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

HistoryVP-5 HistoryHistory

Circa 1959

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraVP-5 History "...VP-5 Playing Santa To 32 Youngsters - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 17 - NO 41 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 17 DEC 1959..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [09MAR2011]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraVP-5 History "...VP-5 Presented High Aviation Safety Honor - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 17 - NO 34 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 29 OCT 1959..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [09MAR2011]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraVP-5 History "...'Mad Foxes' Return Home From Busy Deployment In Sunny Caribbean Area - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 16 - NO 46 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 26 FEB 1959..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [07MAR2011]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraVP-5 History "...VP-5 Departs For Action In 'Springboard' - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 16 - NO 43 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 05 FEB 1959..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [07MAR2011]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation News November 1959 "...35 Win Safety Plaques - Page 2 - Naval Aviation News - November 1959..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1950s/1959/nov59.pdf [16AUG2004]

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HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...USS STRONG RECOVERS CAPSULE...OUR NAVY 15 Oct. 1959 Page 18..." [21FEB2002]

An Air Force C-54 picked up the capsule's radio becon signal shortly after it fell into the ocean, but lost it shortly afterwards. This was rectified when a Navy P2V from VP-5 at NS Roosevelt Roads, PR picked up the signals, homed on them, and spotted the capsule visually at early light, some three hours after the firing at Cape Canaveral. The P2V circled the capsule until the Strong arrived on the spot and recovered the space vehicle with special recovery gear which DesFlot 4 had been devleoping.

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...AIR SAFETY AWARDS...OUR NAVY 15 Oct. 1959 Page 16..." [21FEB2002]

Ten Atlantic Fleet Naval Air Force units have been named winners of the CNO Aviation Safety Award. Permanent CNO citations and bronze plaques were given in recognition of flying safety, economy, morale, and combat readiness. In NAS Norfolk, Virginia the winners were VS-27, FASRON-3, and HS-7 (First chopper squadron to win the award.) At NAS Jacksonville, Florida and NAS Cecil Field, Jacksonville, Florida are based the winners, VA-35, VA-106, VP-5. At Sanford is VAH-5; at NAS Bermuda is VP-49; and at Lakehurst is VW-1. VS-27, in addition to winning the Safety Award, made a clean sweep of the ASW field by taking the new Martin Isbell Trophy for ASW and winning her Battle "E."

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: VP-5 Crew ThumbnailCameraVP-5 Squadron June 1959 "...VP-5 Squadron June 1959..." Contributed by ADCS Willie Joe Wall, Jr., Retired jwallav@bellsouth.net [13JAN2001]


Circa 1958

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraVP-5 History "...Mad Foxes Set Record Arctic-Med Deployment - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 16 - NO 36 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 04 DEC 1958..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [06MAR2011]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraVP-5 History "...VP-5 'Mad Foxes' Win Battle Readiness Award - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 16 - NO 30 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 23 OCT 1958..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [06MAR2011]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraVP-5 History "...'Lose Any Bees Mac?' - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 16 - NO 06 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 08 MAY 1958..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [04MAR2011]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraVP-5 History "...VP-5 Heads For School In Ireland - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 15 - NO 44 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 20 FEB 1958..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [04MAR2011]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraVP-5 History "...Scouting Jax Area Squadrons - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 15 - NO 39 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 18 JAN 1958..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [03MAR2011]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation News December 1958 "...Rota Becomes Operational - Page 19 - Naval Aviation News - December 1958..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1950s/1958/dec58.pdf [14AUG2004]

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HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation News April 1958 "...Men Of VP-5 Get School - Page 36 - Naval Aviation News - April 1958..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1950s/1958/apr58.pdf [12AUG2004]

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Circa 1957

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraVP-5 History "...Scouting Jax Area Squadrons - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 15 - NO 36 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 12 DEC 1957..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [01MAR2011]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraVP-5 History "...Scouting Jax Area Squadrons - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 15 - NO 35 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 05 DEC 1957..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [01MAR2011]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraVP-5 History "...Scouting Jax Area Squadrons - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 15 - NO 29 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 24 OCT 1957..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [01MAR2011]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraVP-5 History "...CNO's Aviation Safety Award Given To VP-5 - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 15 - NO 29 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 24 OCT 1957..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [01MAR2011]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraVP-5 History "...VP-5 Test 'Wartime Efficiency' Via ORI - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 14 - NO 49 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 14 MAR 1957..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [26FEB2011]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraVP-5 History "...Scouting Jax Area Squadrons - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 14 - NO 48 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 07 MAR 1957..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [26FEB2011]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: VP-5 History ThumbnailCameraVP-5 Squadron "...Old Stein made in Germany. It has Iceland deployment April-September 1957..." WebSite: EBay http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQsassZpilotthebulldog [08OCT2007]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation News November 1957 "...VP-5 Honored In Iceland - Page 36 - Naval Aviation News - November 1957..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1950s/1957/nov57.pdf [11AUG2004]

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HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: VP-5 Crew ThumbnailCameraVP-5 Squadron "... NAF Port Lyautey, Morocco Detachment A Circa August 30, 1957...The photos belonged to a Bill Thomas a crew member on a Navy VP-5 his plane was LA-8..." Contributed by aduck@aol.com [22JAN2001]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: VP-5 Crew ThumbnailCameraVP-5 Squadron "... NAF Port Lyautey, Morocco Detachment A Circa August 30, 1957...The photos belonged to a Bill Thomas a crew member on a Navy VP-5 his plane was LA-8..." Contributed by aduck@aol.com [22JAN2001]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: VP-5 Pictures "... NAF Port Lyautey, Morocco Detachment A Circa August 30, 1957...The photos belonged to a Bill Thomas a crew member on a Navy VP-5 his plane was LA-8..." Contributed by aduck@aol.com [10JAN2001]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: VP-5 Pictures "... NAF Port Lyautey, Morocco Detachment A Circa August 30, 1957...The photos belonged to a Bill Thomas a crew member on a Navy VP-5 his plane was LA-8..." Contributed by aduck@aol.com [10JAN2001]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: VP-5 Pictures "... NAF Port Lyautey, Morocco Detachment A Circa August 30, 1957...The photos belonged to a Bill Thomas a crew member on a Navy VP-5 his plane was LA-8..." Contributed by aduck@aol.com [10JAN2001]


Circa 1956

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraVP-5 History "...During The Past Two Weeks - Potent Air Arm - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 14 - NO 31 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 25 OCT 1956..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [23FEB2011]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraVP-5 History "...VP-5 Returns From Lyautey Tour - VP-18 Departs As Replacement - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 14 - NO 12 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 14 JUN 1956..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [19FEB2011]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraVP-5 History "...ComFair Wing 11 Looks In On VP-5 At Lyautey - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 14 - NO 9 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 24 MAY 1956..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [18FEB2011]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...I proudly served in VP-5 from 1955 to 1957. I was very surprised at the HISTORY of VP-5 listing the deployments and omitting the 1955/1956 ten month deployment of the entire squadron to NAF Port Lyautey, Morocco. I was the radio operator and ECM operator on MC-9 for that entire period..." Contributed by Michael Merims thebulldog@mindspring.com [25MAR2007]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation News October 1956 "...Ice Floes Ahead! - Page 1 to 5 - Naval Aviation News - October 1956..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1950s/1956/oct56.pdf [09AUG2004]

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Circa 1955

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraVP-5 History "...VP-5 Ends Test Phase - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 13 - NO 33 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 10 NOV 1955..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [11FEB2011]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraSquadron History "...Scouting Jacksonville Area Squadrons (Mentioned: FASRON-6, FASRON-109, FAW-11, VC-62, VP-5 and VW-4) - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 13 - NO 30 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 20 OCT 1955..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [10FEB2011]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraSquadron History "...Scouting Jacksonville Area Squadrons (Mentioned: FASRON-109, FAETU, FAW-11 and VP-5) - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 13 - NO 28 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 06 OCT 1955..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [10FEB2011]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraVP-5 History "...Safety 'E' Award To PatRon 5 - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 13 - NO 28 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 06 OCT 1955..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [10FEB2011]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraSquadron History "...FAW-11 Sets 10-Day ASW Exercise (Mentioned: FAW-11, VP-5, VP-34 and VP-45) - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 13 - NO 26 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 22 SEP 1955..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [09FEB2011]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraSquadron History "...Scouting Jacksonville Area Squadrons (Mentioned: FAW-11, VP-5, VC-62 and VW-4) - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 13 - NO 26 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 22 SEP 1955..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [09FEB2011]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraVP-5 History "...O&R Quick To Answer VP-5 SOS - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 13 - NO 26 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 22 SEP 1955..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [09FEB2011]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraSquadron History "...Scouting Jacksonville Area Squadrons (Mentioned: FASRON-109, VC-62, VP-5 and VW-4) - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 13 - NO 20 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 11 AUG 1955..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [08FEB2011]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraSquadron History "...Scouting Jacksonville Area Squadrons (Mentioned: FASRON-109, VC-62, VP-3, VP-5 and VW-4) - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 13 - NO 19 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 04 AUG 1955..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [08FEB2011]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraVP-5 History "..."Squires' Squinter" Makes Flight Training Easier - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 13 - NO 03 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 14 APR 1955..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [06FEB2011]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraVP-5 History "..."Mad Foxes" Bring Back Tales Of Icy Cruise" - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 12 - NO 48 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 10 MAR 1955..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [05FEB2011]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraVP-5 History "...Five Patrol Squadrons In A-S Exercise - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 12 - NO 46 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 24 FEB 1955..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [04FEB2011]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraVP-5 History "...Men At Newfoundland Keep In Touch With Jax Via Ham Radio - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 12 - NO 42 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 27 JAN 1955..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [03FEB2011]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraVP-5 History "...VP-5 Battles Cold, Snow In Argentia - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 12 - NO 42 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 27 JAN 1955..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [03FEB2011]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...I proudly served in VP-5 from 1955 to 1957. I was very surprised at the HISTORY of VP-5 listing the deployments and omitting the 1955/1956 ten month deployment of the entire squadron to NAF Port Lyautey, Morocco. I was the radio operator and ECM operator on MC-9 for that entire period..." Contributed by Michael Merims thebulldog@mindspring.com [25MAR2007]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation News November 1955 "...Safety Award Winners - Naval Aviation News - November 1955..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1950s/1955/nov55.pdf [06AUG2004]

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HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation News January 1955 "...VP-5 Members In Icy Swim - Page 24 - Naval Aviation News - January 1955..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1950s/1955/jan55.pdf [03AUG2004]

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Circa 1954

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraVP-5 History "...VP-18 Concludes Argentia Stay - VP-5 Departs As Replacement - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 12 - NO 27 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 30 SEP 1954..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [31JAN2011]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraVP-5 History "...VP-5 Crew Returns Thinner But Wiser - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 12 - NO 26 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 23 SEP 1954..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [31JAN2011]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraVP-5 History "...PPCs And Crews Of VP-5 Put Through Grind By ORI Teams - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 12 - NO 22 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 26 AUG 1954..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [30JAN2011]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraVP-5 History "...Jax Boasts Own "Hunter College" At VP-5 - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 12 - NO 20 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 12 AUG 1954..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [30JAN2011]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraVP-5 History "...Reserve Units Arrive For Training Stint - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 12 - NO 19 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 05 AUG 1954..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [30JAN2011]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraVP-5 History "...Back From Nassau - JAX AIR NEW - VOL 12 - NO 11 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 10 JUN 1954..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [28JUN2011]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraVP-5 History "...Blimp, Bomber Fly 700-Mile Mercy Mission - JAX AIR NEW - VOL 12 - NO 10 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 04 JUN 1954..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [28JUN2011]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraVP-5 History "...VP-3 and VP-5 "Roughing It" At Windsor Field - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 12 - NO 8 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 20 MAY 1954..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [27JAN2011]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraVP-5 History "...VP-5 Concludes Test In Defensive Offensive Warfare - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 12 - NO 05 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 29 APR 1954..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [26JAN2011]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraVP-5 History "...CDR Matton New Skipper Of VP-5 - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 12 - NO 04 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 22 APR 1954..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [26JAN2011]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraVP-5 History "...Scouting Jacksonville Area Squadrons - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 12 - NO 01 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 1 APR 1954..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [26JAN2011]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraVP-5 History "...Patrol Units Wind Up Exercise - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 12 - NO 01 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 1 APR 1954..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [26JAN2011]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraVP-5 History "...Patrol Squadrons Convene Here For Anti-Sub Exercise - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 11 - NO 50 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 25 MAR 1954..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [25JAN2011]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraVP-5 History "...Presentation Of Awards Features VP-5 Inspection - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 11 - NO 48 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 11 MAR 1954..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [25JAN2011]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation News November 1954 "...VP-5 Has 'Hunter College' - Page 24 - Naval Aviation News - November 1954..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1950s/1954/nov54.pdf [02AUG2004]

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Circa 1953

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraVP-5 History "...VP-5 Home From Tour In Iceland - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 11 - NO 36 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 17 DEC 1953..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [24JAN2011]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraVP-5 History "...Designed By VP-5 Member - Special Blackout Hood Enhaces Safety During Searchlight Use - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 11 - NO 30 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 5 NOV 1953..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [24JAN2011]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraVP-5 History "...Scouting Jacksonville Area Squadrons - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 11 - NO 26 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 08 OCT 1953..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [23JAN2011]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraVP-5 History "...Scouting Jacksonville Area Squadrons - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 11 - NO 6 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 14 MAY 1953..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [17JAN2011]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraVP-5 History "...VP-5 Pair Cited As Plane Commanders - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 11 - NO 6 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 14 MAY 1953..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [17JAN2011]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraVP-5 History "...CDR Barbee Relieves Houghton At VP-5 - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 11 - NO 5 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 07 MAY 1953..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [17JAN2011]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraVP-5 History "...Hail Crew "Zero" - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 11 - NO 4 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 30 APR 1953..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [16JAN2011]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraVP-5 History "...Sixteen Days Of Surprisingly Enjoyable Temporary Duty - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 11 - NO 4 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 30 APR 1953..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [16JAN2011]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraVP-5 History "...VP-5 Pilot To Great Britain In Exhange - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 11 - NO 3 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 23 APR 1953..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [16JAN2011]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraVP-5 History "...Seven-Man Crew To Ferry Bomber To Great Britain - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 11 - NO 2 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 16 APR 1953..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [16JAN2011]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraVP-5 History "..."Loading 'Em On The Firld' Saves Precious Time" at VP-5 - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 11 - NO 1 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 09 APR 1953..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [16JAN2011]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraVP-5 History "...Navy-Air Force Pilot Exchange Noted At VP-5 - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 10 - NO 50 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 02 APR 1953..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [16JAN2011]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraVP-5 History "...Add Mercy Flights - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 10 - NO 50 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 02 APR 1953..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [16JAN2011]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraVP-5 History "...Nine Combat Aircrewmen - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 10 - NO 48 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 19 MAY 1953..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [15JAN2011]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraVP-5 History "...Air Force Pilot At VP-5 Receives Patrol Plane Commander Status - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 10 - NO 47 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 12 MAY 1953..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [15JAN2011]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraVP-5 History "...Five Wins Ever - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 10 - NO 46 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 05 MAY 1953..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [15JAN2011]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraVP-5 History "...Second DFC Goes To VP-5 Chief - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 10 - NO 46 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 05 MAY 1953..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [15JAN2011]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraVP-5 History "...Operation Re-readjustment For VP-5 Back From Malta - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 10 - NO 40 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 22 JAN 1953..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [13JAN2011]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraVP-5 History "...Scouting Jacksonville Area Squadrons - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 10 - NO 40 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 22 JAN 1953..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [13JAN2011]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraVP-5 History "...VP-5 Back From Malta - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 10 - NO 39 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 15 JAN 1953..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [13JAN2011]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation News November 1953 "...VP-5 Honors Desk Cadets - Page 23 - Naval Aviation News - November 1953..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1950s/1953/nov53.pdf [31JUL2004]

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HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation News March 1953 "...Pope Greets Visiting VP-5 Men - Page 26 - Naval Aviation News - March 1953..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1950s/1953/mar53.pdf [29JUL2004]

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Circa 1952

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraVP-5 History "...Argentia Scene - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 8 - NO 31 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 12 OCT 1952..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [11JAN2011]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraVP-5 History "...ATC Alexander Is Awarded 6 Air Medals and 2 Distinguished Flying Crosses - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 10 - NO 18 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 07 AUG 1952..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [09JAN2011]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraVP-5 History "...VP-5 Gets Battle "E" - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 10 - NO 18 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 07 AUG 1952..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [09JAN2011]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraVP-5 History "...VP-5 Gains Second Batttle Efficiency "E" - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 10 - NO 17 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 31 JUL 1952..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [08JAN2011]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraVP-5 History "...Scouting Jacksonville Area Squadrons - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 10 - NO 15 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 10 JUL 1952..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [08JAN2011]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraVP-5 History "...VP-5 Officers Promoted - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 10 - NO 11 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 12 JUN 1952..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [07JAN2011]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraVP-5 History "...Scouting Jacksonville Area Squadrons - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 10 - NO 11 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 12 JUN 1952..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [07JAN2011]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraVP-5 History "...Scouting Jacksonville Area Squadrons - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 10 - NO 10 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 05 JUN 1952..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [07JAN2011]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraVP-5 History "...Scouting Jacksonville Area Squadrons - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 10 - NO 8 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 22 May 1952..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [06JAN2011]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraVP-5 History "...Scouting Jacksonville Area Squadrons (VP-3 and VP-5) - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 10 - NO 5 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 1 May 1952..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [06JAN2011]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraVP-5 History "...VP-5 Shatters Navy Flight Record With 1551.0 Hours - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 10 - NO 2 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 10 APR 1952..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [05JAN2011]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraVP-5 History "...Scouting Jacksonville Area Squadrons (FASRON-109, VP-3 and VP-5) - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 9 - NO 43 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 07 FEB 1952..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [03JAN2011]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...FAETULAN, FAW-3, FAW-5, FAW-11, VP-3, VP-5, VP-7, VP-8, VP-10, VP-11, VP-21, VP-23, VP-24, VP-26, VP-34, VP-44, VP-45, VP-49, VP-661, VP-741 and VP-861) - Naval Aeronautical Organization OPNAV NOTICE 05400 for Fiscal Year 1953 dated 1 October 1952 is: DECLASSIFIED per Office of Chief of Naval Operations on 1 February 1965 by Op-501..." WebSite: Naval Historical Center http://www.history.navy.mil/a-record/nao53-68/fy1953-oct52.pdf [14MAR2007]

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HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...FASRON-102, FASRON-103, FASRON-104, FASRON-795, VP-3, VP-5, VP-21, VP-24, VP-44, VP-49, VP-661, VP-861, ZP-1, ZP-2, ZP-3, ZP-4 and ZX-11) - Naval Aeronautical Organization OPNAV NOTICE 05400 for Fiscal Year 1953 dated 1 October 1952 is: DECLASSIFIED per Office of Chief of Naval Operations on 1 February 1965 by Op-501..." WebSite: Naval Historical Center http://www.history.navy.mil/a-record/nao53-68/fy1953-oct52.pdf [14MAR2007]

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HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation News October 1952 "...Two Squadrons Win Honors - Page 28 - Naval Aviation News - October 1952..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1950s/1952/oct52.pdf [27JUL2004]

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HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation News July 1952 "...VP-5 Shatters Own Record - Page 15 - Naval Aviation News - July 1952..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1950s/1952/jul52.pdf [26JUL2004]

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HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation News March 1952 "...Canadians Navy In Micowex - Page 24 - Naval Aviation News - March 1952..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1950s/1952/mar52.pdf [25JUL2004]

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HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...Memories..." Contributed by DaSILVA, Anibal José ww2ferreter@att.net [31MAY2003]

In 1952 MC-1 landed in Boscombe Down, England. While there we were treated royally by British military. That RAF base was not enclosed as are our bases. Our crew wore dungarees and leather jackets; so, when we strolled through the local English village towards town. we did not look very American. In town we homed in at and drank in their pubs; too much, I must say. Even so. the Brits were very friendly, so much so that they tolerated our excesses. We were told by British airmen that local villagers thought we were Russian airmen when we walked through their village!

Then, to my surprise, we were invited to visit their top secret hangar in which technicians wore white smocks. They proudly showed us their delta-winged aircraft: the Vulcan. Yes, the very same and only such craft to fly during the Malvinas conflict! Of course, it was a dinosaur even before that conflict.

Soon after, our plane was loaded with two huge torpedoes. They took up all of the bomb bay. But, just before we took off, some of the ground crew asked if they could come along. We asked the skipper and he agreed to let them board.

Over Portsmouth Bay. around ten thousand feet, we dropped one torpedo. The pilot asked the aft crew how close it fell to the observing waiting ship. We didn't know and told him so. There was no way we could possibly see were the torpedo hit the water unless we looked down through the deck hatch. So, before the next torpedo was dropped, I asked our passengers to straddled my feet and open the hatch as I stretched an arm across the opening for support with the other holding a mike. When the second torpedo landed I reported how close it was to the ship. Then, very promptly, I got up and had the hatch closed. End of a hairy tale.


Circa 1951

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation News December 1951 "...Winning Squadrons Selected - Page 31 - Naval Aviation News - December 1951..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1950s/1951/dec51.pdf [25JUL2004]

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HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation News July 1951 "...10,000 Miles In Only 10 Days - Page 13 - Naval Aviation News - July 1951..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1950s/1951/jul51.pdf [24JUL2004]

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HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...Memories..." Contributed by DaSILVA, Anibal José ww2ferreter@att.net [26MAY2003]

During my tour it was awarded the Navy "E" for 1951 and 1952; not coincidental, if I do say so:

One radar sweep from a disabled British submarine's radar off Halifax was enough for me to inform the pilot and home in on it. When we arrived our radioman had to use a blinker because their electronics had died. Their blinker indicated that they were OK and proceeding on the surface to Halifax, thank you.

Before going on maneuvers out of Argentia, I checked our ECM equipment, Loran and radar and detected a problem with the radar. I traced the cause to a hole in the radar's waveguide. Since supply didn't have a replacement in stock, I shaped molten solder to just fit the hole and we shortly took off. As I listened and looked at my ECM screens, I did not detect anything from the fleet: They were running silent. So I fired up the radar to warm it up and when I thought that we should be within range of the fleet, I applied high voltage, took one sweep and shut the radar down. That sweep was enough for a good bearing, which I conveyed to the pilot. We came in below the deck of an aircraft carrier and as we rose to deck level it was flood lighted. We flew the entire flight deck before heading for base. When we landed I immediately checked the waveguide and, as expected, found it melted. We had to wait to return to Jacksonville before I could replace the waveguide.

My plane was 1 (MC-1). Our pilot was VP-5's Skipper and the Plane Captain was Chief Curtis(s) B. Grant. Memorial Day is a good time to honor the crew of MC-9. During night maneuvers off Rhode Island, we dropped a million candle-power flare. MC-9 came in behind us to drop theirs but all we saw was an erratic light and then nothing. It took a couple of weeks before anything turned up. It was a charred plywood back of a crew seat.

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: VP History ThumbnailCamera "...The guns are loaded on a P2V-2 belonging to Patrol Squadron FIVE, July 23, 1951..." http://www.nasjax.navy.mil/command%20information/aircraft_1950s_photo_gallery.htm [24NOV2001]


Circa 1950

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...Memories..." Contributed by DaSILVA, Anibal José ww2ferreter@att.net [30MAY2003]

In the early 1950s, we were in San , Puerto Rico. VP-5 spent a couple of weeks looking for a reported Soviet sub but found nothing. We heard later that a navy blimp reported it to be a floating reef!

Since we had spent so much time in the air, the skipper decided to keep flying. We heard that we broke the East and West Coast record for the squadron with the most flying time that month.

When we were taking off from San Juan to relieve a Neptune on station some 500 miles away, radioman Downey radioed ahead that we were taking off. As we went up towards and above San Juan, one engine lost power but we kept on rising. But when the other engine lost power we made a steep left turn to land downwind.

It was dark by then but there were plenty of cars beyond the fence just waiting to see us crash.

We got out of the plane and boarded a jeep that met us and took us to another plane. We took off without a warmup.

As we rose Downey sent the same message again. When we returned to base, the pilot took a sample from the sump of the first plane and showed it to the crew. The gasoline looked clear, so it may not have been sabotage by Puerto Rican nationalists during Truman's administration after all.

Later Radioman Carr of the Neptune on station of MC-8 (I believe), asked me why Downey sent the same message twice. I told him it was because we took off twice.

Going back to the British submarine that was riding the surface towards Halifax, our temporary radioman that day was a chief. He was our temporary radioman one night when we were called to help rescue people in the sea off the East Coast of the United States. He bailed out with an raft that night. Former Astronaut and Ohio Senator John Glenn reminded me of him because fellow astronauts referred to him as "the boy scout" because he did not participate in their wild shenanigans.

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...Memories..." Contributed by DaSILVA, Anibal José ww2ferreter@att.net [29MAY2003]

One day during the early '50s, MC-1 of VP-5 went up the Black Sea until we picked up a message from Turkey warning us that Soviet jets had scrambled. We high-tailed it out at sea-level and landed in Micosia, Cyprus. We were not permitted to leave the airport because of the Turk-Cypriot problem. While waiting to return to Malta, a British jet passed us as it was taking off and went beyond the rise in the runway (British runways are high in the middle) and rose into the sky. Another jet passed and disappeared over that rise but then we saw a flash and smoke and heard an explosion. That's all I know.


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