05/06/2026
Today in History – May 6, 1975
Fifty-one years ago today, in the final days of the Vietnam War, A‑1H Skyraiders #665 and #606 were flown out of South Vietnam in a covert USAF recovery mission. Under the direction of legendary Air Force special operations officer BG Harry “Heinie” Aderholt, pilots Jack Drummond and Roger Youngblood launched from U‑Tapao, Thailand, and delivered both aircraft safely to Takhli Royal Thai Air Force Base.
The situation on the ground was chaotic—hundreds of VNAF aircraft had flooded into Thailand, many damaged or abandoned. Of the eleven Skyraiders found at U‑Tapao, only four could be moved. Our museum’s own #665 was one of them, rescued just days before it would have been lost.
On May 5, 1975, A-1H #332 and A-1E #683 were also moved to safety. Then on May 6, Drummond flew #665 while Youngblood flew #606.
Here's a short 2018 clip by Alan Wojciak shows #665 in flight, filmed from A‑1E #683
If you have photographs, memories, or stories involving Skyraider #665, we would love for you to share them in the comments.
We're especially interested in gathering photos of Skyraider #665—from its VNAF service, its time in Thailand, or its earlier years. Help us preserve the history of this remarkable aircraft.