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RVAH-3 Sea Dragons 1972 RA-5c Vigilante Model, 1/50th (18\") Scale, Mahogany For Sale
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RVAH-3 Sea Dragons 1972 RA-5c Vigilante Model, 1/50th (18\") Scale, Mahogany: $359.00
RVAH-3 Sea Dragons 1972 RA-5c Model Fly with the RVAH-3 Sea Dragons again with this 18 inch wood model that has been carefully carved and hand painted to provide a unique memory of this great squadron and jet! Length- 18 inches RVAH-3 was a Reconnaissance Attack (Heavy) Squadron of the U.S. Navy that served as the Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS) for the RVAH community. Originally established as Heavy Attack Squadron Three (VAH-3) on 15 June 1956, it was redesignated as Reconnaissance Attack (Heavy) Squadron Three (RVAH-3) on 1 July 1964. The squadron was disestablished on 17 August 1979 HISTORY OF RECONNAISSANCE ATTACK SQUADRON THREE Reconnaissance Attack Squadron THREE (RVAH-3) was originally commissioned Heavy Attack Squadron THREE (VAH-3) on 15 June 1956, at Naval Air Station, Jacksonville, Florida, as an operational A3D-1 (A-3A) squadron of Heavy Attack Wing ONE. CDR H. H. MOREHOUSE, USN, was its first Commanding Officer. The first A-3A \"Skywarrior\" was received by the Squadron on 8 October 1956, and the Squadron commenced carrier qualifications aboard the USS FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT (CVA-42). On 9 July 1957, VAH-3 deployed aboard the FDR as a unit of Carrier Air Group SEVENTEEN (CAG-17). This cruise with the SIXTH Fleet in the Mediterranean provided the WING with its first extensive A-3A operations from a MIDWAY class carrier. Upon return to Mayport, Florida, on 4 March 1958, the Squadron was ordered to NAS Sanford, Florida, where it was merged with the Heavy Attack Training Unit (HATULANT) on 10 June 1958. VAH-3 thus became the Heavy Attack Replacement Training Squadron (RAG Squadron) for the Atlantic Fleet, and its new mission included the \"Basic Readiness Qualification\" of all replacement flight crews and maintenance support personnel within HATWING ONE. VAH-3 offered nine crews and thirty \"key\" enlisted maintenance personnel each month. Late in 1959, VAH-3 received the first of six A3D-2T (TA-3B) aircraft which had been specifically designed and built as a Bombardier/Navigator airborne trainer. This aircraft replaced the former training vehicle, the P2V-3B \"NEPTUNE.\" The year of 1960 was one of change. A completely revised curriculum was developed and the squadron\'s organizational structure was adjusted to meet the new challenge. Anticipating the arrival of the new A3J-1 (A-5A) \"VIGILANTE,\" the training facilities were expanded and a total of eighteen courses, totaling some 14,000 instructional hours, were prepared. With Bureau approval of the new squadron organization, which was boldly conceived to execute its training mission, VAH-3 responded successfully to the challenge imposed by a 50 percent increase in training requirements. On 16 June 1961, the first four (A3J-1) A-5A aircraft were received and replacement flight crew and a maintenance on-thejob training commenced immediately. VAH-3, in cooperation with North American Aviation Corporation, introduced the A-5A weapons system and an innovational concept of the Fleet introduction of a naval aircraft, including the readiness qualification of flight crews and support personnel. The Squadron broke the Wing\'s record for monthly flight time logged with a total of 1,082.7 flight hours. In September, VAH-3 assumed responsibi- lity for carrier qualifying all replacement pilots prior to their assignment to an operational squadron. Only one minor A-5A accident marred an otherwise highly successful year in terms of safety and the additional training requirements of the A-5A program. At the beginning of 1962, VAH-3 was assigned the following aircraft: one R4D-7 (TC-47K), four F9F-8T (TF-9J), six A3D-1 (TA- 3B), twelve A3D-1 (A-3A), and eight A3J-1 (A-5A). A-3A training continued and A-5A replacement training intensified. The first flight crews were qualified for assignment to VAH-7, which became the first operational A-5A squadron on 27 January 1962. In September, VAH-3\'s aircraft inventory was reduced to one TC747K, four TF-9J, six TA-3B, ten A-3A, and four A-3B. Highlighting the 196 3 scene was the introduction of the RA-5C weapons system which combined the highly versatile A-5A attack capability with a new and highly efficient electronic and photographic reconnaissance system. A limited version of the A-5A was delivered in June, and five of these A-5C (L) aircraft were used for transitional training of crews from the A-5A to the RA-5C aircraft. The first RA-5C aircraft was received on 10 December. After the remaining A-3A aircraft were transferred, the Squadron aircraft inventory consisted of A-5A, RA-5C, TA-3B, TF-9J, and TC-37K. On 23 January 1964, the graduation of the last class of A-3B pilots and bombardiers from VAH-3 brought to a close an era of training and marked the beginning of a new and \'more advanced one. From 1 May 1958 through 31 December 1964, 350 Replacement Pilots (R/P), 450 Bombardier Navigators (B/N), 350 third crewmen, some 2700 maintenance support personnel, 44 weapons delivery instructors, and 45 Air Intelligence Specialists successfully completed the rigid courses of instruction to qualify for assignment to operational commands. To accomplish this training, the Squadron logged close to 18,000 sorties, expended 12,000 practice bombs, 335 training SHAPES, and simulated 10,500 (RBS) bomb drops on Radar Bomb Scoring sites. In July, VAH-3 was redesignated Reconnaissance Attack Squadron THREE (RVAH-3) with its primary mission being \"to indoctrinate and train pilots, aircrewmen, and maintenance personnel in current combat aircraft in order to provide a minimum level of air combat readiness in the attack carrier striking forces.\" Providing instruction and training to assume optimum utilization of both aircraft and the ground support center of the Integrated Operational Intelligence System (IOIC), became RVAH-3\'s secondary mission. The IOIC was also established at NAS Sanford in January 1964. At the coming of Spring, 1965, RVAH-3 again proved its effectiveness by capturing the Reconnaissance Attack Wing ONE Bombing Derby Trophy. Winning by over 700 points, Squadron personnel brought home six trophies at this annual event which tested not only the abilities of the pilots and navigators but the maintenance personnel as well. The summer saw RVAH-12 commissioned on 1 July after completion of training in RVAH-3. In addition, five squadrons, RVAH-1, RVAH-6, RVAH-7, RVAH-9, and RVAH-13 completed transition training to the RA-5C aircraft. The year 1965 produced the following graduates: 39 RP\'s, 40 RAN\'s, 26 Navy A-6 Navigators, 13 Marine A-6 Navigators, 2026 \"key\" enlisted maintenance personnel, 56 IOIC Officers, 99 IOIC enlisted maintenance/operators, and approximately 40 Reserve Air Intelligence Officers. The Fleet Photographic Laboratory was established under the IOIC as a Special Class Photo Lab where from 100,000 to 120,000 prints are turned out annually. Winding up the year, RVAH-3, demonstrating a high degree of professionalism, won the WING REDEX exercise. The month of August 1966 saw the last A-5A aircraft depart the Squadron for conversion at the manufacturer\'s plant. RVAH-3 then became a straight RA-5C training squadron and in August 1966, a record number of 1126.6 flight hours were achieved. In September, a record flight delivered an RA-5C to the Western Pacific area in four days. The Squadron completed five carrier qualifying periods and in November 1966, qualified a record 12 flight crews with 122 day and 72 night landings. September also saw the completion of Phase II of the JTF-2 project in low level flight evaluation. In.July, the Rating Advancement Assistance Team was established in the command and,the Squadron received an \"Outstanding\" on its annual ADMAT Inspection in November 1966. In December, the first RA-5C to achieve the 1000 flight hours mark occurred during a routine training flight by the Commanding Officer. The Squadron graduated 27 RP\'s, 31 RAN\'s, 33 Navy A-6 Navigators, 30 Marine A-6 Navigators, 2340 \"key\" enlisted maintenancemen, 73 IOIC Officers, 122 IOIC enlisted technicians/operators, and 2 civilians from IOIC. The end of 1966 showed an accident-free, 10,000 flight hour record performance. In May 1967, the RVAH-3 \"key\" Enlisted Maintenance Office started the new Advanced Recruit Training Maintenance Program. Since beginning the program, eight classes were graduated for a total of 105 maintenance personnel. Graduating from other training programs during the year were 71 IOIC officers, 145 IOIC enlisted maintenance personnel, 6 civilian IOIC personnel, 24 RP\'s, 28 RAN\'s, 25 Navy A-6 Navigators, 46 Marine A-6 Navigators, and 953 \"key\" enlisted maintenance personnel. On 20 October, RVAH-3 received the first WAVE Officer in the history, of the Squadron. In December, 1500 flight hours were marked for the first time by an RA-5C \"Vigilante.\" From January to November 1968, RVAH-3 graduated 28 Replace- ment Pilots, 22 Naval Flight Officers and 41 A-6 Navigators. A-6 Navigator training was deleted from RVAH-3\'s training commitments and the last of the A-6 students, a Marine, was graduated in September. The KEMTO (Key Enlisted Maintenance Training Office) continued to be a success and graduated over 800 during the year. On 1 May, the Squadron, as well as the rest of Reconnaissance Attack Wing ONE, transferred from NAS Sanford, Florida, to NAS Albany, Georgia. The \"Dragons\" also participated in the introductory flyover and airshow for Albany, having provided nine aircraft for the event. Despite the complexity and size of the task, RVAH-3 was completely operational within only a few days after the move. The very next month, the Squadron made a grade of \"OUTSTANDING\" on the annual Administrative/Material inspection. On 18 October, Naval Air Station Albany, in recognition of RVAH-3\'s material contribution to the Commissioned Officers\' Mess (OPEN), dedicated a room to an RVAH-3 Officer. From December 1968 to December 1969, RVAH-3 graduated 26 Replacement Pilots and 23 Reconnaissance Attack Navigators. The Key Enlisted Maintenance Training Office (KEMTO) trained 1,644 enlisted maintenance personnel for fleet squadrons. This number approximately doubled the figure of over 800 personnel trained under the Advanced Recruit Training Program in the previous year. Keeping pace with modernization requirements, on 4 April, RVAH-3 received delivery of the first of a new series of RA-5C aircraft from North American Rockwell. The new RA-5C came equipped with the more powerful GE-J79-10 jet,engines, and also incorporated an airframe structural change for improved flight characteristics. Several more deliveries are expected during the coming year. The Integrated Operational Intelligence Center (IOIC), formerly a department of RVAH-3, became a separate command within Reconnaissance Attack Wing ONE on 1 July. The IOIC assumed the new name NIPSTRAFAC (Naval Intelligence Processing System Training Facility). Commander J. E. WISE was appointed as the facility\'s first Commanding Officer. On 1 November, another change in RVAH-3 squadron organization occurred. In recognition of its expanding responsibility, KEMTO was promoted to the status of a squadron department and was redesignated as FRAMP (Fleet Replacement Aviation Maintenance Personnel). From December 1969 to December 1970, RVAH-3 graduated 29 Replacement Pilots and 27 Reconnaissance Attack Navigators. Fleet Replacement Aviation Maintenance Program (FRAMP). trained 813 enlisted maintenance personnel for fleet squadrons. The last C-47 was sent to the \"bone-yard\", making RVAH-3 an all jet squadron. In April 1970, LTJG David \"Skip\" JONES became the first \"nugget\" to fly the RA-5C \"Vigilante.\" A nugget is a newly designated Naval Aviator. Previously, only second tour pilots flew Vigilantes. In October 1970, Vice Admiral TOWNSEND, Commander, Naval Air Force, U. S. Atlantic Fleet, presented a Chief of Naval Operations Safety Service Award to RVAH-3 for Outstanding Achievement in Aviation Safety for Fiscal Year 1970. Beginning in January 1970 with 434.7 hours, the figure for flight hours has climbed each month until in October 1970, a high of 847.9 hours was established. Total flight hours for 1970 was 7,181.4, with 18 Replacement Pilots and 30 Reconnaissance Attack Navigators graduating. Fleet Replacement Aviation Maintenance Program (FRAMP) trained 1,226 enlisted maintenance personnel for fleet squadrons. Capping a highly successful year of operation, the command of RVAH-3 changed hands on 18 December 1970. Commander P. E. O\'GARA was relieved by Commander R. S. DONALDSON. Commander DONALDSON became the 18th Commanding Officer of RVAH-3 since its commissioning as a heavy attack squadron in 1956. The year 1971 was the most profitable year ever for Reconnaissance Attack Squadron THREE (RVAH-3) in operational readiness and in the production of qualified flight crews and maintenance personnel. Total sorties flown in 1971 were 4,645 of which 3,278 were RA-5C sorties. In July, Vice Admiral R. L. TOWNSEND presented RVAH-3 with the CNO Award for Outstanding Achievement in Aviation Safety for the second consecutive year. This made RVAH-3 the first Vigilante Squadron and the only Replacement Air Group of any type to ever achieve this goal. The Maintenance Department of RVAH-3 enjoyed another outstanding year in 1971. Almost every important statistic indicative of Maintenance Department performed showed substantial improvement over the 1970 totals. RVAH-3 Maintenance provided superior aircraft and systems for two scheduled readiness exercises, resulting in a first-place finish for the Squadron on both occasions. November 12, 1971 marked the change of command for RVAH-3 with Commander Robert S. DONALDSON being relieved by Commander Edward 0. WILLIAMS. 1972 showed the Operations Department utilizing all available resources to combine safe and efficient flight training in producing highly qualified RP\'s (Replacement Pilots) and RAN\'s (Reconnaissance Attack Navigators). During a period in which the Squadron\'s RA-5C inventory declined from 14 to 8 aircraft, 4,953.5 RA- 5C hours were flown. In September 1972, the COMNAVAIRLANT Maintenance Advisory Team visited the command and found the Maintenance Department to be operating in an outstanding manner. The team commented that RECONATKRON THREE was by far the best Readiness Training Squadron in the Atlantic Fleet. Commander Edward 0. WILLIAMS was relieved as Commanding Officer of RVAH-3 in December by Commander Shelley P. GALLUP. 1972 ended as a most productive one for RECONATKRON THREE in terms of operational readiness and transfer of qualified flight crews and maintenance personnel for fleet assignments. In spite of the impending closure of Naval Air Station, Albany, Georgia, and the gradual deployment of assets to its new home, Naval Air Station, Key West, Florida, RVAH-3 continued to successfully train ready flight crews and maintenance personnel for transfer to the RA-5C fleet squadrons throughout 1973. While flying 3, 565.6 hours, 22 replacement pilots and 23 replacement reconnaissance attack navigators were trained for fleet squadrons. In August 1973, LCDR SMITTLE checked aboard, becoming the first ex-RAN to return to the Vigilante community as a pilot. On 15 January 1974, after almost six years at NAS Albany, Georgia, RVAH-3 and Reconnaissance Attack Wing ONE transferred to NAS Key West, Florida. In February, shortly after the move, Commander Harry W. WRIGHT relieved Commander Shelley P. GALLUP, thus becoming the twenty-first Commanding Officer of RVAH-3. On 13 June 1975, Commander Arthur R. SKELLY relieved Commander Harry W. WRIGHT as Commanding Officer. RVAH-3 continued to qualify fleet replacement pilots and navigators along with maintenance personnel to augment the Vigilante community in the fleet. Successful carrier qualifications were held aboard the USS RANGER, USS FORRESTAL and the USS NIMITZ. 30 September 1976 saw Commander SKELLY being relieved as Commanding Officer by Commander Thomas W. BROWN. RVAH-3 completed its second accident-free year of flying in early 1977. On 6 December 1977, Commander William P. SMITH assumed command of RVAH-3 from Commander BROWN. In preparation for the RA-5C phaseout, 1978 became a year of \"lasts\" for RECONATKRON THREE. 27 April 1978 marked the end of over 22 years that A-3\'s have been operated by the Squadron. On that date the final remaining \"Skywarrior\" was flown to NAS Oceana to be turned over to VAQ-33. 27 June 1978 saw the last student training flight. Two CARQUALS were conducted this year, one in March and the other in August. On 23 August 1978, after a night trap aboard the USS EISENHOWER, CDR Fred LITVIN had the honor of being the last replacement aviator qualified by this command. In October, the Squadron underwent a major shift in mission emphasis from training replacement aircrews to keeping ex-instructor flight crews in a high state of readiness in a contingency status for the remaining fleet squadrons. On 19 November 1978, after 11,478 flight hours, RVAH-3 celebrated its fourth year of accidentfree flying. Two days later, an RA-5C was flown to NAS Pensacola to serve as a permanent static display in front of the Navy Photographic School which has trained many of the photographers mates that have served in the \"Vigilante\" community. The last FRAMP student graduated on 15 December 1978. For the year, five replacement pilots, four RAN\'s and two prospective CAG\'s were completed. Reconnaissance Attack Squadron THREE was disestablished on 17 August 1979. As in the past, the challenging requirements of providing the fleet with highly trained reconnaissance attack pilots, navigators, and key enlisted maintenance personnel for the RA-5C community are being met. This achievement is accomplished through the talented efforts of the dedicated officers and men of RVAH-3, thus substantiating our motto--\"Professionalism Is Our Business.\"
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