VPNAVY VP-5 Open House
http://www.vpnavy.org
VPNAVY Address

Note VP-30 NoticeNote

Note NOTICE: History ThumbnailCameraVP-30 History "...I am an aviation historian living in Taiwan. I have seen some photos from Wen-lu Huang's collection about his P-3 training in the US in 1965. The training was provided by VP-30 to train the crew from ROC Airforce to fly P-3A provided by CIA. Huang is the one in the middle in the attached photo. I am asking for your help to find out the names of the two USN officer and sailor of VP-30..." Contributed by Clarence fujingping@gmail.com [27AUG2018]


Note NOTICE: "...Maritime Patrol Association..." [22JUL2014]

Note   Notice!   Note
Maritime Patrol Association
Maritime Patrol Association
Posted:  July 22nd, 2014
Updated:  July 22nd, 2014

The Maritime Patrol Association is attempting to locate enlisted members of VP-30 and VP-31 who participated in the introduction of the P-3C aircraft into the Atlantic and Pacific fleets in order to include their names on a plaque to be placed in the MPA Hall of Honor. If you know of anyone who fits that category, please forward that information to either of the two individuals below:

CAPT Dick Porter, USN (Ret
dick@porter.net

or

CAPT Ron Martin, USN (Retired)
ron.w.martin@earthlink.net

Thank you,

Dick Porter
CAPT USN (Retired)
dick@porter.net
[22JUL2014]


Note NOTICE: "...Save A (P2) Neptune!..." Contributed by Richard Camp saveaneptune@gmail.com [04MAR2013]

Save A (P2) Neptune!
Save A P2 Neptune Logo


Save A Neptune! is a 501 (c) 3 IRS approved charity to restore to flying condition a P2V-7 Neptune BUNO: 143173 and to educate the public on the role the Neptune played in ASW for the Navy.

BUNO: 143173 flew with VP-21 (1957-1960), VX-1 (1961-1963), VP-30 (1963-1965), VP-24 (1966), VP-30 (1966-1968), NARTU NAS Memphis, Tennessee (1968-1969), NAS Los Alamitos, California (1969), NARTU NAS Memphis, Tennessee (1969-1970), and VP-67 (1970-1973).

She still is in 85% military configuration! Please look closely at the pictures located on our WebSite at: http://www.saveaneptune.com!

Please visit http://www.saveaneptune.com for more details and pictures of 143173. Donations via PayPal! Partners and Corporate sponsors Welcome!

Thank you,

Richard Camp
saveaneptune@gmail.com [04MAR2013]


Note NOTICE: "...Shipmate Needs Your Help!..." Contributed by Greg Brazil baycomm@earthlink.net [20JAN2009]

NAVY LEAGUE OF THE UNITED STATES
OAKLAND CALIF # 068
733 Pomona Ave
Albany, Ca. 94706
510-527-6600
baycomm@earthlink.net

January 17, 2009

REF: LCDR Matt Thompson, currently assigned to VT-35

ALL

My name Greg Brazil and I'm a friend of Matt's for the last 20 years as I met him as a Sea Scout when he was a teenager in Oakland, Ca.

I don't know if you know, but Matt is dying of in-operable cancer. He is currently living with his wife Danica and his mother in the Bolder Creek, Ca.

My efforts here are to help Matt & Danica as much as I can. We at Oakland Navy League are a 501c (3) non profit corporation as such can raise funds for Matt & Danica's kids for their future and college. We are also trying to set up a trust for their kid's future. ONL can accept all funds for Matt and when the trust is formed transfer 100% of the funds to the trust. CDR. Mark Springer, CO VT-35 is also onboard with this.

I am asking you to help in any way you can to help out a class mate. If you can host fund raisers to help, that would be great along with any other things you can do.

I am trying to get all his old squadrons which are VT-21, VT-35, VP-30, VP-5, VX-30 and VPU-2 and VP Association to help also. Any help in reaching those squadrons would also be helpful.

Skipper Springer sent to a personal letter to BUPERS.

Any suggestions and any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

Greg Brazil (USNR 1965-72)
baycomm@earthlink.net

If you can make a donation - please do so at this address:

    Oakland Navy League
    c/o Robert L. Castle CPA
    610 Oakland Ave.
    Oakland, CA 94610
    Please mark the memo "LCDR Thompson"

Note NOTICE: "...I join the Navy in '71 right out of high school. Memphis is my home even though thanks to the Navy I've seen much. AMS-A1 School NATTC Millington, Tn. Then on to VA-42 Ocean-banana, Va. Sea duty aboard USS Nimitz for NATO/Med with VA-34 (Black Cats)-working the Line/Troubleshooter/Final Checkers. Made Chief and became Flt. Deck Coordinator! Loved it all, Yo! Went back to MEM for C-7 school and then on to Cali; S-3's VS-37 NAS North Island, San Diego, California; From there to AIMD Airframes Division Officer where I met my current and lst wife Ruth Ann. Became AIMD QA Officer before I was returned to seaduty and made the best tour of duty in my career. Naval Support Activity Souda Bay, Crete, Greece. This is where I need help. MY, AZ-2 as I remember her was nicknamed "Reitje" and I remember her last niame as Holland (she was of Dutch heritage, mother I believe lived in North Carolind??)-she met and later married a CB that was also stationed at Souda during my tour and they both moved to South Florida. He had a 'State Dept-hush-hush-and all; she not sure but they were there when "Andrew" blew through. My wife and I were in Jax and both headed down when the storm passed and it was okay to go down. Then 'Reitje' and her husband got a husband/wife tour in NAS Sigonella, Sicily. This is where I lost track of them. I heard that they had a little girl and that is about all I know? She had my Mom address in Memphis, but I am sure all of that got messed up in Andrew? It has been year and the memories are not as clear? All the fun we had in Souda, the life friends we made there? Monty-his old lady; the two Kathy's (the one with the 'C' and the one with the 'K', which one was "Pate"? AC-1 and AC-2?? The "CO" of VP-24 flying down to pick us up to make a trip to Sig for the weekend? My B-ball team? Our office? The "CAVE"?? Yasoo-Fellos??? The beach, the Skipper's house on the hill? Making the hotel! Plans for the visiting VP-er's? I miss that! Retired now - 1993... and working for FEDEX AC Maintenace! Drop me a line if "REITJE" sounds familar? I am sure she had a tour in the VP Navy out of NAS Jacksonville, Florida! VP-30; VP-24.......NAS Jacksonville, Florida...AMSC Robert E. Morris, Retired moeknow12@yahoo.com..." [28APR2006]


Note NOTICE: "...Navy Establishing Augment Units For All FRS's Including VP-30..." Contributed by CDR Robert J. Cable robert.j.cable@navy.mil [03DEC2003]

VP-30 SAU The Navy is scheduling the establishment of a Squadron Augment Unit (SAU) attached to VP-30 for 1 October, 2004. Final numbers have yet to be released, but the SAU is likely to total near 150 personnel composed of Officer and Enlisted instructors and maintenance personnel. The SAU has begun recruiting the advance party of 20 maintainers in the AD, AE, AT, AM, and AME rates. If you are interested in serving as a Selected Reservist in VP-30 SAU, have P-3 NEC's and 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 or the SAU OIC at 904-542-0990.

AD - Aviation Machinist's Mate    AE - Aviation Electrician's Mate    AT - Aviation Electronics Technician    AM - Aviation Structural Mechanic


UPDATE "...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]

UPDATE "...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 LCDR Robert J. Cable robert.j.cable@navy.mil..." [28MAR2005]

Note NOTICE: CameraP2V Tour Information "...Damsel in Distress - Last A.S.W. Equipped Flying P2V Neptune is in need of restoration! A Gallant Lady who is the last ASW equipped flying P2V-7 Neptune needs our help. Would you believe there is only one, yes only one, ASW equipped P2V-7 still flying.

The P2 is located at the Mid Atlantic Air Museum in Reading Pa. We open the P2V for tours (this year - June 4th through the 6th, 2004) during selected airshows. This equates to thousands of viewers each year. Besides drawing former P2V crewmen, we also attract people who have no idea of what we went through. Remember this the Last of the Gallant ladies that is A.S.W. equipped and still flying (thanks to the Mid Atlantic Air Museum).

Bureau number 145915 was placed in service in 1954 and served in VP-7, VP-18, VP-21, VP-23, VP-30, VP-56, VP-66, VP-67, VP-92, or VP-94.

This Neptune is our last link to a grand and glorious period in Naval history. We draw thousands of people each year to view this aircraft. Our P2V is shown at the Museum and on tours. In order to continue to tour this aircraft it needs repairs.

For further information, please contact Jack Steventon buddlake130@aol.com..." Contributed by Jack Steventon buddlake130@aol.com [10APR2003]

UPDATE "...P2V Neptune will be open for tours June 6th through the 8th, 2003 at Reading, Pa. See Flyer: P2V Tour Information..." Contributed by Jack Steventon buddlake130@aol.com [11APR2004]

UPDATE "...P2V Neptune will be open for tours June 4th through the 6th, 2004 at Reading, Pa. See Flyer: P2V Tour Information..." Contributed by Jack Steventon buddlake130@aol.com [07APR2003]

UPDATE "...P2V Neptune will be open for tours June 7th through the 9th, 2002 at Reading, Pa. See Flyer: P2V Tour Information..." Contributed by Jack Steventon buddlake130@aol.com [22JAN2002]

UPDATE "...P2V Neptune will be open for tours June 8th through the 10th, 2001 at Reading, Pa. See Flyer: P2V Tour Information..." Contributed by Jack Steventon buddlake130@aol.com

UPDATE "...P2V Neptune will be open for tours June 2th through the 4th, 2000 at Reading, Pa. See Flyer: P2V Tour Information..." Contributed by Jack Steventon buddlake130@aol.com [25FEB2000]

UPDATE "...Fund Raiser entry removed - see Update above..." [Updated 16SEP2002 | 11JAN99]

UPDATE "...Fund Raiser entry removed - see Update above..." [Updated 16SEP2002 | 14DEC98]


Note NOTICE: "...VP-5's Blanket Fundraiser - VP-5, VP-16, VP-30, VP-45, VP-62, CPRW-11, and NAS Jacksonville, Florida..." http://www.stilaradesignstudio.com/blanket.htm [26NOV2003]

Price: $50.00


Shipping: $5.00; each additional item is $2.00

Here is our pride and joy. The spouse's club from VP-5 designed this beautiful blanket and we would love to share it with as many people as we can. This blanket features all of the patches from each P-3 squadron (VP-5, VP-16, VP-30, VP-45, and VP-62) at NAS Jacksonville, Florida and is 68" (so it's pretty big) . It even has the new patch from VP-45. No detail has been overlooked. This blanket is even more beautiful in person with vivid colors. We think this blanket would make a wonderful gift for the holidays and even a great keepsake for our own service members. A percentage of our proceeds will go to charities such as, Hope Therapy, Humane Society, Quigley House, Childrens Hospitals, and to needy families.

We hope you will all help support these wonderful causes by enjoying your very own patriotic blanket.

If you would like to purchase a blanket now please press the PayPal button and you will be brought to a check out page. You will receive a personal confirmation email from me when payment is received and your item(s) will be shipped out the following day. Express mail is available for rush deliveries, but please email me before payment as the shipping costs are higher then $5.00 . International shipping is also available, but again please email first as shipping costs are higher.

For more information please email: sara@stilaradesignstudio.com or call 904-885-9627

Note NOTICE: I am currently the C.O. of VP-30, and as you may be aware, we recently (1996) moved into a brand new hangar. We are in the process of decorating our hangar walls with MPA art. We have come across lots of photos of PBY's, P-2's, P-3's, etc. from WWI through present. We are also searching for some quality art (such as full color, signed and numbered prints) of all the various MPA aircraft performing our numerous missions through the years. We plan to prominently display these prints throughout the hangar for everyone to see (we currently teach some 700 students per year), to give our new VP sailors some sense of our MPA legacy; where we've been, where we are, and where we are going in the future. We would love to locate some prints depicting the PBY's locating the Japanese Midway force, the rescue of survivors from the Indianapolis, P-3's overflying Soviet missile ships bound for Cuba, etc. If anyone has any leads as to where we can find some quality art - please email me chalkb@mediaone.net or phone me at (904) 264-6205. Thank you!

Chalker Brown
Captain, USN
C.O., VP-30

UPDATE "...Several people have emailed me about various artists who have published some art prints, which we have purchased. In addition, we have located an artist who will be coming to see us soon to paint a large mural in our auditorium. Thanks!..." [22NOV98]


Note NOTICE: "...I am looking for an old VP-30 patch. I was a Plank owner member...BLAND, Joe joebland@bellsouth.net..." [01NOV2004]


Note NOTICE: "...I'm trying to find a long lost buddy. His name is James Suckart. He served with VP-30...Jeff Krueger Kruegersii@juno.com..." [29APR2003]


Note NOTICE: "...While serving aboard the aircraft carrier USS John F. Kennedy in 1969, met two Shipmates Dale Batson and Aubrey Pipin who had been with VP-30 out of NAS Jacksonville, Florida. Would like to hear from them...HINDS, Wayne RbrtRwhnd@aol.com..." [04JAN2003]


Note NOTICE: "...I've been diagnosed with a terminal illness related, as it would, to my time spent on-board VP-49 from August 1990 to August 1992 (sorry to say). I don't want your sympathy, but bear with me, to clue you in on some details. I found out in August 2000 that I've got a Regional/Focal Brain Lesion of the Right Temporal Lobe area of the brain, which, at that time was only 3MM in diameter as viewed on a series of MRI's and MRA's. By August the next year, it had tripled in size to 9MM. Which means, it is growing. Like I said, no sympathy here! Just your attention please! It seems quite evident, viewing my service records and VA Health records, that it stems from a VIRAL Syndrome that I was "EXPOSED" to during my sevice with VP-49. Which initially manifested itself on December 17, 1990 at NAS Jacksonville, Florida as Beta Strep with symptoms of headache, nausea, fever, dizziness, chills, sinusitis, sore throat, and other complications signaling the presence of bacterial invasion of the brain via paranasal sinuses, as set down in Principles of Neurology. Later at NS Rota, Spain, going by my Flight Line Clinic Sick call records, after being sick most of the month of December, I returned to Sick Call with symptoms increasing in severity and number. I was documented as having an exposure to a Viral Syndrome within the past few months. It is progressing further. Upon being shipped home on emergency leave, I had numerous sets of EKG's come back Abnormal (Bradycardi/Tachycardis) and was returned to Sick Call a number of other times. Each time my condition was worsening, the number of symptoms increading, and was subsequently disacharged under medical conditions. I returned home and was later, November 1998, after having the manifestations of a Partial/Complex Seizure disorder, and abnormal EEG's (Brain Scans) come back with abnormal sharps/wave spikes; was put on Total/Permanent Disability SSDib. My Symptoms steadily worsened with the p/c seizures, petit, and Grand Mal to the point of COMA in September 2000. After having numerous MRI's/MRA's come back abnormal, and being given a terminal diagnoses, what was I to do but file for my VA Pension and Service Connected Disability Compensation. My claim helped establish new legislation for Gulf War Vets. I have each and every sign/symptom of the GW Illness since the early stages of Desert Shield/Desert Storm. Having just re-enlisted in July 1990, with an impecable record, 3 outstanding Physical Readiness Achievements, and an Overall stamp of 3 yrs Good Health on my 1st enlistment with no episodes and 4.0 evals mind you. I was later transferred to NAS Jacksonville, Florida VP-30, VP-49, NamTra, AIMD NAS Jacksonville, Florida by December 1990. Where was I exposed? And this is where you guys come in. The only things I can think of is that some of our squadrons had given over some of our aircraft to the Pakistani Navy at the start of the Gulf War to ensure their coalition participation - correct me if I'm wrong. It was during this time (November 1990) I went to NamTra where our Pakistani Coalition "partners" were training. I even "helped" re-write one of their courses for this and recieved a letter of apprecication. It was only a week or two later that I first became sick with Viral Syndrome. This is well-known to be the "preponderant causeative organism" leading to Bacterial Invasion of the Brain, and Regional, Focal Lesions; primarily of the frontal, and temporal lobes, via the paranasal sinuses! Along with a host of other maladies paralleled to the Gulf War illness. The only other exposure I can think of is that we had quite alot of our aircraft flying missions in/around the Persian Gulf and Red Sea Region from the begining of Desert Shield. On August 7th, along w/the P-3s were our HS Crews. I'm sure plenty of you spent your time, on-station in and around the Red Sea, Arabian, or the Persian Gulf? I also recall that quite alot of our avionics gear, equipment, and black boxes coming back home (especially at AIMD NS Rota, Spain). We would be inundated with failing Avionics packages, and as memory recalls, quite alot of them were due to Hostile Environmental Exposures (sea, salt, sand, and soot). The AIC-22's especially would be coated with soot, sea spray, and salts and would quite frequently be shorted out within the chassis between the wires and switches by more sand then we could clean. Could this be why I got sick overseas? The only other possibility would be from secondary exposure through a "carrier" or "host". It should be no surprise that at the same time my "girlfriend" who was originally at VP-30, got sick too, was subsequently discharged under Medical Conditions, and granted Service Connected Disability (50% Sinuses/Menstrual D/O, and Fibromyalgia) as well as being put on Social Security Disability. To our misfortune we had a son who was also infected at birth to Group B Strep, and suffered from multiple complications (Toxic Shock Syndrome) and now has ADHD. My X-wife, who had two Healthy children prior to the Gulf War, has since had several miscarriages and was finally blessed with our "miracle" baby, SARA, as she was born premature with no visible life signs at birth due to Placenta Abruptia and other combinations relating to Group B Strep/Toxic Shock Syndrome. She enjoyed the first 12 days of her life (on life-support). She has since recovered, showing little, or no signs. Because of my disability my X couldn't cope, we've since seperated, and I am now with a remarkable young lady. She spent her time oversseas, as well, in the Air Force. Had a Medical Discharge, as well, due to pregnancy. Her son Michael was born with a very rare condition, and had multiple birth defects which required open heart surgery as his heart was "reversed" in his chest and on the "right" side. Along with a few other complications, Group B Strep was to blame, and now is diagnosed with ADHD, like Michael (my son). I am waiting to appeal my claim for more thourough and solid evidence. If any of you have any suggestions - I would be more than happy to here from you or write to William Young, 201 West Lexington Ave, Poplar Bluff, MO 63901. I've got alot of evidence backing my claim but the illness itself is flat KICKIN' MY A*S! If I can be of any assistance to anyone else, that would be great. Well, that's enuff for now guys and gals, I'm gettin' kinda tired. Fair Winds and Following Seas. God Bless, and God's Speed!...YOUNG, AT3 Wm Wyoungstudios@semo.net..." [03NOV2002]


Note NOTICE: "...I have been trying to locate my flight instructor when I was in VP-30. His name is LT Dennis Olson. Anyone knowing how I can get in touch with him, please let me know via email. Thanks...WHATLEY, LTjg Joe joewhatley-455@visi.com..." [08JUL2002]


Note NOTICE: "...I am trying to locate John Michael Davis (a good friend of mine). He served with VP-16 (86-89) and VP-30 FRAMP (89-?). I believe Mike moved back to Missouri near St.Louis after his discharge. We lost contact after I moved from Florida. Thanks!...HENDERSON, Steven E. Shender1@flash.net..." [25JAN2002]


Note NOTICE: "...I am trying to find some information on Admiral Jake Tobin. I served with him when he was the CO of VP-49 and again when he was CO of VP-30. I last saw him in Brunswick, ME. I had heard he was transferred to Virginia sometime in the late '80's. If anyone has any information on the Admiral please email me. Thank you...AVCM(AW) Carl Groth carl.groth@cingular.com..." [11JAN2002]


Note NOTICE: "...If anyone knows the whereabouts of AMS2 Laura Schultz who was with VP-30 in 1991, please contact me in c/o Air Wisconsin, 245 Old Higgins Rd. Unit #9, Des Plaines, IL, 60018, (847)297-6891. She had such beautiful eyes and a heart of solid gold! Im currently supervising all of the ground support equipment east of the mississippi for United Express Airlines. Who said Navy experience didnt mean that much!...Kirk Whisenhunt..." [19AUG2000]


Note NOTICE: "...I'm trying to reach everyone who knew Tom Smith '76 at the Naval Academy--or guys who knew him in the fleet. He was a P-3 pilot between 1976-81, (well, flight school in NAS Corpus Christi, Texas from 76-77) at VP-23 in NAS Brunswick, Maine and at VP-30 in NAS Jacksonville, Florida. Tom was seriously injured in a car accident in Jacksonville in 1981, left with brain damage and little use of his left side. He's been living in a nursing home in Tennessee for the past few years and though his family's been looking after him, some of his Shipmates feel it's time for us to step in and lend a hand. Anyone who would like to join in can just email me, rodrick@san.rr.com..." [11MAR2000]


Note NOTICE: "...Culpepper "Pepper" Ingram II, hometown Winder, GA, USNA grad 1965. Pilot VP-24 1967-70, VP-30 1970-72, VW-4 1972-73. Retired Capt. USNR-R, pilot with Eastern Airlines, & Insurance Salesman with Farm Bureau after EAL passed away (Went West) on Dec. 30, 1996. He is survived by his wife Peggy of Corpus Christi, son Culpepper III (USMA grad 1993) & daughter Catherine..." Contributed by Louis Seldon llseldon@verizon.net WebSite: http://www.lou-seldon.com/[28FEB99]


Note NOTICE: "...I am trying to locate John Michael Davis (a good friend of mine). He served with VP-16 (86-89) and VP-30 FRAMP (89-?). I believe Mike moved back to Missouri near St.Louis after his discharge. We lost contact after I moved from Florida. Thanks!...Steven E. Henderson Shender1@ftw.mot.com..." [03NOV99]


Note NOTICE: "...Looking for x-AE-1 Roger Connor, He was a Flight Engineer Inst. in VP-30 for about three years. He is retired. Need phone number...Jim Curry jimkitcurry1@comcast.net" [14JAN99]


Note NOTICE: "...I am looking for information on VPB-30 and VPB-134 the Black Cat Squadron. My father in law (Charles Wilson Smith) was a radioman on a PBY and we are trying to find out information on his Squadron and the role of the PBY in Lahti Gulf. I would like to hear from anyone with information...Mac Neel III interiors@hcc-uky.campus.mci.net..." [20JUL98]


Note NOTICE: Tim Walker's Retirement
E-Mail: Timothy M Walker AW1(AW/NAC) USN Retired tmwalker@bellsouth.net
[28MAY99]


Note NOTICE: Paul Waeghe's Retirement
E-Mail: P. J. Waeghe, AFCM pjwaeghe@bellsouth.net
[25FEB99]


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