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

Please help in the shipment and restoration of this whale, send donations to: Mark Swisher - Treasurer, A-3 Association - 4225 Inspiration Dr - Fort Worth, TX 76126 - (817) 819-6623. Aircraft operated from VQ-1 @ NAS Agana Guam from May 1960 until its departure to VQ-2 NAVSTA Rota, Spain in 1989, the aircraft operated at VQ-2 from 1989 till 1990. It was placed in preservation in a humidity controlled bag at VQ-2 until it was removed and placed as a display aircraft at the CDR Duam Rota BOQ in 1991. In 2003 the aircraft was moved to the side wing of the BOQ to make room for a new parking lot. In 2007 the base CO requested that the aircraft be removed and sent back to the USA, the aircraft was again craned and moved back to the VQ-2 hangar for prep for shipment back to the USA via space A on a USS. In April 2009 the aircraft was towed to the Rota pier where she was craned onboard the USS Wasp for shipment back to the USA. She has arrived in Norfolk VA. and is sitting on the flight line waiting to be shipped to her new home at the USS Alabama Military Park.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• VQ-2/
• 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.

[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.

[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?

[herndonjtexas]

Is the orange something I should remember??

[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.

[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?

[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???