The first US Navy A-4 Skyhawk entered service in the mid of 1950s to replace the A-1 Skyraider . VA-106 started as Strike-Fighter Squadron ONE ZERO SIX in January 1945 but became VA-106 "The Gladiators" in 1955. A total of 542 A-4B Skyhawks were manufactured, many of which were later modified and/or refurbished and sold to foreign countries.
The Skyhawk flew more missions than any other US Navy plane during the Vietnam War and because it was so nimble it was chosen by the US Navy aerobatic team the "Blue Angels".
