VQ-3 Shipmates
ALGER, CDR John Retired mach1@bww.com "...I served with VT-24 (IP) from 1974-1976, NAS Chase Field, Texas as Assistant Training Officer from 1976-1979, VA-174 (FRP) from 1979-1980 (didn't work out - became NFO), VQ-3 from 1980-1982 ( NAS Agana, Guam / NAS Barbers Point, Hawaii), and VP-94 from 1984 to 1991 (mostly with Crew-3 - Dan Mastagni, Don Baird, Jerry Quandal, Dennis Tate, Ed Howells, Scot McDonald, "Barfin" Bob ??, etc. Was in training for a while then Admin, and Maintenance. I went to a VTU in Pittsburgh, PA and finally MIS Officer with REDCOM 4 until my retirement in 1997. I am currently a Flight Crew Training Instructor with US Airways here in Charlotte teaching the Airbus A330 after spending the past 11 years teaching International Operations up in Pittsburgh. I am also very active in the Navy League of the United States. If any of you Shipmates are also, let's meet in Hawaii in June and toss some beers at the annual meeting. Would love to hear from any former Crawdads who may remember me. Personal WebSite: http://www.johnalger.net/..." [E-Mail Updated 29MAR2006 | E-Mail/BIO Updated 13FEB2003]
ARMSTRONG, ATN2 Dana "Armie" dbarm6759@jet-web.com "...VP-9 (1969-1970), VQ-3 (1967-1969), radioman on crew-1 in VP-9 during split deployment to NAS Adak, Alaska and Guam, June 1 - Dec.1, 1970. Discharged in Dec. 1970..." [14MAY99]
BOLIN, LCDR Jim jim.bolin@navy.mil "...I served with VP-31 NAS Moffett Field, California as an IFT in 1986, VP-48 from 1987 to 1991, a short stay at BUPERS SDC and then to OCS. Commissioned by CDR Deon Harkey in 1994. After the NFO pipeline I went TACAMO (E-6A) with VQ-3 from 1996 to 1997. I transitioned back to VP in 1997 and went to VP-16. I am now in VX-20 Air Test and Evaluation squadron NAS Patuxent River, Maryland DSN 757-9886 COMM 301-757-9886. I would love to hear from any former Shipmates..." [11JUN2004]
CURRY, AD1 Frank Retired curry62@hotmail.com "...I started my VP Navy at VP-31 in October 1981. Made second class AD and trans. to VP-46 in 1984. Stayed there until 1987 and trans. back to VP-31 as a 1st class and an instructor at Framp. Went to VP-50 from 1991 to 1992 until it was decommissioned. Went back to VP-46 until 1994 and one year into homeport change and trans. to VQ-3 and retired in 1997 as AD1. So "hi" to all you people who I crossed paths with and maybe we'll do it again sometime..." [25FEB2002]
DENNY, CDR Don Retired donaldjdenny@cox.net "...I was a LT(jg)/LT VP-26 from 1971 to 1974. That was my only VP tour. I served VQ-4 and VQ-3, and retired as a Commander from the Naval War College in 1990, settling in Narragansett, RI, and teaching Chemistry at Westerly High School..." [02MAR2004]
DOUGHTY, LT Tom Retired lttomdoughty@aol.com "...Began my career in 1967 at NAS Willow Grove, Pennsylvania, RESASWTACEAST (1969-1975), AIMD NAS South Weymouth, Massachusetts (1975-1976), VP-92 (1976-1977) and VP-69 (1978-1982). Great tours with the reserve community, especially with VP-69 Totem Shipmates: CW0-4 Donald Grant(former Sun Downer), AMSC Doug Welshans (USS Forrestal), AX1 George Terril (VAH-xx), AMCS John Anderson (VP-92), ADRCS Allen Boissoneault(VA-52, VAQ-137), AK1 Kathy Mc`Neil, ATCS Don Davis. Advanced to CWO-2 in 1982 following a P.I. deployment. PCS'd to VQ-3 (TACAMO) in NAS Barbers Point, Hawaii. On to VP-48 NAS Moffett Field, California in 1985, suffered through two NAS Adak, Alaska winter deployments and one enjoyable P.I. deployment in 1987. Advanced to LT LDO while in P.I., had the best wetting down party in Subic City...thanks skipper, CDR Bob Lunning, that's all I'm going to say about that. Transfrered to NADC (Warminister) Johnsville, Pennsylvania in 1989, the best kept shore duty secret in the fleet. CDR Tim Cudia was the MO at that time, followed by CDR Bill Saye, both super LDO M.O's. Retired in Nov 1991 as an LT with 24 years service. Looking forward to hearing from former Shipmates. Looking for Boomer Shipmates from September 1985 - September 1989. AT1 Mike O'lLeary, AT2 Brian Mueller, AMCS Dave Gallagher, ATCS Larry Lacroix, CDR Isle and CDR Lunning..." [BIO Updated 09AUG2012 | 07AUG2007]
DUNTON, AD Diamy Diamy.Dunton@Kellstrom.Com "...Served with VQ-3 at NAS Barbers Point, Hawaii and Tinker AFB, Oklahoma from 1989 to 1994..." [03SEP2002]
FREYTES, LT Bert bertros62@yahoo.com "...I served with VP-22 and VP-31 as a Flight Engineer. Retired from active duty after a tour in VQ-3 and VR-1 as a pilot. Currently enjoying my new life as a civilian commercial pilot. Had a great time in VP and got to meet and work with some great folks. We worked hard, played hard, and always managed to get the job done. My thanks to all those people who helped me along the way (you know who you are), I owe you my career..." [E-Mail/BIO Updated 26JUL2004 | 07DEC98]
FRIESEN, AMS3 William vardion@attbi.com "...I served with VQ-3 in NAS Agana, Guam and NAS Barbers Point, Hawaii from 1980 to 1984. I am looking for old Shipmates that served with me. I left the VQ-3 as a AMS-3, moved on to VXE-6..." [03MAY2003]
GENOVESE, Joe joegeno@optonline.net "...VQ-3 TACAMO IFT 78-82 Guam/Hawaii..." [28JUN2002]
GILL, Christopher E cegill@hotbot.com "...I was stationed in VP-44 [1973 to 1976] and worked about a year in the TRON shop. I moved onto AIMD for the next 2 years. I do believe it was the best squadron I was ever served with. From there I went to VX-1 (77 to 80), left active duty for a year while serving with VP-68 as a TAR. Rejoined the navy and was assigned to VP-6 at NAS Barbers Point, Hawaii [1981 to 1984], NATTC Millinton as an instructor [1984 to 1987], VQ-3 [1988 to 1990], VQ-4 [1990 to 1993] and then retired. I would like to say hi to all..." [19FEB99]
GOZRULAK, Lawrence F. Lgozrula@aol.com or gozrula@msn.com "...Served in VQ-3 NAS Agana, Guam from Oct75-Mar77. VP-91 from Apr77-Jul80. VP-68 from Jul80-Apr85. NARCEN NAS Moffett Field, California from Apr85-Jul87. VP-MAU NAS Moffett Field, California from Jul87-Oct91. VP-91 from Oct91-Feb94. HM-19/15 NAS Alameda, California Feb94-Feb95. VR-55 NAS Moffett Field, California from Feb95-Nov95. Retired AECS P-3 Flight Engineer..." [E-Mail/BIO Updated 01FEB2002 | E-Mail/BIO Updated 09JAN2000 | 05MAR98]
GROVE, AFCM Don Retired fogydong@gmail.com "...I was with VP-23 at NAS Brunswick, Maine, as a young AMAN and AM3 in 1952, 53, and 54. Worked in the Airframes Division. The squadron was equipped with PB4Y-2 Privateers (the Navy version of the B-24) when I arrived. Just a few months before I checked-in the squadron had been transferred to NAS Brunswick, Maine from Opalaka (Miami), Florida, where they had been the Navy's hurricane hunters. VP-23 returned from their second consecutive deployment to NAS Argentia, Newfoundland, Canada, in November of 1953 and began transitioning to P2V-5's. We were one of the very few squadron's to receive brand-new P2V-5's from the Lockheed factory at Burbank, California, without the jet engines installed under the wings. In the fall of 1954 VP-23 deployed to NAF Port Lyautey, Morocco, with these "twin-engined" P2V-5's. After that deployment the jet-less Neptunes were returned to the Lockheed factory to have the jet engine modification installed. By then, I had already departed for duty at NATTU, Pensacola. In July of 1968, after a four-year tour of recruiting duty, I reported to VP-2 at NAS Whidbey Island, Washington as an AMCS. I served mostly as Aircraft Division Chief, and for a short time as Operations Department Chief. The squadron was flying the P2V-7, or as it had been re-titled by decree of Congress, the SP2H. In February 1969 VP-2deployed to NS Sangley Point, Philippines, with a permanent detachment at NAF Cam Ranh Bay, Vietnam. The size of our Vietnam detachment varied from 3 to 6 planes depending on enemy activity and the dark-of-the-moon. The squadron was also sporadically tasked with maintaining a small detachment, usually 2 aircraft, in Tainan, Taiwan. During this deployment plans were laid and necessary technical school quotas obtained to support a transition to P-3 Orions. This transition was scheduled to begin after VP-2's return to NAS Whidbey Island, Washington. Alas, it was not to be. Another NAS Whidbey Island, Washington P2V squadron, VP-42, had been scheduled as our relief squadron at the completion of deployment. But, VP-42 was not sent to WestPac. VP-2 left the Philippines for home without a turn-over squadron, arriving at NAS Whidbey Island, Washington during the latter part of August 1969. It was soon determined, by those that decide such matters, that the last two active-duty Navy P2V squadrons on the west coast, VP-2 and VP-42 would be disestablished. There was to be no transition to P-3's for VP-2. The squadron was officially deactivated on 30 September 1969. I was transferred across the hanger to VP-1, a squadron then in the middle of a transition to P-3B Orions. Other squadrons that I was a part of were VAH-3 (sea duty), VAH-3 (shore duty), VAH-13, all A3D squadrons, and VQ-3 (EC-130Q's), VC-5(A-4's & US2F's), VFP-63 (RF-8K's), and NATTU (SNB-5P's & F9F-6P's)...." [E-Mail Updated 24APR2010 | E-Mail Updated 19JUN2002 | BIO/E-Mail Updated 29DEC2001]
GUIDRY, AVCM Oren A. II Retired orenathome@aol.com "...Retired after 26 plus great years. Best squadrons served in was VA-75, VQ-1 and VQ-3. Worked on A-6, F-4, A-7, A-3, S-3, P-3, E-6A and C-130. Spent time aboard USS Saratoga (CV-3), USS Forrestal (CV-59), USS Ranger (CV-61) and USS Midway (CV-41). Could not give it up so I am currently working on CBP's P-3s in Corpus Christi, Texas. Love to hear from any Shipmates!..." [20SEP2013]
HALSEY, ADC(AW) TOM jthalsey@swbell.net "...VQ-3 Jan 96 -Dec 98. VFA-94 Oct 93-Dec95. VQ-1 83-85 & 91-93. VPU-2 85-88. VT-27 80-82. OMD C.C. Tex. AIMD Kingsville TX...Currently working for Raytheon Aerospace on the U. S. Customs Service P-3's in NAS Corpus Christi, Texas..." [E-Mail/BIO Updated 27NOV2001 | Updated 15APR98]
HUDSON, JACK N. TURK104AGAIN@YAHOO.COM "...I WAS LOOKING AT THE VP NAVY PAGE WHEN I FOUND THE VP-17 PAGE. I WAS IN VP-17 FROM 82 TO 85 AFTER BEING IN VQ-3. I REMEMBER MANY GREAT TIMES EXPECIALLY IN THE PI ON DEPLOYMENT. I WORKED THE CHECK CREW, TOOL ROOM, AND ENDED UP IN THE SAFETY DEPT. WOULD LIKE TO HEAR FROM ANY OTHER WHITE LIGHTINGS. REMEMBER THUNDER MAKES A LOT OF NOISE BUT LIGHTING DOES THE WORK..." [14MAY2001]
ISAAC, Gregg gregg.isaac@navy.mil "...I served with VQ-3 at NAS Barbers Point, Hawaii from 1985 to 1988. This was the best place I have ever been stationed..." [16APR2009]
JAMES jzob@adelphia.net "...I was an AMH/AMS at NAS Barbers Point, Hawaii in 1983-1985 with VQ-3. Was at Millington Tenn in 1882-1983 for my school, then NAS Patuxent River, Maryland. Would love to hear from anyone from that squadron..." [24SEP2001]
KURLAND, AMH1 (NAC) FRANK 12236000@NTSERV.NRC.NAVY.MIL "...AIRFRAMER, DET DOG VP-5 87-92 RECRUITED NE PENN 92-95, FLIGHT ENGINEER VQ-3 95-98 TINKER AIRFORCE BASE OK, BACK TO RECRUITING TRAVERSE CITY MI WITH THE DUBIOUS HONER OF WORKING WITH BIG DADDY AL (NOW ADC CRAWFORD) ALL YOU FORMER Shipmates DROP ME A LINE WOULD BE GOOD TO CHAT WITH YOU, SEE YA DOWN THE ROAD OF GLORY..." [16DEC98]
LOYD, AT2 Todd SeaDog615@aol.com "...My first tour was as an axar with VP-44 from 90-decommissioning. Transferred to USS Forrestal from 91-Decommissioning. Transferred to VQ-3 Tinker AFB Oklahoma from 92-96. Transferred to Recruiting Duty, Oklahoma City, OK. Still have the famous budmen patch from decomm VP-44. Looking for any old VP-44 paraphanalia, if you have any to sell, email me please..." [25MAY98]
LYSAGHT, AT1(AW/NAC) Walter Retired augustbug@ev1.net "...I served with VQ-3 TACAMO from 1975-1981 (NAC), then went to VQ-2 from 1981-1984 as shore duty Aircrew flying EP-3A and EP-3B (Deepwell and Aeries I). I started in Special Projects and when they converted my billet to sea duty, I was transferred into the EP-3 Avionics Shop. Talk about a small world. AT1 Bruce Colby was my instructor for my previous TACAMO school, and ATCS Bruce Colby (same guy) gives me my AES checkride while we're flying out of Greece. NOTE: The Reserves were flying PP-3's by 1981. I also was there when the Seawing bird (EA3) went off to the boneyard after getting a flight waiver. Plane was older than the guys flying it! From VQ-2 I went to VQ-4 TACAMO (NAC) 1984-1989, and onto NATC Force Warfare Aircraft Division in NAS Patuxent River, Maryland 1989-1992. And what do I see in the hanger, but an Aeries II!!!! VQ is finally getting new planes and with new equipment inside as well! Made my heart glad to see that. You guys in VQ-1 and VQ-2 had done so much with so little, for so long that they expected you to do everything with nothing, forever. I didn't get to work on the Aeries II, I was in the R&M Department working with the E-6A that was to replace the EC-130Q's that I flew in TACAMO. After that, it was one last tour in VQ-4 with a homeport change tossed in the middle of the tour (all while the squadron is flying 24/7 coverage with no standown) just to make it interesting. I really enjoyed VQ-2 (maybe not some of the mickey mouse), but the people were great and so was Spain. I was able to see a lot of Europe. VQ-2's official / un-official OPS Motto will serve you well. "Plan on Yes…. maybe No…. I'll let you know in an hour"!..." [14JUN2003]
MURDOCH, ADJ3 Robert yagi_man520@yahoo.com "...I served with VQ-3 (1972-1974) at NAS Agana, Guam. I worked as Line Supervisor, Maintenance (Engine Shop), Operations Yeoman and AIMD..." [27JUL2011]
NABORS, AVCM CMC Bill nabdan@aol.com "...Hi Shipmates. I am finally getting adapted to RETIREMENT. Doris and I are doing fine. Just wanted to say to you to keep in the training mode, study the books so you can make rate. Kerry is doing fine has set a wedding date 5 Sept 98 to his high school sweetheart. I miss the people but I haven't missed the job. Home address is 833 Maplewood Dr. Sw., Leeds, Al. 35094. About 10 miles east of Birmingham off of I-20. Keep Smiling someday it will get better. CMC Nov 92-Aug 95. (Served with: VS-41, VT-7, VP-45, HS-7, VA-87, VA-15, VFA-15, VQ-3, NAMTD's AE "A" SCHOOL, VQ-3, VA-174, NAS Keflavik, Iceland, NAS Jacksonville, Florida, VW-1, and HS1...these aren't in order)..." [02MAY98]
PADILLA, CMDCM Leo Retired vp47cmc@aol.com "...Yo Shipmates, finally removed my khakis after 33 years of service 1 June 03. My last tour was with NSAWC in NAS Fallon, Nevada, sadly not with a P-3 command. Twenty-seven years with P2Vs and P-3A/B/Cs, I was like a fish out of water in Fallon. Luckily, Shipmates at K-Bay persuaded me to do a retirement ceremony there with my community. Mahalo to CMDCM Mo Radke and YNCM Larry Box. The finishing touch to the day was some painted label San Miguel and Red Horse, compliments from AECS Ron Wood, mahalo Mate. I'm now a college student working towards a degree in Golf Course and Sports Turf Management and a househusband. Life is GREAT, and transition has been smooth. My only hang-up is missing the great times and sea stories with the gang. I'd love to hear from friends during tours in VP-4, VP-6, VP-22, VP-31, VP-46, VP-47, VP-48, CPW-2, CPWP, CPRFP, VQ-3, and PMTC, NAS Point Mugu, California. Final destination is Mesquite, NV, but temporarily in San Diego for school..." [BIO Updated 24OCT2003 | BIO Updated 18APR2000 | 22OCT98]
PASCO, AME3 Steven Pastec23@aol.com "...I am currently serving in VQ-3 at Tinker AFB, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma..." [02AUG2002]
POWELL, AMH2 Johnnie jhpowell@curbgod.com "...I served with VQ-3 (1970-1973) at NAS Agana, Guam. I would like to hear from former Shipmates..." [06DEC2012]
RAMSEY, AFCM(AW) Dennis R. drams01@yahoo.com "...Hello Shipmates. Here is my career in a nut shell. To my friends I have made throughout my career, I send a hearty hello! AFEES/MEPPS NAS Oakland, California December 1979, RTC NB San Diego, California December 1979-February 1980, VP-30 NAS Jacksonville, Florida March 1980-July 1980, VP-22 NAS Barbers Point, Hawaii July 1980-April 1984, VA-122 NAS Lemoore, California April 1984-August 1984, ORD. MOD. DECOMM OF VA-122 DET. NAS Fallon, Nevada, OMD NAS Fallon, Nevada August 1984-December 1987, Broken service December 1987-August 1988, NAVET "U" NB San Diego, California August 1988, VP-9 NAS Moffett Field, California September 1988-September 1992, VX-5/VX-9 NAWC NAS China Lake, California September 1992-July 1996, VAW-113 NAS Miramar, California/NAWC NAS Point Mugu, California July 1996-December 1999, VQ-4 Tinker AFB, OK January 2000-February 2002, VQ-3 Tinker AFB, OK March 2002-January 2003, NAMTRAGRUDET/CNATT DET Tinker Tinker AFB, OK January 2003- December 2004, Retired January 2005, Currently working for Rockwell Collins as a Loggie (developing the Pubs, Training, Sparing, Depot Support etc. for the Electronics and Communications systems that we design and build)..." [BIO Updated 12MAR2007 | E-Mail/BIO Updated 12JUN2004 | E-Mail Updated 04AUG2002 | BIO Updated 05APR2002 | E-Mail Updated 25APR2001 | 01AUG99]
REAP, LCDR Dan Retired dateach@hawaiiantel.net "...I started my long VP career at VW-1 TACAMO NAS Agana, Guam which later became VQ-3. Left NAS Agana, Guam as an AE3 and went to VP-50 where I made AE2. 1969 - 1971. Made deployments to NAF Naha, Okinawa, Japan and NS Sangley Point, Philippines, with detachments to NAF Cam Ranh Bay, Vietnam. Good friends with Steve Gueid and Jerry Zwolley (can't remember the correct spelling). VP-31 from 1971-1975 then off to VP-22 as an AE1 and started a 20 year stay at NAS Barbers Point, Hawaii. Went to VC-1 and made AEC and Avionics LDO. Then to VP-1 from 1983 - 1985 as Material Control Officer and finished up as Assistant MO. Left NAS Barbers Point, Hawaii as a LT and went to Ottawa Canada on the PEP. Great job as Aircraft Engineering Officer for the CP-140. Back to VP-6 from 1989-1992 as MMCO. Back to VC-1 as assistant MO until they disestablished. Finished up at VP-4 and WINGSPAC and retired, LCDR in 1995. Have been teaching at various universities in Hawaii and working as a contractor for the government. Love to hear from old Shipmates..." [E-Mail Updated 03MAY2008 | E-Mail Updated 07SEP2004 | 12FEB2003]
RONES, Gerald astarte76@hotmail.com "...I served with VQ-1, VQ-2, VQ-6, VQ-3, VQ-4 and Commander Strategic Communications Wing ONE (STRACOMWINGONE) at Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, OKAT1 ground pounder..." [06SEP2010]
"...RUSSELL, Chief...Does anyone remember Chief Russell? He was serving with VQ-3 NAS Agana, Guam from 1976 to 1977 when his C-130 crashed taking off from Wake Island (SEE: http://tacamo.org/passings/crew4/crew4.html). I am his wife, and when he died, he had five children, two of which he never seen, as I gave birth to a set of twins the month before he was killed. These kids are all grown now, and would love to have some stories about their "beer drinking, redneck" Dad. Please help, or write to PO Box 9200, Norfolk Va 23505...Bobbi Russell brand5@aol.com..." [08SEP2003]
SCHUMACHER, Mark markxnavy@yahoo.com "...I served with VQ-3 from 1989 to 1995. I started with C-130's in Hawaii and left when it was all E-6Aa's in Tinker, Oklahoma. I would love to hear from anyone I served with..." [06OCT2005]
SAENZ, QMCM(SS) Bob Retired cob702@verizon.net "...I served with VQ-3 (1971-1972)..." [14OCT2012]
SMITH, Wayne Retired wayne75146@yahoo.com "...I joined the Navy in 1974. After schooling, my first tour was with VA-83 in FL. After that, I went to VR-24 Det in NS Rota, Spain. From there, I joined VQ-3 in November 1981 as an IFT. I was there until November 1985. I did a tour in HT-8 in FL, then returned to VQ-3 in 1989. I was there until VQ-3 went to OK, when I joined ETD at NAS Barbers Point, Hawaii. I retired in 1994 and moved to Dallas, TX. I have kept in contact with a few of the old crewdogs, but would love to here from anyone who remembers me and want to hear from me..." [20JUL2002]
STARKGRAF, Rich richard.starkgraf@navy.mil "...I served with VQ-3 Detachment Material Control LPO/LCPO from March 1992 to March 1995. I had a great time and enjoyed my tour..." [08JAN2004]
SWENDSEN, ADJ3 Lee lee_swendsen@yahoo.com "...I served with VQ-3 (10/1968-05/1970) at NAS Agana, Guam. I would like to hear from former Shipmates..." [20JUL2016]
WEISSE, AEC(AW) Christopher Retired aedude_1@yahoo.com "...I joined VP-47 AE Shop in November of 1984 and made deployments to NAF Kadena, Okinawa, Japan and NSF Diego Garcia. In 1987 I did a tour in VP-31 as a FRAMP instructor > until Nov 1989. I transfer to VP-48 AE Shop and did a deployment to NAS Cubi Point, Philippines the squadron was decommissioned in 1991. From there I went to VP-40 AE Shop and did deployments to NAS Misawa, Japan and NAS Adak, Alaska. In 1993 I transfer to VQ-3 Det Travis. I came back to the VP community in 1996 and joined VP-9 AE Shop & Maintenance Control I did deployments to NSF Diego Garcia (twice) and NAS Misawa, Japan. In 2000 I transfer to FASOTRAGRU DET HI where I plan on retiring in NOV 2003..." [02NOV2001]
YOUNG, AZC Arthur Retired seadog381@comcast.net "...Reported to NAS Moffett Field, California in late April 1955, right out of Boot camp in San Diego. San Jose was a very exciting place for a poor, 16 year old black kid, from the red clay hill of Cobb county Georgia. I feel in love with the Bay area at first sight. And what luck, my next duty station was aboard the USS Bon Homme Richards (CVA 31) in V2 division, home ported at NAS Alameda, California (from Feb 1957 to July 1958). My flight station aboard was on the LSO platform. A perfect place to learn Carrier operations, but I had a very close call when the first A3D aircraft crashed aboard and aircraft parts scattered all over the LSO area. The ship deployed to the Far east from August 1957 to FEB 1958 In those days a Carrier did six months on deployment & JUST SIX months home. My next duty station was at NAS Alameda, California - man what luck. I was there from August 1958 to August 1961. Next PCS was VP-6 at NAS Barbers Point, Hawaii with a six month deployment to MCAS Iwakuni, Japan. We were called home early to take part in the last open air nuclear test operations out of Johnston Island. I was on Johnston the night they made that famous, first test shot in space. If anyone ever tell you that Nuclear warfare can be handle, you tell that person to visit my nightmares - nightmares I have to this day. After the bomb went off above at around 200 miles up, we were told we could look up. The sky from horizon to horizon was cover with fire that changed colors every 30 seconds or so. I don't remember the order of the colors - Red - Green, Blue, purple - just the final color was yellow which slowly faded. One of the older guys standing near me said: Old my God, this should never happen again. A few months later, the world went through the Cuban Missile crises. You can imagine the bad dreams I had during that period. My next PCS was to VAW-11 at NAS North Island, San Diego, California. My Detachment (Lima) deployed aboard the USS Hancock (CVA19). Two close calls on the flight deck convince me to try get the hell out of harm's way. During this deployment the date November 22 (23 local Asian time) 1962 occurred while we were off on Vietnam. It happen after 0100 hours, while most of us were sleeping. That date changed my life. I got serious with my career. I was a 2nd class when that happen and would become a Chief by 1968. My next PCS was at NAS Cubi Point, Philippines as a AZ2. I would spent one year at NAS Cubi Point, Philippines and then be transferred to NS Sangley Point, Philippines, across the bay from Manila - the PCS gods were always smiling on me. My next PCS (Feb 1967) was at NAS Floyd Bennett Field, New York, in Brooklyn New York, training reservers. My wife loved New York City, but I was bored in a training people. After two years, I asked to return to duty in WESTPAC. VQ-3 at NAS Agana, Guam came up. A great command. After two year I was back at NAS Cubi Point, Philippines. This time as a AZC. 12 to 15 hours work days - 6 day work week were the norm this time around. My next tour was at VF-124 at NAS Miramar, California. When I got to the squadron, Dec 1972) they had just transferred their last F8 aircraft and were awaiting the new F-14 Aircraft. We got the first one in Feb 1973. I had a good crew and was my own Division officer - no problems, except my twenty years was coming up and I needed to buy a house while on active duty. I called my detailer to agree to stay on active duty for another tour if I could be transferred to the Bay area. He said okay and I got order to VP-48 at (lets hear the drum roll) NAS Moffett Field, California. Life is NOT FAIR. Hey this is where I came in at. The Squadron was due for a WESTPAC deployment in Sept 1974 to the Misawa Air Force base on the extreme tip of northern Honshu Island. We would be the first Naval Air squadron to go there. We were told it would start to snow (like clock work) on 15 Oct. I don't recall if it started to snow on that date, but it was close enough and it started snow in a way a Georgia boy should never have to endure. Right before the deployment begin, BUPERS started a major reduction in force and I made the cut. In mid-Jan 1976 I packed my bags and headed back to NAS Moffett Field, California from retirement. But I was not finish with the Navy. Many months later, I would sign up with the Military Sealift Command Pacific (MSCPAC) and become a REAL Sailor. I would sail on eight ships before getting my dream Job - A shipboard Inspector / Instructor in logistic & Desktop Computers. In this job I would travel the world, inspecting ships and training crew members and best of all staying in 4 star hotel with great room serve. Since no one in my department had ever been aboard a ship, I wrote up my own trip tickets deciding where, when and how to go. The Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, All over Japan, Hong Kong, England, Italy, Israel, Australia , Kenya, Canada, Up & down the West , Gulf and East coasts of America. The only place I never made it to was Brazel & New Zealand. Since our ships never went to those places, it was hard slipping a trip through our travel department - God knows I tried a few times. And they paid me good money to have me do this. Not bad for a poor country kid from Georgia, whos main abition in the early 1950s was to make it up north to the midwest and get a job in the Auto industry..." [17AUG2007]
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