VT-7 |
Point of Contact = Squadron Duty Officer (SDO). See FAQ/Research/Contact link under [SA] in the menu. |
 |
 from Mike Walker |
 |
 |
 |
 Mike Walker |
 |
 199x Mike Walker |
 Operation Iraqi Freedom Mike Walker |
 |
 |
|
Patch 1961 - VT-7's first patch was created by Dennis P. Alsgaard while at Naval Auxiliary Air Station Kingsville. The theme was an air warriors helmet resting on the book of aviation first patch displayed above. 1968 - 1970, Plowback Patch, from Mike Gilmore 1970, VT-7's Dixie Station T-2 Drivers Patch, from Mike Gilmore. 1972, VT-7 eagle patch, from Harry S. Gann, is fourth patch displayed above. 1982 - 1989, VT-7 El Centro, California Desert Detachment patch from Harry S. Gann. 1997, modified eagle patch as drawn by Bud Southworth is number six above. 1998, VT-7's Any Student, Any Country, Any Language Patch. Patch created by Brian K. Ivie, Grumman Technical Services, and provided by LCDR Mike Lowe, USNR. This is the seventh patch displayed above. 1998, VT-7's Skyhawk Sun Rise / Sun Set Patch from LCDR Mike Lowe, USNR. 1998, VT-7 Skyhawk / Enterprise CQ 1998. Patch drawn by 1st Lieutenant John Roundtree, USMC & LTJG Bob Pieroni, USN. Detachment patches, numbers 10 and 11, are from Joe Turpen. |
Sources David Weber Dennis P. Alsgaard Jean Orcutt Harry S. Gann Mike Gilmore CDR L. E. Goewey, USN LCDR PeeWee Hermann, USN Mike Lowe Ltjg Bob Pieroni, USN Glen Puder CDR W. J. Richardson, Jr. USN J. C. Ritchie 1/Lieutenant John Roundtree, USMC Capt Todd Tetterton, USMCR Jan Hendriksen |
|
Handle Before 1971, VT-7 had no handle. The Eagles, early 1971 to the present. Heritage In the early 1950s, ATU-105 and ATU-205 of the Naval Advanced Training Activity at Naval Air Station Memphis, Tennessee. In July 1958, ATU-105 and ATU-205 were consolidated into a single squadron which was redesignated as Basic Training Group Seven (BTG-7) in the Naval Basic Training Command. In August 1960, Basic Training Group Seven was redesignated Training Squadron Seven (VT-7) at Naval Auxiliary Air Station Kingsville, Texas. In July 1961, VT-7 moved to its present base, Naval Auxiliary Air Station / Naval Air Station Meridian, Mississippi. |
Home Ports 1950: Naval Air Station Memphis 1960: Naval Auxiliary Air Station Kingsville July 1961: Naval Auxiliary Air Station Meridian NAS Meridian Bird Farm 1963: Air view looking east at the Naval Air Station flight line, hangar, and runways. The runway in the upper left is Runway 36 right / 18 left. The runway in the upper right is Runway 9 / 27. Runway 18 right / 36 left is just off the lower right corner of the picture. Normal operations had planes taking off exclusively on Runway 36 right, exclusively landing on 36 left and aircraft making GCA approaches to Runway 27. VT-7 used the north half of the hangar and VT-9 in the south end in 1962 to 1970. The tower is at the left side of the revetment. Below it was Base Flight Operations, Search and Rescue, the GCA unit, and the FLIGHT LINE GEDUNK (wonderful sliders). The NAS Meridian base facilities, barracks, Exchange and Capehart Housing were locates some four miles west of the Bird Farm. Photograph by Bud Southworth. 1963: Naval Air Station Meridian, Mississippi base facilities 1963: This air view is looking north at the Naval Air Station facility. The main gate is in the lower-front-center of the picture. The Officers Club and Bachlor Officer's Quarters are at the picture's left edge. The Training Building is located southest of the intersection south of the water tower. The Bird Farm is four miles east of the water tower. Photograph by Bud Southworth. |
|
Air Wings 1950 - - - - - - - 2M - - - - - Naval Advanced Training Command 1958 - - - - - - - 2M - - - - - Naval Basic Training Command 1961 - - - - - - - 2K - - - - - Naval Air Basic Training Command October 1971 - - - 2K - - - - - Training Air Wing ONE 198?- - - - - - - - A - - - - - Training Air Wing ONE |
Aircraft Date Type First Received - - - - - - Type of Aircraft: 1950?- - - - - - - - North American SNJ Texan - Harvard - T6. 1950? - - - - - - - - Beechcraft SNB-5 TC-45 Kansan, Navigator, Secret Navy Bomber, Bug Smasher. When BTG-7 departed NAS Memphis to be re-disignated VT-7 and stationed at Naval Auxiliary Air Station Kingsville. 1960 - the Squadron's two SNB-5s stayed in Memphis, as did the Trojans and Sea Stars. July 1958 - - - - - - North American T-28 Trojan. July 1958 - - - - - -Lockheed T2V-1 Sea Star Harry S. Gann's collection 196? - - - - - - - - - Temco TT-1 Pinto* Harry S. Gann's collection. June 1960- - - - - - September 1962- - - - North American T-2A Buckeye.** Harry S. Gann's collection. August 1966 - - - - - North American T-2B Buckeye.**** August 1966 - - - - - Cessna T-37B Tweetie Bird.*** October 27, 1970- - - North American T-2C Buckeye.**** October 8, 1971 - - - Douglas TA-4J Skyhawk.***** 1980?- - - - - - - - -Douglas TA-4F Skyhawk. 21 October 1987 - - - Douglas A4D-5 (A-4E) Skyhawk October 1999- - - - - Boeing - McDonnald Douglas - British Aerospace T-45 Goshawk.****** Three view drawings by Bud Southworth. * The TT-1 Temco Pinto was evaluated by VT-7 in 1959-1960. ** The military aircraft designation system changed September 1962; the T2J-1 Buckeye became the T-2A Buckeye. *** The T-37B Cessna Tweetie Bird was evaluated by VT-7 in 1966. **** All T-2 Buckeyes were retired from VT-7 in August 1971. ***** The last TA-4J Skyhawk retired from VT-7 October 20, 1999. ****** VT-23 Boeing T-45C Goshawks were transferred to VT-7 September 30, 1999. For A-4 Skyhawk aircraft assigned to this unit see lower in this page: |
|
Deployments None. |
Commanding Officers Origin - 1958: CDR N. B. Hodsron 1958 - 1960: CDR D. R. Flynn 1960 - 1960: CDR W. Roach, Jr. 1960 - 1962: CDR R. F. Regan 1962 - 1963: CDR J. J. Brosnahan 1963 - 1964: CDR R. M. Waters 1964 - 1965: CDR F. J. Wikenheiser 1965 - 1966: CDR M. J. Rose 1966 - 1967: CDR H. A. Riedl 1967 - 1968: CDR R. W. Green 1968 - 1969: CDR C. T. Roberts 1969 - 1970: CDR W. H. Croom Jr. 1970 - 1971: CDR J. A. Schaedel U.S.N. photo. 1971 - 1972: CDR L. E. Goewey U.S.N. photo. 1972 - 1974: CDR J. D. Ehret 1974 - 1975: CDR H. W. Grant, Jr. 1975 - 1976: CDR W. S. Yetter 1976 - 1977: CDR W. E. Riley 1977 - 1979: CDR G. L. Daniels 1979 - 1980: CDR D. L. Roark U.S.N. photo. 1980 - 1981: CDR J. G. Hohlstein U.S.N. photo. 1981 - 1982: CDR K. R. Storms U.S.N. photo. 1982 - 1983: CDR C. M. Graf, II 1983 - 1985:CDR J. E. Coleman 1985 - 1986: CDR B. W. Beck U.S.N. photo. 1986 - 1987: CDR L. M. Shores, Jr. U.S.N. photo. 1987 - 1988: CDR A. E. Bennett, Jr. U.S.N. photo. 1988 - 1990: CDR R. S. Dargo U.S.N. photo. 1990 - 1991: CDR J. D. Whitney U.S.N. photo 1991 - 1992: CDR K. M. Peters U.S.N. photo 1992 - 1993: CDR S. A. Ashton, Jr. U.S.N. photo 1993 - 1994: CDR T. P. Quinn U.S.N. photo 1994 - 1995: CDR D. A. Burdine U.S.N. photo 1995 - 1996: CDR F. L. Steed U.S.N. photo 1996 - 1997: CDR M. E. Watson, Jr. U.S.N. photo 1997 - 1998: CDR W. J. Richardson, Jr. U.S.N. photo 1998 - 1999: CDR J. W. Galanie U.S.N. photo 1999 - 2001: CDR B. S. Neunaber U.S.N. photo 2001: CDR Michael J. Sherlock U.S.N. photo 2001: XO --- CDR Mark S. Kinnane U.S.N. photo |
|
Awards April 1961: North American Aviation awarded VT-7 its first 10,000 Accident-Free Hour Award. September 1962: North American Aviation awarded VT-7 its second 10,000 Accident-Free Hour Award. 1964: Training Squadron SEVEN won its first of fourteen Chief of Naval Operations Aviation Safety Awards for representing not only a superior Safety record, but also an aggressive and professional approach to safeguarding the lives of all personnel. February 1968: North American Aviation awarded VT-7 a 30,000 Accident-Free Hour Award. November 1981: Secretary of the Navy, John Lehman presented VT-7 with a Navy Unit Commendation for accomplishing the squadron's Pilot Training Requirement (PTR) for fiscal year 1980, while remaining accident-free for the year. April 1982: The Chief of Naval Operations Aviation Safety Award was awarded to VT-7 for 1981. This represented not only a superior safety record, but an aggressive and professional approach to safeguarding the lives of all personnel. May 1983: VT-7 received its sixth one year accident-free plaque and in October 1983 passed the 25,000 hour mark without an accident. |
Awards continued February 1985: VT-7 received its seventh Chief of Naval Operations Aviation Safety Award for one year accident-free and amassed a total of 25,000 accident-free hours by October 1985. February 1987: VT-7 received its eighth Chief of Naval Operations Aviation Safety Award for one year accident-free flight and amassed a total of 61,309.4 accident-free hours by June 1987. March 1987: VT-7 received the Training Efficiency Award from Chief of Naval Air Training. September 1988: VT-7 once again earned the Chief of Naval Air Training (CNATRA) Training Efficiency Award. January 1997: VT-7 was awarded the 1996 Chief of Naval Operations Safety Award and the Admiral John H. Towers Flight Safety Award for the best mission oriented flight safety program by the Chief of Naval Air Training Commands. July 1998: Training Squadron SEVEN was the winner of the 1997 Vadm Goldthwaite Award for overall operational excellence. The Eagles not only excelled in all areas of the competition for 1997, but have maintained an outstanding record of sustained performance over their long history. |
|
Events In the early 1950's: VT-7 originated under the Naval Advanced Training Activity based at Naval Air Station Memphis, Tennessee. The Naval Advanced Training Activity was comprised of two Advanced Training Units: ATU-105 and ATU-205. July 1958: ATU-105 and ATU-205 were consolidated into a single squadron named Basic Training Group Seven (BTG-7) and transferred to the Naval Basic Training Command. BTG-7 trained student Naval Aviators in basic instrument flying, utilizing two Beechcraft SNB-5 TC-45 Bug Smashers; fifty North American T-28 Trojans; and one hundred fifty Lockheed T2V-1 Sea Stars. 1960: One of the more memorable events at Memphis was on the occasion of a mechanic running down the runway in a T-28 on a high-speed brake check. The brakes failed and he couldn't stop, so he added power and took off. The mechanic radioed a surprised tower and said "send somebody up here to get me down or I'm going to strap this chute on and jump". Out rolled the crash equipment and everything near the runway was cleared. People were standing on hangar roofs or any other good vantage point to see the action. A stalwart instructor went up in another T-28 and talked him down to a perfect landing (albeit that he couldn't stop) and rolled off the runway onto the grass. Thunderous applause!!! June 1960: Basic Training Group Seven moved to Naval Auxiliary Air Station Kingsville, Texas, and began receiving a new single engine jet trainer, the North American T2J-1 or T-2A Buckeye, a two-place jet trainer and the forerunner of today's basic jet trainer. In July 1960: Basic Training Group Seven was renamed Training Squadron Seven (VT-7). With the new Buckeye jet aircraft, VT-7 assumed a new mission of providing training in jet transition, precision aerobatics, basic and radio instruments, formation, gunnery and carrier qualifications. July 1961: VT-7 moved to its present base, Naval Auxiliary Air Station (now Naval Air Station) Meridian, Mississippi. While transferring to Meridian, the gunnery and carrier qualification syllabus were assumed by VT-4 at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida. December 15, 1961: VT-7 divided to form a "sister" squadron (VT-9) which was assigned the same training mission. The 1961 flight-training syllabus provided 95 hours of flight instruction in the Buckeye trainer. Training was divided into six stages: transition, precision aerobatics, basic instruments, radio instruments, night familiarization and basic formation. Naval Air Station Meridian provided 170 hours of ground training in aerodynamics, flight support, meteorology, leadership and Naval organization. December 15, 1961: VT-7 operated sixty T-2A aircraft. During this period VT-7 was charged with a secondary mission of training "Basic Jet" flight instructors. April 1962: VT-7 received its first 10,000 Accident Free Hour Award from North American Aviation. May 22, 1962: Student Ensign Bud Southworth flew his first instructional flight with flight instructor Captain W. Rutledge, USMC in T-2A Buckeye BuNo. 147436. The Transition instructional flight was one hour thirty minutes long. After a tour of the flying area and a demonstration of flight maneuvers the flight climaxed in five touch and go landings and a full stop landing. August 1966: The VT-7 stable was increased from 60 to 73 Buckeyes in response to an increased training load created by the Vietnam War. During a three month test three twin-engine T-2B Buckeyes were assigned to VT-7 for evaluation as a Naval basic jet trainer. October 1967: VT-7's T-2A inventory was expanded from 73 to 85 aircraft in anticipation of a greater pilot demands from the Vietnam War. July 1, 1968: The basic jet training syllabus changed to a Phase A and Phase B, with VT-7 conducting Phase A training and VT-9 conducting Phase B training. Phase A consisted of 50.6 hours of T-2A jet transition, precision aerobatics, basic instruments, radio instruments and 180 hours of ground training. Phase B at VT-9 consisted of formation, night familiarization and transition to the new T-2B. February 1969: VT-7 inaugurated a trial BI (Basic Instrument) First training syllabus. The first time a new student flew in the Buckeye jet was "under the bag" (A canvas tent placed over the student to prevent his seeing out of the aircraft and allowing only instrument flight from takeoff to landing). Students flew 11, one hour and a half Basic Instrument hops; 6, one hour and a half RI (Radio Instrument) hops -- before flying the VFR (Visual Flight Rules) Transition and Precision Acrobatic stages. The BI First training syllabus experiment was soon scrapped. August 1969: VT-7's inventory of T-2A aircraft was increased to 109 because of the pilot demand created by the Vietnam War. VT-7 was now the Navy's largest jet squadron. April 23, 1970: Ensign Avila was Flight Instructor Lieutenant Bud Southworth's last student instructional hop in VT-7, flying T-2A BuNo. 148223 for 1.6 hours on a Basic Instrument 4 hop. The final final landing was at 16:40 local time. October 27, 1970: Training Squadron Seven's T-2A Buckeye fleet was augmented by the addition of the newest member of the T-2 Buckeye family. The first twin-engined T-2C was received and in November a new one-squadron jet-training program was initiated. The T-2C syllabus added formation and night transition training to the normal T-2A training. The squadron completed 1970 with seventy-two T-2As and fourteen T-2Cs. February 1971: VT-7 and VT-9 changed their training syllabus from "series flow" to "parallel flow". Each squadron provided the same training and became responsible for carrier qualifications. In July 1971, VT-7 resumed training student aviators in carrier qualification. The first qualification of students aboard the United States Ship LEXINGTON CVT-16 on August 6, 1971 marked the end of ten years of no carrier training in VT-7. Students were now able to complete basic jet training at Naval Air Station Meridian. The number of T-2C Buckeyes at VT-7 increased from fourteen in January to forty-six in September 1971. August 1971: A major concept change was made in the structure of the Naval Air Training Command. VT-9 split to form a "sister" squadron, VT-19, and both VT-9 and VT-19 assumed the entire basic training role at Meridian. At the same time, VT-7 transitioned to the TA-4J Skyhawk and took over the advanced jet training mission which included air-to-ground weapons delivery, low-level navigation, air combat maneuvering, and carrier qualification. This change allowed a Student Naval Aviator to complete his entire jet training at Naval Air Station Meridian. October 1971: Under the new "single-base" concept VT-7 became the Advanced Training Squadron for Naval Air Station Meridian. October 14, 1971: VT-7 flew its last student T-2 Buckeye syllabus flight. October 15, 1971: In a formal "change of aircraft" ceremony the T-2 Buckeye was retired and the McDonnell Douglas TA-4J Skyhawk was inaugurated. The Douglas TA-4J Skyhawk was flown by VT-7 until October 20, 1999. T-2 Buckeyes were transferred to Naval Air Station Chase Field during October through December 1971. April 6, 1972: VT-7 Student Naval Aviators deploying from Forest Sherman Field at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida flew to the United States Ship Lexington CVA-16 in the Gulf of Mexico for the very first VT-7 / TA-4J Skyhawk Carrier Qualifications (CQ). April ?, 1972: VT-7, in conjunction with Training Air Wing ONE, completed its first advanced stage student and awarded Marine First Lieutenant ERNST his "Wings of Gold." July 28, 1972: Lt. David P. Link ejected safely shortly before his NAS Meridian TA-4 (BuNo 158463) crashed about 30 miles south of Meridian, MS. The crash occurred about 8:50 a.m. Friday in the Chickasawhay River swamp two miles N of Gatty's fish camp in Clarke County. Clarion Ledger, Saturday, 29 July 1972. unknown pilot of a TA-4 Skyhawk ejected early Friday shortly before his plane crashed about 40 miles south of NAS Meridian after a flameout during the solo mission. Laurel Leader-Call, Sat., July 29, 1972. September 10, 1972: Lt. John T. Kellogg, 25, (IP) and Lt. George F. Wenchel, 24, (student) escaped with minor injuries when their A-4 Skyhawk (BuNo 158139) crashed Sunday night about a mile north of a runway during a routine student instrument training flight. The Cumberland News, Tuesday, September 12, 1972. Flew into the trees on a ground controlled approach at night during a bad storm at NAS Meridian. Neither pilot ejected and survived with minor injuries although the subsequent fire destroyed the Skyhawk. Two weeks later the Douglas Rep. came into the ready room with a large picture frame around black velvet with a big pile of melted aluminum in the middle titled "3.4 million dollar object d' art" November 08, 1972: Lt. Michael S. Newman escaped injury and was rescued by a helicopter from the USS Lexington Wednesday when his TA-4J (BuNo 158103) crashed into the Gulf of Mexico. Newman was on a routine training flight out of Pensacola, FL to the carrier at the time of the accident and remained with the craft until it went into the water. The aircraft was not recovered. Hattiesburg American, Thursday, 09 November 1972, Hattiesburg, MS. 0927 TA-4, side number 703 of VT-7, pilot Lt. Michael S. Newman, lost brakes while proceeding to catapult and went over the port side of the flight deck at Latitude 29-31.5 N, Longitude 88-08.0 W and sank in 22 fathoms of water. Pilot blew canopy and escaped the aircraft sustaining a scratch to his left elbow as the aircraft hit the water. USS Lexington deck log, Wednesday, 08 November 1972. July 17, 1973: Lt. Glenn S. Schenenga ejected safely near Pensacola, FL, while taking off from the aircraft USS Lexington on Tuesday. Hattiesburg American, Wednesday, July 18, 1973. 0908 Plane in the water, starboard side. TA-4J, Bureau No. 158127 of VT-7, pilot Lt. G.F. Schenenga, crashed into the sea off the starboard bow at latitude 29-34.1 N, longitude 88-06.7 W in 25 fathoms of water and sank. 1921 Pilot recovered by helicopter, no apparent injuries. 1930 Helo onboard with pilot. 1926 (late entry) Starboard motor whaleboat in water. Picked up life rings and debris. USS Lexington deck log, Tuesday, 17 July 1975.
November 26, 1974: A student pilot attached to VT-7, NAS Meridian, ejected safely from a TA-4J Skyhawk seconds before it crashed on the south runway at McCain Field at 10:40 p.m. Tuesday night during an advanced jet syllabus flight. Clarion-Ledger, Thursday, 28 November 1974. No known VT-7 loss on this date. January 22, 1975: Training Squadron SEVEN completed its first Accident-Free Year in the TA-4J SKYHAWK and had amassed a total of 25,000 accident free hours by February 1975; 35,000 accident-free hours by July 1975. December 13, 1975: Capt. Richard E. DeNeut, Jr. USMC, and Ens. Keith N. Bonnette were killed Saturday afternoon when their jet (BuNo 158111) caught fire and spun to the ground upside down in a beet field about 10 miles from NAF El Centro. Both were from a training squadron at NAS Meridian. Workers in a nearby field saw a long plume of flame and heard an explosion. According to witnesses the jet, at about, 1,500 feet, extended the landing gear and turned toward NAF El Centro before it spun out of control. Although the canopy over the fliers' heads had been blown off before the crash, neither flier ejected. The Yuma Daily Sun, 14 December 1975. Yuma Daily Sun, 15 December 1975The Navy grounded about 400 training and utility planes pending inspection of their ejection seat assemblies. The TA-4 aircraft were ordered grounded temporarily following a crash Dec. 13 near El Centro, Calif., in which two crewmen were killed. The Yuma Daily Sun, Friday, December 19, 1975. Obit The Progress-Review Sun, Wednesday, December 24, 1975. April 11, 1977: Ens. Charles B. Spencer ejected safely before his disabled TA-4 (BuNo 158115) crashed in a wooded area 7 miles S of Kosciusko, MS, between MS 43 and the Natchez Trace Parkway. Hattiesburg American, Monday, 11 April 1977. Ens. Charles B. Spencer, a student pilot from Tampa, FL, ejected safely before his disabled TA-4 crashed in a wooded area in Attala County. Clarion Ledger, Tuesday, 12 April 1977. October 4, 1977: 2nd Lt. Robert ejected safely before his TA-4J Skyhawk BuNo 158097 crashed in a field on Navy property two miles from Shugualak, MS after developing engine problems. Bonham, TX, The Bonham Daily Favorite, Wdenesday, October 5, 1977. August 27, 1979: Unknown pilot (IP) and student survived when their TA-4J Skyhawk (BuNo 158470) rolled inverted during a no-flaps landing on a wet runway. The approach was flown on speed and centerline with a centered ball to touchdown. The student brought the power back to idle and extended the spoilers. At the 5,000 foot mark the aircraft was about 120 knots, at 4,000 feet 100 knots. The IP told the student to commence braking and speed was 50 knots at 2,000 feet. Shortly thereafter the IP took the controls, released the brakes crossing the long field arresting gear and began braking again. The aircraft drifted right with the nose swinging left. The IP ordered the student to drop the hook. The Skyhawk was now in a right skid 15 feet off the centerline. The IP released the left brake, engaged nosewheel steering, and reapplied the right brake in a futile attempt to stop the nose from drifting. The aircraft sliding sideways with its nose 90 degrees left of runway heading departed the strip at 20 knots and continued skidding upright for another 40 feet before the starboard wing dug into the ground. NAN, Grampaw Pettibone, March 1980. August 29, 1979: Ens. Daryl Thompson ejected safely from a TA4 (BuNo 158471) that crashed into a wooded area on 30 August 1979 while practicing maneuvers with other pilots about a half-mile S of Dr. Doug Colston's residence on Highway 43. The Star Herald, Kosciusko, MS, 15 June 1989. October 19, 1980: Unknown pilot ejected safely when his Navy jet from NAS Meridian crashed about nine miles east of Philadelphia, MS Sunday. The plane crashed in a field near the Longdale community. Clarion-Ledger, Monday, 20 October 1980. VT-7 TA-4J BuNo 158130 was destroyed at Meridian after aircraft crashed into the ground during an aerobatic maneuver, 19 October 1980. Pilot ejected. Naval Safety Center via Jim Winchester. December 1981: Training Squadron SEVEN, in conjunction with Training Air Wing ONE, had designated over 1,000 Naval Aviators in the TA-4J Skyhawk. May 10, 1982:Ens. Mike Jakab, 24, ejected from his VT-7 TA-4 training jet into the Gulf of Mexico Monday as he performed "touch and go" landings aboard the USS Lexington S of Pensacola, FL. The incident happened at 7 a.m. after his plane experienced engine problems. He was rescued moments later by a Navy helicopter. Pensacola News Journal, Tuesday, 11 May 1982. Ens. Jakab ejected safely, lost power after carrier touch & go. 0752 Plane crash port bow, maneuvering to recover pilot. Lat 29.44.5N Long 87.36.5W. 0812 Recovered pilot Ens. Jakab. Taken to medical for observation at time 0802. 0925 TA-4J BuNo 158145 sank at Lat 29.44.5 S Long 087.36.5W. Pilot recovered. Injuries none. USS Lexington deck log, 05 May 1982. VT-7 TA-4J BuNo 158145 was destroyed at USS Lexington (AVT-18) when aircraft lost engine power on T&G climb out and crashed, 10 May 1982. Pilot ejected. Naval Safety Center via Jim Winchester. December 16, 1983: Ens. Larry "Splash" Coy ejected safely after the nose gear and part of the wing were torn off on a cat shot due to incorrect bridle attachment. After ejecting he hit the water before his parachute could open and hit the water on his head and shoulder leaving him with deep neck muscle bruises. When he came to the surface the carrier ran over him, hence the name Splash. VT-7 TA-4J BuNo 156892 was destroyed at USS Lexington AVT-16 when aircraft lost at sea following bridle sep., nose gear collapse on cat shot. 16 December 1983. Pilot ejected. Naval Safety Center via Jim Winchester. "I was actually getting accustomed to the jolting terror of a catapult shot. Going from zero to 155 mph with the push of a button is unlike anything a normal person was supposed to experience. So, there I was, in tension at full Military Power on Cat. 1, which is the on the bow, starboard side, or right side for non-Navy types. The holdback bar was functioning properly, holding me in place as the jet strained to fly, but there was a quick control check to perform first as well as an engine check, I moved the stick forward then aft, left and then right. EGT, EPR, and oil pressure all looked good, so it was time to fly, I looked to the left and gave the Catapult Officer my best Ensign salute and then held on waiting for the world's absolute best amusement ride off my extremely short floating steel runway. After on more trap, the air boss would make the transmission, '715, your signal beach, fly one two zero for a hundred miles! Welcome to Carrier Aviation.' In this case however, the catapult fired and instantly I knew something was wrong. Rather than screaming straight down the bow at 155 knots, immediately after the catapult fired, my aircraft jerked severely to the right. The nose flew up in the air as if I was popping a wheelie. The nose subsequently slammed back down to the deck. Time slowed as if I was in some sort of surreal slow-motion movie. My mind was taking everything in all at once. I saw my detached 7' nose strut zipping across the bow. It was flung off port side of the ship like it was a toy. Most of my attention, however, was upon the direction that my nose was grinding along the flight deck. It was pointing to the starboard catwalk and fearing that I was about to do overboard off the right side. I must have stood on the left brake more than the right. I got the nose to track back down the length of the bow as the Air Boss was screaming, 'Brakes! Brakes! Brakes!' In Naval Aviation it is drilled into your head from the very beginning, 'If your nose wheel even thinks about going overboard, you waited too long to eject. You can kiss your ass goodbye, so don't wait that long!. Sadly, without my nose strut, I was no longer in a level attitude and was already out of the safe ejection envelope, so I needed to get the jet stopped. People were yelling on the radio as I concentrated on stopping the jet, but at this point there was not much more I could do besides stomping on the brakes. While the aircraft decelerating my mind was calculating that the end of the flight deck would most likely come first, As it neared my only thought was, 'Mary Ann (my wife) is gonna be pissed!. The nose was going over when I pulled the lower handle, electing to die on impact rather than drowning while trapped inside my sinking A-4. In 1984: VT-7 amassed a total of 99,772 accident-free hours; this period included 924 carrier landing and 2,838 consecutive Foreign Object Damage (FOD) free flight hours. February 10, 1984: 1st Lt. Frank A. Young, 25, was killed in the Friday crash of his TA-4J Skyhawk near Jachin, AL. Philadelphia Daily News, 13 February, 1984. unknown pilot was killed Friday afternoon when his NAS Meridian TA-4J Skyhawk crashed into a thickly wooded area near the Alabama-Mississippi state line. The TA-4J was on an advanced strike training flight and was reported missing about 4 p.m. by the other pilot in a two-plane formation. The jet crashed about 100 yards from a house near Jachin, AL, on Alabama 17 in Choctaw County. Clarion Ledger, Saturday, 11 February, 1984. VT-7 TA-4J BuNo 158116 was destroyed at Meridian when aircraft crashed into ground in IMC (instrument meteorological) conditions. 10 February 1984. unsuccessful ejection. Naval Safety Center via Jim Winchester. November 4, 1985: Pilots safe after jet fighter crash August 6, 1986: Lt. Timothy Sullivan (flight instructor) and Ens. Bryan Pender (student) suffered minor injuries when they ejected safely from an A-4J Skyhawk that crashed NW of Meridian during a training mission Wednesday. Hattiesburg American, Thursday, 07 August 1986. Laurel Leader-Call, Thursday, 07 August 1986. VT-7 TA-4J BuNo 158121 was destroyed at Mississippi when aircraft engine seized during routine ACM flight. 06 August 1986. Both Aircrew ejected. Naval Safety Center via Jim Winchester. September 30, 1985: VT-7 reached its Pilot Training Requirement (PTR) of 91 naval aviators for fiscal year 1985. August 30, 1986: VT-7 reached its Pilot Training Requirement (PTR) of 112 naval aviators for fiscal year 1986 and by the end of September had an excess of eight naval aviators. June 23, 1987: Cdr. Steven L. Van Wei of Garfield, MN, ejected safely with minor injuries when his jet trainer crashed while landing. A spokesman reported Wednesday that the plane was over base property Tuesday night, within one fourth mile of the runway, when “something went wrong." The spokesman said he was found about 10 minutes after the mishap, treated at the base hospital and released. Laurel Leader-Call, Thursday, 25 June 1987. VT-7 TA-4J BuNo 158480 was destroyed at Meridian when aircraft hit trees and crashed into ground short of runway during night IMC approach. 23 June 1987. 0 fatalities. Naval Safety Center via Jim Winchester. September 1987: Training Squadron SEVEN reached its PTR of 135 naval aviators for fiscal year 1987. April 1988: VT-7 bid farewell to its 300 enlisted maintenance personnel and switched to contract maintenance provided by Lockheed Support Systems. May 26, 1988: Capt. Thomas Henry Renken and Navy Lt(jg). Timothy John Roorda escaped serious injury when they ejected and parachuted from a TA-4J Skyhawk that crashed and burned yesterday in the Scotch Wildlife Management area in southwest Alabama, 13 miles west of Grove Hill. They were picked up by helicopter and returned to NAS Meridian. The Capital, Friday, May 27, 1988. VT-7 TA-4J BuNo 158457 was destroyed at Meridian when aircrew ejected following engine compressor stalls. 26 May 1988. 0 fatalities. Naval Safety Center via Jim Winchester. In 1988: VT-7 had the distinction of being the only squadron in CNATRA to use single-seat A-4E Skyhawks for training flights. September 1988: VT-7 again reached its PTR, winging 120 naval aviators for fiscal year 1988 and earning the CNATRA Training Efficiency Award. December 1989: VT-7 again reached its PTR, winging 120 naval aviators for fiscal year 1988. December 27, 1989: Capt. Mike Baker (USMC flight instructor) and Lt. Eric Scheulin (student pilot) ejected safely from their TA-4J Skyhawk before it crashed in rural Kemper county about 30 miles NW of NAS Meridian (two miles east of Joe Williams Field) Wednesday afternoon while on a routine training mission. Clarion-Ledger, Friday, 29 December 1989. VT-7 TA-4J BuNo 158461 was destroyed at Meridian when aircraft lost oil pressure and engine seized. 30 November 1989. Crew, ejected, 0 fatalities. Naval Safety Center via Jim Winchester. Fall 1989: VT-7 again met its pilot training requirement with 136 new Naval Aviators and extended its mishap free flying to 56,000 flight hours. The year witnessed successful completion of seven El Centro Detachments, including one of eight weeks duration, as well as four Carrier Qualification Detachments to NAS Key West. January 1990: Training Squadron SEVEN (VT-7) was the Navy's largest jet training squadron using 55 TA-4J and A-4E Skyhawk aircraft. January 20, 1991: Ens. Christopher T. Costen based in Meridian, MS with VT-7 crashed into the Gulf of Mexico west of Key West Sunday and was declared missing while on a flight to the training carrier USS Lexington. Santa Fe New Mexican, Monday, January 21, 1991. VT-25 TA-4J BuNo 158093 (not destroyed) and VT-7 TA-4J BuNo 153674 was destroyed at Key West when wingman crashed into water during CQ training flight. 20 January 1991. 1 fatality. Naval Safety Center via Jim Winchester. August 26, 1992: Capt. Lamar R. Ishee, 30, was killed and Navy Reserve Lt. Vernon Hill, 36, ejected successfully Wednesday when their TA-4J Skyhawk apparently hydroplaned on a rainy runway and skidded about 75 yards before crashing nose-first into a wooded area. The Intelligencer - The Record, Friday, August 28, 1992. VT-7 TA-4J BuNo 158078 received major damage (A) at Meridian when aircraft departed runway during landing rollout. 26 August 1992. 1 fatality. Naval Safety Center via Jim Winchester.
1997: Training Squadron SEVEN unique among the three United States Navy advanced strike training squadrons has the responsibility of training French, Spanish, Italian, Kuwaiti, Thai, Brazilian and Singaporean aviators in addition to United States Navy and United States Marine Corps Pilots. October 10, 1997: At the Training Squadron SEVEN Change of Command, VT-7 was the United States Navy's largest advanced jet training squadron employing 49 McDonnell-Douglas TA-4J SKYHAWKS. May 2, 1998: Mr. Bud Southworth trapped aboard the USS John F. Kennedy CV-67 to observe VT-7 Eagle students carrier qualify and become Naval Aviators. This trap was twenty days short of a 36 year anniversary of Ensign Southworth's first flight with VT-7 on May 22, 1962. August 10, 1999: The last Douglas TA-4J Skyhawk United States Navy VT-7 "Naval Aviator" student to trap: Lieutenant RUSS DAVID HORR, United States Navy is a 1990 graduate of Hamilton College where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Computer Science. Lieutenant Horr was previously designated a Naval Aviator, receiving Navy Wings of Gold on February 19, 1993. He flew SH-60B helicopters with HSL-37, at Naval Air Station Barbers Point, Hawaii and UH-1N helicopters at Naval Air Station Meridian. He was named to the Commodore's List during Intermediate Flight Training and carrier qualified in the TA-4J Skyhawk on board the United States Ship GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN-73) August 10, 1999. August 11, 1999: The last Douglas TA-4J Skyhawk United States Navy VT-7 students to trap: Lieutenant Junior Grade CHRISTOPHER MICHAEL CONDON, United States Navy Reserve is a 1996 graduate of Georgia Tech University where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering. Lieutenant Junior Grade Condon was named to the Commodore's List during Primary Flight Training and earned a Navy "E" for strafing accuracy during Advance Strike Training. Condon carrier qualified in the TA-4J Skyhawk on board the United States Ship GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN-73) on August 11, 1999. First Lieutenant MATTHEW REILLY MCINERNEY, United States Marine Corps is a 1996 graduate of Holy Cross College where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics. Lieutenant McInerney was named to the Commodore's List during Primary Flight Training. During Advanced Strike Training lie earned one Navy "E" for bombing accuracy and one Navy "E" for strafing accuracy. McInerney carrier qualified in the TA-4J on board the United States Ship GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN-73) on August 11, 1999. First Lieutenant DAVID AUGUST MUELLER, United States Marine Corps is a 1996 graduate of the United States Naval Academy where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in History. During Advanced Strike Training Lieutenant Mueller earned a Navy "E" for bombing accuracy and a Navy "E" for strafing accuracy. Mueller carrier qualified in the TA-4J Skyhawk on board the United States Ship GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN-73) on August 11, 1999. First Lieutenant JONATHAN ROBERT OHMAN, United States Marine Corps is a 1996 graduate of the United States Naval Academy where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Systems Engineering. Lieutenant Ohman was named to the Commodore's List during Primary and Intermediate Flight Training and carrier qualified in the TA-4J Skyhawk on board the United States Ship GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN-73) on August 11, 1999. September 10, 1999: The last VT-7, United States Marine Corps and United States Navy Skyhawk winging program: First Lieutenant JOSEPH THOMAS BERTAGNA, United States Marine Corps. Lieutenant Junior Grade CHRISTOPHER MICHAEL CONDON, United States Navy Reserve. Lieutenant RUSS DAVID HORR, United States Navy. First Lieutenant MATTHEW REILLY MCINERNEY, United States Marine Corps. First Lieutenant DAVID AUGUST MUELLER, United States Marine Corps. First Lieutenant JONATHAN ROBERT OHMAN, United States Marine Corps. First Lieutenant KEVIN GEORGE REECE, United States Marine Corps. September 30, 1999: The last VT-7 Douglas TA-4J Skyhawk student to trap: Lieutenant JOSE VICENTE DE ALVARENGA, Brazilian Navy is a native of Belo Horizonte, Brazil and a 1990 graduate of the Brazilian Naval Academy where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering. During advanced Strike Training Lieutenant Alvarenga received a United States Navy E for bombing accuracy. Alvarenga carrier qualified in the TA-4J Skyhawk on board the United States Ship GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN-73) on September 30, 1999. Lieutenant Alvarenga thus is the last VT-7 student to trap in the TA-4J Douglas Skyhawk. The last VT-7 Douglas TA-4J Skyhawk pilot to trap: Training Squadron SEVEN Skipper Commander JAMES W. "Spot" GALANIE, United States Navy is the last VT-7 Skyhawk trapper in Douglas TA-4J, Skyhawk BuNo. 158110, side number 701. October 8, 1999: The last VT-7 Douglas Skyhawk winging program: Lieutenant Jose Vicente de Alvarenga, Brazilian Navy. Lt. Alvarenga is the last VT-7 Student Naval Aviator to trap in the TA-4J Douglas Skyhawk on a United States Ship. He is also the last VT-7 Skyhawk Student Naval Aviator to be Winged. The First Training Squadron SEVEN Boeing T-45C Goshawk Naval Aviator: First Lieutenant Benjamin Kirk Hutchins, United States Marine Corps is a 1996 graduate of North Carolina State University where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in History. Hutchins was named to the Commodore's List with Distinction during Primary Flight Training. He earned four Navy 'Es" for bombing accuracy and was selected as the "Top Bomber" in his VT-23 class. First Lieutenant Hutchins carrier qualified August 9, 1999 in the T-45C Gulfhawk on board the United State Ship GEORGE WASHINGTON CVN-73. Training Squadron SEVEN's first Boeing T-45C Gulfhawk student Naval Aviator Class number 2011 began October 4, 1999. Wednesday, October 20, 1999 at 10:15 a.m. Today: Training Squadron SEVEN, is presently the Navy's largest advanced jet training squadron operating the Boeing T-45. |
|
Unit Photos 1962: VT-7 Officers at Kingsville, left to right: Vt-7 Commanding Officer, Maintenance Officer and a VT-7 flight instructor Captain Rutledge, USMC. 1972: VT-7 Carrier Qualifications March 1972 on the USS Lexington CVA-16. This picture was taken looking down from the Lexington island upon 716 performing the very first VT-7 Eagle TA-4J touch and go landing, April 6, 1972. The Student Naval Aviator was First Lieutenant K. D. Ernst, USMC. The Landing Signal Officer (LSO) for this qual period was Lieutenant Bob Bush, USN. Lieutenant K. D. Ernst, USMC was a member of VT-7's first TA-4J Advanced Syallabus graduating class. VT-7 Eagle TA-4J Skyhawk 2K 716. 1972 photograph by Commander Lee Goewey, USN. VT-7 Eagle TA-4J Skyhawk 2K 716.Pic 2. VT-7 Eagle TA-4J Skyhawk 2K 744 BuNo. 158073 This picture was taken looking from the Lexington island upon Grey Oak 744 spotted for refueling. The Landing Signal Officer (LSO) for this qual period was Lieutenant Bob Bush, USN. 1972 photograph by Commander Lee Goewey, USN. 1972: VT-7 Eagle TA-4J Skyhawk 2K 737. This picture was taken looking from the Lexington island upon 2K 737 catching a two wire. The Student Naval Aviator, Ensign Waddell, USN catches a two-wire for his first trap and is on his way to carrier qualifing and his Wings of Gold. The Landing Signal Officer (LSO) was Lieutenant Bob Bush, USN. Ensign Waddell was a member of VT-7's first TA-4J Advanced Syallabus graduating class. 1972 photograph by Commander Lee Goewey, USN. 1974: 1974: Eagles Skyhawk BuNo 158141, 2K-736, parked on the ramp next to BuNo 158479, 2K-751. Unknown via W. Mutza. BuNo 158479, A-730, TA-4J parked next to an A-6 Intruder. Gary Verver Collection. BuNo 158523, A-731, parked with drop tanks. Gary Verver Collection. 1974: Left side partial tail section view of Eagles Skyhawk BuNo 158479, 2K-751, parked on the flight line next to BuNo 158141, 2K-736. Unknown via W. Mutza. 1974: VT-7 Skyhawk Over The E Boat Round-down. "Wheels down, flaps down, hook down, harness locked, brakes pumped firm, fuel 1200 pounds, roger ball." VT-7, TA-4J, side number A-759, landing aboard USS Enterprise CVAN-65. Photograph taken May 13, 1974 by Harry S. Gann. 15JUN74: VT-7 TA-4J BuNo 158477, 2K-701, dated 15 June 1974. Gary Verver Collection. AUG74: BuNo 158468, A-760, parked. Gary Verver Collection. 20JUL75: Left side view of VT-7 Eagles TA-4J Skyhawk BuNo 158097, A-700, on the ramp at NAS Meridian. Name below the canopy rail is CAPT C Ray Smith and on the fuselage COMTRAWING 1. Photo by P. Stevens. 20JUL75: Left front view of VT-7 Eagles TA-4J Skyhawk BuNo 158125, A-725, on the ramp at NAS Meridian with a pair of wing tanks. At left is the tail of VT-7 BuNo 158129, A-729. Photo by P. Stevens. 1975 VT-7 TA-4J Skyhawk FCLP Bounce: VT-7, TA-4J, side number A-701, FCLP (field carrier landing practice) bouncing at OLF (out lying field) Bravo. OLF Bravo is located 30 miles northwest of Navy Meridian. Photograph taken September 1975 by Harry S. Gann. 1975: VT-7 CAG TA-4J Skyhawk BuNo. 158097. VT-7 TA-4J BuNo. 158097, side number A-700, Commander Training Wing One. Photograph taken September 25, 1975 by Harry S. Gann. 1975: VT-7 Skyhawk BuNo. 158097 GOING DOWN!. VT-7, TA-4J, BuNo. 158097, side number A-700, Commander Training Wing One Skyhawk in a vertical dive. Photograph taken September 25, 1975 by Harry S. Gann. 1975: VT-7 TA-4J Skyhawk FCLP Bounce. VT-7, TA-4J, side number A-701, FCLP (field carrier landing practice) bouncing at OLF (out lying field) Bravo. OLF Bravo is located 30 miles northwest of Navy Meridian. Photograph taken September 1975 by Harry S. Gann. Dec 1975: BuNo 158141, A-736 parked on the ramp. Photo by R.E. Kling, G. Verver collection. 1976: BuNo.158130, VT-7 Side No.776 on the Tarmac in Bi-Centennial colors, 1976. Photograph from Harry S. Gann's collection. 1976: BuNo.158130, VT-7 Side No.776 fly by in Bi-Centennial colors. Photograph from Harry S. Gann's collection. June 1976: VT-7 Eagles TA-4J Skyhawk BuNo 158130, A-776, in the ramp in its Bicentennial paint scheme. Photographer unknown. 11JUL76: Left rear view of VT-7 Eagles TA-4J Skyhawk BuNo 158130, B-776, on the ramp in its Bicentennial paint scheme, Offutt AFB, 11 July 1976. Copyright R.W. Harrison. 03OCT76: Right rear view of VT-7 Eagles TA-4J Skyhawk BuNo 158115, A-715, on the ramp at NAS Meridian with a pair of drop tanks. Photographer unknown. 03OCT76: Right side view of VT-7 Eagles TA-4J Skyhawk BuNo 158124, A-724, on the ramp at NAS Meridian with a pair of wing tanks. Photographer unknown. 03OCT76: Right side view of VT-7 Eagles TA-4J Skyhawk BuNo 158133, A-700, COMTRAWING 1, on the ramp at NAS Meridian with a pair of wing tanks. Photographer unknown. 03OCT76: Right side view of VT-7 Eagles TA-4J Skyhawk BuNo 158129, A-729, on the ramp at NAS Meridian with a pair of wing tanks. Photographer unknown. 03OCT76: Right front view of VT-7 Eagles TA-4J Skyhawk BuNo 158138, A-734, on the ramp at NAS Meridian with a pair of wing tanks. The TA-4J at right is A-733 and could be BuNo 158467. Photographer unknown. 03OCT76: Right side view of VT-7 Eagles TA-4J Skyhawk BuNo 158466, A-727, on the ramp with a pair of wing tanks at NAS Meridian. VT-7 TA-4J in the background is A-737. Photographer unknown. 1976: BuNo 158117, TA-4J A-717, parked with boarding ladder ready. Gary Verver Collection. 15OCT77: Right side view of VT-7 Eagles TA-4J Skyhawk BuNo 158125, A-725, on the ramp at NAS North Island with a pair of wing tanks. Photographer unknown. 22 APR 1978: Eagles Skyhawk BuNo 155109, A-709, assigned to LCDR Hoffman parked on the NAS Meridian flight line. G. Verver collection via R. Dowers. 22 APR 1978: Eagles Skyhawk BuNo 156932, A-727, assigned to CAPT Vitorny parked on the flight-line. Right side view of VT-7 Eagles TA-4J Skyhawk BuNo 156932, A-727, on the flight-line next to VT-7 TA-4J BuNo 150144, A-740, NAS Meridian, 22 April 1978. Name below the canopy is CAPT Vitorny. At left is a TA-4J with Navy on the fuselage over the wing. G. Verver collection via R. Dowers 22 APR 1978: Eagles Skyhawk BuNo 158125, A-725, assigned to CAPT Brock parked on the ramp. G. Verver collection via R. Dowers. 22 APR 1978: Eagles Skyhawk BuNo 158455, A-732, assigned to LT Schaad parked on the flightline. G. Verver collection via R. Dowers. 22 APR 1978: Eagles Skyhawk BuNo 158467, A-733, assigned to LCDR Karl parked on the flightline. G. Verver collection via R. Dowers. 22 APR 1978: Eagles Skyhawk BuNo 158470, A-723, parked on the flight-line next to VT-7 TA-4J BuNo 158105, A-705. G. Verver collection via R. Dowers. 22 APR 1978: Eagles Skyhawk BuNo 158526, A-724, parked on the NAS Meridian flight-line. G. Verver collection via R. Dowers. Date unknown: BuNo 158104, TA-4J A-704, parked with A-703 in the background. Gary Verver Collection. 22 APR 1978: Eagles Skyhawk BuNo 158104, A-704, parked on the ramp. G. Verver collection via R. Dowers. 22 APR 1978: Eagles Skyhawk BuNo 158116, A-716, parked on the ramp. G. Verver collection via R. Dowers 22 APR 1978: Eagles Skyhawk BuNo 158118, A-718, parked on the ramp. G. Verver collection via R. Dowers. 22 APR 1978: Eagles Skyhawk BuNo 158137, A-722, assigned to LT McFarland parked on the ramp. G. Verver collection via R. Dowers. 22 APR 1978: Eagles Skyhawk BuNo 158144, A-740, assigned to CAPT VanDyken parked on the ramp. G. Verver collection via R. Dowers. 22 APR 1978: Eagles Skyhawk BuNo 158145, A-741, assigned to LTjg Kamrito parked on the ramp. G. Verver collection via R. Dowers. 22 APR 1978: Eagles Skyhawk BuNo 158146, A-742, parked on the ramp. G. Verver collection via R. Dowers. Date unknown: BuNo 158108, A-708, parked on the ramp. Gary Verver Collection. 09 Jun 1979: Eagles Skyhawk BuNo 158480, A-702, assigned to CDR "Shark" Howlstein parked on the ramp. Photo by R.F. Dorr, Gary Verver Collection. Circa 1979: BuNo 158480, A-702, trapping. Mark Kreeger of VT-25. 1979: BuNo 158145, A-715, TA-4J parked on the ramp. Gary Verver Collection. FEB80: left side view of VT-86 Sabre Hawks TA-4J Skyhawk BuNo 158124, F-234, on the ramp with a pair of wing tanks. Photographer unknown. April 1981: BuNo 158105, A-705, parked on the ramp. Name on the canopy rail is LCDR Newman. Gary Verver Collection. April 1981: BuNo 158105, A-705, parked on the ramp. Gary Verver Collection. 11 April 1981: Eagles Skyhawk BuNo 156920, A-733, parked on the flight line. Gary Verver Collection. 29 May 1981: VT-7 Eagles TA-4J Skyhawk BuNo 158457, A-709, McGuire AFB. Name below the canopy rail is Lt. Schrader. Pic2; Pic3; Photographer unknown. JUL81: Right side view of VT-7 Eagles TA-4J Skyhawk BuNo 158117, A-717, on the ramp with a pair of wing tanks. Photographer unknown. Date unknown: BuNo 158140, A-720, taxiing. Photo from JD Stewart. Date unknown: BuNo 158144, A-724, with gear down, hook up. Photo from JD Stewart. Date unknown: BuNo 158465 A-765 leaving a little bit of smoke in its wake. Photo from JD Stewart. 16 Oct 1982: BuNo 158144, A-724, parked on the ramp. Photo by T. Paskowski, G. Verver collection. 16 Oct 1982: Eagles Skyhawk BuNo 158144, A-724, parked on the ramp. Photo by R.F. Dorr, G. Verver Collection. 20NOV82: BuNo 158457, A-709, parked on the ramp. Photo by T. Paskowski, G. Verver collection. 20NOV82: Skyhawk BuNo 158461, A-728, parked on the ramp. Photo by T. Paskowski, G. Verver collection. Date unknown: BuNo 158798, A-728, parked. Gary Verver Collection. 05FEB83: 158480, A-713, parked on the ramp. Photo by T. Paskowski, Gary Verver Collection. 05FEB83: BuNo 158480, A-713, close-up right side view of Eagles insignia. Photo by T. Paskowski, Gary Verver Collection. 01APR83: A right side view of two Eagles TA-4J Skyhawk aircraft parked on either side of a TA-4F Skyhawk from an aggressor squadron. U.S. Navy photo by OS2 John Bouvia. 30APR83: BuNo 158526, A-702, parked on the flight line. Photo by T. Paskowski, G. Verver collection. 21MAY83: VT-7 (CTW-1) right side view of VT-7 Eagles TA-4J Skyhawk BuNo 158137, A-722, on the ramp with a pair of wing tanks at an Open House. Photographer unknown. 21MAY83: VT-7 (CTW-1) close-up of the VT-7 (CTW-1) Eagles insignia on TA-4J Skyhawk BuNo 158137, A-722, at an Open House. Photographer unknown. 01OCT83: Eagles Skyhawk BuNo 158455, A-732, parked on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63). An F/A-18 Hornet aircraft is visible in the background. U.S. Navy photo, PHAN R. Eslinger. 20APR84: Eagles Skyhawk A-721 is prepared for launching during flight operations aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). U.S. Navy photo by PH3 Don Choquette. 20APR84: Eagles Skyhawk A-739 waits to be launched during flight operations aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). U.S. Navy photo by PH3 Don Choquette. 03JUN84: Right side view of VT-7 Eagles Skyhawk BuNo 158513, A-737, tug and brake-rider as it's towed across the ramp at Kalamazoo, MI. Photographer unknown. 03JUN84: Left rear view of VT-7 Eagles TA-4J BuNo 158142, A-711, on the ramp with a pair of wing tanks and the hook down at an Open House in Kalamazoo, MI. Photographer unknown. 03JUN84: Right side view of VT-7 Eagles TA-4J BuNo 158142, A-711, on the ramp with a pair of wing tanks and the hook down at an Open House in Kalamazoo, MI. Photographer unknown. 03JUN84: Left side view of VT-7 Eagles TA-4J BuNo 158142, A-711, on the ramp with a pair of wing tanks and the hook down at an Open House in Kalamazoo, MI. Photographer unknown. 03 JUN 1984: Left rear view of VT-7 Eagles TA-4J BuNo 158142, A-711, taxiing at an Open House in Kalamazoo, MI. Photographer unknown. 27APR85: 27 April 1985 BuNo 158134, A-719, parked on the ramp. Gary Verver Collection. BuNo 158134 parked on the rampe. Pic2. Gary Verver Collection. MAY 1985: VT-7 TA-4J BuNo 156929, A-720. Right side view of VT-7 Eagles TA-4J Skyhawk BuNo 156929, A-720, on the flight-line next to T-44A (King Air 90) BuNo 160852, location unknown. Photographer unknown, from Gary Verver Collection. 1986: BuNo 156929, A-720, in chocks. Gary Verver Collection./sites/default/files/images-buno-156891-156950/156929-ta4j-1986-vt7-a-720.jpg Jan 1986: BuNo 158129, A-729. Left front view of VT-7 Eagles TA-4J Skyhawk BuNo 158129, A-729, parked on the NAS Cecil Field ramp configured with a pair of drop tanks, January 1986. At left is VT-7 TA-4J BuNo 158104, A-710. Photo by R.E. Kling, G. Verver collection. 1986: BuNo.158473 sporting paint job honoring 75years of Naval Aviation - 1986. Photograph from Michel Klaver. APR86: BuNo 158473 in new paint job. Gary Verver Collection. 21MAY86: BuNo.158473 in-flight - 21MAY1986, with Buckeye over Key Field. 75th anniversary of Naval aviation fly-by May 21, 1986. A VT-7, TA-4J Skyhawk and a VT-19, T2C Buckeye fly over Key Field south of Meridian, Mississippi. Photograph by Harry S. Gann. OCT86: VT-7 TA-4J BuNo 158131, A-721, dated October 1986. Gary Verver Collection. BuNo 158131, date unknown, on the ramp. Gary Verver Collection. OCT86: Eagles Skyhawk BuNo 153522, A752, parked on the Andrews flight-line. Gary Verver Collection. 1986: BuNo 158468, A-726, parked on the ramp. Gary Verver Collection. OCT86: BuNo 158131, A-721, parked on the ramp. Gary Verver Collection. 1986: Skyhawk BuNo 158473, A-701, moments before she touches down for a shore based arrested landing with a jammed nose gear. "Boom" Powell. 1987: VT-7 TA-4J Skyhawk BuNo. 156932 TA-4J BuNo. 156932, side number A-727 of the VT-7 "Eagles" from Naval Air Station Meridian executes a missed approach over the Dobbins Air Force Base runway, October 1987. If you look closely you can see the white IFR tent in the rear cockpit. Photo by Frank J. Mirande. 01 Mar 1987: BuNo 158104, A-704, taxis along the flight line. U.S. Navy Photo. 01 MAR 1987: Pic1 Pic2 A Training Squadron 7 (VT-7) TA-4J Skyhawk BuNo 158104, A-704 aircraft taxis along the flight line. Oct 1987: BuNo 158473, #775, parked on the flight line in its 75th Anniversary paint scheme. Gary Verver Collection. DEC87: BuNo 158099, A-703, parked at Tinker AFB with canopy up. Gary Verver Collection. Date unknown: BuNo 158467, A-734, parked on the ramp. Gary Verver Collection. 16 JAN 1988: Eagles Skyhawk BuNo 158129, A-729, assigned to Nambone, parked on the Andrews AFB ramp. C. Kaston. JAN 1988: Jan 1988 BuNo 158099, A-703, parked on the ramp. Gary Verver Collection. 05 MAR 1988: VT-7 TA-4J BuNo 158137, A-700, at Andrews AFB. Name below the canopy is "BLITZ". Photo by Dave Brown, Verver Collection. 07 APR 1988: Training Squadron 7 (VT-7) pilots conduct preflight checks on their TA-4J Skyhawk (BuNo 158094, A-745 and BuNo 158457, A-709) aircraft on the runway prior to takeoff from Naval Air Facility, El Centro, during Training Wing 1 strike training. Name below the canopy of 709 is CAPT Alex Wilkins USMC, CTW-1 instructor of the year. Photo by Robert L. Lawson. 09 APR 1988: An air-to-air right side view of three Training Squadron 7 (VT-7) TA-4J Skyhawk (L-R: BuNo 158110, A-717, BuNo 158094, A-745 and BuNo 158457, A-709) aircraft over Naval Air Facility, El Centro. The aircraft are en route to a strike weapons training exercise during Training Wing 1 operations. Photo by Robert L. Lawson. 09 APR 1988: An air-to-air right side view of two Training Squadron 7 (VT-7) TA-4J Skyhawk (BuNo 158110, A-717 and BuNo 158094, A-745) aircraft preparing to land at Naval Air Facility, El Centro, following a strike weapons training flight. 1988-1993: Right front view of CTW-1/VT-7 Eagles TA-4J Skyhawk BuNo 153522, A-752, parked on the flight line. Photo by W. Munzenmaier. 09APR88: An air-to-air right side view of three Eagles Skyhawk aircraft over NAF, El Centro. The aircraft are en route to a strike weapons training exercise during Training Wing 1 operations. U.S. Navy photo by Robert L. Lawson. 1989-90: Right side view of VT-7 Eagles A-4E Skyhawk BuNo 150049, A-703, on the ramp with a pair of wing tanks at NAS Meridian. Photographer unknown. 1989: BuNo 158500, A-723, TA-4J parked. Gary Verver Collection. JUN90: VT-7 Eagles TA-4J Skyhawk BuNo 158465, A-765, in a blue/grey/brown camouflage paint scheme taxiing at the Oklahoma City airport. Copyright photo by Joe Cupido. MAR91: BuNo 156891, A-748, parked on the Andews AFB flight-line. MAR91: BuNo 158134, A-719, parked on the Andrews AFB ramp. Photo by D.F. Brown, Gary Verver Collection. 27 APR 1991: BuNo 153498, A-749, assigned to LT Brian Sutterfield, parked on the MCAS El Toro ramp. Craig Kaston. 1990s: TA-4F Skyhawk BuNo. 153488 A-700 with VT-7's "Desert Det". Color photograph by and courtesy of Harry S. Gann. 07MAY91: Right side view of VT-7 Eagles TA-4J Skyhawk BuNo 153671, A-716, on the line at NAS Meridian with a pair of wing tanks. Photo by W. Munzenmaier. 09MAY91: VT-7 (CTW-1) Eagles TA-4J Skyhawk BuNo 153676, A-738, on the ramp at NAS Meridian in a brown/grey camouflage scheme. Copyright photo by Werner Munzenmaier. 09MAY91: Right front view of VT-7 Eagles TA-4J Skyhawk BuNo 155070, A-104, on the ramp at NAS Meridian, 09 May 1991. Copyright Werner Munzenmaier. 07JUN91: Eagles Skyhawk BuNo 158465, A-765, parked on the Dover AFB ramp in a mottled camouflage scheme. Gary Verver Collection. Date unknown: BuNo 158465, A-765 parked on the ramp. Gary Verver Collection. SEP91: BuNo 158141, A-714, parked on the ramp. Photo by K. Snyder, Gary Verver Collection. 10 OCT 1991: A flight deck director guides an aircraft handler as he steers a Training Squadron 7 (VT-7) TA-4J Skyhawk (BuNo 155100, A-741) aircraft toward one of the catapults on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS FORRESTAL (CV 59). The FORRESTAL will assume the role of the Navy's training carrier in early 1992, taking over for the auxiliary aircraft landing training ship USS LEXINGTON (AVT 16). Photo by PH1 Scott M. Allen. 10 OCT 1991: A catapult officer signals for the launch of a Training Squadron 7 (VT-7) TA-4J Skyhawk (BuNo 159798, A-728) aircraft on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS FORRESTAL (CV 59). The FORRESTAL will assume the role of the Navy's training carrier in early 1992, taking over for the auxiliary aircraft landing training ship USS LEXINGTON (AVT 16). Photo by PH1 Scott M. Allen. Date unknown: BuNo 159798, A-728, parked. Gary Verver Collection. TA-4J A-749 of VT-7 taxi. Photo from J.D. Stewart. 1991: BuNo 158138, A-759, parked with lots of vehicles nearby. Gary Verver Collection. 1992-1996: Left side view of CTW-1/VT-7 Eagles LT Armon Fetter's TA-4J Skyhawk BuNo 153515, A-762, parked on the ramp. Photo by W. Munzenmaier. 1992: BuNo 158141, A-714, TA-4J parked with what appears to be an electrical cord attached. Gary Verver Collection. MAR92: Eagles Skyhawk BuNo 153498, A-749. Right side view of VT-7 Eagles TA-4J Skyhawk BuNo 153498, A-749, on the ramp in a overall dark gray scheme, Andrews AFB, March 1992. At left is VAQ-33 Firebirds EA-6A Prowler BuNo 156983, tailcode GD. Gary Verver Collection. APR92: Eagles Skyhawk BuNo 158468, A-726, assigned to USMC CAPT Steve McFarlin parked on the flight line next to VC-13 TA-4J BuNo 153495, UX-04. Photo by K. Snyder, Gary Verver Collection. JUL92: Eagles Skyhawk BuNo 155100, A-741, assigned to LT Pittman, parked on the flight line. Photo by K. Snyder, Gary Verver Collection. 1992: VT-7 TA-4J Skyhawk BuNo. 153498. TA-4J Skyhawk BuNo. 153498, side number A-749, of VT-7 Eagles, from Naval Air Station Meridian, as seen at Naval Air Station Atlanta on March 20, 1992. Unusual combination of overall charcoal gray and light gray markings. Photo by Frank J. Mirande. 1992: VT-7 Desert Storm TA-4J Skyhawk BuNo. 158465. This Desert Storm painted Skyhawk is flown in the vertical by Capt. Craig Berryman, USMC. Capt. Berryman was a prisoner of war during Desert Storm. From September 1991 to November 1993, Capt. Berryman served as a VT-7 flight instructor. U.S. Navy photograph from Commanding Officer VT-7. 01 Dec 1992: BuNo 158465, A-765. Left side view of VT-7 Eagles TA-4J Skyhawk BuNo 158465, A-765, on the flight line in a mottled blue/grey/brown camouflage scheme next to VT-7 TA-4J BuNo 156929, A-720, and VT-7 TA-4J BuNo 153492, NAF Andrews. U.S. Navy photo, Bruce Trombecky. 01DEC92: BuNo 158501, A-744. Left side view VT-7 Eagles TA-4J Skyhawk BuNo 158501, A-744, on the flight line next to NASA T-38A Talon s/n 66-8382, N916NA, NAF Andrews, 05 December 1992. Name below the canopy is LT John Gadzinski. U.S. Navy photo, Bruce Trombecky. 05DEC92: Eagles Skyhawk BuNo 158501, A-744, assigned to LT John Gadzinski, parked on the Andrews ramp. Jim Burridge. 1993: Eagles Skyhawk BuNo 153517, A-712. Left rear view of VT-7 Eagles TA-4J Skyhawk BuNo 153517, A-712, on the ramp, Dayton, OH, 1993. At left are CTW-6 T-34C Mentor BuNo 162271, TW-2 T-45A Goshawk BuNo 163606, B-207, and T-2C Buckeye BuNo 158584, F-815. Photo by Greff Spahr, Gary Verver Collection. Date unknown: BuNo 153517, A-712, parked on the ramp. Gary Verver Collection. 04APR93: 04 Apr 1993 right front view of Eagles Skyhawk BuNo 153517, A-712, parked on the ramp. Official US Navy Photo by B. Trombecky. 24 July 1993: Left front view of VT-7 Eagles TA-4J BuNo 158146, A-722, on the ramp with a pair of wing tanks at NAS Glenview next to USAF T-38 Talon s/n 68-148. Name on the canopy rail looks to be LT Claude McKey. Photographer unknown. 1993: VT-7 CTW-1 Skyhawk BuNo. 159798 A-728 visiting NAS Atlanta. VT-7 Eagle TA-4J BuNo. 159798, side number A-728 from Naval Air Station Meridian visiting Naval Air Station Atlanta June 6, 1993. This Skyhawk is in the standard training color scheme. This is the last production TA-4J for the Navy, delivered circa-1977. 159798 was seen earlier at Naval Air Station Atlanta in VFC-12 markings (overall engine gray) in December 1988. Photo by Frank J. Mirande. OCT93: BuNo.153505 of Carrier Training Wing One (CTW-1), assigned to the training carrier USS FORRESTAL (AVT-59), parked on the flight line. Official U.S. Navy photo by Bruce Trombecky. 16MAR94: BuNo 158465, A-765, parked on the flight line. Left front view of VT-7 Eagles TA-4J Skyhawk BuNo 158465, A-765, on the NAS Jacksonville flight line in a multi colored mottled camouflage scheme. At left is VT-7 TA-4J BuNo 158501, A-744, with GO NAVY on the fuselage. Gary Verver Collection. 07MAY94: Eagles Skyhawk BuNo 158104, A-711, assigned to LT Joe Stafford parked on the line next to A-728. C. Kaston. JUN94: BuNo 158110, A-717, assigned to USMC Capt. "Rube" Kubian on display during an open house. Gary Verver Collection. OCT94: Eagles Skyhawk BuNo 158482, A-709, parked on the flight line next to USAF C-5A Galaxy s/n 68-0220. Photo by K. Snyder, G. Verver collection. 1995: 1995 BuNo 158136, A-701, parked on the ramp. Photo by G. Spahr, Gary Verver Collection. FEB96: Right side view of Eagles Skyhawk BuNo 153517, A-712, parked on the ramp, location unknown, February 1996. At left is AFRES Grissom KC-135R Stratotanker s/n 57-1472. At right is VF-201 Hunters F-14A Tomcat AF-120. Gary Verver Collection. 13MAY96: TA-4J BuNo. 158513 side number A-737 went of a rain slick runway at El Centro. Another view of the VT-7 Weapons Detachment Scooter that went for the ditch. The ground crew quickly had 'ol 737 flying again as the damage was minimal. Photos by Glen Puder. JUN96: Eagles Skyhawk BuNo 158718, A-749, parked on the Andrews ramp. Pic2. Gary Verver Collection. JUN96: Eagles Skyhawk BuNo 158513, A-737, parked on the flight line. Gary Verver Collection. 15JUN96: Eagles Skyhawk BuNo 158468, A-726, parked on the NAS Willow Grove flight-line. At right is F-16C Fighting Falcon s/n 90-702, tail code OH. Gary Verver Collection. 15JUN96: Close-up left rear view of Eagles Skyhawk BuNo 158468, A-726, tail section. Gary Verver Collection. Date unknown: BuNo 158468, A-726, parked on the ramp. Gary Verver Collection. 1996: Cloud Surfing - 1996. Eagles Skyhawk BuNo 158137, A-760, cloud surfing over NAS Meridian. Photograph taken by Chris Herman. 1996: VT-7 Skyhawk line - 1996. TA-4J Skyhawks wait for students and their instructors. USN photograph from Bud Southworth. OCT96: Eagles Skyhawk BuNo 158137, A-760, parked on the ramp. Unknown via W. Mutza. 18JAN97: Eagles Skyhawk BuNo 153678, A-725, parked on the line. Jim Burridge. SEP97: SEP 1997: BuNo 159798, A-728, parked on the ramp. W. Hartman. 1998: Inside the Skyhawk GOING DOWN! - 1998. "PeeWee" is boresighted on the Inky Barley target near El Centro, California. Photograph taken 1998 by Chris Herman. 1998: GUNS GUNS GUNS - 1998 PeeWee's wingman gunning a Viper at sunset. G'nite airforce! Photograph taken 1998 by Chris Herman. 1998: VT-7 TA-4J Snowhawk - 1998. Who says it doesn't snow in Meridian? Viewed from the hangar bay, this Skyhawk weathers a storm during the winter of 1998. 1998 photograph from Capt. Todd Tetterton, USMCR. 1998: TA-4J BuNo 158473 Firing Up - 1998. The ground crew has hooked up the APU (Auxiliary Power Unit) to allow the pilot to start the Skyhawks engine. 1998 photograph by Capt. Todd Tetterton, USMCR. DEC98: BuNo 158467, A-734, parked on the NAS Cecil ramp. Name below the canopy rail looks like LT Joe Borson. Photo by R.E. Kling, G. Verver collection.
Carrier Quals Jan. 1998 CVN-65 VT-7 Eagle TA-4J Skyhawks 723 and 756 A picture taken looking down from the Enterprise island upon 723 and 756 parked on the starboard aft elevator behind the island. 723 is ready to taxi after the maintence guy completes the pre-taxi check. 1998 photograph by Capt Todd Tetterton, USMCR. Refueling Skyhawks 714 and 718 A picture taken looking down from the Enterprise island at 714 and 718 on the starboard forward elevator in front of the island. Both Skyhawks are being refueled by grapes with fuel hoses running from the deck edge to the Skyhawk's inflight refueling probes. 1998 photograph by Capt Todd Tetterton, USMCR. VT-7 Skyhawk 723 Over the Ramp. Skyhawk 723 is caught over the Enterprise ramp on its way to a three wire. The two small white bars under the arresting wires are springs that elevate the arresting wire 2 inches above the flight deck. 1998 photograph by Capt Todd Tetterton, USMCR. APRIL 1998 Carrier Quals CV-67 Source = Bud Southworth, who earned his "Gold Wings" in a TA4J Skyhawk. U.S.S. Kennedy visiting VIP Christy Carter. Christy joined Gary Cornett, John Reed, Otto Krueger, Dr. Steven Bradley, Jeff Knutson, Bruce MacInnes, Steve Wilson, Bud Southworth, Ted Langworthy and Ray Sick for a flight out to the Kennedy for an orientation cruise in 1998. VT-7 Students Running The Deck VT-7 Eagles Desert Detachment based at El Centro, California. Instructors on the Skyhawk wing, students on the deck. The "Pink Bomb" is held by the student who had the worst bomb hit from the previous day's flight schedule. (Sometimes over 2000 feet) Careful where you park your car. VT-7 Instructors -- February 2001 Front Row (Left to Right) Commander Brian S. Neunaber; Commander Michael J. Sherlock. VT-7 A-701, BuNo 158116. Looks to be over NAS Meridian. Don Scott photo from Gary Verver Collection. VT-7, BuNo.154298 TA-4J over Mississippi. US Navy photograph from Bud Southworth. In-flight view of Eagles Skyhawk BuNo 158144, A-724, on final for touchdown. J.D. Stewart. In-flight view of Eagles Skyhawk BuNo 158465, A-765, gear and flaps down and speedbrakes out. J.D. Stewart. 1989-1998: Eagles Skyhawk BuNo 158140, A-720, as she taxies by the photographer. J.D. Stewart. VT-7 T-Bird taxing. Via 'Boom' Powell. Date unknown: VT-7 TA-4J BuNo 158718, A-749. Photo by J.D. Stewart from Verver Collection. 27 FEB 1993: VT-7 TA-4J BuNo 156936, A-751. Name on the canopy rail is LT Jim Price. Photo by N. Graser from Gary Verver Collection. Date unknown: BuNo 158930, A-751, parked with hook down. Gary Verver Collectioin. JUL93: VT-7 (CTW-1) Eagles TA-4J Skyhawk BuNo 153471, A-739, on the ramp with VT-7 A-735. location unknown. Name below the canopy rail is LT Ronnie (last name illegible). Photo by G. Chambers. SEP 1997: VT-7 TA-4J BuNo 158459, A-775. Photo by D. Brown from Verver Collection. 09 JUL 1993: VT-7 TA-4J BuNo 152861, A-706, 09 JUL 1993 next to a VFA-305 F/A-18 Hornet. Photo by N. Graser from G. Verver collection. 04AUG99: Right side view of VT-7 Eagles TA-4J Skyhawk BuNo 153680, A-772, on the ramp at NAS Meridian. Photo by J. Hendriksen. 04AUG99: Partial right front view of VT-7 Eagles TA-4J Skyhawk BuNo 153680, A-772, on the ramp at NAS Meridian next to VT-7 TA-4J BuNo 154634, A-769. Photo by J. Hendriksen. 02AUG99: Right front view of VT-7 Eagles TA-4J Skyhawk BuNo 154634, A-769, on the ramp at NAS Meridian next to VT-7 TA-4J A-701. Photo by J. Hendriksen. 04 AUG 1999: partial right front close-up of VT-7 Eagles TA-4J Skyhawk BuNo 154634, A-769, on the ramp at NAS Meridian next to VT-7 TA-4J A-701. Photo by J. Hendriksen. BuNo 158133, VT-7 A-706, on the ramp. 04 AUG 1999: BuNo 153680 and 154634: andBuNo 154634 and 158136 on the ramp, literally during one of the last VT-7 TA-4J syllabus months. I saw the following on various places (ramp / hangars) on the airfield; (This were indeed the very last VT-7 Skyhawks before most of them were retired to the Davis-Monthan boneyard in Arizona. At that time some A-4's were all ready withdrawn from use/stored and dismantled). Greetings from the Netherlands,
Standing from left to right are: 1) Lieutenant Junior Grade Jose Nunez, Spanish Navy. 2) Lieutenant Junior Grade Enrique Segura, Spanish Navy. 3) Lieutenant Junior Grade Jaime Cervera, Spanish Navy. 4) Lieutenant Junior Grade Abel Romero, Spanish Navy. 5) Lieutenant Gerardo Gonzalez-Aller, Spanish Navy. 6) Lieutenant Junior Grade Francisco Blazquez, Spanish Navy. 7) Lieutenant Junior Grade Pablo Avancini, Spanish Navy. 29SEP99: A US Navy Catapult and Arresting Gear Officer signals the launch of Eagles Skyhawk A-714, from the flight deck of the USS George Washington, as CTW-2 conducts carrier qualifications while the ship is underway in the Atlantic. U.S. Navy photo by PH3 Johnnie Robbins. Off-Duty Photos No info yet. |
werner-munzenmaier.jpg){kind=link}
w-munzenmaier.jpg){kind=link}
Some A-4 Skyhawk BuNo with their assigned Modex in VT-7:
|
1974 1975 1976 1978 1979 |
1981
A-733 = BuNo.156920 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 |
199x Unknown Date 152850 A-704 |
A-4 Skyhawk aircraft assigned to this unit:
|
|