US Navy & Marine Corps Tail Codes

We welcome all "first time question asker persons." Yes, the US Navy and Marine Corps also have a tail code system similar to that used by the US Air Force. The Navy and Marine Corps refer to this convention as the Visual Identification System. Like the Air Force approach, the Visual Identification System consists of a two-letter code indicating the base or ship the aircraft is stationed at and a five-digit serial number called the Bureau Number. However, the Navy system is not as intuitively simple as that used by the Air Force since the two-letter codes are not derived from the name of the location where the plane is stationed. This decision was probably made because many Navy squadrons are affiliated with both an aircraft carrier and a land base, or homeport, where the planes are moved to while the ship is undergoing maintenance. In addition, aircraft carriers are eventually retired and the squadron is transferred to a different ship.

Contrary to the suggestion that Navy tail codes are totally random, there is some logic to their structure. All Navy squadrons stationed on aircraft carriers in the Atlantic Fleet have a tail code starting with the letter "A." Pacific Fleet squadrons start with the letter "N." The pattern for Marine Corps squadrons is not quite as clear but units on the east coast often start with a letter in the first half of the alphabet while those on the west coast often start with a letter in the second half. In general, all Air Force planes stationed at a given base have the same tail code and all Navy squadrons stationed aboard the same ship have the same tail code. The Marine Corps differs in this regard since all Marine aircraft within a given squadron have the same tail code regardless of where the unit is stationed or moves over time. Marine tail codes do sometimes change temporarily while the unit is embarked on an aircraft carrier or amphibious assault ship.

F-18E of VFA-22 in CVW-14 aboard the USS Ronald Reagan showing its tail code
F-18E of VFA-22 in CVW-14 aboard the USS Ronald Reagan showing its tail code

Given that background information, below is a list of current tail codes used by the Navy and Marine Corps. This information is complete to the best of our knowledge as of April 2007. Unlike the previous explanation of Air Force tail codes taken from one official source, this list has been compiled from a variety of official Navy documents and more recent unofficial sources that sometimes conflict. The list includes the ship and/or command to which each squadron belongs as well as the base or homeport where the unit is stationed. An explanation of these designations and abbreviations is provided below. 


Abbreviation	Full Designation
===========================================================================================================
CACCLW		Commander, Airborne Command Control and Logistics Wing (COMACCLW)
CFLSW		Commander, Fleet Logistics Support Wing (COMFLELOGSUPPWING)
CHMSWL		Commander, Helicopter Maritime Strike Wing, US Atlantic Fleet (COMHELMARSTRIKEWINGLANT)
CHMSWP		Commander, Helicopter Maritime Strike Wing, US Pacific Fleet (COMHELMARSTRIKEWINGPAC)
CHSCWL		Commander, Helicopter Sea Combat Wing, US Atlantic Fleet (COMHSCWL)
CHSCWP		Commander, Helicopter Sea Combat Wing, US Pacific Fleet (COMHSCWP)
CHWR		Commander, Helicopter Wing Reserve (COMHELWINGRES)
COTF		Commander, Operational Test and Evaluation Force (COMOPTEVFOR)
CNASC		Commander, Naval Air Systems Command (COMNAVAIRSYSCOM)
CNATRA		Commander, Naval Air Training Command (COMNATRACOM)
CNMAWC		Commander, Naval Mine and Anti-Submarine Warfare Command (COMINEWARCOM)
CNRFC		Commander, Naval Reserve Forces Command (COMNAVRESFORCOM)
CPRW		Commander, Patrol & Reconnaissance Wing (COMPATRECONWING)
CRPW		Commander, Reserve Patrol Wing (COMRESPATWING)
CSCW		Commander, Strategic Communications Wing (COMSTRATCOMWING)
CSCWL		Commander, Sea Control Wing, US Atlantic Fleet (COMSEACONWINGLANT)
CSFWL		Commander, Strike Fighter Wing, US Atlantic Fleet (COMSTRIKFITWINGLANT)
CSFWP		Commander, Strike Fighter Wing, US Pacific Fleet (COMSTRIKFITWINGPAC)
CVWP		Commander, Electronic Attack Wing, US Pacific Fleet (COMVAQWINGPAC)

CTW		Training Air Wing
CVW		Carrier Air Wing
CVWR		Carrier Air Wing Reserve
MAG		Marine Air Group
MAW		Marine Aircraft Wing
NFDS		Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron (Blue Angels)

HC		Helicopter Combat Support Squadron
HM		Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron
HS		Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron
HSC		Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron
HSL		Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron (Light)
HSM		Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron
HT		Helicopter Training Squadron
HX		Helicopter Test Squadron
VAQ		Tactical Electronics Warfare Squadron
VAW		Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron
VC		Fleet Composite Squadron
VFA		Strike Fighter Squadron
VFC		Fighter Squadron Composite
VP		Patrol Squadron
VPU		Patrol Squadron Special Unit
VQ		Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron
VR / VRC	Fleet Logistics Support Squadron
VS		Sea Control Squadron
VT		Training Squadron
VX		Air Test and Evaluation Squadron

HMH		Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron
HMLA		Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron
HMM		Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron
HMM(T)		Marine Medium Helicopter Training Squadron
HMT		Marine Helicopter Training Squadron
HMX		Marine Helicopter Squadron
MWHS		Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron
VMA		Marine Attack Squadron
VMAQ		Marine Tactical Electronics Warfare Squadron
VMAT		Marine Attack Training Squadron
VMFA		Marine Fighter Attack Squadron
VMFA(AW)	Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron
VMFAT		Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron
VMGR		Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron
VMM		Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron
VMMT		Marine Medium Tiltrotor Training Squadron
VMR		Marine Transport Squadron
VMX		Marine Tiltrotor Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron

AFB		Air Force Base
ANGB		Air National Guard Base
JRB		Joint Reserve Base
MCAS		Marine Corps Air Station
MCB		Marine Corps Base
NAF		Naval Air Facility
NAR		Naval Air Reserve
NAS		Naval Air Station
NAWS		Naval Air Weapons Station
NS		Naval Station
NSA		Naval Support Activity
RAFS		Royal Air Force Station
===========================================================================================================
Sequential tail codes of the Blue Angels flight demo squadron
Sequential tail codes of the Blue Angels flight demo squadron 

Code	Aircraft	Unit		Name		Base / Homeport			Carrier / Command
===========================================================================================================
1	F/A-18A				Blue Angels	NAS Pensacola, Florida		NFDS
2	F/A-18A				Blue Angels	NAS Pensacola, Florida		NFDS
3	F/A-18A				Blue Angels	NAS Pensacola, Florida		NFDS
4	F/A-18A				Blue Angels	NAS Pensacola, Florida		NFDS
5	F/A-18A				Blue Angels	NAS Pensacola, Florida		NFDS
6	F/A-18A				Blue Angels	NAS Pensacola, Florida		NFDS
7	F/A-18A				Blue Angels	NAS Pensacola, Florida		NFDS

5A	UC-12B, UC-35D, Marine Aviation Supply Det.	NAF Washington, Maryland
	C-37A
5B	UC-12B		Headquarters & Headquarters Sqn	MCAS Beaufort, South Carolina
5D	UC-12B		Headquarters & Headquarters Sqn	MCAS New River, North Carolina
5F	UC-12F		Headquarters & Headquarters Sqn	MCAS Futenma, Japan
5G	UC-12F		Headquarters & Headquarters Sqn	MCAS Iwakuni, Japan
5T	UC-35D		Miramar Fly Division		MCAS Miramar, California
5Y	UC-12B, HH-1N	Headquarters & Headquarters Sqn	MCAS Yuma, Arizona
7A	UC-12B		NAS Baseflight			NAS Patuxent River, Maryland
7B	UC-12B		Naval Reserve Baseflight	NAS Atlanta, Georgia
7C	UC-12B/M	NAS Baseflight			NS Norfolk, Virginia
7D	UC-12B		Naval Reserve Baseflight	NAS JRB Fort Worth, Texas
7E	UC-12B		NAS Baseflight			NAS Jacksonville, Florida
7F	UC-12B, UH-1N	NAS Baseflight			NAS Brunswick, Maine
7G	MH-60S		NAS Baseflight			NAS Whidbey Island, Washington
7H	UC-12B, HH-1N	NAS Baseflight			NAS Fallon, Nevada
7J	UC-12B		NAS Baseflight			NAS Alameda, California
7K	UC-12B		NAS Baseflight			NAS Memphis, Tennessee
7L	UC-12B		NAS Baseflight			NAS Point Mugu, California
7M	UC-12B		NAS Baseflight			NAS North Island, California
7N	UC-12B		Naval Reserve Baseflight	NAF Washington, Maryland
7Q	UC-12B, UH-60F	NAS Baseflight			NAS Key West, Florida
7R	UC-12B		NAS Baseflight			NAS Oceana, Virginia
7S	UC-12B, HH-1N	NAS Baseflight			NAR Santa Clara, California
7T	UC-12B		NAS Baseflight			NAS Moffett Field, California
7V	UC-12B		NAS Baseflight			NAS Glenview, Illinois
7W	UC-12B		Naval Reserve Baseflight	NAS JRB Willow Grove, Pennsylvania
7X	UC-12B		Naval Reserve Baseflight	NAS JRB New Orleans, Louisiana
7Y	UC-12B		Naval Reserve Baseflight	Selfridge ANGB, Michigan
7Z	UC-12B		Naval Reserve Baseflight	NAS South Weymouth, Massachusetts
8A	UC-12M		Navy Support Baseflight		NAF Atsugi, Japan
8B	C-26D		Navy Support Baseflight		NSA Naples, Italy
8C	C-26D		Navy Support Baseflight		NAS Sigonella, Italy
8D	UC-12M		Navy Support Baseflight		NAS Rota, Spain
8E	UC-12B		Navy Support Baseflight		NAS Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico
8F	UC-12B/M, HH-1N	Navy Support Baseflight		NAS Guantanamo Bay, Cuba
8G	UC-12M		Navy Support Baseflight		Mildenhall RAFS, United Kingdom
8H	UC-12F		Navy Support Baseflight		NAF Kadena, Japan
8J	UC-12B		Navy Support Baseflight		Anderson AFB, Guam
8K	UC-12M		Navy Support Baseflight		NSA Bahrain
8M	UC-12F		Navy Support Baseflight		NAF Misawa, Japan

A	UC-12B, UH-1N	NAS Baseflight			NAS Meridian, Mississippi
A	--see below--	CTW-1 				NAS Meridian, Mississippi	CNATRA
	T-45C 		VT-7		Eagles		NAS Meridian, Mississippi	CTW-1
	T-2C, T-45C 	VT-9		Tigers		NAS Meridian, Mississippi	CTW-1

AA	--see below--	CVW-17 				NAS Oceana, Virginia		CVN-73 (Washington)
	SH-60F, HH-60H	HS-15 		Red Lions	NAS Jacksonville, Florida	CVW-17 / CHSCWL
	EA-6B		VAQ-132		Scorpions	NAS Whidbey Island, Washington	CVW-17 / CVWP
	E-2C		VAW-121		Bluetails	NS Norfolk, Virginia		CVW-17 / CACCLW
	S-3B		VS-22		Checkmates	NAS Jacksonville, Florida	CVW-17 / CSCWL

AB	--see below--	CVW-1 				NAS Oceana, Virginia		CVN-65 (Enterprise)
	SH-60F, HH-60H	HS-11		Dragon Slayers	NAS Jacksonville, Florida	CVW-1 / CHSCWL
	EA-6B		VAQ-137		Rooks		NAS Whidbey Island, Washington	CVW-1 / CVWP
	E-2C		VAW-123		Screwtops	NS Norfolk, Virginia		CVW-1 / CACCLW
	F/A-18C		VFA-86		Sidewinders	MCAS Beaufort, South Carolina	CVW-1 / CSFWL
	F/A-18E		VFA-136		Knighthawks	NAS Oceana, Virginia		CVW-1 / CSFWL
	F/A-18F		VFA-211		Checkmates	NAS Oceana, Virginia		CVW-1 / CSFWL
	S-3B		VS-32		Maulers		NAS Jacksonville, Florida	CVW-1 / CSCWL
E-2C Hawkeye of VAW-123 stationed aboard USS Enterprise
E-2C Hawkeye of VAW-123 stationed aboard USS Enterprise 

Code	Aircraft	Unit		Name		Base / Homeport			Carrier / Command
===========================================================================================================
AC	--see below--	CVW-3 				NAS Oceana, Virginia		CVN-75 (Truman)
	SH-60F, HH-60H	HS-7		Dusty Dogs	NAS Jacksonville, Florida	CVW-3 / CHSCWL
	EA-6B		VAQ-130		Zappers		NAS Whidbey Island, Washington	CVW-3 / CVWP
	E-2C		VAW-126		Seahawks	NS Norfolk, Virginia		CVW-3 / CACCLW
	F/A-18F		VFA-11		Red Rippers	NAS Oceana, Virginia		CVW-3 / CSFWL
	F/A-18F		VFA-32		Swordsmen	NAS Oceana, Virginia		CVW-3 / CSFWL
	F/A-18C		VFA-37		Bulls		NAS Oceana, Virginia		CVW-3 / CSFWL
	F/A-18E		VFA-105		Gunslingers	NAS Oceana, Virginia		CVW-3 / CSFWL

AD	E-2C, C-2A	VAW-120		Greyhawks	NS Norfolk, Virginia		CACCLW
AD	F/A-18C/D, 	VFA-106		Gladiators	NAS Oceana, Virginia		CSFWL
	F/A-18E/F, T-34C

AF	--see below--	CVWR-20				NAS Atlanta, Georgia		CNRFC
	EA-6B		VAQ-209		Star Warriors	NAF Washington, Maryland	CVWR-20
	E-2C		VAW-77		Nightwolves	NAS Atlanta, Georgia		CVWR-20
	F/A-18A		VFA-201		Hunters		NAS JRB Ft. Worth, Texas	CVWR-20
	F/A-18A		VFA-204		River Rattlers	NAS JRB New Orleans, Louisiana	CVWR-20
	F/A-18C		VFC-12		Fighting Omars	NAS Oceana, Virginia		CVWR-20
	F-5E/F/N	VFC-13		Saints		NAS Fallon, Nevada		CVWR-20
	F-5N		VFC-111		Sundowners	NAS Keywest, Florida		CVWR-20

AG	--see below--	CVW-7 				NS Norfolk, Virginia		CVN-69 (Eisenhower)
	SH-60F, HH-60H	HS-5		Night Dippers	NAS Jacksonville, Florida	CVW-7 / CHSCWL
	EA-6B		VAQ-140		Patriots	NAS Whidbey Island, Washington	CVW-7 / CVWP
	E-2C		VAW-125		Tigertails	NS Norfolk, Virginia		CVW-7 / CACCLW
	F/A-18C		VFA-83		Rampagers	NAS Oceana, Virginia		CVW-7 / CSFWL
	F/A-18F		VFA-103		Jolly Rogers	NAS Oceana, Virginia		CVW-7 / CSFWL
	F/A-18C		VFA-131		Wildcats	NAS Oceana, Virginia		CVW-7 / CSFWL
	F/A-18E		VFA-143		Pukin' Dogs	NAS Oceana, Virginia		CVW-7 / CSFWL

AJ	--see below--	CVW-8 				NS Norfolk, Virginia		CVN-71 (Roosevelt)
	SH-60F, HH-60H	HS-3		Tridents	NAS Jacksonville, Florida	CVW-8 / CHSCWL
	EA-6B		VAQ-141		Shadowhawks	NAS Whidbey Island, Washington	CVW-8 / CVWP
	E-2C		VAW-124		Bear Aces	NS Norfolk, Virginia		CVW-8 / CACCLW
	F/A-18C		VFA-15		Valions		NAS Oceana, Virginia		CVW-8 / CSFWL
	F/A-18E		VFA-31		Tomcatters	NAS Oceana, Virginia		CVW-8 / CSFWL
	F/A-18A		VFA-87		Golden Warriors	NAS Oceana, Virginia		CVW-8 / CSFWL
	F/A-18F		VFA-213		Black Lions	NAS Oceana, Virginia		CVW-8 / CSFWL

AX	C-130T		VR-53		Capital	Express	NAF Washington, Maryland	CFLSW

B	--see below--	CTW-2 				NAS Kingsville, Texas		CNATRA
	T-45A		VT-21	      Fighting Redhawks	NAS Kingsville, Texas		CTW-2
	T-45A		VT-22		Golden Eagles	NAS Kingsville, Texas		CTW-2

BD	C-130T		VR-64		Condors		NAS JRB Willow Grove, Pennsyl.	CFLSW
BH	KC-130J 	VMGR-252	Heavy Haulers	MCAS Cherry Point, N. Carolina	MAG-14 / MAW-2
BH	KC-130F, NP-3D	VX-30		Bloodhounds	NAS Point Mugu, California	CNASC
BJ	MH-53E		HM-14		Vanguards	NS Norfolk, Virginia		CNMAWC
BR	MH-60S		HSC-28		Dragon Whales	NS Norfolk, Virginia		CHSCWL
CB	EA-6B		VMAQ-1		Banshees	MCAS Cherry Point, N. Carolina	MAG-14 / MAW-2
CE	F/A-18D		VMFA(AW)-225	Vikings		MCAS Miramar, California	MAG-11 / MAW-3
CF	AV-8B		VMA-211		Avengers	MCAS Yuma, Arizona		MAG-13 / MAW-3
CG	AV-8B		VMA-231		Ace of Spades	MCAS Cherry Point, N. Carolina	MAG-14 / MAW-2
AV-8B with the tail code CG of VMA-231 based at MCAS Cherry Point
AV-8B with the tail code CG of VMA-231 based at MCAS Cherry Point 

Code	Aircraft	Unit		Name		Base / Homeport			Carrier / Command
===========================================================================================================
CJ	CH-53E		HMH-461		Iron Horse	MCAS New River, North Carolina	MAG-26 / MAW-2
CW	C-130T		VR-54		Revelers	NAS JRB New Orleans, Louisiana	CFLSW
CY	EA-6B		VMAQ-2		Death Jesters	MCAS Cherry Point, N. Carolina	MAG-14 / MAW-2
DC	F/A-18C		VMFA-122	Crusaders	MCAS Beaufort, South Carolina	MAG-31 / MAW-2
DD	F/A-18C/D, 	VX-31		Dust Devils	NAWS China Lake, California	CNASC
	F/A-18E/F, AV-8B, 
	AH-1W, HH-1N, UH-1N
DR	F/A-18C		VMFA-312	Checkerboards	MCAS Beaufort, South Carolina	MAG-31 / MAW-2
DT	F/A-18D		VMFA(AW)-242	Bats		MCAS Miramar, California	MAG-11 / MAW-3
DW	F/A-18C		VMFA-251	Thunderbolts	MCAS Beaufort, South Carolina	MAG-31 / MAW-2

E	--see below--	CTW-5 				NAS Whiting Field, Florida	CNATRA
	TH-57B/C	HT-8		Eightballers	NAS Whiting Field, Florida	CTW-5
	TH-57B/C	HT-18		Vigilant Eagles	NAS Whiting Field, Florida	CTW-5
	T-34C		VT-2		Doerbirds	NAS Whiting Field, Florida	CTW-5
	T-34C		VT-3		Red Knights	NAS Whiting Field, Florida	CTW-5
	T-34C		VT-6		Shooters	NAS Whiting Field, Florida	CTW-5

EA	F/A-18D		VMFA(AW)-332	Moonlighters	MCAS Beaufort, South Carolina	MAG-31 / MAW-2
ED	F/A-18D		VMFA(AW)-533	Hawks		MCAS Beaufort, South Carolina	MAG-31 / MAW-2
EG	MV-22B		VMM-263	       Thunder Chickens	MCAS New River, North Carolina	MAG-26 / MAW-2
EH	CH-46E		HMM-264		Black Knights	MCAS New River, North Carolina	MAG-26 / MAW-2
EM	CH-46E		HMM-261		Raging Bulls	MCAS New River, North Carolina	MAG-26 / MAW-2
EN	CH-53E		HMH-464		Condors		MCAS New River, North Carolina	MAG-26 / MAW-2
EP	CH-46E		HMM-265		Dragons		MCAS Futenma, Japan		MAG-36 / MAW-1
ES	MV-22B		VMM-266	      Fighting Griffins	MCAS New River, North Carolina	MAG-26 / MAW-2
ET	CH-46E		HMM-262		Flying Tigers	MCAS Futenma, Japan		MAG-36 / MAW-1
EZ	UC-12B, UC-35C	MWHS-4				NAS JRB New Orleans, Louisiana	MAW-4

F	UC-12B		NAS Baseflight			NAS Pensacola, Florida
F	--see below--	CTW-6 				NAS Pensacola, Florida		CNATRA
	T-1A,T-6A	VT-4		Warbucks	NAS Pensacola, Florida		CTW-6
	T-1A,T-6A,T-34C	VT-10		Wildcats	NAS Pensacola, Florida		CTW-6
	T-2C, T-39G/N	VT-86		Sabrehawks	NAS Pensacola, Florida		CTW-6
T-39 trainer of VT-86 stationed at NAS Pensacola
T-39 trainer of VT-86 stationed at NAS Pensacola 

Code	Aircraft	Unit		Name		Base / Homeport			Carrier / Command
===========================================================================================================
FB	BQM-74E, 	VC-6		Firebees	NS Norfolk, Virginia		CHSCWL
	RQ-2A/B
FORCE	P-3C, EP-3, 	VX-20		FORCE		NAS Patuxent River, Maryland	CNASC
	E-2, C-2, S-3, 
	E-6, C-130, T-34C

G	UC-12B, UH-1N	NAS Baseflight			NAS Corpus Christi, Texas
G	--see below--	CTW-4 				NAS Corpus Christi, Texas	CNATRA
	T-34C		VT-27		Boomers		NAS Corpus Christi, Texas	CTW-4
	T-34C		VT-28		Rangers		NAS Corpus Christi, Texas	CTW-4
	T-44A		VT-31		Wise Owls	NAS Corpus Christi, Texas	CTW-4
	TC-12B		VT-35		Stingrays	NAS Corpus Christi, Texas	CTW-4

GX	MV-22B		VMMT-204	Raptors		MCAS New River, North Carolina	MAG-26 / MAW-2
HC	MH-53E		HC-4		Black Stallions	NS Norfolk, Virginia		CHSCWL
HF	AH-1W, UH-1N	HMLA-269	Gunrunners	MCAS New River, North Carolina	MAG-29 / MAW-2
HK	SH-60B		HSL-40		Air Wolves	NS Mayport, Florida		CHMSWL
HL	E-6B		VQ-4		Shadows		Tinker AFB, Oklahoma		CSCW-1
HN	SH-60B		HSL-42		Proud Warriors	NS Mayport, Florida		CHMSWL
HP	SH-60B		HSL-44		Swamp Foxes	NS Mayport, Florida		CHMSWL
HQ	SH-60B		HSL-46		Grandmasters	NS Mayport, Florida		CHMSWL
HR	SH-60B		HSL-48		Vipers		NS Mayport, Florida		CHMSWL
HU	MH-60S		HSC-2		Fleet Angels	NS Norfolk, Virginia		CHSCWL
HW	MH-60S		HSC-26		Chargers	NS Norfolk, Virginia		CHSCWL
JA	P-3C, S-3B, 	VX-1		Pioneers	NAS Patuxent River, Maryland	COTF
	SH-60B/F, HH-60H,
	MH-60R/S
JK	C-2A		VRC-40		Rawhides	NS Norfolk, Virginia		CACCLW
JQ	EP-3E		VQ-2		Rangers		NAS Rota, Spain			?
JR	C-20G		VR-48	      Capital Skyliners	NAF Washington, Maryland	CFLSW
JS	C-9B		VR-46		Eagles		NAS Atlanta, Georgia		CFLSW
JT	C-9B		VR-52		Taskmasters	NAS JRB Willow Grove, Pennsyl.	CFLSW
JU	C-9B		VR-56		Globemasters	NS Norfolk, Virginia		CFLSW
JV	C-40A		VR-58		Sunseekers	NAS Jacksonville, Florida	CFLSW
JW	C-130T		VR-62		Nor' Easters	NAS Brunswick, Maine		CFLSW
KD	AV-8B, TAV-8B	VMAT-203	Hawks		MCAS Cherry Point, N. Carolina	MAG-14 / MAW-2
LA	P-3C		VP-5		Mad Foxes	NAS Jacksonville, Florida	CPRW-11
LC	P-3C		VP-8		Tigers		NAS Brunswick, Maine		CPRW-5
LD	P-3C		VP-10		Red Lancers	NAS Brunswick, Maine		CPRW-5
LF	P-3C		VP-16		Eagles		NAS Jacksonville, Florida	CPRW-11
LK	P-3C		VP-26		Tridents	NAS Brunswick, Maine		CPRW-5
LL	P-3C		VP-30		Pro's Nest	NAS Jacksonville, Florida	CPRW-11
LN	P-3C		VP-45		Pelicans	NAS Jacksonville, Florida	CPRW-11
LS	F-5E/F/N	VMFT-401	Snipers		MCAS Yuma, Arizona		MAG-46 / MAW-4
LT	P-3C		VP-62		Broadarrows	NAS Jacksonville, Florida	CRPW
LY	P-3C		VP-92		Minutemen	NAS Brunswick, Maine		CRPW
MA	F/A-18A		VMFA-112	Cowboys		NAS JRB Fort Worth, Texas	MAG-41 / MAW-4
MB	F/A-18A		VMFA-142	Flying Gators	NAS Atlanta, Georgia		MAG-42 / MAW-4
MD	EA-6B		VMAQ-3		Moondogs	MCAS Cherry Point, N. Carolina	MAG-14 / MAW-2
MF	F/A-18C		VMFA-134	Smokes		MCAS Miramar, California	MAG-46 / MAW-4
ML	CH-46E		HMM-764		Moonlighters	Edwards AFB, California		MAG-46 / MAW-4
MM	AH-1W, UH-1N	HMLA-775, Det A	Coyotes		Johnstown, Cambria Airport, PA	MAG-49 / MAW-4
MP	AH-1W, UH-1N	HMLA-773	Red Dogs	NAS Atlanta, Georgia		MAG-42 / MAW-4
MQ	CH-46E		HMM-774		Wild Goose	NS Norfolk, Virginia		MAG-42 / MAW-4
MS	CH-53E		HMH-769		Titan		Edwards AFB, California		MAG-46 / MAW-4
MT	CH-53E		HMH-772		Hustler		NAS JRB Willow Grove, Pennsyl.	MAG-49 / MAW-4
MV	MV-22B		VMX-22		Argonauts	MCAS New River, North Carolina	?
MV-22 of the Marine Tiltrotor Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron
MV-22 of the Marine Tiltrotor Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron 

Code	Aircraft	Unit		Name		Base / Homeport			Carrier / Command
===========================================================================================================
MX	VH-3D, CH-46E, 	HMX-1		Marine One	NAS Quantico, Virginia
	CH-53E, VH-60N, 
	MV-22B

NE	--see below--	CVW-2 				NAS Lemoore, California		CVN-72 (Lincoln)
	SH-60F, HH-60H 	HS-2		Golden Falcons	NAS North Island, California	CVW-2 / CHSCWP
	EA-6B		VAQ-131		Lancers		NAS Whidbey Island, Washington	CVW-2 / CVWP
	E-2C		VAW-116		Sun Kings	NAS Point Mugu, California	CVW-2 / CACCLW
	F/A-18F		VFA-2		Bounty Hunters	NAS Lemoore, California		CVW-2 / CSFWP
	F/A-18C		VFA-34		Blue Blasters	NAS Oceana, Virginia		CVW-2 / CSFWL
	F/A-18E		VFA-137		Kestrels	NAS Lemoore, California		CVW-2 / CSFWP
	F/A-18C		VFA-151		Vigilantes	NAS Lemoore, California		CVW-2 / CSFWP

NF	--see below--	CVW-5 				NAF Atsugi, Japan		CVN-63 (Kitty Hawk)
	SH-60F, HH-60H	HS-14		Chargers	NAF Atsugi, Japan		CVW-5 / CHSCWP
	EA-6B		VAQ-136		Gauntlets	NAF Atsugi, Japan		CVW-5 / CVWP
	E-2C		VAW-115		Liberty Bells	NAF Atsugi, Japan		CVW-5 / CACCLW
	F/A-18E		VFA-27		Royal Maces	NAF Atsugi, Japan		CVW-5 / CSFWP
	F/A-18F		VFA-102		Diamondbacks	NAF Atsugi, Japan		CVW-5 / CSFWP
	F/A-18C		VFA-192		Golden Dragons	NAF Atsugi, Japan		CVW-5 / CSFWP
	F/A-18C		VFA-195		Dambusters	NAF Atsugi, Japan		CVW-5 / CSFWP

NG	--see below--	CVW-9				NAS Lemoore, California		CVN-74 (Stennis)
	SH-60F, HH-60H	HS-8		Eightballers	NAS North Island, California	CVW-9 / CHSCWP
	EA-6B		VAQ-138		Yellowjackets	NAS Whidbey Island, Washington	CVW-9 / CVWP
	E-2C		VAW-112		Golden Hawks	NAS Point Mugu, California	CVW-9 / CACCLW
	F/A-18C		VFA-146		Blue Diamonds	NAS Lemoore, California		CVW-9 / CSFWP
	F/A-18C		VFA-147		Argonauts	NAS Lemoore, California		CVW-9 / CSFWP
	F/A-18F		VFA-154		Black Knights	NAS Lemoore, California		CVW-9 / CSFWP
	S-3B		VS-31		Topcats		NAS Jacksonville, Florida	CVW-9 / CSCWL

NH	--see below--	CVW-11				NAS Lemoore, California		CVN-68 (Nimitz)
	SH-60F, HH-60H	HS-6		Indians		NAS North Island, California	CVW-11 / CHSCWP
	EA-6B		VAQ-135		Black Ravens	NAS Whidbey Island, Washington	CVW-11 / CVWP
	E-2C		VAW-117		Wallbangers	NAS Point Mugu, California	CVW-11 / CACCLW
	F/A-18E		VFA-14		Tophatters	NAS Lemoore, California		CVW-11 / CSFWP
	F/A-18F		VFA-41		Black Aces	NAS Lemoore, California		CVW-11 / CSFWP
	F/A-18C		VFA-81		Sunliners	NAS Oceana, Virginia		CVW-11 / CSFWL
SH-60F Seahawk of HS-6 stationed aboard USS Nimitz showing its NH tail code
SH-60F Seahawk of HS-6 stationed aboard USS Nimitz showing its NH tail code 

Code	Aircraft	Unit		Name		Base / Homeport			Carrier / Command
===========================================================================================================
NJ	EA-6B		VAQ-129		Vikings		NAS Whidbey Island, Washington	CVWP
NJ	F/A-18E/F	VFA-122		Flying Eagles	NAS Lemoore, California		CSFWP
NJ	F/A-18C		VFA-125		Rough Raiders	NAS Lemoore, California		CSFWP

NK	--see below--	CVW-14				NAS Lemoore, California		CVN-76 (Reagan)
	SH-60F,	HH-60H	HS-4		Black Knights	NAS North Island, California	CVW-14 / CHSCWP
	EA-6B		VAQ-139		Cougars		NAS Whidbey Island, Washington	CVW-14 / CVWP
	E-2C		VAW-113		Black Eagles	NAS Point Mugu, California	CVW-14 / CACCLW
	F/A-18E		VFA-22	      Fighting Redcocks	NAS Lemoore, California		CVW-14 / CSFWP
	F/A-18C		VFA-25	      Fist of the Fleet	NAS Lemoore, California		CVW-14 / CSFWP
	F/A-18C		VFA-113		Stingers	NAS Lemoore, California		CVW-14 / CSFWP
	F/A-18E		VFA-115		Eagles		NAS Lemoore, California		CVW-14 / CSFWP

NL	EA-6B		VAQ-133		Wizards		NAS Whidbey Island, Washington	CVWP
NL	EA-6B		VAQ-134		Garudas		NAS Whidbey Island, Washington	CVWP
NL	EA-6B		VAQ-142		Gray Wolves	NAS Whidbey Island, Washington	CVWP

NW	SH-60F,	HH-60H	HS-75		Emerald Knights	NAS Jacksonville, Florida	CHWR
NW	HH-60H		HSC-84		Red Wolves	NS Norfolk, Virginia		CHWR
NW	MH-60S		HSC-85		High Rollers	NAS North Island, California	CHSCWP
NW	SH-60B		HSL-60		Jaguars		NS Mayport, Florida		CHWR
NY	KC-130T		VMGR-452	Yankees		Stewart Field ANGB, New York	MAG-49 / MAW-4
OB	P-3B/C		VPU-1		Old Buzzards	NAS Brunswick, Maine		?
PD	P-3C		VP-9		Golden Eagles	MCB Hawaii, Hawaii		CPRW-2
PJ	P-3C		VP-69		Totems		NAS Whidbey Island, Washington	CRPW
PR	EP-3E		VQ-1		World Watchers	?				?
QB	KC-130J/R	VMGR-352	Raiders		MCAS Miramar, California	MAG-11 / MAW-3
QD	KC-130F/R	VMGR-152	Sumos 		MCAS Futenma, Japan		MAG-36
QE	P-3C		VP-40	       Fighting Marlins	NAS Whidbey Island, Washington	CPRW-10
QH	KC-130T		VMGR-234	Rangers		NAS JRB Fort Worth, Texas	MAG-41 / MAW-4
QT	AH-1W, HH-1N, 	HMT-303		Atlas		Camp Pendleton, California	MAG-39 / MAW-3
	UH-1N
PF	CH-46E		HMM-364		Purple Foxes	Camp Pendleton, California	MAG-39 / MAW-3
RA	SH-60F,	HH-60H	HS-10		Warhawks	NAS North Island, California	CHSCWP
RB	MH-60S		HSC-25		Island Knights	Andersen AFB, Guam		CHSCWP
RC	P-3C		VP-46		Grey Knights	NAS Whidbey Island, Washington	CPRW-10
RD	P-3C		VP-47	       Golden Swordsmen	MCB Hawaii, Hawaii		CPRW-2
RG	C-20G		VR-51		Windjammers	MCB Hawaii, Hawaii		CFLSW
RM	EA-6B		VMAQ-4		Seahawks	MCAS Cherry Point, N. Carolina	MAG-14 / MAW-2
ROTARY	Various		HX-21		ROTARY		NAS Patuxent River, Maryland	CNASC
RS	C-9B		VR-61		Islanders	NAS Whidbey Island, Washington	CFLSW
RU	C-130T		VR-55		Minutemen	NAS Point Mugu, California	CFLSW
RW	C-2A, C-26D, 	VRC-30		Providers	NAS North Island, California	CACCLW
	UC-12B, RC-12F
RX	C-40A		VR-57		Conquistadors	NAS North Island, California	CFLSW
RY	C-40A		VR-59	       Lonestar Express	NAS JRB Fort Worth, Texas	CFLSW
SA	MH-60S		HSC-3		Merlins		NAS North Island, California	CHSCWP
SD	F/A-18, EA-18G, VX-23		Salty Dogs	NAS Patuxent River, Maryland	CNASC
	EA-6B, T-45A
X-31 VECTOR research plane being tested at Pax River by the Salty Dogs of VX-23
X-31 VECTOR research plane being tested at Pax River by the Salty Dogs of VX-23 

Code	Aircraft	Unit		Name		Base / Homeport			Carrier / Command
===========================================================================================================
SH	F/A-18A/B/C/D	VMFAT-101	Sharpshooters	MCAS Miramar, California	MAG-11 / MAW-3
SM	AH-1W, UH-1N	HMLA-369	Gunfighters	Camp Pendleton, California	MAG-39 / MAW-3
SN	AH-1W, UH-1N	HMLA-169	Warriors	Camp Pendleton, California	MAG-39 / MAW-3
SP	P-3C		VPU-2		Wizards		MCB Hawaii, Hawaii		?
TA	SH-60B		HSL-51		Warlords	?				?
TB	MH-53E		HM-15		Blackhawks	NS Norfolk, Virginia		CNMAWC
TC	E-6B		VQ-3		Ironmen		Tinker AFB, Oklahoma		CSCW-1
TH	SH-60B		HSL-37		Easyriders	MCB Hawaii, Hawaii		CHMSWP
TS	SH-60B, MH-60R	HSM-41		Seahawks	NAS North Island, California	CHMSWP
TT	SH-60B		HSL-43		Battle Cats	NAS North Island, California	CHMSWP
TV	AH-1W, UH-1N	HMLA-167	Warriors	MCAS New River, North Carolina	MAG-26 / MAW-2
TX	SH-60B		HSL-49		Scorpions	NAS North Island, California	CHMSWP
TY	SH-60B		HSL-47		Saberhawks	NAS North Island, California	CHMSWP
TZ	SH-60B		HSL-45		Wolfpack	NAS North Island, California	CHMSWP
USNTPS	Various		USNTPS	      Test Pilot School	NAS Patuxent River, Maryland	CNASC
UT	CH-53E, MH-53E	HMT-302		Phoenix		MCAS New River, North Carolina	MAG-24 / MAW-2
UV	AH-1W, UH-1N	HMLA-267	Stingers	Camp Pendleton, California	MAG-39 / MAW-3
VE	F/A-18A		VMFA-115	Silver Eagles	MCAS Beaufort, South Carolina	MAG-31 / MAW-2
VK	F/A-18D		VMFA(AW)-121	Green Knights	MCAS Miramar, California	MAG-11 / MAW-3
VR	MH-60S		HSC-21		Blackjacks	NAS North Island, California	CHSCWP
VT	AH-1W, UH-1N	HMLA-367	Scarface	Camp Pendleton, California	MAG-39 / MAW-3
VW	F/A-18C		VMFA-314	Black Knights	MCAS Miramar, California	MAG-11 / MAW-3
WC	MH-60S		HSC-23		Wildcards	NAS North Island, California	CHSCWP
WD	F/A-18C		VMFA-212	Lancers		MCAS Iwakuni, Japan		MAG-12 / MAW-1
WE	AV-8B		VMA-214		Black Sheep	MCAS Yuma, Arizona		MAG-13 / MAW-3
WF	AV-8B		VMA-513	      Flying Nightmares	MCAS Yuma, Arizona		MAG-13 / MAW-3
WG	AH-1W, UH-1N	HMLA-773, Det A	Cobras		NAS JRB New Orleans, Louisiana	MAG-42 / MAW-4
WH	AV-8B		VMA-542		Tigers		MCAS Cherry Point, N. Carolina	MAG-14 / MAW-2
WK	F/A-18D		VMFA(AW)-224	Bengals		MCAS Beaufort, South Carolina	MAG-31 / MAW-2
WL	AV-8B		VMA-311		Tomcats		MCAS Yuma, Arizona		MAG-13 / MAW-3
WP	AV-8B		VMA-223		Bulldogs	MCAS Cherry Point, N. Carolina	MAG-14 / MAW-2
WR	AH-1W, UH-1N	HMLA-775	Coyotes		Camp Pendleton, California	MAG-46 / MAW-4
WS	F/A-18C		VMFA-323	Death Rattlers	MCAS Miramar, California	MAG-11 / MAW-3
WT	F/A-18A		VMFA-232	Red Devils	MCAS Miramar, California	MAG-11 / MAW-3
XE	F/A-18C/D,	VX-9		Vampires	NAWS China Lake, California	COTF
	F/A-18E/F, EA-6B, 
	AV-8B, AH-1W/Z, 
	UH-1Y
YB	P-3C		VP-1	       Screaming Eagles	NAS Whidbey Island, Washington	CPRW-10
YD	P-3C		VP-4		Skinny Dragons	MCB Hawaii, Hawaii		CPRW-2
YF	CH-53E		HMH-462		Heavy Haulers	MCAS Miramar, California	MAG-16 / MAW-3
YH	CH-53D		HMH-463		Pegasus		MCB Hawaii, Hawaii		MAG-24 / MAW-1
YJ	CH-53E		HMH-465		Warhorses	MCAS Miramar, California	MAG-16 / MAW-3
YK	CH-53E		HMH-466		Wolfpack	MCAS Miramar, California	MAG-16 / MAW-3
YL	CH-53D		HMH-362		Ugly Angels	MCB Hawaii, Hawaii		MAG-24 / MAW-1
YM	CH-46E		HMM-365		Blue Knights	MCAS New River, North Carolina	MAG-26 / MAW-2
CH-46 of the Blue Knights (HMM-365) based at MCAS New River
CH-46 of the Blue Knights (HMM-365) based at MCAS New River 

Code	Aircraft	Unit		Name		Base / Homeport			Carrier / Command
===========================================================================================================
YN	CH-53E		HMH-361		Flying Tigers	MCAS Miramar, California	MAG-16 / MAW-3
YP	CH-46E		HMM-163		Evil Eyes	MCAS Miramar, California	MAG-16 / MAW-3
YQ	CH-46E		HMM-268		Red Dragons	Camp Pendleton, California	MAG-39 / MAW-3
YR	CH-46E		HMM-161		Greyhawks	MCAS Miramar, California	MAG-16 / MAW-3
YS	MV-22B		VMM-162		Golden Eagles	MCAS New River, North Carolina	MAG-26 / MAW-2
YT	CH-46E		HMM(T)-164	Knightriders	Camp Pendleton, California	MAG-39 / MAW-3
YW	CH-46E		HMM-165		White Knights	MCAS Miramar, California	MAG-16 / MAW-3
YX	CH-46E		HMM-166		Sea Elks	MCAS Miramar, California	MAG-16 / MAW-3
YZ	CH-53D		HMH-363		Lucky Red Lions	MCB Hawaii, Hawaii		MAG-24 / MAW-1

?	C-20G		Marine Aviation Supply Det.	MCB Hawaii, Hawaii
?	UC-35D		MWHS-1				MCAS Futenma, Japan
?	F/A-18C		VFA-94		Mighty Shrikes	NAS Lemoore, California		CSFWP
?	F/A-18C		VFA-97		Warhawks	NAS Lemoore, California		CSFWP
?	S-3B		VS-24		Scouts		NAS Jacksonville, Florida	CSCWL
?	TC-18F, E-6B, 	VQ-7		Roughnecks	Tinker AFB, Oklahoma		CSCW-1
	EC-18B
?	C-20D, C-37B	VR-1		Star Lifters	NAF Washington, Maryland	CFLSW
?	MH-60R		HSM-71		Raptors		NAS North Island, California	CHMSWP
?	MH-60S		HSC-22		Sea Knights	NS Norfolk, Virginia		CHSCWL
?	NP-3D		VXS-1		Scientific Sqn	NAS Patuxent River, Maryland	CNASC
?	C-9B, UC-35D, 	VMR-1		Roadrunners	MCAS Cherry Point, N. Carolina	MAG-14 / MAW-2
	HH-46D
===========================================================================================================
As described at the start of this article, the above list has been combined from multiple sources and may contain some inaccuracies or omissions. Please contact us with any corrections. Also bear in mind that Navy tail codes can change frequently as squadrons are exchanged between air wings and air wings move between different ships. Both the Navy and Marine Corps are also in the process of phasing out many older aircraft like the F-18A/C Hornet and CH-46 Sea Knight. Squadrons operating these vehicles will be transitioning to the F-18E/F Super Hornet or V-22 Osprey causing some squadrons to be disestablished or change designations.

F-14 of the Tomcatters while it was known as VF-31 (now VFA-31)
F-14 of the Tomcatters while it was known as VF-31 (now VFA-31)

The Fighter Squadron (VF), for example, has transitioned to the Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) with the retirement of the F-14 Tomcat. Sea Control Squadrons (VS) are also being disestablished as the S-3 Viking is phased out.
- answer by Jeff Scott, 8 April 2007

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