VS-27 - Sea Wolves:



The history of Air Anti-Submarine Squadron TWENTY-SEVEN (VS-27) began when the Navy, spurred by the outbreak of the Korean War, created new carrier squadrons charged specifically with the mission of Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) VS-27 was established on 15 November 1950 and operations commenced with the single-engine World War II Grumman “Avenger” (TBF) at the Naval Air Station Norfolk, Virginia.

VS-27 trained as NAS Norfolk in preparation for its first cruise and operational readiness inspection (ORI) which was held on board USS KULA GULF (CVE 108) in May-June 1951. In August of 1951 the “Avenger” was replaced with the larger, more modern single engine Grumman “Guardian.” The “Guardians” flew in pairs; one aircraft being responsible for hunting submarines with special detecting devices, while the other had the job of destroying the submarine. Also in 1951 VS-27 was aboard USS SIBONEY in August and the USS BLOCK ISLAND in October for training off Virginia Capes.

Recognition for this squadron came quickly. During its first year an east coast commentator coined a title for VS-27 “The Grim Watchdogs of the Eastern Sea frontier.” In January 1952, VS-27 embarked on the USS WRIGHT to join the Sixth Fleet in the Mediterranean. The squadron perfected its ASW Tactics and developed many tactics still in use today.

In June 1953, a detachment of VS-27 pilots and aircrew men made the first ever landing on an angle deck carrier on board the USS ANTIETAM. Late in 1954, VS-27 received a new aircraft, the S-2F “Tracker” which was to revolutionize ASW Tactics. In 1955, VS-27 was awarded the Battle Efficiency “E”. The following year, the squardons won the “E” again after many outstanding ASW missions. In January 1959, VS-27 made the Atlantic Fleet record book in a clean sweep of every ASW award: Third”E”, COMNAVAIRLANT “Aviation “A” award for safety,” the Captain A.J. Isbell Trophy for ASW excellence, and the CNO Safety Award. In January 1960, the squadron deployed to the Mediterranean on board the USS VALLEY FORGE.

In October 1961 USS ESSEX sailed for duty in the eastern Atlantic with VS-27 participated in the Mercury Space Program and played an important role in picking up astronaut Scott Carpenter after his space flight. Shortly after the outbreak of the Cuban Crisis in October 1962, VS-27 was alerted and went “on station” in the Caribbean. The Squadron conducted day and night operations during the entire Cuban Crisis. During November, VS-27 logged 1,050 flight hours, 66 percent at night. This set an AIRLANT record for the number of flight hours flown in a single month by a ten plane squadron until 1982.

In January 1963, the squadron deployed for a two month cruise on board USS INTREPID and was assigned to photograph the ships which removed the Russian Troops from Cuba. VS-27 commenced transition to the Grumman’s famous S-2E in September, 1964. On 23 March 1965, the squadron participated in the recovery of Gemini astronauts “Gus” Grissom and “John Young” while deployed in the western Atlantic on the USS INTREPID.

On 11 November 1966, VS-27 commenced two weeks of advanced ASW exercises utilizing the services of the USS TRITON (SSRN-586). During their exercises the squadron was the first to explore the data methods for machine reprocessing and participated in detailed exercise reconstruction. On 31 December 1966, VS-27 had complied an impressive 32,477.5 accident free flight hours. From January 1968 to June 1968, VS-27 was in turnaround training at NAS Norfolk, VA with short detachments to the USS RANDOLPH (CVS-15) and USS WASP (CVS-18). A significant event occurred while on deployment to the Mediterranean in 1971. While in an ASW exercise with the USS GREENFISH, an intruder submarine contact was detected and prosecuted for over five (5) hours. The intruder surfaced in frustration and cleared the area. The submarine was photographed and evaluated as one of the “new” Soviet Victor Class Nuclear Attack Submarines.

In 1972 VS-27 was awarded the Meritorious Unit Commendation for meritorious service while training S-3A fleet replacement aircrew and maintenance personnel, for the period 22 January 1987- 21 January 1988. In 1988 VS-27 became the first S-3B squadron and was the only S-3B Fleet Replacement Squadron until VS-41 transitioned in the early 90’s. In 1990 VS-27 won the NAS Cecil Field Energy Conservation Award. In 1992, VS-27 was awarded the NAS Cecil Field Tenant Command Safety Award in addition to the Lockheed Golden Wrench Award for maintenance excellence. In September 1993, VS-27 was re-designed as Sea Control Squadron TWO SEVEN to reflect the multi-mission role. On 30 September 1994, VS-27 was disestablished.