Aviators! Are you looking for a high-quality patch you'll proudly wear or display? Look no further than the VA(AW)-33 Knight Hawks Patch!
The squadron was established in 1949 as Composite Squadron VC-33 at NAS Norfolk. It flew the TBM-3E/N/Q Avenger and a few SNB-5 Texans. Its mission was antisubmarine warfare (ASW). It moved to NAS Atlantic City in 1950, where its mission changed to night attack. It sent three detachments to the Korean War aboard carriers, where it distinguished itself in night attack and ECM missions.
In 1952, it adopted the nickname Nighthawks, and in 1956 was redesignated as an All-Weather Attack Squadron VA(AW)-33. In 1958, the squadron moved to NAS Quonset Point, and was soon redesignated Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron VAW-33. In 1961, it began providing ASW detachments to antisubmarine carriers in the Atlantic Fleet. In 1966, a VAW-33 detachment supported the recovery of the Gemini IX spacecraft. From 1967-1968, VAW-33 provided carrier-based ECM services in the Vietnam War zone.
Returning to NAS Norfolk in 1970, the squadron, now designated VAQ-33, adopted the Firebirds nickname, and came under operational control of the Fleet Electronic Warfare Support Group. Its new mission was to simulate electronic threats to units of the fleet.
STATUS:
VC-33 was established on May 31, 1949
VC-33 redesignated VA(AW)-33 on July 2, 1956
VA(AW)-33 redesignated VAW-33 on June 30, 1959
VAW-33 was redesignated VAQ-33 on February 1, 1968
AIRCRAFT:
Douglas AD-5Q (EA-1F) Skyraider
Douglas AD-5W (EA-1E) Skyraider
Grumman EC-1A Electric Trader
DEPLOYMENTS:
various detachment deployments, assigned to CVG, CVW, CVSG's aboard aircraft carriers