Great video - thank you for posting! I was an AT with VC-8 about 15 years later. You did an awesome job of explaining the mission and roles the various aircraft played. We still had the P-2's, but TA-4J's and SH-3G's replaced everything else. The A-4's would tow banners and launch "AQM" drones (solid propellant) as well as conduct "SONEX" and "BOMBEX" runs. P-2's would launch "BQM's" (jet engines), the H-3's would recover. The P-2's and H-3's would also do SAR duty. It's a shame that Rosey shut down - I feel due to the protests of the locals - who NOW complain that it isn't there creating income... oh well.
Thanks for the thumbs up. Contact me at rbitzer@rtcol.com if you would like me to put on the squadron roster . I may be able to locate some footage I shot at the last squadron reunion, you might see some one you know. Were those the same P2's we were flying in '63? I was an ATN in charge of the FOX VAN, was the squadron still launching F9's during your tour of duty?
Screeb I agree with you. I have no idea how Al Sharpton got involved. That felt crazy to me. I felt as if when he showed up everything went left. All he did was motivate locals to go crazy. The wrong ppl took an unfortunate incident and ran with it, making it worse. Hopefully one day you'll be back. If it means anything a lot of the locals were sad 2 see u go.
This sure brought back memories. I was as you assigned to VC-8 after Avionics school in Millington as a ATN. I served on the line as a F-8 plane captain before going to the drone shop. Since I had a navy drivers license I was assigned as a back up driver and maintenance of the Fox Vans, we had two, Fox 1 and 2. I was there in 1968 & 9. I eventually became the main driver and both vans were my responsibility. We used ARC 27 radios. Commander Minor was the pilot who took off and landed the F-9 from the van. Commander Smith was also my CO. Although I could of swore he took over the squadron during my time there. I certainly miss the good times I had in VC-8.
Hi Terry, Not many Fox Van drivers left these days. Thanks for the reply, At the last VC8 Reunion in Dayton, OH I got to talk to Cmdr. Smith and had a very interesting conversations. Do you have any pictures of the Fox Van? Also do you recall if you lost any drone F9's to missile hits? In my conversations with M.E. Smith I made a comment that all F9's we launched came back.... he agreed. I've always wondered why any weren't hit! Answer back at rbitzer@rtcol.com if you want.
I was station there in 65. I remember all of this happening !!!!!!
Lot of memories !!!!!!!
Great video - thank you for posting!
I was an AT with VC-8 about 15 years later.
You did an awesome job of explaining the mission and roles the various aircraft played.
We still had the P-2's, but TA-4J's and SH-3G's replaced everything else.
The A-4's would tow banners and launch "AQM" drones (solid propellant) as well as conduct "SONEX" and "BOMBEX" runs.
P-2's would launch "BQM's" (jet engines), the H-3's would recover.
The P-2's and H-3's would also do SAR duty.
It's a shame that Rosey shut down - I feel due to the protests of the locals - who NOW complain that it isn't there creating income... oh well.
Thanks for the thumbs up.
Contact me at rbitzer@rtcol.com if you would like me to put on the squadron roster . I may be able to locate some footage I shot at the last squadron reunion, you might see some one you know. Were those the same P2's we were flying in '63? I was an ATN in charge of the FOX VAN, was the squadron still launching F9's during your tour of duty?
Screeb I agree with you. I have no idea how Al Sharpton got involved. That felt crazy to me. I felt as if when he showed up everything went left. All he did was motivate locals to go crazy. The wrong ppl took an unfortunate incident and ran with it, making it worse. Hopefully one day you'll be back. If it means anything a lot of the locals were sad 2 see u go.
This sure brought back memories. I was as you assigned to VC-8 after Avionics school in Millington as a ATN. I served on the line as a F-8 plane captain before going to the drone shop. Since I had a navy drivers license I was assigned as a back up driver and maintenance of the Fox Vans, we had two, Fox 1 and 2. I was there in 1968 & 9. I eventually became the main driver and both vans were my responsibility. We used ARC 27 radios. Commander Minor was the pilot who took off and landed the F-9 from the van. Commander Smith was also my CO. Although I could of swore he took over the squadron during my time there. I certainly miss the good times I had in VC-8.
Hi Terry,
Not many Fox Van drivers left these days.
Thanks for the reply, At the last VC8 Reunion in Dayton, OH I got to talk to Cmdr. Smith and had a very interesting conversations. Do you have any pictures of the Fox Van? Also do you recall if you lost any drone F9's to missile hits? In my conversations with M.E. Smith I made a comment that all F9's we launched came back.... he agreed. I've always wondered why any weren't hit!
Answer back at rbitzer@rtcol.com if you want.
I see a Crusader in those pics. Never saw one, but studied them in Photo School. RF-8C, I believe.
Hi this is Rich Murray. I would love to get in touch with you but can't see how.