U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps Aircraft Tail Codes

U.S. Navy tail code
Carrier Air Wing 15 tail code "NL" is prominently displayed on this A-7E Corsair II.

Tail codes on the U.S. Navy aircraft are the markings that help to identify the aircraft's unit and/or base assignment. These codes comprise one or two letters or digits painted on both sides of the vertical stabilizer, on the top right and on the bottom left wings near the tip. Although located both on the vertical stabilizer and the wings from their inception in July 1945, these identification markings are commonly referred as tail codes. It is important to note that tail codes are meant to identify units and assignments, not individual aircraft. For all aircraft of the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps unique identification is provided by bureau numbers.

History

The U.S. Navy introduced the identification system of tail and wing letter codes for its aircraft in July 1945. This system was intended to replace the set of geometrical symbols employed for the similar purpose since January 1945. When introduced, tail codes were only given to aircraft carriers. New directives issued in 1946 and in 1948 assigned tail codes to individual Navy and Marine Corps squadrons as well as for Carrier Air Groups. And although the association between particular tail codes and units undergoes changes from time to time, the system as a whole is still in use to present day.

Basic Principles

U.S. Navy tail code
This RF-8G Crusader from VFP-63 Det.2 is deployed with Carrier Air Wing 14 and displays the Air Wing's "NK" tail code.
U.S. Navy tail code
This RF-8A Crusader from VFP-63 Det.B, although deployed with Carrier Air Wing 5, displays the unit's own "PP" tail code and not the Air Wing's "NF".
U.S. Navy tail code
This A-6A Intruder in experimental camouflage paint does not carry the "NL" tail code of its parent Carrier Air Wing 15.

List of Navy and Marine Aircraft Tail Codes

A

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
USS Cowpens (CVL-25) July 1945
USS Antietam (CV-36) 8 January 1946, U.S. Navy Letter FF12-5
Headquarters Squadron, Marine Air Wing 1 7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
CVG-19, Carrier Air Group 19 12 December 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 165-46
Navy Air Reserve units at NAS Anacostia November 1946 Code changed to "6A" in 1956.
CVG-14, Carrier Air Group 14 July 1953 Code changed to "NK" in 1956.
TW-1, Training Air Wing 1 August 1971 Comprise VT-7, VT-9.
U.S. Navy tail code
A stylized rendering of Carrier Air Wing 17 "AA" code can be seen on this A-6E Intruder.

AA

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
USS Lake Champlain (CV-39) July 1945
USS Monterey (CVL-26) 8 January 1946, U.S. Navy Letter FF12-5
VMO-3 7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
VP-MS-11 7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46 Tail code changed to "MA" in August 1948.
CVW-17, Carrier Air Wing 17 Activated in November 1966 Code changed to "NA" in 2012.
U.S. Navy tail code
This S-3A Viking from VS-32 shows the "AB" tail code of CVW-1.

AB

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VMO-6 7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46 Tail code changed to "WB" in 1948.
VP-HL-8 7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
VMF-452 4 August 1948, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 69-48 Disestablished in December 1949.
CVG-1, Carrier Air Group 1

Re-designated CVW-1, Carrier Air Wing 1

November 1956
U.S. Navy tail code
Carrier Air Group 3 planes in flight in 1958.

AC

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VP-ML-1

Re-designated VP-1

November 1946
VMR-153 4 August 1948, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 69-48
CVG-3, Carrier Air Group 3

Re-designated CVW-3, Carrier Air Wing 3

1957

AD

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
HEDRON-1, Headquarters Squadron, Marine Air Group 1 7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
VMR-253 Circa 1946 Tail code changed to "QD" in 1958.
VMF-322

Re-designated VMA-322

4 August 1948, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 69-48 Disestablished in November 1949.
RCVG-4 Replacement Carrier Air Group 4

Re-designated RCVW-4, Readiness Carrier Air Wing 4

April 1958 Disestablished in July 1970. RCVW-4 tail code retained by VA-42, VA-43, VA-45, VA-174, VF-101.
U.S. Navy tail code
Carrier Air Wing 6 tail code is seen on this VF-84 Phantom II in 1975.

AE

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VMF-115 7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
CVW-6, Carrier Air Wing 6 December 1963 Disestablished in April 1993.

AF

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VMF-211

Re-designated VMA-211

7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
Fighter units of Navy Air Reserve at NAS Anacostia November 1946 A very short-lived assignment.

CVG-6, Carrier Air Group 6

November 1956 Re-designated Carrier Air Wing 6 in 1963 and received a new tail code "AE".
CVWR-20, Reserve Carrier Air Wing 20 April 1970 Renamed Tactical Support Wing (TSW) in April 2007. The "AF" tail code is retained by squadrons assigned to TSW.
U.S. Navy tail code
A-6E Intruders of VA-62 carry the Carrier Air Wing 7 "AG" code.

AG

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
CVG-7, Carrier Air Group 7

Re-designated CVW-7, Carrier Air Wing 7

November 1956
U.S. Navy tail code
VA-152 A-1H Skyraider carriers CVW-16 tail code.

AH

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VMF-218 7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46 Disestablished on 31 December 1949.
CVG-16, Carrier Air Group 16

Re-designated CVW-16, Carrier Air Wing 16

September 1960 Disestablished.

AI

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VMF(N)-533

Re-designated VMF-533

7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
U.S. Navy tail code
This F-4J Phantom II is part of Carrier Air Wing 8 and displays the Wing's "AJ" tail code.

AJ

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
CVG-8, Carrier Air Group 8

Re-designated CVW-8, Carrier Air Wing 8

November 1956
U.S. Navy tail code
CVW-13 code is seen on this VA-176 A-1J Skyraider.

AK

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VMA-121 29 July 1950, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 43-50
CVG-10, Carrier Air Group 10 November 1956
CVG-13, Carrier Air Group 13 August 1961 Inactivated in October 1962.
CVW-13, Carrier Air Wing 13 March 1984 Inactivated in January 1991.

AL

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VMA-251 29 July 1950, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 43-50
CVG-17, Carrier Air Group 17 Circa 1957 Disestablished in September 1958.
U.S. Navy tail code
FJ-2 Furies of VMF-451 in 1954.

AM

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VMF-451 Circa 1951
ATG-181, Air Task Group 181 November 1956 Inactivated in 1958.
HSC-22 29 September 2006

AN

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
ATG-182, Air Task Group 182 November 1956 Inactivated in 1959.
U.S. Navy tail code
Aircraft of Air Task Group 201 in flight in 1958.

AP

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
ATG-201, Air Task Group 201 November 1956 Inactivated in 1958.

AQ

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
ATG-202, Air Task Group 202 November 1956 Inactivated in 1959.
U.S. Navy tail code
"AR" tail code can be seen on this SH-3G Sea King of HS-1.

AR

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
RCVG-50, Replacement Carrier Antisubmarine Warfare Air Group 50 1960 Disestablished in June 1970. RCVG-50 tail code retained by HS-1 and VS-30.
HS-1 June 1970 Disestablished in May 1997.
VS-30 June 1970

AS

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
CVGS-52, Carrier Antisubmarine Warfare Air Group 52 June 1960 Comprised squadrons VS-28, VS-31 and HS-11. Disestablished in December 1969.
U.S. Navy tail code
SH-3A Sea King helicopters carry the "AT" code of CVGS-54.

AT

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
HEDRON-20, Headquarters Squadron Marine Air Group 20 December 1951
CVGS-54, Carrier Antisubmarine Warfare Air Group 54 1960 Comprised squadrons VS-22, VS-32 and HS-5. Disestablished in July 1972.
U.S. Navy tail code
This S-2E Tracker shows the "AU" code of its parent CVGS-56.

AU

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
HEDRON-13, Headquarters Squadron Marine Air Group 13 March 1951
CVGS-56, Carrier Antisubmarine Warfare Air Group 56 1960 Comprised squadrons VS-24, VS-27 and HS-3. Disestablished in June 1973.

AV

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
HEDRON-15, Headquarters Squadron Marine Air Group 15 4 August 1948, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 69-48
CVGS-58, Carrier Antisubmarine Warfare Air Group 58 June 1960 Comprised squadrons VS-26, VS-36 and HS-7. Disestablished in March 1966.
U.S. Navy tail code
"AW" code of CVGS-60 can be seen on this S-2E Tracker.

AW

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
HEDRON-24, Headquarters Squadron Marine Air Group 24 4 August 1948, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 69-48
CVGS-60, Carrier Antisubmarine Warfare Air Group 60 May 1960 Comprised squadrons VS-34, VS-39 and HS-9. Disestablished in October 1968.
CVSR-70, Reserve Carrier Antisubmarine Warfare Air Group 70 1970

AX

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
HEDRON-25, Headquarters Squadron Marine Air Group 25 1952
CVGS-62, Carrier Antisubmarine Warfare Air Group 62 September 1961 Comprised squadrons VS-20, VS-42 and HS-13. Disestablished in 1962.
VR-53 2004

AZ

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
HEDRON-1, Headquarters Squadron Marine Air Group 1 4 August 1948, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 69-48
U.S. Navy tail code
Tail codes on these planes denote assignment to the USS Boxer.

B

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
USS San Jacinto (CVL-30) July 1945
USS Boxer (CV-21) 8 January 1946, U.S. Navy Letter FF12-5
Headquarters Squadron Marine Air Wing 2 7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
CVG-15, Carrier Air Group 15 12 December 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 165-46
Navy Air Reserve units at NAS Atlanta November 1946 The "C" code issued to this NAS was a controlled duplicate of the same code letter given to Carrier Air Group 15.

Code changed to "7B" in 1956.

CVG-19, Carrier Air Group 19 July 1953 Tail code changed to "NM" in November 1956.
TW-2, Training Air Wing 2 Comprise VT-21, VT-22.

BA

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
USS Bairoko (CVE-115) 7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
VO-1B 7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
VP-MS-7

Re-designated VP-47

7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46 Tail code changed to "RD" in 1957.
HEDRON-11, Headquarters Squadron Marine Air Group 11 7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
Attack units of Navy Air Reserve at NAS Atlanta November 1946 A very short-lived assignment.
Blue Angels flight demonstration squadron Unknown This assignment is probably a purely bureaucratic one as no Blue Angles aircraft has ever carried tail codes.

BB

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
USS Ranger (CV-4) 8 January 1946, U.S. Navy Letter FF12-5 The USS Ranger was decommissioned on 18 October 1946.
VO-2B 7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
VP-HL-13

Re-designated VP-25

7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46 Disestablished in January 1950.
HEDRON-14, Headquarters Squadron Marine Air Group 14 7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
U.S. Navy tail code
An example of underscored tail code is seen on this FH-1 Phantom belonging to VMF-122.

BC

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VP-HL-3 7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46 Disestablished in May 1947.
VMF-122 7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46 Tail code changed to "LC".
VP-MS-3

Re-designayed VP-43

August 1948 Disestablished in March 1949.
VMR-153 1957 Disestablished in 1959.

BD

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VP-HL-5 7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46 Disestablished in May 1947.
VMF-212 7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
VP-MS-6

Re-designated VP-46

4 August 1948, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 69-48 Tail code changed to "RC" in 1957.
VR-64
U.S. Navy tail code
Cougar jet trainers carry the tail code of VMT-1.

BE

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VP-ML-6

Re-designated VP-6

7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46 Tail code changed to "PC" in 1957.
VMF-222 7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46 Disestablished in December 1949.
VMIT-20 1957 Disestablished in June 1958.
VMT-1 July 1958 In May 1972 the squadron was re-designated VMAT-203 with its tail code changed to "KD".
U.S. Navy tail code
A Sea Knight helicopter of HC-16 in 1984.

BF

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
HEDRON-21, Headquarters Squadron Marine Air Group 21 7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
Fighter units of Navy Air Reserve at NAS Atlanta November 1946 A very short-lived assignment.
VP-812

Re-designated VP-29

July 1950 Disestablished in November 1955.
VAH-2 November 1955 Code changed to "ZA" in 1957.
VMFT-20 1957 Disestablished in June 1958.
HC-16

BG

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VP-43 4 August 1948, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 69-48

BH

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VMF-252 7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
VP-772

Subsequently re-designated VP-17 and VA(HM)-10

September 1950 Tail code changed to "ZE" in 1957.
VMR-252

Re-designated VMGR-252

1957
VX-30 May 1995

BI

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VMR-952 7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
VP-57 February 1953 Disestablished in July 1956.
VAH-4 July 1956 Code changed to "ZB" in 1957.
U.S. Navy tail code
An HM-14 RH-53D in flight.

BJ

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
HM-14 May 1978

BK

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
HEDRON-22, Headquarters Squadron Marine Air Group 22 7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46

BL

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VMF-113 7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46 Disestablished in April 1947.
HML-268 September 1972 Disestablished in 1977.

BM

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VMF-314 7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46 Disestablished in April 1947.
H&MS-35, Headquarters and Maintenance Squadron 35 1957 Disestablished in June 1958.

BP

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
Patrol units of Navy Air Reserve at NAS Atlanta Circa 1947 A very short-lived assignment.
VMFT(AW)-20 1957

BR

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VMO-1 7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46 Code changed to "LR" in 1948.
HC-8
HSC-28

BS

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
USS Badoeng Strait (CVE-116) 7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
HEDRON-53, Headquarters Squadron Marine Air Group 53 7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
CVEG-1, Escort Carrier Air Group 1 12 December 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 165-46
VC-21

Re-designated VS-21

4 August 1948, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 69-48 Disestablished in February 2005.

BT

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VMF-531 7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
H&MS-20, Headquarters and Maintenance Squadron 20 1957 Disestablished in 1958.

BU

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VMF-532 7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46

BV

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VMF-534 7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46

BW

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VAH-3 June 1956 Code changed to "GJ" in 1958.

BY

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VMAT-20 1957 Disestablished in June 1958.

BZ

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
AIRFMFLANT, Headquarters Squadron Aircraft Fleet Marine Force Atlantic 1957 Disestablished.
U.S. Navy tail code
"C" code on this F9F-2 Panther jet denotes assignment to Carrier Air Group 6.

C

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
USS Monterey (CVL-26) July 1945
USS Coral Sea (CV-43) 8 January 1946, U.S. Navy Letter FF12-5 Assignment remained on paper only as USS Coral Sea was not commissioned until 1 October 1947.
CVBG-5, Battle Carrier Air Group 5 12 December 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 165-46
Navy Air Reserve units at NAS Columbus November 1946 The "C" code issued to this NAS was a controlled duplicate of the same code letter given to Carrier Air Group 5.

Code changed to "7C" in 1956.

CVG-6, Carrier Air Group 6Carrier Air Group 6 1952 Tail code changed to "AF" in November 1956.
TW-3, Training Air Wing 3 Disestablished in August 1992.

CA

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VO-1C 7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
VP-MS-10

Re-designated VP-40

7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46 Tail code changed to "QE" in 1957.
Attack units of Navy Air Reserve at NAS Columbus November 1946 A very short-lived assignment.
ATU-11, Advanced Training Unit 11 November 1947
BTU-2, Basic Training Unit 2 September 1948
HMLA-467 October 2008

CB

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VO-2C 7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
VP-ML-3

Re-designated VP-3

7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46 Tail code changed to "MB" in 1950.
ATU-12, Advanced Training Unit 12 November 1947
IBTU, Instructor Basic Training Unit September 1948
CQTU-4, Carrier Qualification Training Unit 4 August 1950
VP-9 March 1951 Tail code changed to "PD" in 1957.
VMAQ-1

Re-designated VMAQT-1

July 1992

CC

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
USS Saratoga (CV-3) July 1945
USS Cowpens (CVL-25) 8 January 1946, U.S. Navy Letter FF12-5
VO-10C 7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
VP-MS-4

Re-designated VP-44

7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46 Code changed to "LM" in 1957.

CD

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VP-1 4 August 1948, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 69-48 Code changed to "YB" in 1957.
ATU-800, Advanced Training Unit 800 Circa 1950
VRC-40 July 1960
U.S. Navy tail code
An F/A-18D Hornet from VMFA(AW)-225.

CE

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VO-13C 7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
VP-HL-2

Re-designated VP-22

4 August 1948, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 69-48 Code changed to "QA" in 1957.
VMA-225

Re-designated VMA(AW)-225, then again VMA-225

1957
U.S. Navy tail code
An AV-8B from VMA-211 in 2014.

CF

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VO-15C 7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
Fighter units of Navy Air Reserve at NAS Columbus November 1946 A very short-lived assignment.
VP-HL-8

Re-designated VP-28

4 August 1948, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 69-48 Code changed to "QC" in 1957.
VMA-211 1957

CG

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VMA-231 May 1973

CH

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VO-17C 7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
VP-871

Re-designated VP-19

February 1951 Code changed to "PE" in 1957.

CI

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VO-3C 12 December 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 165-46

CJ

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
HMR(M)-461

Re-designated HMH-461

January 1957

CK

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
Operational Development Squadron 12 December 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 165-46

CM

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VMJ-2

Re-designated VMCJ-2

September 1952 Code changed to "CY" in 1957.

CN

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
H&MS-14, Headquarters and Maintenance Squadron 14

Re-designated MALS-14, Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 14

1957

CP

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VS-935 October 1961 Deactivated in August 1962.

CQ

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VS-751 October 1961 Deactivated in August 1962.

CS

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VS-915 October 1961 Deactivated in August 1962.

CT

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VS-733 October 1961 Deactivated in August 1962.

CU

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VS-821 October 1961 Deactivated in August 1962.

CV

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VS-861 October 1961 Deactivated in August 1962.
U.S. Navy tail code
This C-130T of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 54 shows the unit's "CW" code.

CW

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VR-54
U.S. Navy tail code
VMAQ-2 planes in flight.

CY

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VMC-2

Subsequently re-designated VMCJ-2 and VMAQ-2

1957

CZ

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
Maintenance and Repair Squadron 27 (MARS-27)

Re-designated H&MS-27, Headquarters and Maintenance Squadron 27

1957
U.S. Navy tail code
Tail code carried by this F3H-2N Demon in 1958 indicates assignment to Carrier Air Group 12.

D

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
USS Independence (CVL-22) July 1945
USS Oriskany (CV-34) 8 January 1946, U.S. Navy Letter FF12-5 Only in effect until December 1946.
CVG-9, Carrier Air Group 9 4 August 1948, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 69-48
Navy Air Reserve units at NAS Dallas November 1946 The "D" code issued to this NAS was a controlled duplicate of the same code letter given to CVG-9.

Code changed to "7D" in 1956.

CVG-12, Carrier Air Group 12 July 1953 Tail code changed to "NJ" in November 1956.
U.S. Navy tail code
"DA" code on this 1978 photo indicates assignment to Headquarters and Maintenance Squadron 32.

DA

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VP-AM-1 7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46 Disestablished in May 1948.
Attack units of Navy Air Reserve at NAS Dallas November 1946 A very short-lived assignment.
GMGRU-1, Guided Missile Group 1 September 1955 Code changed to "ZZ" in 1957.
H&MS-32, Headquarters and Maintenance Squadron 32 1957
U.S. Navy tail code
A VMFA-235 F-4S Phantom II in flight.

DB

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VP-AM-2

Re-designated VP-32

7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46 Disestablished in June 1949.
GMGRU-2, Guided Missile Group 2 September 1955
VMF-235

Re-designated VMFA-235

1957 Disestablished in June 1996.

DC

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VP-HL-7

Re-designated VP-27

7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46 Disestablished in January 1950.
VMF-122

Subsequently re-designated VMF(AW)-122 and VMFA-122

1957

DD

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
USS Independence (CVL-22) 8 January 1946, U.S. Navy Letter FF12-5
VP-HL-10

Re-designated VP-20

7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46 Disestablished in March 1949.
VX-31

DE

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VP-HL-12

Re-designated VP-29

7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46 Disestablished in January 1950.

DF

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VP-AM-5 7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46 Disestablished in December 1947.
Fighter units of Navy Air Reserve at NAS Dallas November 1946 A very short-lived assignment.

DH

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
HM-12 1 July 1971
U.S. Navy tail code
An FJ-3 Fury on VMF-333.

DN

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VMF-333

Re-designated VMFA-333

1957 Disestablished in March 1992.

DP

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VMA-331 1957 Code changed to "VL" in 1959.
U.S. Navy tail code
An F-8E Crusader on VMF-312.

DR

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VMF-312

Re-designated VMFA-312

1957
U.S. Navy tail code
An A-6A Intruder VMA(AW)-242 takes off from Da Nang.

DT

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VMA(AW)-242 October 1960

DV

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
H&MS-31, Headquarters and Maintenance Squadron 31 1957 Disestablished in January 1959.
U.S. Navy tail code
The squadron's "DW" tail code is seen on this VMFA-251 F-4S Phantom II.

DW

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VMF-251

Re-designated VMFA-251

Circa 1957

DX

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VMA-324 1957 Disestablished in August 1974.

DZ

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VMR-353 1957 Disestablished in March 1963.
U.S. Navy tail code
A Carrier Air Group 8 F8F-2 Bearcat seen on the USS Midway.

E

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
USS Intrepid (CV-11) July 1945
USS Essex (CV-9) 8 January 1946, U.S. Navy Letter FF12-5
Marine Corps Air Base, Cherry Point 7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
CVG-8, Carrier Air Group 8 4 August 1948, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 69-48 Tail code changed to "AJ" in November 1956.
Navy Air Reserve units at NAS Minneapolis November 1946 The "E" code issued to this NAS was a controlled duplicate of the same code letter given to CVG-8.

Code changed to "7E" in 1956.

TW-5, Training Air Wing 5 Comprise VT-2, VT-3, VT-6, HT-8, HT-18, HT-28.

EA

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
Marine Corps Schools, Quantico 7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
VP-MS-9

Re-designated VP-49

7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46 Tail code changed to "LP" in 1957.
HTU-1, Helicopter Training Unit 1 August 1951
VMA-332

Re-designated VMA(AW)-332

1957 Disestablished in March 2007.

EB

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VP-AM-3

Re-designated VP-33

7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46 Disestablished in December 1949.
VP-26 July 1950 Tail code changed to "LK" in 1957.
U.S. Navy tail code
This F-4N Phantom II carries the "EC" code assigned to VMA(AW)-531.

EC

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VP-AM-4

Re-designated VP-34

7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46 Disestablished in June 1956.
VMF(AW)-531

Re-designated VMFA-531

1957 Disestablished in March 1992.

ED

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VP-ML-5 7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46 Tail code changed to "MC" in August 1948.
VMA-533

Subsequently re-designated VMA(AW)-533 and VMFA(AW)-533

1957

EE

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
USS Coral Sea (CV-43) July 1945 Assignment remained on paper only as the USS Coral Sea was not commissioned until 1 October 1947.
USS Enterprise (CV-6) 8 January 1946, U.S. Navy Letter FF12-5
VP-MS-5

Re-designated VP-45

7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46 Tail code changed to "LN" in 1957.

EF

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VPP-2

Re-designated VP-62

7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46 Disestablished in January 1950.
VP-61

Re-designated VJ-61

January 1951 Tail code changed to "PB" in 1953.
U.S. Navy tail code
"EG" on this Sea Knight helicopter indicates assignment to HMM-263.

EG

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
HMR-263

Subsequently re-designated HMM-263 and VMM-263

1957
U.S. Navy tail code
An MV-22B Osprey of VMM-264.

EH

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VP-HL-3

Re-designated VP-23

4 August 1948, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 69-48 Tail code changed to "MA" in July 1950.
VP-56 September 1950 Tail code changed to "LQ" in 1957.
HMM-264

Re-designated VMM-264

June 1959

EK

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VMF(AW)-114 1957 Disestablished in July 1963.

EL

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
H&MS-26, Headquarters and Maintenance Squadron 26 1957
U.S. Navy tail code
A subdued "EM" code can be seen on this CH-46F Sea Knight of HMM-261.

EM

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VP-HL-7 1948 Code changed to "HE" in 1948.
HMR(L)-261

Subsequently re-designated HMM-261 and VMM-261

1957

EN

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
HMH-464 1957

EP

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
HMM-265

Re-designated VMM-265

October 1962 Disestablished in November 1970, reactivated in September 1977 with the same tail code.
U.S. Navy tail code
An OV-10A Bronco of VMO-1 shows off its "ER" tail code.

ER

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VPM-3 7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
VMO-1 1957 Disestablished in July 1993.
U.S. Navy tail code
An AV-8B Harrier II assigned to HMM-266 is seen displaying the squadron's "ES" tail code.

ES

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
HMM-266

Re-designated VMM-266

26 April 1983

ET

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
HMR(L)-262

Subsequently re-designated HMM-262 and VMM-262

September 1951

EU

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
Utility units of Navy Air Reserve at NAS Minneapolis November 1946 A very short-lived assignment.
U.S. Navy tail code
An A3D-1 belonging to VAH-3 and displaying a short-lived "EW" code.

EW

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VPW-1

Re-designated VP-51

April 1948 Disestablished in February 1950.
VAH-3 1956 Code changed to "GJ" in 1957.
H&MS-24, Headquarters and Maintenance Squadron 24 1957

EX

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
H&MS-31, Headquarters and Maintenance Squadron 31 July 1971

EZ

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VMU-2, Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron 2 June 1984
U.S. Navy tail code
Tail code on this F2H-2 Banshee indicates assignment to Carrier Air Group 4.

F

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CV-42) 8 January 1946, U.S. Navy Letter FF12-5
CVBG-3 12 December 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 165-46
Navy Air Reserve units at NAS Jacksonville November 1946 The "F" code issued to this NAS was a controlled duplicate of the same code letter given to CVBG-3.

Code changed to "6F" in 1956.

Navy Air Reserve units at NAS Oakland September 1948 "F" was retained by both NAS Jacksonville and NAS Oakland.

Code changed to "7F" in 1956.

CVG-4, Carrier Air Group 4 July 1953 Tail code changed to "AD" in November 1956.
TW-6, Training Air Wing 6 Comprise VT-4, VT-10, VT-86.
U.S. Navy tail code
On this SB2C-5 Helldiver, the "F" stands for NAS Oakland and the "A" indicates assignment to an attack unit.

FA

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
Attack units of Navy Air Reserve at NAS Jacksonville and NAS Oakland November 1946 A very short-lived assignment.
FAETULANT, Fleet Airborne Electronics Training Unit Atlantic 1949
FASRON-2, Fleet Air Service Squadron 2 1957 Disestablished in 1959.

FB

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
FASRON-3, Fleet Air Service Squadron 3 1957 Disestablished in 1960.

FC

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
FASRON-5, Fleet Air Service Squadron 5 1957 Disestablished in 1959.

FD

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
FASRON-6, Fleet Air Service Squadron 6 1957 Disestablished in 1959.

FE

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
FASRON-9, Fleet Air Service Squadron 9 1957 Disestablished in 1960.

FF

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CV-42) July 1945
USS Hornet (CV-12) 8 January 1946, U.S. Navy Letter FF12-5 Only in effect until December 1946.
Fighter units of Navy Air Reserve at NAS Jacksonville and NAS Oakland November 1946 A very short-lived assignment.
VMU-3, Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron 3 September 2008
U.S. Navy tail code
An A3D-2 belonging to VAH-9 and displaying a short-lived "FG" code.

FG

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VC-9

Re-dsignaed VAH-9

July 1953 Code changed to "GM" in 1957.
FASRON-51, Fleet Air Service Squadron 51 1957 Disestablished in 1960.

FH

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
FASRON-101, Fleet Air Service Squadron 101 1957 Disestablished.

FJ

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
FASRON-102, Fleet Air Service Squadron 102 1957 Disestablished in 1960.

FK

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
FASRON-104, Fleet Air Service Squadron 104 1957 Disestablished in 1959.
H&MS-29, Headquarters and Maintenance Squadron 29 May 1972

FL

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
FASRON-105, Fleet Air Service Squadron 105 1957 Disestablished in 1960.

FM

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
FASRON-106, Fleet Air Service Squadron 106 1957 Disestablished in 1960.

FN

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
FASRON-107, Fleet Air Service Squadron 107 1957 Disestablished in 1960.

FP

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
Patrol units of Navy Air Reserve at NAS Jacksonville and NAS Oakland November 1946 A very short-lived assignment.
FAETUPAC, Fleet Airborne Electronics Training Unit Pacific 1949
FASRON-108, Fleet Air Service Squadron 108 1957 Disestablished in 1959.

FQ

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
FASRON-109, Fleet Air Service Squadron 109 1957 Disestablished in 1959.

FR

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
FASRON-111, Fleet Air Service Squadron 111 1957 Disestablished in 1960.

FS

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
FASRON-121, Fleet Air Service Squadron 121 1957 Disestablished in 1959.

FT

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
FASRON-200, Fleet Air Service Squadron 200 1957 Disestablished in 1960.

FU

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
FASRON-201, Fleet Air Service Squadron 201 1957 Disestablished in 1959.
U.S. Navy tail code
"FZ" tail code can be seen on this CQ-24A unmanned helicopter.

FZ

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VMU-1, Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron 1 January 1987
U.S. Navy tail code
Tail code on this T-44A Pegasus indicates assignment to Training air Wing 4.

G

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
Navy Air Reserve units at NAS Oakland November 1946 Code changed to "F" in 1948.
CVG-21, Carrier Air Group 21 1955 Tail code changed to "NP" in November 1956.
TW-4, Training Air Wing 4 March 1972 Comprise VT-27, VT-28, VT-31, VT-35.

GA

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VFP-62 1957 Disestablished in January 1968.

GB

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VAP-62 1957 Disestablished in October 1969.

GC

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VF(AW)-4 1957 Disestablished in 1959.
HM-16 1970 Disestablished in January 1987.
U.S. Navy tail code
An EA-1F Skyraider of VAW-33 in 1965.

GD

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VA(AW)-33

Subsequently re-designated VAW-33 and VAQ-33

July 1956 Disestablished in October 1993.
VAQ-34 1984 VAQ-34 shared the tail code with VAQ-33. Disestablishment in October 1993.

GE

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VAW-12

Re-designated RVAW-120

1957 Disestablished in April 1967.

GF

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
GMGRU-2, Guided Missile Group 2

Subsequently re-designated GMSRON-2, VU-8 and VC-8

September 1958 Disestablished.

GH

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VAH-1

Re-designated RVAH-1

1957 Disestablished in January 1979.
U.S. Navy tail code
This RA-5C Vigilante of RVAH-3 is seen wearing the squadron's assigned "GJ" tail code.

GJ

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VAH-3

Re-designated RVAH-3

1957 Disestablished in August 1979.
U.S. Navy tail code
This RA-5C Vigilante of RVAH-5 is seen wearing the squadron's assigned "GK" tail code.

GK

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VAH-5

Re-designated RVAH-5

1957 Disestablished in September 1977.
U.S. Navy tail code
A pair of VAH-7 A3D-2 Skywarriors.

GL

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VAH-7

Re-designated RVAH-7

1957 Disestablished in September 1979.

GM

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VAH-9

Re-designated RVAH-9

1957 Disestablished in September 1977.

GN

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VAH-11

Re-designated RVAH-11

1957 Disestablished in June 1975.

GQ

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VAH-14

Re-designated RVAH-14

February 1968 Disestablished in May 1976.

GP

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VAH-15 January 1958 Disestablished in February 1959.
VAH-13

Re-designated RVAH-13

January 1961 Disestablished in June 1976.
RVAH-12 July 1971 Disestablished in July 1979.

GR

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
RVAH-13 July 1971 Disestablished in June 1976.
VMGRT-253 October 1986 Disestablished in September 2006.

GS

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
RVAH-6 July 1971 Disestablished in October 1978.

GX

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
HMT-204

Re-designated VMMT-204

May 1972
U.S. Navy tail code
The "H" on this F9F-2 Panther indicates assignment to CVG-15.

H

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
USS Lexington (CV-16) July 1945
USS Philippine Sea (CV-47) 8 January 1946, U.S. Navy Letter FF12-5 Only in effect until December 1946.
Navy Air Reserve units at NAS Miami November 1946 The "H" code issued to this NAS was a controlled duplicate of the same code letter given to CVG-15.

Code changed to "6H" in 1956.

Navy Air Reserve units at NAS Niagara Falls November 1946 Code changed to "7H" in 1956.
CVG-15, Carrier Air Group 15 1951 Tail code changed to "NL" in November 1956.

HA

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VP-HL-4

Subsequently re-designated VP-24 and VA(HM)-13

July 1956 Tail code changed to "LR" in 1957.
HS-1 1957 Disestablished in 1997.

HB

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VP-HL-6

Re-designated VP-26

7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46 Tail code changed to "EB" in July 1950.
VP-11 May 1952 Tail code changed to "LE" in 1957.
HS-3

Re-designated HSC-9

1957

HC

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VP-HL-11

Re-designated VP-21

7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46 Tail code changed to "LH" in 1957.
HS-5 1957 Re-designated HSC-5 in 2014.
HC-4 May 1983 Disestablished in September 2007.
U.S. Navy tail code
A P2V-3 Neptune carriers the tail code of VP-8.

HD

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VP-ML-8

Re-designated VP-8

4 August 1948, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 69-48 Tail code changed to "LC" in 1957.
HS-7

Subsequently re-designated HSC-7

1957

HE

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VP-HL-7

Re-designated VP-7

4 August 1948, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 69-48 Tail code changed to "LB" in 1957.
HS-9 1957 Disestablished in October 1968.
U.S. Navy tail code
A P2V-2 Neptune carriers the tail code of VP-18.

HF

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
Fighter units of Navy Air Reserve at NAS Niagara Falls and NAS Miami November 1946 A very short-lived assignment.
VP-861

Re-designated VP-18

September 1950 Tail code changed to "LG" in 1957.
HS-11 1957
HMLA-269 February 1971

HG

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
FAWTULANT, Fleet All-Weather Training Unit, Atlantic 1957 Merged with VF-101.

HH

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
USS Intrepid (CV-11) 8 January 1946, U.S. Navy Letter FF12-5 Only in effect until December 1946.
VP-16 May 1946 Tail code changed to "LF" in 1957.
HMH-366 September 1994 Deactivated in October 2000, reactivated in September 2008.

HJ

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
FAETULANT, Fleet Airborne Electronics Training Unit, Atlantic 1957 Disestablished in 1957.

HK

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VP-10 March 1951 Tail code changed to "LD" in 1957.
HATULANT, Heavy Attack Training Unit, Atlantic 1957 Disestablished.
HSL-40

Re-designated HSM-40

October 1985
U.S. Navy tail code
An HRS-3 helicopter with HMR-362 tail code.

HL

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
HMR-362

Re-designated HMR(L)-362

April 1952 Tail code changed to "YL" in 1957.
SWULANT, Special Weapons Unit, Atlantic 1956 Disestablished in 1957.
VQ-4 July 1968

HM

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
HMR-261

Re-designated HMR(L)-261

April 1951 Tail code changed to "EM" in 1957.

HN

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
HMR-361 February 1952
HSL-42 October 1984

HP

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
HMR-163

Re-designated HMR(L)-163

1955 Tail code changed to "YP" in 1957.
HMHT-401 January 1970 Disestablished in May 1972.
HSL-44 October 1984 Disestablished.

HQ

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
HSL-46

Re-designated HSM-46

April 1988 Disestablished.
U.S. Navy tail code
"HR" tail code of this HRS-1 indicates assignment to HMR-161.

HR

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
HMR-161

Re-designated HMR(L)-161

January 1951 Tail code changed to "YR" in 1957.
H&MS-40, Headquarters and Maintenance Squadron 40 July 1971 Disestablished in May 1972.
HSL-48

Re-designated HSM-48

September 1989 Disestablished.

HS

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
HMR-162

Re-designated HMR(L)-162

June 1951 Tail code changed to "YS" in 1957.
U.S. Navy tail code
A Kaman SH-2F Sea Sprite of HSL-30.

HT

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
HMR-163 29 July 1950, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 43-50 Tail code changed to "HP" in 1952.
HMR-262

Re-designated HMR(L)-262

1952 Tail code changed to "ET" in 1957.
HU-4

Subsequently re-designated HC-4

July 1960
HSL-30 March 1972 Disestablished.
U.S. Navy tail code
This HUP-2 helicopter displays its squadron's "HU" code.

HU

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
HU-2 April 1948 Disestablished in September 1977.
HC-2

Subsequently re-designated HSC-2

April 1987
U.S. Navy tail code
A Kaman SH-2F Sea Sprite of HSL-32.

HV

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
HS-2 March 1952 Code changed to "SK" in 1957.
HSL-32 August 1973 Disestablished.

HW

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
ATU-601
HS-3 June 1952 Code changed to "HB" in 1957.
HC-6 September 1967
HSC-26 2000s
U.S. Navy tail code
A Kaman SH-2F Sea Sprite of HSL-34.

HX

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
HSL-34 September 1974 Disestablished.
HX-21

HY

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
HSL-36 September 1975 Disestablished in September 1992.
U.S. Navy tail code
"HZ" code on this Sikorsky HRS helicopter indicates assignment to HMR-363.

HZ

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
HMR-363

Re-designated HMR(L)-363

June 1952 Tail code changed to "YZ" in 1957.
U.S. Navy tail code
A pair of FJ-2 Fury fighters from VF-21 display the ATG-181 tail code.

I

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
Navy Air Reserve units at NAS Gross Ile November 1946 Code changed to "7Y" in 1956.
ATG-181, Air Task Group 181 1953 Tail code changed to "AM" in November 1956.

IF

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
Fighter units of Navy Air Reserve at NAS Gross Ile November 1946 A very short-lived assignment.

IL

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
HMR-263 June 1952 Tail code changed to "EG" in September 1958.

J

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
ATG-201, Air Task Group 201 1955 Tail code changed to "AP" in November 1956.
U.S. Navy tail code
"JA" tail code of Test and Evaluation Squadron 1 is seen on this P-3C Orion.

JA

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VX-1

Re-designated VXE-1

1957

JB

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VX-2 1957 Disestablished in 1958.
VXN-8, Oceanographic Development Squadron 8 July 1965 Disestablished in October 1993.

JC

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VX-3 1957 Disestablished in March 1960.
U.S. Navy tail code
Lockheed LC-130R Hercules of VXE-6 in 1974.

JD

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VX-6

Re-designated VXE-6, Antarctic Deployment Squadron 6

1957 Disestablished in March 1999.

JE

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VU-2

Re-designated VC-2

1957 Disestablished in September 1980.
U.S. Navy tail code
An F-8L Crusader of Composite Squadron 4 in flight.

JF

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VC-4 July 1971 Disestablished in April 1971.

JG

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VU-6

Re-designated VC-6

1957 Disestablished in August 2008.
U.S. Navy tail code
Composite Squadron Ten "JH" tail code is displayed on this TA-4J Skyhawk.

JH

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VU-10

Re-designated VC-10

1957 Disestablished in August 1993.

JK

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VR-1 1957 Disestablished in September 1978.
VRC-40 July 1960

JL

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VR-22 1957
U.S. Navy tail code
A C-2A Greyhound from VR-24.

JM

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VR-24 1957
U.S. Navy tail code
"JQ", the tail code of Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron Two, adorns this EP-3E Orion.

JQ

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VQ-2 September 1955

JR

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VR-6 1957
VR-48 October 1980

JS

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VR-50 July 1971
VR-46 March 1981

JT

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VR-52 July 1972

JU

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VR-56 July 1976

JV

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VR-58 November 1977
U.S. Navy tail code
A C-130T Hercules of VR-62.

JW

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VR-62 July 1985
U.S. Navy tail code
A TA-4J Skyhawk (BuNo 152850) of Composite Squadron 12 carries the unit's "JY" code.

JY

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VC-12

Re-designated VFC-12

September 1973 The third squadron known as VC-12.

The current tail code of VFC-12 is "AF".

U.S. Navy tail code
This F2H-3 Banshee fighter is seen here with the "K" code of Carrier Air Group 3.

K

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
USS Langley (CVL-27) July 1945
USS Kearsarge (CV-33) 8 January 1946, U.S. Navy Letter FF12-5
CVG-3, Carrier Air Group 3 12 December 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 165-46 Tail code changed to "AC" in November 1956.
Navy Air Reserve units at NAS Olathe November 1946 The "K" code issued to this NAS was a controlled duplicate of the same code letter given to CVG-3.

Code changed to "7K" in 1956.

KA

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
ATU-200, Advanced Training Unit 200 Circa 1950

KB

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
ATU-100, Advanced Training Unit 100 Circa 1950
VMFAT-201 April 1968 Disestablished in September 1974.
U.S. Navy tail code
An A-6E Intruder from Marine all-weather attack training squadron VMAT(AW)-202.

KC

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VMAT(AW)-202 January 1968 Disestablished in 1990.
U.S. Navy tail code
A TAV-8A Harrier from VMAT-203.

KD

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
ATU-102, Advanced Training Unit 102 Circa 1950
VMT-203

Re-designated VMAT-203

December 1967

KE

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
ATU-801, Advanced Training Unit 801 Circa 1950

KK

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
USS Bon Homme Richard (CV-31) 8 January 1946, U.S. Navy Letter FF12-5 Only in effect until December 1946.
U.S. Navy tail code
This FJ-3M Fury is seen here with the "L" code of Carrier Air Group 7.

L

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
USS Randolph (CV-15) July 1945
USS Leyte (CV-32) 8 January 1946, U.S. Navy Letter FF12-5
CVG-7, Carrier Air Group 7 12 December 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 165-46 Tail code changed to "AG" in November 1956.
Navy Air Reserve units at NAS Akron November 1946 The "L" code issued to this NAS was a controlled duplicate of the same code letter given to CVG-7.

Code changed to "7A" in 1956.

Navy Air Reserve units at NAS Los Alamitos November 1946 Code changed to "7L" in 1956.
U.S. Navy tail code
A P-3C Orion of VP-5 carriers the squadron's "LA" tail code.

LA

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VCN-2, Night Development Squadron Atlantic 7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
VP-MS-3 7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
FAWTULANT, Fleet All Weather Training Unit Atlantic 4 August 1948, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 69-48
VP-5 1957
U.S. Navy tail code
A P2V-7 Neptune assigned to patrol squadron VP-7 flies over the Atlantic in 1964.

LB

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VP-HL-9

Re-designated VP-HL-7

7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46 Tail code changed to "HE" in 1948.
VMR-352 4 August 1948, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 69-48
VP-7 1957 Disestablished in October 1969.
U.S. Navy tail code
The "LC" tail code on this FJ-3 Fury denotes assignment to VMF-122.

LC

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VMF-122 4 August 1948, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 69-48 Tail code changed to "DC" in 1957.
VP-8 1957
U.S. Navy tail code
This 1952 photograph shows an F4U-4 Corsair from VMF-212 for a combat sortie over Korea.

LD

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VMF-212 4 August 1948, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 69-48
VP-10 1957

LE

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VMF-222 4 August 1948, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 69-48 Disestablished in December 1949.
VP-11 1957
U.S. Navy tail code
An Orion of Patrol Squadron 16.

LF

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VMT-1 4 August 1948, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 69-48
VMFT-20 December 1951
VP-16 1957
U.S. Navy tail code
An SP-2H Neptune of Patrol Squadron 18 seen in 1962 flying over a Soviet ship.

LG

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VP-18 1957 Disestablished in October 1968.

LH

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VMR-252 4 August 1948, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 69-48
VP-21 1957 Disestablished in November 1969.
VP-93 July 1976 Disestablished in September 1994.

LI

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
MTACS-1 4 August 1948, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 69-48
U.S. Navy tail code
An SP-2H Neptune of Patrol Squadron 23 in flight.

LJ

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VP-23 1957 Disestablished in February 1995.
U.S. Navy tail code
An Orion of Patrol Squadron 26 in 1981.

LK

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VMF(N)-114

Subsequently re-designated VMF-114

4 August 1948, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 69-48
VP-26 1957
U.S. Navy tail code
An Orion of Patrol Squadron 30 in 2010.

LL

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
USS Franklin (CV-13) July 1945
USS Lexington (CV-16) 8 January 1946, U.S. Navy Letter FF12-5
HEDRON-2, Headquarters Squadron Marine Air Wing 2 4 August 1948, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 69-48
VP-30 June 1960
U.S. Navy tail code
An Orion of Patrol Squadron 44 in 1984.

LM

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
HEDRON-11, Headquarters Squadron Marine Air Group 11 4 August 1948, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 69-48
VP-44 1957 Disestablished in June 1991.
U.S. Navy tail code
An Orion of Patrol Squadron 45 in flight over a Soviet freighter.

LN

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
HEDRON-14, Headquarters Squadron Marine Air Group 14 4 August 1948, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 69-48
VP-45 1957
U.S. Navy tail code
A P-3A Orion of Patrol Squadron 49 in 1964.

LP

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VMF-461 4 August 1948, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 69-48
VP-49 1957 Disestablished in March 1994.
U.S. Navy tail code
A P-3C Orion of Patrol Squadron 56 in 1976.

LQ

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VP-56 1957 Disestablished in June 1991.
U.S. Navy tail code
A P2V-7S Neptune of Patrol Squadron 24 in the early 1960s.

LR

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VMO-1 4 August 1948, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 69-48 Code changed to "ER" in 1957.
VA(HM)-13

Re-designated VP-24

1957 Disestablished in April 1995.

LS

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VMO-2 June 1951 Code changed to "VS" in 1957.
VP-832 October 1961 Deactivated in August 1962.
VP-60 November 1970 Disestablished in September 1994.
VMFT-401
U.S. Navy tail code
A P-3B Orion of VP-62 in the 1980s.

LT

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VMF(N)-531 4 August 1948, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 69-48
VP-933 October 1961 Deactivated in August 1962.
VP-62 November 1970

LU

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
HEDRON-3, Headquarters Squadron Marine Air Wing 3 February 1952
MARS-37, Maintenance and Repair Squadron 37
VP-741 October 1961 Deactivated in August 1962.
VP-64

Re-designated VR-64

November 1970

LV

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VMF-354 4 August 1948, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 69-48 Disestablished in December 1949.
HEDRON-31, Headquarters Squadron Marine Air Group 31 March 1952
VP-661 October 1961 Deactivated in August 1962.
VP-66 November 1970 Disestablished.
U.S. Navy tail code
A specially marked P-33 Orion of VP-68 in 1994.

LW

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
AIRFMFWESPAC, Headquarters Squadron Aircraft Fleet Marine Force West Pacific 4 August 1948, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 69-48
VMF-314 29 July 1950, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 43-50
VP-68 November 1970 Disestablished in January 1997.

LX

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VMA-324 March 1952 Code changed to "DX" in 1957.
VP-90 November 1970 Disestablished in September 1994.

LY

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VMAT-20 December 1951 Deactivated in August 1962.
VP-92 November 1970 Disestablished in October 2007.

LZ

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
AIRFMFLANT, Headquarters Squadron Aircraft Fleet Marine Force Atlantic 4 August 1948, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 69-48 Code changed to "BZ" in 1957.
VP-94 November 1970 Disestablished in September 2006.
U.S. Navy tail code
The "M" tail code of this F4U-4 Corsair indicates assignment to Carrier Air Group 1.

M

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
USS Enterprise (CV-6) July 1945
USS Midway (CV-41) 8 January 1946, U.S. Navy Letter FF12-5
CVBG-1, Battler Carrier Air Group 1 12 December 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 165-46
Navy Air Reserve units at NAS Memphis November 1946 The "M" code issued to this NAS was a controlled duplicate of the same code letter given to CVG-2.

Code changed to "6M" in 1956.

CVG-2, Carrier Air Group 2 July 1953 Tail code changed to "NE" in November 1956.
U.S. Navy tail code
An F-8H Crusader of VMF(AW)-112 in 1975.

MA

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VP-MS-1

Re-designated VP-ML-8

7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46 Tail code changed to "HD" in August 1948.
ATU-1, Advanced Training Unit 1 November 1947
VP-MS-11

Re-designated VP-41

4 August 1948, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 69-48 Disestablished in April 1949.
VP-23 July 1950 Tail code changed to "LJ" in 1957.
VS-27 1957
VMF(AW)-112

Re-designated VMFA-112

January 1972
U.S. Navy tail code
A brightly painted A-4F Skyhawk of VMA-142 in 1976.

MB

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VP-MS-8

Re-designated VP-48

7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46 Disestablished in December 1949.
ATU-2, Advanced Training Unit 2 November 1947
VP-3 July 1950 Disestablished in November 1955.
VS-30 1957
VMF-142

Subsequently re-designated VMA-142 and VMFA-142

January 1972 Disestablished in July 2008.
U.S. Navy tail code
F-8K Crusaders from Marine Fighter Squadron 351.

MC

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
ATU-4, Advanced Training Unit 4 November 1947
VP-ML-5

Re-designated VP-5

4 August 1948, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 69-48 Tail code changed to "LA" in 1957.
VS-31 1957
VMF-351 January 1972 Disestablished in May 1976.
U.S. Navy tail code
An EA-6B Prowler carries the "MD" code of VMAQ-3.

MD

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
ATU-5, Advanced Training Unit 5

ATU-301, Advanced Training Unit 301

November 1947
VS-32 1957
VMA-543 January 1972 Disestablished in April 1974.
VMAQ-3 July 1992
U.S. Navy tail code
Several A-4F Skyhawk aircraft from VMA-133 fly in formation in 1981.

ME

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VS-36 1957
VMA-133 January 1972 Disestablished in September 1992.

MF

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VMA-334 May 1952. Tail code changed to "WU".
VS-39 1957
VMFA-134 April 1958

MG

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VW-2 1957 Disestablished in July 1961.
VMF-321

Subsequently re-designated VMA-321 and VMFA-321

January 1972 Disestablished in September 2004.
U.S. Navy tail code
The "MH" tail code of VW-4 is clearly seen on this smartly painted Lockheed WC-121N.

MH

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VW-4 1957 Disestablished.

MI

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
USS Mindoro (CVE-120) 7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
VMF-452 12 December 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 165-46
VC-23 4 August 1948, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 69-48
VS-23 29 July 1950, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 43-50
U.S. Navy tail code
A Lockheed EC-121P Warning Star assigned to airborne early warning squadron VW-11.

MJ

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VW-11 1957 Disestablished in October 1965.
VMCJ-4 January 1972 Disestablished in December 1973.

MK

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
HEDRON-45, Headquarters Squadron Marine Air Group 45 June 1952
VW-13 June 1958 Disestablished in July 1965.
VMF-511 1970 Disestablished in August 1972.

ML

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
HEDRON-26, Headquarters Squadron Marine Air Group 26 June 1952
VW-15 1957 Disestablished in April 1961.
VQ-4 July 1971
HMM-764

Re-designated VMM-764

MN

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VMF-333 August 1952 Code changed to "DN" in 1957.
HML-770 1982 Disestablished in 1980.
U.S. Navy tail code
"MM" tail code is seen on this EC-121P Warning Star.

MM

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
USS Saratoga (CV-3) 8 January 1946, U.S. Navy Letter FF12-5 Only in effect until December 1946.
HEDRON-35, Headquarters Squadron Marine Air Group 35 April 1952
AETULANT, Fleet Airborne Electronics Training Unit, Atlantic 1958
HMLA-767 January 1972
HMLA-773 Det.A 2009

MP

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
Patrol units of Navy Air Reserve at NAS Memphis November 1946 A very short-lived assignment.
VMA-331 April 1952 Code changed to "DP" in 1957.
HMR-773

Subsequently re-designated HMM-773, HMA-773 and HMLA-773

September 1958

MQ

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
HMM-774

Re-designated VMM-774

July 1969
U.S. Navy tail code
An OP-2E Neptune of the well-known but short-lived Observation Squadron 67 over Laos.

MR

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VMA-332 April 1952 Tail code changed to "EA" in 1957.
VO-67 February 1967 Disestablished in July 1968.
HML-765 January 1972 Disestablished in June 1976.

MS

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
HMR-769

Subsequently re-designated HMM-769 and HMH-769

January 1972 Disestablished in August 2008.

MT

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VMJ-2 1953
HMR-772

Subsequently re-designated HMM-772 and HMH-772

April 1958

MU

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VMJ-3 1953
VMO-4 September 1962 Disestablished in March 1994.
VMU-4, Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron 4 July 2010
U.S. Navy tail code
An MV-22B Osprey from VMX-22.

MV

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
HEDRON-32, Headquarters Squadron Marine Air Group 32

Re-designated H&MS-32, Headquarters and Maintenance Squadron 32

May 1952
VMX-22 August 2003
U.S. Navy tail code
An F2H-2P Banshee of VMJ-1.

MW

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VMJ-1 29 July 1950, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 43-50 Merged with VMC-1 in 1955, tail code changed to "RM".
H&MS-42, Headquarters and Maintenance Squadron 42 January 1972

MX

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VMF-334

Re-designated VMA-334

May 1952
HMX-1 September 1958 The squadron's aircraft rarely if ever have their assigned tail code applied.

MY

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
H&MS-41, Headquarters and Maintenance Squadron 41 January 1972
U.S. Navy tail code
The "N" code on this F9F-2 Panther indicates assignment to CVG-9.

N

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
USS Hancock (CV-19) 8 January 1946, U.S. Navy Letter FF12-5
Navy Air Reserve units at NAS Spokane September 1948 Code changed to "5N" in 1956.
CVG-9, Carrier Air Group 9 1 July 1953 Tail code changed to "NG" in November 1956.
U.S. Navy tail code
This F2H-3 Banshee of VF-52 is deployed with the ATG-1, hence the "NA" tail code.

NA

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VC-4

Re-designated VF(AW)-4

September 1948 Disestablished in July 1959.
ATG-1, Air Task Group 1 November 1956 Inactivated in 1959.
CVW-17, Carrier Air Wing 17 2012
U.S. Navy tail code
A P2V-3C of VC-5 takes off from the USS Midway in 1949.

NB

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VC-5

Re-designated VAH-5

4 August 1948, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 69-48
ATG-2, Air Task Group 2 November 1956 Inactivated in 1958.
U.S. Navy tail code
The AJ-2 Savage on this photograph shows the "NB" tail code of VC-8.

NC

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VC-11 4 August 1948, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 69-48
VC-8

Re-designated VAH-11

1951
ATG-3, Air Task Group 3 November 1956 Inactivated in 1958.
U.S. Navy tail code
This F-8J Crusader of VF-301 sports a highly stylized "ND" code.

ND

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VC-12 4 August 1948, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 69-48
VC-11

Re-designated VAW-11

July 1948
ATG-4, Air Task Group 4 November 1956 Inactivated in 1959.
CVWR-30, Reserve Carrier Air Wing 30 April 1970
U.S. Navy tail code
AD-4W Skyaiders from VC-12.

NE

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VC-12

Re-designated VAW-11

July 1953 Decommissioned in September 1953.
CVG-2, Carrier Air Group 2

Re-designated CVW-2, Carrier Air Wing 2

November 1956
U.S. Navy tail code
An A-4F Skyhawk of VA-212 on a combat mission.

NF

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VC-6

Re-designated VAH-6

29 July 1950, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 43-50
CVG-5, Carrier Air Group 5

Re-designated CVW-5, Carrier Air Wing 5

November 1956
U.S. Navy tail code
An F-4J Phantom II of VF-96 shows the "NG" tail code of CVW-9.

NG

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
CVG-9, Carrier Air Group 9

Re-designated CVW-9, Carrier Air Wing 9

November 1956
U.S. Navy tail code
An A-7E Corsair II of VA-195 in 1972.

NH

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VC-7

Re-designated VAH-7

July 1953
CVG-11, Carrier Air Group 11

Re-designated CVW-11, Carrier Air Wing 11

November 1956
U.S. Navy tail code
An F-14A Tomcat of VF-124.

NJ

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
RCVG-12, Replacement Carrier Air Group 12

Re-designated RCVW-12, Reserve Carrier Air Wing 12

April 1958 Disestablished in July 1970. RCVW-12 tail codes retained by VF-121, VF-124, VF-126, VA-122, VA-125, VA-127, VA-128.
U.S. Navy tail code
CVW-14 tail code is prominently displayed on this S-3A Viking of VS-37.

NK

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
CVG-14, Carrier Air Group 14

Re-designated CVW-14, Carrier Air Wing 14

November 1956 Disestablished in 2013.
U.S. Navy tail code
An A-6E Intruder of VA-52 shows the "NL" tail code of CVW-15.

NL

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
CVG-15, Carrier Air Group 15

Re-designated CVW-15, Carrier Air Wing 15

November 1956 Disestablished.
U.S. Navy tail code
An F-8E Crusader of VF-191 in 1968.

NM

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
CVG-19, Carrier Air Group 19

Re-designated CVW-19, Carrier Air Wing 19

November 1956 Disestablished.
U.S. Navy tail code
A-4 Skyhawks of CVW-21.

NP

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VC-3

Re-designated VF(AW)-3

May 1949 Disestablished in May 1958
CVG-21, Carrier Air Group 21

Re-designated CVW-21, Carrier Air Wing 21

November 1956 Disestablished in December 1975.
U.S. Navy tail code
An AD-4Q Skyraider from VC-35.

NR

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VC-35

Re-designated VA(AW)-35

May 1950 Code changed to "VV" in 1957.
U.S. Navy tail code
A Grumman S-2A Tracker of VS-29, assigned to CVGS-53.

NS

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
CVGS-53, Carrier Antisubmarine Warfare Air Group 53 1960 Disestablished in June 1973.
U.S. Navy tail code
An S-2A Tracker of VS-33, assigned to CVGS-59.

NT

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
CVGS-59, Carrier Antisubmarine Warfare Air Group 59 1960 Disestablished in September 1968.
U.S. Navy tail code
An S-2E Tracker of VS-23, assigned to CVGS-55.

NU

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
CVGS-55, Carrier Antisubmarine Warfare Air Group 55 September 1960 Disestablished in September 1968.

NV

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
CVGS-57, Carrier Antisubmarine Warfare Air Group 57 June 1960 Disestablished in September 1969.
U.S. Navy tail code
An SH-3D Sea King of HS-84 in 1983.

NW

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
CVSR-80, Reserve Carrier Antisubmarine Warfare Air Group 80 1970 Disestablished.

CVSR-80 tail codes were retained by its squadrons.

Antisubmarine Helicopter Wing, Reserve 1989 Comprised HCS-4, HCS-5, HM-18, HM-19, HS-75, HS-85, HSL-74, HSL-84 and HSL-94.

Disestablished.

NY

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VMGR-452 September 1988

O

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
ATG-182, Air Task Group 182 1955 Inactivated in 1959.

P

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
USS Belleau Wood (CVL-24) July 1945
USS Princeton (CV-37) 8 January 1946, U.S. Navy Letter FF12-5
Headquarters Squadron Aircraft Fleet Marine Force Pacific 7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
CVG-13, Carrier Air Group 13 12 December 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 165-46
Navy Air Reserve units at NAS Denver November 1946 The "P" code issued to this NAS was a controlled duplicate of the same code letter given to CVG-10.

Code changed to "7P" in 1956.

CVG-13, Carrier Air Group 10 July 1953 Tail code changed to "AK" in November 1956.
U.S. Navy tail code
A VF(AW)-3 F4D-1 Skyray carries the squadron's "PA" tail code.

PA

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
USS Palau (CVE-122) 7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
HEDRON-15, Headquarters Squadron Marine Air Group 15 7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
Night Development Squadron Pacific

Subsequently re-designated VCN-1, FAWTUPAC (Fleet All Weather Training Unit Pacific) and VF(AW)-3

7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46 Disestablished in March 1963.
VMF-461 12 December 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 165-46 Disestablished in September 1950.
Attack units of Navy Air Reserve at NAS Denver November 1946 A very short-lived assignment.
IBTU, Instructor Basic Training Unit August 1950
U.S. Navy tail code
A pair of AJ-2P Savages assigned to VAP-61.

PB

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VMR-352 7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
VJ-61

Re-designated VAP-61

1953 Tail code changed to "SS" in 1957.
FAETUPAC, Fleet Airborne Electronics Training Unit Pacific 1957 Disestablished in 1959.
U.S. Navy tail code
A P-3B Orion assigned to VP-6.

PC

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VMR-953 7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46 Disestablished in May 1947.
VP-6 1957 Disestablished in May 1993.
U.S. Navy tail code
A P-3B Orion assigned to VP-6.

PD

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VMF-322 7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
VP-9 1957
U.S. Navy tail code
A P2V-7 assigned to VP-19.

PE

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VP-19 1957 Disestablished in August 1991.

PF

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VS-23 1957
HML-364

Subsequently re-designated HMM-364 and VMM-364

1961

PG

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VP-65 November 1970 Disestablished in March 2006.

PH

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VMM-561 December 2010 Disestablished in July 2012.
U.S. Navy tail code
A P-3A Orion assigned to VP-69.

PJ

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VP-69 November 1970
U.S. Navy tail code
An F9F-8P Cougar of VFP-62 in flight.

PL

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VC-62

Re-designated VFP-62

January 1949 Disestablished in January 1968.
VP-67 November 1970 Disestablished in September 1994.
U.S. Navy tail code
A P-3C Orion of VP-91.

PM

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VJ-1

Re-designated VW-3

March 1952
VP-91 November 1970 Disestablished in March 1999.

PN

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VJ-2

Re-designated VW-4

March 1952 Tail code changed to "TH" in mid 1950s.
U.S. Navy tail code
An F2H-2P Banshee of VC-61 in flight.

PP

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
USS Ranger (CV-4) July 1945
USS Langley (CVL-27) 8 January 1946, U.S. Navy Letter FF12-5
VC-61

Subsequently re-designated VFP-61, VCP-63 and VFP-63

1949 Disestablished in September 1982.
U.S. Navy tail code
VQ-1 tail code "PR" is prominently displayed on this EA-3B Skywarrior.

PR

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VQ-1 1955
U.S. Navy tail code
The "PS" tail code on this SB2C Helldiver indicates assignment to Carrier Air Group 9.

PS

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
USS Philippine Sea (CV-47) 7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
CVG-9, Carrier Air Group 9 12 December 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 165-46 Tail code changed to "D" in August 1948.

PZ

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
USS Point Cruz (CVE-119) 7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46 Only in effect until December 1946.
U.S. Navy tail code
A P-3C Orion of VP-22 shows the squadron's "QA" tail code.

QA

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VP-22 1957 Disestablished in March 1994.
U.S. Navy tail code
A pair of VMGR-352 KC-130J aircraft in flight.

QB

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VMR-352

Re-designated VMGR-352

1957
U.S. Navy tail code
A P-3A Orion of VP-28.

QC

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VP-28 1957 Disestablished in October 1969.
U.S. Navy tail code
A VMGR KC-130F Hercules as seen in 1967.

QD

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VMR-253

Re-designated VMGR-152

1957

QE

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VP-40 1957

QF

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
MARS-37, Maintenance and Repair Squadron 37

Re-designated H&MS-37, Headquarters and Maintenance Squadron 37

1957 Disestablished.
U.S. Navy tail code
The squadron's "QG" tail code is clearly seen on this VMA-131 A-4E Skyhawk.

QG

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VMA-131 January 1972 Disestablished in December 1998.

QH

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VMGR-234 January 1972

QJ

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
HMM-768 January 1972 Disestablished in 1976.

QK

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
HML-771 January 1972

QL

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
HMH-776

Re-designated HML-776

1959 Disestablished in July 1994.

QM

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
HMM-777 January 1972 Disestablished in October 1976.

QN

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VMO-8 January 1972 Disestablished in July 1976
U.S. Navy tail code
An A-4E Skyhawk of VMA-124.

QP

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VMA-124 January 1972 Disestablished in 1996.
U.S. Navy tail code
A subdued squadron's tail code is seen on this VMA-322 A-4E Skyhawk.

QR

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VMA-322 January 1972 Disestablished in June 1992.

QS

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
HMM-776 January 1972 Disestablished in October 1976.

QT

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
HMLAT-303 April 1982

QY

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
H&MS-46, Headquarters and Maintenance Squadron 46 January 1972

QZ

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
H&MS-49, Headquarters and Maintenance Squadron 49 July 1971

R

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
USS Cabot (CVL-28) July 1945
USS Randolph (CV-15) 8 January 1946, U.S. Navy Letter FF12-5
CVG-17, Carrier Air Group 17 12 December 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 165-46 Code changed to "AL" in 1957.
NAS New York November 1946 Code changed to "7R" in 1956.
U.S. Navy tail code
The "RA" tail code of HS-10 is seen on this SH-60F Seahawk.

RA

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VRU-1 7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
VR-2 4 August 1948, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 69-48 Disestablished in June 1958.
RCVG-51, Replacement Carrier Antisubmarine Warfare Air Group 51 1960 Disestablished in June 1970. RCVG-51 tail code retained by VS-41 and HS-10.
VS-41 June 1970 Disestablished in 2006.
HS-10 June 1970

RB

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VRU-2

Re-designated VR-22

7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
VP-42 1957 Disestablished in September 1969.
HC-5

Re-designated HSC-25

1984
U.S. Navy tail code
A P-3C Orion of VP-46.

RC

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VRU-3

Re-designated VR-23

7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
VP-46 1957
U.S. Navy tail code
A P-3C Orion of VP-47.

RD

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VRU-4

Re-designated VR-24

7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
VP-47 1957

RE

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
USS Rendova (CVE-114) 7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
VMF-214 12 December 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 165-46
VR-31 4 August 1948, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 69-48
U.S. Navy tail code
A pair of VMFP-3 RF-4B Phantoms show off their "RF" tail codes.

RF

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
Fighter units of Navy Air Reserve at NAS New York November 1946 A very short-lived assignment.
VR-32 4 August 1948, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 69-48
VMFP-3 July 1975 Disestablished in September 1990.
U.S. Navy tail code
A C-2A Greyhound of VRC-50.

RG

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VRC-50 October 1966 Disestablished in October 1994.

RH

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VR-8 4 August 1948, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 69-48 Disestablished in 1957.

RI

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
USS Oriskany (CV-34) 7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
CVG-21, Carrier Air Group 21 12 December 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 165-46 Tail code changed to "G" in 1955.

RL

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VXS-1, Scientific Development Squadron 1 December 2004
U.S. Navy tail code
An EA-6A Intruder assigned to VMCJ-1.

RM

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VR-44 4 August 1948, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 69-48
VMC-1

Subsequently re-designated VMCJ-1, VMAQ-1 and VMAQT-1

29 July 1950, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 43-50

RN

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VR-7 1957
U.S. Navy tail code
The squadron's tail code is seen clearly on this VR-23 TBM-3R Avenger COD aircraft.

RK

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VR-23 August 1951 Disestablished in 1957.
U.S. Navy tail code
A P-3A Orion of VP-31.

RP

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VR-1 4 August 1948, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 69-48
VP-31 June 1960 Disestablished in October 1993.
U.S. Navy tail code
The "RR" tail code on this AD-5W Skyraider indicates assignment to VAW-11.

RR

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
USS Yorktown (CV-10) July 1945
USS Belleau Wood (CVL-24) 8 January 1946, U.S. Navy Letter FF12-5
VAW-11

Re-designated VAW-111

1957 Disestablished in 1976. Re-established in October 1986, disestablished in April 1988.

RS

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VR-5 4 August 1948, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 69-48 Disestablished in June 1957.
VR-61 October 1982

RT

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VR-3 4 August 1948, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 69-48 Disestablished in 1957.
VR-53 October 1983 Code changed to "WV" in 1999.
U.S. Navy tail code
"RU" lettering on this C-130T Hercules indicates assignment to VR-55.

RU

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VR-6 4 August 1948, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 69-48 Disestablished in 1957.
VR-55 April 1976

RV

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VR-51 1985
U.S. Navy tail code
A C-2A Greyhound of VRC-30.

RW

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VR-30

Re-designated VRC-30

1960s

RX

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VR-57 November 1977

RY

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VR-51 November 1970 Code changed to "RV" in 1985.
VR-59 1985
U.S. Navy tail code
The "RZ" code on the starboard wing of this TBM-3R Avenger indicates assignment to VR-21.

RZ

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VR-21 4 August 1948, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 69-48 Disestablished in March 1977.
U.S. Navy tail code
The "S" on the tail of this FJ-1 Fury indicates assignment to Carrier Air Group 5.

S

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
USS Hornet (CV-12) July 1945
USS Franklin (CV-13) 8 January 1946, U.S. Navy Letter FF12-5 This assignment was obviously a purely bureaucratic one as USS Franklin was never put back into service after heavy damage received on 19 March 1945.
NAS Norfolk November 1946 Code changed to "6S" in 1956.
CVG-5, Carrier Air Group 5 12 December 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 165-46 Tail code changed to "NF" in 1956.

SA

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
USS Saipan (CVL-48) 7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
VP-MS-2

Re-designated VP-42

7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46 Tail code changed to "RB" in 1957.
CVLG-1, Carrier Air Group Light 1 12 December 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 165-46 A very short-lived assignment.
VMFT-10 1956 Disestablished in July 1958.
HC-3

Re-designated HSC-3

1967

SB

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
USS Salerno Bay (CVE-110) 7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
VP-ML-2

Re-designated VP-2

7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46 Tail code changed to "YB" in 1957.
BTU-3, Basic Training Unit 3 1950
VMAT-10 December 1951
VMFAT-101 January 1969 Tail code changed to "SH" in the 1970s.
U.S. Navy tail code
An A-4M Skyhawk of VMAT-102.

SC

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VP-ML-4

Re-designated VP-4

7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46 Tail code changed to "YD" in 1957.
VMFT(AW)-10 1957 Disestablished in July 1958.
VMAT-102 January 1969 Disestablished in October 1987.
U.S. Navy tail code
The "SD" code on the vertical stabilizer of this F/A-18 Hornet indicates assignment to VX-23.

SD

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VPP-1

Re-designated VP-61

7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46 Disestablished in January 1950.
VS-831

Re-designated VS-36

June 1951
VMIT-10

Re-designated VMT-2

December 1951
VMT-103 Circa 1970 Disestablished in May 1972.
VX-23 July 1995

SE

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
H&MS-10, Headquarters and Maintenance Squadron 10 1957 Disestablished in 1958.
VP-50 July 1950 Tail code changed to "SG" in 1957.
HMLA-469 June 2009

SF

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VP-731

Re-designated VP-48

September 1950 Disestablished in May 1991.

SG

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VP-50 1957 Disestablished in June 1992.
U.S. Navy tail code
A pair of Avengers assigned to VS-26.

SH

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VS-26 July 1953 Disestablished in May 1956.
AIRBARSRON-2, Air Barrier Squadron 2 1957
VMFAT-101 Circa 1970
U.S. Navy tail code
The tail code of VS-24 is clearly seen on these Grumman Guardians.

SI

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
USS Siboney (CVE-112) 7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
VS-24 29 July 1950, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 43-50 Disestablished in June 1956.

SJ

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VW-12 1957 Disestablished in February 1960.
U.S. Navy tail code
The "SK" on the tail boom of this HSS-1 Seabat indicates assignment to HS-2.

SK

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VS-25 29 July 1950, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 43-50 Disestablished in June 1956.
HS-2

Re-designated HSC-2

1957
U.S. Navy tail code
A group of TBM-3E Avenger anti-submarine aircraft of Composite Squadron VC-22.

SL

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
USS Sicily (CVE-118) 7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
CVEG-2, Carrier Air Group Escort 2 12 December 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 165-46 A very short-lived assignment.
VC-22

Re-designated VS-22

September 1948 Disestablished in June 1956.
VAH-21 September 1968 Disestablished in June 1969.
U.S. Navy tail code
The squadron's code is seen on this HMLA-369 AH-1W Super Cobra.

SM

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VS-27 July 1953
HMLA-369 April 1972

SN

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VS-913

Re-designated VS-39

April 1951
HMM-772

Re-designated HMH-772

April 1958
HMLA-169 September 1971
U.S. Navy tail code
An AF-2S Guardian of anti-submarine squadron VS-31.

SP

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VS-31 29 July 1950, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 43-50

SQ

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
HMMT-302

Re-designated HMHT-302

November 1966 Disestablished in March 1972.
U.S. Navy tail code
A TBM-3W Avenger from anti-submarine squadron VS-32.

SR

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
USS Saidor (CVE-117) 7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
VMF-513 12 December 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 165-46
VS-32 29 July 1950, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 43-50
H&MS-30, Headquarters and Maintenance Squadron 30 Circa 1970 Disestablished.
U.S. Navy tail code
An AD-3Q Skyraider from composite squadron VC-33.

SS

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
USS Bon Homme Richard (CV-31) July 1945
USS Bennington (CV-20) 8 January 1946, U.S. Navy Letter FF12-5
VC-33

Re-designated VA(AW)-33

1949
VAP-61

Re-designated VCP-61 and back to VAP-61

1957 Disestablished in July 1971.
U.S. Navy tail code
An S2F-1 Tracker of VS-38.

ST

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VS-892

Re-designated VS-38

August 1950
VS-771 1961 Deactivated in August 1962.
U.S. Navy tail code
An elaborately marked AF-2W Guardian of VS-37.

SU

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VS-871

Re-designated VS-37

May 1951
VS-772 1961 Deactivated in August 1962.
HMT-301 April 1966 Disestablished in June 2005.
U.S. Navy tail code
An AF-2W Guardian assigned to VS-931.

SV

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VS-931

Re-designated VS-20

March 1951 Disestablished in June 1956.
VS-873 1961 Deactivated in August 1962.
U.S. Navy tail code
An AF-2W Guardian assigned to VS-30.

SW

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VS-801

Re-designated VS-30

February 1950
VS-872 1961 Deactivated in August 1962.

SX

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VS-891 1961 Deactivated in August 1962.

SY

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VS-721 1961 Deactivated in August 1962.

SZ

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
MARS-17, Maintenance and Repair Squadron 17

Re-designated H&MS-17, Headquarters and Maintenance Squadron 17

1957 Disestablished.
U.S. Navy tail code
The "T" on this F2H-2 Banshee indicates assignment to Carrier Air Group 1.

T

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
USS Bataan (CVL-29) July 1945
USS Tarawa (CV-40) 8 January 1946, U.S. Navy Letter FF12-5
CVG-1, Carrier Air Group 1 12 December 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 165-46 Some CVG-1 aircraft (those belonging to VF-14), while temporary attached to an Air Task Group, rendered their tail code as "ATG", though "ATG" was never authorized as a unit code.

The Group's tail code was changed to "AB" in November 1956.

NAS Seattle November 1946 Code changed to "7T" in 1956.
NAS Birmingham August 1950 Code changed to "5T" in 1956.

TA

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
HS-4 1957
HSL-51

Re-designated HSM-51

1980s
U.S. Navy tail code
An MH-53E Sea Dragon of HM-15.

TB

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VAH-1 November 1955 Code changed to "GH" in 1957.
HM-15 January 1987

TC

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VQ-3 July 1968 The squadron's aircraft rarely if ever have their assigned tail code applied.
U.S. Navy tail code
A Kaman SH-2F Seasprite assigned to HSL-31.

TD

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
HC-5 September 1967
HSL-31 March 1972 Disestablished in June 1992.
U.S. Navy tail code
A Lockheed WV-2 Warning Star assigned to early warning squadron VW-1.

TE

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VW-1 June 1952 Disestablished in June1971.
U.S. Navy tail code
An excellent view of a SH-2F Seasprite of HSL-33.

TF

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
HSL-33 July 1973
U.S. Navy tail code
An SH-2F Seasprite assigned to HSL-35.

TG

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
HSL-35

Re-designated HSM-35

January 1974
U.S. Navy tail code
An SH-2F Seasprite assigned to HSL-37.

TH

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VW-4 Mid 1950s Tail code changed to "MH" in 1957.
HSL-37

Re-designated HSM-37

July 1975

TJ

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VW-11 August 1955 Disestablished.

TK

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VW-13 September 1955 Disestablished in 1957.
U.S. Navy tail code
A Lockheed WV-2 Warning Star assigned to early warning squadron VW-15.

TL

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VC-62 Circa 1948 Tail code changed to "PL" circa 1950.
VW-15 October 1955 Disestablished.

TM

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
H&MS-11, Headquarters and Maintenance Squadron 11 1957 Disestablished.
U.S. Navy tail code
A flight of VMCJ-3 RF-4B Phantoms display the squadron's "TN" tail code.

TN

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VMC-3

Re-designated VMCJ-3

October 1952 Re-designated to VMPF-3 in 1975, tail code changed to "RF"

TP

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VJ-62

Re-designated VAP-62

April 1952 Tail code changed to "GB" in 1957.
U.S. Navy tail code
A stylized "TR" tail code is seen on this FJ-4B assigned to Fleet Air Gunnery Unit Pacific.

TR

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
FAGUPAC, Fleet Air Gunnery Unit Pacific 1952 Disestablished in February 1960.
VAQ-129, VAQ-130 September 1970

TS

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
HSL-41

Re-designaed HSM-41

January 1983
U.S. Navy tail code
An SH-60B Seahawk of HSL-43..

TT

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
USS Bennington (CV-20) July 1945
USS Ticonderoga (CV-14) 8 January 1946, U.S. Navy Letter FF12-5 Only in effect until December 1946.
VF(AW)-3 1957 Disestablished in 1958.
RVAW-110 Circa 1971 Disestablished in May 1983.
HSL-43 October 1984

TV

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
HML-167

Re-designated HMLA-167

April 1968

TX

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
HSL-49

Re-designated HSM-49

Circa 1980

TY

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
HSL-47 Circa 1980

TZ

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
HSL-45 October 1986

U

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
USS Hancock (CV-19) July 1945
USS Bunker Hill (CV-17) 8 January 1946, U.S. Navy Letter FF12-5 Only in effect until December 1946.

USS Bunker Hill has never returned to duty as an active carrier after heavy damage received on 11 May 1945, so this code was probably never applied in practice.

NAS St. Louis November 1946 Code changed to "7U" in 1956.
ATG-1, Air Task Group 1 Circa 1950 Tail code changed to "NA" in November 1956.
U.S. Navy tail code
A colourful TA-4J Skyhawk shows the "UA" code of composite squadron VC-1.

UA

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VU-1

Re-designated VC-1

7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46 Disestablished in May 1992.
U.S. Navy tail code
The "UB" on the tail boom of this HSS-1 Seabat indicates assignment to HS-6.

UB

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VU-2 7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
VO-1 4 August 1948, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 69-48
HS-6

Re-designated HSC-6

1957

UC

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VU-3 7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
VO-2 4 August 1948, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 69-48
HS-5

Re-designated HSC-5

January 1953

UD

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VU-4 7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46 Tail code changed to "JF" in 1957.
U.S. Navy tail code
An SH-3G Sea King assigned to VC-5.

UE

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VU-5

Re-designated VC-5

7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46 Disestablished in August 1992.
U.S. Navy tail code
A Grumman US-2C from composite squadron VC-3.

UF

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VU-6 7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
Fighter units of Navy Air Reserve at NAS St. Louis November 1946 A very short-lived assignment.
VU-3

Re-designated VC-3

1948 Disestablished in September 1980.

UG

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VU-6 March 1952 Tail code changed to "JG" in 1957.
U.S. Navy tail code
A pair of A-4F Skyhawks from composite squadron VC-7.

UH

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VU-7

Re-designated VC-7

7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46 Disestablished in September 1980.

UI

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VU-8 7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46 Disestablished.

UJ

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VU-2

Re-designated VC-4

January 1952 Disestablished.

UK

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VU-9 7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46 Disestablished.

UL

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VU-10 7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46 Code changed to "JH" in 1957.
U.S. Navy tail code
The "UM" tail code on this OV-10 Bronco indicates assignment to VAL-4.

UM

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VAL-4 January 1969 Disestablished in April 1972.
U.S. Navy tail code
A Piasecki HUP-2 Retriever of Helicopter Utility Squadron HU-1.

UP

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
Patrol units of Navy Air Reserve at NAS St. Louis November 1946 A very short-lived assignment.
HU-1

Re-designated HC-1

4 August 1948, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 69-48 Disestablished in April 1994.
U.S. Navy tail code
A Piasecki HUP-1 Retriever of Helicopter Utility Squadron HU-2.

UR

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
HU-2

Re-designated HC-2.

4 August 1948, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 69-48 Disestablished in September 1977.

UT

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
HMMT-302

Re-designated HMHT-302

November 1966
U.S. Navy tail code
Stylized "UU" decorates the tail of this OV-10A Bronco from VMO-2.

UU

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
USS Cabot (CVL-28) 8 January 1946, U.S. Navy Letter FF12-5 Only in effect until December 1946.
VMO-2 April 1974 Disestablished in May 1993.

UV

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VMO-5

Subsequently re-designated HML-267 and HMLA-267

December 1967
U.S. Navy tail code
The squadron's "UX" tail code on this Skyhawk from VFC-13 is cleverly disguised.

UX

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VC-13

Re-designated VFC-13

September 1973 Tail code changed to "AF" in the 1990s.
U.S. Navy tail code
The "V" on this F9F-2 Panther indicates assignment to CVG-11.

V

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
USS Ticonderoga (CV-14) July 1945
USS Valley Forge (CV-45) 8 January 1946, U.S. Navy Letter FF12-5
CVG-11, Carrier Air Group 11 12 December 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 165-46 Tail code changed to "NH" in November 1956.
NAS Glenview November 1946 Code changed to "7V" in 1956.

VA

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
Attack units of Navy Air Reserve at NAS Glenview November 1946 A very short-lived assignment.
VW-14 1957 Disestablished in February 1960.

VB

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
HS-8

Re-designated HSC-8

1957
U.S. Navy tail code
An F-4J Phantom II of VMFA-115.

VE

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VMF(AW)-115

Re-designated VMFA-115

1957
U.S. Navy tail code
The squadron's tail code is barely discernable on this HH-2C assigned to VH-7.

VH

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
HC-7 September 1967 Disestablished in June1975.
U.S. Navy tail code
An A-6E Intruder of VMA(AW)-121.

VK

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VMA-121

Subsequently re-designated VMA(AW)-121 and VMFA-121

1957
U.S. Navy tail code
An A-4M Skyhawk of VMA-331.

VL

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VMA-331 1957 Disestablished in October 1992.
U.S. Navy tail code
This F-35B sports the "VM" tail code of VMFAT-501.

VM

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VMF-451

Subsequently re-designated VMF(AW)-451, VMFA-451 and VMFAT-501

1957
U.S. Navy tail code
The "VO" on thos HO4S helicopter indicates assignment to HS-4.

VO

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
HS-4 June 1952 Tail code changed to "TA" in 1957.
U.S. Navy tail code
A CH-46D Sea Knight of HC-11.

VR

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VAW-13 September 1959
HC-11

Re-designated HSC-21

1977
U.S. Navy tail code
A Kaman HOK-1 Huskie of VMO-2.

VS

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VMO-2 1957 Tail code changed to "UU" in 1974.

VT

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
HML-367

Re-designated HMLA-367

August 1966

VV

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
USS Bataan (CVL-29) 8 January 1946, U.S. Navy Letter FF12-5 Only in effect until December 1946.
VA(AW)-35

Re-designated VA-122

1957 VA-122 retained the tail code of RCVW-12 ("NJ") until disestablishment in May 1991.
U.S. Navy tail code
An F-4B Phantom II of VMFA-312.

VW

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VMF(AW)-314

Re-designated VMFA-314

1957

VX

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
HMM-561 January 1967 Disestablished in October 1969.

VZ

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
H&MS-56, Headquarters and Maintenance Squadron 56 Circa 1970 Disestablished in July 1971.

W

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
USS Antietam (CV-36) July 1945
USS Wright (CVL-49) 8 January 1946, U.S. Navy Letter FF12-5
NAS Willow Grove November 1946 Code changed to "7W" in 1956.
ATG-2, Air Task Group 2 1952 Tail code changed to "NB" in November 1956.
U.S. Navy tail code
This TA-4F Skyhawk shows the "WA" code of H&MS-12.

WA

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VP-MS-6 7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46 Tail code changed to "BD" in August 1948.
HEDRON-12, Headquarters Squadron Marine Air Group 12

Re-designated H&MS-12, Headquarters and Maintenance Squadron 12

7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46 Disestablished.
U.S. Navy tail code
A Stinson OY-1 Sentinel of VMO-6.

WB

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VP-HL-2 7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
HEDRON-25, Headquarters Squadron Marine Air Group 25 7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
VMO-6 4 August 1948, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 69-48 Disestablished in January 1977.

WC

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VP-HL-1 7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46 Disestablished in May 1947.
VMR-152 7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46 Disestablished in 1959.
BTG-1, Basic Training Group 1
HSC-23 September 2006
U.S. Navy tail code
An FJ-4B Fury of VMA-212 shows its proper "WD" tail code.

WD

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VPM-1 7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
VMR-253 7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
VMT-2 1950
VMIT-10 December 1951 Disestablished in 1958.
VMA-212

Re-designated VMFA-212

1957
U.S. Navy tail code
A flight of A-4 Skyhawks assigned to VMA-214.

WE

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
HEDRON-31, Headquarters Squadron Marine Air Group 31 7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
VMF(N)-542 7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
VMF-214

Re-designated VMA-214

4 August 1948, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 69-48
U.S. Navy tail code
An F7F-3N Tigercat of VMF(N)-513.

WF

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VMF(N)-534 7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
VMF(N)-513

Subsequently re-designated VMF(AW)-513 and VMFA-513

4 August 1948, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 69-48 Disestablished in July 2013.

WG

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
HMLA-773 Det.B 2009
U.S. Navy tail code
A pair of F-4B Phantom II jets of VMFA-542.

WH

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VMF-542

Subsequently re-designated VMF(N)-542, VMF(AW)-542, VMFA-542 and VMA-542

4 August 1948, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 69-48
U.S. Navy tail code
A Douglas AD-4B Skyraider assigned to VMA-225.

WI

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
HEDRON-32, Headquarters Squadron Marine Air Group 32 7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
VMF-225

Re-designated VMA-225

4 August 1948, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 69-48 Code changed to "CE" in 1957.

WJ

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
JTU-1, Joint Training Unit 1 Circa 1948 Disestablished.
U.S. Navy tail code
An F4U-5 Corsair of VMF-224.

WK

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VMF-224

Subsequently re-designated VMA-224 and VMA(AW)-224

7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
U.S. Navy tail code
An F9F-2 Panther of VMF-311.

WL

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VMF-311

Re-designated VMA-311

7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
U.S. Navy tail code
The "WM" code on this HO3S-1 helicopter indicates assignment to the Headquarters Squadron 33.

WM

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
HEDRON-33, Headquarters Squadron Marine Air Group 33

Re-designated H&MS-33, Headquarters and Maintenance Squadron 33

7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46 Disestablished in December 1970.

WP

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VMF-223

Re-designated VMA-223

7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46

WQ

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VQ-2 September 1955 Tail code changed to "JQ" before the end of the decade.
U.S. Navy tail code
An FJ-2 Fury of VMF-312.

WR

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VMF-312 7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
HMLA-775 September 1958 Disestablished in September 2008.
U.S. Navy tail code
An F/A-18 Hornet of VMFA-323.

WS

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VMF-323

Subsequently re-designated VMF(AW)-323 and VMFA-323

7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
U.S. Navy tail code
An FJ-4 Fury of VMF-232.

WT

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VMP-254 7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46
VMF-232

Re-designated VMFA-232

1957
U.S. Navy tail code
A pair of brightly decorated FJ-2 Fury fighters assigned to VMF-235.

WU

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VMF-235
VMF-334

Re-designated VMFA-334

1957 Disestablished in December 1971.
U.S. Navy tail code
A C-130T Hercules of VR-48.

WV

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VR-53 1999 Code changed to "AX" in 2004.

WW

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
HEDRON-16, Headquarters Squadron Marine Air Group 16

Re-designated H&MS-16, Headquarters and Maintenance Squadron 16

March 1951 Disestablished.

WX

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
HEDRON-36, Headquarters Squadron Marine Air Group 36

Re-designated H&MS-36, Headquarters and Maintenance Squadron 36

June 1952 Disestablished.

WZ

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
AIRFMFPAC, Headquarters Squadron Aircraft Fleet Marine Force Pacific 4 August 1948, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 69-48 Disestablished.
U.S. Navy tail code
The "X" on this F2H-4 Banshee indicates assignment to Air Task Group 202.

X

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
USS Wasp (CV-18) July 1945
USS Shangri La (CV-38) 8 January 1946, U.S. Navy Letter FF12-5
NAS New Orleans November 1946 Code changed to "7X" in 1956.
ATG-202, Air Task Group 202 1955 Code changed to "AQ" in November 1956.

XA

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VX-1 7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46 Code changed to "JA" in 1957.

XB

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VX-2 7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46 Code changed to "JB" in 1957.
U.S. Navy tail code
An F7U-3 Cutlass of VX-3.

XC

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VX-3 July 1946 Tail code changed to "JC" in 1957.
U.S. Navy tail code
An LC-130R Hercules of VXE-6.

XD

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VX-6

Re-designated VXE-6, Antarctic Deployment Squadron 6

7 November 1946, U.S. Navy Letter ACL 156-46 Code changed to "JD" in 1957, then reverted to "XD".

Disestablished in March 1999.

XE

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VX-5 June 1951 Disestablished in April 1994.
VX-9 June 1993
U.S. Navy tail code
An FJ-4B Fury of VX-4.

XF

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VX-4 1950 Disestablished in September 1994.

XM

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
HMX-1 December 1947 Code changed to "MX" in 1958.

XX

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
USS Wasp (CV-18) 8 January 1946, U.S. Navy Letter FF12-5 Only in effect until December 1946.

Y

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
USS Bunker Hill (CV-17) July 1945
USS Yorktown (CV-10) 8 January 1946, U.S. Navy Letter FF12-5 Only in effect until December 1946.
ATG-3, Air Task Group 3 1955 Code changed to "NC" in November 1956.
U.S. Navy tail code
The tail code of this Grumman Tracker indicates assignment to VS-21.

YA

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VS-21 1957 Disestablished.
U.S. Navy tail code
An SP-2H Neptune of VP-1.

YB

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VP-1 1957

YC

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VP-2 1957 Disestablished in September 1969.

YD

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VP-4 1957
U.S. Navy tail code
The squadron's code is barely visible on this war-weary CH-53A Stallion of HMH-462.

YF

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
HMH-462 November 1957

YG

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
HMR(M)-463 1957 Disestablished in June 1959.
U.S. Navy tail code
A CH-53D Stallion of HMH-463.

YH

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
HMH-463 September 1958

YJ

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
HMH-465 December 1981

YK

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
HMM-364 September 1961
HMH-466 November 1984
U.S. Navy tail code
A CH-53D Stallion of HMH-362.

YL

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
HMR(L)-362

Subsequently re-designated HMM-362 and HMH-362

1957
U.S. Navy tail code
A CH-46F Sea Knight assigned to HMM-365.

YM

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
HMM-365

Re-designated VMM-365

July 1963

YN

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
HMR(L)-361

Re-designated HMH-361

1957

YP

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
HMR(L)-163

Subsequently re-designated HMM-163 and VMM-163

1957

YQ

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
HMM-268

Subsequently re-designated VMM-268

March 1979
U.S. Navy tail code
An MV-22B Osprey of VMM-161.

YR

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
HMR(L)-161

Subsequently re-designated HMM-161 and VMM-161

1957
U.S. Navy tail code
The tail code of this AH-1W Super Cobra attack helicopter indicates assignment to HMM-162.

YS

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
HMR(L)-162

Subsequently re-designated HMM-162 and VMM-162

1957

YT

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
HMM-164

Re-designated VMM-164

July 1962
U.S. Navy tail code
A TF-9J Cougar of Headquarters and Maintenance Squadron 13.

YU

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
H&MS-13, Headquarters and Maintenance Squadron 13

MALS-13, Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 13

1957 Disestablished.

YV

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
H&MS-15, Headquarters and Maintenance Squadron 15 1957 Disestablished.
U.S. Navy tail code
An excellent shot of a CH-46D Sea Knight of HMM-165.

YW

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
HMM-165

Re-designated VMM-165

July 1965

YX

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
HMM-166

Re-designated VMM-166

September 1986

YY

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
USS Midway (CV-41) July 1945
USS San Jacinto (CVL-30) 8 January 1946, U.S. Navy Letter FF12-5 Only in effect until December 1946.
U.S. Navy tail code
An MV-22B Osprey of VMM-363.

YZ

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
HMR(L)-363

Subsequently re-designated HMM-363, HMH-363 and VMM-363

1957

Z

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
USS Shangri La (CV-38) July 1945
USS Lake Champlain (CV-39) 8 January 1946, U.S. Navy Letter FF12-5 Only in effect until December 1946.
NAS Squantum November 1946
ATG-4, Air Task Group 4 1955 Code changed to "ND" in November 1956.

ZA

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
Attack units of Navy Air Reserve at NAS Squantum November 1946 A very short-lived assignment.
VAH-2 November 1955 Re-designated VAQ-132 in November 1968.
U.S. Navy tail code
A KA-3B Skywarrior of VAH-4 in flight.

ZB

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VAH-4 1957 Re-designated VAQ-131 in November 1968.
U.S. Navy tail code
An A3D-2 Skywarrior of VAH-6 landing aboard an aircraft carrier.

ZC

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VAH-6 1957 Re-designated RVAH-6 in 1971, tail code changed to "GS".

ZD

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VAH-8 May 1957 Disestablished in January 1968.
U.S. Navy tail code
A P-3B Orion assigned to VP-17.

ZE

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VA(HM)-10

Re-designated VP-17

1957

ZF

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VA(HM)-12 1957 Disestablished in 1959.

ZG

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
HATUPAC, Heavy Attack Training Unit Pacific June 1957 Re-designated VAH-123.

Disestablished in February 1971.

U.S. Navy tail code
The "ZH" code on the AJ-2 Savage on this photograph indicates assignment to VAH-16.

ZH

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VAH-16 15 January 1958 Disestablished in January 1959.

ZR

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
VAH-10 May 1961 Re-designated VAQ-129 in November 1968.
U.S. Navy tail code
An FJ-4 Fury of Guided Missile Group 1.

ZZ

Assigned to Assigned on Notes
USS Boxer (CV-21) July 1945
USS Saipan (CVL-48) 8 January 1946, U.S. Navy Letter FF12-5 Only in effect until December 1946
GMGRU-1, Guided Missile Group 1 1957 Disestablished in September 1960.

References

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