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

ShipmateVR-1 ShipmatesShipmate

ABBOTT, Bill ljjjar@cs.com "...Any info on VR-1 NAS Patuxent River, Maryland. Twix 1959-1961 Any info on VP-8 NAS Patuxent River, Maryland Twix 1961-1963..." [23JAN2000]

ALAIMO, AMS2 Anthony M. t_alaimo@hotmail.com "...I served with VR-1 in the late 1960's at NAS Patuxent River, Maryland and NAS Norfolk, Virginia and participated in UNITAS9. I crewed on C-121 BUNO: 141009..." [04OCT2009]


BEUSSINK, AT1 Theodore J. Retired villabeussink@gmail.com "...I served with VP-67 from November 1970 to February 1989 when I retired after 28 years of Naval service and over 3500 hrs of flight time. I flew as radio operator with VR-1 from July 1959 to my discharge June 1962. Went to work at McDonnell Aircraft and missed flying so enlisted with Naval Reserve and was assigned to VP-793 (February 1967) where I earned my combat aircrew wings in the P2V. Assigned to VP-67 (November 1970) when squadron was formed and continued flying as ECM, Radio, and Julie operator. Have many fond memories of past Shipmates, crew members and the places we visited together. Would like to hear from anyone who served with me..." [08JUN2010]

BOYER, AMHC Lewis J. lewis.boyer@att.net "...I served with VP-45 (1956-1958), NAS Midway Island, VR-21 at NAS Barbers Point, Hawaii, VR-1 at NAS Patuxent River, Maryland, VW-4,NAS Willow Grove, Pennsylvania, NAS Atlanta, Georgia, NAS Lakehurst, New Jersey and back to NAS Atlanta, Georgia to retirement in 1977..." [29MAR2012]

Memorial Picture "...BRACKEN, ADJC Harold J. "Harry" Shipmate Pix ..My Dad, ADJC Harold J. Bracken, passed away on July 28, 2013 (he was 90 years old). Dad enlisted on 8/10/1940 (his mother had to sign because he wasn't 18 yet). He served with VP-11 (1952-1955) and VX-6 (1957-1963) including Operation Deep Freeze III, IV, 60, 61 and 62 as Plane Captain on the P2V-7 and C-130B. Dad flew as a Flight Engineer, Plane Captain, Taxi Pilot and Quality Control Inspector. Dad was on the flight that discovered a mountain range and had Bracken Peak named in his honor. He then served with VR-1 from 1963 until he retired on 9/16/1966. ..." Contributed by Patricia Bracken Biscoe patricia_20650@yahoo.com [BIO/PIX Updated 01OCT2013 | 29SEP2013]

BYRNES, Jim mmadjim99@verizon.net "...I served with VR-1 at NAS Patuxent River, Maryland from 1951 to 1954 on R5D and R7V aircraft. Would like to hear from any Shipmates..." [28NOV2006]


CALHOUN, ADJ2 Wade H. wade@sccoast.net "...I attended "A" School (1962) at NAS Memphis, Tennessee, VP-49 at NAS Patuxent River, Maryland and VR-1 at NAS Norfolk, Virginia. Had some good times while in both outfits being 69 years young now I can think back over the years I served my Country and those were the best years of my life..." [13MAR2014]

CARPENTER, Richard richardcrp@aol.com "...I served with VR-1 (1964-1968) at NAS Patuxent River, Maryland. I was a radioman. Any squadron parties in the near future?..." [01OCT2010]


DOLAN, PR Mike madolan@integra.net "...I served with VR-1 at NAS Patuxent River, Maryland from 1958 to 1959 and VP-18 from 1959 to 1960 with deployment's to NAS Sigonella, Sicily and NAS Keflavik, Iceland. I would like to hear from former Shipmates..." [E-Mail Updated 06FEB2007 | BIO Updated 02NOV2005 | 21DEC2004]

DOUCETTE, CSC (SW/AW/NAC) Barry J. barry.doucette@navy.mil "...I served aboard the USS Thorn (DD-988) (12/1990-02/1993), COMmander, CRUiser DEStroyer GRoUp (COMCRUDESGRU) II (02/1993-01/1995), NAS Cecil Field, Jacksonville, Florida (01/1995-12/1997), VFA-105 (12/1997-10/2001), Naval Aircrew Candidate School, VP-30/VR-Detachment (10/2001-03/2006) at NAS Jacksonville, Florida, Naval Hospital (03/2006-07/2008) at NAS Pensacola, Florida, VR-1 (07/2008-06/2011), Correctional Academy (07/2011-08/2011) and now serving at NAVal CONsolidated BRIG (NAVCONBRIG) at Joint Base Charleston - Hanahan, South Carolina..." [03JAN2014]

DURHAM, Daniel R. dandurham@webtv.net "...I served with VR-1 NAS Patuxent River, Maryland from 1951 to 1954 as a Metalsmith. Would like to hear from Shipmates. Also would like any information regarding buddy Jim (Buck) Buchanan who was in VR-1 at that same time and was a career sailor..." [18MAR2004]


EGGERT, AVCM(AW) Ron eggsplant@aol.com "...I'm on my 7th different platform now and enjoy running into old folks like myself who "remember the day...". I Did my first tour from 86-89 in VR-61 at NAS Whidbey Island, Washington...they still flew the DC-9/31's so we never got to det anywhere. My next move was to VP-67 in NAS Memphis, Tennessee from 89-93 where I had too much fun to elaborate on. After NAS Memphis, Tennessee I did a short tour with VF-302 at NAS Miramar, California (93-94) until CAG-30 decommisioned, then I transfered to VFA-203 at NAS Cecil Field, Jacksonville, Florida for a tour with the Blue Dolphins. In 1996 we made the move to NAS Atlanta, Georgia, I made Chief in 1997 then transfered to VR-53 at NAF Washington, D.C. in February of 1998. After an awesome tour in the herc community I took orders to VAQ-209 (also at NAF Andrews, Maryland) in January of 2002 where I picked up 8 and 9. I'm currently the CMC at VR-1 (yup, NAF Andrews, Maryland) and would love hearing from any old friends I used to run with during the wild times..." [28JUL2005]


FREYTES, LT Bert bertros62@yahoo.com "...I served with VP-22 and VP-31 as a Flight Engineer. Retired from active duty after a tour in VQ-3 and VR-1 as a pilot. Currently enjoying my new life as a civilian commercial pilot. Had a great time in VP and got to meet and work with some great folks. We worked hard, played hard, and always managed to get the job done. My thanks to all those people who helped me along the way (you know who you are), I owe you my career..." [E-Mail/BIO Updated 26JUL2004 | 07DEC98]


HAGAN, ATN2(AC) James k4cql@cox.net "...I served with VR-1 (10/1964-09/1966) at NAS Patuxent River, Maryland. I flew aboard 149805 as Radio(FCO), Loadmaster (R4Y then c118) and logged hundreds of hours in each aircraft. In May 1966 I went TAD to NAS Barbers Point, Hawaii due to shortage of aircrews for WesPac missions. There I flew aboard the C130 (BUNO: 149793 and 149794) and C118 Liftmasters into Vietnam until August 1966. I am looking for flight records or crew members for VA claim..." [09OCT2012]

HAGAN, ATN2(AC) John k4cql@cox.net "...I served with VR-1 (10/1964-09/1966) at NAS Patuxent River, Maryland. I flew aboard 149805 as Radio(FCO), Loadmaster (R4Y then c118) and logged hundreds of hours in each aircraft. In May 1966 I went TAD to NAS Barbers Point, Hawaii due to shortage of aircrews for WesPac missions. There I flew aboard the C130 (BUNO: 149793 and 149794) and C118 Liftmasters into Vietnam until August 1966. I am looking for flight records or crew members for VA claim..." [09OCT2012]

HALBERT, ADR2 Bernard "Hal" bhalbert2002@yahoo.com "...I served with VR-1 (Zebra Division) from 1955 to 1958, VAW-12 at NAS Quonset Point, Rhode Island, VP-26 from 1962 to 1965 and flew on Crew 1 with CDR Miller, LT Selzer, LT Fowler, and Larry Young (don't remember names of rest of crew). Flew as 2nd Mech then made PC (1963 to 1965). Had good times there. Went on to Weapons System Test (WST) Squadron at NAS Patuxent River, Maryland then to NAS Norfolk, Virginia. Any info on any Reunions or Larry Young or Frank Prease..." [E-Mail Updated 09JUL2010 | 07MAR2000]

HAYNES, Dale "Doc" dearnh03@yahoo.com "...Just giving a shoutout to whomever wants to get a hold of me. I am presently stationed at CPRW-5 awaiting medical retirement from the Navy due to losing my right foot over the summer of 2006 due to a blood clot. I was stationed at NAS Brunswick, Maine at VP-10 from 2004-2006 and at VR-1 at NAF Andrews, Maryland. I started my career in 1996 as a member of VP-5 Mad Foxes. I will be retired and living back in Mansfield, Ohio in July 2007. Give me a holler anytime and it would be good to hear from some old Shipmates. Peace Out!..." [BIO Updated 11MAY2007 | E-Mail/BIO Updated 17NOV2001 | 06DEC99]

HEGGIE, Dale daleheg1@aol.com "...I served with VR-1 NAS Norfolk, Virginia from 1969 to 1970. I am looking for a VR-1 patch and ball cap. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks..." [17FEB2005]

HIDDE, AME1(AW) Ronald J. rhidde@erols.com "...I checked into VP-8, Dec. or 1988 as an AME3 Groundpounder. Went on Deployment to Keflavik Iceland and when I found out I had made AME2 I applied for Flight Engineer School. Made Deployments as an Engineer to Sigonella Sicily as well as Peurto Rico twice. Flew with CAC 5,9, and 2 during my tour. Made AME1 prior to my check out of the command January 1995. Spent the past 2 years at VR-1 Andrews AFB, as a C-20D Crew Chief flying CNO and SECNAV. Currently have orders to VQ-1 Whidbey Island WA. Had a great time in VP-8..."

HINGER, Joseph hingerj@msn.com "...I served with VP-11 as a FE on CAC-5 from 1975 to 1978. From there I was transferred to NADC/NAS Johnsville, Pennsylvania where I was in the Safety/NATOPS office. Would like to hear from anyone in that time frame. From 1964 to 1969 I was a crew member in VRF-31. 1970 to 1973 went to Panama on the Admirals crew. 1974 and part of 1975 was with VR-1 in NAS Norfolk, Virginia. 1975 went to FE school in NAS Patuxent River, Maryland..." [14MAY2007]

HOLMES, CDR Francis M. (Frank) Shipmate Pix2005 Shipmate Pix1966 Shipmate Pix1947 Shipmate Pix1945 Shipmate Pix1942 fholmes101@aol.com "...Frank Holmes was called to active duty in the US Navy on August 1942 as a V5 Aviation Cadet and completed Primary Civilian Pilot Training (CPT) at Quincy, Illinois; Secondary (CPT) at Iowa City, Iowa; USN Preflight School at Iowa City, Iowa and Primary Flight Training at NAS Glenview, Illinois. He completed all other phases of Flight Training at NAS Corpus Christi, Texas and was commissioned as Ens USNR on April 8, 1944 with operational qualifications in OS2U aircraft. His first assignment, following some leave and travel, was with Scouting Squadron 48 (VS-48), flying OS2Us, doing inshore patrol in Southeastern Alaska. VS-48 soon moved to NAS Attu, Alaska where they continued inshore patrol and flew air sea rescue for the Navy squadrons on bombing missions against the Kurile Islands. In a few months VS-48 was split into detachments and moved to other areas in the Aleutians, one of which was Dutch Harbor. Although he had only been commissioned a few months, he drew the assignment as Senior Aviator (Officer-in-Charge) of VS-48 Detachment Dutch Harbor. At Dutch Harbor they soon transitioned from OS2Us to SBD-5s and continued their mission of inshore patrol. The Aleutian challenge was the weather, seldom good and always unpredictable. As a squadron, VS-48 lost five aircraft; three due to weather and two because of mechanical malfunctions. Ens Holmes lost one of the five -- when the engine quit, he ditched in the bay off Dutch Harbor. His crew member and he survived with minor injuries -- the only surviving crew from the five who were lost. In June 1945 he returned to the states for reassignment and operational training in TBMs at NAS Ft Lauderdale, Florida. When World War II ended he sought release from active duty and was granted same. Caryl and Frank were married in Ft Lauderdale and lived there for a few months before returning to the Chicago area where they lived with her parents as they struggled with what to do with their lives. Frank wanted to return to college but colleges were crowded and worst of all housing was practically non-existent and by now they were expecting. All this was settled for them when Frank received an invitation from the Navy for a change in status from USNR to USN and an immediate return to active duty. He returned to active duty Dec 13, 1946. Following years included duty with: VA22a - TBM Operational Training Squadron at NAS North Island, San Diego, California (Carrier Qualification), VA12a - TBM Squadron in Air Group 11 aboard the USS Valley Forge, FASRON-11 - NAS Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, Oahu and Yokuska Japan, NAVAL AIR TECHNICAL TRAINING UNIT - NAS Lakehurst, New Jersey (PC R4D), VR-1 - R5D & R7V Squadron at NAS Patuxent River, Maryland (PC R5D & PC R7V), USN Post Graduate School Monterey, CA -- Line School, NROTC Tulane -- College Refresher, Naval Preflight School Pensecola - Military Science Instructor USN Post Graduate School Monterey CA -- Engineering School (BS Aeronautical Eng), NROTC Ames Iowa (MS Nuclear Engineering), VP-16 -- P2V squadron at NAS Jacksonville, Florida and NAS Sigonella, Sicily (PPC P2V), BUWEPS -- Project Manager Navy Navigation Satellite System at Washington D.C., NAS Point Mugu, California - Operations Officer Navy Astronautics Group where upon completion of his assignment there Frank retired from active naval service on July 1, 1966 as a Commander. Frank believes that his greatest contribution to Aviation and Space programs came during the six years that he spent as Project Manager of the Navy Navigation Satellite System (TRANSIT) during its development at BUWEPS and subsequently as Operations Officer at the Navy Astronautics Group during its initial operational deployment. After completing 24 years in the Navy, Frank started a second career with TRW Systems in Redondo Beach, California where he was to complete another 24 years in a wide variety of interesting and challenging assignments in the world of Aerospace systems and Computer related mission applications. In 1968, he completed the requirements for and received a Master of Engineering degree from UCLA. He managed the first study of what is now the Global Positioning System (GPS) that has become so widely used today. Among other interesting assignments, Caryl accompanied him to: Australia where he served at the US/Australia Joint Defence Research Facility and, Italy where he led a multinational team of engineers in the development of command and control computer system requirements for Commander Naval Forces South (NATO). On July 1, 1990 he left employment for pay and started working on his next 24 year tour as a volunteer with: AARP Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (VITA/TCE) program as a Local Coordinator; The Retired Activities Office (NRAO) at Naval Station Long Beach/ Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach as Assistant Director; The WWII USN Scouting Squadron's Association as Vice President; and St Paul's Lutheran Church as Men's Group Leader..." [07DEC2005]

HUGHES, Jim jfh5053@verizon.net "...I served with VR-1 (1951-1954) at NAS Patuxent River, Maryland. Worked in the Electric Shop on the R5D, a href="aircraft.html">R4D and later the a href="aircraft.html">EC-121. I also played on the VR-1 basketball team for three years where we won base championship..." [17MAR2016]


JOHNSON, Don DonDoris@shol.com "...I served with VX-4 from about 1950 to 1952 at NAS Patuxent River, Maryland as an aircraft electrician on converted B17's and Connies. I then transferred to VR-1 on the same base from 1952 to 1955. Looking for some old Shipmates..." [11JUN2002]

JOHNSON, ADCS Mike MPJ77@msn.com "...P-3 F/E, VP-6 82 to 86, VP-31 86 to 90, VP-9 90 to 92, CNAP Evaluator 92 to 95, VP-30 VR-DET as CINC LANT Fleet Crew F/E, and now with VR-1 at Andrews AFB, MD..." [E-Mail/BIO Updated 05DEC2001]]


MIKE, Jim jmike@zoominternet.net "...I attended AE "A" school (1972) at NAS Jacksonville, Florida, VR-1 (01/1975-05/1975) at NAS Norfolk, Virginia and VP-24 at NAS Jacksonville, Florida..." [E-Mail Updated 17AUG2011 | 29DEC99]

MOORE, ADR2 James W. jwbaz@hotmail.com "...Was attached to VR-1 from fall of 60 to Aug of 63. Went to AEWBARONPAC Midway Island for a year. Went to rag VP at NORIS, on to VP-50 for three tours in P5M out of NS Sangley Point, Philippines, & Nam. Onto NORIS at VC-5 (skeet for the fleet), to NS Subic Bay, Philippines Crete Greece for a year, then to VP-24 until Sept of 74. Wish to hear from some of the people I have served with..." [02FEB2001]


NALL, Dan nalldl@embarqmail.com "...I served with VR-1 at NAS Patuxent River, Maryland and in 1967 to NAS Norfolk, Virginia. I was assigned to 424 as a crewman (read polisher) and later became a FE and Plane Captain aboard the C-131..." [30JUN2013]

NELSON, AD2 Robert J. rjnelson@voyager.net "...I served with VR-1 at NAS Patuxent River, Maryland from 1949 to 1952. Flew on flight crew as Flight Engineer on R5Ds. Now a retired Dentist living in Michigan..." [09AUG2004]

NORUM, ATC/AC Gene H. Retired haggar35@live.com "...Started my fleet career at NAS Quonset Point, Rhode Island in the FlogWingSlant (VR-22 / VR-1 Terminal Support Crew, FASRON-104 (DET Alpha at NAF Port Lyautey, Morocco and Halfar Malta from 1954 to 1956 - involving Patrons), commissioned FASRON (Special) 201 and flew radioman for DEPCINCAFSOUTH R4D BUNO: 17165 (this is the one that later crashed at Naples), WestPac/CVG Navy, NATTC Instructor, (finally back to the good guys) NAS Sigonella, Sicily from 1967 to 1970 (was ADMIN Chief for the ASCAC and the deployment CPO for the P-3 Vancomplex- LP3C3), NATF (SI) NAS Lakehurst, New Jersey, VC-8 at NS Roosevelt Roads, PR from 1971 to 1974 and finally to VQ-2 at NS Rota, Spain from 1974 to 1978. Looking back the most satisfying tours were FASRON (Special) 201, NAS Sigonella, Sicily , VC-8 / AFWR and VQ-2 NS Rota, Spain..." [E-Mail Updated 01JUL2009 | 15JUN2004]

NUYEN, AT1 (AW/NAC) Jim jnuyen@ptd.net "...I served with VR-1 at NAS Norfolk, Virginia, RVAW 120 at NAS Norfolk, Virginia, VP-24 (1980-1986) and flew with CAC-9, NADC (Warminister) Johnsville, Pennsylvania, VP-11 at NAS Brunswick, Maine and flew with CAC-6 and CPRW-5. I currently teach NJROTC at Passaic High School in Passaic, NJ. Live in the Pocono's in Broadheadsville, PA..." [E-Mail Updated 13MAR2015 | 17JAN98] [ICQ# 6775847]


OLIVER, CAPT Frederick W. https://naval-air.org/flightlog/moreinfo.asp?UID=829 "...CAPT Frederick W. Oliver, USN NFL Number: 829 Date of Birth: 10/16/1917 Date In: 4/13/1941 Date Out: 6/30/1966. City, State: Pensacola, FL. School Attended: SpringHill College. Aircraft Flown: PBY, PBM, F-6, S-2, R5D. Ship or Unit: VP-216, VR-1 and VS-36. Pilot Desg.: Patrol Plane Cdr. Theaters, Campaigns, etc.: Pacific. Associations/Service Organizations: Nav Av Museum Fdn PBM Mariners Assn Assn of Nav Aviation. Highest personal decoration or award: Air Medal. Significant Achievements: 6,000 flight hours Commanding Officer, VS-36 Commanding Officer NAS Fallon, Nevada Member, Knights of Columbus. In Memoriam? No..." [28NOV2005]

OTTO, Robert A. "Dutch" rotto4027@aol.com "...I served with VPB-116 from 1943 TO 1947. We were stationed in Eniwetok and Tinian and all over. I sure would like to hear from some of my old friends. Just a thought. I was the tail gunner on 734 the day October 12th 1944. We were hit by eight jap zeros and shoot six of them down. Nimitz said it was one of the greatest feits in naval history. I was on Bill Olivers Crew #13. I then had a tour with VR-1. I left the Navy and went into the Air Force until 1985..." [E-Mail/BIO Updated 01FEB2005 | E-Mail Updated 12NOV2004 | 03FEB99]


PORTER, Samuel J portersj@navair.navy.mil "...My Navy career was spent in VW-13, VR-1, VQ-4, VX-8, and NRL FLT SUP DET all at NAS Patuxent River, Maryland. I retired from NRL after putting EC121K 141297 in the bone yard in 1979. A/C 297 I am told is now at the Airforce Museum in Ohio painted Airforce Blue, what a death for a Great Navy Airplane. I also flew NRL's S2F, R5D (C54 w/bombay), all of their 121's 128324, 135753, 141297, and their P-3 149670 as Radio Operater/NATOPS evaluator. I flew with some of the greatest Shipmates in the Navy and the best skipper ever CDR. Ron Carlson Ret. I would love to hear from them.....Maybe Cook them a meal!..." [13NOV98]


ROBERTS, Curtis curtis.b.roberts@verizon.net "...I served with VR-1 NAS Norfolk, Virginia from 1970 to 1972. I crewed BUNO: 158382 and BUNO: 158383. Hopefully, I will be able to contact other crew members that was part of the VR-1 family..." [25NOV2003]


SADLER, Kenneth [Sandy] ssadler@granis.net "...I was in VP-45, VP-24, VR-1, VR-3, FASRON 821, Mobile FASRON 121, NAS Dahlgren Proving Grounds, HT-8. I see some mates I know. I am new with this computer stuff. Keepem flying men..." [E-Mail Updated 22AUG2000 | 18AUG98]

SILANO, AEM2 Alfred A. asilano@uark.edu "...I served with VR-1 and Naval Air Transport (NATS) (07/1944-05/1946) . I would like to hear from former Shipmates..." [24JAN2015]

SCHNEIDEWIND, AMM1 N. A. Retired Schneidmom@AOL.com "...A few squadrons I served in as Plane Captain and "second mech" VP-41, NAS Kodiak, Alaska, Beach Crew 1941, VP-23. Ford Island, Oahu 1942, PATSU 1-1 supporting VP-12, 1st "Black Cat" squadron, Guadalcanal, 1942-43, VPB-44, Green Island, 1943-45, VP-28 Itami, Japan NAHA, Okinawa, 1951-53, HTU-1 NAAS Ellyson Field, Florida 1953-55 VR-1 "Zebra" Division, NAS Patuxent River, Maryland 1955-58 VW-11 NAS Argentia, Newfoundland, Canada 1958-59..." [12JUN99]

SCRAM, Russell russsatmgoblue@comcast.net "...I served with VP-56 at NAS Norfolk, Virginia (1962-1964) with a deployment to NAS Key West, Florida (1963), VR-1 (1964-1965) at NAS Patuxent River, Maryland and aboard the USS Lake Champlain (CG-57) (1965-1966) at NAS Quonset Point, Rhode Island..." [E-Mail/BIO Updated 20AUG2013 | 25JUN2009]

SPIVEY, ADR3 Harold W. hspivey@satx.rr.com "...I served with VP-28 as an ADR-3 Plane Captain from 1962 to 1965 and VR-1 from 1965 to 1967 and then enlisted in the U.S. Army from 1967 to 1980. Email if you remember me..." [BIO Updated 07JUN2008 | 06SEP2005]

ST. LAWRENCE, CDR Robert (Bob) Fletcher (Deceased) c/o His Son Rob St. Lawrence robstlawrence@cox.net "...I am currently trying to research my father's Naval career: Robert (Bob) Fletcher St. Lawrence. I have written the National Personnel Record Center-Military Section, but as yet have not received a reply. I stumbled across this web-site while researching the PV-1 Ventura. I have a squadron patch from VPB-150, a B/W photograph of the insignia, a couple pictures of a PV-1 or PV-2 bearing the number Y474, and also a few pictures of whom I would assume were his commanding officers. He would have served as either a pilot or flight engineer. He was on active duty from January 1943 until November 1946. He was recalled to active duty in 1951 through 1956, based in NAS Patuxent River, Maryland with VR-1. He was again mobilized in April 1962 in NAS South Weymouth, Massachusetts where I believe he was the CO of VR-914. His rank at that time was CDR. My father passed away in early 1963 from a heart attack at age 42. Any information you can provide regarding him, more details regarding VPB-150, pictures, etc. would be very interesting and helpful to me. I have enjoyed viewing your sight and looking forward to hearing from you. Thanks!..." [18FEB2002]

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]


THOMURE, Tim tt.ht@verizon.net "...VP-4 90-94. TSC, Diego Garcia 94-95. VP-65 95-96. I'm currently a TAR in VR-1, flying G-III's for SECNAV/CNO at NAF Andrews, Maryland.." [07DEC2001]


WILLIAMS, Ed Willy edwilliams8@aol.com "...I first reported to VR-1 in 09/67 and stayed until I separated 10/70. But by 02/73 I'd had enough of civilian life so I came back in and as luck would have it I got right back in VR-1. They were really hurting for Electricians and although I was a nondesignated Airman I had worked in Work Center 220 and was at least familiar with the aircraft. They were in a crew system at the time and I was made the Electrician for C-131 Convair aircraft 002. Working for ADR1 Roy Fore. By June Roy had talked me into submitting my request chit to become an Air Crewman and fly with him. That was before it was common knowledge about the arrival of the C9-B. My chit was approved, I passed the flight physical and soon learned I would not be flying C-131s but as a Flight Attendent on a C9-B. Boy when those beauties arrived we went straight into super overdrive. We were there to serve and serve we did. I remember our crew cooking and serving 90 TV dinners between NAS Norfolk, Virginia and NAS Cecil Field, Jacksonville, Florida (and had all trash gathered and stowed by short-final). I will never forget making AE3. ADR1 Ross House called me and told me I had to fly the next day and I would be flying as a Loadmaster trainee. I made four flights as a trainee and took my check ride with PRC Hap Chandler. Captain T.L. Davis was the Skipper and not only was he a great C.O. but was just an outstanding Human Being. They were long hours. When we first started there was no such thing as "Crew-Duty". Shucks I can remember passing 23 hours somewhere between NAS Bermuda and NAS Norfolk, Virginia on the last leg of a VP deployment swap between NAS Bermuda and NAS Brunswick, Maine. I doubt if anyone that flew after us would believe the effort we put into getting our passangers to and from their destinations as quickly and as comfortably as possible. Who now would believe 2,216 flight hours in just 23 total months flying? God I wish I could go back and do it all over again! I'd sure appreciate hearing from former Shipmates..." [30NOV2009]

WRAY, AD1 Charles B. Retired Shipmate Pix chuckwray@hotmail.com "...VR-1 at NAS Patuxent River, Maryland. I retired in 1984, with 24 years of service. I was in HC-6 at the time of retirement. I was in VXN-8 from November 1967 to April 1971. I was assigned TAD to NAS Patuxent River, Maryland, AIMD reciprocating engine shop. I was the crew leader of the R3350-42W section. This engine was used on the C-121J used in Vietnam, as Television broadcasting aircraft, for the troops. When an engine went bad, it would be canned, and sent to NAS Patuxent River, Maryland, to be replaced with a newly rebuilt engine, by my crew an I, and sent back to Vietnam. In May 1971 until August 1972, I was in VR-1 at NAS Norfolk, Virginia. When I reported in I was sent TAD to AIMD engine buildup, reciprocating engine shop and worked on reciprocating engine there also. I have worked on every model engine the navy had, plus a few that were civilian engines..." [27MAR2023]


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