 Notice!
Help Bring VP-5 Crew 3 Home!
Posted: August 9th, 2001
Updated: September 28th, 2009
Help Bring VP-5 Crew 3 Home!
On January 12, 1962, twelve good men and fellow crewmates perished on the Kronborg Glacier on the east coast of Greenland. They were the flight crew of LA-9 aircraft of Patrol Squadron Five (VP-5), U.S.Navy, flying a routine ice patrol out of NAS Keflavik, Iceland (SEE: In Memorial for lost friends...12JAN62).
The crash site and their remains were not discovered until August, 1966, when an expedition of 4 geologists from Oxford University, U.K. were traversing the glacier on foot. A recovery mission was mounted by the Navy in September, 1966, utilizing the Icebreaker USS Atka and helicopters. "Several identifiable remains were recovered," and the aircraft wreck destroyed.
For whatever reasons, some crew remains were left at the crash site. Now, 35 years later, geologists exploring the area have again reported that in the summer months, human remains of these servicemen lie exposed on the glacier. This information is confirmed by the Missing Persons Group, Bureau of Naval Personnel, USN, as being accurate.
There is an upcoming POW/MIA Casualty Conference (November 14-16, 2001 and not open to the public), and the LA-9 issue is on the agenda. The Central Identification Laboratory Hawaii (CILHI) is willing to schedule the recovery of these remains, but the Military Services and Department of Defense support is needed to make it happen and to justify an increase to CILHI's budget to accommodate operational losses (non-hostile) in addition to combat losses (hostile). Public awareness and Congressional support is essential, particularly at this time.
Write your congressional representatives to demand that the Department of Defense and U.S. Navy bring these sailor's remains home for proper burial!
AFTER OVER 46 YEARS SINCE THE CRASH - ISN'T IT TIME THEY CAME HOME?
We need to come together again in force so that the remains in Hawaii can be joined with those in the common grave in Arlington National Cemetery (section 46, plot #754). Otherwise, this will languish for years to come. This is unacceptable for our loved ones and for you...Robert T. PETTWAY, SR. g.pettway@worldnet.att.net [28NOV2007]
Contact: Robert T. PETTWAY, SR. g.pettway@worldnet.att.net for further information. [09AUG2001]
Write Your Representative: http://www.house.gov/writerep/
Write Your Senator: http://www.senate.gov/senators/senator_by_state.cfm
 SEE: VP-5 Status of Crew Remains [Updated: 01FEB2010]
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Notice!
VP-69 Recruitment!
Posted: September 3rd, 2009
Updated: September 3rd, 2009
Navy Reserve VP-62, NAS Jacksonville, Florida
Are you on active duty and thinking of getting out, but do not want to lose your vested interest in government service? Have you recently separated, but still have that desire to fly? Did you get out years ago, but miss the camaraderie of military service? Then consider serving our Nation as a Navy Reserve Aircrewman!! Presently, Patrol Squadron SIXTY-TWO (VP-62), a Navy Reserve Squadron located at NAS Jacksonville, Florida, has openings for you to do that very thing!!! The Broadarrows fly the P-3C AIP and BMUP aircraft in operations involving Anti-Surface Warfare, Anti-Submarine Warfare, Identification/Surveillance/Reconnaissance, and Battle Group Support all over the world...right alongside our active duty counterparts!! VP-62 is still operational and programmed to fly the P-3C Orion until at least 2014 and the P-8 Poseidon is on our horizon!! Plus, we go on the road to places like El Salvador, Sicily, Japan, Guam and Hawaii just to name a few!!
Don't live in the Jacksonville area? Do not let that deter you from joining!! Opportunities are available for drill weekend pickups at Opa Locka, FL; Ft. Myers, FL; St. Petersburg, FL; Greenville/Spartanburg, NC; and Andrews AFB, MD. Plus, depending on your location, other pick up sites can be added like New Orleans, LA and Atlanta, GA depending upon the response!!!
We have the following part-time (SELRES) positions open!!!
Naval Aircrewman Operator (AWO) - We are currently looking for both acoustic and non-acoustic operators holding the P-3C AW NEC 7841/7861. Any other AWV/AWS/AWR willing to change rates/platforms (if you have the time, we'll get you in VP-30) as well as other rated enlisted personnel with a proven record of superior performance, willing to change rates to AWO (7841/acoustic or 7861 non-acoustic) and commit one year to active duty to attend Naval Aircrew School in NAS Pensacola, Florida and initial AWO qualification training at VP-30 in NAS Jacksonville, Florida will be considered. Be aware that although the standard commitment is one drill weekend a month, there could be times where additional days could be asked of you.
Naval Aircrewman Mechanical (AWF) - Specifically 8251 Flight Engineers (FE)- Either previously qualified flight engineers or AT, AE, AD, AM, AME, or AO rated and Aircrew-qualified personnel with a proven record of superior performance willing to commit nine months on active duty to attend initial P-3C Flight Engineer qualification training at VP-30 in NAS Jacksonville, Florida. Here are the VP-62 Points of Contact if you are interested in becoming a Broadarrow!!
P.S. We are looking for maintenance rates too!! Preferably those withP-3 backgrounds, but if you are willing and have the time, we will make every effort to get you the schools you need!!
AWCM Spence Cunningham
Senior Aircrewman
william.s.cunningham@navy.mil [Updated 03SEP2009]
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Notice!
Memorial Day Tribute - Lockheed P-3 Orion!
Posted: May 25th, 2009
Updated: May 25th, 2009
Forty years ago about now, VP-56 started the transition to the P-3C aircraft system, having moved from the seawall at NAS Norfolk, Virginia to NAS Patuxent River, Maryland, and from the P2V-7 (SP-2H) first into transition P-3Bs and then into the wonderful, magical P-3C - which we now called a “weapons system” instead of a “Plane.” Mel Meltzer and I picked up the first operational “Charlie” in Burbank, and something new started to happen. To the generations that have followed us into that remarkable “system”, I would like to suggest a Memorial Day Tribute – our names are not on a honored wall or were any of us the kind of heroes we celebrate on Memorial Day, but after four decades, I think we made a difference. As the Commanding Officer of VP-56 for the transition and the first P-3C operational aircraft Commander in the Navy, I think that all of us now-old-timers have to take a bow and doff our ball-caps to all of you guys who followed us and made great things happen. We thank you!
McINTYRE, CAPTAIN John (Retired)
bravoz@columbus.rr.com [25MAY2009]
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Notice!
VP-69 Recruitment!
Posted: July 27th, 2006
Updated: February 4th, 2009
Navy Reserve VP-69, NAS Whidbey Island, Washington
Patrol Squadron SIXTY-NINE (VP-69) is a Navy Reserve Squadron located at NAS Whidbey Island, Washington. The Totems fly the P-3C AIP aircraft in operations involving Anti-Surface Warfare, Anti-Submarine Warfare, Identification/Surveillance/Reconnaissance, and Battle Group Support all over the world alongside active duty counterparts. Despite recent changes in both the Active and Reserve VP community, VP-69 is still operational and programmed to fly the P-3C Orion until at least 2019.
Opportunities are available for drill weekend pickups at Fairchild AFB, WA; Missoula, MT; Pasco, WA; Portland, OR; Eugene, OR; Moffet Field, CA; and McClellan Field, CA.
We are looking to fill the following part-time (SELRES) positions:
OFFICERS
Naval Flight Officers (NFO) - Fully qualified P-3C UIII/AIP Tactical Coordinators, LCDR and below. Interested NFOs please contact LCDR Russ Dicks at COMM (360) 257-6916, DSN 820-6916 or russell.dicks@navy.mil.
Naval Aviators (Pilots) - Fully qualified P-3C Aircraft Commanders, LCDR and below, willing to commit four or more drill days per month. Interested Pilots please contact LCDR Dan Johnson at COMM (360) 257-6918, DSN 820-6918 or daniel.a.johnson@navy.mil.
VP-69 is not currently resourced to cross-train officers from outside the VP community, sorry.
ENLISTED AIRCREW
Aviation Warfare System Operators (AW) - We are currently looking for both acoustic and non-acoustic operators holding the P-3C AW NEC 7841/7861. Any other enlisted personnel with a proven record of superior performance, willing to change rate to AW(7841/acoustic), and commit one year to active duty to attend Naval Aircrew School in NAS Pensacola, Florida and initial AW qualification training at VP-30 in NAS Jacksonville, Florida will be considered.
Flight Engineers (FE)- Either previously qualified flight engineers or AT, AE, AD, AM, AME, or AO rated and Aircrew-qualified personnel with a proven record of superior performance willing to commit nine months on active duty to attend initial P-3C Flight Engineer qualification training at VP-30 in NAS Jacksonville, Florida.
In-flight Technicians (IFT) - P-3C In-flight Technicians, previously qualified aircrew or AT ground technicians willing to commit one year to active duty to attend Naval Aircrew School in NAS Pensacola, Florida and initial or refresher IFT qualification training at VP-30 in NAS Jacksonville, Florida.
Naval Aircrew Point of Contact: AWOC Bill Brown at COMM (360) 257-4607, DSN 820-4607 or william.m.brown1@navy.mil.
Thank you,
LCDR Daniel A. Johnson daniel.a.johnson@navy.mil
VP-69 Current Operations Officer [Updated 04FEB2009]
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Notice!
VP Related Employment Opportunities!
Posted: August 21st, 2008
Updated: February 3rd, 2009
VP Related Employment Opportunities...
SEE: VP Related Employment Opportunities! [Updated: 03FEB2009]
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Notice!
Shipmate Needs Your Help!
Posted: January 20th, 2009
Updated: January 20th, 2009
NAVY LEAGUE OF THE UNITED STATES
OAKLAND CALIF # 068
733 Pomona Ave
Albany, Ca. 94706
510-527-6600
baycomm@earthlink.net
January 17, 2009
REF: LCDR Matt Thompson, currently assigned to VT-35
ALL
My name Greg Brazil and I'm a friend of Matt's for the last 20 years as I met him as a Sea Scout when he was a teenager in Oakland, Ca.
I don't know if you know, but Matt is dying of in-operable cancer. He is currently living with his wife Danica and his mother in the Bolder Creek, Ca.
My efforts here are to help Matt & Danica as much as I can. We at Oakland Navy League are a 501c (3) non profit corporation as such can raise funds for Matt & Danica's kids for their future and college. We are also trying to set up a trust for their kid's future. ONL can accept all funds for Matt and when the trust is formed transfer 100% of the funds to the trust. CDR. Mark Springer, CO VT-35 is also onboard with this.
I am asking you to help in any way you can to help out a class mate. If you can host fund raisers to help, that would be great along with any other things you can do.
I am trying to get all his old squadrons which are VT-21, VT-35, VP-30, VP-5, VX-30 and VPU-2 and VP Association to help also. Any help in reaching those squadrons would also be helpful.
Skipper Springer sent to a personal letter to BUPERS.
Any suggestions and any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you.
Greg Brazil (USNR 1965-72)
baycomm@earthlink.net
If you can make a donation - please do so at this address:
Oakland Navy League
c/o Robert L. Castle CPA
610 Oakland Ave.
Oakland, CA 94610
Please mark the memo "LCDR Thompson"
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Notice!
Shipmate Information Request #24
Posted: May 31st, 2008
Updated: May 31st, 2008
OK Shipmates, you came through   times already! You provided information for family members about their fathers and husbands that that Official Channels couldn't provide. Here is number  :
  James Darryl Bennett My name is Bobbie Bennett Shamburger. In 1962 I was married to James Darryl Bennett. He was stationed NAS Alameda, California. I am pretty sure he was with VP-9. I have seen pictures of him with the baseball team during that time. He was killed in a car crash in Mexico in 1962. At that time he had been stationed at a base next door to Lockeed Aircraft. Thier sq. was moved to NAS North Island, San Diego, California. They had just been transfered there and had not even worked the first day when he and Neil Duncan went to Mexico on holiday and he was killed.
We have a daughter who never knew her dad and I am trying to get any information on the squadron that he was with. She would love to have any pictures, patches etc. that I can come up with. Any help would be appreciated.
Thank you,
Bobbie Bennett Shamburger
hunyeb@yahoo.com [31MAY2008]
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Notice!
Help Bring USS Pine Island (AV-12) George 1 Crew Home!
(Lost December 30, 1946)
Posted: January 18th, 2007
Updated: March 18th, 2008
In the year following World War II the United States government had decided to explore the Antarctic continent and Operation Highjump was born. The mission was to chart and photograph the continent. An armada of thirteen ships and twenty-three aircraft was assembled which included Martin PBM seaplanes, ski equipped Douglas R4D's aboard the carrier USS Phillipe Sea and Sikorsky helicoptors. There were as many as 4,700 civilian observers and radio and press correspondents. The group was headed by famed polar explorer Admiral Richard E. Byrd. Known as Task Force 86, they set sail for the Antarctic. The force was split into three groups with the sealane tender USS Pine Island (AV-12) carrying three Martin PBM sea planes. They were designated TF-86.1.
Arriving in the Antarctic region in late December 1946 flight operations were initiated. However on December 30th the PBM designated GEORGE I roared off on its mission only to be caught in a "whiteout" over the coast. Making a turn to return to the clear weather over the water the aircraft struck an uncharted peak, exploding and crashing on the ice below.
Three crewmen were killed. After burying their dead, the crew was destined to spend thirteen days waiting to be found and rescued. For some unknown reason the bodies of the men killed were never recovered and lay till this day beneath the wing of their aircraft. For many year letters have been written by family members asking the navy the recover their loved ones.
Now after sixty years the office of the Secretary of the Navy is considering a recovery attempt.
Thank you,
George Fabik [18JAN2007]
SEE: USS Pine Island (AV-12) George 1 (Lost December 30, 1946) Memorial [Updated: 04SEP2009]
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Notice!
We Need Renovation Help
Posted: May 18th, 2006
Updated: February 20th, 2008
We Need Renovation Help
Have been corresponding with CDR Durbin out in Greybull. He has told me that we are going to need many volunteers for restoration work on the P2V-7 (Air Force RB-69A) BUNO: 147954 (flew with VP-17, VP-31, VP-67, VP-68, VP-92, and VP-94) and a EC-121K BUNO: 141297 at the Museum of Aviation at Warner Robins, GA.
The Museum of Aviation at Warner Robins, GA. is going to reimburse everyone in the work party at Greybull (Lodging, meals andtransportation - both ways). CDR Durbin remarked, "It sure is nice to work with people who really care."
We will also need help working on a Martin Marlin SP-5B/P5M-2S and WV-2 at National Museum of Naval Aviation at Pensacola, FL at next February.
If any Shipmates are interested, please contact CDR Gerald Durbin gtdurbin@gmail.com ASAP.
GOSNELL, AT(N)2 Bob
p5m1_radio.patron46@yahoo.com [18MAY2006]
SEE: We Need Renovation Help [Updated: 20FEB2008]
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