Fighter Squadron 42 (VF-42) & Attack Squadron 42 (VA-42)

Established as Fighter Squadron FORTY TWO (VF-42) on 1 Sep 1950. Redesignated Attack Squadron FORTY TWO (VA-42) "Green Pawns" on 1 Nov 1953. Disestablished on 30 Sep 1994. The first squadron to be assigned the VA-42 designation.

Grumman A-6E/KA-6D Intruder

The insignia for VA-42, the green pawn, was originally approved by CNO for Bombing and Fighting Squadron 75 (VBF-75) on 28 Oct 1946. When VBF-75 was redesignated VF-4B on 15 Nov 1946, the insignia was carriedover for use by Fighting Squadron 4B (VF-4B). On 1 Sep 1948 VF-4B was redesignated Fighting Squadron 42 (VF-42). This squadron continued to use the green pawn insignia until it was disestablished on 8 Jun 1950. When a new Fighting Squadron 42 (VF-42) was established on 1 Sep 1950 they adopted the green pawn insignia that had been used by the former VF-42. In 1953 the insignia was carried over to VA-42 following its redesignation from VF-42.