World-Class Heavy Hauler

Flight Journal, Apr 2004 by Thompson, Warren E

CLASSICS

THE DOUGLAS AD SKYRAIDER is one of the few strike aircraft that lasted long enough to fight in two wars: Korea and Vietnam. Its rugged design and lethal payload made it a favorite of the pilots who flew it.

In August 1964, the North Vietnamese were introduced to the Skyraider when the carrier USS Ticonderoga launched aircraft from VA-52 to bomb enemy PT boat bases following unprovoked attacks against U.S. destroyers in the Gulf of Tonkin. From that time on, the Douglas attack bombers maintained a high profile during the Vietnam War. All the Navy carriers stationed along the Vietnam coast had one or more AD squadrons in their Air Groups.

One of the Skyraider's greatest moments in precision dive-bombing came when it was used to drop the big 2,000-pound bombs that brought down heavily defended bridges in North Korea. These successful, coordinated attacks inspired James Michener to write the best-selling novel "The Bridges at Toko-Ri." He was on board the USS Essex when these missions were planned.

During a 12-year period, Douglas produced more than 3,000 Skyraiders. The final Skyraider came off the assembly line in 1957 and was delivered to the U.S. Navy. Seven versions and numerous variants were manufactured.

The aircraft pictured here were assigned to the USS Oriskany and were flown by VA-165 pilots in late 1963-before their combat stint in Vietnam began.

Warren E. Thompson

migalley@bellsouth.net