VPNAVY Operation Poppy by Captain Edward M. Brittingham
http://www.vpnavy.org
VPNAVY Address

Books VP-8 MiscellaneousBooks

BooksBOOKs: VPNAVY Book Title: "Wings over Bermuda - 100 years of aviation in the West Atlantic" by Ewan Partridge and Tom Singfield. Contributed by Tom Singfield tomsingfield@gmail.com [09JUL2015]

The first fixed wing aircraft in Bermuda in 1919 was a USN Curtiss Jenny from the ship SS Elinor. In 1924 the USN sent the first "operational" aircraft to Bermuda in the shape of a Vought UO-1 seaplane from the USS Cincinnati. Visits by the airship Los Angeles commencing in 1925 are detailed as are the much later operations by a variety of US Navy blimps from the airport.

Other pieces in the book that will interest VP Navy readers include the US Navy Naval Operating Base (always known as the NOB) (1939-1965). This massive base (no runway) was built from re-claimed land and housed warships and submarines as well as flying boats and seaplanes. After WW2 the flying boats became the front line force in the Cold War anti submarine "battle". Types operated there included Kingfisher, Goose, PBM Mariner, P5M Marlin and Albatross.

The US Navy was very active in Bermuda during WW2. The book has details of the early neutrality patrols of late 1940 and has extensive coverage of the Battle of the Atlantic and the specialist fleet training operations. The exploits of the Patrol, Scouting and Utility squadrons that were based at Darrell's Island and the NOB are also told.

Post war, the stories continue of the Patrol Squadrons through the cold war and details of support units, accidents, incidents at both the NOB (flying boats and amphibians) and Kindley Field are revealed. The book also includes the never before told story of the Navy Bermuda Flying Club. It also includes details of the many US Navy aircraft carriers that visited Bermuda and the surrounding seas to carry out operations and exercises.

The following US Navy Squadrons are all mentioned in "Wings over Bermuda".

FAW-9, VAQ-141, VB-105,VC-1, VC-13, VC-19, VC-42, VC-58, VC-69, VCS-8, VF-15, VF-41, VF-72, VGF-27, VGF-28, VGS-27, VGS-29, VGS-30, VJ-4, VJ-15, VP-8, VP-10, VP-11, VP-15, VP-16, VP-23, VP-44, VP-45, VP-49, VP-51, VP-52, VP-54, VP-63, VP-74, VP-92, VP-201, VP-204, VP-207, VP-215, VP-661, VP-MS-5, VP-MS-9, VQ-4, VR-1, VR-6, VR-8, VR-44, VRC-40, VS-2D1, VS-32, VS-35, VS-36, VS-41, VS-71, VS-72, VS-201, VS-5D4, VX-1, VX-4. In addition there are stories from FASRON 104, FASRON 111, FASRON 795 and the Naval Air Transport Service (NATS).

US Navy ships mentioned include USS Akron (airship), Bogue, Charger, Chenango, Cincinnati, Cobbler, Core, Croatan, Currituck, Effective, Elinor, Gannet, George E. Badger, Guadalcanal, Hamilton, Hornet, Intrepid, Laffey, Long Island, Mission Bay, Odum, Owl, Patoka (airship), Ray, St. Louis, Sicily, Philadelphia, Ranger, Santee, Savannah, Stansbury, Theodore Roosevelt, Thrush, Timbalier, Valley Forge, Wainwright, Wake Island, Wasp, Yorktown.

Many military bases with US Navy connections are mentioned including Patuxent River, Norfolk VA, Elizabeth City, Keflavik, Azores, Argentia, Charleston, Miami, Newfoundland and San Juan.

The book can be obtained direct from the National Museum of Bermuda for $60 plus P&P. Contact info@nmb.bm for details. The authors (both British) have some signed copies in the UK, contact tomsingfield@gmail.com for details of costs etc.

This book was published in 2014 by the National Museum of Bermuda and for the first time ever tells the intriguing story of aviation in and around the British Colony islands of Bermuda. Historians, former Bermuda US Navy servicemen and women, and relatives of USN personnel based there will be delighted to see such a good coverage of all types of US Navy operations


BooksBOOKs: VPNAVY BookTitle: "The Trident Deception" by Rick Campbell. My first book, a submarine thriller titled The Trident Deception, is getting fantastic reviews. Booklist has even hailed it as – the best submarine novel written in the last 30 years! P-3Cs play a significant role in the book and I thought VP veterans would enjoy reading it too.) VP-16 and VP-8 mentioned. My publisher is very excited about the book and is heavily promoting it, and the book will be featured at the front of all Barnes & Nobles stores nationwide for two weeks. Contributed by CDR Rick Campbell, Retired rick@rickcampbellauthor.com WebSite: The Trident Deception Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rickcampbellauthor [13FEB2013]

UPDATE "...MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!..." Contributed by CDR Rick Campbell, Retired rick@rickcampbellauthor.com [24AUG2014]

Last week St. Martin's Press offered me another 2-book deal, for books to be released in 2016 and 2017, which brings it to 4 books total! (Book 2 - Empire Rising - releases on February 24th.)

I have even more exciting news! Right now there are 340 submarine thrillers for sale on Amazon, and for years, the highest rated one (based on customer reviews) has been Tom Clancy's - The Hunt for Red October. Not anymore - it's #2. Guess which book is #1? You can click here to see the top-rated submarine thrillers. (The list is updated daily, so "results may vary"! I've attached a screen shot, in case my time at the top is fleeting.)

Warm regards,

Rick

P.S. If you have a Reunion coming up and haven't asked for a free signed hardcover of The Trident Deception for a raffle or door prize, please let me know and I'll send you one.


BooksBOOKs: VPNAVY BookVeteran VP-8, VP-MAU, and VP-92 aircrewman Marc J. Frattasio has published a new book entitled NAS Squantum: The First Naval Air Reserve Base. This book covers the complete history of this historic naval air station, which was the second NAS established after NAS Pensacola, Florida and the first one in the Naval Air Reserve training program, in 367 pages of informative text combined with 437 illustrations. Among other things, there's material included on NAS Squantum, Massachusetts, NAS South Weymouth, Massachusetts, VJ-4, VN-1D1, VS-31, VP-919, VP-ML-69, and VP-911. The book is available only on the Internet through the printer, Lulu Press. You can order it in hardcover at http://www.lulu.com/content/hardcover-book/nas-squantum-the-first-naval-air-reserve-base/7687206 and in softcover at http://www.lulu.com/content/paperback-book/nas-squantum-the-first-naval-air-reserve-base/7634973. Contributed by FRATTASIO, AW1 Marc "Frat" J. vpassociation2@gmail.com [03OCT2009]


BooksBOOKs: Quonset Point Naval Air Station "Gem of the Atlantic" and Quonset Point Naval Air Station "Volume II - VJ Day to Vietnam" by Sean Paul Milligan jetsareforkids@verizon.net WebSite: http://www.angelfire.com/fl/jetsr4kids/ [Updated 30NOV2004 | 20NOV99 | 06MAR99]

VPNAVY BookTitle: Quonset Point Naval Air Station: Gem of the Atlantic
VPNAVY BookTitle: Quonset Point Naval Air Station, Volume II

Squadrons, NAS, etc. mentioned: VP-6(CG), VP-7, VP-8, VP-11, VP-21, VP-24, VP-49, VP-52, VP-82, VB-125, VB-126, VS-22, VS-24, VS-27, VS-30, VS-31, VS-32, VS-34, VS-39, VS-42, VS-913, CASU-22, FASRON-101, FASRON-103, NADU, VJ-2, VJ-4, VJ-15, VU-2, VU-4, VU-5, VX-1, VX-3, VX-4, VC-2, VC-4, VC-12, VC-31, VC-33, VT-1, VT-8, VAW-12, VAW-33, VR-22, FAW-3, FAW-5, FAW-7, and FAW-9.

The works of Aviation Historian Sean Paul Milligan

SGT USMC RET

Sean Paul Milligan is a well-known military historian and speaker whose articles have appeared in the Providence Journal, Naval Aviation News, The Hook, Wings of Gold, and Leatherneck. His career in aviation began at age 14 when he flew as a Cadet in the Civil Air patrol. A former Marine, Milligan has made a lifelong study of Naval Aviation and is the historian for the Quonset Air museum. Mr. Milligan is currently producing a PBS documentary on NAS Quonset Point, RI.

Praise for books by Sean Paul Milligan

A few years ago, a friend of mine was asking for photographs for a book on NAS Quonset Point. That book is now available from the author and it is a real gem. The 128 page, 6 1/2" x 9 1/4" book is just full of photographs detailing the history of the Naval Air Station at Quonset Point. First built in 1941, the air station was homebase for many of the seaplane squadrons that fought the battle of the Atlantic. It was also homeport for several carrier airwings that embarked upon the many 'jeep' carriers who were tasked with convoy protection. The book then goes on to discuss the many classified projects undertaken during the war including Quonset's major involvement in developing a Naval night fighter.

Postwar saw the drawdown of units and ships, but Quonset was set to enter the jet age and there are several good photographs of early jets. Quonset Point was renowned for the Naval Air Rework Facility there and its specialization in reciprocating engines. There are numerous photographs of F4U Corsairs, A-1 Skyraiders, and other prop aircraft that went through the station. It was this specialization in prop aircraft that spelled the final demise of Quonset Point. When the services finally phased out the round-motored aircraft, there was no more need for the rework facility. Quonset Point finally closed in 1974; chopped by Richard Nixon as part of the drawdown after Vietnam.

Sean Milligan's book is page after page of quality black and white photographs. Other than photo captions and the introduction, there is very little verbiage. It is the over 200 superb photographs that make the book. Want photos of J2F Ducks for your next kit? How about Hellcat nightfighters, EA-1 Skyraiders, S-2A's, TBM-3Ws, AF-2's, and the rare TBY Seawolf. They are all here and more. How about a good photo of a 1950 Chevrolet pickup as used by base security complete with fender mounted siren? A little esoteric, but this is the strength of this book.

Highly recommended for USN enthusiasts everywhere. The letter that came with the book mentions another on threat, adversary, target and utility squadrons. I hope it is either available or in work. Buy this book!

    "...A little gem..." Journal - American Aviation Historical Society

    "...Excellent..." William T. Larkins, Founder - Author of U. S. Navy Aircraft 1921-1941

    "..Nifty, well-researched..." Wings of Gold

    "...Pictures are outstanding...informative captions...A good book to have around..." Captain Dick Knott, USN (RET)

    "...The Quonset book is excellent..." R. C. Sturtivant - I.S.O. - Author of The Squadrons Of The Fleet Air Arm

    "...This book belongs in your library..." Naval Aviation News - Commander Peter Mersky, USNR (Retired)

    "...Super...great photos and captions..." The Glenn L. Martin Aviation Museum - Stan Piet, Executive Director

    "...Extensive and detailed...an extraordinary archive..." Air Classics

    "...Gem of a book...highly recommended..." The Hook

    "...Jam packed...with rare and historical photographs..." Gosport - Chief Art Giberson, USN (Retired)

    "...A nostalgic look at Naval Aviation..." United States Naval Institute - Proceedings Commander J. Cutler, USN (Retired)

    "...Surprises...lively...chronicles 'hallowed ground' of Quonset Point..." The Providence Journal-Bulletin - Gerry Goldstein

    "...Quonset Point Naval Air Station is for you..." Atlantic Flyer

    "...An awesome tribute...I recommend it strongly to anyone even remotely associated with U. S carrier based warfare..." Military - Major Dominic J Caraccilo.
BOTH BOOKS ARE $18.99 each plus $3.01 each for mailing (Total: $22.00)

Please make checks payable to
JETS ARE FOR KIDS
PO BOX 3214
PAWTUCKET RI 02861

Voice: (401)722-5821
E-Mail: jetsareforkids@verizon.net

Author will sign and write sentiments as requested.

VP-8 Coin Thumbnail VP-8 Coin "...NEW PRODUCTS FOR 2000. Stop by and take a look at http://www.stateside-shopping.com/customcoins.htm..." Contributed by Bill Dixon bill-dixon@worldnet.att.net [04AUG2000]


VP ModelsMODELs: VP-8 P3 ThumbnailP-3 Orion PRINT - VP-8 BUNO: 149675 (Aviation Art Museum) WebSite: http://mh102.infi.net/~docwrite/catalog.html [04SEP98]


VP ModelsMODELs: Decal Kits ThumbnailModel decals, VP Aircraft, etc. are available for: VP-4, VP-6, VP-8, VP-14, VP-31, VP-42, VP-45, VP-67, VP-47, VP-49, VP-50, VP-60, VP-64, VP-69, VP-60, VQ-1, Plus more! (MIKE'S HOBBY SHACK) http://mkhobbyshack.bizland.com/ [12AUG99]


MovieMOVIE: "00OCT66--VP-8 OPERATIONS...Control Number: NWDNM(m)-428-NPC-37436...General Material: Motion picture films...Description Unit: Item...Record Group: 428...Series Designator: NPC...Item Designator: 37436...Title: VP-8 OPERATIONS...Date: 10/1966...Format: unedited...Scope & Content: 1) MS Flight crew walking into line shacks and enter briefing room, disappear from view. G2) CU Windshield of P-3A into sunset, men in silhouette at right, part of flight crew. (SV) G3) MLS Two larger buildings used by VP-8, two men carrying box in mid BG. G to F (slightly UX)4) MS Building used by VP-8, words "VP-8" painted on door, door is opened, APU in left FG. G5) MLS Buildings used by VP-8 framed by part of the P-3A in right FG, men working around building in BG. G6) MLS P-3A coming into scene from left, touching down, rolling out down runway, lifting off at far end of runway for touch-and-go. G to F7) MCU Hamburgers being cooked on grill.8) CU Hamburgers being cooked on large grill, (this is during VP-8 party.) G9) MS VP-8 personnel seated at tables eating meal during party. (SV) G10) LS Down runway with sunset in distant BG, P-3A makes its approach from left BG on landing, leaves scene at right. G11) MS P-3A taxiing from parking area en route to runway. G12) MS Aircraft taxiing for take-off; swish PAN to right, tail-away view of aircraft airborne off runway. G13) MS New hangar being built at Sangley Pt, framed by part of P-3A at right. G14) MLS PAN, P-3A coming in for landing, tail-away view of plane touching down. G15) MS White building at Elsie Gauches Village, School For Disabled Children, framed by tree branches. G16) MS Entrance to courtyard of building. G17) MS Children playing in the entrance area of building.18) MS Courtyard of school. G19) ECU Children posing for camera. (SV) G to F20) CU Navy enlisted man in dungarees helping child walk along walkway. G21) MS Enlisted man picking up small boy, carrying boy in his arms. G to F22) MS Enlisted man placing boy on glider-swing. G23) CU Disabled boy seated in glider. F24) CU Face of enlisted man pushing on glider. G25) MCU Man helping disabled boy with braces on his legs, he holds boys arms as they walk through yard, woman carrying tray has difficulty also as she walks through scene. G to F26) CU Young boy being helped along by enlisted man. G27) CU Down over brace on right leg of young child being helped along by enlisted man.28) MS Disabled children. G29) MS Two enlisted men playing with young boy in teeter-totter. (SV) G...Subject Ref.: SQUADRON, VP-8; NAV. ACT., NAS Sangley Point, Philippines; BRIEFINGS, (CrewEnters Briefing Room, Exterior); PLANES, P-3A, Land, Touch & Go/Take Off/Taxiing; PLANES, Crew P-3A (In Silhouette); PHOTO., Silhouettes, P-3A Crew; PLANES, Touch-and-Go, Land (P-3A); FOOD/DRINK, Prepared, Hamburgers on Grill; ENL'D MEN, Eat/Drink, Irreg. USN, Ash, (VP8 Party); PHOTO., Sun Effects, Sun Set; PLANES, Land, Land (P-3A); PLANES, Taxiing, Land (P-3A); PLANES, Take Off, Land (P-3A); HANGARS, Ash. Gen., (Sangley Pt.) Under Construction; ED., Non-Mil., Schools Philippines, (Elsie Gauches (School for Disabled Children.); G. L., Isls., Philippines, Civ. Pers.; ENL'D MEN, Pers. Act., USN, w/Children; PEOPLE TO PEOPLE (School For Disabled Children)...Use Restrictions: Other. Department of the Navy, Naval Photographic Center...Contact: Motion Picture, Sound, and Video Branch (NWDNM), National Archives at College Park, 8601 Adelphi Road, College Park, MD 20740-6001 PHONE: (301) 713-7060 FAX: (301) 713-6904..." NARA ARCHIVAL INFORMATION LOCATOR (NAIL) http://www.archives.gov/index.html


BooksBOOKs: Title: "The fight for the sea; past, present, and future of submarine warfare in the atlantic" Author: Lewis, David D...Published: Cleveland, World Pub. Co. [1961]...LC Call No.: V210.L4. "...This is a copy of the library of Congress call No...I saw this article in the Miami paper when I was going to college. The day we flew, I was told it would be be in a book and we all sort of laughed and sure enough, there is was. It was a quite a pleasant surprise!!..." Contributed by John Cheyer jpcheyer@hotmail.com [23DEC99]


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