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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.  YEAGER, AMH2 Albert F.E-Mail/BIO Update Request Posted! 9/24/2023 6:21 PM RICKEL, AFCM DonE-Mail/BIO Update Request Posted! 9/10/2023 4:02 PM MORTIMER, AZ2 GregE-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) RetiredJoined 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   HARRELL, CDR James M.My father, CDR James M. Harrell passed away in July of 2022 at the age of 94. He was Navy Reserve CDR of VR-743 at NAS Jacksonville, Florida, in the 1970's, and flew the C-118 (twice to Viet Nam and back). He was also on the Midway Aircraft Carrier for the early 1950 Med tour, flying the AD-1 Skyraider with the VA-45 Black Knights. He retired as a Pan Am 747 Captain. James Harrell, Jr. 7/4/2023 5:58 PM WRIGHT, William WeigleMy father, William Weigle Wright was from Bridgewater, PA, stationed in Long Beach, Ca and on the USS Kenneth Whiting (AV-14) 1941-1945. He had a Japanese pilot’s scarf which he got when the Kamakaze hit the ship. The scarf was a replica of the Japanese flag, with family names written on it. We donated it to the Museum in San Pedro for Japanese families, when he died in 1967. He also had a ring made from shrapnel from the Japanese plane, also donated to museum. He was proud to have served with the crew on the USS Kenneth Whiting (AV-14). He was a local Long Beach bartender until 1966. Linda Cox 6/25/2023 10:03 PM WOMBLE, Jerry "Tex"I served with VAW-13 and VAQ-135. 6/22/2023 9:50 AM SANDERS, AE2 Samuel R. Jr. "Sam"Attended AE (Electrician) school at NAS Jacksonville, Florida 4-24-53. Joined VP-3 immediately As AE3, Electric shop. Deployed Dec 10, 1953 to NAS Keflavik, Iceland, arrived about same week as loss of plane and crew on the glacier. Duties in Iceland was Shop Electrician. Squadron returned to NAS Jacksonville, Florida in May 1954. Became member of Crew 2 shortly after return, rank AE2, crew position MAD Operator. Deployed with squadron to NAS Argentia, Newfoundland, Canada 2-22-1955. Mission conducted mostly from bases in Greenland, ie: BW1 and BW2. 6-27-1955 Departed NAS Argentia, Newfoundland, Canada to NAS Jacksonville, Florida for Active Duty Release and Released 7-5-1955. 5/28/2023 10:37 AM HAYNES, PN2 William O.I served with VT-26 (1968-1970) working in the Educational Services Office. 5/20/2023 2:27 PM PETTIPAS, AW3 John M.Started in Basic at Orlando, from there to NAS Millington, Tennessee. For A School, then left for VP-30 at NAS Jacksonville, Florida. Completed. NATOPS Training and Air Crew Qualified. Then ended up at VP-5 CAC. 10. SS3. OPERATOR. There I began an exciting tour in. ASW. ON TOP. ON TIME. ANYWHERE... CAC 10. MOTTO.. 1977. TO. 1980. MOST EXCITING EVENT- FOUND. ALFA CLASS NUCLEAR FAST ATTACK SUBMARINE It was on the surface with an AGI Russian Trawler, CAC10. GOT some pretty good acoustic info. VERY VERY FAST SUB, Underwater 40 +. Knots. 5/11/2023 2:44 PM SHIELDS, PR2 Verl DwayneI served (TAR) with VP-66 (1983–1986) and VP-65 (1979–1983). 5/5/2023 1:49 AM  MAZUR, JuliusDad was a member of Naval Air Transport Service Command, Pacific Wing, Squadron VR-11, serving as a crewman onboard R5D aircraft and totaling 1,500 hours flight time from July 1945 to December 1945. The majority of flying took place in CENtral PACific (CENPAC) and WEStern PACific (WESPAC), with an occasional trip back to NAS Oakland, California. H is logbook entries indicated destinations such as Johnston Island, NAS Kwajalein, Marshall Islands, NAS Tanapag Harbor, Saipan, Marianas Islands, Manila, and NAS Agana, Guam with the return leg in reverse order back to Honolulu. After the Japanese surrender, his logbook entries indicated flights into Tokyo, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa. Dad razzed me when I enlisted in the Coast Guard in 1973. However, that became good banter back and forth over the years with an occasional unexpected jab or indignity thrown into a conversation about the other’s branch of service. Dad passed away in September 2014 at the age of 89. I was just looking through Dad’s aviator’s logbook again and it occurred to me there is an indirect service connection between the two of us. In the Coast Guard I was an ET specializing in radio transmitter stations for LORAN A systems. LORAN A was state-of-the-art technology in the late stages of the war for long distance navigation. During my enlistment in the Coast Guard, I was stationed at a LORAN A station in Northern California which was part of the chain of stations up and down the West Coast. Navy pilots likely used that system when flying into and out of Oakland. I was then stationed in CENPAC on Tern Island in French Frigate Shoals located in the middle of the Hawaiian Archipelago. That station was paired with the LORAN A systems located on Kauai and Johnston Island. That LORAN A system, along with others, was also very likely used by the pilots flying with Dad and so many other crews as they journeyed across the vastness of the Pacific Ocean. With Best Regards to All Who Read This. John Mazur 4/29/2023 11:27 AM VAUGHAN, AMH2 Russell GregoryI served with VP-26 (1967-1969) at NAS Brunswick, Maine. Declined reserve service upon discharge because local squadrons flew the P2V’s. 4/20/2023 10:43 AM GATES, David EwingMy father, David Ewing Gates, passed away in 1979. I was looking through my father’s Flight Log Books - VP-772 / VP-17 (Nov 51 - Dec 52 Flying P4Y-2’s), Transpac’d to NAS Iwakuni, Japan (16-28 Dec 52), Detached to NAS Atsugi, Japan (Jan 53 - 02 Jul ‘53), became VP-17 (Jan 53 - Jul 53). FASRON-113 (Aug 53 - JUN 54), 12 - 23 OCT ’53 - did a cross country in P4Y-2 from NAS Whidbey Island, Washington to San Juan, Puerto Rico and back -13 legs. On 17Nov53 flying PBY-6A Bu# 64089 from NAS Adak, Alaska they ran into bad weather and strong winds and had no place to land, they were directed to fly south for warmer water and they ditched North of NAS Midway Island after a 19.7 hr flight (SEE: Wednesday 18 November 1953 "...Crashed and broke up in rough seas north of Midway Island when it force landed due to fuel exhaustion. Crew rescued by ship..." GATES, CAPTAIN Dave "Gator" 4/19/2023 8:18 AM  I am Larisa Peterson, the widow who recently lost her husband Bradley A. Peterson from CA (ADR3) and who was in VP-9 (1961-1965) and was in several plane crashes (P-3A and P2V) . Bradley had been in 3 plane crashes, also was in the crash in 1963 in SF and was involved in 1962. In two months being in two plane crashes was too much for him to carry for the rest of his life, in December 1964 he was miraculously pulled out from the flight crew at the last moment which saved his life. Maybe somebody remember him. I have the info about Bradley being in the Dominic nuclear tests at Johnston Atoll in his history and tried to use it to get some benefits, but Bradley did not have cancer. He was totally broken, from the head to his legs and had PTSD after being 3 times in plane crashes. He had been fighting for his benefits for 40 years since 1974 and VA could not find any records about crashes and his medical reports, just lying to him. In 2016 using Congresswoman' help we found his records in the Pentagon/National Records and then VA refused to pay him retroactive since his first claim was submitted in 1974. Eventually the VA gave him 10% when he was bound to a wheelchair for many years (back, shoulders, ankle) . Now VA is playing the same game with me saying they could not find any records as to VP-9 history. Do you remember names of ships /assignments you were assigned or done? Did you also go to the Okinawa base (1964), Alaska, Hawaii? My husband had been there. I am trying to see if VP-9 was ever close to the Agent Orange area (Vietnam and so on) while flying around West Pac. Did you go around Vietnam or Guam, or any area close to the Agent Orange area? Only the case with Agent Orange (he had many health problems matched to their requirements) can help now since Bradley was totally disabled (100%) just for 2 years not 10 years to get DIC. I have been taking care of him for years and working full time without any support and help. VA even did not sign his death certificate for months while he was in the freezer. What to say about their service. We also had fought and fought with VA for many years for simple things. If you have any info about VP-9 route/ships/assignments in 1963 - 1964 years that are missing now I would be glad and grateful for it . According to the VA letter they could not find records particularly about the history of the VP-9. Were you in Okinawa in 1964 with this VP-9? Do you remember aircrafts routs , logistics? Any info would help me. I really appreciate anything you can give me. Thank you so much for your time and for your help since I am getting exhausted from this battle, and this is what they wanted. Thank you for being responsible for unearthing the truth and adding it to the history of VP-9. I attached a photo where he is the fourth from the left.Larisa Peterson 4/5/2023 6:24 PM  VP-31 Mishap - May 26th, 1972On the afternoon of 26 MAY 1972 I was the Crew Chief on Huey VT-7 over Big Sur California when the Caution Light illuminated of a possible tail gear box failure. We immediately spiraled down and landed on a Hollywood Directors parking lot. Our May Day was picked up by one of our Hueys going south. I landed him off Highway 1, and passed along what I needed to repair my Huey. The Major responded to me if we had any sighting of Navy P-3 patrol planes, that had not returned to their base. Any way he returned back the next day with with a new Gear Box and QA and I repaired it and we headed to Fort Ord and then back home to Mag-14 at Camp Pendleton CA. My condolences to all the Navy famalies that lost their loved ones that day. Master Gunnery Sergeant Johnny Herrmann 4/2/2023 4:54 PM BRITT, PNCM(SW)(AW) Michael C. RetiredI served with VF-121 (1972-1975) at NAS Miramar, California, VP-19 (1975-1978) at NAS Moffett Field, California, Navy Recruiting District (1978-1981) at Peoria, IL, USS Gallery (FFG-26) (1981-1984) at Naval Station Mayport, FL, Enlisted Personnel Management Center (1984-1988) at NAS New Orleans, Louisiana, Navy Management Systems Support Office (NAVMASSO) (1988-1992) at Chesapeake, VA and VAW-121 (1992-1994) at NAS Norfolk, Virginia. 4/2/2023 3:39 PM GILB, AT2 RobertI served with VP-18 (1963-1964). 4/2/2023 12:55 PM MULLOY, RADM Paul JosephMy father, RADM Paul J. Mulloy, USN (ret), passed away September 24, 2016. SEE: RADM Paul Joseph Mulloy Obituary PDF. His VP tours included: VP-26, VP-44 and VP-18. BTW, when my father was Commander, Patrol Wings Atlantic (COMPATWINGSLANT) and was responsible for bringing Jay R. Beasley back into the VP community and was with Jay R. Beasley during Jay’s 25,000th landing. MULLOY, CDR Stephen "Steve" 3/29/2023 4:30 PM I am doing some research for a possible book. I am looking for any information on when VP-19 and VP-50 first started receiving women in the squadron maintenance and aircrew. While I was in VP-31 I was the CNAP P-3C IFT Evaluator and I gave a checkride to a young lady. I believe it was either 1979 or 1980 she was in VP-19. Also when did VP-31 start using dedicated observers for pilot training flights. I believe there were three females who qualified for the observer position around 1979. Jennifer, Marti, and Christy. They attended Deep Water Environmental Survival Training (DWEST) with the XO CDR Howard I believe.KUSMIERZ, CWO4 Richard T. 3/27/2023 12:13 PM  WRAY, AD1 Charles B. RetiredVR-1 at NAS Patuxent River, Maryland. I retired in 1984, with 24 years of service. I was in HC-6 at the time of retirement. I was in VXN-8 from November 1967 to April 1971. I was assigned TAD to NAS Patuxent River, Maryland, AIMD reciprocating engine shop. I was the crew leader of the R3350-42W section. This engine was used on the C-121J used in Vietnam, as Television broadcasting aircraft, for the troops. When an engine went bad, it would be canned, and sent to NAS Patuxent River, Maryland, to be replaced with a newly rebuilt engine, by my crew an I, and sent back to Vietnam. In May 1971 until August 1972, I was in VR-1 at NAS Norfolk, Virginia. When I reported in I was sent TAD to AIMD engine buildup, reciprocating engine shop and worked on reciprocating engine there also. I have worked on every model engine the navy had, plus a few that were civilian engines. 3/25/2023 4:21 PM 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
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