VP-5 Squadron Shipmates
http://www.vpnavy.org
VPNAVY Address

ShipmateVT-1 ShipmatesShipmate

BAYNE, MACS John L. Retired baynej@westelcom.com "...I served with VP-11 (1956-1960), VP-30 (1960-1964), VP-21 (1964-1968) VT-1, VA-81, USS Forrestal, COMNAVACTSUK back to USS Forrestal and on to N.I.S. Norfolk. Glad to be a part of this VP community. Looking forward to a Reunion with VP-21 in Sept. 99..." [28FEB99]

BINKLEY, Michael kingbinks@yahoo.com "...I served with VT-1 (1971-1975) at NAS Saufley Field, Pensacola, Fla..." [22JAN2013]

BOZICH, Robert RobertBozich@TAPnet.net "...Hi Shipmates. Began flying P2Vs with VP-11 in 66 and transitioned to P-3As 67. Went to NPGS 70-72. Ships company, CATCC, on the Kennedy 72-74. Primary instructor in VT-1 NAAS Saufley Field, Florida, 74-76. Back to flying P-3Bs with VP-44 in 76 and transitioned to P-3Cs in 77. Defense Mapping Agency, St. Louis, Program Manager on Navigational Moving Map Displays from 80-84. Retired in 84. Currently Program Manager with Allied Signal..." [30AUG98]


CHRISTENSEN, AMS2 David "Chris" barracudadave67@hotmail.com "...I was stationed at RAF West Malling in Kent, England from 1963 to 1964. In 1964 we moved to RAF Mildenhall in Suffolk, England. I was one of the first to go there. West Malling was pristine Naval Duty. I was an AMS3 working in the airframes shop. Lots of fond memories of West Malling and Mildenhall and the great flights all over Europe in the R4D-8s. The Five Pointed Star Pub in West Malling was the place to hang out. Proprieter Mr Tom Batt would lend you 5 pounds if you were broke. After Mildenhall I ended up in VT-1 at NAAS Saufley Field, Pensacola, Florida in a round about way. It took me a year to get there and then I was discharged. A few months later I was back in the Navy at NAS Memphis, Tennessee for school and then onto NAS Boca Chica, Florida where I was injured and had to take a Medical Discharge. I would like to here from any one who was at these station with me. I am now retired and planning on going on a trip to Europe with my wife soon..." [25JUN2009]

COLBY, LT George "Rich" richlinda1@att.net "...I served with VT-1 at NAAS Saufley Field, Pensacola, Florida..." [23JAN2015]

COSTAS, REAR ADMIRAL John N. http://www.chinfo.navy.mil/navpalib/people/flags/biographies/costasjt.html "...Rear Admiral John Costas is a native of Seguin, Tex. A 1970 graduate of Texas Christian University where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in physics, he was commissioned in 1970 through the Aviation Reserve Officer Candidate Program. He subsequently completed flight training at NAS Corpus Christi, Texas, and was designated as a Naval Aviator in December 1971. Rear Adm. Costas first assignment was as a Primary Flight Instructor with VT-1 at NAS Pensacola, Florida, where he received Instructor of the Year honors in 1973. In November 1974, he received his initial assignment to Maritime Patrol Aviation reporting to VP-48 at NAS Moffett Field, California. While assigned to VP-48, Rear Adm. Costas participated in deployments to NAS Adak, Alaska, and NAS Misawa, Japan with numerous western Pacific detachments. In November 1977, Rear Adm. Costas affiliated with the Naval Reserve (NR) joining VP-91 at NAS Moffett Field, California. He transferred to VP-94 at NAS New Orleans, Louisiana, in August 1982 and served in numerous positions prior to assuming command in August 1987. Under his command, VP-94 earned the Noel Davis Battle "E" Award, the Chief of Naval Operations Aviation Safety Award, and the Commander, Reserve Patrol Wing Atlantic, Administrative Excellence Award. In March 1989, he reported to NR Commander SEVENTH Fleet 111, Naval Reserve Center Dallas, TX where he served as Air Combat Plans Officer and subsequently as the Active Duty Training Department Head. In this capacity he coordinated Selected Reserve augmentation for Commander, U. S. Naval Forces - Central Command during Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm. Rear Adm. Costas assumed command NR Carrier Group 770 at NAS Dallas, Tex., in October 1991 and participated in forward-deployed naval force operations during Operation Southern Watch while embarked in USS Nimitz in the North Arabian Gulf. In October 1993, he assumed command of NR Carrier Group 170, and subsequently command of NR Commander SEVENTH Fleet 111 in October 1995. Both units participated in numerous fleet exercises and forward-deployed naval force operations in the Pacific Theater. Rear Adm. Costas was selected for promotion to Flag rank in April 1996. Prior to assuming his current mobilization billet as Deputy Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, in October 2000, Rear Adm. Costas served in the following mobilization billets: Deputy Commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet from October 1996 to September 1997; Deputy Commander, U.S. SEVENTH Fleet from October 1997 to September 1999; and concurrently, Deputy Commander, Naval Air Forces Pacific from November 1998 to May 1999, during which time he chaired the Naval Aviation Human Factors Quality Management Board; and as Mobilization Assistant to the Director of Operations for U.S. Space Command from October 1999 to February 2002. Additionally, Rear Adm. Costas served as Commander, NR Readiness Command Region South from April 1999 to March 2002. In his civilian career, Rear Adm. Costas has been a pilot for Delta Airlines since 1978. He is currently qualified as a Captain on the B-767-400 aircraft. Rear Adm. Costas' military awards include the Legion of Merit (with one Gold Star), the Meritorious Service Medal (with two Gold Stars), National Defense Service Medal (with Gold star), the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal (with Gold Hourglass device), Kuwait Liberation Medal (Kuwait), and various service and campaign awards...." [01JUN2003]


DONOVAN, CAPTAIN Tom Retired tdorionp3@gmail.com "...I served with VT-1, VT-2 (1976-1978), VP-56 (1978-1981), VP-30 (1981-1984) deployment to NAS Sigonella, Sicily and UNITAS, VPU-1 (1984-1986) at NAS Brunswick, Maine, VP-6 (1986-1988) at NAS Barbers Point, Hawaii, Naval War College (1988-1990), United States Forces Japan 1990-1992) at Yakota AFB, VT-28 (1992-1994) at NAS Corpus Christi, Texas as XO and CO, CNO Staff in the Pentagon, Washington, DC (1994-1999) and retired. Currently working at the Autodesk, Inc. in Arlington VA..." [22FEB2015]


FINN, LT John W. Retired "...John Finn was born on July 24th 1909 in Los Angeles, CA. He joined the Navy in July 1926 at age 17. After basic training in San Diego, CA., He was assigned to the ceremonial guard company and in December of 1926 John reported for General Aviation Utilities training in Great Lakes, IL. In April of 1927 John reported to NAS North Island, San Diego, California and was assigned to the wing shop, aircraft and repair division and then in July of 1927 was assigned to the Ordnance Division and became an official Ordnanceman and worked on the south end of North Island on 4 gun emplacements of 3" 50 caliber Anti-Aircraft guns. John's next assignment was to VT-1 on September 1929 and he was deployed with them aboard USS Lexington (CV-2). Following his tour aboard the USS Lexington, John served with the following units: Precommissioning Crew USS Houston (CA-30) Asiatic Fleet, USS Jason Fighter Squadron Six (VF-6), USS Saratoga (CV-3) Surveillance Squadron (VS-6), USS Cincinnati AO School, NAS Norfolk, Virginia Patrol Squadron Five (VP-5), Cocasolo, Panama Patrol Squadron Seven (VP-7), San Diego, CA Patrol Squadron 21 (VP-21), Sand Point, WA Patrol Squadron Fourteen/Forty-Five (VP-14/VP-45), NAS North Island, San Diego, California and NAS Kaneohe Bay, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii AOC John W. Finn was awarded the Medal of Honor on September 15, 1942 by Fleet Admiral Chester Nimitz aboard the USS Enterprise. Click here to read the citation for John's medal. Continuing his career, John joined the ranks of "Mustang" officers as Ensign then Lieutenant Junior Grade and finally Lieutenant in 1944. After 21 years of distinguished service, Lieutenant John W. Finn retired from the United States Navy. To honor John Finn the Aviation Ordnance Museum was officially dedicated in his name at the AO A-School Naval Air Technical Training Center (NATTC) in Millington, TN., the contents of which is currently being cataloged and packed and will, along with the bomb truck, be moved by BRAC money to Naval Air Schools Command in Pensacola FL. The museum will then be re-established and set up at the AO A-School. Additionally, during the Association of Aviation Ordnancemen convention one outstanding enlisted Navy or Marine Corps Ordnanceman is selected, from dozens submitted by their command, to receive the John W. Finn Aviation Ordnanceman of the Year Award. In December 1995 John and his wife Alice traveled back to Hawaii and were honored at several military affairs commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the end of WWII. John was chosen to toss a memorial wreath of flowers into the waters of Pearl Harbor from the flight deck of the USS Carl Vinson along with President Clinton. It is believed that John is the first Medal of Honor recipient of WWII and he is the last surviving Medal of Honor winner from the day of infamy..." http://www.biztool.com/norms_pg.html


MORGAN, Allen Sgt-Morgan@webtv.net "...71-74 Aircraft Electrician with VXE-6, Williams Field, Strip Rat. 74-76 VT-1, 76-78 VT-2, 78-96, 116th Ga. Air National Guard. Retired Reserve. Retired Civil Service..." [29AUG99]


OILSCHLAGER, ENSIGN Rodney R. "Rod" roilschlager@icloud.com "...I was commissioned an Ensign in November of 1973, started primary training at VT-1 flying the T34, then on to basic and advanced training at NAS Corpus Christi, Texas receiving my Naval Aviation wings on October 4, 1974. Assigned to VP-30 for flight training in the P-3C and joined VP-40 in April of 1975 to 1978. My assignments at VP-40 were the Electric Branch officer, Nuclear Weapons Training Officer, an instructor pilot, and finally the pilot Natops Officer. I was the PPC for Crew 5. I then was assigned to VT-6 at NAS Whiting Field, Milton, Florida as a instructor pilot in the T-34C. I left the Navy in November of 1979. I went to graduate school for a short period of time before moving to Oshkosh, WI in August of 1980 and joining and becoming a partner and President in my wife’s uncle’s family Real Estate Development and Management business. We built homes, condominiums and apartments in the west coast of Florida and throughout eastern Wisconsin. I remain involved with the business to this day. We live in Oshkosh, WI for the summers and Bonita Springs, FL for the winters..." [01JUN2021]


PALMER, Sonny Birgit@netquarters.net "...Would like to hear from anybody that was in VP-11 from 71-77. I was in the Circus Room with Bimbo & Zippy and was Ring One leader. Other squadrons were VQ-2, VS-29 Dragonfires, VS-41 Shamrocks, VT-1, AEW-2, and ATU-203..." [07FEB99]


HERTZ, Gus 1gushertz@gmail.com "...I served with VP-11 (06/1973-06/76), VP-31 (06/1976-05/1978), VT-1, VT-3 and VT-29. Currently living a bit south of the Atlanta, GA airport..." [13NOV2020]


Memorial Picture "...SMITH, Owen Leroy...Navy photographer's mate killed in an aircraft shoot down by the Japanese over Guam in July 1944. Owen listed his mother as next of kin (Viola Smith living in San Diego, California). Owen was killed along with my cousin and a pilot and the ball turrent gunner in a Grumman T.B.M. Avenger. They are listed as being in VT-1 on the second U.S.S. Yorktown, C.V.-10 Owen and my cousin are both entered in Fort Rosecran's National Cemetary in San Diego. Cal. I would like to find any still living relative's of Owen Leroy Smith. All four airman were posthumasly awarded the Navy Cross. In my cousin's case it was never presented to his mother. I have it now and perhap's a relative of Owen's would like his...Jim Donohue boilerman.jjd@verizon.net..." [01NOV2004]

STEBBINS, LCDR Donald J. [Deceased] c/o His Son Craig Stebbins Shipmate Pix castebbins@hotmail.com "...My father (LCDR Donald J. Stebbins) died as a result of an operational aircraft accident while participating in 1968 WESTPAC aboard the USS Yorktown (CVS-10), as a pilot in VS-23. I'd be grateful to hear from anyone who knew him while at VP-40 (7/59 to 9/61), VP-42 (12/61 to 3/63) , VT-1, NABTC (3/63 to 3/66), and VS-23 (9/66 to 1/68)..." [BIO/PIX Updated 26OCT2002 | 25MAR2000]


TAYLOR, James S. "Zack" jtaylor352@gmail.com "...I served with VP-16 (Naval Fight Officer) from December 1962 to February 1966. I served as the Photo/Assistant Intelligence Officer and Training Officer for the transation from the P2V5 to the P-3A. I was supply Officer for a while before being tranferred to VT-1 at NAS Pensacola, Florida..." [18JUN2011]

TOLLEFSON, Val valenma@bainbridgeisland.net "...I was a pilot in VP-19 during 1966-68. We made two NAS Iwakuni, Japan deployments, with dets. to NS Sangley Point, Philippines and Utapao. We were in NAS Iwakuni, Japan when the PUEBLO was stolen, which was an interesting time. Also spent many happy hours flying in little circles high over Guam. I was Power Plants Officer (worked for ADJC Swigert), Q.C. officer, and NATOPS officer. Did a short stint as a flight instructor in VT-1, and left active duty in late 1969. Flew P2s with VP-69 at Sand Point, and then NAS Whidbey Island, Washington, from 1969 to about 1974. It would be interesting to reconnect with some of the VP-19 folks from that era, especially Crew 10. (new email address, may not work for a day or two)..." [29DEC98]


WALLING, LCDR Ken Retired Shipmate Pix Circa 1974... wallingken@comcast.net "...I served with VP-49 (1961-1964) in P-5's and then P-3's flying with Crew-3 most of the time. I left the squadron as an AT2 when I was selected for NESEP and attended North Carolina State University. I made AT1 while in school. I couldn't make Chief so I went up for Ensign. After commissioning I went through flight training (multi-engine) then plowed back as a Flight Instructor at VT-1 (1969-1971). From there I went through VP-30 RAG then on to VP-23 (1972-1975). I was the PPC of Crew 9. I then served a tour at COMOPTEVFOR and spent my last tour on the USS Saratoga as the EW Officer from 1977 until I retired in 1980 at the age of 37 as an LCDR..." [E-Mail Updated 19FEB2019 | 11FEB2008]

WOOD, LT Leonard E. (Woody Wood) c/o James J. Donohue boilermanjjd@cs.com "...I would like to find any U.S. Navy Pilot who may have known a Lt. Leonard E. Wood. U.S.N.R. Lt. Wood was also known as "Woody Wood" Lt Wood was K.I.A. over Guam in July 1944 along with other crew member's one being my cousin Edward C. Donahue. He was attatched to V.T.-1 Torpedo bombing squadron on the second U.S.S. Yorktown, C.V.-10 Someone out there may have gone to flight school with him, someone may know where he was from. I need to know to find closure to a mistery that the navy perpitrated on my cousin's family back in 1944. This is a very long story but the family's of all the men in that aircraft were deceived as to the real cause of their death's..." [15JUL2000]


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