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The VA-15 VALions

VA-15 VALions



VT-4 Sweeps the Seas - 1942
Courtesy of Tailhook Association
VALion - 1968
Courtesy Warren A. Harms
Attack Lion - 1986
Courtesy of Tailhook Association

Attack Lion - 1990
Courtesy of Tailhook Association
199x
Mike Walker
Operation Iraqi Freedom
Mike Walker

Patch
  • The first VT-4 (and later VA-2A) - VALION patch was established on April 22, 1942. The patch theme was "VT-4 Sweeps the Seas." The lion represents the TBD-1 Devastator, the six teeth were for the number of Devastators assigned to it, and the tail indicated the VALION's squadron number four. There is no record of VA-2A selecting another patch.
  • Following VA-2A's redesignation as VA-15 on September 19, 1951, the VT-4 patch was modified to the "Attack Lion." The lion was retained to represent the strong attack capabilities of the squadron and the torpedo was replaced by a missile. The background color of the upper half of the insignia was red to represent the flames of past targets, and the lower half was blue to indicate water and the squadron's carrier-based capabilities. This patch was used until VA-15 was disestablished in 1969.
  • When VA-67 was redesignated VA-15 on June 2, 1969, the squadron resurrected the patch used by the first VA-15. The designation in the scroll was changed to VFA-15 in 1986.
  • The Two "desert colors" patches were made for Operation Iraqi Freedom. Supposedly the first time the VA / VFA 15 patch was done in subdued desert colors.

Handle
  • 1951 - present -- Valions

Heritage
  • January 10, 1942,Torpedo Squadron FOUR (VT-4) established.
  • November 15, 1946, VT-4 was redesignated Attack Squadron TWO A (VA-2A).
  • August 2, 1948, VA-2A was redesignated Attack Squadron FIFTEEN (VA-15).
  • June 1, 1969, VA-15 - Attack Squadron FIFTEEN was disestablished.
VFA-15 HERITAGE:
  • August 1, 1968, Attack Squadron SIXTY SEVEN (VA-67) established.
  • June 2, 1969, VA-67 was redesignated Attack Squadron FIFTEEN (VA-15).
  • October 1, 1986, VA-15 was redesignated Strike Fighter Squadron FIFTEEN (VFA-15).
  • VFA-15 is still an active squadron as of May 2005.

Home Ports
  • Date - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Location:
  • March 1942 - - - - - - - Naval Air Station Norfolk
  • April 1942 - - - - - - - Naval Air Station Quonset Point
  • May 1944 - - - - - - - - Naval Auxiliary Air Field Ayer (Fort Devens)
  • July 1944- - - - - - - - Naval Air Station Pearl Harbor
  • August 1944- - - - - - - Naval Air Station Hilo Field
  • April 1945 - - - - - - - Naval Air Station Alameda
  • May 21, 1945 - - - - - - Naval Auxiliary Air Station Watsonville
  • July 11, 1945- - - - - - Naval Air Station Quonset Point
  • August 1945- - - - - - - Naval Auxiliary Air Field Groton
  • April 1946 - - - - - - - Naval Air Station Norfolk
  • July 15, 1946- - - - - - Naval Air Station San Diego
  • March 21, 1949 - - - - - Naval Auxiliary Air Station Cecil Field
  • January 9, 1950- - - - - Naval Air Station Jacksonville
  • February 29, 1952- - - - Naval Auxiliary Air Station Cecil Field (NAS)*
  • July 1957- - - - - - - - Naval Air Station Jacksonville
  • April 1965 - - - - - - - Naval Air Station Oceana
  • August 1965- - - - - - - Naval Air Station Cecil Field
  • August 1968- - - - - - - Naval Air Station Cecil Field
  • September 1999 - - - - - NAVal Air Station Oceana
  • * June 30, 1952 - Naval Auxiliary Air Station (NAAS) Cecil Field was redesignated Naval Air Station (NAS) Cecil Field.

Air Wings
  • Date - - - - - - - - - - - - Tail code - - - - - - - Air Wing
  • January 10, 1942- - - - T† - - - - - Ranger Air Group/CVG-4/CVAG-1/CVG-1*
  • September 23, 1948- - - P- - - - - - CVG-13
  • February 23, 1949 - - - T/AB‡- - - - CVG-1/CVW-1§
  • August 1965- - - - - - - - - - - - - RCVW-4/VA-44**
  • January 1966- - - - - - AK - - - - - CVW-10
  • January 16, 1968- - - - AA - - - - - CVW-17
  • August 1, 1968 - - - - - - - - - - - COMFAIRJACKSONVILLE
  • March 11, 1969- - - - - AE - - - - - CVW-6
  • April 1985 - - - - - - - - - - - - - COMLATWING
  • December 1985 - - - - - AC*- - - - - MAG-12, 1st MAW***
  • June 1986- - - - - - - - - - - - - - COMLATWING
  • September 1, 1987 - - - AJ - - - - - CVW-8
  • * The Ranger Air Group formed July 1, 1938; when VT-4 established on January 10, 1942, it became part of the Ranger Air Group. The Ranger Air Group was redesignated Carrier Air Group FOUR (CVG-4) on August 3, 1943. CVG-4 was redesignated Attack Carrier Air Group ONE (CVAG-1) on November 15, 1946. The CVAG-1 designation was changed to CVG-1 on September 1, 1948.
  • † Beginning in 1946 the unit used this tail code.
  • ‡ July 1, 1957 - Carrier Air Group 1's tail code was changed from T to AB.
  • § December 20, 1963 Carrier Air Groups were redesignated Carrier Air Wings and CVG-1 became CVW-1.
  • ** During VA-15's transition to the A-4 Skyhawk, the squadron was assigned to VA-44, a Fleet Readiness Training Squadron, for operational training. VA-44 was assigned to Readiness Attack Carrier Air Wing FOUR (RCVW-4).
  • *** VA-15 was assigned to MAG-12, 1st Marine Air Wing during its shore-based deployment to MCAS Iwakuni, Japan. While deployed with MAG-12 the squadron used the tail code AC on its aircraft.

Deployments
  • Departure & Return - - - - - - - - Air Wing - Carrier - Aircraft - - Area of Operations:
  • 10Jan42 to 19Mar42 - Ranger AG - CV 4 - TBD-1 - Bermuda.
  • 02Jun42 to 22Jun42 - Ranger AG - CV 4 - TBD-1 - Newfoundland.
  • 08Jan43 to 30Jan43 - Ranger AG - CV 4 - TBF-1 - Morocco.
  • 13Feb43 to 06Mar43 - Ranger AG - CV 4 - TBF-1 - Morocco.
  • 23Mar43 to 27Jul43 - CVG-4 - CV 4†- TBF-1 - Newfoundland.
  • 05Aug43 to 03Dec43 - CVG-4 - CV 4 - TBF-1 - NorLant/Norwegian Sea.
  • 05Nov44 to 17Nov44 - CVG-4 - CV 17- TBM-1C - Philippines.
  • 22Nov44 to 02Dec44 - CVG-4 - CV 9 - TBM-1C - Philippines.
  • 11Dec44 to 24Dec44 - CVG-4 - CV 9 - TBM-1C - Philippines.
  • 30Dec44 to 26Dec45 - CVG-4 - CV 9 - TBM-1C/3 - South China Sea/ Philippines/ Formosa/Okinawa.
  • 10Feb45 to 04Mar45 - CVG-4 - CV 9 - TBM-3 - Japan/Iwo Jima/ Okinawa-Combat.
  • 28Jun46 to 15Jul46 - CVG-4 - CV 40- TBM-3E/Q - Transit to West Coast via Panama Canal.
  • 01Jul46 to 29Apr47 - CVG-4/CVAG-1 - CV 40 - TBM-3E/Q - Western Pacific.
  • 01Oct48 to 23Dec48 - CVG-13- CV 37- - - TBM-3E - Western Pacific.
  • 20Mar51 to 06Oct51 - CVG-1 - CVB 43 - - AD-4/L - Mediterranean.
  • 24May52 to 11Oct52 - CVG-1 - CVA 18 - - AD-4/L - Mediterranean/NorLant
  • 11Jun53 to 03Dec53 - CVG-1 - CVA 42 - - AD-4/B/L - Mediterranean.
  • 27Dec54 to 14Jul55 - CVG-1 - CVA 41 - - AD-6 - World Cruise.
  • 07Nov56 to 12Dec56 - CVG-1 - CVA 59 - - AD-6 - Azores.
  • 15Jan57 to 22Jul57 - CVG-1 - CVA 59 - - AD-6 - Mediterranean.
  • 16Aug57 to 21Oct57 - CVG-1 - CVA 59 - - AD-6 - NorLant
  • 13Feb59 to 01Sep59 - CVG-1 - CVA 42 - - AD-6 - Mediterranean.
  • 28Jan60 to 24Aug60 - CVG-1 - CVA 42 - - AD-6 - Mediterranean.
  • 14Nov60 to 28Nov60 - CVG-10- CVA 38 - - AD-6 - Carib
  • 15Feb61 to 28Aug61 - CVG-1 - CVA 42 - - AD-6 - Mediterranean.
  • 19Nov61 to 30Nov61 - CVG-1 - CVA 42 - - AD-6 - Carib
  • 14Sep62 to 22Apr63 - CVG-1 - CVA 42 - - AD-6 - Mediterranean.
  • 28Apr64 to 22Dec64 - CVW-1 - CVA 42 - - A-1H - Mediterranean.
  • 04Dec65 to 21Nov66 - CVW-10- CVS 11 - - A-4B - Med/IO/Vietnam
  • 11May67 to 30Dec67 - CVW-10- CVS 11 - - A-4C - Med/IO/Vietnam
  • 22Jul68 to 29Apr69 - CVW-17- CVA 59 - - A-4C - Mediterranean.
  • 02Jan70 to 27Jul70 - CVW-6 - CVA 42 - - A-7B - Mediterranean.
  • 29jan71 to 23Jul71 - CVW-6 - CVA 42 - - A-7B - Mediterranean.
  • 15Feb72 to 08Dec72 - CVW-6 - CVA 42 - - A-7B - Mediterranean.
  • 14Sep73 to 17Mar74 - CVW-6 - CVA 42 - - A-7B - Mediterranean.
  • 03Jan75 to 16Jul75 - CVW-6 - CV 42- - - A-7B - Mediterranean.
  • 15Apr76 to 25Oct76 - CVW-6 - CV 66- - - A-7E - Mediterranean.
  • 10Jun77 to 19Jul77 - CVW-6 - CV 66- - - A-7E - SoLant
  • 29Sep77 to 25Apr78 - CVW-6 - CV 66- - - A-7E - Mediterranean.
  • 28Jun79 to 14Dec79 - CVW-6 - CV 62- - - A-7E - Mediterranean.
  • 19Nov80 to 10Jun81 - CVW-6 - CV 62- - - A-7E - SoLant/IO/Med
  • 07Jun82 to 22Dec82 - CVW-6 - CV 62- - - A-7E - Mediterranean.
  • 18Oct83 to 11Apr84 - CVW-6 - CV 62- - - A-7E - Carib/Med/NorLant
  • 16Oct84 to 19Nov85 - CVW-6 - CV 62- - - A-7E - Mediterranean/IO
  • 01Dec85 to 13Jun86 - MAG-12** - - - - - A-7E - Western Pacific
  • 25Aug88 to 11Nov88 - CVW-8 - CVN 71 - - F/A-18A - NorLant
  • 30Dec88 to 30Jun89 - CVW-8 - CVN 71 - - F/A-18A - Mediterranean.
  • 28Dec90 to 28Jun91 - CVW-8 - CVN 71 - - F/A-18A - Mediterranean/Red Sea/ Persian Gulf.
  • Mar 1999 to Sep 1999 - - - - CVW-8 - CVN 71 - - F/A-18 - Mediterranean/Red Sea/ Persian Gulf.
  • Apr 2001 to Nov 2001 - - CVW-8 - CVN-65 - - F/A-18C - Mediterranean/Red Sea/ Arbian Sea.
  • Feb 2003 to May 2003 - - CVW-8 - CVN-71 - - F/A-18C - Mediterranean
  • SEP 2005 to MAR 2006: CVW-8, CVN-71, F/A-18C/D, Mediterranean/Arabian Gulf
  • * Half of VT-4's aircraft were aboard for this cruise which ferried Army P-40 fighters to Morocco. There were no other squadrons from Ranger's Air Group aboard for this cruise.
  • † Ranger returned to Boston during late March for four days of repairs and then back to Newfoundland for operations.
  • ** The squadron deployed to Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, to provide close air support for Marine forces in Western Pacific. While deployed to Western Pacific the squadron also operated at Naval Air Facility Kadena, Okinawa; Naval Air Station Cubi Point, Philippines and stations in Korea.


Aircraft
Commanding Officers
  • Date Assumed Command - - - - - - - Commanding Officer
  • January 10, 1942 - - - - LT Wallace A. Sherrill
  • December 1942- - - - - - LCDR David W. Taylor, Jr.
  • December 1943- - - - - - LCDR Homer H. Hutcheson
  • September 1944 - - - - - LT P. J. Davis, Jr.
  • May 12, 1945 - - - - - - LT John Warren (acting)
  • May 23, 1945 - - - - - - LT Frederic Viewig, Jr. (acting)
  • September 26, 1945 - - - LCDR J. P. Barron
  • July 1946- - - - - - - - LCDR John A. Camera
  • July 7, 1947 - - - - - - CDR Charles E. Roemer
  • May 29, 1948 - - - - - - LCDR Robert A. Newcomb (acting)
  • August 30, 1948- - - - - CDR Paul C. Lovelace
  • June 3, 1950 - - - - - - LCDR Clay A. Mitchell (acting)
  • July 12, 1950- - - - - - LCDR John E. Lacouture
  • December 21, 1951- - - - LCDR Roy M. Isaman
  • January 5, 1953- - - - - LCDR W. R. Prescott
  • January 1954 - - - - - - CDR John B. Bain
  • August 24, 1955- - - - - CDR L. B. Jennings
  • December 10, 1957- - - - LCDR William J. Gray
  • September 18, 1959 - - - CDR J. Patterson, Jr.
  • November 30, 1960- - - - CDR Ted L. Farrell
  • November 6, 1961 - - - - CDR David L. Munns
  • November 26, 1962- - - - CDR Joseph L. Coleman
  • October 4, 1963- - - - - CDR R. G. Bowerman
  • April 1, 1964- - - - - - CDR Steven D. Marvin
  • August 12, 1965- - - - - CDR Jack L. Gracey
  • September 27, 1966 - - - CDR Isaac F. Jones, Jr.
  • January 29, 1967 - - - - CDR William K. Carr (acting)
  • February 10, 1967- - - - CDR William K. Carr
  • February 14, 1968- - - - CDR James M. Snyder
  • February 15, 1969- - - - CDR Richard G. Daly
  • November 6, 1968 - - - - CDR Lawrence C. Chambers
  • February 12, 1970- - - - CDR Robert B. Bristol
  • March 30, 1971 - - - - - CDR Donald D. Brown
  • March 30, 1972 - - - - - CDR Forrest A. Lees, Jr.
  • March 21, 1973 - - - - - CDR Richard C. McClary
  • May 24, 1974 - - - - - - CDR Harry Patrick Kober, Jr.
  • July 30, 1975- - - - - - CDR Gordon E. Evans
  • October 2, 1976- - - - - CDR Kelvin W. Huehn
  • December 17, 1977- - - - CDR Robert S. Smith
  • April 19, 1979 - - - - - CDR John J. Mazach
  • June 26, 1980- - - - - - CDR John J. Coonan
  • September 24, 1981 - - - CDR Michael B. Nordeen
  • November 1, 1982 - - - - CDR Byron L. Duff
  • June 1, 1984 - - - - - - CDR Leslie G. Kappel
  • October 8, 1985- - - - - CDR Philip Craig Landon
  • January 8, 1987- - - - - CDR John W. Curtin
  • May 13, 1988 - - - - - - CDR Milton W. Smith
  • November 29, 1989- - - - CDR Brian M. Calhoun
  • 1991-1992 - - - - - - - - - - CDR S. A. Kunkle
  • 1992-1993 - - - - - - - - - - CDR J. J. Capalbo
  • 1993-1995 - - - - - - - - - - CDR W. E. Gortney
  • 1995-1996 - - - - - - - - - - CDR T. N. Branch
  • 1996-1997 - - - - - - - - - - CDR J. K. Stuart, Jr.
  • 1997-1998 - - - - - - - - -- CDR M. D. Guadagnini
  • 1998-2000 - - - - - - - - - - CDR K. H. Thompson
  • 2000-2001 - - - - - - - - - - CDR S. E. Smith
  • 2001-2002 - - - - - - - - - - CDR D. C. Stewart
  • 2002-2003 - - - - - - - - - - CDR A. L. Lewis
  • 2003-2004 - - - - - - - - CDR E. D. Langford
  • 2004-2006 - - - - - - - - - CDR J. G. Jerauld
  • 2006- - -------------------CDR P.W. Matisoo

Events
  • January 10, 1942:
    Shortly after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor Torpedo Squadron FOUR (VT-4) was established aboard United States Ship Ranger CV-4 while in port at Grassy Bay, Bermuda.

  • January 1942:
    VT-4 was assigned the Douglas TBD-1 Devastator. In August 1942, the squadron was assigned the Grumman TBF-1 Avenger.

  • August 8, 1943:
    United States Ship Ranger CV-4 with VT-4 aboard, met a convoy containing the liner Queen Mary, which was bringing Winston Churchill to North America for the Quebec Conference.

  • October 4, 1943:
    VT-4 aircraft struck shipping targets near Kunna Head, Norway, while other elements of CVG-4 struck targets at Bodo, Norway. VT-4 TBF-1 Avengers, along with its escort of F4F Wildcats, destroyed a German freighter and a small coaster and damaged a troop transport.

  • October 1943:
    VT-4, flying from Ranger, operated with the British Second Battle Squadron and patrolled the waters of the Norwegian Sea.

  • Late in 1943:
    VT-4 returned to its home port in Boston, Massachusetts.

  • November 4 - 17 1944:
    VT-4 temporarily embarked on United States Ship Bunker Hill CV-17 for operations in support of landings at Leyte and Luzon. VT-4 participated in combat strikes at Ormoc Bay, Cavite and Clark Field in the Philippines.

  • December 1944:
    VT-4 participated in combat operations in support of landings on Mindoro.

  • January 1945:
    While operating from United States Ship Essex CV-9, the VaLions struck targets on Formosa, Luzon, Hainan and the Ryukyu Island chain as well as in French Indochina (Vietnam). Squadron aircraft hit targets around Saigon and Camranh Bay in support of the assault against the Japanese in the Philippines.

  • February 16 - 25, 1945:
    The squadron conducted its first strikes against Japan, hitting Mawatari airfield on Honshu.

  • February 19 - 22, 1945:
    CVG-4 with VT-4 provided support for landings on Iwo Jima.

  • March 1, 1945:
    The airfield, facilities and shipping at Naha, Okinawa, were hit by squadron aircraft.

  • March 4, 1945:
    VT-4 disembarked from United States Ship Essex CV-9, at Ulithi completing the squadron's last combat cruise during World War II.

  • November 15, 1946:
    VT-4 was redesignated Attack Squadron TWO A (VA-2A) with a homeport of San Diego.

  • August 2, 1948:
    VA-2A was redesignated Attack Squadron FIFTEEN (VA-15) under a new Navy Department designation plan.

  • October 1948:
    VA-15 aboard United States Ship PRINCETON CV-31 was ported at Tsing Tao, China. PRINCETON was the last ship to visit China before the Bamboo Curtain fell.

  • August 19, 1949:
    The VA-15 VaLions were assigned the beloved Douglas AD-4 Skyraider, better known as the SPAD.

  • 1953:
    VA-15 was awarded the COMNAVAIRLANT "E" for Battle Efficiency.

  • August 1961:
    VA-15 was awarded the COMNAVAIRLANT Battle Efficiency "E", for 1961.

  • February 1962:
    VA-15 was he first propeller driven squadron deployed aboard a nuclear carrier as they participated in United States Ship ENTERPRISE CVAN-65 maiden cruise.

  • September 1962:
    The VALIONS received the COMNAVAIRLANT Battle Efficiency "E" for the second consecutive year.

  • August 1965:
    VA-15 traded in their trusty Skyraiders and began training under VA-44 in transition to the A-4 Skyhawk. Officially the squadron was assigned the Douglas A-4B Skyhawk in December.
    In addition to the sixteen A-4B Skyhawks listed in the 1966 cruise there were six additional A-4B's that Dave Thornhill flew at VA-15 prior to the cruise. These A-4B BuNos. did not go on cruise: 142798, 142895, 144882, 144883, 144930 and 144948.

  • April 4 to November 21, 1966:
    VA-15 deployed to Vietnam on United States Ship Intrepid CVS-11. While in the Gulf of Tonkin the VALions flew 4,777 hours and 2,627 sorties, most of them over North Vietnam.
    The A-4B Skyhawks assigned for the cruise were: 142121 (312), 142717, 142741 (314), 142745, 142836, 142868 (306), 142945 (305), 144881, 144894, 144918 (310), 144988, 144997 (308), 145001 (315), 145013 (300), 145035, 145040 (301) crashed and 145057 (301) replaced 145040.

  • May 15, 1966:
    VA-15 flew its first combat mission since March 1945 when it was designated VT-4.

  • August 7, 1966:
    A-4B Skyhawk BuNo. 145040 was lost in a non-combat accident. VALion pilot Lieutenant Commander Richard A. "Moose" Moran was killed.

  • February 14, 1967:
    A-4C BuNo 149611 & A-4C BuNo 150600 collided mid-air near MacClenny FL. Lt. Cmdr. Jerry Tuttle & Lt(jg). Samuel J Gerard Jr. ejected and were rescued.
    US Armed Forces Stars & Stripes, Thursday, February 16, 1967.

  • May 11 to December 30, 1967:
    VaLions of VA-15 with the A-4C Skyhawk deployed to Vietnam on United States Ship Intrepid CVS-11 for their second combat cruise.

  • June 30, 1967:
    VaLions A-4C Skyhawk BuNo. 148466 side number AK 205 was shot down by North Vietnamese Triple A fire. The pilot, Lieutenant L. O. Cole, Jr. was Missing in Action.

  • July 4, 1967:
    A-4C Skyhawk BuNo. 148544 side number AK 208 was shot down by North Vietnamese Triple A fire. The pilot, Lieutenant P. C. Craig, was Missing in Action.

  • August 1, 1967:
    A-4C Skyhawk BuNo. 147670 was shot down by North Vietnamese Triple A fire. Lieutenant D. W. Thornhill was recovered.

  • August 25, 1967:
    A-4C Skyhawk BuNo. 148440 side number AK 211 was shot down by North Vietnamese Triple A fire. The pilot, Lieutenant Junior Grade W. R. Gerard, was recovered.

  • October 4, 1967:
    A-4C Skyhawk BuNo. 149619 side number AK 200 was shot down by North Vietnamese Triple A fire. The pilot, Lieutenant Commander P. V. Schoeffel, successfully ejected and was captured and made Prisoner of War.

  • August 1, 1968:
    VA-67 was established and began training under VA-174 to operate the Vought A-7B Corsair II.

  • June 1, 1969:
    VA-15 VaLions were disestablished.

  • June 2, 1969:
    Attack Squadron 67, was redesignated Attack Squadron 15.

  • May 1978:
    VA-15 was awarded the COMNAVAIRLANT Battle Efficiency "E" for 1978.

  • October 25, to November 1, 1983:
    In response to continued political strife and the need to protect and evacuate Americans from Grenada, VA-15 aircraft flew combat air support and reconnaissance sorties in support of the landing of U.S. Marines and Army Rangers on the island.

  • December 4, 1983:
    VA-15 VaLions participated in coordinated strikes against Syrian radar, communications and artillery positions overlooking the Multi-National Peacekeeping Forces. One of the squadron's A-7E Corsair IIs, flown by Air Wing Commander, Edward Andrews, was lost when hit by a Syrian surface-to-air missile. Commander Andrews ejected, was rescued and returned to USS Independence.

  • June 1986:
    June 1986, the VaLions began transition in the FA-18 Hornet.

  • October 1986:
    Attack Squadron 15 was redesignated Strike Fighter Squadron 15.
  • January 6, 1987:
    Strike Fighter Squadron 15 VaLions accepted their first Boeing F/A-18A Hornet, transition was complete by June 1987.

  • 1988:
    Strike Fighter Squadron 15 was again awarded the COMNAVAIRLANT Battle Efficiency E.

  • December 28, 1990:
    Strike Fighter Squadron 15 deployed to the Persian Gulf in support of operation DESERT SHIELD. Operation DESERT SHIELD became DESERT STORM on the night of January 17, 1991. The VaLions flew combat sorties the morning of January 19, 1991 and flew strikes in Iraq and occupied Kuwait until the suspension of hostilities.

  • 1991:
    The VFA-15 VaLions were awarded the COMNAVAIRLANT Battle Efficiency "E" for the seventh time.

  • 1992:
    The VaLions transitioned to the FA-18C, the night attack Hornet.

  • 1993:
    The VaLions deployed on United States Ship THEODORE ROOSEVELT CVN-71 and flew strikes against Bosnia-Herzegovina, Southern Iraq.

  • March 1995:
    The VaLions deployed in United States Ship THEODORE ROOSEVELT flying missions to enforce the No Fly Zone in Iraq and strike missions against Bosnian Serb ammunition storage areas in Bosnia-Herzegovina.

  • September 1995:
    The VaLions returned to NAS Cecil Field Florida to exchange personnel and began another training cycle.

  • April 1997:
    The VaLions deployed in United States Ship JOHN F. KENNEDY CV 67 for Mediterranean Sea deployment. The VALIONS flew missions in the Arabian Gulf, Red Sea and the Mediterranean sea; returning home in October 1997.

  • April 1999:
    The VaLions deployed to the Mediterranean in United States Ship Theodore Roosevelt CVN-71 with Carrier Air Wing Eight (CVW-8). VFA-15 flew missions in the Arabian Gulf, Red Sea and the Mediterranean sea.

  • September 1999:
    VFA-15 VaLions returned home from their Mediterranean Cruise.
  • Apr 2001 to Nov 2001:
    Mediterranean/Red Sea/ Arbian Sea for "Operation Enduring Freedom" where they initiated strikes against Taliban and al-Qaeda in Afghanistan in retailiation for the September 11 terrorist attacks on the United States.

  • Feb 2003 to May 2003:
    Mediterranean Sea for "Operation Iraqi Freedom" where they initiated strikes against Iraqi military facilities, air defense sites and terrorist camps, directly contributing to the fall of the Iraqi regime and the liberation of the Iraqi people.

  • SEP 2005 to MAR 2006:
    Mediterranean/Arabian Gulf for "Operation Iraqi Freedom.


Awards
  • Award - - - - - - - - - Inclusive Dates:

  • Military Unit Commendation
    • 09 March 1972 to 01 December 1972
    • 01 July 1976 to 31 December 1980
    • 01 January 1987 to 31 December 1988

  • Navy Expeditionary Medal
    • 1953
    • 01 July 1960 to 30 June 1961
    • 01 July 1961 to 30 June 1962
    • 01 October 1977 to 30 September 1978
    • 01 October 1979 30 September 1980
    • 01 January 1983 31 December 1983
    • 01 January 1988 31 December 1988

  • Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal
    • 24 October 1983 to 02 November 1983
    • 16 November 1983 to 22 December 1983
    • 28 December 1983 to 03 January 1984
    • 15 January 1984 to 03 February 1984
    • 09 February 1984 to 02 March 1984

  • Navy Unit Commendation:
    • 12 June 1967 to 08 December 1967

  • Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry
    • 01 May 1966 to 01 October 1966
    • 21 June 1967 to 13 July 1967
    • 29 July 1967 to 27 August 1967
    • 14 September 1967 to 12 October 1967
    • 31 October 1967 to 24 November 1967

  • Vietnam Service Medal
    • 14 May 1966 to 15 June 1966
    • 08 July 1966 to 10 August 1966
    • 01 September 1966 to 23 September 1966
    • 02 October 1966 to 18 October 1966
    • 21 June 1967 to 13 July 1967
    • 29 July 1967 to 27 August 1967
    • 14 September 1967 to 12 October 1967
    • 31 October 1967 to 24 November 1967

  • PUC:
    • 11 November 1944 to 25 November 1944
    • 14 December 1944 to 16 December 1944
    • 03 January 1945 to 22 January 1945
    • 16 February 1945 to 01 March 1945

  • Campaign Medal (European):
    • 02 October 1943 to 06 October 1943

  • NEM:
    • 20 November 1961 to 29 November 1961
    • 07 December 1980 to 11 May 1981
    • 20 August 1982 to 05 September 1982
    • 01 October 1982 to 06 December 1982

  • HSM
    • 20 June 1976 to 27 July 1976

  • Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal:
    • September to October 2001
    • March to May 2003

  • Global War on Terrorism Service Medal:
    • September 2001 to Present (May 2005)

Photographs


VA-15 onboard FDR for MED cruise 1958-1959.
From cruise book of Harry Clark.
"VA-15 was orginially commissioned as Torpedo Squadron Four on 10 January, 1942. The squadron saw action in many important operations during WWII, flying the famed TBD Devastator and TBM Aventer. They received their first AD a/c in August of 1949. While aboard the USS FDR the squadron was awarded the COMNAVAIRLANT "E" for battle effiecency in 1953. In 1957 they awarded the Chief of Naval Opearations Aviation Saftey award while aboard the USS Forrestal. CDR. William J. Gray is presently Commanding Officer."

VA-15 Officers holding the Squadron Patch

VA-15 Ready Room aboard the FDR.

VA-15 Berthing

Working on the Engine

VA-15 A1s in 1958

VA-15 A1s in 1959

VA-15 A1 providing fuel

VA-15 Maintenance Crews

VA-15 Maintenance Crews

VA-15 Maintenance Crews

VA-15 Maintenance Crews

VA-15 Maintenance Crews

VA-15 Maintenance Crews

VA-15 Maintenance Crews

VA-15 Trap


BuNo.149619

JUL60 NAN photo, illustrating that Naval Air does have a sense of humor.
JUL60 NAN

1960: Clansman Skyhawk BuNo 142715, AB-409, Blue Bolts Skyhawk BuNo 144900, AB-306, and Clansman Skyhawk BuNo 142718, AB-404, aboard the F.D.
"Boom" Powell

VALions - October 1966.
The VA-15 pilots from the 5/1/66 to 10/30/66 Vietnam combat cruise on United States Ship Intrepid CVS-11 pose before A-4B Skyhawk BuNo. 142945 AK 305.
United States Navy photograph from Dave Thornhill.

1966 Intrepid Cruise Book:
Dockside loading of a A-4B Skyhawk aboard the Intrepid.
Blue shirts busy pushing a skyhawk around on the Intrepid.
Various crew shots
VA-15 Skyhawk cat hookup.
Images from Boom Powell.

Another shot of the VALions - October 1966.
The VA-15 pilots from the 5/1/66 to 10/30/66 Vietnam combat cruise on United States Ship Intrepid CVS-11 pose before A-4B Skyhawk BuNo. 142945 AK 305.
United States Navy photograph from Dave Thornhill.

VALion pilot - 1966.
Lieutenant Junior Grade Dave Thornhill poses by Douglas A-4B Skyhawk BuNo. 142945 AK 305.
Photograph from Dave Thornhill.

1966-67: Valions Skyhawk BuNo 149619, AK-200, as she taxies across the Intrepids flight deck with a load of iron bombs.
Intrepid Cruise Book from "Boom" Powell

1966-67: tail section and J-65 engine of Valions Skyhawk BuNo 149621, AK-204, as she undergoes maintenance in the Intrepids hangar bay.
Intrepid Cruise Book from "Boom" Powell

1966-67: Valions Skyhawk BuNo 148470, AK-207, taxiing across the Intrepids flight deck with a Shrike missile on #3.
"Boom" Powell

1966-67: Valions Skyhawk BuNo 148470, AK-207, with a load of conventional ordnance aboard the Intrepid.
"Boom" Powell

1966: Valions Skyhawk BuNo 148470, AK-211, in tension and ready to launch from the Intrepid.
"Boom" Powell

1966-67: Valions Skyhawk BuNo 148484, AK-214, aboard the Intrepid as the plane captain cleans the canopy.
US Navy via "Boom" Powell

1966-67: Valions Skyhawk BuNo 148495, AK-203, being manually moved into position in the Intrepids hangar bay.
US Navy via "Boom" Powell

1966-67: Valions Skyhawk BuNo 148495, AK-203, as the Ordies prepare to hand an MBER on the port side pylon.
US Navy via "Boom" Powell

1966: BuNo 144882, AK-303, brings up the rear as the squadrons Skyhawks wait to be laoded aboard the USS Intrepid.
Unknown photographer via W. Mutza

1966: right side view of Valions Skyhawk BuNo 142945, AK-305, as she taxis by the photographer. Butlers Last Chance Gas Station is painted on the tail and LCDR Dave Carroll below the cockpit.
Tom Hansen

1966-67: BuNo 144997, AK-308, assigned to LCDR Dave North as she taxis by the photographer.
Unknown photographer via W. Mutza

1966-67: Valions Skyhawk BuNo 148484, AK-214, and VSF-3 Skyhawk BuNo 142126, AK-103, on the Intrepids hangar deck during a sweepdown.
U.S. Navy photo via "Boom" Powell

1966:
VA-15 Valions A-4B Skyhawk BuNo 144997, AK-308, on the starboard cat of the USS Intrepid during the April 1966 - November 1966 cruise.
photo by Sam Taylor.

1966:
VA-15 Valions A-4B Skyhawk BuNo 144997, AK-308, with 5.0" FFAR ZUNI's on the deck edge elevator of the USS Intrepid during the April 1966 - November 1966 cruise.
photo by Sam Taylor.

1966:
VA-95 Green Lizards A-4B Skyhawk BuNo 142900, AK-506, configured as a tanker, VA-15 Valions A-4B BuNo 142945, AK-305, VA-95 A-4B BuNo 145037, AK-501, VA-95 Green Lizards A-4B BuNo 142738, AK-503, and VA-15 Valions A-4B BuNo 144918, AK-310, all configured with TER's and Mk-8x's aboard the USS Intrepid during the April 1966 - November 1966 cruise.
photo by Sam Taylor.

1966:
USS Intrepid flight deck during the April 1966 - November 1966 cruise. At left VA-95 Green Lizards A-4B Skyhawk BuNo 142833, AK-50?, VA-95 A-4B BuNo 145037, AK-501, VA-15 Valions A-4B BuNo 144918, AK-310, VA-95 A-4B BuNo 142905, AK-509, VA-95 A-4B BuNo 142900, AK-506, VA-15 A-4B BuNo 144881, AK-304, VA-15 A-4B BuNo 144988, AK-309. At right VA-95 A-4B BuNo 142783, AK-503, VA-95 A-4B BuNo 145059, AK-502, VA-15 A-4B BuNo 144997, AK-308,VA-95 A-4B BuNo 142908, AK-50?, VA-95 A-4B BuNo 142913, AK-508, VA-15 A-4B BuNo 142945, AK-305, VA-15 A-4B BuNo 145057, AK-301, VA-15 A-4B BuNo 145013, AK-300, and VA-15 A-4B BuNo 142868, AK-306. In the middle areVA-165 Boomers (AK-2xx) and VA-176 Thunderbolts (AK-4xx) A-1H/J Skyraiders. The EA-1F Skyraider looks to be VAW-33 #772.
photo by Sam Taylor.

August1967:
USS Intrepid flight deck Skyhawks and Skyraiders, left side: VA-15 149524 AK-202; VA-15 148495 AK-203; VA-34 149518 AK-307; VA-15 148484 AK-214; VA-15 149529 AK-206 and VA-34 149593 AK-305.2nd from left: VA-145 AD's and VAW-33 EA-1F. 2nd from right: VSF-3 1421__ AK-10_; VA-15 149619 AK-2__; VA-15 14____ AK-2__; VSF-3 145029 AK-10_; VA-34 149588 AK-309; VA-34 149___ AK-306; VA-34 149640 AK-311; VSF-3 142687 AK-101 and VA-34 148487 AK-300.
Right side: VSF-3 142133 AK-10_; VA-15 149507 AK-2__; VSF-3 142140 AK-105; VA-34 149519 AK-304; VA-34 149590 AK-301; VA-34 149591 AK-302; VSF-3 142126 AK-103; VSF-3 145043 AK-106; VA-15 148446 AK-210 and VA-15 147670 AK-2__.
photo by Sam Taylor.

25 May 1967 BuNo 145013, AK-00, parked on the ramp.
Photo by Clay Jansson via Tailhook Association.

Artwork on BuNo145013.
Javier Ruberto

25 May 1967 BuNo 145013, AK-00 tail.
Photo by Clay Jansson via Tailhook Association.

1967: flight of eleven Valions Skyhawks.
Photo from "Boom" Powell.

VA-15 Skyhawks Reload - 1967.
This picture was taken early in 1967 as VA-15 got ready for another combat tour to Vietnam. The closest three planes (BuNo. 144997 AK 308; BuNo. 145013 AK 00; BuNo. 142717 AK 311) are holdovers from the previous combat cruise of 5/1/66 to 10/30/66 on the United States Ship Intrepid CVS-11 as evidenced by their 3xx side numbers. The furthest A-4C (BuNo. 149621 AK 201) is partially ready for the next Vietnam tour - 6/21/67 to 12/9/67 - again on Intrepid.
United States Navy photograph.

1967 Valions Skyhawk BuNo 148446, AK-210, ready to be launched from the USS Intrepid.
Photo credit unknown.

1967: a flight of eleven Valions Skyhawks.
"Boom" Powell

1967: an unknown Valions Skyhawk on the cat with the bridle in tension and ready to launch from the USS Intrepid.
"Boom" Powell

1967-68: Valion & Green Lizard Skyhawks aboard the Intrepid as she transits the Suez. cw from lower left: VA-15 BuNo 144988, AK-309; VA-95 BuNo 142900, AK-506; VA-15 BuNo 145013, AK-300; VA-15 BuNo 144997, AK-308; and VA-15 BuNo 145001, AK-3xx.
"Boom" Powell

May 1968 Valions Skyhawk BuNo 149639, AA-00, as LT Gene "Wimpy" Atkinson receives the BE BE bomb from CAPT R.B. Baldwin after chalking up an amazing perfect score at Fallon. Also present are CDR's Bob Ferguson & Jim Snyder.
Naval Aviation News Photo.

A-4C Skyhawk BuNo. 149621 - 1970. was again photographed July 16, 1970 at Atsugi, Japan. At that time 149621 was with VA 172 flying from the Shangri-La as AJ 300.
Photograph by and courtesy of Takafumi Hiroe of Yokohama, Japan.

Thornhill bagged - August 1, 1967.
Lieutenant Dave Thornhill was shot down in A-4C Skyhawk BuNo. 147670 by North Vietnamese Triple A fire during a mission to Hon Gai, North Vietnam. Pictures here are of Daves return to Intrepid.
United States Navy photographs from Dave Thornhill.

VA-15 Skyhawks.
A flight of four VALion Skyhawks.
United States Navy photograph

VA-15 A-4C Skyhawk BuNo. 148543 - 1968.
VALion A-4C Skyhawk BuNo. 148543 (in the background) readies for flight during the United States Ship Forrestal CVA-59 and Carrier Air Wing 17's 1968 - 1969 Mediterranean cruise. This was VA-15's last cruise using the Skyhawk.
Also in this picture are North American RA-5C Vigilante BuNo. 148281 side number 605; and in the foreground VA-152 Fighting Aces A-4B Skyhawk BuNo. 145022 side number AA 511 -- this cruise was probably the last A-4B Skyhawk cruise.
Photograph by and from Warren A. Harms

VA-15 A-4C Skyhawk BuNo. 148460 - 1968.
VALion A-4C Skyhawk BuNo. 148460 side number AA 402 on the United States Ship Forrestal CVA-59 port cat.
Photograph by and from Warren A. Harms

VA-15 A-4C Skyhawk BuNo. 147696 and 147688 - 1968.
Lieutenant Warren Harms parks VA-15 A-4C Skyhawk BuNo. 147696 side number AA 403 on the starboard bow after trapping onboard United States Ship Forrestal CVA-59. Already parked is VALion A-4C Skyhawk BuNo. 147688 side number AA 416.
Photograph by and from Warren A. Harms

May 1980 BuNo 147830, AA-406, parked on the ramp.
Tailhook Association.

VA-15 A-7s in formation
Valion's in formation near NAS Fallon aproximately 1980.
Photograph supplied by Valion Chuck Rider

2006: two former VALions visit old haunts.
Will McManus


Off-Duty Info


September 2002 Reunion at Pensacola Beach

September 2005 Reunion at New Orleans

2006: two former VALions visit old haunts.
Will McManus


Sources:
  • Harry S. Gann
  • Warren A. Harms
  • Masaaki Hayakawa
  • Takafumi Hiroe
  • Stu Jones
  • Tailhook Association
  • Dave Thornhill
  • Will McManus
  • LT David Boisselle


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