| Attack Squadron 85 | |
|---|---|
&sq=Qlik&lang=&file=File:A-6As_VA-85_CVA-63_Jan1966.jpg) VA-85 A-6As over the South China Sea in January 1966. The far aircraft was shot down three months later; both crew members were killed | |
| Active | 1 February 1951 – 30 September 1994 |
| Country | United States |
| Branch | United States Navy |
| Role | Attack aircraft |
| Part of | Inactive |
| Nickname(s) | Black Falcons |
| Engagements | Vietnam War Lebanese Civil War Operation Prairie Fire Operation El Dorado Canyon Operation Desert Storm Operation Deny Flight Operation Continue Hope Operation Southern Watch |
| Aircraft flown | |
| Attack | TBF Avenger A-1 Skyraider A-6 Intruder |
Attack Squadron 85 or VA-85 was a long-lived Attack Squadron of the U.S. Navy. It was called to active duty as U.S. Navy Reserve squadron VA-859 on 1 February 1951 and redesignated VA-85 on 4 February 1953. It was disestablished on 30 September 1994, over 40 years later. The squadron's nickname from 1958-1994 was the Black Falcons. It was the second squadron to be designated VA-85, the first VA-85 was disestablished on 29 November 1949.[1]
- ^ Grossnick, Roy A. (1995). "Second VA-85" (pdf). Dictionary of American Naval Aviation Squadrons. Vol. 1. Washington, DC: Naval Historical Center. p. 145.