VA-43 / VF-43 Challengers

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Patch

It is not yet known what squadron patch, if any, was adopted at the establishment of VF-74-A (Fighter Squadron SEVENTY FOUR A), its successor VF-74 (Fighter Squadron SEVENTY FOUR) or its successor VF-1-B (Fighter Squadron ONE B). About the time VF-21 (Fighter Squadron TWENTY-ONE) began receiving F9F-2 Panthers (replacing F4U-5 Corsairs, the squadron took the moniker of "Mach Busters" or "Mach Knockers" and the "Mach Buster" patch was adopted. Three white diamonds adorn the back of the armored fist. The upper two represents the number "2" and the lower one represents the number "1" thereby denoting "21" for VF-21. A new patch was adopted by VA-43 (Attack Squadron FORTY-THREE) in 1961 and the squadron moniker was changed to "Challengers". The banner bearing ATKRON-43 was not attached to the mailed right fist patch. With the mission change from instrument training to an adversary role, VF-43 (Fighter Squadron FORTY-THREE) adopted the first VF-43 patch displayed above.

First patch: possible VF-74A, VF-74, VF-1B and early VF-21 patch - design provided by Frank M. Natonick - reproduction by John T. Gabbard.

Second patch: VF-21 Mach Busters or Mach Knockers - 1950, provided by Frank M. Natonick.

Third patch: VA- Challengers provided by John T. Gabbard.

Sources

Torg Anderson

Howie Batts

Peter E. Brown

John T. Gabbard

Harry S. Gann

Randall Huston

Michael Klaver

Frank Mirande

Frank M. Natonick

Youthly Puresome

Jerry Lynn Skipper

Don Trask

Dan Perrine

James Long

John LaMarr AO3

Mach Busters - 1950 to 1961

Challengers - 1961 to 1994.

Heritage

01 MAY 1945: VF-74A (Fighter Squadron SEVENTY FOUR A) established.

01 AUG 1945: VF-74A re-designated VF-74

15 NOV 1946: VF-74 re-designated VF-1B

01 SEP 1948: VF-1B re-designated VF-21

JUN 1958: FAWTULANT Det. B (Fleet All Weather Training Unit) absorbed by VF-21.

01 JUL 1959: VF-21 re-designated VA-43

01 JUN 1973: VA-43 re-designated VF-43

01 JUL 1994: VF-43 (Fighter Squadron FORTY THREE) disestablished.

01 APR 1945: NAAF Otis Field, Camp Edwards, Falmouth, Massachusettes

194?: NAS Oceana, Virginia

20 September 1951: NAAS Weeksville, North Carolina

Early 1953?: NAS Oceana, Virginia

Date - - - - - Squadron - - - - Tail code - - - - - - - Air Wing - - Carrier

01 NOV 1945 - - - VF-74 - - C-1xx - - CVBG-74 - - USS Midway, CVB-41

SEP 1948 - - - - VF-21 - - M-1xx - - CVG-2 - - - USS Coral Sea, CVB-43

Unknown date - - VF-21 - - C-1xx - - CVG-6 - - - USS FD Roosevelt, CVB-42

1953 - - - - - - VF-21 - - L-4xx - - CVG-7 - - - USS Bennington, CVA-20

15 MAR 1958 - - - VF-21 - - AD - - - CVG-4 - - - USS Forrestal, CVA-59

APR 1958 - - - - VF-21 - - AD - - - RCVG-4 - - - USS Forrestal, CVA-59

20 DEC 1963 - - - VA-43 - - AD - - - RCVW-4 - - - Unknown

01 APR 1945: Chance-Vought F-4U Corsair>.

MAR 1950: Grumman F9F-2 Panther.

Early 1952: Grumman F9F-5 Panther.

JUN 1953: Grumman F9F-7 Cougar.

1955: North American FJ-3 Fury.

OCT 1957: Grumman F11F-4 Tiger.

1958: Beechcraft SNB Bug Smasher.

1958: North American T-28 Trojan.

1958: Lockheed TV-2 Sea Star.

1958: Grumman F9F-8T (TF-9J) Cougar *

17 FEB 1959: Douglas A4D-1 (A-4A) Skyhawk *

17 Apr 1959: Douglas A4D-2 (A-4B) Skyhawk *

26 FEB 1960: Douglas A4D-2N (A-4C) Skyhawk *

13 MAR 1964: * Douglas A-4E Skyhawk BuNo 149985.

JUN 1967: Douglas TA-4J Skyhawk.

196?: * Douglas A-4F Skyhawk.

* Some Echo and Foxtrot Skyhawks modified to "Mongoose" configuration.

196?: Northrop Corp. T-38 Talon.

196?: Northrop Corp. F-5E Tiger II.

APR 1980: North American (Rockwell) T-2C Buckeye.

198?: IAI (Israeli) F-21 Kfir.

198?: General Dynamics F-16N Viper.

* November 30, 1962

F9F-8T designation changed to TF-9J

A4D-1 designation changed to A-4A

A4D-2 designation changed to A-4B

A4D-2N designation changed to A-4C

For A-4 Skyhawk aircraft assigned to this unit see lower in this page:

07 NOV 1945 - 02 JAN 1946: VF-74 F4U-4 C-1xx CVBG-74 USS Midway CVB-41 Caribbean (shakedown)

29 OCT 1947 - 11 MAR 1948: VF-1B F4U-4 M-1xx CVBG-1 USS Midway (CV-41) Mediterranean

03 MAY 1949 - 26 SEP 1949: VF-21 F4U-4 M-1xx CVG-2 USS Coral Sea (CVB-43) Mediterranean

22 NOV 1950 - 28 NOV 1950: VF-21 F4U-5NL & F9F-2 C-1xx CAG-6 USS F. D. Roosevelt (CVB-42) (CarQuals)

10 JAN 1951 - 18 MAY 1951: VF-21 F9F-2 C-1xx CAG-6 USS F. D. Roosevelt (CVB-42) Mediterranean

22 OCT 1951 - 15 NOV 1951: VF-21 F9F-2 C-1xx CAG-6 USS Midway (CVB-41) Caribbean (Oper. "Land Flex")

09 JAN 1952 - 05 MAY 1952: VF-21 F9F-2 C-1xx CAG-6 USS Midway (CVB-41) Mediterranean

MAY 1952 - AUG 1952: VF-21 F9F-2 T-1xx CAG-6 USS Wasp (CVB-18) Mediterranean

18 AUG 1952 - 23 AUG 1952: VF-21 F9F-5 C-1xx CAG-6 USS Midway (CVB-41) Western Atlantic (Carrier qualifications)

26 AUG 1952 - 08 OCT 1952: VF-21 F9F-5 C-1xx CAG-6 USS Midway (CVB-41) North Atlantic (Oper. "Main Brace")

01 DEC 1952 - 19 MAY 1953: VF-21 F9F-5 C-1xx CAG-6 USS Midway (CVA-41) Mediterranean

30 NOV 1954 - 18 JUN 1955: VF-21 F9F-6 I-1xx ATG-181 USS Randolph (CVA-15) Mediterranean

FEB 1956 - MAR 1956:-------VF-21 FJ-3--I-2xx ????? USS Forrestal (CVA-59) Western Atlantic (Shakedown)

1947 - 1948 -------- CDR E.P. Rankin (VF-1B)

1951 --------------- CDR Ballinger (VF-21)

1952 --------------- CDR R. L. Johns (VF-21)

JUL 1953 ----------- CDR G.D. Acker (VF-21)

1954 --------------- CDR F.X. Brady (VF-21)

1957 - 1958 -------- LCDR J.L. Holbrook (VF-21)

1959 --------------- CAPT J.E. LaCouture

MAY 1960 ----------- CDR J.K. Beling

1963 --------------- CDR A.J. Hall

1967 --------------- CDR D.L. Sutherland

1969 --------------- CDR J.W. Harris

1970 --------------- CDR H.L. Bullman

1971 --------------- CDR John G. Colgan

1972 --------------- CDR Chris R. Vatidis

. . . .

1976 --------------- Pete (unknown) VF-43

1977 --------------- Clint Smith (VF-43)

1978 --------------- E.T. Smith (VF-43)

???? --------------- Charlie Brun (VF-43)

???? --------------- Dave Woltz (VF-43)

Awards

06 OCT 1953: (VF-21)
AIRLANT Battle "E" Pennant.

OCT 1962: (VA-43)
NAS OCEANA'S "Golden Cadillac" (Symbolizing Support Equipment Care) was awarded VA-43 in recognition of excellent care given ground support equipment by the squadrons maintenance crews. This rolling symbol of excellence is awarded quarterly to the Oceana-based squadron judged tops in keeping vital group support equipment mission-ready. The Golden Cadillac is actually a dolled-up tractor, painted gold and silver, with white sidewall tires. As reported in NavAirNews November, 1962.

1973 (VF-43) CNO Safety Award.

Events

01 APR 1945: Fighter Squadron Forty-Three (VF-43) had its beginnings on April 1, 1945, when Fighter Squadron Seventy Four A (VF-74A) was formed at NAS Otis Field, Camp Edwards, Massachusetts. The squadron was assigned to Carrier Air Group Seventy-Four (CVG-74) aboard the USS Midway, (CVB-41). They were flying the F4U Corsair during Midway's shakedown cruise in May 1947.

01 AUG 1945: VF-74A re-designated VF-74.

07 OCT 1945: VF-74, flying the F4U-4 Corsair, participated in the Navy Day celebration as part of CVBG-74 on the USS Midway on the Hudson River, New York.

01 - 28 MAR 1946: VF-74 conducted local operations in the western Atlantic and Arctic Circle Operations, Operation Frostbite, in the northern Atlantic flying the F4U-4 Corsair as part of CVBG-74 aboard the USS Midway.

15 NOV 1946: VF-74 re-designated VF-1B.

Early to Mid 1947: VF-1B performed training operations in the Caribbean flying the F4U-4 Corsair as part of CVBG-1 aboard the USS Midway.

SEP 1947: VF-1B participated in Operation Sandy (V-2 Rocket Launch), flying the F4U-4 Corsair as part ov CVBG-1 aboard the USS Midway.

A DAY ON CVB-41 (USS Midway) VF-l-B, ATLANTIC (As reported in NavAirNews - April 1948)

All this happened in one day while Fighting One was operating in the Mediterranean off the Midway. The incidents included the 12,000th landing aboard, an unassisted take-off from a catapult, and a new member for the Royal Order of The Flat Hats.

INCIDENT ONE - LTJG Ralph R. Lang found himself in the unenviable position of rolling along the catapult with full gun on but no catapult assistance to his F4U-4B Corsair loaded with a full belly tank.
After being turned up to full power ready to be shot off, the hold back ring prematurely broke. The man with the beard (he resembles Monty Woolley), realizing his predicament, promptly seized the bull by the tail, bent the throttle around the throttle quadrant, and flew off unassisted!
Lang was last seen disappearing over the horizon leaving a wake of sea spray and frustrated flying fish.
In due time he joined the squadron in the rendezvous area. Our hero upon landing aboard was heartily congratulated by Captain A. K. Morehouse, skipper of the Midway, for his fine demonstration of pilot skill and technique (plus luck!).

INCIDENT TWO - The Air Group calls its junior officers Peons and Peasants. Wheels are those officers of LCDR and up, as prescribed by CAG CDR R. E. Riera. Peon (Ens.) Wallace R. Carter had the privilege of adroitly maneuvering his Corsair in for the 12,000th landing aboard the Midway.

INCIDENT THREE - Ens. Carter had hardly climbed out of his aircraft before CAPT Morehouse came down from the bridge to present Peasant (LTJG) George W. Hoskins with the honorary title of Flat Hat, 3d Class.
It seems that Hoskins had flown his section somewhere between flight deck level and the water's edge just under the fantail at a mere 400 knots on a coordinated attack on the ship.
In a scene reminiscent of war days, the captain, after concluding his flowery, humorously sarcastic speech, turned, lifting from its pillow a misshapen blue sailor flat hat of the extremely raunchy salty variety and placed it on the unbowed head of the sheepishly-grinning Hoskins.

01 SEP 1948: VF-1B was re-designated VF-21, and in March 1950, they began transitioning to the F9F-2 Panther and in 1954 to the F9F-6 Cougar, which they flew until 1955. They then transitioned to the FJ-3 Fury, and to the F11F Tiger in 1957. They were the first squadron to operate the F11F-4 Tiger aboard a carrier, being assigned to USS Ranger, (CVA-61), and later for a short time aboard USS Forrestal, (CVA-59).

01 APR 1954: Three pilots of VF-21 flying F9F-6 Cougar aircraft flew the first transcontentinal flight utilizing in-flight refueling covering 2438 miles and doing so set a new west-to-east speed record of 3 hours, 45 minutes and 30 seconds.
Pic 1 from Frank M. Natonick
Pic 2 from Frank M. Natonick

10 MAR 1958: The Chief of Naval Operations established the Replacement Air Group (RAG) concept. VF-21 was assigned the Grumman F11F-4 Tiger and designated the Atlantic F11F Tiger RAG squadron at NAS Oceana.

JUN 1958: VF-21 absorbed FAWTULANT Det. B which included Lockheed TV-2 Sea Stars, Beechcraft SNB Bug Smashers, North American T-28 Trojans, and Grumman F9F-8T Cougars and a number of personnel.

1955 FAWTULANT Det. B Personnel Roster: Pic1; Pic2; Pic3

1956 FAWTULANT Det. B Personnel Roster: Pic1; Pic2; Pic3; Pic4

04 FEB 1959: VF-21 received their first A4D-1 (A-4A) Skyhawks at NAS Jacksonville. Initial A4D-1 Skyhawk maintenance certification training took place at NAS Jacksonville under the watchful eye of VA-44 personnel. Certificate for Jerry L. Skipper, AEM-3

June 10, 1959 (VF-21): Lt(jg). Geremy D. Taylor ejected from A4D-1 BuNo 142152 over The Chesapeake Bay and was recovered
Salisbury, MD, The Salisbury Times, Thursday, June 11, 1959.

01 JUL 1959: Fighter Squadron TWENTY ONE (VF-21) was redesignated Attack Squadron FORTY THREE (VA-43) at Naval Air Station Oceana. The squadron's mission was fleet replacement air group (RAG) training. The mission involved A-4 Skyhawk flight training for pilots and maintenance training for enlisted personnel. Under this concept, pilots and enlisted personnel ordered to East Coast fleet Skyhawk squadrons completed the course of instruction provided by VA-43 before reporting to their assigned fleet squadrons.

1960: VA-43 Challengers were assigned the A4D-2N (A-4C) Skyhawk.

September 28, 1960: Lt. Kenneth Henry Misar of Tenafly, NJ, was killed when his plane (A-4A BuNo 139961) crashed Wednesday in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, on an approach to an airfield for a landing, the Navy said Friday. A helicopter crew recovered the pilot's body 14 minutes after the crash. Misar is survived by his widow Mrs. Janice Misar, and a daughter, 2. Kingsport News, Saturday, October 1, 1960.

March 20, 1961: Lt(jg). Ferdinand “Doc” Dugan ejected safely from his A4D Skyhawk (BuNo 147832) over Ashburn, GA when a thunderstorm caused his jet to lose all electrical power sending the aircraft into a split-S. Doc hit against the canopy railing breaking his shoulder when he ejected and as he couldn’t manipulate the chute broke his left leg when he hit the ground in a farm field. 20 March 1961.
From “Doc” Dugan. In March of 1961, Ferdinand “Doc” Dugan was piloting a Navy A4D-Skyhawk fighter jet aircraft over Ashburn, Georgia when a thunderstorm caused his jet to lose all electrical power sending the aircraft into what is known as a split-S configuration. The split-S is an air combat maneuver where the aircraft descends rapidly toward the ground before leveling out and requires about 7,000 feet of free air to perform. Doc was at 11,000 feet altitude, screaming through the sky at an incredible rate of 450 knots or 518 MPH. Plummeting toward Earth and realizing his fighter jet was doomed, Doc had seconds to exit the craft by ‘blowing the canopy’. The term ‘blowing’ stems from the explosives which are used to propel a pilot a safe distance from the jet. Doc had no clue if he were upside down or right side up when he engaged the mechanisms for ejection and in a split second, a series of events led to Doc smacking against the canopy railing, breaking his shoulder. Doc was then thrown into darkness. In the descent, Doc had trouble making adjustments to his parachute rigging because his left shoulder was immobilized from the break and he couldn’t position himself for an ideal landing. Upon crashing to the ground, Doc broke his left leg; then the ground wind dragged the rigging thus dragging Doc along with it. He managed to release his rigging and stop dragging along what he determined was a farm field.
Lt(jg). F.C. Dugan of NAS Oceana ejected safely from his A4D Skyhawk which crashed on the shoulder of I-75 near homes, narrowly missing a high school and a hospital. Dugan landed at a farm one mile north of Ashburn, GA with shoulder and knee fractures. A Turner AFB spokesman said the crash occurred during a heavy rainstorm at 12:30 p.m. Aiken Standard and Review, Monday, 20 March 1961.

October 26, 1961: Cdr. John F. Stose (VA-43, Oceana) failed to return from a training flight in the vicinity of Stumpy Point, NC, yesterday and his A4D-2N Skyhawk is presumed to have crashed. Stose left NAS Oceana at 1 p.m. yesterday and although a search by the Navy and Coast Guard failed to find the craft, Stose is presumed to have crashed. The Bee, Danville, VA, Friday, Oct. 27, 1961. Cdr. John F. Stose (VA-43, Oceana) who was killed Thursday when his jet crashed into Pamlico Sound, NC, has been recovered. He was attached to VA-43 at NAS Oceana and was a native of Goshen, IN. The Bee, Danville, VA, Saturday, Oct. 28, 1961.

24 OCT to 31 DEC 1962: VA-43 participated in the Cuban Missile Crisis with a detachment on the United States Ship Essex (CVS-9).

08 JAN 1964: Lt(jg). Joe Russell Mossman, 24, ejected safely from his A-4C Skyhawk (147756) when it caught fire moments after take-off from NAS Oceana for Pensacola, FL. Mossman headed the plane out to sea and parachuted into the ocean off Virginia Beach. The Progress , Wednesday, January 8, 1964. Lt(jg). J. R. Mossman, 24, of Springfield, PA, ejected from his burning jet bomber 10 miles SE of Virginia Beach Monday and was rescued by a Navy helicopter. He had just taken off from NAS Oceana, VA, for NAS Pensacola, FL when his wingman observed flames from the tail of his Skyhawk. Mossman headed seaward and ejected. His wingman Lt. Henri B. Chase orbited Mossman's position until a helicopter from NAS Norfolk arrived and picks him up. By coincidence, Mossman is one of three pilots who last month practiced being rescued at sea by helicopter off Virginia Beach. Harrisonburg (VA) Daily News Record, Tuesday, 07 January 1964.

May 6, 1964: Lt(jg). Dennis B. Nichols of VA-43, NAS Oceana ejected successfully before his A-4E crashed and burned approximately three miles east of Yuma this morning. Lt. Nichols was making a high speed target run on the candid camera range when the engine malfunctioned. He commenced to climb towards MCAS Yuma and after reaching 7,000 feet the engine flamed out. Lt. Nichols ejected at about 6,000 feet and was picked up by the MCAS SAR helicopter about six minutes after landing. The Yuma Daily Sun, Thursday, May 7, 1964.

June 25, 1964: Lt. Robert M. Robinson was killed yesterday when he ejected at low altitude as his Navy Skyhawk (A-4E BuNo 150012) crashed in woods a mile east of NAS Oceana. The Progress-Index, Thursday, June 25, 1964. VA-43 was the Oceana based A-4 RAG when I got there in June 1964. The day I arrived at Oceana, one of the Echoes with the new J-52 had a flameout in the pattern and the driver didn't survive the ejection. From YP.

Late 1964 and Early 1965: The VA-43 mission changed from A-4 RAG to instrument training for east coast squadrons. The VA-44 instrument training mission and its compliment of TF9-J Cougar aircraft were transfered to VA-43. VA-43 A-4 Skyhawk aircraft were transfered to VA-44 and other squadrons.

JUN 1967: VA-43 began receiving TA-4J Skyhawk aircraft to replace its TF9-J Cougar instrument trainers.

O1 MAY 1970: VA-43 control was transferred to Commander Fleet Air, Norfolk, Virginia.

April 16, 1970: Lt. George Green, 27, and Lt. Walter G. Young, 27, (NAS Oceana) were killed when their TA-4 Skyhawk collided in mid-air with USAF T-39A s/n 61-0640, over Weldon, NC, and crashed into a swamp about 10 miles away near Infield, NC, at about 10 a.m.. The T-39, enroute from MacDill AFB, FL, to Langley AFB, VA, crashed in the back yard of a home in a residential area of Weldon killing pilot Major Ronald Edwards, 38, LCol Frances Halturewickz, 39, thought to be the co-pilot, TSgt Joseph R. Brown and missing is Col. Ivey J. Lewis, 45. The Anderson Herald, Friday, April 17, 1970. Anderson, IN, The Anderson Herald (Page 1), The Anderson Herald (page 32), Friday, April 17, 1970.

November 1, 1971: Lt. Joseph S. Simeone, 30, ejected safely following a mid-air collision between TA-4J Skyhawk 154341 and TA-4J 155071 off the North Carolina Outer Banks. Both planes were based at NAS Oceana and were practicing formation flying when they collided about 10 miles east of Oregon Inlet. The missing flier has not been identified. Danville, VA, The Bee, Tuesday, November 2, 1971.

February 29, 1971: LCdr. H.M. Milner, 38, and AM3 Don Trask, 22, (VA-43) ejected safely from their TA-4F Skyhawk (BuNo 154301) Monday moments before it crashed and disintegrated on runway 5 at NAS Oceana. The Skyhawk had risen to about 500 feet when the crew ejected and the Skyhawk crashed about 100 yards before the end of the runway. Virginian-Pilot (article, photo,) Tuesday, February 29, 1972. They ejected safely after the controls froze on a maintenance test hop take-off. LCdr. H. M. Milner and AM3 Don Trask examining one of the ejection seats they used to punch out of VA-43 TA-4F 154301, Virginian-Pilot, February 29, 1972. From Don Trask. Aerial view of the TA-4F 154301 crash site at NAS Oceana, VA. US Navy Photo from Don Trask.

June 1, 1973: Attack Squadron FORTY THREE (VA-43) was re-designated as Fighter Squadron FORTY THREE (VF-43) Challengers. The squadron's mission changed from fleet instrument training to an adversary mission for Atlantic fleet squadrons.

September 21, 1973: Lt. Richard F. Scott, 27, (VF-43, Oceana) ejected safely after his Skyhawk malfunctioned and crashed in the Atlantic 85 miles SE of Norfolk off the North Carolina coast while on a coordinated tactics flight with other fliers from Oceana. Scott was sighted by a Coast Guard amphibian and picked up by a Coast Guard helicopter. The Bee: Danville, VA, Saturday. Sept. 22, 1973.

November 18, 1974: (VF-43) LCdr. Mike Ettel was killed when he had an engine flame out in TA-4J BuNo 154317 and couldn't get it restarted. When he tried to eject the seat wouldn't fire and he couldn't get the canopy to come off. Mike rode it in broadcasting very calmly to his wingman before the jet went in the water "Well, that's it, "I'll see you guys". From U.S. Navy F-4 Phantom II MiG killers, Brad Elward, ?Peter Davies.

U.S. Navy F-4 Phantom II MiG killers, by Brad Elward

August 17, 1977: Lt. Robert F. Spencer is missing and Ens. David L. Kaufman was rescued when their A-4 Skyhawk crashed in the Atlantic Ocean about a mile off of Virginia Beach in 40 or 50 feet of water about 3:15 p.m. Wednesday. Several witnesses reported seeing two parachutes before the crash. The Bee, Danville, VA., Thursday, August 18, 1977. Robert F. Spencer, Lt., U.S. Navy, 25 Jan 1950 -17 Aug 1977, Stonewall Memory Gardens, Gainesville VA.

June 20, 1988: Lt. Robert N. Matheny, 27, of VA-43 at NAS Oceana has not been found after his A-4 was located Tuesday, the day after contact with the plane was lost. Helicopters searched the Dare County Training Range on Monday night, but did not find any trace of the plane. The helicopter team spotted the aircraft in a desolate area in the northeast corner of the bombing range about noon Tuesday. "From the air, all you can see is some smoke,” said Navy Chief Journalist Philip Wilkinson. “It's in a very desolate location. There’s no sign of the pilot, which is why he is listed as missing." Bluefield Daily Telegraph, Wednesday, 22 June 1988. Navy search crews Wednesday confirmed the death of Lt. Robert N. Matheny who crashed in a North Carolina swamp. Matheny, 28, was on a solo flight in a Navy A-4 fighter plane when he disappeared Monday. Bluefield Daily Telegraph, Thursday 23 June 1988. VF-43 A-4E BuNo 151118 was destroyed at Dare County Target when aircraft failed to return from local fam. flight. 20 June 1988. 1 fatality. Naval Safety Center via Jim Winchester.

01 JUL 1994: Fighter Squadron FORTY THREE (VF-43) was dis-established.

Unit Photos

VF-1B F4U-4 Corsair aboard USS Midway 1947-1948 Med. Cruise. From Charlie Beggy
VF-21 on parade CIRCA 1954.

F9F-7 BuNo 130806 C-102 leading. From Frank M. Natonick.

VF-21 F9F-7 Cougars prior to departing NAS Oceana, VA bound for San Diego, CA for record-breaking flight to New York. From FranK M. Natonick

Reported in February 1958 NavAirNews: THESE PILOTS of Fighter Squadron 21 were among the first to fly Grumman FllF's from an aircraft carrier. The squadron joined USS Ranger to take part in the final four weeks of her shakedown cruise in the Caribbean. Based at NAS Oceana, the squadron received the final two of its 13 Tigers only one day before departing for Guantanamo. For four months prior to boarding the Ranger, pilots were familiarized with their planes. On arrival at Leeward Point they flew four weeks of air-to-air gunnery for a total of 657 hours, and fired more than 25,000 rounds of ammo. First to land aboard the carrier were LCdr. J. L. Holbrook, squadron commander, and Cdr. A. K. Earnest, CATG-181.

VF-21 received its first F11F October, 1957. Provided John Gabbard.

1958: VA-43 Challengers A-4C Skyhawk BuNo 147734 AD-308 dated 1958. Official U.S. Navy photo from the Don Scott collection.

NOV59: VA-43 A4D-1 Skyhawks BuNo. 139966 and BuNo. 139941. Six VA-43 A4D-1 Skyhawks on the Leeward Point, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba flight line. The closest aircraft is BuNo, 139966 side number AD 225. The next aircraft with side number AD 215 is BuNo 139941. Both aircraft were manufactured in the second A4D-1 production run. Please note the vertical stabilizer paint scheme has alternating black and deep yellow horizontal stripes; on the nose the shark's teeth, eyes, and nose are as they were painted on the Squadron's Grumman F11F-4 Tigers. Photo from and by Jerry Lynn Skipper.

VA-43 A4D-1 (A-4A) Skyhawk collapsed nose gear - November 1959. VA-43 A4D-1 Skyhawk with a collapsed a nose landing gear while on Guantanamo Bay, Cuba detachment. Trying to figure out a repair estimate is Martin (Marty) Jillson, AQ3. Photo from and by Jerry Lynn Skipper.

1959-60: Pic1:BuNo 142150 showing her teeth. (1 of 3); Pic2: BuNo 14250 being towed. (2 of 3); BuNo 142150, VA-43 AD-320 (3 of 3), and BuNo 139945 of VA-44 Jacksonville. Photos from Dave Tipps.
'When I arrived at VA-43 (Oceana) 1 Jun 1960, all the tiger teeth were gone from the A-4s, though they still had 6 F11Fs with that paint scheme. VF-21 was re-designated VA-43 1 Jul 1959, so the photos had to have been taken winter of '59-'60." John "Gabby" Gabbard.

FEB61: VA-43 Challenger A-4B Skyhawk BuNo. 142132 and A-4C Skyhawk BuNo. 147729. A-4C Skyhawk BuNo. 147729 side number AD 301 and A-4B Skyhawk BuNo. 142132 side number AD 362 on the Naval Air Station, Leeward Point, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba flight line in February 1961. The Skyhawks were part of a VA-43 detachment performing pilot training in bombing. BuNo. 142132 was built in the first production run of the A-4B. BuNo. 147729 was built in the second production run of the A-4C. The North American FJ Fury in the background was one of two kept at the ready for a fast and furious launch in the event of ... Photograph provided by John T. Gabbard.

MAY60: Fancy 1st in change-of-command routine over the Virginia countryside as Challengers CO CAPT J.E. LaCouture was relieved by XO CDR J.K. Beling. Naval Aviation News

1960-61: Challengers flightline. L-r BuNo 142150, BuNo 139935, AD-316 and BuNo 1427xx, AD-365. Neal Schnieder

Circa 1961: Challengers Skyhawk BuNo 142100, AD-360, moving into position behing the stbd JBD aboard the Independence. NATC F3H-2 Demon BuNo 143475 in the background. Unknown photographer via W. Mutza

1961-62: BuNo 148521, AD-303, parked on the ramp. Tailhook Association.

BuNo 153680, AD320, with Brad Geislen, Bruce Giannetta and Clyde Costa. Bruce is the Plane Captain for this bird. Photo from Bruce Giannetta

BuNo 153680, AD320, Plane Captain Bruce Giannetta. Photo from Bruce Giannetta

1967-1985: BuNo 154292 of VA-43 on the ramp.

1967-1985: BuNo 154292, VF-43 AD-302, on the ramp.

Circa 1969: Challengers Skyhawk BuNo 153680, AD-320, and plane captains Bruce Geislen, Bruce Gianneta & Clyde Costa. Bruce Gianneta

Circa 1969: Challengers Skyhawk BuNo 153680, AD-320, and plane captain Bruce Gianneta. Bruce Gianneta

DEC 1969: Right side view of VA-43 Challengers TA-4F Skyhawk BuNo 154308, AD-310, on the ramp, Florida, December 1969. Copyright R.W. Harrison.

On the "Line" at VA-43 - TA-4J 153671 assigned to VA-43 at Holloman Air Force Base at Alamogordo New Mexico. Don Trask flew rear seat into there to go home on weekends at El Paso, Texas. Photos from Don Trask.

1969-1970 timeframe: Don Trask as a VA-43 plane Captain strapping a crew into a TA-4J on the NAS Oceana, VA. flight line.

01 JUL 1971: Right front view of VF-43 Challengers TA-4J Skyhawk BuNo 153671, AD-300, on the ramp, NAS Brunswick, 01 July 1971. Copyright R.W. Harrison.

FEB 1972. The danger of Re-Upping! Sometimes getting the reward for signing up for another tour can be down right dangerous. AM-3 Don Trask in the rear sear of a VA-43 TA-4F over Kitty Hawk, NC. taking the oath of re-enlistment for his second tour of duty. US Navy Photo from Don Trask.

13OCT73: 13 Oct 1973 - VF-43 BuNo 154292, AD-312. Gary Verver Collection.

VF-43 Challengers T-2 Buckeye, A-4 Skyhawk, T-38 Talon and F-5 Tiger 2 . Official U.S. Navy photo from the Don Scott collection.

VF-43 Challengers TA-4F BuNo 154287 AD-302 and TA-4F BuNo 154291 AD-303. Official U.S. Navy photo from the Don Scott collection.

VF-43_Flyby at Mount Rushmore The section of aircraft are: Lead aircraft Buno: 153671, AD-300; Right Wing Aircraft Buno: 154341, AD-301; Photo from Dan Perrine.

BuNo 153671, AD-300, and right wing BuNo 154341, AD-301, in-flight over what looks to be the Black Hills in SD. Gary Verver Collection

BuNo 151118 parked on the ramp. Gary Verver Collection.

Date unknown: BuNo 154300, AD-303, parked. Gary Verver Collection.

27 Sept 1972 BuNo 154300, AD-313, parked on the ramp. Photo by S. Miller, G. Verver collection.

BuNo.152012 on the ramp. Gary Verver Collection.

1973: Challengers Skyhawk BuNo 154292, AD-312, in formation with a pair of VF-31 F-4J Phantoms. Phantom in the foreground is assigned to CDR Cliff Jones. Photographer unknown.

BuNo.153671 with 154341. Gary Verver Collection.

1973: BuNo 153516, AD-302, parked with canopy up. Gary Verver Collection.

Jan 1974: Challengers Skyhawk BuNo 154172, AD-25, "Bullet", parked on the ramp. Michael Grove via Tailhook Association.

1974: VF-43 Challengers TA-4J Skyhawk BuNo 153521, AD-305, location unknown. Photographer unknown.

Nov 1974: BuNo 152871, AD-314 in flight. Tailhook Association.

May 1975: VF-43 A-4E BuNo 151118, NAS Cecil Field, photo carries the notation "Mongoose". Photographer is R.E. Kling, from Gary Verver Collection.

12 JUL 1975: Left rear view of VF-43 Challengers A-4E Skyhawk BuNo 151118, AD-320, on the ramp, NAS Brunswick, 12 July 1975. Copyright R.W. Harrison. Name below the canopy is Savage and the P/C is PR3 Rich Kennedy.

1975: A-4E BuNo 151118, AD-320, parked. Gary Verver Collection.

Circa 1976: Left side view of VF-43 Challengers TA-4J Skyhawk BuNo 153671, AD-304, on the ramp, NAS Brunswick, circa 1976. Copyright R.W. Harrison.

1976: BuNo 154287, AD-300, parked next to a chopper carry a special paint job. Gary Verver Collection.

1976: VF-43 Challenger TA-4F BuNo. 154291. A VA-43 Challenger TA-4F BuNo. 154291 from Naval Air Station Oceana rests on the Tinker Air Farce Base flight line. Parked beside it is a Memphis Marines A-4E Skyhawk BuNo. 151990 - tail code QP. In the forground is a VC-7 Redtail A-4F Skyhawk BuNo. 154183 - tail code UH and side number 310 based at Naval Air Station Miramar, San Diego, California. Later, in 1990, A-4F BuNo. 154183 would be assigned to the VFA-127 Desert Bogeys. The photograph was taken in 1976. Photograph by Torg Anderson.

July 1976: BuNo 151118, parked on the ramp in a blue/gray camouflage scheme. Gary Verver Collection.

26 Sept 1976: BuNo 151118 parked on the ramp. Gary Verver Collection.

SEP76: BuNo.153671 VF-43. Photo from B. Shane.

25 SEP 1976: VF-43 TA-4J BuNo 153516, AD-301, 25 SEP 1976. B. Curry, Verver Collection.

26SEP76: VF-43 A-4E BuNo 151118, dated 26 Sept 1976. Gary Verver Collection.

1976 - 1977: VA-43 Flight Line. During transitioning into adversary role. "Boom" Powell.

1977: BuNo 153516, AD-301 parked on the line. Gary Verver Collection.

1977: Challenger TA-4F Skyhawk BuNo. 153516. Challenger TA-4F Skyhawk BuNo. 153516 side number AD-301 in Bi-Centenial paint. Photograph from Michael Klaver.

1977: Challengers Skyhawk BuNo 154292, AD-302, speed brakes out, gear, flaps down. Gary Verver Collection.

SEP77: VF-43 TA-4J BuNo 154292, dated Sept 1977. Gary Verver Collection.

SEP77: BuNo.153516 VF-43 Sept 1977. Photo from B. Curry.

1978: Challengers Skyhawk BuNo 153516, AD-301, in formation with an unknown Challengers A-4E/F over Kitty Hawk and the Outer Banks. Photo from "Boom" Powell.

JAN78: BuNo 153516, AD-301, parked on the flight line. Photo by R.E. Kling, G. Verver collection.

VF-43 TA-4F BuNo 154298, AD-303, dated May 1978, at Ft. Campbell. Photo by M. Campbell, G. Verver collection.

Undated BuNo 154298, AD-303, parked. Gary Verver Collection.

09 Aug 1978 Challengers Skyhawk BuNo 153521, AD-305, and Challengers BuNo 151167. Photo taken by Bruce Trombecky from BuNo 153671 piloted by "Boom" Powell. Photo from "Boom" Powell.

April 1979 Challengers A-4E Skyhawk BuNo 151167 and TA-4F BuNo 154296, AD-07 (in the background) on the ramp at NAS Oceana. Photo from R. Leader, Gary Verver Collection.

22 April 1979 BuNo 152012, AD-25, parked on the ramp. Keith Snyder via Tailhook Association.

15 August 1979: VF-41 Black Aces F-14A Tomcat AJ-107 in formation with an RF-8G Crusader and two VF-43 Challengers TA-4J Skyhawks near Virginia Beach, VA.

Sept 1979 BuNo 153516, AD-301, parked on the flight line. Photo by R.E. Kling, G. Verver collection.

Challengers Skyhawk BuNo 154292, AD-302, parked on the ramp as the pilot suits up atop the port wing. Paul Jarvis.

Challengers Skyhawk BuNo 154292, AD-302, parked on the ramp as the pilot uses the gun blast deflector as a boarding ladder. Paul Jarvis.

Challengers Skyhawk BuNo 154292, AD-302, parked on the ramp as the pilot eases into the cockpit. Paul Jarvis.

Challengers insignia on Skyhawk BuNo 154292, AD-302. Paul Jarvis.

circa 1979-1988: VF-201 Hunters F-4N Phantom II BuNo 153010, AF-116, in formation with CAG-20 VF-201 F-4N Phantom II BuNo 152244, AF-100, in the slot. VF-43 Challengers A-4E Skyhawk BuNo 151118, AD-24, is on the right and VF-43 F-5E Tiger II AD-10 is on the left. Official U.S. Navy photo.

circa 1979-1988: VF-201 Hunters F-4N Phantom II BuNo 153010, AF-116, in formation with CAG-20 VF-201 F-4N Phantom II BuNo 152244, AF-100, in the slot. VF-43 Challengers A-4E Skyhawk BuNo 151118, AD-24, is on the right and VF-43 F-5E Tiger II AD-10 is on the left. Official U.S. Navy photo.

1980: Challengers Skyhawk BuNo 154172, AD-21, parked on the line and painted in a blue/gray camouflage scheme. Unknown photographer via W. Mutza.

May 1980 BuNo 154296, parked on the ramp. Photo by S.M. Miller, G. Verver Collection.

Date unknown: BuNo 154296, no. 42 parked with access door open. Gary Verver Collection.

May 1980 BuNo 153671, AD-304, as she taxis by the photographer. Gary Verver Collection.

Jan 1981 BuNo 151167, AD-22, taxiing by the photographer. Michael Grove via Tailhook Association.

Jan 1981 Challengers Skyhawk BuNo 154172 as she taxis by the photographer. Michael Grove via Tailhook Association.

Jan 1981 Another shot of Challengers Skyhawk BuNo 154172. Michael Grove via Tailhook Association.

BuNo 154172, AD-25, in formation with a Challengers T-38, AD-12, F-16 and F/A-18. Joe Cupido.

Left side in flight view of Challengers Skyhawk BuNo 154172, AD-25, in formation. Joe Cupido.

Jun 1982 BuNo 154292, AD-02, parked on the ramp. Gary Verver Collection.

Oct 1982 BuNo 151118, AD-24, parked on the flight line. Gary Verver Collection.

1982: BuNo 153516, parked on the ramp. Gary Verver Collection.

15 April 1983 Challengers Skyhawk BuNo 151118, AD-24, and BuNo152012, AD-23, both in a gray/blue camouflage scheme. US Navy photo, LCDR Slowik.

15 April 1983 BuNo 151118, AD-24, and BuNo 152012, AD-23. US Navy Photo by LCDR Slowik.

30 April 1983 Challengers Skyhawk BuNo 154292, AD-02, parked on the ramp. Photo by T. Paskowski, Gary Verver Collection.