 Notice!
Shipmate Information Request #24
Posted: May 31st, 2008
Updated: May 31st, 2008
OK Shipmates, you came through   times already! You provided information for family members about their fathers and husbands that that Official Channels couldn't provide. Here is number  :
  James Darryl Bennett My name is Bobbie Bennett Shamburger. In 1962 I was married to James Darryl Bennett. He was stationed NAS Alameda, California. I am pretty sure he was with VP-9. I have seen pictures of him with the baseball team during that time. He was killed in a car crash in Mexico in 1962. At that time he had been stationed at a base next door to Lockeed Aircraft. Thier sq. was moved to NAS North Island, San Diego, California. They had just been transfered there and had not even worked the first day when he and Neil Duncan went to Mexico on holiday and he was killed.
We have a daughter who never knew her dad and I am trying to get any information on the squadron that he was with. She would love to have any pictures, patches etc. that I can come up with. Any help would be appreciated.
Thank you,
Bobbie Bennett Shamburger
hunyeb@yahoo.com [31MAY2008]
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Notice!
Help Bring VP-5 Crew 3 Home!
Posted: August 9th, 2001
Updated: April 26th, 2008
Help Bring VP-5 Crew 3 Home!
On January 12, 1962, twelve good men and fellow crewmates perished on the Kronborg Glacier on the east coast of Greenland. They were the flight crew of LA-9 aircraft of Patrol Squadron Five (VP-5), U.S.Navy, flying a routine ice patrol out of NAS Keflavik, Iceland (SEE: In Memorial for lost friends...12JAN62).
The crash site and their remains were not discovered until August, 1966, when an expedition of 4 geologists from Oxford University, U.K. were traversing the glacier on foot. A recovery mission was mounted by the Navy in September, 1966, utilizing the Icebreaker USS Atka and helicopters. "Several identifiable remains were recovered," and the aircraft wreck destroyed.
For whatever reasons, some crew remains were left at the crash site. Now, 35 years later, geologists exploring the area have again reported that in the summer months, human remains of these servicemen lie exposed on the glacier. This information is confirmed by the Missing Persons Group, Bureau of Naval Personnel, USN, as being accurate.
There is an upcoming POW/MIA Casualty Conference (November 14-16, 2001 and not open to the public), and the LA-9 issue is on the agenda. The Central Identification Laboratory Hawaii (CILHI) is willing to schedule the recovery of these remains, but the Military Services and Department of Defense support is needed to make it happen and to justify an increase to CILHI's budget to accommodate operational losses (non-hostile) in addition to combat losses (hostile). Public awareness and Congressional support is essential, particularly at this time.
Write your congressional representatives to demand that the Department of Defense and U.S. Navy bring these sailor's remains home for proper burial!
AFTER ALMOST 40 YEARS SINCE THE CRASH, ISN'T IT TIME THEY CAME HOME?
We need to come together again in force so that the remains in Hawaii can be joined with those in the common grave in Arlington National Cemetery (section 46, plot #754). Otherwise, this will languish for years to come. This is unacceptable for our loved ones and for you...Robert T. PETTWAY, SR. g.pettway@worldnet.att.net [28NOV2007]
Contact: Robert T. PETTWAY, SR. g.pettway@worldnet.att.net for further information. [09AUG2001]
Write Your Representative: http://www.house.gov/writerep/
Write Your Senator: http://www.senate.gov/senators/senator_by_state.cfm
 SEE: VP-5 Status of Crew Remains [Updated: 06MAY2008]
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Notice!
VS-22 Will Close a Chapter in Naval Aviation!
Posted: April 20th, 2008
Updated: April 20th, 2008
Teri (Beck) Fimple is the daughter of an old Shipmateof mine and our careers are intertwined with the VP and VS Navy, as most ASW aviator officer and enlisted are. My career is a perfect example of that: VP-17; NAMTD 1083 (S2's & VS); NAF Cam Ranh Bay, Vietnam (P2/P-3 support); VS-35; NAMTD 1036 (S3 & VS); and VS-21 (S3). I would appreciate VPNAVYs consideration, acknowledging the end of another era. FETSCHER, AXC Dennis "Fetch" Retired dfetscher@sbcglobal.net [20APR2008]
From: Viking Sundown Reunion
To: vikingsundown@yahoo.com
Sent: Sunday, April 06, 2008 1:02 PM
Subject: Fw: Calling all Vikings Past and Present!
Please forward this to everyone you've been stationed with during your S-3 tours. Wouldn't it be amazing to see them ALL again!
Hi, my name is Teri Beck Fimple. My husband, Steve, is the CO of Sea Control Squadron 22, one of the two remaining Viking squadrons, and soon to be the very last one standing. Sadly and historically, VS-22 will close a chapter in Naval Aviation in early December by performing the deactivation ceremony for the final S-3 Squadron.
Why am I writing to you? While our men and women of VS-22 are busy aboard the USS GEORGE WASHINGTON flying the last S-3 flights aboard a carrier, I want to help reach out and find all of you that have brushed paths with our mighty Vidars to bring you all together for the biggest and best farewell imaginable.
VS-22 calls NAS Jacksonville, Florida home, and we¢re planning to have the deactivation ceremony and some other events in early December. Why not leave it all behind and take a trip to sunny JAX home of great golf courses, alligators, and nearby Disney! The tentative time frame for the deactivation of both VS-22 and Sea Control Wing Atlantic will be between December 3rd and 10th, 2008. Details are still being worked out, but for now we need to contact people. We need every name and address we can find. Anyone and everyone that has worked with and supported the S-3 in any way is welcome to attend. Come join us for the final chapter of the Viking Sundown and sending off the Hoover in grand style!
Please forward this email to all Vikings you know - past and present, East, West or abroad. Lets get the word out and make this the reunion of all reunions!
Please send your email address and current mailing address to: vikingsundown@yahoo.com
This will be passed to the Wing and you will receive updates via email as specific dates, events, times, etc. are determined. I apologize in advance if you're contacted multiple times but we want to be sure to reach ALL of you. Thank you so much for your support. I look forward to seeing you soon!
Teri Fimple
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Notice!
Professional Flight Engineer Vacancies for the U. S. Customs and Border Protection Operations Center
Posted: April 13th, 2008
Updated: April 13th, 2008
The Director of P3 Operations Center, Jacksonville Florida, anticipates the opening of additional Professional Flight Engineer vacancies for the U. S. Customs and Border Protection Operations Center within the next year.
Those still interested in submitting their names for consideration of these possible vacancies, should review the minimum requirements checklist before submitting the information required. Information previously submitted by prospective candidates is held on file at this office should they desire to update it.
All correspondence is in strict confidence and submitted to the Director/ Deputy Director when the possible vacancy is anticipated. At that time, you may be afforded the opportunity to conduct a personal interview.
This submission of information may be your sole opportunity to represent your knowledge, skills, and abilities. Format your package to reflect all data you feel is pertinent.
Mail, email, or fax the materials directly to me. Copies only, no originals please. My mail/ email information is listed below.
FLIGHT ENGINEER MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS CHECKLIST
_____ Smooth Resume
_____ DD-214 (member copy #4)
_____ OF-612
_____ FAA 2nd Class Medical (prior to hiring)
_____ FAA Airframe & Powerplant License
_____ FAA Flight Engineer (Turboprop) Certification or written completed (passed)
_____ P-3 NATOPS Evaluation (slash 7)
_____ Flight Log Book (page entry), 3000 hours min. P. J. Waeghe, Jr.
paul.waeghe@dhs.gov
Flight Engineer Recruiter
6222-3 New World Ave.
Jacksonville, FL 32221
Office: 904-594-5086
Fax: 904-778-1842
DISCLAIMER - THIS IS NOT A JOB OFFER. THIS LETTER IS ONLY SENT FOR THE OPPORTUNITY FOR YOU TO UPDATE/ SUBMIT CORRESPONDANCE ACCORDINGLY.
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Notice!
Help Bring USS Pine Island (AV-12) George 1 Crew Home!
(Lost December 30, 1946)
Posted: January 18th, 2007
Updated: March 18th, 2008
In the year following World War II the United States government had decided to explore the Antarctic continent and Operation Highjump was born. The mission was to chart and photograph the continent. An armada of thirteen ships and twenty-three aircraft was assembled which included Martin PBM seaplanes, ski equipped Douglas R4D's aboard the carrier USS Phillipe Sea and Sikorsky helicoptors. There were as many as 4,700 civilian observers and radio and press correspondents. The group was headed by famed polar explorer Admiral Richard E. Byrd. Known as Task Force 86, they set sail for the Antarctic. The force was split into three groups with the sealane tender USS Pine Island (AV-12) carrying three Martin PBM sea planes. They were designated TF-86.1.
Arriving in the Antarctic region in late December 1946 flight operations were initiated. However on December 30th the PBM designated GEORGE I roared off on its mission only to be caught in a "whiteout" over the coast. Making a turn to return to the clear weather over the water the aircraft struck an uncharted peak, exploding and crashing on the ice below.
Three crewmen were killed. After burying their dead, the crew was destined to spend thirteen days waiting to be found and rescued. For some unknown reason the bodies of the men killed were never recovered and lay till this day beneath the wing of their aircraft. For many year letters have been written by family members asking the navy the recover their loved ones.
Now after sixty years the office of the Secretary of the Navy is considering a recovery attempt.
Please contact George Fabik a66fox@verizon.net for further information, contributions, etc. [18JAN2007]
SEE: USS Pine Island (AV-12) George 1 (Lost December 30, 1946) Memorial [Updated: 07JAN2008]
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Notice!
VP-69 Recruitment!
Posted: July 27th, 2006
Updated: February 23rd, 2008
Navy Reserve VP-69, NAS Whidbey Island, Washington
Patrol Squadron SIXTY-NINE (VP-69) is a Navy Reserve Squadron located at NAS Whidbey Island, Washington. The Totems fly the P-3C AIP aircraft in operations involving Anti-Surface Warfare, Anti-Submarine Warfare, Identification/Surveillance/Reconnaissance, and Battle Group Support all over the world alongside active duty counterparts. Despite recent changes in both the Active and Reserve VP community, VP-69 is still operational and programmed to fly the P-3C Orion until at least 2019.
Opportunities are available for drill weekend pickups at Fairchild AFB, WA; Missoula, MT; Pasco, WA; Portland, OR; Moffet Field, CA; and McClellan Field, CA.
Qualified Officers and Aircrew required to fill a critical billet may also enroll in the Priority Manning program through their local reserve center and drill with us from anywhere in the U.S. We successfully employ Selected Reservists from Colorado Springs, CO, Salt Lake City, UT, Houston, TX, Phoenix, AZ, Indianapolis, IN and Great Lakes, IL through the Priority Manning program. If you are a formerly qualified P-3 aircrewman and actively drilling with the Navy Reserve anywhere in the United States we have a flying position here for you.
We are looking to fill the following part-time (SELRES) positions:
OFFICERS
Naval Flight Officers (NFO) - Fully qualified P-3C UIII/AIP Tactical Coordinators, LCDR and below. Interested NFOs please contact LCDR Jason Wroten at COMM (360) 257-6918, DSN 820-6918 or jason.wroten@navy.mil.
Naval Aviators (Pilots) - Fully qualified P-3C Aircraft Commanders, LCDR and below, willing to commit four or more drill days per month. Interested Pilots please contact LCDR Dan Johnson at COMM (360) 257-6916, DSN 820-6916 or daniel.a.johnson@navy.mil.
VP-69 is not currently resourced to cross-train officers from outside the VP community, sorry.
ENLISTED AIRCREW
Aviation Warfare System Operators (AW) - We are currently looking for both acoustic and non-acoustic operators holding the P-3C AW NEC 7841/7861. Any other enlisted personnel with a proven record of superior performance, willing to change rate to AW(7841/acoustic), and commit one year to active duty to attend Naval Aircrew School in NAS Pensacola, Florida and initial AW qualification training at VP-30 in NAS Jacksonville, Florida will be considered.
Flight Engineers (FE)- Either previously qualified flight engineers or AT, AE, AD, AM, AME, or AO rated and Aircrew-qualified personnel with a proven record of superior performance willing to commit nine months on active duty to attend initial P-3C Flight Engineer qualification training at VP-30 in NAS Jacksonville, Florida.
In-flight Technicians (IFT) - P-3C In-flight Technicians, previously qualified aircrew or AT ground technicians willing to commit one year to active duty to attend Naval Aircrew School in NAS Pensacola, Florida and initial or refresher IFT qualification training at VP-30 in NAS Jacksonville, Florida.
Naval Aircrew Point of Contact: AWC Donald Picotte at COMM (360) 257-4607, DSN 820-4607 or donald.picotte@navy.mil.
Thank you,
LCDR Daniel A. Johnson daniel.a.johnson@navy.mil
VP-69 Future Operations Officer [Updated 23FEB2008]
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Notice!
We Need Renovation Help
Posted: May 18th, 2006
Updated: February 20th, 2008
We Need Renovation Help
Have been corresponding with CDR Durbin out in Greybull. He has told me that we are going to need many volunteers for restoration work on the P2V-7 (Air Force RB-69A) BUNO: 147954 (flew with VP-17, VP-31, VP-67, VP-68, VP-92, and VP-94) and a EC-121K BUNO: 141297 at the Museum of Aviation at Warner Robins, GA.
The Museum of Aviation at Warner Robins, GA. is going to reimburse everyone in the work party at Greybull (Lodging, meals andtransportation - both ways). CDR Durbin remarked, "It sure is nice to work with people who really care."
We will also need help working on a Martin Marlin SP-5B/P5M-2S and WV-2 at National Museum of Naval Aviation at Pensacola, FL at next February.
If any Shipmates are interested, please contact CDR Gerald Durbin gtdurbin@gmail.com ASAP.
GOSNELL, AT(N)2 Bob
p5m1_radio.patron46@yahoo.com [18MAY2006]
SEE: We Need Renovation Help [Updated: 20FEB2008]
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Notice!
Attention All IFT's Past and Present
Posted: May 9th, 2007
Updated: May 9th, 2007
VP-30 IFT/Training/Fleet Natops is in the process of designing an Official IFT coin (i.e. Flight Engineer Challenge Coin). We would like inputs in .bmp format for our official IFT logo. Please email me your inputs and/or questions.
Thank you,
AT1 Terry Trayer
terry.trayer@navy.mil
VP-30 [09MAY2007]
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Notice!
CPRW-11, VP-5, VP-16, VP-45 and Historical P-3 Artifacts Needed for Display
 
Posted: August 25th, 2006
Updated: August 25th, 2006
Commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing ELEVEN (CPRW-11) will be unveiling a brand new, state of the art Warfare Development Center onboard NAS Jacksonville, Florida.
Please contact LCDR Dave Gaddis (david.gaddis2@navy.mil) or LTJG Kelly Chufo (kelly.m.chufo@navy.mil) if you have something you would like to donate to the warfighters of the future to help them remember the past.
Any and all types/sizes of memorabilia are welcome! You may also reach us by phone at (904) 542-2823. GO NAVY!
LTJG Kelly Chufo
kelly.m.chufo@navy.mil
VP-45 Squadron Transition Team [25AUG2006]
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Notice!
The Navy has established a Reserve Component of VP-30
Posted: December 3rd, 2003
Updated: March 14th, 2006
The Navy has established a Reserve Component of VP-30. The Squadron Augment Unit (SAU) will be composed of 150 Full Time Support (FTS) and Selected Reserve (SELRES) aircrew and maintenance personnel. The SAU's mission is to provide surge and backfill and production mission support for Active Component and Reserve Component Aircrews at the VP FRS. At this time the SAU has open billets for SELRES NFO's, AW's and maintenance personnel. Aircrew must be previous FRS instructors. If you are interested in serving as a Selected Reservist in the VP-30 SAU, have P-3 NEC's or 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, the SAU OIC at 904-542-0990, or SAU administration at 904-542-3077. Contributed by CDR Robert J. Cable robert.j.cable@navy.mil
"...We are in the midst of detailing in and recruiting a total of 70 Full Time Support and Drilling Reservists both Officer and Enlisted. The Reserve VP Navy is shrinking while we are growing. Virtually all of a Drilling Reservist time and energy employed with the SAU is spent directly supporting the fleet; VP-30. It’s a very rewarding tour of duty..." Contributed by CDR Robert J. Cable robert.j.cable@navy.mil [14MAR2006]
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