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HistoryVPW-2 HistoryHistory

Circa 1941

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraVPW-2 History "...CDR Harry G. Sharp, Jr. once again he returned to the Airborne Early Warning Program in 1958 with Airborne Early Warning Squadron TWO at NAS Patuxent River, Maryland...." Official U. S. Navy Documentation [20DEC2012]


Circa 1946

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: VPW HistoryCameraVPW-2 Trans-Pac Flights - June 1946 "...Jack Owens sent this page of his log book which shows the dates of the VPW-2 transfer from NAAS Camp Kearny, California to NS Sangley Point, Philippines..." Contributed by Ray Parsons parsonsjr@knology.net [16JUN2003]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "16APR46---Fleet air wing 14 supplied eight Photogropher's Mates who reported to the two squadrons 16APR46, assigned as follows: Billerbeck, CPhoM, Shireman, PhoM1c, Zimmerman, PhoM2c, and Thomson, S1PhoM..." Contributed by Ray Parsons parsonsjr@knology.net

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "16APR46---VPW-2 prepared to begin its cross-Pacific flights orders came detaching six planes and crews which would form VPW-3 at Miami, Florida. They would follow similar storms in the Atlantic, where they are called hurricans, from Puerto Rico to the Carolinas..." Contributed by Ray Parsons parsonsjr@knology.net

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "23MAY46---VPW-2 began its trek to the Philippines on 23 May 1946, when three planes took off on a 14-hour flight to NAS Kaneohe Bay, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Ten days in Hawaii were followed by two weeks at Guam, where three planes from VPW-1 were transfered to VPW-2, bring both squadrons to 10 planes each..." Contributed by Ray Parsons parsonsjr@knology.net

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "01OCT46--In the later days of the Pacific War it became evident to our naval strategists that the Jap was not their only problem. Tropical storms sweeping unannounced across the wide ocean areas of the western Pacific raised such havoc with Naval task forces in December 1944 and in June 1945 that operations were seriously effected...In the Pacific more detailed information was desired so pilots from Pacific patrol squadrons were assigned to make special reconnaissance flights into areas where typhoons were suspected. Catalinas, Liberators, and Privateers from squadrons engaged in combat operations were used...In December, 1945, two weather squadrons were commissioned at N.A.A.S. Camp Kearney, and plans were made for reconnaissance operations during the 1946 season from bases on Kwajalein, Guam, Peleliu, Samar, Sangley Point, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa. Weather Reconnaissance Squadron TWO was formally commissioned on December 1, 1945, with twenty-seven officers and fifty-seven enlisted men on board. Lieutenant Commander Ross C. BARNEY, USN, assumed command and immediately an extensive training program was launched...Ground training was supplemented by practical training in the air. Such training was intended to qualify them for designation as flight aerologists with full flight status similar to that of Electronics Observers and Navigators. A special set of observer's wings were designed and submitted to the Bureau for approval. The enlisted personnel of the squadron were given thorough checkouts in all types of radio gear, and in the operation and maintenance of the PB4Y-2M aircraft...The aircraft furnished Weather Reconnaissance Squadron TWO was a modified Privateer given the designation PB4Y-2M...The radio gear was safety wired to stand 20 G's in case of severe turbulence or crash landings...Weather Reconnaissance Squadron TWO arrived at Sangley Point 11 June 1946, and was immediately divided into three detachments...Approach landing facilities were good, especially around Sangley Point. Pilots were aided by homers and ragnes from other Luzon bases at Clark Field, and Nichols Field. GCA was expecially useful on several occasions for plans returning on instruments during both day and night landings...Extreme personnel turnover to which the squadron was subjected during its twelve months of existance - twleve months in which the Navy was at the peak of its transition from war to peace. At the time of commissioning, 1 December 1945, the original organization called for 15 crews, each composed of three pilots one of whom would act as navigator, one aerologist, two aviation radiomen, and two aviation mechanics. One yeoman, two aviation radio technicians, and one leading chief made up the balance of the compliment..." Contributed by Ray Parsons parsonsjr@knology.net


Circa 1945

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...The First Weather Recon Squadrons - Weather Reconnaissance squadron 114, VPW-1, was commissioned on 15 Nov 1945 at Camp Kearney, CA. VPW-2 was commissioned at the same base on 1 Dec 1945. An intensive training syllabus was completed using specially modified PB4Y-2M "Privateers". In February of 1946 Aerological officers were assigned to these squadrons and undertook an extensive ground school syllabus of instruction which included aerial navigation, radio communications, aircraft structures, aircraft engines, radar, ditching procedures and survival. The training was intended to qualify them as flight aerologists with full flight status similar to that of Electronic observers and navigators. VPW-3 was commissioned on 17 May 1946 and received aircraft from VPW-2. This was the first use of specially trained personnel and planes specifically equipped to perform this assignment. Aerologists initially assigned included LT R.W.Sanborn, LT E.B. Rinard, LT C.L. Riegger, ENS W.J. Remillard, ENS W.S. Tatlock and Caerm R.I. Taylor..." http://pages.prodigy.net/ragness/nwsHst397.htm [02MAR2001]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "VPW-1...date of commissioning should be 15 Nov 1945 & redesignated VPM-1 15 Nov 1946. VPW-2 was commissioned 1 Dec 1945 & Disestablished 30 Nov 1946..." Contributed by Ray Parsons parsonsjr@knology.net

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "VPW-1 and VPW-2 were formed in 1945 and subsequently combined into VPW-1. Name was changed to VPM-1 & then VM1 when "Patrol" was eliminated..." Contributed by Ray Parsons parsonsjr@knology.net

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "15NOV45--Weather Reconnaissance Squadron ONE is the result of a call from our Pacific Fleet for a highly trained squadron with specially equipped aircraft to take over typhoon and other weather reconnaissance in the Central Pacific. Upon recommendation from Conrmander in Chief, U, S, Pacific Fleet, the squadron was formed with the following mission: a. Make routine or special weather reconnaissance flights as directed by the officer exercising operational control. b. Make in-flight weather observations and reports in accordance with current directives. C. Prepare and disseminate post flight swrmaries in accordance with current directives... d. Maintain aerological records in accordance with currellt directives...By authority of the Chief of Naval Operations weather Reconnaissance Squadron 0ne was put in cocanission on 15 November 1945 Commander Dennis m. SZABO, U.S.N., commanding, under Fleet Air Wing FOURTEEN. The comissioning took place at N.A.A.S,, Camp Kearney, Calif., where the squadron imnediatelJr commenced an intensive training program....Since the squadron's primary purpose was to be weather flying, specific emphasis was placed on instrument training, Ground instruction covered construction and opo,ration of the PB4Y-2 aircraft, navigation, and communications, and stressed weather flying, Training flights paid particular attention to Loran and Radar as invaluable navigation aids in heavy weather. Instrument flights, much of it under actual instrument conditions, including use of GCA, took up the greater part of the flight syllabus...For its specialized work, the squadron had special equipment installed in its aircraft by the Assembly and Repair Department of NAS Corpus Christi, Texas. By the end of April, 1946, the fourteen aircraft assigned the squadron were delivered, the acceptance tests and ferrying being accomplished by squadron pilots and plane crews, By the same time the training syllabus also had been completed, and. the squadron awaited orders from Commander Fleet Air, West Coast to transport itself by air to its permanent base at N.A.B, Agana, Guam...At this time the squadron was composed of fourteen PB4Y-2M type aircraft and fifteen flight crews, The scluadron had, (and still has) no ground personnel. Each flight crew consisted of four officers (Patrol Plane Commander, Co-pilot, Navigator, and Aerologist), and four enlisted men (Plane Captain, second mechanic, first radioman, and second radioman-radar operator). Three aerological officers were lacking toward full complement... During the last week of April and the first week of May 1946, the squadron was engaged in a transpacific flight from its training base at N.A,A,S., Camp Kearney, Calif., to its present location, The Commanding Officer reported to Conanander Fleet Air Wing EIGHTEEN for duty on May 4, 1946. Organizing and setting up the squadron consumed the next few days...On May 12, 1946, the squadron flew its first typhoon reconnaissance flight. Several similar flights took place on succeeding days, during which squadron planes sought and found some missing surface craft. For these operations the squadron received a commendation from Commander Mariannas. Routine weather reconnaissance, air sea rescue, and other special flights as directed by Commander Mariannas and CFAW 18 occupied the squadron during the remainder of May 1946. The squadron participated in the search for a lost Army transport plane. Several of the squadron aircraft succeeded in fixing the location of pieces of wreckage believed to be from the missing plane...In the middle of May, the squadron sent three planes to Kwajalein and three to Peleliu on detached duty. The Peleliu detachment was later reduced to two planes. The Kajalein detachment, in addition to its flights as directed by Fleet Weather Central and Commander Fleet Air Wing EIGHTEEN flew weather reconnaissance flights for the Crossroads Operations. The Peleliu detachment was made available for Sea Rescue work and weather and typhoon reconnaissance flights out of range for the Guam detachment...The squadron employs a special technique in typhoon reconnaissance. Each typhoon reconnaissance flight would completely circle the typhoon at minimum practicable radius. This is usually at a distance where surface wind velocity is about 60 knots, but will vary with the capabilities, experience, and confidence of individual flight crews. Every effort will be made to circle at approximately constant pressure. Flight altitude should be the maximum at which sufficient surface contact can be maintained to insure accurate surface wind observations...If turbulence is not too severe flight shall be continued into the eye of the storm and its structure determined for post-flight report, Departure from the center will normally be at 6000 to 8000 feet, at which altitude the solid core of the storm will be from 20 to 80 miles thick with only light turbulence. After break-out on top of low clouds, the stern core should be circumnavigated again above the lover cloud deck in the clear, and a complete analysis of the stern structure obtained. Departure from the storm area, is best made at altitude if surrounding build-ups are broken, but at top level if storm is well developed and surrounding build-cps from a solid wall. See Appendices for complete analysis of all typhoons flown by Weather Reconnaissance Squadron ONE... At the beginning of June, 1946, the squadron was engaged in searching for the lost Army transport previously mentioned, besides weather reconnaissance flights in accordance with instructions from Fleet Weather Central. On 6 and 7 June Weather Reconnaissance Squadron TWO was at N.A.B., Agana en route to the squadrons permanent base at NAS Sangley Point, Philippines, from which base its planes would operate under orders from Fleet Weather Central, Manila and Commander Fleet Air Wing EIGHTEEN. On 13 and 14 June ten officers and twelve enlisted men left the squadron to report to Weather Reconnaissance Squadron TWO with three aircraft for duty. This left the squadron with twelve crews and eleven aircraft, nine of which were to be serviceable at all times. Between 17 and 24 June the squadron flew its second typhoon. On 20 June 1946, a commendation for Lieutenant H, JWITT, U.S.N.R. and crew was read at quarters. This was for the excellent performance of duty on the part of Lieutenant WITT and his crew in the most recent typhoon...During the period from May 4, 1946 to the end of the present reporting period, the squadron was under the operational control of Commander Mariannas, and under the administrative command of Commander Fleet Air Wing EIGHTEEN. Two detachments, at Kwajalein and Peleliu, were only lower echelons over which the squadron exercised administrative control. The Kwajalein detachment flew weather reconnaissance flights for the Crossroads Operations in addition to other flights...Prior to 4 May, 1946, while in a training status, the squadron was under the operational and administrative control of Commander Fleet Air Wing FOURTEEN...The first change in function for the squadron occurred when it changed from a training to an operational unit, on 4 May ,1946. At the same time the squadron assumed Air Sea Rescue responsibilities under Commander Fleet Air Wing EIGHTEEN. The flights for Crossroads by the Kwajalein detachment were the only additional functions undertaken by the squadron. It kept its previous function of weather and typhoon reconnaissance...No change in the class of personnel took place during the entire period, the squadron remaining streamlined with no ground personnel...During June, the squadron lost three crews and aircraft to Weather Reconnaissance Squadron TWO, to make up for the latter's loss of personnel and aircraft to Weather Reconnaissance Squadron THREE. The squadron felt the loss of personnel keenly, but was able to carry out its functions as efficiently as before..." Contributed by Ray Parsons parsonsjr@knology.net


Circa 1944 - 1949

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraPB4Y-2 Squadron Assignments "...PB4Y-2 Squadron Assignments 1944 - 1949 by W. T. Larkins 5-11-1984. A review of the aircraft history cards for the 740 aircraft 59350-60009 and 66245-66324 allows the following squadrons with one or more aircraft. Unfortunately the original assignment on many in 1944 is simply "PAC" for Pacific area. No card was found to verify VB-200 as the first squadron delivery or any Marine Corps squadrons. Squadrons listed include VP-12, VP-21, VP-22, VP-23, VP-25, VP-26, VP-27, VP-28, VP-29, VPB-100, VPB-101, VPB-10, VPB-102, VPB-104, VPB-106, VPB-107, VPB-108, VPB-109, VPB-111, VPB-114, VPB-115, VPB-116, VPB-117, VPB-118, VPB-119, VPB-120, VPB-121, VPB-122, VPB-123, VPB-124, VPB-143, VPB-197, VPB-200, VP-HL-1, VP-HL-2, VP-HL-4, VP-HL-6, VP-HL-7, VP-HL-8, VP-HL-9, VP-HL-10, VP-HL-11, VP-HL-12, VP-HL-13, VPM-1, VPW-1, VPW-2, VPW-3, VX-1 and VX-2..." Contributed by Bill Larkins wtl@earthlink.net [01AUG2010]


Circa Unknown
Can you identify the Month and or Year?

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: VPW SangleyCamera "...This is the exterior of our barracks area at NAS Sangley Point, Philippines. Both VPW-1 & VPW-2 were here at various times..." Contributed by Ray Parsons parsonsjr@knology.net

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...I am searching for information of LCDR William Rhett Meyers who was CO of VP-23 and was CO of VPW-1 in 1946. This surname is shown also as Myer and Meyer in official records and from a newspaper article on Guam when his daughter was born in 1946...Ray Parsons parsonsjr@knology.net..." [24FEB2001]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: VPW-1 Missing CrewCamera "Back row-left to right: Roy O. Whitt ACRM, Carl C. Davis ACMM, L.E. Dufault ACMM, H.W. Hammer ACMM. Front Row-l to r: Arthur L. DeMott ALC, P.L."Pappy"Spencer ACMM, H.E. Swearington ACMM..." Contributed by Ray Parsons parsonsjr@knology.net


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