Description

RVAH-13 Bats Squadron Patch – With Hook and Loop

Are you looking for a high-quality patch to show your support for the RVAH-13 Bats Squadron? Look no further than our 4 inch embroidered patch! Made with precision and care, this patch is a perfect way to honor the legacy of this legendary squadron.

• 4-inch patch
• Embroidered
• US Naval Aviator Owned Business
• Reproduction

RVAH-13 was a Reconnaissance Attack (Heavy) Squadron of the U.S. Navy. Originally established as Heavy Attack Squadron Thirteen (VAH-13) on 3 January 1961 it was redesignated as Reconnaissance Attack (Heavy) Squadron Thirteen (RVAH-13) on 1 November 1964. The squadron was disestablished on 30 June 1976.

Reconnaissance Attack Squadron THIRTEEN (RVAH-13) was commissioned
at the Naval Air Station, Sanford, Florida, as a unit
of the U. S. Atlantic Fleet on 3 January 1961. The Squadron
was designated Heavy Attack Squadron THIRTEEN (VAH-13) with
capabilities for nuclear and conventional weapons delivery.
VAH-13 was assigned to Carrier Air Wing ELEVEN embarked in USS
KITTY HAWK (CVA-63) when that carrier was commissioned in 1961.
The BATS of VAH-13 deployed with KITTY HAWK for her shakedown
cruise in the Caribbean in 1961 and transferred with her to
the Pacific Fleet. At that time the Squadron’s homeport was
changed to Naval Air Station, Whidbey Island, Washington. As
Carrier Air Wing ELEVEN’s Heavy Attack Squadron, embarked in
USS KITTY HAWK, VAH-13 spent the next three years maintaining
readiness requirements for and functioning as a unit of the
U. S. SEVENTH Fleet.
The BATS distinguished themselves by participating in several
air shows, including the World’s’Fair in Seattle. In May
1963, VAH-13 performed for the late President John F. Kennedy
in USS KITTY HAWK off the coast of San Diego. In recognition
of its commendable safety record during 1964, VAH-13 was
awarded the Chief of Naval Operations Aviation Safety Award.
• In August 1964, VAH-13 was transferred back to Sanford,
Florida, where the BATS commenced training for transition to
the RA-5C “Vigilante,” the Navy’s sophisticated Mach 2 reconnaissance
attack aircraft. On 5 October 1964, VAHL-13 received
its first RA-5C aircraft and on 1 November 1964, the Squadron’s
designation was officially changed to Reconnaissance Attack
Squadron THIRTEEN (RVAH-13).
The BATS commenced their first combat cruise as a component
of Attack Carrier Air Wing ELEVEN in USS KITTY HAWK in November
1965. The BATS were temporarily based ashore at Sanford,
Florida, from July to September 1966 and returned to the USS
KITTY HAWK for their second combat deployment in November.
Following this deployment, the Squadron joined the USS AMERICA
(CVA-66) and Attack Carrier Air Wing SIX for its third combat
deployment to the Gulf of Tonkin.
On 16 December 1968, the Squadron returned to its new
homeport at the Naval Air Station, Albany, Georgia. The BATS
joined Attack Carrier Air Wing SEVENTEEN embarked in USS
FORRESTAL (CVA-59) and deployed to the Mediterranean area on
3 December 1969, the first “MED” cruise for RVAH-13. The
Chief of Naval Operations Aviation Safety Award was awarded to
RVAH-13 for sustained accident-free operations during 1970.