Gulf of Tonkin Incident Reunion

Fist of the Fleet Association was proud to sponsor the reunion of three former VA-144 naval aviators who last flew together on August 4 & 5, 1964 from USS Constellation, CV-64 in the Gulf of Tonkin. The event took place at NAS Lemoore, CA on September 16 & 17, 2019 and was hosted by the Commanding Officer, Strike Fighter Wing Pacific and NAS Lemoore. The reunion was very memorable for all who attended and especially for the three honorees Capt John “Nick” Nicholson, CDR Everett Alvarez, Jr. and CDR Ron Boch.

LT Ron Boch, LTJG Everett Alvarez, Jr. and LCDR John “Nick” Nicholson 8/4/1964

Everett, “Nick” and Ron 9/16/2019 NASL

FIST OF THE FLEET NEWSLETTERS

Latest Edition: Winter 2023

Lots of big news for upcoming events. For starters, the squadron is planning an 80th Anniversary celebration to occur sometime in late summer/early fall in Lemoore, CA. Skipper Mark “IROC” Tedrow and his staff are working up a party plan and we’ll have more details for you in the near future. The FOFA board has wholeheartedly endorsed the skipper’s efforts and we encourage your attendance if the calendar permits.

Our second big event focuses on the Fist ’23 Reunion in Pensacola, FL set for November 2-5, 2023. This will include a visit to the Naval Aviation Museum to view the Legacy Plaques honoring former squadron members and special seating for the Blue Angels Airshow. We’re already talking to several hotels for room discounts and meeting space along with a great dinner program. We may set the theme to focus on Operation Enduring Freedom (2001-2021) and the squadron’s contribution to those operations flying the F/A-18 Hornet. We hope to hear some great stories from the Hornet drivers that participated in those operations. If you’d like to share some experiences, please shoot me an email to jchalker@lmcapital.com.