From 1967-1968, VAW-33 provided carrier-based ECM services in the Vietnam War zone. Returning to NAS Norfolk in 1970, the squadron, now designated VAQ-33, adopted the Firebirds nickname, and came under operational control of the Fleet Electronic Warfare Support Group. Its new mission was to simulate electronic threats to units of the fleet.

On 31 May 1949, a new "Composite Squadron Thirty-Three (VC-33)" was established at NAS Norfolk, Virginia. This VC-33's mission was "antisubmarine warfare." Its insignia was a "steel gauntlet crushing a submarine." Initially they flew TBM Avengers, but …

VAQ-33, nicknamed the Firebirds, was a Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron of the US Navy, serving for 44 years (1949-1993) under various designations and with a constantly-evolving group of aircraft. It was designated VAQ-33 in 1968, at which time it operated the piston-powered EA-1F Skyraider, or Spad.

VAW-33 Crew Roster . HullNumber.com's mission is to provide a means for shipmates to keep in touch with one another. Registration and communicating with shipmates at Hullnumber.com is FREE FOREVER. We ask that you enter only enough information about yourself that your shipmates can recall you...

VAW - Airborne Command & Control Squadrons former Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadrons were redesignated to Airborne Command and Control Squadrons in 2019 unit

Deployed with VAW-33 Detachments on the Forrestal (Caribbean), Independence (Sea Power Show Practice for a visit by Pres. JFK) Saragtoga (Cuban Blockade) and Enterprise ('63 Med Curise)During time with VAW-33, we shared hanger at NAS …

Title: Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 33 (VAW-33) Caption: Presentation of the 1962 Aviation Safety Award to VAW-33. Probably taken at NAS Quonset Point, Rhode Island.

AIRCRAFT: VAW-33 S-2 BUNO: 136785 and 136788 "...These two (2) TF-1Q's were the Early Dav version of the ECM and Counter Measure Aircraft of today! These planes were assigned to both VC-12 (VAW-22) and VC-33 ( VAW-33 ) in the Early 50's!..."

01 FEB 1968: VAW-33 redesignated VAQ-33. VAQ-33 Website. JUN 1969: VAQ-33 relinquished all its aircraft, is transfered to NAS Norfolk and becomes a part of the newly formed "FEWSG" (Fleet Electronic Warfare Support Group." The group's mission is to provide an electronic warfare aggression environment for fleet exercises.

Everything and anything relating to U. S. Navy ASW Patrol Squadrons is posted with permission on pages dedicated to each respective squadron. Currently, over 200 squadrons are represented. Thanks to EVERYONEs contributions, VPNAVYs History and pictures far exceed those currently found on the InterNet.