A Douglas A-1 Skyraider, nicknamed the 'Spad' by its crews, sits on the flight line at dusk with its distinctive shark-mouth nose art visible in the fading light. Rugged and heavily armed, the A-1 remained in frontline U.S. service in Vietnam years after the rest of the Air Force had transitioned to jets, prized for its long loiter time and survivability while escorting search-and-rescue helicopters. Project: 218905