Squadron History

Established: June 1972

Training Squadron EIGHT SIX is known by several names: TRARON EIGHT SIX, VT-86, or simply the SABREHAWKS, a name derived from the T-39 Sabreliner and the TA-4J Skyhawk. The squadron was commissioned in June 1972, under the operational control of Commander Training Air Wing EIGHT, Naval Air Station, Glynco, Georgia. The training of Naval Flight Officers was executed in four original disciplines: Radar Intercept Operation, Basic Jet Navigation, Airborne Electronic Warfare and Airborne Tactical Data Systems. Training was conducted in aircraft assigned to and supported by NATTC until February 1973, when the squadron accepted 24 T-39G, 20 TA-4J, 2 E-121K, and 12 TS-2A aircraft and approximately 350 enlisted personnel. After receiving the aircraft and personnel, the squadron's mission was expanded to include flight support for Air Intercept Control and Ground Controlled Approach training functions. In March 1974, a Sabrehawk detachment was established at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida and on 1 June 1974, the squadron commenced flight operations under operational command of Commander, Training Air Wing SIX.

In 1994, VT-86's role was expanded to include the training of U.S. Air Force Weapon Systems Officers (WSO). Additionally, in 1995, the squadron began of training international military officers from Saudi Arabia, Singapore, and Germany. In 2008 the T-2C Buckeye completed 51 years of service in training naval aviators and flight officers with its last flight being conducted by VT-86 personnel. The T-45C Goshawk replaced the T-2C as the premier Advanced Naval Flight Officer training platform. 2010 marked the final year of Air Force WSO training by VT-86. In 2014, VT-86 added the Virtual Mission Training System (VMTS) to its Goshawk aircraft which gives students the opportunity to train to missions they will fly in future platforms. The Air Vehicle Pilot (AVP) program was established in 2025 and trains students to fly a variety of drones throughout the US Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. Currently the squadron trains over 150 students annually including international students from Saudi Arabia, and to date, has provided the United States military and Allied forces with over 7,300 WSOs and EWOs flying various tactical aircraft worldwide.

Upon completion of the program, students will undergo further training at their respective Fleet Replacement Squadron. Weapon Systems Officers (WSOs) will go on to fly in the F/A-18F Super Hornet at NAS Lemoore or NAS Oceana while Electronic Warfare Officers (EWOs) will go on to fly in the E/A-18G Growler at NAS Whidbey Island. Navy graduates of the AVP program will go on to fly the MQ-25 or the MQ-4 while Coast Guard and Marine graduates will go on to fly the MQ-9.

VT-86 is staffed by 42 active Navy and Marine Corps officers, 18 reservists, and 7 civilian personnel.

Since its establishment, VT-86 has received numerous awards to include the Meritorious Unit Citations, the Chief of Naval Air Training (CNATRA) Training Excellence Award, the CNATRA Retention Award, the Chief of Naval Operations Safety Award, 23 CNATRA Safety awards for accident-free operations, the Admiral John H. Towers Safety Award, and the Chief of Naval Education and Training (CNET) Shore/Technical Training Excellence Award.

Training Squadron EIGHT SIX
Training NFOs, WSOs, and Navigators for the World