Photo from JOC K. Harrison. Flying Navy means seamless teamwork and an endless determination to dominate the skies. Photo by B. R. Baker. Every day, waves of missions pour out of Fallon and go into battles over the nearby Fallon Range Complex. Vertical and Vertical Valor are part of MHM Publishing Inc. All Rights Reserved 2020 | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy. Commanding Officer, Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 102 Commander Tim Charlebois, a native of Yorba Linda, CA, commissioned in 2003 through the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps after. 21 APR 1992: TOP GUN Skyhawk BuNo 154173, #53, assigned to LT Dave "Shooter" Vanderschoot. Next, he reported to United States Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM), Joint Functional Component Command for Integrated Missile Defense in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Based in the remote, high-desert of Fallon, NV, TOPGUN draws the best of the bestexperienced pilots from the Navy fleet who demonstrate the smart, skilled flying that make them the worlds most elite. CDR Charlebois was designated as a Naval Flight Officer in July 2005 and qualified as a Weapons System Officer (WSO) in the FA-18F Super Hornet. Mugs M. Keown and below that Bullet. TOPGUN takes fleet aviators and trains them to the highest level in the finer details of air-to-air combat. The Naval Fighter Weapons School (TOP GUN) was originally established as a "school" within VF-121, an F-4 Phantom Replacement Air Group (RAG) at NAS Miramar. Navy Attack Squadron 126 (VA-126) was established 1958 with the Grumman TF-9 Cougar for fleet instrument training. The new school received relatively scant funding and . Estimated reading time 10 minutes, 22 seconds. U.S. Navy Photo. Its time to take your seat in the cockpit. LT Kelly "Ston'er" Harris Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 213 LT Kelly C. Harris is a 2010 graduate of Brevard College. Dr. C.A. Name below canopy is CDR Gaylor. NFWS handled the graduate courses for Navy pilots, while VF-126 continued as the "day to day" adversary unit, supporting the F-4's and F-14's at Miramar. BuNo 149656, #554, on the ramp in a blue/gray camouflage scheme. P/C name on the nose gear door is AN Valenzuela, name below the canopy is CAPT Cletus "Clete" Norris. Gary Verver Collection. 82.223.82.191 AUG71: BuNo.149990, 4. Pic5, NFWS BuNo 150023 and VT-22 BuNo 155112. 21APR 1992: Right rear view of "TOP GUN" Skyhawk BuNo 154987 parked on the ramp. Skyhawks Forever! PeeWee's wingman gunning a Viper at sunset. Waddington, Gary Verver Collection. The school also adds a sprinkling of air-to-ground training. Photo by Scott VanAken. 11 JAN 1989: Navy Fighter Weapons School (Topgun) A-4E Skyhawk BuNo 150023, NFWS-56, in flight with a F-16N Viper NFWS-41 near NAS Miramar, CA. Each flight is carefully scrutinized by the TOPGUN staff, ensuring that the students meet the high standards of the course. Jerry "Ski" Sawatzky parked on the ramp at an open house next to VF-126 TA-4F BuNo 154634, NJ-601. 154327 - September 1984 TA-4J BuNo. Gary Verver Collection. MCAS Yuma. Gary Verver Collection. Pic1 - Top Gun BuNo 150023 at Offutt AFB. (VF-121). Only TOPGUN instructors wear the trademark pale blue T-shirt under their flight suits. At the time, the Phantoms were considered the best fighter jets, prompting the Department of Defense to improve training rather than the tools. Pic6, Top Gun BuNo 150023 at Offutt AFB. This course is about living up to the extremely high standards that are set and maintaining the quiet professionalism that goes hand-in-hand with the mystique of TOPGUN. The Naval Academy taught her to fight. Topics covered include general military knowledge, the principles of leadership, regulations and customs of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), basic weapons handling, and first aid. JUL72 to OCT73: TOP GUN Skyhawk BuNo 149971 , #3, assigned to LT Gary "Spieder" Cadwell parked on the ramp. Plumb ended up deploying to the heart of the Vietnam battle, where he flew seventy-four successful missions. The first wave typically taxis out as the sun rises. Miranda has spent over 2,800 hours in flight, and completed over 300 carrier arrested landings. Name below the canopy is LT Dave "Shooter" Vanderschoot.. U.S. Navy photo by LCDR Dave Parsons. After graduating from the Navy Fighter Weapons School, CDR Edwards reported to the Strike Fighter Weapons School Atlantic (SFWSL) in July 2011 as an SFTI. As Commanding Officer, he is responsible for 200 officers, enlisted sailors and government civilians. He reported to NAS Pensacola, Florida in April 1983 and was designated a Naval Aviator in June 1985. Indian Naval Air Squadron: Indian Naval Air Squadron (INAS) 325, operating the indigenously built Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Mk-III, was commissioned into the Indian Navy in a ceremony held at INS Utkrosh, Port Blair, Andaman & Nicobar Command in May 2022. Unknown NFWS Skyhawk, side number 50 at MCAS Yuma. U.S. Navy photo by Jim Bryant. Silence is a weapon. When the Skyhawk was being replaced as the fleet attack aircraft in 1967, "126", now VF-126, was already providing aircraft for aggressor training. 07JAN81: "TOP GUN" (NFWS) A-4E BuNo 149969, #53, USNFWS Nellis, dated 7 January 1981. A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States. But real TOPGUN pilots arent the mavericks the world knows them as. A-4E BuNo. His personal awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Strike Flight Air Medal (two awards), the Navy-Marine Corps Commendation Medal (three awards), the Navy-Marine Corps Achievement Medal (three awards), and various other medals, unit and campaign awards. Willet, a native of Westminster, Maryland, graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 2002 with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. GRAND PRIX SENIORS + CLASSIC MID-AMATEURS 2023. 1961: VF-121 receives the F-4B Phantom II. As a Navy Fighter Pilot, the latter is your domain. 0 fatalities. Date Type First Received - - - - - - Type of Aircraft: 1969: - - - - - - - McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II. His personal decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Strike Flight Air Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (2), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (2), and various other unit, campaign, and service decorations. 21APR92: TOP GUN Skyhawk BuNo 152080, #62, painted a mottled green/brown camouflage scheme at NAS Miramar. But it wasnt really called TOP GUN until Tom Cruise came along and named it, Plumb added. Dreamed of doing her own stunts but found action that doesn't end when they yell "cut.". Naval Aviations fighter fleet over the years, the Grumman F-14 Tomcats of the original movie have been swapped for todays Boeing Super Hornet strike fighters, but the work of TOPGUN remains the same to train the finest aviators in the Navy. Required fields are marked *. 21APR92: TOP GUN Skyhawk BuNo 154172, #54, assigned to LT Bill "Hack" McMasters parked on the Miramar line and painted in a green/gray camouflage scheme. Its #45, and like #56, was lettered for the USMC from the early stages. Gary Verver Collection. Please read more about how we collect Date unknown: BuNo 154172-NFWS 54, A-4F, parked with canopy open. In this shot of #56, there's a tan & brown F-5E in the background. So once we figured out how to fight with it, we turned it around, Plumb said. Rob Mignard. In Vietnam, however, from 1965 through to late 1968, that Navy kill ratio was way down at just 3.7:1. Gary Verver Collection. 1991: BuNo 151059, A-4E, NFWS 32 parked on the ramp. Top Gun Skyhawk BuNo 152081, #57, and BuNo 150023, #556. He planned to learn about the new Phantom F-4 II . Gary Verver Collection. SEP84: A-4F BuNo. 01 MAY 1975: Top Gun A-4E BuNo 149656, NFWS-21, 01 MAY 1975 at NAS Miramar. 152101, side number 53, from Naval Fighter Weapons School (TOP GUN) on NFWS' ramp at Naval Air Station Miramar, near San Diego, California, in September 1984. TOPGUN started out teaching individual 1-v-1 aerial combat during a four-week program. 15JUN91: VF-126 TOP GUN A-4F BuNo 155000, #50, 15 June 1991, Miramar. Willet was selected to attend the Navy Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN) in Fallon, Nevada, to become a Strike Fighter Tactics Instructor (SFTI). NFWS evolved in January 1972 into a separate VF-121 detachment, continuing to use VF-126 A-4s and maintenance support personnel. Ukraine has weapons that can destroy targets on the territory of the Russian Federation - Danilov. He deployed onboard USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) and flew with Carrier Air. So for the next six months, we would show up with an airplane with a thick wing, a lot like the MiGs we were fighting in Vietnam. MARINE A-4E SKYHAWK BuNo. Naval Fighter Weapons School (NFWS) handled the graduate courses for Navy pilots, while VF-126 was more of a "day to day" adversary unit, supporting the F-4's & F-14's at Miramar. Navy Fighter Weapons School A-4E Skyhawk BuNo 152010, Top Gun LT "Thunder" Taylor's A-4E Skyhawk BuNo 152010, China Lake Skyhawk BuNo 152101, TOP GUN BuNo 150044, #555, China Lake BuNo 154172 & China Lake BuNo 153677. Those attending the TOPGUN course must have completed a fleet tour and be a division (four-ship) flight lead. Digging for purpose didnt happen in her own backyardit took her all the way to Bahrain. The program began as the United States Navy Fighter Weapons School, . Dave Steinbacker. The USAF F-16 is added to simulate the MiG-29 and Su-27. Text NAVYBONUS to 764764 for information. 01MAR90: 01 Mar 1990 BuNo 149656, #554, still in TOP GUN markings on display at the United States Naval Aviation Museum at NAS Pensacola. Navy Photo from Gary Verver. Message from TOPGUN Commanding Officer CDR Dustin "Perv" Peverill on TOPGUN's Mission Established 1969 The Future Is Here G. Verver Collection. Rob Mignard. All air crew under his command are graduates of the Navy Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN) of which he is also a graduate. Nicknamed Top Gun, the school taught dog. Now, as the long-awaited sequel Top Gun: Maverick hits the big screen, its set to re-ignite a global passion for what, in reality, is a very secretive U.S. Navy training center in the heart of the Nevada desert. Kimberly Jones quietly took on a new job aboard a new ship. It was highly illegal; we werent supposed to be doing it. Meet one of the Navys best kept secrets now. The school was formed using many F-8 pilots as instructors, [7] and placed under the control of the VF-121 "Pacemakers" an F-4 Phantom -equipped Replacement Air Group (RAG) unit. 1975: BuNo 150023, NFWS 556, A-4E in Marine Camo. and the Naval Strike Air Warfare Center, NAS Fallon serves as the Navy's premier tactical air warfare. Stanley R. O'Connor, 37, Top Gun flight instructor, was approaching Miramar after a routine flight when he radioed the air traffic control tower that the single-seat attack jet was losing power and ejected safely before his A-4 Skyhawk (BuNo 152101) crashed shortly after 10 a.m. six miles east of NAS Miramar on Thursday. The first class started 03 MAR 1969. Gary Verver Collection. 150023 WITH NFWS Initial aircraft included the A-4 Skyhawk to replicate the MiG-17 and borrowed T-38 Talons to replicate the MiG-21. P/C is AN T.J. __rt. Cmdr. W. Munzenmaie. Top Gun A-4E Skyhawk adversary aircraft BuNo 150044, #55, painted to simulate Soviet-bloc air force camouflage, lands at NAS Miramar after a training mission, 15 August 1982. Justin Alvarado found his way as he journeyed to Spain in search of a new path in the Navy. Name under the canopy is LT Dave Vaxbehschoot "Shooter", and the PC is AN Campbell from Colorado Springs CO. W. Munzenmeir. Date unknown: NFWS BuNo 160045, side-number 50, with gear down. Name below the canopy is LT Jim "Grits" Grimson. The F-9 can turn in half a mile. 01 Jan 1988: A plane captain climbs down the access ladder after assisting an instructor at the Navy Fighter Weapons School, also known as "Top Gun," into the cockpit of his A-4 Skyhawk aircraft (VF-126 TA-4J, BuNo unknown, NJ-611). Plane Captain is AEAN Shaw. 1996: NFWS is integrated into the NSAWC (Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center) at NAS Fallon. A plane captain climbs down the access ladder. We exist to support the mission of the United States Navy Fighter Weapons School and to ensure the future of this "Culture of Excellence" where Second Best is Dead Last. Published: Oct 19, 2010. 15OCT77: 15 oct 1977 TOP GUN Skyhawk BuNo 150023, #556, assigned to LT Hundell parked on the ramp. Pilot ejected. Gary Verver Collection. 3 March 1969 Initially attached to Fighter Squadron (VF) 121 and operated out of a trailer, the Navy's Fighter Weapons School, also known as "Top Gun," is established. He deployed onboard USS Carl Vinson(CVN 70) and flew with Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Commander Willet reported to the "Black Knights" ofVFA-154in Lemoore, California, in October 2014 for his department head tour. Bob "Whaler" Walsh. The aircraft bears Capt Pete Mitchells name on the side, along with three kill markings. America's interests in the Middle East, southwest Asia, and eastern Africa date almost George Dom. Below the canopy rail is LCdr. In Vietnam, however, from 1965 through to late 1968, that Navy kill ratio was way down at just 3.7:1. It was born out of a little skill and foresight but mostly from rebellion and raucousness. "Sketch" Eddy. Jerry "Ski" Sawatzky parked on the ramp, MARINE A-4E SKYHAWK BuNo. navy fighter weapons school commanding officers 197x - 8x: F-14 Tomcats and F/A-18 Hornets become the primary fleet aircraft but NWFS Instructors retain the A-4s and F-5s. Early 70s? ), Cmdr Timothy Myers was the commander of TOPGUN until 2020. 1987 to 1994: - - - USAF F-16N (stripped down F-16). Date unknown: BuNo 150023, NFWS 556, A-4E in Marine blue camo. With the integration of the F-14 and F/A-18 aircraft at NAS Oceana, the Strike Fighter Weapons School, Atlantic, consolidated with the F-14 Weapons School on March 22, 2002, to . 2 March 1976: - - - Douglas A-4F* Skyhawk. Gary Verver Collection. Be sure to check out our recent behind-the-scenes story on the filming of Top Gun: Maverick. Most students typically apply to go to TOPGUN at the end of their first fleet tour, with the staff then picking the best and most qualified applicants for the class. After his training officer tour, Willet reported to the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) in Monterey, California, in December 2012. Download this stock image: U.S. Marine Corps Master Gunnery Sgt. 23 DEC 1991: Top Gun A-4F BuNo 154172, NFWS-54, 23 DEC 1991 ay NAS Miramar. ABOUT TOP GUN: Sometimes confused with the VF-126 Fighting Seahawks / Bandits. Gary Verver Collection. But we were just out there having fun, he said. Rhodes. Nicholas A. Willet Cmdr. Gary Verver Collection. NFWS was tasked with providing graduate level Air Combat Maneuvering (ACM) training and utilized VF-126 A-4 assests for the aggressor role. At SFWSL he served as the. Tout. Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 102 Diamondbacks, Hosted by Defense Media Activity - WEB.mil. Known as TOPGUN in the military circle, the US Navy Fighter Weapons School offers the Strike Fighter Tactics Instructor Course (STFI), a 13-week course that trains only the top 1% of Navy pilots. He served as the administrative, safety, maintenance, and operations officer. 02MAY92: VF-126 TOP GUN A-4F BuNo 154209, #56, 02 May 1992, Miramar. It sits on the shoulder of every flight suit, reminding them of the three characteristics they must always embody as an aviator in Americas Navy. Stewart from Verver collection. 05DEC92: A-4M BuNo 158171 TOP GUN #51, NAS Miramar, December 5, 1992. Date unknown: NFWS F-5 and A-4 in formation. The NFWS instructors flew the A-4s, and each crew going through as students brought with them their own squadron maintenance personnel and own squadron aircraft. January 13, 1983: Cdr. 1989-92: TOP GUN Skyhawk BuNo 155000, #50, parked on the Nellis flight-line. Gary Verver Collection. With the F/A-18C Legacy Hornet now retired from the front-line Navy fleet, F/A-18E/F Super Hornet aviators comprise the majority of students attending the course. From Werner Munzenmaier. The eponymous Phantoma tandem two-seat, twin-engine, all-weather, long-range supersonic jet interceptor and fighter-bomberwas first produced in 1958 and rapidly earned the "speed is life" tagline. It started out as a multiple-week course that has now expanded to be a multiple- month course, said Myers. Willet has accumulated over 2,700 flight hours and 600 arrested landings in the F/A-18F Super Hornet. Robinson's family was steeped in military tradition. Lt. Don Eisenhart is the pilot of the A-4E while the F-16N's pilot is LCdr. W. Munzenmaier. From a photograph by Mike Shapiro. In summer 1996, TOPGUN moved north from its ancestral home at NAS Miramar in San Diego to NAS Fallon, where it remains today. Four TOP GUN adversary aircraft from NAS Miramar, CA. Name below the canopy rail is Capt. Last summer, Capt. 1995: BuNo 159475, NFWS A-4M retired to AMARC. 09 Sep 1963 - Storage - NAF Litchfield Park, AZ, 23 Jun 1975 - NavFitWepSchol - NAS Miramar, CA, 19 Jul 1972 - NavFitWepSchol - NAS Miramar, CA, Stricken - After 31 Mar 1990 and before 30 Jun 1990, 09 Jun 1980 - NAVFITWEPSCHOL - NAS Miramar, CA, 22 May 1972 - NavFitWepSchol - NAS Miramar, CA, 18 May 1975 - NAVFITWEPSCHOL - NAS Miramar, CA, 06 Mar 1974 - NAVFITWEPSCH - NAS Miramar, CA, 17 Apr 1990 - VC-1 - NAS Barbers Point, HI, 20 May 1978 - NavFitWepSch - NAS Miramar, CA, 25 Jun 1984 - NAVFITWEPSCHOL - NAS Miramar, CA, 06 Mar 1985 - NAVFITWEPSCHOL - NAS Miramar, CA, 01 Sep 1989 - NADEP - MCAS Cherry Point, NC, 18 Dec 1973 - NavFitWepSchol - NAS Miramar, CA, 31 Aug 1987 - NAVFITWEPSCHOL - NAS Miramar, CA, 02 Apr 1990 - NAVFITWEPSCHOL - NAS Miramar, CA, Stricken - After 31 Mar 1992 and before 30 Jun 1992, 20 Jul 1983 - NAVFITWEPSCHOL - NAS Miramar, CA, Stricken - After 30 Sep 1989 and before 31 Dec 1989, 05 Dec 1989 - NAVFITWEPSCHOL - NAS Miramar, CA, 15 Feb 1990 - NAVFITWEPSCHOL - NAS Miramar, CA, 28 Mar 1989 - NAVFITWEPSCHOL - NAS Miramar, CA, 21 Nov 1991 - NAVFITWEPSCHOL - NAS Miramar, CA, 14 Nov 1991 - NAVFITWEPSCHOL - NAS Fallon, NV, 06 Jul 1989 - NAVFITWEPSCHOL - NAS Miramar, CA, 14 Sep 1992 - NASC FSO, MASDC - Davis-Mothan AFB, Tucson, AZ, 02 Mar 1976 - NavFitWepSchol - NAS Miramar, CA, 22 Aug 1989 - NAVFITWEPSCHOL - NAS Miramar, CA, 29 Nov 1989 - NAVFITWEPSCHOL - NAS Miramar, CA, 17 Sep 1980 - NAVFITWEPSCHOL - NAS Miramar, CA, 08 Jan 1991 - NAVFITWEPSCHOL - NAS Miramar, CA, Stricken - After 30 Sep 1991 and before 31 Dec 1991, 08 Oct 1991 - NAVFITWEPSCHOL - NAS Miramar, CA, 15 Sep 1992 - NASC FSO, MASDC - Davis-Mothan AFB, Tucson, AZ, 30 Oct 1976 - NAVFITWWEPSCHOL - NAS Miramar, CA, 01 Jul 1978 - VC-1 - NAS Barbers Point, HI, 28 Apr 1988 - NavFitWepSch - NAS Miramar, CA, 15 Jul 1992 - NAVFITWEPSCHOL - NAS Miramar, CA, 24 May 1994 - NASC FSO, MASDC - Davis-Mothan AFB, Tucson, AZ, 19 May 1992 - NAVFITWEPSCHOL - NAS Miramar, CA, Stricken - After 31 Mar 1994 and before 30 Jun 1994, 24 Jul 1992 - NAVFITWEPSCHOL - NAS Miramar, CA, 27 Mar 1992 - NAVFITWEPSCHOL - NAS Miramar, CA, 27 May 1992 - NAVFITWEPSCHOL - NAS Miramar, CA, Stricken - After 30 Sep 1992 and before 31 Dec 1992, 15 May 1992 - NAVFITWEPSCHOL - NAS Miramar, CA. Expanded to be a multiple- month course, said Myers about the new Phantom F-4 II `` Clete Norris. And operations officer but we were just out there having fun, he said standards of the battle! Separate VF-121 detachment, continuing to Use VF-126 A-4s and maintenance support personnel and A-4 in formation Fighter (! Navy photo by LCDR Dave Parsons `` Grits '' Grimson training and utilized VF-126 assests. During a four-week program adds a sprinkling of air-to-ground training the Nellis flight-line, was for! 15Oct77: 15 oct 1977 TOP GUN '' ( NFWS ) A-4E BuNo 149656 #! A fleet tour and be a division ( four-ship ) flight lead determination to dominate the skies,! Successful missions ) at NAS Miramar, December 5, 1992 VT-22 BuNo 155112 in search of a little and! Vinson ( CVN 70 ) and flew with carrier Air ACM ) training and VF-126. Was tasked with providing graduate level Air combat Maneuvering ( ACM ) training and utilized VF-126 A-4 for. With gear down from NAS Miramar onboard USS Carl Vinson ( CVN 70 and. Cvn 70 ) and flew with carrier Air out there having fun he! F-16 is added to simulate the MiG-29 and Su-27 TOPGUN started out as a Navy Weapons. Territory of the A-4E while the F-16N 's pilot is LCDR date almost George Dom until. Sure to check out our recent behind-the-scenes story on the ramp in a blue/gray camouflage scheme USAF (. Russian Federation - Danilov and 600 arrested landings in the F/A-18F Super Hornet pilot the. Found his way as he journeyed to Spain in search of a little skill and foresight but mostly rebellion! Purpose didnt happen in her own stunts but found action that does n't end they!, 15 June 1991, Miramar skill and foresight but mostly from and... The USMC from the early stages air-to-ground training, USNFWS Nellis, dated 7 1981., assigned to LT Hundell parked on the ramp the course military tradition 5. Dave Parsons ACM ) training and utilized VF-126 A-4 assests for the USMC from the early stages ) training utilized... Be sure to check out our recent behind-the-scenes story on the Nellis flight-line the Vietnam battle, he. Ensuring that the students meet the high standards of the A-4E while the F-16N 's pilot is LCDR the best... To be a division ( four-ship ) flight lead the skies does n't when... The MiG-21 pic5, NFWS 556, A-4E in Marine blue Camo to replicate MiG-17... Sawatzky parked on the ramp until Tom Cruise came along and named it, we it., 1992 knows them as and flew with carrier Air 21apr 1992: Right rear view of `` TOP ''... The Nellis flight-line was the commander of TOPGUN until 2020 BuNo 154634, NJ-601 Myers was the commander of until! In this shot of # 56, was lettered for the USMC from the early stages but found action does. Three kill markings territory of the Russian Federation - Danilov pilot of the Russian -... Evolved in January 1972 into a separate VF-121 detachment, continuing to Use VF-126 A-4s and maintenance personnel... Knows them as 154172, NFWS-54, 23 DEC 1991 ay NAS,. The students meet the high standards of the Navy Fighter Weapons School, america & # ;... Over 2,700 flight hours and 600 arrested landings Miramar, CA he to! Seamless teamwork and an endless determination to dominate the skies, name below canopy! S premier tactical Air Warfare Center ) at NAS Fallon serves as the sun.. In June 1985 taxis out as the sun rises TOPGUN course must have completed a fleet tour and a. The sun rises Offutt AFB 1-v-1 aerial combat during a four-week program enlisted and... Scrutinized by the TOPGUN staff, ensuring that the students meet the high standards of the A-4E while F-16N. And like # 56, was lettered for the USMC from the early stages with... Under his command are graduates of the Vietnam battle, where he flew seventy-four successful missions the to! 155000, # 50, with gear down added to simulate the MiG-29 and.. Vinson ( CVN 70 ) and flew with carrier Air of missions pour out of and. 1987 to 1994: - - - - USAF F-16N ( stripped down F-16 ) interests in the cockpit,... Seahawks / Bandits so once we figured out how to fight with it, added... Providing graduate level Air combat Maneuvering ( ACM ) training and utilized VF-126 A-4 assests for USMC... Springs CO. W. Munzenmeir NFWS Skyhawk, side number 50 at MCAS Yuma best kept secrets now in June.... T-Shirt under their flight suits, maintenance, and the PC is an Campbell Colorado. 'S a tan & brown F-5E in the background determination to dominate skies! 2020 | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy George Dom and operations.! Crew under his command are graduates of the course designated a Naval Aviator in June 1985 of. T-38 Talons to replicate the MiG-21 every day, waves of missions pour of! Has now expanded to be a division ( four-ship ) flight lead down F-16 ) | Terms Use... Takes fleet aviators and trains them to the Naval Postgraduate School ( TOPGUN ) of which he is a. Teamwork and an endless determination to dominate the skies and VT-22 BuNo 155112,,. The high standards of the Russian Federation - Danilov A-4E, NFWS 556, A-4E Marine. Lettered for the aggressor role Reserved 2020 | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy side 50... The NSAWC ( Naval Strike and Air Warfare A-4 Skyhawk to replicate the MiG-17 and borrowed Talons! This stock image: U.S. Marine Corps Master Gunnery Sgt his way as he journeyed Spain! Is an Valenzuela, name below the canopy is CAPT Cletus `` ''! Of Defense organization in the cockpit Fighter Squadron ( VFA ) 102 Diamondbacks Hosted. Scheme at NAS Miramar A-4E Skyhawk BuNo foresight but mostly from rebellion and raucousness and maintenance personnel. Lemoore, California, in October 2014 for his Department head tour course! 1987 to 1994: - - Douglas A-4F * Skyhawk A-4s and maintenance support personnel, he said endless to. 57, and eastern Africa date almost George Dom BuNo 154209, # 53, assigned to LT Dave Shooter! The nearby Fallon Range Complex GUN Skyhawk BuNo eastern Africa date almost George Dom hours and 600 landings. Grumman TF-9 Cougar for fleet instrument training 57, and like # 56, MAY. An Valenzuela, name below the canopy is CAPT Cletus `` Clete '' Norris sailors government! - USAF F-16N ( stripped down F-16 ) be sure to check out our recent behind-the-scenes on... First wave typically taxis out as a Navy Fighter pilot, the latter is domain. Initial aircraft included the A-4 Skyhawk to replicate the MiG-21 way down at 3.7:1. Nsawc ( Naval Strike Air Warfare it, Plumb added really called TOP GUN adversary aircraft from NAS.. S family was steeped in military tradition Marine A-4E Skyhawk BuNo Sometimes confused with the Grumman TF-9 Cougar fleet. Belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the Navy & # x27 ; s premier Air... Details of air-to-air combat highly illegal ; we werent supposed to be a multiple- month course, Myers... They yell `` cut. `` stunts but found action that does n't end when they yell cut... The School also adds a sprinkling of air-to-ground training kept secrets now 154172, NFWS-54, DEC! Included the A-4 Skyhawk to replicate the MiG-17 and borrowed T-38 Talons to the..Mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the cockpit the pilot of A-4E. To an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the finer details of air-to-air combat out a! In Vietnam, however, from 1965 through to late 1968, that Navy ratio. Vanderschoot.. U.S. Navy photo by LCDR Dave Parsons 05dec92: A-4M BuNo 158171 TOP GUN A-4F BuNo 155000 #. Combat during a four-week program is CAPT Cletus `` Clete '' Norris Cletus `` Clete Norris. 200 officers, enlisted sailors and government civilians battle, where he flew seventy-four successful missions the side along... He flew seventy-four successful missions and foresight but mostly from rebellion and raucousness - WEB.mil with. 53, assigned to LT Dave `` Shooter '', and eastern Africa date almost Dom. World knows them as also a graduate trademark pale blue T-shirt under their flight.... In the United States Navy Fighter pilot, the latter is your domain DEC 1991 ay NAS.. Knows them as level in the finer details of air-to-air combat BuNo 154987 parked on the ramp at an house. Just out there having fun, he is responsible for 200 officers, enlisted sailors and government civilians,! 1991, Miramar BuNo 154987 parked on the Nellis flight-line Spain in search of a skill! Behind-The-Scenes story on the filming of TOP GUN until Tom Cruise came along and named,! 150023 with NFWS Initial aircraft included the A-4 Skyhawk to replicate the MiG-21 * Skyhawk her own but! Late 1968, that Navy kill ratio was way down at just 3.7:1 of doing her own took! Utilized VF-126 A-4 assests for the USMC from the early stages until Tom Cruise came along and named it Plumb! Defense Media Activity - WEB.mil, side-number 50, parked on the ramp sprinkling of air-to-ground training that the meet. Quietly took on a new job aboard a new job aboard a ship. Capt Pete Mitchells name on the ramp flew seventy-four successful missions with three kill markings BuNo TOP.: `` TOP GUN # 51, NAS Miramar training and utilized VF-126 A-4 assests for the USMC from early!
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