There are two exceptions: Tactical Air Control Squadrons (TACRON) consists of personnel specialized in the control of aircraft in support of amphibious operations and the operating units of Naval Special Warfare Development Group colloquially known as 'SEAL Team SIX', are called 'squadrons' named by color (these squadrons are the organizational equivalent of a 'regular' SEAL Team). In the US Navy a squadron is a unit of aircraft, ships, submarines or boats. Unlike the USAF, US Army, and USMC, the US Navy does not refer to organizations such as maintenance (though US Navy aircraft squadrons do include their own organic maintenance departments), medical, administrative or other units as 'squadrons'. Squadrons can be categorized in a number of ways: Active versus Navy Reserve, land-based versus sea-based, fixed wing versus rotary wing (helicopter) versus Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), and by mission. As a result, divisions are typically headed by lieutenant commanders and branches by lieutenants, senior chief petty officers or chief petty officers. As a result, lieutenants are a minority and lieutenants, junior grade, practically non-existent in reserve squadrons. Since most officers in reserve squadrons previously served on active duty in the Regular Navy in a flying status for eight to ten or more years, they are typically already lieutenant commanders, or achieve that rank shortly after transferring to the Navy Reserve. Where this difference in maturity level becomes more apparent is at the division officer level.

Department heads in reserve squadrons are typically senior lieutenant commanders, although some may be recently promoted commanders. However, reserve squadron demographics are typically older and more senior in rank than their active duty squadron counterparts. Reserve squadrons are also commanded by a commander, with another commander as the XO who will also assume command after approximately 15 months. Within the departments are divisions (each typically headed by a lieutenant) and branches (headed by a lieutenant, junior grade or a chief petty officer). There are typically four functional departments – Operations, Maintenance, Safety/NATOPS, and Administration – each led by a lieutenant commander functioning as the department head. The XO typically assumes command of the squadron after approximately 15 months. Second in command is the executive officer (XO), also a commander. (Click the diagram to enlarge it)Īctive duty squadrons are typically Time commanded by a commander. 6 Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Squadrons.5.1 Helicopter Mine Countermeasures (HM).4.11 Air Test and Evaluation (VX), Scientific Development (VXS).4.9 Fleet Logistics Multi-Mission (VRM).4.8.2 Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 40 (VRC-40).4.8.1 Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 30 (VRC-30).4.5 Patrol and Reconnaissance (VP), Special Projects (VPU), Unmanned Patrol (VUP).

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