Mission Statement - Black Pony . Org

Maintaining And Flying The OV-10A "Bronco", The VAL-4 "Black Ponies" Were Manned, Equiped, Trained And Tasked To Protect Mobile Riverine Ground Forces Throughtout The Mekong Delta. The "Black Ponies" Consistentley Went In Harms Way To Enhance And Extend The Quality Of Life Of Those In The "Brown Water Navy" And To Other U.S. And Allied Forces In South Vietnam.

The Purpose Of This Website Is To:
  • Locate And Account For All The Members Of Light Attack Squadron Four.
  • Honor The Memory Of Our Lost Squadron Members.
  • Assist "Black Ponies", Their Family Members, Friends And Associates In Anyway Possible.
  • Present An Informal And Unofficial History Of VAL-4, It's Men And It's Mission.
  • Provide A Pleasant And Informative Education To Anyone Interested In The Navy's Only Permanently Land
       Based Squadron In South Vietnam.
  • Provide Links And Information To As Many Veterans Assistance Websites As Possible And To Present As
       Much Information About Tricare And Veterans Benefits As Possible. Links To Military Organizations And
       Government Agencies Are Provided To Veterans From All Branches Of The Military And Their Families And
       Friends.

    • 'Status Of Forces'
    There Were Approximately 650 Sailors Who Served As Black Ponies ~ 145 Were Officers. Larry Hone Recently Completed The Arduous Task Of Locating And Contacting All Of VAL-4's Officers Except For Some Of The Marine Observers. The "Squadron Roster" Is As Complete As I Can Make It And Lists All Of The Known Officers And Enlisted Men And Their Current Whereabouts, If Known.