U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps aircraft tail codes

Tail codes on the U.S. Navy aircraft are the markings that help to identify the aircraft's unit and/or base assignment.

These codes comprise one or two letters or digits painted on both sides of the vertical stabilizer, on the top right and on the bottom left wings near the tip.

Although located both on the vertical stabilizer and the wings from their inception in July 1945, these identification markings are commonly referred as tail codes.

It is important to note that tail codes are meant to identify units and assignments, not individual aircraft.

For all aircraft of the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps unique identification is provided by bureau numbers.

The U.S. Navy introduced the identification system of tail and wing letter codes for its aircraft in July 1945.

This system was intended to replace the set of geometrical symbols employed for the similar purpose since January 1945.

When introduced, tail codes were only given to aircraft carriers.

New directives issued in 1946 and in 1948 assigned tail codes to individual Navy and Marine Corps squadrons as well as for carrier air groups.

And although the association between particular tail codes and units undergoes changes from time to time, the system as a whole is still in use to present day.

Re-designated CVW-1, Carrier Air Wing 1

Re-designated VMA-211 CVG-6, Carrier Air Group 6

Re-designated CVW-7, Carrier Air Wing 7

Re-designated CVW-16, Carrier Air Wing 16

Re-designated CVW-8, Carrier Air Wing 8

Re-designated MALS-14, Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 14

Re-designated H&MS-27, Headquarters and Maintenance Squadron 27

Re-designated VXE-6, Antarctic Deployment Squadron 6

Re-designated VFC-12 The current tail code of VFC-12 is "AF".

Re-designated CVW-9, Carrier Air Wing 9

Re-designated RCVW-12, Reserve Carrier Air Wing 12

Re-designated CVW-14, Carrier Air Wing 14

Re-designated CVW-15, Carrier Air Wing 15

Re-designated CVW-19, Carrier Air Wing 19

CVSR-80 tail codes were retained by its squadrons.

Subsequently, re-designated VCN-1, FAWTUPAC (Fleet All Weather Training Unit Pacific) and VF(AW)-3

The Group's tail code was changed to "AB" in November 1956.

USS Bunker Hill has never returned to duty as an active carrier after heavy damage received on 11 May 1945, so this code was probably never applied in practice.

Re-designated VXE-6, Antarctic Deployment Squadron 6 Disestablished in March 1999.

MALS-13, Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 13

U.S. Navy tail code
Carrier Air Wing 15 tail code "NL" is prominently displayed on this A-7E Corsair II.
U.S. Navy tail code
This RF-8G Crusader from VFP-63 Det.2 is deployed with Carrier Air Wing 14 and displays the Air Wing's "NK" tail code.
U.S. Navy tail code
This RF-8A Crusader from VFP-63 Det.B, although deployed with Carrier Air Wing 5, displays the unit's own "PP" tail code and not the Air Wing's "NF".
U.S. Navy tail code
This A-6A Intruder in experimental camouflage paint does not carry the "NL" tail code of its parent Carrier Air Wing 15.
U.S. Navy tail code
A stylized rendering of Carrier Air Wing 17 "AA" code can be seen on this A-6E Intruder.
U.S. Navy tail code
This S-3A Viking from VS-32 shows the "AB" tail code of CVW-1.
U.S. Navy tail code
Carrier Air Group 3 planes in flight in 1958.
U.S. Navy tail code
Carrier Air Wing 6 tail code is seen on this VF-84 Phantom II in 1975.
U.S. Navy tail code
A-6E Intruders of VA-62 carry the Carrier Air Wing 7 "AG" code.
U.S. Navy tail code
VA-152 A-1H Skyraider carries CVW-16 tail code.
U.S. Navy tail code
This F-4J Phantom II is part of Carrier Air Wing 8 and displays the Wing's "AJ" tail code.
U.S. Navy tail code
CVW-13 code is seen on this VA-176 A-1J Skyraider.
U.S. Navy tail code
FJ-2 Furies of VMF-451 in 1954.
U.S. Navy tail code
Aircraft of Air Task Group 201 in flight in 1958.
U.S. Navy tail code
"AR" tail code can be seen on this SH-3G Sea King of HS-1.
U.S. Navy tail code
SH-3A Sea King helicopters carry the "AT" code of CVGS-54.
U.S. Navy tail code
This S-2E Tracker shows the "AU" code of its parent CVGS-56.
U.S. Navy tail code
"AW" code of CVGS-60 can be seen on this S-2E Tracker.
U.S. Navy tail code
Tail codes on these planes denote assignment to the USS Boxer .
U.S. Navy tail code
An example of underscored tail code is seen on this FH-1 Phantom belonging to VMF-122.
U.S. Navy tail code
Cougar jet trainers carry the tail code of VMT-1.
U.S. Navy tail code
A Sea Knight helicopter of HC-16 in 1984.
U.S. Navy tail code
An HM-14 RH-53D in flight.
U.S. Navy tail code
"C" code on this F9F-2 Panther jet denotes assignment to Carrier Air Group 6.
U.S. Navy tail code
An F/A-18D Hornet from VMFA(AW)-225.
U.S. Navy tail code
An AV-8B from VMA-211 in 2014.
U.S. Navy tail code
This C-130T of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 54 shows the unit's "CW" code.
U.S. Navy tail code
VMAQ-2 planes in flight.
U.S. Navy tail code
Tail code carried by this F3H-2N Demon in 1958 indicates assignment to Carrier Air Group 12.
U.S. Navy tail code
"DA" code on this 1978 photo indicates assignment to Headquarters and Maintenance Squadron 32.
U.S. Navy tail code
A VMFA-235 F-4S Phantom II in flight.
U.S. Navy tail code
An FJ-3 Fury on VMF-333.
U.S. Navy tail code
An F-8E Crusader on VMF-312.
U.S. Navy tail code
An A-6A Intruder VMA(AW)-242 takes off from Da Nang.
U.S. Navy tail code
The squadron's "DW" tail code is seen on this VMFA-251 F-4S Phantom II.
U.S. Navy tail code
A Carrier Air Group 8 F8F-2 Bearcat seen on the USS Midway .
U.S. Navy tail code
This F-4N Phantom II carries the "EC" code assigned to VMA(AW)-531.
U.S. Navy tail code
"EG" on this Sea Knight helicopter indicates assignment to HMM-263.
U.S. Navy tail code
An MV-22B Osprey of VMM-264.
U.S. Navy tail code
A subdued "EM" code can be seen on this CH-46F Sea Knight of HMM-261.
U.S. Navy tail code
An OV-10A Bronco of VMO-1 shows off its "ER" tail code.
U.S. Navy tail code
An AV-8B Harrier II assigned to HMM-266 is seen displaying the squadron's "ES" tail code.
U.S. Navy tail code
An A3D-1 belonging to VAH-3 and displaying a short-lived "EW" code.
U.S. Navy tail code
Tail code on this F2H-2 Banshee indicates assignment to Carrier Air Group 4.
U.S. Navy tail code
On this SB2C-5 Helldiver, the "F" stands for NAS Oakland and the "A" indicates assignment to an attack unit.
U.S. Navy tail code
An A3D-2 belonging to VAH-9 and displaying a short-lived "FG" code.
U.S. Navy tail code
"FZ" tail code can be seen on this CQ-24A unmanned helicopter.
U.S. Navy tail code
Tail code on this T-44A Pegasus indicates assignment to Training Air Wing 4.
U.S. Navy tail code
An EA-1F Skyraider of VAW-33 in 1965.
U.S. Navy tail code
This RA-5C Vigilante of RVAH-3 is seen wearing the squadron's assigned "GJ" tail code.
U.S. Navy tail code
This RA-5C Vigilante of RVAH-5 is seen wearing the squadron's assigned "GK" tail code.
U.S. Navy tail code
A pair of VAH-7 A3D-2 Skywarriors.
U.S. Navy tail code
The "H" on this F9F-2 Panther indicates assignment to CVG-15.
U.S. Navy tail code
A P2V-3 Neptune carries the tail code of VP-8.
U.S. Navy tail code
A P2V-2 Neptune carries the tail code of VP-18.
U.S. Navy tail code
An HRS-3 helicopter with HMR-362 tail code.
U.S. Navy tail code
"HR" tail code of this HRS-1 indicates assignment to HMR-161.
U.S. Navy tail code
A Kaman SH-2F Sea Sprite of HSL-30.
U.S. Navy tail code
This HUP-2 helicopter displays its squadron's "HU" code.
U.S. Navy tail code
A Kaman SH-2F Sea Sprite of HSL-32.
U.S. Navy tail code
A Kaman SH-2F Sea Sprite of HSL-34.
U.S. Navy tail code
"HZ" code on this Sikorsky HRS helicopter indicates assignment to HMR-363.
U.S. Navy tail code
A pair of FJ-2 Fury fighters from VF-21 display the ATG-181 tail code.
U.S. Navy tail code
"JA" tail code of Test and Evaluation Squadron 1 is seen on this P-3C Orion.
U.S. Navy tail code
Lockheed LC-130R Hercules of VXE-6 in 1974.
U.S. Navy tail code
An F-8L Crusader of Composite Squadron 4 in flight.
U.S. Navy tail code
Composite Squadron Ten "JH" tail code is displayed on this TA-4J Skyhawk.
U.S. Navy tail code
A C-2A Greyhound from VR-24.
U.S. Navy tail code
"JQ", the tail code of Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron Two, adorns this EP-3E Orion.
U.S. Navy tail code
A C-130T Hercules of VR-62.
U.S. Navy tail code
A TA-4J Skyhawk (BuNo 152850) of Composite Squadron 12 carries the unit's "JY" code.
U.S. Navy tail code
An A-6E Intruder from Marine all-weather attack training squadron VMAT(AW)-202.
U.S. Navy tail code
A TAV-8A Harrier from VMAT-203.
U.S. Navy tail code
This FJ-3M Fury is seen here with the "L" code of Carrier Air Group 7.
U.S. Navy tail code
A P-3C Orion of VP-5 carries the squadron's "LA" tail code.
U.S. Navy tail code
A P2V-7 Neptune assigned to patrol squadron VP-7 flies over the Atlantic in 1964.
U.S. Navy tail code
The "LC" tail code on this FJ-3 Fury denotes assignment to VMF-122.
U.S. Navy tail code
This 1952 photograph shows an F4U-4 Corsair from VMF-212 for a combat sortie over Korea.
U.S. Navy tail code
An Orion of Patrol Squadron 16.
U.S. Navy tail code
An SP-2H Neptune of Patrol Squadron 18 seen in 1962 flying over a Soviet ship.
U.S. Navy tail code
An SP-2H Neptune of Patrol Squadron 23 in flight.
U.S. Navy tail code
An Orion of Patrol Squadron 26 in 1981.
U.S. Navy tail code
An Orion of Patrol Squadron 30 in 2010.
U.S. Navy tail code
An Orion of Patrol Squadron 44 in 1984.
U.S. Navy tail code
An Orion of Patrol Squadron 45 in flight over a Soviet freighter.
U.S. Navy tail code
A P-3A Orion of Patrol Squadron 49 in 1964.
U.S. Navy tail code
A P-3C Orion of Patrol Squadron 56 in 1976.
U.S. Navy tail code
A P2V-7S Neptune of Patrol Squadron 24 in the early 1960s.
U.S. Navy tail code
A P-3B Orion of VP-62 in the 1980s.
U.S. Navy tail code
A specially marked P-33 Orion of VP-68 in 1994.
U.S. Navy tail code
The "M" tail code of this F4U-4 Corsair indicates assignment to Carrier Air Group 1.
U.S. Navy tail code
An F-8H Crusader of VMF(AW)-112 in 1975.
U.S. Navy tail code
A brightly painted A-4F Skyhawk of VMA-142 in 1976.
U.S. Navy tail code
F-8K Crusaders from Marine Fighter Squadron 351.
U.S. Navy tail code
An EA-6B Prowler carries the "MD" code of VMAQ-3.
U.S. Navy tail code
Several A-4F Skyhawk aircraft from VMA-133 fly in formation in 1981.
U.S. Navy tail code
The "MH" tail code of VW-4 is clearly seen on this smartly painted Lockheed WC-121N.
U.S. Navy tail code
A Lockheed EC-121P Warning Star assigned to airborne early warning squadron VW-11.
U.S. Navy tail code
"MM" tail code is seen on this EC-121P Warning Star.
U.S. Navy tail code
An OP-2E Neptune of the well-known but short-lived Observation Squadron 67 over Laos.
U.S. Navy tail code
An MV-22B Osprey from VMX-22.
U.S. Navy tail code
An F2H-2P Banshee of VMJ-1.
U.S. Navy tail code
The "N" code on this F9F-2 Panther indicates assignment to CVG-9.
U.S. Navy tail code
This F2H-3 Banshee of VF-52 is deployed with the ATG-1, hence the "NA" tail code.
U.S. Navy tail code
A P2V-3C of VC-5 takes off from the USS Midway in 1949.
U.S. Navy tail code
The AJ-2 Savage on this photograph shows the "NC" tail code of VC-8.
U.S. Navy tail code
This F-8J Crusader of VF-301 sports a highly stylized "ND" code.
U.S. Navy tail code
AD-4W Skyaiders from VC-12.
U.S. Navy tail code
An A-4F Skyhawk of VA-212 on a combat mission.
U.S. Navy tail code
An F-4J Phantom II of VF-96 shows the "NG" tail code of CVW-9.
U.S. Navy tail code
An A-7E Corsair II of VA-195 in 1972.
U.S. Navy tail code
An F-14A Tomcat of VF-124.
U.S. Navy tail code
CVW-14 tail code is prominently displayed on this S-3A Viking of VS-37.
U.S. Navy tail code
An A-6E Intruder of VA-52 shows the "NL" tail code of CVW-15.
U.S. Navy tail code
An F-8E Crusader of VF-191 in 1968.
U.S. Navy tail code
A-4 Skyhawks of CVW-21.
U.S. Navy tail code
An AD-4Q Skyraider from VC-35.
U.S. Navy tail code
A Grumman S-2A Tracker of VS-29, assigned to CVGS-53.
U.S. Navy tail code
An S-2A Tracker of VS-33, assigned to CVGS-59.
U.S. Navy tail code
An S-2E Tracker of VS-23, assigned to CVGS-55.
U.S. Navy tail code
An SH-3D Sea King of HS-84 in 1983.
U.S. Navy tail code
A VF(AW)-3 F4D-1 Skyray carries the squadron's "PA" tail code.
U.S. Navy tail code
A pair of AJ-2P Savages assigned to VAP-61.
U.S. Navy tail code
A P-3B Orion assigned to VP-6.
U.S. Navy tail code
A P-3B Orion assigned to VP-9.
U.S. Navy tail code
A P2V-7 assigned to VP-19.
U.S. Navy tail code
A P-3A Orion assigned to VP-69.
U.S. Navy tail code
An F9F-8P Cougar of VFP-62 in flight.
U.S. Navy tail code
A P-3C Orion of VP-91.
U.S. Navy tail code
An F2H-2P Banshee of VC-61 in flight.
U.S. Navy tail code
VQ-1 tail code "PR" is prominently displayed on this EA-3B Skywarrior.
U.S. Navy tail code
The "PS" tail code on this SB2C Helldiver indicates assignment to Carrier Air Group 9.
U.S. Navy tail code
A P-3C Orion of VP-22 shows the squadron's "QA" tail code.
U.S. Navy tail code
A pair of VMGR-352 KC-130J aircraft in flight.
U.S. Navy tail code
A P-3A Orion of VP-28.
U.S. Navy tail code
A VMGR KC-130F Hercules as seen in 1967.
U.S. Navy tail code
The squadron's "QG" tail code is clearly seen on this VMA-131 A-4E Skyhawk.
U.S. Navy tail code
An A-4E Skyhawk of VMA-124.
U.S. Navy tail code
A subdued squadron's tail code is seen on this VMA-322 A-4E Skyhawk.
U.S. Navy tail code
The "RA" tail code of HS-10 is seen on this SH-60F Seahawk.
U.S. Navy tail code
A P-3C Orion of VP-46.
U.S. Navy tail code
A P-3C Orion of VP-47.
U.S. Navy tail code
A pair of VMFP-3 RF-4B Phantoms show off their "RF" tail codes.
U.S. Navy tail code
A C-2A Greyhound of VRC-50.
U.S. Navy tail code
An EA-6A Intruder assigned to VMCJ-1.
U.S. Navy tail code
The squadron's tail code is seen clearly on this VR-23 TBM-3R Avenger COD aircraft.
U.S. Navy tail code
A P-3A Orion of VP-31.
U.S. Navy tail code
The "RR" tail code on this AD-5W Skyraider indicates assignment to VAW-11.
U.S. Navy tail code
"RU" lettering on this C-130T Hercules indicates assignment to VR-55.
U.S. Navy tail code
A C-2A Greyhound of VRC-30.
U.S. Navy tail code
The "RZ" code on the starboard wing of this TBM-3R Avenger indicates assignment to VR-21.
U.S. Navy tail code
The "S" on the tail of this FJ-1 Fury indicates assignment to Carrier Air Group 5.
U.S. Navy tail code
An A-4M Skyhawk of VMAT-102.
U.S. Navy tail code
The "SD" code on the vertical stabilizer of this F/A-18 Hornet indicates assignment to VX-23.
U.S. Navy tail code
A pair of Avengers assigned to VS-26.
U.S. Navy tail code
The tail code of VS-24 is clearly seen on these Grumman Guardians.
U.S. Navy tail code
The "SK" on the tail boom of this HSS-1 Seabat indicates assignment to HS-2.
U.S. Navy tail code
A group of TBM-3E Avenger anti-submarine aircraft of Composite Squadron VC-22.
U.S. Navy tail code
The squadron's code is seen on this HMLA-369 AH-1W Super Cobra.
U.S. Navy tail code
An AF-2S Guardian of anti-submarine squadron VS-31.
U.S. Navy tail code
A TBM-3W Avenger from anti-submarine squadron VS-32.
U.S. Navy tail code
An AD-3Q Skyraider from composite squadron VC-33.
U.S. Navy tail code
An S2F-1 Tracker of VS-38.
U.S. Navy tail code
An elaborately marked AF-2W Guardian of VS-37.
U.S. Navy tail code
An AF-2W Guardian assigned to VS-931.
U.S. Navy tail code
An AF-2W Guardian assigned to VS-30.
U.S. Navy tail code
The "T" on this F2H-2 Banshee indicates assignment to Carrier Air Group 1.
U.S. Navy tail code
An MH-53E Sea Dragon of HM-15.
U.S. Navy tail code
A Kaman SH-2F Seasprite assigned to HSL-31.
U.S. Navy tail code
A Lockheed WV-2 Warning Star assigned to early warning squadron VW-1.
U.S. Navy tail code
An excellent view of a SH-2F Seasprite of HSL-33.
U.S. Navy tail code
An SH-2F Seasprite assigned to HSL-35.
U.S. Navy tail code
An SH-2F Seasprite assigned to HSL-37.
U.S. Navy tail code
A Lockheed WV-2 Warning Star assigned to early warning squadron VW-15.
U.S. Navy tail code
A flight of VMCJ-3 RF-4B Phantoms display the squadron's "TN" tail code.
U.S. Navy tail code
A stylized "TR" tail code is seen on this FJ-4B assigned to Fleet Air Gunnery Unit Pacific.
U.S. Navy tail code
An SH-60B Seahawk of HSL-43..
U.S. Navy tail code
A colourful TA-4J Skyhawk shows the "UA" code of composite squadron VC-1.
U.S. Navy tail code
The "UB" on the tail boom of this HSS-1 Seabat indicates assignment to HS-6.
U.S. Navy tail code
An SH-3G Sea King assigned to VC-5.
U.S. Navy tail code
A Grumman US-2C from composite squadron VC-3.
U.S. Navy tail code
A pair of A-4F Skyhawks from composite squadron VC-7.
U.S. Navy tail code
The "UM" tail code on this OV-10 Bronco indicates assignment to VAL-4.
U.S. Navy tail code
A Piasecki HUP-2 Retriever of Helicopter Utility Squadron HU-1.
U.S. Navy tail code
A Piasecki HUP-1 Retriever of Helicopter Utility Squadron HU-2.
U.S. Navy tail code
Stylized "UU" decorates the tail of this OV-10A Bronco from VMO-2.
U.S. Navy tail code
The squadron's "UX" tail code on this Skyhawk from VFC-13 is cleverly disguised.
U.S. Navy tail code
The "V" on this F9F-2 Panther indicates assignment to CVG-11.
U.S. Navy tail code
An F-4J Phantom II of VMFA-115.
U.S. Navy tail code
The squadron's tail code is barely discernable on this HH-2C assigned to VH-7.
U.S. Navy tail code
An A-6E Intruder of VMA(AW)-121.
U.S. Navy tail code
An A-4M Skyhawk of VMA-331.
U.S. Navy tail code
This F-35B sports the "VM" tail code of VMFAT-501.
U.S. Navy tail code
The "VO" on this HO4S helicopter indicates assignment to HS-4.
U.S. Navy tail code
A CH-46D Sea Knight of HC-11.
U.S. Navy tail code
A Kaman HOK-1 Huskie of VMO-2.
U.S. Navy tail code
An F-4B Phantom II of VMFA-314.
U.S. Navy tail code
This TA-4F Skyhawk shows the "WA" code of H&MS-12.
U.S. Navy tail code
A Stinson OY-1 Sentinel of VMO-6.
U.S. Navy tail code
An FJ-4B Fury of VMA-212 shows its proper "WD" tail code.
U.S. Navy tail code
A flight of A-4 Skyhawks assigned to VMA-214.
U.S. Navy tail code
An F7F-3N Tigercat of VMF(N)-513.
U.S. Navy tail code
A pair of F-4B Phantom II jets of VMFA-542.
U.S. Navy tail code
A Douglas AD-4B Skyraider assigned to VMA-225.
U.S. Navy tail code
An F4U-5 Corsair of VMF-224.
U.S. Navy tail code
An F9F-2 Panther of VMF-311.
U.S. Navy tail code
The "WM" code on this HO3S-1 helicopter indicates assignment to the Headquarters Squadron 33.
U.S. Navy tail code
An FJ-2 Fury of VMF-312.
U.S. Navy tail code
An F/A-18 Hornet of VMFA-323.
U.S. Navy tail code
An FJ-4 Fury of VMF-232.
U.S. Navy tail code
A pair of brightly decorated FJ-2 Fury fighters assigned to VMF-235.
U.S. Navy tail code
A C-130T Hercules of VR-48.
U.S. Navy tail code
The "X" on this F2H-4 Banshee indicates assignment to Air Task Group 202.
U.S. Navy tail code
An F7U-3 Cutlass of VX-3.
U.S. Navy tail code
An LC-130R Hercules of VXE-6.
U.S. Navy tail code
An FJ-4B Fury of VX-4.
U.S. Navy tail code
The tail code of this Grumman Tracker indicates assignment to VS-21.
U.S. Navy tail code
An SP-2H Neptune of VP-1.
U.S. Navy tail code
The squadron's code is barely visible on this war-weary CH-53A Stallion of HMH-462.
U.S. Navy tail code
A CH-53D Stallion of HMH-463.
U.S. Navy tail code
A CH-53D Stallion of HMH-362.
U.S. Navy tail code
A CH-46F Sea Knight assigned to HMM-365.
U.S. Navy tail code
An MV-22B Osprey of VMM-161.
U.S. Navy tail code
The tail code of this AH-1W Super Cobra attack helicopter indicates assignment to HMM-162.
U.S. Navy tail code
A TF-9J Cougar of Headquarters and Maintenance Squadron 13.
U.S. Navy tail code
An excellent shot of a CH-46D Sea Knight of HMM-165.
U.S. Navy tail code
An MV-22B Osprey of VMM-363.
U.S. Navy tail code
A KA-3B Skywarrior of VAH-4 in flight.
U.S. Navy tail code
An A3D-2 Skywarrior of VAH-6 landing aboard an aircraft carrier.
U.S. Navy tail code
A P-3B Orion assigned to VP-17.
U.S. Navy tail code
The "ZH" code on the AJ-2 Savage on this photograph indicates assignment to VAH-16.
U.S. Navy tail code
An FJ-4 Fury of Guided Missile Group 1.