Tailhook Daily Briefing

Attention All Sundowners Past and Present!

            

From: COMMANDING OFFICER, FIGHTER SQUADRON COMPOSITE ONE ELEVEN

SUNDOWNERS

June 12, 2008

Dear Sundowner Aircrew Alumni,

It’s with great excitement that I announce the Sun Downer Reunion 2008, in conjunction with Hook ’08 in Reno, Nevada.

Date: Thursday, September 4, 2008

Time: 19:00 till Bingo!

Place: The Nugget Hotel and Casino, Reno, Nevada

Since the re-establishment of the greatest Navy Fighter Squadron, we have been looking for the perfect opportunity to host a reunion. Tailhook will afford us the opportunity to re-connect with our Sundowner squadron mates, as well as other friends in carrier aviation over a fantastic weekend in Reno.

I encourage you to register soon for Tailhook, and RSVP for our own reunion. We need to get a rough head count (including spouses attending), so we can arrange for appropriate size reunion accommodations with the Nugget. I have appointed two officers from our current ready room to coordinate the reunion. Their names and contact info are listed below. Please utilize the Hook ’08 information to arrange your personal accommodations.

• Sun Downer Reunion Coordinators:
• - CDR Eric “Kemo” Percival  F5driver@yahoo.com
• - LT Jason “Lickma” Boles Jason.r.boles@navy.mil

Hook ’08 Registration: www.tailhook.org

I look forward to meeting you in Reno!

Very Respectfully,

Rudy

CDR Rob “Rudy” McGregor

CO, VFC-111 Sun Downers

 

We look forward to seeing you all in Reno!

Nice "Sierra Hotels"!

San Diego Tailhookers... Reserve May 22 on the Docket

From Spike...

Greeting to all San Diego ‘Hookers:

We would like to invite you to our special May Happy Hour event at the San Diego Air and Space Museum on May 22, 2008 from 5:00 to 8:00 PM. The invitation is attached. This is a joint venture by The Distinguished Flying Cross Society, the Tailhook Association and the San Diego Air and Space Museum to initiate a new exhibit at the museum. It will honor genuine American Aviation heroes with the centerpiece being the magnificent painting “Distinguished Flying Cross” by the great American Master Artist, Ruth Mayer. The final exhibit will be interactive, emphasizing the historical aspect of unsung aviation heroes as well as famous recipients of the DFC.

 

This event is “no cost” to the Tailhook membership. The hors d’oeuvres, wine, beer and beverages are being sponsored by Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon and the DFC Society. I think this will be a great function as the organizations supporting the event so far are the Tailhook Association, the Order of Daedalians, the Association of Naval Aviation, the Red River Valley Fighter Pilots Association, Air Force Association, Marine Corps Aviation Association, Naval Helicopter Historical Society, the Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum, the Midway Museum, the San Diego Veterans Museum and Memorial Center as well as the DFC Society and the San Diego Air and Space Museum. We are also trying to get significant active duty participation and one of the DFC recipients in the painting, Maj Espinoza USMC, is back from his fourth tour in Iraq and will present the DFC Society with a US flag that was flown in Iraq.

I feel that the exhibit will give us “air warriors” and their friends a great opportunity to attract some publicity and will educate the youth of America on a unique slice of history. Please feel free to copy this and pass it to friends who might be interested in the event.

I would ask that those planning to attend please register online at www.sandiegoairandspace.org or via e-mail to csweeney2@san.rr.com so that we can have an estimate of the number coming. Thanks and I look forward to seeing you there!

All the best, Spike

"We're Not Breeding Any New Intruders!"

These words were spoken numerous times throughout this year's Intruder Reunion!  And... We're not! 

I had the honor this past weekend in San Diego to meet hundreds of gathered Intruder Pilots, BNs, Tech Reps, their families and friends. I listened to their stories accurate as a Cracker Jack Prized Watch, laughed at their jokes, smiled with them as their joy overflowed at the first sight of long ago friends and comrades not heard from in 30 years, and I cried with them too as they raised their glass to missed friends left long ago... eternally young.

The compassion in the rooms was tangible, hugs and vice grip handshakes abounded.  These men are INTRUDERS and always will be.  And there is something to be said and yes even possibly envied for being able to claim that moniker.  At least one sure felt that in their company.

These men flew and fought in a truly unique aircraft.  Beauty is said to be in the eye of the beholder... or in this case the crew of an Intruder!  The A-6 in its many variants with the exception of a few bumps here, and a few radio fins there, and a giant chin pimple called a TRAM, the overall airframe remained throughout its historic career much as it was when she first rolled off the Grumman Iron Works assembly line in 1960... she was a flying DRUMSTICK!

But despite having looks only a mother could love, the A-6 piloted by heroic crews, earned a reputation, even legacy, no other aircraft can match.  And I do mean Crews... the Intruder is a 2 man aircraft, Pilot and Bombardier Navigator  (BN) and it takes these two to make this aircraft the formidable weapon she became known as.

Featured Speaker, and A-6 transplant (from Vigilantes of all planes!), Admiral Fox Fallon, alluded to the uniqueness of this great airplane in that the crew sat side by side instead of the more common tandem arrangements familiar to most in NAVAIR since WWII.  This seating allowed for unique communication between Pilot and BN, one could recognize trouble or confidence in a simple look exchanged between crewmates.   Navigation advice could easily be exchanged without the need for the later "Banana on a Broomstick" method employed NFO's in F-4's and F-14's.  Also, the Intruder's mission often required single aircraft going in a night, low level, without the benefit of today's modern conveniences of NVG's or FLIR's... without their crewmate they would indeed be "Alone."  This is also why a number of Intruder crews would be lost without benefit of a clear accounting for the causes or knowledge of their final resting.

It was these unique men, that openly shared their stories of, "Aw Gee, we were just doin' our job... that black night... on one engine... inverted... with the RADAR crapped out... in the mire... and both generators sounding like coffee grinders, when we dropped all 18 slicks in the smoke stack of that there COMMIE power generator!"  "Shur was a fun firework show that night!"... "Then Sheeeaught, we had to return to the damn dutch rollin' boat... by the way, Paddles is STILL A LYIN' SUMBITCH! I was not high! The hook skipped!"

As I mentioned there were not only crewmates here, there were also the wives and other family members of these fine men here as well.  And believe me the stories to be heard from these women were equally awe inspiring, albeit from a different perspective.  The trials and tribulations these women had to endure being Officer's Wives, CO's Wives, Mom's to their own kids as well as in many cases a Mom to the Newlywed JO's wives in a world that would be foreign enough had it simply been Naval Aviation... without the war, demonstrated a different breed of heroics, but recognizable none the less.  There were many tears at seeing the wives not seen in these many years as well... but most of our tears were shared for one cherished wife especially... Tonya Clark.

February 18, 2004

Lieutenant Alan Clark was in the last Navy plane shot down in Vietnam; remains identified January 2004 and he was buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

He was the love of her life. Her husband. Her soulmate. Her everything.

"I just didn't want him to go," says Tonya Clark.

Alan Clark went. He went to Vietnam. And before it was all over, the A-6 Navigator based out of Whidbey Island Naval Air Station, would make history.

His shipmate from the USS Midway would write about him in his book: "I felt the tears pouring down my cheeks," Jim Horsley says.

Alan's wife would be haunted by the question: What if? What if the war had ended just two weeks earlier?

January 10, 1973. Lieutenant Alan Clark's plane was shot down. It was the last Navy plane shot down in the war. Pilot Jim Horsley searched for the two Navy flyers.

"With my oxygen mask on, I'm sobbing tears," says Horsley.

They found nothing. Two weeks later, the Vietnam War ended. Troops started coming home.

"I remember when the guys came back. It was so hard seeing them flying in and they had the missing man formation and that was just so difficult," says Tonya.

For the next 31 years, Navigator Alan Clark and his pilot remained missing.

"When you go to war it's a hard thing," says Clark. A hard thing leaving your wife -- your pregnant wife -- to go to war.

Tad Clark was just two months and 10 days old when his father was killed in Vietnam.

"He never got to hold him and see him!" Tonya said.

Tad never met his father, but he would do something that would have made him proud. He followed in his footsteps. Tad Clark is an Air Force Pilot and Thunderbird!

"He just wanted to be a fighter pilot all of his life," says Tonya Clark.

... Tonya always had faith that one day, the military would find Alan.

And they have. Alan Clark's remains were finally found and identified through DNA. In 2004, his shipmates and family helped bury Navy Lieutenant Alan Clark, the recipient of the Purple Heart, at Arlington National Cemetery.

"You just can't help by feel grateful and say 'Oh God this is so amazing' It is amazing," says Tonya Clark.

Tonya's soulmate; her best friend; her everything, is home.

Tonya was as beautiful as ever, and we were all thrilled to see her there!

The Intruder is long gone, now relegated to a museum piece or a gate guard, or a reef in a nearby ocean.  But these crews are still with us, to share with us their knowledge, their humor, their warmth, their love of flying, their love for their fellow man... But we're not breeding any more of them.  So I highly recommend getting to know these men while you can, the tales are great, and 100% truthful. ;-)   Below are but a sampling of the images of this reunion. 

YHS had the opportunity to intrude on VA-115's special moments (nepotism will do that, right Hoagy?) thus many of the photos are of the men and wives of the ARABS of 1972-73.  But if you have good digital images of friends at the Intruder reunion, please send them to me, I am compiling and creating a public image gallery of as many as I can gather.  I will post all there for free download for all!  Captions and info about the subjects of the images are very welcomed.

 

 

Ready Room 5 Dedication, complete with ship's bell calling to order, and Red Bull Air Races off the port side competing for our attention!

VA-115 Circa '72-'73

And finally Tonya Clark!  Our Hero!

UPDATE:  Thanks to folks like, Larry Yarham and Paul Barrish we are beginning to add to our collection of Reunion Photos!  And rather than posting them all here I have created a repository Gallery of all of the submitted photos for your viewing pleasure!  Click the hyperlink below and visit the gallery...

Intruder Association 2008 Reunion 

Please feel free to add your comments for clarification of individuals in the images, I will work to update the captions accordingly.  Also once in the gallery simply click on the larger image to see a variety of size options available for free downloads and if you are not computer savvy you can also order prints direct from the site!

Here's a few for a taste...

PLEASE! If you have other photos of the Intruder Reunion, please send them to me at carmichaelj@comcast.net I will gladly write an addendum to this article and include them in the planned gallery which I will identify here once I have it established.

Thank you Intruders!  It was a blast!

Editor, John Carmichael

Intruders Coming to San Diego! This Weekend!

The 2008 National Navy/Marine Intruder Reunion is being held from 01-04 May in San Diego, CA.

A special and exciting reunion program has been planned. Feature events include the Intruder Ready Room Dedication on board the USS Midway, a day at MCAS Miramar that includes a golf outing, the dedication of the recently restored A-6 at the Flying Leatherneck Museum and a Happy Hour at the World Famous Miramar O'Club.  An elegant San Diego cocktail cruise will end the day for those desiring to participate.

A hotel "Ready Room" with a panoramic view of Mission Valley will be open to all during the entire event so that folks can gather and meet old friends.  The hotel also has poolside rooms perfect for individual squadrons/groups to rent for their own reunion ready room.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:

Thursday, 01 May
Hotel check-in and reunion registration.  Welcome reception at the Town and Country poolside with heavy hors d'ourves and no-host bar. The hotel ready room will be open for late-night drinks and conversation. 

Friday, 02 May
Hotel check-in and reunion registration.  Golf at MCAS Miramar Golf Course followed by the dedication of a Marine A-6 at the Flying Leatherneck Museum, Miramar. Invited guest speaker is Major General USMC (ret), A-6 pilot and Astronaut Charles Bolden.  Following the dedication, the Miramar O'Club will host a Happy Hour with heavy hors d'oerves.  A San Diego Harbor cruise with heavy hors d'oerves and a no-host bar is also available that evening.  The hotel ready room will be open for late-night drinks and conversation.

Saturday, 03 May
Intruder Association membership meeting in the morning followed by the dedication of the World Class Intruder Ready Room on the USS Midway, San Diego Aircraft Carrier Museum.  All attendees will have a 3-day pass to the USS Midway allowing ample opportunities and time to tour all the superb displays and areas of the Midway.  The coat & tie Reunion Banquet will be in the Convention Center of the Town & Country and will feature a no-host cocktail hour to renew old friendships, an excellent dinner and a featured guest speaker. The hotel ready room will be open for late-night drinks and conversation.

Sunday, 04 May
Early Bird breakfast of coffee and pastries in the hotel "ready room" for those catching early flights.  A reunion send-off buffet breakfast at a hotel restaurant starts at 0800 for those who are not as rushed.

The hotel "Ready Room" with a panoramic view of Mission Valley will be open to all during the entire event so that folks can gather and meet old friends.

For More Information Visit the INTRUDER ASSOCIATION

Editors Note:  I will be in attendance at many of the Intruder Events and look forward to meeting all of you.  If you see me standing around, please feel free to introduce yourself, you will always have a willing listener of ALL of the ENTIRELY TRUTHFUL stories I am sure to hear!

- John Carmichael, Editor, Tailhook Daily Briefing

The Good that Tailhook Delivers

An amazing example of how Tailhookers can help benefit our community is perfectly illustrated by the Colorado Mile High Tailhookers, Grand Junction Ready Room headed up by Kathy 'The Boss' and Hans 'Big Guns' Schmoldt.   

Tailhook is about elevating the public knowledge of tactical Naval Aviation, its current development and bringing its storied past to life, through events, articles and photos. But we are also about finding ways to benefit our communities in any way we can.

In the Grand Junction Community there is a young 14 yr. old man, Jordan Jones, bravely facing the daunting disease of Testicular Cancer.  The community had a fundraiser for Jordan and Tailhook wanted to help.  Word went out and the Tailhookers came.  Not only from the local community, but word reached the Cowboys of VMFA-112 who had a cross country planned and thought why not take the opportunity to stop in. As well, some from VX-30 made the stop too.

One of young Jordan's passions is airplanes (who could fault him for such a love?) and one of the best remote FBO's in the Nation is GJT's (Walker Field Grand Junction) West Star Aviation headed up by Doug Thompson (pictured left).  Doug is legendary in these parts for not only providing JP for thirsty birds, but for his "Old World" down to earth hospitality, and genuine love for Naval Aviation.  Not to mention, Doug KNOWS where the best fly fishing is in Colorado!

Doug and the Cowboys thought it would be a great treat to get Jordan to the field and see some of the Hardware up close.  So they did just that, after flying in they made sure Jordan got to see as much of their steeds as he wanted.  Jordan was thrilled not to mention Jordan's parents Kim and Jeff Jones.

Afterward, the pilots attended the fundraiser in his honor on Friday the 29th in which 200 to 400 people came. Approximately 20 NASGJT Colorado Mile High Tailhookers attended a welcome reception for the pilots who stopped over in GJ on their way across country.

We in the Tailhook community may not be able to cure that dreadful disease, but we can certainly provide a bit of a thrill to help Jordan know that we do care. 

More to come...

Blue Angels 2008 Schedule

The Blue Angels Flight Demonstration Squadron has released their upcoming 2008 performance schedule.  

Looks like some good old regular stops return to the schedule for this season; MCAS Miramar for one, and it looks like the Colorado Tailhookers (of which yhs is a member) will get the opportunity to view the Blues at Grand Junction, which if you haven't been there is a great venue to watch the Blues!

To some, probably one of the biggest surprises is the return of the Blue Angels to San Francisco (Oct. 11-12), where every year the opposition to the annual performance gains a louder and louder voice.  However, by most factual accounting that voice is of an extremely vocal minority.

So find a show nearest you and bring the friends and family! 

Here's the show schedule:

MARCH

08          NAF El Centro, California
15 - 16   Sacramento, California
29 - 30   NAS Meridian, Mississippi

APRIL

05 - 06   NAS Kingsville, Texas
12 - 13   Smyrna, Tennessee
19 - 20   Peoria, Illinois
26 - 27   Vidalia, Georgia

MAY

10 - 11   Barksdale AFB, Bossier City, Louisiana
16 - 18   Andrews AFB, Maryland
21          USNA, Annapolis, Maryland
23          USNA Fly-By, Annapolis, Maryland
24-25     Jones Beach, New York

JUNE

07 - 08   MCAS Cherry Point, North Carolina
14 - 15   Quebec City
21 - 22   Davenport, Iowa
28 - 29   Huntsville, Alabama

JULY

05 - 06   Traverse City, Michigan
12          Pensacola Beach, Florida
19 - 20   Duluth, Minnesota
26 - 27   Twin Falls, Idaho

AUGUST

02 - 03   Seattle, Washington
08 - 10   Fairchild AFB, Spokane, Washington
16 - 17   Chicago, Illinois
30          Cleveland, Ohio

SEPTEMBER

01          Cleveland, Ohio
06 - 07   NAS Brunswick, Maine
13 - 14   Eau Claire, Wisconsin
20 - 21   NAS Oceana, Virginia
27 - 28   Grand Junction, Colorado

OCTOBER

04 - 05   MCAS Miramar, San Diego, California
11 - 12   San Francisco, California
18 - 19   Little Rock, AFB, Arkansas
25 - 26   NAS Jacksonville, Florida

NOVEMBER

01 - 02   Lackland AFB, San Antonio, Texas
08 - 09   Kennedy Space Center, Florida
15          NAS Pensacola, Florida

Schedule is subject to change without notice and is
weather permitting, for everyone's safety.

 

I'll Be Home for Christmas... You Can Count on "E"...

Growing up as a Navy Brat, there were many Christmases spent wishing dad could be home with us and not in: the Tonkin Gulf, the Sea of Japan, The IO, the Persian Gulf or... insert other favorite "garden spot" here....  Well, this holiday season the sons and daughters, wives and husbands, friends and family of the crew of the USS Enterprise (CVN-65) do not have to make that wish...  Pics are worth the words...

MERRY CHISTMAS and HAPPY HOLIDAYS to the crew and family of the "BIG E"... And thank you for your dedicated service!

Above Photo Credit : (L) Seaman Joshua Adam Nuzzo ;             (R) Specialist 2nd Class Milosz Reterski.

(Above) The daughters of Cmdr. Steve Brackett, assigned to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1, await their Dad's return to Naval Air Station (NAS) Oceana. CVW-1 returned to NAS Oceana following a scheduled deployment aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65) in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Devin K. Brown.

Cmdr. George Wikoff, executive officer, Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 211, greets his son at Naval Air Station Oceana following a scheduled five-month deployment aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65). U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jennifer L. Jaqua.

Lt. Cmdr. Kevin Downey, a Naval flight officer attached to Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 123, holds his daughter after returning home to Chambers Field on board Naval Station Norfolk. VAW-123 was deployed with the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65) in support of maritime security operations in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Tyler Jones

Following his return from deployment, Cmdr. Klaus Ohman presents his 5-year-old daughter with a teddy bear as his wife watches. Ohman is the executive officer of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 136, which returned to Naval Air Station Oceana following a scheduled five-month deployment, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65). U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Edward I. Fagg

And Finally... My Favorite...

The 5-year-old son of Lt. Cmdr. Ian Burgoon, assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 211, looks for his Dad on the flightline at Naval Air Station (NAS) Oceana, following the officer's return from deployment. VFA-211 returned to NAS Oceana following a scheduled five-month deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65). U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Devin K. Brown.

Welcome Home!...

"Santa Ball Ho Ho Ho"

`Twas the night before Christmas out here where I am.
Not a creature was stirring, not even Saddam.
The stockings were hung in the ready room with care,
in hopes that care packages soon would be there.

 

The J.O.'s were snuggled in their racks nice and tight,
Wishing to sleep until noon with all their might.
I closed my eyes & settled down in my rack
we had just completed our most recent night trap.

 

  When out on the roof we heard such a clatter
that we clambered on deck to see what was the matter.
Away to the knee-knocker we flew like a flash,
I tripped on my flip-flops and opened quite a gash.

 

The moon was as big as my now swollen knee
And we squinted against it's glare upon the sea
When, what at 3/4s of a mile should appear,
But a miniature sleigh and eight tiny reindeer.

 

The driver called the ball "Santa Ball Ho Ho Ho"
We watched and we waited as he got a too little low.
We knew in a moment that it must be St. Nick
Because none of us could fix a low ball that quick.

 

He planted it nicely on the three wire with care
And glanced at the LSO's as if with a dare.
With a twinkle in his eye he received his debrief
When he heard the words "No Grade" he stood in disbelief.

 

"You don't need to be Santa Clause, for I am he,
But don't wait too long for something under your tree.
After a pass like that on the eve of Christmas Day
You'd think that even Santa might get an OK!"

 

He threw his gift sack on his back, in a huff
Saying "I can't believe the Navy puts up with this stuff."
He mellowed a bit as he got down below
And started to chuckle, there was even a glow.

 

From ready room to ready room he went lickity split.
Filling our stockings and chatting a bit.
Telling us of our families and friends far apart
How they were keeping us in prayers and close to their hearts.

As his sack began to empty, his work here all done,
He bounded to the roof and to Catapult one.
He rogered the weight board and readied his sleigh,
With a push of the button he'd soon be on his way.

"Now, DASHER! now, DANCER! now, PRANCER and VIXEN!
On, COMET! on CUPID! on, DONDER and BLITZEN!
Pay attention to what you're doing, this is no time to forget,
If things don't go perfect, we ALL end up wet!

 

A salute to the Officer, who then touched the deck.
We watched Santa's head nearly snap off his neck.
But we heard him exclaim as he rose out of sight
"I AM GLAD I DON'T HAVE TO DO THIS EVERY NIGHT."

 

We thought we had seen the last of the old guy
Until the Boss said "Clear him for one more fly by."
He came from bow to stern, an impressive sight
Yelling "MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL AND TO ALL A GOOD NIGHT."

Many of the above photos courtesy of CAPT Dana "Smudge" Potts...

NAVY BEATS NOTRE DAME!

Congrats Middies!!!!  Nice to get that 43 year old monkey off you back!

From NBC Sports:

"Navy finally beat Notre Dame 46-44 in triple overtime on Saturday, ending the Fighting Irish's NCAA-record winning streak against the Midshipmen at 43 games...

Seven times during the streak the Midshipmen had chances to win in the fourth quarter only to be thwarted by bad luck, questionable calls or big plays by the Irish. A few times Saturday it looked as though the win would elude them again. But this time it was the Midshipmen who managed to make the decisive plays..." [more]

Mr. Daly... Can you keep it down! I'm Trying to Hear the Blue Angles!

Victory for the Blues!  Sort of... Of course this means they'll have to perform in San Francisco!

 

Photo Courtesy U.S. Navy photo by Journalist Seaman S. C. Irwin

From the San Francisco Chronicle: Dateline Sept. 12, 2007

Blue Angels Ban Fails Again

Another attempt by San Francisco Supervisor Chris Daly to permanently ban the Blue Angels from flying over the city was blocked Tuesday night.

Daly previously introduced a non-binding resolution calling on the Port of San Francisco to end the annual air show, but a board legislative committee refused to send it on to the supervisors chambers for a vote..

His reasons for not wanting the Blues in San Francisco...

...Daly also has raised concern over the noise created by the roaring jets, stating that the jets "terrorize small children, seniors, pets, local wildlife" and war veterans who may suffer from post traumatic stress disorder.

"TERRORIZES"!!!  The Noise created... Terrorizes!!!!!  Well hell!  How about for those of us for whom the SOUND of 12 GE F-404-400 in FULL BLOWER is one of the most comforting sounds in the world!  It is usually quite discomforting to the ENEMY! ... Hey wait!... Maybe I'm on to something here!

Jus' say'n!