VF-45 (1963–1996)

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.

Fighter Squadron 45
Active	15 February 1963 – 31 March 1996
Country	United States
Branch	United States Navy
Type	Fighter
Nickname(s)	Blackbirds
Aircraft flown
Attack	A-4C/E Skyhawk
Fighter	TA-4F/J Skyhawk F-5N F-16N

Operational history

VA-45 A-4E escorts a Soviet Tu-16 c.1972

VF-45 TA-4Js and F-5Ns at NAS Key West in 1993

VF-45 F-16N at NAF Andrews in 1993

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