A VA-72 A-7E Corsair II marked “404” launches from an aircraft carrier with the sea behind it.

Senior Airman Chris Putman / U.S. Department of Defense

Military · United States Navy

Attack Squadron 72

The Blue Hawks flew carrier-based strike missions from the Skyhawk era through Desert Storm, helping close the Navy’s A-7 Corsair II combat chapter.

About the Organization

Established in 1945 as a fighter squadron, the unit became Attack Squadron 72 in 1956 and took the A-4 Skyhawk into combat over Vietnam. It later flew the A-7 Corsair II, delivering weapons against ground targets from Navy carriers. During Desert Storm, its A-7Es flew from USS John F. Kennedy alongside VA-46 in the aircraft’s final Navy combat campaign, before VA-72 disestablished in June 1991.

Established

January 25, 1945 · As VBF-18

Became VA-72

January 3, 1956

Final combat campaign

Desert Storm · A-7E Corsair II

Disestablished

June 30, 1991