<p>A U.S. Navy Douglas A-4C <i>Skyhawk</i> (BuNo 149619) from Attack Squadron 64 (VA-64) "Black Lancers" is readied for launch aboard the aircraft carrier USS <i>America</i> (CVA-66) during carrier qualifications. VA-64 was assigned to Attack Carrier Air Wing 6 (CVW-6) aboard the <i>America</i> for her shakedown cruise to the Caribbean from 1 May to 1 July 1965.<br></p>
The A-4C 149615 was later shot down over North Vietnam on 4 October 1967 while in service with VA-15.
Photographer's Mate Second Class Robert Ekshian, U.S. Navy
Official U.S. Navy photo <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="http://www.history.navy.mil/our-collections/photography/numerical-list-of-images/nhhc-series/nh-series/USN-1112000/USN-1112133-B.html">USN 1112133-B</a> from the U.S. Navy <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="http://www.history.navy.mil">Naval History and Heritage Command</a>