A real "E" ticket ride!

Short story, while assigned to Sheppard AFB, Wichita Falls, Texas, in 1964,I was despatched to retrieve a Marine Colonel to be picked up from town and brought to Base OPS. Helmet with Conferate Flag, revolver strapped to chest and looked like a real hardcase. He filed his flight information and asked for clearance for max climb. NCOIC declined and the Colonel walked out. He taxied and disappeared down out of sight. Sheppard has 5000+ foot runways for B-52D's, SAC wing. I sat there for a while and finally the Crusader showed up barreling down the runway, boom, straight up just as he wanted. Beware of the blast. He was a "Gunfighter".
Wayne

I really disliked the A7 when working the flight deck. The durn things were either trying to suck you into the intake or blow you over the side.

Bob --- were you a "Shooter"?

Bob, I blieve that the Air Force got their A-7's when the navy got theirs. Surely not before the crusader. I saw my first Crusader in early 63. I think A-7 were late 60's to replace the Spads. What do you think Paul?
Wayne

Bob, I blieve that the Air Force got their A-7's when the navy got theirs. Surely not before the crusader. I saw my first Crusader in early 63. I think A-7 were late 60's to replace the Spads. What do you think Paul?
Wayne

For the record:

I have reference material that shows the following:

Vought F-8 Crusader:  1st flight on 25 March, 1955, first delivered to the Navy in March, 1957

Vought A-7 Corsair II:  1st flight on 27 September 1965, first delivery to the Navy in October 1966.  First delivery to the Air Force in September 1970.

Keith