VS-22 - Checkmates:

The squadron traces its roots to VA-22, the first east coast carrier based ASW squadron. VS-22 was established on May 18, 1960 at Naval Air Station, Quonset Point, Rhode Island, concurrently with the establishment of Carrier Antisubmarine Air Group FIFTY-FOUR. From 1960 until 1974, VS-22 flew the venerable Grumman S-2 "Tracker" best known as the "Stoof." The squadron now flies the sophisticated S-3B "Viking" aircraft built by Lockheed California Company.

The "Checkmates" have set the VS community standards since the squadron's inception. The highlight of 1961 was the recovery of America's first astronaut, Alan B. Shepard, after his pioneering space flight on May 5 of that year. In August 1965, VS-22 embarked in USS LAKE CHAMPLAIN for another space capsule recovery, this time Gemini 5 with astronauts Gordon Cooper and "Pete" Conrad. Returning to USS ESSEX, VS-22 participated in the recovery of Apollo 7 with astronauts Shirra, Eisele, and Cunningham.

On April 1, 1973, VS-22 joined Air Antisubmarine Wing ONE, the precursor of Sea Control Wing, U.S. Atlantic Fleet. On November 8, 1973, with the subsequent closure of NAS Quonset Point, Rhode Island, VS-22 transferred to NAS Cecil Field, Florida.

Jet transitions started in the summer of 1974 with pilots training in T-2's and A-4's at NAS Meridian, Mississippi. On January 6, 1976, after 22 years of flying the S-2 Tracker, VS-22 sailed from NAS Mayport, Florida to the Mediterranean Sea onboard USS SARATOGA as the first deployed S-3A Viking squadron.

The Checkmates have routinely been at the forefront of naval aviation operations and setting VS community standards. The highlight of 1961 was the recovery of America 's first astronaut, Alan B. Shepard, after his pioneering space flight on May 5 of that year. In August 1965, VS-22 embarked in USS Lake Champlain for another space capsule recovery, this time Gemini 5 with astronauts Gordon Cooper and "Pete” Conrad. Returning to USS Essex, VS-22 participated in the recovery of Apollo 7 with astronauts Shirra, Eisele, and Cunningham. In 1970, VS-22 ASW operations provided more data and tactical experience in hunting nuclear submarines than had ever been done before.

In August of 1990, due to the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait , the JFK responded with a no-notice deployment to the Red Sea . Checkmate aircrews flew the first ever Commander, Battle Force Red Sea, Iraqi border surveillance and signals collection flights.

Operation Desert Storm commenced the liberation of Kuwait on January 17, 1991. Checkmate aircrews flew over 1100 combat hours and 324 combat sorties in direct support of coalition forces. Target information gleaned by VS-22 aircraft played a major role in the suppression of enemy air defenses during the first days of Desert Storm. From January 22, 1991 until the cease-fire on February 28, 1991, the Checkmates flew in every CVW-3 strike against Iraq .

VS-22 tactical innovation did not end with the war. Support of CJTF-4 Counter Narcotics Operations during the last part of 1991 through the first part of 1992 earned the Checkmates the Joint Meritorious Unit Award for locating over 1500 contacts, confirming 50 as suspected offenders.

After a long pre-deployment work-up schedule, VS-22 deployed on MED 1-93 embarked in USS John F. Kennedy in October 1992. Concentrating on multi-national Mediterranean and Adriatic Sea exercises during the first half of deployment, VS-22 provided initial in-flight refueling training for Egyptian Mirage 2000 pilots and practiced ASUW skills while leading over 40 multi-national, integrated and air wing exercise strikes against NATO ships.

Operations Provide Comfort and Provide Promise brought a shift in VS-22’s role as, once again, the S-3B Viking's electronic support systems became the Battle Group Commander's eyes and ears in yet another potentially hostile environment. While conducting air wing proficiency operations during Provide Promise, the Checkmates provided invaluable radar locating and Command and Control information while U.S. Air Force assets dropped relief supplies throughout a dense electronic warfare environment. Additionally, VS-22 contributed to the U.S. Navy's evolving focus on "From the Sea..." with near-land ESM, ISAR, and CCC missions.

In February of 1994, VS-22 joined CVW-3 and the crew of USS Dwight D. Eisenhower. It was at this time that Congress passed laws permitting the embarkation of women in combat units. VS-22 had the distinction of being the first S-3B command to be assigned female Sailors. On April 16, 1995, VS-22 returned from their Mediterranean deployment onboard USS Dwight D. Eisenhower.

On November 26, 1996, the Checkmates deployed with CVW-3 onboard USS Theodore Roosevelt to the Mediterranean/North Arabian Gulf. VS-22 participated in Operations Southern Watch and Decisive Endeavor as well as numerous other joint exercises. On April 21, 1997, in the Eastern Mediterranean , the Checkmates became the first S-3B squadron to launch the AGM-65F Infrared Maverick missile.

VS-22 next deployed onboard USS Enterprise. During JTG 99-1, the Checkmates distinguished themselves in Operation DESERT FOX. Over the northern Arabian Gulf and Kuwait , VS-22 excelled as a critical strike support asset, as Naval Air forces dominated the Iraqi skies from the deck of Enterprise . During Operation Juniper Stallion, VS-22 became the first S-3B squadron to fire a live AGM-65F Maverick missile against a land target, scoring a direct hit. Operating in the Adriatic , VS-22 participated in Operation Noble Anvil, providing critical EW support.

In November 2000 VS-22 and CVW-3 embarked on the USS Harry S Truman’s maiden deployment. On February 16 2001, CVW-3 participated in strikes against Iraq as a part of Operation Southern Watch.

The Checkmates deployed for a second time with CVN-75 in December 2002, this time participating in Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. Launching missions from the Eastern Mediterranean , CVW-3 strike assets played a pivotal role in support of ground forces and the Checkmates were critical to the Air Wing’s ability to execute those missions. October 2004 saw VS-22 deploying with CVW-3 and the USS Harry S Truman for the last time. VS-22 flew 1170 sorties and 3220 hours in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, patrolling the oil infrastructure in the Arabian Gulf during Operation Sea Dragon II missions. Current Navy plans have VS-22 leaving CVW-3 and joining CVW-17 until 2009, when the command will be disestablished. VS-22 will be the last S-3B squadron in the fleet.

The Checkmates have won nine Battle Efficiency Awards. The 1981 Award made VS-22 the first East coast S-3A squadron to win back to back Battle "E"s. Other squadron awards include five COMNAVAIRLANT Aviation Safety Awards, five Captain Arnold J. Isbell Trophies for ASW Excellence, three Navy Unit Commendations, five Meritorious Unit Commendations. Over the past two years VS-22 has won several Golden Wrench awards for excellence in maintenance performance as well as back to back Command Retention Awards.

Decommissioning: 26 January 2009