n A three-quarter portside aerial view of an RA-5C Vigilante aircraft (b/n 156608), Reconnaissance Attack Squadron 7 (RVAH-7) known as the "Peacemakers of the Fleet" and was assigned to the USS RANGER (CV 61) from February 21 to September 22, 1979. This photo of Aircraft #156608 was taken during the last deployment of RVAH-7 aboard USS Ranger taken over the Philippines. The final flight of this aircraft was this the final flight made by any Vigilante. It originated at NAS Key West FL and terminated at NAS Memphis, Millington TN. The flight was flown in its entirety with the landing gear extended due to a hydraulic problem. Pilot was LT Bill Westmoreland and the navigator was LCdr Al Plunkett. The plane is currently being restored and will be on display at the Millington-Memphis Regional Jetport. RVAH-7 was officially decommissioned in October 1979. The exact date the photo was taken is unknown.
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Image title
A three-quarter starboard aerial view of an RA-5C Vigilante aircraft, Reconnaissance Attack Squadron 7 (RVAH-7) known as the "Peacemakers of the Fleet" and was assigned to the USS RANGER (CV 61) from February 21 to September 22, 1979. This photograph may show the Vigilante's last flight, since all Vigilante aircraft were officially retired in September 1979 and the RVAH-7 was officially decommissioned in October 1979. The exact date photo taken is unknown.