List of United States Navy aircraft squadrons

The United States Navy has many special groups called squadrons that use airplanes for their work. These squadrons are very important for keeping our country safe and for helping in many different kinds of missions. Each squadron works with specific types of airplanes and has its own job, like watching over the ocean, helping ships communicate, or supporting soldiers on the ground.

Only the Navy uses the word “squadron” for groups that fly airplanes, while other parts of the military might use different names for similar groups. Some special Navy squadrons, like those that help control airplanes during sea operations or support special forces teams, also use the name “squadron.” These groups do important jobs that help keep everyone safe.

You can learn more about the history and stories of some of these squadrons in a book called the Dictionary of American Naval Aviation Squadrons. There are also lists of squadrons that are no longer active, which you can find if you’re interested in learning more about how these groups have changed over time.

Aircraft Squadron organization

Navy aircraft squadrons are groups of planes and the people who fly and take care of them. These groups include officers who fly the planes, sailors who help with the planes, and others who support the work. A squadron can have between 150 and 250 people and from five to fourteen planes, depending on the type.

Each squadron is led by a commander, who is a pilot or flight officer. There are also other leaders to help manage different parts of the squadron, like operations and maintenance. Some special squadrons may have leaders from the Marine Corps as well. The teams work together to keep the planes ready and safe for their missions.

Aircraft Squadron designations

A single squadron can have many different names during its time. When a squadron is created, it gets its first name, like Patrol Squadron One ("VP-1"). Over time, it might change its name one or more times. The oldest active squadron today is VFA-14, which has changed its name 15 times since 1919.

In the past, the Navy used letters to show what kind of aircraft a squadron flew. For example, "V" was used for airplanes and "Z" for lighter aircraft like blimps. Today, "V" is used for airplanes and "H" for helicopters. In 2018, a new type of squadron was created for unmanned aircraft, called UX-24, which is the only squadron to use a letter other than V or H.

Current U.S. Navy aircraft squadrons

The tables below contain lists of currently active U.S. Navy aircraft squadrons along with squadron lineage for each squadron, homeport or basing location, and wing assignment for each. Squadron types which deploy as part of a carrier air wing (CVW) are assigned to two wings, operationally to a carrier air wing and administratively to a type wing. Non carrier air wing type squadrons are assigned to a single functional wing. Some special mission/support squadrons are assigned to organizations other than a wing.

Airborne Command & Control (VAW) squadrons

The VAW designation was first created in July 1948 with the establishment of VAW-1 and VAW-2 to designate "Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron". It was in use for less than two months as on 1 September 1948 VAW-1 and VAW-2 were redesignated "Composite Squadron" VC-11 and VC-12. In July 1956 the VAW designation was resurrected when VC-11 and VC-12 were redesignated VAW-11 and VAW-12. In 1967, VAW-11 and VAW-12 which were large land based squadrons that provided detachments of Airborne Early Warning aircraft to deploying carrier air wings were redesignated as wings and each of their detachments were established as separate squadrons. Established from VAW-11 were RVAW-110 (a FRS), VAW-111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116 and established from VAW-12 were RVAW-120 (a FRS), VAW-121, 122, 123 (VAWs 110, 111, 112, 114 and 122 have since been disestablished or deactivated). In 2019, the VAW designation was renamed from Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron to Airborne Command and Control squadron and all VAW squadrons were renamed "Airborne Command & Control Squadron____" retaining the VAW designation.

Each Airborne Command and Control squadron consists of five E-2D Hawkeyes except for the Fleet Replacement Squadron which has more. Transition to the E-2D Hawkeye from the E-2C began in 2010 and completed in 2026 with the transition of VAW-116 which was the last squadron to operate the E-2C. The Hawkeye's primary mission is to provide all-weather airborne early warning, airborne battle management and command and control (C2) functions for the carrier strike group and Joint Force Commander. Additional missions include surface surveillance coordination, air interdiction, offensive and defensive counter air control, close air support coordination, time critical strike coordination, search and rescue airborne coordination and communications relay.

All deployable VAW squadrons are operationally assigned to a carrier air wing and administratively to Airborne Command & Control and Logistics Wing which is a Type Wing. The Fleet Replacement Squadron reports operationally and administratively to the Type Wing.

The single Fleet Replacement Squadron which serves both the Atlantic and Pacific Fleets is based at Naval Station Norfolk, VA. Deployable squadrons when not deployed are home-ported at either Naval Station Norfolk, VA or Naval Base Ventura County, Point Mugu, CA. The exception is VAW-125, which is forward deployed to MCAS Iwakuni, Japan with Carrier Air Wing Five.

Disestablished and deactivated VAW squadrons can be found here: Disestablished or deactivated VAW squadrons

*Carrier air wing (CVW) squadrons are marked with the tail code of their assigned CVW.
Naval Air Force Atlantic Fleet CVW tail codes begin with the letter "A": CVW-1 AB, CVW-3 AC, CVW-7 AG, CVW-8 AJ
Naval Air Force Pacific Fleet CVW tail codes begin with the letter "N": CVW-2 NE, CVW-5 NF, CVW-9 NG, CVW-11 NH, CVW-17 NA

Air Test and Evaluation (VX), (HX), (UX) squadrons

The VX designation was first used from 1927 to 1943 to designate "experimental squadron". It was again used beginning in 1946 when four "experimental and development" squadrons (VX-1 (still exists today), 2, 3 and 4) were established to develop and evaluate new equipment and methods. From 1946 to 1968 the designation was variously "Experimental and Development" squadron, "Operational Development" squadron, "Air Operational Development" squadron and "Air Development" squadron. In 1969 the designation changed to "Air Test and Evaluation" squadron and it remains as such today.

In 2002 the Naval Air Systems Command's five aircraft and weapons test squadrons which conducted developmental test and evaluation of aircraft and weapons systems were all redesignated Air Test and Evaluation Squadrons using the same designation as the then existing two Navy and one USMC operational test and evaluation squadrons except that the rotary wing squadron was designated with the first letter 'H' rather than 'V'. When a specialized unmanned aerial vehicle test and evaluation squadron was established in 2018 it was designated with the first letter 'U' in place of the standard fixed wing 'V'.

Air test and evaluation squadrons test everything from basic aircraft flying qualities to advanced aerodynamics to weapons systems effectiveness and employment. VX-20, HX-21, VX-23, UX-24, VX-30 and VX-31 are developmental test and evaluation squadrons which conduct or support developmental test and evaluation of aircraft and weapons as part of the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIRSYSCOM) while VX-1 and VX-9 are operational test and evaluation squadrons which along with USMC squadrons HMX-1 and VMX-1 conduct operational test and evaluation of aircraft and weapons as part of the Operational Test and Evaluation Force (OPTEVFOR).

Disestablished and deactivated VX squadrons can be found here: Disestablished or deactivated VX squadrons

Electronic Attack (VAQ) squadrons

The VAQ (V-fixed wing, A-attack, Q-electronic countermeasure) designation was established in 1968 to designate "Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron". On 30 March 1998 the name of the designation was changed to "Electronic Attack Squadron" and all VAQ squadrons then in existence were renamed from "Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron ___" to "Electronic Attack Squadron ___".

Carrier air wing Electronic Attack Squadrons consist of seven EA-18G Growlers while land based "expeditionary" squadrons are made up of only five. The primary mission of the Growler is Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD) in support of strike aircraft and ground troops by interrupting enemy electronic activity and obtaining tactical electronic intelligence within the combat area.

Most VAQ squadrons are operationally assigned to a carrier air wing and administratively to Electronic Attack Wing, Pacific Fleet which is a type wing. However, six are non-carrier based expeditionary squadrons (including the one USNR squadron) which deploy to land bases. These land based squadrons were formed as a result of the USAF's decision to retire its fleet of EF-111A aircraft without replacement in the 1990s. The Navy was tasked to replace that lost capability with support from the USAF and as such the five active component expeditionary squadrons are each augmented by one or two USAF pilots or Combat Systems Officers (CSOs) of the 390th Electronic Combat Squadron (390th ECS). The Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS) is also augmented by 390th ECS CSOs serving as instructors. The expeditionary squadrons are assigned both operationally and administratively to Electronic Attack Wing, Pacific Fleet except for VAQ-209 which is administratively assigned to the USNR's Tactical Support Wing.

The single Fleet Replacement Squadron is based at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, WA. Deployable squadrons when not deployed are all home-ported at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, WA. The exception is VAQ-141, which is forward deployed to MCAS Iwakuni, Japan with Carrier Air Wing Five.

Disestablished and deactivated VAQ squadrons can be found here: Disestablished or deactivated VAQ squadrons

Note: The parenthetical (Second use) and (2nd) appended to some designations in the table below are not a part of the squadron designation system. They are added to indicate that the designation was used more than once during the history of U.S. Naval Aviation to designate a squadron and that these were the second use of that designation.

*Carrier Air Wing (CVW) squadrons are marked with the tail code of their assigned CVW.
Naval Air Force Atlantic Fleet CVW tail codes begin with the letter "A": CVW-1 AB, CVW-3 AC, CVW-7 AG, CVW-8 AJ
Naval Air Force Pacific Fleet CVW tail codes begin with the letter "N": CVW-2 NE, CVW-5 NF, CVW-9 NG, CVW-11 NH, CVW-17 NA

Fighter Squadron Composite (VFC) squadrons (aggressor squadrons)

VFC squadrons are aggressor squadrons. The VFC designation was created in 1988 when two Fleet Composite (VC) squadrons (VC-12 & 13) which were dedicated adversary squadrons were redesignated to differentiate them from the remaining VC squadrons which fulfilled various miscellaneous or utility roles. In 2006 a third VFC squadron (VFC-111) was established from what had become a permanent detachment of VFC-13 and in 2022 a fourth VFC squadron was created when the last remaining USNR VFA squadron (VFA-204) was redesignated to VFC. VFC squadrons provide adversary simulation for fleet squadrons. All VFC squadrons are Navy Reserve squadrons.

VFC-12 is based at NAS Oceana to support Strike Fighter Wing Atlantic squadron training, VFC-13 is based at NAS Fallon supporting Strike Fighter Wing Pacific and Joint Strike Fighter Wing squadrons homeported at nearby NAS Lemoore and supporting fleet training at the extensive range complex at NAS Fallon. VFC-111 supports fleet squadron training at the ranges supported by NAS Key West and VFC-204 remains based at NAS JRB New Orleans where it was based in its former existence as a VFA squadron.

Note: The parenthetical (2nd) and (3rd) appended to some designations in the lineage column of table below are not a part of the squadron designation system. They are added to indicate that the designation was used more than once during the history of U.S. Naval Aviation and which use of the designation is indicated. Absence indicates that the designation was used only once.

Fleet Air Reconnaissance (VQ) squadrons

The VQ designation was created in 1955 to designate "Electronic Countermeasures Squadron" and did so though 1959. By 1960 the VQ squadrons, rather than simply jamming communications and electronic signals, had been equipped to collect them for intelligence purposes. In January 1960 this new role of the VQ squadrons was recognized by changing the VQ designation from "Electronic Countermeasures Squadron" to "Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron." Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron ONE which was deactivated on 31 March 2025 was the last VQ squadron to perform the Fleet Air Reconnaissance mission. Fleet Air Reconnaissance is now the mission of Unmanned Patrol (VUP) squadrons operating the MQ-4C Triton. Disestablished and deactivated Fleet Air Reconnaissance squadrons can be found here: Disestablished or deactivated VQ squadrons

Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadrons THREE and FOUR carry the VQ designation, but they are not reconnaissance squadrons; they are airborne command and control, and communications relay squadrons which provide survivable, reliable, and endurable airborne command, control, and communications for the command and control of U.S. strategic nuclear forces. There are fifteen E-6B aircraft operated by two operational squadrons and one Fleet Replacement Squadron. These aircraft are dual-mission, fulfilling both the airborne strategic command post mission which was formerly carried out by the USAF until it retired its "Looking Glass" aircraft in 1998 without replacement, and the Navy TACAMO ("Take Charge and Move Out") mission which provides communications with submerged Navy ballistic missile submarines. The aircraft carry the Airborne Launch Control System (ALCS) which is capable of launching U.S. land based intercontinental ballistic missiles and are equipped with a very low frequency communication system with dual trailing wire antennae for the TACAMO mission. Strategic Communications Wing ONE reports administratively to Commander, Naval Air Force Pacific and operationally to the Commander of United States Strategic Command as the commander of United States Strategic Command Task Force 124. Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron SEVEN is the E-6B Fleet Replacement Squadron providing initial and requalification training for pilots, crew, and maintainers.

The Navy plans to replace the E-6B with a C-130 variant designated E-130J beginning in 2028. The E-130J will be a single mission aircraft assuming the TACAMO role but it will not carry the ALCS or be equipped for the airborne strategic command post mission which the USAF will re-assume, presumably with an E-4 variant.

Fleet Logistics Multi-Mission (VRM) squadrons

The VRM designation was first used in 2018 to designate a new Carrier Onboard Delivery (COD) squadron which was established to operate the CMV-22B Osprey tilt rotor aircraft as a replacement for the long serving C-2A Greyhound flown by Fleet Logistics Support (VRC) squadrons nearing the end of its service life. The inclusion of "Multi-Mission" in the squadron designation recognizes the versatility of the tilt rotor and hints at possible future roles if the Navy decides to invest in aircraft modifications and additional crew training and certification and is willing and able to acquire additional aircraft to meet an increased demand. Potential future additional roles could be transportation of special warfare teams or shore or sea-based combat search-and-rescue (CSAR)". The primary and currently only role however is logistics support of aircraft carriers and potentially of large deck amphibious warfare ships through the delivery of high priority parts, supplies, people, and mail to and from the carrier and logistics hubs in the carrier's operating area.

While the squadrons themselves are non-deploying shore based squadrons, the two operational squadrons provide detachments of three aircraft to deploy as part of a carrier air wing. The third squadron is a Fleet Replacement Squadron which trains pilots, aircrew and maintenance personnel to operate and maintain the CMV-22.

Fleet Logistics Support (VRC) squadrons

The VRC designation was established in 1960 to designate "fleet tactical support squadron". In 1976 the designation was changed to "fleet logistics support squadron."

There were two Fleet Logistic Support squadrons equipped with the C-2A Greyhound Carrier Onboard Delivery (COD) aircraft – one on each coast until December 2023 when VRC-30 which was based at Naval Air Station North Island was deactivated and replaced by VRM-30. VRC-40 is based at Naval Station Norfolk and is programmed for deactivation in July 2026 once VRM-40 has assumed full responsibility for providing Atlantic Fleet detachments. Until that time VRC-40 continues to attach two-plane detachments to each assigned deploying carrier air wing. The C-2A Greyhound, more commonly referred to as a "COD" (short for Carrier onboard delivery), is used to deliver high priority parts, supplies, people, and mail to/from the carrier and shore sites in the aircraft carrier's operating area and is in the final stage of being replaced by the CMV-22B Osprey of VRM-30 and VRM-40.

The E-2 Hawkeye and C-2 Greyhound are built on the same airframe and have many similar characteristics. For this reason VAW-20 was the Fleet Replacement Squadron for both the E-2 and the C-2A Greyhound until 2023 when the last C-2A students were graduated.

Disestablished and deactivated VRC squadrons can be found here: Disestablished or deactivated VRC squadrons

Fleet Logistics Support (VR) squadrons

The VR designator was first established in 1942 to designate "transport" or "air transport" or "fleet logistic air" squadrons. From 1958 to 1976, it designated "fleet tactical support squadron"; from 1976 to the present, it designates "fleet logistics support squadron". Today, all fleet logistics support (VR) squadrons are U.S. Navy Reserve squadrons.

Fleet logistics support squadrons operate Navy unique fleet essential airlift (NUFEA) on a worldwide basis to provide responsive, flexible, and rapidly deployable air logistics support required to sustain combat operations from the sea. During peacetime, squadrons provide air logistics support for all Navy commands as well as provide continuous quality training for mobilization readiness. All fleet logistics support (VR) squadrons are Navy Reserve squadrons with no counterparts in the regular Navy. They represent 100% of the Navy's medium and heavy intra-theater airlift, and operate year-round around the world, providing the critical link between deployed seagoing units and the USAF Air Mobility Command logistics hubs. VR-1 provides dedicated airlift support to the Office of the Secretary of the Navy, Chief of Naval Operations and Commandant of the Marine Corps.

The headquarters of the Fleet Logistics Support Wing is based at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, TX, but the squadrons of the wing are based across the country from the east coast to Hawaii. In addition to the VR squadrons, the Fleet Logistics Support Wing also operates an "executive transport detachment" with one C-37A based in Hawaii alongside the USAF's 65th Airlift Squadron which operates two C-37As.

Note: The parenthetical (2nd), (3rd), or (second use), (third use), etc., appended to some designations in the table below are not part of the squadron designation system. They are added to indicate that the designation was used more than once during the history of U.S. Naval Aviation and which use of the designation is indicated. Absence indicates that the designation was used only once.

Helicopter Maritime Strike (HSM) squadrons

Helicopter maritime strike squadrons fly the MH-60R Seahawk from aircraft carriers, cruisers, destroyers and littoral combat ships. Roles the MH-60R is capable of performing include anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, electronic warfare, overwater or unopposed search and rescue, naval surface fire support and limited logistics, medical evacuation and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

The HSM designation was created in 2005 when HSL-41, the Fleet Replacement Squadron for the MH-60R Seahawk, was redesignated HSM-41. The new designation was created to reflect the MH-60R's multi-mission capabilities which combined the area search capabilities of the Cruiser, Destroyer and Frigate based SH-60B flown by Helicopter Anti-Submarine (Light) (HSL) squadrons with the dipping sonar of the SH-60F flown by Aircraft Carrier-based Helicopter Antisubmarine (HS) squadrons. The first operational fleet squadron to receive the MH-60R was HSM-71 in fiscal year 2008. With the transition of the HS squadrons to HSC squadrons without any ASW capability and the disestablishment of the last Sea Control (VS) squadrons, all ship based airborne ASW capabilities now reside in the HSM squadrons.

From 2008 to 2016 all Helicopter Anti-Submarine (Light) (HSL) squadrons transitioned to the MH-60R and were redesignated Helicopter Maritime Strike (HSM) squadrons and five new HSM squadrons were established. This provided one HSM squadron for each carrier air wing and six non-carrier air wing land-based "expeditionary" squadrons to provide detachments to surface combatants. An additional expeditionary squadron was established later in 2021. Carrier air wing squadrons are comprised of eleven helicopters, they deploy aboard aircraft carriers with their carrier air wing and also provide detachments aboard the surface combatants of the carrier strike group. "Expeditionary" squadrons are non-deploying squadrons comprised of either ten or fifteen helicopters which provide single helicopter detachments to littoral combat ships and dual helicopter detachments to destroyers which deploy independently of a carrier strike group. HSM-60, the reserve squadron, is comprised of seven helicopters.

Carrier air wing squadrons are operationally assigned to their carrier air wing and administratively to a type wing (Helicopter Maritime Strike Wing Atlantic or Pacific) while expeditionary squadrons and fleet replacement squadrons are assigned only to a type wing which exercises both operational and administrative control over those squadrons. HSM-60 which is the sole USNR helicopter squadron is assigned operationally and administratively to the Navy Reserve's Maritime Support Wing.

The two fleet replacement squadrons are based at Naval Air Station North Island, CA and Naval Station Mayport, FL. Deployable squadrons when not deployed are home-ported at Naval Air Station North Island, CA or Naval Air Station Jacksonville, FL. The exception is HSM-77 which is forward deployed to Naval Air Facility Atsugi, Japan with Carrier Air Wing Five. Expeditionary squadrons are based at Naval Air Station North Island, CA, Naval Station Mayport, FL, Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii and Naval Air Station Jacksonville, FL. Additionally there are two forward deployed expeditionary squadrons, one at Naval Air Facility Atsugi, Japan and the other at Naval Station Rota, Spain.

*Carrier air wing (CVW) squadrons are marked with the tail code of their assigned CVW.
Naval Air Force Atlantic Fleet CVW tail codes begin with the letter "A": CVW-1 AB, CVW-3 AC, CVW-7 AG, CVW-8 AJ
Naval Air Force Pacific Fleet CVW tail codes begin with the letter "N": CVW-2 NE, CVW-5 NF, CVW-9 NG, CVW-11 NH, CVW-17 NA

Helicopter Mine Countermeasures (HM) squadron

The HM designation was created in 1971 to designate "helicopter mine countermeasures squadron". HM squadrons employ Sikorsky MH-53E Sea Dragon helicopters. The primary mission of the Sea Dragon is airborne mine countermeasures (AMCM). The MH-53 can operate from land bases or from aircraft carriers, large amphibious ships or expeditionary sea bases and is capable of towing a variety of mine hunting/sweeping countermeasures systems. The MH-53E Sea Dragon can also carry an impressive amount of cargo, equipment, or number of personnel over long distances. The Sea Dragon is the Navy's only heavy-lift helicopter and only proven mine countermeasure platform.

In the 1990s the Navy began a multi-decade transition from operating eight different type/model/series helicopters aiming to reduce to just two by the 2010s, the MH-60R and the MH-60S. It recognized however that the replacement of the MH-53E in the mine countermeasures role was dependent on technology which had not yet matured. As a result, HM squadrons continued in service with the only helicopter capable of effectively conducting airborne mine countermeasures. In 2025 that technology finally matured enough to allow MH-60S helicopters of Sea Combat Squadrons (HSC) to assume the airborne mine countermeasures role in conjunction with mine warfare configured Littoral Combat Ships finally allowing for the ultimate retirement of the MH-53E. At the beginning of this transition the Navy operated four HM squadrons (two of them USNR) plus a Fleet Replacement Squadron, by the end of 2025 only a single operational HM squadron remained and that squadron is programmed for deactivation in fiscal year 2027.

Disestablished and deactivated HM squadrons can be found here: Disestablished or deactivated HM squadrons

Helicopter Sea Combat (HSC) squadrons

Helicopter sea combat squadrons fly the MH-60S Seahawk from aircraft carriers, littoral combat ships, amphibious assault ships, logistics ships, command ships and hospital ships. Roles the MH-60S is capable of performing include logistics, overwater search and rescue, anti-surface warfare, airborne mine countermeasures, overland combat search and rescue, naval special warfare support, medical evacuation and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

The HSC designation was created in 2005 after the Helicopter Combat Support (HC) squadrons equipped with the H-46 Sea Knight had completed their transitions to the new multi-mission MH-60S Seahawk, and in anticipation of the upcoming transition of the Helicopter Antisubmarine (HS) squadrons from the SH-60F and HH-60H Seahawks to the new MH-60S which began in 2007. The ASW capabilities resident in the HS squadrons were lost in the transition but the new HSC squadrons combine the at sea logistics capability of the former Helicopter Combat Support (HC) squadrons with greatly upgraded Combat Search and Rescue, Naval Special Warfare Support and Anti-Surface Warfare capabilities of the former Helicopter Anti-submarine (HS) squadrons.

The HSC squadrons which were formerly HS squadrons are carrier based and deploy as part of a carrier air wing. Carrier based HSC squadrons are composed of five helicopters each. HSC squadrons which were formerly HC squadrons or were newly established are land based "expeditionary" squadrons. These squadrons are each composed of twelve helicopters which deploy in detachments of between one and three helicopters aboard littoral combat ships, amphibious assault ships, logistics ships, command ships or hospital ships, or for land based deployments as required.

Carrier air wing squadrons are operationally assigned to their carrier air wing and administratively to a Type Wing (Helicopter Sea Combat Wing Atlantic or Pacific) while expeditionary squadrons and Fleet Replacement Squadrons are assigned only to a type wing which exercises both operational and administrative control over those squadrons.

The two Fleet Replacement Squadrons are based at Naval Air Station North Island, CA and Naval Station Norfolk, VA. Deployable squadrons when not deployed are home-ported at Naval Air Station North Island, CA or Naval Station Norfolk, VA. The exception is HSC-12 which is forward deployed to Naval Air Facility Atsugi, Japan with Carrier Air Wing Five. Expeditionary squadrons are based at Naval Air Station North Island, CA, Naval Station Norfolk, VA and Andersen Air Force Base, Guam.

Deactivated HSC squadrons can be found here: Deactivated HSC squadrons

Note: The parenthetical (2nd) used in the lineage column of table below is not a part of the squadron designation system. It is added to indicate that the designation was used for two separate squadrons during the history of U.S. Naval Aviation.

*Carrier air wing (CVW) squadrons are marked with the tail code of their assigned CVW.
Naval Air Force Atlantic Fleet CVW tail codes begin with the letter "A": CVW-1 AB, CVW-3 AC, CVW-7 AG, CVW-8 AJ
Naval Air Force Pacific Fleet CVW tail codes begin with the letter "N": CVW-2 NE, CVW-5 NF, CVW-9 NG, CVW-11 NH, CVW-17 NA

Patrol and Reconnaissance (VP), Special Projects Patrol (VPU), Unmanned Patrol (VUP) squadrons

The VP designation is one of the oldest in the U.S. Navy and is the oldest designation currently in use. It first appeared in 1922 to designate "Seaplane Patrol Squadron" and from 1924 it has designated "Patrol Squadron".

Patrol and Reconnaissance (VP) squadrons are made up of six P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft used primarily in reconnaissance, anti-surface warfare and anti-submarine warfare roles. Volume 2 of the Dictionary of American Naval Aviation Squadrons contains comprehensive histories of over 150 patrol squadrons. In 1982 the Special Projects Patrol (VPU) squadron designation was created to designate two squadrons (one of which was deactivated in 2012) specially equipped for intelligence collection.

In 2016 the first unmanned patrol squadron (VUP) was established and designated VUP-19. It operates the MQ-4C Triton unmanned air vehicle from an operations center located at NAS Jacksonville while its aircraft and aircraft maintenance personnel are based at Naval Station Mayport. A second VUP squadron was established at NAS Whidbey Island in October 2024 and is undergoing a multi-year stand up process which is planned to be complete by the end of the decade and will include aircraft based at NBVC Pt. Mugu. Unlike VP squadrons with the primary role of maritime patrol, VUP squadrons are successors to the former Fleet Air Reconnaissance (VQ) squadrons with the primary roles of persistent airborne surveillance and intelligence collection.

When not deployed VP squadrons are home-ported at Naval Air Station Jacksonville, FL or Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, WA. The single Fleet Replacement Squadron which serves both the Atlantic and Pacific Fleets is based at Naval Air Station Jacksonville, FL

Note: The parenthetical (1st), (2nd), (3rd) and (first use), (second use) etc... appended to some designations in the table below are not part of the squadron designation system. They are added to indicate that the designation was used more than once during the history of U.S. Naval Aviation and which use of the designation is indicated. Absence indicates that the designation was used only once.

Scientific Development (VXS) squadron

In 1993 the aircraft of Oceanographic Development Squadron Eight (VXN-8) were transferred to the Naval Research Laboratory's (NRL) Flight Detachment when that squadron was disestablished. In 2004 the NRL Flight Detachment was established as a squadron and designated VXS-1. As VXS-1 the squadron continues the support of a wide range of airborne research projects for the Department of the Navy and other contracting agencies of the U.S. Government.

Strike Fighter (VFA) squadrons

The VFA designation was created in 1980 to designate "Fighter Attack" squadron. The designation was assigned to squadrons equipped with the then new F/A-18A Hornet fighter attack aircraft which replaced the A-7E Corsair II flown by Attack (VA) squadrons. In 1983 the designation was changed to "Strike Fighter" squadron and all VFA squadrons in existence at the time were renamed from "Fighter Attack Squadron-___" to "Strike Fighter Squadron-___". Six of the current VFA squadrons were established after 1980 as fighter attack or strike fighter squadrons; eight were established between 1919 and 1946 as either air-to-air "Fighting" (VF) squadrons, or surface attack "Bombing" (VB) squadrons or "Torpedo" (VT) squadrons or as dual role "Bombing/Fighting" (VBF) squadrons; and twenty-three were established after 1946 as "Fighter" (VF) squadrons or air-surface/ground "Attack" (VA) squadrons. Some squadrons have been designated as both VF and VA squadrons at different times during the course of their existence.

A Strike Fighter Squadron consists of either ten or twelve F/A-18E single seat Super Hornets, twelve F/A-18F two seat Super Hornets or fourteen F-35C Lightning IIs. Training squadrons (known as Fleet Replacement Squadrons) may have more aircraft.

The Super Hornet is an all-weather aircraft used for attack and fighter missions. As a fighter it is used as a fighter escort and for fleet air defense; as an attack aircraft it is used for force projection, interdiction and close and deep air support. It is also used for Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD) and for aerial refueling. It replaced the "legacy" F/A-18A and C model Hornets and the F-14D Tomcat flown by the Navy's last Fighter (VF) squadrons. The last F-14D Tomcat squadron transitioned to the Super Hornet in 2006 and the last active component F/A-18C Hornet squadron began its transition to the Super Hornet in February 2019.

The F-35C is a fifth-generation strike fighter that was originally planned to replace the F/A-18C Hornet with two F-35C squadrons planned to operate alongside two super hornet squadrons in each carrier air wing, but expiring F/A-18C service life and delays in F-35C procurement forced the Navy to increase its buy of F/A-18E and F Super Hornets to replace F/A-18C Hornets while awaiting the arrival of the F-35C. The first deployable squadron to transition to the F-35C was a Super Hornet squadron in 2018. Ultimately each Carrier Air Wing will be equipped with three Super Hornet squadrons and one F-35C squadron.

All deployable VFA squadrons are operationally assigned to a Carrier Air Wing (CVW), four VFA squadrons to each CVW, and administratively to a Type Wing; either Joint Strike Fighter Wing, Strike Fighter Wing, Atlantic or Strike Fighter Wing, Pacific. The three Fleet Replacement Squadrons are assigned both operationally and administratively, one to each Type Wing.

Deployable VFA squadrons are home-ported at Naval Air Station Lemoore, CA or Naval Air Station Oceana, VA when not deployed, except for the squadrons of CVW-5 which are forward deployed to Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan with Carrier Air Wing FIVE. The single F-35C Fleet Replacement Squadron is based at Naval Air Station Lemoore, CA. The two Super Hornet Fleet Replacement Squadrons are based at Naval Air Station Lemoore, CA and Naval Air Station Oceana, VA.

Disestablished and deactivated VFA squadrons can be found here: Disestablished or deactivated VFA squadrons

Note: The parenthetical (1st), (2nd), (3rd) etc... appended to some designations in the lineage column of table below are not a part of the squadron designation system. They are added to indicate that the in the history of U.S. Naval Aviation and which use of the designation is indicated. Absence indicates that the designation was used only once.

*Carrier Air Wing (CVW) squadrons are marked with the tail code of their assigned CVW.
Naval Air Force Atlantic Fleet CVW tail codes begin with the letter "A": CVW-1 AB, CVW-3 AC, CVW-7 AG, CVW-8 AJ
Naval Air Force Pacific Fleet CVW tail codes begin with the letter "N": CVW-2 NE, CVW-5 NF, CVW-9 NG, CVW-11 NH, CVW-17 NA

Training (VT) (HT) squadrons

The VT designation was one of the original designations. It was established in 1921 to designate "Torpedo Plane Squadron". From 1922 to 1930 it designated "Torpedo & Bombing Squadron" and from 1930 to 1946 "Torpedo Squadron". In 1946 all remaining Torpedo Squadrons were redesignated "Attack Squadrons" (VA) and the VT designation was retired.

From 1927 to 1947 training squadrons were designated "VN". From 1947 to 1960 training units were not designated as squadrons, they were "units" or "groups" called Basic Training Groups (BTG), Advanced Training Units (ATU), Jet Transition Training Units (JTTU) or Multi Engine Training Groups (METG). On 1 May 1960 the VT designation was resurrected and existing flying training units were designated "Training Squadrons (VT)".

The HT designation first appeared in May 1960 to designate Helicopter Training Squadron at the same time that the VT designation was resurrected to designate Training Squadron. In the early years of helicopter operations in the Navy, helicopter pilots were qualified fixed wing pilots who received transition training once they reported to a helicopter squadron. In 1950 a dedicated Helicopter Training Unit (HTU), later called a Helicopter Training Group (HTG), was established and in 1960 that unit became the first HT squadron. As the demand for helicopter pilots increased over the decades, additional HT squadrons were established and today approximately 60% of the Student Naval Aviators from all services (Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard) are winged as helicopter pilots.

There are two types of training squadrons: Primary training squadrons train students in the first stages of flight training leading to selection to one of six advanced training pipelines for Student Naval Aviators (Rotary Wing, Tilt Rotor, Strike, Multi-Engine, E-6 or E-2), four advanced training pipelines for Student Naval Flight Officers (AEW, TACAMO, MPR or Strike Fighter) or the single advanced pipeline for Navy Air Vehicle Pilots (AVP) and Marine Corps Unmanned Aircraft Systems Officers (UASO). The advanced training squadrons provide advanced flight instruction to all U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, and U.S. Coast Guard Student Naval Aviators, to U.S. Navy Student Naval Flight Officers or to U.S. Navy student Air Vehicle Pilots/U.S Marine Corps student Unmanned Aircraft Systems Officers as well as to international students from several allied nations. Students who successfully complete the program are awarded Naval Aviator, Naval Flight Officer or Air Vehicle Pilot/Unmanned Aircraft Systems Officer "Wings of Gold."

Training squadrons are organized differently than the Navy's operational squadrons as training squadrons do not have maintenance departments. Custody of training aircraft belongs to the TRAWING to which the squadrons are assigned and aircraft maintenance is conducted through contracted civilian maintenance. Training squadrons are composed of Operations, Safety and Administrative departments. The squadrons of TRAWINGs FOUR and FIVE are staffed by Navy and Marine Corps instructors with Coast Guard instructors present in some of the squadrons while the squadrons of TRAWINGs ONE and TWO are staffed only by Navy and Marine Corps instructors as Coast Guard students are not trained by those wings. The three squadrons of the NFO TRAWING SIX are staffed solely by Navy instructors as the USMC has retired its last NFO crewed aircraft, though the recent addition of USMC Student Unmanned Aircraft Systems Officers at TRAWING SIX will likely re-introduce Marine Corps instructors to at least one TRAWING Six squadron. Command of about a third of the fourteen squadrons of TRAWINGS ONE through FIVE alternate between USN and USMC Commanding Officers and one alternates between a USN and a USCG Commanding Officer. Additionally, each of the seventeen training squadrons is augmented by a Squadron Augmentation Unit (SAU). A SAU is a Navy Reserve unit commanded by a Navy Reserve or Marine Corps Reserve Commanding Officer which consist of Navy Reserve and Marine Corps Reserve instructors. These instructors are fully integrated into the training squadron's schedule and instruct Student Naval Aviators and Student Naval Flight Officers alongside their active duty counterparts. The SAUs are identified as "VT-3 SAU", VT-21 SAU", "HT-8 SAU" etc...

Navy training aircraft have been painted orange and white since 1959 but in 2023 the decision was made to begin transitioning to a blue paint scheme for primary trainers (T-6A and T-6B) which is reminiscent of the Navy and Marine Corps WWII color scheme, and to grey paint schemes for advanced trainers (T-45C, T-54A and TH-73A) reflective of the color schemes of today's Navy and Marine Corps operational aircraft. The T-54As and remaining TH-73As still to be delivered will be delivered in the new grey paint schemes and the already delivered orange and white TH-73As and the T-45Cs, T-6As and T-6Bs will receive their new paint as they cycle through normal re-painting through the remainder of the decade.

Disestablished and deactivated VT squadrons can be found here: Disestablished or deactivated VT squadrons

Unmanned Carrier-Launched Multi-Role (VUQ) squadrons (aerial refueling squadrons)

The Navy's first VUQ squadron (VUQ-10) was established in 2022 aboard NAS Patuxent River. It currently remains based at NAS Patuxent River engaged with VX-23, UX-24 and VX-1 to test, train and develop operational and maintenance procedures for the MQ-25 Stingray. It will ultimately move to NBVC Pt. Mugu as the MQ-25 Fleet Replacement Squadron. The first of two operational MQ-25 squadrons (VUQ-11) was established on 1 April 2026 at NAS Patuxent River. That squadron will relocate to NBVC Point Mugu by the end of 2026 and a second operational squadron (VUQ-12) will be established at NS Norfolk by the end of the decade. All three squadrons will fall under the Airborne Command & Control and Logistics Wing, the same wing to which the airborne command and control (VAW) squadrons belong. VUQ-11 and VUQ-12 will attach detachments of five MQ-25 Stingrays to deploying VAW squadrons.

Initially, the MQ-25's primary role will be to conduct mission tanking; extending the carrier air wing's strike range by aerial refueling air wing aircraft at ranges from the carrier and at fuel off-load quantities that were previously unachievable. The MQ-25 will increase the overall lethality of the CVW by relieving the F/A-18E Super Hornet in the aerial refueling role enabling ordnance to replace refueling stores on the F/A-18's pylons. In secondary roles, the MQ-25 will conduct recovery tanking and it is equipped with an intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capability.

Other aircraft units

The units in the tables below do not carry a squadron designation (VFA, VP, HSC etc...) and except for the Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron are not called squadrons, however; they have custody of and routinely fly Navy aircraft as their primary function, or in the case of wing weapons schools they fly aircraft belonging to the fleet squadrons of their wing for the advanced training of those fleet squadrons.

Blue Angels and Naval Test Pilot School

The U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron ("Blue Angels") is made up of U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps Naval Aviators and of other U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps officers and enlisted sailors and Marines who maintain the squadron's aircraft and carry out all support and administrative functions of the squadron. The Blue Angels were formed on 24 April 1946 as the "Navy Flight Exhibition Team" under the leadership of a "team leader". It was not until 10 December 1973 that the unit was formally established as a squadron under the command of a Commanding Officer.

The U.S. Naval Test Pilot School operates numerous various fixed wing and rotary wing aircraft to train and graduate U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps experimental test pilots, flight test engineers, and flight test flight officers. It is also the primary test pilot school for U.S. Army aviators as it is the only U.S. military test pilot school to offer instruction on rotary-wing aircraft.

Weapons Schools

There are five Naval Aviation Warfighting Development Center (NAWDC) weapons schools: Navy Fighter Weapons School (Top Gun), Carrier Airborne Early Warning Weapons School (Top Dome), Airborne Electronic Attack Weapons School (Havoc) and Navy Rotary Wing Weapons School (Seawolf and Seahunter). These weapons schools train selected U.S. Navy Naval Aviators, Naval Flight Officers (NFO) and Naval Aircrewmen who have completed their initial fleet squadron tours in instructional techniques and in advanced tactics in their respective aircraft qualifying them as weapons and tactics instructors. These graduates then serve either at the Naval Aviation Warfighting Development Center (NAWDC) or are assigned to their respective wing weapons school.

There are eight wing weapons schools, each reporting to their respective type wing: Strike Fighter Weapons Schools Atlantic and Pacific; Electronic Attack Weapons School; Airborne Command & Control and Logistics Weapons School; Helicopter Sea Combat Weapons Schools Atlantic and Pacific; and Helicopter Maritime Strike Weapons Schools Atlantic and Pacific. Wing weapons schools are the lead organizations for the development and refinement of tactics and they provide advanced training for their wing's squadrons utilizing squadron aircraft.

The Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Weapons School is a subordinate unit of Commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Group and is based at NAS Jacksonville, FL. It trains Maritime Weapons and Tactics Instructors (MWTI) who are then assigned to Weapons Training Units embedded in the training departments of Patrol and Reconnaissance Wings TEN and ELEVEN. The Weapons Training Units function for Patrol and Reconnaissance Wings TEN and ELEVEN as the wing weapons schools function for their wings.

Naval Air Station Aircraft Units

There are six Naval Air Stations which maintain a Search and Rescue (SAR) alert posture in support of the aviation activities at those air stations. As a secondary function those station SAR units are available to support local civilian authorities on a not to interfere with their primary mission basis. Those stations are NAS Key West, NAS Patuxent River, NAS Lemoore, NAS Whidbey Island, NAS Fallon and NAWS China Lake. SAR is covered at NAS Fallon by the Navy Rotary Wing Weapons School as a collateral responsibility and at NAWS China Lake by VX-31 as a collateral responsibility but the other four air stations have dedicated SAR units of three to four MH-60S helicopters. Until October 2024 all four of those units were divisions of the Air Operations Departments of the respective Naval Air Station but in October 2024 three of those units were removed from the administrative command of their Naval Air Stations and were established as separate units under the administrative command of Helicopter Sea Combat Wing Atlantic or Pacific. The unit at NAS Patuxent River remains the only SAR unit under the administrative command of the Naval Air Station at which it is based. The SAR helicopters are painted in a high visibility red and white paint scheme.

In addition to SAR units there are three air stations which operate C-26 aircraft in various support roles. Those stations are the Pacific Missile Range Facility at Barking Sands, Hawaii which operates EC-26D and RC-26D range support aircraft in support of the missile range; and Naval Air Station Sigonella, Italy and Naval Support Activity Naples, Italy which both operate C-26D passenger and cargo transport aircraft supporting Commander Naval Forces Europe and Africa, Commander 6th Fleet and other naval and joint forces in Europe. Additionally but not included in the table below there are thirteen UC-12F and UC-12M Huron aircraft operated by the Air Operations Departments of various air stations in cargo and passenger transport roles.