VA-22 and VFA-22 Fighting Redcock |
Point of Contact = Squadron Duty Officer (SDO). See FAQ/Research/Contact link under [SA] in the menu. |
 VF-63 Fighting Redcocks |
![va22bpatch-lacy[1].jpg](/sites/default/files/images-newspaper/va22bpatch-lacy%5B1%5D.jpg) W.C. Lacy & Sean Keenan |
 Fighting Redcock - 1959 Provided by Bryan Remer |
 VA-22 Fighting Redcocks |
 VFA-22 Redcocks - 2000 Drawn by Bud Southworth |
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Patch May 9, 1949, the Fighting Redcock patch was created by Fighting Squadron SIXTY THREE (VF-63). The Fighting Redcock patch background is a heraldic bar, sinister shield and cumulus clouds. Overlaying the background is a gamecock ready to strike. VA-63 continued to use the Fighting Red-cock patch following its re-designation in 1956. When VA-63 was re-designated VA-22 in July 1959, the new squadron added a scroll with the squadron's name at the bottom of the shield. This patch is displayed above. On September 14, 1990, the re-designated VFA-22 modified the Fighting Redcock patch by changing the designation in the scroll to read VFA-22 and adding a F/A image to the patch. |
Sources David Weber Harry Gann Masaaki Hayakawa Takafumi Hiroe Kent Kaiser Bryan Remer Mike Morrison Johnny Hale |
| Handle
1949 - present, Fighting Redcocks. Heritage July 27, 1948, Fighting Squadron SIXTY THREE (VF-63) established. March 1956, VF-63 redesignated Attack Squadron SIXTY THREE (VA-63). July 1, 1959, VA-63 redesignated Attack Squadron TWENTY TWO (VA-22). VA-22 Detachment Romeo formed March 6, 1963. December 18, 1963, VA-22 Detachment Romeo disestablished. May 4, 1990, VA-22 redesignated Strike Fighter Squadron TWENTY TWO (VFA-22). |
Home Ports
Date - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Location: July 27, 1948- - - - - Naval Air Station Norfolk March 20, 1949 - - - - Naval Auxiliary Air Station Oceana August 9, 1950 - - - - Naval Air Station Alameda July 12, 1951- - - - - Naval Auxiliary Landing Field Santa Rosa September 25, 1952 - - Naval Air Station Alameda September 28, 1961 - - Naval Air Station Lemoore |
| Air Wings
Date - - - - - - - - - - - - Tail code - - - - - - - Air Wing July 27, 1948 - - - - - - C - - - - - -CVG-6 July 31, 1950 - - - - - - M/NE* - - - -CVG-2/CVW-2† October 1, 1968 - - - - - NM - - - - - CVW-19 November 1, 1968- - - - - NF - - - - - CVW-5 January 8, 1971- - - - - - - - - - - - COMFAIRLEMOORE June 2, 1971- - - - - - - NL - - - - - CVW-15 January 15, 1982- - - - - NH - - - - - CVW-11 * July 1, 1957 - CVG-2's tail code was changed from M to NE in 1957. † December 20, 1963 - Carrier Air Groups were re-designated Carrier Air Wings and CVG-2 became CVW-2. |
Aircraft
Date Type First Received - - - - - - Type of Aircraft: July 1948 - - - - - - - - - - - - - Grumman F8F-2 Bearcat September 1948- - - - - - - - - - - North American SNJ Trainer January 1950- - - - - - - - - - - - Vought F4U-4 Corsair I September 14, 1951- - - - - - - - - Grumman F9F-2 Panther * December 1952 - - - - - - - - - - - Grumman F9F-5 Panther * April 1954- - - - - - - - - - - - - Grumman F9F-6 Cougar ** August 1955 - - - - - - - - - - - - Grumman F9F-8 Cougar ** July 30, 1957 - - - - - - - - - - - North American FJ-4B Fury May 24, 1960- - - - - - - - - - - - Douglas A4D-2/A-4B Skyhawk October 6, 1961 - - - - - - - - - - Douglas A4D-2N/A-4C Skyhawk June 1968 - - - - - - - - - - - - - Douglas A-4F Skyhawk June 1968 - - - - - - - - - - - - - Douglas TA-4F Skyhawk February 4, 1971- - - - - - - - - - Vought A-7E Corsair II July 6, 1990- - - - - - - - - - - - Boeing F/A-18C Hornet * VF-63 was scheduled to transition to the F9F-2 Panther and had received eight Panthers in September 1951. A production delay of critical spare parts in September forced the squadron to return to the F4U-4 Corsair. VF-63 continued to fly the F4U-4 from the latter part of September 1951, until November 1952, when it started to receive F9F-2 Panthers. Later, in November 1952, the Panther delivery pipeline produced the F9F-5 Panther for the squadron. ** The F9F through the F9F-6 Panther have straight wings; The F9F-7 through the F9F-8 Cougar have swept wings. † November 30, 1962, the Navy's aircraft designation system was changed and A4D-2 was re-designated A-4B and A4D-2N became A-4C. ‡ The TA-4Fs were tandem seat Skyhawks used for instrument training. For A-4 Skyhawk aircraft assigned to this unit see lower in this page: |
| Deployments
Departure & Return - - - - - - - - Air Wing - Carrier -Aircraft - - Area of Operations: 10-27-49 to 11-22-49 - CVG-6 - CVB 42 - F8F-2 - NorLant 08-24-50 to 11-11-50 - CVG-2 - CV 21- - F4U-4 - Western Pacific/Korea 12-06-50 * - - - - - - CVG-2 - CV 45- - F4U-4 - Western Pacific/Korea * 06-09-51 - - - - - - - CVG-2 - CV 47- - F4U-4 - Western Pacific/Korea 02-07-52 to 09-25-52 - CVG-2 - CV 21- - F4U-4 - Western Pacific/Korea 08-03-53 to 03-03-54 - CVG-2 - CVA 10 - F9F-5 - Western Pacific 11-03-54 to 06-21-55 - CVG-2 - CVA 9- - F9F-6 - Western Pacific 11-13-56 to 05-20-57 - CVG-2 - CVA 38 - F9F-8 - Western Pacific 08-16-58 to 03-12-59 - CVG-2 - CVA 41 - FJ-4B - Western Pacific 08-15-59 to 03-25-60 - CVG-2 - CVA 41 - FJ-4B - Western Pacific 02-16-61 to 09-28-61 - CVG-2 - CVA 41 - A4D-2 - Western Pacific 04-06-62 to 10-20-62 - CVG-2 - CVA 41 - A4D-2N - Western Pacific 11-08-63 to 05-26-64 - CVW-2 - CVA 41 - A-4C - Western Pacific 03-06-65 to 11-23-65 - CVW-2 - CVA 41 - A-4C - Western Pacific/Vietnam 07-29-66 to 02-23-67 - CVW-2 - CVA 43 - A-4C - Western Pacific/Vietnam 11-04-67 to 05-25-68 - CVW-2 - CVA 61 - A-4C - Western Pacific/Vietnam 03-18-69 to 10-29-69 - CVW-5 - CVA 31 - A-4F - Western Pacific/Vietnam 04-02-70 to 11-12-70 - CVW-5 - CVA 31 - A-4F - Western Pacific/Vietnam 11-12-71 to 07-17-72 - CVW-15- CVA 43 - A-7E - Western Pacific/Vietnam 03-09-73 to 11-08-73 - CVW-15- CVA 43 - A-7E - Western Pacific 12-05-74 to 07-02-75 - CVW-15- CVA 43 - A-7E - Western Pacific 02-15-77 to 10-05-77 - CVW-15- CV 43- - A-7E - Western Pacific 05-30-79 to 02-25-80 - CVW-15- CV 63- - A-7E - Western Pacific 04-01-81 to 11-23-81 - CVW-15- CV-63- - A-7E - Western Pacific 09-01-82 to 04-28-83 - CVW-11- CVN 65 - A-7E - NorPac/Western Pacific 05-30-84 to 12-20-84 - CVW-11- CVN 65 - A-7E - Western Pacific/NorPac 01-12-86 to 08-13-86 - CVW-11- CVN 65 - A-7E - Western Pacific/Med/SoLant 10-25-87 to 11-24-87 - CVW-11- CVN 65 - A-7E - NorPac 01-05-88 to 07-03-88 - CVW-11- CVN 65 - A-7E - Western Pacific/NorPac 09-17-89 to 03-16-90 - CVW-11- CVN 65 - A-7E - World Cruise * On March 29, 1951 VF-63 and CVG-2 transferred from Valley Forge |
Commanding Officers
Date Assumed Command - - - - - - - Commanding Officer July 27, 1948 - - - - - - - LCDR Malcolm W. Cagle February 13, 1950 - - - - - LCDR Thomas J. Ball August 17, 1951 - - - - - - LT L. W. S. Cummins (acting) August 20, 1951 - - - - - - LCDR Ward S. Miller October 31, 1952- - - - - - LCDR Elmon A. Miller, Jr. April 1953- - - - - - - - - LCDR Robert H. Benson July 1955 - - - - - - - - - CDR Howard B. Eddy June 7, 1957- - - - - - - - LCDR William C. Chapman March 20, 1959- - - - - - - CDR John H. Lobdell March 31, 1960- - - - - - - CDR Jack D. Kendall October 10, 1961- - - - - - CDR W. T. Laws October 29, 1962- - - - - - CDR E. W. Abbott September 12, 1963- - - - - CDR R. S. Smith October 2, 1964 - - - - - - CDR C. E. Dechow October 6, 1964 - - - - - - CDR E. H. Schorz (acting) October 20, 1964- - - - - - CDR D. M. Wyand 1965- - - - - - - - - - - - CDR E. H. Schorz October 20, 1966- - - - - - CDR Henry D. Arnold October 7, 1967 - - - - - - CDR Jack K. Ashmore October 18, 1968- - - - - - CDR Richard T. Gaskill October 16, 1969- - - - - - CDR Henry C. Holt IV October 22, 1970- - - - - - CDR James C. Thompson 1971- - - - - - - - - - - - CDR Robert G. Ehrman August 31, 1972 - - - - - - CDR Leonard E. Giuliani July 28, 1973 - - - - - - - CDR Gary A. Scoffield November 8, 1974- - - - - - CDR John F. Calvert February 27, 1976 - - - - - CDR Alan M. Dundon April 22, 1977- - - - - - - CDR Lee B. Cargill July 6, 1978- - - - - - - - CDR John D. Grice September 25, 1979- - - - - CDR Jerry D. Palmer May 9, 1981 - - - - - - - - CDR John E Vomastic February 1983 - - - - - - - CDR Russell C. York July 26, 1984 - - - - - - - CDR Raymond A. Kellett February 1, 1986- - - - - - CDR Richard J. Burns July 31, 1987 - - - - - - - CDR William H. Roberson III January 20, 1989- - - - - - CDR Dale M. Doorly August 9, 1990- - - - - - - CDR G. Robert Darwin December 12, 1991 - - - - - CDR C.R. Rondestvedt February 26, 1993 - - - - - CDR J.T. Knight May 26, 1994- - - - - - - - CDR W.D. Wood July 21, 1995 - - - - - - - CDR W.C. Tallman August 23, 1996 - - - - - - CDR G.S. Gallop September 05, 1997- - - - - CDR J.M. Spence January 31, 1999- - - - - - CDR W.S. Ryder May 11, 2000 - - - - - - - -CDR Ronald S. Townsend Sept 21, 2001 - - - - - - - CDR Michael T. Steed Nov 04, 2002 - - - - - - - -CDR Jesse B. Kingg |
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Awards Award - - - Inclusive Dates: NAVE 11-62 to 02-64 01-01-79 to 06-30-80 07-01-80 to 12-31-81
AFEM 09-06-58 to 09-10-58 09-12-58 to 09-29-58 10-12-58 to 10-30-58 11-11-58 to 11-15-58 11-30-58 to 12-12-58 03-24-61 to 03-25-61 03-28-61 to 04-07-61 04-09-65 to 05-11-65 05-20-65 to 06-28-65 01-23-68 to 03-22-68 06-29-69 07-07-69 to 07-13-69 07-24-69 09-03-69 09-13-69 to 09-14-69 04-29-75 to 04-30-75 05-15-75 03-88 01-17-90 to 01-31-90
HSM 04-29-75 to 04-30-75 05-17-81 10-02-81 10-23-82
MUC 12-03-67 to 05-09-68 02-15-88 to 05-21-88
NEM 11-25-79 to 01-28-80 05-25-81 to 09-30-81 04-30-86 to 06-27-86 NUC 04-51 to 05-31-51 04-16-65 to 11-04-65 08-12-66 to 02-01-67 04-18-69 to 10-08-69 05-02-70 to 10-30-70 12-15-71 to 07-01-72 04-22-75 to 04-30-75 5-15-75 05-01-79 to 11-23-81
RVNGC 10-05-65 10-09-65 03-30-72 to 07-01-72
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VNSM 07-22-65 to 08-26-65 09-11-65 to 10-09-65 10-18-65 to 11-04-65 09-12-66 to 10-19-66 10-30-66 to 12-04-66 12-26-66 to 02-01-67 12-03-67 to 12-29-67 01-06-68 to 01-28-68 03-18-68 to 04-12-68 04-21-68 to 05-09-68 04-17-69 to 05-19-69 06-04-69 to 06-26-69 07-31-69 to 09-01-69 09-23-69 to 10-09-69 05-02-70 to 05-26-70 06-01-70 to 06-14-70 07-10-70 to 07-29-70 08-17-70 to 09-03-70 09-11-70 to 09-12-70 09-26-70 to 10-21-70 12-14-71 12-31-71 to 01-17-72 01-26-72 to 02-17-72 04-01-72 to 05-11-72 06-01-72 to 06-11-72 06-21-72 to 06-30-72
KPUC 09-15-50 to 10-26-50 12-50 to 03-20-51 04-51 to 05-31-51 03-10-52 to 09-9-52
KSM 09-14-50 to 10-26-50 12-16-50 to 03-30-51 04-15-51 to 06-2-51 03-10-52 to 09-9-52
UNSM 09-14-50 to 10-26-50 03-10-52 to 09-09-52 |
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Events July 27, 1948: Fighting Squadron SIXTY THREE (VF-63) established at NAS Norfolk, Virginia; the squadron was assigned the F8F-2 Grumman Bearcat and took the name Fighting Redcocks. October 27, 1949 through November 22, 1949: VF-63 Fighting Redcocks flying the F8F Bearcat with CVG-6 deployed on USS Franklin D. Roosevelt CVB 42 to the North Atlantic. January 1950: VF-63 was assigned the F4U-4 Vought Corsair I. August 9, 1950: VF-63 moved to NAS Alameda, California. August 24, 1950 through November 11, 1950: VF-63 flying the Vought F4U-4 Corsair with CVG-6 deployed on USS Boxer CV-21 for combat September 16, 1950: VF-63 Fighting Redcocks striking from Boxer participated in its first combat action, providing close air support for the amphibious landings at Inchon, Korea. December 6, 1950: VF-63 transferred before this date from USS Boxer CV-21 to United States Ship Valley Forge CV 45 to conduct combat operations in Korea, commencing on December 6. March 29, 1951: VF-63 and CVG-2 transferred from USS Valley Forge CV 45 to United States Ship Philippine Sea CV 47 while inport at Yokosuka, Japan. June 9, 1951: VF-63 Fighting Redcocks with CVG-2 deployed on USS Philippine Sea CV 47 to conduct combat operations in Korea. September 14, 1951: VF-63 was assigned the F9F-2 Grumman Panther. VF-63 was scheduled to transition to the F9F-2 Panther and had received eight Panthers on September 14th. Within days a critical part production delay forced the squadron to keep flying the F4U-4 Corsair, which had not yet been taken from the squadron. VF-63 continued to fly the F4U-4 until November 1952, when it started to receive F9F-5 Panthers. February 7, 1952 through September 25, 1952: VF-63 Fighting Redcocks flying the F4U-4 Vought Corsair with CVG-2 deployed on USS Boxer CV-21 for combat in Korea. June 23, 1952: VF-63 Fighting Redcocks flying F4U-4 Corsairs, along with other units from USS Boxer CV 21, USSPrinceton CV 37, USS Philippine Sea CV 47, USS Bon Homme Richard CV 31, and U.S. Air Force and Marine Corps squadrons, conducted a major offensive against hydroelectric targets in North Korea. August 6, 1952: While launching combat sorties a severe fire broke out on the hangar deck of USS Boxer following the explosion of an aircraft gasoline tank. Eight people were killed and one was missing, with several seriously injured. VF-63 did not suffer any casualties, however, three of the squadron's personnel were awarded Bronze Stars for their heroic and courageous action during the fire. November and December 1952: With Grumman's production problems corrected VF-63 was again assigned the Panther. The delivery pipeline initially produced F-9F-2 Panthers for VF-63 and by December F9F-5 Panthers were being delivered to the squadron. March 1956: VF-63 was redesignated Attack Squadron SIXTY THREE (VA-63) Fighting Redcocks. The Fighting Redcocks were assigned the Grumman F9F-8 Cougar. Three Redcock F9F-8 Cougars are shown here: BuNo. 141333; BuNo. 141204 side number M 304; and BuNo. 141210 side number M 310. July 30, 1957: Attack Squadron SIXTY THREE Fighting Redcocks were assigned the North American FJ-4B Fury. July 1, 1959: VA-63 was redesignated Attack Squadron TWENTY TWO (VA-22) Fighting Redcocks. May 24, 1960: Attack Squadron TWENTY TWO Fighting Redcocks were assigned the A4D-2/A-4B Douglas Skyhawk.
September 28, 1961: VA-22 Fighting Redcocks moved to NAS Lemoore, California. 04-06-62 to 10-20-62: CVG-2- CVA 41 - A4D-2N - Western Pacific March 6, 1963: VA-22 formed VA-22 Detachment Romeo consisting of four A-4B Skyhawks, six pilots and forty-eight enlisted personnel. Its mission was to deploy aboard ASW carriers and provide them with a limited amount of air defense. Skyhawks identified as participating in those deployments are: BuNo 142090, 142134, 142826, 142890, 142920, 142921, and 144974. BuNo 144974 would again be used for such deployments by VA-153 Detachment Romeo in 1964. April 19 - December 3, 1963: VA-22 Detachment Romeo was deployed to the western Pacific aboard USS Kearsarge CVS 33 and part of CVSG-53. During the deployment it participated in the recovery of space capsule Faith 7 and astronaut Major L. Gordon Cooper, USAF, following his 22 successful orbits around the earth. July 16, 1963: Lt. Richard V. Johnson, 22, ejected safely when his VA-22 A4D Skyhawk (BuNo 148582) crashed in an open field 3 miles south of NAS Lemoore yesterday. The Fresno Bee, Wednesday, 17 July 1963. December 18, 1963: VA-22 Detachment Romeo was disestablished. April 13, 1964: Lt. Charles R. Mandly was killed when A-4C BuNo 149533 crashed into the sea off the port bow at Lat. 31-37.5N and Long. 132-15.5E and sank almost immediately in 975 fathoms of water. Midway did an immediate right 15˚ right rudder, all engines stop, 5˚ rudder, all engine back full, helo attempting to rescue pilot, USS Berkeley (DDG-15) and USS Picking (DD-685) vectored in for rescue. USS Midway log Monday - 13 April 1964. October 06, 1964: Cdr. Claude E. Duchow (CO, VA-22) NAS Lemoore, was killed when his A-4 Skyhawk (BuNo 149496) struck the seawall at NAS Alameda and exploded as he was coming in for a landing under radar control and was waved off as another plane was on the runway. San Mateo, CA The Times, Tuesday, October 6, 1964. San Mateo, CA The Times, Tuesday, October 6, 1964. October 17, 1964: Lt. Paul M. Grafton, 27, was killed when his A-4 Skyhawk (BuNo 148576) crashed into another aircraft (BuNo 149494) piloted by Lt. Warner F. Lee that was still on the flight deck of the USS Midway. AN George W. Lipe Jr., who was directing Lt. Lee's aircraft also was killed. Oakland Tribune, Tues., 20 October 1964. In error as Lee 's plane hit Grafton's. Lt. Paul M. Grafton of Lemoore, CA, was killed when another jet plane crashed into his A-4C on the flight deck of the USS Midway. SN George W. Lipe Jr., was fatally injured. Pasadena Independent, Tuesday, 20 October 1964. Grafton ejected from his plane at the moment of impact. It was not known whether he ejected intentionally or whether the ejection seat was accidentally fired. 2135 Plane crash on flight deck. Manned all Fog Foam systems. All engines stop. Commenced flashing man overboard lights. Aircraft #228 (BuNo 148576) of VA-22 was struck by aircraft #223 (BuNo 149494) of VA-22. Aircraft #223 was making an arrested landing and #228 was still on landing area. Both aircraft slid to port side coming to rest against landing lens system. LT P.M. Grafton pilot of #228 ejected over side into water. LTJG W.F. Lee pilot of #223 escaped from aircraft and reported to Ready Room of VA-22. Position was marked as 21-05N & 158-46.2W in 2500 fathoms of water. USS Nicholas (DD-449) and USS Renshaw (DD-499) were immediately ordered to begin rescue operations. A crewman working with tow bar to pull #228 off deck was struck down by the aircraft. Man was identified as Lipe, G.W., V-1 Division, Rate unknown at the time man removed to sick bay. 2158 Mustered crew on stations. All personnel present. 2203 LT Grafton recovered from water by lifeboat of the USS Nicholas condition unknown. 2224 c/c 230 ship making slow circles in area to remain clear of destroyer rescue operations. 2307 Secured all Fog Foam and repair party stations. USS Midway deck log, 17 October 1964. Both 148576 and 149494 went to O&R Alameda 24 November 1964 and were repaired. March 6, 1965, through November 23, 1965: VA-22 Fighting Redcocks flying the A-4C Skyhawk with CVW-2 deployed aboard USS Midway CVA 41 - its first of six Western Pacific/Vietnam combat cruises. April 20, 1965: The VA-22 Fighting Redcocks participated in its first combat operations since the Korean War and on April 20, suffered its first aircraft loss. Lt. Phillip Neal Butler (A-4C Skyhawk BuNo 149507, NE 204) ejected and was captured four days later after his six mk-81 bombs detonated on release and blew the Skyhawks wings and tail off. May 11, 1965: Ens. D.D. Gregory ejected safely when his A-4C (BuNo 148489) went into the water 250˚ relative 4,000 yards ships position Lat. 14-35N and Long. 1116-47.4E. Midway released USS Hoel (DDG-13) to proceed to area of crash. The Midway helicopter recovered to pilot and returned him aboard uninjured at 1747. At 1756 an A-4C landed and caught fire on the flight deck. USS Midway deck log, Tuesday 11 May 1965. June 3, 1965: Lt. Raymond P. Ilg ejected from A-4C BuNo 148577and evaded capture for two days until he was rescued by an Air America helicopter piloted by Capt. Julian Kanach. Lost to AAA while conducting an armed reconnaissance mission in the “Barrel Roll” area of Laos, Lt. Ilg was hit over Route 65, ten miles east of Sam Neua near Ban Nakay Neua. August 13, 1965: Lt. W.E. Newman ejected near a USN Destroyer on SAR watch about five miles off the coast of Sam Son after a large caliber shell blew the nose off his Skyhawk (BuNo 148564, NE 207) and fodded the engine while on an Iron Hand mission N of Vinh August 24, 1965: Lt.(jg). Richard Marvin Brunhaver ejected and was captured after his A-4C (BuNo 149490, NE 211) struck a karst ridge on pullout from a Snakeye attack on a bridge near Phon Bai due to some restriction on aft movement of the stick, sustained structural damage and caught fire. In 1977 Richard Brunhaver filed a civil suit in Federal Court against McDonnell Douglas Corp. charging negligent design and defective manufacture caused it to crash. European Stars and Stripes, Saturday, September 24, 1977. October 28 1965: Lt. Thomas E. Murray was KIA when A-4C BuNo 148596 crashed astern of the Midway (course 065° T) in 490 fathoms of water at Lat. 10-18.5 N and Long. 109-48.3E after a combat mission. USS Ingersoll (DD-652) whaleboat recovered the pilot who was pronounced dead by the Ingersoll's medical officer. USS Midway log, 28 October 1965 which incorrectly states it was A-4C NM-511 from the USS Bon Homme Richard. I was flying rescue air crewman onboard the Midway in 1965 I pulled a dead pilot from the water that ejected on landing. I believe this is the crash of the A4C 148596 28 Oct. 1965. The pilot's name was LTJG T.E. Murray. He was coming in for a landing, about 200 feet from the water when his plane inverted, and he ejected. When I got to him, he was face down in the water and with his chute was deployed around him. I turned him over on his back and pulled his oxygen mask off and blood was in it. I couldn't get him out of his chute because when I turned him loose, he started to sink. His raft popped up and I inflated it, got in and held on to Mr. Murray until a boat from the destroyer got to us. We got him back to the Midway and the Dr. told me he had a concussion, crushed chest, and two broken legs. His helmet had a big piece out of it and his visor cover was broken in half. Johnny Hale August 29, 1966, through February 23, 1967: VA-22 Fighting Redcocks flying the A-4C Skyhawk with CVW-2 deployed aboard United States Ship Coral Sea CVA 43 - its second of six Western Pacific/Vietnam combat cruises. September 17, 1966: Lt(jg). R.A. Hegstrom rescued ejected and was rescued by a Navy helicopter after his Skyhawk (BuNo 148488, NE 200) was hit in the tail by ground fire while he was taking evasive action to avoid SAMs near the Day Giang river near Phu Nhac. October 4, 1966: LCdr. John Douglas Burns ejected and was captured after his Skyhawk (BuNo 147737, NE 224) was hit by AAA while he was taking evasive action to avoid SAMs while on an armed reconnaissance flight 10 miles N of Thanh Hoa. November 11, 1966: unknown pilot ejected and was rescued after his wingman in another A-4C overran and badly damaged his Skyhawk (BuNo 147718.) The wingman landed safely. November 17, 1966: Lt.(jg). William Tamm Arnold (BuNo. 148496, NE 222) was killed when he flew into the sea on descent through clouds after aborting a mission due to dense overcast. November 22, 1966: Commander Henry D. Arnold, commanding officer of VA-22, received the Silver Star Medal for his actions during a strike against a Haiphong surface-to-air missile support facility. December 27, 1966: Lt.(jg). James M. Hays, 0908 A-4C (BuNo 149641), Bureau no. 147737 (sic) of VA-22 crashed into the sea off starboard bow. 0923 pilot recovered on board by helicopter. Pilot received laceration and contusion on left side of face. Treatment administered by Medical Officer. Disposition: no duty for 24 hours. USS Coral Sea deck log. (Right rudder deflection at launch) November 4, 1967, through May 25, 1968: VA-22 Fighting Redcocks flying the A-4C Skyhawk with CVW-2 deployed aboard United States Ship Ranger CVA 61 - its third of six Western Pacific/Vietnam combat cruises. The VA-22 Fighting Redcocks had no combat or non-combat losses this cruise. January 26, 1968: United States Ship Ranger CVA 61, with VA-22 aboard, while operating on Yankee Station was ordered to the Sea of Japan following the capture of United States Ship Pueblo (AGER 2) by the North Koreans on 23 January 1968. Ranger and VA-22 operated in the area until relieved on March 5, 1968. March 18, 1969, through October 29, 1969: VA-22 Fighting Redcocks flying the A-4F Skyhawk with CVW-5 deployed aboard United States Ship Bon Homme Richard CVA 31 - its fourth of six Western Pacific/Vietnam combat cruises The VA-22 Fighting Redcocks had no combat or non-combat losses this cruise. January 22, 1970: Lt.(jg). Bob Leone crashed 35 miles east of Fallon as we were pulling out from a practice Alfa strike, and he had a flameout. Never could determine the cause of the flameout. From James C. (Jim) Thompson. Lt. R.W. Leone ejected safely when his A4 Skyhawk (BuNo 155068) had a flameout and crashed into Fairview Peak while on a training flight 5 miles east of NAAS Fallon. Reno Gazette-Journal, 22 January 1970. April 2, 1970, through November 12, 1970: VA-22 Fighting Redcocks flying the A-4F Skyhawk with CVW-5 deployed aboard United States Ship Bon Homme Richard CVA 31 - its fifth of six Western Pacific/Vietnam combat cruises. The VA-22 Fighting Redcocks had no combat or non-combat losses this cruise. February 4, 1971: VA-22 was assigned the A-7E Vought Corsair II. November 12, 1971, through August 17, 1972: VA-22 Fighting Redcocks flying the Vought A-7E Corsair II with CVW-15 deployed aboard United States Ship Coral Sea CVA 43 - its sixth Western Pacific/Vietnam combat cruise. February 4, 1972: Redcock A-7E Corsair BuNo. 156870 was lost in a non-combat accident. The pilot, Lieutenant Daniel D. Cooper, was returning to the USS Coral Sea after a successful night mission in Vietnam. LT. Cooper had guided another aircraft, which had no instruments, to the flight deck. Then as he returned and approached the ship, he was waived off, since the deck wasn't yet cleared. By then he was low on fuel and while attempting to get fuel he crashed into the Gulf of Tonkin. April 6, 1972: VA-22 Redcock A-7E Corsair BuNo 157590, side number NL 300, was shot down by Surface to Air Missile over North Vietnam. The pilot, Carrier Air Group FIFTEEN Commander Cdr. Thomas E. Dunlop was Killed in Action. May 6, 1972: Redcock A-7E Corsair BuNo 156879, side number NL 313, was shot down by Surface to Air Missile over North Vietnam. The pilot, Lieutenant M. B. Wiles successfully ejected, was captured by the North Vietnamese and was made Prisoner of War. May 9, 1972: Operation Pocket Money, the mining of Haiphong harbor, was launched. Aircraft from VA-22, as well as the other attack squadrons deployed aboard USS Coral Sea CVA 43, planned and executed the mining. June 25, 1972: Redcock A-7E Corsair BuNo. 157437 side number NL 311 was shot down by triple A fire over North Vietnam. The pilot, Lieutenant G.R. Shumway was never heard from again - Missing in Action. April - July 1973: The squadron flew missions in support of Operation End Sweep, the clearing of mines from North Vietnam's coastal waters. April 29, 1975: VA-22's aircraft provided air cover for Operation Frequent Wind, the evacuation of American citizens from Saigon. The last American helicopter to lift off the roof of the United States Embassy was escorted by a Fighting Redcock A-7E. May 15, 1975: VA-22 aircraft, along with other elements from CVW-15 aboard USS Coral Sea CVA 43, launched air strikes against the Cambodian mainland after the capture of the SS Mayaguez by Cambodian gunboats on 12 May. Squadron aircraft flew ten combat sorties and struck targets at Ream Airfield. November 21, 1979: USS Kitty Hawk, along with VA-22 and the rest of CVW-15, departed Subic Bay, Philippines, enroute to the Arabian Sea as a response to the 4 November Iranian seizure of the American Embassy in Tehran and the taking of over 60 American hostages. April 18, 1988: VA-22 participated in retaliatory strikes against Iranian oil platforms, gunboats and other naval ships after United States Ship Samuel B. Roberts (FFG 58) struck an Iranian mine on 14 April in international waters. May 4, 1990: VA-22 was re-designated as Strike Fighter Squadron TWENTY TWO (VFA-22). July 6, 1990: VFA-22 was assigned the F/A-18C Boeing Hornet. |
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Unit Photos
OK, who are these guys. Contact the webmaster@a4skyhawk.org 02 NOV 1960: Fighting Redcocks Skyhawk BuNo 142889, NE-311, in an awkward 3 point stance. U.S. Navy
1961: U.S.S. Midway, Charlie Garcia.
1) M. J. Brown, 2) D. G. Delong, 3) G. D. Buffi, 4) S. P. Adams, 5) V. D. Holgado, 6) B. J. Pierce.
Fighting Redhawks Skyhawk BuNo 142092, 411, with VA-22 CO CDR J.E. Kendall and VA-23 CO CDR S.G. Gorsline. Naval Aviation News Photo, Gary Verver providing. VA-22 USS Midway CVA-41, WESPAC Cruise February 16 through September 28, 1961 1961: A-4B Skyhawk BuNo. 142901 Fighting Redcock A-4B Skyhawk BuNo. 142901 is the backdrop for part of the VA-22 Maintenance Department.
The above photographs are official United States Navy photographs taken from the February 16 through September 28, 1961 Midway Cruise Book provided by Charlie Garcia. VA-22 Fighting Redcocks Skyhawk catches a wire as she comes aboard the USS Midway, CVA-41. VA-22 Fighting Redcocks Skyhawk 142889, NE-311, moves into position on the starboard catapult as another unidentified Skyhawk launches from the port catapult. 1961-1962: Fighting Redcock A-4C Skyhawk BuNo. 148578 side number NE 205 taxies to the Midway catapult during the combat cruise. JUN 1963: VA-22 Redcocks Det. R A-4B Skyhawk BuNo 142134, NS-IIII (NS-4), and BuNo 142890, NS-I (NS-1), on deck with Sidewinder missiles, USS Kearsarge, CVS-33, June 1963. CatsMan2. JUN 1963: VA-22 Redcocks Det. R A-4B Skyhawk BuNo 142134, NS-IIII (NS-4), on deck with Sidewinder missiles, USS Kearsarge, CVS-33, June 1963. CatsMan2. JUN 1963: VA-22 Redcocks Det. R A-4B Skyhawk (probably BuNo 142921) NS-III (NS-3), on alert alongside the island with Sidewinder missiles, USS Kearsarge, CVS-33, June 1963. CatsMan2. SEP 1963: VA-22 Redcocks Det. R A-4B Skyhawk BuNo 142890, NS-I (NS-1), and BuNo 142826, NS-II (NS-2), on deck with Sidewinder missiles, USS Kearsarge, CVS-33, September 1963. CatsMan2 Sep 1963 Redcocks Skyhawk formation, from top - bottom: BuNo 147700, NE-322, BuNo 148564, NE-302, BuNo 148576, NE-308 and BuNo 148566, NE-310. Naval Aviation News. Oct 1963 BuNo 149533, NE-303, parked on the NAS Lemoore flight line. Naval Aviation News Photo. 27 APR 1964: Fighting Redcocks Skyhawk formation pases by Mt. Fujiama. L-r: BuNo 149532, NE-227, BuNo 148576, NE-228, BuNo 148567, NE-229 and BuNo 148566, NE-230.Photo taken from VFP-63 Det Alpha RF-8 by LTjg Bill Wilson. Photo credit: Naval Aviation News photo. 1965: VA-22 Redcocks A-4C Skyhawk BuNo 149633, NE-232, on final with the gear and hook down and the speed brakes out, USS Midway. Official U.S. Navy photo. 26 May 1965: An airman appears to be effortlessly towing a 32,000 lb. VA-22 Redcocks A-4C Skyhawk tanker BuNo 149490, NE-231, piloted by Lt(jg). Tom Murray across the deck of the USS Midway (CVA-41). Actually, the airman is only guiding it with a “Tilly Bar” toward a catapult for launch. The tanker will provide refueling services to other Navy planes involved in the strikes against North Vietnam. Official U.S. Navy photo 1111308 by PH2 Karl Helberg. Jun 1965: VA-22 Redcocks Skyhawk BuNo 147759, NE-223, piloted by LT F.G. Spellman, unleashes Mighty Mouse 2.75" rockets against a practice target in the South China Sea. Naval Aviation News. Sep 1965: Fighting Redcocks Skyhawk BuNo 149490, NE-231, as it moves across the deck of the USS Midway. Naval Aviation News photo by Karl Hedberg. VA-22 A-4C 149633, NE-232, and VA-22 A-4C 148447, NE-226. On the left VA-192 (probably A-4C 148605) NM-202 from the Bon Homme Richard and VA-23 149665, NE-341. Based on the BuNo’s in the photo the date is between 14 October 1965 and 6 November 1965. Image provided by Robert Genat.
AUG 1966: Skyhawk formation of Black Knights BuNo 151143, NE-343, BuNo 149962, NE-338, BuNo 149963, NE-347 and Redcocks BuNo 147844, NE 226. "Boom" Powell A-4C bombed up and ready to be launched. NAN DEC 1966Sept 1966: BuNo 148496, NE-222, parked on the ramp. Clay Jansson via Tailhook Association. VA-22 A-4C BuNo 147761. VA-23 A-4E BuNo 151168 taxiing forward for a launch aboard the Coral Sea. Visible behind 151168 is Fighting Redcocks BuNo 147761. Probably between Aug 1966 and end of Feb 1967 as that is when VA-22 and VA-23 were on the Coral Sea. From Gary Verver. JUL 1967: right side view of Fighting Redcocks Skyhawk BuNo 149555, NE-201, assigned to CDR H.D. Arnold parked on the line. Unknown photographer via W. Mutza VA-22 Fighting Redcocks Skyhawk prepares to launch from the USS Coral Sea, CVA-43. BuNo.148496 Fighting Redcocks Skyhawk on the flight deck of USS Coral Sea, CVA-43. Courtesy of PH3 Slaton and Gary Verver.
1068: A-4C Skyhawk BuNo. 147768. North Koreans captured United States Ship Pueblo in the Sea of Japan on January 23, 1968. Soon after United States Ship Ranger CVA 61 deployed from the Tonkin Gulf to the Sea of Japan, meeting five other carriers on station. Naval Air Station Atsugi was the Bingo field for the Fleet's aircraft. VA-22 A-4C Skyhawk BuNo147768, side number NE 207, takes off from Atsugi on its way back to Ranger, March 14, 1968. Photograph by Masaaki Hayakawa. 1968: BuNo 148458, NE-213 and NE-204 of VA-22. on the deck of the Coral Sea. 1968: BuNo 149581, NE-204, awaits on deck for launch along-side 149548, NE-213. Gary Verver Collection. VA-22 USS Bon Homme Richard CVA-31, WESPAC Cruise March 18 through October 29, 1969 VA-22 A-4F NF-304, BuNo 155043. MP-5 Fire Truck drill on board Bonn Homme Richard, 05 March 1969. Official U.S. Navy photo by PH3 L. D. Crouse, Gary Verver Collection. 23 February 1969: VA-22 Redcocks A-4F Skyhawk BuNo 155068, NE-203, in-flight. Official U.S. Navy photo. May 1969Redcocks, Roadrunners and Shrikes Skyhawks being loaded with ordnance aboard the Bonnie Dick. Skyhawk BuNo 151084, NF-403 in the foreground. Photo by LCDR Stan Thompson. MAY 1969: Right front view of USS Bon Homme Richard VA-22 Redcocks A-4F Skyhawk BuNo 155000, NF-307, on the ramp, NAS North Island, May 1969. Name below the canopy is LTJG Mike O'Connell. At right is S-2A Tracker BuNo 136494, 3B-858. Copyright R.W. Harrison. August 1969: VA-22 Redcocks A-4F Skyhawk BuNo 154970, NF-301, from the USS Bon Homme Richard, CVA-31, in-flight over the Gulf of Tonkin. Official U.S. Navy photo 1140516 by Lt. W.E. Bradford. 1969-70: A-4F Diamond over the Bonnie Dick - 1969. A VA-22 flight of four A-4F Skyhawks in diamond formation fly along the Bon Homme Richard CVA-31 starboard flank. U.S. NAVY photograph provided by Bryan Remer. 1969-70: The Bonnie Dick. The Bon Homme Richard CVA-31 starboard bow. U.S. NAVY photograph provided by Bryan Remer. 1969-70: Right side view of Fighting Redcocks Skyhawk BuNo 155067, NF-314, parked on the ramp. "Boom" Powell 1969-70: The Bonnie Dick. The Bon Homme Richard CVA-31 port bow. U.S. NAVY photograph provided by Bryan Remer. 1969: Passing gas - 1969. A flock of A-4F Skyhawks and a F-8 Crusader line up for gas. U.S. NAVY photograph provided by Bryan Remer. 1069: A-4Fs and F8. Three A-4F Skyhawks and a F-8J Crusader gunfighter escort. U.S. NAVY photograph provided by Bryan Remer. 20OCT69: Side View of VAQ-130 EKA-3B Skywarrior BuNo 142654,NF-616, VA-22 Fighting Redcocks Skyhawk NF-313 (BuNo unknown) and VF-53 F-8J BuNo 150672, NF-201, pilot CDR Dean Kaiser. Photo by Lt Joe Klugg piloting VFP-63 RF-8G. CDR Kaiser was later KIA. U.S. NAVY photograph copy also provided by Kent Kaiser. Official U.S. Navy photo copy also provided from the Don Scott collection. 20OCT69: Top view of VAQ-130 EKA-3B Skywarrior BuNo 142654,NF-616, VA-22 Fighting Redcocks Skyhawk NF-313 (BuNo unknown) and VF-53 F-8J BuNo 150672, NF-201, pilot CDR Dean Kaiser. Photo by Lt Joe Klugg piloting VFP-63 RF-8G. CDR Kaiser was later KIA. U.S. NAVY photograph copy also provided by Kent Kaiser. 1969: Three A-4F Skyhawks in V formation. U.S. NAVY photograph provided by Bryan Remer. 1969: Two A-4F Skyhawks escort a Russian Bear. U.S. NAVY photograph provided by Bryan Remer. CAG's Bird - 1969: CAG Cdr. Al "Shoes" Schauffelberger, Carrier Air Group 5 Commander's A-4F Skyhawk BuNo 154980 side view. U.S. NAVY photograph provided by Bryan Remer. 1969: A-4F Skyhawk catshot off of the Bonnie Dick's port catapult. U.S. NAVY photograph provided by Bryan Remer. 1969: Feet dry. A Fighting Redcock A-4F, BuNo.154217 crossing the coast of North Vietnam with a load of Mark 82, 500 pound bombs for Uncle Ho in 1969. U.S. NAVY photograph provided by Bryan Remer. 1969: VA-22 Pilots and Officers. Front rank, left to right: Bryan Remer, Will Dellicker, "Bud" Brittenham, John Tomasko, Gene Anderson, Dave Jackson, Bill Bradford, Gene Daniels, Lee ("Lurch") Reavis, Russ Wiley, (Fighting Redcock Commanding Officer) Richard T. Gaskill, holding "Romeo," official Redcock mascot, (Fighting Redcock Executive Officer) Henry Holt, George Crater, Bruce Cargill, Dick Pottratz, George Garner, John Cataldo, Mike O'Connell, Bob Leone, Mike Morrison, Joe Simeone, Clint Farmer, Al Pulk. 15MAR69: Fighting Redcocks Skyhawk BuNo 154217, NF-306, assigned to LCDR Dick Pottratz, parked on the ramp. 1969: Skyhawk BuNo 154217, NF-306, assigned to LT Mike O'Connell, parked on the ramp. Nick Williams 1969: A-4F finger four. Four plane Fighting Redcock A-4F formation --- flying from Lemoore to Fallon for a little bombing and strafing. BuNos. 154207 - NF 302; 154217 - NF 303; 154213. U.S. NAVY photograph provided by Bryan Remer. July 1969: Roadrunners Skyhawk BuNo 151191, Warpaint 515, returning from a strike in Vietnam accompanied by two VA-22 Redcocks Skyhawks. Photo by LCDR Stan Thompson. 28SEP69: Skyhawk BuNo 151112, Warpaint 507, and Redcocks Skyhawks NF-310 and NF-311 pre-launch. Photo by LCDR Stan Thompson. 1970: VA-22 A-4F Fighting Redcock Scooter BuNo. 154217 side number NF 303 piloted by Lieutenant Skip Graff off United States Ship Bon Homme Richard. The photograph was taken during workups near Hawaii for the 1970 Vietnam combat cruise. Skip Graff was killed in the early 1970's in an A-7 Corsair California desert crash. United States Navy photograph from Doug Clark and enhanced by "Buck" Rogers.
A-4F Skyhawk BuNo. 154217 - present. Old BuNo. 154217 didn't end up as toasters - today she (minus her hump) flies formation with the Blue Angels in the National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola, Florida. Photograph by Bill Kistler. 1970: A-4F Skyhawk BuNo. 154190. There must have been a crowd of photographers under the approach end of the runway waiting for CAG's bird. This picture was taken just a moment before the picture below. Photograph by Masaaki Hayakawa. JUN71: Fighting Redcocks Skyhawk BuNo 154207, NF-302, as 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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