The SBU-2

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The SBU was one of several aircraft named “Corsair” by its manufacturer, Vought. A speedy scout bomber when it entered service in the mid-30s, the SBU was soon overtaken by the lightning-fast changes in aviation of that era.  Even so, it stayed around as a trainer well into WWII.  Serving in that role, the aircraft seen here, BuNo 811, crashed in 1943.

A-1E Skyraider (132400) of NAS Seattle

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Parked on its home turf in the 1960’s, this aircraft was later transferred to the USAF and was shot down over Vietnam in 1966.  In way of contrast, the P-3A behind it (152158) of VP-31, had a long life ahead of it.

On a side note, one of the reasons NAS Seattle closed can be seen looming in the background: that hill is not navy property, it is a suburb of Seattle covered with homes. The base was nestled between suburbia and a very large lake; it simply could not expand.  Now, I’m from Seattle, my grandfather worked at the air station as a civilian, and visiting the base was always a treat.  But boy, was it small and crowded!