VP-47 Notice
NOTICE: "...Myself and other members of VP-47 Crew-5 (1965) are attempting to locate a crewmember of ours by the name of Alpine Day (AE2). He was our crew electrician and we have searched for him for years with no success. Anyone knowing of his whereabouts please contact me. Thanks..." Contributed by FRANKLIN, Jim jimfrank886@mchsi.com [08JAN2012]
NOTICE: "...I would like to hear from anyone who might have served with ADCS Kelvin W. Jacobs. Chief Jacobs served with VP-4 from 1998 to 2004, VP-47 from 2004 to 2005 at MCBH Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii and HC-5 prior to retirement. Thanks for your help..." Contributed by Dan Jacobs jake-dan@capecodmouse.com [10AUG2010]
NOTICE: "...Would like to communicate with any mate who may have served with our son, ADCS Kelvin W. Jacobs, while he was stationed at MCBH Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii with VP-4 and VP-47 was his last two duty station before he retired, which was in the summer of 2005. Prior to serving with VP-4 he had been assigned to HC-5 in the mid-to late nineties. Dan Jacobs jake-dan@capecodmouse.com..." [05JUL2007]
NOTICE: "...We are working on a project regarding Navy aircraft flying above our ship December 18-20, 1950. The USS McKean (DD-784) and the USS Frank Knox (DD-742) encountered a Soviet submarine near Sasebo, Japan. Crewmembers of both ships reported that a US Navy patrol plane was above our ships during the encounter. One aircraft reported that one submarine had taken a stern shot that just missed our ship. We think the planes could be from VP-6 (28 Jun 1950-12 Feb 1951), VP-22 (01 NOV 50 to 01 MAY 51), VP-42 (19 JUL 50 to 01 APR 51), VP-46 (15 JUN 50 to 06 MAR 51), VP-47 (07 JUL 50 to 01 JAN 51), VP-772 (01 SEP 50 to 01 JAN 51) and VP-892 (18 DEC 50 to 01 AUG 51) squadrons that were flying near Sasebo, Japan at that time. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks. Richard Shaw rpsha@cox.net..." [26APR2007]
"...I have received a message indicating that no VP-46 aircraft were involved.. Thanks. Richard Shaw rpsha@cox.net..." [21JUN2007]
NOTICE: "...My name is Shawn Fritz (I go by Fritter). I own http://www.AV8RSTUFF.com --- I see a lot of my recurring customers in some of you comment pages. I have a customer that is look for a particular patch to make a jacket for his son (who is now out of the Navy). "Here is the challenge; My son was in VP-47 during the years 1996-99 as a Flight Engineer. During that time they had a "cruise patch" that said: "If you want to go deep, you have to have a big Johnson". Their TACCO was a tall (6'8") guy named Johnson. If anyone has a good picture (.jpg) of this patch please e-mail me. I'll gladly compensate you with a free patch off of my site. Thanks!....Shawn Fritz fritter@av8rstuff.com..." [13JAN2007]
NOTICE: "...VP-2 Memorial Project for NAS Whidbey Island, Washington. We are looking for Maintenance and Structural Manuals for the P2V7. The Memorial is going to be for all the Squadrons who were at NAS Whidbey Island, Washington and the Shipmates who Died in the Operation of the Squadrons. So if you know or if you hear of Manuals please let me know so we can get bird to Nas Whidbey. SEXTON, Guy Capecod2443@aol.com..." [10FEB2002]
"...Patrol squadrons finally recognized - By Jessie Stensland - Sep 16 2006 - Whidbey News Times http://www.whidbeynewstimes.com/..." Forwarded by Jim Campbell blandjcampbell@aol.com [26NOV2006]
Hundreds of people traveled thousands of miles to be in Oak Harbor Thursday morning.
The first-of-its-kind Patrol Squadron Memorial was dedicated to aircrews past and present, and presented to the Oak Harbor community, in a dignified and emotional ceremony at the Veterans Park on East Pioneer Way. It began with a flyover by a P-3 Orion.
Linda MacDonald and her husband, Bob, flew to Oak Harbor from California to be at the ceremony with their two daughters. Linda said they came to the event in memory of her brother Dale Armour, whose name is engraved in a granite wall of the memorial along with the 84 other servicemen who lost their lives in Whidbey-based patrol squadron operations.
The memorial has deep meaning for the family.
"It's a culmination," Linda said. "It's closure. It gives us a place to come now to remember him."
Armour, a 22-year-old member of VP-42, was in a VP-2 Neptune aircraft that disappeared while on patrol in Alaska in 1967. The site of the crash wasn't found until 16 years later.
The MacDonald family was among more than 600 people who attended the ceremony. It coincided with a Reunion of Patrol Squadron Two Association, which is the group behind the memorial.
Capt. David Taylor, Commander of Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing 10, spoke passionately during the ceremony about the history of the Navy's patrol and reconnaissance squadrons, which is a history inextricably linked to Oak Harbor. The first patrol squadron at Whidbey Island Naval Air Station flew PBY Catalinas in the 1940s.
Taylor spoke about how patrol squadrons helped to win the Cold War by "playing a cat-and-mouse game" with Soviet submarines and planes.
"Anywhere we could chase the enemy bear, we wore the enemy down," he said.
Yet Taylor said the patrol mission is still valid today, even with the end of the Cold War.
"This is a time of great challenge and change to the patrol and reconnaissance squadrons," he said, "our Navy and our nation."
Taylor also spoke about the bronze statue of a 1960s era airman, which is the centerpiece of the memorial.
"I see a proud warrior of the past," he said, "but I also see in his face the warrior of the present."
Floyd Palmer, president of the Patrol Squadron Two Association, turned over ownership of the memorial to the citizens of Oak Harbor with an official presentation to Mayor Patty Cohen.
Afterward, Palmer explained that the effort to build a memorial started when he took a tour of Whidbey Island Naval Air Station more than six years ago and realized that there was nothing to recognize patrol squadrons. It took the work of many members of the association and money from many generous donors to finally make his dream a reality.
During her speech, Cohen said the patrol squadrons didn't receive as much recognition as others in the military because "their missions were always classified," but she said they were definitely "so deserving of a permanent place in town."
The Northwest Navy Ceremonial Band ended the ceremony by playing Taps. Afterward, the audience got the chance to look at the memorial close up.
Robert Lenson, a member of the VP-2 Association, attended the event with his wife, Raye. He was the skipper of VP-17 in 1964.
Husband and wife agreed that such a memorial was long overdue.
"It means a great deal," Raye said. "We mourn the loss of crewmates. This recognition is important."
© Copyright 2005 Whidbey News Times
"...LEFT PICTURE: Appeared on page 2 of the 9-27 issue of the Northwest Navigator, NAS Whidbey Edition. This is the Northwest Navy newspaper for the region. RIGHT PICTURE: Win Stites..." Forwarded by McLAUGHLIN, LT Bob banddmcl1964@msn.com [04OCT2006]
"...On 9-14-2006 a Patrol Squadron Memorial dedication ceremony was held in Oak Harbor, WA. In attendance were approximately 600 past and present members of the VP community that had served at NAS Whidbey Island and the speakers were a mix of community and military leaders as well as those who had served. If you would like further info for your website I'll be glad to send what I have. Attached are a few photos..." Contributed by GOODMAN, AWCS Edward E. (Ed) Retired edusnret@gmail.com [25SEP2006]
"...If you don't get the "Wings" magazine, there is an article in it about a new Patrol Squadron memorial being built. Here are the highlights...Contributed by LARSON, LCDR John Retired oriondriver1975@yahoo.com..." [01NOV2005]
In 2004 the city of Oak Harbor approved the placement of the memorial in the city's Veterans Memorial Park.
VP squadrons have served at NAS Whidbey Island, Washington since 1942. In the Cold War periods, when most other active duty military forces were limited to exercises, simulators and war games to train for their various warfare specialties, VP aircraft and crews flew all-weather missions around the clock keeping track of the growing fleet of Soviet submarines in our waters and in theirs. VP crews did much of their training against live Soviet submarines. In addition to the ASW mission, VP crews were responsible for ocean reconnaissance, surveillance, mining and electronic warfare operations.
The Memorial has a single, simple purpose: the recognition of the contribution to freedom that the men and women of the NAS Whidbey Island, Washington patrol squadron community have made in over 60 years of service. Hundreds of Whidbey Is personnel have been lost in the VP operations since 1942. Among them are those whose names will appear on this Memorial from the Whidbey Is. P2V community.
The Whidbey Patrol Squadron Memorial is dedicated to all USN personnel who served in Navy patrol squadrons at NAS Whidbey Is. and to those Whidbey P2V airmen who lost their lives in the line of duty in VP operations.
The Memorial design consists of a life-size bronze statue of an airman in flight gear standing in front of a 3-section granite wall. Featured on the wall are an outline of a P2V, the Memorial dedication, a map depicting deployment sites, a list of Whidbey VP units and the names of those who perished in P2V flight ops.
Surrounding the walls are bricks inscribed in accordance with the wishes of donors who purchase the bricks. Brick purchases form the primary means of fund-raising for the Memorial which is scheduled for dedication in mid 2006. See http://www.patron2.com/files/wpsm.html for info on the Memorial, a listing of the 59 VP squadrons that served at Whidbey, the history of Whidbey VP operations and info on the Catalinas, Venturas, Mariners, Privateers, Neptunes, Marlins, and Orions involved.
Widespread support and donations for this memorial are encouraged. Brick orders and donations should be sent to Vic Gulliver, 1900 Franklin Dr, Glenview, IL 60026. Inquires including requests for brick-order-forms by mail should be sent to the VPSM Committee, 1376 West Beach Rd, Oak Harbor, WA 98277 or via email: wpsm@comcast.net.
"...The following squadrons are all listed on the wall of the forthcoming Whidbey Patrol Squadron Memorial. The memorial, to be built in Oak Harbor, WA and dedicated in September 2006 includes a comemorative wall and a lifesize bronze statue of a typical VP aircrewman ready for flight.
If you are, or know any members of these squadrons, please contact us so we can keep everyone informed of the memorial progress. More information is available at http://www.patron2.com/files/wpsm.html.
VP-1, VP-2, VP-4, VP-6, VP-12, VP-17, VP-20, VP-27, VP-29, VP-32, VP-40, VP-42, VP-43/VPB-43, VP-46, VP-47, VP-50, VP-53/VPB-53, VP-57, VP-61/VPB-61, VP-62/VPB-62, VP-69, VPB-91, VP-107, VPB-112, VPB-115, VP-120/VPB-120, VP-122/VPB-122, VP-130/VPB-130, VP-131/VPB-131, VPB-135, VP-136/VPB-136, VPB-138, VPB-139, VPB-144, VPB-148, VPB-199, VPB-212, VP-772, VP-812, VP-931, VP-AM-1, VP-AM-2, VP-AM-5, VP-ML-1, VP-ML-2, VP-ML-4, VP-ML-61, VP-HL-7, VP-HL-10 and VP-HL-12.
It is a great Memorial, honoring all who served with NAS Whidbey Island, Washington Patrol Squadrons.
Al Hall, WPSM Committee, VP-2 1950-1952...Al Hall alandmarylou@comcast.net..." [24MAY2005]
"...A project is underway to create a Memorial recognizing the contributions of all Whidbey-based VP personnel. Please advise your friends, and consider supporting this worthwhile effort to honor our Shipmates. Whidbey Patrol Squadron Memorial - Veteran's Memorial Park - Oak Harbor, WA. Completion scheduled for Summer 2006. This memorial is dedicated to all United States Naval personnel who served in Navy Patrol Squadrons based at NAS Whidbey Island, to their families, and to those Whidbey P2V airmen who lost their lives in the line of duty in VP operations. For more info: http://www.patron2.com/files/wpsm.html..." Contributed by Doug Donohue nvsoar@charter.net [24DEC2004]
NOTICE: "...Expanding Square Search for old Shipmate Gary MaCallister. He was an AW in VP-47, ASWOC NAS Bermuda, VP squadron NAS Barbers Point, Hawaii. Lost CNT at thant piont. Any help getting afix on Gary would be great BZ...GALLUP, AWC(NAC) Mark Retired mauitrojanchief@aol.com..." [12JUL2006]
NOTICE: "...I am looking for information on AXC William (Bill) Blair. He was killed in the Philippines July 4, 1987. I found out in 1993 when his aging mother told me. I have been searching every database I can to find out what happen to Bill. Bill and I served and lived together in NAS Barbers Point, Hawaii from 79-82'. He was in VP-6 78-81' and made CPO in 81'at NAS Barbers Point, Hawaii and went to NAS Moffett Field, California soon after. I have some info to say that he was in VP-47 maybe during the 1985 on deployment? Anyway, his family is all gone and I would like to know the details of how he was killed in PI. I spent one deployment in PI with the White Lightnings VP-17 as AX3 and was always working at AIMD when deployed or on detactments. I worked in NAS Agana, Guam AIMD 80' and NAS Cubi Point, Philippines AIMD 81'. Bill was very close to me and my wife in Hawaii (Ewa Beach) and we miss him dearly. Looking forward to e-mails from Shipmates that knew me and Bill Blair. I know you CPO's out there are very tight and several of you knew of Bill Blair. Please our family wants closure because his family is gone and his Navy Family lives on. Thanks and Turn-2 you VP's out there!...ADDIS, Craig A. craig.a.addis@saic.com..." [Updated 29JUL2005 | 20JUL2005]
"...Recently I found out how he passed! My request of information on him was answered by several Shipmates, including his CO. Thanks again, Pete and Chuck. ;-). ADDIS, Craig A. craig.a.addis@saic.com..." [25APR2006]
NOTICE: "...In late 1978 or early 1979 AMS2 Donald C. Hamlyn, an FE with VP-47, was tragically killed in a fall at a hotel in Singapore where his crew was doing an RON on their way to Dodge (as I recall anyway). If you know what crew Don was on and the month that his death occured please contact me, Terry B. Burkett, at the email included here. Your help would be appreciated Shipmates!...Terry B. Burkett tburkett1@austin.rr.com..." [13MAR2006]
NOTICE: "...I am looking for information on AXC William (Bill) Blair. He was killed in the Philippines July 4, 1987. I found out in 1993 when his aging mother told me. I have been searching every database I can to find out what happen to Bill. Bill and I served and lived together in NAS Barbers Point, Hawaii from 79-82'. He was in VP-6 78-81' and made CPO in 81'at NAS Barbers Point, Hawaii and went to NAS Moffett Field, California soon after. I have some info to say that he was in VP-47 maybe during the 1985 on deployment? Anyway, his family is all gone and I would like to know the details of how he was killed in PI. I spent one deployment in PI with the White Lightnings VP-17 as AX3 and was always working at AIMD when deployed or on detactments. I worked in NAS Agana, Guam AIMD 80' and NAS Cubi Point, Philippines AIMD 81'. Bill was very close to me and my wife in Hawaii (Ewa Beach) and we miss him dearly. Looking forward to e-mails from Shipmates that knew me and Bill Blair. I know you CPO's out there are very tight and several of you knew of Bill Blair. Please our family wants closure because his family is gone and his Navy Family lives on. Thanks and Turn-2 you VP's out there!...Craig Addis craig.addis@amrdec.army.mil..." [Updated 29JUL2005 | 20JUL2005]
NOTICE: "...I am looking for any and all former and present VP-47 Golden Swordsmen from whatever time period, but particularly the period 1975 through 1979. I am in particular need of cruise books during that time, photographs, and "sea stories." Please contact me at the email address included here. Thanks...Terry B. Burkett tburkett1@austin.rr.com..." [19MAY2005]
NOTICE: "...VP-1, VP-4, VP-6, VP-9, VP-17, VP-22, VP-28, and VP-47 flying out of NAS Barbers Point, Hawaii Memorial..." Contributed by Michael Thomas carmikesc@juno.com..." [29MAR2005]
We are in the process of developing a memorial (due to be completed sometime in 2006) for the VP Squadrons that served from NAS Barbers Point, Hawaii. We have identified VP-1, VP-4, VP-6, VP-9, VP-17, VP-22, VP-28, and VP-47 flying out of NAS Barbers Point, Hawaii.
Each Squadron will have a separate inscription on the memorial. Bronze tablets will list the names of the Squadrons next to which will be their ensealed Squadron patch. We have all the patches except for VP-17, VP-22, and VP-28. If you know anyone who may be willing to donate a patch for the memorial, we'd appreciate hearing from them.
To complete the memorial, we need the names of those airmen who were lost while on duty. We need representatives from VP-1, VP-4, VP-6, VP-9, VP-17, VP-22, VP-28, and VP-47 to furnish us with a list of airmen lost and when. VP-6 has accounted for all of its personnel lost since its inception in 1943, including one person "on loan" to VP-871. That's what we need from the other Squadrons to do it justice. We don't need ranks or grades, just complete names and dates of loss.
As well as the memorial, we are making preparations to renovate a P2V aircraft owned by the Smithsonian in DC. The aircraft, presently at Davis-Monthan, and the memorial will be displayed at the Pacific Air Museum at Ford Island.
NOTICE: "...Looking for any VP-42 or VP-47 Shipmates who remembers being supported by the USS Curtiss (AV-4) in October, 1950 at Iwakuni, Hiroshima Wan, Japan. Would like to hear of any experiences you can remember while being supported by the USS Curtiss (AV-4). I am the historian for the USS Curtiss Association and can use any stories you might have for our members of the Association to be published at our web site...NORRIS, Bud cnorris1@socal.rr.com..." [13JAN2005]
NOTICE: "...Looking for the biological NOK for D.B. Quigley, VP-47 Commanding Officer. Had at least one son and daughter, daughter may also be retired from the Navy. Please feel free to pass along my contact information. Would like to pass along some items. No - this is not a sale, just a good deed. Thanks for any assistance...Chris Ginther cginther1@yahoo.com..." [23DEC2004]
NOTICE: "...Navy Establishing Augment Units For All FRS's Including VP-30..." Contributed by LCDR Robert J. Cable cablerj@vp30.navy.mil [03DEC2003]
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.
NOTICE: "...Found a VP-47 Plaque (6x6 Tile) at a at an antique shop/flea market. It appears to be from 1950-1960 era and is new and in excellent condition. Anyone interested in purchasing this for my cost plus shipping can contact me...AFCM Al Freeze, Retired afreeze@in-touch.net..." [17MAR2003]
NOTICE: "...I am looking for a VP-47 roster of deployment to NAF Cam Ranh Bay, Vietnam to prove I was "in country" (Vietman). I am being denied a medical claim because the only orders I have state only "NAVSTA Sangley Pt. Luzon Republic of the Philippines and such other places as may be necessary". Yet I served in NAF Cam Ranh Bay, Vietnam from October 27th, 1968 to February 1st, 1969. Navy says many records were destroyed in a fire at the record center. If you have any records that would help me prove I was there please email me...GUDGEON, AMH3 Daniel J. basndan@aol.com..." [02JUL2002]
NOTICE: "...I am the XO of VP-47 and would like to do an all former VP-47 Golden Swordsmen call for historical items or history with respect to the squadron. If anyone has any historical items or artifacts they'd like to donate to the squadron, we'd love to display them. Would also like any background on the history of the squadron - specifically, where the name came from and why...CDR Keith A. Bluestein (1310) keith@bluestein.net..."[E-Mail Updated 11SEP2000 | 10SEP2000]
"...VP-47 has received a few things/inquiries but would still certainly enjoy hearing from anyone who might have background on the squadron or memorabilia related to the squadron. Thanks!...CDR Keith A. Bluestein (1310) keith@bluestein.net..." [24MAY2001]
NOTICE: "...I served on the USS Curtiss (AV-4) from 1953 through 1955. I am the Historian for the Curtiss Association and I am always looking for more photo's of the ship. I know the ship maintained many of the planes for VP-42 and hoped that someone would have some additional photo's of our ship. I appreciate any info on this. Thanks...Looking for any VP-42 or VP-47 Shipmates who remembers being supported by the USS Curtiss (AV-4) in October, 1950 at Iwakuni, Hiroshima Wan, Japan. Would like to hear of any experiences you can remember while being supported by the Curtiss...Bud Norris cvnorris@worldnet.att.net..."[Notice Updated 16JUN2000 | 26MAY2000]
NOTICE: "...I am looking for an old friend that served with VP-47 and VP-91. She is AK1 Shelly Stephens. If any one knows anything about her where abouts, I could use your help. Thanks...Paul Iannucci nucci@yahoo.com..." [19AUG2003]
NOTICE: "...To all VP personel: I would like to contact anyone who has any information about AOC Thomas P. Schmitt Jr. I first served with him at the Ordnance department NAS Norfolk, Virginia from 1948-1950. We were transferred to NAS North Island, San Diego, California in the summer of 1950. We were assigned to VP-47 together from 1950 till my discharge in 1952. Any information be appreciated...FLORENCE, Richard L. charnan1953@sbcglobal.net..." [15NOV2002]
NOTICE: "...Looking for AW1(NAC) Gary Macalister USN (Ret.). Mac served with VP-47 1975-1979, and NAS Bermuda after that. Lost track. Any know where Gary is at now or his e-mail address. Thank you & thank you all for your Service to our Country...AWC(NAC) Mark Gallup USN (Ret.) SimiTrojan1972@aol.com..." [27JAN2002]
NOTICE: "...Looking for a friend of mine, we lost touch after relocating to Mass. Doug George VP-47 1966, NAS Moffett Field, California...Robert Reed Stitches@adelphia.net..." [13FEB2001]
NOTICE: "...Looking for Edward Green. Was stationed in NAS Moffett Field, California in 1990-93. I believe he was in VP-47. If you are in contact with him, pass on my email. Thanks!!! P.S. NAS Moffett Field, California was the best duty station in the WestPacFlt...Tonii Sumner melomuzik@yahoo.com..." [17NOV2000]
NOTICE: "...My father in law, Walter Golsan, is trying to locate a fellow he served with in VP-47 from 1950-1954 in NAS Alameda, California (FAW-14). His name was Deland or Delano Bertrand. The fellows' nickname was "Snag" and he may have originally been from Battle Creek, Michigan. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks...Kevin Lee Clark Kevlar_1@msn.com..." [06JAN2000]
NOTICE: "...My father Arthur Earl Smith (passed away 11/97) served with VP-47 from 6/55 to 6/5...I know that he was at NATC Bainsbridge Maryland from 6/55 to 9/55, then NATC Norman Oklahoma from 9/55 to 10/55, then NATC NAS Memphis, Tennessee from 10/55 to 9/56, then NAAS Kingsville TX from 9/56 to 6/57, then the last NAS Alameda, California with VP-47 from 6/57 to 3/59. Dad's last day of service when he received his Honorable Discharge was 6/26/59. I also know that he was in NAS Iwakuni, Japan either May-Oct or June Nov 58-59. I sure hope I find some of Dad's former Shipmates. My father passed away in 11/97 and I was just recently informed at the end of Jan. 99 and I am getting his remains and having a Navy service for him on 3/2/99 at the San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery, in Gustine California. I do need to move quickly since the services will be on March 2, 1999 at 2pm. I had a dream that only one of his navy buddies came, so I must be persistant. I really appreciate your help. I even had trouble in getting his remains and had to contract our local government to contact the mortuary to have his remains released to the San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery in Gustine, California. Also, my mother wanted to add that we are also looking for Paul A. Standridge, he served with my father and he was at their wedding, I believe best man...Thanks - Pamela Stone pstone@pc-intouch.com..." [13FEB99]
NOTICE: "...My father John M. White served with the VP-47 from 1950-1953, as a tail gunner, on the PBM's, tail letters BA 2. I am interested in getting any information on them that I can. Pictures, people, planes, anything at all. He also had a twin brother, Lonnie B. White that served in the VP-47 from 1950-1953. If you have any information please e-mail me DoDah1959@aol.com or my brother John White, Jr at jwhite@mail.icomnet.com. Your help and information is greatly appreciated...Laurie White Simon."
"...So far, I've heard from one shipmate. Thanks!..." [17NOV99]
"VP-47 Summary Page"
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