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This picture is © Martin Laycock and may not be used or published without permission.

Registration: 150076

Construction Number: 13129

Code Number: 154180 / 1

Model Douglas A-4E Skyhawk

Operator: National Museum of Naval Aviation

Airport: Pensacola NAS (NPA / KNPA), USA - Florida

Photographer: Martin Laycock

Date Taken: 08/1996

Date Submitted: 23/02/2009

A-4E Skyhawk painted in the markings of the Blue Angels Flight Demonstration Squadron hanging in the Flight Leader position of the diamond formation in the Blue Angel Atrium at the National Museum of Naval Aviation in Pensacola, Florida. Accepted by the US Navy on 30 August 1963, this aircraft is the 1,466th production Skyhawk, and first served with Attack Squadron (VA) 43 at Naval Air Station (NAS) Oceana, Virginia. It was the first of many tours with East Coast attack squadrons, its service including stints with VA-72, VA-81, and VA-44 during which she deployed in the carriers Independence (CVA-62), Forrestal (CVA-59), and Shangri-La (CVA-38). In 1967, the demands of the Vietnam War shifted the museum's aircraft to the Western Pacific, a brief stint with VA-195 at NAS Lemoore, California, followed by assignment to VA-94 in December 1967. The following year, she flew combat missions over Vietnam from the deck of Bon Homme Richard (CVA-31), and in 1969 she logged more missions from Oriskany (CVA-34) while serving in VA-195. The aircraft's last combat service was destined to be from land. After joining Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 211 in December 1970, she deployed with the squadron to Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Naha, Okinawa, in 1971, and was soon in country flying missions from Bien Hoa, Republic of Vietnam. The aircraft finished its service with VA-127 at NAS Lemoore and arrived at the museum in 1990. Although she never flew with the team (the Blue Angels never operated the 'E' model Skyhawk), Bu.No. 150076 is painted to represent Bu.No. 154180 which was once flown by the Blues. The 'real' 154180 is an A-4F c/n 13637 and is displayed at the Museum of Flight in Seattle, Washington.

Picture ID:1160339

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