VA-873 (U.S. Navy)

VA-873 was an Attack Squadron of the U.S. Navy Reserve, based at NAS Alameda, California. Its insignia was approved by CNO on 16 March 1964. Other details of its early years are sketchy, as few records exist for reserve squadrons prior to 1970, the year during which they began submitting history reports.

On 27 Jan 1968, The President directed the activation of VA-873 following the capture of USS Pueblo (AGER-2) by a North Korean patrol boat on four days earlier. The squadron was deactivated and returned to reserve status on 12 October 1968.

Aircraft Assignment
The squadron first received the following aircraft on the dates shown:
 * A-4B Skyhawk – 27 Jan 1968
 * A-4C Skyhawk – May 1968