VA-216, nicknamed the Black Diamonds, was an Attack Squadron of the US Navy. It was established on 30 March 1955, and disestablished 15 years later on 1 August 1970.
1 Jul 1959: A reorganization by the Commander Naval Air Force, Pacific directed VA-216 and VA-192 to swap aircraft and all personnel. Commander Baumgaertel, the commanding officer of VA-192, became the commanding officer of VA-216 and all other personnel assigned to VA-192 were reassigned to VA-216. The FJ-4Bs that had been assigned to VA-192 were transferred to VA-216. This exchange was similar to a redesignation, but for reasons that are not on record, it was officially directed as an "exchange" rather than as a "redesignation."
Mar 1961: VA-216, embarked in, was ordered to operate off the coast of Thailand as a result of the deteriorating position of Laotian government forces against the Pathet Lao. Units of Lexington's air group flew reconnaissance missions over Laos.
Apr 1962: VA-216, embarked in, operated off the coast of South Vietnam during the arrival of the first USMC advisor unit in the Republic of Vietnam.
May 1962: The squadron, along with other CVG-21 units embarked in Hancock, were prepared to support a United States Marine Corps unit that landed at Bangkok, Thailand and moved by air to Udorn Royal Thai Air Force Base. The Marine landing was at the request of the Thai government because of its concerns surrounding the success of Pathet Lao forces along the Thai-Laotian border.
Nov 1963: Embarked in, the squadron operated off the coast of South Vietnam following the coup that overthrew President Diệm.
29 Dec 1964–May 1965: VA-216 participated in Yankee Team operations, armed reconnaissance flights over Laos, and Operation Barrel Roll, armed reconnaissance and strike missions in eastern Laos covering the infiltration routes used by the Communists.
1 May 1966: Lieutenant C. O. Tolbert was awarded the Silver Star for his actions during a combat mission over North Vietnam involving the Xom Dom Dien supply area and the sighting of a SAM missile battery which was destroyed in a later mission.
7 Jul 1966: The squadron's commanding officer, Commander C. Birdwell, was awarded the Silver Star for his actions in a strike against the Haiphong POL storage area.
Jun 1970: VA-216, embarked in, operated in the Eastern Mediterranean after American hostages were taken by the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine in Amman, Jordan. The squadron, along with other units of CVW-17, were available also for air support during the evacuation of Americans from Jordan.
