Attack Squadron 34 (ATKRON 34) VA-34 ‘Blue Blasters’
STATUS:		Second VA-34 lineage: Established as VF-20 on October 15,1943 Redesignated VF-9A on November 15, 1946 Redesignated VF-91 on August 12, 1948 Redesignated VF-34 on February 15, 1950 Redesignated VA-34 on July 1, 1955 Disestablished on June 1, 1969 Third VA-34 lineage: (Re)Established as Attack Squadron 34 (VA-34) on January 1, 1970 redesignated VFA-34 on September 30, 1996
AIRCRAFT:		Second VA-34: Grumman F8F-1 Bearcat (1946-) Grumman F9F-2 Panther (1950-) McDonnell F2H-2 Banshee (1952-) Vought F7U-3 Cutlass (1955-) Douglas A4D-1 / A4D-2 / A-4C Skyhawk (1957-) Third VA-34: Grumman A-6A / A-6B / KA-6D / A-6C / A-6E Intruder (1970-)
images
third VA-34 Blue Blasters (1970 - 1996) last launch of a VA-34 A-6E Intruder (assigned to CVW-7) aboard USS George Washington (CVN 73) - July 1996 A-6E Intruder (VA-34 / CVW-7) aboard USS George Washington (CVN 73) - 1996 A-6E Intruder (VA-34 / CVW-7) in flight over Spain - 1996 A-6E Intruder (VA-34 / CVW-7) refuels a French Navy Super Etendard, embarked on French Navy aircraft carrier FS Clemenceau (R 98) - 1996 A-6E Intruder (VA-34 / CVW-7) refuels a French Navy Super Etendard - 1996 A-6E Intruder (VA-34 / CVW-7) - 1995 (courtesy of the National Naval Aviation Museum) A-6E Intruder, assigned to CVW-7 aboard USS George Washington (CVN 73) - 1994 (courtesy of the National Naval Aviation Museum) A-6E Intruders assigned to CVW-7 aboard USS George Washington (CVN 73) - France 1994 (courtesy of the National Naval Aviation Museum) A-6E Intruders (VA-34 / CVW-7) fly over France - 50th anniversary of D-Day - 1994 (courtesy of the National Naval Aviation Museum) A-6E Intruder (VA-34 / CVW-7) fires an AGM-65 Maverick air-to-ground missile - 1993 A-6E Intruders (VA-34 / CVW-7) - Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico - 1992 A-6E Intruder (VA-34 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) - 1991 (courtesy of the National Naval Aviation Museum) A-6E Intruder (VA-34 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) - 1990 A-6E Intruder (VA-34 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) - 1990 KA-6D Intruder (VA-34 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) - 1989 A-6E Intruder (VA-34 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) - 1989 (courtesy of the National Naval Aviation Museum) KA-6D Intruder (VA-34 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) - 1989 (courtesy of the National Naval Aviation Museum) A-6E Intruders (VA-34 / CVW-7) flying over USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) - 1988 A-6E Intruders (VA-34 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) - 1988 A-6E Intruders (VA-34 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) - 1988 A-6E Intruders (VA-34 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) - 1988 A-6E Intruders (VA-34 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) - 1988 A-6E Intruders (VA-34 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) - 1988 A-6E Intruder (VA-34 / CVW-7) - 1988 A-6E Intruders (VA-34 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) - 1987 A-6E Intruders (VA-34 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) - 1987 A-6E Intruders (VA-34 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) - 1987 A-6E Intruder (VA-34 / CVW-7) - NAS Fallon, Nevada - 1987 A-6E Intruder (VA-34 / CVW-7) - 1987 (courtesy of the National Naval Aviation Museum) A-6E Intruders (VA-34 / CVW-7) - 1987 (courtesy of the National Naval Aviation Museum) A-6E Intruders (VA-34 / CVW-7) - 1987 (courtesy of the National Naval Aviation Museum) A-6E Intruders (VA-34 / CVW-7) - 1987 (courtesy of the National Naval Aviation Museum) KA-6D and A-6E Intruders (VA-34 / CVW-7) - 1987 (courtesy of the National Naval Aviation Museum) KA-6D Intruder (VA-34 / CVW-7) refuels a F-14A Tomcat of VF-142 - 1987 KA-6D Intruder (VA-34 / CVW-1) - undated (courtesy of the National Naval Aviation Museum) KA-6D Intruder of VA-34, assigned to CVW-1 aboard USS America (CV 66) - 1986 A-6E Intruders of VA-34, assigned to CVW-1 fly over USS America (CV 66) - 1986 (courtesy of the National Naval Aviation Museum) A-6E Intruders (VA-34 / CVW-1) - 1986 (courtesy of the National Naval Aviation Museum) A-6E Intruders (VA-34 / CVW-1) - 1986 (courtesy of the National Naval Aviation Museum) an A-6E Intruder (VA-34 / CVW-1) and an A-7E Corsair II from VA-46 - 1986 (courtesy of the National Naval Aviation Museum) KA-6D Intruder (VA-34 / CVW-1) at NAS Fallon, Nevada - 1985 (courtesy of the National Naval Aviation Museum) KA-6D Intruder (VA-34 / CVW-1) at NAS Fallon, Nevada - 1985 (courtesy of the National Naval Aviation Museum) KA-6D Intruder (VA-34 / CVW-1) - 1983 (courtesy of the National Naval Aviation Museum) A-6E Intruder (VA-34 / CVW-1) - 1983 (courtesy of the National Naval Aviation Museum) A-6E Intruder (VA-34 / CVW-1) - 1983 (courtesy of the National Naval Aviation Museum) A-6E Intruder (VA-34 / CVW-1) landing aboard USS America (CV 66) - 1983 KA-6D Intruder (VA-34 / CVW-1) refuels a F-14A Tomcat of VF-33 - 1983 (courtesy of the National Naval Aviation Museum) A-6E Intruder (VA-34 / CVW-1) flying over USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) - circa 1980 (courtesy of the National Naval Aviation Museum) A-6E / KA-6D (VA-34 / CVW-1) Intruders during inflight refueling - circa 1980 (courtesy of the National Naval Aviation Museum) A-6E Intruder (VA-34 / CVW-1) aboard USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) - circa 1980 (courtesy of the National Naval Aviation Museum) A-6E Intruder (VA-34 / CVW-1) aboard USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) - circa 1980 (courtesy of the National Naval Aviation Museum) KA-6D Intruder (VA-34 / CVW-1) aboard USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) - circa 1980 (courtesy of the National Naval Aviation Museum) A-6E Intruder (VA-34 / CVW-1) aboard USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) - circa 1980 (courtesy of the National Naval Aviation Museum) KA-6D Intruder (VA-34 / CVW-1) - 1979 (courtesy of the National Naval Aviation Museum) KA-6D Intruder (VA-34 / CVW-1) - 1979 (courtesy of the National Naval Aviation Museum) A-6E Intruder (VA-34 / CVW-1) over Italy - 1978 (courtesy of the National Naval Aviation Museum) A-6E Intruders (VA-34 / CVW-1) - 1978 (courtesy of the National Naval Aviation Museum) A-6E Intruders (VA-34 / CVW-1) - 1978 (courtesy of the National Naval Aviation Museum) A-6E Intruders (VA-34 / CVW-1) - 1978 (courtesy of the National Naval Aviation Museum) A-6E Intruder (VA-34 / CVW-1) at NAS North Island, California - 1977 (courtesy of the National Naval Aviation Museum) KA-6D Intruder (VA-34 / CVW-1) - 1977 (courtesy of the National Naval Aviation Museum) A-6E Intruders (VA-34 / CVW-1) - circa 1977 (courtesy of the National Naval Aviation Museum) A-6B Intruder (VA-34 / CVW-1) - circa 1976 (courtesy of the National Naval Aviation Museum) KA-6D Intruder (VA-34 / CVW-1) - 1975 (courtesy of the National Naval Aviation Museum) A-6E Intruder (VA-34 / CVW-1) aboard USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) - 1975 (courtesy of the National Naval Aviation Museum) KA-6D Intruders (VA-34 / CVW-1) - circa 1975 (courtesy of the National Naval Aviation Museum) A-6E Intruder (VA-34 / CVW-1) embarked on USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) - 1974 (courtesy of the National Naval Aviation Museum) A-6E Intruder (VA-34 / CVW-1) embarked on USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) - 1974 (courtesy of the National Naval Aviation Museum) A-6E Intruder (VA-34 / CVW-1) embarked on USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) - 1974 (courtesy of the National Naval Aviation Museum) KA-6D Intruder (VA-34 / CVW-1) refuels a F-4B Phantom II from VF-14 - 1973 (courtesy of the National Naval Aviation Museum) A-6A Intruders (VA-34 / CVW-1) embarked on USS John F. Kennedy (CVA 67) - 1971-72 A-6A Intruder (VA-34 / CVW-1) - circa 1970 (courtesy of the National Naval Aviation Museum) A-6A Intruders (VA-34 / CVW-1) - circa 1970 (courtesy of the National Naval Aviation Museum) A-6A Intruders (VA-34 / CVW-1) - circa 1970 (courtesy of the National Naval Aviation Museum) A-6A Intruder (VA-34 / CVW-1) - 1970 (courtesy of the National Naval Aviation Museum) second VA-34 Blue Blasters (1955 - 1969) A-4C Skyhawk (VA-34 / CVW-3) aboard USS Saratoga (CVA 60) - circa 1963-66 A4D-2 Skyhawk (VA-34 / CVG-3) refuels a F8U-1P Crusader from VFP-62 - circa 1959-60 (courtesy of the National Naval Aviation Museum) A4D-2 Skyhawk from (VA-34 / CVG-3) refuels a F8U-1P Crusader from VFP-62 - circa 1959-60 (courtesy of the National Naval Aviation Museum) A4D-2 Skyhawk from VA-34 aboard USS Saratoga (CVA 60) - 1959 (courtesy of the National Naval Aviation Museum) A4D-2 Skyhawk from VA-34 - 1959 (courtesy of the National Naval Aviation Museum) A4D Skyhawk from VA-34 aboard USS Saratoga (CVA 60) - 1958-60 (courtesy of the National Naval Aviation Museum) A4D-1 Skyhawk flying over USS Saratoga (CVA 60) - 1958
history
Second VA-34 - Chronology of Significant Events: 16 Apr 1944: The squadron departed NAS Alameda aboard Essex (CV 9) en route to Hawaii for four months of operational training prior to its first combat tour. 31 Aug 1944: Combat strikes were flown against the Bonin Islands. This was the squadron’s first combat action. 24–25 Oct 1944: The squadron participated in the Battle for Leyte Gulf, sometimes referred to as the Second Battle of the Philippines Sea. VF-20 aircraft struck elements of all three Japanese Task Forces which were converging on Leyte Gulf. Aug–Nov 1944: The squadron flew strikes against targets on the Bonin Islands, Yap and Palau Islands, Peleliu Island, Okinawa, Formosa, Luzon, and Leyte. 14 Dec 1944: Lieutenant (jg) Douglas Baker was on a strike mission against Clark Field on Luzon when he encountered Japanese fighter opposition. During this engagement he destroyed four Japanese aircraft before being shot down by antiaircraft fire and lost in the action. This final action brought his air-to-air kills to 16, making him one of the high ranking aces for the Navy. Only eight other Navy pilots equalled or exceeded this record. Dec 1944–Jan 1945: VF-20 engaged in another series of combat actions, flying missions against targets on and around Luzon, Formosa, French Indochina (Vietnam), Hong Kong, the South China Sea, and Okinawa. Many of these operations were in support of the landings at Lingayen Gulf. 22 Jan 1945: This was the last day of combat action for the squadron during World War II. During the period from 31 August 1944, the squadron compiled a formidable combat record. There were 8 aces (9 counting the Commander of CVG-20 who flew the squadron’s aircraft), 12 individuals received the Navy Cross and 22 individuals received the Silver Star. VF-20 credits itself with the destruction of over 15 ships and 407 aircraft, not counting an even greater number that were damaged but not destroyed. Feb 1945: Embarked in Kwajalein (CVE 98) at Ulithi and departed for the United States, arriving there in the latter part of the month. Jul–Sep 1948: In cooperation with Commander Operational Development Force, Atlantic Fleet, the squadron participated in the experimental carrier controlled approach program aboard Philippine Sea (CV 47). Apr 1953: The squadron embarked on Antietam (CVA 36) with its F2H-2s to conduct evaluation tests on the Navy’s first angled deck carrier. 26 May 1954: The squadron was aboard Bennington (CVA 20), en route to the Mediterranean Sea, when an explosion aboard ship resulted in the death of 7 squadron personnel. The ship returned to the States and the squadron disembarked. 31 Oct 1954: Ensign Duane L. Varner completed a 1,900 mile nonstop, non-refueling, transcontinental flight from Los Alamitos, California, to NAS Cecil Field, Florida, in a squadron F2H-2 Banshee. His flight took 3 hours and 58 minutes and set a new long distance record for the Banshee. 4 Mar 1958: During cross-deck operations the squadron landed its A4D-1 Skyhawks aboard HMS Ark Royal. Jul 1958: VA-34 flew support missions during the amphibious landings in Beirut, Lebanon, by U.S. Marines. Jun 1959: Operating from NAAS Mayport, the squadron conducted the first operational firing of the Bull Pup air-to-ground missile in the Atlantic Fleet. Apr 1961: VA-34’s A4D-2 Skyhawks operated from Essex (CVS 9) in the Caribbean Sea during the Bay of Pigs invasion. This operation involved the first use of jet attack aircraft as part of an ASW Air Group, CVSG-60, operating aboard an ASW designated carrier. 26 Oct–18 Nov 1962: During the Cuban missile crisis the entire squadron flew aboard Enterprise (CVAN 65) on 26 October to augment the assigned air wing. Enterprise had departed for the Caribbean on 19 October. VA-34 flew numerous missions in support of Cuban quarantine. 18–26 Nov 1962: On 18 November the squadron transferred from Enterprise to Independence (CVA 62) during the quarantine operations. VA-34 continued to fly quarantine missions aboard Independence until her return to the States on 26 November. 3–21 Dec 1962: The squadron was aboard Saratoga (CVA 60) for carrier refresher training in the Caribbean and continued operations relating to the Cuban missile crisis. Dec 1963 and Jan–Feb 1964: The squadron provided detachments of A-4C Skyhawks aboard Intrepid (CVS 11) and Randolph (CVS 15). The aircraft were used for Combat Air Patrol to provide a fighter capability for the ASW carriers. May–Dec 1967: VA-34 deployed to Vietnam as a component of an Attack Carrier Air Wing (CVW-10) embarked in Intrepid (CVS-11). This was the squadron’s first combat action since 1945. Third VA-34 - Chronology of Significant Events: 17 Apr 1970: VA-34’s establishment ceremony was conducted at NAS Oceana. 18 Sep 1970: The squadron boarded Kennedy (CVA 67) and departed on 14 September for final training and an Operational Readiness Inspection prior to its scheduled November deployment to the Mediterranean Sea. However, while en route to the Caribbean, the ship was ordered to deploy to the Mediterranean after Syria invaded Jordan. Sep 1972: A squadron A-6 Intruder conducted crossdecking operations on HMS Ark Royal while operating in the Norwegian Sea. Oct–Nov 1973: Due to the outbreak of war in the Middle East (Yon Kippur War), VA-34 and Kennedy departed the Norwegian Sea and reentered the Mediterranean, conducting surveillance operations south of Crete. Sep–Oct 1982: During the deployment to the North Atlantic, America (CV 66), with VA-34 embarked, received orders on 22 September to proceed to the Mediterranean due to the continuing crisis in Lebanon. Jan and May 1983: While in the Eastern Mediterranean the squadron conducted air operations from America in support of the multinational peacekeeping forces in Beirut, Lebanon. Sep 1985: While deployed aboard America to the North Atlantic, the squadron conducted flight operations from the carrier while it operated within Vestfjord, a Norwegian fjord. 24 Mar 1986: Libyan missiles were fired at U.S. Navy forces operating in the Gulf of Sidra. As a result of this hostile act retalitory strikes, known as Operation Prairie Fire, were initiated against Libya by the American naval forces in the area. VA-34’s A-6E Intruders, operating from America, attacked and damaged a Libyan Combattante II G-class fast attack missile craft with a Harpoon missile. A follow-up attack by VA-85 aircraft with Rockeye bombs resulted in the sinking of the Combattante II. The Harpoon firing was the first use of this missile in combat and the squadron’s first combat action since its establishment in 1970. 14 Apr 1986: Due to continued Libyan sponsorship of terrorist activity the United States initiated Operation Eldorado Canyon. VA-34 participated in this operation with its A-6Es, conducting a night, low level high speed attack against terrorists targets at the Benina airfield and military barracks in Banghazi, Libya. Aug 1990: The squadron flew missions in support of Operation Desert Shield, the build up of American and Allied forces to counter a threatened invasion of Saudi Arabia by Iraq and as part of an economic blockade of Iraq to force its withdrawal from Kuwait. Second VA-34 Third VA-34: another VF-34 history (from the VFA-34 website): As a front line strike fighter unit, the Blue Blasters directly participated in World War II, the Cuban Crisis, the Vietnam Conflict, and Desert Shield. The squadron has flown eight different aircraft types from the decks of 24 carriers while compiling an enviable list of "firsts". Beginnings - World War II The squadron was originally commissioned the VF-20 "Jokers" on 15 October 1943 as part of Air Group TWENTY stationed at NAS San Diego, California. The squadron was composed of numerous newly winged Naval Aviators along with a few combat hardened pilots. Among those veterans who later joined the command was Lieutenant Al Vraciu, credited with downing six Japanese Zeros during the famous Marianas Turkey Shoot. Flying F6F Hellcats from the deck of USS ENTERPRISE, VF-20 was heavily involved in the initial invasion operations in the Philippines, including the epic battle of Leyte Gulf. As part of Admiral Halsey's Northern Strike Group, VF-20 assisted in sinking one of the world's largest battleships, the IJNS MUSASHI (sister ship to the IJNS YAMATO), and was given credit for partial kills on several Japanese cruisers and destroyers. LCDR Fred Bakutis, the first Commanding Officer of VF-20, was shot down during this attack and survived a week adrift at sea. He was awarded the Navy Cross. After the deployment, VF-20 cross-decked to the "Grey Ghost", the USS LEXINGTON (CV 16). From her decks, "The Jokers" struck various targets from Taiwan to the Japanese mainland. During WWII, eight VF-20 pilots became aces, 12 pilots received the Navy Cross and 22 received the Silver Star. VF-20 was credited with the destruction of over 15 ships and 407 aircraft, not counting the even greater number that were damaged but not destroyed. For their combat efforts the command was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation in 1944 and 1945, along with the Navy Unit Citation while aboard the Big "E". Names of VF-20 personnel are enshrined along with other members of Air Group TWENTY in the USS LEXINGTON Memorial in Corpus Christi, Texas. Shortly after the surrender of Japan, the squadron transitioned to the F8F Bearcat and was redesignated VF-9A. Redesignated in the summer of 1948 as VF-91 and then VF-34 in 1950 as the squadron transitioned to its first jet aircraft, the F9F Panther. One year later, the squadron began initial training in the F2H Banshee. After returning from a cruise aboard USS LEYTE (CV 32), the unit transferred to NAS Cecil Field, Florida. The majority of the next two years were spent operating from the attack carriers USS HORNET (CVA 12), USS MIDWAY (CV 41), USS BENNINGTON (CVA 20), USS TARAWA (CV 40) and USS RANDOLPH (CVA 15). Upon returning to NAS Cecil Field, Florida in 1955, the squadron was again redesignated as VA-34. In spring of 1956, it accepted its first F7U Cutlass, which it operated until receiving A-4D Skyhawks in March 1957. The squadron became the first Skyhawk squadron to deploy to the Mediterranean. It was during this period that the squadron adopted their present nickname, taking inspiration from their blue tail colors and their nuclear weapon delivery capability; hence the name "Blue Blasters." From 1959 through 1966, the Blue Blasters operated from the decks of USS SARATOGA (CV 60) and USS ESSEX (CV 9). Squadron involvement in world events included clandestine operations in the Caribbean during the Bay of Pigs invasion and action off the coast of Lebanon in 1958. The squadron distinguished itself in the Gulf of Tonkin and North Vietnam in 1967 during the Vietnam Conflict onboard USS INTREPID (CV 11). Attack Squadron 34 was disestablished on 29 May 1969. Less than a year later, on 1 January 1970, the Blue Blasters were reestablished at NAS Oceana, Virginia, as the Atlantic Fleet’s sixth A-6A Intruder squadron. Nine months later, VA-34 put to sea for an Operational Readiness Inspection (ORI) aboard USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV 67) as part of Carrier Air Wing ONE (CVW 1). Events in the Middle East necessitated an unexpected sortie of CV 67 and her Air Wing to the Mediterranean in the summer of 1970. The squadron returned home in March 1971 from this unscheduled deployment, only one year old, but already in possession of the Meritorious Unit Commendation. In August 1971, VA-34 received the Battle "E" award as the Atlantic Fleet's top A-6 squadron. Between March 1971 and 1981, the Blue Blasters and CV 67 became well acquainted, deploying together for six cruises and associated work-ups. VA-34 deployed aboard her new home, USS AMERICA (CV 66), in August 1982 for an eight-week North Atlantic cruise followed by the ORE. The squadron subsequently made deployments to the Mediterranean Sea and Indian Ocean in 1982 and 1984. The Blue Blasters made aviation history in 1986 as the squadron participated in Operations PRAIRIE FIRE and EL DORADO CANYON. VA-34 was the first squadron to employ the Harpoon Missile in combat, successfully defending ships of the U.S. SIXTH FLEET against threatening Libyan forces. Less than one month later, the Blue Blasters conducted a daring night, low-level, high-speed attack against Libyan terrorist barracks and aircraft storage facilities. The tactical expertise and combat readiness of the squadron was readily apparent when the Blue Blasters delivered their ordnance on target and returned without damage. In October 1986 the Blasters detached from Carrier Air Wing ONE and joined Carrier Air Wing SEVEN in USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN 69). VA-34 participated in the complete work-up cycle throughout most of 1987. The men of VA-34 left NAS Oceana, Virginia in February 1988 for an extended Mediterranean deployment embarked in USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69 as part of Carrier Air Wing SEVEN). The Blasters participated in operations off the Libyan Coast along with numerous NATO exercises. Upon completion of deployment, VA-34 returned to NAS Oceana, Virginia in August 1988. The Blue Blasters deployment in 1990 featured integration of night vision goggles and SLAM missile capability into their A-6Es. Midway through the deployment, the world was rudely awakened by Iraq's brutal invasion of Kuwait. In defense of President Bush's "Line in the Sand," the Blue Blasters transited the Suez Canal and took up station in the Red Sea. During the initial phase of Operation DESERT SHIELD, VA-34 provided the decisive stopping power that thwarted any further Iraqi military expansionism. The squadron returned home in September 1990. The Blue Blasters revisited Southwest Asia in September 1991. The deployment culminated with the Blaster's participation in North Star. The squadron returned home to NAS Oceana, Virginia on 2 April 1992. The Blue Blasters’ next deployment was from May to November 1994, embarked in USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN 73) for her maiden cruise. In June, the Blasters were afforded the opportunity to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of D-Day highlighted by their participation in a "missing man" formation over Omaha Beach, which was televised world-wide by CNN. The squadron played a major role in two of the world's hottest spots, Bosnia and Southern Iraq. Operational sorties were flown in both theaters enforcing United Nations mandates. Missions included Close Air Support over the former Yugoslavia, working closely with multi-national Forward Air Controllers and UN forces on the ground, and strike familiarization missions to targets below the 32nd parallel in Iraq. As a result of the squadron's superb operational readiness, the Blue Blasters were awarded the Commander, Naval Air Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet Battle "E" for 1994 and 1995. The Blue Blasters departed in January 1996 for their last deployment flying the venerable A-6E Intruder in USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN 73). They flew in support of Operation DECISIVE ENDEAVOR over Bosnia Herzegovina and Operation SOUTHERN WATCH over Iraq. Typical missions included Close Air Support and Airborne Forward Air Controller assisting US and UN troops on the ground. The squadron returned to NAS Oceana, Virginia for a long awaited homecoming with family and friends. On September 30, 1996, Attack Squadron 34 was redesignated Strike Fighter Squadron 34 and returned once again to NAS Cecil Field, Florida. The Blue Blasters immediately began the transition to the Boeing FA-18C Hornet. Squadron Insignia and Nickname: When (third) VA-34 was established in 1970, it adopted the insignia and nickname ‚Blue Blasters’ used by the previous VA-34 squadron (the second VA-34 / 1955-69).
patches
VA-34 Intruder patch
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