Looking for information about what aircraft were assigned to 6th fleet USN carriers from 1977-1981. I served onboard USS Detroit AOE4 at that time.I have a somewhat vague idea what they were. Would be so nice to build up all the models, interesting since I thought they were so annoying and VERY LOUD as they launched off the carriers during UNREP.Oh....such a long time ago not interested in helos.God help me if this involves a shiny steel finish

USN combat aircraft during those years were F-4J (or S) Phantoms, F-14 Tomcats, A-6 Intruders, A 7 Corsairs, Possibly KA-3 Skywarriors, A-4 Skyhawks and S-3 Vikings.

None of the USN paint schemes during that time involved much bare metal. They were mostly gull grey upper sides over white undersides, but the low-visibility grey paint schemes were beginning to be introduced.

Do you remember which aircraft carriers were in the fleet at the time? If you can remember their names, the real USN experts will be able to work out which squadrons were embarked so you can get the proper markings on your models.

Could have been the Forrestal or the Nimitz, maybe others. the F-14s and A-7Es were probobly the loudest. To start with you can google for images of VA-81,VA-83 and VF-41.
Interesting times.

Don't forget the less glamorous aircraft, Grumman E-2 Hawkeye, Grumman C-2 Greyhound, Grumman C-1 Trader, Sikorsky S-61 Sea King, Kamen SH-2 Seasprite, North American T-2 Buckeye and Sikorsky CH-53 sea Stallion. There may be others but have fun

I remember The Ike and the Forestfire. quite a few others during the 79 crisis, endless UNREPS between Diego Garcia and Al Massira. Thanks for the help.

If it was the Nimitz then the 77-78 Med cruise would have been F-14, last cruise of the Vigilate, A-6, A-7, Trader, Hawkeye and Seasprite.