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Attack Squadron 55 (ATKRON 55)
VA-55 ‘Warhorses’
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STATUS:
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First
VA-55 ‘Warhorses’: Nicknames:
1948-55 = Skyraiders / 1955-75 = Warhorses |
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AIRCRAFT:
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First
VA-55: |
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DEPLOYMENTS:
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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) |
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images
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Second VA-55 (1983-91)
A-6E Intruder (VA-55 / CVW-13) embarked
on USS Coral Sea (CV 43) refueling a F/A-18 Hornet of VMFA-451 - 1989
A-6E Intruder (VA-55 / CVW-13) - 1988
(courtesy of the National Naval Aviation Museum)
A-6E Intruder (VA-55 / CVW-13) - 1988
(NNAM)
A-6E Intruder (VA-55 / CVW-13) - 1987
(NNAM)
KA-6D Intruder (VA-55 / CVW-13) embarked
on USS Coral Sea (CV 43) - 1986
A-6E Intruder (VA-55 / CVW-13) embarked
on 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
KA-6D Intruder (VA-55 / CVW-13) embarked
on USS Coral Sea (CV 43) - off Lybia 1986
A-6E Intruders (VA-55 / CVW-13) embarked
on USS Coral Sea (CV 43) - 1980’s (NNAM)
A-6E Intruder (VA-55 / CVW-13) embarked
on USS Coral Sea (CV 43) - 1986 (NNAM)
A-6E Intruder (VA-55 / CVW-13) embarked
on USS Coral Sea (CV 43) - 1986 (NNAM)
KA-6D Intruder (VA-55 / CVW-13) embarked
on USS Coral Sea (CV 43) - 1986 (NNAM)
A-6E Intruder (VA-55 / CVW-13) at NAS
Oceana, Virginia - 1986 (NNAM)
A-6E Intruder (VA-55 / CVW-13) at NAS
Oceana, Virginia - 1986 (NNAM)
A-6E Intruder (VA-55 / CVW-13) - 1985
(NNAM)
A-6E Intruder (VA-55 / CVW-13) - 1985
(NNAM)
A-6E Intruder (VA-55 / CVW-13) - 1985
(NNAM)
A-6E Intruder (VA-55 / CVW-13) - 1985
(NNAM)
A-6E Intruder (VA-55 / CVW-13) - 1985
(NNAM)
A-6E Intruder (VA-55 / CVW-13) - 1985
(NNAM)
A-6E Intruder (VA-55 / CVW-13) - 1985
(NNAM)
A-6E Intruder (VA-55 / CVW-13) - 1985
(NNAM)
KA-6D Intruder (VA-55 / CVW-13) - 1985
(NNAM)
A-6E Intruder (VA-55 / CVW-13) - 1984
(NNAM) First VA-55 (1943-75)
A-4F Skyhawk (VA-55 / CVW-21) embarked on
USS Hancock (CVA 19) - 1974 (courtesy of the National Naval Aviation Museum)
A-4F Skyhawks (501, 505 & 510 -
assigned to VA-55 / CVW-21) embarked on USS Hancock (CVA 19) - 1972
A-4F Skyhawk (VA-55 / CVW-21 / CVA 19)
refueling a F-8E Crusader of VF-211 - late 1960’s/early 1970’s (NNAM)
A-4F Skyhawk (VA-55 / CVW-21 / CVA 19)
refueling a RF-8G Crusader of VFP-63 - late 1960’s/early 1970’s (NNAM)
A-4F Skyhawk (VA-55 / CVW-21 / CVA 19)
refueling a RF-8G Crusader of VFP-63 - late 1960’s/early 1970’s (NNAM)
A-4F Skyhawk (VA-55 / CVW-21 / CVA 19)
refueling a RF-8G Crusader of VFP-63 - late 1960’s/early 1970’s (NNAM)
A-4F Skyhawks (VA-55 / CVW-21) embarked
on USS Hancock (CVA 19) - late 1960’s/early 1970’s (NNAM)
A-4F Skyhawks (VA-55 / CVW-21) embarked
on USS Hancock (CVA 19) - late 1960’s/early 1970’s (NNAM)
A-4F Skyhawk (VA-55 / CVW-21) - late
1960’s/early 1970’s (NNAM)
A-4F Skyhawks (VA-55 / CVW-21) embarked
on USS Hancock (CVA 19) - late 1960’s/early 1970’s (NNAM)
A-4F Skyhawks (VA-55 / CVW-21) embarked
on USS Hancock (CVA 19) - late 1960’s/early 1970’s (NNAM)
A-4F Skyhawk (VA-55 / CVW-21) embarked on
USS Hancock (CVA 19) - late 1960’s/early 1970’s (NNAM)
A-4F Skyhawk (VA-55 / CVW-21) embarked on
USS Hancock (CVA 19) - late 1960’s/early 1970’s (NNAM)
A-4F Skyhawk (VA-55 / CVW-21) embarked on
USS Hancock (CVA 19) - late 1960’s/early 1970’s (NNAM)
A-4F Skyhawks (VA-55 / CVW-21) embarked
on USS Hancock (CVA 19) - Mount Fuji - late 1960’s/early 1970’s (NNAM)
A-4F Skyhawk (VA-55 / CVW-21) flying over
USS Hancock (CVA 19) - late 1960’s/early 1970’s (NNAM)
A-4F Skyhawk (VA-55 / CVW-21 / CVA 19)
armed with AGM-45 Shrike anti-radiation missiles - late 1960’s/early 1970’s
(NNAM)
A-4F Skyhawk (VA-55 / CVW-21 / CVA 19)
fires an AGM-45 Shrike missile - late 1960’s/early 1970’s (NNAM)
A-4C Skyhawk (VA-55 / CVW-14) embarked on
USS Constellation (CVA 64) - 1967 (NNAM)
damaged A-4C Skyhawk (VA-55 / CVW-14)
embarked on USS Constellation (CVA 64) - 1967 (NNAM)
A-4C Skyhawk (VA-55 / CVW-14) embarked on
USS Constellation (CVA 64) - 1967 (NNAM)
A-4C Skyhawk (VA-55 / CVW-14) embarked on
USS Constellation (CVA 64) - 1967 (NNAM)
A-4C Skyhawk (VA-55 / CVW-14) embarked on
USS Constellation (CVA 64) - 1967 (NNAM)
A-4 Skyhawks (VA-55 / CVW-14) - 1960’s (NNAM)
A-4E Skyhawks (VA-55 / CVW-14) embarked
on USS Ranger (CVA 61) - 1965/66 (NNAM)
A-4E Skyhawks (VA-55 / CVW-5) embarked on
USS Ticonderoga (CVA 14) - 1964 (NNAM)
A-4E Skyhawks (VA-55 / CVW-5) embarked on
USS Ticonderoga (CVA 14) - 1964 (NNAM)
A-4E Skyhawk (VA-55 / CVW-5) - 1960’s
(NNAM)
A-4E Skyhawks (VA-55 / CVW-5) embarked on
USS Ticonderoga (CVA 14) during inflight refueling - 1964 (NNAM)
A-4E Skyhawk (VA-55 / CVW-5) embarked on
USS Ticonderoga (CVA 14) with a Royal Navy ‘Sea Vixen’ aircraft - 1964 (NNAM)
A-4E Skyhawk (VA-55 / CVW-5) embarked on
USS Ticonderoga (CVA 14) refuels a Royal Navy ‘Sea Vixen’ aircraft - 1964
(NNAM)
A-4E Skyhawk (VA-55 / CVW-5) - 1960’s
(NNAM)
A-4E Skyhawk (VA-55 / CVW-5) - 1960’s
(NNAM)
A-4C Skyhawk (VA-55 / CVG-5) embarked on
USS Ticonderoga (CVA 14) - circa 1963 (NNAM)
A-4C Skyhawk (VA-55 / CVG-5) - early
1960’s (NNAM)
A4D-2 Skyhawk (VA-55 / CVG-5) - early
1960’s (NNAM)
A4D-2 Skyhawk (VA-55 / CVG-5) - early
1960’s (NNAM)
A4D-2 Skyhawk (VA-55 / CVG-5) - early
1960’s (NNAM)
A4D-2 Skyhawk (VA-55 / CVG-5) refueling
F8U-1P Crusaders from VCP-63 - 1959 (NNAM)
A4D-2 Skyhawk (VA-55 / CVG-5) refueling
F8U-1P Crusaders from VCP-63 - 1959 (NNAM) |
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history
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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.
Second VA-55 -
chronology of significant events:
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.
- Squadron’s
nickname: Torpcats (1943-1955) / Warhorses (1955-1975
& 1983-1991) |
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patches |
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‘Torpcats’ (-1955) |
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