Reflections of a "Rare Bird"
On the Decommissioning of
Fleet Skyhawk Squadrons
VA-55, VA-164, and VA-212
by
Lee Evan Stewart
October 1975
A "Hotrod," Ford, or A-4, by any other name,
In paraphrase is "Skyhawk" and to many is the same.
With due respect to industrial giants,
Idioms, numerals, and men of science.
Genius is that which caused our birth,
And with talent, brought us fame o'er alien earth.
But fame is ne'er earned by hardware cold,
Unless designed and manned by the skilled and bold.
Untried in real combat, but eager to show …
Together as a team, we bored in high or low.
In close air support, the enemy we've shown …
Firepower and payloads heretofore unknown.
SAM strikes, flak suppression we'd undertake,
While lasting impressions were left in our wake.
Our guns spat out a venomous medley,
As Sidewinders, bombs, and Zunis
Went screaming deadly.
Although created to deliver ordnance indefensible,
For versatility in deployment we were indispensable.
Crippled and shaken we've left hostile's shore,
And saw their Amazement as we returned for more.
Whether "deck" launch or takeoff from solid ground,
In orbit over target we were most often found.
We've withstood the "cat" shot of steam-driven zap,
Compounded by stress of the touchdown "trap."
Our endurance and guts brought added acclaim,
As "strike and return" was the game by name.
Our heartiness was hailed by young and old …
The CAGs and MAGs who wore wings of gold.
While Heinemann's "Hotrod" by some were called,
"Bantam Ford" or A-4 be others we've hauled.
But when history describes the mighty and high,
"Skyhawk" should predominate. I'll tell you why.
Like noble birds that rule the sky,
We were indomitable and irrepressible,
Which no one can deny.
When all's said and done, in the belief by some,
We've proved good things in small packages come.
What's more, as age gives way to "phaseout,"
Trust us to grieve.
Blue Angels, as we accept in tribute …
Have given us reprieve.
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