VMA-225 |
Point of Contact = Squadron Duty Officer (SDO).
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 VMF-225 - 1940s(?) Second Design from John Gabbard |
 VMF-225 - 1940s(?) Provided by John Gabbard |
 VMF-225 - 1940s(?) Provided by John Gabbard |
 VMF-225 - 1940s(?) Provided by John Gabbard |
 VMA-225 Chu Lai |
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 VMA-225 Vagabonds |
 Drawn by Bud Southworth |
225_vikings.jpg) VMFA(AW)-225 Vikings |
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Patch 1943 to 1968: The Vagabonds used the two top patches (above). OCT 1968: The Viking patch (above) was created by VMA(AW)-225 |
Sources Bob Freeman Martin Halpin Warren A. Harms John Keane Bob Paul Gary Rodgers Ralph Stewart Dan Yates Rich Lee John Gabbard |
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Handle 01 JAN 1943: Vagabonds OCT 1968: Vikings Heritage 01 JAN 1943: Marine Fighting Squadron 225 (VMF-225) established at Marine Corps Air Station Mojave, California. 01 SEP 1947: Redesignated Marine Fighter Squadron 225 (VMF-225) at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point North Carolina. 01 JUN 1952: Redesignated Marine Attack Squadron 225 (VMA-225) at Naval Auxiliary Air Station Edenton, North Carolina. 05 APR 1966: Redesignated Marine All Weather Attack Squadron 225 (VMA-225aw) at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina. |
Home Ports 01 JAN 1943: Marine Corps Air Station Mojave, California. MAY 1945: Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina 17 JUN 1952: Naval Auxiliary Air Station Edenton, North Carolina. 1963: Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina. |
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Air Wings 1945-1960: - - - - - WI - - - - - - - - MAW-2 1960: - - - - - - - - CE - - - - - - - - MAW-1 |
Aircraft Date Type First Received - - - - - - Type of Aircraft: 1943: - - - - - - Vought f4U Corsair 1955 (early): - - Douglas AD-4B Skyraider 1954: - - - - - - Douglas AD-5 Skyraider 8 April 1958- - - Douglas A-4B Skyhawk 11 march 1960 - - Douglas A-4C Skyhawk 05 APR 1966:- - - Grumman A-6 Intruder * November 30, 1962 The A4D-2 designation changed to A-4B The A4D-2N designation changed to A-4C For A-4 Skyhawk aircraft assigned to this unit see lower in this page: |
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Deployments Sep 1964 to Jun 1965: - - CE - - - A-4C - MCAS Chu Lai 1965 to 1966: - - - - - - CE - - - A-4C - MCAS Chu Lai |
Commanding Officers January 1, 1943- - - - - - Captain Jack R. Amends August 26, 1943- - - - - - Lieutenant Colonel James A. Embry, Jr. September 3, 1944- - - - - Major Jack R. Amende December 12, 1944- - - - - Major John C. Musselman, Jr. April 15, 1945 - - - - - - Major Joseph H. Reinburg July 1, 1945 - - - - - - - Major John R. Stack March 20, 1946 - - - - - - Major David E. Marshall May 13, 1947 - - - - - - - Major Charles E. Kunz May 20, 1949 - - - - - - - Major Walter R. Bartosh May 5, 1950- - - - - - - - Major Thomas J. O'Conner May 29, 1951 - - - - - - - Major Robert E. Smith November 17, 1951- - - - - Lieutenant Colonel Thaddeus P. Wojcik September 24, 1952 - - - - Major Robert K. Thomas April 28, 1953 - - - - - - Lieutenant Colonel Robert D. Bachtel June 4, 1953 - - - - - - - Lieutenant Colonel Joseph F. Quilty, Jr. July 1, 1954 - - - - - - - Lieutenant Colonel John R. Stack June 2, 1955 - - - - - - - Major Floyd W. Earnest July 11, 1955- - - - - - - Lieutenant Colonel Jay E. McDonald June 2, 1956 - - - - - - - Major Neely D. Butler, Jr. July 24, 1957- - - - - - - Lieutenant Colonel Richard W. Batdorff April 1 1958 - - - - - - - Lieutenant Colonel Arthur R. Boag April 8, 1960- - - - - - - Lieutenant Colonel Donald E. Wegley June 30, 1961- - - - - - - Lieutenant Colonel Richard C. Browning June 1, 1962 - - - - - - - Lieutenant Colonel Edwin A. Harper June 8, 1963 - - - - - - - Major William D. Smart October 11, 1963 - - - - - Lieutenant Colonel Alexander J. Gillis March 4, 1964- - - - - - - Lieutenant Colonel Robert W. Baker October 12, 1965 - - - - - Lieutenant Colonel Paul G. McMahon February 14, 1966- - - - - Major William E. Smilanich, Jr. July 28, 1966- - - - - - - Major Hobart M. Wallace, Jr. October 5, 1966- - - - - - Lieutenant Colonel Edward M. Guell October 19, 1966 - - - - - Major William E. H. Fitch III June 17, 1967- - - - - - - Lieutenant Colonel Jogn P. Reddy January 19, 1968 - - - - - Lieutenant Colonel Ronald L. Townsend June 22, 1969- - - - - - - Lieutenant Colonel Donald L. Harvey November 30, 1969- - - - - Major Peter M. Busch January 13, 1970 - - - - - Lieutenant Colonel John J. Metzko, USMC June 7, 1970 - - - - - - - Major Patrick J. McCarthy August 1, 1970 - - - - - - Major Marcus T. Fountain, Jr. October 16, 1970 - - - - - Lieutenant Colonel John A. Manzione, Jr. July 8, 1971 - - - - - - - Major Richard C. Tinsley July 1, 1991 - - - - - - - Lieutenant Colonel John A. Gallinetti |
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Awards No info yet |
Awards continued No additional info |
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Events January 1, 1943: Marine All Weather Attack Squadron 225 (VMF-225) established at Marine Corps Air Station Mojave, California. The Vagabonds were assigned the Vought F4U Corsair. August 1944 to January 1945: The VMF-225 Vought F-4U Corsairs participated in combat operations at Guam and against the Japanese airfield at Pogan. May 1945: VMF-225 was stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina after returning from the war. 1945 to 1952: Participated in five Mediterranean cruises with the United States Sixth Fleet. June 17, 1952: VMF-225 was redesignated VMA-225, and based at Naval Auxiliary Air Station, North Carolina. 1954: VMA-225 Vagabonds were assigned the Douglas AD-5 Skyraider. 1955 to 1957: VMA-225 Vagabonds made two deployments to Naval Air Station Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico. May 1958: VMA-225 Vagabonds were assigned the A4D-1 Skyhawk at Naval Auxiliary Air Station, North Carolina. October 1958: VMA-225 moved back to Naval Auxiliary Air Station, North Carolina. August 1959 to February 1960: VMA-225 deployed aboard the USS Essex to the Mediterranean with the Douglas A4D-2 Skyhawk. September 19, 1959: 1st Lt. M.T. Fountain ejected safely. 0835 A4D BuNo 142750, pilot: 1st Lt. M.T. Fountain, USMC, crashed into the sea at L 35-04N, Long 20-14E, at 0835 when aircraft engine failed. Pilot recovered by helo with no apparent injury. The Essex was steaming in TG 239.1 enroute to the eastern Med. USS Essex Deck Log, Saturday, 19 September 1959. November 14, 1959: Capt. Paul J. Ermatinger (BuNo 142732) was killed 14 November 1959. Page 101, USS Essex, by Philip A. St. John. Capt. Paul Joseph Ermatinger USMC was lost at sea, aircraft accident, Western Mediterranean on Saturday, November 14. Los Angeles Times, Wednesday, 18 November 1959. Word has been received of the death of Capt. Paul Joseph Ermatinger of L.A., CA. Capt. Ermatinger was lost at sea in an aircraft accident in the Western Mediterranean on Saturday, November 14. Chippewa Herald Telegram, Wednesday, 25 November 1959. 2019 A4d AK-506 BuNo 142732 of VMA-225 pilot Capt. P.J. Ermatinger skidded after landing and crashed into the sea off starboard side at Lat 38-24.5N, Long 2-01E in 800 fathoms of water. Pilot out of plane. 2022 USS Johnston (DD-821) and USS Laffey (DD-724) commenced search for pilot. 2113 Captain assumed conn. Commenced maneuvering on various courses at various speeds in search for lost pilot. USS Essex deck log, Saturday, 14 November 1959. 00-04 The vessel is dead in the water while conducting search for lost pilot off Mallorca. 0315 USS Laffey (DD-724) and USS Johnston (DD-821) to continue search for lost pilot. 0732 launched two (2) helicopters for search in vicinity of datum. USS Essex deck log, Sunday, 15 November 1959. July 21, 1960: A Marine pilot (1st Lt. James C. Johnston) was killed Thursday when his A4D (BuNo 145086) crashed into the sea (near Marquesas Key, west of Key West, FL,) during a low-level strafing practice run. Press-Telegram, Long Beach, CA., Friday, July 22, 1960. Services were here Thursday for First Lt. James Clayton Johnston, 24, who was killed last week in the crash of a jet plane at Key, West, FL. The Daily Oklahoman, Friday, 29 July 1960. February 15, 1961: Capt. W.W. Hargidine was lost overboard. 2057 While launching A4D, #601, (BuNo 145098) VMA-225 went over the side at position 29-14.5N, 06-31.2E in 1,560 fathoms of water. The nearest land is Isola Di Pietro Light on southern Sardinia, bearing 275T, 75 miles. Factory number of the plane is 145098. USS Sumner (DD-692) and USS D.H. Fox (DD-779) were immediately vectored to the vicinity of the crash which was marked by a floating smoke flare. Results of the search were negative. 2257 c/s to 10 knots. Shangri La commenced steaming near the vicinity of the crash at slow speeds until visual investigation can be made at daybreak. USS Shangri La deck log, Wednesday, 15 February 1961. April 6, 1961: Based on the date this is VMA-225 145107, AK-610. The part about the J-52 is wrong. http://photorecon.net/lt-col-john-mccarthy, also includes video of the crash. “Another first for Marine Corps aviator Captain J.J, McCarthy happened after he successfully landed after a routine day time flight training flight on April 6, 1961. The problem arose when John throttled forward to re-orient the A-4’s nose wheel and then tried to power back to idle and couldn’t! With his throttle stuck, he and his Skyhawk moved towards the edge of the Shangri-La’s flight deck. JJ literally stood on the brakes, tires smoking, but the Scooter with its 30,000 pounds of thrust J52 Pratt and Whitney engine continued heading towards the edge of the carrier’s flight deck! Having no time to eject, Captain McCarthy went over the deck, nose first, and then became inverted, falling canopy first towards the water. Fortunately, his right wing hit the catwalk below the flight deck and flipped his aircraft back upright. JJ’s Skyhawk then fell four stories before hitting the water. In the time the on-deck emergency was made, the U.S.S. Shangri-La made a hard turn to starboard, so the ship’s propellers didn’t impact the floating Skyhawk. With the Skyhawk momentarily floating on the water, John ejected the canopy, unstrapped, and tried to climb out. He got about halfway out and felt a tug on his helmet. JJ quickly realized that as his A-4 began to sink, so did he! He immediately figured out that his oxygen mask, designed to break away during a normal ejection seat sequence, did not break away, and was pulling him down. Captain McCarthy dove under the water, disconnected his oxygen mask, and resurfaced. He was recovered by the carrier’s rescue helicopter. The pilot of the rescue helicopter told JJ later that he and his crew thought he was crazy and had an unnatural connection to his aircraft when they saw him diving back down to his sinking A-4. Captain McCarthy was examined by the ship’s doctor, given some medicinal “medication” and put on the flight schedule the next day. According to McCarthy, “in those days, they had the theory of getting back in the saddle (very quickly) when you have been thrown off the horse.” A post-accident investigation discovered that faulty wiring with the Bull Pup missile system caused the throttle to lock in the “full” position.” Lt. Col. John McCarthy -The Story of a USMC Combat Pilot.
Dec 26, 1961 to Mar 2, 1962: VMA-225 made a deployment to Rosey Roads before and after their deployment to the USS Enterprise for the Cuban Missile Crisis. The first weapon deployment used the ranges at Vieques Island. 26DEC61: A4D-2N 147709 plus 7 other A4D-2N on the flight line. 26DEC61: A4D-2N BuNo 147800 taxing. December 30, 1961: Capt. Willard Wyatt, 31, and 1st Lt. Richard J. Morgart of Pittsburgh are missing after their planes (BuNo 145134 and BuNo 147676) collided 10 miles south of Guantanamo Bay last Saturday. It is not known whether either pilot ejected. The Press-Courier, Tuesday, January 2, 1962. Capt. Willard Wyatt, 32, and 1st Lt. Richard J. Morgart are missing after their attack planes collided 10 miles south of NAS Guantanamo Bay at 7 a.m. last Saturday. Capt. Wyatt left Cherry Point, three days ago, saying he would be gone for two months but could not discuss his mission any further. The Hartford Courant, Monday, January 1, 1962. Lt. Richard J. Morgart, 24, was still listed as missing yesterday following the collision of two attack planes 10 miles south of Guantanamo Bay in Cuba. Lt. Morgart is one of two Marine pilots reported as missing after the collision Saturday. A Marine spokesman said there was no indication that either pilot had parachuted from his plane after the collision. Pittsburgh Post Gazette, Monday, January 1, 1962.
1962: VMA-225 was the first Marine squadron to deploy aboard the USS Enterprise CVAN 65 and was aboard the "Big E" during the 1962 Cuban Crisis. March 1963: VMA-225 was the first squadron to operate independently from a SATS field at Marine Corps Air Facility Bogue Field, North Carolina. Jan 29, 1963 to Feb 27, 1963: VMA-225 made a deployment to Rosey Roads before and after their deployment to the USS Enterprise for the Cuban Missile Crisis. The first weapon deployment used the ranges at Vieques Island. March 20, 1963: A Marine pilot (1st Lt. James R. Foster, 24,) was killed when he ejected from his smoking Skyhawk (BuNo 148315) moments before it crashed two mile south of Scotland Neck, NC. The Skyhawk crashed in a woody swamp behind the Pecan Grove community about 400 yards from US 258. The plane was on a routine training mission from the 2nd MAW of MCAS Cherry Point. According to a witness another aircraft was flying higher when the jet hit the woods from the west. The Evening Telegram, Rocky Mount, NC. Wednesday, March 20, 1963. The 2nd MAW identified the pilot killed in the crash of his jet plane Wednesday as Lt. James R. Foster, 24. Witnesses said Foster flew away from an uninhabited area after his A4C Skyhawk became disabled and parachuted only when he was over woods near Scotland Neck in NE SC. The chute did not open. Big Spring Daily Herald, Thursday, March 21, 1963. March 3, 1964: Capt. Jack C. Kennedy, 33, was fatally injured Tuesday when he ejected from his A-4C Skyhawk (BuNo 147800) during a landing approach at 3 p.m. at Cherry Point. Kennedy, a member of VMA-225, was on a routine training flight when his Skyhawk crashed into the runway and burst into flame after rolling into a wooded area. Statesville Record and Landmark, Wednesday, March 4, 1964 and The Robesonian, Wednesday, March 4, 1964. September 1964: VMA-225 deployed to Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan. The Vagabonds also operated from Naval Air Station Cubi Point, Philippines, Naval Air Station Naha, Japan, Kadina Air Force Base, Kadina, Japan, and Seoul, Korea. In February 1965 the Vagabonds operated from Bankok, Thailand. February 8, 1965: 1st LT. John H. Floyd, USMCR, in A4C Skyhawk BuNo 148522 was on a practice bombing mission off the coast of Korea in the Yellow Sea. It was reported that the aircraft went into an aileron roll and did not recover. Both pilot and aircraft were a loss. Bob Paul May 23, 1965: VMA-225 deployed to Chu Lai, Vietnam from USS Washoe County LST 1165. LST-1165 USS Washoe County leaving Japanese waters and headed for Viet Nam with the VMA-225 Vagabonds, 17 May 1965. The Port Side is somewhat rusty and needs a paint job June 1, 1965: Col. John D. Noble, MAG-12 CO, led LCol. Robert W. Baker, VMA-225 CO, and three other VMA-225 "Vagabond" A-4C Skyhawks (tail code CE) into the new Chu Lai air base (June 1, 1965 - October 1965). June 1, 1965: Marine Attack Squadrons were assigned 24 Skyhawks of which 16 were operational. Four Skyhawks were always in the Squadron's Hanger for Check and four aircraft were always in overhaul either in Rhode Island or Nippi in Japan. BuNo. 145065 --- CE 11, BuNo. 145094 --- CE 2, BuNo. 145096 --- CE 19, BuNo. 145101 --- CE 4, BuNo. 145103 --- CE 5, BuNo. 145125 --- CE 23, BuNo. 147752 --- CE 12, BuNo. 147767 --- CE 3, BuNo. 147772 --- CE 20, BuNo. 147773 --- CE 10, BuNo. 147779 --- CE 6, BuNo. 147782 --- CE 7, BuNo. 147808 --- CE 8, BuNo. 148436 --- CE 14, BuNo. 148462 --- CE 9, BuNo. 148465 --- CE 22, BuNo. 148467 --- CE 18, BuNo. 148518 --- CE 1, BuNo. 148520 --- CE 13, BuNo. 148530 --- CE 15, BuNo. 148537 --- CE 16, BuNo. 148538 --- CE 17, BuNo. 148550 --- CE 24, BuNo. 148597 --- CE 20/21 ? June 1, 1965: Several hours later on June 1, 1965, LCol. Bernard J. Stender, VMA-311 Commanding Officer, led three VMA-311 "Tomcat" A-4E Skyhawks (tail code WL) into the new Chu Lai air base. (June 1, 1965 - October 1965; February 1966 - March 1967; June 1967 - February 1970; May 1972 - January 1973). Still later on June 1, 1965, LCol. Robert W. Baker, VMA-225 Commanding Officer, lead the first "Vagabond" combat mission from Chu Lai striking the enemy six miles north of the base. June 2, 1965: Early in the morning Col. John D. Noble, MAG-12 CO, lead four VMA-225 "Vagabond" aircraft to bomb and strafe Viet Cong forces near the base. June 25, 1965: Capt. Bobby J. Newsome was injured when his A-4C Skyhawk overran the runway and crashed at Atsugi Air Base just outside of Tokyo on 25 June. The Evening Sun, Tuesday, 29 June 1965. On July 8, 1965, SSgt. Bram and GSgt. Dingwall left their unit at Chu Lai Air Base for a hike in the surrounding countryside. They were last seen in a local hamlet. Local South Vietnamese police reported on July 8th that the Viet Cong had captured and killed two Americans and then buried their bodies. This report led to a muster of the unit and the discovery that Sergeants Bram and Dingwall were missing. A search of the area in which they were last seen produced hearsay information that the two had been captured, but there was conflicting information on their fate. They were never seen alive again, and their remains were never located. October 1965: VMA-225 returned to Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina. June 1966: VMA-225 Vagabonds were assigned the Grumman A-6A Intruder at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, NC. At the same time the Vagabonds were redesignated VMA (aw) -225. Subsequently VMA(aw)-225 continued providing the 2d Marine Division, FMF, Atlantic air support and engaged in several deployments at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, AZ. July 1966: A-4C Skyhawk BuNo 148520, CE-13, piloted by 1st Lt. Conrad Hamilton on the occasion of the 1,000th MOREST landing at the SATS airstrip, Chu Lai, RSVN, July 1965. Photo by Bob Paul. January 1969: VMA(AW)-225 commanded by LCol. John J. Metzko deployed to Da Nang Air Base, Vietnam. There the Vikings provided close and direct air support for allied ground elements of in the I Corps area of South Vietnam by attacking and destroying surface targets, day and night, in all weather conditions. |
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Unit Photos Circa 1955 BuNo132270 - AD4B Skyraider Former VMA-225 Bill Holmes: "Sister squadron VMA-211 at NAAS Edenton, NC would refer to "225" as the "Wandering Idiots" in reference to their WI Tailcode." AD4B Skyraider. Bill Holmes. AD4B Skyraider. Bill Holmes. AD4B Skyraider Flight-Line. Bill Holmes 1959: Formation of Vagabonds Skyhawks assigned to the USS Essex: top to bottom BuNo 142745, AK-512, BuNo 152742, AK-509 and BuNo 142731, AK-505. Naval Aviation News photo, Gary Verver. SEP60: Vagabonds Skyhawk BuNo 145104, CE-13, with the newly developed MBER on each hard point with six 500 lb. bombs on each. Naval Aviation News Photo. 1960 62: VMA-225 Vagabonds A4D-2N Skyhawk BuNo 145104, CE-13, with LAU-3/A 19-Tube 2.75" FFAR Mighty Mouse rocket launchers, possibly MCAS Cherry Point, 1960-1962. Official U.S. Navy photo. 1962: This is a picture of (Rich"Dino"Lee) while aboard the USS Intrepid during Carrier Quals summer of 1962. Dino's talking to his Line Chief about a message he wrote on the nose wheel panel to his buddy's back at the flight Line in Cherry Point, NC. Dino was a brown shirt and assigned to CE-11. Provided by Rich "Dino" Lee. 1962: Photos from the CVN-65 deployment during the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962. Dave Leiber 1962: GYSGT Charles E. Brown checks the tail section on on of the squadron Skyhawks. Naval Aviaton News. 1962: Bombs, bullets and rockets displayed in front of, on and around VMA-225 Skyhawk CE-10 are some of the ordnance payloads delivered by the squadron and maintained by the ordnance shop. Naval Aviation News. NAN photo of an article on VMA-225 ordnance. NAN. OCT-DEC 1962: Ordnance men of VMA-225 and CVW-6 eyeballing something off the starboard side of the Enterprise during the Cuban Missile Crisis Deployment. VMA-225 was the first Marine Skyhawk Unit to deploy aboard the new carrier, CVN-65. Dave Leiber. NOV-DEC 1962: Skyhawks parked forward of the island on CVN-65 during the Cuban Missile Crisis. CVW-6 Tail Code was "AF" until late in 1962, when it changed to "AE". Normally VA-66 and VA-76 Skyhawks provided the light attack jets for CVW-6 aboard CVN-65; the "CE" A4-C Skyhawks are VMA-225 brought aboard for additional fire-power as were VA-64 Skyhawks. Shown are BuNo 148606 of VA-64, 149522 as AF-606 of VA-76, 149618 of VA-64, an AD-6 Skyraider "SPAD" of VA-65, 147769 as CE-12 of VMA-225, 145131 as CE-16 of VMA-225, 147776 as CE-02 of VMA-225 and 147739 as CE-14 of VMA-225 OCT-DEC 1962: Skyhawks launch off CVN-65 during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Skyhawk units of CVW-6 (VA-66 and VA-76), along with VMA-225, not normally a part of CVW-6, were deployed aboard to provide additional fire-power as were VA-64 Skyhawks which joined the Enterprise in Nov. Dave Leiber. 1963: Vagabonds line crew prepares Skyhawk BuNo 147822, CE-21, for a training flight at Roosevelt Roads. Naval Aviaton News. 1963: A Vagbonds Ordie loads Mk-76 practice bombs on Skyhawk BuNo 145081 prior to a training hop during the Caribbean cruise. JUN63: Vagabonds officers talk over procedures beneath Skyhawk BuNo 147776. Naval Aviation News Photo. MAY64: BuNo 148531, CE-12, assigned to LT J.E. Townsend parked on the ramp. Burns, Nick Williams collection via W. Mutza. NOV64: BuNo.147808 parked on the ramp at NAS Naha. Photo by Bob Paul. NOV64: Bob Paul riding the brakes of BuNo.145101 at Kadena AFB, Okinawa. Dewy Reimer via Bob Paul. NOV64: BuNo.145096 cockpit check by Dewey Riemer. Photo by Bob Paul. NOV64: A November 1964, Vagabond Skyhawk section takeoff from Kadena Air Force Base, Okinawa. A-4C Skyhawk side number CE 18 leads Skyhawk BuNo. 148537 - side number CE 16. The Skyhawks are loaded with inert water-sand-filled practice bombs. Photograph by Ralph Stewart and from Martin Halpin. NOV64: Douglas A-4C Skyhawk BuNo. 148530 - side number CE 15 flies wing on CE 18 during a November 1964 cross-country flight over the Pacific near Japan. Note the radiation shields stowed behind the pilot's heads. Photograph by Ralph Stewart and from Martin Halpin. NOV64: BuNo148537 takes off with a load of Napalm. Photo by Bob Paul. DEC64: BuNo.148430 is preflighted by Bob Paul. Photo by Dave Shapleigh. 17MAY65: VMA 225 Marines Leave Iwakuni. United States Ship Washoe County LST 1165 gulps VMA 225 Vagabonds at Iwakuni Harbor, Japan for the trip to Chu Lai, South Vietnam. Photograph by John Keane and from Martin Halpin. 17MAY65: LST-1165 USS Washoe County leaving Japanese waters and headed for Viet Nam with the VMA-225 Vagabonds, 17 May 1965. The Port Side is somewhat rusty and needs a paint job. This Sea Cruise was Fully Paid For by the US Taxpayer. Does Anybody Remember The Name Of The Cruise Director? Such A Memorable Cruise Throughout The Orient. Photo courtesy of Marty Halpin. 23MAY65: The tropical beach at Chu Lai where the VMA-225 United States Marines are about to land May 23, 1965. The picture was taken from the deck of United States Ship Washoe County LST 1165 adrift in a lovely South China Sea lagoon. Photograph by John Keane and from Martin Halpin. 23MAY65: The United States Marines Land At Chu Lai. A view of the causeway from the Washoe County to the beach at Chu Lai. Before the Chu Lai airstrip was built, everything shipped to Chu Lai came over this causeway. Photograph by John Keane and from Martin Halpin. 01JUN65: A June 1, 1965 view at the Vagabond Chu Lai tent area with John Karaban (left), the VMA-225 patch and an unknown Marine. Sometime later, Seabees brought in iron matting for the Vagabond flightline built in this area. Photograph by John Keane and from Martin Halpin. 1965: LCpl R.J. Benz (L), LCpl D.L. Daugherty (c) and Cpl P. Hall (R) move out with a 2,000 pound practice bomb as they load VMA-225 Skyhawk CE-20 for it's next flight. Naval Aviation News. 01JUN65: Close-up of Vagabond Sign - June 1, 1965. Photograph by John Keane and from Martin Halpin. 01JUN65: A-4C Skyhawk BuNo 147779, CE-6, as MAG-12 CO Col. John Noble, makes the first landing on new SATS airstrip at Chu Lai, RSVN. Col. Noble flew from Iwakuni, Japan to Cubi Point in the Philippines and then to Chu Lai. Photograph by John Keane and from Martin Halpin. 02JUN65: 01 June 1965: VMA-225 Vagabonds A-4C Skyhawk BuNo 147779, CE-6: the first Marine Squadron "In-country" Skyhawk to land at the newly constructed SATS airstrip, Chu Lai, Viet Nam, 01 June 1965. MAG-12 CO Col. John Noble eats a piece of cake after the landing at Chu Lai. to Col. Noble's left is VMA-225 CO LCol. Robert W. Baker the pilot of the second aircraft, to LCol. Baker's left is VMA-225 XO Maj Donald E. Gillum the pilot of the third aircraft and to Major Gillum's left is the Officer-In-Charge of VMA-225 S1 Maj. David Teichmann the pilot of the fourth aircraft. Photo by Dan Yates. 01JUN65: In a ceremony in front of A-4C Skyhawk BuNo. 147779 -- side number CE 6, the Commanding Officer of MAG12, Colonel John Noble eats a piece of cake after landing at Chu Lai. To Colonel Noble's left is the pilot of the second aircraft Lieutenant Colonel Robert W. Baker the Commanding Officer of VMA 225. To Lieutenant Colonel Baker's left is the pilot of third aircraft Major Donald E. Gillum the Executive Officer of VMA 225; And to Major Gillum's left is the pilot of fourth aircraft Major David Teichmann the Officer-In-Charge of VMA 225 S1. As you can see, the matting is not yet finished and it had rained just before the landing. God only knows where they got the cake as at this time the troops were in fox-holes about a mile south eating C rations. Photograph by John Keane and from Martin Halpin. 01JUN65: Vagabonds go on the attack - June 1, 1965. A-4C Skyhawks BuNo 145094, CE-2, and BuNo 145065, CE-11, are being servicing and armed just before the first Vagabond Vietnam mission from Chu Lai, RSVN. Vagabond Ground Maintenance Marines in the picture are (L to R): Gunny Buckner from QC, Gunny Boyer from Avionics, Ron Benz from Ordnance operating compressor to fill 20 mm gun bottles and John Karaban from the flight line with his back to the camera. Photograph by John Keane and from Martin Halpin. 01JUN65: To The VC With Luv --- From New York" - 01 June 1965. You do not have to go to New York to get mugged - New York can come to you. A-4C Skyhawks BuNo 147752, CE-12, and BuNo 148436, CE-14, (note the JATO bottle already loaded right under the MARINES lettering) in the background as a 2,000 lb. mk-84 bomb is ready to be loaded, Chu Lai, RSVN. Writing on Bomb reads "For the VC from New York." Photograph by John Keane and from Martin Halpin. 01JUN65: Vagabonds Return From The Attack - June 1, 1965. Four Skyhawks are shown parked at the north end of the Chu Lai airstrip after returning from their first mission. During the first few weeks the Skyhawks were parked overnight at the runway's north end until taxiways and flight lines were completed. Photograph by John Keane and from Martin Halpin. JUN65: VMA-225 Vagabonds A-4C Skyhawk BuNo 148520, CE-13, tailhook is extended to catch the Morest cable at Chu Lai when the strip was only 3,500 feet long and designed to stop planes in 130 feet. The total length of the strip after completion was 8,000 feet. Official U.S. Navy photo taken by PHAN R.L. Dukes. JUN65: BuNo.145094 prepares to land at Chu Lai. Photo by Dan Yates. 01JUN65: A-4C Skyhawk BuNo 145094, CE-2 Ready to take off on the newly constructed SATS airstrip on the inaugural combat mission at Chu Lai, RSVN. Due to the short 4,000 foot SATS airstrip this will be a JATO takeoff. Most takeoffs at Chu Lai for the first 3 months were JATO enabled due to problems with poor soil mixture under the SATS runway. The temperature at this time of day is approaching 100 F degrees and about 90 percent humidity. A real steam bath. Photo by Dan Yates courtesy of Marty Halpin. Photo by Dan Yates. JUN65: CO of VMA-255 in BuNo.145065 at Chu Lai. Photo by Dan Yates. JUN65: CO of VMA-255 in BuNo.145094 at Chu Lai. Photo by Dan Yates. BuNo.147767 taxing out. Photo by Dan Yates. BuNo.147767 JATO takeoff. Photo by Dan Yates. JUN65: BuNo.147752 JATO takeoff. Photo by Bob Paul. JUN65: Lt. Dahoney in BuNo.148465 being refueled by Bob Paul. Photo by Dave Shapleigh. JUN65: Plane Captain and Tiller Bar bring out BuNo.148462. Photo by Bob Paul. JUL-AUG 1965: Taken before Sept. 1965 because the hangers have not been built yet. A-4C Skyhawk flight Line, Chu Lai, RSVN, July-August 1965. Front to back BuNo 145101, CE-4, BuNo 147779, CE-6, BuNo 147782, CE-7, BuNo 147808, CE-8, BuNo 148462, CE-9, BuNo 145065, CE-11, BuNo 148520, CE-13, BuNo 148537, CE-16 and others unidentified. Photo was taken by Ron Christie from Avionics via Marty Halpin. It looks like three damaged A4's are awaiting for a trip to Nippi (overhaul in Japan.) JUL65: A-4C Skyhawk BuNo 145101, CE-4, piloted by Lt. Saunders in-flight over Indian Country on a combat mission, RSVN, July 1965. Photo by Al "Spike" Nunn courtesy of Marty Halpin. JUL65: A-4C Skyhawk BuNo 148520, CE-13, piloted by 1st Lt. Conrad Hamilton on the occassion of the 1,000th MOREST landing at the SATS airstrip, Chu Lai, RSVN. Photo by Bob Paul. JUL65: Capt. Jacobsen and Plane Captain Bob Kasper with BuNo148537. Photo by Bob Paul. JUL65: BuNo148537 air-born. Photo by Dan Yates. AUG65: VMA-225 Vagabonds 1st Lt. Ralph Stewart in the cockpit of A-4C Skyhawk BuNo 148597, CE-21, waiting for the troubleshooters to diagnose and repair a problem before launching on a combat mission, Chu Lai, RSVN. Photo by Dan Yates. JUL 1965: Lt. Long in BuNo148597 being refueled by Duke Hagee & Marty Halpin. Photo by Dan Yates. AUG65: BuNo.148436 is manned by Lt. Stewart. Photo by Dan Yates. AUG65: Ray Markley prepares BuNo.145065. Photo by Bob Paul. 1965: VMA-225 Vagabonds Plane Captain, Bob Casper pulling safety pins before A-4C Skyhawk BuNo 148537, CE-6, goes on mission, Chu Lai, RSVN, summer 1965. Photo courtesy of Marty Halpin. AUG 65: VMA-225 Vagabonds A-4C Skyhawk BuNo 148518, CE-12, and flight line crew, Chu Lai, RSVN, August 1965. Photo courtesy of Marty Halpin. AUG 65: VMA-225 Vagabonds A-4C Skyhawk BuNo 148597, CE-1, at the "Bone Yard" awaiting shipment to NIPPI in Japan, Chu Lai, RSVN, circa August 1965. Photo courtesy of Marty Halpin. 1965: VMA-225 Vagabonds A-4C Skyhawk BuNo 147752, CE-12, is airborne after a JATO assisted takeoff from the SATS airstrip, Chu Lai, RSVN, summer of 1965. Wing Stations are carrying external fuel tanks and center line station is carrying 250 lb. bombs. In the foreground is a BAY CITY crane belonging to MABS-12. Photo courtesy of Marty Halpin. 1965:VMA-225 Vagabonds A-4C Skyhawk BuNo 145065, CE-11, mk-12 Padeye dispenser, Chu Lai, RSVN, summer of 1965. Photo courtesy of Marty Halpin. 1965: VMA-225 Vagabonds ground crew using the Tiller Bar to control the movement of A-4C Skyhawk BuNo 145065, CE-11, on the Flight Line, Chu Lai, RSVN, summer of 1965. Photo courtesy of Marty Halpin. 1965: VMA-225 Vagabonds pilot Frank Buethe, on the Flight Line at Chu Lai, RSVN, summer 1965. Photo courtesy of Marty Halpin. AUG65: BuNo.145096 ready for combat. Photo by Dan Yates. AUG65: BuNo.145125 taxing out. Photo by Bob Paul. AUG65: A-4C Skyhawks BuNo 145065, CE-11, BuNo 148462, CE-9, BuNo 147808, CE-8, and BuNo 147779, CE-6, on the flight line between revetments as LGen. Victor "Brute" Krulak Commanding General Fleet Marine Forces, Pacific (FMFPAC) inspects VMA-225 at Chu Lai, RSVN. LGen. Krulak is being escorted by Vagabonds CO LCol. Robert W. Baker and 1st Sgt Hugh Jack Feagin. Photograph by Dan Yates and from Martin Halpin. AUG65: A-4C Skyhawk BuNo. 148462 - side number CE 9 . A-4C Skyhawk BuNo. 148462 - side number CE 9, is in the revetment. Secretary of Defense Robert Strange McNamara rides a jeep to inspect the VMA 225 flight line. Photograph by Ralph Stewart and from Martin Halpin. AUG65: A-4C Skyhawk BuNo. 147752 - side number CE 12. Lieutenant Ralph Stewart is preflighting BuNo 147752 CE 12, at Chu Lai in August 1965, before going on mission. Later in 1969 A-4C Skyhawk BuNo. 147752 was assigned to VC-5 Detachment Cubi Point, Phillipines. Seen here flying wing on A-4C Skyhawk BuNo. 147834 side number UE 27. Photograph by Warren A. Harms Photograph by Ralph Stewart and from Martin J. Halpin. AUG65: A-4C Skyhawk BuNo. 148850 - side number CE 24. VMA 225 Plane Captain Ray Henkel has just finished pre-flighting Ralph Stewart's A-4C Skyhawk BuNo 148850 CE 24 at Chu Lai. Notice the napalm tanks on the wing stations. Photograph by Ralph Stewart and from Martin J. Halpin. SEP 1965: Vagabonds A-4C Skyhawk BuNo. 148530 CE 15 JATO Takeoff. VMA 225 A-4C Skyhawk BuNo. 148530 - side number CE 15 roars down the Chu Lai runway with a combat load of bombs. Photograph by Ralph Stewart and from Martin Halpin. 1968: Bulldogs maintaince tech performs one of the myriad duties that have contributed to the squadrons outstanding record of 24,535 flight hours without a single accident. Naval Aviation News> Off-Duty PhotosAUG66: Vagabond Reunion - August 1996 August 5, 2000 Vagabond Reunion: At the VMA-225 Y2K reunion held in Raleigh, North Carolina, former Vagabond Commanding Officer Bob Baker awards the Navy Commendation Medal to Bob Paul. Paul was cited for his heroic action during a fire at the Chu Lai, Vietnam hot refueling pits July 9, 1965. Thirty four VMA-225 Chu Lai veterans attended the reunion. Photograph by Bob Freeman and from Martin Halpin. MAY01: VMA-225 Reunion - May, 2001. A Vagabond Reunion was held at the Adare Manor, CO. Limerick, Ireland. It was hosted by Tom and Judy Kane. Picture provided by Marty Halpin. VMA-225 Reunion - 2003: As printed in the VMA-225 Newsletter, “The Flightline”, by VMA-225 member Hank Kluznick. Provided by Vagabond SDO Bob Paul.
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A-4 Skyhawk aircraft assigned to VMA-225:
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