IMPORTANT

HAVE YOU CHANGED ADDRESS, EMAIL, OR PHONE NUMBER?
PLEASE GET IN TOUCH WITH US AT
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WE DON'T WANT TO LOSE TRACK OF YOU.

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED

posted with permission... This project by George Feher is beautiful gift made to his friend Kim Miller, a former VAQ-135 A-3er. It is a step by step walk through of the model building process. George's attention to detail is outstanding and he earned a well deserved award for his efforts. I'm sure Kim MIller will always cherish it. Bravo Zulu!

A-3 book released
by Osprey Books

THE BOOK

The Douglas A-3 Skywarrior, though something of a cult favourite, remains a largely unremarked classic of Naval Aviation. Built for nuclear weapon delivery, the A-3 made its name in Vietnam as a conventional bomber, tanker and Electronic Warfare platform. It was the largest aircraft ever regularly operated from the decks of aircraft carriers, earning it the fleet-wide nickname ‘Whale'. It excelled in every mission area assigned to it and operated in the US Navy for more than four decades, from 1956 through to 1991. Fully illustrated to depict the incredible array of paint schemes and its awesome size, this volume focuses on the type's Vietnam service, which saw the aircraft briefly used as a bomber over both North and South Vietnam from March 1965, before the Skywarrior proved far more valuable as a multi-role tanker (KA-3B) and tanker/tactical jammer (EKA-3B). The title includes details on all of these operations as well as more clandestine reconnaissance missions, and provides information about the men that flew them.

THE AUTHOR

Rick Morgan is the author of two previous books on Naval Aviation history (including Intruder: The Operational History of Grumman’s A-6 for Schiffer in 2005) and more than 20 historical articles on the subject of Naval Aviation. Twice named ‘Contributor of the Year’ by the editorial staff of The Hook - The Journal of Carrier Aviation, Rick is a retired US Navy lieutenant commander with more than 2300 hours of flight time to his name, principally in EA-6B, A-4 and A-3 type aircraft. He also has more than 450 carrier-arrested landings to his name, and flew 41 combat missions during Operation Desert Storm in 1991. He currently works in the aviation industry.

Get your copy here

New memoir captures grandfather’s legacy for future generations
‘Grandfather’s Journal’ opens author’s heart, mind for readers

Web site: www.captaintommaxwell.com

BOONVILLE, Mo. – Author Tom Maxwell takes readers back through time as he regales them with the most touching events of his life in his new book, “Grandfather’s Journal: A Grandson’s Journey into His Grandfather’s Life” (published by WestBow Press).

Written as a journal for Maxwell’s grandson, “Grandfather’s Journal” captures Maxwell’s most poignant memories, the ones that profoundly affected his character. As a child growing up in the Philippines Islands just after World War II, Maxwell offers readers a rare glimpse at life in an area so heavily affected by the war.

“Grandfather’s Journal” follows Maxwell through his27-year career as a naval aviator and his 30-year career in business. His most life-changing moment, he says, did not come until June 9, 1997, when he accepted Jesus Christ into his heart. His writings showcase the healing powers of faith and its effect on a broken family.

Heartfelt and honest, “Grandfather’s Journal” collects the wisdom and knowledge Maxwell discovered throughout his life. He hopes his book will serve as a legacy to future generations and encourage all readers to seek Jesus.

“Grandfather’s Journal”
By Tom Maxwell

Whidbey Fly-In

144825 Arrives at NAS Whidbey Island, April 29, 2011.

Flight to Whidbey

Announcements

New A-3 videos

A video of the restoration of RA-3B 144843

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bmeq5d0brQw

A video of the dedication of RA-3B 144843

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RSI8gR4_oVs

Item of interest

from June 25 'Stars and Stripes' and 'San Francisco Chronicle'.

The (former) Alameda Naval Air Station (where you were assigned) has been - formally - turned over by the Navy to the city of Alameda. Which plans to develop the 1300 acre NAS to 2,700 homes, offices, shops, restaurants (expected to bring in 6,000 new jobs) - and - 700 acres of parks and open land.

Alameda NAS closed down April 25, 1997, with the loss of 14,000 jobs, and the Navy has been in negotiations with Alameda ever since. The Navy originally wanted to sell the NAS property for $1.8M, but in 2011, agreed to give it to Alameda - FREE.

Alameda NAS is one of the Superfund sites, and the Navy is expected to continue ongoing 'cleanup' for years to come.

The famed USS Hornet WWII aircraft carrier (which I've been on) is now a museum ship (for now). Rumors are the Hornet could either stay in Alameda or possibly move to San Francisco. Or possibly join the USS Iowa in the Port of LA. The Iowa was recently 'un-mothballed' (part of the shrinking 'mothball fleet' here in the Bay Area) and relocated to the Port of LA as a museum ship.

Another 'hidden' factoid is Alameda NAS (one of the runways) is frequently used as a site for the cable TV show "Mythbusters" (which is also based here in the SF Bay Area

NEW

If you haven't see the fall 2012 issue of Tailhook magazine, you need to see this article. It was written and compiled by our own Gary Meyers, the A-3 Assoc. museum officer. It is a great article!

click to read
A-3 Skywarrior: From The First Flight To The Last

Attention Whalers

Well, you missed it. Last night, Sept. 29, 2011 the A-3 Skywarrior Assn. was on the radio. But we have a copy. See below and click on the play button to listen to the complete hour long show and hear interviews from Mark, Gary, and Mike. Several of our members even called in too. Enjoy.

Permission granted by Warbird Radio

Update Required To play the media you will need to either update your browser to a recent version or update your Flash plugin.

Become a member of the A-3 Skywarrior Association.

Would you like to donate memorabilia to a
dedicated A-3 Skywarrior display?
Click on the below image for the full details

Tragic Loss

1/22/2020
Mark Swisher and Bill Mego were returning home to Fort Worth after delivering A-3 parts to the USS Lexington and our A-3 there when a semi crossed the center lane and stuck their truck head on. They did not survive the crash. We will post funeral details here when they become available.

Links to funeral arrangements for A-3 association treasurer, Mark Swisher,
and A-3 association lifetime member, Bill Mego.

Note one of the memorials the Swisher family designated is the A-3 Skywarrior Association.
Mark Swisher
https://www.winscottfuneral.com/obituary/mark-swisher
Bill Mego
https://www.everhere.com/us/obituaries/tx/arlington/william-mego-10318223

2019 A-3 Skywarrior reunion

Some of the crew attending the reunion gathered for a photo op in front of
Oakland Aviation Museum's A-3, 147666, prior to visiting the other exhibits
and enjoying a meal together later in the evening. More photos coming soon.

Attendee list (9-30-19)

Reunion photos

If you shop on Amazon, you can help the A-3 Skywarrior Association.

Amazon will donate a percentage of your qualified purchase to our organization with a charitable gift of money to help support us. All you do is click on the below link and log into "smile.amazon.com" with your normal Amazon login information. Then your purchases will benefit the A-3 Skywarrior Association. We encourage you to do this and tell your friends about it.

Thanks,
The A-3 Crew.

Miss the sights and sounds of an A-3?

On 6-30-2011 after several days of consulting with Raytheon, NAVAIR, NMNA, and the A-3 Association. It was agreed to fly the jet to Pensacola for display. The A-3 Association deposited $15K with Raytheon and on the 29th, Ron Woltman and crew departed Van Nuys at 1945 CST arriving NAS Fort Worth at ~2215. We (A-3 Assoc) met Ron and crew at the aircraft and transported them to the hotel. Early the next morning we readied the jet for it's last flight and Ron and his crew took off for the last time at 9:10 CST Fort Worth, TX for Pensacola, FL. We'll miss the sound of those J-57's and we will miss the A-3 Skywarrior. Remember, we have 20 of these in museums so please donate to the A-3 Association so we can keep them all looking as good as Raytheon kept this one.

click on the link below or the above picture to see the video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yr7CJibs4hc

'Whale' saves 700 planes during Vietnam War

Click above to read the story.

Whidbey Memorial update....

Attached is a copy of the letter received from the Department of the Navy. They have accepted the gift of the Whidbey Memorial.

There are lots of thanks and congratulations that need to be passed around as this project was a huge effort on the part of many, many people. They include donors, volunteers, workers (retired and active duty), contractors who donated part or all of their time, the membership and board of the A-3 Assn., and the Whidbey Memorial Board and their staff and helpers, just to name a few.

I’m not sure how to make it known, but we also owe the command at NAS Whidbey a huge thanks for their part if making this happen and hope it adds to the heritage of NAS Whidbey.

It is indeed a proud and fitting memorial to those it honors, and the display should make a statement to those entering the base through that gate.

Personally, I just want to humbly say how exceptional this memorial is and again, acknowledge the tremendous effort it took to accomplish.

Well done, all!
President, A-3 Skywarrior Association

A-3 Skywarrior Whidbey Memorial

click here or on the picture

Sunset of the A-3 Skywarrior Program

"A LITTLE BIT OF HISTORY"
OR
HOW THE A-3 SKYWARRIOR PROGRAM WAS TERMINATED

Mike Glenn was digging through his footlocker the other day and found this...The rational by NavAir for shutting down the A-3 Skywarrior fleet.

The Department of the Navy, Naval Air Systems Command
A-3 Sunset Plan cover letter

This link is the full 24 page proposal.

Click on the below images to read the article.
Used with permission from Warbirds International.
Published, March, 2016

THE LAST A-3 WESTPAC

for more details click here

Dateline 7 February, 2012

TA-3B, 144867, began an historic journey today. As pictured, it was transferred to a crane barge from a pier at Naval Air Station North Island, CA. Due to high winds, loading aboard the USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD-6) was postponed till the 8th. It is then scheduled for departure to Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, HI. on monday the 13th where is will be restored and put on display at the Pacific Aviation Museum. Our own plane captain, AFCM, Ret, Mike Glenn will be accompanying her to insure a safe arrival.

Stay tuned for updates

SAN DIEGO (Feb. 8, 2012) A barge crane lifts a Navy A3 to the flight deck of amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) at Naval Base San Diego. The aircraft will be transported to the Pacific Aviation Museum at Pearl Harbor. (U.S. Navy photo by Senior Chief Mass Communication Specialist Joe Kane/Released)

Dateline Feb. 23, 2012

As the crew man the rails while the Bonnie Dick (LHD 6) passes by the USS Arizona Memorial, 144867 arrives at Pearl Harbor on Tues. Feb. 21, 2012. It was off loaded the following day. Mike Glenn and company will begin some preliminary restoration work while they are there to help some of the Pacific Aviation Museum crews get up to speed.

Edwards Project

Relocation of 146457

Click on any image to view the gallery

Linked below are some first person comments by an early Douglas employee and his experiences with the first A3-D Skywarriors. Thank you Phillip Purpura.
CLICK HERE

MUST READ

From Eyesore to Airport Pride
by AOC Delbert Mitchel, USN (Ret.)

CLICK HERE

For dedication photos