Light Photographic Squadron 62

(VFP-62)

RF-8G (F8U-1P) ready to fly into the early sun

Photo Courtesy: Arthur W. Scarborough PHC

The VFP-62 Mission:
Before satellite intelligence gathering, the United States relied upon aerial photographic reconnaissance to gather intelligence to assist the fleet in guarding our country. This progressed from the early days when a Navy Photographer (Photomate) would hang out of the open doorway of a plane, with a heavy camera strapped to his neck, to a supersonic jet manned only by the pilot. VFP-62 flew the RF-8 Crusader, to gather high quality aerial photography for that purpose.

Intelligence specialists considered the Navy's Light Photographic Squadron, VFP-62, the best low-level reconnaissance unit in the armed forces, because the unit's personnel were well trained and the Crusader was an especially stable aerial photography platform equipped with cameras of advanced design.