VPNAVY VP-5 Mercury Capsule Recovery
http://www.vpnavy.org
VPNAVY Address

HistoryVP-45 HistoryHistory

Circa 1979

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation August 1979 "...History and Change-Of-Command - Page 23, 25 and 26 - Naval Aviation News - October 1979..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1970s/1979/oct79.pdf [10OCT2004]

VP History ThumbnailCamera

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation August 1979 "...History - Page 22, 23, 27, and 32 - Naval Aviation News - September 1979..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1970s/1979/sep79.pdf [10OCT2004]

VP History ThumbnailCamera

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation February 1979 "...History - Page 2 and 22 - Naval Aviation News - February 1979..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1970s/1979/feb79.pdf [10OCT2004]

VP History ThumbnailCamera

Circa 1977

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraVP-45 History "...NAS Keflavik, Iceland Circa 1977..." Contributed by STANTON, CDR Don skyblue07@comcast.net [13OCT2016]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation September 1977 "...Change-Of-Command - Page 32 - Naval Aviation News - September 1977..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1970s/1977/sep77.pdf [08OCT2004]

VP History Thumbnail

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation June 1977 "...VC/VP History- Page 27 - Naval Aviation News - June 1977..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1970s/1977/jun77.pdf [08OCT2004]

VP History ThumbnailCamera

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Article "...Patrol Squadron Forty-Five Change Of Command Ceremony 30 June 1977..." [04DEC2001]

PATROL SQUADRON FORTY-FIVE
CHANGE OF COMMAND
CEREMONY
30 JUNE 1977

ORDERS


Bureau of Naval Personnel Order 025891 - "When relieved in May - June 1977 detached duty in a flying status I involving operational or training flights as Commanding Officer, Patrol Squadron FORTY-FIVE, proceed and report to Chief of Naval Personnel, Washington D. C., duty in a flying status not involving flying."

Bureau of Naval Personnel Order 018474 - Commander Charles J. McKinney, Jr. ,USN. "When directed by Commanding Officer in May -June 1977 report to Commanding Officer, Patrol Squadron FORTY-FIVE duty in a flying status involving operational or training flights as his relief."

PROGRAM FOR A CHANGE OF COMMAND


Commander Stephen F. Loftus, USN


ARRIVAL HONORS

PARADING OF THE COLORS NATIONAL ANTHEM

INVOCATION
Captain Ferdinand E. Slejzer, CHC, USN

ADDRESS
Captain Charles 0. Prindle, USN
Commander, Patrol Wing Eleven

REMARKS AND ORDERS
Commander Stephen F. Loftus, USN
Commanding Officer, Relieved

ORDERS AND REMARKS
Commander Charles J. McKinney,Jr., USN
Commanding Officer, Relieving

USN BENEDICTION
Captain Ferdinand E. Slejzer, CHC, USN

RETIRE THE COLORS

Refreshments and tour of the P-3C Orion aircraft following the ceremony.

Article
CAPT CHARLES O. PRINDLE, USN
Commander, Patrol Wing Eleven


Captain Charles 0. Prindle was born in Nyack, New York on 20 November 1931. Following graduation from high school in 1949, he enrolled at the University of Mississippi as an NROTC midshipman. He was graduated in May of 1953 and was immediately ordered to NAS Pensacola, Florida where he commenced flight training.

Designated a Naval Aviator in October 1954, Captain Prindle was first ordered to Patrol Squadron TWENTY-EIGHT in NAS Barbers Point, Hawaii. Upon completion of his first squadron tour, Captain Prindle was ordered to the Naval Air Basic Training Command as a flight instructor. He was first assigned to Basic Training Group TWO at NAAS Corry Field, Pensacola, Florida. He was subsequently ordered to Training Squadron ONE, at NAAS Saufley Field, where he served as the primary training standardization officer.

Returning to sea duty in April 1962, Captain Prindle was ordered to the Staff of Commander Carrier Division SIX as CIC Officer. In 1964 Captain Prindle returned to Patrol aviation, being assigned to Patrol Squadron TEN at NAS Brunswick, Maine. He flew both the SP2E Neptune and the P-3 Orion during this tour and was deployed to NAS Keflavik, Iceland and NAS Argentia, Newfoundland, Canada.

Again ordered to shore duty in November 1966, Captain Prindle reported to the U. S. Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, California. He was graduated in January 1968, and was awarded a Master of Science Degree in Management. Following graduation, he reported to the Staff of Commander Fleet Air Wings Pacific at NAS Moffett Field, California where he served as assistant Plans Officer and Facilities Support Officer.

In July 1969, Captain Prindle reported to Patrol Squadron FIFTY as the Executive Officer. He assumed command of PATRON FIFTY in April 1970, and subsequently deployed to the Western Pacific where the squadron was employed in support of operations in SEASIA.

In May 1971, Captain Prindle was ordered to Washington, D. C., where he was first assigned to the Strategic Plans and Policy Division in the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations. After two years, he was ordered to the National War College and was graduated in June 1974. Captain Prindle then reported to the Office of the Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff where he served as Navy Assistant to the Chairman, General George S. Brown.

In September 1976, Captain Prindle assumed command of Patrol Wing ELEVEN at NAS Jacksonville, Florida and has subsequently been selected for promotion to Rear Admiral.

Captain Prindle has been awarded the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, Navy Unit Commendation, and various Campaign and Service medals. He is married to the former Leota Jane Janson of Nyack, New York. The Prindles have three daughters and two sons: Sharon, Cheryl, Debra, Brian, and Kevin.

Article
CDR STEPHEN F. LOFTUS, USN
36th Commanding Officer
Patrol Squadron Forty-Five


Commander Stephen F. Loftus, a native of Arlington, Massachusetts, entered the U. S. Navy in 1956 after receiving a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Massachusetts.

Following his commissioning from the Officers Candidate School in Newport, Rhode Island and subsequent flight training, he was assigned to Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron TWELVE in October 1957. Homeported at NAS Quonset Point, Rhode Island, he flew the AD-5 Skyraider from various east coast aircraft carriers.

Commander Loftus' next tour was with Patrol Squadron TWENTY-ONE in NAS Brunswick, Maine, flying P2V Neptunes. Following that tour, he remained in NAS Brunswick, Maine on the staff of Commander Fleet Air Wing THREE. From 1966 to 1968, Commander Loftus was the Executive Assistant and Aide to the Commander, Naval Air Systems Command in Washington, D. C.

In 1968, he reported to Heavy Attack Squadron TWENTY-ONE in NAF Cam Ranh Bay, Vietnam, where he flew as a Bombadier/Navigator in specially-configured TRIM aircraft on night attack raids against North Vietnam.

After receiving his Masters Degree in Financial Management from the U. S. Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California, com- mander Loftus reported to Patrol Squadron TWENTY-FOUR in NAS Patuxent River, Maryland where he flew the P-3C Orion aircraft. He detached in 1972, and returned to Naval Air Systems Command Headquarters in Washington, where he served as Deputy Project Manager for Fleet Interface in the S-3A Project Office.

In June, 1975, Commander Loftus reported aboard Patrol Squadron FORTY-FIVE as Executive Officer. Since assuming command in June, 1976, the squadron has participated in South American operations in conjunction with exercise UNITAS XVII, and has deployed to NAS Keflavik, Iceland.

Commander Loftus has been awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal (3 Strike/Flight Awards) , Navy Commendation Medal with Combat V and Gold Star in lieu of second award, Navy Achievement Medal, and various other campaign and service decorations.

Commander Loftus is married to the former Martha Jane Smith of Cambridge, Massachusetts. They reside in Orange Park, Florida, with their daughters Nancy and Susan.

Article
CDR CHARLES J. MCKINNEY, JR. USN
37th Commanding Officer
Patrol Squadron Forty-Five


Commander Charles J. McKinney, Jr. was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on 16 January 1936. He graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in June, 1958, and entered Naval Flight Training at Pensacola, Florida. He received his wings in 1960 at NAS Corpus Christi, Texas.

From September, 1960 to November, 1963, Commander McKinney served in Patrol Squadron FORTY-FIVE which was homeported at NAS Bermuda. Upon completion of his first squadron tour, he received orders to the Aviation Supply Office in Philadelphia where he was the Weapon System Project Manager for the Grumman A-6A and E-2A programs.

In 1967, he reported to Patrol Squadron FORTY-SEVEN at NAS Moffett Field, California. Upon completion of a two year tour, Commander McKinney received orders to Prince Edward Island, Canada under the Officer Exchange Program. He served with the RCAF Maritime Proving and Evaluation Unit as Exchange Pilot and Project Officer.

In 1972, he received orders to the Naval War College at Newport, Rhode Island. After graduation from the Naval War College and the George Washington Masters Program, Commander McKinney reported to NAF Lajes, Azores, Portugal in 1973. There he served as Deputy Commander Azores Sector ASW Group and Executive Officer of NAF Lajes, Azores, Portugal. He reported to Patrol Squadron FORTY-FIVE as Executive Officer in June, 1976.

Commander McKinney is married to the former Marie-Celine Moss of Geraldton, Western Australia. They reside in Orange Park, Florida with their two daughters, Lucinda and Rebecca, and their son, Anthony.

HISTORY OF PATROL SQUADRON FORTY-FIVE


Patrol Squadron FORTY-FIVE, homeported at NAS Jacksonville, Florida, was initially commissioned Patrol Squadron TWO ZERO FIVE on 1 November 1942 at NAS Norfolk, Virginia. The squadron was soon ordered to San Juan, Puerto Rico where it received a full complement of 13 PBM Mariners for its mission of anti-submarine patrol and convoy escort over Atlantic and Caribbean waters.

During 1944, VP-205 moved successively to NAAF/NAF Port of Spain, Trinidad, British West Indies, NAS Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, then back to NAS Norfolk, Virginia for refresher training at NAAS Harvey Point, North Carolina. The squadron was redesignated Patrol Bombing Squadron 205 and joined the Pacific Fleet at NAS Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, at the end of 1944. In 1945, VPB-205 carried out missions of ASW, surveillance patrols and search and rescue from Tanapag, Saipan; Chim Wan, Okinawa; and Wakayama, Japan. The squadron returned to NAS Norfolk, Virginia in October, 1945 for training and overhaul, and moved to NAS Bermuda in April, 1946. Its designation was changed to VP-5 in 1946, and then to its present designation as VP-45 on 1 September 1948. VP-45 subsequently had changes of homeport back to NAS Norfolk, Virginia to NAS Coco Solo, Panama, Canal Zone in 1951 when it transitioned to P5M Marlin seaplanes, and back to NAS Bermuda in 1956.

VP-45 took part in numerous Caribbean operations with seaplane tenders, was airborne on all "Mercury" space shots as part of the Bermuda Recovery Unit, and became part of ASW Task Group DiLTA in September, 1961. The early efforts of Task Group DELTA resulted in signficant developments in ASW tactics, sensors and related equipment.

VP-45 left Task Group DELTA at the end of 1962 to deploy to Guantanamo Bay for ASW and shipping surveillance in connection with the Cuban Missile Crisis.

In September, 1963, VP-45 established detachments at NAS Patuxent River, Maryland and NAS Jacksonville, Florida to commence transition to the P-3A Orion aircraft.

The squadron changed homeport to NAS Jacksonville, Florida on 1 January 1964 and became part of Fleet Air Wing ELEVEN. VP-45 was fully operational in the P-3A by May, 1964, and detached five aircraft to NAS Argentia, Newfoundland, Canada for deployment operations of ASW surveillance and ice reconnaissance until February, 1965. After a short period at home, the squadron deployed to NAS Adak, Alaska in July, 1965 to operate under the control of Commander Alaskan Sea Frontier, and returned to NAS Jacksonville, Florida in January, 1966. In July, 1966, VP-45 returned to NAS Bermuda with a six-plane detachment during which time it carried out ASW operations in the central Atlantic.

From January to June, 1967, the squadron continued to participate actively in support of Atlantic Fleet operations. It sent the first P-3A to the Joint Anti-Submarine School at Londonderry, Northern Ireland, sent a detachment to Panama, and operated a three-plane detachment at Acension Island. In June, VP-45 again deployed to NAS Bermuda with a three-plane detachment at NAS Argentia, Newfoundland, Canada, and returned to NAS Jacksonville, Florida in December, 1967.

In May, 1968, VP-45 responded when the first word was received concerning the tragic loss of the nuclear submarine SCORPION. The squadron flew extensive search and rescue missions from Bermuda and Lajes, Azores. In December, 1968, VP-45 departed NAS Jacksonville, Florida for a six-month deployment in support of U. S. combat operations in Southeast Asia. Under the consecutive operational control of CPW-10 and CPW-8, the squadron carried out operations from bases at NS Sangley Point, Philippines and U-Tapao, Thailand. The squadron's primary mission was coastal surveillance patrols in conjunction with operation "Market Time". All VP-45 crews were awarded at least two Air Medals in addition to the Vietnamese Service Medal and Vietnamese Campaign Medal.

Resuming normal operations in NAS Jacksonville, Florida in June, 1969, the squadron deployed four months later to NS Rota, Spain operating with a four-plane, six-crew detachment. The detachment augmented SIXTH Fleet ASW forces in the Mediterranean, participated in several exercises, and conducted numerous patrol operations. The squadron returned to NAS Jacksonville, Florida in July, 1970.

In October, 1970 the squadron deployed to NAS Sigonella, Sicily. During the four month deployment, VP-45 conducted ASW and surface surveillance operations for Commander, Antisubmarine Warfare Forces SIXTH Fleet. The squadron flew numerous operations during the Jordanian crisis, and logged over 3500 flight hours. The squadron was awarded the Meritorious Unit Commendation for its participation during the Jordanian situation. In December, 1971, the squadron conducted a four month split deployment between NS Rota, Spain and NAF Lajes, Azores, Portugal and operated detachments from Souda Bay, Crete; Sal, Cape Verde Islands; and NAS Sigonella, Sicily.

In April, 1972, VP-45 began transitioning to the P-3C Orion, a computerized, more sophisticated version of the P-3A. Transition was complete in October, 1972, and the squadron gained immediate operational experience with detachments to NAF Lajes, Azores, Portugal in December, 1972 and January, 1973. In October, 1973, the Pelicans completed a five month deployment to NAF Lajes, Azores, Portugal, and were the first P-3C squadron in the Mediterranean. VP-45 was later awarded the Arnold J. Isbell Trophy for excellence in anti-submarine warfare for the NAS Sigonella, Sicily deployment.

In July, 1974, VP-45 deployed to NAS Keflavik, Iceland and conducted flight operations in the North Atlantic. The squadron was relieved on 12 December 1974 and returned to NAS Jacksonville, Florida. The Pelicans deployed to NAS Sigonella, Sicily in August, 1975, and conducted ASW operations, surface surveillance, and participated in several NATO and SIXTH Fleet exercises. The squadron was awarded the first SIXTH Fleet "Hook 'Em" Award for ASW excellence in the Mediterranean, and logged nearly 6000 flight hours during the five month deployment.

Beginning in July, 1976, VP-45 participated in UNITAS XVII, an annual U. S./South American naval exercise which required the Pelicans to operate detachments from NS Roosevelt Roads, PR, NAF Natal, Brazil, Uruguay, NAS Argentia, Newfoundland, Canada, Chile, Peru, Colombia and Venezuela under the operational control of Commander, U. S. South Atlantic Force. In December, 1976, a month after termination of UNITAS XVII, VP-45 deployed again to NAS Keflavik, Iceland, conducting surface surveillance and ASW operations in the North Atlantic and Norwegian Sea. The squadron was relieved in May 1977 and returned to NAS Jacksonville, Florida to prepare for its upcoming deployment to NAS Sigonella, Sicily in early 1978.

Circa 1976

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation June 1976 "...Trophy - Page 36 - Naval Aviation News - June 1976..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1970s/1976/jun76.pdf [06OCT2004]

VP History Thumbnail

Circa 1974

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraVP-45 History "...CDR Ryan Set To Take 'Pelicans' Helm - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 32 - NO 11 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 30 MAY 1974..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [04JUL2011]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation January 1974 "...Squadron Insignia - Naval Aviation News - January 1974..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1970s/1974/jan74.pdf [30SEP2004]

VP History ThumbnailCamera

Circa 1973

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraVP-45 History "...VP-45 Change of Command Today - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 31 - NO 12 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 07 JUN 1973..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [03JUL2011]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraVP-45 History "...VP-45 Change of Command Today - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 31 - NO 11 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 01 JUN 1973..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [03JUL2011]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraVP-45 History "...'Pelicans' Praised For SAR Efforts - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 30 - NO 44 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 01 FEB 1973..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [03JUL2011]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraVP-45 History "...Pelicans Back At Jax Nest - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 30 - NO 43 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 25 JAN 1973..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [03JUL2011]


Circa 1972

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraVP-45 History "...Notargiacomo Becomes VP-45's New XO - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 30 - NO 16 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 07 JUL 1972..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [02JUL2011]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraVP-45 History "...Herring Commands VP-45 - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 30 - NO 13 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 15 JUN 1972..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [02JUL2011]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraVP-45 History "...Life Jacket Demonstration - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 30 - NO 05 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 20 APR 1972..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [30JUN2011]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraVP-45 History "...Pelicans Returning - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 30 - NO 04 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 13 APR 1972..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [30JUN2011]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation June 1972 "...On Patrol - Page 18 - Naval Aviation News - June 1972..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1970s/1972/jun72.pdf [27SEP2004]

VP History ThumbnailCamera

Circa 1971

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraVP-45 History "...Two Squadrons Leave (VP-45 and VP-56) - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 29 - NO 38 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 09 DEC 1971..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [24JUN2011]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraVP-45 History "...Squadron News - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 29 - NO 26 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 16 SEP 1971..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [22JUN2011]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraVP-45 History "...CDR McArdle Steps Up TO Take Command Of Red Darters - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 28 - NO 23 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 27 AUG 1971..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [21JUN2011]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraVP-45 History "...VP-45 Honored For Rescuing British Navy Fliers - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 29 - NO 16 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 08 JUL 1971..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [20JUN2011]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraVP-45 History "...CDR Herring Assumes New Post As VP-45 XO - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 29 - NO 15 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 01 JUL 1971..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [20JUN2011]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraVP-45 History "...VP-45 Changes Command - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 29 - NO 13 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 17 JUN 1971..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [19JUN2011]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraVP-45 History "...CDR Cook To Command VP-45 - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 29 - NO 11 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 03 JUN 1971..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [19JUN2011]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraVP-45 History "...VP-45 Wins Unit Commendation - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 29 - NO 09 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 20 MAY 1971..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [18JUN2011]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraVP-45 History "...VP-45 Returns From Sicily - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 28 - NO 48 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 04 MAR 1971..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [15JUN2011]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation August 1971 "...On Patrol - Page 34 - Naval Aviation News - August 1971..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1970s/1971/aug71.pdf [23SEP2004]

VP History ThumbnailCamera

Circa 1970 - 1972

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraVP-45 History "...CDR McArdle Steps Up To Take Command of Red Darters - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 28 - NO 23 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 27 AUG 1970..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [07JUN2011]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraVP-45 History "...Former VP-45 Skipper Awarded Vietnam Medal - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 27 - NO 45 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 12 FEB 1970..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [01JUN2011]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...VP-45 (Dec. 1970 to June 1972) - AW2 Stephen M. BURNS..." Contributed by BURNS, AW2 Stephen M. hoverdub@charter.net [27DEC2010]

History ThumbnailCameraBUNO: 151351 My crew Aircraft: P-3A Orion, BUNO: 151351 (LN-30). This aircraft has since been scrapped.

Crewmates:

LCDR Bill Brewer (PPC)
LT Bob Kidd (PPC)
LT Gary Cassell (PPC)
LT Dave Holland (PP2P)
ADJ1/ADJC Charlie Carter (Jez)
LT(jg) Dave Swift (TACCO)
ADJ1 Frank Milford (FE from Brattleboro, VT)
ENS/LT(jg) Kerry Cameron (TAC/NAV)
AO3 Lenny Neubauer (Ordanance)
AW2 Rich Bartl (Julie/ECM from Rochester, NY - designed the Crew 30 patch)
LT Ron Love (PPC/PP2P)
LT Ron Tilton (PPC/PP2P)
AW3 Steve Burns (Jez/Radar)
AE2 Tommy Crawford (Radio from Enid, Oklahoma)
LCDR Vince Olstad (PPC/Ops Officer)

Squadron Mates:

AW1 Larry Call,
ATN3 Troy D. Hammons (preceded Tommy Crawford as Radio on Crew 30)
AW3 Geoffrey H. Davis from Ambler, PA
AO3 M. (Martin) Bruce Berry from Macon, GA
AW3 Bob Wittich from Kirkwood, MO
AE3 Harry E. Vermillion

CDR Steve McAdrle (CO)
CDR C. F. Cook (XO later CO)

AWC Jerry Stewart, AW Shop Chief (my flight instructor)
AW2 N. Ken Black
"Monroe" (ran the Geedunk)
Lockheed Tech Rep at NAS Jacksonville, Florida was Harry Bladow

Aircraft I crewed SP2H (VP-63Z3 and VP-92), partial list (from my Log Book):

BUNO: 140443, 145915, 145919, 147966, 147967, 148343 and 148357.

Aircraft I crewed P-3A, P-3B (VP-45), partial list (from my Log Book):

BUNO: 150507, 150524, 150608, 150609, 151324, 151349, 151351, 151352, 151354, 151355, 151361, 151374, 151389, 151390, 151392, 151393, 151510 and 152182.

Note:

This is now the last ASW-equipped flying SP-2H (as of 2/2008). SEE: Last A.S.W. Equipped Flying P2V Neptune


Circa 1970

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...Squadron Awards..." Contributed by Mahlon K. Miller mkwsmiller@cox.net [23APR2001]

  • Navy Expeditionary Service Medal
    05 Aug 90 – 21 Feb 91

  • Armed Forces Service Medal
    31 May 96 – 30 Jun 96
    06 Aug 97 – 06 Feb 98

  • Humanitarian Service Medal
    03 May 80 – 04 May 80

  • Joint Meritorious Unit Award
    01 May 91 – 21 Jun 91

  • Meritorious Unit Commendation
    09 Sep 70 – 31 Oct 70
    01 Oct 82 – 01 Oct 83
    10 Feb 89 – 10 Aug 89
    01 Mar 91 – 30 Sep 92
    01 Dec 94 – 01 Jun 95

  • Navy "E" Ribbon (Battle "E")
    Jan 84 – 31 Dec 84

  • Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation (Gallantry)
    01 Jan 69 – 30 Apr 69

  • SECNAV Letter of Commendation
    12 Sep 84 – 12 Feb 85
    31 May 96 – 13 Sep 96

  • Coast Guard SOS Ribbon
    01 Apr 88 – 30 Jun 88
    01 Jan 89 – 31 Mar 89
    01 Jul 89 – 30 Sep 89

    VP-45 Participating Aircrew
  • Navy Expeditionary Service Medal
    15 Oct 80 – 31 Dec 80
    20 May 83

    Return
    "VP-45 History Summary Page"

    Selection Page

    VPNAVY Copyrighted © 1996 - 2023