VAQ-33
| Electronic warfare squadron | |
|---|---|
VAQ-33 squadron patch | |
| Active | 1949-1 October 1993 |
| Country | United States |
| Branch | United States Navy |
| Role | Electronic warfare aircraft |
| Part of | Inactive |
| Nickname(s) | Firebirds |
| Engagements | Korean War Vietnam War |
| Aircraft flown | |
| Attack | TBF Avenger EA-1F Skyraider ERA-3B Skywarrior EA-6A Prowler |
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VAQ-33, nicknamed the Firebirds, was a Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron of the U.S. Navy, serving for 44 years (1949–1993) under various designations and with a constantly-evolving group of aircraft. It was designated VAQ-33 in 1968, at which time it operated the piston-powered EA-1F Skyraider, or Spad. The squadron had the distinctions of being the last Navy unit to operate the A-1 Skyraider, and of making its last carrier deployment, in 1969. The retirement of the Spad marked the beginning of the squadron's decades-long role as a pioneering electronic aggressor squadron. That role ended with electronic aggressor missions being transferred to the Navy Reserve and the squadron's disestablishment at NAS Key West on 1 October 1993.