Sea Control Squadron TWENTY-FOUR (VS-24) exists to support the accomplishment of the Navy’s missions of forward presence, power projection, sea control, and on-scene crisis response. Specifically, VS-24 provides the operational commander with advanced command and control, surveillance, and battle space dominance. The Scouts accomplish this by ensuring the highest state of readiness and providing an all-weather sea strike and sea control platform that is highly capable in all warfare areas. Sea Control Squadron TWENTY-FOUR is an integral element to the successful execution of Anti-Surface Warfare, Electronic Warfare, Over the Horizon Targeting, Counter Targeting, and Organic Refueling.

Throughout the years, VS-24 has flown five different types of aircraft from fifteen aircraft carriers. The last airframe change for the Scouts occurred in August 1975 when the squadron transitioned from the prop-driven S-2G Tracker to the turbofan S-3A Viking. The squadron upgraded to the S-3B in September 1989. This modification added the capability to launch the Harpoon missile, added Inverse Synthetic Aperture Radar (ISAR), provided the ability to deploy electronic countermeasures and aerial refuel other aircraft, and improved the Electronic Surveillance Measures (ESM) and acoustic detection systems.

Sea Control Squadron TWENTY-FOUR traces its history back to 1 January 1943, when it was commissioned as Bombing Squadron SEVENTEEN (VB-17). The squadron embarked aboard USS BUNKER HILL (CVS-17) and USS HORNET (CVS-12) for action throughout World War II. The post-war period was one of great changes for the squadron. Its designation and tasking changed several times until 8 April 1960, when it was designated Air Anti-Submarine Squadron TWENTY-FOUR and assigned the Anti-Submarine (ASW) mission. In 1993, the squadron was redesignated Sea Control Squadron TWENTY-FOUR, which reflected the new multi-mission role of the Viking aircraft.