VS-37 Sawbucks Patch — Air Antisubmarine Squadron 37 Sea Control Embroidered Patch The Sawbucks — carrier-based sub hunters who flew the S-3 Viking in defense of the fleet. Air Antisubmarine Squadron 37 (VS-37), the "Sawbucks," was a U.S. Navy carrier-based sea control squadron that operated the S-3 Viking from aircraft carrier flight decks. VS-37 conducted anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, and maritime surveillance missions, providing the carrier battle group with organic ASW capability that could detect and prosecute submarine threats in the waters surrounding the fleet. The S-3 Viking was the Navy's only carrier-based jet ASW platform, combining sonobuoys, magnetic anomaly detection, forward-looking infrared, and radar into a single airframe that could hunt submarines far beyond the range of the battle group's helicopters. VS-37's Sawbucks deployed with Pacific Fleet carrier air wings, flying long patrols ahead of and around the carrier to ensure that no submarine could approach undetected. The "Sawbuck" nickname — slang for a ten-dollar bill — gave the squadron a distinctive and memorable identity. VS-37 was disestablished as part of the retirement of the S-3 Viking community. Perfect For: VS-37 Sawbucks veterans, S-3 Viking aircrew, carrier-based ASW community members, Pacific Fleet sea control squadron alumni, and US Navy legacy squadron patch collectors. Sawbucks. Viking hunters.
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