4 /5 W. John Ruffing: This memorial to Naval Aviators includes an actual retired North American Aviation RA-5C Vigilante reconnaissance jet which acts as both a historical marker for the Sanford AFB as well as a Gate Sentinel.
There aren’t many places in the world where you can still see this aircraft on display. The “Vigi” was the first Naval jet to have many of the features commonly seen on modern-day military aircraft. When it was introduced in the late 1950’s/early 1960’s the “Vigi” was the fastest jet aircraft in the US Navy (exceeding Mach 2) and also the largest (earning it the moniker, “the Elephant”). Early on, it was redesigned/repurposed from a bomber role (as the A5-C) to an unarmed reconnaissance role (with its speed being its primary defense).
During its deployment in the Vietnam war, “Vigi” crews photographed military targets both before and after an attack. Naval Aviators flying those post-attack recon missions suffered the highest losses of any other aircraft crews during that conflict since enemy forces came to anticipate their return and would be ready with anti-aircraft weaponry. At other times the RA-5C performed the role of a refueling tanker for other aircraft.
This aircraft is on display near the entrance to the Sanford International Airport near one of the “cell phone” parking lots.
If you have an interest in historical military aircraft and history, be sure to add this to your bucket list!
That said, this is first and format a memorial to the military personnel who lost their lives on these missions and so it is important to show proper respect and decorum while visiting.
