One of the US Navy’s unsung yet most important squadrons was VC-5 in the late 40’s/early 50’s. Flying first the P2V Neptune, then the AJ Savage, VC-5 was tasked with lugging atomic weapons from the decks of carriers at a time when the navy was struggling to maintain a viable role. No longer allowed to possess bombers (thanks, USAF!), the navy scratched about and came up with “Attack Squadrons.” (“No, no, these aren’t ‘bombers’; they are ‘attack’ aircraft.”) Whatever the name, the successful innovation of a carrier-based nuclear bomber – er, attack aircraft – saved the navy’s bacon.
VA-115 flew the AD Skyraider when these patches were worn way back when. These came from Dick Francis, who is seen piloting an AD on the cover of Bob Dorr’s great book about the Skyraider. Photo was taken by Francis’s wingman during the 1958-9 Shangri-La cruise.
The 525th was flying the F-84 Thunderjet back when this patch was worn by squadron commander Lt.Col Albert Lane, 1951-52. Sadly, Lane lost his life piloting a T-33 in 1954.
The Jive Bomber 