…was a week of “lasts”. The remaining S-3B Fleet Replacement Squadron was disestablished (Navy-speak for closed, shut-down, done).
Coronado, Calif. (July 27, 2006) – S-3B Viking aircraft surround the disestablishment ceremony for Sea Control Squadron Four One (VS-41) held at Naval Air Station North Island. VS-41 is being disestablished after 46 years distinguished service. U.S. Navy photo (RELEASED)
No more training new crews for the Viking since it will shortly be joining the Tomcat out at Davis-Monthan AFB aka “The Boneyard.” The remaining fleet squadrons will continue to operate and deploy as part of carrier air wings but with no replacement aircrew being trained, the end is near. Reports vary but the final shot for the Viking will likely happen in 2009 or possibly sooner as the Super Hornet squadrons stand up.
And back for an encore, the last Turkey was shot.
Atlantic Ocean (July 28, 2006) – Aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), an F-14D Tomcat assigned to the “Tomcatters” of Fighter Squadron Three One (VF-31), aircraft number 112, completes the final catapult launch of an F-14 Tomcat fighter aircraft. The last launch marks the end of an era for Naval Aviation. The F-14 will officially retire in September 2006, after 32 years of service to the fleet. Theodore Roosevelt is completing Joint Task Force Exercises with USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69). U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communications Specialist 3rd Class Nathan Laird (RELEASED)
Always an awesome sight… Visit Pinch for more.
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I DONT KNOW HOW THEY ARE
GOING TO COVER THE HOLD
WORLD WITHOUT ASW GROUPS.
Hey Skipper: Got your site forwarded to me from an exshipmate/ADR3 Terry McGinnis.
I served with him on the USS Hornet (Yankee Station)1965-66. Really like the site and forwarded it to friends and family. Liked the point of view about Qana.
“Hud” ex Helasron Two Flight Crew AX3.
It was with great saddness and nostalgia that I viewed the photo of the VS-41 Viking funeral ceremony. I was toured to NAVPRO Burbank from 70 to 74, XO of VS-41 in 76 and CO of VS-21 in 77. It was a great airframe/engine combination and should have had many more derivatives. Ask any of todays warplanners how they feel about utilizing F-18 attack assets for ASW, EW and Tanking.
Great website!
Hi! I got to your site by seaching for NAVPRO Burbank. My husband was there, Clyde Berry, P-3’s 12/78 – 12/81. Great tour. I was at Port Hueneme and Pt. Mugu and we lived in Simi Valley. What I’m trying to find is a new, NAVPRO Burbank Lockheed patch to go on a tray that I’m going to polyurethane over that will have all of his Navy patches. Any idea how to get one? Thanks! Diane
Sad to see any squadron or ship being put to pasture. Looking for Helasron Two Squadron patch if any one knows of any. Thanks.
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