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Welcome to the NEW VAQ-33 website. Well new in a new look and the forum. Been trying to get it working right for awhile. Just a bit more to go, but the pages are here.
Recent
A History and Development
of VAQ-33
The following is a history of "Squadrons Thirty-Three" as presented by the Squadrons Thirty-Three Association with some minor additions made by the author of the VAQ-33 web page. These additions are from the personal experience of the page author.
VC-33 in WWII
In World War II, composite squadrons (mixed aircraft) were assigned to "baby flat-tops" (CVE's) to handle antisubmarine warfare and close are support of amphibious landings. Ons such squadron - VC-33 - was commissioned in January 1943 at NAS Alameda, California. This VC-33 flew F4F Wildcats and TBF Avengers in Pacific battles. After the war, the VC-33 was decommissioned (in November 1945).
Composite Squadron Thirty-Three
On 31 May 1949, a new "Composite Squadron Thirty-Three (VC-33)" was established at NAS Norfolk, Virginia. This VC-33's mission was "antisubmarine warfare." Its insignia was a "steel gauntlet crushing a submarine." Initially they flew TBM Avengers, but soon transitioned to the AD Skyraider. In June 1950, VC-33 was transferred to NAS Atlantic City, New Jersey, with a new mission - night attack. In October 1952, VC-33 adopted the nickname Knight Hawks and changed its insignia to a "shield, chess knight, and hawk." The squadron provided detachments to all carriers in the Atlantic Fleet and three separate detachments (aboard USS Leyte, USS Bon Homme Richard, and USS Lake Champlain) to combat in Korea.
All-Weather Squadron Thirty-Three [VA(AW)-33]
On 2 July 1956, VC-33 was redesignated "All-Weather Squadron Thirty-Three [VA(AW)-33]." They continued to fly later versions of the AD Skyraider. In April 1958, VA(AW)-33 was transferred to NAS Quonset Point, Rhode Island.
Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron Thirty-Three (VAW-33)
On 30 June 1959, VA(AW)-33 was redesignated "Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron Thirty-Three (VAW-33)." They flew versions of the AD Skyraider that were suited for their mission - airborne early earining for aircraft carriers.
Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron Thirty-Three (VAQ-33)
On 1 February 1968, VAW-33 was redesignated "Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron Thirty-Three (VAQ-33)." Then, in June 1969, VAQ-33 relinquished all its aircraft and prepared for disestablishment. Instead, the squadron was transfered (without aircraft) to NAS Norfolk, Virginia, where they became the air arm of the newly formed "Fleet Electronic Warfare Support Group (FEWSG)." Their mission - use specially configured aircraft to provide a "realistic electronic warfare environment for fleet exercises." On 16 September 1970, VAQ-33 changed its nickname from "Night Hawks" to "Firebirds" and its insignia to a "red bird riding a lightning bolt." On 1 Ocotber 1977, VAQ-33 acquired a "special training" role, which split the squadron between NAS Norfolk and NAS Oceana to accommodate their diversity of aircraft. In 1980, the entire squadron was transfered to NAS Key West, Florida. They continued to fulfill their unique FEWSG mission until they were disestablished on 1 October 1993.
Reunions
In 1990, three members of the World War II VC-33 succeeded in rounding up old shipmates for a reunion. In the process, they encountered members of the new VC-33. All met at Watsonville, California - a training site of the World War II VC-33. At this reunion, an organization was founded "to perpetuate the memories and traditions of Composite Squadrons Thirty-Three," including the VC-33 progeny of VA(AW)-33, VAW-33, and VAQ-33. Since then, the organization has expanded its membership to include personnel from any former or current US Navy Aviation squadron wit the number "33" - VF-33, VT-33, AG-33, HSL-33, VS-33.
In World War II, FG-33 flew F6F Hellcats from Pacific Islands and combined with VT-33, which flew TBM Avengers, to form carrier air group AG-33. A new VF-33 was established in 1948 and disestablished in 1993 (on same date as VAQ-33). HSL-33 flew helicopters on antisubmarine missions from 1973 to 1994. VS-33 was established in 1960; they fly S-3B Vikings on antisubmarine missions. The organization has been incorporated in the State of California.
The above information was supplied by the Squadrons Thirty-Three Association, 748 Glemar Street, Watsonville, California, 95076
Personal notes from Larry Timberlake, formerly with VAQ-33 ('67-'69):
In 1967-68, VAQ-33, flying the EA1F, was attached to Carrier Air Wing 1 in Norfolk. This air wing was attached to Det-67, U.S.S. Kennedy. This Det is significant in the fact that it was the shakedown, first carqual, and maiden voyage of Kennedy. It was also the last Det of the A1 Skyraider. The Skyraider was to be phased out after this detachment. During the actural cruise, which took place in 1968-69, VAQ-33 made history with the last operational Spads in the Navy. They did so meritoriously and laid claim to having made the last carrier landing and take off from a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier of the Skyraider. During this cruise, the parent squadron moved to Norfolk, leaving our personal gear in the basement of the barracks at Quonset Point. The slogan "Here comes VAQ-33, the Last of the Spads" was known throughout the 6th Fleet and the Mediterranean. VAQ-33 closed the chapter on the greatest aircraft the Navy ever flew.
Personal notes from Jim Paul, VC-33, in the early 50's.
In June of 1950 LCD Robin M. Lindsey was CO. The original insignia was designed by ENS E.T. "Ted" Wilbur. Squadron had AD 3's and 4's.
Tail Code was "SS" and call sign was "Goblin". Lost first AD-5NL at MCAS Cherry Point NC in early '52. Pilot was killed but two others lived. Med Cruise, Det. 32, Nov. 51 to Jun. 52, aboard USS TARAWA (CV-40). The cruise was extended due to collision of replacement ship, the USS WASP. Lt. E.P. "Big Ed" Cummings and AT1 Marck "Loos" Tooker, Jr. were killed in Korea.
With the closing of one era, the opening of another had begun.
Personal notes by Dan Eidson, VAQ-33 member from October 1969 to June 1970
From the time of it's move to NAS Norfolk, Virginia, until the fall of 1969, the squadron began receiving new aircraft for the fulfilling of it's mission of electronic warfare. They received the following planes: two RA-3B Skywarriors, an A-4D Skyhawk, a F-4 Phantom, and the EC-121 WillieVictor. All of these planes, and even later the A-6 Intruder, were all converted for electronic warfare roles.
I would love to have other information about the squdron by those of you who have served, regardless of the particular designation. Particularly, I would love to have copies of any pictures that you might have hidden away. If you have the negatives I would be glad to have the pictures made and return the negatives to you.
One last word: if anyone has squadron patchers -- the Night Hawks or the Firebirds -- that I could make pictures of, then I would love to have them posted on the home page for VAQ-33.
