VA-126 |
Point of Contact = Squadron Duty Officer (SDO).
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 Nulli Secondus about 1960 Courtesy Harry S.Gann |
 Nulli Seconds W.A. Lucy/Sean Keenan |
 Fighting Sea Hawks about 1967 Courtesy Harry S.Gann |
 VF-126 Bandits Adversary |
 VF-126 Bandits Bad Guys |
 VF-126 Bandits 1956-1994 |
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Patch VA-126 Nulli Secondus 15 OCT 1965: VF-126 Fighting Seahawks 1981: VF-126 Bandits |
Sources David Weber Harry S. Gann Fred Krause Jeff Malone Karl A. Schnack, CWO2, USN, RET. Mike Shapiro Ed Tysko |
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VF-126 Fighting Seahawks (Squadron Motto "Without Equal") 1981: VF-126 Bandits Heritage ABOUT VA/VF-126 and TOP GUN: NFWS (TOP GUN ) is sometimes confused with the VF-126 Fighting Seahawks / Bandits. NFWS (TOP GUN) and VF-126 are two different entities. 06 April 1956: - - VA-126 established. (Some question as to the following: from VA-126, VA-125 and VA-54 as VA-54 disestablished 1 Apr 1958 - VA-125 disestablished 10 Apr 1958) all of which were decommissioned to establish VA-126. 15 October 1963: - VA-126 redesignated VF-126. History article section one. History article section two. |
Home Ports
NAS Miramar |
| Aircraft
1955: - - - Chance-Vought F7U-3M, Cutlass. 1958: - - - FJ-4 Fury 1958: - - - F9F-8 Cougar 1960: - - - Grumman TF-9J (F9F-8T) Cougar. 1967: - - - McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom. 1967: - - - *Douglas A-4E Skyhawk. APR 1967: - Douglas TA-4F Skyhawk. 196?: - - - Douglas TA-4J Skyhawk. 1974: - - - Northrop F-5 Talon. MAR 1974: - *Douglas A-4F Skyhawk. MAY 1992: - Douglas A-4M Skyhawk? 19??: - - - Grumman F-14 Tom Cat. 19??: - - - McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet. Some Echo and Foxtrot Skyhawks modified to "Mongoose" configuration. For A-4 Skyhawk aircraft assigned to this unit see lower in this page: |
Air Wings
1960-64: Tail Code = ED |
| Deployments
None |
Commanding Officers
1956: Commander G. L. Cassel. 1960: Commander C. J. Lee 1961: Commander W. C. Chapman 1962: Commander C. R. Johnson 1963: Commander P. F. Cunningham 1964: Commander R. A. Braid 1965: Commander V. R. Hubka 1966: Commander R. E. Mcjunkin, Jr. 1967: Commander W. J. Hickman 1968: Commander F. J. Breaux 1969: Commander K. R. Wiley 1970: Commander R. C. Evans 1971: Commander R. K. Huisman 1972: Commander E. D. Deweese 1973: Commander R. M. Scruggs 1974: Commander C. Black 1975: Commander K. Russell 1976: Commander J. K. Schoenfeld 1977: Commander R. W. Musgrove 1978: Commander R. W. Castle, Jr. 1980: Commander J. W. Nunn 1981: Commander R. A. Knutson 1982: Commander D. J. Carey 1984: Commander N. R. Criss 1985: Commander R. H. Cunningham 1987: Commander W. J. Butterworth, Jr. 1988: Commander T. R. Brown 1990: Commander M. A. Szoka |
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Awards 1961-69-71: CNO Aviation Safety Award |
No more info. |
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Events March 1956: VA-126 assigned with thirteen Chance-Vought F7U-3M, Cutlass was based at Naval Air Station Miramar after returning from a WESTPAC cruise on United States Ship Hancock. The Squadron was located in the old "nose dock" hangers (now gone) at Miramar. The big concrete hangars had not yet been built. Sharing the area was sister squadron, VA-116, also flying the F7U-3M. April 6, 1956: Present squadron established from VA-126, VA-125 and VA-54. All three were decommssioned and recommissioned as VA-126. Squadron mission was to provide instrument training in jets. 1958: Air Pac Champs 15 OCT 1963: Redesignated VF-126. OCT 1964: VA-126 began providing adversary missions. During the Vietnam War they used the TF-9J, TA-4F and the A-4E for adversary training. MAR 1965: I transferred into the squadron as an AEAN in March 1965. I was stationed at NAS Coronado, VP-31, and was training as an air-crewman on the P5Ms (a.k.a. pig-boats) when they were decommissioned. The P5Ms and P2Vs were being phased out by the P3 Orions stationed at NAS Moffet Field, Detachment Alfa. I checked into VF-126 under the command of Cdr. R. A. Braid and served under Cdrs. Verne Hubka, R. E. "Fishhook" Mcjunkin, Jr., and W. J. Hickman. When I checked into the squadron, they were flying TF9J Cougars and performed maintenance in nose docks. Our squadron spaces were wooden buildings and the area in which they were located was called "Splinterville." Our next door neighbor was squadron VU7 (a.k.a. Vacation Unit 7), The squadron was training pilots in advanced instrument flying called "flying under the hood" because a curtain kept the pilots from looking out when flying instruments. While at VF126 I obtained an OMIS card so I could fly back-seat in the TF9J. In 1965, NAS Miramar had a "pick rocks beer bust" to clear the space for its new golf course. There was free beer for the men that toiled for that purpose. The designation VF126 replaced the VA126 in a small ceremony. A metalsmith whom we called, "Far East Foster," was photographed "painting" the new designation on a TF9J. The Nulli Secundus (Second to None) squadron patch was replaced by the diving eagle with a background shield divided in half, the yellow depicting day, and the dark with stars depicting night. Otherwise, VF126's training for day/night flying capability. In 1967, we had a ceremony to "push off" the last TF9J. Men were photographed pushing the last TF9J off, otherwise replacing them with the TA4J which we recently received. Ironically, the last TF9J did not start for the ferry pilot. However, when I was assigned to check out the aircraft, it started immediately. The next day the last TF9J was gone, being fully replaced by the TA4Js. I was not fully checked out on the TA4J because I was being discharged. In 1973, I was assigned to VT24 in NAS Beeville, Texas where they flew the TA4Js. The TA-4J was a nice flying aircraft. I flew back-seat numerous times. Wallace Begay, USN Retired. Historian, U. S. West, University of New Mexico APR 1967: VF-126 started providing the adversary mission from NAS Miramar in April 1967. They also had several other missions, Pacific Fleet Out-Of-Control flight training and instrument training. November 9, 1967: Lt. John M. Nash ejected safely from his A-4 Skyhawk (BuNo 153520) after a mid-air collision with VF-121 F-4B Phantom BuNo 153033, NJ-115, about 40 miles offshore from San Diego Thursday. Phantom RIO Lt. Nicholas J. Preis, 27, and the unnamed pilot are both missing. Long Beach Independent, Friday, November 10, 1967. The Navy Friday terminated the search for two fliers lost in the collision of two jets Thursday. Presumed dead are Ens. Robert A. Arsenult, 21, and Lt. Nicholas J. Preis, 27. A4 Skyhawk pilot Lt. John M. Nash was rescued by a helicopter shortly after the collision. Pacific Stars and Stripes, Monday, 13 November 1967. Lt. John M. Nash, survivor of a two-plane collision last Thursday has returned to duty at NAS Miramar. The pilot and flight officer of the F4B Phantom were declared lost at sea. Laurel Leader Call, Thursday, 16 November 1967. April 23, 1968: LCdr. Richard "Dick" Lord (Royal Navy Air Warfare Instructor) ejected from TA-4F BuNo 153472 near NAS Miramar. March 3, 1969: NWFS is established as a school within VF-121 utilizing VF-126 A-4 a/c and maintenance assets. VF-126 Bandits handled the day-to-day aggressor role while the TOP GUN Instructors flew graduate level missions against their students. VF-126 continued the "Bandit" mission October 7, 1971: Lt. Gary Meador, 26, ejected safely and Cdr. Edward Stanley Hosepia, 38, was killed when their Skyhawk (BuNo 152859) began losing altitude and crashed Wednesday after take-off from NAS Miramar while on an instrument training flight. Press-Telegram, Long Beach, CA. Thur., Oct. 7, 1971.
October 25, 1974: Lt. Eric Johnson, 25, and Lt. Paul Edward Kane, 26, both from NAS Miramar, were missing Friday after their TA-4 (BuNo 153468) plunged into the ocean and apparently sank 60 miles west of San Diego, CA. The Des Moines Register, Saturday, October 26, 1974. Lt. Eric Johnson, 25, and Lt. Paul Edward Kane, 26, whose jet training plane crashed 60 miles at sea were presumed dead Friday and a search was abandoned. A NAS Miramar spokesman said an empty life raft and debris were found. Manchester Journal Inquirer, Saturday, 26 October 1974. February 28, 1975: Two unknown pilots (R.G. Hughes and ...) were picked up by the MCAS Search and Rescue helicopter after their TA-4 jet trainer (BuNo 154329) from NAS Miramar, CA, crashed in the Chocolate Mountain training area 34 miles NW of Yuma at approximately 1:40 p.m. Friday. One man had a broken left arm and the other a laceration on the face. Yuma Daily Sun, Sunday, 02 March 1975. March 27, 1975: Lt. Jeffrey Woodfield and LCdr. Ralph Gaither ejected safely when their Skyhawk trainer (BuNo 158132) crashed near the Salton Sea while on a routine training flight from NAS Miramar. The Yuma Daily Sun, Fri., Mar. 28, 1975. January 14, 1976: E. Bohannon . . . unknown crew ejected safely when their TA-4 Skyhawk (BuNo 154617) crashed off the Southern California coast Thursday shortly after take-off from NAS Miramar. Independent Press Telegram, Long Beach, CA, Friday, January 16, 1976. January 6, 1977: Lt. Wayne R. Olson, 35, and Lt. Eugene M. DerManuel ejected safely when their A-4 Skyhawk (BuNo 153475) went into a 400 foot skid and burst into flames on take-off in the rain Thursday. The Press Courier, Friday, January 7, 1977. January 26, 1977: G.P. Launey and S.E. Collins . . . unknown pilots ejected safely when their TA-4 ( BuNo 153664) departed controlled flight. During an advanced tactics support mission with two F-14's the TA-4 passed close aboard one of the F-14's commencing the final engagement and started a level starboard turn at 375 knots and 22,000 feet. After about 180 degrees of turn the TA-4 pilot visually acquired the second F-14 at his 4-5 o'clock position. The TA-4 continued the Starboard turn into the 2nd F-14 and increased the G loading to 3-4 G's. The TA-4's airspeed dropped off to 325 knots at 21,000 feet in a 90-degree angle of bank, nose slightly low. The TA-4 almost immediately departed controlled flight with a violent right roll and negative G loading. It then commenced a high yaw rate with continued negative G loading. The pilot was forced up and forward against the glare shield while the rear seat copilot was forced up into the canopy. Perceiving that the TA-4 was in an inverted spin the pilot initiated anti-spin controls at about 17,000 feet with no apparent effect. Passing through 12,000 feet the co-pilot ejected taking the pilot with him as command ejection was inadvertently set to the back seat. NAN, Grampa Pettibone, September 1977. June 2, 1977: LCdr. John W. Snyder Jr., 33, and Lt. Richard A. Smith, 30, both ejected safely during takeoff Thursday when their TA-4 Skyhawk BuNo 152864 burned after slamming into a NAS Miramar runway on take-off. The Press Courier, Friday, June 3, 1977. August 2, 1978: Lt. George R. Sidorakis, 30, ejected safely after his A-4 Skyhawk (BuNo 154314) collided with an F-14 Tomcat while on a routine training mission 80 miles southwest of San Diego. The F-14 (F-14A 160652) landed safely at NAS North Island with a damaged right wing and Sidorakis was rescued by helicopter. The News Journal, Thursday, 03 August 1978. January 31, 1979: Lt. Bob Hughes and his back seater (VF-121 RIO) Tom Rippinger were killed in a mid-air collision between VF-126 TA-4J (BuNo 154288) and VF-121 F-4J (BuNo 153878, NJ-143.) Serving as an adversary pilot of VF-126, Hughes was leading two Skyhawks in a two-v-two free-flight maneuvering evolution at 25,000 feet off the California coast, near San Diego. The lead Phantom II was being chased in a turn by Hughes in his TA-4J at 25,000 feet when the pilot of VF-121 F-4J BuNo 153858 tried to come to the aid of his leader by allegedly performing an out-of-order "blind lead turn" into his adversary - a maneuver that was strictly prohibited during ACM training. The end result of this turn was that the VF-121 jet collided with the pursuing Skyhawk, rendering the F-4J uncontrollable and forcing the crew to eject. Both men were quickly recovered with minor injuries. Neither the TA-4J or its two crewmen (Hughes and back seater VF-121 RIO Tom Rippinger, who was catching a bonus hop) were found despite a detailed search of the surrounding waters. (via Peter Mersky.) LCdr. James McNair, 32, pilot of an F-4 Phantom, and his RIO, Lt. Ted Dewald, 29, were rescued by a Coast Guard helicopter following a collision with an A-4 Skyhawk Wednesday. The two occupants of the Skyhawk are missing at sea and the search resumed this morning. The Pensacola News, Thursday, February 1, 1979. The Arizona Republic, February 1, 1979. October 31, 1980: J.P. Collins was killed … VF-126 TA-4J BuNo 154290 was destroyed at Salt Lake City after aircraft crashed into desert following simulated missile shot, 31 October 1980. Pilot fatal. Naval Safety Center via Jim Winchester. October 5, 1989: Lt. Ken Wesselman and Lt. Tom Twomey ejected safely and were rescued by a Navy helicopter when their Miramar based adversary squadron TA-4 Skyhawk (BuNo 154339) crashed 70 miles SW of San Diego on Thursday while on a routine training mission. The Los Angeles Times, Saturday, 07 October 1989. Lost control in a dive, crashed into the Pacific off the coast of CA. VF-126 TA-4F BuNo 154339 was destroyed at North Pacific Ocean (above Lat. 45 Deg. N) when aircraft was lost at sea during ACM sortie. 05 October 1989. 0 fatalities. Naval Safety Center via Jim Winchester. October 3, 1991: Cdr. John "Bug" Roach (VF-126 based at Miramar) ejected and was killed Wednesday when his A-4 Skyhawk (BuNo 150073) crashed into the Pacific about 60 miles off San Diego, CA. Pacific Stars and Stripes, Saturday, October 5, 1991. VF-126 A-4E BuNo 150073 was destroyed at San Clemente Island when aircraft impacted water following ACM engagement. 02 October 1991. 1 fatality. Naval Safety Center via Jim Winchester. April 2, 1992: P.R. Falley and D.K. Richter ejected safely after engine failure near San Clemente Island, CA. Engine failure during ACM. Crashed into the Pacific Ocean near San Clemente Island, 50 miles off Los Angeles, CA, 02 April 1992. Unknown crew ejected safely … VF-126 TA-4J BuNo 154330 was destroyed at San Clemente Island after aircraft engine failure. 02 April 1992. Both aircrew ejected safely/rescued. 0 fatalities. Naval Safety Center via Jim Winchester. May 6, 1992: Cdr. John P. Bergamini . . . Unidentified pilot ejected safely when his A-4E Skyhawk crashed into the Pacific Ocean off San Diego in an area far from civilian boaters at 8:45 a.m. Wednesday morning. The San Bernardino County Sun, Thursday, 07 May 1992. The U.S. Navy on Thursday identified the pilot who ejected safely from an A-4E Skyhawk that crashed into the Pacific Ocean off San Diego, CA. Cdr. John P. Bergamini, 40, of New Rochelle, NY, was taken to Naval Hospital in San Diego, for evaluation after the accident on Wednesday, but was uninjured. The single seat jet crashed about 8:45 a.m. in an area far from civilian boaters. Bergamini, from Miramar based VF-126, was on a training mission and spent about 35 minutes in a life raft before being rescued. The accident was the 3rd loss of an A-7 (sic) by VF-126 since October. The Sacramento Bee (Sacramento, CA), Friday, 08 May 1992. VF-126 A-4F BuNo 155017 was destroyed North Island after engine failure over water, aircraft lost at sea. 06 May 1992. Successful ejection. 0 fatalities. Naval Safety Center via Jim Winchester. 1 April 1994: VF-126 was disestablished. |
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Unit Photos 196?: VA-126 GRUMMAN TF9J 1967: Photos from year book. Page1; .Page2; .Page3; .Page4; .Page5; .Page6; .Page7; .Page8; .Page9. Circa 1967: VF-126 TA-4F BuNo 153473, NJ-604, on the deck of USS Bennington (CVS-20) during carrier qualifications. Photo courtesy of Bob Lawson. 1968: BuNo 154335, NJ-608, on the ramp. Gary Verver Collection. 17 MAY 1969: Right view of VF-126 Bandits TA-4F Skyhawk BuNo 153492, NJ-644, on the ramp, Otis AFB, 17 May 1969. Copyright R.W. Harrison. Circa 1969: BuNo 154634, 02, parked on the line next to 01. Gary Verver Collection. September 1969: VF-126 Skyhawk BuNo 153468, NJ-600, assigned to CAPT Lou Page, Commander Readiness Attack Carrier Air Wing Twelve. Roy Lock. SEPT 1969: Right rear view of Commander Readiness Attack Carrier Air Wing Twelve TA-4F Skyhawk BuNo 153468, NJ-600, assigned to Capt Lou Page parked in a Miramar hangar. Photo from A. Hansen. 1969: BuNo 153470, NJ-601, parked on the ramp. Gary Verver Collection. OCT 1969: VF-126 Bandits TA-4F Skyhawk BuNo 153470, NJ-601, on the ramp at NAS Miramar. Name below the canopy rail is CDR Ken Wiley. The RF-8 Crusader at left is BuNo 146858. Photo by A. Hansen. Date unknown: Stevens "Woody" Woodburn at an open house with a VF-126 TA-4F. Photo provided by "Woody". 26 July 1972: VF-126 Skyhawk Diamond Four VF-126 TA-4Js in diamond formation over Avalon, Santa Catalina Island, California. Another shot. Picture from Harry S. Gann. August 3, 1972: VF-126 A-4E MONGOOSE SKYHAWKS Four VF-126 A-4Es in flying in right echelon and demonstrating their colorful paint jobs. Shortly after this picture was taken on August 3, 1972, Israel took delivery of most Navy A-4Es. Picture from Harry S. Gann. 1972: Bandits Skyhawk formation from l-r: NJ-613, NJ-617, NJ-618 and NJ-61. Douglas photo by Harry Gann. Circa 1973: BuNo 154289, NJ-613, parked on the ramp in the traditional grey over white scheme with a centerline tank. Name below the canopy rail is LCDR Chuck "Hellcat" Ringer. Gary Verver Collection. 1973: BuNo 152855, NJ-619, parked on the line. Gary Verver Collection. 1974: BuNo 154289, NJ-611, parked on the line. Gary Verver Collection. May 1974: VF-126 Ramp. NAS Miramar. Photo by Bill Curry from the Scott Van Aken collection. 05 June 1974: VF-126 NJ-619, BuNo 152855. LT Bill Mocock and Skyhawk designer Ed Heinemann in Bandits Skyhawk BuNo 152855, NJ-619, westbound over NALF San Clemente, San Clemente Island, CA. Navy photo. September 1974: Bandits Skyhawk BuNo 152861, NJ-614, parked on the line. Photo by Lorence R. Fizia. Date unknown: BuNo 152861, 14, parked on the ramp. Gary Verver Location. Date unknown: BuNo 152861, No. 00 parked on a wet tarmac. Gary Verver Location. September 1974: Bandits Skyhawk BuNo 153466, NJ-613, parked on the line. Photo by Lorence R. Fizia. September 1974: Bandits Skyhawk BuNo 153475, NJ-615, parked on the ramp. Photo by Lorence R. Fizia. 1974: BuNo 154289, VF-126 NJ-611, on the ramp. BuNo 155025, VF-126 NJ-626, on the ramp. BuNo 155064, VF-126 NJ-625, on the ramp. Date unknown: BuNo 155064, NJ-625, wheels down hook up. Photo from JD Stewart. Early 1990s: BuNo 155064, side no. 25, parked and tied down. Gary Verver Collection. 1975: VF-126 Skyhawk BuNo 153518, NJ-605, parked on the flightline. Unknown Photographer via W. Mutza. May 1975: Bandits Skyhawk BuNo 154617, NJ-600, assigned to RADM L.A. Snead II, attached to a tug and towbar. Assigned p/c is ADJAN Volheim. Unknown Photographer via W. Mutza. Artwork on BuNo 154617. Javier Ruberto. June 1975: Bandits Skyhawk BuNo 152858, NJ-620, parked on the flight line next to a USAF T-38 Talon. Gary Verver Collection. 1975: BuNo 154289, NJ-611, parked and roped off. Absent any intake covers, maintenance has covered the intake with paper, to prevent vistors from throwing their gum wrappers in it. Gary Verver Collection. June 1975: Bandits Skyhawk BuNo 152858, NJ-627, parked on the ramp adjacent to the hangar. Gary Verver Collection. 1975: VF-126 TA-4J BICENTENNIAL SKYHAWK. To celebrate America's Bicentennial the Skipper's TA-4J, 154290 NJ-601 was painted for America's birthday. Picture from Harry S. Gann. Circa 1975: Bandits Skyhawk BuNo 154290, NJ-601, as she comes in for a landing. R. Lawson. 11 NOV 1975: Left rear view of VF-126 Bandits TA-4J Skyhawk BuNo 154289, NJ-611, on the ramp, location unknown, 11 November 1975. Copyright R.W. Harrison. 1975: BuNo 154289, VF-126 NJ-611, on the ramp. VF-126 BuNo 159483 on the ramp. October 1975: Left side view of VF-126 Bandits TA-4J Skyhawk BuNo 154290, NJ-601, assigned to Hawk One, CDR Cole Black, parked on the ramp in the Bicentennial paint scheme. Photo from Fleet Audio Visual Center NAS Miramar, San Diego, CA. Gary Verver Collection. 30 November 1975: VF-126 TA-4J BuNo 154289, NJ-611. Photo by C. Gerdes, G. Verver collection. December 1975: Bandits Skyhawk BuNo 154290, NJ-601, assigned to Hawk One, CDR Russel, parked on the ramp. Unknown Photographer via W. Mutza. 1975-76: Bandits' Skyhawk BuNo 154632, NJ-614, painted in a blue/grey camouflage scheme. J.D. Stewart. 1976: BuNo 154290, VF-126 NJ-601, in Bi-centennial colors. VF-126 TA-4J BuNo 152861, NJ-600, on the ramp. VF-126 TA-4J BuNo 152861, NJ-600, on the ramp. VF-126 A-4E, BuNo 151059, on the ramp. Another shot of 32. April 1976: VF-126 BuNo.153669 at Hill AFB. Photo copyright by Joe Cupido and used with his permisson. Provided by Gary Verver. 1976: BuNo 154200, NJ-601, parked on the line. Gary Verver Collection. 1976: BuNo 154314, TA-4J, NJ-632, parked on the ramp. Gary Verver Collection. 10 May 1976: Bandits Skyhawk BuNo 154290, NJ-601, assigned to CDR Russell, HAWK One, parked on the ramp in its Bicentennial paint scheme. Photo by T.R. Waddington, Gary Verver Collection. Circa 1976: 24 September 1977 - BuNo 153518, NJ-605, parked on the ramp in a white and blue paint scheme. Photo by G.B. Rhodes, G. Verver collection. 1977: VF-126 TA-4J SKYHAWKS; Bandits' Skyhawk BuNo 154288, NJ-622, and NJ-606/608 fly low over San Diego, California. Lindberg Field is in the background. Picture from Harry S. Gann. 1977: Bandits' Skyhawk BuNo 154288, NJ-622, in a formation that makes 622 look like a four seater. Picture from Harry S. Gann. 1977: BuNo 154288, 622, parked in front of a hangar. Gary Verver Collection. 15 October 1977: Bandits' Skyhawk BuNo 154338, NJ-611, parked on the ramp adjacent to the hangar. Gary Verver Collection. Date unknown: BuNo 154338, parked on the ramp. Gary Verver Collection. 1978; VF-126 Skyhawk BuNo 152858, NJ-615, parked on the flightline. Rob Mignard. 9 April 1978: Bandits Skyhawk BuNo 154631, NJ-626, parked on the ramp with a centerline tank. G. Verver collection via R. Dowers. July 1979: VF-126 Skyhawk BuNo 153518, NJ-604, assigned to LCDR Mittendorff, parked on the flightline. Rob Mignard. April 1980: Right front view of Top Gun Skyhawk BuNo 150023, #56, in a two tone brown camouflage scheme. Gary Verver Collection. May 1980: Bandits' Skyhawk BuNo 154330, NJ-605, assigned to LCDR Bill Butterworth parked on the ramp and painted in an overall gray scheme. Photographer unknown, G. Verver collection. Dates unknown: BuNo 154330, No. 10, pic1 and pic2. Gary Verver Collection. 18 August 1980: Midshipman Cindy Mason, center, and LT Mary Jorgenson are escorted to the flight line by a public affairs officer. Mason will go on a demonstration flight in Bandits' Skyhawk BuNo 154289 during a training program for NROTC students. PH1 Terry C. Mitchell. 18 August 1980: Midshipman Cindy Mason (rear) & Lt. Mary Jorgenson, a pilot with VF-126, make final preperations for her flight in Bandits' Skyhawk BuNo 154289, NJ-613, during a training program for NROTC students. PH1 Terry C. Mitchell. Circa 1980s: A-4F BuNo 155017, 21, on the flight line. Gary Verver Collection. 18 August 1980: LT Mary Jorgenson, a pilot with VF-126, signals from the cockpit that she is ready to begin her flight in Bandits' Skyhawk BuNo 154289, NJ-613, during a training program for NROTC students. PH1 Terry C. Mitchell. 18 August 1980: Midshipman Cindy Mason sits in the rear seat of Bandits' Skyhawk BuNo 154289, NJ-613, prior to her flight during a training program for NROTC students. PH1 Terry C. Mitchell 18 August 1980: Midshipman Cindy Mason (rear) and Lt. Mary Jorgenson (pilot) give the thumbs-up signal prior to taking off on a familiarization flight in Bandits' Skyhawk BuNo 154289, NJ-613, during a training program for NROTC students. PH1 Terry C. Mitchell. 18 AUG 1980: Midshipman Cindy Mason, in the rear, and Lt. Mary Jorgenson, a pilot with Fighter Squadron 126 VF-126, gives the thumbs-up signal prior to taking off on a familiarization flight in a TA-4 Skyhawk (BuNo 154289, NJ-613) aircraft. Mason is participating in a one-week aviation training program for students enrolled in the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC). Photo by PH1 Terry C. Mitchell. November 1980: Bandits' Skyhawk BuNo 154330, NJ-605, assigned to LCDR Bill Butterworth parked on the ramp and painted in an overall gray scheme. Photographer unknown, G. Verver collection. 1981: Right side view of VF-126 Bandits TA-4J Skyhawk BuNo 154289, NJ-613, taxiing at NAS Miramar and painted in a grey/grey camouflage scheme, circa 1981. At right is T-2C Buckeye BuNo 158889, NJ-632. Gary Verver Collection. 09 January 1982: BuNo 154289VF-126 TA-4J BuNo 153677, NJ-10. Photo by P. Wilson, G. Verver collection. 01 April 1982: VF-126 Bandits TA-4J Skyhawks (NJ-612 at right), a right side view of several VF-126 Bandits TA-4J Skyhawks (NJ-612 at right) standing ready to play the adversary role in aerial combat training during exercise GALLANT EAGLE `82, NAS Miramar. Official U.S. Navy photo by TSgt Rob Marshall. Although it’s the VFC-13 Fighting Saints hangar the TA-4K’s belong to VF-126. April 1982: Skyhawk BuNo 154631, NJ-601, assigned to Bandit One CDR Knutson as he taxis away from the flight line. Ted Paskowski, Gary Verver Collection. 1982: BuNo 154631, NJ-601, parked on the flight line. Gary Verver Collection. 15 May 1982: right side view of VF-126 Bandits TA-4J Skyhawk BuNo 154631, NJ-601, assigned to CDR Knutson "Bandit One" on the ramp at an Open House. Photographer unknown. 15 May 1982: right side view of VF-126 Bandits TA-4J Skyhawk BuNo 154631, NJ-601, assigned to CDR Knutson "Bandit One" on the ramp at an Open House. Photographer unknown. 15 May 1982: right side view of VF-126 Bandits TA-4J Skyhawk BuNo 154631, NJ-601, assigned to CDR Knutson "Bandit One" on the ramp at an Open House. 15 AUG 1982: A TA-4 Skyhawk (VF-126, NJ-601, BuNo unknown) adversary aircraft, painted to simulate Soviet-bloc air force camouflage, lands at the air station after a training mission. The TA-4 is assigned to the Navy Fighter Weapons School, referred to as "Top Gun," which provides air combat maneuvering (ACM) training for Navy and Marine Corps pilots. Circa 1982: In-flight view of VF-126 Skyhawk formation: BuNo xxxxxx, NJ-612; BuNo xxxxxx, NJ-604, BuNo xxxxxx, NJ-615 & BuNo 154181, NJ-620. Gary Verver Collection. Circa 1982: Right side in-flight view of VF-126 Skyhawk formation: BuNo 154181, NJ-620; BuNo xxxxxx, NJ-615; BuNo xxxxxx, NJ-604 & BuNo xxxxxx, NJ-612. Gary Verver Collection. 1977-94: In-flight view of VF-126 Skyhawk formation: BuNo xxxxxx, NJ-615 & BuNo 154181, NJ-620. Gary Verver Collection. 1980: BuNo 153512, NJ-614, parked. Gary Verver Collection. Date unknown: BuNo 153512, No.11, being towed. Gary Verver Collection. September 1983: Right front view of VF-126 Bandits TA-4J Skyhawk BuNo 153518, NJ-604, on the ramp in a blue/grey camouflage scheme, September 1983. Gary Verver Collection. 1983: VF-126 Skyhawk BuNo 154181, NJ-620, parked on the ramp. Gary Verver Collection. 30 July 1983: Bandit TA-4J Skyhawk BuNo. 153518, side number 04 at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. From a photograph by Fred Krause. 1983: BuNo 152858, No. 07, parked by the Agressor Hangar. Gary Verver Collection. August 1983: TA-4F Skyhawk BuNo. 154289 side number NJ 604 waits for the next vict - er student. Photograph from Michael Klaver, Webmaster of the www.vogue-web.ch/f4/ (F-4 Phantom II Website). 22 October 1983: VF-126 TA-4J BuNo 154313, NJ-03. Photo by J. Handelman, G. Verver collection. 22 October 1983: BuNo 154313, NJ-03, parked on the ramp in an unusual camouflage scheme. At right are TAW-5 T-34C Mentor BuNo 160531 and VT-24 TA-4J Skyhawk BuNo 158469 or 158487. Gary Verver Collection. November 1983: BuNo 154338, NJ-11, configured with a centerline tank as she taxies by the photographer. Gary Verver Collection. Date unknown: BuNo 155031, side no. 22, parked next to the power hookup. Gary Verver Collection. 1984: Bandits Skyhawk formation, top to bottom: BuNo 155031, NJ-622, BuNo 155017, NJ-621 and BuNo 154634, NJ-602, in flight over San Diego, CA. U.S. Navy photo by PH2 Trombecky. March 1984: VF-126 Skyhawks Five TA-4J Skyhawks and one A-4F Skyhawk rest on the TOPGUN Bandits tarmac at Naval Air Station Miramar, near San Diego, California. Right to left TA-4J BuNo 154313, NJ-603, TA-4J BuNo 153518, NJ-604, A-4F BuNo 155017, NJ-621, and three other TA-4J's. From a photograph by Fred Krause. 17 March 1984: VF-126 A-4F BuNo 155031 (top) and A-4F BuNo 155017. A-4F Aircraft of VF-126 in flight over San Diego, CA.. Fleet Audio Visual Center, NAS Miramar. Official U.S. Navy photo by PH2 Trombecky. Gary Verver Collection. Date unknown: BuNo 155036 NFWS A-4F Skyhawk. Bandits Skyhawk BuNo 155036, NJ-623, parked on the flight line in an adversary camouflage scheme of alternating bands of dark green and red sand. Picture from Harry S. Gann. March 1984: Bandit TA-4J Skyhawk BuNo. 153518, side number 04 at Naval Air Station Miramar, near San Diego, California. From a photograph by Fred Krause. March 1984: BuNo 153512 VF-126 Bandit TA-4J Skyhawk. A sea mist gray on gray Bandit TA-4J Skyhawk side number 06 at Naval Air Station Miramar, near San Diego, California, March 1984. From a photograph by Fred Krause. March 1984: BuNo 154338 VF-126 TA-4J Skyhawk - March 1984. A sea mist gray on gray Bandit TA-4J Skyhawk side number 11 at Naval Air Station Miramar, near San Diego, California. From a photograph by Fred Krause. March 1984: VF-126 A-4F Skyhawk BuNo. 155017 - March 1984. This garish Top Gun Bandit A-4F Skyhawk, BuNo. 155017 with side number 21, was seen at Naval Air Station Miramar, near San Diego, California. From a photograph by Fred Krause. March 1984: VF-126 Bandit TA-4J Skyhawk BuNo. 153678 - March 1984. A gray on gray Bandit TA-4J Skyhawk BuNo. 153678, side number 10 at Naval Air Station Miramar, near San Diego, California. From a photograph by Fred Krause. 05 May 1984: This colorful Bandit A-4F Skyhawk, BuNo. 155017 with side number 21, was seen on display at a Naval Air Station Miramar airshow May 5, 1984. From a photograph by Fred Krause. 1984: Bandits Skyhawks BuNo 154181, NJ-620 (brown/tan camouflage), and BuNo 155064, NJ-625 (blue/gray camouflage). U.S. Navy. 21 May 1984: Bandits Skyhawk BuNo 153678, NJ-610. Gary Verver Collection. 21 May 1984: Bandits Skyhawk BuNo 153678, NJ-610 over San Diego, CA. Photo US Navy by PHCS B. Lawson. 21 May 1984: Air-to-air left side view, from top to bottom, of: an E-2C Hawkeye from VAW-113; an F-14 Tomcat from VF-124; and a Bandits F-5E Tiger II and TA-4 Skyhawk BuNo 153678, NJ-610 over San Diego, CA. Photo US Navy by PHCS B. Lawson. 21 May 1984: Air-to-air, from top to bottom, of: an E-2C Hawkeye from VAW-113; an F-14 Tomcat from VF-124; and a Bandits F-5E Tiger II and TA-4 Skyhawk BuNo 153678, NJ-610 over San Diego, CA. Photo US Navy by PHCS B. Lawson. 21 May 1984: Air-to-air right side view, from top to bottom, of: an E-2C Hawkeye from VAW-113; an F-14 Tomcat from VF-124; and a Bandits F-5E Tiger II and TA-4 Skyhawk BuNo 153678, NJ-610 over Coronado. Photo US Navy by PHCS B. Lawson. 21 May 1984: Closer air-to-air right side view, from top to bottom, of: an E-2C Hawkeye from VAW-113; an F-14 Tomcat from VF-124; and a Bandits F-5E Tiger II and TA-4 Skyhawk BuNo 153678, NJ-610 over San Diego, CA. Photo US Navy by PHCS B. Lawson. 21 MAY 1984: An air-to-air left side view of a TA-4 Skyhawk (BuNo 153678, NJ-610) aircraft from Fighter Squadron 126 (VF-126) near San Diego. Photo by PHCS Lawson. 24 MAY 1984: Pic1. An air-to-air right side view, top to bottom, of an E-2 Hawkeye (BuNo 158644, NJ-322) aircraft from Airborne Early Warning Squadron 110 (VAW-110), F-14A Tomcat (NJ-453) aircraft from Fighter Squadron 124 (VF-124), F-5E Tiger II aircraft from Navy Fighter Weapons School, and a TA-4J Skyhawk (BuNo 153678, NJ-610) aircraft from Fighter Squadron 126 (VF-126). Pic2. Photos by PHC Bob Lawson. 24 MAY 1984: top to bottom: an E-2C Hawkeye from VAW-113; an F-14 Tomcat from VF-124; and a Bandits F-5E Tiger II and TA-4 Skyhawk BuNo 153678, NJ-61. Navy Official, from Gary Verver. 18 MAR 1985: VF-126 Bandits TA-4J Skyhawk BuNo 154338, NJ-611, on approach to NAS Miramar. Copyright photo by Joe Cupido. Circa 1985: BuNo 151095, NFWS-55, in formation with VF-126 NJj-635. From Phil Thompson. 12 APR 1985: Male and female sailors work alongside each other changing a tire on an F-14 Tomcat aircraft. An A-4 Skyhawk (VF-126 TA-4J BuNo 154334, NJ-615) aircraft is in the background. Photographer is PHCM Terry Mitchell, from Gary Verver. August 1985: VF-126 A-4F BuNo.155031 NJ-622, NAS Miramar. Photo by Scott VanAken. AUG 1985: VF-126 A-4F BuNo 155031, NJ-622, AUG 1985 at NAS Miramar. B. Trombecky photo, Verver Collection. 07 SEP 1984: left side view of VF-126 Bandits A-4F Skyhawk BuNo 155036, NJ-623, painted in a brown/green camouflage scheme on approach to NAS Miramar. Copyright photo by Joe Cupido. March 1986: VF-126 A-4F BuNo 155017, NJ-621, El Centro. Photo by Scott VanAken. May 1986: VF-126 Skyhawk BuNo 153512, NJ-606, on the ramp and painted in a blue/gray camouflage scheme. Pilot is retrieving his gear from the nose cone. Photo by Patrick Martin, Gary Verver Collection. July 1986: BuNo 155017, NJ-621, parked on the ramp. Gary Verver Collection. 1986: BuNo 153512, No. 06, parked next to a fighter. Gary Verver Collection. 1987: BuNo 153512, No. 06, parked on the ramp.. Gary Verver Collection. 07 AUG 1987: VF-126 A-4E BuNo 151988, NJ-625, 07 AUG 1987 at Miramar. Photo by Bob Tromgecky via G. Verver Collection. Date unknown: BuNo 151988, No. 30, parked at the Miramar hangars. Gary Verver Collection. Date unknown: BuNo 154183 of VF-126. From Texomajack. Date unknown: BuNo 151044, A-4E, parked at NAS Miramar. Tailhook has lost pressure and wants to drup. Gary Verver Collection. AUG 1967: VF-126 Bandits TA-4F Skyhawk BuNo 153492, NJ-644, on the ramp next to a Bugsmasher at NAS North Island. Photo by A. Hansen. 14 September 1987: Bandits' Skyhawk BuNo 151044, NJ-625, and a Bandits F-5E Tiger, stationed at Naval Air Station Miramar, California. Both aircraft are carrying AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles. U.S. Navy by PHC Dupree. 14 September 1987: Aerial view of a Bandits Skyhawk BuNo 151044, NJ-625, and a Bandits F-5E Tiger, stationed at Naval Air Station Miramar, California. Both aircraft are carrying AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles. U.S. Navy by PHC Dupree. 14 SEP 1987: Aerial of three, three ship formation made up of US Navy (USN) aircraft: (lead group) two F-16N Fighting Falcons, F-5E Tiger, (upper right group) F-5E Tiger (lead), A- Skyhawk (BuNo 154181, NJ-620, outside), T-2C Buckeye, (front group) A-4F Skyhawk (BuNo 155064, NJ-625) and two TA-4J (BuNo unknown, NJ-617 & BuNo 153489, NJ-615) Skyhawks. All nine aircraft are with Fighter Squadron 126 (VF-126), Bandits, at Naval Air Station Miramar, California. November 1987: BuNo 152861, NJ-614, parked on the line in a brown/tan/green camouflage scheme. Gary Verver Collection. 1 Jan 1988: A plane captain climbs down the access ladder after assisting an instructor at the Navy Fighter Weapons School, also known as "Top Gun," into the cockpit of his A-4 Skyhawk aircraft (VF-126 TA-4J, BuNo unknown, NJ-611). Photo by Flynn, from Gary Verver. January 1988: BuNo 152861, NJ-614, parked on the line in a brown/tan/green camouflage scheme. Gary Verver Collection. January 1988: BuNo 153678, NJ-610, parked on the flight line. Gary Verver Collection. January 1988: BuNo 152061, NJ-657, parked on the ramp in a tan/gray camouflage scheme. Name below the canopy rail is LCDR Collins. Gary Verver Collection. April 1988: VF-126 Skyhawk BuNo 153512, NJ-616, on the ramp. Gary Verver Collection. May 1988: BuNo 150110, NJ-626, parked on the ramp in a blue/gray camouflage scheme. Gary Verver Collection. 19 AUG 1988: VF-126 A-4E BuNo 151044, NJ-633, 19 AUG 1988 at NAS Miramar. Photo by B. Trombecky from Gary Verver Collection. 1988: BuNo 150073, 631, parked. Gary Verver Collection 19 August 1988: VF-126 Skyhawk BuNo 151044, No. 33. This A-4E was used as an aggressor aircraft using enemy tactics against US squadrons. Note the ACMR (Air Combat Maneuvering Range) pod on the centerline station. Photo: B. Trombecky, Gary Verver Collection. Date unknown: BuNo 155017, side no. 21, parked on the ramp. Gary Verver Collection. February 1989: VF-126 TA-4J BuNo 153512, NJ-611. Gary Verver Collection. 24 FEB 1989: VF-126 A-4F BuNo 155036, NJ-623, 1989 at MCAS Yuma. Photo from B. Trombecky. FEB89: BuNo 151988, No. 34, parked by a NAS Miramar hangar. Gary Verver Collection. MAR 1989: VF-126 A-4E BuNo 149666, NJ-630, MAR 1989. Photographer unknown from Gary Verver Collection. 01 JUN 1989: Aerial of an echelon formation led by a US Navy (USN) E-2C Hawkeye (BuNo 158644, NJ-322), Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 110 (VAW-110), Firebirds, Naval Air Station (NAS) Miramar, California (CA), followed by a USN F-14A Tomcat (NJ-453), Fighter Squadron 124 (VF-124), Gunfighters, NAS Miramar, CA. Two aircraft from Naval Fighter Weapons School (Top Gun), Fighter Squadron 126 (VF-126), Bandits, a USN F-16N Fighting Falcon (NJ-02), and a USN A-4E Skyhawk (BuNo 151044, NJ-633) round out the formation over San Vicente Reservoir. Official photo, from Gary Verver. JUN89: BuNo 154181, No. 20 parked on the line. Step stool by forward hell hole. Another shot of 154181. Third shot of 154181, manned up and ready to fly. Gary Verver Collection. Date unknown: BuNo 154181, No. 20, manned and ready to taxi. Electrical and air start yellow gear close by. Gary Verver Collection. JUN89: BuNo 153513, No. 12 parked on the ramp with VF-126. Date unknown shot of 153513. Gary Verver Collection. JUN89: BuNo 153489, No. 15, parked on the ramp. Another shot date unknown. Gary Verver Collection. JUN89: BuNo 150073, 31, manned up at NAS Miramar. Gary Verver Collection. July 1989: Gun Skyhawk BuNo 149656, #554, parked on the ramp painted in an all dark green scheme. Rob Mignard. 1990-93: Bandits Skyhawk BuNo 155064, NJ-625, on final for touchdown. J.D. Stewart. FEB 1990: left side view of VA-126 TA-4J Skyhawk BuNo 154657, NJ-613, painted in a gray/green/brown camouflage scheme on approach to NAS Miramar. Copyright photo by Joe Cupido. FEB 1990: VF-126 Bandits A-4E Skyhawk BuNo 151988, NJ-634, in a blue/grey camouflage scheme at NAF El Centro. Photo by Joe Cupido. 01 March 1990: BuNo 149656, #554, still in Top Gun markings on display at the United States Naval Aviation Museum at NAS Pensacola. U.S. Navy photo by Jim Bryant. 27 JUL 1990: VF-126 A-4F BuNo 155017, NJ-621. Photo by S. VanAken, from Gary Verver Collection. 27 October 1990: VA-127 Skyhawk BuNo 154183, NJ-702, assigned to CDR Toalson parked on the ramp and painted a grey/brown camouflage scheme. W. Munzenmaier. 02 November 1990: Desert Bogeys' Skyhawk BuNo 154183, NJ-702 "Mongoose", parked on the ramp with a centerline tank. Frank J. Mirande. DEC90: BuNo 154325, 17, parked and tied down. Gary Verver Collection. Dates unknown; BuNo 154325, Pic1 and Pic2. Gary Verver Collection. JAN91: BuNo 154657, No. 13, parked on the ramp. Gary Verver Collection. JAN91: A4-F BuNo 155064 No. 25 on the ramp. Another shot. Gary Verver Collection. 26 April 1991: Bandits' Skyhawk BuNo 155064, NJ-625, parked on the flight line. Photo by M. Anselmo, G. Verver collection. 1991: BuNo 153513, No. 12, parked in front of the hangar. Gary Verver Collection. 23 March 1991: BuNo 154657, NJ-04, parked on the ramp with a centerline tank. Gary Verver Collection. 15 June 1991: VF-126 A-4F BuNo 155036, NJ-623, NAS Miramar. Photo by Scott VanAken. June 1991: BuNo 154330, NJ-610, parked on the ramp. Photo by K. Snyder, Gary Verver Collection. 15 June 1991: Bandits' Skyhawk BuNo 151059, NJ-632, parked on the ramp and painted a brown/tan camouflage scheme. Craig Kaston. 15 JUN 1991: VF-126 TA-4J BuNo 153489, NJ-615, 15 JUN 1991 at Miramar. Photo by S. VanAken. July 1991: TA-4J BuNo. 155031. TA-4J BuNo. 155031 side number November Juliet 622 of VF-126 "Bandits", based at Naval Air Station Miramar, California. Photographed on a visit to Naval Air Station Atlanta in July, 1991, this Juliet-model bears a fairly common adversary scheme of alternating bands of light and medium gray. From a photograph by Frank J. Mirande. July 1991: TA-4J BuNo. 155031 Tail Detail. TA-4J BuNo. 155031 tail detail illustrates the squadron insignia then applied to all "Bandit" aircraft. Within a few months, this would disappear in favor of national insignia of potential enemies. From a photograph by Frank J. Mirande. October 1991: BuNo 155025, NJ-626, parked on the flight line. A second shot. Photo by K. Snyder, G. Verver collection. October 1991: right side view of Bandits Skyhawk BuNo 155018, NJ-627, parked on the ramp. Keith Snyder, Gary Verver Collection. Date unknown: BuNo 155018, 27, parked on the ramp. Pic2, Pic3. Gary Verver Collection. October 1991: BuNo 155036, NJ-623, parked on the flight line. Keith Snyder, Gary Verver Collection. 1991: BuNo 153513, VF-126 NJ-612, on the ramp. Another shot of 153513. Gary Verver Collection. Date unknown: Left side view of VF-126 Bandits TA-4J Skyhawk BuNo 153513, NJ-612, on the ramp and painted in a blue/blue camouflage scheme, loaction and date unknown. Note the back seater in the plane and the pilot on the ground with the maintainers. Gary Verver Collection. Date unknown: Bandits Skyhawk BuNo 154313, NJ-603, parked on the ramp. Gary Verver Collection. October 1991: Bandits' Skyhawk BuNo 155025, NJ-626, parked on the flight line. Copyright by Keith Snyder. December 1991: Bandits' Skyhawk BuNo 153489, NJ-615, parked on the ramp. Photo by K. Snyder, Gary Verver Collection. December 1991: Bandits' Skyhawk BuNo 153491, NJ-616,, parked on the ramp. Photo by K. Snyder, Gary Verver Collection. December 1991: Bandits' Skyhawk BuNo 154632, NJ-614, parked on the Miramar ramp. Photo by K. Snyder, Gary Verver Collection. Date unknown: BuNo 154632, NJ-614, in-flight with gear down. Photo from JD Stewart. December 1991: BuNo 154325, NJ-617, parked on the ramp. Photo by K. Snyder, Gary Verver Collection. December 1991: BuNo 154181, NJ-620, parked on the ramp. Keith Snyder, Gary Verver Collection. December 1991: BuNo 154190, NJ-624, parked on the ramp. Keith Snyder, Gary Verver Collection. December 1991: Bandits' Skyhawk BuNo 154657, NJ-613, parked on the ramp. Keith Snyder, Gary Verver Collection. 23 December 1991: BuNo 155018, NJ-627, parked on the ramp. U.S. Navy photo by B. Trombecky. 23 DEC 1991: VF-126 A-4F BuNo 155031, NJ-622, 23 DEC 1991 at NAS Miramar. B. Trombecky photo, Verver Collection. 1991-92: Bandits' Skyhawk BuNo 154209, NJ-621, parked on the ramp and painted in a tan/brown camouflage scheme. Unknown photographer via W. Mutza. Circa 1991-92: Bandits' Skyhawk BuNo 159483, NJ-630, parked on the line. Craig Kaston. 1992-94: VF-126 A-4M BuNo 159483, NJ-630. Photo from W. Munzenmaier. Date unknown: Bandits Skyhawk NJ-1000 parked on the ramp. Unknown via W. Mutza. 1991-92: Bandits' Skyhawk BuNo 151059, NJ-632, parked on the ramp and painted a brown/tan camouflage scheme. Unknown photographer via W. Mutza. JAN 1992: VF-126 Bandits Skyhawk flightline at NAS Miramar, right to left are TA-4J BuNo 154632, NJ-614, TA-4J BuNo 154325, NJ-617, A-4F BuNo 155031, NJ-622, A-4F BuNo 155025, NJ-626 all painted in lo-vis gray or blue/grey camouflage and barely visible behind 155025 is A-4F BuNo 155018, NJ-627 in a brown/green camouflage scheme. Copyright photo by Joe Cupido. 1992: BuNo 158413, former VF-126 bird at rest at MASDC. Gary Verver Location. 1992: BuNo 153513, No. 12, parked on the ramp. Undated shot of 153513. Gary Verver Collection. JAN 1992: left front view of VF-126 Bandits A-4F Skyhawk BuNo 155031, NJ-622, on the ramp at NAS Miramar painted in a blue/grey camouflage scheme. Copyright photo by Joe Cupido. JAN 1992: Right front view of VF-126 Bandits A-4F Skyhawk BuNo 155018, NJ-627, on the ramp at NAS Miramar painted in a brown/green/tan camouflage scheme. JAN 1992: VF-126 Bandits Skyhawk flightline at NAS Miramar, A-4F BuNo 155025, NJ-626, painted in lo-vis blue/grey camouflage and A-4F BuNo 155018, NJ-627, in a brown/green camouflage scheme. Copyright photo by Joe Cupido. 21 APR 1992: VF-126 Bandits TA-4F Skyhawk BuNo 153489, on the ramp at NAS Miramar. Copyright Werner Munzenmaier. 21 APR 1992: VF-126 Bandits TA-4F Skyhawk BuNo 153491, NJ-616, on the ramp at NAS Miramar minus the engine and with reflective covering over the canopy & windscreen. Copyright Werner Munzenmaier. 21 APR 1992: Left side view of VF-126 Bandits TA-4J Skyhawk BuNo 154657, NJ-613, in a brown/green/olive camouflage scheme, NAS Miramar, 21 April 1992. Copyright Werner Munzenmaier. 21 APR 1992: Left side view of VF-126 Bandits TA-4J Skyhawk BuNo 154632, NJ-614, in a lo-vis camouflage scheme lifting off the runway, NAS Miramar. Copyright Werner Munzenmaier. 21 April 1992: Bandits' Skyhawk BuNo 154181, NJ-620, parked on the ramp. W. Munzenmaier. 21 April 1992: Bandits' Skyhawk BuNo 154183, NJ-600, parked on the ramp and painted a tan/brown camouflage scheme. W. Munzenmaier. 21 APR 1992: VF-126 A-4F BuNo 155064, NJ-625, 21 APR 1992 at Miramar. Photo from W. Munzenmaier. 21 April 1992: Bandits' Skyhawk BuNo 155017, NJ-621, parked on the ramp. W. Munzenmaier. 21 April 1992: Bandits' Skyhawk BuNo 155018, NJ-627, parked by the hangar and painted a tan/brown/green camouflage scheme. W. Munzenmaier. 21 April 1992: Bandits' Skyhawk Skyhawk BuNo 151988, NJ-630, parked on the rmap and painted in a brown/gray camouflage scheme. W. Munzenmaier. 21 April 1992: Bandits' Skyhawk BuNo 151044, NJ-625, parked on the ramp with the hook and flaps down and the nose cone removed. W.Munzenmaier. 21 April 1992: Bandits' Skyhawk BuNo 149666, NJ-630, parked on the ramp and painted a brown/green camouflage scheme. Pretty low on the main gear for a Skyhawk without an engine. W. Munzenmaier. 21 April 1992: Bandits' Skyhawk BuNo 151059, NJ-632, parked on the ramp and painted a brown/tan camouflage scheme. W. Munzenmaier. 02 May 1992: VF-126 A-4F BuNo 154181, NJ-620, Miramar. Photo by Scott VanAken. Date unknown: Four VF-126 TA-4 Skyhawks. Can't read any of the BuNo's, the modex's, clockwise from the top, are NJ-620, NJ-616 in the lead, NJ-617 and NJ-621 in the slot. Official U.S. Navy photo from the Don Scott collection. 02 MAY 1992: VF-126 TA-4J BuNo 153513, NJ-612, at Miramar. S. Van Anken, Verver Collection. 02 MAY 1992: BuNo 155031 NJ-622 at Miramar. Photo B. Trombecky via Verver Collection. 02 May 1992: VF-126 A-4F BuNo 154183, NJ-600, Miramar. Photo by Scott VanAken. 02 May 1992: VF-126 A-4F BuNo 155018, NJ-627, Miramar. Photo by Scott VanAken. 02 May 1992: VF-126 A-4F BuNo 155064, NJ-625, Miramar. Photo by Scott VanAken. May 1992 - Bandits Skyhawk BuNo 154183, displaying a camouflage paint scheme, on the flight line. The aircraft, assigned to the Commander, Fighter Wing Pacific, provides adversary training for Pacific Fleet-based squadrons. U.S. Navy photo, PH2 Bruce Trombecky. May 1992: BuNo 155000, #50, parked on the ramp in a brown/tan camouflage scheme. Gary Verver Collection. May 1992: BuNo 151988, NJ-630, parked on the flight ramp in a mottled camouflage scheme. Gary Verver Collection. May 1992: BuNo 154183, NJ-600, "double nuts" parked on the ramp. Gary Verver Collection. May 1992: Left side view of Bandits Skyhawk BuNo 154183, NJ-600. Gary Verver Collection. Date unknown: BuNo 154188, NJ-701, parked on the ramp. Gary Verver Collection. 02 May 1992: VF-126 BuNo.153513 parked on the flight line and exhibiting the fin flash of China to represent an aggressor country. The aircraft is providing adversary training for Pacific Fleet-based squadrons. U.S. Navy photo by Bruce Trombecky. 05 June 1992: VF-126 TA-4J Skyhawk BuNo. 154334 01 JUL 1992: Pic0. Pic1. Pic2. Fighter Squadron 126 (VF-126) A-4M (BuNo 159483, NJ-630) Skyhawk on the flight line in preparation for a mock combat training mission. The aircraft are painted in "threat colors" to represent aggressor forces. Photo by LCDR Dave Parsons, from Gary Verver. July 1992: BuNo.154183 Bandits Skyhawk, parked on the flight line in preparation for a mock combat training mission. Official Navy Photo by LTCDR Dave parsons. August 1992: VF-126 A-4M Skyhawk BuNo. 159486. As the USMC retired its A-4M's, a handful ended up in adversary service with the USN. This A-4M Skyhawk from VF-126, BuNo. 159486, was one of them. It was taken at Naval Air Station Miramar's airshow in August 1992. From a photograph by Mike Shapiro. 05 DEC 1992: Top Gun A-4F BuNo 154209, NFWS-56, 02 MAY 1992 at Miramar. S. Van Anken, Verver Collection. 05 DEC 1992: VF-126 TA-4J BuNo 154632, NJ-614, 05 DEC 1992 at Miramar. P/C name on the nose gear door is AN Walker. S. Van Aken photo, Verver Collection. 05 DEC 1992: VF-126 A-4F BuNo 155030, NJ-624, 05 DEC 1992 at Miramar. P/C name is AN Valenzuela. Photo from S. Van Aken, Verver Collection. 1992-94: Bandits Skyhawk BuNo 155030, NJ-624, parked on the ramp and painted in a blue/grey camouflage scheme. J.D. Stewart. Date unknown: BuNo 155030, NJ-624, tied down on the ramp. Photo from JD Stewart 05 December 1992: VF-126 A-4F BuNo 154183, NJ-623, Miramar. 2nd shot. Photo by Scott VanAken. 05 December 1992: VF-126 A-4F BuNo 154209, NJ-621, Miramar. Photo by Scott VanAken. 05 December 1992: Bandits' Skyhawk BuNo 149666, NJ-630, parked on the ramp and painted a brown/green/tan camouflage scheme. Craig Kaston. 05 December 1992: Skyhawk BuNo 159486, NJ-632, parked on the line and painted in a gray/blue camouflage scheme. Craig Kaston. 24 April 1993: VF-126 A-4F BuNo 154173, NJ-622,. Photo by J. Tunney, G. Verver collection. 24 April 1993: Bandits' Skyhawk BuNo 155030, NJ-624, parked on the ramp next to the hangar. Another shot. Photo by J. Tunney, Gary Verver Collection. Undated BuNo 155030, side no. 24, parked along with side no. 16. Gary Verver Collection. Circa 1993: BuNo 158477, side no. 16, parked with engine access panel open. Gary Verver Collection. 24 APR 1993: VF-126 TA-4J BuNo 154334, NJ-615, 24 APR 1993 at NAS Miramar. B.Trombecky, Verver Collection. Summer 1993: VF-126 Bandit TA-4F BuNo. 154334 - side number NJ 615 at Naval Air Station Miramar, California. Photograph from Jeff Malone. May 1993: Bandits' Skyhawk Skyhawk BuNo 151988, NJ-630, parked on the rmap and painted in a brown/gray camouflage scheme. Unknown Photographer via W. Mutza. 06 JUL 1993: VF-126 TA-4J BuNo 158454, NJ-612. Names below the canopy are LT M.A. "Crash" C?lto(n,r) and LT D. "Troll" Boal. Photo by C.E. Stewart from Verver Collection. 26MAR94: Bandits' Skyhawk BuNo 155037, NJ-626, parked on the flightline in a blue/gray camouflage scheme. Jim Burridge. 1994: BuNo 154632, NJ-14, parked on the ramp. Undated photo of 154632. Gary Verver Collection. Date unknown: BuNo 159483, No. 30, A-4M parked. Gary Verver Collection. 24 November 1994: Close-up left front cockpit view as plane captain Airman (AN) Mary Garcia, performs preflight inspections with the pilot of Bandits Skyhawk BuNo 154632, NJ-614. U.S. Navy photo, PH3 J. Marzini. 24 November 1994: Close-up left front view as plane captain Airman (AN) Mary Garcia, stands nect to Bandits Skyhawk BuNo 154632, NJ-614. U.S. Navy photo, PH3 J. Marzini. 24 November 1994: Left front view of Bandits Skyhawk BuNo 154632, NJ-614, as plane captain Airman (AN) Mary Garcia, signals the pilot, LT J. P. Whatley, at the conclusion of her preflight inspections. U.S. Navy photo, PH3 J. Marzini. 24 November 1994: Bandits' Skyhawk BuNo 154632, NJ-614, as plane captain Airman (AN) Mary Garcia, performs her preflight inspections. U.S. Navy photo, PH3 J. Marzini. 24 November 1994: Bandits' Skyhawk BuNo 154632, NJ-614, as plane captain Airman (AN) Mary Garcia, checks the undercarriage during her preflight inspections. U.S. Navy photo, PH3 J. Marzini. 24 November 1994: Bandits' Skyhawk BuNo 154632, NJ-614, as plane captain Airman (AN) Mary Garcia, checks the port main gear during her preflight inspection. U.S. Navy photo, PH3 J. Marzini. 24 November 1994: Plane captains for Fighter Squadron 126 (VF-126), prepare for preflight checks on Skyhawk BuNo 154173, NJ-622. US Navy PH3 J. Marzini. 24 November 1994: Plane captain for Fighter Squadron 126 (VF-126), performs preflight checks on a Skyhawk BuNo 154209, NJ-621, as ground crewmen look on. US Navy PH3 J. Marzini. Date unknown: In-flight view of Bandits Skyhawk BuNo 154634, NJ-602, in formation with A-4F BuNo 155017, NJ-621 and A-4F BuNo 155031, NJ-622. Bruce Trombecky. 1994: BuNo 154334, NJ-615, on display. David Lindley. 05 DEC 1992: A right side view of VF-126 Bandits TA-4F Skyhawk BuNo 154334, NJ-615, parked on the flight line at NAF Andrews AFB, MD. Photo by Bruce Trombecky. Circa 1994: BuNo 154209, at rest at MASDC. Gary Verver Collection. Off-Duty Photos None yet. |
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