.:: ↓↓↓ TAP ↓↓↓ ::. VPNAVY Guestbook E-Mail Include your full name, squadron(s), biography, etc. I will move them over to the appropriate squadron(s) and send a verification e-mail. McCOY, William D. "Bill" My father, William (Bill) D McCoy, passed away 10/21/2022. Dad worked as an engineer on classified projects for E-Systems for about 30 years. He served with VQ-2 at NS Rota, Spain and flew as radio operator sitting behind the pilot on an EA-3B. If anyone remembers him let me know. Ted McCoy 12/4/2024 12:35 AM BARNES, AMS2 Jeff E-Mail/BIO Update Request Posted! 12/2/2024 1:06 PM VP-31 Mishap - 26MAY1972 Regarding the missing P-3 Orion that disappeared over Monterey Bay California on May 26th 1972. God bless the souls of all on board and all there loved ones left behind to figure out what happened on that day. I was stationed at NAS Moffett Field, California 1969/1970 and was on the flight crew on the P-3’s. I was and Airman and flew as an Aft Observer on many flights that flew that same path as the missing plane. Basically we were training student pilots and flew out Monterey bay on most flights and then did touch and goes at NAS Moffett Field, California upon our return each day. I just wanted to add that while over Monteray bay we had several close calls with other aircraft. I reported these to the pilot each time usually around 3 or 4 o’clock high or low. So just wondering if any other aircraft of any kind had be reported missing that day? Seems other planes can show up very fast and unnoticed at times through the clouds or fog out there. Could there have been a quick action to divert a collision? P.S. To my best recollection we did had one or two Simulators in the big Blimp hanger there at Moffat during those years. John Williams STRONG, John Russell My father, John Russell Strong, served with VP-48 from 1956 until August 1958 as a radioman and flew with Crew-8. Dad passed of natural causes August 6th, 2023. Anthony Strong 11/15/2024 5:56 PM MARVEZ, AMS3 Robert I served with VAQ-33 (1989-1992) and the USS Belknap (CG-26) in (1993). I was an AMS3 and VAQ-33's Paint Shop and cross rated to MS3 in 1993 and was station on the USS Belknap (CG-26) for 6 months before ending my enlistment. Miss you all. 11/13/2024 5:47 PM SENSAT, AW Donald E-Mail/BIO Update Request Posted! 11/10/2024 11:17 AM VP-91 Mishap - October 15th, 1942 My grandfather, Wilbur Vernon Pugh, was shot down during patrol of Guadalcanal & sole survivor of his crew. It has been amazing getting to see the documentation & your website has been an integral part of our family history that we pass down. Jennifer M. Pugh 11/3/2024 1:27 PM VPB-2 OTU Mishap - August 7th, 1945 I am on a mission to locate the memorials. One of the members was my cousin who was only 18 when killed in the incident off of the South Carolina Coast on 7 August 1945. Little to no information seems to be available. I am trying to ensure they are remembered, at least on Findagrave. If anyone can assist, it would be greatly appreciated. I have located three crew members thus far, LT(jg) Sadler, Ens Guinan, JR, and my cousin, T.M. Twyman. Thank you. Ray Jackson, ATC (AW) 10/22/2024 9:48 AM In early 1992 I deployed to OSAN AFB with the Colorado Air National Guard (flying F-16's at that time) to participate in Team Spirit. I worked in the OSAN Weather Detachment for a couple of months. One morning I briefed a pilot from VQ-5. I told him his unit patch was the coolest I'd seen. Later in the day he returned and gave me a patch. I'm giving it to my grandson along with information about the unit. Lt Col Jerry Edwards, Air Weather Service, Retired USAF Reserves 10/20/2024 11:53 AM HANCOCK, PH3 Robert L. "Bob" I served with VAP-61 (06/1961-12/1963) with deployments to NAS Cubi Point, Philippines and NAS Atsugi, Japan. I worked in photo line and photo lab. VAP-61 was first duty station out of photo A school. Left Guam in December 1963 for USNOTS NAS China Lake, California. My wife and I have good memories of Guam, she was my high school sweet heart and came out to Guam where we were married in December 1961. We lived at the Naval Station, in the Old Tipalao housing area. Would like to hear from any Shipmates out there. 9/12/2024 3:00 PM HERRINGSHAW, Neil D. My father, Neil Herringshaw, passed away December 17, 2009. Dad served with VAP-61 during the Vietnam war. I am looking for Shipmates that knew my father and might share fond memories of him. It’s been 15 years since he has passed but I still miss him like it was yesterday. I am also curious as to what he did during the war. I ran out of time to ask him all the things I wanted to know. Nicole Miller 9/9/2024 10:58 PM VP-31 Mishap - March 6th, 1969 I was a radio operator and instructor on the P-3 Orion and worked out of the AT shop from 1967 to 1969. I was scheduled to be on RP-07 on the day of the crash in March but switched with Mike Merz the day before. Its been hard thinking about Mike and his family ever since that day. I traded the early morning flight for the afternoon flight since I worked on the night shift in the AT shop and Mike was on the early morning shift. It made for a long day if you came in at 4:30AM and then your flight wasnt until the afternoon around 2:00pm or when ever the flight got back and was refuled and ready to fly again. When I came in for the prefight check in the shop at around 1:30 everyone looked at me like I was a ghost my name was still on a couple schuleds for the early flight . Really hit hard what had happened. RIP Mike. AX3 Douglas Kern 9/6/2024 11:53 PM VP-9 Mishap - September 22nd, 1957 My husband, Earl Dean Wallace (nickname “Corky”), was stationed in NAS Alameda, California with VP-9 from 1957-61. During that time, he was involved in an accident at Fallon, NV in a P2. Sandra Wallace 9/3/2024 12:05 PM THOMAS, AO Robert L. I served with VP-7 ground crew. 9/2/2024 4:06 PM SIMON, AO2 Stephen E-Mail/BIO Update Request Posted! 8/21/2024 5:21 PM COHEN, Abraham "Max" I served with VP-11 (01/1956-9/1956) straight out of boot camp in January 1956. After cleaning the the chiefs barracks four months as a non designated airman I was assigned to the ae branch. Due to an injury, I was transferred out in September. We deployed to Malta and some of our P2V7 were un painted. I can’t seem to find any photos or Neptune patch too. 8/20/2024 11:30 AM LaBAD, AD3 Brian M. I served with VP-31 (04/1983-07/1985), VP-50 (07/1985-09/1987) with deployments to NSF Diego Garcia (09/1985-12/1985) and again to NSF Diego Garcia (01/1987-06/1987). Achieved Collateral Duty Inspector (CDI) certification as an airman in 1986. 8/15/2024 6:55 PM PRICE, CDR Michael S. "Mike" USNR I served with VP-48 (05/1986-03/1990). Jobs were Ground Safety, Weapons Training, Aviation Safety and Maintenance Quality Assurance Officer. Patrol Plane Commander, Mission Commander and Instructor Pilot. I also served with VP-68 (10/1990-12/1996). Retired from Naval Reserves. Currently still Flying with American Airlines as Check Pilot B737. 8/11/2024 9:35 AM BATTAGLIA, David Anthony David had a dynamic early life, starting with baseball and later developing a passion for motorcycles. Some of his fondest memories were spent with his grandfather at the Russian River, where he could always be found at the rope swing on Hacienda Bridge, indulging in his love for fishing, hunting, and playing tennis. He worked in restaurants and aspired to become a saucier before enlisting in the Navy during the Vietnam war, where he specialized in Aviation Electronics. He had flight crew training at NAS Moffett Field, California and served with VP-48 in Southeast Asia. His enjoyment in flying P-3 aircraft, inspired his younger brothers Pete (VP-47) and Tim {VP-4 and VP-22} to become flight crew in Navy patrol squadrons. Following his military service, David pursued an English major at the University of San Francisco. He embarked on a career in electronics and later flourished in sales, traveling across the United States and building enduring friendships. During one memorable Christmas visit, he fell in love with Martha Bronson, his friend's sister. They married in 1982 and were blessed with a daughter, Mattie Trigo. The family resided in Sonoma County before settling in San Joaquin County. David's enthusiasm for life extended to his love of golf, and he achieved a remarkable feat at La Contenta Golf Course by making two consecutive hole-in-ones on the same hole. Affectionately known as "Bagg's" by friends, David embraced every aspect of life with intense optimism, whether it was food, family gatherings, sports, or his passion for all things electronic. In his final weeks, David moved into an assisted living facility in Stockton, California, where he found joy akin to "being at the Marriott Suites," forming meaningful connections with his caregivers, doctors, and nurses. Tim Battaglia 8/6/2024 9:35 PM GEPHART, Elmer Alex "Alex" We lost one of our finest VP sailors to ALS. His name was Elmer Alex Gephart, but we all knew him as ‘Alex’. I served with Alex while with VP-48. SEE: Alex Gephart Obituary. MARCHETTI, AT1 James "Jim" 8/5/2024 9:41 AM ROCK, AD3 Jerry J. I served with VP-26 (1963-1966) at NAS Brunswick, Maine on the Line Crew under Chief Louie St. Louis at which time we spent time in Key West Fla and NAS Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Trained in Aircraft Mechanics in NAS Memphis, Tennessee in 1962 then shipped off to NAS Keflavik, Iceland for a year. 7/26/2024 3:54 PM McELWAIN, PR2 Robin I served with VP-48 (1972-1974) at NAS Moffett Field, California with deployments to NAS Adak, Alaska and NAS Agana, Guam. I was Master-at-Arms of the barracks in NAS Agana, Guam when a C-130 was doing touch and go’s on the runway. A wing hit the deck and they crashed. A flash fire went through it because of the oxygen and everybody was burnt to a crisp. Sad day. The worst part was there was a Pan Am stewardess on board, went for a joy ride. 7/25/2024 11:04 PM BRION, AX3 John E-Mail/BIO Update Request Posted! 7/25/2024 4:03 PM ABRAHAM, Max cohen I served with VP-11 right out of boot camp in January 1956. After cleaning the CPO barracks for three months, as a non-designated AA, I was assigned to the AE shop. In June 1956 we deployed to Malta in support of Suez crisis. We were in the process of transitioning from P2V5's to P2v7's. Because of the urgency, we deployed with brand new unpainted P2v7's. It was quite a sight as the British thought we were a new type of spy aircraft. Sure would like to find photos of those unpainted aircraft and a patch of 1956 version of VP-11. Thanks. 7/16/2024 6:09 PM CLARIDGE, PN3 Tom I served with VP-742 / VP-16 (1951-1955) with deployments to Malta (1952) and Iceland (1954). We originally flew the P2V-2’s and transitioned to the P2V-3. The squadron transitioned over to the P2V-5 after I was discharged in February 1955. 7/11/2024 3:06 PM HASTINGS, Robert O. Timothy Hinds VP-31 (1966-1969). I want to report the death of Robert O. Hastings. He was a good friend of mine. He was an AT1 VP-31 (1968-1969). We served together in the Electronics shop. He came to my wedding. I learned of his death recently when I was looking him up. I haven’t been able to get in touch with his family. He was a good friend with a wife and kids. He is missed. Tim HINDS 7/11/2024 12:12 AM PATTERSON, AZ2 John W. I served with VP-45 (1970-1972) with deployes to NAS Sigonella, Sicily, NS Rota, Spain, NAF Lajes, Azores, Portugal and detachment to NAS Bermuda, NAS China Lake, California, VT-7 at NAS Meridian and VA-46 at NAS Cecil Field, Jacksonville, Florida aboard the USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67). 7/9/2024 9:44 PM LAU, AZ3 Dennis I served with VP-94 (10/1970-10/1973) and was a squadron Plankholder. Worked in Maintenance Control with AZ1 Brashears, Chief Guilden and Chief Herbert. 7/4/2024 2:24 PM GORE, TDI2 Donald I served with Fleet Airborne Electronics Training Unit (FAETULANT) (1954-1957) at NAS Norfolk, Virginia as an in flight instructor and flight simulator technician. Our unit serviced many active and reserve VP squadrons from the Eastern US and overseas air stations in ASW strategies and techniques both in-flight and using advanced P2V simulators. I would love to hear from former Shipmates (particularly those who worked at SP96 during that period). 6/29/2024 6:13 PM ADAMS, Richard Craig I served with VXN-8 (1971-1974) at NAS Patuxent River, Maryland. Now living in Urbana Il. Hello to all my Shipmates. 6/28/2024 10:49 PM I served with VAW-124 [1966-1970] with deployment aboard the USS America (CV-66) in 1970. I now find myself battling both prostate and lung cancer. I have been denied VA disability benefits due to the fact I cannot document to prove I was "feet dry" in Vietnam. As plane captain on E2A aircraft I flew to FASU/NSA DaNang, Republic of Vietnam on numerous occasions. My local congressman in NY Mike Lawler and his staff did a records search to no avail. I am hoping to find a former member of VAW-124 who remembers me or who also flew to FASU/NSA DaNang, Republic of Vietnam to write an affidavit to support my claim. Thank you. MAYER, AMH2 Laszlo 6/9/2024 3:12 PM RODMAN, AMME3 Harold Dodge I finally found my father's (Harold Dodge Rodman) notice of separation which contains the FAW-18 and VPB-108 listings. I have no idea which aircraft my dad was assigned to. As a child, I remember seeing photos of him posing with his crewmates but that documentation is long lost. I do know that he was awarded numerous medals, including the Distinguished Flying Cross and multiple Air Medal awards from his flying in the Pacific. I also knew he saw this action in 1945 from March 28 until July 28. In one instance his aircraft attacked a Japanese installation near Kozu Shima. He was on Iwo Jima for a time, the engines of his aircraft were rebuilt but a junior officer crashed the aircraft and a new one needed to be sent from other assets. His aircraft was squadron leader at some point after another aircraft failed to return from a mission. Just wondering if anyone has access to records or a way to identify his aircraft. David Rodman 6/6/2024 9:55 PM My father, ATC (NAC) (Ret) Fred STUFFLEBEAM, was stationed with FASRON-895. He is now 94 years old and for his birthday (in August) - I am getting him a G1 flight jacket with all squadron patches where he was assigned. I have found them all except FASRON-895 and am hoping that the wealth of knowledge within VPNAVY will steer me in the right direction to locate this elusive patch so that I can present a complete patch and flight jacket to my dad on his birthday. My name is Gordon Stufflebeam, AWC USN Ret and I hope I have had the pleasure of serving with some of you. Thank you in advance for any hints as to where I can find this patch. I've tried Amazon, EBay, and most military patch websites. Thanks again. AWC Gordon STUFFLEBEAM 6/5/2024 6:51 PM HOLLENBECK, William C. I regret to inform you that shipmate William C. Hollenbeck passed away yesterday, 5/29/2024. Bill served in VP-47 (1961-1964) and flew as panel operator in crew 11. He was an outstanding sailor and the closest of friends. GOODMAN, AWCS Edward E. "Ed" 5/30/2024 9:15 PM ARNOUTS, AE2 Jack E-Mail/BIO Update Request Posted! NEWHOUSE, Kim My father, Kim Newhouse, served with VP-42 (18SEP1964-01SEP1966). Are the deployment books available online anywhere? I would love to see pictures of which crew he was in and where he went during those years. I do have pictures showing he was at Tan Son Nhut at one point but not sure which year. I am not sure if all of these are at the same location but the last one does show a sign that says Tan Son Nhut (NAF Tan Son Nhut, South Vietnam). Susan McDonald 5/18/2024 8:05 PM HEIKKINEN, LTjg Carl My late father, Carl Heikkinen ( LTjg ) served as a PV-1 pilot of crew #19 during 1944 with VPB-139 during the Kurile island campaign. He told me his experience was the best of times, the worst of times. Stretching from “O” Club hijinks to having a bomb drop from a frozen bomb rack and frozen open bomb bay door onto the NAS Attu, Alaska runway as he was returning from a mission. No detonation as the fuse hadn’t had a chance to arm. James Heikkinen 5/20/2024 11:05 AM CRANMER, AE2 Jerry I served with VR-1. VR-1 was my first duty station after graduating from AE "A" school NAS Jacksonville, Florida. The year was 1966. I learned a lot working on those transport aircraft. We had C-118 four engine transports, and Convair 2 engine planes. One was the admirals private transport. After 2 years I was allowed to take the 2nd class PO exam. I passed the test, and was promoted! Little did I know, but the navy had another plan for me.I was shortly transferred to VAW-125 for sea duty. This was a new squadron with the navy's newly acquired E2A Hawkey aircraft. After completion of training on E2A "C" school we deployed on several carriers. USS America (CV-66), USS LEXINGTON (CV-16) and finally aboard the USS Saratoga (CVA-60). That cruise was the most memorable of my life . We were at sea for 9 months in the Med. I wanted to document this short history, because according to the navy historical society they have no records for these early squadrons. It's as if we didn't exist, according to their records. Well they did! I have many memories of the sailors I served with at the time. NAS Patuxent River, Maryland is still there. VR-1 is now stationed near Washington D. C. 5/19/2024 8:28 AM My late father, John M. Elliott, served with VP-94 during WWII and was stationed in Brazil. He received the DFC for sinking a U-Boat. My question is: how many DFC’s did my Dad’s squadron get during WWII? Thanks. Roy Elliott 5/18/2024 3:55 PM LEBLANC, David E-Mail/BIO Update Request Posted! 5/6/2024 6:42 PM WILSON, PN2 John M. I served with VP-49 (02/1972-11/1973) with deployment to NAS Keflavik, Iceland. In charge of Legal, Education and Public Affairs. I also served in Vietnam (1970-1972) with the Navy Seabees. 5/2/2024 5:02 PM STEPANUK, CWO Kenneth E-Mail/BIO Update Request Posted! 4/17/2024 7:01 PM McDONALD, AT2 Dan I served with VP-47 (2005-2008) and CMO-2 (2007-2008). At VP-47, we did 3 deployments in 3 years to Talil Airbase in beautiful Southern Iraq. The second was a large surge and the 3rd we had less than a months' notice. For many of us, we were only home for 5 weeks before redeploying back to Talil. As proud as I am of those successful deployments, I am very happy to hear they did away with CMO-2! My favorite aircraft would have to have 012, and my least without a doubt was 788. I am pretty sure we permanently ruined the HF2 system trying to rebuild its main harnesses. Many of us who experienced our first deployment within those 3 VP-47 deployments still remain close friends and are now in our retirement windows for those who stayed in. I may be most remembered in my squadron for parking in the Marine Corps Commandant's parking space, or getting caught stealing Aquafina water from the Air Force MP compound in Iraq and getting caught. 4/7/2024 10:16 PM HOLST, ATN3 Ken I served with VP-31 (1967-1969) Operations and VP-50 (1969-03/1971) Crew-11 Radioman with deployments to NAS Iwakuni, Japan, NS Sangley Point, Philippines, NAF Cam Ranh Bay, Vietnam and other stops along the way. Occasionally open up the deployment books and wonder how life worked out for the friends I made back in the day. I pray all had a good life with God’s Blessings. Send a note if you happen to share some of the same memories. 3/27/2024 4:13 PM GOUSE, AW2(NAC/AW) SS3 Frederick E-Mail/BIO Update Request Posted! 3/25/2024 1:34 PM RAYMOND, E. J. My Great Grandfather, E.J. Raymond served with VP-27 during the Second World War, he served in Korea but I’m unsure when, where, or with who. During the war he flew a PBM-5 with Crew 14, the PBM with E14 plastered on the side of the fuselage. But I couldn’t thank this page and those who contributed to it enough. Because of this page I’ve been able to find out who he served with, what plane he was in, and learn more about the units history. He passed away just before I was born and I was given his middle name, so this page will always have a special place in my heart, and I’ve been able to reconnect my mother and grandmother with pictures of him. Thank you. Joseph Hnulik 3/24/2024 06:35 PM OVERMAN, Graham I served with VP-50 at NAS Moffett Field, California, P-3C NAV/COM, TACCO, MC, addu WST Instructor, Oct 1981 to Aug 1985. CAC-10, CAC-9, CAC-3. Deployed to NAF Misawa, Japan, NAS Adak, Alaska and NSF Diego Garcia. Follow-on tour at DIA (1985-1989), then RAD to USNR VP-1649 at NAF Andrews, Maryland (1989-1991) in P-3B TACNAV MOD, VP-68 (1991-1996) at NAF Andrews, Maryland in P-3B TACNAV MOD and P-3C U1 and P-3C U2, Naval Space Reserve Program (1996-2009) when I retired. DoD contractor from 1989 to 2022 when I retired again. Now live in the Northern Virginia area. 3/22/2024 6:06 PM BREWER, ATC Landon J. "Jack" Jr. E-Mail/BIO Update Request Posted! 3/19/2024 4:52 PM BULIFANT, Thomas Haynes I served with VP-19 at NAS Moffett Field, California. 3/15/2024 12:29 AM VP-16 Mishap - July 27th, 1965 My uncle, Michael George Nation, was a member of VP-16. He was either the pilot or the co-pilot on July 27, 1965 when P-3A Orion 151380 crashed. He was 10 days shy of his 25th birthday. Jeremy Nation 3/13/2024 10:24 PM YOUNG, Arthur William Followed up on my Father Arthur W. Young ( deceased 12-8-94 ). He was a crew member of Ed Garlits, Eglies, Bradford , crew 12 VP-27 and his crew participated in Japanese Convoy raid on April 27, 1945! All 3 Mariners of VPB-27 and VPB-208 made it back to base damaged but no loss of life! Dan Young 3/11/2024 8:20 PM My father in law served in the Navy and was an electrician on this type of plane. He told me stories about sitting the coffee on the beam (SEE: COFFEE ON THE WING BEAM-Memories of the P2V Neptune By Capt. Brian McGuiness USNR (Ret.) - I enjoy this stories every time we get to visit. I found him your book in good condition from an online book store and he loved every word of it. Plus, it is a signed copy :) from 1998. He asked me to reach out and offer the book (no cost of course) to someone else that might like to read it and then they can maybe pass it on to anyone else wanting to read it. Please feel free to contact me and I will be more than happy to mail it to anyone wanting to enjoy your book. Thank you. John Cicack 3/6/2024 3:24 AM MAKOWSKI, AW3 Keith "Ski" E-Mail/BIO Update Request Posted! 3/5/2024 2:05 PM GOODMAN, AWCS Edward E. "Ed" E-Mail/BIO Update Request Posted! 2/27/2024 1:02 PM UPPERMAN, PT3 Buford E-Mail/BIO Update Request Posted! 2/27/2024 1:02 PM HOOPER, ADJ2 Konrad I served with VP-16 (1979-1982), TAD to Depot Level Maint NAS Jacksonville, Florida Prop Shop. 2/8/2024 4:31 PM LOFDAHL, AW John E-Mail/BIO Update Request Posted! 12/31/2023 12:51 AM HERSHEY, AMH3 Nicholas John I served with VP-91 (1978-1982). Looking for a graphic of our Pink Panther Logo pre Black Cats. Any help would be great. 12/29/2023 7:37 PM PINKNEY, AS3 Kimberly "Kim" I served with VP-26 (1989-1993) and was an angry undesignated airdale for a while, worked the line, washed planes, cleaned crappers, worked the Gedunk. Did a lot of drawings, a crappy mural, caricatures, tattoo and cruise patch designs. The awesome captain at the time was big on sending his folks to “A” School. My undesignated supe and Chief Dunlap had me do a crapton of books in my "spare time". I went to AS "A" School since I worked with SE on the daily, may as well learn to maintain them. Found out I had made AS3 off the test while attending. Completed the training as #3 in the class with my pick of stations. Went to NAS North Island, San Diego, California at their AIMD. Finally saw “The Real Navy” and served on the USS Nimitz (CVN 68) then at the AIMD at VA. Served until my mom got sick and then got out to take care of her for her last 3 years. Please visit my website at: The Art of Kim Pinkney. 12/20/2023 7:28 PM WILSON, ATN3 Gary I have since changed my last name back to Reed (my birth name). I served with VP-50 (1966-1968). Was the radio/panel operator in Crew 8 when we were flying the P5M Martin Marlin, then the radio operator in Crew 2 after we transitioned to P-3's. Two deployments to NS Sangley Point, Philippines and NAF Cam Ranh Bay, Vietnam. I was the radio/panel operator on the P5M flying bounce hops that hit a log/phone pole floating the water at South Bay, San Diego. It was a hard landing so Flight Engineer Lloyd Plush went down to the lower deck to see if there was any damage, when he opened the door to the electronics compartment the water was pouring in from a breach in the hull. We couldn't taxi back to North Bay so the plane was beached on the Silver Strand. While standing on the wing after the beaching, the officers joked about wading ashore, planting a flag and claiming the land - pretty funny at the time. That plane went directly into the mothball fleet and never flew again. I was also flying radio/panel while doing sub ops out of NS Sangley Point, Philippines on the day Crew 13 went missing while doing rocket runs. The base called me to see if I could reach them on the radio, when I couldn't they sent the two crews doing sub ops out to look for them. All we found was an oil slick, one of the wings and some orange floating seat cushions. I remember joking with Charlie Goetz (SEE: VP-50 In Memorial for lost friends January 6th, 1967) while we were pre-flighting that morning - he had just become a father and never got to meet his new son. Sad times. Am still in touch with Jeff Jones from our squadron. 12/20/2023 2:32 PM DUNCAN, Norman C. E-Mail/BIO Update Request Posted! 12/8/2023 11:18 PM DEGONISH, AW2 Paul E-Mail/BIO Update Request Posted! 12/7/2023, at 6:03 PM BOWERS, Kirk Lewis My husband served with VQ-1 (1962-1964) at NAS Atsugi, Japan with a deployment to NS Rota, Spain. He would love to hear from former Shipmates. Linda Bowers 11/12/2023 4:31 AM CAC-8 "...AE1 Melvin Carl THOMPSON was my grandfather. He and his crewmen were killed on Feb 6, 1968 (SEE: VP-26 Mishap - February 5th, 1968). Melvin is the short one in the back. Anthony Lee Roller 11/5/2023 10:08 AM LOVETT, AW3 James R. I was the second reserve AW recruited at NARTU NAS Memphis, Tennessee in 1970 After completing boot camp at NAS Memphis, Tennessee. I was assigned to VP-67 after completing RESTACEAST at NAS Willow Grove, Pennsylvania. I flew as a sensor 1 operator on the P2V Neptune until 1976. 10/28/2023 11:12 AM DeVOS, AT3 Pamela J. I served with VP-9 (1991-1993) at NAS Moffett Field, California. 10/27/2023 2:03 PM McCULLOUGH, PO2 William A. "Bill" My husband, William A McCullough, passed away April 20, 2022. He served with VP-11 (1995-1997) at NAS Brunswick, Maine and VP-8 (1997-2000). He also spent time at NAS Jacksonville, Florida and NAS North Island, San Diego, California. I do have a NAS Adak, Alaska Cruisebook (1988-1989). If there is anyone on here that would like this, I am happy to pass it along. It is history, but will mean more to others than to me. I am not sure how many will remember after all these years, but I just found this site and thought someone might be wondering. We left NAS Brunswick, Maine and moved to Baltimore MD and from there came here to FL. Bill is laid to rest in Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell. See: The Journey of Loving William Mccullough and Bill's Wonderful Life. Shirley McCullough 10/11/2023 12:45 PM CONLAN, ADC Edward Thomas My Father, ADC Edward Thomas CONLAN, was in the Navy from March 1952 through September 1979. Dad passed away September 22, 2002. He served with O&R Flight Test (1952-1954) at NAS Quonset Point, Rhode Island, VP-24 (1954-1956), VP-834, VP-832, VP-62R2 and VP-66 at NAS JRB Willow Grove, Pennsylvania. Brenda Conlan-O'Brien 10/13/2023 9:40 AM YEAGER, AMH2 Albert F. E-Mail/BIO Update Request Posted! 9/24/2023 6:21 PM RICKEL, AFCM Don E-Mail/BIO Update Request Posted! 9/10/2023 4:02 PM MORTIMER, AZ2 Greg E-Mail/BIO Update Request Posted! 9/5/2023 11:07 PM CROCKER, AW3 Anthony W. "Tony" I served with VP-56 (1976-1978) with deployments to NAS Sigonella, Sicily and NAS Keflavik, Iceland. I flew with Crew-2. 8/19/2023 10:28 PM PB4Y Circa 1951 Crew My father was Gayle G. Varner, a CWO in the navy with the rating AMSC (Chief Aviation Structural Mechanic Structures). He served in active duty from 1933 to 1953. During the Korean War he was made an acting ensign and an acting lieutenant (as there were no senior or master chief ratings then). After 10 years at reserve status he retired as a CW-2. During this time he became a missile engineer and eventually worked on the Apollo and Skylab missions in the 1960s and 1970. This photo shows my father, Gayle Varner, in the first row. He is the chief at right with no mustache. His crew are standing in front of a P4Y-2 Consolidated Privateer. I believe this is from about 1951. The aircraft has the new P4Y-2 designation. The BuNo is 59924. This patrol plane had an acceptance date of 26 May 1945 and a delivery date of 23 August 1945. It was assigned to patrol squadron VP-114. On 15 November 1946 the squadron was redesigned VP-HL-6. If I’m reading the remarks for the airframe history, it was detached from VP-HL-6 in late 1947 and became an aircraft in the small utility squadron VU-4. Steven Varner 7/24/2023 5:41 PM INSLEY, PS1 Thomas (USCG) Retired Joined the Navy 29 July 1959, graduated NTC Great Lakes, ill. Co. 381. My first duty station was at NAS Norfolk, Virginia with FASRON-3 as an airman apprentice. FASRON-3 was decommissioned and personnel became part of Aviation Maintenance Department NAS Norfolk, Virginia. In 1961 I was rotated to Attack Squadron 122 (VA-122) a training squadron for the AD6 Sky Raider at NAS Moffett Field, California. After training I was assigned to Attack Squadron 152 (VA-152). VA-152 who had already deployed and attached to the USS Coral Sea (CV-43) (1962 WestPac) I had fly to Yokosuka Japan in order to catch up with my new squadron. I remained with VA-152 until my discharge in March 1963 as an ADR-2 (E-5). I ended up retiring from the US Coast Guard Reserves as a PS-1 (E-6). Naval Aviation was my first love and To this day I still reminisce and miss serving in the United States Navy. 7/22/2023 9:45 PM WORLEY, AE2 Craig W. I served with VP-23 (1973-1977). Maintenance - Navigation system specialist - "Best job I ever had" - wonderful duty in P-3's. Great deployments to NS Rota, Spain, NAF Lajes, Azores, Portugal and NAS Bermuda. Great Homeport at NAS Brunswick, Maine. Some of the best times of my life with the best Shipmates ever. 7/14/2023 12:16 PM I am looking for anyone remembering a young Navy Avaition electronics tech E-5 (AT2) that was TAD from the USS Enterprise (CVN-65) and assisted the navy VO/VAH P2 squadrons and the Crazy Cat's/1st Radio Research with their systems. THis relates to AO Claims - please contact me as soon as possible. Carl Holland 7/5/2023 11:32 AM |