Navy Colors, Part III

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

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

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

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

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 ...

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

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

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