I am looking for Vigilante pictures aboard the USS Forrestal, any cruise or any squadron.[:)]
Try a Google Image search for RA-5C. you’ll have plenty to choose from!! I have done this “insearch of” RVAH-9 aboard the Ranger 1965/66. As my uncle was lost in BuNo:149312 16Jan66
Eddie
I wish I was smart enough to scan a photo and/or profile and insert it into this post, but I’m not and can’t. If you are serious about the history of the Vigilante and/or are building one, you will do well to get yourself the Osprey “RA-5C Vigilante Units in Combat” book which, like all Osprey titles, is inexpensive and one of the best sources for the money, though don’t expect any closeup detail shots of cockpits and undercarriage. The other one is the Squadron/Signal “Vigilante Mini In Action” book, which is usually on sale for $1 in the monthly Squadron catalogue supplement.
In the Osprey book, there is a color profile (No. 9) of a Vigi from RVAH 11- “Checkertails” on the Forrestal during July, 1967, the month the Forrestal suffered the horrendously tragic fire aboard ship. The squadron was one of those that lost both men and aircraft in the fire. This book has other photos from the Forrestal, including some of a burned Vigi after the fire and another being shoved overboard…
A quick look at the In Action book shows an RVAH-7 Vigi during a Forrestal deployment in 1975. There may be other photos.
TOM
Have a look here:
http://www.navsource.org/archives/02/59.htm
I know there is at least one pic of a Vigilante in the middle of the 1967 fire. It’s not much, but I hope it helps.
Look up the histories of RVAH-6,7,9, and 11. They all served on the forrestall in the early 70’s except 11 which was on the forrestal during the fire in 67.
Steve Ginter also did a book on the Vigi. It’s pretty good. It covers just about everythin you want to know.