Viking Association

What's New: 


  • Viking Association Board of Directors elections
  • The Viking Association welcomes our two new Directors:  Mike “Pokey” McMahon and Jim “Wrap” Reynolds.  Welcome Aboard!  Click on the buttons below to view their bios.
  • The two open seats will replace long-serving Directors Evan Piritz and Bruce Roulstone. We thank them for their tireless dedication to the Viking Association as they step down. 
  • Directors JP Kelly, Greg LaBuda and Ed Turner will continue as Board members.
  • Jim Erskine funeral update (27 Mar 2026)
  • Please see the last trap section for additional details




Mike "Pokey" McMahon bio Jim "Wrap" Reynolds bio
  • S-3 Scholarship update
  • We have now raised over $57K toward our $60K goal thanks to generous contributions from many of you!   If you haven’t done so already (or wish to contribute again) please consider contributing to this worthwhile cause which will fully fund the Viking perennial scholarship.   
  • Our 2025 TEF award was be made in honor of RADM Lou Schriefer who recently passed.  See the last trap section for more details on his career. 
  • Look for a link under the "S-3 Scholarship" tab at the top and click on the "Donate now" tab.
  • Passing of CDR Tom "Zippy" Himstreet (ret)
  • See the "Last trap" section for more details.


Important items/news: 


  • Viking Association e-blasts
  • We have transitioned our e-blast software to a less expensive service.
  • Future e-blasts will come from: "newsletter@update.vikingassociation.org".  We recommend you add this email address to your contact list so e-blasts don't accidentally end up in your spam folder. Responses to our e-blast emails will still go to our "vikingassociation@gmail.com" address. 
  • The intent of our e-blasts / newsletter is to inform you of changes / updates to our website. The e-blast will provide summarized updates and pulse you to view more detailed information on our website. 
  • "Last Trap" section of our website
  • If you hear of anyone in the community passing away recently and would like us to add information to our "last trap" section please email us at "vikingassociation@gmail.com". 

(Click Menu Bar links for more details)


S-3 Viking History


Aircraft specifications:

Wing span: 69 feet
Length: 53 feet
Height: 23 feet
Weight: empty: 26,500 pounds

Maximum takeoff: 52,539 pounds
Speed: 518 mph
Ceiling: 40,000 feet
Range: more than 2,300 nautical miles
Power plant: two GE TF34-GE-2 turbofan engines
Crew: four
Contractor: Lockheed Martin


The VSX program (S-3) started in 1968, and, in 1969, Lockheed was awarded the contract to develop the Navy's new carrier-based, fan-powered ASW aircraft. It was designed to incorporate the latest concepts in sensors and in computer-based data processing, display and weapons control systems, and in enabling the four-man crew to effectively deal with the anticipated submarine threat. The S-3 Viking replaced the old reciprocating-engine-powered S-2 Tracker.


The S-3 Viking has all four crew members seated on ejection seats. The pilot's controls include a control stick in place of the traditional wheel. The slightly swept wing and General Electric TF-34 fan engines provide the S-3A with long-range or on-station endurance at cruise speeds and altitudes typical of subsonic jet aircraft. In-flight refueling through a retractable refueling probe can be used to further extend its mission performance. Folding wings and vertical tail provide carrier handling flexibility.

The S-3A airframe has been adapted to other roles--a characteristic for which its S-2 predecessor has long been noted. The improved S-3B version incorporates improved technology for increased radar detection range and classification, advanced acoustic processing, and support measures, and has Harpoon missile capability.


With its APS-137 Inverse Synthetic Aperture Radar (ISAR), ALR-67 Electronic Surveillance Measures (ESM) system and Harpoon missile capability, the Viking plays a critical surveillance, reconnaissance and targeting role in maintaining the sea control picture for naval and joint forces. Additionally, with the retirement of the A-6, the Viking has become the principal organic tanking platform for the battlegroup and a mainstay in offensive mining. It also contributes to Antisubmarine Warfare (ASW), especially in the littoral regions.


Upgrades to the radar, mission computer, communications and navigation suite supported organic reconnaissance capabilities in the littoral regions. Added to the planned airframe structural enhancements, these upgrades prevented obsolescence and ensured an adequate inventory of this essential platform until it's disestablishment.