Attack Squadrons 

On 15 November 1946 the VA designation was created when the remaining Bombing (VB) and Torpedo (VT) squadrons from WWII were redesignated "Attack" squadrons (VA) and the VB and VT designations ceased to exist. The VA designation remained in use until 1996 when the last Attack Squadron completed transition to the F/A-18 Hornet and was redesignated a Strike Fighter (VFA) squadron. The VA designation has not been used since 1996. During the life of the VA designation there were three different periods during which the rules governing the squadron designation system differed creating three separate and distinct designation schemes over time. These three different designation scheme periods resulted in cases where a single squadron carried multiple designations during its existence, and in the occurrence of multiple uses of the same designation for unrelated squadrons.

The VA(AW) designation was created in 1956 when VC squadrons were redesignated using role descriptive designators. VC-33 and VC-35 had by then become attack squadrons with radar and electronic countermeasures equipped aircraft. All weather attack squadrons provided detachments of radar and electronic countermeasure equipped attack aircraft to Carrier Air Groups for night and all weather operations.

The Light Attack (VAL) designation was created in 1969 and designated only one squadron (VAL-4) which was established to support riverine and special operations during the Vietnam War. The designation was retired with the disestablishment of the squadron. A Helicopter Light Attack (HAL) designation had been created in 1967 to designate a single light attack helicopter squadron (HAL-3). HAL-3 and VAL-4 conducted operations in the Mekong Delta region of South Vietnam.

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last update 22. February 2013

written 24. April 2005

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