VA-66 Waldos and Waldomen |
Point of Contact = Squadron Duty Officer (SDO).
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 VA-66 Waldos |
 World Cruise 1964 |
 Grumman Defenders Detachment |
 Fighting Rooster - 1955 Provided by Ray J. Dermody |
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Patch There is no description or photograph available of the squadron's first patch. "The Fighting Rooster" patch was approved for VF-81, January 25, 1955. This patch, a rooster toting a machine gun, became a well-known design during the next three decades. "The Fighting Rooster" continued in use following the squadron's re-designation to VA-66, July 1, 1955. |
Sources David Weber Ray J Dermody. Harry S. Gann. Doug Harrison. Joe Morris |
| Handle
Waldomen, 1950 to early 1960s. Waldos, early 1960s to 1987. Heritage February 1, 1951, Reserve Fighter Squadron SIX-SEVENTY-ONE (VF-671) called to active duty. February 4, 1953, VF-671 re-designated Fighter Squadron EIGHTY-ONE (VF-81). July 1, 1955, VF-81 re-designated Attack Squadron SIXTY-SIX (VA-66). 01 OCT 1986: VA-66 dis-established. Note: VA-66 detachment continued until March 31, 1987 |
Home Ports
Date - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Location: April 5, 1951- - - - - - - - Naval Air Station Jacksonville February 1, 1951 - - - - - - Naval Air Station Atlanta September 28, 1951 - - - - - Naval Air Station Quonset June 11, 1952- - - - - - - - Naval Air Station Oceana March 15, 1965 - - - - - - - Naval Air Station Cecil Field |
| Aircraft
Date Type First Received - - - - - - Type of Aircraft: February 1951 - - - - - - - Vought F4U-4 Corsair I June 1952 - - - - - - - - - Grumman F8F-2 Bearcat December 1952 - - - - - - - Grumman F9F-5 Panther** April 1954- - - - - - - - - Vought F7U-3 Cutlass August 1956 - - - - - - - - Grumman F9F-8B Cougar ** March 1958- - - - - - - - - Douglas A4D-1 (A-4A) Skyhawk * June 1958 - - - - - - - - - Douglas A4D-2 (A-4B) Skyhawk * March 1961- - - - - - - - - Douglas A4D-2N (A-4C) Skyhawk * April 1966- - - - - - - - - Douglas A4D-5 (A-4E) Skyhawk * October 1970- - - - - - - - Vought A-7E Corsair II * November 30, 1962 The A4D-2 designation was changed to A-4B The A4D-2N designations was changed to A-4C The A4D-5 designations was changed to A-4E ** The F9F through the F9F-5 Panther have straight wings; The F9F-6 through the F9F-8 Cougar have swept wings. For A-4 Skyhawk aircraft assigned to this unit see lower in this page: |
Air Wings
Date - - - - - - - - - - - - Tail code - - - - - - - Air Wing April 9, 1951 - - - - - - E - - - CVG-8 July 1, 1955- - - - - - - C - - - CVG-6 November 1955 - - - - - - K - - - CVG-3 August 1956 - - - - - C/AF/AE†- - CVG-6/CVW-6* October 6, 1967- - - - - AG - - - CVW-7 January 1968 - - - - - - AK - - - CVW-10 June 2, 1969 - - - - - - AA - - - CVW-17 July 9, 1970- - - - - - - - - - - COMLATWING-1 1971 - - - - - - - - - - AG - - - CVW-7 October 1, 1986‡- - - - - - - - - CVW-3 * CVG-6 was re-designated CVW-6 when all Carrier Air Group (CVG) designations were re-designated Carrier Air Wings (CVW) on 20 December 1963. † CVG-6's tail code was changed from C to AF in 1957. The effective date was most likely the beginning of FY 58 (1 July 1957). Sometime in the latter part of 1962 CVG-6's tail code was changed from AF to AE. ‡ VA-66 deployed with CVW-3 in John F. Kennedy CV 67, in August 1986. Administratively, it continued to be assigned to CVW-7 until its official disestablishment on 1 October 1986. After that date, the same organization continued to operate as a detachment assigned to CVW-3 until the deployment ended in March 1987. |
| Deployments
Departure & Return - - - - - - - - Air Wing - Carrier - Aircraft - - Area of Operations: 11-28-51 to 06-11-52 - CVG-8 - CV 40- - F4U-4 - Mediterranean 04-26-53 to 10-21-53 - CVG-8 - CVA 43 - F9F-5 - Mediterranean 11-04-55 to 08-02-56 - CVG-3 - CVA 14 - F7U-3 - Mediterranean 09-03-57 to 10-22-57 - CVG-6 - CVA 11 - F9F-8B - NorLant 02-13-59 to 08-30-59 - CVG-6 - CVA 11 - A4D-2 - Mediterranean 08-04-60 to 02-17-61 - CVG-6 - CVA 11 - A4D-2 - Mediterranean 08-03-61 to 03-01-62 - CVG-6 - CVA 11 - A4D-2N - Mediterranean 08-03-62 to 10-11-62 - CVG-6 - CVAN 65 - A4D-2N - Mediterranean 02-06-63 to 09-04-63 - CVG-6 - CVAN 65 - A-4C - Mediterranean 02-08-64 to 10-03-64 - CVW-6 - CVAN 65 - A-4C - Med/World Cruise 11-30-65 to 07-10-66 - CVW-6 - CVA 66 - A-4C - Mediterranean 01-10-67 to 09-20-67 - CVW-6 - CVA 66 - A-4C - Mediterranean 06-04-68 to 02-08-69 - CVW10 - CVS 11 - A-4C - WestPac/Vietnam 12-02-69 to 07-08-70 - CVW17 - CVA 59 - A-4C - Mediterranean 09-16-71 to 03-16-72 - CVW-7 - CVA 62 - A-7E - NorLant/Med 06-21-73 to 01-19-74 - CVW-7 - CV 62 -- A-7E - Mediterranean 07-19-74 to 01-21-75 - CVW-7 - CV 62 -- A-7E - Mediterranean 10-15-75 to 05-05-76 - CVW-7 - CV 62 -- A-7E - NorLant/Med 03-31-77 to 10-21-77 - CVW-7 - CV 62 -- A-7E - Mediterranean 01-16-79 to 07-13-79 - CVW-7 - CVN 69 - A-7E - Mediterranean 04-15-80 to 12-22-80 - CVW-7 - CVN 69 - A-7E - IO 08-20-81 to 10-07-81 - CVW-7 - CVN 69 - A-7E - NorLant 01-05-82 to 07-13-82 - CVW-7 - CVN 69 - A-7E - Mediterranean 04-27-83 to 12-02-83 - CVW-7 - CVN 69 - A-7E - Mediterranean 05-08-84 to 06-20-84 - CVW-7 - CVN 69 - A-7E - Carib/NorLant 10-10-84 to 05-08-85 - CVW-7 - CVN 69 - A-7E - Mediterranean 07-08-85 to 08-22-85 - CVW-7 - CVN 69 - A-7E - Carib 08-18-86 to 03-02-87 - CVW-3 - CV 67 -- A-7E - Mediterranean |
Commanding Officers
February 1951 - - - - - CDR H. K. Pryce September 1952- - - - - CDR J. M. James October 1953- - - - - - CDR Herman J. Harders June 1955 - - - - - - - CDR W. Manby, Jr. August 1955 - - - - - - CDR Uncas L. Fretwell September 1956- - - - - CDR Robert J. Selmer December 1957 - - - - - CDR W. J. McNeil, Jr. May 1959- - - - - - - - CDR D. V. Marshall, Jr. (acting) June 1959 - - - - - - - CDR E. C. Griffin July 1960 - - - - - - - CDR R. I. Kasten May 1961- - - - - - - - CDR J. S. Herman May 1962- - - - - - - - CDR J. M. Tierney May 1963- - - - - - - - CDR R. E. Spruit May 1964- - - - - - - - CDR D. L. Hancock April 1965- - - - - - - CDR W. B. Bagwell June 1966 - - - - - - - CDR L. Wayne Smith June 1967 - - - - - - - CDR E. M. Crow May 1968- - - - - - - - CDR W. E. Ramsey February 1969 - - - - - CDR A. J. Karpaitis January 1970- - - - - - CDR B. A. White August 1970 - - - - - - CDR W. C. Nix June 1971 - - - - - - - CDR J. J. Fleming June 1972 - - - - - - - CDR L. E. Barringer August 1973 - - - - - - CDR R. C. Macke November 1974 - - - - - CDR D. P. March March 1976- - - - - - - CDR Robert T. Davis June 1977 - - - - - - - CDR Stuart J. Fitrell June 1978 - - - - - - - CDR James E. Gill August 1979 - - - - - - CDR Frank H. Gerwe, Jr. October 1980- - - - - - CDR Kent W. Ewing February 1982 - - - - - CDR Richard D. Lichtermann II April 1983- - - - - - - CDR Robert W. Nordman October 1984- - - - - - CDR Robert J. Kelsey April 1986- - - - - - - CDR Richard L. Marquis |
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Awards Award - - - - - - - - - Inclusive Dates: AFEM 24 Oct 1962 to 03 Dec 1962 06 Jun 1983 to 14 Jun 1983 27 Jul 1983 to 30 Aug 1983 01 Sep 1983 to 19 Oct 1983 27 Oct 1983 to 20 Nov 1983 NEM 19 Oct 1962 to 23 Oct 1962 29 Apr 1980 to 16 Jul 1980 22 Jul 1980 to 08 Dec 1980 25 May 1983 to 27 May 1983 NUC 06 Jul 1968 to 16 Jan 1969 29 Apr 1980 to 10 Dec 1980 21 Jul 1983 to 20 Nov 1983 |
RVNGC 01 Oct 1968 to 01 Nov 1968 SLOC Oct 1978 to Dec 1979 VNSM 11 Jul 1968 to 12 Jul 1968 14 Jul 1968 to 15 Jul 1968 23 Jul 1968 to 22 Aug 1968 14 Oct 1968 to 14 Nov 1968 03 Dec 1968 to 27 Dec 1968 |
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Events February 1, 1951: Reserve Fighter Squadron SIX SEVENTY-ONE (VF-671) was called to active duty and assigned the F4U-4 Vought Corsair I. June, 1952: VF-671 was assigned the F8F-2 Grumman Bearcat. December, 1952: VF-671 was assigned the F9F-5 Grumman Panther. January through February 1953: VF-671 / VF-81, with its F9F-5 Panthers participated in operational tests aboard the Navy's first angled deck carrier, USS Antietam CVA 36. February 4, 1953: VF-671 was redesignated Fighter Squadron EIGHTY-ONE (VF-81). April 1954: VF-81 became the first operational fleet squadron to receive and operate the Vought Cutlass. July 1, 1955: VF-81 was re-designated Attack Squadron SIXTY-SIX (VA-66). August 1956: VA-66 started to receive the F9F-8B Grumman Cougar. March 1958: VA-66 started to receive the A4D-1 Douglas Skyhawk. June 1958: VA-66 started to receive the 4D-2/A-4B Douglas Skyhawk. May 27, 1959: Cdr. Wilfred J. McNeil Jr. (VA-66 CO,) 38, son of US Asst. Def. Sec. W.J. McNeil, is missing after a Wednesday night plane crash in the Med. Cdr. McNeil disappeared when his Skyhawk jet (BuNo 142776) crashed while practicing controlled approaches off the USS Intrepid. Pacific Stars & Stripes, 30 May 1959. Cdr. Wilfred J. McNeil Jr. (VA-66 CO,) 38, son of US Asst. Def. Sec. W.J. McNeil, was lost at sea early yesterday when his jet attack bomber plunged into the Mediterranean. A search was abandoned after the pilot's helmet was found floating amid the wreckage and debris from the crashed plane. He was killed while practicing carrier-controlled approaches off the USS Intrepid when his A4D-2 Skyhawk plunged into the sea. Arizona Republic, Friday, 29 May 1959. 2100 While making CCA A4D BuNo 142776 pilot Cdr. W.J. McNeil Attack Squadron 66 disappeared from the controllers radar scope. USS Vesole (DDR-878) detached to search last known position of a/c, 34-56.2N, 21-08.3W, depth of water 1476 ft. 2311 Completed recovering a/c having recovered 2 AD's from SAR operations. USS Intrepid deck log, Wednesday, 27 May 1959. March 1961: VA-66 started to receive the A4D-2N/A-4C Douglas Skyhawk. May 25, 1962: Lt. Raymond W. Hill, 28, received minor burns when his A4D jet (BuNo 149534) blew a tire on takeoff, swerved off the runway and caught fire at Patrick AFB. Pensacola News Journal, Saturday, 26 May 1962. August 14, 1962: The squadron participated in cross-deck operations aboard the British carrier HMS Hermes (R-12). October through December 1962: While embarked in USS Enterprise CVAN 65, the squadron participated in the Cuban Blockade. October 26, 1962: Cdr. Kent L. Lee ejected safely … Aircraft A4D-2N, BuNo 149443 (sic), 148443 bearing 205, distance about 4 miles. Pilot Kent L. Lee, CDR, COMAIRGRU SIX ejected at 1235. Pilot landed in sea at 1240. Helo recovered pilot at 1241. Pilot returned on board uninjured at 1247. USS Enterprise deck log Friday 26 October 1962. July 31 to October 3, 1964: USS Enterprise CVAN 65, with VA-66 embarked, participated in operation Sea Orbit, the first circumnavigation of the world by a nuclear task force. The sixty-five day voyage was accomplished without replenishment. The squadron participated in numerous air power demonstrations during the voyage. October 30, 1965 to August 10, 1966: The Waldos flying the A-4C Skyhawk with Carrier Air Wing 6 cruised the Mediterranean on board USS America CVA-66. June 2, 1966: Lt(jg). Seldon M. Small ejected when VA-66 A-4C BuNo 149634 crashed into the sea 11 miles off the port quarter and sank in 1,750 fathoms of water. The helicopter and USS Leary commenced search for pilot, and he was recovered without injury by the helicopter. USS America deck log, Thursday, 2 June 1966. January 10, 1967 to September 20, 1967: The Waldos flying the A-4C Skyhawk with Carrier Air Wing 6 cruised the Mediterranean on board USS America CVA-66. March 4, 1967: LT(jg). William H. Lifsey and LCdr. J.D. Rasmussen both ejected safely. 1418 an A4C aircraft Bureau No. 149543 of VA-66 piloted by LCDR J.D. Rasmussen and an A4C aircraft Bureau no. 147848 of VA-66, piloted by Ltjg W.H. Lifsey collided in mid-air at latitude 40-19.0N and longitude 05-22.5E and sank in 1,500 fathoms of water. Two parachutes sighted. Helicopter dispatched to scene of crash to recover pilots. 1440 both pilots recovered and delivered aboard this vessel. Injury reports to follow. 2255 Received injury report from aircraft accident which occurred at 1418 this date. LTJG William H. Lifsey received a fracture humeral greater tuberosity bilateral. Treatment administered by medical officer. Disposition admitted. USS America deck log, Saturday, 4 March 1967. May 25, 1967: LCdr. A.P. Lowry ejected when VA-66 A-4C BuNo 147811 crashed into the sea off the starboard bow and sank in 1450 fathoms of water. The pilot was recovered without injury by the helicopter. USS America deck log, Thursday, 25 May 1967. June 8, 1967: VA-66's aircraft were part of an Air Wing 6 strike group that was launched to defend USS Liberty AGTR 5, when she came under attack by the Israelis during the 1967 Israeli-Arab War. When word was received that the attack had been a mistake on the part of the Israelis, the aircraft were recalled. August 01, 1968: Name: Edward James Broms, Jr. August 3, 2012: From: Marjorie (Margie) Broms Waddell. To: Dear Ray (Dermody - VA-66 SDO), I have just visited the VA-66 website and have found your name as the contact person for this squadron. My brother, Edward James Broms, Jr., known by his Naval Academy and Navy Air friends as "Barney", was lost over North Vietnam while on a mission off the U.S.S. Intrepid on August 1st, 1968. Jim, as our family called him, was listed as missing in action. In 1993, an investigation of his crash site produced remains that were tested by the Navy to determine a DNA match with my mother and me. The test at that time was inconclusive. In October of 2011, I was contacted by Navy officials and learned that a subsequent test has indicated that this pilot was indeed a member of our family. June 16, 1969: Lt(jg). Paul Fontaine 25, ejected safely Monday when his crippled plane (A-4C BuNo 149601) crashed and burned. Nashua Telegraph, Tuesday, June 17, 1969. May 6, 1970: LCdr. J. E. Morrison, A-4C Skyhawk aircraft 302 (BuNo 149524) of VA-66 the Waldos, went into the water, 310T; 3,000 yards, USS Forrestal. Pilot recovered by helo of HS-11 with no apparent injuries. From Forrestal Historian Ken Killmeyer. June 1970: VA-66, embarked in USS Forrestal CVA 59, operated in the Eastern Mediterranean after Americans were taken hostage by the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine in Amman, Jordan. October 1970: VA-66 started to receive the A-7E Vought Corsair II. October through November 1973: Embarked on USS Independence CV 62, the squadron operated south of Crete during the Arab-Israeli War. August 1974: USS Independence CV 62, relieved United States Ship America CV 66, off Cyprus following a coup on the island. During the crisis the American Ambassador was killed and anti-American demonstrations took place which led to the evacuation of U.S. citizens to American vessels. April 15, 1980: USS Dwight D. Eisenhower CVAN 69, deployed to the Indian Ocean as part of the continuing response to the hostage crisis in Iran. December 22, 1980: The squadron returned from its deployment to the Indian Ocean after spending a total of 246 days at sea. With only one port visit, the longest at sea period was for 153 days. June 1982: After the Israeli invasion of Lebanon on 6 June, VA-66 operated in the Eastern Mediterranean. During the latter part of June the American carrier forces in the Mediterranean included USS Eisenhower CVAN 69, USS Independence CV 62, United States Ship Forrestal CV 59, and USS John F. Kennedy CV 67. June 24, 1982: VA-66 provided air support during the evacuation of Americans from Beirut, Lebanon, prior to the siege of Beirut by the Israelis. October 25, 1983: Due to the bombing of the Marine Corps barracks in Beirut, USS Eisenhower CVAN 69, terminated its visit to Naples and departed for the eastern Mediterranean. The squadron operated in the vicinity of Lebanon until the latter part of November. March 7, 1985: USS Eisenhower CVAN 69, cut short a visit to Palma, Spain, and made a high-speed transit to the Eastern Mediterranean due to the increased tension in Lebanon. October 1, 1986: The Waldos of VA-66 were officially disestablished but a VA-66 detachment continued in existence until March 31, 1987. The detachment continued to operate because its primary mission during the deployment was to provide Harm missile support for the air wing and carrier. January 30, 1987: USS Kennedy CV 67, cancelled its port visit to Malaga, Spain, and made a high-speed transit to the eastern Mediterranean due to the increased tension over the hostages held in Lebanon. March 31, 1987: VA-66 Detachment was disestablished. |
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Unit Photos 02-13-59 to 08-30-59 - CVG-6 - CVA 11 - A4D-2 - Mediterranean: VA-66 BuNo 152755 AF-310; 142754 AF-306; and 142789 AF-309 in formation. 1959: BuNo 142760, AF-307, launches from the USS Intrepid. Naval Aviation News photo. 1959: Waldos Skyhawk BuNo 142760, AF-307, tops off the fuel tanks from his "Buddy" in the squadron tanker (BuNo is 142774/76 or 78). Naval Aviation News photo. 1959: Waldos Skyhawk BuNo 142760, AF-307, makes land fall exactly on time over Vesuvius and Naples. Naval Aviation News photo. 1959: Waldos Skyhawk BuNo 142760, AF-307, over the top for loft bombing practice and then a fast departure. Naval Aviation News photo. 1959: BuNo 142760, AF-307, heading home over the island of Capri following loft bombing practice. Naval Aviation News photo. 1959: Skyhawk BuNo 142760, AF-307, about to touch down following loft bombing practice. Naval Aviation News photo. 1959: VA-66 A4D-2 Skyhawk BuNo. 142760, side number AF 307. United States Navy Photograph. 1960: A-4B (A4D-2) on the deck of USS Intrepid. From Gary Verver. 12 MAY 1960: VA-66 Waldos A4D-2 Skyhawk BuNo 142825, AF-303, and VF-74 BeDevilers F4D-1 Skyray BuNo 139200, AF-107, 12 May 1960. Official U.S. Navy photo. 1960-61: Waldos Skyhawk BuNo 148455, AF-00, parked on the flightline. At left are VA-43 Challengers BuNo 142150, BuNo 139935, AD-318 & BuNo 1427xx, AD-365. At right is BuNo 142140. Neil Schnieder. AUG 1961: BuNo 148466 AF-311 being loaded onto CV-11. CVG-6 was deploying to the MED. U.S. Navy photo from G. Verver. 1961: Waldos CO, CDR Bob Kasten, checks the Bullpup missile on Skyhawk BuNo 142825, AF-303, before flight. Naval Aviation News photo. 1961: Waldos pilot boards Skyhawk BuNo 142825, AF-303, with the assistance of the plane captain. Bullpup missile on the centerline. Naval Aviation News photo. 1961: Waldos Skyhawk BuNo 142825, AF-303, with a Bullpup missile on the centerline launches on a routine training mission in the Med. Naval Aviation News photo. 1961: Artists rendition of Waldos Skyhawk BuNo 142825, AF-303, in-flight with three Bullpup missiles by Roy Grinnell. Naval Aviation News photo. Courtesy of Joe Morris. 1961: BuNo 148459, flying of the Intrepid, for VA-66. "Boom" Powell. 1961-62: VA-66, flying off the Intrepid, with BuNo 148463, AF-306; 148459, AF-301; 148452, AF-303; 148470, AF-304. Pic 1; Pic 2. Photos from "Boom" Powell. 1962: Waldo's Skyhawks parked forward enroute to Livorno, when the Intrepid has a rendezvous with Med Mistral. Joe Moris. 1961-62: VA-66 MED Cruise of 1961-62. Joe Moris. 1961-62: 1961-62 LCDR Peddy. Joe Moris. 1961-62: 1961-62 MED Cruise Officers. Joe Moris. 1961-62: 1961-62 MED Cruise Enlisted. Joe Moris. 1962: In-flight formation of Waldo's Skyhawks: cw from top BuNo 148455, AF-300, BuNo 148470, AF-304, BuNo 148445, AF-309 and BuNo 148446, AF-310. Joe Moris. 1962: USS Enterprise flight deck, August 1962-January 1963. Front to back VAH-7 Peacemakers A-5A Vigilante BuNo 149278, AF-705, VA-76 Spirits A-4C Skyhawk BuNo 148455, AF-00, VA-76 A-4C Skyhawk BuNo 149526, AK-608 and VA-76 A-4C BuNo 149544, AF-600, VAH-7 A-5A AF-702, VF-102 Diamondbacks F-4A Phantom BuNo 148404, AF-108, VF-33 Tarsiers F-8E Crusader AF-200, VAH-7 A-5A BuNo 149281, AF-708, VF-102 Phantom, VF-33 F-8E AF-210, VF-33 F-8E AF-211, VAH-7 A-5A BuNo 149280, AF-707 and VA-65 Tigers A-1H Skyraider. Photo from Boom Powell. 1962: Waldo's Skyhawk passes gas to a VAH-7 Vigi BuNo 149283, one of the biggest fleet aircraft. Both are from the Big E. Naval Aviation News photo. 1962: USS Enterprise (CVAN-65) with aircraft from CVW-6 (NE) on deck including VF-102 Diamondbacks F4H-1 Phantom II, VF-33 Tarsiers F8U-2NE Crusaders, VA-66 Waldos A4D-2N Skyhawks, VA-65 Tigers AD-6 Skyraiders, VA-64 Black Lancers A4D-2N Skyhawks, VA-76 Spirits A4D-2N Skyhawks, VAH-7 Peacemakers A3J-1 Vigilantes, VAW-12 Det. 65 WF-2 Tracers, VFP-62 Eyes of the Fleet Det. 65 F8U-1P Crusaders and HU-2 Fleet Angels Det. 65 HUP-2 Retrievers, August-December 1962. NOV-DEC 1962: Aircraft parked forward of the island on USS Enterprise, CVN-65, during the Cuban Missile Crisis, November-December 1962. VMA-225 Vagabonds A-4C Skyhawk BuNo 145131, CE-16, VA-76 Spirits A-4C 149522, AF-606, VMA-225 A-4C BuNo 147776, CE-2, VMA-225 A-4C BuNo 147769, CE-8, VMA-225 A-4C BuNo 147739, CE-14, and VF-102 Diamondbacks F-4B Phantom II BuNo 150432, AF-110. A-4C tails visible at left are VA-64 Black Lancers A-4C BuNo 147704, AF-308, and VA-64 A-4C 149618, AF-301. VAW-12 Bats E-1B Tracer on the port and starboard cat. Photo from VMA-225 Dave Leiber. Normally VA-66 and VA-76 Skyhawks provided the light attack jets for CVW-6 aboard CVN-65; the VMA-225 "CE" A4-C Skyhawks were brought aboard for additional fire-power as were the VA-64 Skyhawks. 2nd shot forward: VA-64 Black Lancers A-4C Skyhawk BuNo 147704, AF-308, VA-64 A-4C 149618, AF-301, VMA-225 Vagabonds A-4C BuNo 147776, CE-2, VA-65 Tigers A-1H Skyraider BuNo 135322, AF-409, VMA-225 A-4C BuNo 147769, CE-8, VMA-225 A-4C BuNo 147739, CE-14, and VF-102 Diamondbacks F-4B Phantom II BuNo 150432, AF-110. At left are a VA-66 Waldos A-4C Skyhawk AF-303 and VF-102 F-4B Phantom. VF-102 F-4B Phantom and VAW-12 Bats E-1B Tracer on the port and starboard cats. Photo from VMA-225 Dave Leiber. 1964: VA-66 Salutes Enterprise. Three VA-66 A-4C Skyhawks salute the United States Ship Enterprise, United States Ship Long Beach and United States Ship Bainbridge during operation Sea Orbit. Photograph from Ray Lynch. 1965: VA-66 Plane Captain C.E. Ponce in 1965 15 September 1964: USS Enterprise hangar deck, VA-64 A-4C BuNo 147745, AE-307, and VA-66 Waldos A-4C BuNo 149543, AE-5xx, (right side of photo), VAH-7 Peacemakers A-5A Vigilante AE-700 in the foreground, the tail of VFP-62 RF-8A BuNo 146889 and VF-33 Tarsiers F-8E Crusaders BuNo 150860, AE-215, and BuNo 150845 at left. Official U.S. Navy photo. 1965: VA-76 Spirits A-4C Skyhawk BuNo 147792, AE-50., at right in a line of Skyhawks aboard the USS America (CVA-66). VA-36 Roadrunners A-4C Skyhawk AE-300 to the left of 147792 and to the right are two VA-64 Black Lancers A-4C Skyhawks and to their right a VA-66 Waldos A-4C Skyhawk. USS America CVA66 Cruise Book from Jack R. Hansen. 1965: Flight deck of the USS America (CVA-66) in the Med, CW from left is VAH-10 Vikings A-3B Skywarrior AE-022, VA-66 Waldos A-4C Skyhawk BuNo 149652, AE-511, VAW-12 E-1B "Willie Fudd", AE-750, VA-36 Roadrunners A-4C Skyhawks 148470, AE-308, & 149524, AE-304, VA-64 Black Lancers A-4C BuNo 148544, AE-612, and across the deck VA-36 Roadrunners A-4C BuNo 149634, AE-312. USS America CVA66 Cruise Book from Jack R. Hansen. 1965: VA-66 Waldos A-4C Skyhawk (BuNo unknown), AE-512, launches from the USS America somewhere in the Med. Photo USS America CVA-66 Cruise Book from Jack R. Hansen. 1965: VA-64 Black Lancers A-4C Skyhawk (BuNo unknown), AE-608, and VA-66 Waldos A-4C Skyhawk (BuNo unknown), AE-503, in the background as ordies move an iron bomb across the deck of the USS America somewhere in the Med. Photo USS America CVA-66 Cruise Book from Jack R. Hansen. 1966: VA-66 Plane Captain Ray Dermody in 1966. MAR66: VA-66 A-4C Skyhawk BuNo. 148466, side number AE 311. Doug Harrison is pictured in A-4C BuNo. 148466 side number AE 311 taking a cat shot from United States Ship America CVA-66 somewhere in the Mediterranean. The hold back has just broken and the slats are not yet fully retracted. Al Thompson was the cat officer on America and he always gave us lots of end speed. The ship was so new and big that cat shots were not a problem. In the background is Waldo A-4C BuNo. 149634. United States Navy Photograph from Doug Harrison. April 1966: VA-66 Waldo Officers. The Waldomen, the 1966 version. Some names are missing - can you help? (Contact webmaster@a4skyhawk.org) United States Navy Photograph from Doug Harrison. 1966: VA-66 Waldos A-4C Skyhawk BuNo 149652, AE-511, being readied for launch from CVA 66. Jack R. Hansen USS America CVA66 Cruise Book. 1966: VA-66 Waldos A-4C Skyhawk (BuNo unknown), AE-512, aboard the USS America somewhere in the Med. Photo USS America CVA-66 Cruise Book from Jack R. Hansen. May 1966: Waldo's Skyhawk BuNo 149543, AE-300, assigned to CDR R.E. Dechslin parked on the line at Turin, Italy with a "Buddy Store" mounted center-line. Jack M. Friell. 15 June 1966: VA-66 Waldos A-4C Skyhawk BuNo 148459, AE-301, launches from the USS America (CVA-66). Official U.S. Navy photo. 1966: VA-66 A-4C Skyhawk BuNo. 147789, side number AF 305. Photograph and artwork from Ray J. Dermody. FEB68: BuNo 145122, AK-301, parked on the flight line next to BuNo 148590. Photo by Clay Jansson via Tailhook Association. 1968: VA66 Ready Room in 1968 aboard the USS Intrepid. September 1968: Waldos Skyhawk BuNo 147681, AK-303, and BuNo 149556, AK-310, parked on the flight line. At left are VA-36 Road Runners AK-515 and AK-506. Nick Williams. September 1968: The Deck Edge Operator receives the signal to "tension" VA-66 Waldos A-4C Skyhawk BuNo 149556, AK-310, on the starboard catapult during flight operations in the Gulf of Tonkin, USS Intrepid (CVS-11), September 1968. Note "Fighting I" written on front of the island. Official U.S. Navy photo. 1968-69: The brake rider in VA-66 Waldos A-4C Skyhawk BuNo 147681, AK-303, watches as members of the Marine Detachment on board the USS Intrepid (CVS 11) exercise on the flight deck. Naval Aviation Safety Center Photograph Collection. VA-44 BuNo 149586 A-4E trapping aboard the U.S.S. Intrepid. BuNo 148466, AF-311, tied down on deck with wing tanks and a Bullpup on the centerline. Gary Verver Collection. 17 MAY 1969: Right side view of USS Intrepid VA-66 Waldos A-4C Skyhawk BuNo 149493, AK-312, on the ramp, McDill Field. Copyright R.W. Harrison. Jan 1970 Waldoman Skyhawks BuNo 149642, AA-315, and VA-36 BuNo 148516 parked near the island aboard the USS Forrestal off the coast of Spain during a Med cruise. 1970: A-4C BuNo.148467 on the U.S.S. Forrestal CVA-59 during the 1970 Med Cruise. This was the last Skyhawk deployment for VA-66 before going to the A-7. The Skyhawk on the left appears to be BuNo.149638. Photo from Joe Turpen. 07 JUL 1978: CDR Ed Estes' A-4B Skyhawk BuNo 142678, on display, city of Purdy, MO, in the markings of the VA-112 Bombing Broncos and the VA-66 Waldomen. Plane Captain AMS-3 L.F. Eungard. Pic2; Pic3; Pic4; Pic5. Photographer unknown. Off-Duty Photos VA-66 Vets at their September 8, 2001 reunion in Philly. From left and around the table Marvin "hero" Koslowski , Mrs Sue Taylor, Ralph "Dino" Denino, Mrs Tom Clark, Tom "T.C." Clark, Charles "Chuck" Ponce, Mrs Sissy Corder, Mark "Red" Corder, "Goose" Portagallo, Gary "Sweet p" Taylor, Ray "Ray j" Dermody. Photo from Ray J. Dermody. Checking out of the Holiday Inn in Downtown Phila. 09/10/01. From left to right: Mark "red" Corder, Ralph "Dino" Denino, Ray "Ray J" Dermody, Gary "Sweet P" and Sue Taylor, Charles "Chuck" Ponce, Sissy Corder. Photo from Ray J. Dermody. |
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