News•Feb 12, 2026
The A-6’s Worst Day of the Vietnam War and the Story of the Two US Navy Intruders Shot Down by...
On August 21, 1967, VA‑196’s A‑6 Intruder squadron suffered its worst day of the Vietnam War when four aircraft attacked the Duc Noi railway yard under heavy clouds and intense SAM/AAA fire. Two planes were hit by surface‑to‑air missiles and three were later shot down by Chinese‑operated J‑6 fighters, a license‑built MiG‑19. Only one A‑6 managed to return to the carrier, while the crews of the downed aircraft were captured, with one survivor, Bob Flynn, spending five‑and‑a‑half years in Chinese prison. The incident was the only case of A‑6 losses to enemy aircraft and spurred a change allowing naval flight officers to command squadrons.
By The Aviation Geek Club
News•Feb 11, 2026
V-22 Readiness Rates Decline as Mishaps Increase, Osprey Congressional Hearing Reveals
Congressional hearings on Feb. 9, 2026 highlighted a steep decline in V‑22 Osprey readiness, with mission‑capable rates hovering between 40 % and 50 % across the Marine, Navy and Air Force fleets. Accident rates have surged to nearly 90 % above historical averages, resulting in...
By The Aviation Geek Club