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A-4's Fly Coast To Coast 1959!

Waring Hills Jan 24, 2011

A-4 Skyhawk refueling from an Air Force KC-10.

On 24 January 1959, two A-4D Skyhawks flew from El Toro, California, to Cherry Point, North Carolina (2,082 miles)  in 4 hours and 25 minutes. The pilots of the two jets were Marine Corps naval aviators Major J. P. Flynn and Captain C. D. Warfield of the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW). In order to achieve this feat, both aircraft were equipped with refueling probes and additional fuel tanks hanging from both wings.

With the advent of jet aircraft and nuclear weapons, inflight refueling became an important tactical and strategic tool to develop. It was a showstopper in the nuclear deterrent world with the United States Air Force maintaining airborne bomber forces 24 hours aday. Inflight refueling would also serve as a force multiplier for the armed forces of the United States during the Vietnam War and as a support for our allies and friends as seen in the resupply of Israel during the Yom Kippur war.

What is it like to refuel an aircraft using the Navy method of probe and basket? We’ll let the Blue Angels show us how it is done, watch the YouTube video below!

Two Skyhawks refuel from a Navy KA-3 "Whale" refueling aircraft.

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One thought on “A-4's Fly Coast To Coast 1959!

  1. john c ermatinger says:

    Hi All

    My father flew with these men in VMA-225. He was killed on a med cruise in Nov. 1959, while serving on the USS Essex.
    Any family members of Mjr Flynn & cpt Warfield out there ?
    Or any other members of my dads squad or family?
    My family has finally been granted the right to have a headstone in Arlington nat. Cem 56 years after Cpt Paul Joseph Ermatinger lost his life at sea for his country doing what he loved most in life—- FLYING a war bird

    Thanks for the photo of the refueling flight !

    John Campbell Ermatinger

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