VA-46 was nicknamed the "Clansmen" and they were based out of Naval Air Station Cecil Field, Florida. The squadron’s Scottish identity was chosen by its first commander, Clifford A. McDougal and incorporated the McDougal clan tartan in its insignia. The squadron flew during the Vietnam War and was on board the aircraft carrier in 1967 when a fatal fire broke out on the flight deck killing 134 sailors. In 1986 they took part in strikes against Libya known as Operation El Dorado Canyon, and their last combat action was seen during Operation Desert Storm in 1991.