VA-192 |
Point of Contact = Squadron Duty Officer (SDO).
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This Skyhawk Association website page is dedicated to Lieutenant Commander Michael J. Estocin
Captain (then LCDR), U.S. Navy, Attack Squadron 192, USS Ticonderoga (CVA-14). Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty on 20 and 26 April 1967 as a pilot in Attack Squadron 192, embarked in USS Ticonderoga (CVA-14). Leading a 3-plane group of aircraft in support of a coordinated strike against two thermal power plants in Haiphong, North Vietnam, on 20 April 1967, Capt. Estocin provided continuous warnings to the strike group leaders of the surface-to-air missile (SAM) threats, and personally neutralized 3 SAM sites. Although his aircraft was severely damaged by an exploding missile, he reentered the target area and relentlessly prosecuted a SHRIKE attack in the face of intense antiaircraft fire. With less than 5 minutes of fuel remaining he departed the target area and commenced in-flight refueling which continued for over 100 miles. Three miles aft of Ticonderoga, and without enough fuel for a second approach, he disengaged from the tanker and executed a precise approach to a fiery arrested landing. On 26 April 1967, in support of a coordinated strike against the vital fuel facilities in Haiphong, he led an attack on a threatening SAM site, during which his aircraft was seriously damaged by an exploding SAM; nevertheless, he regained control of his burning aircraft and courageously launched his SHRIKE missiles before departing the area. By his inspiring courage and unswerving devotion to duty in the face of grave personal danger, Captain Estocin upheld the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service. USS Estocin Decommissioned: NAVAL STATION MAYPORT, Fla. (NNS) -- In a ceremony held April 4 at Naval Station Mayport, the crew of USS Estocin (FFG 15) lowered the stars and stripes one last time and decommissioned the ship in preparation for her transfer to the government of Turkey. Estocin was named in honor of CAPT Michael J. Estocin, a fighter pilot during the Vietnam conflict. Attached to Attack Squadron 192, "The World Famous Golden Dragons," then LCDR Estocin gallantly flew over Haiphong, destroying fuel depots vital to the enemy. Even after taking on heavy damage from a mirage of surface-to-air missiles, Estocin continued to fly into the target area. Estocin's aircraft, badly damaged, went down April 26, 1967. He was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor by Congress. His award read: "for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty."
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On April 26, 1967, LCdr. Michael Estocin crashed in A-4E Skyhawk NM 208, Bureau Number 151073, as the result of a SAM hit. He was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions over the target area.  VF-153 Fightin' Kangaroo - 1945 |
 HELMET AND SHIELD - 1947 Drawn by Bud Southworth |
 VF-192 Dragon and carrier - 1950 |
 ATKRON 192 |
 VA-192 Golden Dragons - 1956 Courtesy of Bob Taylor |
 VA-192 Golden Dragons |
 VA-192 Golden Dragons E 1965-66 |
 VFA-192 Golden Dragons - 1986 |
 VA-192 Golden Dragons 50th |
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Patch VF-153's first patch, the Fighting Kangaroo, was used before October 11, 1945. November 24, 1947, following VF-153's redesignation as VF-15A, a Helmet and Shield patch was created. When the squadron was redesignated VF-151, the helmet and shield insignia was modified and the Latin inscription In Omnia Paratus was added to the scroll inside the design. The Latin phrase means ever ready or a state of readiness. The squadron's designation Fighting One Fifty One was added in a lower scroll. The colors remained the same. On August 8, 1950, a Dragon and Carrier patch was adopted following squadron re-designation from VF-151 to VF-192. June 21, 1956, when VF-192 was redesignated VA-192, a newly designed Dragon patch was adopted. The Dragon patch was redesigned following the VA-192's change to VFA-192. |
Sources David Weber Harry S. Gann James A. Michner Bob Taylor The Tailhook Association |
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Before August 1945, Fighting 153. 1947, Fighting 15A. 1948, Fighting 151. 1950, Fighting 192. In 1953, while flying the F9F-5 Grumman Panther from USS ORISKANY (CVA 34), the Golden Dragons participated in the filming of the 1953 classic movie, "The Bridges of Toko Ri", as well as the film "Men of the Fighting Lady". The squadron added "World Famous" to its moniker as a result of its appearance in these films. 1956 to present: World Famous Golden Dragons. Heritage March 26, 1945, Fighter Squadron ONE HUNDRED FIFTY THREE (VF-153) established. November 15, 1946, VF-153 redesignated as Fighter Squadron FIFTEEN A (VF-15A). July 15, 1948, VF-15A redesignated Fighter Squadron ONE HUNDRED FIFTY ONE (VF-151). February 15, 1950, VF-151 redesignated Fighter Squadron ONE HUNDRED NINETY TWO (VF-192). March 15, 1956, VF-192 redesignated Attack Squadron ONE HUNDRED NINETY TWO (VA-192). January 10, 1986, VA-192 redesignated Strike Fighter Squadron ONE HUNDRED NINETY TWO (VFA-192). |
Home Ports
Date - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Location: March 26, 1945 - - - - - Naval Air Station Atlantic City June 1, 1945 - - - - - - Naval Auxiliary Air Station Oceana August 1946- - - - - - - Naval Air Station Alameda July 16, 1951- - - - - - Naval Air Station Moffett Field January 1, 1962- - - - - Naval Air Station Lemoore July 1, 1986*- - - - - - Naval Station Yokosuka, Japan (Naval Air Facility Atsugi & Misawa) * VFA-192 was assigned to CVW-5 on July 1, 1986 as part of a program that has a permanently assigned carrier and air wing at an overseas home port. The home-port for CVW-5 and United States Ship Midway CV 41, was Naval Station Yokosuka, Japan. The squadron did not arrive in Japan until November 1986. |
| Aircraft
Date Type First Received - - - - - - Type of Aircraft: March 1945 - - - - - - - - - - - - Grumman F6F-3 Hellcat April 1945 - - - - - - - - - - - - Grumman F6F-5 Hellcat November 1947- - - - - - - - - - - Grumman F8F-1 Bearcat July 1949- - - - - - - - - - - - - Grumman F8F-2 Bearcat July 1950- - - - - - - - - - - - - Vought F4U-4 Corsair I July 14, 1951- - - - - - - - - - - Grumman F9F-2 Panther * ** December 3, 1952 - - - - - - - - - Grumman F9F-2 Panther ** January 1953 - - - - - - - - - - - Grumman F9F-5 Panther ** January 1956 - - - - - - - - - - - Grumman F9F-6 Cougar ** June 1956- - - - - - - - - - - - - Grumman F9F-8B Cougar ** July 1956- - - - - - - - - - - - - Grumman F9F-8 Cougar ** December 10, 1957- - - - - - - - - North American FJ-4B Fury July 1959- - - - - - - - - - - - - Douglas A4D-2 (A-4B) Skyhawk June 1, 1960 - - - - - - - - - - - Douglas A4D-2N (A-4C) Skyhawk June 1966- - - - - - - - - - - - - Douglas A4D-5 (A-4E) Skyhawk July 1967- - - - - - - - - - - - - Douglas A-4F Skyhawk October 7, 1968- - - - - - - - - - Douglas TA-4F Skyhawk February 26, 1970- - - - - - - - - Vought A-7E Corsair II May 5, 1986- - - - - - - - - - - - Boeing F/A-18A Hornet September, 1991- - - - - - - - - - Boeing F/A-18C Hornet * On October 9, 1951 the squadron transferred all its F9F-2s to VF-191 and received F4U-4s in exchange. ** 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-2 designation was changed to A-4B The A4D-2N designation was changed to A-4C The A4D-5 designation was changed to A-4E Three view drawings from Harry Gann, redrawn by Bud Southworth. For A-4 Skyhawk aircraft assigned to this unit see lower in this page: |
Air Wings
Date - - - - - - - - - - - - Tail code - - - - - - - Air Wing March 26, 1945- - - - - - B/A†- - - - - CVG-153/CVAG-15/CVG-15* November 1949 - - - - - - B/NM‡ - - - - CVG-19/CVW-19 December 1, 1969- - - - - - - - - - - - COMFAIRLEMOORE December 1, 1969- - - - - NH- - - - - - CVW-11 January 18, 1982- - - - - NL- - - - - - CVW-15 August 31, 1982 - - - - - - - - - - - - COMLATWINGPAC November 12, 1982 - - - - NG- - - - - - CVW-9 September 15, 1984- - - - - - - - - - - COMLATWINGPAC June 4, 1985- - - - - - - NM**- - - - - MAG-12 December 14, 1985 - - - - - - - - - - - COMLATWINGPAC July 1, 1986- - - - - - - NF- - - - - - CVW-521 * CVG-153 was redesignated Attack CVAG-15 on November 15, 1946 and then became CVG-15 on September 1, 1948. LI>† The tail code B was assigned to CVAG-15 on December 12, 1946 and changed to A on August 4, 1948. The tail code B was changed to NM in 1957. The effective date for this change was most likely the beginning of FY 58 (July 1, 1957). CVG-19 was redesignated CVW-19 when Carrier Air Groups (CVG) were re-designated Carrier Air Wings (CVW) on December 20, 1963. The squadron was operationally assigned to CVW-11 and under the administrative command of Commander Fleet Air Lemoore. During the latter part of 1969 and early 1970 the squadron underwent transitional training with VA-122 in the A-7 Corsair II. ** While deployed to Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni and assigned to MAG-12 the squadron used the NM tail code. |
| Deployments
03-31-47 to 10-08-47 - CVAG-15 - CV 36 - F6F-5 - WestPac 01-11-50 to 06-13-50 - CVG-19 - CV 21 - F8F-2 - WestPac 11-09-50 to 06-09-51 - CVG-19 - CV 37* - F4U-4 - WestPac/Korea 03-21-52 to 11-03-52 - CVG-19 - CV 37 - F4U-4 - WestPac/Korea 09-14-53 to 04-22-54 - CVG-19 - CVA 34 - F9F-5 - WestPac 03-02-55 to 09-21-55 - CVG-19 - CVA 34 - F9F-5 - WestPac 03-09-57 to 08-25-57 - CVG-19 - CVA 10 - F9F-8/8B - WestPac 11-01-58 to 06-18-59 - CVG-19 - CVA 31 - FJ-4B - WestPac 11-21-59 to 05-14-60 - CVG-19 - CVA 31 - A4D-2 - WestPac 04-26-61 to 12-13-61 - CVG-19 - CVA 31 - A4D-2N - WestPac 07-12-62 to 02-11-63 - CVG-19 - CVA 31 - A-4C - WestPac 01-28-64 to 11-21-64 - CVW-19 - CVA 31 - A-4C - WestPac/IO/Vietnam 04-21-65 to 01-13-66 - CVW-19 - CVA 31 - A-4C - WestPac/Vietnam 11-15-66 to 05-29-67 - CVW-19 - CVA 14 - A-4E - WestPac/Vietnam 12-28-67 to 08-17-68 - CVW-19 - CVA 14 - A-4F - WestPac/Vietnam 04-14-69 to 11-17-69 - CVW-19 - CVA 34 - A-4F - WestPac/Vietnam 11-06-70 to 07-17-71 - CVW-11 - CVA 63 - A-7E - WestPac/Vietnam 02-17-72 to 11-28-72 - CVW-11 - CVA 63 - A-7E - WestPac/Vietnam 11-23-73 to 07-09-74 - CVW-11 - CV 63 - A-7E - WestPac/IO 05-21-75 to 12-15-75 - CVW-11 - CV 63 - A-7E - WestPac 10-25-77 to 09-22-78 - CVW-11 - CV 63 - A-7E - WestPac 03-13-79 to 09-22-79 - CVW-11 - CV 66 - A-7E - Mediterranean 03-14-81 to 11-12-81 - CVW-11 - CV 66 - A-7E - Mediterranean/IO 07-15-83 to 02-29-84 - CVW-9 - CV 61 - A-7E - Central America/ WestPac/IO 06-04-85 to 12-14-85 - MAG-12 - - - - A-7E - WestPac 01-09-87 to 03-20-87 - CVW-5 - CV 41 - F/A-18A - WestPac‡ 04-23-87 to 07-13-87 - CVW-5 - CV 41 - F/A-18A - WestPac 10-15-87 to 04-12-88 - CVW-5 - CV 41 - F/A-18A - WestPac/IO 10-18-88 to 11-09-88 - CVW-5 - CV 41 - F/A-18A - WestPac 01-21-89 to 02-24-89 - CVW-5 - CV 41 - F/A-18A - WestPac 02-27-89 to 04-09-89 - CVW-5 - CV 41 - F/A-18A - WestPac 05-31-89 to 07-25-89 - CVW-5 - CV 41 - F/A-18A - WestPac 08-15-89 to 12-11-89 - CVW-5 - CV 41 - F/A-18A - WestPac/IO 02-20-90 to 04-06-90 - CVW-5 - CV 41 - F/A-18A - WestPac 10-02-90 to 04-17-91 - CVW-5 - CV 41 - F/A-18A - WestPac/IO/ Persian Gulf * The squadron and CVG-19 were relieved aboard United States Ship Princeton CV 27, by Carrier Air Group 19X in the latter part of May 1951. Squadron officers were flown back to the States and the enlisted personnel were embarked on a transport ship for their return to Naval Air Station Alameda. The squadron deployed to Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, as part of the Marine Corps Unit Deployment Program and was assigned to MAG-12. The squadron was permanently forward deployed and home ported in Japan. Consequently, all future deployments for the squadron while embarked on United States Ship Midway CV 41, will cover only those operations outside the home waters of Japan. |
Commanding Officers
Date Assumed Command - - - - - - - Commanding Officer-192 Golden Dragons March 26, 1945 - - - - - LCDR Kenneth P. Hance April 26, 1946 - - - - - LCDR Wilson G. Wright October 22, 1947 - - - - LCDR Richard E. Brown March 8, 1949- - - - - - LCDR Frank C. Perry June 26, 1950- - - - - - LCDR K. S. Van Meter July 27, 1951- - - - - - CDR Elwin A. Parker November 28, 1952- - - - LCDR John H. Dinneen April 1954 - - - - - - - LCDR Ciro N. V. Whited October 1955 - - - - - - CDR Frank E. Foltz September 30, 1957 - - - LCDR William R. Flanagan September 19, 1958 - - - LCDR Larry F. Baumgaertel July 1, 1959 - - - - - - CDR William E. Payne, Jr. May 1960 - - - - - - - - CDR Harold F. Snowden March 1961 - - - - - - - CDR Benjamin W. Adams February 15, 1962- - - - LCDR Mitchell M. Simmons February 21, 1963- - - - CDR Keith T. Weaver December 10, 1963- - - - CDR William H. Rogers December 1964- - - - - - CDR Eugene E. Tissot December 1965- - - - - - CDR Allen E. Hill December 15, 1966- - - - CDR Ed D. McKellar December 1967- - - - - - CDR Lowell F. Eggert December 13, 1968- - - - CDR Joseph K. Stanley October 19, 1969 - - - - CDR Robert E. Woodbury August 5, 1970 - - - - - CDR David C. Parkhurst April 30, 1971 - - - - - CDR Richard L. Kiehl May 8, 1972- - - - - - - CDR Robert C. Taylor, Jr. May 1973 - - - - - - - - CDR Darrel D. Owens July 16, 1974- - - - - - CDR David N. Rogers October 6, 1975- - - - - CDR Gordon R. Goldenstein January 21, 1977 - - - - CDR Joseph D. Cole April 24, 1978 - - - - - CDR John L. McWhinney June 27, 1980- - - - - - CDR Thomas B. Latendresse September 12, 1981 - - - CDR John J. Zerr June 28, 1982- - - - - - CDR Harry T. Rittenour June 15, 1983- - - - - - CDR Gilman E. Rud August 17, 1984- - - - - CDR C. D. Englehardt January 10, 1986 - - - - CDR Robert G. Ferver April 9, 1987- - - - - - CDR John F. Williams May 13, 1988 - - - - - - CDR John A. Pettitt September 6, 1989- - - - CDR Michael D. Shutt March 1, 1991- - - - - - CDR James B. Godwin III 1999 - - - - - - - - - - CDR Dunkle 2003 - - - - - - - - - - CDR James Paulsen |
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Awards Award - - - - - - - - - Inclusive Dates: NAVE 01 July 1965 to 31 December 1966 01 July 1968 to 31 December 1969 01 January 1989 to 31 December 1989 01 January 1990 to 31 December 1990 SASM 02 November 1990 to 14 March 1991 KLM 17 January 1991 to 28 February 1991 NUC 05 December 1950 to May 1951 15 April 1952 to 18 October 1952 28 October 1966 to 21 May 1967 26 January 1968 to 23 July 1968 07 December 1970 to 24 June 1971 09 March 1972 to 04 November 1972 17 January 1991 to 07 February 1991 KPUC 05 December 1950 to May 1951 KSM 01 December 1950 to 31 May 1951 14 April 1952 to 24 April 1952 30 April 1952 to 21 October 1952 AFEM 03 April 1960 to 04 April 1960 26 April 1960 to 27 April 1960 22 May 1961 to 27 May 1961 05 March 1964 to 13 March 1964 12 May 1964 to 14 May 1964 05 June 1964 to 10 June 1964 13 June 1964 to 17 June 1964 31 August 1964 to 06 November 1964 14 November 1964 to 21 November 1964 26 May 1965 to 03 June 1965 23 January 1968 to 22 March 1968 17 September 1969 28 September 1969 to 04 October 1969 MUC 05 May 1969 to 03 November 1969 07 September 1989 to 25 October 1989 NEM 09 May 1981 to 18 October 1981 RVNGC 19 October 1965 to 20 October 1965 23 October 1965 to 28 October 1965 22 November 1965 24 November 1965 06 December 1965 15 November 1966 to 16 November 1966 20 November 1966 to 21 November 1966 06 December 1966 15 December 1966 06 January 1967 09 January 1967 30 January 1967 21 February 1967 25 February 1967 03 March 1967 to 04 March 1967 06 March 1967 to 07 March 1967 09 March 1967 30 March 1967 11 April 1967 15 April 1967 24 April 1967 26 April 1967 27 January 1968 31 January 1968 to 03 February 1968 05 February 1968 to 03 March 1968 27 March 1968 to 06 April 1968 08 April 1968 26 April 1968 28 April 1968 to 01 May 1968 08 May 1968 11 May 1968 31 May 1968 02 June 1968 17 May 1969 to 03 June 1969 15 June 1969 to 30 June 1969 |
VNSM 18 July 1965 to 13 August 1965 10 September 1965 to 01 October 1965 08 October 1965 to 29 October 1965 13 November 1965 to 17 December 1965 12 November 1966 to 18 December 1966 03 January 1967 to 07 February 1967 13 February 1967 to 16 March 1967 28 March 1967 to 28 April 1967 25 January 1968 to 04 March 1968 25 March 1968 to 08 April 1968 16 April 1968 24 April 1968 to 12 May 1968 20 May 1968 to 14 June 1968 25 June 1968 to 23 July 1968 05 May 1969 to 04 June 1969 15 June 1969 to 01 July 1969 12 July 1969 to 30 July 1969 14 August 1969 to 12 September 1969 08 October 1969 to 31 October 1969 07 December 1970 to 30 December 1970 12 January 1971 to 04 February 1971 19 February 1971 to 01 April 1971 09 April 1971 to 26 April 1971 03 May 1971 to 17 May 1971 29 May 1971 to 23 June 1971 08 March 1972 to 25 March 1972 03 April 1972 to 22 April 1972 01 June 1972 to 27 June 1972 07 July 1972 to 04 August 1972 14 August 1972 to 05 September 1972 15 September 1972 to 02 October 1972 12 October 1972 to 31 October 1972 |
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Events March 26, 1945: Fighter Squadron ONE HUNDRED FIFTY THREE (VF-153) established at Naval Air Station Atlantic City. VF-153 was assigned the Grumman F6F-3 Hellcat. June 1, 1945: VF-153 was stationed at Naval Auxiliary Air Station Oceana. August 1946: VF-153 was stationed at Naval Air Station Alameda. November 15, 1946: VF-153 redesignated as Fighter Squadron FIFTEEN A (VF-15A). March 31, 1947 through October 8, 1947: VF-15A, flying the Grumman F6F-5 Hellcat, embarked on the USS Antietam CV 36, for their 1st cruise. This cruise was to the Western Pacific Theater. November 1947: Fighter Squadron FIFTEEN A was assigned the Grumman F8F-1 Bearcat. July 15, 1948: VF-15A redesignated Fighter Squadron ONE HUNDRED FIFTY ONE (VF-151). January 11, 1950 through June 13, 1950: VF-151, flying the Grumman F8F-2 Bearcat, embarked on the USS Boxer CV 21, for their 2nd cruise. This cruise was to the Western Pacific Theater. February 15, 1950: VF-151 redesignated Fighter Squadron ONE HUNDRED NINETY TWO (VF-192). July 1950: VF-192 was assigned the Vought F4U-4 Corsair I. November 9, 1950 through June 9, 1951: VF-192, flying the Vought F4U-4 Corsair, embarked on the USS Boxer CV 21, for their 3rd cruise. This was the squadrons 1st combat cruise to the Western Pacific Korean War Theater. December 5, 1950: VF-192 flew its first combat missions, providing close air support for US Marines near Chosen Reservoir in North Korea. May 1, 1951: VF-192 participated in a special strike against the Hwachon Reservoir Dam with VF-193 and VA-195. The purpose of the mission was to destroy the floodgates and raise the level of the river to form a natural barrier against the enemy's advance. While VA-195 was dropping torpedoes to destroy the flood gates of the dam, the squadron's F4U-4s were concentrating on flak and small arms suppression. July 14, 1951: VF-192 was assigned the Grumman F9F-2 Panther. July 16, 1951: VF-192 was stationed at Naval Air Station Moffett Field. March 21, 1952 through November 3, 1952: VF-192, flying the Grumman F9F-2 Panther, embarked on the USS Princeton CV 37, for their 4nd cruise. This was the squadrons 2nd combat cruise to the Western Pacific Korean War Theater. June 23 and 24, 1952: VF-192, along with units from two other carrier air groups and the Fifth Air Force, conducted coordinated air strikes against North Korean hydroelectric plants. Squadron aircraft struck the Suiho hydroelectric plant on the Yalu River on 23 June. On 24 June their aircraft struck the Kyosen Number Three hydroelectric plant and the Fusen Number Two hydroelectric plant. July 1952: VF-192 aircraft participated in one of the major joint Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps air strikes of the war, hitting industrial targets in North Korea's capital city of Pyongyang during the month of July. September 14, 1953 through April 4, 1954: VF-192, flying the Grumman F9F-5 Panther, embarked on the USS Oriskany CVA 34, for their 5th cruise. This cruise was to the Western Pacific Theater. 1953: While flying the F9F-5 Grumman Panther from United States Ship ORISKANY CVA 34, the Golden Dragons participated in the filming of the 1953 classic movie, "The Bridges of Toko Ri", as well as the movie "Men of the Fighting Lady". March 2, 1955 through September 21, 1955: VF-192, flying the Grumman F9F-5 Panther, embarked on the USS Oriskany CVA 34, for their 6th cruise. This cruise was to the Western Pacific Theater. March 15, 1956: VF-192 was redesignated Attack Squadron ONE HUNDRED NINETY TWO (VA-192). The new squadron was assigned the swept winged Grumman F9F-6 Cougar. March 9, 1957 through August 25, 1957: VA-192, flying the Grumman F9F-8/8B Cougar, embarked on the USS Yorktown CVA 10, for their 7th cruise. This cruise was to the Western Pacific Theater. December 10, 1957: VA-192 was assigned the North American FJ-4B Fury. November 21, 1958 through June 18, 1959: VA-192, flying the North American FJ-4B Fury, embarked on the USS Bon Homme Richard CVA 31, for their 8th cruise. This cruise was to the Western Pacific Theater. July 1959: VA-192 was assigned the Douglas A4D-2 (A-4B) Skyhawk. November 21, 1959 through May 14, 1960: VA-192, flying the Douglas A4D-2 Skyhawk, embarked on the USS Bon Homme Richard CVA 31 , for their 9th cruise. This cruise was to the Western Pacific Theater. June 6, 1961: Lt. A.S. "Sandy" Falconer, 29, ejected safely when his Skyhawk crashed at the north boundary of Moffett Field when the engine failed on take-off. The Daily Review, Wednesday, June 7, 1961. Photo San Mateo Times, Wednesday, June 7, 1961. The pilots of two A4D-2N's started their engines for a night instrument training hop, ran through the pre-taxi check lists and took position on the runway for a section take-off. The wingman found everything checked okay and placed his lights on bright and flashing, signaling he was ready to roll. Both pilots released brakes and at about 130 knots the leader lifted his nose off, and the wingman attempted to do the same. He received no response from the back stick despite heavy control movements. Thinking his nose strut had deflated he put in a good amount of forward stick and then full back stick. No response. He had to decrease power to keep from over-running the lead plane. At that point he had used up about 2/3 of the runway, the arresting gear was still ahead of him and he decided to abort. Speed brakes were extended, power cut to idle, maximum braking and hook down. He now saw some colored lights to the side of the runway and got off the brakes since thinking they marked the arresting gear. After an endless wait and no arrestment he realized he was going off the end. Checking his airspeed with ejection in mind he saw he saw he was slightly below 100 knots with about 1,500 feet of runway left. He quickly decided on ejection, pushed full throttle, retracted the speed brakes and alternated between watching his airspeed and the airfield boundary fence. As he passed through 110 knots he ejected. Almost instantly the parachute began streaming out between his legs gleaming sort of pink from the reflected glow of the burning plane. He felt no opening shock and hit the ground with what seemed a tremendous impact and remained conscious although the wind was knocked out of him for 10-15 seconds. At that point he realized he had driven his legs in soft marshy ground almost to his hips. As heat waves from the burning A4 washed over him he was motivated get away before it blew. He managed to unstrap, unzip and climb out of his torso harness leaving the whole works in the mud as he crawled away from the fire and met the crash crew about 50 feet further away. NAN, Pettibone, September 1961. April 26, 1961, through December 13, 1961: VA-192, flying the Douglas A4D-2N (A-4C) Skyhawk embarked on the USS Bon Homme Richard CVA 31, for their 10th cruise. This cruise was to the Western Pacific Theater. January 1, 1962: VA-192 was stationed at Naval Air Station Lemoore, California. July 12, 1962, through February 11, 1963: VA-192, flying the Douglas A-4C Skyhawk, embarked on the USS Bon Homme Richard CVA 31, for their 11th cruise. This cruise was to the Western Pacific Theater. January 28, 1964, through November 21, 1964: The World Famous Golden Dragons, flying the Douglas A-4C Skyhawk, embarked on the USS Bon Homme Richard CVA 31, for their 12th cruise. This was the squadrons 1st combat cruise to the Western Pacific Vietnam War Theater. August 15, 1963: LCdr. F. M. Humphreys, VA-192, NAS Lemoore, was uninjured when his A4C Skyhawk (BuNo 145120) crash landed at NAAS Fallon early Friday. Humphreys was on a night bombing mission when the jets engine failed. Reno Gazette-Journal, Saturday, 03 Aug 1963. Flight Leader accepted and took off in an incompletely fueled A/C for a night loft bombing flight, his third flight of the day and sixth within 24 hours. On the sixth loft at about 12,300 feet and 220 knots the engine unwound. At 8,000 feet he prepared to eject he saw the runway lights and since he was in a good position for a flame-out approach he decided to attempt an approach. Things looked good as he passed over the threshold lights at 200 feet and 150 knots, a slight flare was initiated and flap handle lowered as the sink rate seemed a bit excessive. Shortly after touchdown the right wing contacted the ground and the aircraft porpoised and became completely airborne. When it contacted the runway the second time it started a severe swerve to the right, left the runway, crossed a drainage ditch and several hundred yards of rough dessert terrain before coming to rest against a pile of sand. The pilot jettisoned the canopy, released the fittings and exited uninjured. Naval Aviation News, Grampaw Pettibone, April 1964. February 11, 1964: Lt. "Ted" Higgins was killed when he crashed (BuNo 147699) astern of the USS Bon Homme Richard. 2303 (hours) Lookout reported aircraft crash in water astern of the ship. Aircraft No. 209 unaccounted for. Commenced maneuvering on various courses at various speeds in company with USS Taylor (DD-468) and USS O'Bannon (DD-450) conducting search for aircraft. USS Bon Homme Richard deck log, Thursday, 11 February 1964. May 21, 1964: Lt(jg). Joe G. Cooke was presumed dead Friday after his A-4C (BuNo 145140) crashed in the waters off Panay Island in the Philippines. Cooke was assigned to VA-192 aboard the USS Bon Homme Richard. Pacific Stars & Stripes, Sunday, May 24, 1964. 1600 (hours) Moored as before (Leyte Wharf, NAS Cubi Point, Philippine Islands). 1930 Received report that LTJG J.G. Cooke is missing and presumed dead after having crashed at sea. LTJG Cooke had launched earlier this date from NAS Cubi Point and was flying VA192 A4C aircraft No. 207, Bureau No. 145140. USS Bon Homme Richard deck log, Thursday, 21 May 1964. Officers of VA-192 Golden Dragons carry a wreath during a memorial service aboard the USS Bon Homme Richard for Lt(jg). Joe G. Cooke who was presumed killed Friday, 21 May 1964, after his A-4C (BuNo 145140) crashed in the waters off Panay Island in the Philippines. Official U.S. Navy photo. AUG 1964: Gulf of Tonkin Incident results in extension of the cruise. April 21, 1965, through January 13, 1966: The World Famous Golden Dragons, flying the Douglas A-4C Skyhawk, embarked on the USS Bon Homme Richard CVA 31, for their 13th cruise. This was the squadrons 2nd combat cruise to the Western Pacific Vietnam War Theater. September 14, 1965: Lt(jg). Neil Brooks Taylor was killed when his Skyhawk (BuNo.147682) made a descending spiral into the ground from 4,000 feet prior to his seventh run on a target at Ap So Hai. November 15, 1966, through May 29, 1967: The World Famous Golden Dragons, flying the Douglas A-4E Skyhawk, embarked on the USS Ticonderoga CVA 14, for their 14th cruise. This was the squadrons 3rd combat cruise to the Western Pacific Vietnam November 23, 1966: Cdr. Allen E. Hill ejected and was rescued by a Navy helicopter after his Skyhawk (BuNo 151172, NM 204) was hit by AAA as he pulled up after a rocket attack while on an Iron Hand strike. January 5, 1967: LCdr. Richard Allen Stratton ejected and was captured after his Skyhawk (BuNo 151136, NM 200) ingested 2.75" FFAR rocket debris & engine exploded while attacking bridge sections along a riverbank after a weather recce mission. March 7, 1967: Lt. S.N. Young ejected near the USS Ticonderoga and was rescued after his Skyhawk (BuNo 152087, NM 200) suffered a gaping hole in the rear fuselage during a strike on a AAA site near Ban Nathong in southern Laos, flamed out and would not restart as he approached the carrier. Nothing in the 11 March deck log. March 11, 1967: Cdr. Ernest Melvin Moore ejected and was captured when his Skyhawk (BuNo 151108, NM 209) was hit by a SA-2 missile during an Iron Hand strike on a SAM site at Lang Cam. 10 APR 1967: Photo of LCDR George Shattuck manning A-4E 151200 NM 212 which was struck by AAA and resides permanently in the Gulf of Tonkin. Photo from George Shattuck. LCdr. George W. Shattuck ejected and was rescued, lost to 37mm AAA which blew a large hole in the left wing setting the fuel on fire and severely damaging the engine. Ejected after the engine flamed out and was picked up by the mail helo. From George Shattuck. 1807 (hours) LCdr. George W. Shattuck was returned to the ship. His A-4C, BuNo 151200 sustained battle damage over North Vietnam and he was forced to eject at 17-22N 107-25E. He was rescued by a SAR helo and received no injuries. USS Ticonderoga deck log, Monday, 10 April 1967. April 20, 1967: LCdr. Michael J. Estocin, lead a three-plane group on an anti SAM mission over North Vietnam in advance of a coordinated strike by aircraft from USS Ticonderoga CVA 14, and USS Kitty Hawk CVA 63, against two important thermal power plants in Haiphong. After personally neutralizing three SAM missile sites, Estocin's aircraft was damaged by an exploding SAM. Without regard for his personal safety, he reentered the target area with his damaged aircraft, in the face of intense anti-aircraft fire, to attack another missile site to ensure the target area's missile sites were neutralized prior to strikes from the carriers' incoming aircraft. LCdr. Estocin departed the target area with only five minutes of fuel left. He was refueled enroute to the Ticonderoga and landed his damaged plane on the carrier. Upon landing, his plane burst into flames. He was able to secure the engine and escape the aircraft without assistance. 1658 (hours) A-4E, Bureau No, 151079 of attack squadron 192, pilot LCDR M.J. Estocin, burst into flames upon landing on the flight deck because of battle damage inflicted over North Vietnam. The pilot is uninjured. Damage to the aircraft is extensive. The ship suffered no structural damage. USS Ticonderoga deck log, Thursday, 20 April 1967. BuNo 151079 went to COSA, NAS Atsugi, Japan 15 May 1967, NAS Atsugi, Japan 13 June 1967, FS FAWPRA, NAS Atsugi, Japan 10 Oct 1968 and returned to the fleet on 11 October 1968. April 25, 1967: LCdr. F.J. Almberg ejected near a SAR destroyer and was rescued by a Navy helicopter after an SA-2 missile exploded close to his Skyhawk (BuNo 151116, NM 204) during an Iron Hand Shrike attack on a SAM site a few miles N of Haiphong. April 26, 1967: Lt(jg). J.W. Cain ejected (BuNo 152076) offshore about 15 miles S of Haiphong and was rescued by a Navy helicopter after he was hit by AAA during an attack on a POL site at Haiphong. April 26, 1967: LCdr. Mike Estocin led a two-plane group on a similar anti surface-to-air missile mission in preparation for a coordinate strike against an oil facility in Haiphong. During this mission his aircraft was again damaged by an exploding surface-to-air missile. He continued his attack against the missile site, launching his missiles from a burning aircraft. Following the attack, he attempted to guide his burning aircraft to the safety of the sea. The aircraft was last seen going out of control as it entered a cloud layer over North Vietnam. LCdr. Estocin was listed as MIA on 26 April 1967 and on 10 November 1977 his MIA status was changed to presumed KIA. For his actions LCdr. Estocin was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. Webmaster Emeritus Note: On April 26, 1967, LCdr. Michael Estocin crashed in A-4E Skyhawk NM 208, Bureau Number 151073, as the result of a SAM hit; LCdr. Michael Estocin died (KIA) in that same crash on April 26, 1967. This is documented by witness Cdr. John B. Nichols and related in his book "On Yankee Station: The Naval Air War over Vietnam," pages 62 to 65. The action is also reported in many other books such as "The Tonkin Gulf Yacht Club" by Rene J. Francillon. Other Naval Aviators also witnessed the shootdown and are, without exception, positive Mike was killed at that time. The Ticonderoga CVA-14 combat cruise departed San Diego, California on 15 October 1966, and returned 29 May 1967. Lieutenant Commander Michael Estocin was based aboard the Ticonderoga until his shootdown. The Ticonderoga reported "In-chop" on 27 October 1966, and "Out-chop" 22 May 1967. The following were the combat line periods: 13 November to 16 December 1966 04 January to 04 February 1967 15 February to 15 March 1967 29 March to 28 April 1967 Several U. S. Government online databases, including the VA, report incorrect information about Mike Estocin. Such as the report: Tour of duty began 4/26/67; Causality was on 10/11/77 in North Vietnam; Hostile died captured. THIS DATABASE INFORMATION IS INCORRECT. December 28, 1967 through August 17, 1968: The World Famous Golden Dragons, flying the Douglas A-4F Skyhawk, embarked on the USS Ticonderoga CVA 14, for their 15th cruise. This was the squadrons 4th combat cruise to the Western Pacific Vietnam War Theater. There were no combat losses this cruise. July 4, 1968: Cdr. F. W. Almberg ejected safely and was rescued after a mid-air collision (air-to-air combat practice) with VF‑194 F-8E 149615, NM-401, flown by Lt J. F. Strahm who also ejected. 1610 F-8E Bureau No. 149165 of VF-194, pilot LTJG John F. Strahm, and A-4F Bureau No. 155002 of VA-192, pilot CDR F.J. Almberg, collided in mid-air at latitude 18-38N, longitude 107-31.5 and sank in 35 fsthoms of water. USS Fletcher (DD-445) and helicopter conducted search and recovery of pilots. Pilots recovered by helicopter and delivered on board USS Constellation (CVA-64). LTJG Strahm sustained no injuries. CDR Almberg suffered back injuries. USS Ticonderoga deck log, Thursday, 04 July, 1968. 1608 Midair collision occured in vicinity of Constellation involving an F8 and A4 from the USS Ticonderoga. Pilots returned to USS Constellation. Injury report to follow. USS Constellation deck log, Thursday, 04 July 1968. April 14, 1969, through November 17, 1969: The VA-192 World Famous Golden Dragons, flying the Douglas A-4F Skyhawk, embarked on the USS Oriskany CVA 34, for their 16th cruise. This was the squadrons 5th combat cruise to the Western Pacific Vietnam War Theater. There were no combat losses this cruise. July 21, 1969: Lt(jg). Bill Franson and Lt. Kenneth T. Sanger ejected safely. 0715 Received report that A4E Bureau No. 155003, pilot Lt. Kenneth T. Sanger, and A-4E BuNo 134199 (actually 154199), pilot Lt(jg) William E. Franson, Jr., suffered a midair collision about 2257, 21 July; both pilots ejected. SAR effort called off for the night about 2328 and resumed 0514 this morning. The pilots were sighted about 0657 and picked up at 0713. Both reported to be in excellent condition, being taken to NKP Nakhon Phanon. USS Oriskany deck log, Tuesday, 22 July 1969. August 15, 1969: Lt. Walter B. Lawrence ejected safely from A-4E Bureau No. 154206 of VA-192. 1335 crashed into the sea dead ahead one mile at Latitude 17-17.8 N, Longitude 108-32.8 E, and sank in 47 fathoms of water. Pilot ejected immediately after launch from port catapult, chute observed, pilot passed close aboard the port side of the ship, distance 100 yards. Aircraft continued flying ahead, entered a starboard turn impacting the water after about 450 deg. of turn. 1348 pilot recovered by helicopter, no injuries. USS Oriskany deck log, Friday, 15 August 1969. After North Korea captured United States Ship Pueblo AGER 2, on January 23, 1970, United States Ship Enterprise CVAN 65 departed Sasebo for station in the Sea of Japan off Korea. VA-192 of CVW-19 and other squadrons assigned to United States Ship Ticonderoga CVA 14 cross-decked to Enterprise to aid her strength during the Pueblo emergency. The next day the cross-decked aircraft returned to Atsugi, staying there until Ticonderoga left port for Yankee Station. February 26, 1970: The World Famous Golden Dragons were assigned the A-7E Vought Corsair II. November 6, 1970 through August 17, 1971: The World Famous Golden Dragons, flying the Vought A-7E Corsair II, embarked on the USS Kitty Hawk CVA 63, for their 17th cruise. This was the squadron's 6th combat cruise to the Western Pacific Vietnam War Theater. There were no combat losses this cruise. February 17, 1972 through November 28, 1972: The VA-192 World Famous Golden Dragons, flying the Vought A-7E Corsair II, embarked on the USS Kitty Hawk CVA 63, for their 18th cruise. This was the squadrons 7th combat cruise to the Western Pacific Vietnam War Theater. March 19, 1972: A-7E Corsair II BuNo. 157529 was lost in an accident. The pilot was recovered. March 23, 1972: A-7E Corsair II BuNo. 157520 NH 307 was shot down over Laos. The pilot Lieutenant D. S. Pike is missing in action. April 1972: Following the invasion by North Vietnam into South Vietnam The World Famous Golden Dragons participated in tactical air sorties against military and logistic targets in North Vietnam. May 1972: Golden Dragon aircraft participated in the mining of North Vietnamese harbors and Linebacker I operations, concentrated air strikes against targets in North Vietnam above the 20th parallel. June 17, 1972: A-7E Corsair II BuNo. 157531 NH 304 was shot down by a surface-to-air missile (SAM) over North Vietnam. The pilot Commander D. D. Owens ejected and was recovered. September 19, 1972: A-7E Corsair II BuNo. 158653 NH 304 was shot down by anti aircraft fire over North Vietnam. The pilot Lieutenant W. A. Robb ejected and was recovered. November 2, 1972: A-7E Corsair II BuNo. 157530 NH 300 was shot down by anti aircraft fire over North Vietnam. The pilot Lieutenant R. G. Deremer ejected and was recovered. November 23, 1973 through August 9, 1974: VA-192, flying the Vought A-7E Corsair II, embarked on the USS Kitty Hawk CVA 63, for their 19th cruise. This cruise was to the Western Pacific Theater. May 21, 1975 through December 15, 1975: The World Famous Golden Dragons, flying the Vought A-7E Corsair II, embarked on the United States Ship Kitty Hawk CVA 63, for their 20th cruise. This cruise was to the Western Pacific Theater. October 25, 1977 through September 22, 1978: VA-192, flying the Vought A-7E Corsair II, embarked on the United States Ship Kitty Hawk CVA 63, for their 21st cruise. This cruise was to the Western Pacific Theater. March 13, 1979 through September 22, 1979: VA-192, flying the Vought A-7E Corsair II, embarked on the USS America CVA 66, for their 22nd cruise. This cruise was to the Mediterranean Theater. March 14, 1981 through November 12, 1981: VA-192, flying the Vought A-7E Corsair II, embarked on the USS America CVA 66, for their 23rd cruise. This cruise was to the Mediterranean Theater. August 15, 1983 through February 29, 1984: The World Famous Golden Dragons, flying the Vought A-7E Corsair II, embarked on the USS Ranger CVA 61, for their 24th cruise. This cruise was to the Western Pacific Central American Theaters. June 4, 1985 to December 14, 1985: VA-192 deployed to Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Western Pacific, as part of the Marine Corps Unit Deployment Program and was assigned to MAG-12. This was VA-192's 25th deployment. January 10, 1986: VA-192 redesignated Strike Fighter Squadron ONE HUNDRED NINETY TWO (VFA-192). May 5, 1986: VFA-192 was assigned the F/A-18A Boeing Hornet. July 1, 1986: VFA-192 was stationed at Naval Station Yokosuka, Japan (Naval Air Facility Atsugi & Misawa). January 9, 1987 through March 20, 1987: The World Famous Golden Dragons, flying the Boeing F/A-18A Hornet, embarked on the USS Midway CVA 41, for their 26th cruise. The squadron was permanently forward deployed and home ported in Japan while flying from the Midway. April 23, 1987 through August 13, 1987: VFA-192, flying the Boeing F/A-18A Hornet, embarked on the USS Midway CVA 41, for their 27th cruise. The squadron was permanently forward deployed and home ported in Japan while flying from the Midway. October 15, 1987 through April 12, 1988: VFA-192, flying the Boeing F/A-18A Hornet, embarked on the USS Midway CVA 41, for their 28th cruise. The squadron was permanently forward deployed and home ported in Japan while flying from the Midway. January 21, 1988 through November 9, 1988: VFA-192, flying the Boeing F/A-18A Hornet, embarked on the USS Midway CVA 41, for their 29th cruise. The squadron was permanently forward deployed and home ported in Japan while flying from the Midway. January 21, 1989 through February 24, 1989: The World Famous Golden Dragons, flying the Boeing F/A-18A Hornet, embarked on the USS Midway CVA 41, for their 30th cruise. The squadron was permanently forward deployed and home ported in Japan while flying from the Midway. February 27, 1989 through April 9, 1989: VFA-192, flying the Boeing F/A-18A Hornet, embarked on the USS Midway CVA 41, for their 31st cruise. The squadron was permanently forward deployed and home ported in Japan while flying from the Midway. May 31, 1989 through August 25, 1989: VFA-192, flying the Boeing F/A-18A Hornet, embarked on the USS Midway CVA 41, for their 32nd cruise. The squadron was permanently forward deployed and home ported in Japan while flying from the Midway. August 15, 1989 through December 11, 1989: VFA-192, flying the Boeing F/A-18A Hornet, embarked on the Uss Midway CVA 41, for their 33rd cruise. The squadron was permanently forward deployed and home ported in Japan while flying from the Midway. February 20, 1990 through April 6, 1990: The World Famous Golden Dragons, flying the Boeing F/A-18A Hornet, embarked on the USS Midway CVA 41, for their 34th cruise. The squadron was permanently forward deployed and home ported in Japan while flying from the Midway. October 2, 1990 through April 17, 1991: VFA-192, flying the Boeing F/A-18A Hornet, embarked on the USS Midway CVA 41, for their 35th cruise. The squadron was permanently forward deployed and home ported in Japan while flying from the Midway. This cruise was to the Western Pacific with a side trip to the Persian Gulf. November 1990 - January 1991: The World Famous Golden Dragons flew missions in support of Operation Desert Shield, the build up 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. Today: The VFA-192 World Famous Golden Dragons are defending this country as they have for over fifty years. |
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Unit Photos From Dave Sheeley, 1953 Princeton Kangaroo Patch for VF-152. From Dave Sheeley, Kangaroo Patch for VF-153. BuNo. 142904 --- NM 201 Respotting aircraft on the Bon Homme Richard CVA-31 aft flight deck. Picture was taken from vultures row. In the foreground is VA-195 Dambuster A-4C Skyhawk BuNo. 145035. Bon Homme Richard Cruise Book. BuNo. 142904 --- NM 201 A Golden Dragon Skyhawk in tension on the Bonnie Dick catapult. Bon Homme Richard Cruise Book. BuNo. 142889 --- NM 202 Skyhawks of VA-192 and VA-195 ready to man for the next attack cycle. Bon Homme Richard Cruise Book. BuNo. 142906 --- NM 204 The Bonnie Dick's parking lot. Skyhawk NM 204 is chained to the deck. Bon Homme Richard Cruise Book. BuNo. 142817 --- NM 206 Hook down -- over the ramp. Note the extended slat. Bon Homme Richard Cruise Book. The Bonnie Dick aft flight deck aircraft ready for the next launch -- A-4 Skyhawk, A-3D Skywarrior, F-11 Tiger, F-3D Demon, & A-1H Spad aircraft. Bon Homme Richard Cruise Book. AN A-3D "Whale" and "A-4 Skyhawk 210" being catapulted from the Bonnie Dick. Bon Homme Richard Cruise Book. BuNo. 142894 --- NM 212 A side view of NM 212 in flight. Bon Homme Richard Cruise Book. 1959-60 U.S.S. Bon Homme Richard: Golden Dragons Skyhawk BuNo 142901, NM-209, after a successful trap aboard the Bonnie Dick. "Boom" Powell. Maintenance guys working over a Skyhawk on the hangar deck. Bon Homme Richard Cruise Book. VA-192 Officers 1959-60. Bon Homme Richard Cruise Book: REAR ROW, L to R: J.G. Murari, W.P. Cook, J.E. Sheridan, L.M. Connell, D.R. Henry, V.E. Langley, R.B. Tinker, M.D. Henderson, J.B. Horton. SITTING, L to R: L.K. Finbraaten, J.H. Ausley, Jr., W.D. Yonke, W.A. Rubey, J.N. Longfield, W.E. Payne, F.J. Brown, D.R. Vandermolen, D.D. Smith, E.P. McDonald, Jr. VA-192 Administration department. Bon Homme Richard Cruise Book: REAR ROW, L to R: LTJG D.D. SMITH, LTJG D.R. HENRY, D.E. Durelle, H.R. Vidrine C.E. Moore, R.L. Percell, S.L. Baca, J.W. Grisham, R. Poh, J.G. Johnson, O. Bell, LTJG M.D. Henderson, LTJG Finbraaten. SITTING, L to R: F.E. Hennings, M.J. Riba, C.V. McMullen, W.J. Keany, J.L. White, E.M. Weir, H.D. Dennis, D.C. Sentle, R.G. Howard, C.A. Burback, W.C. Wilson. VA-192 Avionics department. Bon Homme Richard Cruise Book: REAR ROW, L to R: K.T. Katsumoto, J.D. Bailey, R.R. Hix, R.E Luehrs, R.P. Conway, J.E. Walker, E. Sherwood, Jr., E.W. Cosner, F.C. Upchurch, T.O. Herranen, LT V.E. LANGLEY, P.W. Hodges, R.W. Christensen, J.W. Pangle, W. Steffens, R.C. Diehl, D.R. Marville, H.A. Sweeney, C.A. Waters, C.E. Lucas, L.J. Dierking, R.D. Lewis, C.D. Reading. SITTING, L to R: D.E. Wilson, H.E. Pottroff, E.A. Spence, H.D. Hood, S.L. Dolvin, W.E. Weihrouch, L.D. Heim, B.J. Zackery,, C.R Sanders, M.J.P. Hunt, A. Stokke, A.E. Jarrell, R.O. Anderson, H.W. Pittard, W.S. Bogden. K.E. Killebrew, H.R. Rounds, J.R.B. Carvitto. VA-192 Line department. Bon Homme Richard Cruise Book: REAR ROW, L to R: LTJG L.M. CONNELL, G. Holder, B.E. Waters, E.W. Chaiswell, Jr., F.J. Reindl, R. Bachmann, A.E. Varty, R.H. Boston, G.W. Cordy. SITTING, L to R: L.E. Harrolle, H. Lee, G.O. Haugen, R.T. Parker, A.A. McClellan, D.D. Douglass, F.A. Triano. 1960-61: close-up right side view of Golden Dragons Skyhawk BuNo 145079, NM-212, parked on the ramp. Douglas. 1960-61: 1960-61: BuNo 145132, NM-206, as she taxies down the flightline. Douglas Aircraft/U.S. Navy video. 1960-61: Golden Dragons Skyhawk BuNo 145132, NM-206, configured as a tanker. Douglas. 1960-61: BuNo 145144, parked on the flight-line. Douglas. 1960-61: Golden Dragons Skyhawk BuNo 147688, NM-210, as she takes on fuel from the tanker. Douglas. 1960-61: Golden Dragons Skyhawk line front-back BuNo 145079, NM-212, BuNo 147696, NM-211, BuNo 147688, NM-210, BuNo 147699 and BuNo 145144. Douglas. 1960-61: Golden Dragons Skyhawk BuNo 147696, NM-211, as she taxies near the refueling pit. Douglas. 1961: BuNo. 147771 NM 202. Formation of four Skyhawks: BuNo. 147771 NM 202; BuNo. 147682 NM 203; BuNo. 145124 NM 204; BuNo. 147780 NM 212. 1961 Cruise Book. 1961: BuNo. 147682 NM 203. Color photograph of Carrier Air Group 19 aircraft and Skyhawks BuNo. 147682 NM 203, BuNo. 145124 NM 204. 1961 Cruise Book. 1961: BuNo. 148488 NM 203. Deck crew respotting Skyhawk. 1961 Cruise Book. 1961: BuNo. 147690 NM 205. Carrier Air Group 19 flight of five in the landing pattern break. Skyhawks BuNo. 147690 NM 205, BuNo. 148492 NM 210, BuNo. 147699 NM 209, BuNo. 145140 NM 207, & A-3D Skywarrior 9 BuNo. 138959. 1961 Cruise Book. 1961: BuNo. 147780 NM 212. Manned and ready to taxi. 1961 Cruise Book. 1961: Bonnie Dick flight deck and island from the port catapult. 1961 Cruise Book. 1961: Four Skyhawks flyby the Bonnie Dick. 1961 Cruise Book. 1961: A color overhead view -- of a five plane formation from Carrier Air Group 19. Skyhawks BuNo. 147690 NM 205, BuNo. 148492 NM 210, BuNo. 147699 NM 209, BuNo. 145140 NM 207, & A-3D Skywarrior 9 BuNo. 138959. 1961 Cruise Book. 1961: A color overhead view -- of a four Skyhawk diamond formation from Carrier Air Group 19. Skyhawk BuNo. 148492 NM 210 refuels Skyhawk BuNo. 147690 NM 205, while Skyhawk BuNo. 147699 NM 209 and BuNo. 145140 NM 207 fly wing on NM 210. 1961 Cruise Book VA-192 1961 Pilots. 1961 Cruise Book. VA-192 Officers 1961. Front Row, Left to Right: ENS H. Benter; LTJG R. Kaup; LTJG R. McFerren; LT P. Yonke; LTJG D. Smith; LTJG F. Mezzadri; LTJG J. Law; LTJG H. Hall. Second Row, Left to Right: LT R. Grappi; Lcdr. D. Vandermolen; LCDR L. Zuehlke; X.O. LCDR G. Palmer; LT W. O'Connor; C.O. CDR B. Adams; LTJG W. Hedeman; LT J. Ausley; LTJG D. Gerrish; LT J. Huber; Lcdr. C. McCullough; LTJG J. Hartt. Ladder, Left to Right: Ens. W. Fleitz; LT J. Gamble; LT J. Carnefix. These World Famous Golden Dragon pilots copped 34 individual "E" scores, before deploying, distinguishing themselves as aces in their own field. VA-192 Officers 1961. 1961 Cruise Book. Front Row Left to Right: LT J. Huber; Lcdr. L. Zuehlke; C.O. CDR B. Adams; CDR C. Buchanan; LCDR G. Palmer. Second Row Left to Right: LTJG J. Hartt; LTJG D. Gerrish; LTJG D. Smith; LT W. Yonke; LTJG R. McFerren; LTJG H. Hall. Third Row Left to Right: LT W. O'Connor; LT J. Gamble; LTJG W. Hedeman; LTJG F. Mezzadri; LTJG R. Kaup; LTJG J. Law. VA-192 1961 Chief Petty Officers. 1961 Cruise Book. VA-192 Chiefs. Front Row Left to Right: CPO R. Peoples; CPO V. Escalle; CPO J. White; CPO B. Allison; CPO E. Bailey. Second Row Left to Right: CPO V. Clegg; CPO C. Sanders; CPO E. Rainbow; CPO P. Sampson; CPO J. Jackson. VA-192 1961 Maintenance. 1961 Cruise Book. VA-192 Maintenance 1961. Here are the men who kept the planes flying as VA-192 set an all WestPac flight time record for A4D-2N aircraft. Front Row Left to Right: G. Feldhusen; E. Trammel; T. Marshall; R. Luehrs; J. Walker; L. Harrolle; J. Guillory; V. Bersabe; C. Walker; L. Menard; M. Justice; J. Gibson; F. Maguire; D. Schumacher; D. Vance; L. Hylbert; T. Flambures. Second Row Left to Right: R. Stewart; D. Pollachek; J. Carvitto; R. Percell; R. Boston; K. Jensen; C. Hall; F. Gonzales; D. Hill; A. Jarrell; C. Dickinson; P. Scott; G. Small; J. Cassel; R. Davis; R. Poh; M. Newton; A. Vaughn; J. Price; E. Tedders. < 1962 NAS Lemoore: Golden Dragons Skyhawk BuNo 148492 (2nd from front) in the well equipped NAS Lemoore hangar where maintenance is performed around the clock. Naval Aviation News Photo. 23 July 1962: VA-192 Golden Dragons A4D-2N Skyhawk BuNo 145140, NM-207, piloted by Lt. E.J. Rice from the USS Bon Homme Richard (CVA-31) traps aboard the USS Bennington (CVS-20). Official U.S. Navy. 1962-63: Golden Dragons BuNo 145140, NM-207, trapping aboard Bon Homme Richard. U.S. Navy via Tom Bispo. August 1963: BuNo 147683, NM-200, parked on the flight line. Photo by Clay Jansson via Tailhook Association. 11 December 1963: VA-192 Golden Dragons A-4C Skyhawk BuNo 147683, NM-200, in the background as Cdr. K.T. Weaver shakes hands with his relief as squadron commanding officer Cdr. W.H. Rogers, on board USS Bon Homme Richard (CVA-31. Official U.S. Navy 1965: CVA-31: VA-192 - Ready Room 3. L to R: Allen E. "Boot" Hill, the skipper of VA-192 after Gene Tissot. Rick Millson (center) went on to serve two seasons with the Blues, the last in the F-11F and the first in the F4. Dale Lewey is on the right. George Shattuck. 1965: CVA-31: Golden Dragon Pilots Dale Lewey and Rick Millson relax in their stateroom. VA-192 was flying A-4Charlies on this combat cruise. "Dale Lewey operated an establishment on the O3 level of the Bonnie Dick called the "Chez Louis." It was there that many "I'm alive" meetings were held." George Shattuck. 1965 CVA-31: L to R: Neal Taylor, George Shattuck, John Paul Rogers, and Dale Lewey. Neal Taylor was shot down and killed 14 SEP 1965. VA-192 was flying A-4C Skyhawks on this combat cruise and Taylor was lost to AAA while flying BuNo. 147682. George Shattuck 1965: Lt George W. Shattuck poses in front of A-4C during the WestPac cruise of 1965-66 aboard USS Bon Homme Richard. Note the the propellor on the tanker store on the centerline station. George Shattuck. LT George W. Shattuck in the cockpit during WestPac aboard CVA-31. 1965: LT George Shattuck on the Bonnie's Flight Deck as BuNo 155125 NM-207 is taxied onto the port side catapult. George Shattuck. 1965: VA-192 BuNo 148541, NM-210 in-flight with squadron mate NM-206. George Shattuck. 1965: NM-210 BuNo 147682 traps aboard the Bonnie Dick. George Shattuck. AUG 1967: Right rear view of VA-192 Golden Dragons Skyhawk BuNo 154181, NM-201, assigned to Grand Dragon CDR Ed McKellar, parked on the flightline during an open house. Photographer unknown. September 1965: Golden Dragons Skyhawk BuNo 148502, M-203, as CDR Ernest E. Tissot makes his 700th arrested landing. Naval Aviation News. October 20, 1965: VA-192 Golden Dragons LTjg Millson and LTjg Allum pose inside a hole in the wing of VA-22 Redcocks A-4C Skyhawk BuNo 149606, NE-203, aboard the USS Bon Homme Richard, CVA-31. BuNo 149606 was borrowed from VA-22 as it had some special gear installed for fighting SAMs, which was Millsons specialty at the time. The damage resulted from North Vietnamese anti-aircraft fire. Official U.S. Navy photo (USN 1113591). 1966: Golden Dragons Skyhawk BuNo 149653, NM-210, assigned to LTJG B. Wood parked on the ramp. Tom Hansen. 1966: VA-192 Golden Dragons A-4E Skyhawks. BuNo 150026, NM-209, BuNo 151181, NM-210, BuNo 149653, NM-214, and BuNo 149661, NM-215, from the USS Ticonderoga in-flight. Official U.S. Navy. Gary Verver. December 1966: NAN VA-192 formation. Pic 1; Pic2. DEC66 NAN. 1966-67: VA-192 Golden Dragons A-4E Skyhawks. L-r BuNo 149981, NM-215, NM-214, BuNo 149653, NM-210 and NM-209. Official U.S. Navy. October 1967: Golden Dragons Skyhawk BuNo 154181, NM-201, assigned to Grand Dragon CDR Ed McKellar, parked on the flightline during an open house. Nick Williams. 1967-1968: Left front view of VA-192 Golden Dragons A-4E Skyhawk BuNo 151059, NM-203, aboard the Ticonderoga next to VA-192 A-4E BuNo 152092, NM-206, Copyright R.W. Harrison. 1968: Golden Dragons Skyhawk BuNo 154194, NM-207, assigned to LT Pappy ??, parked on the ramp. Neal Schneider. 1967 DaNang: 1967 Golden Dragons Skyhawk BuNo 151079, NM-202, parked on the ramp. Unknown photographer via W. Mutza. 1967: Probably near NAS Lemoore, VA-192 work out their new A-4E, formerly flying the Charlie. MAY67 NAN Photo. Profile of BuNo.154186 by Mads Bangso. 1968-1969: Right front view of VA-192 Golden Dragons TA-4F Skyhawk BuNo 154323, NM-221, on the ramp, NAS Lemoore, 1968-1969. Copyright R.W. Harrison. MAY69: BuNo 154990, NM-405, parked on the flight line. Left front view of VA-192 Golden Dragons A-4F Skyhawk BuNo 154990, NM-405, parked on the Barbers Point flight line with a trio of underwing tanks. Name below the canopy rail is LCdr. G. Creighton III. P/C is ADJAN Reddington. Photographer unknown via Scott Van Aken. 1969: 1969: CVW-19 Skyhawks aboard the USS Oriskany. Left to right is VA-512 NM-512, VA-23 NM-304 and VA-192 NM-4xx. 1969: Closeup of CVW-19 Skyhawks aboard the USS Oriskany. Left to right is VA-512 NM-512, VA-23 NM-304 and VA-192 NM-4xx. Richard Mylar. Off-Duty Photos None yet. |
A-4 Skyhawk aircraft assigned to this unit:
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