Over 3,064,780 active members

Opening unit directory

Building the branch units surface

Loading unit filters, rankings, and the branch unit grid.

Overview

Members

Units

Opening branch overview

Building the branch home surface

Loading branch highlights, featured unit context, and gallery moments.

Overview

Members

Units

VR-24

U.S. Navy•43 members

VR-24 Homepage Photos Posts Members

Did you serve with the VR-24?

Find familiar faces
Explore unit photos
Share your photos

New to VetFriends?

Create a free account to explore unit members and photos, and reconnect with people you served with.

Create a free account

Already a member? Log in

About this Unit

VR-24

U.S. Navy

Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 24 (VR-24), known as the "Lifting Eagles," was a United States Navy squadron established in 1949. Initially based in the Mediterranean, VR-24 provided vital air logistics and cargo transport services across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. The squadron operated a variety of aircraft, including the C-130 Hercules and C-2 Greyhound, supporting both routine military operations and urgent missions such as humanitarian relief and crisis response. VR-24 was disestablished in 1991 after decades of distinguished service supporting U.S. and NATO forces.

About VR-24

About this Unit

Historical Facts

Origins in World War II: VR-24 was originally established during World War II as part of the U.S. Navy’s effort to provide rapid and reliable air logistics support in the Atlantic and Mediterranean theaters.
Nickname "Lifting Eagles": The squadron was affectionately known as the "Lifting Eagles," symbolizing their vital transport and logistical capabilities.
Mediterranean Operations: For much of its history, VR-24 was based in Europe, operating out of Naples, Italy, and later Sigonella, Sicily, supporting U.S. and NATO forces across the Mediterranean region.
Humanitarian Missions: VR-24 played a critical role in delivering humanitarian aid, including during the 1980 earthquake in southern Italy, where they transported supplies and aid workers to affected areas.
Operation El Dorado Canyon: In 1986, VR-24 provided crucial logistical support during the U.S. air strikes against Libya, ensuring that supplies and personnel reached forward-deployed units.
Wide Range of Aircraft: Over its operational life, VR-24 flew several types of aircraft, including the R4D, R5D, C-118 Liftmaster, C-130 Hercules, and C-2 Greyhound.
Record-Setting Missions: The squadron set numerous records for aircraft turnaround times, mission reliability, and number of passengers and cargo transported in the European Theater.
Support for Space Missions: During the early U.S. space program, VR-24 provided logistics support for recovery operations in the Mediterranean, assisting in NASA’s Mercury and Gemini missions.
Rescue Operations: VR-24 was involved in several search and rescue operations, including evacuations of U.S. citizens from areas of conflict and natural disasters throughout Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.
Disestablishment in 1991: After nearly five decades of service, VR-24 was officially disbanded in 1991, marking the end of a storied chapter in U.S. Navy air logistics history.

Opening unit directory

Building the branch units surface

Loading unit filters, rankings, and the branch unit grid.

Overview

Members

Units

VR-24

U.S. Navy•43 members

VR-24 Homepage Photos Posts Members

Did you serve with the VR-24?

Find familiar faces
Explore unit photos
Share your photos

New to VetFriends?

Create a free account to explore unit members and photos, and reconnect with people you served with.

Create a free account

Already a member? Log in

About this Unit

VR-24

U.S. Navy

Unit members

Fritz Wunstel

U.S. Navy Veteran · 1986 - 1988

Message View Profile

Michael Lucarelli

U.S. Navy Military Retiree · 1983 - 1984

Message View Profile

Willard Johnston

U.S. Navy Veteran · 1972 - 1976

Message View Profile

James Voss

U.S. Navy · 1971 - 1977

Message View Profile

View all members

Navy photos

Somewhere in Kuwait near the Iraqi border

Siezed Soviet/Iraqi Tank that was abandoned

View all photos

About VR-24

About this Unit

Historical Facts

Origins in World War II: VR-24 was originally established during World War II as part of the U.S. Navy’s effort to provide rapid and reliable air logistics support in the Atlantic and Mediterranean theaters.
Nickname "Lifting Eagles": The squadron was affectionately known as the "Lifting Eagles," symbolizing their vital transport and logistical capabilities.
Mediterranean Operations: For much of its history, VR-24 was based in Europe, operating out of Naples, Italy, and later Sigonella, Sicily, supporting U.S. and NATO forces across the Mediterranean region.
Humanitarian Missions: VR-24 played a critical role in delivering humanitarian aid, including during the 1980 earthquake in southern Italy, where they transported supplies and aid workers to affected areas.
Operation El Dorado Canyon: In 1986, VR-24 provided crucial logistical support during the U.S. air strikes against Libya, ensuring that supplies and personnel reached forward-deployed units.
Wide Range of Aircraft: Over its operational life, VR-24 flew several types of aircraft, including the R4D, R5D, C-118 Liftmaster, C-130 Hercules, and C-2 Greyhound.
Record-Setting Missions: The squadron set numerous records for aircraft turnaround times, mission reliability, and number of passengers and cargo transported in the European Theater.
Support for Space Missions: During the early U.S. space program, VR-24 provided logistics support for recovery operations in the Mediterranean, assisting in NASA’s Mercury and Gemini missions.
Rescue Operations: VR-24 was involved in several search and rescue operations, including evacuations of U.S. citizens from areas of conflict and natural disasters throughout Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.
Disestablishment in 1991: After nearly five decades of service, VR-24 was officially disbanded in 1991, marking the end of a storied chapter in U.S. Navy air logistics history.