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.

Operational history

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][circular reference]}

See also

• History of the United States Navy
• List of inactive United States Navy aircraft squadrons
• List of United States Navy aircraft squadrons

References

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