VPNAVY VP-5 Open House
http://www.vpnavy.org
VPNAVY Address

Note VP-24 NoticeNote

Note NOTICE: "...I am looking for a photo of Captain Genie K Graham who was skipper of VP-24 during time frame 1977 to 1979. It will be used in a memorial book for his family. Please let me know if you have such or know of such a picture..." Contributed by Ted Graske tedgraske@gmail.com [07OCT2022]


Note NOTICE: "...I am the son of the late RADM Frank S. Haak (USNA 1946). After flight school, he was assigned to VP-24 (1949-1951) at NAS Patuxent River, Maryland. They were deployed to NAAF Agadir, French Morocco. Can anyone tell me what their mission would have been in North Africa?..." Contributed by Bruce Haak haaks@msn.com [09AUG2020]


Note NOTICE: "...Save A (P2) Neptune!..." Contributed by Richard Camp saveaneptune@gmail.com [04MAR2013]

Save A (P2) Neptune!
Save A P2 Neptune Logo


Save A Neptune! is a 501 (c) 3 IRS approved charity to restore to flying condition a P2V-7 Neptune BUNO: 143173 and to educate the public on the role the Neptune played in ASW for the Navy.

BUNO: 143173 flew with VP-21 (1957-1960), VX-1 (1961-1963), VP-30 (1963-1965), VP-24 (1966), VP-30 (1966-1968), NARTU NAS Memphis, Tennessee (1968-1969), NAS Los Alamitos, California (1969), NARTU NAS Memphis, Tennessee (1969-1970), and VP-67 (1970-1973).

She still is in 85% military configuration! Please look closely at the pictures located on our WebSite at: http://www.saveaneptune.com!

Please visit http://www.saveaneptune.com for more details and pictures of 143173. Donations via PayPal! Partners and Corporate sponsors Welcome!

Thank you,

Richard Camp
saveaneptune@gmail.com [04MAR2013]


Note NOTICE: "...My father, CDR John D. Santivasci, was assigned to VP-24 in the early sixties at NAS Norfolk, Virginia. He left me a book "The History of VP-24" by Andy Massa. If there is anyone who would like this book I will gladly forward it to you. My Dad would have preferred someone who lived the times to read it and remember the good ole days..." Contributed by John D. Santivasci, Jr. johnsantivasci@hotmail.com [30JAN2011]


Note NOTICE: "...When I was young (1957 or 1958), my squadron VA(HM)-13, which was VP-24 shortly before and after, sent 3 crews on a "MedFam". It was supposed to get the crews familiar with the Mediterranean. I remember we stopped at Nice, France and on the way back, Majorca. I volunteered to stay with the aircraft at the field rather than go to town (actually, as a 3rd Class, broke). The next morning, several ambulances arrived at the field with U. S. Navymen aboard, bringing them to catch a civilian hospital plane that had arrived. Some had died, and others were burned terrible. I remember one African-American crewman that had no place on his body that wasn't burned and they couldn't lay him on the stretcher without him crying in pain. Anyway, we were told that the plane that had crashed was from VP-21. The pilot had lifted the disabled plane that was going in up over a small settlement, crash-landed it in an orchard and slid up against a windmill where it impacted and burned. This happened the day before we got there (can't remember the date). I looked at VP-21's mishap page and could find no reference to it . Was I wrong in remembering it was from VP-21? If anyone remembers anything like that, please let me know. I remember those boys vividly. McCOMAS, AVCM Finis (Mac) Retired mcporet@newwavecomm.net..." [23JAN2007]


Note NOTICE: "...I join the Navy in '71 right out of high school. Memphis is my home even though thanks to the Navy I've seen much. AMS-A1 School NATTC Millington, Tn. Then on to VA-42 Ocean-banana, Va. Sea duty aboard USS Nimitz for NATO/Med with VA-34 (Black Cats)-working the Line/Troubleshooter/Final Checkers. Made Chief and became Flt. Deck Coordinator! Loved it all, Yo! Went back to MEM for C-7 school and then on to Cali; S-3's VS-37 NAS North Island, San Diego, California; From there to AIMD Airframes Division Officer where I met my current and lst wife Ruth Ann. Became AIMD QA Officer before I was returned to seaduty and made the best tour of duty in my career. Naval Support Activity Souda Bay, Crete, Greece. This is where I need help. MY, AZ-2 as I remember her was nicknamed "Reitje" and I remember her last niame as Holland (she was of Dutch heritage, mother I believe lived in North Carolind??)-she met and later married a CB that was also stationed at Souda during my tour and they both moved to South Florida. He had a 'State Dept-hush-hush-and all; she not sure but they were there when "Andrew" blew through. My wife and I were in Jax and both headed down when the storm passed and it was okay to go down. Then 'Reitje' and her husband got a husband/wife tour in NAS Sigonella, Sicily. This is where I lost track of them. I heard that they had a little girl and that is about all I know? She had my Mom address in Memphis, but I am sure all of that got messed up in Andrew? It has been year and the memories are not as clear? All the fun we had in Souda, the life friends we made there? Monty-his old lady; the two Kathy's (the one with the 'C' and the one with the 'K', which one was "Pate"? AC-1 and AC-2?? The "CO" of VP-24 flying down to pick us up to make a trip to Sig for the weekend? My B-ball team? Our office? The "CAVE"?? Yasoo-Fellos??? The beach, the Skipper's house on the hill? Making the hotel! Plans for the visiting VP-er's? I miss that! Retired now - 1993... and working for FEDEX AC Maintenace! Drop me a line if "REITJE" sounds familar? I am sure she had a tour in the VP Navy out of NAS Jacksonville, Florida! VP-30; VP-24.......NAS Jacksonville, Florida...AMSC Robert E. Morris, Retired moeknow12@yahoo.com..." [28APR2006]


Note NOTICE: "...I am trying to find an official Navy Paint Scheme for the PBY-5A in use around 1945. It would be the solid dark blue scheme. Only one color and not the tri-color scheme. If there were a way to also learn what other markings were usually on the aircraft that would be helpful. I am in touch with a diecast aircraft model manufacturer who is willing to look into making a scale model but they need to be very accurate. My father flew PBY-5A's out of NAS Pearl Harbor, Hawaii at the end of WWII and became the director of Air-Sea Rescue, Hawaiian Sea Frontier prior to leaving. He was in transit to Pearl from the States when the Japanese signed the surrender. He is 82 now and can only remember that the aircraft was solid dark blue. If anyone could help direct me to a source for this information, I would be very appreciative. Phil Garner thrill@bellsouth.net..." [23JAN2006]

UPDATE "...I have learned that the proper paint scheme is indeed, the tri-color for the PBY-5A's. What I need now is to see if anyone has any detailed pictures of any of the PBY's present at Midway for the Battle of Midway. I need to see what markings were on the aircraft. I have several squadron numbers that were supposed to be represented at the Battle by PBY's. They are listed in this excerpt provided by one of you members:

Here is an excerpt from the book PBY: The Catalina Flying Boat by Roscoe Creed pg 102. regarding the Battle of Midway.:

    "The following day (May 22) the buildup began: the first six of twelve PBY-5As of VP-44 under LCDR Brixner arrived from Pearl Harbor to provide long-range patrol capabilities.. Small groups continued to wing in, a hodge podge of PBY's on temporary duty from VP-14, VP-23, VP-24, VP-51, VP-72 and VP-91. The seaplanes operated from Sand Island and the amphibians from the runways on Eastern Island.....". Note that Midway is made up of two islands Eastern and Sand.
Thanks, John for that info.

Anything that anyone can supply will be greatly appreciated. I am on high speed internet so size of transmission is good up to about 3 or 4MB per message. Phil Garner thrill@bellsouth.net..." [26JAN2006]

Note NOTICE: "...Letter to the Batmen of VP-24, and other VP's who operated the BAT missile (VPB-109, VPB-123, VPB-124, VP-HL-4, VP-HL-13, VP-24, & VP-25)...Scott C. Pedersen scott_pedersen@sdstate.edu, - Department of Biology - South Dakota State University - Brookings, SD USA 57007-0595 - 605-688-5529 - 605-696-0108..."
Sirs,

Five years ago, I wrote a short article on BATs that have appeared on cloth insignia. That project launched me into a major research/writing effort concerning the history of the PELICAN and BAT missile projects. I would like very much to talk with any aircrew that operated the BAT (VP-24's namesake). Certainly, crews carried the brunt of post-war testing and I would sincerely appreciate any and all information that can throw my way!

    1)  There are great discrepancies between official and unofficial reports of the effectiveness of the weapon during its testing phase (before and after the war). I'd love to hear some first-hand observations from the post-war tests (1948-1951).

    2)  I'm greatly interested in acquiring additional PHOTOS of the BAT. My collection is nearing 200 photographs, but these are primarily official (stock) photos. I would greatly like to include un-official photos in this book effort that show personnel, crews, and aircraft that flew the BAT.

    3)  Do any Shipmates remember dropping this device against icebergs in the north Atlantic.
If you would like to share any stories concerning this important piece of history, please send me an email, or provide a phone numbers. It's my dime.

Note NOTICE: "...Navy Establishing Augment Units For All FRS's Including VP-30..." Contributed by LCDR Robert J. Cable cablerj@vp30.navy.mil [03DEC2003]

VP-30 SAU The Navy is scheduling the establishment of a Squadron Augment Unit (SAU) attached to VP-30 for 1 October, 2004. Final numbers have yet to be released, but the SAU is likely to total near 150 personnel composed of Officer and Enlisted instructors and maintenance personnel. The SAU has begun recruiting the advance party of 20 maintainers in the AD, AE, AT, AM, and AME rates. If you are interested in serving as a Selected Reservist in VP-30 SAU, have P-3 NEC's and P-3 experience within the last 6 years, and are within drilling distance of NAS Jacksonville, Florida, please call Naval Reserve Recruiting Area SE at 904-542-3320 ext 490 or the SAU OIC at 904-542-0990.

AD - Aviation Machinist's Mate    AE - Aviation Electrician's Mate    AT - Aviation Electronics Technician    AM - Aviation Structural Mechanic

Note NOTICE: "...It sure was great to stumble across the Bat project again after all these years. I was stationed at the National Bureau of Standards during WWII from February 1943 to December 1945. I was part of the team that developed the Pelican and Bat weapons. I have long lost touch with these talanted people and wonder how many are left. If you have any links that go back that far I would like to hear about them. Any answers to questions about the electronic end of the project that I could dig out of this old head I would be happy to share...Kenneth (Johnie of course) Johnson w9iyk@att.net..." [06MAY2001]


Note NOTICE: "...As I am a retired VPer with 32 years of VP history, I was recently asked by a very close friend if I knew any one from VP-24. His father had been in the squadron in the 50's. He has two glass ashtrays with silver rims that his parents had, that he would like to find a home for. His parents have since passed on. Both ashtrays are engraved with VP-24 Wives. If anyone has any ties to that era and would like to have them send me a message and let me know why you think I should send them to you. If you can tie yourself to that time frame I will send them on their way. Thanks in advance...G. W. MacKay GWMatease@aol.com..." [08JAN2001]


Note NOTICE: "...All Hands of VB-104, VPB-104, VP-24, VP-HL-4, VA-(HM)13..."

I obtained your email address from the web site VPNAVYor through some other public forum. I am broadcasting this email message in the blind.

I solicit your participation in the VP-24 Veterans Association. It is a non-profit organization. Anyone (or spouse) who served in VP-24 or it's predecessor squadrons is welcome.

It will cost you nothing (although financial support is always needed and requested). You are encouraged to participate in reunion events and support the Association in anyway you can. I will not be contacting you again unless you contact me. Plane Captains, Chiefs, CO's, Dept. Heads and PPC's organize your crews/staffs to sign up! We need some youngsters to join, the Navy isn't making anymore VP-24 veterans! Those of you still in the NAVY, get the word out!

We have been having annual reunions for the last 10 years or so. We have about 400 people on our roster. In Oct. we had a reunion in Dayton OH with our brothers from VPB-104 of WW II fame, from which VP-24 is descended.

In 2000 (Plan Nov 11) we will have our next Reunion in Pensacola Fla! Be there. To get your name on the squadron roster contact via email, phone or surface mail:

Jack Claugherty
1830 Mate Circle
Cantonment, FL 32533
850-937-0853 jclaughert@aol.com

CONTACT JACK TO BE PUT ON THE SQUADRON ROSTER!

I am also writing a History of VP-24, including VP-HL-4 and VA-(HM)13. I have many facts from Naval Records. I need stories and pictures from you. Can you assist me? You'll get credit and any pictures will be returned. As you are 'wired' we can talk electronically. I can process just about any file type containing pictures!

Did you know the squadron once rescued Eddie Rickenbacker?
Did you know Eleanor Roosevlt once flew as co-pilot for 2.5 hours?
Did you know the squadron won 2 Presidential Unit Citations?
Did you know the squadron shot down Admiral Yamagata?
Did you know the Batgirl had a sex change?
Remember the time our plane landed with 15 gallons of fuel left?
Did you know the squadron lost a plane in New Foundland?
Did you know the squadron was in the middle of the Cuban Missile crises?
Did you know the squadron was disestablished in 1995?
Do you know how many people have served in VP-24?

I was in VP-24 in the mid 60's, in real airplanes (open windows, recip engines that leaked oil etc. I know, we didn't have guns!). There is little 'history' of the squadron in the 80's & 90's. I need a lot of help there.

REPLY TO ME WITH HISTORY STORIES & MATERIALS!

Remember - email to Jack to be included on the roster. Email or call me regarding History.

Spread the word to the non-wired Shipmates! Pensacola 2000! We would like to have the roster up to 1,000 and have 300 vets at Pensacola!

Best of the Holidays to you and your families! Get the word out!

Andy Massa
15 Michigan Dr.
Hudson, MA 01749
navyvp24@hotmail.com
978-294-2354 (work)
978-562-3222 (home) [10DEC99]


Note NOTICE: "...Open letter to the Batmen of VP-24
Years ago, I started writing short articles for bat-scientists (like myself) that dealt with "bats" that had made it into military service by their inclusion as images on unit patches (My list of USN, USMC, USAF, RAF, RCAF, SAAF units with bat insignia now stands at 105, 198 counting variants).

Presently, I seek your help on another project. I am putting together an article concerning the ASM-N-2 Special Weapons Ordinance Device, more commonly known as the "BAT"... the weapon VP-24 is named after.

I would thoroughly enjoy talking with any aircrew that operated the ASM-2 BAT. I have a smattering of information, but it is piece-meal and garnered from a wide variety of sources. I have included (below) a brief outline of topics (and/or rumors) that I have specific questions about. I strongly encourage corrections to the block of text that follows the outline.

I would sincerely appreciate any and all information that VP-24 can throw my way!

Scott Pedersen, PhD
University of Washington
ailto:bathead@u.washington.edu W206-543-5798, H206-633-3743 [10SEP98]

UPDATE "...The ASM-Bat article is somewhat back-burnered at the moment. I rec'd 2 returns... both useful (sound like great guys). I found it easier to initiate my own site based on Bats that have made it into cloth insignia. I'm around 200 images... many of which come from VQ-5, VQ-1, VQ-2, and VP-24..." [07NOV99]

UPDATE "...Site just released: BATHEAD'S HOME..." [14NOV99]


Note NOTICE: "...Would like to hear from anyone who would know how to contact Charles Redman. Charles was the Avionics Officer and Flew on Crew 11 as Tacco with VP-24 in the early sixties...Don Hall djhdestin@cox.net..." [09FEB2003]


Note NOTICE: "...I am trying to locate Dan Hill and his wife Kathy who served in from 1971 through 1972. Thank you...Larry Butcher shado50@aol.com..." [21FEB2003]


Note NOTICE: "...Have been looking for VP-24 squadron mate, Chuck Darwin, AW type from 1974-1975...AMCS Ray E. Santee, Retired servsan@netzero.net..." [16JAN2003]


Note NOTICE: "...I am trying to locate a couple of friends who served in VP's in the middle sixties. One is Tom Collins, a Photo Intelligenceman in VP-23 (I believe in Brunswick) and the other is Joe Marley, Joe served with me in VP-24 from 1964-1966. Joe was from Philidelphia. Also, Charles McKeon from Philly and Dale Railsback from Buffalo. Both Chuck and Dale were in VP-24 during the same years. If any one has contact with any of these guys, please have them get in touch with me. Thanks. I served with VP-24 as a PT2 NAS Norfolk, Virginia 1964-1966...Joe Brickler brickhaus43@aol.com..." [26SEP2002]


Note NOTICE: "...I would like to hear from anyone that might know the status/address of C.F. "Charlie" Carter. He was an AT2 stationed in NAS Chincoteague, Virginia in VP-24 in the late 1950's. The last I heard of him he was in a helicoptor squadron in NAS North Island, San Diego, California...Hooker, Harry G. harryjudyh@aol.com..." [23SEP2002]


Note NOTICE: "...Culpepper "Pepper" Ingram II, hometown Winder, GA, USNA grad 1965. Pilot VP-24 1967-70, VP-30 1970-72, VW-4 1972-73. Retired Capt. USNR-R, pilot with Eastern Airlines, & Insurance Salesman with Farm Bureau after EAL passed away (Went West) on Dec. 30, 1996. He is survived by his wife Peggy of Corpus Christi, son Culpepper III (USMA grad 1993) & daughter Catherine..." Contributed by Louis Seldon llseldon@verizon.net WebSite: http://www.lou-seldon.com/[28FEB99]


Note NOTICE: Removed per request of shipmate. [REMOVED 02JAN2002 | 13APR99]


Note NOTICE: "...Help!!!! I am looking for information about members of the VP-24. VP-24 was stationed in NAS Keflavik, Iceland in 1972-1973. If anyone can help with either the Cruise book or was stationed in Iceland during that period - It would be greatly appreciated. Thanx in advance Valsson, Þorgeir, Karlsdóttir,Ólöf...Þorgeir R Valsson Icefox@isholf.is" [01MAR98]


Note NOTICE: "...My name is Susan Funk Furey. I am the Great-Grand Niece of Rear Admiral (rank at retirement) Thomas A. Christopher. I believe that he flew with the VP-34 PBY 'Black Cat' Squadron during WWII. Uncle Tom was more like my Grandfather, since my real Grandfather (his brother in law) was killed DDay -17. Uncle Tom often spoke about his exploits with the Black Cats, but now as an adult and being an active duty, Army Special Forces MAJ's wife, I would like to know more specifics. I would really enjoy speaking with anyone that knew/served with my Uncle. My son is nine years old and is hugely interested in WWII and aviation. Boy, I wish that Uncle Tom was still around. Can anyone assist? Thanks so much. Susan Furey SEMedia@msn.com..." [22AUG2001]


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