Voodoo Warrior's Military Page

Final Flight of The Whale

2012-01-05T15:32:00.010-06:00

Here is a video of the final takeoff of an A-3 Skywarrior. This was taken last June 30, at NAS Ft. Worth, as the aircraft made a refueling stop. It was being delivered from California to the Naval Air Museum in Pensacola. This was the last flight of an airworthy A-3.

My aviation photography started about the time when Navy Skywarrior operations were winding down. I did have occasion to see and shoot several of them, principally VAK-208, VAK-308, and VAQ-34 aircraft. I will never forget the peculiar whine of the engines, and the vast amount of black smoke they produced.

Kudos to Mark and Carl for arranging to cover this event - this is an historic piece of video!

Somewhat related, the Vintage Flying Museum, located at Meacham Field in Ft. Worth, is trying to save another A-3 from the scrap heap, to be displayed at Meacham. BuNo 146453 is an EA-3, last operated by VQ-2. The A-3 Association is trying to raise the funds necessary to transport the aircraft from desert storage at Tucson to Ft. Worth, and then restore it. This historic aircraft has a long service history, and flew missions during Desert Storm.

Here is some video of this specific aircraft while in Navy service.

http://www.vintageflyingmuseum.org/

Strike Fighter Ball 2011

2011-12-28T10:32:00.004-06:00

Very cool video commemorating the Atlantic Fleet's Strike Fighter Ball 2011. Has a very nice Centennial of Naval Aviation flavor to it, paying homage to the lineage of the participating squadrons. It's a shame that there are dozens of attack and fighter squadrons that have been previously disestablished because of budget cuts, and their heritage doesn't appear here. Oh well, that's for another video ...

The good humored stab at the Reservists of VFC-12 is pretty funny, even if they are considered some of the most professional and best trained aviators in the Fleet.

Thanks to Outlaw13 for the heads up ...

We Remember

2011-12-15T16:21:00.002-06:00

This is the song that plays during each and every USAF Heritage Flight.

F-35A First Flight - Fifth Anniversary

2011-12-15T09:38:00.007-06:00

Five years ago today, the first F-35A Lightning II, designated AA-1, took to the air for the first time.

Photos credit Lockheed-Martin.

Navy Colors IX - Bugs and Superbugs

2011-12-13T09:03:00.017-06:00

Navy did beat Army, by the way ...

VFA-113 Stinger's 164656, launching and then recovering on the USS John Stennis.

VFA-151 Vigilantes' NE-300, catching the wire on the USS Abraham Lincoln.

VFA-147 Argonauts CAG bird trapping on the USS Ronald Reagan.

VFA-27 Royal Maces' F-18E.

VFA-2 F-18F coming aboard.

VFA-115 F-18C celebrating 100 years of Naval Aviation.

VAQ-141 Shadowhawks' CAG EA-18G Growler.

VFA-195's latest 'Chippey Ho' CAG bird.

All photos credit US Navy.

Navy Colors VIII - More CAGs and such

2011-12-13T08:02:00.014-06:00

MH-60S, HSC-8, USS John Stennis.

MH-60R 166536, HSM-70.

EA-6B 164402, VAQ-136, trapping aboard the USS George Washington.

EA-6B, VAQ-131.

E-2C 165649, VAW-116, USS Abraham Lincoln.

EA-6B 161245, VAQ-139. Preparing to launch from the USS Ronald Reagan.

All Photos Credit US Navy.

70 Years Ago

2011-12-07T07:20:00.006-06:00

70 years ago today, World War II started for the United States.

My family visited Pearl Harbor several years ago. It was a moving event, and I highly suggest it for anyone who has not been. I was surprised by the large number of Japanese tourists who were there. Turns out the majority of people who visit the Visitor Center and the Arizona Memorial are Japanese. We were there on a weekday, and there were hundreds of them. When we visited the Missouri, not a single one was to be seen. We asked one of the Park personnel about it, and he said it was normal - while the Japanese will pay their respects to where they started the war, they will not acknowledge or honor the place where the war ended. I guess that's to be expected.

I saw a 'Dan Rather Remembers' program last night about Pearl Harbor. He interviewed some members of a Japanese high school group who were touring. The leader of the group said that he was shocked by the story and photos of the attack. Their history textbooks devote one line to the attack. ONE LINE. That's all the youth of Japan are being taught about how their country started the war - and its been that way for decades. (I wish they had provided a translation of that one line, would like to know what it says.) Shamefully, our own school children aren't taught much more than that - take a look at a high school or junior high history text, and you'd think the war never happened.

On the starboard weatherdeck of the USS Missouri, looking forward. The commemorative plate in the deck is the exact spot where the surrender agreement ending WWII was signed.

The Pearl Harbor Survivors Group is disbanding at the end of this year. The few remaining vets who survived the attack are for the most part too frail to make the yearly trip, and in a few years they will all be gone.

Take a moment today to remember what our nation went through on that day and the four years that followed.

Looking forward from the Missouri's bridge, over the twin 16" main turrets, towards the Arizona Memorial.

Iran Scores With Stealth UAV

2011-12-05T11:36:00.012-06:00

Drones strike again!

The USAF lost what is reported to be a RQ-170 stealth recon drone over Iran. There is debate as to whether it just went rogue, or was shot down. In any case, US officials confirm that it is in Iran's hands. Us officials have also stated that the drone may have went 'out of contact' while operating over Afghanistan last week, and wandered over the Iranian border. While I have no way of knowing for certain, I'd call Bullshit on that one - the Taliban has no radar that would require the stealth qualities of the RQ-170, while Iran does. Iran says the drone went down 120 miles inside of Iraq, and appeared to be monitoring one of their nuclear facilities.

Controlled by the 30th Reconnaissance Squadron based at Tonopah Test Range in Nevada, the drone is thought to have been operated out of Kandahar, Afghanistan, where it has been glimpsed occasionally over the past couple of years.

You can bet that the Chinese and Russians are lining up access to the robot right now, and they will have comparable ones in about 6 months. Hooray for drones!!!!

Lockheed-Martin builds the aircraft, which is intended to replace the manned U-2 spy plane. Quoted costs are around $6,000,000 per plane, but that seems awfully low to me.

UPDATE - Iran released a video, now on youtube, supposedly showing the captured drone. US officials have been quoted as confirming it. I have looked at this video several times, along with photos of the aircraft, and I think it is a fake. There is no damage visible at all, which is impossible, given that this thing's operating altitude is in the neighborhood of 50,000 feet., You can't seen under the drone. The lines of the drone look wrong - they are close to the pictures, but don't seem to be exact to me, and there are features that are certainly not stealthy. Also look at the droop of the wings outboard of what looks like an external seam - there are no such seams visible on any photo I've seen.

To me, this looks like a fabrication. I could be, and am probably, wrong - but too many things just don't look right about this. This think looks like a fiberglass copy. Why would Iran do this? Propaganda - showing off something intact is a lot more impressive for them than a pile of wreckage.

They might indeed have an RQ-170 - but I just don't think this video shows it.

Update II - I saw some recent photos of this particular drone operating recently out of Kandahar, Afghanistan. Based on those shots, I revise my opinion on the above video. It appears the wings either broke off, or have been removed in order to move it - resulting in the droop, and the apparent tape job to cover it up. The color of the drone is actually a flat neutral grey - the yellowish tint in this video has got to be because of the light it is seen in.

News reports are indicating that the military knew when and exactly where it went down, and had contingency plans to either retrieve it or destroy it in place. It was in a remote area, and it took the Iranians quite some time to get to it. President Obama vetoed those plans, and decided to let the Iranians take possession of one of the most sensitive pieces of intelligence gear we currently have, and by default hand that technology not only to the Iranians but to China and Russia as well. Way to go, Appeaser-in-Chief!!!

You know, what would happen to anyone else in America who willfully handed over top secret technology to our enemies? They'd be rung up on espionage and treason charges. If you're Barack Obama, or Bill Clinton for that matter, you get to explain it away as diplomacy, and you're put on a pedestal for the left wing kooks to look up to.

A Hero Passes

2011-12-02T10:37:00.004-06:00

The last surviving original crew member of 'Thunderbird', B-17G 42-38050 assigned to the 303rd BG, passed away on Dec. 1.

S/SGT Walter E. Hein was the ball turret gunner on the aircraft's original crew during 24 missions over Europe.

'Thunderbird' is the subject of Keith Ferris' huge mural painting in the Smithsonian, and the namesake for Lone Star Flight Museum's B-17.

Thunderbird went on to fly 112 total missions over Europe with multiple crews, survivng the war only to be scrapped.

Godspeed SGT Hein ...

Gratuitous HIgh Roller Footage

2011-11-30T07:49:00.002-06:00

Because there is no such thing as too much F-4!

Flight of the LIghtnings

2011-11-29T17:21:00.004-06:00

The P-38 Lightning was one of the most unique appearing aircraft of WWII. The Forktailed Devil is a very cool bird, and a very rare one these days. Not many of them survived the scrapper at the end of the war. Seeing one these days at an airshow is a rare treat.

This video has been around for about a year. It is way cool! 5 Lightnings in the air at one time - I never thought it could happen. I've seen P-38s before, but never more than one at a time. Glacier Girl, the early model -38 dug out from under 200+ feet of ice on Greenland and then painstakingly restored, is one of these magnificent birds.

Enjoy ...

This Is Just Too Cool For Words

2011-11-28T14:48:00.003-06:00

Aussie Aardvark Preservation Effort

2011-11-23T10:33:00.007-06:00

The RAAF recently retired the last of its F-111 Aardvarks from service. Almost all of the surviving airframes were tagged for scrapping, very little effort/thought was given to preserving any of them in museums by the Australian government. In fact, the government tried to implement regulations that would have made it almost impossible for any of the aircraft to be displayed anywhere except the RAAF's official museum.

A group was formed in 2002 to lobby for preservation of some of the aircraft. Their efforts have been successful so far, resulting in several aircraft being earmarked for preservation.

If you are a fan of the 'Vark, this is worth a look:

http://www.f-111preservation.org/

Title Photo - RF-111C A8-146, seen at Recon Air Meet 88, Bergstrom AFB. Photo by yours truly.

Update - If you are a fan of aviation, this will make you sick. Granted, they have to dispose of the aircraft in some way, and this isn't much different than chopping them up and recycling the bits (like is done out in Tucson), but this is hard to watch ...

A Hero Passes ...

2011-11-16T12:53:00.003-06:00

Colonel Cecil Rigsby, USAF (Ret), passed away in San Antonio on November 7.

Col. Rigsby served in the Air Force for 33 years. He flew P-38 Lightning fighters in New Guinea with the 8th Photo Recon Squadron during WWII. In Korea, he flew recon missions in the RF-80 and RF-86. As a Cold Warrior, he flew F-100 Super Sabres on recon missions out of Bitburg AB, sometimes over Soviet territory. In Vietnam, he flew the RF-101C and RF-4C tactical recon aircraft. At the time of his retirement, he had logged 339 combat missions during 3 wars, with over 7000 flight hours in unarmed recon aircraft.

Col. Rigsby was awarded five Distinguished Flying Crosses, two Legion of Merits, the Silver Star, and twelve Air Medals.

Godspeed, Colonel ...

Gal and Hal do the Heritage Flight

2011-11-08T16:01:00.010-06:00

Lone Star Flight Museum's Galveston Gal and Tarheel Hal both flew Heritage Flights at Randolph AFB during their show on the last weekend of October. Gumby flew the P-51 and the P-47 (not at the same time, obviously) with Rider, in his Shaw AFB based F-16.

Beautiful weekend, great weather, very large crowd, the only negative points were lots of engine oil and antifreeze to deal with. Most excellent fun!

Photo Credits - yours truly

Bye, Bye, B-53

2011-10-25T12:40:00.005-05:00

No, its not a typo, I'm not talking about the B-52 bomber.

The last B-53 nuclear bomb in the US arsenal is being dismantled at the Pantex facility in Amarillo, TX, today.

The 10,000 pound weapon was the big stick nuclear deterrent for the bomber portion of US's nuclear triad during the Cold War. Its one and only purpose was to put a big hurt on the Soviet Union. It's yield of 9 megatons (roughly 600 times more powerful than the Hiroshima bomb) was intended to destroy underground control complexes. First entering service with the USAF in 1962, approximately 50 of the weapons remained in the active arsenal in 1997, when they were officially retired from service.

USAF Heritage Flight Foundation

2011-10-20T11:54:00.004-05:00

Those of you who have seen a USAF Heritage flight at an airshow know how moving and impressive it is. What you may not know is that the USAF is not funding this program anymore - they dropped official funding before this year's show season started. Although the Air Force does still participate in the program in the form of aircraft and pilots for demonstration flights, funding for the warbirds comes from the Air Force Heritage Flight Foundation, a non-profit established solely to keep this program going. I encourage you to visit their website and see what they are doing, and how you can help.

http://www.airforceheritageflight.org/home

Without private and corporate sponsorship, the future of this program beyond this year is not assured.

Here is their intro video. Cousin Gumby makes an appearance, sitting on Galveston Gal. What you can't see is me and Outlaw13 just off camera doing our best to make him bust out laughing. Very professional of Gumby to keep a straight face, I must say!

Tarheel Hal Visits Sheppard AFB

2011-10-13T15:10:00.016-05:00

Cousin Gumby brought Tarheel Hal to Sheppard AFB for their airshow a couple of weekends ago. The massive Thunderbolt is one of a handful of this WWII veteran fighter in the world that are still flying. This airshow found Gumby horsing it around in the company of Rider, flying a 20th Fighter Wing F-16C from Shaw AFB, performing the USAF Heritage Flight.

I had the priviledge of spending a lot of time underneath the P-47 over the weekend, cleaning oil from the massive radial engine off the belly.

Thanks to aztec01 and Outlaw13 for use of the photos...

So, Drones are Cheap, huh?

2011-10-10T11:58:00.005-05:00

Holloman AFB is home to the USAF's 29th Attack Squadron, the drone pilot training unit for the Air Force. The unit 'flies' MQ-1 Predator and MQ-9 Reaper unmanned aircraft. The 29th counts 13 Predators and 28 Reapers on strength.

A Reaper crashed on Oct. 7, while coming in for landing. Preliminary reports say it hit some power lines. This is the 5th or 6th drone crash (depending on which list you look at) for the unit since it became operational in September 2009. The piles of wreckage include 3 of each aircraft type.

Cost figures for these aircraft are difficult to pin down, because they are parts of 'systems'. However, figures hover around $10 million for a Predator and $14 million for a Reaper.

Drone crashes don't make the news like manned aircraft when they go down. With them in constant operation, a lot of them are being lost. They are here to stay, they provide valuable resources for our troops. They are not, however, a super cheap way of providing air power. These flying lawn mowers are costing the taxpayer a bunch of money!

Update - The USAF announced that the computer virus that had hit parts of its drone fleet was not one that was aimed at the aircraft or their controllers, but was instead one dropped onto the network by an online computer gaming program. Apparenlty, the 'pilots' at Creech AFB in Nevada, a central location for drone controllers, attached a portable hard drive infected with the virus to their workstations, probably in order to relieve some of the boredom associated playing an unexciting video game all day long.

A couple of thoughts. First, the IT security shown by this is pathetic. Another example of how the Pentagon's understanding of computer security is pretty lame. Second, the stupidity shown by the personnel involved. Why in the world would you plug a flash drive from home, where you've been gambling on-line and surfing porn, into a 'secure' defense computer system? I really don't want someone that stupid controlling multi-million dollar hardware (and I don't think the people on the ground counting on that hardware being in place on time would be too happy about it either).

Photo credit USAF

The Future of COIN?

2011-10-10T11:57:00.009-05:00

The future of Counter-Insurgency air support? Air Tractor would have you think so. I'm not so sure. Seen here at Sheppard AFB's Open House recently, the company's demonstrator aircraft was on display. This converted crop duster is intended to be a cheap, easy to fly and maintain attack aircraft for small countries that have problems with rebel movements (Africa comes to mind).

The two seat aircraft has MFDs (I don't know if they were operational), and carried mock up bombs, rocket pods, and machine gun pods.

I'm not a pilot, much less flown in combat ... but I don't think I'd want to fly against someone who can shoot back in a very slow crop duster.

photos by yours truly ...

Nice TOT - For a Plane Full of Aggies!

2011-10-10T11:57:00.004-05:00

LSFM's B-25 performing a flyover of Kyle Field in College Station, before the A&M/SMU game back in Septamber. Cousin Gumby and btother Larry are flying, with Cousin Me and a few others on board. All are Aggies (they actually found the field, and on time - a feat that had to be an accident, I assure you!).

First shot is from the stands, second is from inside the nose. (Sorry for the noise level in the second one, and the vibration - it really is that loud and shaky inside of the airplane!)

Lone Star Flight Museum On The Move

2011-08-22T17:55:00.003-05:00

The folks at Lone Star Flight Museum and the City of Houston have announced that LSFM is moving. The devastation the museum suffered at the hands of Hurricane Ike convinced the museum's staff and directors that it needed to be moved to a location that was on ground higher than sea level. So, beginning in about 18 months, construction on a new facility at Ellington Field will begin.

The museum is currently located in Galveston, right on the coast. Ellington Field, a former Air Force base, is about 45 miles north on the south side of Houston. The move is estimated to take 3 years.

Neptune's Inferno - Worth A Read

2011-08-11T07:31:00.007-05:00

I've just finished "Neptune's Inferno", by James Hornfischer. It is a narrative of the naval battles off Guadalcanal in 1942, during World War II. 7 major battles and almost nightly skirmishes between US and Japanese ships from August through November resulted in thousands of lives and dozens of ships lost on both sides.

US forces lost 2 aircraft carriers, 5 heavy cruisers, 2 light cruisers, and 9 destroyers sunk during these battles. 2 battleships, 2 carriers, 8 heavy cruisers, 2 light cruisers, and 9 destroyers were damaged, many of them so badly that they were out of action for repair for over a year.

Japanese losses were 2 battleships, 2 heavy cruisers, 3 carriers, and 7 destroyers. 5 heavy cruisers, 1 light cruiser, and 7 destroyers were damaged.

Almost all of the surface combat was at night. It was violent, savage, and it took just minutes for majestic ships to be reduced to burning hulks. The early days of radar, combined with poor intelligence, and in many cases inept leadership caused horrendous losses. US cruisers, in particular, were decimated - beautiful, heavily armed ships like San Francisco, Minneapolis, Portland, Chicago, Astoria, New Orleans, Pensacola were simply ground up like hamburger by Japanese torpedoes and American stupidity.

The narrative of the afterbattle washdown, where surviving crew members used fire hoses to clean blood and body parts off the decks of their ships is chilling.

Hornfischer (a great name for a naval author!) has written two other great books on WWII naval engagements:

Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors - a narrative of US destroyers during the Battle of Samar in October of 1944. A tale of incredible sacrifice, in what many consider the US Navy's finest hour.

Ship of Ghosts - the story of the USS Houston, a US heavy cruiser fighting in the Far East in the early days of WWII.

If you have an interest in the subject matter, I highly recommend these books. They are very well researched and written.

A Hero Passes

2011-08-05T06:48:00.006-05:00

Col. Arthur K. Murray passed away July 25th, at the age of 92, in the town of West, Texas.

Col. Murray joined the Army in 1939. He flew P-40s in North Africa, where he was awarded the Air Medal with 8 Oak Leaf Clusters. Later, he served as a P-47 flight instructor, prior to being trained as a test pilot and transferring to Muroc AAF (to become Edwards AFB).

During his time at Muroc, he flew many aircraft, including the XF-92, XP-59, P-80, P-51, B-43, B-45, B-25, P-82, F-84, X-1A, X-1B, X-4, and the X-5.

"Kit" flew the X-1A, setting an altitude record of 90,000 feet in 1954. He was awarded the Distinguised Flying Cross for saving the aircraft during that same flight when it departed controlled flight. He served as the Air Force's Program Manager for the X-15, before retiring in 1961.

He worked for Boeing and Bell Helicopter before settling in Dallas and working for the city.

Godspeed, Colonel ...

F-16 Lawn Mower

2011-07-29T07:16:00.009-05:00

How not to land a F-16 ...

F-16C 87-0296 of the 160FS, 187FW, Alabama Air Guard had a small problem on the morning of July 28, while landing at the annual EAA airshow in Oshkosh. The aircraft ran off the runway, and did its best earth mover imitation. No word on the cause, but examination of the photos leads me to believe he had brake failure, and swerved off the pavement to keep from hitting his fellow AL aviators, who had landed ahead of him.

The pilot was uninjured, except for his pride.

Photos credit Brian Leach, who was in the right place at the right time!

A Hero Comes Home

2011-07-15T12:55:00.003-05:00

Navy LCDR William Patrick Egan returned home yesterday, after a 45 year absence.

LCDR Egan was flying A-1H BuNo 137576 while assinged to VA-215, flying off the USS Hancock. On April 29, 1966, he was shot down while on a road recon mission in Laos. His ultimate fate was not determined. (some sources show the date as April 19, but the official record shows April 29.)

In 1996, a recovery team found pieces of his aircraft, but no sign of remains. Nearby villagers indicated that Egan's body had been pulled form the wreckage and buried, but the locaiton was unknown. In 2009, a farmer turned over a couple of bone fragments he had unearthed near the crash site. DNA matching was used to identify them as Egan's remains.

LCDR Egan will be buried in Houston this weekend with full military honors.

Welcome home, sir.

Milestone Apache

2011-07-03T10:48:00.005-05:00

AH-64D 03-5394, currently assigned to the 1/227th ATTACK, became the first Apache Longbow to surpass 10,000 flight hours. The event occurred during the unit's deployment to Afghanistan.

Info and Photo via Outlaw13.

Airshows Can Be A Dangerous Business

2011-06-30T06:44:00.006-05:00

On April 6, Lt. Nathan Hollingsworth and Lt. Matthew Lowe, United States Navy, lost their lives when their F-18F crashed a mile from their home base at NAS Lemoore, CA.

Assigned to VFA-122, the Navy's west coast Super Hornet training squadron, these gentlemen were the demo team assigned to fly the F-18F at airshow demonstrations this year. They were practicing their demonstration when the plane went down.

They were flying F-18F BuNo 165877, assigned to VFA-122, coded NJ-122.

Godspeed gentlemen ...

Flying airshows can be dangerous. Even flying practice for airshows can be dangerous.

These photos are of 165877, seen during a 2006 training detachment to NAS Ft. Worth. Coded NJ-141 at the time, it was one of several VFA-122 aircraft flown by fledgling Hornet pilots against home based VFA-201 in air combat training exercises. Photos by yours truly.

My Enemy, My Friend

2011-06-25T21:35:00.012-05:00

I had an interesting weekend afternoon. The University of Texas at Dallas hosted a lecture. The focus was a series of events over North Vietnam in 1972 that linked 3 men and an airplane into a circle that closed in 2009.

Dan Cherry, assigned to the 13TFS/432TRW, flying out of Udorn AB, Thailand, shot down a NVAF MiG-21 on April 16, 1972. The engagement was southwest of Hanoi, and has been documented in the History Channel's "Dogfights" series (episode "Hell Over Hanoi"). Cherry was flying F-4D 66-7550 when he scored the kill. The enemy pilot was able to eject from his burning aircraft.

Dan Cherry found that same F-4D in 2004, sitting in a state of disrepair outside a VFW post in Ohio. Cherry, a retired BGeneral and MiG Killer, was able to convince the USAF to let him move the aircraft to his hometown of Bowling Green, KY, where it was painted in the scheme and markings it carried at the time of the kill. It has become the centerpiece of an aviation historical park.

Along the way, Cherry had wondered what ever happened to the pilot of that MiG, the one he saw hanging in his parachute. In a roundabout series of events, Cherry ended up in Vietnam, participating in a TV show where he was introduced to that same pilot, Nguyen Hong My. Mr. Nguyen had survived the war, was a successful insurance salesman in Hanoi, and was in very good shape.

During their time together, Cherry noticed that Nguyen wore a decoration that indicated he had shot down an enemy aircraft. Answering the inevitable question, he said that he had shot down an American RF-4C recon aircraft. He asked Cherry for a favor. He had always wondered what happened to the crew of that RF-4, would he mind seeing if they were still alive, for Nguyen would like to meet them.

After returning to the US, Cherry was able to locate the RF-4's backseater, John Stiles. The pilot had passed away a few years ago. Nguyen traveled to the US and met Cherry and Stiles in Washington. The circle closed when Nguyen traveled to Bowling Green to attend the dedication of 66-7550 in its new place of honor. In what may be the only time this has ever happened, a pilot (Nguyen) sat in the cockpit of the very plane that had shot him down 37 years before.

Cherry, Stiles, and Nguyen spent two hours telling us their story. Two very emotional hours. The coincidences were amazing. Stiles account of his shootdown was harrowing - it is frankly incredible that he and his front seater survived. Another piece of the history puzzle, Bob Noble, was in attendance. Bob, in an Air America Huey, rescued Stiles from the jungle 8 hours after his plane went down.

The auditorium was packed, extra seats had to be brought in, and there were still people standing along the walls. Cherry asked for all Vets in attendance to stand. A third of the people there stood up, most appearing to be of Vietnam service age. The fellow sitting next to me, wearing a River Rats polo shirt, and I visited a bit. He was a RF-4C pilot, in the same unit as Chiles - though not at the same time. He had been cornered by two MiGs during one of his missions, but they inexplicably did not shoot at him. During Chiles' account, this fellow was gripping the arms of his chair, and you could see tears appearing.

The auditorium was deathly quiet as Cherry recounted touring the Hanoi Hilton during his Vietnam visit, and showed pictures of it. It was visibly difficult for some of the people there to watch that.

All in all, the presentation was very well received, with several standing ovations.

The men were going to do a Q&A afterwards, but some a*hole stood up and rambled on in an incoherrent political statement about the war. They stopped it at that point. I was upset - I had several brilliant (I thought) questions thought up for them.

Cherry wrote about all of this in a book, "My Enemy, My Friend". The proceeds are helping fund the memorial in Bowling Green.

Thank you, gentlemen, for sharing this story with us.

www.aviationheritagepark.com

Good Luck, Soldiers ... Stay Safe

2011-06-21T11:39:00.003-05:00

Speed Of Sound Captures

2011-06-08T12:55:00.010-05:00

Here are a few photos of a beautiful visual effect that occurs when an aircraft approaches the speed of sound. For just an instant, a cloud forms around the aircraft. Known as a Prandtl-Glauert condensation cloud, this is typically seen when a high speed aircraft approaches the speed of sound low to the ground, in high humidity conditions. The cloud forms and dissipates in the blink of an eye.

Aviation photographers who know about this try hard to capture it. It makes a wonderful, impressive photo.

All Photos Credit US Navy.

Uncle Jack and Thunderbird

2011-05-20T16:06:00.005-05:00

I ran across this video over at Warbird Information Exchange. It is kind of long (16 minutes), but is well worth the view. It details TV actor Gary Sinese's efforts to get his Uncle Jack a ride in a B-17. Jack Sinese was a B-17 navigator in WWII. Gary's friendship with the folks at Lone Star Flight Museum worked out, and surprise - Jack finds himself on a ride in Thunderbird.

This is pretty neat ...

www.sleepingdogtv.com/reel/Uncle-Jack.aspx

p.s. - Cousin Gumby flew the Fort during this flight, his is the voice you hear asking Jack if he wants to go flying.

Heritage Phantoms

2011-05-19T12:51:00.007-05:00

The Barksdale AFB airshow a couple of weekends ago featured two QF-4E Phantoms. They were from 82ATS, Det.1, based at Holloman AFB, NM. Both aircraft are painted in 'Heritage' paint schemes, a program the Air Force undertook a few years ago to paint up select QF-4s in paint schemes representing F-4s in USAF service over the years. 72-1140 is painted in Vietnam style camoflage, while 72-1485 carries the SEA wraparound scheme (no white belly).

72-1140 performed a spirited demo on each day of the show, flown by Bluto. Afterwards, it joined an A-10C from D-M AFB and P-51D Galveston Gal for a Heritage Flight demonstration. Seeing a Phantom fly these days is a very rare treat. To see one flown in a demo just doesn't happen very often.

The only remaining Phantoms in US service have been converted into target drones. They are used to test weapons systems and provide aircrew training. Based at Holloman AFB and Tyndall AFB, they are routinely flown several times with a pilot before being sent off on an unmanned mission that ends with the aircraft being shot down.

Spending the weekend in close proximity with the pilots and ground crew members for these jets was a treat. The loving care with which they treated the old girls was impressive - you would have thought that they were brand new aircraft, not ones that had been built 39 years ago.

The number of QF-4s left will ensure the aircraft is flying for a few more years. Current 'expentiture' estimates show the last shootdown happening sometime between 2014 and 2017. The last F-4 drone conversion contract was just signed, meaning there will be no more drone conversions after this small group passes through. QF-16 Lawn Darts will take their place on the shootdown line.

New Stealth Hawk Used in Pakistan?

2011-05-04T18:40:00.005-05:00

Photos released by Reuters show the wreckage of the 'Blackhawk' helicopter that was lost during the Bin Laden raid. From what I've heard, it supposedly had a mechanical failure and was destroyed on site. The helo was the one that landed inside the compound. What was left of the main body of the helo was burnt to an unrecognizable crisp ... BUT the tail rotor fell off or broke off sometime during the raid, ending up on the other side of a wall.

Photos of the tail rotor give some pretty definite hints that this was a special, previously unknown (at least to me) version of the Blackhawk family. The tail rotor appears to be optomized for stealth, with deflectors and fairings that appear to be designed to defeat radar.

This photo shows the top of the tail rotor assembly. It is resting on the very back of the tail, with the fuselage (or where the fuselage would normally be, pointing up to the sky.

Very interesting ... Can't wait to see one of these intact!

Photo credit Reuters

Update - Pakistan officials will release the tail rotor back to US possession, as a result of a visit from US Senator John Kerry. While on the surface, this seems to be good news, it doesn't really matter. Pakistan gave full access to the piece to Chinese military officials and scientists, who had all the time they needed to take it apart, study it, and take samples of the materials.

Pakistan - with allies like this, who needs enemies?

Galveston Gal - Up And At 'Em

2011-05-01T11:56:00.012-05:00

Lone Star Flight Museum's long awaited return to the ranks of Mustang ownership has been completed with the purchase and restoration of 'Galveston Gal'.

After a lengthy restoration and repaint, the aircraft made its airshow debut at NAS Corpus Christi, followed by a weekend at NAS Ft. Worth participating in the USAF Heritage Flight with an A-10C Thunderbolt II.

N4151D is actually a TF-51D, a true dual control Mustang, one of 12 built to this standard. Originally built as a normal P-51D, it was converted to dual controls while in service with the El Salvador Air Force. To my knowledge, it is the only survivor of these conversions. Once owned by Lone Star, they purchased the aircraft back from owner William Hane in 2009, and had it rebuilt by Ezell Aviation in Breckenridge, TX.

'Galveston Gal' is a faithful recreation of the P-51D that was flown by Lt. Ray Lancaster in the 370th Fighter Squadron, 359th Fighter Group. Now 90 years old, Lt. Lancaster was present in Galveston at LSFM when Tom Gregory brought the aircraft in on its delivery flight from Breckenridge.

The original 'Galveston Gal' was not named for a particular lady, but for the song made famous by Gene Autry.

These photos were shot in Ft. Worth during the airshow. The Heritage Flight was flown by Cousin Gumby in the Mustang, with General Tommy in his backseat, while Rifle was driving the Hawg.

Navy Colors VII - Centennial Celebration in person

2011-04-27T07:31:00.017-05:00

EA-6B 160609, VAQ-129, based at NAS Whidbey Island. Paint sheme represents the colors carried by carrier based aircraft during the Battle of Midway.

F-18C 164673, VFC-12, based at NAS Oceana.

T-6B 166064, TAW-5, based at NAS Whiting Field.

T-39N 165532, VT-86, based at NAS Pensacola.

T-34C 164172, TAW-5, based at NAS Whiting Field

T-34C 164169, TAW-5, based at NAS Whiting Field. Paint scheme represents US Coast Guard aicraft in the 1930s.

T-45C 163656, TW-2, based at NAS Kingsville.

F-18A+ 162866, VFA-204, based at NAS New Orleans. Paint scheme representes US Navy Reserve aircraft of the early 1950s.

I had the pleasure of photographing several of the specially painted Centennial of Naval Aviation aircraft at a recent airshow at NAS Ft. Worth. Very cool ...

Although very glad to get these, I was disappointed by the turnout of CONA aurcraft. Of the 24 or so specially painted birds out there, only 8 showed up. This one of the Navy sanctioned official Centennial events for the year - I would have thought we'd have gotten more of the aircraft in attendance.

Outlaw's Last Flight

2011-04-20T06:50:00.014-05:00

Good Friend Outlaw13 recently took his last flight in the US Army. Outlaw has been in the Army for 23 years, flying Hueys and Apaches. He has spent about 6 of those years deployed overseas. 4 deployments of a year or longer to combat zones (3 times in Iraq, one in an 'undeclared war') and a year spent in Korea on the front lines of the Cold War.

His last flight was at home, in the bright sun on a beautiful Central Texas afternoon. He and his gunner gave me my own private airshow on a small hilltop just south of the airfield complex at Ft. Hood. This was only the second time I had seen him fly - the first was watching him blow over a string of porta-potties while landing a Huey (completely accidental, I can almost assure you).

As I stood on the hilltop with one of his fellow pilots, I was awed by the aircraft and what he did with it. I have seen hundreds of Outlaw's pictures of Apaches in action, but until you see one up (very) close flying around pointing its gun at you, you just do not have an appreciation for what it brings to the table in conflict. Jim, the pilot who was on the groud with me, remarked that it was the first time he had seen the Apache from that perspective, he now saw why the good guys on the ground were so happy when the Apaches showed up to support them, and why the bad guys crapped themselves and ran away.

Upon landing, the base fire trucks gave him the traditional Crossed Sabers tribute with their water cannons as he taxied back in. They then hosed him down as he walked back to the hangar, where a group of his peers then doused him with warm champagne and a Corona. Traditional fanfare for the last flight of a long time aviator in military service.

I have been priviledged to know Outlaw since before he put on the green uniform. I am proud to call him friend. I am convinced that our country has been safer with him in the cockpit than it would have been without him. Likewise, I am convinced his fellow soldiers have been safer with him looking after them.

A Hero Passes ...

2011-04-08T15:51:00.004-05:00

Franklin E. Pauli passed away on March 31, at the age of 83. Frank served in the US Navy in WWII, and with the Army in Korea and Vietnam. He retired in 1970 after 26 years of service. His awards were 3 Bronze Stars and 12 Air Medals accumulated during his tours in Vietnam. He served as a flight acceptance pilot assigned to Bell Helicopter in Hurst, TX.

After retirement from the service, Frank joined American Airlines, where he spent 25 years as a flight instructor. Chances are very good he crossed paths with my father while there!

God speed, Frank ...

Tsunami's Affect on JASDF

2011-03-14T18:36:00.005-05:00

The devastating earthquake and resulting tsunami have crippled Japan. There are no words to cover how much of a disaster this really is. We are learning more by the hour.

At least one Japanese military base was hit hard. Matsushima AB was home to F-2 fighters (Japan's indigenous version of the F-16), and T-4 trainers. There are reports that 18 of the advanced fighters were tossed around by the floodwaters. With their delicate electronic systems being bounced around, and the salt water immersion, it is doubtful that they will be repairable.

The Blue Impulse Aerobatic Team was not at home during the disaster. Two of their spare T-4 aircraft were on the base, and are presumed to have flooded out. At least one UH-60 rescue helicopter was seen in a damaged condition, as were several U-125 maritime surveillance aircraft.

A number of historic, preserved aircraft were flooded. Aerial photos show them covered with debris.

The human cost to this disaster is hard to comprehend. Like the Haiti earthquake, or the Indonesian tsunami, natural disasters like this are on a scale that is not comprehendable, unless you are directly involved. However, in the long term, it appears that Japan's Defense Forces have suffered a serious blow.

Photo Credit AP.

Naval Surface Warfare History Blog

2011-03-13T12:18:00.004-05:00

I stumbled across a blog devoted to Naval Surface Warfare, and warships of all generations. There is some seriously neat stuff on this fellow's pages. I highly recommend a visit if the subject is of interest.

http://www.navalwarfare.blogspot.com/

Besides his excellent material, Remo has a good list of links to other Naval HIstory references.

When Knights Ruled The Air

2011-03-11T07:25:00.003-06:00

From a time when aerial combat was ruled by Knights of the Air, like the Red Baron ...

Navy Colors Part VI - Centennial Celebration II

2011-02-11T17:59:00.022-06:00

EA-6B Prowler of VAQ-129, based at NAS Whidbey Island. -129 trains crew for the EA-6B and EA-18G. This Prowler carries the scheme used by most Navy tactical aircraft at the outbreak of WWII.

The VAQ-129 Anniversary birds at NAS North Island in San Diego, recently.

TH-57C 160064, of Helicopter Training Squadron 28, based at NAS Whiting Field. This paint honors US Navy aircraft in the pre-1917 era.

TC-12B 161197 of VT-35, normally based at NAS Corpus Christi. VT-35 trains perspective aircrew for multi-engine, non-carrier based aircraft. This scheme represents Naval Aviation markings at the time of the Battle of the Coral Sea.

T-45C 165598 of Training Wing 1, based at NAS Meridian, MS. This is one variation of markings carried in the 1930s.

T-45A 163656, of Training Wing 2, based at NAS Kingsville, TX. Another variation of the 'yellow wings' schemes of the 1930s.

T-44A 160984, VT-31, based at NAS Corpus Christi. This paint honors the 1919 NC-4 flying boat that traversed the Atlantic.

T-39N 165523, VT-86, NAS Pensacola. This aircraft is used to train navigators. This blue tail scheme honors the USS Enterprise Air Wing, circa 1938.

T-34C 164169 of VT-6, based at NAS Whiting Field. It is painted to represent US Coast Guard aircraft in the 1935 era.

T-34C 161481 of VT-27, Training Wing 4, based at NAS Corpus Christi. Markings mimic those of VAW-4 in the 1930s.

T-6B 166064, of VT-3, based at NAS Whting Field. This all yellow paint job harkens back tot he days of the 'yellow peril', biplane basic training aircraft used byt he Navy.

MH-60S 166323 of HSC-3. The dark blue paint represents Navy helicopters of the 1950s.

MH-60S 166294 of HCS-2. This scheme represents Navy Helos during the Korean War.

MH-60R 166524 of HSM-41.

HH-60H 163787 of HSC-84. The dark green represents Vietnam era helicopter squadron HAL-3.

Photo Credits - Most of these are official US Navy. Others were uncredited where they were originally posted.

Navy Colors Part V - Centennial Celebration

2011-02-11T17:48:00.019-06:00

The 100th Annivesary of Naval Aviation is being celebrated this year. In honor of the occasion, the Navy has authorized a number of current aircraft to be painted in historic paint schemes, representing different eras in Naval Aviation.

To fans of military aviation, this is an incredible event. The Navy celebrated its 75th Anniversary back in 1986 with several paint schemes, but nothing approaching this. The nation's Bi-Centennial back in 1976 also saw quite a few commemorative paint schemes with patirotic themes. However, this may be the best of all time ...

All of these schemes represent actual Navy paint patterns from over the years.

S-3B 160581, VX-30, based at NAS Pt. Mugu. The scheme honors SBD Dauntless dive bombers during the Battle Of Midway.

P-3C 161591, representing Patrol Wing 11. This scheme represents Navy Patrolplanes in the Pacific during the later half of WWII.

P-3C 160770, representing Patrol Wing 2. The white over black paint brings back the scheme worn by Navy patrolplanes in the late 50s and early to mid 60s. When P-3s first entered the fleet, they carried this type of markings.

F-18F 165677 of VFA-122, based at NAS Lemoore. Color scheme represents the new Navy blue digital camo uniform.

F-18E 165666 of VFA-106, NAS Oceana. The paint scheme represents that carried by Navy attack aircraft in the Vietnam era.

An F-18C of VX-31, based at NAS China Lake.

F-18E 165210, based at NAS China Lake, representing test aircraft schemes of the late 50s and 60s.

F-18C 163745, of VFA-106, NAS Oceana. This scheme honors squadron VBF-17, based on the USS Shangri-La in 1945.

F-18C 163733 of VFA-122, based at NAS Lemoore, CA. The three tone blue/grey scheme is representative of schemes carried by carrier based aircraft in 1943-1944.

F-18A+ 162866 of VFA-204. The River Rattlers are a Reserve Squadron based at NAS New Orleans. This scheme represents NAVAIR Reserve units based in New Orleans, circa 1951.

EA-18G of VAQ-129, based at NAS Whidbey Island.

Photo Credits - Most of these are official US Navy photographs. Others were uncreditited where they were originally posted.

Fire And Ice - Combat Art

2011-02-08T20:34:00.002-06:00

Michael Fay runs a blog called Fire and Ice.

Michael is a very talented artist. He is also a former Marine who experienced combat firsthand in Afghanistan. His postings contain a fascinating look at life on the ground in that war. It would be well worth your time to take a look.

37th Anniversary of F-16 First Flight

2011-02-01T12:04:00.003-06:00

February 2nd marks the 37th anniversary of the first official flight of the F-16.

YF-16 72-1567 lifted off from Edwards AFB on Feb. 2, 1974, signifying the beginning step of one of the most successful fighter aircraft ever built.

(In actuality, the first 'unofficial' flight took place on January 20, 1974, when the aircraft accidently took off during a high speed taxi run.)

Happy Birthday to the Viper!

A Hero Passes

2011-01-26T16:38:00.003-06:00

Captain Robert J. Bosworth Jr. (USAAF) passed away on Jan. 23 in Dallas. He was 90 years old.

Capt. Bosworth flew B-17s in the MTO and ETO during World War II. He commanded the 32nd Bomb Squadron for a time in 1943/44. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and 9 Air Medals for his service.

Godspeed, Capt. Bosworth ...

Two Heroes Come Home

2011-01-13T12:57:00.010-06:00

Major Robert Tucci and Colonel James Dennany will be buried on Friday, Jan. 14th, at DFW National Cemetary.

On November 11, 1969, Major Tucci and Colonel Dennany were flying F-4D 66-8718, assigned to the 13th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 432nd Tactical Recon Wing, out of Udorn AB in Thailand. During a night attack against truck targets on the Ho Chi Minh trail in Laos, their aircraft was hit by AAA fire. Both men perished when the aircraft crashed into the jungle. Then Capt. Tucci was on the 32nd mission of his second tour, having flown 181 missions of of Da Nang on his previous one.

Efforts to locate the men began in 1995. Fragmented remains were recovered in 2003. The painstaking work by the US Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command culminated in a positive identification of the remains on September 8, 2010.

Welcome home, gentlemen.

View more news videos at: http://www.nbcdfw.com/video.

A Hero Passes

2011-01-13T12:56:00.002-06:00

Lt. Col. Dalton Leftwich (USAF Ret.) passed away on Jan. 9, 2011, one day short of his 83rd birthday. Nicknamed Lefty, he initially joined the USMC from 1946 to 1948. He then joined the USAF in 1951 after attending SMU.

In 1967, Col. Leftwich flew 100 missions over North Vietnam in F-105s, while attached to the 34th Tactical Fighter Squadron at Korat AB in Thailand.

Col. Leftwich was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, two Silver Stars, and multiple Air Medals during his Vietnam tour.

Lefty will be laid to rest on Saturday, Jan. 15th, in Dallas.

Godspeed, Colonel ...

Desert Storm, Plus 20

2011-01-12T12:40:00.009-06:00

It is really hard for me to believe, but Saturday, Jan. 16, marks the 20th anniversary of Operation Desert Storm. To me, as a military aviation fan, it seems like yesterday. I remember where I was that day, and I remember coming home to watch the war start on live TV. (CNN was actually a news organization back then).

Volumes have been written over the past two decades about that war and its aftermath. Volumes more will be written concerning this 20th anniversary. From that perspective of military aviation fan, I want to explore how the US's air assets have changed in those two decades.

The euphoria we experienced from the success of Desert Storm gave way to massive military cuts in the mid'90s by the Clinton Administration. Whole categories of military aircraft disappeared from the inventory, many of which were not replaced in either function or number. This past decade saw more cuts, in spite of the aftermath of 9/11. Budget problems coupled with aircraft age saw more mass retirements of airframes. What our nation has in military aviation as we enter 2011 is a tiny fraction of what it was just 2 decades ago.

Here are the aircraft types that have been completely removed from the inventory since the end of the Gulf War:

USAF/USAFRes/ANG
F-15A/B (air superiority)
F-16A/B (general purpose fighter)
F-111A/D/E/F (long range attack)
EF-111A (electronic warfare)
F-117A (long range attack)
F-4E (general purpose fighter)
F-4G (Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses)
RF-4C (manned recon)
KC-135A/D/E/Q (aerial refueling)
EC-135L (command and control)
T-37B (basic training)
T-43A (navigator training)
HH-3H (combat rescue)
B-52G (heavy bombardment)
C-29A (airfield calibration)
C-130E (tactical transport)
AC-130A (aerial gunship)
MC-130E (special operations)
C-141B (heavy transport)
MH-53J (special operations)
SR-71 (strategic recon)

USN/USNRes
F-14A/B/D (air defense, deep attack)
F-18A/B (general purpose fighter/attack)
A-6E (medium attack)
KA-6D (aerial refueling)
A-7E (light attack)
S-3A/B (anti-submarine, aerial refueling)
P-3B (anti-submarine)
EC-130Q (electronic warfare)
SH-3G/H (combat rescue)
SH-2F (anti-submarine)
EA-3B (electronic warfare)
T-2C (trainer)
TA-4J (advanced trainer)

USMC/USMCRes
A-4M (light attack)
A-6E (medium attack)
F-4S (general purpose fighter)
RF-4B (manned recon)
OV-10A/D (observation)
KC-130F (tactical transport/aerial refueling)
AH-1J (attack helicopter)
CH-53A (heavy transport helicopter)

USArmy
UH-1H/V (general purpose helicopter)
OV-1D (electronic warfare)
OH-58A/C (light general purpose helicopter)

The vast majority of these aicraft have not been replaced, and their capabilities lost to the US military for good.

Da' Blues

2010-12-27T12:28:00.007-06:00

Thought I'd share a few shots I took at a recent Blue Angels performance. This was actually a practice show. If you look closely, you'll see two dual-seat #7s in the formation. I've seen them fly with a two seater before during practice, but this is the first time I've seen two of them at once.

Alaska C-17 Lost, Updated

2010-12-12T16:16:00.004-06:00

The Air Force has released its report on the loss of C-17A 00-0173, back on June 28. They determined that pilot error was the prime cause, with contributing factors of a lack of oversight and leadership.

www.pacaf.af.mil/shared/media/document/AFD-101211-002.pdf

They have also released a video shot of the aircraft while it was doing its practice routine for the airshow. It cuts off just before the moment of impact. One has a morbid thought ... when did they realize they were going to go in?

www.pacaf.af.mil/shared/media/document/AFD-101210-080.wmv

This video looks pretty much like the official C-17 demos I have seen at airshows. Unless the pilot did something I'm not seeing, this is pretty much an indictment of the official USAF demo of that aircraft.

Document, Photo, and video via US Air Force

New Iranian Super Fighter Spotted

2010-12-08T16:31:00.005-06:00

A clandestine, long range spy photo of the new Iranian Super Fighter, the T-URd, seen practicing an intercept of a USAF F-22 Raptor.

You can see how the Iranian President is correct when he states that arms produced by his country are superior to anything the Great Satan can come up with. This jet powered, afterburning monster can run circles around the inferior F-22.

Update - OK, from the underwhelming response, I guess the photo is not clear in what it shows. Here's something that might explain it a bit more .... (is that jet exhaust, or results of a bad burrito?)

The USS Ft. Worth

2010-12-02T19:04:00.005-06:00

The USS Ft. Worth, LCS-3, will be christened this weekend by Rep. Kay Grainger (R-TX). Ms. Grainger's district includes Ft. Worth, a city she used to be mayor of. This is the first Navy ship to bear the name of the city, which is the 17th largest in the US. Ft. Worth has a long history of supporting the military (Bell Helicopter is located in the county, AF Plant 4 (Consolidated/General Dynamics/Lockheed Martin is a major defense production facility on the west side of the city, co-located with Carswell AFB/NAS Ft. Worth.)

The Ft. Worth is the third ship of the Littoral Combat Ship class. These ships are designed for close in fighting in coastal waters, closer to land than traditional Navy ships. The ships are modular, being able to switch mission specific equipment in and out depending upon its tasking.

The vessel is being constructed at Marionette Marine shipyard in Wisconsin. It was designed by Lockheed-Martin. In an odd twist, one of her first commanding officers will be a man who was born at Carswell AFB in Ft. Worth, and grew up near the city. The ship will be homeported in San Diego after is is completed in early 2012.

The LCS series of ships actually contains two very different platforms. LCS-1 and LCS-3 look like conventional ships, while LCS-2 is a tri-maran platform.

Photos credit US Navy

Here is some video of the sea trials for LCS-2, the USS Independence. She is the Ft. Worth's predecessor. Wild looking ship!

Update - Lockheed-Martin announced it has received a $3.6 billion contract form the US Navy to build 10 more LCS class ships over the next 5 years. The will be built inthe same Wisconsin shipyard the USS Ft. Worth is currently being finished at. I did not see a breakdown on how many would be LCS-2 type vs. how many LCS-3 type.

Raptor's Claws

2010-11-27T13:57:00.008-06:00

I recently had the opportunity to view a F-22 demo. This was the fourth time I've seen one, and it is always a thrill. This is one incredible aircraft, a huge fighter with unbelievable raw power. If you ever have the chance to go to an airshow that is featuring a F-22 demo, please go. You will not be sorry! (Don't cheat and go Youtube ... there is no way a small screen can do it justice!)

I have seen purpose built aerobatic aircraft do somersaults in mid air. I have seen them float down like a leaf. I have seen them hover in mid air, held up by the skill of the pilot and the thrust of the engine.

To see a 22 ton fighter aircraft do these things is, well, unreal.

The F-22's weight is listed at a bit more than 43,000lb. The combined thrust of the two engines is over 70,000 lb. This, plus the thrust vectoring nozzles, equals some serious go power and incredible turn capabilities. While in afterburner, the engines put out a long, beautiful shock diamond pattern, and looking into the engine exhausts while in burner is like looking at the proverbial gates of hell. I've seen a lot of military aircraft, and I can say without a doubt that no other aircraft has ever had an afterburner that was so bright, so vibrant, so angry looking as the Raptor's.

The F-22 is a stealth aircraft, at least to radar and other sensor technologies. It stands out a lot visibly, at least in comparison to something small like a F-16. It is also VERY LOUD.

Alaska F-22 Lost

2010-11-19T16:46:00.008-06:00

A F-22A Raptor assigned to the 525th Fighter Squadron, 3rd Wing crashed about 100 miles north of Elmendorf AFB Tuesday evening. The aircraft, one of two out on a routine training mission, dropped off the radar screen at 7:40pm local time while returning to the base. There was no communication from the pilot indicating trouble.

Some of the wreckage was found on Wednesday morning. The rescue helo was not able to immediately land because the crash site was deemed to be a hazardous material area, requiring proper HAZMAT equipped personnel to secure the site.

The pilot has not been found. The ejection seat has so far not been found, so it is not known if he was able to eject or went down with the aircraft. The area is very rough terrain, difficult to get into, and the search efforts have been hampered by bad weather.

The pilot has been identified by the USAF, but I will not publish it here out of respect for him and his family.

This has been a tough year for the Alaska based 3rd Wing - they lost a C-17 near the base back in July, with four fatalities.

This is the second crash of an operational F-22. With production curtailed at 187 units by Obama, Gates, and the Democrat controlled Congress, that means that 1.07% of the Raptor fleet has been lost in two incidents.

Update - portions of the ejection seat and scraps of the pilot's flight suit were found at the crash site, indicating he did not eject and died in the crash. The site is in a marshy area, and the majority of the wreckage is submerged. It will take some time to get definitive confirmation, but it is pretty certain that the incident was fatal. The pilot left behind a wife and two young children.

Update II - Air Force officials confirmed that the pilot has been prounced dead. Evidence recovered at the crash site confirms that he did not eject prior to impact, and the crash was not survivable. The investigation and recovery efforts will continue for several weeks. The crash site is in a marshy area that reaches up to 20 below zero at night. The plane's impact created a large crater, which has swallowed up the wreckage and then filled in over it.

Update III - The aircraft involved was identified as 06-4125, assigned to the 525th Fighter Squadron. It was painted as the Squadron Commander's aircraft at the time of the accident.

Navy Colors, Part IV

2010-09-10T17:52:00.020-05:00

Last group for now ...

Beautifully marked VMFA-312 F-18C Hornet launching off a waist catapult on board the USS Harry S. Truman. Note the live bomb under the right wing.

VMFA-232's CAG bird passing over the USS after a missed approach. The squadron was deployed aboard the USS Nimitz.

A VRC-30 C-2A Greyhound catching a wire about the USS Eisenhower. C-2s provide transporation to and from the ship for personnel and material while a carrier is deployed.

This incredible paint job was applied to a VRC-30 C-2 to commemorate the squadron's 50th Anniversary. The aircraft is hooked up to a forward catapult on the USS George H W Bush.

VFA-143's CAG F-18E launching from the waist catapult off the USS Eisenhower. Markings are in dark blue, as is the 'Pukin Dogs' squadron insignia on the tail. Officially a winged griffon, the motif looks like a dog with a hangover - hence the nickname.

This wildly painted VFA-137 bird is a tribute to the Navy's new Digi-blue BDUs. The odd blotches you see are actually representations of the block shaped camo patterns seen on the Navy's new working uniforms. Pretty cool. Aircraft is seen launching off the outer waist catapult on the USS Lincoln.

VFA-97 's CAG F-18C, NH-300 is seen here about to catch the 3 wire on the USS Nimitz.

VFA-94's F-18C 164227 , seen over Mt. Fuji. The Mighty Shrikes squadron was forward deployed to MCAS Iwakuni, Japan.

Two views of F-18F 166842. VFA-41 Black Aces' CAG bird, assigned to the USS Nimitz.

All Photos Credit US Navy

Navy Colors, Part III

2010-09-10T17:47:00.016-05:00

And another dose ... you just can't get enough of this stuff.

Three shots showing VFA-32's CAG (AC-200) and Squadron Commander's (AC-201) F-18Fs.

VFA-31's CAG F-18E coming aboard the USS Roosevelt. The Felix the Cat mascot toting a bomb is one of the oldest flying squadron insignia in the US Navy.

Two shots of the VFA-14 Tophatter's CAG bird. Top shot is just after launch from a waist catapult, bottom is taking tension on the catapult just prior to being flung off the front end of the carrier. USS Nimitz.

Two CAG birds from the USS Lincoln. A two seat F-18F from VFA-2 leads a single seat F-18E from VFA-137.

VFA-2's CAG bird demonstrating a high performance climb out after takeoff. F-18F 165916, NE-200, flying off the USS Lincoln.

An E-2C of the VAW-120 Greywolves, landing on a carrier deck. Note the grey painted forward part of the fuselage, and the grey/black tail markings and engine nacelles. Definitely non-standard markings!

VAW-117's CAG bird pulling into its parking spot at NAS Pt. Mugu, returing from a shipboard deployment. BuNo 165649, NH-600, had just spent the previous 6 months on the USS Nimitz as part of CVW-1.

Aircraft of CVW-5 never pass up a photo chance over Mt. Fuji, near their forward deployed base of NAF Atsugi, Japan. This VAW-115 CAG bird is seen in formation with one of its more sedately painted squadron mates over said Mt. Fuji, while the Air Wing was still assigned to the USS Kittyhawk (recently retired from active duty service). Tail markings consist of the Rising Sun, with the NF air wing indicator being in pseud'Japanese letters.

All photos credit US Navy

Navy Colors, Part II

2010-09-10T17:38:00.016-05:00

Part II - more gloriously colored aircraft from the present day Navy and Marines ...

VAQ-129's first F-18G Growler. This two seat Hornet model is the replacement for the EA-6B Prowler, and is starting to enter front line squadron service.

An SH-60B of HSL-51. Tail markings are red, with a Rising Sun motif.

MH-60S of HS-8, the "8 Ballers", attaching to a slingload on board the USS Stennis. Tail markings are black/gold/green, front of the aircraft is black with an "8 Ball' - appropriate!.

CAG Hornets from Air Wing Five. These spectacularly marked aircraft are forward deployed to Japan with the rest of CVW-5, the only Air Wing based outside of the United States.

F-18F 166805, CAG bird of VFA-211, catching a 3 wire onboard the USS Enterprise.

VFA-32 Swordsmen CAG bird, F-18F 166661, flying off the USS Hary S. Truman.

VFA-103's BuNo 166620, serving as its CAG bird, pulling some Gs in a high AofA. The Jolly Rogers were flying off the Eisenhower at the time.

MH-60S 166356 of HCS-25, preparing to pick up a load off the stern of the USS Washngton. The Squadron's nickname is 'The Knights'. Tail art consits of a couple of palm trees, with a couple of mounted crusading Knights - not exactly poilitically correct these days .....

HSC-26's MH-60S Seahawk CAG helo, BuNo 166295. Seen here after dropping a sling load of bombs onto a carrier deck during UnRep. Tail markings are dark blue with yellow/gold markings.

A couple of shots of the VFA-102 Diamondbacks F-18F CAG bird, BuNo 165894, Top shot shows it launghing from the waist catapult, bottom shows hook down in the approach pattern for landing.

All photos credit US Navy.

Navy Colors, Part I

2010-09-10T15:21:00.030-05:00

Back in the 60s and 70s, US Navy and Marine Corps aircraft wore some of the most colorful markings ever seen on flying machines. The base camoflage scheme was gloss gull grey top and side surfaces, with a white bottom. It was definitely not a low visibility type of camoflage, and the wildly colorful individual unit markings made the aircraft stick out even more.

A-7E 158021 of VA-195, seen at NAS Lemoore in 1978, is representative of the colorful markings carried in the late 60s and 70s.

In the late and early '80s, the brass decided to tone down the color quite a bit. Studies had indicated that the grey/white/color paint made the aircraft easy to see at long distances, a decided disadvantage in aerial combat. The first move was to overall gull grey, with toned down unit markings. Then, the advent of TPS (Tactical Paint Scheme) ushered in a new era in NAVAIR - dull grey.

TPS consisted of 2 or 3 shades of matte grey, applied in specific patterns to each individual aircraft type. The camoflage was very effective in cutting down the aircraft's visual signatures. In practice, the greys were very hard to maintain, and due to the dull finish, stained very easily. Unit markings were mandated to be painted in one of the 3 TPS greys, whichever contrasted with the base color under the squadron markings. While the camo worked tactically, it resulted in aircraft that pretty much looked like refugees from a junkyard.

By contrast, here is an A-7E from VA-205, seen in 1988. The mottled appearance of the TPS camoflage is just normal wear and tear, but see how badly it shows up? Much more effective as a camoflage, but not exactly pleasing to the eye - or the camera.

Fortunately, a few years after the advent of TPS, complaints from the squadrons about the dull nature of the aircraft led to the Navy allowing one aircraft per squadron to receive some limited colored markings. This aircraft was typically called the 'CAG Bird' - referring to the aircraft as one marked in tribute to the Commander of the Air Wing.

As the 90s ended and the 00s came upon us, the Navy relaxed the policy even further, and more colorful CAG birds surfaced. Since the threat of air to air combat has been greatly minimized, the Esprit de Corps experienced with a colored up CAG bird far outweighs any tactical risk.

This relaxation has been a wonderful change for those of us who follow military aviation, particularly if we photograph the aircraft. Though grey is still the norm, seeing a colored up aircraft now and then puts a thrill into aviation enthusiasts.

Here are some recent 'CAG' birds and other examples of colorful markings fielded by US Navy and Marine squadrons. There are others, and I'll post some more from time to time.

The Strike Directorate based at NAS Pax River has this F-18F, BuNo 165875, undergoing tests of alternative fuels. The aircraft has been unofficially dubbed 'The Green Hornet'.

Though not a CAG bird, this VAW-126 E-2C Hawkeye carries eye catching black and blue Seahawk markings. Seen launching from the USS Truman is AC-603, BuNo 165648.

The Stingers of VFA-113 have had some spectacular CAG birds over the years. This one is rather mundane, but still qualifies as a colored up CAG bird. BuNo 164668 is a late build F-18C, and was flying off the USS Ronald Reagan.

This EA-6B Prowler of VAQ-139 is seen launching off the USS Reagan. NK-500 was BuNo 163527. The Cougars are based at NAS Whidbey Island while not on cruise.

The patriotic Prowler belongs to VAQ-141, flying off the USS Eisenhower at the time. The flag markings leave no doubt as to who owns BuNo 163521.

Test and Development unit VX-23 used this F-18C, 163476, during flight deck certification tests on the USS George H W Bush.

The rotor heads are also into the CAG thing. SH-60B 163294 belongs to HS-2, and is seen approaching the USS Lincoln.

Photo Credits - top two A-7 photos - yours truly. All others are official US Navy images.

Irving,TX War Memorial

2010-09-09T18:11:00.004-05:00

The City of Irving, Texas (between Dallas and Ft. Worth) has a very nice memorial to its war veterans. In particular, it pays tribute to the Irving citizens who have fallen in defense of our country. Located next to City Hall, it is a little hard to find, but well worth the visit if you are in the area. Very nicely done, I must say. It is a shame that not many folks know about it, including the residents of Irving ....

Veterans Memorial Air Park Opening in Ft. Worth

2010-09-09T17:58:00.003-05:00

The grand opening of the Veteran's Memorial Air Park is this coming Sunday, September 12. Located on the south end of Meacham Field in Ft. Worth, the museum holds a collection of modern era military aircraft.

VMAP grew out of a collaboration of the Forward Air Controller's Museum and the OV-10 Bronco Association.

The museum's collection includes one of the last F-14s to fly in US Navy service, a F-111, a TF-102, F-105, F-5, T-37, A-4, TA-4, A-7, RF-8, OV-10, O-2, and two F-4 Phantoms.

If you are visiting the Ft. Worth area, this is a worthy place to drop by.

www.facmuseum.org

www.ov-10bronco.net

VMAP
3300 Ross Ave.
Ft. Worth, TX 76106
800-575-0535

A Hero Passes ...

2010-08-22T17:23:00.004-05:00

Erich Schleier Jr. passed away in Dallas on August 5, at the age of 90.

Mr. Schleier joined the Army just prior to Pearl Harbor, and transferred into the Air Corps in February 1942. He trained as a B-24 pilot, and was assigned to the 436th Bomb Squadron, 7th Bomb Group in the China-Burma-India theater. He was recognized for developing bombing tactics for hard to hit Japanese targets such as railway lines and bridges.

After the war, he flew nuclear deterrent missions with SAC in B-47s and B-52s. He served as the Air Force's chief of flight testing at Boeing. He was assigned to the Presidential Flight Crew, flying Air Force One for both President Eisehhower and President Kennedy. He retired from the Air Force in 1966, and flew with United Airlines until retirement in 1985.

Col. Schleier was awarded the Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Medal with numerous Oak Leaf Clusters, and the Purple Heart. He will be buried at Arlington National Cemetary with full military honors.

Godspeed, Colonel ...

Lone Star Phantoms

2010-08-19T12:53:00.039-05:00

Back in the heyday of the F-4, Texas was home to 11 squadrons of Phantoms. These units were comprised of Navy and Marine Reserves, Texas Air National Guard, active duty USAF, and USAF Reserves.

NAS Dallas was home to VF-201, VF-202, and VMFA-112. Carswell AFB housed the 457th TFS. Kelly AFB had the 182nd TFS. Ellington ANGB had the 111th FIS. Bergstrom AFB was home to both the 704th TFS and the 67th TRW.

Based at Navy Dallas, the VF-201 'Hunters' flew the F-4N and F-4S models of the Phantom, prior to converting to the F-14 in 1987. -201 moved to NAS Ft. Worth when NAS Dallas closed, converted to the F-18 Hornet, and finally disestablished due to budget cuts in 2006.

F-4N 152244, VF-201's CAG bird, showing spectacular markings on the Hunter's flightline in 1978.

VF-201 F-4S 155732, seen landing on NAS Dallas RW17 in 1986. The dull grey of TPS (Tactical Paint Scheme) was effective during air to air combat, but certainly wasn't as pretty to look at as the F-4N above!

VF-202 'Superheats' flew the F-4N and then F-4S models, alongside its VF-201 sister squadron at Dallas. It also converted to the F-14 in 1987. VF-202 disestablished in 1994 at NAS Dallas, a victim of budget cuts.

Superheats' F-4N 153056 showing the Navy's colorful paint style of the '70s. NAS Dallas ramp in 1978.

VF-202 F-4S 153779 about to touchdown on RW17, NAS Dallas 1986. Note freshly applied TPS with off-white trim. TPS was so drab those days that we photographers got very excited at this little bit of white appearing on the jets!

VMFA-112 'Cowboys' flew the F-4J, F-4N, and then F-4S Phantoms out of NAS Dallas. The Cowboys converted to the F-18A in 1991, and moved to NAS Ft. Worth when Dallas closed down. -112 now flies the F-18A+, still flying out of Ft. Worth.

Cowboys' F-4J 153841 landing after a local mission at Dallas in 1984.

VMFA-112's F-4S 155524 pulling up on departure from RW35 in early 1991. -112 was on its way to NAS Key West for its last remote Det. while flying the Phantom. By December of 1991, this jet would be retired to the Tucson desert.

The 457th Fighter Squadron, USAF Reserve, flew the F-4D and F-4E models out of Carswell AFB until 1991, when they converted to the F-16C. Still located at what is now NAS Ft. Worth, the 'Spads' continue to fly FY 85 and 86 F-16s.

457TFS, 301TFW F-4D 68-8734 sitting on their ramp during 1987. This particular Phantom shot down a NVAF MiG-21 on May 10, 1972. -734 was transferred tot he South Korean Air Force after its 457th service was over.

F-4E 68-0497 at the north arming area at Carswell AFB in 1990. This jet is carrying a Pave Spike laser designator pod, along with 2 Maverick training rounds. -497 was transferred to the Turkish Air Force in 1991.

The 704th Fighter Squadron, 924th Fighter Group flew F-4Ds and F-4Es out of Bergstrom AFB in Austin, the converted to the F-16A before that base shut down and the unit disbanded. The 704th was known for its unique 'cloud' camoflage applied to some of its grey F-4Ds and F-4Es.

704TFS F-4D 66-7762 departing the arming area for the runway, launching for a local traiing flight out of Bergstrom AFB in 1988. This jet ended up being transferred to the South Korean Air Force.

Wearing the unit's unique 'cloud' pattern camoflage, F-4E 74-1040 seen at the departure end of Bergstrom's runway in 1990. This jet was serving at the unit's commander's 'flagship', with "924TFG" highlighted on the tail. 74-1040 retired to the Tucson boneyard in 1991, and was resurrected to serve as a QF-4 target drone.

The 67th Reconnaisance Wing flew the RF-4C recon Phantom out of Bergstrom AFB until the base closed. The Wing was composed of two operational squadrons, the 12th and 91st, and two training units, the 45th and 62nd. The 67th's ramp was a site to see back in the heyday, with up to 100 RF-4s sitting in the hot Texas sun.

RF-4C 68-0548, serving as the 67TRW Commander's flagship, seen here at last chance prior to a 1990 mission out of Bergstrom.

RF-4C 68-0555 taxiing out of the ramp to the runway for an August 1992 local mission. 2 weeks later, the squadron would disband, marking an end to active duty USAF RF-4 operations. The 12th's fin cap color was orange. Jets that deployed for Desert Storm had the squadron nickmname 'Blackbirds' written in script on the fin cap. After Desert Storm, the 'Tactical' was dropped from squadron designations, so the 12th became the 12th Recon Squadron, hence the '12RS' commander's markings ont he tail. 68-0555 was eventually converted to a QRF-4C drone, and was shot down on April 1, 1997.

RF-4C 67-0435, 45TRTS (Tactical Recon Training Squadron), one of two RF-4 training units at Bergstrom. the 45th's colors were a blue fin cap with white polka dots. The 45th was inactivated in 1989 as the need for RF-4 training drew down.

63-7757, a very old RF-4 indeed, leads a gaggle of its 62TRTS squadron mates at Bergstrom in 1985. Shortly after this, grey camoflage started to appear. The 62nd TRTS' colors were a gold fin cap. The 62nd deactivated at the end of 1989, transferring all RF-4 training to the Idaho ANG.

RF-4C 66-0427 being checked over at last chance prior to an August 1990 mission out of Bergstrom. The 91TRS squadron colors were a red fin cap with white polka dots. The 91st stood down at the end of August 1991.

The 111th Fighter Squadron, 147th Fighter Wing, Texas ANG, flew the F-4C and F-4D models out of Ellington ANGB in Houston until they transitioned to the F-16A in 1989. The unit has since converted to the F-16C (1996), and now is without aircraft, 'flying' the Predator drone since June of 2008.

Proudly wearing the inscription 'Texans' on the fuselage, 111th Fighter Interceptor Squadron F-4C 64-0865 taxiing back to its ramp at the conclusion of a 1985 practice sortie. Note the puddles on the taxiway - leftovers from one of the common afternoon Houston heat/humidty showers. The 111th converted from the F-101 Voodoo to the F-4C in 1981, and then to the F-4D in 1987. This beautifully marked Phantom was retired to the desert, and finally scrapped in 1996.

F-4D 66-0280, 111FIS, 147FIG, at Ellington in 1988. This aircraft scored a MiG kill during the Vietnam war, the kill star is on the intake.

The last unit in our review is the 182nd Fighter Squadron, 149th Fighter Wing. This Texas ANG squadron is based at Kelly AFB in San Antonio. It's Phantom years consisted of only the F-4C model, which they flew from 1979 to 1986, when the transitioned to the F-16A. The unit now flies the F-16C out of Lackland AFB (formerly Kelly AFB).

F-4C 63-7431, 182TFS, 149TFG, taxiing out for a local training mission in 1985.

Alaska C-17 Lost

2010-08-03T18:40:00.005-05:00

An Alaska based C-17A crashed this past Wednesday afternoon (Jun 28), shortly after takeoff from its home at Elmendorf AFB in Anchorage. Some reports I've seen have it on a normal training mission, others have said it was up starting practice for an upcoming airshow demonstration. The 4 crewmembers died in the crash.

C-17A 00-0173 was assigned to the 517th Airlift Squadron, 3rd Wing. It was shared by the 249th Airlift Squadron of the Alaska Air National Guard. The crew was a mixture of the two units.

Even with a fairly new, state of the art aircraft, military flying is dangerous - even the normal traiing flights.

Below, 00-0173 seen in happier times, while assigned to the 62AMW out of McChord AFB. Seen taking off after a stopover at Rhein-Mein AB (Frankfurt) in 2003.

Top Photo credit: USAF

Bottom Photo credit: yours truly

Where Have All The Tomcats Gone? Part IV

2010-07-17T16:59:00.003-05:00

Some gratuitous Tomcat footage ....

I do miss seeeing this bad ass bird!!

Three American Heroes

2010-07-15T19:40:00.007-05:00

Vernon Baker passed away at his home this past Tuesday in Idaho, at the age of 90. Lt. Baker received the Medal of Honor for actions against the Germans on an Italian hilltop on April 5, 1945. He was cited for wiping out four machine gun nests while leading his platoon through a maze of bunkers and gun emplacements. He was assigned to the 92nd Infantry Division.

Lt. Baker received his Medal of Honor on Jan. 13, 1997 from President Clinton at the White House, in a ceremony that honored 7 soldiers with the Medal of Honor long after their displays of heroism. All 7 were black. Lt. Baker was the only one who was still alive at the time of the ceemony.

Godspeed, Lt. Baker ....

Army Specialist Jerrod Osborne, a resident of Rockwall TX, was an Army medic serving in Afghanistan. He was awarded the Bronze Star for actions this past May for saving lives in the aftermath of a IED explosion. He was later awarded the Purple Heart. He served with the 82nd Airborne.

Jerrod Osborne, age 20, died in another IED explosion in Afghanistan on July 5.

Thank you, Spc. Osborne, for your service and sacrifice for our country ...

Staff Sergeant Zackary Filip, of Denton TX (the town where I grew up), has been named the Army Times' Soldier of the Year for 2010. The medic has served in Afghanistan. He was at the Ft. Hood Readiness Center this past November when an Islamic terrorist attacked. He is credited with saving the life of the civilian police officer who shot the terrorist, and for treating multiple other victims of the attack.

Thank you SSgt. Filip , for your service to our country...

Obama Wants To Cut Nuke Arsenal By 40%

2010-07-14T20:12:00.003-05:00

A Department of Energy document, presented to Congress in May but just now being let out to the public, details that Obama wants to cut the US nuclear arsenal by 40% by the year 2021.

Obama's Secretary of State Clinton back in May announced to the world that we currently had 5113 warheads in our stockpile. What exactly they wanted to accomplish by giving this information to our enemies is not clear.

Now, they've detailed that they want to cut our forces to around 3,000 warheads. This is unilateral disarmement - no one else in the world is going to cut their nuclear forces, including the Soviets and Chinese - the very countries Obama is trying to suck up to.

Unbelievable stupidity. If you want to cut the nukes, fine. But why tell all of our enemies exactly what we have and what we are doing? It's simple - Obama wants all of our enemies to be his friends, and he thinks that by appearing to be weak and appeasing they will love him as he loves himself. All they are really doing is laughing their asses off at his stupidity.

Where Have All The Tomcats Gone? Part III

2010-07-08T17:06:00.013-05:00

The Tomcat served with four US Navy Reserve squadrons, two located at NAS Miramar and two at NAS Dallas. The two Miramar squadrons were disestablished on December 31, 1994, and one of the Dallas squadrons on October 1, 1994 - all because of budget cuts. The final Reserve squadron lasted until 2006, when it too fell to the budget axe.

The Tomcat saw some limited service as an adversary platform with Top Gun at Miramar and NSAWC at Fallon. F-14s were assigned to test organizations for the entire length of its service life. Indeed, the very last Tomcat built served exclusively with a test squadron from its acceptance until its retirement - never once landing on a carrier deck!

During its service in the US Navy, Tomcats equipped 24 Fleet squadrons (12 Air Wings), 4 Reserve Squadrons (2 Air Wings), 2 training squadrons, and 10 test/development organizations.

VF-201 received its first F-14 in January of 1987. It received very old Tomcats, which had been rebuilt by Grumman to new standards. They also got 2 of the last 4 F-14As off the production line. After the closure of NAS Dallas in 1996, the squadron moved to the new NAS Ft. Worth (ex-Carswell AFB). The Hunters gave up their Tomcats and became VFA-201 in 1998, flying F-18A Hornets. The squadron was finally disestablished in 2006 as a result of budget cuts. 160396, seen here on the Ft. Worth flightline in 1998, was the last Hunters CAG F-14. This jet survived its service with -201 and was retired to AMARC as 1K0118.

The very last F-14A built, BuNo 162711, was delivered to reserve squadron VF-202 at NAS Dallas directly from the Grumman factory in 1987. In a strange twist, VF-201 and VF-202 ended up flying the very oldest Tomcats in the inventory (albeit they had been rebuilt to new standards) and the very last F-14As produced - a very odd combination. 162711 had a surprisingly short career for such a young airframe. It last served with VF-101, and was reportedly delivered to NAS Jacksonville FL in a wrecked condition in 1998 - where it was to be dumped into the sea as an artificial reef.

VF-301 was one of two F-14 squadrons assigned to Reserve Carrier Air Wing 30, the West Coast NAVAIR reserve Air Wing. They were based at Miramar, where BuNo 158990 is seen in this photo. The Devil's Disciples were disestablished on December 31, 1994, when budget cuts eliminated Air Wing 30. 158990 was one of the first Tomcats retired from fleet service, going to AMARC on August 26, 1991, with inventory number 1K0039.

VF-302's Stallions were based at Miramar along with its sister squadron VF-301. Operating some of the oldest Tomcats in the fleet, the Stallions provided reservists with Tomcat training and flight time. BuNo 159591 is seen here waiting for takeoff at Bergstrom AFB during the RAM 88 Recon competition. -302's jets participating in the meet carried the TARPS (Tactical Air Recon Pod System) for film and other visual sensor data capture. VF-302 shut down on December 31, 1994, along with the rest of Reserve Carrier Air Wing 30. 159591 finished its flying career with VF-101, and was written off in April of 2001.

The Naval Air Test Center (NATC) at NAS Pax River made use of multiple F-14s over the life of the Tomcat program, to test systems and upgrades. Initially they carried the tail code 7T, which was the station code for Pax River. Later, when NATC was redesignated Strike Directorate, the tail code changed to SD. BuNo 158620, a very early production jet, is seen here passing through Dallas in 1985. In less than 2 years, it would be rebuilt by Grumman to newbuild standards, and be delivered to VF-202 at this very base.

Top Gun, the Navy's Fighter Weapons School at Miramar, made use of a few Tomcats for adversary training. This great looking bird is BuNo 159855, see at Miramar in December of 1991. It is painted to simulate a Russian SU-27. When Top Gun was reformed as the NSAWC and moved to NAS Fallon, a few Tomcats continued to serve in the role. However, its time as a bad guy was short - high operating costs and high maintenance requirements ended up getting it replaced with early production F-18 Hornets rather quickly.

BuNo 164604 was the last F-14 built, being delivered to NAS Pt. Mugu from Grumman in 1992. Nicknamed 'Vandy One', this jet carried the overall black scheme for most of its career. It served with VX-4, and then VX-9, fleet test squadrons, at Pt. Mugu for its entire career. The jet is seen here attending an airshow in Oklahoma City in 1998. Upon retirement, this aircraft was delivered to NAS Oceana, to become a monument to the F-14. Unfortunately, someone decided to paint it in the same grey as fleet aircraft, instead of leaving it in this special paint scheme.

All Photos by yours truly.

Where Have All The Tomcats Gone? Part II

2010-07-07T19:41:00.029-05:00

Atlantic Fleet Tomcats were based at NAS Oceana, VA. For most of their career, the Tomcats shared the huge base with the A-6 Intruders of the Atlantic Fleet.

When the Tomcat's career started winding down, NAS Miramar in San Diego was transferred to Marine control, and the remaining Tomcat squadrons were sent to Oceana. So, for a time, both Atlantic and Pacific fleet Tomcats were based out of one location. (For purposes of this posting, only the Atlantic Fleet squadrons will be covered.)

F-14B 163227 was VF-11's CAG bird during the squadron's last days as a Tomcat squadron, seen here at the Alliance Airport TX airshow in October of 2004. Renamed, VFA-11 is now flying Super Hornets out of Oceana. 163227 survived its service, and retired to AMARC under the inventory number 1K0188.

The Top Hatters of VF-14 owned this jet, 159023, when it was seen on a cross country flight in 1986. The scuzzy grey paint scheme was typical of how typical fleet Tomcats looked - not very pretty to look at, but effective in helping disguise the aircraft in an air combat environment. This particular aircraft finished its flying days with the NATC at Pax River, and was stricken from the inventory on April 2, 1992.

VF-31's 161862, seen here at an airshow at Carswell AFB in 1990. This throwback paint scheme honored the markings carried by the squadron when it first got F-14s. The red tails, black noses, and Felix the Cat running with a bomb were spectacular. VF-31 was the last US Navy squadron to operate the Tomcat, relenquishing their D models in 2006. This aircraft was converted to B model standards, survived its service, and was retired to AMARC as 1K0182.

VF-32 was known as the Swordsmen. F-14A BuNo 162694, the squadron's CAG bird, is seen here at Dallas in 1988 on approach to RW17. It was later modified into a F-14B. It was written off on October 3, 2002, while serving with VF-101. VF-32 has become VFA-32, and now flies the F-18F Super Hornet at Oceana.

VF-33 was known as both the Tarsiers and the Starfighters, depending upon who and when you asked. BuNo 159427, an early production A model, is seen here at Oceana during 1986. The aircraft survived its service to become the 43rd Tomcat retired to AMARC, delivered there in 1991. It was scrapped in 1994.

VF-41 Black Aces F-14A 160381 taking off from RW35 one morning at NAS Dallas in 1987. 160381 crashed on August 26, 1994, while flying with VF-84. It suffered an inflight engine fire and went down off of the NC coast - both crew members were safely recovered.

The VF-74 Bedevilers flew both the A and B models of the F-14. F-14B 162922 is seen during a Dallas refueling stop during 1989. VF-74 was disestablished on April 30, 1994. 162922 finished its flying days with VF-32, and was retired to AMARC as 1K0164.

My favorite Tomcat squadron markings of all time - the VF-84 Jolly Rogers. Nothing quite epitomized the Tomcat like the Skull and Crossbones on a black tail - pirate stuff to be sure. BuNo 162702 is seen here on the NAS Dallas transient ramp during a November 4, 1989 stopover. The jet crashed shortly after this photo was taken, on June 5, 1990. VF-84 was disestablished on October 1, 1995. VF-103 took the lineage of the Skull and Crossbones (see below), but it just wasn't the same!

F-14D 164342 of VF-101, seen at an airshow at Alliance Airport, TX during October of 2004. This was one of the Tomcat's last airshow appearances. The aircraft carried sharp tail markings and a mean looking sharkmouth as it approached retirement. When VF-101 shut its doors, the jet transferred to VF-31, and was part of that squadron until the very end of US Navy Tomcat operations. It is now preserved at the Wings over Miami museum. VF-101 was the Atlantic coast training squadron, keeping a roster of up to 40 F-14s on the Oceana ramp to support training requirements.

VF-102's CAG bird landing on RW 17 at NAS Dallas. This Diamondbacks' jet was transiting through the base between cruises in 1987. BuNo 162695 was a combat veteran of the First Gulf War, and survived its service to retire to AMARC as 1K0171. VF-102 became VFA-102, and now flies the F-18F Super Hornet.

VF-103's 160390 seen landing on RW 17 at NAS Dallas in 1988. -103 had a confusing career in the F-14. First known as the Sluggers, it went through three different types of tail markings (the first of which, an arrow, is illustrated here). When VF-84 was disestablished, VF-103 then took the Jolly Rogers name and heritage, and started using the VF-84 tail markings. The Navy's explanation was that they wanted to keep the long lineage of the Jolly Rogers going - but that didn't make a lot of sense. If the lineage was that important, why didn't they get rid of -103 and keep -84? I don't know ... 160390 was one of the most famous/infamous Tomcats. While flying with VF-41, it downed a Libyan SU-22 on August 19, 1981. Later, while with VF-213, it crashed while approaching the USS Lincoln on October 25, 1994. The crash claimed the life of Lt. Kara Hultgreen, one of the first two female Naval Aviators assigned to a fleet squadron.

VF-142 Ghost Riders flew the F-14A until they were disestablished on April 30, 1995. -142 was always paired with -143 during carrier deployments. BuNo 161427 is seen here on the Oceana ramp during 1986. This aircraft was lost on July 30, 1998, while flying with VF-103.

VF-143 is known as the Pukin Dogs, a backhanded compliment for the squadron's insignia, which is supposed to be a griffon - but actually looks like a dog throwing up. The Dogs were one of the last F-14 squadrons in service receiving F-18E Super Hornets after retiring their Tomcats to AMARC. AG-114, BuNo 162924, was a B model assigned to the squadron when this photo was taken of it arriving transient at Carswell AFB in 2001. The squadron had just come back from a deployment aboard the USS JFK. This aircraft was struck from the inventory on Sep. 15, 2004.

All Photos by yours truly.

Where Have All The Tomcats Gone? Part I

2010-07-06T19:52:00.038-05:00

The F-14 Tomcat was retired from US Navy service back in 2006, after 34 years of defending the fleet. An elegant fighter that was nicknamed 'Turkey', the Tomcat was a loud, impressive aircraft that was designed as a fleet defense fighter, and morphed into a capable attack platform late in its career. Age and politics got to the F-14 in the end, with the F-18 Hornet taking its place on the Navy's carrier decks.

I had the pleasure of photographing several hundred of the 700+ F-14s that were built. For no particular reason, I'd like to share some of those photos here. I do miss that aircraft. I'll put these into three postings: Tomcats of the Pacific Fleet (PACFLT), Tomcats of the Atlantic Fleet (ATLFLT), and Rerserve/Adversary/Test Units.

First, F-14s of the Pacific Fleet. PACFLT Tomcats were based at NAS Miramar, outside of San Diego. Known as Fightertown, Miramar's ramp featured dozens of F-14s from their introduction to the fleet in 1972, through the base being turned over to the Marine Corps in October of 1997.

The Wolfpack of VF-1 was established in 1972 as one of the first two F-14 fleet squadrons. They sailed on the USS Enterprise, and actually were in SEA at the conclusion of the Vietnam War, though they did not fly combat missions. 162597 is seen carrying throwback CAG markings at Miramar in 1988, duplicating the markings all of its jets carried when the squadron first stood up. VF-1 was an early victim of Clinton's massive military drawdown after the First Gulf War, standing down on October 1, 1993. 162597 was struck from the inventory on Feb. 18, 1999 after finishing its service life with VF-14.

VF-2 was the Wolfpack's sister squadron during the early days of the Tomcat, participating on that first cruise. Also carrying throwback markings, 162596 on Miramar's ramp in 1988. Now known as VFA-2, ths unit currently flies the F-18F Super Hornet. This aircraft crashed on Sep. 22, 1988, less than 6 months after this photo was taken.

Many of VF-21's F-14As carried this attractive yellow and black scheme when they were delivered from the Grumman factory. The glossy grey paint was applied by Grumman to all F-14As when delivered as new, as stated by contract. Low-vis tactical grey paint was applied to all F-14B and D aircraft delivered. 161615, NK-205, seen here at Miramar in 1988, between cruises on the USS Constellation. The Freelancers were disestablished on January 31, 1996.

This VF-24 F-14B was caught transiting through NAS Dallas in 1989. BuNo 163224, normally based at Miramar, coded NG-203. The Fighting Renegades were disestablished on August 31, 1996, one of the last victims of the Clinton cuts. This aircraft survived to be retired to AMARC as 1K0148.

The Screaming Eagles of VF-51 carried this attractively painted CAG bird in 1991. NL-100 was BuNo 162602. VF-51 was disetablished along with its stablemate VF-111 on March 31, 1995. 162602 crashed while flying with VF-51 on July 11, 1994.

VF-111's Sundowners teamed with VF-51 on carrier cruises. The sharkmouth and sunburst on the tail were some of the most striking markings carried by any Tomcat. The CAG bird, 162594, heads a line of normal grey squadron aircraft on the Miramar ramp in 1991. VF-111 stood down on March 31, 1995. Recently, VFC-111 was established at NAS Key West, flying F-5s in an aggressor role. This aircraft crashed while flying with VF-101 out of Oceana on Oct. 3, 2002.

The Aardvarks of VF-114 flew off the Enterprise for most of their time in the Tomcat. 161615, NH-107, seen in the afternoon sun at Miramar in 1991. The 'Varks were one of the first squadrons lost during the Clinton cutbacks, being disestablished at Miramar on April 30, 1993. 161615 is preserved at the Combat Air Museum, Forbes Field, KS.

VF-124 was the West Coast F-14 training squadron, tasked with readying pilots and RIOs to operate the F-14 for Pacific Fleet Squadrons. Based at Miramar, the squadron was not assigned to an Air Wing. Gunfighter 400, BuNo 161620, seen here at Miramar in 1991, carried special markings as the CAG bird. The unit's other aircraft weren't nearly as colorful! VF-124 was disestablished on September 30, 1994 - at that point all F-14 training was transferred to VF-101 at Oceana. 161620 survived its service, and is preserved at the air museum at Selfridge ANGB near Detroit.

VF-154's Black Knight 102, BuNo 161614, seen at its home base of Miramar in 1988. -154 later forward deployed to NAF Atsugi (Japan), becoming the only Tomcat squadron based on foreign soil. VFA-154 survived the drawdowns and now flies the F-18F.

VF-191 was one of the shortest lived F-14 squadrons, being established in 1987 to join the new Air Group CVW-10. CVW-10 was scrapped before it ever deployed to a carrier, due to budget cuts. 161279, NM-102, see here on a approach to NAS Dallas in February of 1988. The squadron stood down on April 30, 1988. This aircraft was last used by VF-101 at Oceana, and struck from the inventory on Dec. 12, 2003.

VF-194 was -191's stablemate in CVW-10. Satan's Kittens' CAG bird is seen on the MIramar ramp in March of 1988, shortly before the squadron stood down on April 30, 1988. This aircraft, BuNo 161626, survived its service and retired to AMARC as 1K0160.

F-14B 163229, VF-211's NG-100. Normally based at Miramar, seen here on the NAS Dallas TLine in 1989. When Miramar moved to Marine hands, VF-211 moved to NAS Oceana along with the rest of the Pacific F-14s. Upon retirement of its F-14s, -211 stood down for a time, then was reborn with F-18Fs. The unit currently flies off the USS Enterprise. 163229 was retired to AMARC with the inventory number 1K0172.

VF-213's 160920, NH-213, seen transiting through NAS Dallas in 1985. VF-213 moved to NAS Oceana when Miramar reverted to Marine hands. The Black Lions were one of the last squadrons to fly the F-14, giving up their F-14Ds for F-18Fs. This specific aircraft was retired by 1999, and transferred to a 'museum' at Chino CA, where it became embroiled in a controversy regarding Tomcat parts being delivered to Iran.

All Photos by yours truly.

T-38 Talon - Replacement Finally On The Horizon?

2010-06-24T18:21:00.013-05:00

The T-38 has been the USAF's advanced pilot training aircraft since the late '50s. Generations of military pilots have trained in these aircraft. My father, who left the USAF in 1965, learned the figher pilot trade in and later instructed in the T-38.

Most of the 450 or so T-38s remaining in service have just gone through a major update/upgrade, and are now referred to as T-38C. T-38s were manufactured by Northrup from 1959 to 1970. The majority of those still flying were built in 1966, 67, and 68, making the average age of a front line T-38 about 45 years old.

T-38A 68-8139, 7FS 49FW, based and photographed at Holloman AFB. These black jets were used for pilot proficiency and chase plane duties when the 49th was equipped with the F-117A Stealth Fighter.

The T-38C update will keep these aircraft in the air for another decade, if necessary.

The USAF has started the replacement process, finally. In a few months, a contest will be announced for designs and bids to produce the esimated 350 training aircraft deemed necessary to replace the T-38. The winning aircraft could garner as many as 1000 ordered, depending upon foreign customers and possible variations of the basic aircraft (such as a light strike platform).

The competitors appear to be:

Northrup - which is anticipated to offer a further upgrade/life extension program for the existing T-38 airframes.

Korean Air Industries/Lockheed-Martin - this partnership produced the Korean produced T-50 trainer, currently only in use by the South Korean Air Force.

Alenia Aermacchi - expected to offer a derivative of their M-346 trainer, currently in use by the Italian Air Force and others as both a trainer and light strike aircraft.

BAE Systems - which will offer a version of their Hawk training/light strike aircraft, used in the UK, US (Navy), and multiple Air Forces around the world.

Boeing - which is being very quiet about what it will offer, but is thought to be a new design purpose built for the application.

It is expected that some of these companies may team up to push an offering, with Alenia (Italy) and BAE (UK) seeking a US partner, either Northrup or Boeing. A cooperative effort would be stronger in many aspects.

Northrup has experience, in that they are the designers. makers, and maintainers of the current T-38 fleet. The last complete aircraft they produced, however, was the B-2 - very different technology and requirements, and production wrapped up over 15 years ago.

Alenia has worldwide experience with their MB platform, but very limited US experience - and that experience has been with the very limited use of the C-27 medium transport aircraft by the USAF. They would have to be considered an outsider.

BAE has a strong hand. The Hawk platform has dozens of customers worldwide, the most important of which (for this situation) the US Navy, which operates close to 300 of them. These aircraft, called T-45, were built in the US, and are highly modified examples of the main design. The mods were necessary to make the aircraft suitable for use on aircraft carriers. If BAE is chosen, the aircraft would likely be built through their partnership with Boeing, the same way the T-45 was produced.

Boeing, by itself, would have a hard time pushing a brand new aircraft to fill the need. With the spiralling costs and mismanagement seen in the F-22 and F-35 programs, Congress is not going to be in the mood to purchase billions of dollars worth of new, unproven designs when existing aircraft can be used with minimal program risk.

KAI/L-M's big advantage is that Lockheed is the manufacturer of the only two fighter aircraft that will be left in the inventory by the time the new trainer reaches operational capability - the F-22 and the F-35. L-M's familiarity with those aircraft would allow them to claim the knowledge necessary to build a trainer that would lead into the -22 and -35 seamlessly. There is a big drawback in that approach; since L-M has so much of the USAF's business, the Air Force and Congress may decide that the new contract needs to go to someone else.

No matter what design is chosen for the future requirement, it is certain that we will continue to see this sleek little jet flying around for many years to come.

T-38A 70-1955, assigned to the 81FTW, based at Williams AFB. Seen landing at NAS Dallas in 1988. This was the second to last T-38 built.

T-38C 64-13225 of the 25FTS, 71FTW, leads other T-38s from the 90FTS, 80FTW (EN) and 50FTS, 14FTW (CB) on the ramp during 2009.

All photos by your truly.

USAF Initiates Drone Pilot Training Track

2010-06-17T18:28:00.004-05:00

Finally recognizing that using fully trained aircraft pilots to sit in comfy chairs to remotely pilot drones was not the best decision, the USAF has settled on training 'unmanned aerial system' operators specifically to do that mission.

Taking fully qualified pilots to do this job was bad for multiple reasons, but the two biggest were cost (it costs over a million dollars to train an actual pilot), and morale problems (taking a real pilot and dropping him into a trailer to run a flying lawnmower through a video screen was a real hit to the ego, and a career ender).

Five test classes were put through training beginning in 2009, to establish and fine tune the curriculum. Graduates of the first class are now 'flying' operational missions. The second class just graduated, and will soon become operational.

The USAF has a stated need of 1100 drone pilots and operations officers by 2012. Establishing this as a seperate career path from pilot training is smart - saves money, and helps calm down the morale problems.

It will be interesting to me to see if the graduates of this new career path are awarded wings, and if they'll wear flight suits to work.

F-35 Costs Spiralling Out of Control

2010-06-02T19:30:00.007-05:00

The latest cost projections from independent Pentagon analyists are placing the cost of the F-35 program, for the current number of airplanes projected, at $382 Billion.

This is 65% higher than the original cost projection of $232 Billion, posted in 2002.

The production cost per plane has risen to $92.4 Million, 85% higher than the original projection of $50 Million.

The total cost per plane, including R&D charges, is sitting at $112.4 Million, 81% higher than the original projection of $62 Million.

This is the incredible danger of our government signing 'cost plus' procurement contracts - contracts which guarantee the contractor(s) a percentage of profit no matter what the cost turns out to be. Such contracts give no incentive for the contractor to hold down costs - anything they can push into the program and bill for, they will.

I guarantee that if the US government had signed a fixed cost contract with Lockheed-Martin for the F-35, it would have come in at projected costs. Companies have a way of figuring out how to keep programs on track and on budget when their bottom line depends on it.

The new estimate of $382 follows by two months an estimate released by the F-35 program office in the Pentagon of $328 Billion.

The Congressional Budget Office released a report on May 28 suggesting that the Navy scale back on its planned purchase of F-35C carrier based variants, reducing its order by 93 aircraft. The resulting savings could be spent procurring an additonal 126 F-18 Super Hornets. The Super Hornet is a known design in service, orders could be placed and production started now. A difference of 33 aircraft may not sound like much, but that is the equivalent of 3 full strength Navy Fighter Squadrons. With the dire straits the Navy's legacy Hornet (F-18A/B/C/D) fleet finds itself in, additional Super Hornets could help bridge the Navy's fighter gap - a gap which has lengthened, since the Navy has pushed projected IOC for the F-35C from 2014 back to 2016.

A bad result from a cut in F-35C production is that it will drive the per plane cost up for everyone else, potentially causing even more production cuts.

The percentage of increase will automatically bring the program up for review by Congress, under the Nunn-McCurdy law. That stipulates that any project which exceeds its original budget numbers by more than 50% must be represented to Congress to justify the expense. Congress may take no action, but the law gives it the right to cancel the program outright.

The F-35 is rapidly becomming another F-22. It will be procured in far fewer numbers than were planned, due to the tremendous cost overruns. This will result in a much less combat effective force, and a fighter gap that we will not be able to overcome.

F-35 photo shamelessly ripped off from Outlaw13 ....

Darth Vader Does NAVAIR

2010-05-29T20:24:00.005-05:00

VAQ-209 is a Naval Aviation Reserve Squadron, based at NAF Andrews, near Washington DC. The squadron flies the Grumman EA-6B Prowler, and electronic jamming aircraft. VAQ-209's traditional role is to serve as backup for regular forces. Lately, to meet OIF and OEF requirements, -209 has been a land based deployable squadron.

VAQ-209's nickname is "Starwarriors". For several years, a small outlined Darth Vader head has adorned their tail. For this year, the squadron came up with a spectacularly painted CAG bird. Darth has been spotted in all of his glory!

A couple of shots of 161883, seen at the NAS Ft. Worth open house recently.

For those of you not 'in the know' ... CAG is a Naval Aviation term that dates back to the '30s, and refers to 'Commander, Air Group'. This was the fellow who commanded all of the aircraft deployed on an aircraft carrier. In the '60s, squadrons started paying tribute to their CAG by painting up one squadron aircraft in colorful, non-standard markings, and putting his name on the canopy rail. This aircraft was then known as the 'CAG Bird'.

These days, indeed since WWII, it is known as a Carrier Air Wing, not Carrier Air Group. However, the name CAG has stuck even after all of these years - calling the boss CAW just doesn't sound right, does it?

Big "E" Rejoins the Fleet

2010-05-23T18:34:00.006-05:00

After a two year refit, The USS Enterprise CVN-65 completed flight deck certification trials on May 14 prior to embarking on her 21st cruise. The nation's first nuclear powered carrier, Enterprise has received upgrades and maintenance during her two year absence from the fleet.

CVN-65 will soon set sail with Air Wing 1 (CVW-1) aboard, comprised of VFA-11 (F-18F), VFA-136 (F-18C), VFA-211 (F-18F), VMFA-251 (F-18C), VAW-123 (E-2C), VAQ-137 (EA-6B), VRC-30 Det.2 (C-2A), and HS-11 (SH-60F).

Photos - VFA-211 Super Hornets conducting flight operations during flight deck certification - US Navy photos.

A Hero Passes

2010-05-18T12:12:00.005-05:00

Col. Walker 'Bud' Mahurin passed away on May 11, at the age of 91.

Col. Mahurin flew P-47 Thunderbolts with the 56th Fighter Group out of England in 1943 and 1944. He was shot down March 27, 1944 over France, but managed to evade and escape back to England. After leave in the US, he was transferred to the Pacific where he flew P-51s.

Bud was credited with 20.75 German and Japanese 'kills' during the war, making him one of the highest ranking US aces.

During Korea, Col. Mahurin flew F-86 Sabres, shooting down 3 MiG-15s. He was shot down on May 13, 1952, and spent 16 months in a North Korean prison suffering intense interrogation and torture.

Col. Mahurin was the only US flyer to shoot down enemy aircraft in both Europe and the Pacific during WWII, and then in Korea. He retired from military service in 1956, and went to work for North American Aviation in SoCal.

Godspeed, Colonel ...

EADS Reenters KC-X Competition

2010-04-21T18:55:00.006-05:00

EADS (Airbus) has reentered the USAF's KC-X competition. Northrup-Grumman announced its withdrawl from the competition back in February. N-G had been partnered with EADS to offer the KC-30, a militarized tanker version of the A330 airliner. N-G backed out, seeing that the refined requirements set out in the competition gave Boeing's KC-767 a big advantage in the competition. Basically, N-G decided to stop throwing good money after bad, and handed the contract to Boeing.

Well, Airbus has decided to attempt to push the KC-30 by itself, without N-G as a partner. I rate their chance as slightly better than Obama shrinking the Federal government.

N-G's bid included some powerful incentives - assembly of the KC-30 would have been in Alabama, benefiting a large number of US companies and creating a large US workforce to produce the 179 aircraft the contract covers. EADS' bidding on its own would seem to not have that advantage - the aircraft will undoubtedly be built in Airbus' European factories.

Airbus has a very poor record of delivering new design aircraft on time. Their long going A-400M project to build a medium capacity airlifter is so far behind schedule, so far above projected costs, that many of the partner countries have backed out of the project and chosen to buy C-17s and new model C-130s instead.

The KC-X contract is worth at least $35,000,000,000. I understand why EADS would want to try to get it, but I don't understand why they are getting back in when the deck is stacked so far against them. I see this as a waste of money for EADS, and a big embarrassment when their aircraft loses to Boeing again.

Mustang Magic

2010-04-20T20:23:00.004-05:00

I had heard about this mass gathering of Mustangs a couple of years ago, but had just now stumbled upon some video on Youtube. Decent quality video at that. The occasion was on Sep. 30, 2007, at Rickenbacker Airport in Columbus OH - the Gathering of Mustangs.

There is nothing that sounds like a Merlin powered Mustang. Arguably the best fighter aircraft ever built (given it's time period), it is a magic machine. Easily the most prolific fighting warbird still in existence, it is a treat to see one or two at an airshow. For this meet, 20 (yes TWENTY) of them were in attendence. I truly wish I had been there to see this - a sight that hadn't been seen since the days of WWII - twenty P-51s in formation!

Very cool.

NAVAIR - 2 Crashes Claim 4 Lives

2010-04-13T17:15:00.012-05:00

A VAW-121 E-2C Hawkeye, BuNo 166508, based on the USS Eisenhower crashed in the Arabian Gulf on a normal mission on March 31. The aircraft lost power on one engine while returning to the carrier from its surveillance mission. The pilot held the aircraft steady while the other 3 crew members bailed out, but was unable to get out himself before the plane impacted the water. He gave his life so the others could get out safely.

A VT-86 T-39N Saberliner training aircraft, BuNo 165513, based at NAS Pensacola, crashed near Atlanta on April 12, killing three on board. The same area was the site of another T-39 crash back in 2006, which killed all 4 on board.

Military aviation is a deadly serious business, even during normal operations.

It's a Hawg's Life

2010-04-07T19:40:00.011-05:00

The Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbotl II was designed in the early '70s to meet a USAF requirement for a tank killing close air support aircraft. It's primary purpose was to defeat the anticipated Soviet tank attack that would come through Germany, should war ever break out.

The A-10 was designed around it's huge 30mm GAU-8 Gatling gun. Firing rounds of depeleted uranium at 2,000 or 4,000 rounds per minute, this awesome weapon was capable of chewing up a tank in short order. 11 weapons hardpoints allow the aircraft to carry a massive amount of varied ordanance.

The A-10 almost immediately gained the nickname 'Warthog' due ito its ungainly appearance. Indeed, few actually refer to the jet as Thunderbolt, most folks just call it 'The Hawg'.

Equipped with twin tails, twin engines, multiple redundant controls, and an armored titanium coccoon around the pilot, the Hawg was designed to take a lot of punishment and get its pilot back home. It is not a fast jet, max speed is about 450mph, but it is highly manueverable, and quiet. Most of its work is done at low level.

Production was 707 airframes, not counting pre-production, buiilt from 1975 to 1982.

With the end of the cold war, many in the Air Force pushed for the retirement of the A-10, saying it was redundant. Some of the earlier airframes started going to the boneyard in the late '80s. It's reprieve came in the form of Desert Storm.

DS operations showed that the A-10 was far from obsolete. It destroyed hundreds of Iraqi tanks and vehicles. 18 A-10s were hit by enemy fire, 4 of which were downed. 2 more A-10s were lost in landing accidents. More than 1 A-10 brought its pilot home after taking significant damage.

The post DS force drawdown initiated by Clinton saw the A-10 active duty force hit hard, with several wings being deactivated. The A-10, however, continued to prove its worth over Bosnia. It has been a critical component of the Global War on Terror, and its presence over Iraq and Afghanistan has been constant since our forces liberated those countries.

Today, about half of the A-10s built are still flying. The majority have been through multiple upgrades and service life extensions that will keep them active for at least another 15 years. While the F-22 and F-35 are set to replace the F-15 and F-16, there is no replacement on the boards for the A-10.

Once the stepchild of the pointy-end fighter Air Force, the 'Hawg continues to prove its worth, and will outlive the jets that came after it - the very ones that were supposed to have made it obsolete.

Lone Star Flight Museum's P-47D Thunderbolt "Tarheel Hal' sitting besides its namesake, A-10A Thunderbolt II 79-0147, 47FS 917WG, at the Hawg's home base of Barksdale AFB. Photo by yours truly.

'Vark Dump and Burn, Aussie Style

2010-04-02T18:45:00.003-05:00

The F-111 Aardvark was operated only by two forces - the USAF and the Australians. The aircraft has never received its due, in my opinion. A friend, Quizmo, flew these incredible aircraft out of Lakenheath and Cannon, before moving on to Beagles.

The F-111 served in A, C, D, E, F, G, EF- and FB- versions. A Navy version, the B, was initially developed, but was found to be totally unsuitable for carrier operations. Sadly, the last American Aardvarks were retired back in the mid-1990s, but the Australians still fly them.

The F-111 has a fuel dump nozzle uniquely placed - between the two engine exhausts. If the dump was turned on while the jet was in afterburner, a 100 foot long torch shot out the rear of the aircraft. The USAF deemed this to be too dangerous to allow, but the Aussies jumped on it and used it to great delight at airshows and other events.

Here are a couple of Aussie 'torches' for your enjoyment ....

Romania Chooses F-16 Over F-35

2010-04-02T16:25:00.003-05:00

Romania has signed a deal to purchase 48 F-16 fighters from the US. 24 of the aircraft will be new build Block 50s, to be delivered by 2020. The remaining 24 will be refurbished Block 25s, recently retired from US use and now sitting in the boneyard in Tucson. The deal is said to be worth $4.5 billion, including spares and training. This will give Romania two squadrons of capable fighter bombers, compatible with NATO standards.

The order was chosen over an offer for 24 F-35s at a cost of over $6 billion (at current aircraft cost, which is very likely to go higher), none of which would be delivered before 2020.

One has to wonder - if the F-16 is still so potent a weapon that it is first choice for foreign orders, why is the USAF retiring so many of them prematurely?

Warlords Resurrected

2010-04-02T12:08:00.007-05:00

Marine Fighter Squadron VMFA-451 (Warlords) has been resurrected from the dead, at least for a little while. The squadron stood up this week after a 13 year absence.

VMFA-451 started it's service back in 1944. It saw action in every major conflict the US has had, up to and including Desert Storm. The squadron last flew F-18As, and was deactivated back in 1997 as the military drawdown of the Clinton Administration rolled on.

The Navy, Marines, and Air Force try hard to keep historical lineage going in its flying squadrons. VMFA-451 was re-established in order to officially keep it's heritage intact. The squadron will be renumberd VMFA-501 today at Eglin AFB, where it's initial cadre will begin training in preparation to receive the F-35B (when it finally makes it into fleet service). The resurrection of -451 and then renaming it to -501 keeps the Warlords lineage intact. However, I really don't know why they didn't just leave it as -451.

Photos - F-18A 163118, seen landing at NAS Dallas on Dec. 7, 1991, while conducting ACM missions against the locally based Phantoms of VMFA-112.

F-4J 153860 carrying the spectacular markings the squadron had during the BiCentennial of 1976, seen at its home base of MCAS Beaufort.

A Very Small World

2010-04-02T10:59:00.004-05:00

Back when I spent many hours hanging out on the approach end of Runway 17 at NAS Dallas, the sight of fleet squadron aircraft coming in transient was enough to make my camera shutter click fast and hard. Navy Dallas was a reserve base. Most of the Navy and Marine transient aircraft that passed through were RAG birds. Seeing fleet aircraft was a treat.

One day in July of1986, I shot a rather non-descript A-6E belonging to the VA-75 Sunday Punchers. BuNo 161660, AC-503, was in between cruises on the USS JFK at the time. Nasty, worn grey camoflage, but it was still a fleet bird. For some reason, it stuck in my mind over the years - it was the only VA-75 A-6 I ever saw at Navy Dallas.

Fast forward to 2006. I am in my local post office., mailing yet anouther care package to Outlaw13 over in the sand box. The clerk, who I had come to know by name over the past couple of years, asked about the package - he had seen me send many of them to that APO address. I told him where it was going. He mentions that he flew in the Navy. Oh yeah, what? I was a BN (bombadier/navigator) on A-6s. Which unit? VA-75. He mentions he does not have any pictures of the aircraft he flew in during training or active duty service. I tell him I have many A-6 pictures, taken over the years. He lends me his log book, so I could see if I had pictures of any birds he flew in. There is an entry for July 1986, flying in BuNo 161660, passing through NAS Dallas on the way to San Diego.

See where this is going?

Of all the folks who flew in the Intruder, I photographed him 20 years previously, landing out at Navy Dallas. I was on the starboard (that's right to us non-squid type persons) side on approach. The BN sits in the right seat. I look at the photo carefully, he's looking right at me as the plane goes by. Can't see his face because the visor is down.

I make a large print of the photo and give it to him. He confirms that the helmet markings were his, and the dates match up.

An amazing coincidence. The A-6 is gone now. Navy Dallas is long since closed. VA-75 is no more. The USS JFK has been decommissioned. I don't shoot nearly as many photos as I used to. After this much time and change, for the circumstances to come together just as they did defy the odds, for sure. Not exacly earh shattering, but I found it amusing.

Another Hero Passes

2010-03-20T19:29:00.005-05:00

Robert White passed away peacefully in his sleep this past St. Patrick's day at his home in Orlando. He was 85.

Robert White was a retired USAF Major General. He earned his wings during WWII, and flew Mustangs in the European theater with the 355thFG until being shot down early in 1945 on his 52nd combat mission. He spent the rest of the war as a POW. After the war, he earned a degree in electrical engineering, then was called back to duty during the Korean War. In 1954 he was transferred to Edwards AFB, where he joined the test pilot program. In 1961, he was the first man to break Mach 4, then Mach 5, and then Mach 6, while flying the X-15. He also was the first man into space in a winged vehicle when he flew the X-15 to a height of 59 miles in 1962.

He spent time with the 36TFW at Bitburg AB in Germany, finally commanding the 53rdTFS. He then went to Vietnam where he flew 70 missions in the F-105 with the 355thTFW, winning the Air Force Cross.

Gen. White's commendations include the Air Force Cross, Silver Star with 3 oak leaf clusters, Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross with 4 oak leaf clusters, Bronze Star, Air Medal with 16 oak leaf clusters, and a Distinguished Unit Citation with V device.

Godspeed General White ...

A Bad Few Days For Hornets

2010-03-17T18:04:00.007-05:00

The past few days haven't been kind to the Navy and Marine Corps fleet of F-18 Hornet fighters ...

This past Monday evening (Mar. 15) at around 10:00pm local, two F-18E Super Hornets assigned to VFA-136 collided in mid-air. The aircraft were involved with SFARP workup with CVW-2 at NAS Fallon, NV. One aircraft crashed, the pilot fortunately was able to successfully eject.

On March 11, A F-18D from VMFA(AW)-224, flying out of MCAS Beaufort, SC, ejected from their aircraft after it caught fire over the Atlantic during a training mission. Both crew members were safely recovered.

On March 12, the Navy grounded 104 older model Hornets (A,B,C,D models) after fatigue cracks were found in some aircraft where they shouldn't have been. This accounts for 16% of the earlier model Hornets currently flying. The grounding is until the aircraft can be inspected. It was not disclosed what would happen to those aircraft found to be cracked - retirement or repair. With the Pentagon's current fixation on retiring aircraft that are actually flying, it would seem that repair is unlikely.

In other Hornet news, Boeing has offered to allow Japan to license build the Super Hornet, if Japan chooses that aircraft to replace its ageing fleet of F-4 Phantoms. 4 other aircraft are involved in the competiton for the order. Japan actually wants the F-22 Raptor, but that aircraft is prohibited from foreign sales - ironic ... it isn't good enough to continue production for the USAF, but it is too good to sell to our allies. Boeing (actually McDonnell-Douglas) has a history of license building in Japan - the majority of Japanese Phantoms were produced by Japanese industry.

Photo courtesy US Navy

VFA-201 Hunters - RIP

2010-03-12T16:53:00.007-06:00

VFA-201 Hunters were a Navy Reserve F-18 Squadron located at NAS Ft. Worth. Established on July 25, 1970 at NAS Dallas, the unit flew F-8H, F-4N, F-4S, F-14A, F-18A, and finally F-18A+ aircraft before being disestablished in 2007.

The unit made Navy history in 2003, when it became the first Navy Reserve combat unit to be called to active duty combat service since the Korean War. Receiving the callup, the unit converted from F-18A to A+ aircraft, worked up, qualified, and in less than 3 months from callup date deployed on the USS Roosevelt for a six month combat tour in support of OIF. The squadron dropped over 220,000 lbs. of weapons on Iraqi targets.

After returning fromthe cruise, it kept up its training, but was disestablished on June 30, 2007 due to budget cuts. VFA-204, based at NAS New Orleans, had been slated for disestablishment instead, but in the aftermath of Katrina, politics jumped up and declared that the jobs couldn't be lost in New Orleans - instead the combat proven -201 stood down. Many of its personnel retired, some moved on to other billets.

I shot an awful lot of Kodachrome on Hunters' jets over the years - it is sad to know they are gone, never to return.

Here is their OIF 2003 cruise video, broken into 3 parts, followed by a bit of cockpit video of a Hunters pilot doing some ACM over Texas. Looks like a lot of fun!

USS Vinson Heads West

2010-03-11T18:43:00.007-06:00

The USS Carl Vinson, CVN-70, has changed coasts. Formerly based at Norfolk, VA, it is now based in San Diego, CA. After completing a major overhaul at Newport News, VA, the vessel and its Air Wing traveled south, participating in major exercises with South American countries on its way to its new home.

Earth shattering news? I guess not ... just a good excuse to post some neat photos ...

F-18F approaches the sound barrier on a low pass over the ship

F-18F on a knife edge pass at low altitude

VFA-81 F-18E Super Bugs jockeying for launch position

All photos courtesy US Navy

Northrup-Grumman Drops Out Of KC-X Bidding

2010-03-08T19:08:00.005-06:00

Wow ... didn't see this coming.

Northrup-Grumman has been fighting Boeing for the USAF's next generation tanker contract, called the KC-X competition. This competition has been ongoing for years, and plagued by corruption, charges of bid rigging, changing requirements, and protectionism.

Boeing's KC-767 was leading the first iteration of the competition, when it was uncoverd that senior USAF officials involved in the bid evaluation were offered post-service jobs by Boeing.

Northrup-Grumman's KC-30 won the second try at the competition, but Boeing protested the verdict. The GAO got involved, agreed, and ordered a new competition with much more stringent requirements that would make it more clear the exact definition of what the USAF was looking for.

Boeing is offering a tanker configured version of its 767 airliner.

Northrup-Grumman was offering a tanker configured version of the Airbus A330 airliner.

The contract is one of the largest defense contracts still up for grab. The USAF is planning on procurring 109 of the aircraft, at a cost of around $30 billion. The aircraft will supplement its current fleet of KC-135R and KC-10 tankers. The KC-135R fleet, the newest of which was built in 1963, is somehow expected to soldier on until 2040. The KC-10s, built between 1979 and 1984, are overworked and limited to what airfields they can operate from.

Northrup-Grumman announced today that it was removing itself from the competition, stating generally that the new requirements could not be met by its KC-30 entry. Primarily, this was due to the size of the aircraft - the KC-30 is much larger than the KC-767, preventing it from operating on smaller airstrips the Boeing entry is capable of. N-G has pulled it's website dedicated to the KC-30.

I really thought Northrup-Grumman would fight harder. They've fought this battle for about 10 years now. Something has changed. Something has given them insight that tells them they will not win the competition, besides the obvious differences between the aircraft. Something has told them to cut their losses and run. Don't know what it is, but it will surely come out later on.

Females On Submarines ... You've Got to be Kidding

2010-03-05T17:23:00.004-06:00

The Navy's leadership, pushed by the Obama Administration, has declared that submarines will now be staffed ay female as well as male sailors. What kind of rocket scientist thought this pile of dog excrement up? Surely it was someone who has no concept of what a submarine does or how it operates.

Now, don't get me wrong. I am in no way saying that females are not capable of doing the jobs on submarines just as well as males. That is not my point.

The point is practicality.

Submarines are very cramped quarters. There is so little room, even in the biggest ones, that there are not enough bunks (beds for you ignorant Obama Admininstration members) for all of the sailors. The enlisted personnel 'hot bunk' - that is they share a bunk with others. When someone is on duty, someone else is sleeping in that bunk. Shifts change, they swap. Hence hot bunk ... the bedding doesn't have a chance to cool off between occupants. Heads (or bathrooms) are communal, and very limited in space. Use of the facilities has to be coordinated to keep from chaos breaking out. The only way this works is that everyone is the same sex (and supposedly the same sexual orientation). The point is, there isn't much living space for the crew.

Now, add females to the equiation. You can't make the submarine bigger. You can't make males and females share berthing spaces or heads (which would be the only way to really achieve equality). So, you have to take communal space away and dedicate it to female use only. There have to be seperate, lockable berthing spaces, showers, toilets - and the only way those can be provided is to cut down on the communal spaces. So, the male crew members will get even less space, even less access to facilities, and endure more problems in their daily life onboard.

This will create animosity between the male and female crew members. This will put a finite limit on the number of females that can be in the crew. You will end up with 100+ male enlisted crew losing half of their living space to 3-4 females. How can the Navy not know of the problems this will cause?

Problems will be compounded by the nature of the sub missions ... underwater, cooped up for weeks and months on end. There will inevitably be issues with onboard romances, pregnancies, and hard feelings.

These problems have been run into when women were introduced to surface combatant vessels, but the problems weren't nearly as serious. There is a lot more room on a surface ship, a lot more opportunity to 'get away' from the tension.

In addition to the practical issues listed above, there is the matter of money. It is going to cost millions upon millions of dollars to retrofit submarines to accomplish this. For what? What is this going to accomplish?

US Navy Relieves Cruiser Captain ... For What?

2010-03-05T17:11:00.003-06:00

The US Navy relieved the captain of the cruiser USS Cowpens back on Jan. 19. The captain is still awaiting orders for a new billet.

This captain's behaviour in command was horrible beyond belief:

1) The captain assaulted at least three subordinates (pushed one, grabbed another by the arm, and (gasp) threw a wadded up piece of paper at another.

2) Several crew members complained, anonomously, about the captain using profane language.

3) The captain presided over a race with a Navy destroyer in 2009.

4) The captain once ordered a subordinate, as a disciplinary measure, to stand in a corner in view of the standing watch.

5) The captain asked a subordinate to play a piano at a Christmas party, and asked other subordinates to walk the captain's dog.

Wow ... I had no idea such evil existed in our Navy. I cannot comprehend how a captain of a guided missile cruiser (a highly sought after position) can be such a heavy handed tirant. Surely the days of pirate captains ruling their commands with such brutality have passed?

(Can you smell the sarcasm dripping from my words yet ....)

BTW - the captain relieved is Holly Graf ... that's right, a female.

Our United States Navy leadership ... what a bunch of PC pansies .....

WWII Color Gun Camera Footage

2010-03-04T19:30:00.002-06:00

YouTube really has some gems ...

Very rare World War II gun camera footage. Almost all gun camera film was black and white, so this stuff is not seen often.

Hey Gumby ... if you happen across this, there's some pretty nice Thunderlicious footage in there ....

Gratuitous USN WWII Carrier Footage

2010-03-04T19:20:00.006-06:00

Here is some awesome color footage of USN Aircraft Carrier operations in the Pacific during World War II.

The US Navy's Pacific fleet, with its fast carriers, battleships, and legions of cruisers and destroyers, was arguably the most powerful military force in history (adjusted for time period, of course).

If stuff like this interests you, go to YouTube, under videos, and search for 'WWII In Color'. Neat stuff ....

F-35 IOC with USAF Slips 2 Years

2010-03-04T17:40:00.002-06:00

The USAF has announced that IOC (Initial Operational Capacity) for its first unit of F-35 fighters has slipped by over 2 years. IOC for that first unit is now thought to be late in 2015. Now remember, we are five and a half years away from that date, so no one with any knowledge of defense procurement would place any kind of a bet for that date being met. It will slip, and then it will slip again. The budget problems in the F-35 program that caused 112 aircraft to be dropped from the production total will likely continue - it should surprise no one if the total number of aircraft built is cut again.

Pile this on top of the rampant aircraft retirement (supposedly to pay for all those F-35s that are so far in the future), and the USAF is going to be shooting spitballs from paper airplanes at our enemies in a couple of years.

The only hope I see of this becomming anything but a complete disaster for the Air Force is for the Air Guard to go off on its own to procure aircraft - new build versions of proven designs like the F-16, F-15, and maybe even the F-18 to fill the gaps.

USAF Cutting Much Needed Aircraft

2010-03-04T17:20:00.005-06:00

The USAF will retire 250 front line fighter aircraft by the end of FY2010 (September 30). The rundown:

F-15s - 135 to be retired, consisting of:
85TES, Eglin AFB, loses 2 aircraft
19FS, Elmendorf AFB, loses 24 aircraft and closes
199FS, Hickam AFB, loses 15 aircraft
71FS, Langley AFB, loses 18 aircraft, and closes
48FW, RAF Lakenheat, loses 6 aircraft
325FW, Tyndall AFB, loses 48 aircraft and ceases F-15 operations

F-16s - 112 to be retired, consisting of:
163FS, Ft. Wayne (IN ANG), loses 18 aircraft, converts to A-10
34FS, Hill AFB, loses 24 aircraft and closes
188FS, Kirtland AFB (NM ANG), loses 18 aircraft and closes
56FW, Luke AFB, loses 28 aircraft
52FW, Spangdahlem AB, loses 18 aircraft

A-10 - 3 aircraft to be retired, others to be redistributed

The aircraft being retired will be sent to the desert in Tucson, never to fly again. 4000 airmen displaced because of the retirements will be shuffled off to other jobs, mostly in intelligence gathering operations. The USAF is hoping to save $3.5 billion over the next five years by retiring these aircraft, with the money (hopefully) going to replacements.

There is nothing wrong with these aircraft. Indeed, many of them have been active in operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, or training personnel for operational units. Retiring them is strictly a financial issue. There is no replacement for these aircraft available - it is a one-for-one loss of capability for our Air Force.

This is on top of the hundreds of F-15s and F-16s that have been retired over the past few years, due to age and budget.

Combine this with a pathetically small force of 187 F-22s, and the delays and production cuts plaguing the F-35, and the USAF will be a shadow of what it was just a few years ago for a long time to come.

Lunacy ....

An American Hero Passes

2010-02-24T12:15:00.005-06:00

A genuine American hero will be laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetary today. Col. Robert L. Howard (USA-Ret) passed away at the age of 70.

Col. Howard was thought to be the most decorated living American soldier. A member of the Army's Special Forces (Green Berets) during the Vietnam war, he was wounded 13 times during his five tours (54 months) in SEA. He was nominated for the Congressional Medal of Honor 3 times during a 13 month period. President Nixon awarded him the medal in 1971.

His awards include the Medal of Honor, Distinguished Service Cross, Silver Star, and 8 Purple Hearts.

Col. Howard retired from the Army in 1992.

Godspeed, Colonel ...

Information courtesy Michael Yon On-Line

Gratuitous Thud Video Footage

2010-02-20T11:44:00.003-06:00

For no particular reason, some YouTube videos of the Republic F-105 Thunderchief.

The Thud was designed in mid-'50s as a low level nuclear strike fighter-bomber. In it's primary mission it was intended to carry a nuclear weapon in its internal bomb bay on low level high speed attacks against Soviet and Warsaw Pact targets. While it did perform that mission for a short time, it's primary use ended up being in Vietnam, where the single seat version was used as the primary USAF bomb truck against Vietnam.

Hundreds of F-105s were lost during the Vietnam war. A lot of pilots, both junior and senior, were shot down - some rescued, some made prisoner, some killed. This wasn't the fault of the airplane. It was flawed tactics, ROEs imposed by lunatics in Washington, ferocious defenses, and the use of the airplane in a role it was never designed for.

The few F-105 single seaters that survived the war soldiered on through the early 1980s in AFRES and ANG units.

498FIS Sabre Dogs

2010-02-18T09:23:00.005-06:00

Some neat footage of 498FIS Geiger Tiger F-86Ds deploying to Yuma for a gunnery meet. Way cool nostalgia, gotta love those sharkmouths!

www.youtube.com/user/TJDOZIER1#p/u/94/bk4keDIe6ZQ

www.youtube.com/user/TJDOZIER1#p/u/93/90JXqlnas00

Old Strategic Air Command Movies

2010-02-18T09:09:00.003-06:00

Fail Safe ... Dr. Strangelove ... these two early '60s films made the public very nervous about the Strategic Air Command and its function - at least SAC thought so.

SAC produced a series of movies explaining their mission. The intention was for them to be shown to the public, but for some reason they never were.

Here is a link to those movies, archived by the NSA and made available over the internet by George Washington University. Corny, yes ... but there is some great footage in them. B-52s, B-58s, short tailed KC-135s, Hound Dogs, clouds of black smoke as plane after plane scramble into the air in alert drills.

Thanks to some posters over at WIX for digging up these links ...

www.gwu.edu/~nsarchiv/nukevault/ebb304/

The Day Mother Nature Crippled Strategic Air Command

2010-02-15T17:56:00.007-06:00

On Monday (Labor Day) Sep. 1, 1952, at 6:42pm, a tornado ripped across Carswell AFB. In a few minutes, Mother Nature did what the Soviet Union never could - brought the Strategic Air Command to its knees.

The 7th and 11th Bomb Wing's fleet of B-36s were decimated, as was Convair's production flightline at their facility on the west side of the runway. 2/3 of SAC's fleet of B-36s was damaged that evening. 71 aircraft suffered damage.

A frantic effort was undertaken by the Air Force and Convair to repair the aircraft. Five weeks after the storm, 51 of the aircraft were back in service. The remaining airframes sustained enough damage that Convair's efforts to repair them took longer. Only one aircraft was damaged beyond repair - a testimony to the value of the B-36 at that time, the aircraft were so important that every effort was made to repair even the most seriously damages airframes.

All photos official USAF