VigilanteVigilante RVAH NAVY NewsletterNewsletterRVAH April, 2018 RVAH-9 – “Hoot Owls”
Please Note: The information presented here is from a variety of sources and I’ve done my best to verify the information as correct. But we all know how the internet is. If you find some grossly wrong, please let me know ([email protected]) and I will make the correction in a future issue. We will be featuring a squadron each month so stay tuned! RVAH-9 “Hoot Owls” VAH-9 VAH-9 reequipped with the A3D-2 Skywarrior in early 1957 and flew the A3D-2 for eight years thereafter, making several Mediterranean deployments aboard USS Saratoga. In September 1962, with the implementation of a common aircraft designation system throughout the Department of Defense, the A3D-2 was redesignated as the A-3B Skywarrior. RVAH-9 was a Reconnaissance Attack (Heavy) The intended follow-on aircraft to the subsonic Squadron of the U.S. Navy. Originally A-3 Skywarrior in the heavy attack role was the established as Composite Squadron Nine (VC-9) Mach 2+ A-5 Vigilante in its A-5A and A-5B on 15 January 1953, it was redesignated as variants. As the submarine-launched ballistic Heavy Attack Squadron Nine (VAH-9) on 1 missile became the primary Navy strategic November 1955 and was redesignated as deterrent, the Navy concluded that it no longer Reconnaissance Attack (Heavy) Squadron Nine needed carrier-based strategic bombers and that (RVAH-9) on 3 June 1964. The squadron was Naval Aviation's strike arm would remain strictly disestablished on 30 September 1977 a tactical force. Having been designed as a VC-9 supersonic nuclear strike bomber, aircraft such VC-9 was established at Naval Auxiliary Air as the A-5A and A-5B no longer had a mission, Station Sanford, Florida in January 1953 and was and in 1963, the Navy decided to halt any initially equipped with the AJ-2 Savage, further procurement of the A-5A and the follow- receiving its first aircraft in June 1953. In 1953, on A-5B. However, in lieu of prematurely retiring while operating from the USS Midway, VC-9 the Vigilante, it was deemed that it would be conducted the Navy's first in-flight refueling reconfigured as a dedicated reconnaissance operations. platform under the designation RA-5C. In preparation for the arrival of the A3D VAH-9's transition to the RA-5C Vigilante began Skywarrior heavy attack jet aircraft as the in April 1964. The unit's designation was designated airframe to replace the A3J Savage in changed to RVAH-9 in June of that year and the the carrier-based nuclear strike role, NAS last A-3B was transferred out on 4 August 1964. Sanford was subject to significant improvements during the mid and late 1950s in order to upgrade the installation to full Naval Air Station status as a Master Jet Base. Following completion of these improvements, the base was renamed NAS Sanford. Also in preparation for the arrival of the A3D, VC-9 was redesignated as VAH-9 on 1 November 1955, receiving its first Skywarriors 14 months later in early 1957.
The shot of the A3D and the RA5C on the Sanford ramp was 1964, I'm pretty sure. It was early in the transition and I was just coming off the Graveyard shift when I shot this. (Mark S. Johnson, Writer/Photographer, CDR USNR (Ret)) RVAH-9 “Hoot Owls” 26 October 1968 – 17 May 1969, RVAH-9 embarked aboard USS Ranger for a WESTPAC and Vietnam deployment. 17 June 1970 - 11 November 1970, RVAH-9 embarked aboard USS Saratoga for a Mediterranean deployment. 7 June 1971 - 31 October 1971, RVAH-9 embarked aboard USS Saratoga for a Mediterranean deployment. RVAH-9 / Vietnam / Cold War 22 September 1972 - 6 July 1973, RVAH-9 On 14 November 1964, RA-5C BuNo 149308 embarked aboard USS Forrestal for a assigned to RVAH-9 crashed at NAS Sanford. Mediterranean deployment. Both crewmen, LCDR Smith and ADJC Carolyers, RVAH-9 / Cold War safely ejected. 19 July 1974 - 21 January 1975, RVAH-9 28 November 1964 - 12 July 1965, RVAH-9 embarked aboard USS Independence for a embarked aboard USS Saratoga for a Mediterranean deployment. Mediterranean deployment. 10December 1965 – Budgetary pressures following the end of 25 August 1966, following less than five months the Vietnam War force the Department turnaround time at NAS Sanford, RVAH-9 of Defense to again close several embarked aboard USS Ranger for a Western stateside air bases, to include NAS Pacific (WESTPAC) and Vietnam deployment. Albany, Georgia. In January 1974, RVAH-9 16 January 1966, RA-5C BuNo 149312 shifts its home station from NAS Albany failed to catch the arresting wire while to NAS Key West, Florida. landing aboard Ranger. The pilot, LCDR 16 July 1975 - 24 Sep 1975, following less than Charles Schoonover, applied power, but five months turnaround time at their home the starboard engine subsequently station of NAS Key West, RVAH-9 embarked exploded and the aircraft crashed into aboard the newly commissioned nuclear- the sea. Both LCDR Schoonover and his powered aircraft carrier USS Nimitz for a two- reconnaissance attack navigator, ENS Hal month Northern Atlantic deployment as part of Hollingsworth, were listed as killed in the carrier's post-shakedown availability. action, bodies not recovered. 7 July 1976 - 7 February 1977, RVAH-9 embarked 2 May 1967 - 6 December 1967, RVAH-9 aboard USS Nimitz for a Mediterranean embarked aboard USS Saratoga for a deployment. Mediterranean deployment. Budgetary pressures of the Vietnam War forces the Department of Defense to close several stateside air bases, to include NAS Sanford, Florida. Following their return from their 1967 deployment and prior to departure on their 1968- 1969 deployment, RVAH-9 shifts home stations from NAS Sanford to the former Turner AFB, renamed Naval Air Station Albany, Georgia. Four U.S. Navy Aircraft flying over the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN-68), circa 1976: RA-5C Vigilante (BuNo 149299) of heavy reconnaissance squadron RVAH-9 Hoot Owls from Carrier Air Wing 7 (CVW-7), 2 LTV A-7C Corsair II and KA-6D Intruder RVAH-9 “Hoot Owls”
Attrition of airframes and the increasing maintenance and flight hour costs of the RA-5C in a constrained defense budget environment forced the Navy to incrementally retire the RA- 5C and sunset the RVAH community beginning in mid-1974. Carrier-based reconnaissance was Donald Stoffel: concurrently conducted by the active duty VFP This is a photo of the RVAH-9 squadron personnel community at NAS Miramar and the Naval who established the ROTA, Spain MMF in 1971. This was our recognition on the van Reserve VFP community at Andrews AFB / NAF complex there in Rota. This was on the van at the Washington with the RF-8G Crusader until 29 entry to the 15 van complex. March 1987, when the last RF-8G was retired WO1 G.B. Fleet the group's division officer provided and the mission was fully transferred to the this photo. active duty and Naval Reserve VF community at NAS Miramar, NAS Oceana, NAS Dallas and NAS JRB Fort Worth as a secondary role with the Fil Tomcat equipped with the Tactical Air Reconnaissance Pod System (TARPS). Following its return from its final Mediterranean deployment in early 1977, RVAH-9 was inactivated at NAS Key West on 30 September 1977 following over 24 1/2 years of active service.
HHMF!!
“I'm not sure of the date on the picture of the RA5C on the waist cats, but I think it was Med Cruise 1964. Interesting that there is no bureau number on the tail.” (Mark S. Johnson, Writer/Photographer, CDR USNR (Ret)) RVAH- 9 The Picture Page
RVAH-9 on cat of USS Saratoga (CVA-60) 1970
An U.S. Navy Douglas A3D-2 Skywarrior (BuNo 138964) of heavy attack squadron VAH-9 Hoot Owls is launched from the aircraft carrier USS Saratoga (CVA-60), 28 May 1958. VAH-9 was assigned to Carrier Air Group Three (CVG-3) aboard the Saratoga for a deployment to the Mediterranean Sea from 1 February to 1 October 1958. This A3D-2 was the personal aircraft of the Commander Air Group (CAG) of CVG-3.
A U.S. Navy Douglas A3D-2 Skywarrior (BuNo 138955) of heavy attack squadron VAH-9 Hoot Owls pictured after its nose wheel collapsed during recovery on board the carrier USS Saratoga (CVA-60), 1959-1960. Note the open canopy. As a high altitude strategic bomber the A3D (after 1962 A-3) was not equipped with ejection seats and the crew was expected to jump off with parachutes in case of an emergency.
"Winners - 1962 Bombing Derby" July 1962: VAH-9 "Hoot Owls" flight crews show their stuff. Taken at NAS Sanford, FL. left to right: LCDR Cramblet (P); AT1 A.E. Crister (BN); ADJ2 T.L. Foley (TC); LT Markley (BN); CDR G.W. Kimmons (CO); ADJ2 J.J. Soulern (TC); ADJ1 W.G. “Kick the Tires and Light the Fires!” Downer (TC); LT McCracken (BN); CDR J.L. Shipman (XO) BuNo 156627 from RVAH-9 "Hoot Owls" is launched from USS Forrestal (CVA-59). RVAH-9 was assigned to Carrier Air Wing 17 (CVW-17) aboard the Forrestal for a deployment to the Mediterranean Sea from 22 September 1972 to 6 July 1973. Dad With First A3D to NAS Sanford VAH 3 AirWingOne (Thanks to J. Kirk Richards) Photo from The Orlando Sentinel marking the arrival of the first A3D to NAS Sanford and Air Wing 1, which was headquartered at NAS Jacksonville. And when the Vigilante (A5-C) later arrived business boomed. Both were assigned to Heavy squadrons and later those squadrons picked up Reconnaissance missions, thus redesignating the squadrons RVAH...Many years after the Navy had decommissioned Ramey Field at NAS Sanford, I had the chance to interact with airport officials during a hazardous and toxic waste removal program. There was determined to be low-level radiation in the asbestos tiles from several of the former wooden structures aboard the station that had been demolished. But no authorized reception facility would accept the materials. I suggested to the airport director that the materials be placed in the nuclear bunkers along the E-W (9R-27W) and N-S (18N-36S)(?) runways. He (Larry Dale) was shocked. You mean they had bombs here? I just grinned. Some of us kids of the Airedales knew the score. Whenever dad was deployed on a Med Cruise or out playing "Bomb Moscow" my older brother Glenn and I were instructed to run home regardless of what the teacher said or tried to do, get our mom in the pre-packed car (youngest brother Storm was collected en route when we all were in elementary school at Pinecrest, or when Glenn and I were at Junior High on French Avenue Storm would make his own way and we were to drive to the Okeefenokee Swamp near the Florida-Georgia border and await his return from Siberia. None of us kids ever talked about that. (Editors Note: Not RVAH-9 but great history!!) The Funny Page RVAH-12 Reunion
Time: December 24, 2019 from 4pm to 4:15pm Location: TBD Phone: 407-927-9852 (Bill's Phone) Organized By: Bill Askew/Dave Bickel 1/30/2018 ATTENTION ALL HANDS!! If you Good morning sports fans. We have set up a find a website claiming to be the RVAH modest reservation for 15 rooms at The Best Navy Gear Locker or Ship's Store it is not an Western Waterfront in Fort Myers, Florida. If we book at least ten rooms we will get a meeting room Association authorized Store or it is a or social room where we can bring our own snacks remnant leftover on the internet that is not and drinks. To reserve your room call 800-274-5511 connected to anything anymore. and ask for RVAH-12 Reunion. Rates are $85/night We are currently evaluating our Gear Locker plus 11% sales tax. Cancelations must be received situation and will be making an 48 hours prior to arrival. This reunion is for H-12 announcement soon. All outstanding orders shipmates Dave and I know and anyone you may will be fulfilled if we have the inventory have served with personally in our squadron. and if not, you will be refunded. Please reserve as soon as you can so I don't get We are sorry for the inconvenience this may stressed out. No one wants to see that. We will get cause. some activities together land knowing our group it With regards to the possibility of a reunion will be a blast. I'll try to contact as many people as I can who aren't on Facebook and hope you'll do the cruise, that is suspended for now. Working same. If you have questions post on here or you can two full time jobs doesn't give me the time call me at 407-927-9852. I will keep you posted. or opportunity to put this together. I am Thanks, Bill and Dave very sorry as I was hoping it would happen. Bob Marioni 50th Reunion of NAS Sanford and attached squadrons Welcome to Our New Members! Time: June 21, 2018 at 6pm to Welcome to our new members of RecceNet! June 24, 2018 at 7pm Robert "ED" McNabb Location: FRA Post 147 Steve Josephus Street: 3040 W. Hwy 46 City/Town: Sanford Joseph T. McFarlane Sr Phone: 407-330-1706 Stan Dunlap Event Type: reunion Chris Healy Organized By: Fleet Reserve Branch 147 Post George Durzo Home The 50th Reunion of NAS Sanford and attached Christopher J Tower squadrons will be held June 21 - 24 at the Fleet John Mouw Reserve Branch Post home in Sanford, Donald S. Terry Fla. located at 3040 W. Hwy 46. Paul Benbrook We currently are working on a commemorative shirt for the occasion Welcome Aboard! More information forthcoming when The Gedunk is open, the coffee is less than 2 days available. For input, please contact the post old and Liberty Call will commence at 0800! home.at 407-330-1706 Tuesdays thru Sundays 1500 until ??? Luncheon discount:Active duty military enter the promo code MILITARY for a $5.00 discount on the Thursday luncheon. Please include your rank and service branch when you register (these fields are located on the online registration form under “Additional Information”). Individuals attending the Golf Tournament who do not possess a Department of Defense identification 2018 Naval Aviation Symposium card or are not escorted by the holder of a Time: May 9, 2018 to May 12, 2018 Department of Defense identification card must be Location: Naval Aviation Museum Pensacola, vetted by filling out and submitting a SecNav 5512 Florida form to the Tag and Pass Office, Bldg. 777, NAS City/Town: Pensacola, Florida Main Gate, prior to arrival. This form is available at Website or Map: the Tag and Pass Office. http://www.navalaviationmuseu… The Crowne Plaza Pensacola Grand is offering Phone: 850-453-2389 Symposium ’18 attendees reduced rates of $124, Event Type: naval, aviation, symposium single or double, for 8-13 May. Call the Pensacola Organized By: Robert W. Flynn Grand Hotel at (850) 433-3336 to make your Since 1987, the Naval Aviation Museum Foundation reservation, no later than 11 April and mention has hosted its Naval Aviation Symposium each May code NSG. After this date please call hotel for in Pensacola. The Symposium series average nearly availability at reduced rate. The Crowne Plaza 3,000 guests annually, including active and retired Pensacola Grand offers complimentary shuttle flag and general officers and executives from the service from Pensacola Regional Airport. aerospace industry, as well as young naval officers, Transportation between the Crowne Plaza sailors and Marines undergoing aviation training in Pensacola Grand and the Museum will not be Pensacola. Activities include presentations and provided. For additional information about lodging, panel discussions, a golf tournament, luncheon, and call the Pensacola Visitor Information Center at 1 a closing reception and banquet. (800) 874-1234. The goal of the symposium series is to help Call 850-453-2389 to for more information about preserve the rich history and proud heritage of the 2018 Naval Aviation Symposium. Naval Aviation by highlighting historical events in which U.S. Naval Aviation has played a major role. In past years, symposia subjects have included: the Battle of Midway; the Battle of Coral Sea; American Aces; Medal of Honor recipients; POWs; the Mercury, Gemini, Apollo and Space Shuttle programs; Flying Tigers and Black Sheep Squadrons; the Korean and Vietnam Wars; Operation Desert Storm and Iraqi Freedom; Blue Angels and others. The Foundation’s distinguished guest speakers have included former President Bush, Governor Jeb Bush, Senators John Warner, Jake Garn, Connie Mack and John McCain, Secretaries of the Navy Lehman, Webb, Garrett, Danzig and Winter, Under Secretaries of the Navy Hultin and Pirie, Chiefs of Naval Operations Boorda and Johnson, the Vice Chiefs of Naval Operations, Admirals Fallon and Mullen, the Commandant of the Marine Corps, General Jones and the Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps, General Nyland. I was going to make you a rum cake for Happy Birthday, April your birthday… but now, it’s just cake! Ya Swabs! Birthdays! And I’m drunk… Sorry…
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