 VP-23 History
Circa 1979
A BIT OF HISTORY:  "...History and Change-Of-Command - Page 28 and 30 - Naval Aviation News - December 1979..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1970s/1979/dec79.pdf [10OCT2004]
 
A BIT OF HISTORY:  "...VP-23 Business card from the 1979 - 1985 (at least) time frame..." Contributed by MORRIS, AWCS (AW/NAC) Jeffrey S. Retired 2yankeesfan15@comcast.net [22MAR2001]
A BIT OF HISTORY: Contributed by Roger A. Jurack CWO3 USN (Ret) out2pasture@iowatelecom.net 
VP-23 P-3 BUNO: 161000
Contributed by Roger A. Jurack CWO3 USN (Ret)
out2pasture@iowatelecom.net
First P-3 warshot launch of the Harpoon ASM 1979 by VP-23. These are particularly meaningful to me, since my crew fired the missile off Roosy Roads, essentially in the fringes of a hurricane. The photo is a xerox reproduction of a photo taken as the Harpoon left the wing, prior to missile engine ignition. An F-4 followed the missile until its successful impact and detonation on the bridge of a destroyer hulk. The cumulus clouds are not either enhanced or an artistic license: it was literally a hurricane, and up until the actual shot, the launch was very much in jeopardy due to the storm track. This photograph was subsequently made into an elegant oil painting (purchased and presented by McDonnell Douglas) which used to hang in the CO's office, and later I understand it made its way to the commodore, Commander, Patrol Wing Five (CPW-5). The entire preflight/launch/recovery was documented by a film crew, and somewhere in naval archives, my crew and I repose in dusty splendor.
The ceremony was held in the hangar, and everyone was presented with the black and white photo reproductions.
The VP-23 crew was CAC-1, and the PPC/MC for the flight was H.H. Davis, Jr., CO, VP-23. PP2P was Lt. Tom Burtis, TC Lt. Stan Lavender, FE was AMHC Ken (Mother) Myhre, IFT was AT2 (Goldie) Golden, SS3 AW3 Paul Corliss, SS1 AWC R. Jurack.
We had a superb AO2 whose name is lost to me, and our PPTN (Culbreth? Cullen?) became one of the best MC's in the squadron. For those fellow crewmembers whose names escape me, I beg forgiveness and would welcome any corrections/additions.
As a footnote, that hurricane was almost like the albatross of the Ancient Mariner to my crew. Since there were no WST's in Brunswick for the Update II, we were forced to fly to NAS Moffett and use the Update I WST's there; in fact, the tactical portion of the squadron ORE was conducted there. In any event, after the missile shot, my crew had to commute to Moffett for a Weapons System Test (WST) session, and had to fly over/through/around the same hurricane to and from Brunswick after it came ashore (Hurricane Betty I think). I can still recall how spectacular the lightning was as we overflew it at night enroute back to Brunswick.
Patrol Squadron Twenty-Three
PROGRAM INTRODUCTION
Commander H. H. Davis, Jr.
Commanding Officer, Patrol Squadron TWENTY-THREE
REMARKS AND INTRODUCTION OF GUEST SPEAKER
Captain 0. E. Osborn
Cominander, Patrol Wing FIVE
REMARKS
Rear Admiral P. J. Mulloy
Commander, Patrol Wings Atlantic Fleet
PRESENTATION
Mr. C. D. Marks
Vice President, Harpoon Project Manager
McDonnell Douglas Corporation
REMARKS
Mr. S. Mullin
P-3 Project Manager, Lockheed Corporation
CLOSING REMARKS
Commander H. H. Davis, Jr.
Commanding Officer, Patrol Squadron TWENTY-THREE
Guests are invited to remain after the ceremony for refreshments.
A BIT OF HISTORY: "18JUL79--VP-23, flying the P-3C Orion, fired the new Harpoon missile. VP-23 was the first operational fleet patrol squadron to receive, fire and make an operational deployment with the Harpoon missile..." http://www.history.navy.mil/branches/avchr7.htm
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Another history note: VP-23 was the second squadron to transition from P-3B to P-3C Update II following VP-44 who was first. VP-23 was the first Harpoon equipped squadron in the Navy as the Harpoon gear was not ready in time for VP-44 when they made the first Update II deployment to Keflavik, Iceland in 1979. As a result of all this, when VP-23 relieved VP-44 in Keflavik in September `79 they were still the only Harpoon equipped squadron of any kind in the Navy. On New Year's Eve the squadron was tasked to provide a four-crew, three-plane detachment to NSF Diego Garcia as a result of the Iranian hostage crisis and the Russian invasion of Afghanistan. We were extended on deployment for a month and made the remainder of the deployment a split Keflavik - NSF Diego Garcia deployment! We used to say: "If they were any farther away they'd be closer." In the end VP-26 relieved the Diego detachment while VP-46 came over and relieved the Keflavik portion. Oh by the way, we smashed all previous sub contact records with only 2/3 of a squadron in Keflavik!" Contributed by AWCS(AW/NAC) Jeffrey S. Morris 2yankeesfan15@comcast.net
A BIT OF HISTORY:  VP-23 NAS Keflavik, Iceland Detachment Patch "...The redesign of the VP-23 tail insignia was actually first seen on this Winning VP-23 79-80 NAS Keflavik, Iceland Deployment Patch. The contest was in late summer 1979, this patch with Official Letter and Photos was designed by shipmate AMHAN Rick Buchanan VP_23@webtv.net/Airframes prior to deployment. Shortly after that a new Seahawks insignia template was completed by us in the Airframes Dept, our supervisor during this period was AMSC Hank Roekers. The first P-3 in our squadron at NAS Brunswick, Maine to receive the new tail design was LJ-9, the rest were completed in time for new CO CDR Pete Baxter's change of command ceremony held on November 8, 1979..." Contributed by AMHAN Rick Buchanan VP_23@webtv.net WebSite: http://community-2.webtv.net/VP_23/RicksPatchArchivesOf/index.html [05NOV2000]
Circa 1978
A BIT OF HISTORY:  "...History and Change-Of-Command - Page 25 - Naval Aviation News - April 1978..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1970s/1978/apr78.pdf [09OCT2004]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  "...History and Change-Of-Command - Page 3, 15 and 16 - Naval Aviation News - February 1978..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1970s/1978/feb78.pdf [09OCT2004]
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...SPRINGEX `78--During SPRINGEX `78, CAC-5 was fortunate enough to be allowed to make a short excursion from ROOSY ROADS to St. Thomas to experience local culture. Like most naval aviators, our PPC was very able, and very self-assured. Adding to the general feeling of euphoria was the circumstance that LJ-5 (a "heavy" B) was like Gulliver in Lilliput among the collection of general aviation aircraft present on the ramp at St. Thomas. Like most ramps designed for light aircraft, the parking space was very tight, and we had the choice of shutting down and accepting a tow tractor's backward nudge into the assigned slot (by far the most prudent option), or impressing the local populace with the "back up the big airplane using propellor reverse" approach. Since this was the option which would establish us as truly hairy-chested aviators in complete command of our destiny, the PPC immediately elected (and promptly announced his intention via VHF) to back up the aircraft into the parking spot under its own power. As we turned toward the parking area we shut down #1 and #4. Ground control in the tower (which unfortunately overlooked the parking area) saw the props beginning to windmill down, and contacted the cockpit immediately, advising that although the ramp looked level, there was in fact a slight incline, and experience had demonstrated that a P-3 could not "back" into the parking area using only #2 and #3, and offered the judicious advice that we should re-start #1 and #4 if we really intended to go through with the valet parking stunt. Our intrepid plane commander regarded the advice as gratuitous and tantamount to throwing down a gauntlet; his next words to Ground Control are probably still etched somewhere in the St. Thomas tower: "If I can't back this aircraft into that parking space on two engines, I'll eat my hat!" Knowing full well that everything was now on the line, the PPC lined the aircraft up perfectly, summoned the entire crew forward for weight distribution, and went into reverse on #2 and #3. LJ-5 rolled obediently backward about 6 feet, and grudgingly halted. Applying the time tested theory that "more is better" reverse thrust was increased - and nothing happened. With a sense of impending doom, the PPC now applied radical reverse thrust. Even for Caribbean inhabitants used to wind velocities from tropical storms, the effect was impressive: dust devils spun, clouds of normally docile tropical sand was propelled at destructive velocities into the base of the tower, palm trees swayed, branches broke, and bystanders ran for cover; I am quite sure had we been closer to the ocean, there would have been an appreciable increase in the sea-state! And all for nothing...that P3 refused to move backward another inch. Eventually the fine judgement with which all naval aviators are endowed took over: we shut down and humbly accepted the assistance of the tow-tractor. Throughout it all, the tower maintained a tactful silence...As we lifted off after a very abbreviated visit, the PPC finally broke his morose silence: "St. Thomas this is Airmail 5. I'll be looking for some salt to go with the hat..." To their everlasting credit, all the tower crew had to say was "Roger Sir, we look forward to your next visit"..." Contributed by Roger A. Jurack CWO3 USN (Ret) out2pasture@iowatelecom.net
Circa 1975
A BIT OF HISTORY:  "...Hurricane Hunters - Page 12 to 15 - Naval Aviation News - July 1975..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1970s/1975/jul75.pdf [03OCT2004]
Circa 1974
A BIT OF HISTORY:  "...Twelve Years And 3,000 Flight Hours - Naval Aviation News - July 1974..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1970s/1974/jul74.pdf [01OCT2004]
Circa 1972
A BIT OF HISTORY:  "...On Patrol - Page 18 - Naval Aviation News - June 1972..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1970s/1972/jun72.pdf [27SEP2004]
Circa 1971
A BIT OF HISTORY:  "...On Patrol - Page 34 - Naval Aviation News - August 1971..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1970s/1971/aug71.pdf [23SEP2004]
Circa 1970
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Photograph's from our 1970 Deployment - I served with VP-23. I became Qualified AC and was the CAC-10 Ordanceman. Below you will see a picture of a wheel that came off our aircraft as we were returning to NAS Patuxent River, Maryland. The rim just blew off (lucky) as we taxied. Another photograph below is a Briish Lightning off Cyprus, surprise! Another photograph is our approach to NAF Lajes, Azores, Portugal..." Contributed by BOLGER, Larry cremestout@aol.com [13FEB2006]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  "...Last Active P-2 - Page 26 to 27 - Naval Aviation News - April 1970..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1970s/1970/apr70.pdf [17SEP2004]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  "...And, From Another Era, Last P-2 Phase-out Begins - Page 26 - Naval Aviation News - February 1970..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1970s/1970/feb70.pdf [17SEP2004]
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Squadron Awards..." Contributed by Mahlon K. Miller mkwsmiller@cox.net [23APR2001]
Joint Meritorious Unit Award
15 Aug 90 – 12 Oct 90
Meritorious Unit Commendation
09 Sep 70 – 31 Oct 70
15 Feb 81 – 29 Jul 81
05 My 90 – 10 Nov 90
0 Feb 94 – 24 Jul 94
Navy "E" Ribbon (Battle "E")
01 Oct 76 – 30 Sep 77
Navy Unit Commendation
05 Sep 79 – 04 Mar 80
Southwest Asia Service Medal
02 Oct 90 – 10 Nov 90
SECNAV Letter of Commendation
10 May 87 – 10 Nov 87
VP-23 Participating Aircrew
Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal
23 Oct 83 – 21 Nov 83
01 Jan 94 – 31 Jul 94
Navy Expeditionary Service Medal
21 Nov 79 – 01 Dec 79
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...20DEC70---Plan of the Day..." Contributed by G. Souza GARY7732@aol.com [07DEC98]
20DEC70
Plan of the Day
SUNRISE: 0834 - SUNSET: 1810
CDO: Lt Titus
ODO: 0800-2000 LTjg Jedrlinic | LTjg Howerter
2000-0800 LTjg Helfrich
MDO: CW02 Steinfort
DUTY SECTION: Two
DUTY SECTION LDR: AT1 Allen
Naval Air Force - U. S. Atlantic Fleet
BARRACKS MAA
0745-1600 AT2 Wheeler
1600-0800 ADJ2 Bartineau
BARRACKS FIRE WATCH
2200-0215 AME3 Witkowski
0215-0630 ADJ3 Flodin
DUTY DRIVER
0745-1600 ADJ3 English
1600-2400 AO3 Pendarvis
000-0800 ADR3 Hill
SUPERS/SWEEPERS
AMS2 Nelson
ADJ2 Barclay
AN Cullimore, AN Hillwig
AMSAN Place
SDO
0745-2000 AMH2 Sheets
2000-0800 AE2 Goerlitz
HANGAR/RAMP WATCH
0800-1200 AK3 Ellingwood
1200-1600 AN Horner
1600-2000 AWAN Kelly
2000-2400 AN Newgard
0000-0400 AN Green
0400-0800 AN Tice
DUTY LINE
AO3 Malouin
DUTY YN
YN2 Maturo
DUTY AZ
AW2 Williamson
VAN DRIVER
AMSAN Place
ROUTINE 0630 Reveille
0715-0900 Morning Meal
0745-Duty Section Muster
0930-1330 Noon Meal
1300-Duty Section Muster
1630-1830 Evening Meal
2100-Duty Section Muster Sweep down Barracks
2200-Taps, Lights Out
PATRON TWO THREE message 181124Z DEC 70 to FAW-3 is quoted for information of all hands:
"SEASONS GREETINGS"
1. ON THIS THE MOST JOYOUS OF OCCASIONS THE SEAHAWKS SEND HOLIDAY GREETINGS TO ALL THE RED LANCERS, TRIDENTS, PELICANS AND THUNDERBOLTS, (THUNDERBOLTS??) AND EXPECIALLY OUR MENTORS IN FAW-3 STAFF
2.IN THE LAND OF LA MANCHA, TIS SUNNY AND BRITE
NO SOFT SOUNDS OF WINTER, NO CHRISTMAS OF WHITE.
THE RED PHONE IS SILENT, NO TASK FOR TODAY
NAVSUPPACT IS EMPTY, WE LIKE IT THAT WAY.
OUR ROUTINE IS FLY, ON MOST EVERY DAY,
TIS THE JINGLE OF OPTAR THAT MAKES IT THAT WAY.
SO WE JAMOT AND JAMOT AND SOME MORE,
BUT THAT WONDEROUS MACHINE ONLY WORKS ONE IN FOUR.
THAT DOUBLE EDGED SWORD ALSO HAS ITS REWARD
IN THE SLEIGH PLANES FROM BRUNSWICK WITH GOODIES ABOARD.
SO WE TOAST WITH SANGRIA, FROM THE WAR ZONE IN SPAIN
WE WISH YOU WERE HERE, AND WE WERE IN MAINE
2. MOVIES - DRIVE-IN: My Side of the Mountain - Theidore Bikel, Ted Eccles. STATION: Dreams of Glass, John Denos, Caroline Barrett
Signed: C. H. Munch, LCDR, USN, by Direction..." Contributed by G. Souza GARY7732@aol.com [07DEC98]
"VP-23 History Summary Page"
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