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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.  BAXTER, ATC John "Johnny" RetiredJoined in Jan 1966, attended boot camp at Great Lakes with tons of snow. Then headed to NAS North Island, San Diego, California for aircrew training. Went to NAS Moffett Field, California to VP-47 68-70 as P-3 radio operator. We deployed to NS Sangley Point, Philippines and detached to NAF Cam Ranh Bay, Vietnam 1 Nov 1968-31 Mar 1969. We returned to beautiful San Jose and then did it again, only this time via NAF Naha, Okinawa, Japan (great NCO club). We passed thru PI to load up the plane with San Miguel headed to NAF Cam Ranh Bay, Vietnam 16 Jan 1970-13 Jul 1970. I then went back to NAS Memphis, Tennessee for B school and instructor training. I next made my first tour in NAS Patuxent River, Maryland in 1971-1975 at NAMTD 1011. Then it was off to NAS Guantanamo Bay, Cuba (fun in the sun) as tech and load master on C-118, C-131, HU-16, UH-1N. We traveled all over the Caribbean. Then I headed back to NAS Moffett Field, California for P-3C Inflight tech training after which I went to VP-46. We deployed to NAS Keflavik, Iceland and visited Norway, Netherlands, England and Scotland. I was recruited to come back to NAS Patuxent River, Maryland in 1980. Got to Force Warfare/VX-20 Aircraft Test Directorate and became part of the VP test community. I participated in the integration and test of the ARC-187 UHF, ALR-66 ESM, SS3 plasma panel, and DIFAR plasma upgrades. I picked up chief after 14 years. I went back to the fleet in 1984 to VP-1 in NAS Barbers Point, Hawaii as P-3C inflight tech. Stayed there until Dec 1986 and came back to NAS Patuxent River, Maryland, same office, same job. I retired Feb 1987, took off my uniform, sat back down and been in the same office ever since. I am currently a contractor supporting P-3/P-8 communication systems. 3/17/2023 2:08 PM  CHRISTIANSEN, LEON A. "Chris"My Dad, CHRISTIANSEN, LEON A. "Chris", served with VPB-116 Crew 8. He flew with LT ICKE from NAB Tinian Island, Marianas Islands and Iwo Jima in 1945. I am writing a service history and would like to correspond with family from his crew or families of the crew of LT GEBERDING who were killed in action on June 29, 1945. Also interested in the history of the B-24 Liberator named "FOCAL YOKEL." Brian Christiansen 3/13/2023 4:57 PM JONES, HM1 Harold C.I served with VP-31 (09/1970-1972) and was TAD to the mainside Dispensary. 3/10/2023 3:43 PM  BENNETT, TerryE-Mail/BIO Update Request Posted! 3/10/2023 12:01 PM  HOTTOVY, Anthony "Tony" J.I am sad to report that my Dads Crew Chief with VPB-144, Anthony Hottovy, passed away December 22th, 2016. SEE: PAnthony "Tony" J. Hottovy February 3, 1922 - December 22, 2016. Jonathan Horne 3/3/2023 3:55 PM  HORNE, LCDR Philip A.My father was LCDR Philip A Horne. He passed away peacefully at age 99. He was lucid until his last days I’m blessed. He was winged at NAS Jacksonville, Florida class 5C-41-J on Dec 5, 1941. His duty assignments include: VCS-6 USS New Orleans flying Curtis SOC, until Tassafaronga. VS-55 & VS-58 flying OS2U from Noumea and Espiritu Santo. VB-144 Tarawa, Rio-Namur flying PV-1 Ventura. OTU-11 NAS Hutchinson, Kansas and NAS Jacksonville, Florida flying PV-1 and PV-2. ATU-? NAS Pensacola, Florida. Post war he flew with VP-3, VP-6, Operations officer NAS Kodiak, Alaska and NAS Alameda, California. During Korea he was ship navigator USS Bataan (LHD-5) 1953. VW-1 NAS Agana, Guam flying P2V-5J as Cyclone Hunter 1953-56. He was then assigned as a regular navy officer/instructor for a reserve squadron in NAS Atlanta, Georgia. Final duty was VR-3 MATS McGuire AFB flying R5D, R6D. Retired June 1962. As far as my research can show LCDRHorne was the final plank owner pilot to pass away. SEE: Philip Ardine Horne 1917 - 2016. Jonathan Horne 3/3/2023 3:55 PM LIEBHEIT, Bernhardt Carl HenryMy Father, Bernhardt Carl Henry Liebheit, passed away September 1st, 1983. Dad served with VR-11 (1946). Kathryn Liebheit 2/22/2023 4:04 PM MILLER, AKC HaroldE-Mail/BIO Update Request Posted! 2/9/2023 12:22 PM SHYER, AW3 Eric B.E-Mail/BIO Update Request Posted! 2/1/2023 2:29 PM FORD, AE3 ScotI served with VT-4 (1980-1982), AE-A School at NAS Millington, Tennessee (1982-1983), P-3 Indoc School at NAS Jacksonville, Florida and VPU-1 (1983-1986). Attended Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics (1986-1988), United Airlines (1988-1990) as an R&E Technician, USAirways (1990-2009) as a Avionics tech/mechanic, Federal Aviation Administration as a ATSS Specialists and retiring June 2023. I played hockey with from VP-23 and VP-8 from 1983-1986. I would like to hear from former Shipmates. 12/23/2022 10:40 AM  I served with VP-5 as Jez Operator on flight crew 6 from 1965 to December 1969. To satisfy the VA I am looking for anyone who has proof or evidence or is willing to testify to my physical presence in Vietnam during our deployment to NS Sangley Point, Philippines in 1967. (All of my personal photos were destroyed in Hurricane Floyd.) ThanksPatrick McFaden 12/12/2022 12:40 PM AYCOCK, KirkI served with VP-1 with a deployment to NAS Iwakuni, Japan. I spent time in San Angelo, phillipines before it was overrun by locals circa 1969?. Anybody remember this? 12/8/2022 6:49 PM RICCIUTI, AO1 Nicholas T. RetiredI served with VP-4 (1983-1987) at NAS Barbers Point, Hawaii with deployments Okinawa, NSF Diego Garcia andNAS Adak, Alaska and VP-64 at NAS Willow Grove, Pennsylvania (1988-2005) and retired as AO1. 12/8/2022 11:52 AM CHARLTON, AW2 Richard G. "Rick"I served with VP-5 (1970-1971) with deployments to NAF Lajes, Azores, Portugal, NS Rota, Spain, NAS Sigonella, Sicily and NAS Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. 12/7/2022 7:17 PM KIRACOFE, PhilE-Mail/BIO Update Request Posted! 11/30/2022 10:13 PM GRAVES, AT2 RobertI served with VP-24 (1974-1976) with deployments to NAS Keflavik, Iceland and NAS Sigonella, Sicily. 11/24/2022 9:37 PM FINLEY, SN Harold C.Sad to report that SN Finley (USS Pine Island (AV-12) 1948-04/1950) passed away January 16, 2016. Charles Moore 11/22/2022 12:54 PM SHERK, AMH3 Michael H.I served with VQ-2 at NS Rota, Spain. 11/19/2022 2:48 PM WITHERSPOON, JimE-Mail/BIO Update Request Posted! 11/13/2022 12:55 PM CROSS, AXCS Rollin V. RetiredI served in VW-11 (1963-1965), VC-4 touring targets from Oceana, VA, VP-31 (1966-1969) helped transition the Aussie and Kiwi's into P-3s, FAW-1 (1969-1971) Det NS Sangley Point, Philippines, NAMTD 1083 S2Fs and NAMTD 1036 S3As, FAW-1 (1972-1975) Det NAS Cubi Point, Philippines and AIMD NAS North Island, San Diego, California AIMD VAST CPO retired 1981. 10/28/2022 12:57 PM DURZO, AQ2 GeorgeI served with VAH-7 (1962-1963) at NAS Sanford, Florida (Med Cruise). I stupidly re-upped to go to NAS Oceana, Virginia Beach, VA for a school on the Intruder but the course was eliminated. I found out do not trust them. I demanded to get out and I did get out. 9/30/2022 1:37 PM  PACE, AT3 Jack BurnsI served with VQ-2 (1987-1990) at NS Rota, Spain with deployments to NAS Sigonella, Sicily, NAS Souda Bay, Crete, Greece,NAS Keflavik, Iceland, Turkey and others I forgot. In addition to working in avionics shop, I was qualified aircrew (EWOP) on both the EP-3E and EA-3B, though I never got to make a carrier deployment because by the time I was qualified they had stopped A-3s from going to the carrier. I shared an apartment with Chief Mike Ericson and AE5 Tim Brown until I got married to a Spanish girl in 1989. She came to US with me when I completed active duty in July 1990 and we are still married. I served a year of reserve duty where I did finally get to spend two weeks at sea on a carrier out of NAS North Island, San Diego, California working in the cal lab but I was never called to serve in Desert Storm. My son who was born on NS Rota, Spain and served aboard the USS George Washington (CVN-73) as an IT from 2008 to 2011. I now live in Montgomery County Texas, and work as a Mental Health Provider at a Texas Prison. 9/1/2022 7:52 AM  LuMAYE, MS3 Robert James I served with VP-44 (1986-1989) at NAS Brunswick, Maine with deployments to NAS Keflavik, Iceland and NS Rota, Spain. 8/23/2022 11:12 PM I served with RM2 Donald Scott while assigned to VP-10. Would like to hear from my former Shipmate.MEZIE, RMC(AC) C. L. "Lou" 8/19/2022 5:45 AM MEZIE, RMC(AC) C. L. "Lou"E-Mail/BIO Update Request Posted! 8/19/2022 5:45 AM 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. 8/8/2022 11:23 AM KETCHAM, William "Bill" RetiredI served with VP-1 and VP-40 (1994-2000). Multiple deployments mostly ending up in Masirah, Oman. After my retirement, I worked as an A&P at a small corporate charter outfit after which I opened my own aircraft maintenance shop & FAA repair station which I’m in the process of winding down now to fully retire in tennessee just in time to turn 60…wow can you frickin believe it. Feel free to contact me. 8/9/2022 2:03 AM GANSKOPP, AMH2 David C.I served with VAP-61 (1968-1970) at NAS Agana, Guam working mostly on the line with a few months in the structural shop. Went on multiple detachments to FASU/NSA DaNang, Republic of Vietnam, Bangkok, U-Tapao Royal Thailand Air Force Base, Thailand, Osan, Korea, Townsville, Australia and a brief stint to Taiwan. Exciting and enjoyable times that helped me grow a person. After severa subsequent years of college (West Virginia Univ, and Oregon State University) I had a career with USDA-ARS as a rangeland scientist and am now retired living in Hines, Oregon. 8/2/2022 1:26 PM COWELL, SamE-Mail/BIO Update Request Posted! 8/2/2022 12:37 PM  SWEET, SCPO Charles Russell RetiredSadly, my Dad passed away April 11 2022 at 98. My father served with VP-91 and VPB-71 (Black Cats) in the South Pacific. He joined the reserves after the war werving with VR-831 at NAS Floyd Bennett Field, New York and VP-66 at NAS Willow Grove, Pennsylvania. Retired as Senior Chief in 1981. I would love to hear from any of Dad's former Shipmates Robert Sweet 7/19/2022 5:09 PM HOWELL, AW WilliamE-Mail/BIO Update Request Posted! 7/4/2022 11:34 AM  LaMAR, James Jr.James LaMar, Jr., died Friday, June 10, 2022, at 10:20 p.m. after a lengthy illness. He was 88. He is preceded in death by his wife of 52 years, Charlotte LaRue Gilmore LaMar, who died in 2008, one sister Viola Sue, and one son-in-law Thomas Teele Behnke. He is survived by Alice Santos LaMar, and his two daughters Sealy Racelle LaMar, D.V.M., her husband Jeffrey Penner, and Valerie Zoe LaMar, B.S.R.N., his grandson Jared LaMar Penner and Skyler Thayer, and his honorary daughter, Nancy Marie Hood. He is also survived by Michelle Coleman, Elizabeth and Mark Bowers, and Cheryl Coleman, seven grandchildren, and seven great grandchildren. LaMar was born in Wink, Texas, Feb. 13, 1934. He graduated Sundown High School, and earned his B.S. in agriculture from Texas Tech University in 1956. That same year, he married LaRue Gilmore of Levelland, Texas. In 1957, LaMar joined the United States Navy and became a pilot. He served with VP-11 at NAS Brunswick, Maine, as a pilot on an aircraft carrier in the South China Sea, was posted at NAS Corpus Christi, Texas and NAS Alameda, California until his honorable discharge in 1966. He was awarded the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal for his service in the Vietnam Conflict. The family later moved to Santa Rosa, where Jim worked as a flight engineer for Pan American Airlines. After PanAm ceased operation in 1991, he flew for United until his retirement in 2001. The family were long time members of First United Methodist Church in Santa Rosa, and Jim later joined the Christian Family Fellowship, where he and Alli were active members. The LaMars frequently traveled internationally, with the last big family trip being a safari through southern Africa. LaMar was an active member of SIR, Luther Burbank Branch 17, an avid golfer, and a sport hunter with Freddie, his Weimaraner bird dog. A celebration of life will be held July 9 at 3:00 P.M. at Christian Family Fellowship, 1160 A. Hopper Ave., Santa Rosa. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to K9s For Warriors or Redwood Gospel Mission at Redwood Gospel Mission. Nancy M. Hood 6/30/2022 5:16 PM WELCH, PN3 Patrick G.I served with VT-26 (1960-1951) at NAS Chase Field, Beeville, Texas. 6/30/2022 8:30 AM GILLEY, AE SuzanneI served with VT-26 (1982-1985) and VT-25 (05/1985-1986). I just looked at Google Maps and saw that my Squardon was taken down due to the TDCJ. So sad to see me pass haunt now gone ! Long live the Flying Tigers of VT-26! 6/16/2022 4:57 PM  VP-139 Mishap - April 22nd, 1945This is for info on the crew missing with VPB-139 from NAS Attu, Alaska on 22-Apr-1945 BASS, Thomas 5/30/2022 1:31 PM VP-44 Mishap - June 3rd, 1972June 3rd is the 50th anniversary of the 1972 accident. I will be going to NAS Brunswick, Maine to place a wreath at the memorial located in the base chapel. God bless them all. BALOGH, AW3 Tom 5/23/2022 4:42 PM  SWIZDOR, HN Richard GregoryPassing of HN Richard Gregory Swizdor (VP-8 1970-1974) of New York on 07APR2022. Father of three Sailors. Graveside services to be held 16MAY2022 in Adel, Iowa at Iowa Veterans Cemetery. We are looking for any pictures from his time in the NAVY. Contact John Swizdor (VP-9, VP-69, VP-30) at johnswizdor@yahoo.com. John Swizdor 5/1/2022 12:05 PM LYNN, AX2 CharlesI served with VP-10. 4/29/2022 3:21 PM GUZMAN, AE3 JohnI served with VX-5 (12/1969-12/1972) at NAS China Lake, California. I worked on A-7s and A-4, Captain Fritz and Captain Birdwell were CO's at this time. 4/27/2022 10:26 AM WILLIAMS, AZ1 LarryI served with VP-8 (1979-1982) as a QA 3M Analyst. 4/21/2022 3:37 PM  SHELLY, AEC Henry T. "Tom" RetiredI served with VP-8 (12/1969-05/1971) NAS Patuxent River, Maryland, VP-23 (09/1974-10/1977) at NAS Brunswick, Maine as FE aboard CAC-5, VP-64 (01/1982-08/1988) at NAS Willow Grove, Pennsylvania as a FE aboard CAC-6 as a selected reservist and a Training and Administration of the Reserve (TAR) and Naval Air Reserve Anti-Submarine Warfare Training Center (RATCEN) (1988-1994) at NAS Willow Grove, Pennsylvania as a FE Instructor and Division Chief. 4/21/2022 3:05 PM DUSKEY, AT1 ThomasI served with VAW-126 (1970-1973) as Flight Tech / Radar Operator and twice aboard the Forrestal (CVA-59) (1974–1976). I taught E-2B Weapon System at Naval Air Maintenance Trainer (NAMTRA) Det 1025 at San Diego, Ca. I would like to hear from former Shipmates. 4/16/2022 9:00 PM GILLIES, AD3 BillE-Mail/BIO Update Request Posted! 4/6/2022 4:34 PM GUFFEY, Delmer L.I served with ZX-11 (1953) at NAS Glynco, Georgia and NAS Brunswick, Maine. 3/24/2022 7:12 AM JOHNSON, AEW Jerry "Johnny"E-Mail/BIO Update Request Posted! 3/22/2022 2:52 PM WRIGHT, SCPO David RetiredI served with OASU (06/67–08/67), VX-8 and VXN-8 (08/67–03/71). I was part of the back end crew maintaining Diesel and Gas Turbine power units along with Air Conditioning for television and radio equipment. Earned my AC wings as a black shoe. I live in northern Virginia, I also have a web site for info about my life on www.oysterbuyboats.com which also includes my 20 years in the Navy including about 10 pages covering OASU, VX-8 and VXN-8. Included are pictures of pages have pictures of the aircraft, WesPac and crews. 3/12/2022 6:57 PM SENDREY, Charles A.I served with VAHM-10 (1956-1959). 3/12/2022 3:15 PM SWEET, SCPO Charles Russell RetiredMy father served with VP-91 and VPB-71 (Black Cats) in the South Pacific. He joined the reserves after the war werving with VR-831 at NAS Floyd Bennett Field, New York and VP-66 at NAS Willow Grove, Pennsylvania. Retired as Senior Chief in 1981. He will be 99 this July 4th, looking forward to his 100th next year. Also, Dad would love to hear from former Shipmates. Robert Sweet 3/9/2022 2:46 AM SCOTT, Edward AllenAttended Basic Training (1949) at NAS Los Alamitos, California and VP-771 flying as Plane Captain and participated in anti-submarine hold down missions. As we know in July 1953 President Eisenhower stopped the Korean War at the 38th parallel. He deemed that it really wasn’t really a war. However we know more casualty here than in the Vietnamese War. Left the Navy in 1952. 2/28/2022 7:10 PM DEMPSKI, AMS2 Robert W.E-Mail/BIO Update Request Posted! 2/9/2022 10:57 PM KINKADE, AMS2 John RaymondI served with VAH-7 aboard the USS Enterprise. 2/6/2022 3:32 PM WEATHERS, AW2 JohnI’m saddened to report John WEATHERS passed away recently at the young age of 55. VOLK, AWC(AW/NAC/IUSS) Bill 2/4/2022 5:23 PM DOHERTY, AO1 Jeffrey P.I served with VP-66 (1965-1969) at NAS Willow Grove, Pennsylvania and VP-64 (1970-1981) NAS Willow Grove, Pennsylvania. 1/28/2022 9:52 AM My father was Layne Labhart VP-1 at NAS Barbers Point, Hawaii. In 1975 both he and a man named Ed Jackson were brutally shot to death. There has never been any arrests or information given to my family...more...Terry Labhart Galpin 1/22/2022 4:44 AM WEAVER, LT Robert E.My Father, LT Robert E. Weaver, served with VH-3 and designed the squadron patch. Mark E. Weaver 1/21/2022 9:22 AM DANIELS, YN2 ChristianI served with VP-MAU (plank-owner) at NAS Brunswick, Maine. Retired in 1998 out of VFC-12 at NAS Oceana. Living in Virginia Beach, VA. 1/19/2022 5:00 PM VPB2-OTU#3 Mishap - July 10th, 1945My grandfather, John L Hurt was part of the crew On 9 July 1945 at 1907 hrs, PBM-3S BUNO: 6545 that took off from NAS Banana River, Florida for radar patrol over the Bahamas. His plane was lost along with all members of the crew. My father was 6 years old at the time. I have heard the story of the loss of this crew all my life from my grandmother. What a joy it was to find this page and read about all of the other families who had loved ones on this flight. I want this history to be preserved for my children and grandchildren. I have every letter that my grandfather wrote to his wife from the time he enlisted, to her last letter to him saying how excited the children (my father and his sister) were that he was coming home, heartbreakingly stamped “Return to Sender”, every telegram and letter sent to her after the loss. Kathy Hurt Grey 1/18/2022 4:29 PM SPARKS, ADR3 JackI served with VP-31 (1963-1967) at NAS North Island, San Diego, California. I flew as plane captain aboard the P5M, worked in the Power Plants Shop and spent last year assigned to Flight Line. Remember when P2V ditched (May 20th, 1966) into ocean because plane captain was asleep in after station and student 2nd mech was on fuel panel and ran main tanks dry. Our crew did a rocket assisted takeoff at squadron open house in 1966 what a ride. 1/15/2022 2:28 PM MILLS, ACOM Farville "Bud" KerkwoodWith deepest sorrow, I am reporting the passing of the last remaining survivor of VPB-111 CAC Crew 12. ACOM Farville "Bud" Kerkwood MILLS, Gunner and Bombardier on a VPB-111 PB4Y-1 "Liberator" passed on December 7, 2021 in Homeland CA. "Bud" joined the Navy shortly before the attack on Pearl Harbor and served in both North Africa and the Pacific Theater of Operations (he also served with VPB-201). In early 2000, “Bud” submitted a manuscript to the Library of Congress entitled WAR DIARY U.S.Navy - Fleet Air Wing Squadron VB-111 / VPB-111 Blue Raiders. It is a great tribute to the men that served in that squadron. Rest in peace my friend and Naval aircrew member who served his country well. Truly, a product of the “Greatest Generation.” Bud is center in photo. Peter P. Bresciano, CMSGT USMC/USAF Retired 1/11/2022 9:42 PM BUKIN, Charles I.VP-66 1965-1969 NAS Willow Grove at NAS Lincoln, Nebraska flying as a Gunner and Plane Captain, USS Wasp (CV-18) (1954-1955) as a weather balloon Rawinsonde Operator. Does anyone know what VP-762's Squadron Nickname was? 1/10/2022 10:53 AM PULIGNANO, CDR Nicholas V. Jr. RetiredI served with VP-24 (1975-1978) flying as a P-3 Mission Commander. 1/6/2022 9:27 PM ROSS, ATC(AW) Steve RetiredI served aboard NAS Iwakuni, Japan, VP-9 (1971-1973), NAS Miramar, California (1973-1976), NAS Agana, Guam (1976-1980), NATTC NAS Memphis, Tennessee (1981-1983), VS-33 (1983-1987), NAS North Island, San Diego, California (1987-1990) and retired in 1990. /5/2022 2:25 AM EVANS, AME David J. "Jim"I served with VP-47 (09/1972-12/1975) working on air conditioning, pressurization and oxygen systems - worked in para riggers shop. Anyone heard from Bowers or Kirchner? 12/29/2021 4:19 PM
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