VPNAVY VP-5 Open House
http://www.vpnavy.org
VPNAVY Address

Note VP-23 NoticeNote

Note NOTICE: "...I served with VP-23 from 1981 to 1986 I would love to purchase all Cruise books during that time frame..." Contributed by Victor Smith vcsmith25@yahoo.com [14NOV2017]


Note NOTICE: History ThumbnailCameraVP-23 Cruisebook "...We (Poplar Grove Vintage Wings & Wheels Museum) had a donation of books today which included a VP-23 NAS Sigonella, Sicily (11/1966-05/1967) Cruisebook. Although this is a fascinating piece of history, it does not really fit the theme of our reference library. We would love to donate it to a previous VP-23 Shipmate who may have misplaced, etc. their copy. So, if you served with VP-23 and would like the cruisebook (free) - please let me know..." Contributed by Judi Zangs, General Manager jaorsi@comcast.net [03MAY2017]

UPDATE "...Claimed by former Shipmate..." [19JAN2018]


Note NOTICE: "...I served with VP-23 in 1970 and have a special request. When I left the Navy in 1971 the U-Haul trailer I had with me while driving back home was broken into and all of my cherrished memiories were stolen. I was the AO2 aboard the skippers crew that fired the very first Harppon missle. I was responsible for the loading and securing of the missle for that flight. I was part of a traiing video for purpose of subsequent loading of the harpoon missle. All of my pictures, uniforms, all of my material items are gone. All I have to share with my family is my memories and as the tears click by those are not as clear as they used to be. If anyone has pictures of that event and the crew aboard and would care to share it would be greatfully received..." Contributed by CORBIN, AO2 Gerald "Jerry" corbinproperties@gmail.com [07JUN2014]


Note NOTICE: "...Does anyone know the VP-23 "Fight Song?" I really need to know the exact words as soon as possible. Thanks!..." Contributed by Chris Kurdziel kurdzielcp@aol.com [25JUL2011]


Note NOTICE: "...I served with the VP-23 Seahawks from August 1973 to August 1976. I was on Crew 5. A good buddy, Mike Laughlin, who I haven't seen in years called me last night. He is in Albany, NY in hospice with colon cancer. He was an AW3 SS2 on our crew from 1974 to 1976. As soon as I send this I am driving from Columbus, Oh to Albany and visit Mike. I know he would be thrilled with some kind of photos memorabilia...of his Navy days. If you know Mike and would like to contact him, do it soon or as the case may be soon, contact his family, please contact me for information. Best Regards, ATC(AW/NAC) Bruce Perry (Retired) bruce.perry@dla.mil..." [14JUN2008]


Note NOTICE: "...I am looking for cruisebooks from VP-23 1986-1989. If anyone has extras I am willing to purchase them. My books were destroyed..." Contributed by YBARRA, Roger ybarra1574@yahoo.com [25APR2008]


Note NOTICE: "...Looking for a VP-23 patch both old and new . I was with VP-23 when they swithed to the P3Cupdate 2 and changed tail insignia. ASM2 at the time now CMC (retired). Worked the line division 78 79 80...cbparcmc@aol.com..." [09OCT2007]


Note NOTICE: "...BPO Elks lodge 616 in Honolulu is verifying the status of two Elks who in 1944 were behind in dues and declared 'lapsed'. It was hard then for the lodge to know for sure in the midst of the war with scant information what each person's status was. If the men were indeed MIA or KIA we want to see them properly recognized in the Elks system..." Contributed by Anita M. manninga001@hawaii.rr.com [29MAY2007]

Their last known address was given as "Navy, VP-23"

Carlos E. Fisher
Charles M. Gassett

Both men in March 1944 were 3 yrs behind in dues [making me think they were part of the same unit, shipped out of the territory, in trouble together, etc]

Fisher appears in a mishap report 1941 and on the Helicopter Veterans Association Memorial Listing (Carlos Fisher, January, 1995). Can someone verify this memorialized Fisher is a World War II vet of VP 23?

Gassett does appear in some data bases but there's no direct link to VP-23 & there's more than one "Gassett" [Note different enlistment dates, perhaps meaning 2 people]

Via ancestry.com
	Name:			Charles M Gassett
	Ship Name: 		Lexington
	Ship number:		CV-2
	Enlistment Date:	31 Mar 1939
	Roll:			MIUSA2006_082852
	Not on list of lost at sea for Lexington
 
	http://www.lonesailor.org 
	CHARLES MILTON GASSETT
	Rate / Rank 		CDR
	Service Branch		USN
	Service Dates		12/1935 - 9/1959
	Born			8/14/1915 CHICKAMAUGA, GA

Anyone who may have information relating to their World War II service, please contact Ms. Anita Manning manninga001@hawaii.rr.com, Elks 616 Historian

Note NOTICE: "...I am trying to find an official Navy Paint Scheme for the PBY-5A in use around 1945. It would be the solid dark blue scheme. Only one color and not the tri-color scheme. If there were a way to also learn what other markings were usually on the aircraft that would be helpful. I am in touch with a diecast aircraft model manufacturer who is willing to look into making a scale model but they need to be very accurate. My father flew PBY-5A's out of NAS Pearl Harbor, Hawaii at the end of WWII and became the director of Air-Sea Rescue, Hawaiian Sea Frontier prior to leaving. He was in transit to Pearl from the States when the Japanese signed the surrender. He is 82 now and can only remember that the aircraft was solid dark blue. If anyone could help direct me to a source for this information, I would be very appreciative. Phil Garner thrill@bellsouth.net..." [23JAN2006]

UPDATE "...I have learned that the proper paint scheme is indeed, the tri-color for the PBY-5A's. What I need now is to see if anyone has any detailed pictures of any of the PBY's present at Midway for the Battle of Midway. I need to see what markings were on the aircraft. I have several squadron numbers that were supposed to be represented at the Battle by PBY's. They are listed in this excerpt provided by one of you members:

Here is an excerpt from the book PBY: The Catalina Flying Boat by Roscoe Creed pg 102. regarding the Battle of Midway.:

    "The following day (May 22) the buildup began: the first six of twelve PBY-5As of VP-44 under LCDR Brixner arrived from Pearl Harbor to provide long-range patrol capabilities.. Small groups continued to wing in, a hodge podge of PBY's on temporary duty from VP-14, VP-23, VP-24, VP-51, VP-72 and VP-91. The seaplanes operated from Sand Island and the amphibians from the runways on Eastern Island.....". Note that Midway is made up of two islands Eastern and Sand.
Thanks, John for that info.

Anything that anyone can supply will be greatly appreciated. I am on high speed internet so size of transmission is good up to about 3 or 4MB per message. Phil Garner thrill@bellsouth.net..." [26JAN2006]

Note NOTICE: "...I served in VP-23 from 1964-1969, and I was on CAC-12. I'd like to find and buy the older VP-23 embroidered patch and an embroidered air crew wing patch! Can anyone tell me where I may purchase these items? BRADY, AO2 Richard richardbradyphotography@gmail.com..." [17JAN2006]


Note NOTICE: "...We are producing a movie entitled "The Hurricane Hunters" (VPB-114, VPW-3, VPM-3, VP-HL-3, VP-23, VJ-2, and VW-4). We need your help! Do you have any props (i.e. patches, uniform items, equipment, etc.) that you would be willing to loan to help make this movie as authentic as possible. The movie is a historical fiction that primarily covers a fictional Navy Hurricane Hunter between 1943-1955...Michael Edmonson edmonson11@msn.com..." [07FEB2003]

UPDATE "...Please disregard the above. Production has been interrupted. Unknown whether we will be able to resume at this time. Thanks, Mike Edmonson hurricanehunters@sbcglobal.net..." [25FEB2005]

UPDATE "...We no longer require props. Thanks, Mike Edmonson hurricanehunters@sbcglobal.net..." [25FEB2005]

UPDATE "...At the current time we only need a loan of other props which might be useful in the production of a movie. Thanks, Mike Edmonson hurricanehunters@sbcglobal.net..." [19NOV2003]


Note NOTICE: "...I am a member of the Maine Air Museum located at Bangor International Airport. We are inviting former NAS Brunswick, Maine personnel to establish a display in our museum to commemorate the rich aviation history of NAS Brunswick, Maine. VP-8, VP-10, VP-21, VP-23, VP-26 and VP-44 served there. Will help you with design suggstions. So far all we have from NAS Brunswick, Maine is a flight suit. We have a major display about Loring AFB, a small one on Dow AFB and now we need to publicize what you accomplished. Please contact me. We could use model aircraft, patches and photos etc. We are a non-profit organization. Smooth sailing...Hank Marois, Maine Air Museum, Project Manager oldcrow2@verizon.net..." [19JUL2005]


Note NOTICE: CameraP2V Tour Information "...Damsel in Distress - Last A.S.W. Equipped Flying P2V Neptune is in need of restoration! A Gallant Lady who is the last ASW equipped flying P2V-7 Neptune needs our help. Would you believe there is only one, yes only one, ASW equipped P2V-7 still flying.

The P2 is located at the Mid Atlantic Air Museum in Reading Pa. We open the P2V for tours (this year - June 4th through the 6th, 2004) during selected airshows. This equates to thousands of viewers each year. Besides drawing former P2V crewmen, we also attract people who have no idea of what we went through. Remember this the Last of the Gallant ladies that is A.S.W. equipped and still flying (thanks to the Mid Atlantic Air Museum).

Bureau number 145915 was placed in service in 1954 and served in VP-7, VP-18, VP-21, VP-23, VP-30, VP-56, VP-66, VP-67, VP-92, or VP-94.

This Neptune is our last link to a grand and glorious period in Naval history. We draw thousands of people each year to view this aircraft. Our P2V is shown at the Museum and on tours. In order to continue to tour this aircraft it needs repairs.

For further information, please contact Jack Steventon buddlake130@aol.com..." Contributed by Jack Steventon buddlake130@aol.com [10APR2003]

UPDATE "...P2V Neptune will be open for tours June 6th through the 8th, 2003 at Reading, Pa. See Flyer: P2V Tour Information..." Contributed by Jack Steventon buddlake130@aol.com [11APR2004]

UPDATE "...P2V Neptune will be open for tours June 4th through the 6th, 2004 at Reading, Pa. See Flyer: P2V Tour Information..." Contributed by Jack Steventon buddlake130@aol.com [07APR2003]

UPDATE "...P2V Neptune will be open for tours June 7th through the 9th, 2002 at Reading, Pa. See Flyer: P2V Tour Information..." Contributed by Jack Steventon buddlake130@aol.com [22JAN2002]

UPDATE "...P2V Neptune will be open for tours June 8th through the 10th, 2001 at Reading, Pa. See Flyer: P2V Tour Information..." Contributed by Jack Steventon buddlake130@aol.com

UPDATE "...P2V Neptune will be open for tours June 2th through the 4th, 2000 at Reading, Pa. See Flyer: P2V Tour Information..." Contributed by Jack Steventon buddlake130@aol.com [25FEB2000]

UPDATE "...Fund Raiser entry removed - see Update above..." [Updated 16SEP2002 | 11JAN99]

UPDATE "...Fund Raiser entry removed - see Update above..." [Updated 16SEP2002 | 14DEC98]


Note NOTICE: "....VP-23, VP-44, BATTLE OF MIDWAY: Does anyone have a list of names of the aircrew for PBY #4V58 at the Battle of Midway? That was the plane that first reported a sighting of the Japanese carriers on the morning of 4 June 1942. The pilot was LT Howard Ady and the copilot was LTjg Maurice "Snuffy" Smith (per "Miracle at Midway," by Gordon W. Prange). I'm especially interested in the name and rate/rank of Ady's radio operator on that flight. Information on the rest of the Crew is also desired. Many thanks to anyone who can help...Ron Russell ronruss@neteze.com..." [25JUN2000]


Note NOTICE: "...If anyone has info about the last VP-23 cruise book released before the squadron was decommissioned please e-mail me. I would like to purchase it the price is not a problem...Randy Johnson randman@dandy.net..." [24JAN2000]


Note NOTICE: "...Navy Establishing Augment Units For All FRS's Including VP-30..." Contributed by LCDR Robert J. Cable cablerj@vp30.navy.mil [03DEC2003]

VP-30 SAU The Navy is scheduling the establishment of a Squadron Augment Unit (SAU) attached to VP-30 for 1 October, 2004. Final numbers have yet to be released, but the SAU is likely to total near 150 personnel composed of Officer and Enlisted instructors and maintenance personnel. The SAU has begun recruiting the advance party of 20 maintainers in the AD, AE, AT, AM, and AME rates. If you are interested in serving as a Selected Reservist in VP-30 SAU, have P-3 NEC's and P-3 experience within the last 6 years, and are within drilling distance of NAS Jacksonville, Florida, please call Naval Reserve Recruiting Area SE at 904-542-3320 ext 490 or the SAU OIC at 904-542-0990.

AD - Aviation Machinist's Mate    AE - Aviation Electrician's Mate    AT - Aviation Electronics Technician    AM - Aviation Structural Mechanic

Note NOTICE: "...I served with VP-11 from 1963 to 1967. I'm looking for ADR Bruce Dreaver from Litchfield, Conn (I went to A school with him). He went to VP-23. Thanks for any help...EDWARDS, Stan "The Man" twosandyfeet@msn.com..." [E-Mail Updated 16AUG2021 | 30DEC2002]


Note NOTICE: "...I am trying to locate a couple of friends who served in VP's in the middle sixties. One is Tom Collins, a Photo Intelligenceman in VP-23 (I believe in Brunswick) and the other is Joe Marley, Joe served with me in VP-24 from 1964-1966. Joe was from Philidelphia. Also, Charles McKeon from Philly and Dale Railsback from Buffalo. Both Chuck and Dale were in VP-24 during the same years. If any one has contact with any of these guys, please have them get in touch with me. Thanks. I served with VP-24 as a PT2 NAS Norfolk, Virginia 1964-1966...Joe Brickler brickhaus43@aol.com..." [26SEP2002]


Note NOTICE: "...Looking for CAC 12 crewmembers from VP-23 during years 1974-1977...FOSTER, COMMANDER Glen GRFoster242@msn.com..." [27AUG2002]


Note NOTICE: "...I would like to find Dick Coyle AD3. If anyone knows anything about him I would appreciate receiving it...BRILLHART, R. David "Butch" vabutch@worldnet.att.net..." [24JUN2001]


Note NOTICE: "...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]


Note NOTICE: "...I'm trying to reach everyone who knew Tom Smith '76 at the Naval Academy--or guys who knew him in the fleet. He was a P-3 pilot between 1976-81, (well, flight school in NAS Corpus Christi, Texas from 76-77) at VP-23 in NAS Brunswick, Maine and at VP-30 in NAS Jacksonville, Florida. Tom was seriously injured in a car accident in Jacksonville in 1981, left with brain damage and little use of his left side. He's been living in a nursing home in Tennessee for the past few years and though his family's been looking after him, some of his Shipmates feel it's time for us to step in and lend a hand. Anyone who would like to join in can just email me, rodrick@san.rr.com..." [11MAR2000]


Note NOTICE: "...I am trying to find an old friend by the name of Jimmy Douglass. He was in VP-23 from 1985-89 stationed in NAS Brunswick, Maine. If you have any info please contact me. Jimmy if you see this please reply. Would really love to hear from you. Be well everyone...Shannon jesemmy@hotmail.com..." [E-Mail Updated 11NOV2001 | 26FEB2000]


Note NOTICE: "...Looking for William Orth, who was assigned to VP-23 in NAS Brunswick, Maine from around 1953 to 1955. As Bill and I were very good friends, and had many good times together, I would be very grateful for any help in locating him...Elmer Wilcox herkyjeanlbstr@aol.com..." [23FEB2000]


Note NOTICE: "...I'm looking for friends of my father (Robert Hasselbacher - P3B #152724 (LJ-4) 26APR78) killed in the mishap...Denna Farling denna@clinic.net..." [28NOV99]


Note NOTICE: "...Trying to find crew members of Lt. R.A. Marks' Catalina PBY5A "Playmate 2" of PBY squadron VPB-23, involved in rescue of USS Indianapolis survivors 2-3 August 1945. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Regards. Scott Sanford scottca35@aol.com..." [01AUG98]

UPDATE "...I have had one reply already - thanks. Scott Sanford scottca35@aol.com..." [09JUL99]


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