Tailhook Daily Briefing

The Spad that Started it All!

Historic Navy Spad

Douglas Skyraider A-1H BuNo 135332

Introduction: This is the story of the service-life highlight and preservation afterlife of a Douglas Skyraider that performed honorably in the service of the U.S. Navy, the U.S. Air Force, and the Vietnamese Air Force. A-1H, Bureau Number 135332, was accepted by the Navy at Douglas’ El Segundo plant on 12 August 1954. The highlight of BuNo 135332’s service was its historic action in Attack Squadron 145 (VA-145) as lead aircraft on USS CONSTELLATION’S (CVA-64) Operation Pierce Arrow strike on North Vietnamese PT boats at Lac Chao on 5 August 1964 in retaliation for the Gulf of Tonkin Incident. Thus, BuNo 135332 was a historically significant participant in initiating the U.S. air war against North Vietnam.

Through the efforts of Charles M. Tallichet, Jr. and other former Air Force personnel, this plane was rescued from storage at RTAF Takli in 1978 and presented, in flying condition, to the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum (NASM) in 1983. Twenty-five-years later, she still resides at their Garber Facility in Suitland, Maryland awaiting refurbishment.

The Gulf of Tonkin Incident

Early August 1964. Commander Task Group 77.5, embarked aboard USS Ticonderoga (CVA-14) in the eastern South China Sea, had missions of providing air support for South Vietnamese and U.S. operations in-country as well as military backup, well over the horizon, for destroyer(s) conducting DeSoto ‘Freedom-of-the-Seas’ and SIGINT Collection Operations along the Southeast Asian littoral. One or two DeSoto ships would generally steam along in daylight hours, parallel to the coastline at about the 12-mile territorial-waters line then claimed by most communist countries; head out to sea at nightfall; and come back to the 12-mile-offshore patrol in the morning.

North Vietnamese Reactions: The North Vietnamese were sensitized to naval incursions near their waters because nasty PTFs operated by the South Vietnamese under OpPlan 34A, a very sensitive, closely held operation at that time, attacked shore installations along the North Vietnamese coast on the evening of 31 July and again toward midnight 3 August. Although none of this appeared to be coordinated tactically on the U.S. Navy side, it appeared to the North Vietnamese that the DeSoto Patrol, currently USS Maddox (DD-731), was a participant in coordinated naval provocations; thus they sent out motor torpedo boats to attack Maddox mid-afternoon on 2 August. The ship called  Ticonderoga for support and a flight of VF-51 and VF-53 F-8U Crusaders, already airborne and led by Commander Jim Stockdale was diverted to assist. Along with Maddox gunners, the Crusaders used Zuni rockets and 20-mm cannon to leave one PT boat burning dead in the water with damage to two others. USS Turner Joy (DD-951), who had been providing services for the carrier group two hundred miles to the south, was immediately sent to join Maddox on the now more hazardous DeSoto Patrol.

Two days later, the evening of 4 August, both Ticonderoga and Constellation received urgent requests for help from Turner Joy who believed PT boats were attacking the DeSoto Patrol ships again. This PT attack was later proven imaginary but seemed real to some on-scene at the time. These action(s) became known as the Gulf of Tonkin Incident. President Johnson’s order to strike targets on the North Vietnamese mainland in retaliation, Operation Pierce Arrow, on 5 August enlarged the battle from the sea, where we had been providing South Vietnam in-country air support, onto the territory of North Vietnam.

Pilot Recollections: Ten of the known surviving VA-145 pilots contributed to these descriptions of preparations and flight actions on 4/5 August 1964. Their views from Ready Room 4 and A-1 cockpits are preserved as much as possible in the text of the action beginning in the next paragraph.

BuNo 135332 in Hong Kong: While the 2 August Gulf of Tonkin Incident was taking place, A-1H Douglas Skyraider NK507, BuNo 135332 was safely tied down aboard Constellation anchored by Green Island, Crown Colony of Hong Kong. The evening of 2 August saw many VA-145 pilots enjoying themselves at the Eagle’s Nest Bar at the top of the HK Hilton. About 2100, someone came to the party and informed the group that all leave and liberty were canceled and all hands were to report to the ship. Fortunately, liberty was granted the next day to allow the crew to collect their purchases from the Hong Kong tailors and the China Fleet Club.

 Constellation Underway: The ship got underway about 0800 on 4 August and headed for the Gulf of Tonkin. That evening, just after the movie in Wardroom One started, the three attack-squadron Operations Officers were tapped on the shoulder one-by-one and told to report to Strike Planning. Shortly after that, all the other attack pilots were pulled out of the movie to report to their ready rooms. In response to USS Turner Joy’s call for help, pilots were briefed on their new mission to fly cover for the destroyers for the night. Meantime, Flight Quarters was called away and the A-1s were loaded with four 260-lb. fragmentation bombs on the wings and a flare pod on the centerline. John Westerman had ‘the mother of all colds’ thus was Squadron Duty Officer on 4 August.

Destroyer Support Flights: Hal Griffith, squadron X.O., led a typical four-plane DD-support flight with Jim Crummer, wingman; Sam Catterlin, section leader;  and Tom Durant, his wingman. This flight launched around midnight and  

arrived in the Gulf of Tonkin above a low overcast only to be told by the destroyers ‘don’t come down here, we’re not sure what’s going on.’ Eventually the flight dumped their ordnance and headed home, logging 4.4 hours night time with 4.2 actual instruments. This flight was typical and at least one flight got beneath scattered clouds as the weather gradually improved toward morning but no pilots reported seeing any torpedo boats on these flights which continued through the night into mid-morning hours. The last DD-support flight that night was a section flown by Mel Blixt and Kenn Brooks. This was also Mel’s first flight as VA-145’s new C.O. They launched about 0400, logging an uneventful 5.1 hours, a quarter of it night time, and recovered a little after 0900.

Preparations for Pierce Arrow: Tom Durant, VA-145 Maintenance Officer, asleep after his night flight, was roused shortly before dawn [5 August] by the Maintenance Chief knocking on his stateroom door saying he needed Tom to test hop 135332 at first light. He logged a 1.5-hour test flight in 135332 and certified the aircraft now in UP status. Tom returned to the ready room midday and was greeted by the strike group getting ready to man aircraft. Tom recalled asking Jim Hardie where they were going and the response was, “Up to bomb some boat yard.” Kurt Anderson, the Squadron Duty Officer on 5 August, didn’t get to fly on this auspicious day but assisted preparations in Ready Room 4 for the historic flights.

BuNo 135332 Strikes Lac Chao: The squadron Operations Officer, Sam Catterlin, led a flight of four aircraft ordered to strike the PT boats located in an estuary at Lac Chao. The Air Intelligence Officer [AIO] gave them good aerial photos of the target and they launched about 1300 in partly cloudy weather. Sam led the flight, flying A-1H NK507/BuNo 135332, with wingman Gary Hopps, section leader Jim Hardie, and his wingman Dick Sather. They launched from Constellation with four LAU-3 [19 x 2.75” folding-fin aircraft rockets] pods each, plus full ammunition for their four 20-mm cannons. As soon as they had a little altitude, they could see smoke from the burning fuel depot at Vinh which had been hit two hours earlier by aircraft from Ticonderoga. As Sam’s flight approached the coast near Lac Chao, a thundercloud was between the target and the Spad division. Jim Hardie reported that they circled to the north and, as they cleared the clouds near Lac Chao, they spotted two larger gunboats about a half-mile from the coast and north of Lac Chao. The boats were firing at the flight as they approached. Sam led the flight to attack from northwest to southeast, pulling up out to sea. As they rolled in, the pilots saw three other boats to their north partly hidden by offshore rocks. Those boats were firing at the Spad flight too. The pilots attacked in single file but reported that they remained at fairly close intervals.

One A-1H Damaged, One Downed. On the first attack, Jim Hardie fired one rocket pod on the left boat and, as he pulled up, he felt a big ‘thump’ as if someone had kicked the underside of the aircraft on the port side. His hydraulic gauge fluctuated wildly so he pulled the hydraulic bypass handle. He then noticed fuel streaming by his port drop tank so he jettisoned the tank, fearing fire from tracer rounds. Jim reported his aircraft checked OK except for the hydraulics, so he turned back to attack the targets. Sam, Gary, and Dick were on their last rocket run from northwest to southeast when Jim saw an explosion in the air and the fireball crash into the sea. It was Dick Sather, the first Navy combat loss of the air campaign. Jim fired another LAU-3A pod as Sam and Gary were clearing to sea. Jim then reversed and went back to attack the boats again and saw both smoking and one dead in the water. He fired his two remaining rocket pods on the moving boat and cleared to sea; Sam reported that Jim’s rockets put the second boat out of action. Sam and Gary checked Jim’s aircraft visually and saw only one hole in the area of the port wing root.

Return to Ship: Meanwhile, four A-4’s from VA-144 arrived and put the other three PT boats out of action. The A-4’s left first to return to Constellation and Sam led Gary Hopps and Jim Hardie back to the ship. Jim landed last as he had no flaps or brakes due to his hydraulic system damage. Jim trapped and held in place by tension on the arresting cable while the flight deck crew and plane captain chocked his wheels and put ‘stiff knees’ on his landing gear. It was a long day’s activity; the Skyraider strike pilots each logged 5.5 hours of flight time. Jim commented that had he not made it aboard, he still had fuel to bingo to DaNang with gear and flaps down. Back in Ready Four, Jim was very upset with their squadron AIO, LTJG Jim Farquhar, who, before the mission, said the North Vietnamese gunners’ aim would be poor because of lack of practice.

Strike on Hon Gay: Hal Griffith led a second strike of four A-1s to the northern-most Pierce Arrow target at Hon Gay. Bob Hansen was his wingman with Jim Crummer section leader and Jim Thigpin as his wingman. Because of insufficient time, the ordnance gang was unable to load and fuse the desired ordnance load, thus this strike also went with a less than desirable load of four LAU-3 and full ammo for their 20-mm guns. The Spads launched first and proceeded at low level toward the targets; the A-4 Scooters launched later and were to arrive on station at Hon Gay for a coordinated strike. Unfortunately, the A-4s arrived early and started the attack. Buy the time the Skyraiders arrived the PT boats were underway and maneuvering. Antiaircraft fire was relatively heavy and varied from small automatic weapons to 37 mm, 57 mm, and some 85 mm weapons. The A-1H pilots reported doing the most damage with their 20-mm cannons. All four Spads returned safely after the 5.4-hour flight. A-4 pilot Everett Alverez was shot down and captured on this strike at Hon Gay.

BuNo 135332 Transferred & Stricken: After 3,455 flight hours of loyal service in seven Navy Attack Squadrons and WestPac deployments aboard four Attack Carriers, Douglas Skyraider A-1H BuNo 135332 was transferred to the USAF [MASCD] at Davis-Monthan AFB, Tucson, Arizona on 19 September 1967. She was officially stricken from Navy lists on 14 November 1967.

Above: BuNo 135332 is second one in from the left.

USAF & VNAF Service: For the next five years she served in Air Force units at Hurlburt Field, Florida and in Southeast Asia mostly training Vietnamese Air Force [VNAF] pilots. BuNo 135332 was transferred to the VNAF on 25 August 1972 and operated by them until the demise of the U.S.-backed government in April 1975, whereupon she was evacuated to the Royal Thailand Air Force Base Takli.

Rescued and Given to Smithsonian: On 9 August 1978, a U.S. Air Force letter transferred aircraft ownership from RTAF Takli to “Yesterday’s Air Force” [YAF], a California aircraft preservation group. Three other A-1Hs were also rescued from the RTAF at that time. Mr. David C. Tallichet, YAF & Military Aircraft Restoration Corp., flew 135332/N39148 from Long Beach to Andrews AFB and traded our Spad to the Smithsonian on 2 May 1983 for a C-123K his group wanted more.

Status of BuNo 135332: This Skyraider has been at NASM’s Garber facility for 25 years and still sports the USAF Sandy camouflage she wore during her last years of service. Navy veterans have interacted with NASM over the last four years to advance the cause that the most significant, documented historic action of this aircraft was her 5 August 1964 Pierce Arrow mission with the Navy and to urge her refurbishment and display to the American people accordingly.

Responses have fairly consistently stated that the decision on presentation of the aircraft will not be made until the new restoration building of Phase II at Udvar-Hazy Center near Dulles is completed in 2011 or later and that the decision will consider “all relevant facts related to the rich history of this particular artifact…” Thus, as of mid-2008, we are at an impasse concerning the fate of our historic Navy aircraft, BuNo 135332.

History of BuNo 135332:
Delivered to US. Navy as 135332, Aug. 1954.
– Accepted by BuAer Rep El Segundo under BuAer Contract No. 52960, Aug. 12, 1954.
– Transferred to FasRon 12, NAS Miramar, Aug. 17, 1954
– Transferred to VA-125, NAS Miramar, Oct. 18, 1954.
— Total flight hours 183.
— VA-125 deploys for WestPac cruise aboard USS Hancock (CVA 19), Aug. 31, 1955.
— VA-125 back at NAS Miramar, March 14, 1956.
– Transferred to Overhaul & Repair Facility, NAS Alameda, March 27, 1956
– Transferred to VA-96, NAS Alameda, Aug. 8, 1956
– Transferred to VA-196, NAS Alameda, Feb. 27, 1957
— VA-196 deploys for WestPac cruise aboard USS Bon Homme Richard (CVA 31), June 12, 1957
— VA-196 back at NAS Alameda, Dec. 9, 1957
– Transferred to Storage Facility, NAS Litchfield Park, May 19, 1958
— Total flight hours 1,534.
– Transferred to Overhaul & Repair Facility, NAS Quonset Point, Aug. 16, 1963
– Transferred to VA-145, NAS Alameda, Feb. 16, 1964
— VA-145 deploys for WestPac cruise aboard USS Constellation (CVA 64), May 31, 1964
— Pierce Arrow strikes against North Vietnam; Gulf of Tonkin Incident response. Aug. 5, 1964.
— VA-145 back at NAS Alameda, Feb. 28, 1965
– Transferred to VA-95, NAS Lemoore, May 25, 1965.
– Transferred to VA-122, NAS Lemoore, June 21, 1965.
– Transferred to Naval Aircraft Repair Facility, Quonset Point, Feb. 4, 1966.
– Transferred to NAS Lemoore, May 9, 1966.
— Total flight hours 2,665.
– Transferred to VA-52, NAS Lemoore, May 20, 1966.
– VA-52 deploys for WestPac cruise board USS Ticonderoga (CVA 14), Oct. 15, 1966.
– Transferred to NAS Cubi Point, April 28, 1967.
— Total flight hours 3,455.
– Transferred to MASCD, Davis-Monthan AFB, Tucson, Sept. 19, 1967.
— Total flight hours 3,455
– Stricken from Navy lists, Nov. 14, 1967.
Transferred to US Air Force as 135332, 1967.
– Served in 4410th and 4407th Combat Crew Training Squadrons and
    1st Special Operations Wing at Hurlburt Field, FL
— Used to train Vietnamese Air Force [VNAF] pilots, 1967-1972.
— Deployed to SEASIA.
– Transferred to VNAF as 135332, Aug. 25, 1972.
— Flown to Thailand to avoid capture.
— Transferred by USAF letter from RTAF, Takli, to “Yesterday's Air Force".
    Mr. David C. Tallichet [YAF] also rescued three other A1-Hs from the RTAF, Aug. 9, 1978.
Yesterdays Air Force, Chino, CA, 1978-1983.
– Registration N32612 reserved but not taken up.
– Stored in original military configuration, Long Beach, CA, Jan. 1980-1983.
Military Aircraft Restoration Corp, Chino, CA, 1983-1992.
– Registered as N39148.
– Ferried by David C. Tallichet from Long Beach to Andrews AFB, April 30 to May 2, 1983.
National Air & Space Museum, Washington D.C., 1983-2008
– Traded to NASM for C-123K.
– Stored, awaiting restoration at Gerber Facility, MD.

Ten surviving pilots contributed to this record and are listed in order of appearance in the text. Those that contributed pilot narratives are indicated by ***. Their personal recollections are blended into a third-person presentation herein with as little editing of their original words as possible.

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

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 Saints of VFC-13 Bringing Goodwill to Grand Junction...

In an article posted here a week ago I told the story of Jordan Jones and his fight against Testicular Cancer and the tremendous outpouring of love, care and support from the local Grand Junction, CO community, Tailhookers, the "Cowboys" (VMFA-112) and the "Bloodhounds" (VX-30).  I also mentioned Doug Thompson and the support he has always provided the Navy in accomplishing our mission.

Well VFC-13 led by Cdr. Rob "Thumper" Modderman, paid a bit of a surprise visit to thank Doug for all he as done for US Naval Aviation in his FBO support efforts. 

 

Now understand when VFC-13 or any NAVAIR Transient comes to "NAS GJT" as it is unofficially referred to, there is no other place to go unwind after a full day of ACM, than The Schmoldt Ranch! 

Where the hospitality provided by Kathy and Hans Schmoldt is Legendary... Ask any of the aviators that have made the stop, and you'll understand! (That's Kathy "The BOSS" in heaven among the Saints!)

Many of the pilots wanted to stop by and see how Jordan was doing too.  On the way from the airport to Casa de Schmoldt, several of the 'Saints' stopped off at Jordan's house to visit with him, as he was not feeling well enough that day to go to the airport.  Jordan was thrilled!

However, when they took off the next day, his dad, Jeff, took Jordan to visit with the aviators and watch the departure! Again, it provided some touching moments... captured in photos by our own Kathy "The Boss" Schmoldt! 

Kathy sent me these photos with the following message:

"Thought you would like to know that the "Tailhook Community" and the pilots are continuing to support Jordan and his family."

You're damn right we do!  Thanks Kathy, the work you and Hans do for Tailhook is tremendous and we cannot thank you enough!

 

 

Thanks again Kathy, Hans, Doug, Thumper and all of the Saints!  And.. Most of all... Jordan!  Keep fighting!  We're here for you!

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...

The Good News is You've Been Transferred to the USS Ohio... Bad News is, She's Currently At Sea... Here's Your Travel Orders...

Yeah... That's gotta be discouraging!  The special "Dope on a Rope" delivery method, to a deployed submarine.

From Navy NewsStand:

An SH-60H assigned to the "Indians" of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 6 lowers a member of the aircew onto the guided-missile submarine USS Ohio (SSGN 726) for a personnel transfer. Ohio is on a one-year deployment to the 7th Fleet area of responsibility. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Barry Hirayama (Released)

Well, at least he gets some fresh air for a few minutes.

Captions Wanted

I was back in San Diego this past week to brief the boss on the first year's performance of the Tailhook Daily Briefing... Which is pretty respectable by the way... and I had the opportunity to snap a few random photos while there. 

I ask your assistance, my creativity seems to be expiring at the point of photo composition... I could use some captioning:  any ideas on these three?

Picture 1: 

Picture 2:

Picture 3:

Please provide your creative writing submissions by clicking "Comments" below and identifying which picture you're writing for.  Enjoy!

Oh... And while we're on the subject of photos, the Tailhook Association is having a Photo Contest!  Here's the gouge:

First Prize:

• Nikon D80 10.2mp Digital SLR Camera Body - USA
• Sigma 18-50mm and 55-200mm DC Zoom Lens Kit f/ Nikon AF - USA

Second Prize:

• Nikon CoolPix S700 12.1-Megapixel Digital Camera – Stainless (S700)

---

Official Contest Rules

• This contest is open to all members of the Tailhook Association.
• You may join at the time of submission if not already a member.

Photo Eligibility

To enter, you must be at least 18 years of age and a U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident. Tailhook Association employees and Board members, Officers and their immediate family members are not eligible. Immediate family includes only spouses, parents and children. All photos must be in color and taken within the last year. The photo subject must be relevant to US Navy and Marine Corps Aviation in action.

Photo Formats

Entries must be digital images. Black and white images are not eligible. Please read the specific guidelines for submitting digital images.

Photographer/Copyright

Entries must be submitted by the original photographer. Do not submit a photo taken by someone other than yourself. You must be the sole owner of the copyright of any image submitted. Your submission of the photo and entry form is your guarantee that you are the author and copyright holder of the photo.

Number of Entries

An individual may submit any number of images.

Photo Subject Restrictions

Photos must be appropriate for posting on a public website. Obscene, provocative or otherwise questionable content will not be considered. The Tailhook Association retains sole discretion as to what constitutes inappropriate content. Photos containing recognizable people will not be considered.

Ownership/Use Rights

Photographers retain the copyright to their photographs. By entering the contest, photographers agree to have their submitted photograph displayed on the Tailhook Association website or publications without any fee or other form of compensation. Photos will be credited to the photographer named in the entry form. Entries (including non-winning entries) may be selected for display or use in other Tailhook Association web pages or publications.

How to Enter

Digital photos must be submitted using the online entry form. Each entry must be accompanied by a completed contest entry form. If you are submitting multiple entries, be sure to indicate clearly which form belongs with each photo. Entries must be received by 15 August, 2008.

Judging

Entries will be judged on the basis of creativity, photographic quality. A Tailhook Association panel will judge the entries and all contest decisions are final. Entries that fail to comply with the Official Contest Rules will be disqualified. The panel will include professionals in graphic design, website design, website development, marketing and public relations.

Winners

Judges will select a first and second place winning photo. In addition, one or more honorable mention winners may be selected at the discretion of the judging panel. Winners will be notified approximately 2 weeks after the contest deadline by phone and email using the information on the entry form. Winning photographs, along with the photographer's name, email address (optional) and information about the photo, will be displayed on the Tailhook website. No financial compensation is provided to winners.

Submitting Digital Images

Digital images must be submitted using the online entry form at www.tailhook.net. Images should be formatted to 300dpi, no larger than 600 by 450 pixels and no smaller than 450 by 338 pixels. Images should be submitted in JPG (at high quality) or TIFF format. File sizes must be less than 500K per image. Images must be in natural color. Digital images will not be returned.

Image Modifications

Minor digital enhancement is permitted, but images that have been significantly modified or appear unnatural will be disqualified.

Not Permitted

• No borders or frames may be added to images.
• No watermarks, signatures, or copyright notices may be added to images. All winning images will be displayed with the photographer's name.
• Adding or replacing elements in an image is not permitted.
• Artistic filters are not permitted.

Permitted Modifications

• Images may be cropped and rotated as necessary as long as the rectangular format is maintained and the size is within the specifications above.
• Images may be re sized as long as the aspect ratio is maintained
• One-step enhancement (such as "AutoFix", "QuickFix", "Auto Levels", etc.)
• Use of filters to sharpen, soften, blur, despeckle, or remove noise.
• Use of corrective functions to improve the natural appearance of the image, such as levels, contrast, brightness, curves, intensity, tone, hue, saturation, lightness, value, color balance, and tint.

Additional Terms and Conditions

The Tailhook Association is not responsible for computer system, hardware, software, or program malfunctions or other errors, failures, or delayed computer transactions or network connections that are human or technical in nature. Furthermore, The Tailhook Association is not responsible for: (i) lost, misdirected, misplaced, illegible, unintelligible, incomplete, or late entries or (ii) any act, failure to act, or delay regarding the transmitting or processing of entries. The Tailhook Association reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to cancel or suspend all or any portion of this contest without notice if factors beyond The Tailhook Association's control, including technical difficulties, disrupt or corrupt the fair or secure administration or operation of the contest. Void where prohibited. The Tailhook Association is entitled to interpret these rules as needed and its decisions are final. The Tailhook Association reserves the right to disqualify any entrant that The Tailhook Association has reason to believe is not the original work of entrant, or does not otherwise meet the contest rules. If a winner is disqualified or determined to be ineligible, an alternate winner will be selected using the same judging process/criteria described above. Alternate winners are subject to all requirements set forth in these Official Rules.

By participating in the contest, you agree to release and hold harmless The Tailhook Association and its employees, officers, affiliates, agents, and advertising and promotional agencies from any and all damages, injuries, claims, causes of actions, or losses of any kind resulting from your participation in this contest, including infringement of intellectual property rights. The Tailhook Association and its employees, officers, affiliates, agents, and advertising and promotional agencies assume no responsibility or liability for any damages, injuries, claims, causes of actions, or losses of any kind arising in whole or in part from this contest.

That Nikon is a very cool camera!  So I highly recommend you get snap'n!  Also we'll probably some of the honorable mentions etc... here on TDB so keep you eyes peeled!

Now on with the creative writing...

-JC

Not Quite G-LOC

In an official Navy statement, it appears that Lt. Cmdr. Kevin Davis, the Blue Angel killed in last April's tragic accident, suffered the onset of high G induced tunnel-vision and probable disorientation.

From AP

"In his final turn to attempt to rendezvous with the other Blues, he put a very fast, high-G turn on the aircraft. A real aggressive turn," Capt. Jack Hanzlik, a Navy spokesman and former aviator, told the AP on Monday.

There is more from the AP article that is quite critical (most likely unnecessarily so, about the Blue Angles no G-Suit Waiver, that yhs will not dig into at this time but if you would like to comment on the rest of the AP article cited in this piece, feel free to do so in our comments.)

More Here from the Savannah Morning News... [link]

An investigator reviewing flight data found Davis never lost total control of the flight stick in the turn at six times the force of gravity. A temporary decrease in blood flow to his brain caused by the G-forces likely caused Davis to experience tunnel vision and become disoriented, the report found.

..."In his final turn to attempt to rendezvous with the other Blues, he put a very fast, high-G turn on the aircraft. A real aggressive turn," said Capt. Jack Hanzlik, a Navy spokesman and former aviator. "Kevin had performed these maneuvers in training and in the fleet. He had done them in similar situations, and he had a history of performing them well without any problems."

Guadagnini said Davis did not black out and was in control of the FA-18 Hornet until it crashed near the intersection of Shanklin and Pine Grove roads in northern Beaufort County.

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.