VA-144 |
Point of Contact = Squadron Duty Officer (SDO). See FAQ/Research/Contact link under [SA] in the menu. |
 This page is posthumously dedicated to: LTJG John. V. "Mac" McCormick, USN.
Lieutenant "Mac" McCormick and "Purp" Purpura (brown shirt) in the VA-144 ready room. LT(jg) John. V. "Mac" McCormick
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 VA-116 Roadrunners Det NAS Atsugi 1957 |
 VA-116 Roadrunners USS Hancock - 1957 |
 VA-116 Roadrunners |
 VA-144 Roadrunners 1959-1972 From Bob Evans |
 VA-144 Roadrunner Lemoore |
 CVG-14 USS Oriskany 1960 |
 Unofficial VA-144 Patch - 1964 Patch from Frank Purpura |
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Patch December 1955 - Attack Squadron ONE HUNDRED SIXTEEN (VA-116) created the Electron Lightning Bolt patch. February 1959 - When VA-116 was re-designated VA-144 it continued using the Electron Lightning Bolt patch - modifying only the banner designation. 1964 - Road Runner pilots were wearing an unofficial Scooter patch on their flight jackets. |
Sources David Weber George Everding Frank Purpura |
| Handle
1960? - 1971 Road RunnersHeritage December 1, 1955 - Attack Squadron ONE HUNDRED SIXTEEN (VA-116) established. February 23, 1959 - VA-116 was re-designated Attack Squadron ONE HUNDRED FORTY FOUR (VA-144). January 29, 1971 - Attack Squadron ONE HUNDRED FORTY FOUR (VA-144) disestablished. |
Home Ports
Date - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Location: December 1, 1955 - - - Naval Air Station Miramar, California. May 1962 - - - - - - - Naval Air Station Lemoore, California. |
| Aircraft
Date Type First Received - - - - - - Type of Aircraft: December 1955 - - - - - - Vought F7U-3M (Gutless) Cutlass. October 15, 1957- - - - - North American FJ-4B Fury. June 6, 1962: - - - - - - Douglas A4D-2N (A-4C) Skyhawk * July 3, 1967: - - - - - - Douglas A-4D-5 (A-4E) Skyhawk * January 18, 1968: - - - - Douglas A4D-2 (A-4B) Skyhawk * July 10, 1968 - - - - - - Douglas TA-4F Skyhawk November 12, 1969 - - - - Douglas A-4F Skyhawk * November 30, 1962 A4D-2 designation was changed to A-4B A4D-2N designation was changed to A-4C A4D-5 designation was changed to A-4E For A-4 Skyhawk aircraft assigned to this unit see lower in this page: |
Air Wings
Date - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Tail code - - - - - - - - - Air Wing April 1, 1958 - - - - - - NK - - - - - - CVG-14/CVW-14† June 1, 1965 - - - - -- - NF - - - - - - CVW-5 September 15, 1966 - -- - NH - - - - - - CVW-11 November 1, 1968 - - -- - NF - - - - - - CVW-5 * July 24 1956 the tail code W was assigned to ATG-2 and changed to NB July 1, 1957. December 20, 1963 - CVG-14 was re-designated CVW-14 when Carrier Air Group (CVG) designations were re-designated Carrier Air Wings (CVW). CVG 14 patch from Frank Purpura. |
| Deployments
Departure & Return - - - - - - - - Air Wing - Carrier - Aircraft - - Area of Operations: 04-06-57 to 09-18-57 - - ATG-02 - CVA 19 - F7U-3M -- WestPac 01-03-59 to 07-07-59 - - CVG-14 - CVA 61 - FJ-4B - - WestPac 05-14-60 to 12-15-60 - - CVG-14 - CVA 34 - FJ-4B - - WestPac
11-09-61 to 05-12-62 - - CVG-14 - CVA 16 - FJ-4B - - WestPac 02-21-63 to 09-10-63 - - CVG-14 - CVA 64 - A-4C - -- WestPac 05-05-64 to 02-01-65 - - CVW-14 - CVA 64 - A-4C - -- WestPac/Vietnam 09-28-65 to 05-13-66 - - CVW-05 - CVA 14 - A-4C - -- WestPac/Vietnam 11-05-66 to 06-19-67 - - CVW-11 - CVA 63 - A-4C - -- WestPac/Vietnam 11-18-67 to 06-28-68 - - CVW-11 - CVA 63 - A-4E - -- WestPac/Vietnam 03-18-69 to 10-29-69 - - CVW-05 - CVA 31 - A-4E - -- WestPac/Vietnam 04-02-70 to 11-12-70 - - CVW-05 - CVA 31 - A-4F - -- WestPac/Vietnam Patches from George Everding |
Commanding Officers
Date Assumed Command - - - - - - - Commanding Officer December 1, 1955 - - - - - - CDR J. L. Callis October 10, 1957 - - - - - - CDR Ralph H. Beatle August 29, 1958 - - -- - - - CDR James Ritchie August 12, 1959 - - -- - - - CDR Carl B. Tanner, Jr. December 10, 1960 - -- - - - CDR Rowland G. Freeman III October 12, 1961 - - - - - - CDR Jerome S. Roth January 2, 1963 - - -- - - - CDR Harry S. Sellers December 6, 1963 - - - - - - CDR Donald B. Bolstad January 2, 1965 - - -- - - - CDR Robert P. Nottingham November 4, 1965 - - - - - - CDR David B. Miller September 14, 1966 - - - - - CDR J. Richard Powell, Jr. July 28, 1967 - - - -- - - - CDR Gary H. Palmer July 26, 1968 - - - -- - - - CDR William H. Robinson, Jr. July 17, 1969 - - - -- - - - CDR Donald Hull-Ryde July 1, 1970 - - - - - - - - CDR Galen B. Allen |
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Awards NAVE: 01 Jul 1960 to 30 Jun 1961
PUC: 23 Dec 1967 to 01 Jun 1968
MUC: 18 Apr 1969 to 08 Oct 1969 02 May 1970 to 20 Oct 1970
NUC: 02 Aug 1964 to 05 Aug 1964
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AFEM: 29 Jun 1969 07 Jul 1969 to 13 Jul 1969 24 Jul 1969 03 Sep 1969 13 Sep 1969 to 14 Sep 1969
VNSM: 04 Nov 1965 to 22 Apr 1966 03 Dec 1966 to 03 Jan 1967 02 Mar 1967 to 28 Mar 1967 12 Apr 1967 to 28 Apr 1967 08 May 1967 to 23 May 1967 04 Mar 1968 to 27 Mar 1968 12 Apr 1968 to 01 May 1968 13 May 1968 to 01 Jun 1968 27 Jan 1969 to 01 Mar 1969 12 Mar 1969 to 05 Apr 1969 17 Apr 1969 to 18 May 1969 04 Jun 1969 to 26 Jul 1969 31 Jul 1969 to 01 Sep 1969 23 Sep 1969 to 09 Oct 1969 02 May 1970 to 26 May 1970 01 Jun 1970 to 14 Jun 1970 10 Jul 1970 to 29 Jul 1970 17 Aug 1970 to 03 Sep 1970 11 Sep 1970 to 12 Sep 1970 26 Sep 1970 to 21 Oct 1970 |
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Events December 1, 1955: Attack Squadron ONE HUNDRED SIXTEEN (VA-116) established at Naval Air Station Miramar, near San Diego, California. VA-116 was assigned the Vought F7U-3M (Gutless) Cutlass. September 1957: VA-116 embarked in USS Hancock (CVA 19), was stationed off the coast of Taiwan due to a build-up of Chinese Communist forces on the mainland opposite Taiwan. October 15, 1957: VA-116 was assigned the North American FJ-4B Fury. May 26 through August 18, 1958: VA-116 was embarked in USS Ranger (CVA 61) during its transit from the east coast, via South America, to Ranger's new Naval Air Station Alameda home port. February 23, 1959: VA-116 was re-designated Attack Squadron ONE HUNDRED FORTY FOUR (VA-144). July 1959: The VA-144 Road Runners, embarked in USS Ranger (CVA 61), maintained station off the coast of Taiwan due to increased tension between Taiwan and Communist China. May 1962 June 4, 1962: VA-144 is assigned the Douglas A4D-2N (A-4C) Skyhawk. May 5, 1964, to February 1, 1965: VA-144 Road Runners flying the A-4C Skyhawk with CVW-14 embarked on USS Constellation CVA 64 for the first of six Vietnam combat cruises. June through November 1964: VA-144 Road Runners participated in Yankee Team Operations. These operations involved support for photo reconnaissance missions over Laos. During these operations, the squadron was the first operational unit to fly with and drop the Snakeye weapon. August 4, 1964: VA-144 flew night sorties in support of the American destroyers, Turner Joy (DD 951) and Maddox (DD 731), following their harassment by North Vietnamese Motor Torpedo Boats in the Gulf of Tonkin. August 5, 1964: VA-144 participated in Operation Pierce Arrow, air strikes against North Vietnamese torpedo boats, their bases and supporting facilities in retaliation for the attacks on the American destroyers the previous day. Strikes were flown against the North Vietnamese homeport of Hon Gay and the naval craft located there. During this engagement LT.(jg) Everett Alvarez's A-4C Skyhawk BuNo. 149578, side number NK 411, was hit by antiaircraft fire and Lt. Alvarez was forced to eject. A rescue attempt failed, and the North Vietnamese captured him. Lieutenant Alvarez became the first American naval prisoner-of-war of the Vietnam War and was held by the North Vietnamese until 1973. August 16, 1965: Cdr. Charles H. Peters, VA-144 XO from NAS Lemoore ejected safely and was rescued by the destroyer USS Wadsworth after 5 hours in the sea. His A4C (BuNo 149561) Skyhawk, operating from the USS Ticonderoga, crashed 66 miles south of San Diego Monday night. Reno Evening Gazette, Tuesday, August 17, 1965 and The Daily Review, Wednesday, August 18, 1965. September 28, 1965, to May 13, 1966: The VA-144 Road Runners flying the A-4C Skyhawk with CVW-5 embarked on USS Ticonderoga CVA-14 for the Roadrunners second combat cruise to Vietnam. December 1, 1965: Lt(jg) John Vern McCormick United States Navy, flying A-4C Skyhawk BuNo. 149560, side number NF 547, was shot down by AAA anti-aircraft fire over North Vietnam. Lieutenant McCormick was Killed-In-Action. February 9, 1966: Cdr. Jack L. Snyder ejected and was rescued by a Navy SAR helicopter from the USS England after a SA-2 missile exploded near his Skyhawk (BuNo 149557, NF 546) at 500 feet and riddled it with shrapnel causing hydraulic failure and fire that caused the tail to break off seconds after he ejected. February 14, 1966: Lt.(jg) J.C. Durham ejected and was rescued by a USMC helicopter 20 miles off the coast when the engine of A-4C Skyhawk BuNo 149552, NF 543, eventually failed after pulling off a target in southern Laos. From my book, 'Broken Arrow': On a Steel Tiger mission somewhere over Laos, Jere Durham of VA-144 was hit by ground fire. His A-4C’s engine temperature kept increasing but was still producing thrust. Durham attempted to land at Da Nang but was thwarted by worsening weather. He headed out to sea and ejected from Roadrunner 543 twenty miles off the coast where he was rescued by a Marine Corps helicopter without apparent injuries. Jim Winchester. March 20, 1966: Lt(jg). Jerald Lee Pinneker (A-4C Skyhawk BuNo 145081, NF-553) was killed when after dropping napalm (2nd pass) on a VC troop concentration in the Mekong Delta he flew into several trees and his aircraft exploded. November 5, 1966, to June 19, 1967: The VA-144 Road Runners flying the A-4C Skyhawk with CVW-11 embarked on USS Kitty Hawk CVA 63 for their third combat cruise to Vietnam. December 21, 1966: Lt.(jg). Danny Elloy Glenn ejected and was captured after his Skyhawk (BuNo 148507, NH 303) was hit by AAA about 15 miles W of Mu Ron Ma while flying an armed reconnaissance mission. August 26, 1967: LCdr. Louis D. Keil, a member of VA-144, was killed last Saturday when his A-4E Skyhawk (BuNo 151081) crashed while on an operational training mission at Fallon, NV. Keil came to Lemoore from the Naval Post Graduate School at Monterey. The Hanford Sentinel, Thursday, August 31, 1967. - LCdr. Louis D. Keil, age 33, was killed in a plane crash at Fallon Air Base in NV around 8 o'clock Saturday morning. LCdr. Keil was a career officer and served as a pilot on the USS Kitty Hawk. He had just returned from Vietnam in June and was scheduled to return in the fall. He was on a special two-week training mission when his dive bomber crashed. The Mitchell Tribune, August 31, 1967. November 18, 1967 to June 28, 1968: The VA-144 Road Runners flying the Douglas A-4E Skyhawk with CVW-11 embarked on USS Kitty Hawk CVA 63 for their fourth combat cruise to Vietnam. November 22, 1967: LCdr. Virgil J. Lamaura, 30, was lost at sea Thur. when his A4 Skyhawk plunged into the ocean just after launch from the carrier Kitty Hawk operating 400 miles east of HI. Pacific Stars & Stripes, Monday, November 27, 1967. 0636 (hours) While launching aircraft an A-4 from VA-144, side number 306 Bureau# 151199 piloted by LCDR V.J. Lamaura flew into the water 2 miles off the port bow at position 24-28.5N 150-06.3W. 0645 USS Prichett (DD-561) searching for pilot. 0704 USS Prichett recovered 1 pilot logbook and wallet belonging to LCDR Lamaura. Pilot lost at sea. USS Kitty Hawk deck log, Wednesday, 22 November 1967. December 20, 1967: Cdrs. J. R. Powell, Jr. and R. C. Bos were awarded the Silver Star for planning and leading a successful strike against the heavily defended Haiphong Thermal Power Plant (west). January 5, 1968: Cdr. Robert James Schweitzer flying A-4E Skyhawk BuNo 152074, NH 304, was leading an Iron Hand mission against a SAM site just to the west of Haiphong and was hit by 37mm flak just as the last aircraft had dropped its bombs. His aircraft suffered complete electrical and hydraulic failure and he ejected close to Haiphong and was captured. January 29, 1968: Lt(jg). J.D. Gingiss had a fire in the cockpit and ejected safely from VA-144 Nbr. 303 BuNo 151055 at 1301. 1320 pilot recovered by helo and returned to ship in good health. USS Kitty Hawk deck log, 29 January 1968. March 13, 1968: Lt. R.E. Curtis ejected safely when his Skyhawk (BuNo 152088, NH 300) was hit by automatic weapons fire on his 3rd strafing run attacking a location on Route 9 about 20 miles west of Khe San. The engine began to vibrate as it lost power and he ejected a few miles south of the target and was rescued by USAF HH‑3E. April 24, 1968: VA-144's aircraft participated in a strike against the Kep Airfield, the first time the airfield was hit during the air war over North Vietnam. April 27, 1968: LCdr. Robert Saavedra, flying A-4E Skyhawk BuNo 151070, NH 303) was killed while strafing a number of trucks on a road 30 miles south of Vinh. Thirty seconds after rolling in his wingman saw a large fireball near the road and it could not be determined if LCdr. Saaverda had been shot down or flew into the ground. March 7, 1969: LCdr. H. Ross Wees Jr., 34, was killed Friday when the A-4 Skyhawk (BuNo 152094) he was piloting collided with an A-7 Corsair (VA-122 BuNo 153476) over CA. He had been stationed at NAS Lemoore and had been recalled to active duty in December 1967. His body was found In the plane's wreckage near Huron, Calif. The other pilot reportedly parachuted to safety. Bedford Gazette, Bedford, PA., Tuesday, March 11, 1969. March 18, 1969 to October 29, 1969: The Road Runners flying the Douglas A-4E Skyhawk with CVW-5 embarked on USS Bon Homme Richard CVA 31 for their fifth combat cruise to Vietnam. June 22, 1969: Lt(jg). Leland Charles Cooke Sage led his wingman on a night Steel Tiger strike near Ban Soppeng, 15 miles west of Mu Gia Pass, under control of an FAC. He didn't drop any bombs on his 1st attempt and on his 2nd attempt rolled in from 11,000 feet and reported that he would egress to the left of the target. Two FAC's in the area saw him dive towards the target in a straight line until his Skyhawk (BuNo 152029, NF 503) exploded on the ground near the target. Although he may have been hit there was a strong possibility that he became preoccupied and flew into the ground. August 10, 1969: Lt. William Emil Mickelson, Jr. was killed when his aircraft crashed into the fantail during his landing approach. The crash sprayed aircraft parts about the carrier's flight deck and fantail injuring several people. The belly fuel tank ruptured and ignited, but was brought under control by the shipboard damage control fire fighters. 2112 (hours) A-4E BuNo 151131, side No. 510 of VA-144, pilot William E. Michelson Jr., crashed into the fantail at longitude 107-22.8E, latitude 59N and apparently sank in 225 feet of water. Detailed the USS Gurke to search for the pilot. 2114 Fire on the flight deck, port side aft of fueling spaces fwd. of the LSO platform. 2116 Fire is out. 2203 Ceased operating aircraft. USS Bon Homme Richard deck log, 10 August 1969. August 13, 1969: Lt. W. "Bill" H. Easterlin was rescued after VA-144 A-4E BuNo 152003 crashed into the sea off the starboard bow at latitude 18-00N longitude 107-17.8E and sank in 245 feet of water at 1932 hours. 1935 Pilot recovered by helicopter and returned on board this ship. Pilot was unharmed. USS Bon Homme Richard log book, 13 August 1969. The A-4E was launched on a bombing mission from the starboard catapult set for a gross weight of 23,000 pounds for an end speed of 141 knots. Witnesses noted a definite decrease in engine RPM as the A-4 proceeded down the catapult. Off the end with 14 knots excess end speed they also noted a possible over-rotation. The A-4E encountered immediate buffet and began to settle. Seven to ten seconds later, as the stricken A-4E reached 20 feet above the water, the pilot initiated ejection on the air boss' call. NAN, Pettibone, September 1970. April 2, 1970 to November 12, 1970: The VA-144 Road Runners flying the Douglas A-4F Skyhawk with CVW-5 embarked on USS Bon Homme Richard CVA 31 for their sixth combat cruise to Vietnam. June 7, 1970: Lt. Jim Speed VA-144 No. 514 A-4F Skyhawk BuNo. 154215 reported in the water at 1200 hours. Detached Helo and the Small (DD-838) to investigate area bearing 170 deg. CT, 25 miles. At 1214 pilot was on board helo. 1253 The Small reported recovering pilots life raft. No other debris located. USS Bon Homme Richard deck log, Sunday, 7 June, 1970 January 29, 1971: Attack Squadron ONE HUNDRED FORTY FOUR (VA-144) disestablished. |
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Unit Photos 1963: Road Runner Skyhawks BuNo 149560, BuNo 149574, BuNo 149578, NK-413, BuNo 149552, NK-403, BuNo 149576 and Blue Blazers Skyhawks BuNo 149568 & Bu No 149562 as they pass the USS Arizona Memorial. Naval Aviation News photo. 1962-1963 Road Runner Skyhawks Top to bottom: BuNo 149547, NK-401, BuNo 149551, NK-402, BuNo 149552, NK-403, and BuNo 149553, NK-404. Naval Aviation News photo. 1963: Road Runner Skyhawks BuNo 149552, NK-403, BuNo 149560, BuNo 149574, BuNo 149577 & BuNo 149578, NK-413 and Blue Diamonds Skyhawk BuNo 149554 as they pass the USS Arizona Memorial. Naval Aviation News photo. 1964: U.S.S. Constellation: unknown Roadrunners Skyhawk is prepared for launch from one of the Connies forward cats. Naval Aviation News photo. Circa 1964: USS Hassayampa (AO-145) refueling USS Constellation (CVA-64) to port; USS Richard B. Anderson (DD-786) to starboard. Aircraft on deck are from CVW-14 (NK) including VF-141 Iron Angels F-8E Crusaders, VF-143 Pukin Dogs F-4B Phantom IIs, VAH-10 Vikings A-3B Skywarriors, VA-144 Road Runners A-4C Skyhawks, VA-145 Swordsmen (-1H/J Skyraiders, VA-146 Blue Diamonds A-4C Skyhawks, VFP-63 Eyes of the Feet Det.F RF-8A Crusaders, VAW-11 Early Eleven Det.F E-1B Tracers, and HU-1 Fleet Angels Det.F UH-2B Seasprite. 1964?: VA-144 A-4C Skyhawk Flight of Four. A Road Runner four A-4C Skyhawk right echelon formation flies over Subic Bay, Philippines in 1964. Lead is the Skippers bird - A-4C Skyhawk BuNo. 149538 side number NK 400. Number two is A-4C Skyhawk BuNo. 149573 side number NK 409. Number three is A-4C Skyhawk BuNo. 149578 side number NK 411. Number four is A-4C Skyhawk BuNo. 147780 side number NK 412. USN photograph from Frank Purpura. 1964: VA-144 A-4C Skyhawk BuNo. 149574 NK 410. Road Runner A-4C Skyhawk BuNo. 149574 side number NK 410 was assigned to Lieutenant Junior Grade D. R. Edwards and Frank Purpura was the plane captain. This picture was taken August 1964 aboard United States Ship Constellation in the South China Sea close by Yankee Station. 1964: A-4C Skyhawk BuNo. 149574 NK 410. NK 410 basks in the Constellation hanger deck under the red lights used for night vision adaptation. Photographs by and from Frank Purpura. SEP 1964: VA-144 BuNo 149553 at Da Nang. Right side view of VA-144 Roadrunners A-4C Skyhawk BuNo 149553, NK-404, from the USS Constellation taxiing at DaNang, RVN, September 1964. Kaman H-43 Huskie in-flight in the background. Photographer is unknown, from Gary Verver. 1964: VA-144 A-4C Skyhawk BuNo. 149561. A couple of A-4C Skyhawks are pictured on the United States Ship Constellation elevator. VA-144 Skyhawk BuNo. 149561 and side number NK 408 shares the elevator with VA-146 A-4C Skyhawk BuNo. 149582 and side number NK 601. On this 1964 - 1965 Vietnam cruise VA-144 pilot LTJG Ev Alverez was shot down and taken prisoner. VA-146 lost an A-4C on 11/13/64 but the pilot was recovered. USN photograph from James C. Ritchie. U.S.S. Kitty Hawk: Roadrunners Skyhawk BuNo 149532, NH-312, as the deck crew moves 312 onto the cat. Unknown photographer via W. Mutza. 1965-1966: USS Ticonderoga Skyhawks and Skywarrior, L-r: VA-144 Roadrunners A-4C Skyhawk BuNo 149579, NF-545, and A-4C BuNo 149555, NF-542, VA-56 Champions A-4E Skyhawk BuNo 14997x, NF-474, NF-464 and NF-468, VAH-4 KA-3B Skywarrior BuNo 142651, ZB-897. Official U.S. Navy photo. 1967: Left side view of VA-144 Roadrunners A-4C Skyhawk BuNo 149532, NH-312, aboard the USS Kitty Hawk, South China Sea. Copyright R.W. Harrison. 1967: SE Asia: Roadrunners Skyhawk BuNo 147739, NH-307, assigned to LCDR Dick Daniels parked on the ramp. Neil Schnieder. APR67 DaNang: Roadrunners Skyhawk BuNo 147739, NH-307, assigned to LCDR Dick Daniels parked on the ramp. Charles Burin. JUN67: NAN photo of CDR Dick Powell. 1967: Roadrunners Skyhawk BuNo 147689, NH-306, parked on the flight-line. Unknown photographer via W. Mutza. 1967 SE Asia: Roadrunners Skyhawk BuNo 148528, NH-301, assigned to CDR Dick Powell parked on the ramp. Neil Schnieder. 1966-67 Danang: Roadrunners Skyhawk BuNo 148558, NH-311, assigned to LT Lou Burton parked on the ramp. Tom Hanson. 1966-67 SE Asia: Roadrunners Skyhawk BuNo 148558, NH-311, assigned to LT Bob Maier parked on the ramp. Tom Hanson. 1968: USS Kitty Hawk (CVA-63) with aircraft from CVW-11 (NH) including VF-213 Black Lions F-4B Phantoms, VF-114 Aardvarks F-4B Phantoms, VA-75 Sunday Punchers A-6A and A-6B Intruders, VA-112 Bombing Broncos A-4C Skyhawks, VA-144 Roadrunners A-4E Skyhawks, RVAH-11 Checkertails RA-5C Vigilantes, VAW-114 E-2A Hawkeyes, VAH-4 Fourrunners Det 63 KA-3B Skywarriors, VAW-13 Zappers Det 63 EA-1F Skyraiders, and HC-1 Fleet Angels Det 63 UH-2C Seasprites, circa 1968. 1968: WestPac to Vietnam: unknown A-4E taxing to launch. Ray Powell. 1968: WestPac to Vietnam: VAH-4 KA-3B BuNo 138906, ZB-2, refueling VA-144 NH-311 with A-4E BuNo 150091, NH-314, in formation. Ray Powell. 1968 WestPac to Vietnam: formation of A-4Es over the Kitty Hawk. Ray Powell. 1968: WestPac to Vietnam: VA-144 A-4E BuNo152014, NH-301, with Shrikes & ZUNI pods at home - CVA-63, USS Kitty Hawk. Ray Powell. 1968: WestPac to Vietnam: NH-303 looking for the three wire aboard CVA-63, USS Kitty Hawk. Ray Powell. 1968: WestPac to Vietnam: NH-303 traps aboard CVA-63, USS Kitty Hawk. Note the unused "Shrike" and the "used" Zuni pods. Ray Powell. 1968: WestPac to Vietnam: bomb farm on the starboard side of the island USS Kitty Hawk, CVA-63. Bomb farm on the starboard side of the island. Ray Powell. 1968: WestPac to Vietnam: Ordies loading a 500 pound Snakeye (MK-82) on a VA-144 A-4E by hand. Ray Powell. 1968: VA-144 A-4E Skyhawks. Three VA-144 A-4E Skyhawks are pictured holding short of the Atsugi runway while performing the takeoff checklist. The Road Runners had flown to Naval Air Station Atsugi, Japan, while their carrier, United States Ship Kitty Hawk, was ported at Yokosuka, Japan. When Kitty Hawk departed April 8, 1968, for the Tonkin Gulf, the VA-144 Skyhawks flew out and trapped aboard enroute to Yankee Station. Pictured are A-4Es: BuNo. 151120, side number NH-302; BuNo. 152062, side number NH-310; and BuNo. 152094, side number NH-304. Also in the group holding short but not in the picture were BuNo. 152059, side number NH-307 and BuNo. 149987, side number NH-315. Photograph by and courtesy of Masaaki Hayakawa. 08 Apr 1968: Roadrunners Skyhawk BuNo 149987, NH-315, taxis by the photographer at Yokosuka, Japan. Photograph by and courtesy of Masaaki Hayakawa. 09 Jul 1968: Roadrunners Skyhawk BuNo 149987, approaches NAS Atsugi. Photograph by and courtesy of Masaaki Hayakawa. 09 Jul 1968: Roadrunners Skyhawk BuNo 150087 approaches the runway. Photograph by and courtesy of Masaaki Hayakawa. 09 Jul 1968: Roadrunners Skyhawk BuNo 150091 approaches the runway. Photograph by and courtesy of Masaaki Hayakawa. Circa 1969: Left rear view of VA-144 Roadrunners TA-4F Skyhawk BuNo 154321, NF-322, on the ramp, NAS Lemoore, circa 1969. Copyright R.W. Harrison. 1969: Roadrunners Tinker Tanker Skyhawk BuNo 151090, NF-502, tied down topside on the Bonnie Dick. LCDR Stan Thompson. 1969: Close-up nose & canopy view of Roadrunners Skyhawk BuNo 152039, NF-501, assigned to squadron CO, CDR Bill H. Robinson. Nick Williams. 1969: In-flight view of Roadrunners Skyhawk BuNo 154976, NF-511, configured as a tanker. Weldon Dunlap. 9 Feb 1969: BuNo 151990, NF-516, & LCDR Stan Thompson ready to launch. LCDR Stan Thompson. 23 March 1969: BuNo 152007, Warpaint 505, flown by LCDR Stan Thompson off Hawaii and above the Bonnie Dick during ORI. LCDR Stan Thompson. 09 May 1969: BuNo 152029, Warpaint 503, loaded with Mk-82 low drag bombs. LCDR Stan Thompson. 9 May 1969: BuNo 151176, Warpaint 514, returning from a strike into Laos. LCDR Stan Thompson. 14 May 1969: Roadrunners Tinker Tanker Skyhawk BuNo 151090, NF-502, off of South Vietnam. LCDR Stan Thompson. 14 May 1969: Roadrunners Skyhawk BuNo 151176, Warpaint 514, off of the South Vietnam coast configured with a pair of drop tanks. LCDR Stan Thompson. 14 May 1969: Another shot of Roadrunners Skyhawk BuNo 151176, Warpaint 514, off of the South Vietnam coast configured with a pair of drop tanks. LCDR Stan Thompson. June 1969: BuNo 151169, Warpaint 513, with Mk-82 retarded bombs enroute south of DMZ in Vietnam enroute Laos. LCDR Stan Thompson. June 1969: BuNo 151191, Warpaint 515, with escort Destroyer off Vietnam. LCDR Stan Thompson. 11 June 1969: BuNo 151176, Warpaint 514, and BuNo 152029, Warpaint 503, enroute Vietnam with Mk-82 delayed fuze bombs. LCDR Stan Thompson. 11 June 1969: BuNo 151176, Warpaint 514, and BuNo 152029, Warpaint 503, enroute Vietnam. LCDR Stan Thompson. 11 June 1969 BuNo 152029, Warpaint 503. LCDR Stan Thompson. 11 June 1969: In-flight right side view BuNo 152029, Warpaint 503 loaded with Mk-82 delay bombs and headed for Vietnam. LCDR Stan Thompson. 11 June 1969 BuNo 152029, Warpaint 503 dropping Mk-82 ordnance. LCDR Stan Thompson. 1969: Roadrunners Skyhawk BuNo 151176, Warpaint 514, with l-r: flare pod, Mk-82 500 lb. bombs, 450 gallon centerline tank & a Mk-4 20mm gun pod. LCDR Stan Thompson. 1969: BuNo 152013, Warpaint 506, loaded with Mk-82 bombs. LCDR Stan Thompson. 1969: BuNo 151112, Warpaint 507, flown by LT Randy Wise enroute to a target in Laos with Mk-82 low-drag bombs. LCDR Stan Thompson. 1969: BuNo 151112, Warpaint 507, assigned to LT Bob Wilson as Avionics works on equipment housed in the nose. LCDR Stan Thompson. 1969: Right side view of Roadrunners Skyhawk BuNo 151112, Warpaint 507, off of Okinawa. LCDR Stan Thompson. 1969: Right rear view BuNo 152013, Warpaint 506, loaded with Mk-82 bombs. LCDR Stan Thompson. 1969: Another right rear view BuNo 152013, Warpaint 506, loaded with Mk-82 bombs. LCDR Stan Thompson. 1969: Another right rear view BuNo 152013, Warpaint 506, loaded with Mk-82 bombs. LCDR Stan Thompson. 1069: Another right rear view BuNo 152013, Warpaint 506, loaded with Mk-82 bombs. LCDR Stan Thompson. JUL69: BuNo 151191, Warpaint 515, heading towards Okinawa. LCDR Stan Thompson. JUL69: BuNo 151191, Warpaint 515, turning towards Okinawa with 500 lb. practice bombs. LCDR Stan Thompson. JUL69: BuNo 151191, Warpaint 515, heading home after completing practice bombing runs over Okinawa. LCDR Stan Thompson. JUL69: BuNo 151191, Warpaint 515, over water near Okinawa. LCDR Stan JUL69: BuNo 151191, Warpaint 515, being re-spotted for the next launch. LCDR Stan Thompson. JUL69: Left side in-flight view of Roadrunners Skyhawk BuNo 151191, Warpaint 515, over the Okinawa country-side. LCDR Stan Thompson. JUL69: Left side in-flight view of Roadrunners Skyhawk BuNo 151191, Warpaint 515, off of Okinawa LCDR Stan Thompson. JUL69: BuNo 151191, Warpaint 515, over the beach off of Okinawa. LCDR Stan Thompson. JUL69: BuNo 151191, Warpaint 515, Okinawa to starboard. LCDR Stan Thompson. 1969: Another shot of BuNo 152013, Warpaint 506, piloted by LCDR Charles Rousseau coming back clean after it's bombing run.. LCDR Stan Thompson. JUL69: In-flight view of Roadrunners Skyhawk BuNo 151112, Warpaint 507, over Okinawa over Okinawa with a Walleye TV guided bomb on the centerline. Photo by LCDR Stan Thompson. JUL69: BuNo 151112, Warpaint 507, rolls away from the camera. Photo by LCDR Stan Thompson. JUL69: BuNo 151112, Warpaint 507, rolls away from the camera. Right side in flight view of Roadrunners Skyhawk BuNo 151112, Warpaint 507, over Okinawa with a Walleye TV guided bomb on the centerline. Photo by LCDR Stan Thompson. JUL69: BuNo 151112, Warpaint 507, from below and behind all clear of under-wing ordnance. Photo by LCDR Stan Thompson. JUL69: BuNo 151191, Warpaint 515, returning from a strike in Vietnam accompanied by two VA-22 Redcocks Skyhawks. Photo by LCDR Stan Thompson. 1969: BuNo 151191, Warpaint 515, heading towards a strike in Vietnam. Photo by LCDR Stan Thompson. 1969: BuNo 151191, Warpaint 515, and BuNo 151131, Warpaint 510, returning to the Bonnie Dick from a strike in Vietnam. Photo by LCDR Stan Thompson. 1969: Another shot of BuNo 151191, Warpaint 515, and BuNo 151131, Warpaint 510, returning to the Bonnie Dick from a strike in Vietnam. Photo by LCDR Stan Thompson. 11JUL69: BuNo 151176, Warpaint 514, returning to the Bonnie Dick from a Vietnam strike. Photo by LCDR Stan Thompson. 11JUL69: Left side in flight view of Roadrunners Skyhawks BuNo 151176, Warpaint 514, returning to the Bonnie Dick from a Vietnam strike. Photo by LCDR Stan Thompson. 11JUL69: Left side in flight view of Roadrunners Skyhawks BuNo 151176, Warpaint 514, returning to the Bonnie Dick from a Vietnam strike. Photo by LCDR Stan Thompson. 11JUL69: Left side in flight view of Roadrunners Skyhawks BuNo 151176, Warpaint 514, en-route to the Bonnie Dick during the 1969 Vietnam cruise. Photo by LCDR Stan Thompson. 31JUL69: BuNo 152013, Warpaint 506, BuNo 152029, Warpaint 503 & BuNo 151176, Warpaint 514 heading towards Vietnam. Photo by LCDR Stan Thompson. AUG69: BuNo 151131, Warpaint 510, joining up with LCDR Stan Thompson enroute to target in Vietnam. Photo by LCDR Stan Thompson. AUG69: Skyhawk BuNo 151131, Warpaint 510, returning from a strike in South Vietnam. Photo by LCDR Stan Thompson. AUG69: Left side in flight view of Roadrunners Skyhawk BuNo 151131, Warpaint 510, returning from a strike in South Vietnam. Photo by LCDR Stan Thompson. AUG69: BuNo 151131, Warpaint 510, returning from a strike in South Vietnam. Photo by LCDR Stan Thompson. AUG69: Another left side in flight view of Roadrunners Skyhawk BuNo 151131, Warpaint 510, returning from a strike in South Vietnam. Photo by LCDR Stan Thompson. 05AUG69: 5 Aug 1969 right side close-up view of Roadrunners Skyhawk BuNo 151990, Warpaint 503. Photo by LCDR Stan Thompson. 05AUG69: Right side in flight view of Roadrunners Skyhawks BuNo 151990, Warpaint 503, BuNo 152003, Warpaint 504 and BuNo 152007, Warpaint 505. Photo by LCDR Stan Thompson. 05AUG69: Warpaint 510, enroute to a strike in Laos with Mk-82 low drag bombs. Photo by LCDR Stan Thompson. 05AUG69: Another shot of BuNo 151131, Warpaint 510, enroute to a strike in Laos with Mk-82 low drag bombs. Photo by LCDR Stan Thompson. 07AUG69: Parking returning aircraft aboard the Bonnie Dick. Roadrunner Skyhawk BuNo 152039, Warpaint 501, forward and Mighty Shrike Skyhawk NF-412 at right. LCDR Stan Thompson. 07AUG69: Roadrunners & Mighty Shrikes Skyhawks parked forward after landing aboard the Bonnie Dick. Shrikes Skyhawk BuNo 151187, NF-410, in the foreground. LCDR Stan Thompson. 07AUG69: Mk-82 bombs without fuzes ready for loading aboard VA-144 Roadrunner Skyhawks. The elevator behind the bombs is used to bring them up to the flight deck. LCDR Stan Thompson. 08AUG69: In-flight approach view from Roadrunners Skyhawk BuNo 151990 piloted by LCDR Stan Thompson as he approaches a Skywarrior tanker. Photo by LCDR Stan Thompson. 08AUG69: BuNo 151131, Warpaint 510, flown by LCDR Charles Rousseau takes on fuel from VAQ-130 EKA-3B BuNo 142659, Robbie 615. LCDR Stan Thompson. 08AUG69: Another shot of BuNo 151131, Warpaint 510, flown by LCDR Charles Rousseau takes on fuel from VAQ-130 EKA-3B BuNo 142659, Robbie 615. LCDR Stan Thompson. 08AUG69: Another shot of BuNo 152013, Warpaint 506, piloted by LCDR Charles Rousseau. LCDR Stan Thompson. 08AUG69: Another shot of BuNo 152013, Warpaint 506, piloted by LCDR Charles Rousseau. LCDR Stan Thompson. 08AUG69: Another shot of BuNo 152013, Warpaint 506, piloted by LCDR Charles Rousseau. LCDR Stan Thompson. 08AUG69: Another shot of BuNo 152013, Warpaint 506, piloted by LCDR Charles Rousseau. LCDR Stan Thompson. 08AUG69: BuNo 152013, Warpaint 506, piloted by LCDR Charles Rousseau approaching Danang airfield. LCDR Stan Thompson. 08AUG69: BuNo 152013, Warpaint 506, piloted by LCDR Charles Rousseau approaching Danang airfield. LCDR Stan Thompson. 08AUG69: BuNo 152013, Warpaint 506, piloted by LCDR Charles Rousseau over flying Danang harbor. LCDR Stan Thompson. 08AUG69: BuNo 152013, Warpaint 506, piloted by LCDR Charles Rousseau over flying Danang harbor. LCDR Stan Thompson. 08AUG69: BuNo 152013, Warpaint 506, piloted by LCDR Charles Rousseau headed back to the Bonnie Dick. LCDR Stan Thompson. 08AUG69: BuNo 152013, Warpaint 506, piloted by LCDR Charles Rousseau headed back to the Bonnie Dick. LCDR Stan Thompson. 08AUG1969: BuNo 152013, Warpaint 506, loaded with Mk-82 bombs. LCDR Stan Thompson. 08AUG1969: Another view of BuNo 152013, Warpaint 506, loaded with Mk-82 bombs. LCDR Stan Thompson. 08AUG1969: Another view of BuNo 152013, Warpaint 506, loaded with Mk-82 bombs. LCDR Stan Thompson. 08AUG1969: BuNo 152013, Warpaint 506, loaded with low drag Mk-82 bombs and headed for South Vietnam traveling southerly along the coastline. LCDR Stan Thompson. 08AUG1969: BuNo 152013, Warpaint 506, piloted by LCDR Charles Rousseau commences its bombing run. LCDR Stan Thompson. 08AUG1969: BuNo 152013, Warpaint 506, piloted by LCDR Charles Rousseau coming back clean after it's bombing run. Photo by LCDR Stan Thompson in Warpaint 516. 08AUG1969: Another shot of BuNo 152013, Warpaint 506, piloted by LCDR Charles Rousseau. LCDR Stan Thompson. 1969: BuNo 151135, Warpaint 511, BuNo 152007, Warpaint 505 and BuNo 152013, Warpaint 506. LCDR Stan Thompson. 1969: BuNo 152039, Warpaint 501, hook, gear & flaps down & about to touch down on the Bonnie Dick. LCDR Stan Thompson. 1969: 1969 BuNo 151139, Warpaint 512, over haze off of Vietnam. LCDR Stan Thompson. 1969: 1969 BuNo 151139, Warpaint 512, returning to the Bonnie Dick. LCDR Stan Thompson. 1969: 1969 Skyhawk BuNo 151139, Warpaint 512, heading home to the Bonnie Dick after a strike in Vietnam. LCDR Stan Thompson. 1969: 1969 Roadrunners Skyhawk tanker refueling F-8J Crusaders off of Okinawa. LCDR Stan Thompson. 1969: Shot #1 of Roadrunners Skyhawk BuNo.151135, Warpaint 511, based aboard the USS Bon Homme Richard streaming the refueling drogue. Photo by LtCdr. Stan Thompson. 1969: Shot #2 of Roadrunners Skyhawk BuNo 151135, Warpaint 511, based aboard the USS Bon Homme Richard streaming the refueling drogue & holding steady as LtCdr. Thompson approaches. Photo by LtCdr. Stan Thompson. 1969: Shot #3 of Roadrunners Skyhawk BuNo 151135, Warpaint 511, based aboard the USS Bon Homme Richard streaming the refueling drogue & left side amber lite indicating ready to transfer fuel. Photo by LtCdr. Stan Thompson. 1969: Shot #4 of Roadrunners Skyhawk BuNo 151135, Warpaint 511, based aboard the USS Bon Homme Richard. Probe needs to be pushed in a little more and the green lite on the right side of the package will light indicating fuel transfer. Photo by LtCdr. Stan Thompson. 24 July 1969: A-4F Skyhawk BuNo. 151191. Pacific Ocean; an A-4E Skyhawk Attack Aircraft of Attack Squadron 144 (VA-144) in flight over Okinawa from CVA-31 U.S.S. Bon Homme Richard. Official U.S. Navy photo by LCDR S.P. Thompson, CVA-31 - Gary Verver Collection. 31 July 1969: BuNo 152013, Warpaint 506, BuNo 152029, Warpaint 503 & BuNo 151176, Warpaint 514 heading towards Vietnam. Photo by LCDR Stan Thompson. Aug. 1969: Roadrunners Skyhawk BuNo 151135, Warpaint 511, aboard the USS Bon Homme Richard. Pilot with helmet in-hand is Lt. Bob Wilson. Photo by LCDR Stan Thompson. 13 Aug 1969: In-flight view of Roadrunners Skyhawk BuNo 151990, Warpaint 503, flown by the XO, CDR Allen. Photo by LCDR Stan Thompson. 13 Aug 1969: Left rear in-flight view of Roadrunners Skyhawk BuNo 151990, Warpaint 503, flown by the XO, Cdr Allen, en-route to a South Vietnam target. Photo by LCDR Stan Thompson. 13 Aug 1969: BuNo 151990, Warpaint 503, flown by the XO, CDR Allen, over Tiger island enroute to a South Vietnam target. Photo by LCDR Stan Thompson. 1969: 1969 BuNo 152007, Warpaint 505, ready for ordnance to begin laoding for the evening strike. Photo by LCDR Stan Thompson. 1969: 1969 BuNo 152007, Warpaint 505, aboard the Bonnie Dick. Photo by LCDR Stan Thompson. 1969: BuNo 152007, Warpaint 505, aboard the Bonnie Dick. Steel Tiger strike. Photo by LCDR Stan Thompson. 1969: BuNo 152007, Warpaint 505, aboard the Bonnie Dick. Steel Tiger strike. Photo by LCDR Stan Thompson. 1969: BuNo 152007, Warpaint 505, assigned to LCDR Stan Thompson aboard the Bonnie Dick. Photo by LCDR Stan Thompson. 1969: BuNo 152007, Warpaint 505, with a flare pod, Mk-82 bombs and a Mk-4 20mm gun pod. Photo by LCDR Stan Thompson. 1969: Close-up right side view of Roadrunners Skyhawk BuNo 152007, Warpaint 505, with a flare pod, Mk-82 bombs and a Mk-4 20mm gun pod aboard the Bonnie Dick. Photo by LCDR Stan Thompson. 1969: Close-up right front view of Roadrunners Skyhawk BuNo 152007. Photo by LCDR Stan Thompson. 1969: Reloading ordnance aboard the Bonnie Dick. Roadrunners Skyhawks BuNo 152029, Warpaint 503, BuNo 151090, Warpaint 502 & BuNo 152003, Warpaint 504. Photo by LCDR Stan Thompson. 1969: Under-side in-flight view of Roadrunners Skyhawk BuNo 152013. The blue squares on the aft fuselage is a flare dispenser unit. Photo by LCDR Stan Thompson. 28SEP69" Roadrunners Skyhawk BuNo 151135, Warpaint 511, awaiting it's turn on the cat for a strike in Laos. Photo by LCDR Stan Thompson. Sept. 1969: Roadrunners Skyhawk BuNo 151135, Warpaint 511, awaiting it's turn on the cat for a strike in Laos. The F-8 that was on the cat has left the ship. Photo by LtCdr. Stan Thompson. 28 Sept 1969: BuNo 151990, Warpaint 503 waiting for LCDR Stan Thompson to man the aircraft for a strike in Vietnam. LCDR Stan Thompson. 28 Sept 1969: BuNo 151112, Warpaint 507, & Redcocks Skyhawks NF-310 & NF-311 pre-launch. VA-94 Shrikes XO CDR Z.J. Kowalskey in flight suit at left. Photo by LCDR Stan Thompson from BuNo.151990. 28 Sept 1969: BuNo 151112, Warpaint 507, enroute to a strike in Laos with Mk-82 bombs. Photo by LCDR Stan Thompson. 1969 BuNo 152003, Warpaint 504, over Tonkin Gulf with a load of Mk-82 retarded bombs enroute to Vietnam. LCDR Stan Thompson. 1969: BuNo 152003, Warpaint 504, with a load of Mk-82 500 lb. bombs enroute to Vietnam. LCDR Stan Thompson. 1969: BuNo 152003, Warpaint 504, with a load of Mk-82 500 lb. bombs approaching the Vietnam coastline. LCDR Stan Thompson. 1969: Left rear in flight view of Roadrunners Skyhawk BuNo 152003 Warpaint 504, with a load of Mk-82 500 lb. bombs en-route to Vietnam.. LCDR Stan Thompson. 1969: BuNo 152003 Warpaint 504, with a load of Mk-82 500 lb. LCDR Stan Thompson. 1969: Close-up view of Roadrunners mascot on Skyhawk BuNo 152003, aboard the Bonnie Dick. LCDR Stan Thompson. 1969: Roadrunners Skyhawk BuNo 152003, Warpaint 504, & BuNo 152007, Warpaint 505. LCDR Stan Thompson. 1969: BuNo 152003, Warpaint 504, & BuNo 152007, Warpaint 505, loaded with bombs and enroute to Vietnam. LCDR Stan Thompson. 1969: Upper left rear view of Roadrunners Skyhawk BuNo 152003, Warpaint 504, & BuNo 152007, Warpaint 505 loaded with bombs pass-by Tiger island en-route to Vietnam. LCDR Stan Thompson. 1969: Roadrunners Skyhawk BuNo 152003, Warpaint 504, & BuNo 152007, Warpaint 505, returning to the Bon Homme Richard. LCDR Stan Thompson. 1969: left side in-flight view of Roadrunners Skyhawk BuNo 152003, Warpaint 504, & BuNo 152007, Warpaint 505. LCDR Stan Thompson. 1969: Roadrunners Skyhawk BuNo 152003, Warpaint 504, & BuNo 152007, Warpaint 505, returning to the Bon Homme Richard. LCDR Stan Thompson. 1968-69: NAS Barbers Point: Roadrunners Skyhawk BuNo 152013, NF-506, assigned to LCDR Stan Thompson parked on the ramp. Nick Williams. 13 April 1970: VA-144 Roadrunners A-4F Skyhawk BuNo 154186, NF-507, from USS Bon Homme Richard (CVA-31) in-flight over the Pacific Ocean. Official U.S. Navy photo. July 1970: Roadrunners Skyhawk BuNo 154186, NF-507, awaiting its turn on the Bonnie Dick's starboard forward cat. Weldon Dunlap. 1970: A-4F Skyhawk BuNo. 154979. Road Runner NF 503 from the United States Ship Bon Homme Richard, cleaned up after takeoff from NAS Atsugi, August 12, 1970. Black & white photograph by and from Takafumi Hiroe of Yokohama, Japan. 12 Aug 1970: Roadrunners Skyhawk BuNo 154979, NF-503, departing NAS Atsugi, Japan. Photo by Masaaki Hayakawa. 12 Aug 1970: Roadrunners Skyhawk BuNo 154984, NF-515, departing NAS Atsugi, Japan. Photo by Masaaki Hayakawa. 12 Aug 1970: Roadrunners Skyhawk BuNo 155006, NF-514, departing NAS Atsugi, Japan. Photo by Masaaki Hayakawa. MAY 1985: Roadrunners Skyhawk BuNo 154192, NF-504, a she climbs out after take-off. Nick Williams. Off-Duty Photos None yet. |
A-4 Skyhawk aircraft assigned to this unit:
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