VFP-63
| Light Photographic Squadron 63 | |
|---|---|
VFP-63 squadron patch
|
|
| Active | 20 January 1949-30 June 1982 |
| Country | United States |
| Branch | United States Navy |
| Role | Photo-reconnaissance |
| Part of | Inactive |
| Nickname(s) | Eyes of the Fleet |
| Engagements |
Korean War Vietnam War |
VFP-63 was a Light Photographic Squadron of the U.S. Navy. Originally established as Composite Squadron Sixty-One (VC-61) on 20 January 1949, it was redesignated as Fighter Photographic Squadron (VFP-61) on 2 July 1956. Redesignated as Composite Photographic Squadron Sixty-Three (VCP-63) on 1 July 1959 and finally redesignated as Light Photographic Squadron Sixty-Three (VFP-63) on 1 July 1961. The squadron provided a detachment of reconnaissance planes for each of the Carrier Air Wings of the U.S. Pacific Fleet. The squadron was disestablished on 30 June 1982.
VC-61 detachments of F4U-4/5P Corsairs served until mid-1951 when they were replaced by the F9F-2P Cougar.
VFP-63 was the only Navy combat unit with elements continuously deployed throughout the Vietnam War. Detachments of RF-8A/G Crusaders served the following deployments:
In August 1972 with the Crusader being replaced as a frontline Navy fighter, F-8 training squadron VF-124 transferred its remaining aircraft and the training mission to VFP-63.
On 28 May 1982 the squadron's last two RF-8s were flown to Davis–Monthan Air Force Base for storage.
...
Wikipedia