Archipelago which were being bombarded by the People’s Republic of China. In November–December 1956 as a result of the Suez Crisis, VA-15 deployed aboard USS Forrestal (CV-59) and operated in the vicinity of the Azores.

On September 12, 1958, VA-15 was assigned the additional mission of Aerial refuelling.


1960s – The second VA-15

Although scheduled to transition to the A-6 Intruder, VA-15 transitioned to the A-4 Skyhawk in 1965. Having completed the transition, VA-15 deployed April 4 – November 21, 1966 aboard the USS Intrepid to Southeast Asia. On May 15, 1966, the squadron flew its first combat mission since March.

VA-15 again returned to Southeast Asia in 1967 on the USS Intrepid and deployed to the Mediterranean in 1968 – 69 on USS Forrestal (CV-59) after she was restored from the disastrous fire.

On June 1, 1969 the first VA-15 was disestablished, and the men and equipment were merged with Attack Squadron 67 (VA-67), which had been established on August 1, 1968.

On the following day (June 2, 1969), the combined squadron was redesignated VA-15 and adopted the insignia and traditions of the Valions. In August 1968, the squadron began training under VA-174 in the A-7 Corsair II.


1970s

In October–November 1973 while embarked in USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA-42), the squadron operated in the vicinity of Crete in response to the Arab-Israeli war. In June–July 1975 following the assassination of the American Ambassador to Lebanon, VA-15 embarked on USS America (CV-66) operated in the vicinity of Lebanon in support of the evacuation of non-combatants.


1980s

In November 1980, the Valions, embarked on USS Independence were on station when the American hostages were released from Iran.

In May 1981Independence transited the Suez Canal and maintained station in the eastern Mediterranean due to the crisis between Israel and Syria following Israeli raids against Syrian surface-to-air missile sites in Lebanon.

In October–November 1983, VA-15 aircraft flew combat close air support and reconnaissance sorties in support of Operation Urgent Fury, the landing of U.S. Marines and Army rangers on Grenada.

On December 4, 1983 in response to hostile fire against U.S. reconnaissance aircraft from Syrian positions in Lebanon, VA-15 aircraft participated in coordinated strikes against Syrian radar, communications and artillery positions overlooking the Multi-National Peacekeeping Forces. One of the squadron’s A-7E Corsair IIs, flown by the Air Wing Commander, Command Edward Andrews, was lost when it was hit by a Syrian surface-to-air missile. Commander Andrews ejected, was rescued and returned to Independence.

From December 1985 to June 1986 the squadron was assigned to MAG-12, 1st Marine Air Wing for a six-month deployment to MCAS Iwakuni, Japan. This deployment was designed to test the enhanced interoperability between Marine and Navy squadrons, with emphasis on close air support for Marine ground operations and the sharing of other techniques used by both communities.

In June 1986, the Valions began transition training in the F/A-18 Hornet, and on October 1, 1986, VA-15 was redesignated Strike Fighter Squadron 15 (VFA-15). The Valions accepted their first F/A-18 Hornet in January 1987.

 

source: wikipedia

 

 

va-15 valions attack squadron atkron oversea deployments us navy

 

 

Chronology of significant events (from the US Naval History & Heritage Command):

 

First VA-15:


10 Jan 1942: Torpedo Squadron FOUR (VT-4) was established aboard Ranger (CV 4) while the ship was in port at Grassy Bay, Bermuda.

8 Aug 1943: Ranger, with VT-4 aboard, met the convoy with the liner Queen Mary, which was bringing Winston Churchill to North America for the Quebec Conference.

Aug–Nov 1943: VT-4, while deployed aboard Ranger, operated as part of the British Home Fleet.

4 Oct 1943: The squadron participated in Operation Leader and struck at shipping targets around Kunna Head, Norway, while other elements of CVG-4 struck targets at Bodo, Norway. The squadron’s TBF-1 Avengers, along with its escort of F4F Wildcats, destroyed a German freighter and a small coaster and damaged a troop transport.

Oct 1943: VT-4, flying from Ranger, operated with the British Second Battle Squadron and patrolled the waters of the Norwegian Sea.

1 May 1944: CVG-4 reformed as a spare air group with a composition that was designed to include 36 fighter aircraft (F6F), 36 scout bomber aircraft (SB2C) and 18 torpedo aircraft (TBF/TBM). This air group composition was organized to operate from the large deck carriers of the Essex class. Squadrons in CVG-4 included VT-4, VF-4 and VB-4. This change also brought an end to Air Group FOUR’s operations aboard Ranger.

Jul 1944: VT-4 and CVG-4 transferred from Atlantic to Pacific Fleet.

15–21 Jul 1944: VT-4 aboard Barnes (CVE 20) en route to Pearl Harbor from San Diego.

21 Sep 1944: During a pre-dawn sortie involving simulated torpedo tactics, three of the squadron’s aircraft collided with each other, resulting in the loss of nine personnel, including the squadron’s commanding officer, Lieutenant Commander Homer H. Hutcheson.

4–17 Nov 1944: CVG-4 and VT-4 were temporarily embarked on Bunker Hill (CV 17) for operations in support of landings at Leyte. The squadron participated in combat strikes at Ormoc Bay, Cavite and Clark Field.

Dec 1944: The squadron participated in combat operations in support of landings on Mindoro.

Jan 1945: While operating from Essex (CV 9), the squadron struck targets on Formosa, Luzon, Hainan and the Ryukyu Island chain as well as in French Indochina (Vietnam). Operations in Vietnam were around Saigon and Camranh Bay. These operations were in support of the continued assault against the Japanese in the Philippines.

16 Feb 1945: The squadron conducted its first strikes against the home islands of Japan, hitting Mawatari airfield on Honshu. Other strikes against targets on Honshu were conducted on 17 and 25 February.

19–22 Feb 1945: CVG-4 provided support for landings on Iwo Jima.

1 Mar 1945: The airfield, facilities and shipping at Naha, Okinawa, were hit by squadron aircraft.

4 Mar 1945: VT-4 disembarked from Essex at Ulithi completing the squadron’s last combat cruise during World War II.

9–23 Mar 1945: CVG-4 aboard Long Island (CVE 1) for passage from Ulithi to Pearl Harbor. VT-4 eventually returned to the States in April 1945 for reforming following its combat cruise.

15 Feb–15 Apr 1946: VT-4 along with other squadrons in CVG-4, participated in Tarawa’s (CV 40) shakedown cruise in the Caribbean Sea following the ship’s commissioning in December 1945.

Nov 1946: Some squadron aircraft were fitted with sonobuoy gear and personnel were trained in antisubmarine missions as well as their normal torpedo-attack requirements.

22 May 1950: VA-15, along with the other squadrons in CVG-1, were designated as training squadrons and CVG-1 as a training air group. The squadron’s primary mission was the training of fleet pilots in attack aircraft. VA-15’s training syllabus emphasized glide bombing, dive-bombing, rocket firing, day-and-night tactics and carrier qualifications in the AD Skyraider.

13–23 Sep 1952: VA-15, while deployed aboard Wasp (CVA 18), participated in the first NATO naval operation, Operation Mainbrace, conducted in the North Atlantic.

Feb 1955: While deployed aboard Midway (CVA 41), the squadron supported the evacuation of Chinese Nationalist civilians and military personnel from the Tachen Islands which were being bombarded by the People’s Republic of China.

Nov–Dec 1956: As a result of the Suez Crisis, VA-15 deployed aboard Forrestal (CVA 59) and operated in the vicinity of the Azores.

12 Sep 1958: VA-15 was assigned the additional mission of in-flight refueling (Buddy Stores).

14–28 Nov 1960: VA-15, temporarily assigned to CVG-10, deployed aboard Shangri-La (CVA 38) to the Caribbean Sea to guard against possible infiltration into Guatemala and Nicaragua by insurgent organizations that were believed to have ties to Cuba.

21–27 Nov 1961: VA-15, embarked in Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA 42), operated off the coast of the Dominican Republic to support the newly established democratic government.

Mar–Apr 1962: VA-15 deployed aboard Enterprise (CVAN 65) to the Caribbean and participated in the shakedown cruise of the world’s first nuclear powered carrier.

Aug 1965: VA-15 began training under VA-44 for transition to the A-4 Skyhawk.

4 Apr–21 Nov 1966: VA-15 deployed to Vietnam as a component of CVW-10 embarked on Intrepid (CVS 11). CVW-10 was an all-attack air wing comprised of four attack squadrons, two squadrons flying A-4 Skyhawks and two squadrons with A-1 Skyraiders.

15 May 1966: The squadron flew its first combat mission since March 1945 when it was designated VT- 4 and a member of Carrier Air Group 4.


Second VA-15:

1 Aug 1968: The squadron began training under VA-174 in preparation for operating the A-7 Corsair II.

19 Oct 1973: The squadron provided maintenance personnel for Operation Nickle Grass, the transatlantic flight of A-4 Skyhawks to Israel using Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA 42) as an intermediate air field.

Oct–Nov 1973: The squadron, embarked in Roosevelt, operated in the vicinity of Crete in response to the Arab-Israeli war.

Jun–Jul 1976: Following the assassination of the American Ambassador to Lebanon on 13 June, America (CV 66), with VA-15 embarked, operated in the vicinity of Lebanon and flew support missions during the evacuation of non-combatants from that country.

May 1981: Independence (CV 62), with VA-15 embarked, transited the Suez Canal and maintained station in the eastern Mediterranean due to the crisis between Israel and Syria following Israeli raids against Syrian surface-to-air missile sites in Lebanon.

25 Oct–1 Nov 1983: In response to continued political strife and the need to protect and evacuate Americans from the island country of Grenada, VA-15 aircraft flew combat close air support and reconnaissance sorties in support of operation Urgent Fury, the landing of U.S. Marines and Army rangers on the island.

4 Dec 1983: In response to hostile fire against U.S. reconnaissance aircraft from Syrian positions in Lebanon, VA-15 aircraft participated in coordinated strikes against Syrian radar, communications and artillery positions overlooking the Multi-National Peacekeeping Forces. One of the squadron’s A-7E Corsair IIs, flown by the Air Wing Commander, Command Edward Andrews, was lost when it was hit by a Syrian surface-to-air missile. Commander Andrews ejected, was rescued and returned to Independence.

Dec 1985–Jun 1986: The squadron returned from a six-month deployment to MCAS Iwakuni in the western Pacific. It was assigned to MAG-12, 1st Marine Air Wing during the deployment. This deployment was designed to test the enhanced interoperability between Marine and Naval Air Forces, with emphasis on close air support for Marine ground operations and the sharing of other techniques used by both communities.

 

patches

 

va-15 valions patch crest insignia badge attack squadron atkron us navy

 

 

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