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VMAT-102 Skyhawks

VMAT-102 Skyhawks



Courtesy of Jimmy R. Little
Courtesy of Fred Lewis
Courtesy of Fred Lewis


Courtesy Gary Verver

Patch
  • No additional information

Handle
  • Sierra Charlie

Heritage
  • Late 60's: merging of VMT-102, and VMA-103.

Home Ports
  • 1970's: MCAS Yuma, Arizona

Air Wings
  • 1970's: - - SC - - MAG 10

Deployments
  • No data to date

Aircraft
Commanding Officers
  • 1982: - - Lt.Col. Thomas Bowditch
  • 19??: - - Lt.Col. R.T. Edwards

Events
  • Yuma Arizona was the first base I was stationed at after finishing my "A" school in Lakehurst N.J. My MOS was 6064 "Flight Equipment Marine", responsible for the Parachutes, and other Survival Equipment installed on the aircraft. In March of 1977 I reported into Headquarters and was asked if I had a preference in Squadrons. MCAS Yuma, you see, was a multi unit base. It had the F-4J's of VMFAT-101, the AV8-A Harrier's of VMA-513, and the A-4M and TA-4J's of VMAT-102. I liked the sound of "Ground Attack" so I selected the A4 unit, and was never sorry I did.
    VMAT-102 was formed from a merging of two previous Marine Squadrons in the late 60's, VMT-102, and VMA-103.
    The unit's primary function is to take the varnish off of the newly won pilots wings of 2nd Lieutenants. These officers have just completed their primary pilot qualifictions, and their single engine jet qualifications. It is here that they come to Yuma, having been selected to learn the close air support role the Marine Corps require in the Fleet Marine Force. And VMAT-102 is the unit that teaches them to do it in the Venerable A-4 Skyhawk.
    The Squadron's name comes from the aircraft, as it is known as "The Skyhawks".
    The call sign of '102' is it's tail markings "SC" or Sierra Charlie."

  • April 23, 1969:
    Lt. Graham E. Tharp, a student pilot, was killed when his A-4C BuNo 148474 crashed 7 miles NW of Blythe, CA
    Phoenix, AZ The Arizona Republic article

  • June 22, 1979:
    Only minor crew injuries were sustained when A-4M BuNo 159787, flown by Capt. Kevin Leffler, collided in flight with A-4M BuNo 158412, flown by Capt. William Bain, over the Utah Test Range north of Dugway during maneuvers over the Great Salt Lake Desert.
    US Armed Forces European Stars and Stripes, Sunday, June 24, 1979.

  • June 18, 1982:
    Capt. Brian S. Dinwiddie ejected safely shortly before his A-4M BuNo 158189 crashed 5 miles east of Fort Apache, AZ.
    Monessen, PA The Valley Independent article

Awards
  • No info yet


Photographs


31 JUL 1971 Skyhawks Skyhawk BuNo 150039, SC-23, parked on the ramp.
J.G. Handelman

JAN 1972 Skyhawks Skyhawk BuNo 149979, SC-7, parked on the ramp.
Nick Williams

1972:
left side in flight view of VMAT-102 Skyhawks A-4M Skyhawk BuNo 159789, SC-5, seconds from touchdown.
photographer unknown.

1973 Skyhawks Skyhawk BuNo 153510, SC-00, assigned to COL Hal V. Vincent, CO MCCRTG-10, parked on the flightline.
Unknown via W. Mutza

1976 VMAT-102 Skyhawk BuNo 159488, SC-1, in flight with underwing drop tanks and a centerline MBER with Snakeyes.
Photo by Harry Gann.

1976 VMAT-102 (Skyhawks) Skyhawk BuNo 159488, SC-1, and Skyhawk BuNo 159789, SC-15.
Harry Gann.

1976 VMAT-102 (Skyhawks) Skyhawk BuNo 159789, SC-15.
Harry Gann.

Circa 1976: VMAT-102 BuNo 159491 SC-2 A-4M.
Photo by Steve Kurt.

AUG 1976:
VMAT-102 TA-4F BuNo 154306, SC-16, August 1976.
Photo byD. Slowiak, from Gary Verver.

23 Oct 1976 BuNo 159491, SC-2, parked.
Gary Verver Collection

1977: MAG-10 formation of VMAT-102 A-4M 159491, SC-2, VMAT-102 TA-4F BuNo 153510, SC-25, VMFAT-101 F-4B Phantom BuNo 152288, tail code SH and an unknown VMA-513 AV-8 Harrier.
Harry S. Gann photograph.

1977 BuNo 159491, SC-2, dropping two napalm canisters over a mountain area near MCAS New River, NC.
U.S. Navy Photo.

AUG 1977: Three A-4Ms in formation. BuNo 159786 SC-13, SC-4, and BuNo 150026 SC-11.
Photographer unknown.

Nov 1977 BuNo 159492, SC-3, parked on the ramp.
A. Swanberg, G. Verver collection.

Nov 1977 BuNo 160026, SC-11, parked on the ramp with a centerline tank.
Gary Verver Collection

11 JUN 1977:
VMAT-102 Skyhawks A-4M Skyhawk BuNo 159493, SC-4, on the ramp at McGuire AFB. Name below the canopy is MAJ Ron Hellbusch and the pc is SGT Boemker.
Photo by D. Sperring.

10 APR 1978:
VMAT-102 Skyhawks A-4M Skyhawk BuNo 159786, SC-13, location unknown by. At left is SC-5 which could be BuNo 159789.
Photo by J. R. Owen.

09 NOV 1978:
VMAT-102 Skyhawks A-4M Skyhawk BuNo 159788, SC-12, on the ramp with the hook & flaps down, location unknown.
Photographer unknown.

09 NOV 1978:
VMAT-102 Skyhawks A-4M Skyhawk BuNo 160026, SC-11, on the ramp, location unknown. Name below the canopy is CAPT A.J. Rauchle and the p/c is SGT Corona.
photographer unknown.

1978 inflight view of Avengers Skyhawk BuNo 158418, CF-14, VMAT-102 Skyhawks BuNo 159786, SC-13, VMA-223 Bulldogs BuNo 159486, WP-16 & VMA(AW)-242 Bats Intruder BuNo 152953, DT-14.
Harry Gann

10 APR 1978:
VMAT-102 Skyhawks TA-4F Skyhawk BuNo 154306, SC-22, being refueled, location unknown.
Photo by J. B. Owen.

APR 1978 VMAT-102 SC-25 TA-4F, BuNo 153510.
Photo by Steve Kurt.

Nov 1978 BuNo 159782, SC-10, parked on the ramp with a centerline tank.
Gary Verver Collection

Nov 1978 BuNo 154306, SC-22, parked on the ramp.
Gary Verver Collection

09 Nov 1978 BuNo 159781, SC-15, parked on the flight line.
Gary Verver Collection

09 Nov 1978 BuNo 160024, SC-7, parked on the ramp.
Gary Verver Collection

Dec 1978 BuNo 158196, SC-16, parked on the flight line with a pair of underwing fuel tanks.
Gary Verver Collection

Dec 1978 BuNo 153510, SC-25, parked on the ramp.
Gary Verver Collection

23 JUN 1978:
VMAT-102 TA-4F BuNo 153529, SC-27, 23 JUN 1978 at Kirtland AFB.
J. Sheets, Gary Verver Collection.

JAN 1979:
VMAT-102 TA-4F BuNo 153531, SC-26, JAN 1979.
B. Curry photo, Gary Verver Collection.

31 MAR 1979:
VMAT-102 A-4M BuNo 159787, SC-14, 31 MAR 1979.
Photo by Bill Curry from Verver collection.

12 JUL 1979:
VMAT-102 TA-4F BuNo 154307, SC-30, 12 JUL 1979.
Photo from R.R. Leader, Verver Collection.

VMAT-102 Barracks 1979. Photo by Steve Kurt.

VMAT-102 Hanger 1979.
Photo by Steve Kurt.

VMAT-102 Hanger, 1979
Photo by Steve Kurt.

02 Oct 1979 BuNo 159487, SC-2, parked on the Fallon flight line.
Gary Verver Collection

VMAT-102 Skyhawks in the Hanger, 1979
Photo by Steve Kurt.

Lt. Kennedy in the Ready Room - 1979.
Photo by Steve Kurt.

Lt. Kennedy starting pre-flight.
Photo by Steve Kurt.

Lt. Kennedy continues pre-flight.
Photo by Steve Kurt.

Intake check
Photo by Steve Kurt.

In the Drivers Seat.
Photo by Steve Kurt.

BuNo.158196, A-4M, VMAT-102 SC-16
Photo by Steve Kurt.

VMAT-102 SC03 A-4M.
Photo by Steve Kurt.

VMAT-102 A-4M taxing.
Photo by Steve Kurt.

Two VMAT-102 A-4M taxing.
Photo by Steve Kurt.

VMAT-102 A-4M at the end of the runway.
Photo by Steve Kurt.

TA-4F gets a final check before taxing.
Photo by Steve Kurt.

15 MAR 1980:
Pic1
Pic2
Pic3
BuNo 154331 on the ramp at Andrews AFB.
Stephen Miller

JUN 1980:
VMAT-102 Skyhawks TA-4F Skyhawk BuNo 154622, SC-32, parked on the ramp, location unknown.
photographer unknown.

Jun 1980 BuNo 154622, SC-32, parked on the ramp.
Gary Verver Collection

Aug 1980 BuNo 159783, SC-24, parked on the ramp with a centerline tank.
Gary Verver Collection

1980s BuNo 158187, SC-25, as it is being serviced by the ground crew.
Gary Verver Collection

Aug 1980 BuNo 160024, SC-7, parked on the ramp with a centerline tank.
Gary Verver Collection

Dec 1980 BuNo 159789, SC-5, parked on the flight line.
Gary Verver Collection

A-4M Skyhawk BuNo. 159786 SC-13 - 1981
Early in the spring of 1981, Steve Kurt got a ride in the back seat of a VMAT-102 TA-4J Skyhawk, to chase a student flying an A-4M familiarization flight. Fortunately Steve brought along his Canon AT-1 camera with 50mm lens and using Ektachrome 200 film. The following is a photo study of 159786 during that flight from MCAS Yuma. This picture shows the port side of 159786 in level flight.
A-4M Skyhawk BuNo. 159786 flying near the Colorado River which is seen in the background as 159786 displays its starboard aft quarter.
A-4M Skyhawk BuNo. 159786 is tucked into close parade formation off the port wing. The name Fred Madenwald, is painted under 159786's cockpit. Later, Fred was the Chief Test Pilot for the F/A-18 E/F Hornet and was seen on a PBS television program about the Hornet.
A-4M Skyhawk BuNo. 159786 is near Blyth, California at sunset.
Photographs from and by Steve Kurt.

A-4M Skyhawks of Marine training squadron VMAT-102, enjoying the air and asking the question - "Which A-4M Skyhawk is flying upside-down?"
Photograph by Harry Gann.
Photograph scan by Fred Lewis

A-4M Skyhawk of Marine training squadron VMAT-102, dropping two cannisters of napalm on the range near MCAS Yuma.
Photograph by Harry Gann.
Photograph scan by Fred Lewis

A-4M Skyhawk of Marine training squadron VMAT-102, firing a Zuni air to ground missile near MCAS Yuma at sunset.
Closeup.
Photograph by Harry Gann.
Photograph scan by Fred Lewis

1981 Skyhawks Skyhawk BuNo 160025, SC-00, parked on the ramp next to VT-10 T-2C Buckeye BuNo 158310.
Rob Mignard

02 APR 1982 two A-4 Skyhawk aircraft from Marine Attack Training Squadron 102 (VMAT-102) take off simultaneously during a training exercise.
Sgt Bob Cordes

Jun 1983 BuNo 158187, SC-25, as it taxis by the photographer.
Photo by Joe Cupido

MAR 1984 TA-4F BuNo 53459 with a center line drop tank. Photo taken by John Freeman at MCAS Yuma.

Feb 1984 BuNo 158166, SC-2, parked on the ramp in a ghost gray paint scheme.
Photo by Doug Remington. G. Verver collection.

25 July 1987 BuNo 159478, SC-00, parked on the ramp.
Photo by D.S. McGarry, G. Verver collection

1987 Skyhawks Skyhawk BuNo 158419 SC-07, parked on the line.
Jeff Cultice

1987 Skyhawks Skyhawk BuNo 153459, SC-35, parked on the flightline. P/c is LCpl Dickson.
Jeff Cultice

A-4M Skyhawks of VMAT 102 has flown off into the sunset but our lady is not forgotten.
Photograph by Harry Gann.
Photograph scan by Fred Lewis

BuNo 153483, SC-24, on the ramp.
Gary Verver Collection

A-4M Skyhawk, SC-4, of Marine training squadron VMAT-102, firing Zuni air to ground rockets near MCAS Yuma.
Photograph by Bruce Trombecky.
Photograph scan by Fred Lewis

12 MAR 1983:
VMAT-102 A-4M BuNo 159783 (at right) 12 MAR 1983.
Photo by D. Slowiak from Verver collection.

14 MAR 1983:
VMAT-102 A-4M BuNo 158169, SC-16, 12 MAR 1983.
Photo by D. Slowiak from Verver collection.

23 FEB 1984:
left side view VMAT-102 Skyhawks TA-4F Skyhawk BuNo 152877 , SC-33, parked on the ramp at McChord AFB, WA.
Photo by D. Remington.

27 JUL 1985:
VMAT-102 A-4M BuNo 158427, SC-04, 27 July 1985 at McChord AFB. A-4M behind it is VMAT-102 BuNo 158419, SC-07.
Photo by D. Remington.

15 AUG 1987:
VMAT-102 A-4M BuNo 159478, SC-00, at Peterson AFB.
Photographer unknown from Verver collection.

Date unknown:
VMAT-102
Wind-up Key.
INbound.
Flight Gear.
20 Mar 2008: From former VMAT102 personnel; "first time the squadron was allowed to det to NAS Fallen Nv. This is the rear det. I can't remember all the names, but I am the guy up on the forward wing just behind the intake. The picture with the group of Marines, is the metal shop crew with Gysgt Sheeran. The windup key on top was a joke we used to tell newbees that they needed to start the sircraft. PFC Thurman was getting the aircraft ready. I was one of the lucky few to have skins and able to fly. I also had a turnup license, which made my time that much more memerable."

VMAT-311 WL-00, BuNo 160031, over Death Valley.
Photos Willam H. "Blacky" Blackburn

VMA-311 BuNo 160040, WL-17, over the NorthWest U.S.
Photos Willam H. "Blacky" Blackburn

Air to Air of CS-24, BuNo 159723 of VMAT-102.
Pic 1
Pic 2
Photos Willam H. "Blacky" Blackburn

VMAT-102 158182
VMAT-102 158187
VMAT-102 158187
VMAT-102 158187
VMAT-102 158187
VMAT-102 158187
Photos Willam H. "Blacky" Blackburn

Air to Air of VMAT-102 CS-12, BuNo 158423.
Pic 1
Pic 2
Photos Willam H. "Blacky" Blackburn

Date unknown: VMAT-102 A-4M nose section.
From Gary Verver.


Sources
  • Robert Siddall
  • Steve Kurt
  • Harry S. Gann
  • Steve Kurt
  • Fred Lewis
  • Jimmy R. Little
  • Bruce Trombecky
  • John Gabbard


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