VA-44 (U.S. Navy)

Attack Squadron 44 (VA-44 or ATKRON 44) was an attack squadron of the United States Navy that was an active fleet unit for its first fifteen years and transitioned to a Fleet Replacement Squadron until it was deactivated.

History
The squadron was established as Bombing Squadron VB-75 on 1 June 1945 and redesignated Attack Squadron VA-3B on 15 November 1946. It was finally redesignated VA-44 on 1 September 1948. It was disestablished on 8 June 1950. A second squadron that ultimately acquired the VA-44 name was established as Fighter Squadron VF-44 on 1 September 1950, and redesignated VA-44 on 1 January 1956.

Nicknamed the "Hornets," the squadron saw its only combat action during the last few months of the Korean War. The squadron was deactivated as the Navy began to draw down its fighter force at the end of the Vietnam War and no longer needed as many trained naval aviators. They were officially decommissioned on May 1, 1970 and remain in an inactive status.