Composite Squadron 35 (VC-35) Detachment William (VAN-15)

Established as Composite Squadron THIRTY FIVE (VC-35) on 25 May 1950. Redesignated Attack Squadron (All Weather) THIRTY FIVE (VA(AW)-35) on 1 July 1956. Redesignated Attack Squadron ONE TWENTY TWO (VA-122) on 29 June 1959. Disestablished on 31 May 1991.

Douglas AD-4B/N Skyraider

On 16 Jun 1952, Essex (CV-9) departed for Korea. Embarked was ATF-2 and VC-35 detachment ITEM (#14) and Special detachment WILLIAM (#15) for transportation to Japan where it would become the only VC-35 shore based detachment. William would remain ashore for a year during which time it's aircraft inventory would include AD-4B 's and AD-4N's. Additional VC-35 personnel and aircraft were sent to WILLIAM where they remained in a ready training status, and pilots were rotated between ship and WILLIAM as each carrier commenced or completed a tour on the line. The advantage of this was that the pilots could be utilized in combat and their special weapons training proficiency could be simultaneously maintained. However only four carrier deployed teams were involved in the rotation with WILLIAM since there were more disadvantages than expected. Pilots returning to the carriers after being ashore required extensive briefings concerning changes in the combat area. Proficiency in carrier operations had to be regained at the beginning of each line period, and the unit morale could not be maintained as high with the continual shift of pilots. The detachment of nuclear trained delivery pilots remained throughout the war, and all personnel of team WILLIAM returned to NAS San Diego, CA in Sep 1953.