VT-7Photograph AlbumVT-7 Student Graduate Album VT-7 Officers at Kingsville in 1962 Left to right: Vt-7 Commanding Officer, Maintenance Officer and a VT-7 flight instructor Captain Rutledge, USMC. VT-7, T2J-1 / T-2A Buckeye - 1962 This VT-7 T-2A Buckeye BuNo. 148200 is in tension on the United States Ship Antietam CVS-36 starboard catapult. In 1962, VT-7's radio call sign was Grey Oak. US Navy photograph from Bud Southworth. VT-7, T-2A Buckeye This VT-7 T-2A Buckeye BuNo. 147442, side number 2K-149, is pictured on the Naval Air Station North Island Halsey Field revetment. Point Loma is in the background. Photograph by Harry S. Gann.  NAS Meridian Bird Farm 1963 Air view looking east at the Naval Air Station flight line, hangar, and runways. The runway in the upper left is Runway 36 right / 18 left. The runway in the upper right is Runway 9 / 27. Runway 18 right / 36 left is just off the lower right corner of the picture. Normal operations had planes taking off exclusively on Runway 36 right, exclusively landing on 36 left and aircraft making GCA approaches to Runway 27. VT-7 used the north half of the hangar and VT-9 in the south end in 1962 to 1970. The tower is at the left side of the revetment. Below it was Base Flight Operations, Search and Rescue, the GCA unit, and the FLIGHT LINE GEDUNK (wonderful sliders). The NAS Meridian base facilities, barracks, Exchange and Capehart Housing were locates some four miles west of the Bird Farm. Photograph by Bud Southworth  Naval Air Station Meridian, Mississippi base facilities 1963 This air view is looking north at the Naval Air Station facility. The main gate is in the lower-front-center of the picture. The Officers Club and Bachlor Officer's Quarters are at the picture's left edge. The Training Building is located southest of the intersection south of the water tower. The Bird Farm is four miles east of the water tower. Photograph by Bud Southworth VT-7 Carrier Qualifications March 1972 on the USS Lexington CVA-16. VT-7 Eagle TA-4J Skyhawk 2K 716. This picture was taken looking down from the Lexington island upon 716 performing the very first VT-7 Eagle TA-4J touch and go landing, April 6, 1972. The Student Naval Aviator was First Lieutenant K. D. Ernst, USMC. The Landing Signal Officer (LSO) for this qual period was Lieutenant Bob Bush, USN. Lieutenant K. D. Ernst, USMC was a member of VT-7's first TA-4J Advanced Syallabus graduating class. 1972 photograph by Commander Lee Goewey, USN. VT-7 Eagle TA-4J Skyhawk 2K 716. This picture was taken looking down from the Lexington island upon 716 performing the very first VT-7 Eagle TA-4J trap on April 6, 1972. The Student Naval Aviator, First Lieutenant K. D. Ernst, USMC caught a one-wire. The Landing Signal Officer (LSO) was Lieutenant Bob Bush, USN. Lieutenant K. D. Ernst, USMC was a member of VT-7's first TA-4J Advanced Syallabus graduating class. 1972 photograph by Commander Lee Goewey, USN. VT-7 Eagle TA-4J Skyhawk 2K 744 BuNo. 158073 This picture was taken looking from the Lexington island upon Grey Oak 744 spotted for refueling. The Landing Signal Officer (LSO) for this qual period was Lieutenant Bob Bush, USN. 1972 photograph by Commander Lee Goewey, USN. VT-7 Eagle TA-4J Skyhawk 2K 737 This picture was taken looking from the Lexington island upon 2K 737 catching a two wire. The Student Naval Aviator, Ensign Waddell, USN catches a two-wire for his first trap and is on his way to carrier qualifing and his Wings of Gold. The Landing Signal Officer (LSO) was Lieutenant Bob Bush, USN. Ensign Waddell was a member of VT-7's first TA-4J Advanced Syallabus graduating class. 1972 photograph by Commander Lee Goewey, USN. VT-7 TA-4J BuNo 158477, 2K-701, dated 15 June 1974. Gary Verver Collection. 1974: Eagles Skyhawk BuNo 158141, 2K-736, parked on the ramp next to BuNo 158479, 2K-751. Unknown via W. Mutza 1974: left side partial tail section view of Eagles Skyhawk BuNo 158479, 2K-751, parked on the flight line next to BuNo 158141, 2K-736. Unknown via W. Mutza VT-7 Skyhawk Over The E Boat Round-down - 1974 "Wheels down, flaps down, hook down, harness locked, brakes pumped firm, fuel 1200 pounds, roger ball." VT-7, TA-4J, side number A-759, landing aboard USS Enterprise CVAN-65. Photograph taken May 13, 1974 by Harry S. Gann. VT-7 CAG TA-4J Skyhawk BuNo. 158097 - 1975 VT-7 TA-4J BuNo. 158097, side number A-700, Commander Training Wing One. Photograph taken September 25, 1975 by Harry S. Gann. VT-7 Skyhawk BuNo. 158097 GOING DOWN! - 1975 VT-7, TA-4J, BuNo. 158097, side number A-700, Commander Training Wing One Skyhawk in a vertical dive. Photograph taken September 25, 1975 by Harry S. Gann. VT-7 TA-4J Skyhawk FCLP Bounce - 1975 VT-7, TA-4J, side number A-701, FCLP (field carrier landing practice) bouncing at OLF (out lying field) Bravo. OLF Bravo is located 30 miles northwest of Navy Meridian. Photograph taken September 1975 by Harry S. Gann. Dec 1975 BuNo 158141, A-736 parked on the ramp. Photo by R.E. Kling, G. Verver collection. BuNo.158130, VT-7 Side No.776 on the Tarmac in Bi-Centennial colors, 1976 Photograph from Harry S. Gann's collection. BuNo.158130, VT-7 Side No.776 fly by in Bi-Centennial colors. Photograph from Harry S. Gann's collection. 22 APR 1978: Eagles Skyhawk BuNo 155109, A-709, assigned to LCDR Hoffman parked on the NAS Meridian flight line. G. Verver collection via R. Dowers 22 APR 1978: Eagles Skyhawk BuNo 156932, A-727, assigned to CAPT Vitorny parked on the flightline. G. Verver collection via R. Dowers 22 APR 1978: Eagles Skyhawk BuNo 158104, A-704, parked on the ramp. G. Verver collection via R. Dowers 22 APR 1978: Eagles Skyhawk BuNo 158116, A-716, parked on the ramp. G. Verver collection via R. Dowers 22 APR 1978: Eagles Skyhawk BuNo 158118, A-718, parked on the ramp. G. Verver collection via R. Dowers 22 APR 1978: Eagles Skyhawk BuNo 158125, A-725, assigned to CAPT Brock parked on the ramp. G. Verver collection via R. Dowers 22 APR 1978: Eagles Skyhawk BuNo 158137, A-722, assigned to LT McFarland parked on the ramp. G. Verver collection via R. Dowers 22 APR 1978: Eagles Skyhawk BuNo 158144, A-740, assigned to CAPT VanDyken parked on the ramp. G. Verver collection via R. Dowers 22 APR 1978: Eagles Skyhawk BuNo 158145, A-741, assigned to LTjg Kamrito parked on the ramp. G. Verver collection via R. Dowers 22 APR 1978: Eagles Skyhawk BuNo 158146, A-742, parked on the ramp. G. Verver collection via R. Dowers 22 APR 1978: Eagles Skyhawk BuNo 158455, A-732, assigned to LT Schaad parked on the flightline. G. Verver collection via R. Dowers 22 APR 1978: Eagles Skyhawk BuNo 158467, A-733, assigned to LCDR Earl parked on the flightline. G. Verver collection via R. Dowers 22 APR 1978: Eagles Skyhawk BuNo 158470, A-723, parked on the flightline. G. Verver collection via R. Dowers 22 APR 1978: Eagles Skyhawk BuNo 158526, A-724, parked on the flightline. G. Verver collection via R. Dowers 09 Jun 1979 Eagles Skyhawk BuNo 158480, A-702, assigned to CDR "Shark" Howlstein parked on the ramp. Photo by R.F. Dorr, Gary Verver Collection. Circa 1979: BuNo 158480, A-702, trapping. Mark Kreeger of VT-25. TA-4F Skyhawk BuNo. 153488 A-700 with VT-7's "Desert Det" in the 1990's. Color photograph by and courtesy of Harry S. Gann. 11 April 1981 Eagles Skyhawk BuNo 156920, A-733, parked on the flight line. Gary Verver Collection 16 Oct 1982 BuNo 158144, A-724, parked on the ramp. Photo by T. Paskowski, G. Verver collection 16 Oct 1982 Eagles Skyhawk BuNo 158144, A-724, parked on the ramp. Photo by R.F. Dorr, G. Verver Collection. 20 Nov 1982 BuNo 158457, A-709, parked on the ramp. Photo by T. Paskowski, G. Verver collection 20 Nov 1982 Skyhawk BuNo 158461, A-728, parked on the ramp. Photo by T. Paskowski, G. Verver collection 05 Feb 1983 BuNo 158480, A-713, parked on the ramp. Photo by T. Paskowski, Gary Verver Collection. 05 Feb 1983 BuNo 158480, A-713, close-up right side view of Eagles insignia. Photo by T. Paskowski, Gary Verver Collection. 01 APR 1993: A right side view of two Eagles TA-4J Skyhawk aircraft parked on either side of a TA-4F Skyhawk from an aggressor squadron. U.S. Navy photo by OS2 John Bouvia 30 Apr 1983 BuNo 158526, A-702, parked on the flight line. Photo by T. Paskowski, G. Verver collection. 01 OCT 1983: Eagles Skyhawk BuNo 158455, A-732, parked on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63). An F/A-18 Hornet aircraft is visible in the background. U.S. Navy photo, PHAN R. Eslinger 20 APR 1984: Eagles Skyhawk A-721 is prepared for launching during flight operations aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). U.S. Navy photo by PH3 Don Choquette 20 APR 1984: Eagles Skyhawk A-739 waits to be launched during flight operations aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). U.S. Navy photo by PH3 Don Choquette 16 March 1984 BuNo 158465, A-765, parked on the flight line. Gary Verver Collection 27 April 1985 BuNo 158134, A-719, parked on the ramp. Gary Verver Collection Jan 1986 BuNo 158129, A-729, parked on the ramp. Photo by R.E. Kling, G. Verver collection. BuNo.158473 sporting paint job honoring 75years of Naval Aviation - 1986. Photograph from Michel Klaver. BuNo.158473 in-flight - 1986, with Buckeye over Key Field. 75th anniversary of Naval aviation fly-by May 21, 1986. A VT-7, TA-4J Skyhawk and a VT-19, T2C Buckeye fly over Key Field south of Meridian, Mississippi. Photograph by Harry S. Gann. VT-7 TA-4J BuNo 158131, A-721, dated October 1986. Gary Verver Collection. Oct 1986 Eagles Skyhawk BuNo 153522, A752, parked on the flight line. Gary Verver Collection 1986: Skyhawk BuNo 158473, A-701, moments before she touches down for a shore based arrested landing with a jammed nose gear. "Boom" Powell VT-7 TA-4J Skyhawk BuNo. 156932 - 1987 TA-4J BuNo. 156932, side number A-727 of the VT-7 "Eagles" from Naval Air Station Meridian executes a missed approach over the Dobbins Air Force Base runway, October 1987. If you look closely you can see the white IFR tent in the rear cockpit. Photo by Frank J. Mirande. 01 Mar 1987 BuNo 158104, A-704, taxis along the flight line. U.S. Navy Photo. Oct 1987 BuNo 158473, #775, parked on the flight line. Gary Verver Collection Dec 1987 BuNo 158467, A-734, parked on the ramp. Photo by R.E. Kling, G. Verver collection. 16 JAN 1988: Eagles Skyhawk BuNo 158129, A-729, assigned to Nambone, parked on the ramp. C. Kaston 09 APR 1988: An air-to-air right side view of three Eagles Skyhawk aircraft over NAF, El Centro. The aircraft are en route to a strike weapons training exercise during Training Wing 1 operations. U.S. Navy photo by Robert L. Lawson March 1991 BuNo 156891, A-748, parked on the flight line. Photo by D.F. Brown, Gary Verver Collection. March 1991 BuNo 158134, A-719, parked on the ramp. Photo by D.F. Brown, Gary Verver Collection. 27 APR 1991: BuNo 153498, A-749, assigned to LT Brian Sutterfield, parked on the ramp. Craig Kaston 07 Jun 1991 Eagles Skyhawk BuNo 158465, A-765, parked on the ramp. Gary Verver Collection 07 Jun 1991 Eagles Skyhawk BuNo 158465, A-765, closeup of tail. Gary Verver Collection Sept 1991 BuNo 158141, A-714, parked on the ramp. Photo by K. Snyder, Gary Verver Collection. 22 FEB 1992: Eagles Skyhawk BuNo 158465, A-765, parked on the flight line and painted in a gray/brown/blue camouflage scheme. Jim Burridge March 1992 Eagles Skyhawk BuNo 153498, A-749, on the ramp. Gary Verver Collection Apr 1992 Eagles Skyhawk BuNo 158468, A-726, assigned to USMC CAPT Steve McFarlin parked on the flight line. Photo by K. Snyder, Gary Verver Collection. July 1992 Eagles Skyhawk BuNo 155100, A-741, assigned to LT Pittman, parked on the flight line. Photo by K. Snyder, Gary Verver Collection. VT-7 TA-4J Skyhawk BuNo. 153498 - 1992 TA-4J Skyhawk BuNo. 153498, side number A-749, of VT-7 Eagles, from Naval Air Station Meridian, as seen at Naval Air Station Atlanta on March 20, 1992. Unusual combination of overall charcoal gray and light gray markings. Photo by Frank J. Mirande. VT-7 Desert Storm TA-4J Skyhawk BuNo. 158465 - 1992 This Desert Storm painted Skyhawk is flown in the vertical by Capt. Craig Berryman, USMC. Capt. Berryman was a prisoner of war during Desert Storm. From September 1991 to November 1993, Capt. Berryman served as a VT-7 flight instructor. U.S. Navy photograph from Commanding Officer VT-7. 01 Dec 1992 BuNo 158465, A-765, parked on the flight line. U.S. Navy photo, Bruce Trombecky. 01 Dec 1992 BuNo 158501, A-744, parked on the flight line. U.S. Navy photo, Bruce Trombecky. 05 DEC 1992: Eagles Skyhawk BuNo 158501, A-744, assigned to LT John Gadzinski, parked on the ramp. Jim Burridge 1993 Eagles Skyhawk BuNo 153517, A-712, parked on the ramp. Photo by Greff Spahr, Gary Verver Collection. 04 Apr 1993 right front view of Eagles Skyhawk BuNo 153517, A-712, parked on the ramp. Official US Navy Photo by B. Trombecky. VT-7 Skyhawk BuNo. 159798 Visiting NAS Atlanta - 1993 VT-7 Eagle TA-4J BuNo. 159798, side number A-728 from Naval Air Station Meridian visiting Naval Air Station Atlanta June 6, 1993. This Skyhawk is in the standard training color scheme. This is the last production TA-4J for the Navy, delivered circa-1977. 159798 was seen earlier at Naval Air Station Atlanta in VFC-12 markings (overall engine gray) in December 1988. Photo by Frank J. Mirande. BuNo.153505 of Carrier Training Wing One (CTW-1), assigned to the training carrier USS FORRESTAL (AVT-59), parked on the flight line Oct. 1993. Official U.S. Navy photo by Bruce Trombecky. 07 MAY 1994: Eagles Skyhawk BuNo 158104, A-711, assigned to LT Joe Stafford parked on the line next to A-728. C. Kaston June 1994 BuNo 158110, A-717, assigned to USMC Capt. "Rube" Kubian on display during an open house. Gary Verver Collection Oct 1994 Eagles Skyhawk BuNo 158482, A-709, parked on the flight line next to USAF C-5A Galaxy s/n 68-0220. Photo by K. Snyder, G. Verver collection. 1995 BuNo 158136, A-701, parked on the ramp. Photo by G. Spahr, Gary Verver Collection. VT-7 Skyhawk line - 1996 TA-4J Skyhawks wait for students and their instructors. USN photograph from Bud Southworth. Feb 1996 right side view of Eagles Skyhawk BuNo 153517, A-712, parked on the ramp. Gary Verver Collection GIVE THEM A DITCH AND THEY WILL COME TA-4J BuNo. 158513 - 1996 May 13, 1996, TA-4J BuNo. 158513 side number A-737 went of a rain slick runway at El Centro. Ya sure, the Scooter did it all by its self --- just like cars kill people! Photo by Glen Puder. GIVE THEM A DITCH AND THEY WILL COME - PART 2 - 1996 Another view of the VT-7 Weapons Detachment Scooter that went for the ditch. The ground crew quickly had 'ol 737 flying again as the damage was minimal. Photo by Glen Puder. Jun 1996 Eagles Skyhawk BuNo 158718, A-749, parked on the ramp. Gary Verver Collection Jun 1996 Eagles Skyhawk BuNo 158513, A-737, parked on the flight line. Gary Verver Collection 15 Jun 1996 Eagles Skyhawk BuNo 158468, A-726, parked on the flight line. Gary Verver Collection 15 Jun 1996 close-up left rear view of Eagles Skyhawk BuNo 158468, A-726, tail section. Gary Verver Collection Inside the Skyhawk GOING DOWN! - 1998 "PeeWee" is boresighted on the Inky Barley target near El Centro, California. Photograph taken 1998 by Chris Herman. Cloud Surfing - 1996 Eagles Skyhawk BuNo 158137, A-760, cloud surfing over NAS Meridian. Photograph taken by Chris Herman. OCT 1996: Eagles Skyhawk BuNo 158137, A-760, parked on the ramp. Unknown via W. Mutza 18 JAN 1997: Eagles Skyhawk BuNo 153678, A-725, parked on the line. Jim Burridge SEP 1997: BuNo 159798, A-728, parked on the ramp. W. Hartman GUNS GUNS GUNS - 1998 PeeWee's wingman gunning a Viper at sunset. G'nite airfarce! Photograph taken 1998 by Chris Herman. VT-7 TA-4J Snowhawk - 1998 Who says it doesn't snow in Meridian? Viewed from the hangar bay, this Skyhawk weathers a storm during the winter of 1998. 1998 photograph from Capt. Todd Tetterton, USMCR. TA-4J BuNo 158473 Firing Up - 1998 The ground crew has hooked up the APU (Auxiliary Power Unit) to allow the pilot to start the Skyhawks engine. 1998 photograph by Capt. Todd Tetterton, USMCR. Carrier Quals Jan. 1998 CVN-65 VT-7 Eagle TA-4J Skyhawks 723 and 756 A picture taken looking down from the Enterprise island upon 723 and 756 parked on the starboard aft elevator behind the island. 723 is ready to taxi after the maintence guy completes the pre-taxi check. 1998 photograph by Capt Todd Tetterton, USMCR. Refueling Skyhawks 714 and 718 A picture taken looking down from the Enterprise island at 714 and 718 on the starboard forward elevator in front of the island. Both Skyhawks are being refueled by grapes with fuel hoses running from the deck edge to the Skyhawk's inflight refueling probes. 1998 photograph by Capt Todd Tetterton, USMCR. VT-7 Skyhawk 723 Over the Ramp Skyhawk 723 is caught over the Enterprise ramp on its way to a three wire. The two small white bars under the arresting wires are springs that elevate the arresting wire 2 inches above the flight deck. 1998 photograph by Capt Todd Tetterton, USMCR. Carrier Quals April 1998 CV-67 Civilians visit for carrier quals. VT-7 TA-4J Skyhawks Launching from the USS John F. Kennedy CV-67 VT-7 TA-4J Skyhawk 700 Running the Deck on the USS John F. Kennedy CV-67 VT-7 TA-4J Skyhawk 732 Running the Deck on the USS John F. Kennedy CV-67   UNITED STATES SHIP JOHN F. KENNEDY CV-67 Commanding Officer - - - - - - - - Executive Officer Captain Robin Weber, USN - - - - Commander Mike Wanjon, USN 02 MAY 1998: head on view of Eagles Skyhawk BuNo 156914, A-715, manned and waiting on the JFK's forward starboard elevator for launch off of Jacksonville, Florida. Bud Southworth 02 MAY 1998: left rear view of Eagles Skyhawk BuNo 156914, A-715, manned and waiting on the JFK's forward starboard elevator for launch off of Jacksonville, Florida. Note the mast with weather vane for wind speed and direction. Bud Southworth 02 MAY 1998: right front view as Eagles Skyhawk BuNo 156914, A-715, taxies to the starboard catapult for launch. The crewman with the tiller bar is manually steering the Skyhawk for precise placement on the catapult. Bud Southworth 02 MAY 1998: six o'clock view as Eagles Skyhawk BuNo 156914, A-715, drops the bridle and leaves the JFK's deck. Bud Southworth 29 SEP 1999: A US Navy Catapult and Arresting Gear Officer signals the launch of Eagles Skyhawk A-714, from the flight deck of the USS George Washington, as CTW-2 conducts carrier qualifications while the ship is underway in the Atlantic. U.S. Navy photo by PH3 Johnnie Robbins VT-7 Eagles Desert Detachment based at El Centro, California. Instructors on the Skyhawk wing, students on the deck. The "Pink Bomb" is held by the student who had the worst bomb hit from the previous day's flight schedule. (Sometimes over 2000 feet) Careful where you park your car. Instructors top row left to right: LT "Mick" VanRooy, LT Doug "Jethro" Flodin, LT Eric "Haggis" Caskey, LT Jeff "Whip" Wipplinger, LT Chris "PeeWee" Herman, LCDR Tom "Trash" Cann, LT Craig "Z" Ziemba. Kneeling left to right: LCDR "Stretch" Scheenstra, CAPT Steve "Rooster" Rioux, CAPT Will "Tex" Coe. Photograph from LCDR Geyer, USN Names from LT Chris Herman, USN VT-7 Instructors -- February 2001 Front Row (Left to Right) Commander Brian S. Neunaber; Commander Michael J. Sherlock VT-7 A-701, BuNo 158116. Looks to be over NAS Meridian. Don Scott photo from Gary Verver Collection. VT-7, BuNo.154298 TA-4J over Mississippi. Lost over central Mississippi looking for the crossroads. US Navy photograph from Bud Southworth. In-flight view of Eagles Skyhawk BuNo 158144, A-724, on final for touchdown. J.D. Stewart In-flight view of Eagles Skyhawk BuNo 158465, A-765, gear and flaps down and speedbrakes out. J.D. Stewart Eagles Skyhawk BuNo 158140, A-720, as she taxies by the photographer. J.D. Stewart VT-7 T-Bird taxing. Via 'Boom' Powell |
