U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps aircraft tail codes
Carrier Air Wing 15 tail code "NL" is prominently displayed on this A-7E Corsair II. Tail codes on the U.S. Navy aircraft are the markings that help to identify the aircraft's unit and/or base assignment. These codes comprise one or two letters or digits painted on both sides of the vertical stabilizer, on the top right and on the bottom left wings near the tip. Although located both on the vertical stabilizer and the wings from their inception in July 1945, these identification markings are commonly referred as tail codes. It is important to note that tail codes are meant to identify units and assignments, not individual aircraft. For all aircraft of the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps unique identification is provided by bureau numbers.
History
The U.S. Navy introduced the identification system of tail and wing letter codes for its aircraft in July 1945. This system was intended to replace the set of geometrical symbols employed for the similar purpose since January 1945. When introduced, tail codes were only given to aircraft carriers . New directives issued in 1946 and in 1948 assigned tail codes to individual Navy and Marine Corps squadrons as well as for carrier air groups . And although the association between particular tail codes and units undergoes changes from time to time, the system as a whole is still in use to present day.
Basic principles
This RF-8G Crusader from VFP-63 Det.2 is deployed with Carrier Air Wing 14 and displays the Air Wing's "NK" tail code. This RF-8A Crusader from VFP-63 Det.B, although deployed with Carrier Air Wing 5, displays the unit's own "PP" tail code and not the Air Wing's "NF". This A-6A Intruder in experimental camouflage paint does not carry the "NL" tail code of its parent Carrier Air Wing 15. When introduced in June 1945, tail codes were assigned to individual aircraft carriers. Thus all aircraft based on a particular ship were supposed to carry the ship's code. As of August 1948, tail codes were no longer assigned to aircraft carriers but rather to carrier air groups, which in December 1963 were re-designated as carrier air wings .
U.S. Navy carrier-based squadrons that deploy as whole units, like fighter and attack squadrons, use their parent carrier air wing tail codes; these types of squadrons are normally not issued individual tail codes.
Other types of the Navy's carrier-based squadrons that normally send detachments to several carriers, like photo reconnaissance, early warning or electronic attack, have frequently received individual tail codes. When deployed, such squadrons usually adopted the tail code of the parent carrier air wing. However, in recent years the practice of assigning individual tail codes to any of the carrier-capable squadrons seems to have been discontinued.
Land-based squadrons of the U.S. Navy – e.g., patrol, transport, observation and other support squadrons – are assigned individual tail codes. The same has been applicable in the past to Naval Air Stations .
Each U.S. Marine Corps squadron, regardless of its mission, is assigned its own tail code. When a carrier-capable Marine squadron deploys on an aircraft carrier as a part of the U.S. Navy Carrier Air Wing, it typically adopts the tail code of this Air Wing for the period of deployment.
A circular letter issued by the CNO in November 1946 specified that code letters on USMC planes were to be underscored. The underscoring of codes was a short-lived practice abandoned by 1949.
Throughout the history of tail codes there have been a number of duplicates where the same code was used at the same time by more than one unit. This happened frequently during the first post-war decade when the Navy made several revamps of its tail code assignments within a short time frame. Most typically, duplicates resulted when the same letter was assigned to a regular Air Group and to a reserve facility: for example, in the early 1950s the tail code "A" was valid both for Carrier Air Group 15 aircraft and for all Naval Air Reserve units home-based at NAS Anacostia.
In certain cases Navy or Marine aircraft do not carry tail codes. This happened with aircraft wearing special or experimental camouflage paint, particularly during the Vietnam War deployments. Aircraft of Marine Helicopter Squadron One (HMX-1 ) employed for VIP transport are another example.
The U.S. Navy and the Marine Corps do not seem to have any specific procedure for removing a tail code from use. If a unit that owned a particular tail code is disestablished, the respective tail code becomes extinct. Later, this code may be assigned to a different unit, or it may remain unused.
List of navy and marine aircraft tail codes
A
A stylized rendering of Carrier Air Wing 17 "AA" code can be seen on this A-6E Intruder. AA
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
USS Lake Champlain (CV-39)
July 1945
USS Monterey (CVL-26)
8 January 1946, U.S. Navy Letter FF12-5
VMO-3
7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
VP-MS-11
7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
Tail code changed to "MA" in August 1948.
CVW-17, Carrier Air Wing 17
Activated in November 1966
Code changed to "NA" in 2012.
This S-3A Viking from VS-32 shows the "AB" tail code of CVW-1. AB
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VMO-6
7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
Tail code changed to "WB" in 1948.
VP-HL-8
7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
VMF-452
4 August 1948, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 69-48
Disestablished in December 1949.
CVG-1, Carrier Air Group 1
Re-designated CVW-1, Carrier Air Wing 1
November 1956
Carrier Air Group 3 planes in flight in 1958. AC
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VP-ML-1
Re-designated VP-1
November 1946
VMR-153
4 August 1948, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 69-48
CVG-3, Carrier Air Group 3
Re-designated CVW-3, Carrier Air Wing 3
1957
AD
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
HEDRON-1, Headquarters Squadron, Marine Air Group 1
7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
VMR-253
Circa 1946
Tail code changed to "QD" in 1958.
VMF-322
Re-designated VMA-322
4 August 1948, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 69-48
Disestablished in November 1949.
RCVG-4 Replacement Carrier Air Group 4
Re-designated RCVW-4, Readiness Carrier Air Wing 4
April 1958
Disestablished in July 1970. AD tail code retained by VAW-120 , VFA-106 , VA-42 , VA-43, VA-45, VA-174 , VF-101 , VS-27.
Carrier Air Wing 6 tail code is seen on this VF-84 Phantom II in 1975. AE
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VMF-115
7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
CVW-6, Carrier Air Wing 6
December 1963
Disestablished in April 1993.
AF
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VMF-211
Re-designated VMA-211
7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
Fighter units of Navy Air Reserve at NAS Anacostia
November 1946
A very short-lived assignment.
CVG-6, Carrier Air Group 6
November 1956
Re-designated Carrier Air Wing 6 in 1963 and received a new tail code "AE".
CVWR-20, Reserve Carrier Air Wing 20
April 1970
Renamed Tactical Support Wing (TSW) in April 2007. The "AF" tail code is retained by squadrons assigned to TSW.
A-6E Intruders of VA-62 carry the Carrier Air Wing 7 "AG" code. AG
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
CVG-7, Carrier Air Group 7
Re-designated CVW-7, Carrier Air Wing 7
November 1956
VA-152 A-1H Skyraider carries CVW-16 tail code. AH
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VMF-218
7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
Disestablished on 31 December 1949.
CVG-16, Carrier Air Group 16
Re-designated CVW-16, Carrier Air Wing 16
September 1960
Disestablished.
AI
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VMF(N)-533
Re-designated VMF-533
7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
This F-4J Phantom II is part of Carrier Air Wing 8 and displays the Wing's "AJ" tail code. AJ
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
CVG-8, Carrier Air Group 8
Re-designated CVW-8, Carrier Air Wing 8
November 1956
CVW-13 code is seen on this VA-176 A-1J Skyraider. AK
AL
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VMA-251
29 July 1950, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 43-50
CVG-17, Carrier Air Group 17
Circa 1957
Disestablished in September 1958.
FJ-2 Furies of VMF-451 in 1954. AM
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VMF-451
Circa 1951
ATG-181, Air Task Group 181
November 1956
Inactivated in 1958.
HSC-22
29 September 2006
AN
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
HATU, Heavy Attack Training Unit
February 1953
ATG-182, Air Task Group 182
November 1956
Inactivated in 1959.
Aircraft of Air Task Group 201 in flight in 1958. AP
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
ATG-201, Air Task Group 201
November 1956
Inactivated in 1958.
AQ
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
ATG-202, Air Task Group 202
November 1956
Inactivated in 1959.
"AR" tail code can be seen on this SH-3G Sea King of HS-1. AR
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
RCVG-50, Replacement Carrier Antisubmarine Warfare Air Group 50
1960
Disestablished in June 1970. RCVG-50 tail code retained by HS-1 and VS-30.
HS-1
June 1970
Disestablished in May 1997.
VS-30
June 1970
Disestablished December 2005.
AS
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
CVGS-52, Carrier Antisubmarine Warfare Air Group 52
June 1960
Comprised squadrons VS-28, VS-31 and HS-11 . Disestablished in December 1969.
SH-3A Sea King helicopters carry the "AT" code of CVGS-54. AT
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
HEDRON-20, Headquarters Squadron Marine Air Group 20
December 1951
CVGS-54, Carrier Antisubmarine Warfare Air Group 54
1960
Comprised squadrons VS-22 , VS-32 and HS-5 . Disestablished in July 1972.
This S-2E Tracker shows the "AU" code of its parent CVGS-56. AU
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
HEDRON-13, Headquarters Squadron Marine Air Group 13
March 1951
CVGS-56, Carrier Antisubmarine Warfare Air Group 56
1960
Comprised squadrons VS-24, VS-27 and HS-3. Disestablished in June 1973.
AV
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
HEDRON-15, Headquarters Squadron Marine Air Group 15
4 August 1948, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 69-48
CVGS-58, Carrier Antisubmarine Warfare Air Group 58
June 1960
Comprised squadrons VS-26, VS-36 and HS-7 . Disestablished in March 1966.
"AW" code of CVGS-60 can be seen on this S-2E Tracker. AW
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
HEDRON-24, Headquarters Squadron Marine Air Group 24
4 August 1948, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 69-48
CVGS-60, Carrier Antisubmarine Warfare Air Group 60
May 1960
Comprised squadrons VS-34, VS-39 and HS-9 . Disestablished in October 1968.
CVSR-70, Reserve Carrier Antisubmarine Warfare Air Group 70
1970
AX
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
HEDRON-25, Headquarters Squadron Marine Air Group 25
1952
CVGS-62, Carrier Antisubmarine Warfare Air Group 62
September 1961
Comprised squadrons VS-20, VS-42 and HS-13. Disestablished in 1962.
VR-53
2004
AZ
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
HEDRON-1, Headquarters Squadron Marine Air Group 1
4 August 1948, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 69-48
Tail codes on these planes denote assignment to the USS Boxer . B
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
USS San Jacinto (CVL-30)
July 1945
USS Boxer (CV-21)
8 January 1946, U.S. Navy Letter FF12-5
Headquarters Squadron Marine Air Wing 2
7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
CVG-15, Carrier Air Group 15
12 December 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 165-46
Navy Air Reserve units at NAS Atlanta
November 1946
The "C" code issued to this NAS was a controlled duplicate of the same code letter given to Carrier Air Group 15.
Code changed to "7B" in 1956.
CVG-19, Carrier Air Group 19
July 1953
Tail code changed to "NM" in November 1956.
TW-2, Training Air Wing 2
Comprise VT-21, VT-22.
BA
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
USS Bairoko (CVE-115)
7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
VO-1B
7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
VP-MS-7
Re-designated VP-47
7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
Tail code changed to "RD" in 1957.
HEDRON-11, Headquarters Squadron Marine Air Group 11
7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
Attack units of Navy Air Reserve at NAS Atlanta
November 1946
A very short-lived assignment.
Blue Angels flight demonstration squadron
Unknown
This assignment is probably a purely bureaucratic one as no Blue Angels aircraft has ever carried tail codes.
BB
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
USS Ranger (CV-4)
8 January 1946, U.S. Navy Letter FF12-5
The USS Ranger was decommissioned on 18 October 1946.
VO-2B
7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
VP-HL-13
Re-designated VP-25
7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
Disestablished in January 1950.
HEDRON-14, Headquarters Squadron Marine Air Group 14
7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
An example of underscored tail code is seen on this FH-1 Phantom belonging to VMF-122. BC
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VP-HL-3
7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
Disestablished in May 1947.
VMF-122
7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
Tail code changed to "LC".
VP-MS-3
Re-designayed VP-43
August 1948
Disestablished in March 1949.
VMR-153
1957
Disestablished in 1959.
BD
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VP-HL-5
7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
Disestablished in May 1947.
VMF-212
7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
VP-MS-6
Re-designated VP-46
4 August 1948, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 69-48
Tail code changed to "RC" in 1957.
VR-64
Cougar jet trainers carry the tail code of VMT-1. BE
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VP-ML-6
Re-designated VP-6
7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
Tail code changed to "PC" in 1957.
VMF-222
7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
Disestablished in December 1949.
VMIT-20
1957
Disestablished in June 1958.
VMT-1
July 1958
In May 1972 the squadron was re-designated VMAT-203 with its tail code changed to "KD".
A Sea Knight helicopter of HC-16 in 1984. BF
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
HEDRON-21, Headquarters Squadron Marine Air Group 21
7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
Fighter units of Navy Air Reserve at NAS Atlanta
November 1946
A very short-lived assignment.
VP-812
Re-designated VP-29
July 1950
Disestablished in November 1955.
VAH-2
November 1955
Code changed to "ZA" in 1957.
VMFT-20
1957
Disestablished in June 1958.
HC-16
BG
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VP-43
4 August 1948, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 69-48
BH
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VMF-252
7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
VP-772
Subsequently, re-designated VP-17 and VA(HM)-10
September 1950
Tail code changed to "ZE" in 1957.
VMR-252
Re-designated VMGR-252
1957
VX-30
May 1995
BI
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VMR-952
7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
VP-57
February 1953
Disestablished in July 1956.
VAH-4
July 1956
Code changed to "ZB" in 1957.
An HM-14 RH-53D in flight. BJ
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
HM-14
May 1978
BK
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
HEDRON-22, Headquarters Squadron Marine Air Group 22
7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
BL
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VMF-113
7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
Disestablished in April 1947.
HML-268
September 1972
Disestablished in 1977.
BM
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VMF-314
7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
Disestablished in April 1947.
H&MS-35, Headquarters and Maintenance Squadron 35
1957
Disestablished in June 1958.
BP
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
Patrol units of Navy Air Reserve at NAS Atlanta
Circa 1947
A very short-lived assignment.
VMFT(AW)-20
1957
BR
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VMO-1
7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
Code changed to "LR" in 1948.
HC-8
HSC-28
BS
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
USS Badoeng Strait (CVE-116)
7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
HEDRON-53, Headquarters Squadron Marine Air Group 53
7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
CVEG-1, Escort Carrier Air Group 1
12 December 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 165-46
VC-21
Re-designated VS-21
4 August 1948, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 69-48
Disestablished in February 2005.
BT
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VMF-531
7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
H&MS-20, Headquarters and Maintenance Squadron 20
1957
Disestablished in 1958.
BU
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VMF-532
7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
BV
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VMF-534
7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
BW
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VAH-3
June 1956
Code changed to "GJ" in 1958.
BY
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VMAT-20
1957
Disestablished in June 1958.
BZ
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
AIRFMFLANT, Headquarters Squadron Aircraft Fleet Marine Force Atlantic
1957
Disestablished.
"C" code on this F9F-2 Panther jet denotes assignment to Carrier Air Group 6. C
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
USS Monterey (CVL-26)
July 1945
USS Coral Sea (CV-43)
8 January 1946, U.S. Navy Letter FF12-5
Assignment remained on paper only as USS Coral Sea was not commissioned until 1 October 1947.
CVBG-5, Battle Carrier Air Group 5
12 December 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 165-46
Navy Air Reserve units at NAS Columbus
November 1946
The "C" code issued to this NAS was a controlled duplicate of the same code letter given to Carrier Air Group 5.
Code changed to "7C" in 1956.
CVG-6, Carrier Air Group 6Carrier Air Group 6
1952
Tail code changed to "AF" in November 1956.
TW-3, Training Air Wing 3
Disestablished in August 1992.
CA
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VO-1C
7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
VP-MS-10
Re-designated VP-40
7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
Tail code changed to "QE" in 1957.
Attack units of Navy Air Reserve at NAS Columbus
November 1946
A very short-lived assignment.
ATU-11, Advanced Training Unit 11
November 1947
BTU-2, Basic Training Unit 2
September 1948
HMLA-467
October 2008
CB
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VO-2C
7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
VP-ML-3
Re-designated VP-3
7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
Tail code changed to "MB" in 1950.
ATU-12, Advanced Training Unit 12
November 1947
IBTU, Instructor Basic Training Unit
September 1948
CQTU-4, Carrier Qualification Training Unit 4
August 1950
VP-9
March 1951
Tail code changed to "PD" in 1957.
VMAQ-1
Re-designated VMAQT-1
July 1992
Deactivated in 2016
CC
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
USS Saratoga (CV-3)
July 1945
USS Cowpens (CVL-25)
8 January 1946, U.S. Navy Letter FF12-5
VO-10C
7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
VP-MS-4
Re-designated VP-44
7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
Code changed to "LM" in 1957.
CD
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VP-1
4 August 1948, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 69-48
Code changed to "YB" in 1957.
ATU-800, Advanced Training Unit 800
Circa 1950
VRC-40
July 1960
An F/A-18D Hornet from VMFA(AW)-225. CE
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VO-13C
7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
VP-HL-2
Re-designated VP-22
4 August 1948, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 69-48
Code changed to "QA" in 1957.
VMA-225
Re-designated VMA(AW)-225, then again VMA-225
1957
An AV-8B from VMA-211 in 2014. CF
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VO-15C
7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
Fighter units of Navy Air Reserve at NAS Columbus
November 1946
A very short-lived assignment.
VP-HL-8
Re-designated VP-28
4 August 1948, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 69-48
Code changed to "QC" in 1957.
VMA-211
1957
CG
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VMA-231
May 1973
CH
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VO-17C
7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
VP-871
Re-designated VP-19
February 1951
Code changed to "PE" in 1957.
CI
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VO-3C
12 December 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 165-46
CJ
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
HMR(M)-461
Re-designated HMH-461
January 1957
CK
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
Operational Development Squadron
12 December 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 165-46
CM
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VMJ-2
Re-designated VMCJ-2
September 1952
Code changed to "CY" in 1957.
CN
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
H&MS-14, Headquarters and Maintenance Squadron 14
Re-designated MALS-14, Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 14
1957
CP
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VS-935
October 1961
Deactivated in August 1962.
CQ
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VS-751
October 1961
Deactivated in August 1962.
CS
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VS-915
October 1961
Deactivated in August 1962.
CT
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VS-733
October 1961
Deactivated in August 1962.
CU
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VS-821
October 1961
Deactivated in August 1962.
CV
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VS-861
October 1961
Deactivated in August 1962.
This C-130T of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 54 shows the unit's "CW" code. CW
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VR-54
VMAQ-2 planes in flight. CY
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VMC-2
Subsequently, re-designated VMCJ-2 and VMAQ-2
1957
CZ
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
Maintenance and Repair Squadron 27 (MARS-27)
Re-designated H&MS-27, Headquarters and Maintenance Squadron 27
1957
Tail code carried by this F3H-2N Demon in 1958 indicates assignment to Carrier Air Group 12. D
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
USS Independence (CVL-22)
July 1945
USS Oriskany (CV-34)
8 January 1946, U.S. Navy Letter FF12-5
Only in effect until December 1946.
CVG-9, Carrier Air Group 9
4 August 1948, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 69-48
Navy Air Reserve units at NAS Dallas
November 1946
The "D" code issued to this NAS was a controlled duplicate of the same code letter given to CVG-9.
Code changed to "7D" in 1956.
CVG-12, Carrier Air Group 12
July 1953
Tail code changed to "NJ" in November 1956.
"DA" code on this 1978 photo indicates assignment to Headquarters and Maintenance Squadron 32. DA
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VP-AM-1
7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
Disestablished in May 1948.
Attack units of Navy Air Reserve at NAS Dallas
November 1946
A very short-lived assignment.
GMGRU-1, Guided Missile Group 1
September 1955
Code changed to "ZZ" in 1957.
H&MS-32, Headquarters and Maintenance Squadron 32
1957
A VMFA-235 F-4S Phantom II in flight. DB
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VP-AM-2
Re-designated VP-32
7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
Disestablished in June 1949.
GMGRU-2, Guided Missile Group 2
September 1955
VMF-235
Re-designated VMFA-235
1957
Disestablished in June 1996.
DC
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VP-HL-7
Re-designated VP-27
7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
Disestablished in January 1950.
VMF-122
Subsequently, re-designated VMF(AW)-122 and VMFA-122
1957
DD
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
USS Independence (CVL-22)
8 January 1946, U.S. Navy Letter FF12-5
VP-HL-10
Re-designated VP-20
7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
Disestablished in March 1949.
VX-31
DE
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VP-HL-12
Re-designated VP-29
7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
Disestablished in January 1950.
DF
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VP-AM-5
7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
Disestablished in December 1947.
Fighter units of Navy Air Reserve at NAS Dallas
November 1946
A very short-lived assignment.
DH
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
HM-12
1 April 1971
Disestablished on 30 September 1994
HM-12(2nd)
1 October 2015
An FJ-3 Fury on VMF-333. DN
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VMF-333
Re-designated VMFA-333
1957
Disestablished in March 1992.
DP
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VMA-331
1957
Code changed to "VL" in 1959.
An F-8E Crusader on VMF-312. DR
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VMF-312
Re-designated VMFA-312
1957
An A-6A Intruder VMA(AW)-242 takes off from Da Nang. DT
DV
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
H&MS-31, Headquarters and Maintenance Squadron 31
1957
Disestablished in January 1959.
The squadron's "DW" tail code is seen on this VMFA-251 F-4S Phantom II. DW
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VMF-251
Re-designated VMFA-251
Circa 1957
DX
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VMA-324
1957
Disestablished in August 1974.
DZ
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VMR-353
1957
Disestablished in March 1963.
A Carrier Air Group 8 F8F-2 Bearcat seen on the USS Midway . E
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
USS Intrepid (CV-11)
July 1945
USS Essex (CV-9)
8 January 1946, U.S. Navy Letter FF12-5
Marine Corps Air Base, Cherry Point
7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
CVG-8, Carrier Air Group 8
4 August 1948, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 69-48
Tail code changed to "AJ" in November 1956.
Navy Air Reserve units at NAS Minneapolis
November 1946
The "E" code issued to this NAS was a controlled duplicate of the same code letter given to CVG-8.
Code changed to "7E" in 1956.
TW-5, Training Air Wing 5
Comprise VT-2 , VT-3 , VT-6 , HT-8, HT-18, HT-28.
EA
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
Marine Corps Schools, Quantico
7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
VP-MS-9
Re-designated VP-49
7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
Tail code changed to "LP" in 1957.
HTU-1, Helicopter Training Unit 1
August 1951
VMA-332
Re-designated VMA(AW)-332
1957
Disestablished in March 2007.
EB
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VP-AM-3
Re-designated VP-33
7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
Disestablished in December 1949.
VP-26
July 1950
Tail code changed to "LK" in 1957.
This F-4N Phantom II carries the "EC" code assigned to VMA(AW)-531. EC
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VP-AM-4
Re-designated VP-34
7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
Disestablished in June 1956.
VMF(AW)-531
Re-designated VMFA-531
1957
Disestablished in March 1992.
ED
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VP-ML-5
7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
Tail code changed to "MC" in August 1948.
VMA-533
Subsequently, re-designated VMA(AW)-533 and VMFA(AW)-533
1957
EE
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
USS Coral Sea (CV-43)
July 1945
Assignment remained on paper only as the USS Coral Sea was not commissioned until 1 October 1947.
USS Enterprise (CV-6)
8 January 1946, U.S. Navy Letter FF12-5
VP-MS-5
Re-designated VP-45
7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
Tail code changed to "LN" in 1957.
EF
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VPP-2
Re-designated VP-62
7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
Disestablished in January 1950.
VP-61
Re-designated VJ-61
January 1951
Tail code changed to "PB" in 1953.
"EG" on this Sea Knight helicopter indicates assignment to HMM-263. EG
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
HMR-263
Subsequently, re-designated HMM-263 and VMM-263
1957
An MV-22B Osprey of VMM-264. EH
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VP-HL-3
Re-designated VP-23
4 August 1948, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 69-48
Tail code changed to "MA" in July 1950.
VP-56
September 1950
Tail code changed to "LQ" in 1957.
HMM-264
Re-designated VMM-264
June 1959
Squadron Disestablished August 2020.
EK
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VMF(AW)-114
1957
Disestablished in July 1963.
EL
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
H&MS-26, Headquarters and Maintenance Squadron 26
1957
A subdued "EM" code can be seen on this CH-46F Sea Knight of HMM-261. EM
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VP-HL-7
1948
Code changed to "HE" in 1948.
HMR(L)-261
Subsequently, re-designated HMM-261 and VMM-261
1957
EN
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
HMH-464
1957
EP
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
HMM-265
Re-designated VMM-265
October 1962
Disestablished in November 1970, reactivated in September 1977 with the same tail code.
An OV-10A Bronco of VMO-1 shows off its "ER" tail code. ER
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VPM-3
7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
VMO-1
1957
Disestablished in July 1993.
An AV-8B Harrier II assigned to HMM-266 is seen displaying the squadron's "ES" tail code. ES
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
HMM-266
Re-designated VMM-266
26 April 1983
ET
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
HMR(L)-262
Subsequently, re-designated HMM-262 and VMM-262
September 1951
EU
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
Utility units of Navy Air Reserve at NAS Minneapolis
November 1946
A very short-lived assignment.
An A3D-1 belonging to VAH-3 and displaying a short-lived "EW" code. EW
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VPW-1
Re-designated VP-51
April 1948
Disestablished in February 1950.
VAH-3
1956
Code changed to "GJ" in 1957.
H&MS-24, Headquarters and Maintenance Squadron 24
1957
EX
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
H&MS-31, Headquarters and Maintenance Squadron 31
July 1971
EZ
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VMU-2 , Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron 2
June 1984
Tail code on this F2H-2 Banshee indicates assignment to Carrier Air Group 4. F
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
USS Essex (CV-9)
July 1945
USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CV-42)
8 January 1946, U.S. Navy Letter FF12-5
CVBG-3
12 December 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 165-46
Navy Air Reserve units at NAS Jacksonville
November 1946
The "F" code issued to this NAS was a controlled duplicate of the same code letter given to CVBG-3.
Code changed to "6F" in 1956.
Navy Air Reserve units at NAS Oakland
September 1948
"F" was retained by both NAS Jacksonville and NAS Oakland.
Code changed to "7F" in 1956.
CVG-4, Carrier Air Group 4
July 1953
Tail code changed to "AD" in November 1956.
TW-6, Training Air Wing 6
Comprise VT-4 , VT-10 , VT-86 .
On this SB2C-5 Helldiver, the "F" stands for NAS Oakland and the "A" indicates assignment to an attack unit. FA
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
Attack units of Navy Air Reserve at NAS Jacksonville and NAS Oakland
November 1946
A very short-lived assignment.
FAETULANT, Fleet Airborne Electronics Training Unit Atlantic
1949
FASRON-2, Fleet Air Service Squadron 2
1957
Disestablished in 1959.
FB
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
FASRON-3, Fleet Air Service Squadron 3
1957
Disestablished in 1960.
FC
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
FASRON-5, Fleet Air Service Squadron 5
1957
Disestablished in 1959.
FD
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
FASRON-6, Fleet Air Service Squadron 6
1957
Disestablished in 1959.
FE
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
FASRON-9, Fleet Air Service Squadron 9
1957
Disestablished in 1960.
FF
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CV-42)
July 1945
USS Hornet (CV-12)
8 January 1946, U.S. Navy Letter FF12-5
Only in effect until December 1946.
Fighter units of Navy Air Reserve at NAS Jacksonville and NAS Oakland
November 1946
A very short-lived assignment.
VMU-3 , Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron 3
September 2008
An A3D-2 belonging to VAH-9 and displaying a short-lived "FG" code. FG
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VC-9
Re-dsignaed VAH-9
July 1953
Code changed to "GM" in 1957.
FASRON-51, Fleet Air Service Squadron 51
1957
Disestablished in 1960.
FH
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
FASRON-101, Fleet Air Service Squadron 101
1957
Disestablished.
FJ
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
FASRON-102, Fleet Air Service Squadron 102
1957
Disestablished in 1960.
FK
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
FASRON-104, Fleet Air Service Squadron 104
1957
Disestablished in 1959.
H&MS-29, Headquarters and Maintenance Squadron 29
May 1972
FL
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
FASRON-105, Fleet Air Service Squadron 105
1957
Disestablished in 1960.
FM
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
FASRON-106, Fleet Air Service Squadron 106
1957
Disestablished in 1960.
FN
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
FASRON-107, Fleet Air Service Squadron 107
1957
Disestablished in 1960.
FP
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
Patrol units of Navy Air Reserve at NAS Jacksonville and NAS Oakland
November 1946
A very short-lived assignment.
FAETUPAC, Fleet Airborne Electronics Training Unit Pacific
1949
FASRON-108, Fleet Air Service Squadron 108
1957
Disestablished in 1959.
FQ
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
FASRON-109, Fleet Air Service Squadron 109
1957
Disestablished in 1959.
FR
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
FASRON-111, Fleet Air Service Squadron 111
1957
Disestablished in 1960.
FS
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
FASRON-121, Fleet Air Service Squadron 121
1957
Disestablished in 1959.
FT
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
FASRON-200, Fleet Air Service Squadron 200
1957
Disestablished in 1960.
FU
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
FASRON-201, Fleet Air Service Squadron 201
1957
Disestablished in 1959.
"FZ" tail code can be seen on this CQ-24A unmanned helicopter. FZ
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VMU-1 , Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron 1
January 1987
Tail code on this T-44A Pegasus indicates assignment to Training Air Wing 4. G
GA
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VFP-62
1957
Disestablished in January 1968.
GB
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VAP-62
1957
Disestablished in October 1969.
GC
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VF(AW)-4
1957
Disestablished in 1959.
HM-16
1970
Disestablished in January 1987.
An EA-1F Skyraider of VAW-33 in 1965. GD
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VA(AW)-33
Subsequently, re-designated VAW-33 and VAQ-33
July 1956
Disestablished in October 1993.
VAQ-34
1984
VAQ-34 shared the tail code with VAQ-33. Disestablishment in October 1993.
GE
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VAW-12
Re-designated RVAW-120
1957
Disestablished in April 1967.
GF
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
GMGRU-2, Guided Missile Group 2
Subsequently, re-designated GMSRON-2, VU-8 and VC-8
September 1958
Disestablished.
GH
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VAH-1
Re-designated RVAH-1
1957
Disestablished in January 1979.
This RA-5C Vigilante of RVAH-3 is seen wearing the squadron's assigned "GJ" tail code. GJ
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VAH-3
Re-designated RVAH-3
1957
Disestablished in August 1979.
This RA-5C Vigilante of RVAH-5 is seen wearing the squadron's assigned "GK" tail code. GK
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VAH-5
Re-designated RVAH-5
1957
Disestablished in September 1977.
A pair of VAH-7 A3D-2 Skywarriors over NAS Sanford , Florida. GL
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VAH-7
Re-designated RVAH-7
1957
Disestablished in September 1979.
GM
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VAH-9
Re-designated RVAH-9
1957
Disestablished in September 1977.
GN
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VAH-11
Re-designated RVAH-11
1957
Disestablished in June 1975.
GQ
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VAH-14
Re-designated RVAH-14
February 1968
Disestablished in May 1976.
GP
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VAH-15
January 1958
Disestablished in February 1959.
VAH-13
Re-designated RVAH-13
January 1961
Disestablished in June 1976.
RVAH-12
July 1971
Disestablished in July 1979.
GR
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
RVAH-13
July 1971
Disestablished in June 1976.
VMGRT-253
October 1986
Disestablished in September 2006.
GS
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
RVAH-6
July 1971
Disestablished in October 1978.
GX
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
HMT-204
Re-designated VMMT-204
May 1972
The "H" on this F9F-2 Panther indicates assignment to CVG-15. H
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
USS Lexington (CV-16)
July 1945
USS Philippine Sea (CV-47)
8 January 1946, U.S. Navy Letter FF12-5
Only in effect until December 1946.
Navy Air Reserve units at NAS Miami
November 1946
The "H" code issued to this NAS was a controlled duplicate of the same code letter given to CVG-15.
Code changed to "6H" in 1956.
Navy Air Reserve units at NAS Niagara Falls
November 1946
Code changed to "7H" in 1956.
CVG-15, Carrier Air Group 15
1951
Tail code changed to "NL" in November 1956.
HA
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VP-HL-4
Subsequently, re-designated VP-24 and VA(HM)-13
July 1956
Tail code changed to "LR" in 1957.
HS-1
1957
Disestablished in 1997.
HB
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VP-HL-6
Re-designated VP-26
7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
Tail code changed to "EB" in July 1950.
VP-11
May 1952
Tail code changed to "LE" in 1957.
HS-3
Re-designated HSC-9
1957
HC
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VP-HL-11
Re-designated VP-21
7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
Tail code changed to "LH" in 1957.
HS-5
1957
Re-designated HSC-5 in 2014.
HC-4
May 1983
Disestablished in September 2007.
A P2V-3 Neptune carries the tail code of VP-8. HD
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VP-ML-8
Re-designated VP-8
4 August 1948, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 69-48
Tail code changed to "LC" in 1957.
HS-7
Subsequently, re-designated HSC-7
1957
HE
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VP-HL-7
Re-designated VP-7
4 August 1948, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 69-48
Tail code changed to "LB" in 1957.
HS-9
1957
Disestablished in October 1968.
A P2V-2 Neptune carries the tail code of VP-18. HF
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
Fighter units of Navy Air Reserve at NAS Niagara Falls and NAS Miami
November 1946
A very short-lived assignment.
VP-861
Re-designated VP-18
September 1950
Tail code changed to "LG" in 1957.
HS-11
1957
HMLA-269
February 1971
HG
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
FAWTULANT, Fleet All-Weather Training Unit, Atlantic
1957
Merged with VF-101 .
HH
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
USS Intrepid (CV-11)
8 January 1946, U.S. Navy Letter FF12-5
Only in effect until December 1946.
VP-16
May 1946
Tail code changed to "LF" in 1957.
HMH-366
September 1994
Deactivated in October 2000, reactivated in September 2008.
HJ
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
FAETULANT, Fleet Airborne Electronics Training Unit, Atlantic
1957
Disestablished in 1957.
HK
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VP-10
March 1951
Tail code changed to "LD" in 1957.
HATULANT, Heavy Attack Training Unit, Atlantic
1957
Disestablished.
HSL-40
Re-designated HSM-40
October 1985
An HRS-3 helicopter with HMR-362 tail code. HL
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
HMR-362
Re-designated HMR(L)-362
April 1952
Tail code changed to "YL" in 1957.
SWULANT, Special Weapons Unit, Atlantic
1956
Disestablished in 1957.
VQ-4
July 1968
HM
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
HMR-261
Re-designated HMR(L)-261
April 1951
Tail code changed to "EM" in 1957.
HN
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
HMR-361
February 1952
HSL-42
October 1984
HP
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
HMR-163
Re-designated HMR(L)-163
1955
Tail code changed to "YP" in 1957.
HMHT-401
January 1970
Disestablished in May 1972.
HSL-44
October 1984
Disestablished.
HQ
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
HSL-46
Re-designated HSM-46
April 1988
Disestablished.
"HR" tail code of this HRS-1 indicates assignment to HMR-161. HR
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
HMR-161
Re-designated HMR(L)-161
January 1951
Tail code changed to "YR" in 1957.
H&MS-40, Headquarters and Maintenance Squadron 40
July 1971
Disestablished in May 1972.
HSL-48
Re-designated HSM-48
September 1989
Disestablished.
HS
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
HMR-162
Re-designated HMR(L)-162
June 1951
Tail code changed to "YS" in 1957.
A Kaman SH-2F Sea Sprite of HSL-30. HT
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
HMR-163
29 July 1950, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 43-50
Tail code changed to "HP" in 1952.
HMR-262
Re-designated HMR(L)-262
1952
Tail code changed to "ET" in 1957.
HU-4
re-designated HC-4
July 1960
Disestablished 30 September 1993.
This HUP-2 helicopter displays its squadron's "HU" code. HU
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
HU-2
Re-designated HC-2
April 1948
Disestablished in September 1977.
HC-2(2nd)
Re-designated HSC-2
April 1987
A Kaman SH-2F Sea Sprite of HSL-32. HV
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
HS-2
March 1952
Code changed to "SK" in 1957.
HSL-32
August 1973
Disestablished.
HW
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
ATU-601
HS-3
June 1952
Code changed to "HB" in 1957.
HC-6
September 1967
HSC-26
2000s
A Kaman SH-2F Sea Sprite of HSL-34. HX
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
HSL-34
September 1974
Disestablished.
HX-21
HY
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
HSL-36
September 1975
Disestablished in September 1992.
"HZ" code on this Sikorsky HRS helicopter indicates assignment to HMR-363. HZ
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
HMR-363
Re-designated HMR(L)-363
June 1952
Tail code changed to "YZ" in 1957.
A pair of FJ-2 Fury fighters from VF-21 display the ATG-181 tail code. I
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
Navy Air Reserve units at NAS Gross Ile
November 1946
Code changed to "7Y" in 1956.
ATG-181, Air Task Group 181
1953
Tail code changed to "AM" in November 1956.
IF
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
Fighter units of Navy Air Reserve at NAS Gross Ile
November 1946
A very short-lived assignment.
IL
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
HMR-263
June 1952
Tail code changed to "EG" in September 1958.
IP
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
Patrol units of Navy Air Reserve at NAS NAS Gross Ile
November 1946
A very short-lived assignment.
IT
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
Training units of Navy Air Reserve at NAS Gross Ile
November 1946
A very short-lived assignment.
J
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
ATG-201, Air Task Group 201
1955
Tail code changed to "AP" in November 1956.
"JA" tail code of Test and Evaluation Squadron 1 is seen on this P-3C Orion. JA
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VX-1
Re-designated VXE-1
1957
JB
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VX-2
1957
Disestablished in 1958.
VXN-8, Oceanographic Development Squadron 8
July 1965
Disestablished in October 1993.
JC
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VX-3
1957
Disestablished in March 1960.
Lockheed LC-130R Hercules of VXE-6 in 1974. JD
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VX-6
Re-designated VXE-6, Antarctic Deployment Squadron 6
1957
Disestablished in March 1999.
JE
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VU-2
Re-designated VC-2
1957
Disestablished in September 1980.
An F-8L Crusader of Composite Squadron 4 in flight. JF
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VC-4
July 1971
Disestablished in April 1971.
JG
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VU-6
Re-designated VC-6
1957
Disestablished in August 2008.
Composite Squadron Ten "JH" tail code is displayed on this TA-4J Skyhawk. JH
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VU-10
Re-designated VC-10
1957
Disestablished in August 1993.
JK
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VR-1
1957
Disestablished in September 1978.
VRC-40
July 1960
JL
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VR-22
1957
A C-2A Greyhound from VR-24. JM
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VR-24
1957
"JQ", the tail code of Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron Two, adorns this EP-3E Orion. JQ
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VQ-2
September 1955
JR
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VR-6
1957
VR-48
October 1980
Disestablished 09/07/2012 [1]
JS
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VR-50
July 1971
VR-46
March 1981
JT
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VR-53
July 1970
Tail code changed to "RT" in July 1972
VR-52
July 1972
JU
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VR-56
July 1976
JV
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VR-58
November 1977
A C-130T Hercules of VR-62. JW
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VR-62
July 1985
A TA-4J Skyhawk (BuNo 152850) of Composite Squadron 12 carries the unit's "JY" code. JY
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VC-12
Re-designated VFC-12
September 1973
The third squadron known as VC-12.
The current tail code of VFC-12 is "AF".
K
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
USS Langley (CVL-27)
July 1945
USS Kearsarge (CV-33)
8 January 1946, U.S. Navy Letter FF12-5
CVG-3, Carrier Air Group 3
12 December 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 165-46
Tail code changed to "AC" in November 1956.
Navy Air Reserve units at NAS Olathe
November 1946
The "K" code issued to this NAS was a controlled duplicate of the same code letter given to CVG-3.
Code changed to "7K" in 1956.
KA
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
ATU-200, Advanced Training Unit 200
Circa 1950
KB
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
ATU-100, Advanced Training Unit 100
Circa 1950
VMFAT-201
April 1968
Disestablished in September 1974.
An A-6E Intruder from Marine all-weather attack training squadron VMAT(AW)-202. KC
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
ATU-400, Advanced Training Unit 400
VMAT(AW)-202
January 1968
Disestablished in 1990.
A TAV-8A Harrier from VMAT-203. KD
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
ATU-102, Advanced Training Unit 102
Circa 1950
VMT-203
Re-designated VMAT-203
December 1967
KE
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
ATU-801, Advanced Training Unit 801
Circa 1950
KK
This FJ-3M Fury is seen here with the "L" code of Carrier Air Group 7. L
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
USS Randolph (CV-15)
July 1945
USS Leyte (CV-32)
8 January 1946, U.S. Navy Letter FF12-5
CVG-7, Carrier Air Group 7
12 December 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 165-46
Tail code changed to "AG" in November 1956.
Navy Air Reserve units at NAS Akron
November 1946
The "L" code issued to this NAS was a controlled duplicate of the same code letter given to CVG-7.
Code changed to "7A" in 1956.
Navy Air Reserve units at NAS Los Alamitos
November 1946
Code changed to "7L" in 1956.
A P-3C Orion of VP-5 carries the squadron's "LA" tail code. LA
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VCN-2, Night Development Squadron Atlantic
7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
VP-MS-3
7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
FAWTULANT, Fleet All Weather Training Unit Atlantic
4 August 1948, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 69-48
VP-5
1957
A P2V-7 Neptune assigned to patrol squadron VP-7 flies over the Atlantic in 1964. LB
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VP-HL-9
Re-designated VP-HL-7
7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
Tail code changed to "HE" in 1948.
VMR-352
4 August 1948, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 69-48
VP-7
1957
Disestablished in October 1969.
The "LC" tail code on this FJ-3 Fury denotes assignment to VMF-122. LC
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VMF-122
4 August 1948, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 69-48
Tail code changed to "DC" in 1957.
VP-8
1957
This 1952 photograph shows an F4U-4 Corsair from VMF-212 for a combat sortie over Korea. LD
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VMF-212
4 August 1948, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 69-48
VP-10
1957
LE
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VMF-222
4 August 1948, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 69-48
Disestablished in December 1949.
VP-11
1957
Disestablished on 2 August 1997
An Orion of Patrol Squadron 16. LF
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VMT-1
4 August 1948, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 69-48
VMFT-20
December 1951
VP-16
1957
An SP-2H Neptune of Patrol Squadron 18 seen in 1962 flying over a Soviet ship. LG
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VP-18
1957
Disestablished in October 1968.
LH
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VMR-252
4 August 1948, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 69-48
VP-21
1957
Disestablished in November 1969.
VP-93
July 1976
Disestablished in September 1994.
LI
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
MTACS-1
4 August 1948, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 69-48
An SP-2H Neptune of Patrol Squadron 23 in flight. LJ
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VP-23
1957
Disestablished in February 1995.
An Orion of Patrol Squadron 26 in 1981. LK
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VMF(N)-114
Subsequently, re-designated VMF-114
4 August 1948, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 69-48
VP-26
1957
An Orion of Patrol Squadron 30 in 2010. LL
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
USS Franklin (CV-13)
July 1945
USS Lexington (CV-16)
8 January 1946, U.S. Navy Letter FF12-5
HEDRON-2, Headquarters Squadron Marine Air Wing 2
4 August 1948, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 69-48
VP-30
June 1960
An Orion of Patrol Squadron 44 in 1984. LM
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
HEDRON-11, Headquarters Squadron Marine Air Group 11
4 August 1948, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 69-48
VP-44
1957
Disestablished in June 1991.
An Orion of Patrol Squadron 45 in flight over a Soviet freighter. LN
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
HEDRON-14, Headquarters Squadron Marine Air Group 14
4 August 1948, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 69-48
VP-45
1957
A P-3A Orion of Patrol Squadron 49 in 1964. LP
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VMF-461
4 August 1948, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 69-48
VP-49
1957
Disestablished in March 1994.
A P-3C Orion of Patrol Squadron 56 in 1976. LQ
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VP-56
1957
Disestablished in June 1991.
A P2V-7S Neptune of Patrol Squadron 24 in the early 1960s. LR
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VMO-1
4 August 1948, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 69-48
Code changed to "ER" in 1957.
VA(HM)-13
Re-designated VP-24
1957
Disestablished in April 1995.
LS
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VMO-2
June 1951
Code changed to "VS" in 1957.
VP-832
October 1961
Deactivated in August 1962.
VP-60
November 1970
Disestablished in September 1994.
VMFT-401
A P-3B Orion of VP-62 in the 1980s. LT
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VMF(N)-531
4 August 1948, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 69-48
VP-933
October 1961
Deactivated in August 1962.
VP-62
November 1970
LU
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
HEDRON-3, Headquarters Squadron Marine Air Wing 3
February 1952
MARS-37, Maintenance and Repair Squadron 37
VP-741
October 1961
Deactivated in August 1962.
VP-64
Re-designated VR-64
November 1970
LV
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VMF-354
4 August 1948, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 69-48
Disestablished in December 1949.
HEDRON-31, Headquarters Squadron Marine Air Group 31
March 1952
VP-661
October 1961
Deactivated in August 1962.
VP-66
November 1970
Disestablished March 2006.
A specially marked P-33 Orion of VP-68 in 1994. LW
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
AIRFMFWESPAC, Headquarters Squadron Aircraft Fleet Marine Force West Pacific
4 August 1948, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 69-48
VMF-314
29 July 1950, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 43-50
VP-68
November 1970
Disestablished in January 1997.
LX
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VMA-324
March 1952
Code changed to "DX" in 1957.
VP-90
November 1970
Disestablished in September 1994.
LY
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VMAT-20
December 1951
Deactivated in August 1962.
VP-92
November 1970
Disestablished in October 2007.
LZ
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
AIRFMFLANT, Headquarters Squadron Aircraft Fleet Marine Force Atlantic
4 August 1948, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 69-48
Code changed to "BZ" in 1957.
VP-94
November 1970
Disestablished in September 2006.
The "M" tail code of this F4U-4 Corsair indicates assignment to Carrier Air Group 1. M
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
USS Enterprise (CV-6)
July 1945
USS Midway (CV-41)
8 January 1946, U.S. Navy Letter FF12-5
CVBG-1, Battler Carrier Air Group 1
12 December 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 165-46
Navy Air Reserve units at NAS Memphis
November 1946
The "M" code issued to this NAS was a controlled duplicate of the same code letter given to CVG-2.
Code changed to "6M" in 1956.
CVG-2, Carrier Air Group 2
July 1953
Tail code changed to "NE" in November 1956.
An F-8H Crusader of VMF(AW)-112 in 1975. MA
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VP-MS-1
Re-designated VP-ML-8
7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
Tail code changed to "HD" in August 1948.
ATU-1, Advanced Training Unit 1
November 1947
VP-MS-11
Re-designated VP-41
4 August 1948, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 69-48
Disestablished in April 1949.
VP-23
July 1950
Tail code changed to "LJ" in 1957.
VS-27
1957
VMF(AW)-112
Re-designated VMFA-112
January 1972
A brightly painted A-4F Skyhawk of VMA-142 in 1976. MB
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VP-MS-8
Re-designated VP-48
7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
Disestablished in December 1949.
ATU-2, Advanced Training Unit 2
November 1947
VP-3
July 1950
Disestablished in November 1955.
VS-30
1957
VMF-142
Subsequently, re-designated VMA-142 and VMFA-142
January 1972
Disestablished in July 2008.
F-8K Crusaders from Marine Fighter Squadron 351. MC
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
ATU-4, Advanced Training Unit 4
November 1947
VP-ML-5
Re-designated VP-5
4 August 1948, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 69-48
Tail code changed to "LA" in 1957.
VS-31
1957
VMF-351
January 1972
Disestablished in May 1976.
An EA-6B Prowler carries the "MD" code of VMAQ-3. MD
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
ATU-5, Advanced Training Unit 5
ATU-301, Advanced Training Unit 301
November 1947
VS-32
1957
VMA-543
January 1972
Disestablished in April 1974.
VMAQ-3
July 1992
Several A-4F Skyhawk aircraft from VMA-133 fly in formation in 1981. ME
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VS-36
1957
VMA-133
January 1972
Disestablished in September 1992.
MF
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VMA-334
May 1952.
Tail code changed to "WU".
VS-39
1957
VMFA-134
April 1958
MG
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VW-2
1957
Disestablished in July 1961.
VMF-321
Subsequently, re-designated VMA-321 and VMFA-321
January 1972
Disestablished in September 2004.
The "MH" tail code of VW-4 is clearly seen on this smartly painted Lockheed WC-121N. MH
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VW-4
1957
Disestablished June, 1975.
MI
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
USS Mindoro (CVE-120)
7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
VMF-452
12 December 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 165-46
VC-23
4 August 1948, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 69-48
VS-23
29 July 1950, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 43-50
A Lockheed EC-121P Warning Star assigned to airborne early warning squadron VW-11. MJ
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VW-11
1957
Disestablished in October 1965.
VMCJ-4
January 1972
Disestablished in December 1973.
MK
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
HEDRON-45, Headquarters Squadron Marine Air Group 45
June 1952
VW-13
June 1958
Disestablished in July 1965.
VMF-511
1970
Disestablished in August 1972.
ML
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
HEDRON-26, Headquarters Squadron Marine Air Group 26
June 1952
VW-15
1957
Disestablished in April 1961.
VQ-4
July 1971
HMM-764
Re-designated VMM-764
1976
MN
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VMF-333
August 1952
Code changed to "DN" in 1957.
HML-770
1982
Disestablished in 1980.
"MM" tail code is seen on this EC-121P Warning Star. MM
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
USS Saratoga (CV-3)
8 January 1946, U.S. Navy Letter FF12-5
Only in effect until December 1946.
HEDRON-35, Headquarters Squadron Marine Air Group 35
April 1952
AETULANT, Fleet Airborne Electronics Training Unit, Atlantic
1958
HMLA-767
January 1972
HMLA-773 Det.A
2009
MP
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
Patrol units of Navy Air Reserve at NAS Memphis
November 1946
A very short-lived assignment.
VMA-331
April 1952
Code changed to "DP" in 1957.
HMR-773
Subsequently, re-designated HMM-773, HMA-773 and HMLA-773
September 1958
MQ
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
HMM-774
Re-designated VMM-774
July 1969
An OP-2E Neptune of the well-known but short-lived Observation Squadron 67 over Laos. MR
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VMA-332
April 1952
Tail code changed to "EA" in 1957.
VO-67
February 1967
Disestablished in July 1968.
HML-765
January 1972
Disestablished in June 1976.
MS
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
HMR-769
Subsequently, re-designated HMM-769 and HMH-769
January 1972
Disestablished in August 2008.
MT
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VMJ-2
1953
HMR-772
Subsequently, re-designated HMM-772 and HMH-772
April 1958
MU
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VMJ-3
1953
VMO-4
September 1962
Disestablished in March 1994.
VMU-4 , Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron 4
July 2010
An MV-22B Osprey from VMX-22. MV
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
HEDRON-32, Headquarters Squadron Marine Air Group 32
Re-designated H&MS-32, Headquarters and Maintenance Squadron 32
May 1952
VMX-22
August 2003
An F2H-2P Banshee of VMJ-1. MW
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VMJ-1
29 July 1950, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 43-50
Tail code changed to "YW" in 1957.
H&MS-42, Headquarters and Maintenance Squadron 42
January 1972
MX
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VMF-334
Re-designated VMA-334
May 1952
HMX-1
September 1958
The squadron's aircraft rarely if ever have their assigned tail code applied.
MY
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
H&MS-41, Headquarters and Maintenance Squadron 41
January 1972
The "N" code on this F9F-2 Panther indicates assignment to CVG-9. N
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
USS Hancock (CV-19)
8 January 1946, U.S. Navy Letter FF12-5
Navy Air Reserve units at NAS Spokane
September 1948
Code changed to "5N" in 1956.
CVG-9, Carrier Air Group 9
1 July 1953
Tail code changed to "NG" in November 1956.
This F2H-3 Banshee of VF-52 is deployed with the ATG-1, hence the "NA" tail code. NA
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VC-4
Re-designated VF(AW)-4
September 1948
Disestablished in July 1959.
ATG-1, Air Task Group 1
November 1956
Inactivated in 1959.
VSF-1
CVW-17, Carrier Air Wing 17
2012
A P2V-3C of VC-5 takes off from the USS Midway in 1949. NB
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VC-5
Re-designated VAH-5
4 August 1948, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 69-48
ATG-2, Air Task Group 2
November 1956
Inactivated in 1958.
The AJ-2 Savage on this photograph shows the "NC" tail code of VC-8. NC
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VC-11
4 August 1948, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 69-48
VC-8
Re-designated VAH-11
1951
ATG-3, Air Task Group 3
November 1956
Inactivated in 1958.
This F-8J Crusader of VF-301 sports a highly stylized "ND" code. ND
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VC-12
4 August 1948, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 69-48
VC-11
Re-designated VAW-11
July 1948
ATG-4, Air Task Group 4
November 1956
Inactivated in 1959.
CVWR-30, Reserve Carrier Air Wing 30
April 1970
AD-4W Skyaiders from VC-12. NE
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VC-12
Re-designated VAW-11
July 1953
Decommissioned in September 1953.
CVG-2, Carrier Air Group 2
Re-designated CVW-2, Carrier Air Wing 2
November 1956
An A-4F Skyhawk of VA-212 on a combat mission. NF
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VC-6
Re-designated VAH-6
29 July 1950, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 43-50
CVG-5, Carrier Air Group 5
Re-designated CVW-5, Carrier Air Wing 5
November 1956
An F-4J Phantom II of VF-96 shows the "NG" tail code of CVW-9. NG
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
CVG-9, Carrier Air Group 9
Re-designated CVW-9, Carrier Air Wing 9
November 1956
An A-7E Corsair II of VA-195 in 1972. NH
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VC-7
Re-designated VAH-7
July 1953
CVG-11, Carrier Air Group 11
Re-designated CVW-11, Carrier Air Wing 11
November 1956
An F-14A Tomcat of VF-124. NJ
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
RCVG-12, Replacement Carrier Air Group 12
Re-designated RCVW-12, Reserve Carrier Air Wing 12
April 1958
Disestablished in July 1970. RCVW-12 tail codes retained by VF-121 , VF-124 , VF-126, VA-122 , VA-125 , VA-127, VA-128 .
CVW-14 tail code is prominently displayed on this S-3A Viking of VS-37. NK
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
CVG-14, Carrier Air Group 14
Re-designated CVW-14, Carrier Air Wing 14
November 1956
Disestablished in 2013.
An A-6E Intruder of VA-52 shows the "NL" tail code of CVW-15. NL
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
CVG-15, Carrier Air Group 15
Re-designated CVW-15, Carrier Air Wing 15
November 1956
Disestablished.
Electronic Combat Wing Pacific's Expeditionary (land based) Electronic Attack Squadrons (VAQ)
Upon CVW-15's disestablishment on 31 March 1995
The first VAQ squadron to be assigned the expeditionary (land based) role was VAQ-134 when the CVW it was assigned to (CVW-15) was disestablished. VAQ-134's aircraft retained the NL tail code and as more VAQ squadrons were assigned to the expeditionary squadron role the NL tail code was assigned to them as well.
An F-8E Crusader of VF-191 in 1968. NM
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
CVG-19, Carrier Air Group 19
Re-designated CVW-19, Carrier Air Wing 19
November 1956
Disestablished.
A-4 Skyhawks of CVW-21. NP
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VC-3
Re-designated VF(AW)-3
May 1949
Disestablished in May 1958
CVG-21, Carrier Air Group 21
Re-designated CVW-21, Carrier Air Wing 21
November 1956
Disestablished in December 1975.
An AD-4Q Skyraider from VC-35. NR
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VC-35
Re-designated VA(AW)-35
May 1950
Code changed to "VV" in 1957.
A Grumman S-2A Tracker of VS-29, assigned to CVGS-53. NS
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
CVGS-53, Carrier Antisubmarine Warfare Air Group 53
1960
Disestablished in June 1973.
An S-2A Tracker of VS-33, assigned to CVGS-59. NT
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
CVGS-59, Carrier Antisubmarine Warfare Air Group 59
1960
Disestablished in September 1968.
An S-2E Tracker of VS-23, assigned to CVGS-55. NU
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
CVGS-55, Carrier Antisubmarine Warfare Air Group 55
September 1960
Disestablished in September 1968.
NV
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
CVGS-57, Carrier Antisubmarine Warfare Air Group 57
June 1960
Disestablished in September 1969.
An SH-3D Sea King of HS-84 in 1983. NW
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
CVSR-80, Reserve Carrier Antisubmarine Warfare Air Group 80
1970
Disestablished.
CVSR-80 tail codes were retained by its squadrons.
Antisubmarine Helicopter Wing, Reserve
1989
Comprised HCS-4 , HCS-5 , HM-18, HM-19, HS-75, HS-85, HSL-74, HSL-84 and HSL-94.
Disestablished.
Navy Reserve Helicopter Squadrons
Though the wing disestablished, Navy Reserve Helicopter Squadrons continue to display NW
NY
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VMGR-452
September 1988
Deactivated December 2022
O
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
ATG-182, Air Task Group 182
1955
Inactivated in 1959.
P
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
USS Belleau Wood (CVL-24)
July 1945
USS Princeton (CV-37)
8 January 1946, U.S. Navy Letter FF12-5
Headquarters Squadron Aircraft Fleet Marine Force Pacific
7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
CVG-13, Carrier Air Group 13
12 December 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 165-46
Navy Air Reserve units at NAS Denver
November 1946
The "P" code issued to this NAS was a controlled duplicate of the same code letter given to CVG-10.
Code changed to "7P" in 1956.
CVG-13, Carrier Air Group 10
July 1953
Tail code changed to "AK" in November 1956.
A VF(AW)-3 F4D-1 Skyray carries the squadron's "PA" tail code. PA
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
USS Palau (CVE-122)
7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
HEDRON-15, Headquarters Squadron Marine Air Group 15
7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
Night Development Squadron Pacific
Subsequently, re-designated VCN-1, FAWTUPAC (Fleet All Weather Training Unit Pacific) and VF(AW)-3
7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
Disestablished in March 1963.
VMF-461
12 December 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 165-46
Disestablished in September 1950.
Attack units of Navy Air Reserve at NAS Denver
November 1946
A very short-lived assignment.
IBTU, Instructor Basic Training Unit
August 1950
A pair of AJ-2P Savages assigned to VAP-61. PB
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VMR-352
7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
VJ-61
Re-designated VAP-61
1953
Tail code changed to "SS" in 1957.
FAETUPAC, Fleet Airborne Electronics Training Unit Pacific
1957
Disestablished in 1959.
A P-3B Orion assigned to VP-6. PC
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VMR-953
7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
Disestablished in May 1947.
VP-6
1957
Disestablished in May 1993.
A P-3B Orion assigned to VP-9. PD
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VMF-322
7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
VP-9
1957
A P2V-7 assigned to VP-19. PE
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VP-19
1957
Disestablished in August 1991.
VUP-19
2016
PF
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VS-23
1957
HML-364
Subsequently, re-designated HMM-364 and VMM-364
1961
PG
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VP-65
November 1970
Disestablished in March 2006.
PH
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VMM-561
December 2010
Disestablished in July 2012.
A P-3A Orion assigned to VP-69. PJ
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VP-69
November 1970
An F9F-8P Cougar of VFP-62 in flight. PL
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VC-62
Re-designated VFP-62
January 1949
Disestablished in January 1968.
VP-67
November 1970
Disestablished in September 1994.
A P-3C Orion of VP-91. PM
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VJ-1
Re-designated VW-3
March 1952
VP-91
November 1970
Disestablished in March 1999.
PN
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VJ-2
Re-designated VW-4
March 1952
Tail code changed to "TH" in mid 1950s.
An F2H-2P Banshee of VC-61 in flight. PP
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
USS Ranger (CV-4)
July 1945
USS Langley (CVL-27)
8 January 1946, U.S. Navy Letter FF12-5
VC-61
Subsequently, re-designated VFP-61, VCP-63 and VFP-63
1949
Disestablished in September 1982.
VQ-1 tail code "PR" is prominently displayed on this EA-3B Skywarrior. PR
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VQ-1
1955
The "PS" tail code on this SB2C Helldiver indicates assignment to Carrier Air Group 9. PS
PZ
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
USS Point Cruz (CVE-119)
7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
Only in effect until December 1946.
A P-3C Orion of VP-22 shows the squadron's "QA" tail code. QA
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VP-22
1957
Disestablished in March 1994.
A pair of VMGR-352 KC-130J aircraft in flight. QB
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VMR-352
Re-designated VMGR-352
1957
A P-3A Orion of VP-28. QC
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VP-28
1957
Disestablished in October 1969.
A VMGR KC-130F Hercules as seen in 1967. QD
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VMR-253
Re-designated VMGR-152
1957
QE
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VP-40
1957
QF
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
MARS-37, Maintenance and Repair Squadron 37
Re-designated H&MS-37, Headquarters and Maintenance Squadron 37
1957
Disestablished.
The squadron's "QG" tail code is clearly seen on this VMA-131 A-4E Skyhawk. QG
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VMA-131
January 1972
Disestablished in December 1998.
QH
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VMGR-234
January 1972
QJ
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
HMM-768
January 1972
Disestablished in 1976.
QK
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
HML-771
January 1972
QL
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
HMH-776
Re-designated HML-776
1959
Disestablished in July 1994.
QM
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
HMM-777
January 1972
Disestablished in October 1976.
QN
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VMO-8
January 1972
Disestablished in July 1976
An A-4E Skyhawk of VMA-124. QP
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VMA-124
January 1972
Disestablished in 1996.
A subdued squadron's tail code is seen on this VMA-322 A-4E Skyhawk. QR
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VMA-322
January 1972
Disestablished in June 1992.
QS
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
HMM-776
January 1972
Disestablished in October 1976.
QT
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
HMLAT-303
April 1982
QY
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
H&MS-46, Headquarters and Maintenance Squadron 46
January 1972
QZ
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
H&MS-49, Headquarters and Maintenance Squadron 49
July 1971
R
The "RA" tail code of HS-10 is seen on this SH-60F Seahawk. RA
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VRU-1
7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
VR-2
4 August 1948, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 69-48
Disestablished in June 1958.
RCVG-51, Replacement Carrier Antisubmarine Warfare Air Group 51
1960
Disestablished in June 1970. RCVG-51 tail code retained by VS-41 and HS-10.
VS-41
June 1970
Disestablished in 2006.
HS-10
June 1970
Deactivated on 12 July 2012
RB
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VRU-2
Re-designated VR-22
7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
VP-42
1957
Disestablished in September 1969.
HC-5
Re-designated HSC-25
1984
A P-3C Orion of VP-46. RC
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VRU-3
Re-designated VR-23
7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
VP-46
1957
A P-3C Orion of VP-47. RD
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VRU-4
Re-designated VR-24
7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
VP-47
1957
RE
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
USS Rendova (CVE-114)
7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
VMF-214
12 December 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 165-46
VR-31
4 August 1948, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 69-48
A pair of VMFP-3 RF-4B Phantoms show off their "RF" tail codes. RF
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
Fighter units of Navy Air Reserve at NAS New York
November 1946
A very short-lived assignment.
VR-32
4 August 1948, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 69-48
VMFP-3
July 1975
Disestablished in September 1990.
A C-2A Greyhound of VRC-50. RG
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VRC-50
October 1966
Disestablished in October 1994.
VR-51
1 June 1997
RH
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VR-8
4 August 1948, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 69-48
Disestablished in 1957.
RI
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
USS Oriskany (CV-34)
7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
CVG-21, Carrier Air Group 21
12 December 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 165-46
Tail code changed to "G" in 1955.
RL
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VXS-1 , Scientific Development Squadron 1
December 2004
An EA-6A Intruder assigned to VMCJ-1. RM
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VR-44
4 August 1948, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 69-48
VMC-1
Subsequently, re-designated VMCJ-1 and later VMAQ-4
RN
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VR-7
1957
The squadron's tail code is seen clearly on this VR-23 TBM-3R Avenger COD aircraft. RK
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VR-23
August 1951
Disestablished in 1957.
A P-3A Orion of VP-31. RP
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VR-1
4 August 1948, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 69-48
VP-31
June 1960
Disestablished in October 1993.
The "RR" tail code on this AD-5W Skyraider indicates assignment to VAW-11. RR
RS
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VR-5
4 August 1948, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 69-48
Disestablished in June 1957.
VR-61
October 1982
RT
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
Training units of Navy Air Reserve at NAS New York
November 1946
A very short-lived assignment.
VR-3
4 August 1948, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 69-48
Disestablished in 1957.
VR-53
July 1972
Code changed to "WV" in 1999.
"RU" lettering on this C-130T Hercules indicates assignment to VR-55. RU
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VR-6
4 August 1948, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 69-48
Disestablished in 1957.
VR-55
April 1976
RV
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VR-51
1985
Disestablished on 30 September 1994
A C-2A Greyhound of VRC-30. RW
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VR-30
Re-designated VRC-30
1960s
RX
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VR-57
November 1977
RY
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VR-51
November 1970
Code changed to "RV" in 1985.
VR-59
1985
The "RZ" code on the starboard wing of this TBM-3R Avenger indicates assignment to VR-21. RZ
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VR-21
4 August 1948, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 69-48
Disestablished in March 1977.
The "S" on the tail of this FJ-1 Fury indicates assignment to Carrier Air Group 5. S
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
USS Hornet (CV-12)
July 1945
USS Franklin (CV-13)
8 January 1946, U.S. Navy Letter FF12-5
This assignment was obviously a purely bureaucratic one as USS Franklin was never put back into service after heavy damage received on 19 March 1945.
NAS Norfolk
November 1946
Code changed to "6S" in 1956.
CVG-5, Carrier Air Group 5
12 December 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 165-46
Tail code changed to "NF" in 1956.
SA
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
USS Saipan (CVL-48)
7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
VP-MS-2
Re-designated VP-42
7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
Tail code changed to "RB" in 1957.
CVLG-1, Carrier Air Group Light 1
12 December 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 165-46
A very short-lived assignment.
VMFT-10
1956
Disestablished in July 1958.
HC-3
Re-designated HSC-3
1967
SB
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
USS Salerno Bay (CVE-110)
7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
VP-ML-2
Re-designated VP-2
7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
Tail code changed to "YB" in 1957.
BTU-3, Basic Training Unit 3
1950
VMAT-10
December 1951
VMFAT-101
January 1969
Tail code changed to "SH" in the 1970s.
An A-4M Skyhawk of VMAT-102. SC
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VP-ML-4
Re-designated VP-4
7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
Tail code changed to "YD" in 1957.
VMFT(AW)-10
1957
Disestablished in July 1958.
VMAT-102
January 1969
Disestablished in October 1987.
The "SD" code on the vertical stabilizer of this F/A-18 Hornet indicates assignment to VX-23. SD
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VPP-1
Re-designated VP-61
7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
Disestablished in January 1950.
VS-831
Re-designated VS-36
June 1951
VMIT-10
Re-designated VMT-2
December 1951
VMT-103
Circa 1970
Disestablished in May 1972.
VX-23
July 1995
SE
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
H&MS-10, Headquarters and Maintenance Squadron 10
1957
Disestablished in 1958.
VP-50
July 1950
Tail code changed to "SG" in 1957.
HMLA-469
June 2009
SF
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VP-731
Re-designated VP-48
September 1950
Disestablished in May 1991.
SG
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VP-50
1957
Disestablished in June 1992.
A pair of Avengers assigned to VS-26. SH
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VS-26
July 1953
Disestablished in May 1956.
AIRBARSRON-2, Air Barrier Squadron 2
1957
VMFAT-101
Circa 1970
The tail code of VS-24 is clearly seen on these Grumman Guardians. SI
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
USS Siboney (CVE-112)
7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
VS-24
29 July 1950, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 43-50
Disestablished in June 1956.
SJ
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VW-12
1957
Disestablished in February 1960.
The "SK" on the tail boom of this HSS-1 Seabat indicates assignment to HS-2. SK
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VS-25
29 July 1950, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 43-50
Disestablished in June 1956.
HS-2
Re-designated HSC-2
1957
A group of TBM-3E Avenger anti-submarine aircraft of Composite Squadron VC-22. SL
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
USS Sicily (CVE-118)
7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
CVEG-2, Carrier Air Group Escort 2
12 December 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 165-46
A very short-lived assignment.
VC-22
Re-designated VS-22
September 1948
Disestablished in June 1956.
VAH-21
September 1968
Disestablished in June 1969.
The squadron's code is seen on this HMLA-369 AH-1W Super Cobra. SM
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VS-27
July 1953
HMLA-369
April 1972
SN
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VS-913
Re-designated VS-39
April 1951
HMM-772
Re-designated HMH-772
April 1958
HMLA-169
September 1971
An AF-2S Guardian of anti-submarine squadron VS-31. SP
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VS-31
29 July 1950, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 43-50
SQ
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
HMMT-302
Re-designated HMHT-302
November 1966
Disestablished in March 1972.
A TBM-3W Avenger from anti-submarine squadron VS-32. SR
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
USS Saidor (CVE-117)
7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
VMF-513
12 December 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 165-46
VS-32
29 July 1950, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 43-50
H&MS-30, Headquarters and Maintenance Squadron 30
Circa 1970
Disestablished.
An AD-3Q Skyraider from composite squadron VC-33. SS
An S2F-1 Tracker of VS-38. ST
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VS-892
Re-designated VS-38
August 1950
VS-771
1961
Deactivated in August 1962.
An elaborately marked AF-2W Guardian of VS-37. SU
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VS-871
Re-designated VS-37
May 1951
VS-772
1961
Deactivated in August 1962.
HMT-301
April 1966
Disestablished in June 2005.
An AF-2W Guardian assigned to VS-931. SV
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VS-931
Re-designated VS-20
March 1951
Disestablished in June 1956.
VS-873
1961
Deactivated in August 1962.
An AF-2W Guardian assigned to VS-30. SW
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VS-801
Re-designated VS-30
February 1950
VS-872
1961
Deactivated in August 1962.
SX
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VS-891
1961
Deactivated in August 1962.
SY
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VS-721
1961
Deactivated in August 1962.
SZ
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
MARS-17, Maintenance and Repair Squadron 17
Re-designated
H&MS-17, Headquarters and Maintenance Squadron 17
1957
Disestablished.
The "T" on this F2H-2 Banshee indicates assignment to Carrier Air Group 1. T
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
USS Bataan (CVL-29)
July 1945
USS Tarawa (CV-40)
8 January 1946, U.S. Navy Letter FF12-5
CVG-1, Carrier Air Group 1
12 December 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 165-46
Some CVG-1 aircraft (those belonging to VF-14), while temporary attached to an Air Task Group, rendered their tail code as "A T G ", though "ATG" was never authorized as a unit code.
The Group's tail code was changed to "AB" in November 1956.
NAS Seattle
November 1946
Code changed to "7T" in 1956.
NAS Birmingham
August 1950
Code changed to "5T" in 1956.
TA
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
HS-4
1957
HSL-51
Re-designated HSM-51
1980s
An MH-53E Sea Dragon of HM-15. TB
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VAH-1
November 1955
Code changed to "GH" in 1957.
HM-15
January 1987
TC
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VQ-3
July 1968
The squadron's aircraft rarely if ever have their assigned tail code applied.
A Kaman SH-2F Seasprite assigned to HSL-31. TD
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
HC-5
Redesignated HSL-31
September 1967
Disestablished in June 1992.
A Lockheed WV-2 Warning Star assigned to early warning squadron VW-1. TE
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VW-1
June 1952
Disestablished in June 1971.
An excellent view of a SH-2F Seasprite of HSL-33. TF
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VW-2
1955
Changed to MG in 1957
HSL-33
July 1973
An SH-2F Seasprite assigned to HSL-35. TG
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
HSL-35
January 1974
Disestablished in December 1992
HSM-35
May 2013
An SH-2F Seasprite assigned to HSL-37. TH
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VW-4
Mid 1950s
Tail code changed to "MH" in 1957.
HSL-37
Re-designated HSM-37
July 1975
TJ
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VW-11
August 1955
Disestablished.
TK
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VW-13
September 1955
Disestablished in 1957.
A Lockheed WV-2 Warning Star assigned to early warning squadron VW-15. TL
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VC-62
Circa 1948
Tail code changed to "PL" circa 1950.
VW-15
October 1955
Disestablished.
TM
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
H&MS-11, Headquarters and Maintenance Squadron 11
1957
Disestablished.
A flight of VMCJ-3 RF-4B Phantoms display the squadron's "TN" tail code. TN
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VMC-3
Re-designated VMCJ-3
October 1952
Re-designated to VMFP-3 in 1975, tail code changed to "RF"
TP
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VJ-62
Re-designated VAP-62
April 1952
Tail code changed to "GB" in 1957.
A stylized "TR" tail code is seen on this FJ-4B assigned to Fleet Air Gunnery Unit Pacific. TR
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
FAGUPAC, Fleet Air Gunnery Unit Pacific
1952
Disestablished in February 1960.
VAQ-129, VAQ-130
September 1970
TS
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
HSL-41
Re-designated HSM-41
January 1983
An SH-60B Seahawk of HSL-43.. TT
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
USS Bennington (CV-20)
July 1945
USS Ticonderoga (CV-14)
8 January 1946, U.S. Navy Letter FF12-5
Only in effect until December 1946.
VF(AW)-3
1957
Disestablished in 1958.
RVAW-110
Circa 1971
Disestablished in May 1983.
HSL-43
October 1984
TV
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
HML-167
Re-designated HMLA-167
April 1968
TX
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
HSL-49
Re-designated HSM-49
Circa 1980
TY
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
HSL-47
Circa 1980
TZ
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
HSL-45
October 1986
U
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
USS Hancock (CV-19)
July 1945
USS Bunker Hill (CV-17)
8 January 1946, U.S. Navy Letter FF12-5
Only in effect until December 1946.
USS Bunker Hill has never returned to duty as an active carrier after heavy damage received on 11 May 1945, so this code was probably never applied in practice.
NAS St. Louis
November 1946
Code changed to "7U" in 1956.
ATG-1, Air Task Group 1
Circa 1950
Tail code changed to "NA" in November 1956.
A colourful TA-4J Skyhawk shows the "UA" code of composite squadron VC-1. UA
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
Attack units of Navy Air Reserve at NAS St. Louis
November 1946
A very short-lived assignment.
VU-1
Re-designated VC-1
7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
Disestablished in May 1992.
The "UB" on the tail boom of this HSS-1 Seabat indicates assignment to HS-6. UB
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VU-2
7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
VO-1
4 August 1948, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 69-48
HS-6
Re-designated HSC-6
1957
UC
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VU-3
7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
VO-2
4 August 1948, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 69-48
HS-5
Re-designated HSC-5
January 1953
UD
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VU-4
7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
Tail code changed to "JF" in 1957.
An SH-3G Sea King assigned to VC-5. UE
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VU-5
Re-designated VC-5
7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
Disestablished in August 1992.
A Grumman US-2C from composite squadron VC-3. UF
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VU-6
7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
Fighter units of Navy Air Reserve at NAS St. Louis
November 1946
A very short-lived assignment.
VU-3
Re-designated VC-3
1948
Disestablished in September 1980.
UG
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VU-6
March 1952
Tail code changed to "JG" in 1957.
A pair of A-4F Skyhawks from composite squadron VC-7. UH
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VU-7
Re-designated VC-7
7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
Disestablished in September 1980.
UI
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VU-8
7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
Disestablished.
UJ
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VU-2
Re-designated VC-4
January 1952
Disestablished.
UK
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VU-9
7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
Disestablished.
UL
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VU-10
7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
Code changed to "JH" in 1957.
The "UM" tail code on this OV-10 Bronco indicates assignment to VAL-4. UM
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VAL-4
January 1969
Disestablished in April 1972.
A Piasecki HUP-2 Retriever of Helicopter Utility Squadron HU-1. UP
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
Patrol units of Navy Air Reserve at NAS St. Louis
November 1946
A very short-lived assignment.
HU-1
Re-designated HC-1
4 August 1948, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 69-48
Disestablished in April 1994.
A Piasecki HUP-1 Retriever of Helicopter Utility Squadron HU-2. UR
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
HU-2
Re-designated HC-2.
4 August 1948, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 69-48
Disestablished in September 1977.
UT
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
HMMT-302
Re-designated HMHT-302
November 1966
Stylized "UU" decorates the tail of this OV-10A Bronco from VMO-2. UU
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
USS Cabot (CVL-28)
8 January 1946, U.S. Navy Letter FF12-5
Only in effect until December 1946.
VMO-2
April 1974
Disestablished in May 1993.
UV
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VMO-5
Subsequently, re-designated HML-267 and HMLA-267
December 1967
The squadron's "UX" tail code on this Skyhawk from VFC-13 is cleverly disguised. UX
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VC-13
Re-designated VFC-13
September 1973
Tail code changed to "AF" in the 1990s.
The "V" on this F9F-2 Panther indicates assignment to CVG-11. V
VA
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
Attack units of Navy Air Reserve at NAS Glenview
November 1946
A very short-lived assignment.
VW-14
1957
Disestablished in February 1960.
VB
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
HS-8
Re-designated HSC-8
1957
An F-4J Phantom II of VMFA-115. VE
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VMF(AW)-115
Re-designated VMFA-115
1957
VF
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
Fighter units of Navy Air Reserve at NAS Glenview
November 1946
A very short-lived assignment.
The squadron's tail code is barely discernable on this HH-2C assigned to VH-7. VH
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
HC-7
September 1967
Disestablished in June 1975.
An A-6E Intruder of VMA(AW)-121. VK
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VMA-121
Subsequently, re-designated VMA(AW)-121 and VMFA-121
1957
An A-4M Skyhawk of VMA-331. VL
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VMA-331
1957
Disestablished in October 1992.
This F-35B sports the "VM" tail code of VMFAT-501. VM
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VMF-451
Subsequently, re-designated VMF(AW)-451, VMFA-451 and VMFAT-501
1957
The "VO" on this HO4S helicopter indicates assignment to HS-4. VO
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
HS-4
June 1952
Tail code changed to "TA" in 1957.
A CH-46D Sea Knight of HC-11. VR
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VAW-13
September 1959
HC-11
Re-designated HSC-21
1977
A Kaman HOK-1 Huskie of VMO-2. VS
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VMO-2
1957
Tail code changed to "UU" in 1974.
VT
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
HML-367
Re-designated HMLA-367
August 1966
VV
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
USS Bataan (CVL-29)
8 January 1946, U.S. Navy Letter FF12-5
Only in effect until December 1946.
VA(AW)-35
Re-designated VA-122
1957
VA-122 retained the tail code of RCVW-12 ("NJ") until disestablishment in May 1991.
An F-4B Phantom II of VMFA-314. VW
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VMF(AW)-314
Re-designated VMFA-314
1957
VX
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
HMM-561
January 1967
Disestablished in October 1969.
VZ
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
H&MS-56, Headquarters and Maintenance Squadron 56
Circa 1970
Disestablished in July 1971.
W
This TA-4F Skyhawk shows the "WA" code of H&MS-12. WA
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VP-MS-6
7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
Tail code changed to "BD" in August 1948.
HEDRON-12, Headquarters Squadron Marine Air Group 12
Re-designated H&MS-12, Headquarters and Maintenance Squadron 12
7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
Disestablished.
A Stinson OY-1 Sentinel of VMO-6. WB
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VP-HL-2
7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
HEDRON-25, Headquarters Squadron Marine Air Group 25
7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
VMO-6
4 August 1948, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 69-48
Disestablished in January 1977.
WC
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VP-HL-1
7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
Disestablished in May 1947.
VMR-152
7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
Disestablished in 1959.
BTG-1, Basic Training Group 1
HSC-23
September 2006
An FJ-4B Fury of VMA-212 shows its proper "WD" tail code. WD
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VPM-1
7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
VMR-253
7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
VMT-2
1950
VMIT-10
December 1951
Disestablished in 1958.
VMA-212
Re-designated VMFA-212
1957
A flight of A-4 Skyhawks assigned to VMA-214. WE
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
HEDRON-31, Headquarters Squadron Marine Air Group 31
7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
VMF(N)-542
7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
VMF-214
Re-designated VMA-214
4 August 1948, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 69-48
An F7F-3N Tigercat of VMF(N)-513. WF
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VMF(N)-534
7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
VMF(N)-513
Subsequently, re-designated VMF(AW)-513 and VMFA-513
4 August 1948, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 69-48
Disestablished in July 2013.
WG
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
HMLA-773 Det.B
2009
A pair of F-4B Phantom II jets of VMFA-542. WH
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VMF-542
Subsequently, re-designated VMF(N)-542, VMF(AW)-542, VMFA-542 and VMA-542
4 August 1948, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 69-48
A Douglas AD-4B Skyraider assigned to VMA-225. WI
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
HEDRON-32, Headquarters Squadron Marine Air Group 32
7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
VMF-225
Re-designated VMA-225
4 August 1948, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 69-48
Code changed to "CE" in 1957.
WJ
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
JTU-1, Joint Training Unit 1
Circa 1948
Disestablished.
An F4U-5 Corsair of VMF-224. WK
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VMF-224
Subsequently, re-designated VMA-224 and VMA(AW)-224
7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
An F9F-2 Panther of VMF-311. WL
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VMF-311
Re-designated VMA-311
7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
The "WM" code on this HO3S-1 helicopter indicates assignment to the Headquarters Squadron 33. WM
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
HEDRON-33, Headquarters Squadron Marine Air Group 33
Re-designated H&MS-33, Headquarters and Maintenance Squadron 33
7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
Disestablished in December 1970.
WP
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VMF-223
Re-designated VMA-223
7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
WQ
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VQ-2
September 1955
Tail code changed to "JQ" before the end of the decade.
An FJ-2 Fury of VMF-312. WR
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VMF-312
7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
HMLA-775
September 1958
Disestablished in September 2008.
An F/A-18 Hornet of VMFA-323. WS
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VMF-323
Subsequently, re-designated VMF(AW)-323 and VMFA-323
7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
An FJ-4 Fury of VMF-232. WT
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VMP-254
7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
VMF-232
Re-designated VMFA-232
1957
A pair of brightly decorated FJ-2 Fury fighters assigned to VMF-235. WU
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VMF-235
VMF-334
Re-designated VMFA-334
1957
Disestablished in December 1971.
A C-130T Hercules of VR-48. WV
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VR-53
1999
Code changed to "AX" in 2004.
WW
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
HEDRON-16, Headquarters Squadron Marine Air Group 16
Re-designated H&MS-16, Headquarters and Maintenance Squadron 16
March 1951
Disestablished.
WX
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
HEDRON-36, Headquarters Squadron Marine Air Group 36
Re-designated H&MS-36, Headquarters and Maintenance Squadron 36
June 1952
Disestablished.
WZ
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
AIRFMFPAC, Headquarters Squadron Aircraft Fleet Marine Force Pacific
4 August 1948, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 69-48
Disestablished.
The "X" on this F2H-4 Banshee indicates assignment to Air Task Group 202. X
XA
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VX-1
7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
Code changed to "JA" in 1957.
XB
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VX-2
7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
Code changed to "JB" in 1957.
An F7U-3 Cutlass of VX-3. XC
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VX-3
July 1946
Tail code changed to "JC" in 1957.
An LC-130R Hercules of VXE-6. XD
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VX-6
Re-designated VXE-6, Antarctic Deployment Squadron 6
7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
Code changed to "JD" in 1957, then reverted to "XD".
Disestablished in March 1999.
XE
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VX-5
June 1951
Disestablished in April 1994.
VX-9
June 1993
An FJ-4B Fury of VX-4. XF
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VX-4
1950
Disestablished in September 1994.
XM
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
HMX-1
December 1947
Code changed to "MX" in 1958.
XX
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
USS Wasp (CV-18)
8 January 1946, U.S. Navy Letter FF12-5
Only in effect until December 1946.
Y
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
USS Bunker Hill (CV-17)
July 1945
USS Yorktown (CV-10)
8 January 1946, U.S. Navy Letter FF12-5
Only in effect until December 1946.
ATG-3, Air Task Group 3
1955
Code changed to "NC" in November 1956.
The tail code of this Grumman Tracker indicates assignment to VS-21. YA
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VS-21
1957
Disestablished.
An SP-2H Neptune of VP-1. YB
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VP-1
1957
YC
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VP-2
1957
Disestablished in September 1969.
YD
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VP-4
1957
The squadron's code is barely visible on this war-weary CH-53A Stallion of HMH-462. YF
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
HMH-462
November 1957
YG
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
HMR(M)-463
1957
Disestablished in June 1959.
A CH-53D Stallion of HMH-463. YH
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
HMH-463
September 1958
YJ
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
HMH-465
December 1981
YK
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
HMM-364
September 1961
HMH-466
November 1984
A CH-53D Stallion of HMH-362. YL
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
HMR(L)-362
Subsequently, re-designated HMM-362 and HMH-362
1957
A CH-46F Sea Knight assigned to HMM-365. YM
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
HMM-365
Re-designated VMM-365
July 1963
YN
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
HMR(L)-361
Re-designated HMH-361
1957
YP
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
HMR(L)-163
Subsequently, re-designated HMM-163 and VMM-163
1957
YQ
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
HMM-268
Subsequently, re-designated VMM-268
March 1979
An MV-22B Osprey of VMM-161. YR
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
HMR(L)-161
Subsequently, re-designated HMM-161 and VMM-161
1957
The tail code of this AH-1W Super Cobra attack helicopter indicates assignment to HMM-162. YS
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
HMR(L)-162
Subsequently, re-designated HMM-162 and VMM-162
1957
YT
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
HMM-164
Re-designated VMM-164
July 1962
A TF-9J Cougar of Headquarters and Maintenance Squadron 13. YU
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
H&MS-13, Headquarters and Maintenance Squadron 13
MALS-13, Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 13
1957
Disestablished.
YV
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
H&MS-15, Headquarters and Maintenance Squadron 15
1957
Disestablished.
An excellent shot of a CH-46D Sea Knight of HMM-165. YW
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VMJ-1
1957
Disestablished in July 1958.
HMM-165
Re-designated VMM-165
July 1965
YX
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
HMM-166
Re-designated VMM-166
September 1986
YY
An MV-22B Osprey of VMM-363. YZ
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
HMR(L)-363
Subsequently, re-designated HMM-363, HMH-363 and VMM-363
1957
Z
ZA
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
Attack units of Navy Air Reserve at NAS Squantum
November 1946
A very short-lived assignment.
VAH-2
November 1955
Re-designated VAQ-132 in November 1968.
A KA-3B Skywarrior of VAH-4 in flight. ZB
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VAH-4
1957
Re-designated VAQ-131 in November 1968.
An A3D-2 Skywarrior of VAH-6 landing aboard an aircraft carrier. ZC
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VAH-6
1957
Re-designated RVAH-6 in 1971, tail code changed to "GS".
ZD
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VAH-8
May 1957
Disestablished in January 1968.
A P-3B Orion assigned to VP-17. ZE
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VA(HM)-10
Re-designated VP-17
1957
ZF
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
Fighter units of Navy Air Reserve at NAS Squantum
November 1946
A very short-lived assignment.
VA(HM)-12
1957
Disestablished in 1959.
ZG
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
HATUPAC, Heavy Attack Training Unit Pacific
June 1957
Re-designated VAH-123.
Disestablished in February 1971.
The "ZH" code on the AJ-2 Savage on this photograph indicates assignment to VAH-16. ZH
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VAH-16
15 January 1958
Disestablished in January 1959.
ZR
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
VAH-10
May 1961
Re-designated VAQ-129 in November 1968.
An FJ-4 Fury of Guided Missile Group 1. ZZ
Assigned to
Assigned on
Notes
USS Boxer (CV-21)
July 1945
USS Saipan (CVL-48)
8 January 1946, U.S. Navy Letter FF12-5
Only in effect until December 1946
GMGRU-1, Guided Missile Group 1
1957
Disestablished in September 1960.
References
Doll, Thomas E.; Jackson, Berkley R.; Riley, William A. (1983). Navy Air Colors: United States Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard Aircraft Camouflage and Markings, 1911-1945 . Vol. 1. Carrollton, Texas: Squadron/Signal Publications. ISBN 0-89747-143-1 Doll, Thomas E.; Jackson, Berkley R.; Riley, William A. (1985). Navy Air Colors: United States Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard Aircraft Camouflage and Markings, 1945-1985 . Vol. 2. Carrollton, Texas: Squadron/Signal Publications. ISBN 0-89747-168-7 Elliott, John M. (1988). The Official Monogram U.S. Navy and Marine Corps Aircraft Color Guide, 1940-1949 . Vol. 2. Sturbridge, Massachusetts: Monogram Aviation Publications. ISBN 0-914144-32-4 Elliott, John M. (1991). The Official Monogram U.S. Navy and Marine Corps Aircraft Color Guide, 1950-1959 . Vol. 3. Sturbridge, Massachusetts: Monogram Aviation Publications. ISBN 0-914144-33-2 Elliott, John M. (1993). The Official Monogram U.S. Navy and Marine Corps Aircraft Color Guide, 1960-1993 . Vol. 4. Sturbridge, Massachusetts: Monogram Aviation Publications. ISBN 0-914144-34-0 Grossnick, Roy A. (1995). Dictionary of American Naval Aviation Squadrons: The History of VA, VAH, VAK, VAL, VAP and VFA Squadrons . Vol. 1. Washington, D.C.: Naval Historical Center. ISBN 0-945274-29-7 Kasulka, Duane A. (1985). USN Carrier Air Units . Vol. 1. Carrollton, Texas: Squadron/Signal Publications. ISBN 0-89747-164-4 Kasulka, Duane A. (1985). USN Carrier Air Units . Vol. 2. Carrollton, Texas: Squadron/Signal Publications. ISBN 0-89747-172-5 Kasulka, Duane A. (1988). USN Carrier Air Units . Vol. 3. Carrollton, Texas: Squadron/Signal Publications. ISBN 0-89747-218-7 Roberts, Michael D. (2000). Dictionary of American Naval Aviation Squadrons: The History of VP, VPB, VP(HL) and VP(AM) Squadrons . Vol. 2. Washington, D.C.: Naval Historical Center.
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