A U.S. Air Force A-1 Skyraider, nicknamed 'Sandy' or 'Spad' by its crews, sits ready on a Search and Rescue alert ramp during the Vietnam War. Distinguished by its hand-painted shark-mouth nose art, the rugged, propeller-driven Skyraider provided close air support and covered downed-pilot rescue missions with its heavy ordnance load and long loiter time. The yellow 'SAR Alert' sign marks the aircraft's readiness for immediate rescue escort duty. Project: 218950