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Redtails Still Ready As They Prepare for Decommissioning

Navy Newsstand

Story Number: NNS040702-09 Release Date: 7/3/2004 10:11:00 AM

By Lt. Scott Miller, Carrier Group 5 Public Affairs

ATSUGI, Japan (NNS) -- After 59 years of service and after returning in May from a successful deployment as part of the USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) Strike Group, the Fighting Redtails of Sea Control Squadron (VS) 21 are preparing for their decommissioning in January 2005.

Cmdr. David A. Mayo, the squadron's final commanding officer, will oversee the decommissioning but will also ensure that the Redtails are able to conduct operations until another Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5 squadron takes over two critical missions that are performed by VS-21.

"Our decommissioning coincides with the return of [Strike Fighter Squadron] VFA-27, the second Super Hornet squadron coming to CVW-5, arriving certified as 'safe for flight,'" said Lt. Cmdr. William L. Blacker, the squadron's operations officer.

"They are taking over our job as the primary tanker and surface search and control asset," he said.

Prior to the official decommissioning ceremony Nov. 4, VS-21 is planning a week-long celebration of the squadron's successes and contributions to naval aviation.

"The decommissioning ceremony will take place following 'Redtail Week,'" said Cmdr. Paul J. Foster, the squadron's executive officer. "Associated events such as a golf tournament, softball, volleyball, a picnic, and other sporting events are also planned."

The decommissioning ceremony will culminate in a final Redtail Ball, which will be a gala event with music, dancing and other entertainment.

"The Redtail Ball will be like the Christmas party and a retirement party all rolled into one," said Command Master Chief (AW/SW) Frederick G. Sherris. "The more people put into the decom party, in terms of time and money to the wardroom fund, the better it will turn out."

Following the decommissioning, the aircraft must be flown to the United States, where they become part of another squadron.

"Regular maintenance will continue to keep the jets prepared for turnover with other squadrons," Blacker said. "All the jets will eventually be returned to VS-41, the model manager in San Diego, where they will then be distributed to the other squadrons and Davis Monthan Air Force Base, Tucson, Ariz., for retirement."

But before the jets are flown to their new home, VS-21 wants to take a final opportunity to celebrate the history of the squadron. An aircraft will be painted in a World War II paint scheme, to include nose art, to commemorate the history of the squadron.

The origin of VS-21 can be traced back to March 26, 1945, when Escort Carrier Air Group 41, equipped with the FR-1 Fireball, was established. The squadron was designated CVEG-1 in 1946 and then redesignated Composite Squadron (VC) 21 in 1948. VC-21 was again redesignated in 1950, this time as Anti-Submarine Squadron (VS) 21.

As VS-21, they were the first carrier-based squadron to deploy for action in the Korean War.

In April 1991, VS-21 was selected by Naval Air Force Pacific Fleet as the first West Coast squadron to transition to the Lockheed S-3B Viking. In August of that year, VS-21 embarked aboard USS Independence (CV 62) and joined Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5 as the only permanently forward-deployed VS squadron, operating from Atsugi, Japan.

Then, in 1993, VS-21 was redesignated for a final time as Sea Control Squadron 21 in keeping with the S-3B's multi-mission capability.