805 Squadron "Checkmate" A-4 Skyhawk Aerobatic Team Stubby Cooler

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The “Checkmates” were a Royal Australian Navy Fleet Air Arm aerobatic display team of VF805 Squadron at Naval Air Station Nowra. The name had previously been used by 805 Squadron’s Sea Venom aerobatic team in the early 1960s and was later used by the squadron’s Douglas A-4G Skyhawk display team. “Checkmate” was also VF805’s radio callsign during the Skyhawk era. VF805 was the RAN’s frontline Skyhawk squadron, operating from HMAS Melbourne in fleet air defence, maritime strike and Army support in the land-attack role.

In 1975, the Checkmates usually flew a four-aircraft A-4G formation led by Lieutenant Commander Graeme “Dusty” King. Peter Cox flew No. 2, Barry Evans No. 3 and Barrie Diamond No. 4, while Jerry Clark was the team’s fifth, solo display pilot. The team appeared at air shows and special flying displays throughout the year, combining formation aerobatics with a solo Skyhawk display. The aircraft and pilots remained part of VF805’s operational force, flying the same type that served aboard HMAS Melbourne during the final years of the Royal Australian Navy’s fixed-wing carrier aviation era.

Comfortable nice material

Michael R

True size, very good quality  !!! Thank You

Jozef S

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