VP-5 Squadron Shipmates
http://www.vpnavy.org
VPNAVY Address

ShipmateVP-7F-2 ShipmatesShipmate

Memorial Picture "...COLOMITZ, John...I joined the United States Navy in December of 1967 in Jacksonville Florida. Another of the most memorable things during my enlistment was meeting a most unique fellow. That man was John Colomitz. Big John, as we called him was a strikingly handsom, upbeat and interesting guy who was about 6 feet 4 inches tall. He always had a mischievious twinkle in his eye, and a laugh that one could not help but be drawn to. John and I served together for many years. As an enlisted man, he earned his AirCrew Wings and served as an aircrew member in Antisubmarine Patrol Squadron VP-7F-2 based at NAS Jacksonville, Florida. He earned these same wings and service medal as I did. We flew many patrol missions off the East Coast of Florida keeping track of Soviet submarines, both conventional and nuclear powered. When we began service, we flew in the old World War II vintage Lockheed P2V Neptune's. Big John was honorably discharged from the Navy. John had the great misfortune to have contracted Multiple Sclerosis sometime after having left the Naval Air Reserves, and "shipped out" for that great port above. All who knew John, miss him very much, and will never forget his kind, engaging manner. If any of you who may find this, that knew John or served with us, have stories or pictures of John Colomitz, please contact me so that the information can be included in this tribute to him. Memorial WebSite: http://bellsouthpwp.net/j/a/jaljr/colomitz.htm..." Contributed by LEYNES, John A. Jr. spike@thefloridarailroadcompany.com [14SEP2004]


LEYNES, John A. Jr. john@flarr.com "...I joined the United States Navy in December of 1967 in Jacksonville Florida. I served 2 tours of duty, having re-upped or reenlisted for a second time in 1970. As an enlisted man during the Vietnam Era, I earned my AirCrew Wings and served as an aircrew member in Antisubmarine Patrol Squadron VP-7F-2 based at NAS Jacksonville, Florida. I flew many patrol missions off the East Coast of Florida keeping track of Soviet submarines, both conventional and nuclear powered. It was surprising how many of them were out there and how close they were to the United States. When I began service, we flew in the old World War II vintage Lockheed P2V Neptune's. Toward the end of my service, we finally got the newer Lockheed P-3A Orion aircraft. I was honorably discharged from the Navy in 1975..." WebSite: http://bellsouthpwp.net/j/a/jaljr/coldwar.htm [E-Mail Updated 10MAR2010 | 14SEP2004]


SMITH, Marion J. msmith5129@aol.com "...I joined VP-45 at NAS JAX on the fourth of Jan, 1964. Thay had no airplanes at that time, the first P-3 (buno 151351 I think) came on board about 15 Jan. I made deployments to Argentia, Thule, Lajes, Adak, etc. and left there in Jan 1967. CO's were CDRs Collins, Hume, Chapman. Went to VT-2 as an instructor in the T-28 from 67 to Dec 69. I joined the Reserves after resigning my commission and flew with VP-62 from its begining. I was in VP-7F-2 or something like that before 62 was formed. I flew with the Broad Arrows until 1978 and was the PPC of Crew 7, without a doubt the best ASW crew in the Navy at that time. I enjoyed almost every flight hour and really enjoyed the men that I served with..."


WRIGHT, CAPTAIN H. Charles Retired hcw@cfw.com "...I served with VS-22 when it had TBM-3S and 3W Avengers, and also after the AF Guardian was incorporated. The squadron had "SL" tail markings. We flew from the USS Mindoro, USS Palau, USS Siboney, USS Kula Gulf-----also from NAS Norfolk, Virginia and Oceana. We operated in the Atlantic, Mediterranean Sea and Caribbean Sea. I was an enlisted aircrewman, qualified in both the hunter and the killer aircraft. I was later commissioned, and served in VP-674 (NAS Atlanta, Georgia) and VP-7F-2 (NAS Jacksonville, Florida) with P2V Neptunes. I also was assigned to AIMD and NARF duty. Subsequently, I was assigned to NAVAIRSYSCOM at Crystal City near Washington, D.C. for a long period..." [08MAY2004]


Return
"VP-7F-2 Summary Page"