This represents the plane flown by CDR James H Flatley,CVAG-5, USS Yorktown, 6 May 1943. Widely respected as one of the Navy's outstanding combat leaders, 'Jimmy' Flatley flew this early production F6F while commanding Air group 5 during carrier workups in mid-1943. Indeed BuNo 04872 was the first ever aircraft to land aboard the second Yorktown, a feat it accomplised on the above mentioned date. Note the '00' 'Double Nuts' modex, now recognised the world over as denoting the CAG's aircraft. The origin of this marking is a little vague,as most CAG's used the modex '99' to decorate their aircraft, with '00' then being used in the Navy terminology to denote the admiral. Indeed, Flatley used the callsign '99 Sniper' when airborne, so as not to offend his ranking superiors who may be listening in.Thanks to AV History and Gramps for the great job they did on this plane, and for giving me permission to repaint their plane. Special Thanks to John aka Bravo/4 for the outstanding weathering detail he did for me!!!
By RobH
By RobH
