The Hook - Skyraider Pilot's Story - Summer 1982

Front Cover, Ram pagers A-7F heads for target 10 February 1982 during CVW-17's weapons deployment to Fallon. GGA Image ID # 21a8a00e44

Introduction

The Summer 1982 edition of The Hook highlights a diverse range of topics centered on carrier aviation, offering readers a comprehensive look at historical and contemporary aspects of naval operations. From personal accounts like "A Skyraider Pilot's Story" to detailed explorations of carrier advancements, the issue showcases the experiences, challenges, and innovations in carrier-based aviation. With features on combat rescue, squadron activities, and future developments at NAS Fallon, this edition emphasizes the expertise and dedication of those who support the U.S. Navy's critical missions.

Inside Front Cover: VF-126 plane captain AMHAA David Pearson directs LCDR Bob Dengler onto taxiway at Miramar for ACM flight. GGA Image ID # 21a972543f

The Back Cover Represents the Five Major Paint Schemes Worn by Vfp-63 Crusaders During the Squadron’s 25-Year Association With the Mighty Vought Fighter. At the Top, Skipper Dave Beam Leads a Farewell Salute Flight on 19 April 1982. (Tailhook Photos by Bob Lawson.) at Bottom. Lcdr Pete Clayton Recorded Det Two’s “Taco Bell Racing Stripes” Aboard the Coral Sea in 1980. GGA Image ID # 21a9d3db2b

Table of Contents : Air Plan

• BRIEF
• FROM THE CATWALK
  Peter Kilduff
• LAUNCH
  • "Et Tu, U-2?"—Lockheed's U-2 and CVA-66
    Bob Lawson
  • "Combat Rescue"—Helicopters and Carriers, part two
    Tommy Thomason
  • "A Skyraider Pilot's Story"
    CDR Marvin S. Broomhead, USN (Ret)
  • "The Black Falcons"
    LT Kevin R. Smith, VF-43
• AT MARSHAL
  • "The Bandits From Miramar"—VF-126 Adversary Squadron
    LCDR Tom Kilcline, VF-126
  • "CVW-17 'Hits The Jackpot' at Fallon"
    LCDR Frank Marlow, CVW-17
  • Command Changes
  • "NAS Fallon Looks to the Future"
    J01 Ken Marcum
  • "Around the Corps"
• RECOVERY
• MANNING THE SPARE
  • "One-Navy Concept Reinforced"—CVWR-30 at Roosevelt Roads
    Bob Lawson
• IN REVIEW
• WAVEOFFS AND BOLTERS

About the Publication

The Hook is published quarterly by The Tailhook Association, a non-profit corporation dedicated to foster, encourage, develop, study and support the aircraft carrier, sea-based aircraft, both fixed and rotary wing, and aircrew of the United States of America and to educate the public in the aircraft carrier's appropriate role in the Nation's defense system.

Views expressed in The Hook are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the policies of The Tailhook Association or the United States Navy. Printed in U.S.A. Bulk-rate postage paid at Bonita, California. Copyright © 1982 by The Tailhook Association. All rights reserved.

Subscription for The Hook is included in the $15.00 annual membership in The Tailhook Association. Regular Membership is open to anyone who has made a carrier landing as a pilot or aircrewman. Associate Membership is open to anyone having the background and interest to support the goals of The Tailhook Association, as stated above. Ordinary subscriptions are also available.

Conclusion

This edition of The Hook provides an in-depth view of the rich history and evolving dynamics of carrier aviation, as seen through compelling stories, technical insights, and tributes to the naval aviation community. The detailed table of contents underscores the publication's commitment to honoring the legacy and advancing the understanding of the U.S. Navy's carrier-based operations. Readers are invited to immerse themselves in the experiences and milestones that continue to define this essential component of national defense.

THE TAILHOOK ASSOCIATION
Membership/Administration
P.O. Box 40
Bonita, CA 92002
(714) 479-8525

• PRESIDENT : CAPT Thomas A. Stanley, USN
• SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT : D.S. Laird, CDR, USN (Ret)
• VICE PRESIDENTS
  • CAPT T.C. Wimberly, USN
  • Thomas J. Kane, Jr.
  • Robert H. Thompson
• BOARD OF DIRECTORS
  • F.A.W. Franke, Jr. CAPT USN (Ret)
  • D.S. "Diz" Laird, CDR USN (Ret)
  • CDR Rod Knutson, USN
  • CDR John P. Wrynn, USN
  • LCDR Gregory A. Cassady, USNR
• ADVISOR, NAVAL AVIATION MATTERS : James D. Ramage, RADM USN (Ret)
• EXECUTIVE SECRETARY : Ron Thomas
• GENERAL COUNSEL : R.E. Gallatin, CAPT USN (Ret)

CORPORATE MEMBERS

The following corporations exhibit their strong support of Naval Aviation through their membership in the Tailhook Association:

• Air Fuel Corporation
• Beech Aircraft Corporation
• Beech Aerospace Services, Inc. Computer Services
• Corporation Cubic Corporation
• General Dynamics/Convair Division
• General Dynamics/Pomona Division
• General Electric Company-Aircraft Engine Group
• Grumman Aerospace Corporation
• Harris Corporation-PRD Electronics Division
• Hughes Aircraft Company
• Litton Systems, Inc. Guidance & Control Systems Division
• Lockheed-California Company
• McDonnell Douglas Corporation
• Northrup Corporation
• Northrup Corporation, Ventura Division
• Pratt & Whitney Aircraft Group
• Raytheon Company
• Rockwell International
• Sanders Associates, Inc.
• Sikorsky Aircraft
• Teledyne Ryan Aeronautics
• Texas Instruments Corporation
• United Technologies-Norden Systems
• Vought Corporation