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

ShipmateVR-2 ShipmatesShipmate

BAKER, ADR1 Et etbaker@netscape.net "...NAAS Corry Field, Florida, USS Currituck AV-7, NAAS Saufley Field, Florida, NAS Alameda, California VR-2, BARBER,s Point VP-22, NAS Whiting Field, Milton, Florida......I was in 1960-64. I went from Great Lakes to NAS Memphis, Tennessee to San Diego to Oakland. From there deployed to NAS Moffett Field, California. Spent time in NAS Iwakuni, Japan, NAS BARBER,s Point, Hawaii, NAS Adak, Alaska, NAS Coco Solo, Panama, Canal Zone. During the the Cubian Missle crisis, our crew was sent to NAS Norfolk, Virginia. They took 6 crews from the Pacific Fleet and 6 from the Atlantic Fleet. They combined us together (all P2V-Neptunes) and called us "Task Group Delta." (I have a patch around here somewhere). We went prowling along the Cuban coast and came up with a strange reading on our gear. Our crew, believe it was VP-19 Crew 1 at the time, made the first contact and readouts of the first Russian Nucelar submarine. It was in the newspapers approx. 6 months later. This was when the Pentagon and Rickover were saying the soviets were 2+ years behind us. Also, VP-19 changed over to the P-3A's during this time. I ended up going to NAS Patuxent River, Maryland for 3 months..." [BIO/E-Mail Updated 21FEB99]

BEAUTROW, Phil kg6kb@gte.net "...Served with VR-2 NAS Alameda, California from 1952 to 1953..." [27JUN2002]

BOOKHAMER, Commander Robert Harry [Deceased] C/O His Son Robert "Bob" Bookhamer rbookhamer@earthlink.net "...Dad became a Radioman on the USS Brooks (a four stacker Destroyer that went to the UK under lend lease). He was then assigned to the first crew on the Light Cruiser, USS Phoenix. where he became a radioman/gunner in the backseat of the SOC-3 Curtiss "Seagull". During this tour he was accepted into the NAP (Enlisted Pilot Program). He was very proud of the fact that he made it through Pensacola without a "down" on any of his training flights in the N3N, N2S and SNJ. After the war he went to NAS Norfolk, Virginia to fly R4Ds in VR-2. For sometime he flew Adm. Bellinger (The Head of the Naval Bureau of Aeronautics). At that time he was a Lt. (jg) Aircraft Commander. He then attended several schools, such as the Naval Officer's Line School. He went on to attend George Washington University under the Five Term Program. With this, he became a permanent Officer in the Regular Navy. Various tours of duty followed including the Naval War College in Newport R.I. In 1958 he was assigned to Olatha, KS where he checked out in the F9F " Cougar". He then took Command of VU-10 in GTMO after which he went to NAS Moffett Field, California where he flew the C-121G (MATS). He finally ended up in San Diego, Coronado as a Staff Officer coordinating Air Operations with the Amphibious Staff College. He retired in 1967 as an O-5 (Aviator with over 7500 hours). While assigned to the C-121G Navy MATS Squadron he flew numerous flights into Viet Nam. We were one of the few father and son teams flying into NAM at the same time...He started out as an Enlisted Pilot flying ASW missions in the venerable PBY "Catalina". He used to joke about the ZP Blink squadrons and wondered how the Germans would ever handle an attack by a Blimp. My Dad later flew the PV1 "Ventura", the PBM "Mariner"and after the war he flew the P5M "Marlin"for a few years. His last Patrol Squadron was VP-45 flying out of NAS Coco Solo, Panama, Canal Zone. He got his commission during the war and after 31 years (he was a "Mustang") he retired in San Diego as an O-5 Commander...He passed away in June of 1984 due to Kidney failure..." [11NOV2000]

BRAUN, Bob woodvillebob@gmail.com "...I served with VR-2 (PB2Y Navigator) at NAS Alameda, California. We carried supplies and men to the Philippines and back, stopping at Hawaii, Johnson Island, Majuro and NAS Tanapag Harbor, Saipan, Marianas Islands. We were on NAS Tanapag Harbor, Saipan, Marianas Islands in December 1946 as the tidal wave approached. We left before it hit and took the PB2Y to Tokyo to save it. We left Saipan without having a boat sweep the channel for debris and didn't even buckle our seat belts in order to avoid the tidal wave. We stayed on a seaplane tender in Tokyo Bay for about 3 days and went ashore and saw much of Tokyo, including the Emperor's Palace and McArthur's HQ. Prior to NAS Alameda, California, I was assigned to take classes at the University of Southern California and then was stationed on Naval bases in Delmonte, CA for Pre-Flight, Prescott AZ, NAS Hutchinson, Kansas, NAS Corpus Christi, Texas, Great Lakes, gunner's school at NAS Memphis, Tennessee, Algiers, LA, Solomons, MD, NAS Norfolk, Virginia, Clinton, OK (Navigator School) and finally NAS Alameda, California..." [11AUG2011]


CALLEN, AMM1 Ed ecall755@aol.com "...I was a member of the Naval Air Transport Squadron Two (VR-2) from August 1946 to December 1947. I returned to the states from Japan in November of 1945 and went on leave for 30 days. I was then assigned to NAS Jacksonville, Florida and from there to NAS Hutchinson, Kansas where I trained for P2Vs (never did fly in a P2V). I was then assigned to VR-2 in August of 1946 as 2nd Flight Engineer (AMMF1/c). My first flight was on September 6th, from NAS Alameda, California to NAS Pearl Harbor, Hawaii with LCDR Thuson, on the Philippine Mars. We then continued onto Majuro and Saipan as a member of the Mars maintenance crew. I took a 30 day leave in December of 1946 and returned to Saipan in January of 1947, stayed on Saipan (good duty) till August of 1947, then returned to NAS Alameda, California. I then flew on all the Mars that were in existence at the time as 2nd Engineer until my discharge in December of 1947. If there is anyone who was on Saipan or flew in VR-2 during the same time period - please get in touch with me..." [E-Mail Updated 09AUG2004 | 22NOV2002]

CASEY, James L. gmkc82@hotmail.com "...I served with VR-2 from May 1953 to November 1954. Worked in the electric shop in the hanger and at the line shack. Memories are fading but I remember Chief Stouffer in charge, Hienz AE1, Sinnen, Westfall, Fogged and Gizzi. Have some sea stories about the old birds from sitting around the line shack on quiet nights. Didn't realize they were such historic old planes. I know about the two up in Canada fighting forest fires. Best regards to all..." [18DEC2005]

CLAWSON, Kenneth D. kdclawson@netzero.net "...I served with VR-2 from March 1956 to September of 1957. I would like to know what ever happened to all of the Convair Trade Winds?..." [18JUN2002]

COX, Douglas C. COXMARINEINS@AOL.COM "...I was a PANAM trained flight engineer attached to VR-2 NAS Alameda, California from April 1944 to December 15, 1945. I worked in the Inspection Department and flew trips. Is their anyone out there that is interested in setting up a History of the squadron and the details of our efforts during WWII? We had an excellent accident record for the number of hours flown and the number of PB2Y-3, PB2Y5R's AND PBMs. If anyone is interested please contact me..." [19MAY2003]

Memorial Picture "...CWIKLA, Walter (Wally) T...My father, Walter (Wally) T. Cwikla, passed away on July 10th, 2002. He served in VP-1, VP-9, FAW-10, and VR-2. His bio is listed in the Shipmates listing. If anyone remembers serving with him please feel free to contact me. I am trying to keep his memory alive and getting to know some of his former Shipmates will help. The only Shipmate I ever met was J. J. Smith, but unfortunately the phone no. my dad had is no longer working. I would appreciate any help in this matter. Thank you all for your service to our country and you help to me...Walter (Wally) T. Cwikla, Jr. earlvilleeagle@juno.com..." [19JUL2002]

CWIKLA, Walter T. [Deceased] c/o His Son Walter (Wally) T. Cwikla, Jr. earlvilleeagle@juno.com "...I reported to VP-9 NAS Alameda, California 12/21/62 assigned to AE shop. I deployed to NAS Kodiak, Alaska with VP-1 (during the earthquake). Back to NAS Alameda, California then to P-3 school at NAS Moffett Field, California. After school back to NAS Alameda, California, part or advance group to set up shop for squadron move to NAS Moffett Field, California. TAD to FAW-10 Inertial Nav shop until squadron deployed to NAF Naha, Okinawa, Japan until mustered out 12/4/64...I was assigned to VR-7 from December 4, 1961 to December 21, 1962. Have many fond memories. I would like to hear from any Shipmates...My father, Walter (Wally) T. Cwikla, passed away on July 10th, 2002. He served in VP-1, VP-9, FAW-10, and VR-2. His bio is listed in the Shipmates listing. If anyone remembers serving with him please feel free to contact me. I am trying to keep his memory alive and getting to know some of his former Shipmates will help. The only Shipmate I ever met was J. J. Smith, but unfortunately the phone no. my dad had is no longer working. I would appreciate any help in this matter. Thank you all for your service to our country and you help to me..." [BIO Updated 19JUL2002 | BIO Updated 03JUN2002 | BIO Updated 09APR2002 | 03APR2002]


Memorial Picture "...DICKSON, AMM3 Floyd...My dad, Floyd Dickson, served in the Navy from July 1943 to December 1945. His seperation papers say his service was VR-2 and VR-12. Dad passed away in 1979. I would like to hear from any of Dad's former Shipmates. Sandy Dickson Keltner dalekeltner@windstream.net..." [22SEP2008]


GRAPPONE, AMSC Al Retired alsan23@pacbell.net "...I attended Boot Samp Newport, RI (June 18, 1941 to August 25, 1941, AM School NAS Jacksonville, Florida (August 26, 1941 to December 29, 1941), LTA School NAS Lakehurst, New Jersey (December 31, 1941 to June 3, 1942), ZP-12 NAS Lakehurst, New Jersey (June 3, 1942 to January 24, 1943), ZP-51 San Juan Puerto Rico, ZP-51 NAS Trinidad, British West Indies (March 4, 1942 to August 24, 1943), Blimp Hedron 5 NAS Guantanamo Bay, Cuba (1943), Blimp Hedron 2 NAAF Atkinson Field, Essequibo, British Guiana, Blimp Hedron 4 NAF Amapa, Brazil (1945), ZP-41 Richmond Field, FL (June 8, 1945 to March 2, 1946), ZP-12 NAS Lakehurst, New Jersey (March 2, 1946 to August 10, 1946), NAS Quonset Point, Rhode Island (August 12, 1946 to September 8, 1947), COMFLEETAIR WESTCOAST (October 2, 1947 to October 7, 1947), VP-ML-1 NAS Miramar, California (October 7, 1947 to July 20, 1948), Receiving Station NAS Pearl Harbor, Hawaii (July 1948), Receiving Station NAS Agana, Guam (August 18, 1948 to August 25, 1948), FASRON-122 Tsingtao China (August 29, 1948 to December 6, 1948), USS Pine Island (AV-12) (December 7, 1948 to April 4, 1949), FASRON-119 Tsingtao China (April 4, 1949 to April 5, 1949), FASRON-122 NAF Oppama, Japan (1949), USS Fabius (1950 to 1951), VR-5 href="nasmoffett.html">NAS Moffett Field, California (1951), VR-21 NAS Atsugi, Japan (1952), VR-23 NAS Atsugi, Japan (1952 to 1954), VR-2 NAS Alameda, California (1954 to 1956), VR-23 NAS Atsugi, Japan (1956 to 1958), VFAW-3 NAS North Island, San Diego, California (1958 to 1959), FASRON-110 NAS North Island, San Diego, California (1959 to 1960), NAS North Island, San Diego, California (1960 to 1961), and Retired May 4, 1961..." [02MAY2004]

Memorial Picture Shipmate Pix "...GRAY, AMM3 Robert George...I am researching information on my late Father. My Father, AMM3 Robert George GRAY, served in the U. S. Navy from November 1942 through February 1946. He served with Advanced Base Aviation Training Unit (ABATU) at NAS Norfolk, Virginia, FAW-8, CASU-60, CASU-61, CASU-158 and VR-2. Dad received the American Theatre Victory, Philippine Liberation (1 Battle Star), Asiatic-Pacific Theatre and a Good Conduct Medals..." Contributed by Thomas William Gray grayt0852@aol.com [23NOV2012]


Memorial Picture "...HABERMAN, AMHC Elmer J...My father, AMHC Elmer J. Haberman Retired, passed away about a year ago in California. I have had the pleasure of reviewing many photos and memorabilia he had left behind and was able to enjoy many memories. Of course, prominent in my mind was the many years he was stationed in NAS Alameda, California with VR-2 and VP-9. I have recently looked at the slides he took in the late 1950's detachment tours to NAS Kodiak, Alaska and NAS Adak, Alaska. I wanted to pass on to his former Shipmates, that my father loved his Navy time, was active in the Fleet Reserve and always had a warm spot for his time with VP-9. I also want to thank you for the good memories...Son Rich Haberman rhaberman@comcast.net..." [05JAN2004]

Memorial Picture "...HENDERSON, Warren J. "Hank"...My Grandfather, Warren J. "Hank" Henderson, flew with VP-1 in WWII and after the war flew for VR-2 out of NAS Alameda, California. I am resarching his flight logs. If anyone from these two squadrons who knew him or has any pictures of him could please contact me. I know vey little about his time with these two squadrons but am interested in finding out...Kad Henderson sailkad@aol.com..." [29JAN2004]

HOFFMAN, CAPTAIN Richard A. Retired dickdot@san.rr.com "...Graduated from the U. S. Naval Academy and then served aboard the USS Dennis J. Buckley (DDR-808), VR-2, VP-892, VP-50, Naval Postgraduate School, VX-1, COMASWFORLANT, USNTPS, NATC NAS Patuxent River, Maryland, VP-8, USS Austin (LPD-4), Naval Air Systems Command, U.S. Air Force War College, COMOCEANSYSPAC and retired in 1974. Worked for Martin Marietta Aerospace, Lockheed Aircraft and McDonnel Douglas Astronautics until complete retirement in 1992..." [BIO Updated 26APR2010 | E-Mail Updated 03JAN2001 | 03APR98]

HOOVER, ATCS Don Retired scpohoover@gmail.com "...I served aboard NS Sangley Point, Philippines (Air Ops), VR-2 (1954-Disestablishment) at NAS Alameda, California as 2nd Engineer aboard the Martin Mars, VR-21 at NAS Barbers Point, Hawaii, NAS Patuxent River, Maryland Air Ops, VW-15 at NAS Patuxent River, Maryland, VW-11 at NAS Argentia, Newfoundland, Canada, VW-13 at NAS Argentia, Newfoundland, Canada, Test Pilot School at NAS Patuxent River, Maryland, NAS Norfolk, Virginia aboard the USS Okinawa (CVSG-56) amd USS Randolf (CVS-15), Naval Aviation Integrated Support Center (NAILSC) at NAS Patuxent River, Maryland and retired in 1970..." WebSite: "The Road to 311 No. York St." by Don Hoover (Author) [E-Mail/WebSite Updated 02MAR2016 | WebSite Added 26OCT2004 | E-Mail Updated 08JAN2004 | 04AUG2003]

HOWELL, Jerry how75isme@comcast.net "...I served with VR-2 (1956-1957) at NAS Alameda, California..." [01MAY2013]

HYDE, Larry larryhyde774@gmail.com "...I served with VR-2 (1953-1954) in the Information and Education Office where I administered GED tests and was editor of the Squadron Newspaper. I would like to hear from former Shipmates..." [20JUL2011]


KRIM, AMMF2 Marvin marvo1@worldnet.att.net "...As a flight engineer on PB2Y's we were designated on Oct. 1945 as VP-100 out of NAS Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii. We were only there one month and the squadron was disbanded and returned to the states...I served in VP-1, VP-4, VP-100 and VR-2..." [Updated 17FEB98]


LEWIS, Clifford E. lewisc1@digitalexp.com "...I was stationed at NAS Alameda, California 1952-55, VR-2 as a Training Devicesman. Spent most of my assignment TAD to FAETUPAC Det 1 at Alameda, teaching instrument flying. Still have my flight log book with most of the squadron's pilots names..." [18NOV2001]

LIVINGSTONE, ARM1 Thomas "Tom" tliving@cal.net "...I served with VR-2 (Aviation Radioman) and VR-13 flying in the PB2Y. I was discharged from Samar in 1945. I am still vertical and living at Shingle Springs, California..." [28MAR2011]


MISTLER, ALC Warren Retired mistlerusn@comcast.net "...VP-91 (1941), VP-62 (1942 to 1943), VR-11 (1943 to 1944), VR-13 (1944 to 1945), VR-2 (1945 to 1947), NAS Quonset Point, Rhode Island (1947), SPUC NAS Squantum, Massachusetts (1948), NADC (Warminister) Johnsville, Pennsylvania (1949), VC-33 (1950 to 1952), VP-11 (1952 to 1955), VX-3 (1956 to 1957) and VAW-33 (1958 to 1960) FR to 1971 and retired on 30 years..." [E-Mail/BIO Updated 08JAN2009 | BIO Updated 03APR2000 | 28MAR2000]

MOORE, LT SG Homer Retired okbudmoore@yahoo.com "...I served with VR-2. I was the Captain of the NATS VR-2 PB2Y-5 to make the first seaplane transport trip into Manila after the Japanese occupation ended..." [07JAN2015]


NACHTIGAL, AG3 Fridolin (Fritz) nachpark@msn.com "...I like to hear from some of my Shipmates. I spend two years 1954 through 1956 at NAS Alameda, California, VR-2 squadron. Worked on the old MARS plane and on the R3Y - Tradewind. From 1956 through 1958 I worked at Fleet Weather Central AG3 NAS Agana, Guam. The same year I spend a short time on the CVA14 Ticonderoa OA Division. Corbett where are you, worked with you in Weather Service at NAS Agana, Guam. How about my diving buddys from the Marianas Scindiving Club and Anderson Air Force Base. I had a strong German accent. I hope to hear from someone..." [12OCT2005]


Memorial Picture "...O'HALLORAN, LCDR James Emor...My father, James Emor O'Halloran, served with VR-2 as a Plane Commander in the Pacific during WWII flying the Coronado PB2Y. Pyle wrote an article (with picture) about my Dad as he's favorite pilot in a NATS or MATS publication. If anyone would happen to have the article or know where I can get a copy - I sure would appreciate it. Bill William R. O'Halloran bill.ohalloran@rcn.com..." [06FEB2010]


Memorial Picture "...POTTS, Lyle Harrison...My Father, Lyle Harrison Potts, served as a Flight Engineer on a MARS with the NATS. I know very little because he passed away when I was 12 (1967) of complications from emphysema. He was based in NAS Alameda, California and from what I've read I guess that would have put him in squadron VR-2. My information is that he joined the Navy and was stationed in California before December 7, 1941 so he may have participated in the startup of the squadron. I seem to recall him saying that they flew between California and Pearl. If anyone out there recognizes the name or can supply additional information I'd love to hear from them...Denise Smith denise.smith@comcast.net..." [12JAN2004]

PRATER, YN1 Kenneth A. papjap1@aol.com "...I was stationed at NAS Alameda, California from September 1953 through June 1954 VR-2 squadron Ops 0ffice. Would love to correspond with others who were there at the same time. Would be interested in information concerning personnel stationed there at the same time..." [20AUG2002]


Memorial Picture "...RUTLEDGE, AD1 James A. "Jim"...I'm looking for my Fathers former Shipmates. He was (deceased August 1987) AD1 James A."Jim" Rutledge. His last posting was NAS Glynco, Georgia (June 1964). He was a F/E on Lockheed Constellations and was doing Hurricane Hunter work. He spoke little of his Navy time, but would be an insight if I could talk to or E-mail his Shipmates. Before he passed he was the President of the Detroit Branch of the Fleet Reserve Association. I've been to http://www.willyvictor.com/ and had no success as of yet. Thank you for your time and Service to our Nation. My Father was AD1 James A. Rutledge and was attached to VR-2 as a Flight Engineer in the early 50's...Benny J. Rutledge C121A4E@yahoo.com..." [BIO Updated 20APR2005 | 22MAY2003]


SAUNDERS, ADJ2 Harry hwsaund@msn.com "...I served with VR-2 after A school in 1956. I worked for chief Aielo in the prop shop. I was sent to Hawaii to assemble a prop for the #3 pos. a/c 446 and returned on it, which turned out to be quite a ride. CDR Binkley & LT Ragsdale did a great job getting us down in one piece. I then served with VA-63 until I was discharged. I went home and attended college for a year then on to the AirForce to become a Navigator, completing my time there, I went to work for the airlines as an A&P mech, in 2000 retired from Northwest after 34 years, I have many fond memories of the squadron and people I worked with. At 72 my memory won't recall names, only good times and faces..." [03JUL2009]

SENDEK, Jim sendek@hotmail.com "...I was with the R3Y Tradewind in the test stage at NAS Patuxent River, Maryland from 1954-1955 then on to VR-2 at NAS Alameda, California from 1955-1957. Sure would like to hear from my crew members, shop mates and old buddies..." [15JUL2002]

STOTT, AD3 Marvin pema123@charter.net "...I served with VR-2 for one year from early in 1954 until my discharge in 1955. I was an AD3 assigned to aircraft maintenance. Specifically, I was assigned to the engine crew responsible for maintenance of engine #2. It was during this time that the classic "Formation of Four" photo was taken. This photo appears twice in the Glenn Martin Mars Aircraft section. From front to back in the photo they are: 76820-Philippine 76821-Marianas 76823-Hawaii 75824-Caroline The taking of this photo presented some difficulty. Usual photos of four aircraft in formation is nothing special but when there are only four in existance it is much more difficult. Normal operation was three aircraft in flight status and one in overhaul. In addition one aircraft was usually in Hawaii and rarly were they all three at Alameda at the same time. To obtain this photo it meant that all four had to be in NAS Alameda, California and in flying status at the same time, no mean trick. As I recall they only had one day to get the picture for flight schedule reasons or the one aircraft was due into overhaul the next day. Anyway, it was a typical overcast Bay Area day so they had to climb above the overcast to get the proper lighting. The resulting picture was later made available to all squadron personnel. Maybe someone else closer to the planning for this photo shoot can add to or correct this account. I would be very interested to hear any additional information..." [E-Mail Updated 25JUL2004 | 17OCT2002]

STUART, CAPT Fred W. https://naval-air.org/flightlog/moreinfo.asp?UID=3213 "...CAPT Fred W. Stuart, USNR - NFL Number: 3213 - Date of Birth: 7/30/1921 - Date In: 6/1/1942 - Date Out: 7/30/1981 - City, State: Sanford, NC - School Attended: Geo. Washington University - Aircraft Flown: SNJ, SNB, PV-2, PBY23, P2V5F - Ship or Unit: NAS Pensacola, Florida Flight Instr. - VR-2 NAS Alameda, California - NARTU NAF Andrews, Maryland - Pilot Desg.: Naval Aviator - Theaters, Campaigns, etc.: - Associations/Service Organizations: ANA (Founding Father NC) - TROA - US Navy Memorial - Pres. Property Owners Assn. - American Cancer Society - Highest personal decoration or award: Dist. Service from HUD - Significant Achievements: 3240 flight hours. CO Naval Air Reserve Squadron VP-663, CO Naval Air Reserve Staff A-1, Professional radio and TV announcer for NBC. - In Memoriam? No..." [25NOV2005]

SWAN, LCDR Charles W. Retired/Deceased c/o His Son Jerry Swan roadking1@msn.com "...FLIGHT BOOK INFORMATION LTCDR, CHARLES W. SWAN...28 MARCH 1940 - 24 FEBRUARY 1941 NAS Pensacola, Florida Navy Flight School. Aircraft Flown: N3N-1, N2M, NS-1, 03U-3, OSN-1, SU-1, SU-2, SU-3, SNJ-1, NJ-1, N3U-3, N2S-1, P3M-2, P2Y-2, P2Y-3, R2D, R2D-1, N2D-1. Pilot Designation: 1 November 1940 per D.B. Duncan. Instrument Rating: #1137 20 September 1940 per E.B. Eldredge Assistant Operations Officer. Instructors School Completion: 27 January 1941 per J.C. Owens. Assigned to Squadron VN1D8 as Pilot Instructor -A Per C.R. Carroll. 27 MARCH 1941- 8 OCTOBER 1942 NAS LEE FIELD Pilot Instructor SQUADRON 11-B Jacksonville, Florida. Aircraft Flown: N2S-1, N2S-3, N2S-4, N3N-3, NR-1, R2D-1, R2D-1, SNJ-2, SNJ-3, SNJ-4. Ratings: 2S LAND, 3S LAND, 4M LAND, 2S WATER, 3S WATER, 4M WATER Per L.N. Young 2 JUNE 1941. 16 OCTOBER 1942 - 31 OCTOBER 1942 EASTERN DIVISION PAN AMERICAN AIRWAYS, INC. MIAMI, FL. Aircraft Flown: S-40. *Note: This was the forerunner to Navy Seaplane Squadron VR-1 which flew out of Miami and Coconut Grove, FL. The Navy training was done in cooperation with Pan American Airways). 19 NOVEMBER 1942 -11 DECEMBER 1942 TRANSPORT SQUADRON ONE MIAMI SERVICES DETACHMENT. Aircraft Flown: PBM-3, RS-5. 6 JANUARY 1943- 31 JANUARY 1943 NAVAL AIR TRANSPORT SERVICE AIR TRANSPORT SQUADRON One (VR-1) MIAMI, FL. Aircraft Flown: PBM-3, PBM-3C, PBM-3R, R4D-1, R4D-5, RS-4, RS-5, SNB-1. Commander Transport Sea Planes Designation: Air Transport Squadron Six (VR-6) Qualified as Commander Transport Sea Planes 21 November 1943 H.R. Banaday Commanding. 2 FEBRUARY 1944- 27 FEBRUARY 1944 NAVAL AIR TRANSPORT SERVICE AIR TRANSPORT SQUADRON VR-6 MIAMI, FL. Aircraft Flown: PBM-3R, PBM-3, NH-1, SNB-2C. 2 MARCH 1944 - 3 MAY 1945 NAVAL AIR TRANSPORT SQUADRON TWO NAS Alameda, California. Aircraft Flown: JRB, PBM, PB2Y, PBM2Y-3, PBM-3R, PBM-3, XPB2M, NH-1, SNB-2C. Plane Commander Designation: PB2Y Plane Commander 31 July 1944 J.S. Tarlton Flight Officer VR-2. Notes: 8/13/1944 - Lt. Swan's 1st XPB2M Flight Honolulu to NAS Alameda, California. 11/26/44 Lt. Swan's 1st MARS Flight Alameda -HNL (Same Plane and serial # 1520 just renamed. 6 MAY 1945 - 8 JULY 1945 ???? SQUADRON SIGN #?? NAS Patuxent River, Maryland. Aircraft Flown: JRB, MARS, PB2Y,C-47B. Notes: 5/28/45 Lt. Swan's first flight with JRB Plane #44604 w/ Canady at NAS Patuxent River, Maryland. 25 JULY - 24 APRIL 1946 TRANSPORT SQUADRON 3 (VR-3) NAS Olathe, Kansas. Aircraft Flown: R4D, R4D-1, R4D-5, R4D-6, R5D-4, SNB. Commander Transport Land Planes Designation: 12/31/45 V.E. Gessinger Commander Transport Squadron Three (VR-3). Satisfactory Completion G.C.A. Training: 3/6/46 Lt. Cdr. Arthur L. Ashwaltz OinC Pilot Training. 10 MAY 1946 - 1 NOVEMBER 1946 NAS ST. SIMONS ISLAND, GA. Aircraft Flown: SNB-2. 4 DECEMBER 1946 - 2 JUNE 1948 NAVAL CARRIER U.S.S. MIDWAY. Aircraft Flown: HO35-1, JD-1, JRB, JRB-4, PB4Y-2, R4D, R4D-5, R5D, SNB, SNB-3, SNJ-5, SNJ-5C. 1 JULY 1948 - 5 MAY 1949 GENERAL LINE SCHOOL NEWPORT, RI. Aircraft Flown: SNB3, SNJ-3, SNB-1, SNB-2, SNJ, SNJ-4. 20 JUNE 1949 - 1 OCTOBER 1950 NAS Anacostia, Washington, D.C.. Aircraft Flown: PBJ (B-25), SNB, JRB, JRB-4, SNB-4, SNB-3P, R4D, B-25, JRB-3. 7 NOVEMBER 1950 - 5 JANUARY 1951 NAS HONOLULU, HI. Aircraft Flown: SNB, JRB. 6 FEBRUARY 1951 - 2 JUNE 1953 TOKYO, SEA OF JAPAN, YELLOW SEA, ITAMI AF BASE, TACHIKAWA, JAPAN. SEOUL, IWAKUM, POHANG, KOREA. Aircraft Flown: R4D, SNB, SNB-5, JRB, PB4Y, C-45, C-54. 17 AUGUST 1953 - 25 JUNE 1954 BUREAU OF AERONAUTICS GENERAL REPRESENTATIVE, CENTRAL DISTRICT WRIGHT PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, OHIO. Aircraft Flown: R4D-6, R4D-6R, JRB-4, JRB-6, PB4Y, C-45, C-47D, C-54. 7 JULY-1954 - 1 AUGUST 1956 PATROL SQUADRON VP-24 NAS Patuxent River, Maryland and NAS Chincoteague, Virginia. Aircraft Flown: P2V6B, P2V6M. Patrol Plane Commander - P2V 10 November 1954 HP Kooy Commanding. 3 OCTOBER 1956 - 2 FEBRUARY 1961 U.S. NAVAL BUREAU OF AERONAUTICS AND BUREAU OF WEAPONS WASHINGTON, DC. Aircraft Flown: JRB-6, SNB, SNB-5, T-28. 30 JUNE 1961 U.S. BUREAU OF AERONAUTICS AND BUREAU OF WEAPONS WASHINGTON, DC. RETIRED FROM SERVICE Ordered R.A. Schoech Rear Admiral, USN Acting Chief of Bureau..." [03JAN2001]


THOMAS, Arthur R. (Deceased) c/o His Son Greg Thomas glassart@pacbell.net "...My Father, Arthur R. Thomas, passed away 10 years ago. Dad served with VR-2 at NAS Alameda, California and NAS Barbers Point, Hawaii during the Korean war. I think he was assigned at NAS Alameda, California from 1950 to 1952..." [16FEB2003]


WASSUM, AK2 Donald L. dondeew@net-change.com "...I served with VR-21 (01/1951-12/952) Detachment NAS Midway Island and VR-2 (12/1952-08/1954)..." [19JUL2012]

WIESER, Ray rwieser@comcast.net "...I served with VR-2 from 1956 to 1957. We flew the Convair R3Y Tradewind's..." [24SEP2009]

Memorial Picture "...WILMA, William Eugene...My father, William Eugene Wilma (deceased), was a pilot assigned to VR-2 squadron in the mid forties out of NAS Alameda, California and NAS Barbers Point, Hawaii. I would like to correspond with anyone who may have known him during that time...Charles Wilma chwilma@yahoo.com..." [16APR2005]


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