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Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 208
(TACELRON 208)
VAQ-208 ‘Jockeys’
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sorry, no aircraft image |
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STATUS:
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established as VAQ-208 on July 31, 1970 VAQ-208 redesignated VAK-208 on October 1, 1979 |
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AIRCRAFT:
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Douglas KA-3B Skywarrior (1970-79) |
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DEPLOYMENTS:
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images
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history
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Chronology of significant events: The squadron was established as part of a
reorganization intended to increase the combat readiness of the Naval Air
Reserve Force. It was to provide tanking, pathfinding and COD service to the
Atlantic and Pacific Fleets and other units around the world. The squadron’s first operational mission was
conducted when it provided tanker support for CVWR-20 aircraft embarked in
Independence (CVA 62) for a training exercise. The squadron conducted its two weeks of
active duty training embarked in John F. Kennedy (CVA 67) as part of CVWR-20.
This was the first complete Reserve Carrier Air Wing deployment aboard a
carrier. The squadron conducted its first overseas
operational assignment by providing tanker service across the Atlantic for
RA-5C Vigilantes returning from a Mediterranean cruise. Squadron aircraft provided COD services for
Constellation (CVA 64) on Yankee Station and Enterprise (CVAN 65) in the
Indian Ocean. Squadron aircaft provided COD services for
Kennedy while she was operating in the North Sea. The squadron aircraft
operated out of NAF Mildenhall, England, during this evolution. Squadron aircraft provided support for Yellow
Aspirin, a CNO mission to Kuwait to review the defense capabilities of that
country. Squadron aircraft provide COD and refueling
support during NATO Operation Swift Move for the air wing embarked in
Kennedy, operating in the North Atlantic. During the Yon Kippur War in the Middle East,
squadron aircraft provided support for Operation Nickle Grass, the
transatlantic flight of A-4 Skyhawks to Israel. During civil unrest and the Turkish invasion
of Cyprus, squadron aircraft provided tanker and logistic support for
Forrestal (CVA 59) and Independence (CV 62) operating in the area of Cyprus
during the crisis. Squadron aircraft provided support for the
NATO Exercise Teamwork conducted in the North Atlantic. Squadron aircraft provided support for the
NATO Exercise Northern Wedding conducted in the North Atlantic. Squadron
aircraft operated out of NAF Mildenhall during this exercise. The squadron was redesignated Aerial
Refueling Squadron 208 (VAK-208) and the mission of the squadron changed to
primarily tanker service. The electronic warfare capability was removed from
its mission. |
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patches |
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