One of the US Navy’s unsung yet most important squadrons was VC-5 in the late 40’s/early 50’s. Flying first the P2V Neptune, then the AJ Savage, VC-5 was tasked with lugging atomic weapons from the decks of carriers at a time when the navy was struggling to maintain a viable role. No longer allowed to possess bombers (thanks, USAF!), the navy scratched about and came up with “Attack Squadrons.” (“No, no, these aren’t ‘bombers’; they are ‘attack’ aircraft.”) Whatever the name, the successful innovation of a carrier-based nuclear bomber – er, attack aircraft – saved the navy’s bacon.
