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Poor resolution copy of an image of Vought RF-8G Crusader from Reserve VFP-306 Modex 604 With ancient Greek style tail code ND of Carrier Air Reserve Wing Thirty (CVWR-30) Navy serial number outlined in white on black painted tail may be interpreted as 146865. VFP-306 RF-8G 146865. The RF-8G was the longest-serving US Crusader, long after the fighter versions had been withdrawn. The last active duty Navy unit to fly the RF-8G was VFP-63 in June 1982. The RF-8G flew even longer with the Naval Air Reserve. Naval Air Reserve units operating the RF-8G were VFP-206 and VFP-306, both based at NAF Washington DC, stationed at Andrews AFB. VFP-306 disestablished in September 1984. VFP-206 gave up its RF-8Gs on March 29, 1987, becoming the last Navy unit to fly the Crusader. 1975 picture of RF-8G 146865: www.aeroslides.com/auction/pictures/AU-53.jpg RF-8G 146865 VFP-63 DET 3 601 AC NAS MIRAMAR May 1975 A better quality picture of RF-8G with VFP-308 as Modex 605 may be viewed here: s362974870.onlinehome.us/forums/air/index.php?showtopic=1... img.photobucket.com/albums/v20/jinxx1/F-8%20Crusader/RF-8... RF-8G 146865 was retired to the then MASDC near Tucson Arizona on 22 February 1982 with inventory code .AN2F0421 and location; Area 18, Row 6, Position 5. Pictures of RF-8G 146865 in desert storage after retirement:: www.airliners.net/photo/0879651/ www.airfighters.com/photo/5329/M/USA-Navy/Vought-RF-8G-Cr... www.airliners.net/photo/USA---Navy/Vought-RF-8G-Crusader/...

Very interesting to see the planform view of the A-4 Skyhawk relative to its cousin the F4D Skyray! I had no idea that the Skyray's wing was so much larger.

F-8 Crusaders of CVG-8 fly over the USS Forrestal circa August 1962. F8U-1P (RF-8A), BuNo 146895. Assigned to VFP-62, codex AJ-915, 1962-1963. Recoded codex GA-901, 1967. Recoded codex AJ-915, 1967. To VFP-63 , codex AJ-602, 1968. To VFP-62, codex AJ-915, 1969. Upgraded to RF-8G. To VFP-63, codex NM-641, 1975. Recoded codex AC-600, 1975. Recoded codex AC-601, 1975. Recoded codex NL-610, 1976-1977. Crashed 18 May 1977 near Prescott, AZ. F8U-2 (F-8C), BuNo 146932. Assigned VF-103 as AJ-201, 1959-1961. To VF-103, codex AJ-212. VC-2, codex JE-1, 1966. Crashed 9 Feb 1966 into Back Bay, Virginia Beach, VA. F8U-2 (F-8C), BuNo 145592. Assigned VF-103 as AJ-203, 1959-1963. To VC-4, codex JF-13, 1967. Upgraded to F-8K. To VMF-351. To AMARC 1975. SOC and flew with Thunderbird Aviation as N19TB. Now preserved at the Flying Heritage Collection, Arlington, WA.