VA-144 was an Attack Squadron of the
U.S. Navy, nicknamed the Roadrunners. It was established as VA-116 on 1 December 1955, and redesignated VA-144 on 23 February 1959. The squadron was disestablished on 29 January 1971.[1]
Operational history
September 1957: The squadron, embarked on
USS Hancock, was on station off the coast of
Taiwan due to a build-up of
Chinese Communist forces on the mainland opposite Taiwan.
July 1959: The squadron, embarked on Ranger, maintained station off the coast of
Taiwan due to increased tension between Taiwan and Communist China.
June–November 1964: The squadron participated in Yankee Team Operations. These operations involved support for photo reconnaissance missions over
Laos. During these operations, the squadron was the first operational unit to fly with and drop the
Snakeye weapon.
5 August 1964: VA-144 participated in
Operation Pierce Arrow, air strikes against North Vietnamese torpedo boats, their bases and supporting facilities in retaliation for the attacks on the American destroyers the previous day. Strikes were flown against the North Vietnamese home port of
Hon Gai and the naval craft located there. During this engagement Lieutenant (jg)
Everett Alvarez, Jr.’s
A-4C was hit by antiaircraft fire and he was forced to eject. A rescue attempt failed and he was captured. He became the first American naval prisoner-of-war during the
Vietnam War and was held by the North Vietnamese until 1973.
20 December 1967: Commanders J. R. Powell, Jr. and R. C. Bos were awarded the
Silver Star for planning and leading a successful strike against the heavily defended
Haiphong Thermal Power Plant (west).
24 April 1967: VA-144's aircraft participated in a strike against the
Kép Air Base, the first time the airfield was hit during the air war over North Vietnam.[1]
Home port assignments
The squadron was assigned to these home ports, effective on the dates shown:[1]