The VA-45 & VF-45 Black Birds
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Squadron Photograph Album Squadron Off-Duty Album (empty)

The Squadron Duty Officer (SDO), is the unit's contact point. They maintain unit rosters, help old friends link up, coordinate with unit reunions, and gather unit information. The SDO List.
The Association is particularly interested in your Skyhawk related information and photos, but will gladly accept information about all eras of the unit. e-Mail the Association Webmaster.
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Fish-Hawks - 1945
Drawn by Bud Southworth
Black Knight - 1949
Drawn by Bud Southworth
Four and Twenty Blackbirds - 1951
Provided by PGDARE

VA-45 Skyhawks - 1971?
Courtesy of Dick Carlberg
Four & Twenty Blackbirds - 198?
Courtesy of Robert Lay
Four and Twenty Blackbirds - 199?

Gary Verver

This Blackbird Page is dedicated to
Commander Michael D. Trout

Patch
  • On August 10, 1945, VT-75's Fish-Hawk patch was approved. When VT-75 was redesignated VA-4B the new squadron did not request another patch.

  • On April 15, 1949, after VA-4B had been redesignated VA-45, the carrier air group assigned a chess piece to each air group squadron. A king chess piece was for the air group, the knight chess piece was for attack squadrons and the pawn was for fighter squadrons. This became the basis of VA-45's new black chess knight patch.

  • On April 10, 1951, the re-established VA-45 adopted the Blackbird patch. The poised and cocky Blackbird regally attired in tails, sports a green derby and boxing gloves that represent the squadron's potential punch. The Blackbird was selected because of its recognized persistence and vigorous nature in attacking and outwitting its enemies and displays and ever-ready and aggressive gleam in his eye. The green derby, cocked at a pugnacious angle, signifies the original squadron colors as a part of Air Group FOUR aboard United States Ship Intrepid. The "Four and Twenty" recalls the original four regular and 20 reserve pilots attached to the squadron, while the shredded and smoking cigar indicates that most of the pilots were older and more experienced than the average ones who usually comprise such a squadron. The addition of spats symbolizes the elegance of dress and manners of the Blackbirds of VA-45.

  • Date unknown but was being used in 1972 and 1973 - unofficial VA-45 Det 1 Skyhawks patch.

  • 1979: As described in Naval Aviation News.

  • Late 1984 or early 85, the newly established VF-45 adopted the Four and Twenty Blackbird patch from the earlier VA-45 squadron. The white star was changed to red for the adversary mission and a scroll with squadron's name added to the bottom.

  • The Boca Chica Keys (Boca Chica Patch) are at NAS Key West

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Handle
  • 1945 through 1949 Fish Hawks.
  • 1950 through 1958 Blackbirds.
  • 1963? through 1976? Skyhawks.
  • 1976? through 1994? Blackbirds.

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Heritage
  • June 1, 1945, established as Torpedo Squadron SEVENTY FIVE (VT-75).

  • November 15, 1946, VT-75 was redesignated Attack Squadron FOUR B (VA-4B).

  • September 1, 1948, VA-4B was redesignated Attack Squadron FORTY FIVE (VA-45).

  • June 8, 1950, VA-45 disestablished.
  • September 1, 1950, re-established as Attack Squadron FORTY FIVE (VA-45).

  • March 1, 1958, VA-45 disestablished.

  • February 1963, VA-45 re-established as a replacement pilot training (RAG) for the Douglas AD-1 Skyraider.

  • December 1970, VA-45 established Detachment 11 which flew the A-4C Skyhawk while deployed aboard the United States Ship Intrepid.

  • August 1971, VA-45 established Detachment 1 which flew the A-4E Skyhawk while deployed on the United States Ship Intrepid in 1972.

  • November 1971, VA-45 Detachment 11 disestablished.

  • In 1972 and 1973 VA-45 Det 1 Skyhawks were flying from the Intrepid. So before and after these dates the Squadron was reestablished and disestablished.

  • In late 1985/early 96, the VA-45 Blackbirds were redisignated Fighter Squadron FORTY FIVE (VF-45).

  • March 1996 VF-45 was disestablished.

  • Some dates provided by Wendell Biggs.

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Home Ports
    Date - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Location:
  • June 1, 1945 - - - - - - - - - - Naval Auxiliary Air Station Chincoteague.
  • March 20, 1946 - - - - - - - - - Naval Air Station Norfolk.
  • February 14, 1949- - - - - - - - Naval Air Station Jacksonville.
  • September 01, 1950 - - - - - - - Naval Air Station Jacksonville.
  • September 18, 1950 - - - - - - - Naval Auxiliary Air Station Cecil Field.
  • October 12, 1952 - - - - - - - - Naval Air Station Jacksonville.
  • May 1980 - - - - - - - - - - - - Naval Air Station Key West.

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Air Wings
    Date - - - - - Tail code - - Air Wing
  • Jun 01 1945 - - - F - - - CVBG-75/CVBG-3/CVG-4*
  • Sep 01 1950 - - - F - - - CVG-4
  • * CVBG-75 was established on June 1, 1945; redesignated CVBG-3 on November 15, 1946; redesignated CVG-4 on September 1, 1948 and disestablished on June 8, 1950.

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Deployments
    Date Departure & Return - - - - - Air Wing - - Carrier - - Aircraft - - - Area of Operation:
  • 01/08/46 to 03/19/46 - - - CVBG-75 - - CVB 42 - - - SB2C-4E - Caribbean/SoLant
  • 08/08/46 to 10/04/46 - - - CVBG-75 - - CVB 42 - - - SB2C-5- - Mediterranean
  • 09/13/48 to 01/23/49 - - - CVG-4 - - - CVB 42 - - - AD-1- - - Mediterranean
  • 01/06/50 to 05/23/50 - - - CVG-4 - - - CVB 41 - - - AD-1- - - Mediterranean
  • 05/15/51 to 10/04/51 - - - CVG-4 - - - CV 34- - - - AD-2- - - Mediterranean
  • 04/19/52 to 10/12/52 - - - CVG-4 - - - CVB 43 - - - AD-4- - - Mediterranean
  • 04/26/53 to 12/04/53 - - - CVG-4 - - - CVA 39 - - - AD-4- - - WestPac/Korea
  • 05/28/55 to 11/22/55 - - - CVG-4 - - - CVA 11 - - - AD-6- - - Mediterranean
  • 07/01/57 to 02/24/58 - - - CVG-4 - - - CVA 15 - - - AD-6- - - Mediterranean

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Aircraft
Commanding Officers
    Assumed Command - - - - - - - - - - - - Commanding Officer
  • 01 Jun 1945- - - - - - - Lieutenant Richard W. Bond (acting)
  • 11 Jun 1945- - - - - - - Lieutenant Paul J. Davis, Jr.
  • 28 Jun 1945- - - - - - - Lieutenant Commander James E. Mahan
  • 1946 - - - - - - - - - - Lieutenant Commander Garald R. Stablein
  • Feb 1947 - - - - - - - - Lieutenant Commander Chester L. Dillard (acting)
  • May 1947 - - - - - - - - Lieutenant Commander Lucien G. Powell, Jr.
  • Jun 1948 - - - - - - - - Lieutenant Commander Leroy V. Swanson
  • May 1950 - - - - - - - - Lieutenant Commander Frederick C. Kidd
  • Sep 1950 - - - - - - - - Lieutenant Commander G. O. Wood
  • Apr 1952 - - - - - - - - Lieutenant Commander Richard H. Mills
  • Oct 1953 - - - - - - - - Lieutenant Commander William F. Krantz
  • Nov 1954 - - - - - - - - Commander Daniel W. Wildfong
  • Dec 1955 - - - - - - - - Commander Glendon Goodwin
  • June 1969- - - - - - - - Commander Al Hinman
  • June 1970 - - - - - - - -Commander A. H. Gonzalez
  • May 1971 - - - - - - - - Commander J. E. Paganelli
  • May 1972 - - - - - - - - Commander J. Gilmore
  • May 1973 - - - - - - - - Commander H. Gedinsky
  • May 1974 - - - - - - - - Commander Steven Piccuolo
  • May 1975 - - - - - - - - Commander Leonard Hyatt *
  • May 1976 - - - - - - - - Commander Michael D. Trout
  • Aug 1977 - - - - - - - - Commander Richard Porter
  • 1978 (?) - - - - - - - - Commander G. R. Hertzler
  • Nov 1982 - - - - - - - - Commander L. I. Williams
  • Nov 1983 - - - - - - - - Commander J. J. Ryan
  • Nov 1985 - - - - - - - - Commander Gibson
  • Mar 1995 - - - - - - - - Commander John T. DuGene
  • Commander Trout was Executive Officer for two years, being extended to allow returning Prisoner of War Commander Leonard Hyatt to re-enter a normal career pattern.
  • 1970-72 data provided by Wendell Biggs.
  • 1982-85 data provided by Bill Hammerseng.

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Events
  • June 1, 1945:
    Torpedo Squadron Seventy-Five (VT-75) was established at Naval Auxiliary Air Station Chincoteague, its first assigned aircraft was the Curtiss SBF-4E Helldiver, which was built under license in Canada.

  • January through February 1946:
    VT-75 Fish Hawks deployed aboard United States Ship Franklin D. Roosevelt CVB 42 for her shakedown cruise to the Caribbean and Brazil. While visiting Rio de Janeiro the squadron, air group, and carrier represented the United States of America at the inauguration of Brazilian president, Eurico G. Dutra.

  • March 20, 1946:
    VT-75 was based at Naval Air Station Norfolk, Virginia.

  • November 15, 1946:
    VT-75 was redesignated Attack Squadron FOUR B (VA-4B). VA-4B kept the Fish Hawk moniker.

  • March 27, 1947:
    Attack Squadron FOUR B Fish Hawks received the AD-1 Douglas Skyraider.

  • September 1, 1948:
    VA-4B was redesignated Attack Squadron FORTY-FIVE (VA-45). VA-45 kept the Fish Hawk moniker.

  • February 14, 1949:
    Attack Squadron FORTY-FIVE was based at Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Florida. VA-45 was assigned the AM-1 Martin Mauler.

  • October 20, 1949:
    Attack Squadron FORTY-FIVE was assigned the AD-4 Douglas Skyraider.

  • June 8, 1950:
    VA-45 Fish Hawks were disestablished.

  • September 1, 1950:
    Re-established as Attack Squadron FORTY-FIVE at Naval Auxiliary Air Station Cecil Field, Florida. VA-45 was assigned the AD-1 Douglas Skyraider. The re-established VA-45 took the Blackbirds moniker.

  • October 12, 1952:
    VA-45 moved to Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Florida.

  • April 26 to December 4, 1953:
    Attack Squadron FORTY-FIVE Blackbirds operating the AD-4 Douglas Skyraider. with CVG-4 embarked at Mayport, Florida on United States Ship Lake Champlain CVA-39 for combat in Korea.

  • March 1, 1958:
    VA-45 Blackbirds were disestablished.

  • February 1963:
    VA-45 re-established as a replacement pilot training (RAG) for the Douglas AD-1 Skyraider. The squadron took the moniker "Skyhawks."

  • April 1964:
    Attack Squadron FORTY-FIVE Skyhawks were assigned the Grumman TF-9J Cougar.

  • March 1967:
    Attack Squadron FORTY-FIVE Skyhawks were assigned the Douglas TA-4F Skyhawk. About this time the parent squadron took the moniker "Blackbirds," while VA-45 Det. 1 kept the "Skyhawks" moniker.
    Note: During Aug 70 BuNo. 153464 (TA-4F) and during July 72 BuNo.153461, 154305 and 154315 (TA-4Fs) were flying with VA-45 Instrument RAG at NAS Cecil. "Boom" Powell

  • 1972:
    VA-45 Det. 1 Skyhawks were flying the Douglas A-4L Skyhawk from United States Ship Intrepid CVS 11.

  • 1973:
    VA-45 Det 1 Skyhawks were flying the Douglas A-4L Skyhawk from the United States Ship Franklin D. Roosevelt CVA 42. Some of the Skyhawk A-4Ls were sold to Israel during the 1973 war --- these A-4Ls had their insignia painted over in the FDR's hangar bay before departing to Israel.

  • 1973?:
    VA-45 Det 1 Skyhawks were disestablished.

  • July 1, 1976:
    Earlier, Commander, Naval Air Force, Atlantic Fleet had assigned a fighter pilot, Lieutenant Leddy, to the Blackbirds, to assist developing an Air Combat Maneuvering program. VA-45 received the ACM mission July 1, 1976 and Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Florida.

  • 1974 - 1977:
    VA-45 Blackbirds had no accidents or incidents during the four-year period while conducting demanding instrument and Air Combat Maneuvering training. Admiral J. L. Holloway III, the Chief of Naval Operations, recognized this when he awarded VA-45 "the 1977 Naval Aviation Safety award and Plaque for the most outstanding safety record achieved among special mission squadrons in the United States Atlantic Fleet."

  • 1984/85:
    The VA-45 Blackbirds were redisignated Fighter Squadron FORTY FIVE (VF-45). The VF-45 Blackbirds were assigned several aircraft types including the A-4E Douglas Skyhawk, TA-4J Douglas Skyhawk and F-16N Viper.

  • Late 1984?:
    LTCDR Barndenburg lost his life when his A-4 crashed during a landing at an Air Force Base.

  • March 1996:
    VF-45 Blackbirds were disestablished.

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Awards
  • KPUC
    • 09 Jun 1953 to 27 Jul 1953

  • KSM
    • 09 Jun 1953 to 27 Jul 1953

  • UNSM
    • 09 Jun 1953 to 27 Jul 1953

  • 1977 Naval Aviation Safety award for the most outstanding safety record among special mission squadrons in the United States Atlantic Fleet 1974 - 1977.

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Commander Michael D. Trout, United States Navy


After attending Canoe U, Ensign Mike Trout, United States Navy, entered Navy preflight training at Pensacola. A year and a half-later Mike won his Naval Aviator wings-of-gold and chose to fly Attack Aviation. He reported next to the VA-125 Rough Raiders Replacement Air Group (RAG) to learn to fly the A-4 Skyhawk.

In the fleet Mike flew the Douglas A-4 Skyhawk in Attack Squadrons such as the VA-195 Dam Busters and VA-93 Blue Blazers. As a Blue Blazer, Mike made two combat tours to Vietnam flying hundreds of combat missions over North and South Vietnam. In all Mike went down to the sea four times:
    The 11-21-59 to 05-14-60 CVG-19 tour to WestPac was on United States Ship Bon Homme Richard CVA 31 where Mike had 122 A-4B traps.

    The 04-26-61 to 12-13-61 CVG-19 tour to WestPac was on United States Ship Hancock CV 19 where Mike had 47 A-4C traps.

    The 01-05-67 to 07-22-67 CVW-5 combat tour was on United States Ship Hancock CV 19 where Mike had 89 A-4E traps.

    The 01-27-68 to 10-10-68 CVW-5 combat tour was from United States Ship Bon Homme Richard CVA 31 where Mike made 270 A-4F landings.
Early in 1974, Mike was assigned to VA-45 as Executive Officer. Commander Trout was XO for two years, being extended to allow returning Prisoner of War, Commander Leonard Hyatt, to re-enter a normal career pattern as the Blackbird Commanding Officer.
CO Mike standing behind the blackbird - smiling.

In May 1976, Commander Michael D. Trout United States Navy became the twentieth VA-45 Blackbird Commanding Officer.

On July 1, 1976, Commander, Naval Air Force, Atlantic Fleet charged Mike to develop and provide an Air Combat Maneuvering program for the Atlantic Fleet. This challenge was Mike's meat! Admiral J. L. Holloway III, the Chief of Naval Operations, recognized this when he awarded VA-45 the 1977 Naval Aviation Safety award and Plaque for the most outstanding safety record achieved among special mission squadrons in the United States Atlantic Fleet.

In 1998, Mike emailed the Skyhawk Association Webmaster to offer information about the squadrons in which he flew. Soon Mike was in charge of gathering, organizing and presenting Skyhawk statistics. Later Mike took the task of recruiting and organizing Squadron Duty Officers (SDOs) for each of the hundreds of squadrons that flew the Skyhawk.

Little did correspondents know that Mike had Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Earlier, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis had struck down baseball player Lou Gehrig and ALS is now commonly known as Gehrig's disease. This brutal killer affects the spinal cord and lower brain stem. This progressively degenerates motor neurons and wastes muscles until the paralyzed patient painfully dies --- death occurring 18 months to seven years after ALS onset.

When Mike first contacted the SA Webmaster in June 1998 he did not expect to last until Christmas. Mike was all but paralyzed, confined to bed and waiting to die. Mike used a voice-operated computer to communicate on the Internet. In that condition he organized Skyhawk Website statistics and started communicating with people - soon he wanted to recruit and organize the Squadron Duty Officers. Doctors were perplexed why Mike didn't die - but here is a guy that flat on his back, in pain and paralyzed still found a way to make himself useful and meaningful - right up to five days before he died. What balls!!! Mike Trout is an example for all of us.

Sunday, October 21, 2001, Mike Trout was bingoed to the USS Great Beyond Ready Room. There he is playing Acey-Duecy with Wade McClusky. Lou Gehrig and Ted Williams are offering sage advice. Lounging around the room in small groups are the guys:
    Boisterously discussing tactics are Chennault, Nimitz, Boelka, Thatch, Caesar, Bong, Richthoffen, Bader, and Patton.

    Pancho Barnes, Estocin, Springs, Doolittle, Shea, Blackburn, Fonck, McCudden, Shepard and Halsey are playing poker.

    A bunch of guys are gathered at the bar tended by Lady Jessie. The Duke, Boyington, O'Hare, Perry, McConnell, Bong, Voss and Scott are drinking flaming hookers while others are clustered about a piano singing lusty songs.

    On the patio they are servicing the Dilbert Dunker for the follies soon to follow.
Commander Michael D. Trout United States Navy is not alone - he is with the guys and we should be happy for him as this is a life well spent.


Sources:
  • Wendell Biggs.
  • Dick Carlberg.
  • Dick Daniels.
  • John DuGene.
  • Tom French, AQCS USN Ret.
  • Harry S. Gann.
  • Robert Lay.
  • John McAdam.
  • Frank J. Mirande.
  • Nathan Swapp.
  • Mike Trout.
  • Jack Woodul.
  • Cliff Ruthrauff
  • Alan N. Ackley
  • Alf Blume
  • T. Panopalis
  • Sam Goucher (PRCS Ret.)

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