The origin of VS-21 can be traced back to March 26, 1945 when Escort Carrier Air Group Forty One (CVEG-41), equipped with the FR-1 Fireball, was established. Designated CVEG-1 in 1946 and then Composite Squadron Two One (VC-21) in 1948, the squadron flew the extremely capable TBM-3E Avenger. VC-21 was again redesignated in April 1950, this time as Anti-Submarine Squadron Two One (VS-21) and was the first carrier-based squadron to depart the United States for the Korean War. Upon their return to NAS North Island, San Diego in February 1951, the squadron transitioned to the Grumman AF-2 Guardian and shortly thereafter, the Grumman S-2F Tracker.
Specifically designed as a single mission ASW platform, the Tracker combined search and attack capabilities into one aircraft. Following their successful deployment on USS PRINCETON (CVS 37), the Redtails were awarded the Commander, Naval Air Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet Battle Efficiency "E", making them the first VS squadron to win this coveted award.
In 1974, VS-21 was the first squadron to introduce the Lockheed S-3A Viking to the fleet. The twin turbofan powered Viking combined excellent flight characteristics with high endurance to counter the increasingly lethal Soviet nuclear submarine threat. In February 1975, VS-21 sailed into the Mediterranean Sea onboard USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV 67) on the first Viking deployment. That same year the Redtails won the Battle "E", the CNO Safety Award and the Captain Arnold J. Isbell Trophy for ASW excellence.
VS-21 was selected by Commander, Naval Air Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet as the first west coast squadron to transition to the Lockheed S-3B. The transition was successfully completed in April 1991. In August 1991, VS-21 embarked onboard USS INDEPENDENCE (CV 62) and joined Carrier Air Wing Five as the first permanently, forward deployed VS squadron. In keeping with the S-3B's multi-mission capability, VS-21 was redesignated as Sea Control Squadron TWO-ONE in 1993. The S-3B incorporates an extensive weapons system improvement program that added an advanced imaging capable ISAR RADAR, Electronic Counter Measures (ECM) and vastly improved anti-submarine capabilities. The S-3B also employs the AGM-84D Harpoon air-to-surface missile and a superior Electronic Support Measures (ESM) system capable of passively locating and tracking targets.
The Fighting Redtails of VS-21 recorded a remarkable year of accomplishments during 1996. The year was highlighted by the squadron's following participation: Valiant Usher- monitoring Taiwan's first ever democratic Presidential election, Exercises Foal Eagle, Keen Sword and continued USW operations with Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) sister squadron VP-6. In addition,VS-21 set the Sea Control community standard in USW, logging contact time on 25 diverse and challenging targets ranging from Chilean and Japanese diesels to multiple U.S. attack submarines. For their efforts, the squadron received the Captain Arnold Jay Isbell-COM7THFLT SUW/USW Excellence award, Admiral Jimmy Thach-CNO Aviation Achievement, and the COMNAVAIRPAC VS Battle "E".
1997 proved to be another challenging year. The year was characterized by the squadron's participation in numerous combined exercises including: Tandem Thrust- SUW exercise with the Australian Defense Forces, Merlion 97- combined training with the Singapore Armed Forces, Cobra Gold- amphibious landing operation with the Thai Armed Forces, and Valiant Blitz- WAS exercises with VP and surface units.
With 52 years of sub-hunting under their belts, the personnel of VS-21 continually expand their role in battle group operation with one of the most versatile airframes in the inventory.
CVW 5 |
VFA 192 |
VFA 195 |
VAQ 136 |
HS 14 |
VAW 115 |
VF 154 |
VQ 5 |
VRC 30 |
VFA 27 |
