A Douglas A-4E <i>Skyhawk</i> of USN attack squadron VA-44 <i>Hornets</i> showing the thermal shield in different positions. The device was to be used after the delivery of a nuclear weapon, so that the pilot would be protected against the flash of the detonation. It is known that during the Lebanon crisis in 1958 <i>Skyhawk</i>s of VA-83 <i>Rampagers</i> aboard the <i>USS Essex (CVA-9)</i>, and of VA-34 <i>Blue Blasters</i> aboard the <i>USS Saratoga (CVA-60)</i> were armed with nuclear weapons and standing by for any upcoming 'emergency'.
USN
Unknown date<div style="display: none;">Unknown date</div>
U.S. Navy Naval Aviation News August 1973 <a rel="nofollow" class="external autonumber" href="http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1970s/1973/aug73.pdf">[1]</a>