Torpedo Bomber Squadron VS 21 Decommissioning
A photographic journal 1945-2005
It was a special honor to be commissioned by the US Navy to
paint a WWII style nose art on S-3B Viking airplane as part of the
decommissioning of Squadron VS 21. History (read
the story here) of the squadron goes back to
1945 and it was the vision of the squadron commanders CO CDR A Mayo and XO CDR P
Foster to reflect a touch of WWII in the process. It was a special experience,
not only for the painting process, but for the opportunity to meet some of the men and
women who protect us and their families. The following is a photographic journal
in this extraordinary experience: To see larger
image click on the picture.
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The process started with the design of the
nose art for the jacket. CDR Foster provided input with description and
images. Our art department created different layouts and provided it to
the CDR for selection. |
Once a
selection was made, our artist, Laurie, went to work. She hand painted the
jacket using our special formulated paints, so the art work will not
"break" or chip. |
Once the Full back is done,
it is
mailed to the CDR. Note the change of the girl's hair (finalizing the art
work can be a long process). |
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| Our
art department created the art work for embroidery, and embroidery
patches were created and shipped to the squadron. |
It is Early
fall, the "USS Kitty Hawk" is back from deployment, and the squadron is
back in NAS Atsugi. Our trip arrangement completed and we were off to
Japan. |
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Considering the
jet lag, we were ready to start working at 4 o'clock in the morning. We
got to the hanger and took position of "our" S-3B Viking Jet. The first
step was making sure the painting surface was clean, --> |
and then the precut vinyl was placed for the red coloring which include
the raising sun and text. Once we blocked all the surface around, we
started to air brush the color red. |
Here, air brush for the color red
is done. Notice the yellow flame effect at the bottom of the sun. |
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| The torpedo
came next; the vinyl was placed and the area was blocked. We air brushed
the sections of the torpedo in red, gold. and silver accordingly. |
Once we got the
torpedo, we placed the cut out for the lady, making sure the
orientation and location was according to our plan. |
The "Lady"
was air brushed
with the basic color of skin, that follow with red for the dress sections. |
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| Don't think for a moment
that painting were the only things happening around. Jets taking
off, tech crew working constantly on the jets, and test runs make you
appreciate ear plugs. Nonetheless, we felt lucky to be a part and share work in
the Navy. Getting to know all these great men and women serving in the military,
(and their
families), made the trip memorable for life.
From the youngest enlisted to the top officer, we were proud to have seen them
in action. |
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| At this point Laurie gets
comfortable and starts hand painting the details, painting the face.. |
working on the legs, layering
and shading.. |
and back to the face details... |
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| As the
painting progressed,
spectators and helpers were not of short supply... |
...and a surprise visit of CDR Foster and his
family. |
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| Once the paining
was done, we
rolled-out the jet to take a better look in the sunlight for any last
minute touch ups. However, we were only half way done; the jet was being
painted on both sides. |
Not a surprise they call it the Land
of the Rising Sun. |
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A Fly-by around Mount Fuji will be a life time
memorable event for a squadron that started protecting our country in 1945
and will be decommissioned on 2005. Plans to place the painted jet in one of
the aviation museums are at work. We will keep you informed.
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