I've logged about 550 hours back left seat as an enlisted Aviation Anti-Submarine Warfare Sensor Operator (SENSO) in S-3A Viking Navy aircraft carrier based jet aircraft. I was assigned to anti-submarine squadron VS-37 stationed at Naval Air Station North Island in San Diego, California. I rose to the rank of AW2 (Petty Officer Second Class).
I enlisted in 1978 and was Honorably Discharged in 1982.
S-3A Viking proudly flying VS-37 squadron colors. I have logged many hours in this very aircraft.
The back seat in the Navy S-3A Viking. The SENSO position is the left back seat.
S-3A Viking SENSO Station
S-3A Viking backseat configuration
The two back seat ejection seats in the Navy S-3A Viking. SENSO position is on the right.
Side View Technical Drawing of the S-3A Viking
Transparent view and armament capability of the S-3A Viking
Boot Camp in San Diego, CA
Boot Camp Assistant Master-At-Arms
AW "A" School NAS Memphis
Survival School NAS Pensacola
Riding the Dilbert Dunker From the Motion Picture "An Officer and a Gentleman"
Parasailing during Survival School
Smiling 'cause I'm in training for carrier ops
My other uniform
Smiling 'cause I've been doing lots of carrier ops
I logged 63 carrier landings aboard the U.S.S. Ranger (CV-61) and 39 carrier landings aboard the U.S.S. Enterprise (CVN-65), for a total of 102 traps, qualifying me to become a Navy Centurion.
The patch I earned when I (finally) qualified as Navy aircraft carrier flight crew
U.S.S. Ranger, CV–61
U.S.S. Enterprise, CVN–65
Medals and Ribbons Earned
Navy Expeditionary Medal for operations against armed opposition while flying missions off the coast of Iran during the Iranian Hostage Crisis.
Humanitarian Service Medal for Search and Rescue (SAR) operations of Vietnamese people that were floating in un-powered and over-loaded boats.
Navy Sea Service Deployment Ribbon for carrier flight operations (11 September 1980 to 5 May 1981). Highlights included mining operations, experience tracking a U.S.S.R. submarine, and even a secret mission. Ports of call included the Philippines, Kenya, Hong Kong, Thailand, and Sri Lanka.
Aircrew Wings Navy Expeditionary Medal, Humanitarian Medal, and Sea Service Ribbon
S-3A Viking Navy Four Ejection Seat Twin Engine Jet Aircraft
