Welcome to the un-official web site of the Fighting Blackbirds. We hope that you enjoy your visit. The Fighting Blackbirds has a remarkable history of great records.

They were commissioned as Torpedo Squadron VT-75, during World War II. Known as the "Black Nights" and flew TBM Avengers until turning over to AD-1 Skyraiders in 1946. They were then redesignated VA-4B, but was changed to VA-45 in 1948. The name then switching over to the "Blackbirds". During the Korean conflict, VA-45 flew 387 combat missions, delivering a million and a half pounds of ordnance on the enemy. They returned to NAS Jacksonville, Florida.

They disestablished in March 1958, but was reactivated in February 1963 as a replacement pilot training squadron for the A-1 Skyraider. They then moved to NAS Cecil Field, Florida, just up the road from NAS Jacksonville. On August 16, 1976, VA-45 received a letter from the Chief of Naval Operations that added DACM training to VA-45's mission. VA-45 pilots began simulating enemy threat aircraft for embarked as well as shore-based air wings.

In March 1980, the squadron relocated to Key West, Florida. to finish out their duration tour. On October 1, 1984 the squadron officially became one of the Navy's Adversary Commands, and was placed under Fighter Wing ONE. VF-45 has since decommissioned, and I can not find any information on this. Some of the airplanes went to the USS Lexington, AVT-16 in Corpus Christi, Texas.

We have compiled many pictures from over the years. Unfortunately, we do not have most of names to the people. We are also looking for personnel from the squadron from the past. Please let us know if you were stationed with VF-45 Please send us your link, or updated info on where you are.

While surfing this great site, take a drink from a Margarita and remember that Key West was a great place to be. Sunny days, warm nights, and lots of water.

(Top Photo of a TA-4J with Mustang) 

Page Update: 10/12/00

 Please contact G.White or S.Baggett for info