VA-44 Hornets |
Point of Contact = Squadron Duty Officer (SDO). See FAQ/Research/Contact link under [SA] in the menu. |
 VB-75 (Vee Bee) Bombing Bees 1945 |
 VA-3B Indians 1946 |
 VA-44 Scarlet Knights 1948 V.A. Hill on behalf of Roy S. Taylor |
 VA-44 Hornets (ATKRON-44) 1950 |
 VA-44 Hornets 1963 |
 VA-44 Hornets (Attack Squadron 44) |
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Patch Patches from: Steve Smith, Otto Krueger, Tom Smith, Walt Adams. VB-75's Bee patch was in use before August 1945. After being re-designated Attack Squadron Three B (VA-3B) on November 15, 1946, a new indian head and bomb patch was initiated in August 1947. The Indian head and bomb patch represented the bombing and scouting mission of the carrier based squadron. When the squadron was re-designated VA-44 in 1948 it adopted a patch with a scarlet chess knight centered on a white shield. VF-44's Hornet patch was first used before December 1952 and approved by CNO on December 11, 1952. This patch was used by both VF-44 and VA-44. The patch had a blue shield with a yellow banner across the shield with the word "Hornets" in red. There are two white playing cards, one with four black clubs and the other with four red hearts - to identify the squadron's designation number. The Hornet is yellow and black with a red eye and white details. |
Sources David Weber Walt Adams. Harry S. Gann. Masaaki Hayakawa. Takafumi Hiroe. Peter A. Keery. Otto Krueger. Tom Smith. Steve Smith. |
| Handle
Hornets, 1950 to 1970. Heritage June 1, 1945, Bombing Squadron SEVENTY FIVE (VB-75) established. November 15, 1946, VB-75 re-designated as Attack Squadron THREE B (VA-3B). September 1, 1948, VA-3B re-designated as Attack Squadron FORTY FOUR (VA-44). June 8, 1950, Attack Squadron FORTY FOUR (VA-44) was disestablished. September 1, 1950, Fighter Squadron FORTY FOUR (VF-44) established. January 1, 1956, VF-44 re-designated as Attack Squadron FORTY FOUR (VA-44). May 1, 1970, VA-44 was disestablished. |
Home Ports
June 1, 1945 - - - - - - - Naval Auxiliary Air Station Chincoteague March 1946 - - - - - - - - Naval Air Station Norfolk February 12, 1949- - - - - Naval Air Station Jacksonville September 1, 1950- - - - - Naval Air Station Jacksonville September 19, 1950 - - - - Naval Auxiliary Air Station Cecil Field October 13, 1952 - - - - - Naval Air Station Jacksonville February 18, 1963- - - - - Naval Air Station Cecil Field. |
| Aircraft
June 1945 - - - - - - - - - - Curtiss SBF-4E Helldiver. *** August 1945 - - - - - - - - - Curtiss SB2C-4E Helldiver. March 1946- - - - - - - - - - Curtiss SB2C-5 Helldiver. March 20, 1947- - - - - - - - Douglas AD-1 Skyraider. May 1948- - - - - - - - - - - Douglas AD-1Q Skyraider. February 25, 1949 - - - - - - Martin AM-1 Mauler. October 12, 1949- - - - - - - Douglas AD-1 Skyraider. September 1950- - - - - - - - Vought F4U-5 Corsair I. December 1, 1951- - - - - - - Vought F4U-4 Corsair I. December 1953 - - - - - - - - McDonnell F2H-2 Banshee. April 1956- - - - - - - - - - Grumman F9F-8 Cougar. ** January 23, 1958- - - - - - - Grumman F9F-8T (TF-9J) Cougar * April 16, 1958- - - - - - - - Douglas A4D-1 (A-4A) Skyhawk *. June 1958 - - - - - - - - - - Lockheed TV-2 Seastar. June 1958 - - - - - - - - - - North American T-28B Trojan. September 1958- - - - - - - - Douglas A4D-2 (A-4B) Skyhawk * January 1959- - - - - - - - - Douglas AD-5 & 6 Skyraider * February 9, 1960- - - - - - - Douglas A4D-2N (A-4C) Skyhawk * October 1964- - - - - - - - - Douglas A-4E Skyhawk. August 3, 1966- - - - - - - - Douglas TA-4F Skyhawk. November 1969 - - - - - - - - Douglas A-4F Skyhawk. December 1969 - - - - - - - - The AD-5 designation changed to A-1E The AD-6 designation changed to A-1H The F9F-8T designation changed to TF-9J The A4D-1 designation changed to A-4A The A4D-2 designation changed to A-4B The A4D-2N designation changed to A-4C ** The F9F through the F9F-5 Panther have straight wings; The F9F-6 through the F9F-8 Couger have swept wings. *** The SBF-4E was a SB2C-4E built by Fairchild of Canada. For A-4 Skyhawk aircraft assigned to this unit see lower in this page: |
Air Wings
June 1, 1945 - - - - - - F - - - CVBG-75/CVBG-3/CVG-4* September 1, 1950- - - - F - - - CVG-4 March 19, 1951 - - - - - T - - - CVG-1 October 8, 1951- - - - - F - - - CVG-4 June 30, 1953- - - - - - - - - - ATG-1 October 9, 1953- - - - - F - - - CVG-4 1957 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - COMFAIRJACKSONVILLE February 15, 1958- - - - AQ- - - ATG-202 March 15, 1958 - - - - - AD- - - CVG-4/RCVG-4/RCVW-4** * CVBG-75 was established on June 1, 1945, re-designated CVBG-3 on November 15, 1946; re-designated CVG-4 on September 1, 1948 and disestablished on June 8, 1950. ** CVG-4 was re-designated RCVG-4 in April 1958. On December 20, 1963, RCVG-4 was re-designated RCVW-4 |
| Deployments
01-08-46 to 03-19-46 - CVBG-75 - CVB 42 - SB2C-4E- - Caribbean/SoLant 08-08-46 to 10-04-46 - CVBG-75 - CVB 42 - SB2C-5 - - Mediterranean 09-13-48 to 01-23-49 - CVG-4 - - CVB 42 - AD-1 - - - Mediterranean 01-06-50 to 05-23-50 - CVG-4 - - CVB 41 - AD-1 - - - Mediterranean 03-20-51 to 10-06-51 - CVG-1 - - CVB 43 - F4U-5- - - Mediterranean 04-19-52 to 10-12-52 - CVG-4 - - CVB 43 - F4U-4- - - Mediterranean 04-26-53 to 12-04-53 - CVG-4/ATG-1* - CVA 39/CVA 21* - F4U-4 - Med/IO/ WestPac/Korea 05-28-55 to 11-22-55 - CVG-4 - - CVA 11 - F2H-2- - - Mediterranean 08-30-57 to 10-22-57 - † - - - - CVS 18 - F9F-8- - - NorLant * VF-44 deployed to Korea as part of CVG-4 embarked in United States Ship Lake Champlain CVA 39 and conducted its first line period from Lake Champlain. On June 30, 1953, the squadron was transferred to ATG-1 aboard United States Ship Boxer CVA 21. The squadron remained aboard Boxer until October 9, 1953 when it transferred back to CVG-4 and Lake Champlain. † The carrier air group may not have been aboard during this deployment on United States Ship Wasp CVS 18. Antisubmarine carrier air groups were not established until 1960. |
Commanding Officers
June 1, 1945 - - - - - - LT Ben K. Harrison (acting) June 10, 1945- - - - - - LCDR John W. McManus December 20, 1946- - - - LCDR Elmer Maul December 3, 1947 - - - - LCDR Oscar I. Chenoweth, Jr. January 30, 1949 - - - - LT K. F. Rowell (acting) February 28, 1949- - - - LCDR Robert N. Miller September 1, 1950- - - - LCDR J. B. Bain (acting) September 11, 1950 - - - LCDR P. E. Greenlee, Jr. December 9, 1951 - - - - LCDR Reid W. Stone November 10, 1952- - - - LCDR W. D. Houser November 1953- - - - - - CDR V. P. O'Neil October 1954 - - - - - - CDR C. A. Crow, Jr. January 27, 1956 - - - - LCDR Theron J. Taylor June 1957- - - - - - - - CDR T. R. Sedell June 30, 1958- - - - - - CDR Clifford A. McDougal July 14, 1959- - - - - - CDR Damon W. Cooper July 22, 1960- - - - - - CDR A. L. Detweiler July 21, 1961- - - - - - CDR W. B. Barrow, Jr. April 17, 1962 - - - - - CDR M. C. Griffin March 6, 1963- - - - - - CDR S. W. Callaway, Jr. May 1964 - - - - - - - - CDR Harold K. Matthes July 1965- - - - - - - - CDR Max E. Malan September 22, 1966 - - - CDR James W. Roberts October 1967 - - - - - - CDR Joe D. Adkins February 1969- - - - - - CDR J. H. Wynn III January 1970 - - - - - - CDR Robert E. Holt |
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Awards KPUC 09 June 1953 to 27 July 1953
KSM 09 June 1953 to 27 July 1953 |
UNSM 09 June 1953 to 27 July 1953 |
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Events June 1, 1945: Bombing Squadron SEVENTY FIVE (VB-75) established, its first assigned aircraft was the Curtiss SBF-4E Helldiver, which was built under license in Canada. June 4, 1945: Bombing SEVENTY FIVE began its first flight operations. January and February 1946: VB-75 deployed aboard United States Ship Franklin D. Roosevelt CVB 42 for her shakedown cruise to the Caribbean and Brazil. While visiting Rio de Janeiro the squadron, air group, and carrier represented the United States of America at the inauguration of Brazilian president, Eurico G. Dutra. November 15, 1946: VB-75 was re-designated as Attack Squadron THREE B (VA-3B). March 20, 1947: VA-3B received the Douglas AD-1 Skyraider. September 1, 1948: Re-designated as Attack Squadron FORTY FOUR (VA-44). February 25, 1949: VA-44 received the Douglas AM-1 Mauler. June 8, 1950: Attack Squadron FORTY FOUR (VA-44) was disestablished. September 1, 1950: Fighter Squadron FORTY FOUR (VF-44) was established with the Vought F4U-5 Corsair I. June 13, 1953: VF-44 Hornets conducted their first combat operations, striking targets in Korea. December 1953: VF-44 Hornets were assigned the McDonnell F2H-2 Banshee. January 1, 1956: VF-44 Hornets were re-designated Attack Squadron FORTY FOUR (VA-44). April 1956: VA-44 Hornets were assigned the Grumman F9F-8 Cougar. September to October 1957: During the squadron's deployment aboard United States Ship Wasp CVS 18, its mission was temporarily changed from attack to a fighter role in order to provide air protection for the VS squadrons operating from the carrier. February 4, 1958: VA-44 Hornets were assigned the Douglas A4D-1 (A-4A) Skyhawk. June 1, 1958: The squadron's mission changed from light attack to a fleet replacement group (RAG) training squadron. The new mission involved flight training for pilots and maintenance training for enlisted personnel. Under this concept, pilots and enlisted personnel ordered to East Coast fleet A4D squadrons completed the course of instruction provided by VA-44 before reporting to their assigned fleet squadrons. The Hornets were assigned the Lockheed TV-2 Seastar and the North American T-28B Trojan. June 6, 1958: Fleet All Weather Training Unit Detachment ALFA, an instrument training detachment, was disestablished and its personnel and aircraft were transferred to VA-44. June 1958: VA-44 Hornets were assigned the North American T-28B Trojan. August 8, 1958: The squadron graduated its first replacement pilot under the new training program for attack pilots. August 20, 1958: Lt. Jospeh P. Rogers ejected safely from A4D-1 Skyhawk BuNo 142195. A Navy pilot apparently escaped injury Wednesday night when his A4D Skyhawk crashed in dense woodlands in Putnam County. Officials at NAS Jacksonville said Lt. Joseph Rogers ejected himself just east of Bostwick and landed in a clump of trees. The Miami Herald, Friday, 22 August 1958 September 1958: VA-44 Hornets were assigned the Douglas A4D-2/A-4B Skyhawk. December 16, 1958: Ens. M.W. "Pat" Patrick ejected safely after the engine in A4D-1 BuNo 142172 flamed out pulling off a rocket firing run and his A4D-1 Skyhawk Baker Boy 325 crashed in a swamp near NAS Jacksonville. From "Pat" Patrick. Members can read about it in the Ready Room. January 1959: The squadron's first Douglas AD-5 & 6 Skyraider arrived, and preparations began for the additional mission of replacement training for this aircraft. The Hornets now instructed in the propeller driven SPAD and the jet powered Skyhawk. February 19, 1959: Jack Norton ejected safely A4D-1 BuNo 142197 ... we were at Gitmo doing laydown deliveries on their targets when at 500+ knots and about 50' the engine unwound to idle. A zoom climb to 10,000' gave me time to try two restarts which were unsuccessful as the engine was at idle and not shut down. It was determined that this plane did not have the fix that when the fuel control linkage broke [a common occurrence] it was to go to 86% and not idle. I then ejected and did what I was told to do. Put it in deep water so no one can dispute your story. Jack Norton. February 21, 1959: Ens. M.W. "Pat" Patrick ditched A4D-1 Skyhawk BuNo 142176 in the St. John's River after the engine flamed out on Baker Boy 326 when the high-pressure fuel pump spline that connected the fuel pump to the engine’s accessory gear drive failed. He was rescued By a USMC HS-3 enroute to New River, NC. From "Pat" Patrick. Members can read about it in the Ready Room. NAS Jax divers save ditched VA-44 plane. Jax Air News, 26 February 1959. April 24, 1959: Lt. Kenneth B. Russell, 25, ejected safely from A4D-1 Skyhawk BuNo 139921. Lake Butler: The pilot of a Navy jet fighter plane today bailed out and landed safely after the engine of his single place A4D Sky Hawk failed. The plane based at Jacksonville, crashed and burned in a swampy area south of here. The Navy at Jacksonville identified the pilot as Lt. Kenneth B. Russel, 25, of Fighter Squadron 44. Russell was picked up by helicopter and returned to Jacksonville where the Navy reported he was unhurt. He was on a routine training mission. Lake Butler is about 25 miles east of Gainesville. The Tampa Times. Friday, 24 April 1959. May 1, 1959: Lt. Robert C. Brown, 33, ditched his A4D Skyhawk (BuNo 142213) in a wooded area Friday and came out with only scratches. He was 15 miles from NAS Cecil when the jet developed engine trouble and he was two miles short when he realized he couldn't make it to Cecil and was too low to eject. He was picked up by a helicopter and returned to Cecil. Daily Oklahoman, Saturday, 02 May 1959.
December 5, 1959: LCdr. R.T.E. Bowler exited his A4D-1 (BuNo 139944) after it hit the water when it flamed out in the landing pattern during landing exercises. The injured pilot was rescued by the USS Independence helo. Cdr. G. E. Peddicord, USS Independence Air Officer (1958-1960). 1109 (hours) A4D BuNo 139944 of VA-44, Pilot LCdr. R.T.E. Bowler, Jr. crashed into sea off the 180 while making his approach for landing at Latitude 30-44.3N, Longitude 80-56.3W and sank in 13 fathoms of water. 1116 Helicopter recovered pilot from water. 1120 Pilot recovered by helicopter was delivered aboard USS Independence (CVA-62). USS Independence deck log, Saturday, 5 December 1959. July 1960: JET ATTACK: The mosquitoes in the Jacksonville area might as well give up.
February 15, 1961: Lt.(jg) Sherwood E. Gifford Jr., 29, parachuted to safety Wednesday when his A4D-1 Skyhawk (BuNo 142164) crashed 16 miles SW of NAS Jacksonville. He was ejected from the plane at 2000 feet. The Derrick, Oil City, PA, Thursday, 16 February 1961. Lt.(jg) Sherwood E. Gifford Jr., 29, ejected safely after a flame-out and his Skyhawk crashed near Camp Blanding. The Tittusville Herald, Titusville, PA, Wednesday, March 1. 1961. February 27, 1961: Lt.(jg) Sherwood E. Gifford Jr., 29-year-old student pilot attached to Attack Squadron 44, who escaped when his jet bomber crashed two weeks ago was killed yesterday in the crash of another attack bomber at Guantanamo Naval Base. Gifford's Skyhawk bomber (BuNo 142153) plunged to the ground from the low-level portion of a bombing training mission within the boundaries of the naval base. The Miami News, Miami, FL, Tuesday, 28 February 1961. Lt.(jg) Sherwood E. Gifford Jr., 29, was killed yesterday when his Skyhawk plunged to the ground from the low-level portion of a bombing training mission within the boundaries of the Guantanamo Naval Base. The Tittusville Herald, Titusville, PA, Wednesday, 01 March 1961. New Castle, PA News, Wednesday, March 1, 1961. Hunington and Union, PA The Daily News, Wednesday, March 1, 1961. June 23, 1961: Lt. Robert W. McKay, 30, ejected safely from A4D-1 Skyhawk BuNo 142763. Jacksonville: A Navy pilot successfully ejected from his jet plane after it developed engine trouble Thursday. The pilot, Lt. Robert W. McKay, 30, of Jacksonville, parachuted into an open area near Green Cove Springs and was uninjured. His plane crashed in another open area and burned. The Palm Beach Post, Friday, 23 June 1961. November 15, 1961: The squadron graduated its 1,000th enlisted maintenance Skyhawk trainee. May 3, 1962: Cdr. Mitchell C. Griffin was rescued after his VA-44 A4D-2N (BuNo 147694) went into the Gulf of Mexico after a bad catapult from the deck of the USS Antietam at 9:31 a.m. Thursday. Griffin was rescued uninjured by an HTS-8 helicopter piloted by Lt. R.G. Breitenbach, swimmer AE2 W.D. Horton and AMS2 L.S. Coffee. Pensacola News Journal, Friday, 04 May 1962. 0931 While being launched from the port catapult, Cdr. M.C. Griffin, crashed into the sea. The A4D, BUNO #147694, sank in 15 fathoms of water. Latitude 29-57.6N, longitude 87-19.6W. CDR Griffin was rescued by helicopter. CDR Griffin received a submersion, nonfatal, contusion, multiple face and shoulders and strain, posterior cervical muscles. Treatment administerd by the Medical Officer. Disposition grounded 7 days. USS Antietam (CVS-36) deck log, Thursday, 3 May 1962. May 15, 1962: Ens. Robert E. Kelly, 23, was killed Tuesday when his A4D Skyhawk (BuNo 142738) crashed into heavy woods near Jacksonville, FL. The Courier News, Thursday, 17 May 1962. A Navy jet pilot was killed when his A4D Skyhawk bomber crashed in heavy woods southwest of here (Jacksonville, FL) Tuesday. Cause of the crash was not known, a Navy spokesman said. The Navy identified the pilot as Ens. Robert L. Kelly, 24, of Plainfield, NJ, He was single and lived on the NAS Jacksonville base. Red Bank Register, Thursday, May 17, 1962. February 15, 1963: The propeller training section of the squadron was removed from VA-44 and established as a separate squadron and designated VA-45. VA-44 continued its training mission by becoming a strictly jet squadron flying A-4Bs, A-4Cs and TF-9Js. March 28, 1963: Lt.(jg) Gerald F. Varni ejected safely from A-4C Skyhawk BuNo 148312. Jacksonville: A Navy pilot ejected safely from his A4C Skyhawk jet near Callahan yesterday. The Navy said Lt.(jg) Gerald Varni was returned to Cecil Field by helicopter. The plane crashed just inside the Georgia line. The Tampa Tribune, Friday, 15 March 1963. - Jacksonville, For the second time in five days the operations officer at NAS Cecil Field got a Telephone call Monday from a pilot saying his aircraft had crashed. The craft that went down was a helicopter with four men aboard. It lost power and went down about two miles north of St. Mary's, FL, near the Georgia Line NW of Jacksonville. The helicopter was on a mission in connection with the salvage of the A4C Skyhawk jet which crashed in that area Thursday. The pilot of that plane bailed out, landed safely. Lt. Bill J. Beard, 43, the helicopter pilot, telephoned from a farmhouse with word of his accident. August 23, 1963: Cdr. Luther E. Elliott was killed (A-4C BuNo 147686) when he crashed in the Atlantic off of Cape Hatteras, NC when he went off the angle deck of the USS Forrestal on a landing attempt. The Gastonia Gazette, Sunday Aug. 25, 1963. 2230 A4B Bu. No. 1147686 of VA-44, pilot Commander Elliot, crashed into the sea off the port beam at lat. 36-21.3, long. 75-17 in 18 fathoms of water, 2232 USS Corry and USS Lind and helicopter commenced search for downed pilot. Commenced maneuvering on various courses at various speeds while affecting rescue of downed pilot. 2248 A/E stopped. USS Forrestal deck log, Friday, 23 August 1963. 2355 Positive evidence of Commander Elliot's death found. 0014 Search concluded. USS Forrestal deck log, Saturday, 24 August 1963.
June 3, 1965: Lt. Jan F. Wilkinson (age 26) was killed yesterday when his A-4C Skyhawk (BuNo 149504) crashed during a routine training flight north of Jacksonville. The Miami News, Friday, 04 June 1965. July 20, 1965: Lt. James L. Karg, attached to a unit training at MCAS Yuma ejected from his A-4E (BuNo 150113) at 3,000 feet elevation yesterday. He landed in the desert about 4 miles SE of Yuma and the plane crashed nearby. Arizona Republic, Wed., July 21,1965. August 24, 1965: Lt.(jg) Paul S. Forman pilot of an A4 jet (A-4C BuNo 151069) was killed Tuesday. . . Unnamed pilot of an A4 jet trainer from MCAS Yuma was killed yesterday when the plane crashed in a restricted target area near the Salton Sea between Indio and El Centro area 56 miles from Yuma. The pilot ejected and was found dead a considerable distance from the plane wreckage. Arizona Republic, Wednesday, 25 August 1965. Jacksonville: The Navy reported a pilot from Jacksonville was killed yesterday when his A4E Skyhawk crashed at MCAS Yuma, AZ. He was Lt.(jg) Paul S. Forman, 24. His wife Myra lives in Jacksonville. Forman was stationed with VA-44, permanently based at Cecil Field but on a training assignment in Arizona. The Tampa Tribune, Wednesday, 25 August 1965. Lt(jg). Paul S. Forman, a member of VA-44 based at NAS Cecil Field, FL, was killed Thursday near the Salton. Yuma Sun, Thursday, 26 August 1965. Lt(jg). Paul S. Forman, 23, was killed Thursday when his A4 jet trainer from MCAS Yuma crashed near the Salton Sea about 58 miles from Yuma. The body of the pilot, recently assigned to MCAS Yuma from Cecil Field, FL, was found in the plane's ejection seat. The Arizona Daily Star, Friday, 27 August 1965. August 28, 1965: Lt. Paul Johnson ejected safely after his A4E BuNo 150069's engine exploded in-flight and crashed in a field 32 miles SW of Wichita, KS. Great Bend, KS, Great Bend Sunday Tribune, Sunday, August 29, 1965. Hutchinson, MO, The Hutchinson News, Sunday, August 29, 1965 I wasn't there but I remember the accident. We were all enroute to Yuma for our VA-44 weapon's det. and Paul was the OinC. Tony Less was the IP chasing me, but I don't remember who Paul was chasing - we weren't together. Paul and his RP had made a refueling stop and not too long after takeoff, Paul's A4E lost oil pressure. He turned toward McConnell AFB, but the engine seized or exploded, and Paul ejected. He didn't think to jettison the blivet first, which had all our logbooks, training jackets and several bags of our clothing. The Air Force gave him the VIP treatment. As it turned out, the transient line had over-serviced the oil on Paul's A4E. Poured in 3 or 4 quarts like it was a J-65 when a J-52 only needed 4 ounces. After takeoff, the oil system over-pressured, blew a seal, and lost the oil. Dave Thornhill.
March 24, 1966: Ens. Barry T. Wood ejected safely from A-4E BuNo 150008. Jacksonville: A Navy pilot bailed out of an A4 Skyhawk south of Gainesville Thursday when the engine quit with a "flame out," The pilot, stationed at NAS Cecil Field, suffered only minor bruises, according to the Navy. The plane crashed about 15 miles SW of Gainesville in an isolated swampland and was completely submerged in a murky swamp bed, the Navy said. A spokesman said the single seat jet fighter was on a routine training mission when it experienced a "flame out" about 40 miles from the Jacksonville field. Another aircraft accompanying the jet witnessed the safe ejection of the pilot shortly after 9 a.m. A helicopter picked up Ensign Wood and returned him to the air station. The Tampa Tribune, Friday, 25 March 1966. March 28, 1966: Ens. James E. Theriault ejected safely from his A-4E Skyhawk BuNo 150008, which was deployed to MCAS Yuma, AZ for training, crashed in the desert at MCAS Yuma's instrumented loft bombing range after he was unable to restart the engine. Yuma, AZ, The Yuma Daily Sun, Tuesday, March 29, 1966. August 3, 1966: VA-44 was assigned the Douglas TA-4F Skyhawk.
January 26,1967: Lt.(jg) J.F. "Fred" Dickenson ejected safely from VA-44 A-4E BuNo 150112 at 1918 after he bounced off of the ramp while attempting a carrier landing during CarQuals aboard the USS Lexington at 30-26.7N, 80-14.1W. At 1930 USS R.E. Byrd (DDG-23) recovered pilot, no apparent injuries. USS Lexington, Deck Log, 26 January 26, 1967. USS Lexington, Deck Log (cont.), 26 January 26, 1967. April 8, 1967: Lt. James J. Murphy ejected safely at low altitude Saturday when he had to climb sharply during a tandem take-off when the lead A-4E piloted by Lt. N.F. Justensen blew a tire. Murphy's A-4E (BuNo 152065) was extensively damaged when it pancaked wheels up back down on the Kirtland AFB runway and burned. Both pilots are from NAS Cecil, FL and were enroute to NAS North Island, San Diego, CA. Albuquerque Journal, Sunday, 09 April 1967. Lt. J.J. Murphy ejected safely at low altitude when he had to climb sharply during a tandem take-off when the lead A-4E piloted by Lt. N.F. Justensen blew a tire. Murphy's A-4E was destroyed when it pancaked back down on the Kirtland AFB runway and burned. Both pilots are from NAS Cecil, FL. Alamogordo Daily News, Sunday, 09 April 1967. Lt. J.J. Murphy ejected safely at low altitude Saturday when he had to climb sharply during a tandem take-off when the lead A-4E piloted by Lt. N.F. Justensen blew a tire. Murphy's A-4E was destroyed when it pancaked back down on the Kirtland AFB runway and burned. Both pilots are from NAS Cecil, FL and had stopped at Kirtland to refuel enroute to NAS North Island, San Diego, CA. Roswell Daily Record, Sunday, 09 April 1967. April 25, 1967: Lt.(jg) Michael J. Concanon escaped with minor injuries Tuesday night when his A-4E Skyhawk (BuNo 150021) crashed into the Gulf of Mexico shortly after taking off from the USS Lexington. Concannon was practicing carrier landings outside Pensacola and rode the plane into the water. He was picked up by the USS Lexington and returned to VA-44 at Cecil Field after receiving medical treatment aboard the Lexington. The Pensacola News, Wednesday, 26 April 1967. 2125 A-4 serial number 15002 of VA-44, pilot Ens. Michael J. Concannon, crashed into the sea off starboard bow at latitude 29-35.9N. longitude 87-13.3W. 2133 Pilot picked up by helo, aircraft not recovered. 2245 Concannon, Michael J Ens went into the water with his aircraft at 2125 perforating his right tympanic membrane. Disposition: returned to duty. USS Lexington (CVS-16) deck log, Tuesday, 25 April 1967. August 17, 1967: Lt. Bruce Stevenson, 30, and Lt. Richard Koffanrus, the co-pilot, age 29, are missing after their TA-4F (BuNo 152876) from NAS Cecil Field crashed into the Gulf of Mexico during a practice bombing mission Thursday night. The plane crashed about three miles west of Cross City on the Gulf coast about 9:30 p.m. The Pensacola News, Friday Morning, 18 August 1967. Lt. Bruce Stevenson, 30, and Lt. Richard Offarus, 29, are missing after their TA-4F from NAS Cecil Field crashed into the Gulf of Mexico during a practice bombing mission Friday. Panama City News, Saturday Morning, Aug. 19, 1967. August 29, 1967: Lt.(jg) Frank J. Sailes A-4E Skyhawk BuNo 151101. 2301 A4D, serial number 151101, side number 467 of VA-44, pilot LTJG Frank J. Sailes crashed into the sea 2500 yards ahead of the ship at latitude 29-30.4N, longitude 87-07.3W. Dispatched Helo to the rescue. 2313 Pilot recovered by helo and delivered onboard. USS Lexington (CVS-16) deck log, Tuesday, 29 August 1967. 2320 Sailes, F.J., LTJG, VA-44 suffered a bilateral fracture of his right ankle and a non-fatal submersion after ejecting from his aircraft. Treatment: treated by ships medical officer. Disposition: transferred to Naval Hospital, Pensacola, Florida. USS Lexington (CVS-16) deck log, Wednesday, 30 August 1967. March 4, 1968: R. Sullivan ejected safely from TA-4F Skyhawk BuNo 153660. Jacksonville: A Navy jet plane based at Cecil Field crashed today in a sparsely populated area about 15 miles SW of Jacksonville, A Navy spokesman said the pilot, who was not identified, successfully ejected. The Tampa Times, Monday, 04 March 1968. April 30, 1968: Lt. James C. Delesie suffered a minor leg fracture after ejecting from his crippled A-4B BuNo 142872 which crashed in a wooded area. Panama City, Fl Panama City News, Wednesday Morning, May 1, 1968. November 8, 1968: R.L. Segars (147828) and L.G. Yoder (147829) ejected safely and were rescued in 15 minutes by a Navy helicopter after their Skyhawks crashed and sank yesterday 19 miles off Roosevelt Roads Naval Base on the east coast of Puerto Rico. The Arizona Republic, Saturday, Nov. 9, 1968. NSC/NHHC. January 24, 1969: LCdr. Thomas Dibiase, 31, (A-4C BuNo 149624) and Lt. Allen Adler, 27, (A-4C BuNo 145094) both of VA-44, ejected safely when their planes collided Friday, 2,200 feet over nearby Green Cove Springs about 40 miles SW of Jacksonville. Panama City News, Saturday, January 25, 1969. March 25, 1969: Capt. Mike Korte, 36, (USAF) and his student pilot, Lt.(jg) Lawrence Pigeon parachuted to safety when their TA-4F BuNo 152873 Skyhawks’ canopy released & both pilots were automatically ejected, after the slipstream caught Mike's overhead ejection curtain. The aircraft crashed in a pasture two miles west of Cecil Field, FL. Panama City, FL, Panama City Herald, Wednesday, March 26, 1969. Lowell, MA, The Lowell Sun, Wednesday, March 26, 1969.
May 6, 1969: Unidentified pilot (Lt.(jg) Warren William Fifield) of U.S. Navy A-4 (BuNo 145095) was killed when his plane crashed into the Caribbean about six miles from NAS Roosevelt Roads. The plane apparently exploded upon impact with the water and the pilot's body was recovered. The Pittsburgh Press, Wednesday, 07 May 1969. July 24, 1969: Lt.(jg) Steven G. Lombard, 24, ejected and was killed Thursday when his A-4E Skyhawk crashed at NAS Cecil Field following a weapons training flight. Lombard ejected during the landing and was killed when his parachute failed to open completely. Some damage was done to the plane's nose as it came to rest on the grass by the side of the runway. Appeal Democrat, Friday, July 25, 1969. Went to NARF Pensacola 18 September 1969 from VA-44 and SOC at NARF Pensacola 13 February 1972. August 21, 1969: Lt. John Hall Burns, 29, (IP) was killed without ejecting and his RP Lt.(jg) William L. Sloop, 24, was killed when he ejected into the ground after their VA-45 TA-4F BuNo 153682 was ordered to abort landing at an altitude of 600 feet. The pilot brought the nose up and collided with the tail section of VA-44 TA-4F BuNo 152866 which was making a simulated low-oil pressure approach to NAS Cecil Field, FL. LCdr. Ken A. Olsen (VA-44) ejected safely a split second before both jets struck a grassy strip between runways. His RP Lt.(jg) William “Bill” A. Stone, 24, of VA-44 was killed without ejecting. From Ken Olsen. Fort Walton Beach, FL, Playground Daily News, August 22, 1969. Albuquerque, NM, The Albuquerque Tribune, Friday, August 22, 1969. November 4, 1969: Unidentified pilot of a U.S. Navy A-4 (BuNo 148460) is missing after his plane crashed into the Caribbean Tuesday near the island of Culebras, off the NE coast of Puerto Rico. A Coast Guard Cutter and a Navy salvage vessel were searching for the pilot. A helicopter picked up pieces of the wreckage, including a helmet and a lifejacket. The Cincinnati Enquirer, Wednesday, 05 Nov 1969. The U.S. Navy in San Juan has identified the pilot of an A4 Skyhawk jet that crashed near here as Lt.(jg) Robert Bruce Hulting of Wadena, Minn. The jet on a training mission out of NAS Roosevelt Roads Ceiba, crashed in shallow water some 300 feet from Culbera Island Tuesday afternoon. The 26-year-old pilot is presumed dead. Argus-Leader (Sioux Falls, Minnehaha, SD, Thursday, 06 November 1969.
May 1, 1970: VA-44 was dis-established! |
Jet powered spraying of insecticide is the very latest step taken to insure their demise. VA-44 and VA-12 jet aircraft have proved that flying at 150 feet, the Skyhawk can distribute 300 gallons of insecticide a minute. This has all been a part of the experiment conducted by NAS JAX Disease Vector Control Center to determine the value of jet-propelled aircraft as a means of spreading insecticide and controlling disease carrying insects to protect personnel in military operations. The Center, working with VA-l2 from Cecil Field and VA-44 from NAS JAX, has found it works. David Hayden is the entomologist at the Center, who has directed two years of study involving use of a Navy single-engine Skyhawk. He says that this is the first known instance of using jet aircraft for the war against insects. He said that jet aircraft were tried because prop-driven aircraft and helicopters are not always available or are highly vulnerable to-attack. The average prop plane can move at 175 miles per hour at the maximum and normally travels at a rate of 125 mph. With the jet we move at 500 mph at an extremely low altitude of only 150 feet, capable of putting out 300 gallons a minute, Hayden said. Ground-to-air radio communication has been used in jet spraying operations. In addition, such things as big red arrows and red weather balloons were set up to guide the pilot to the target. The apparatus used to disperse liquid insecticide was a tank having a capacity of 85 gallons. Under present-day conditions, it would seem that insecticide dispersal by jet aircraft is very costly and somewhat impractical, at least for civilian usage, Hayden said. There is no question that jet air- craft have promising potentialities for insect control work. Certainly, for the present at least, jets will be available for use where no propeller-driven craft are available, he went on to say. It is doubtful, however, that jet-carried equipment will be extensively used, except for aerial dispersal of insecticide in support of tactical military operations. NavAir News.
OCT 1966 - NOV 1967: CDR J.H. "Jack" Wynn III (photo at left) served with VA-36, and commanded VA-94 from Oct 1966 to Nov 1967, and VA-44 Feb 1969 to Jan 1970. He is a Skyhawk Association Member (Y2005).|
Unit Photos MAY 1958: Promotion of B. H. Fischer. Advancement in Rate of B. H. Fischer, AM3, by Cdr. T. R. Sedell, C.O. of VA-44. Fischer is from Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. MAY 1959: BuNo 139923 - most likely Armed Forces Day at NAS Jacksonville, there is an F-100 behind the A-4. Ron Picciani. Naval Air News - 1959 and 1960 1959-60: BuNo 139945 of VA-44 visiting from NAS Jacksonville. 'When I arrived at VA-43 (Oceana) 1 Jun 1960, all the tiger teeth were gone from the A-4s, though they still had 6 F11Fs with that paint scheme. VF-21 was re-designated VA-43 1 Jul 1959, so the photos had to have been taken winter of '59-'60." John "Gabby" Gabbard. Photo submitted by Dave Tipps. JUL 1960: Flying at 150', Hornets Skyhawk BuNo 142167, AD-326, delivers 300 gallons of insecticide a minute over the Jacksonville, FL area. Navair News Hornets Skyhawk BuNo 142126, AD-304, in the U.S. Navy's new hi-vis paint scheme which is the result of constant research in an effort to decrease mid-air collisions. NavAirNews April 1961. 1961: Hornets Skyhawk BuNo 142797, AD-444, parked on the ramp. Unknown photographer via W. Mutza. A-4B Skyhawk BuNo. 142122, side number AB 502 with VA-72 and United States Ship F. D. Roosevelt CVA 42 - 1967. Blue Hawk A-4B Skyhawk BuNo. 144881, side number AB 501 leads Steve Pollock in A-4B Skyhawk BuNo. 142122, side number AB 502. Number three is A-4B Skyhawk BuNo. 142745, side number AB 505. USN photograph from Steve Pollock. United States Navy Photograph from Walt Adams. 1964: Right side view of VA-44 Hornets A-4C Skyhawk BuNo 148502, AD-430, on the ramp with a starter probe and huffer, NAS Sanford, 1964. Copyright R.W. Harrison 1966-68: Hornets Skyhawk BuNo 142105 trailing the refueling hose and drogue and accompanied by an RA-3B Skywarrior. U.S. Navy by PH2 Don K-Sieburg, Jr. VA-44 Hornets A-4E Skyhawks showing the nuclear cockpit thermal shield in different positions, NAS Cecil Field, 1966-1967. VA-44 A-4E Skyhawk AD-456 with NO BRAKES in large letters on the nose gear door and under the canopy rail and A-4B BuNo 142122, AD-475, in the background. Official U.S. Navy photo 1154317. 1968: Hornets Skyhawk BuNo 142105 refueling an RA-3B Skywarrior. U.S. Navy by PH2 Don K-Sieburg, Jr. MAY 1968: Hornets Skyhawk BuNo 152871, AD-465, parked on the flight-line. Nick Williams. Circa 1968: Left side of VA-44 Hornets TA-4F Skyhawk BuNo 152869, AD-463, on the ramp, NAS Willow Grove,circa 1968. Copyright R.W. Harrison. Front View of a VA-44 Skyhawk. A Hornet A-4C loaded-for-bear on the flight-line. United States Navy Photograph from Walt Adams. Passing Gas. Two VA-44 Skyhawk passing gas. The lead Skyhawk is toting a tanking package to pass gas to thirsty buddies. United States Navy Photograph from Walt Adams. A-4F Skyhawk BuNo. 155060 - 1969. A-4F Skyhawk BuNo. 155060, side number AD 403 getting the United States Intrepid three wire removed from the tailhook. VA-44 was performing Carrier Qualifications (CQ) on Intrepid. Photograph by Peter A. Keery. 1970-early: A TA-4F of VA-44 is launching with a RNZAF crew. The RNZAF 75 SQN was in the U.S.A. for training as they received their new Skyhawks from the California Douglas factory. Sqdn Ldr Ross Donaldson preceded the ten 75 Squadron pilots on an exchange posting to VA-44, Florida, and here briefs visiting senior RNZAF officer Bill Stratton (left) before a flight in a US Navy TA-4. Note the RNZAF insignia below the canopy. The names there are SQD LDR WR Donaldson RNZAF and ATM W. Stratton RNZAF. Several weeks later Donaldson suffered a freak accident in a US Navy Skyhawk. The accident was in a TA-4 with a USN student in front. A bird strike caused Donaldson to be injured, he lost an eye. The student recovered the aircraft with damaged canopy. Apparently Donaldson did not fly again but remained in the RNZAF for many years in desk jobs. VA-44 A-4C BuNo 147745 in the hangar with RNZAF ground crew in the foreground. RNZAF 75 SQN is in the U.S.A. training and receiving their new A-4K Skyhawks. 1970s: VA-44 flight line. Front row l-r unknown, unknown, TA-4F BuNo 154341 (AD-463) and AD-400. Back rows l-r VA-127 TA-4F BuNo 153687 (NJ-717), TA-4F BuNo 152877 (AD-472) and TA-4F AD-475. Douglas photo of NZ6251 (157914) in flight over the California Sierras. |
A-4 Skyhawk aircraft assigned to this unit:
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