Naval Fighters 50 - Douglas A-4AB USMC-USMCR-USNR Skyhawk

INTRODUCTION

CONTRIBUTORS

FRONT COVER:

USMC/USMCR/USNR Douglas A-4A1B Skyhawks is the companion volume to Naval Fighters Number Forty-Nine, the Douglas A-4A/B Skyhawk In Navy Service. The Navy volume contains 61 pages of development, aircraft description details and drawings, that pertain to Marine A-4A1Bs.

Steven Albright, Scoot Bloom, Bruce Cunningham, Harry Gann, Gene "Mule" Holmberg, Craig Kaston, Clay Jansson , William T. Larkins, Bob Lawson, T . Matsuzaki, Barry Miller, Paul Minert, Pat McGinnis, Wayne Morris, Pima Air and Space Museum , Mick Roth, Fred Roos, San Diego Aerospace Museum, Larry Smalley, William Swisher, Tailhook Association, Norm Taylor , Kirsten Tedesco, and Nick Williams.

This VMA-311 A4D-2 142943 was used in June 1960 in a firepower demon stration at Camp Pendleton, CA. The aircraft carried eighteen 250-pound Mk. 81 bombs on the new Douglas mu Itiple bomb rack adapters which had been developed the previous by VX- 5 at China Lake, CA. With these racks the Marines could carry six 500-po und bombs on the centerline and six 250pound bombs on each wing rac k for close air support missions. (H arry Gann)

Although much fewer Marine squadrons were equipped with the A4A1Bs than Navy squadrons, the type still saw extensive usage by fourteen active duty Marine squadrons. The aircraft were ultimately assigned to fourteen Navy and Marine reserve bases. STEVEN P. ALBRIGHT Steven P. Albright was born into Marine Corps Aviation, thanks to his father, who was a Marine fighter pilot. He has been hooked on the Naval Fighters se ries since he grabbed his first copy of Naval Fighters Number Eighteen, Vought F-8 Crusaders Part 3, Marine Fighter Squadrons. He is a contributing editor to the "Hook" (journal of the Tailhook Foundation), "Smoke Trails" (journal of the F-4 Phantom Society), and the "Yellow Sheet" (from the Marine Corps Aviation Association). He wrote A History of Marine Fighter I Attack Squadron Two Hundred and Twelve for the History and Museums Division, HQMC in 1997. He resides in Corsicana, Texas with his wife and two daughters.

ISBN 0-942612-50-7 Steve Ginter, 1754 Warfield Cir., Simi Valley, California, 93063 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form by any means electranic, mechanical, or otherwise without the written, permission, of the publisher.

A-4A1B SKYHAWK PRODUCTION XA4D-1 A4D-1 A4D-1 A4D-2 A4D-1 A4D-2 A4D-2

BuNo BuNos BuNos BuNos BuNos BuNos BuNos

137812 137813 139919 142082 142142 142416 142674

BACK COVER:

-

137831 139970 142141 142235 142423 142953

ORDNANCiE F'lJSEL!oE 1-Mk.81 Mod.l (250 1b. l 1-Mk.82 Mod.1 (500 Ib. 1-Mk.83 Mod. 2 or 3 (1000 Ib.) 1-Mk.84 Mod.l (2000 Ib.) 1-1050 Ib. 1-1480 Ib. 1-1660 Ib. 1-2025 Ib. 1-3500 1b. 1-In-flight Refueling Store

BOOJbs

Stores

Spray Tank Fire BOOJb

l-Aero 14B I-Mk. 79 Mod: 0 (1000 Ibs.) or 1-150 gal. DAC fuel tank

Missiles l-ASM-N-7 Bullpup Pyrotechnics l-Aero 5A Flare Dispenser Rockets 1-pkg. (7) 2.75" Aero 3A 1-pkg. (19) 2.75" Aero X7A I-pkg. (4) 5.00" Aero XlOA Prae. Bombs l-Aero 5A prae. bOOJb cont . Drop Tanks 1-150 gal. (DACl (2 fins) 1-300 gal. (DAC (no fins) Radio l-NAVPAC-unit Mise. 1-Aero lA Missile Disp. WING

2-Mk.81 Mod.l (250 1b.) 2-Mk.82 Mod.l (500- 1b.) 2-Mk.83 Mods. 2 or 3 (1000 1b.) 2-A3v\-N-7 Bullpup Missiles 2-150 gal. DAC (2 -fins) Drop Tank 2-300 gal. DAC 2-Mk.79 Mod.O or 2-150gal. Fire BOOJb DAC fue1 tanks Pyrotechnics 2-Aero 5A Fla'i-e Dispensers Rocke_ts 2-pkgs . (7) 2.75" Aero 3A 2-pkgs. (19) 2.75" Aero X7A 2-pkgs. (4) 5.00" Aero XlOA Mise. 2-Aero lA Missile Disp. Bombs

FIXEn GUNS/RDS. llW...

2 Mk.12 Mod.O 2Orrin,Il00 rds. per gun

© 2002 by Steve Ginter

Maximum Bomb Capaeity:

5975 1bs.

Top, VMA-212 flightline at MCAS Kaneohe, HI, in 1960. The aircraft have multiple practice bomb ejector r acks fitted on the wing pylons. (USMC via Craig Kaston) Middle, VMA-324 A-4B 142854 in the twilight of its caree r on 29 May 1967. (Harry Gann) Bottom , typical early markings worn by Marine and Navy reserve squadrons are see n on NAS New York based A-4B 142113. (USN)

WEIGHTS Loadings

Weight

L.F

:&npty Basic F1ight Des. Cornbat

8939 9121 12504 15908* Max. T.O. 20000 Des. Landing 11556 Des. Catapult 19910

7.0 5.5 4.4 7.0 4. 4

•

*Inc1udes JP-5 Fue1

POWER PLANT No. &Model (1) J65'::W-16A or -4B Axial Fiow Turbojet Without Afterburner MFR. -wright Aeronautlcal SPEC NO. W.A. C. N890-B

Length..............113 in. Diameter .......... 31 in.

IRATINGsl Mil.

8;300 RFM ~1700 1 b s.

Norm. 8000

RFM

6780 Ib s.

DOUGLAS A4D-1 (A-4A) I A4D-2 (A-4B) SKYHAWK IN USMC, USNR AND USMCR SERVICE USMC ACTIVE DUTY A4D-1/2s: SOES, H&MS-12, H&MS-14, VMA-121 , VMA-211, VMA-212, VMA-214, VMA-224, VMA-225, VMA-311 , VMA-324, VMA-331, VMA-332, and VMA-533.

The first delivery of the A4D-1 (A-4A) Skyhawk to the Marines was to Marine Attack Squadron Two Twenty Four (VMA-224) at MCAS EI Toro, CA, in December 1956. The first Marine unit to receive the A4D-2 (A-4B) was VMA-211 on 9 September 1957.

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Below, Marines' first A4D-1 was 139920 which was assigned to VMA224 and is seen here on 21 December 1956 after being painted in squadron markings with Commanding Officer LT COL F. K. Coss's name added beneath the canopy rail on the fuselage side. (Douglas)

STATION OPERATIONS AND ENGINEERING SQUADRON QUANTICO (SO ES) Four A4D-2 (A-4B) Skyhawks (142818 , 142833, 142834, 142809) were assigned to SOES (Station Operations and Engineering Squadron) at MCAS Quantico, VA, on 28 September 1961 . Their primary duty was to develop the Marines' ultimateIy successful SATS (Short Airfield for Tactical Support) system. Development of this system would allow MAG-12 to deploy to Chu Lai , South Vietnam , just one month after Navy Seabees started construction of the aluminum runway in May 1965. The

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testing included airfield catapult and JATO launches with full weapons loads as weil as the critical development of the MOREST arresting gear.

Below, A4D-2142818 piloted by LTCOL G. E. Mouzakis, CO of SOES, comes to rest at Quantico with the aid of MOREST arresting gear on 12 January 1962. (USMC) Bottom, 142818 #3 (Iett) with 5" FFAR rocket pods and 142833 #2 (right) with Zuni rocket pods make a low pass over Quantico. Nose and tai! were da-glo red. (USMC)

Above, SO ES #1 was A4D-2 142834 which had a da-glo nose, tail and outer wing panels. Quantico was painted on the tail. (Nick Williams, November 1962) Below, SO ES A4D-2later in its life with more colorful markings added to its heavily faded da-glo red tail. Rudder color is unknown as is the drop tank lightning bolt. The thin dorsal fin-to-rudder stripe seems to be black. (USMC)

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HEADQUARTERS & MAINTENANCE SQUADRON TWELVE, H&MS-12 H&MS-12 was formed at K-6 in Korea on 15 February 1954 during the Korean War. All Marine HEDRON and MABS units' assets were combined into a new unit called Headquarters and Maintenance Squadron Twelve. In 1955 H&MS-12 moved to MAF Iwakuni. During the Vietnam War the squadron operated from Chu Lai from 1965 through 1970. While at Chu Lai the squadron supported the SATS complex at Chu Lai until the permanent runways were constructed. All SATS launches were in concert with JATO units. When the squadron returned to Vietnam from

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1972 through 1973, they operated out of Bien Hoa.

At right, H&MS-12 A4D-2 139934 in flight with a VMCJ-3 144382 F9F-8P. The A4D-2 has faded red fuselage and tail stripes with stylized white 4-pointed stars on them. (USMC) Bottom right, 139934 banks over its horne base at Iwakuni, Japan. (USMC) Below, H&MS-12 A4D-2 142952 in company with VMA-332 A4D-2 144921 off the coast of Japan. (USMC) Bottom, H&MS-12 A4D-2 142952 refuels VMA332 A4D-2 144926. (USMC)

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HEADQUARTERS & IVIAINTENANCE SQUADRON FOURTEEN, H&MS-14 Headquarters and Maintenance Squadron Fourteen (H&MS-14) was established on 15 February 1954 at MCAS Edenton, NC, and was equipped with AD-4B, AD-5 and AD5N Skyraiders. The squadron moved to nearby Cherry Point when Edenton closed. During the early 1960s personnel from H&MS-14 serviced and flew the A4D-2, T-2V, F9F-8T, AD-5 and R4D-8 aircraft. By the mid '60s, the unit was equipped with the C-117, T -1 A, T -33B , TA-4 and A-6 aircraft. H&MS-14 became a Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron (MALS-14) on 30 September 1988 while equipped with two-seat TA-4 Skyhawks .

Below, H&MS-14 A4D-2 142777 over its horne field of MCAS Cherry Point, NC. (USMC) At least two ex-VMA-211 A4D-2s were used by H&MS-14. BuNo 142102 was transferred in on 10 October 1958 and 142112 was acquired on 17 September 1958.

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MARINE ATTACK SQUADRON ONE-TWO-ONE, VMA-121 "GREEN KNIGHTS"

Marine Fighting Squadron 121 (VMA-121) was activated on 24 June 1941 at MCAS Quantico, VA, and equipped with the Grumman F4F Wildcat. During WWII, the unit operated from Guadalcanal, and produced such aces as Joe Foss. They returned to the US briefly, before redeploying into combat with the Vought/Goodyear F4U/FG Corsair. By the end of WWII, VMF-121 was credited with 208 air-to-air kills, the highest score of any Marine unit. The squadron was deactivated on 9 September 1945 and remained dormant until 1 July 1946, when they were reactivated at NAS Glenview, IL, and equipped with the F8F-1 Bearcat and F4U-4 Corsair.

With the outbreak of the Korean War, the unit returned to active duty as a Marine Attack Squadron on 15 May 1951, and was equipped with the AD Skyraider. Known as the Wolf Raiders and Heavy Haulers, the unit supported Allied operations in North and South Korea. They remained at Pyong-Taek (K-6) until 1957, when they moved to MCAS EI Toro, CA, and re-equipped with F9F-8B Cougars. The Green Knights transitioned to the Douglas A4D-2 Skyhawk in 1959. The following year, they deployed aboard the USS Coral Sea (CVA-43) for a WestPac cruise, returning in the spring of 1961.

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Above, VMA-121 A4D-2 142926 at MCAS EI Toro, CA, in 1959. Wing tips and fin tip was red. (USMC) Bottom, A4D-2 142938 being spotted on the waist catapult of the USS Coral Sea (CVA-43) on 14 March 1961. (USN)

They transitioned to the A4D-2N in April 1961 and to the A-4E in 1964. On 1 February 1969, the squadron moved to MCAS Cherry Point, and was redesignated Marine All Weather Attack Squadron One Hundred Twenty One (VMA(AW)-121), flying A-6A Intruders. Today the squadron flies the F/A-18 Hornet.

(

Above, VMA-121 A4D-2 145017 is directed forward for launch on the USS Coral Sea (CVA-43) on 1 March 1961. (USN) Below, 145017 is seen just aft of the island on the Coral Sea on 14 March 1961. Note that the 809 nose number is repeated above the squadron's "VK" tail code. 142938 can also be seen near the aft end of the carrier deck. (USN) During this cruise, VMA-121 aircraft had 1960 CNO Safety Award and ??' Efficiency Trophy painted above MARINES on the fuselage side.

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MARINE ATTACK SQUADRON TWO - ONE - ONE, VMA-211 """AKE ISLAND AVENGERS" Japanese Naval Air Forces . After fierce fighting , the aircraft were decimated , and all remaining aviation personnel engaged the enemy in handto-hand combat. The remaining forces surrendered on 23 December.

The unit began as VF-4M on 1 January 1937 at NAS San Diego, CA, equipped with a half-dozen Grumman F3F-1 biplane fighters and a mixture of SU-4s, 03U-1 s, SBC-3s, and F2F-1 s. They were redesignated VMF-2 on 1 January 1937. VMF-2 became the first Marine unit to deploy aboard a carrier, en mass, when they took their F3F-2s aboard the USS Ranger (CV-4) in 1938. The unit moved to MCAS Ewa, TH, in January 1941. They were redesignated VMF-211 in July, and transitioned to the F4F Wildcat in September. With the deterioration of US/Japanese relations, a detachment of VMF-211 was moved to Wake Island on 4 December. Three days later, the island was attacked by

VMF-211 was quickly reorganized at Ewa, and adopted the name, Wake Island Avengers . Equipped with the F4F-4, the unit was moved to Palmyra Island for anti-submarine patrols. They returned to Hawaii in June 1943, and transitioned to the Vought F4U-1 Corsair. After training for several weeks, the unit was moved to the South Pacific, were they engaged the enemy at Guadalcanal and Bougainville. The unit was moved to Leyte in December 1944 to support operations in the Philippines. The Avengers ended the war with 91 enemy planes shot down, and supported the occupation process from Peiping, China, in 1945. After deploying aboard the USS Rendova (CVE114) from November 1948 to May 1949, the unit moved to MCAS Edenton (Iater Cherry Point). The Avengers took their Corsairs aboard the USS Midway (CVB-41) for a Med cruise in July 1950, and again in 1952 aboard the USS Coral Sea (CVB-43). The unit was redesignated VMA-211 on 1 July 1952 and transitioned to Douglas AD-2 Skyraiders.

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They deployed on a WestPac cruise with AD-4/4Bs in 1954. The first A4D-2 received by the Marines was BuNo 142102, wh ich arrived at MCAS Edenton (Cherry Point) and was assigned to VMA-211 on 9 September 1957. Under the command of LTCOL H. A. Eiseie, the squadron ultimately received twenty A4D-2 Skyhawks. The twenty A4D-2s 142093, 142096, 142097, were: 142098, 142099, 142100, 142101, 142102, 142106, 142107, 142108, 142109,142110,142111,142112, 142113, 142114, 142115, 142116, and lastly 142118 wh ich was received on 30 November 1957. These aircraft were delivered without refueling probes and related equipment. In early 1958 Douglas-supplied refueling kits were installed by Marine personnel. The squadron flew the A4D-2 only a short time, for in late 1958, they were transferred to Iwakuni,

Below, A4D-2 142097 was received by VMA-211 on 11 October 1957. It is seen at Andrews AFB in 1958 after having its refueling probe installed. Note early 120 gallon drop tanks and red and white nose and tail stripes. (via Harry Gann)

Japan, via MCAS EI Toro where they relieved VMA-224, picking up their A4D-1 s in an aircraft and station swap o VMA-224 picked up VMA211 's A4D-2 aircraft at Cherry Point, NC. The Avengers were reassigned to MCAS EI Toro in 1959, and upgraded to A4D-2Ns. In 1964, they transitioned to the A-4E. In September 1976 they reequipped with the A-4M. The unit moved to MCAS Yuma in 1987 in preparation of receiving the AV-8B jump jet. On 21 February 1990, the last two active duty Douglas Skyhawks in the Marine Corps were transferred out.

At lett, VMA-211 A4D-1 142189 off the coast of Japan in early 1959 with VMCJ-3 F9F-8P. (USMC) Below, A4D1s 142227 20/CF, 142189 10/CF and 142168 7/CF. (USMC)

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Above, VMA-211 A4D-1 142189, VMA-311 A4D-2 142882, and VMA-211 A4D-2N 145065. (USMC) Below, three VMA-211 A4D-1s off the coast of Japan on 19 August 1959 . (USMC)

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MARINE ATTACK SQUADRON TWO - ONE - TWO, VMA-212 "DEVIL CATS"

Marine Fighter Squadron two Hundred Twelve (VMF-212) was activated on 1 March 1942 at MCAS Ewa, Hawaii. Equipped with Grumman F4F Wildcats, the unit departed for the South Pacific. VMF-212 shot down 84 enemy planes on their first tour before rotating back to MCAS EI Toro, where they transitioned to the F4U-1 Corsair. The second tour started in June 1943, where the Hell Hounds engaged the Japanese at Rabaul and Bougainville. They transitioned to the F4U-1 A in January 1944 and the F4U-4 in May 1945, when they became the Musketeers. VMF212 ended the war with two Presidential Unit Citations and 132.5 enemy planes shot down. They were re-established at MCAS Cherry Point, NC, in February 1946, and remained there until the outbreak of the Korean War in 1950. They returned to the Far East and fought the Communist advances into Korea with the F4U-4, F4U-4B, F4U5 and AU-1 Corsair. On 9 June 1952, the squadron was redesignated Marine Attack Squadron 212 (VMA212) while equipped with the AU -1. Renamed Devil Cats in 1953, VMA212 transitioned to the AD-2 Skyraider in 1954. They acquired AD3s and then AD-4s before relocateing to MCAS Kaneohe, HI , in April 1955. In 1957, they acquired the AD-6 which was replaced by the FJ-4B Fury in February 1958.

sion of the Devil Cats' first A4B-2 Skyhawk on 24 August 1961 . After post-flighting the aircraft, LTCOL Lowman was thrown into Kaneohe Bay, as per tradition. The squadron incurred its first casualty on 21 November, when two A-4s collided during a nighttime approach. Both aircraft were changing lead positions when 2ndLT William H. Wright struck the tail of the lead aircraft with his canopy. The Skyhawk went out of control and crashed into an occupied house , killing an 8-year-old boy . Another tragedy occurred on 2 February when 1stLT John F. Young

LTCOL John Lowman and his XO, MAJ Jeffrey Harpe, took posses12

Above, VMA-214 received its first two A4D-2s on 24 August 1961. At right is 142934 ferried in by L TCOL John Lowman, the squadron CO, and on the lett is 142943 flown in by Jeff Harpe. The aircratt arrived at MCAS Kaneohe Bay, HI, without squadron markings. (John Lowman via Steve Albright) Below, the Devil Cats pose in front of one of their A4D-2/A-4Bs in 1962. (John Lowman via Steve Albright)

flew into the ground at Kahoolawe during a night training mission. In early June, 212 acquired the

new multiple ejection bomb rack , allowing the aircraft to carry six bombs on each station. CarQuals aboard the USS Hornet were conducted later that month , and 1stLT Michael J. Ripley made the carrier's 70,00Oth landing on 14 June. In July 1963, VMA-212 became VMF-212 again when the squadron transitioned to the Vought F-8B Crusader. Renamed "The Lancers", VMF-212 became VMF(AW)-212 on 1 July 1964 when the unit received F-8Ds. F-8Es replaced the F-8Ds in November 1964 and the squadron was redesignated VMFA-212 on 1 March 1968 when F-4J Phantom Ils were received. The F-4S replaced the F-4J in 1970 and F/A-18C Hornets were acquired in March 1989.

Above, 1stl T Mike Ripley cuts the cake he received for making the 70,000th arrested landing aboard the USS Hornet on 14 June 1962. The first piece of cake was given to CPl John D. Ranger (to the right of l T Ripley), l T Ripley's plane captain. Also present are: BGEN Keith McCutcheon, CG 1st Marine Brigade; CA PT Hoyt D. Mann, Hornet CO; RADM Thomas A. Christopher, CO CARDIV-17; and COl G. E. Dooley, CO MAG-13. (USMC via Steve Albright) Below, A4D-2s 142896 9/WD and 145016 1/WD. (USMC via Steve Albright)

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Above, VMA-212 A4D-2 142941 with a buddy tank on the centerline flies below the Napali cliffs off the coast of Kaui near Barking Sands. By late 1962 an orange and black leaping tiger had been painted on most of VMA-212's Skyhawks. (John Lowman via Steve Albright) Below, VMA-212 flightline at Kaneohe Bay. Some of the squadron's aircraft had gull grey rudders and some had white rudders. Dark blue tripie ejector practice bomb racks are fitted to the wing pylons. (USMC via Kaston)

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MARINE ATTACK SQUADRON TWO - ONE - FOUR, VMA-214 "BLACKSHEEP" formed the most infamous Marine squadron ever, "The Black Sheep". With MAJ Greg Boyington at the helm, the Black Sheep made numerous successful fighter sweeps over Rabau!. Shortly before the unit rotated back to the US, Boyington was shot down and taken prisoner. VMF-214 arrived at MCAS Santa Barbara in January 1944 for rest and retraining. They returned to the Pacific theater aboard the USS Franklin (CV-13). The Franklin was bombed and nearly sunk, and the squadron regrouped at MCAAS EL Centro, where it was deactivated. VMF-214 accounted for 127 enemy aircraft shot down. VMF-214 was activated on 1 July 1942 at MCAS Ewa , TH, and equipped with Grumman F4F-4 Wildcats. The unit moved to Guadalcanal in March 1943 and transitioned to the Vought F4U-1 Corsair in June. With the new aircraft, the unit became known as the Swashbucklers. After a combat tour in the Russell Islands, the squadron members went to Australia for a little R&R. Meanwhile, a Major attached to the Air Group borrowed 214's squadron number, obtained aircraft and pilots fram the graup's personnel pool and

VMF-214 was reactivated in 1948 and equipped with F4U-4s. The unit moved to Japan in July 1950 and boarded the USS Sicily with F4U-4Bs for operations against North Korea. VMF-214 moved to MCAS Kaneohe Bay, TH , and transitioned to the McDonnel1 F2H-4 Banshee . They were redesignated VMF(AW)-214 in December 1956 and deployed aboard the USS Hancock (CVA-19) fram April to September 1957. The unit transitioned to the North American FJ-4B Fury upon their

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return, and were redesignated VMA214. Under the Command of. LTCOL R. Wullane, the Black Sheep transitioned to the Douglas A4D-2 Skyhawk in January 1962. The un it sent a detachment aboard the USS Hornet (CVS-12) from October 1963 to April 1964. By March 1965, VMA-214 had upgraded to A-4Cs and deployed to Japan. LTCOL Keith O'Keefe brought the unit to Chu Lai , RVN, on 21 June 1965, and the Black Sheep began combat operations in support of Operations Starlite and Harvest Moon. The unit was pulled out of Vietnam in May 1967, after flying over 13,000 sorties. VMA-214 transferred to MCAS EI Toro and transitioned to the A-4E/F. The Black Sheep graduated to the A4M Skyhawk during the early 1980s. In the late 1980s, the A-4Ms were replaced with AV-8Bs. Below, VMA-214 A-4B 142676 awaits its fate in the Arizona desert on 18 June 1964 after returning from its USS Hornet cruise as part of CVSG-57. (William Swisher)

Above, VMA-214 A-4B 142879 at NAS North Island, CA, on 2 May 1964 after returning from WESTPAC aboard the USS Hornet. Note the odd placement of the number 84 on the tail. Fin tip and rudder markings were black. (Harry Gann) Below, the Blacksheep were able to retain A-4B 142879 as a display aircraft. It is seen here in 1982 with MCAS EI Toro Crash Team of the Year painted on the drop tanks. A VMA-214 A-4M is parked in the background. (via Harry Gann)

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MARINE ATTACK SQUADRON TWO - TWO - FOUR, VMA-224 "BENGALS"

On 1 May 1942, Marine Fighting Squadron 224 (VMF-224) was established at NAS Barbers Point, TH. Commanded by MAJ Robert E. Galer, Congressional Medal of Honor winner, and flying Grumman F4F Wildcats, VMF-224 was the second Marine fighter squadron to arrive on Guadalcanal during the Solomon Islands campaign. Re-equipped with Chance Vought F4U Corsairs, the unit took part in the battle for Okinawa. After a tour of occupation duty at Yokosuka, Japan, VMF-224 was assigned to MCAS Cherry Point, NC, and received F4U-5s. In 1949, McDonnell F2H-2 Banshees replaced the Corsairs and in 1952 these were replaced with Grumman F9F Panthers. The unit took its Panthers to Korea and was reassigned to MCAS EI Toro, CA, in 1955 at the conclusion of its Far Eastern service . VMF-224 was redesignated VMA-224 and became the first Marine squadron to receive the Douglas A4D-1 Skyhawk in September 1956. After nine months of extensive training, including nuclear delivery techniques, the squadron transferred to Japan. On arrival in Japan the squadron was assigned to MAG-12. During their Far East tour the squadron was frequently deployed throughout the region in support of ground units, participating in maneuvers in the Philippines and Okinawa. In December 1958, VMA-224 was transferred to MCAS Cherry Point,

NC, as part of MAG-14. Command changes put LCOL C. W. Boggs in command and MAJ D. L. Fenton was named XO. Re-equipped with A4D-2s , the squadron was assigned the close air support mission for Operation Brigadelex 2-59. For the exercise, VMA-224 operated out of NAS Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico, and flew 1,015 hours in the A4D-2 during a single month. Availability for the 6-week operation was 90%. The unit returned to Cherry Point and on 16 April 1959 participated in Brigadelex 2-59B at Camp Lejeune, NC. They left again in the last week of May to take part in Operation Packard 10, also at Camp Lejeune. On 19 July 1962, VMA-224 was awarded the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing Commanding General's outstanding squadron trophy. The squadron also received the Chief of Naval Operations Annual Aviation Safety Award for fiscal year 1962. In August 1962, the squadron deployed to MCAS Iwakuni, Japan. The squadron returned to Cherry Point on 4 October 1963 with LTCOL 17

Above, VMA-224 A4D-1 s 142155 4IWK and 142168 7/WK in flight over Southern California on 9 April 1957. Tail and nose markings were green. (Douglas)

George R. Brier in command. In January 1964, VMA-224 reported to NAS Roosevelt Roads, PR , with A4Cs for a ten-week training deployment. After returning to Cherry Point the squadron took part in the Joint Civilian Orientation Course-34 firepower demonstration and prepared to go aboard ship for carrier qualifications. In June the squadron met the USS Saratoga at Mayport, FL. On the night of 16 June the squadron set an all time high of 136 night landings in one night aboard a fleet carrier, thus qualifying all pilots 100%. In October 1965, the Bengals deployed to Chu Lai , Republic of Vietnam . On 1 November 1966, the squadron returned to Cherry Point and were redesignated VMA(AW)-224 and transitioned to the Grumman A-6 Intruder. Today, they fly the McDonnel1 F/ A-18D Hornet.

VMA-224~

A4D-1 SKYHAWK WALK - AROUND A4D-1 139920, mount of L TCOL F. K. Coss, VMA-224 Commanding Officer on 21 December 1956. VMA-224 aircratt had green tail and nose flashes and green wing tips. All early Skyhawks had medium grey anti-glare panels. Photo at lett otters a good view of the Skyhawk's stance. Note the burnt paint opposite the 20mm cannon barrel. Later Skyhawks had a combination flash suppressor and muzzle break fiUed to the ends of the cannon barrels. (Douglas)

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Above, VMA-224 A4D-1142157 on 4 January 1957. Note Douglas NAVPACK installed on the centerline and the row of VMA-224 F9F Panthers that remained with the sqUiadron through mid-1957. (Douglas) Below, close-up of the Executive Officer's aircraft (MAJ T. H. Miller JR.) BuNo 139962 on 9 April 1957. Note three VMA-224 F9F Panthers in the background. (Douglas)

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tnz

Above, A4D-1s 142155 4IWK and 142168 7IWK on 9 April 1957. (Douglas) Below, "man your aircraft", VMA-224 Skyhawks prepare to launch on 4 January 1957. (Dougl;as)

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Above, VMA-224 A4D-2 144890 conduct:s a JATO (Jet Assisted Take Off) with a full bomb load from MCAS Cherry Point, NC, during Armed Forces Day 1961 celebrations. Rudder stripes were red. (USMC) Below, VMA-224 flightline at Yuma on 3 December 1959 for the annual weapons meet. VF-74 and VMF-314 Skyrays are parked to the lett of VMA-224's line. VA-12 and VA-56 A4D-2 Skyhawks are parked behilnd the VMA-224 flightline. To the lett of VA-12 are VF(AW)-3 Skyrays, VMF-235, VF-84, and VF-141 F8U-1s. LTCOL C. W. Boggs, CO of VMA-224 was assigned 142744 7IWK in the foreground. (Harry Gann)

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MARINE ATTACK saUADRON TWO - TWO - FIVE, VMA-225 "VAGABONDS" VMF-225 was established on 1 January 1943 and operated F4U Corsairs during WWII. They were redesignated VMA-225 in June 1952 with AU-1 Corsairs. In 1954, Skyraiders replaced the AU-1 sand in May 1958 the squadron transitioned to A4D-2 Skyhawks . VMA-225 operated from the USS Essex (CVA-9) under the command of LTCOL A. M. Boar during a Mediterranean deployment with the Sixth Fleet in 1959/1960. The squadron traded up

23

to the A-4C in 1962. The squadron was redesignated VMA(AW)-225 and became the Vikings on 5 April 1966 and transitioned to the Grumman A6A Intruder. On 1 July 1991, the squadron transitioned to the F/A-18D Hornet.

Below, VMA-225 A4D-2s assigned to the USS Essex in 1959. Rudder markings were green. (USMC/USMC via Barry Miller)

MARINE ATTACK SQUADRON THREE - ONE - ONE, VMA-311 "TOMCATS"

VMF-311 was formed on 1 December 1942 at MCAS Cherry Point, NC, and initially equipped with North American SNJ Trainers. The unit transitioned to the Vought F4U-1 Corsair in April 1943 and moved to Page Field on Parris Island, SC. The squadron went to the South Pacific in August, and eventually arrived on Wallis Island , before moving to Samoa in January 1944. VMF-311 participated in the Marshall Islands campaign during 1944, and the Okinawa campaign in 1945. The Hell's Beiles accounted for 71 enemy aircraft shot down. After the war ended, the unit was moved to the West Coast, before settling at EL Toro in September 1946. VMF-311 became the West Coast's first jet squadron , on 20 July 1948, when they accepted a pair of Lockheed TO-1 Shooting Stars. The

unit adopted the nickname , "Willy Lovers" to represent the phonetic pronunciation of their "WL" tailcode. The Grumman F9F-2B Panther replaced the TO-1 in March 1950. The unit arrived in Yokosuka, Japan, in November 1950, and departed for Korea in December. The squadron flew close air support combat missions with the F9F-5 during the Korean War and returned to EI Toro in May 1955. The squadron now known as the Tomcats upgraded to the F9F-8 Cougar in March 1957, and were redesignated VMA-311 on 1 June 1957. The Tomcats began their affiliation with the Douglas Skyhawk in the summer of 1958, when they accepted the A4D-2. Much of the initial training focused on "Special Weapons" training as the squadron added the capa-

24

bility of nuclear weapons delivery to its mission. In September the squadron was chosen as the winner of the Chief of Naval Operations Annual Safety Award for 1958. VMA311 moved to MCAAS Yuma in April 1959 for training, and by the end of the month the unit had set a new monthly flight hour record for an A4D squadron with a total of 1,042 hours. Throughout the spring and summer months , the squadron practiced aerial refueling and close air support missions. VMA-311 was selected to participate in Operation Top Gun , the

Above, VMA-311 A4D-2 142943 with full bomb load of 18 bombs in 1959. Note heavy oil stain streak across the rear fuselage. (USMC) Below 142943 refuels from VMA-311 A4D-2 142897. (USMC)

fourth annual Naval Air Weapons Meet, at MCAAS Yuma. On 4 December, after five days of competition , VMA-311 finished third from a field of six squadrons entered in the light attack category. The squadron also received the AirFMFPac quarterIy safety award. During 1960 VMA-311 deployed to NAS Fallon , NV, from 12 January through 22 January for attack weapons delivery training. Then , from the 15th through the 17th of February, VMA-311 flew air support missions for exercises at Camp Pendleton, CA. In March the squadron was outfitted with a new multiple ejector rack which enabled the squadron to carry six 500-pound low-drag bombs on each wing . The rack was to be tested at

Yuma from 12 March through 24 March during 707 flight hours. On 3 May 1960, while returning from a cross country flight to EI Paso, TX, 1stLT Neal C. Dadurka, was fatalIy injured when his Skyhawk crashed five miles south of Lake Eisinore near March AFB. Dadurka was attempting to make an emergency landing on a 3,000 foot runway after his aircraft lost its hydraulic power. After back-to-back deployments to MCAAS Yuma from 23 May to 2 June and to the Naval Air Facility, China Lake, CA, for special weapons training from 12 to 25 June, the squadron returned to EI Toro. CAPT W. H. Fiteh , co-developer of the multiple ejector bomb rack , was selected

25

to demonstrate the A4Ds capability with these racks for the Commandant of the Marine Corps on 29 June 1960. August found the squadron at China Lake again for additional training in special weapons. From 25 September through 14 October, the squadron operated from ALF San Clemente, CA. They took part in a Joint Civilian Orientation Conference

Above, VMA-311 A4D-2 145045 at NAS Los Alamitos, CA, on 1 August 1959. Early markings included a grey rudder with red tin tip and wing ti ps. (William Swisher) Below, VMA-311 A4D-2 142940 in 1960 bombed-up tor a bombing mission. Later markings were red nose, wing tips, tin tip and rudder. (via Harry Gann)

where they supported amphibious landings and flew cover for MAG-36 helicopters . The squadron finished out the year with a deployment to Yuma from 27 November through 9 December 1960. January 1961 found the squadron preparing for carrier qualifications. On 16 January VMA-311 boarded the USS Oriskany (CV A-34) for CARQUALS. By 8 February all pilots had day and night qualified. The squadron arrived at NAS Atsugi , Japan , on 28 March 1961 and was assigned to MAG-12. On 3 April 1961, VMA-311 boarded the USS Coral Sea (CVA-

43) as its special weapons unit. On 12 April the USS Midway (CVA-41) replaced the Coral Sea and VMA-311 took over the nuclear mission on CVA-41. 1stL T J. S. Andre was lost at sea after a catapult launch from the Midway on 3 May 1961 . Another pilot, 2nd LT H. L. Frahriep, was forced to eject from his A4D-2 while 25 miles fram the ship. He ejected at 2,000 feet with his aircraft on fire and was rescued within the hour by the USS Chevalier (DD-805). On 3 June the squadron left the Midway and deployed to MCAF Iwakuni. From July through December

1961, VMA-311 made five deployments to USNF Naha, Okinawa. During these deployments , the squadron added realism to the 3rd Marine Division maneuvers in the vicinity of Camp Hansen by dropping napalm, bombs, and rackets. The Tomcats also made many trips to the

Above, VMA-311 A4D-2 142898 at Yuma. Note heavy oil vent leakage. (Harry Gann) Below, VMA-311 A4D-2 142943 with 18 olive drab bombs loaded prior to a live fire training mission in June 1960. (Harry Gann)

:~""!!

.

26

-

.

w

bomb and rocket ranges on Le Shima. Carrier requalification took place from 4 to 5 October and from 9 to 18 December 1961 aboard the USS Bon Homme Richard (CVA-31) . During the opening months of 1962 the squadron operated from MCAF Iwakuni. Then, from 2 March to 12 April 1962, the squadron took part in Operation Tulungan . This was the 20th SEATO exercise and was hosted by the Philippine Army on the island of Mindoro with Australian, Philippine and American forces. VMA-311 flew close air support from a forward SATS air strip. Shortly after the exercise was over, VMA-311 flew to NAS Cubi Point and beg an loading its planes and equipment on board ships for the voyage home. After re-forming at MCAS EI Toro with new personnei , the squadron deployed to MCAAS Yuma on 10 June for one week of weapons training. Live ordnance training was conducted from Alameda from 21 to 31 August 1962. Hops flown included napalm delivery, loft bombing, strafing and rocket firing. Throughout the remainder of 1962, the squadron made numerous two-week ordnance deployments to Alameda and Yuma. They participated in several exercises including Operation Skyshield in September. VMA-311 provided aggressor support for this 1,600-plane readiness exercise conducted by NORAD.

Above, VMA-311 A4D-2 144942 in f1ight in 1962. Late markings retained red nose, wing tips, aft rudder and fin tip, but added a white forward rudder. (Harry Gann) Below, VMA-311 A-4B 142897 at Yuma on 16 March 1963 had well-stained blast area on the forward fuselage opposite the cannon barrel. Centerline belly tank had a red nose too. (William Swisher) Bottom, VMA-311 A4D-2 142897 at Oxnard AFB on 20 May 1962. The tips of the drop tanks were silver and the nose wheel fork was red. Rudder was red aft and white forward. (Harry Gann)

The squadron took part in two large-scale operations at Camp Pendleton in 1963. The first operation started on 6 March 1963 and was named Operation Steel Gate. VMA311 provided close air support for the amphibious landings and air cover for the helicopter assaults. The second operation commenced on 6 June when President John F. Kennedy was there to view VMA-311 's close air support capabilities. The unit upgraded to the A-4E in June 1963. After numerous combat deployments incountry in Vietnam , VMA-311 was equipped on 1 September 1974 with the A-4M. The AV-8B Harrier replaced the A-4Ms in June 1988 and the unit moved to MCAS Yuma.

27

MARINE ATTACK SQUADRON THREE - TWO - FOUR, VMA-324 "DEVILDOGS"

Above, VMA-324 A4D-2 144975 with red rudder and tuselage stripe in 1959.

VMF-324 was originally formed on 1 October 1943 at MCAS Cherry Point and equipped with the Vought F4U-1 and Goodyear FG-1. The unit was eventually moved to Midway in September 1944. The unit was brought back to MCAS Miramar a year later, and deactivated on 15 October 1945. VMF-324 was reactivated on 17 March 1952, and flew a mixed-bag of Goodyear FG-1 sand Grumman F6F Hellcats. The unit was moved to MCAS Miami in April. In November,

the unit was redesignated an attack squadron and assigned Vought AU-1 Corsairs and Douglas AD-4B Skyraiders. In October 1953, the Vagabonds loaded their assortment of AD-4, -4B, and -4L Skyraiders aboard the USS Saipan (CVS-48) for a WestPac cruise, returning to Miami in July 1954. The Vagabonds deployed to the Med aboard the USS Lake Champlain (CVA-39) from September 1955 to April 1956. Upon their return, the unit transitioned to the AD-6 Skyraider. VMA-324 transitioned to the Douglas A4D-2

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Skyhawk in May 1959 and changed their name to the Devildogs. They took their Skyhawks aboard the USS Coral Sea (CVA-43) from September 1960 to May 1961 . They went to sea again in August of 1963 aboard the USS Independence (CVA-

Below, VMA-324 A4D-2142819 is being positioned tor launch on the starboard catapult aboard the USS Coral Sea (CVA-43) on 15 February 1961. (USN)

...

Above, VMA-324 A4D-2 144941 assigned to the USS Coral Sea on display at NAS Atsugi on 20 May 1961. Fin tip is red. (T. Matsuzaki) Below, VMA-324 aircraft with " AG " tai! codes applied tor their deployment aboard the USS Independence (CVA-62) depart MCAS Beautort, SC, on 3 June 1963 in preparation tor their Mediterraian cruise. (USN)

29

62) . When they returned , in March 1964, the Devildogs transitioned to the AAE Skyhawk. With the new A-4E , VMA-324 deployed aboard the USS Independence from June 1966 through February 1967. After returning to MCAS Beaufort, the squadron re-equipped with A-4Bs again to release their A-4Es to cover combat losses in other units. The squadron transitioned to the A-4M on 16 April 1971 and was deactivated on 29 August 1974.

At top, VMA-324 A-4B 142787 at MCAS Beaufort in 1963. (USN) Above, A-4B 142937 in 1967 had VMA-324 moved to the aircraft's spine. (via Harry Gann) Below, A .. 4B 142854 at MCAS Beaufort on 29 May 1967. Rudder was red. (William Swisher)

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MARINE ATTACK SQUADRON THREE - THREE - ONE, VMA-331 "BUMBLEBEES"

VMSB-331 was activated at MCAS Cherry Point on 1 January 1943 and equipped with several models of the Douglas SBD Dauntless. In September, the unit was moved to Wallis Island before arriving on Nukufetau . The Doodlebugs supported operations in the Gilbert Islands campaign. The unit was redesignated VMBF-331 in October 1944 and equipped with the Vought F4U Corsair. By the end of December, the unit transitioned back into the SBD and assumed their previous designation, VMSB -331. The squadron supported the Marshall Island Campaign throughout 1945, and were deactivat-

ed on 21 November 1945.

Santini".

VMF-311 was reactivated at MCAS Miami and equipped with Grumman F6F Hellcats. The unit was redesignated a Marine Attack Squadron (VMA-331) in February of 1954, and equipped with the Douglas AD-5 Skyraider. In May 1958, the unit deployed to WestPac as the last active duty Marine AD unit , and returned to MCAS Beaufort for transition to the Douglas A4D-2 Skyhawk in September 1959. During the Cuban Missile Crisis of October 1962, the squadron's Commanding Officer was LTCOL Donald Conroy, "The Great

The Bumblebees became the first Marine unit to receive the A-4E in June 1963. VMA-331 transitioned to the A-4M on 16 April 1971 and received the last A-4M to be built on 27 February 1979.

31

Above, VMA-331 A4D-2 142815 with eighteen 250 pound bombs conducts a JATO takeoff trom a SATS runway. (USMC via Fred Roos) Below, 142111 is pulled to a stop by MOREST gear on a SATS runway. (USMC)

Above, VMA-331 A4D-2 142802 with grel{ forward rudder at Andrews AFB on 11 May 1962. Note tail code and nose number repeated on the drop tanks. (Smalley col lection via Swisher) Below, 142802 at Andrews AFB with eighteen 250 pound bombs and JATO unit installed on display at Andrews AFB in May 1962. (Smalley collection via Swisher) Bottom, A-4B 145034 on display on 18 May 1963 with full bomb load. A-4Es replaced the A-4Bs one month later in June. (USN)

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MARINE ATTACK SQUADRON THREE - THREE - TWO, VMA-332 "POLKA DOTS"

VMSB-332 was activated at MCAS Cherry Point on 1 June 1943 and assigned Douglas SBD Dauntless dive bombers. The unit moved to MCAS Mojave in January 1944 before moving on to MCAS Ewa, TH , in February 1944. The following month , they moved to Midway Island only to return to EWA in July to transition to the SB2C dive bomber. The unit was redesignated VMTB332 in March 1945 and operated the TBM Avenger until it was deactivated on 13 November 1945. The unit was reactivated as VMF332 on 23 April 1952 at MCAS Miami and equipped with Grumman F6F

Hellcats and Vought F4U-4 Corsairs. June 1952 saw the squadron redesignated VMA-332. In April 1953 VMA332 boarded the USS Point Cruz (CVE-119) with a full compliment of F4U-4s and deployed to Japan. The unit adopted the name "Polka Dots" and Frank McClanahan designed a patch with a top hat (flat top carrier) and cane (tailhook) encircled by red polka dots (from the cowls of their Corsairs) . After a combat tour in Korea, the Polka Dots returned to Miami in December 1953, and transitioned to the AD-4 Skyraider. The squadron later upgraded to the AD-5

33

and AD-6 before accepting the Douglas A4D-2 in 1958. The A4D-2N replaced the -2s in 1960 and on 20 August 1968, the unit was redesignated VMA(AW)-332 after receiving Grumman A-6A Intruders. A name change to "Moonlighters" accompanied the mission and aircraft change. In 1993, the F/A-18D arrived.

Above, A4D-2 142801 with Aero 148 spray tank. (USMC via Jack Elliott) 8elow, VMA-332 A4D-2 144921 makes a JATO launch during Operation 81ue Star in early 1960. (USMC)

MARINE ATTACK SQUADRON FIVE - THREE - THREE, VMA-533 "NIGHT HAWKS"

Above, VMA-533 flightline at MCAS Cherry Point on 24 August 1960. Note previous user's tailcode was hastily painted-out before VMA-533's "ED" tail code was applied. The squadron's A4D-2s originally had grey rudders. (USMC)

VMA-533 was originally established as VMF(N)-533 on 1 October 1943 with F6F-5N night fighters . They were the Marines' third such squadron of night fighters to be organized in WWII. In April 1944, the squadron reached the West Coast and embarked on the USS Long Island (CVE-1) . On 6 May the unit arrived at Eniwetok and relieved VMF(N)-532 and assumed the night defense of the area. In November, the squadron moved to Engebi where they stayed until June of 1945 when

they transferred to Le Shima. On 14 July, the outfit moved to Chimu on Okinawa where they remained until the war's end . When the war ended, VMA-533 had 35 kills to its credit, more than any other US night fighter squadron.

During the Korean war the squadron remained at Cherry Point where they trained all-weather fighter pilots. These pilots were sent to Korea individually upon completion of their training. After

From October 1945 through January 1947, the squadron remained at Chimu. The squadron transferred in February 1947 to Cherry Point , NC , where they acquired the Grumman F7F Tigercat.

34

the

Korean

war,

the

Below, four VMA-533 A4D-2s (145030 6/ED, 145053 18/ED, 145023 3/ED, 145047 12/ED) escort a VAP-62 A3D-2P

off the coast. (USMC)

Tigereats were replaced with the McDonnell F2H Banshee and in June 1955, VMA-533 carrier qualified aboard the USS Lake Champlain (CVA-39) . In July, the squadron sent a Detachment aboard the USS Bennington (CVA-20) for a short cruise. In September, VMA-533 participated in the National Air Show held in Philadelphia,PA. In September 1956, with F-9F Cougars, VMA-533 boarded the USS F. D. Roosevelt (CVA-42) for carrier qualifications and a short at-sea period lasting through October before transferring to the USS Saratoga (CVA-60) for another two-month atsea period. In 1957, the squadron deployed twice aboard the USS Lake Champlain. These deployments were from January through July and from

September through October. After numerous deployments to Puerto Rico, the squadron traded-in their F9F-8B's for the Douglas A4D-2 on 19 August 1959. On 6 January 1962, MAJ William D. Kelly and 1stLT Richard L. Lammerding set an endurance record for the Skyhawk during a 2,871 nautical mile flight from Cherry Point to EI Toro , CA. The total time airborne was 8 hours 25 minutes. In May they were honored to give a firepower demonstration with the Fleet Marine Force for President John F Kennedy. VMA533 continued to deploy to Puerto Rico and became the first squadron to aerial refuel both going and returning during their 12 June through 16 August 1962 deployment. While deployed in Puerto Rico , VMA-533

35

also became the first tactical squadron to host areserve squadron on summer training outside the continental United States. A-4Cs were received in February 1964 and Grumman A-6A Intruders were received on 1 July 1965. They were redesignated VMA(AW)-533 to reflect their new mission and later became VMFA(AW)-533 flying the F/A-18D Hornet.

Above, VMA-533 A4D-2s 145014 1/ED and 145027 4/ED refueling from the Marines' newest tanker, Lockheed's GV-1 (C-130) on 15 March 1961. (USMC) Below, VMA-533 A4D-2s 145022 18/ED and 144989 11/ED enroute to a training bomb range with napalm bombs fitted under both wings in late 1962. (USMC)

Above, VMA-533 A4D-2 144994 is brought to a stop by the MOREST gelu cable on the SATS field at NAS Roosevelt Roads, PR, during maneuvers of the 2nd Marine Division in 1961. Note JATO rocket tube on the aft fuselage side. JATO was used for takeoffs from the SATS field. (USMC) At right, VMA-533 A-4B 144985 in use as a parts bird at NAS Alameda on 7 January 1969, long after leaving the squadron. Rudder colors were top-to-bottom: white, dark blue, gold, red, white, dark blue, gold, red and white. (William Swisher) BoUom, VMA-533 A-4B 144985 9/ED refuels 145033 23/ED on the way to Puerto Rico late in 1962. (USMC)

36

N~~VAL

NAVAL MISSILE CENTER

MISSILE CENTER (NMC)

The basic mission of the Naval Missile Center (formerly Pacific Missile Range) was to take new and existing missile systems and develop and refine their usage so that they could be integrated into the fleet. Aircraft used by NMC from January 1959 through April 1975 were the A-3, A-4, A-6, A-7, C-121, C131 , F-3/F-10, F-4, F-6, F-8, F-14, P3 and T-28. The Naval Missile Center became the Pacific Missile Test Center (PMTC) in 1975.

37

Below, Naval Missile Center A-4A 137828 wore Marine markings during open house at NAS Point Mugu, CA, on 18 May 1963. Aircraft was loaded with eighteen 250 pound bombs. Nose, tail and outer wing panels were da-glo red. (William Swisher) Below, NMC A4D-2 142709 in Marine markings at Mugu on 19 May 1962. Rudder and fin tip were grey, tail was da-glo red and had a new metal replacement panel attached to the tail. A stylized Skyhawk was painted just aft of the intake warning arrow. Aircraft was fitted with eighteen 250 pound bombs. (William Swisher)

NAVY RESERVE (USNFr) AND MARINE RESERVE (USMCR) A-4A1B UNITS win the Congressional Medal of Honor was a reservist. Those were the beginnings of today's reserve.

The Naval and Marine Air Reserve organization can trace its roots to 1916 and The First Yale Unit formed by F. Trubee Davidson . The Unit consisted of twelve members and owned their own airplane. They paid all their expenses themselves and prior to World War One volunteered their services to the US Navy for submarine patrol. They became the Aerial Coast Patrol Unit #1 as part of the newly-formed Naval Reserve Flying Corps. The reserves made important contributions during the war, in fact the only Naval aviator to

During most of the A-4A/B years, the reserves were loosely organized and aircraft assets were not assigned to individual squadrons but held in pools. This is why you see both Navy and Marines painted on the fuselage sides of the A-4s and most reserve aircraft during this period. Toward the end of the '60s many squadrons started acquiring their own aircraft, usualIy starting with the Marine squadrons. Marine squadrons started receiving their own tail codes in mid-1969. The new Marine tail code was the reserve station's letter code preceded by a 5. The 5 replaced the 6 or 7 previously used by both Navy and Marine reserve squadrons. So, for example the Marine squadron at NAS Los Alamitos tail code changed from 7L to 5L and the Marine squadron at NAS Alameda changed its tail code from 6G to 5G. Because of the Pueblo Crisis, many reserve squadrons were called

to active duty to augment the active Navy, wh ich was embroiled in the Vietnam conflict. The units activated were not mission ready and required extensive training to make them so. Most carrier type aircraft squadron pilots had never even qualified aboard a carrier as reservists . Because of these inadequacies, the reserves were reorganized in 1970. With the reorganization came two-Ietter Air Wing tail codes, AF and ND for the Navy, and two-Ietter squadron codes for the Marine squadrons. A training syllabus was created to provide reservists with the training necessary to allow squadrons and complete Air Wings the ability to be integrated into the fleet if called to active duty without further training. The next step in the integration process came at a later date when obsolete aircraft were replaced with identical front-line aircraft to those utilized by the fleet. Once this was done, areserve unit could relieve any fleet unit in times of war without further training or upgrading of assets.

A-4A1B RESERVE BASES

* ALAMEDA

,,*

LOS ALAMITOS

* NORFOLK

OLATHE* MEMPHIS *

38

} * ATLANTA

NAS OAKLAND (7F) /

NJ~VAL

AIR TRAINING UNIT (NATU) ALAMEDA (6G/5G)

The first reserve A4D-1 s to arrive in the bay area in itially operated from NAS Oakland with 7F tail codes, but within a few months all aircraft moved to NAS Alameda and NAS Oakland was closed in 1961. Joint use Skyhawks were flown by VA-783, VA-876, VA-879 and VMA-133 with 6G tail codes . In late 1969, VMA133 received its own tail code of 5G . Above, three Oakland-based A4D-1s 142234 126nF, 142146 11snF, 14216SnF in flight in April 1961. (SDAM) Below, A4D-1 142209 at Alameda on 14 July 1962 in original reserve markings. The da-glo red nose follows the outline of the national insignia. The da-glo red tail starts aft of 2209 and the aircraft has a white rudder. (Larry Smalley via William Swisher) Bottom, A4D-1 139933 at Alameda on 14 July 1962 in the second style reserve markings. Da-glo nose starts forward of the #2 and daglo red tail starts at the bottom of the rudtder line and continues upward to the fin tip. In 1962, aircraft nose numbers were three digits starting with the number one. (Larl'Y Smalley via William Swisher)

39

NATU

ALAMEDA

Above, A-4B 142827 at Alameda on 20 July 1963. During 1963, the da-glo nose and tail markings remained the same, but the nose number changed to single and double digit series. (William Swisher) At lett, A-4B 144927 at Alameda on 20 July 1963. Nose and tail and outer wing panels were da-glo red. Reason for VMCJ-3 designation under NAVY is unknown. (William Swisher) Below, A-4B 142084 at Alameda on 20 July 1963 had NAVY with NARTU ALAMEDA painted on the att fuselage. Nose, tail, and outer wing panels were on ce again daglo red. (Larry Smalley via William Swisher)

40

Above, A-4B 142716 at Alameda on 4 September 1965 with unusual markings. Aircraft nose number was 16, but the 1 has been painted over and a non-standard size 6 has been painted on the tail without the station letter of G. Note the extra-wide red intake lips. (Steve Kraus via Norm Taylor) Below, A-4A 142191 at Alameda on 11 December 1966. In 1964, the da-glo red markings on the nose, tail and outer wings disappeared on Alameda's Skyhawks and white rudders returned. (Steve Kraus via Norm Taylor) Bottom, A-4B 144949 at Alameda on 4 September 1965. (Steve Kraus via Norm Taylor)

41

Originally established on 1 May 1943 with 8BD-5/6 Dauntlesses the squadron was deactivated on 1 August 1945. The squadron was reactivated in the early 1950s as VMF-133. The unit's first jet was the McDonnell F2H3/4 Banshee. In 1961, the squadron transitioned to the Douglas A4D-1 8kyhawk and moved to NA8 Alameda. A4D-2/A-4Bs beg an arriving in 1962 and the squadron received A-4Ls in 1971. They

42

acquired the A-4F a few years later and the A-4M in 1989. VMA-133 was deactivated in 1992.

Above, A-4B 145025 and 144871 preparing for a mission in 1966. Note thin red outline of the fuselage panels. Below, TA-4B 145030 with the new Marine specific tail code of 5G which appeared in late 1969 on aircraft assigned to VMA-133. Aircraft is at NAS North Island on 14 March 1970. (0. Kasulka via Fred Roos)

NAS ATLANTA,

(78)

NAS Atlanta never had the A-4 Skyhawk assigned, but utilized two A-4As for recruiting purposes. Above, A4D-1 139934 on a tractor trailer rig with its Chrysler and Dodge recruiting vehicles in 1962. (USN) Below, two views of A-4A 143068 with cut and folded wings as it participated in a local parade. (Douglas)

43

NAS GLENVIEW (7V/SV), VA-72Sn27 and VMA-S43

The A-4A1B Skyhawk was operated jointly at NAS Glenview by VA725, VA-727 and VMA-543. VMA-543 was assigned its own tail code, 5V, in late 1969.

Above, four NAS Glenview A-4Bs in flight in 1962. Drop tank markings and fin tips were red. (Harry Gann via Paul Minert) Below, Air Barron Demonstration Team TA4B 145003 at Glenview in 1965 with red trim. (Norm Taylor collection) Bottom, Air Baron A-4B 142122 taxis out du ring winter operations in 1970. (Fred Roos via Ginter)

44

Above, A-4B 145028 with yellow and red-orange rudder tabs at MCAS Yuma on 19 March 1966. Drop tank had a red tip followed by a black chevron. The diamond aft of the chevron was yellow with the outer diamond being black. (William Swisher) At right, A-4B 142138 in 1968, by which time all the red trim had been removed. (via Burger) BoUom , A-4B Skyhawk from NAS Glenview at Fort Lauderdale, FL, in 1970. (Bob Pauley via Fred Roos)

45

VMA-543

NAS GLENVIEW

Marine Night Fighter Squadron Five Forty Three (VMF(N)-543) was commissioned on 15 April 1944 at MCAS Cherry Point, NC. The Nighthawks were assigned Grumman F6F-3N and -5N Helleats before transferring to MCAS EI Centro, CA. The squadron was split into three sections and sent separately to Awase Airfield on Okinawa where they were deactivated after the war. VMF-543 was reactivated in the '50s as areserve unit at NAS

46

Glenview. They flew F8F-1's and F9F-6's until becoming VMA-543. They received the A-4B in early 1960 and were deactivated with A-4Ls in 1974.

Below, VMA-543 A-4B 142131 at Glenview on 4 January 1970. Note black blast panel opposite cannon barrel on the forward fuselage. (Fred Roos) Bottom, sistership 144983 receives final check prior to taxiing out in January 1970. (Fred Roos via Steve Ginter)

NAS GROSSE ILE (7Y)

Above, TA-4B 142905 on the ramp at Grosse lIe in 1970. (Fred Roos via Steve Ginter) Below, TA-4B 142682 in 1970. (Fred Roos via Steve Ginter) BoUom, Grosse lIe TA-4B 142722 with centerline tank and rocket pods. (Ginter Collection)

47

NAVAL AIR TRAINING UNIT JACKSONVILLE (6F/5F), VA-741 and VMA-1421144 Joint use A4D-2/ A-4B Skyhawks were flown by VA-741 , VMA-142 , and VMA-144 at NAS Jacksonville, FL. Both Marine squadrons were WWII active duty Scout and Torpedo Bombing Squadrons which were deactivated at the end of the war. Both squadrons were reactivated as Marine Fighter Squadrons on 1 July 1946 at NAS Miami with F4U Corsairs. These were replaced with F9F-6 Cougars in 1955 and the units were redesignated Marine Attack

48

Squadrons on 1 May 1958. The A4D2 started arriving in 1961 . In 1962 the squadrons deployed to Puerto Rico where they were hosted by active duty squadron VMA-533.

Below, A-4B 145000 with 300 gallon wing tanks and with a cargo pod on the centerline. The cargo pod has MARD (Marine Air Reserve Detachment) JAX painted on it. (via Ginter) Bottom, end of the line, A-4B 144953 was retired to the Arizona desert. (Harry Gann)

NAS

LOS ALAMITOS

(7U5L), VA-771n721773n76 and VMA-134

NAS Los Alamitos was the largest reserve Air Station in size and personnel. This was directly demonstrated in its joint usage of A-4A/B Skyhawks by VA771, VA-772, VA-773, VA-776 and VMA-134. Above, A4D-1 142194 at Los Alamitos in 1960 was over-all white with da-glo nose, tail group and forward wing sections. (Harry Gann via William Swisher) Below, A4D-2 139934 with 120 gallon drop tanks and 1960 reserve markings. (Harry Gann via William Swisher) Bottom, A4D-1 142202 also in 1960 was painted in standard grey and white color scheme with a da-glo red vertical fin and rudder. Boarding ladder was red. (Harry Gann via William Swisher) Los Alamitos was the first reserve base to receive Skyhawks. The first five arrived in August 1960 straight from VMA-211 in Japan.

49

Above, A-4B 145017 at NAS Los Alamitos, CA, on 28 August 1965. Aircraft had faded red fin tip and red outlines around selected fuselage panels. (Steve Kraus via Norm Taylor) Below, Los Alamitos A-4B 142084 in flight over Southern California on 28 March 1969 with a centerline buddy tank installed. Note dark grey gun blast area even covers the lower portion of the national insignia. (USN) In the summer of 196Ei, 18 reserve pilots requalified in their A-4Bs aboard a carrier. At its high point, Los Alamitos operated close to 40 Skyhawks.

50

USS PUEBLO AND ATTACK SQUADRON SEVEN - SEVEN - SIX, VA-776 Reserve Attack Squadron Seven Hundred Seventy Six (VA-776) was called to active duty on 27 January 1968 following the capture of the USS Pueblo (AGER 2) by a North Korean patrol boat on 23 January. The squadron was called-up flying A-4Bs but received A-4Es in June 1968. The squadron was deactivated on 18 October 1968 and returned to reserve status.

51

Below, VA-776 A-4B 142682 while on active duty in March 1968. Tail tlashes and tin tip were green. (Harry Gann) Below, end ot the line tor Naval Reserve A-4s at Los Alamitos was the Arizona desert. Here, A-4B 145025 was put on display at Davis-Monthan AFB. Note D-M storage number on the nose gear door. (via Harry Gann)

MARINE ATIACK: SQUADRON ONE - THREE - FOUR, VMA-134

Above, VMA-134 A4D-2 142873 at Los Alamitos in 1961 with da-glo red nose and tail and a black rudder tip. (USMC) Below, VMA-134 tlightline at NAS Los Alamitos in 1962 with A-4B 142944 in the toreground. Nose, tail and outer wing panels were da-glo red. The tin tips were black. (via Harry Gann) Bottom, A-4B 145045 at Los Alamitos on 13 June 1964. Fin tip was black. (William Swisher)

VMSB-134 was established on 1 May 1943 at MCAS Santa Barbara, CA, and flew the Douglas SBD-3. The unit was deactivated on 30 April 1946. VM F-134 was reactivated at NAS Los Alamitos on 15 April 1958, and equipped with the Grumman

F9F-6/7/8 Cougar. They were red esignated VMA-134 on 1 July 1962 and equipped with the A-4A Skyhawk. By 1965, they were flying both A-4As and A-4Bs. They upgraded to A-4Cs before being transferred to MCAS EI Toro in 1971 when NAS Los Alamitos

52

was deactivated and made a Joint Reserve Base. While at EI Toro, the squadron transitioned to the A-4F. On 1 October 1983 they received F-4N Phantom Ils and were redesignated VMFA-134 Smokes. Today they fly the F/ A-18 Hornet.

VMA-134 Above, A-4B 145010 at Los Alamitos on 13 June 1964. Nose, tail and outer wings were still daglo red. Fin tip was blaek. (William Swisher) At lett, nose eone opened tor servieing on A-4B 142935 on 28 August 1965. (Steve Kraus via Norm Taylor) Below, A4B 142844 being started on 28 August 1965. Starter eart was painted yellow. (Steve Kraus via Norm Taylor)

-1 _ _- -

S

53

Above, A-4B 142822 on the VMA-1341ine at Los Alamitos in 1967. Fin tip is now green. (Ginter collection) Below, A-4B 144963 with new 5L tail code applied on 16 December 1968 while visiting NAS Alameda, CA. (Larry Smalley via William Swisher) Bottom, TA-4A 142205 at NAS Los Alam itos. In 1969 VMA-134 painted the rudders of their A-4A/Bs green. (Harry Gann)

54

VMA-134 Above, T A-4B 142926 on the VMA-134 line in 1969. (Harry Gann) At right, VMA-134 A-4B 142935 in storage at DavisMonthan AFB in 1970. (Harry Gann) Bottom, VMA-134 A-4B 142882 at Davis-Monthan AFB on 30 April 1970. Rudder was green and the BuNo on the spine was dark grey. (Harry Gann)

55

NAVAL AIR RESERVE

TRJ~INING

UNIT MEMPHIS (SM), VA-791n92 and VMA-124

At right, Memphis-based A-4Bs 142699 and 142759. (USMC) Below, A-4B 144957 with Zuni rocket pods. Bottom, A-4B 142788 at Litchfield Park on 23 March 1965. A small NAS Memphis insignia can be seen on the fuselage side just aft of the intake Danger arrow. The nose forward of the #3 was a slightly darker grey. (William Swisher)

56

NAS NEW ORLEANS (7X), VA-821/822 and VMA-143

NAS New Orleans was home to not only Navy and Marine pilots, but Air Force, Coast Guard and Army too.

Above, New Orleans-based A-4A 142225. Fuselage panel outlines were red. (Harry Gann) Below, New Orleans-based A-4B 142840 displayed during an open house. (Ginter Collection)

57

Above, A-4A 142167 at NAS New Orleans. (via Norm Taylor) Below, New Orleans-based A-4A 142145 at NAS Alameda on 28 October 1966. (William Swisher) Bottom, ex-New Orleans A-4B 142129 at Litchfield Park, AZ, on 23 March 1965. (Swisher)

58

NAS NEW YORK (7F1), VA-831/832 and VMA-131 DIAMONDBACKS

Above, New York-based A4D-2 142113 in 1961 with da-glo red nose, tail and outer wing panels. (via Norm Taylor) Below, A4D2 142743 in 1961, also with da-glo red nose, tail and outer wing panels. (via Norm Taylor) Bottom, A-4B 142771 at NAS Willow Grove, PA, on 8 April 1970. (R. Besecker viia Norm Taylor)

59

NAS NEW YORK Above, New-York based A-4B 142946 at NAS Brooklyn, NY, on 2 August 1969. (via Norm Taylor) At lett, A-4B 144844 at NAS Lemoore, CA, on 12 March 1966. (William Swisher) Below, A-4B 142746 at NAS Los Alamitos in 1969. (Harry Gann)

60

USS PUEBLO AND ATTACK SQUADRON EIGHT - THREE - ONE, VA-831 Reserve Attack Squadron Eight Hundred Thirty-One (VA-831) was called to active duty on 27 January 1968 following the capture of the USS Pueblo (AGER 2) by a North Korean patrol boat on 23 January. Originally based at NAS New York, VA-831 was equipped with the A-4B Skyhawk and slated to deploy aboard the USS John F. Kennedy (eVA-67) . Shortly before deployment, the squadron was deactivated and returned to reserve status.

Below, VA-831 A-4B 144870 at NAS Cecil Field. Squadron was administratively assigned to the USS John F. Kennedy but did not deploy. Rudder flashes and fin tips were green.

61

NAVAL AIR RESERVE TRAINING UNIT (NATU) NORFOLK (6S), VA-861, VMA-233

The A-4B Skyhawk arrived at NAS Norfolk in August 1962 when VAJ-861 was established. By 1963 the squadron was redesignated VA861 and its complement of A-4s reached twelve. On 28 and 29 July 1964, VA-861 became the first reserve jet squadron since the Korean war to carrier qualify pilots. The pilots qualified in the Gulf of Mexico aboard the USS Lexington (CVA-14). VMF-233 was established at NAS Norfolk, VA, in August 1946. The squadron flew the F4U, FH-1 , F8F, F2H, AD, T2V and the A4D . The squadron was deactivated in late 1969 during the reorganization of the reserves.

Above, tour Nortolk-based A-4Bs over t he Hampton Roads area in 1966. (USN) At right, TA-4B 142700 in storage at DavisMonthan AFB, AZ, in January 1972. (Nick Williams) Below, A-4B 142095 at NAF Litchtield Park, AZ, on 23 March 1965. Nose, tin and outer wing panels were da-glo re~d. (William Swisher)

62

NAS OLATHE (7K),

VA-881 I 882

Below, man your aircraft! NAS Olathe pilot enters the cockpit of A-4B 144874 prior to a training flight on 29 November 1969. Rudder was grey. (Fred Roos) Bottom, 144874 taxis-out past the control tower and operations building on 29 November 1969. (Fred Roos via Ginter)

63

Above, Olathe-based A-4B 142722 at NAS North Island, CA, on 28 April 1967. Note white rudder. (William Swisher) Below, A4A 139931 at NAS Olathe, KS, on 3 August 1968. (C. Gerdes via Norm Taylor) Bottom, TA-4B 142797 from VA-882 prepares to taxi-out on a training mission on 29 November 1969. Centerline tank was blue. (Fred Roos via Ginter)

64

NAS SOUTHWEYMOUTH

By Jim Burridge When Reserve Air Wing 91 was established at NRAF Squantum in Oecember 1949, there were three attack squadrons flying FG-10s and F4U-4s -- VA-911 , VA912 , and VA-913. RAW-91 moved to South Weymouth in Oecember 1953. When the Corsairs were retired for F9F-6 Cougars in 1955, the three VA squadrons were disestablished. In late 1962 two attack squadrons were established at South Weymouth, VAJ-911 and VAJ-912, flying the A48. The "VAJ" designator wasn't kept long and they soon reverted to VA911 and VA-912. These two squadrons, along with VMA-217 and VMA-322, shared a constantly changing pool of Skyhawks, ranging from a low of eleven to a high of twenty-five. In 1969, the Naval Air Reserve was reorganized and consolidated

(7Z),

VA-911 I 912, VMA-322

because of the shortcomings evident after the January 1968 callup of three F-8 and three A-4 squadrons. VA-911 became VA2Z-1 and VA-912 became VA6Z-2 . They began transitioning to the A-4C in 1970, and before the transition was completed the two squadrons were combined to form VA-210 wh ich was disestablished as part of the ongoing consolidation of reserve squadrons. Nearly all the operational activity at South Weymouth was basic proficiency flying. The annual active duty training was done at places like NAS Oceana or MCAS Yuma and emphasized ordnance delivery, aerial refueling, and other skills that couldn't be practiced at home. No VA-911 or VA912 pilots were carrier qualified, and it was not part of the active duty train-

65

Above, NAS South Weymouth-based A-4B 142940 in flight. (USN via Jim Burridge) Below, A-4B 142726 at NAS Los Alamitos on 28 August 1965. Note painted-over 7R indicates this Bravo was assigned to NAS New York previously. (Steve Kraus via Norm Taylor)

ing. VMF-217 and VMF-322 were distinguished WWII Corsair squadrons wh ich were reestablished after the war at NRAF Squantum as Marine reserve squadrons. They shared FG10s and F4U-4s with six Navy reserve VF and VA squadrons and moved to NAS South Weymouth in Oecember 1953. They transitioned to F9F-6 Cougars in 1955, were redesignated as VMA squadrons in 1958, and switched to FJ-3 Furies in 1959.

Above, South Weymouth A-4B 144878 at NAS Los Alamitos, CA, on 28 August 1965. (Steve Kraus via Norm Taylor) Below, A-4B 142765 at NAS North Island, CA, on 28 January 1967. (Larry Smalley via William Swisher) Bottom, A-4B 142819 in September 1969. (A. Hafter via Norm Taylor)

In 1962, they transitioned to the A48, which they shared with VA-911 and VA-912. In 1964, VMA-217 was disestablished . VMA-322 received the A-4C in 1970 and became the only South Weymouth A-4 operator in 1971 when VA-21 0, the successor

66

to VA-911 and VA-912 , was disestablished . With the reorganization of the reserves VMA-322 adopted the "QR" tail code it utilized until it's disestablishment in 1992, ending thirty years of Skyhawks at South Weymouth .

[ __-------------NA-S---T-W-I-N--C-IT-IE-S--{7-E->-,V-A---81-1-'_8_1_3____________~

Above, NAS Twin Cities, MN, A-4B 144956 trom VA-811 in 1964. Tail, nose and outer wings were da-glo red. (Paul Ludwig) Below, A-4B 142910 at NAS Dallas, TX, on 27 March 1965 has a large NAS Twin Cities insignia painted on the tuselage side. (Norm Taylor) Bottom, A-4B 142846 at Yuma, AZ, in July 1965. (via Taylor)

67

NAS TWIN eiTlES Above, South Weymouth A-4 flight line on 26 July 1969 with A-4B 144903 in the foreground. (Charles B. Mayer via Fred Roos) At lett, A-4A 142222 at Minneapolis, MN , in 1967. (Jim Burridge) Below, A-4Bs 142897 and 145031 on 26 July 1969. (Charles B. Mayer via Fred Roos) Bottom, TA-4B 142125 at NAS Twin Cities on 26 July 1969. (Charles B. Mayer via Fred Roos)

68

AIRFIX 1n2 SCALE A4D SKYHAWK Model by Lloyd Jones Winner of the worst A-4 kit of all times! The Airfix Skyhawk dates back to the early '50s and most everything about it is inaccurate and virtually unfixable.

It has been re-issued on many occasions both in bagged and boxed offerings. An Airfix boxtop and a USAIRFIX boxtop are shown at right. The model below is as good as it can get with this kit. It was built many, many years aga by Lloyd Jones of Scale Master decal fame . It was decalled as a Skyhawk from VA-34 and converted to an A4D-2 by adding a refueling probe and the addition of a tadpole rudder. He also reworked the wings to include slats and tinted the canopy. Below, the Airfix kit resurrected as a Starfax kit in the '90s.

69

FUJIMI 1n2 SCALE A-4B SKYHAWK Fujimi made a whole series of Skyhawk kits fram A-4B through A4M. The forward fuselage from the intakes forward was different in each kit. The fit of this forward fuselage section was difficult, but the kit was a good build overall. Optional position speed brakes are provided and , best of all , extended slats. The kit includes two wing-mounted Bullpups and the choice of three drap tanks. Decals are provided for A-4B 144954 fram VA152 "Mavericks" or for an Argentine Navy A-4Q .

LINDBERG 1/48 SCALE A4D SKYHAWK KIT

Model by Mike Castro

Typical early '50s model , inaccurate , crude, but fun . The kit was modeled fram terribly flawed provisional plans of the prototype wh ich were printed in many of the aviation and modeling magazines of the day. The kit came with eight 5-inch rackets , a common denominator for all Lindberg jet models of the period . It also had a jet engine and a trap door which could be opened to view it. The kit has been reissued many times in many different boxes , inciuding a Blue Angels version. This model was ' painted in silver with da-glo red tail stripe and nose prabe.

70

1/48 SCALE HOBBY CRAFT A-4B SKYHAWK KIT Model by Lee Reinitz

The Hobby Craft A-4B kit is marketed as a Falklands fighter and includes a choice of six decals for Argentine aircraft and one Singapore A-4B. It also includes a choice of two 300 gallon wing tanks, twelve 250 pound bombs, two 750 pound bombs and two Sidewinder missiles . Lee finished the kit to represent one of the A-4Bs I worked on while assigned to the VA/VF line at NAS Los Alamitos, CA, prior to receiving my commission. This is fitting , as on one fine Saturday morning I was tasked at defueling and prepping six of our birds for shipment to a rework facility, from wh ich they found their way to Argentina.

1/200 SCALE HBM MODELS SKVHAWK KIT Models by Tom Healy

The 1/200 scale began in the mid-1930s in Germany as cast resin "Wiking" models, and in England as cast metal "Dinky Toys". They were used during WWII , and later as NATO "spotter" models , has making these collector's items. A number of producers of 1/200 models are in business supplying raw castings and finished models to collectors and builders. Contact HBM Models, Professor Ron Crawford , P.O. Box 23 , North Ferrisburgh , VT, 05473 , USA, for information about 1/200 model and decal suppliers worldwide.

__ .·::-'~.ll~';:·3~_-

through A-4Y, by making minor alterations. For this A-4A/B book, I finished two HBM #162 kits. The first is an A4D-1 of VA-34 "Blue Blasters" from 1957. I removed the refueling probe and shortened the nose. The second

HBM Models has 2 resin Skyhawks available, #162 Douglas A4C and #163 Douglas A-4F (with humpback). Both have the straight refueling probe, as a metal wire. These two allow the whole range of A-4s to be modeled , from A4D-1 71

model is finished as the A-4B that is presently on the USS Intrepid Museum in New York. It represents an A-4B of VA-66 that operated from the USS Intrepid in the early '60s. To create an A-4B from the A-4C kit requires that the nose be shortened by .08 inch.

REVELL 1/48 SCALE A4D SKYHAWK KIT Model by Wayne Morris

The Revell A4D kit appeared in at least three different boxes as seen at right. The earliest box is seen in the middle and is the model built here. The early '50s Revell kits were much like the Lindberg kits in regards to inacuracies, but were always marketed with exciting box art.

fAMOUS AIRCRAfT SERIES wtth PICnJRE BOX TOP

FOR YOII TO fRAME!

The kit came with a belly tank and decal placement was not a problem as their location was marked by raised plastic in the size and shape of the decals. Of course this made it difficult for the decals to adhere smoothIy. This kit had belly tank shackles added and a wire tailhook was created and mounted in the down position pushing the model forward onto its nose gear.

MISSING LINKS RESIN 1/48 SCALE A-48 CONVERSION KIT

Model above by Steve Albright

This kit was built in 1995 from the combination of a Monogram A-4F kit and Missing Links resin nose and intake covers. The nose seemed too long and pointed in my opinion , so I sanded off the tip and rounded it off with sandpaper. There were no surface details so I had to scribe in some panel lines. The intakes went on very ' weil with little gap filling . Decals came from the spares box.

72

PERFORMANCE SUMMARY TAKE-OFF LOADlNG CONDlTlON

A-4A

-;rAT
'.

TAKE-OFF LOADING CONDITION

A-4B

Lb TAK}}-OFF WEIGHT Fue1 internal/external lJP-5) Ib. /lb. 1b. Pav10ad 1b./sq.ft. Winp; 1oadinp; 1m. Stall sDeed - power-off ft. Take-off run at S. L. - calm (A.l Take-off run at S.L. 25 kn. windtA.) ft. Take-off to clear 50 ft. - calm (~ft. tBl kn. /ft. Max. speed/alt i tude IRl fom Rate of climb at S. L. min. Time: S.L. to 20,000 ft. IBl (B) min. Time: S. L. to 30 000 ft. ft. Service ceiling (100 fpm) (Bl n.mi. Combat range 1m. Average cruising speed ft. Crui B ing al t i tude( sl Combat radiUS/mission tiIre[Cl{D) n.mi.lhr. kn. Average cruising speed IFR-Buddv refuel. -rad. /miss . tirre n.mi. /hr. IFR(30 000 ') fuel transf. / dist. out Ib / n . mi.

(1 ) LOW ALT. mACK 1-1050 LB. STORE 2-1 50 GAl.EXT. TANKS

18.128 5440/2040 1050 697 121 ~~Q5

1525 3840 545/6C(X) 6740 3.9 7.1 38.500 1298 410 33 l CO-40 7CO 552/2.8 410 f'(x)/3.0 (2) TANKS OFF STORE RETA I NEO

15 876 MILITARY FULL IN'lERNAL 566/ .86/S.L 84CO/S.L 40800 5850 558/ . 89 566/ .86/S.L. 516/.89 10 548 1162 90.9/86.7 25203235

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LEVEL STORE OELIVERY 1-1050 LB. STORE 2-150 GAL.EXT.l;ANKS

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F.Pl!,{) ~9

7.0 ~FL 100 ' 1~4R

405 33 100-40 600

(3) SEA LEVE L STORE OE LI VERY 1-1050 LB. STORE .2-150 GAL.EXT.TANKS

18 .128 5440/2040 1050 69 .7 121 2305 l525 3840 545/6c(x) _6740 3.9 7.1 38.500 1298 410 33 l CO-40 7CO 394/2.0 410 i'ffi/?O (ij) TANKS OFF STORE RELEASED

14 826 MILITARY . FULL INTERNAL 577 /.87/S .1. 9350/S.L 42.4fD 6620 566/.90 5771 87/S.L 525/.91 10.548 1162 90.9/86.7 25203235

~~EA

LEVEL STORE OEL I VERY 1-2025 LB. STORE 2-300 GAL.EXT. TANKS

21469 5440/4080 2025 82.6 132 3745 2610 5790 !').')O /11 . 000 Pllfil 5.0 9.8 :>4,'.100 1448 400 29 700-38 900

~79/?.0

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400 917/4.6 4o!'{)/4F.Cl

714;13.6 ~'I 90/407

(2) TANKS OFF

COMBAT LOADING CONDITION STORE RETA I NEO Ib. COMBAT WEIGHT \ 16.014' Engine power MILITARY 1b. FULL !NrERNAL Fue1 Combat speed/combat a1titude kn./M/ft. 562/. 85/8.L. Rate of climb/combat altitude fpm/ft. 82ÖO/S. L. 40~ 400 ft. Combat cei1inp; (500 fpm) fpm A200 Rate of c1imb at S.L. Im/rn. Max. speed at S. L. 562/.85 kn.jM/ft. 562/.85/2000 Max. speed/alt i tude Pl14·I.R9 M9.x. soeed at 35.000 ft kn. /M Ib. .10.'690 LANDTNG WEI GIlT 1b. 1166 Fuel Stall speed -power-off/appr. pwr. 1m. / 1m. 91. 5/87.3 Oist. -grn.d.. run/over 50ft. obstacle .ft. ft.' 2550/3265

0TAHKS OFF · STORE RELEASEO

14'. 964' MTT.T'T'ARY FULL INI'ERNAL 574;1. 87/S. L. (9100/S.L. 42100 I 9100 '574:1.87

574'1.87/s.L 523/. Q1 10.794' 12'70 91. 9/87 7 ~"\P,('I"I~Q5

(51 SEA LEVEL STORE OE LI VERY 1-2025 LB. STORE

16.851 5440/ 2025 64 .fl 115 :1975 1285 3330 565/8 L. 78CO 3.3 5.fl 40.450 847 405 34.400-39 3CO 165/0 8 410 37f,Il.Q (6) STORE RETA I NEO

14 675 MILITARY 6~ IN'lERNAl 565/ .fl5/S.! 9145/S.L 42350 6400 557/ . 89 5651 .85/S. I. 5181 90 10445 1059 90.5/86.3 ~4\!U/

\Q~5.000

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'STORE DELIVERY 3-BIlLLPUP MISSILES

17 203 5440/NCNE 1650 66.2 118 2045 1325 3415 fl29/1 7.000

(7) SEA LE VE L STORE OEL IVERY 1-3500 LB. STORE 2-150 GAL.EXT. TANKS

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ALT.ATTACK 3'-ZUN I ROCKET PACKAGES

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5..8 40. M,O 847 405 34 4CO-39 300 165/0.8 410 :>.7F,/1..9.. (10) STORES RETAINEO

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