Returning to USS Midway (CV-41) which was operating off the coast of Luzon in the South China Sea with the sun beginning to set down low. I took this slide from another VA-93 A-7A. This A-7A was assigned to VA-93 from April 1973 through late April 1977. Both VA-93 and VA-56 (also aboard CV-41) were the last two active duty A-7 squadrons to operate the A-7A. By late May 1976 this A-7A was in storage at MASDC. It was later given a new life as an A-7P with the Portuguese Air Force as 5539, finally retiring for good in 1990.

In early April 1975 USS Hancock was temporarily being used as a helicopter carrier in preparation for the Saigon evacuation which occurred at the end of April. In order to keep Hancock's Carrier Air Wing 21 qualified for carrier operations, the USS Midway was used by the air wing for refresher training. This F-8J had just trapped aboard Midway and was taxiing over to the starboard forward catapult for launch. This F-8J was retired on 5 November 1975.

This SH-3G was not assigned to USS Midway.

In April 1975 the USS Hancock (CV-19) was temporarily being used as a helicopter carrier in preparation for the evacuation of U.S. personnel in Saigon. In order for Carrier Air Wing 21 pilots to maintain their carrier qualifications they were allotted deck time aboard the USS Midway for a couple of days. This VA-212 A-4 is conducting a touch and go (tailhook is up). It was later assigned to the Blue Angels. On 13 July 1983 it was involved in a midair collision with A-4F 155029 over Niagara Falls, NY Airport and the pilot perished.

In July of 1975 USS Hancock (CV-19) was laid up at Naval Station Subic Bay undergoing repair. Carrier Air Wing 21 (CVW-21) was allotted a couple of days deck time aboard USS Midway (CV-41), operating in the South China Sea, in order for the aircrews to maintain their carrier landing qualifications. A-4F 155034 was retired to AMARC 29 March 1994. It was later transferred to Argentina for use as a parts airframe. The cable extending up to the aft fuselage is attached to the holdback fitting which is located under the fuselage. The fitting will shear when the catapult fires.

This A-7A was lost on 6 October 1975 off Okinawa due to engine failure. The pilot had a successful ejection and was rescued by helicopter from the ship. In July 1975 the USS Hancock (CV-19) was undergoing repair at Naval Station Subic Bay. Carrier Air Wing 21 was assigned to the Hancock, and in order to maintain their carrier qualifications CVW-21 used Midway's flight deck for a couple of days. The A-4F Bureau Number 155022 "Lady Jessie" of VA-164 was the last A-4 to carry that name as the squadron was disestablished in late 1975.

This A-7A is loaded out with two inert 1000 lb. Mk52 aerial mines (one under each wing). 153173 was assigned to VA-93 from early 1976 through 24 April 1977. Retired to MASDC on 2 June 1977, it was eventually converted to an A-7P for the Portuguese AF with s/n 5533 (later 15533). It was lost on 25 July 1995 near Baleizao, Portugal due to engine failure. The pilot had a successful ejection.

VMFA-232 was conducting pilot carrier qualification training aboard CV-41 when the slide was taken. This a/c was later converted to a F-4S.

VMFA-232 was conducting pilot carrier qualification aboard CV-41 when this slide was taken. 155783 was later converted to a F-4S, and was eventually retired to AMARC 10 December 1986.

This C-1A was assigned to the USS Ranger. The USS Midway and the Ranger were both operating west of the Philippines in the South China Sea. US Bicentennial markings are on the a/c. This slide was taken from the LSO (Landing Signal Officer) platform on the Midway.

This KA-6D is the high tanker and is holding above the USS Midway (CV-41) awaiting some "customers" who need fuel. I took this slide from a VA-93 A-7A "Corsair II" that was in tanker configuration. There were two tankers airborne overhead the ship for every launch and recovery, normally one KA-6D and one A-7. The KA-6D refueling hose was installed permanently under the rear fuselage as seen in the photo. The A-7 was easily configured into a tanker by temporarily mounting a D-704 air refueling store with hose under the left wing, and two fuel tanks under the right wing.

USS Midway (CV-41) was operating in the South China Sea west of the Philippines when I took this slide.