I was stationed in Rota Spain in the early 90's with VQ-2. We retired all the ones the Squadron had after the first gulf war. Our Airframers got to paint some neat shark teeth and a Bart (Simson) of Arabia in proper attire since we were in Jedah Saudi Arabia with a detachement of two during the first gulf war. They went to David Moffet. I reenlisted next to tail number 007. Still have the picture..The Squadron is no longer in Rota but somewhere in Washington State. My how things have changed.
Thangs 4 the vido the sounds of those j-57s got goospimples on my armes. i was stationed at mather AFB in the 70s and A-3s from Alameda NAS came in on fridays and they taxied right by me i loved the differant markings they had. allthow the base had KC-135As with j-57s the look and sounds of those A-3s were awsome i hope u make another vidio soon.Mikey
Flew the A3 for 15 years starting in the 60"s. Loved that aircraft. It was a wonderful aircraft to bring aboard the carrier, it was so stable. Just had to pay attention to line up, attitude and careful not to exceed landing weight or you could rip out the arresting gear wires and hurt someone! Crew comradarie was exceptional exemplified by the Skywarrior Association that continues to this day.
VAQ-34 had 1 KA-3B, 4 ERA-3B's, one UA-3B and one EA-3B .
I have flight time in all of them.
The EA-3B launched from carriers until they were pulled from the boat in 1987.
The ERA-3B variant (modified RA-3B) was too heavy to launch from a carrier with a full load (internal flash bomb-bay geek stuff, ALQ-76 pods) and enough fuel for a mission.
The internal flash bomb-bay geek stuff (boxes and mounts) were not built or installed with launching or recovering from a carrier.
I saw a Whale when I was pulling gate guard duty for the 49 MMS at Holloman AFB, NM back in 2002. I just could not believe my eyes! An actual A-3 was STILL flying, too cool. I had no idea what it was being used for, ECM or target control duties for air force exercises I guess.
I am a retired Navy Senior Chief who crewed the A3 at VAQ-34. We may have flown together. My name is Don Occhiline, had some good fun in the whale, with some good people.
I worked on the a-3 when i was stationed at pt. mugu..had a buddy that was hurt when he opened the door and it almost killed him because it was still pressurized!!i was in oma. division. i know vaq-34,and vx-4 people! used to drink cases of beer at mugu rock!lol
That may be my uncle flying that/those A-3's. He's one of the chief test pilots at Raytheon, retired Captain, USN, retired TWA, also F-14 Test pilot in the early 70's. I know for sure he flies A-3 for Raytheon, among other planes.
I would never look down upon you for wet panties after watching some rare footage of an amazing A/C but I would look down upon you for wearing panties if you are a man.
Over 100 Cats and Traps in the A3. VQ-1 with Ken Bob, Bill Miano, Tony Gole, Art Rowley.
kgast0303 2 months ago
My Great Uncle Tom Kilgarif was killed test flying the A3 @ edmunds AFB in 1957!
mike81egan 7 months ago
I was stationed in Rota Spain in the early 90's with VQ-2. We retired all the ones the Squadron had after the first gulf war. Our Airframers got to paint some neat shark teeth and a Bart (Simson) of Arabia in proper attire since we were in Jedah Saudi Arabia with a detachement of two during the first gulf war. They went to David Moffet. I reenlisted next to tail number 007. Still have the picture..The Squadron is no longer in Rota but somewhere in Washington State. My how things have changed.
flojogrande 9 months ago
Thangs 4 the vido the sounds of those j-57s got goospimples on my armes. i was stationed at mather AFB in the 70s and A-3s from Alameda NAS came in on fridays and they taxied right by me i loved the differant markings they had. allthow the base had KC-135As with j-57s the look and sounds of those A-3s were awsome i hope u make another vidio soon.Mikey
michael70224 11 months ago
awesome footage ive been looking for video of the a-3 while flying thanks for sharing
SgtGrant23 1 year ago
Flew the A3 for 15 years starting in the 60"s. Loved that aircraft. It was a wonderful aircraft to bring aboard the carrier, it was so stable. Just had to pay attention to line up, attitude and careful not to exceed landing weight or you could rip out the arresting gear wires and hurt someone! Crew comradarie was exceptional exemplified by the Skywarrior Association that continues to this day.
skywarriorish 1 year ago
wow!
DiegoMenendez 1 year ago
VAQ-34 had 1 KA-3B, 4 ERA-3B's, one UA-3B and one EA-3B .
I have flight time in all of them.
The EA-3B launched from carriers until they were pulled from the boat in 1987.
The ERA-3B variant (modified RA-3B) was too heavy to launch from a carrier with a full load (internal flash bomb-bay geek stuff, ALQ-76 pods) and enough fuel for a mission.
The internal flash bomb-bay geek stuff (boxes and mounts) were not built or installed with launching or recovering from a carrier.
Joe H, Crewchief
vxe6vxe6 2 years ago
I saw a Whale when I was pulling gate guard duty for the 49 MMS at Holloman AFB, NM back in 2002. I just could not believe my eyes! An actual A-3 was STILL flying, too cool. I had no idea what it was being used for, ECM or target control duties for air force exercises I guess.
BlueKyne 2 years ago
Tis a lucky man that gets to fly this bird.
thesixtiesguy 2 years ago
I would love to see one of these in full CAG colors on the airshow circuit!
jpatt1000 2 years ago
@jpatt1000 To bad you weren't standing infront of the Pentagon on 9/11. You would have gotten a great show!
canamwing 1 year ago
@canamwing What does watching a tragedy like that have anything to do with watching vintage planes at an airshow!?
jpatt1000 1 year ago
I loved flying in that airplane! Great video and thanks for sharing. Krash
U4EK 2 years ago
I flew an EA-3b in in the Navy out of PT. Mugu, CA
VAQ-34
that plane was even heavier...
davidlaksa 2 years ago
who are you, I spent some time in the A3
occhild 2 years ago
Retired Naval Officer , I flew out of California in 1987.
The EA-3B's were to heavy to lauch of a carrier. I lost a few good friends who died in those planes.
davidlaksa 2 years ago
I am a retired Navy Senior Chief who crewed the A3 at VAQ-34. We may have flown together. My name is Don Occhiline, had some good fun in the whale, with some good people.
occhild 2 years ago
@occhild Don-- Good to hear from you . You have no idea how I miss those days.
Rick E. Detco.
rickern8or 1 year ago
Who toldyou EA-3B's were too heavy to launch from a carrier?
Turns3and4 2 years ago
I worked on the a-3 when i was stationed at pt. mugu..had a buddy that was hurt when he opened the door and it almost killed him because it was still pressurized!!i was in oma. division. i know vaq-34,and vx-4 people! used to drink cases of beer at mugu rock!lol
provisionscatering 2 years ago
That may be my uncle flying that/those A-3's. He's one of the chief test pilots at Raytheon, retired Captain, USN, retired TWA, also F-14 Test pilot in the early 70's. I know for sure he flies A-3 for Raytheon, among other planes.
rkkincaid 3 years ago
It always amazed me to see the arresting gear actually stop one of these behemoths.
hammerogod 3 years ago
I had no idea these guys were still flying. Thanks for the footage.
Capt777harris 3 years ago
Yes, all Whales had the parachute.
PuzzlingEvidenceTV 3 years ago
Great video! Does anyone know if the old bomber version had a drag 'chute too?
UA767 3 years ago
Whalers unite!
KMathis45 3 years ago
You've posted some really awesome vids of some rare birds. Well done.
juzzi07 3 years ago
Holy Shit!!! Hear those J57's! My panties are wet now...
JAngryonaTrack 3 years ago
I would never look down upon you for wet panties after watching some rare footage of an amazing A/C but I would look down upon you for wearing panties if you are a man.
Parubhi 3 years ago