VA-64 was an Attack Squadron of the
U.S. Navy. It was established on 1 July 1961, and disestablished on 7 November 1969. The squadron was known as the Black Lancers, and was the second squadron to carry the VA-64 designation. It was formed to provide an air defense capability for Carrier AntiSubmarine Air Groups. The squadron flew
A4D-2N/A-4C and A4D-2 aircraft.[1]
17 February–17 June 1962: VA-64 Detachment 48, formed to provide an air defense capability for Carrier Anti-Submarine Air Groups, deployed aboard
USS Wasp for a North Atlantic cruise.
October–18 November 1962: The squadron was embarked on
USS Independence operating in the Caribbean Sea in support of the
Cuban quarantine.
18 November–5 December 1962: VA-64 switched places with
VA-34 and embarked on
USS Enterprise. The complements of both squadrons were lifted between carriers by helicopters. Following the transfer the squadron continued to operate in the Caribbean as part of the Cuban quarantine.
31 July–3 October 1964: The squadron participated in
Operation Sea Orbit, the first circumnavigation of the world by a nuclear task force. The sixty-five-day voyage was accomplished without logistic replenishment. The squadron participated in numerous air power demonstrations during the voyage.
8 June 1967: VA-64’s aircraft were part of an Air Wing 6 strike group that was launched to defend
USS Liberty when she came under
attack by the Israelis.
November 1968: The squadron provided an A-4C, two pilots and seven enlisted personnel to augment the VSF-1 detachment aboard USS Wasp. The detachment provided the ship with a day time air defense capability.[1]