VPNAVY VP-5 Open House
http://www.vpnavy.org
VPNAVY Address

Note VP-17 NoticeNote

Note NOTICE: "...I served with VP-17 (1970-1972) Crew-8. I am writing a book about my military experiences. I am requesting any photos of VP-17 Crew-8 aircraft or flight crew. Also any squadron or crew Shipmates who have memories to share..." Contributed by WILCOXSON, Stephen sewilcoxson@icloud.com [09AUG2022]


Note NOTICE: "...I served with VP-17 (1970-1972) Crew-8. I am writing a book about my military experiences. I am requesting any photos of VP-17 Crew-8 aircraft or flight crew. Also any squadron or crew Shipmates who have memories to share..." Contributed by GALLARDO, Chief Manuel R. "Manny" Retired mrgallad@yahoo.com [15MAR2018]


Note NOTICE: "...I served with VP-17 (1965-1970) with a deployment to NS Sangley Point, Philippines and between 1966 to 1968 I participated in detachments to NAF Cam Ranh Bay, Vietnam. If any of my former Shipmates remember me, please get in touch with me, and we can help each other to establish our presence in NAF Cam Ranh Bay, Vietnam. I am currently trying to prove my presence there for an Agent Orange VA Compensation Claim. Thank you..." Contributed by GALLARDO, Chief Manuel R. "Manny" Retired mrgallad@yahoo.com [15MAR2018]


Note NOTICE: "...I am trying to find VP-17 Shipmate (1976-1979) AT1 Dee Rodin (may be Roden). His sister Beth saved me from drowning at Nanakuli Beach in the summer of 1978. Any info would be appreciated..." Contributed by CUMMINS, AT3 Mickey juker01@sbcglobal.net [26JUL2013]


Note NOTICE: "...Looking for VP-17 FE John Atkin (1970)..." Contributed by Charles Cowley chuck@bluwadu.com [15APR2012]


Note NOTICE: "...Am hoping to make contact with buddy (John Clark) from our 1950 Navy flight training class. After receiving his wings he was first assigned to VP-772 in 1951. Later to VP-17. Then I lost touch with him. Would greatly appreciate hearing from anyone who knew him. Hopefully this could provide me with leads enabling me to contact him. Thanks. Dan Jessup ebbyj@comcast.net..." [14APR2008]


Note NOTICE: "...VP-2 Memorial Project for NAS Whidbey Island, Washington. We are looking for Maintenance and Structural Manuals for the P2V7. The Memorial is going to be for all the Squadrons who were at NAS Whidbey Island, Washington and the Shipmates who Died in the Operation of the Squadrons. So if you know or if you hear of Manuals please let me know so we can get bird to Nas Whidbey. SEXTON, Guy Capecod2443@aol.com..." [10FEB2002]

UPDATE "...Patrol squadrons finally recognized - By Jessie Stensland - Sep 16 2006 - Whidbey News Times http://www.whidbeynewstimes.com/..." Forwarded by Jim Campbell blandjcampbell@aol.com [26NOV2006]

Hundreds of people traveled thousands of miles to be in Oak Harbor Thursday morning.

The first-of-its-kind Patrol Squadron Memorial was dedicated to aircrews past and present, and presented to the Oak Harbor community, in a dignified and emotional ceremony at the Veterans Park on East Pioneer Way. It began with a flyover by a P-3 Orion.

Linda MacDonald and her husband, Bob, flew to Oak Harbor from California to be at the ceremony with their two daughters. Linda said they came to the event in memory of her brother Dale Armour, whose name is engraved in a granite wall of the memorial along with the 84 other servicemen who lost their lives in Whidbey-based patrol squadron operations.

The memorial has deep meaning for the family.

"It's a culmination," Linda said. "It's closure. It gives us a place to come now to remember him."

Armour, a 22-year-old member of VP-42, was in a VP-2 Neptune aircraft that disappeared while on patrol in Alaska in 1967. The site of the crash wasn't found until 16 years later.

The MacDonald family was among more than 600 people who attended the ceremony. It coincided with a Reunion of Patrol Squadron Two Association, which is the group behind the memorial.

Capt. David Taylor, Commander of Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing 10, spoke passionately during the ceremony about the history of the Navy's patrol and reconnaissance squadrons, which is a history inextricably linked to Oak Harbor. The first patrol squadron at Whidbey Island Naval Air Station flew PBY Catalinas in the 1940s.

Taylor spoke about how patrol squadrons helped to win the Cold War by "playing a cat-and-mouse game" with Soviet submarines and planes.

"Anywhere we could chase the enemy bear, we wore the enemy down," he said.

Yet Taylor said the patrol mission is still valid today, even with the end of the Cold War.

"This is a time of great challenge and change to the patrol and reconnaissance squadrons," he said, "our Navy and our nation."

Taylor also spoke about the bronze statue of a 1960s era airman, which is the centerpiece of the memorial.

"I see a proud warrior of the past," he said, "but I also see in his face the warrior of the present."

Floyd Palmer, president of the Patrol Squadron Two Association, turned over ownership of the memorial to the citizens of Oak Harbor with an official presentation to Chairman Patty Cohen.

Afterward, Palmer explained that the effort to build a memorial started when he took a tour of Whidbey Island Naval Air Station more than six years ago and realized that there was nothing to recognize patrol squadrons. It took the work of many members of the association and money from many generous donors to finally make his dream a reality.

During her speech, Cohen said the patrol squadrons didn't receive as much recognition as others in the military because "their missions were always classified," but she said they were definitely "so deserving of a permanent place in town."

The Northwest Navy Ceremonial Band ended the ceremony by playing Taps. Afterward, the audience got the chance to look at the memorial close up.

Robert Lenson, a member of the VP-2 Association, attended the event with his wife, Raye. He was the skipper of VP-17 in 1964.

Husband and wife agreed that such a memorial was long overdue.

"It means a great deal," Raye said. "We mourn the loss of crewmates. This recognition is important."

© Copyright 2005 Whidbey News Times

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UPDATE "...LEFT PICTURE: Appeared on page 2 of the 9-27 issue of the Northwest Navigator, NAS Whidbey Edition. This is the Northwest Navy newspaper for the region. RIGHT PICTURE: Win Stites..." Forwarded by McLAUGHLIN, LT Bob banddmcl1964@msn.com [04OCT2006]

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UPDATE "...On 9-14-2006 a Patrol Squadron Memorial dedication ceremony was held in Oak Harbor, WA. In attendance were approximately 600 past and present members of the VP community that had served at NAS Whidbey Island and the speakers were a mix of community and military leaders as well as those who had served. If you would like further info for your website I'll be glad to send what I have. Attached are a few photos..." Contributed by GOODMAN, AWCS Edward E. (Ed) Retired edusnret@gmail.com [25SEP2006]

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UPDATE "...If you don't get the "Wings" magazine, there is an article in it about a new Patrol Squadron memorial being built. Here are the highlights...Contributed by LARSON, LCDR John Retired oriondriver1975@yahoo.com..." [01NOV2005]

In 2004 the city of Oak Harbor approved the placement of the memorial in the city's Veterans Memorial Park.

VP squadrons have served at NAS Whidbey Island, Washington since 1942. In the Cold War periods, when most other active duty military forces were limited to exercises, simulators and war games to train for their various warfare specialties, VP aircraft and crews flew all-weather missions around the clock keeping track of the growing fleet of Soviet submarines in our waters and in theirs. VP crews did much of their training against live Soviet submarines. In addition to the ASW mission, VP crews were responsible for ocean reconnaissance, surveillance, mining and electronic warfare operations.

The Memorial has a single, simple purpose: the recognition of the contribution to freedom that the men and women of the NAS Whidbey Island, Washington patrol squadron community have made in over 60 years of service. Hundreds of Whidbey Is personnel have been lost in the VP operations since 1942. Among them are those whose names will appear on this Memorial from the Whidbey Is. P2V community.

The Whidbey Patrol Squadron Memorial is dedicated to all USN personnel who served in Navy patrol squadrons at NAS Whidbey Is. and to those Whidbey P2V airmen who lost their lives in the line of duty in VP operations.

The Memorial design consists of a life-size bronze statue of an airman in flight gear standing in front of a 3-section granite wall. Featured on the wall are an outline of a P2V, the Memorial dedication, a map depicting deployment sites, a list of Whidbey VP units and the names of those who perished in P2V flight ops.

Surrounding the walls are bricks inscribed in accordance with the wishes of donors who purchase the bricks. Brick purchases form the primary means of fund-raising for the Memorial which is scheduled for dedication in mid 2006. See http://www.patron2.com/files/wpsm.html for info on the Memorial, a listing of the 59 VP squadrons that served at Whidbey, the history of Whidbey VP operations and info on the Catalinas, Venturas, Mariners, Privateers, Neptunes, Marlins, and Orions involved.

Widespread support and donations for this memorial are encouraged. Brick orders and donations should be sent to Vic Gulliver, 1900 Franklin Dr, Glenview, IL 60026. Inquires including requests for brick-order-forms by mail should be sent to the VPSM Committee, 1376 West Beach Rd, Oak Harbor, WA 98277 or via email: wpsm@comcast.net.

UPDATE "...The following squadrons are all listed on the wall of the forthcoming Whidbey Patrol Squadron Memorial. The memorial, to be built in Oak Harbor, WA and dedicated in September 2006 includes a comemorative wall and a lifesize bronze statue of a typical VP aircrewman ready for flight.

If you are, or know any members of these squadrons, please contact us so we can keep everyone informed of the memorial progress. More information is available at http://www.patron2.com/files/wpsm.html.

VP-1, VP-2, VP-4, VP-6, VP-12, VP-17, VP-20, VP-27, VP-29, VP-32, VP-40, VP-42, VP-43/VPB-43, VP-46, VP-47, VP-50, VP-53/VPB-53, VP-57, VP-61/VPB-61, VP-62/VPB-62, VP-69, VPB-91, VP-107, VPB-112, VPB-115, VP-120/VPB-120, VP-122/VPB-122, VP-130/VPB-130, VP-131/VPB-131, VPB-135, VP-136/VPB-136, VPB-138, VPB-139, VPB-144, VPB-148, VPB-199, VPB-212, VP-772, VP-812, VP-931, VP-AM-1, VP-AM-2, VP-AM-5, VP-ML-1, VP-ML-2, VP-ML-4, VP-ML-61, VP-HL-7, VP-HL-10 and VP-HL-12.

It is a great Memorial, honoring all who served with NAS Whidbey Island, Washington Patrol Squadrons.

Al Hall, WPSM Committee, VP-2 1950-1952...Al Hall alandmarylou@comcast.net..." [24MAY2005]

UPDATE "...A project is underway to create a Memorial recognizing the contributions of all Whidbey-based VP personnel. Please advise your friends, and consider supporting this worthwhile effort to honor our Shipmates. Whidbey Patrol Squadron Memorial - Veteran's Memorial Park - Oak Harbor, WA. Completion scheduled for Summer 2006. This memorial is dedicated to all United States Naval personnel who served in Navy Patrol Squadrons based at NAS Whidbey Island, to their families, and to those Whidbey P2V airmen who lost their lives in the line of duty in VP operations. For more info: http://www.patron2.com/files/wpsm.html..." Contributed by Doug Donohue nvsoar@charter.net [24DEC2004]

Note NOTICE: "...My name is Bob Rhinehart and I was served with VP-17 at NAF Tan Son Nhut, South Vietnam some time between 1964 and 1966. I am ill, due to Agent Orange, but unable to establish presence in Viet Nam due to inadequete military record keeping. Have gone through both VA and Congresswoman Ginny Brown-Waites office. Am 62 years of age and can no longer remember any of the names I served with in my squadron in Viet Nam. Have you any suggestions as to how I can find any information that would place me in Viet Nam or possibly find out a name I might remember if I see it? Any help you can give me would be so much appreciated. After pursuing this for 2 years with "no" results, I'm frustrated beyond belief. Looking forward to hearing from you. Bob Rhinehart rrhineh1@tampabay.rr.com..." [21JUN2006]


Note NOTICE: "...My brother, Ray McCrorken, served with VP-17. If anyone knows where he is please have him call home ASAP. Thanks...Patricia Casey pcaseyclark@verizon.net..." [E-Mail Updated 20APR2006 | 15DEC2005]


Note NOTICE: "...As some of you may know, we are trying to put together a memorial here in Oak Harbor, the Whidbey Patrol Squadron Memeorial. You can go to http://www.www.patron2.com/files/wpsm.htm to view the details. Right now we need help with a few names of Shipmates KIS (killed in service). We are pretty sure that they are from VP-17. The first is Vernon Drain AO3. Killed in 1959 or 1960? Walked into a prop here at NAS Whidbey Island, Washington. The others are Claude Holman AO2, Hank Moore CW4/LT, and Robert Perham ATAN. If you can give me any information as to WHEN? WHERE? HOW? they were lost...PLEASE contact me. Thanks! Buy a brick!...Dave Bowen cjdmbowen@msn.com..." [21JUN2005]


Note NOTICE: "...VP-1, VP-4, VP-6, VP-9, VP-17, VP-22, VP-28, and VP-47 flying out of NAS Barbers Point, Hawaii Memorial..." Contributed by Michael Thomas carmikesc@juno.com..." [29MAR2005]

We are in the process of developing a memorial (due to be completed sometime in 2006) for the VP Squadrons that served from NAS Barbers Point, Hawaii. We have identified VP-1, VP-4, VP-6, VP-9, VP-17, VP-22, VP-28, and VP-47 flying out of NAS Barbers Point, Hawaii.

Each Squadron will have a separate inscription on the memorial. Bronze tablets will list the names of the Squadrons next to which will be their ensealed Squadron patch. We have all the patches except for VP-17, VP-22, and VP-28. If you know anyone who may be willing to donate a patch for the memorial, we'd appreciate hearing from them.

To complete the memorial, we need the names of those airmen who were lost while on duty. We need representatives from VP-1, VP-4, VP-6, VP-9, VP-17, VP-22, VP-28, and VP-47 to furnish us with a list of airmen lost and when. VP-6 has accounted for all of its personnel lost since its inception in 1943, including one person "on loan" to VP-871. That's what we need from the other Squadrons to do it justice. We don't need ranks or grades, just complete names and dates of loss.

As well as the memorial, we are making preparations to renovate a P2V aircraft owned by the Smithsonian in DC. The aircraft, presently at Davis-Monthan, and the memorial will be displayed at the Pacific Air Museum at Ford Island.


Note NOTICE: "...Missing Shipmates VP-17 1968-70 - The VO-67 squadron attempting to locate several members who were transferred to VP-17 after VO-67 was disestablished in June of 1968. If you have any information on ATN-3 Ray Davis, AX-1 Raymond Braley, or ADJ-3 Don Judy please contact me. Thanks...Bob Reynolds crklmoon@aol.com..." [08NOV2004]


Note NOTICE: "...Navy Establishing Augment Units For All FRS's Including VP-30..." Contributed by LCDR Robert J. Cable cablerj@vp30.navy.mil [03DEC2003]

VP-30 SAU The Navy is scheduling the establishment of a Squadron Augment Unit (SAU) attached to VP-30 for 1 October, 2004. Final numbers have yet to be released, but the SAU is likely to total near 150 personnel composed of Officer and Enlisted instructors and maintenance personnel. The SAU has begun recruiting the advance party of 20 maintainers in the AD, AE, AT, AM, and AME rates. If you are interested in serving as a Selected Reservist in VP-30 SAU, have P-3 NEC's and P-3 experience within the last 6 years, and are within drilling distance of NAS Jacksonville, Florida, please call Naval Reserve Recruiting Area SE at 904-542-3320 ext 490 or the SAU OIC at 904-542-0990.

AD - Aviation Machinist's Mate    AE - Aviation Electrician's Mate    AT - Aviation Electronics Technician    AM - Aviation Structural Mechanic

Note NOTICE: "...Does anyone have a listing of personal call signs for VP-17 NAO's and NFO's from 1962 through 1970, or a way of looking up an individual's personal callsign?"...Thanks. Michael Sare mjsare@att.com..." [03JUN2002]


Note NOTICE: "...Attention all VP-4, VP-17 and Naval Personnel stationed at RTAF U-Tapao Thailand during the summer of 1975. I received an email from John Warren. He is doing research for a documentary on the Mayaquez Incident on the Discovery Channel. He is looking for images of the Mayaquez Incident and movies or still pictures of U-Tapao. If you have pictures and would like to contact Jim, his email is jwarren@henninger.com. The Mayaquez was a US merchant ship that was captured by the Cambodians. The crew was released a few days later after an assault on an island by the Marines. VP-4 and VP-17 were directly involved in this incident. VP-4 Crew 9 were the first to locate the crew after they were released...John Larson oriondriver1975@yahoo.com..." [11FEB2000]


Note NOTICE: "...Searching for a Papa-3 crew that flew a night market time mission in RVN in 1971 involving a flight of two OV-10's (VAL_4) Black Ponies. If you have info or can give me a stear, please respond. Thanks Ken (former VS and VAL-4)...KEN WILLIAMS KENWILL777@AOL.COM..." [Updated E-Mail 08APR99 | 07APR99]


Note NOTICE: "...I have been advised that the TEXAS AVIATION HALL OF FAME (Lone Star Flight Museum) is considering finishing their restored PB4Y-2 Privateer in VP-17 (VP-772) colors! They are looking for an appropriate selection of "nose art", where "...historical accuracy is more important than political correctness!" Any information can be forwarded to myself or: T.J.Zalar - Curator, Texas Aviation Hall of Fame, P.O.Box 3099, Galveston, TX 77552, (409)-740-7722, Fax: (409)-740-7612, E-mail: flight@lsfm.org. Sincerely, Bob McLaughlin banddmcl1964@msn.com..." [12APR99]


Note NOTICE: "...I was reading the messages and seen one placed by John (Jack) Allred, he gave an e-mail address of captjackone@netscape.net. I tried to e-mail him at that address and it was returned, he must have changed his address. If anyone out there knows a good e-mail address for him let me know. Thanks!...BELINC, AO3 Joe jbelinc@hotmail.com..." [22FEB2004]


Note NOTICE: "...I served at NAS Barbers Point, Hawaii from January 1974 to December 1976. I was your NiCad battery man in AIMD in Avionics! If you had a bike, I probably charged your battery! Anyone know the whereabouts of VP-17's Mike Emery (YN)or Joe Tasker, Marvin Baker, Kevin Roarke and on and on. Remember surfing the O Beach, the parties at the beach cottages, introducing the newbies to Waikiki night life, etc. My email is wide open for anyone wanting to drift back to the good ol days...SMITH, Jerry liightnin@yahoo.com..." [10OCT2001]


Note NOTICE: "...I have been notified that Raymond A. Braley AX1, was transferred to VP-17 when VO-67 was disestablished, July 1, 1968. If anyone in VP-17 has any information regarding his location now, I would appreciate the help. CDR. A.G. Alexander, Jr. vo67usn@bresnan.net..." [03SEP2001]


Note NOTICE: "...Anyone know the whereabouts of MCPO Gary Davidson, my flight engineer and good friend in VP-17 in the 1973-74 timeframe? Last I heard he was stationed at NAS Brunswick, Maine after he made E-9. Would have been in the early 80s after I left VP-23 and CPW-5. Would love to hear from Gary or anyone else from the old gang (Crew 1 or VP-17)...Gerry Spaulding, CAPT. USN (Ret) gerkar@comcast.net..." [26JAN2001]

UPDATE "...Gary and I are now in contact. Thanks! SPAULDING, CAPTAIN Gerry Retired gerkar@comcast.net..." [05DEC2001]


Note NOTICE: "...I have been trying to find a person named ADC Greg Poitras. I served with him in VP-48, he transfered to NAS Memphis, Tennessee. then to VP-17 and finally to CTF 72 in Kamasaya, Japan. I retired in May 1999 and I am presently flying for U.S. Customs in Corpus Christi, Tx. We were both Flight Engineers. Thanks!...Dan C. Pray, USN, Retired daniel_pray@sbcglobal.net..." [25DEC2000]


Note NOTICE: "...Hello out there. I'm trying very hard to find a friend of the family. AME1 (NAC) James E. Walker, was an FE with VP-17 sometime around 90-93. We met in NAS Miramar in 86 and have lost contact can any of you VP'ers help me locate him either directly or through a friend of a friend? Thanks...Tammy Shuflat (formerly Nelson) AMH1(AW) NAC shus3@yahoo.com..." [03NOV2000]


Note NOTICE: "...I am trying to locate Raymond McRorken (not sure of spelling of last name) I last saw him stationed with VP-17 at NAS Barbers Point, Hawaii from 1980-1984. He was an Aw2. Any information will be helpful. It is important...Kathy (Maldonado) Wheeler kailj@aol.com..." [08JUL2000]

UPDATE "...I have located Eugene Mccrorken and his brother Raymond. Thanks!...Kathy (Maldonado) Wheeler kailj@aol.com..." [03AUG2000]


Note NOTICE: "...Shipmates, my name is Larry Doyle Sr., I was an AO3(A/C) with VP-2 from 1965-68. I am looking for anyone who remembers the two VP-17 shipmates who drowned in Vietnam sometime in late 67 or early 68. Coming off a night patrol, I was met at the plan by the base AP'S and taken to graves registration at Tan Sah Nhut to ID the bodies and sign the papers for their families (a very bad experience that still bothers me today). To this day, I can not remember my friends names and I'm certain they were in your squadron. If anyone has have any information, I would appreciate hearing from them. Thanks Larry Doyle Sr. ldoylesr@lycos.com..." [11JUN2000]


Note NOTICE: "...Former east coast VP guy. Looking for Mike Lauerman ("Haboo"), VP-17 pilot in early 70's. Would appreciate any locator information. Thanks!...Bill McDonough williemacs@aol.com..." [03JUN2000]


Note NOTICE: "...Members of Observation Squadron SIXTY SEVEN (VO-67) have been told that Richard A. Alves and Raymond A. Braley were members of VP-17 after leaving VO-67. We are attempting to locate them. If any one knows anything about where they could be located, we would really appreciate your help. Please Contact: VO-67 Shipmate Summary Page A.G. Alexander, Jr., CDR. USN. (Ret), 328 Karrow Ave., Whitefish, MT. 59937, (406)862-5161 Thanks Shipmates. Alex..." [06MAR2000]


Note NOTICE: "...James E. Walker where are you. Was a flight engineer for VP-17 in 91...Tammy Shuflat tammynmbs@yahoo.com..." [15APR99]


Note NOTICE: "...Trying to locate Don Judy. He was an ADJ, and served with VO-67 from 1967 until decommissioning, and then with VP-17 thru 1970...Ed Cox Nep147967@aol.com..." [24MAR99]


Note NOTICE: "...Am trying to locate friends from NAS Whidbey Island, Washington 67-70. Names are Snick and Kay Graham. They were originally from Lubbock, TX. He flew as PC in VP-17, don't know what crew. Would appreciate any information, Thank You...Ken McKenzie VPMcKenzie@aol.com..." [20MAR99]


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