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VC-5"Checkertails"

Squadron history :

On 1 July 1965, Fleet Utility Squadron Five was redesignated VC-5. The squadron was based at NAS Atsugi but maintained permanent detachments in Naha AFB and NAS Cubi Point. The squadron operated a mixed batch of aircraft due to the numerous tasks it was assigned: F-8 Crusader, S-2 Tracker, A-4 Skyhawk, P-2 Neptune, H-34 Choctaw, RC-45 Expeditor.

Its missions included target towing, target drone operation, aerial photography, administrative and logistic flights, combat training, radar calibration and maintaining pilot proficiency.
The"Checkertails" received hand-me down F-8Cs from VF-24 in 1966 at NAF Atsugi and used them for a couple of years to tow targets for Pacific Fleet Squadrons before receiving better versions of the Crusader, which was replaced by the A-4 Skyhawk in 1970. (Copyright © Gaëtan Marie)
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In April and March 1966, the squadron was involved in a large live-fire exercise at Naha AFB, firing air-to-air missiles against towed Delmar targets. In December of the same year, a Sparrow III was succesfully launched by USS Essex against such a target.

Crusader models used:

F-8A ?
F-8B ?
F-8C ?
F-8D ?
F-8K ?
DF-8F ?

Tailcode:

UE