A BIT OF HISTORY: VP-18 History "...VP-18 Crew First To Reach Greek Disaster Scene - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 14 - NO 19 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 02 AUG 1956..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [21FEB2011]

A BIT OF HISTORY: VP-18 History "...VP-5 Returns From Lyautey Tour - VP-18 Departs As Replacement - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 14 - NO 12 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 14 JUN 1956..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [19FEB2011]

A BIT OF HISTORY: VP-18 History "...Scouting Squadrons - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 14 - NO 9 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 24 MAY 1956..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [18FEB2011]

A BIT OF HISTORY: VP-18 History "...VP-18 Mechanic Saves Plane, Crew With Daring Effort During Flight - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 14 - NO 9 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 24 MAY 1956..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [18FEB2011]

A BIT OF HISTORY: VP-18 History "...Scouting Squadrons - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 14 - NO 8 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 17 MAY 1956..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [18FEB2011]

A BIT OF HISTORY: VP-18 History "...Scouting Squadrons - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 14 - NO 6 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 03 MAY 1956..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [18FEB2011]

A BIT OF HISTORY: VP-18 History "...P2V Neptune Diverted 200 Miles To Answer Call Of Distress - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 14 - NO 5 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 26 APR 1956..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [17FEB2011]

A BIT OF HISTORY: VP-18 History "...Scouting Squadrons - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 14 - NO 5 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 26 APR 1956..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [17FEB2011]

A BIT OF HISTORY: VP-18 History "...Scouting Squadrons - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 14 - NO 3 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 12 APR 1956..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [17FEB2011]

A BIT OF HISTORY: VP-18 History "...Scouting Squadrons - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 14 - NO 2 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 05 APR 1956..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [17FEB2011]

A BIT OF HISTORY: VP-18 History "...Scouting Squadrons - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 13 - NO 49 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 15 MAR 1956..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [16FEB2011]

A BIT OF HISTORY: VP-18 History "...Scouting Squadrons - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 13 - NO 48 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 08 MAR 1956..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [16FEB2011]

A BIT OF HISTORY: VP-18 History "...Scouting Squadrons - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 13 - NO 47 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 01 MAR 1956..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [16FEB2011]

A BIT OF HISTORY: VP-18 History "...Four FAW-11 Squadrons Hunt 'Enemy' - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 13 - NO 44 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 16 FEB 1956..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [14FEB2011]

A BIT OF HISTORY: VP-18 History "...Scouting Squadrons - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 13 - NO 43 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 02 FEB 1956..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [14FEB2011]

A BIT OF HISTORY: VP-18 History "...Scouting Squadrons - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 13 - NO 42 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 26 JAN 1956..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [13FEB2011]

A BIT OF HISTORY: VP-18 History "...VP-18 Back From Iceland - NATO Tour - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 13 - NO 40 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 12 DEC 1956..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [13FEB2011]

A BIT OF HISTORY: VP-18 History "...VP-18 Honors Bob Hope - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 13 - NO 47 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 12 DEC 1956..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [13FEB2011]

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Ice Floes Ahead! - Page 1 to 5 - Naval Aviation News - October 1956..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1950s/1956/oct56.pdf [09AUG2004]

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...They Went North For The Winter - Page 22 - Naval Aviation News - April 1956..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1950s/1956/apr56.pdf [09AUG2004]

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...VP-18's 'War On Whales' - Page 34 - Naval Aviation News - January 1956..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1950s/1956/jan56.pdf [07AUG2004]

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Circa 1955

A BIT OF HISTORY: VP-18 History "...VP-18 Pilots Designated Official Whalebangers - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 13 - NO 37 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 08 DEC 1955..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [12FEB2011]

A BIT OF HISTORY: VP-18 History "...VP-18 Wages War On Killer Whales In Iceland Waters - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 13 - NO 35 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 23 NOV 1955..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [11FEB2011]

A BIT OF HISTORY: VP-18 History "...VP-18, In Iceland, Comes To Rescue Of Norwegian Ship Trapped In Pack Ice - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 13 - NO 25 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 25 SEP 1955..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [09FEB2011]

A BIT OF HISTORY: Squadron History "...Scouting Jacksonville Area Squadrons (Mentioned: FAW-11, VC-62, VP-18 and VW-4) - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 13 - NO 23 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 18 AUG 1955..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [08FEB2011]

A BIT OF HISTORY: VP-18 History "..."Inaccessible Until..." - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 13 - NO 11 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 09 JUN 1955..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [07FEB2011]

A BIT OF HISTORY: VP-18 History "...VP-18 Gets Jet-Fitted Bombers - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 12 - NO 51 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 31 MAR 1955..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [05FEB2011]

A BIT OF HISTORY: VP-18 History "...Bird's Eye View - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 12 - NO 47 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 03 MAR 1955..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [05FEB2011]

A BIT OF HISTORY: VP-18 History "...Five Patrol Squadrons In A-S Exercise - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 12 - NO 46 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 24 FEB 1955..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [04FEB2011]

A BIT OF HISTORY: VP-18 History "...VP-18 Bomber Aids AJ-2 In Distress - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 12 - NO 45 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 17 FEB 1955..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [04FEB2011]

A BIT OF HISTORY: VP-18 History "...Air Wing Eleven Squadrons Hunt Subs In Test - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 12 - NO 40 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 13 JAN 1955..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [03FEB2011]

A BIT OF HISTORY: VP-18 History "...5 Air Wing Squadrons In "Springboard" - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 12 - NO 40 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 13 JAN 1955..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [03FEB2011]

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Squadrons Receive New P2V-7's - Page 36 - Naval Aviation News - July 1955..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1950s/1955/jul55.pdf [04AUG2004]

A BIT OF HISTORY: "00AUG55--We had three deployments, one to Keflivk, Ice 8/55 to 1/56, one to Port Lyauety, North Africa 3/56 to 8/56 and Puerto Rico, NS Roosevelt Roads, PR for 3 months in early 1957...I flew on HF-6 and our pilot was a Lt.James Kuhn. As a point of interest, on our deployment to Puerto Rico, our mission was to track rockets being fired from Cape Canaveral to just south of Puerto Rico and to home in on the nose cones to help destroyers recover them for research. On one of our missions, we had none other than Werner Von Braun, father of our space program on our plane to observe...I was a radar operator on P2V-3, P2V-5 and P2V-7s, just got the P2V-7s in just before I got out of service. Our squadron consisted of 12 P2Vs..." Contributed by Charlie Kimbro ckimbro@worldnet.att.net

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Circa 1954-1955

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...I have attached some photos of VP-18 Crew-7 of which I was a crew member a from early 1953 to early February 1955..." Contributed by BURCKHARD, AT1 Jacob "Jack" jjburckhard@verizon.net [06JAN2013]

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Circa 1954

A BIT OF HISTORY: VP-18 History "...On The Spot - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 12 - NO 36 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 02 DEC 1954..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [02FEB2011]

A BIT OF HISTORY: VP-18 History "...FAW-11 Units Hold AS Exercise - JAX AIR NEWS (FASRON-109, FAW-11, VP-16, VP-18, VP-34 and VP-45) - VOL 12 - NO 31 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 28 OCT 1954..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [01FEB2011]

A BIT OF HISTORY: VP-18 History "...CDR Straker Named Skipper Of VP-18 - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 12 - NO 29 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 16 OCT 1954..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [01FEB2011]

A BIT OF HISTORY: VP-18 History "...VP-18 Concludes Argentia Stay - VP-5 Departs As Replacement - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 12 - NO 27 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 30 SEP 1954..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [31JAN2011]

A BIT OF HISTORY: VP-18 History "...Patrol Units Wind Up Exercise - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 12 - NO 01 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 1 APR 1954..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [26JAN2011]

A BIT OF HISTORY: VP-18 History "...VP-18 Plays Vital Role In Polar Region - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 12 - NO 15 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 08 JUL 1954..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [29JAN2011]

A BIT OF HISTORY: VP-18 History "...VP-18 Assumes "Watchdog" Duties At Argentia - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 12 - NO 9 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 27 MAY 1954..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [27JAN2011]

A BIT OF HISTORY: VP-18 History "...Patrol Squadrons Convene Here For Anti-Sub Exercise - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 11 - NO 50 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 25 MAR 1954..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [25JAN2011]

A BIT OF HISTORY: VP-18 History "...Scouting Jacksonville Area Squadrons - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 11 - NO 39 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 7 JAN 1954..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [25JAN2011]

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Circa 1953

A BIT OF HISTORY: VP-18 History "...VP-18 "Excellent" At Inspection - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 11 - NO 38 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 16 December 1953..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [01JAN2011]

A BIT OF HISTORY: VP-18 History "...Jax Pair "Sees The World" During 12,000-Mile Demonstrational Hop - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 11 - NO 12 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 25 JUN 1953..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [19JAN2011]

A BIT OF HISTORY: VP-18 History "...Engine Conks Out, Gear Jettisoned, VP-18 Bomber Makes It Back To Jax - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 11 - NO 12 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 25 JUN 1953..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [19JAN2011]

A BIT OF HISTORY: VP-18 History "...VP-18 Back From "Hitch" At Malta - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 11 - NO 11 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 18 JUN 1953..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [19JAN2011]

A BIT OF HISTORY: VP-18 History "...Scouting Jacksonville Area Squadrons - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 11 - NO 8 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 28 MAY 1953..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [17JAN2011]

A BIT OF HISTORY: VP-18 History "...VP-18 Men Join Plane Crew In Round-The-World Cruise - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 11 - NO 8 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 28 MAY 1953..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [17JAN2011]

A BIT OF HISTORY: VP-18 History "...Scouting Jacksonville Area Squadrons - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 10 - NO 44 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 19 FEB 1953..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [14JAN2011]

A BIT OF HISTORY: VP-18 History "...Re-Designation Changes VP-861 To New VP-18 - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 10 - NO 38 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 08 JAN 1953..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [13JAN2011]

A BIT OF HISTORY: UNIT: VP-18 PREVIOUS DES: VP-861 NAME: Flying Phantom TAIL CODE: HF/LG ACTIVATED: 2-4-53 DEACTIVATED: 10-10-68 TYPICAL LOCATION(S): NAS Jacksonville, Florida / NAS Coco Solo, Panama, Canal Zone
"Title: Lockheed P2V Neptune An Illustrated History by Wayne Mutza wmutza@wi.rr.com...A Schiffer Military History Book...ISBN: 0-7643-0151-9...286 pages full of pictures and history!

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Circa 1952

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Marine Navy Units Honored - Page 28 - Naval Aviation News - March 1952..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1950s/1952/mar52.pdf [25JUL2004]

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Circa 1950

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...My association with Mr. Jay Beasley goes back to the late 50'S, when I was a brand new plane Capt/Eng. on the P2V-7 A/C in VP-18 at NAS Jacksonville, Florida. I was very sorry to note the passing of Jay. I lost contact with hin in '79 when I retired from VP-24, after 30+ yrs., 25 of which involved flying, over 12,000 hrs. total, Some of which were with Mr. Beasley. Shortly after I became qualified in VP-18, Jay came to our squadron for one of his many demo visits, needless to say I was petrified to see that I had been scheduled to fly with Jay as Plane Capt./Eng. During this period of time a runway vericam was the big item of discussion in the fleet and of great concern especiallyh to a new crewman like me. During the preflight briefing, Jay informs us that we are going to in fact induce a runaway vericam sometime during the flight, and I was to initiate it using the override switch, at which time he would demo the proper recovery actions needed to control the A/C. I was very uneasy about the whole thing and mentioned it to him after the briefing. But Jay just said "No sweat, I intend to come back in one piece also." That flight really impressed me as to his knowledge and abilities. As I remember it we flew twice a day for the 5 days and got to know each other pretty well. I learned a lot in that week and later became an instructor in the P2V-7 A/C. Also flying with him on his subsequent visits. I then received orders to the VR Navy for the next 5 yrs. and lost track of Jay and the VP Navy. I was flying as engineer on C-118'S & C-130-E A/C. Then in '67 I received orders to VP-30 as staff, and after completing my transition training became Div. Chief and Line Div. Chief, which included the aircrew Div [F/E'S]. On Jays first visit to VP-30 since I had arrived, he was in Ops. checking for F/E'S available to fly as his Engineer and came across my name. He then asked the Ops. boss to block Nan (that's what he called me) in for the weeks demo's. We again renewed our training as if the only thing that changed was the A/C type. This procedure continued for my tour in VP-30 and carried over to my tour with VP-24 until my retirement in '79. I was highly honored to be present at Jay's retirement party in CA. When we arrived at the party I was completely shell shocked. I had never seen so much brass in one place at one time in my life. I felt very out of place as I only saw one other enlisted member there and he was with me. I really wanted to turn around and get out of there, quick. But Jay spotted me and shouted "Nan" and I went over where he was, and just like in the aircraft, put me at ease. He had a way of doing that. I can truthfully say that during my 30 year Navy career, I never met or flew with a finer pilot and an outstanding gentleman. I was truely blessed to have had the opportunity to be exposed to his wit and knowledge. The world and especially the U. . Navy lost a true ace of aviation, and I feel honored to have shared a very small part of his professional life. I shall never forget him. Smooth seas and a following breeze Jay..." Contributed by Robert L. Nansteel, ADCS[AC] U.S.N. RET. bobgert1@netins.net [01MAR2000]

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"VP-18 History Summary Page"

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