The A-1 Skyraider originated as a carrier-based torpedo and dive bomber. Deliveries as the AD-1 to the Navy began in November 1946 and in 1962 was renamed A-1. It was the first single-seat torpedo/dive bomber to serve with the Navy. The primary mission of the A-1 was close air support for ground troops because of its heavy ordnance load and accuracy. The aircraft had great success in Korea and Vietnam. There were 3,180 Skyraiders built in seven major models and 28 different versions. There were 266 A-1s lost in Vietnam. Some nicknames - Able Dog, Spad, Sandy, Hobo, Firefly, Zorro and "Crazy Water Buffalo," a VNAF nickname.
USS Enterprise was formerly CVA(N)-65 and on July 31, 1964 it and two other US Navy nuclear powered ships began a 30,565 mile voyage around the world in 65 days. This was Operation “Sea Orbit” and would show they could accomplish this mission without any refueling or replenishment enabling them to deploy to any area in the world without logistic support. VA-65 "The World Famous Fighting Tigers" and A-1H BuNo 135251 were onboard the USS Enterprise during this cruise. On July 10, 1968 # 135251 was with the 602 ACS, 56th ACW and was hit by small arms fire over Laos. Major H.R. Jennings ejected and was later recovered by helicopter.