A U.S. Navy Douglas A-1H <i>Skyraider</i> of Attack Squadron 176 (VA-176) "Thunderbolts" is readied for launch aboard the aircraft carrier USS <i>Saratoga</i> (CVA-60), in 1967. VA-176 was assigned to Attack Carrier Air Wing 3 (CVW-3) aboard the <i>Saratoga</i> for a deployment to the Mediterranean Sea from 2 May to 6 December 1967.<br>
Note that the <i>Skyraider</i> is fully armed. Following the attack on the SIGINT ship USS <i>Liberty</i> (AGTR-5) on 8 June 1967, <i>Saratoga</i> was ordered to send four A-1s to protect the <i>Liberty</i>. It was estimated, that the aircraft would need three hours to reach the <i>Liberty</i>. However, the strike aircraft were later recalled.
U.S. Navy
U.S. Navy photo <a rel="nofollow" class="external autonumber" href="https://www.navysite.de/cruisebooks/cv60-67/198.htm">[1]</a> from the <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.navysite.de/cruisebooks/cv60-67/index_020.htm">USS <i>Saratoga</i> (CVA-60) 1967 cruise book</a> available at <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="http://navysite.de/cruisebooks/index.html">Navysite.de</a>