Squadrons

The patch is a customized emblem designed specifically for a particular organization. An emblem is often displayed on patches, decals, plaques and other memorabilia. Pride and comradery in the crew is a direct result of the patch as a daily reminder that a specific unit is the best in the Navy. In the past, patches were designed by and for the unit members. Although not approved by Navy Regulations until the 1950s, for Unofficial use only, Navy units have proudly displayed their patches since World War II. Today, patches are both Official and Unofficial. The Official version has either been designed or approved by the Naval Board of Heraldry, with each element and color of the design having a specific meaning. This is the second of three volumes covering Naval Aviation patches from World War II to the present each volume will contain over 1000 patches in full color. This volume covers the patches of individual aircraft (attack, cargo, electronic warfare, fighter, helicopter, patrol, anti-submarine, training), fixed-wing squadrons (VA, VA(AW), VAH, RVAH, VAHM, VAK, VAL, VAN, VAP, VAQ, VAW), and helicopter squadrons (HAL, HC, HCS, HCT, HM, HS, HSL, HT, HU).

This work is designed to provide naval personnel, historians and aviation enthusiasts with a chronicle of the significant events and developments of maritime patrol aviation. The volume contains 154 histories covering every patrol squadron in existence between 1922 and the present. Also included are insightful appendices of technical information on patrol aircraft, submarines sunk by patrol squadrons, air-to-air claims for Navy and Marine Corps patrol aircraft during the Second World War, and a listing of patrol squadron shore bases.