I know this much, it is very appropriate. Few years ago when we cut up one of our A-3s (which by the way was not an easy task even with heavy construction machinery) the moment that the left wing spar finally snapped she let out this noise that sounded just like a blue whale.
Amazing.
It was not a happy day.
I stopped going to the old website because it was just a waste of time. this new one is 1000% better. I just never realized that I was part of some thing that was so big and important. Looking back I wish I could have down more.
1959 my first Squadron VAH-2, made plane Capt. flew sitting on escape hatch. Made first cruise on the coral Sea. note worthy events during my 3 yr tour was the loss of our skipper and GN on the Boardman bomb range i WAS ON THE SALVAGE CREW, WE LOST A SINGLE PILOT ON THE WAY TO PAR-MOD Alameda. We lost a bird and PC over the side during nite ops on the cruise. I left the squadron for helo crewman duties and my first rescue was a A3 bombadier who bailed out off the coast of Pt Loama the pilot regained contron and safely landed at Marimar he ws awarded the DFC the bombadier quit flying thuis was on a short cruise on the Connie.
Just browsing. I enjoy the A3 website and related “history” along with the many features.
Just tracked down my Division Head, during my time with VAH-11 in Sanford FL 1957-59. At the time he was Lt. W.B “Bill” Warwick. Great boss, found out recently he retired as a Rear Admiral, passed Feb 05 and was buried in Arlington Cemetery. He was awarded a Fly Over. Spoke with his widow, who still resides in Sanford NC.
He was a great pilot and better yet a wonderful shipmate. Also find out that many of my former shipmates have passes on.
I was an AMS2 and still enjoy reviewing my (sort of falling apart now) Cruise Book for the Med cruise on the FDR (also history now) in 1959.
We had a visit from the CNO Adm Arleigh Burke who took in the air show in the Med.
Time flies too fast. Live near Miramar in San Diego and miss seeing the old A3’s fly in the area. Now we have the F-18’s and noisy helo’s going to Pendleton and MCAS (formerly Navy Miramar).
June 16, 2007 at 8:42 pm |
How did the name Whale came about for the A-3s???
I know this much, it is very appropriate. Few years ago when we cut up one of our A-3s (which by the way was not an easy task even with heavy construction machinery) the moment that the left wing spar finally snapped she let out this noise that sounded just like a blue whale.
Amazing.
It was not a happy day.
May 7, 2008 at 3:59 pm |
I stopped going to the old website because it was just a waste of time. this new one is 1000% better. I just never realized that I was part of some thing that was so big and important. Looking back I wish I could have down more.
June 4, 2008 at 7:11 pm |
1959 my first Squadron VAH-2, made plane Capt. flew sitting on escape hatch. Made first cruise on the coral Sea. note worthy events during my 3 yr tour was the loss of our skipper and GN on the Boardman bomb range i WAS ON THE SALVAGE CREW, WE LOST A SINGLE PILOT ON THE WAY TO PAR-MOD Alameda. We lost a bird and PC over the side during nite ops on the cruise. I left the squadron for helo crewman duties and my first rescue was a A3 bombadier who bailed out off the coast of Pt Loama the pilot regained contron and safely landed at Marimar he ws awarded the DFC the bombadier quit flying thuis was on a short cruise on the Connie.
June 24, 2008 at 8:34 pm |
flew first Leapfrog Communications missions on USS Independence august 1964 to december 1964…Heavy 11 det 8. A3s 609 and 610…
Most fun of my life
November 4, 2009 at 3:43 pm |
Just browsing. I enjoy the A3 website and related “history” along with the many features.
Just tracked down my Division Head, during my time with VAH-11 in Sanford FL 1957-59. At the time he was Lt. W.B “Bill” Warwick. Great boss, found out recently he retired as a Rear Admiral, passed Feb 05 and was buried in Arlington Cemetery. He was awarded a Fly Over. Spoke with his widow, who still resides in Sanford NC.
He was a great pilot and better yet a wonderful shipmate. Also find out that many of my former shipmates have passes on.
I was an AMS2 and still enjoy reviewing my (sort of falling apart now) Cruise Book for the Med cruise on the FDR (also history now) in 1959.
We had a visit from the CNO Adm Arleigh Burke who took in the air show in the Med.
Time flies too fast. Live near Miramar in San Diego and miss seeing the old A3’s fly in the area. Now we have the F-18’s and noisy helo’s going to Pendleton and MCAS (formerly Navy Miramar).
Tom Schueler