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| Number 1 is a normal landing for our
aircraft, the McDonnell Douglas Banshee F2H-3. I believe we were
the first squadron (VF 193) in the Pacific fleet to get these
aircraft and reputedly, Alan Shepard, one of the original seven
astronauts, was the Navy's test pilot for the aircraft |
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| Number 2 is the beginning of a very bad
landing. The pilot first was too high and the LSO signaled him
that and he throttled back too much to recover |
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| Number 3 is shortly after impact where you
see only the cockpit came aboard--the rest of the plane was on
our stern gun mounts |
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| Number 4 is a bit later where you see the
fire has surrounded the pilot, but he is clear of the fire |
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| Number 5 shows the rescue crews running to
get him out which they did quite well |
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Number 6 shows the Big O tied up at the dock,
most likely Yokosuka which was our main port in Japan.
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| Pictures number 2, 3, 4, and 5 were not taken
by me but by a member of our squadron who had just loaded him
camera with a new film roll and had a camera which would take a
shot and rewind immediately. He was nice enough to make copies
for all of us who wanted them. |
