Antisubmarine Warfare (ASW) search and attack of
enemy submarines, supply convoy coverage, and
antisurface surveillance and targeting. Their secondary
mission provides search and rescue (SAR), vertical
replenishment (VERREP), and medical evacuation
(MEDIVAC). Aircraft assigned to a VS squadron
include the S-3 Viking. Helicopters assigned to HS
squadrons include the SH-60 Sea Hawk Mk III, which
includes the Light Airborne Multipurpose System
(LAMPS).
Airborne early-warning squadrons (VAWs) are
carrier-based squadrons that provide early warning
against submarines, weather, missiles, shipping, and
aircraft. Aircraft assigned to an early-warning squadron
include the E-2 Hawkeye.
Patrol Squadrons
Patrol squadrons (VPs) consist of aircraft that are
land based and operate singly over land and sea areas.
These
squadrons
are
designed
primarily
for
antisubmarine warfare (ASW), reconnaissance, and
mining. Aircraft assigned to a patrol squadron include
the P-3 Orion.
Composite Squadrons
Composite (utility) squadrons (VC and HC)
include both fixed-wing aircraft (VC) and helicopters
(HC). VC squadrons perform duties such as adversary,
simulation, and target towing. HC squadrons perform
duties such as ship's plane-guard, search and rescue
(SAR), medical evacuation (MEDIVAC), vertical
replenishment (VETREP), cargo and mail delivery, and
troop and personnel transfer. Aircraft assigned to utility
squadrons include the A-4 SkyHawk, SH-3 Sea King,
H-46 Sea Knight, or the H-53 Sea Stallion.
Noncombatant Squadrons
There are three types of noncombatant squadrons.
They are the development, tactical, and training
squadrons.
Development squadrons include both fixed-wing
aircraft (VX) and rotary-wing aircraft (helicopters)
(HX). The mission of a development squadron is to test
and evaluate fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft and
their equipment. This type of squadron closes the gap
between the experimental stages and the operational
use of the new aircraft and its equipment. All types of
aircraft that require testing and evaluation are assigned
to these squadrons.
Tactical support squadrons (VRs and VRCs)
provide for long-distance transfer of personnel and
supplies (logistic support). Aircraft assigned to a
tactical support squadron include the C-130 Hercules,
C-9 Skytrain, C-2 Greyhound, and VS-3 Viking.
Training squadrons are designated VT and HT.
The mission of a training squadron is to provide basic,
advanced,
operational,
and
refresher-type
flight
training. They cover both fixed-wing and rotary-wing
aircraft. Some aircraft assigned to a training squadron
include the, T-2 Buckeye, T-34 Mentor, C-12 Kingair,
T-45 Goshawk, and various training helicopters.
ORGANIZATION OF A SQUADRON
The operating squadrons have a commanding
officer assisted by an executive officer, department
heads, division officers, maintenance officers, and
enlisted personnel. You should know the organization
of your squadron. Recognize your commanding officer
and display the courtesy required by military etiquette.
Know your division officer and your responsibilities to
that position. Know your chief petty officers and other
rated personnel in your division. They should be your
biggest help in your professional advancement. Know
your part in your own organization. Now, let's take a
look at a typical squadron organization, starting with
the commanding officer.
Commanding Officer (CO)
The CO is the senior naval officer in the squadron.
He/she is known as the squadron commander. The
commanding officer has the duties and responsibilities
as outlined in U.S. Navy Regulations. These duties and
responsibilities include morale, discipline, readiness,
and efficiency. The CO issues operational and
employment orders to the entire squadron. The
executive officer, department heads, and other officers
and personnel fall under the commanding officer. See
figure 2-4. The commanding officer is responsible for
the operational readiness of the squadron.
The squadron safety officer works directly under
the
commanding
officer.
The
safety
officer's
responsibility is to ensure the squadron follows all
pertinent safety orders. The squadron safety officer is a
member of the squadron aircraft accident board. He/she
serves as crash investigator of all crashes occurring
within the squadron.
2-8
