Coral Sea (CV 43) - Naval Cruise Book

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Nu. J' O'Ma1ley, Park, D.V. Roum, C. Slater, G. Sperlich, .I.L. Thompson, G.D Webb, S.L. Wiggins, fi,

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VA -27 L - ' , , . , ' ' Partington, CO ATTACK SQUADRON TWENTY-SEVEN The earliest maces were hand held weapons designed to pierce heavy armor. Through their use by Royal Bodyguards in the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries, they came to symbolize authority. In the sixteenth century they became symbols of law and order widely used by cities and towns of Western Europe and Great Britain. This design symbolically depicts the power and responsibility that Attack Squadron TWENTY-SEVEN carries in its role as a strike component of the United States Naval Air Force. Royal Mace pilots fly the Vought A-7E Corsair II. This aircraft carries on the fine tradition of its World War II gull-winged predecessor. The A7E is a single seat jet powered by a Rolls RoycefAllison turbofan engine producing 15,000 pounds of thrust. The high thrust and good fuel specifications of this engine give the aircraft a top speed of 600 knots and a maximum unrefueled range of 1500 miles. The A7E has the ability to lift its own weight in a combined load of ordnance and fuel, and deliver it deep into enemy territory. Corsair II's are armed with 20mm Gattling Guns capable of firing 6000 rounds per minute, they also carry Sidewinder air to air missiles. A7E's can carry and deliver, with superior accuracy any of the Navys' many sophisicated weapons, thanks to its Digital Computer and Internal Navigation System. The real backbone of the Royal Macesu is not the aircraft they fly, but the approximately 200 men who support that aircraft. The Mechanics, Electronic Technicians, Metalsmiths, Line Personnel, Electricians, Corrosion Special- ists, and Ordnancemen are the people who actually turn the wrench and load the weapon on the aircraft. They are in turn supported by the Messmen, Storekeepers, Data Processors, Disbursing Clerks, Corpsmen and Adrninistra- tive personnel who feed them, pay them, take care of their physical injuries and tell them where to go next. Withcnut all ofthese men working together the Maces would be unable to keep even a single aircraft in a flying status. The Royal Maces are proud of their fine tradition and outstanding reputation in the fleet. The 150 percent effort shown by all enables them to carry out their mission in an exemplary fashion.

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