Name ideas for Fighter squadons?

gaby · Unread post by **gaby** » Tue Mar 01, 2011 12:32 pm

Any Names ideas for Fighter Squadons?

Chris0013 · Unread post by **Chris0013** » Tue Mar 01, 2011 1:15 pm

Invid Bait.

Seto Kaiba · Unread post by **Seto Kaiba** » Tue Mar 01, 2011 3:06 pm

gaby wrote:Any Names ideas for Fighter Squadons?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Un ... _squadrons
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Un ... _squadrons
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_ac ... _squadrons
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_in ... _squadrons

There's some good material to start from.

taalismn · Unread post by **taalismn** » Tue Mar 01, 2011 4:50 pm

"(Your Name Here)"

Jefffar · Unread post by **Jefffar** » Wed Mar 02, 2011 9:12 am

Even more general: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:S ... _air_force

Just remember, the UNDF forces come from several countries and it's likely that entire squadrons were actually just transferred in whole at the start of the UNDFs formation. Over time these squadrons would lose their national association, but they would still retain their name and traditions.

punksmurph · Unread post by **punksmurph** » Wed Mar 02, 2011 7:02 pm

The Macross series tended to use colors, for example: Vermillion, Indigo. One way to go is to pick a basic color like Yellow and find an alternative to it like Amber or Flax. Another way to do it is to find out what the region is and name it after a noun that represents it, like in Japan there is a US Helo Squadron http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HSL-51 and they are called the Warlords. If they are on a ship called the UNS Bonaparte then they could be the Corsicans.

Seto Kaiba · Unread post by **Seto Kaiba** » Wed Mar 02, 2011 7:39 pm

punksmurph wrote:The Macross series tended to use colors, for example: Vermillion, Indigo.

Actually, that's not true...

Groups like "Vermilion" were sub-units of the standard air tactical wing, and were led by junior officers. Full-size fighter squadrons in Macross follow similar naming conventions to the US Navy, with a mission/type designation, a number, and nickname. The notable ones include the SVF-1 Skulls, SVF-184 Iron Chiefs, SVF-41 Black Aces, etc. I have some more complete listings at home, which I can post if anyone really wants to see 'em. In some cases, squadrons have been identified by a designation or a name, either due to being background characters, special forces, or irregulars, like SVMAT-102, Antares squadron, the Dancing Skulls, the VF-X Ravens, "Round Table", Scarecrow squadron, Ruby Maces, Black Rays, etc.

Rabid Southern Cross Fan · Thu Mar 03, 2011 3:35 am

I'm partial to Vanguard Squadron (76th Fighter Squadron) formerly of the 23rd Fighter Group and part of The Flying Tigers mostly because my Dad's older brother Henry Farris was a pilot in the 76th (KIA 1943).

http://www.cieldegloire.com/fg_023.php

gaby · Unread post by **gaby** » Tue May 24, 2011 9:04 am

the Wildcards Heartbankers

Phamtom Sweep Red Lightnings

Invisible Knights White wolves

Daredevils Catseyes

taalismn · Unread post by **taalismn** » Tue May 24, 2011 10:00 am

The Grammarians (aka the Grammar Nazis, behind their backs)
The Spell-Checkers
The Punctuators (aka Punctuation Men)

Arnie100 · Unread post by **Arnie100** » Tue May 24, 2011 10:25 pm

Look up US Navy fighter squadrons

Seto Kaiba · Unread post by **Seto Kaiba** » Tue May 24, 2011 10:29 pm

Arnie100 wrote:Look up US Navy fighter squadrons

Suggested that ages ago...

Grell · Unread post by **Grell** » Tue May 24, 2011 11:18 pm

From my first Robotech campaign many, many moons ago my players formed the core of the newly formed 'Virgo Squadron'. Other than that, go with the navy links provided.

Also, if you can get it, the Zentraedi Breakout book has a great piece that could be of help as well (Naming Squadrons, pg. 16).

batlchip · Unread post by **batlchip** » Wed May 25, 2011 2:15 am

you can use anything.(Not just the navy's squadron names).Llike the Airforce of even the Army's unit names.But your best bet is your own ideas and what you like.

glitterboy2098 · Thu May 26, 2011 4:43 pm

never be afraid to look at other media too..
Squadrons of Ace Combat
squadrons of Atlantis DSV
Squadrons of the Atlantis DSV-8100

gaby · Unread post by **gaby** » Mon Jun 13, 2011 1:06 pm

Wild stars

,Laser heads

,Smashers

Seto Kaiba · Unread post by **Seto Kaiba** » Tue Jun 14, 2011 12:40 am

Just for fun, and since this thread's still going, I figured I'd share a partial list of the squadrons listed/named in the Variable Fighter Master File series of Macross tech manuals. "SVF" denotes a fighter squadron, "SVA" is an attack squadron, "SVC" and "SVFC" units are composite squadrons, "SVAW" denotes an airborne early warning squad, and "SVFM" is a special designator for marine units.

Variable Fighter Master File: VF-1 Valkyrie (Vol.1)

SVF-1 "Skulls"
SVF-29 "Silver Wings"
SVF-20 "Outlaws"
"Angel Birds" Flight Demonstrator Squadron (the UN Spacy equiv. of the Blue Angels)
SVF-122 "Big Aces" (a Zentradi squad)
SVF-65 "Blue Knights"
SVA-163 "Flying Fleas"
SVF-46 "Gold Wings"
SVF-51 "Yellowjackets"
SVF-85 "Blue Falcons"

Variable Fighter Master File: VF-1 Valkyrie (Vol.2) "Space Wing"

SVF-50 "Spirits of the Sword"
SVF-13 "Plungers"
SVC-113 "Star Hunters"
SVAW-12 "Prairie Dogs"
SVF-43 "Grime Wolves"
SVF-41 "Black Aces"
SVF-74 "Grime Fighters"
SVF-92 "Cleavers"
SVF-124 "Moonshadows"
SVFM-31 "Hawks"
SVF-69 "Big Dippers"
SVF-26 "Royal Cavaliers"
SVF-56 "Griffons"
SVF-77 "Seven Stars"
SVF-113 "Great Bisons"
SVF-144 "Cloverleaves"
SVF-197 "Hammerheads"
SVF-61 "War Babies"

Variable Fighter Master File: VF-19 Excalibur

SVF-663 "Muskets"
SVF-569 "Lightnings"
SVF-440 "Dullahans"
SVFC-222 "Valkyries"
SVF-73 "Sidewinders"
SVF-166 "Tiger Waves"
SVF-37 "Red Bulls"
SVF-290 "Black Sabers"
SVF-242 "Guardians"
SVF-315 "Cheyennes"
SVF-158 "Iron Riders"
SVF-137 "Metal Robins"
"Emerald Force" (Special Forces)
"Sound Force" (Special Forces/Irregulars)
SVF-523 "Sonic Riders"

Variable Fighter Master File: VF-25 Messiah

SVF-522 "Stampede Thunders"
SVF-1202 "Fireballs"
SVF-121 "Regulus"
SVF-173 "Ripsnorters"
"Angel Mates" Flight Demonstrator Squadron
SVF-152 "Star Streaks"
SVF-188 "Fire Stars"
SVF-255 "Samurai Fighters"
SVF-332 "Strato Falcons"
SVF-502 "Electric Dragons"
SVF-415 "Storm Birds"

Rabid Southern Cross Fan · Tue Jun 14, 2011 2:14 am

Hmmm...well, there are only a few named fighter squadrons in Robotech and its various spin-offs (novels) that I can remember off-hand:

Fighter Squadrons
Skull
Ghost Rider
Wolf
Black Lion
Redhawk
Firestorm
Brandywine
Warmaker
Joker
Diamondback
Knight
Rook
Cobra

Destroids/Battloids
Old Ironsides
Walking Steel
Gladiator Force

Infantry
Hell's Hoplites

Special Forces
The Wolfe Pack

Zentraedi Malcontents
New Unity
Steel Wind
Iron Ravens
The Scavengers
The Paranka
The Claimers
The Senburu
Khyron's Fist
Relgan Claw

'Indie Battalions'
The Stonemen
Altiplano Five Hundred
The Splinters
The Defoliators

Special/Mixed Teams
The Raspberry Babies
The Four Horsemen
The Survivors
The Sky Jammers
The Hell Raisers

thorr-kan · Unread post by **thorr-kan** » Tue Jun 14, 2011 10:59 am

13th Mixed Mecha Brigade
The Heavy Metal Horde

gaby · Unread post by **gaby** » Sun Jul 17, 2011 9:14 am

Ther some great names.

gaby · Unread post by **gaby** » Sun Aug 28, 2011 9:36 am

Lost Souls

gaby · Unread post by **gaby** » Mon Sep 05, 2011 11:10 am

Bad Dogs,

SailorCallie · Mon Sep 05, 2011 11:22 am

Rhapsody Squadron

Lt Gargoyle · Unread post by **Lt Gargoyle** » Mon Sep 05, 2011 1:45 pm

Raptors Squadron

WASP Squadron

Unicorn Squadron for those who always take point.

Cream Puffs Squadron for those who always whine, or use it as a call sign.

Sgt Anjay · Unread post by **Sgt Anjay** » Mon Sep 05, 2011 2:30 pm

Well, there's already Black Lion...so why not Blue Lion, Red Lion, Green Lion, and Yellow Lion?

Just look out if they all join up...

SailorCallie · Unread post by **SailorCallie** » Mon Sep 05, 2011 2:50 pm

Sgt Anjay wrote:Well, there's already Black Lion...so why not Blue Lion, Red Lion, Green Lion, and Yellow Lion?

Just look out if they all join up...

I know what you mean by that:

Voltron: Defender of the Universe

Lt Gargoyle · Unread post by **Lt Gargoyle** » Mon Sep 05, 2011 3:17 pm

Sgt Anjay wrote:Well, there's already Black Lion...so why not Blue Lion, Red Lion, Green Lion, and Yellow Lion?

Just look out if they all join up...

Go Voltron squadron

Colonel Wolfe · Wed Sep 14, 2011 6:54 pm

"Tomahawk" and "Valkyrie" squadrons were good names from the show.

MurderCityDisciple · Mon Oct 31, 2011 4:03 pm

My two main VT squadrons were Black Doves and Winter Raven.

The Black Doves were a misfit (last chance, dirty dozenish) squadron, while the Winter Raven's were Canadiens.

Arnie100 · Unread post by **Arnie100** » Wed Nov 02, 2011 1:37 am

From a couple of old TV shows (hint, hint)

Angry Angels

Wild Cards

Slver Spar

Seto Kaiba · Unread post by **Seto Kaiba** » Sat Dec 17, 2011 5:38 pm

Just s'long as I'm reviewing the book, here are some more official squadrons mentioned in Tenjin Hidetaka's Valkyries - 2nd Sortie art book:

Tenjin Hidetaka: Art Works of Macross: VALKYRIES ~ Second Sortie

SVF-1 "Skulls"
SVF-569 "Lightnings"
VMFAT-203 "Hawks" (UN Marines)
SVF-124 "Moon Shooters"
SVF-41 "Black Aces"
VF-2 "Sonicbirds" (UN Navy)

Seto Kaiba · Unread post by **Seto Kaiba** » Fri Nov 02, 2012 6:54 pm

More from the Variable Fighter Master File series of Macross tech manuals... this time from the recently added fifth installment in the series, Variable Fighter Master File: VF-0 Phoenix. It's an interesting look back at the earliest formative years of the UN Spacy's aviation branch. Since this one includes not only squadrons from the UN Spacy, but the UN Marines and UN Navy as well, the branch the unit belongs to is included as well. Units assigned to the UN Spacy which were not equipped with space-capable equipment do not have the usual leading S- on their designations.

Variable Fighter Master File: VF-0 Phoenix

VF-1 "Skulls" (UN Spacy)
VF-8 "Vigilantes" (UN Navy)
VF-11 "Bravers" (UN Spacy Technical Research and Development Force test unit)
SVX-12 "Space Fighters" (UN Spacy, Orbital Weapons Test Squadron)
VF-38 "Green Arrows" (UN Spacy)
SVF-115 "Armors" (UN Spacy)
VF-3 "Green Arrows" (UN Navy)
VF-12 "Firebirds" (UN Navy)
VMFAT-203 "Hawks" (UN Marines, Training Squadron)

Seto Kaiba · Unread post by **Seto Kaiba** » Mon Nov 12, 2012 8:39 pm

josephddm wrote:Seto,these guys doesn't spend their money on Macross books,so you play on advantage,hahaha!

You never know, some of 'em might... those books are pretty easy to import if you know where to go. It's only the stuff for shows from the 80's that really difficult to track down these days, and only then for the comparatively obscure ones like the original Southern Cross and MOSPEADA.

There are a LOT of squadron names that get mentioned across the various Macross titles, it's easy to go through and grab the ones that are listed in Master File since they're all listed together with their unit colors and markings at the back of the books.

SRoss · Unread post by **SRoss** » Mon Nov 12, 2012 8:50 pm

The Flying Fins.

MikeM · Unread post by **MikeM** » Tue Nov 13, 2012 1:30 pm

We just always made up names.

I think our favourite was Banshee Squadron.

Seto Kaiba · Unread post by **Seto Kaiba** » Tue Nov 13, 2012 6:47 pm

MikeM wrote:We just always made up names.

I think our favourite was Banshee Squadron.

Since my players are also helpers on my translation project, I've recently taken to using some of the squadrons from official books like that since they have these beautifully detailed paint schemes included that make visualizing the combat scenes a little easier. (It's also doubled as encouragement for players to invest a little time in coming up with their own distinctive paint schemes so they're a little more invested in their characters.)

glitterboy2098 · Tue Nov 13, 2012 8:55 pm

on the otherhand, macross 7 had the "Pink Pecker" team, an example of either unfortunate translation, cultural gap, or not so subtle in-joke.. frankly i'm not sure which.
in universe i think that just illustrates that with a military as big as the macross sequals shows the UNSpacy has, eventually you end up with some less than inspiring results.

Seto Kaiba · Unread post by **Seto Kaiba** » Tue Nov 13, 2012 9:29 pm

glitterboy2098 wrote:on the otherhand, macross 7 had the "Pink Pecker" team, an example of either unfortunate translation, cultural gap, or not so subtle in-joke.. frankly i'm not sure which.

Oh, it's definitely that last one... "Pink Pecker" is an accurate translation of the unit's name (written ピンクペッカー), which is described as being "outrageous" in Ray Lovelock's character sheet bio in Macross Chronicle. The way that Ray's old unit is described, it sounds like the Pink Peckers were a three-man special forces team (ala Diamond and Emerald forces in Macross 7) rather than a squadron in their own right. The terminology used suggests that, or that the Pink Peckers were a subdivision of a larger squadron in the same way that Vermilion team was a subdivision of the SVF-1 Skulls (comprising Skull 011, 012, and 013).

glitterboy2098 wrote:in universe i think that just illustrates that with a military as big as the macross sequals shows the UNSpacy has, eventually you end up with some less than inspiring results.

Naturally.

Just going from the ratio of frigates to carriers, and the known number of Northampton-class frigates in service in the 2050s, there are probably close to 3,000 carriers of various classes in the New UN Spacy's fleets. The majority of carriers are set up to carry as many as five full squadrons of VFs, which really boggles the mind. The Macross-7 colony fleet was more or less medium-sized, and it had (in 2045) a whopping 120 VF squadrons and 40 VA squadrons on hand. Just one of the New Macross-class supercarriers can lug around 30-50 squadrons worth all on their lonesome, and there are as many as 29 of them kicking around.

So it's inevitable you'll run into a few units with less than inspiring names... like the Pink Peckers, or the Dancing Skulls, or the Iron Chiefs. On the other hand, there's also a surfeit of references to real units like the Black Aces, the Blue Angels, Thunderbirds, etc. and fairly cool original ones like the VF-X Ravens, the SVF-1 Skulls, or the Queen's Knights (Sheryl's answer to the Minmay Guard).

Robroy · Unread post by **Robroy** » Wed Nov 21, 2012 8:49 am

When I run a game I give the new pilots a color/ number name (not yellow, military does not use it because of the reference to cowardice). Once they get some kills they can chose a name for themselves.

I didn't see the Black Sheep.

Rabid Southern Cross Fan · Wed Nov 21, 2012 4:04 pm

Turkey squadron....

*burp* No thanks...can't eat another bite... :wink:

Seto Kaiba · Unread post by **Seto Kaiba** » Mon Mar 17, 2014 10:24 pm

Thought I'd give this thread a bump with some new info from the latest Variable Fighter Master File book... Variable Fighter Master File: SDF-1 Macross VF-1 Squadrons.

According to the book, the SDF-1 Macross carried fighters from three carrier air wings... its own was CVW-9, and the Prometheus's CVW-1 and CVW-14.

Carrier Air Wing 1 (CVS-101 Prometheus)

SVF-1 "Skulls"
SVF-2 "Sonicbirds"
SVF-20 "Outlaws"
SVF-63 [UNNAMED]
SVF-28 "Knightriders"

Carrier Air Wing 9 (SDF-1 Macross)

SVF-48 "Blue Hawks"
SVF-38 "Green Arrows"
SVF-6 [UNNAMED]
SVF-22 [UNNAMED]
SVF-13 [UNNAMED]
SVF-44 "Gunpod Fighters"
SVF-32 "Shooting Stars"

Carrier Air Wing 14 (CVS-101 Prometheus)

SVF-68
SVF-37 "Red Bulls"

Other Units

SVF-5 "Hustlers" (ARMD-1 H.J. Niven)
SVF-34 "Kingfishers" (CVW-33)
SVF-105 "Percivals" (ARMD-6 Constellation/CVW-8)
SVF-54 "Bicorns" (CVW-11)*
SVF-47 "Williams" (CVW-17)*
VF-11 "Bravers"
SVF-90 "Millennium Goblins" (ARMD-6 Constellation)
VMS-38 "Night Stalkers"
VMS-39
SVFR-7 "Screwhawks"
SVF-50 "Spirits of the Sword"

* I'm not 100% sure about these two... but the VMS units are UN Marine Reserve Scout squads, the SVF and VF units are UN Spacy.

drewkitty ~..~ · Mon Mar 17, 2014 11:59 pm

The 101st fighter squadron..."Dalmatians", colors White & Black.

Seto Kaiba · Unread post by **Seto Kaiba** » Tue Mar 18, 2014 12:40 pm

Since it looks like Macross 30 has been confirmed as canon, it's probably worth adding the 815th Independent Special Command "Havamal" and its Odin Platoon, as well as SMS Ouroboros's Siegfried Platoon.

Chronicle · Unread post by **Chronicle** » Tue Mar 18, 2014 12:57 pm

The sitting ducks

SRoss · Unread post by **SRoss** » Tue Mar 18, 2014 2:22 pm

The Dead Man's Hand (Their emblem would be a card hand of Aces and Eights)

The 501st Joint Fighter Wing (aka The Strike Witches)

SRoss · Unread post by **SRoss** » Tue Mar 18, 2014 5:51 pm

The 7[sup]th[/sup] A.T.A.C. Geist Division

VF-588 Nachthexen (Also used by the E.B.S.I.S.'s 46[sup]th[/sup] Guards Variable Fighter Regiment, the Нічні Чаклунки)

parkhyun · Unread post by **parkhyun** » Wed Mar 19, 2014 2:18 am

Vermilion Squadron.
Indigo Squadron.
Mauve Squadron.

Seto Kaiba · Unread post by **Seto Kaiba** » Fri Apr 04, 2014 7:28 pm

Since we've got some more new art books coming in for the Macross Mecha Manual, here are some from a book that arrived today, This is Animation Special: Macross Plus (OVA Edition). Since these are all listed with different types of craft and at least three different branches of service, I'll list 'em with all the appropriate detail:

Variable Fighter's Aero Report

SVF-41 "Black Aces" (UN Spacy VF-1J)
SVF-145 "Easyriders" (UN Spacy, VF-1D)
9th Air Force, 723rd Tactical Fighter Wing (UN Spacy Air Force, VF-1J)
VF-2 "Sonicbirds" (UN Navy, VF-1A)
SVF-38 "Green Arrows" (UN Spacy, VF-1A)
SVF-82 "Dirty Sluggers" (UN Spacy, VF-1J)
SVF-212 "Black Knights" (UN Spacy, VF-1J)
SVMAT-102 (UN Spacy Marines, VT-1)
SVT-24 (UN Spacy, VT-1)
SVF-184 "Iron Chiefs" (UN Spacy, VF-4A)
SVMF-42 "Blue Phoenixes" (UN Spacy Marines, VF-4A)
SVF-95 "White Rocks" (UN Spacy, VF-4A)
38th Air Force, 644th Tactical Fighter Wing (UN Spacy Air Force, VF-11C)
SVF-72 "Black Eagles" (UN Spacy, VF-11C)
SVF-110 "Mighty Wings" (UN Spacy, VF-11C)
SVF-35 "Blue Steels" (UN Spacy, VF-11B)
SVF-477 "Stingers" (UN Spacy, VF-11C)
SVF-411 "Blue Lancers" (UN Spacy, VF-11B)
SVA-145 "Cloud Dancers" (UN Spacy, VA-3)
SVF-33
SVF-71 "Star Lions" (UN Spacy, VF-5000B)
28th Air Force, 313th Tactical Fighter Wing "Mosquitos" (UN Spacy Air Force, VF-5000B)
SVF-124 "Moon Shooters" (UN Spacy, VF-17D)
SVMF-45 "Luna Guards" (UN Spacy Marines, VF-17D)

parkhyun wrote:Vermilion Squadron.
Indigo Squadron.
Mauve Squadron.

Those aren't really squadrons, as Macross or Robotech define it... they're too small. In the original, they were actually referred to as Platoons.

parkhyun · Unread post by **parkhyun** » Fri Apr 04, 2014 8:27 pm

Seto Kaiba wrote:Since we've got some more new art books coming in for the Macross Mecha Manual, here are some from a book that arrived today, This is Animation Special: Macross Plus (OVA Edition). Since these are all listed with different types of craft and at least three different branches of service, I'll list 'em with all the appropriate detail:

Variable Fighter's Aero Report
SVF-41 "Black Aces" (UN Spacy VF-1J)
SVF-145 "Easyriders" (UN Spacy, VF-1D)
9th Air Force, 723rd Tactical Fighter Wing (UN Spacy Air Force, VF-1J)
VF-2 "Sonicbirds" (UN Navy, VF-1A)
SVF-38 "Green Arrows" (UN Spacy, VF-1A)
SVF-82 "Dirty Sluggers" (UN Spacy, VF-1J)
SVF-212 "Black Knights" (UN Spacy, VF-1J)
SVMAT-102 (UN Spacy Marines, VT-1)
SVT-24 (UN Spacy, VT-1)
SVF-184 "Iron Chiefs" (UN Spacy, VF-4A)
SVMF-42 "Blue Phoenixes" (UN Spacy Marines, VF-4A)
SVF-95 "White Rocks" (UN Spacy, VF-4A)
38th Air Force, 644th Tactical Fighter Wing (UN Spacy Air Force, VF-11C)
SVF-72 "Black Eagles" (UN Spacy, VF-11C)
SVF-110 "Mighty Wings" (UN Spacy, VF-11C)
SVF-35 "Blue Steels" (UN Spacy, VF-11B)
SVF-477 "Stingers" (UN Spacy, VF-11C)
SVF-411 "Blue Lancers" (UN Spacy, VF-11B)
SVA-145 "Cloud Dancers" (UN Spacy, VA-3)
SVF-33
SVF-71 "Star Lions" (UN Spacy, VF-5000B)
28th Air Force, 313th Tactical Fighter Wing "Mosquitos" (UN Spacy Air Force, VF-5000B)
SVF-124 "Moon Shooters" (UN Spacy, VF-17D)
SVMF-45 "Luna Guards" (UN Spacy Marines, VF-17D)

parkhyun wrote:Vermilion Squadron.
Indigo Squadron.
Mauve Squadron.

Those aren't really squadrons, as Macross or Robotech define it... they're too small. In the original, they were actually referred to as Platoons.

In the original, they were all full-sized squadron until a friendly-fire incident cut them down to Platoon-sized elements. The SDF-1's NCIS unit is still trying to figure out how the incident was so deadly, given that it occurred in a Macross City karoake room, but one of the Squadron's commanders has been less than forthcoming.

Seto Kaiba · Unread post by **Seto Kaiba** » Sat Apr 05, 2014 2:16 pm

parkhyun wrote:In the original, they were all full-sized squadron until a friendly-fire incident cut them down to Platoon-sized elements. The SDF-1's NCIS unit is still trying to figure out how the incident was so deadly, given that it occurred in a Macross City karoake room, but one of the Squadron's commanders has been less than forthcoming.

The reason Vermilion Platoon and other color-named elements were erroneously identified as "squadrons" in the Robotech dialogue even though they're far too small and it doesn't match the logic of how they're presented, is because there's no direct English equivalent to the Japanese term used to describe that type of small formation in a fighter squadron. They sort of missed the fact that, while the Valkyries are treated as belonging to fighter squadrons, organizationally they're more a "Flight Battalion" of armored vehicles.

That's why Hikaru/Rick starts out as Skull 023, becomes Vermilion 01 (Vermilion is one of Skull squadron's platoons) while also holding the designation Skull 011, and then becomes Skull leader. He never actually leaves the SVF-1 Skull squadron in his career. He just starts out in an unspecified platoon, then gets a command post as leader of Vermilion Platoon, and then, after Roy dies, is given leadership of SVF-1 Skull Squadron's command platoon "Skull platoon".