The RVAH-11 Checkertails were based at NAS Sanford, Florida. In 1966, we converted from the A-3 Skywarrior (our designation was VAH-11 at that time) to the RA-5C Vigilante.

RVAH-11 was part of Carrier Air Wing Eleven (CVW-11) and we were to deploy aboard USS Forrestal (CVA-59).

In June 1967 we departed for Vietnam via Rio de Janeiro, around South Africa (the Suez Canal was closed), and Subic Bay in the Philippines.

We arrived at Subic Bay on 18 July 1967 and, following a short stay there, headed for Yankee Station in the Tonkin Gulf off North Vietnam. 

Our first strikes against North Vietnam were on 25 July 1967. On 29 July 1967 we suffered serious damage and heavy casualties (134 dead) when a Zuni rocket fired from an F-4 Phantom and struck an A-4 Skyhawk.

In the ensuing explosions and fires, three (3) RA-5C Vigilantes, seven (7) F-4B Phantoms, and eleven (11) A-4E Skyhawks were destroyed and pushed over the side. Additional aircraft suffered other damages, but were not lost.

USS Forrestal (CVA-59) limped back to Subic Bay and temporary repairs were made to get us back to Norfolk, Virginia. On 11 August 1967 we departed Subic Bay.

Brad