Utility Squadron Three Flight Line

Welcome to VU3-K.  Alf Ream San Ysidro, Ca.

F8F Bearcat Control Plane

VU-3's Old Number 84, F6F Hellcat Drone went on to complete more than twenty seven "NOLO" missions. Pictured with her is C.D.(Don) Ernst AMAN, who submitted this VU-3 collection. circa. 1952-53

F6F Hellcat Red Dog Drone

These "Red Dogs' demonstrate the fate that "Old 84" had escaped so many times. The Drone on the right crashed on landing after being shot up over the Fleet. These aircraft were controlled on take off and landing by a ground control unit (Fox Cart). A "Control Plane" would take over once the target was airborne. (Note) The White Hat in the foreground (L.) is Hollwood Actor Dean Jones

(L-R)  Bob Burns and Don Ernst on the Flight Line. Don took several flight in the pictured F7F Tigercat. This was the only Jet VU-3 had for a while, painted in control plane colors.(Believed to be a TV-2). Note the open air repair hanger to the right. "Ream Field" was not like many other military installations, No landscaping, sidewalks etc. Just the rugged necessities

Anyone wishing to contact Don Ernst can E-Mail him at:

dernst@ktis.net