Previously Held NEC AQR-8324-Aviation Fire Control Tech
9502-Instructor
AT-6701-Advanced Avionics Integrated Systems Technician
AT-6701-Advanced Avionics Integrated Computer Systems Maintenanceman
The air was filled with great expectations early in the morning of 1 February 1956 as CDR E. V. Davidson prepared to assume command of Attack Squadron 146 (VA-146), the Navy's newest jet attack squadron. In ceremonies held at NAS Miramar, VA-146 was commissioned at 0900 as a unit of Air Group 14 (CVG-14). The squadron's original nickname was the Blacktails, which was derived from its assigned color as the sixth squadron of the air group.
Since there were no replacement squadrons at this time, VA-146 started with only a handful of aircraft and began an "in-house" training schedule for the F9F-8 Cougar. The squadron's first Western Pacific (WESTPAC) deployment began on 21 January 1957 as CVG-14, embarked in USS HORNET (CVA 12) and departed from San Diego. Upon the squadron's return in July, the Blacktails began transitioning to the new J4-JB Fury.
In 1959, the squadron, under CDR W. W. Alldredge, adopted the Blue Diamonds nickname. On 12 May 1962, the squadron moved to their current home in California's San Joaquin Valley - Lemoore Naval Air Station. At that time they transitioned from the F4-JB to the A-4D-2n (A4C) Skyhawk.
The squadron found itself westward bound again embarked in USS CONSTELLATION (CV 64) on 5 May 1964. Unknown when they departed, this cruise would mark the beginning of the Blue Diamonds' lengthy combat experience in Southeast Asia. The Diamond's next six deployments would center around combat operations in Vietnam. Two Blue Diamond Aviators lost their aircraft during combat over Vietnam, including the tenth commanding officer, CDR Herbert B. Loheed. CDR Loheed was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his actions. In 1994, CDR Loheed's remains were positively identified, and he was declared KIA. On 30 June 1967 LCDR John Michael McGrath was shot down in his A-4C and spent six years as a POW in the Hanoi Hilton but returned home in 1973. Among other medals he was awarded the Silver Star, the nation’s third highest military honor, and retired as a CAPT.