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

Note VP-91 NoticeNote

Note NOTICE: "...I've been looking all over the web trying to find informtion on my Grandfather and the crew he flew with. His name is Jack E. Mclaughlin. The only information I'bve been able to find was posted on the VP-91 Up-Floats Newsletter in an article entitled "April 25, 1944 - A routine Dumbo Rescue by George Moak)". I'd greatly appreciate any information about him or the crew he flew with. Also, I've been working on a design to have some t-shirts made with the VP-91 Logo. If anyone is interested, shoot me an e-mail..." Contributed by Guy doyouwantafreshone@hotmail.com [21JUN2007]


Note NOTICE: "...Disestablishment of Commander Reserve Patrol Wing (SEE: OPNAVNOTE 3111)..." Contributed by Merrill Kruse kruse@navmar.com [03FEB2007]

Disestablishment of Commander Reserve Patrol Wing
Squadron Logo


This invitation is extended to ALL personnel active duty, FTS/TAR & SelRes who served in any Reserve VP Squadron (VP-60, VP-62, VP-64, VP-65, VP-66, VP-67, VP-68, VP-69, VP-90, VP-91, VP-92, VP-93, VP-94, VP-MAU, VP-SAU/SRU), any Reserve VP Training Command (RATCEN, RESASWTAC, RESASWTAC East/RESASWTAC West) or any Reserve VP Support Unit (TSC units, MOCC units).

On 23 June 2007, following the Change of Command for Capt. Ken Lewko (VP-92,VP-66, CO RATCEN, Wing CSO, etc.) there will be a "celebration" of sorts, to commemorate Commander Reserve Patrol Wing (formerly COMRESPATWINGLANT & COMRESPATWINGPAC) at its Disestablishment. It is thought that this would be the best "Last Chance" for those that have served in the Reserve Force Maritime Patrol Aviation community across the years to get together one last time and remember the long and proud heritage of which each of us is a part.

Plans are underway, with a major question being "how many will attend?" If you plan on attending please send an email response to:

CDR Phillips
samuel.phillips@navy.mil

You should then receive an evite invitation which will provide additional details and costs. You must return the evite with payment in order to ensure access to the event.

Date: 23 June 2007
Place: NAS Willow Grove, Pennsylvania
Time: TBA

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 Mayor 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: "...I am trying to find an official Navy Paint Scheme for the PBY-5A in use around 1945. It would be the solid dark blue scheme. Only one color and not the tri-color scheme. If there were a way to also learn what other markings were usually on the aircraft that would be helpful. I am in touch with a diecast aircraft model manufacturer who is willing to look into making a scale model but they need to be very accurate. My father flew PBY-5A's out of NAS Pearl Harbor, Hawaii at the end of WWII and became the director of Air-Sea Rescue, Hawaiian Sea Frontier prior to leaving. He was in transit to Pearl from the States when the Japanese signed the surrender. He is 82 now and can only remember that the aircraft was solid dark blue. If anyone could help direct me to a source for this information, I would be very appreciative. Phil Garner thrill@bellsouth.net..." [23JAN2006]

UPDATE "...I have learned that the proper paint scheme is indeed, the tri-color for the PBY-5A's. What I need now is to see if anyone has any detailed pictures of any of the PBY's present at Midway for the Battle of Midway. I need to see what markings were on the aircraft. I have several squadron numbers that were supposed to be represented at the Battle by PBY's. They are listed in this excerpt provided by one of you members:

Here is an excerpt from the book PBY: The Catalina Flying Boat by Roscoe Creed pg 102. regarding the Battle of Midway.:

    "The following day (May 22) the buildup began: the first six of twelve PBY-5As of VP-44 under LCDR Brixner arrived from Pearl Harbor to provide long-range patrol capabilities.. Small groups continued to wing in, a hodge podge of PBY's on temporary duty from VP-14, VP-23, VP-24, VP-51, VP-72 and VP-91. The seaplanes operated from Sand Island and the amphibians from the runways on Eastern Island.....". Note that Midway is made up of two islands Eastern and Sand.
Thanks, John for that info.

Anything that anyone can supply will be greatly appreciated. I am on high speed internet so size of transmission is good up to about 3 or 4MB per message. Phil Garner thrill@bellsouth.net..." [26JAN2006]

Note NOTICE: "...My Uncle was in VP-91 during WWII and he told me of flying over the battle of Midway and time in Hawaii. His name was Alfred Elder, I was wondering if anyone has any squadron papers or pictures that contain his name? I also have an album from the 1920's of flight training, some of them were sent to the avaition museum in Florida...Darrell Elder dkems@citlink.net..." [21JUN2005]


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: "...Dear friends. Hi there, my name is Jan-Olov and I live in Sweden and I would like to get as much information I can get about VP-11, VP-33 and VP-91 during WWII. I would also like all the information I get about Lt Cdr Anderson from VP-33 as I´m planning to build his Black Cat(s) that he flew when he sank two destroyers and later when he sank a 10,500 ton tanker. I would also very much like to get in contact with anyone who flew or crewed the wonderful black cats in the pacific. Have a really nice day and take care everyone. Yours very truly Jan-Olov...Jan-Olov black.knight@telia.com..." [15JAN2000]


Note NOTICE: "...I am looking for an old friend that served with VP-47 and VP-91. She is AK1 Shelly Stephens. If any one knows anything about her where abouts, I could use your help. Thanks...Paul Iannucci nucci@yahoo.com..." [19AUG2003]


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