A-4B fuel tank emblem

[JMSmith]

hi learned gentlemen, could anyone shed some light on this fuel tank emblem worn on VA-81 A-4B aboard USS ESSEX det 45  1961, i can find no reason for it , it looks like a Knights helmet

 

 

[Giorgio N]

Original name for VA-81 was Crusaders and the insignia had a knight riding a black puma. Maybe the markings on the tank reflect their original name ? All aircrafts of the unit seem to have worn the same markings on the tank during their time of USS Essex

[JMSmith]

yes that would explain the emblem, only on ESSEX can they be seen, all other images show them without, also the Forrestal cruise they had the front section of the rudder painted white, so it's all good fun, i should just say part of the time

Edited October 24, 2017 by JMSmith

[Tailspin Turtle]

Note the Sidewinder rails. At the time Essex was a CVS and this det was aboard as an organic air-defense capability.

[JMSmith]

and here is the first one, tank emblem omitted until i get better info, i don't like guesswork. modified Bobtail centerline tank and sidewinder fitted

 

 

Edited October 25, 2017 by JMSmith

[JMSmith]

another thing of interest, most images of VA-81 A-4B show wing cannon's removed

 

[Finn]

Here is 4927 without the emblem on the tank:

 

 

Jari

[JMSmith]

found a better image so here she is with the emblem

 

 

[Giorgio N]

10 hours ago, Tailspin Turtle said:

Note the Sidewinder rails. At the time Essex was a CVS and this det was aboard as an organic air-defense capability.

 

This also made me think of a possible emblem related to either the role or the carrier, as this emblem only seems to appear in pictures taken on Essex.

I've not found any clear evidence of emblems being used on CVS air defence dets though and I have no idea if there's any particular emblem linked to USS Essex