VA-16 (U.S. Navy)
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2025}}
{{Infobox military unit
|unit_name=Attack Squadron 16
|image=Attack Squadron 16 (United States Navy) insignia, 1956.png
|caption=
|dates= 1 June 1955 – 1 March 1958
|country= United States
|allegiance=
|branch= United States Navy
|type= Attack
|role=
|size=
|command_structure=
|current_commander=
|garrison=
|nickname=
|motto=Per Aspera Ad Metam
|colors=
|colors_label=
|mascot=
|battles=
|aircraft_attack=AD-6 Skyraider
|anniversaries=
}}
VA-16 was a short-lived Attack Squadron of the United States Navy, established at NAS Oceana on 1 June 1955. Its motto was Per Aspera Ad Metam (Through Adversities to the Target). The squadron was disestablished on 1 March 1958.
Operational history
File:Douglas AD-6 Skyraiders of VA-16 taking off from USS Lake Champlain (CVA-39), in 1957.jpg aboard {{USS|Lake Champlain|CVA-39|6}} in 1957.]]
The squadron flew AD-6 Skyraiders, and its mission was all-weather attack, including special (nuclear) weapons delivery. In April 1957, while deployed to the Mediterranean aboard {{USS|Lake Champlain|CVA-39|6}}, it operated off the coast of Lebanon during the Jordanian crisis. On 18 December 1957, VA-16 conducted the first air-to-air refueling by an operational AD Skyraider squadron using the buddy store. The refueling took place over NAS Oceana and the squadron's AD-6 refueled an F9F-8. On 9 January 1958, the squadron conducted the first carrier-based AD Skyraider in-flight refueling while operating from {{USS|Ranger|CVA-61|6}}.{{cite DANAS |volume=1 |article=VA-16 |page=30 |section=va-1-23}}
See also
{{Commons category|Attack Squadron 16 (United States Navy)}}
References
{{DANAS}}
{{reflist}}
{{US Navy navbox}}
{{United States Navy Aircraft Squadrons}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Va-16}}