Memorandum

Date: 28 September 2014

From: LCDR Albert A. Plunkett, USN Retired

Subject: Information about about CRAW-1 History documents

As you will read in the Preface, the history of Reconnaissance Attack Wing ONE was complied during the months before its disestablishment in

January 1980. Although CRAW-1 obtained approval for printing photographs in multicolor, the history was never published because of funding.

While a camera-ready copy was never produced with color photographs of airplanes, patches, and documents, a file copy of the last draft was

saved with copies of some of those items. Remember that this document was produced before word processors, so this copy still contains some

changes that would have been incorporated into a “smooth” version for printing.

The history contains information about Heavy Attack Wing ONE, Reconnaissance Attack Wing ONE, the Vigilante, a copy of the last history from

each squadron, as well as appendices with a listing of each Vigilante BUNO with it’s final location, a listing of the pilots and reconnaissance attack

navigators who flew at least 1000 hours in that aircraft, a listed of Wing POW’s and MIA’s in the Vietnam War, a “In Memoriam” note, User

Manual, and Miscellaneous Memorabilia. Additional folders contains a copies of patches and a few airplanes that were to be inserted on pages

in the publication.

The Postscript is the last section of the intended publication. After the Postscript, I have added two emails relating to this document. CRAW-1

reported the last flight of the RA-5C. The second contains the autorization for multicolor printing of the history.

I intend to provide these documents and pictures to the Naval Aviation Museum after I have copied the remaining articles I saved after

disestablishment. As of this writing I have added to this file the PAO notes and copies of the disestablishment programs for each organization

(except for NIPSTRAFAC which transferred to another organization when CRAW-1 was disestablished). I regret I didn’t find a copy of the

programs for RVAH-11 or RVAH-13. The most recent addition are the documents about the presentation of the Arleigh Burke Fleet Trophy to

RVAH-1 (the first aircraft squadron to receive that award).

Respectfully,

Albert (Al) Plunkett

alplunkett@aol.com

HISTORY OF RECONATKWING ONE

Captain Robert V. Dean, USN, Wing Commander Lieutenant Commander Albert V. Plunkett, USN, Editor

Commander Reconnaissance Attack Wing ONE Naval Air Station Key West, Florida 33040

Reviewed and approved on 23 November 1979

34

Reviewing Offi 1

Preface iii Acknowledgments

Chapters

I Introduction 1

II Heavy Attack Wing ONE

III Reconnaissance Attack Wing ONE 24

IV The Vigilante Story 34

V Reconnaissance Attack Squadron ONE 39

VI Reconnaissance Attack Squadron THREE 43

VII Reconnaissance Attack Squadron FIVE 51

VIII Reconnaissance Attack Squadron SIX 56

IX Reconnaissance Attack Squadron SEVEN 62

X Reconnaissance Attack Squadron NINE 66

XI Reconnaissance Attack Squadron ELEVEN 69

XII Reconnaissance Attack Squadron TWELVE 76

XIII Reconnaissance A THIRTEEN 81

XIV Reconnaissance Attack squadron FOURTEEN 85

XV Naval Intelligence Processing System 90 Training Facility

Appendices

1 Vigilante Inventory 93

2 1000 Hour Club 98

3 Vietnam War 101

4 In Memoriam 102

5 User Manual 104

6 Miscellaneous Memorabilia , 144

Postscript 146

ii

The composite history of this Wing, the aircraft they flew and the personnel in this Wing is about as complete as we could make it from the information available. LCDR Al Plunkett and the CRAW-1 Staff did all the leg work for this history. Their efforts have been most conclusive and are greatly appreciated.

The disestablishment of Reconnaissance Attack Wing ONE is a most unique event in the annals of Naval Aviation. Never before has an entire community been phased out of operation. We have had ships decommissioned, squadrons disestablished and Air Stations closed up, but never before have we had an entire naval warfare speciality shut its doors without a replacement. A full community dedicated to Navy TACRECCE will no longer exist as of 7 January 1980. There is a photo squadron for carrier detachments and fighter squadrons with photo pods for interim use until a follow on recce aircraft can be phased in. With the demise of the Reconnaissance Wing, there is no longer a fully-staffed organization with dedicated units to pursue the highly complex art of collecting a full-range of intelli-gence for the tactical commander in our carriers. With the cruel experience of war becoming a highly sophisticated endeav-or, the Navy has chosen to gap the early 1980's with equipment and capabilities that are about akin to what we had for the Korean police action of 1950.

The development of the A-5A/RA-5C air frame was years ahead of its time, just as the unique suite of image and electronic sensors were giant steps in front of even what is available now in DOD. It was and is a shame that the RA-5C never had a peacetime era to develop her capabilities before she was launched into a shooting war. Every west coast deployment for the RA-5C in the '65-'72 time frame was for Vietnam operations. This seven-year cruise for Navy TACRECCE over a small area with specific constraints, took its toll in aircraft, flight crews and mission development.

The RA-5C over Southeast Asia incurred the highest loss rate of any navy aircraft--just as any recce plane in any hostile situation will so be recorded. That not all of the 18 flight crews made it back is the unfortunes of war. A full-blown supply support effort was needed to support West Pac. This seriously reduced the training and Mediterranean capabilities--thus depleted development and learning oppor-tunities that is needed in the most interesting and demanding field of tactical reconnaissance.

History is people, places and things - this Wing's his-tory has the people, the places and the aircraft that were part of her 19 year tenure. That we missed some names, some

iii

places and some issues--we apologize. What records we could

find, we consolidated. All good things must come to an end -

then is high hope that this will not be an end to Navy TACRECCE,

only a short time out in the progress of Naval Aviation.

23 November 1979 Captain R. V. DEAN, USN

Naval Air Station Wing Commander

Key West, Florida Reconnaissance Attack Wing ONE

iv

ACKNOWLEDGENTS

As the last days of Reconnaissance Attack Wing ONE approach, it is most appropriate to reflect upon the history of this unit, the Navy's oldest functional air wing. Having evolved from Heavy Attack Wing ONE, commissioned in 1951, RECONATKWING ONE has served with distinction throughout the years. The people who flew and supported the RA -5C "Vigilante" stand proudly when reference is made to this aircraft, the best-looking and best-flying aircraft ever to fly off the aircraft carrier.

This history is dedicated to all those people who made the RA-5C what she was. From the flight crew members to the cooks in the squadrons, from the employees at Columbus Aircraft Divi-sion of North American Rockwell, to the tech reps with the squadrons on deployment, from the Wing Staff Officers to the instructors at NIPSTRAFAC and NAMTRADET 1002, from the person-nel at NARF Jacksonville to the support personnel onboard the carriers and air stations, and each individual member, is com-mended for his or her contribution to this outstanding record. For those personnel on the distribution list who haven't had the opportunity to serve with the finest air wing, this mater-ial is provided to inform you of what happened in tactical reconnaissance so as to get a better perspective for considering reconnaissance missions, airborne platforms and sensors in the future.

As Captain Dean relates in the Preface, all of the CRAW-1 Staff assisted in the development of . this history, but parti-cular appreciation is extended to YN1(SS) Rudy Villanueva, YN1 Carlos Davila and YN1 Ron Guerin for their countless hours of assistance and support in the preparation of the document.

Grateful appreciation is also extended to the following personnel for their assistance: LCDR Jim Morgan, CDR Gordy Wileen, CDR Aucoin, CAPT Jerry Vaught, CAPT Harry Wright, Mr. Willie Schmitter, Mr. Andy Carlson, Mr. R. M. Walker, LCDR Jim Brady, and Mr. Joe Barrett.

23 November 1979 LCDR Albert A. PLUNKETT, USN

Chapter I

INTRODUCTION

As one reviews the Table of Contents, the organization of this history is readily apparent. Those having served in this Wing, selected chapters and appendixes concerning their parti-cular units may be most interesting, those interested in the aircraft may prefer Chapter IV and Appendix A, while those con-cerned about the development and operation of future TACRECCE aircraft may use Appendix E. Nonetheless, all of this has been prepared for the individual serviceman who has served in the Wing and may use this material to interest young men and women in joining the Navy and for those officials concerned with the history and development of tactical reconnaissance in the U. S. Navy.

In addition to the two articles on the Vigilante referenced in this document, one recent series on the squadrons is worth the reading. Michael Grove wrote "The Vigi Squadrons." The Spring and Summer 1979 issues of The Hook magazine, published by the Tailhook Association, P. O. Box 40, Bonita, CA 92002, features these units, while a later issue is scheduled to present a detailed history of the Vigilante.

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Chapter II

HEAVY ATTACK WING ONE

During the 50's and early 60's, the U. S. Navy had one of the nation's most potent striking forces in its Heavy Attack Squadrons. As a carrier based unit, it's mission was all-weather delivery of conventional and nuclear weapons. These 12 squadrons were based on both coasts: seven squadrons under Heavy Attack Wing ONE in the Atlantic Fleet and six under Commander, Fleet Air, Whidbey in the Pacific Fleet. The Commander of Heavy Attack Wing ONE was a subordinate commander to the Commander, Fleet Air, Jacksonville, FL.

Shortly after World War II, the Heavy Attack program germinated under the auspicies of Captain J. T. HAYWARD. Upon the approval of the Chief of Naval Operations, Composite Squadron FIVE (VC-5) was formed at Moffett Field, California, in 1948. This Squadron was equipped with specially modified P2V-3 aircraft and staffed with hand picked crews.

The P2V-3 never became fully operational aboard carrier due to marginal arrested landing strength. The original aircraft was equipped with radar bombing gear, the fuel capacity was enlarged to 4,000 gallons, the bomb bay was

2

altered to handle a 10,000 pound nuclear weapon, and a tail hook was installed. The concept of operation was to fly from MIDWAY class carriers utilizing free run with JATO (jet assist take-off) for launching and to employ reversible propellers in addition to normal carrier arresting gear for landings. Numerous highly successful launches were made, but recovery was never attempted because test runs made at Naval Air Test Center, Patuxent River, Maryland, showed that the strength for landing was marginal. The ranae and payload capability of the P2V-3C was well proven as attested by flights such as one from aboard ship off Norfolk, Virginia, to Panama, then to New Orleans before landing at San Diego--non-stop, with a weapon shape aboard. The duration of this flight was 26 hours.

During its period of shakedown, VC-5 conducted intensive navigational and bombing training, sent crew members to Albuquerque, New Mexico, for nuclear weapons training and commenced collecting intelligence material on potential targets.

Later in the same year, 1948, the North American Aviation built AJ-1 "Savage" made its debut. This plane was specifically designed for carrier operations and high altitude radar aimed atomic weapon delivery. Often referred to as "two turning and one burning," the AJ combined two poston engines with a turbo-jet engine to boost its 48,000 pounds gross weight above 35,000 .feet altitude with maximum speeds in excess of 430 knots.

In 1949, VC-5 moved to NAS Norfolk and the second Heavy Attack Squadron, VC-6, was formed at Moffett Field, California, before shortly moving to NATC Patuxent River, Maryland. Commander D. L. Ashworth, who was weaponeer on the Nagasaki

attack in 1945, and who was Executive Officer of VC-5, assumed command of the new squadron.

The AJ program suffered excruciating growing pains which stemmed in part from the novelty of the concept and from the waiving of some design criteria to accelerate AJ projection in its early stages. Difficulties encountered included hydraulic malfunctions, electrical trouble, torrential gas leaks in the bomb bay, and a rash of fires in the jet engine compartment.

The AJ's commenced carrier operation that year with Captain Hayward making the first landing aboard the USS MIDWAY.

In 1950, VC-5 was deployed to Port Lyautey, Morocco, for operations with the SIXTH Fleet. They were only moderately successful due to a rash of material troubles. Operations terminated when one of the Squadron planes had a fire in the jet compartment in flight and crashed with all hands aboard. The aircraft were grounded until August 1951 while a "fix" for this hazard was developed and installed.

In 1951, Heavy Attack Wing ONE was commissioned at NAS Norfolk with Captain Robert Goldthwaite as the first Wing Commander. During the same year, VC-7 and VC-8 were formed. Also the two support units, FASRON-51 and FASRON 52, Fleet Aircraft Service Squadrons, were commissioned this year.

Late in 1951, VC-6 relieved VC-5 in Port Lyautey to inaugurate a series of five month squadron deployments to the Mediterranean which continued until the arrival of the A3D and the USS FORRESTAL in that area.

After its return from Port Lyautey in 1952, VC-6 was transferred to the Pacific Fleet and expanded to 24 planes while becoming the nucleus of BATWING TWO on the West Coast. Deploying during the next four years on numerous Pestern Pacific cruises from NAS North Island, California, the Squadron developed new techniques for operating the Heavy Attack Aircraft.

A milestone in the development of the Heavy Attack potential occurred in May 1952 when the first of the Navy's Operational Suitability Tests were conducted from the USS MIDWAY off the Virginia Capes. In this type test a live atomic weapon, less the nuclear component, is detonated over a target. This test was successful with a highly accurate drop by LTJG R. H. Conn of VC-5, the Bombardier/Navigator. This test was accomplished under unexpected difficulties because the bomb bay sway bracing carried away during the catapult shot. Thus, the crew did not know if the bomb would drop clear when released, or jam on the lower part of the bomb bay.

In January 1953 another Composite Squadron (VC-9) was commissioned at NAAS Sanford, Florida. At this time it was realized that a need existed for a training unit to provide the pilots, bombardier/navigators, and third crewmen of HATWING's squadrons with technical and specialized instructions pertaining to special weapons and their delivery. As a result, the Heavy Attack Training Unit was commissioned in February 1953 at NAS Norfolk, Virginia. The Heavy Attack Training Unit training courses for prospective bombardier/navigators was four months in duration, and consisted of both practical instruction in the P2V flying classrooms and ground school. Since many of the students were ground officers or senior petty officers with little or no flying experience, some of the instruction dealt with general aviation familiarization. The majority of the training; however, was highly technical and covered such subjects as the functioning of atomic weapons, bombing system theory, radar intelligence, target identification, and all phases of long range aerial navigation including dead reckoning, celestial, pressure drift and radar navigation.

After completion of training at Heavy Attack Training Unit, the bombardier/navigators and pilots were assigned to one of the operational squadrons where they were integrated with a third crewman (the radio/weaponeer) into a three man tactical crew. This crew would normally remain together as a team .throughout their duty in the squadron. They began their squadron training as a crew and continued through their familiarization, pin point bombing from high altitudes, simulated radar bombing on various cities throughout the United States, over water nativation, carrier qualifications, and the many phases of training necessary before they could deploy as a qualified crew.

In September of 1954, as VC-5 was commencing its third deployment to the Mediterranean area, it was decided to 'attempt to make three or four plane AJ Detachments permanent parts of the SIXTH Fleet's Carrier Air Strike Forces. Prior to this time, due to many problems and difficulties associated with handling and supporting the large planes, the AJ's had been based aboard ship for short periods only. The outstanding success of this experiment resulted in detachments of Heavy Attack aircraft becoming integral parts of our Mediterranean carrier task forces.

The year 1955 saw several significant changes in Heavy Attack Wing ONE. In June, NAAS Sanford, Florida became the "Home of Heavy Attack Wing ONE." With all four squadrons, the command organization, the training unit and one support unit, FASRON-51, located together, operational and logistic problems were greatly simplified. Captain E. 0. Wagner, Commander, Heavy Attack Wing ONE, arrived at NAAS Sanford with his staff in July.

5

In November the Chief of Naval Operations ordered all Heavy Attack Squadrons redesignated as VAH rather than VC Squadrons. At the same time a fifth Heavy Attack Squadron, VAH-1, was commissioned and temporarily based at NAS Jackson-ville, Florida, where it underwent intensive training in anticipation of the receipt of the first all-Jet, A3-D "Skywarrier." Designed with an eye toward the Heavy Attack mission, the A3-D was a top atomic bomber, yet fully capable fo carrier operations.

In May 1956 the NAAS Sanford was redesignated NAS Sanford. A station expansion program was immediately formulated in anticipation of the arrival of the A3-D. Plans were formulated to extend the runway to 10,000 feet and to provide office, shop, maintenance and storage space for the existing and incoming Heavy Attack Squadrons. On 15 June 1956 VAH-3 was commissioned at NAS Jacksonville, Florida. During this period the AJ's were still doing outstanding service in their primary mission as the Navy's all weather; special attack aircraft. Heavy Attack Squadron ONE and THREE, stationed at NAS Jacksonville, Florida, were the first heavy attack squadron to receive the A3D-l. In January VAH-1, with A3D-1's deployed to the Med-iterranean aboard the USS FORRESTAL to be followed in July by VAH-3 on board the USS FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT. VAH-9 was the first squadron in Heavy Attack Wing ONE to receive the A3D-2.

Heavy Attack Squadron THREE arrived in Sanford upon return from deployment in March 1958, making the fifth Heavy Attack Squadron to he assigned to that station. June 1958, Heavy Attack Training Unit, Atlantic was decommissioned and became part of Heavy Attack Squadron THREE. At this time VAH-3 became the Training Squadron in a move to improve the training given heavy attack crews. The training program was similiar to that by HATU but, more comprehensive and included flight crew training in the A3D aircraft.

On 15 July 1958 Heavy Attack Squadron NINE, on board the USS SARATOGA and Detachment 45 of Heavy Attack Squadron SEVEN, on the USS ESSEX, left port under emergency conditions to support and protect the landings in Lebanon. Even before the Lebanese affair was completely secured, a crisis in the Far East and an aircraft carrier casualty there, caused the USS ESSEX to be assigned to the SEVENTH Fleet. With part of SEVEN's Detachment aboard, the USS ESSEX steamed through the Suez Canel and crossed the Indian Ocean to operate in the Singapore area as a back up for East Naval Forces prior to being released to return home.

Late 1958 spelled the end of the AJ-2 "Savage" as a part of Heavy Attack Wing ONE. From then until now, every squadron in the Wing has been operating A3-D "Skywarriers." Each squadron, except the training squadron VAH-3, is assigned to a specific

6

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Air Group and aircraft carrier. Since that time the Heavy Attack Squadrons have been the uncontested first team of their respective air groups and the mainstay of the carrier based nuclear striking force.

The year 1959 saw the Heavy Attack Squadrons dramatically . .wade the realm of the lighter attack aircraft. A3D pilots had been training in low altitude penetration and attack with a loft delivery for some time. Still many were surprised to see a VAH-7 A3D loft a weapon across the desert sky during the fire power demonstration of the 1959 Naval Air Weapons Meet at Yuma, Airzona. They were more surprised when it was announced that this was the primary means of delivery for all Heavy Attack Squadrons. •

In July 1960, VAH-1 deployed in the INDEPENDENCE with the first squadron in the world ever to be trained and proven in low altitude attack and loft bombing during instrument weather and at night. All subsequent deploying A3D Squadrons of the Atlantic Fleet have had even more thorough training and the same proven ability.

The next year, 1961, commenced with the establishment of VAH-13 at NAS Sanford, Florida, on 3 January. Heavy Attack Wing ONE then consisted of six fully operational squadrons, the replacement training squadron and the wing staff. The squadrons held the positions of leadership in carrier aviation and were the undisputed first team for nuclear retalition against emeny attack.

During June, 1961, the nation's newest twin jet all-weather bomber, the A3J-1 (A-5A) "Vigilante" began arriving at NAS Sanford, Florida, to take its place in Heavy Attack Wing ONE. The first aircraft to be fully designed to the weapon system concept, the A3J combines its Mach 2 plus speed with its many variations of low and high altitude conventional

7

and nuclear weapon delivery capabilities. Designed for carrier service, the Vigilante incorporated the latest in integrated electronics for offensive and defensive measures.

A3. 3 .3 - 1

Also in the summer of 1961, VAR-13 departed NAS Sanford to go aboard the new aircraft carrier USS KITTY HAWK to sail around South America and arrive in NAS Whidbey Island, Wash-ington, for duty with the Pacific Fleet.

To VAH-3, the transition to the A3J-1 represented a real challenge in the area of pilot and bombardier-navigator (B/N) training and instruction of VAH personnel in the maintenance and operation of the A3J. To meet this challenge, preparations were put underway as far back as 1959. This was necessary since the A3J-1 represented a whole new concept in aircraft design and operation which outmoded many of the existing training programs. To ease this transition, "contractor support" was introducted for the first time into the Fleet Introduction Program (FIP). Under this concept, North American Aviation, Columbus Divison, provided technical training, spare parts and maintenance assistance at NAS Sanford during the FIP Period. This kind of support had been standard for several years in test and development programs, but it was not until the A3J and F4H that it had been carried over to the FIP.

8

By May of 1962 a number of pilots had been qualified in familiarization flights by VAH-3 instructor pilots, and the second two class of pilots and B/N's from VAH-7 were being trained. Most of these aircrew members were seasoned veterans with many hundreds of hours in the A3D and other aircraft. Also a number of students had already completed the maintenance training course. These personnel from VAH-7 were preparing to make the deployment of the A3J later that year.

The following excerpt from the May 1962 issue of NAA (North American Aviation, Inc.) Service News graphically describes the Wing's organization and more specifically the personalities of VAH-3 and VAH-7 at this historic time. The issue credited LT Dick Cleveland, former PIO of VAH-3, LTJG Fred Clarke, PIO of VAH-7 and PH2 Tony Cruthcfield of NAS Sanford Photo Lab for their cooperation in the research and photography involved in the creation of that issue paying tribute to the officers and men of VAH-3.

9

CAI:q.A.a. JOE. •ULLV Jr Commander

HATRON ONE (VAI-1-1 ) CDR. C. DUNN Jr.,-CO

HATRON NINE (VAH-9) CDR. T. WAGNEI1,-CO

MATRON FIVE (VAH-5) • CDR. R. FARIVtER,-00

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CDR. H. MANSHIP,-CO I MATRON SEVEN (VAH-7)

CDR. L. HOOP,-CO

VAH-3

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A3J NIGHT FAMILIARIZATION A3J NIGHT AIRWAYS, PENETRATION, GCA A3J LOW LEVEL LOFT AND OVER-THE-SHOULDER INTRODUCTION A3J LOW LEVEL LOFT AND OVER-THE-SHOULDER A3J LOW LEVEL LOFT AND OVER-THE-SHOULDER A3J HIGH ALTITUDE BOMBING/RTI JACKSONVILLE' A3J LOW ALTITUDE RTI A3J LOW ALTITUDE RTI A3J LOFT AND OVER-THE-SHOULDER BOMBING A3J LOFT AND OVER-THE-SHOULDER BOMBING A3J LOFT ANDOVER-THE-SHOULDER BOMBING A3J LAYDOWN BOMBING A3J HIGH ALTITUDE RBS A3J HIGH ALTITUDE NAVIGATION A3J LOW ALTITUDE 0/M A3J LOW-LOW-HIGH D/M A3J HIGH-LOW-HIGH LOFT D/M A3J HIGH-LOW-HIGH OVER-THE-SHOULDER D/M A3J HIGH-LOW-HIGH LAYDOWN D/M A3J . HIGH-LOW-HIGH LAYDOWN D/M A3J HIGH-LOW-HIGH SHAPE DROP D/M

• A3J • HIGH ALTITUDE SUPERSONIC D/M

A31-1 PILOT TRAINING - VAH-3 CIRRICULUM

AIRCRAFT MISSION DESCRIPTION

F9F -8T INSTRUMENT LOFT PROCEDURES A3J PRE-FLIGHT, COCKPIT CHECK, TAXI All BASIC AIRWORK, CONTROL SYSTEM CHECK-OUT, SLOW

FLIGHT BOUNCE A3J A/B TAKE-OFF, AUTO FLIGHT SYSTEM, BOUNCE All SYSTEMS EMERGENCIES, GCA, BOUNCE A3J AEROBATICS, LOFT INDOCTRINATION, GCA, BOUNCE A3J LOFT FAMILIARIZATION, BOUNCE A3J SUPERSONIC FLIGHT FAM A3J BASIC INSTRUMENTS, (HOODED) PENETRATION, GCA A3J AIRWAYS INSTRUMENTS, (HOODED) PENETRATION, GCA A3J INSTRUMENT CHECK (HOODED) All NIGHT FAMILIARIZATION A3J NIGHT AIRWAYS, PENETRATION, GCA A3J LOW LEVEL LOFT AND OVER-THE-SHOULDER INTRODUCTION A3J LOW LEVEL LOFT AND OVER-THE-SHOULDER TACTICS A3J LOW LEVEL LOFT AND OVER-THE-SHOULDECTACTICS A3J FORMATION AND FCLP DEMONSTRATION A3J FORMATION AND FCLP All FORMATION AND FCLP All FORMATION AND FCLP A3J HIGH ALTITUDE BOMBING, RTI A3J LOW ALTITUDE RTI A3J LOW ALTITUDE RTI All LOFT AND OVER-THE-SHOULDER BOMBING All LOFT AND OVER-THE-SHOULDER BOMBING All LOFT AND OVER-THE-SHOULDER BOMBING All LAYDOWN BOMBING A3.1 HIGH ALTITUDE RBS All HIGH ALTITUDE NAVIGATION A3J LOW ALTITUDE

LOW-LOW-HIGH A3J HIGH-LOW-HIGH LOFT All HIGH-LOW-HIGH OVER-THE-SHOULDER A3J HIGH-LOW-HIGH LAYDOWN A3J HIGH-LOW-HIGH IAYOOWN All HIGH-LOW-HIGH SHAPE DROP A3J HIGH ALTITUDE SUPERSONIC

SIMULATED BOMBING RUNS LOW LEVEL SHARKEY NAVIGATION HIGH ALTITUDE PINPOINT BOMBING MASTHEAD BOMBING TAMPA TARGET IDENTIFICATION RADAR RECONNAISSANCE „. RADAR RECONNAISSANCE RBS JACKSONVILLE MIS JACKSONVILLE DELIVERY MISSION DELIVERY MISSION MULTIPLE STRIKE MISSION MULTIPLE STRIKE MISSION FAMILIARIZATION AEROBATICS, LOFT INDOCTRINATION, GCA, BOUNCE LOFT FAMILIARIZATION, BOUNCE SUPERSONIC FLIGHT, FAM BASIC INSTRUMENTS, (HOODED) PENETRATION, •GCA AIRWAYS INSTRUMENTS, (HOODED) PENETRATION, GCA INSTRUMENT CHECK (HOODED)

HOURS GROUND/F LIGHT

1.5/1.5 0 2.0/0 0 2.0/2.0

2.0/2.0 0 2.0/2.0 D 2.0/2.0 D 2.0/2.0 0 1.0/2.0 D 2.0/2.5 0 2.0/3.5 D 2.0/2.5 D 2.0/2.0 N 2.0/3.5 N 2.0/1.5 2.0/1.5 D 2.0/1.5 D 2.0/1.5 D 2.0/1.5 D 2.0/1.5 D 2.0/1.5 D 4.0/3.0 D/N 4.0/3.0 D 4.0/3.0 D/N 2.0/1.5 D 2.0/1.5 D 2.0/1.5 D 2.0/1.5 0 3.5/3.5 D/N 3.5/3.5 D/N 4.0/3.0 0/N 4.0/3.0 D/N 4.5/2.5 D 4.5/2.3 0 4.0/3.0 0/N 4.0/3.0 D/N 4.5/2.5 0 5.0/2.0

F9F-8T AEROBATICS 1.5/1.5 D F9F-8T INSTRUMENT LOFT DEMONSTRATION 1.5/1.5 D F9F-8T • INSTRUMENT LOFT PROCEDURES 1.5/1.5 D

14

Iiitt-,‘P •

I c

DEVICE 2 - F - 56

15

Three 410-foot . • , r, system Traine.rs).,,If .

house built-in sin, • A3J- . 1 pilot and B/N. — „ , ,.i., training. Initial Nk ,.i..igis.conducted by. NAA:::::.i ..., instructors with,repx'esentatives from Link handling,;...,:''':.",., WST maintenance:•—Eventually, TRADEVMEN from FAETULANT will take over all WST training . and maintenance.

-•-•;./!-1 P3 f ti

• • ' •

CDR. Leroy Heath of VAH -7 "flys"

a simulated mission in the WST

9Z,

^ -• •• At 4411

. .

-41' U.S. NAVY S1913 IESTAKTIO US.NAVI

mnso

•

0 10 M.P. H.

. • • . • . . ,

Jim ;kites, NAA instructor, mans the

console in one of the WST's.

Weapons System Trainers (WST's)

A

..... ••••••••

-••••■ -"K""'

This group of TRADEVMEN will eventually assume the responsibility of conducting all training and main- .

tenance on the WST's under the di-rection of VAI-1-3.

A

•

, • "

•. ^ :„: . ,

. „\/

Iv A

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:17.\l ' 'uv11

'\'I i is nsrucor:116tS/4id iomiirdier-naiigaioVi

'

'ic a - ,.1 from VAH-3 coildilarill filet iiidaPeratiobal groince: ilterprIt;:, VALI yoi 16:2..11 1 ,

t' ihn710traiiiing.." A31111dtitgrii grotiratrainibg

is a thrde. - . -..-- t. phase program: ordnance, basic, and advanced.. :- .....

Training is geared for studentpilots as wellas fleet- ,• : • qualified pilots. • ;

",f" • :7R7'

,:','„,../ ........ - -- -

..:('''

• ....

\L■l2,;-,,-,—. it 4

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I

VAX-3

INSTRUCTOR PILOTS

Seated

Leis to Right:

LCDR. D. C. Hamilton LCDR. E. A. Decker LT. M. E. Hustecl CER. C. E. Guthrie L7. D. W. Caswel: LCDR. K. h. sharp LT. W. E. Col:ins

V

16

, • .• . , - •

• . •

4.44 r•: • •

• .;

•'• '5.7\:q

^.,

Standing are the pilots with their respective

bombadier/navigators kneeling in front. From

left to right, the teams are:

CDR. L. "B" Hoop, Pilot and CO of VAH-7 with

LTJG G. Schneider as B/N.

tcna. D. Parrish, pilot with LTJG D. Hezeau as

B/N

CDR. L. A. Heath, pilot and XO of VAH•7 with

LT. L. Monroe as B/N

LCDR. K. E. Enney, pilot with LT. C. Wells as B/N

LT. G. Ryinan, pilot with LTJG D. Spinolli as B/N

With many weeks of

",..IST and flight program. Ali are .roc:: training behind them, the - c teams of pilots--.... ,-be.the-first-squacIron.to deploy with the Aa.T-1. aboa.- 6

and bombardier-navigator6 ,.avc, completed the VAI-17 the Enterprise (CVAN-65) sometime this year.

17

ANT

\ 1

...,. '•,`-' . .-' : .'„). V '""2.,•.:‘ , . ' ..' '• '" " '""',.r: • -:" ."' -.,..11 .... :.....: . .. ; riu r ,, ',',

iI .......4 .',--!,-- --',.. a:V • -. , lq.asSiobni ..i.ndon-Lthb=16b. ti*iiiiit- Of A3J main-;'"'"'-'' ''6; ' ` ''''' -''''' . . ,.

I r tetiance-- :tedhniciiiiS1 Was' initi4IY:eacidlidted by NAA w"''''' `' - • ' `--.'' ' "- ' ' - '' ." ' • ' 1 -) IiiikyNAMT(i/IY inetiiidt6rs from b. ej?6":.•-■,'" - , ':, .,--'.1- , ;e.. - -...-•. ,,,, : - • , )::1 ,.: - . •--, •.. . - ., -..,, ...: ..r..13 a'. r LI Vinqi,rife-..edi48.::".:':'

k'' : eir:1 :1 F,Vi2.'tachnielitniOb'21:dthe NaVal.464i:14-abilefti-ainer GrOiiii,"`. ' ''''''''' ' 1'`' ' -'1'''' ' ' '..1 :'' :.&r'''''''' . lix": '•' : ' ..• - '.'` ' '''''' ' '' :.- .

A :II -. I: • `Memphis; are now 'IhandIinci:"iiioSi' at 'bib' instrUctiOrl'' ''' -11. ' ''' ' ,,.'''',' r. ;,; .‘c..„' v t:..a .,br2 a' ....:47,....01

•'•fli-t' .....'i:'•:/ with I\TAAinitiudtors' monitoring 'the 'afieses. Eveni '" "'"....-. :.-1. rs,.c.,.. 171!,.T-7,,,..361 ,,,,,'„t',':'4,.*11")1L4,. 1),-t.-: fri..`"" '?'itr.'11-: ,' Ott ,•-- - - -tualry,..all NAA 'support will phas6 out and NAMT (M)''''';''' '' = ?Alt' !,'7.-:\', ' '',',"'; ". ; ". '.- • '' ' '"'" i

s , s ._., • . .,. i, personnel-will- .'assume responsibility -of all training:" ''''''' - '' . :1 t ri 1-

. 4 . ,. ,..-..:,

• . . 1. ! -.. vi ..clilusnfiiiiitehance: of 'the:Mobile. trainer units. ' • :".r ..' • I: ''''' :.'7 1 . ` . .

,.,... fx,...., ...

,.

........ ,:, •

...„. .,

iA n everyccy.ri tua l st.SanforgL-Atudent s fall in

-

for

L.

,,..

c lead count and Calisthenics prior to starting a day of:,,

,. ev, clas;room.and flight, I ine training on the A3J7 1 ..- 11 ..:! .,:.

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- ..: •.

-

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-

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....

.:

, ■

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. •

ELECTRONIC COURSES • . WEEKS 1 . 2 3 4. 5 6 7. . 8 :,9„. .10 ,..11 42 .13 14 IS 16 RATE •

-1 I I ' 1 I I .A MT 35;,- AM

.

I

CONTROLV::r' ■ .. I r;.;

. A/C HANDLING & I • GROUND SUPPORT EQ.

. . ESCAPE, SURVIVAL, LOX

•

I I I ELECTRONIC OFFICERS • •

.• - I ,) RADAR fly. f ■000.': - ANT AT

I AMT

1 I TEST EQUIPMENT Programming, Radio, Radar

TEST EQUIPMENT . Guidonee and Control ,

ECM

' • •

FRS, ADS, F/C ELECT.

ANT

AMT • AD

AMT

w t,

• .. .11f . ' :

7';'•

•

17,4

' '

: • 0. I

' • ' .1;

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I Navy NAMT(M) instructors from Detachment 1 1002 of the Naval Air Mobile Training Grou

Memphis, will assume full responsibility for

A3J - 1 maintenance training under the direc k At..W.4 of VAH-3.

910 11 12 13 14 15 16 RATE

I I I

INSPECTION

POWER PLANT CLASS "C" WANT,

PLANE CAPTAIN

MAIM'. OFFICER

ii;o4,7466...( ,. . • •I. ,. AMT A6

I AM'

i AUTO-NAV, VERDAN SELL 1•.:

AN

AM & PR

AD , ELECTRICAL

CNI, ICS, RA

'ARMAMENT

INSPECTION

ANT” ,

1 I

I I I 1

1 I 1 I 1 I

AMT

AMT

ANT AE

AE

AT

AMT

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AO

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18

- • ._ • • • - • • • _

.

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• I.

A reconverted hangar at:NAS„S,anf,01 .41/19140..esall?..i'i3,:elirr.- , of the mobile - trainipg, xir4tsus,ed ; structi9n 91:4;J:.M4i:nter144ce ftCtzt:

"

MOBILE TRAINER 7

Heat and Vent System

Fuel System

Elec trkp . System ;.

Fl ightlControlSy.stem

Utility Hydraulic System

Escape System Buddy Tanker-System ; •

Main Landing. Gear : :

Wing Fold, Tail Fold ancl:Airosting -Gear:r.ox:

Nose Landing Gear.

J79 Static Engine

Armament System: •

Air Induction System.

Bombing-Navigation System , •. ,

Communications-Navigcition .7Identification . .

Flight Reference, Air DOta and gcsior Electronic' Countermeasures'

ECM Part Task Trainer ;:.• t

• • •

Heat and. Vent Trainer

l• „. , ......... ,...„....„.............„....... 1. 1 ..,• :.......---4,!. ,---,--,17, .....____

. -..:1,...--.----,it-7-i.: -....,,-.., • c-k_c:zr,,,,..,... :1

viA.... ,..-• •F .,,, i.,-..,-m-. A. • • t,-; • , 1,, , ,,2,- •• - " .

f, - .- ..k.........r....... • ...,..), ,-

.. . _,

. l

- • ■1••••.

• .-

Internai Stores Trainer

1‘.1\

• i;.. .

Ejection Seat Trainer

Fl ight Reference,

Air Data and Electronic

•• Altimeter Trainer •

•-

f.

,. )

1; 1 ••••••••••.. Nt, ,

%. ..-11 hi

Static Engine Trainer

... tit■ ':-.-"..l.;.: ./. ' ...1.• 13 ..

. q { li i-r

V.

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. • ' • 14,

1 • 4 • .

.r t7Y4'. k

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— • 7 • , r . • t. !Pil l

't (C1 •• :•• • • 1,41... %-+ 1,.

• .•4

19

IN THE HANGAR

2GS

- 51

,

I

„ , 1: . - •

\L, 71 " ; 1. . .1:1 ■1 11 .1 77" 47,,,,; — • °

i . c PF,.)lic - ining oatic.4.. A. .:,. .

iC.11T) is coi:zk . .ourse by NAA -A: . ,-:•,). - - . -- .,-• tons.' ■ VAFI i. persori11.p.re graCual4 '.,;

tssum,ing tiv.: i : i_,....4.-.)-Iiities of on-the-job training. •

.. ...,

' .41 , 44

ON THE FIZIGHT LINE t. ,

.; ■„• • ,, a. /1"''. kr/ 1.

E • •- :AU re

A

IN THE ELECTRONICS ,

• SHOPS

1 . ...1 ,. • ■ ' I ■ I

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i - -.i! ''s•-• -r's1:i.--, .„ ro

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7 ,... -•,,,„. ,..,.. ..,

1- • .--21, , ti i f ,, . -1--e ,

. ""="-- „

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v . ....

„ , 7 ...r),..1....”.ild ■,1

' - ---- '-', '-. 7.--.—!.---- ----, .

, --.....1

•

•«. -j."

• •_

.<7., AND 7HE ENGINE & AIRFRAME SI-IOPS -C?"

r-- ,./ ,-.,,..,.. , 1 ./

. .,.. , . . 1 , - ,--,- , , ,-.... ..... V , I. ..,

\.,/ ''' . t a i . 1

. • „

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20

tVi

CLASS TITLE: A3J Plane Captains

Standing right to left:

Captain Joe Tully, Commander, Heavy Attack Wing One

C.J. Beaulieu, AD-2 VAH-7 T.E. Phillips, AD-2 VAH-7 Don Pike, NAA Instructor R.H. Floyd, AD-2 VAH-7 G. Skidmore, AD-2 VAH-3 Mr. T.W. StClair, Group Leader, NAA Customer Training

:17 11 •••-

4•041:.:461

CP . •

r • VI\

0 1 0 flight ..,,fon,;};,fei .ei

• perscr.np).. ,

CLASS TITLE: A3J Armament

Front row, left to right: L.E. Shaw, A03, VAH-7 J.R. Hutcherson, A02, VAH-7 F.D. Byers, GMTI, VAH-3

Rear row, left to right: Mr. T.W. StClair, NAA T.E. Wilkinson, A01, VAH-7 R.A. Jackson, AOC, VAH-3

D.A. Ring, AQ3, VAH-3 LCDR Cliff Nelson, VAH-3

Kneeling right to left: J.R. Wilson, AD-2 NAS V.M. Hendershot, AD-2 VAH-3

CLASS TITLE: A3J Structures and

Utility Hydraulics

Left to right: Mr. T.W. StClair, NAA N.E. Welch, AM1-12, VAH-3 L.F. Hrometz, AM11-2, C.R. Borger, AMH2, VAH-3 W.R. Wilkins, AMI, VAII-7 LCDR Cliff INInIsQn, VAI 1 -3

CLASS TITLE: A3J Power Plants and Fuel Systems

Left to right: Mr. T.W. StClair, NAA R.R. Richards, ADJ3, VAH-3

O.G. Smith, ADCA, VAH-3

O.R. Christian, ADJ2, VAH-3 LCDR Cliff Nelson, VAH-3 Special Trainin, Officer

21

∎Npite, I,

. G.B..TUrner, AL,JAN, VAH -7

• L.D. Fulmer, ADJ3, VAH-7

D.J. Ayers, ADj3,,.VAH-3

R.A. Okina, ADJ3;,.VAH-7

LCDR Cliff Nelson,'VAH-3

Kneeling left to right: B.L. Robinette, AE2, NAS T.J. Junghans, ADJAN, VAH-7 R.C. Johnson, ADJAN, VAH-7

Murphy, ADJ2, VAH-7

CLASS TITLE: A3J Electronics

Standing left to 'right: T.W. StClair, NAA

W.H. Rodgers, NAESU . - J.C. Barry, 0 & R, Jax

M.G. Davis, AT2, VAN-3

J.H. Williamson, AEI, NAS

J ■ Parrish, 0 & R, Jax

C.A. Basinger, AEI, VAH-7

LCDR Cliff Nelson, VAH-3

• Kneeling left to right: J.H. Rannels, AE2, VAH-3 E. Froley, AQ2, VAH-3

J.K. Peasgood, AEI, VAH-7

G.I. Freese, AEI, VAH-7

D.H. Kruger, AE3, VAH-7

CLASS TITLE: A3J inspection

Standing left to right:

Mr. T.W. StClair, Group Leader, NAA Customer Trainin

Lt. E.C. Tallman, VAH-3 W.G. ViCkers, AE2, VAH-7

J.M. Barber, AMEI, VAH-7 T.E. Phillips, ADJ3, VAH-7

W.R. Wilkins, AMI, VAH-7

W.H. Beard, AEI, VAH-7

LCDR, Cliff Nelson, VAH-3

Kneeling left to right: J.W. Shoop, AE3, VAH-7

A.B. Babbs, ADJC, VAH-3

R.N. McKenzie, ADJC, NAS

J.H. Spoerke, AMHC, VAH-3

22

One individual in these pictures should he noted. Of the first electronics technicians was AE1 G. I. FREESE, he made the first A-5A deployment in 1962 aboard the USS ENTERPRISE (CVAN-65). George Freese continued to serve the Vigilante community as an enlisted man and then as a technical representative for Naval Aviation Engineering Service Unit. He deployed with RVAH-7 in USS RANGER (CV-61) during 1979 for the last Vigilante cruise as well. For his exceptional performance, dedication and professionalism, to the Vigilante community, he was awarded the Navy Meritorious Civilian Service Award.

From 1962 until 1963, the most significant events were concerning the aircraft. While the A3J-1 was being introduced into operational service by VAH-7 aboard the USS ENTERPRISE, improvements to the type were being studies. Increased power,' lift, fuel . capacity, and braking capacity were incorporated into the A3J-2, the prototype of which was flown in April 1962. At the same time, a reconnaissance/attack variant was proposed to include a variety of reconnaissance sensors. That latest version was to be the A3J-3, but the Department of Defense introduced a new designation system in which the A3J-1, A3J-2, and A3J-3 became the A-5A, A-5B, A-5C respectively. The Secretary of Defense McNamara directed in 1962 to convert the Vigilante fleet to the reconnaissannce mission.

23