Composite Squadron

The VC designation was first created on 1 March 1943 when Escort Scouting Squadrons (VGS) which were based aboard Escort Carriers (CVEs) were redesignated Composite Squadrons (VC). These VC squadrons flew combinations of fighters, dive bombers and/or torpedo bombers from Escort Carriers through WWII, at the end of which they were all disestablished by the end of 1945.

There were two later uses of the VC designation. The first from 1948 to 1956 and the second from 1965 to 2008. There have been multiple unrelated squadrons using the same VC designations through the years. For example, the last two VC squadrons were VC-6 and VC-8 which were deactivated in 2008 and 2003 respectively. Both of those squadrons were the third squadron to use each of those designations, and neither squadron had any relation to earlier squadrons designated VC-6 or VC-8.

The first VC-6 and VC-8 were WWII Escort Carrier composite squadrons, the second VC-6 was a heavy attack squadron which was redesignated VAH-6 then RVAH-6 and the second VC-8 was also a heavy attack squadron which was redesignated VAH-11 then RVAH-11.

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last update 22. May 2020

written 24. April 2005

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