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Circa 2013

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY:  Maritime Patrol Association Planeside Quarterly NewsletterVR-62 History "...VR-62 is Truly "World Famous"... Maritime Patrol Association Planeside Quarterly Newsletter - 2013: Issue 4..." WebSite: Maritime Patrol Association [30OCT2013]
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Circa 2012

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraVR-62 History Contributed by LCDR Mike Brady formichaelbrady@aol.com [28SEP2012]


Circa 2011

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCamera111028-N-YR391-001 JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (Oct. 28, 2011) "...Civilian employers and supervisors of Michigan National Guard members ride aboard a C-130 aircraft assigned to Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VR-62) at Naval Air Station Jacksonville as part of the Bosslift program, which provides employer support of the National Guard and reserves. Bosslifts transports employers and supervisors to military training sites where they observe National Guard and reserve force service members on duty. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Gary Granger Jr./Released)..." WebSite: NavyNews http://www.navy.mil/ [29SEP2012]


Circa 2009

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCamera090725-N-3887D-015 JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (July 25, 2009) "...A C-130 Hercules from the Nomads of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VR) 62 arrives at NAS Jacksonville, Florida. VR-62 is the first C-130 squadron to be based at NAS Jacksonville, Florida home since the base was established Oct. 15, 1940. The move is part of the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure commission's decision to close NAS Brunswick, Maine. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Elisha Dawkins/Released)..." WebSite: NavyNews http://www.navy.mil/ [29SEP2012]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCamera090725-N-3887D-057 JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (July 25, 2009) "...Capt. Jack Scorby, commanding officer ofNAS Jacksonville, Florida, meets with Cmdr. Christopher Thomson, commanding officer of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VR) 62, and Master Chief Jamie Marshall, command master chief of VR-62. VR-62 is transferring from NAS Brunswick, Maine to NAS Jacksonville, Florida, Fla. as part of the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure Commission's decision to close Naval Air Station Brunswick. VR-62 is the first C130 squadron to call NAS Jacksonville, Florida home since the base was established in 1940. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Elisha Dawkins/Released)..." WebSite: NavyNews http://www.navy.mil/ [29SEP2012]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCamera090725-N-3887D-057 JACKSONVILLE, Fla. "...First C-130 Squadron Arrives at NAS Jacksonville, Florida - Story Number: NNS090728-13Release Date: 7/28/2009 2:24:00 PM - By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Gino Flores..." WebSite: NavyNews http://www.navy.mil/ [29SEP2012]

Photograph Caption: 090725-N-3887D-057 JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (July 25, 2009) Capt. Jack Scorby, commanding officer of NAS Jacksonville, Florida, meets with Cmdr. Christopher Thomson, commanding officer of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VR) 62, and Master Chief Jamie Marshall, command master chief of VR-62. VR-62 is transferring from NAS Brunswick, Maine to NAS Jacksonville, Florida as part of the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure Commission's decision to close NAS Brunswick, Maine. VR-62 is the first C130 squadron to call NAS Jacksonville, Florida home since the base was established in 1940. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Elisha Dawkins/Released)

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (NNS) -- The Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 62 (VR-62) "Nomads" arrived at their new home base, NAS Jacksonville, Florida July 25, along with the first of four C-130T Hercules aircraft, opening a new chapter in the base's history.

The base was established Oct. 15, 1940, and this is the first time a C-130 squadron has been homeported NAS Jacksonville, Florida. The move is part of the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure commission's decision to close NAS Brunswick, Maine.

"There are a lot of resources here at NAS Jacksonville, Florida, and Florida is a year round playground," said VR-62 commanding officer Cmdr. Christopher Thomson. "Maine was nice for skiing but there were four months of bitter cold that many families didn't enjoy."

Monica Gillespie, wife of Naval Air Crewman (Mechanical) 2nd Class (NAC) Brian Gillespie, said she looks forward to going to the beach and building sand castles with her family.

The Navy Air squadron is comprised of 85 active-duty Sailors and 130 Reservists. "One of the biggest pushes we have right now is recruiting new Reservists," said Thomson. "Many Sailors decided to stay behind and we need to replenish the squadron."

The Nomads earned their title by moving to four different homeports in four years.

"We are scheduled to continue the reallocation process throughout the end of August," said Aviation Electronics Technician 1st Class (AW) Mary Hipkin, the squadron's command career counselor is a Reservist recently mobilized to active duty.

"The transfer has been difficult for many crew members and the closure of NAS Brunswick, Maine has left no Navy aviation opportunity in the surrounding communities. This has caused many of our Sailors to join our counterparts like the Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve and Coast Guard in an effort to stay local," said Hipkin.

The squadron is responsible for transporting personnel and cargo all over the world. They will deploy on a three-month detachment to Naval Air Station Sigonella, Italy in support of 6th Fleet operations late this summer. VR-62 also supports 5th Fleet operations in Bahrain and 7th Fleet operations in Atsugi, Japan as well as Naval Air Logistics Office flights.

For more news from NAS Jacksonville, Florida, visit www.navy.mil/local/nasjax/.


Circa 2000

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Logo Thumbnail VR-63 Logo Contributed by John Lucas john.lucas@netzero.net [02JUN2002]


Circa 1991

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...Naval Aviation Units Involved in the Persian Gulf War (16 January–27 February 1991)...This Squadron Mentioned...Naval Historical Center ADOBE Download File: http://www.history.navy.mil/avh-1910/APP29.PDF [27MAY2003]
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Circa 1990

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation January-February 1990 "...History - Change-Of-Command - Page 7, 21 and 30 - Naval Aviation News - January-February 1990..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1990s/1990/jf90.pdf [22OCT2004]

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Circa 1985 - 2008

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...FLEET LOGISTICS SUPPORT SQUADRON SIX TWO..." Contributed by LCDR Mike Brady formichaelbrady@aol.com [29SEP2012]

Fleet Logistics Support Squadron Six Two (VR-62) was established July 1, 1985 at NAF Detroit, Michigan under the operational control of Commander, Fleet Logistics Support Wing. In February of 1988, the squadron began providing logistics support flights operating the McDonnell Douglas C-9B "Skytrain II" aircraft.

Following nine years of outstanding airlift service to the fleet and with the closing of NAF Detroit, Michigan, the VR-62 MOTOWNERS were ordered to change their homeport. This move also included a transition to the newly acquired C-130T "Hercules" aircraft. On April 1, 1994, VR-62 officially changed its homeport to NAS South Weymouth, Massachusetts, and was renamed MASS TRANSPORT.

The squadron received their first of four C-130T aircraft in January of 1995. Following several months of rigorous training, VR-62 began its operational commitments, sending detachments to Sicily, Japan and Bahrain in support of worldwide Naval Operations.

On June 1, 1996, due to the closure of NAS South Weymouth, Massachusetts, VR-62 relocated to NAS Brunswick, Maine and were renamed the NOR'EASTERS. During the more than 13 years at NAS Brunswick, Maine, the NOR'EASTERS continued their unprecedented support of Naval and Marine Corps operations around the world, providing direct support to Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.

With the BRAC commission's decision to close NAS Brunswick, Maine, the NOR'EASTERS again found themselves on the move. On 1 September 2009, VR-62 relocated to NAS Jacksonville, Florida. As a historical testament to the squadron's home stations, and the dedicated personnel who have manned the squadron since 1985, the command was renamed the VR-62 NOMADS.

Recently, VR-62 aircraft have been updated with a new GPS Navigation package allowing greater airport service capability. In addition, a new Electronic Prop Control System and Electronic Engine System Display upgrade has increased aircraft system reliability and performance.

Throughout its long history and proud accomplishments, VR-62 remains an integral part of fleet support to the US Navy and Marine Corps team. To date, the command has safely transported in excess of 42,000 passengers and over 43.3 million pounds of cargo since receiving the C-130T aircraft.

Squadron awards include: The Noel Davis Battle "E" 1996, 1997, 1999, 2000, 2008; The James M. Holcombe Maintenance Excellence Award 1996, 1997, 2003; Secretary of the Navy Letter of Commendation 1996; Chief of Naval Operations Safety "S" 1997, 1999, 2008, 2009; the Fleet Logistics Support Wing Training Excellence Award 1997, 1999; the Excellence in Career Information Program Management Award 1999; the Navy Unit Commendation Medal 1999 for support to Joint Task Force Noble Anvil; ADM Phil Smith Operational Excellence Award 1999, 2000, 2006; the Fleet Logistics Support Wing Administrative Excellence Award 2000, the Golden Anchor for Retention Excellence Award 2008, 2009 and the 2007 and 2008 NAS Brunswick, Maine Captain's Cup Awards.


Circa 1948

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation News August 1943 "...Reserve Squadrons - Naval Aviation News - August 1948..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1940s/1948/aug48.pdf [11JUL2004]

Reserve Squadrons Pictures

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