VA-113 |
Point of Contact = Squadron Duty Officer (SDO).
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 VF-113 USS Philippine Sea - 1952 |
 VF-113 "Beehive and Hornet" - 1948 |
 VA-113 Stingers from Jerry Greer |
 VA-113 Stingers from Jerry Greer |
 VFA-113 Stingers FITRON 113 Provided by Bill Ellis |
 VFA-113 "Beehive and Hornet" - 1985 Courtesy of Wayne Carden |
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Patch 15 APR 1949, the "Beehive and Hornet" patch was adopted by Fighter Squadron ONE HUNDRED THIRTEEN (VF-113). This same patch was later used by Attack Squadron ONE HUNDRED THIRTEEN (VA-113). This patch is displayed above. 25 MAR 1983, when VA-113 was redesignated Strike Fighter Squadron ONE HUNDRED THIRTEEN (VFA-113), the "Beehive and Hornet" patch was modified by adding a scroll containing the squadron designation. A version of this patch is displayed above. 04 FEB 1985, the VFA-113 "Beehive and Hornet" patch was modified by placing the beehive insignia inside a circle with a blue background outlined in yellow; with a red scroll, outlined in black and yellow, with yellow lettering, the other colors of the insignia remained the same. See above. |
Sources David Weber Larry Lassise Shelly Burroughs Wayne Carden Bill Ellis Dick Daniels Harry S. Gann "Boom" Powell |
| Handle
The Squadron has been known as the Stingers since its 1948 establishment. Heritage 15 JUL 1948: VF-113 established as the 3rd fighter squadron of Air Grop Eleven. MAR 1956: VF-113 redesignated as Attack Squadron ONE HUNDRED THIRTEEN (VA-113). 25 MAR 1983: VA-113 redesignated as Strike Fighter Squadron ONE HUNDRED THIRTEEN (VFA-113). |
Home Ports
15 JUL 1948: Naval Air Station San Diego 15 SEP 1952: Naval Air Station Miramar 12 DEC 1961: Naval Air Station Lemoore |
| Aircraft
15 JUL 1948 - - Grumman F8F-1 Bearcat 28 MAR 1949 - - Grumman F8F-2 Bearcat 09 MAR 1950 - - Vought F4U-4B Corsair I OCT 1952: - - - Grumman F9F-5 Panther* FEB 1954: - - - Grumman F9F-2 Panther* MAY 1955: - - - Grumman F9F-8 Cougar* APR 1956: - - - Grumman F9F-8B Cougar* 29 APR 1957 - - Douglas A4D-1 (A-4A) Skyhawk ** 08 SEP 1958 - - Douglas A4D-2 (A-4B) Skyhawk ** 29 MAR 1961 - - Douglas A4D-2N (A-4C) Skyhawk ** OCT 1967: - - - Douglas A-4F Skyhawk 10 DEC 1968 - - Vought A-7B Corsair II APR 1970: - - - Vought A-7E Corsair II 24 AUG 1983 - - McDonnell F/A-18A Hornet 09 JUN 1989 - - Boeing F/A-18C Hornet * The F9F through the F9F-5 Panther have straight wings; The F9F-6 through the F9F-8 Cougar have swept wings. ** November 30, 1962 The A4D-1 designation was changed to A-4A The A4D-2 designation was changed to A-4B The A4D-2N designation was changed to A-4C For A-4 Skyhawk aircraft assigned to this unit see lower in this page: |
Air Wings
15 JUL 1948 - - V/NH† - - CVAG-11/CVG-11/-CVW- 11* 1966 - - - - - - NG - - - CVW-9 AUG 1968: - - - - - - - - COMFAIRALAMEDA 1969 - - - - - - AC - - - CVW-3 01 JUN 197 - - - NE - - - CVW-2 1983: - - - - - - - - - - COMLATWING-PAC/ VFA-125 FEB 1984 - - - - NK - - - CVW-14 * CVAG-11 was re-designated CVG-11 on September 1, 1948. CVG-11 was re-designated CVW-11 when Carrier Air Group (CVG) designations were re-designated Carrier Air Wings (CVW) on December 20, 1963. † The tail code was changed from V to NH in 1957. The effective date for this change was most likely July 1, 1957. |
| Deployments
05 JUL 1950 to 07 APR 1951: CVG-11 - CV 47/45* - F4U-4B - WestPac/Korea 31 DEC 1951 to 08 AUG 1952: CVG-11 - CV 47 -- F4U-4 - WestPac/Korea 01 JUL 1953 to 18 JAN 1954: CVG-11 - CVA 33 - F9F-5 - WestPac/Korea 07 OCT 1954 to 12 MAY 1955: CVG-11 - CVA 33 - F9F-2 - WestPac 16 JUL 1956 to 26 JAN 1957: CVG-11 - CVA 9 -- F9F-8B - WestPac 08 MAR 1958 to 21 NOV 1958: CVG-11 - CVA 38 - A4D-1 - WestPac 09 MAR 1959 to 03 OCT 1959: CVG-11 - CVA 38 - A4D-2 - WestPac 16 JUL 1960 to 18 MAR 1961: CVG-11 - CVA 19 - A4D-2 - WestPac 13 SEP 1962 to 02 APR 1963: CVG-11 - CVA 63 - A4D-2N - WestPac 17 OCT 1963 to 20 JUL 1964: CVW-11 - CVA 63 - A-4C - WestPac 19 OCT 1965 to 13 JUN 1966: CVW-11 - CVA 63 - A-4C - WestPac/Vietnam 19 NOV 1966 to 06 JUL 1967: CVW-9 - CVAN 65 - A-4C - WestPac/Vietnam 03 JAN 1968 to 18 JUL 1968: CVW-9 - CVAN 65 - A-4F - WestPac/Vietnam 09 JUL 1969 to 22 JAN 1970: CVW-3 -- CVA 60 - A-7B - Med 27 OCT 1970 to 17 JUN 1971: CVW-2 -- CVA 61 - A-7E - WestPac/Vietnam 16 NOV 1972 to 23 JUN 1973: CVW-2 -- CVA 61 - A-7E - WestPac/Vietnam 07 MAY 1974 to 18 OCT 1974: CVW-2 -- CVA 61 - A-7E - WestPac 30 JAN 1976 to 07 SEP 1976: CVW-2 -- CV 61 -- A-7E - WestPac/IO 21 FEB 1979 to 22 SEP 1979: CVW-2 -- CV 61 -- A-7E - WestPac 10 SEP 1980 to 05 MAY 1981: CVW-2 -- CV 61 -- A-7E - WestPac/IO 07 APR 1982 to 19 SEP 1982: CVW-2 -- CV 61 -- A-7E - WestPac/IO 21 FEB 1985 to 24 AUG 1985: CVW-14 - CV 64 -- F/A-18A - WestPac/IO 04 SEP 1986 to 20 OCT 1986: CVW-14 - CV 64 -- F/A-18A - NorPac 11 APR 1987 to 13 SEP 1987: CVW-14 - CV 64 -- F/A-18A - WestPac/IO 01 DEC 1988 to 01 JUN 1989: CVW-14 - CV 64 -- F/A-18A - WestPac/IO 16 SEP 1989 to 19 OCT 1989: CVW-14 - CV 64 -- F/A-18A/C - NorPac 23 JUN 1990 to 20 DEC 1990: CVW-14 - CV 62 -- F/A-18C - WestPac/IO/ Persian Gulf * CVG-11 deployed to Korea embarked in United States Ship Philippine Sea CV 47, and on March 29, 1951 transferred to United States Ship Valley Forge CV 45, and returned to the States embarked in Valley Forge. |
Commanding Officers
15 JUL 1948: LCDR Robert S. Merritt 09 JUN 1949: LCDR Roy M. Voris 20 JAN 1950: LCDR John T. O'Neill 39 JUN 1951: CDR Harold P. Ady, Jr. 24 OCT 1951: LCDR John R. Strane 29 SEP 1952: LCDR J. H. Tripp AUG 1954: CDR Charles C. Sanders APR 1955: CDR Harold W. Davis DEC 1956: CDR Richard L. Cormier 26 NOV 1958: CDR H. S. Matthews, Jr. 16 OCT 1959: CDR Robert E. Gallatin 17 FEB 1961: CDR L. A. Tomkins 30 MAR 1962: CDR G. A. White, Jr. 01 MAR 1963: CDR H. A. Borgerding 21 FEB 1964: CDR G. G. Zimmerman 02 APR 1965: CDR Henry M. Dibble 11 APR 1966: CDR J. Abbott (acting) 04 MAY 1966: CDR J. A. Burnett (acting) 30 MAY 1966: CDR R. E. Bennett 16 JUL 1967: CDR R. J. Thomas 23 JUL 1968: CDR E. J. Jacobs 03 SEP 1969: CDR J. E. Newton 17 JUL 1970: CDR J. Brent Streit 26 MAR 1971: CDR Weston H. Byng 28 APR 1972: CDR Richard L. Grant 16 APR 1973: CDR D. Bruce Cargill 10 DEC 1973: CDR Judson H. Springer 28 MAR 1975: CDR M. D. Munsinger 17 MAY 1976: CDR H. D. Lesesne 26 AUG 1977: CDR Michael J. Webber 22 NOV 1978: CDR John P. Park 21 FEB 1980: CDR T. D. Hill, Jr. 10 JUN 1981: CDR W. C. Trafton 01 AUG 1982: CDR William W. Pickavance, Jr. 29 FEB 1984: CDR C. A. Langbehn 05 SEP 1985: CDR Robert G. Sprigg 24 JAN 1987: CDR David V. Park 28 FEB 1988: CDR John V. Chenevey 07 JUL 1989: CDR Gary L. Koger 24 JAN 1991: CDR Danny L. Clarkson |
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Awards NUC 04 August 1950 to 29 March 1951 26 December 1965 to 14 May 1966 18 December 1966 to 20 June 1967 22 February 1968 to 26 June 1968 02 August 1990 to 01 November 1990 KSM 01 August 1950 to 29 March 1951 20 January 1952 to 12 July 1952 KPUC 01 August 1950 to 29 March 1951 20 January 1952 to 12 July 1952 NAVE 01 July 1957 to 30 June 1958 01 July 1967 to 30 June 1968 01 January 1985 to 30 June 1986 MUC 18 November 1970 to 10 June 1971 27 March 1983 to 27 August 1985 01 January 1984 to 24 August 1985 AFEM 30 August 1958 to 01 September 1958 03 September 1958 to 27 September 1958 15 October 1958 to 16 October 1958 21 October 1958 to 29 October 1958 15 November 1962 to 16 November 1962 20 December 1962 19 May 1964 to 10 June 1964 23 January 1968 to 22 March 1968 SASM 05 August 1990 to 04 November 1990 VNSM 25 November 1965 to 23 December 1965 15 January 1966 to 04 February 1966 18 February 1966 to 14 March 1966 01 April 1966 to 29 April 1966 08 May 1966 to 23 May 1966 17 December 1966 to 17 January 1967 31 January 1967 to 03 March 1967 20 March 1967 to 18 April 1967 28 April 1967 to 28 May 1967 04 June 1967 to 21 June 1967 21 February 1968 to 17 March 1968 26 March 1968 to 24 April 1968 30 April 1968 to 21 May 1968 30 May 1968 to 27 June 1968 18 November 1970 to 18 December 1970 27 December 1970 to 13 January 1971 02 February 1971 to 17 March 1971 31 March 1971 to 18 April 1971 25 April 1971 to 18 May 1971 09 December 1972 to 03 January 1973 14 January 1973 to 30 January 1973 01 February 1973 to 06 February 1973 |
RVNGC 22 December 1966 04 January 1967 07 January 1967 to 09 January 1967 12 January 1967 to 13 January 1967 16 January 1967 20 February 1967 21 February 1967 23 February 1967 25 February 1967 01 March 1967 23 March 1967 27 March 1967 14 April 1967 to 15 April 1967 29 April 1967 10 June 1967 22 February 1968 to 24 February 1968 26 February 1968 to 03 March 1968 05 March 1968 to 08 March 1968 12 March 1968 14 March 1968 16 March 1968 29 March 1968 to 30 March 1968 01 April 1968 to 05 April 1968 07 April 1968 to 10 April 1968 12 April 1968 14 April 1968 16 April 1968 to 20 April 1968 22 April 1968 to 23 April 1968 02 May 1968 13 May 1968 01 June 1968 to 02 June 1968 04 June 1968 15 June 1968 HSM 25 May 1976 to 01 June 1976 20 March 1981 NEM 30 October 1980 to 12 March 1981 27 June 1987 to 23 July 1987 VA-113 Det Q AFEM 19 May 1965 to 20 May 1965 25 May 1965 to 26 May 1965 VNSM 26 July 1965 to 17 August 1965 27 August 1965 to 10 September 1965 |
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Events 15 JUL 1948: Fighter Squadron ONE HUNDRED THIRTEEN (VF-113) established at Naval Air Station San Diego, California. The Stingers were assigned the Grumman F8F-1 Bearcat. 28 MAR 1949: VF-113 was assigned the Grumman F8F-2 Bearcat. 09 MAR, 1950: The Stingers were assigned the Vought F4U-4B Corsair I. 05 JUL 1950 to 29 MAR 1951: The Stingers flying the F4U-4B Vought Corsair from USS Philippine Sea CV 47, combat tour to WestPac/Korea. 05 AUG 1950: VF-113 flew its first Korean campaign combat mission, striking land and sea targets southeast of Kunsan, Korea, and Mokpo harbor. 12 SEP through 14SEP 1950: Fighter Squadron ONE HUNDRED THIRTEEN F4U-4B Corsairs struck in and around Inchon, Korea, in preparation for the landings at Wolmi Island. 15 SEP 1950: The squadron participated in offensive sorties during the landings at Inchon, striking targets on the roads between Inchon and Seoul. 02 NOV and 5 NOV 1950: VF 113 Corsairs participated in Operation Pinwheel, the docking and departing of the carrier from the pier using aircraft engine power to move the ship. 09 NOV, 10 NOV and 12 NOV 1950: During strikes by Stinger F4U-4B Corsairs on bridges crossing the Yalu River between Sinuiju and Antung, they were attacked by MiG-15s. No damage was inflicted on the squadron's aircraft and no apparent damage was done to the MiG-15s. 22 DEC and 23 DEC 1950: Two squadron Corsairs flew spotting missions for USS Saint Paul CA 73, on December 22, and for USS Missouri BB 63, on December 23, during shore bombardment against villages and troop concentrations near the front line. 29 MAR 1951 to 07 APR 1951: VF-113 cross-decked from USS Philippine Sea CV 47, to USS Valley Forge CV 45; to continue combat in the WestPac/Korea theater and returned to the States embarked in Valley Forge. 31 DEC 1951 to 08 AUG 1952: The Stingers flying the F4U-4B Vought Corsair from USS Philippine Sea CV 47, a second combat tour to WestPac/Korea. 23 JUN 1952: VA-113 Corsairs, along with planes from 3 other air groups and the 5th Air Force, participated in the first coordinated strikes against North Korean hydroelectric power plants. This was the first time that enemy power plants had been so heavily targeted. It also marked the first time that four carriers were online off the coast of Korea since the fall of 1950. 15 SEP 1952: The Stingers were based at Naval Air Station Miramar. OCT 1952: Fighter Squadron ONE HUNDRED THIRTEEN was assigned its first jet the straight winged Grumman F9F-5 Panther. 01 JUL 1953 to 18 JAN 1954: The Stingers flying the F9F-5 Grumman Panther from USS Kearsarge CVA 33, a third combat tour to WestPac/Korea. 08 FEb through 13 FEB 1955: VF-113 Panthers were on station and available for air support during the evacuation of personnel from the Tachen Islands due to the bombardment of the islands by the People's Republic of China. MAY 1955: VF-113 was assigned the swept wing Grumman F9F-8 Cougar. MAR 1956: VF-113 redesignated as Attack Squadron ONE HUNDRED THIRTEEN (VA-113). 29 APR 1957: Attack Squadron ONE HUNDRED THIRTEEN was assigned the Douglas A4D-1 (A-4A) Skyhawk. 1957 Albino Angels A4D-1's. (VA-113 Stingers Demonstration Team) BuNo 142209, 142214, 142218, 142222, 142223, 142225, 142228 & 142229 November 7, 1957: Lt.(jg) Max P. Callison, 25, noticed a fire warning light on a training mission out of NAS Miramar Thursday and set his prop driven A4D Skylark (sic) (BuNo 142214) on the runway at NAAS El Centro just as the engine burst into flames. Redlands Daily Facts, Friday, November 8, 1957. May 14, 1958: Lt. William Rufus Mathews, Jr. was killed Wednesday night while on a flight from the USS Shangri-La in the Pacific. Long Beach Independent, Friday, May 16, 1958. 2030 two aircraft missing. 2253 USS Blue (DD-744) is 090, 2 miles. USS Cunningham (DD-752) is at 270, 2 miles. Commencing search for 2 missing A4D's (aircraft) and printed at the bottom 142221 - LT William Rufus Matthews, JR. 142231 - Lt.(jg) Asa D. Morton. USS Shangri-La deck log, Wednesday, 14 May 1958. 00-04 The USS Blue (DD-744) is 090, 2 miles and the USS Cunningham (DD-752) is 270 2 miles conducting search for 2 A4D aircraft. 0321 USS Blue (DD-744) detached on a bearing of 215 to investigate debris reported by searching aircraft. 0603 Detached USS Blue (DD-744) and USS Cunningham (DD-752) to conduct expanded square search. 0630 Maneuvering on various courses and speeds to remain in area of lifeboat while searching for debris. 08-12 Steaming as before on various courses and speeds while searching for missing A4D's and launching rescue planes. 1730 USS Blue (DD-744) USS Cunningham (DD-752) detached to conduct engineering exercises. USS Shangri-La deck log, Tuesday, 15 May 1958. AUG - SEP 1958: VA-113 was part of a task force that provided support to the Republic of China during the shelling of the Quemoy Island group by the Chinese Communists. September 28, 1958: Attack Squadron ONE HUNDRED THIRTEEN was assigned the Douglas A4D-2 (A-4B) Skyhawk. APR 1959: The squadron was awarded the Battle Efficiency "E" for the Fiscal year 1959. 14 May 1959: Lt.(jg) Robert W. Turnbull ejected from his A4D Skyhawk (BuNo 142861) near Mito in Ibaraki Prefecture while on a routine training mission from NAS Atsugi on Tuesday. Lt(jg). Turnbull was rescued uninjured about an hour and 15 minutes later by a Japanese Maritime Safety Board ship sent to the area where the plane plunged into the sea. A helicopter from the 36th Air Rescue Squadron flew him to Johnson AB. Pacific Stars & Stripes, Thursday, 14 May 1959. July 7, 1960: unknown pilot's (Lt.(jg) D.S. Greiling) single seat Navy A4D fighter (BuNo 142878) crashed in the San Bernardino Mountains touching off a brush fire near Fawnskin, CA, which is near Big Bear Lake today. Star News, Wednesday, 06 July 1960. A/C status was reported as SOC decision pending on 7 July 1960 and SOC on 18 July 1960. January 18, 1961: unknown pilot (Lt. James Holmes Kruetzfeldt) was killed Wednesday morning when his A4D Skyhawk (BuNo 142792) crashed at the end of the runway while attempting to take-off from NAS Atsugi. Pacific Stars & Stripes, Wednesday, Jan. 18, 1961. 29 MAR 1961: Attack Squadron ONE HUNDRED THIRTEEN was assigned the Douglas A4D-2N (A-4C) Skyhawk. 11 AUG through 01 NOV 1961: VA-113 was embarked in USS Kitty Hawk CVA 63, for her transit, via Cape Horn, from Naval Station Norfolk to her new home port at San Diego. February 14, 1962: Lt.(jg) George C. Creighton III, 27, safely ejected before his Skyhawk (BuNo 145090) crashed into a field 25 miles NE of Lemoore, near Helm. The Stars and Stripes, February 17, 1962. 17 OCT 1963 through 20 AUG 1964: VA-113 flying the A-4C Skyhawk embarked in USS Kitty Hawk CVA 63, WestPac cruise. June 1964: Stinger Skyhawks participated in Yankee Team operations, including inflight refueling for RF-8A and RF-101 aircraft and search and rescue missions over South Vietnam and Laos. NOV 1964 - OCT 1965: The Squadron provided a detachment of personnel and Skyhawks for use as fighter protection for the Antisubmarine Carrier Air Group embarked in USS Bennington CVS 20. 1965: VA-113 aboard CVA-63 hosts some unusual guests! "Boom" Powell May 21, 1965: Lt(jg). Mark V. Pierce was rescued after VA-113 Detachment Quebec A-4B BuNo 144938 caught number (2) wire while attempting an arrested landing and skidded off the port side of the deck aft of the landing mirror at latitude 10-48N, longitude 101-56E and sank in 38 fathoms of water after being cut loose from the wire at 1300. Pilot recovered by helicopter and delivered on board USS Bennington with abrasions and contusions. USS Bennington deck log, 21 May 1965. 19 OCT 1965 through 13 JUN 1966: VA-113 flying the A-4C Skyhawk embarked in USS Kitty Hawk CVA 63, WestPac/Vietnam cruise. DEC 1965: During the Stinger's first line-period on Yankee Station, VA-113 participated in three major strikes against important North Vietnamese targets, including the Hai Phong Bridge, Uong Bi Thermal Power Plant and the Hai Duong Bridge. December 17, 1965: Lt. David Wallace Wickham was killed when he hit the round down on landing after combat mission. 0253 Aircraft 148510 struck ramp while attempting landing. Pilot LT D.W. Wickham assumed dead. Resulting residual fuel fire extinguished. The aircraft parts remaining on deck consisting of a wing stub and small section of fuselage pushed over the side. USS Ozborn (DD-846) and USS Mansfield (DD-728) searching area for any remains. USS Kitty Hawk deck log, 17 December 1965. April 17, 1966: Lt.(jg) A.E. Johnson ejected safely. 1405 After being catapulted from No. one cat. an A4 aircraft bureau number 148583 piloted by LTJG Johnson crashed into the water (missing) ahead of this vessel. Ships position 18-28.5 N, 107-10.0 E. USS Ticonderoga helo number 61 picked up the downed pilot. Pilot taken to sickbay condition satisfactory. USS Kitty Hawk log book, Sunday, 17 April 1966. April 20, 1966: Cdr. John Abbott (VA-113 CO) ejected and was captured when his Skyhawk (BuNo 148512, NH-314) was hit in the starboard wing while leading an 8-plane strike against the Vinh Son road bridge over the Song Ca river. As he flew toward the coast the Skyhawk began to roll uncontrollably and disintegrated. He ejected near Rt. 1 about 5 miles from the coast. There were no ResCap available and too much ground fire to bring in an unprotected Helo. It is believed he was captured and died of his wounds (ejected at about 500 knots) a few days later. Harry G. Welch. Webmaster's Note: CDR Abbott's remains were returned to the U.S. on March 13, 1974 and identified on April 17, 1974. April 20, 1966: Lt.(jg) H.G. Welch was rescued by the plane guard helo after he ejected BuNo 149495, NH-303) when the landing gear wouldn't lower. Damaged by AAA while orbiting NH-314 (Cdr. John Abbott). 1455 Received report from Buckeye 801 that two A4 aircraft were hit over the North Vietnamese coast; one aircraft shot down, the other proceeding back to ship. SAR effort in progress. 1504 A-4 aircraft passing down port side of ship, pilot ejected. Directed USS Obannon (DD-450) to assist helo in rescue. 1515 sighted pilot in water 020, two miles. 1516 pilot in helo directed Obannon to resume ISE. 1517 rescue helo on deck; pilot LTJG Harry Welch in excellent condition. Resumed normal ops. USS Kitty Hawk deck log, 20 April 1966. August 19, 1966: Cdr. Robert E. Bennett ejected safely at low altitude during a landing at Buckley ANG Base Friday while enroute from NAS Lemoore to Minneapolis. His A-4C Skyhawk (BuNo 145124) crashed into a vacant field SE of Denver, CO, about 1/2 mile west of Buckley. Humboldt Standard, Monday, Aug. 22, 1966. 19 NOV 1966 through 06 AUG 1967: VA-113 flying the A-4C Skyhawk embarked in USS Enterprise CVA 65, WestPac/Vietnam cruise. May 4, 1967: Lt.(jg) James Scott Graham ejected (BuNo 148514) near the village of Kieu Thon and although alive never arrived at a POW camp after he was apparently hit by AAA while attacking a Sam site near Sam Son. On May 4, 1967, Graham and another aircraft launched on a combat mission over Thanh Hoa Province, near the city of Thanh Hoa, one of the points of what was referred to as the "Iron Triangle." This was also the location of the famed "Dragon Jaw" bridge which had been the object of many joint-service attacks in the two previous years. The mission was Graham's 172nd combat sortie. Graham's aircraft was hit by enemy fire during the mission, and he successfully ejected. His wingman, risking the fire of surface-to-air missiles (SAMs) followed Graham in and watched his descent. Graham waved to him as he parachuted into some trees. When the wingman circled around, Graham was gone. From the POW Network. May 18, 1967: Lt. Robert John Naughton ejected and was captured when his Skyhawk (BuNo 147842) was hit by ground fire and caught fire while making a rocket attack on the Dong Thuong railway bridge. OCT 1967: Attack Squadron ONE HUNDRED THIRTEEN was assigned the Douglas A-4F Skyhawk. JAN - FEB 1968: While embarked in USS Enterprise CVAN 65, and enroute to Yankee Station, the carrier was ordered to the Sea of Japan for operations following the seizure of the Pueblo (AGER 2) by the North Koreans. 03 JAN 1968 through 18 JUL 1968: VA-113 flying the A-4F Skyhawk embarked in USS Enterprise CVA 65, WestPac/Vietnam cruise. May 7, 1968: LCdr. Paul Warren Paine ejected and was killed, suddenly pitched nose down in the pattern and crashed into the sea. 1623 (hours) A-4 BuNo 154214 pilot LCDR Paul W Paine crashed in water relative bearing 230 distance 2 miles ships position 18-16.5N 107.34E. 1639 A-4 pilot picked up by USS Cochrane (DDG-21). 1645 see 1545 entry F4H BuNo 151485 Pilot Cramer, Worth Alan LTJG Naval Flight Officer Christensen, Ejnar Sigfred, JR LCDR crashed picked up by USS Jouett DDG29 crew in satisfactory condition. 1727 LCDR Paul W. Paine pilot A-4 BuNo 154214 reported deceased. USS Enterprise deck log, 07 May 1968. June 23, 1968: Lt. Ernest E. Christensen ejected and was rescued by USS Enterprise (CVN-65) HC-7 Seadevils Det. 110 SH-3A Sea King 80 miles, 85⁰ from Vinh, 70 miles offshore, lost throttle control. 1652 received report that Lt. Ernest E. Christensen ejected from his A-4F (BuNo 154216) aircraft due to a flameout. A/C was reported down bearing 259 deg. at 22 miles from Enterprise. Pilot was reported as being in good condition. 1700 recovered downed pilot Lt. Ernest E. Christensen. USS Enterprise deck log, 23 June 1968. 10 DEC 1968: VA-113 was assigned the Vought A-7B Corsair II. 27 OCT 1970 through 17 JUN 1971: VA-113 flying the A-7E Corsair II, embarked in USS Ranger CVA 61, WestPac/Vietnam cruise. 16 NOV 1972 through 23 JUN 1973: VA-113 flying the A-7E Corsair II, embarked in USS Ranger CVA 61, WestPac/Vietnam cruise. DEC 1972: The Stingers participated in Linebacker II Operations, heavy air strikes against targets primarily around Hanoi and Haiphong. RECCO Routes Kilo and Lima = If you have been launched on one of these missions you have not conducted a proper preflight of your aircraft. JUL 1976: Following the Israeli raid on Entebbe and the threatened military operations against Kenya by Uganda, the USS Ranger CV 61, with VA-113 embarked, was ordered to transit from the South China Sea to the western Indian Ocean and operate off the coast of Kenya. 15 OCT 1980 through 22 MAR 1981: Under the Swing-Wing Concept to reduce the deck multiple on USS Ranger CV 61, VA-113 was off loaded at Naval Air Station Cubi Point, Philippines and operated as a CVW-2 Detachment from the air station. While temporarily shore based the squadron participated in numerous joint and interservice exercises. 25 MAR 1983: VA-113 redesignated as Strike Fighter Squadron ONE HUNDRED THIRTEEN (VFA-113). MAR through OCT 1983: The squadron underwent transition training with VFA-125, becoming the first Navy fleet operational squadron assigned the F/A-18 Hornet. 24 AUG 1983: Strike Fighter Squadron ONE HUNDRED THIRTEEN was assigned the McDonnell F/A-18A Hornet. FEB through AUG 1985: VFA-113, along with VFA-25, made the first deployment with the new F/A-18 Hornet. The squadrons deployed aboard USS Constellation CV 64, and operated in the western Pacific and Indian Ocean. JUL 1987: Squadron aircraft, along with other units of CVW-14, conducted surveillance in the strategic Strait of Hormuz and provided air cover for the first five Earnest Will operations, the escort of reflagged Kuwaiti oil tankers through the Gulf of Oman and Persian Gulf. 02 AUG 1990: USS Independence CV 62, with VFA-113 embarked, was ordered to the Gulf of Oman following the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait. AUG 1990: The Stinger's F/A-18s flew mixed combat air patrol missions with F-14s in the Persian Gulf up to 28 degrees north latitude in support of Operation Desert Shield, the buildup of American and Allied forces to counter a threatened invasion of Saudi Arabia by Iraq and as part of an economic blockade of Iraq to force its withdrawal from Kuwait. 03 OCT and 04 OCT 1990: VFA-113 conducted flight operations from USS Independence CV 62, while she operated in the Persian Gulf. This was the first time a carrier had operated in the Persian Gulf since 1974. Additional history commentary. |
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Unit Photos Circa 1957: catapult bridle falls free of Stingers Skyhawk NH-313 following steam cat shot aboard the Hanna during carquals. Naval Aviation News photo. Circa 1957: former Blue Angels leader, CDR Zeke Cormier, Stingers CO reaches for an arresting wire as he comes aboard the Hanna in Stingers Skyhawk BuNo 142222, NH-301. Naval Aviation News photo. 10 AUG 1957: A4D-1 BuNo 142218, NH-314. Photographer is unknown, from Gary Verver. VA-113 Stingers Skyhawk formation, l-r: NH-304, NH-303, NH-305 and NH-301. U.S. Navy Photo. VA-113 Stingers Skyhawk formation, #304, #303, #305 and #301. U.S. Navy Photo. A-4B BuNo 144937, NH-307. Official U.S. Navy photo from the Don Scott collection. BuNo's 147759, NH-312 and 149495, NH-309. Official U.S. Navy photo from the Don Scott collection. NOV57: Nov 1957: A4D-1 Skyhawk BuNo. 142220. A4D-1 Skyhawk BuNo. 142220, side number NL-313 on the United States Ship Hancock CVS-19, starboard catapult in November 1957. USN photograph. A4D-2 BuNo 144937, NH-307, NAS Atsugi, Japan? Official U.S. Navy Photograph, courtesy of David A. Weber. Circa 1958: VA-113 Albino Angels formation from top-bottom: BuNo 142221, NH-304, BuNo 142214, NH-30x, BuNo 142224, NH0310 & NH-308. Naval Aviation News Photo. 1959: Stingers CO, CDR H.S. Matthews, leads a squadron Skyhawk formation over the Shang. BuNo 142859, NH-303, BuNo 142873, NH-307, BuNo 142880, NH-312 and BuNo 142878, NH-311. Naval Aviation News photo. Circa 1959: CAG-11 CDR R.L. "Zeke" Cormier at center and CDR R. Bothwell, VA-115, CDR J.E. Godfrey, VF-111, CDR B.C. Spell, VF-114, CDR H.S. Matthes, VA-113, LCDR L.H. Sette, VAW-11, LCDR K.E. Bebb, VAW-11), LCDR W. Reed, VCP-63 & LT G.C. Lyne VAW-11 received a ComNavAirPac E during the ORI. Naval Aviation News photo. 03DEC59: VA-113 Stingers A4D-2 Skyhawk BuNo 142858, NH-302, MCAAS Yuma, 03 December 1959. Photo by W.L. Swisher. 1960-61: VA-113 A4D-1 BuNo 142169, NL-301, aboard USS Hancock (CV-19). Photo courtesy of Bob Lawson. VA-113 NH-313, BuNo 142220, launched from CVA-19, U.S.S. Hancock. U.S.N. from John Gabbard. 01JUN61: A-4C 147759 & VA-113 pilots taken at NAF China Lake 01 June 1961. The pilots standing from l-r are: Don Harlan, Ray Barnes, Stan Barnett, Marv Clark (not sure), L. C. Shouman (not sure), **** Robinson, Dan Johnson, Doug Mayfield, A. A. 'Al' Schaufelberger and ***try R****. The pilots in the front row l-r are: Phil Johnson, Phil J****, R*** Olson, **** Arnold, L Tomkins, Scott **ierlig, E. J. Jacobs, **** Kennedy and G. C. Creighton. See the China Lake Page for the dedication to Doug Mayfield. From Gary Verver. Circa 1961: artists rendition of Stingers Skyhawk BuNo 142218, NH-314, firing a Bullpup missile. Naval Aviation News photo. Aug 1962: Sundowners Crusader moments from making an arrested landing aboard the Kitty Hawk. Stingers BuNo 148438, NH-306, Bats A3D BuNo 142242, GP-604 & Bombing Broncos BuNo 147688, NH-206, at left. Gary Verver Collection. Aug 1962: Aardvarks Phantom moments from making an arrested landing aboard the Kitty Hawk. Stingers BuNo 148438, NH-306, Bats A3D BuNo 142242, GP-604 & Bombing Broncos BuNo 147688, NH-206, at left. Gary Verver Collection. Aug 1962: AW-11 Det. C Willy Fudd moments from making an arrested landing aboard the Kitty Hawk. Stingers BuNo 148438, NH-306, Bats A3D BuNo 142242, GP-604 & Bombing Broncos BuNo 147688, NH-206, at left. Gary Verver Collection. Aug 1962: Stingers Skyhawk BuNo 147727, NH-307, catches a wire aboard the Kitty Hawk. Gary Verver Collection. Aug 1962: L-r: Stingers Skyhawk BuNo 149495, NH-309, & Bombing Broncos Skyhawks BuNo 147833, NH-209, BuNo 148537, NH-204 & BuNo 148441, NH-209 and two unknown Stinger Skyhawks forward aboard the Kitty Hawk. Gary Verver Collection. Aug 1962: Stingers Skyhawk BuNo 147842, NH-305, seconds from an arrested landing aboard the Kitty Hawk. Stingers BuNo 148438, NH-306, Bats A3D BuNo 142242, GP-604 & Bombing Broncos BuNo 147688, NH-206, at left. Gary Verver Collection. Aug 1962 Stingers Skyhawk NuNo 147842, NH-305, seconds from making an arrested landing aboard the Kitty Hawk. Gary Verver Collection. Aug 1962: Stingers Skyhawk BuNo 148438, NH-306, tied down on deck behind VAH-13 Bats Skywarrior BuNo 142242, GP-604, in the foreground. The Plane Guard Destroyer is aft of the Kitty Hawk. Gary Verver Collection. Aug 1962: Stingers Skyhawk BuNo 148444, NH-308, and BuNo 147727, NH-307, tied down on deck behind VF-114 Aardvarks Phantoms in the foreground as a VR-21 Stoof leavesg via the waist cat. Gary Verver Collection. Aug 1962: Bombing Broncos Skyhawk BuNo 149507, NH-202, tied down at the head of a group of Stingers and VA-112 Bombing Broncos Skyhawks on the flight deck of the Kitty Hawk. Gary Verver Collection. Aug 1962 Stingers Skyhawk BuNo 149541, NH-30x, seconds from an arrested landing aboard the Kitty Kawk. VAH-13 Bats Skywarriors GP-601 and BuNo 142401, GP-611, at left. Gary Verver Collection. Sep 1962: Stingers Skyhawk BuNo 149495, NH-309, behind the port JBD waiting it's turn for launch as a VF-111 Sundowners Crusader leaves the waist cat. Gary Verver Collection. Oct 1962: Bombing Broncos Skyhawk BuNo 147828, NH-211, tied down on deck aboard the Kitty Hawk between VA-113 Stingers BuNo 147759, NH-312, and BuNo 147842, NH-305. VAH-13 Whale BuNo 142249, GP-612 at left. Gary Verver Collection. 1962-64: A4's being launched off the USS Kitty Hawk CVA 63. Circa around 1962-64. Jerry Kopff was on his first West Pack cruise as ships company photographer. Squadrons VA 112 Broncos and VA 113 Stingers were aboard at the time. Jerry Kopff 1962-1964: A VA-112 or VA-113 Scooter just off of one of the forward cats. Jerry Kopff. 1962-64: Stingers Skyhawk aboard the USS Kitty Hawk, CVA-63. Jerry Kopff. 1962-64: Stingers Skyhawk, BuNo unknown, on its wingtip near the LSO platform aboard the Kitty Hawk. Jerry kopff. 1962-64: CVA-63 Under Replenishment Jerry Kopff Photo. 1962-64: Stingers Skyhawk BuNo 147727, NH-307, topside aboard the USS Kitty Hawk. Jerry Kopff. 1962-64: Stingers Skyhawk BuNo 147759, NH-312, as the pilot prepares to man his Scooter with the assistance of the plane captain. Bombing Broncos BuNo 148437, NH-203, in the background. Jerry Kopff. 1962-64: rear view of Stingers Skyhawk BuNo 147759, NH-312, as the pilot mans his Scooter with the assistance of the plane captain. Bombing Broncos BuNo 148437, NH-203, in the background. Jerry Kopff. 1962-64: in-flight formation view of Stingers Skyhawk BuNo 147839, NH-303, and BuNo 147817, NH-308. Jerry Kopff. 1962-64: partial right rear view of Stingers Skyhawk BuNo 147836 NH-302, aboard the Kitty Hawk. U.S.S. Ranger in the background. Jerry Kopff. Nov 1962: Stingers Skyhawk BuNo 147842, NH-305, assigned to LCDR PT Johnson and unknown Ordie aboard the Kitty Hawk. Photograher Unknown, Gary Verver Collection. 1962-64: Stingers Skyhawk BuNo 147842, NH-305, aboard the Kitty Hawk. VAH-13 Bats Whale, NH-608, at left. Jerry kopff. Circa 1963: the USS Kitty Hawk & embarked squadrons. VA-113 Stingers Skyhawks at left (BuNo 149495, NH-309 at front) and VA-112 Bombing Broncos Skyhawks at right (BuNo 147688, NH-206 at front). Jerry Kopff. 1963: BuNo.147817 Stingers Skyhawk, NH-308 on the NAS Lemoore ramp with two drop tanks and a buddy store. Courtesy of Tom Bispo. May 1963: USS Kitty Hawk, CVA-63, Trader BuNo 136769, with Stingers Skyhawk BuNo 147836, NH-302, at right. Photographer Unknown, Gary Verver Collection. 1963: Stingers Skyhawk BuNo 148450, NH-310, over the round-down prior to an arrested landing aboard the Kitty Hawk. Jerry Kopff. Jan 1963: Stingers Skyhawk BuNo 148444, NH-308, with collapsed nose gear following an arrested landing aboard the Kitty Hawk. Pilot was Burnett. Jerry Kopff. May 1963 Stingers Skyhawk BuNo 148438, NH-306, catches a wire aboard the Kitty Hawk. VAH-13 Bats Skywarrior GP-605 in the foreground. Gary Verver Collection. 1965: Stingers DET-Q Skyhawk BuNo 144874, AH-I, with Sidewinder missiles on each wing station. "Boom" Powell. 1965: U.S. Navy A-4C BuNo 144874, NH-I, traps aboard HMAS Melbourne. NOV 1964 to OCT 1965 VA-113 provided a detachment (Q) of personnel and Skyhawks for use as fighter protection for the Antisubmarine Carrier Air Group embarked on United States Ship Bennington CVS 20. Pic 1; Pic 2. U.S. Navy VA-113 A-4C BuNo 148474, NH-I, aboard HMAS Melbourne. NOV64: U.S. Navy A-4C BuNo 144874, NH-I, launches from HMAS Melbourne. NOV 1964 to OCT 1965 VA-113 provided a detachment (Q) of personnel and Skyhawks for use as fighter protection for the Antisubmarine Carrier Air Group embarked on United States Ship Bennington CVS 20. Pic1; Pic2; a href="/sites/default/files/images-buno-144868-145061/144874c2.jpg">Pic 3; Pic 4. From Phil Thompson. JUL 1965: VA-113 Stingers 1965-66. Left side view of VA-113 Stingers A-4C Skyhawk BuNo 148510, NH-309, aboard the USS Kitty Hawk. Copyright R.W. Harrison. Front row, kneeling, left to right: Doc Rubottom (aka "Rumbottom"), CAG Flight Surgeon; Dick Daniels, Dick Willett (Good Ol' Will), John Abbott (XO), CDR Hank Dibble (CO), Tom Scott, Carl Lassey, Ted "Cash" Bronson, ??, Doc Jack Murphy, CAG Flight Surgeon. Back row, standing, left to right: Ron Rypel, Jim Hughbanks, Ray Shubert, Andy Cherney, Bob Naughton, Dave Utter, Barry Garbarino, Jim Graham, Paul Adams, Billy Bowes, Arnie Johnson, Jerry Greenameyer, "Wild Bill" Ellis. Tom Scott wins the name contest. March 1966: VA-113 Stingers A-4C Skyhawk BuNo 149495 landing on the aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CVA-63). VA-113 was assigned to Attack Carrier Air Wing Eleven (CVW-11) and deployed to Vietnam aboard the Kitty Hawk. From Gary Verver. April 1966: VA-113 Stingers A-4C Skyhawk BuNo 147841, NH-320, waits its turn on the bow catapult as VF-114 Aardvarks F-4B Phantom II BuNo 148391, NH-402, launches from the waist cat, USS Kitty Hawk (CVA-63). Official U.S. Navy. Nov 1966: BuNo 147847, NG-301, parked on the ramp. Clay Jansson via Tailhook Association. 1966-67 CVN65 Cruise Book: Attached are 3 photos from my personal research file. Photos I believe are from the cruise book - I forget if they were sent to me via Admiral Christensen (Battle Cry 307 Cat pic) or another source. Larry Lassise Singer SDO. VFA-113 F/A-18 - 1999 The Stingers still exist - they are now the VFA-113 Stingers. Here a Stinger F/A-18 Hornet BuNo. 164508 - side number NK 307 stops for gas at an unknown airport. A rear view of the Hornet's stinger. Off-Duty Photos VA-113 STINGERS NOW (September 1998): Front row, kneeling, left to right: Bill Davis, Dick Daniels, Hank Dibble (CO,'65-'66), "Bear" Taylor, Carl Lassey and Ted "Cash" Bronson. Back row, standing, left to right: Ron Rypel, Bob Naughton, Don Wyland, "Wild Bill" Ellis, Bob Bennett (CO,'66-'67), Red Carmody. Photograph by and from Shelly Burroughs of Reno, Nevada. |
Sources
A-4 Skyhawk aircraft assigned to this unit:
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