Author Topic: Number Designation Question (Read 892 times)

Treize69 · « **Reply #15 on:** August 04, 2007, 12:34:10 PM »

Oddly enough, I've noticed that the modern Navy recycles old unit insignias and names with totally different unit designators.

Like the old VF-17 and the modern VF-84 (I think 84?) both being the "Jolly Rogers".

Oh, and VF-17 got its designation when it was originally assigned to the Bunker Hill, but it was removed from carrier duty for its tour (even though all its pilots had carrier qualified with the F4U and felt confident going to war in it on a CV) and replaced with a Hellcat squadron- so VB-17 and VT-17 had an accompanying fighter unit with a different designator.

This has been another Useless Fact.

Saxman · « **Reply #16 on:** August 04, 2007, 12:53:31 PM »

VF-84 was retired several years ago. VF-100 (I THINK it was VF-100) was given permission to take over the Jolly Rogers name to keep the tradition alive.

Bosco123 · « **Reply #17 on:** August 04, 2007, 09:21:59 PM »

what I was asking on any plane in the british airplane had 3 letters

1 letter then the insignia then 2 more letters. I understand what the frst letter means thanks to Trieze.

what are the last 2 though?

Treize69 · « **Reply #18 on:** August 05, 2007, 07:40:06 AM »

Greebo's response covered that scroll up a few.

Sketch · « **Reply #19 on:** August 05, 2007, 08:41:06 AM »

Quote

Originally posted by Treize69
Basically. Theres really no logic to it, its not in order formed or anything. I mean 2 of the squadrons of the 1st Fighter Group were the 71st and 94th for god sakes. The 4th had the 334th, 335th, and 336th.

Which is Seymour Johnson AFB, NC. (which is where I am stationed) and here is the history of it... SJ Fact Sheet

Bosco123 · « **Reply #20 on:** August 05, 2007, 01:35:51 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by Greebo
If you mean the letters close to the roundel, the two letters close together are for the squadron, i.e QJ was for 92 Squadron. The other letter was for the individual aircraft in that squadron.

The exception to this for was Wing Commanders, who could have their initials as a personal code. So Douglas Bader was DB, Johnnie Johnson JEJ and so on.

The USAAF in north Europe adopted the RAF system as well. In the end there were so many squadrons they started using numbers in the squadron codes.

thaks greebo, wanted to know that