The first Composite Squadron Twelve was established as VC-12 on 6 October 1943 at NAS Sand Point, Seattle, Washington.

The squadron operated the F4F Wildcat and TBM-1 Avenger aboard USS Card in the western Pacific until the carrier changed homeport to Norfolk, Virginia in 1944.

In the Atlantic theater, VC-12 flew combat missions against German U-boats, logging 34 engagements.

On 6 July 1948, Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron Two (VAW-2) was established at NAS Norfolk.

The squadron employed the single seat A-4 Skyhawk and dual seat TA-4Js in providing multiple support services, including air intercept and dissimilar air combat maneuvering (ACM) training for Atlantic and Pacific fleet units.

SFARP is an intense, three-week training exercise conducted by the Strike Fighter Weapons School Atlantic that allows fleet strike fighter aircrews to hone their warfighting skills against a realistic adversary prior to deploying.

In January 1989, the squadron received a Meritorious Unit Commendation for sustained superior performance from 1 April 1987 to 31 March 1988.

Also in 1998, Commander Naval Air Reserve Force recognized VFC-12 with an Aviation Safety Citation for achieving another year of Class A mishap free flying.