Attack Squadron 55 (ATKRON 55)

VA-55 ‘Warhorses’

 

va-55 warhorses attack squadron insignia crest patch badge atkron us navy

va-55 warhorses attack squadron atkron a-6e intruder us navy

 

STATUS:

First VA-55 ‘Warhorses’:
established as Torpedo Squadron 5 (VT-5) on February 15, 1943
VT-5 redesignated Attack Squadron 6A (VA-6A) on November 15, 1946

VA-6A redesignated Attack Squadron 55 (VA-55) on August 16, 1948
VA-55 disestablished on December 12, 1975

    

Nicknames: 1948-55 = Skyraiders / 1955-75 = Warhorses
  
Second VA-55 ‘Warhorses’:
(new)established as Attack Squadron 55 (VA-55) on October 7, 1983
VA-55 disestablished on January 1, 1991

AIRCRAFT:

First VA-55:
Douglas AD-1 Skyraider (1949)
Douglas AD-4 Skyraider (1949-54)
Douglas AD-6 Skyraider (1954-56)
Douglas AD-7 Skyraider (1956-57)
North American FJ-4B Fury (1957-59)
Douglas A4D-2 Skyhawk (1959-62)
Douglas A4D-2N (A-4C) Skyhawk (1962-63)
Douglas A-4E Skyhawk (1963-66)
Douglas A-4C Skyhawk (1966-67)
Douglas A-4F Skyhawk (1967-75)
 
Second VA-55:
Grumman A-6E Intruder (1984-91)
Grumman KA-6D Intruder (1984-91)

 

 

DEPLOYMENTS:

First VA-55:

May 1950 - December 1950 with CVG-5 aboard USS Valley Forge (CV 45)

May 1951 - August 1951 with CVG-19 aboard USS Princeton (CV 37)

June 1952 - February 1953 with ATG-2 aboard USS Essex (CV 9)

December 1953 - July 1954 with ATG-2 aboard USS Essex (CVA 9)

April 1955 - November 1955 with ATG-2 aboard USS Philippine Sea (CVA 47)

April 1957 - September 1957 with ATG-2 aboard USS Hancock (CVA 19)

August 1958 - January 1959 with ATG-4 aboard USS Bennington (CVA 20)

March 1960 - October 1960 with CVG-5 aboard USS Ticonderoga (CVA 14)

May 1961 - January 1962 with CVG-5 aboard USS Ticonderoga (CVA 14)

July 1962 - September 1962 with CVG-5 aboard USS Constellation (CVA 64)

January 1963 - July 1963 with CVG-5 aboard USS Ticonderoga (CVA 14)

April 1964 - December 1964 with CVW-5 aboard USS Ticonderoga (CVA 14)

December 1965 - August 1966 with CVW-14 aboard USS Ranger (CVA 61)

April 1969 - December 1967 with CVW-14 aboard USS Constellation (CVA 64)

July 1968 - March 1969 with CVW-21 aboard USS Hancock (CVA 19)

August 1969 - April 1970 with CVW-21 aboard USS Hancock (CVA 19)

October 1970 - June 1971 with CVW-21 aboard USS Hancock (CVA 19)

January 1972 - October 1972 with CVW-21 aboard USS Hancock (CVA 19)

May 1973 - January 1974 with CVW-21 aboard USS Hancock (CVA 19)

March 1975 - October 1975 with CVW-21 aboard USS Hancock (CV 19)

    

Second VA-55:

October 1985 - May 1986 with CVW-13 aboard USS Coral Sea (CV 43)

September 1987 - March 1988 with CVW-13 aboard USS Coral Sea (CV 43)

May 1989 - September 1989 with CVW-13 aboard USS Coral Sea (CV 43)

 

images

 

Second VA-55 (1983-91)

 

va-55 warhorses attack squadron a-6e intruder carrier air wing cvw-13 uss coral sea cv 43

A-6E Intruder (VA-55 / CVW-13) embarked on USS Coral Sea (CV 43) refueling a F/A-18 Hornet of VMFA-451 - 1989

 

attack squadron va-55 warhorses a-6e intruder cvw-13

A-6E Intruder (VA-55 / CVW-13) - 1988 (courtesy of the National Naval Aviation Museum)

 

va-55 warhorses attack squadron a-6e intruder cvw-13

A-6E Intruder (VA-55 / CVW-13) - 1988 (NNAM)

 

attack squadron va-55 warhorses a-6e intruder carrier air wing cvw-13

A-6E Intruder (VA-55 / CVW-13) - 1987 (NNAM)

 

attack squadron va-55 warhorses ka-6d intruder cvw-13 uss coral sea cv 43

KA-6D Intruder (VA-55 / CVW-13) embarked on USS Coral Sea (CV 43) - 1986

 

va-55 warhorses attack squadron a-6e intruder cvw-13 uss coral sea cv 43 off lybia 1986

A-6E Intruder (VA-55 / CVW-13) embarked on USS Coral Sea (CV 43) - off Lybia 1986

 

attack squadron va-55 warhorses a-6e intruder cvw-13 uss coral sea off lybia 1986

A-6E Intruder (VA-55 / CVW-13) embarked on USS Coral Sea (CV 43) - off Lybia 1986

 

va-55 warhorses attack squadron ka-6d intruder cvw-13 uss coral sea cv 43 off lybia 1986

KA-6D Intruder (VA-55 / CVW-13) embarked on USS Coral Sea (CV 43) - off Lybia 1986

 

va-55 warhorses attack squadron a-6e intruder cvw-13 uss coral sea cv 43

A-6E Intruders (VA-55 / CVW-13) embarked on USS Coral Sea (CV 43) - 1980’s (NNAM)

 

attack squadron va-55 warhorses a-6e intruder cvw-13 uss coral sea cv 43

A-6E Intruder (VA-55 / CVW-13) embarked on USS Coral Sea (CV 43) - 1986 (NNAM)

 

va-55 warhorses attack squadron a-6e intruder

A-6E Intruder (VA-55 / CVW-13) embarked on USS Coral Sea (CV 43) - 1986 (NNAM)

 

attack squadron va-55 warhorses ka-6d intruder cvw-13 uss coral sea cv 43

KA-6D Intruder (VA-55 / CVW-13) embarked on USS Coral Sea (CV 43) - 1986 (NNAM)

 

va-55 warhorses atkron a-6e intruder cvw-13 nas oceana virginia

A-6E Intruder (VA-55 / CVW-13) at NAS Oceana, Virginia - 1986 (NNAM)

 

attack squadron va-55 warhorses a-6e intruder nas oceana virginia 1986

A-6E Intruder (VA-55 / CVW-13) at NAS Oceana, Virginia - 1986 (NNAM)

 

va-55 warhorses attack squadron a-6e intruder carrier air wing cvw-13

A-6E Intruder (VA-55 / CVW-13) - 1985 (NNAM)

 

attack squadron va-55 warhorses a-6e intruder cvw-13

A-6E Intruder (VA-55 / CVW-13) - 1985 (NNAM)

 

va-55 warhorses attack squadron a-6e intruder

A-6E Intruder (VA-55 / CVW-13) - 1985 (NNAM)

 

attack squadron va-55 warhorses a-6e intruder cvw-13

A-6E Intruder (VA-55 / CVW-13) - 1985 (NNAM)

 

va-55 warhorses atkron a-6e intruder

A-6E Intruder (VA-55 / CVW-13) - 1985 (NNAM)

 

va-55 warhorses a-6e intruder

A-6E Intruder (VA-55 / CVW-13) - 1985 (NNAM)

 

attack squadron va-55 warhorses a-6e intruder

A-6E Intruder (VA-55 / CVW-13) - 1985 (NNAM)

 

va-55 warhorses attack squadron a-6e intruder

A-6E Intruder (VA-55 / CVW-13) - 1985 (NNAM)

 

va-55 warhorses attack squadron ka-6d intruder

KA-6D Intruder (VA-55 / CVW-13) - 1985 (NNAM)

 

attack squadron va-55 warhorses a-6e intruder cvw-13

A-6E Intruder (VA-55 / CVW-13) - 1984 (NNAM)

 

 

First VA-55 (1943-75)

 

va-55 warhorses attack squadron a-4f skyhawk carrier air wing cvw-21 uss hancock cva 19 1974

A-4F Skyhawk (VA-55 / CVW-21) embarked on USS Hancock (CVA 19) - 1974 (courtesy of the National Naval Aviation Museum)

 

attack squadron va-55 warhorses a-4f skyhawk cvw-21 uss hancock cva 19

A-4F Skyhawks (501, 505 & 510 - assigned to VA-55 / CVW-21) embarked on USS Hancock (CVA 19) - 1972

 

va-55 warhorses a-4f skyhawk cvw-21 refueling a f-8e crusader of vf-211

A-4F Skyhawk (VA-55 / CVW-21 / CVA 19) refueling a F-8E Crusader of VF-211 - late 1960’s/early 1970’s (NNAM)

 

va-55 warhorses atkron a-4f skyhawk cvw-21 refueling a rf-8g crusader of vfp-63

A-4F Skyhawk (VA-55 / CVW-21 / CVA 19) refueling a RF-8G Crusader of VFP-63 - late 1960’s/early 1970’s (NNAM)

 

attack squadron va-55 warhorses a-4f skyhawk refueling a rf-8g crusader of vfp-63

A-4F Skyhawk (VA-55 / CVW-21 / CVA 19) refueling a RF-8G Crusader of VFP-63 - late 1960’s/early 1970’s (NNAM)

 

va-55 warhorses a-4f skyhawk cvw-21 refueling a rf-8g crusader of vfp-63 uss hancock cva 19

A-4F Skyhawk (VA-55 / CVW-21 / CVA 19) refueling a RF-8G Crusader of VFP-63 - late 1960’s/early 1970’s (NNAM)

 

attack squadron va-55 warhorses a-4f skyhawk carrier air wing cvw-21 uss hancock cva 19

A-4F Skyhawks (VA-55 / CVW-21) embarked on USS Hancock (CVA 19) - late 1960’s/early 1970’s (NNAM)

 

va-55 warhorses attack squadron a-4f skyhawk cvw-21 uss hancock cva 19

A-4F Skyhawks (VA-55 / CVW-21) embarked on USS Hancock (CVA 19) - late 1960’s/early 1970’s (NNAM)

 

va-55 warhorses atkron a-4f skyhawk cvw-21

A-4F Skyhawk (VA-55 / CVW-21) - late 1960’s/early 1970’s (NNAM)

 

va-55 warhorses attack squadron a-4f skyhawk cvw-21 embarked on uss hancock cva 19

A-4F Skyhawks (VA-55 / CVW-21) embarked on USS Hancock (CVA 19) - late 1960’s/early 1970’s (NNAM)

 

attack squadron va-55 warhorses a-4f skyhawk cvw-21 uss hancock cva 19

A-4F Skyhawks (VA-55 / CVW-21) embarked on USS Hancock (CVA 19) - late 1960’s/early 1970’s (NNAM)

 

va-55 warhorses a-4f skyhawk cvw-21

A-4F Skyhawk (VA-55 / CVW-21) embarked on USS Hancock (CVA 19) - late 1960’s/early 1970’s (NNAM)

 

va-55 warhorses attack squadron a-4f skyhawk carrier air wing cvw-21 uss hancock cva 19

A-4F Skyhawk (VA-55 / CVW-21) embarked on USS Hancock (CVA 19) - late 1960’s/early 1970’s (NNAM)

 

attack squadron va-55 warhorses a-4f skyhawk cvw-21

A-4F Skyhawk (VA-55 / CVW-21) embarked on USS Hancock (CVA 19) - late 1960’s/early 1970’s (NNAM)

 

va-55 warhorses attack squadron a-4f skyhawk cvw-21 mount fuji japan

A-4F Skyhawks (VA-55 / CVW-21) embarked on USS Hancock (CVA 19) - Mount Fuji - late 1960’s/early 1970’s (NNAM)

 

va-55 warhorses atkron a-4f skyhawk flying over uss hancock cva 19

A-4F Skyhawk (VA-55 / CVW-21) flying over USS Hancock (CVA 19) - late 1960’s/early 1970’s (NNAM)

 

attack squadron va-55 warhorses a-4f skyhawk cvw-21 uss hancock cva 19 with agm-45 shrike anti radiation missile

A-4F Skyhawk (VA-55 / CVW-21 / CVA 19) armed with AGM-45 Shrike anti-radiation missiles - late 1960’s/early 1970’s (NNAM)

 

va-55 warhorses a-4f skyhawk cvw-21 fires an agm-45 shrike missile

A-4F Skyhawk (VA-55 / CVW-21 / CVA 19) fires an AGM-45 Shrike missile - late 1960’s/early 1970’s (NNAM)

 

va-55 warhorses attack squadron a-4c skyhawk carrier air wing cvw-14 uss constellation cva 64

A-4C Skyhawk (VA-55 / CVW-14) embarked on USS Constellation (CVA 64) - 1967 (NNAM)

 

attack squadron va-55 warhorses a-4c skyhawk cvw-14 uss constellation cva 64

damaged A-4C Skyhawk (VA-55 / CVW-14) embarked on USS Constellation (CVA 64) - 1967 (NNAM)

 

va-55 warhorses attack squadron a-4c skyhawk carrier air wing cvw-14 uss constellation cva 64

A-4C Skyhawk (VA-55 / CVW-14) embarked on USS Constellation (CVA 64) - 1967 (NNAM)

 

attack squadron va-55 warhorses a-4c skyhawk cvw-14 uss constellation vietnam war 1967

A-4C Skyhawk (VA-55 / CVW-14) embarked on USS Constellation (CVA 64) - 1967 (NNAM)

 

va-55 warhorses atkron a-4c skyhawk cvw-14 uss constellation cva 64 vietnam war

A-4C Skyhawk (VA-55 / CVW-14) embarked on USS Constellation (CVA 64) - 1967 (NNAM)

 

attack squadron va-55 warhorses a-4 skyhawk cvw-14

A-4 Skyhawks (VA-55 / CVW-14) - 1960’s (NNAM)

 

va-55 warhorses attack squadron a-4e skyhawk cvw-14 uss ranger cva 61

A-4E Skyhawks (VA-55 / CVW-14) embarked on USS Ranger (CVA 61) - 1965/66 (NNAM)

 

attack squadron va-55 warhorses a-4e skyhawk carrier air wing cvw-5 uss ticonderoga cva 14

A-4E Skyhawks (VA-55 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Ticonderoga (CVA 14) - 1964 (NNAM)

 

va-55 warhorses attack squadron a-4e skyhawk cvw-5 uss ticonderoga cva 14

A-4E Skyhawks (VA-55 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Ticonderoga (CVA 14) - 1964 (NNAM)

 

attack squadron va-55 warhorses a-4e skyhawk cvw-5

A-4E Skyhawk (VA-55 / CVW-5) - 1960’s (NNAM)

 

atkron va-55 warhorses a-4e skyhawk cvw-5 uss ticonderoga cva 14 inflight refueling

A-4E Skyhawks (VA-55 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Ticonderoga (CVA 14) during inflight refueling - 1964 (NNAM)

 

attack squadron va-55 warhorses a-4e skyhawk carrier air wing cvw-5 uss ticonderoga cva 14 royal navy sea vixen

A-4E Skyhawk (VA-55 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Ticonderoga (CVA 14) with a Royal Navy ‘Sea Vixen’ aircraft - 1964 (NNAM)

 

va-55 warhorses attack squadron a-4e skyhawk cvw-5 uss ticonderoga cva 14 royal navy sea vixen

A-4E Skyhawk (VA-55 / CVW-5) embarked on USS Ticonderoga (CVA 14) refuels a Royal Navy ‘Sea Vixen’ aircraft - 1964 (NNAM)

 

va-55 warhorses attack squadron a-4e skyhawk cvw-5

A-4E Skyhawk (VA-55 / CVW-5) - 1960’s (NNAM)

 

attack squadron va-55 warhorses a-4e skyhawk cvw-5

A-4E Skyhawk (VA-55 / CVW-5) - 1960’s (NNAM)

 

va-55 warhorses atkron a-4e skyhawk carrier air group cvg-5 uss ticonderoga cva 14

A-4C Skyhawk (VA-55 / CVG-5) embarked on USS Ticonderoga (CVA 14) - circa 1963 (NNAM)

 

va-55 warhorses attack squadron a-4c skyhawk cvg-5

A-4C Skyhawk (VA-55 / CVG-5) - early 1960’s (NNAM)

 

attack squadron va-55 warhorses a4d-2 skyhawk carrier air group cvg-5

A4D-2 Skyhawk (VA-55 / CVG-5) - early 1960’s (NNAM)

 

va-55 warhorses a4d-2 skyhawk cvg-5 atkron

A4D-2 Skyhawk (VA-55 / CVG-5) - early 1960’s (NNAM)

 

attack squadron va-55 warhorses a4d-2 skyhawk cvg-5

A4D-2 Skyhawk (VA-55 / CVG-5) - early 1960’s (NNAM)

 

va-55 warhorses attack squadron a4d-2 skyhawk cvg-5 refueling f8u-1p crusader vcp-63

A4D-2 Skyhawk (VA-55 / CVG-5) refueling F8U-1P Crusaders from VCP-63 - 1959 (NNAM)

 

attack squadron va-55 warhorses a4d-2 skyhawk carrier air group cvg-5 refueling f8u-1p crusader vcp-63

A4D-2 Skyhawk (VA-55 / CVG-5) refueling F8U-1P Crusaders from VCP-63 - 1959 (NNAM)

 

 

history

First VA-55 - chronology of significant events:

15 Feb 1943: VGS-30 was disestablished and personnel from the squadron were used to form VT-5 and VF-1.

6–24 Jul 1943: The squadron departed Norfolk embarked in Yorktown (CV 10) enroute to Hawaii via the Panama Canal.

31 Aug 1943: Embarked in Yorktown, the squadron participated in a raid on Marcus Island.

5–6 Oct 1943: The squadron participated in a raid on Wake Island.

Nov–Dec 1943: The squadron supported the landings on Makin and Tarawa, in the Gilberts, and flew strikes against Kwajalein in the Marshalls.

Jan–Feb 1944: The squadron provided air support for the invasion of the Marshalls.

16–17 Feb 1944: Squadron aircraft flew strikes against the Japanese stronghold of Truk.

22 Feb 1944: The squadron participated in a raid on the Marianas, striking targets on Saipan.

30 Mar–1 Apr 1944: Squadron aircraft struck ships and facilities at Palau in the Caroline Islands. The strike on 30 March was the first time the squadron’s TBFs were armed with torpedoes in combat.

21–23 Apr 1944: Strikes were flown against targets on Wakde Island and Hollandia in New Guinea. These operations were in support of the landings at Hollandia by General Douglas MacArthur’s forces.

29–30 Apr 1944: The squadron participated in another strike operation against Truk.

30 Apr 1944: The squadron’s commanding officer, Lieutenant Commander Dick Upson, failed to return from a SAR mission to locate a downed pilot.

14 May 1944: Following a ten-month combat tour beginning in August 1943, Air Group 5 was relieved aboard Yorktown by Air Group 1 and returned to CONUS to reform on 25 June 1944.

07 Feb 1945: Embarked in Franklin (CV 13), the squadron departed NAS Alameda for Hawaii, arriving there on 13 February. This was the beginning of the squadron’s second major combat tour in the Pacific.

19 Mar 1945: VT-5 was preparing to launch its aircraft for an attack against the city of Kobe, Japan, when the Franklin was hit by two enemy bombs from a Japanese aircraft. Fires were ignited on the second and third decks from the first bomb and the second triggered munitions on the carrier. All VT-5’s aircraft on the flight and hangar deck were destroyed by the ensuing explosions and fire. The damage was one of the most extensive experienced by an Essex class carrier during World War II. A total of 724 men were killed and 265 wounded. VT-5’s commanding officer, Lieutenant Commander Edmands, was lost in the action. All surviving VT-5 personnel were transferred from Franklin and returned to CONUS.

3 Jul 1950: Participated in the first combat strikes by carrier aircraft against the North Koreans. The squadron flew its AD-4 Skyraiders on strikes against airfields, supply lines and transportation facilities in and around Pyongyang, North Korea. This was also the first use of the AD Skyraider in combat.

12 Sep 1950: Pre-invasion strikes against targets in and around Inchon and Seoul, Korea, began in preparation for the landing at Inchon.

15 Sep 1950: Strikes were flown to support the landings at Inchon.

16 May 1951: All VA-55 personnel, except 16 officers and 5 enlisted men, embarked USNS General William Weigel (TAP 119) enroute to Japan for duty with Air Group 19 aboard Princeton (CV 37). The remainder of the personnel were airlifted to Japan on 17 May.

29 May 1951: VA-55 embarked on Princeton, replaced VA-195 in Air Group 19, and proceeded to Korea for combat operations.

Mar 1954: The squadron was deployed to the Western Pacific aboard Essex (CVA 9) when the carrier was ordered to operate off the coast of Vietnam during the Viet Minh’s assault against the French at Dien Bien Phu.

Jul–Sep 1957: Operated intermittently off the coast of Taiwan due to the build-up of Chinese Communist forces and the threat of a possible invasion of Taiwan or its off-shore islands.

Sep 1958: Operated in the Formosa Straits during the Chinese Communist shelling of Quemoy and Matsu.

30–31 Oct 1962: Participated in cross deck operations on HMS Victorious (R 38) in the South China Sea.

Apr 1963: Ticonderoga, with VA-55 embarked, deployed to the South China Sea following several defeats of neutralist forces by the Communists in Laos. After a ceasefire agreement was arranged, the ship resumed normal Seventh Fleet operations on 5 May.

Jul–Sep 1964: Participated in special Yankee Teamoperations involving missions over Laos and South Vietnam.

2 and 4 Aug 1964: The squadron flew air support for Maddox (DD 731) and Turner Joy (DD 951) while the destroyers were on Desoto Patrol missions (intelligence collection missions begun in 1962) off the coast of North Vietnam.

5 Aug 1964: VA-55’s Skyhawks participated in operation Pierce Arrow, retaliatory strikes against the North Vietnamese. Along with other aircraft from CVG-5, they were part of the mission that struck the Vinh oil storage facility. Ninety percent of the complex was destroyed.

Oct–Nov 1964: The squadron continued to operate from Ticonderoga off the coast of South Vietnam and participated in special Yankee Team operations, flying missions over South Vietnam.

3 Jun 1966: The squadron’s commanding officer, Commander M. J. Chewning, while on a mission over North Vietnam, lost the use of his left arm due to a shrapnel hit. He continued his mission, striking a road target, and then returned to the carrier, making a onehanded carrier landing. For his exploits he was awarded the Silver Star and the Purple Heart.

15 Jun 1966: Lieutenant Commander Theodore F. Kopfman was awarded the Silver Star, in absentia, for his actions on a mission over North Vietnam. During the sortie his aircraft was shot down and he was taken prisoner. He was released by North Vietnam and returned to the United States in 1973.

Apr 1972: The squadron participated in Operation Freedom Train, tactical air sorties against military and logistic targets in the southern part of North Vietnam. It also provided close air support for forces in South Vietnam following a massive invasion by North Vietnam.

May 1972: Participated in the early phase of operation Linebacker I, heavy air strikes against targets in North Vietnam.

Jun 1973: Missions were flown in support of Operation End Sweep, the clearing of mines in the territorial waters of North Vietnam.

Oct 1973: With the outbreak of war between Israel, Egypt and Syria, the Hancock (CVA 19), with VA-55 embarked, was directed to leave Yankee Station and operate in the Arabian Sea and Gulf of Aden.


First VA-55 - Homeport Assignments:
NAS Norfolk (NAAF Pungo) (Feb 1943)
Hawaii (Jul 1943)
NAS Alameda (May 1944)
NAAS Monterey (Aug 1944)
NAAS Santa Rosa (Oct 1944)
Hawaii (Feb 1945)
NAS Seattle (Apr 1945)
NAS Klamath Falls (May 1945)
NAS Pasco (Sep 1945)
NAAS Brown Field, Chula Vista (Dec 1945)
NAS Barbers Point (Mar 1946)
NAS San Diego 21 May 1946
NAS Miramar (Mar 1952)
NAS Lemoore (Jan 1962)

va-55 warhorses attack squadron a-4 skyhawk a-6 intruder oversea deployments


Second VA-55 - chronology of significant events:


25 Mar 1986: Due to the initiation of hostile fire by Libya on 24 March, a squadron aircraft attacked a Libyan Nanuchka II class guided missile patrol boat with Rockeye cluster bombs. The Libyan vessel was damaged by the attack and then sunk by a Harpoon strike from VA 85, an Intruder squadron operating from Saratoga (CV 60).

14–15 Apr 1986: Six of the squadron’s Intruders participated in an attack against Benina Airfield at Benghazi, Libya. Numerous parked aircraft were destroyed and the surrounding hangars, support facilities, aircraft aprons, and other airfield equipment and vehicles were damaged. These strikes were in response to the involvement of Libyan trained terrorists in a specific incident (Berlin disco bombing in which American servicemen were killed).

Aug–Sep 1989: Coral Sea (CV 43), with VA-55 embarked, was ordered to operate off the coast of Lebanon following terrorist claims to have killed an American hostage, Lieutenant Colonel William R. Higgins, and the capture of Sheik Obeid from Lebanon by Israeli forces. The unstable situation in Lebanon ultimately led to the evacuation of the American Embassy. Squadron aircraft flew missions in support of the evacuation.

22 Feb 1991: The squadron held a disestablishment ceremony at NAS Oceana. It was officially disestablished on 1 January 1991.


Second VA-55 - Homeport Assignment:
NAS Oceana (Oct 1983)

-

Squadron’s nickname:  Torpcats (1943-1955) / Warhorses (1955-1975 & 1983-1991)

 

patches

 

va-55 warhorses crest insignia patch badge us navy attack squadron skyhawk intruder     va-55 warhorses insignia crest patch badge attack squadron atkron us navy

 

va-55 torpcats crest insignia patch badge attack squadron us navy

‘Torpcats’ (-1955)

 

 

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