VA/VF-45 Black Birds |
Point of Contact = Squadron Duty Officer (SDO).
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This Skyhawk Association website page is posthumously dedicated to: |
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After attending Canoe U, Ensign Mike Trout, United States Navy, entered Navy preflight training at Pensacola. A year and a half-later Mike won his Naval Aviator wings-of-gold and chose to fly Attack Aviation. He reported next to the VA-125 Rough Raiders Replacement Air Group (RAG) to learn to fly the A-4 Skyhawk. In the fleet Mike flew the Douglas A-4 Skyhawk in Attack Squadrons such as the VA-195 Dam Busters and VA-93 Blue Blazers. As a Blue Blazer, Mike made two combat tours to Vietnam flying hundreds of combat missions over North and South Vietnam. In all Mike went down to the sea four times. On the patio they are servicing the Dilbert Dunker for the follies soon to follow. Cdr. Michael D. Trout United States Navy is not alone - he is with the guys and we should be happy.
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At the end of his career, Mike had 548 Traps recorded, with 243 of them at the end of a combat sortie. His totals included, 186 Traps in the "Foxtrot", 392 aboard CVA-31, and 135 aboard CVA-19. Mike Trout was a Centurion with the VA-93 Blue Blazers >>>>.
 VT-75 Fish-Hawks - 1945 |
 VA-45 Black Knights - 1949 |
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 VA-45 Det One Skyhawks - 1971? Courtesy of Dick Carlberg |
 VF-45 Blackbirds - 198? Courtesy of Robert Lay |
 45th Fleet Adversary - 199? |
 Boca Chica Bogeys |
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Patches On August 10, 1945, VT-75's Fish-Hawk patch was approved. When VT-75 was re-designated VA-4B the new squadron did not request another patch. On April 15, 1949, after VA-4B had been re-designated VA-45, the carrier air group assigned a chess piece to each air group squadron. A king chess piece was for the air group, the knight chess piece was for attack squadrons and the pawn was for fighter squadrons. This became the basis of VA-45's new black chess knight patch. On April 10, 1951, the re-established VA-45 adopted the Blackbird patch. The poised and cocky Blackbird regally attired in tails, sports a green derby and boxing gloves that represent the squadron's potential punch. The Blackbird was selected because of its recognized persistence and vigorous nature in attacking and outwitting its enemies and displays and ever-ready and aggressive gleam in his eye. The green derby, cocked at a pugnacious angle, signifies the original squadron colors as a part of Air Group FOUR aboard United States Ship Intrepid. The "Four and Twenty" recalls the original four regular and 20 reserve pilots attached to the squadron, while the shredded and smoking cigar indicates that most of the pilots were older and more experienced than the average ones who usually comprise such a squadron. The addition of spats symbolizes the elegance of dress and manners of the Blackbirds of VA-45. Date unknown but was being used in 1972 and 1973 - unofficial VA-45 Det 1 Skyhawks patch. 1979: As described in Naval Aviation News. Late 1984 or early 85, the newly established VF-45 adopted the Four and Twenty Blackbird patch from the earlier VA-45 squadron. The white star was changed to red for the adversary mission and a scroll with squadron's name added to the bottom. |
Sources David Weber Wendell Biggs. Dick Carlberg. Dick Daniels. John DuGene. Tom French, AQCS USN Ret. Harry S. Gann. Robert Lay. John McAdam. Frank J. Mirande. Nathan Swapp. Mike Trout. Jack Woodul. Cliff Ruthrauff Alan N. Ackley Alf Blume T. Panopalis Sam Goucher (PRCS Ret.) |
The Boca Chica Keys (Boca Chica Patch) are at NAS Key West.
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Handle 1945 through 1949 Fish Hawks. 1950 through 1958 Blackbirds. 1963? through 1976? Skyhawks. 1976? through 1994? Blackbirds. Heritage June 1, 1945, established as Torpedo Squadron SEVENTY FIVE (VT-75). November 15, 1946, VT-75 was redesignated Attack Squadron FOUR B (VA-4B). September 1, 1948, VA-4B was redesignated Attack Squadron FORTY FIVE (VA-45). June 8, 1950, VA-45 disestablished. September 1, 1950, reestablished as Attack Squadron FORTY FIVE (VA-45). March 1, 1958, VA-45 disestablished. February 15, 1963, VA-45 reestablished as a replacement pilot training (RAG) for the Douglas AD-1 Skyraider. December 1970, VA-45 established Detachment 11 which flew the A-4C Skyhawk while deployed aboard the United States Ship Intrepid. August 1971, VA-45 established Detachment 1 which flew the A-4E Skyhawk while deployed on the United States Ship Intrepid in 1972. November 1971, VA-45 Detachment 11 disestablished. In 1972 and 1973 VA-45 Det 1 Skyhawks were flying from the Intrepid. So before and after these dates the Squadron was re-established and dis-established. In late 1985/early 96, the VA-45 Blackbirds were redesignated Fighter Squadron FORTY FIVE (VF-45). March 1996 VF-45 was disestablished. Some dates provided by Wendell Biggs. |
Home Ports
Date - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Location: June 1, 1945 - - - - - - - - - - Naval Auxiliary Air Station Chincoteague. March 20, 1946 - - - - - - - - - Naval Air Station Norfolk. February 14, 1949- - - - - - - - Naval Air Station Jacksonville. September 01, 1950 - - - - - - - Naval Air Station Jacksonville. September 18, 1950 - - - - - - - Naval Auxiliary Air Station Cecil Field. October 12, 1952 - - - - - - - - Naval Air Station Jacksonville. May 1980 - - - - - - - - - - - - Naval Air Station Key West. |
| Aircraft
Date Type First Received - - - - - - - - - - - - Type of Aircraft: June 1945 - - - - - - - - - - Curtiss SBF-4E Helldiver. ** September 1945- - - - - - - - Curtiss SB2C-4E Helldiver. March 1946- - - - - - - - - - Curtiss SB2C-5 Helldiver. March 27, 1947- - - - - - - - Douglas AD-1 Skyraider. February 23, 1949 - - - - - - Martin AM-1 Mauler. October 20, 1949- - - - - - - Douglas AD-4 Skyraider. February 14, 1952 - - - - - - Douglas AD-1 Skyraider. April 1964- - - - - - - - - - Grumman TF-9J Cougar. March 1967- - - - - - - - - - Douglas TA-4F Skyhawk. 1972- - - - - - - - - - - - - Douglas A-4L Skyhawk. May 31, 1971 - - - - - - - - Douglas A-4J Skyhawk. 1986? - - - - - - - - - - - - F-16N Viper. Three view drawings from Harry S. Gann, redrawn by Bud Southworth Dates provided by Wendell Biggs. ** The SBF-4E was a SB2C-4E built by Fairchild of Canada. * Some Echo and Foxtrot Skyhawks modified to "Mongoose" configuration. For A-4 Skyhawk aircraft assigned to this unit see lower in this page: |
Air Wings
Date - - - - - Tail code - - Air Wing Jun 01 1945 - - - F - - - CVBG-75/CVBG-3/CVG-4* Sep 01 1950 - - - F - - - CVG-4 * CVBG-75 was established on June 1, 1945; redesignated CVBG-3 on November 15, 1946; redesignated CVG-4 on September 1, 1948 and disestablished on June 8, 1950. |
| Deployments
Date Departure & Return - - - - - Air Wing - - Carrier - - Aircraft - - - Area of Operation: 01/08/46 to 03/19/46 - - - CVBG-75 - - CVB 42 - - - SB2C-4E - Caribbean/SoLant 08/08/46 to 10/04/46 - - - CVBG-75 - - CVB 42 - - - SB2C-5- - Mediterranean 09/13/48 to 01/23/49 - - - CVG-4 - - - CVB 42 - - - AD-1- - - Mediterranean 01/06/50 to 05/23/50 - - - CVG-4 - - - CVB 41 - - - AD-1- - - Mediterranean 05/15/51 to 10/04/51 - - - CVG-4 - - - CV 34- - - - AD-2- - - Mediterranean 04/19/52 to 10/12/52 - - - CVG-4 - - - CVB 43 - - - AD-4- - - Mediterranean 04/26/53 to 12/04/53 - - - CVG-4 - - - CVA 39 - - - AD-4- - - WestPac/Korea 05/28/55 to 11/22/55 - - - CVG-4 - - - CVA 11 - - - AD-6- - - Mediterranean 07/01/57 to 02/24/58 - - - CVG-4 - - - CVA 15 - - - AD-6- - - Mediterranean |
Commanding Officers
Assumed Command - - - - - - - - - - - - Commanding Officer 01 Jun 1945- - - - - - - Lieutenant Richard W. Bond (acting) 11 Jun 1945- - - - - - - Lieutenant Paul J. Davis, Jr. 28 Jun 1945- - - - - - - Lieutenant Commander James E. Mahan 1946 - - - - - - - - - - Lieutenant Commander Garald R. Stablein Feb 1947 - - - - - - - - Lieutenant Commander Chester L. Dillard (acting) May 1947 - - - - - - - - Lieutenant Commander Lucien G. Powell, Jr. Jun 1948 - - - - - - - - Lieutenant Commander Leroy V. Swanson May 1950 - - - - - - - - Lieutenant Commander Frederick C. Kidd Sep 1950 - - - - - - - - Lieutenant Commander G. O. Wood Apr 1952 - - - - - - - - Lieutenant Commander Richard H. Mills Oct 1953 - - - - - - - - Lieutenant Commander William F. Krantz Nov 1954 - - - - - - - - Commander Daniel W. Wildfong Dec 1955 - - - - - - - - Commander Glendon Goodwin June 1969- - - - - - - - Commander Al Hinman June 1970 - - - - - - - -Commander A. H. Gonzalez May 1971 - - - - - - - - Commander J. E. Paganelli May 1972 - - - - - - - - Commander J. Gilmore May 1973 - - - - - - - - Commander H. Gedinsky May 1974 - - - - - - - - Commander Steven Piccuolo/li> May 1975 - - - - - - - - Commander Leonard Hyatt * May 1976 - - - - - - - - Commander Michael D. Trout Aug 1977 - - - - - - - - Commander Richard Porter 1978 (?) - - - - - - - - Commander G. R. Hertzler Nov 1982 - - - - - - - - Commander L. I. Williams Nov 1983 - - - - - - - - Commander J. J. Ryan Nov 1985 - - - - - - - - Commander Gibson Mar 1995 - - - - - - - - Commander John T. DuGene Commander Trout was Executive Officer for two years, being extended to allow returning Prisoner of War Commander Leonard Hyatt to re-enter a normal career pattern. 1970-72 data provided by Wendell Biggs. 1982-85 data provided by Bill Hammerseng. |
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Awards KPUC 09 Jun 1953 to 27 Jul 1953 KSM 09 Jun 1953 to 27 Jul 1953 |
UNSM 09 Jun 1953 to 27 Jul 1953 1977 Naval Aviation Safety award for the most outstanding safety record among special mission squadrons in the United States Atlantic Fleet 1974 - 1977. |
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Events June 1, 1945: Torpedo Squadron Seventy-Five (VT-75) was established at NAAS Chincoteague, its first assigned aircraft was the Curtiss SBF-4E Helldiver, which was built under license in Canada. January through February 1946: VT-75 Fish Hawks deployed aboard USS Franklin D. Roosevelt CVB 42 for her shakedown cruise to the Caribbean and Brazil. While visiting Rio de Janeiro the squadron, air group, and carrier represented the United States of America at the inauguration of Brazilian president, Eurico G. Dutra. March 20, 1946: VT-75 was based at NAS Norfolk, Virginia. November 15, 1946: VT-75 was redesignated Attack Squadron FOUR B (VA-4B). VA-4B kept the Fish Hawk moniker. March 27, 1947: Attack Squadron FOUR B Fish Hawks received the AD-1 Douglas Skyraider. September 1, 1948: VA-4B was redesignated Attack Squadron FORTY-FIVE (VA-45). VA-45 kept the Fish Hawk moniker. February 14, 1949: Attack Squadron FORTY-FIVE was based at NAS Jacksonville, Florida. VA-45 was assigned the AM-1 Martin Mauler. October 20, 1949: Attack Squadron FORTY-FIVE was assigned the AD-4 Douglas Skyraider. June 8, 1950: VA-45 Fish Hawks were disestablished. September 1, 1950: Re-established as Attack Squadron FORTY-FIVE at NAAS Cecil Field, Florida. VA-45 was assigned the AD-1 Douglas Skyraider. The re-established VA-45 took the Blackbirds moniker. October 12, 1952: VA-45 moved to NAS Jacksonville, Florida. April 26 to December 4, 1953: Attack Squadron FORTY-FIVE Blackbirds operating the AD-4 Douglas Skyraider. with CVG-4 embarked at Mayport, Florida on USS Lake Champlain CVA-39 for combat in Korea. January 1, 1954: The origin of the "Blackbird" insignia. Naval Aviation News February 1954 Take one part blackbird, stir in Champlain's aviation gas, add an old pair of boxing gloves and a shredded cigar for flavoring, mix with a 1000-lb bomb, four and 20 times, serve same in a green derby-and you have Navy Attack Squadron 45, the "Blackbids". "By popular vote, the blackbird was selected over two others," said Kinnear. "Boxing gloves were suggested by an enlisted man, Charles G. Mitchell, personnel-man third class. My contribution was the green derby. "I picked it up one night as I was returning to the ship from a party in Genoa, Italy. I was riding in a horse-drawn cab and got the crazy idea to ask the driver if I could drive the cab. He agreed, and the minute I perched the bowler on top my head, I wanted it for my own. "After some haggling, the driver finally agreed to let me have it for 700 lira, slightly more than a dollar." March 1, 1958: VA-45 Blackbirds were disestablished. February 1963: VA-45 reestablished as a replacement pilot training (RAG) for the Douglas AD-1 Skyraider. The squadron took the moniker "Skyhawks." April 1964: Attack Squadron FORTY-FIVE Skyhawks were assigned the Grumman TF-9J Cougar. March 1967: Attack Squadron FORTY-FIVE Skyhawks were assigned the Douglas TA-4F Skyhawk. About this time the parent squadron took the moniker "Blackbirds," while VA-45 Det. 1 kept the "Skyhawks" moniker. August 2, 1968: Lt. Anthony Richard Papandrea, 29, and Lt(jg). John Charles Veith, 26, received only minor bruises when they bailed out shortly before their TA-4F (BuNo 153480) crashed and burned near a runway at NAS Cecil Field Thursday. The Navy said the two were approaching the field for a landing following a routine training flight when the plane developed engine trouble. Pensacola News Journal, Friday, 02 August 1968. August 21, 1969: Lt. John Hall Burns, 29, (IP) was killed without ejecting and his RP Lt(jg). William L. Sloop, 24, was killed when he ejected into the ground after their VA-45 TA-4F BuNo 153682 was ordered to abort landing at an altitude of 600 feet. The pilot brought the nose up and collided with the tail section of VA-44 TA-4F BuNo 152866 which was making a simulated low-oil pressure approach to NAS Cecil Field, FL. LCdr. Ken A. Olsen (VA-44) ejected safely a split second before both jets struck a grassy strip between runways. His RP Lt(jg) William “Bill” A. Stone, 24, of VA-44 was killed without ejecting. From Ken Olsen. Fort Walton Beach, FL, Playground Daily News, August 22, 1969. Albuquerque, NM, The Albuquerque Tribune, Friday, August 22, 1969. 1972: VA-45 Det. 1 Skyhawks were flying the Douglas A-4L Skyhawk from USS Intrepid CVS 11. 1973: VA-45 Det 1 Skyhawks were flying the Douglas A-4L Skyhawk from the USS Franklin D. Roosevelt CVA 42. Some of the Skyhawk A-4Ls were sold to Israel during the 1973 war --- these A-4Ls had their insignia painted over in the FDR's hangar bay before departing to Israel.
1973?: VA-45 Det 1 Skyhawks were disestablished. 1974 - 1977: VA-45 Blackbirds had no accidents or incidents during the four-year period while conducting demanding instrument and Air Combat Maneuvering training. Admiral J. L. Holloway III, the Chief of Naval Operations, recognized this when he awarded VA-45 "the 1977 Naval Aviation Safety award and Plaque for the most outstanding safety record achieved among special mission squadrons in the United States Atlantic Fleet." October 22, 1984: LCdr. Steven Lee Brandenburg, 31, stationed at NAS Key West was killed when his TA-4J crashed a mile short of the runway on approach to Buckley ANG Base, Aurora, CO. Info from Jeff Foster. Pacific Stars and Stripes, Thursday, October 25, 1984. VF-45 TA-4J BuNo 153497 was destroyed at Buckley ANG Base when aircraft departed controlled flight and crashed into ground on final approach. 22 October 1984. 1 fatality. Naval Safety Center via Jim Winchester. February 7, 1985: The VA-45 Blackbirds were redesignated Fighter Squadron FORTY FIVE (VF-45). The VF-45 Blackbirds were assigned several aircraft types including the A-4E Douglas Skyhawk, TA-4J Douglas Skyhawk and F-16N Viper. March 28, 1987: Lt. Patrick Paris ejected safely when his NAS Key West based A-4 Skyhawk crashed and burned at 11:45 a.m. Saturday on govt. property 38 miles SE of NAS Fallon while on a routine training mission. European Stars and Stripes, Tuesday, March 31, 1987. "Aileron on wing bent, began to spin plane uncontrollably." VF-45 A-4E BuNo 152067 was destroyed at Fallon when aircraft went out of controlled flight during ACM engagement. 28 March 1987. Pilot ejected successfully. Naval Safety Center via Jim Winchester. February 11, 1991: Cdr. John J. Sheehan, III ejected from his A-4E Skyhawk (A-4E BuNo 152004) about 10 miles north of the Marquesas Keys. Sheehan, who is executive officer of VF-45, was rescued by a helicopter crew from NAS Key West. . . The crash of the A-4E appeared to be a flameout said Lt. Leslie Hammes, spokeswoman for Naval Air Training in Corpus Christies, TX. When that type of plane crashes, flameout is often the cause. The Miami Herald, Wednesday, 13 February 1991.Unknown pilot ejected safely from his A-4E which crashed during training maneuvers about 32 miles west of Key West. Pacific Stars and Stripes, Thursday, February 14, 1991. VF-45 A-4E BuNo 152004 was destroyed at Key West when engine flamed out, relite unsuccessful, during ACM training flight. 11 February 1991. 0 fatalities. Naval Safety Center via Jim Winchester. March 1996: VF-45 Blackbirds were disestablished. |
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Unit Photos Overhead view of Blackbirds delta formation Fly-in. "Boom" Powell Photo. 1966: Blackbirds, DET 1, Skyhawk BuNo 150022, AU-661,as she checks out a Soviet Bear. Raoul Alvarez via "Boom" Powell MAY 1968: Skyhawk BuNo 153498, AD-616,assigned to LT A.R. Papandrea, parked on the flightline next to VT-26 Cougar BuNo 147397. Nick Williams. DEC 1968: Blackbirds Skyhawk BuNo 154305, AD-620,assigned to LT C.J. Krasko, parked on the ramp. p/c is P.L. Nasi. Frank MacSorley. 1969: BuNo.148609 A-4C aboard the U.S.S. Intrepid. "The A-4 was a rare sight in northern Europe, but a couple of times the Intrepid docked in Copenhagen Harbour." Comment and photo by Alf Blume of Denmark. JUN 1969: Left side view of VA-45 Blackbirds TA-4F Skyhawk BuNo 153688, AD-622, on the ramp, Quonset Point, June 1969. Copyright R.W. Harrison. 1969-1970: VA-45 Blackbirds TA-4F Skyhawk BuNo 153688, AD-622. Location unknown. Unknown photographer. June-September 1971: TA-4F BuNo 154618, AD-514, refueling A-4E BuNo 149994, AD-773 as A-4C BuNo 145106 flys alongside. Naval Aviation News (Feb. 1973) photo. 1971: Blackbirds Det. II Skyhawk BuNo 147698, AU-661,assigned to LCDR Worm Elmore aboard the USS Intrepid. Unknown photographer, photo via W. Mutza. 1971: A-4C BuNo 149498, AU-662, on the dock waiting in line to be hoisted aboard the U.S.S. Intrepid as part of VA-45 DET. II. Gary Verver Collection. September 1971: VA-45 Blackbirds Det. II A-4C Skyhawk BuNo 147698, AU-661,aboard the USS Intrepid, Portsmouth, UK. Name below the canopy is LCdr. Worm Elmore. HS-11 Dragon Slayers SH-3D Sea King BuNo 152699, AU-553, at left. Official U.S. Navy photo. September 1971: VA-45 Blackbirds Det. II A-4C Skyhawk BuNo 147698, AU-661,USS Intrepid, CVS-11, Portsmouth. /sites/default/files/images-buno-149487-149646/149498-a4c-1971-va45-au-662.jpgOfficial U.S. Navy photo. 01SEP72: 1971-72: Blackbird TA-4J Skyhawk BuNo. 154303 Side number 501. This photograph of BuNo. 154303 was presented to Wendell Biggs by the Commanding Officer, Commander Gilmore, on the occasion of his promotion to AT2 on 1 September 1972. BuNo 154303 was still being flown by VA-45 in 1977. Official United States Navy photograph from Wendell Biggs. 1971-72: VA-45 Det 1 A-4E Skyhawks Flying Wing on a VQ-2 Skywarrior. VQ-2 Spanish Spook Douglas A-3 Skywarrior "Whale". Two VA-45 Det 11 A-4E Skyhawks, BuNo. 150091, side number 611 and BuNo. 151066, side number 613 visit another Douglas product. The Det 1 Blackbirds were attached to United States Ship Intrepid CVS 11 during 1972. Date of photograph unknown. Official United States Navy photograph from Nathan Swapp. 1971-72: Blackbirds A-4E Skyhawk BuNo 149664, AD-771, A-4C BuNo 149558, AD-661, and TA-4J BuNo 154303, AD-501. "Boom" Powell. 1971-72: Blackbirds A-4E Skyhawk BuNo 149664, AD-771, A-4C BuNo 149558, AD-661, and TA-4J BuNo 154303, AD-501. From "Boom" Powell. 1971-73: Blackbirds A-4E Skyhawk BuNo 149664, AD-771, A-4C BuNo 149558, AD-661, and TA-4J BuNo 154303, AD-501. Photo from "Boom" Powell. Circa 1972: A-4E AU-600 on final. "Boom" Powell. Circa 1972: A-4E formation. "Boom" Powell. 1972: BuNo.150022 A-4E of VA-45 Detachment 1 aboard the U.S.S. Intrepid in 1972 in Copenhagen Harbour. BuNo.152012 is also in the photo. Photo by Alf Blume of Denmark. JAN 1972: Blackbirds Det. II Skyhawk BuNo 147698, AU-661,assigned to LCDR Worm Elmore aboard the USS Intrepid. G. Verver collection AU-661, BuNo 147698, trapping. 1972: Blackbirds, DET 1, Skyhawk BuNo 150012, AU-662,as she checks out a Soviet Tupolev 114 Moss, "AWACS-ski". Among the over 200 intercepts VA-45 Det 1 made in 1972 was the first ever intercept of this type of Tupolev. Photo from "Boom" Powell. Blackbirds DET I Skyhawk BuNo 149647, AU-616,moments from touch-down. From "Boom" Powell. Blackbirds DET I Skyhawk BuNo 149647, AU-616,as she checks out a Soviet Badger. From "Boom" Powell. Blackbirds DET-1 Skyhawk BuNo 149995, AU-607,as she launches from the Intrepid. Raoul Alvarez via "Boom" Powell. Blackbirds DET-1 Skyhawk BuNo 149995, AU-607,in formation with another Blackbirds Skyhawk. Raoul Alvarez via "Boom" Powel. Blackbirds DET-1 Skyhawk BuNo 149995, AU-607,tied down topside on the Intrepid. Raoul Alvarez via "Boom" Powell. Blackbirds DET-1 pilots pose in and around the cockpit of Skyhawk BuNo 149995, AU-607. Raoul Alvarez via "Boom" Powell. 1972: Blackbirds, DET 1, Skyhawk BuNo 150022, AU-661, in formation with Blackbirds BuNo 152012, AU-662. Raoul Alvarez via "Boom" Powell. September 1972: VA-45 Blackbirds Det-1 A-4E Skyhawk BuNo 151040, AU-664, with an empty Sidewinder launcher on the outboard wing station, USS Intrepid. HS-11 Dragonslayers SH-3D Sea King BuNo 152707, AU-555, at left. Official U.S. Navy photo. September 1972: VA-45 Blackbirds Det 1, A-4E Skyhawk BuNo 149647, AU-665, A-4E BuNo 151040, AU-664, and A-4E BuNo 152012, AU-662, USS Intrepid, CVS-11, Portsmouth. Official U.S. Navy photo. 1972-73: VA-45 Blackbirds Det 1, (USS Intrepid, CVS-11) A-4E Skyhawk BuNo 151040, AU-664. Official U.S. Navy photo. 1972-74: Blackbirds Skyhawk BuNo 154315, AD-000,parked on the ramp. From "Boom" Powell. BuNo 154315, AD-604, parked on the ramp. Gary Verver Collection. 1973: BuNo 154650, AD-503, parked on the ramp. Gary Verver Collection. MAY 1973: Blackbirds DET I Skyhawk BuNo 149647, AU-616,parked on the ramp. Dr. C.A. "Sketch" Eddy. 19 MAY 1973: Right front view of USS Intrepid VA-45 Blackbirds DET I A-4E Skyhawk BuNo 149647, AU-616, on the ramp, Hanscom AFB, 19 May 1973. Copyright R.W. Harrison. 1973: Blackbirds DET-I officers pose next to Skyhawk BuNo 151084, AU-605,aboard the Intrepid. Raoul Alvarez via "Boom" Powell. 04 Oct 1974 BuNo 154618,AD-000, parked on the ramp. Gary Verver Collection. Chief Jon N. Ackley received these plaques while serving with VA-45 and VA-83. Photo provide by Master Chief Ackely's son, Alan N. Ackley. 1975: BuNo 153497, AD-607, TA-4J parked on the ramp. Gary Verver Collection. FEB76: BuNo 14303, AD-606, parked and tech had just started cranking the nose with is socket speed wrench. Second pic of unknown date. Gary Verver Collection. DEC 1977: Chief Jon N. Ackley received this photo on his promotion to Master at Cecil Field NAS. TA-4Fs BuNo. 153461, 152867, 153460 and 154650 are shown in formation. Photo provide by Master Chief Ackely's son, Alan N. Ackley. 17MAY76: BuNo 154318, AD-13, parked on a wet tarmac. Gary Verver Collection. 26MAY76 to 31JUL87: BuNo 154319, TA-4J AD-00 parked on the ramp. Garv Verver Collection. VA-45 Blackbird Ball Spring 1975, Jacksonville: VA-45 Blackbird Officers and Leading Chief pose during the annual festivities. Seated left to right: VA-45 Master Chief Petty Officer, Charlie Sapp; Mike Trout, XO; Steve Piccuolo, CO; John Hildebrand; Dave Page; Leo Hyatt. VA-45 Blackbird Ball Spring 1976.Jacksonville, Florida: VA-45 Blackbird Officers pose during the festivities. Commander Trout is still the Executive Officer, being extended to allow returning Prisoner of War Commander Leonard Hyatt to re-enter a normal career pattern. Seated left to right: Skip Fumia; Mike Trout, Executive Officer; Leo Hyatt, Commanding Officer; Lee Reavis; Jay Wooley. Standing left to right: Mike O'Hanlon; Doug Brewer; Jeff Komenda; Gary Tabbert; John Rebeske; Unknown; Unknown. Photograph from Mike Trout. 24 July 1976: Left side view of a Blackbirds Skyhawk BuNo 153471,AD-602, on the ramp in an all white paint scheme. Photo by T. Waddington, G. Verver collection. BuNo 153497, VA-45 AD-607, on the ramp. August 1976: Blackbird ACM TA-4J Skyhawk BuNo. 153497 Side number 601. With the May 27, 1976 change of command VA-45 received a mission to develop an Air Combat Maneuvering (ACM) program for Atlantic Fleet Light Attack. Maintenance positioned TA-4J BuNo. 153497 on the north side of the VA-45 hanger at Naval Air Station Cecil Field, Jacksonville, Florida for its Official United States Navy portrait. In the background hangar is a VA-174 Corsair II. Nov 1976: BuNo 153497,AD-601, assigned to CO, CDR Mike Trout. In the background is a Flying Gators A-4L Skyhawk. Gary Verver Collection. BuNo 154318, AD-605, parked. Gary Verver Location. 1976: BuNo 153461, AD-605, parked. Gary Verver Location. 19 June 1976: BuNo 153461,AD-605. Photo by W.G. Welch. Dates unknown: BuNo 149653, AD-12; BuNo 151038, AD-16; BuNo 151050 AD-14; BuNo 151050 AD-15; BuNo 151064 AD-10 and BuNo 153460 AD-611. Gary Verver Collection. VA-45 Blackbird Ball Spring 1977: VA-45 Blackbird Officers and mascot pose during the festivities. Commander, Naval Air Force, Atlantic Fleet assigned a fighter pilot, Lieutenant Leddy (sitting on the Blackbird's lap), to VA-45 to assist developing an Air Combat Maneuvering program. VA-45 received the ACM mission July 1, 1976. Seated left to right: 1. Lieutenant Leddy (sitting in the Blackbird's lap); 2. Lieutenant Jay Wooley (in Blackbird costume); 3. Lieutenant Osborn. Standing left to right: 1. Unknown Captain; 2. Unknown Captain (former VA-45 Commanding Officer); 3. Unknown Captain (former VA-45 Commanding Officer); 4. Lieutenant Brian Lehman; 5. Unknown Lieutenant Commander; 6. Lieutenant John Rebeske; 7. Commander Michael D. Trout, Commanding Officer; 8. Lieutenant Weatherly 9. Unknown Lieutenant; 10. Commander Richard Porter, Executive Officer; 11. Unknown Lieutenant; 12. Unknown Lieutenant; 13. Unknown Lieutenant; 14. Lieutenant Commander Tim Bauer; 15. Doug Brewer; 16. Unknown; 17. Unknown; 18. Unknown; 19. Lieutenant Mike O'Hanlon. Photograph from Mike Trout. There were several former VA-45 commanding officers at this Ball. Perhaps the farthest left person is one of those. Atlantic Fleet assigned a fighter pilot, Lieutenant Leddy, to VA-45 to assist developing our Air Combat Maneuvering program and we received the ACM mission July 1, 1976. Photograph from Mike Trout. 22 AUG 1977: Skyhawk BuNo 153460, AD-611,assigned to LT J. Davies, parked on the flightline next to BuNo 151095. Photographer unknown. Circa 1975 - 1978: Blackbirds BuNo 154318,AD-605, in formation with what we believe to be BuNo 153461. Pic2; Pic3. Photos by Harry Gann. 153461 assigned to VA-45 and marked as CMDRITATKCARWGONE. OCT77: TA-4J BuNo 154318, AD-605, parked on the McGuire AFB ramp. Photo from Gary Verver Collection. 1975-1979: VA-45 Blackbirds, TA-4J Skyhawk BuNo 155100, AD-615 parked on the ramp. Unknown photographer. 17 APR 1978: Blackbirds Skyhawk BuNo 153460, AD-611,parked on the NAS Kingsville ramp. G. Verver collection via R. Dowers. 17 APR 1978: Blackbirds Skyhawk BuNo 153471, AD-602,parked on the NAS Kingsville ramp. G. Verver collection via R. Dowers. 22 SEP 1979: Blackbirds Skyhawk BuNo 154318, AD-605, and BuNo 154319, AD-610,parked on the ramp. Dr. C.A. "Sketch" Eddy. 22 SEP 1979: Blackbirds Skyhawk BuNo 154318, AD-605,parked on the ramp. Dr. C.A. "Sketch" Eddy. 1979: BuNo 154318, VA-45 AD-605, on the ramp. VA-45 AD-14, BuNo 151050, on the ramp. BuNo 154319, VA-45 AD-610, on the ramp. BuNo 154327, VF-45 AD-13, on the ramp. 1979: BuNo 158477, AD-604, parked with speed brakes out. Gary Verver Collection. 1979: VA-45 BuNo 154318, AD-605, in-flight with another T-Bird. Naval Air News. 1980: BuNo 153471, AD-602, parked with hook down. Gary Verver Collection. May 1980: JAN 1980: Skyhawk BuNo 154303, AD-606,parked on the ramp. Rob Mignard. 1980s: BuNo 154327 AD-05, parked. A shot of her parked in front of hangar. Gary Verver Collection. BuNo 153469,AD-607, parked on the line. Gary Verver Collection. BuNo 153469 VA-45 AD-607 on the ramp. Date unknown: BuNo 153469, AD-14, on the ramp in camo. Gary Verver Collection. 09 FEB 1982: VA-45 Blackbirds TA-4J Skyhawk BuNo 155110, AD-614, takes off from NAS Fallon. Joe Turpen collection. 11 FEB 1982: VA-45 Blackbirds TA-4J Skyhawk BuNo 154312, AD-611, in-flight near NAS Fallon. Official U.S. Navy photo. Sept 1984 Blackbirds Skyhawk BuNo 154327,AD-13, parked on the ramp at NAS Miramar. Photo by Mike Shapiro. Nov 1985 BuNo 151064,AD-10, on the flight line. Gary Verver Collection. Date unknown BuNo 151064, AD-10, parked. Gary Verver Collection./sites/default/files/images-buno-151022-151201/151064-a4e-vf-45-ad-10.jpg Two Blackbird TA-4J Skyhawks BuNos. 154298 & 158436 - 1986 or 1987. A flight of TA-4J Skyhawks BuNo. 154298 with side number Alpha Delta 01 and BuNo. 158436 with side number Alpha Delta 06 from Fighter Adversary Squadron Forty Five (VF-45) fly over the Whiskey-174 warning area where the Squadron performed Adversary A.C.M. tactics against fleet fighter squadrons on detachment to Naval Air Station Key West Florida. Time frame 1986-1987. From a photograph by Robert Lay. Two Blackbirds: A-4E Skyhawk BuNo. 151064 and a F-16N - 1987. The squdron received F-16N's in 1987. Here is A-4E AD 10 BuNo. 151064 with a F-16N over the fort on the Dry Tortuga's. From a photograph by Robert Lay. 28 JUN 1987: VA-45 A-4E BuNo 151064, AD-10,parked on the ramp at Westover AFB. R. Rys. Aug 1987: BuNo 149977,AD-15, parked on the ramp. Michael Grove via Tailhook Association. 1988: Blackbirds Skyhawk BuNo 154327, AD-03,assigned to LCDR Dave 'Caveman' Rath, parked on the line. Dave Steinbacker. Jan 1988: Skyhawk BuNo 155110,AD-02, parked on the flight line. Gary Verver Collection. Date unknown: BuNo 155110, AD-02 (pretty sure) getting a look-over prior to departure. F-14 in the background, perhaps an aggressor mission. Gary Verver Collection. 16 JAN 1988: Blackbirds Skyhawk BuNo 158083, AD-01,parked on the ramp and painted in a blue/gray camouflage scheme. C. Kaston. 02 FEB 1988: Blackbirds Skyhawk BuNo 151038, AD-16,parked on the ramp and painted in a blue/gray camouflage scheme. Nov 1988: BuNo 158083,AD-01, parked on the ramp. Gary Verver Collection. Nov 1988: Blackbirds Skyhawk BuNo 154318,AD-00, parked on the ramp. Gary Verver Collection. 1989: Blackbird TA-4J 155110, Alpha Delta-02 - TA-4J Skyhawk BuNo. 155110 side number Alpha Delta 02, of VF-45 "Blackbirds", Naval Air Station Key West, FL. Seen on the Naval Air Station Atlanta, Georga, transit line on July 28, 1989imported/3e/va45/, bearing one of the more bizarre adversary schemes of off-white and medium gray, with reverse lettering and insignia. Black VFA-127 F-5E peeks into picture on right. From a photograph by Frank J. Mirande. 1989: Blackbird A-4E 151064, Alpha Delta-10 - A-4E Skyhawk BuNo. 151064, side number AD-10 of the VF-45 "Blackbirds" based at Naval Air Station Key West, Florida, as seen at Naval Air Station Atlanta on October 12, 1989. The Skyhawk is clad in a light and medium-gray ACM scheme and sporting a red-orange star on the tail. From a photograph by Frank J. Mirande. 15 OCT 1989: Right rear view of VA-45 Blackbirds A-4E Skyhawk BuNo 152004, AD-11, on the ramp in a blue/grey camouflage scheme, Bergstrom AFB, 15 October 1989. 2nd shot. Callsign below the canopy is Torch. 1989: right front view of Blackbirds Skyhawk BuNo 149651,AD-17, on the flight line. J.M. Ramos via Tailhook Association. Blackbird A-4E 151064, Alpha Delta-10. Official U.S. Navy photo from the Don Scott collection. 1990: Blackbird A-4E 152070, Delta-13 VF-45 Blackbird's A-4E BuNo. 152070, side number 13 finished in one of their notorious ACM schemes is photographed on the Naval Air Station Atlanta, Georga, flight line in January 12, 1990. The VF-45 Blackbirds were based at Naval Air Station Key West, Florida. From a photograph by Frank J. Mirande. March 1990: Blackbirds Skyhawk BuNo 151050,AD-14, parked on the ramp. Photo by T. Panopalis, Gary Verver Collection. 19 March 1990: BuNo 155110,AD-02, parked on the ramp. Photo by R.E. Kling, G. Verver collection. BuNo 149651parked on the line in a blue/gray camouflage scheme. Gary Verver Collection. 13 NOV 1990: Blackbirds Skyhawk BuNo 151038, AD-16,parked on the ramp and painted in a blue/gray camouflage scheme. W. Munzenmaier. Blackbirds Skyhawk BuNo 153502, AD-600,parked on the flightline. Neal Schnieder. Nov 1990: BuNo 151038,AD-16, on the flight line. Gary Verver Collection. Nov 1990: BuNo 151038,AD-16, on the flight line. Ted Paskowski, G. Verver collection. 13 NOV 1990: a href="/sites/default/files/images-buno-151022-151201/151050f.jpg">Blackbirds Skyhawk BuNo 151050, AD-14,assigned to "BOG" parked on the ramp and painted a blue/gray camouflage scheme. W. Munzenmaier. 1991: VF-45 Blackbirds, TA-4J Skyhawk BuNo 154327, AD-03, in a lo-viz grey scheme, unknown location. Unknown photographer. 1991: VF-45 Blackbirds, TA-4J Skyhawk BuNo 155110, AD-02, in a lo-viz grey scheme, unknown location. Unknown photographer. 1992: Blackbirds Skyhawk BuNo 151064, AD-10,in formation with a squadron F-16 and painted in a blue/gray camouflage scheme. Unknown photographer via W. Mutza. 09 March 1992: BuNo 151033parked on the ramp. Photo by T. Panopalis, Gary Verver Collection. 1993: Blackbird A-4E 151064, Alpha Delta-10 - A-4E Skyhawk BuNo. 151064, side number AD-10 of VF-45 "Blackbirds", Naval Air Station Key West, Florida, again at Naval Air Station Atlanta, four years later (11-24-93). Gone is the red-orange star, replaced at the end of 1992 with "diplomatically correct" tail markings and green side numbers (the tail marking being a reproduction of the unit insignia). The camouflage pattern was also changed during repaint, as compared to the earlier photo. From a photograph by Frank J. Mirande. VA-45 Blackbirds Skyhawk BuNo. 153497on the ramp. Gary Verver Collection. VA-45 TA-4F BuNo 154312,looks like AD-611. Gary Verver Collection. VA-45 TA-4F AD-601, BuNo 153490 Don Scott photo, Gary Verver Collection. VA-45 TA-4J AD-606 BuNo unknown, AD-613 BuNo 154327 and AD-602 BuNo 153471. TA-4J Skyhawks from VA-45 in formation over Fort Jefferson National Park, Dry Tortugas, FL. Flying lead in Hawk-606 is the VA-45 CO CDR James "Boink" Tyan with AMS1 Mark T. McCabe, flying Hawk-613 is LCDR Tom "Maggot" McInvale, and on his wing in Hawk-602 is LCDR Steve "KC" Brandenburg. Photography by Bruce R. Trombecky, Gary Verver Collection. Blackbird A-4E 151064, Alpha Delta-10 Tailfeathers: Detail of A-4E Skyhawk BuNo. 151064, side number AD-10. An attractive insignia, but with a change-of-command in a few months, the red-orange star would return! In any event, the Blackbirds were dis-established about a year later. From a photograph by Frank J. Mirande. TA-4J SKYHAWK BuNo. 158136. NWFS TA-4J Skyhawk BuNo. 158136 side number AD 15 wait on the ramp. Photograph from Michael Klaver. Blackbirds Aggressor Skyhawk BuNo 151064, AD-10,parked on the ramp and painted in a blue/gray camouflage scheme. W. Munzenmaier. SEP 1984: VA-45 TA-4J BuNo 158136, AD-15. From Gary Verver Collection. OCT 1984: VA-45 TA-4J BuNo 158136, AD-15. Another shot. From Gary Verver Collection. 01 FEB 1985: VF-45 TA-4J BuNo 158083, AD-16, at Key West. Name below the canopy is LT P.R. "Bang Bang" Paris. Photo by B. Trombecky from Gary Verver Collection. MAR 1989: VF-45 TA-4J BuNo 155110. Photographer unknown from Gary Verver Collection. APR 1989: VF-45 TA-4J BuNo 155110, AD-02. Name below the canopy is CDR "Flash" Ross. P/C name on the nose gear door is AMH Poindexter. Photo by D. Brown from Gary Verver Collection. SEP 1984: VA-45 TA-4J BuNo 154327, AD-13, SEP 1984 at NAS Key West. Photo from B. Trombecky, Verver Collection. 02 FEB 1986: VF-45 TA-4J BuNo 154318, AD-13, 02 FEB 1986 at Fallon. Photo from B. Trombecky, Verver Collection. 02 FEB 1988: BuNo 149651, AD-17, in Keywest. C. Kaston, Gary Verver Collection. SEP 1984: BuNo 149653 with VA-45 parked on the ramp at Keywest. B. Trombecky via Gary Verver Collection. 01 FEB 1985: VA-45 A-4E BuNo 149653, AD-12, 01 FEB 1985 at NAS Key West. B. Trombecky via Gary Verver Collection. Date unknown: BuNo 149653, AD-12, parked. Gary Verver Collection. OCT 1991: BuNo 149977, VA-45 AD-15, parked on the ramp. Photo from Joe Cupido, via G. Verver. OCT 1991: VA-45 152070, location NAS Key West, FL. Name below the canopy is LT Allen Trey. Pic1 and Pic2. Photos from Joe Cupido, via G. Verver. AIRFOTO ©Joe Cupido. DEC 1974: VA-45 TA-4F/J BuNo 153471, AD-502, December 1974. Name below the canopy rail is CDR M. Trout, Executive Officer. A-6 at left is BuNo 155595, NK-05. Photo by B. Trombecky, from Gary Verver. 29 APR 1977: VA-45 TA-4J BuNo 154303, AD-606, 29 April 1977. Photo by R.R. Leader, from Gary Verver. SEP 1979: VA-45 TA-4F BuNo 154318, AD-605 at left. SEP 1979 NAN photo. From Gary Verver. OCT 1991: VF-45 TA-4J parked on ramp. Photo by Joe Cupido. 01 APR 1993: Flight Line of VF-45. VF-45, AD-01, 03 and 02, parked on the flight line. VF-45 AD-14 parked on the ramp. From Gary Verver. 27 FEB 1993: VF-45, AD-03, parked on the ramp. U.S. Navy Official. 01 APR 1993: A right side view of a VF-45 A-4E Skyhawk BuNo 151050, AD-14, on the flight line painted in an grey/blue adversary paint scheme. Photo by OS2 John Bouvia. 21 MAY 1993: VF-45, AD-03, parked on the ramp. U.S. Navy Official. 01 APR 1993: Fighter Squadron 45 (VF-45) TA-4J Skyhawks (L-R: BuNo unknown, AD-02; BuNo 154327, AD-03 and BuNo 153690, AD-01) parked on the flight line. The aircraft are painted in an adversary paint scheme. Photo by OS2 John Bouvia. 27 FEB 1993: A right rear view of a Fighter Squadron 45 (VF-45) TA-4J Skyhawk (BuNo 154327, AD-03) parked on the flight line. Photo by PH2 Bruce R. Trombecky. 21 MAY 1993: A right side view of a TA-4J Skyhawk (BuNo 154327, AD-03) of Fighter Squadron 45 (VF-45) parked on the flight line. Photo by PH2 Bruce R. Trombecky. Off-Duty Photos From former VA-45 Commanding Officer A.H. "Joker One" Hinman (May 3, 2001): "I was in VA-34 as X.O and they decommissioned out from under me till they could start up as an A-6 squadron. So they sent me over to VA-45 as C.O. from June of 1969 till June of 1970. I had Alfred Hector "Speedy" Gonzalez as my X.O. He was so mean that even I was afraid of him. Cliff Ruthrauff was the admin. boss and did all the work. A former C.O., one Radm. L. Heyworth was "ComFairJax"; so we painted up one of our birds as triple zeros to get him around in style. We shared the "E" with somebody else that year, but they didn't have nearly as much fun as we did. We just had a reunion in Pensacola last year (2001), the C.O. twice removed from me (Pagonelli), did a great job putting it together. One of my Ensigns, Katy Dugan, was there and she still looked 25. The rest of us old farts, well looked like old farts. Year 2001 was a great year." |
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