VigilanteVigilanteRVAH NAVY NewsletterRVAH NAVY Newsletter August, 2017

“Unarmed and Unafraid”The RA5C and Vietnam

Used extensively in Vietnam, the RA-5C Vigilante performed vital reconnaissance missions.These missions usually consisted of a high speed flight over the target area prior to attackand another run after attack. The initial run was usually not too eventful however thesecond run after the attack was another story. The enemy was usually expecting the secondpass and was ready with antiaircraft fire and surface to air missiles. The Vigilante wasusually accompanied by an F-4 Phantom II flying cover however the Vigi would routinelyoutrun her escort as she flew with a "clean" configuration and the Phantom was usuallycarrying drag inducing under wing stores. Here is the RA-5C Vigilante making a high speedrecon pass. The airplane wears the markings of RVAH-11 as they appeared during the unit'sSoutheast Asia cruise aboard the USS Constellation in 1971.

The first RA-5Cs entered combat in Vietnamfrom the deck of the USS Ranger in the wake ofthe Tonkin Gulf incident. Most of the combatmissions were photographic reconnaissancesorties over North Vietnam in preparation for airstrikes and in post-strike damage assessment.The RA-5C was generally regarded as the best

The RA5C and Vietnam

The RA-5C was first deployed to south-east Asiain August of 1964, initially flying missions onlyover South Vietnam because the Navy wasreluctant to jeopardize the aircraft'ssophisticated and very expensive equipment,should the aircraft be lost over North Vietnam.

Eventually, the Vigilantes did go North, sufferingthe highest loss rate of any Naval aircraft in thewar. In all, eighteen Vigilantes were lost incombat.

• 11 were lost to antiaircraft fire.• 2 were shot down by SA-2 Guideline surface-to-air missiles (SAM's).• 1 was lost to an Atoll missile fired from a MiG-21 fighter.• 4 were lost for unknown reasons, over N.Vietnam.• 1 other aircraft was lost for unknown reasons,

A U.S. Navy North American RA-5C Vigilante aircraft (BuNo150834) of Heavy Reconnaissance Squadron RVAH-13 Bats inflight over the Gulf of Tonkin. RVAH-13 was assigned to CarrierAir Wing 11 (CVW-11) aboard the aircraft carrier USS KittyHawk (CVA-63) for a deployment to Vietnam from 19 October1965 to 13 June 1966. The U.S. Navy experimented with aircraftcamouflage and painted half of the aircraft of CVW-11 withdark green colors to blend in with the Vietnamese jungle. Theresults proved inconclusive for the U.S. Navy. 150834 was oneof three replacement aircraft for RVAH-13 on this deployment,as the squadron had lost three of its six aircraft.

The RA-5C was generally regarded as the besttactical photo-reconnaissance aircraft in theNavy--that is, when it was working properly. Theaircraft was extremely complex, and wasdifficult to maintain properly, and numerousmissions had to be cancelled because ofmaintenance problems.During the Vietnam War, the Navy found that itwas running short of RA-5Cs and requested thatadditional RA-5Cs be built, and the productionline at North American-Columbus had to bereopened. 36 additional RA-5Cs were built.During the Vietnam War, 8 RA-5C RVAHsquadrons carried out a total of 32 combatcruises. 18 RA-5Cs were lost in combat duringthe war, most of them to AAA. A further 5 werelost in accidents. This was the highest loss rateof any Navy aircraft involved in the war. Afterthe end of the Vietnam War, RA-5Cs continuedto operate from carrier decks for a few yearslonger, serving aboard Navy carriers duringcruises in the Mediterranean and WesternPacific.

• 1 other aircraft was lost for unknown reasons,not over N. Vietnam.Of the 11 lost to antiaircraft artillery, themajority were during post-strike reconnaissancemissions; North Vietnamese gunners knew thatshortly after a strike a Vigilante would beoverhead, without supporting flak suppression.

Thirty-one deployments were made to Vietnamby Vigilante squadrons. During the early periodof Vietnam operations, Vigilante squadronsdeployed with six aircraft. As the warprogressed, this figure began declining, first tofive, then to four and finally, by 1974/75, tothree aircraft per squadron.

Gradual disestablishment of the "Vigilante"force occurred during 1979-1980 with thedeactivation of the last RA-5C squadron, andphasing out of the last of the 156 RA-5/A-3Jsproduced.

RVAH Squadrons and VietnamVAH-1/RVAH-1 "Smokin' Tigers"Transitioned from A-3 Skywarror to A-5A January 1963. One cruise to Mediterranean.Transitioned to RA-5C August 1964. Redesignated RVAH-1 September 1, 1964. 4 cruises toVietnam, several cruised to Mediterranean and west Pacific. Disestablished January 19,1979.

VAH-3/RVAH-3 "Sea Dragons"Served as Replacement Air Group (RAG) for the Vigilante. Established as VAH-3 June 15,1956 for A3D-1. Took delivery of first A3J-1 June 16, 1961. Received A-5B and YA-5C in 1963for training, being only unit to operate these versions. First RA-5C arrived December 10,1963. Redesignated RVAH-3 in 1964. Disestablished August 17, 1979.

RVAH-5 "Savage Sons"Formed as VC-5 in 1948. redesignated VAH-5 in 1955. Transitioned to RA-5C in 1964 andredesignated RVAH-5. 5 combat cruises to Vietnam, 2 to Vietnam, 2 to West Pacific.Disestablished September 30, 1977.

RVAH-6 "Fleurs"Established as VC-6 January 6 1950. Redesignated VBAH-6 July 1, 1956. Transitioned to RA-5C September 1965., and redesignated RVAH-6. 5 combat cruises to Vietnam, 2 cruises toMediterranean. Disestablished October 20, 1978.

VAH-7/RVAH-7 "Peacemakers of the Fleet"Originally established as VC-7 October 30, 1950. Redesignated VAH-7 in 1965. Transition toA3J-1 in 1961. Transitioned to RA-5C August 1964 and redesignated RVAH-7 December1964. 4 combat cruises to Vietnam. Several cruises to Mediterranean and Western Pacific.1964. 4 combat cruises to Vietnam. Several cruises to Mediterranean and Western Pacific.Disestablished September 28, 1979.

RVAH-9 "Hoot Owls"Established as VC-9 in January 1953. Redesignated VAH-9 November 1955. Transitioned toRA-5C April 1964 and redesignated RVAH-9 June 3, 1964. 2 combat cruises to Vietnam,several cruises to Mediterranean. Disestablished Sept 30, 1977.

RVAH-11 "Checkertails"Established as VC-8 December 3, 1951. Transitioned to RA-5C in 1966 and in July 1966 wasredesignated RVAH-11. 4 combat cruises to Vietnam, 3 cruises to Mediterranean.Disestablished June 1, 1975.

RVAH-12 "Speartips"Established July 1, 1965 at NAS Sanford, FL with RA-5C. 4 combat cruises to Vietnam, 5cruises to Mediterranean. Disestablished July 2, 1979.

RVAH-13 "Bats"Established as VAH-13 January 3, 1961. Transitioned to RA-5C August 1964, redesignatedRVAH-13 November 1964. 4 combat cruises to Vietnam. Disestablished June 30, 1976.

RVAHust "Eagle Eyes"Established February 14, 1968. 4 cruises to Mediterranean and was the only frontline RVAHsquadron not to see action during the Vietnam War.. Disestablished May 1, 1974.

Navy Medal of Honor Winners:Vietnam War 1964-1975

These individuals earned the Navy Medal of Honor during the period specified. The Medal of Honor wascreated as a Navy version in 1861 named the "Medal of Valor.

Their names are followed by their rank and rate, if known, the date of the action and the vessel or unit onwhich they served. Awarded for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life

above and beyond the call of duty.

BALLARD, DONALD E., Hospital Corpsman SecondClass, U.S. Navy, Company M, 3d Battalion, 4thMarines, 3d Marine Division., Quang Tri Province,Republic of Vietnam, 16 May 1968.CAPODANNO, VINCENT R. (posthumous),Lieutenant, U.S. Navy, Chaplain Corps, 3dBattalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein),FMF., Quang Tin Province, Republic of Vietnam, 4September 1967.

LASSEN, CLYDE EVERETT, Lieutenant, U.S. Navy,Helicopter Support Squadron 7, Detachment 104,embarked in U.S.S. Preble(DLG-15)., Republic ofVietnam, 19 June 1968.McGONAGLE, WILLIAM L., Captain (then Comdr.)U.S. Navy, USS Liberty (AGTR-5)., Internationalwaters, Eastern Mediterranean, 8-9 June 1967.NORRIS, THOMAS R., Lieutenant, U.S. Navy, SEALAdvisor, Strategic Technical Directorate Assistance

Navy Medal of HonorThe 1861 Navy Medal of Honor was redesigned by Tiffany & Co. in 1917 but returned to the basic 1861 design

in 1942 and a neck ribbon was added. The design is a five point bronze star with a central circular plaquedepicting Minerva repulsing Discord.

The reverse is engraved, “Personal Valor”, with room for the recipient’s name, rank, ship or unit and date. Themedal hangs from the flukes of an anchor which is attached to the neck ribbon.

September 1967.CARON, WAYNE MAURICE (posthumous), HospitalCorpsman Third Class, U.S. Navy, Headquartersand Service Company, 3d Battalion, 7th Marines,1st Marine Division (Rein), FMF., Quang NamProvince, Republic of Vietnam, 28 July 1968.ESTOCIN, MICHAEL J. (posthumous), Captain (thenLt. Cmdr.), U.S. Navy, Attack Squadron 192,USS Ticonderoga (CVAust)., Haiphong, NorthVietnam, 20 and 26 April 1967.INGRAM, ROBERT R., Hospital Corpsman ThirdClass, U.S. Navy, Company C, First Battalion,Seventh Marines, Quang Ngai Province, Republicof Vietnam, 28 March 1966.KELLEY, THOMAS G., Lieutenant Commander, U.S.Navy, River Assault Division 152., Ong MuongCanal, Kien Hoa province, Republic of Vietnam, 15June 1969.KERREY, JOSEPH R., Lieutenant, Junior Grade, U.S.Naval Reserve, Sea, Air, and Land Team (SEAL).,Near Nha Trang Bay, Republic of Vietnam, 14March 1969.

Advisor, Strategic Technical Directorate AssistanceTeam, Headquarters, U.S. Military AssistanceCommand., Quang Tri Province, Republic of Vietnam,10 to 13 April 1972.OUELLET, DAVID G. (posthumous), Seaman, U.S.Navy, River Squadron 5, My Tho Detachment 532.,Mekong River, Republic of Vietnam, 6 March 1967.RAY, DAVID ROBERT (posthumous), HospitalCorpsman Second Class, U.S. Navy, 2d Battalion,11th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein), FMF.,Quang Nam Province, Republic of Vietnam, 19 March1969.SHIELDS, MARVIN G. (posthumous), ConstructionMechanic Third Class, U.S. Navy, Seabee Team 1104.,Dong Xoai, Republic of Vietnam, 10 June 1965.STOCKDALE, JAMES B., Rear Admiral (then Captain),U.S. Navy., Hoa Lo prison, Hanoi, North Vietnam, 4September 1969.THORNTON, MICHAEL EDWIN, Petty Officer, U.S.Navy, Navy Advisory Group., Republic of Vietnam, 31October 1972.WILLIAMS, JAMES E., Boatswain's Mate First Class(PO1c.), U.S. Navy, River Section 531, My Tho, RVN,,Mekong River, Republic of Vietnam, 31 October 1966– BM1 Williams is considered the most decoratedenlisted man in the history of the Navy.

Timeline of U.S. Involvement in Vietnam Conflict1950 - First shipment of American military aid tothe French colonial administration in Vietnamarrives -1955 - President Eisenhower sends firstmilitary advisors to South Vietnam to train theSouth Vietnamese Army1956 - At French exit the US Military AssistanceAdvisor Group (MAAG) assumes full responsibilityfor training South Vietnamese forces1959 - First two Americans are killed during a VietMinh guerillas strike at Bien Hoa1961 - President Kennedy sends 100 Special Forcestroops to South Vietnam - A U.S. aircraft carrierarrives in Saigon and Vice President Johnson visitsSaigon1962 - U.S. Air Force begins using Agent Orange todefoliate trails used by Viet Cong forces1963U.S. military advisors and Special Forcesincrease to 21,0001964 - U.S. destroyers USS Maddox and USS TurnerJoy are reported attacked by the North Vietnamesein the Gulf of Tonkin. U.S. Congress passes “Gulf ofTonkin” resolution authorizing President Johnson towage all-out war against North Vietnam1965 - Retaliatory air-strikes begin against North

1969 - Secret bombing of Communist supply routesand base camps inside Cambodia begins.“Vietnamization” program initiated, shifting theburden of the war to the South Vietnamese Armyand away for the U.S. First U.S. combat forceswithdrawn.1970 - President Nixon orders more troopswithdrawn reducing total to 280,000 by the end ofthe year. Invasion of Communist sanctuaries insideCambodia by U.S. and South Vietnam forces1971 - Continued troops withdrawn as combatoperations wind down. Air strikes continue withheaviest attacks on North Vietnam since 19681972 - A seventh withdrawal of forces reducestroop level to 69,000 by mid-year. NorthVietnamese launch major offensive across the DMZinto the South. In retaliation President Nixon ordersthe renewed bombing of the Hanoi and Haiphongareas. Bombing above the 20th parallel continues.U.S. mines the North Vietnam harbors1973 - By March all U.S. combat forces have beenwithdrawn from Vietnam and all U.S. prisonersreleased1965 - Retaliatory air-strikes begin against North

Vietnam. Operation “Rolling Thunder” lasts threeyears. First U.S combat forces (2 Marine battalions)arrive in Danang, South Vietnam. Rapid escalationof force level ensues, which tops 200,000 by end ofthe year. U.S. Congress provides $2.4 billion for wareffort with little dissent1966 - U.S. B-52s bomb North Vietnam for the firsttime. Bombing of Haiphong and Hanoi begins1967 - Major ground operations continue, includingOperation Cedar Falls. Troop level reaches 486,0001968 - Communist forces conduct Tet Offensivewith major attacks in almost all of South Vietnam’s44 provinces. Battle of Hue lasts 26 days. Offensiveis huge military defeat for the Communists but apolitical and psychological victory. Johnson scalesback bombing of the North and commits the U.S. toa non-military solution to the war. U.S. troop levelreaches 537,000.

released1974 - Just prior to Saigon’s capture by NorthVietnamese forces, the last remaining U.S.personnel are evacuated from Vietnam.1982 - Vietnam Veterans Memorial is dedicated tothe 58,183 Americans killed during the war

RVAH-5 - 40th DecommissioningAnniversary Celebration/Reunion

Time: September 30, 2017 all dayLocation: Pensacola Grand Hotel-National NavalAviation MuseumStreet: 200 East Gregory StreetCity/Town: Pensacola, Fl 32501Website or Map: http://www.pensacolagrandhote…Phone: Cell # 618 567 3982Event Type: squadron, decommissioning,celebration/reunionOrganized By: Joe AllemanUPDATE: Gary Kilbride, (H5 57 - 60) has gracisoulyvolunteered to provide his time and equipmentenabling the viewing of pictures/video while we aregathered at the Naval Air Museum. The museum willbe providing a large screen tv/monitor which Garywill be able to plug directly into.So, for all you folks who did a much better job than Idid taking and keeping pic's of your "Heavy time"and would like to share with the reunion groupplease send your pic's (soft copy) to Gary. Gary'semail is brigand2@aol.com

REUNIONSRVAH-12 Reunion

Time: September 15, 2017 at 4pm to September 18,2017 at 11amLocation: Best Western Fort Myers WaterfrontStreet: 13021 N Cleveland AveCity/Town: Fort Myers, Florida 33903Website or Map: https://www.bestwestern.com/e…Phone: 407-927-9852 (Bill's Phone)Event Type: reunionOrganized By: Bill Askew/Dave BickelGood morning sports fans. We have set up a modestreservation for 15 rooms at The Best WesternWaterfront in Fort Myers, Florida. If we book at leastten rooms we will get a meeting room or social roomwhere we can bring our own snacks and drinks. Toreserve your room call 800-274-5511 and ask forRVAH-12 Reunion. Rates are $85/night plus 11% salestax. Cancelations must be received 48 hours prior toarrival. This reunion is for H-12 shipmates Dave and Iknow and anyone you may have served withpersonally in our squadron. Please reserve as soon asyou can so I don't get stressed out. No one wants tosee that. We will get some activities together landknowing our group it will be a blast. I'll try to contactas many people as I can who aren't on Facebook andemail is brigand2@aol.com

I only had a few pic's to share but I sent them toGary...... Hopefully many of you will be able to shareyou memories as well.So far we have 53 fellow Savage Son's who havesigned up for the reunion. God willing and the riverdon't rise most will make it.Also, don't forget to order your reunion T shirt if youare able........thanks....Joejosephaalleman@gmail.com

as many people as I can who aren't on Facebook andhope you'll do the same. If you have questions poston here or you can call me at 407-927-9852. I willkeep you posted. Thanks, Bill and Dave

2017 NANP Reunion in Las Vegas, NVTime: September 18, 2017 at 10am to September 22, 2017 at 11amLocation: Plaza Hotel & Casino - Street: 1 Main StreetCity/Town: Las VegasWebsite or Map: http://www.plazahotelcasino.c…Phone: (800) 634-6575Organized By: NANP Liberty Call, Liberty Call, Liberty Call for all Navy Photographers! The dates and location forthis fall’s Reunion have been established. Ron Mathews negotiated a terrific deal at the Plaza Hotel & Casino inLas Vegas Sep 18-22. The board decided to go with a Monday thru Friday time frame in order to save around $100per night on room rates.Rates will be under $40 per night! Check-in will be Monday, Sep 18th and checkout will be Friday the 22nd withthe banquet planned Thur night. These low rates will only be available to us during those 4 nights. UseCode SPASP17. Reservation Cut-off Date: August 18, 2017,Room info webpage: http://navyphoto.net/wp/2017/02/21/room-booking-2017-reunion/

The Funny Page

Welcome to Our New Members!Welcome to our new members of RecceNet!

THE GEAR LOCKER IS MOVING!!Please keep an eye out for the new location

on the RecceNet website.Until then, the Gear Locker is temporarily

closed!

Shoppers!Even though the Gear Locker is temporarily out ofcommission, there are still alternatives…Here are some Navy items that you can pick up!If you go to Amazon, and type in “US Navy RVAH”and/or “US Navy RA5C” in the Search box, you will findall sorts of stuff.And for those of you that live in the colder climates:When I got out of the Navy, I wore my Peacoat foryears until it shrunk on me… Really! It shrunk! That’smy story and I’m sticking to it!And in the years since, I really missed my Peacoat.Well… you can get a NEW ONE!!Amazon carries the closest thing you can get to theNavy Issued Peacoat!

Robert A. Schappach

William Vasilacopoulos

Marilyn W. Stokley

John S. Manuse Jr.

Marion C. Turner

James Ferrell

John Ganobcik

James Collins

Welcome aboard shipmates!Reveille. Reveille.

Sweepers, Sweepers. Man your brooms.Clean sweepdown, fore and aft.All hands to quarters for muster.

Yeah, it’s a little pricey but if you compare it tothe cost of a heavy duty Winter coat (a musthave here in Michigan) it’s really not a bad price.Go to Amazon and put “Peacoat” in the SearchBox.PS – If you’re interested, they also carry NavyLeather Flight Jackets!!

James Collins

Steven Clancy

AugustBirthdays!

Happy Birthday,Ya Swabs!

Norbert (Moe) Moeller 1-AugustGary Webb 1-August

Bruce A. Walker 1-AugustVirgil Reece 2-August

Patricia Harre 3-AugustDoug Coleman 3-AugustBob Donatsch 5-August

John Silvio 5-AugustEdwin L Grey 5-August

Albert A Plunkett 5-AugustDoug Parrish 5-August

Randolph Hodges 6-AugustEd Bertness 6-August

Wayne Hawkins 6-AugustB Thomas Lee 6-AugustLarry W Hollis 7-August

Steven B. Garcia 7-AugustRich Hoguet 7-August

Mike Wooldridge 8-AugustRichard E Hayes 8-August

Batur Avgan 8-AugustJoe Brandl 9-August

William Sinkler 9-AugustRichard Barker 9-August

Adrian Freeman 17-AugustFrancis Shaw 17-AugustLarry Hunter 18-AugustSteven Sotir 18-AugustJack Taylor 18-August

Alvin Gurney Hutto 19-AugustBoom Powell 19-August

Joseph "JoJo" Maifeld 19-AugustDavid Biel 20-August

H. Sid Meltzer 21-AugustEarl A Bruders 21-AugustDonald Estes 21-August

Edward L. Bauer 21-AugustSam Goucher 23-AugustPaul Artlip Jr 23-AugustDana Fayette 23-August

Rickey W Baird 23-AugustSteve Ewing 24-August

Dale A. Butler 24-AugustJames J. Montalbano 24-August

Joseph M. LaFon 24-AugustJosh Weber 25-August

Enjoy your summer birthday whileyou’re still young enough not tobe a likely candidate for dying ofheatstroke!

Richard Barker 9-AugustRobert (Andy) Andrus 10-August

Raymond "David" Yarvi 10-AugustMichael P. Diacin 10-AugustMichael Dungey 10-AugustDavid Osentoski 10-August

Charles Champion 11-AugustRichard Affeld 11-AugustAlfred Petralia 11-August

Lloyd Kiihn 13-AugustMatthew Butti 14-AugustPaul Heinrich 14-AugustDavid M. Hill 14-August

Arthur J. Rehberg 14-AugustHugo Lee 15-August

John W. Watson 15-AugustDennis Boyle 16-August

Michael E. Hensley 16-AugustTerry K. Reed 16-August

Samuel E. McCray 16-AugustJohn Purdy 16-August

Josh Weber 25-AugustRobert "Ed" McNabb 25-August

William Gehrkens 25-AugustCAPT Neil C. Davis 26-AugustCharles L. Warren 26-AugustPaul W. Franchina 26-August

Stanley J. Gudmundson 26-AugustJimmy T. Brown 27-August

Gary Naquin 28-AugustRichard A Loper 28-August

Frank Baker Melson 29-AugustLarry O Sparks 30-August

Edwin D Cummings 30-AugustAntonio (Tony) Soto 30-August

David C Keim 30-AugustDennis M Lowe 30-August

Dave Traill 30-AugustLarry Poe 31-August

Larry B Wing 31-AugustNorman Hammock 31-AugustRocky R. Holland 31-August