VA-34 Blue Blasters |
Point of Contact = Squadron Duty Officer (SDO). See FAQ/Research/Contact link under [SA] in the menu. |
 VF-20 Jokers - 1943 |
.jpg) Fighting 20 Skull - 1946 |
 Fighting 9A Skull |
 VF-34 Trap or Die - 1950 |
 Air Group 3: VF-31, VF-32, VF-33, VF-34 Blue Blasters and VA-35. |
 VA-34 Trap or Die - 1955 |
 VA-34 Blue Blasters Trap or Die - 1970 |
 VA-34 Blue Blasters Intruder |
.jpg) VFA-34 Blue Blasters - 1996 |
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Patch On March 15, 1944, VF-20 officially adopted a "Joker"with a machine gun emerging from a deck of playing cards patch. At that time the squadron was comprised of many inexperienced pilots referred to as Jokers - thus the connection. This patch is displayed above. On February 1, 1946, VF-20 adopted a new patch the "Trap or Die" patch with a human skull. Superimposed on the nose of a skull was a human skeleton with the arms holding LSO paddles that became the eyes of the skull, while the teeth were represented by the word "Fighting 20." The colors were primarily black and white, with the exception of the paddles and lettering that were red. In 1947, the basic "Trap or Die" patch was modified to reflect the squadron's re-designation to VF-9A. The name on the patch was changed the "Fighting 20" to "Fighting 9A." On June 10, 1949, the basic "Trap or Die" patch was modified again to enhance the skull design. The background became a blue diamond outlined in black. Red stylized wings outlined in blue and white were added, as well as a black and white machine gun in the shape of a cigarette with a yellow ammunition belt and red bullets. The machine gun was held by the skeleton's hand that was outlined in black. Fighting 9A was dropped and replaced by regular shaped teeth. The skull remained white outlined in black and the LSO paddles were red and white. This patch was used until the squadron disestablished in 1969. When VA-34 was reestablished in January 1970, it adopted the "Trap or Die" patch and Blue Blaster nickname used by the previous VA-34. May 10, 1999 VFA-34 modified the "Trap or Die" patch to reflect the F/A-18 Hornet Strike Fighter. |
Sources Steve Dallas Harry S. Gann Warren A. Harms John Hayes Bob Hall
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| Handle
Blue Blasters, 1949 - present. Blasters, 2001 - slang use. Heritage October 15, 1943, Fighter Squadron TWENTY (VF-20) established. November 15, 1946, VF-20 re-designated as Fighter Squadron NINE A (VF-9A). August 12, 1948, VF-9A re-designated as Fighter Squadron NINETY ONE (VF-91). February 15, 1950, VF-91 re-designated Fighter Squadron THIRTY FOUR (VF-34). July 1, 1955, VF-34 re-designated Attack Squadron THIRTY FOUR (VA-34). June 1, 1969, Attack Squadron THIRTY FOUR dis-established. January 1, 1970, Attack Squadron THIRTY FOUR (VA-34) re-established. September 30, 1996, Attack Squadron THIRTY-FOUR re-designated Strike Fighter Squadron THIRTY-FOUR (VFA-34). |
Home Ports
Date - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Location: Oct 1943 - - - - - - Naval Air Station San Diego Apr 1945 - - - - - - Naval Air Station Atlantic City Jun 1945 - - - - - - Naval Air Station Edenton Nov 1945 - - - - - - Naval Air Station Elizabeth City Mar 1946 - - - - - - Naval Auxiliary Air Station Charlestown May 1947 - - - - - - Naval Air Station Quonset Point Jun 1948 - - - - - - Naval Auxiliary Air Station Charlestown Dec 1949 - - - - - - Naval Air Station Quonset Point May 1951 - - - - - - Naval Auxiliary Air Station Sanford Oct 1952 - - - - - - Naval Air Station Jacksonville Feb 1953 - - - - - - Naval Air Station Cecil Field Jan 1970 - - - - - - Naval Air Station Oceana Sep 1996 - - - - - - Naval Air Station Cecil Field Mar 1999 - - - - - - Naval Air Station Oceana |
| Air Wings
Date - - - - - - - - - - Tail code - - - - - - - Air Wing Oct 15, 1943 ------ PS ----- CVG-20/CVAG-9/CVG-9* Dec 01, 1949 ------ K ------ CVG-3 Nov 01, 1953 ------ ATG-181 Jun 18, 1955 ------ K/AC‡ ---- CVG-3/CVW-3† Feb 01, 1967 ------ AK ------- CVW-10 Jan 16, 1968 ------ AA ------- CVW-17 Mar 02, 1970 ------ AB ------- CVW-1 Oct 01, 1986 ------ AG ------- CVW-7 * November 15, 1946, Carrier Air Group 20 (CVG-20) September 1, 1948, CVAG-9 was re-designated CVG-9. † December 20, 1963, Carrier Air Groups were ‡ In late 1957, CVG-3's tail code changed from K to AC. |
Aircraft
Date Type First Received - - - - - - Type of Aircraft: Oct 1943 - - - - - - Grumman F6F-3 Hellcat. Jul 1944 - - - - - - Grumman F6F-5 Hellcat. Apr 1946 - - - - - - Grumman F8F-1 Bearcat. Dec 1948 - - - - - - Grumman F8F-2 Bearcat. Nov 1950 - - - - - - Grumman F9F-2 Panther. Feb 1952 - - - - - - McDonnell F2H-2 Banshee. Oct 1955 - - - - - - Chance Vought F7U-3 Cutlass. Jan 1957 - - - - - - Douglas A4D-1 Skyhawk (A-4A)* Nov 1958 - - - - - - Douglas A4D-2 Skyhawk(A-4B)* Jul 1962 - - - - - - Douglas A4D-2N Skyhawk (A-4C)* Apr 1970 - - - - - - Grumman A-6A Intruder. May 1970 - - - - - - Grumman A-6B Intruder. 1971 - - - - - - - - Grumman KA-6D Intruder. 1971 - - - - - - - - Grumman A-6C Intruder. 1973 - - - - - - - - Grumman A-6E Intruder. Sep 1996 - - - - - - Boeing FA-18 Hornet. * November 30, 1962 A4D-1 Skyhawk designation changed to A-4A. A4D-2 Skyhawk designation changed to A-4B. A4D-2N Skyhawk designation changed to A-4C. For A-4 Skyhawk aircraft assigned to this unit see lower in this page: |
| Deployments
Departure & Return - - - - - - - - Air Wing - Carrier - Aircraft - - Area of Operations: 08/16/44 to 11/21/44 - CVG-20 - CV 6 - - F6F-3 - WestPac 12/11/44 to 01/26/45 - CVG-20 - CV 16 -- F6F-3 - WestPac 02/20/48 to 06/26/48 - CVAG-9 - CV 47 -- F8F-1 - Mediterranean 09/03/51 to 12/50/51 - CVG-3 -- CV 32 -- F9F-2 - Mediterranean 08/28/52 to 02/04/53 - CVG-3 -- CVA 40 - F2H-2 - Mediterranean 11/30/54 to 06/18/55 - ATG-181- CVA 15 - F2H-2 - Mediterranean 02/01/58 to 10/01/58 - CVG-3 -- CVA 60 - A4D-1 - Mediterranean 08/15/59 to 02/16/60 - CVG-3 -- CVA 60 - A4D-2 - Mediterranean 08/22/60 to 02/15/61 - CVG-3 -- CVA 60 - A4D-2 - Mediterranean/NorLant 11/28/61 to 05/12/62 - CVG-3 -- CVA 60 - A4D-2 - Mediterranean 03/29/63 to 10/25/63 - CVG-3 -- CVA 60 - A-4C -- Mediterranean 11/28/64 to 07/12/65 - CVW-3 -- CVA 60 - A-4C -- Mediterranean 03/11/66 to 10/26/66 - CVW-3 -- CVA 60 - A-4C -- Mediterranean 05/11/67 to 12/30/67 - CVW-10 - CVS 11 - A-4C -- Mediterranean/IO/WestPac/ Vietnam 07/22/68 to 04/29/69 - CVW-17 - CVA 59 - A-4C -- Mediterranean 09/14/70 to 03/01/71 - CVW-1 -- CVA 67 - A-6A/B - - - - Caribbean/Mediterranean/ NorLant 12/01/71 to 10/06/72 - CVW-1 -- CVA 67 - A-6A/B/C - - - Mediterranean/NorLant 04/16/73 to 12/01/73 - CVW-1 -- CVA 67 - A-6A/B/C - - - Mediterranean/NorLant 06/28/75 to 01/27/76 - CVW-1 -- CV 67 -- A-6E & KA-6D - Mediterranean 09/02/76 to 11/09/76 - CVW-1 -- CV 67 -- A-6E & KA-6D - NorLant 01/15/77 to 08/01/77 - CVW-1 -- CV 67 -- A-6E & KA-6D - Mediterranean 06/29/78 to 02/08/79 - CVW-1 -- CV 67 -- A-6E & KA-6D - Mediterranean 08/04/80 to 03/28/81 - CVW-1 -- CV 67 -- A-6E & KA-6D - Mediterranean 08/23/82 to 10/30/82 - CVW-1 -- CV 66 -- A-6E & KA-6D - NorLant/Med/ Caribbean 12/08/82 to 06/02/83 - CVW-1 -- CV 66 -- A-6E & KA-6D - Mediterranean/IO 04/24/84 to 11/14/84 - CVW-1 -- CV 66 -- A-6E & KA-6D - Caribbean/Mediterranean/IO 08/24/85 to 11/09/85 - CVW-1 -- CV 66 -- A-6E & KA-6D - NorLant 03/10/86 to 09/10/86 - CVW-1 -- CV 66 -- A-6E & KA-6D - Mediterranean 02/29/88 to 08/29/88 - CVW-7 - CVN 69 -- A-6E & KA-6D - Mediterranean 03/08/90 to 09/12/90 - CVW-7 - CVN 69 -- A-6E & KA-6D - Mediterranean/Red Sea |
Commanding Officers
Date Assumed Command - - - - - - - Commanding Officer Oct 1943 - - - - - - - - LCDR Frederick E. Bakutis Apr 1945 - - - - - - - - LCDR Herbert D. Remington Feb 1946 - - - - - - - - LCDR T. W. Ramsay Oct 1947 - - - - - - - - LCDR W. W. Brehm Jul 1948 - - - - - - - - LCDR Thomas C. Provost, III Dec 1949 - - - - - - - - LCDR Donald K. Olson Feb 1951 - - - - - - - - LCDR Robert A. Sweatt May 1952 - - - - - - - - LCDR H. B. Gibbs May 1953 - - - - - - - - LCDR F. H. O'Brien Jul 1955 - - - - - - - - CDR A. L. Detweiller (acting) Oct 1955 - - - - - - - - CDR Charles W. Pittman Jan 1957 - - - - - - - - CDR Ernest L. McClintock Oct 1958 - - - - - - - - CDR George C. Talley, Jr. Mar 1960 - - - - - - - - CDR Mitchell C. Griffin May 1961 - - - - - - - - CDR William J. Forgy May 1962 - - - - - - - - CDR Hector W. Davis, Jr. May 1963 - - - - - - - - CDR Walter T. Zebrowski May 1964 - - - - - - - - CDR Grant C. Young May 1965 - - - - - - - - CDR Rodney B. Carter May 1966 - - - - - - - - CDR Robert A. Zajichek May 1967 - - - - - - - - CDR Richard A. Wigent May 1968 - - - - - - - - CDR Mark E. Perrault Feb 1970 - - - - - - - - CDR Robert W. Miles Jun 1971 - - - - - - - - CDR Samuel L. Sayers Jul 1972 - - - - - - - - CDR Philip M. Shannon Jul 1973 - - - - - - - - CDR Lester T. Jackson Jul 1974 - - - - - - - - CDR William R. Westerman Oct 1975 - - - - - - - - CDR Gary F. Wheatley Jan 1977 - - - - - - - - CDR Robert H. Byng Apr 1978 - - - - - - - - CDR John M. McNabb Jul 1979 - - - - - - - - CDR John G. Hawley Oct 1980 - - - - - - - - CDR Brinley K. McDanel Nov 1981 - - - - - - - - CDR Bennice L. Liner Feb 1983 - - - - - - - - CDR Garth A. Van Sickle Aug 1984 - - - - - - - - CDR James B. Dadson Jan 1986 - - - - - - - - CDR Richard G. Coleman Jun 1987 - - - - - - - - CDR Bernis H. Bailey Nov 1988 - - - - - - - - CDR Eugene K. Nielsen May 1990 - - - - - - - - CDR Ronald K. Alexander |
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Awards Award - - - - - - - - - Inclusive Dates: MUC 29 Sep 1970 to 31 Oct 1970 01 Dec 1977 to 01 Mar 1979 29 Aug 1985 to 20 Sep 1985 NAVE 01 Jul 1948 to 30 Jun 1949 01 Jan 1970 to 30 Jun 1971 01 Jan 1982 to 31 Dec 1982 NUC 10 Oct 1944 to 22 Nov 1944 12 Jun 1967 to 08 Dec 1967 23 Mar 1986 to 17 Apr 1986 PUC 14 Dec 1944 to 16 Dec 1944 03 Jan 1945 to 22 Jan 1945 |
AFEM 17 Jul 1958 to 25 Jul 1958 29 Jul 1958 to 11 Aug 1958 19 Aug 1958 to 07 Sep 1958 26 Oct 1962 to 18 Nov 1962 18 Nov 1962 to 20 Nov 1962 03 Dec 1962 to 20 Dec 1962 RVNGC 21 Jun 1967 to 13 Jul 1967 29 Jul 1967 to 27 Aug 1967 14 Sep 1967 to 12 Oct 1967 31 Oct 1967 to 24 Nov 1967 VNSM 21 Jun 1967 to 13 Jul 1967 29 Jul 1967 to 27 Aug 1967 14 Sep 1967 to 12 Oct 1967 31 Oct 1967 to 24 Nov 1967 NEM 13 Apr 1961 to 26 Apr 1961 01 Jan 1983 to 20 Jan 1983 06 May 1983 to 08 May 1983 21 Mar 1986 to 27 Jun 1986 SLOC 04 Aug 1980 to 28 Mar 1981 23 Aug 1982 to 02 Jun 1983 SASM 08 Aug 1990 to 24 Aug 1990 |
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Events October 15, 1943: Fighter Squadron TWENTY (VF-20) established at NAS San Diego. VF-20 was assigned the Grumman F6F-3 Hellcat. April 16, 1944: Fighter Squadron TWENTY departed NAS Alameda with their Grumman Hellcat aboard the USS Essex CV 9 to Hawaii for per combat training before deploying to Asia. August 16, 1944 to November 21, 1944: Fighter Squadron TWENTY flying the F6F-3 Hellcat with Carrier Air Group 20 embarked in USS Enterprise CV-6 first World War II western pacific combat cruise. August 31, 1944: VF-20's first combat action was combat strikes against the Bonin Islands. October 24 and 25, 1944: Fighter Squadron 20 participated in the Battle for Leyte Gulf also referred to as the Second Battle of the Philippines Sea. Enterprise VF-20 Hellcats struck elements of all three Japanese Task Forces which were converging on Leyte Gulf. August to November 1944: VF-20 flew strikes against targets on the Bonin Islands, Yap and Palau Islands, Peleliu Island, Okinawa, Formosa, Luzon, and Leyte. December 11, 1944 to January 26, 1945: Fighter Squadron TWENTY flying the F6F-3 Hellcat with Carrier Air Group 20 embarked in USS Lexington CV-16 second World War II western pacific combat cruise. December 14, 1944: Lt(jg) Douglas Baker while on a strike mission against Clark Field on Luzon encountered Japanese fighter opposition. During this engagement Baker destroyed four Japanese aircraft before being shot down by antiaircraft fire and Baker was killed in the action. Lt. Bakers' final action brought his air-to-air kills to 16, making him one of the highest-ranking Navy aces. Only eight other Navy pilots equaled or exceeded Lieutenant Bakers' record. December 1944 to January 1945: VF-20 engaged in another series of combat actions, flying missions against targets on and around Luzon, Formosa, French Indochina (Vietnam), Hong Kong, the South China Sea, and Okinawa. Many of these operations were in support of the Lingayen Gulf landings. January 22, 1945: The last day of combat action for VF-20 during World War II. From August 31, 1944, to wars' end the squadron compiled a formidable combat record. There were 8 aces (nine counting the Commander of CVG-20 who flew the squadron's aircraft), 12 individuals received the Navy Cross and 22 individuals received the Silver Star. VF-20 credits itself with the destruction of over 15 ships and 407 aircraft, not counting an even greater number that were damaged but not destroyed. February 1945: VF-20 set sail on the USS Kwajalein CVE 98 at Ulithi for the United States, arriving there several weeks later. April 1945: VF-20 moved to NAS Atlantic City, NJ. June 1945: VF-20 moved to NAS Edenton. November 1945: VF-20 moved to NAS Elizabeth City. March 1946: VF-20 moved to NAAS Charlestown, SC. April 1946: VF-20 moved to NAS Atlantic City and was assigned the Grumman F8F-1 Bearcat. November 15, 1946: VF-20 was redesignated as Fighter Squadron NINE A (VF-9A). May 1947: Fighter Squadron NINE A moved to NAS Quonset Point, RI. June 1948: VF-9A moved to NAAS Charlestown, SC. February 20, 1948 to June 26, 1948: Fighter Squadron NINE A flying the F8F-1 Bearcat with Carrier Air Group 9 embarked in USS Philippine Sea CV-47 on a Mediterranean cruise. July to September 1948: In cooperation with Commander Operational Development Force, Atlantic Fleet, Fighter Squadron NINE A participated in the experimental radar carrier controlled approach CCA program aboard USS Philippine Sea CV 47. August 12, 1948: VF-9A was re-designated as Fighter Squadron NINETY ONE (VF-91). December 1949: Fighter Squadron NINETY ONE moved to NAS Quonset Point, RI. February 15, 1950: VF-91 was re-designated Fighter Squadron THIRTY FOUR (VF-34). November 1950: VF-34 was assigned the Grumman F9F-2 Panther. May 1951: Fighter Squadron THIRTY FOUR moved to NAAS Sanford, FL. September 3, 1951 to December 5, 1951: Fighter Squadron THIRTY FOUR flying the F9F-2 Panther with Carrier Air Group 3 embarked in USS Leyte CV-32 on a Mediterranean cruise. February 1952: VF-34 was assigned the McDonnell F2H-2 Banshee. August 28, 1952 to February 4, 1953: Fighter Squadron THIRTY FOUR flying the F2H-2 Banshee with Carrier Air Group 3 embarked in USS Tarawa CV-40 on a Mediterranean cruise. October 1952: Fighter Squadron THIRTY FOUR moved to NAS Jacksonville, FL. February 1953: Fighter Squadron THIRTY FOUR moved to NAS Cecil Field, FL. April 1953: VF-34 embarked on USS Antietam CVA 36 with its F2H Banshees to conduct evaluation tests on the Navy's first angled deck carrier. May 26, 1954: Fighter Squadron THIRTY FOUR was aboard USS Bennington CVA 20, on the way to the Mediterranean Sea, when an explosion aboard ship resulted in the death of 7 squadron personnel. The ship returned to the States and VF-34 disembarked. October 31, 1954: Ens. Duane L. Varner in a VF-34 F2H-2 Banshee flew a 1,900 mile nonstop, non-refueling, transcontinental flight from Los Alamitos, CA, to NAS Cecil Field, FL. The flight took 3 hours and 58 minutes and set a long-distance record for the Banshee. November 30, 1954, to June 18, 1955: Fighter Squadron THIRTY FOUR flying the F2H-2 Banshee with ATG-181 embarked in USS Randolph CVA-15 on a Mediterranean cruise. July 1, 1955: VF-34 was redesignated Attack Squadron THIRTY FOUR (VA-34). October 1955: VA-34 was assigned the Chance Vought F7U-3 Cutlass. January 1957: VF-34 was assigned the Douglas A4D-1 (A-4A) Skyhawk. MAR 1957: Fifteen Blue Blasters of VA-34 earned the first "E"s ever awarded an A4D Skyhawk squadron during a recent deployment to BAS Leeward Point, Cuba. They scored 22 "E"s in three competitive exercises which covered over-the-shoulder, loft and high-altitude bombing. The squadron extended 3,641 bombs and didn't miss a single sortie. Pilots who qualified for "E"s in over-the-sholder bombing were LCdrs C.D. Turner, S.N. Groves, R.S. Smith; Lts W.L. Harris, M.M. McLeod, L.E. Morrison, F.C. Andrews; and LTjgs J.M. Gleim, D.T. Jackson, J.T. Anderson. Loft bombing "E" winners were Lts Turner, Harris, McLeod, Andrews, Gleim; LTjgs D.L. Felt, J.R. Tuttle, W.A. Cargile, and Ens. I.D. Lewey. Top Blue Blasters, Cdr. E.L. McClintock, CO of VA-34, Felt, and Cargile were the high altitude dive bombing "E" qualifiers of the outfit. Naval Aviation News JAN 1958, from Ed Wilburn. Four Pilots Score Six E’s. First Such Award to A4D Squadron. One year after they earned Navy wings, four pilots of VA-34 contributed more than a fourth of their squadron’s total 22 E’s. They are Lt. Donald L. Felt, Ltjgs. William A. Cargile, John T. Anderson and Ens. Ira D. Lewey. They won six E’s, the first ever awarded an A4D squadron. Each of the pilots had less than 600 hours total flight time. February 1, 1958 to October 1, 1958: Attack Squadron THIRTY FOUR flying the A-4A (A4D-1) Skyhawk with Carrier Air Group 3 embarked in USS Saratoga CVA-60 on a Mediterranean cruise. March 4, 1958: Attack Squadron THIRTY FOUR conducted cross-deck operations on the British aircraft carrier HMS Ark Royal with the squadron's new A4D-1 Skyhawks. March 7, 1958: Lt.(jg) Donald T. Jackson in A4D BuNo 139963 crashed into the sea off starboard quarter at latitude 38-51N, longitude 10-48.3E, at 2111 and sank in 680 fathoms of water. At 2112 the USS Ingram (DD-694) commenced search for pilot. 2205 F3H BuNo 137013 of VF-31, pilot Cdr. J.E. Tefft crashed into ramp while attempting landing. Damage to aircraft major-strike. 2224 F8U BuNo 143742 of VF-32, pilot Cdr. G.C. Buhrer, suffered damage to port landing gear due to hard landing. The USS Saratoga was steaming in TF 60 enroute from Naples to Barcelona. USS Saratoga Deck Log, Friday, 7 March 1958. I was a plane captain with VA-34 out of Cecil Field part of CAG 3. I believe the plane squadron number was 309 on LT. Jackson's aircraft. I prepared the aircraft and helped LT. Jackson mount and strap in. It was an unusual night operation as we normally did not fly at night at that time. After launch I returned to the line shack which was behind the island near the starboard catwalk to await his return. About 9pm. I left the shack and entered the catwalk and walked a short distance to a spot near the island to get out to the plane on landing. The night was pitch black; the seas were moderate. Observing the approach area, I noticed that an approaching aircraft was showing reversed lights. I remarked to the others with me that "that aircraft is flying away or is upside down" I could see only lights and the red - green was reversed for an approaching plane. Seconds after that I observed an inverted A-4 fly into the sea even with the island about 100 yards out. Nothing was recovered by the destroyer escort. It was the LT's aircraft. I suspected vertigo. But no explanation was ever given. After joining the A-4 organization I was contacted by another VA-34 member who was next to me at the time, but I did not know him, he was in the shop, and I was on the line. He saw the same as I and remembered that a F-8 was ahead of LT. Jackson and took a wave off. At the wave off it hit afterburner and the resulting flame in his opinion destroyed LT. Jackson's night vision throwing him into vertigo. I believe that he knew he was going into the ship and was able to veer off to starboard but did not recover. When he went in, he was inverted with the wing next to the ship at about a 45-degree angle to the water. I believe if he did not veer off, he would have gone into the stern at deck level or about right where I was. Glad to help. Any other questions, feel free. from Ed Wilburn discharged from VA-34 Jan 61 as ADJ2. July 1958: VA-34 flew support missions during the amphibious landings in Beirut, Lebanon, by United States Marines.
June 1959: Operating from NAAS Mayport, VA-34 conducted the first operational firing of the AGM-12 Bull Pup air-to-ground missile in the Atlantic Fleet. Lt.(jg) Sam Hawkins in an A4D-2 scored the historic hit off the Florida coast. Cdr. G.C. Tally, Jr., Squadron Skipper, hailed the missile as a valuable addition to the weapons capability of the versatile Skyhawk. Naval Aviation News, September 1959. Provided by John "Gabby" Gabbard August 15, 1959, to February 16, 1960: Attack Squadron THIRTY FOUR flying the Douglas A4D-2 (A-4B) Skyhawk with Carrier Air Group 3 embarked in USS Saratoga CVA-60 on a Mediterranean cruise. September 1959: Lt.(jg) George Ball Jr. an A4D Skyhawk pilot of VA-34 aboard the USS Saratoga, became the ship's first jet double centurion. He made his 200th arrested landing during routine operations with the Sixth Fleet. October 21, 1959: A4D-2 Skyhawk BuNo 144905, night tanker from the USS Saratoga, crashed in the Mediterranean and Lt.(jg) Andrew J. Goodwin, Jr. went missing. US Armed Forces, Pacific Stars & Stripes , Sunday, October 25, 1959. 2047 A4D-2 BuNo 144905 of VA-34, pilot Lt. A.J. Goodwin, crashed into the water and exploded bearing 208. Distance 9 miles from the ship; lat. 30-44 N, long. 26-35.8 E. USS Cone (DD-866) and USS Mullinix (DD-944) dispatched to scene of crash. 2058 USS Stormes (DD-780) joined in search of crash scene. Search continued. 2052 USS Boston (CAG-1) dispatched to scene of crash. COMCRUDIV FOUR embarked on USS Boston (CAG-1) assumed on-scene commander. USS Saratoga deck log, Wednesday, 21 October 1959. I was a plane captain with VA-34 out of Cecil Field part of CAG 3. I believe the plane squadron number was 309 on LT. Jackson's aircraft. I prepared the aircraft and helped Lt. Jackson mount and strap in. It was an unusual night operation as we normally did not fly at night at that time. After launch I returned to the line shack which was behind the island near the starboard catwalk to await his return. About 9pm. I left the shack and entered the catwalk and walked a short distance to a spot near the island to get out to the plane on landing. The night was pitch black; the seas were moderate. Observing the approach area, I noticed that an approaching aircraft was showing reversed lights. I remarked to the others with me that "that aircraft is flying away or is upside down" I could see only lights and the red - green was reversed for an approaching plane. Seconds after that I observed an inverted A-4 fly into the sea even with the island about 100 yards out. Nothing was recovered by the destroyer escort. It was the LT's aircraft. I suspected vertigo. But no explanation was ever given. After joining the A-4 organization I was contacted by another VA-34 member who was next to me at the time, but I did not know him, he was in the shop, and I was on the line. He saw the same as I and remembered that a F-8 was ahead of LT. Jackson and took a wave off. At the wave off it hit afterburner and the resulting flame in his opinion destroyed LT. Jackson's night vision throwing him into vertigo. I believe that he knew he was going into the ship and was able to veer off to starboard but did not recover. When he went in, he was inverted with the wing next to the ship at about a 45-degree angle to the water. I believe if he did not veer off, he would have gone into the stern at deck level or about right where I was. Glad to help. Any other questions, feel free. Ed. Wilburn discharged from VA-34 Jan 61 as ADJ2.
August 22, 1960, to February 15, 1961: Attack Squadron THIRTY FOUR flying the Douglas A4D-2N (A-4C) Skyhawk with Carrier Air Group 3 embarked in USS Saratoga CVA-60 on a Mediterranean/NorLant cruise. January 30, 1961: G. Augustine, III, A-4B BuNo 144920. . . 1538 A4D reported engine flame-out at 025, 46 miles from the ship. 1542 pilot ejected from A4D. 1610 Helo picked up pilot from his life raft after pilot had ejected from A4D as noted in 1538 entry. 1623 Received report of possible aircraft in the water, bearing 066, distance 5 miles. Detached USS Wood (DD-715) to investigate. 1628 Pilot back aboard. No injuries. 1631 Report of possible aircraft in the water evaluated as drop tank. USS Saratoga deck log, Monday, 30 January 1961. April 1961: VA-34's A4D-2 Skyhawks operated from USS Essex CVS 9 in the Caribbean Sea during the Bay of Pigs invasion. This operation involved the first use of jet attack aircraft as part of an ASW Air Group, CVSG-60, operating aboard an ASW designated carrier. November 28, 1961, to May 12, 1962: Attack Squadron THIRTY FOUR flying the Douglas A4D-2 (A-4B) Skyhawk with Carrier Air Group 3 embarked in USS Saratoga CVA-60 on a Mediterranean/NorLant cruise. April 10, 1962: Lt(jg). Carlton Stewart Hall was killed when his A4D-2 BuNo 144998 crashed near Akseki, in the mountainous region of south-central Turkey while on an operational training flight from the USS Saratoga. Harrisburg, PA, Harrisonburg Daily News Record, Thursday, April 12, 1962. October 26 to November 18, 1962: During the Cuban missile crisis the entire squadron flew aboard the USS Enterprise CVAN 65 to augment the assigned air wing. Enterprise had departed for the Caribbean on 19 October. VA-34 flew numerous missions in support of the Cuban quarantine. November 18 to 26, 1962: VA-34 transferred from USS Enterprise CVAN 65 to USS Ship Independence CVA 62 during the quarantine operations. VA-34 continued to fly quarantine missions aboard Independence until her return to the States on 26 November. March 29, 1963, to October 25, 1963: Attack Squadron THIRTY FOUR flying the A-4C Skyhawk with Carrier Air Group 3 embarked in USS Saratoga CVA-60 on a Mediterranean/NorLant cruise. August 15, 1963: An F-3B BuNo 146716 piloted by LCDR K.E. Cornell of VF-31, having been recovered by engaging number two deck pendant, crashed into A4C BuNo 148554 which was being taxied through the landing area. As a result of this crash it appears that both aircraft caught fire. GQ was ordered. The fire on the deck appears to have spread to aircraft in the vicinity of the after part of the island. Commenced a left turn and slowed to five knots in order that the wind would be positioned so that damage by this fire could be minimized. Position at the time of the crash is 38-43N; 06-41E. 2219 Steady on course 290 speed 5 Kts. The nineteen aircraft that are airborne have been diverted to Decimomannu, Sardinia. Initial report of injuries show: two dead: AMS3 Jack Augusta Sherrill (V-1). ADJAN Donald William Cors (VA-36) and six injured as follows: ABE2 Richard Charles Kinzig (V-2), ABEC Richard Daniel Evans (V-2), AN Larry Dennis Sowers (V-2), Lt. Robert (n) Dvorak (cat officer), AN Charles O'Neal Jr. (V-1) and AN Theodore Joseph Arsenault (VA-34). 2250 All fires having been reported out and re-flash watches having been set, secured from GQ and directed all repair parties to remain on station. As a result of the crash and subsequent fire it appears that seven aircraft have suffered damage. USS Saratoga Deck Log, Thursday, 15 August 1963. In addition to the colliding aircraft the ensuing fire destroyed VA-34 A-4C BuNo 148476, VA-34 A-4C BuNo 149592, VAW-12 E-1B BuNo 147216, and damaged VF-31 F-3B BuNo 143476 and VF-32 F-8D BuNo 147917. US Armed Forces, European Stars and Stripes, Monday, August 19, 1963. Lancaster. OH, Lancaster Eagle-Gazette, Tuesday. August 20 1963. December 1963 and January through February 1964: Attack Squadron 34 provided detachments of A-4C Skyhawks aboard USS Intrepid CVS 11 and USS Randolph CVS 15. The aircraft were used for Combat Air Patrol (CAP) to provide a fighter capability (VSF) for the ASW carriers. December 5, 1963: Mark Perrault . . . was rescued by an HS-3 SH-3A piloted by Lt. James V. Hensley when his A-4C Skyhawk (BuNo 149596) crashed on take-off from the USS Intrepid off the coast of Norfolk, VA. The rescue was made in winds up to 32 knots. Asheville Citizen Times, Sunday 15 December 1963. Nothing in the Intrepid deck log although VA-34 provided detachments of A-4C Skyhawks aboard USS Intrepid (CVS 11) in December 1963 and January through February 1964. November 28, 1964, to July 12, 1965: Attack Squadron THIRTY FOUR flying the A-4C Skyhawk with Carrier Air Group 3 embarked in USS Saratoga CVA-60 on a Mediterranean cruise. September 28, 1965: Lt.(jg). Calvin C. Mahnke, 26, (VA-34 at Cecil and the USS Saratoga) and Lt.(jg) Robert F. Silvestri, 25, were killed Tuesday night on a routine night flying session from Memphis to Cecil Field when their A-4A (sic) Skyhawks (BuNo's 149598 and 150594) collided in the soupy weather and burst into flames. The two aircraft crashed about six miles S of Cecil Field during an IFR approach when one pilot experienced radio failure and the pilot of the second jet tried to guide the other flyer to the runway. Janesville Daily Gazette, Wednesday, Sept. 29, 1965. Manitowoc, WI, Manitowoc Herald Times , Wednesday, Sept. 29, 1965. March 11, 1966, to October 26, 1966: Attack Squadron THIRTY FOUR flying the A-4C Skyhawk with Carrier Air Wing 3 embarked in USS Saratoga CVA-60 on a Mediterranean cruise. April 7, 1966: LCdr. G.R. Fox ejected safely. 1527 A-4C BuNo 150590 crashed into the sea off the port bow, pilot LCDR G.R. Fox, ejecting. Crash occurred at 36-45.5N, 16-15.0E, a/c sank in 1700 fathoms of water. Swung the ship to port to clear pilot in water, ordered USS Tattnall (DDG-19) to assist the ships helo in rescue attempt. 1532 Helo recovered LCDR Fox. 1535 Helo delivered the pilot on board, pilot taken to sickbay, no apparent injuries. USS Saratoga deck log, Thursday, 7 April 1966. May 11 to December 30, 1967: VA-34 Blue Blaster with the A-4C Skyhawk as a component of an Attack Carrier Air Wing (CVW-10) deployed to Vietnam on USS Intrepid CVS-11. This was the squadron's first combat action since 1945. July 9, 1967: A-4C Skyhawk BuNo. 149603, side number AK 312was shot down by a North Vietnamese Surface to Air Missile. The pilot, LCdr. E. A. Martin, successfully ejected, was captured and made Prisoner of War. August 1967: USS Intrepid flight deck Skyhawks and Skyraiders, left side: VA-15 Valions A-4C Skyhawk BuNo 149524, AK-202; VA-15 A-4C BuNo 148495, AK-203; VA-34 Blue Blazers A-4C BuNo 149518, AK-307; VA-15 A-4C BuNo 148484, AK-214; VA-15 A-4C BuNo 149529, AK-206 and VA-34 A-4C BuNo 149593, AK-305. 2nd line from left: VA-145 Sunday Punchers A-1H Skyraider BuNo 137511, AK-504, VAW-33 Nighthawks EA-1F Skyraider AK-6__ ... September 18, 1967: VA-34 Blue Blaster A-4C Skyhawk BuNo. 149590-side number AK 301 was shot down by a North Vietnamese Surface to Air Missile. The pilot, LCdr. S. A. Hawkins successfully ejected and was rescued. November 7, 1967: A-4C Skyhawk BuNo. 148566-side number AK 314 was shot down by North Vietnamese Triple A fire. The pilot, Lt.(jg) M.A. Krebs, successfully ejected and was rescued. November 17, 1967: VA-34 Blue Blaster A-4C Skyhawk BuNo. 149546-side number AK 306 was shot down by a North Vietnamese Surface to Air Missile. The pilot, Lt. W. D. Key, successfully ejected and was captured and made Prisoner of War. March 6, 1968: Following a mid-air collision with A-4C BuNo 149626 over the Southern California desert near Ludlow, CA, LCdr. Hawkins ejected safely from A-4C BuNo 148520. Lt.(jg) Gill in 149626 landed safely at NOTS China Lake. Long Beach, CA, Independent Press-Telegram, Tuesday, March 7, 1968. US Navy, Accident Report July 22, 1968, to April 29, 1969: Attack Squadron THIRTY FOUR flying the A-4C Skyhawk with Carrier Air Wing 17 embarked in USS Forrestal CVA-59 on a Mediterranean cruise. January 26, 1969: Lt.(jg) N.S. Kobylk ... 1241 A-4C Skyhawk aircraft BuNo. 149499 of VA-34 piloted by LTJG. N.S. Kobylk, crashed at sea at Lat. 37 54.8 N, Long. 16 39.8 E and sank in 100 fathoms of water. 1245 detached USS Bordelon DD-881 to proceed to crash scene. 1248 speed 15 knots. 1250 set course 270; speed 28 knots. 1300 maneuvering while operating aircraft. 1320 completed operating aircraft. 1325 set course 205; speed 22 knots. 1334 pilot, LTJG. N.S. Kobylk of VA-34 recovered by HC-2 squadrons helicopter the Fleet Angles and delivered on board, no injuries to pilot. USS Forrestal deck log, 26 January 1969. March 22, 1969: Lt. James M. Gill reported a flame out and ejected from A-4C BuNo 147746 (AA-310), bearing 229, range 37 miles. Helo recovered downed pilot in satisfactory condition. Ken Killmeyer (USS Forrestal Historian) June 1, 1969: VA-34 was dis-established. January 1, 1970: Attack Squadron THIRTY FOUR (VA-34) Blue Blasters re-established at NAS Oceana, VA. April 1970: VA-34 was assigned the Grumman A-6A Intruder. September 14, 1970, to March 1, 1971: Attack Squadron THIRTY FOUR flying the A-6A/B Intruder with Carrier Air Wing 3 embarked in USS John F. Kennedy CVA-67 on a Caribbean/Mediterranean/NorLant cruise. September 14, 1970: VA-34 boarded the USS Kennedy CVA 67 for its Operational Readiness Inspection prior to its scheduled November deployment to the Mediterranean. While sailing to the Caribbean, the Kennedy and VA-34 were ordered to deploy to the Mediterranean after Syria invaded Jordan. December 1, 1971, to October 6, 1972: Attack Squadron THIRTY FOUR flying the A-6A/B/C Intruder with Carrier Air Wing 1 embarked in USS John F. Kennedy CVA-67 on a Mediterranean/NorLant cruise. September 1972: A VA-34 A-6 Intruder conducted cross-decking operations on HMS Ark Royal while operating in the Norwegian Sea. April 16, 1973, to December 1, 1973: Attack Squadron THIRTY FOUR flying the A-6A/B/C Intruder with Carrier Air Wing 1 embarked in USS John F. Kennedy CVA-67 on a Mediterranean/NorLant cruise. October through November 1973: During the Yon Kippur War VA-34 and USS Kennedy departed the Norwegian Sea and reentered the Mediterranean, conducting surveillance operations south of Crete. June 28, 1975, to January 27, 1976: Attack Squadron THIRTY FOUR flying the A-6E & KA-6D Intruder with Carrier Air Wing 1 embarked in USS John F. Kennedy CVA-67 on a Mediterranean cruise. September 2, 1976, to November 9, 1976: Attack Squadron THIRTY FOUR flying the A-6E & KA-6D Intruder with Carrier Air Wing 1 embarked in USS John F. Kennedy CVA-67 on a NorLant cruise. January 15, 1977, to August 1, 1977: Attack Squadron THIRTY FOUR flying the A-6E & KA-6D Intruder with Carrier Air Wing 1 embarked in USS John F. Kennedy CVA-67 on a Mediterranean cruise. June 29, 1978, to February 8, 1979: Attack Squadron THIRTY FOUR flying the A-6E & KA-6D Intruder with Carrier Air Wing 1 embarked in USS John F. Kennedy CVA-67 on a Mediterranean cruise. August 4, 1980, to March 28, 1981: Attack Squadron THIRTY FOUR flying the A-6E & KA-6D Intruder with Carrier Air Wing 1 embarked in USS John F. Kennedy CVA-67 on a Mediterranean cruise. August 23, 1982, to October 30, 1982: Attack Squadron THIRTY FOUR flying the A-6E & KA-6D Intruder with Carrier Air Wing 1 embarked in USS America CV-66 on a NorLant/Mediterranean/Caribbean cruise. September through October 1982: During the deployment to the North Atlantic, USS America CV 66, was diverted to the Mediterranean due to the continuing crisis in Lebanon. December 8, 1982, to June 2, 1983: Attack Squadron THIRTY FOUR flying the A-6E & KA-6D Intruder with Carrier Air Wing 1 embarked in USS America CV-66 on a Mediterranean/IO cruise. January and May 1983: While in the Eastern Mediterranean VA-34 conducted air operations from USS America in support of the multinational peace-keeping forces in Beirut, Lebanon. April 24, 1984, to November 14, 1984: Attack Squadron THIRTY FOUR flying the A-6E & KA-6D Intruder with Carrier Air Wing 1 embarked in USS America CV-66 on a Caribbean/Mediterranean/IO cruise. August 24, 1985, to November 9, 1985: Attack Squadron THIRTY FOUR flying the A-6E & KA-6D Intruder with Carrier Air Wing 1 embarked in USS America CV-66 on a NorLant cruise. March 10, 1986, to September 10, 1986: Attack Squadron THIRTY FOUR flying the A-6E & KA-6D Intruder with Carrier Air Wing 1 embarked in USS America CV-66 on a Mediterranean cruise. March 24, 1986: Libyan missiles were fired at United States Navy forces operating in the Gulf of Sidra. As a result retaliatory strikes were initiated against Libya by the American naval forces. VA-34's A-6E Intruders, operating from USS America, attacked and damaged a Libyan Combattante II G-class fast attack missile craft with a Harpoon missile. A follow-up attack by VA-85 aircraft with Rockeye bombs resulted in the sinking of the Combattante II. The Harpoon firing was the first use of this missile in combat and the squadron's first combat action since its re-establishment in 1970. April 14, 1986: Due to continued Libyan sponsorship of terrorist activity the United States initiated Operation Eldorado Canyon. VA-34 participated in this operation with its A-6Es, conducting a night, low-level high-speed attack against terrorist targets at the Benina airfield and military barracks in Benghazi, Libya. February 29, 1988, to August 29, 1988: Attack Squadron THIRTY FOUR flying the A-6E & KA-6D Intruder with Carrier Air Wing 7 embarked in USS Eisenhower CVN-69 on a Mediterranean cruise. March 8, 1990, to September 12, 1990: Attack Squadron THIRTY FOUR flying the A-6E & KA-6D Intruder with Carrier Air Wing 7 embarked in USS Eisenhower CVN-69 on a Mediterranean/Red Sea cruise. August 1990: The squadron flew missions in support of Operation Desert Shield, the buildup of American and Allied forces to counter a threatened invasion of Saudi Arabia by Iraq and as part of an economic blockade of Iraq to force its withdrawal from Kuwait. September 1990: The squadron returned to Naval Air Station Oceana, VA. September 1991 to April 2, 1992: The Blue Blasters deployed to Southwest Asia. The squadron participated in North Star. May to November 1994: The Blue Blasters' deployed in USS George Washington CVN 73 for her maiden cruise. In June, the Blasters performed a "missing man" formation over Omaha Beach to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of D-Day. 1994 and 1995: The Blue Blasters were awarded the Commander, Naval Air Force, United States Atlantic Fleet Battle "E" for 1994 and 1995.
 1995: VA-34 operated over Bosnia and Southern Iraq. Operational sorties were flown in both theaters enforcing United Nations mandates. Missions included Close Air Support over the former Yugoslavia, working closely with multi-national Forward Air Controllers and UN forces on the ground, and strike familiarization missions to targets below the 32nd parallel in Iraq. January to September 1996: The Blue Blasters had their last deployment flying the venerable A-6E Intruder aboard USS George Washington CVN 73. VA-34 flew in support of Operation DECISIVE ENDEAVOR over Bosnia Herzegovina and Operation SOUTHERN WATCH over Iraq September 30, 1996: Attack Squadron THIRTY-FOUR was redesignated Strike Fighter Squadron THIRTY-FOUR (VFA-34) and based at Naval Air Station Cecil Field, FL. The Blue Blasters transition into the Boeing FA-18C Hornet. June to December 1998: Strike Fighter Squadron THIRTY-FOUR deployed in USS Dwight D. Eisenhower CVN 69 --- the first squadron to deploy in the new Boeing FA-18 Lot XIX and XX Hornets. VFA-34 participated over Bosnia-Herzegovina in support of Operation DELIBERATE FORGE, and over Iraq during Operation SOUTHERN WATCH. March 1999: The VFA-34 Blue Blasters moved their home port from NAS Cecil Field, FL to Naval Air Station Oceana, VA. June 2000: The VFA-34 Blue Blasters deployed on USS George Washington CVN 73 to the Mediterranean Sea and Arabian Gulf. |
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Unit Photos TEN-PLANE formation of F7U-3 Cutlasses, piloted by VA-34, headed for NAS Cecil Field. Several days earlier the squadron participated in an air show over Brunswick, Ga. Skippered by CDR C. W. Pittman, the fighter squadron is now engaged in intensive bombing training. NavAirNews. First "E"s awarded A-4Ds! Four Pilots Score Six E's - First Such Award to A4D Squadron. One year after they earned Navy wings, four pilots of VA-34 contributed more than a fourth of their squadron's total 22 "E"s. They are LT Donald L. Felt, LTJGs William A. Cargile, John T. Anderson (lower center in the photo) and ENS Ira D. Lewey. Flying the A4D Skyhawk in special weapons bombing competition, they won six "E"s, the first ever awarded an A4D squadron. Each of the pilots had less than 600 hours total flight time. Naval Aviation News January 1958. Provided by John Gabbard. First E's Awarded A4D's - Earned by VA-34 in Cuba Exercise. Fifteen Blue Blasters of VA-34 earned the first "E"s ever awarded an A4D Skyhawk squadron during a recent deployment to BAS Leewars Point, Cuba. They scored 22 "E"s in three competitive exercises which covered over-the-sholder, loft and high altitude bombing. The squadron extended 3,641 bombs and didn't miss a single sortie. Pilots who qualified for "E"s in over-the-sholder bombing were LCDRs C.D. Turner, S.N. Groves, R.S. Smith; LTs W.L. Harris, M.M. McLeod, L.E. Morrison, F.C. Andrews; and LTJGs J.M. Gleim, D.T. Jackson, J.T. Anderson. Loft bombing "E" winners were LTs Turner, Harris, McLeod, Andrews, Gleim; LTJGs D.L. Felt, J.R. Tuttle, W.A. Cargile, and Ens. I.D. Lewey. Top Blue Blasters, CDR E.L. McClintock, CO of VA-34, Felt, and Cargile were the high altitude dive bombing "E" qualifiers of the outfit. Naval Aviation News January 1958. Provided by John Gabbard. NOV 1957: A-4A BuNo 139965, AC-306, being launched. Pilot: LT. Murdoch M. McLeod, USN. He holds four E's for Excellence in bombing. 1958: U.S.S. Saratoga: BuNo 139969, AC-312. Unknown photographer via W. Mutza 1958: BuNo 139961, AC-302, aboard the USS Saratoga. Tailhook. DEC58: A4D-1 Skyhawk BuNo 139928, AC-303, in formation with F8U-1 Crusader BuNo 143705, AC-202, F9F-8P Cougar, AC-966, and F3H-2N Demon BuNo 136922, AC-102. Naval Aviation News Photo. 17FEB59: VA-34 and USS Saratoga (CVA-60) At sea on 17 February 1958, as four Douglas AD4-1 "Skyhawk" aircraft from Attack Squadron 34 (VA-34) fly past in formation. These planes are Bureau #s 139928, 139968, 139970 and 142152. Official U.S. Navy Photograph - Photo #: USN 1034275. Photo from Gary Verver October 1959: A4D-2 Skyhawk BuNo 144905, AC-306, pilot bombing quals before second Med cruise on CVA-60, Naval Station Guantanamo Cuba, 1959. Photo from plane captain Ed Wilburn who is on the wing refueling AC-306. MAR60: Blue Blasters LTJG George B. Ball, jr., the Saratoga's 1st jet double centurion, poses by Blue Blasters Skyhawk BuNo 144891, AC-312. Naval Aviation News Photo. JUL61: NAN article of placing Skyhawks on CSV carriers for CAP duty. NAN photo. Circa 1962: A U.S. Navy Douglas A4D-2 Skyhawk (BuNo 144900) of VA-34 Blue Blasters, armed with a Mk-7 nuclear weapon, prepares to launch from the aircraft carrier USS Saratoga (CVA-60). VA-34 was assigned to Carrier Air Group 3 (CVG-3) aboard Saratoga, and equipped with A4D-2's between 1959 and 1962 (A4D-2 was re-designated A-4B after September 1962). VAH-9 A3D-1 Skywarrior BuNo 138491, AC-507, is parked on the deck at left. 1962: USS Saratoga (CVA-60) with aircraft from CVW-3 (AC) including VF-31 Tomcatters F3H-2 Demons, VF-32 Swordsmen F8U-1E Crusaders, VA-34 Blue Blasters A4D-2 Skyhawks, VA-35 Panthers AD-6 Skyraiders, VAH-9 Hoot Owls A3D-2 Skywarriors, VA-36 Roadrunners A4D-2 Skyhawks, VFP-62 Eyes of the Fleet Det. F8U-1P Crusaders, VAW-12 Det. WF-2 Trackers, VAW-33 Det. 41 and HU-2 Det. HUP-2 Retrievers, 1961-1962. 1962: BuNo.144894, 144891, 144998 and 144892 (A-4Bs) in formation. Photo time frame was given as 1963 and was taken by VFP-62, but records show VA-34 received A-4Cs in July of 1962. Modex is AC302, AC312, AC309 and AC301. Provided by Frank "Spike" Buesing. OCT 1962: Skyhawks parked forward on CVN-65 during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Skyhawk units of CVW-6 (VA-66 and VA-76), along with VMA-225, not normally a part of CVW-6, were deployed aboard to provide additional fire-power. Also, VA-34 Skyhawks were assigned to Enterprise in OCT and in NOV they were replaced by VA-64. Dave Leiber of VMA-225. Circa 1963: VA-34 A-4C BuNo 149603, AC-312, taxied into position for launching aboard USS Saratoga (CVA-60). VA-36 AC-607 in the right background. Photo courtesy of Bob Lawson. 1966-67: BuNo 149590, AK 304, aboard the Intrepid, CVS 11. Intrepid Cruise Book from "Boom" Powell 1966: CAG-3 LSOs group photo on the platform of USS Saratoga in 1966. CAG-3 LSOs group photo on the platform of USS Saratoga in 1966. The A-4 squadrons were VA-34, VA-46 and VA-106. JUN67: Captain John Fair, Intrepid CO, chalks a greeting to Ho Chi Minh on a 750 pound USAF M-117 before Airwing-10 Skyhawk BuNo 149587 launches on the 1st mission of the 1967 deployment. M-117 was used because of the bomb shortage that officially did not exist. "Boom" Powell 1966-67: Blue Blaster Skyhawks BuNo 149624, AK-308, and BuNo 149588, AK-309, aboard the Intrepid, CVS 11. Intrepid Cruise Book from "Boom" Powell 1967: Blue Blaster Skyhawk BuNo 149590, AK 301, moments after trapping aboard the Intrepid, CVS 11. Intrepid Cruise Book from "Boom" Powell 1966-67: 1966-67: Blue Blaster Skyhawk BuNo 149591, AK-302, as she is maneuvered into position on one of the Intrepids forward cats. Intrepid Cruise Book from "Boom" Powell. 1966-67: Blue Blaster Skyhawk BuNo 149626, AK-303, parked alongside the Intrepid's island. Intrepid Cruise Book from "Boom" Powell. 1966-67: Blue Blaster Skyhawk BuNo 149640, AK-311, as she launches from the Intrepid. Intrepid Cruise Book from "Boom" Powell. The deckman in the middle assisting with the launch bridle is Samuel Taylor, ADJ-3. 1966-67: Blue Blaster Skyhawk BuNo 149640, AK-311, as she taxies across the Intrepids deck with a load of conventional bombs. Intrepid Cruise Book from "Boom" Powell 1967 MED: 1967: Blue Blaster Skyhawk AK-307 tied down on the Intrepids deck as the pilot uses the ladder to take a breather. U.S.S. Intrepid Cruise Book 1967. 1967: BuNo 145141, AK-302, tied down on the Intrepids flight deck. USS Intrepid Cruise Book via "Boom" Powell 1967: Blue Blaster Skyhawk AK-307 tied down on the Intrepids deck as the pilot uses the ladder to take a breather. Note the plane captain is preparing to insert the starter probe. BuNo 149518 was identified by Samuel Taylor. USS Intrepid Cruise Book via "Boom" Powell 1967: Blue Blaster Skyhawk AK-315 taxies forward aboard the Intrepid. "Boom" Powell. 1967: Blue Blasters Skyhawk BuNo 149640, AK-311, parked on the line. Unknown via W. Mutza. 1967: VA-34 Blue Blasters A-4C Skyhawk BuNo 149593, AK-305, configured as a tanker aboard the USS Intrepid during the May 1967 - December 1967 cruise. Photo by Sam Taylor. 1968: Blue Blaster A-4C Skyhawk BuNo. 149544 side number AA 301 of Carrier Air Wing 17 approaches the United States Ship Forrestal CVA-59 three wire during the 1968 - 1969 Mediterranean cruise. Photograph by and from Warren A. Harms. 1968: A VA-34 A-4C Skyhawk pulls out the Forrestal three wire during the 1968 - 1969 Mediterranean cruise. Photograph by and from Warren A. Harms MAY 1968: BuNo 148316, AA-316, parked on the ramp. Clay Jansson via Tailhook Association. July 22, 1968 to April 29, 1969: Ernie Shuldhiess snapped this picture of A-4C Skyhawk BuNo. 1149519, side number AA 311 pulling out the Forrestal's three wire during the 1968-69 cruise. Picture by Ernie Shuldhiess. Ernie snapped this picture of A-4C Skyhawk BuNo. 149544, side number AA 301 over but missing the Forrestal's three wire during the 1968-69 cruise. Picture by Ernie Shuldhiess. September 2, 1968: Blue Blasters Skyhawk BuNo 149626 minus the canopy in hangar #3 at NAF China Lake. Piloted by LTJG Gill, it landed safely at NOTS China Lake after a mid-air collision with A-4C BuNo 148520. Photo via Wayne Mutza. JUN69: JUN 1969: Dis-establishment picture of VA-34 Blue Blasters pilots. NAN. Off-Duty Photos None yet. |
A-4 Skyhawk aircraft assigned to this unit:
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