VP-5 Squadron Shipmates
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ShipmateVP-57 ShipmatesShipmate

AMBROSE, AT3 Wayne wamda@aol.com "...I served with VP-57 (1955-1957) at NAS Whidbey Island, Washington with jumps to Kwajalin. I crewed on 3M77 under Commander Johnson. I now reside in N. Ft. Myers, FL..." [27OCT2013]

ANDERSON, AE2 Donald "Andy" prayers4u2@aol.com "...I served with VP-57 (1955-1957) at NAS Whidbey Island, Washington with a deployment to NAS Kodiak, Alaska (1955) flying the P2V-5s and VAH-4 (1957-12/1957) until my discharge. I would like to hear from former Shipmates..." [06JUL2012]


BARTZ, Wayne wbphoto@cmc.net "...I served with VP-57 from 12/54 through 7/56 at NAS Whidbey Island, Washington and deployed to NAS Kodiak, Alaska and NAS Adak, Alaska. I would like to hear from anyone who served in the squadron during that time and particularly my crew, Crew 7..." [24JUN99]

BEESLEY, Howard L. (Beez) hbeesley@bellsouth.net"...Great to see so many old Shipmates again. Please add me to your lists. VP Background All P2's 1951 - 1953 VP-57 /931 Whidbey Isl Wash. 1953-1956 ATU-601/612 Hutchinson, Kansas 1956-1959 Grosse Ile Mich. (VP-Training) 1959-1961 VP-4 Okinawa 1961-1963 NAS Alameda, California (VP Training) 1966 VP-30 Jax 1966-1968 VP-42 Whidbey All great tours with wonderful people!!!!!..."

BEST, Mike MBest12345@aol.com "...I enlisted and arrived Great Lakes in 02/1953...Arrived Norman OK aviation school in 5/53...Arrived Millington TN in 6/53 (saw the Blue Angel Crash within 100 yards - ouch)...Arrived Kwajalein 9/54 and flew radio/radar on PBM5As and Grumman Albatross' with five one-week Sea/Air/Rescue TADs to Wake Island plus VERY fun overnight trips to Ponape, Caroline Islands (now Pohnpei). I still correspond with the daughter of a real "South Pacific" plantation owner...Arrived NAS Whidbey Island, Washington 10/55 and joined VP-57 with 6-month TAD to NAS Kodiak, Alaska. Hardship discharge (two months early) in 12/56..." Personal WebSite: http://members.aol.com/mbest12345 [02JUL2000]

BLACKERBY, Jerry jerry_blackerby@yahoo.com "...I served with VP-57 (1954-03/1955) at NAS Whidbey Island, Washington with a deployment to NAF Naha, Okinawa, Japan. I flew as radio and performed magic shows at some of the clubs around NAS Whidbey Island, Washington..." [E-Mail Updated 29NOV2013 | E-Mail Updated 02JUN2006 | E-Mail Updated 28MAR2000 | 25FEB98]


CHURCH, Edward D. c/o His Son Matt Church mattdive159@aol.com "...My father entered the VP-57 Squadron in the spring of 1952 and left in 1955. He is new to computers and we just came across this website. His name is Edward D. Church, and he would like to find out as much information concerning his time of duty as possible. He was stationed on NAS Whidbey Island, Washington. If anyone has more information for him, or may even remember the name, please email me with the information. He would really like to speak to some old friends, and find more info relating to his time served. He ras a radio operator on a P2V Neptune..." [28AUG2000]

CONIGLIO, Carl J. carlconiglio@gmail.com "...I served with VP-931 and VP-57 (1950-1954)..." [16FEB2021]

CREIGHTON, AE2 Cecil cecilmarg@verizon.net "...I served with VP-4 from 1955 and 1956 (deployed to Australia). What a great time we had. I met my future wife and we have had a wonderful life together. I also served with VP-57 from September 1953 to July 1955 (deployed to NAF Kadena, Okinawa, Japan). I have kept in contact with several guys and hope to hear from more. Hope to see many of you at Reunions..." [E-Mail Updated 13JAN2005 | E-Mail Updated 28APR2004 | BIO Updated 11AUG2001 | 23SEP2000]


DOBING, ADCS Frank Retired frank2700@gmail.com "...I served with VP-931, VP-57, VP-8, VP-30, VP-5, VT-29 and then I retired. I went on to a second very rewarding career as an Aviation Safety Inspector with the FAA (Flight Standards Division) and retired January 2001. There is quite a large number of VP retirees in this area of south central Texas..." [E-Mail Updated 18JAN2009 | Updated E-Mail/BIO 13MAR2001 | 18AUG98]

DUFORE, Maurice C. ltnavret@webtv.net "...Did a short tour with VP-57 in 1953 through 1954 and one deployment to Naha, Okinawa. I was Plane Captain on P2V-5 BUNO 128372 Commanded by LCDR Merle White, the Maintenance Officer of the squadron. Would love to hear from any of my Shipmates from the squadron and particularly from the crew of that aircraft..." [16NOV99]


EVERSON, Conrad Retired cone66@charter.net "...I served with VP-57 from 1954-1955. I was the Ordanceman on Crew #7 in NAF Naha, Okinawa, Japan. I went on a short tour to NAS Kodiak, Alaska in 1955 to fill in a shortage of aircraft in VP-2 with one of our aircraft. I think we spent about 6 weeks. Flew ice patrols and ECM OPS out of NAS Adak, Alaska. I lost my NAF Naha, Okinawa, Japan cruise book during a divorce would gladly pay the shipping both ways just to walk down memory lane. I retired 21 June 1970 and was a crewman navigator for 10 years..." [E-Mail Updated 10DEC2002 | 01AUG2002]


FIEGE, Henry C hcf@wwt.net "...Greetings from Henry C. Fiege AL-2, 1st radioman crew-9. I was with VP-931 and VP-57 1952-54. NAS Atsugi, Japan, Naha Okinawa. Discharged at Pier 91, Seattle Nov.54. Great bunch of guys. Many fond memories..." [E-Mail Updated 26JUN2001 | 01APR99]

FREDINE, AM2 Howard M. hfredine@yahoo.com "...I served as a metalsmith (AM2) with VP-57 from September 1953 to December 1954 at NAS Whidbey Island, Washington and during the tour to Okinawa. I would love to hear from any Shipmates from those days. I still recognized a few names on the squadron's roster..." [E-Mail Updated 25NOV2004 | E-Mail Updated 12MAR2002 | 05OCT2000]

FURNISH, Thomas Richard tfurnish@insightbb.com "...I served with VP-57 and VP-931 from November 1951 to May 1954. I worked in the Metal Smith's Shop. Deployed to NAS Kodiak, Alaska (1952) and NAS Atsugi, Japan (1953). I would enjoy hearing from former Shipmates..." [27DEC2006]


GRACE, MA1 Douglas A. DAG1@pro-site.com "...Joined VP-57 in March of 1955 right out of boot camp. Immediately went Mess Cooking for 3 months. Returned and was assigned to Ordnance Shop. Deployed to NAS Kodiak, Alaska in January 1956 and got sent mess cooking again in NAS Kodiak, Alaska in March, but made AO3 in April and finally got free of that duty. Had the dubious honor of being in Crew 10 for awhile with LTJG Bell as PC. See Mishap page for story of bad landing at NAS Kodiak, Alaska. Transferred out in March 1957 to NAS Miramar. Stayed in for 11 years and left the Navy as, MA1 in January 1966. Would be glad to hear from any and all squadron mates, and in particular DE Bateman AO2 from that time..." [E-Mail Updated 11DEC2002 | E-Mail Updated 24OCT2001 | 29MAR97]

GRAY, Charles V. charles.gray43@gmail.com "...I served with VP-931 and (redesignated) VP-57 (1951-03/1953) at NAS Whidbey Island, Washington. While serving with VP-931 I flew with Crew-6 (PPC LT Bill Rittmann, Co-pilot LT Geo Baldwin, Navigator ENSIGN Springer, Plane Captain Vance, Ordnaceman Cooper, Radio Maguire, 2nd Mechanic Ringo and 2nd Radio Shira) and while serving with VP-57 I flew with Crew-1 (PPC CDR Coley). While serving with VP-931 and deployed to NAS Kodiak, Alaska we were the first squadron to overfly Soviet territory in performing surveillance operations during initial phase of Cold War (Korean War - 1951). Our flights included a few over Siberia and Kamchatka as well as the Arctic Circle. Most overflights were performed in the great P2V-3W aircraft. On one of my "go-silent no electronics" flights (P2V-2 BUNO: 39363) we became lost in bad weather and nearly overflew a MIG base. Another scary flight was over the Arctic Circle while performing countermeasure surveillance ops when both engines quit. I thought that I was going to be tossed out the nose turret. Our engine malfunction was due to carb ice and our pilot neglected to switch to "alternate" air when temp reached -70 F. Would like to hear from former Shipmates..." [E-Mail Updated 18AUG2013 | E-Mail Updated 29JUN2005 | 30MAY2000]

GREEN, Ralph E. regreensr@charter.com "...I served with VP-931 in 1951 with a deployment to NAS Kodiak, Alaska and VP-57 until 1955 with a deployment to NAF Naha, Okinawa, Japan. I flew with Crew 1 (JP Edwards crew)..." [27DEC2008]

GREENWALT, Don R. MSM57@aol.com "...I served in VP-57 from 1952 to January 1955. During the tour to NAS Atsugi, Japan in 1953 I was second radio in Crew 7, and during the tour to NAF Naha, Okinawa, Japan in 1954, I was first radio in Crew 11. I see that several of the other radio operators from other crews during the same period have posted notes, and I got out my pictures to see who they were, and yes I do remember them..." [08JAN2001]

GRIM, AFCM Ernest L. Retired ernieg@cox-internet.com"...I was stationed at NAS Whidbey Island, Washington 1955-1960 with VP-57. Served in VAH-4 from commissioning to Dec. 1958. Made 1 WestPac deployment on board CVA-38..." [BIO/E-Mail Updated 31JAN2005]


HAMILTON, ADJ3 Jim ourtoy3@juno.com "...I am searching for any past members of VP-57 between 1954-1956. Our P2V6's were armed fore and aft & top side. I was an ADJ-3 Combat Air Crewman at that time. Our crew flew around the Comendorski Island and over Siberia. As we came on around the Island, taking E.C.M. cuts on their forward early warning site in heavy weather between us and a flock of Migs. We were successfull in locating it..." [15MAY2002]

HARTMAN, Richard rhartman10@tampabay.rr.com "...I was aerial photographer assigned to VP-57 but TDY to the NAS Whidbey Island, Washington main side photo lab and special services for 6 months and 6 months at NAF Naha, Okinawa, Japan photo lab. This was in 1953-1954. I wish I could have met more crew members. In fact I could have been flying an aircraft if the Navy had not screwed me out of NAVCAT!..." [09SEP2008]


IRWIN, Albert H. patmac@centurytel.net "...I served with VP-57 NAS Whidbey Island, Washington during Korea era and beyond. I would love to hear from former Shipmates..." [18APR2008]


KENNEDY, Bill aqua165@cfaith.com "...Went to VP-57, NAS Whidbey Island, Washington from Aviation Prep School, NAS Norman, Oklahoma in 1955. Deployed to NAS Kodiak, Alaska and NAS Adak, Alaska as 2nd Radioman with Crew 8, LCDR Brown I think. Still remember all the missed (GCA) approaches. Was with the squadron when it was redesignated VAH-4. Left in 1957 for NATTU at NAS Olathe, Kansas, then to VF-213, NAS Moffett Field, California and WESTPAC Cruise aboard USS Lexington (CVA-16), then to VU-5 NAS Atsugi, Japan then VT-3, NAS Whiting Field, Milton, Florida and out. Great memories. Still attend USS Lexington (CVA-16) and VF-213 Reunions..." [E-Mail Updated 16FEB2004 | 26DEC2001]


LOGAN, Ralph M. heralo@juno.com "...I served with VP-931 in November 1951. We deployed to NAS Kodiak, Alaska and NAS Atsugi, Japan. Our squadron was redesignated VP-57 and we then deployed to NAF Naha, Okinawa, Japan. I was assigned to flight crew #9 with LT Burke as Plane Captain. Hope to hear from members of either squadron..." [08NOV2003]

LUTES, Jim jelutes@ivic.net "...I was assigned to VP-931 at NAS Whidbey Island, Washington in 1951 in a crew as 2nd Radioman and did a tour at NAS Kodiak, Alaska. And when they changed to VP-57 we went to NAS Atsugi, Japan..." [12APR99]

LYONS, AT2 James "JD" jdlyons7@verizon.net "...I served with VP-57 at NAF Kadena, Okinawa, Japan in 1954 and flew Crew 4 as an AT when we deployed to NAS Kodiak, Alaska in 1956. I was discharged in October 1956 as AT2. I would like to hear from former Shipmates..." [09SEP2010]


NEVES, Bart seveneves2@cox.net "...I served with VP-57 (1951-1955) at NAS Whidbey Island, Washington with a deployment to NAS Atsugi, Japan and then NAS Hutchinson, Kansas..." [28APR2013]


RINGIS, Jerry garingis@msn.com "...I served with VP-931 and VP-57 (01/1951-1953)..." [30SEP2013]


TANNER, CPO Harold Retired Shipmate Pix 1954 htanner@tampabay.rr.com. "...I served with VP-931 and VP-57 at NAS Whidbey Island, Washington in the 1950's. I also served at NAS Memphis, Tennessee and NAS Cecil Field, Jacksonville, Florida..." [E-Mail Updated 10MAY2007]

TYNES, YN Walter "Pete" wptynes@bellsouth.net "...I served with VP-57 (1956) and VAH-4 at NAS Whidbey Island, Washington and TAD to NAS Kodiak, Alaska (01/1957-06/1957). I was a Yeoman in the Admin Office with YN Walter L. Bush, LCDR John Ballew and CDR Weiss. I live near Jackson, MS. I would like to hear from former Shipmates..." [30JUL2012]


ROSENTHAL, LaVern c/o His Son MMC(SW) Patrick Rosenthal, Retired porosenthal@sbcglobal.net "...I enlisted January 1951. Went through ANP School, NAS Jacksonville, Florida. ATAL at Memphis and advanced electronics at NAS North Island, San Diego, California. Joined VP-931 in 1952 as 3rd Class ATAL. Had two tours with VP-57, NAS Atsugi, Japan and NAF Naha, Okinawa, Japan. I was 2nd radio in Crew 9 in NAS Atsugi, Japan. Ed Church was my 1st Radio. While serving with Crew 6, Charlie Miller was 1st Radio for a while, then I became 1st Radio for Crew 6. LT Keller was my pilot in Crew 6. LT Reife was my pilot in Crew 6. Rufus White was my 2nd Radio. My brother Gene joined VP-57 in November 1952. We flew 8 or 9 missions together out of NAS Atsugi, Japan and NAF Naha, Okinawa, Japan. At times we were in the air at the same time. Gene in Crew 1 and me in Crew 9. One of my best friends was Louis Boston, electrician. I flew radio for Touch and Goes for Beasley when he forgot to put the Landing Gear Down. We took off about a foot of our adme and still climbed back in the air safely. He took a lot of ribbing about that. I remember Beasley, Grenwalt, Jim Lutes and Ed Church. I left the Navy in December 1954. Don't have computer. My son, Machinist's Mate Chief Petty Officer (retired) is posting this for me. Anyone wishing to contact me, write LaVern Rosenthal, PO Box 152, Mount Olive, IL 62069..." [BIO Updated 25FEB2004 | 15DEC2003]


ZAHORIK, AT3 Richard M. rzahorik_zorro@yahoo.com "...I served with VP-57 (1956-1957) with a NAS Adak, Alaska as a rotating low ECM crew. I wonder if anyone can remember or recall our flights to Siberia?..." [13FEB2012]

ZIEMER, AT3 Robert R. vp57usn@aol.com "...I served with VP-57 Crew 12 while stationed at NAS Whidbey Island, Washington from November 1953 to November 23 1954. I was a AT3..." [16SEP2002]


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