Description

VAH-1 Smokin Tigers Squadron Patch

Aviators! Are you looking for a high-quality patch you’ll proudly wear or display? Look no further than the VAH-1 Smokin Tigers Squadron Patch!

• 4.5 inch
• Embroidered/ Sew On
• US Naval Aviator Owned Business

RVAH-1 was a Reconnaissance Attack (Heavy) Squadron of the U.S. Navy. Originally established as Heavy Attack Squadron One (VAH-1) on 1 November 1955, it was redesignated as Reconnaissance Attack (Heavy) Squadron One (RVAH-1) on 1 September 1964. The squadron was disestablished on 29 January 1979.

Operational history

Established at NAS Jacksonville, Florida on 1 November 1955 as the heir to Patrol Squadron THREE (VP-3), VAH-1 became the first unit to operate the A3D Skywarrior, receiving their first five A3D-1s on 31 March 1956. In early November 1956, VAH-1’s A3D-1s were craned aboard the USS Forrestal (CVA-59) at Naval Station Mayport, Florida and the Forrestal put to sea to operate in the eastern Atlantic during the Suez Crisis, ready to enter the Mediterranean Sea should it be necessary. Carrier qualifications with the A3D-1 were conducted during this period and Forrestal returned to the US on 12 December 1956. In January 1957, VAH-1 embarked on Forrestal on its first formal deployment, a cruise to the Mediterranean.

In 1958, VAH-1 upgraded to the A3D-2 version of the Skywarrior and, in January 1959, relocated to NAS Sanford, Florida. VAH-1 continued to operate the Skywarrior until late 1962, at which point the squadron ceased operating the now renamed A-3B and began preparations for transitioning to the A-5A Vigilante, completing transition in January 1963. The squadron made one overseas deployment with the A-5A and continued to operate the aircraft until mid-1964, at which point it began transitioning to the RA-5C Vigilante. This transition was completed in August 1964 and the squadron was redesignated as RVAH-1 on 1 September 1964.

2 September 1958 – 12 March 1958, VAH-1 was embarked aboard USS Randolph for a Mediterranean deployment.
4 August 1960 – 3 March 1961, VAH-1 was embarked aboard USS Independence for a Mediterranean deployment.
4 August 1961 – 19 December 1961, VAH-1 was embarked aboard USS Independence for a Mediterranean deployment.
19 April 1962 – 27 August 1962, VAH-1 was embarked aboard USS Independence for a Mediterranean deployment.
6 August 1963 – 4 March 1964, VAH-1 was embarked aboard USS Independence for a Mediterranean deployment.