VF-32 Gypsy 203 1980's/90's

Modeling Subjects Aircraft
1

Hello there. How is everyone? I have a question of a photograph in a book that I have. I have the book “Carriers United States Naval Airpower in Action” book from 1990, buy Tony Holmes and Jean-Pierre Montbazet. In it there are several photo spreads of many aircraft from many squadrons. On pages 50-51and 90-91 there is an F-14A from VF-32 Swordsman that I would like to model. I tried to locate that aircraft on MATS last night and found two possible matches(one of which I think crashed in 1988?). I cannot figure out which on is right. If anyone has information or preferably photos of this aircraft, particuraly the tailfins. I would imensly appreciate it. I am looking for the names of the Pilot and Rio. I think the Pilot is LCDR Chuck Baucom and his RIo could be KE_ _ Chaundall? I am also looking for the BUN number.

Mutch abliged

Phantoms rule the skies!!!
email is jimz66@earthlink.net for photos thanks.

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Message Deleted
-----Contained a link to a photo album of VF-32 F-14’s-----

3

No actually Frank it doesnt’ but thanks I will use those photos for other references. I am looking for images from the late 1980’s on the JFK. Thanks anyway.

4

Haven’t found a whole lot for 'ya, and no photos of Gypsy203 from that period in time, but some info is better than none, I guess!

I believe the names you’re looking for are LCDR Charles ‘AutoChuck’ Baucom and CDR Charles ‘K.C.’ Crandall.

On April 15th, 1988 CDR Crandall was relieved as ‘Gypsy One’ by CDR Joseph ‘Beads’ Connelly and LCDR Baucom also left the unit, possibly during the same general timeframe if not the same date. (‘The Hook’ Summer 1988)

If their names are on the rails of the Gypsy 203 in that book you have, then the aircraft is most likely the one which was lost on March 25th, 1988. (Cold-cat shot, as per MATS)

Also, seeing as it usually takes a while to get a book together and printed, (Especially with co-authors from different countries!) JPM’s photos were probably taken a couple years previous to publication. So I’d put my money on the bird that took the cold cat shot off of JFK. That’s just me, though…

As a related bit of miscellany, for anyone who’s interested in the VF-32 MiG Killers of '89, here’s a link that I found which has a soundfile of the entire engagement. I’ve got the video and a few audio clips, but this is the first time I’ve come across the full audio track on the net.

The track starts automatically when you get to the page, and it takes a while to load. Track length is 6 minutes.

Splash Two! - WARNING!! If you have kids or are a kid ([:p]) this audio is UNCENSORED and contains language that some may find offensive.

I myself have a question, does anyone know the names of all four aircrew involved in this combat? The only one I know for sure is LT Hermon ‘Munster’ Cook, as he is mentioned by callsign a couple of times. But the rest are a mystery, although I haven’t done any research on it at all.

Anyhoo, hope this helps you out, Jim.

Fade to Black…

5

Almost forgot, are you looking for photos of this particular aircraft only, or any VF-32 Tomcats from that period?

Fade to Black…

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I don’t have the book that you refer to, but I assume you are talking about the F-14s that shot down those MIGs. As a sidelight to this, my son was aboard the JFK at that time and took a very clear Kodachrome slide of the kill markings that were painted on the vertical stabilizers of both F-14s. He said that, for security reasons, these kill markings were painted out and both pilots flown off the ship within a day or two. I have this slide stashed away somewhere for safe keeping. I’ve been looking for it but, it’s so safe, I can’t find it. If memory serves me right, it was a dark green silhouette of a MIG with a black ring sight over the top of it.

In addition, I had a print made of this slide and called SuperScale (MicroScale) in California and asked if they were interested. They offered me a free decal sheet if I would give them the photo. BIG DEAL! CHEAPSKATES! [:(!] I gave that photo to someone in one of the local model clubs. I’ll keep looking for the original slide.

Pete

7

Just that aircraft. thanks I wish I could see that tailfin. But like you know it is coverd by another photo. Thanks again for the information. It will surely help.