VC-8

VC-8

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

VC-8 Ultron 8
VC-8 Flecompron 8 VC-8 Redtails

Patch

First patch is of a WWII unit, and not affiliated with the Redtails.

Second (GMS-2), third, fourth patches are from Scott "Scooter" Siedschlag

Fifth patch = 1965, courtesy of VC-8

Sixth patch = 1998 from Captain Steve Kornatz, former Redtail CO.

The Redtails wore this Skyhawk Patch below their Redtails Patch.

Sources

David Weber

LTJG Jared Allen, VC-8 PAO

Harry S. Gann

Frank J. Mirande

LTJG Tariq Rashid

John Tyner

LT Scott "Buster" Armstrong, VC-8 PAO

Captain Steve Kornatz, former Redtail CO.

Wynn "Captain Hook" Foster

Scott "Scooter" Siedschlag

Dennis "Phantom" Fandey

Rod Whalen

John Patterson (Skyhawk Assn VC-8 SDO)

Berny Forester

Handle

Redtails

Heritage

JUL 1958: Guided Missile Service Squadron TWO established at Naval Air Station Chincoteague, Virginia.

JAN 1959: Guided Missile Service Squadron TWO was transferred to Naval Station Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico.

1960: Guided Missile Service Squadron TWO was re-designated Fleet Utility Squadron EIGHT (VU-8) at Naval Station Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico.

1965: Fleet Utility Squadron EIGHT (VU-8) was re-designated Fleet Composite Squadron EIGHT (VC-8) at Naval Air Station Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico.

Home Ports

JUL 1958: Guided Missile Service Squadron TWO was based at Naval Air Station Chincoteague, Virginia.

JAN 1959: Guided Missile Service Squadron TWO was transferred to Naval Station Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico.

1965: Fleet Utility Squadron EIGHT (VU-8) was re-designated Fleet Composite Squadron EIGHT (VC-8) at Naval Air Station Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico.

2001 to MAY 2003: Fleet Composite Squadron EIGHT (VC-8) was based at Naval Station Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico.

The squadron also spent time assigned to Barbers Point, HI and NAS Guantanamo Bay

Air Wings

Tactical Support Wing One, NAS Norfolk (VC/VRF/VAQ squadrons) - 1973 - ?

Aircraft

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

26 June 1965: - - - Douglas A4D-2 (A-4B) Skyhawk *

26 May 1969 - - - - Douglas A4D-2N (A-4C) Skyhawk *

26 June 1975: - - - Douglas TA-4F Skyhawks assigned:

* November 30, 1962

The A4D-2 designation changed to A-4B

The A4D-2N designation changed to A-4C

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

Deployments

No info yet

Commanding Officers

JUL 1958: - - - - - - - - - - CDR H.J Silbertstein (GMSRON-2)

JUL 1959 to FEB 1960: - - - - CDR J.E. Braun

FEB 1960 to JUL 1960: - - - - CDR S.N. May

JUL 1960 to FEB 1961: - - - - CDR S.N. May (VU-8)

FEB 1961 to FEB 1962: - - - - CDR W.G. Andrews

FEB 1962 to FEB 1963: - - - - CDR D.A. Kribs

FEB 1963 to JAN 1964: - - - - CDR T.J. Cross

JAN 1964 to APR 1965: - - - - CDR T.D. Fosdick

APR 1965 to JUL 1965: - - - - CDR J.R. Geer

JUL 1965 to FEB 1966: - - - - CDR J.R. Geer (VC-8)

FEB 1966 to APR 1967: - - - - CDR J.H. Foxgrover

APR 1967 to JUL 1968: - - - - CDR M.E. Smith

JUL 1968 to MAY 1969: - - - - CDR D.E. Lashbrook

MAY 1969 to MAY 1970: - - - - CDR M.L. Johnson

MAY 1970 to MAY 1971: - - - - CDR R.E. Zapalc

MAY 1971 to MAY 1972: - - - - CDR R.C. Nicholson

1972 - 1973: - - - CDR Fred Spelman

1973 - 1974: - - - CDR Bob Carlson

1974-75: - - - - - - - - - - CDR Stephen B. Sloane. Naval Academy graduate 1957.

1975-76: - - - - - - - - - - CDR Paul H. Molenda. Grad. of Erie County Comm. Coll. Entered Navy as NAVCAD.

1976-77: - - - - - - - - - - CDR Keith A. Boatright. Entered Navy as NAVCAD.

1977-78: - - - - - - - - - - CDR Ralph W. Chandler. Grad. of Indiana Univ. 1957.

1977 to 1978: - - - - - - - - CDR Chamberland

1978 to 1979: - - - - - - - - CDR Dan Duda

1979 to 1980: - - - - - - - - CDR Scripick (sp?)

1992 to Aug 1994 - CDR Randy Sweeney

Sep 1994 to Jan 1996 - CDR Bernd Foerster

01 JAN 1998 to 21 AUG 1998: - CDR J. G. Speer

21 AUG 1998 - - - - - - - - - CDR S.D. Kornatz

MAR 2000: - - - - - - - - - - CDR B. Steele

MAR 2001: - - - - - - - - - - CDR V. Drouillard

13 JUL 2002 - - - - - - - - - CDR Thomas McDonough

Awards

HUM

AUG through NOV 1979

15 SEP through 31 OCt 1995

SOS

15 JAN 1993 through 28 NOV 1994

AFEM

16 SEP 1994 through 29 OCT 1994

Meritorious Unit Commendation

02 AUG 90 through 18 MAR 91

17 OCT 93 through 25 OCT 94

23 JAN 96 through 5 SEP 98

Bronze Hammer Special

1992

SECNAV Energy Conservation

1992

1993

1994

Admiral's Cup

1993

1998

The Golden Anchor

1993

1994

Operational Readiness Command Battle

1993

1994

1995

1996

1997

1998

- Awards continued -

U. S. Coast Guard Meritorious Unit Commendation

15 JAN 1993 -- 28 NOV 1994

15 AUG -- 31 DEC 1996

Chief of Naval Operations Aviation Safety

1994

1996

1997

1998

Safety Achievement

1997: VC-8 had accumulated 12 years and over 109,000 hours of mishap-free flying

Secretary of the Navy Letter of Commendation

31 DEC 1996

Captain's Cup

1998

Battle E

1994

Events

JUL 1958: Guided Missile Service Squadron TWO established at Naval Air Station Chincoteague, Virginia.

JAN 1959: Guided Missile Service Squadron TWO was transferred to Naval Station Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico.

1960: Guided Missile Service Squadron TWO was re-designated Fleet Utility Squadron EIGHT (VU-8) at Naval Station Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico.

1965: Fleet Utility Squadron EIGHT (VU-8) was re-designated Fleet Composite Squadron EIGHT (VC-8) at Naval Air Station Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico.

You might like to know that a VC-8 helo detachment deployed April 16-21, 1976 aboard the USS Mount Whitney (LCC-20) for Mobile Sea Range 76. This was the only deployment of a VC-8 helo detachment. Its purpose was to test the idea of a mobile sea range whereby drones would be launched by a support ship at sea and have the recovery helos aboard an adjacent ship. The detachment recovered all drones (a dozen or so?) in a matter of minutes. Only one drone went astray and was never recovered.

If you would like to see a photo of the crew, you can search "VC-8 Redtail Country," then click on "REDTAIL COUNTRY-A TRIBUTE TO FLEET COMPOSITE SQUADRON EIGHT;" click on "photographs," left menu; then click on "1971-1980 Photos," Photo menu; the photo is on the top row, far right photo. The crew and pilots are: (back row) LTJG Ray Welsh, LTJG Tom Rose, Rodriguez, Rudder, LCDR Rod Whalen (OINC), LT Larry Graves, LTJG Troy DeGroot, Edwards, Garcia, and O'neal: (front row) Bernicken, Laminoza, Chief Nelson, Pence, Bugay, and Averion.
Rod Whalen.

February 14, 1974: A-4C Skyhawk BuNo 150583 . . . Lt. Thomas Ben West, USN, died on 14 February at sea off the USS Colorado near Puerto Rico as a result of an aircraft accident. Memorial services with full military honors and a missing man formation fly-by were held. Tom West was killed in an aircraft accident on 14 February. He was flying for VC-8 out of Roosevelt Roads, P. R.

May 23, 1974: Lt. Ronald Steven Hill ejected safely from Roosevelt Roads A-4C BuNo 149586, Salt Spray 32, after the main generator failed and the engine center main bearing failed causing an inflight fire while on a post maintenance check flight about 8 miles south of the airfield. At 0705 the intensity of airframe vibrations increased significantly with the EGT increasing through 800C and a slight delay in RPM shortly after this peak in vibration.  He reduced the throttle from 75-80% to about 70% and selected manual fuel. After RPM increased from 58-60% to about 65%, it decreased again to about idle RPM with EGT over 900C. SS 32 was visually spotted and observed to be on fire with a flame pattern confined to the tailpipe and extending out about 10-20 feet. As SS 32 initiated a starboard turn away from land he passed directly underneath USCG Air Station Aguadill P.R. HH-3F Pelican Rescue 1490 with about one-half the helo's altitude of 1500 feet. Just prior to passing underneath and behind the helo, the flames and sparks shot out to 20-30 feet behind the tail. At 0708 Lt. Hill initiated his successful ejection. There was a large splash of water, but no explosion when SS 32 hit the water. At 0709 Rescue 1490 notified the tower  that they have the pilots chute in the water. The chute is floating and we have the pilot in sight. Lt. Hill was hoisted into the helo and returned to the VC-8 hangar. . AAR 3-74A.

February 6, 1976: A-4C Skyhawk BuNo 150599 was damaged in an accident and was stricken.
e-Mail sa-contact-losses@a4skyhawk.net if you have any further information re the who, what, where or why.

1977 to 1980: The rest of the Story
Don't know if this information is going anywhere but, just in case, I'd like to tell some of the rest of the story that is missing ...
I am a former "RedTail" Helo pilot from VC-8 and flew from @ 1977 to 1980 before I transferred to HC-1 Det 6 in Japan, VC-8 was my first duty station out of Flight School after completing the HS-1 RAG. Some of the jobs I held were 1st Lt, Airframes/Corrosion Control Branch Officer, Assistant Admin Officer, EEO/HRO/DAPA as well as being a SH-3 Aircraft Commander, Maintenance Test and Instructor/Instrument Instructor Pilot. I was the DV pilot for all visiting dignitaries - for some reason too.

Many of us bachelors, in those days, lived on the hill below the BOQ in the old pre-WWII Army housing/condos or over on "Dental Hill". "Rainbow Hills" housing was fairly new and later the NEX Commissary moved from the Mariposa site near the base gym and theater to the hill/site above "Rainbow Hills".

The Squadron Logo/Patch that is shown on the bottom row, middle one, on this site is the one I designed and submitted for the Command to the CNO for approval, which we got. At the time I was the Squadron's Assistant Admin Officer. Somewhere in my stuff, if it wasn't lost in my many moves, I still have the original drawing that I kept. I also was TAD'd to the Station Public Works Dept, under CDR Poole at that time, as the air station architect to design the Enlisted Club/Disco (in those days) across the road from the barracks in a former bowling alley in my off hours when not flying. I also did the design for classroom additions to the Base Chapel but funding never was available while there and so don't know if it was ever done.

Also, I noticed that the CO's during my tour of duty are missing:

CDR Keith Boatwright ('76-'77),

CDR Chamberland ('77-'78),

CDR Dan Duda ('78-'79)

CDR Scripick (sp?) ('79-'80)

ADM Flannagan was the COMNAVFORCARIBE during much of that time.

In addition the A-4 Skyhawk and P-2V Neptune, we also had and flew the SH-3G in support of the AFWTF (Atlantic Fleet Weapons Testing Facility) Range/Target Retrieval, Flight Testing, SAR, Logistics flights of personnel and equipment to all the islands including St Thomas, St Croix, Culebra, Vieques and ships on the range and flew numerous special Secret/Top Secret classified CNO Ops. We had six SH-3G's.

I also still have several of the Squadron Plaques. Many of the pilots I can still name too.
LCDR Marty Merrick, LCDR Bill O'toole, LT Marty Fox, LT Steve Carey, LT Tom Rose, LT Mark Taylor, LT Bob Herbert, LT Keith Olson, LT Doug Moret, LT John Weis, LT Richard Wiess, LT Dick Graham, LT Larry Graves and so many more.
We also had a female helo pilot - Milady "Bunny" Blaha - yep her real name was Milady and a graduate Texas A & M. Some of the pilots I have seen over the years at other duty stations or on TV during Desert Storm being interviewed but many have disappeared. Doug and John followed me to Japan and the USS Midway and Larry became the #1 Aerospatiale Corporate Pilot. Dick Graham went on to get 2 "Atta Boys" in Approach Mag after safely flying his damaged RF-8 Crusaders back to NAS Whidbey Island, Wa. Richard Weis is still at Whidbey Island, retired, and active with the Navy flying Club I'm told, Two of ours were killed in a helo crash off of St Croix after I left the squadron @ 1980; LT's Wayne Walsman and Dean Price. A total of 13 died in that crash - all friends. I read about it in the Stars and Stripes while on my first cruise with my new squadron while on liberty in Hong Kong. From: Dennis "Phantom" Fandey.

Circa 1990: VC-8 spelled out by the squadron members.

1997: The VC-8 Redtails were assigned the Fleet Adversary mission. The Redtails send adversary detachments to Naval Air Stations to train local units. Some of the bases the Redhawks deploy to: Naval Air Station Oceana, Naval Air Station Key West, Naval Air Station Fallon, and Naval Air Station Pensacola.

JUN 2000: The Redtail Fleet Replacement Detachment Training Facility better known as the Skyhawk Training Facility became fully operational. Training equipment such as wall-sized training panels, as well as other training aids and a flight simulator was brought from VT-7 at Naval Air Station Meridian, Mississippi.

2001: The Redhawk scooters are painted camouflage, mimicking potential adversary aircraft. Three Skyhawks painted desert brown camouflage and the remaining four Skyhawks painted sky blue camouflage. All VC-8 Skyhawks will be painted in the sky blue camouflage.

13 JUL 2002: Change of Command occurred with CDR Thomas McDonough USN taking command of the Redtails. XO is CDR John Cosmos Peter Fristachi USN.

03 MAY 2003: Last USN active duty Skyhawks are retired!
Last A-4 pilots of active duty Skyhawks.
The "Redtails" of Composite Squadron Eight (VC-8) were the last U.S. Navy active duty unit to operate the Skyhawk on a regular basis.
Flying the TA-4J out of Naval Station Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico, equipped with special electronics gear, VC-8 Skyhawks provided utility missions in support of fleet operations, close air support training for Marine, Army, and Special Force units, and operated in an adversary role in support of the Tomcat and Hornet RAGs and fleet unit training.
The VC-8 TA-4Js were retired from active service in May 2003.
The active duty life of the venerable Skyhawk in U.S. Navy fleet service began in late September 1956 and spanned more that 47½ years.

23 AUG 2003: VC-8 Disestablished, and the last active Skyhawks are honored, at NAS Oceana



Unit Photos

Redtails Skyhawk BuNo 144901, GF-33, parked on the ramp. Unknown photographer via W. Mutza.

AUG67: VC-8 Skyhawk BuNo 144932, GF-31, parked on the ramp. Naval Aviation News Photo.

144901.jpg

BuNo. 144901 Lonnie Simmons.

BuNo. 145061. Joe Killough.

BuNo. 150583. Joe Killough.

BuNo. 150591. Joe Killough.

BuNo. 150599. Joe Killough.

JUN 1972: Left side view of VC-8 Redtails A-4C Skyhawk BuNo 150599, GF-35, on the ramp next a sister Skyhawk, NAS Willow Grove. Copyright R.W. Harrison.

BuNo 154342 of VC-8, numbered GF-04.

BuNo 154342 of VC-8, numbered GF-04.

Circa 1976: VC-8 Redtails TA-4J Skyhawk BuNo 154618, GF-31, location unknown. Photographer unknown.

1976: BuNo 152871, GF-33, TA-4J parked on the ramp. Gary Verver Collection.

1976: BuNo 153496, GF-35 on the ramp. Rick Morgan provided photo.

1978: BuNo 153527 assigned to the Marines sits on the ramp.

NOV78: BuNo 154649, GF-31, parked on the line. Gary Verver Collection.

20 APR 1980: VC-8 Redtail Aircraft Types. An EP-2H Neptune leads two TA-4J Skyhawks on April 20, 1980 at an airshow flyby at Puerto Rico. Composite Squadron Eight operated both aircraft types at that time. Photograph from the Harry Gann Collection.

TA-4F, GF-1, BuNo unknown, from Fleet Composite Squadron Eight (VC-8) is towed by an MD-3A tow tractor. Note: Skyhawk at right is TA-4F BuNo 153502, GF-? U.S. Navy Photo from Gary Verver.

Date unknown: BuNo 153502, GF-32, TA-4J parked on the ramp. Gary Verver Collection.

23 SEP 1990: A right side view of a Fleet Composite Squadron 8 (VC-8) TA-4J Skyhawk (BuNo 153498, GF-105) aircraft parked on the Andrews AFB, Maryland flight-line. Photo by PH2 Bruce R. Trombecky.

23 SEP 1990: VC-8 TA-4 parked on the flight line. Offical photo, from Gary Verver.

26 Jun 1975 to 1993: BuNo 152867, VC-8 GF-4, parked on the ramp.  Gary Verver Collection.

1992: BuNo 153486, GF-05, taxi on the ramp. Pic2. Gary Verver Collection.

1994: VC-8 TA-4J Skyhawk Visits Atlanta. TA-4J BuNo. 154312, side number Golf Foxtrot 104 from Naval Air Station Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico, photographed on a rain-soaked Naval Air Station Atlanta transit line on October 2, 1994. The Skyhawk is painted in Tactical Paint Scheme "low-vis" grays. Photograph by Frank J. Mirande.

1994: TA-4J Skyhawk Detail. TA-4J BuNo. 154312, showing redtail hawk design on drop tank detail. Naval Air Station Atlanta, October 2, 1994. Photograph by Frank J. Mirande.

OCT 1997: VC-8 TA-4J BuNo 154649, GF-01, OCT 1997. D. Brown photo, Verver Collection.

30 APR 1998: VC-8 TA-4J BuNo 153486, GF-05, 30 APR 1998 at NAS Oceana. Photo from C. Kaston, Verver Collection.

25MAY94 to 31MAR98: BuNo 153525 TA-4J, GF-02, Pic1, Pic2, Pic3, Pic4, Pic5, Pic6. Gary Verver Collection.

Date unknown: BuNo 154616, 00, parked and tied down on the ramp. Gary Verver Collection.

21 OCT 1999: VC-8 TA-4J BuNo 153485, GF-05, 21 OCT 1999. Name below the canopy is LCDR Mick Mc(something). Photographer unknown from G. Verver collection.

21OCT00: VC-8 TA-4J BuNo 154616, GF-00, 21 OCT 2000. Name below the canopy is CDR "Cold" Steele. Photographer unknown, from Verver Collection.

21OCT00: BuNo 153525, VC-8 GF-02, on the ramp. Name below the canopy is LCDR "Scarface" Fontana.

21OCT00: VC-8 TA-4J BuNo 154342, GF-04, 21 OCT 2000. Name below the canopy looks like LCDR Frankenberger. Photographer unknown, from Verver Collection.

NAS Roosevelt Roads.

TA-4J Redtails in formation. In a composite photograph Composite Squadron Eight flyby in a "V" formation under a squadron patch. Photograph from LTJG Tariq "Turk" Rashid.

TA-4J Redtails in formation. Six Composite Squadron Eight fly over Naval Air Station Roosevelt Roads, in a "V" formation. Photograph from LTJG Tariq "Turk" Rashid.

Unknown VC-8 T-Bird.

JAN01: Douglas TA-4J BuNo. 153526 GF 103 - 2001. Commander Vince Drouillard drives TA-4J BuNo. 153526 GF 103 high over the Caribbean near Puerto Rico late in January 2001. Photograph from LTJG Jared Allen.

2001: Douglas TA-4J BuNo. 154616 - 2001. Douglas TA-4J Skyhawk BuNo. 154616 is the second VC-8 bird to receive a new "baby blue camo" paint job at NADep. Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point. All seven VC-8 aircraft are scheduled for the "baby blue" paint scheme. Photograph from John Tyner.

2001: VC-8's Aircraft "03" waits for it's aircrew in between missions at NAS Oceana in August of 2001. Photo by Ed Rivera 2001.

01APR02: VC-8 Line Photo by John Slezak, Gary Verver Collection.

VC-8 Sunset Photo by John Slezak, Gary Verver Collection.

06MAY02: VC-8 formation on May 06, 2002. Photo by John Slezak, Gary Verver Collection.

06MAY02: VC-8 Skyhawk dumping fuel. Photo by John Slezak, Gary Verver Collection.

VC-8 formation. Photo by John Slezak, Gary Verver Collection.

BuNo.153486 tanking. Photo by John Slezak, Gary Verver Collection.

BuNo.153525 TA-4F #102. Photo by John Slezak, Gary Verver Collection.

BuNo.153526 TA-4F #103 and #102. Photo by John Slezak, Gary Verver Collection.

29AUG02: BuNo.154312 TA-4F #104, August 29, 2002. Photo by John Slezak, Gary Verver Collection.

29AUG02: BuNo.154312 TA-4F #104, August 29, 2002. Photo by John Slezak, Gary Verver Collection.

BuNo.154342 TA-4F #104. Photo by John Slezak, Gary Verver Collection.

BuNo.154342 TA-4F #104. Photo by John Slezak, Gary Verver Collection.

01APR02: BuNo.154649 TA-4F #101 April 01, 2002 with bombload. Photo by John Slezak, Gary Verver Collection.

01APR02: BuNo.154649 TA-4F #101 April 01, 2002 with canopy up. Photo by John Slezak, Gary Verver Collection.

01APR02: BuNo.154649 TA-4F #101 April 01, 2002 ready to taxi. Photo by John Slezak, Gary Verver Collection.

01APR02: BuNo.154649 TA-4F #101 April 01, 2002 with Mk-8x bombs. Photo by John Slezak, Gary Verver Collection.

01APR02: BuNo.154649 TA-4F #101 April 01, 2002 with BQM-74E. Photo by John Slezak, Gary Verver Collection.

13AUG02: BuNo.154649 TA-4F #101 August 13, 2002. Photo by John Slezak, Gary Verver Collection.

BuNo.154649 TA-4F #101. Photo by John Slezak, Gary Verver Collection.

BuNo.154649 TA-4F #101 with FA-18. Right side in-flight view of VC-8 Redtails TA-4F Skyhawk BuNo 154649, GF-101, with a "War Party" drop tank in formation with a F/A-18A Hornet (might be BuNo 164663) AJ-403 assigned to the "War Party" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 87, date unknown. Photo by John Slezak, Gary Verver Collection.

BuNo.154649 TA-4F #101. Photo by John Slezak, Gary Verver Collection.

Date unknown: BuNo.158137 TA-4J #107.  Gary Verver Collection.

05SEP02: BuNo.158137 TA-4J #107. Photo by John Slezak, Gary Verver Collection.

05SEP02: BuNo.158137 TA-4J #107. Left rear in flight view of Redtails Skyhawk BuNo 158137, GF-107, in a blue on blue camouflage scheme. AQM-37 on the center-line.Photo by John Slezak, Gary Verver Collection.

05SEP02: BuNo.158137 TA-4J #107, September 05 2002. Photo by John Slezak, Gary Verver Collection.

05SEP02: BuNo.158137 TA-4J #107. right rear in flight view of Redtails Skyhawk BuNo 158137, GF-107, launching an AQM-37 painted in a blue on blue camouflage scheme. Photo by John Slezak, Gary Verver Collection.

05SEP02: BuNo.158137 TA-4J #107, September 05 2002 with an AQM-37 Launch. Photo by John Slezak, Gary Verver Collection.

NOV02: BuNo 153526, VC-8 #03 on the ramp. Pic2. Gary Verver Collection.

NOV02: BuNo 154342, 04, on the line. Gary Verver Collection.

BuNo.158137 TA-4J #107, shutting down. Photo by John Slezak, Gary Verver Collection.

BuNo.158137 TA-4J #107, slush tanking. Photo by John Slezak, Gary Verver Collection.

BuNo.158137 TA-4J #107, with tanker. Photo by John Slezak, Gary Verver Collection.

TA-4s: above Castillo del Morro in Old San Juan, P.R. Aixa Owens.

LT Pickney returns from his last Skyhawk flight.

VC-8 TA-4J BuNo 158137. A TA-4 Skyhawk from the Redtails of Fleet Composite Squadron Eight (VC-8) taxis to a stop in front of Alaska Airlines’ maintenance facility after a ferry flight from Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico. The aircraft will be de-milled (rendered incapable of flight) and then put on display aboard the U.S.S. Hornet museum at the U.S. Naval Air Station in Alameda, Calif., a few miles away. VC-8, which has been awarded the Battle Efficiency Award and Search-and-Rescue Award this year (2003) is also in the running for the Chief of Naval Operation’s Safety Award. The unit will disestablish by Sept. 30, after more than 40 years of service. U.S. Navy photo by Erick McCarthy. (Apr. 8, 2003) Provided by Gary Verver.
Note: The Skyhawk Association contributed a significant amount of money to assist in the delivery of this A-4 Skyhawk to the U.S.S. Hornet Museum.
VC-8 BuNo 158137 rests in dignity at her final home on the Flight Deck of the U.S.S. Hornet. Her only future travels will be between the Flight Deck and the Hangar Deck of this fine Museum.
This great shot was taken by Erick McGarthy, one of the Hornet Volunteers, and provided to us by Janelle Sahr, another Hornet Volunteer. Janelle is the "Plane Captain" for the Hornet's F8U-1 Crusader.

30 Apr 2003: AN Carrie Bradshaw exchanges salutes with Cmdr. Tom McDonough, Redtails CO, prior to the departure of the last active TA-4 Skyhawk in the U.S. Navy. U.S. Navy by Journalist 3rd Class Landon Mason.

Last of the Skyhawks fly off to museums.
Naval Aviation News on the retirement of VC-8 Scooters.

AUG03: Naval Air Station Oceana, Va. (Aug. 23, 2003) -- Honored guests and participants render honors during the singing of the national anthem at the disestablishment ceremony for Fleet Composite Squadron Eight (VC-8) “Redtails,” the last TA-4J “Skyhawk” squadron. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 2nd Class Anthony M. Koch. (RELEASED)
VC-8 squadron retirement was held at NAS Oceana on Saturday, 23 August 2003.
LT Rob "Woodsy" Woods got to pilot the last active duty USN Skyhawk to the museum at Palm Springs. Photo provided by "Boom" Powell.

Marker for VC-8 that will be placed outside the Officers Club at NAS Oceana. It is made of a windscreen for a TA-4 Skyhawk. Photo provided by "Boom" Powell.

Y2003: One of the last Navy Skyhawks from VC-8 is put to rest at AMARC. VC-8 DOUGLAS TA-4J BuNo. 153526 GF-103.

AND THEN there is this at "Roosie". SAD! Suspect this bird is BuNo 153486, GF-05.

Another image of the abandoned T-Bird thought to be BuNo 153486 at Rosy.

Sat image


Off-Duty Photos

No info yet.

A-4 Skyhawk aircraft assigned to this unit:

  • Douglas A4D-2 (A-4B) Skyhawk
    • 144901 C/N 12147
      • 19 Jul 1965 - VC-8 - NS Roosevelt Roads, PR
      • 26 Jun 1969 - NAS - NAS Glenview, IL
    • 144932 C/N 12178
      • 23 Jul 1965 - VC-8 - NS Roosevelt Roads, PR
      • 14 Aug 1969 - NARTU - NAS Alameda, CA
    • 145035 C/N 12281
      • 03 Dec 1967 - VC-8 - NS Roosevelt Roads, PR
      • 28 Sep 1967 - VA-46 - NAS Cecil Field, FL
    • 145061 C/N 12307
      • 23 Jul 1965 - VC-8 - NS Roosevelt Roads, PR
      • 10 Jun 1969 - NARTU - NAS Alameda, CA
  • Douglas A4D-2N (A-4C) Skyhawk
    • 145132 c/n 12378
      • 07 Jul 1973 - VC-8 - NS Roosevelt Roads, PR
      • 13 May 1975 - MASDC - Davis-Mothan AFB, Tucson, AZ
    • 147783 C/N 12547
      • 12 Aug 1971 - VC-8 - NS Roosevelt Roads, PR
      • 13 Oct 1971 - VC-2 - NAS Oceana, VA
    • 147834 C/N 12598
      • 23 Jul 1971 - VC-8 - NS Roosevelt Roads, PR
      • 13 Dec 1972 - Stricken - 4S
    • 148304 C/N 12614
      • 08 Jun 1969 - VC-8 - NS Roosevelt Roads, PR
      • 22 Jan 1970 - MARTD - NAS New York, NY
    • 148449 C/N 12642
      • 03 Aug 1971 - VC-8 - NS Roosevelt Roads, PR
      • 29 Jan 1976 - MASDC - Davis-Mothan AFB, Tucson, AZ
    • 148603 C/N 12796
      • 29 Jan 1975 - VC-8 - NS Roosevelt Roads, PR
      • 02 Jul 1976 - MASDC - Davis-Mothan AFB, Tucson, AZ
    • 149489 c/n 12814
      • 26 May 1969 - VC-8 - NS Roosevelt Roads, PR
      • 10 Jul 1970 - MARTD - NAS Glenview, IL
    • 149544 c/n 12869
      • 26 May 1969 - VC-8 - NS Roosevelt Roads, PR
      • 14 Mar 1970 - NAS - NAS Los Alamitos, CA
    • 149558 c/n 12883
      • 15 Feb 1972 - VC-8 - NS Roosevelt Roads, PR
      • 26 Aug 1975 - Stricken - 3SO
    • 149586 c/n 12911
      • 30 Jan 1971 - VC-8 - NS Roosevelt Roads, PR
      • 23 May 1974 - Stricken - 1S0
    • 150583 c/n 12994
      • 07 Apr 1970 - VC-8 - NS Roosevelt Roads, PR
      • 14 Feb 1974 - Stricken - 1S0
    • 150591 c/n 13002
      • 06 Dec 1969 - VC-8 - NS Roosevelt Roads, PR
      • 02 Jul 1976 - MASDC - Davis-Mothan AFB, Tucson, AZ
    • 150599 c/n 13010
      • 11 Mar 1970 - VC-8 - NS Roosevelt Roads, PR
      • 06 Feb 1976 - Stricken - 1SO
  • Douglas TA4-F Skyhawk
    • 152852 C/N 13498
      • 02 Mar 1973 - VAQ-33 - Convert to EA-4F
      • 11 Mar 1988 - VC-8 - NS Roosevelt Roads, PR
      • Stricken - After 30 Sep 1990 and before 31 Dec 1990
    • 152867 C/N 13513
      • 04 Mar 1971 - VA-45 - Convert to TA-4J
      • 26 Jun 1975 - VC-8 - NS Roosevelt Roads, PR
      • Stricken - After 31 Dec 1993 and before 31 Mar 1994
  • Douglas TA-4F Skyhawk (Continued)
    • 152871 C/N 13517
      • 22 Jun 1971 - VA-43 - Convert to TA-4J
      • 20 Sep 1975 - VC-8 - NS Roosevelt Roads, PR
      • 01 Jul 1993 - NASC FSO, MASDC - Davis-Mothan AFB, Tucson, AZ
    • 153486 c/n 13552
      • 29 Feb 1972 - VMT-203 - Convert to TA-4J
      • 03 Aug 1994 - VC-8 - NS Roosevelt Roads, PR
      • 31 Mar 1998 - VC-8 - NS Roosevelt Roads, PR (Last)
      • No further records available from US Navy
    • 153496 c/n 13562
      • 13 Apr 1973 - VMAT-203 - Convert to TA-4J
      • 27 May 1976 - VC-8 - NS Roosevelt Roads, PR
      • 21 Jan 1981 - VF-171 Det Key West - NAS Key West, FL
      • 11 Jun 1981 - VC-8 - NS Roosevelt Roads, PR
      • Stricken - After 31 mar 1994 and before 30 Jun 1994
    • 153502 c/n 13568
      • 14 Mar 1972 - VA-45 - Convert to TA-4J
      • 01 Dec 1976 - VC-8 - NS Roosevelt Roads, PR
      • Stricken - After 31 Dec 1993 and before 31 mar 1994
    • 153525 c/n 13591
      • 09 Mar 1972 - VMT-203 - Convert to TA-4J
      • 25 May 1994 - VC-8 - NS Roosevelt Roads, PR
      • 31 Mar 1998 VC-8 - NS Roosevelt Roads, PR (Last)
      • No further records available from US Navy
    • 153526 c/n 13592
      • 23 Aug 1972 - VMAT-203 - Convert to TA-4J
      • 28 Jun 1993 - VC-8 - NS Roosevelt Roads, PR
      • 31 Mar 1998 VC-8 - NS Roosevelt Roads, PR (Last)
      • No further records available from US Navy
    • 154312 c/n 13700
      • 01 Dec 1972 - VMAT-203 - Convert to TA-4J
      • 26 May 1994 - VC-8 - NAS Meridian, MS
      • 20 Jun 1997 - MASDC - Davis-Mothan AFB, Tucson, AZ
    • 154616 c/n 13734
      • 13 Jan 1971 - VMT-203 - Convert to TA-4J
      • 24 Sep 1976 - VC-8 - NS Roosevelt Roads, PR
      • 31 Mar 1998 - VC-8 - NS Roosevelt Roads, PR (Last)
      • No further records available from US Navy
    • 154618 c/n 13736
      • 01 Oct 1970 - VA-45 - Convert to TA-4J
      • 26 Jun 1975 - VC-8 - NS Roosevelt Roads, PR
      • 16 Dec 1976 - MASDC - Davis-Mothan AFB, Tucson, AZ
    • 154649 c/n 13767
      • 22 Oct 1970 - VT-22 - Convert to TA-4J
      • 26 Jun 1975 - VC-8 - NS Roosevelt Roads, PR
      • 31 Mar 1998 - VC-8 - NS Roosevelt Roads, PR (Last)
      • No further records available from US Navy

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