Dean Janzen

Sea Control Squadron 27 (VS-27), also known as the "Pelicans," was a U.S. Navy anti-submarine warfare squadron established in 1948. Initially equipped with the Grumman AF Guardian and later transitioning to the S-2 Tracker, VS-27 operated primarily from aircraft carriers in the Atlantic Fleet. The squadron played a significant role in Cold War maritime patrols, focusing on detecting and tracking Soviet submarines. VS-27 was ultimately disestablished in 1973 as part of a broader reorganization of U.S. Navy sea control forces.

Attack Squadron 45 (VA-45), also known as the "Blackbirds," was a United States Navy attack squadron originally established as Fighter Squadron VF-45 on 15 February 1963. The squadron was primarily tasked with providing adversary training, simulating enemy aircraft tactics to prepare Navy pilots for combat. Throughout its history, VA-45 operated several aircraft types, including the A-4 Skyhawk and the TA-4J, from its home base at Naval Air Station Cecil Field, Florida. The squadron was disestablished on 31 March 1996 as part of post-Cold War force reductions.