The squadron traces its roots to VA-22, the first east coast carrier based ASW squadron. VS-22 was established on May 18, 1960 at Naval Air Station, Quonset Point, Rhode Island, concurrently with the establishment of Carrier Antisubmarine Air Group FIFTY-FOUR. From 1960 until 1974, VS-22 flew the venerable Grumman S-2 "Tracker" best known as the "Stoof." The squadron now flies the sophisticated S-3B "Viking" aircraft built by Lockheed California Company.

The "Checkmates" have set the VS community standards since the squadron's inception. The highlight of 1961 was the recovery of America's first astronaut, Alan B. Shepard, after his pioneering space flight on May 5 of that year. In August 1965, VS-22 embarked in USS LAKE CHAMPLAIN for another space capsule recovery, this time Gemini 5 with astronauts Gordon Cooper and "Pete" Conrad. Returning to USS ESSEX, VS-22 participated in the recovery of Apollo 7 with astronauts Shirra, Eisele, and Cunningham.

On April 1, 1973, VS-22 joined Air Antisubmarine Wing ONE, the precursor of Sea Control Wing, U.S. Atlantic Fleet. On November 8, 1973, with the subsequent closure of NAS Quonset Point, Rhode Island, VS-22 transferred to NAS Cecil Field, Florida.

Jet transitions started in the summer of 1974 with pilots training in T-2's and A-4's at NAS Meridian, Mississippi. On January 6, 1976, after 22 years of flying the S-2 Tracker, VS-22 sailed from NAS Mayport, Florida to the Mediterranean Sea onboard USS SARATOGA as the first deployed S-3A Viking squadron.