VC-10 Challengers

VC-10 Composite Squadron Challengers is an inactive United States Navy aircraft squadron. It was originally known as the Mallards in 1943, but when assigned the F-8 Crusader the squadron pilots unofficially used the name "Challengers". It was formally known as the Challengers from 1961 through 1993.

History
VC-10 began 25 October 1943 as Utility Squadron SIXTEEN or VU-16 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. On 16 August 1946, VU-16 was redesignated as Utility Squadron TEN (VU-10) at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. On 1 July 1965, VU-10 was redesignated as Fleet Composite Squadron TEN (VC-10) at Guantanamo Bay. Finally, on 1 July 1 1993, VC-10 was decommissioned at Guantanamo Bay.

First cruise
VC-10 was commissioned 23 September 1943 at Sand Point Naval Air Station Seattle, Washington. The Commissioning Officer was Lt. Cdr. G. L. Richard. Lt. Cdr. E. J. Huxtable took command of the VC-10 on 29 September 1943. Planes and material allowance for the squadron were drawn at Sand Point.

On 5 April 1944, VC-10 was assigned to and landed on the USS Gambier Bay for an eleven-day shakedown cruise. The Commander of VC-10 on the USS Gambier Bay was Captain Edward J. Huxtable Jr. CVE-73 was a Casablanca class escort carrier and was sunk in the second Battle of Samar. The primary assignment of the unit was placed on deck load strikes, bombing and strafing of a towed target, navigation, fighter director training, radar training, and torpedo tactics. The squadron had 195 men and 31 pilots.

Patches

 * 1961-1969, VC-10's patch displays a Crusader's Cross on a shield (also, VU-10)
 * 1969-1993, VC-10's patch displays a Black Celtic Fighting Lion superimposed on a red, white and blue background

Aircraft assigned

 * Martin JM-1 (B-26 Marauder) - 1943
 * Grumman F8F Bearcat - 1947
 * Grumman F9F Cougar - 1954
 * North American FJ Fury (FJ-3) - 1953
 * Chance Vought F-8 Crusader - 1961
 * Grumman S-2 Tracker (US-2) - 1966
 * Douglas A-4 Skyhawk (TF-4F) - March 1975
 * Douglas A-4 Skyhawk (TA-4J) - July 1975