This camouflaged A-1 Skyraider, its nose painted with a fierce shark-mouth design, sat on Search-and-Rescue alert status, ready to launch as a 'Sandy' escort for combat rescue missions over Southeast Asia. Ground crew maintenance and quick-turn support equipment visible here reflect the constant readiness demanded of Air Commando Skyraider squadrons, who flew some of the most dangerous missions of the Vietnam War protecting downed aircrew. Project: 218963