TA-4 Skyhawk Aquired By
Collings Foundation
Aircraft Will Be Restored and Will Fly With Others on Vietnam Memorial Flight Program

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The Collings Foundation is proud to announce that it has completed the acceptance of a McDonnell Douglas TA-4J Skyhawk from the US Navy. Known for its widespread use as a Navy and Marine combat jet in Vietnam, the Skyhawk is the fourth Vietnam-era aircraft operated and exhibited by the Collings Foundation in its "Vietnam Memorial Flight."

As a non-profit 501-C3 educational organization, the Collings Foundation plans to operate the TA-4 as a piece of "living history". It will be the only A-4 Skyhawk variant flying at air shows and special events nation-wide. Such a display together with the veterans who flew and supported the aircraft provides for a level of interaction with and an understanding of the airplane and its missions, far surpassing what a statically displayed plane can provide. The mission of preserving living history has been the focal point of the Foundation since its founding in 1979 and it encompasses 21 historically significant aircraft. Included are the F-4 Phantom, UH-1E Huey, B-17 Flying Fortress, B-25 Mitchell, F4U Corsair, A-36 Apache, and the only flying B-24 Liberator in the world.

There are currently more Vietnam Era veterans alive than WWII veterans. The Foundation believes that it is time to say "thank you" to a generation of military personnel who have not been properly honored for the sacrifices they made over thirty years ago. By flying and displaying a TA-4 at special events across the nation, the Foundation will pay tribute to those who served and will educate younger generations about this important part in our American history.

The Collings Foundation began its "Vietnam Memorial Flight" with its F-4D Phantom, a multi-use fighter plane flown by the Navy, Air Force, and Marines in Vietnam. The Collings Foundation is the only civilian organization in the United States authorized to own and fly a Phantom. In addition to the TA-4, the program for 2003 will expand to include its UH-1E Huey helicopter and S2F anti-submarine and patrol aircraft. As Foundation Founder Bob Collings notes, "We are honored and privileged to be able to share our Vietnam Memorial Flight aircraft with the public. The Skyhawk not only had a celebrated career, but a very distinguished group of pilots who flew them, including GM Vice Chairman Bob Lutz, Senator John McCain, Congressman Duke Cunningham, Astronaut Pete Conrad, and many more notable Navy and Marine Aviators. Of course, it goes without saying that any successful operation requires the team work of pilots, ground support, logistics, communication, and many other personnel."

The TA-4 is a dual-control version of the A-4 Skyhawk that was used to train pilots. It also served in combat as a Forward Air Control aircraft with the Marines, directing the fire of other jets in the combat area against enemy targets. The aircraft will be restored to flight-worthy condition over the next few months before it is flown across America and shared with millions.