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MARVIN WALTON
(JOHNBOY)
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| Rank,
Service |
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E-5 Petty Officer 2nd Class, Navy
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| Veteran of: |
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TACK OVER OF EMBASSY IN IRAQ
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| Tribute: |
The Champions of VA-56 were members of the Light Attack Wing Pacific flying the A-7E "Corsair II" aircraft. The Champions flew jet aircraft exclusively through out their existence. Before receiving the A-7E Corsair II in the summer of 1977, the squadron distinguished itself in the F9F-8 Cougar, the FJ-4B Fury, four models of the A-4 Skyhawk, and the A-7 A/B Corsair II. The nickname "Champions" originated in 1959 when VA-56, representing all of the West Coast Attack squadrons, defeated its East Coast opponents in an air-to-ground weapons competition in Yuma, Arizona. As a result, VA-56 had its official call sign changed to Champions.
Attack squadron FIFTY-SIX deployed on its first operational tour in May, 1957 aboard the USS Bon Homme Richard (CVA-31). Since the squadron has operated from the flight decks of the aircraft carriers Ticonderoga (CVA-14), Constellation (CV-64), Enterprise (CV-65), Ranger (CV-61) and was based aboard the USS Midway (CV-41) since 1971.
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