 VP-741 History
Circa 1959
A BIT OF HISTORY:  "...35 Win Safety Plaques - Page 2 - Naval Aviation News - November 1959..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1950s/1959/nov59.pdf [16AUG2004]
Circa 1958-1959
A BIT OF HISTORY:   VP-741 History "...NAS Atlanta, Georgia - Reserve crew briefing before training mission est. 1958/1959. CDR Richardson was AC and I am bending over center of picture..." Contributed by HARDIN, CMC Ken Retired ken@themansshop.com [24FEB2012]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  VP-741 History "...NAS Atlanta, Georgia - Awarding Aircrew Wings I am center Shipmate...." Contributed by HARDIN, CMC Ken Retired ken@themansshop.com [24FEB2012]
Circa 1958
A BIT OF HISTORY:  VP-741 History "...Reserve Units Finish Training - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 16 - NO 24 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 11 SEP 1958..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [06MAR2011]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  VP-741 History "...VP-741 Train Here - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 16 - NO 23 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 04 SEP 1958..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [06MAR2011]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  VP-741 History "...NARTU Jax Patrol Units To Receive New P2V-5 Craft - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 15 - NO 38 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 09 JAN 1958..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [03MAR2011]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  "...VP-741 Holds Mine Exercise - Page 29 - Naval Aviation News - March 1958..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1950s/1958/mar58.pdf [12AUG2004]
Circa 1957
A BIT OF HISTORY:  "...LCDR J. C. Fulton - Page 24 - Naval Aviation News - September 1957..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1950s/1957/sep57.pdf [11AUG2004]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  "...VP-741 Is Given Trophy - Page 34 - Naval Aviation News - January 1957..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1950s/1957/jan57.pdf [10AUG2004]
Circa 1956
A BIT OF HISTORY:  VP-741 History "...NARTU's VP-741 Best Of Reserves - Potent Air Arm - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 14 - NO 28 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 04 OCT 1956..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [23FEB2011]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  VP-741 History "...'Weekend Warriors' Vital Segment of Navy's Ready - Potent Air Arm - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 14 - NO 16 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 12 JULY 1956..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [20FEB2011]
Circa 1955
A BIT OF HISTORY:  "...VP-741 Film Is Completed - Page 24 - Naval Aviation News - July 1955..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1950s/1955/jul55.pdf [04AUG2004]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  "...Big Doings At NARTU Jax Inspection - Page 26 - Naval Aviation News - April 1955..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1950s/1955/apr55.pdf [03AUG2004]
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...VP-16 NAF Port Lyautey, Morocco Cruisebook July - December 1955..." Contributed by Ray Jobes RAYJOBES@AOL.COM [28FEB2000] [28FEB2000]
 "...In your history of VP-16 showing the early days and the planes that we had you state that in our " Week End Warrior " days we had PBY-5A 'S which is true. We had two of them, but we also had six PV-2 "Harpoons". Both planes of WWII ventage. I joined VP-741 in May of 1948 as a seaman recruit. Was called to active duty in March 1951 with VP-741. VP-741 became VP-16 on Feb. 4, 1953. I was mustered out with a complete discharge as AOF-2 on Feb. 27, 1953..." Contributed by DUNGAN, AOF2 John JOHNDUNGAN3@aol.com [26JAN2002] 
The history of Patrol Squadron Sixteen has its beginning in May of 1946. At that time a group of patriotic and Navy-minded reserve personnel were organized to form a squadron in the Naval Air Reserve Training Command. This squadron was designated VP-ML-56 and utilized six PBY's one week-end each month at Cecil Field, thereby retaining the know how tha+ these individuals had acquired during the recent great struggle. World War II. In this day of high horsepower reciprocating engines, high thrust jet engines and complicated electronics equipment, it may appear ludicrous that any semblance of combat efficiency could be maintained in such antiquated aircraft. That such was not the case is exemplified by the winning of the Noel Davis Trophy by VP-ML-56 in 1948. This trophy is awarded annually to the outstanding squadron of each type in* the Naval Air Reserve Training Command and by winning it the antecedents of Patrol Squadron Sixteen proved again that individual spirit, a desire for excellence, and good teamwork applied to proven procedures can indeed maintain a high readiness in spite of many handicaps.
A static condition has never been typical of this squadron. Shortly after winning the Noel Davis Trophy the organization of the Naval Air Reserve Training Command was .modernized and the squadron was redesignated Patrol Squadron Seven Hundred and Forty-One and it remained in the reserve status from 1949 until 1951 when the entire squadron was recalled to active duty as a result of the expansion incident to the Korean conflict. The personnel complement was increased, P2V-2 aircraft were assigned and an intensive training program was pursued to ready the squadron for the first deployment to Malta in March of 1952.
The United States had embarked upon a courageous policy of containing Communism within its current boundaries by the utilization of armed forces in many foreign lands assuring freedom loving countries that their freedoms would be protected. VP-741 fulfilled a portion of the U. S. Navy commitment in the Mediterranean in this regard and tasted the first international flavor in its operations during this deployment to Malta. Following the return of the squadron to NAS Jacksonville, Commander J. W. Hardy relieved Commander C. W. Rogers of command of VP-741 and although many of the personnel returned to inactive duty, there were many of the original members of VP-ML-56 in the ranks on 16 February, 1953, when VP-741 was commissioned a squadron of the Regular Navy and redesignated Patrol Squadron Sixteen.
More regular navy personnel were integrated into the squadron and intensified training activities culminated in a deployment to NAF Port Lyautey, Morocco. VP-16 again augmented the forces protecting Freedom's boundaries and the officers and men worked with armed forces of other nations to achieve this common goal. At the completion of this cruise the squadron again returned to Jacksonville, where, in February of 1954, Commander Paul J. Bruneau assumed command.
Following intensive preparation, VP-16 was deployed to Iceland in May of 1954 and operated under the direct control of Commander Iceland Defense Force, a U. S. Air Force Command. That aircraft operations from this bleak and cold isle posed new maintenance and operating problems needs no mention. By aggressiveness and the application of good old American ingenuity all problems met were conquered and VP-16 added its name and ability to those of other squadrons who had patrolled and protected those northern boundaries.
At the conclusion of the deployment to Iceland, NAS Jacksonville again found that VP-16 was one of its tenant activities; however, there was a new look to the squadron. New P2V-5 aircraft had been received and under the capable leadership of Commander Bruneau, operating doctrines and techniques were established and perfected; those techniques proving entirely adequatein subsequent operations. Incorporated in the P2V-5 was the most modern of airborne ASW equipment which required new concepts of operations, schooling at various locations, and improved maintenance procedures.
Patrol Squadron Sixteen paused in these activities long enough to observe change of Command ceremonies in late March of 1955. Commander Paul S. Bazler relieved Commander Bruneau, and it was with heavy hearts that his many friends said, "Bon Voyage" to Commander Bruneau who look up his new post with the Military Assistance and Aid Group, England.
In July of 1955, Patrol Squadron Sixteen again said goodbye to wives and sweethearts and left the U. S. for another deployment to NAF Port Lyautey, Morocco. This deployment was marked by an intensive pilot training program in order to qualify many new pilots in type, by repeated ASW exercises with national, foreign, and NATO forces, and by familiarization flights to the capitals of the free countries of Europe and the Middle East. The techniques developed and practiced in Jacksonville were put to the test many times under strange operating conditions and under the critical eye of foreign observers and were not found wanting in any respect.
On 10 December, 1955, Patrol Squadron Sixteen again took up residence at NAS Jacksonville. The squadron returned in a group, flew over the Air Station in parade formation and taxied to the line flying the traditional pennants denoting a Navy Homecoming. Wives and friends were thrilled to see the squadron return in this manner, but the thrill of the day was experienced by the members of VP-16 who were reunited with their loved ones.
The subject of this book is the last deployment to NAF Port Lyautey, Morocco. That the squadron performed well is a matter of record; the following message from Admiral E. C. Ewen, the Commander, Fleet Air Eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean is quoted: "During Mod Deployment Patron 16 has displayed excellent teamwork, cooperation, and initiative. Well done." Things not a matter of record were also gained during this deployment. New friendships were formed which will last a lifetime, men achieved new horizons due to their effort and thinking, greater understanding of foreign nations and compassion for those less fortunate were found, but most important, a pride in accomplishment has been experienced. A pride that within each person knows no limits, that men will not speak of but will feel deeply, that others not in VP-16 will know exists by the actions and performance of this squadron in the future.
Circa 1954
A BIT OF HISTORY:  VP-741 History "...Reserve Cruise Panorama - 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]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  VP-741 History "...Back From World Cruise - 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]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  VP-741 History "...Family Farewell - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 12 - NO 18 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 29 JUL 1954..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [29JAN2011]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  VP-741 History "...Reservists Of Jax Unit Leave Saturday For 2-Week Overseas Training Flight - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 12 - NO 17 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 22 JUL 1954..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [29JAN2011]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  "...Reserves Make European Training Cruise - Page 16 to 17 - Naval Aviation News - October 1954..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1950s/1954/oct54.pdf [02AUG2004]
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...My father (James V. Rutledge) was in various Patrol Squadrons during his career in the Navy. I personally own a copy of an official U.S. Navy film (that I converted to VHS format) about the squadrons 1954 two week cruise to the Med. It is titled, "Malta Revisited". It was released through the U.S. Navy Photographic Center. #MN8164 in 1955. During this cruise they flew 16,000 miles, visiting 11 countries and 4 continents..." Contributed by John D. Rutledge usrutledge@gmail.com WebSite: Facebook https://www.facebook.com/VP741 [04JUL98]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  VP-741 History "...Left to Right: James Vernon Rutledge, Unidentified, Unidentified,??? Pic, Unidentified, Richard L. Oreair, ???? Binns, Unidentified, Dave Middleton. - Official Photograph, U.S. Navy - Year: 1958-1960 - Bureau #: 128404 — with James Rutledge, Richard L. Oreair and Dave Middleton...." Contributed by John D. Rutledge usrutledge@gmail.com WebSite: Facebook https://www.facebook.com/VP741 [30JUL2013]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  VP-741 History "...No Description..." Contributed by John D. Rutledge usrutledge@gmail.com WebSite: Facebook https://www.facebook.com/VP741 [30JUL2013]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  VP-741 History "...No Description..." Contributed by John D. Rutledge usrutledge@gmail.com WebSite: Facebook https://www.facebook.com/VP741 [30JUL2013]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  VP-741 History "...No Description..." Contributed by John D. Rutledge usrutledge@gmail.com WebSite: Facebook https://www.facebook.com/VP741 [30JUL2013]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  VP-741 History "...No Description..." Contributed by John D. Rutledge usrutledge@gmail.com WebSite: Facebook https://www.facebook.com/VP741 [30JUL2013]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  VP-741 History "...No Description..." Contributed by John D. Rutledge usrutledge@gmail.com WebSite: Facebook https://www.facebook.com/VP741 [30JUL2013]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  VP-741 History "...No Description..." Contributed by John D. Rutledge usrutledge@gmail.com WebSite: Facebook https://www.facebook.com/VP741 [30JUL2013]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  VP-741 Crew "...Stephensville, Newfoundland 1954..." Contributed by John D. Rutledge usrutledge@gmail.com WebSite: Facebook https://www.facebook.com/VP741 [04JUL98]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  VP-741 Crew "...Istanbul, Turkey 1954..." Contributed by John D. Rutledge usrutledge@gmail.com WebSite: Facebook https://www.facebook.com/VP741 [04JUL98]
Circa 1953
A BIT OF HISTORY:  VP-741 History "...Jacksonville's Own VP-741 Redesignated as VP-16 - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 10 - NO 44 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 19 FEB 1953..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [14JAN2011]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  VP-741 History "...RCAF Pilot On Exchange Duty With Navy Flying With VP-741 - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 10 - NO 38 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 08 JAN 1953..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [13JAN2011]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  "...You Take It From Here - Page 27 - Naval Aviation News - February 1953..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1950s/1953/feb53.pdf [29JUL2004]
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...VP-741 Gets Ready For Civvies - Page 26 - Naval Aviation News - February 1953..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1950s/1953/feb53.pdf [29JUL2004]
A BIT OF HISTORY: UNIT: VP-16 PREVIOUS DES: VP-741 NAME: Eagles TAIL CODE: HH/LF ACTIVATED: 2-4-53 DEACTIVATED: TYPICAL LOCATION(S): NAS Jacksonville, Florida.
 "Title: Lockheed P2V Neptune An Illustrated History by Wayne Mutza wmutza@wi.rr.com...A Schiffer Military History Book...ISBN: 0-7643-0151-9...286 pages full of pictures and history!
Circa 1952
A BIT OF HISTORY:  VP-741 History "...Action Excitement For VP-741 In Med - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 10 - NO 21 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 28 AUG 1952..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [09JAN2011]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  VP-741 History "...Jacksonville's Own VP-741 Returns After Five-Month Stay on Malta - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 10 - NO 20 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 21 AUG 1952..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [09JAN2011]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  VP-741 History "...Getting Oriented - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 8 - NO 32 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 19 OCT 1952..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [11JAN2011]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  VP-741 History "...Scouting Jacksonville Area Squadrons - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 10 - NO 16 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 17 JUL 1952..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [08JAN2011]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  VP-741 History "...Week-End Wing Talk - 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]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  VP-741 History "...Scouting Jacksonville Area Squadrons (FASRON-9, FASRON-109, VP-3 and VP-741) - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 9 - NO 45 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 21 FEB 1952..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [03JAN2011]
A 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]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  "...VP-741 Trains In Mediterranean - Page 25 - Naval Aviation News - November 1952..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1950s/1952/nov52.pdf [28JUL2004]
Circa 1951
A BIT OF HISTORY:  VP-741 History "...Two Organized Reserve Squadrons Ordered Into Active Military Duty - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 8 - NO 42 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 11 January 1951..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [03JAN2011]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  VP-741 History "...My father retired form the Navy in 1972 after 30 year as a Naval Aviator. After serving in WW II he stayed as a reserve office living in Jacksonville where he worked as a air traffic controller and member of VP-741. When VP-741 was activated for Korea, he went regular. My father is seated on the left (not behind the desk)..." Contributed by RAGSDALE, Homer C. c/o His Son Randy Ragsdale rwragsdale@gmail.com [03APR2004]
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...The following is a list of some Reserve Squadrons ordered to active duty as of August 13, 1951. The information is in the following order: Station, Squadron, Date Activated, Assignment..." Contributed by Bill Larkins wtl@earthlink.net via KOONTS, AT2 Billy billkoonts@aol.com [11AUG2002]
NAS Minneapolis VP-812 (7-20-50) to FAW-4
NAS Seattle, Washington FASRON-895 (7-20-50) to FAW-4
NAS Seattle, Washington VP-892 (7-20-50) to FAW-4
NAS Willow Grove, Pennsylvania VP-931 (9-1-50) to FAW-4
NAS Los Alamitos, California VP-772 (9-1-50) to FAW-4
NAS Columbus FASRON-691 (9-1-50) to FASRON-691
NAS Norfolk, Virginia VP-861 (9-15-50) to FAW-11
NAS Squantum, Massachusetts FASRON-915 (9-15-50) to FAW-11
NAS Anacostia, Washington, D.C. VP-661 (9-15-50) to FAW-5
NAS Grosse ILE, Michigan VP-731 (9-29-50) to FAW-14
NAS Dallas, Texas FASRON-701 (2-1-51) to FASRON-701
NAS New Orleans, Louisiana FASRON-821 (2-1-51) to FASRON-821
NAS Jacksonville, Florida VP-741 (3-1-51) to FAW-11
NAS Memphis, Tennessee FASRON-795 (3-1-51) to FAW-5
NAS Oakland, California VP-871 (3-1-51) to FAW-4
NAS Olathe, Kansas FASRON-885 (3-1-51) to FAW-4
NAS Seattle, Washington VS-892 (7-20-50) VS-892
NAS Miami VS-801 (2-1-51) VS-801
NAS Willow Grove, Pennsylvania VS-931 (3-1-51) VS-931
NAS Squantum, Massachusetts VS-913 (4-1-51) VS-913
NAS Oakland, California VS-871 (5-1-51) VS-871
NAS New York, New York VS-831 (6-1-51) VS-831
Circa 1950
A BIT OF HISTORY:  VP-741 History "...My father retired form the Navy in 1972 after 30 year as a Naval Aviator. After serving in WW II he stayed as a reserve office living in Jacksonville where he worked as a air traffic controller and member of VP-741. When VP-741 was activated for Korea, he went regular. The attached photo is of officers of VP-741 in 1950 from my fathers collection. My Dad has noted some of the name on the picture. I will try to translate some of the names. Front row left to right: unidentified, Rogers (I believe was CO), Chitty, Ray. Back Row left to right: unidentified, Colson, Schabley (?), Johnson, Homer Ragsdale and unidentified..." Contributed by RAGSDALE, Homer C. c/o His Son Randy Ragsdale rwragsdale@gmail.com [03APR2004]
"VP-741 History Summary Page"
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