Seen on a high speed pass as part of a marvellous flying display at Wings Over Gillespie Airshow

The Skyraider belatedly entered US Air Force service in 1964 for the war in Vietnam. This A-1E is painted as an aircraft of the 1st Special Operations Squadron, although in reality this airframe did not leave the US Navy.

This was one of four similar machines at Long Beach on my visit. This aircraft became N39147.

Reaching its parking position after its display. Painted as an aircraft of EAA 22, an Armée de l'Air unit in Chad.

BuNo 126959, wearing USAF markings.

Delivered to the US Navy as Bu 135152 and by 1962, was converted to EA-1E standard. Taken out of service in 1976 and stored at NAS Memphis, TN. Registered N37AM circa 1982 and restored to flying condition. In 1992 the Skyraider went to the Hickory Aviation Museum, Hickory, NC and was re-registered N65164. It has been with the Cavanaugh Flight Museum in Addison, TX since 2007 and attends various airshows across the USA.

A unique UK military serial has been applied to this Skyraider (right). Number combinations below '100' were not allowed - but this aircraft uses the 'last three' of its US Navy BuAer No.124097. It had served 849 Squadron's 'D' Flight aboard HMS Albion, but is now stored before spares recovery at RNAS Abbotsinch in 1963. Also visible are WT112 and WT966.

This is 132532 painted as 135018, but it still carries 132532 under the horizontal stabilzer. The real 135018 is on display at the Pima Air and Space Museum in Tucson, AZ.

Ex US Navy 124115 and still wears '115' on rear fuselage. Operated by 849C Squadron Fleet Air Arm. Lost in crash in November 1959.

Delivered to the US Navy as AD-5N 132598. Transferred to the USAF as AF.52.598, using the year of construction and last three of the BuAer No. Displayed at the Air Command Museum at Hurlburt Field.

Seen taxying at the Wings Over Gillespie Airshow