VPNAVY VP-5 Mercury Capsule Recovery
http://www.vpnavy.org
VPNAVY Address

HistoryVP-7 HistoryHistory

Circa 1969

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraVP-7 History "...VAP-62 and VP-7 Slated For Decommissioning - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 27 - NO 27 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 25 SEP 1969..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [25MAY2011]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraVP-7 History "...Patrol Squadron 7 Marks 25th Year In Commission - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 27 - NO 22 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 21 MAY 1969..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [24MAY2011]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraVP-7 History "...Partially Sighted 'See' Patron 7 During Tour - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 27 - NO 21 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 14 MAY 1969..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [24MAY2011]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraVP-7 History "...Personnel Potpourri - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 27 - NO 20 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 07 MAY 1969..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [24MAY2011]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraVP-7 History "...Welcome Home! - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 26 - NO 47 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 27 FEB 1969..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [02MAY2011]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraVP-7 History "...Falcons Return Home - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 26 - NO 46 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 20 FEB 1969..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [02MAY2011]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation October 1969 "...On Patrol - Naval Aviation News - October 1969..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1960s/1969/oct69.pdf [17SEP2004]

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HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: VP-7 Thumbnail VP-7 Thumbnail "...18" x 24" oil painting. Painting is signed "G.S", '69, Vung Tau Viet Nam. Back of canvas board is signed in black magic marker "Vung Tau VietNam 1968 - 9"..." [28AUG99]


Circa 1968

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraVP-7 History "...Missions of VP-7's Crew Seven - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 26 - NO 23 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 29 AUG 1968..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [26APR2011]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraVP-7 History "...CDR Wenzel Heads Falcon VP Squadron - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 26 - NO 11 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 06 JUN 1968..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [24APR2011]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraVP-7 History "...VP-7 Crew Earn Coveted 'Alpha' - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 26 - NO 04 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 18 APR 1968..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [21APR2011]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraVP-7 History "...Reserve Squadron Ends Training Cycle Today - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 25 - NO 46 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 23 FEB 1968..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [20APR2011]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Squadron History ThumbnailCameraNAS Jacksonville, Florida "...A picture of NAS Jacksonville, Florida with VP-7, possibly VW-4 and VP-23. The photo was probably taken in summer of 1968 or 1969, in the late morning. The scanned image was given to me by my OLD Shipmate with VP-7 Wayne Gullett (also former XO of NAS Jacksonville, Florida) who has the original. It was taken by a VAHP-62 A3D, and the point obviously was to show the two VAHP-62 a/c in the break. However, it gives the best photo I have ever seen of operations along the seawall at NAS Jacksonville, Florida. It shows five VP-7 P2V's (one in the foreground between the first two hangars and the first four P2's along the seawall), four Willie Victors from VW-4 along the seawall, and four P2's from VP-23 (what were THEY doing there???), one between the second and third hangars and three along the seawall at the top. There are also two apparently unmarked P2's above the third hangar along with a P-3 with no visible markings, another P2 partially visible at the top left, and a P-3 taxiing north toward the runways. In the foreground you see two R4D's and a C-117, two A4's, and a gaggle of choppers. A typical day at the office in Jacksonville...WOODRUFF, William H. (Woody) whw00dy@att.net..." [28MAY2003]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation November 1968 "...Crew Seven Of VP-7 - Page 31 - Naval Aviation News - November 1968..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1960s/1968/nov68.pdf [15SEP2004]

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HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation August 1968 "...On Patrol - Page 28 to 29 - Naval Aviation News - August 1968..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1960s/1968/aug68.pdf [15SEP2004]

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HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation July 1968 "...On Patrol - Page 30 to 31 - Naval Aviation News - July 1968..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1960s/1968/jul68.pdf [15SEP2004]

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HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation January 1968 "...On Patrol - Page 28 to 29 - Naval Aviation News - January 1968..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1960s/1968/jan68.pdf [14SEP2004]

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Circa 1967

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraVP-7 History "...Welcome Home VP-7 'Black Falcons' - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 25 - NO 32 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 02 NOV 1967..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [18APR2011]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraVP-7 History "...Patrol Squadron Hosts Reservists - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 25 - NO 18 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 27 JUL 1967..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [18APR2011]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraVP-7 History "...VP-7 Completes Move - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 25 - NO 14 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 29 JUN 1967..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [17APR2011]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraVP-7 History "...VP-7 Gets New Skipper - Deploys To Sicily - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 25 - NO 06 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 04 MAY 1967..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [16APR2011]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation December 1967 "...On Patrol - Page 26 to 27 - Naval Aviation News - December 1967..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1960s/1967/dec67.pdf [13SEP2004]

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HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation November 1967 "...Fleet Air Wings On Patrol - Page 30 to 31 - Naval Aviation News - November 1967..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1960s/1967/nov67.pdf [13SEP2004]

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HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation July 1967 "...Fleet Air Wings On Patrol - Page 28 to 29 - Naval Aviation News - July 1967..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1960s/1967/jul67.pdf [11SEP2004]

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HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation April 1967 "...Fleet Air Wings On Patrol - Page 28 - Naval Aviation News - April 1967..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1960s/1967/apr67.pdf [09SEP2004]

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HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "08JUN67--At 0530 on 8 June, a Lockheed SP-2H Neptune antisubmarine patrol plane of Patrol Squadron (VP) 7, coordinating with the destroyers and helicopters, obtained a magnetic anomaly detector (MAD) confirmation over the contact. The MAD equipment allows an ASW aircraft to confirm that a contact detected in the sea by other means is actually a very large metal object. Rear Admiral Geis announced the "probable" submarine's presence at noon..." http://www.seawolf.com/navy/danfs/carriers/cv-66.txt


Circa 1966

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...VP-7 - Circa 1966..." Contributed by RUSTMANN, Henry rustmannhenry@bellsouth.net [21FEB2012]

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HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCamera "...VP-7 Returns From Deployment - Circa 1966..." Contributed by RUSTMANN, Henry rustmannhenry@bellsouth.net [21FEB2012]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraVP-7 History "...VP-7 Command Post Changes Hands Fri - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 24 - NO 11 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 09 JUNE 1966..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [14APR2011]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraVP-7 History "...CO of Flag Admin Unit New PatRon Seven XO - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 24 - NO 9 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 26 MAY 1966..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [13APR2011]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraVP-7 History "...VP-7 Returns From Deployment - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 24 - NO 9 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 26 MAY 1966..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [13APR2011]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraVP-7 History "...Patrol Squadron Seven - Squadron Of Brotherly Love - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 24 - NO 4 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 21 APR 1966..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [12APR2011]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation October 1966 "...Fleet Air Wings On Patrol - Page 28 to 29 - Naval Aviation News - November 1966..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1960s/1966/nov66.pdf [07SEP2004]

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HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation October 1966 "...Fleet Air Wings On Patrol - Page 28 to 29 - Naval Aviation News - October 1966..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1960s/1966/oct66.pdf [07SEP2004]

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HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation July 1966 "...Fleet Air Wings On Patrol - Page 28 to 29 - Naval Aviation News - July 1966..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1960s/1966/jul66.pdf [06SEP2004]

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HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation March 1966 "...Fleet Air Wings On Patrol - Page 36 to 37 - Naval Aviation News - March 1966..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1960s/1966/mar66.pdf [04SEP2004]

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HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation January 1966 "...Atlantic Air Wings On Patrol - Page 32 to 33 - Naval Aviation News - January 1966..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1960s/1966/jan66.pdf [04SEP2004]

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Circa 1965

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: P2 ThumbnailCameraVP-7 P2 AIRCRAFT "..Entire Squadaron Aircraft - Springboard 1965 - NS Roosevelt Roads, PR..." Contributed by Don Bates debat41@gmail.com [04FEB2018]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraVP-7 History "...VP-7 Arrives For Duty In Puerto Rico - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 22 - NO 45 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 21 JAN 1965..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [08APR2011]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraVP-7 History "...Patron 7 Has Pre-Deployment Presentations - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 23 - NO 35 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - November 11, 1965..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [02JAN2011]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation July 1965 "...Selective Air Reserve - Page 26 to 27 - Naval Aviation News - July 1965..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1960s/1965/jul65.pdf [01SEP2004]

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HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation July 1965 "...On Patrol With Atlantic Air Wings - Page 26 - Naval Aviation News - July 1965..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1960s/1965/jul65.pdf [01SEP2004]

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HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation March 1965 "...On Patrol With Atlantic Air Wings - Page 26 to 27 - Naval Aviation News - March 1965..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1960s/1965/mar65.pdf [31AUG2004]

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Circa 1964

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraVP-7 History "...Don Barrett, Al Neiman and Bob Rustmann - NS Rota, Spain - Circa 1964..." Contributed by RUSTMANN, Henry rustmannhenry@bellsouth.net [19FEB2012]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraVP-7 History "...PatRon 7 Returns From 5 1/2 Mo KeFlavik, Rota Deployment - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 22 - NO 34 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 22 OCT 1964..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [06APR2011]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraVP-7 History "...VP-7 Departs For Puerto Rico - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 44 - NO 23 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 23 JAN 1964..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [27MAR2011]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraVP-7 History "...Black Falcon Turned Grey - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 21 - NO 44 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 23 JAN 1964..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [27MAR2011]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: NAS ThumbnailCameraNAS Jacksonville, FLA "...Circa 1964...In 1961 VP-7 made its final homeport change, from NAS Brunswick, Maine to NAS Jacksonville, Florida. The photo shows the "seawall" area of NAS Jacksonville, Florida, site of VP-7 hangars. In the photo left is roughly north and the water at the top of the pic is the St. Johns River. The seaplane ramps are clearly visible, used until '63 or so by VP-45 and other P5M squadrons (most of which got P3's early in the game). the rightmost hangar belonged to VP-30, the P2 RAG. VP-7 at one time or another occupied the second or third hangar from the right. At one time the second hangar was shared by VP-7 and VW-4, the "Hurricaine Hunters" and their WV Super Connies..." Contributed by WOODRUFF, William H. (Woody) whw00dy@att.net [20FEB2001]


Circa 1962

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraVP-7 History "...Two Patrol Squadron Are Added To FAW-11 - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 19 - NO 27 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 05 OCT 1962..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [24MAR2011]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraVP-7 History "...VP-7 Returns To Jax After Med Tour - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 20 - NO 22 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 09 AUG 1962..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [23MAR2011]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraP2V BUNO: 131522 "...P2V BUNO: 131522 at VFW-3761 Post Home (http://www.freewebs.com/vfw3761/p2vneptuneaircraft.htm. Don Bates provided aircraft data and gray and the blue photographs. Assignments: FASRON-108 (07JAN55), VP-11 (15FEB55), VP-16 (19MAR56), NAS Anacostia, Washington, D.C. (28FEB57), VA(HM)-13 (22MAR58), VP-24 (31JAN59), VP-8 (14OCT59),l VP-16 (12SEP60), VP-7 (26FEB62)..." Contributed by Don Bates debat41@gmail.com [03AUG2009]

Department of The Navy
AIR:00D3:WJA:mw dated 5 March 1982
Mr Wyatt McFarland.

Dear Mr McFarland,

The Curator for the Navy forwarded your 22 January letter to my office for reply to you.

You asked for information on your SP-2E.

The distance from the ground to top of fuselange is 14' 4"; from center to center of landing gears left/right it is 25' 11"; and from center to center of main to nose landing gear is 24' 9". Weight and connecting points are items too complex to explain in a letter.

You need copies of the Flight Handbook and the Erection and Maintenance Manual for the P2V-5F, which was the aircraft's designation before being changed to P-2E.

The Air Force may have copies of these books. We have retired ours to the National Archives. I suggest that you ask at Rickenbacker.

If the Air Force does not have the books, all you can do is write the National Archives, Printed Archives Branch, 4205 Suitland Road, Washington, D.C. 20409. Ask for the books by aircraft designation.

The histoty of Bureau Number: 131522 is as follows:

                                  29JUL54 - accepted by Navy BAR, Burbank, CA
                                  05AUG54 - Went to O & R, NAS Jacksonville, Florida
                                  07JAN55 - Went to FASRON-108, Burbank, CA
                                  15FEB55 - Went to VP-11, NAS Brunswick, Maine
                                  19MAR56 - Went to VP-16, NAS Jacksonville, Florida
                                  28FEB57 - Went to NARTU (Naval Air Rescue Training Unit) NAS Anacostia, Washington, D.C.
                                  03MAR57 - Went to BAR Burbank for rework
                                  25MAR57 - Went to O & R NAS Alameda, California
                                  22FEB58 - Went to O & R NAS Norfolk, Virginia
                                  22MAR58 - Went to VA(HM)-13, Malta
                                  30NOV58 - Went to NAS Chincoteague, Virginia
                                  31JAN59 - Went to VP-24 NAS Keflavik, Iceland
                                  14OCT59 - Went to VP-8 NAS Norfolk, Virginia
                                  04JAN60 - Went to O & R BUWEP at NAS Alameda, California
                                  26APR60 - Went to VWRFR Burbank, CA
                                  12SEP60 - Went to VP-16 NAS Jacksonville, Florida
                                  26FEB62 - Went to VP-7  NAS Jacksonville, Florida 
                                  00APR64 - Went to NS Rota, Spain for 6 month tour
                                  16MAR65 - went into storage at Litchfield Park, a Navy Storage facility in Arizona.
                                  00DEC65 - Still in storage, Litchfield Park was disestablished and a tri-service storage facility Military Aircraft Storage & Disposition Center, Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Tucon, AZ, became a storage site.  This aircraft transferred there in Dec 1965.
                                  15JAN71 - Out of storage, went to NARTD North Island
                                  05MAR72 - Aircraft struck administratively from active inventory with 6,179 flying hours total service for training purposes at NARDET Training at NARDET Columbus, Lockbourne AFB, Ohio
                                  09FEB79 - Lockbourne AFB requested this aircraft as training device in fire/crash rescue.
                                  28FEB79 - Aircraft transferred to Air Force Custody.


Signed: Wm. J. Armstrong, Historian Naval Air Systems Command.

From The Department of Defense, Rickenbacker, AFB, Aircraft SP2E No. 131522 transferred to VFW Post 3761 Baltimore, Ohio 6 May 1982
Signed: H.W. Wickline, Colonel USAF, Commander.

Letter From Wyatt McFarland

COMRADES AND SISTERS

This is for you, not a memorial, monument, or a donation, but a piece of American Heritage from yesteryear, not so long ago but yet tucked away in the past. She was to die a death not befitting so many of her kind, to be burned, but somewhere down the road of her military career fate played a hand. Her career is above reproach, her destiny is now yours, for her final landing and resting place will be Liberty Union VFW Post 3761. Where else can American Heritage stop, be revived and begin a new career of American Heritage, but in the hands of the Veterans.
                                  Lockheed Aircraft Corporation		P2V-5  Model 526
                                  Lockheed Factory S/N		426-5403
                                  Patrol & Anti-Submarine Search	SP-2E # 131522
                                  Wing Span			103'  10 "
                                  Length				81'    7 "
                                  Length with stinger			91'    2"
                                  Height				28'    1"
                                  Weight Empty			41,754 Lbs.
                                  Gross Weight			67,500 Lbs.
                                  Max-Gross			76,152 Lbs.
                                  Fuel				2800 to 3900 Gals.
                                  Tip Tanks			350 Gals.
                                  Range				4,750 Miles
                                  Service Ceiling			23,200 Ft.
                                  Power Plants			(2) R-3350-30WA's
                                  Power Plants Aux			(2) J34-WE-34
                                  Armament  (Nose)			(2) 20mm Cannon
                                  Armament  (Top)			(2) 50 Cal.
                                  Armament  (Tail)			(2) 20mm Cannon
                                  Cruise Speed			207 MPH
                                  Top Speed			323 MPH at 17,400 ft.
                                  Landing Speed			109 MPH
                                  Rate of Climb			1820 Feet per minute
                                  Crew				9
                                  Number A/C Built			424


The P2V-5 first flew on 29 Dec 1950, it had a search light to illuminate the target for the nose guns. The light is housed in the nose of the starboard wing tank. The P2V-5FS (SP-2E) has a magnetic anomaly detection gear in the stinger tail, it also carried the Julie/Jezebel active and passive detection systems. The Navy updated the P2V-5 to the P2V-6 on 16 Oct 1952, this plane was built under the P2V-5 plans in 1953. She has been called "The Old Man of The Sea", but the Navy called her the "Neptune". Navy Neptune, "Truculent Turtle" set a world distance record of 11,236 miles. The Navy "Neptune" have seen service in Viet Nam.

Written By: Wyatt McFarland, Updated 11AUG92

Moving From Rickenbacker to Post 3761

A real big thank you to Paul Wooster for the many hours of his own time and hard work for getting the "Neptune" moved from Rickenbacker to the VFW Post Home.

Crew of the Neptune in 1965

It should be noted that three (3) comrades of our Post were members of the aircrew when this aircraft was on active duty.

They are, Don Bates, Herb Jung and Richard Woody.

The crewmembers when 131522 was taken out of active service in 1965 was as follows, Lcdr. Bob Byerg (pilot), Lt. Bob Harris (co-pilot), Lt. Larry Johnson (navigator), Lt. Bob Crabtree (tacco), ADJ2 Don Bates (plane captin), ATR2 Howard Hollweg (radar), AX2 John Delconte (juli/jez), AE3 Wayne Des Rosiers (electrician), ATN3 Henry Rustmann (radio), ADR3 Richard Woody (2nd mech), and AO1 Herb Jung (ordance) This is per Don Bates e-mail Dec. 7, 2008.

Another thank you to all those who helped Paul with the move. I don't know if anyone kept a list of those who helped and I don't want to miss anyone, if there is a list please let the Post know and we will add it .

We have a book at the Post with letters and picture of the A/C and the move of the aircraft if you at the Post and would like to see it, please ask.

P2V Story From Don Bates 12/08/2008

On the evening of July 2, 1963 we left Jax, Fl. on a routine 10 hour flight, due east over the Atlantic Ocean, to monitor shipping in the area. We did this by checking for screw sounds, getting a fix, then honing in on the ships, clicking on the search light to get it's name and port of registry. We would chart this along with the ship's heading. About 6 hours into the flight we picked up screw sounds that were identical to a Russian conventional sub. We honed in on it to find that it was submerged. So we dropped 3 consecutive practice depth charge s, which was at the time a warning to surface and be recognized. Nothing! We did it several more times and no response. We were told by the higher-ups to stay with it till they could get another crew launched to relieve us as we were now low on fuel. We idled back as slow as we could go and still stay airborne. By the time our relief plane arrived we didn't have enough fuel to return to Jax, so we were diverted to Nassau Airport in the Bahamas to get fuel. Nassau told us to buzz the field when we got there and they would turn on the runway lights for us to land. I guess they were saving energy way back then. We had to wait till they could locate a driver for the fuel truck. We could see the truck on the other side of the fence where they parked old 522. 2 hours later, 5am, the driver showed up and was so drunk that we ended up driving the truck and fueling the plane ourselves. It ended up being a long and hungry flight, but worth it. At daybreak the Russian sub had to surface to charge his batteries, because they normally charge them at night under the cover of darkness, but we foiled that by staying with them and the other crew got some great daylight pictures.

Each aircraft had a log book that records were kept in. Inside the log book for 131522 was a newspaper clipping from Shreveport,La. that told the story about ADR2 Swain(Plane Captain) flying 131522 by himself from Burbank,Ca. to Shreveport,La. which would have been 1960 when it was scheduled to leave VWRFR Burbank to Jax, Fl. From what I can remember, the article told how the Navy was going to court-marshall him and the Airforce stated anyone who could fly that bomber that distance by himself they wanted on their team. It was quite an interesting article. I tried several years ago to find the article from the Shreveport news but they couldn't find it as I didn't have an approximate date. All I could tell them was that it was sometime late 50's early 60's. From your info we now know it was probably Sept 1960. If you have the time you might be able to research the article, explaining that it is important information needed to complete the history of your aircraft. To my knowledge it's the only Neptune to have been flown by one man. You have a piece of history there.

This is what I can tell you about special tours etc. of 131522 while I was Plane Captain. It spent 3 tours out of Guantanamo Bay, Cuba during the Cuban crisis doing reconnaissance around the Island 1962,1963,and 1964. It was on T.A.D.(temporary additional duty) out of Boca Chico Naval air station in the Florida Keys doing reconnaissance between Cuba and the Keys 1963. It went to Puerto Rico for 2 weeks every January for Maneuvers with the Atlantic Fleet to brush up on our skills while it was in VP-7. It was picked by our Commanding Officer, while we were in Rota, Spain, to be displayed in an air show at Lajes Air-Force Base in the Azores Islands. It was on T.A.D. to the Island of Crete, while in Rota, Spain, working the Mediterranean Sea. The "Skipper" picked it and our crew to take him to London, England to meet with his Executive officer, who was in charge of the other half of the squadron in Keflavik, Iceland. It wasn't that he liked "us", he only liked the way we kept the aircraft clean and and in the "up" status and that made "him" look good!

VP 131522

As you can see the color of the plane changed from charcoal grey to light gray between Rota in 1964 and storage 1965. It was repainted in Norfolk, Va. November 1964 and a memo followed that nothing was to applied to the paint of any aircraft but soap and water. Unknown by others, our crew had applied Johnson's one step glo-coat which helped us keep old 522 clean and shining. Don

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...24OCT62 - 30NOV62...Cuban Missle Crisis - All received the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal..." WebSite: USS Spiegel Grove! http://www.kevinflatley.com/supplement.htm [23OCT2006]


               Patrol Squadron 5 (VP-5)               24 October - 31 December 1962

               Patrol Squadron 7 (VP-7)               24 October - 31 December 1962

               Patrol Squadron 8 (VP-8)               24 October - 31 December 1962

               Patrol Squadron 10 (VP-10)             24 October - 31 December 1962

               Patrol Squadron 11 (VP-11)             24 October - 31 December 1962

               Patrol Squadron 18 (VP-18)             24 October - 31 December 1962

               Patrol Squadron 18 (VP-18) Det. 6      24 October - 31 December 1962

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation News March 1962 "...VP-7 Trains In Puerto Rico - Page 10 - Naval Aviation News - March 1962..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1960s/1962/mar62.pdf [22AUG2004]

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Circa 1961

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...Patrol Squadron SEVEN - 1 April to 30 September 1961 - W. F. Abernathy, CO - 12 JAN 1962 - Thanks Jim for this history of VP-7 in the 1960's. I am forwarding it to fellow old timers from VP-7 in the early 1950's..." Contributed by MICHAELS, AL3 Maurice (Bud) shirleybudvp7@aol.com [22OCT2012]

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HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "..."The Patroller" dated May 5th, 1961 talking about VP-7's Change-of-Command from my Dad's (DeFEBBO, YN1 Nicholas Jr.) collection..." Contributed by Dan DeFebbo daniel.n.defebbo@verizon.com [15OCT2011]

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HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraVP-7 History "...Two Patrol Squadron Are Added To FAW-11 - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 19 - NO 27 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 05 OCT 1961..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [17MAR2011]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation News November 1961 "...'Order Of The Eye' Formed - Page 39 - Naval Aviation News - November 1961..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1960s/1961/nov61.pdf [21AUG2004]

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Circa 1960 - 1969

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "..Navy Squadrons - Squadron Deployments.." WebSite: GoNavy.com http://www.gonavy.jp/ [20NOV2011]
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Circa 1960

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: VP-7 History ThumbnailCameraVP-7 Newspaper Article "..Here is the article (The Shreveport Times - Monday - September 5th, 1960) I sent to VFW Post 3761 where BUNO: 131522 is now resting, on display, in Baltimore, Ohio since 1982. This article was in the log book when I was her Plane Captain in VP-7..." Contributed by Don Bates kndbates@fyi.net [05FEB2018]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: VP-7 ThumbnailCameraVP-7 History "...Circa April 1960 to April, 1963 - Francis Sheehan and DeLuca..." Contributed by DeLUCA, ADCS Fernando Retired delucasherrard@mindspring.com [02SEP2010]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: VP-7 ThumbnailCameraVP-7 History "...Circa April 1960 to April, 1963 - CDR Thomas..." Contributed by DeLUCA, ADCS Fernando Retired delucasherrard@mindspring.com [02SEP2010]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...(VP-5, VP-7, VP-8, VP-10, VP-11, VP-16, VP-18, VP-21, VP-23, VP-24, VP-26, VP-44, VP-45, VP-49 and VP-56) - Naval Aeronautical Organization OPNAV NOTICE 05400 for Fiscal Year 1960 dated 1 February 1960 is: DECLASSIFIED per Office of Chief of Naval Operations on 1 February 1965 by Op-501 - Atlantic Fleet Support Stations..." WebSite: Naval Historical Center http://www.history.navy.mil/a-record/nao53-68/fy1960-feb60.pdf [13MAR2007]

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HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...(VP-7, VP-10, VP-11, VP-21, VP-23 and VP-26) - Naval Aeronautical Organization OPNAV NOTICE 05400 for Fiscal Year 1960 dated 1 February 1960 is: DECLASSIFIED per Office of Chief of Naval Operations on 1 February 1965 by Op-501 - Atlantic Fleet Support Stations..." WebSite: Naval Historical Center http://www.history.navy.mil/a-record/nao53-68/fy1960-feb60.pdf [10MAR2007]

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