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VA-174 Hellrazors

U.S. Navy•24 members

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About this Unit

VA-174 Hellrazors

U.S. Navy

Strike Fighter Squadron VA-174 "Hellrazors" was a distinguished U.S. Navy attack squadron originally established as VBF-81 in 1944. The squadron underwent several redesignations, becoming VA-174 in 1966 and earning a reputation as the Navy’s premier fleet replacement squadron for the A-7 Corsair II aircraft. Throughout its service, VA-174 was instrumental in training thousands of Navy and Marine Corps pilots and maintenance personnel, ensuring fleet readiness during the Vietnam War and Cold War eras. The squadron was based at NAS Cecil Field, Florida, until it was disestablished on 30 September 1988.

About VA-174 Hellrazors

About this Unit

Historical Facts

Establishment and Nickname: VA-174, known as the "Hellrazors," was originally established as VBF-81 on March 1, 1944. The squadron underwent several redesignations before becoming VA-174 in 1966.
Longest Serving Jet Training Squadron: VA-174 was the U.S. Navy's largest and longest-serving fleet replacement squadron, specializing in training pilots and maintenance crews on various attack aircraft.
First to Train on A-7 Corsair II: In 1966, VA-174 became the first Navy squadron to receive and train pilots on the new LTV A-7A Corsair II attack aircraft, a key asset during the Vietnam War.
World War II Combat: As VBF-81, the unit participated in combat operations in the Pacific Theater during World War II, flying F6F Hellcats from the USS Wasp (CV-18).
Transition to Jet Aircraft: The squadron transitioned through several aircraft types, including the F4U Corsair, F9F Panther, FJ Fury, A-4 Skyhawk, and ultimately the A-7 Corsair II.
Record Training Output: At its peak, VA-174 trained hundreds of Navy and Marine Corps pilots, as well as thousands of maintenance personnel, playing a crucial role in fleet readiness.
Home Base: The squadron was based at Naval Air Station Cecil Field, Florida, which was a major hub for naval aviation training until its closure in 1999.
Safety Achievements: VA-174 was recognized for its outstanding safety record, logging hundreds of thousands of flight hours with minimal accidents—an impressive feat for a training unit.
Deactivation: VA-174 was officially disestablished on March 30, 1988, after more than four decades of service and training generations of naval aviators.
Legacy and Alumni: Many notable naval aviators and leaders, including future admirals and astronauts, passed through VA-174 for their advanced jet training, cementing its legacy in naval aviation history.

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VA-174 Hellrazors

U.S. Navy•24 members

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About this Unit

VA-174 Hellrazors

U.S. Navy

Unit members

Bruce Lindsay

U.S. Navy Veteran · 1974 - 1975

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Mark Douglass

U.S. Navy · 1965 - 1968

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Kermit Soileau

U.S. Navy · 1974 - 1975

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Greg Williams

U.S. Navy Military Retiree · 1980 - 1981

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Navy photos

Somewhere in Kuwait near the Iraqi border

Siezed Soviet/Iraqi Tank that was abandoned

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About VA-174 Hellrazors

About this Unit

Historical Facts

Establishment and Nickname: VA-174, known as the "Hellrazors," was originally established as VBF-81 on March 1, 1944. The squadron underwent several redesignations before becoming VA-174 in 1966.
Longest Serving Jet Training Squadron: VA-174 was the U.S. Navy's largest and longest-serving fleet replacement squadron, specializing in training pilots and maintenance crews on various attack aircraft.
First to Train on A-7 Corsair II: In 1966, VA-174 became the first Navy squadron to receive and train pilots on the new LTV A-7A Corsair II attack aircraft, a key asset during the Vietnam War.
World War II Combat: As VBF-81, the unit participated in combat operations in the Pacific Theater during World War II, flying F6F Hellcats from the USS Wasp (CV-18).
Transition to Jet Aircraft: The squadron transitioned through several aircraft types, including the F4U Corsair, F9F Panther, FJ Fury, A-4 Skyhawk, and ultimately the A-7 Corsair II.
Record Training Output: At its peak, VA-174 trained hundreds of Navy and Marine Corps pilots, as well as thousands of maintenance personnel, playing a crucial role in fleet readiness.
Home Base: The squadron was based at Naval Air Station Cecil Field, Florida, which was a major hub for naval aviation training until its closure in 1999.
Safety Achievements: VA-174 was recognized for its outstanding safety record, logging hundreds of thousands of flight hours with minimal accidents—an impressive feat for a training unit.
Deactivation: VA-174 was officially disestablished on March 30, 1988, after more than four decades of service and training generations of naval aviators.
Legacy and Alumni: Many notable naval aviators and leaders, including future admirals and astronauts, passed through VA-174 for their advanced jet training, cementing its legacy in naval aviation history.