 VR-52 History
Circa 2004
A BIT OF HISTORY:   VR-52 History "...IR Testing..." WebSite: Navy Safety Center http://safetycenter.navy.mil/media/approach/spotlight/vr-52.htm [26MAY2008]
During June 2004, VR-52 provided valuable assistance to PMA-207 in performance of set-up verification procedures for an infrared (IR) signature C-9B test flight evaluation. Utilizing aircraft 160049, installation procedures were verified for installation of an Advanced Range Data System (ARDS) followed by several ground tests of the GPS and TACAN antennas. The support provided by VR-52 streamlined equipment set-up procedures while providing valuable feedback to PMA-207 for a future IR in-flight evaluation.
During November 2004, VR-52 provided additional support to PMA-207 in conducting of Infrared Imaging testing at Patuxent River Maryland utilizing Aircraft 160049. During this evolution, the Taskmasters of VR-52 flew numerous profile flights providing critical flight information to be utilized for design of a future defense against MANPAD (Manual Portable Air Defense) systems. MANPAD systems include portable shoulder launched missiles which could be used by terrorists. Information derived from this exercise was valuable in assessing the in-flight vulnerabilities of the C-9B to the threat of MANPADs. From the data obtained, a determination will then be made whether to outfit C-9B aircraft with devices to counter MANPAD deployment, considering cost and efficacy of such units. This was a very successful visit with completion of all required aircraft profiles providing vital information needed by Naval Air Systems Command C-9 Program Office.
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...VR-52 Fantasy Flight Grants Holiday Wish - Story Number: NNS041208-11 - Release Date: 12/8/2004 5:02:00 PM - By Journalist 1st Class (SW) Mike Kramer, Naval Air Reserve Willow Grove Public Affairs..." Navy Newstand http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=16221 [12DEC2004]
NAVAL AIR STATION JOINT RESERVE BASE WILLOW GROVE, Pa (NNS) -- Christmas came early for more than 70 Make-a-Wish children and their families when they boarded two of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VR) 52's aircraft on the base's flight line for their Fantasy Flight to the North Pole Dec. 4.
For the last 12 years, the Taskmasters have joined forces with the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Philadelphia & Southeastern Pennsylvania to make a holiday wish come true for disabled and health challenged children living with life-threatening medical conditions.
"Some of the kids have been here before, but for most of them, this is their first time with us. So they have no idea we're going to take them on the airplane and fly them to the North Pole," said Chief Aviation Electronics Technician Mary C. Heburn, the Fantasy Flight coordinator. "It's very exciting for them, and it's always rewarding to see the smiles on their faces."
"I love to see the kids happy," said Aviation Maintenance Administrationman 1st Class Megan Ahlquist of Patrol Squadron (VP) 66, the Chief Elf for the flight. "They love to see us dressed as elves, and they look forward to seeing Santa Claus. It makes their day, and it's always a special experience for me. I've been volunteering for the Fantasy Flight for five years, and I came back this year, even though I'm no longer assigned to VR-52."
Thanks to favorable tailwinds, the flight time to the North Pole was about 30 minutes. The elven flight crew led the passengers in singing Christmas carols throughout the trip, and Santa Claus greeted the children on arrival. Just after the flights departed for the return trip to Willow Grove, a jolly old aviator with a white beard dressed in a red, fur-trimmed flight suit loaded his sleigh with presents and followed the Skytrains to Willow Grove for a Christmas party in Hangar 80. During both legs of the flight, the plane's window shades were kept closed, so as not to reveal the classified route to and from the North Pole.
"Meeting Santa was my favorite part of the day," said Grace Foster, one of the children who attended the party. "The plane [ride] was fun, too. I liked hearing the pilots radio the North Pole before we landed there."
While waiting for Santa to arrive, the guests enjoyed a buffet lunch and a wide range of activities, including a petting zoo, a speed pitch booth, a movie lounge, face painting, balloon animal making and a fun house.
"The experience is amazing," said the appropriately named Chief Aviation Electrician's Mate (AW/NAC) Nick Noell, who donned the Santa suit for the day. "I had one little girl give me a hug and say ‘I love you' almost as soon as I got here. It was really touching. These children are so sick, and we get to bring a little joy to their day. There's not a better feeling in the world."
The party was not only an opportunity to bring happiness to a group of Make-a-Wish children, it was also a tribute to the volunteers' teamwork and the fulfillment of weeks of collecting donations, wrapping presents and coordinating activities.
"This is our one big opportunity as a squadron to help out our community," said Heburn. "The fact that we're bringing pleasure to kids who are terminally ill makes the event even more special."
"I probably enjoyed myself nearly as much as the kids did," said Lisa Rhodes, a VR-52 spouse and first-time volunteer, who donned a Winnie the Pooh costume for the occasion. "I liked seeing the kids happy, and it was gratifying to see them running around and playing. I'll definitely come back and be part of this next year."
Circa 1991
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Naval Aviation Units Involved in the Persian Gulf War (16 January–27 February 1991)...This Squadron Mentioned...Naval Historical Center ADOBE Download File: http://www.history.navy.mil/avh-1910/APP29.PDF [27MAY2003]
 Persian Gulf War 20KB
Circa 1990
A BIT OF HISTORY:  "...History - Change-Of-Command - Page 8, 28 and 30 - Naval Aviation News - March-April 1990..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1990s/1990/ma90.pdf [22OCT2004]
Circa 1984
A BIT OF HISTORY:  "...History and Change-Of-Command - Page 30 and 31 - Naval Aviation News - March-April 1984..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1980s/1984/ma84.pdf [17OCT2004]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  "...We Deliver - Page 22 to 25 - Naval Aviation News - January-February 1984..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1980s/1984/jf84.pdf [17OCT2004]
Circa 1981
A BIT OF HISTORY:  NAS Glenview, Illinois "...NAS Glenview, Illinois base newspaper (GLENVIEWS feature) called "HELLO AND GOODBYE" showing personnel changes from February 1981..." Contributed by FORT, HM2 FMF Michael J. "Doc" Fort (Sanchez) docsanchez@yahoo.com [20FEB2005]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  "...History - Change-Of-Command - Page 39 to 41 - Naval Aviation News - June 1981..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1980s/1981/jun81.pdf [13OCT2004]
Circa 1978
A BIT OF HISTORY:  "...NAS Willow Grove - Page 24 to 27 - Naval Aviation News - July 1978..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1970s/1978/jul78.pdf [09OCT2004]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  "...History and Change-Of-Command - Page 16 and 19 - Naval Aviation News - March 1978..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1970s/1978/mar78.pdf [09OCT2004]
Circa 1975
A BIT OF HISTORY:  "...CNO Awards - Page 3 - Naval Aviation News - November 1975..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1970s/1975/nov75.pdf [04OCT2004]
Circa 1948
A BIT OF HISTORY:  "...Minneapolis Reserve Squadrons - Naval Aviation News - February 1948..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1940s/1948/feb48.pdf [10JUL2004] 
Circa Unknown
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...NAVY AIR TRANSPORT OPERATIONS - (A Historical Perspective) - by RADM Philip W. Smith, USNR (Ret) - with additional updates by PO1 Mark W Felhofer, USN (Ret) (Only VR Related Information Posted Below)..." WebSite: VRC-50 Association http://www.vrc-50.org/ [10NOV2006]
Naval Air Reserve VR
The post-WW-II Naval Air Reserve was organized 1 July 1946 with R4D VR mini-squadrons at some 25 of the over 50 initial Naval Air Reserve training sites. These VR aircraft were assigned to and maintained primarily by station active duty personnel with reservists training and flying some missions on the week-ends. With the transition of fleet VR squadrons to the R6Ds (C-118s) the Naval Air Reserve squadrons transitioned from R4Ds to R5Ds (C-54s) in the 1950s. With the termination of Navy MATS participation, C-118s became available and were assigned to the Naval Air Reserve starting in 1964.
The Naval Air Reserve force was reorganized into self sufficient Force Squadrons in 1970. The initial VR C-118 force squadrons were VR-50 NAS Jacksonville, Florida with a detachment at NAS Willow Grove, Pennsylvania, VR-51 NAS Alameda, California with detachments at NAS Whidbey Island, Washington and NAS Glenview, Illinois, and VR-52 at NAS Dallas, Texas with a detachment at NAS Memphis, Tennessee. In 1972, VR-50 moved to NAS Atlanta, Georgia becoming VR-54 with a detachment at NAS New Orleans, Louisiana, VR-52 at NAS Dallas, Texas became VR-53 retaining the NAS Memphis, Tennessee detachment, the former VR-50 NAS Willow Grove, Pennsylvania detachment became VR-52 with detachments at NAF Detroit, Michigan and NAF Andrews, Maryland, VR-51 moved to NAS Whidbey Island, Washington and later to NAS Glenview, Illinois, the prior detachment sites. These squadrons essentially remained intact until the introduction of the C-9Bs into the Naval Air Reserve in 1978. Fleet Tactical Support Wing (now Fleet Logistic Support Wing) was established at NAS New Orleans, Louisiana in 1974 following the consolidation of the Navy Air and Surface Reserve headquarters organizations into the office of the Chief of Naval Reserve at the Naval Support Activity, NAS New Orleans, Louisiana in 1973.
"VR-52 Summary Page"
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