Attack Squadron 64 (ATKRON 64) VA-64 ‘Black Lancers’
STATUS:		established as Attack Squadron 64 (VA-64) on July 1, 1961 VA-64 disestablished on November 7, 1969
AIRCRAFT:		Douglas A4D-2N (A-4C) Skyhawk (July 1961-69) Douglas A4D-2 (A-4B) Skyhawk (December 1961- / used by VA-64/Det. 48)
DEPLOYMENTS:		February 1962 - April 1962 with CVG-1 aboard USS Enterprise (CVAN 65) August 1962 - October 1962 with CVG-6 aboard USS Enterprise (CVAN 65) October 1962 - November 1962 with CVG-7 aboard USS Independence (CVA 62) November 1962 - December 1962 with CVG-6 aboard USS Enterprise (CVAN 65) February 1963 - September 1963 with CVG-6 aboard USS Enterprise (CVAN 65) February 1964 - October 1964 with CVW-6 aboard USS Enterprise (CVAN 65) May 1965 - July 1965 with CVW-6 aboard USS America (CVA 66) November 1965 - July 1966 with CVW-6 aboard USS America (CVA 66) January 1967 - September 1967 with CVW-6 aboard USS America (CVA 66) April 1968 - January 1969 with CVW-7 aboard USS Independence (CVA 62) Detachment deployments: VA-64 / Det.48 = February 1962 - April 1962 with CVSG-52 aboard USS Wasp (CVS 18) VA-64 / Det.18B = April 1962 - June 1962 with CVSG-52 aboard USS Wasp (CVS 18)
images
A-4C Skyhawk (VA-64 / CVW-7) embarked on USS Independence (CVA 62) - late 1960’s (courtesy of the National Naval Aviation Museum) A-4C Skyhawk (VA-64 / CVW-6) embarked on USS America (CVA 66) - 1960’s (NNAM) A-4C Skyhawk (VA-64 / CVW-6) embarked on USS America (CVA 66) refueling an EA-3B of VQ-2 - 1960’s (NNAM) A-4C Skyhawks (VA-64 / CVW-6) flying over USS America (CVA 66) - 1960’s (NNAM) A-4C Skyhawk (VA-64 / CVG-6) embarked on USS Enterprise (CVAN 65) - 1962-63 A4D-2N Skyhawks (VA-64 / CVG-1) embarked on USS Enterprise (CVAN 65) - 1962
history
Chronology of significant events: 17 Feb–17 Jun 1962: VA-64 Det 48, formed to provide an air defense capability for Carrier Anti-Submarine Air Groups, deployed aboard Wasp (CVS 18) for a North Atlantic cruise. The detachment’s designation was changed to VA-64 Det 18B in April 1962. Lieutenant Commander E. D. Herbert was officer-incharge of the detachment during the cruise. Oct–18 Nov 1962: The squadron was embarked in Independence (CVA 62) operating in the Caribbean Sea in support of the Cuban quarantine. 18 Nov–5 Dec 1962: On 18 November, in an unusual at-sea evolution, VA-64 switched places with VA-34 and embarked on Enterprise (CVAN 65). The complements of both squadrons were lifted between carriers by helicopters. Following the transfer the squadron continued to operate in the Caribbean as part of the Cuban quarantine. Mar 1964: The squadron conducted operations in the vicinity of Cyprus during a conflict between Turkish and Greek Cypriots. 31 Jul–3 Oct 1964: The squadron participated in operation Sea Orbit, the first circumnavigation of the world by a nuclear task force. The sixty-five day voyage was accomplished without logistic replenishment. The squadron participated in numerous air power demonstrations during the voyage. 8 Jun 1967: VA-64’s aircraft were part of an Air Wing 6 strike group that was launched to defend Liberty (AGTR 5) when she came under attack by the Israelis. When word was received that the attack had been a mistake on the part of the Israelis the aircraft were recalled. Nov 1968: The squadron provided an A-4C, two pilots and seven enlisted personnel to augment the VSF-1 detachment aboard Wasp. The detachment provided the ship with a day time air defense capability. Note: A4D-2N Skyhawk was redesignated A-4C in 1962 Homeport assignments: NAS Oceana Jul 1961 NAS Cecil Field Feb 1965
patches
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