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

ShipmateVP-34 ShipmatesShipmate

Memorial Picture "...ABEL, Paul F...My father, Paul F. Abel, passed in April 2003. My father was a pilot in VP-34 flying out of NAS Trinidad, British West Indies in late 1940's-early 1950's. Looking for Shipmates who can recount a short rememberance of common experiences with my father. Paul F. Abel, Jr. paul.abel@us.army.mil..." [12OCT2007]

ANDERSON, Cliff (CK) (Andy) ckandy@alltel.net "...I served with VP-34 in NAS Norfolk, Virginia and then in NAS Trinidad, British West Indies. Ned Perry was our PPC and a mighty good one. I was the radioman aboard #9 and our crew members were: Gann-mech, Allen, Sparks (Radio), Gooch (Ordanance), Johnson (Ordanance), Wilson (Pilot/Navigator), and Bryant (Pilot/Navigator). Would sure like to hear from any and all. The years were 1950 -1952..." [19MAR2001]

ATKINS, AD3 Gordon W. Daddy4Ever1104@aol.com "...I served with VP-34 NAS Coco Solo, Panama, Canal Zone. I was a crew member on EC-9 from 1955-1956. If you have any information about anyone in the squadrons VP-34 NAS Coco Solo, Panama, Canal Zone PLEASE e-mail with your informaton. Thanks..." [02JAN2001]


BLAIR, AEC Charles conbrinol@msn.com "...VP34, Elect Test-Pax River and VP-21..."

BOJANOWSKI, Edward c/o George Damoff rgdamoff@bellsouth.net "...Enlisted Oct. 1951. After Training/schooling in NAS Jacksonville, Florida and NAS Memphis, Tennessee. I joined VP-34 in Trinidad, British West Indies in Oct. 1952. Left VP-34 in Sep.1954. Transfered to Flight Test, NAS Patuxent River, Maryland until released from the Navy in Oct. 1955. While in VP-34, flew on every aircraft in the squadron. Was Plane Captain/Flight Engineer on EC-10, C.A.C. at Flight Test NAS Patuxent River, Maryland flew as flight test engineer on various aircraft and on flight test program for P-2V-5 w/jet pods, later to become P-2V-7. Attended school at Lockheed Burbank for introduction to the jet engine. Learned to fly at Park Hall Strip outside NAS Patuxent River, Maryland. Solo'd in an Aeronca Champ 7AC. I'm loking for Shipmates that I served with. I currently am not on the internet but am being assisted here by George Damoff. Anyone can contact me at 1522 Crown Lane, Glenview, IL 60025. Ph.847-729-3506..." [27APR98]

Memorial Picture "...BOYD, Randall T...A note to inform you of the passing of CDR Randall T. Boyd. He was CO of VP-34 in 1955. He passed away on October 27, 2001 and was buried November 29, 2001 with full military honors and all family present at Arlington National Cemetery...Nick Farnett njf5@comcast.net - VP-34 Aircrewman (1954-1956)..." [19DEC2001]

BOYD, CDR Randall T. Retired C/O His Son Stephen Boyd sbmarshfield@aol.com "...My dad is Cdr Randall T. Boyd Jr (ret). He was in VP-47 in 1950 during the Korean War. He was awarded the DFC (2 Gold stars) and the Air Medal (4 Gold Stars) while he was a member of VP-47. He was also C.O. of VP-34 in 1955. He was also with VS-52. I am one of his 5 sons. Our dad is very ill (terminally) with cancer. If any of you remember him from Korea or NAS Trinidad, British West Indies (VP-34) or NS Rota, Spain or NAS Pensacola, Florida or ONI DC or USS Dallas, etc - please send him a card at his Houston home. I am sure he'd love to see a card from you. He doesn't do phones now. Thank you all. The address is Cdr Randall Boyd Jr. ret. 780 W. Bay Area Blvd Webster, TX 77598..." [21OCT2001]


DAMOFF, George T. rgdamoff@bellsouth.net "...I transfered from The Naval Air Development Center (NADC) Johnsville, PA to VP-34 NAS Trinidad, British West Indies in Nov. 1954. Played basketball on the Navy base team called "JU-C Gingers" coached by Chief Leffler. The squadron was moved to NAS Coco Solo, Panama, Canal Zone in June 1955. I flew as an AE2 crewman on EC-8 ("8-Boat"), "The Happy Wanderer", and EC-9 "The Ancient Mariner". Played on the base basketball team that won the Canal Zone Military Championship in 1955. My time at NAS Coco Solo, Panama, Canal Zone was from June 1955 to April 1956. Was released from active duty at Brooklyn Navy Base on April 4, 1956. Currently live in Titusville, Florida. Retired in 1989 after 32 years with Rockwell International, formerly North American Aviation and now Boeing North American. Now associated with the not-for-profit Valiant Air Command Warbird Museum (http://www.vacwarbirds.org) as Executive Director located at the Space Coast Regional Airport, near the Kennedy Space Center, Titusville, Florida..." [BIO/E-Mail Updated 24JUN99 | 15JAN98]

DAY, CDR Russ Retired russput@earthlink.net "...I was in the squadron from Nov. of '49 until Oct. of '52 ..." [28AUG2000]

Memorial Picture "...DeLORENZO, CAPTAIN Frank L...1914-2011 VPB-4 1945 - Captain DeLorenzo passed away on May 27, 2011. He was 96 Years old. Known as "DeLo" to his many friends, he was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on 1 August, 1914. He graduated from Marquette University with B.S. and J.D. degrees in 1939. While in Law School there he was a contributor to, and on the staff of, the Marquette Law Review. He came to NAS Pensacola, Florida later in 1939 and entered flight training as an Aviation Cadet in class 130-C. He received his wings from Adm. A.C. Read, the first man to fly the Atlantic Ocean. DeLo was commissioned as an Ensign in May of 1940. He was designated Naval Aviator Number 6449. His first assignment was to VP-12, flying PBY CATALINA's out of NAS North Island, San Diego, California. He was later ordered to VP-13 and flew the four engine PB2Y CORONADO seaplane throughout the Pacific during WW II. He was extremely proud to have been one of the pilots that flew Admiral Chester Nimitz to Honolulu on Christmas Day, 1941 in order for him to become the new Chief of all Naval Forces in the Pacific, early in WW II. DeLo was the last surviving pilot of that crew. Captain DeLorenzo also flew in the strikes on Wake Island, Kwajalein, Eniwetok and Saipan during the Marshall and Gilbert campaigns and was awarded the Air Medal with four gold stars. Later during WW II he flew patrols out of NAS Kwajalein, Marshall Islands, Eniwetok and NAS Tanapag Harbor, Saipan, Marianas Islands and his squadron finally returned to the U.S. in December of 1944. After the cessation of WWII hostilities he was assigned to the Naval Air Transport Service (NATS) and was a plane commander in R5D aircraft while attached to VR-12 and VR-8 in Honolulu. VR-8 flew the route from NAS Oakland, California. To NAS Agana, Guam in the Marianas. He returned to NAS Pensacola, Florida in 1948 and was assigned as Senior Aircraft Engines Instructor in the Naval School of Pre-Flight. It was during this tour that he and his wife, Helen, met many prominent and "old" NAS Pensacola, Florida families that would bring them back to Pensacola where they would happily retire!! After that he was assigned to the Staff of the Commander in Chief of the Atlantic Fleet in NAS Norfolk, Virginia where he was associated with various NATO Naval exercises that took him to England, Scotland and Norway. In 1953 and 1954 he commanded VP-34, flying PBM-5's out of NAS Trinidad, British West Indies. Under his command, the squadron won the Fleet Battle Efficiency Pennant marking it as the best patrol squadron in the Atlantic Fleet! He returned to NAS Pensacola, Florida once again, later in 1954 and served as the Administrative Officer of the Naval Air Station until 1956 when he was ordered to the attack carrier USS KEARSARGE (CVA-33) as Operations Officer and later as Executive Officer, with the carrier operating in the Western Pacific. Prior to reporting to the KEARSARGE he carrier qualified in SNJ's aboard USS SAIPAN. He was next assigned to the Senior Naval War College in Newport, R.I. where he was promoted to the rank of Captain in 1959. Upon graduation from War College he was assigned as the Missile and Satellite Range Operations Officer of the Pacific Missile Range at NAS Point Mugu, California where he was associated with numerous early space projects. His next assignment was to recommission and Command a ship, the fleet oiler, USS KENNEBEC (AO-36) in Brooklyn, NY. After transiting the Panama Canal and operating in the Pacific Fleet, he was detached from KENNEBEC in 1962 and reported as Chief of Staff to the Commander Middle East Force operating out of Bahrain Island in the Persian Gulf. In that capacity he traveled all throughout the Middle East in several small seaplane tender known as the "LITTLE WHITE FLEET" and met many Heads of State including the late Shah of Iran and the Rulers of Kuwait, Bahrain, Abu Dhabi, Qatar, and Dubai. His next two assignments were as Commanding Officer of the NAS Corpus Christi, Texas from 1964 to 1966 and Commanding Officer of the Headquarters Support Activity, Taipei, Taiwan in the Republic of China from 1966 to 1968. He was also Chief of Staff to the Commandant, Twelfth Naval District in San Francisco where he and His family lived in beautiful Government Quarters on the top of Yerba Buena Island in the center of San Francisco Bay where the two sections of the Bay Bridge are anchored. He was an avid golfer and a long time member of the Pensacola Country Club and a past member of the Board of Directors of the PCC. During his golfing career DeLo was credited with four "holes in one". He was one of the original founders of the Ex-Aviation Cadet Organization and EMCEE'd many of its Reunions. He was an active and ardent supporter of the National Museum of Naval Aviation and Alzheimer's research and support activities. In addition to his Air Medals, he was awarded numerous Campaign Medals as well as the Army Commendation Medal and the Joint Service Commendation Medal. He retired in 1970 after accumulating 6000 plus flight hours and completing 31 continuous years of active duty in the Navy. He was pre-deceased by his dear and lovely wife of 60 years, Helen Baker DeLorenzo. He is survived by his son, Tony, and daughter in law, Linda Binion DeLorenzo, a grandson, Tony, Jr. and wife, Faith, and great granddaughters, Lily and Ceili. Memorials may be made to the Nat'l Museum of Naval Aviation, 1750 Radford Blvd, Ste C, NAS Pensacola, FL 32508 or Covenant Hospice, 5401 N 12th Ave, Pensacola, FL 32504 or to St. John Catholic Church, 303 So. Navy Blvd. Pensacola, Fl. 32507. He was buried at Barrancas National Cemetery. Oak Lawn Funeral Home was in charge of funeral arrangements..." Contributed by Larry Hames (VP-4 Veterans Assn Database Manager) database@vp4association.com [15AUG2011]

DeLORENZO, CAPTAIN Frank L. Retired shipmate pix circa...05JUL53 frankdelo@cox.net "...I was an Ensign in VP-12 in NAS San Diego, California from July 1940 to August 1941. Left VP-12 to join Gen Chennaults AVG Flying Tigers. Never got there but my CO LCDR J. P. Fitsimmon's was so peeohed at me for signing up with AVG, he wouldn't have me back in his squadron. Moved next door in the big barrel hangars on NAS North Island, San Diego, California and went to VP-13 from August 1941 to January 1943 flying the 4 engine PB2Y Coronado. Spent the rest of WW II flying PB2Y's in VP-102 and VPB-4. Was CO of VP-34 in NAS Trinidad, British West Indies from April 1953 to June 1954 flying PBM-5's. Had a great squadron and we won the "Meatball" i.e. best squadron in the Atlantic Fleet! Stayed in the Navy for 31 years retiring as a Captain. What a great career I had and it all started in the VP community..." [E-Mail Updated 11SEP2002 | E-Mail Updated 23FEB99]


FARNETT, Nick njf5@comcast.net "...I was with VP-34 from 1/54 to 6/55 in NAS Trinidad, British West Indies and from 6/55 to 4/56 at NAS Coco Solo, Panama, Canal Zone when the squadron moved to Panama. I was 2nd Ord on EC8 and 1st Ord on EC6. The worst experience of my 71 years was on 31 Oct 1955 when we lost EC10 with a stbd engine failure on take off and, on single engine, contacted the rock seawall at the entrance to the canal. We lost LTJG David Ryan, pilot, ENS Wallace Sperlick, co-pilot, AD1 Mcclellan Childress, Plane Captain, AT3 Carrol Church, 1st radioman, AN William Hopkins, 2nd radioman, AN William Ward, ordnanceman, PHC George Ethridge, photographer, and PH1 John Meyers, photographer. ADAA Charles Airhart was the lone survivor. I was with ZX-11, an experimental Blimp squadron in Key West from 4/56 to 4/57, my final year of a four year hitch..." [E-Mail Updated 25SEP2010 | E-Mail Updated 17FEB2005 | BIO/E-Mail Updated 13FEB2005 | BIO Updated 12AUG2000 | 12MAR99]

FISHER, Ralph E. c/o his son Capt. Bruce B. Fisher, Northeast Marine Pilots captbbfisher@efortress.com "...I am searching for info and contacts for FASRON 915, which operated out of NAS Trinidad, British West Indies during the 1950s. We lived there during that time and my Father was with FASRON 915. Also info and contacts with VP-34 helpful, as many friends at the time were important. Dad also served with ZP-911. Any help certainly welcome..." [19MAR99]


Memorial Picture "...GORDON, LT(jg) Nathan G... Nathan Green Gordon, a Navy pilot who received the Medal of Honor for rescuing 15 downed airmen under enemy fire in the Pacific during World War II, has died. He was 92. Gordon, who went on to become lieutenant governor of Arkansas, died Monday night at a hospital in Little Rock, Ark., while being treated for pneumonia and other ailments, his nephew Allen Gordon said. Born in 1916 in Morrilton, Ark., Gordon graduated from the University of Arkansas law school in 1939 and began practicing law in his hometown. He learned to fly after enlisting in the Navy in 1941. During the war http://www.intheirwords.org/, Gordon flew a Consolidated PBY Catalina flying boat, a large plane no faster than a high-powered automobile. On Feb. 15, 1944, he received orders to search for downed pilots after a raid on the Japanese position in Kavieng along the Bismarck Sea near Papua New Guinea. Under fire in rough seas, Gordon piloted the unwieldy aircraft to make three landings to pick up nine men. On the way back, he saw a life raft 600 yards from the enemy shoreline. Gordon landed yet again, pulling six more airmen aboard while taking on heavy fire. "His plane was seriously overweight by the time he finished," said Stephan McAteer, executive director of the MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History in Little Rock. "He just did not want to leave anyone there because if they had been captured, they would have faced almost certain death." Gordon flew his aircraft to Finschhafen, a port in northern New Guinea. "I hadn't thought about what I was doing," Gordon told the Kansas City Star in 2005. "I did what I had to do. And I was lucky to get out of it." In nominating him for the nation's highest military honor http://www.cmohs.org, his superiors cited Gordon for "exceptional daring, personal valor and incomparable airmanship under most perilous conditions." Gordon also received the Distinguished Flying Cross for his service in the Pacific. Family members said Gordon didn't speak much about his military service. However, until his final days, he would tell anyone who asked about the rescue mission in the Bismarck Sea that brought him national acclaim, his nephew said. "He would always tear up," Allen Gordon said. On his return to Arkansas, friends persuaded him to run for lieutenant governor. The Democrat entered office in 1947 and held the position for 20 years, serving under Gov. Orval Faubus during the 1957 Little Rock Central High School desegregation crisis. "He pretty well kept his head down and didn't take part in it to any great extent," said Roy Reed, a former Arkansas Gazette reporter who covered the crisis and later wrote a book on Faubus. Gordon left office in 1967, the same year as Faubus, and returned to practicing law. He retired in 1992, and three years later his wife of 50 years died. They had no children...Associated Press, From the Associated Press September 10, 2008..." Contributed by BURGESS, Richard R. rburgess@navyleague.org [11SEP2008]

Photographs from In Their Words http://www.intheirwords.org/the_veterans/

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GRAY, AD3 Marv krysmarv@aol.com "...I served with VP-34 at NAS Trinidad, British West Indies from April 1952 to September 1954. I made AD3 prior to processing out. My basic duties were the Tool/Parts Room on afternoon Flight Checks..." [02AUG2009]


HANSEN, AM1 Roy E. belzona1@exis.net "...I served with VP-34 from 1953-1956 in NAS Trinidad, British West Indies and NAS Coco Solo, Panama, Canal Zone. While in NAS Trinidad, British West Indies I had the distinct honor of being tasked by LCDR Rudy Weigand, our M.O., to fabricate an Memorial Plaque to the flight crew on EC-10, lost at sea in March 1953 during "Operation Springboard"..." [21JAN2003]

HARTGROVE, LTjg Billy R. bhartgro@hotmail.com "...I served as an Ensign and then Ltjg. USNR with VP-34 from mid 1954 to 1956, first at NAAF/NAF Port of Spain, Trinidad, British West Indies and then at NAS Coco Solo, Panama, Canal Zone. I served as Asst. Personnel Officer, Personnel Officer and then as Asst. Admin. I flew mostly on EC-7, Cdr. Stoinoff's (Exec) plane. After "stand down" of VP-34 I was with FAETUATL in NAS Norfolk, Virginia until my release in 1957..." [16APR2002]


JOHNSON, Charles W. Skeeter@MFI.Net "...I served in U.S.Navy patrol squadron VP-34 from l942 until the squadron left Panama Canal Zone for the pacific . I would like to hear from anyone that was in the squadron at that time..." [16OCT98]


Memorial Picture "...KANE, CAPTAIN John....John died peacefully in his sleep on 11 October 2005 (ZP-11, ZP-14 and VP-34)..." Contributed by FARNETT, Nick njf5@comcast.net [04JAN2005]

KANE, CAPTAIN John Retired [Deceased] jckanejr@juno.com "...I went through LTA flight training in the fall of 1943 at NAS Moffett Field, California and then to Lakehurst in the Spring of 1944. Upon getting my wings I was assigned to ZP-11 out of NAS South Weymouth, Massachusetts. Later that year I flew as navigator on the first ever translant flights by blimps to set up a Squadron (ZP-14) in Morroco to serve as an ant-submarine barrier patrol in the Straits of Gibraltor. In 1945 I again navigated two replacement ships to N. Africa, this time on the Bermuda to Azores leg which at the time was the longest overwater, non refueled flight by a blimp. I served as RADM. Rosendahl's Aide during his retirement year of 1946. I switched to HTA in 1954, went to VP-34, the last operational PBM squadron. After another tour on the Airship Wing staff, the rest of my duties were in Maintenance and Engineering staff duty - retiring in 1968 after 4 years as the Navy Plant Rep at McDonnell Aircraft during the peak production years of the F-4 Phantom and the Mercury and Gemini space programs..." WEBSITE: Treasurer of the Naval Airship Association http://www.naval-airships.org/ [28JUN98]


LEGG, CPO Paul P. Retired Fltenglegg@aol.com "...I started out as a PC/FE with VP-208 January 1946. Got out of the Navy and joined the Reserves assigned to VP-661. It so happened that I was the first guy to make chief in the reserves (1949). Recalled to active duty September 1950 and became Maintenance Chief then a Plane Captain till June 1953. Served with VP-34 NAS Trinidad, British West Indies till June 1955, EC-121K 's NAS Patuxent River, Maryland NRL till 1962, and VW-13 NAS Argentia, Newfoundland, Canada. Enjoyed my naval aviation tremendously...I was assigned to VW-2 June 1955. Worked in power plants for a while. I then went to FE school at Burbank,Ca. I started as a student engineer under a guy known as Placidi. I then flew with Elwell an Vada and became a first engineer then a check engineer then the training chief for the FE's. VW-2 was absolutely one of the best squadrons I was ever attached to. I later went to NRL and the to VW-13 at NAS Argentia, Newfoundland, Canada. I was the engineer on the panel during the crash of BUNO: 141329. My seat safety belt was the only thing that saved me. I ended up pinned to the roof of the cockpit. The 2 pilots assisted me in getting back to the main cabin.As I've stated before. The men in the VW squadrons were absolutely the best..." [BIO Updated 06JUN2002 | 14MAY2002]

LOVE, AXC(AC) William R. (Bill) Jr. Retired Shipmate Pix bilbiker@suscom-maine.net"...I joined VP-34 in July 1949 as an AOAN straight out of AO(A) school in NAS Memphis, Tennessee. We were in NAS Norfolk, Virginia at Breezy Point in hangar SP-31. We had 9 PBM-5E aircraft. The squadron had just finished transitioning from the PBY-6A and had changed designations from VP-AM-4 to VP-34. I went to NAS Trinidad, British West Indies with them and stayed in the squadron until 1953. Going from AOAN when I joined them to AO1 by the time that I transfered. I still remember a lot of good things about that outfit and recently received a picture from Norm Roinstad that was taken in NAS Trinidad, British West Indies of the "White Hats" in the Aviation Ordnance Division. After VP-34 I went to FAWTULANT, now VF-101 in Key West Fl. Then to VP-8 at NAS Quonset Point, Rhode Island, NAS Chincoteague, Virginia, and NAS Norfolk, Virginia. Task Group Alfa, and Project Little Joe. Flew recovery missions for the "monkey in space" low orbit rides. Left there in Feb 1960 and went to VA-125 at NAS Moffett Field, California made AOC in September 1960 and moved to NAS Lemoore, California, when that base opened. Instructed "Light Jet Attack" A4 aircraft, Conventional Weapons loading and delivery. Changed my rate to AX on the first AX list and in 1963 went to VP-24 at NAS Norfolk, Virginia as and AXC. Went through Task Group Delta (the best deal a sailor ever had) and left there in 1967 for VP-23 at NAS Brunswick, Maine. 1967 to 1970 VP-23. Changed rate to AWC on the first AW list, took over as the first AW Division Chief. Transitioned VP-23 from P-2 to P-3 A/C I flew Radio and we borrowed an F/E from Lovin' 11 until we got some qualified people. 1970 to 1971 FAETUATL Det NAS Brunswick, Maine, taught MAD, Radar and worked at Survival Evasion Resistance and Escape School (SERE). 1971 to 1974 transferred to VP-8 when they moved up from NAS Patuxent River, Maryland. I was their second AW division CPO. Quit flying in 1973 after 10,500 hours and 20 years in 8 different aircraft types and returned to AXC. I went to VP-26 as Night Maintenance CPO, then to First Lt. and left there in 1976 for "Shore Duty" Twilight Cruise. Assigned to the Counselling and Assistance Center at NAS Brunswick, Maine, as Leading Chief until I retired in July 1977..." [E-Mail Updated 19JUN2002 | 18JAN2000]


McDERMOTT, Sgt Edward J. USMC Retired emcderm46@comcast.net "...I served with the U.S. Marine Detachment, Navy 117, at NAS Trinidad, British West Indies (02/1955-03/1957) in direct support of VP-34 and FASRON-105..." [03AUG2011]

MORRISON, Clyde B. cbmnavy@aol.com "...I was in VP-34 from 1942 to 1943. I would like to hear from old members of VP-34..." [17JAN98]

MUNDAY, AT2 Tom thommunday@att.net "...I served with VP-34 ( NAS Trinidad, British West Indies) from 1952 to 1954. I was AT-2 that flew as radioman on EC-10, EC-12 and EC-4. I really enjoyed my tour of duty with VP-34 and if they could have agreed to give me the same duty for next 16 years I probably would have shipped over. After being discharged in 1954 I lost contact with all those great Shipmates. Hoping I find some contacts on this web site..." [E-Mail Updated 04MAR2009 | E-Mail Updated 30JUL2002 | 16AUG2000]


NASH, Stanley esnash59@yahoo.com "...Attended Airmen School at NAS Norman, Oklahoma, "AD" School at NAS Memphis, Tennessee, VP-34 (1954-1956) at NAS Trinidad, British West Indies and NAS Coco Solo, Panama, Canal Zone and NADC (Warminister) Johnsville, Pennsylvania (1956-1957)..." [14OCT2012]

NEISWONGER, Richard "Lefty" A. wa6agl@earthlink.com "...I served in VP-34 at Breezy Point, NAS Norfolk, Virginia from 1947 to 1950. My nickname at the time was "Lefty" because I played baseball for the NAS Flyers baseball team. VP-34 was located in hangar SP2 along with a sister PBY squadron VP-34 and a PBM5 squadron VP-49. Any one in the squadron that remembers me, I would like to hear from you. It has been a long time..." [05NOV98]

NICKLAS, Dick nickmarilyn@earthlink.net "...I served with VP-34 ( NAS Trinidad, British West Indies and NAS Coco Solo, Panama, Canal Zone) from 1954 through 1956. I flew as Navigator for LCDR Dave Asbury and LTjg Stan Tuttle. John Freeman was the PC. Anyone having heard from them or Ralph Platt, Dick Mclaughlin please get in touch..." [29MAR2002]


OGLE, Thomas J. og167@aol.com "...I was in VP-34 from December 1954 to the time it was disestablished in 1956. I was the ordanceman on EC-9. I remember the day 10 boat hit the seawall losing 15 of the 16 people aboard. I came very close to being on 10 boat that day. I had been grounded for an punctured airdrum and got back to flying status that morning, I asked LCDR Tenold if I could go out on 10 boat and get my flight time in. He said no. I thank God every day that he said no. It was strange feeling watching 10 boat burn that day. It was a great squadron to be in..." [23MAY2001]

O'NEIL, Bill [AB4FK- HAM RADIO Call] ab4fk@norfolk.infi.net "...Retired ATC-ex RM, ARM, ALC, etc. Served with VP-73, VP-84, VPB-102, VJ-2, VX-2, VW-4, VPW-1, VPW-2, VW-11, VS-36, NADU, FAETULANT, VP-34, etc..." WebSite: Flying Boat Amateur Radio Society http://www.qsl.net/ab4fk/fbars/ [URL Updated 26 MAY 99 | Updated 24JAN98]


PINA, Louis loupina@gmail.com "...I served with VP-34 from 1954 to 1956 at NAS Trinidad, British West Indies and NAS Coco Solo, Panama, Canal Zone..." [28DEC2009]


SEARLES, LT(jg) Robert W. Retired bobtopsidesearles@gmail.com "...I served with VP squadrons for 27 years until I retire in 1970. I served with VP-2, VP-22, VP-23, VP-34, VP-44 and VP-45..." [E-Mail Updated 30OCT2010 | 29JUL2002]

SHEALEY, C. W. "Dub" cwshealey1@juno.com "...Retired in 1962 as ATC. Ex RM, ARM, ART, ATC, Ham Radio Call NY4B. I served in VP-56 at NAS Norfolk, Virginia and NAS Banana River, Florida (41,42); changed from ARM to ART in ; NATTC Ward Island, Corpus Christi, Tx in 1946; served in VP-74 in Panama; VP-34 in NAS Trinidad, British West Indies; VP-56 (P5M) in NAS Norfolk, Virginia; VRF-31 in NAS Norfolk, Virginia; VS-24, 26, and 27..." [19JAN98]

SMITH, William L. smigb@juno.com "...During short time with VP-34 (December 1955 to April 1956) I set up the "Coffee-in-the-Bowl" held for the officers of the visiting Canadian cruiser QUEBEC (on Easter Sunday) and also performed with the CO (John Alley) at the squadrons SUPPRESSED DESIRE party held at the O Club for all of the base officers. Even managed to spend my first anniversary in NAS Trinidad, British West Indies (wife still in NAS Coco Solo, Panama, Canal Zone)..." [23FEB2006]

SPANKROY, Dave davers@powernet.net "...I was with VP-34 from 1953 to 1955 as a Pilot/Navigator. I had the misfortune to have been watching from the hangar window when when the aircraft hit the sea wall, having lost an engine just after liftoff. The pilots were ENS Ryan and ENS Kebschull. I also served with VP-726 NAS Glenview, Illinois flying P2V's. I would be happy to hear from anyone from the NAS Trinidad, British West Indies - NAS Coco Solo, Panama, Canal Zone years..." [17DEC2003]


REID, AT2 Edwin O. Shipmate PixCirca 1956 edwinreid754@gmail.com "...I served with VP-34 (1949-11/1952) at NAS Norfolk, Virginia and finally NAS Trinidad, British West Indies just after the start of the Korean War. I worked in Electronics and flew as Radar Operator on PBM. My Division Chief was Warren and other names that pop up included Robby Robinson, Stewart, Donovan, Shultz, Lopez, Cornet, Byrd, Myrtle, Red and Martinez. Poker and wisk games, Dirty Jim's Swizel Club, Caracus Beach, operations in NAS Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, Jamacca, NAS Bermuda, Gander NAS Argentia, Newfoundland, Canada, NAS Jacksonville, Florida trips, 9 hole golf course, base ball, unloading ammo ship, clear water, old Sub piers, and afternoon rain storms. Would like to hear from former Shipmates..." [E-Mail Updated 20MAY2020 | PIX Updated 30SEP2006 | 24SEP2006]

REITBERGER, Fred horsey@earthlink.net "...Was an AT1 in VP-34 from Oct 54 stationed in Trinidad BWI till the squadron was transferred to NAS Coco Solo, Panama, Canal Zone and there till decommissioning in 56. Still remember Shipmates lost on 10 boat crash int the seawall. Was undoubtedly the highlight of my 10 year navy career. Would like to hear from anyone that shared my memories..." [E-Mail Updated 02SEP2001 | 24JUN98]

ROACH, John W. jroach46@hotmail.com "...Don't know if anyone remembers me. I served with VP-34 NAS Trinidad, British West Indies from 1952-53. I worked in CHief Shealey's Engine Shop removing broken studs on R2800's for which I volunteered. Bad move! Now living in the mountains of NW Thailand near Burma border. Chiang Dao is nearest town on the map. We grow tropical fruit. I have a wife and 3 kids. NAS Trinidad, British West Indies. I think of the old squadron now and then. For you Shipmates still alive - Take care..." [16NOV2000]

ROBB, Roy royrobb@gtcinternet.com "...I served VP-34 from July, 1949 until July 5, 1952. I was an Aviation Electronics Technician, 3rd Class Petty Officer. My Division Chief was Charles Norman Warren. Ironically, our division was headed up by Mr. Warren, I believe he was a LT. He was one of the finest officers I ever met in the Navy, a graduate of the Naval Academy. Some of my Shipmates were: George Shirley from Temple, TX; LeRoy "Boats" Phillips from Salem, OR; Lionel Byrd from Biloxi, MS; J. J. Connors from Mass.; McCaffery from Mass., Foy Head from Arkansas; Floyd Richell (Rishell) from Reading, PA; a Metal Smith named Morris; 2 men named Reed or Reid, one from Palatka, FL and the other from New England. I served under two Squadron Captains: CDR Gage and CDR Walline. It was a happy day when CDR Walline became Commander of the squadron. I have many good memories from my 3 years in VP-34. I was not happy when President Truman extended my enlistment one year. I left the Navy on July 16, 1952 and moved to Washington, DC. I started work at Southern Railway Company in September and retired on August 31, 1987. In 1983 the company sent my office to Norfolk because Southern had merged with Norfolk & Western Railway. When my wife and I came to Norfolk to look for a house, it was my first time back since my discharge. Before we checked into our hotel, I detoured to Breezy Point so I could show my wife when I had been stationed. The Marine at the gate very graciously gave us a pass without having to go to the NOB gate. When we drove by the old hanger, the "Truculent Turtle" was missing. I later learned it was somewhere in Maryland awaiting space to be placed in one of the museums in DC. Should anyone take the time to read this and recognize my name, please respond..." [21FEB2004]

Memorial Picture "...ROINESTAD, AO1 Norman J...It is sad to report that Norman passed away October 18, 2014 in Maine. Norm was brought into VP-10 as part of a crew to remove the twin 50 cal. machine guns and top turret on our P2V5F aircraft. Norman also served with VP-21 and VP-34..." Contributed by WILSON, AT2 Robert T. Jr. helgasgardener@gmail.com [25OCT2014]

ROINESTAD, AO1 Norman J. Retired Shipmate Pix...Circa 1952... nroinestad@highstream.net "...I served with VP-34 from July 1951 to July 1953, VP-21 from July 1953 to March 1957, and VP-10 from March 1957 to June 1958..." [E-Mail Updated 03APR2007 | E-Mail Updated 28MAY2004 | E-Mail Updated 22MAR2001 | 28MAR98]


SNEDDEN, AM3 James R. jimsnedden@comcast.net "...I attended AN(P) School (14JAN52-09MAR52) at NAS Jacksonville, Florida, Class A School (15SEP52-19DEC52) at NAS Memphis, Tennessee, FASRON-5 at NAS Oceana, Va. and VP-34 (1952-1954) at NAS Trinidad, British West Indies flying in the PBM. While on a training mission in Puerto Rico we lost one to the planes (March 22nd, 1953). No one was ever able to verify what happened as minimal debris washed up. No bodies ever surfaced..." [BIO Updated 29JUL2019 | 27JUL2019]


Memorial Picture "...UTGOFF, CAPTAIN Vadym V...My father, CAPTAIN Vadym V. Utgoff, was Commanding Officer of VP-34 during World War II from May 12, 1944 to January 1945 and Commanding Officer of VP-40 and stationed at NAS Iwakuni, Japan from June 1, 1951 to December 15, 1951. I'm trying to find out if anyone who served with him is still alive or how I could locate relatives. Dad, passed away on July 18, 2002 of Parkinson's disease and complications from a stroke. Dad retired in 1963 from active duty in the Navy after 24 years of service. He became a civilian professor of aerospace engineering at the U.S. Naval Academy in 1964. He retired from his second career in 1983 and was named Professor Emeritus in 1985. Dad wrote a book, Pilot Error (a naval aviator's career -- WWII Black Cats to Korean War PBYs to Annapolis Professor), that mentions some of the men he served with. They might be interested in a copy of his book but I don't know how to try and track them down. Any help you could give me would be most appreciated. Thank you. Marina Utgoff Braswell marina.braswell@gmail.com..." [E-Mail Updated 25JAN2013 | 23OCT2009]


Memorial Picture "...WALLINE, CAPTAIN Charles S. Retired...My dad, CAPTAIN Charles S. Walline, passed away in 1974 after 28 yrs of serving this great nation. Dad served with VP-34 (1949-1951?) at NAS Trinidad, British West Indies. Part of that time Dad was VP-34's Commanding Officer. I would love to hear from Dad's former Shipmates..." Contributed by John C. Walline jwalline@bellsouth.net [15JAN2012]


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