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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.  DOHERTY, AO1 Jeffrey P.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  My father was Layne Labhart VP-1 at NAS Barbers Point, Hawaii. In 1975 both he and a man named Ed Jackson were brutally shot to death. There has never been any arrests or information given to my family...more...Terry Labhart Galpin 1/22/2022 4:44 AM WEAVER, LT Robert E.My Father, LT Robert E. Weaver, served with VH-3 and designed the squadron patch. Mark E. Weaver 1/21/2022 9:22 AM DANIELS, YN2 ChristianI 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  VPB2-OTU#3 Mishap - July 10th, 1945My 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 SPARKS, ADR3 JackI 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  MILLS, ACOM Farville "Bud" KerkwoodWith 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 BUKIN, Charles I.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 PULIGNANO, CDR Nicholas V. Jr. RetiredI served with VP-24 (1975-1978) flying as a P-3 Mission Commander. 1/6/2022 9:27 PM ROSS, ATC(AW) Steve RetiredI 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 EVANS, AME David J. "Jim"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  HUTCHINSON, PT1 James "Jim" RobertBIO Update Request Posted! 12/26/2021 6:46 PM BUTTON, CAPTAIN Andrew "Andy" J. RetiredVP-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 SALMON, Christy "Cain"I served with VP-31 (10/1979-04/1981) as a Observer. 12/13/2021 7:02 PM BRAITHWAITE, Ambassador (Rear Admiral) Kenneth J. RetiredI 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 MORTIMER, AZ2 GregI served with VP-64 (1988-1992) at NAS Willow Grove, Pennsylvania. 10/29/2021 10:52 PM SHEPARD, James HowardMy 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 CORKREAN, AM2 Robert c/o Son Jack Corkrean 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 SHEALY, AMS3 HarryE-Mail/BIO Update Request Posted! 10/1/2021 5:35 PM BLANKENSHIP, AT1 CarlE-Mail/BIO Update Request Posted! 9/29/2021 12:05 AM BUTLER, AMS2 JohnI 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 BAZILE, RichardI 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 CONERS, PO3 DougI served with VP-64 (1980-1983) alive and well. 9/7/2021 4:52 PM LONG, LawrenceI 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 LEWIS, AE1 Greggory RetiredI 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 MAZZUCHI, JamesI served with VP-31 (late 1980's) at NAS Moffett Field, California and NAS Barbers Point, Hawaii. 8/24/2021 12:04 PM RUTHERFORD, AMS RobertI 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 CLARK, ADR3 PaulMy 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 EDWARDS, StanE-Mail/BIO Update Request Posted! 8/15/2021 7:47 PM LEBA, Ronald JamesI 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 WILLIAMS, AW2 Emmett W. Jr. "Chuck"I served with VP-49 (1968-1970). Joined them at NS Sangley Point, Philippines after finishing SERE School. 7/22/2021 3:31 PM Lawrence (Larry) Wrenn - When my father died, I never got to really talk to him about his time in the Navy. I’m hoping someone out there knows someone who could maybe tell me some stories and share some memories of my dad. My father Lawrence (Larry) Wrenn served from September 20,1967 until September 17, 1971 out of VP-11 at NAS Brunswick, Maine. I really hope some how I can make a connection to someone who served with him.Rob Wrenn 7/7/2021 6:39 PM LARSON, AME2 Robert BruceI served with VP-26 (01/1966) at NAS Brunswick, Maine. It snowed so deep we would jump from the third story window in to it! LARSON, AME2 Robert Bruce cjlarson27@gmail.com "...I served with VP-26 (01/1966) at NAS Brunswick, Maine. It snowed so deep we would jump from the third story window in to it!..." [07JUL2021] KYSER, AT1 David P.E-Mail/BIO Update Request Posted! 6/30/2021 11:08 AM HENSLEY, JayI served with VP-24 (03/1975-11/1977) in the AT Shop. I would like to hear from former Shipmates. 6/30/2021 10:01 AM GREGG, AT3 TomI served with VXE-6 (1970-1973). I crewed aboard BUNO: 148320, BUNO: 148318 and BUNO: 148321. I was aboard 318 during crash and burn at Willy Field and aboard 321 during crash at D59 in East Antarctica. 6/23/2021 6:46 PM HUNT, AT3 CrisI served with VP-30 (1973) at NAS Patuxent River, Maryland (attended P-3 FRAMP and O and I level schools) and VP-23 at NAS Brunswick, Maine I would like to hear from former Shipmates. 6/22/2021 8:10 AM NORBURY, AE2 Johnnie E.I served with VP-26 (1969-1972) with a deployment to NAS Keflavik, Iceland where learned 3 handed Pinochle with AE3 Foucth and AD2 Newcomer. Friends with AN Greenway. AEC Felton was shop Chief we deployed to NAS Sigonella, Sicily and I was assigned to Unitos Dos for a trip around S America. AOC Roger Clark was set CPO and I was one of two AE’s Dan Williams the other. Became good friends with Lucient McKee and wife Harriet. Good times and good friends. I get to reminisce at times wishing to be back in that environment. 6/18/2021 1:25 PM KYLE, David L.I served with VP-7 (1956-05/1959) NAS Brunswick, Maine. A good friend was Dave Massing from Pacifica, Ca. 5/30/2021 7:10 PM FOELLER, AX1 SteveI served with the Naval Weapons Test Squadron (WST) (1973-1976) at NAS Patuxent River, Maryland flying as IFT, VP-56 (1976-1980) with deployments to NAS Sigonella, Sicily, NAS Keflavik, Iceland and NAS Bermuda flying in the IFT position. On the NAS Keflavik, Iceland deployment I was the graveyard Electronics Shop lead and on the NAS Bermuda deployment I was the NATOPS evaluator. While with the Dragons it was my privilege to work with some of the most accomplished people that I have ever known. I would really enjoy hearing from my brothers. 5/29/2021 3:41 PM VP-31 Mishap - May 26th, 1972LT Thomas Brunk was the pilot of the ill fated VP-31 (SEE: In Memorial for lost friends May 26, 1972) training flight that disappeared while training off the coast of California, May 26, 1972. No evidence or wreckage was ever found. This week end marks 49 years since that fateful day. I visited Tom’s marker in Arlington national cemetery. Please help me remember these 12 Naval aviators who gave their lives in service to their country. Janet Brunk Ehlers 5/28/2021 4:46 PM BENNETT, LCDR R. LeeI served (Active Duty) with VP-67 (1971-1974) at NAS Memphis, Tennessee. 5/26/2021 4:22 PM BRYANT, PO2 John RandolphDad served from 12/1954-1958. Mom remembers Dad serving aboard the USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD-6), USS Gardiners Bay (AVP-39) and USS Ticonderoga (CV-14). We also found some films Dad took - if anyone recognizes any part of them - we would sure love to hear from you. They can be found on: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZQG9Ui5aSOY and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KsWEx7G_Veg. I would like to hear from any of Dad's former Shipmates. John Bryant 5/22/2021 9:54 PM LaFRANCHI, Ray A.My dad, Ray A. LaFranchi, served aboard the USS Wright (AV-1) from probably early 1942 - 1945 or 1946. He joined the Navy right after Pearl Harbor. I don’t know his squadron, but I know he had service stars. I think 2. I believe he worked with radio or Morse code. He didn’t talk much about his service time, so I don’t know a whole lot. He had photos when he had shore leave in the South Pacific. My dad passed away March 5, 2008. Anita LaFranchi 5/19/2021 7:56 PM CHESTNUT, CDR Lawrence Jr. "Larry"My Father, Lawrence Chestnut Jr., passed away April 15th, 2021. He proudly served his country for 21 years in the U S. Navy and in the Naval Reserves retiring as a commander in 1977. Dad graduated from the Naval Training Command in NAS Corpus Christi, Texas in 1957. He was a pilot with VP-56 and served during the Vietnam Conflict and was a Cold War Warrior flying numerous anti-submarine warfare missions in such aircraft as the PBM-5 Mariner, the P2V Neptune and others in the late 1950's early 60's. He served alongside Pete Stiller. Larry Chestnut 5/8/2021 9:01 PM McMICHAEL, AT1 DavidI served with VP-1 (06/1963-07/1972) with two WestPac deployments including a detachment to Tan San NAF Tan Son Nhut, South Vietnam. 5/4/2021 3:02 PM TINES, GayleI served with VP-56 (1956-1958) at NAS Norfolk, Virginia. I flew with Crew-2. John Scahill was the Plane Captain. 4/22/2021 3:18 PM HANNA, AW2 William R.I attended AWA School in NAS Memphis, Tennessee (06/1968) and served with VP-56 (1969-06/1972) with two deployments to NAS Keflavik, Iceland. VP-56 was first squadron to receive P-3C aircraft. Got married two days before second deployment to NAS Keflavik, Iceland. Still married to same girl -- 50 years in November. I would love to hear from former Shipmates. 4/13/2021 7:58 PM SCHMALBECK, AZ2 Kenneth G.I served with VP-65 (03/1971-12/1972) and NAS Glenview, Illinois (12/1967-03/1971). 4/13/2021 11:19 AM HOWARD, Ralph W.E-Mail/BIO Update Request Posted! /10/2021 11:01 PM, SCALESE, AT2 Thomas J.E-Mail/BIO Update Request Posted! 4/10/2021 9:25 PM GUARINO, Angelo "Skip"I served with VAH-21 (08/1968-06/1969) Project Trim in NAF Cam Ranh Bay, Vietnam. I also worked at engine rebuild shop NS Sangley Point, Philippines. Great group of guys, and enjoyed all the Reunions that I have attended. 3/22/2021 11:48 AM SUAREZ, MartinI served with VP-45 with a deployment to NAS Sigonella, Sicily. I flew with CAC-7 during deployment to NAS Sigonella, Sicily (1981-1982). 3/11/2021 11:09 PM BURRELL, AWC Garold F.E-Mail/BIO Update Request Posted! 3/5/2021 5:15 PM RILEY, JohnI served with VP-1 (1974- 1976) at NAS Barbers Point, Hawaii. 3/4/2021 5:50 PM SUSOL, AMM1 Ferdinand Francis  >My Father in Law, Ferdinand Francis Susol, served with VD-1, CASU-(F)41 and FAW-14. He received the World War II Victory Medal, Air Crew Insignia (3 Stars), Asiatic-Pacific Theater Medal (2 Stars), American Theater Medal, Air Medal, Naval Unit Commendation, Philippine Liberation and Good Conduct Medal. Brenda Susol 2/20/2021 6:07 PM MURRAY, Kenneth LeeI was in the first group that left VAW-11 from NAS North Island, San Diego, California. We sailed aboard the USS Hancock in July 1959 to NAS Agana, Guam and formed VAW-13. I was a plane captain at the time. When the second ship, USS Midway, arrived in NAS Agana, Guam with three more AD-5W's, some of us went aboard the Midway and sailed to NAS Cubi Point, Philippines for reconnaissance. If I recall, we were there for about six months. After our squadron returned to NAS Agana, Guam, my service time was up and I was sent to Treasure Island, CA for discharge. This was a great experience for a young man. 2/19/2021 5:21 PM THYNE, AX3 Michael F.I served with VP-22 (1970-1974). Had fun with the Blue Geese traveling from NAF Kadena, Okinawa, Japan to NAS Barbers Point, Hawaii to NAS Adak, Alaska then back to NAF Kadena, Okinawa, Japan with sojourns to NAS Adak, Alaska and NAS Midway Island for the Kamchatka shot along with Kodiak following the Vladivostok fleet trailing its coats all over the pacific. Then back to NAF Kadena, Okinawa, Japan to finish up the Nam war. Quiet time for 6 months then back to NAS Cubi Point, Philippines for a "quiet deployment." Then we were off to U-Tapao Royal Thailand Air Force Base, Thailand on the way to a quaint island called NSF Diego Garcia. From whence we traveled to a unique place called Bandar Abbas Iran. Trailing the Russian Indian Ocean Squadron. Lather rinse repeat. Got out in May of 74 went back to college and got an engineering degree. Worked for Cessna, Martin Marietta, Ball Aerospace, Gates Learjet and finished up with Lockheed Martin. Now I just chase cattle and pull calves as required. 2/19/2021 1:29 AM CONIGLIO, Carl J.I served with VP-931 and VP-57 (1950-1954). 2/15/2021 9:33 AM DICKENS, AT1 William P. RetiredI served with VP-62 at NAS Jacksonville, Florida aboard the P2V and P-3A as a Radio Operator and VAW-78 at NAS Norfolk, Virginia. 2/11/2021 7:45 PM SMITH, PT2 Bruce T.  I served with VP-18 (12//1966-1968) but was on the Unitas IX deployment to South America when we received notice that the squadron was being disestablished and everybody would be gone when we got back to NS Roosevelt Roads, PR. I also served on several deployments to NAS Guantanamo Bay, Cuba and occassionally took pictures on reconnaisance missions. 2/10/2021 6:57 PM CADMUS, AMS1 DonI served with VP-47 (1984-1989). I was a FE assigned to Crew-5. 2/4/2021 1:24 PM FOWLER, AE2 David B.E-Mail/BIO Update Request Posted! 1/27/2021 3:35 AM LOHBAUER, AO2 RichI served with VP-8 (1977-1981). I flew with Crew 5 and 6. 1/27/2021 12:40 AM JONES, ATN3 Robert "Bob"Attended basic training in NAS Norfolk, Virginia / NAS North Island, San Diego, California, shore duty at NS Rota, Spain, VR-24 (1968-1972) and VF-32. I had many, many adventures in southern Spain and served in the Mediterranean during the middle eastern crisis, at that time. Went all over Europe and to Denmark - it was the adventure of a life time. 1/22/2021 5:58 PM WARMACK, PH1 JDE-Mail/BIO Update Request Posted! 1/22/2021 1:32 PM HALL, William J.I served with VP-49 (05/196708/1969) with deployments to NAS Bermuda / NAS Argentia, Newfoundland, Canada and (WestPac) NS Sangley Point, Philippines. I flew with Crew-11 and then Crew-3 for the WestPac deployment. 1/16/2021 8:22 AM GREER, Rickey D.I served with VP-8 (1972-1975) and retired from the navy in 1994 from VAQ-129 out of NAS Whidbey Island, Washington. 1/9/2021 3:12 PM COHN, AO3 LeslieI served with VP-48K-1 (1967–1973) at NAS Olathe, Kansas. 1/3/2021 7:26 PM STIVERS, CPO Dorsie "Ben" RetiredI served with VT-7 (1969-1971) at NAS Meridian, Mississippi, VT-19 (1971), Heavy One (1971-1973), VP-24 (1973-1975) at NAS Jacksonville, Florida, VT-7 (1975-1978) at NAS Meridian, Mississippi, VP-4 (1978-1981) at NAS Barbers Point, Hawaii, VX-1 (1981-1984) at NAS Patuxent River, Maryland, VP-49 at NAS Jacksonville, Florida where I made Chief on det to NAS Sigonella, Sicily and retired in 1989. Stayed in aviation, going to work 1992 for US Customs P3s until 2018. Living in Lake City Florida. 12/27/2020 1:08 PM My dad, Harold J. Manselle (Jim) served in the Black Cat Squadron 12 (VP-12). He had a best friend pilot nicknamed “Red,” who took my father on many daring flights. One of which my father had to rescue him from while landing, because the plane missed the rubber band upon landing on the USS Wright (AV-1) flight deck, and “Red” was falling into the ‘drink’ and my dad had to clutch the strap with one hand and “Red’s” flight jacket with the other while hanging on for dear life as the flight deck crew rescued the plane from falling over the side of the ship. I would dearly love to know what “Red’s” real name was. My father was a radioman on the PBY. He was serving at Pearl Harbor on the day of the Japanese bombing raid. His squadron earned the Presidential Unit citation while he was with them.Connie Manselle 12/14/2020 11:11 PM
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