My account seems to have recently become popular in Japan. So, here is a story about S-3 Vikings in Japan. Sea Control Squadron 21 (VS-21), the “Fighting Redtails,” was the U.S. Navy’s only permanently forward-deployed S-3 Viking squadron, based at Naval Air Facility (NAF) Atsugi, Japan, from 1991 until its disestablishment in 2005. Brief History VS-21 traces its roots to Torpedo Squadron 41 (VT-41), established on 26 March 1945. It was redesignated several times (VA-1E, VC-21) before becoming Air Antisubmarine Squadron 21 (VS-21) in 1950. It flew TBM Avengers and later S-2 Trackers during the Korean War, Vietnam War, and Cold War deployments. In 1974 it became the first operational fleet squadron to transition to the Lockheed S-3A Viking (and the first to deploy with it, aboard USS John F. Kennedy in 1975). It upgraded to the improved S-3B around 1991. In August–September 1991 the squadron permanently joined Carrier Air Wing 5 (CVW-5) and shifted to NAF Atsugi as the Navy’s sole forward-deployed VS unit. It embarked primarily on USS Independence (CV-62) until 1998, then USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63), both homeported at Yokosuka. In October 1993 it was redesignated Sea Control Squadron 21 to reflect the S-3B’s multi-mission role (anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, surveillance, and aerial refueling/tanking). It participated in Western Pacific and Sea of Japan operations, RIMPAC exercises, Operation Southern Watch in the Persian Gulf, contingency operations during the 1996 Taiwan Strait Crisis, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Iraqi Freedom (including support off North Korea and in the Gulf in 2003). As part of the Navy’s S-3 “Sundown Plan,” VS-21 held a disestablishment ceremony at Atsugi in early November 2004. Its S-3Bs were flown back to the United States in November 2004, and the squadron was formally disestablished on 28 February 2005 after nearly 60 years of service. Its missions were assumed by other platforms (primarily MH-60 Seahawks, P-3 Orions/P-8 Poseidons, and F/A-18E/F Super Hornets for tanking). Pictured is a S-3B Viking of VS-21 “Fighting Redtails” on the ramp at NAF Atsugi, Japan (November 1994). Note the NF tail code and CVW-5 association.