And here's the tail section. 

 Photo courtesy of Bob McDonald, VF-24 ADJ.

Updated 21 Nov. 2002
[Entries 101- 200; click here for entries 201 - 300; click here for entries 1-100 ]

 The following is clipped from a Thanksgiving 2001 email home, sent by a current F-14 pilot deployed to the Afghanistan area.  The guys who get the glory still know who is the backbone of the U.S. Navy!

One last thing before I complete my novella...... Please remember in your  thought and prayers every single enlisted Sailor that is slugging it out  here  on the USS __. The aviator types have it easy in that we get to leave this  ship for 6 fun filled hours to fly into a foreign hostile land and blow  stuff  up. We have variety and excitement in our days. Think of that 19 year old  kid up on the flight deck 17 hours a day, fixing the same jets day in and  day  out while maintaining the same daily routine.   Imagine doing that for over 70 days straight (only two days off in the last  6 weeks). He looks forward to 4 things: 1) getting off his feet for 5  minutes, 2) eating bland Navy chow, 3) sleeping in a cluttered space shared  by 239 other Sailors and 4) port calls. His variety and excitement comes  mainly during inport visits and, to date, we have had none and oh, by the  way, there isn't one in the near or even distant future. They are the real  heroes of Operation Enduring Freedom because it is through their efforts  that  we are able to launch and ultimately defend American shores.

 Through it all, you rarely hear one complaint from these kids despite the  fact that they are working harder than anyone on this planet in the most dangerous "office space" on Earth, the flight deck of an aircraft carrier.

CONTRIBUTIONS WILL BE LISTED MOST RECENT FIRST

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200.  I was assigned to VF-34W2 from 1968 through 1975 as an AQF2. I miss the planes and the smell of the fuel... and my squadron buddies, enlisted and officers alike.
Thank you,
Jim Olbrich  jolbrich@att.com

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199.  mgvros@aol.com  Hi- I'm Frank Mogavero (Muggsy) I was an ADJ2 at Naval Air Test Center, Patuxent River, Md -assinged to Weapons Systems Test from 1966-1969. We had several F8-Es (553 and 889) an 
RF-8 (882)  I recall the thrill taking them to the Hot-Spot after an engine change, and banging that AB.  I remember that rail that would slide in, over the engine,after you took the tail off, to back the engine out, and get it on a 4000 stand. Then take it to the shop,take it apart, check the cans for cracks...put it back togather(lots of bolts and safety-wire)..or get a new engine out of a can (remember to release the pressure before you start taking all those bolts out) and build it up, pop it in, slap the tail on, take to the Hot- Spot...sounds easy.....how about every 7 days spraying Moly-Disulphide greese on the A-B nozzle hinges?  But the biggest thrill of all was being on your back with a speed handle taking the coffin panel off when the nose strut decides to extend.....what a rush!  Love your website, and would sure like to hear from any of my squadron mates!

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198.  wonderful site- my name is Dean Hastings and I was an AO with vf51 from 69 to 71. Did one westpac cruise on the Bonnie Dick. Reading this site brought back a lot of memories. I would like to hear from any of the AO's that served at that time. Im also trying to find an AO Jon Fergerson that was with vf 53 at the same time- I sure remember the f8- wonderful air craft. Also does any one know what was the power (electrical) that was needed to start the plane. Sure would like to hear from some of the guys from that era. my email is  deanhast@hotmail.com.  Again, this is a wonderful site.

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197.  Was an AT in VF-154 from April '63 until Dec. 65.  Great memories.  Two cruises in Coral Sea. CVA-43, first to Australia for the 20 year celebration of the Battle of The Coral Sea (first Naval engagement purely by air, the ships never came in contact) and the rest of Westpac, the second an eleven month job to Viet Nam. 

One of the great memories was of launching aircraft in the channel while leaving San Francisco.  Just as the bow cleared under the Golden Gate Bridge the bow cat fired an F-8 off.  Traffic stopped.  Rubber neckers manning the rail.   

Would dearly love to hear again the moan an F-8 made when making a pass at speed, clean.  That was followed by the racket of a J-57.  Beautiful!

Jim O'Quinn, ATR-2  VF-154  jalphaoq@aol.com

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196.  Hello.   I'm Roger Scott.  I was attached to VC 7 and Vf 194 for the West Pac cruise of 72 thru 73,  aboard the Oriskany.  I was in the airframes shop.  Found this web site while surfing the net.  I can say time well spent.  Like to hear from any one in that time frame.  Had good times and good friends, and lost track of them.  A lot of people don't even now what a F8 is.  Their 
loss.  It truly was the last of the gunfighters.                      
Drop me a line at oboatcva34@hotmail.com 

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195.  I just found this web site. It's fantastic! I first got acquainted with the F-8 when I was assigned to VFP-62 at Cecil Field, Fl in July 1961. I made just about every detachment on every carrier on the east coast. I was transferred to VF-174 (F-8 RAG) (later VF/A-174) in 1964. I was there when they transitioned to an A-7 RAG. In 1966 I was transferred to VF-124 at Miramar, Ca. (F-8 RAG) then to VF-191 (Satan's Kittens) that was deployed to Viet Nam on the Ticonderoga CVA-14. I did one tour on the 
Ticonderoga and two tours on the Oriskany  to Viet Nam while in VF-191 (CAG-19). I was in VF-191 when we transitioned to the F-8J. Boy what a dog that was. We had to remove the two lower 20mm guns and put the armor plating on the vertical stabilizer just to allow it to fly in trim. When the temp got over 98 degrees the planes couldn't launch because they were too heavy. I rotated to shore duty in March 1970 and was assigned to NWEF in Albuquerque, NM. At the end of my shore duty I was again sent to NAS Miramar, Ca. and assigned to VF-124, which   at that time was the west coast RAG for the F-14 Tomcat. I went through the 
F-14 airframe/hydraulics school and was assigned to VF-24 as Cadre for their transition to the F-14. Oh and by the way, I was there when Lcdr Nichols of VF-191 bagged the first MIG for Ticonderoga and CAG -19. I put in 22 years before I decided to move on to other endeavors. I retired on December 31, 1980, and became a peace officer. I am still in that profession today.

Carl M. Snarr Jr. AMS1/MA1 USN  RET  carl540@gbis.com

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194.    Very interesting web site. My career with VF-62/Gators began in 1963-65, first had to go to VF-174 rag for training (8) weeks. I was a rookie parachute rigger fresh out of 'A' school. The riggers at VF-174 were PR1 Moore,PR2 Smucker,PR2 Hodges and a few others I cannot recall .My future sqd. VF-62 was just coming off the Cuban block-aide and we were preparing the hanger for occupation. The aviators survival equipment shop was located out side in a building called "the pressure suit building", yes! F8's had pressure suits above 50,000 ft.    The riggers in VF-62 were PR1/PRC Thompson,PR2 Frazer,PRAN Pope,PRAN Howard and myself. A whole new world out side the "rag" squadron. The CO's were John Brown,later Simmons,and Craven. 

I was onboard the Shang when some of these shots were taken. I was with the VF-62 "Boomers" as a Parachute Rigger. I packed two chutes (Z-5) used by pilots flying gators. Nothing beats when the pilot returns safely and gives you a well done and asks what type of booze do you want for packing his chute. I spent 20 years as a rigger packed quite a few chutes, saved two lives well worth it.
        
While making our 1964 cruise we had a squadron AME2 Alonzo Green arming an ejection seat in bay-3 during rough weather, it was Christmas Eve and I climbed up and ask if He needed  help and He said "No",Green asked me what I was going to get Him for Christmas I didn't think about it,climbed down went top side to our ready room and heard an explosion we ran down to the A/C and saw that Green had ejected. It was a sad day/cruise for us all.
 
I will never forget my "Gator" days.
Kirby J. Palash  PR1   USN    Ret. kirbylinda@cox.net

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193. Dallas Miley AT1 1973-1975 with VF-24.  Hell of an outfit in war and in peace.  Remember the helo's that were shoved overboard in '75 off the Hanna.  
Maybe the next war will be managed a little better.
USDR4YOU@aol.com

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192.  I was an ADJ2 assigned to VF 51 at NAS Miramar in 1962 and then to the Ticonderoga in Jan. 1963 for the Westpac cruise. I was sent home for discharge before the fireworks started, but that doesn't diminish my respect for those who came after me. It is good to find there are those who feel the same. Add me to the list.
Sid Pruitt    spruitt1@ec.rr.com

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191.  Just ran across your web site. I served with squadron VFP 62 from late 1961 until 1964 my enlistment ended in 1965. Attached are some photos for your web site.

I have only had personal contact with one other member of the squadron in the past forty years George Gaughran who at the time about fifteen years ago, was a pilot for American Airlines. It would be great to make contact with others that I served with. I have excellent memories of my time with VFP62 in was a real experience in my late teens that has had a lasting effect on my life. I recall operations on the flight deck of several different carriers with detachment 65 ... what excitement! Made the first Med cruise with the Enterprise. Stenciled dead chickens on the crusaders during the Cuban Missile crisis. Visited many different countries and met a lot of nice people.

Peter Wallace wallace@ix.netcom.com San Jose, California

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190.  Have lost track of many sqdn. members of VMF/VMF(AW)/VMFA 112 & VMCJ 4 . Looking to make contact with any one that served with me in these sqdn's from 1963-4 thru the end of the F8 era at MAG 41, NAS, DALLAS. Would like to hear from any and all former sqdn. members, or any one attached to the sqdn. 

My e mail is gunnerkrone@sbcglobal.net

semper fi, CWO-4 C L KRONE (RET.)

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189.  I was attached to Weapons System Test (WST) Department at Pax River in the 60-70's time frame and remember that the Test Pilot School had two twin seat F-8's (TF-8? F-8T?) I have not been able to find any information on the fate of these two birds.

Douglas Hermann AE1 USN Retired 1964~1986
Fire Inspector NAS Pensacola

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188.  My name is James L. Reed and I was an AMH-2 in VF-24 from 1966 to 1969. I also was with VF-302 until May of 1972. 
James L. Reed [reedjl2@atlantic.net]

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187.  I'm Jerry Enfinger AE-4 VF-53 from 1965 to Nov. 1968 I made three tours of Vietnam 65-68 (stationed out of Miramar)

It was during that time, along with 3 other VF-53 friends of mine, that we formed a rock band. I learned a lot about music, and how to play a guitar. It was a great time. We played in P.I. and Japan. We practiced night and day aboard the "Hancock". I would be interested in talking to members again. They were, "Simon Balard, Jim Jansen (he received an early out and went on to record w/ the band that recorded "Green Eyed Lady"), and Miniefield (our led singer @ the time). We had a great sound, but broke up when we left the Navy at different times.

You can reach me at: jwenfinger@hotmail.com  

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186.         My name is John F. Mc Cusker (Jack), MGySgt. USMCR Ret.  In my youth I was a plane captain for F-8 Crusaders with VMF-321, MAG-41, Marine Air Reserve Training Detachment (MARTD),Naval Air Facility (NAF), Andrews AFB.

Just last week I met a man wearing, much to my surprise, a blue polo shirt with the F-8 Crusader on it.  Turns out, the gentleman, Mr. Don Bentley (if I have correct spelling) was both an F-8 and F-4 driver.  Also, so I was told by another, he was a Blue Angel.  A real pleasure and honor to meet him.

 Does anyone know where or how to get the F-8 Crusader shirt?  [ed. note -- check the Tailhook Assoc. website]  Any copies of Marine F-8s, especially VMF-321?  I know that some fifteen years ago my nephew purchased a book on Marine aviation and in it was a young utilities clad and then thin Marine standing on the side of an F-8 helping one Major (at that time) Bob Hamilton strap into his F-8.  WOW!!! I couldn't believe it was me.  The picture was taken so very long ago but in many ways it seems like yesterday.

Any information on how and where to purchase F-8 items will be most appreciated.
JFMFJFD@aol.com

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185.  Thanks for putting this page together. Like most people with a few years under their belt, I look back at my time in the VF-191 Airframe Shop as one of the happiest times in my life! (could it be the San Miguel?) I was in the Satan's Kittens from early 1975 until we decommissioned after transitioning to F-4Js. Our pilots compared the F-8 and F-4 saying the F-8 was like a Porsche, handling very well while the F-4 was like a Corvette - lots of power! What was bizarre though was the Line Crew custom of initiating the new guys by chasing them down, giving them a "red belly", and then spray painting a red diamond on their chest and stomach. The paintee then had the honor of painting the next unsuspecting guy!

Anyway, thanks again. Feel free to e-mail me at mark.s.spencer@boeing.com.

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184.  Served with VF-24 in 74 & 75 as plane capt, then powerplant shop.  Made the last Hancock cruise. Great site, thanks.
fred wallis [fredwallis@hotmail.com]

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183. from '61 thru 65 i served as flight-deck trouble shooter with vf-32 on saratoga. i still have contact with some of those "cracker-jack" swordsmen. seems like only yesterday we were chasing planes out of the wires to get them ready for next launch. i haven't seen one of our crusaders in the air in decades. i miss them.

i'm jerry whaley, formerly amh-2, vf-32, and other assignments over an 8 year commitment.  give me a line........
jerry  vf32salt@webtv.net

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182.  ONE HELLUVA WEB-SITE !!  I served with VF-194 aboard the USS Bon Homme Richard (1963-1966)as an ATR2 under the command(s) of Capt."Billy" Phillips and Cmdr R.S. Chew in the 1st Concord Squadron.  Served my entire Naval career in VF-194. I am looking for any old shipmates...

I did get to see two of my shipmates, one in Alabama (Jim Furne) and one in Florida (David von Stein)..and it was like, I had just seen them the day before..instead of 34 years... It was a great reunion with them...

If there is anyone out there...please contact me at, jollyroger31@relymail.com 
John (Jack) W. Hall, ATR2  RED LIGHTNINGS VF-194  USS Bon Homme Richard, CVA-31

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181.  I recently came across your site and found it very interesting. A lot of memories came back. I was a plane captain and eventually an AME2 in VF194 from 1967 through 1970. Being a plane captain was the hardest job in the world. I was on the Tico, CVA14 for the 1967-68 westpac cruise. Our F8's shared the deck with old prop attack planes. Trying to find your way around the flight deck at night with a bag of chains ducking prop wash and slipping on the greasy deck was a real experience. I was strapping in one of the pilots one morning at Mirimar in front of our hanger when an F8 passed a few feet over us and smashed through the hanger. Many of my squadron were injured or killed. One of the Chief's was killed, who had been one of my friends. That was a very bad day. My two later cruises were on CVA 34 where I did Martin-Baker ejection seat overhauls and fixed air conditioning turbines. I remember that we had 12 successful ejections in that year,  essentially an entire squadron of aircraft went down. I remember one night being awakened by the watch officer to come to the ready room. They wanted to know if the pilot should punch out or ditch the F8. I told them to have him punch out because I was confident the seat would work. The pilot punched out and was OK. He bought me and the rigger a bottle of scotch. I finished up my career as an AME on the check crew beach detachment at Cubi Point in the PI in 1970. I will never forget how hard everyone in the squadron worked. I hope all those shipmates have gone on to fame and fortune. 
Don Price, "a.k.a The Torch"
dgp@aino.com

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180.  I had 1 tour with the Crusader's as a metalsmith in VF 62. We made 2 med cruises, 1 NATO cruise & also a trip to New York City when the City was hosting the Worlds Fair. I will never forget sailing into the harbor, passing THE STATUE OF LIBERTY. It was awesome!!!!  I would like to hear from any former "BOOMERANG'S" 
AMSC Clyde Lindbeck USNR-TAR (RET)

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179.  I was in VF-62 from 66-69 and floated with you guys on the Shangri-La. At that time I was an AO3/2 and worked in the  ordnance shop with a short stint in Ops and Q/C. I remeber Don Kohla, Ed Davis and, particularly, Charlie Glasscock very clearly. I worked on a lot of military aircraft while I served, but the F-8 was, and remains, my favorite (just ahead of the A-6). One man, one airplane, one mission. Great pics, great website. Thanx.  Retired in 98.
CWO4 Greg Van Hof (Ret) 
Gunner736@CS.com        gvanhof@qualityresponse.com

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178. Was an AQ in VF-13 from 66-68, loved the old Crusaders, even the C models we got last cruise. Most awesome old plane I ever worked on, and that includes the B-2 I'm associated with now (well, maybe it wasn't quite the air vehicle that one is). Had some great times on my 2 cruises to the Med, and as I've often told folks, "No V.C. ever got west of Istanbul when we were there!"

Any of you old "Nightcappers" stumble across this website as I did, drop me a line at donward@swbell.net 
Later, Don Ward

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177.  A friend of mine, sent me your WEB page.  While I wasn't a pilot, I did work in OPS of VF-162 and got to know most of them.  Served from Feb '67 to Sep '70. You brought back a lot of memories.  Say Hi to Al Fancher for me.  
Thanks for your work.
Bob Nelson  Nelson.Bob@aaa-calif.com

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176.  I was a with VF-194 as AMS3 Jack "Dee" Di Girolamo 67-69 I have tried to fine the old Line crew and A/F shop  and the CC team.   Goose , Nick F, JC Hatfield, Frenchie, Lenord ( hard guy) and the rest of the crew Had some great times with these guys. would love to hear from you. I seen Dale Strafords post I remember him
jackdee@aol.com

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175.  I served on the HANCOCK from 1965 to 1968. I was in V3 DIVISION. Also served as mess deck master at arms.Great photos.I will have to look for mine.
GEORGE W WOODS (ABH3)
BEST TO EMAIL ME AT georgewwoods@yahoo.com

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174.  I wrenched F-8's as an AO in VC-7 and VF-124 out of Miramar... more often than not deployed to MCAS Yuma. 'Had an 8319 NEC as I remember right... and it was the 1st A/C I was appointed a CDI on. They had personalities... and they had GUNS! 4 MK12 20mm's made by GM that, if treated right... were all but indestructible. They had fuselage mounted LAU-3A's and then AERO-7A's... for 'winders and LAU-33/34A 5" Zuni's... and Aero 7A wing racks for bombs/rockets... 'n MK77napes. AERO 36A tow target reels draggin TDU-22A/B's, TDU-10B's and 'rags'. I learned a lot on those aircraft...and when I see 'em in museums... I can tell what's missing... what's 'not quite right'... like the missing stucco'd rubbin' compound applied to the blast ports so the metal wouldn't burn thru... and the foam 'spuds' that we hammered into the ports to keep the water out... 'n little grease pencil marks that the pilots would apply to the windscreen and gunsite for reference points.... 'n the ammo doors and gun bay doors that were never quite 'clean'. It looked like a fighter plane should... no whistles 'n bells... just a no nonsense killin' machine. I miss the people... the pilots 'n the maintainers... generally a good bunch of people... 'n I remember the people who were hurt by them... or in them. 'Bless 'em all.
Bill Shaw AO1(AW) USN Ret.
shaww@patsinc.com

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173.
My father's name is Ron Storck Sr;  he was an E-8 chief of maintenance for VF-301 reserve squadron out of Miramar from 1971 to I think thru 1980.  I remember him taking me on the flight line and letting me sit in an F8.  I would also go with my dad and the squadron to Fallon Nevada for bombing practice.............I think his commander was a commander Steadmen or Stedman.....He was also chief when they got F4 Phantoms ..I'm not sure if he was still active when 301 got F-14 Tomcats or not but I do know when he retired he worked on the F-14 as a civilian at Miramar.................If anyone knows my father and would like to contact him ............I'm Ron jr.; you can email me at stor717@aol.com and I'll give you his address.

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172.
146882 has been sent from AMARC to Vought. I met with the Retirees Club there and they are restoring this aircraft! They are presently working on old F-8 from the Pate museum. It's one of the oldest left. These guys are great. They are doing a super job. They just finished a A-7B that they got out of the weeds somewhere in Florida. It looks ready for combat! They get together every tuesday and thursday. They work there asses off and are loving every minute. I listened to dozens of old war stories in the 2 hours I was there. It was great.

John Rohr

[PH2 / VFP 63]

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171.
I was glad to find your Web site. I was lucky enough to be involved with the F-8 at nearly the end of its career, I almost missed the whole thing. I was one of the two (young) engineers at then-NARF Norfolk who were responsible for all things F-8 at that time (1975-77). By then it was almost all RF-8Gs but right at the beginning of my tenure we still had one oddly-painted DF-8L drone controller on our rework line, and on a shelf in a deserted storage hangar next door were four 20mm cannon left over from some prior occupant.

The F-8 was the last of the aircraft that we could actually fix without massively complex calculations. When a part had a corrosion pit or a stress crack, we'd do a simple check of local stresses and either blend it out or replace the part. The F-14, which was just beginning to come into our shops at the time, demanded a high level of analysis before doing the simplest local repairs because it had been designed to contain the barest minimum of material. I hated that.

This all reminds me of French F-8s and their weird hydraulic problems, of snakes in parts salvaged from Davis-Monthan to keep the 30 or so RF-8Gs in the air, of cannibalization up-line to keep down-line aircraft moving (I wonder how they ever "sold" the last Crusader that eventually rolled off that line?). I remember being called across the base to check off a repair to a steering mechanism and being met on the road by an RF-8G doing S-turns as it headed straight toward me. I'm immeasurably glad that I had the chance to be a tiny member of the F-8 community. It had soul.
Richardson, Steven D [Steven.Richardson@MW.Boeing.com]

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170.
I was a plane captain with VFP-63 at NAS Miramar 1967-1970. All of those old feelings came back when I realized that I was to old to re-inlist after 9/11/01.

Stan Jensen JnBgdg@aol.com

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169.
Looking for Marines who served with VMF 334 at ATSUGI NAS from 1957-1958. Jay Gray [Jerfran8@netscape.net]

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168.
Hi Dave, thanks for the info on the crusader, VF-51 was my last tour of sea duty before I retired thats why I was interested. I also did a tour with VFP-63 while they had the Photo version of the f-8. It was a good aircraft but a real bitch to maintain. Thanks again. Bob Scott   [8674@msn.com]

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167.
DAVE RECEIVED THE STICKERS, THANKS.

AS TO WAS I A MEMBER OF VF-13, NO I WAS NOT.  BELONGED TO VU-10,GTMO CUBA AND VU-2, NAS OCEANA VA.

WE HAD F8U-1 AND 1E'S. THIS WAS IN THE EARLY 60'S.(CUBAN MISSILE CRISIS) TAKE CARE SHIPMATE

JOHN ROSE [janjrose@adelphia.net]

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166.
Hi My name is Tom Kirk and I was looking at your site and was pleased to see my old Navy squadron VF 62 represented there. I was an Electrician's Mate 2nd Class. Stationed with the squadron from about April 1963 until i got out in March 1965. I made 2 Med cruses and a North Atlantic cruise with our CAG 10 aboard CVA38 USS Shangri - La . I broke out the old cruise books and they really brought back the memories. I currently teach aviation maintenance training at George C. Wallace Community College, Aviation Campus, Ozark, Alabama. My records indicate Med cruises Oct. 1,1963 thru late may or early June 1964 Squadron C.o. Commander J.T.Simmons Jr. X.O. Lt Com. Hal Terry. EarlyFeb. 1965 Thru Sept 1965 C.O. Commander Hal Terry X.O. ? North Atlantic cruise between these aboard the USS Independanceas a stand in squadron while the normal squadron transitioned to new aircraft. TheFranklin D Roosevelt was in the Med and lost a screw and we had to relieve her and thus spent some more time in the Med. You can contact me @ tbkrk43@aol.com

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165.
I DID HAVE A CHANCE TO WORK ON THEM AT NAS MAYPORT FLORIDA.I WAS SHIPS COMPANY THERE,SO WE HAD TO DEARM THEM WHEN THEY WERE DIVERTED TO A LAND BASE.MOST OF THERE CARRIER QUALS WERE HELD OFF THE COAST OF JAX.I ALSO LOVED TO GO OUT AND SHOOT THE BULL WITH THE LSO AT THE END OF THE RUNWAY AT MAYPORT,THE F8U-S WOULD PRACTICE NIGHTIME TOUCH AND GOES,USING THE MIRROR AND TALKING TO THE LSO.THE AIRCRAFT WAS MOST IMPRESSIVE,AS THEY REALLY HAD TO ADJUST FOR ANY CROSSWINDS ETC.. I ALSO SERVED AT NAS JAX OR I GUESS WENT THROUGH "A" SCHOOL THERE.I WAS TRANSFERRED TO KEY WEST IN 1963 AND WAS SHIPS COMPANY THERE.I WAS FLIGHT CREW THERE AND FLEW SAR MISSIONS ON AN ALBATROSS.I ALSO LOGGED UP HOURS IN P2V AND P3A AIRCRAFT.I ALSO HAVE MY SHARE OF TIME IN THE HELOCOPTERS.I WAS DISCHARGED FROM KEY WEST IN JULY 1964.I HAVE BEEN AT CECIL,AND ALSO YELLOWATER AS WE USE TO RECEIVE VARIOUS BB'S FROM THEM.I WISH I COULD GO BACK BUT TIME MARCHES ON.  P.S.MY CALLSIGN ON SAR WAS SPIDER,I AQUIRED THAT NAME FROM MY LONG THIN LEGS AND IT HAS PRETTY MUCH STUCK TO ME SINCE......William Faber [WHFABER@msn.com]

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164.
I served with VF-51 with F-8'S, but when I visit the VF-51 website it makes no mention of the F-8 only the tomcat.
 Bob Scott ATCS USN retired  ROBERT SCOTT [8674@msn.com]

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163.
I was a member of VF-141/53 Iron Angels from may 63 to late 64, rising from AQFAN to AQF2. Proud to have been on the Constellation and on Ticonderoga on August 4, 1964 wih the likes of (then) LCDR Charles Southwick (maintenance officer) and (then) CDR J. B. Stockdale who was CO of VF-51 at that time. Went on to F4 and F-14 and then F/A-18 with McDonnell Douglas; serving also on Forrestal immediately post-fire, Independence, Constellation again and then Midway as a civilian rep. Other assignments include VF-33 under LCDR Bud Collicot who was a LT in VF-51 when I was in 53, VF-24 under CDR Mike Welch who was a LT in VF-53, NAMTG 3011, VF-101 det Key West, VFs-124 and 125 and a lot of time at NAS Memphis. Also proud to say that my son ( born in Balboa Hospital) is now an Ensign and NFO candidate in Pensacola.

I have cruise books from both the Connie and Tico cruises and would like to gear from any member of the unit during this period.

Bill Merritt Former AQF1 webb94@hotmail.com
HCR 70 BOX 1071 Camdenton, MO 65020

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162.
First to Bill [#119}, I was stationed at Leeward Pt. Cuba from May 62 to May64 and I whole heartily agree that VU-10 was a fine outfit, they also had a few JD's that were used to tow targets for fleet units and when the Cuban missile crisis broke out I remember seeing those Jig Dogs out on the end of the runway with napalm strapped under the wings, we were really stretched pretty thin until fleet units could take up the slack. I was part of the Navy Emergency Defense Force and they had us up along the fence line with about a company of Marines, we had Castro's army to our front and the sea to our rear, I'm glad we never found out how long we could have held out. From there I went to VFP-62 at Cecil Field and was assigned to a Det aboard the Shangri-La, I made the 65 Med cruise with about 35 men and three photo F8's. I thought as a hot shot AMH2 having worked on R4D's,SNB's,TV2's, and the famous F3H,{what a dog that was!] that I was a fairly competent tin bender, but the F8 was a law unto itself, we had I think 3 AM's on the Det and it was a round the clock job to have a bird ready for each launch. I'm sure there are metalsmiths out there who can recall changing the roll pack under the wing, or how about changing a yaw pack at nite with the tail over the water with a rope around your waist while slipping and sliding in MIL-H 5606, the arresting gear carriage was always fun, and running out to re-torque the hook point every ten traps, I lost count on how many blown main mounts we built up in the line shack at night, we could always break up a pinocle game when we rigged up the stand-off inflation rig to air the tires. But with all that when I was checking on deck back by the JBD and she went into burner, not that wimpy multi stage, but an explosion that shook you from head to toe, and that beautiful bird left the pointy end, well if you were there you know how I felt. I went on to retire in 1977 having served in VA-34,VA-65,VA-42, and finally VA-85,{all A6'S} but nothing gave me more pride than when I was privileged to turn wrenches on the best fighter the Navy ever had.
Jerry & Patti & elgomez [elgomez@surfsouth.com]

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161.
Served in VFP-62 from 64-65 on the Shangri-La, as a tin bender we surely had our share of work to do on the F8! especially with a small detachment and only three to four AM's, we spent so much time mooching and begging around the Airframe shops of the two other F8 squadrons on board, [VF-13 & VF-62] that it got to be a joke, they'd see me coming and yell "lock it up he's here again". We had to have a bird up on practically every launch and it was really touch and go at times, everyone pitched in regardless of rate to get it up. A few things that are especially memorable to me and I'm sure to any other tin bender who worked on the F8 are: changing a yaw pack at night with the tail over the water and a rope tied around your waist slipping and sliding on MIL H-5606, or a roll pack change period! windscreens were fun also arresting gear carriage assemblies. The list could go on and on, but when you were on deck checking your bird, standing back next to the JBD and the pilot kicked it in AB, not that wimpy multi stage stuff, but a solid kick that jarred you to your toes, and you saw that baby leave the deck, it was all worth while. My hats off also to our pilots who had to land on those little 27-C flight decks on a black night and a pitching deck.
Jerry & Patti & elgomez [elgomez@surfsouth.com]

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160.
never was involved with the F-8, but my dad was. He was with VF-13 from 66 to 69. He took two Med Cruises(I believe they were in 67 and 68)as an Aviation Machinists Mate. Dave, I told him about your site, and he remembers you. He now works with Pratt & Whitney in Connecticut, but he says it's not like turning 'em on the J57s!! Anyone who remembers John Borry can contact me, and I can put you in touch with him. Also, I am looking for some info. Not F-8, but I noticed that some guys on here were on the Tico in '67 Westpac. I am researching the aircraft flown by LCDR Michael Estocin--A-4E, VA-192. He was shot down on 26 April, 1967, and he is still MIA. I have adopted him as my POW, and I am putting together a model of this a/c. Anyone know the bu. no? I have the color scheme and the nose number. A/C is NM 208.

If you have any info, pictures, slides, etc, PLEASE contact me. I have been researching his case for about 10 years, and I won't stop until we find out what happened to him. This is VERY important to me...thanks for your help, and thanks to all of you for getting us through the Vietnam era--I am proud to say my father is one of you that answered the call.

F-8s FOREVER!! John Borry Jr. skydivr73@yahoo.com

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159.
Here is a picture of me standing by aircraft 206 that I was plane captain on. Lt. Jim Kirklwood was the pilot assigned to it. The aircraft is a F-8H which was an updated F-8C. This picture was most likely taken about June on 1969 aboard the USS Shangri-la CVA-38. Notice the leading edge droop lying on the ground. It was from a RF-8U aircraft that was assigned to VFP-63. The droop has a large dent in it about 2/3's of the way down where a fork truck ran into it.

I hope Lt. Kirkwood enjoys this picture. [sorry, unable to post it here]
John C. O'Connor   [joconnor@stny.rr.com]

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158.

I served with VFP 62 from Aug. 1963 til Oct. 1967 , I was part of the crew of Det 64 and wasinvolved with Operation Sea Orbit the Navy's first Nuculer Task Group, The Big "E", Bainbridge & Longbeach. LCDM Fran Klinker was the Det OinC We set a Flight Hour Record in 15 operating days with 3 RF8A's we logged more flight Hours then Squardons with 10 to 12 Aircraft

Robert G. Raymond, ADJ 1, USN Ret.

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157.
My name is Jim Williamson, known by my shipmates as Willy. I was an AT3. I went from "A" school right to VF-124 at NAS Miramar. I was with VF-124 and worked on F-8 H's and J's until '72, when the first Tomcats arrived. Then most of the F-8 maintenance crew moved to VFP-63. I was there until I was discharged in '73. I made several trips to El Centro, CA, where our F-8 trainees did their weapons training, and I was even awarded the luxury of taking part in carrier quals aboard the Lexington and Ticonderoga. I spent 3 years ('70-'73) in the AT shop, and the guys I worked with were the best! If anyone out there wants to contact me, you can e-mail me at bapawillie@aol.com

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156.
My name is AME-1 Joseph Marcotte USNR-R Retired.  I was stationed with VFP -306 at Andrews AFB  from 1975 -1977  then had PCS orders to VFP-206 from 1977-1979 and again from 1983-1987 when the last RF-8G left Andrews . You have done a remarkable job with this web page and i hope to see more old shipmates on your page. They were the last two RF-8G squadrons left and it was a sad day when VFP-206 Decommissioned.   I have been trying to locate some of the officers from VFP-206 but with out any luck. I lost a good friend of mine PR-1 Rayond Coke about 2 years ago due to a liver failure and all of the pilots really respected him. if there is anything you could do for me i would be most gratefull. [marcotte@top.monad.net]

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155.
I served in VF-91 on the ranger in 1963. We came back to Miramar and were designated VF-194. I made the "Concord Cruise" to the Indian Ocean and the extension for the extra months after the Gulf Of Tonkin incident. I am looking for shipmates. I have always wondered how the old crew faired. Thanks for the experience-- Larry Austin AO1 then. e-mail Gunner4264@aol.com

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154.
I have an old cruse book from the 1968 cruse of the USS TICONDEROGA it has a few pictures of flight ops for VF 191 and VF 194 as well as some flight pictures I can try to scan and Email them to you if you are interested.

Jim Crumly former VF 194 ADJ2 (jet mech.)  jwc@webuniverse.net

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153.
I WAS WITH VF-24 FROM 1967-1969 AND ASSIGNED TO POWERPLANTS, MADE TWO CRUISES TO VIET NAM ON HANCOCK AND BON HOMME RICHARD.

I AM IN CONTACT WITH EIGHT OTHER FIXERS FROM VF-24, I'LL LET THEM KNOW ABOUT THIS SITE AND THEY MAY CONTACT YOU.

THANKS FOR QUICK REPLY WITH THE STICKERS, I'M GOING TO PUT THEM ON MY SEMI TRUCK AND SEE HOW MANY OTHER PEOPLE INQUIRE WHERE I GOT THEM

STEVE MCCARTHY VF-24 POWERPLANTS 1967-1969  STE719@aol.com

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152.
Is this the same Snake Morris that was in Fighter Squadron 194 during Viet Nam War, if so please tell him his Yeoman is trying to contact him.

VF-194, APR 65-Jun 67 Name: Robert E. Ranke [reranke@home.com]  

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151.
I am an ex-USAF Weapons Troop and am working on a SEA Call Sign Project.

www.members.tripod.com/chancefac

So far I don't have much Navy and Marine info. The last 2 yrs have been mainly focused on AF and it is time expand. Any help you or the other drivers and/or maintainers could provide would be highly 'perciated. I am collecting ALL Call Signs, including ground ops and maintenance. Everybody who used a radio had a Call Sign and they are all important.

If you know Ed (Mofak) Cathcart, the worlds greatest F-8 driver, you are welcome to check out my bonificios with him.

Outstanding Web Site
Cheers
Larry (Chance) Hughes SEA Jun '66 - Nov '71  larryh@w-link.net

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150.
I've tried to get in touch with my shipmates from cruise on the Bonn Homme Richard and the Hancock around 1967 and 69. No luck so far in making contact. If you have any information, pease send me an E-mail.
GeorgeFPL@aol.com

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149.
I was in VF 191 for the 73-74 west-pac looking for other's that were therehave some pic from the cruise book also looking for Ralph Boyle

Vern Hicks AMS 2  f8j@home.com

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148.
Having been an F-8 maintainer, VF-62(60'-63') and VF-51(68'-71') the site was a pleasure and enjoyment. If anyone knows Bud Collicott, famous for being the only Crusader driver to break the back of an F-8 on landing and catching #3 wire and lived to talk about it, have him contact me. Anyone else who would like to scuttlebutt about old times. AEC Bob Smith USN (ret) ratmarsmith@earthlink.net

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147.
I would like to be added to the database of F-8 Crusader maintainers. I was stationed abord the USS Oriskany from June 5 1972 to March 31 1973. I was a member of VF 191. My name is Beason, Mark A. ADJ-2.( one of the best maintainers in the fleet) I can be emailed at JCarah@email.msn.com

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146.
I served with VF-162 from '63 to '67 at Miramar and onboard the Oriskany. When I first joined the squadron, we had F8A's and Commander Horne was the C.O.. Commander Bellinger was the X.O. at that time. Ashore I was in the airframes shop and at sea airframes and flight deck troubleshooter.

At that time, Rick Adams was Ensign Rick Adams, Ron Dodge was LTJG or LT Ron Dodge. I helped him do some body work on a black 1958 Chevy Impala.

Before I left the squadron we had transitioned to the F8U-2NE. I made 3 cruises with the squadron, before being transferred to Memphis TN for instructor duty.

I retired from the Navy in June of 1977 as a AMSC. I moved to Murfreesboro TN where I got a BS degree in aerospace and a Masters degree in Aerospace Education. I started taking flying lessons at Montgomery Field, near Miramar. I got all of my ratings up through ATP (Airline Transport Pilot) and now fly corporate jets for a major corporation.

Would love to hear from anyone from the squadron. I have some pictures taken aboard "the boat", during one of the cruises and would be glad to scan them and share with anyone interested.

Regards, Chuck Williams (Charles J. Williams AMSC Ret.)   [cjwaa1@email.msn.com]

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145.
I was ADJ2 Bill Willians, line division from about 1/68 to 1/69 then check crew till decommission in '71. I made the last 3 cruises on the Bonn Homme. My bud was plane captian to Kane on his MIG kill. I did check crew the next 2 cruises, beach det at Cubi Point. I may be able to supply some info for you on these cruises
mooresmeow@email.msn.com]

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144.
"Doc" Savage, CDR, Ret.  EMSret@aol.com
 VF-11 Red Rippers from '57 to '60 as an AD2.

In '58, we had just finished a Med cruise in Essex (CV-9) which returned us from the Formosa Straits by way of Suez, Subic, Capetown, and Rio back to Mayport, flying F2H Banjo-fours. Instead of going back to Cecil, we went to mainside at NAS Jax. Within 60 days, in January 1960, VF-11 was disestablished. Next day at Cecil field, VF-43 was disestablished and immediately commissioned as VF-11, so the "Rippers" were not to die. Me and 2 others went from "old 11" to "new 11," a good mix of PN1 Paul Abel, AOC 'Ski, and this second class mech.

The new VF-11 was flying F8U-1s and before long, I found myself back at sea in the workup cycle and we later made the shakedown of Independence (CV-62) to Gitmo. I was a line PO and Power Plants super for most of it. Stayed with them through the next Med cruise in '60 and left in Naples for shore duty. The day I left Capodichino for home, I said good-bye to the maintenance officer, LCDR Jack Barnes, who was taking a bird up for a test flight. This was the day--for after preflight and taxi out, he flew that long tube off into the sky with his wings still folded! He made it around very carefully and managed to get her back down in one piece. Lady luck flew that day!

This was also the period when LTJG Duke Hernandez picked up a replacement Crusader from Rota and flew it back to Naples for later recovery aboard. Somehow, with the foul weather he overflew all of Italy and landed in Yugoslavia! Took a few days to get a hoofer and folks over to get him back and it is true that he did not come home. Rather, he flew aboard Saratoga and spent a few memorable hours with ADM "Cat" Brown, COMSIXTHFLT to explain his peccadilloes. It evidently did not hurt career-wise for Duke was to retire as VADM some years later. I worked with him in OPNAV and he later was my CO in JFK (CV-67).

There were a lot of future Flags in that squadron for it seemed to be an incubator for senior officers. It was a helluva great time, and our navy was more cohesive and solid, it seems in retrospect. We also made an unusually large number of Warrants and LDOs from this particular bunch.

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143.
I was an AMH2 with VF 194 (75-78) When we returned to San Diego, I had a motorcycle wreck, fractured my back and was given a medical discharge. I would like to contact any one from that time.
Mike Morris [jericho@ga.prestige.net]

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142.
enjoy your site. i had the great experience of working on the F8U in VF-91 from 1959-1961 and in VF-51 from 1961-62. i retired from the navy in 1973. ALTON L. WILLIAMS 46 VALMOORE DR. POQUOSON,VA. 23662 E-MAIL jan77et@yahoo.com

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141.
My name is Charles Arnold. I was an Electronics Technician in VF-91 stationed in Alameda and VFP-63 at Miramar. Anything I can do to help, just ask.

My address is: 17114 Prado Place San Diego, CA 92128-2135   858-451-6624   arnoldcr1@aol.com

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140.
enjoyed your web page about the f8's. was in vmfa-112 nas dallas as both mech and maintaince controller while we flew the f8's . your web pages with all the great and true stories about the crusader's brought back many memories, that i can relate to. keep up the good work cwo-4 c l krone ret.  Carl Krone [carlksr@hotmail.com]

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139.
I am looking for information on VF-194 during the Nam era. I headed the AQ shop in '66...'67 and would like to find all the guys from VF-194 of any era. We probably have a few lies as yet untold that need to be shared.

Thanks  Jim Oase [jimoase@gulftel.com]

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138.
Just surfed in It is great to be able to recall so much about the greatest fighter plane. Iwas attached to VF-124 Moffet field 59 to61 Transfered to Miramar in 1961 .Renlisted at the end of the Cuban Crices to beat the system.transfered to VU-10 Gitmo Bay from 63 to 65 . Two more years of F-8's.Iwent on to make a career of the navy and worked with UB26J, US2C, F9, F4, A7, A6, A4, F/A 18 and F14.The F8 was the best, Would like to hear from anyone who may remember me, AFCM Wingo.Raymond Ret: 1984  Raymond or Lorraine Wingo [wingororl@bacavalley.com]

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137.
Don Vargo ===Served VF-191 1964/ 1967, == AMS-2. I had the paint crew at "CUBI POINT" . On CVA-31(BONNIE DICK) when we blew the reduction gear and had a little fire in the middle of the night. Looking for PILOTS Our CO Jack Snyder (BLACK JACK). Dick Martin, Bill Evans, Charlie Glasscock, Vanboven, Lt. Miller (HE USE TO DO HAND STAND PUSHUPS IN THE READY ROOM) Hope to hear from some old "SATINS KITTENS"
Don Vargo [vargodonald@email.msn.com]

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136.
I was USN from 1960-67. I was discharged in 1967 as an AME1. All of my F8 time was with VF-211 (62-64), and VF-124 (64-67). Like all of the maintainers who have checked in, I too was most proud of my association with the Crusader Navy. The men and machines were the best. Lots of great memories!

For those of you who served at NAS Miramar, can't you just remember this -- We're on night shift, it's dusk, the evening temp is on the cool side, there's a very slight fog coming in from La Jolla, the night air is fresh, and two F8s are doing a section takeoff in burner. The noise is familiar and powerful. Just after lift off they go to the clean condition, drop a little altitude, and blast off to San Clemente or some other night-hop location. Can't you just feel it?!

I was in the Seat Shop in VF-211, and only made one cruise (1963) on the USS Hancock. Vietnam hadn't officially started, but later the Navy awarded the Vietnam Service Medal to our Task Force. Why? I always wondered where the F8s were dropping the ordnance when we weren't in a shooting war yet. Of course the pilots always bluffed their way out of those questions by saying it was only "target practice." (Ho Chi Minh Trail??)

In VF-124, I taught the Leadership Re-emphasis Program for POs, then went to the Seat Shop for about two years before I got out. I met a lot of fine people in those days, especially all the AME's who came through for maintenance training. I'd sure like to hear from any who are still around and read these pages.

I am especially interested in connecting with an old friend I met in AME "B" school in 1962, Sgt. Richard C. Cornelius, USMC. Do any of you Marines know of him?

After USN I joined the USNR, made AMCS, then was commissioned as a LTJG (Intell), and eventually retired as a CDR.

Look forward to hearing from anyone I might have served with.

Roger Wenschlag, Former AME1 (VF-211, VF-124) CDR, USNR-Ret. Minneapolis, MN rwenschlag@mn.rr.com.

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135.
DO YOU OR YOUR ORGANIZATION HAVE ANY INFORMATION ON VF-194 [no, sorry]. WE WERE AN F8 SQUADRON AT NAS MIRAMAR, NEAR SAN DIEGO. I SERVED AS PN2 WITH THE SQUADRON AT MIRAMAR AND ONBOARD USS ORISKANY (CVA-34) FROM 1971 - 1974.
hhsmailctr@state.mt.us

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134.
I was attached to service test, patuxant river Md. 1958to 1960, and we tore the wings off many of them. As a n engine mech. I loved the p-16. Was also Plane captain on a F8u-1 photo plane-drone. at that time the fuselage weapon mounts carried one sidewinder missle on each side. Jerry Pernell ADJ-3 
JBP51538@aol.com

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133.
DEAR SIR I A FRENCH RESEARCHER ON FRENCH NAVY AVIATION AND IWORK ON A RESTAURATION PROJECT OF AN F8 EJECTION SEAT TYPE Martin BAKER MK F5 . I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF YOU COULD HELP ME FOR FOUND INFORMATION ON THIS EJECTION SEAT. THANK FOR YOUR HELP YOURS TRULY, FRANCOIS CADIC [francois.cadic@worldonline.fr]

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132.
I have changed my address because I am now on satellite connection and the cost is less and it is a lot faster. Thanks,
glen miller [miller1g@direcpc.com]

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131.
I'm impressed by this web site. I was in Fitron VF-11 when LtCmdr Barnes Flew out of Italy with the wings folded, returning to the Rosey, I also was standing forward of the angle Deck, when Terry  Kryway punched out, at flight deck level, after stuffing one of his main mounts thru his saddle tank. I remember in Rota, when two LTs returned with one having his canopy imploded from being directly under the other one when they went into burner, and a couple of weeks later, same two Jocks squaring off on the flight line after doing it again, the second time, the Pilot that did it, just wanted to see if it would happen again. I remember LtCmdr Marr, who's name came back to haunt me during Vietnam. I remember our Skipper coming back into Rota white faced, after one of his cannons came loose and put a round thru the intake. I was Head Flight Deck Troubleshooter, the night that an AD came in and it's right main mount collasped and caused it to come up the bow, and Destroyed 16 aircraft. I've got many more stories about VF-11 days. I put 10 years in the Navy, but only really remember the years I spent in the Rippers. If I could have one thing from the Red Rippers, it would be a color Photo of an F8 in VF-11 colors, that I could use has a Background.

Jerry Pierce [muddog38@okeechobee.com]

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130.
Don't know if you're aware of it, but there is an F-3H Demon web site now, with lots a cool pics & history. Bet a lot of the Gunfighter faithful would like a link to that site so they can see who flew the intercepts at night and in bad weather. If you'd like to view the site, you'll find it at http://www.f3hdemon.homestead.com/ Several pilots flew both the Demon and Crusader, so there should be lots a sea stories to tell.

"JD" Blair AMCS USN, Ret. Repaired all types.  JBlair3427@aol.com

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129.
My father joined VFP-62 in 1961 and stayed with that unit until retiring from the Navy in 1967. His full name is Arthur W. Scarborough, PHCA. He was a Navy photographer for the 20 years he was in, and continued in that profession until retiring from Sanders in 1991. He is currently building his third airplane and trying to get his Navy and civilian photo collections in order. He is also a friend of Bob Lawson of Tail Hook fame who has used a number of pictures and slides from my father's collection in his publications over the years. One thing I noticed on the Kalamazoo Crusader restoration section on your page was a comment that the folks a Pax River are chucking Crusader maintenance manuals away. Is there some way I can contact these people and tell them I can give that stuff a great home? 

Scott Scarborough [crusader117@juno.com]

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128.
I was an aircraft electrician in VMF (AW) 451 from 1961 to 1963 under the leadership of Lt / Col Charlie Crew. What an experience. The first marine fighter squadron to transpac by flying their aircraft to Atsugi, Japan, being awarded two consecutive CNO safety awards, maneuvers to Okinawa, the Philippines and a brief cruse aboard the aircraft carried USS John Hancock in the South China Sea.

--- Geoffrey Peters --- petersgd@earthlink.net

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127.
DC Jensen, USMC, VMF-334, plane captain, 1958-1962, El Toro, F8U-1 & 2. Glad to have found this site and glad to have been part of the story of this great aircraft. Thanks for putting this site together. Its great.
dc jensen [dc@catdc.com]

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126.
BOB MCDONALD VF24@ILAND.NET 
ADJ-3 WITH VF-24 FROM 1966 TO 1969

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125.
Ray Romero, VF174, VU10, VF103, Cecil, Gitmo, Oceana, Forrestal & Sara. 1963-1967. Presently in F/A18's in Kuwait as a civilian.<raymero@yahoo.com
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124.
I served in VMF(AW) 235 from Sept 62 to Feb 64.I was in the avionics shop under MSGT Martin . The pilots were some of the best missile and gunnery experts in the 2nd MAW and later the 1st Maw. The whole squadron took extreme delight in harassing any and all Air Force personnel, both in the air and later in the OCLUB! We had a pilot who had done a tour with the " Blue Angels" and he taught everybody else some of routines, so when on the 4th of July 1963 at Naha AFB ,Okinawa, we we invited to participate in an Air Show. Since the Air Farce was flying F102's and F106's, it was not hard to make them look like they were still learning how to fly. There were quite a few unhappy Air Farce pilots at the O club that night. The AP's were called at least 3 times. The Air Force also lost most of the confrontations before the AP' s Arrived. The whole squadron was ready to invade the base. You could not ask for better morale.

Samuel D, Means Cpl 1955225  [res08jhy@verizon.net]

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123.
WHERE DID THEY SHOOT THE FLIGHT LINE SCENES [for "13 Days"] AND WHERE DID THEY GET THE RF 8G'S. IT WAS GREAT SEEING THEM.

I have a wierd question for you. Back in 1980-1, I shot and produced a 44 minute movie on the RF 8G. I shot carrier footage, some air to air [back seat with VC 13} and used some stock footage. This "epic" [haha} was shown at several Crusader Balls[1980-1-2]. I received a Navy Achievement medal for it. Have you seen it? Is it still around? I hope it didn't get boxed up or tossed out when the squadron folded. I left VFP_63 and went down the street and became a TARPS instructor. I would love to have had a copy. This was just before VHS and BETA!

GREAT JOB! JOHN ROHR PH2 VFP-63 1977-82   [rohrj@southpress.com]

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122.
I was in VF-91 aboard the USS Ranger during the 1962/1963 cruise. I was standing on the flight deck when a Russian Badger flew by off our starboard side and on his six was a F8U Crusader flown by ( Mr. Crusader) CDR. Billy Phillips. We were on our way back to the States. In 1963 VF-91 was changed to VF-194 and I made two West-Pac cruises on the Bon Homme Richard. I spent all my time while in the squadron on the Line Division and was Line PO when discharged in 1966. Served under CDR. Phillips, CDR. Moseley and CDR. Chew. I will always have fond memories of those years and the men I served with.

Baker Olmstead Bisbee,Az. bakerolmstead@hotmail.com

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121.
I was an AO3 for VF24 on the 69-70 and 71-72 westpacs. Would sure like to hear from some of my shipmates. Here is another pic of me sitting in front of the shop where we sold sodas. I would like to be added to the maitainers list. Thanks, Peter  WOLD,PETER (HP-Roseville,ex1) [peter_wold@hp.com]

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120.
Ralph Pallesco dp@cobweb.net I was a plane captain on the F8U with VMF (aw) 451 at Beaufort S. C. in 64 any one in the outfit then drop me a line.
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119.
I have seen a few Crusader pages and links. But on (01/20/01) I saw "13 Days" in the theater. I have to write about the obscure F8 squadron I was in during the early 60's. VU-10, Leeward Point Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, contained eleven F8's. Not much compaired to all the other squadrons I have read about. VU-10 was the defenders of the Caribean but I guess because it was so small, there is no mention of it. Too bad. We did a fine job. I loved those F8's.

Bill Cpl601@aol.com

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118.
I was in VF-13 from 1961 until my discharge in Nov. 1964. I believe Capt. Cooke pictured in this page was the commanding officer at the time as well. It's hard to tell because of the distorted picture. We went to Cuba as part of the blockade in 62 but I can't find any information about it anywhere. Is there such information on the net? The med cruise in 63 and 64 weren't mentioned either.

Best regards. Hllapiman@aol.com

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117.
I spent some time detached from 174 to 12eme in BANN Morbihan France with the French Navy in 1964. Other wise did a total of 7 years with the CRUSADER Community. It was an experience with the BAY of Pigs deal and Castro. We worked our Tail sections off trying to support the F-8 training on the East Coast.

When you're out of F-8"s , you're out of FIGHTERS
PDuha@aol.com

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116.
What a pleasant surprise I received yesterday while I was "surfing" through a few military web sites. I stumbled upon your web site titled The Gunfighters Page and the VF-13 Nightcappers in particular. You see, I had the privilege of serving in the great squadron from August 1961 to September 1964. I checked as an AMS-2, was assigned to the Airframes Shop and eventually was assigned to the Logs and Records Branch. At that time, and all during my tour, we had F3H Demons. Also, during that period, I was advanced to AMS-1 and changed my rating to AZ-1 and was one first people to change into the new rating. I had the honor of completing the paperwork transferring the last Demon from the East Coast to Davis Monthan AFB, the "Graveyard".

While attached to the Nightcappers, I worked for several outstanding Officers, one of which was LTJG Matheny. I had the privilege to once again serve with LTJG Matheny but much later on in my career. During my next to last tour, I returned from serving a tour in a Navy Technical Assistance Field Team (TAFT) in Tehran and Bushere, Iran. Upon returning to the States in 1979, I reported to Attach Squadron Forty Six at NAS Cecil Field. During that tour, I was very privileged to serve as the Squadron's Command Master Chief (as an AZCM). One of my Commanding Officers was CDR James T. Matheny. When I left VA-46, I reported to the AIMD at NAS Jacksonville, where I retired in 1982 after serving 26 years in our wonderful Navy. I did get to meet J. T. Matheny again before I retired and I was thrilled to see that he had made Captain. I still have a copy of the Squadron Newspaper (Demon News), printed in October 1963. It is very yellowed but readable. If you will send me your mailing address, I will try to reproduce it and send you a copy.

Thanks again for bringing back a some great memories for me and thanks for putting together a great web site.

Very Respectfully,

Gerald R. Rutherford, AZCM, USN, Retired
usne9retired_2000@yahoo.com

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115.
I was in VF-141 with F2H3 Banshee aircraft we were on the Kearsarge CVA-33 during the 1955 & 1956 cruise. I was in F8A & F8E aircraft in VF-211 from Feb. 1963 to Feb. 1965 and then went to F8,s in VC-7 until Feb. 1968. Put my name on the list if it will get me in contact with old shipmates. PS: CVA-33 was in westpac on that cruise. We spent a month in dry dock at Youkosuka Japan putting in a new reduction gear and screw.

Thanks for the site.
Use this address as follows. spjewell@hotmail.com

Thank you. Sam P. Jewell AOCS RET.

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114.
I served at NAS Oceana VA, in a squadron called VC-4. We towed targets and during times of trouble flew message runs. I was hoping to find some info at this site,all my patches and pictures are gone. Will you ever have anything on this about my old squadron?
Thank you,
Marty Ostrander,ADJ3, 1969-1973 marty1@usadatanet.net

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113.
I WAS IN VF162 FROM IT'S INCEPTION AT CECIL FIELD FLA. WE MADE A MED CRUISE ON THE INTREPID THEN MOVED TO MIRAMAR CALIF. WHERE WE MADE A WEST PACK ON THE ORISKANY. I WOULD LIKE ANY INFO THAT YOU CAN GIVE ME CONCERNING THAT TIME FRAME. I LOST MY CRUISE BOOK AND LEFT THE ORISKANY BEFORE THE END OF THE CRUISE. OUR EXECUTIVE OFFICER WAS A LCDR LEE KOETT. IF THERE IS ANY PLACE ELSE TO LOOK ON THE INTERNET PLEASE ADVISE. THANK YOU.

Gary Woodham [gdub@digitalexp.com]

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112.
I WAS BROWSING ALONG ON THE WEB WHENEVER I HAPPENED UPON THIS SITE. I AM SO GLAD I FOUND IT. I WAS AN AE2 IN VF-13 FROM 1966-68. MY DIVISION OFFICER WAS LT. LARRY DURBIN. I REMEMBER YOU AS WELL AS MOST OF THE OTHER OFFICERS IN THE SQUADRON. I REALLY ENJOY LOOKING AT THE PHOTOS OF ALL OF YOU IN LATER YEARS. I WAS PARTICULARLY GLAD TO SEE THAT "GUNFIGHTER" KLUBORG WAS STILL ALIVE AND WELL. I HAD MY DOUBTS HE WOULD LIVE TO A RIPE OLD AGE. HE WAS FEARLESS. BUT I WAS PROUD OF ALL OF OUR PILOTS. I AM SURE YOU REMEMBER SOME OF THE AE'S OF THE TIME - THERE WAS RONALD F. DOCKERY, BILLY RAY PHILLIPS, WILL A. OBER, ANDY SCHAFFER, A.J. KELLER, AND OUR CHIEF, LEON A. SUAN. I WOULD LOVE TO GET IN TOUCH WITH SOME OF THE GUYS. ANYWAY, I'M GLAD YOU ARE STANDING THE POST AND LOOKING AFTER THE OLD BIRDS.

PAUL WHITLEY Paul.Whitley@equistarchem.com MY E-MAIL ADDRESS ON MY HOME COMPUTER IS -MWHITLEY@BRAZOSPORT.CC.TX.US

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111.
[not an F-8 guy, but you'll appreciate this!]

Sorry, I couldn't find the page to post a message, could you do it for me. I was in VA-44 during the 60's, VF-174 was right next door at Cecil Field. Of course I love A4's, after all someone from the Skyhawk Association might see this. But here's a true story, I can remember being on a cross country flight, probably to MCAS Yuma, and landing at an AFB for some reason. Well a shipmate and I were in the tower slop shop getting a sandwich when an F-8 landed and taxied up to park. Two *airfarce* pukes sitting next to us looked at the old Mig Master and said "I'd like to work on that nasty looking plane", they were obviously very moved by the look of the F-8, true story. She was a scary looking plane, we in the navy were just used to the way the plane looked. Used to love hearing them go into AB on takeoff, what a rush.

Steve Hurley
AO-3 (Long time ago.) brownshoe@fcc.net

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110.
I was in VFP-63 (RF-8G) from around May 1979 until the end of June 1982. I made 2 West-Pacs while in the squadron, 1980 USS Constellation and 1981 USS Kittyhawk. Out of my 20 years active duty, being an F-8 maintainer was the best time of my career. It is probably to early (63 shut down less than 20 years ago) but I hope to see a reunion in the future. If there is any other info I can provide please let me know.
P.S. Thanks for the info on L. J. Francisco
P.S.S. I have a few pretty cool RF-8G pics I can scan and send.

V/R Steven R. Mohr smohr@comtel-inc.com

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109.
My name is SSgt Michael W. Trawick. I am a former Warlord from the F18/A days. We are presently starting an new association for all former Warlors and was wanting to ask your permission to link your page to ours. We are seeking the names and email address' of former Warlords. If you can be of any assistance it would be deeply appreciated. Our website is http://451warlords.homestead.com/Warlords.html

Sincerely,
Mike "Crash" Trawick
SSgt USMC serena9@islc.net

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108.
Looking for Raymond Williams of VF53 circa 1968 - 1970. He was an AZ1 and may have made AZC.

Thanks,
Stan stanley.d.friedman@us.pwcglobal.com

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107.
My name is R.P. Tyler (Toby) VFP-63--Det C --63-64--Kitty Hawk--Reside in Greenville, S.C. Please add me to the maintainers list--I was an AMH-3
TTobytyler@cs.com

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106.
I was an AE with VF211 from Nov. '64 till June '67. We did two Westpacs on Hancock and one on Bonhomme Richard while I was there. The MIG Killer page brought back some long forgotten names. If you're the one responsible for the site, you have my heartfelt thanks.
Jim Scarpine Sr [jscarpine@juno.com] AE2 (RET)

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105.
My name is Jerry Hopkins. I was in VF-194 in 71 and 72 and made 2 Viet Nam cruises in 71 and 72 on the Oriskany. I'm trying to find out anything I can about a reunion, or anyone in my squadron. any one who reads this please drop me a line at jlhoppy@aol.com
Thanks HUD"N HUD"N

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104.
my email address is now "jcshearer@pop.topmich.com". Also, I've opened up my own web site which has a few F-8 pics in it and is targeted for VFP-63. That site is "www.sites.netscape.net/cjshearer/homepage" , just follow the military stuff link.
Keeping the fod off the deck,
Jim Shearer

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103.
Could you tell me if there are any web pages for F-8 mechs......I was a plane captain from 1967 - 1969 at NAS Willow Grove. I would like to see if I could find any of the F-8 drivers that I worked with.
Thanks
Ron ron1@adelphia.net

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102.
I am trying to find some of the people that I served with. I was with VFP 63 when it was stationed at Miramar. I was a photo interpreter I deployed with the constellation that saw action in the Gulf of Tonken.
William Arenz [arenz@nut-n-but.net]

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101.
I started my association with the F8, in early 1957 with VF-154. I was plane captain on FJ-3's when we transitioned to the F8. After 2 (two) cruises with the F8 aboard the USS Hancock, I transferred to the RAG VF-124, where I worked on every version, except the F8J. From the RAG, I went to VFP-63. I made two War cruises to Vietnam, one on the USS Oriskany, and one on the USS Ticonderoga. To sum up the most enjoyable part of my naval career, I was with F8's for 10 years and loved every minute of it.

I retired April 1, 1977 as an Aviation Machinists Mate Chief Petty Officer. I served with and know a number of the Crusader Association Members, and have talked to a few of them about my charge 143769.

My wife isn't sure what my first love is, our 1947 Oldsmobile or 'my' F8 at The Air Station Museum, Arlington, WA. (As outside interests, that is.) No doubt in my mind!

Jim Bernethy jmklb@uswest.net