VFC-12 Adversary A-4's

[@MeganMeola]

I met Dale when we flew together at Eastern. Love at first sight. I have 2 of his pictures in my house . One in the cockpit of the L-1011 and one in his A-4 on the ramp at Oceana. I release blue, grey and white balloons every February 15. Thank you for your special words. There was only One “ Veez!”

[@ragingpotato]

My late father was with VC-12 from 1984 until he retired in 1989. AEC Jim West. Thank you for this. It brings back amazing memories of my old man.

[@thezipmartin]

Sorry to hear of your loss. Chief West was like most all of the personnel at VC-12 when I was there - a good man. Enjoyed many great times with everyone there.

[@randyharper2124]

I served in VC-12 from 84-88 as an AE2. Started on the line and then went to the AE shop to serve under Chief West. He was a good man and i am sorry to hear he has passed.

[@ragingpotato]

@@randyharper2124 thanks so much for joining the conversation. Some of my best memories were the days my dad would bring me to the squadron with him, because he knew I loved it as much as he did. I recently joined NAVSEA as an analyst but if I ever got a chance to move to NAVAIR I know he would be super excited haha

[@MeganMeola]

@@randyharper2124Did you ever fly with Cmdr. Dale Vezey?

[@gunhog11]

Great video! I currently work with Gollhofer; who coincidentally was forced to bail out of TA-4J 155077 / JY17 on 25 August 1986 during ACM maneuvering. Great guy, and from what it appears here in this video as well as the great things he has had to say, this was a great unit to have been part of. A Bravo Zulu to the Omars.

[@thezipmartin]

I remember well, the day "Crush" jumped out. I seem to remember it being a PMCF flight where the flight controls were checked by disconnecting the hydraulic system. The ailerons were mis-rigged, resulting in an uncontrollable situation. Our maintenance and preflight procedures were forever changed by this unfortunate incident. Tell "Crush" that Zip says hello. We lived only about 2 blocks from each other when we served together.

[@gunhog11]

@@thezipmartin Will do! After VC-12, Crush went back to Miramar in the reserve VF-302 in the F-4S Phantom, before transferring to VF-301 and back to the Tomcat, while also flying for Alaska. Retired from there and is a check pilot in 737s for a flight operation in Arizona.

[@MeganMeola]

“Heater” Heatley really helped me understand how fast it can happen in that one second a mistake happens. He helped me heal! And of course watching Topgun all the time! The “Goose” scene kills me everytime! Thank you so much for sharing this! I really do watch it everyday. The music is the best and thinking all that beauty and wonder up in the clouds Dale got to enjoy while he was performing at his best!🛫🙏🏼😇

[@MeganMeola]

Love this video! RIP Commander Dale Vezey. We miss you every day!!!

[@allgood6760]

Awesome... our RNZAF operated Skyhawks.. thanks from NZ 👍🇳🇿✈️

[@LunchboxD3]

Thank you for the Memories. I was in 12 from 92-96 then again from 05 to now. I got just 1 1/2 years with the scooters and I remember those days as the most fun of my career

[@MrDennislatimer]

Thanks for posting. Served with VC 12 from 1979 to 1984. Brings back good memories.

[@MeganMeola]

If you were at Oceana during that time did you know Dale Vezey?

[@williamc5725]

Fantastic video. I was in VC/VFC-12 from '85 to '88 as a Plane Capt. and a AT. Those scenes of the flightline sure do bring back alot of fond memories esp. since I can recognise a few of those guys, Thanks alot

[@williampeden662]

zip, it was an honor & privilege to serve with you...thanks for loading video, brought back many great memories .. Never forget Wally Baker, Schlaef, Golhofer, and all the great Omars past and present.... lowest point in squadron during my tour was of couse when we lost Veezey in the mid-air colision.. retired in 2012 as a Senior Chief, carry with me great memories.. A4's FOREVER!

[@MeganMeola]

I added a reply! Thank you for your kind words about Commander Vezey! Love of my life! Will never forget February 15,1990!

[@orddy2001]

Great videos. Wish I knew when this was filmed. I served in this squadron from 1989-1993 as an AO2 and AO1. I had left right before we went to F-18's. Also brings back great memories with the ROAD GANG, Key West, Cecil Field, and Orange Air exercise in Puerto Rico. We had TA-4J's, A-4F's. Worked in W/C 230. This was one great plane as the "BAD GUY". GO NAVY!!!!!!!!!!!!!! "Fred" as in Fred Flintstone as one of my nicknames.

[@bobsemple4101]

orddy2001 did you work with a commander with the call sign of Sluggo during your time with VFC-12

[@thezipmartin]

Sorry this reply is so late. Kind of forgot that I'd posted this til recently. We served together during this time frame and most likely were on many dets together. I was the Maint Officer for awhile and rotated out of the squadron to continue flying A-4's in '92 at NAS Dallas.

[@thezipmartin]

@@bobsemple4101 Sluggo was at VFC-12 the second time I served there.

[@bobsemple4101]

@@thezipmartin Sorry for the late response, but Sluggo is my father. (This youtube uses a spam name so I do not get random emails.)

[@beaver_creek_outdoors2010]

Now I'm curious.. We worked together ( AO ) so you would have to be Scott or Frank ...

[@MeganMeola]

I watch this everyday believing one of the three pilots could be my precious Dale Vezey! Love of my life. February 15 is a day etched in my heart forever! We miss you Commander Vezey. The ironic part is this video begins where Dale was based and ends at Cecil where he lost his life. RIP my sweet boy!

[@thezipmartin]

"Veez" could very well be flying in some of these clips. These were random shots compiled over a couple of years. I also remember that day that Dale lost his life. I wasn't at Cecil but was at Oceana when we got the call that we'd lost a plane and pilot. It was heart-wrenching. The memorial service a few days later at the NAS Oceana base chapel followed by the missing man formation flyover brought tears to many eyes. RIP CDR Dale "Veez" Vezey

[@MeganMeola]

@@thezipmartin I commented up above. Only One “ Veez!” Both his parents have passed so they are all together up there. When a plane flies over my house I know it’s Dale!

[@MeganMeola]

@@thezipmartinI’m watching your video again Labor Day weekend 2024 thinking of Dale Vezey, and what a loss to so so many people. Thanks again for posting this. I sent it to Dales brother in Alaska. They still look at his Top Gun patch. RIP my sweet boy! I had a dream last night and his best friend bringing him back from Jax to Atl to Athens, Ga. Dale was alive in it. Wish I could have more dreams like last night. Thanks again so very much! Megan Meola

[@GJones462-2W1]

Just hearing that solo Trumpet gives me chills. Great vid. Good stuff.

[@thezipmartin]

Good to hear from you Schlaef! Yes, we were VERY fortunate.

[@res05aum]

Flew A4s from 1997 to '71. Can still hear the engine, smell the jp and feel the Gs. The best attack aircraft ever.

[@ghostnoteus]

Great video and music too! Thanks for posting. Ever since I was a kid, I always dreamed of flying one of these. Not really sure why I like this jet so much :) but I remember my dad taking me to the air shows at Moffett Field when they were with the Blue Angels. They retired them before I had the chance. Fortunately, I serve my country flying Army helicopters and that is a privilege itself.

[@MeganMeola]

My husband served his country flying on black hawks. He ended up in the Airborne division at Ft. Campbell.You are correct! That is a privledge in itself! Thank you for your service and your comments.

[@kurtadams7398]

Fantastic post-great flight shots!! Never was a big fan of the TAs. Would love to see aerial action of an A4M and some buddy refueling. What a fantastic jet. Those pilots are true heroes.

[@stevenreinert7701]

Love the sound of the A4's. We had 10 of them in Detroit

[@tallenquinn]

Thank you sir! Good times on the road.

[@smammana]

OMG, I was there in the command during this in Key West.

[@scottkinney3419]

a-team rules!w/c-120.love the vidieo.remember all those detachments well.amh2-tyrone scott kinney.good times for sure.duvall crawl!lol

[@beaver_creek_outdoors2010]

CDR Martin i hope you still have your gorilla mask 😂.. Keep it classy CDR ! ! Omars ! !