This Crusader from Light Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron 63 (VFP-63) Detachment 5 was photographed aboard the USS America (CV-66) in May 1977.
If you note the very low F-8 bureau number, this aircraft was the F8U-1P/RF-8 prototype and, unfortunately, was lost two months after this photo was taken on 18 July 1977.
VFP-63's nickname was "The Eyes of the Fllet" and was home based at NAS Miramar. The squadron provided RF-8 detachments to both the Atlantic and Pacific fleet carriers from the squadron's establishment on 01 July 1961 until it's disestablishment on 30 June 1982.
