VA-94 |
Point of Contact = Squadron Duty Officer (SDO).
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Lieutenant Commander Mark Tiderman, United States Navy (left)
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Early in 1966, Intelligence indicated many North Vietnamese junks were moving further down and off coast, thus posing a threat to our guys who might have to bail out. Our spook community thought the Vietnamese junks to be openly moving supplies to the south. The solution was to send some sorties to specifically go sampan hunting, sink 'em if possible, but mostly scare them back inshore and discourage their venturing to sea.
VA-94 was assigned the mission on March 23, 1966, led by Cdr. Jack Wynn, XO, LCdr. Mark Tiderman, and Lt. Frank Compton filling out the flight. They flew to north of Cap Muy Ron, let down till they were above a fairly low cloud deck. Overwater and several miles out from the beach, they felt comfortable, not threatened, and were about to reach the area where they were going down to start a search for boats.
At the time, there had been no surface to air missiles (SAMs) reported that far south, all previous SAM sights had been located much farther north and none were expected, especially well away from the beach.
Cdr. Wynn radioed Mark & Frank that he was ready to descend, but received no acknowledgment. Turning, he saw only a smoky smudge in the sky over the cloud layer --- no planes, and no answer to repeated calls. He then descended below the clouds, and still found nothing. A SAR (search and rescue) was organized with helicopters, Spads, etc --- after a thorough search only a tire was located.
A subsequent (days later) report by a RA-5C Vigilante pilot, who on that day had been returning from another mission, stated that a SAM had been sighted lifting from a low cloud layer off the coast; then level off just over the clouds on an easterly heading. Nothing more. When we spoke personally to the pilot and checked time, location, heading, etc., it became obvious he had spotted the SAM that had tragically gotten them. There was no SAM warning reported from any source on that morning, and Cdr. Wynn reported no cockpit warning.
A day or two later, we received an alert from the Air Force Intelligence staff that the Vietcong were thought to be moving mobile SAM launchers south and that we should be on guard. No mobile SAM launchers had ever been reported previously. One mobile SAM launcher was thought to be near the coastal area and about abreast of where our guys were lost.
That was all. Two fine officers, top notch pilots and dedicated Americans were gone without a sound! Mark Tiderman left a grief stricken widow and a beautiful daughter, and Frank Compton heart-broken parents.
 Bombing Twenty's Tough Kitty - 1943 |
 VF-94 Tough Kitty - 1952 |
 VF-94 Tough Kitty - 1955 |
 VA-94 Mighty Shrikes - 1959 |
 VA-94 Mighty Shrikes - 1965 |
 VFA-94 Mighty Shrike - 1990 |
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Patch Bombing Twenty's Tough Kitty patch was in use before December 1943. This patch is displayed above. The "Tough Kitty" was VF-94's patch being used before and during the 1954 world cruise on USS Hornet CVA-12. This patch is displayed above. The "Tiger Paw" design was the third patch and it was used from November 21, 1955 until April 1959. This patch is displayed above. The "Atom Electrons" design was the fourth patch and it was used from April 21, 1959 until 1965. This patch is displayed above. The "Shrike" was the fifth patch; it was designed by Otto Krueger and Irish Swarzenbach. This patch was used from 1965 to the present. This patch is displayed above. The "Shrike" design scroll was modified on September 14, 1990 to "Strike Fighter Squadron 94." This patch is displayed above. |
Sources David Weber Russell Anderson Harry Gann Masaaki Hayakawa Takafumi Hiroe Jan Jacobs Otto Krueger JOC H. O. Moeser, USN Vlad "Blod" Sosedkin Whiz White |
| Handle
Bombing Twenty's Tough Kitty, 1943 to 1946 Mighty Shrikes, 1959 to present. Squadron Radio Call Sign: Hoboken Heritage July 1, 1943, Bombing Squadron NINETY NINE (VB-99) established. October 15, 1943, VB-99 was redesignated Bombing Squadron TWENTY (VB-20). November 15, 1946, VB-20 was redesignated Attack Squadron NINE A (VA-9A). August 12, 1948, Va-9A was redesignated Attack Squadron NINETY FOUR (VA-94). November 30, 1949, Attack Squadron NINETY FOUR disestablished. March 26, 1952, Fighter Squadron NINETY FOUR (VF-94) re-established. August 1, 1958, VF-94 was redesignated Attack Squadron NINETY FOUR VA-94. June 28, 1990, the VA-94 Mighty Shrikes were re-designated as VFA-94 - Strike Fighter Squadron NINETY FOUR. |
Home Ports
July 1, 1943 - - - - - - Naval Air Station San Diego April 21, 1944*- - - - - Naval Air Station Kaneohe April 30, 1944*- - - - - Naval Air Station Barbers Point June 17, 1944* - - - - - Naval Air Station Puunene February 23, 1945- - - - Naval Air Station San Diego April 16, 1945 - - - - - Naval Air Station Wildwood June 22, 1945- - - - - - Naval Air Station Edenton November 1, 1945 - - - - Naval Auxiliary Air Station Elizabeth City March 1, 1946- - - - - - Naval Auxiliary Air Station Charlestown March 26, 1952 - - - - - Naval Air Station Alameda January 1955 - - - - - - Naval Air Station Moffett August 20, 1958- - - - - Naval Air Station Alameda March 8, 1962- - - - - - Naval Air Station Lemoore * Temporary shore assignment while the squadron conducted training in preparation for combat deployment. |
| Aircraft
Date Type First Received - - - - - - Type of Aircraft: July 1943- - - - - - - - - - - - - Douglas SBD-5 Dauntless November 15, 1943- - - - - - - - - Curtiss SB2C-1C Helldiver July 1944- - - - - - - - - - - - - Curtiss SB2C-3 Helldiver April 18, 1945 - - - - - - - - - - Curtiss SB2C-4E Helldiver August 4, 1945 - - - - - - - - - - Curtiss SBW-5 Helldiver ** March 1946 - - - - - - - - - - - - Curtiss SB2C-5 Helldiver October 4, 1948- - - - - - - - - - Douglas AD-2 Skyraider April 1952 - - - - - - - - - - - - Goodyear FG-1D Corsair I August 1952 - - - - - - - - -- - - Vought F4U-4 Corsair I September 1953 - - - - - - - - - - Grumman F9F-5 Panther * February 1955 - - - - - - - -- - - North American FJ-3 Fury November 1955- - - - - - - - - - - Grumman F9F-8 Cougar * April 1956 - - - - - - - - - - - - Grumman F9F-8B Cougar * June 1957- - - - - - - - - - - - - North American FJ-3 Fury July 1, 1957 - - - - - - - - - - - North American FJ-3M Fury August 25, 1958 - - - - - - -- - - North American FJ-4 Fury January 11, 1959 - - - - - - - - - Douglas A4D-2 (A-4B) ***Skyhawk September 7, 1960- - - - - - - - - Douglas A4D-2N (A-4C) Skyhawk *** October 23, 1967 - - - - - - - - - Douglas A-4E Skyhawk January 1971 - - - - - - - - - - - Vought A-7E Corsair II May 5, 1990- - - - - - - - - - - - F/A-18C Boeing Hornet * The F9F through the F9F-6 Panthers have straight wings; The F9F-7 through the F9F-8 Cougars have swept wings. ** The SBW-5 Curtiss Helldiver was built by Fairchild of Canada and was the same as the SB2C-5. *** November 30, 1962: The A4D-2 designation was changed to A-4B The A4D-2N designation was changed to A-4C For A-4 Skyhawk aircraft assigned to this unit see lower in this page: |
Air Wings
Date - - - - - - - - - - - - Tail code - - - - - - - Air Wing October 15, 1943 - - - - - - - PS/D**- - - - CVG-20/CVAG-9/CVG-9* March 26, 1952 - - - - - - - - N - - - - - - CVG-9 1955 - - - - - - - - - - - - - Z - - - - - - ATG-4 July 1, 1957 - - - - - - - - - ND- - - - - - ATG-4 August 1, 1958 - - - - - - - - NG- - - - - - CVG-9/CVW-9 July 1, 1966 - - - - - - - - - NF- - - - - - CVW-5 November 1970 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - COMFAIRLEMOORE January 2, 1971- - - - - - - - NL- - - - - - CVW-15 January 18, 1982 - - - - - - - NH- - - - - - CVW-11 * Established as CVG-20 on October 15, 1943. Re-designated CVAG-9 on November 15, 1946. CVAG-9 re-designated CVG-9 on September 1, 1948. CVG-9 was disestablished on December 1, 1949. ** In 1946 the tail code PS was assigned to Philippine Sea CV 47, and CVG-9. In 1948 the tail code for CVG-9 was changed to D. |
| Deployments
08-16-44 to 11-23-44 - CVG-20- CV 6*- - SB2C-3 - Pacific - combat 11-23-44 to 02-02-45 - CVG-20- CV 16**- SB2C-3 - Pacific - combat 02-09-48 to 06-26-48 - CVAG-9- CV 47- - SB2C-5 - Caribbean/Mediterranean 12-15-52 to 08-14-53 - CVG-9 - CVA 47 - F4U-4 -- Western Pacific/Korea combat 05-11-54 to 12-12-54 - CVG-9 - CVA 12 - F9F-5 -- World Cruise 03-19-56 to 09-13-56 - ATG-4 - CVA 10 - F9F-8B - Western Pacific 01-06-58 to 06-30-58 - ATG-4 - CVA 12 - FJ-3M -- Western Pacific 02-06-60 to 08-30-60 - CVG-9 - CVA 61 - A4D-2 -- Western Pacific 08-11-61 to 03-08-62 - CVG-9 - CVA 61 - A4D-2N - Western Pacific 11-09-62 to 06-14-63 - CVG-9 - CVA 61 - A-4C - - Western Pacific 08-05-64 to 05-06-65 - CVW-9 - CVA 61 - A-4C - - Vietnam - combat 10-26-65 to 06-21-66 - CVW-9 - CVAN 65- A-4C - - Vietnam - combat 01-05-67 to 07-22-67 - CVW-5 - CVA 19 - A-4C - - Vietnam - combat 01-27-68 to 10-10-68 - CVW-5 - CVA 31 - A-4E - - Vietnam - combat 03-18-69 to 10-29-69 - CVW-5 - CVA 31 - A-4E - - Vietnam - combat 04-02-70 to 11-12-70 - CVW-5 - CVA 31 - A-4E - - Vietnam - combat 11-12-71 to 07-17-72 - CVW-15- CVA 43 - A-7E - - Vietnam - combat 03-09-73 to 11-08-73 - CVW-15- CVA 43 - A-7E - - Western Pacific 12-05-74 to 07-02-75 - CVW-15- CVA 43 - A-7E - - Western Pacific 02-15-77 to 10-05-77 - CVW-15- CV 43- - A-7E - - Western Pacific 05-30-79 to 02-25-80 - CVW-15- CV 63- - A-7E - - Western Pacific/IO 04-01-81 to 11-23-81 - CVW-15- CV 63- - A-7E - - Western Pacific/IO 09-01-82 to 04-28-83 - CVW-11- CVN 65 - A-7E - - NorPac/ Western Pacific/IO 05-30-84 to 12-20-84 - CVW-11- CVN 65 - A-7E - - Western Pacific/IO/ NorPac 01-12-86 to 08-13-86 - CVW-11- CVN 65 - A-7E - - Western Pacific/Mediterranean/SoLant 10-25-87 to 11-24-87 - CVW-11- CVN 65 - A-7E - - NorPac 01-05-88 to 07-03-88 - CVW-11- CVN 65 - A-7E - - Western Pacific/IO/NorPac 09-17-89 to 03-16-90 - CVW-11- CVN 65 - A-7E - - World Cruise * The squadron transferred from Enterprise CV 6, to Lexington CV 16, and remained deployed in the Pacific. ** The squadron completed its combat tour in the Pacific and transferred from Lexington CV 16, to Kwajalein CVE 98, for transportation back to the United States. |
Commanding Officers
Date Assumed Command - - - - - - - Commanding Officer July 1943 - - - - - - - LCDR Louis J. Kirn November 10, 1943 - - - LCDR Robert E. Riera November 10, 1944 - - - LCDR Raymond E. Moore April 16, 1945- - - - - LT James S. Cooper (acting) April 19, 1945- - - - - LT James S. Cooper June 5, 1947- - - - - - LCDR Lawrence G. Traynor July 6, 1948- - - - - - LCDR Harlin M. Keister April 9, 1952 - - - - - CDR Armind T. Holderman March 1953- - - - - - - LCDR R. A. Singleton (acting) July 1, 1953- - - - - - CDR Armind T. Holderman September 1953- - - - - CDR William T. Harding June 1955 - - - - - - - CDR C. H. Gates 1956- - - - - - - - - - CDR Robert M. Soule September 1956- - - - - CDR Francis X. Brady July 28, 1958 - - - - - CDR Richard D. Lazenby July 24, 1959 - - - - - CDR D. G. Patterson September 2, 1960 - - - CDR G. M. Hart December 20, 1961 - - - CDR J. A. Endacott December 1962 - - - - - CDR Donald Loranger December 10, 1963 - - - CDR Malcolm E. Vail November 5, 1964- - - - CDR Paul A. Peck October 23, 1965- - - - CDR Otto E. Krueger October 28, 1966- - - - CDR J. H. Wynn III November 9, 1967- - - - CDR Joseph B. Wilkinson, Jr. November 8, 1968- - - - CDR John E. Wasson November 26, 1969 - - - CDR Zygmont J. Kowalskey, Jr. October 22, 1970- - - - CDR Robert B. Browning October 29, 1971- - - - CDR David L. Moss October 13, 1972- - - - CDR W. A. Lacey September 26, 1973- - - CDR Ted W. Reynolds January 21, 1975- - - - CDR Harvey A. Eikel April 15, 1976- - - - - CDR S. R. Briggs July 1, 1977- - - - - - CDR John A. Moriarty October 20, 1978- - - - CDR Paul E. Otto January 20, 1980- - - - CDR Paul A. Cassiman March 23, 1981- - - - - CDR James I. Maslowski June 4, 1982- - - - - - CDR M. A. Gary June 28, 1982 - - - - - CDR J. J. Zerr February 14, 1983 - - - CDR E. L. Tetrick June 1984 - - - - - - - CDR Terrence L. Hightower October 17, 1985- - - - CDR Larry S. Doyle February 27, 1987 - - - CDR Carl W. Chamberlain September 1, 1988 - - - CDR John A. Roe April 26, 1990- - - - - CDR Lewis G. Mason |
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Awards PUC 14 Dec 1944 to 16 Dec 1944 03 Jan 1945 to 22 Jan 1945 Campaign Medal (Asiatic-Pacific) 31 Aug 1944 to 18 Sep 1944 10 Oct 1944 to 22 Nov 1944 14 Dec 1944 to 16 Dec 1944 03 Jan 1945 to 22 Jan 1945 Korea Presidential Unit Citation 31 Jan 1953 to 27 Jul 1953 Korea Service Medal 25 Jan 1953 to 01 Aug 1953 Navy Unit Commendations 31 Aug 1944 to 18 Sep 1944 10 Oct 1944 to 22 Nov 1944 31 Jan 1953 to 27 Jul 1953 21 Feb 1968 to 13 Sep 1968 15 Dec 1971 to 01 Jul 1972 Navy Battle E Ribbon 01 Jul 1973 to 30 Jun 1974 01 Jul 1983 to 31 Dec 1984 01 Jan 1989 to 31 Dec 1989 Armed Forces Expeditionary Medals 24 Jun 1960 to 25 Jun 1960 01 May 1963 to 05 May 1963 18 Sep 1964 to 20 Sep 1964 01 Oct 1964 to 09 Oct 1964 28 Nov 1964 to 01 Jan 1965 16 Jan 1965 to 17 Mar 1965 04 Apr 1965 to 14 Apr 1965 04 May 1968 to 07 May 1968 29 Jun 1969 07 Jul 1969 to 13 Jul 1969 24 Jul 1969 03 Sep 1969 13 Sep 1969 to 14 Sep 1969 29 Apr 1975 to 30 Apr 1975 15 May 1975 15 Feb 1988 to 09 Mar 1988 17 Jan 1990 to 31 Jan 1990 Humanitarian Service Medal 29 Apr 1975 to 30 Apr 1975 17 May 1981 02 Oct 1981 23 Oct 1982 Meritorius Unit Commendation 20 Jan 1967 to 14 Jul 1967 18 Apr 1969 to 08 Oct 1969 02 May 1970 to 20 Oct 1970 22 Apr 1975 to 30 Apr 1975 15 May 1975 13 Nov 1979 to 08 Feb 1980 01 Oct 1983 to 31 Mar 1985 15 Feb 1988 to 09 Mar 1988 Navy Expeditionary Medal 25 Nov 1979 to 28 Jan 1980 25 May 1981 to 30 Sep 1981 30 Apr 1986 to 27 Jun 1986 |
Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citations 02 Dec 1965 11 Dec 1965 21 Dec 1965 24 Dec 1965 26 Dec 1965 to 30 Dec 1965 01 Jan 1966 to 02 Jan 1966 04 Jan 1966 to 14 Jan 1966 04 Feb 1966 19 Feb 1966 23 Feb 1966 27 Mar 1966 to 28 Mar 1966 30 Mar 1966 to 31 Mar 1966 02 Apr 1966 11 Apr 1966 29 Apr 1966 20 Feb 1967 23 Feb 1967 16 Mar 1967 24 Mar 1967 to 25 Mar 1967 07 May 1967 09 May 1967 12 May 1967 15 May 1967 to 21 May 1967 29 May 1967 to 30 May 1967 03 Jun 1967 16 Jun 1967 21 Feb 1968 to 25 Feb 1968 27 Feb 1968 to 07 Mar 1968 12 Mar 1968 to 18 Mar 1968 22 Mar 1968 to 23 Mar 1968 25 Mar 1968 06 Apr 1968 to 11 Apr 1968 13 Apr 1968 to 14 Apr 1968 17 Apr 1968 to 20 Apr 1968 13 May 1968 to 14 May 1968 26 May 1968 to 27 May 1968 04 Jul 1968 02 Aug 1968 to 18 Aug 1968 27 Aug 1968 to 14 Sep 1968 18 Apr 1969 to 17 May 1969 01 Jun 1969 04 Jun 1969 to 09 Jun 1969 11 Jun 1969 to 24 Jun 1969 26 Jun 1969 Vietnam Service Medals 02 Dec 1965 to 14 Jan 1966 04 Feb 1966 to 23 Feb 1966 16 Mar 1966 to 12 Apr 1966 22 Apr 1966 to 14 May 1966 23 May 1966 to 06 Jun 1966 04 Feb 1967 to 26 Feb 1967 15 Mar 1967 to 12 Apr 1967 27 Apr 1967 to 05 Jun 1967 11 Jun 1967 to 28 Jun 1967 20 Feb 1968 to 25 Mar 1968 06 Apr 1968 to 20 Apr 1968 09 May 1968 to 30 May 1968 04 Jun 1968 to 05 Jun 1968 13 Jun 1968 to 07 Jul 1968 21 Jul 1968 to 18 Aug 1968 27 Aug 1968 to 14 Sep 1968 17 Apr 1969 to 18 May 1969 03 Jun 1969 to 26 Jun 1969 30 Jul 1969 to 31 Aug 1969 23 Sep 1969 to 08 Oct 1969 02 May 1970 to 26 May 1970 01 Jun 1970 to 14 Jun 1970 01 Jul 1970 to 29 Jul 1970 17 Aug 1970 to 03 Sep 1970 11 Sep 1970 to 12 Sep 1970 26 Sep 1970 to 21 Oct 1970 14 Dec 1971 31 Dec 1971 to 17 Jan 1972 26 Jan 1972 to 17 Feb 1972 01 Apr 1972 to 11 May 1972 01 Jun 1972 to 11 Jun 1972 21 Jun 1972 to 02 Jul 1972 During the Mighty Shrikes's seven Vietnam War combat deployments, VA-94 was awarded: eleven Armed Forces Expeditionary Medals, two Navy Unit Commendations, three Meritorious Unit Commendations, forty-four Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citations, and thirty-two Vietnam Service Medals. |
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Events July through October 1943: VB-99 was established as an experimental squadron for the new SB2C Helldiver aircraft until its redesignation as VB-20 and assignment to CVG-20. VB-99 was initially assigned the tried and true (Slow But Deadly) Douglas SBD-5 Dauntless. On November 15, 1943 the squadron started to receive the SB2C-1C Curtiss Helldiver. October 15, 1943: VB-99 was re-designated Bombing Squadron TWENTY (VB-20). August 16, 1944 through November 23, 1944: VB-20 Tough Kitties flying the SB2C-3 Curtiss Helldiver and embarked upon USS Enterprise CV 6, for the first of two World War II VB-99 Pacific combat cruises. August 31, 1944: The Tough Kitty's first combat action involved striking from USS Enterprise CV 6, in an attack on the Bonin Islands. September 1944: VB-20 striking from USS Enterprise CV 6, participated in pre-invasion strikes on Palau Islands and provided air support for landings on Peleliu Island. October 1944: Tough Kitty aircraft striking from USS Enterprise CV 6, participated in air strikes against Okinawa, Formosa and Luzon. October 24, 1944: VB-20 striking from USS Enterprise CV 6, participated in the Battle for Leyte Gulf. Tough Kitty's SB2Cs flew sorties against a powerful Japanese surface force in the Sibuyan Sea. These attacks contributed to the sinking of the Musashi, one of the two largest battleships in the world. The following squadron personnel were awarded the Navy Cross for this action: Ens. M. E. Adams, Ens. R. J. Barnes, Ens. H. A. Koster, Ens. R. D. Olson, Ens. M. T. Ross, Ens. D. D. J. Spanagel, Lt(jg) P. P. Cook, Lt(jg) J. M. Glynn, Lt(jg) R. D. Reed, Lt(jg) J. P. Trytten, Lt(jg) J. E. Tsarnas, Lt. W. N. Christensen, Lt. J. S. Cooper, Lt. H. C. Hogan, Lt. R. E. Moore, Lt. R. D. Warner, Lt. R. S. Wilcox, Cdr. R. E. Riera October 25, 1944: Tough Kitty aircraft striking from USS Enterprise CV 6, were part of the Fast Carrier Task Force that attacked the Japanese carrier force in the Battle of Cape Engano. Four Japanese carriers were sunk during this engagement. The following squadron personnel were awarded the Navy Cross for their actions during the Battle of Cape Engano: Ens. H. C. Bearden, Ens. D. F. Hughes, Ens. C. Z. Stevens III, Ens. W. P. Wright, Lt(jg) W. C. Phtilla, Lt. W. W. Anderson, Lt. C. Burkhart, Lt. L. C. Flynt, Cdr. R. E. Riera. November 23, 1944 through February 2, 1945: VB-20 cross-decked (switched ships during the cruise) to USS Lexington CV 16, for the second of two World War II VB-99 Pacific combat cruises. November 1944: Tough Kitty Helldivers striking from USS Lexington CV 16, against a Japanese troop convoy in Ormoc Bay, Leyte and enemy positions on Luzon. December 1944: Tough Kitty Helldivers striking from USS Lexington CV 16, participated in strikes flown against Luzon. January 1945: VB-20 aircraft flew strikes against Luzon, Formosa, Hong Kong, and Japanese convoys in South China Sea and Okinawa. January 12, 1945: The following VB-20 personnel were awarded the Silver Star medal for action against a Japanese cruiser while protecting a convoy of cargo ships: Lt. (jg) H. Rubner, Lt. W. N. Christensen, and Lt. W. W. Anderson. November 15, 1946: VB-20 was redesignated Attack Squadron NINE A (VA-9A). August 12, 1948: Va-9A was redesignated Attack Squadron NINETY FOUR (VA-94). October 4, 1948: VB-20 received the new AD-2 Douglas Skyraider. November 30, 1949: Attack Squadron NINETY FOUR (VA-94) is dis-established. March 26, 1952: Fighter Squadron NINETY FOUR (VF-94) is established and assigned the FG-1D Goodyear Corsair I. Several months later VF-94 got the F4U-4 Vought Corsair I. September 1953: VF-94 was assigned the F9F-5 Grumman Panther. February 1955: VF-94 received the FJ-3 North American Fury. August 1, 1958: VF-94 was re-designated VA-94 - Attack Squadron NINETY FOUR. Later the squadron was assigned the Douglas A4D-2 (A-4B) Skyhawk. January 11, 1959: Attack Squadron NINETY FOUR takes a new handle "The Shrikes." September 7, 1960: The Shrikes were assigned the Douglas A4D-2N (A-4C) Skyhawk. August 19, 1959: Lt(jg). Norris Vaughn Robbins, 22, who was flying an A4D Skyhawk (BuNo 145015), was killed in an explosive crash in southern Alameda county Tuesday. San Mateo Times, San Mateo, CA, Wednesday, August 19, 1959. Lt(jg). Norris Vaughn Robbins, 22, was killed when his Skyhawk apparently exploded in mid-air over the hills SE of Castro Valley early today. The jet was one of three that were making a landing approach to NAS Alameda after a night training mission. The plane vanished from Navy radar at 1:58 a.m. and the wreckage was sighted by USCG and USN helicopters a few minutes before 8 a.m. Oakland Tribune, Wednesday, August 19, 1959. Spectators inspect wreckage of Navy jet which crashed and exploded in the hills above Palomares Canyon Rd. near Sunol. Lt(jg). Norris Vaughn Robbins, 22, was killed. Daily Review, Wednesday, August 19, 1959. March 6, 1964: Lt. Thomas E. Dunlap, 33, ejected safely moments before his aircraft (A-4C BuNo 147730) crashed about 8 miles west of Tulare, CA Friday. He was on a routine training mission out of NAS Lemoore. The Bakersfield Californian, Sat., March 7, 1964. August 5, 1964 through May 6, 1965: The Mighty Shrikes flying the A-4C Skyhawk fourth deployment on USS Ranger CVA 61. This was the Shrikes's first combat cruise to Western Pacific/Vietnam. The Shrikes had no combat or operational losses this cruise. December 1, 1964: The squadron flew its first sorties in support of Yankee Team Operations, armed escort for photo reconnaissance missions over Laos. February 7, 1965: Following a Viet Cong attack against the American advisors compound at Pleiku, South Vietnam, the President ordered a reprisal strike against North Vietnam, named Flaming Dart I. The squadron's target, Vit Thu Lu barracks, was concealed by heavy weather and the mission was aborted due to the bad weather. Four days later the squadron participated in Flaming Dart II, retaliatory strikes against the Chanh Hoa military barracks near Dong Hoi, North Vietnam. March 1965: The squadron participated in Rolling Thunder strikes against the Phu Qui ammunition depot in North Vietnam. December 23, 1965: Lt(jg). William Leonard Shankel ejected and was captured when his Skyhawk (BuNo 149562, NG 414) was hit by ground fire just as he released his Mk-83 bombs on the Hai Duong Bridge, caught fire and rolled inverted. March 17, 1966: Lt(jg). Fredrick Charles Baldock ejected and was captured when a SA-2 missile blew the tail off of his aircraft (A-4C BuNo 147740, NG 401) while taking evasive action on a Rolling Thunder strike against a pontoon bridge 25 miles S of Vinh. March 21, 1966: Lt. F. R. Compton, 30, was shot down Monday in North Vietnam and apparently perished in the wreckage of his plane (A-4C BuNo 149515, NG 406). He was stationed aboard the USS Enterprise and was on a reconnaissance flight at the time. Danville Register, Wednesday, 23 March 1966. LCdr. J. M. Tiderman (A-4C BuNo 148499, NG 411) was killed during a reconnaissance mission over Vietnam Monday. He was attached to VA-84 on the USS Enterprise. Oakland Tribune, Wednesday, March 23, 1966. Hoboken 411, an A-4C (BuNo 148499) LCdr. John M. Tiderman, and Hoboken 406, another A-4C (BuNo 148515), Lt. Frank R. Compton, VA-94, both launched as a SARCAP, on 21 March 1966. By the time they reached a point approximately five–ten miles off Cap Mui Ron, the ceiling was 100 feet, with thin scattered clouds up to 2,000. During the letdown from 18,000–1,000 feet, the number two man on the starboard side overran the lead aircraft, reducing power and repositioning himself “in a normal three plane, trail formation.” Thus “there was some degree of maneuvering for position at the time of the incident.” Hoboken 400, flight leader, was leveling off at 800–1,000 feet and the flight was in and out of the cloud tops, indicating the three aircraft did not have visual reference to one another at all times. Suddenly he saw a bright flash in his rear view mirror and lost visual and voice contact with 411 and 406, which probably collided. At 1010, however, while encountering low stratus clouds with tops at 800–1,000 feet, the pilot and RIO of Showtime 613, another F-4B, both saw a SAM off the coast, arching upward at high speed, heading 090º at 1,000 feet. Their initial sighting was a “plume of smoke” and then a “black pencil shaped object” leveling off. Flare 103, an RA-5C, also spotted the contrail but not the SAM itself. “Missile sighting and loss of Hoboken 411 and 406 correlate in time and position” was one speculative analysis. In addition, Hoboken leader reported two indications of his ALQ-51 light on briefly, and the general consensus was of an SA-2 launching. Raven 302, flight leader of a reconnaissance mission, together with Crowns Alfa and Bravo, Electron 502, Clementine helo and Fetches 53 and 54, two SH-3Ws, were all diverted to assist with the CSAR. Though visibility was poor at the scene, helmets, a lifejacket and similar gear were recovered, their close proximity negating the possibility of successful ejections, reducing the likelihood of anyone surviving. Neither man was ever recovered. October 7, 1966: LCdr. Paul Barrish of NAS Lemoore ejected safely from his A4 Skyhawk (BuNo 148308) and Lt(jg). Robert Gordon, 24, who was flying F-8E Crusader (BuNo 150676) from VF-53 in NAS Miramar, was killed Friday when their planes collided over the Chocolate Mountains east of the Salton Sea. Pacific Stars and Stripes, Monday, October 10, 1966. January 5, 1967 through August 22, 1967: The Mighty Shrikes flying the A-4C Skyhawk first deployment on USS Hancock CVA 19. This was the Shrikes's third combat cruise to Western Pacific/Vietnam. March 30, 1967: Lt. Richard J. "Jeff" Miles was rescued when he ejected (A-4C BuNo 147844) after one pass when he returned to the ship without enough fuel to bingo. The Danang tanker did not work and the carrier was in the fog. His plane crashed into Gulf of Tonkin. Pilot ejected port side two thousand yards at 0816. Commenced SAR operations 0904. Pilot recovered from water by helo #52 from the USS Bennington (CVS-20) at 1024. Lt. Miles recovered aboard Hancock at 1024. USS Hancock deck log, 30 March 1967. May 10, 1967: Cdr. Roger Morton "Dutch" Netherland was killed when his Skyhawk (BuNo. 149509, NF 404) crashed about 10 miles S of Haiphong after it was hit by a SA-2 missile while approaching Kien An airfield near Haiphong. January 27, 1968 through October 10, 1968: The Mighty Shrikes flying the A-4E Skyhawk first deployment on USS Bon Homme Richard CVA 31. This was the Shrikes's fourth combat cruise to Western Pacific/Vietnam. The Shrikes had no combat or operational losses this cruise. October 23, 1967: The Shrikes were assigned the A-4E Douglas Skyhawk. March 18, 1969 through October 29, 1969: The Mighty Shrikes flying the A-4E Skyhawk second deployment on USS Bon Homme Richard CVA 31. This was the Shrikes's fifth combat cruise to Western Pacific/Vietnam. The Shrikes had no combat losses this cruise. May 6, 1969: Lt(jg) Timmonthy R. Beard (BuNo 152043) crashed into the sea off the port side at Lat. 17degrees-38-4' N long. 107degrees-43.1' E and sank in 220 ft. of water. Pilot recovered by USS Chevalier (DD-805) with no injuries to the pilot. USS Bon Homme Richard deck log, Tuesday, May 6, 1969. April 2, 1970 through November 12, 1970: The Mighty Shrikes flying the A-4E Skyhawk third deployment on United States Ship Bon Homme Richard CVA 31. This was the Shrikes's sixth combat cruise to Western Pacific/Vietnam. The Shrikes had no combat or operational losses this cruise. January 1971: The Shrikes were assigned the A-7E Vought Corsair II. Someone want to give us a clue? Cartoon from Wz White. Reluctant Warrior. CVA-61 time-frame. "Whizzer" White and Tom Dunlop (standing) in the VA-94 ready room. "Whizzer" later starts the "Skyhawk Association" Some time later, Cdr. Tommy E. Dunlop was CAG 15 on the Coral Sea, CVA-43. On April 6, 1972, Tommy was shot down in a VA-22, A-7E, BuNo. 157590 - side number NL 300, by a SAM over North Vietnam and was Killed In Action. AUG 1964 - MAY 1965 Combat Cruise: 4,097 FLIGHT HOURS, 1,476 CARRIER LANDINGS, 0 ACCIDENTS. AUG 1964 - MAY 1965 Combat Cruise: FRONT ROW KNEELING, L to R: Lt. John "Teach" Matechak; Ltjg Dave "Bebe" Dillinger; Lt. Don Walsh; Ltjg Steve Phillips; Dick Ritz; Lt. Marv Pegues, Air Intelligence Officer; Ltjg Charlie "Badluck" Baldock; Ltjg Jerry "Shaps" Shapiro. REAR ROW STANDING, L to R: Lt. Dave Yost (he left the squadron shortly after the picture with a collapsed lung); Ltjg "Whizzer" White; LCdr. Paul Raysin; Ltjg Virgil Jackson; Ltjg Loren Brown; LCdr. Tom Dunlop; Cdr Paul Peck, Commanding Officer; Cdr. Otto Krueger, Executive Officer; Lt. Tommy Mauer; Capt. "Andy" Anderson, USMC (the first "Captn Andy" - we had two "Captn Andys" in succession on Ranger, then again on Enterprise); Ltjg Bill "Ens. Pulver" Shankel. Notes: LCdr. Mark Tiderman had been sent home with a broken starboard humerus incurred while arm wrestling,we picked him up again when we got back to Lemoore and turned around to get aboard Enterprise three months later. Frank Compton had not yet reported. . . he was shot down and Killed In Action along with Mark Tiderman in 1966. Jerry Shapiro made the 1966 Enterprise cruise, but doesn't appear in that photo - he probably had SDO or something. JAN Photo from "Whizzer" White. Plane Captain Mike Walker tells us how it was for him. Unknown date and photographer: VA-94 A-4C #406 Carrier Hanger Deck. Could be the Ranger 64/65 when VA-94 was NG-4xx or the Hancock in 1967 when they were NF-4xx. VA-94 went to the A-4E after the Hancock cruise. From Gary Verver. 23 OCT 65: CDR Krueger served as CO of VA-93 23 OCT 1965 to 28 OCT 1966. October 26, 1965 through June 21, 1966: The Mighty Shrikes flying the A-4C Skyhawk first deployment on United States Ship Enterprise CVAN 65. This was the Shrikes's second combat cruise to Western Pacific/Vietnam. APR 1966: 1965-66 Combat Cruise: FRONT ROW KNEELING, L to R: 1. Lieutenant Commander John Robl; 2. Lieutenant Loren "Brownie" Brown; 3. Lieutenant Commander Ken Dickerson; 4. Commander Otto Krueger, Commanding Officer; 5. Commander Jack Wynn, Executive Officer; 6. Lieutenant Commander Gordo Stephens; 7. Lieutenant "Irish S+12" Schwarzenbach; 8. Lieutenant Junior Grade Jeff Miles. REAR ROW STANDING, L to R: 1. Ensign Doug Bailey; 2. Capt Ira Anderson, USMC; 3. Lieutenant Junior Grade Ken Blood; 4. Ensign Bob Chernow (killed in civilian plane crash near LA about 1989); 5. Ensign Bob Malm, Air Intelligence Officer; 6. Lieutenant Virgil (Virg) Jackson; 7. Lieutenant Commander Paul Raysin; 8. Lieutenant Commander Neil Harvey; 9. Lieutenant Le Linquist; 10. Lieutenant John "Teach" Matechak; 11. Lieutenant Dave "Whizzer" White; 12. Lieutenant Junior Grade Steve Phillips; 13. Lieutenant H. C. Shew - New Maintenance Control Officer. This group photo was taken onboard Enterprise (CVAN-65) about April 1966 in Subic Bay, Phillippines --- because Lieutenant Charlie "Badnews" Baldock and Lieutenant Junior Grade Bill "Ensign Pulver" Shankel are not in the picture. Sorry, this image has gone missing. 1965: Two VA-93 Blue Blazer A-4C Skyhawks, BuNo. 147721 side number NG 306 and BuNo. 147834 side number NG 311, are spotted by two VA-94 Shrike A-4C Skyhawks, BuNo. 149531 side number NG 412 and BuNo. 149541 side number NG 413, on the Enterprise flight deck. Another Shrike A-4C BuNo. 149502 is partially visible at the top. United States Navy Photograph from James Hensley. FEB66: VA-94 Mighty Shrike Officers - A-4C Skyhawk BuNo. 149515 - side number NG 406. February 1966 Aboard the United States Ship Enterprise CVAN 65 on Yankee Station in the Tonkin Gulf of the South China Sea the Mighty Shrike Officers pose before A-4C Skyhawk BuNo. 149515 - side number NG 406. This was the Skyhawk in which Lieutenant Frank Compton was killed in. U.S.N. photograph from Whizzer White. APR66: VA-94 Mighty Shrike Officers - April 1966. VA-94 Officers pose aboard the United States Ship Enterprise CVAN 65 at Subic Bay, Philippines. U.S.N. photograph from Whizzer White. 26 NOV 69: CDR Kowaslskey served as CO of VA-93 26 NOV 1969 to 22 OCT 1970. Picture from Bryan Remer. Carrier Air Wing 15, VA-94 flying A-7E on CVA-42, U.S.S. Coral Sea 1971-77. November 12, 1971 through August 17, 1972: The Mighty Shrikes flying the A-7E Corsair II first deployment on United States Ship Coral Sea CVA 43. This was the Shrikes's seventh combat cruise to Western Pacific/Vietnam.
January 18, 1972: A-7E BuNo. 156880 was lost in non-combat loss. The pilot was rescued. April 16, 1972: Commander D. L. Moss in A-7E BuNo. 156860 was shot down by a SAM, over North Vietnam. Commander Moss was rescued. May 1, 1972: Lieutenant M. D. Surdyk in A-7E BuNo. 156888 was shot down by a SAM, over North Vietnam. Lieutenant Surdyk was was rescued. May 9, 1972: The squadron participated in Operation Pocket Money, the mining of Haiphong harbor. Aircraft from VA-94, as well as the other attack squadrons deployed aboard United States Ship Coral Sea CVA 43, planned and executed the mining of the harbor. May 24, 1972: Lieutenant Commander H. A. Eikel in A-7E BuNo. 156877 was shot down by a SAM, over North Vietnam. Lieutenant Commander Eikel was rescued. May through June 1972: VA-94 participated in operation Linebacker I, heavy air strikes against targets in North Vietnam. 13 OCT 72: CDR Lacy served as CO of VA-94 13 OCT 1972 to 26 SEP 1973. CDR Lacy takes command of VA-94 aboard the U.S.S. Coral Sea. April 29, 1975: Squadron aircraft provided air cover for Operation Frequent Wind, the evacuation of American citizens from Saigon. May 15, 1975: VA-94 aircraft, along with other elements from CVW-15 embarked in United States Ship Coral Sea, launched air strikes against the Cambodian mainland after the capture of the SS Mayaguez by Cambodian gunboats on May 12, 1975. Combat sorties were flown against targets at Ream Naval Facility, Kompong Som Naval Facility and a Cambodian patrol boat. October 27, 1979: Following the assassination of Park Chung Hee, President of the Republic of Korea, United States Ship Kitty Hawk CV 63, with VA-94 embarked, operated off the coast of Korea. April 18, 1988: VA-94 participated in Operation Praying Mantis, retaliatory strikes against Iranian oil platforms, gunboats and other naval ships after the United States Ship Sameul B. Roberts (FFG 58) had struck an Iranian mine in international waters on April 14. Squadron aircraft delivered direct hits on the Iranian frigate Sahand. June 28,1990: The Mighty Shrikes were redesignated as VFA-94 - Strike Fighter Squadron NINETY FOUR and assigned the F/A-18C Boeing Hornet. Unit Photos OCT60: Oct 1960 Shrikes pilots pose in front of Skyhawk BuNo 144914, NG-405, aboard the USS Ranger, CVA-61. Naval Aviation News Photo. NOV60: Mighty Shrikes Skyhawks BuNo 144877, NG-405, BuNo 144883, NG-410, BuNo 144917 and BuNo 144882, NG-409. Naval Aviation News Photo. May 1961: Mighty Shrikes Skyhawks, CW: BuNo 147767; BuNo 147735; BuNo 147736 and BuNo 147740, overfly a 200 square foot sign they constructed at NAAS Fallon during a weapons deployment. Naval Aviation News via Tom Bispo. 1960-63: VA-94 A4C BuNo 147720, NG-305, positioned on the catapult on the flight deck of the USS Ranger CVA-61. A-4C BuNo 147740 in the left background. Photo courtesy of Bob Lawson. Circa 1962: VA-94 A4D-2N BuNo 147736 (NG-405) flies in formation with VA-94 A4D-2N Skyhawk BuNo 147738 (NG-407) as it refuels VF-91 F8U Crusader BuNo 146934 (NG-104) which is flying in formation with VF-91 F8U Crusader (NG-115) off the coast of Okinawa. Photo courtesy of Bob Lawson. BuNo.147737 Mighty Shrikes Skyhawk fomation - 1963: top to bottom BuNo 147737, NG-406, BuNo 147765, NG-411, BuNo 147742, NG-409 and BuNo 147738, NG-407. Courtesy of Tom Bispo. 1964-66 NAS Cubi Point: Mighty Shrikes Skyhawk on the ramp at Cubi Pt, Phillipines. BuNo is 14773(something), which makes it 147730,147735, 147736, or 147737. "Boom" Powell. 1964: Mighty Shrike Skyhawk BuNo 147740, NG 401, is parked by the island as VA-93 Blue Blazers Skyhawk NG-305 prepares to launch. Naval Aviation News Photo. A-4E Skyhawk BuNo. 152031. Mighty Shrike A-4E Skyhawk BuNo. 152031, side number NF 400, parked on a flightline, a tanker package hanging on the centerline station. Color photograph from Harry S. Gann. Shrike Skyhawks Off a Bomb Run Circa 1964-66: Shrikes Skyhawk BuNo 149531, NG-412. Wynn Foster (Captain Hook, major player in the Skyhawk Association). VA-94, United States Ship Ranger CVA-61, August 1964 - May 1965, Westpac. First picture from 1959, source unknown. Patches from W.A. Lacy and provided by Sean Keenanz AUG 1964: Mighty Shrikes Skyhawk BuNo 149515, NG-411, being loaded aboard the Ranger. Photographer unknown. 1964-65: LTJG Whizzer White and Mighty Shrike Skyhawk BuNo 147736 - side number, NG 405, aboard the Ranger. "Whizzer" White (Founder of the Skyhawk Association). 1964-65 U.S.S. Ranger: l-r: Mighty Shrike Skyhawk BuNo 147719, NG 402, Blue Blazers BuNo 147738, NG-302, Mighty Shrike BuNo 149531, NG-412 & BuNo 147746 parked on the Ranger. Blue Blazers Skyhawk 149502, NG-303 on the cat. Dick Wells via "Boom" Powell. 1964-65 U.S.S. Ranger: l-r: Mighty Shrike Skyhawk BuNo 147719, NG 402, Blue Blazers BuNo 147738, NG-302, Mighty Shrike BuNo 149531, NG-412 & BuNo 147746 parked on the Ranger. Blue Blazers Skyhawk 149502, NG-303 on the cat. Dick Wells via "Boom" Powell. 1964: The Mighty Shrike A-4C Really Big Show - A-4C BuNo. 147740 - side number NG 401 - 1964. Three VA-94 Mighty Shrike A-4C Skyhawks airborne from the United States Ship Ranger CVA 61 catapults. A-4C BuNo. 147740 - side number NG 401 and A-4C BuNo 147736 - side number NG 405 taxi to their catapults. United States Navy photograph from Wz White. 1964: Three Mighty Shrike A-4C Skyhawks - A-4C BuNo. 147717 - side number NG 401 - 1964. Three Shrikes in a "V" formation: Flight leader in A-4C BuNo. 147717 - side number NG 401 leads his number two to his starboard (right) in A-4C BuNo. 148498 - side number NG 412 and his number three to his port (left) in A-4C BuNo. 147740 - side number NG 408. United States Navy photograph from Wz White. 1964: A-4C Skyhawk BuNo. 147719 - side number NG 402 - 1964. Mighty Shrike A-4C Skyhawk BuNo. 147719 - side number NG 402, parked on the Ranger with a Skyhawk in the groove and a flight of Skyhawks entering the break over the fantail. United States Navy photograph from Harry S. Gann. 1964: The flying gas station - A-4C Skyhawk BuNo. 149541 - side number NG 413 - 1964. EKA-3B VAH-2 Whale BuNo. 147657 side number NL 810 stands ready to fuel two Shrike A-4C Skyhawks: BuNo. 147735 - side number NG 404 and BuNo. 149541 - side number NG 413. United States Navy photograph from Wz White. 1964: A Whale Passing Gas and A-4C Skyhawk BuNo. 147735 - side number NG 404 - 1964. VAH-2 EKA-3B Whale BuNo. 147657 - side number NL 810 passing gas to A-4C VA-94 Skyhawk BuNo. 149541 - side number NG 413 while BuNo. 147735 - side number NG 404 waits his turn. United States Navy photograph from Wz White. Target for Today. Thau Hoa Railroad Ferry and defenses. United States Navy photograph from Wz White. SAM looking for a Skyhawk to kill. United States Navy photograph from Wz White. VA-94 Attack Pilot. The well dressed attack combat pilot in torso harness, G-suit, oxygen mask, strobe light, flashlight, survival kit, water wings and boondocker boots. United States Navy photograph from Wz White. JAN65: VA-94 MIGHTY SHRIKE OFFICERS. January 1965, aboard the United States Ship Ranger. United States Navy photograph from Whizzer White. MAY65: THE VA-94 MIGHTY SHRIKE TEAM The Men and Officers of VA-94, May 1965, aboard the United States Ship Ranger. United States Navy photograph from Whizzer White. Whizzer White and Tom Dunlop (standing) in the VA-94 ready room. Later, Commander Tommy E. Dunlop was CAG 15 on the Coral Sea, CVA-43. On April 6, 1972, Tommy was shot down in a VA-22, A-7E, BuNo. 157590 - side number NL 300, by a SAM over North Vietnam and was Killed In Action. United States Navy photograph from Whizzer White. 1965: BuNo 147735, VA-94 NC-404, aboard CVA-61 with 149537, VA-93 NC-313, in 1965. VA-94 A-4C BuNo. 147736 - August/September 1965. Marine, Captain Ira Anderson in A-4C Skyhawk BuNo. 147736 - side number NG 405, over blue water and toting a centerline refueling pack. Photograph was taken during work-ups for the Mighty Shrike/Enterprise combat cruise - 1965. Photograph by Whiz White. 1966: USS Enterprise (CVAN-65) with aircraft from CVW-9 (NG) on deck including VF-92 Silver Kings F-4B Phantoms, VF-96 Falcons F-4B Phantoms, VA-36 Roadrunners A-4C Skyhawks, VA-76 Spirits A-4C Skyhawks, VA-93 Blue Blasters A-4C Skyhawks, VA-94 Mighty Shrikes A-4C Skyhawks, VAH-4 Fourrunners Det M A-3B Skywarriors, RVAH-7 Peacemakers RA-5C Vigilantes, VAW-11 Early Elevens Det M E-1B Tracers, HC-1 Fleet Angels Det M UH-2A/B Seasprites, VQ-1 Det EA-3B Skywarriors and VAP-61 World Recorders Det RA-3B Skywarriors, circa 1965-1966. AUG66: VA-94, A-4C, BuNo. 147681. VA-94 Mighty Shrike Commanding Officer Commander Otto Krueger is pictured standing on his A-4C Skyhawk BuNo. 147681 - side number NF 401 at Naval Air Station Lemoore, California. This picture was taken in late August 1966, after return from the United States Ship Ranger CVA 61 Vietnam combat cruise. U.S.N. photograph from Otto Krueger. SEP66: A-4C Skyhawk BuNo. 147681. Mighty Shrike A-4C Skyhawk BuNo. 147681, side number NF 401 at Naval Air Station Lemoore, California, September 12, 1966, after return from the United States Ship Ranger CVA 61 Vietnam combat cruise. Please note the bomb mission tally painted on the fuselage aft of the Mighty Shrike logo. BuNo. 147681 "NF" tail letters have just been repainted as VA-94 was changing from CVW-9 to CVW-5. The old Air Wing 9 "NG" tail letters are visible in the background on another not yet repainted VA-94 bird. Photograph by Harry S. Gann. The Saga of A-4C Skyhawk BuNo. 147681, "Fanny Hill" - 1966. February 9 through March 11, 1966 A-4C Skyhawk BuNo. 147681, YV-81 "Fanny Hill" was at Naval Air Station Atsugi, Japan. Then on March 11, 1966, "Fanny Hill" was sent to Naval Air Station Cubi Point, Philippines for maintenance. 09APR66, BuNo. 147681 was sent to United States Ship Enterprise CVAN-65 and the VA-94 Mighty Shrikes for combat. "Fanny Hill" became VA-94 Mighty Shrike Commanding Officer Cdr. Otto Krueger's aircraft NG-401, replacing his old Skyhawk (147681) which was shot down March 18, 1966. In August 1966, VA-94 returned to Lemoore, California and "Fanny Hill" got a new side number NF-401. After leaving VA-94, BuNo. 147681, "Fanny Hill" served with VA-34 Blue Blasters, VA-66 Waldomen, VA-44 Hornets, VA-12 Flying Ubangis; and ended her career with the VA-305 Hackers at Los Alamitos, California. 21 JUN 1966 from Golden Gate Bridge from l to r, bottom to top; 147721 VA-93 NG-306, 147722 VA-93 NG-314, 149523 VA-93 NG-312, 147779 VA-93 NG-302, 149505 VA-93 NG-316, 149558 VA-93 NG-315, 147720 VA-93 NG-305, 147710 VA-93 NG-310, 149508 VA-93 NG-303, 148308 VA-94 NG-404, 148310 VA-94 NG-406, 149531 VA-94 NG-412, 147736 VA-94 NG-40x, 145095 VA-94 NG-413. Willam Larkins 1966-67 DaNang: Skyhawk BuNo 147839, NF-407, parked on the ramp. Tom Hansen. 1967 DaNang: Mighty Shrikes Skyhawk BuNo 147698, NF-416, gear up and resting on barrels as she awaits repairs. Pic2. U.S. Navy. 1967: CVA-19 South China Sea, NF-402 gets a start from a flight deck "Huffer". Merrill Worthington PH3. 13JUL67: Skyhawk attack bombers are readied for flight from the deck of the Hancock. L-r: VA-93 Blue Blazers NF-305, VA-94 Mighty Shrikes NF-403, VA-93 NF-304 & NF-302 and VA-84 NF-415. U.S. Navy Photo via UPI photo from the Gary Verver Collection. 1967: A-4C Skyhawks of VA-94 aboard CVA-19. Richard Mylar. 31MAY67: VA-94 A-4C BuNo. 149538. Mighty Shrike A-4C Skyhawk NF 414 is pictured May 31, 1967 on the USS Hancock CVA 19 starboard catapult. U.S.N. photograph by JOC H. O. Moeser, USN. 1967: U.S.S. Hancock: Mighty Shrikes Skyhawk NF-411, returning from a mission over North Vietnam, catches the #1 wire aboard the USS Hancock as the plane guard destroyer steams in the carriers wake. Naval Aviation News. April 1968: Mighty Shrikes Skyhawk BuNo 150023, #512, parked on the ramp as an NC-5 supplies the external electric power, NAS Barbers Point. Nick Williams. 1968: VA-94 on the Bonnie Dick. A flight deck scene on United States Ship Bon Homme Richard in 1968. This was the first cruise VA-94 was assigned the A-4E Skyhawk. Skyhawk side numbers 414 and 415 were VA-94 aircraft. The less visible A-4E belonged to sister squadron VA-93. Photograph by "Buck Rogers" 1968-69: A-4E Skyhawk tanker BuNo. 151112, side number NF-414, departs NAS Atsugi to rendezvous with United States Ship Bon Homme Richard on its way back to Vietnam. VA-94 Skyhawks never returned to Japan after this date. Please notice the dorsal electronics hump which has "MACH 3" printed on each side. Photograph by and courtesy of Masaaki Hayakawa. 1969: VA-94 A-4E BuNo. 152031. CAG's VA-94 Skyhawk BuNo. 152031 side number NF 400 parked at Naval Air Station North Island Halsey Field on March 16, 1969 after returning from Westpac. This A-4E has the aft avionics package installed. Photograph by Harry S. Gann. May 1969: Redcocks, Roadrunners & Shrikes Skyhawks being loaded with ordnance aboard the Bonnie Dick. Skyhawk BuNo 151084, NF-403 in the foreground. Photo by LCDR Stan Thompson. 07AUG69: Mighty Shrike Skyhawk BuNo 152031, NF-400. Photo by LCDR Stan Thompson. 07 Aug 1969: Roadrunners & Mighty Shrikes Skyhawks parked forward after landing aboard the Bonnie Dick. Shrikes Skyhawk BuNo 151187, NF-410, in the foreground. Photo by LCDR Stan Thompson. 28 Sept 1969 Skyhawk BuNo 151112, Warpaint 507, & Redcocks Skyhawks NF-310 & NF-311 pre-launch. VA-94 Shrikes XO CDR Z.J. Kowalskey in flight suit at left. Photo by LCDR Stan Thompson. 1969-70 NAS Barbers Point: right front view of Mighty Shrikes Skyhawk BuNo 152044, NF-401, assigned to CDR Rip Wasson, parked on the ramp. Nick Williams. 1969-1970: Left rear view of USS Bon Homme Richard VA-94 Mighty Shrikes A-4E Skyhawk BuNo 152031, NF-400, on the ramp, location unknown, 1969-1970. Copyright R.W. Harrison. 1970: VA-94 A-4E NF-406 BuNo 151084. Dated 1970 & looks like a 400 gal. drop tank on the centerline. Photo from Fabio Peña, NavSource Aircraft Carrier Archive Manager. JUL 1970: U.S.S. Bon Homme Richard: right front view of Mighty Shrikes Skyhawk BuNo 152017, NF-405, "Litter Bug" assigned to LCDR John McDaniel parked on the deck of the Bonnie Dick. Weldon Dunlap. Barbers Point: left front view of Mighty Shrikes Skyhawk BuNo 152023, NF-403, LCDR C.B. Bot as she taxies across the ramp. p/c is ADJ-3 C.L. Thomas. Nick Williams. JUN 1970: U.S.S. Bon Homme Richard: left side view of Mighty Shrikes Skyhawk BuNo 152031, NF-400, "Bobbie" being refueled aboard the Bonnie Dick. JUN 1970: U.S.S. Bon Homme Richard: right rear view of Mighty Shrikes Skyhawk BuNo 152037, NF-413, "Sweet Mol" assigned to LTJG Jim Cianci in tension on the Bonnie Dick cat. Mighty Shrikes Skyhawk BuNo 152059, NF-406, parked on the ramp. Jim Brady. 01AUG70: A-4E Skyhawk tanker BuNo. 151987, side number NF-404, from the United States Ship Bon Homme Richard CVA-31, approaches touchdown at Naval Air Station Atsugi, Japan. Please notice the dorsal electronics hump --- The Russian letters translate into "The Bomber" (Thanks to our Russian correspondent Vlad "Blod" Sosedkin) So why was this moniker painted on the Scooter? If you know, please drop the webmaster an e-mail. Photograph by and courtesy of Masaaki Hayakawa. 01AUG70: A-4E Skyhawk tanker BuNo. 151084, side number NF-406, from the Bonnie Dick, approaches touchdown at Atsugi. The Bonnie Dick came from Yankee Station and anchored at Naval Station Yokosuka from August 2, to August 12, 1970. Most Shrikes flew to Atsugi for ground maintenance and the crews R and R. Printed on the right side of the dorsal electronics hump is the name "DAKOTA," "PINOCHLE" appeared on the left side. Photograph by and courtesy of Masaaki Hayakawa. 01AUG70: A-4E Skyhawk BuNo. 152064. A-4E Skyhawk tanker BuNo. 152064, side number NF-412, from the Bonnie Dick, approaches touchdown at Atsugi. Printed on the right side of the dorsal electronics hump is the name "JEANIE B." Photograph by and courtesy of Masaaki Hayakawa. 12AUG70: A-4E Skyhawk BuNo. 152064. Mighty Shrike Skyhawk BuNo. 152064, side number NF 412, with a centerline tanker package, cleaned up after takeoff from NAS Atsugi, August 12, 1970. Printed on the left side of the dorsal electronics hump is the name "WAYWARD WIND." Black & white photograph by and from Takafumi Hiroe of Yokohama. 12AUG70: A-4E Skyhawk BuNo. 151112. Left side in flight view as Mighty Shrikes Skyhawk BuNo 151112, NF-414, departs NAS Atsugi to rendezvous with the Bnnie Dick on its way back to Vietnam. The dorsal electronics hump has "MACH 3" printed on each side. Photo by and courtesy of Masaaki Hayakawa. JUN 1971: U.S.S. Bon Homme Richard: left side view as the Bonnie Dick assigned Mighty Shrikes Skyhawk tanker BuNo 151987, NF-404, climbs out after take-off. Nick Williams U.S.S.Coral Sea, 1973. Off-Duty Photos None yet. |
A-4 Skyhawk aircraft assigned to this unit:
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