I remember a Reno Air Race I want to 88 or 89, where we saw MIG-19s fly by, F-5, F-14, A-4, Double Uglies the A-6, A-7s and even an F-8 fly by. EA-6B’s with Playboy Bunny Tails and that does not include the historical aircraft. The MIGs belonged to a Reno based Company and were used for movies. They bought a bunch of junk MIG-19s and made a couple flight worthy. You had to pay a lot to get a ride in one.
A-4s were my bread and butter. I inspected an E model going on it's last flight, I believe for static display as a Blue Angel bird. I worked on Fs, Ms, OA-4Ms, A-4 KU, TA-4KU, TA-4F/J. I worked on F-5 E/F T-38s, BAE Hawks. I had a little time on the first block F-18s. You should of seen the visual mapping guidance system, it was cool then but totally archaic now. It was not even digital it was like a microfiche reader.
I miss those days, we did $hit that would get you kicked out of the military today. Back then boys would boys and the flight line was our playground.
That almost made me shed a tear remembering some of the stuff we did, sometimes out of boredom, sometimes just for the hell of it.
I was an A-6 Ordie on the Nimitz an went on the Med cruise after the shoot down. It was great seeing the jet involved. You are correct about the things we were able to get away with then. I’m sure its quite different now.
We deployed with a helo squadron, USMC Queer, E-2, S-3, A-7, A-6, and F-14. Oh, and a Whale
Most of the Migs are still here at Stead Airport. I just went out on the deck and checked. One was cycling doing t&gos last weekend.