VF-45 (1963-96)

Fighter Squadron 45 or VF-45 was an aviation unit of the United States Navy. Originally established as Attack Squadron 45 (VA-45) on 15 February 1963, it was redesignated VF-45 on 7 February 1985 and disestablished on 31 March 1996. It was the third US Navy squadron to be designated VA-45 and the second US Navy squadron to be designated as VF-45.[1] The squadron adopted the Blackbirds nickname and insignia of the second VA-45.

Fighter Squadron 45
Active15 February 1963 - 31 March 1996
CountryUnited States
BranchUnited States Navy
TypeFighter
Nickname(s)Blackbirds
Aircraft flown
AttackA-4C/E Skyhawk
FighterTA-4F/J Skyhawk
F-5N
F-16N

Operational history
VA-45 A-4E escorts a Soviet Tu-16 c.1972
A VA-45 A-4E from the USS Intrepid intercepting a Tu-126 over the Mediterranean Sea in 1973
VF-45 TA-4Js and F-5Ns at NAS Key West in 1993
VF-45 F-16N at NAF Andrews in 1993

In February 1963 the jet training function of VA-44 at Naval Air Station Jacksonville was separated to off to form the new VA-45 at Naval Air Station Cecil Field.[2]

VA-45 Detachment 11 was assigned to Carrier Anti-Submarine Air Group 56 (CVSG-56) aboard the USS Intrepid for a Mediterranean deployment from 16 April to 15 October 1971. VA-45 Detachment 1 was assigned to CVSG-56 aboard the Intrepid for a Mediterranean deployment from 24 November 1972 to 4 May 1973.

VF-45 was based at Naval Air Station Cecil Field and then Naval Air Station Key West to provide air combat adversary services with TA-4F/Js, F-5Ns and F-16Ns.

Following its inactivation, the role of VF-45 and other Regular Navy adversary squadrons was assumed by strike fighter and fighter composite squadrons of the Naval Air Reserve.[3] At NAS Key West, this role is currently executed by Fighter Composite Squadron ONE ELEVEN (VFC-111) flying the F-5N and F-5F.[4]

See also

References
  1. "Fighter Squadron Lineage". Naval History and Heritage Command. Retrieved 6 October 2016.
  2. Williamson, Ronald (2000). Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Florida, 1940-2000: An Illustrated History. Turner Publishing. p. 98. ISBN 9781563117305.
  3. http://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/11910/legislators-want-to-know-fate-of-navys-reserve-fa-18-aggressor-squadrons
  4. VFC-111#Mission


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