VAW-117 USS Independence 1975

[Tom-ADC]

Wife found some old pictures today, that's me I was QA Chief that cruise.

http://pic20.picturetrail.com:80/VOL174/1021972/18168454/397549061.jpg

[Lloyd Smale]

you look to young to be a cheif in that picture!

[Tom-ADC]

you look to young to be a chief in that picture!

LOL My oldest said I looked like a high school kid:bigsmyl2:

[NoDakJak]

I have a similar picture taken aboard the USS Midway in 1965. I was in VA-23 with A-4E Skyhawks at that time. My first duty squadron was 1958 in VF-211, the Fighting Red Checkertails with the new F8U-1 Crusader and made the first successful WESTPAC cruise with that bird. VF-154had deployed before us but had lost all but three of thewr aircraft by the time they reached Pearl Harbor. they returned to the States and re-equiped with F-11-F Tigers. When we returned from our cruise in 1959 we were redesignated as VF-24 and took our title of Fighting Red Checkertails with us. VF- 154 was redesignated as VF-211 and claimed the same title. There has been a battle over that title ever since.
When I joined the Squadron on January first 1958 the Exec was LcDr Stockdale. I was Petty Officer of the Watch several times when he was Officer of the Day. He was always at his desk during these times and I was impressed. In late 59 or early 60 he was promoted to Squadron Commander. As far as I am concerned he was what the Navy was all about!
Neil

[Guesser]

1975, I was moving into USS Mauna Kea AE-22. Making preps for overseas movement(POM). Only had 12 years in and was looking for a recommendation to take the chiefs test. Found it and made it!!!!!!!!

[Echo]

I have a similar picture taken aboard the USS Midway in 1965. I was in VA-23 with A-4E Skyhawks at that time. My first duty squadron was 1958 in VF-211, the Fighting Red Checkertails with the new F8U-1 Crusader and made the first successful WESTPAC cruise with that bird. VF-154had deployed before us but had lost all but three of thewr aircraft by the time they reached Pearl Harbor. they returned to the States and re-equiped with F-11-F Tigers. When we returned from our cruise in 1959 we were redesignated as VF-24 and took our title of Fighting Red Checkertails with us. VF- 154 was redesignated as VF-211 and claimed the same title. There has been a battle over that title ever since.
When I joined the Squadron on January first 1958 the Exec was LcDr Stockdale. I was Petty Officer of the Watch several times when he was Officer of the Day. He was always at his desk during these times and I was impressed. In late 59 or early 60 he was promoted to Squadron Commander. As far as I am concerned he was what the Navy was all about!
Neil

I'll bet that was Jim Stockdale, MOH winner - right? Or maybe his son...

[Tom-ADC]

I was at ComNavAirPac when Admiral Stockdale came was released, he was as noted what the Navy was all about.
I also got to meet LT Cunningham & LT Driscol after they shot down their fifth mig.
The Midway was of the many carriers I landed on between 69-71 only carrier I missed was the Lexington other then that I had at least one trap & catshot from every carrier we owned then.