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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.   LaMAR, James Jr.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  WELCH, PN3 Patrick G.I served with VT-26 (1960-1951) at NAS Chase Field, Beeville, Texas. 6/30/2022 8:30 AM GILLEY, AE SuzanneI 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  VP-139 Mishap - April 22nd, 1945This 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 VP-44 Mishap - June 3rd, 1972June 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  SWIZDOR, HN Richard GregoryPassing 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 LYNN, AX2 CharlesI served with VP-10. 4/29/2022 3:21 PM GUZMAN, AE3 JohnI 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 WILLIAMS, AZ1 LarryI served with VP-8 (1979-1982) as a QA 3M Analyst. 4/21/2022 3:37 PM  SHELLY, AEC Henry T. "Tom" RetiredI 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 DUSKEY, AT1 ThomasI 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  GILLIES, AD3 BillE-Mail/BIO Update Request Posted! 4/6/2022 4:34 PM GUFFEY, Delmer L.I served with ZX-11 (1953) at NAS Glynco, Georgia and NAS Brunswick, Maine. 3/24/2022 7:12 AM JOHNSON, AEW Jerry "Johnny"E-Mail/BIO Update Request Posted! 3/22/2022 2:52 PM WRIGHT, SCPO David RetiredI 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 SENDREY, Charles A.I served with VAHM-10 (1956-1959). 3/12/2022 3:15 PM  SWEET, SCPO Charles Russell RetiredMy 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 SCOTT, Edward AllenAttended 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 DEMPSKI, AMS2 Robert W.E-Mail/BIO Update Request Posted! 2/9/2022 10:57 PM KINKADE, AMS2 John RaymondI served with VAH-7 aboard the USS Enterprise. 2/6/2022 3:32 PM WEATHERS, AW2 JohnI’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 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
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