Antisubmarine  Warfare  (ASW)  search  and  attack  of enemy    submarines,    supply    convoy    coverage,    and antisurface surveillance and targeting. Their secondary mission  provides  search  and  rescue  (SAR),  vertical replenishment   (VERREP),   and   medical   evacuation (MEDIVAC).   Aircraft   assigned   to   a   VS   squadron include  the  S-3   Viking.     Helicopters  assigned  to  HS squadrons include the SH-60  Sea Hawk  Mk III, which includes    the    Light    Airborne    Multipurpose    System (LAMPS). Airborne early-warning squadrons (VAWs)  are carrier-based   squadrons   that   provide   early   warning against  submarines,  weather,  missiles,  shipping,  and aircraft. Aircraft assigned to an early-warning squadron include the E-2  Hawkeye. Patrol Squadrons Patrol squadrons (VPs) consist of aircraft that are land based and operate singly over land and sea areas. These squadrons are designed primarily for antisubmarine   warfare   (ASW),   reconnaissance,   and mining. Aircraft assigned to a patrol squadron include the P-3  Orion. Composite Squadrons Composite   (utility)   squadrons   (VC   and   HC) include both fixed-wing aircraft (VC) and helicopters (HC). VC squadrons perform duties such as adversary, simulation, and target towing. HC squadrons perform duties  such  as  ship's  plane-guard,  search  and  rescue (SAR),     medical     evacuation     (MEDIVAC),     vertical replenishment (VETREP), cargo and mail delivery, and troop and personnel transfer. Aircraft assigned to utility squadrons include the A-4  SkyHawk, SH-3  Sea  King, H-46  Sea Knight,  or the H-53  Sea Stallion. Noncombatant Squadrons There are three types of noncombatant squadrons. They    are    the    development,    tactical,    and    training squadrons. Development squadrons  include both fixed-wing aircraft   (VX)   and   rotary-wing   aircraft   (helicopters) (HX). The mission of a development squadron is to test and  evaluate  fixed-wing  and  rotary-wing  aircraft  and their equipment. This type of squadron closes the gap between  the  experimental  stages  and  the  operational use of the new aircraft and its equipment. All types of aircraft that require testing and evaluation are assigned to these squadrons. Tactical   support   squadrons   (VRs   and   VRCs) provide   for   long-distance   transfer   of   personnel   and supplies    (logistic    support).    Aircraft    assigned    to    a tactical support squadron include the C-130  Hercules, C-9  Skytrain, C-2  Greyhound, and VS-3  Viking. Training squadrons are designated VT and HT. The mission of a training squadron is to provide basic, advanced, operational, and refresher-type flight training. They cover both fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft. Some aircraft assigned to a training squadron include the,  T-2  Buckeye, T-34  Mentor, C-12  Kingair, T-45  Goshawk, and various training helicopters. ORGANIZATION OF A SQUADRON The    operating    squadrons    have    a    commanding officer   assisted   by   an   executive   officer,   department heads,    division    officers,    maintenance    officers,    and enlisted personnel. You should know the organization of your squadron. Recognize your commanding officer and display the courtesy required by military etiquette. Know your division officer and your responsibilities to that position. Know your chief petty officers and other rated personnel in your division. They should be your biggest help in your professional advancement. Know your  part  in  your  own  organization.  Now,  let's  take  a look  at  a  typical  squadron  organization,  starting  with the commanding officer. Commanding Officer (CO) The CO is the senior naval officer in the squadron. He/she   is   known   as   the   squadron   commander.   The commanding officer has the duties and responsibilities as outlined in  U.S. Navy Regulations. These duties and responsibilities  include  morale,  discipline,  readiness, and     efficiency.     The     CO     issues     operational     and employment    orders    to    the    entire    squadron.    The executive officer, department heads, and other officers and personnel fall under the commanding officer. See figure 2-4. The commanding officer is responsible for the operational readiness of the squadron. The  squadron  safety  officer  works  directly  under the commanding officer. The safety officer's responsibility   is   to   ensure   the   squadron   follows   all pertinent safety orders. The squadron safety officer is a member of the squadron aircraft accident board. He/she serves  as  crash  investigator  of  all  crashes  occurring within the squadron. 2-8