In late 1978, aboard the the USS Enterprise, an American fighter plane—RA-5C Vigilante, BuNo 156627, modex NK610, RVAH-1 “Smokin’ Tigers,”—lost its brakes and nose-wheel steering. Fortunately, it was saved even after catching fire. It remained in use until it was phased out and struck off the list on March 26, 1979, and was left at Cubi Point, overlooking the Subic Bay. It became a fixture at the park—and a popular piece for vandals and psychedelic art works. When the Americans left Subic Bay in 1992, the aircraft was left behind….
