Another shot from my Dad’s collection taken in the mid 1960s while deployed with Attack Squadron 56 off Vietnam.
VA-56’s nickname was the Champions, and the call sign was Champ. This jet, Champ 416, has the name of LTJG Jim Maslowski assigned to it. Maslowski later went on to be a Blue Angel from 69-72 and rose to the rank of Rear Admiral. He deployed for 3 additional Vietnam cruises with VA-113 on board ENTERPRISE and RANGER and spent his XO/CO tour with VA-94, the Mighty Shrikes, flying the A-7 Corsair in 1980-82. He was the commanding officer of the carrier KITTY HAWK (CV-63) from 91-93 and retired on 1 January 2001 after a stellar career. Well done, RADM Maslowski!
Former U.S. Naval Flight Officer, now retired from Gub’mint work living the life in the mountains of western North Carolina. Had my fill of watching the sausage made in DC in 2018.