The RA-5C conversion and Vietnam reconnaissance service

The aircraft survived the shift from carrier-delivered nuclear weapons to submarine-launched ballistic missiles because it could be reassigned to reconnaissance. In July 1963 the heavy attack squadrons began converting into reconnaissance attack units, eventually forming ten RA-5C squadrons under Reconnaissance Attack Wing One. Eight served over Vietnam, where losses included eighteen aircraft in combat and nine in other operations. The combat losses were fourteen to anti-aircraft fire, three to surface-to-air missiles, and one to a MiG-21 during Operation Linebacker. Congress nevertheless authorized thirty-six additional aircraft, evidence of the value placed on sustaining the force.