VA-153 |
Point of Contact = Squadron Duty Officer (SDO).
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 VA-153 Griffin - 1951 |
 VA-153 Griffin |
 VA-153 Griffin - 1956 |
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Patch May 17, 1951 - the Griffin patch displayed above was created. The patch suffered only minor changes in several designation changes. |
Sources David Weber |
| Handle
1953-1977 Blue Tail Fly --- Blue Tail Flies Heritage In September 1949, Naval Air Reserve Fighter Squadron SEVEN HUNDRED EIGHTEEN (VF-718) was redesignated Fighter Squadron EIGHT HUNDRED THIRTY ONE (VF-831) at Naval Air Station New York. February 1, 1951, Reserve Fighter Squadron EIGHT HUNDRED THIRTY ONE (VF-831) was called to active duty. February 4, 1953, VF-831 was redesignated Fighter Squadron ONE HUNDRED FIFTY THREE (VF-153). December 15, 1956, VF-153 was redesignated Attack Squadron ONE HUNDRED FIFTY THREE (VA-153). September 30, 1977, Attack Squadron ONE HUNDRED FIFTY THREE was disestablished. |
Home Ports
Date - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Location. 1950 - - - - - - - - Naval Air Station New York, Floyd Bennett Field * April 1, 1951- - - - Naval Air Station Alameda May 5, 1952- - - - - Naval Air Station Moffett Field August 21 1961 - - - Naval Air Station Lemoore * Assigned to Naval Air Station New York - Floyd Bennett Field prior to the squadron's recall to active duty on February 1 1951. |
| Aircraft
Date Type First Received - - - - - - Type of Aircraft. 1949 - - - - - - - - - - - Grumman F6F Hellcat * February 1951- - - - - - - Grumman F9F-2 Panther October 1953 - - - - - - - Grumman F9F-6 Cougar March 1955 - - - - - - - - North American FJ-3 Fury November 1955- - - - - - - Grumman F9F-8 Cougar February 12, 1957- - - - - Douglas A4D-1 (A-4A) Skyhawk * October 27, 1958 - - - - - Douglas A4D-2 (A-4B) Skyhawk * June 20 1961 - - - - - - - Douglas A4D-2N (A-4C) Skyhawk * January 1967 - - - - - - - Douglas A4D-5 (A-4E) Skyhawk * April 1968 - - - - - - - - Douglas A-4F Skyhawk September, 1969- - - - - - Vought A-7A Corsair II May 1973 - - - - - - - - - Vought A-7B Corsair II * Between September 1949 and January 1951, the reserve squadron used Naval Air Station New York F6F Hellcat aircraft. * November 30, 1962 The A4D-1 designation was changed to A-4A The A4D-2 designation was changed to A-4B The A4D-2N designation was changed to A-4C The A4D-5 designation was changed to A-4E For A-4 Skyhawk aircraft assigned to this unit see lower in this page: |
Air Wings
Date - - - - - - - - - - - - Tail code - - - - - - - Air Wing April 1951 - - - - - - - H/NL* - - - CVG-15/CVW-15† 1969 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - COMFAIRLEMOORE November 22, 1969 - - - - NM - - - - CVW-19 * The tail code was changed from H to NL July 1, 1957. † December 20 1963 CVG-15 was redesignated CVW-15 when Carrier Air Groups (CVG) were re-designated Carrier Air Wings (CVW). |
| Deployments
09-08-51 to 05-02-52 - CVG-15 - CV 36- - F9F-2 - - Korea 01-24-53 to 09-21-53 - CVG-15 - CVA 37 - F9F-5 - - Korea/WestPac 07-01-54 to 02-28-55 - CVG-15 - CVA 10 - F9F-6 - - WestPac 04-23-56 to 10-15-56 - CVG-15 - CVA 18 - F9F-8/8B- WestPac 02-15-58 to 10-02-58 - CVG-15 - CVA 19 - A4D-1 - - WestPac 07-01-59 to 01-18-60 - CVG-15 - CVA 19 - A4D-2 - - WestPac 09-19-60 to 05-27-61 - CVG-15 - CVA 43 - A4D-2 - - WestPac 05-12-61 to 07-17-62 - CVG-15 - CVA 43 - A4D-2N- - WestPac 04-03-63 to 11-25-63 - CVG-15 - CVA 43 - A-4C- - - WestPac 06-19-64 to 12-16-64- CVGS-53- CVA-33 - A-4B - Det. Romeo 12-07-64 to 11-01-65 - CVW-15 - CVA 43 - A-4C- - - WestPac/Vietnam 05-12-66 to 12-03-66 - CVW-15 - CVA 64 - A-4C- - - WestPac/Vietnam 07-26-67 to 04-06-68 - CVW-15 - CVA 43 - A-4E- - - WestPac/Vietnam 09-07-68 to 04-18-69 - CVW-15 - CVA 43 - A-4F- - - WestPac/Vietnam 05-14-70 to 12-10-70 - CVW-19 - CVA 34 - A-7A- - - WestPac/Vietnam 05-14-71 to 12-18-71 - CVW-19 - CVA 34 - A-7A- - - WestPac/Vietnam 06-05-72 to 03-30-73 - CVW-19 - CVA 34 - A-7A- - - WestPac/Vietnam 10-18-73 to 06-05-74 - CVW-19 - CVA 34 - A-7B- - - WestPac/IO 09-16-75 to 03-03-76 - CVW-19 - CV 34- - A-7B- - - WestPac 10-04-76 to 04-21-77 - CVW-19 - CV 42- - A-7B- - - Mediterranean |
Commanding Officers
Date Assumed Command - - - - - - - Commanding Officer 1950 - - - - - - - - - - LCDR A. J. Denman * May 5, 1952- - - - - - - LCDR G. E. Miller September 1953 - - - - - LCDR Loys M. Satterfield March 1955 - - - - - - - CDR W. L. Abbott 1956 - - - - - - - - - - CDR Alexander D. C. Byers February 27, 1957- - - - LCDR Hildry L. Nelson October 17, 1958 - - - - CDR John F. Bauman February 8, 1960 - - - - CDR Vernon R. Fierce, Jr. June 21, 1961- - - - - - CDR W. C. May July 30, 1962- - - - - - CDR Zeb V. Knott July 10, 1963- - - - - - CDR William C. Raposa May 26, 1964 - - - - - - CDR Peter Mongilardi, Jr. August 13, 1965- - - - - CDR Harry E. Thomas (acting APR 1965) September 15, 1965 - - - CDR K. V. McArthur July 25, 1966- - - - - - CDR D. E. Leue 1967 - - - - - - - - - - CDR T. E. Woolcock May 8, 1968- - - - - - - CDR R. J. Dapogny May 23, 1969 - - - - - - CDR Olaf M. Carlson, Jr. August 20, 1970- - - - - CDR Peter G. Frederick June 11, 1971- - - - - - CDR William J. M. O'Connor June 1, 1972 - - - - - - CDR Paul D. Stephenson July 27,1973 - - - - - - CDR Denis R. Weichman September 20, 1974 - - - LCDR Keith S. Jones September 12, 1975 - - - LCDR Robert F. Hofford December 15, 1976- - - - CDR Lawrence H. Price * LCDR Denman was commanding officer of the reserve squadron prior to its activation on February 1, 1951. |
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Awards Award - - - - - - - - - Inclusive Dates. KSM 04 Oct 1951 to 15 Apr 1952 27 Feb 1953 to 16 May 1953 29 May 1953 to 07 Sep 1953 NAVE 01 Jan 1973 to 30 Jun 1974 01 Jul 1974 to 01 Apr 1976 02 Apr 1976 to 30 Jun 1977 AFEM 26 Aug 1958 to 07 Sep 1958 14 Sep 1959 to 17 Sep 1959 220 25 Apr 1961 to 28 Apr 1961 30 Apr 1961 to 01 May 1961 04 May 1961 to 09 May 1961 12 Jan 1962 to 19 Jan 1962 24 Jan 1962 to 27 Jan 1962 02 Feb 1965 to 05 Mar 1965 16 Mar 1965 to 17 Apr 1965 02 May 1965 to 28 May 1965 23 Jun 1965 to 03 Jul 1965 23 Jan 1968 to 22 Mar 1968 NUC 13 Mar 1953 to 15 May 1953 11 Jun 1953 to 27 Jul 1953 07 Feb 1965 to 18 Oct 1965 29 May 1966 to 24 Nov 1966 13 Aug 1967 to 19 Feb 1968 10 Oct 1968 to 31 Mar 1969 MUC 01 Jun 1970 to 09 Dec 1970 28 Jun 1972 to 06 Mar 1973 RVNGC 12 Oct 1965 21 Jun 1966 to 22 Jun 1966 23 Nov 1967 02 Dec 1967 04 Dec 1967 20 Dec 1967 to 22 Dec 1967 20 Jan 1968 23 Jan 1968 to 27 Jan 1968 29 Jan 1968 to 19 Feb 1968 15 Oct 1968 17 Oct 1968 to 18 Oct 1968 21 Oct 1968 25 Oct 1968 to 27 Oct 1968 14 Nov 1968 to 16 Nov 1968 23 Nov 1968 25 Nov 1968 01 Dec 1968 to 02 Dec 1968 04 Dec 1968 to 05 Dec 1968 30 Dec 1968 01 Jan 1969 to 03 Jan 1969 05 Jan 1969 07 Jan 1969 to 10 Jan 1969 14 Jan 1969 to 19 Jan 1969 22 Jan 1969 24 Jan 1969 26 Jan 1969 09 Feb 1969 to 20 Feb 1969 22 Feb 1969 to 03 Mar 1969 19 Mar 1969 to 31 Mar 1969 |
VNSM 04 Jul 1965 to 24 Jul 1965 11 Aug 1965 to 11 Sep 1965 21 Sep 1965 to 15 Oct 1965 14 Jun 1966 to 13 Jul 1966 27 Jul 1966 to 31 Aug 1966 08 Sep 1966 to 01 Oct 1966 19 Oct 1966 to 09 Nov 1966 26 Aug 1967 to 01 Oct 1967 12 Oct 1967 to 28 Oct 1967 04 Nov 1967 to 05 Nov 1967 11 Nov 1967 to 08 Dec 1967 16 Dec 1967 to 07 Jan 1968 15 Jan 1968 to 21 Feb 1968 29 Dec 1968 to 30 Jan 1969 08 Feb 1969 to 03 Mar 1969 19 Mar 1969 to 30 Mar 1969 13 Jun 1970 to 29 Jun 1970 12 Jul 1970 to 22 Jul 1970 02 Aug 1970 to 26 Aug 1970 17 Sep 1970 to 13 Oct 1970 06 Nov 1970 to 23 Nov 1970 15 Jun 1971 to 10 Jul 1971 24 Jul 1971 to 07 Aug 1971 03 Sep 1971 to 27 Sep 1971 29 Oct 1971 to 21 Nov 1971 26 Jun 1972 to 23 Jul 1972 16 Aug 1972 to 01 Sep 1972 11 Sep 1972 to 28 Sep 1972 08 Oct 1972 to 31 Oct 1972 24 Nov 1972 to 18 Dec 1972 27 Dec 1972 to 31 Jan 1973 10 Feb 1973 to 06 Mar 1973 |
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Events September 1949: Naval Air Reserve Fighter Squadron SEVEN HUNDRED EIGHTEEN (VF-718) was re-designated Fighter Squadron EIGHT HUNDRED THIRTY ONE (VF-831) at Naval Air Station New York Floyd Bennett Field. VF-718 and VF-831 both flew the Grumman F6F Hellcat. February 1, 1951: VF-831 Blue Tail Flies were called to active duty at Naval Air Station New York Floyd Bennett Field. April 1, 1951: VF-831 moved its home-port to Naval Air Station Alameda, California where the squadron transitioned into the Grumman F9F-2 Panther. September 8, 1951 to May 2, 1952: VF-831 Blue Tail; Flies flying the Grumman F9F-2 Panther under CVG-15 embarked on United States Ship Antietam CV 36 for combat over Korea. Grumman F9F-2 Panther BuNo. 125083 NL 300 is pictured on Antietam. USN Photograph. May 5, 1952: Upon return to CONUS VF-831 moved its home-port to Naval Air Station Moffett Field, California. January 24, 1953 to September 21, 1953: VF-831 flying the Grumman F9F-5 Panther under CVG-15 embarked on United States Ship Princeton CV 37 for a second combat cruise to Korea. February 4, 1953: VF-831 was re-designated Fighter Squadron ONE HUNDRED FIFTY THREE (VF-153 Blue Tail Flies) while deployed in Korean waters. August 1, 1954 to February 28, 1955: VF-153 Blue Tail Flies flying the Grumman F9F-6 Cougar under CVG-15 embarked on USS Yorktown CVA 10 for a cruise to WestPac. February 1955: Blue Tail Fly aircraft flew sorties from Yorktown in support of the evacuation of Chinese Nationalists from the Tachen Islands. December 15, 1956: VF-153 was redesignated Attack Squadron ONE HUNDRED FIFTY THREE (VA-153). The Blue Tail Flies were assigned the Douglas A4D-1 (A-4A) Skyhawk. The Squadron completed A-4A Skyhawk transition February 12, 1957. February 20, 1957: Cdr. Alexander D.C. Byers, 38, CO of VA-153 at NAS Moffett Field, was killed yesterday when his A4D (BuNo 142147) crashed into San Francisco Bay about one mile south of International Airport. The Daily Review, Hayward, CA, Thursday, Feb. 21, 1957. Cdr. Alexander D.C. Byers, 38, CO of VA-153 at NAS Moffett Field, was killed yesterday when his Skyhawk apparently developed engine trouble at a low altitude. He ejected, but the chute failed to open completely before he hit the water. He was recovered by a Coast Guard crash boat 8 minutes after his plane plunged into the water off the San Francisco International Airport. Oakland Tribune, Thursday, February 21, 1957. October 21, 1957: Lt. Robert T. Rich, 28, was killed when he crashed during a night practice bombing run at Fallon, NV. Rich was member of VA-153 at Moffet Field. Long Beach Independent, Wednesday October 23, 1957. Lt. Robert T. Rich, 28, was killed last night when his Skyhawk (BuNo 142143) crashed and exploded on a practice bombing run 10 miles SW of NAAS Fallon, NV. VA-153 was TAD to Fallon from NAS Moffett for bombing practice. The explosion was seen by Fallon residents about 9:45 p.m. Reno Gazette, Tuesday, 22 October 1957. November 21, 1957: Lt(jg). Douglas O. Sanford, 22, was killed Thursday night when his Skyhawk (BuNo 142217) jet caught fire hit the field and exploded during landing practice at Crows Landing. Redlands Daily Facts, Friday, Nov. 22, 1957. His A4D jet crashed to earth and burst into flame near Ward Ave., about three miles southwest of NALF Crows Landing on the Covell ranch about 200 feet off Ward. August 23 to September 9, 1958: The Blue Tail Flies flew sorties in the Taiwan Straits after the Chinese Communists bombarded Quemoy Island. October 27, 1958: VA-153 was assigned the Douglas A4D-2 (A-4B) Skyhawk. June 21 1959: Lt(jg). Alvin Allen was on a cross country when the Oil Pressure Flip/Flop Gauge became erratic prompting him to execute a "Precautionary Flameout Approach" to NAS Kingsville. With excessive speed the aircraft touched down 4,000 ft. down the runway, the tailhook was pulled from the aircraft, Field Arresting Gear failed, the fuselage and wing separated and caught fire off the runway end. Lt(jg). Allen was uninjured. From Jim Doolittle, VA-153 Maintenance Officer in 1959. February 15, 1960: Lt(jg). Gordon N. Blake and a housewife were killed when his VA-153 Skyhawk (BuNo 142919) hit a house on Emily Drive as he was coming in for a landing. The crash occurred a half mile from Moffett Boulevard, near NAS Moffett Field. Blake was seen to eject and to come down into the home his Skyhawk hit which, according to an eyewitness, was just an inferno. The Skyhawk glanced off the front part of the roof, crashed into a field and broke in half. The site is just south of the Bayshore highway just inside the Mountain View City line. San Mateo Times, Monday, February 15, 1960 September 8, 1960: Lt(jg). Richard E. Morton (VA-153 based at Moffett Field) was killed last night when his A4D-2 Skyhawk (BuNo 142925) plunged upside down just in front of the USS Coral Sea 115 miles NW of Santa Cruz due to insufficient airspeed on a night launch. Oakland Tribune, Friday, September 9, 1960. 2205 A4D BuNo 142925 with pilot LTJG R.E. Morton, USN, crashed into the water off the port bow at Latitude 37-32.2 N, Longitude 122-45.2 W, following an unsuccessful port catapult launch. Ship's course is 300, speed 27 knots. Commanding Officer ordered left 5 deg. rudder and all engines stop to avoid the aircraft. USS Preston and USS Everett F. Larson commenced searching for the pilot. Maneuvering to remain clear of search area. 2310 Motor Whaleboat from USS Preston came alongside and delivered the pilot's helmet and part of the aircraft recovered in their search. 2335 USS Coral Sea discontinued search and c/c to 089, c/s to 17 knots. USS Preston detached. USS Everett Larson ordered to remain at the crash area and search for the pilot until sunrise. USS Coral Sea deck log, 8 September 1960. September 19, 1960: USS Coral Sea (CVA 43), with VA-153 embarked, operated in the South China Sea after Pathet Lao forces captured strategic positions in Laos. January 6, 1961: Lt. Tom Joseph Cress was killed when his A4D exploded on 6 January 1961 as it hit the carrier Coral Sea's deck, careened into men and planes and exploded again as the aircraft bounced over the side. History of the USS Henry W. Tucker - DDR 875 (1960-1964). Lt. Cress landed with a full buddy store that had malfunctioned and there was a great flash of sparks and an explosion starting at the round down and coming up the deck in a fiery trail of flame and sparks. It appeared that the port landing gear, most of the port wing, and the tail hook had sheared off as the starboard wing was sticking up in about a 60 degree angle to the deck and sliding up the deck across into the planes stacked on the port bow. There was then, another tremendous explosion, followed by others and a furious fire all along the port bow near the front of the canted deck.... the wreckage fell into the sea off the port bow, near the front of the canted deck. From VA-153 plane captain Don DeKoker. 1822 Received emergency message from a/c stating no oxygen and electrical fire. 1922 A4D BuNo 142918 of VA-153 Pilot, Lt. T.J. Cress, crashed on deck and went into the water, port side. Pilot missing at present. Major damage to three (3) a/c parked forward port side flight deck. Further casualties to follow. Notified ships in company to begin search. Flight Operations ceased, remaining airborne a/c directed proceed to MCAS Iwakuni, Japan. 2152 Secured from fire quarters. Secured all damage control parties. 2210 Screen commander reports negative search results. USS Coral Sea deck log, 6 January 1961. June 20, 1961: VA-153 was assigned the Douglas A4D-2N (A-4C) Skyhawk. August 4, 1961: Lt. Ed Leutschwager ejected successfully (BuNo 148309) while he was on a navigational training flight after the tailpipe separated from the engine and his Skyhawk caught fire. The Skyhawk from NAS Moffett Field crashed and exploded yesterday morning two miles south of the old Tejon Ranch headquarters and 15 miles south of Arvin igniting the Tejon Ranch fire. At 6 a.m. this morning the blaze had consumed 350 acres and the Kern County Fire Departments 121 personnel on scene have been joined by 77 inmates from CA conservation camps in Tulare and Fresno counties. Bakersfield Californian, Saturday, August 5, 1961. Near Bakersfield a Navy jet fighter pilot bailed out of his burning plane and landed uninjured. The plummeting plane, caused a brush fire which has spread to 150 acres on the Tejon Ranch 45 miles south of Bakersfield. Lt. E. E. Luetschwager, 32, who lives in Mountain View, was on a routine navigational flight when another pilot noticed Luetschwager's Skyhawk was afire. The pilot assisted the 105 men on the fire line of the blaze created by the crash. Fire fighters came from the Sequoia National Forest. San Bernardino Sun, Saturday, 5 August 1961. August 21, 1961: VA-153 moved to Naval Air Station Lemoore, California. February 13, 1962: Cdr. R.J. Horner . . . 2205 A4D BuNo 145085 of VA-153, Pilot Cdr. R.J. Horner, hit the ramp and skidded forward on the flight deck engaging number three (3) arresting wire and came to a stop amidships in flames. Pilot injury report to follow. Damage to aircraft: strike. Went to Fire Quarters. Sounded six (6) short blasts on whistle. USS Coral Sea deck log, Friday, 2 February 1962. 964: VA-153 formed Detachment Romeo to serve aboard the USS Kearsarge, CVS-33, to provide air protection to the anti-submarine group CVSG-53. Four Skyhawks equipped with Sidewinder missiles gave the group some air protection and was proceeded in that role by VA-22 Det R in 1963. Aircraft believed assigned to the role with VA-153 Det R were BuNo 142131, 142138 (NS-1), 142874 (NS-4), 144872 (NS-2), and 144974 (NS-3). VA-153 Det R deployed APR 1964 to May 1964 (local operations in the EastPac) and JUN 19, 1964, to DEC 16, 1964 (WestPac, Vietnam War). Pilots manning the detachment were ONC LCdr. R.J. Swhweitzer, Lt. J.J. Fleming, Lt. J.F. McCarthy, Lt. M.A. McCarthy, Lt. W.C. Hollis and Lt. W.L. Plattic. All above became Kearsarge "Centurions" during this time. September 24, 1964: Lt. John Peacock survived a ramp strike in A-4C BuNo 147695 during a nighttime recovery aboard the USS Coral Sea. From Stan Thompson. 1954 A4C BuNo 147695 of VA-153, Pilot Lt.(jg) John R. Peacock, crashed on deck and burned. Pilot received first and second degree burns on face, neck, shoulders and arms. Treatment administered by medical officer. Disposition: placed on sick list. Damage to aircraft: Strike. Suspended flight operations, C/C to 030. 1955 C/S to 10 knots. 1956 Fire on 02 level, port side, beneath angled deck. Sounded fire quarters. 2032 Secured from fire quarters. Damage: slight. 2039 C/S to 11 knots. 2045 commenced maneuvering on various courses at various speeds to bring ship dead in the water to jettison remains of crashed aircraft. 2053 Remains of crashed aircraft jettisoned into sea and sank at latitude 32-18N 118-35.8W in 920 fathoms of water. USS Coral Sea (CVA-43) deck log. Wednesday 24 September 1964. December 7, 1964, to November 1, 1965: VA-153 flying the Douglas A4D-2N (A-4C) Skyhawk deployed under CVW-15 on USS Coral Sea (CVA 43) for the Blue Tail Flies first combat tour to Vietnam. February 2, 1965: VA-153 began participating in operations in Laos. These operations involved Yankee Team, Barrel Roll and Steel Tiger missions. February 7 and 11, 1965: The Blue Tail Flies participated in Flaming Dart I and II, reprisal strikes against targets in North Vietnam following a Viet Cong attack on the American advisor's compound at Pleiku and the American billet in Qui Nhon, South Vietnam. February 11, 1965: Lt. W.T. Majors ejected over the sea and was rescued by a USAF helicopter when his engine (BuNo 149572) failed shortly after an attack on the Chanh Hoa complex. March 1965: VA-153 participated in Rolling Thunder operations, the bombing of military targets in North Vietnam. April 7, 1965: Lt. William Marshall Roark was leading a two-plane section armed reconnaissance mission in the area of Dong Hoi, North Vietnam. A gun site was detected and the flight of two A-4s attacked the AA site about 22 km N-NW of Dong Hoi, NVN. On the second attack his aircraft was hit by ground fire, and he ejected a half mile offshore. He had to eject over enemy controlled coastal waters and was repeatedly fired upon while descending in his chute. SAR could see him floating face down but could not retrieve his body due to intense ground fire. From John Braun. April 9, 1965: LCdr. C.H. McNeil ejected (BuNo 148481) and was rescued by a USAF HU-16 Albatross after he was hit by 37mm AAA during an attack on the Tam Da bridge and caught fire which burned through the fuselage causing the tail section to separate. June 25, 1965: Cdr. Peter Mongilardi (CVW-15 CAG) was killed when he was hit (BuNo 149574, NL 306) by 37mm AAA during an armed reconnaissance mission NW of Than Hoa. July 15, 1965: Lt. A.J. "Skip" Bennet was rescued by a USN Destroyer after his plane (BuNo 149576, NL 308) crashed in the South China Sea, lost to AAA over Mu Ron Ma. August 13, 1965: Cdr. Harry Eugene Thomas (CO) was killed when he (BuNo 148475, NL 312) was hit by AAA at a very low level on an Iron Hand mission 30 miles N of Than Hoa. November 17, 1965: Cdr. Wesley McDonald (CAG-15) ejected successfully Wednesday when his Skyhawk (A-4C BuNo 150589) flamed out on a flight from NAS Lemoore to NAS Miramar. Pasadena Star-News, Thursday, November 18, 1965. May 12, 1966 to December 3, 1966: VA-153 flying the Douglas A-4C Skyhawk deployed under CVW-15 on USS Constellation (CVA 64) for the Blue Tail Fly's second combat tour to Vietnam. July 6, 1966: LCdr. George Henry Wilkins was killed after he flew into the ground (BuNo 147732, NL 304) while flying under flares he had dropped to positively id a target N of Vinh. September 12, 1966: LCdr. William Francis Coakley was killed when he flew under flares to id a target and flew into the ground (BuNo 147763, NL 314) 15 miles S of Thanh Hoa. October 20, 1966: Lt(jg). Harry Sanford Edwards was killed when his Skyhawk (BuNo 148592, NL 311) flew into the ground a few hundred yards from the Trinh Xuyen bridge after releasing his bombs. August 26, 1967, to April 6, 1968: VA-153 flying the Douglas A-4E Skyhawk deployed under CVW-15 on USS Coral Sea (CVA 43) for the Blue Tail Fly's third combat tour to Vietnam. August 29, 1967: Lt. Michael John Allard was killed when his Skyhawk (BuNo 151025, NL 313) entered high speed stall and spun in as he rolled in the attack a cave storage site at Nanh Thap with M-117 bombs. January 25, 1968: Cdr. Thomas E. Woolcock (CO) ejected after his Skyhawk (BuNo 150057, NL 312) was hit by a SAM at 12,000 feet about 15 miles south of Vinh while approaching a coastal defense target from inland. Cdr. Woolcock was leading a flight of four A-4E Skyhawks to attack gun emplacements that were exchanging fire with the HMAS Perth (D 38) and the USS Bordelon (DD-881) who were shelling a N. Vietnamese highway bridge. He was recovered five miles offshore and ten miles from the ships by HS-6 SH-3A Big Mother from the USS Dewey (DLG-14) piloted by Lt. Vern Von Sydow. Big Mother made a night landing on the Dewey illuminated only by their hover lights only to launch again to medevac Cdr. Wollcock to the USS Ranger for a four-hour surgery on his injured hand. March 1968: USS Coral Sea (CVA 43), with VA-153 embarked, operated on station off the coast of Korea following the capture of USS Pueblo (AGER 2) in January by North Korea. September 7, 1968, to April 18, 1969: VA-153 flying the Douglas A-4F Skyhawk deployed under CVW-15 on USS Coral Sea (CVA 43) for the Blue Tail Fly's fourth combat tour to Vietnam. The squadron had no aircraft or pilot losses this cruise. May 14, 1970, to December 10, 1970: VA-153 flying the Vought A-7A Corsair II deployed under CVW-19 on USS Oriskany (CVA 34) for the Blue Tail Fly's fifth combat tour to Vietnam. May 28, 1970: Cdr. D. D. Aldern United States Navy was shot down in A-7A Corsair II BuNo. 153176 NL 303 over Laos by triple A fire. Commander Allard, CAG for the embarked Air Group, is missing in action and presumed Killed in Action. November 21, 1970: The squadron flew missions in support of an attempt to rescue American prisoners-of-war at the Son Tay prisoner compound, 20 miles west of Hanoi. May 14, 1971, to December 18, 1971: VA-153 flying the Vought A-7A Corsair II deployed under CVW-19 on USS Oriskany (CVA 34) for the Blue Tail Fly's sixth combat tour to Vietnam. There were no combat losses this cruise. November 1, 1971: Cdr. Tom Frank, VA-153 XO, got an Oriskany cold catapult shot in A-7A Corsair II BuNo. 153189 and was killed in the resulting impact with the sea. June 5, 1972, to March 30, 1973: VA-153 flying the Vought A-7A Corsair II deployed under CVW-19 on USS Oriskany (CVA 34) for the Blue Tail Fly's seventh combat tour to Vietnam. VA-153 appears to not have lost any aircraft or pilots during this cruise. February 11 to 22, 1973: Following the cease-fire with North Vietnam the squadron flew combat missions in Laos until a cease-fire was signed with that country on February 22, 1973. February 1973: Cdr. D. R. Weichman United States Navy, the squadron's executive officer, completed his 625th combat mission of the Vietnam Conflict - a record for the most fixed-wing combat missions during the Vietnam War. November 1973: USS Oriskany (CVA 34), with VA-153 embarked, departed from operations in the South China Sea to relieve USS Hancock (CVA 19) on station in the Arabian Sea due to the unsettled conditions following the Yom Kippur War in the Middle East. September 30, 1977: Attack Squadron ONE HUNDRED FIFTY THREE was dis-established at Naval Air Station Lemoore, California. |
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Unit Photos JUL59: NAN photo of Marines working on a J-65 engine. JUL59 NAN. U.S.S. Hancock Feb. 1958 - Jan. 1960: VA-153 Blue Tail Fly A4D-1 BuNo. 142156, side number NL 303, attached to CVG-15, is ready to go on the catapult (probably on the United States Ship Hancock CV 19). USN photograph from Douglas Aircraft Company files and provided by Harry S. Gann. 1960 U.S.S. Hancock: Blue Tail Flies Skyhawk NL-301 forms the backdrop for five pilots (CDR Jack Bauman, LCDR Ralph Odgers, LT's Jim Doolittle, Tom Brown & Ben Fromm) who became Centurions during the Westpac deployment. Naval Aviation News photo. 1960-61: Blue Tail Flies Skyhawk BuNo 142923 undergoing maintenance in the hangar. Douglas. U.S.S. Coral Sea SEP 1960: A-4C BuNo. 147825, side number NL 302, attached to CAW-15 aboard the United States Ship Coral Sea CVA-43 -- is pictured on the Naval Air Station Lemoore ramp. Blue Tail Fly A-4F BuNo. 155026, side number NL 306, attached to CAW-15 aboard the United States Ship Coral Sea CVA-43 -- is pictured on the Naval Air Station Lemoore ramp. Photograph by Harry S. Gann. 1961-62: A4D-2N Skyhawk BuNo 148307 Powerhouse 307, NL-307, USS Coral Sea, CVA-43, during the 1961-62 WestPac cruise. Front row Ens. H.J. Ferris, Lt. D.H. Westbrock, LCdr. R.R. Wilson, Lt. D.D. Owens, Ltjg A.J. Salkovics, LCdr. D.L. Johnson, Ltjg G.H. Hillhouse, Ltjg S.P. Thompson and Capt. (USAF) R.R. Sparkman. Second row: Ltjg R.A. Stromberg, Lt. W.O. Bennett, Lt. J.F. McCarthy, LCdr. J.E. Russ, Cdr. J.F. Kirklighter, Cdr. W.C. May, Cdr. W.R. Horner, Lt. R.P. Klugh, Ltjg G.W. Woehrmann, Ltjg M.A. McCarthy, Ltjg L.E. Printup and Ltjg F.O. Caron. 1961-1962 A4D-2N BuNo147844, Powerhouse 300, NL-300, aboard the USS Coral Sea, CVA-43, as Lt. Salkovics does a pre-flight. Photo by Stan Thompson. 1961-62: BuNo.145077 being manned by LTJG Stan Thompson aboard CVA-43, USS Coral Sea during the 1961-62 WestPac cruise. Photo by Stan Thompson. 1961-62: A4D-2N Skyhawk BuNo.148498 Powerhouse 313, NL-313, and VA-155 Silver Foxes A4D-2 BuNo 142849, NL-606, aboard the USS Coral Sea, CVA-43, opposite VF-154 F8U-2N Crusaders BuNo 147908, NL-406, and BuNo 148659, NL-409, and VF-151 Vigilantes F3H-2 Demon BuNo 146734, NL-102, 1961-62. Photo by Stan Thompson.. 1961-62: A4D-2N Skyhawk BuNo 145087, NL-309, inflight over Japan during the 1961-62 USS Coral Sea, CVA-43, WestPac cruise. Photo by Stan Thompson. 1961-62: A4D-2N Skyhawk BuNo 145087 ...Lt. Stan Thompson's VA-153 Blue Tail Flies A4D-2N Skyhawk BuNo 145087 Powerhouse 309, NL-309, inflight during the 1961-1962 Westpac cruise. Photo by Stan Thompson. 1961-62: A4D-2N Skyhawk BuNo 145087 Powerhouse 309, NL-309, inflight over Japan during the 1961-62 USS Coral Sea, CVA-43, WestPac cruise. Photo by Stan Thompson. 1961-62: A4D-2N Skyhawk BuNo 145087, Powerhouse 309, NL-309, inflight over Japan during the 1961-62 USS Coral Sea, CVA-43, WestPac cruise. Note exchange pilot USAF Capt. Ralph Sparkman's name beneath the canopy. Photo by Stan Thompson. 1961-62: BuNo.148307 as the pilot tries to uncock the nosewheel aboard the USS Coral Sea, CVA-43during the 1961-62 WestPac cruise. Photo by Stan Thompson. 1961-62: BuNo.148308 aboard CVA-43, USS Coral Sea during the 1961-62 WestPac cruise. Photo by Stan Thompson. 1961-62: A4D-2N Skyhawks BuNo.145087, NL-309, and BuNo 147825, NL-302, in formation over Japan during the 1961-62 USS Coral Sea, CVA-43, WestPac cruise. Photo by Stan Thompson. 1961-62: A4D-2N Skyhawk BuNo 148314, NL-304, flying above Mt. Fuji while temporarily based at NAS Atsugi, 1961-62. Photo by Stan Thompson. 1961-62: A4D-2N Skyhawk BuNo 148314, NL-304, in a bank over Mt. Fuji while temporarily based at NAS Atsugi, 1961-62. Photo by Stan Thompson. 1961-62: A4D-2N Skyhawk BuNo 148314, NL-304, flying over Mt. Fuji while temporarily based at NAS Atsugi. Photo by Stan Thompson. 1961-62: A4D-2N Skyhawk BuNo 148541 Powerhouse 312, NL-312, tanker getting the starter unit (huffer) attached at NAS Atsugi, Japan while the Blue Tail Flies were temporarily based ashore during the 1961-62 WestPac cruise. Photo from Stan Thompson. 07 May 1962: A4D-2N Skyhawk BuNo 148541, Powerhouse 312, NL-312, Lt(jg) Stan Thompson, coming aboard the USS Coral Sea, CVA-43, during the 1961-62 WestPac cruise. Photo from Stan Thompson. BuNo.145077 at Subic aboard CVA-43, USS Coral. Photo by Stan Thompson. 1963-65: Naval Air Station Lemoore ramp. A row of parked VA-153 A-4E Skyhawks at Naval Air Station Lemoore. From front right to rear left: BuNo. 147718 side number NL 313; BuNo. 148481; BuNo. 148310; BuNo. 149573; BuNo. 148306. Photograph by Harry S. Gann. BuNo.147825 at NAS Lemoore. Photo by Stan Thompson. 1961-62: A4D-2N Skyhawk BuNo 147825 Powerhouse 302, NL-302, inflight over Japan during the 1961-62 USS Coral Sea, CVA-43, WestPac cruise. Photo by Stan Thompson. 1961-62: Coral Sea: BuNo.147825 traps aboard CVA-43, USS Coral. Photo from Stan Thompson. LT Stan Thompson poses next to a Crusader. Photo by Stan Thompson. April 1962 CDR Kirklighter's Farewell. Photos from Stan Thompson. LTJG Hakanson, a "Demon" Driver. Photo by Stan Thompson. LT Owens and LT Thompson at NAS Atsugi. Photo by Stan Thompson. LTJG Printup aboard the Coral Sea. Photo by Stan Thompson. 1961-62 CVA-43: LCDR Jack Russ aboard the Coral Sea. Photo by Stan Thompson. Drawing illustrating the tanking role of the Skyhawk. Photo by Stan Thompson. LT Westbrock and LT Owens prepare for a flight. Photo by Stan Thompson. Stan Thompson VA-153 photo gallery for 1961-63 cruises. Photos by Stan Thompson. Thompson Sasebo Yen exchange. SDO: Thompson VA-153 SDO. Thompson CVA-43. Thompson CVA-43. CVA-43: Thompson CVA-43. CVA-43: Thompson 4. CVA-43: Thompson CVA-43 5. CVA-43: Thompson CVA-43 6. CVA-43: Thompson CVA-43 7. CVA-43: Thompson CVA-43 8. CVA-43: Thompson CVA-43 9. CVA-43: Thompson CVA-43 10. CVA-43: Thompson CVA-43 11. CVA-43: Thompson CVA-43 12. CVA-43: Thompson CVA-43 13. CVA-43: Thompson CVA-43 14. CVA43: Thompson CVA-43 15. CVA-43: Thompson CVA-43 16. CVA-43: Thompson CVA-43 17. 1961-62: Thompson 61-62stateroom. Thompson 100th-arrested2-cva43 2. Thompson 100th-arrested-cva43. 29JAN62 Cubi Point, PI: They all seem to be able to float. Photo by Stan Thompson. 1961-62: Everyone is growing one. Photo by Stan Thompson. 1961 or 1963: Squadron mates BuNo 145081 VA-153 301 and BuNo 148306 VA-153 306 on Flight Deck of the Coral Sea. Photo from Dave Dollarhide. 1962: USS Coral Sea (CVA-63) with aircraft from CVW-15 (NL) including VF-151 Vigilantes F3H-2 Demons, VA-152 Fighting Aces AD-6 Skyraiders, VA-153 Blue Tail Flies A4D-2N Skyhawks, VF-154 Black Knights F8U-2N Crusaders, VA-155 Silver Foxes A4D-2 Skyhawks, VAH-2 Royal Rampants A3D-2 Skywarriors, VFP-63 Eyes of the Fleet Det. D F8U-1P Crusaders, VAW-11 Early Elevens Det. D WF-2 Tracers, VAW-13 Zappers Det. D AD-5Q Skyraiders and HU-1 Fleet Angels Det. D HUP-3 Retrievers. 12 January 19 1962: USS Coral Sea (CVA-43) and CVG-15 (NL) aircraft sail under the Golden Gate bridge 1961-1962. The Air Group squadrons/aircraft were VF-151 Vigilantes (F3H-2 Demon), VA-152 Fighting Aces (AD-6 Skyraider), VA-153 Blue Tail Flies (A4D-2 Skyhawk), VF-154 Black Knights (F8U-1E Crusader), VA-155 Silver Foxes (A4D-2 Skyhawk), VMA-324 Devildogs (A4D-2 Skyhawk), VMA-121 Green Knights (A4D-2 Skyhawk), VAH-2 (A3D-2 Skywarrior), VFP-61 Det. D (F8U-1P Crusader), VAW-13 Zappers Det. D (WF-2 Tracer), HU-1 Pacific Fleet Angels Det. D (HUP-2 Retriever). 1962-63: BuNo.145084, VA-153 A-4C in 1962-63. 1963: A-4C Skyhawk BuNo.148308, NL-304, and BuNo 148314, NL-308, being respotted aboard the USS Coral Sea, CVA-43. Photo by Stan Thompson. 1963: CVA-43, USS Coral Sea during the 1963 WestPac cruise. 1963: BuNo.145077 being manned by LTJG Stan Thompson aboard CVA-43, USS Coral Sea during the 1963 WestPac cruise. Photo by Stan Thompson. 07 July 1963: A-4C Skyhawk BuNo 145084, Powerhouse 301, serves as a backdrop aboard CVA-43, USS Coral Sea during the 1963 WestPac cruise. Top-bottom: Flight Division Leader CDR Zeb Knott, Wingman LCDR Marty Asbacher, Section Leader LT Buddy Owens and Wingman Gene Hillhouse. Photo by Stan Thompson. 07 July 1963: A-4C Skyhawk BuNo 145084, Powerhouse 301, serves as a backdrop aboard CVA-43, USS Coral Sea during the 1963 WestPac cruise. Top-bottom: Flight Division Leader LCDR Bob Wilson, Wingman LTJG Gene Hillhouse, Section Leader LT Matt McCarthy and Wingman LT Bill Hollis. Photo by Stan Thompson. 07 July 1963: A-4C Skyhawk BuNo 145084, Powerhouse 301, serves as a backdrop aboard CVA-43, USS Coral Sea during the 1963 WestPac cruise. Top-bottom: Flight Division Leader LCDR W. Brown, Wingman LTJG Ross Underhill, Section Leader LT J. F. McCarthy and Wingman LT Stan Thompson. Photo by Stan Thompson. 07 July 1963: A-4C Skyhawk BuNo145084, Powerhouse 301, serves as a backdrop aboard aboard CVA-43, USS Coral Sea during the 1963 WestPac cruise. Top-bottom: Flight Division Leader CDR William C. Raposa, Section Leader LT Bill Bennett and Wingmen LTJG Howie Alexander and LTJG A.J. Bennett. Photo by Stan Thompson. 07 July 1963: A-4C Skyhawk BuNo 145084, Powerhouse 301, aboard USS Coral Sea, CVA-43, during the 1963 WestPac cruise. Top-bottom: CDR Peter Monglardi, Jr., LTJG Rich Hewgley, LTJG Frank Caron and ENS. Bill Smith. Photo by Stan Thompson. 07July 1963: A-4C Skyhawks BuNo 145084 Powerhouse 301, NL-301, BuNo 148541, Powerhouse 312, NL-312, and BuNo 145077 Powerhouse 311, NL-311, USS Coral Sea, CVA-43, during the 1963 WestPac cruise. Front row l-r: Ltjg Skip Bennett, Ltjg Frank Caron, Lt. J.F. McCarthy, Cdr. Bill Raposa, Cdr. Zeb Knott, Cdr. Pete Mongilardi, Jr* and LCdr. Bob Wilson. Second rowl-r: Ltjg Howie Alexander, Lt. Matt McCarthy, Ltjg Rick Hewgley, Lt. Buddy Owens, LCdr. Bob Wilson. Third row l-r: Lt. Bill Hollis, Lt. Bill Bennett. Fourth row l-r: Lt. Stan Thompson, Ltjg Bill Rorak*, Lt Gene Hillhouse, LCdr Marty Asbacher, Ltjg Ross Underhill, Ltjg Bill Smith. (*KIA) 10 July 1963: BuNo 145084 serves a backdrop for picture taking aboard USS Coral Sea, CVA-43, during the 1963 WestPac cruise. LT Stan Thompson in dress whites alongside Blue Tail Flies Powerhouse 301, change of command from CDR Knott to CDR Raposa. Photo by Stan Thompson. 10 July 1963: A-4C Skyhawk BuNo 145084, Powerhouse 301, serves as a backdrop for Lt. Stan Thompson in dress whites at the change of command in Yokosuka from Cdr. Knott to Cdr. Raposa during the 1963 WestPac cruise. Photo from Stan Thompson. 10 July 1963: A-4C Skyhawk BuNo 145084, Powerhouse 301, serves as a backdrop for Lt. Stan Thompson in dress whites at the change of command in Yokosuka from Cdr. Knott to Cdr. Raposa during the 1963 WestPac cruise. Photo from Stan Thompson. 10 July 1963: A-4C Skyhawk BuNo.145084, Powerhouse 301, serves as a backdrop for Lt. Stan Thompson in dress whites at the change of command in Yokosuka from Cdr. Knott to Cdr. Raposa during the 1963 WestPac cruise. Photo from Stan Thompson. 1963: BuNo.148310 serves a backdrop for picture taking aboard CVA-43, USS Coral Sea during the 1963 WestPac cruise. LT Stan Thompson in front of Blue Tail Flies Skyhawk BuNo 148310, Powerhouse 310, aboard the USS Coral Sea, CVA-43. Photo by Stan Thompson. 1963:A-4C Skyhawk BuNo.148310 Powerhouse 310, NL-310, serves a backdrop for a photo of Lt. Stan Thompson aboard the USS Coral Sea, CVA-43, during the 1963 WestPac cruise. Photo by Stan Thompson.. 1963: BuNo.148310 serves a backdrop for picture taking aboard CVA-43, USS Coral Sea during the 1963 WestPac cruise. LT Stan Thompson in front of Blue Tail Flies Skyhawk BuNo 148310, Powerhouse 310, aboard the USS Coral Sea, CVA-43. Photo by Stan Thompson. BuNo.148310 serves a backdrop for picture taking aboard CVA-43, USS Coral Sea during the 1963 WestPac cruise. LT Stan Thompson in Aviation Greens in front of Blue Tail Flies Skyhawk BuNo 148317, Powerhouse 305 aboard the USS Coral Sea, CVA-43. Photo by Stan Thompson. 1963: BuNo.148310 serves a backdrop for picture taking aboard CVA-43, USS Coral Sea during the 1963 WestPac cruise. LT Stan Thompson in Aviation Greens in front of Blue Tail Flies Skyhawk BuNo 148317, Powerhouse 305 aboard the USS Coral Sea, CVA-43. Photo by Stan Thompson. 1963: BuNo.148541 serves a backdrop for picture taking aboard CVA-43, USS Coral Sea during the 1963 WestPac cruise. Blue Tail Flies Skyhawk BuNo 148541, Powerhouse 312, belonging to Ltjg W.M. Roark and LT Stan Thompson on the boarding ladder. Photo by Stan Thompson. 1963: A-4C Skyhawks BuNo 147825 Powerhouse 302, NL-302, BuNo 148541 Powerhouse 312, NL-312, and BuNo 148317 Powerhouse 309, NL-309, getting ready for pilots to man aircraft during the USS Coral Sea, CVA-43, 1963 WestPac. At left are VF-154 Black Knights F-8D Crusader BuNo 148673, NL-413, VFP-63 Eyes of the Fleet RF-8A Crusader BuNo 146901, PP-905, and VF-151 Vigilantes F-3B Demon BuNo 146729, NL-114. At right are VA-155 Silver Foxes A-4B Skyhawks BuNo 142899, NL-501, NL-503 and NL-506. Photo by Stan Thompson. 1963: A-4C Skyhawk BuNo 145084, NL-301, and VA-155 Silver Foxes A-4B Skyhawk BuNo 142830, NL-507, aboard USS Coral Sea, CVA-43, parked astern as VAH-2 Royal Rampants A-3B Whale BuNo 147683, NL-603, traps. Photo by Stan Thompson. 1963: A-4C Skyhawk BuNo 145084, NL-301, and VA-155 Silver Foxes A-4B BuNo 142830, NL-507, parked astern as VA-153 A-4C BuNo 148314, NL-304, traps aboard USS Coral Sea, CVA-43, 1963. VAH-2 Royal Rampants A-3B Skywarrior NL-602 at left. Photo by Stan Thompson. 1963: Zooming in on Blue Tail Flies Powerhouse 301 alongside VA-155 Silver Fox 507 by the LSO platform of CVA-43. Photo by Stan Thompson. 1963: A-4C Skyhawks BuNo 148488, Powerhouse 303, NL-303, and BuNo 148308, Powerhouse 308, NL-308, as ordies load Mk-76 practice bombs under the supervision of AOC L.W. Marten, aboard the USS Coral Sea, CVA-43, 1963. Cdr. Pete Mongilardi, Jr. with blue ball cap is behind Chief Marten. Photo by Stan Thompson. 1963: A-4C Skyhawk BuNo 147844, Powerhouse 300, NL-300, parked forward of the USS Coral Sea, CVA-43, island during refueling operations. Photo by Stan Thompson. 1963: Blue Tail Flies Skyhawks BuNo 148306, Powerhouse 306, BuNo 148488, Powerhouse 303 and BuNo 148310, Powerhouse 310 loading 20mm ammo pods aboard the USS Coral Sea, CVA-43. Photo by Stan Thompson. 1963: Blue Tail Flies Skyhawks BuNo 148306, Powerhouse 306, BuNo 148488, Powerhouse 303 and BuNo 148310, Powerhouse 310 loading 20mm ammo pods aboard the USS Coral Sea, CVA-43. Photo by Stan Thompson. 1963: Landing aboard the USS Coral Sea, CVA-43. BuNo 145084, Powerhouse 301, and VA-155 Silver Fox 507 are parked by the LSO platform. Photo by Stan Thompson. 1963: BuNo 148541, Powerhouse 312, sitting out a typhoon aboard the USS Coral Sea, CVA-53. Photo by Stan Thompson. 1963: A-4C BuNo 148541 Powerhouse 312, NL-312, showing the red kangaroo the Aussies painted on the Scooter while based ashore at RAAF Richmond. Photo by Stan Thompson. 1963: A-4C Skyhawk BuNo 148488, Powerhouse 303, as ordies load 20mm canisters under the supervision of AOC L.W. Marten, USS Coral Sea, CVA-43. Photo by Stan Thompson. 1963: BuNo 148306, Warpaint 306 and BuNo 148317, Warpaint 305 sitting out a typhoon aboard the USS Coral Sea, CVA-43. Photo by Stan Thompson. Blue Tail Flys hanging out in a Stateroom. Photo by Stan Thompson. Ship is named for LT Roark. Photo by Stan Thompson. 1963: The Coral Sea giving one of her escorts a drink. Photo by Stan Thompson. 03 July 1963: VA-153 A-4C Skyhawk BuNo 145084, NL-301, and BuNo 147825, NL-302, provide a backdrop for an officers photo, 03 July 1963. Photo from Stan Thompson.. 1963: VA-153 Officers, aboard the Coral Sea. Photo by Stan Thompson. 1963: VA-153 Skyhawk formation over the Coral Sea off Australia. Photo by Stan Thompson. 1963: "Seems the thing to do." Photo by Stan Thompson. 1963: VA-153 Officers and Chiefs... A-4C Skyhawk BuNo 148310, NL-310 (Powerhouse 310,) serves a backdrop for a photo Officers and Chiefs aboard the USS Coral Sea, CVA-43, during the 1963 WestPac cruise. Photo by Stan Thompson. First row: Lt(jg) W.M. Roark, Lt. M.A. McCarthy, Lt(jg) H.P. Alexander, LCdr. M.A. Asbacher, Cdr. P. Mongalardi Jr., Cdr. W.C. Raposa, LCdr. J.M. Snysder, Lt. J.F. McCarthy, Ens. L.L. Parmenter, Lt. W.O. Bennett, Lt(jg) A.J. Bennett. Second row: Lt(jg) R.H. Underhill. Lt(jg) R.W. Hewgley, Lt. D.D. Owens, Lt(jg) F.O. Caron, Lt. W.T. Majors, Lt. W.C. Hollis, Ens. W.E. Smith, Lt. S.P. Thompson. Third row: AECS H.E. Springston, AMCS R.W. Beresford, ADRCA S.J. Estridge, AKCA G.J. Stenson, ADRC P.H. Sheridan, AOC L.W. Marten, AMSCA C.T. Shofer, AOCA M.V. Waggoner, ATCS W.F. Weckerly. 1963: Va-153 Ready Room in 1963. Photo by Stan Thompson. 1964 VA-153 Detachment Romeo: BuNo 142874, NS-4, of CVSG-53 flying off CVS-33 providing fighter coverage. The Scooter banks left to show off his trusty pair of Sidewinders in pylons under the wings. 1964 VA-153 Detachment Romeo: Skyhawk BuNo 142874, NS-4, comes free of the arresting gear aboard the USS Kearsarge. She is providing fighter protection as part of CVSG-53. Naval Aviation News photo. 1964: VA-153 parked on the deck of CVA-43. NAN photo. 1964: VA-153 Det. R Blue Tail Flies A-4B Skyhawk BuNo 142874, NS-4, assigned to CVSG-53 aboard the USS Kearsarge, CVS-33, as squadron officers pose with John Wayne who was aboard the USS Kearsarge filming ‘In Harm's Way.’ between 19 June and 16 December 1964. Official U.S. Navy photo. Circa 1964-65: USS Coral Sea (CVA-63) with aircraft from CVW-15 (NL) including VA-153 Blue Tail Flies A-4C Skyhawks, VA-155 Silver Foxes A-4E Skyhawks, VA-165 A-1H/J Skyraiders, VAH-2 Royal Rampants A-3B Skywarriors, VF-151 Vigilantes F-4B Phantoms, VF-154 Black Knights F-8D Crusaders, VFP-63 Eyes of the Fleet Det. D RF-8A Crusaders, VAW-11 Early Elevens Det. D E-1B Tracers, HC-1 Fleet Angels Det. D UH-2A Seasprites, VAP-61 Det. RA-3B Skywarriors, VQ-1 Det. EA-3B Skywarriors, VAW-13 Zappers Det. EA-1F Skyraiders and VMCJ-1 Det. RF-8A Crusaders, circa 1964-1965. 24 March 1965: VA-153 Skyhawk NL 306 - USS Coral Sea (CVA-43) - The Catapult Officer signals "launch" and an A-4 "Skyhawk" starts down the flight deck, during operations in the South China Sea. The plane is being launched from the carrier's starboard catapult. Note immediately behind the a/c you can see break-away cable flying back. On 25JUN65 BuNo 149574 was lost to AAA fire. Photographed by PH1 James F. Falk, USN. - Official U.S. Navy Photograph - Photo #: USN 1111691-A. From Gary Verver. 1965: Blue Tail Flies Skyhawk BuNo 149574, Powerhouse 306, flown by LT Majors, returns to the USS Coral Sea, CVA-43, after a strike on Bac Long Island deep in the gulf of Tonkin. Naval Aviation News Photo. 01 July 1965: VA-153 Blue Tail Flies A-4C Skyhawk BuNo 149574, NL-306, piloted by Lt. Majors snags a wire as he traps on board the USS Coral Sea, CVA 43, after a mission. VA-153 A-4C BuNo 148306, NL-301, at right. Official U.S. Navy photo 110388. 1965: Blue Tail Flies Skyhawk BuNo 145118, NL-300, aboard the Coral Sea as a Sea Knight delivers supplies. Blue Tail Flies BuNo 148317, NL-309 at right. U.S. Navy photo by PH1 Jean Cote. 17 July 1965: Battle damaged A-4C of VA-153. Taken after a strike on the Than Hoa bridge 17 July 1965. The aircraft is A4C, buno 145119, Attack Squadron 153, pilot CDR Dave Leue', squadron XO at the time. The Plane Captain is Loftus, AN. 12 March 1966 WestPac: BuNo 148519, NL-312, parked on the ramp. Clay Jansson via Tailhook Association. 15 May 1966: VA-153 Blue Tail Flies A-4C Skyhawk BuNo 148555, NL-303, from the USS-Constellation, in-flight. Official U.S. Navy photo. 1966: USS Constellation (CVA-64) and CVW-15 (NL) aircraft. The Air Group squadrons/aircraft were VF-151 Black Knights (F-4B Phantom II), VF-161 Chargers (F-4B Phantom II), VA-153 Blue Tail Flies (A-4C Skyhawk), VA-155 Silver Foxes (A-4E Skyhawk), VA-65 Tigers (A-6A Intruder), RVAH-6 Fleurs (RA-5C Vigilante), VAH-8 Fireballers (A-3B Skywarrior), VAW-11 Early Elevens Det. A (E-2A Hawkeye), HC-1 Unit D (UH-2A/B Seasprite), VQ-1 World Watchers Det. (EA-3B Skywarrior), VAP-61 World Recorders Det. (RA-3B Skywarrior), VAW-13 Zappers Det (EA-1F Skyraider), HS-6 Indians Det. (SH-3A Sea King). Circa 1966: USS Constellation (CVA-64) with aircraft from CVW-15 (NL) on deck including VF-151 Black Knights (F-4B Phantom II), VF-161 Chargers (F-4B Phantom II), VA-153 Blue Tail Flies (A-4C Skyhawk), VA-155 Silver Foxes (A-4E Skyhawk) VA-65 Tigers (A-6A Intruder), RVAH-6 Fleurs (RA-5C Vigilante), VAH-8 Fireballers (A-3B Skywarrier), VAW-11 Early Eleven Det. A (E-2A Tracer), HC-1 Fleet Angels Unit D (UH-2A/B Seasprite). 1967: 1967 Three VA-153 Blue Tail Flies A-4E Skyhawks over Coalinga, CA. Top to bottom they are BuNo 149959 NL-316, BuNo 151193 NL-310 and BuNo 151025 NL-313. Official U.S. Navy photo from the Don Scott collection. 1967: U.S.S. Constellation: Blue Tail Flies Skyhawk NL-304 and an RA-5C Vigi launch almost simultaneously from the Connies forward cats while NL-313 waits its turn for launch. Naval Aviation News photo. 1968-69 WestPac: Blue Tail Flies and Black Diamonds Skyhawks from L-r: VA-153 NL-304 & NL-302, VA-216 NL-605, NL-601, NL-610 & NL-612 and VA-153 NL-315. G. Verver collection. 29DEC68: A-4F Skyhawk BuNo. 155032. Blue Tail Fly NL 314 from the United States Ship Coral Sea CVA 43, dirty and ready to land at Naval Air Station Atsugi. Black & white photograph by and from Takafumi Hiroe of Yokohama, Japan. 1968: BuNo 155032 VA-153 NL-314. DEC 1968: On the ramp, NL 310, BuNo 155028 of VA-153. 30 March 1969: VA-153 Blue Tail Flies A-4F Skyhawk BuNo 155065, NL-317, is readied for launch with Mk-82 500 lb. bombs from the USS Coral Sea (CVA-43), Gulf of Tonkin, 30 March 1969. VA-216 Black Diamonds A-4C NL-610 is visible in the back ground. Official U.S. Navy photo. 05APR69: A-4F Skyhawk BuNo. 155022. United States Ship Coral Sea CVA 43 stopped at Yokosuka, Japan after completing Southeast Asia operations. The next day Coral Sea off loaded aircraft and VA-153 Blue Tail Flies A-4F BuNo.155022 was transferred to the VA-164 Ghost Riders --- to become the new "LADY JESSIE." The replaced Ghost Rider Skyhawk appears to have been lost October 2, 1968 to triple A, over North Vietnam, killing Commander D. E. Erwin in A-4E BuNo. 151126 side number NP 411. Photograph by Masaaki Hayakawa. Circa 1972-76: USS Oriskany (CVA-34) with aircraft from CVW-19 (NM) including VF-191 Satans Kittens F-8J Crusaders, VF-194 Red Lightnings F-8J Crusaders, VA-153 Blue Tail Flies A-7B Corsairs, VA-215 Barn Owls A-7B Corsairs, VA-155 Silver Foxes A-7B Corsairs, VFP-63 Eyes of the Fleet Det. 4 RF-8G Crusaders, RVAW-110 Firebirds Det. 4 E-1B Tracers and HC-1 Fleet Angels Det. 4 SH-3G Sea Kings, and four unknown Skyhawks behind the island. MAY 1998: BuNo.142120 in the markings of the Blue Tail Flies is on display alongside the road leading to the Weapons Survivability Laboratory (WSL), the testing arm of the Survivability Division. 2002 photo ©Brian Lockett, curator, Goleta Air & Space Museum. Off-Duty Photos None yet. |
n. Photograph by Harry S. Gann.
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