Midway (CVA 41) - Naval Cruise Book

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VAW-1 1 DETACHMENT

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MIDWAY, this is controller one. Rendezvoused with two, proceeding to station, one eight zero, sixty, over. And there goes the Guppy , heading out from Midway on an airborne air control mission, vectoring Midway ' s fast jets about at altitudes where the only indication of their presence is a faint contrail or the flash of a swept wing. But down below, a not so fast , but equally effective in it ' s own special sphere, AD5W and it ' s crew will be directing those jets, now tiny blips on a radarscope, through weaving patterns that could mean the splashing of an enemy rat or boxcar by MIDWAY ' S Combat Air Patrol. Carrier Airborne Early Squadron Eleven ' s Detachment ALFA, commanded by Lt. Tommy Tompkins, operates on and off Midway in their not so sleek AD5W ' s. But that bulge in the Gup ' s belly is hardly an indication of laziness or easy living. For packed in the innards of the 5 Whiskey , is a powerful radar and capable crew of pilot, radar controller and technician, who, with this unique aircraft and electronic equipment, can extend the effectiveness of the ship ' s Combat Information Center far beyond the horizon. Our planes are compact, self-sufficient CIC ' s capable of guiding Midway ' s strikes and sweeps to the target and out again through any weather. Not only can we provide accurate headings to far-off targets, enabling planes to carry more bombs and rockets and less fuel, but also give that essential and always reassuring, steer to home , that often makes the difference. Pilots and controllers Ltjg George Adams Lt Tommy Tompkins Ltjg Bill Sheehan Ltjg Bill Kitz Ltjg Phil Chappel Ltjg Bob Whittaker Ltjg John Albertson Ltjg John Tunnel