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- On the flight deck, USS Enterprise (CVN-65) 1968
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- Preparing to launch on combat mission, 1968.
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- Ready to launch. USS Enterprise (CVN-65) Vietnam 1968
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- Enroute to North Vietnam.
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- Press release 1968.
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- Attacking surface to air missile site 1968
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- Highway interdiction, North Vietnam 1968.
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- Public relations release, 1968
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- Interdiction in N. Vietnam, 1968.
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- Interdiction in N. Vietnam, 1968.
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- Attacking storage areas in N. Vietnam, 1968
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- Squadron pilot experience 1968
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- Squadron pilot experience 1968.
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- Between combat missions 1968.
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- Congratulating Paul Stephenson, a proud Dad, in the ready room aboard USS Enterprise, 1 April,1968.
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- Presenting flight deck crew with squadron plaque, USS Enterprise, 1968
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- Receiving DFC, hangar bay, USS Enterprise 1968
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- Second DFC citation, 1968.
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- Returning to NAS Lemoore after combat deployment 1968.
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- Homecoming after combat deployment. NAS Lemoore, 1968
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- Taking Command VA-156, NAS Lemoore, July, 1968.
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- Squadron Motto after taking Command
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- Flying over the Sierra’s, 1968
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- Saying farewell to the A4 as we transition to the A7.
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- New A7 over the Sierra Mountains.
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- Petty Officer Redding’s wife was no relation, and this was a thrill for the whole family.
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- VA-56 ‘Champs,’ 1969.
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- VA-56 wins AirWing Two bombing derby at Fallon, Nevada, 1969
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- Bombing Derby “Champions.”
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- Squadron donation to NAS Lemoore Navy Relief Drive. 1969
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- Promoting and congratulating the troops. NAS Lemoore, 1969.
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- Captain, NAS Lemoore, presents award. 1969.
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- On the way to the Tailhook Convention, 1969.
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- On the ‘cutting edge’ of technology. 1969
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- Carrier Air Wing Commander, ‘Boot’ Hill, checks out in A7. 1969
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- Champ A7 over Mu Gia Pass, 1969.
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- Aboard USS Ranger (CV-61) 1969
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- Flying off the USS Ranger (CVA-61) in the Gulf of Tonkin, 1969
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- The Mu Gia Pass, 1969.
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- Bomb damage Assessment, 1969
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- Final combat mission, 1969.
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- Change of Command aboard USS Ranger, 12/11/69 Tonkin Gulf.
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- Change of Command aboard USS Ranger, 12/11/69 Tonkin Gulf.
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- Change of Command aboard USS Ranger, 12/11/69 Tonkin Gulf. Photo: Larry Van Natta
Comments
Greetings! I’ve been reading your blog for a long time now and finally
got the courage to go ahead and give you a shout
out from Atascocita Tx! Just wanted to say keep up the great work!
Nick,
Thank you for getting back to me. I still fondly remember my 1st weapons det in Yuma while you and your steely eyed combat warriors were transitioning VA-56 to A-7s. Remembered how mad you were when you found out a bunch of Nuggets were out bombing the warriors. Your leadership still influences me. The A-7 Corsair II Association website is: http://www.corsair2.us
Bill Thomas
I served in VA-56 when the squadron was transitioning to A-7s. I was an AZ2 and was assigned to Maintenance Control. I completed my enlistment prior to the squadron deployment to the Tonkin Gulf. My enlistment would have been in March 1970 but I was discharged early due to a directive that required that anyone whose time was up during a deployment should be discharged prior to the deployment. Consequently I was discharged in October 1969. My wife and I were invited to attend a formal dinner with you and your lovely wife, so I was able to get to know you in a “non-service” situation. I had enormous respect for you, as did all other sailors under your command. Your great sense of humor and leadership lead us to believe there was no finer squadron in the Navy. When our squadron won the top three awards at the Bombing Derby at Fallon our pride was beyond measure. As I remember you lead the way as Top Bomber in that competition. I appreciate this opportunity to send you my appreciation to have had the opportunity to serve with you. I hope you are doing well.