Naval Fighters 46 - Fleet Whales Douglas A3D Skywarrior Part 2

FRONT COVER: CVG-9 VAH-2 A3D-2 BuNo 138909 aboard the USS Ticonderoga (CVA-14). (Douglas)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

love affair with the airplane.

Bruce Cunningham was born in Virgina in 1928 and graduated high school in June 1946. Four years later he graduated from the Northrop Aeronautical Institute, Hawthorne, CA, after a short stint in the Marine Corps. In January 1951, he was drafted into the Army and served as an aircraft crew chief on the Cessna L-19 "Bird Dog" spotter aircraft, while assigned to the 37th Field Artillery in Korea.

PUBLISHERS NOTE

Upon his return to CONUS he joined Douglas Aircraft Company in March of 1953 as a Liaison Engineer, where he supported design and manufacturing operations on the A2D and AD aircraft. He was transferred to the flight line in 1954, and was assigned to the A3D. In 1958 he was then asked by Roger Conant, the Chief A3D pilot, to fly on the airplane "to see what really happens to the airplane in flight". He subsequently flew as a crewman on the last Skywarriors prior to the shutdown of the EI Segundo plant. He was then transferred to Long Beach and was loaned to the Flight Test Division, where he flew in BuNo 138938 for DECM development work. After two years with Flight Test, he was transferred back to Liaison Engineering as Branch Chief of Flight Liaison Engineering. He became Chief Liaison Engineer in April 1977 and retired fram Douglas in December 1993. He is currently the president of the American Aviation Historical Society (AAHS) wh ich is dedicated to educating and preserving America's

Another child of the "fabulous fifties" was the big-bad Douglas A3D Skywarrior, affectionately known as the "Whale" or "Killer Whale". It was not the most glamorous, but became arguably the most utilitarian carrier based aircraft to come out of the '50s. With Hughes Aircraft still flying the wh ale, it will certainly outlive the few OF-4 dranes still flying at NAS Point Mugu, CA. As a test ai rc raft , size and speed as weil as ease of maintenance have kept the Skywarrior in demand. Volume two covers the Navy's operational use of the Skywarrior squadron by squadron. Volume one (see Naval Fighters Number FortyFive Douglas A3D Skywarrior Part One Design/Structure/Testing) covered the design, structures and testing of the aircraft. It describes in detail with text, photos, and drawings the difference between the different versions. It also covers the aircrafts usage by the Navy's many different testing facilities. These were: the Naval Air Test Center (NATC); Naval Air Test Facility (NATF) Lakehurst; Fleet Electronic Warfare Support Group (FEWSG); Naval Air Special Weapons Facility (NASWF/NWEF); Naval Aerospace Recovery Facility EI Centro (NARF); Naval Ordnance Test Station (NOTS) Inyokem; Naval Weapons Center (NWC); Naval Air Development Center (NADC); Raytheon/U. S. Army; NACA Ames Aeronautical Laboratory Moffett Field; Westinghouse; Project Press (Pacific Range Electronic Signature Studies);

BACK COVER: At top, VAH-1 A3D-2 BuNo 138932 conducting a JATO takeoff from Saint Louis, MO. (via Norm Taylor) Left side top to bottom: VAH-3 A3D-1 BuNo 135423 takes off from NAS Sanford, FL, in 1957. (Douglas) VAP-61 RA-3B trapping aboard a bigdeck carrier off Vietnam. (USN) VAH-6 A3D-2 BuNo 142255 on the USS Saratoga (CVA-60). (Douglas) VAQ-33 ERA-3B BuNo 144827 in flight. (Harry Gann) Right side top to bottom: VAH-9 A3D-2 BuNo 138938 takes off from NAS Sanford, FL, in 1957. (Douglas) VAH-4 A-3B BuNo 138971 trapping in 1968 off the coast of Vietnam. (USN) Hancock-based VAH-10 KA-3B BuNo 138974. (Harry Gann) VAQ-34 ERA-3B landing at NAS Point Mugu, CA, in July 1990. (Ginter) Bottom, VAP-61 ERA-3B BuNo 144831. (via Harry Gann)

Naval Missile Center (NMC), Pacific Missile Test Center; Hughes Aircraft; and Thunderbird Aviation.

© 2004 by Steve Ginter

ISBN 0-942612-46-9 Steve Ginter, 1754 Warfield Cir., Simi Valley, California, 93063 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be repraduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form by any means electranic, mechanical, or otherwise without the written, permission, of the publisher. CONTRIBUTORS Roger Beseeker, Seoot Bloom, Peter Bowers, Tom Chenoweth, Fred Freeman, Harry Gann, John Herndon (VO-2), Gene "Mule" Holmberg, Craig Kaston, Vic Kretsinger, Clay Jansson, William T. Larkins, Bob Lawson, T. Matsuzaki, Barry Miller, Wayne Morris, Stan Piet, Miek Roth, Fred Roos, San Diego Aerospaee Museum, Larry Smalley, Bob Stollof, William Swisher, Tailhook Assoeiation, Norm Taylor, Larry Webster, and Nick Williams.

FLEET WHALES THE A-a SKYWARRIOR STORY PART TWO INTRODUCTION

Less than a year after the surrender of Japan, the Acting UnderSecretary of the Navy se nt a letter to the President strongly urging that the Navy be allowed to develop carrier aircraft specifically designed to carry and deliver nuclear weapons. Discussions were begun by high level Naval officers regarding the development of a carrier-based nuclear strike capability. As a result, a long range plan was put forth wh ich involved a 65, 000 ton aircraft carrier, the USS United States (CVB-58), which was al ready in the design stages , and an ai rplane wh ich could carry a 10,000 pound atomic bomb roundtrip to a target 1,500 miles distant. UnfortunateIy, the Super Carrier was scrapped by President Truman, which meant that if the Navy were to operate heavy bombers, they would have to use existing carriers. Requests for proposals were se nt to each of the major aircraft manufacturing companies. It was hoped that at least one could come up with a design to meet the operating restrietions of existing carriers. While waiting for a solution from industry, two interim plans were proposed: The first plan involved updating existing aircraft carriers to accept larger and faster aircraft which would be up to four times heavier than the heaviest ones operating from the World War 11 class carriers. Navy Project SCB 27A, begun in 1947, was a modernization program for existing Essex Class aircraft carriers. This program included strengthening the flight decks to enable the Navy to operate aircraft of 40 ,000 pounds gross we ight, installing more powerful hydraulic catapults, increasing the elevator strength and providing jet blast deflectors.

steam catapults. These provided more power than the hydraulic catapults. It remained for SCB 11 to be implemented, with its stronger decks and deck edge elevators, before the A3D could be operated from the Essex Class carriers at maximum allowable gross take-off we ight.

Above, artist impression of the proposed-flush deck 65,000 ton super carrier USS United States (CVB-58). (USN) Bottom, VC-5 AJ-1 Savage at Pax River is being used for special weapons loading and unloading training in August 1950. (National Archives)

The second plan was to use or adapt existing aircraft to fit the requirements for becoming nuclear weapon mission-capable. The first airplane considered was the XAJ-1, under development by the North American Aircraft Co. The AJ-1 was to have a bomb bay large enough to accept the 60 inch diameter "FatMan" atomic bomb. The airplane was to be powered with two Pratt & Whitney R2800-44W engines mounted on the leading edge of the wing and an

Allison J33-A-12 centrifugal flow turbojet engine in the aft seetion of the fuselage.

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Project SCB 27C, which followed, provided , in addition to the Project 27A installations, an angled deck, more powerful arresting gear and 1

Due to the urgency of the program and the unavailability of the AJ1, which was not scheduled to make its first flight until May of 1949, an interim airframe was chosen . The temporary aircraft was to be the Lockheed P2V Neptune. To field this aircraft, Composite Squadron Five (VC-5) was established at NAS

Moffett Field on 9 September 1948. Initially equipped with three Lockheed P2V-2 Neptunes, the squadron took delivery of twelve specially-equipped P2V-3C Neptunes with high altitute engines. On 27 April 1949, two Neptunes were loaded aboard USS Coral Sea (CVB-43) at NAS Norfolk, VA. With the aid of JATO, both airplanes, which were capable of carrying a Little Boy A-bomb and weighed in at 75,000 pounds, took off and flew back to Norfolk. The Navy now had a small part of what they wanted, an airplane which could perform the mission of delivery of a nuclear weapon to a target over 1500 miles distant but wh ich could not return to, and land aboard , the carrier. Above, P2V-3C BuNo 122969 was used for carrier recovery feasibility studies. It was fitted with a tailhook and landing tests were conducted at NAS Patuxent River, MD. CAPT Hayward made 16 arrested field landings and flew carrier approaches, but made no shipboard landings. The aircraft is seen here during stress test. (Lockheed) Below, COR Tom Robinson conducts a JATO take off from the USS F. O. Roosevelt (CVA-42) on 7 February 1950 starting his record 5,060 miles flight. (USN) Bottom, VC-5 AJ-1 BuNo 124164 during six plane landing trials aboard the USS Coral Sea (CVA-43) on 31 August 1950. (National Archives)

The AJ-1 Savage replaced the P2Vs and became the backbone of the VAH squadrons which were formed as the first heavy attack units in the fleet. The AJ-1 was a large aircraft and was not really welcome aboard most carriers due to its size and its downward-facing jet engine (see Naval Fighters #22) . On 31 August 1950, Captain Hayward landed and launched the first VC-5 AJ-1 Savage from the USS Coral Sea. The AJ-1 had a sea level speed of 500 mph on all engines, and a range of over 3,000 miles carrying an atomic bomb . It was considered to be a true carrier based heavy attack bomber and the largest, at that time, to take off from and land aboard a carrier. With the A3D Skywarrior al ready in the design stages when the AJ-1 was first delivered , the life span of the Savage was almost predictable but as an interim airplane, it served the purpose for which it was designed. On 6 June 1956, while the A3D was still in its acceptance testing stages, VADM Thomas S. Combs, DCNO (Air), se nt a letter to VADM William L. Rees , Commander Air Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet, as folIows: As you know the introduction of the A3D aircraft into the fleet is one of our most important jobs. I understand that a normal training period for the first VAH squadron would preclude deployment until the Fall of 1957. However, it is my understanding that a large per-

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centage of the pi/ots in the first operationa/ unit have had previous experience. A/so, the A3D had a high/y success fu / F/P at Patuxent River. /n view of these factors, it appears that some acce/eration may be possib/e at this time. /n view of the great importance of exp/oiting this new capabi/ity at an early date, / wou/d appreciate your views and in particu/ar advice as to what assistance you may require in order to dep/oy A3Ds in Forresta/ and F.D. R.

This was asking a lot, since the A3D-1s were still under evaluation at NATC Patuxent River and were still operating under certain flight restrictions, pending completion of testing and Navy acceptance. VADM Combs offered to accept all flight restrictions if he could just get the A3Ds earlier than scheduled , in order to get his pilots checked out in the airplane. Carri er qualifications of his pilots would come later, when the A3D had been accepted by NATC. VAH -1, at NAS Jacksonville, Florida, got five A3D- 1s on 31 March 1956 when BuN os 135415, 135421, 135422, 135423 and 135436 arrived from NATC Patuxent River. The Admiral had these aircraft, wh ich were placarded by NATC with limitations against operations and functions not tested, had the aircraft placarded with his own, more stringent limitations. By the time NATC had approved the airplane for carrier operations, VAH-1 was ready to begin Carquals. On the West Coast, V AH -2 received its first A3D-1 a month later and by the time the VAH-2 pilots were qualified to fly the A3D-1 s, the structural demonstrations were completed and it was time for them to go aboard carrie rs. At this time the only two carriers on the West Coast were Essex Class carriers, but the A3D was designed for the larger Midway Class carrie rs. In comparison, the Essex Class carriers displaced approximateIy 27,000 tons, while the Midway was in the 45,000 ton range. Putting the A3D aboard an Essex Class carrier presented somewhat of achallenge since there is only fourteen feet of space between the island of the carrier and the wing tip of the A3D when landing on the centerline.

This gets even more challenging on a dark night or a pitching, rolling deck in bad weather. The carrier suitability group at Patuxent River was contacted and asked to evaluate the A3D for operations on Essex Class carriers. The carrier suitability A3D-1 from Patuxent River was used to attempt the operations on the USS Bon Homme Richard . The airplane was instrumented at the Douglas Flight Test Center at Edwards Air Force Base and flown to San Diego where it was loaded aboard the carrier.

Above, all-blue VAH-1 A3D-1 2/TB landing aboard the USS Forrestal (eVA-59) during carrier qualifications for the squadron's first deployment. VAH-1 was the first Fleet squadron to operate the Skywarrior. (USN)

The conclusion was that it was demanding of the pilots , it was hairy at times, but the ship could take it, the arresting gear and catapult could take it, and as complex as it was, the entire Pacific Wing eventually qualified aboard the Essex Class carriers.

A3D pilots were Lt. Commander or above . Pilots who were not carrier qualified , had never made a bank of more than 25° and were accustomed to making exceptionally smooth landings on long , wide, non-moving runways . The foregoing is not meant to be disrespectful of the pilot's capabilities but is used to attempt to explain one of the major problems involved with introduction of the A3D to the fleet. Those who have flown from carriers will understand the difference between the two types of flying.

Initial pilot assignment to the A3D squadrons involved pilots whose experience consisted of multi-engine time with carrie r experience a second choice , the thinking being was that the multi-engine pilots could be trained to operate from carriers easier than carrier qualified single-engine pilots could be trained for multiengine aircraft. As a result, most new assignees to the V AH squadrons for A3D pilot duty came from patrol squadrons flying P2V aircraft and the newer VAH squadrons which used AJ Savages, with a lesser number coming from the fighter squadrons. The A3D was considered the "Queen" of the fleet and it followed that senior multi-engine pilots got first choice, wh ich meant that most of the early

The land-based , multi-engine pilot usually has several minutes to set-up for landing , set gear and flaps , make a long straight-in approach with no one else close behind , a long runway ahead and a high speed turn-off to clear the active after touch-down and roll-out. The carrie r pilot has seconds to make the pattern, hook one of five wires while increasing power at just the right second in case of a hook skip or a wire failure. Then , if a successful trap is made, the pilot must make a rapid unhook and taxi out of the way of the next airplane wh ich is already on short final behind him. Add bad weather conditions with poor visibility and a pitching, rolling deck and it is understandable that a pilot with insufficient carrier landing prac-

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HATULANT

ramp on landing, the third resulted from a bolter and a missed barricade and the fourth was due to a possible stall-spin. The loss of the aircraft coupled with what was observed as below average carrier operations by both AJ-1 and A3D pilots led to a message from VADM "Cat" Brown to COMNAVAIRLANT on 30 August 1957, which defined the problem involving the A3D squadrons as he saw it and he demanded corrections. It bears inciusion here:

ti ce who suddenly finds himself in a heavy attack squadron assigned to carrier duty might not be the best choice for the job.

From: COMSIXTHFLT To: COMNAVAIRLANT INFO: COMSECONDFLT, COMCARDIV 2, COMHATWING 1

In 1957, when the first A3D's were delivered to the heavy attack squadrons, there were eight A3D crashes. Four could be blamed on equipment failures; fuel system malfunction resulting in double flame-out on approach to landing, brake and drogue chute failure during landing on wet runway, port main landing geBlr would not extend and failure of arres1ting hook to lower. The other four wene ciassified as pilot error; two hit th,e

BASED ON A LONG ASSOCIA TlON WITH THE PROBLEM WHICH HAS ALL BEEN FROM THE OPERA TIONAL SIDE AND RUNS BACK TO THE BEGINNING OF THE HEAVY ATTACK PROGRAM, I HA VE AT LAST REACHED THE CONVICTION THA TOUR WHOLE APPROACH TO THE TRAINING OF OUR HEAVY ATTACK RONS HAS BEEN BASED UPON AN ERRONEOUS PREMISE, NAMEL Y THA T WE SHOULD START WITH MULTI-ENGINED PILOTS AND QUALlFY THEM ON CARRIERS X THIS HAS SET UP A BARRIER TO DEVELOPMENT - A BARRIER WHICH CAN ONL Y BE OVERCOME WITH THE GREA TEST EFFORT AND, THE MOMENT PRESSURE IS RELAXED,

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THE PROBLEM STARTS ALL OVER AGAIN X BEGINNING WITH THE AJ, OUR HEA VY ATTACK PILOT HAS NEVER BEEN AT HOME ON A CARRIER X HE PREFERS TO OPERA TE FROM THE LAND X HE REALL Y WANTS NO ONE IN THE SAME LANDING CIRCLE WITH HIM X EACH CARRIER LANDING IS AN EXPERIENCE RA THER THAN A ROUTINE TERMINA TION OF HIS MISSION X THEY HAVE EVEN BEEN OBSERVED TO SHAKE HANDS WITH MUTUAL ADMIRA TION AFTER SUCCESSFUL LANDING X THIS IS NO DIA TRIBE AGAINST THE MUL TIENGINE PILOT WHOM I HOLD IN HIGH REGARD X BUT HE IS A LONE EAGLE X HE WORKS HARD LONG TO BECOME A PLANE CDR AND THEN SITS IN THE LEFT SEA T FOR THOUSANDS OF HOURS X OFTEN THE LlVES OF MANY DEPEND ON HIM X EVERYTHING IS PRECISE AND HIS SAFETY

Above lett, Heavy Attack Training Unit Atlantic Fleet (HATULANT) insignia. Below, three blue and one grey/white A3D-1 s conduct carrier qual ifications trom the USS Shangri-La (CVA-38) in 1956. (Douglas)

RECORD IS THE DESPAIR AND ADMIRATION OF THE REST OF US X BUT THE PA TTERNS OF A GROUP ARE NOT EASIL Y CHANGED, PARTICULARL Y WHEN WE TAKE THEM ON AS A GROUP AND SEEK TO TRANSFORM THEM X AND THE HABITS OF THIS GROUP ARE NOT CONDUCIVE TO EITHER GOOD OR SAFE CARRIER OPERA TING TECHNlaUES X I AM CONVINCED WE MUST BEGIN AT ONCE TO UNDO THE MISCHIEF THA T HAS BEEN A LONG TIME BREWING X AS A TEMPORARY PALLlA TIVE I RECOMMEND INSURING THA TAT AN EARL Y DA TE THE SENIOR OFFICERS IN EACH VAH RON BE FORMER CARRIER PILOTS X THE FACT THA T THEY MAKE CARRIER LANDINGS AS A MA TTER OF COURSE WILL FIL TER DOWN AND DO GOOD X WHILE THIS I THINK WILL HELP, THE ONL Y REALL Y EFFECTIVE ANS WER IS TO BEGIN AGAIN AT THE BEGINNING AND FROM A SOUND PREMISE, NAMEL Y THE PRECISE REVERSE OF WHA T WE ARE NOW OPERA TING ONX WE MUST BEGIN WITH CARRIER-aUALIFIED PILOTS AND TRAIN THEM IN MUL TI-ENGINED AIRCRAFTX THIS WILL TAKE aU/TE A WHILE FOR WE HA VE BEEN GOING IN THE WRONG DIRECTION FOR A DECADE X MOREOVER WE MUST NOT INTRODUCE THESE PILOTS INTO EXISTING UNITS OR GROUP PSYCHOLOGY ALREADY PRESENT WILL INEXORABL Y HOLD THEM INTO ITS MORES X WE MUST START WITH A SMALL UNIT WHICH GRADUALL Y EXPANDS AS THE OTHER UNITS PHASE OUT X FROM TIME TO TIME WE MA Y INTRODUCE INTO SUCH NUMBERS AS TO PERMIT THEM TO BRING WITH THEM THEIR GROUP PSYCHOLOGY (I WOULD NOT, HOWEVER, APPL Y SUCH RESTRICTIONS TO THOSE WHO MA Y HAVE GOTTEN INTO MUL TI-ENGINES SOMETIME LA TER IN THEIR CAREER AFTER AN EARLIER SHOT A T CARRIERS) X THIS IS HEROIC TREA TMENT BUT THE SITUA TlON IS BAD AND CAN NO LONGER BE TOLERA TED X THE LEAST WE CAN DO IS SET UP A CELL AND TRY IT OUT X

That was a rather radical message to send to the top brass, but it did get their attention. In fact it got just about everyone's attention, particularly that of those in the Heavy Attack squadrons. ADM James D. "Jig Dog" Ramage, who had done a previous study on A3D pilot qualifications, and who had just been assigned to command Heavy Attack Wing One, was assigned the task of correcting those problems involved in the induction of the A3D into fleet service.

Ramage al ready knew that because of its mission and the demand for special security clearances, the Heavy Attack community had become quite distinct from the rest of carrier aviation . This attitude, along with the physical size of the airplane, which took up an unprecedented amount of valuable space aboard carriers, particularly on the Essex and Midway classes, tended to alienate the squadrons not only from the deck crews but from some carrier captains as weil. In addition, there had been a particularly bad ramp strike on a West Coast carrier, and the already sagging reputation in the heavy attack community was at a new low. Further, investigation showed that in the top 18 positions in the six squadrons then in commission , only three of these key personnel had previous carrier experience before going to heavy attack, and that none of these had previous jet experience. The remaining 12 senior squadron officers (commanding officer, executive officer and operations officer) had all come from patrol plane squadrons. About the only in itial bit of good news was that the AJ-1 had developed such a bad reputation that the A3D looked good in comparison. Ramage really had his hands full but he already had two corrective action plans in mind, one short-range one to get the A3D accepted aboard carriers and a longer range one in wh ich the nuclear weapon, wh ich only the AJ-1 and the A3D could carry, would be replaced with a yet-to-be-developed smaller weapon wh ich could be carried by fighter aircraft. The A3D Skywarrior, which was classified as a heavy attack bomber and was, at that time, to be used as a high-level bomber, could then be replaced with smaller nuclear delivery-capable aircraft. Just prior to leaving Washington for NAS Sanford, FL, Ramage met with VADM Bill Rees, Commander Na val Air Force, Atlantic Fleet to discuss the problems and probe for possible remedies. VADM Rees was already considering the idea of the disestablishment of NAS Sanford and distributing the A3D squadrons to the air

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NAS SANFORD

groups on the East Coast. A subsequent plan was to incorporate functional base loading for carrier squadrons where all Heavy Attack squadrons would be based at one station for mutual training and maintenance. Ramage initially agreed with the first idea since he feit that if the A3D squadrons were based with the parent group commander and his squadrons, the heavies might absorb more of the carrier flavor. Within a month of arrival at NAS Sanford, Ramage reported that: (1) The functional base loading was indeed the most efficient way to train and support the operations of a complex aircraft. It should be retained. (2) There was a severe morale problem among the bombardier/navigators who were also rated pilots; and that these B/N's were not nearly as weil qualified as the former enlisted men performing the same function. (3) There were a number of senior pilots who were in no way qualified to operate the A3D from carriers. (4) The maintenance personnel were the finest that he had encountered. (5) The nuclear weapons training program was absolutely professional. (6) Action was already taking place at NOTS Inyokern (China Lake) to develop a low-altitude penetration capability for the A3D. In addition to the laydown capability, a medium angle pitch-off capability was possible which would permit the lofting of an implosion nuclear weapon (Mk 7). (7) The problem to be solved was whether the A3D wing strength would support the maneuver. (8) The A3D community was suffering from an inferiority complex. There was a need to establish a new image as competent carrier aviators. However,

putting them back in the pilot's seat, for which they were trained, at great expense, one might add. The next step was to put qualified enlisted men in the A3D's third crewman seats. The excellent training program, mandated by the Wing Commander, within the wing provided a constant source of talented enlisted men. Many of these men later became limited duty officers.

this recognition could only occur if the squadrons demonstrated their ability around the ship. (9) The A3D was a remarkable carrier based aircraft. (Ramage qualified aboard FDR somewhat later in a minimum of time).

In the meantime, it was obvious that some of the older pilots , who had not demonstrated the required degree of carrier expertise, would have to leave, due to no fault of their own . In most cases, the Navy's personnel assignment policies had caused the problem and , unfortunateIy, the rules would not permit a transfer without disposition board action. Ramage did not want Navy commanders without previous carrier experience. It had been fatal in several cases and was a basic reason for operational problems in the A3D. The next step was the removal of rated pilots from the BIN seats and

It took Ramage less than six months to resolve the major problems and point the squadrons in the right direction. The qualifications of the three senior officers in each squadron, (Commanding Officer, Executive Officer and Operations Officer), were reviewed ' nd those wh ich did not meet the strin gent demands of the position held, as defined by Ramage, were removed and replaced with qualified , motivated officers who would continue improvement in crew morale, attitude, and capability. Years later, ADM Ramage commented, "After six months we seemed to have things going for uso However, a new problem loomed. Coming along was the A3J, which later became the A-5A, and later still, the RA-5C. In the meantime, I was advised that the Navy could buy 100 A3D airframes at less than $1,000,000 each. After discussing my doubts concerning the A3J with VADM Rees, he told me to put my feeling in writing. He forwarded my letter to VADM Pirie, who stated in

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reply that he appreciated my views but that it was too late. So, with the A3D just beginning to pull its own weight in the fleet, it was to be replaced by a less capable attack aircraft. "In 1953, as skipper of USS Independence (CVA-52) , my air group had a 12-plane A-5A (A3J-1) squadron (VAH-1) included . I didn't realize until that time how correct my assessment of the A-5 had been. Although of some value at enormous expense accrued when the A-5 was converted to reconnaissance as the RA-5C, I cannot conclude other than that it was a poor follow-up to the A3D. Later, as Chief of Staff to CTF77 and as COMCADIV Seven in the Gulf of Tonkin, the value of the A-3 as a tanker was repeatedly demonstrated." In December of 1987 the EA-3Bs were withdrawn from carrier operations. VQ-1 turned its EA-3Bs over to VQ-2 who used them up to, and including, Operation Desert Storm in January of 1991. Ironically, the A-3 Skywarrior, wh ich was first flown 39 years ago , continues to serve the Navy in civilian life, by civilian defense contractors who use them as an aid in the development of airborne electronics countermeasures equip-

Below, VAH-4 A-3B BuNo 147667 refueis a VF-121 F-4B Phantom. (USN)

ment. Its "re placement" flew its last flight as an attack aircraft more than 20 years ago , and its last operational deployment ended in 1979. During the Southeast Asian War, the A-3B was originally used in its primary role of bomber, including use as a dive bomber. They were soon removed from the bombing role as the Skywarrior's tanker capability made it too valuable to risk to enemy anti-aircraft fire. The need for tankers, a role in which the A-3 excelled, resulted in NARF Alameda being directed early in 1967 to modify 85 aircraft with semi-permanent hosereel kits under the new designation KA-3B. Depending on its tank configuration, a KA-3B could carry 43,500 Ibs. of JP-4, of which 30,000 Ibs. was available for transfer. Somewhere along the line, someone came up with the idea of adding electronics countermeasures equipment to a KA-3B, thus creating the EKA-3B and resulting in the best of two configurations in one aircraft. NARF Alameda had created and delivered five EKA-3Bs by early 1967 with a follow-on of thirty-four additional conversions delivered later. Many fighter and bomber pilots will tell you that the unsung heroes of

8elow, VQ-2 EA-38 retueling trom a VA-216 A-48 Skyhawk. (USN)

the air war over Vietnam were the tankers, the crews of the refueling aircraft which accompanied the combat types on their missions and stood by for mid-air refueling to enable them to get safely back to the mother ship. The tanker Whales with VAH and VAO squadrons were credited with saving over 700 aircraft from loss during the course of the war. Official records are incomplete, but those available indicate Navy tanker units operating off Vietnam chalked up 473 "saves" in the years 1966 through 1968, including 299 in 1967 alone. The total dollar value of the aircraft saved during that period, and since, amounted to several billion dollars. The value of the human lives involved is, of course, incalculable. And there were also some exceptional missions, truly "above and beyond" the normal profile. Two examples: In 1968 LCDR John Wunsch , flying an EKA-3B Skywarrior from the USS Hancock, was refueling three F-8s over the Gulf of Tonkin and found himself running dangerously low on fuel. An emergency call brought a KC-135 to the rescue. The EKA-3B ended up taking fuel from the KC-135 while simultaneously passing fuel to the third F-8. In 1966, CA PT Jack Ouinn, then Commanding Officer of Heavy Attack Squadron (VAH-10), picked up an A-4 wh ich had been hit by an enemy missile and was losing fuel faster than it was receiving it. The two aircraft flew hooked-up all the way back to the carrier (about 80 miles out), making a

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nearly simultaneous land ing, with Ouinn popping loose just prior to touchdown , at which time both aircraft were almost completey out of fuel. The word "save", as used by tanker crews, was utilized to indicate that the airplane "saved" would have crashed if it had not been refueled. On the other hand, there are hundreds of real saves which could be recorded because they resulted from flights which were not flown . To explain: It is impossible under some circumstances for an aircraft to take off with a full load of ordnance and a fuilload of fuel. With mid-air refueling , a plane can take off with a full bomb load and partially full fuel tanks, finish filling the tanks after becoming airborne, and continue to its target. The result is fewer sorties required , which mean, fewer aircraft and pilots put in harms way. The August 1964 Gulf of Tonkin

By this time, the twin 20mm guns in the tail had been replaced with ECM equipment, wh ich meant that unarmed A-3s penetrated enemy airspace over Vietnam on a regular basis. RA-3Bs of Heavy Photographie Squadrons (VA Ps) 61 and 62, many of wh ich were painted black or multishaded grey paint schemes, conducted infrared reconnaissance of North Vietnam road networks at night. It was dangerous work: VAP-61 lost four RA-3Bs to ground fire . VQ-1 and VQ-2 operated EA-3B electronic reconnaissance versions throughout the war, providing vital intelligence to the fleet and to high-level commanders. incident finally provided the A3D with its combat baptism . VAH -4 in Ticonderoga and VAH-10 in Constellation were the first units to officially engage in combat in Southeast Asia, as they provided tanker support for Pierce Arrow strikes on 5 August. Over the next si)( years the four A3D squadrons at Whidbey Island would make a total of 36 deployments to Vietnam. While designed to carrying atomic bombs, the A-3 could carry as many as twelve 500 pound bombs internally, or eight with the tanker package installed. VAH-2, deployed as a nine-aircraft squadron with CVW-15 in Coral Sea, ciaimed credit as the first A-3B unit to drop ordnance during a 29 March 1965 strike on Bach Long Vi Island, North Vietnam .

During the squadron 's eleven month cruise it flew 4,800 hours, flew 1,186 combat miSSions , transferred 4,150,000 pounds of fuel and made 1,085 day and 449 night traps. VAH4 Det Mike, during Ticonderoga's 1966 cruise, modified A-4E bombsights for A-3B use and dropped 490,000 pounds of ordnance from its three-plane detachment. The A-3B did enjoy abrief and little-known bombing career over Vietnam during 1965 and 1966, with VAHs 2, 4 and 8 dropping iron bombs on lightly defended targets. Mining missions were flown as late as March 1967, when one VAH -2 A-3B was shot down over North Vietnam. Another VAH-2 A-3B fell victim to a MiG off China's Hainan Island in April 1966.

Before the first production A3D-1 flew, the ECM version was already under development. While the two XA3D-1 sand the first production A3D-1 s were involved in the testing and development program , five of the first contract of twelve A3D-1s , BuNos 130356, 130360, 130361, 130362 and 130363 were, delivered to NAS Norfolk, VA, for conversion to the A3D-1 Q configuration. The A3D-2Qs were designed for ECM activity and were delivered with provisions for multiple countermeasures systems installed. With the outbreak of the war in Southeast Asia, all versions of the A3 were in the forefront, initially as bombers then as refueling tankers when they proved more valuable as suppliers of fuel under emergency conditions to combat damaged aircraft, and later as the EKA-3B wh ich could not only save these aircraft through the use of in-flight refueling but could protect itself and its crew with the electronic countermeasures equipment it carried in addition to the fue!. Easily distinguished from the

At lett top, VAH-4 A-3B BuNo 138974 trom the USS Oriskany drops iron bombs over Vietnam. (USN) At lett, EKA-3B BuNo 142634 overtlies the USS Enterprise (CVAN-65). (USN)

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other Skywarriors as they were fitted with large blisters fore and aft of the wings on both sides of the fuselage, the EKA-3Bs were dual-role aircraft. In addition to the equipment and systems common to those fitted to the KA-3Bs, they were equipped with an AN/APN-153(V) doppler radar system, an AN/ASN-66 dead reckoning computer and a comprehensive ECM fit. The EKA-3B's ECM equipment included two AN/ALT-27 S-band barrage or spot jammers with antennas in a ventral fairing; an AN/ALQ-92 VHF radar and voice communications jammer with antenna and equipment fi lling the side blisters; an AN/ALR-28 X-band direction finding receiver with its antenna in a small blister atop the fin ; an AN/ALR-29 Land C-band panoramic receiver; an AN/ALR-30 S-ban d panoramic receiver; an AN/APR-32 SAM warning receiver; two AN/ALQ-41 and two AN/ALQ-51 DECM systems; an AN/ALA-3 or AN/ULA-2 L, Sand C-band pulse analyzer; a C-7317/AL DF indicator; an AN/APA-69 L, Sand C-band DF antenna in the ventral fairing, aft of the AN/ALT-27 antennas and ahead of th e refueling drogue; and two AN/ALE-2(M) chaff dispensers. (The ALR-29 and ALR-30 interfaced with the ALT-27, the ALR-29 may not have been functional until after Vietnam). In spite of the complexity of operation of its ECM equipment, the EKA-3B still had a crew of three, with the third crew member being primarily responsible for the monitoring and use of the ECM equipment.

Above, A3D-1Q BuNo 130363 in flight over San Francisco Bay on 5 August 1960. The tai! and nose section were da-glo red. (USN) Below, VQ-1 EA-3B BuNo 146459 at Elmendorf AFB, AK, on 20 May 1964. (Norm Taylor) Below middle, VAP-61 ERA3B BuNo 144831 in May 1968 wore a three-tone grey camouflage scheme. (Harry Gann) Bottom, EKA-3B BuNo 142646 banking after take-off from NAS Point Mugu, CA, in 1973. (Harry Gann)

When Desert Storm commenced its hostilities in January of 1991, a two-plane detachment of A-3s from VQ-2 stepped-up its operations and provid ed intelligence for strikes launched from the decks of the Red Sea Battle Forces carriers; USS John F. Kennedy, USS America and USS Saratoga. By the end of the 40day campaign, this single two-plane detachment had flown nearly 100 combat missions and logged over ~75 hours. This by an airplane wh ich first flew in 1952.

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HEAVY ATTACK SQUADRON ONE, VAH-1 "SMOKIN' TIGERS"

rier qualifications completed in October 1956 aboard the USS Forrestal (CVA-59). The squadron also utilized P2V-3/-5 Neptunes, TV2s and Grumman F9F-6 Cougars in the training syllabus. On 1 November 1955, Patrol Squadron Three (VP-3), was disestablished and Heavy Attack Squadron One (V AH-1 ) was concu rrently established from VP-3's assets and those of VC-8. At NAS Jacksonville, FL, The unit was initially equipped with VP-3's Neptunes but received five FIP A3D-1s from NATC on 31 March 1956 in an effort to expedite fleet deployment of the Skywarrior. On 30 August 1956, four A3D-1s attempted to set an east-to-west coast speed record from NAS Jacksonville, FL, to NAS San Diego, CA. However, San Diego was fogged-in and the record could not be recorded. The aircraft were loaded aboard the USS Shangri-La (CVA-38) and on 1 September two A3D-1 s were launched off the co ast of Mexico. They conducted a flyby at the Oklahoma City Air Show and then returned to NAS North Island, CA. On 2 September two more V AH-1 Skywarriors launched from CV A-3B off the Oregon coast for another flyby of the Oklahoma City Air Show and then on to NAS Jacksonville. The primary mission of the new squadron was to conduct high altitude special weapons bombing , low level attack and mine laying using the new A3D-1 Skywarrior. Initial training was conducted at its home base, with car-

The unit's first assignment was to support the Sixth Fleet during the Suez crisis. This was an emergency deployment with one day's notice and only six aircraft made the cruise. The remaining six aircraft were later deployed aboard the USS Saratoga (CVA-60) . The squadron deployed aboard the USS Forrestal (CVA-59) from 15

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January through 22 July 1957 as part of CVG-1 . For a new aircraft the cruise was relatively uneventful with one aircraft losing its nosewheel. Other problems encountered were failed canopy panels, pitot-static system problems, bad ATM/ATU mounts, and lack of fuel-dump provisions.

Above, the first VAH-1 A3D-1s were still blue when delivered from NATC and carried a "TB" tail code. BuNo 135415 is seen here in 1956. (via Tailhook) Below, 21TB during carrier qualifications aboard the USS Forestal (CVA-59) in 1957. (USN)

In September 1957, VAH-1 returned to Forrestal for NATO exereises in the North Atlantic. In October, the squadron was awarded CNO's Aviation Safety Award and in June 1958 was awarded the Norden Trophy for excellence in bombing.

Above, VAH-1 A3D-1 BuNo 135421 landing with drag chute at NAS Jacksonville in September 1956 in the new grey and white scheme. (USN) Below, VAH-1 Whale traps aboard Forrestal. (USN) Bottom, two VAH-1 A3D-1s with wings and tail folded on the deck of Forrestal on 20 September 1956. (USN)

The squadron moved to NAS Sanford, FL, in January 1959, and recorded the first operational launch and arrested landing aboard the USS Independence (CVA-62) in May of that year. Three Mediterranean cruises were made aboard this carrier in 1960, 1961 and in 1962. Between these two cruises, VAH-1 also provid ed inflight refueling for Project LANA, the Bendix Trophy transcontinental speed record set by McDonnell F4H-

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Above, VAH-1 A3D-1 BuNo 135443 doing touch-and-goes aboard the USS Forrestal (CVA-59) in 1956. (USN) Below, VAH-1 A3D1 BuNo 135416 with new "GH" tail code at Master Field, Miami, FL, on 25 January 1958. Check mark on the fuselage and tail stripe was red-orange. (William Swisher) Bottom, VAH-1 A3D-2 BuNo 1389321aunches with the aid of JATO from St. Louis, MO. Rudder stripes were blue, and the "AG" tail code was black highlighted in red-orange. The check mark was outlined in white. (via Norm Taylor)

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1 Phantoms to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of U.S. Naval Aviation. The first CVA-62 deployment was from 4 August 1960 through 3 March 1961 with CVG-7. The second Indy cru ise was from 14 July through 18 December 1961. The final deployment was from 19 April through 27 August 1962.

After returning from its fourth Mediterranean cruise in August of 1962, VAH-1 began its transition to North American A3J-1 sand by the end of the year had no A-3Bs in its inventory. The unit was redesignated Reconnaissance Heavy Attack Squadron One (RVAH-1) on 1 September 1964 and flew the A3J1fRA-SC. On 25 January 1979, RVAH-1 was disestablished.

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Above, VAH-1 A3D-2 at launch aboard the USS Independence (CVA62) in 1962. (USN) Below, five VAH-1 tanker-configured A3D-2s at St. Louis, MO. Note JATO boUles attached to all aircraft. (via Norm Taylor) Bottom, assigned to CVG-7, VAH-1 A3D-1 BuNo 135436 spotted aboard the USS Independence (CVA62) on 5 August 1960. (USN)

FLEET AIR RECONNAISSANCE SQUADRON ONE, VQ-1 "WORLD WATCHERS" ]

VQ-1's origins date back to the spring of 1951 when four P4M-1 Q Mercators (see Naval Fighters #37, Martin P4M-1/-1 Q Mercator) were se nt to NAS Miramar. They were tactically assigned to VC-11 for predeployment training from April through September. After six months of training, the unit transferred to NAS Sangley Point, Philippines, and was known as Special Products Division of the Air Operations Department. This designation changed to Det Able of Airborne Early Warning Squadron One (VW-1) on 13 May 1953. In June 1954, the unit became Det Able Airborne Early Warning Squadron Three (VW-3). All these designations

Above, VQ-1 A3D-1Q BuNo 130363 was delivered along with BuNo 130362 to VQ-1 at NAF Iwakuni, Japan, on 7 November 1956. (Douglas) Below, all-blue VQ-1 A3 D1Q landing at NAF Atsugi in 1958. (M. Shimozato) Bottom, EA-3B BuNo 146449 was also flown on US Army missions. (H. Nagakubo via Fred Roos)

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were nothing more than smoke and mirro rs with no other purpose but to hide the true nature of the Mercator's mission. It wasn't until 1 June 1955 that the squadron was designated Electronic Countermeasures Squadron One (VQ-1). The squadron was redesi gnated Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron One on 1 January 1960. On 7 November 1956, the squadron received two A3D-1 Q Skywarriors (BuNos 130362 and 130363) , making the squadron complement two A3D-1 Qs and five P4M10 s. 130363 suffered a starboard main gear failure at NAF Iwakuni in January 1959. Tragity struck the Skywarrior contingent again on 28 May 1959 , when A3D-1 Q BuNo 130362 crashed during a night

At top, VQ-1 A3D-1 Q " Electronic Whale" BuNo 130363 sits in the weeds at NAF Iwakuni in January 1959 after the ri ght main gear collapsed on landing. (USN) Above right, VQ-1 EA-3B is seen at Da Nang AB, Vietnam, in June 1970. Two squadron aircraft, an EA-3B and an EC-121M, were damaged by Viet Cong attacks on Da Nang. (Barry Miller) At right, VQ-1 EA-3B BuNo 144851 over Yokota, Japan, in October 1970. (Hideki Nagakubo) Below, VQ-1 A3D-2Q w ith tail guns installed landing In Japan .. (T. Matsuzaki)

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At lett, VQ-1 EA-3B at Da Nang AB, Vietnam, in June 1970. (Barry Miller) Below lett, another VQ-1 EA-3B in 1970. Fuselage and tai! stripes were medium blue outlined by thin black lines. The bat was black with red eyes and a yellow electric design on its belly. The lightning bolt was also yel. low. "Spastic Spinster" is written in white on the fuselage stripe. (Barry Miller)

approach to NAF Iwakuni killing the crew. The first A3D-2Q was lost at sea off Wake Island during delivery in November 1959. Two replacement A3D-2Qs (BuNos 144855 and 146450) arrived in January 1960. In January 1961, another A3D-2Q was lost. It spun-in after a wave-off fram Iwakuni. By the spring of 1962, the squadron was involved in missions over Southeast Asia. Soon the squadron was providing carrie r detachments to carriers off the coast of Vietnam. The first detachment deployed aboard the USS Kitty Hawk (eVA-63) in May 1964. During the next two years the squadron deployed at least eleven times and operated frequently from Da Nang AB. In November 1968, a TA-3B was acquired and two EP-3Bs in March and June 1969. In August 1969 , Seawing avionics updates were added to the EA-3Bs at VQ-1. In June 1971, the squadron moved to NAS Agana, Guam. RA-3Bs were also received in January 1971 when VAP61 was disestablished and VQ-1 assumed its duties. Also in January 1971 the squadron was tasked with the weather duties of Airborne Early Warning Squadron One (VW-1). The weather mission was discontinued

Above left, landing VQ-1 EA-3B has medium blue tai! stripe with faded redorange diamond and black bat. Speed brake interior surfaces were red. (Harry Gann) At lett, VQ-1 RA-3B BuNo 144840 in three-tone blue-grey camo scheme. The RA-3Bs were flown from 1971 through 1974. (Hideki Nagakubo via Kaston)

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At rig ht top, VQ-1 was assigned one TA-3B, BuNo 144862, in November 1968, seen here in December 1970. (Barry Miller) At right, a VQ-1 EA-3B taxis at NAF Atsugi in December 1974. (5. Matsuzawa via Kaston) Below right, the squadron's second TA-3B, BuNo 144860, taxis at NAF Atsugi on 30 November 1974. This is believed to be the VA-3B that was lost on 23 January 1985. (Masumi Wada via Kaston)

after the typhoon season at the end of 1971 and the photo mission was reti red in July 1974. At the end of combat operations in Vietnam another EA-3B was lost. The aircraft was abandoned when the fuel was exhausted on a ferry flight from Guam to the Phillipines in 1973. The crew had become lost after a com bination of navigational equipment failure and human error and was forced to bail out. Thankfully, the crew was rescued by a helicopter sent from the Japanese destroyer Haruna. The fi rst postwar deployment was aboard the USS Kitty Hawk (eVA-63) in 1974. This was followed by an assi gnment to the USS Midway (CVA-41 ) that lasted three years. In 1979 th rough 1980 the squadron was heavily involved in the Indian Ocean

Above ri ght, a VQ-1 EA-3B la'n ds at NAF Atsugi on 4 March 1974. (Hideki Nagakubo via Kaston) At right, VQ-1 TA-3B BuNo 144862 repainted in bice~te nial markings in 1976. Fuselage stnpes were red-white-blue. (via Kaston)

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Above lett, a VQ-1 EA-3B taxis at Yokota AB on 26 Oetober 1979. The 002 and PR were highlighted/shaded in white. (T. Matsuzaki) At lett, a VQ-1 EA3B on the deek of the USS Kitty Hawk at Yokosuka on 14 Oetober 1979. (T. Matsuzaki) Below lett, VQ-1 flight line at Cubi Point in 1974 with Playboy Bunny markings on their tails. (via Riek Morgan)

during the Iranian crisis with EA-3Bs assigned to ships and with EP-3Es flying from Oiego Garcia. While flyi ng from Ranger on 4 August 1982, an EA-3B flown by LT Frank Kerch er was lost off Oiego Garcia. One crewman was recovered, P02 Robert Huff, who indicated that the aircraft broke up in flight after some kind of control failure . In 1983, the squadron received the CNO Safety Award and participated in FleetEx 83 . On 23 January 1985, the squadron's transport aircraft, a VA3B, was lost along with nine VQ-1 personnel including the unit' s Commanding Officer, COR John T. MitcheII, who was piloting the aircraft on a flight from Guam to NAF Atsugi. Enroute, first one and then the other air turbine motors (ATM) failed, th us causing, loss of power to the flight

Above lett, retired VQ-1 EA-3B on the ramp at Davis-Monthan AFB with yellow lightning bolt extending through the stylized bat on the tail. (Craig Kaston) At lett, this VQ-1 EA-3B was assigned to CVW-2 aboard the USS Ranger on 1 July 1987. Tail stripes were red-white-blue with a blaek bat on them. (Bob Lawson via Kaston)

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controls hydraulic pumps. None of the wreckage or the crew were ever recovered. In 1988, VQ-1 retired its last Skywarrior and became a landbased squadron. Du ring its life, VQ-1 flew many different aircraft in addition to its original complement of Martin P4M-1 Q Mercators. In May 1958, a Lockheed TV-2 was acquired and three Lockheed Neptunes arrived in 195960, with the last Mercators being reti red on 23 July 1960. Also in 1960, Gru mman F9F-8T Cougars and Lockheed WV-2Q Super Constellation s were acquired. When the Mercators left, the unit had nine A3D2Qs, four WV-2Qs and two F9F-8Ts. Lockheed Orions arrived in June 1969 in the guise of EP-3Bs. By 1976, the squadron had sixteen aircraft on hand, made up of EP-3Es, EP-3Bs, EA-3Bs, T A-3Bs and a P-3A.

Above and at bottom, VQ-1 EA-3Bs operating on the USS Ticonderoga in July 1968. (Tom Chenoweth) Below, VQ-1 EA-3B BuNo 146451 "Aging Beauty" in July 1985. Airtrame exhibited lots of corrosion. (Craig Kaston)

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IVQ-1 WORLD WATCHERS] Above, USS Carl Vinson-based EA-3B BuNo 146451 "Aging Beauty" in July 1985. (Craig Kaston) At lett, VQ-1 EA3B BuNo 146452 at NAF Atsugi on 20 May 1984. (T. Matsuzaki) Bottom, VQ-1 EA-3B taxis forward after trappi ng aboard the USS Constellation in 1971 during the Vietnam War. VF-92 and VF96 F-4 Phantoms and VA-146 A-7 Corsairs are spotted on the forward flight deck. (Roger Besecker)

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UNITED STATES AR MY SECURITY AGENCY SPECIAL ACTIVITIES DETACHMENTS (AVIATION) SAD-1 (VQ-1) AND SAD-2 (VQ-2)

eighteen. These Army ELiNT units operated aboard specially-configured Navy EA-3B Skywarriors assigned to VQ-1 and VQ-2 and flown by Navy pilots . SAD-1 was assigned to Atsugi , Japan, and SAD-2 was based at Ramstein AFB, Germany, and flew out of Adana, Turkey. The two specially-configured aircraft were BuNos 146449 (PR/9, PR/16 with VQ-1) and 142673 (PR/13, PR/17 with VQ-1). 146449 was nicknamed "Seabrine" and 146673 was nicknamed "Floorspace". 146673 had operated with VQ-2 prior to its transfer to VQ-1 in 1968 and had a unique "cross plane" anten na mounted in the former tail gun position . 146449 was later transferred to VQ-2 and flew with nose number

Army missions in the Pacific took these aircraft to operating bases on Adak, Mauritius, Midway, Kunson, Osan, and Shemya. At top, EA-3B 146449 in VQ-2 markings after retirement. (Kaston) At right, closeup of nose mounted comint antenaes. (MFR) Below, EA-3B 142673 while assigned to VQ-2. (Rick Koehen) Bottom, 142673 at NAF Atsugi. (T. Matsuzaki)

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FLEET AIR RECONINAISSANCE SQUADRON TWO, VQ-2 "BATMEN"

October 1958. 130360 ran off the runway at NAF Port Lyautey, Morocco, after an in-flight landing gear door problem on 2 January 1958. NAF Patrol Unit Lyautey, Morocco, was established in the summer of 1950 flying PB4Y-2 aircraft from the disestablished VP-26. The Privateers were replaced with fou r P4M-10 Mercators and a P2V-2 Neptune in 1951. In early 1953, the NAF Patrol Unit was redesignated Detachment Able Airborne Early Warning Squadron Two (VW-2). From these roots, FAIRECONRON TWO (VO-2) was established at NAF Port Lyautey, Morocco, as Electronics Counter-measures Squ-adron Two (VO-2) on 1 September 1955. In September of 1956, the first two A3D10s arrived to supplement the unit's P4M-10s. The two A3D-10s, BuNos 130356 and 130360, were both lost in 1958. 130356 crashed on final near Incirlik AB , Adana, Turkey, on 16

The squadron moved from Port Lyautey to NS Rota, Spain , in late 1958 / early 1959. On 1 January 1960, the official name of the squadron was changed to Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron Two (VO2) . During the squadron's relocation , five A3D-20s were received to replace the less-capable A3D-10s the squadron previously lost. In addition to Mercators and Skywarriors, VO-2 has operated Lockheed EC121 sand EP-3s. In addition to its normal operations, including regular deployments since 1965 aboard carriers operating in the Med and in the Atlantic, VO-2 has undertaken several notable deployments: a deployment to NAS

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Above, VQ-2 A3D-1Q BuNo 130356 was the prototype "Q" Bird on 16 April 1958. Tail code was "JQ". (Douglas) Bottom, initially equipped with P2V-5s, VQ-2's first two A3D-1Qs, Bu No 130356 and 130360, chase a squadron Neptune during acceptance of t he Skywarrior in September 1956. (USN)

Key West, Florida, in the fall of 1962 to provide SIGINT during the Cuban crisis; the deployment of Det Bravo to Da Nang AB, South Vietnam , for four years beginning in 1965; around-theworld flight of two EA-3Bs in 1980 and deployments to the Easte rn Mediterranean and Indian Oceans during various emergencies (incIuding operations aboard the USS Eisenhower during the Iranian hostage crisis; two aircraft aboard the USS America monitoring the Iran-Iraq war; support of the Marine evacuation

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of the US Embassy in Beruit, Leban on, in 1983-84; aboard the USS Kennedy for the confrontation with Libya during April 1986; and flying combat reconnaissance during operati ons Desert Shield / Desert Storm) .

Above, VQ-2 EA-3B 146455 taxis forward on the USS John F. Kennedy in 1972. (via Burger) Below, three VQ-2 EA-3Bs in flight with Sand man insignia on their tails. (USN) Bottom, VQ-2 EA-3B BuNo 146455 taxis onto catapult. (USN)

The first VQ-2 EA-3B detachment went aboard a Mediterranean-based carrier, the USS Saratoga, in January of 1965 . Since then , VQ-2 has provided al most continuous electronic reconnaissance support to the Sixth Fleet carriers. The first loss of a VQ-2 Skywarrior, BuNo 146458, during carrier operations came on 3 November 1966 during a USS Independence

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cruise. The EA-3B impacted the water aft of the ship during recovery with no survivors. Because of the Vietnam War, VQ-2 deployed EA-3Bs and EC-

At top left, VQ-2 EA-3Bs BuNos 146453 JQ/15 and 146455 JQ/17 during their historie around-the-world flight in 1980. The tail stripes were dark grey. (John Herndon) Above left, EA-38 BuNo 144852 in Desert Storm markings. The legend above the whale on the forward fuselage reads "Killer Whales". The Sandeman was blaek and the "JV" on the tail stands for John Vinson, the squadron's Maintenanee Offieer. (via Kaston) At left, EA-3B BuNo 146454 launehes from Forrestal in 1981. (John Hemdon) Below, EA-3B BuNo 146453 over the Med in 1977. (John Hemdon)

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121Ms to the Pacific theater to conduct electronic reconnaissance in support of VQ-1 and Navy combat operations in Vietnam . VQ-2 aircraft initially operated fram Cubi Point, the Gulf of Tonkin carriers and Da Nang. After facilities were established at DaNang AB, VQ-2 EA-3Bs operated almost exclusively from that site . During 1966, an EA-3B flying from Cubi Point to Da Nang stalled in probable icing conditions at 45,000 feet and entered a violent spin. Although the pilot recovered the A-3 at low altitude and landed safely, the four crewmen had already bailed out and were presumed drowned in the heavy seas. Also, in the summer of 1966 EA-3B BuNo 144848 was heavily damaged during a Viet Cong rocket attack. In the spring of 1968, an inflight emergency caused the bail out

At top right, the VQ-2 call sign was Ranger followed by the aircraft's nose number. In this case Ranger 001 BuNo 146451 is in the foreground with Ranger 002 BuNo 146452 in the background in 1990. (John Herndon) Above right, VQ-2 EA-3B BuNo 144865 was converted from a VAlTA-3B airframe by ESI in Waco, TX, in 1989. (John Herndon) At right, Ranger 014 aboard the USS Saratoga in 1987 was zapped with a large VF-74 insignia. (John Herndon) Below, nine Skywarriors on the VQ-2 ramp in 1990. (John Herndon)

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of half of the crew on a squadron Whale returning to Ramstein AB, Germany. The inboard slat fraze, but at the last moment it unstuck and the pilot recovered safely. On 4 June 1968, the squadron CO was lost when EA-3B, BuNo 142670, crashed on take-off from NS Rota, Spain.

Above, Ranger 003 BuNo 146453 in Desert Storm markings. (via Kaston) Below, with Desert Storm Sharkmouth, EA-3B BuNo 146454 lifts off a eastern United States runway. (via Kaston) Below middle, EA-3B BuNo 146448 with a Desert Storm Killer Whale painted on the tail. Legend on the forward fuselage reads "Ciudad de Rotas". (Bob Shane via Kaston) BoU()m, VQ-2 EA-3B Ranger 15 in flight with VQ-2 EP-3E in 1990. Sandeman was black over a red triangle. (USN)

The aircraft losses continued into the '70s when EA-3B BuNo 144851 was lost on 26 February 1970 during a cold cat shot fram the USS F. D. Roosevelt. On 8 March 1974, EA-3B BuNo 142257 crashed at sea wh ile recovering aboard the USS America after the cable broke. Luckily, all crewmen survived the ditching. The squadran lost VA-3B BuNo 144863 on 9 July 1974 when it crashed shortIy after takeoff from Naples, Italy, killing all aboard. Then , after ten years of no mishaps, on 25 January 1987 BuNo 144850 was lost at sea while attempting a night barri er engagement aboard the USS Nimitz, taking the lives of its seven crewmen. By the summer of 1987, VQ-2 was operating fourteen aircraft: six EP-3E, six EA-3B, one P-3A and one UA-3B. In November 1991, VQ-2 established a Det in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, to monitor Iraqi forces duri ng Operation Desert Storm. The Desert Whalers logged 100 combat missions in the 40 days of conflict. After supporting the liberation of Kuwait during the first Gulf War in 1991-92, the EA3B was retired from service.

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HEAVY ATTACK SQUADRON TWO, VAH-2 "ROYAL RAMPANTS"

The origins of Heavy Two can be traced back to Reserve Squadron VP-812, which had been called to active duty for the Korean conflict. VP-812 became VP-29 on 27 August 1952 while equipped with P2V-2 Neptunes. On 1 November 1955, VP29 was disestablished and Heavy Attack Squadron Two was established from the assets of VP-29 at NAS Wh idbey Island, WA. The Neptune pilots went to NAS Olathe, KS, for Jet Transition Training Unit (JTTU) training, while the remaining "plankowners" moved to NAS North Island, CA. While waiting for the first Skywarriors to arrive , the unit used P2V-3Bs fitted with the A3D- 1's ASB-1 bombing system for traini ng bombardier/navigators. VAH2 utilized P2V-5s for pilot proficiency in heavy ai rcraft and TV-2s for jet proficiency. The squadron also borrowed F3D-2Ts from Fleet AII-Weather Training Unit Pacific (FAWTUPAC) for carrier qualifications. In February 1956, CDR Irish and four VAH-2 crews joined V AH-1 crews at NATC for the accelerated Fleet Indoctrination Program (FIP) wh ich was to be completed by March . The VAH-2 crews returned to North Island on 31 March 1956 to wait for their first aircraft. The first A3D-1 was picked up by CDR Irish, LCDR T. Bolton and ADC G. L. Thornhill on 30 April at the Douglas plant in EI Segundo. The aircraft, BuNo 135440, was the 48th Skywarrior built. This first aircraft was delivered in the new

Above right, acceptance ceremony at NAS North Island for the Pacific Fleet's first operational Skywarrior by VAH-2 on 30 April 1956. (USN) At right, Douglas Aircraft delivers the first AIRPAC A3D to CDR Art Irish, CO of VAH2, at the Douglas EI Segundo plant on 30 April 1956. Left to right; the A3D designer Ed Heinemann, T. E. Springer (Douglas), RADM J. M. Carson, Tom Boiton , Donald Douglas Jr., Chief Thornh ill, RADM Pearson Jr., CDR Art Irish, and CDR W. H. Weston (CO HATWI NG TWO). (Douglas)

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grey and white scheme, although at least one Heavy Two Skywarrior was painted in the all-over blue scheme. With the first A30-1 s came training that focused on the squadron 's primary mission of the delivery of nuclear weapons from forward deployed carriers. The A30-1 s were replaced quickIy with A30-2s even before the squadron was able to carrier qualify in the type. In 1957, the ex-patrol pilots first qualified in F30-2Ts aboard the USS Wasp (CVS-18). The new CO , COR Herbert L. Salyer, made the first carrier landing in a Skywarrior aboard a Pacific Fleet 27-Charlie carrier (angled deck Essex Class carrier) on 24 May 1957 when he landed aboard the USS Bon Homme Richard (CVA31). This was followed by LTEdward O. Mitchell becoming the first night qualified A30 tailhooker that same day. After carrier qualifications were completed , the squadron's first Oet, Oet B, deployed as part of CVG-5 aboard the USS Bon Homme Richard (CVA-31) from 10 July through 11

Oecember 1957 with three aircraft. The rest of the squadron headed to NAS Barbers Point, HI , where they would carrier qualify once the ship arrived. Ouring the flight the squadron set a new speed record of four hours two minutes between California and Hawaii. Another Oetachment , Oet Mike , returned to California and embarked aboard the USS Ticonderoga (CVA-14) on 16 September 1957. The remainder of the squadron, now known as Oet XRay, flew from Hawaii to NAS Cu bi Point, Philippines, to support the two carrier deployed Oets. On 28 Oecember, the squadran's homeport was changed to NAS Whidbey Island, WA, where Oet X-ray joined Oet Bravo in March 1958. Oet Mike returned to Whidbey Island on 25 April 1957. While on cruise, Oet Mike lost A30-2 BuNo 138908 during a launch accident in the South China Sea.

transpac to Cubi Point. The Oet set a new record of 47 hours for the tri p fram CONUS to the PI. While waiti ng for Tico, one aircraft was temperarily assigned to the the USS Lexington (CVA-16) and three were se nt aboard the USS Midway (CVA-41). The Oet joined CV A-14 and ATG-1 on 4 October and remained aboard until February 1959. Oet Echo deployed aboard CVA-31 from 1 November 1958 through 18 June 1959 as part of CVG-19.

When the Lebanon Crisis flared up in 1958, Oet Hotel was given twelve hours notice on 26 August and

In September 1959, the squadron started receiving Lot XI Skywarriors with the AN/ASB-7 bomb director and

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Above, on 30 April 1956, the f irst Pacific Fleet Skywarrior, A3D-1 BuNa 135440, flown by CDR Irish, with LCDR Tom Bolton and ADC G. L. Thornhill as his crew, lifts off from EI Segundo for its new horne at VAH-2. The unit's original tail code was "BF". (Douglas) Below, all-blue VAH-2 A3D-1 w ith wings folded in 1956. (Peter Bowers)

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Above, VAH-2 A3D-2 BuNo 138936 of Det Baker lands aboard the USS Bon Homme Richard (CVA-31) in 1957 during the squadron's first deployment. Tail code had changed to "ZA". (USN) Below, VAH-2 A3D-2 BuNo 138909 assigned to Det Mike during the squadron 's second deployment aboard the USS Ticonderoga (CVA-14) in the winter of 1957. The lightning bolt on the tail and engine nacelle were red. (USN via Harry Gann)

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with OECM in place of the tail turret.. That same month, tragedy struck when BuNo 142640 was lost near Napa, CA. COR Charles S. Porter, the fourth CO of VAH-2, ran a competition in Oecember 1959 for a new squadron insignia and the Royal Rampants insignia was born . Unfortunately, COR Porter died on 26 March 1960, when A30-2 BuNo 142642 broke up in flight ten miles south of Harrington,

WA. Also during 1960, Heavy Two logged 2,530 hours in eleven different Skywarriors between 1 April and 30 September. On 19 September, the USS Coral Sea (CVA-43) deployed with all eleven VAH-2 whales. The carrier sailed from NAS Alameda, CA, to Pearl Harbor, HI, and once there off-loaded nine of the A30-2s. These nine flew on to NAF Atsugi, Japan, to await the ship's arrival. While deployed, BuNo 142407 was stricken after a deck handling accident. The

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Above, VAH-2 Det X-Rayon the ramp at NAS Cubi Point, PI, on 20 August 1957. (USN via Barry Miller) Below, tour VAH-2 Det Hotel Skywarriors aboard the Tico during the 1958-59 cruise. (USN)

squadron returned to Washington on 20-21 May 1961. Again as part of CVG-15 , VAH-2

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deployed aboard Coral Sea from 12 December 1961 through 27 June 1962. On 13 January 1962, BuNo 147668, the last Skywarrior built, impacted a mountain in central Luzon while returning to Cu bi Point, with the loss of all hands. On 17 July, a wakeup call was sent to the Russians by Heavy Two when they conducted flight operations in the Bering Sea.

Above, VAH-2 A3D-2 BuNo 142642 at MCAAS Vuma on 3 December 1959 during the annual weapons meet. Vice Admiral stars were painted below the canopy. (William Swisher) Below, Det Baker A3D-2 BuNo 138917 in 1957. Note how the Whale's wings would overlap on 27-Charlie carriers when positioned on t he catapults. (USN) Bottom, VAH-2 A3D-2 BuNo 142635 takes a wave-ott trom the USS Coral Sea (CVA-43) while assigned to CVG-15 on 2 January 1961. (USN)

A third Coral Sea cruise took place fram 1 April through 13 November 1963. Shore operations were conducted in Australia from RAAF Townsville and RAAF Richmond, NAS Agana, NAF Atsugi, NAS Barbers Point, and NAS Cubi Point. VAH -2 participated in Operation s Glassdoor, Newboy, and

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Above, BuNo 142635 unfolds wings prior to launch from the Coral Sea in February 1961. (USN) At left, the tail of A3D-2 BuNo 142647 overhangs the eie· vator on the Coral Sea on 1 March 1961. (USN) Bottom, VAH-2 A-3B BuNo 147658 landing at NAF Atsugi on 16 October 1964 (T. Matsuzaki)

Tireiron. On 16 September, tour air· craft made an eight hour, 3,000 mile tlight supported by a KC-130F tanker trom VMGR-152 . In January 1964, the

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Royal

Rampants won their second conseculive COMFAIRWHIDBEY Top Bombing Squadron Trophy. They also evaluated mine delivery methods in Jan uary and tanker configured A3Bs. Det Mike took three tanker configured airframes aboard the USS Ranger (CVA-61) on 5 August 1964 in response to the USS Maddox inci-

dent. The Ranger arrived on line on 18 September and flew their first tanking mission in support of combat operations on 17 December 1964. When Det Mike returned to Whidbey on 3 May 1965, they had flown 2,100 flight hours with just three aircraft. A combat deployment aboard

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Above, VAH-2 A-3B BuNo 147658 awaiting the short ride trom the ramp at NAS Alameda to the deck ot the USS Ranger (CVA-61) on 18 June 1964. (Larry Smalley via Swisher) Below, Ranger-based A-3B BuNo 147658 retueis an Air Wing RA-SC on 6 August 1964. (USN)

Above, VAH-2 A-3B BuNo 147665 drop. ping iron bombs over North Vietnam. On 29 March 1965, VAH-2 became the first Skywarrior squadron to drop con· ventional bombs du ring the war. (USN) At lett, BuNo 147663, a VAH-2 Whale over the Mojave desert while flanked by a A-4B Skyhawk. (USN) Bottom, Coral Sea based A-3B BuNo 147665 landing at NAF Atsugi on 18 June 1962 was assigned to CVG-15. (T. Matsuzaki)

Coral Sea commenced on 7 December 1964 and lasted through 1 November 1965. In February 1965, VAH-2 conducted tanking operations

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du ring the first Flaming Dart retaliatory stri kes against barracks at Dong Hai and on 26 March tanking support was provided for Rolling Thunder operations. On 29 March, Heavy Two became the first A-3B squadron to drop iron bombs in combat. Further bombing missions were flown, but the tanki ng mission was more important

Above, USS Ranger Det Mike crews in 1964-65: LTJG J. Y. Seaward, LCDR W. E. Foster, LTJG R. L. Cook, LCDR C. D. Ball, CDR D. E. Brandenburg, LTB. T. Cocotis, LCDR M. H. Watson, LT JG I. K. Graham, LTJG Wright; kneeling, J. B. Edwards, W. E. Sterns, E. D. Laroque, L. O. Rutledge (USN). Below, Cat crew hooks up a VAH-2 KA-3B aboard the USS Ranger (CVA-61) in the Gulf of Tonkin. (USN Barry Miller)

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and a beUer use for the A-3Bs. During the cruise, they transferred 4,150,00 pounds of fuel and were credited with saving seventeen aircraft. In addition , they flew 1,176 combat sorties, flew 4,873 flight hours, made 1,107 day and 449 night traps, and dropped 400 ,000 pounds of bombs. One aircraft was lost during the cruise; it was BuNo 147664, which crashed shortly after launch due to a complete fuel

transfer failure. Three of the four-man crew were recovered. On 8 December 1965, VAH-2 sent Det Foxtrot aboard Ranger with tanker-configured A-3Bs . Combat operations commenced on 15 January 1966, and Det F transferred over 90,000 pounds of fuel and was credited with saving eight aircraft. They also delivered 40,000 pounds of

Above , Coral Sea KA-3Bs Bu Nos 147667, 147648, & 147657. (USN via Barry Miller) Below, Enterprise-based A-3B BuNo 147667 at Alameda on 1 October 1966. (Smalley via Swisher) Bottom, KA-3B BuNo 142635 t rom Ranger on 1 November 1967 at NAS Alameda, CA. (William Swisher)

bombs and flew 2,075 fl ight hours.

The Det returned home on 25 August 1966. On 29 July 1966, Det Alfa with four tanker-configured A-3Bs sailed aboard the Coral Sea for the Gulf of Tonkin. Det A flew 593 combat missions, 1,683 flight hours, made 510 day and 148 night traps and transferred over 2,000,000 pounds of fuel and was credited with saving four CVW-15 aircraft. One aircraft was lost during the cruise , that being BuNo 142633, which crashed after the catapult bridle broke. Luckily, all four crew members were recovered. Det Alfa returned to Whidbey on 23 February

1967. Five more tankers assigned to Det Mike deployed aboard the USS Enterprise (CVN-65) on 8 November 1966. During the cruise, the five tankers passed 5,300 ,960 pounds of fuel , saved four aircraft, flew 1,947 flight hours and lost one aircraft. BuNo 147650 was lost after amid-air collision with an RA-5C during refueling. Det Mike returned to CONUS on 6 July 1967. In 1967, two Heavy Two Dets deployed with the new KA-3Bs. These were Det 43 aboard Coral Sea

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Above, A-3B BuNo 147656 with 16 bomb mission marks was assigned to Ranger in 1966. (Olson via Harry Gann) Below, KA-3B BuNo 138928 at Alameda on 20 August 1968. (Smalley via Swisher) Bottom, A-3B BuNo 147650 at Edwards AFB on 22 May 1966. (Will iam Swisher)

from 26 July 1967 through 6 April 1968 and Det 61 aboard Ranger from 4 November 1967 through 25 May 1968. The Coral Sea Det saved twenty-one CVW-15 aircraft during this cruise.

Above, KA-3B launches from Coral Sea in 1967. (USN) Below, KA-3B BuNo 147655 served as the EKA-3B prototype airframe and is seen here after conversion. Note side blisters and belly canoe that were addecl during the changeover. (Douglas) Bottom, the forward fuselage of 147655 prior to conversion with sixteen bombing mission marks below the squadron insignia. (Harry Gann)

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On 3 January 1968, Det 65 deployed on Enterprise, return_ ing on 18 July. Det 64 deployed aboard the USS Constellation (CVA-64) from 29 May through 31 Oetober 1968. While deployed , VAH-2 was redesig_ nated VAQ-132 on 1 november 1968 and transferred to NAS Alameda, CA. During work-ups for the deployment on Connie, BuNo 138921, a newly minted KA-3B, beeame the 11 th and last Skywarrior lost by VAH-2.

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HEAVY ATTACK SQUADRON THREE, VAH-3 "SEA DRAGONS"

Heavy Attack Squadron Three (VAH-3) was established at NAS Jacksonville, FL, on 15 June 1956 fram the assets of VP-34. Initially equipped with the A3D-1, Heavy Three would be one of only two squadrons to make a carrier deployment with the dash one version. In early 1957, carrier qualificatians were conducted aboard both the USS Saratoga (CVA-60) and the USS F. D. Roosevelt (CVA-42). On 9 July 1957, with CAG 17's "AL" tail code, VAH-3 commenced a Mediterranean

cruise aboard Roosevelt. Ending on 4 March 1958, this was the squadron's only deployment with the Skywarrior. The squadron visited Cannes, Tobruk, Barcelona, Athens, Genoa, and Palma da Majorca during the cruise. The unit reported directly from FD.R. to its new duty station, NAS Sanford, FL, upon its arrival in CONUS. On 10 June 1958, VAH-3 merged with Heavy Attack Training Unit Atlantic (HATULANT) and took over the training responsibilities for

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Above, while at NAS Jacksonville, VAH-3 was originally assigned the "EW" tail code. A3D-1 BuNo 135433 conducts a JATO launch in 1956. (USN) Below, A3D-1 BuNo 135441 trapping aboard the USS Saratoga during carrier qualifications. (USN)

Atlantic Fleet A3D replacement flight crews and maintenance support personnel. In late 1959, the first of six A3D-2Ts (TA-3Bs) were received to replace the Lockheed P2V-3B

Neptunes that had been used as bombardier / navigator trainer. In 1960, the squadron's training mission was reorganized and expanded in anticipation of the arrival of the North American A3J-1 (A-5A) Vigilante. Also in 1960, during the annual Bombing Derby at NAS Sanford, FL, VAH-3 won the Weapons Loading and Carrier Airmanship Trophy. On 16 June 1961 , the first four A3Js were received and by January 1962, the unit's assets were: one R4D-7, four F9F-8T (TF-9J) Cougars, six A3D-2T (TA-3B) Skywarriors, twelve A3D-1 (A-3A) Skywarriors and eight A3J-1 (A-5A) Vigilantes. The

failure of the A-5A to excel in the bombing role and the dwindling need for a carrier-based nuclear mission due to the submarine-based Polaris missile system, led to are-design and a new mission for the Vigilante. The "Vigi's" new primary mission was to be that of photographic reconnaissance. The redesigned aircraft became the RA-5C, and in preparati on for this new aircraft, the squadron received one A-5B and four A-5C interim aircraft in June 1963. These aircraft were similar in structure to the RA-5C and were used for transitional training of A-5A crews into the RA5C. By the time the first RA-5C was received on 10 December 1963, the

Above, VAH-3 A3D-1 BuNo 135442 in flight during the squadron's cru ise aboard the USS F. D. Roosevelt (e VB. 42) in 1957. (Vic Kretsinger) Below, sans tail guns, VAH-3 A3D-1 BuNo 135432 waits on F.D.R.'s catapult while a sistership is launched in 1957. (USN)

A-3A had been retired from the squadron. The TA-3B continued to be used and the last A-3B class was graduated on 23 January 1964. The TA-3Bs continued on as training aircraft for the RA-5C program and were still being used when the squadron was redesignated RV AH-3 on 1 July 1964.

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[VAH-3 "SEA DRAGONS"

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Above, VAH-3 A3D-1 BuNo 135442, nicknamed "Lucille" by its crew, spotted on the USS F. D. Roosevelt in 1957. (Vic Kretsinger) At right, VAH-3 maintenance personnel pose in front of VF171 Banshees during their 1957 cruise. Below, VAH-3 A3D-1 BuNo 135441 trapping aboard the USS Saratoga (CVA-SO) during the squadron's second carrier qualifications in 1957 prior to deployment aboard CVA-42. The "AL" tai! code was used on the F.D.R. deployment. Compare this photo with that of BuNo 135441 on page 39. (USN)

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Above, VAH-3 A3D-1 BuNo 135423 takes off at Sanford in 1958. As the A3D replacement training squadron, VAH-3 utilized a " GJ " tail code. Lightning bolt and tail stripe were yel· low. (Douglas) At lett, A3D-1 BuNo 135434 landing at Sanford 1959. (USN) Below, BuNo 135432 with international orange tail stripe at George AFB in 1963. (Kasulka via Roos) Bottom, VAH· 3 A3D-1 BuNo 135419 at Saint Louis in 1964. (via Norm Taylor)

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HEAVY ATTACK SQUADRON THREE VAH-3 "SEA DRAGONS"

Above, VAH-3 A3D-2T BuNo 144861 at NAS Los Alamitos, CA, on 21 July 1962 with faded orange tai! stripe. (Clay Jansson) At right, VAH-3 A-3B BuNo 138914 at Floyd Bennett Field, NY, on 18 May 1963. (Dick Phillips Collection via Norm Taylor) Below right, VAH-3 TA-3B BuNo 144858 at NAS Moffett Field, CA, was white with two orange tai! stri pes. (Steve Brown) Below right, retired VAH-3 A-3A BuNo 135415 at NAS Alameda, CA, on 11 April 1969. (Larry Smalley via Swisher) Below, VAH-3 TA-3B BuNo 144857 trails drag chute after landing at George AFB, CA. Aircraft has a large orange tai! stripe and a black radome. Note crewman standing in canopy hatch as an observer du ring taxiing. (via Harry Gann)

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HEAVY RECONNAISSANCE ATTACK SQUADR N THREE, RVAH-3 "SEA DRAGONS"

On 1 July 1964, VAH-3 was redesignated Heavy Reconnaissance Attack Squadron Three (RVAH-3). Even though the squadron was cornmitted to training replacement crews for the RA-5C community, it continued to use the T A-3B and A-3B as navigational trainers. In 1965, thirtyni ne A-6 Intruder navigators were also trained in squadron Skywarriors. The squadron's Skywarriors conti nued training RA-5C crews and A-6 crews until the squadron was disestabl ished in August 1979.

At top right, TA-3B BuNa 144857 alt NAS Sanford in May 1967. Tail stripes were red/orange. (Buchanan via N. Taylor) Above right, RVAH-3 T A-3B BuNa 144858 at Andrews AFB on :2 August 1974. (via Kaston) Above right, former TA-3B BuNa 144859 assigned to Naval Air Reserve Unit Alameda on 17 June 1976. (Smalley via Swisher) At right, TA-3B 144861 at NAS Sanford on 26 May 1967. (William Swisher) Below, TA-3B BuNa 144859 at NAS North Island on 17 January 1976. Aircraft had an A-3B nase cone. (William Swisher)

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C

HEAVY ATTACK SQUADRON FOUR, VAH-4 "FOURRUNNERS"

VAH-4, the West Coast's second Skywarrior squadron, was established on 1 July 1956, when VP-57, a Lockheed Neptune squadron, was redesignated Heavy Attack Squadron Four. Prior to delivery of the Skywarrior, prospective Heavy Four crews trained on Lockheed TVs and Douglas F3D-2Ts. The first A3D-2 was received in December 1956 and the last P2V Neptune departed in March 1957. Heavy Four made more peacetime deployments than any other Skywarrior unit in the Navy. A total of twenty cruises were made, all aboard the small-deck Essex Class carriers. Th e Fourrunner's first deployment was aboard the USS Hancock (CVA-19) from 16 February through 3 October 1958. Carrier qualifications for the cruise were conducted in December 1957 and Det Delta participated in Operations ORTA and Strikex before deploying. One month after the Hancock deployed, Det Charlie deployed

At top right, VAH-4 A3D-2 BuNo 138923 landing on a 27-Charlie carrier on 18 May 1958. (USN) Above right, VAH-4 A3D-2 BuNo 138913 over the Pacific Northwest in 1957. (Douglas) At right, VAH-4 A3D-2 BuNo 138970 assigned to CVG-15 aboard the Hancock on 14 August 1958. Lightning bolts on the tail and engine were yellow outlined in black. (Douglas)

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Above, Det Lima VAH-4 A3D-2 BuNo 138960 on the deck of the USS Lexington during the 1959 cruise. (USN) Below, Det Echo VAH-4 A3D-2 BuNo 142652 launches from the USS Bon Homme Richard in 1959. (USN) Bottom, VAH-4 A3D-2 BuNo 144627 at MCAAS Yuma on 3 December 1959. (William Swisher)

aboard the USS Shangri-La (CVA-38) from 8 March through 22 November 1958. Det C turned around and deployed again on Shangri-La fram 9 March through 3 October 1959. CVG-21 's Det Lima deployed

aboard the USS Lexington (CVA-16) trom 25 April through 3 December 1959. During the cruise the squadron visited Pearl Harbor, Yokosuka, Hong Kong, Iwakuni, Okinawa, Subic Bay, and Sasebo. Det Lima re-deployed on the "Lady Lex" 28 October 1960 through 5 June 1961. A third CVA-16 peaceti me deployment took place trom 9 November 1961 through 12 June 1962. During this cruise, CVG14 with Det Foxtrot assigned replaced Det Lima aboard the Lexington.

Also during 1959, the squadron pioneered a new pathway across the Pacific to Japan. The normal route covered some 7,000 mi les, and required five separate take-offs and landings and took anywhere from two days to a week. In the spring of 1959, feasibility studies were begun on developing a new North Pacific track to the Orient. LT Dick Schulte was sent to Alaska to troubleshoot the route. The plan was to launch from Whidbey, overfly Alaska, land at Adak in the Aleutians, and then fly to NAF

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Above, Det November V AH-4 A3D-2 taxis aboard the USS Ticonderoga in 1960. (USN) Below, Det November A3D-2s BuNo 142250 and 138914 on Tico in 1960. (USN)

Atsugi. Total distance for this route was about 4,200 miles, or about ni ne hours of flight time . The proof of conce pt flight commenced on 27 October at 0827 am. Upon landing at Adak,

the Skywarrior was refueled at the end of the runway with engines running. Total time fram touchdown to take-off was 45 minutes. Upon landing at Atsugi, the dock read 11 hours 30 minutes elapsed time from Whidbey to Japan. The return flight was made on 31 October from Misawa AB , Northern Japan, to King Salmon AFB, AK, to NAS Whidbey Island, WA. Total flight time was 8 hours 24 minutes and a new pathway over the Pacific was born. During fiscal 1960, the squadron won the AIRPAC Bombing Derby, the Naval Air Weapons Meet at Yuma, and was awarded the annual Navy E for excellence among Pacific Fleet heavy aUack squadrons. Det Delta re-deployed aboard Hancock from 1 August 1959 through 18 January 1960 as part of CVG-15. For the cruise , three A3D-2s and four crews were assigned . The group was known as the "Hollygreen Elves" due to its call sign . A third CVA-19 deployment was made by Det Charlie from 16 June 1960 through 18 March 1961 as part of CVG-11 . During Air Gro up Eleven's ORI, Det C scored the Air Groups highest grade. Four out of the five previously deployed Heavy Four Dets had also received top scores during their respective ORls. The squadron participated in the 1960 Philippine Aviation Week festivities from 20-27 November. LTJG Gregory Snow received a commendation from Commander Seventh Fleet for scoring two consecutive Bullseyes on the same high altitude radar bombing mission . Det Lima with CVG-21 returned to Hancock for its fourth and fifth peacetime deployment. The dates 01

At top lett, Det Foxtrot VAH-4 A30-2 BuNo 142660 in flight in 1960. (USN) Above lett, Det F Whale lands aboard the USS Oriskany (CVA-34) in 1960. (USN) At left, Det F A3D-2 BuNo 138924 rolls to a stop after trapping aboard CVA-34 in 1960. (USN)

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Above, seen at NAS Miramar, BuNo 147648 was one of the first boat-tail modified A3D-2s while assigned to Det Lima CVG-21 on 25 June 1960. (William Swisher) At right, VAH-4 A3D-2 BuNo 144627 being refueled at Adak Island on 27 October 1959 during the recordsetting pioneering flight for a North Pacific flight path from Whidbey to Japan . The crew were; CDR John Emanski, LCDR Charley BOldt, LT JG Gary Caron, and CPO Vince O'Brien. (USN)

these cruises were from 2 February through 20 August 1962 and from 7 August through 16 December 1963. Det Echo was deployed aboard the USS Bon Homme Richard (CVA31) from 21 November 1959 through

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Below, Det Echo A3D-2 BuNo 138934 in flight over the Pacific during the 1961 Bonnie Dick deployment. (USN)

14 May 1960 as part of CVG-19 . Prior to the cruise the squadron particpated

Above, CVG-11 Heavy Four A30-2 BuNo 138969 tensioned for launch. (USN) Below, CVG-11 Oet Charlie VAH-4 BuNo 142250 taxis forward after trapping aboard the Hancock. Tail stripe was black. (via Kaston) Bottom, Oet Charlie BuNo 138915 and 142250 aft of the island on CVA-19 in 1960-61. (via Kaston)

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in a midshipmen cruise and hosted the Secretary of the Navy. Det Echo redeployed with three aircraft and fou r crews on CV A-31 from 26 April through 13 December 1961. After day quais aboard Oriskany and night quais aboard the Bonnie Dick, the Det participated in Operations Weptraex an d Strikex prior to deployment. During the cruise, a Det Echo aircraft made the 65,000th trap aboard CVA31 . A third deployment was made fro m 12 July 1962 through 11 February 1963. The fourth CVA-31 deployment started in pe ace on 28 January 1964 but ended in war on 21 November.

Above, Oet Foxtrot A30-2 BuNo 138920 launches from the Oriskany on 16 November 1960 during Operation Packboard. (USN) Below, CVA-34 CVG-16 Oet Golf A-3B buNo 138959 escorts a VA-163 A-4B Skyhawk over the Pacific on 16 July 1962. (USN) BoUom, VAH-4 A30-2 BuNo 138915 ra ces down the "cat". (USN)

Det November deployed aboard the USS Ticonderoga (CVA-14) from 5 March through 11 October 1960 as part of CVG-5 . During the cruise, the

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Above, CVG-16 Oriskany-based A-3B BuNo 138971 over the Pacific in 1962. (USN) At left, VAH-4 squadron mascot "Gigi" the Golden Goddess was stolen many times during her career with Heavy Four. (USN) Below, CVW· 21 Hancock-based A-3B BuNo 138920 at NAS Miramar, CA, on 1 August 1964. (Wi lliam Swisher)

Tico and Yorktown were escorts 10 President Eisenhower while he sailed through the Formosa Straits in the USS Sainl Paul. The Tico deployed with DeI Bravo and CVG-5 for a second time from 10 May 1961 through 15 January 1962. DeI Bravo would deploy once more aboard CVA-14 from 3 January through 15 July 1963. Det Foxtrot deployed as part of CVG-14 aboard the USS Oriskany (CVA-34) from 14 May through 15 December 1960. Two other Oriskany deployments were made pri or 10 the commencement of hostilities in Vietnam. The second was from 7 June through 17 December 1962 as part of CVG·

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16 and the third was from 1 August 1963 through 10 March 1964, again with CVG-16. VAH-4 provided a total of 16 Dets for combat deployments to South East Asia during the war years. Eleve n of these Dets deployed aboard the smaller 27-Charlie exWWII carriers. These were: CVW19'5 Det Echo aboard the USS Bon Homme Richard (CVA-31) from 28 Jan uary through 21 November 1964; CVW-5's Det Bravo aboard the USS Ticon deraga (CVA-14) from 14 April through 15 December 1964; CVW21 's Det Lima aboard the USS Hancock (CVA-19) from 21 October 1964 through 29 May 1965; CVW16's Det Golf aboard the USS Oriskany (CVA-34) from 5 April through 16 December 1965; CVW-Ts Det 62 aboard the USS Independence (CVA-62) fram 10 May through 13 December 1965; CVW-5's

Det Bravo aboard the USS Ticonderoga (CV A-14) from 28 September 1965 through 13 May 1966; CVW-11 's Det Charlie aboard the USS Kitty Hawk (CVA-63) from 19 October 1965 through 13 June 1966; CVW-9's Det Mike aboard the USS Enterprise (CVAN-65) from 26 October 1965 through 21 June 1966;

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Above, Oriskany-based Oet Golf A-3B BuNo 138974 drops iron bombs over Vietnam in 1965. (USN) Below, VAH-4 Oet Charlie A-3B BuNo 142652 refuels a VF-213 F-4B Phantom 11 from the Kitty Hawk in 1965. (USN) Bottom, Hancock-based CVW-21 Oet Lima A-3B BuNo 142251 at NAS North Island, CA, on 12 June 1965. Tail stripes were dark blue with a red arrowhead. (Swisher)

Above, Kitty Hawk-based Det Charlie tanker-configured A-3B was painted in wash green during a camouflage test in Southeast Asia on 13 April 1966. (USN) At lett, Ticonderoga-based A-3B BuNo 142239 at Elmendorf AFB, AK, on 27 June 1967. (Norm Taylor) Below, Ticonderoga-based A-3B BuNo 142651 at NAS Alameda, CA, on 27 June 1966 with 40 bombing mission marks on the fuselage side. (Smalley via Swisher)

CVW-16's Oet Golf aboard the USS Oriskany (CVA-34) from 26 May through 16 November 1966; CVW19's Oet Echo aboard the USS Ticonderoga (CV A-14) from 15 October 1966 through 29 May 1967; CVW-11's Oet Charlie aboard the

USS Kitty Hawk (CVA-63) from 5 November through 20 June 1967; CVW-5's Oet Oelta aboard the USS Hancock (CVA-19) fram 5 January through 22 July 1967; CVW-21 's Oet Lima aboard the USS Bon Homme Richard (CVA-31) from 26 January

through 25 August 1967; CVW-16's Oet Golf aboard the USS Oriskany (CVA-34) trom 26 June 1967 through 31 January 1968; CVW-11 's Oet 63 aboard the USS Kitty Hawk (CVA-63) from 18 November 1967 through 28 June 1968; and CVW-19's Oet 14

h

aboard the USS Ticonderoga (eVA14) from 28 December 1967 through 17 August 1968. Ticonderoga's Det Echo was the first Heavy Four aircraft to conduct combat operations in Vietnam during Pierce Arrow strikes on 5 August 1964. Also in 1964, Hancock's Det Lima lost BuNo 142250 during normal flig ht operations on 22 December 1964. Three crewmen were recovered, one was lost. On 25 May 1965, th e Oriskany also lost an A-3B operationally.

Above, VAH-4 tanker refuels another VAH-4 Skywarrior over the Pacific. (USN) Below, VAH-4 KA-3B BuNo 138974 at NAS Cu bi Point in May 1968. During this period, VAH-4 tankers had diagonal black rear fuselage stripes which matched their nose number. Fin tip stripe was red. (Tom Chenoweth) Bottom, Kitty Hawk based CVW-14 KA-3B BuNo 142661 taxis at NAF Atsugi on 4 May 1967. The six aircraft silhouettes aft of the unit insignia stood for how many aircraft it had saved by tanking. (T. Matsuzaki)

During the 1966 Tico cruise, Det Mike modified A-4E bombsights for A3B use. During the deployment, Det

55

Bravo's three aircraft dropped 490,000 pounds of ordnance. During the 1965-1966 Enterprise cruise, Det Mike dropped 108,000 pounds of bombs and passed 1,716,000 pounds of JP-5 to thirsty CVW-9 aircraft. The Det also lost BuNo 142665 on 1 April 1966 with the loss of its crew due to an operational accident. Aircraft losses conti nued during the 1966 Kitty Hawk cruise. Det Charlie lost A-3B BuNo 142653 and crew to a MiG while feet-wet on 12 April. On 8 March 1967, BUNo 144627 was lost over the North to unknown causes. Oriskany-based KA-3B BuNo 142658 was lost operationaly on 21 October 1967 with all crewmen recovered . On 1 November 1968, VAH-4 was redesignated VAQ-131 .

At lett, bomb farm aboard Kitty Hawk on 13 February 1968 with VAH-4 KA-3B BuNo 138971 in the background. (USN) Below, KA-3B BuNo 138971 t raps aboard the USS Kitty Hawk (eVA-63) in 1968 with VF-213 Phantoms in the background. (USN)

56

bn

@A

DEVELOPMENT Sau,ADRON FIVE (AIRDEVRON FIVE), VX-5 "VAMPIRES" I

Originally known as Air Development Squadron Five, VX-5 was established on 18 June 1951 at NAS Moffett Field, CA. Initially, its mission was to develop and evaluate aircraft tactics and procedures for the delivery of airborne special weapons. In July 1956, the squadron moved to NAF China Lake, CA, thereby

enabling the unit to take advantage of the vastly improved ranges and technical facilities at China Lake. In January 1969, the unit became Air Test and Evaluation Squadron Five.

57

Above and below, VX-5 A3D-2 BuNo 142854 had a green tail band outlined by white. (USN via Barry Miller and USN)

L _ _~H~E=-A~V~Y~A~TT~Ä.~:::C.::K~s.::a~U:.:..A::D:..:R.:..:O:..:N-=--:.F_IV_E,::.-V_Ä._H_-S_"_S_A_V_A_G_E_S_O_N_S_"_ __

J

Above, A3D-2 BuNo 138947 landing at Sanford in 1958. (Douglas) Below, Bu No 138945 taxiing, tail stripe is red. (Douglas) Bottom, BuNo 138947 on display at Sanford on 17 May 1958. (William Swisher)

VC-5 was established at N.l\S Moffett Field, CA, on 9 September 1948, with the mission of bringing nuclear weapon capability to the aircraft carrier. The squadron was slated to equip the large CVBs with AJ-1 Savages, but VC-5 developed the Lockheed Neptune into an interim carrier-based nuclear bombE~r. Twelve P2V-3Cs were utilized until the AJ-1 s were received. The first Savage was received in September 1949 and six were in use by

December. While equipped with AJ-2 Savages and stationed at NAS Sanford, FL, VC-5 was redesignated Heavy Attack Squadron Five (V AH-5) on 1 November 1956. The A3D-2 was received in 1957 and the AJ-2 Savages were retired in July. In October with the new Skywarrior, Heavy Five won its second Heavy Attack Wing One bombing

58

derby. The "Mushmouths" deployed four times aboard the USS Forrestal (CVA-59) while tlying the A3D-2 (A3B). These were: with CVG-10 trom 2 September 1958 through 12 March 1959; with CVG-8 trom 28 January through 31 August 1960; tro m 9 February through 25 August 1961 ; and trom 3 August 1962 through 2

March 1963. In July, during the 1960 cruise, Heavy Five flew 632 flight hours in fifteen days averaging 90 hours per airframe during Operation Purpie Sage.

In addition, three bullseyes were scored at the Naples range, a first in that region. On 7 August, VAH-5 received the COMNAVAIRLANT Battle Efficiency Excellence Award "E" for the second time in four years.

l" I

I

59

Below, VAH-5 A3D-2 BuNo 138953'5 tai! shows red tai! stripe outlined in black with Mushmouth insignia on it. The aircraft's tai! guns have been removed. BuNo 138963 is tensioned on the Forrestal's catapu lt in 1960.

The squadron fin ished the deployment with 3,275 flight hours, 1,014 arrested landings, with an 81.6% availability. In a three-day period during the 1961 cruise, VAH-5 flew 63 consecutive sorties for a total of 225 flight

hours during wh ich three bullseyes were scored in the bombing portion of the exercise. VAH-5 was redesignated RVAH5 on 1 March 1964 when the A-3B was replaced by the North American RA-5C Vigilante.

60

Above, BuNo 142661 in flight du ring the 1960 cruise with a large squadron insignia on the forward fuselage. (via Kaston) Below, A-3B BuNo 142654 with two red tail stripes is awaiting engine start aboard Forrestal in 1962. (via Kaston) Bottom, BuNo 142661 refuels a Royal Navy Scimitar wh ile escorted by a VA-83 A-4E. (USN)

[ _ ----H-E-Ä-V-Y-Ä-T-T-lJ..-C-K- S-Q-U-A-D-R-O-N-S-IX-,-V_A_H_-_6_"F_L_E_U_R_S_"_ _ _ _---.J

Above, VAH-6 A3D-2 BuNo 142255 taxies toward the catapult on the USS Ranger (CVA-61) in 1958. Lightning bolt on tail and fuselage was medium blue. (Douglas) Below, three VAH-6 A3D-2s on afterdeck of CVA-61 in 1958. BuNo 142640 is flanked by BuNo 142401. (Douglas)

L

VC-6, the second squadron formed in preparation for the new AJ Savage , was established at NAS Moffett Field , CA, on 6 January 1950. Initially equipped with P2V-2 and P2V-3C Neptunes , the squadron moved to NAS Patuxent River, MD , in late 1950 where it took delivery of its AJ-1 s. With a rotating detachment at NAF Atsugi, Japan, in addition to the main body at NAS North Island, CA, VC-6 was redesignated VAH-6 on 1

61

July 1956. In early 1958, the Fleurs received the A3D-2 and transferred to NAS Whidbey Island, WA. The squadron deployed five times with their Skywarriors, four times aboard the USS Ranger (CVA-61) and once aboard the USS Forrestal (CVA-59). On Ranger these were: with CVG-14 fram 3 January thraugh 27 July 1959,; during the next three cruises with

CVG-9 from 6 February through 30 August 1960; 11 August 1961 through 8 March 1963; and from 9 November 1962 through 14 June 1963. The Forrestal deployment was from 10 July 1964 through 13 March 1965.

The RA-5C was received on 16 September 1965 and VAH-6 was redesignated RVAH-6 on 23 September. RV AH -6 was disestablished on 26 October 1978.

62

Above, VAH-6 A3D-2s BuNos 142403 and 142405 prepare to launch from the USS Ranger (CVA-61) on 24 September 1958. (Douglas) Below, A3D-2 BuNo 142630 was assigned to CVG-9 on 21 April 1960. Tai! stripe was blue. (USN) Bottom, A3D-2 BuNo 147660 at NAS Moffett Field, CA, on 30 April 1961. (William Swisher)

Above, VAH-6 A-3B BuNa 147652 tram the Ranger landing at NAF Atsugi on 12 Apri l 1963. (T. Matsuzaki) At right, Ranger-based A3D-2 BuNa 147655 landing at NAF Atsugi on 4 January 1962. (T. Matsuzaki) Below, the Fleur insignia has been repeated across the tail ti n stripe on BuNa 147653 seen at NAS Alameda on 20 July 1963. (William Swisher) BaUam, VAH-6 A-3B landing aboard the USS Farrestal with stylized "AJ " tail code ot CVW-8 in 1964. (Douglas)

63

HEAVY ATTACK SaUADRON SEVEN, VAH-7 "GO - DEVILS"

]

L -_ _~~~~~~---------------------

Composite Squadron Seven (VC7) was established at NAS Moffett Field , CA, on 10 August 1950 with P2V-2 and P2V-3C Neptunes. The unit transferred to NAS Norfork, VA, in May 1951 where they received AJ1 Savages in June. On 1 November 1952, the squadron transferred to NAS Patuxent River, MD, and in early 1955 they moved to NAS Sanford , FL, where VC-7 was redesignated Heavy Attack Squadron Seven (VAH7) on 1 July 1955. Heavy Seven's Savages were replaced by A3D-2 Skywarriors in early 1958. During 1959, VAH-7 tested and proved the low-altitude loft bombing maneuver for Atlantic Fleet Skywarriors and during the annual bombing derby won the attack mission trophy with a near bullseye by CDR Barrow, the squadron CO. VAH7 made a partial deployment fram 14 July through 18 December 1961 aboard the USS Independence (CVA62) with V AH-1 when they commenced transition to the A3J-1 .

Above, VAH-7 A3D-2 prior to launch trom the USS Independence (CVA-62) in May 1959. Tail markings were red. (USN) Below, VAH-7 crew loads winning shape aboard CDR Barrow's A3D-2. (USN) Bottom, VAH-7 A3D-2 BuNo 142664 at MCAAS Yuma, AZ, on 3 December 1959 with star-like markings on the tail tin stripe. (William Swisher)

VAH-7 became the first operationally deployed A3J-1 Vigilante squadron . Conversion to the Vigi commenced in January 1962. The

64

unit transitioned to RA-5Cs in August 1964 and on 1 December was redes· ignated RVAH-7. RVAH-7 was dises· tablished on 28 September 1979.

[ _ __ H_E_A_V_Y_Ä_T_T_Ä_C_K_S_Q_U_A_D_R_O_N_E_IG_H_T_,_V_A_H_-_8_'_'F_IR_E_B_A_L_L_E_R_S_"_ _----'

VAH-8 was established at NAS Whidbey Island, WA, on 1 May 1957. In August 1957, Heavy Eight received its first A3D-2 Skywarrior. A year later as part of CVG-2, on 16 August 1958, the unit deployed nine Skywarriors aboard the USS Midway (CVA-41) . The prior month, Det Lima with three A3D-2s deployed aboard the USS Lexington (CVA-16) through 19 December 1958.

1965. In 1966, the squadron was assigned to CVW-15 aboard the USS Constellation (CVA-64) and deployed from 12 May through 3 December 1966. A second Connie deployment was made from 29 April through 4 December 1967 as part of CVW-14.

This first Midway cruise ended on 12 March 1959. Five more Midway deployments were made . These were fro m 15 August 1959 through 25 March 1960, from 15 February th ro ugh 28 September 1961 , from 6 April 1963 through 26 May 1964, and from 6 March through 23 November

In 1958, VAH-8 won the CNO safety award ; they had amassed over 3,000 flight hours in their first year of operation. On 13 March 1960, all nine A3D-2s launched from CVA-41 for a 4,800 mile flight home to Whidbey Island. Refueling stops were made at Barbers Point and Alameda during

65

Above, six VAH-8 A3D-2 Skywarriors cover the deck of the USS Midway (CVA-41) as a VA-63 FJ-4B is catapulted on 14 November 1958. (USN) Below, Det Lima VAH-8 A3D-2 BuNo 142236 from Lexington flies over the Pacific in August 1958. CVG-21's insignia was located on the forward fuselage. (USN via Fred Roos)

the 10.9 hour flight. CDR C. E. Guthrie and crew were killed when they hit Mt. Silanguin while returning to NAS Cubi Point on 12 December 1962. During May to June 1966, while

Above, VAH-8 A3D-2 BuNo 142236 in flight with VFP-61 F9F-8P photo Cougar while assigned to CVG-21 on the USS Lexington (CVA-1 6) on 20 August 1958. (USN) Left, Midway-based VAH-8 A3D-2 passes Mt. Fuji on 15 December 1958. (USN) Bottom, VAH-8 A3D-2 BuNo 142236 at NAS North Island, CA, on 18 March 1960 was assigned to CVG-2 aboard Midway. (Swisher)

66

Above, VAH-8 A3D-2 BuNo 142242 from CVA-41 landing at NAF Atsugi, Japan, on 1 August 1961. (T. Matsuzaki) At right, VAH-8 A3D-2 BuNo 142402 slowly sinks after missing a trap aboard Midway on 24 September 1962. The pilot is floating next to the wing's leading edge. (USN) Below , VAH-8 A-3B 142403 at North Island on 27 April 1963 with squadron insignia on the forward fuselage. (Will iam Swisher)

based at Cubi Pt. awaiting CV A-64, VAH -8 aircraft flew combat missions from both CVA-61 and CVAN-65. Heavy Eight was disestablished on 17 January 1968.

67

At top, Midway-based VAH-8 A-3B latnding at NAF Atsugi on 30 March 1964. (T. Matsuzaki) Above, A-3B BuNo 142635 at NAS Whidbey Island in 1964-65. (Gordon Williams) Below, Midway-based A-3B BuNo 142649 taxis at Whidbey Island in 1965. (via Norm Taylor) Bottom, VAH-8 KA-3B BuNo 147658 at NAS North Island was trom the USS Constellation (CVA-64) was part of CVW-14 on 28 April 1967. (William Swisher)

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[

HEAVY ATTACK SQU)~DRON NINE, VAH-9 "HOOT OWLS" ("HOOTERS")

VC-9 was established on 1 January 1953 at NAS Sanford , FL, with two TBM-3Es and one P2V-2 . These were soon replaced with new AJ -1s and two P2V-3Cs . On 1 November 1955, VC-9 was redesignated VAH-9 while flying AJ-2 Savages. In January 1957, the squadron received its first A3D-2 Skywarrior. CARQUALS were conducted aboard the USS Saratoga in May and June 1957. During Dwight Eisenhower's Presidential cruise that followed, two Heavy Nine Skywarriors launched from the USS Bon Homme Richard (CVA-31) in the Pacific and landed aboard the USS Saratoga (CVA-60) in the Atlantic four hours and one minute later. In August 1957, the unit was aboard Sara once more as they participated in NATO exercise Operation Strikeback in early September. On 1 February 1958, VAH-9 as

At top, with "FG" tai! code A30-2 BuNo 138957 lands aboard Saratoga on 6 June 1957 off the coast of Florida fol10Wing a non-stop transcontinental flig ht from the Bon Homme Richard off the West Coast. (USN) Above right, fou r VAH-9 A30-2s on the forward deck of CVA-60 in September 1957 With "GM" tail during Operation Strikeback. (USN) At right, VAH-9 A302 BuNo 138906 tai! frames 00-936 between itself and the deck in September 1957. (USN)

69

part of CVG-3 deployed to the Mediterranean aboard CVA-60. In July, the Air Group became involved in the Lebanon crisis and subsequently flew 10,000 support missions. The squadron returned home 1 October. Also during 1958, VAH-9 won the overall events in the annual Bombing Derby.

In 1959, the squadron won the Battle Efficiency "E" Award for excellence and the Heavy Attack Wing Atlantic Commander's trophy. The second Saratoga deployment commenced on 14 August 1959 and ended on 26 February 1960. During the cruise, the squadron participated in NATO exercises including

70

Above, VAH-9 A3D-2 BuNo 138939 on the deck of the Saratoga during the 1958 cruise. Tail fin tri m was green. (USN) Below, four VAH-9 A3D-2s over CVA-60 on 7 April 1958. CAG bird BuNo 138964 has vertical tail stripes that were fore-to-aft red-yellow-blueorange-green; BuNos 138954, 138930 and 138948 had green tail markings. (USN)

"ttn

Above, VAH-9 A3D-2 BuNo 138941 landing at NAS Sanford in December 1958. (Douglas) At right, Heavy Nine A3D-2 takes off from Sanford in December 1958. (Douglas) Bottom, VAH-9 A3D-2 BuNo 138941 being spotted on Saratoga during the 1958 deployment. (USN)

Operations Crescent Mace, Long Haul, and Boomerang. A third Med cruise departed on 22 August 1960 and returned on 26 February 1961. During Operation Dead Beat, the Saratoga along with the USS Independence (CVA-62) and the USS Intrepid (CVS-11)

launched a simulated nuclear strike against Spain and Italy.

record-setting flight of 2 hours 47 minutes.

On 24 May 1961 , VAH-9 supported Project Lana by refueling VF-101 Det A F4H-1 Phantoms during their transcontinental Bendix Trophy Race

The fourth Med cru ise was from 28 November 1961 through 11 May 1962. Another simulated nuclear attack on the Mediterranean was con-

71

ducted, this time with the French during Operation Big Game. A second full-scale simulated nuclear strike against Greece, Italy and Turkey was Operation RegEx-62. A fifth deployment was made from 29 March through 25 October

1963, marking an end to Heavy Nine's Skywarrior deployments. In April 1964, VAH-9 began the transition to the RA-5C Vigilante, and on 3 June, VAH-9 was redesignated RVAH-9. The squadron was disestablished on 30 September 1977.

72

Above, three VAH-9 A-3Bs BuNos 138972,142664 and 138964 in flight. (Douglas) Below, VAH-9 Project Lana A3D-2 retuels a VF-101 Det A F4H-1 Phantom on 24 May 1961. (USN) VAH-9 A-3B BuNo 142248 on 18 March 1963 leaving tor another Saratoga deployment. (USN via Barry Miller)

'Ptn

[_---H-E-A-V-y-Ä-TT-Ä-C-K-S-Q-U-A-D-R-O-N-T-E-N-,_V_A_H_-_1O_"_V_IK_IN_G_S_'_'_ _ __

VAH-10 was established on 1 May 1961 at Whidbey Island, WA. This was the last Heavy Attack Squadron formed around the Skywarrior. The squadron deployed in March and April of 1962 as part of CVG-8 for the USS Constellation's shakedown crui se. Heavy Ten departed San Diego for their first extended deployment on 21 February 1963. As part of CVG-14 on the Connie, the squadron retu rned to Whidbey in September 1963. CVW-14 and VAH-10 sailed again aboard CV A-64 on 5 May 1964. During this cruise the Vikings' A-3Bs became some of the first aircraft to fly combat missions in the Vietnam War in response to the 2-4 August 1964 Gulf of Tonkin Incident. The Connie was in port in Hong Kong and when ordered to the waters off Vietnam , VAH-10 had twelve aircraft aboard and six were flown to Cubi Point to make for a more flexible deck. CVW14 combat flights commenced on 5 August and the Air Wing spent 68 days on the combat line before

At top, VAH-10 A3D-2 BuNo 138952 with Constellation and CVG-13 on the aft f uselage at NAS Lemoore on 29 May 1962. (Harry Gann) Above, A-3B BUNo 138966 on-board CVA-64 ·at NB YO kosuka on 26 April 1963. (T. Matsuzaki) Above, Det 42 A-3B BuNo 138932 over the Med on 8 November 1965. (USN) At right, Det 64 A-3B BuNo 138907 leaves the angle deck of CVA64 in 1963. (USN)

73

returning to CONUS on 24 January 1965. Under the direction of LCDR Dick Harper, the crews at Cubi Poi nt put together an operational plan fo r the mining of Haiphong Harbor by VAH10 Skywarriors. The plan was submitted on 10 August 1964 and labeled Top Secret. Unfortunately, the plan was not acted upon, and it was not until 9 May 1972 that the harbor was mined. The squadron's next cruise was with the Atlantic Fleet as part of CVW1 aboard the USS F. D. Roosevelt (CVA-42) from 28 June through 17 December 1965. As Det 42, Heavy Ten deployed two more times aboard the FD.R. The first of these was a combat cruise from 21 June 1966 through 21 February 1967. The second was with the Atlantic Fleet from 24 August 1967 through 19 May 1968. Det 66 deployed aboard the USS America (CVA-66) twice, once in the Atlantic from 10 January through 20

At top, Det 64 A-3B BuNo 142632 at NAS North Island on 2 May 1964. (William Swisher) Above, Det 62 KA-3B BuNo 138963 on eVA-62 in 1968. (Ginter collection) Above, Det 61 A-3B BuNo 142649 in 1968-69. Tail markings were red on all VAH-1 0 Skywarriors. (Harry Gann) At lett, Det 19 KA-3B BuNo 138974 at NAS Alameda on 15 April 1970. (D. Olson via Swi sher) Below, Det 19 KA-3B BuNo 138974 in 1969-70. (Harry Gann)

t':.,.,...C

NAVY VAHIO ' Vf1!l1

74

....

september 1967 and once on station off Vietnam from 10 April through 16 Dece mber 1968. Oet 66 was equipped with three A-3Bs and four crews. These aircraft were BuNos 138972, 138973, and 142247. Oet 59 deployed three times aboard the USS Forrestal (CVA-59). The first deployment as part of CVW17 was a war cruise that commenced on 6 June and ended on 14 September 1967 after a devastating fire destroyed 21 aircraft. The other two deployments were with the 6th Fleet and were from 22 July 1968 throu gh 29 April 1969.

Above, VAH-10 KA-3B BuNo 138973 trom eVW-8 on the USS Shangri-La takes off trom NAF Atsugi on 24 July 1970. (T. Matsuzaki) Below and boUom, BuNo 142247 taxis toward the catapult on eVA-38 in June 1970. Sword was black. (Barry Miller)

Two 6th Fleet deployments were made by Oet 60 as part of CVW-3 on the USS Saratoga fram 2 May throu gh 6 Oecember 1967 and fram 9 July 1969 through 22 January 1970. Two other Oets deployed in 1968, Det 62 with CVW-7 aboard the USS Independence (CVA-62) fram 26 April 1968 through 27 January 1969 in the Atlantic and Oet 43 with CVW-15 aboard the USS Coral Sea (CVA-43) fra m 7 September 1968 through 18 April 1969 off the coast of Vietnam. Du ri ng this cruise, on 17 February 1969 KA-3B BuNo 138943 was lost with its crew to an operational accident. Oet 62 deployed once more on

75

Above, well-weathered VAH-10 KA-3B BuNo 142401 trom Shangri-La at Oa Nang AB, Vietnam, in 1970. (Barry Miller) VAH-10 A-3B BuNo 138904 with wing's "ZR" tail code. (0. Kasulka via Harry Gann) Below middle, VAH-10 KA-3B BuNo 138953. (Harry Gann) BoUom, VAH-10 EKA-3B BuNo 144628 at NAS Alameda on 28 September 1970. (0. Olson via William Swisher)

CVA-62 from 23 June 1970 through 1 February 1971. One other 6th Fleet deployment was made by VAH-1 O. It was with the USS John F. Kennedy (CVA-67) and CVW-1 from 5 April throug h 21 December 1969. The squadron's last three combat deployments were: Det 61 with CVW2 on the USS Ranger (CVA-61) from 26 October 1968 through 17 June 1969; Det 19 with CVW-21 on the USS Hancock (CV A-19) fro m 2 August 1969 through 15 April 1970; and Det 38 with CVW-8 on the USS Shangri-La (CVS-38) from 5 March through 17 December 1970. On 1 September 1970, VAH-10 was redesignated V AQ-129. Two detachments were at sea at the time of redesignation , Det 38 and Det 62.

76

[

HEAVY ATTACK SOUADRON ELEVEN, VAH-11 "CHECKERTAILS"

VC-8 was established on 3 December 1951 at NAS Patuxent River, MD. Composite Squadron Eight was initially equipped with three P2V Neptunes and five AJ-1 Savages. In July 1955 the squadron was transferred to NAS Sanford, and was redesignated Heavy Attack Squadron Eleven (V AH-11) on 1 November 1955. When the Composite Squadrons were redesignated Heavy Attack

Squadrons all, East Coast squadrons received odd numbers and all West Coast squadrons received even numbers . Thus, VC-8 was redesignated VAH-11, the next available odd number. The A3D-2 Skywarrior replaced the Savage in November 1957. In September 1958, V AH-11 was assigned to CVG-1 and carrier qualifications were conducted in the Caribbean and the Atlantic on the

77

Above, VAH-11 A3D-2 landing in 1957. (USN) Below, squadron ramp at NAS Sanford, FL, in early 1958. The Checkers on the tail were black and the rudder was grey. (Douglas)

USS F. D. Roosevelt (CVA-42). Prior to deploying to the Mediterranean in February 1959, the squadron had won the Conover Trophy for the best performance in heavy attack bombing

Above, VAH-11 A3D-2 BuNo 138976 at MCAAS Vuma during the annual Weapons Meet on 3 December 1959. USS F. D. Roosevelt was painted in florescent redorange. (William Swisher) Below, VAH-11 A3D-2 BuNo 142652 at NS Roosevelt Roads, PR, on 17 September 1961 where it was used for hurricane seeding. By this time white checkers were added to the black ones and acheckerboard band was added to the fuselage. (USN via Barry Miller) Bottom, VAH-11 A-3B BuNo 142662 starts engines du ring Project Stormfury at Rosie Roads in 1963. (USN via Barry Miller)

twice, COMAIRLANT Safety Award , and the first Carrier Airman ship Trophy. The squadron deployed aboard CVA-42 from 13 February through 1 September 1959. During the cruise, VAH-11 took part in NATO Operations Tunerup (18-28 March), Top Weight, Green Swing , and MEDFLEX (9-23 April) , and COMCARDIV Two Operations 56-59 (3-11 May) , 57-59 (16 May-5 June), 58-59 (6-10 July), 60-59 (15-25 July) , 61-59 (3-8 August) , and 62-59 (14-18 Augu st). Four more deployments we re made with Air Group One and F.D.R. These were from 28 January through 24 August 1960, 15 February through

78

28 Au gust 1961 , 14 September 1962 through 22 April 1963, and 28 April through 22 Oecember 1964.

Above, tanker-contigured A-3B BuNo 142656 over the Caribbean on 2 March 1964. (USN) Below, VAH-11 A-3B BuNo 142656 and 142659 at NAS Santord, FL, on 19 March 19165. Nose number was highlighted with white. (Tom Cuddy via Swisher) Bottom, VF14 Demon tanking trom VAH-11 A-3B BuNo 142656 as a VFP-62 RF-8A flies wing. (USN)

1.>;.»'

In August 1962, VAH-11 Oet 8 was formed with six of the squadron's A-3Bs. Oet 8 was responsible for the operations of the Wing while the other HATRONS transitioned to the Vigi lante. Oet 8 deployed with the USS Independence (CVA62) from 8 September 1964

. / AB / 142656 .

79

through 11 May 1965. The unit rejoined the squadron after this cruise in time to deploy aboard the USS Forrestal (CVA-59) from 24 August 1965 through 7 Ap ril 1966 as part of CVW-8. During the final cruise the squadron participated in Exercise Fairgame IV with the French carrier

Arromanches. The RA-5C Vigilante replaced the Skywarrior in April 1966 and the squadron was redesignated RAVH11 on 1 July 1966. The squadron was disestablished on 1 June 1975.

80

Above, Det 8 A-3B BuNo 144628 on a tanking mission in 1965 was assigned to the USS Forrestal (eVA-59). It sports the attractive black and white fuselage and tail checkerboard stripes. (USN via Barry Miller) Below, Forrestal-based BuNo 138918 climbing in 1966. (USN)

[

HEAVY ATTACK SQUADRON THIRTEEN,

Below, VAH-13 A3D-2 BuNo 138911 in flight during the 1961 around-the-horn cruise. (USN) Bottom, BuNo 138967 glides accross the deck of CV A-63 in 1961. (USN)

V AH-13 was established on 3 January 1961 at NAS Sanford , FL. As part of CVG-11 , the squadron deployed Det A aboard the USS Kitty Hawk (CVA-63) for her shakedown cruise to the Caribbean on 24 July 1961. The Air Wing 's ORI was conducted while operating out of Guantanamo Bay from 14 August through 15 September. As the carrier headed south for its trip around Cape Horn, the squadron participated in a goodwill airshow at Rio De Janerio where they demonstrated loft bombing and low-Ievel mining to the South American military representatives. The Kitty Hawk rounded the Horn on 8 October and anchored at Valparaiso, Chili, on 13 October 1961 . While in Chili, VAH-13 participated in

81

VAH-13

"BATS"

a second airshow. Before arriving at San Diego, CA, on 1 November, the carrier visited Lima, Peru , on 20-22 October. Once assigned to the Pacific fleet, V AH-13 was based at NAS Whidbey Island, WA. The first WestPac deployment was again with CVG-11 aboard CVA63 from 13 September 1962 through 2 April 1963. This was followed by another Kitty Hawk deployment from 13 October 1963 through 16 June 1964. After this cruise , Heavy Thirteen was transferred to NAS Sanford , FL, in August 1964 in preparation of its transition to the RA-5C Vigilante. The first Vigilantes arrived on 5 October and VAH-13 was red esignated RV AH -13 on 1 November

1964 and was disestablished on 3:0 June 1976.

I _ ,

Above, VAH-13 A3D-2s BuNos 142242, 138955 and 138906 venting tuel off San Diego, CA, on 29 December 1961. (USN) Below, VAH-13 A3D-2 BuNo 138946 is hOis.ted ~board t(hUeSNK)itt Y Hawk at NAS Nortolk in July 1961. Seven more A3D-2s awalt t helr turn.

82

Above, VAH-13 A-3Bs BuNos 142241 and 142253 on eVA-63 on 10 October 1962. (T. Matsuzaki) Below, Deck of eVA-63 with BuNo 142246 in the foreground, BuNo 138934 with tai! fin folded and BuNo 138975 parked opposite the elevator on 10 October 1962 at YOkosuka, Japan. (T. Matsuzaki)

83

VAH-13

"BATS" ]

Above, Kitty Hawk-based VAH13 A3D-2 BuNo 142401 at NAS North Island, CA, on 25 August 1962. Fin tip was red and tail guns have been replaced with the new boat tail. (Will iam Swisher) At lett, VAH-13 A-3B BuNo 142241 trapping aboard the USS Kitty Hawk (CVA-63) in late 1962. (USN via Barry Miller) BoUom, VAH-13 A-3Bs on the Kitty Hawk on 10 October 1962 at Yokosuka. These were BuNo 142238 (GP/61 0) with vertical tail folded, BuNo 142241 (GP/602), BuNo 142253 (GP/603), and (GP/604). (T. Matsuzaki)

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....

Above, VAH-13 Skywarriors wore an "NH" tail code tor their third WestPac deployment aboard the USS Kitty Hawk. BuNo 142238 over the Pacitic on 20 Oecembel' 1963. (USN) Below, Kitty Hawk-based VAH-13 A-3B BuNo 142253 at NAS Whidbey Island, WA, in November 1964. (0. Olson via William Swisher) Bottom, VAH-13 A-3B BuNo 142401 at Whidbey in November 1964. Fin stripe was red. (0. Olson via William Swisher)

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CARRIER AIRBORNE EARLY WARNING SQUADRON THIRTEEN, VAW-13 "ZAPPERS" 50s. VAW-13 became AirPac's carrier-based electronic countermeasures squadron. Later that year, the squadron was transferred to NAS Alameda, CA.

VAW-13 was established at NAS Agana, Guam, on 1 September 19E;9 with three AD-5Ws. Shortly therl9after, three VAW-11 crews and AD50s also were transferred to VAW13. In 1960, the WF-2 Trackl:H arrived, but in 1961 because of a reorganization of the Airborne Early Warning Community, VAW-13 gave up its AD-5Ws and WF-2s and acquired all of the Pacific Fleet AD-

VAW-13 became the first unit to receive the newest Skywarrior variant, the EKA-3B. The transition commenced in May 1967. VAW-13 EKA3Bs made five wartime cruises to Vietnam. Ass igned to CVW-2, Det 61 was first to deploy. It sailed with three aircraft aboard the USS Ranger (CVA-61) from 4 November 1967 through 25 May 1968. The second to deploy was Det 65 as part of CVW-9 from 3 January through 18 July 1968 aboard the USS Enterprise (CVAN-65). The third was CVW-5's Det 31 deployed on the USS Bon Homme Richard (CVA-31) from 27 January through 10 October 1968. Then came Det 66 with CVW-6

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aboard the USS America (CVA-66) from its 10 April through 16 December 1968 war deployment. For the fourth deployment the USS Constellation (CVA-64) hosted CVW14 and VAW-13 Det 64 from 29 May through 31 October 1968. The final war cruise was aboard the USS Hancock (CVA-19) from 16 July 1968 through 3 March 1969 with Det 19 from CVW-21. On 1 October 1968, the squadron was redesignated VAO-130 while Det 19, Det 64, Det 66, and Det 31 were deployed.

Below, VAW-13 EKA-3B BuNo 147648 was assigned to the USS Enterprise on 27 December 1967 at NAS Alameda. (Smalley via Swisher) Bottom, VAW-13 EKA-3B BuNo 142652 with red-orange trim was assigned to the USS Hancock on 22 May 1968 at NAS Alameda. (Smalley via Swisher)

Above, USS Bon Homme Richard-based EKA-3B BuNo 142659 at Alameda on 28 December 1967. (William Swisher) Below, ExVAH-10NAQ-131 KA-3B BuNo .138971 has VAW-13 painted on the rear fuselage. (Smalley via Swisher) BoUom, VAW-13 EKA38 BuNo 142659 at Alameda on 23 Octobl~r 1968 was assigned to the USS Bon Homme Richard (CVA-31). (William Swisher)

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TACTICAL

ELECTRONIC WARFARE SQUADRON VAQ-33 "FIREBIRDS"

VC-33 was established on 13 May 1949 at NAS Norfolk, VA, with TBM-3E/O/N Avengers. The unit's original mission of sub-hunters was changed to that of night aUack in May 1950. On 5 June 1950, the squadron moved to NAS Atlantic City, NJ , where it absorbed the assets and mission of VC-4. At this point, the squadron was equipped with various versions of the Douglas AD Skyraider. In 1952, the Douglas F3D2 SkyKnight was evaluated as a night aUack aircraft and discarded. On 2 July 1956, VC-33 was redesignated VA(AW)-33. As All Weather AUack Squadron Thirty-Three, the squadron received two TF-10s in February 1957 and moved to NAS Ouonset Point, RI, on 1 April 1958. VA(AW)-33 became Airborne Early Warn ing Squadron Thirty-Three (VAW-33) on 30 July 1959. VAW-33 was redesignated Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron Thirty-Three (VAO-33) on 5 April 1969.

At right top-to-bottom: ERA-3B BuNo 144827 with A-3B BuNo 138922 in the background in 1976. (Harry Gann) ERA-3B BuNo 144832 in April 1977. (Kaston) ERA-3B BuNo 146446 at NAS Alameda on 2 August 1971. (Smalley via Swisher) BuNo 146446 on 29 April 1979 with tin tip WJ-8580-2 antenna assembly added. (Bill Curry) ERA-3B BuNo 146447 at NAS Norfolk on 28 September 1972. (Kaston)

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THIRTY - THREE,

As VAQ-33, the squadron received a new mission, that of providing the fleet with an up-to-date electronic warfare environment. For this mission a fleet of much more capable aircraft than the Skyraider wo uld be needed. The first to arrive we re the EF-4B and EF-4J phantoms, then came TA-4Fs, an EC-1 21 K, and A-3Bs. These were supplemented with EA-4Fs and ERA38s. In 1972, VAQ-33 had ni ne aircraft: four Skywarriors , four Skyh awks and one Constellation . One of the A-3Bs, BuNo 138968, was lost with all-hands on 10 December 1972 near FrankIin , VA, to unknown causes. Another Skywarrior, an ERA38, was hit by a Sparrow missile fired fro m a RN Phantom fram the HMS Ark Royal in February 1972. The impact took out the starboard engine , which the crew thought had exploded. Th e pilot, CDR L. P. Hettinger squadron CO, recovered at Rosey Roads where the true cause of the emergency was discovered. VAQ-33 took over the role as the

At right top-to-bottorn: ERA-3B BuNo 146447 at NAF Atsugi on 13 October 1989. (T. Matsuzaki) ERA-3B 146446 landing at NAS Point Mugu. Nose nurnber was red outlined in black. (Kaston) TA-3B BuNo 144856 had typical red Firebird with yellow lightning bolt on the tail. (via Kaston) At right, TA-3B 144859 at NAS Point Mugu in July 1990. (Kaston) Below, ERA-3B BuNo 146446 landing at NAF Atsugi on 12 October 1989. (T. Matsuzaki)

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Fleet A-3 Replaee ment Squadron (FRS) on 1 Oetober 1977. With the new added mission the unit reeeived five T A-3B aireraft. The FRS trainers were detaehed to the longer runways found at NAS Oeeana in July 1978 where the ' squadron also based its ERA-3Bs and F-4s. In 1979, four EA-6As were aequired and the squadron transferred to NAS Key West, FL, in 1980. In 1983, the squadron assets were: four ERA-3Bs, five T A-3Bs, three EA4Fs , one TA-4J , five EA-6As , and a

P-3A. VAQ-33's Eleetronie Warfare Mission required it to deploy frequent_ Iy to the Paeifie and thus a new unit VAQ-34, was formed at NAS Point Mugu , CA, on 1 Mareh 1983 with ERA-3Bs and EA-7Ls . VAQ-33's Skyhawks also were replaeed by EA7Ls and its P-3Bs were modified into EP-3Js . The Skywarrior was fo rmaily retired on 27 September 1991 and VAQ-33 was disestablished on 1 Oetober 1993.

Above, ERA-3B BuNo 144827 taxis with drag chute. (Harry Gann) Below, ERA-3B BuNo 144827 in flight. (Harry Gann) Bottom, ERA-3B 144832 in low-viz grey scherne on 25 August 1991 just prior to retirement. (Norris Graser via Kaston)

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Above, VAQ-33 TA-3B BuNo 144862 on 18 April 1982. Nose number 22 was outlined in red. (Leader via Kaston) Below, KA-3B BuNo 142650 in retirement in August 19901. (via Kaston) Bottom, TA-3B BuNo 144866 in low-viz greys at Davis-Monthan AFB in 1991 after retirement. (via Kaston)

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TACTICAL

ELECTRONIC WARFARE SQUADRON THIRTY - FOUR, VAQ-34 "ELECTRIC HORSEMEN"

On 1 March 1984, VAQ-134 was established at NAS Point Mugu, CA, to relieve VAQ-33 of the responsibi lity of supporting the Pacific Fleet. As electronic aggressors, the squadron was equipped with four ERA-3Bs (BuNos 144838, 144846, 144841, and 142668), one KA-3B and six EA7Ls. Later, EA-3B BuNo 144849 was acquired as weil as an EKA-3B and a UA-3B. The KA-3B, BuNo 138944, . was retired on 17 December 1990. In late 1990, VAQ-33 and VAQ34 flew missions against carriers deploying to the Persian Gulf, to train them against possible Iraqi antish ip missile tactics. The ERA-3B Skywarriors were retired in 1991 and the unit was transferred to NAS Lemoore, CA, in June 1992 where it acquired the F/A-18A/B

At right top-to-bottom: VAQ-34 ERA-3B BuNo 144841 with original "GD" tai! code with twin red lightning bolts at NAS Miramar in 1985. (Ginter) VAQ-34 ERA-3Bs had their "GD" tail code replaced with a red aggressor star while stateside as seen here in 1990. Aircraft number 11 and VAQ-34 were red outlined by white. (Ginter) VAQ-34 ERA-3B aircraft number eleven in flight in July 1990. (Ginter) At right, VAQ-34 ERA-3B BuNo 144838 with late modl;)1 ERA-3B tail co ne at NAS Point Mugu in August 1988. (Ginter)

F=======

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Harnet. The squadron was operating eight FA-18 Hornets when it stood down . When the reserves equipped with Hornets, they took over the electronic aggressor role and the squadron was disestablished on 5 October 1993.

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Above lett, ERA-3B BuNo 144846 at Atsugi on 12 October 1989. (T. Matsuzaki) Below, KA-3B BuNo 138944 at Atsugi on 9 October 1989. (T. Matsuzaki) Bottom, EA-3B BuNo 144849 at NAS Lemoore in October 1990. (Kaston)

-

COMPOSITE PI-IOTOGRAPHIC saUADRON SIXTY - ONE, VCP-61 HEAVY PHOTOGRAPHIC saUADRON SIXTY-ONE, VAP-61 "WORLD RECORDERS" ed VJ-61 on 5 March 1952 and then VAP -61 on 2 July 1956. The squadron was redesignated VCP-61 on 1 July 1959. Two years later, on 1 July 1961, VCP-61 reverted back to VAP-61 and the unit was disestablished on 1 July 1971.

Photographic Squadron Five (VD-5) was established on 1 June 1944 and became Patrol Squadron Photographic One (VPP-1) on 15 November 1946. VPP-1 became VP61 on 1 September 1948 but was disestablished on 17 January 1950. VP61 's personnel and assets W€ire transferred to VC-61 which in turn formed a second VP-61 on 20 January 1951. VP-61 was redesignat-

VCP-61NAP-61 was assigned to the Pacific Fleet, providing detachments for deployments aboard carriers and land-based facilities . In May 1964, VAP-61 began flying Yankee Team Missions over Laos and South Vietnam from carriers in the South China Sea. Recon missions were flown from 2 through 5 August 1964 during the Tonkin Gulf Incident and by 1965 the missions had been expanded into North Vietnam. On 7 August 1966, the squadron started flying night combat infrared missions over the North in search of truck convoys. After 68 months in the war zone, Guam-based VAP-61 ceased operations over Vietnam.

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During the war years VAP-61 lost six aircraft, four in combat and two to operational accidents. BuNos 144842 and 144844 were lost to AAA on 13 June 1966 and 14 October 1967. BuNo 144842 was shot down during a night recon mission . Two other RA. 3Bs disappeared on night recon missions; they were BuNos 144835 and 144847 on 25 August 1967 and 1 January 1968. Additionally, RA-3B BuNo 144828 caught fire on 16 June 1967 and was lost, but the crew was recovered . And on 8 August 1969, BuNo 144826 launched from DaNang AB and experienced a fuel flow problem and flame-out which caused the loss. Again, thankfully, the crew survived.

Below, VCP-61 A3D-2P BuNo 144830 at NAS Miramar on 12 September 1959. (William Swisher) Bottom, VAP-61 A3D-2P BuNo 144844 on 26 Septem ber 1961. (USN)

Above, VAP-61 RA-3B BuNo 144847 landing at NAF Atsugi on 9 October 1962. (T. Matsuzaki) Below, VAP-61 RA-3B BuNo 144835 over Anderson AFB on 13 Augus1t 1965. (USN) Bottom, VAP-61 RA-3B BuNo 144842 traps aboard the USS Kitty Hawk (eVA-63) in 1965. Sixty-seven mission marks were painted on the forward fuselage. (Lionel Paul via Fred Roos)

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Above, VAP-61 RA-3B BuNo 146446 at Sydney, Australia, in 1966. Aircraft had sixty-seven mission marks on the forward fuse. lage below the squadron's insignia. (Ricketts via Harry Gann) Below, VAP-61 RA-3B BuNo 144830 streams drag chute after landing. Third crewman is standing in the open canopy hatch to help enhance the pilot's ability to taxi with a spare set of eyes. (via Harry Gann) Bottom, VAP-61 RA-3B BuNo 144828 tensioned for launch off the coast of Vietnam. Sixty-five mission marks were on the forward fuselage. (USN)

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Above and below, in 1966-67 an all-black paint scheme was tested on a few VAP-61 RA-3Bs for use during night combat photo missions. (William Swisher and USN) Bottom, in 1967-68 a large number of VAP-61 RA-3Bs were painted in a three-tone grey pai nt scheme. BuNo 144831 at NAS Alameda, CA, on 9 February 1968 with radome open. (Smalley via Swisher)

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At top, BuNo 144840 taxis with drag chute at Alameda on 18 November 1968. (Smalley via Swisher) Above, BuNo 144834 at Alameda on 9 April 1968. (Smalley via Swisher) Below, BuNo 144840 taxis in Japan. Note that the fin's BuNo has been pai nted out. (H. Nagakubo via Roos) BuNo 144840 in 1968 with BuNo and NAVY applied. (Harry Gann)

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HEAVY PHOTOGRAPHIC SQUADRON

SIXTY - TWO,

July 1956. The squadron received a first hand look at the A3D when one visited it in June 1956. In August 1957 the squadron transferred to NAS Jacksonville, FL. The squadron tested the only YA3D-1P, BuNo 130358, from 14 October through 31 December 1957. By October 1959 the A3D-2P had completely replaced the AJ-2P Savages.

Photographic Squadron SixtyTwo (VJ-62) was established on 10 April 1952 at NAS Jacksonville, FL. In October 1952 the squadron moved to NAS Sanford , FL. Then, in July 1955, the squadron was transferred to NAS Norto lk, VA , where the unit was redesignated Heavy Photographic Squadron Sixty-Two (VAP-62) on 2

In carrying out its miSSion, the squadron conducted aerial photographic reconnaissance and operated photographic and photo interpretation facilities. In addition , VAP-62 routinely provided cartographic services for such departments as the Army Map Service, Coast and Geodetic Survey, Army Corps of Engineers, Navy Hydrographic Office , and the US Department of Agriculture.

VAP-62

"TIGERS"

On 19 February 1962, a VAP-62 A3D-2P flown by LCDR William Warde photographed John Glenn's Friendship Seven launch. This was the first of what was to be many other such missions over Cape Canaveral. The squadron received a commendati on from the Secretary of the Navy for its performance during the Cuban Missile Crisis in October-November of 1962. The war in Southeast Asia was supported by VAP-62 in 1966 when a detachment was se nt to Da Nang to operate under VAP-61 's control. VAP-62 was disestablished on 15 October 1969.

Below, VAP-62 RA-3B trom Det 66 landing aboard the USS America (CVA66) during its shakedown cruise on 18 June 1965. (USN via Barry Miller)

VAP-62

"TIGERS" ]

Above, VAP-62 A3D-2P BuNo 144843 with tail guns on 28 March 1961 . (USN) At left, VAP-62 flight crew of three pose with camera equipment and giantposter print in 1963. (via Douglas) BoUom, RA-3B VAP-62 BuNo 146446 on 15 April 1967 after overhaul at Alameda with hastily painted tail code and squadron designation. (William Swisher)

V AP-62 was known to have flown RA3Bs BuNos 142666, 142669, 144827, 144829, 144832, 144833, 144837, 144838, 144841, 144843, 144846, 144847 and 144848.

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COMPOSITE

PI-IOTOGRAPHIC SQUADRON SIXTY - THREE VCP-63 "EYES OF THE FLEET"

Composite Squadron Sixty-One (VC-61) was established on 20 January 1949. On 2 July 1956, VC-61 was redesignated VFP-61 and on 1 July 1959 became VCP-63 with the assignment of A3D-2Ps. The photo Skywarriors soldiered-on with the squadron's F8U-1 Ps for two years. When the Skywarriors were withdrawn, VCP-63 became VFP-63 once again . Miramar-based VFP-63 was disestablished on 30 June 1982.

Above, VCP-63 A3D-2P BuNo 144842 over the runways at NAS Miramar, CA, in 1960. (USN) Below, VCP-63 A3D-2P BuNo 144847 at NAS Miramar, CA, on 25 June 1960. Photo-flash bomb bay doors were open as was an aft fuselage maintenance hateh. (William Swisher)

Above, VCP-63 A3D-2P BuNo 144849 landing aboard the USS Oriskany (CVA-34) on 26 January 1961. (USN) Below, VCP-63 A3D-2P BuNo 144844 takes a wave-off during carrier qualifications on the Oriskany on 26 January 1961. (USN)

[ HEAVY ATTACK SQUADRON ONE-TWO-THREE, VAH-123 "PROFESSIONALS" I

Heavy Attack Training Unit Pacific (HATUPAC) was established on 15 June 1957 at NAS North Island, CA. Two weeks later, HATUPAC moved to NAS Whidbey Island, WA, wh ere the unit was redesignated Heavy Attack Squadron One Hundred Twenty-Three (VAH-123) on 29 June 1959.

At top, A30-2T BuNo 144867 at NAS Whidbey Island, WA, in 1962. (0. Olson via Swisher) Above, A30-1 BuNo 135426 with tail gun door open at NAS Miramar, CA, on 8 April 1962. (William Swisher) Below, A-3A BuNo 135412 at NAS Alameda, CA, on 16 May 1963. (Smalley via Swisher) Bottom, A30-1 BuNo 135431 at NAS Moffett Field on 19 May 1962. The tail, outer wings and nose of VAH-123 aircraft were painted da-glo red. (Smalley via Swisher)

The squadron's primary mission was the training of replacement pilots, bombardier / navigators, crewman / navigators, and maintenance personnel for the Pacific Fleet. To perform this mission, the unit initially flew the Doug las F3D-2T SkyKnight, the Grumman F9F-8T Cougar and the Lockheed P2V-3B Neptune along with its A3D-1s.

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I VAH-123 "PROFESSIONALS] At right, VAH-123 TA-3B BuNo 1448150 at Oouglas with large squadrcm insignia aft of cockpit. Aircraft has ~m Aero 8A practice bomb dispenser ()n the wing pylon. (Harry Gann) Belolw right, VAH-123 TA-3B 144859 at NAS Adak, AK, on 8 September 1966. (Norm Taylor) Below right, VAH-123 A-3IB BuNo 142241 at NAS Whidbey Island, WA, in 1967. (A. Swanberg via FrE~d Roos)

VAH-123 added low-Ievel navigation and bombing to its syllabus in 1961 , and aerial refueling shortly thereafter. In 1964, VAH -123 gainEld sole responsibility for A-3 training when the east coast RAG, VAH-3, converted to Vigilantes. In August 1966, VAH -123 took over A-6 crew training temporarily until transferrEld to VA-128 in September 1967. In 1962, VAH-123 won first place in the annual NAS Whidbey Island bombing derby. The unit's three aircraft and crew beat out crews from VAH-2, 4, 6, and 10. The derby was comprised of three events. The first included celestial navigation oVler water and high altitude radar bornb scoring . The second was a weapons loading drill for ordnancemen and the third was low-Ievel navigation and bombing.

VAH-123 was disestablished on 1 February 1971 and its A-3 training responsibility was transferred 10 VAQ-130.

Above right, VAH-123 A-3B BuNo 142404 at NAS Glenview, IL, on 18 May 1963. (Paul Stevens via Norm Tayloir) At right, VAH-123 A30-2 BuNo 142406 with chute door open in 1962 at NJl~S Whidbey Island, WA. Fin tip was black. (0. Olson via William Swisher) At right, VAH-123 A-3B BuNo 138932 at NJl~S Whidbey Island, WA, in May 1969. Fin tip stripe was medium blue. (via Norm Taylor)

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Above, VAH-123 KA-3B BuNo 138905 at NAS Lemoore on 9 May 1970. There is a thin, medium blue fin stripe just below the fin cap. (William Swisher) Below, VAH-123 A-3B BuNo 142241 with large squadron insignia on the forward fuselage in 1970. (Fred Roos via Steve Ginter) Bottom, two VAH-123 A-3Bs BuNos 138955 and 138967 in flight over Washington. Both aircraft had thin, medium blue fin stripes. (via Harry Gann)

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TACTICAL ELECTRONIC WARFARE sQUADRON ONE - TWO - NINE, VAQ-129 "VI KINGS"

VAQ-129 was established on 1 September 1970 at NAS Whidbey Island when VAH-1 0 was redesignated VAQ-129. The squadron's change in designation occurred while Det 38 was deployed aboard the USS Shangri La (CVA-38) off the coast of Vietnam. In addition, Det 62 was aboard the USS Independence (CVA62) on Atlantic Fleet deployme nt when the squadron became VAQ129. Det 38 returned to CONUS on

17 December 1970 and Det 62 returned on 1 February 1971 . The unit's KA-3Bs/EKA-3Bs made one additional deployment prior to becoming the EA-6B Prowler FRS (Fleet Replacement Squadron). Det 19, as part of CVW-21 , sailed aboard the USS Hancock (CVA-19) to Vietnam waters from 22 September 1970 through 2 June 1971 . During the cruise, the squadron was awarded a Meritorious Unit Commendation, flew 1,233 hours, passed 2,418,682 pounds of fuel and made 243 carrier landings. The squadron's first EA-6Bs started arriving in January 1971 and

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-

Above, VAQ-129 KA-3B BuNo 142401 on 10 April 1976 from VAH-10NAQ129's 1970 cruise with CVW-8 aboard Shangri La. (Nick Williams) Below, VAQ-129 EKA-3B BuNo 142650 was still undergoing maintenance at Alameda in September 1970 when the Hancock sailed. (Smalley via Swisher) BoUom, red-trimmed VAQ-129 EKA-3B BuNo 142659 at Alameda after retu rning from deployment aboard Hancock as part of CVW-21 on 26 June 1971. (William Swisher)

its Skywarriors were gone by July 1971.

TACTICAL ELECTRONIC WARFARE SQUADRON ONE - THREE - ZERO, VAQ-130 "ZAPPERS"

On October 1 1968, VAW-13 was redesignated Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron One Hundred Thirty (VAQ-130) and stationed at NAS Alameda, eA. Five VAW-13 Oets were deployed when the squadron was redesignated. These were aboard ev A-31 from 27 January through 10 October 1968, e VA-66 from 10 April through 16 Oecember 1968, eVA-64 from 29 May through 31 October 1968, eVA19 from 18 July 1968 through 3 March 1969, and eVA-43 from 7 September 1968 through 18 April 1969. Nineteen VAQ-130 detachments served aboard carriers in the Gulf of Tonkin. These were: eVW-5 Oet 31 on eVA-31 from 27 January through 10 October 1968, eVW-6 Oet 66 on e VA-66 from 10 April through 16 Oecember 1968, eVW-14 Oet 64 on e VA-64 from 29 May through 31 October 1968, eVW-21 Oet 19 on eVA-19 from 18 July 1968 through 3 March 1969, eVW-15 Oet 43 on e v A-43 from 7 September 1968 through 18 April 1969, eVW-2 Oet 61 on eVA-61 from 26 October 1969 through 17 May 1969, eVW-16 Oet 14 on eVA-14 from 1 February through 18 September 1969, eVW-5 Oet 31 on ev A-31 from 18 March through 29 October 1969, eVW-19 Oet 34 on eVA-34 from 16 April through 17 November 1969, eVW-5 Oet 31 on eVA-31 from 2 April through 12 November 1970, eVW-19

At top, VAQ-130 EKA-3B BuNo 147648 from Det 14 while deployed aboard the USS Ticonderoga at NAF Atsugi on 26 April 1969. Two F-8 silhouettes beneath canopy indicate "saves". (T. Matsuzaki) Above, Det 1 EKA-3B BuNo 147665 with side blisters removed after deployment aboard the USS John F. Kennedy while assigned to CVW-1 in April 1973. Tail stripes were black. (via Kaston) Below, VAQ-130 deployed aboard the USS Oriskany in 1969 with the unit's " VR" tail code. Fin tip was removed for maintenance. (William Swisher) Bottom, pre-deployment photo of EKA-3B BuNo 142634 assigned to the USS Saratoga as part of CVW-3 at NAS Alameda on 12 May 1970. This aircraft and its three man crew were lost on 21 June 1973 during a catapult shot off the USS Ranger. (William Swisher)

107

At right, VAQ-130 EKA-3B Bu 0 147657 trom Det 34 aboard the USS Oriskany at NAS Alameda on 12 May 1970. Fin stripe was black. (Wi lliam Swisher) Below right, EKA-3B BuNo 147658 trom CVW-19 Det 34 off the coast ot Vietnam in 1970. (Don Priest) Below right, VAQ-130 Det 3 EKA-3B Bu No 147648 trom USS Oriskany at NAS Miramar in 1971. (Harry Gann)

Det 1 on ev A-34 from 16 May thraugh 10 December 1970, eVW-5 Det 2 on ev A-41 from 16 April thraugh 6 November 1971, eVW-19 Det 3 on ev A-34 from 14 May thraugh 18 December 1971, eVW-1 4 Det 4 on eVAN-65 fram 11 June 1971 through 12 February 1972, eVW-9 Det 1 on eVA-64 from 1 October 1971 through 1 July 1972, eVW-5 Det 2 on eVA-41 fram 10 April 1972 through 3 March 1973, eVW-19 Det 3 on eVA-34 fram 5 June 1972 through 30 March 1973, eVW-2 Det 4 on eVA-61 fram 16 November 1972 through 22 June 1973, and eVW-21 Det 5 on eVA-1 9 trom 8 May 1973 through 8 January 1974. The last Det aboard Hancock was originally VAQ-135 Det 5, but was redesignated VAQ-130 Det 5 on 25 August 1973 when VAQ- 135 transferred to NAS Whidbey Island for transition to the EA-6B. The squadron also participated in five Atlantic Fleet deployments and two post-war Pacific Fleet deployments. The Atlantic cruises were with eVW-6 Det 42 on ev A-42 tro m 2 January through 27 July 1970, e v w 3 Det 4 on eVA-60 from 17 June thraugh 11 November 1970, eVW-6 Det 2 on eVA-42 trom 15 February thraugh 11 December 1972, eVW-1 Det 1 on ev A-67 from 16 April through 1 December 1973, and e v w 7 Det 1 from 21 June 1973 through 19

Above right, VAQ-130 EKA-3B BuNa 142239 trom Det 2 assigned to the Midway in 1971 at NAF Atsugi. (Hideki Nagakubo via Kaston) At right, Det 2 EKA-3B BuNo 142251 trom Midway at NAS Alameda on 14 April 1971. Tail stripe was black. (William Swisher)

108

At lett, VAQ-130 Oet 31 EKA-3B from t he USS Bon Homme Richard at Oanang AB, Vietnam, in 1970. Nose art on the ECM blister shows a whale with the legend Bonnie Robbies Oet 31. (Barry Miller) Below left, VAQ-130 Oet 61 EKA-3B BuNo 147658 was assigned to the USS Ranger on 20 October 1968 at NAS Alameda, CA. Refueling probe was red and white striped. (Larry Smalley via Swisher) Below left, VAQ130 Oet 4 EKA-3B BuNo 142646 from the USS America refuels a CVW-11 F4J in October 1973. Tail stripes were black. (via Kaston)

January 1974. The Pacific Fleet cruises were with eVW-19 Det 3 on eVA34 from 18 October 1973 through 6 June 1974, and eVW-2 Det 4 on e VA-61 from 7 May through 18 October 1974. VAH-123 was disestabl ished in February 1971 , and VAQ-130 took over the responsibility for training A-3 aircrews. With the added mission the Zappers acquired three TA-3Bs to supplement its KA-3Bs/EKA-3Bs. Skywarrior operations ended at NAS Alameda, CA, on June 30 1974 and the squadron moved to NAS Whidbey Island, WA, where it began its transition to the EA-6B Prowler.

At lett, VAQ-130 Oet 4 EKA-3B BuNo 147666 at NAS Miramar, CA, on 26 January 1974 while assigned to Ranger. (William Swisher) Below, Oet 4 EKA-3B BuNo 147667 from Ranger at NAS Alameda, CA, on 2 May 1974. (William Swisher)

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~-----------~~-----------

110

At top, BuNo 144856 was one of three TA-3Bs assigned to VAQ-130 in 1971 as aircrew trainers with the wing's "TR" tail code. (William Swisher) Above, VAQ-130 TA-3B BuNo 144866 at NAS Lemoore on 11 October 1971. (Smalley via Swisher) At right, Det 4 VAQ-130 EKA-3B BuNo 142255 at Douglas was assigned to CVW-14 aboard the USS Enterprise. Tail stripes were maroon. (Harry Gann) Below, TA-3B BuNo 144858 at NAS Miramar in October 1972. (Waddington via Kaston)

VAQ-130 Abave, VAQ-130 EKA-3B BuNa 142647 t ra m tram USS Enterprise's Det 4 lands at NAF Atsugi an 25 Octaber 1971. (M. Wada via Kasulka) At lett, VAQ-130 EKA-3B 142634 abaut ta launch tram Enterprise in June 1971. Nase number was autlined in white. (USN) Belaw, VAQ-130 EKA-3B BuNa 142634 averflies the USS Enterprise (CVAN-65) an 31 August 1971. Tail stripes were maraan. (USN)

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VAQ-130

]

Above, VAQ-130 Det 1 EKA-3B BuNo 147658 landing aboard the USS Constellation (CVA-64). (Tailhook) At right, the same aircraft tensioned tor launch on the Constellation while assigned to CVW-9. Tail stripes were black with a white arrow at top. (via Craig Kaston) At right, VAQ-130 Det 1 EKA-3B BuNo 147657 trom the USS Constellation at Kelly AFB, TX, on 25 August 1972. (via Norm Taylor) Below right, VAQ-130 EKA-3B BuNo 142239 was assigned to CVW-6 on the USS F. D. Roosevelt (CVA-42) at NAS Alameda, CA, on 10 August 1969. The rear tuselage stripes and rudder were red. The vertical tin stripe was black. (Larry Smalley via William Swisher) Bottom, VAQ-130 Det 42 EKA-3B BuNo 142251 at NAS Alameda, CA, on 15 April 1970. (Doug Olson via William Swisher)

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Above, VAQ-130 KA-3B BuNo 138951 at Alameda on 24 September 1971. (Swisher) At lett, EKA-3B BuNo 142664 with side blisters removed in February 1974. (via Kaston) Below, EKA-3B Bu No 142659 also with blisters removed and off-center "TR" tail code in February 1974. (via Kaston) Bottom, VAQ-130 EKA-3B BuNo 142249 with gear coming up at Alameda. (Ginter collection)

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Above, VAQ-130 KA-3B BuNo 138965 at NAS Alameda. (Fred Roos via Ginter) Below, EKA-3B BuNo 147655 "Double Nuts" at Alameda on 27 January 1970. (Larry Smalley via Swisher) Below middle, KA-3B BuNo 138929 at Richards-Gebaur AFB on 17 October 1970. (Fred Roos) Bottom, EKA-3B BuNo 147659 at the Douglas plant in 1970. (Harry Gann)

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TACTICAL ELECTRONIC WARFARE SQUADRON ONE - THREE - ONE, VAQ-131 "HOLLY GREENS"

VAQ-131 was established on 1 November 1968 when KA-3Bequipped VAH-4 was redesignated and transferred to NAS Alameda, CA, from NAS Whidbey Island, WA. The squadron retained its VAH-4 markings, insignia and Holly Green nickname after becoming a Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron. With a mixed bag of EKA-3Bs and KA-3Bs, the Holly Greens deployed as part of CVW-11 to Vietnam aboard the USS Kitty Hawk (CVA-63) from 30 December 1968 through 4 September 1969. The squadron's second deployment was aboard the USS Kennedy (CVA-67) from 14 September 1970 through 1 March 1971.

At top, VAQ-131 EKA-3B BuNo 142249 assigned to eVA-63 on 27 October 1968. (Swisher) Above, eVA-63-based KA-3B BuNo 138931 on 27 October 1968. (Swisher) Below, BuNo 138931 on 27 September 1969. For the eVA-63 deployment the units Skywarriors used 6XX se ries nose numbers. (Smalley via) Below middle, eVA-67-based KA-3B BuNo 138941 on 18 May 1970. (Smalley via Swisher) Bottom, EKA-3B BuNo 142632 trom Oet 60 on 20 May 1970. VAQ-131 retained the markings ot VAH-4 and used black tuselage stripes tor tanking recognition. (Swisher)

In 1970, an aircraft was lost in the Rocky Mountains west of Denver. Three Skywarriors were returning to Alameda after workups on the East Coast-based USS Kennedy when they hit heavy weather. All three aircraft lost visual contact with each oth er and their surroundings and attempted to climb above it. Two succeeded but the third was stuck in a th understorm with up-drafts and down-drafts varying as much as 7,000 feet. In mountainous terrain with no radar and no visual, the crew bailed out the first two at 20,000 feet, th e second two at almost ground level after the third man out was stuck for a ti me in the escape chute. Luckily, all four survived. On 1 May 1971, the squadron returned to NAS Whidbey Island, WA, to transition to the Grumman EA-6B Prowler.

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TACTICAL ELECTRONIC WARFARE SQUADRON ONE - THREE - TWO, VAQ-132 "SCORPIONS"

On 1 November 1968, VAH-2 was redesignated Tactical Electronics Warfare Squadron 132 and assigned to NAS Alameda, CA. The redesignati on occurred while VAH-2 was deployed on-board the USS Constellation (CVA-64). This deployment ended on 31 January 1969. With a combination of KA-3Bs and EKA-3Bs, VAQ-132 made two Vietnam deployments. The first was aboard the USS Enterprise (CVAN65) from 6 January through 2 July 1969 as part of CVW-9. The second was aboard the USS America (CVA66) from 10 April through 21 December 1970. VAQ-132 operated KA-3B BuNos 138909, 138928, 138932, 138959, 138965, 142644, 142649, and EKA3B BuNos 138918, 142400, 142403, 142404, 142647, 142650, 142652 and 142661. On 15 January 1971, the squadron transitioned to the EA-6B and changed its ho me base back to NAS Whidbey Island, WA.

At right top to baUam, KA-3B BuNa 138965 leaving Barbers Point. (Nick Williams) KA-3B BuNa 138928 on 23 October 1968. (Swisher) KA-3B BuNa 138932 on 12 April 1969. (Smalley) EKA-3B BuNa 142404 on 16 November 1969. (Smalley) At right, CVAN-65based EKA-3B BuNa 142647 in September 1969. Lightning bolt and tin tip stripe were red. (A. Stewart)

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TACTICAL ELECTRONIC WARFARE SQUADRON ONE - THREE - THREE, VAQ-133 "WIZARDS"

VAQ-133 was established on 4 March 1969 at NAS Alameda, CA, from the assets of VAH-1 0 Det 64. The squadron made two war deployments with a mixed bag of KA/EKA-3B Skywarriors . The first was aboard the USS Constellation (e VA-64) from 11 August 1969 th rough 8 May 1970 as part of CVW14. The second was aboard the USS Kitty Hawk (CVA-63) from 6 November 1970 through 17 July 1971 wh ile assigned to CVW-11. On 4 August 1971 , VAQ-133 reli nquished its Skywarriors and was disestablished. VAQ-133 was reestablished at NAS Whidbey Island, WA, as an EA-6B Prowler squadron on 4 August 1972.

Above, USS Constellation-based VAQ-133 KA-3B BuNo 142635 was assigned to CVW-14 on 12 May 1970. Fin tip was black. (William Swisher) Below, VAQ-133 KA3B BuNo 142406 in storage at Oavis-Monthan AFB on 20 August 1970 in CVA-64 markings. (0. Kasulka via Fred Roos) Below middle, VAQ-133 EKA-3B BuNo 147655 at NAS Alameda, CA, on 23 October 1970. (William Swisher) BoUom, EKA3B BuNo 147665 trom CVA-63 at Alameda on 23 October 1970. (Swisher)

Above, VAQ-133 KA-3B BuNo 138966 alboard the USS Kitty Hawk (CVA-63) with a VAQ-133 EKA-3B in the background. (via Harry Gann) Below, KA-3B BuNo 138966 in flight in April 1971 while assigned to CVW-11. Fin and spine trim were black. Trident on the forward fuselage was yellow outl ined in white. (USN via Fred Roos)

.

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TACTICAL ELECTRONIC WARFARE SQUADRON ONE - THREE - FOUR, VAQ-134 "GARUDAS"

Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron One-Three-Four (VAQ134) was established on 17 June 1969 at NAS Alameda, CA. Flying KA-3Bs and EKA-3Bs, V AQ-134 made two combat cruises to Southeast Asia with CVW-2 aboard the USS Ranger (CVA-61) . The first deployment was from 14 October 1969 through 1 June 1970 and the second was from 27 October 1970 through 17 June 1971 . The Garudas were disestablished in July 1971 and moved to NAS Whidbey Island, WA, where in May 1972 they were re-established flying EA-6B Prowlers . VAQ-134 was disestablished in March 1995.

Above, VAQ-134 KA-3B BuNo 138969 at NAS Alameda on 10 October 1969 just prior to the first USS Ranger deployment. Tail stripe was black. (William Swisher) Below, VAQ-134 KA-3B BuNo 138932 from Ranger in October 1970. Check mark on tail was red. (Don Priest) Below middle, VAQ-134 EKA-3B BuNo 142654 at Alameda on 26 June 1971. (Smalley via Swisher) Bottom, VAQ-134 EKA-3B BuNo 147667 at Alameda on 28 September 1970. (0. Olson via Swisher)

TACTICAL ELECTRONIC WARFARE SQUADRON ONE - THREE - FIVE, VAQ-13S "HOMEBREW I BLACK RAVENS"

On 15 May 1969, VAQ-135 was established from the assets of VAQ130's Det 43. Originally known as "Homebrew" and homeported at NAS Alameda, CA, the unit was initially equipped with three EKA-3Bs and one KA-3B. The unit first deployed to Southeast Asia aboard the USS Coral Sea (CVA-43) as part of CVW-15 on 23 September 1969. On 16 May 1970, EKA-3B BuNo 142657 (615/NL) was lost with all hands while on a ferry flight from Cubi Point to the ship. During the deployment, over 2,400 flight hours were flown in over 1,000 sorties from both the ship and Da Nang AB. The squadron returned to NAS Alameda on 1 July 1970.

At top, seen at NAS Alameda in September 1969, ex-VAQ-132 aircraft, KA-3B BuNo 138964, was reassigned to VAQ-135. (A. Stewart via Norm Taylor) Above, VAQ-135 EKA-3B BuNo 142651 from CVA-43 at Da Nang AB in May 1970. Tail stripes were black. (Barry Miller) Below, CVA-43 Det three VAQ-135 EKA-3B BuNo 142646 at NAS Alameda on 9 October 1971. (Fred Roos via Ginter) BoUom, VAQ-135 EKA-3B BuNo 142404 landing aboard the USS Coral Sea in 1972. (via Craig Kaston)

After this cruise, VAQ-135 formed a shore component and five deploying detachments. Det one was

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formed in December 1970. The detachment made two deployments before being disbanded in August 1973. The first cruise was aboard the USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA-42) as part of CVW-6 from 12 February to 28 July 1971 during a Mediterranean deployment. The second cruise, to the Gulf of Tonkin , was aboard the USS Kitty Hawk (CVA-63) as part of CVW-11 from 16 February through 28 November 1972. Det two was formed on 15 January 1971, and also made two deployments prior to being disbanded on 25 August 1973. 80th deployments were to the Mediter-ranean Sea. The first was aboard the USS America (CVA-66) as part of CVW-8 from 6 July through 16 December 1971. The second was aboard the USS Forrestal (CVA-59) as part of CVW-17 fram 23 September 1972 through 6 July 1973. Det three was formed on 1 April

Top to bottom: Coral Sea Det 3 VAQ135 EKA-3B BuNo 142646 assigned to CVW-15 in June 1971 at NAS North Island, CA. Tail stripe was powder blue outlined by black. Raven was black. (via Harry Gann) Hancock Det 5 EKA3B BuNo 142660 in flight. Tail stripes were black. (USN via Barry Miller) BuNo 142660 at NAS Alameda, CA, on 9 October 1971. (Fred Roos) At lett, VAQ-135 EKA-3B BuNo 142661 at NAF Atsugi in October 1973 was assigned to the USS Hancock. (via Kaston) Below, Det 5 EKA-3B BuNo 142656 taking off from NAF Atsugi on 19 July 1973. Fuselage and fin tip stripes were powder blue outlined by black. (S. Ohtaki via Norm Taylor)

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1971 from the assets of VAQ-1 31 and was redesignated Det two in August 1973 when the original Det two was disbanded. Det three went to war aboard the USS Coral Sea (CVA-43) as part of CVW-15 from 12 November 1971 through 17 July 1972. A seeond war eruise aboard Coral Sea was made from 9 March thro ugh 8 November 1973. Det four was formed on 4 July 1971 from assets of VAQ-134. Det four made one 11-1/2 month deployment before being disbanded on 31 December 1972. This was aboard the USS John F. Kennedy (CVA-57) as part of CVW-1 from 18 November 1971 through 5 Oetober 1972. Det five was formed on 15 August 1971 fram assets of VAQ-133. Det five deployed to the Gulf of Tonki n aboard the USS Hancock (CVA- 19) as part of CVW-21 from 7 January through 2 Oetober 1972. The unit's Skywarriors also deployed to the USS Constellation (CVA-54), Cubi Point, and Da Nang AB during this eru ise. A seeond Haneoek WestPae eruise began on 8 May 1973 and th e unit was redesignated VAQ-130 Det five on 25 August. The unit return ed to NAS Alameda on 8 January 1974. Moving to NAS Whidbey Island, WA, in September 1973, the "Blaek Ravens" of VAQ-135 reeeived its fi rst EA-5Bs in July 1974.

Top to bottom: CVA-42 Det 42 EKA-3B BuNo 142239 at Alameda in September 1969 was assigned to CVW-8. (A. Stewart via Norm Taylor) F. D. R.-based Det 42 EKA-3B BuNo 147663 in 1971. Rudder stars and tail stripes were black. (USN via Kaston) Det 2 USS America-based EKA-3B BuNo 142647 landing with a refueling basket stuck on the refueling probe in 1971. (R. Picciani) EKA-3B BuNo 142646 at Alameda on 14 April 1971. (William Swisher) Below, Det 4 USS John F. Kennedy (CVA-67)based EKA-3B BuNo 147667 while assigned to CVW-1 refuels a VX-4 F-4B in 1972. (Harry Gann)

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Above, VAQ-135 KA-3B BuNo 142650 over the bay area in 1973. Fuselage and fin tip stripe were powder blue outlined by black. (Harry Gann) At lett, VAQ-135 KA3B BuNo 142644 in storage in April 1971. Fin tip' Stripes were black. (via Kaston) Below, VAQ135 EKA-3B BuNo 142654 on the deck of the USS Forrestal (CVA59) while assigned to CVW-17 in 1972-73. Fuselage and fin tip stripes were powder blue outlined in black. (Ginter collection)

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TACTICAL ELECTRONIC WARFARE SQUADRON TWO - ZERO - EIGHT, VAQ-208 AERIAL REFUELING SQUADRON TWO - ZERO - EIGHT, VAK-208 "JOCKEYS" VAQ-208 was established with the re-organization of the Reserves on 31 July 1970. Although the squadron's mission was that of electronic jamming, aerial refueling and pathfinding, the unit never received any EKA-3B aircraft. The squadron was assigned to Reserve Carrier Air Wing 20 (CVWR-20) at NAS Alameda, CA. In May 1971 , the unit provided tanker support for the USS Independence (CVA-52) and in the fall participated in the CVWR-20 deployment aboard the USS John F. Kennedy (CVA-57). In January 1972, the squadron's "Whales" conducted carrier on-board delivery (COD) missions aboard the USS Constellation (CVA-54) in the Indian Ocean and on the USS Enterprise (CVAN-55) off the coast of Vietnam . In October 1973, VAQ-208 provided refueling for Operation Nickel Grass A-4 Skyhawks being ferried to Israel to replace aircraft lost during the Vom Kipper War. In October 1979, the squadron was redesignated Aerial Refueling Squadron Two - Zero - Eight (VAK208). VAK-208 was disestablished on 30 September 1989.

At right top, KA-3B BuNo 142238 at Alameda on 24 September 1971. (Swisher) At right, KA-3B BuNo 142248 at Miramar on 26 January 1974. (Swisher) KA-3B BuNo 138964 in 1974. (Roos)

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Above, VAQ-208 KA-3B BuNo 138965 in 1974. All VAQ-208 Skywarriors had a thin red stripe across the tin tip and CVWR-20's "AF" tail code was shaded in white and red. (Fred Roos via Ginter) Below, VAQ-208 KA-3B BuNo 138925 at NAS Alameda, CA, on 28 January 1978. (Larry Smalley via William Swisher) Below middle, VAQ-208 KA-3B BuNo 147648 at NAS Atlanta, GA, on 16 July 1978. (Norm Taylor) Bottom, VAQ-208 KA-3B BuNo 147667 in August 1979. (via Craig Kaston)

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VAK-208

"JOCKEYS"

Above, VAK-208 KA-3B BuNo 147665 at St. Louis, MO, in 1980. (Fred Harl via Norm Taylor) At ri ght, VAK-208 KA-3B BuNo 147667 landing at Andrews AFB in April 1981 . (Jim Burridge) Below, VAK-208 KA3B BuNo 147657 in 1980. Aircraft still wears VAQ-208 insignia. (Fred Roos via Ginter) Bottom, A D-2 Carlos Gaytan recovering a VA K208 KA-3B at Hickam AFB, HI, in May 1986. (Carios Gayton)

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VAK-208

"JOCKEYS"

Above, VAK-208 KA-3B 521/AF trapping aboard the USS Forrestal in June 1967. Aircraft was lost in January 1988. (Carios Gaytan) At right, AD-2 Gaytan assists on respotting VAK-208 Skywarrior aboard CVA-59 in June 1987. (Gaytan) Below right, VAK-208 maintenance crews break between launches from NAF Rota Spain while operating with VQ-2 in September 1989. (Gaytan) BoUom, VAK-208 KA-3B BuNo 147666 with an A-7 Corsair at right while at the Western Aerospace Museum at Oakland, CA, in 1995. The aircraft was transferred to the museum from NAS Alameda in early 1992. (Ginter) Previous page: Top, VAK-208 KA-3Bs BuNos 147655 and 147667 in flight over the bay area in 1982. (Harry Gann) Bottom, McDonnell Douglas TA-4J Skyhawk during tanking operations with a VAK208 KA-3B Skywarrior over Northern California in 1982. (Harry Gann)

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TACTICAL ELECTRONIC WARFARE SQUADRON THREE - ZERO - EIGHT, VAQ-308 AERIAL REFUELING SQUADRON THREE - ZERO - EIGHT, VAK-308 "GRIFFINS" VAQ-308 was established on 2 May 1970 at NAS Alameda, CA, and was assigned to Reserve Carrier Air Wing Thirty (CVWR-30) . On 10 November 1970, a VAQ-308 KA-3B Skywarrior made Reserve Carrier Air Wing Thirty's first carrier landing during carrier qualifications for the Air Wing aboard the USS Ticonderoga (CVS-14) while steaming 100 miles southwest of San Clemente Island. Like VAQ-208, the Griffins deployed aircraft to hot spots throughout the world including combat support missions to Southeast Asia. VAQ-308 participated in the transfer of aircraft to Israel during the Vom Kipper War in 1973 and during the 1971 India-Pakistan conflict. V AQ-308 was redesignated Aerial Refueling Squadron (VAK-308) on 1 October 1979. Worldwide deployments continued with frequent trips to Japan and hotspots around the world. VAK-308 was disestablished on 30 September 1989.

At right top, VAQ-308 KA-3B BuNa 138923 with "0" on aft tuselage in 1971. Tail code was a stylized "ND" painted on a black tail. (Fred Roos via Ginter) Above right, VAQ-308 KA-3B BuNa 138911 with #1 on tail at NAS Alameda on 17 September 1971. (Smalley via Swisher) At right, VAQ-308 KA-3B BuNa 138933 with #3 on tail had a dark maroon tail at NAS Alameda on 9 October 1971. (Fred Roos) Below, VAQ-308 KA-3B BuNa 138932 launches tram the USS ???? in 197? (USN)

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Above, KA-3B BuNo 1389291anding in GE~rmany in 1972. (C. R. Humphreys) Below, KA-3B BuNo 147656 at Alameda. The whale on the tail of VAQ-308 Whales were either black or dark maroon. (Roos via Ginter) Below middle, KA-3B BuNo 147660 landing in October 1981. (Barry Roop via Kaston) Bottom, KA-3B BuNo 142664 refuels a VMA-134 A-4M in May 1978. (via Kaston)

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At top, VAK-308 KA-3B BuNo 147656 takes off from Yokota AB , Japan, on 25 January 1984. (T. Matsuzaki) At lett, VAK-308 KA-3B BuNo 142662 taxis at Yokota AB on 10 December 1985. (T. Matsuzaki) Below, VAK-308 KA-3B BuNo 142664 at NAS Alameda on 13 March 1982 with dark maroon w hale on the tail. (Fred Roos) BoUom , VAK-308 KA-3B BuNo 147648 with 75th anniversary of Naval Aviation decal forward of t he squadron insignia at Castle AFB on 10 May 1986 with black whale on the tail. (via Kaston)

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Above, two VAK-308 KA-3Bs in flight wi1th a Grumman EA-6B Prowler in 1982. (Harry Gann) Below, VAK-308 KA-3B BuNo 147648 on 31 August 1988 with black whale on tin tip. (via Kaston)

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AERIAL REFUELING SaUADRON TEN EIGHTV - SEVEN, VAK-1087 "DEALERS" VAK-1087 was established on 1 May 1970 during the reorganization of the reserves. One thousand numbered squadrons were known as augmentation squadrons. They functioned as a personnel pool for a specific aircraft type from wh ich the reserve squadrons could draw their replacements. VAK-1087 had no assets, and received the loan of VAK-208 and VAK-308 KA-3B Skywarriors· during their drill weekends and active duty training periods. From NAS Alameda, CA, training flights would be made to Barbers Point, HI , MCAS Yuma, AZ,

and NAS Fallon, NV. In addition to practicing tanking fleet aircraft, the crews practiced their own refueling from other Whales and Marine Corps KC-130 tankers from MCAS EI Toro, CA. During their 1982 active duty training period they provided refueling support for low-Ievel and night strike exercises out of MCAS Yuma, AZ, by VMA-131 , a Marine Corps A-4E squadron from NAS Willow Grove, PA. VAK-1087 qualified its crews by receiving gas from VAQ-129 EA-6B Prowlers. They also qualified VA-52, an A-6E Intruder squadron from NAS

I

Whidbey Island, WA, in fleet tanking. Tanker services were also provided for VF-301 's F-4 Phantom fighters, a sister CVWR-30 squadron from NAS Miramar, CA. Squadron navigators were requalified during flights from NAS Alameda, CA, to NAS Barbers Point, HI, and back. These flights were flown with two aircraft at a time for safetys sake. Like V AK-208 and VAK-308, VAK-1087 was disestablished on 30 September 1989.

Reserve Carrier Air Wing Thirty (CVWR-30) on annual exercises out of NAS Fallon, NV. Top to bottom: VAQ-308, VFP-306, VA305, VA-304, VA-303, VF-302 and VF-301. (USN) VAQ-308 became VAK-308 on 1 October 1979 and as such loaned aircraft and maintenance assets to VAK-1087 for its training purposes. (USN)

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J

~___________F_L_E_E_T__T_I_~_A_N_S_P_O_R_T__S_Q_U_A_D_R_O_N__O _N_E_,__V_R_-1____________ Fleet Transport Squadron One operated at least one T A-3B, BuNo 144865, that was marked with the squadrons "JK" tail code. Most TA-3B/VA-3B aircraft wore Department of the Navy insignias on the tail while assigned the transport mission. In addition, most TA-3B/VA3B transport aircraft were converted , late in their carrear, into EA-3B aircraft and operated overseas by VQ-1 and VQ-2.

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Below, left and right side views of Fleet Transport Squadron One (VR-1) TA-3 B BuNo 144865 in 1972. The all grey aircraft had the American flag on the vertical fin and the squadron insignia on the forward fuselage. VR1 was painted above the aircrafts BuNa and designation. (via Burger) BaUam, VA-3B BuNa 144864 with giant Department of the Navy insignia on the tail was over-all grey in 1971. (Fred Roos via Ginter)

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NAVAL AIR RESERVE UNIT ALAMEDA (NARU) In June 1974, due to the rapid draw-down of fleet Skywarrior squadrons as they transitioned to EA6B and RA-SC aircraft, responsibility for A-3 replacement training for aircrews and maintenance personnel was transferred to Naval Air Reserve Unit Alameda, CA. With A-3Bs, T A3Bs and RA-3Bs the unit performed as the Fleet Replacement Squadron until October 1977, when Fleet Squadron VAQ-33 took over the responsibility.

Above, TA-3B 144856 in 1977. (via Burger) Below, TA-3B 144862 with black tin stripe. (Fred Roos via Ginter) Below middle, TA-3B 144866 on 24 July 1974. (Peter Bergagnini via Kaston) BoUom, RA-3B 144831. (Fred Roos via Ginter)

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THE SKYW~~RRIOR HEAVY ATTACK REPLACEMENT, THE NORTH AMERICAN A3J-1/RA-SC VIGILANTE The following squadrons traded in the A-3 for Vigilantes. At lett top to bottom: RVAH-1 RA-5C on 19 October 1977. (Swisher) VAH-3 A3J-1 (A-5A) on 29 November 1961. (USN) RV AH-3 RA-5C on 16 March 1965 with red-orange tail stripes. (Tom Cuddy) RVAH-5 RA-5C on 19 March 1966. (USN) Red trimmed RVAH-5 RA-5C on 10 October 1969. (Swisher) RVAH-6 RA-5C in two-tone experimental green paint scheme. (Swisher) Black trimmed RVAH-6 RA-5C on 27 July 1970. (Swisher) Below top to bottom: Blue trimmed VAH-7 A-5A on 27 July 1963. (USN) Black tailed RVAH-7 RA-5C on 13 October 1974. (Swisher) Green tailed RVAH-9 RA-5C. (Fred Ross via Ginter) RVAH-11 black checked tailed RA-5C on 20 August 1971. (Swisher) RV AH-13 RA-5C on 15 July 1972. (William Swisher)

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THE

SKVWARRIOR HEAVV ELECTRONIC WARFARE THE GRUMMAN EA-6B PROWLER

REPLACEMENT,

The following Prowler squadrons were previously A-3 squadrons though sorne had been redesignated. Above, three low-viz grey VAQ-132 EA-6Bs over the South West. (USN) At lett top to boUorn: VAQ-129 EA-6B BuNo 158815. (via Burger) VAQ-131 EA-6B BuNo 158651 "City of Olongopo" in 1973. (via Burger) VAQ-133 EA-6B BuNo 158802 in 1980. (via Burger) VAQ-135 EA6B BuNo 158541 in flight. (USN) At right top to boUorn: VAQ-130 EA-6B BuNo 160609. (via Burger) VAQ-132 EA-6B BuNo 158033. (via Burger) VAQ-134 EA-6B BuNo 161119. (via Burger) VAQ-135 BuNo 161116 in 1982. (via Burger)

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