Lockheed S-3B Viking

LOCKHEED S-3B VIKING 

The Lockheed S-3B Viking is a twin engine turbofan jet aircraft designed for aircraft carrier use. It was originally designed for anti-submarine warfare, but in the late 1990’s had its mission changed to surface warfare and aerial refueling. The Viking also provided electronic warfare and surface surveillance.

On May 1, 2003 President George W. Bush flew in the co-pilot’s seat of an S-3B Viking from VS-35, out to the U.S.S. Abraham Lincoln. The Lincoln was off the California coast heading to North Island Naval Air Station. This was to congratulate the crew on completing an exceptionally long war time cruise. They had been on two deployments without returning home. For the flight, the S-3B was known as “Navy One”. It flew out from North Island NAS and headed out to the Lincoln. It completed the carrier landing known as a trap, a first for presidential flight! It must have terrified the President’s Secret Service detail – their President flying in a smallish Navy jet heading out over the open sea to make an aircraft carrier landing.

When this flight took place, S-3B Vikings were in the process of being retired. So, this airplane was flown to Pensacola Naval Air Station were it was retired and on July 15, 2003, put on display at the National Museum of Naval Aviation.

By the way, VS-35, this S-3Bs squadron, is known as the “Blue Wolves”. It has a very large cartoon of a Blue Wolf on it tail. It looks quite amusing for a Presidential aircraft! The Navy aircrews who flew the S-3B have a warm affection for the aircraft. That is reflected by the artwork that showed up on the airplanes. They all comment about its nice flying qualities. The Viking crews were sad to see it go into retirement.