FIST OF THE FLEET HISTORY

VT-17 – VA-6B – VA-65 – VA-25 – VFA-25

Webmaster is Scott Smith Revised July 03, 2004

Short History

The FIST OF THE FLEET is currently designated VFA-25. This squadron was originally established as Torpedo Squadron 17 (VT-17) on 1 January 1943, and made two carrier deployments flying the TBF/TBM Avenger during WW-II.

On 15 November 1946, VT-17 became VA-6B, flying SB2C Helldivers and later AD-1 Skyraiders. The squadron became VA-65 on 27 April 1948.

In August 1950, the squadron joined Air Group Two and made three carrier deployments to Korea. VA-65 became VA-25 on 1 July 1959, in a number swap with an East Coast squadron in Air Group Six.

The squadron made three carrier deployments in Vietnam before retiring its faithful SPADs in April 1968 (see note). The squadron then transitioned to the A-7 Corsair II and made three more carrier deployments to Vietnam.

The squadron became VFA-25 on 1 July 1983 and began flying F/A-18 Hornets. This phase of the squadron’s history is still in progress.

The history and lineage of the present VFA-25 may be traced to 1 January 1943 because there was no break in active duty status of the squadron, even though its designation changed four times.

Note: The last combat SPAD mission was flown by (then) LTJG Ted Hill, who also flew the plane to Pensacola after retirement ceremonies at NAS Lemoore. The plane is now on display at the Naval Air Museum at NAS Pensacola.