VC-5

VC-5

Point of Contact = Squadron Duty Officer (SDO).
See FAQ/Research/Contact link under [SA] in the menu.

VC-5 Checkertails
VC-5 Checkertails
VC-5 Checkertails
c. 1975 from Robert A. Lay
VC-5 Checkertails Adversary
VC-5 Checkertails Adversary
VC-5 Checkertails Det. Cubi
VC-5 Checkertails Det. Cubi
VC-5 Checkertails A-4E VC-5 Checkertails Skyhawk

1974 Naha, Okinawa
Provided by Richard R Goeldi (AT2)

Patch

No info yet.

Sources

David Weber

Phil Thompson

Missy Cummings

Harry Gann

Warren A. Harms

Masaaki Hayakawa

Takafumi Hiroe

Robert A. Lay

John Mosbarger

Rob Owen

Scott VanAken

Richard Lorenzen

Richard R Goeldi (AT2)

Handle

Checkertails (Callsign Checkertail)

Heritage

19??: VC-5 established.

1992: VC-5 disestablished.

Home Ports

NAS Atsugi, Japan

Detachments at NAS Cubi Point, Phillipines

Detachments at NAS Naha, Okinawa

Air Wings

Tail Code UE

Aircraft

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

1967 - - - - - - - - Beechcraft SNB RC-45J Kansan, Navigator, Bug Smasher, Secret Navy Bomber.

1967 - - - - - - - - Grumman US-2C Trader

19 July 1965 - - - - Douglas A4D-2N (A-4C) Skyhawk *

23 September 1965- - Douglas A4D-2 (A-4B) Skyhawk *

9 May 1970 - - - - - Douglas A4D-5 (A-4E) Skyhawk *

2 February 1973- - - Douglas TA-4F Skyhawk

24 June 1974 - - - - Douglas TA-4J Skyhawk

* November 30, 1962

The A4D-2 was re-designated A-4B

The A4D-2N was re-designated A-4C

The A4D-5 was re-designated A-4E

For A-4 Skyhawk aircraft assigned to this unit see lower in this page:

Deployments

Detachments at NAS Cubi Point, Philippines

Detachments at NAS Naha, Okinawa

Vietnam - Support work mostly between carriers on Yankee station and DaNang

Commanding Officers

1967 - - - LCDR Malcom Rees (Det. Cubi)

1968 - - - CDR F. Clark

1969 - - - CDR G. Lawrence Jr

1970 - - - CDR A. Johnson

1971 - - - CDR J. Ostergen

1972 - - - CDR J. Barlow

1973 - - - CDR L. Kunkel

1974 - - - CDR J. O'leary

1975 - - - CDR L. Cossairt

1976 - - - CDR R. Briggs

1978 - - - CDR W. Nordeen

1979 - - - CDR M. Boston

1980 - - - CDR W. Dobbins

1981 - - - CDR J. Paron

1982 - - - CDR K. Rauch

1984 - - - CDR W. Robb Jr

1985 - - - CDR J. Ohlinger

1987 - - - CDR G. Moore

1988 - - - CDR S. Madey Jr

1990 - - - CDR J. Stine

1991 to disestablishment: CDR W. Shepherd

Awards

Meritorious unit commendation ribbon [unit citation] for work down south. Per Richard Lorenzen

Awards continued

1989: Battle E; (nominated by COMFAIRWESTPAC for the same award in 1992)

Events

1969-1971: Hi, Just looking at your web page and noticed that there was a ? after Vietnam. I was in VC-5 from 1969-71 and VC-5 did do support work mostly between carriers on Yankee station and DaNang. We hauled mail, people, parts etc. to the best of my knowledge. I flew and worked mostly on the S-2's but of course was close to the A-4's. By: Richard Lorenzen.

December 19, 1972: Lt. Bill Robertson ejected (BuNo 150002) about 60 miles west of NAS Cubi Pt. after an oil leak caused the engine to seize. He was picked up by a US Navy ship and taken by helicopter to NAS Cubi Pt. Ten minutes after takeoff the wingman transmitted that his low oil light was on and that he was turning toward home base. The leader passed the lead to his wingman and as wingman did not observe smoke or oil coming from the troubled A-4E. The troubled A-4E acknowledged the call to switch to tower frequency and transmitted that his oil pressure was now zero. Shortly after the oil pressure fell to zero the pilot felt his engine chug and heard two or three loud bangs. His RPM started to decay, and he assumed a flameout and deployed the RAT. The RPM dropped to about 60 percent, rose to 80 percent, the engine started to chug and bang again and then unwind. The pilot initiated a successful ejection and the aircraft crashed at sea and he was rescued 30 minutes later by a ship in the vicinity. Probable cause was oil starvation caused by the lack of a safety wire on an oil drain plug. NAN, Pettibone, June 1973.

February 3, 1973: Lt(jg). Dale Woodruff ejected safely when his A4 Skyhawk (BuNo 151041) crashed in the water about 2,500 feet from the south end of the runway Tuesday while attempting to land at Naha, Japan, AB. Pacific Stars and Stripes, Thursday, Feb. 8, 1973.

February 26, 1974: Pilot T. Matthews, A-4E Skyhawk BuNo 149657 was damaged in an accident (CUBI) and was stricken.
e-Mail sa-contact-losses@a4skyhawk.net if you have any further information re the who, what, where or why.

October 16, 1977: Lt. Randy J. Rickey, 26, from Fleet Composite Sq. 5 was killed when his A-4 Skyhawk (BuNo 152039) crashed Sunday into Subic Bay when was preparing to land. He was returning to NAS Cubi Point after participating in exercise "MAFLEX" in the Philippines. Pacific Stars and Stripes, Tuesday, October 18, 1977, and The Stars and Stripes, Sunday, October 23, 1977.

May 24, 1984: LCdr. Daniel Joseph Harrington IV, ejected safely from a VC-5 TA-4J Skyhawk out of Cubi Point, Philippines and rear seat pilot Lt(jg). Charles Richard Dickinson was killed when the TA-4J impacted the water short of the runway during night touch-and-go near Grande Island, Subic Bay, Philippines. Catastrophic engine failure in the landing pattern was found to be the cause. From Lance Patterson. VC-5 TA-4J BuNo 158476 was destroyed at Cubi Point when aircraft crashed into water during approach to touch and go on NATOPS check. 24 May 1984. 1 fatality. Naval Safety Center via Jim Winchester.

June 8, 1984: Lt(jg). Eric Patenkopf ejected safely, crashed into the sea near Cubi Point. VC-5 A-4E BuNo 150056 was destroyed at Philippine Sea when aircraft departed controlled flight during air intercept mission. 08 June 1984. Pilot ejected. Naval Safety Center via Jim Winchester.

November 15, 1987: G.E. Weller ejected safely … VC-5 A-4E BuNo 151178 was destroyed at Malaya following a catastrophic engine failure enroute to training area. Pilot ejected. Naval Safety Center via Jim Winchester.

July 19, 1989: Lt(jg). Richard Armbruster, 28, (Fleet Composite Squadron 5 in Cubi Point) was killed, when his A-4E Skyhawk crashed into a mountain west of Subic, 50 miles NW of Manila, Tuesday while on a training flight outside the American run Subic Bay Naval Station. Pacific Stars and Stripes, Friday, July 21, 1989. VC-5 A-4E BuNo 151162 was destroyed at Cubi Point when aircraft on services mission failed to return to base. 18 July 1989. 1 fatality. Naval Safety Center via Jim Winchester.

January 1, 1990 - March 31, 1991: Lt(jg). Al Sambar made a gear up (BuNo 151023) landing on runway 07 at Cubi Point.  He was uninjured but the plane was destroyed. From Lance Patterson.

Unit Photos

1965: BuNo 145012, UE-29, parked on the flight line with BuNo's 144974 and 142874. Photo via Tailhook Association.

01JUN65 Chu Lai: First Skyhawk, A-4C BuNo. 147779, to Land at Chu Lai, Republic of Vietnam - June 1, 1965
Colonel John Noble, Commanding Officer of Marine Air Group 12 after landing at Chu Lai, Republic of Vietnam in VMA-225 Vagabond Douglas A-4C Skyhawk BuNo. 147779 - side number CE 6. Colonel Noble flew BuNo. 147779 from Iwakuni, Japan to Cubi Point in the Philippines; after re-fueling Noble flew the Skyhawk to Chu Lai for the first Skyhawk landing at Chu Lai. Photograph by John Keane and from Martin Halpin.

1967: VC-5 Det Cubi Flightline 1967. Photo taken looking toward the North from the VC-5 Det Cubi hangar roof by John Mosbarger. The closest plane is a Beechcraft RC-45J SNB (Secret Navy Bomber) Bug Smasher BuNo. 138450. The SNB was notorious for ground-looping. Next are four Grumman US-2C Traders. UE-32 was in transit from VC-5 Det Naha, Okinawa. Next are four Douglas A-4B Skyhawks. Adjacent to the Skyhawks is a DF-8F Chance Vought Crusader. Several lines back are some transit Skyhawks. Photograph by and from John Mosbarger.

1967: Two VC-5 Det Cubi A-4B Skyhawks 1967. "Cubi Tower, Checkertail 27 with two for taxi." A pair of Checkertail A-4B Skyhawks from VC-5 Detachment Cubi at Naval Air Station Cubi Point, Olongapo, Philippines wait for taxi clearance. Photograph by and from John Mosbarger.

1967: VC-5 Det Cubi Aircraft - 1967. A flight of four Checkertail aircraft enters the break for landing at Naval Air Station Cubi Point. Two VC-5 Det Cubi Grumman US-2C Traders lead two A-4B Skyhawks into the break. The US-2C was a gutted S-2F (Stoof) Tracker anti-submarine airframe with a big cargo space and - or the ability to cram six to twelve bodies into the hold. With Utility Squadrons the aircraft towed targets, delivered the mail and parts to carriers, along with other assorted chores. The US-2C cruised at 150 knots and could fly four to six hours on its fuel. The Stoof was the aircraft that transported Bob Hope and his troupe to Tonkin Gulf Yankee Station Boats. Photograph by and from John Mosbarger.

1967: VC-5 Det Cubi Aircraft part 2 - 1967. A flight of three Checkertail aircraft enters the break for landing at Naval Air Station Cubi Point. A VC-5 Det Cubi Grumman US-2C Trader leads two A-4B Skyhawks. The Skyhawks nearly fell from the sky trying to fly formation on the US-2C Stoof with its S&L 180 knot speed.
All Stoof versions had a very "short shank" (distance from wing to tail). At any speed and particularly during takeoff the loss of an engine was spectacular. The rudder wasn't big enough to keep the aircraft straight and at slow speed and full power on the remaining engine the aircraft would "pinwheel" out of control into the ground. A fix that provided more rudder helped but you could always tell an experienced Stoof pilot by bulging leg muscles.
The bug-eyed Stoof was actually a joy to fly. It was over-powered. It trimmed well. Sometime the auto-pilot worked. It was stable in instrument flight. It had great vision.
The Stoof had large bubble bay-windows next to the pilot and co-pilot. Pilots could lean into the window and look back along the fuselage. With both engines turning the Stoof was over-powered. On takeoff at max-power a lightly loaded Stoof would leap into the sky and climb at 80 degrees nose up - for 2,000 feet. . . This was only done at Air Force bases to impress the Tower Boy Scouts in Blue. Photograph by and from John Mosbarger.

BuNo.142874 waiting on the VC-5 Line at Cubi Point. Photo by Scott VanAken.

1967: Cubi Point VC-5 Checkertail Angels - 1967. In 1967, the Navy Blue Angels were getting accustomed to their new McDonald F-4 Fantoms, recently switching from the beautiful Grumman F-11 Tiger. In the Fleet, Attack and Utility Naval Aviators knew there was a better aircraft for flight demonstration. Enter the VC-5 Cubi Point Checkertail Angels.
Here we see the VC-5 Checkertail Angels ready to taxi: #1 is A-4B Skyhawk BuNo. 145036 side number UE 25.
#2 is A-4B Skyhawk BuNo. 144874 side number UE 26.
#3 is A-4B Skyhawk BuNo. 142874 side number UE 27.
#4 is A-4B Skyhawk BuNo. 144974 side number UE 28.
Photograph by and from John Mosbarger.

1967: VC-5 Checkertail Angels Taxi - 1967. The VC-5 Checkertail Angels BuNo. 145036, BuNo. 144074, BuNo. 142874, BuNo. 144974 taxi from the revetment. Photograph by and from John Mosbarger.

1967: A Good View of Cubi Point airfield - 1967, with the VC-5 Checkertail Angels BuNo. 145036, BuNo. 144874, BuNo. 142874, BuNo. 144974 heading for the runway.
This picture's background is interesting: There is a black Douglas A-3 Skywarrior probably from VQ-1, sitting in the far revetment. These Skywarriors snooped the China and Russia coast, from Vladivostoc to Vietnam. What they electronically learned is still probably "Top Secret." The Skywarrior had terrible fuel management and weight and balance problems because of inaccurate fuel gauges. Landings on ship and ashore were always - interesting!
Next to the Skywarrior is a North American RA-5C Vigilante. The "Vigi" had a crew of two - a Non-Flying Officer sat buried in the fuselage behind the pilot -- this poor soul had one small 4 inch diameter window to peer out of. The weapon systems for this aircraft were never produced so the Vigi did photo reconnaissance. Landing a Vigi on the Boat was always an interesting event! The Vigi didn't have elevators - the whole stabilator flapped up and down - it was an awesome sight, on final, with the stabilator flapping back and forth in the wind - full throw! Photograph by and from John Mosbarger.

1967: The VC-5 Checkertail Angel in a tight diamond fly-by, most likely BuNo. 145036, BuNo. 144874, BuNo. 142874, and BuNo. 144974.
Checkertail Angels approach in a tight diamond.
Checkertail Angels break for landing from a tight diamond.
Photographs by and from John Mosbarger.

1967: A VC-5 Atsugi Checkertail Crusader. A VC-5 Atsugi Checkertail DF-8F Crusader BuNo. 145544, side number UE-12 visits the Cubi line in 1967. Photograph by and from John Mosbarger.

1967: Another VC-5 Atsugi Checkertail Crusader. VC-5 Commanding Officer's "Double Zeros" from Atsugi. Checkertail DF-8F Crusader BuNo. 147009, side number UE-00 visits the Cubi line in 1967. Photograph by and from John Mosbarger.

1968: A-4B Skyhawk BuNo. 144974. VC-5 Detachment Cubi A-4B Skyhawk BuNo. 144974 side number UE 28 on approach to landing at Naval Station Sangley Point, Cavite, Philippines. This picture was probably taken in January or February 1968. Photograph by and from John Mosbarger.

1969: A-4C Skyhawk BuNo. 147779. VC-5 Detachment Cubi A-4C Skyhawk BuNo. 147779 from Naval Station Sangley Point, Cavite, Philippines heading Southeast over Manila Bay. In the background is the Northeast shore of Manila Bay with fish traps extending into the bay. Running to the left is the Bataan Area. Photograph by and from Warren A. Harms.

1969: A-4C Skyhawk BuNo. 147678 UE-25. This A-4C BuNo. 147678 is hauling an AQU37 drone missle for fleet inttroduction late in 1969. It was great fun to launch this drone because it dropped off the rails and then started it's engine after dropping 100 feet (or so. Photograph from Warren A. Harms.

1969: A-4C Skyhawks BuNo. 147834 and 147752. VC-5 Detachment Cubi A-4C Skyhawk BuNo. 147834 side number UE 27 leads Checkertail A-4C Skyhawk BuNo. 147752 side number UE 28 in a section takeoff at Naval Air Station Cubi Point, Olongapo, Philippines. The flight of two was on its way to DaNang, South Vietnam.

1970: A-4C Skyhawk BuNo. 147678. Checkertail UE 25 from VC-5 Detachment Cubi at Naval Air Station Cubi Point, Olongapo, Philippines with gear and flaps down, speedbrakes out, on landing approach to Naval Air Station Atsugi, Japan, May 27, 1970. Black & white photograph by and from Takafumi Hiroe of Yokohama, Japan.

1970: VC-5 Skyhawk BuNo. 150002. LTJG Steve Maximov heads VC-5 Checkertail Skyhawk BuNo. 150002 towards Japan after departing from Cubi Point, Philippines.

AUG 1973: Right rear view of VC-5 Checkertails A-4E Skyhawk BuNo 150007, UE-15, on the ramp next to VMA-211 Avengers A-4E BuNo 151193, CF-11, NAS Naha. Copyright R.W. Harrison.

1973-75: BuNo151074 just before dropping a "DART". Joel Jeppson, VC-5 "Stoof"Driver.

1973-75: BuNo151074 dropping a "DART". Joel Jeppson, VC-5 "Stoof"Driver.

1973-75: BuNo152039 on the tarmac. Joel Jeppson, VC-5 "Stoof"Driver.

1975: BuNo 18518, TA-4J, UE-15 parked on the ramp. Gary Verver Collection.

1976: A-4E Skyhawk BuNo. 151162. Checkertail UE 04 with gear and flaps down, speedbrakes out, on landing approach to Kadena Air Base, Japan, July 11, 1976. On the centerline stores rack is a TDU-10 towed target package (note the pod is much more slender than the D-704 "buddy" package, and the drogue is visible (in red) below and aft of the pod). Color photograph by and from Takafumi Hiroe of Yokohama, Japan.

02 AUG 1976: Left side view of VC-5 Checkertails TA-4J Skyhawk BuNo 155115, UE-01, NAF Kadena, 02 August 1976. Names below the canopy rail are CDR LA Coissart and LTJG MP Richard. Copyright R.W. Harrison.

1976: A-4E Skyhawk BuNo. 149658. VC-5 Det-CUBI A-4E Skyhawk BuNo. 149658 UE 10 landing at Naval Air Facility Atsugi, Japan for repair on November 19, 1976. Marine Squadron VMA-211 had custody of BuNo. 149658 before VC-5. Photograph by Masaaki Hayakawa.

02 AUG 1976: Left side view of VC-5 Checkertails TA-4J Skyhawk BuNo 155115, UE-01, NAF Kadena, 02 August 1976. Names below the canopy rail are CDR LA Coissart and LTJG MP Richard. Copyright R.W. Harrison.

1977: VC-5 Det Cubi Point. VC-5 Checkertail VC-5 Det Cubi Point, Philippines crew in the 1975 to 1977 time period. Who are these guys? Photograph from Robert A. Lay.

01JUN77: Checkertails Skyhawk flight line: l-r BuNo 152069, UE-11, BuNo 151162, UE-01 and BuNo 149658, UE-10. Gary Verver Collection.

Circa 1977: Checkertails Skyhawk BuNo 152039, UE-12, Det Cubi, on the taxiway heading for the runway.

1977: A-4E Skyhawk BuNo. 149658. Checkertail UE 10 of the Cubi Point, VC-5 Detachment taxies to the runway at Kadena Air Base, Japan, July 15, 1977. Color photograph by and from Takafumi Hiroe of Yokohama, Japan.

1977: A-4E Skyhawk BuNo. 151023. Checkertail UE 06 of the Cubi Point, Philippines, VC-5 Detachment taxies next to his leader towards the runway at Kadena Air Base, Japan, July 16, 1977. Color photograph by and from Takafumi Hiroe of Yokohama, Japan.

01JUN77: Checkertails Skyhawks L-r: BuNo 152069, UE-11, BuNo 151162, UE-04, and BuNo 149658, UE-10, parked on the flight line. Official Navy Photo.

01JUN77: right front view of Checkertails Skyhawk BuNo 149658, UE-10, parked on the flight line with a RSS pod on the Subic centerline. Offical Navy Photo.

01JUN77: 01 Jun 1977 close-up of RSS pod on the centerline of Checkertails Skyhawk BuNo 149658, UE-10, parked on the Subic flight line. Offical Navy Photo.

01JUN77: 01 Jun 1977 another close-up of RSS pod on the centerline of Checkertails Skyhawk BuNo 149658, UE-10, parked on the Subic flight line. Offical Navy Photo.

01JUN77: 01 Jun 1977 third close-up of RSS pod on the centerline of Checkertails Skyhawk BuNo 149658, UE-10, parked on the Subic flight line. Offical Navy Photo.

1977: A-4E Skyhawk BuNo. 152039. Det Cubi Checkertail UE 13 on the taxiway heading for the Kadena Air Base, Japan, runway July 16, 1977. The outboard stores rack carries a blue water sand filled shape for this flight. Color photograph by and from Takafumi Hiroe of Yokohama, Japan.

1977: TA-4J Skyhawk BuNo. 158518. Det Cubi Checkertail UE 15 in high visibility colors, waits on the Kadena Air Base ramp for his wingman, July 16, 1977. Color photograph by and from Takafumi Hiroe of Yokohama, Japan.

1977: A-4E Skyhawk BuNo. 151162. Checkertail UE 04 with gear and flaps down, speedbrakes out, on landing approach to Naval Air Station Atsugi, November 19, 1977. On the centerline stores rack is a TDU-10 towed target package. Color photograph by and from Takafumi Hiroe of Yokohama, Japan.

1978: TA-4J Skyhawk BuNo. 155117 Checkertail UE 02 in high visibility colors, comes over the Naval Air Station Atsugi threshold in approach to a landing, May 28, 1978. Color photograph by and from Takafumi Hiroe of Yokohama, Japan.

1978: Checkertails Skyhawk BuNo 151178, UE-14, parked on the ramp next to the Slops wagon. At left is VRC-50 C-130F Hercules BuNo 149805, tail-code RG. Paul Jarvis.

20 MAY 1981: in-flight view of Checkertails Skyhawk BuNo 151096, UE-20, as it intercepts a Soviet Badger reconnaissance aircraft near the west coast of Japan. US Navy.

1981: A-4E Skyhawk BuNo. 151162. Checkertail UE 04 with gear and flaps down, speedbrakes out, on landing approach to Naval Air Station Atsugi, July 18, 1981. There is nothing on the centerline stores rack this flight. Color photograph by and from Takafumi Hiroe of Yokohama, Japan.

01 JAN 1981: Two Fleet Composite Squadron 5 (VC-5) A-4E Skyhawk (BuNo 152001, UE-07) aircraft fly over the surveying ship USNS CHAUVENET (T-AGS-29). The CHAUVENET has run aground on a reef. Photo by PH3 Coleman, from Gary Verver.

1981: TA-4J Skyhawk BuNo. 155117. Checkertail UE 02 painted in sea gray colors, comes over the Naval Air Station Atsugi threshold in approach to a landing, August 4, 1981. Color photograph by and from Takafumi Hiroe of Yokohama, Japan.

b4 24MAY81: BuNo 158476 UE-01, TA-4J, parked on the ramp parked on the ramp. Gary Verver Collection.

18 SEP 1981: An aerial view of aircraft parked on the flight line in front of a Fleet Composite Squadron 5 (VC-5) hangar at Cubi Point. The aircraft include seven P-3C Orions of Patrol Squadrons 16 and 17 (VP-16 and VP-17), three SH-3 Sea Kings and eight A-4 Skyhawks of VC-5 (looks like A-4Es). Photo by PH2 Williamson, from Gary Verver.

BuNo 142874, UE-27, parked on the ramp. LT Dudley Jones is painted beneath the cockpit. Nick Williams.

01 JAN 1981: A view of Fleet Composite Squadron 5 (VC-5) A-4 Skyhawk aircraft parked on the flight line. A TA-4J (BuNo 155117, UE-02) is second from the right, the other three are A-4Es (BuNo 151096, UE-05, in foreground). An NC-8A Mobile Electric Power Plant (MEPP) is in the foreground. Photo by PH3 Coleman, from Gary Verver. John Mosbarger also sent us this image.

25 FEB 1982: VC-5 technician performing maintenance. Official photo, from Gary Verver.

12 MAR 1982: Airman Apprentice Quincy L. Clausnitzer of the VC-5 Line Division, signals the pilot of an A-4E Skyhawk aircraft prior to takeoff. Location: NAS Cubi Point, Luzon Philippines (PHL). Camera Operator: PH1 Dave Maclean.

10 NOV 1982: BuNo 151023, UE-06, banking to the left over the Indian Ocean during Exercise Sandgroper `82. Navy.

10 NOV 1982: A view of parked Royal Australian Air Force Macchi jet trainer aircraft and United States Navy A-4 Skyhawk (VC-5 line, unknown, BuNo 151096, UE-05, 3 unknown and 2 unknown Australian A-4Gs) aircraft, seen from the inside of an in-flight helicopter. The aircraft participated in Exercise Sandgroper 82. Photographer unknown, from Gary Verver.

NOV 1982: Unknown A-4E on the tarmac in a "slick" condition for Sandgroper 82. "We had 4 A4Gs there, the RAAF about 10 Mirage, USAF 8 or so F16, and the USN sent 4 or 5 A4s. They came from an Aggressor squadron based in the Philippines. They were pretty tatty aircraft, but they knew how to fly them." John Bartels.
Pic1 with UE-4.
Pic2 with UE 1 and 4.
Pic3 with UE-1.
Pic4 with UE-1.

10 NOV 1982: Navy A-4 Skyhawk (VC-5 TA-4J, UE-15) aircraft rolling in after landing during Exercise Sandgroper `82. Royal Australian Air Force Macchi jet trainer aircraft are in the background. Photographer unknown, from Gary Verver.

1983: BuNo 151096, A-4E, UE-05 parked on the ramp. Gary Verver Collection.

15 MAR 1984: A VC-5 TA-4 taxies out of a revetment, location unknown. Official photo, from Gary Verver.

24 MAY 1984: UE-15 BuNo 158476 crashes killing one: "I was the Tugmaster of YTB-775 in Subic Bay when this aircraft, #158476, crashed into Subic Bay on 24 May 1984. I was briefed prior to our sortie; one person was suspected to remain in the crashed A-4 which had been on a training mission." Photos courtesy of BMC Dave Campbell USN (Ret.)
.Photo #1.
BuNo 158476 Photo #2
BuNo 158476 Photo #3
BuNo 158476 Photo #4
Lance Patterson - A-4 pilot - VC-5 1985-1987, 1990-1992

1986: BuNo 155115 TA-4J UE-12 taxi. Gary Verver Collection.

1988: A-4E Skyhawk BuNo. 151023. Checkertail UE 06 painted in sea gray colors cleans up after takeoff from Naval Air Station Atsugi, Japan, October 10, 1988.

01 SEP 1989: Squadron maintenance personnel work on a Fleet Composite Squadron 5 (VC-5) A-4E (BuNo 152072, UE-01) Skyhawk aircraft in a hangar during the combined Thai/U.S. joint exercise Thalay Thai `89. Photo by PH1 Michael D.P. Flynn.

1989: A-4E Skyhawk BuNo. 150121. Checkertail UE 00 over the Naval Air Station Atsugi threshold with his gear and flaps down, speedbrakes out, October 10, 1989. 150121 is painted in the sea gray colors with an aggressor Soviet star on the rudder. Color photograph by and from Takafumi Hiroe of Yokohama, Japan.

1989: A-4E Skyhawk BuNo. 151125. Checkertail UE 01 in sea gray colors with gear and flaps down, speedbrakes out, on landing approach to Naval Air Station Atsugi, October 10, 1989. The photographer was nearly under the Skyhawk when the picture was taken. Color photograph by and from Takafumi Hiroe of Yokohama, Japan.

1989: TA-4J Skyhawk BuNo. 155115. Checkertail UE 16 in sea gray colors, comes over the Naval Air Station Atsugi threshold in his approach to a landing, October 10, 1989. Color photograph by and from Takafumi Hiroe of Yokohama, Japan.

A-4E Skyhawk BuNo. 152001. A-4E Skyhawk BuNo. 152001, side number UE 03, is pictured waiting for release short of the runway. Photograph by Masaaki Hayakawa.

01SEP89: Squadron maintenance personnel work on Checkertails Skyhawk BuNo 151125, UE-01. US Navy Photo by PH1 M. Flynn.

07 SEP 1989: Pic 1 Pic 2 Pic 3 VC-5 Skyhawk tanking from a C-130 Hercules. Official photo, from Gary Verver.

SEP89: Checkertails Skyhawk BuNo 158454, UE-15, and Outlaws Skyhawk BuNo 154333, WA-2, sit in a hangar while undergoing maintenance during the combined Thai/U.S. joint Exercise Thalay Thai `89. U.S. Navy photo, PH1 Flynn.

01SEP89: RADM (lower half) James B. Best, Commander, Fleet Air Western Pacific, consults with a ground crewman on the wing of CheckertailsSkyhawk BuNo 150121, UA-00, during the combined Thai/U.S. joint exercise Thalay Thai `89. U.S. Navy photo, PH1 Flynn.

01SEP89: 01 Sep 1989 RADM (lower half) James B. Best, Commander, Fleet Air Western Pacific, in Checkertails Skyhawk BuNo 150121, UA-00, taxis past a USAF B-52G Stratofortress aircraft during the Thai/U.S. joint exercise Thalay Thai 89. U.S. Navy photo, PH1 Flynn.

01SEP89: RADM (lower half) James B. Best, Commander, Fleet Air Western Pacific, in Checkertails Skyhawk BuNo 150121, UA-00, during the Thai/U.S. joint exercise Thalay Thai `89. U.S. Navy photo, PH1 Flynn.

01SEP89: 01 Sept 1989 left front view of a pair of Checkertails Skyhawks aircraft during the combined Thai/U.S. joint exercise Thalay Thai `89. TA-4 BuNo 155117, UE-14, in the foreground. US Navy Photo by PH1 Michael Flynn.

07SEP89: 07 Sep 1989 close-up view of the photographer in Checkertails TA-4J Skyhawk aircraft with Checkertails BuNo 150121, UE-00, flying off the right side during exercise THALAY THAI `89. U.S. Navy photo, PH1 Flynn.

07SEP89: right side view of Checkertails Skyhawk BuNo 150121, UE-00, and VMFA-115 F/A-18A Hornet, during exercise THALAY THAI `89. U.S. Navy photo, PH1 Flynn.

07SEP89: 07 Sep 1989 left side view of Checkertails Skyhawk BuNo 150121, UE-00, during exercise THALAY THAI `89. U.S. Navy photo, PH1 Flynn.

07SEP89: another left side view of Checkertails Skyhawk BuNo 150121, UE-00, during exercise THALAY THAI `89. Note the clean configuration.

01 SEP 1989: A Fleet Composite Squadron 5 (VC-5) TA-4J Skyhawk (BuNo 155117, UE-14) aircraft taxis on the runway beside an A-4E Skyhawk (UE-04) aircraft, also of VC-5, during the combined Thai/U.S. joint exercise Thalay Thai `89. Photo by PH1 Michael Flynn.

07 SEP 1990: A Marine Refueler-Transport Squadron 152 (VMGR-152) KC-130F Hercules (BuNo 149815) aircraft refuels a Fleet Composite Squadron 5 (VC-5) A-4E Skyhawk (BuNo 150121, UE-00) aircraft during Exercise Thalay Thai `89. Photo by PH1 Michael Flynn.

22MAY90: pilot of Checkertails Skyhawk BuNo 151125, UE-01, steps down from the cockpit. US Navy Photo by JO1 J.F. Lancaster.

22MAY90: A video cameraman films the pilot of a Checkertails Skyhawk aircraft during Cobra Gold `90, a combined Thai/U.S. exercise. TA-4 BuNo 155115, UE-16, in the foreground. US Navy Photo by JO1 J. Lancaster.

01 JUN 1990: Five Skyhawks from VC-5 play with the clouds.
Formation of VC-5 Skyhawks over the beach. Photographer unknown.

01 JUN 1990: Pic 1 Pic 2 Pic 3
Five A-4E Skyhawk aircraft from Fleet Composite Squadron 5 (VC-5) fly over the coast during the combined Thai/U.S. exercise Cobra Gold `90. VC-5 A-4E BuNo 151125, UE-01; BuNo 151023, UE-06; BuNo unknown, UE-02; BuNo 152001, UE-07 and BuNo 150044, UE-04. The VC-5 detachment is acting as an aggressor unit for the exercise. Camera Operator: PH1 (NAC) Robert Wilcox.

1991: A-4E Skyhawk BuNo. 152072. Checkertail UE 01 cleaned up after takeoff in sea gray colors at Naval Air Station Atsugi runway May 20, 1991. Color photograph by and from Takafumi Hiroe of Yokohama, Japan.

JUN 1991 "Thar She Blows!" Mount Pinatubo in the Philippines erupts and a VC-5 TA-4J is there. Actually the VC-5 Skyhawks are on a fly-away. Photograph from Missy Cummings.

27 NOV 1991: A 4E Skyhawk aircraft are serviced on the flight line near the Fleet Composite Squadron 5 (VC-5) hangar at NAS Cubi Point. PH2 Andrew Heuer.

12 MAR 1992: Formation of VC-5 Skyhawks over Subic Bay. A-4 Skyhawk (VC-5, tail code UE) aircraft fly near the aircraft carrier USS INDEPENDENCE (CV-62) as they take part in a farewell air-show to commemorate the turning over a NAS SUBIC BAY to the Philippine government at the close of the year. Official photo PHCD James Brown, from Gary Verver.

Date unknown - Australia: VC-5 UE-01 dressed up in camo, parked on the ramp in Australia, RAAF Pearce in a lo-vis grey scheme, Sandgroper 82.
VC-5 UE-04 dressed up in camo, parked on the ramp in Australia
BuNo 155052, RAN 871, in the far left background. In the fore-front are VC-5 UE-01 and then UE-04. Photos courtesy of John Bartels, via Phil Thompson.

04 JUN 1992: A TA-4J Skyhawk aircraft is wrapped in protective covering prior to being loaded aboard the amphibious assault ship USS OKINAWA (LPH-3). Naval Station Subic Bay, Phillipines. Possibly VC-5 a/c being shipped back to the states. Photographer PHCS BROWN/JO2 DUTCHER.


Off-Duty Photos

Olongapo Jeepnee.

A-4 Skyhawk aircraft assigned to this unit:

  • Douglas A4D-2 (A-4B) Skyhawk
    • 142114 c/n 11368
      • 18 Jun 1967 - VC-5 Det A - NAS Cubi Point, RP
      • 18 Jul 1967 - VSF-3 - USS Intrepid
      • 18 Jun 1967 - VC-5 Det A - NAS Cubi Point, RP
      • 11 Jul 1967 - VSF-3 - NAS Alameda, CA
    • 142772 c/n 11834
      • 18 Jun 1967 - VC-5 Det A - NAS Cubi Point, RP
      • 15 Aug 1967 - VSF-3 - NAS Alameda, CA
    • 142874 c/n 11936
      • 23 Dec 1965 - VC-5 Det A - NAS Cubi Point, RP
      • 22 Sep 1969 - NAS - NAS Olathe, KS
    • 144874 C/N 12120
      • 23 Sep 1965 - VC-5 - NAS Atsugi, Japan
      • 22 Apr 1969 - NAS A&T - NAS Alameda, CA
    • 144974 C/N 12220
      • 23 Dec 1965 - VC-5 Det A - NAS Cubi Point, RP
      • 01 Apr 1969 - VA-216 - NAS Alameda, CA
    • 145012 C/N 12258
      • 01 Aug 1966 - VC-5 Det A - NAS Cubi Point, RP
      • 01 Apr 1969 - VA-216 - NAS Alameda, CA
    • 145038 C/N 12284
      • 02 Oct 1965 - VC-5 - NAS Cubi Point, RP
      • 22 Apr 1969 - NAS A&T - NAS Alameda, CA
  • Douglas A4D-2N (A-4C) Skyhawk
    • 145139 c/n 12385
      • 19 Jul 1965 - VC-5 - NAS Atsugi, Japan
      • 19 Jul 1965 - VX-5 - NAF China Lake, CA
    • 147678 C/N 12442
      • 01 Apr 1969 - VC-5 Det Cubi Point - NAS Cubi Point, RP
      • 18 Feb 1971 - VA-305 - NAS Point Mugu, CA
    • 147698 C/N 12462
      • 01 Apr 1969 - VC-5 Det Cubi - NAS Cubi Point, RP
      • 28 Aug 1970 - VA-172 - NAS Cecil Field, FL
    • 147703 C/N 12467
      • 20 May 1974 - VC-5 Det Cubi Point - NAS Cubi Point, RP
      • 28 Jul 1975 - VC-7 - NAS Miramar, CA
    • 147734 C/N 12498
      • 11 Apr 1970 - VC-5 Det Cubi Point - NAS Cubi Point, RP
      • 11 May 1970 - VA-12 - USS Shangri La
    • 147750 C/N 12514
      • 17 May 1974 - VC-5 Det Cubi Point - NAS Cubi Point, RP
      • 28 Jul 1975 - VC-7 - NAS Miramar, CA
      • 12 May 1976 - VC-5 - NAS Naha, Okinawa
      • 27 Oct 1977 - NAS - NAS Memphis, TN
    • 147752 C/N 12516
      • 10 Jul 1970 - VC-5 Det Cubi Point - NAS Cubi Point, RP
      • 20 Feb 1971 - VC-4 Det Cecil Field - NAS Cecil Field, FL
    • 147755 C/N 12519
      • 21 Aug 1970 - VC-5 Det Cubi Point - NAS Cubi Point, RP
      • 10 Feb 1971 - MARTD - NAS South Weymouth, MA
    • 147779 C/N 12543
      • 10 Jul 1970 - VC-5 Det Cubi Point - NAS Cubi Point, RP
      • 02 Feb 1971 - MARTD - NAF Willow Grove, PA
    • 147780 C/N 12544
      • 01 Sep 1974 - VC-5 Det Cubi Point - NAS Cubi Point, RP
      • 28 Jul 1975 - VC-7 - NAS Miramar, CA
    • 147834 C/N 12598
      • 01 Apr 1969 - VC-5 Det Cubi - NAS Cubi Point, RP
      • 10 Feb 1971 - MARTD - NAS South Weymouth, MA
    • 148307 C/N 12617
      • 07 May 1974 - VC-5 Det Cubi - NAS Cubi Point, RP
      • 21 Aug 1975 - NAS A&T - NAS North Island, CA
      • 12 May 1976 - VC-5 Det Cubi - NAS Naha, Okinawa
      • 21 Jul 1976 - MASDC - Davis Mothan AFB, AZ
    • 148513 C/N 12706
      • 02 Apr 1970 - VC-5 Det Cubi - NAS Cubi Point, RP
      • 10 May 1970 - VA-172 - USS Shangri La
    • 148609 C/N 12802
      • 01 Apr 1969 - VC-5 Det Cubi - NAS Cubi Point, RP
      • 26 May 1970 - VA-12 - USS Shangri La
    • 149498 c/n 12823
      • 01 Apr 1969 - VC-5 Det Cubi - NAS Cubi Point, RP
      • 18 May 1970 - VA-172 - USS Shangri La
    • 149580 c/n 12905
      • 23 Jan 1970 - VC-5 Det Cubi Point - NAS Cubi Point, RP
      • 20 May 1970 - VA-172 - USS Shangri La
    • 149633 c/n 12958
      • 18 May 1974 - VC-5 Det Cubi Point - NAS Cubi Point, RP
      • 28 Jul 1975 - VC-7 - NAS Miramar, CA
  • Douglas TA-4F Skyhawk
    • 153487 c/n 13553
      • 02 Feb 1973 - VC-5 - NAS Naha, Okinawa
      • 19 Apr 1973 - H&MS-12 - MCAS Iwakuni, Japan
    • 154340 c/n 13728
      • 02 Feb 1973 - VC-5 - NAS Naha, Okinawa
      • 11 Nov 1973 - H&MS-12 - MCAS Iwakuni, Japan
  • Douglas A4D-5 (A-4E) Skyhawk
    • 149657 c/n 12982
      • 02 Sep 1970 - VC-5 Det Cubi Point - NAS Cubi Point, RP
      • 26 Feb 1974 - Stricken - 1S0
    • 149658 c/n 12983
      • 19 Aug 1976 - VC-5 Det Cubi Point - NAS Cubi Point, RP
      • Stricken - After 31 Dec 1991 and before 31 Mar 1992
    • 149977 c/n 13030
      • 06 Nov 1970 - VC-5 Det Cubi - NAS Cubi Point, RP
      • 20 Sep 1972 - VC-1 - NAS Barbers Point, HI
    • 150001 c/n 13054
      • 06 Nov 1970 - VC-5 Det Cubi - NAS Cubi Point, RP
      • 13 Jun 1975 - VA-127 - NAS Pensacola, FL
    • 150002 c/n 13055
      • 09 May 1970 - VC-5 - NAS Naha, Okinawa
      • 19 Dec 1972 - Stricken - 1S0
    • 150007 c/n 13060
      • 06 Nov 1970 - VC-5 - Det Cubi - NAS Cubi Point, RP
      • 26 Jul 1975 - MARTD - NAS Memphis, TN
    • 150044 c/n 13097
      • 05 Jan 1985 - VC-5 - NAS Cubi Point, RP
      • Stricken - After 31 Dec 1991 and before 31 Mar 1992
    • 150056 c/n 13109
      • 21 Sep 1977 - VC-5 Det Cubi Point - NAS Cubi Point, RP
      • 04 Jun 1984 - Stricken - 1SO
    • 150121 c/n 13174
      • 10 May 1989 - VC-5 - NAS Cubi Point, RP
      • Stricken - After 31 Dec 1991 and before 31 Mar 1992
    • 151023 c/n 13193
      • 29 Jul 1976 - VC-5 - NAS Naha, Okinawa
      • Stricken - After 31 Dec 1991 and before 31 Mar 1992
    • 151041 c/n 13211
      • 06 Nov 1970 - VC-5 - NAS Naha, Okinawa
      • 05 Feb 1973 - Stricken - 1S
    • 151074 c/n 13244
      • 02 Jul 1973 - VC-5 Det Cubi Point - NAS Cubi Point, RP
      • Stricken - After 31 Mar 1990 and before 30 Jun 1990
    • 151078 c/n 13248
      • 27 Jan 1988 - VC-5 - NAS Cubi Point, RP
      • Stricken - After 31 Mar 1992 and before 30 Jun 1992
    • 151095 c/n 13265
      • 31 Aug 1990 - VC-5 - NAS Cubi Point, RP
      • Stricken - After 31 Mar 1992 and before 30 Jun 1992
    • 151096 c/n 13266
      • 29 Jun 1976 - VC-5 - NAS Naha, Okinawa
      • Stricken - After 31 Dec 1991 and before 31 Mar 1992
    • 151125 c/n 13295
      • 16 Feb 1989 - VC-5 - NAS Cubi Point, RP
      • Stricken - After 31 Mar 1991 and before 30 Jun 1991
    • 151162 c/n 13332
      • 01 Jun 1972 - VC-5 Det Cubi Point - NAS Cubi Point, RP
      • 19 Jul 1989 – Stricken - 1SO
    • 151178 c/n 13348
      • 06 Nov 1970 - VC-5 - NAS Naha, Okinawa
      • 27 Nov 1974 - VA-127 - NAS Lemoore, CA
      • 17 Apr 1978 - VC-5 - NAS Cubi Point, RP
      • Stricken - 15 November 1987
    • 152001 c/n 13389
      • 17 May 1970 - VC-5 - NAS Naha, Okinawa
      • Stricken - After 31 Dec 1991 and before 31 Mar 1992
    • 152039 c/n 13427
      • 15 Jul 1970 - VC-5 - NAS Naha, Okinawa
      • 16 Oct 1977 - Stricken - 1SO
    • 152069 c/n 13457
      • 22 Jun 1976 - VC-5 Det Cubi Point - NAS Cubi Point, RP
      • Stricken - After 31 Dec 1991 and before 31 Mar 1992
    • 152072 c/n 13460
      • 20 Jul 1990 - VC-5 - NAS Cubi Point, RP
      • Stricken - After 31 Mar 1992 and before 30 Jun 1992
    • 152098 c/n 13486
      • 29 May 1970 - VC-5 - NAS Naha, Okinawa
      • 16 Oct 1974 - VA-127 - NAS Lemoore, CA
  • Douglas TA-4J Skyhawk
    • 155115 c/n 13931
      • 27 Jun 1974 - VC-5 Det Cubi Point - NAS Cubi Point, RP
      • 15 Jul 1992 - NAVFITWEPSCHOL - NAS Miramar, CA
    • 155117 c/n 13933
      • 27 Jun 1974 - VC-5 Det Cubi Point - NAS Cubi Point, RP
      • 30 Sep 1992 - NASC FSO, MASDC - Davis-Mothan AFB, Tucson, AZ
    • 158454 c/n 14259
      • 05 Jan 1985 - VC-5 - NAS Cubi Point, RP
      • 22 Aug 1992 - VF-126 - NAS Miramar, CA
    • 158473 c/n 14278
      • 06 Sep 1979 - VC-5 - NAS Cubi Point, RP
      • 21 Sep 1979 - VT-25 - NAS Chase Field, TX
    • 158476 c/n 14281
      • 27 Jun 1974 - VC-5 Det Cubi Point - NAS Cubi Point, RP
      • 12 May 1976 - VT-7 - NAS Meridian, MS
      • 13 May 1976 - VC-5 Det Cubi Point - NAS Cubi Point, RP
      • 22 Jun 1984 - Stricken - 1SO
    • 158518 c/n 14323
      • 27 Jun 1974 - VC-5 Det Cubi Point - NAS Cubi Point, RP
      • 19 Jun 1975 - NAS A&T - NAS North Island, CA
      • 31 Jul 1975 - VC-5 Det Cubi Point - NAS Cubi Point, RP
      • 30 Nov 1977 - VC-1 - NAS Barbers Point, HI

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