VA 163 1965 - 1967

[feddoc]

I found this on another site and thought one of you more experienced lads would be able to provide some insight.

Thanks

Trying to locate: John Fleetwood Vickers
Branch of Service: Navy
Unit was: Attack Squadron 163
Where served: Vietnam
When served: 3/5/1965-1/5/1967
Message is: My father John Vickers dies back in 2011 and I'm trying to track down a picture or many if I can find them of him in uniform. His basic training service picture would be ideal. 612-366-0460
Please contact: Jason Lee
Mailing address: 10503 Pierce St NE
City, State, Zip: Blaine, MN 55434
Or send email to Jason Lee using this automatic email form.
Posted: 01/23/2014

 

[ea6bflyr]

Acoording the the VA-163 wiki, the squadron served with CVW-16 aboard the Oriskany from 1962-1968. There are several cruisebooks online with lots of pictures. Specifically, 1965, 1966, and 1967-1968. I'm certain his father would be in one of those cruisebook photos.

Additionally, Mr. Lee might want to get in contact with some of his squadronmates via the VA-163 Saints website. I'm certain some of his former squadronmates might have pictures of his dad.

 

[BusyBee604]

Additionally, Mr. Lee might want to get in contact with some of his squadronmates via the VA-163 Saints website. I'm certain some of his former squadronmates might have pictures of his dad.

I knew several of the VA-163 Saints Pilots of that timeframe, but unfortunately, the ones I knew have passed on since Vietnam. One in an auto accident, one of illness, and another in an A-7 carrier accident (LCDR C. Vance Schufeldt) in the Med.

The Saints were very unlucky during Vietnam, lost more aircraft/Pilots by far, than any other Skyhawk squadron. I guess John Vickers was one of the lucky Saints that survived the war. I'm still doing some research to see if I can find a Saint Squadronmate from that era.

*BTW, I believe that was John McCain's Squadron when he was shot down. Perhaps his Son might try to write or e-mail the Senator and ask him?
BzB

 

[ea6bflyr]

BzB, since his father only served three-ish years, I'm assuming his father was an enlisted guy. BTW, I looked through all the photos on the cruise book site and did not see anyone identified by that name.

 

[jmcquate]

I think McCain was a Klansmen (I could be wrong). can't hurt to reach out to his office - (202) 224-2235.

 

[Renegade One]

I think McCain was a Klansmen (I could be wrong). can't hurt to reach out to his office - (202) 224-2235.

VA-163 Saints.

LCDR John Sidney McCain
26. Oct.
1967
A-4E 149959 (VA
163) struck by AAA

 

[BusyBee604]

I think McCain was a Klansmen (I could be wrong). can't hurt to reach out to his office - (202) 224-2235.

No, you're right. John McCain was a VA-46 'Clansmen' until the diastrous fire on FORRESTAL on 29 July 1967. As the stricken ship limped back for repairs McCain, with his logbook having only a few "green ink" flights recorded, requested transfer to another A-4 Squadron. He immediately was sent to the VA-163 Saints on ORISKANY, and was shot down almost 3 months after the fire.

Senator McCain has taken plenty of heat as a politician, but no one (other than a political opponent) could rightfully criticize his courage as a warrior, and conduct as a POW.
BzB

 

[brownshoe]

No, you're right. John McCain was a VA-46 'Clansmen' until the diastrous fire on FORRESTAL on 29 July 1967. As the stricken ship limped back for repairs McCain, with his logbook having only a few "green ink" flights recorded, requested transfer to another A-4 Squadron. He immediately was sent to the VA-163 Saints on ORISKANY, and was shot down almost 3 months after the fire.

Senator McCain has taken plenty of heat as a politician, but no one (other than a political opponent) could rightfully criticize his courage as a warrior, and conduct as a POW.
BzB

No shit!