-
- A-3 Skywarrior Association's SITREP on 144825
- Whidbey Skywarrior Project - 26 DEC 2010 here
- From Mark Swisher, A-3 Association Treasurer
-
-
- Whidbey Whalers -
- Aircraft Selection:
- We are still awaiting the contractual authorization to perform the inspections, flight
prep, and flight to Whidbey. We have fulfilled
our portion of the plan by raising the money required to prep the bird for flight and fund
the flight and Raytheon maintenance crew. Board
members of the Whidbey memorial have worked tirelessly raising money, coordinating with
leaders, developing and getting approvals for plans, drafting “gift letters”,
and etc.
- **We are waiting for “thumbs up” from senior leadership on the East Coast.**
-
- Monetary News:
- You have raised $84,600 and have $77,000 remaining. This is $20,000 more than what we had 2 months ago
and so I want to thank Boeing Aircraft Company (10K), Brad Borland (5K), Al Archer, the
repeat donors, and the paver program. Trust me…I
will never fly on another Airbus, for me it’s the 7-series Boeing aircraft from now
on! Attached are the donations and expenses to
date. If plans remain true, a few hundred
lucky folks will see this great bird in the break over Whidbey with the Northrup Grumman
EA-6B, Boeing EA-18G, and Lockheed Martin EP-3E, and that makes it all worth it.
- **This would not be happening without your monetary support.**
-
- Other Restoration News:
(we have five projects underway and always need help)
- Castle Air Museum
- Just ten days ago, (2) tractor trailers transported RA-3B 144843 (VAP-61 & VAP-62)
from Mojave to Atwater, CA
-
- Edwards AFB First Flight Museum
- The original bomber version A-3A (A3D-1) 135434 is being restored by ~10 NAVY retired
folks…all I can say is wow!
-
- USS Yorktown
- Our EA-3B (VQ-1 & VQ-2) bird is undergoing restoration onboard Yorktown. The dedication planned for April 14-17, 2011
-
- Fort Worth Veterans Memorial Air Park
- Plans are developing and monies are being raised to pull a jet from DM (AMARC) and
overland ship to Fort Worth
-
- For information on any of these projects visit: http://a3skywarrior.com/index.php?nid=100095&s=ms
-
- Thank you and best regards,
- Mark Swisher
- A-3 Assn Treasurer
- mark.swisher@att.net
-
-
- A-3 Skywarrior Association's SITREP on 144825
- Whidbey Skywarrior Project - OCT 2010 here (click)
- By Mark Swisher, A-3 Association Treasurer
-
-
- Whidbey Whalers -
- Aircraft Selection:
- NAVAIR and NMNA have provided an aircraft to display at Whidbey. The BuNo is 144825 which is the former
“snoopy” bird from PMTC. Attached
are some pictures of her in this decade. One
in-flight on a recent missile test program, another a few years back when VQ-5 retired
(was that in the nineties), and one at our 50th anniversary reunion hosted by Raytheon in
2002. We are still awaiting the contractual
authorization to fund the inspections, flight prep, and flight to Whidbey. All of those details are in work and should be
unfolding this month.
-
- Monetary News:
- You have raised $64,671 and have $57,000 remaining.
Attached are the donations and expenses to date. Actually we are $10,000 or more shy of the actual
cost to bring this bird back to life and deliver her to Whidbey. However, the flight will still be less expensive
and less intrusive on the bird than going overland. Additionally
a few hundred lucky folks will see this great bird in the break over Whidbey, and that
makes it all worth it. So…folks, tax time
is right around the corner and if you still need a worthy cause to donate to, this is it! And remember, this would not be happening without
your monetary support.
-
- Other News:
- Our Edwards AFB Whale is coming along very nicely and there is talk of actually
displaying it earlier even though it is not fully restored for a special event at Eddy. Another jet that is coming along nicely is our USS
Yorktown EA-3B where I am starting to get pictures with folks next to that jet. Recent shot I saw today has the lower radomes on
deck along with the landing gear doors which means next month that jet will be assembled. The A-3 association is keeping busy as we are
kicking off our next Whale project with moving an A-3 from the boneyard to Fort Worth
(more to come on that move).
-
- Destruction:
- Amid all the elation of getting an A-3 for display, five jets were not so lucky and fell
to the crusher last month. They were 142667,
144858, 144856, 144838, and 146454. The one
silver lining is that TA-3B 144858 (pictured) provided the tail end for 144825 in order to
bring her look back to standard configuration.
-
- As Ralph says… If you’ve received this note in error, I apologize, send money
anyways.
- Best regards,
- Mark Swisher
- A-3 Assn Treasurer
-
-
-
- Minutes of the Sept 25th Charter Members Meeting at Flyers Restaraunt
-
- From Ralph Estes, Chairman
-
- Charter Members,
- I wish to thank everyone for their attendance last Saturday.
- Not everyone signed in so if your name is missing from below let me know.
-
- We covered bit's of our meeting with NASW and Public works.
- It appears to us that every one is onboard for this event.
-
- CDR Dan Worra Operations Officer is ready for this to happen and shows it.
- Public works people are very supportive also.
-
- We will have sign up at Langley and Ault Field Road stating proposed site of the
A-3 within a month.
-
- We had Charter Members (CM) sign up to work on the aircraft.
- Thank you so very much.
-
- We still need people that can help with fund raising and paper work with Bill Burklow
and Bill Young.
-
- Bill Burklow has finished grant request for Walmart and Boeing, plus he is working on
fund raising with local banks.
- I have written to Paul Allen. No answer as
of today.
-
- We asked the CM's that if you have a friend or a neighbor who is not a member please get
them signed them up if you need forms we can provide, myself or Bill B.
-
- We are also looking for people who will take the forms for local business and
cooperation's Donations and approach a multitude of business' in Oak Harbor, Anacortes,
Coupeville , etc.
-
- After we pay for the airplane we are going to be hurting for funds and if the grants and
begging does not work out as we expect then we expect the board members to take out
mortgages on their homes, easy for me to say I live in a rental....
-
- No objections for the Wall to have a verse from a Merle Haggard song called Silver Wings
now I must go to the Record Label and get permission to use it.
-
- We discussed the Pavers (Bricks inscribed with the names of those lost in the A-3) that
will be set in the ground at the front of the wall.
- We will be selling bricks to anyone for $35 dollars each.
-
- They can have their own name inscribed to
show they donated or in memory of a lost military person.
- We retain a right to approve of each inscription.
- I will have a poster out for those by the end of the week (I think).
-
- We also discussed some of the meeting items with NAS and Public works on Tuesday the
21st.
-
- Paperwork progress as in Fly in is being taken care of by Brian OConnell and Gregg
Tritt.
- It has been submitted to NAS in the rough and will be worked out as a flyin becomes the
real thing.
-
- The following personnel attended and those with a double asterisk or on the Restoration
team:
-
- Several people did not sign in:
-
- Here is the list I have just from asking, any other names????
-
- Bill Young
- Bill Burklow
- Digger Odell
- Ralph Estes
- Boone Shawver**
- Edward Capasso**
- Ed Witt
- George Haigh**
- Bill Conley**
- Ron Foster**
- James Kendrick
- Sue Karahious
- Larry Kaiser (visiting)
- Brian OConnell
- Stephen Wegner
- Jeff Hansen
- Dr. Bob Goetz (nice surprise guest ) Dr. Goetz was the first Flight Surgeon in A-3's at
Whidbey.
-
- I had written down two more names at a meeting last year at the CPO club however, I
can't find it.
-
- The NAS meeting had many topics for agenda and I will simply list the subject, if you
want information on any of them please drop me a line.
-
- FLY IN PLAN
-
- TEMP SIGNAGE
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- MOU/MOA/GIFTING LETTER
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- CONTRACTING, BILLING
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- TRANSPORTATION FOR PARTS/MATERIALS, PARTS REQUISITION PROCESS
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- CORPORATE DONATION RESTRICTIONS / DISPLAY LIMITATIONS
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- FUND RAISING STATUS, ANTICIPATED COSTS
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- DEDICATION CEREMONY.
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- If you want to seek out local businesses for donations, I or Bill B. have the forms.
- Let us know who you are seeking just to insure we have not already been there or if they
are processing something now.
- Thanks again for a great meeting.
- Remember move those Heavies that have not signed on to our project.
-
-
- Thanks, Ralph Estes
-
- A-3 Skywarrior Association SITREP as of 09 July 2010
- From Mark Swisher, A-3 Association Treasurer
-
- Monetary News:
You have raised $62,146 and have $55,075remaining. What a refreshing feeling to be sitting
here flush with cash just waiting on NAVAIR/NMNA/NAVICP to provide us with the BuNo and
the authorization to bring her to Whidbey.
-
- Usually we are "behind the power curve" in regards to donations.like Edwards
where we barely have enough cash to pay the monthly restoration costs. I've got to say
that I'm very impressed with the Heavy organization in coming together so quickly to
display a Whale at Whidbey Island NAS. VAQ-133 "Wizzards" TACELRON Whalers
brought in another $2,000 this month.Bravo Zulu to Ennis Gibbs and his VAQ-133 Bubbas for
making this happen!
Aircraft Selection:
Still too early to tell what aircraft will be made available for Whidbey.
I've been told that the "strike board" met on March 23rd, we have also heard
thru the grapevine that at least one A-3 (144865) will continue on with flight test
missions (this is really great news for that bird). The other bird slated to stay I hear
is 144867 which essentially leaves 6 jets that will have to be disposed of. The one thing
we do know at this time is that NMNA has Whidbey at the top of the list when an A-3
becomes available and you all are prepared. -
- Here are the six jets remaining at Raytheon Flight Test Operations and these are my
notes from many months ago, not necessarily accurate. For sure, you wouldn't go to any of
these jets without a full scale annual inspection done, plus gear swings, fueling, high
power engine ops and etc.
-
- Options open up dramatically when you transfer the jet overland versus flying her in.
Raytheon
NRA-3B
142667
N876RS (5)
extensive work to fly
Active - PMTC - Tomahawk
Raytheon
NRA-3B
144825
N878RS (3)
Flyable
Active - PMTC - AMRAAM
Raytheon
ERA-3B
144838
N873RS
extensive work to fly
Active - VAQ-34
Raytheon
TA-3B
144856
N870RS
extensive work to fly
Active - VAH-123, NARU, VAQ-33 - Trainer
Raytheon
NTA-3B
144858
N879RS
extensive work to fly
Active - VAQ-33 - Trainer
Raytheon
NEA-3B
146454
N874RS (4)
Flyable
Active - VQ-2 - F-15 Radar Development
- Update on Yorktown - Edwards - Castle
Yorktown - If you haven't heard, Yesterday (8 July 2010) 146457 touched
down on USS Yorktown. This completes a 3 year delivery phase and we now move on to
restoration. This jet is an EA-3B that served with VQ-1 and VQ-2 from 1960 - 1991.
Edwards AFB - The project is headed by Mike Glenn. The crew comes in one
weekend a month to work on 135434 as they prepare her for display.
Currently they are taking a break for a couple months but we'll advise when the crew is
active again.
Castle Air Museum of Atwater, CA - Headed by Joe Pruzzo is preparing
144843 for display.
- http://www.castleairmuseum.org/futureprojects.html
Final Note - The A-3 Association along with some of the Whidbey Whalers
and the VAK/VAQ-208/308 will be attending Hook 2010 in Reno this year. If you can come to
Reno and attend the convention that would be awesome. The A-3 Association has funded a
booth and we would like to meet all the Whalers at our booth, during the bug roach mixer,
and sit with you during the banquet.
This will be a fun time for all.
- www.tailhook.org
As Ralph says. If you have received this note in error, I apologize, send money anyways.
Best regards,
Mark Swisher, A-3 Assn Treasurer
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
- From the Chairman:
-
- We have a reply from NAVAIR on why we are not receiving an A-3 in May.
- We are not out of the running, we will receive an A-3 however, it will be
delayed.
- Below you have my reply to a Mr. Rucci NAVAIR and his response to my e-mail
of last week.
-
- Thanks, Ralph Estes, Chairman A-3 Skywarrior Whidbey Memorial.
-
-
- From Mr. Gregory Rucci
Thu, 3 Jun 2010
-
Mr. Estes,
As the Aircraft Controlling Custodian Officer (ACCO) for COMNAVAIRSYSCOM, I would like the
opportunity to address your concerns, and try to help you understand some of the issues
that are affecting the final disposition of the NAVAIR A-3s currently located at Van Nuys,
CA.
My office works very closely with Naval Museum of Naval Aviation (NMNA) to facilitate the
preservation of our military aviation heritage and support efforts just like yours.
However NAVAIR does not control the disposition of stricken aircraft, nor do we set
priorities or ultimately have a say in when, or what organization will receive a stricken
Naval aircraft. Stricken aircraft are the purview of NAVICP and NMNA who ultimately
determines their assignment to museums.
NAVAIR's mission is to provide life cycle and testing support for naval aircraft. NAVAIR
ACCO does play a critical role in the Navy's decision to strike an aircraft, which is an
acknowledgement that an aircraft is "in excess", and is no longer needed to
support DoD operations. This ultimately effects when NMNA can provide an aircraft to a
museum.
The aircraft in question have been assigned to Raytheon under a long-term bailment
contract for the past 20 years. Keep in mind that Raytheon does not own these aircraft,
and Raytheon does not have the authority to promise or discuss aircraft disposition with
anyone. That is solely the responsibility of NMNA.
DoD recently negotiated an extension to the Raytheon Bailment that will allow the Air
Force to use the aircraft in support of emergent testing requirements. We are working with
NAVICP and Pensacola to finalize the disposition of the remaining aircraft. Your
discussions concerning aircraft disposition, dates, and potential delivery to Whidbey,
should be coordinated through Helen Watson at NMNA.
I hope this helps provide some insight into the issues involved and NAVAIR's role in this
process and wish you well in your endeavor.
-
-
- Very Respectfully, Gregory Rucci, DPM NAVAIR ACCO (AIR-5.0DA)
-
-
-
From Ralph Estes
Sun, 6 Jun 2010
Mr. Rucci, my first response is "Thank You" for answering our questions that
have gone unanswered far too long, I, we appreciate your e-mail. You have reaffirmed the
role of NAVAIR. And further put to rest some of the misinformation we have been relying
on.
All of us involved in the A-3 Skywarrior Whidbey Memorial that includes all the
individuals world wide who have contributed to this project want NAVICP, NMNA and you to
know we are ready and willing to receive an A-3.
We are also aware that Naval Air Station Whidbey Island (NASWI) will be the contact point
for all communications between NASWI and NAVICP or NMNA.
One last statement from me, a flyable A-3 would be a great public relations boom to this
town (Oak Harbor) and the folks that flew and supported this aircraft. Having said that
please keep in mind that many of these "folks" are in their mid seventies.....
Respectfully, Ralph E. Estes III, Chairman, A-3 Skywarrior Whidbey Memorial
- Scorecard:
- ACCO = Aircraft Controlling Custodian Officer
- DPM = Deputy Program Manager
- COMNAVAIRSYSCOM = Commanding, Naval Air Systems Command
- NAVAIR = (short for) Naval Air Systems Command
- NMNA = National Museum of Naval Aviation
- NAVICP = Naval Inventory Control Point
-
-
- From Mark Swisher -Treasurer, A-3 Skywarrior Association
- 28 Feb 10
-
- Whidbey Whalers,
Attached are the donations and expenses to date. Congratulations! You have raised over
$25,000 so far, we were just $157 shy so I kicked in $200 on behalf of the A-3 association
to get us over that milestone. However, the guy that took us over the $20,000 mark was
Capt William Young who chipped in five grand and then the hard work, presentation efforts,
and charter member pitch brought an additional five grand in from all around Whidbey.
I’ve got to say that I’m very impressed with the Heavy organization in coming
together so quickly to display a Whale at Whidbey Island NAS. You are right on the tail of
the VQ guys who raised $36,000 to move 146457 from Rota to Yorktown.
Unfortunately, the cost target is shifting slightly with the news that the NavAir/Raytheon
bailment agreement is up in May 2010. This means we have just two months to have funds for
fuel, maintenance, crew costs and etc for a one time flight to NAS Whidbey. It appears
that we now have the money for fuel and crew costs covered, depending on the aircraft
selected by NMNA/NAVAIR/NAVICP for Whidbey will determine how much more is needed for
flight prep. Our estimate is that we would need up to $50,000 to cover all of the prep and
transportation expenses…Hopefully we get a current flier like 144865 and costs would
be lower.
There is a lot of work being done by Ralph Estes, Bill Burklow, Jim VanderHeok, Bill
Young, Jim Vannice, Lanny Kee and Digger O'Dell, and the other board members as the date
draws nearer so please support (again in 2010) to help make this dream come true.
Other news:
Greg Tritt, Flyer's Brew Pub owner, announced he will be creating a "Whale Golden
Ale" beer that will be on tap and available in growlers. A portion of the proceeds
from that beer will be donated to the project. The beer should be available by 26 January
2010.
It was determined that a foundation hat would be given to all signing up during the
charter membership drive. Those people signing up for the Charter Membership must send
their checks to: A-3 SKYWARRIOR WHIDBEY MEMORIAL FOUNDATION, P.O. BOX 1402, OAK HARBOR, WA
98277.
Bill Burklow will then send your hat, he will then send your check to the A-3 Association
so you may receive your tax donation letter from the Mark Swisher along with an A-3 print
and “Save the Whale” decal.
Web Sites:
http://a3skywarriorforwhidbey.ning.com/
http://www.a3skywarrior.com/
As Ralph says… If you have received this note in error, I apologize, send money
anyways.
Thanks,
Mark Swisher
4225 Inspiration Dr
Benbrook, TX 76126
-
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
- FEBRUARY 8, 2010
- Whale Tales
-
- Back in 1966 the A3 Skywarrior was beginning its transition at NAS Whidbey Island from
the Navy’s primary nuclear delivery aircraft to becoming the premium KA3 tanker and
early EKA 3 electronic warfare aircraft. The
evolution would be complete with the transition to the A6 Intruder and the EA6B Prowler.
-
- The high pitched whine of the Pratt and Whitney J57 engine is well remembered by those
that served the aircraft and the citizens surrounding the base during the 50’s and
60’s. It is hoped that the current
population of Oak Harbor will once again hear that sound when one of the current flying
Skywarriors returns to the naval air station for military display.
- Raytheon Corporation, Van Nuys, CA has the last of the flying A3’s, utilizing them
as electronic test platforms. That contract
will end in May of 2010, when the aircraft will be returned to Navy control under the
direction of the Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola, Florida.
-
- NAS Whidbey has requested one of the aircraft to then be displayed at the corner of Ault
Field Road and Langley Boulevard. The
Skywarrior is one of the legacy aircraft assigned to NAS Whidbey, and would provide
valuable recognition to the Navy’s mission during the Viet Nam War.
-
- One three airplane detachment flying from the deck of the USS Oriskany in 1967 was
credited with “saving” 69 aircraft that could not have returned to the carrier
without refueling.
-
- The naval air station working in cooperation with the local A3 Skywarrior Memorial
Foundation is developing plans for the acquisition of the aircraft. More information about the efforts can be viewed at
the foundation’s website at http://www.a3skywarriorforwhidbey.org.
-
- Monday, January 25, 2010
-
-
- From Ralph Estes, Chairman, A-3 Skywarrior Whidbey Memorial
If you have further questions please e-mail
me.
-
- Monday, January 25, 2010 10:51 AM
Good morning to all Heavy Attack personnel:
- We are sending this e-mail to try and save the A-3 Skywarrior Whidbey Memorial.
- As indicted below according to e-mails from Mark Swisher and Ron Woltman (Raytheon
Test Pilot) the Navy has given Raytheon it’s drop dead date to rid themselves of the
still flying A-3's.
- This is great news except we only have about $9,900 dollars in the A-3 Association
fund.
- We are in need of funds.
- I’m asking you and asking you to send this out to any of your ex Heavy Attack
shipmates, they may receive this note more than once but I don’t apologize for that.
- If we don’t make the funding, we loose the a/c we ask for and then those that
don’t make it to a static display site will be destroyed on site.
Charter membership information listed at the end of this note.
-
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- From Mark Swisher:
excerpts from Marks e-mails:
The other issue is that the 20 year bailment agreement is up in May 2010, the Navy has
decided to no longer "bail" Navy aircraft and they want the A-3 off of their
books.
- Raytheon has moved the radar testing to a Boeing 727 for example and so no
longer needs the (2) A-3’s that have been idled.
- This is true for just about all of their A-3’s, they were all just in
reserve waiting for a true government contract.
- Our issue now is that your jet has to be flown out by May or possibly they
might not have the okay to fly
I’m in the same boat in Fort Worth.
- I thought I had more time but now realize that we are behind the power
curve.
- You guys (Whidbey Is) are in much better shape and are on the top of the
list to get the best possible aircraft Raytheon has.
- If you ratchet up now and get your donations up to $20K you’ll
certainly have fuel and de-mil covered….
Thanks, Mark
Caught us somewhat by surprise but NavAir is not renewing the bailment agreement
for Raytheon’s flyable Whales.
- They will be grounded on May 2010 and most scrapped on site.
-
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-
E-mail from Ron Woltman, Raytheon test Pilot:
There are lots of unknowns but here goes assuming you get the aircraft that has sat the
longest as a worst case estimate (an EA-3B)
Return to flight and make ready for ferry: $50K
Fuel: $15K
Flight Crew /Maint crew Labor to NUW $9K
Travel expenses $3K
The ready for ferry number could be less if you are assigned a different aircraft.
- The other numbers are for the most part fixed (unless you can get free
fuel).
- Another big unknown is if the Navy requires us to ferry this as a Navy
aircraft (vice Part 91 aircraft as currently operated), then they will determine the
minimum required maintenance necessary to ferry, and they will likely be more stringent.
- I keep coming up with a $50-100K number, depending on the aircraft selected
and the RFF requirements placed on us by the agency that signs off on the airworthiness
cert/ferry permit.
-
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Whidbey Skywarrior Memorial Foundation held its first organizational
meeting at Flyer's Brew Pub in Oak Harbor, January 23 2010.
- The organization mission is to obtain, refurbish, and display an A3
Skywarrior.
- The organization is open to any person who wishes to support the Whidbey
Island Skywarrior project.
- The organization will incorporate under Washington state laws and will
operate as a non-profit corporation.
- Local attorney Chris
Skinner (recommended by Tom Fender) has offered to assist the foundation in
navigating the corporate process.
- Charter membership in the organization is set at $125 dollars, and that
amount will be used in support of the project.
- The A3 Skywarrior Association is operating as funds coordinator for the
project which will make the charter membership a tax deductible amount.
- The charter membership amount can be sent to Bill Burklow 972 Yvonne Ave
Oak Harbor, WA 98277.
- Make checks payable to the A3 Skywarrior Association.
- Charter membership will close June 1 2010.
- All who attended the meeting were encouraged to make themselves available
to serve on the many committees that will be formed to develop project guidelines.
- The next meeting will be scheduled in the April 2010 time frame.
Current information has the aircraft availability in the May 2010 time frame.
- It is imperative that the focus of the foundation is directed at raising
the approximate $50,000 needed to relocate the aircraft from Raytheon, Van Nuys,
California to NAS Whidbey Island.
- Current donations stand at approximately $9900.
- All attendees were asked to expedite getting the word out to interested
parties and providing the information needed to become a charter member.
- Greg Tritt, Flyers
owner announced he will be creating a "Whale Golden Ale" beer that will be on
tap and available in growlers.
- A portion of the proceeds from that beer will be donated to the project.
- The beer should be available by 26 January 2010.
It was determined that a foundation hat would be given to all signing up during the
charter membership drive.
- Those people signing up for the Charter Membership must send their checks
to Bill Burklow he then can send your hat, he will then send your check to the A-3
Association so you may received your tax donation letter from the Mark Swisher.
-
-
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