A3D-2Q/EA-3B, BUNO 146457 "History" VQ-1 PR 5 and-005, VQ-2 JQ-007

[redr1150r]

Yes, it does bring back memories. My dad , CTOC Stan Ellefson, was in VQ-2 for 5 years 67-73. I was in VAQ-33 from 71-74 , so I'm no stranger to the A-3. I can remember them painted dark blue in the 50s. I graduated from H.S. in Rota. In Oct. there will be a big DGF reunion in Virginia Beach, Va.

[jfsackett1]

This video brought back a flood of memories, thanks for sharing it with us! Looking forward to attending the dedication ceremonies this spring.

[tuact1]

I was attached to VQ-1 on Guam from 77-80. Man I loves these planes !!!!!!!

[MrGodfrey2010]

Hey my ship brought one if these back from Rota Spain. USS WASP LHD 1

[Wawaweewaj]

that plane should still be in service

[zthang]

We had one of these on USS Ranger during our West Pac 87. Never will forget the Whale, huge bird.

[naser007]

the one preserved at ft meade is awesome - what an interesting aircraft, very cool.

[santafesino007]

this aircrafft is for electronic war and recon???

[ronottenwess]

I flew as an EWOP on PR-5 out of Da Nang in 1969 with Lcdr. Tom Maxwell, LTs Kelly and Kessler, Frank Slinger, Jim Sackett and 'Baby Food' Gerber. This brings back just a flood of memories. Thanks for posting. We we're a VQ-2 crew TAD to VQ-1.

[herndonjtexas]

The video has several pics in it with the aircraft labeled PR-5, in the 80's CAG and CV NATOPS made us start numbering the aircraft three digits I.E. PR-005, JQ-007 etc, I think it was a Mode 4 issue for coding, not sure.

[rch105]

@herndonjtexas

Hey John, bet you were at NAS Agana (1970), was an AO2, and worked with Bobek, McGrath, and the beloved "Ford". Am I right?

[herndonjtexas]

CDR Tom "The DON" Brennan and myself put the VQ-2 number 007 back on the right side of the aircraft and the VQ-1 number 005 on the left side of the aircraft in respect for the numerous years that she flew for VQ-1. She only flew in Rota approx 1.5 years, before she was preserved.

[Deepsea92]

No complaint from me. I respect all of the efforts from everyone involved in this "Great Effort". I salute you. I will be at the dedication in Mobile along with the rest of Crew 7. PAB CWO-4 USN-RET

[hawkvq1]

As Deepsea 92 (Howdy, Paul) stated, for much of its VQ-1 tour, PR-5 used only the single digit. Flew many flights in PR-5. Mostly from Yankee Station carriers, including Kitty Hawk, Enterprise, Connie, and Coral Sea..... My screensaver is PR-5 in flight....do not recall original source...think it was from the VQ survivors site. The VQ-1 det Charlie (Cubi Pt lasted until 68, when construction at Cubi forces the Whales to move to Danang.

[Deepsea92]

I flew as a "Crew Leader" in VQ-1 and have logged many hours in this A/C. It's side number was PR-5. Only 005 when asigned to Cag on a Carrier Det. The Gulf of Tonkin Dets were much different. VQ-1 1960-64, 1966-70, 1973-77.

[sixholdens]

Great video. Well done, John, and I'm not even a "Whaler"!

Next time close the window after you throw the orange.......

[Deepsea92]

Great Video. Brings back the good old days with Lcdr Ted Cunningham and Crew-7. Also of VQ-1 Det-Bravo Danang but you forgot VQ-1 Det-Cubi and the Double Ball-Buster Flights out of there.

[herndonjtexas]

I couldnt find a Cubi PR-05 pic?

[Deepsea92]

I'll check my pictures. I'm sure I have one of PR-05 at Cubi. PAB

[herndonjtexas]

Is the orange something I should remember??

[sixholdens]

If you never flew VQ-1 EP-3E's out of Bahrain, then no, mistaken identity.

[aniemyer]

Super to know a bird with such an extensive history over 3 decades is headed to a good home! Long live The Whale!