The Don Englebreston Collection

Republic of Vietnam Air Force Douglas A-1 Skyraider Taxiing, Vietnam, Early 1969

Republic of Vietnam Air Force Douglas A-1 Skyraider Taxiing, Vietnam, Early 1969

Vietnam, early 1969. A Douglas A-1 Skyraider in Republic of Vietnam Air Force markings taxis out for a mission, propeller turning and ordnance hung beneath its wings, with the coastal mountains of Vietnam on the horizon. The VNAF flew the Skyraider in greater numbers than any other operator in the war, using its long endurance and heavy load to support ground troops across South Vietnam. American Skyraider crews of the 1st, 6th, and 602nd Special Operations Squadrons flew the same aircraft type in the strike and combat search-and-rescue roles, and the two air forces' Spads frequently shared the same ramps. From the Donald L. Engebretsen collection. Project: 219913