VA-163

VA-163

Point of Contact = Squadron Duty Officer (SDO).
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This Skyhawk Association website page is dedicated to Capt. Harry T. Jenkins 

Harry Jenkins
In May 1965, then-Commander Jenkins led the squadron in its third deployment to the Western Pacific theater and first involvement in combat, including five extended periods of hazardous flying from Yankee Station in the Gulf of Tonkin during the Vietnam War. Under Jenkins' leadership, the Saints compiled a notable record of successful combat missions, including the first major Navy air strike of the war (led by Cdr. Jenkins), without loss of a pilot. Then, on 13 November 1965, two weeks prior to the squadron's scheduled date of departure from the combat theater for return to the U.S., Cdr. Jenkins' A-4 Skyhawk was struck by enemy anti-aircraft fire over North Vietnam. With his aircraft damaged and out of control, Jenkins was forced to eject over enemy territory. He was captured by the North Vietnamese and spent almost seven and a half years as a Prisoner of War.


Jenkins term as a POW included barbarous torture and other inhuman treatment, yet his spirit was unbroken. One of his first public statements after his release from captivity in 1973 was a buoyant: "I feel great. When do I get command of a ship?" Promoted to the rank of Captain in absentia while he was a POW, Jenkins subsequently served successful assignments as Commanding Officer of USS Duluth (LPD-6) and as Commander, Amphibious Squadron Five. He retired from active duty in June 1978.

taps.gif Capt. Jenkins loved to fly and, in post-retirement civilian life in Southern California, spent several years constructing and flying his own experimental private aircraft, a kit-built Ruttan "Long EZ." Jenkins was a member of the Experimental Aircraft Association and regularly flew his aircraft to the association's convention-air show held each summer at Oshkosh, Wisconsin. On August 2, 1995, while returning from his seventh visit to the Oshkosh event, Capt. Jenkins was killed when his Long EZ crashed on take-off from the Prescott, AZ airport. His memorial service, held in Spreckles Park in his hometown of Coronado, CA, was attended by more than 300 of his friends and admirers from around the United States. His son Chris, a passenger, survived the crash.

Standing in the Hall of Fame at the Pensacola National Museum of Naval Aviation, one is reminded that Harry Jenkins was one of the more highly decorated Flying Midshipmen. He had been awarded four Silver Star Medals, the Legion of Merit, two Distinguished Flying Crosses, four Bronze Star Medals, thirteen Air Medals, two Purple Heart Medals, three Navy Commendation Medals, several foreign decorations and numerous area and campaign ribbons and medals. “Jenks” loved to fly and was an aviator’s aviator whose flying career began in biplanes, progressed to jets and continued on with light civil aircraft. Quoting Vice-Admiral Jim Stockdale, “Harry was a great man to go to sea with. Morale soared around him. High spirited pilots are more effective pilots. And they like to see their boss in the cockpit, where you could always find Harry.” Capt. Wynn Foster, TAILHOOK Association Officer, remarked, “Harry loved to bag traps and he had lots of them. But he was scrupulously fair in insisting that the serious fun of flying off and on the carrier deck was equally spread among the pilots of his squadron. His high-time, high-trap record in the Skyhawk resulted from a double tour as XO when he flew with the “Saints”. As squadron skipper, Harry never asked his pilots to fly missions that he wasn’t ready, willing and able to do himself.

He was born in Washington, D.C. 24 July 1927, and was reared, the oldest of three brothers, in rural Maryland. He enlisted in the Navy in May, 1945, age 17, attended Newberry College and the University of South Caroling in the V-5 Program. By scrunching down during his physical exam, he just made the maximum height requirement of 6’4”. He completed his requisite two years of college by the end of August,1946, and progressed through Selective flight training to solo in the Stearman “Yellow Peril” then to Pre-flight at Ottumwa, Iowa, where he became an Aviation Midshipman. Designated a Naval Aviator on 19 Aug 1948, he joined the fleet as a Flying Midshipman and was commissioned Ensign in December, 1948.
In the fleet, he began flying the Martin Maulers (AM) aircraft and subsequently flew Douglas Skyraiders (AD), Vought Corsairs (F4U) and Douglas Skyhawks (A-4) in a career that included 17 shipboard deployments and nearly eight years as a Prisoner-of-War in Vietnam.
Harry served as Maintenance Officer of VA-84; Assistant Maintenance Officer, Fleet Air Service Squadron 6; CIC Officer in USS Pont Cruz (CVE 119). Composite Squadron ELEVEN training was followed by attendance at U.S. Navy PostGraduate School, Monterey, where he earned a BS in Aeronautical Engineering. He served as Project Engineer at Naval Air Turbine Test Station then proceeded through replacement pilot training followed by a tour as Administrative and Operations Officer, Carrier Air Group 16. In October, 1962, he became XO, VA-163 and later assumed command of that Squadron in December, 1964.
While serving as CO of VA-163, Harry was shot down and captured by the North Vietnamese and remained a Prisoner-of-War in Hanoi from November, 1965 until February, 1973. After repatriation and hospitalization, Capt. Jenkins served on the staff of Commander Naval Air Force, Pacific Fleet as staff Operations and Plans officer. He assumed command of USS Denver (LPD 9) in July, 1974, and served as CO until September, 1975. He served as Commander, Amp Squadron 5 from Jan, 1976 through Jan, 1978. Six months of that time, he was concurrently Commander, Amp Group Eastern Pacific. He retired from active service in June, 1978, ending a 33 year career.
After transitioning from the roomier cockpits of propeller-driven aircraft to the womb-like cockpit of the A-4 Skyhawk, Harry’s long, lanky frame would not fit easily with the canopy closed until he leaned forward with his head tilted slightly to the side. Nonetheless, he loved the diminutive, agile Skyhawk. He was a tough combat pilot, innovative tactician, and was Wing Commander Stockdale’s favorite strike leader during the early 1965 large-scale hits against North Vietnamese industrial and military sites. Harry’s squadron, the Saints, was credited with growing military effectiveness reported at the time in Newsweek and Stars and Stripes articles. Jenkins led the ‘maximum effort’ strike against the oil storage facility at Nam Dihn, 60 miles southeast of Hanoi, and was key leader in the combined attack on Vihn Airfield.
Harry was shot down on 13 Nov 1965, while on his 155th combat mission over North Vietnam. He was placed in an adjoining cell to Stockdale’s (who had been shot down 2 months earlier) at the infamous “Hanoi Hilton”. He, along with Stockdale, were two of the early senior officers to be captured; they were subjected to especially brutal treatment and systematic torture. After a two-month purge by the Hanoi jailers to uncover the prisoners secret and forbidden communications network, Harry was identified as a ring-leader and moved to solitary confinement along with eleven other non-cooperative prisoners - known later as the “Alcatraz Gang”. During his 87 months as a POW, he spent 46 months in solitary confinement. He remarked that he occupied his time mentally reviewing college courses and books. One of his greatest achievements there was the force-feeding of a comatose fellow prisoner and roommate (and also a former Flying Midshipman) Cdr. Howard Rutledge. He gave from his own meager rations and kept Rutledge alive in order to see repatriation in 1973. After a fairly brief period of medical rehabilitation, Harry quickly returned to active service.
Margorie, Harry’s wife, reared their children, was the elementary school librarian where the children attended and carried on without knowledge of Harry’s fate for over six years following the shootdown. Finally the North Vietnamese allowed a six-line postcard, dated November 13, to be mailed. It was delivered to Marge by the postal service on Christmas Eve, 1971.
After his Navy career, Harry and Marge retired to Coronado, CA, where they were active in civic and church organizations. He took a second career with Cubic Corporation. He became a tireless lecturer and inspirational speaker, who never accepted payment for his appearances. He was an advocate for POW/MIA concerns and continued to press for a full accounting. His experiences provided guidance for rethinking the armed forces Code of Conduct and for putting into place more realistic and compassionate guidance for military personnel subjected to systematic torture. Still an avid flyer, Harry built the “Long EZ” 940 pound fiberglass plane-N163J (N for Navy, 163 for the Saints and J for Jenkins) his squadron he proudly commanded when he was shot down and taken prisoner. Harry Jenkins is survived by wife Margorie Fowler Jenkins, three children, Chris, Karen and Kirk and eight grandchildren. Harry was not only a giant in an airplane cockpit, he had a giant sense of humor and was everyone’s friend.
The Aviation Midshipmen LOG
Newsletter of the Flying Midshipmen, Summer 2000
Authored by: Ray Weiss
Provided by Margorie Fowler Jenkins.

 




VA-163 Saints original art 1961
VA-163 Saints original art 1961
VA-163 Saints
VA-163 Saints
VA-163 Saints
VA-163 Saints

Patch

VA-163 SAINTS patch was established on January 31, 1961. It was conceived by Ens. Joe Zieman and designed by ADJAN Ernest Jessen and AN John Langlinias, in shades of blue, gray, and gold the patch or Crest of the VA-163 "Saints" depicted the squadron's all-weather, day and night capability to deliver nuclear weapons over land and sea. Ironically, the design carried no hint of the conventional weapons delivery that was to occupy the squadron during half of its active life span.

Sources

David Weber

Wynn Foster

Harry S. Gann

Ed Copher

Handle

The Saints -- 1960 to 1971.

Unofficial Squadron Anthem: "When the Saints Go Marching In".

Heritage

September 1, 1960, Attack Squadron ONE HUNDRED SIXTY-THREE - VA-163 was established at Naval Air Station Cecil Field, Florida.

April 1, 1969, (April Fool's Day), VA-163 was placed on inactive status.

July 1, 1971, Attack Squadron ONE HUNDRED SIXTY-THREE was dis-established.

Home Ports

September 1, 1960 - - - - - Naval Air Station Cecil Field

September 26, 1961- - - - - Naval Air Station Lemoore

Aircraft

Date Type First Received - - - - - - Type of Aircraft:

October 3, 1960 - - - - - - - - - - Douglas A4D-2 (A-4B) Skyhawk *

March 1964- - - - - - - - - - - - - Douglas A4D-5 (A-4E) Skyhawk *

4 March 1968- - - - - - - - - - - - Douglas TA-4F Skyhawk

* November 30, 1962

The A4D-2 designation was changed to A-4B

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

September 1, 1960 - - - - - - AH - - - - - CVG-16 / CVW-16*

March 1, 1968 - - - - - - - - NP - - - - - CVW-21

Deployments

Departure / Return - Air Wing - Carrier - Aircraft - - Area of Operations:

06-07-62 to 12-17-62 - CVG-16 - CVA 34 - A4D-2 - - WestPac

08-01-63 to 03-10-64 - CVW-16 - CVA 34 - A-4B- - - WestPac

04-05-65 to 12-16-65 - CVW-16 - CVA 34 - A-4E- - - Vietnam-Combat

05-26-66 to 11-16-66 - CVW-16 - CVA 34 - A-4E- - - Vietnam-Combat

06-16-67 to 01-31-68 - CVW-16 - CVA 34 - A-4E- - - Vietnam-Combat

07-18-68 to 03-03-69 - CVW-21 - CVA 19 - A-4E- - - Vietnam-Combat

Commanding Officers

Date Assumed Command - - - - - - - Commanding Officer

September 1, 1960 - - - - - CDR Jack M. Manherz

September 19, 1961- - - - - CDR Daniel V. Marshall, Jr.

October 14, 1962- - - - - - CDR Merton D. Short

January 22, 1964- - - - - - CDR Jarl J. Diffendorfer

December 30, 1964 - - - - - CDR Harry T. Jenkins, Jr.

November 13, 1965 - - - - - CDR Wynn F. Foster

July 30, 1966 - - - - - - - CDR Ronald H. Caldwell

July 10, 1967 - - - - - - - CDR Bryan W. Compton, Jr.

July 10, 1968 - - - - - - - CDR Elbert D. Lighter.

Awards

Award - - - - - - - - - Inclusive Dates:

Armed Forces Expeditionary Medals:

09-05-63 to 09-13-63

11-03-63 to 11-08-63

05-07-65 to 06-02-65

06-10-65 to 07-03-65

09-17-65 to 09-18-65

12-02-68 to 12-04-68

Navy Unit Commendation:

05-10-65 to 12-06-65

06-12-66 to 11-01-66

07-14-67 to 01-12-68

08-01-68 to 02-22-69

Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citations:

10-02-65

10-30-65

11-01-65

11-03-65

11-07-65

11-11-65 to 11-12-65

07-06-66 to 07-07-66

09-26-68

09-29-68

10-09-68 to 10-11-68

10-13-68

11-02-68

11-07-68 to 11-08-68

11-10-68 to 11-11-68

11-13-68 to 11-19-68

11-21-68 to 11-26-68

12-21-68 to 12-24-68

12-26-68 to 12-28-68

12-30-68

01-01-69 to 01-03-69

01-07-69 to 01-14-69

01-31-69 to 02-08-69

Vietnam Service Medal

07-04-65 to 07-18-65

08-09-65 to 09-11-65

09-30-65 to 10-19-65

10-28-65 to 11-27-65

06-29-66 to 07-29-66

08-06-66 to 09-08-66

09-23-66 to 10-26-66

07-13-67 to 08-08-67

08-17-67 to 09-30-67

10-04-67 to 11-03-67

11-19-67 to 12-17-67

12-30-67 to 01-13-68

08-21-68 to 09-04-68

09-13-68 to 10-15-68

10-23-68 to 11-28-68

12-20-68 to 01-15-69

01-29-69 to 02-10-69

During the Saint's four Vietnam War combat deployments, VA-163 was awarded;

six Armed Forces Expeditionary Medals,

three Navy Unit Commendations,

22 Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citations, and

17 Vietnam Service Medals

Events

September 1, 1961: Attack Squadron ONE HUNDRED SIXTY-THREE was established at Naval Air Station Cecil Field in Florida, moved cross-country to its new home base at Naval Air Station Lemoore, California. The Saints were assigned the Douglas A4D-2 (A-4B) Skyhawk

December 6, 1961: Lt(jg). Henry E. Kramer, 25, ejected safely from his A4D-2 Skyhawk (BuNo 144879) before it crashed in a field six miles west of NAS Lemoore Wednesday. Humboldt Standard, Eureka, CA, Thursday, December 7, 1961.

June 7, 1962: Attack Squadron ONE HUNDRED SIXTY-THREE deployed on board the USS Oriskany CVA-34, for their first WestPac cruise (06-07-62 to 12-17-62), flying the A4D-2 Skyhawk.

August 22, 1962: Lt.(jg) Alva Ernest Kemmer, 24, ejected and was killed when his Skyhawk (BuNo 144883) caught fire and crashed in Japanese waters on a scheduled practice glide bombing flight Wednesday. He ejected at a low level and although the parachute deployed he was too close to the surface for it to save his life. Journal and Courier, Thursday, August 23, 1962. Lt.(jg) Alva Ernest Kemmer, 24, was killed when his Skyhawk developed engine trouble and crashed in the western Pacific. Videlle Messenger, August 23, 1962. 1628 A4D BuNo 144883 with LTJG A.E. Kemmer as pilot crashed into the sea bearing 170 distance 3 miles and sank in 2270 fathoms of water. Latitude 31-59.0 north, longitude 135-38.6 east. 1629 c/c to 165. 1632 c/s 12 knots. 1634 launched helicopter No. 27. LTJG A.E. Kemmer was recovered from the sea and returned on board by helicopter No. 26. LTJG A.E. Kemmer's condition unknown. 1650 LTJG A.E. Kemmer was pronounced dead on board by the Medical Officer as a result of the airplane crash. USS Oriskany deck logUSS Oriskany deck log, 22 August 1962.

December 16, 1962: VA-163 participated in a massive fire power demonstration in honor of a visit by President John F. Kennedy to the Naval Ordnance Test Station, China Lake, California.

August 8, 1963: Attack Squadron ONE HUNDRED SIXTY-THREE deployed on board the USS Oriskany CVA-34, for their second WestPac cruise (08-01-63 to 03-10-64), flying the A-4B Skyhawk.

September 10, 1963: VA-163 pilot (LCdr. Michael A. Zibilich) was killed during a training flight Tuesday when his A4D Skyhawk (BuNo 142867) crashed on Luzon Island 20 miles south of Lingayen Gulf. The pilot attempted to eject from the plane at low altitude. Pacific Stars & Stripes, Tuesday, September 17, 1963. LCdr. Michael A. Zibilich, VA-163 Ops Officer, was killed in an operational accident in 1963. From the 1952 Lucky Bag.

November 1963: Deployed to WestPac on board the Oriskany, the Saints operated in the South China Sea during the governmental crisis that saw the overthrow of South Vietnam President Diem.

January 13, 1964: Ens. D.B. Small was rescued when VA-163 A-4B BuNo 144982/314 rolled off the starboard side of the flight deck forward of the island into the sea at latitude 27-54N and longitude 134-56E at 1028. Helicopter and USS Phillip (DD-498) commenced search for pilot. Recovered helicopter with rescued pilot onboard at 1035. USS Oriskany deck log, 13 January 1964. A Navy pilot from Michigan was rescued Monday from Pacific Ocean Waters off the southern coast of Japan after his attack bomber fell 54 feet from the flight deck of the carrier Oriskany into the water. Rescued minutes after the fall and treated for minor injuries was Ens. David B. Small. The plane, an A4B Skyhawk jet attack bomber was lost. The Holland, Michigan, Evening Sentinel, Tuesday, January 14, 1964.

March 1964: The Saints were assigned the Douglas A-4E Skyhawk

April 5, 1965: The Saints departed San Diego on board USS Oriskany CVA 34, for third WestPac cruise and its first combat deployment (04-05-65 to 12-16-65) in the Vietnam War.

June 1965: Cdr. Harry T. Jenkins, VA-163 Skipper, led the first major strike of the war in Skyhawks against the Dam Dinh, North Vietnam POL storage facility.

July 18, 1965: Lt. Malcom Arthur "Art" Avore was killed when his engine failed as his Skyhawk was catapulted off the Oriskany for a mission over South Vietnam. The aircraft sank within seconds, and he was unable to escape. This accident occurred on the last day of the line period for the Oriskany. 0922 launched the helicopter. 0932 An A4E aircraft Bureau No. 151089 piloted by Lt. Malcom A. Avore crashed (cont.) into the sea approximately 300 yards on the starboard bow following launch from the starboard catapult. The plane sank in 75 fathoms of water. Position 09-20.0N - 108-51.0E. The pilot was not found. Maneuvered to avoid aircraft and continue aircraft operations. 1032 Recovered the helicopter. USS Oriskany deck log, 18 July 1965.

September 9, 1965: Cdr. (later VAdm.) James B. Stockdale, Commander Air Wing 16, ejected (BuNo 151134, AH 352) and was captured when he was hit by 57mm AAA during an attack on railway sidings about 15 miles S of Thanh Hoa. Cdr. Stockdale spent 7+ years as a Prisoner of War until his release in early 1973.

November 7, 1965: LCdr. Charles G. Wack ejected 12 miles off the coast and was rescued by a USAF HU-16 piloted by 1st Lt. J. Kirby when he was hit by ground fire as he rolled in on a SAM site 10 miles SW of Nam Dinh. Although his Skyhawk was badly damaged by antiaircraft fire, he pressed his attack and successfully completed his mission before being forced to eject

November 13, 1965: Cdr. Harry Jenkins ejected (BuNo 151067, AH 340) and was captured after he was hit by 37mm AAA during an armed recce mission over Route Package 1. Cdr. Jenkins spent 7+ years as a Prisoner of War. Commander Jenkins was released in February 1973. Returning POW Harry Jenkins shares a Banana Split with his wife Marge.

November 17, 1965: LCdr. Roy Howard H. "Hap" Bowling was killed when his Skyhawk (BuNo 151083, AH 350) was shot down by AAA during an Alpha strike against the Hai Duong bridge between Hanoi and Haiphong.

11 April 1966: Ens. Daniel S. Kapner, 25, Brooklyn, NY, was killed yesterday when his A4 Skyhawk (A-4E BuNo 150137) crashed during a practice strike mission at the Chocolate Mountain range in Imperial County, the Navy reported. Oakland Tribune, Tuesday, 12 April 1966. - A Navy pilot from Brooklyn, NY, was identified as a victim of a plane crash at the Chocolate Mountain target range east of the Salton Sea. Killed in the crash of his A4 Skyhawk jet was Ens. Daniel S. Kapner, 25, who was a member of an attack squadron based at NAS Lemoore. The Post- Standard, Syracuse, NY, Wednesday, April 13, 1964. Crashed on bombing range Chocolate Mountains, CA during simulated Alpha strike from Oriskany. Dan Kapner killed. From Capt. Hook's book p151-2.

May 26, 1966: The VA-163 Saints departed San Diego on board USS Oriskany CVA 34, for fourth WestPac cruise and its second combat deployment (05-26-66 to 11-16-6) in the Vietnam War.

June 10, 1966: LCdr. John I. Miles ejected from A-4E BuNo 151085 enroute from NAS Cubi Point to Vietnam - engine fire following refuel. 1653 A-4E BUNO 151085 of VA-163, pilot LCDR John I Miles crashed into the sea off the port bow 10 miles distant at latitude 25-52N, longitude 173-40E, and sank in 3120 fathoms of water, Helicopter #25 rescued the pilot and delivered him on board at 1713. USS Oriskany deck log, Friday, 10 June 1966.

July 23, 1966: Cdr. Wynn Foster (CO) ejected after his Skyhawk (BuNo 152100) was hit by 57mm AAA at 12,000 feet as he crossed the coast N of Vinh. The shrapnel severed his right arm just below the shoulder. He managed to fly 20 miles out to sea and ejected near the SAR destroyer USS Reeves (DLG-24) which picked him up and he was rapidly transferred to the Oriskany. Cdr. Foster was awarded the Silver Star for his actions.

August 27, 1966: Lt(jg). Schroder ejected safely from VA-163 150079 when it crashed into the sea. 0356 A4E 150079 of VA-16, pilot LTJG Schroeder, crashed into the sea at 18-46N 106-37. 0357 USS Buck (DD-761) commenced search for pilot. 0510 A4E BuNo 152092 of VA-168 (sic VA-164) pilot Ens. B.T. Wood crashed into the sea bearing 350 T15 miles from Oriskany. 0511 helicopter #47 launched to search for pilot. 0520 USS Buck recovered downed pilot. 0603 helicopter #47 recovered downed pilot and returned to ship. USS Oriskany deck log, 27 August 1966. 

October 23, 1966: Cdr. R.H. Caldwell ejected safely from VA-163 A-4E BuNo 150072 crashed into the sea, estimated position 18-55N and 107-08E at 0120. Detached USS Buckley to proceed to scene of accident. 0142 detached USS Hamner to investigate red flare sighted bearing 040 from Oriskany. 0213 Cdr. Caldwell recovered by USS Hamner, USS Oriskany deck log, 23 October 1966. mid-air collision with another A-4

October 26, 1966: A major fire, resulting from mishandling of a Mk-24 illumination flare, occurred on-board USS Oriskany while the ship was conducting strike operations from Yankee Station in the Tonkin Gulf. Forty-four men lost their lives, including twenty-four Air Wing pilots. Four VA-163 pilots; LCdr. Clem Morisette, Lt. Dale Miller, Lt(jg) Tom Spitzer and Lt(jg) Ron Tardio were casualties of the fire. Several squadron personnel received meritorious awards for heroic actions during the fire. VA-163 A-4E Skyhawk BuNo. 151075 was lost in the fire. Oriskany was withdrawn from combat and returned to the United States in November. Fire USS Oriskany deck log, 26 October 1966. Casualties USS Oriskany deck log, 27 October 1966

June 26, 1967: After Oriskany's damages were repaired, the VA-163 Saints deployed with their A-4E Skyhawks for their fifth WestPac cruise and third Vietnam War combat deployment cruise (06-16-67 to 01-31-68) as part of Air Wing 16. This cruise provided heavy combat losses -- between June and January Oriskany lost twenty pilots either MIA or KIA.

July 12, 1967: Lt. D.M. Wood ejected safely from A-4E BuNo 150102 when it crashed off the starboard bow (bad cat shot) at latitude 17-39N and longitude 116-10E and sank in 2,150 fathoms of water at 1002. Pilot was picked up by helo in good condition. USS Oriskany deck log, 12 July 1967.

July 17, 1967: LCdr. Marvin Reynolds earned the Navy Cross for leading and coordinating a dangerous, complex, and successful rescue of a pilot downed in North Vietnam.

July 20, 1967: Lt. Russ W. Kuhl ejected near the northern SAR destroyer about 45 miles S of Hon Gay after his Skyhawk (BuNo 150097, AH 312) was hit by light flak approaching the coast for a strike on the My Xa POL storage site.

July 25, 1967: LCdr. Donald Vance Davis (BuNo. 149961 AH 304) was killed when he was either shot down or flew into the ground during a night attack under flares on a truck convoy near Ha Tinh.

August 4, 1967: Lt(jg). Ralph Campion Bisz was killed when his Skyhawk (BuNo 150052, AH 313) was hit by a SA-2 missile as he approached a POL storage site at Luc Nong. Four SA-2 missiles were seen to be fired from a site near the target. Lt. Biscz put his aircraft into a climb, was hit at about 10,500 feet and became a mass of flames.

Lt. Biscz20 JUNE 2008: The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) announced today that the remains of a U.S. serviceman, missing in action from the Vietnam War, have been identified and will be returned to his family for burial with full military honors. He is LCdr Ralph C. Bisz, U.S. Navy, of Miami Shores, FL. His funeral arrangements are being set by his family.

In 1988, the Socialist Republic of Vietnam (S.R.V.) repatriated to the United States human remains from Hai Hung Province, which they attributed to Bisz on the basis of their historical records of the shoot-down as well as documentation of his burial.
Between 1988 and 2004, joint U.S./S.R.V. teams, led by the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC), conducted several investigations of the incident and surveyed the crash site. A team found aircraft wreckage at the site which was consistent with an A-4E Skyhawk. Teams also interviewed witnesses who recalled the crash and burial of the pilot in a nearby cemetery. Additionally, one witness indicated that he oversaw the exhumation of the American's remains from the cemetery, and their turnover to district officials.
Between 1993 and 2004, 25 samples from the remains turned over in 1988 were submitted to several laboratories for mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) analysis but yielded inconclusive results. In 2007, the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory used refined DNA collection techniques and succeeded in obtaining verifiable mtDNA. Using forensic identification tools, circumstantial evidence, mtDNA analysis and dental comparisons, scientists from JPAC identified the remains as those of Bisz.

August 21, 1967: Squadron Commander, Cdr. Bryan Compton, and LCdr. James Busey earned Navy Crosses for leadership and coordination skills in an attack strike over North Vietnam that resulted in destruction of the Hanoi thermal power plant.

August 31, 1967: Lt(jg). David Jay Carey ejected and was captured after his Skyhawk (BuNo 152058, AH 315) was hit by a SA-2 missile which also brought down LCdr. Stafford as he approached the railway bridge target at Vat Cach Thuong.

August 31, 1967: LCdr. Hugh Allan Stafford ejected, was badly injured and captured after his Skyhawk (BuNo 149975, AH 310) was hit by a SA-2 missile at about 16,000 feet which blew him out of the cockpit still strapped to his seat as he approached the railway bridge target at Vat Cach Thuong.

September 10, 1967: Lt. Dale Landroth ejected and was rescued. 0800 one A-4 type aircraft (BuNo 150047) crashed in water on the bow. Pilot ejected. Pilot recovered by helo #39. 0827 received medical report of A-4 pilot: no injuries. USS Oriskany deck log, 10 September 1967. The Skyhawk was configured as a tanker. Lt. Landroth, a last-minute replacement on the tanker for LCdr A. Adeeb, lost power immediately on launch from the stbd cat, ejected and came down in the water on the stbd side. The HC-2 Det. 34 UH-2, piloted by Lt(jg.) L.W. Livermore and Lt(jg.) J.H. Fraser, moved in to pick him up as soon as he was clear of the ship and settled in the water as it had a full load of fuel. It struggled back into the air, dumped fuel and returned for the pickup. The hoist operator, AN John B. Miller, and swimmer, AN Albert E. Barrows, effected the rescue. From Dale Landroth.

October 20, 1967: Lt(jg). Denny Earl, with both legs shattered by North Vietnamese anti-aircraft fire, successfully lands his A-4 "Skyhawk" attack plane aboard the Oriskany in the Gulf of Tonkin.

October 22, 1967: Lt(jg). James Edward Dooley was killed when his Skyhawk (BuNo 150116, AH 306 ) was hit by ground fire during a strike on Haiphong's railway yard. As he began to pull up after releasing his bombs his Skyhawk began to stream fuel, made a gentle descending turn and at the mouth of the Cua Cam River.

October 24, 1967: Lt(jg). Ralph Eugene "Skip" Foulks ejected after his Skyhawk (BuNo 149963, AH 311) was hit by AAA at 6,500 feet south of Haiphong during an attack on the Haiphong railway yard. He was rescued three miles off the coast by a US Navy helicopter 10 minutes after ejecting.

October 25, 1967: Lt. Jeffery Martin Krommenhoek was presumed killed when his Skyhawk (BuNo 150086, AH 315 ) went missing during an attack on the Phuc Yen airfield. His aircraft was last seen by his squadron just prior to rolling in on the target. Declared KIA 10 years later.

October 26, 1967: LCdr. John Sidney McCain III ejected when his Skyhawk (BuNo 149959, AH 300) was hit by an SA-2 during a strike on a thermal power plant at Hanoi. The explosion blew most of the stbd wing off and he ejected over Hanoi and was captured. 

January 5, 1968: Lt(jg). Ralph Eugene Foulks was killed when his Skyhawk (BuNo 150131, AH 303) was either hit by AAA or flew into 

1967 tour summary: The 1967 Oriskany deployment subjected Air Wing 16 pilots to some of the heaviest air-to-ground combat that occurred during the Vietnam War. The VA-163 Saints lost eight pilots. Shot down and made Prisoners of War: LCdr. Al Stafford, LCdr. John McCain (later Senator from Arizona) and LT(jg). David Carey. Killed In Action: LCdr. Don Davis, LT(jg). Ralph Bisz, LT(jg). James Dooley, LT(jg). J. M. Krommenhoek, and LT(jg). R. E. "Skip" Foulks. 

Thesis by LCdr. Peter Fey U.S.N. on events JUN 1967 to JAN 1968. Members see the Ready Room. The "Military Channel" has aired a program that covers the actions of the USS Oriskany during the above time frame. It is titled "Hugging the Deck".

July 18, 1968: The VA-163 Saints deployed with their A-4E Skyhawks for their sixth and final WestPac cruise and their fourth Vietnam War combat deployment (07-18-68 to 03-03-69), as part of Air Wing 21 on board USS Hancock CVA-19.

July 25, 1968: LCdr. William Rankin was killed in route to Vietnam, off Hawaii immediately after a night cat shot. No one is sure, but the radar package may have come out of the instrument panel with the shot, impeding movement of the stick. It happened later to other pilots, so we removed the damn thing from all our planes. I trained Bill during our four-month turn-a -round. He was a good friend, pilot, officer and a gentleman. From Ed Chadwick. 2340 A-4 aircraft Bureau Number 150006 with LCDR Rankin as pilot crashed in the water 000 relative, 1000 yds from ship. Maneuvered to avoid pilot and plane. 2341 Passed wreckage abeam to starboard. 2352 USS Brinkley Bass (DD-887) is in area searching for pilot. Helo number 38 is over wreckage searching for pilot. 0011 USS Brinkley Bass (DD-887) has lowered its lifeboat and is searching for the wreckage. 0017 USS Brinkley Bass (DD-887) has recovered an empty ejection seat. 0038 USS Brinkley Bass (DD-887) has recovered empty pilot's helmet. 0133 USS Brinkley Bass (DD-887) reports that her lifeboat has picked up part of inside of the pilot's helmet, several classified documents, and some electronic gear. 0141 US Coast Guard C-130 has joined search and will illuminate the area with flares. USAF plane is proceeding to join search. 0148 USAF plane joined search. Launched helicopter #88 to assist in search operations. 0655 Completed search for A-4E aircraft. No further wreckage sighted. Pilot was not recovered. USS Hancock deck log, 25 & 26 July 1968.

April 1, 1969 (April Fool's Day): VA-163 was placed on inactive status.

July 1, 1971: Attack Squadron ONE HUNDRED SIXTY-THREE - was dis-established.

Unit Photos

1960-61: "While stationed at Cherry Point NC with VMGR 252, somehow I picked up a couple of photos, one is of an A-4 nose number 301 with the name Jack Manherz on the side. On the back it says Hank Kramer in the shot with "Ace" Kemmer." Lt.Col. Mitchell Bell
Note: Cdr. Jack M. Manherz was CO from SEP 1960 to SEP 1961, and this should be BuNo 142136.

18 FEB 1961: Saints Skyhawk AH-302 draws a crowd of Boy Scouts. Joe Zieman is doing the emergency flare demonstration. Ed Copher.

13MAR61: Saint XO Bert Creighton's bicycle-built-for-two which he occasionly rode to the Cecil Field hanger. BuNo 142136, AH-301, is CO Manherz's plane. Note CAG-16 tail flash, but 163 insignia decals had not arrived. VA-163 Ordnance shack in background. Joe Ziemian on rear seat. Photo from Joe Ziemian.

06JUN61: Saints Skyhawk BuNo 142136, AH-301, parked on the ramp next to a Curtiss Pusher prop replica. Photo from Ed Copher.

06JUN61: Saints Skyhawk BuNo 144914, AH-304, next to a Dam Buster from the RAF Vulcan Bomber 617 Squadron at the 50th Anniversary of Naval Aviation demonstrating the biggest and smallest delta wing nuclear capable bombers. Naval Aviation News Photo via Ed Copher.

JUN61: 50th Anniversary shot of maintenance crew, NAS Cecil Field.

22AUG61: Skyhawk AH-311 draws a crowd as the Saints host the Boys Ranch members. Joe Zieman at right and plane captain kneeling at the top of the ladder. Ed Copher.

FEB62: The Saints in February, 1962. (image date of 08feb61 incorrect?) Picture of Initial Compliment of 163 pilots. Photo taken NAS Lemoore. To arrive yet were Bill McGowen, Spear, Hewitt, Northwang, and Daniels in time for 1st West Pac deployment in June 62. Pilots dressed in Survival & Safety gear as required by BUAER. Picture compliments of Joe Ziemian.

VA-163 Saints say goodby to one of their own. Detachment of Lt. Sandy Gadsby from VA-163 while steaming on CVA-34 off P.I. (Aug '62). Gadsby was detaching from the Saints and leaving Navy to attend Harvard Law School, when ship was operating in Philippine area. Due to delay in arranging transport home, Sandy flew from PI to Hong Kong on R&R flight and met the Oriskany when we pulled in for visit. He joined Reserves during school and drilled at Quonset Point R.I. where he flew A-4's. From Left-(back) Dupler, Spear, Simmons, Warnock (behind Gadsby), Sample, Ziemian, Unkown Hat, Cunningham, Norton. Front- Gadsby and Saints CO Marshall. Photo from Joe Ziemian.

1962-63: BuNo.142128. Navy photo via Tom Bispo.

1962: Left side in-flight view of Saints Skyhawk formation: BuNo 142917, AH-301, BuNo 142914, AH-304, BuNo 142775, AH-305, and BuNo 142826, AH-306. U.S. Navy Photo.

Circa 1962: VA-163 BuNo 142827, AH-305; VA-163 AH-304; VA-163 BuNo 142139 and VA-164 BuNo 144904. Aboard the U.S.S. Oriskany during a WestPac Cruise. From Lt.Col. Mitchell Bell.

07JUN63: VA-163 A-4Bs weapons drop, Sept. 28, 1964 at China Lake. Photo U.S. Navy from Gary Verver Collection.

07JUN63: VA-163 A-4Bs weapons demo for President JFK at China Lake, Jun 7, 1963. Photo U.S. Navy from Gary Verver Collection.

07JUN63: 2nd shot of VA-163 A-4Bs weapons demo for President JFK at China Lake, Jun 7, 1963. Photo U.S. Navy from Gary Verver Collection.

1964: Saints Skyhawk formation trails Skywarrior BuNo 138959, ZB-10. From the top BuNo 142914, AH-307, BuNo 144914, AH-304, BuNo 142917, AH-301, BuNo 142775, AH-305 and BuNo 142826, AH-306. Naval Aviation News Photo.

1965: VA-163 Pilots during the 1965 cruise. Tom Herold.

09SEP65: VA-163,BuNo 151134, AH352, was lost in Viet Nam when CDR James B. Stockdale was shot down and taken prisoner on 09 SEP 1965.

1965: VA-163 White Hats during the 1965 cruise. Tom Herold.

1965: Photo Gallery of VA-163 and Enlisted from Bill Tomkow.

1965: A-4E BuNo 151074, AH-343, and BuNo 151134, AH-349, on the ramp, NAS Lemoore. Photo from Bill Tomkow.

1965: A-4E BuNo 151052, AH-353, on the ramp, NAS Lemoore. Photo from Bill Tomkow.

1965: A-4E BuNo 151052, AH-353, being started - takes two - air and electric, NAS Lemoore. Photo from Bill Tomkow.

1965: A-4E BuNo 151074, AH-343, starting up with a huffer and NC-5, NAS Lemoore. Name under canopy is LCdr. HAP Bowling, and Plane Captain name is Smith. Photo from Bill Tomkow.

1965: A-4E BuNo 151065, AH-341, CO Cdr. Harry T. Jenkins, Jr. final check before taxing out, NAS Lemoore. Photo from Bill Tomkow.

1965: A-4E BuNo 151065, AH-341, undergoing maintenance, NAS Lemoore. T. Prezorski (right) was killed when he was blown overboard during the up-coming WestPac on the USS Oriskany, CVA-34. Photo from Bill Tomkow. 

1965: A-4E BuNo 151052, VA-163 AH-353, with Plane Captain Bill Tomkow in the cockpit, USS Oriskany, CVA-34. Name under canopy is Lt(jg). Dave Small. Photo from Bill Tomkow.

1965: VA-163 A-4E Skyhawks, USS Oriskany, CVA-34, in the Tonkin Gulf. L to R: BuNo unknown, BuNo 151055, AH-351, BuNo 151086, AH-345, BuNo 151168, AH-346, and AH-35x. AH-351 is having external power removed after start-up. Photo from Bill Tomkow.

1965: A-4E BuNo 151067, AH-340, (007's CAG bird when he flies with VA-163) with Plane Captain Yanness, USS Oriskany, CVA-34. Name under the canopy is Cdr. Jim Stockdale. Next to AH-340 is VMF(AW)-212 F-8E Crusader BuNo 150665, WD-106. Photo from Bill Tomkow.

1965: VA-163 A-4E, Skyhawk pilot J. Shore checking his dumb bombs with an AO, USS Oriskany, CVA-34, in the Tonkin Gulf. Photo from Bill Tomkow.

1965: A-4E BuNo 151074, AH-343, and BuNo 151087, AH-344, being manned by their pilots, USS Oriskany, CVA-34, 1965. Note Bullpup missiles on the outboard wing stations. Photo from Bill Tomkow. Pic 1 Pic 2

From "Vulture's Row", a good shot of a skyhawk in the landing pattern. Note the "Plane Guard" escort following CVA-34, ready to pick up anyone that goes for a swim.

1966: CDR Foster leading a formation of Saints Skyhawks.

1966: LTJG Fritz Schroeder with Saints "314".

1966: In-port shot of a Saint Skyhawk, with admiring crew checking her out. LT Fred Mitchell, ENS Scott Wilkins, LCDR Marv Reynolds, and LCDR John Miles.

1966: A VA-164 A-4E over the ramp of CVA-34. Pictures from Wayne Cypress.

1966: BuNo 151134, AH-352, BuNo 151055, AH-351 and BuNo 151086, AH-345. U.S. Navy photo via Tom Herold.

VA-163 Saints Skyhawk AH-343 ready for launch. U.S. Navy via Tom Bispo.

VA-163 Saints Skyhawk AH-348 assigned to Lt. Dick Tulley on the cat. U.S. Navy via Tom Bispo.

1967: Saints Skyhawk BuNo 150116, AH-306, parked on the ramp. Unknown photographer via W. Mutza.

Pre-23JUL66: Believed to be BuNo 152100, the last A-4E built, this Skyhawk is about to trap. On 23 JUL 1966 BuNo 152100, AH-301, was lost when VA-163 CO Wynn Foster was struck by AAA over Vietnam, injuring him and damaging the aircraft. Foster, his right arm severely damaged, made it "feet-wet" and punched out. BuNo 152100 went to a waterly grave and Foster, with the loss of his right arm, changed his call-sign to "Captain Hook".

VA-163 A-4E BuNo 152100 flown by Cdr. Wynn Foster, the CO of the squadron. It was the last A-4E off the production line. Cdr. Foster was flying it when it was later bagged by "AAA". BuNo 152100 went deep six in the Gulf of Tonkin on July 23, 1966; after Cr. Foster was forced to eject due to the lose of his right arm. Photo from Wynn "Captain Hook" Foster.

Captain Hook was a major player in the formation and growth of the Skyhawk Association. A "Plank Owner", he contributed in many areas, his most visible contribution being the "Skyhawks on Display" page. Here is Wynn Foster leading a flight. BuNo 152100. NOTAM 5-2013 (Wynn Foster)

Captain Wynn F. Foster, USN (Ret), Golden Eagle Emeritus:
Dear Golden Eagles, It is my sad duty to report that Capt. Wynn F. Foster, USN (Ret), age 86, made his Last Take-Off on 9 June 2013 in Prescott, AZ. He was predeceased by his wife, Marilyn, on 10 July 2012. His wishes were that his services be conducted at the Chapel at NAS North Island and that his ashes be scattered at sea. Additional details will be provided at a later time.
Everyone knew him as "CAPT Hook " because of the prosthesis he wore in place of his right arm which had been severely injured while flying an A4 during a 1966 strike mission in North Vietnam. That remarkable incident was fully detailed in his autobiography, " Captain Hook: A Pilot's Tragedy and Triumph in the Vietnam War" published in 1992. His words describe the AAA hit he took that shattered his cockpit severing his right arm and further described his heroic and superhuman efforts in maintaining control of his aircraft in spite of his traumatic injury, flying it to an area off the coast of Vietnam to a position overhead a US Navy destroyer, and then initiating ejection to be recovered by that ship's motor whaleboat crew. What he accomplished was the stuff of legend for which he was awarded the Silver Star. VAdm. Jim Stockdale called him a man with a "tremendous sense of purpose and uncommon tenacity". In fact during an earlier strike mission launched from the deck of the USS Oriskany in 1965, Capt. Foster had been on Admiral Stockdale' s wing when Admiral Stockdale was shot down and captured.
Capt. Wynn Foster was born in 1926 in Minnesota, and after high school, like many his age seeking to serve their country in WWII, he enlisted in the Navy in 1944. With the conclusion of that war he was released from active duty, attended the University of Minnesota, subsequently rejoined the Navy, and entered flight training in 1949 receiving his wings in 1950. He trained in the F9F-2, deployed to Korea and flew 75 combat missions during that conflict. A series of shore and sea duty assignments followed his service in Korea to include a tour with VX-4, tours as a flight instructor, and service as a ship' s company officer aboard USS Forrestal. In 1960 he transitioned to the A4 serving as XO of VA-76 during the Cuban Missile Crisis. It was in 1966 while embarked on the USS Oriskany and assigned to VA-163 as Commanding Officer that the incident described above occurred. His recovery from his injury took about a year, and after a 2-3 year battle, the Navy granted his request and allowed him to remain on active duty. Thus, he continued to serve his Navy and the Nation at sea and ashore until his retirement in 1972.
After retiring from the Navy, Capt. Foster continued to chronicle historical events important to Naval Aviation to include his second book, " Fire on the Hangar Deck" a retelling of the circumstances of the disastrous fire on board the USS Oriskany. Further, he authored and contributed to several articles published in "Hook" magazine and other aviation related journals. Much of his time in retirement was devoted to support for the Tailhook Association where he provided inspiration to all involved in the resurgence of that important association.

Capt. Wynn F. Foster was a gentleman of the first order, a man who never complained about his fate, a man determined to serve his country as long as he was able, and a man to whom the honorable way was never out of focus. We have lost another member of the Greatest Generation. He will be missed. In sadness, Fred Lewis-Pilot.

Captain Wynn F. Foster, USN: Dec. 6, 1926 - June 9, 2013.
Wynn Franklin Foster, a retired Naval officer who served in three wars, Coronado resident and active community member for 45 years, peacefully passed away on June 9, 2013, in Prescott, Arizona, where he had recently moved to be near family. He was 86.
Born December 6, 1926 in Monticello, Minnesota, the second son and third child of Winifred Swift and Leslie Foster, Wynn Foster had a long and proud military history. After finishing high school in 1945, he enlisted in the Navy and served briefly as an enlisted man and aviation cadet during World War II. After earning a Bachelors degree from the University of Minnesota in 1949, he reentered the Navy, completed flight training and earned his wings as a Naval Aviator on December 15, 1950. Foster flew a total of 238 combat missions, 75 in 1952-53 during the Korean War while deployed on board the aircraft carrier USS Kearsarge, and 163 missions from the deck of the carrier USS Oriskany during the Vietnam War in 1965-66.
On July 23, 1966, while commanding officer of Navy Attack Squadron 163, Foster’s A-4 Skyhawk attack jet was struck by enemy anti-aircraft fire during a combat mission over Vietnam. Shrapnel tore through the cockpit of his aircraft, severing his right arm above the elbow. Near fatally injured, bleeding profusely, and close to unconsciousness, he managed to fly his plane with one hand and his knees until he reached the relative safety of the Gulf of Tonkin. Before ejecting from his crippled jet, Foster alerted the nearby Navy guided missile frigate USS Reeves of his location and need for rescue, and the crew pulled him from the sea minutes later. For his action, Foster was awarded the Silver Star and Purple Heart medals.
After several months of care at the Navy hospital in Oakland, California, Foster was fitted with a prosthetic artificial arm with a hook-like device in lieu of a hand. He and his family then transferred to the Washington DC area, where he waged a year-long, successful campaign to remain on unrestricted active duty to complete his Navy career. Foster was eventually declared fit for active duty by declaration of the Secretary of the Navy, and his subsequent promotion to the rank of Navy captain earned him the enduring nickname “Captain Hook.” He then served two more tours with the Pacific Fleet, where he was involved in tactical direction of the Navy’s air war over North Vietnam and coordination of readiness training of fleet aircraft carriers.
In addition to the Silver Star and Purple Heart awards, Foster’s military awards included the Legion of Merit, the Distinguished Flying Cross, 18 Air Medals, 2 Navy Commendation Medals with Combat Distinguishing Devices, and various other expeditionary, theater, and service medals and citations.
After retiring from active duty in 1972, Captain Hook became involved in numerous public service activities. He managed the Coronado Chamber of Commerce, served as a member of the Coronado Transient Occupancy Tax Commission, and was a Trustee of the Coronado Public Library. In the latter capacity during the 1980s, Foster, a computer enthusiast, was instrumental in the Coronado Library’s modernization and automation of its cataloging and circulation functions.
An avid writer, Foster acted as a volunteer “stringer” for the Coronado Journal for several years during the 1970s and 1980s, and, from 1989 onward was an associate editor of The Hook, a quarterly journal of carrier aviation. In 1992, his service autobiography, Captain Hook, A Pilot’s Tragedy and Triumph in the Vietnam War, which recounted his Navy career, combat service, and fight to remain on active duty was published by the National Institute Press in Annapolis, Maryland. In 2001, the Naval Institute Press published his second book, Fire on the Hangar Deck, a gripping account of the tragic fire that occurred in October 1966 on board the aircraft carrier USS Oriskany, in which many of his fellow pilots and other crew members perished.
Foster served for six years on the board of directors of the Tailhook Association, a fraternal organization of active and retired naval aviators, and as chairman of that board during the last three years of his tenure.
Captain Hook was also a member of the Golden Eagles, an elite group of 200 aviation pioneers “who were respected by their peers as leaders because of their outstanding skills as a pilot, their wide experience, good judgment, personal character, and dedication to flying.” There, he worked along side other noteworthy Golden Eagles such as Neil Armstrong, John Glenn, and Admiral James Stockdale, for whom he was wing man on the mission in which he was shot down and captured. The announcement of his passing concluded with “CAPT Wynn F. Foster was a gentleman of the first order, a man who never complained about his fate, a man determined to serve his country as long as he was able, and a man to whom the honorable way was never out of focus. We have lost another member of the Greatest Generation. He will be missed.” A member of the youth- and community service-oriented Optimist Club of Coronado since 1971, Foster was active in the organization. He served as President of the club and later as lieutenant governor and governor the Optimist California South District. From 1991-93 as the Vice President of the Optimist International organization. Foster spear-headed and organized the Optimist’s Sports Fiesta, which has become a popular annual local event. He was also involved with and guided numerous young men and women through the national Optimist’s annual oratorical competition.
Foster was preceded in death by Marilyn, his wife of 63 years, and is survived and will be missed by his three children: daughter Corinne Walker Gordon (Norman) of Ann Arbor, Michigan; son Wynn Scott Foster of Dewey, Arizona; daughter Amy Beaupre (Russ) of Prescott, Arizona; and two granddaughters, Holly Noelle and Annie Corinne Beaupre. A memorial service will be held at the Chapel of the North Island Naval Air Station at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 22, 2013. If you wish to attend, please make arrangements to get through base security. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to the Tailhook Educational Foundation scholarship fund.

OCT66: BuNo 149998, AH-310, with port wingtip damage after an arrested wheels-up landing. Unknown photographer via W. Mutza.

26OCT6: U.S.S. Oriskany burns. Photo from Tom Herold, VA-163 White Hat.

26 OCT 1966: VA-163 Saints Skyhawks in the aftermath of the 1966 fire. U.S. Navy via Tom Bispo.

26 OCT 1966: Heavily damaged VA-163 Saints and VA-164 Ghostriders A-4E Skyhawks including AH-316, AH-404, AH-405 and AH-415 after a tragic fire on board the Oriskany. Also visible are a VA-52 Aces A-1H Skyraider and VF-162 Hunters F-8E Crusader AH-200.

Scorched VA-163 Saints Skyhawk AH-306 at O&R in the aftermath of the 1966 fire.

Scorched VA-163 Saints Skyhawk AH-306 at O&R in the aftermath of the 1966 fire.

1967: USS Oriskany (CVA-34) enroute to the western pacific with aircraft from CVW-16 (AH) including VF-111 Sundowners F-8C Crusaders, VF-162 Hunters F-8E Crusaders, VA-163 Saints A-4E Skyhawks, VA-164 Ghost Riders A-4E Skyhawks, VA-152 Fighting Aces A-1H/J Skyraiders, VAH-4 Fourrunners Det. 34 KA-3B Skywarriors, VFP-63 Eyes of the Fleet Det. 34 RF-8G Crusaders, VAW-111 Early Elevens E-1B Trackers and HC-1 Fleet Angels Det. G UH-2A/B Seasprites, 23 June 1967.

20OCT67: LTJG Denny Earl, with both legs shattered by North Vietnamese anti-aircraft fire, engages the barricade as he lands Saints Skyhawk BuNo 149959, AH-300, aboard the Oriskany. a href="/sites/default/files/images-buno-149647-150600/149959b.jpg">Pic2. U.S. Navy Photo by PHC Neal Crowe. U.S. Navy photos via "Boom" Powell.

AUG68: Saints Skyhawk BuNo 149972, NP-302, lands in the barricade aboard the Hanna.

Saints Skyhawk BuNo 149972, NP-302, following a landing into the barricade aboard the Hanna.

Circa 1967: VA-163 A-4E BuNo 149998, AH-310, and VA-152 A-1H Skyraider BuNo 137610, AH-513, from USS Oriskany (CVW-16) fly close together during an air strike somewhere over North Vietnam. Photo courtesy of Bob Lawson.

VA-163 A-4B BuNo 142917, AH-301, in formation with a VAH-4 A-3A Skywarrior BuNo 138959, ZB-10, from USS Oriskany (CV-31). Photo courtesy of Bob Lawson.

1968: The maintenance/material control department of VA-163 aboard CVA-19, the USS Hancock. "Left to right they are; AK1 Pippin, AZ2 Carter, AN Harman, ADTC Hall, AMCS Gallaher, AZ1 Wheeler and AZ3 Bedgood. My picture mentions that AZ3 Blythe was absent from the picture. I was assigned to the Saints in September of 1967 after San Diego boot camp, marriage and “A” school in Millington, Tennessee. The squadron was deployed on the USS Oriskany and I was flown to Cubi point where I initially was billeted in the transient barracks. Once the squadron “found” me I was assigned to the beach detachment until the ship returned to Subic Bay and picked-up the detachment in route to Hong Kong and then San Francisco. I had nice accommodations; I think they had to come down to our space to check the black oil and we had two fire alarms on the way to Hong Kong!! (a lot of “Z” fittings to get out of there)
After 6 months commuting from Fresno to Lemoore, getting to ride in the back seat of a TA4F and mess duty at Fallon, Nevada, we packed up again and boarded the USS Hancock. This time I stayed aboard for the full cruise and got to sleep below the flight deck in the top bunk; the catapult tube was directly above me and my wife could never understand why alarm clocks didn’t wake me. The squadron was de-activated on the way back to Frisco; I couldn’t believe all of the material that went overboard on the way back to San Francisco. Wolfman Jack sure sounded good while we set outside the bay waiting for the tide. Only home a month I was reassigned to VP-48; then deployed in Adak, Alaska. They were well into their tour so I came back to Moffett Field in Mountain View, CA. after only a month or so in Adak. Another 6 months and the squadron deployed to Sangley Point in the Philippines. Squadron personnel rotated between our beach detachment at Cam Ranh Bay and Sangley Point. I extended for AZ2 and then a reduction in force got me released from active duty in December of 1970." Donald Franklin Bedgood.

1968: VA-164s (red boomerang) birds are on the port and you’ll note that they all have the electronics hump behind the cockpit. "This picture of the Hancock shows me with my arms stretched out over my head between the 2nd and 3rd A4 on the starboard bow." Donald Franklin Bedgood VA-163.

1968: Newspaper Clipping from April 1968 of the "Saints". Provided by Ed Copher.

A "zoom in" shot of "163". Larry Neff, with the white 'T' shirt on, is shown standing just left of the nose of the left aircraft. Provided by Ed Copher.

14JAN69: VA-163 A-4E Skyhawk January 14, 1969. This is probably the last A-4E of VA-163 to visit Naval Air Station Atsugi, Japan. A-4E Skyhawk BuNo. 149982, side number NP-314, from the United States Ship Hancock, approaches touchdown at Atsugi. Please notice the open speedbrake. The wingman, (not in picture), was flying A-4E BuNo. 150026, side number NP-305. Photograph by and courtesy of Masaaki Hayakawa.

VA-163 A-4E Skyhawk at Pensacola. BuNo 149656 hangs in the Pensacola Museum dressed in VA-163 colors. She did not actually serve with VA-163, spending most of her time at the Navy Fighter Weapons School at NAS Miramar. Photo by John Shore.


Off-Duty Photos

Jim Taylor Memorial: ..we put Jim away in a style fitting for a Sailor, Officer and Gentleman. The proceedings were a short service at the Southern Nevada Veterans Cemetery, then a reception ..... Ed Chadwick, Bill Tomko, John Weber, Fred Mitchell and myself in attendance. A number of stories were told of happenings in Jim’s life. The family was appreciative of our support.... a few photos below in the attachment section of the family, Life Celebration Program and VA -163 Saints. Wife Judy, son Gary and daughter Mary Anne. Hubert Cook.

Former Saint, Bill Tomko, has provided images of the Oriskany cruise during 1965. See the attachment section at the bottom of the page, and also the photo section.

2003 VISIT TO NAS LEMOORE: Mister Ed (Ed Copher, VA-163 SDO) On Veterans Day [2003], I spent the night at the Navy Lodge on Lemoore. The whole Base is practically brand new. Base housing is one year old, made of stucco and has red tile roofs….very elegant looking. The Navy Lodge is three years old and very nice rooms with full kitchens…..it won an award as the best in the Navy last year [2002].

Off Duty shots of Art Janson and shipmates, 1962: Off duty Pic1; Off duty Pic2; Off duty Pic3; Off duty Pic4; Off duty Pic5; Off duty Pic6. Images from Wayne Cypress via Ed Copher upon the death of Art Hanson.

1966: The long straight street on the left side is "Palm Street" on North Island, and leads SE away from the Carriers CVA-64 and CVA-34.

Cropped close-up of CVA-34 at North Island. Pic1; Pic2; Pic3. Photos from Wayne Cypress.

VA 163/VA-164 Reunion in Pensacola Nov 16/17/18, 2007
At the Naval Air Muesum: (left to right): Jim (JR) O'Malley, Don Rasmusson, Mike Cowett, Jeff Brown, Marty Vanover, John Hall, Doug Wooden and our only Saint shipmate, Earl Groff.
We met at a great seafood restuaraunt Friday night and after breakfast at the Crown Plaza, we did the Naval Air Mueseum (AWESOME) on Saturday. Lunch at the Cubi Bar was just about as good as it gets. Dinner at an Irish Pub Saturday night proved there are great places to eat in Pensacola. Everyone had a great time and Earl Groff shared a slide show of a VA-163 sortie. Good times and new friends made. I think we will be doing this again.
Pictures courtesy of Earl Groff.
Marty Vanover VA-164 (70-71)

Saints Reunion 2014: Hello Saints! We just want to say what a wonderful time we had at the Saints Reunion 2014! We had 38 Saints in attendance plus some wives and friends. We had an opportunity to visit with our lone remaining Saints Commanding Officer, Skipper Bryan Compton and that was a treat.
It didn't matter whether we were officers or enlisted in the past, we were just men and wives who went through our naval service together and shared the experiences of a war.
The whole reunion went without a hitch. We had a great time at our Welcome Buffet on Wednesday night with good food and an entertaining evening passing a microphone around to hear from all the Saints and wives about what they have accomplished in their lives. We have some remarkable people whom we served with.
The Thursday trip to the Naval Air Museum was an eye opener for many who had never been there before and it was always a sense of pride to see the A-4 Skyhawk just inside the entrance with our VA-163 markings. What an honor for us.
After a guided tour and lunch at the Cubi Bar Café, we were honored to have a presentation from Capt. Bob Rasmusssen who gave us some inside information about the museum and aircraft acquisition. Very interesting.
That night we joined VA-164 for a Fish Fry at their nearby hotel and enjoyed a terrific film about VA-163 during the Viet Nam carrier operations followed by a panel discussion with Admiral (Skipper) Compton, ADM Jerry Breast (VA-163), and ADM Stan Arthur (VA-55 aboard Hancock). Great comments. (We outnumbered the "Spooks" 2 to 1)
Friday, we climbed aboard 2 Trolleys at noon for the Blue Angel practice and it was a spectacular show. The weather was perfect - better than the Saturday show which had a lower cloud layer and probably changed their flying routine from Friday's practice. We got the whole show!
Friday night we had our formal dinner and it was a wonderful evening with excellent food and a program that consisted of gifts for the admirals in attendance (Stan Arthur, Skipper Compton, and Dan Lestage), remarks by ADM Arthur on our 1968-69 cruise aboard the Hancock, a slide show power point of the war effort by Ken Adams (66-68), and a special memorial of Saints who have passed away presented by Hubert Cook. It was a very special evening.
There were many individuals who pitched in to keep the Ready Room well stocked. Special thanks to Dick and Terry Vaughn who went to Starbucks and provided a coffee machine for us. The hotel gave us some extra space at no charge and so the Ready Room was a busy place to meet and socialize. The hotel also gave us additional space in the dining room and provided cash bars at no expense to us. We were also able to borrow a PA system that worked out very well. Everything just fell into place, thanks to preparation and the power of prayer!
We sold out of VA-163 visors, but we can order more if we have a minimum of 36. If you want some additional visors for family or friends, we'll keep a list until we get 36 requests.
We also had many requests for a DVD copy of the film " Wings: Hugging the Deck - the A-4". If you will send me your names I will look into having copies made. They would be great to pass on to our posterity as a historical record of our participation in the Viet Nam conflict.
What's next? I've heard some suggestions for a cruise aboard ship (not Navy gray!) and also the city of Reno. We'll have to see what suggestions come forth if we want to do it again in 2 or 3 years. Perhaps the past reunion directors can get our heads together and select a good option. Planning needs to be started no less than 6 months out.
Again, we had a great time seeing old friends and meeting new ones.
For those who could not attend for one reason or another, we sincerely missed you.
We send our love and best wishes. Gordon and Brooke Hunter

A-4 Skyhawk aircraft assigned to this unit

  • Douglas A4D-2 (A-4B) Skyhawk
    • 142083 c/n 11337
      • 14 Dec 1961 - VA-163 ---- NAS Lemoore, CA
      • 13 Apr 1962 - NAS ------- NAS Lemoore, CA
    • 142125 c/n 11379
      • 26 Jul 1961 - VA-163 ---- NAS Cecil Field, FL
      • 14 May 1962 - NAS ------- NAS Alameda, CA
    • 142128 c/n 11382
      • 21 Nov 1960 - VA-163 ---- NAS Cecil Field, FL
      • 03 May 1964 - NART ------ NAS Alameda, CA
    • 142136 c/n 11390
      • 08 Oct 1960 - VA-163 ---- NAS Cecil Field, FL
      • 01 Nov 1961 - VA-44 ----- NAS Jacksonville, FL
    • 142139 c/n 11393
      • 15 Feb 1961 - VA-163 ---- NAS Cecil Field, FL
      • 11 May 1964 - Storage --- NAF Litchfield Park, AZ
    • 142694 c/n 11756
      • 16 Feb 1961 - VA-163 ---- NAS Cecil Field, FL
      • 10 May 1962 - NAS ------- NAS Lemoore, CA
    • 142704 c/n 11766
      • 02 Mar 1961 - VA-163 ---- NAS Cecil Field, FL
      • 26 Jul 1963 - NAS ------- NAS Alameda, CA
    • 142713 c/n 11775
      • 07 Apr 1961 - VA-163 ---- NAS Cecil Field, FL
      • 14 May 1962 - NAS ------- NAS Alameda, CA
    • 142758 c/n 11820
      • 22 Mar 1961 - VA-163 ---- NAS Cecil Field, FL
      • 14 May 1962 - NAS ------- NAS Alameda, CA
    • 142775 c/n 11837
      • 11 Apr 1962 - VA-163 ---- NAS Lemoore, CA
      • 26 Jul 1963 - NAS ------- NAS Alameda, CA
    • 142798 c/n 11860
      • 15 Dec 1960 - VA-163 ---- NAS Cecil Field, FL
      • 14 May 1962 - NAS ------- NAS Alameda, CA
    • 142799 c/n 11861
      • 02 Mar 1961 - VA-163 ---- NAS Cecil Field, FL
      • 10 May 1962 - NAS ------- NAS Lemoore, CA
    • 142824 c/n 11886
      • 28 Jul 1961 - VA-163 ---- NAS Cecil Field, FL
      • 03 Nov 1961 - NAS ------- NAS Lemoore, CA
    • 142826 c/n 11888
      • 09 May 1962 - VA-163 ---- NAS Lemoore, CA
      • 03 Dec 1962 - NAS ------- NAS Atsugi, Japan
    • 142827 c/n 11889
      • 19 Dec 1960 - VA-163 ---- NAS Cecil Field, FL
      • 14 May 1962 - NAS ------- NAS Alameda, CA
    • 142867 c/n 11929
      • 03 Nov 1961 - VA-163 - NAS Lemoore, CA
      • 10 Sep 1963 - Stricken - 1AA2
    • 142869 c/n 11931
      • 31 May 1963 - VA-163 ---- NAS Lemoore, CA
      • 31 Aug 1964 - Storage --- NAF Litchfield Park, AZ
    • 142914 c/n 11976
      • 19 Mar 1962 - VA-163 ---- NAS Lemoore, CA
      • 11 Sep 1964 - Storage --- NAF Litchfield Park, AZ
    • 142917 c/n 11979
      • 19 Mar 1962 - VA-163 ---- NAS Lemoore, CA
      • 30 Nov 1964 - NAS ------- NAS Lemoore, CA
    • 142942 c/n 12004
      • 24 Oct 1960 - VA-163 ---- NAS Cecil Field, FL
      • 10 May 1962 - NAS ------- NAS Lemoore, CA
    • 142950 c/n 12012
      • 27 Nov 1961 - VA-163 ---- NAS Lemoore, CA
      • 31 Aug 1964 - VU-1 ------ NAS Barbers Point, HI
    • 144869 C/N 12115
      • 20 Feb 1963 - VA-163 -------- NAS Lemoore, CA
      • 01 Oct 1964 - O&R BUWEPS FR - NAS Alameda, CA
    • 144874 C/N 12120
      • 01 Sep 1962 - VA-163 ---- USS Oriskany
      • 31 May 1964 - VA-125 ---- NAS Lemoore, CA
    • 144879 C/N 12125
      • 31 Oct 1961 - VA-163 ---- NAS Lemoore, CA
      • 18 Dec 1961 - Stricken -- 1AA1
    • 144883 C/N 12129
      • 30 Apr 1962 - VA-163 ---- NAS Lemoore, CA
      • ?? Aug 1962 - Stricken -- 1AA2
    • 144911 C/N 12157
      • 22 Mar 1962 - VA-163 -------- NAS Lemoore, CA
      • 05 Aug 1964 - O&R BUWEPS FR - NAS Alameda, CA
      • 09 Sep 1964 - VA-163 ---- NAS Miramar, CA
      • 23 Oct 1964 - Storage --- NAF Litchfield Park, AZ
    • 144914 C/N 12160
      • 11 Apr 1962 - VA-163 ---- NAS Lemoore, CA
      • 06 May 1964 - VA-125 ---- NAS Lemoore, CA
    • 144966 C/N 12212
      • 01 Sep 1963 - VA-163 ---- USS Oriskany
      • 20 Jul 1964 - Storage --- NAF Litchfield Park, AZ
    • 144982 C/N 12228
      • 01 Oct 1963 - VA-163 ---- USS Oriskany
      • 13 Jan 1964 - Stricken -- 1QA2
    • 145024 C/N 12270
      • 19 Mar 1963 - VA-163 ---- NAS Lemoore, CA
      • 06 May 1964 - VA-125 ---- NAS Lemoore, CA
    • 145038 C/N 12284
      • 01 Sep 1962 - VA-163 ---- USS Oriskany
      • 29 Jul 1963 - NAS ------- NAS Alameda, CA
    • 145046 C/N 12292
      • 29 Aug 1963 - VA-163 ---- USS Oriskany
      • 17 Jun 1964 - NART ------ NAS Glenview, IL
  • Douglas A4D-5 (A-4E) Skyhawk
    • 149658 c/n 12983
      • 21 Oct 1965 - VA-163 ---- NAS Lemoore, CA
      • 12 Dec 1966 - VA-93 ----- USS Hancock
    • 149664 c/n 12989
      • 18 Nov 1967 - VA-163 ---- USS Hancock
      • 19 Mar 1969 - NAS A&T --- NAS Alameda, CA
    • 149666 c/n 12991
      • 13 Nov 1967 - VA-163 ---- USS Hancock
      • 06 May 1969 - VA-152 ---- NAS Alameda, CA
    • 149959 c/n 13012
      • 04 Oct 1967 - VA-163 ---- USS Hancock
      • 26 Oct 1967 - Stricken -- 1S
    • 149961 c/n 13014
      • 02 Jun 1967 - VA-163 ---- USS Hancock
      • 25 Jul 1967 - Stricken -- 1S
    • 149963 c/n 13016
      • 01 Oct 1967 - VA-163 ---- USS Hancock
      • 24 Oct 1967 - Stricken -- 1S
    • 149964 c/n 13017
      • 18 Apr 1967 - VA-163 ---- USS Oriskany
      • 12 Mar 1969 - NAS A&T --- NAS Alameda, CA
    • 149971 c/n 13024
      • 29 Jun 1965 - VA-163 ---- USS Oriskany
      • 27 Jun 1966 - VA-125 ---- NAS Lemoore, CA
      • 02 Aug 1967 - VA-163 ---- USS Oriskany
      • 28 Mar 1969 - NAS A&T --- NAS Alameda, CA
    • 149972 c/n 13025
      • 24 Apr 1967 - VA-163 ---- USS Oriskany
      • 20 Aug 1968 - NAS A&T --- NAS Cubi Point, RP
    • 149975 c/n 13028
      • 16 Mar 1967 - VA-163 ---- USS Oriskany
      • 31 Aug 1967 - Stricken -- 1S
    • 149977 c/n 13030
      • 08 Mar 1967 - VA-163 ---- USS Hancock
      • 11 Mar 1969 - NAS A&T --- NAS Alameda, CA
    • 149979 c/n 13032
      • 27 Mar 1967 - VA-163 ---- USS Oriskany
      • 02 Jun 1967 - NAS COSA -- NAS Lemoore, CA
    • 149982 c/n 13035
      • 12 Aug 1966 - VA-163 ---- USS Oriskany
      • 14 Mar 1969 - NAS A&T --- NAS Alameda, CA
    • 149990 c/n 13043
      • 01 Mar 1968 - VA-163 ---- USS Hancock
      • 25 Mar 1969 - NAS A&T --- NAS Alameda, CA
    • 149998 c/n 13051
      • 02 Sep 1965 - VA-163 ---- USS Oriskany
      • 31 Oct 1966 - NAS COSA -- NAS Cubi Point, RP
      • 07 Apr 1967 - VA-163 ---- USS Oriskany
      • 02 Jun 1967 - NAS COSA -- NAS Lemoore, CA
      • 27 Feb 1968 - VA-163 ---- USS Hancock
      • 06 May 1969 - VA-152 ---- NAS Alameda, CA
    • 150001 c/n 13054
      • 06 Oct 1968 - VA-163 ---- NAS Lemoore, CA
      • 19 Mar 1969 - NAS A&T --- NAS Alameda, CA
    • 150003 c/n 13056
      • 02 Aug 1967 - VA-163 ---- USS Hancock
      • 25 Mar 1968 - VA-125 ---- NAS Lemoore, CA
      • 17 Mar 1968 - VA-163 ---- USS Hancock
      • 15 Mar 1969 - NAS A&T --- NAS Alameda, CA
    • 150006 c/n 13059
      • 02 Aug 1967 - VA-163 ---- USS Hancock
      • 25 Jul 1968 - Stricken -- 1SA
    • 150010 c/n 13063
      • 14 Mar 1968 - VA-163 ---- USS Hancock
      • 20 Mar 1969 - NAS A&T --- NAS Alameda, CA
    • 150015 c/n 13068
      • 23 Mar 1967 - VA-163 ---- USS Oriskany
      • 07 Jun 1967 - NAS A&T --- NAS Alameda, CA
      • 18 Nov 1968 - VA-163 ---- NAS Lemoore, CA
      • 26 Mar 1969 - NAS A&T --- NAS Alameda, CA
    • 150026 c/n 13079
      • 01 Oct 1967 - VA-163 ---- USS Hancock
      • 14 Mar 1969 - NAS A&T --- NAS Alameda, CA
    • 150028 c/n 13081
      • 19 Jan 1967 - VA-163 ---- USS Oriskany
      • 06 Oct 1967 - NAS COSA -- NAS Atsugi, Japan
  • Douglas A4D-5 (A-4E) Skyhawk (Continued)
    • 150039 c/n 13092
      • 20 Nov 1965 - VA-163 ---- USS Oriskany
      • 06 May 1966 - NAS ------- NAS Lemoore, CA
      • 27 Mar 1968 - VA-163 ---- USS Hancock
      • 06 May 1969 - VA-152 ---- NAS Alameda, CA
    • 150047 c/n 13100
      • 04 Sep 1967 - VA-163 ---- USS Hancock
      • 10 Sep 1967 - Stricken -- 1S
    • 150052 c/n 13105
      • 19 Jan 1967 - VA-163 ---- USS Oriskany
      • 04 Aug 1967 - Stricken -- 1S
    • 150061 c/n 13114
      • 06 Nov 1967 - VA-163 ---- USS Hancock
      • 15 Mar 1969 - NAS A&T --- NAS Alameda, CA
    • 150071 c/n 13124
      • 05 Apr 1965 - VA-163 ---- USS Oriskany
      • 07 Nov 1965 - Stricken -- 1S
    • 150072 c/n 13125
      • 30 Oct 1965 - VA-163 ---- USS Oriskany
      • 19 Nov 1965 - NAS ------- NAS Lemoore, CA
      • 01 Dec 1965 - VA-163 ---- USS Oriskany
      • 23 Oct 1966 - Stricken -- 1S
    • 150073 c/n 13126
      • 21 Oct 1965 - VA-163 ---- USS Oriskany
      • 24 Feb 1966 - NAS ------- NAS Lemoore, CA
      • 04 Oct 1967 - VA-163 ---- USS Hancock
      • 07 Jun 1968 - VA-125 ---- NAS Lemoore, CA
    • 150079 c/n 13132
      • 30 Jul 1966 - VA-163 ---- USS Oriskany
      • 27 Aug 1966 - Stricken -- 1S
    • 150083 c/n 13136
      • 14 Oct 1966 - VA-163 ---- USS Oriskany
      • 18 Aug 1967 - NAS COSA -- NAS Cubi Point, RP
    • 150086 c/n 13139
      • 04 Oct 1967 - VA-163 ---- USS Hancock
      • 25 Oct 1967 - Stricken -- 1S
    • 150087 c/n 13140
      • 24 Aug 1968 - VA-163 ---- NAS Lemoore, CA
      • 11 Mar 1969 - NAS A&T --- NAS Alameda, CA
    • 150097 c/n 13150
      • 16 Feb 1967 - VA-163 ---- USS Oriskany
      • 20 Jul 1967 - Stricken -- 1S
    • 150102 c/n 13155
      • 07 Mar 1967 - VA-163 ---- USS Oriskany
      • 12 Jul 1967 - Stricken -- 1S
    • 150116 c/n 13169
      • 20 Dec 1966 - VA-163 ---- USS Oriskany
      • 22 Oct 1967 - Stricken -- 1S
    • 150131 c/n 13184
      • 24 Feb 1966 - VA-163 ---- NAS Lemoore, CA
      • 05 Jan 1968 - Stricken -- 1S
    • 150132 c/n 13185
      • 24 Mar 1967 - VA-163 ---- USS Oriskany
      • 05 Oct 1967 - NAS COSA -- NAS Atsugi, Japan
    • 150134 c/n 13187
      • 22 Feb 1966 - VA-163 ---- USS Oriskany
      • 22 May 1967 - NAS A&T --- NAS Alameda, CA
    • 151040 c/n 13210
      • 10 Oct 1965 - VA-163 ---- USS Oriskany
      • 21 Oct 1965 - VMA-223 --- MCAS Iwakuni, Japan
    • 151052 c/n 13222
      • 08 Apr 1964 - VA-163 ---- NAS Miramar, CA
      • 22 Oct 1965 - NAS ------- NAS Cubi Point, RP
    • 151055 c/n 13225
      • 19 Mar 1964 - VA-163 ---- NAS Miramar, CA
      • 21 Oct 1965 - NAS ------- NAS Cubi Point, RP
    • 151065 c/n 13235
      • 19 Mar 1964 - VA-163 ---- NAS Miramar, CA
      • 19 Sep 1965 - NAS ------- NAS Cubi Point, RP
    • 151067 c/n 13237
      • 13 Apr 1964 - VA-163 ---- NAS Miramar, CA
      • 13 Nov 1965 - Stricken -- 1S
    • 151068 c/n 13238
      • 14 Nov 1965 - VA-163 ---- USS Oriskany
      • 31 Jan 1966 - VA-72 ----- NAS Oceana, VA
    • 151070 c/n 13240
      • 30 Aug 1967 - VA-163 ---- USS Hancock
      • 06 Oct 1967 - NAS COSA -- NAS Atsugi, Japan
    • 151074 c/n 13244
      • 13 Apr 1964 - VA-163 ---- NAS Miramar, CA
      • 19 Sep 1965 - NAS ------- NAS Cubi Point, RP
    • 151075 c/n 13245
      • 31 Oct 1965 - VA-163 ---- USS Oriskany
      • 22 Nov 1966 - NAS COSA -- NAS Alameda, CA
    • 151076 c/n 13246
      • 13 Apr 1964 - VA-163 ---- NAS Miramar, CA
      • 15 Apr 1964 - VA-155 ---- NAS Lemoore, CA
    • 151083 c/n 13253
      • 02 Jul 1964 - VA-163 ---- NAS Miramar, CA
      • 17 Nov 1965 - Stricken -- 1S
    • 151086 c/n 13256
      • 03 Jun 1964 - VA-163 ---- NAS Miramar, CA
      • 10 Sep 1966 - NAS COSA -- NAS Cubi Point, RP
    • 151087 c/n 13257
      • 18 May 1964 - VA-163 ---- NAS Miramar, CA
      • 12 Dec 1966 - VA-93 ---- USS Hancock
    • 151089 c/n 13259
      • 18 May 1964 - VA-163 ---- NAS Miramar, CA
      • 18 Jul 1965 - Stricken -- 1S
    • 151098 c/n 13268
      • 16 Jun 1964 - VA-163 ---- NAS Miramar, CA
      • 04 Jun 1966 - NAS ------- NAS Barbers Point, HI
      • 29 Dec 1966 - VA-163 ---- USS Oriskany
      • 11 Apr 1967 - VA-164 ---- NAS Alameda, CA
    • 151124 c/n 13294
      • 18 Dec 1964 - VA-163 ---- NAS Miramar, CA
      • 21 Oct 1965 - NAS ------- NAS Cubi Point, RP
      • 25 Nov 1965 - VA-163 ---- USS Oriskany
      • 30 Jul 1966 - NAS ------- NAS Cubi Point, RP
    • 151134 c/n 13304
      • 11 Sep 1964 - VA-163 ---- NAS Miramar, CA
      • 09 Sep 1965 - Stricken -- 1S
    • 151136 c/n 13306
      • 11 Sep 1964 - VA-163 ---- NAS Miramar, CA
      • 01 Nov 1966 - NAS COSA -- NAS Atsugi, Japan
    • 151139 c/n 13309
      • 18 Dec 1964 - VA-163 ---- NAS Miramar, CA
      • 22 Nov 1966 - NAS COSA -- NAS Alameda, CA
    • 151152 c/n 13322
      • 29 Apr 1966 - VA-163 ---- NAS Lemoore, CA
      • 14 May 1966 - VA-164 ---- USS Oriskany
    • 151154 c/n 13324
      • 14 Nov 1967 - VA-163 ---- USS Hancock
      • 27 Feb 1968 - VA-164 ---- USS Hancock
    • 151168 c/n 13338
      • 15 Nov 1965 - VA-163 ---- USS Oriskany
      • 02 May 1966 - NAS ------- NAS Lemoore, CA
    • 151175 c/n 13345
      • 12 Dec 1966 - VA-163 ---- USS Oriskany
      • 28 Mar 1967 - VA-164 ---- NAS Alameda, CA
    • 151183 c/n 13353
      • 29 Dec 1966 - VA-163 ---- USS Oriskany
      • 17 Jan 1967 - VA-212 ---- USS Bon Homme Richard
    • 151191 c/n 13361
      • 02 Aug 1967 - VA-163 ---- USS Hancock
      • 19 Mar 1968 - NARF ------ NAS Alameda, CA
    • 151196 c/n 13366
      • 29 Dec 1966 - VA-163 ---- USS Oriskany
      • 09 Feb 1967 - VA-164 ---- NAS Alameda, CA
    • 151985 c/n 13373
      • 06 Dec 1966 - VA-163 ---- USS Oriskany
      • 24 Mar 1967 - VA-164 ---- NAS Alameda, CA
    • 152003 c/n 13391
      • 14 Nov 1967 - VA-163 ---- USS Hancock
      • 06 Jun 1968 - VA-125 ---- NAS Lemoore, CA
    • 152013 c/n 13401
      • 29 Dec 1966 - VA-163 ---- USS Oriskany
      • 10 Mar 1967 - VA-153 ---- NAS Alameda, CA
    • 152028 c/n 13416
      • 14 Jul 1966 - VA-163 ---- USS Oriskany
      • 31 Aug 1967 - Stricken -- 1S
    • 152037 c/n 13425
      • 25 Jun 1966 - VA-163 ---- USS Oriskany
      • 07 Mar 1967 - VA-155 ---- NAS Alameda, CA
    • 152061 c/n 13449
      • ?? Jul 1966 - VA-163 ---- USS Oriskany
      • 27 Mar 1967 - VA-155 ---- NAS Alameda, CA
    • 152100 c/n 13488
      • 12 May 1966 - VA-163 ---- USS Oriskany
      • 23 Jul 1966 - Stricken -- 1S
  • Douglas TA-4F Skyhawk
    • 152850 C/N 13496
      • 14 Mar 1968 - VA-163 ---- USS Hancock
      • 12 Jul 1968 - VA-22 ----- USS Bon Homme Richard
    • 154314 c/n 13702
      • 06 Jun 1968 - VA-163 ---- NAS Lemoore, CA
      • 08 Jul 1968 - VA-22 ----- USS Bon Homme Richard
    • 154341 c/n 13729
      • 04 Mar 1968 - VA-163 ---- USS Hancock
      • 04 Jun 1968 - VA-125 ---- NAS Lemoore, CA
    • 154342 c/n 13730
      • 11 Mar 1968 - VA-163 ---- USS Hancock
      • 04 Jun 1968 - VA-125 ---- NAS Lemoore, CA
    • 154616 c/n 13734
      • 21 Mar 1968 - VA-163 ---- USS Hancock
      • 06 Jun 1968 - VA-22 ----- NAS Lemoore, CA
    • 154617 c/n 13735
      • 25 Mar 1968 - VA-163 ---- USS Hancock
      • 11 Jun 1968 - VA-125 ---- NAS Lemoore, CA

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