![]() ![]() ![]() 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. ![]() E-Mail/BIO Update Request Posted! 2/1/2023 2:29 PM ![]() I 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 ![]() Patrick McFaden 12/12/2022 12:40 PM ![]() I 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 ![]() I 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 ![]() 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 ![]() E-Mail/BIO Update Request Posted! 11/30/2022 10:13 PM ![]() I served with VP-24 (1974-1976) with deployments to NAS Keflavik, Iceland and NAS Sigonella, Sicily. 11/24/2022 9:37 PM ![]() 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 ![]() I served with VQ-2 at NS Rota, Spain. 11/19/2022 2:48 PM ![]() E-Mail/BIO Update Request Posted! 11/13/2022 12:55 PM ![]() I 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 ![]() I 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 ![]() ![]() I 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 ![]() ![]() 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 ![]() MEZIE, RMC(AC) C. L. "Lou" 8/19/2022 5:45 AM ![]() 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 ![]() I 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 ![]() 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 ![]() E-Mail/BIO Update Request Posted! 8/2/2022 12:37 PM ![]() ![]() Sadly, 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 ![]() E-Mail/BIO Update Request Posted! 7/4/2022 11:34 AM ![]() ![]() 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 ![]() I served with VT-26 (1960-1951) at NAS Chase Field, Beeville, Texas. 6/30/2022 8:30 AM ![]() I 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 ![]() This 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 ![]() June 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 ![]() ![]() Passing 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 ![]() I served with VP-10. 4/29/2022 3:21 PM ![]() I 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 ![]() I served with VP-8 (1979-1982) as a QA 3M Analyst. 4/21/2022 3:37 PM ![]() ![]() I 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 ![]() I 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 ![]() E-Mail/BIO Update Request Posted! 4/6/2022 4:34 PM ![]() I served with ZX-11 (1953) at NAS Glynco, Georgia and NAS Brunswick, Maine. 3/24/2022 7:12 AM ![]() E-Mail/BIO Update Request Posted! 3/22/2022 2:52 PM ![]() I 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 ![]() I served with VAHM-10 (1956-1959). 3/12/2022 3:15 PM ![]() ![]() 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. 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 ![]() Attended 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 ![]() E-Mail/BIO Update Request Posted! 2/9/2022 10:57 PM ![]() I served with VAH-7 aboard the USS Enterprise. 2/6/2022 3:32 PM ![]() I’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 ![]() 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 ![]() Terry Labhart Galpin 1/22/2022 4:44 AM ![]() My Father, LT Robert E. Weaver, served with VH-3 and designed the squadron patch. Mark E. Weaver 1/21/2022 9:22 AM ![]() I 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 ![]() My 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 ![]() I 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 ![]() With 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 ![]() 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 ![]() I served with VP-24 (1975-1978) flying as a P-3 Mission Commander. 1/6/2022 9:27 PM ![]() I 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 ![]() 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 ![]() BIO Update Request Posted! 12/26/2021 6:46 PM ![]() VP-22 (01/1967-11/1969), Joined squadron on deployment NAS Adak, Alaska, second deployment to NAF Naha, Okinawa, Japan with dets to NAF Cam Ranh Bay, Vietnam. VP-31 P-3C TACCO instructor & CPWP Software Coordinator (1970-1973). USS Midway Asst Nav (1973-1975). Armed Forces Staff College (1975). OPNAV OP-95 (1975-1977). CPW-5 P-3C UII Transition Coordinator. VP-23 Dept Head tour (1978-1982) deployment NAS Keflavik, Iceland and Det to NSF Diego Garcia in 01/1980 to augment VP-4 det (VP-234) for Carrier Battle Force support in the North Arabian Sea post Iranian hostage crisis. XO/CO VP-4 (1982-1985). CPRW-1 (CTF-72) Ops Officer. DSAA (1985-1988), DoD lead for the JASDF FSX Program. Student ICAF, Class 1989. OUSD/IP Cooperative Development programs with European allies and Israel. Retired 01AUG1992. Worked for the McDonald Douglas & Boeing Co Washington International Office for 15 yrs. Retired second time April 2007. 12/15/2021 10:35 AM ![]() I served with VP-31 (10/1979-04/1981) as a Observer. 12/13/2021 7:02 PM ![]() I served in VP-17 “the White Lightnings” from 1986 to 1988 under the leadership of Commander White and Commander Baas. I also served at Patrol Wing Two under Commodore Dan Oliver. I went on to serve aboard USS America CV-66, commanded Navy Combat Camera Atlantic 193 out of NAS Willow Grove, Pennsylvania deploying to Iraq in 2003 and later to Pakistan and Afghanistan in 2005-2006 with Joint Forces Command. I retired from the Navy as a Rear Admiral in 2011 after serving as the first Navy Vice Chief of Information. After a successful private sector career predominately in healthcare, I most recently served as the 31st Ambassador to the Kingdom of Norway from 2017 to 2019 and then as the 77th Secretary of the Navy from 2020 to 2021. I would welcome hearing from those I had the honor to serve with. 11/14/2021 10:21 AM ![]() I served with VP-64 (1988-1992) at NAS Willow Grove, Pennsylvania. 10/29/2021 10:52 PM ![]() My dad, James Howard Shepard, served aboard the USS Hamlin (AV-15) with the Construction Battalion. 61st Naval Construction Battalion. He received the American Theatre, Victory Medal, Philippine Liberation (2 Stars), Asiatic-Pacific Area 1 Star, Point System. Janice Shepard Merritt 10/25/2021 7:38 AM ![]() Dad served with FASRON-120 (1952-1953) at NAF Oppama, Japan, USS Oriskany (CV-34) (1953-09/1955) and FASRON-8 (09/1955). My father who is alive and well at 88 years young and would love to hear from former Shipmates. 10/17/2021 9:51 AM ![]() E-Mail/BIO Update Request Posted! 10/1/2021 5:35 PM ![]() E-Mail/BIO Update Request Posted! 9/29/2021 12:05 AM ![]() I served with VX-8 at NAS Norfolk, Virginia and VAQ-33 (1970-1971) at NAS Patuxent River, Maryland (had no planes and an old hanger we fixed). Finally got 4-TA4F, 2-A3, 1-C121 and 1-F4. First to paint the Firebird insignia. I would like to hear from former Shipmates. 9/20/2021 10:25 AM ![]() I served with VP-24 (1969-1971) with deployments to NAS Keflavik, Iceland working in the "Line Shack." I would appreciate any informataion on any future Reunions. 9/8/2021 7:13 PM ![]() I served with VP-64 (1980-1983) alive and well. 9/7/2021 4:52 PM ![]() I served with VP-65 (07/1989-07/1993) at NAS Point Mugu, California TAD to AIMD. looking for Norma DeJesus. 9/6/2021 11:47 AM ![]() I served with VQ-1 (1973-1976) TAD to AIMD and VP-45 (1980-1983) working in the AE shop and Quality Assurance. I would like to hear from former Shipmates. 9/4/2021 7:02 PM ![]() I served with VP-31 (late 1980's) at NAS Moffett Field, California and NAS Barbers Point, Hawaii. 8/24/2021 12:04 PM ![]() I served with VXN-8 (1977-1979). First time l ever seen snow was at NAS Patuxent River, Maryland. Side Job - All- Navy Wrestling. 8/19/2021 2:33 AM ![]() My Father, Paul Clark ADR3 served with VU-2 (1952-1954) as a Plane Captain F8F #40). I know he was at NAS Quonset Point, Rhode Island when he was discharged in May of 1954 and he spent some time in Porto Rico, but I don’t know where. Does anyone have pictures of the F8Fs in VU-2 or know if they were multi colored as the JDs? My dad could not remember. He passed away November of 2013. I would love to hear from anyone that served with him. Daniel Clark 8/18/2021 9:10 PM ![]() E-Mail/BIO Update Request Posted! 8/15/2021 7:47 PM ![]() I served with ZX-11 at NAS Key West, Florida. I flew and maintained the blimps. Looking for fellow Shipmates Tom River, etc. I just celebrated my 83 Birthday! 7/25/2021 10:59 AM ![]() I served with VP-49 (1968-1970). Joined them at NS Sangley Point, Philippines after finishing SERE School. 7/22/2021 3:31 PM
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