The Skyhawk Years: The A-4 Skyhawk in Australian Service 1968 - 1984

The Royal Australian Navy operated the Douglas A-4 Skyhawk from 1968 to 1984 with two squadrons, VF805 and VC724. VF805 was the front-line fighter unit aboard HMAS Melbourne, while VC724 was shore-based at Naval Air Station Nowra. The Skyhawk Years featured busy and varied deployments around Australia, Southeast Asia, and Hawaii, including a long cruise to the UK in 1977 and participation in the Spithead Naval Review. The RAN's fixed-wing aviation was scrapped in 1980, but former pilots and maintainers still have fond memories of A-4 operations.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 216 pages
Publication date: 15 August 2023
Publisher: Avonmore Books

The Royal Australian Navy operated the magnificent Douglas A-4 Skyhawk from 1968 until 1984, with two squadrons: VF805 and VC724. VF805, the frontline fighter unit, was deployed aboard the aircraft carrier HMAS Melbourne, while VC724 was stationed at Naval Air Station Nowra for training and support. During this era, the Skyhawks on the Melbourne provided the RAN with a unique capability that played a crucial role in Australian defense policy. The Skyhawk Years chronicles a series of busy and diverse deployments across Australia, Southeast Asia, and regular participation in the multinational Rimpac exercises in Hawaii. A notable highlight was a long cruise to the United Kingdom in 1977, including participation in the Spithead Naval Review, part of the celebrations for Her Majesty's Silver Jubilee.

Through firsthand accounts from pilots and maintainers, the book delves into the challenges of operating from the world's smallest aircraft carrier. It also shares thrilling stories of air combat maneuvers against fighters from other countries, showcasing the A-4's surprising capabilities against more well-credentialled adversaries. However, a series of mishaps ultimately led to the cessation of Skyhawk embarkations on the Melbourne in 1980, marking a sad period for RAN fixed-wing aviation. Nevertheless, among the former pilots and maintainers, many fond memories of A-4 operations remain alive.

Weight: 836g
Dimension: 186 x 258 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780645700411