Second VA-85 (U.S. Navy)
Attack Squadron 85, known as VA-85 or the Black Falcons, was a U.S. Navy attack squadron active from February 1, 1951 to September 30, 1994. It began as VA-859, a Navy Reserve squadron, and was redesignated VA-85 on February 4, 1953. It was the second squadron to carry the VA-85 designation; the first VA-85 was disestablished in 1949.
The Black Falcons flew attack aircraft, including the TBF Avenger, A-1 Skyraider, and A-6 Intruder, over the years.
In January 1966, VA-85 A-6As flew over the South China Sea. One A-6A was shot down about three months later, and both crew members were killed.
VA-85 took part in numerous conflicts and operations, including the Vietnam War, the Lebanese Civil War, Prairie Fire, El Dorado Canyon, Desert Storm, Deny Flight, Continue Hope, and Southern Watch.
The squadron was disestablished on September 30, 1994, and is no longer active.
This page was last edited on 3 February 2026, at 04:45 (CET).