FLEET COMPOSITE SQUADRON ONE, VC-1 BLUE ALIIS

VC-1 was established on 1 July 1965 when Utility Squadron One was redesignated Fleet Composite Squadron One. Stationed at NAS Barbers Point, Hawaii, VC-1 was re­sponsible for utility and training activities as directed by Commander Fleet Air Hawaii. The squadron's mis­sions were as follows:

1.)Radar tracking and intercept train­ing for focally based and transiting ships.

2.)Targets for surface-to-air gunnery. 3.)Torpedo spotting exercises for submarine training.

4.)Photographic missions as assigned to VC-1 Fleet Air Photo Lab. 5.)Launch, airborne control, of Regu­lus Missiles, utilizing ALF Bonham, Kauai, Hawaii.

6.)Targets for surface-to-surface gunnery.

7.)Adversaries for Operational Readi­ness Inspections of Pacific Fleet carriers.

The Blue Aliis were initially equipped with five DF-8A and two DT-33B drone control aircraft. Five F-8Cs were used for fleet and air in­tercepter and target towing duties. Five A-4Bs were used for target tow­ing and aerial refueling services. Photographic duties were handled by one RC-45J, and supply and yoman duties were handled by four US-2Cs. A DP-2E "Neptune" was acquired on 31 May 1966 for launching BOM-34A targets, but the squadron's primary aircraft until retired in 1969 was the F-8 "Crusader". After the phase-out of the F-8s was completed, the squad­ron's primary asset became the TA-4J "Skyhawks" which VC-1 still flies today.

VC-1 DF-8A 145352 at NAS Barbers Point in 1966; note size of red tail markings_ (D. Olson via Jansson)

VC-1 F-8C 146991 at North island on 7-16-66, with a black fin tip, red tail wing tips and sharkmouth (Jansson)