We invite you to click this link - VFP-62 Webmaster to email a question, comment, correction, or contribution to this page.
Updated 3/9/18
Restored in the style of VFP-63
[Webmaster's Note: vfp62.com provided information to the restoration team at Castle Air Museum at Merced, CA when RF-8G Bu. No. 145607 was brought to them from Edwards AFB, for restoration. At that time, it could have been restored as VFP-62, VFP-206, or VFP-63. It had an illustrious career with VFP-62, having flown missions during the Cuban Missile Crisis in Oct-Nov 1962. It was decided to restore it as a VFP-63 plane. I received the following input (including historical photos & information) as the restoration process began.]
"RF-8G 145607 was in VFP-206 until the very end in early 1987. I believe that was the RF-8 bailed to Rockwell for B-1B chase work. I checked out Rockwell Chief Pilot Ken Dyson in that airplane (if it was the one sent to Rockwell) in the summer of '87. I flew in the back seat of a Rockwell F-106B, and the RF-8 could out accelerate the F-106 up to Mach 1.2 or so when it hit the brick wall. Hopefully, they will restore it in VFP-206 livery." --Moon Rivers
Rockwell International in Palmdale, California obtained two RF-8Gs from VFP-206 and 306 after these reserve units decommissioned. These were 144617 and 145607. They were used in support of Rockwell's Advanced Technology Wing program. However, only 144617 actually made any flights. In May of 1987, the ATW program ran out of funds, and no further tests were carried out. (145607- Rockwell International N114NR).--Ken Simmons (CAM Restoration Crew)
[Update April 8]: Capt. John Hudson USMC VMCJ-2 flew a photo mission over Cuba on 13 November 1962. This documents it was a VFP-62 RF-8A during the Cuban Missile Crisis.
RF-8G BuNo 145607 saw service with VFP-62 circa 1960 and ended up with VFP-206 until 1987. It has been moved from Andrews AFB and will be restored at [EXTERNAL LINK]: -Castle Air Museum (CAM), Atwater, CA.
[Update Sept 28]An update on the restoring of the RF8 at the Merced Air Museum. Thanks to Henry Livingston - a reserve Photo pilot in DC - Charlie was able to get in touch with a gent named Claude - something or other - in France. Claude had a collection of spare parts from the French F8's. Charlie bought a complete set of tires - and wheels - and is having them shipped to Merced. The cost was $1,200 which included shipping. The money came out of his back pocket. For an Air force guy, it says a lot that he was willing to pay to restore a Navy aircraft. Henry and I have each sent him $200 to help defray the cost. If you know of anyone who is willing to cvontribute any reimbursement - in any amount - let me know and I will give him Charlie's address. Apparently the RF8 is third in line for the restoration effort. They are currently working on an F15.---Scott Ruby
Update 4/24/10: I have received notification that the RF8 at the old Castle AFB
museum will be painted as a VFP-63 bird (see below). The project is fully funded, and those that have provided a donation are thankfully appreciated. It is anticipated that the RF8 will be painted in the next 4-6 weeks, and be put on display shortly there after. There wil be some sort of ceremony - as yet to be determined - with a dinner to follow. Those who wish to attend will be notified.
We are working on a plaque commemorating those that have contributed to the restoration. Also, as suggested by Rog Crim, we are working on a memorial to those 12 VFP-63 pilots that were lost in Viet Nam.--Scott Ruby VFP-63 pilot.
26 March 2011: I have been leading the effort to get the RF8G restored at the old
Castle AFB. I received the E-Mail below indicating the Naval Sea
Cadet unit in the area plans to assume the responsibilty for keeping
the bird in the best shape possible. They are looking for information
reagarding plane captain duties in particular. I was hoping you would
put this out on the F8 internet in the hope that someone out there
would be willing to provide the information requested. I can provide
information when I get there as to what an aviator looks at, but
would need help regard plane captain duties. Any help that can be
provided would be appreciated. The information/POC can either be
forwarded to me, or to Dave as desired.
Scott Ruby
[Webmaster's Note: VFP-63 pilot Scott Ruby provide leadership to get the RF-8 restored as a VFP-63 RF-8G. The following are Scott's remarks about the dedication of the plane:]
To All,
The get together at the "coming out" of the restored RF8G at the Merced museum was a total success. They have done a magnificent job restoring the bird. Their attention to detail was the best I have ever seen. Right now, the plaque that will be placed with the bird is currently being etched in bronze, and will be completed in the near future. It is still in the paint hanger beacause the ground is too soft to move it to its final resting place. It will be put on display by Memorial Day. The Sea Cadets are apparently going to provide a formal escort down the road to the actual museum site. It will be positioned next to an F14. The next bird they are going to restore is an RA3B. It has been an Air Force oriented museum so far. They are in the process getting more Navy birds to put on display. Kudos to all the personnel at the museum for their effort.
