A-3 Skywarrior Association About Ready Room Whale Rescues Reunions Photos Video News Updates Membership More A3 SKYWARRIOR ASSOCIATION Founded in 1998 the purpose of this association is to provide an ongoing fraternalsocial affiliation of individuals who have flown in maintained fostered encouraged and supported the memory of the A3 Skywarrior aircraft and who are dedicated to the perpetuation of the legend history traditions and camaraderie associated with it. The A3 Skywarrior Association is a 501 c 3 nonprofit organization. THE WHALE The Douglas A3 Skywarrior descriptively nicknamed the Whale was the largest combat aircraft routinely catapulted off and recovered on the deck of an aircraft carrier. Originally designed for nuclear bombing missions over 35 years of service saw its many uses include attack bombing aerial refueling carrier onboard delivery jamming photoreconnaissance electronic surveillance VIP transport and aggressor training.