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{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2022}}
{{Infobox military unit
{{Infobox military unit
|unit_name= Reconnaissance Attack (Heavy) Squadron 13
|unit_name= Reconnaissance Attack (Heavy) Squadron 13
|image=[[File:Recon Heavy Attack Squadron 13 (USN) patch.PNG|150px]]
|image=Recon Heavy Attack Squadron 13 (USN) patch.PNG
|image_size=150px
|caption= RVAH-13 squadron patch
|caption= RVAH-13 squadron patch
|dates= 3 January 1961-30 June 1976
|dates= 3 January 1961–30 June 1976
|country= United States
|country= United States
|allegiance=
|allegiance=
Line 33: Line 35:


===VAH-13===
===VAH-13===
VAH-13 was established on 3 January at [[NAS Sanford]], Florida, with twelve [[A-3 Skywarrior|A3D-2 Skywarrior]] aircraft assigned. Upon completion of initial training, the squadron was assigned to [[Carrier Air Wing 11|Carrier Air Group 11]] (later [[Carrier Air Wing 11]]) and deployed aboard the newly-commissioned {{USS|Kitty Hawk|CVA-63|6}} for her shakedown cruise in the Caribbean. Shortly thereafter, VAH-13 transferred to the Pacific Fleet, the squadron's Detachment A embarking aboard ''Kitty Hawk'' for her 11 August - 1 November 1961 transit from the Western and Southern Atlantic to the Eastern Pacific enroute to her new homeport of [[NAS North Island]] in [[San Diego, California]], while the remainder of the squadron relocated to its new home station of [[NAS Whidbey Island]], Washington. In September 1962, in accordance with a new DoD aircraft designation systems, the squadron's A3D-2 aircraft were redesignated as the [[A-3 Skywarrior|A-3B Skywarrior]].
VAH-13 was established on 3 January at [[Naval Air Station Sanford]], Florida, with twelve [[A-3 Skywarrior|A3D-2 Skywarrior]] aircraft assigned. Upon completion of initial training, the squadron was assigned to [[Carrier Air Wing 11|Carrier Air Group 11]] (later [[Carrier Air Wing 11]]) and deployed aboard the newly commissioned {{USS|Kitty Hawk|CVA-63|6}} for her shakedown cruise in the Caribbean. Shortly thereafter, VAH-13 transferred to the Pacific Fleet, the squadron's Detachment A embarking aboard ''Kitty Hawk'' for her 11 August - 1 November 1961 transit from the Western and Southern Atlantic to the Eastern Pacific en route to her new homeport of [[Naval Air Station North Island]] in [[San Diego, California]], while the remainder of the squadron relocated to its new home station of [[Naval Air Station Whidbey Island]], Washington. In September 1962, in accordance with a new DoD aircraft designation systems, the squadron's A3D-2 aircraft were redesignated as the [[A-3 Skywarrior|A-3B Skywarrior]].


For the next three years, VAH-13 maintained readiness requirements and served with the [[U.S. Seventh Fleet]], deploying as follows:
For the next three years, VAH-13 maintained readiness requirements and served with the [[U.S. Seventh Fleet]], deploying as follows:


* 13 September 1962 - 2 April 1963, VAH-13 embarked aboard {{USS|Kitty Hawk|CVA-63|6}} for its first Western Pacific (WESTPAC) deployment.<ref>http://www.gonavy.jp/navy/sqn/VAH13.html</ref>
* 13 September 1962 – 2 April 1963, VAH-13 embarked aboard {{USS|Kitty Hawk|CVA-63|6}} for its first Western Pacific (WESTPAC) deployment.<ref name="gonavy.jp">{{Cite web|url=http://www.gonavy.jp/navy/sqn/VAH13.html|title = Rvah-13}}</ref>
* 17 October 1963 - 20 July 1964, VAH-13 embarked aboard {{USS|Kitty Hawk|CVA-63|6}} for a WESTPAC deployment.<ref>http://www.gonavy.jp/navy/sqn/VAH13.html</ref><ref name=USNVN>{{cite web|url=http://www.history.navy.mil/content/dam/nhhc/research/histories/naval-aviation/pdf/app26.pdf|title=Carrier, Carrier Based Squadrons and Non-Carrier Based Squadron Deployments to Vietnam|publisher=Naval Historical Center, Department of the Navy|year=1995|location=Washington, D.C.|accessdate=30 December 2015}}</ref>
* 17 October 1963 – 20 July 1964, VAH-13 embarked aboard {{USS|Kitty Hawk|CVA-63|6}} for a WESTPAC deployment.<ref name="gonavy.jp"/><ref name=USNVN>{{cite web|url=http://www.history.navy.mil/content/dam/nhhc/research/histories/naval-aviation/pdf/app26.pdf|title=Carrier, Carrier Based Squadrons and Non-Carrier Based Squadron Deployments to Vietnam|publisher=Naval Historical Center, Department of the Navy|year=1995|location=Washington, D.C.|accessdate=30 December 2015}}</ref>


In anticipation of its transition to the [[A-5 Vigilante|RA-5C Vigilante]], VAH-13 moved back to NAS Sanford in August 1964. The squadron received its first [[A-5 Vigilante|RA-5C]] on 5 October 1964, followed by its redesignation as RVAH-13 on 1 November 1964.<ref>Grove, M. & Miller, J; Aerofax Minigraph 9, North American Rockwell A3J/A-5A Vigilante; Aerofax, Inc., Arlington, TX c1989, p15; ISBN 0-942548-14-0</ref>
In anticipation of its transition to the [[A-5 Vigilante|RA-5C Vigilante]], VAH-13 moved back to Naval Air Station Sanford in August 1964. The squadron received its first [[A-5 Vigilante|RA-5C]] on 5 October 1964, followed by its redesignation as RVAH-13 on 1 November 1964.<ref name="Grove, M. p15">Grove, M. & Miller, J; Aerofax Minigraph 9, North American Rockwell A3J/A-5A Vigilante; Aerofax, Inc., Arlington, Texas c1989, p15; {{ISBN|0-942548-14-0}}</ref>


===RVAH-13 / Cold War and Vietnam===
===RVAH-13 / Cold War and Vietnam===
With the increasing U.S. military involvement in Vietnam after 1964, RVAH-13 added to the mix of RVAH squadrons participating in combat operations in Southeast Asia. In conducting pre- and post-strike reconnaissance, the RA-5C would incur the highest loss rate of any U.S. Navy combat aircraft during the [[Vietnam War]], and RVAH-13's experience would more than reflect this.
With the increasing U.S. military involvement in Vietnam after 1964, RVAH-13 was added to the mix of RVAH squadrons participating in combat operations in Southeast Asia. In conducting pre- and post-strike reconnaissance, the RA-5C would incur the highest loss rate of any U.S. Navy combat aircraft during the [[Vietnam War]], and RVAH-13's experience would more than reflect this.


RVAH-13's Cold War / Vietnam-era deployments were as follows:
RVAH-13's Cold War / Vietnam-era deployments were as follows:
* 19 October 1965 – 13 June 1966, RVAH-13 embarked aboard {{USS|Kitty Hawk|CVA-63|6}} for a WESTPAC and Vietnam deployment.<ref name=USNVN/>
*19 October 1965 – 13 June 1966, RVAH-13 embarked aboard {{USS|Kitty Hawk|CVA-63|6}} for a WESTPAC and Vietnam deployment.<ref name=USNVN/>
** On 20 December 1965, RA-5C BuNo 151624 was hit by antiaircraft fire over [[North Vietnam]].<ref name=Powell>{{cite book|last=Powell|first=Robert|title=RA-5C Vigilante Units in Combat|publisher=Osprey Publishing|year=2012|isbn=9781782005421|page=86}}</ref> Both crewmen initially listed as Missing in Action (MIA) until 1977 when Vietnamese government confirmed that both the pilot, LCDR Guy D. Johnson<ref>http://www.virtualwall.org/dj/JohnsonGD04a.htm</ref>, and the reconnaissance attack navigator, LTJG Lee "Shack" Nordahl<ref>http://www.virtualwall.org/dn/NordahlLE01a.htm</ref>, were killed.<ref>http://www.stripes.com/news/flag-flies-over-uss-kitty-hawk-in-father-s-honor-1.58348</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.virtualwall.org/dn/NordahlLE01a.htm|title=LCDR Lee Edward Nordahl|work=The Virtual Wall|accessdate=30 December 2015}}</ref><ref name=DPMAA>{{cite web|url=http://www.dpaa.mil/portals/85/Documents/VietnamAccounting/pmsea_una_p_name.pdf|title=U.S. Unaccounted-For from the Vietnam War (Sorted by Name) Prisoners of War, Missing in Action and Killed in Action/Body not Recovered|publisher=Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency|accessdate=30 December 2015}}</ref> The remains of LCDR Johnson (promoted to CDR and CAPT while MIA), were returned to the United States in March 1977. The remains of LTJG Nordahl (promoted to LT and LCDR while MIA) were never recovered.<ref name=DPMAAAF>{{cite web|url=http://www.dpaa.mil/portals/85/Documents/VietnamAccounting/pmsea_acc_p_name.pdf|title=U.S. Accounted-For from the Vietnam War (Sorted by Name) Prisoners of War, Escapees, Returnees and Remains Recovered|publisher=Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency|accessdate=30 December 2015}}</ref>
**On 20 December 1965, RA-5C BuNo 151624 was hit by antiaircraft fire and lost in combat over [[North Vietnam]].<ref name=Powell>{{cite book|last=Powell|first=Robert|title=RA-5C Vigilante Units in Combat|publisher=Osprey Publishing|year=2012|isbn=9781782005421|page=86}}</ref> Both crewmen were initially listed as Missing in Action (MIA) until 1977 when the Vietnamese government confirmed that the pilot, LCDR Guy D. Johnson,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.virtualwall.org/dj/JohnsonGD04a.htm|title=CAPT Guy David Johnson, Seattle, WA on www.VirtualWall.org The Virtual Wall® Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall|website=www.virtualwall.org}}</ref> and the reconnaissance attack navigator, LTJG Lee "Shack" Nordahl,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.virtualwall.org/dn/NordahlLE01a.htm|title=LCDR Lee Edward Nordahl, Choteau, MT on www.VirtualWall.org The Virtual Wall® Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall|website=www.virtualwall.org}}</ref> were killed.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.stripes.com/news/flag-flies-over-uss-kitty-hawk-in-father-s-honor-1.58348|title=Flag flies over USS Kitty Hawk in father’s honor|website=Stars and Stripes}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.virtualwall.org/dn/NordahlLE01a.htm|title=LCDR Lee Edward Nordahl|work=The Virtual Wall|accessdate=30 December 2015}}</ref><ref name=DPMAA>{{cite web|url=http://www.dpaa.mil/portals/85/Documents/VietnamAccounting/pmsea_una_p_name.pdf|title=U.S. Unaccounted-For from the Vietnam War (Sorted by Name) Prisoners of War, Missing in Action and Killed in Action/Body not Recovered|publisher=Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency|accessdate=30 December 2015}}</ref> LCDR Johnson's remains (promoted to CDR and CAPT while MIA), were returned to the United States in March 1977. LTJG Nordahl's remains (promoted to LT and LCDR while MIA) were never recovered.<ref name=DPMAAAF>{{cite web|url=http://www.dpaa.mil/portals/85/Documents/VietnamAccounting/pmsea_acc_p_name.pdf|title=U.S. Accounted-For from the Vietnam War (Sorted by Name) Prisoners of War, Escapees, Returnees and Remains Recovered|publisher=Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency|accessdate=30 December 2015}}</ref>
** On 22 December 1965, RA-5C BuNo 151632 was hit by an [[S-75 Dvina|SA-2]]surface-to-air missile.<ref name=Powell/> Reconnaissance attack navigator, LTJG Glenn Daigle<ref>http://veterantributes.org/TributeDetail.php?recordID=1066</ref>, successfully ejected, was captured by the North Vietnamese as a POW, and repatriated to the United States on 12 February 1973.<ref name=DPMAAAF/> The pilot, LCDR Max Lukenbach<ref>http://www.virtualwall.org/dl/LukenbachMD01a.htm</ref>, was Killed in Action, body not recovered (KIA/BNR).<ref name=DPMAA/>
**On 22 December 1965, RA-5C BuNo 151632 was hit by an [[S-75 Dvina|SA-2]] surface-to-air missile and lost in combat over North Vietnam.<ref name=Powell/> Reconnaissance attack navigator LTJG Glenn Daigle<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://veterantributes.org/TributeDetail.php?recordID=1066|title = Veteran Tributes}}</ref> successfully ejected, was captured by the North Vietnamese as a POW, and repatriated to the United States on 12 February 1973.<ref name=DPMAAAF/> The pilot, LCDR Max Lukenbach,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.virtualwall.org/dl/LukenbachMD01a.htm|title=CDR Max Duane Lukenbach, Tucson, AZ on www.VirtualWall.org The Virtual Wall® Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall|website=www.virtualwall.org}}</ref> was Killed in Action, body not recovered (KIA/BNR).<ref name=DPMAA/>
** On 3 February 1966, RA-5C BuNo 151625 was lost in combat due to anti-aircraft fire.<ref name=Powell/> The crew successfully ejected and landed in the water near Cap Bouton, North Vietnam. The pilot, LT Gerald Coffee, was captured by the North Vietnamese as a POW and repatriated to the United States on 12 February 1973.<ref name=DPMAAAF/> The remains of LTJG Hanson (promoted to LT and LCDR while MIA) were returned to the United States in November 1988.<ref name=DPMAAAF/><ref>http://www.virtualwall.org/dh/HansonRT01a.htm</ref><ref>http://www.check-six.com/Crash_Sites/Coffee-RA5C.htm</ref>
**On 3 February 1966, RA-5C BuNo 151625 was lost in combat due to [[Anti-aircraft warfare|AAA]] fire.<ref name=Powell/> Crew ejected and landed near Cap Bouton, North Vietnam. The pilot, LT [[Gerald Coffee]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://veterantributes.org/TributeDetail.php?recordID=993|title=Veteran Tributes|website=veterantributes.org}}</ref> was captured by the North Vietnamese<ref>{{Citation|title=Gerald Coffee - Prisoner of War - POW - His Story Part 1 of 2|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2KwpycEOzjM|language=en|access-date=2021-04-20}}</ref> as a POW (promoted to LCDR and CDR while a POW) and repatriated to the United States on 12 February 1973.<ref name=DPMAAAF/> Remains of the RRAN, LTJG Robert T. Hanson, Jr., (promoted to LT and LCDR while MIA) were returned to the United States in November 1988.<ref name=DPMAAAF/><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.virtualwall.org/dh/HansonRT01a.htm|title=LCDR Robert Taft Hanson, Jr, Toledo, OH on www.VirtualWall.org The Virtual Wall® Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall|website=www.virtualwall.org}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.check-six.com/Crash_Sites/Coffee-RA5C.htm|title = Flint River 605}}</ref>
* 5 November 1966 – 19 June 1967, RVAH-13 was embarked aboard USS ''Kitty Hawk'' for a WESTPAC and Vietnam deployment.<ref name=USNVN/>
*5 November 1966 – 19 June 1967, RVAH-13 was embarked aboard USS ''Kitty Hawk'' for a WESTPAC and Vietnam deployment.<ref name=USNVN/>
** 9 March 1967, RA-5C BuNo 151627 was lost in combat.<ref name=Powell/> The reconnaissance attack navigator, LTJG Frank Predergast, successfully ejected and was rescued. The pilot and RVAH-13 Commanding Officer, CDR Charlie Putnam, also ejected and is believed to have been captured and died in captivity. He was posthumously promoted to CAPT and his remains were returned to the United States in November 1988.<ref name=DPMAAAF/>
**9 March 1967, RA-5C BuNo 151627 was lost in combat.<ref name=Powell/> The reconnaissance attack navigator, Lieutenant (junior grade) Frank Predergast, successfully ejected and was rescued. The pilot and RVAH-13 Commanding Officer, Commander Charlie Putnam, also ejected and is believed to have been captured and died in captivity. He was posthumously promoted to captain, and his remains were returned to the United States in November 1988.<ref name=DPMAAAF/>
** 19 May 1967, RA-5C BuNo 150826 was lost in combat over [[Hanoi]], [[North Vietnam]].<ref name=Powell/> The pilot, LCDR James Griffin<ref>http://www.virtualwall.org/dg/GriffinJL01a.htm</ref> and the RAN, LT Jack Walters<ref>http://veterantributes.org/TributeDetail.php?recordID=1134</ref> were seriously injured during their ejection. Both were captured, but both died of their injuries within 24 to 48 hours of capture. Their remains were returned to the United States in March 1974.<ref name=DPMAAAF/>
**19 May 1967, RA-5C BuNo 150826 was lost in combat over [[Hanoi]], [[North Vietnam]].<ref name=Powell/> The pilot, Lieutenant Commander James Griffin<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.virtualwall.org/dg/GriffinJL01a.htm|title=CDR James Lloyd Griffin, Gates, TN on www.VirtualWall.org The Virtual Wall® Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall|website=www.virtualwall.org}}</ref> and the RAN, Lieutenant Jack Walters<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://veterantributes.org/TributeDetail.php?recordID=1134|title = Veteran Tributes}}</ref> were seriously injured during their ejection. Both were captured, but both died of their injuries within 24 to 48 hours of capture. Their remains were returned to the United States in March 1974.<ref name=DPMAAAF/>
* 10 April - 16 December 1968, RVAH-13 embarked aboard {{USS|America|CV-66|6}} for a WESTPAC and Vietnam deployment.<ref name=USNVN/>
*10 April - 16 December 1968, RVAH-13 embarked aboard {{USS|America|CV-66|6}} for a WESTPAC and Vietnam deployment.<ref name=USNVN/>
** Budgetary pressures of the Vietnam War force the Department of Defense to close several stateside air bases, to include [[NAS Sanford]], Florida. Upon return from their 1968 deployment, RVAH-13 shifts home stations from NAS Sanford to the former [[Turner AFB]], renamed [[NAS Albany]], Georgia, effective December 1968.
**Budgetary pressures of the Vietnam War forced the Department of Defense to close several stateside air bases, to include [[Naval Air Station Sanford]]. Upon return from their 1968 deployment, RVAH-13 shifted home stations from Naval Air Station Sanford to the former Turner Air Force Base, renamed [[Naval Air Station Albany]], Georgia, effective December 1968.
* 2 December 1969 - 8 July 1970, RVAH-13 embarked aboard {{USS|Forrestal|CV-59|6}} for a Mediterranean deployment.<ref>Grove, M. & Miller, J; Aerofax Minigraph 9, North American Rockwell A3J/A-5A Vigilante; Aerofax, Inc., Arlington, TX c1989, p15; ISBN 0-942548-14-0</ref>
*2 December 1969 - 8 July 1970, RVAH-13 embarked aboard {{USS|Forrestal|CV-59|6}} for a Mediterranean deployment.<ref name="Grove, M. p15"/>
* 6 July 1971 - 17 December 1971, RVAH-13 embarked aboard {{USS|America|CV-66|6}} for a Mediterranean deployment.<ref>Grove, M. & Miller, J; Aerofax Minigraph 9, North American Rockwell A3J/A-5A Vigilante; Aerofax, Inc., Arlington, TX c1989, p15; ISBN 0-942548-14-0</ref>
*6 July 1971 - 17 December 1971, RVAH-13 embarked aboard {{USS|America|CV-66|6}} for a Mediterranean deployment.<ref name="Grove, M. p15"/>
* 12 September 1972 – 12 June 1973, RVAH-13 embarked aboard {{USS|Enterprise|CVN-65|6}} for a WESTPAC and Vietnam deployment.<ref name=USNVN/>
*12 September 1972 – 12 June 1973, RVAH-13 embarked aboard {{USS|Enterprise|CVN-65|6}} for a WESTPAC and Vietnam deployment.<ref name=USNVN/>
* On 28 December 1972, during [[Operation Linebacker II]], RA-5C BuNo 156633 was shot docwn by a [[Vietnam People's Air Force]] [[Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21|MiG-21]].<ref name=Powell/> The pilot, LCDR Al Agnew<ref>http://veterantributes.org/TributeDetail.php?recordID=582</ref>, successfully ejected, was captured by the North Vietnamese as a POW, and repatriated to the United States on 29 March 1973. The RAN, LT Mike Haifley<ref>http://www.virtualwall.org/dh/HaifleyMF01a.htm</ref> was listed as MIA until his remains were returned to the United States in August 1985.<ref name=DPMAAAF/>
**On 28 December 1972, during [[Operation Linebacker II]], RA-5C BuNo 156633 was lost in combat when it was shot down by a [[Vietnam People's Air Force]] [[Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21|MiG-21]].<ref name=Powell/> The pilot, LCDR Al Agnew,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://veterantributes.org/TributeDetail.php?recordID=582|title=Veteran Tributes|website=veterantributes.org}}</ref> successfully ejected, was captured by the North Vietnamese as a POW, and repatriated to the United States on 29 March 1973. The RAN, LT Mike Haifley<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.virtualwall.org/dh/HaifleyMF01a.htm|title=LT Michael Firestone Haifley, Lisbon, OH on www.VirtualWall.org The Virtual Wall® Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall|website=www.virtualwall.org}}</ref> was listed as MIA until his remains were returned to the United States in August 1985.<ref name=DPMAAAF/>


===RVAH-13 / Cold War (post-Vietnam)===
===RVAH-13 / Cold War (post-Vietnam)===
With the end of the [[Vietnam War]], RVAH-13 returned to stateside training and forward deployed [[Cold War]] presence operations aboard Fleet aircraft carriers. Budgetary pressures and force reductions following the end of the [[Vietnam War]] force the Department of Defense to once again close several stateside air bases, to include NAS Albany, Georgia, as an economy move. In April 1974, RVAH-13 executed a shift of home station from NAS Albany to [[NAS Key West]], Florida.<ref>http://www.gonavy.jp/navy/sqn/VAH01.html</ref>
With the end of the [[Vietnam War]], RVAH-13 returned to stateside training and forward deployed [[Cold War]] presence operations aboard Fleet aircraft carriers. Budgetary pressures and force reductions following the end of the [[Vietnam War]] forced the Department of Defense to once again close several stateside air bases, to include Naval Air Station Albany, Georgia, as an economy move. In April 1974, RVAH-13 executed a shift of home station from NAS Albany to [[Naval Air Station Key West]], Florida.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.gonavy.jp/navy/sqn/VAH01.html|title = RVAH-1|website=gonavy.jp }}</ref>


Subsequent deployments for RVAH-13 were as follows:
Subsequent deployments for RVAH-13 were as follows:


* 7 May 1974 - 18 October 1974, RVAH-13 embarked aboard {{USS|Ranger|CV-61|6}} for a WESTPAC deployment.<ref name=USNVN/>
* 7 May 1974 - 18 October 1974, RVAH-13 embarked aboard {{USS|Ranger|CV-61|6}} for a WESTPAC deployment.<ref name=USNVN/>
* 15 October 1975 - 24 April 1976, RVAH-13 embarked aboard {{USS|Independence|CV-62|6}} for a Mediterranean deployment.<ref>Grove, M. & Miller, J; Aerofax Minigraph 9, North American Rockwell A3J/A-5A Vigilante; Aerofax, Inc., Arlington, TX c1989, p15; ISBN 0-942548-14-0</ref>
* 15 October 1975 - 24 April 1976, RVAH-13 embarked aboard {{USS|Independence|CV-62|6}} for a Mediterranean deployment.<ref name="Grove, M. p15"/>


Attrition of airframes and the increasing maintenance and flight hour costs of the RA-5C in a constrained defense budget environment forced the Navy to incrementally retire the RA-5C and sunset the RVAH community beginning in mid-1974. Carrier-based reconnaissance was concurrently conducted by the active duty VFP community at [[NAS Miramar]] and the Naval Reserve VFP community at [[Andrews AFB]] / [[NAF Washington]] with the [[F-8 Crusader|RF-8G Crusader]] until 29 March 1987, when the last RF-8G was retired and the mission was fully transferred to the active duty and Naval Reserve VF community at NAS Miramar, [[NAS Oceana]], [[NAS Dallas]] and [[NAS JRB Fort Worth]] as a secondary role with the [[F-14 Tomcat]] equipped with the Tactical Air Reconnaissance Pod System (TARPS).
Attrition of airframes and the increasing maintenance and flight hour costs of the RA-5C in a constrained defense budget environment forced the Navy to incrementally retire the RA-5C and sunset the RVAH community beginning in mid-1974. Carrier-based reconnaissance was concurrently conducted by the active duty VFP community at [[Naval Air Station Miramar]] and the Naval Reserve VFP community at [[Andrews AFB]] / [[NAF Washington]] with the [[F-8 Crusader|RF-8G Crusader]] until 29 March 1987, when the last RF-8G was retired and the mission was fully transferred to the active duty and Naval Reserve VF community at NAS Miramar, [[Naval Air Station Oceana]], [[Naval Air Station Dallas]] and [[NAS JRB Fort Worth]] as a secondary role with the [[F-14 Tomcat]] equipped with the Tactical Air Reconnaissance Pod System (TARPS).


Following its return from its final Mediterranean deployment in 1976, RVAH-11 was inactivated at NAS Key West on 30 June 1976 following over 15 1/2 years of active naval service.<ref>http://www.rvahnavy.com/5history.html</ref>
Following its return from its final Mediterranean deployment in 1976, RVAH-13 was disestablished at Naval Air Station Key West on 30 June 1976 following over 15 1/2 years of active naval service.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.rvahnavy.com/5history.html|title=History|website=www.rvahnavy.com}}</ref>


==Home port assignments==
==Home stations==
The squadron was assigned to these home ports:
During its existence, VAH-13 / RVAH-13 was assigned to the following home stations:
⚫
*[[NAS Sanford]], Florida (1961-1961)
⚫
*[[NAS Whidbey Island]], Washington (1961-1964)
⚫
*[[NAS Sanford]], Florida (1964-1968)
⚫
*[[NAS Albany]], Georgia (1968-1974)
⚫
*[[NAS Key West]], Florida (1974-1976)


⚫
*[[Naval Air Station Sanford]], Florida (1961–1961)
⚫
==Aircraft Assignment==
⚫
*[[Naval Air Station Whidbey Island]], Washington (1961–1964)
⚫
*[[Douglas A-3 Skywarrior|A3D-2 Skywarrior]]
⚫
*[[Naval Air Station Sanford]], Florida (1964–1968)
⚫
*[[Naval Air Station Albany]], Georgia (1968–1974)
⚫
*[[Naval Air Station Key West]], Florida (1974–1976)

⚫
==Aircraft Assigned==
⚫
*[[Douglas A-3 Skywarrior|A3D-2 / A-3B Skywarrior]]
*[[North American A-5 Vigilante|RA-5C Vigilante]]
*[[North American A-5 Vigilante|RA-5C Vigilante]]


==See also==
==See also==
*[[Reconnaissance aircraft]]
{{Wikipedia books|United States Navy Aircraft Squadrons}}
* [[Reconnaissance aircraft]]
*[[List of inactive United States Navy aircraft squadrons]]
* [[List of inactive United States Navy aircraft squadrons]]
*[[History of the United States Navy]]
* [[History of the United States Navy]]


==References==
==References==
{{reflist}}
{{Reflist}}


==External links==
==External links==
Line 102: Line 104:
[[Category:Wikipedia articles incorporating text from the Dictionary of American Naval Aviation Squadrons]]
[[Category:Wikipedia articles incorporating text from the Dictionary of American Naval Aviation Squadrons]]
[[Category:Fleet air reconnaissance squadrons of the United States Navy]]
[[Category:Fleet air reconnaissance squadrons of the United States Navy]]
[[Category:Missing person cases in Vietnam]]

Latest revision as of 02:32, 25 August 2024

Reconnaissance Attack (Heavy) Squadron 13
RVAH-13 squadron patch
Active3 January 1961–30 June 1976
CountryUnited States
BranchUnited States Navy
RolePhoto-reconnaissance
Part ofInactive
Nickname(s)Bats
EngagementsVietnam War

RVAH-13 was a Reconnaissance Attack (Heavy) Squadron of the U.S. Navy. Originally established as Heavy Attack Squadron Thirteen (VAH-13) on 3 January 1961 it was redesignated as Reconnaissance Attack (Heavy) Squadron Thirteen (RVAH-13) on 1 November 1964. The squadron was disestablished on 30 June 1976.[1]

Operational history

[edit]
RIM-2 Terrier missile launches behind 2 VAH-13 A-3B Skywarrior on USS Kitty Hawk c.1962
Camouflaged RVAH-13 RA-5C Vigilante lands on USS Kitty Hawk in 1966

VAH-13

[edit]

VAH-13 was established on 3 January at Naval Air Station Sanford, Florida, with twelve A3D-2 Skywarrior aircraft assigned. Upon completion of initial training, the squadron was assigned to Carrier Air Group 11 (later Carrier Air Wing 11) and deployed aboard the newly commissioned USS Kitty Hawk for her shakedown cruise in the Caribbean. Shortly thereafter, VAH-13 transferred to the Pacific Fleet, the squadron's Detachment A embarking aboard Kitty Hawk for her 11 August - 1 November 1961 transit from the Western and Southern Atlantic to the Eastern Pacific en route to her new homeport of Naval Air Station North Island in San Diego, California, while the remainder of the squadron relocated to its new home station of Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Washington. In September 1962, in accordance with a new DoD aircraft designation systems, the squadron's A3D-2 aircraft were redesignated as the A-3B Skywarrior.

For the next three years, VAH-13 maintained readiness requirements and served with the U.S. Seventh Fleet, deploying as follows:

  • 13 September 1962 – 2 April 1963, VAH-13 embarked aboard USS Kitty Hawk for its first Western Pacific (WESTPAC) deployment.[2]
  • 17 October 1963 – 20 July 1964, VAH-13 embarked aboard USS Kitty Hawk for a WESTPAC deployment.[2][3]


In anticipation of its transition to the RA-5C Vigilante, VAH-13 moved back to Naval Air Station Sanford in August 1964. The squadron received its first RA-5C on 5 October 1964, followed by its redesignation as RVAH-13 on 1 November 1964.[4]

RVAH-13 / Cold War and Vietnam

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With the increasing U.S. military involvement in Vietnam after 1964, RVAH-13 was added to the mix of RVAH squadrons participating in combat operations in Southeast Asia. In conducting pre- and post-strike reconnaissance, the RA-5C would incur the highest loss rate of any U.S. Navy combat aircraft during the Vietnam War, and RVAH-13's experience would more than reflect this.

RVAH-13's Cold War / Vietnam-era deployments were as follows:

  • 19 October 1965 – 13 June 1966, RVAH-13 embarked aboard USS Kitty Hawk for a WESTPAC and Vietnam deployment.[3]
    • On 20 December 1965, RA-5C BuNo 151624 was hit by antiaircraft fire and lost in combat over North Vietnam.[5] Both crewmen were initially listed as Missing in Action (MIA) until 1977 when the Vietnamese government confirmed that the pilot, LCDR Guy D. Johnson,[6] and the reconnaissance attack navigator, LTJG Lee "Shack" Nordahl,[7] were killed.[8][9][10] LCDR Johnson's remains (promoted to CDR and CAPT while MIA), were returned to the United States in March 1977. LTJG Nordahl's remains (promoted to LT and LCDR while MIA) were never recovered.[11]
    • On 22 December 1965, RA-5C BuNo 151632 was hit by an SA-2 surface-to-air missile and lost in combat over North Vietnam.[5] Reconnaissance attack navigator LTJG Glenn Daigle[12] successfully ejected, was captured by the North Vietnamese as a POW, and repatriated to the United States on 12 February 1973.[11] The pilot, LCDR Max Lukenbach,[13] was Killed in Action, body not recovered (KIA/BNR).[10]
    • On 3 February 1966, RA-5C BuNo 151625 was lost in combat due to AAA fire.[5] Crew ejected and landed near Cap Bouton, North Vietnam. The pilot, LT Gerald Coffee,[14] was captured by the North Vietnamese[15] as a POW (promoted to LCDR and CDR while a POW) and repatriated to the United States on 12 February 1973.[11] Remains of the RRAN, LTJG Robert T. Hanson, Jr., (promoted to LT and LCDR while MIA) were returned to the United States in November 1988.[11][16][17]
  • 5 November 1966 – 19 June 1967, RVAH-13 was embarked aboard USS Kitty Hawk for a WESTPAC and Vietnam deployment.[3]
    • 9 March 1967, RA-5C BuNo 151627 was lost in combat.[5] The reconnaissance attack navigator, Lieutenant (junior grade) Frank Predergast, successfully ejected and was rescued. The pilot and RVAH-13 Commanding Officer, Commander Charlie Putnam, also ejected and is believed to have been captured and died in captivity. He was posthumously promoted to captain, and his remains were returned to the United States in November 1988.[11]
    • 19 May 1967, RA-5C BuNo 150826 was lost in combat over Hanoi, North Vietnam.[5] The pilot, Lieutenant Commander James Griffin[18] and the RAN, Lieutenant Jack Walters[19] were seriously injured during their ejection. Both were captured, but both died of their injuries within 24 to 48 hours of capture. Their remains were returned to the United States in March 1974.[11]
  • 10 April - 16 December 1968, RVAH-13 embarked aboard USS America for a WESTPAC and Vietnam deployment.[3]
    • Budgetary pressures of the Vietnam War forced the Department of Defense to close several stateside air bases, to include Naval Air Station Sanford. Upon return from their 1968 deployment, RVAH-13 shifted home stations from Naval Air Station Sanford to the former Turner Air Force Base, renamed Naval Air Station Albany, Georgia, effective December 1968.
  • 2 December 1969 - 8 July 1970, RVAH-13 embarked aboard USS Forrestal for a Mediterranean deployment.[4]
  • 6 July 1971 - 17 December 1971, RVAH-13 embarked aboard USS America for a Mediterranean deployment.[4]
  • 12 September 1972 – 12 June 1973, RVAH-13 embarked aboard USS Enterprise for a WESTPAC and Vietnam deployment.[3]
    • On 28 December 1972, during Operation Linebacker II, RA-5C BuNo 156633 was lost in combat when it was shot down by a Vietnam People's Air Force MiG-21.[5] The pilot, LCDR Al Agnew,[20] successfully ejected, was captured by the North Vietnamese as a POW, and repatriated to the United States on 29 March 1973. The RAN, LT Mike Haifley[21] was listed as MIA until his remains were returned to the United States in August 1985.[11]

RVAH-13 / Cold War (post-Vietnam)

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With the end of the Vietnam War, RVAH-13 returned to stateside training and forward deployed Cold War presence operations aboard Fleet aircraft carriers. Budgetary pressures and force reductions following the end of the Vietnam War forced the Department of Defense to once again close several stateside air bases, to include Naval Air Station Albany, Georgia, as an economy move. In April 1974, RVAH-13 executed a shift of home station from NAS Albany to Naval Air Station Key West, Florida.[22]

Subsequent deployments for RVAH-13 were as follows:

  • 7 May 1974 - 18 October 1974, RVAH-13 embarked aboard USS Ranger for a WESTPAC deployment.[3]
  • 15 October 1975 - 24 April 1976, RVAH-13 embarked aboard USS Independence for a Mediterranean deployment.[4]

Attrition of airframes and the increasing maintenance and flight hour costs of the RA-5C in a constrained defense budget environment forced the Navy to incrementally retire the RA-5C and sunset the RVAH community beginning in mid-1974. Carrier-based reconnaissance was concurrently conducted by the active duty VFP community at Naval Air Station Miramar and the Naval Reserve VFP community at Andrews AFB / NAF Washington with the RF-8G Crusader until 29 March 1987, when the last RF-8G was retired and the mission was fully transferred to the active duty and Naval Reserve VF community at NAS Miramar, Naval Air Station Oceana, Naval Air Station Dallas and NAS JRB Fort Worth as a secondary role with the F-14 Tomcat equipped with the Tactical Air Reconnaissance Pod System (TARPS).

Following its return from its final Mediterranean deployment in 1976, RVAH-13 was disestablished at Naval Air Station Key West on 30 June 1976 following over 15 1/2 years of active naval service.[23]

Home stations

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During its existence, VAH-13 / RVAH-13 was assigned to the following home stations:

Aircraft Assigned

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See also

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References

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  1. ^ Grossnick, Roy A. (1995). Dictionary of American Naval Aviation Squadrons Volume 1 The History of VA, VAH, VAK, VAL, VAP and VFA Squadrons. Washington, D.C.: Naval Historical Center, Department of the Navy. p. 547. Retrieved 30 December 2015.
  2. ^ a b "Rvah-13".
  3. ^ a b c d e f "Carrier, Carrier Based Squadrons and Non-Carrier Based Squadron Deployments to Vietnam" (PDF). Washington, D.C.: Naval Historical Center, Department of the Navy. 1995. Retrieved 30 December 2015.
  4. ^ a b c d Grove, M. & Miller, J; Aerofax Minigraph 9, North American Rockwell A3J/A-5A Vigilante; Aerofax, Inc., Arlington, Texas c1989, p15; ISBN 0-942548-14-0
  5. ^ a b c d e f Powell, Robert (2012). RA-5C Vigilante Units in Combat. Osprey Publishing. p. 86. ISBN 9781782005421.
  6. ^ "CAPT Guy David Johnson, Seattle, WA on www.VirtualWall.org The Virtual Wall® Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall". www.virtualwall.org.
  7. ^ "LCDR Lee Edward Nordahl, Choteau, MT on www.VirtualWall.org The Virtual Wall® Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall". www.virtualwall.org.
  8. ^ "Flag flies over USS Kitty Hawk in father's honor". Stars and Stripes.
  9. ^ "LCDR Lee Edward Nordahl". The Virtual Wall. Retrieved 30 December 2015.
  10. ^ a b "U.S. Unaccounted-For from the Vietnam War (Sorted by Name) Prisoners of War, Missing in Action and Killed in Action/Body not Recovered" (PDF). Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency. Retrieved 30 December 2015.
  11. ^ a b c d e f g "U.S. Accounted-For from the Vietnam War (Sorted by Name) Prisoners of War, Escapees, Returnees and Remains Recovered" (PDF). Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency. Retrieved 30 December 2015.
  12. ^ "Veteran Tributes".
  13. ^ "CDR Max Duane Lukenbach, Tucson, AZ on www.VirtualWall.org The Virtual Wall® Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall". www.virtualwall.org.
  14. ^ "Veteran Tributes". veterantributes.org.
  15. ^ Gerald Coffee - Prisoner of War - POW - His Story Part 1 of 2, retrieved 20 April 2021
  16. ^ "LCDR Robert Taft Hanson, Jr, Toledo, OH on www.VirtualWall.org The Virtual Wall® Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall". www.virtualwall.org.
  17. ^ "Flint River 605".
  18. ^ "CDR James Lloyd Griffin, Gates, TN on www.VirtualWall.org The Virtual Wall® Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall". www.virtualwall.org.
  19. ^ "Veteran Tributes".
  20. ^ "Veteran Tributes". veterantributes.org.
  21. ^ "LT Michael Firestone Haifley, Lisbon, OH on www.VirtualWall.org The Virtual Wall® Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall". www.virtualwall.org.
  22. ^ "RVAH-1". gonavy.jp.
  23. ^ "History". www.rvahnavy.com.
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