Attack Squadron 23: The Two Decade Service Legacy Of The Black Knights

Established in 1949 as Reserve Fighter Squadron 653 (VF-653), Attack Squadron 23 (VA-23) evolved into one of the US Navy's frontline attack squadrons. The Black Knights fought in the Korean and Vietnam Wars, transitioned through several aircraft including the F9F Panther and A-4 Skyhawk, became the first squadron to employ the AGM-45 Shrike missile in combat, and supported major Cold War operations before being disestablished in 1970 after nearly two decades of service.