​​​FLIGHTGEAR.CH

 

APH-5  VA-212

 

Attack Squadron Two Hundred Twelve ”Rampant Raiders” was established in April 1955 at NAS Moffet Field.

​

First flying Vought F7U Cutlass, Grumman F9F Cougar and later N.A FJ-4 Fury, in 1961 the squadron was re-equiped with the Douglas A-4B Skyhawk and stationed at NAS Leemore.

 

This factory-painted gold APH-5 helmet was used by CDR N.J. GAMBRILL as Commanding Officer of the Rampant Raiders from June 1962 to June 1963. It has been updated with the interim HARDMAN mask receivers and with a visor rotating knob instead of the original spring activated button.

 

The A13A oxygen mask is fitted with a FIREWELL F-1732 regulator. The early version MA-2 Torso Harness and mask bag are also named to CDR GAMBRILL.

​

While under CDR GAMBRILL command, VA-212 was embarked aboard CVA-19 USS HANCOCK for a WESTPAC cruise that took the ship off the coast of Vietnam due to the instable military situation in this country.

​

From May 16 until May 20, 1962 the Rampant Raiders along with other CVG-21 units from USS HANCOCK were to cover USMC Advisory activities organized in Thailand and Laos, if required.

​

In 1964 the unit received the Douglas A-4E Skyhawk and participated to another 7 Vietnam cruises from 1965 to 1972.

 

Sources:

www.skyhawk.org

Log19 - USS HANCOCK 1962 Cruise book