At this time VS-31 became the first squadron to control the live firing of a Standoff Land Attack Missle (SLAM) through the AWW-13 Data Link Pod and Maverick Missile Control System. This included the evaluation of the proposed EO/IR improvement for the Viking community.
In January 1996, VS-31 deployed to the Mediterranean and Arabian Gulf and participated in Operations JOINT ENDEAVOR and again in SOUTHERN WATCH.ĭuring 1999, VS-31 took part in the operational testing of new weapons and sensor upgrades. In 1994 the squadron worked in the Adriatic Sea in support of UN Operations SHARP GUARD and DENY FLIGHT and also flew in the Arabian Gulf in support of SOUTHERN WATCH and VIGILANT WARRIOR. In September 1991 VS-31 became the first operational squadron to employ the S-3B’s Harpoon missile system by launching a missile during exercises in the North Arabian Sea. VS-31 became the first squadron to deploy with the S-3B Viking in March 1990, during which the unit participated in Operation DESERT SHIELD, arriving in the Red Sea within days of the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait. The S-3B gave VS-31 and all of the other VS units a massive improvment in Anti-Submarine and Anti-Surface Warfare capabilities. VS-31 deployed to the Mediterranean again in 1988, this would be the last deployment with the S-3A as on return to the USA the unit transitioned to the S-3B Viking. The first deployment operating the S-3 was to the Mediterranean, again on the USS Independence. In the mid 1970s the squadron transitioned to the turbofan powered S-3A Viking, and like other VS squadrons benefited greatly from this much improved ASW platform. The following year VS-31 became the first VS squadron to deploy onboard the USS Independence, this deployment was the last made by the unit operating the S-2 Tracker. In 1973, VS-31 departed NAS Quonset Point, to its new home at to NAS Cecil Field, FL. 1958 saw the unit provide ASW support during the Lebanon crisis and four years later VS-31 provided support during the Berlin crisis. In 1956, VS-31 was deployed onboard the USS Antietam to provide ASW support during the Suez Crisis. This was the units first true Anti-Submarine warfare aircraft which was possessed of both search and destroy capabilities. VS-31's first aircraft was the TBM Avenger, these were followed by the AF Guardian and in 1954 the squadron began its transition to the Grumman S-2 Tracker. The squadron was re-designated Air Anti-Submarine Squadron 31 (VS31) and moved to its new homeport at NAS Quonset Point, RI. In 1949, VC-31 became the Atlantic Fleet’s first VS Squadron when its role was changed to carrier-based anti-submarine warfare. Composite Squadron 31 (VC-31) was established in April 1948 at NAS Atlantic City, NJ.
0 kommentar(er)
