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

ShipmateVP-3 ShipmatesShipmate

AMOR, Raymond C. elicip1@verizon.net "...I served flew (PPC) with VP-3 and VAH-1 with a deployment aboard USS Forrestal (CVA-59) in 1957..." [18DEC2012]


BALLARD, Robert R. baywader@aol.com "...I served in VP-3 NAS Jacksonville, Florida from 1951 to 1953, VP-18 NAS Jacksonville, Florida from 1956 to 1961, VP-50 NAS North Island, San Diego, California from 1965 to 1967, and VP-2 NAS Whidbey Island, Washington from 1967 to 1968. I'd like to hear from Shipmates, especially D. D. Vaughn (VP-18 NAS Jacksonville, Florida)...." [03OCT2004]

BECKFORD, AEC (AW/NAC) Dayne C. M. daynec@hotmail.com "...Flight Engineer...VP-56 CAC 10 & CAC 8, 86-89, VQ-2 I was a "Q-Dog" and a member of the first Aries II crew., 89-93, CINCUSNAVEUR VP-3 DET living Belpasso on Sunny NAS Sigonella, Sicily, 93-96, NAMO/NAVAIRSYSCOM NAS Patuxent River, Maryland 96 to present. I wouldn't mind hearing from old Shipmates..." [30APR98][ICQ# 3671792]

BOGGS, William P. Wpboggs@aol.com "...I transferred to VP-3 when FASRON 9 folded at Cecil Field, Florida in early '50. Transferred from VP-3 to shore duty at NAS Point Mugu, California in late '52 (Backseat Radar Operator for Area Clearance in XAD-1W, AD-4, and AF). Transferred from NAS Point Mugu, California to VP-47 in '54 and left VP-47 and the Navy in mid-'56. I reside in California after a 30 year service career and now almost 26 years of blessed retirement..." [12JUL98]


Memorial Picture "...CATE, CDR Thomas R. Jr...CATE, JR., CDR THOMAS R. of Plano, TX passed away April 21, 2004. Born in Tulsa, OK, on September 11, 1932, he is survived by his wife of 29 years, Nancy E Cate; his daughter and son-in-law Carol and Billy Dison of Jacksonville, TX, granddaughters Jessica and Jackie Dison; son Tom K Cate of Troup TX; and the families of cousins Mary Clifton of Magnolia, TX, Davis Helberg of Esko, MN, Pat Mims of Bellevue, WA, and Ruth Dickey (deceased) of Mabank, TX. Funeral Services will be held on Sunday, April 25, 2004 at 2:00 P.M. under the direction of Autry Funeral Home, Jacksonville. Visitation will begin on Saturday, April 24, 2004 with his family receiving guests from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. at the funeral home. CDR Cate served in the US Navy from 1952 to 1975. As a pilot, he logged 4811 hours flight time in SNB, US2B, P2, SNJ, P4Y-2 and R4D-6 aircraft including 6 carrier landings. He completed flight training in Pensacola, FL and Hutchinson, KS before joining VP-3 (1954-56). He was a flight instructor at NAS Corpus Christi, Texas from 1957-1960 where he and close friend Kenneth ('Moon) Mullins enjoyed many hours fishing and water skiing in the Gulf. He was Communications Officer on the USS Pine Island (AV-12) in 1961, Administrative Officer to Ops Of Korea 1961-63, and was assigned to VP-4 in NAF Kadena, Okinawa, Japan and Hawaii from November 1963 - Nov 1965. From Dec 1965 to Dec 1967, he served as briefing officer to the Joint Chiefs of Staff attached to ANMCC, Fort Ritchie, MD. In December 1969, he graduated Cum Laude from Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, CA where as Section Leader for BAA-8, his study group achieved the highest cumulative grade point average at that time. From late 1969 to December 1970, he resumed working with high-level command and control as Acting Director for the Commander United Nations Command/ Commander US Forces, Korea, Command Center. From 1971 to 1975, he led Team Bravo in the Center for War Gaming at the Naval War College, Newport, RI until his retirement. He directed an innovative set of war games for civilian and military analysts where he met future wife, Nancy (Hill) Cate. His military honors included the Joint Chiefs of Staff Commendation Medal, Viet Nam Service Award, Air Medal for Meritorious Achievement in Aerial Flight (Southeast Asia), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal and National Defense Service Medal. After retiring, he worked as a consultant for Systems Consultants Inc. He relocated to Plano, TX after joining Pacer Systems as Regional Manager, marketing flight simulators for corporate and private pilots. He directed training seminars for the American Management Association, traveling throughout the central states in 1978. Returning to an early passion for geology, he served as landsman for various independent oil and gas drilling companies until 1990. Medical conditions from 1992 impacted his last years. CDR Cate treasured the times spent with his wife, parents, children and grandchildren. His life was enriched by close friendships that spanned many years. With Bart Bradford of Fort Worth, TX, he celebrated a lasting friendship that began in first grade in Streetman, TX. Other long-term friends included Col. BJ Palmer, USMC ret., Darrell Clements and Sam Galentree. His warmth and humor are deeply missed. The family extends special thanks to his caregiver, Terry Barnett of Deport, TX who gave kindness and dignity to his last years...Steve/Andy Andruszkewicz sgpa2zfmly@aol.com..." [06MAR2010]


DAURO, Vincent A. vadauro@aol.com "...Joined VP-3 in July 1949 in NAS Coco Solo, Panama, Canal Zone. Moved to NAS Jacksonville, Florida in Jan 1950. Was copilot and nav on MB-1. Skipper was Gil Frauenhein, copilot Hal Hamberg. Would have been on fatal flight 1 Jun 1950, but was being separated from Navy on 30 June. I was an ex Midshipman and was left behind in FASRON til seoeration. Also flew copilot for Big Ed Foster, and others. After Korean War broke out on 25 June, returned to squadron and served in it til Sep 1952. Remember VanLandingham, McNett, DiFonzo, Stokes, Wylie. Still have very old squadron patch from when squadron was in Alaska. Husky dog on snow with mountain in background. We had contest for new design and tried to change it in 1950-51 but BuAer wouldn't let us. Was assistant maintenance, remember Red Barkes (sp), Minton. Also assistant ordnance. Remember Don Buell, Jim Alphin, CPO Lombardi and others. Still see ENS Costen, Wylie, and talk to Stokes. ENS Sproull til he died last year. Any old members drop me a note...VU-3 at Brown Field, Chula Vista was my last duty station. I was there from Jun 1959 through Jun 1960. Would appreciate any Email from ex VU-3 personnel...I've previously posted my recollections of duty in VP-3 for July 1949 thru September 1952. I was a Midshipman on joining the squadron in NAS Coco Solo, Panama, Canal Zone and LTjg when I left in September 1952. My first Saturday night in Panama, I went to Colon to see the elephant. There I got really loaded. Two enlisted men from the squadron saw that I made it back to the base OK. Later I got to know both quite well. I've often wondered what happened to those two. Both were AO1's, Donald Buell and James Alphin. If any one knows where they are please email me..." [BIO Updated 26JUN2000 | Updated 22JUN98]

DeBAECKE, Ivan ijdeb@wevtv.net "...I served with VPML-3 located in NAS Coco Solo, Panama, Canal Zone in early 1948. At that time, we were flying PV-2's. Later on we transisted to P2V's and in early 1950, relocated to NAS Jacksonville, Florida and the squadron designation became VP-3. In December 1950, I was briefly assigned to VC-6 and shortly thereafter, in early 1951, was assigned to VP-10 recommissioning, at NAS Jacksonville, Florida. This was my last VP squadron assignment..." [17JUL2003]

DICKEY, CAPTAIN Fred C. http://www.usshancock.com/text/Biography2.rtf "...After three years duty at NAS Pensacola, Florida, Captain DICKEY in October, 1925, joined the U.S.S. MARBLEHEAD and served in the ship as senior aviator. During this period he participated in the second Nicaraguan Campaign, and the Yangtse river campaign, serving one year in the China station. From 1928 until 1931 followed another tour of duty at NAS Pensacola, Florida and afterward came three years in the U.S.S CHICAGO. The first two years of this duty he served as senior aviator of the CHICAGO and executive officer of Scouting Squadron TEN. The third year he assumed Command of Scouting Squadron TEN with additional duty as Commander, Scouting Wing Cruiser Scouting Force. In July, 1934, Captain DICKEY reported for duty under instruction at the Naval War College, Newport, Rhode Island, and spent nearly a year there in preparation for the next step in his Navy career. This was command of VP-3, then based at NAS Coco Solo, Panama, Canal Zone. From March 1937, until June, 1939 he served as gunnery and tactical officer, Patrol Plane Scouting Force, the first year of this duty being served as a member of Admiral Ernest J. King's Staff, and the second being spent in the same capacity with Rear Admiral C. S. Blakely. Following this two year tour of staff duty, Captain DICKEY assumed command of the San Pedro Naval Air Station and held that position until he was assigned to the aircraft carrier WASP in 1941. He assumed command of the NAS Hutchinson, Kansas in December, 1942. In February of 1944 he was relieved of his duties at NAS Hutchinson, Kansas and reported at Quincy, Massachusetts, as prospective Commanding Officer of this ship and officially became Commanding Officer when it was put into commission April l5. Captain DICKEY holds seven service and compaign ribbons, the Victory Medal with star, the second Nicaraguan Campaign Medal, the European-Africa-Middle East Campaign Medal and the Asiatic-Pacific Area Campaign Medal. For his services on the HANCOCK he was awarded the Silver Star Medal..." [04JUL2003]


HARMON, AL2 Keith W. de8e95@windstream.net "...I served with VP-3 from 1951 to 1954. I came as an ALAN and was discharged as an AL2. I replaced Gene Whitlock on MB8, a P2V5 (CW call sign 8E95, voice call sign Derrick and BuNo 124879). The AD was Ed Willis, AO Joe Higgarita, AT Bob Kirby. I was the AL (radio). The Pilot was Lt. John Keener and the Copilot was LTjg Harold Suddof. Deployments were NAS Argentia, Newfoundland, Canada, NAS Keflavik, Iceland, and NAF Port Lyautey, Morocco. Some references by others in VP-3 wedsite refer to the P2V lost on the Icelandic glacier. I was there. MB8 stopped over in Norfold for submarine exercises. The rest of the squadron went directly to Iceland. With a stopover in Argentia to handle some mechanical problem, MB8 took off for Iceland. Enroute, I began to get radio inquiries from base radio and a squadron plane (MB6 ?) about contact with the lost plane. MB8's crew also spent one night circling the crash site with an Icelander aboard to communicate with the ground parties trying to reach the plane. I still have news releases and the pamphlet from the memorial service. According to those the Neptune took off at 2:00 p.m. 12/17/53. It reported in at 2:17 100 miles southeast of the base (VM). The wreckage was found on 12/18/53. Three survivors were reported (a wrong report), and survival gear was dropped. As I recall, one of the dead was found outside the plane was brought down. Weather precluded any further recue efforts. VP-3 lost another plane while in Iceland in 1954. I still have a photograph of that. I ran off the end of the runway in England. All crew members walked away. I know it was Crew #1 that was involved, but am not sure of the plane. I would welcome any contact with past squadron members..." [E-Mail Updated 16FEB2008 | E-Mail Updated 11MAR2002 | 11FEB2001]

Memorial Picture "...HORNE, LCDR Philip A. Shipmate Pix ...My father was LCDR Philip A Horne. He passed away peacefully at age 99. He was lucid until his last days I’m blessed. He was winged at NAS Jacksonville, Florida class 5C-41-J on Dec 5, 1941. His duty assignments include: VCS-6 USS New Orleans flying Curtis SOC, until Tassafaronga. VS-55 & VS-58 flying OS2U from Noumea and Espiritu Santo. VB-144 Tarawa, Rio-Namur flying PV-1 Ventura. OTU-11 NAS Hutchinson, Kansas and NAS Jacksonville, Florida flying PV-1 and PV-2. ATU-? NAS Pensacola, Florida. Post war he flew with VP-3, VP-6, Operations officer NAS Kodiak, Alaska and NAS Alameda, California. During Korea he was ship navigator USS Bataan (LHD-5) 1953. VW-1 NAS Agana, Guam flying P2V-5J as Cyclone Hunter 1953-56. He was then assigned as a regular navy officer/instructor for a reserve squadron in NAS Atlanta, Georgia. Final duty was VR-3 MATS McGuire AFB flying R5D, R6D. Retired June 1962. As far as my research can show LCDRHorne was the final plank owner pilot to pass away. SEE: Philip Ardine Horne 1917 - 2016..." Contributed by Jonathan Hornejonathan.horne53@gmail.com [04MAR2023]


Memorial Picture "...ISAACS, AMM3 Samuel William Shipmate Pix...My father, Samuel William Isaacs, passed away August 30th, 1994. Dad served with in the Navy (23JUN1936-03JUL1940) with VP-3F, VP-3 and VP-32..." Contributed by Jim Isaacs gundogjaik@mac.com [Pix Added 27APR2018 | 21APR2018]


JOHNSON, Ron rejOhio@aol.com "...I was assigned to VP-3 in September, 1951, straight out of Personnelman School, and left in February, 1955, for discharge as PN2. That included our tours to NAF Port Lyautey, Morocco and NAS Keflavik, Iceland..." [27OCT2000]


MARSH, AT3 Bob bobcmarsh@earthlink.net "...I served with VP-3 from April 1953 to May of 1954 and flew as radar operator on MB2 with the XO CDR Martin, Co-Pilot Vanlandingham, Plane Captain Winborne, Radioman Garwood, and Ordinanceman Cunningham. I was in the NAS Keflavik, Iceland deployment in 1954. Have you heard from anyone from that timeframe? I started out in P2V5 (with guns - I fired the upper deck). After NAS Keflavik, Iceland we got the P2-5S with MAD..." [E-Mail Updated 27APR2003 | E-Mail Updated 07OCT99]

McCOMBE, ATN2 Matt [Deceased] C/O His Son Matt McCombe spitfire@intermind.net "...My dad, Matt McCombe was a ATN2 and flew as an aircrewman with VP-3 from September 1954 to Nov 1955, then went to ZW-1 and flew with them until he separated in April 1957. He spent 21 years as an electronic engineer with Martin-Marietta until his death in 1980. He was a helluva guy and a great dad. Would like to hear from any of his old squadron mates..." [25SEP2001]

Memorial Picture "...MEDVETZ, MCPO T. R...I am looking for info on TR Medvetz (Tom Medvetz). He was an E-9 - Master Chief, and served maybe 30 years (and served with VP-1). He traveled all over the world and most who knew him either loved him or hated him. He was a great chef. If you knew him or served with him and have photos or stories to tell, please contact me. He was my step dad. He passed away about eight years ago in Jacksonville, Florida. He had no children...Lee Thatcher l.thatcher@charter.net..." [28MAR2004]

MERSHON, George A Jr. gamershon@verizon.net "...I served with VP-3 (1953-1954) at NAS Jacksonville, Florida..." [08NOV2012]

MULLINAX, ATC John take@yahoo.com "...I served VP-3 (1952-1954, VP-56 (1957-1960) and VP-24 (1964-1967)..." [E-Mail/BIO Updated 27NOV2014 | 26DEC2012]

MURNANE, Ed MURNANEED@AOL.COM "...I was a brand new Ensign assigned to VP-3 in 1953. We served in NAS Keflavik, Iceland and Greenland in 1954 and 1955. We left a crew in a Glacier in Iceland in 1954 that emerged in a farmer's field around 1978. We later became VAH-1. I'd love to get in touch with anyfrom from VP-3 during that period. I saw Neil Nokes name in the VAH-1 portfolio. I remember him well. There must be others!..." [03NOV99]


NEIGHBORS, CPO Russell Neighbors Retired RNeighVAH-1@aol.com "...I was assigned to VP-3 in 1954 made the last deployment with P2V5 and 5FS, returned to NAS Jacksonville, Florida where we decommissioned VP-3 and buried the Huskie. Commissioned VAH-1. I have the distinction of having the largest gas bill in VP-3 history. In route up the Hudson Straits we encountered a strong headwind running low on fuel we diverted to Royal Candian Air Force Base Frovisher Can. While refueling the aircraft having taken on 12,000 gallons plus fuel the driver wanted to know if we had cash money,I said no we pay by voucher he shut the truck off and said we don't take vouchers. He said the gas was flown in 55 gallon drum and he would have to pump it out. After a long deliberation by the Plane Commander with the base Commander they accepted the voucher for $9,000.00 plus dollars. That gas was $7.00 per gallon. We may still owe for that gasoline. On returning to NAS Jacksonville, Florida we switched to heavy attack A3D's..." [05AUG2000]

NOKES, CDR Neil Retired nokesneil@bellsouth.net "...I served with VP-3 from 1953 to 1955, VAH-1 from 1955 to 1956 (A/C P2V-3/5F, F2H and A-1), NAVSCH Pre-Flight from 1956 to 1960 (A/C T-28, T2V, TV2 SNB), VP-11 from 1960 to 1962 (A/C P2V-7), USS Essex (CVS-9) from 1962 to 1964 (Catapult Officer - A/C C1A), FLT Test from 1964 to 1967 (Catapult Officer/Project pilot A/C C1, A4, A6, F8, F4, S2 and EA6), VC-4 DET NAS Cecil Field, Jacksonville, Florida from 1967 to 1969 (O-in-C - A/C F8, US2B; 69-71 DEFENSE ATTACHE, Liberia, A/C C47) and NATTC NAS Memphis, Tennessee from 1972 to 1977..." [E-Mail Updated 08JAN2009 | 30AUG99]


SANDERS, AE2 Samuel R. Jr. "Sam" unclesam0143@gmail.com "...Attended AE (Electrician) school at NAS Jacksonville, Florida 4-24-53. Joined VP-3 immediately As AE3, Electric shop. Deployed Dec 10, 1953 to NAS Keflavik, Iceland, arrived about same week as loss of plane and crew on the glacier. Duties in Iceland was Shop Electrician. Squadron returned to NAS Jacksonville, Florida in May 1954. Became member of Crew 2 shortly after return, rank AE2, crew position MAD Operator. Deployed with squadron to NAS Argentia, Newfoundland, Canada 2-22-1955. Mission conducted mostly from bases in Greenland, ie: BW1 and BW2. 6-27-1955 Departed NAS Argentia, Newfoundland, Canada to NAS Jacksonville, Florida for Active Duty Release and Released 7-5-1955..." [30MAY2023]

Memorial Picture "...SCHAEFER, John O...My Father, John O. Schaefer, passed away this past Memorial Day 2003. He was a member of VP-3's P2V Neptune Crew 3, stationed in NAS Keflavik, Iceland, in 1953, the year I was born in Pensacola. He was a radar operator. I read that the P2V that hit the glacier on 12/17/53 had been found and remains returned (SEE: In Memorial for lost friends...17 December 1953). My Dad never spoke of it much, but he lost a good friend on that flight. A young man he went to electronics school with. As my Dad told it, what happened was that his crew, Crew 3, had taxied out for takeoff, but they were called back because they had flown too many missions. Crew 11 took over. My Dad said he didn't have time to even take his flight, or seabag, off the plane. Crew 11 took off and was lost. If my Dad's seabag was returned, is there any way I could have it, or its contents, returned to me? Highest regards. PS Thank you all for remembering. I wish my Dad were still with us; he would love this site!...Bruce Reid Schaefer breidsch@aol.com..." [30NOV2003]

Memorial Picture "...SMYTH, CAPTAIN Robert P...Bob Smyth became Executive Officer of VP-5 after the loss of LA-9 (SEE: In Memorial for lost friends...12JAN62). In fact, the LA-9 aircraft was his regular plane and he (PPC LA-9) and his crew (crew nine) had flown the plane the day prior to it's loss. The flight crew that perished on LA-9 was actually crew seven, whose regular plane (LA-7), was in the hanger for checks. The following year, Bob Smyth became the Commanding Officer of the squadron. To his dying day he never forgot the lost crew of LA-9. Bob was my friend and mentor, and I will miss him and his frequent emails. "Arlington is magical, As you stand there in it's calm,deep silence, You lose all sense of time and place, And memories...become real." Captain RP Smyth, USN Retired Obituary: Robert P. Smyth - May 31, 1921- March 24, 2012 Captain Robert P. Smyth, US Navy (Retired), died in Colorado Springs, Colorado on 24 March 2012. He was 90. "Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of earth And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings; Put out my hand, and touched the face of God." Bob was born, raised and went to high school in Yonkers, New York. He was married to Loyce Ivey Smyth (nee Slocum) from Pensacola, Florida on 15 June 1946, who preceded him in death on 27 August 2002, and is interred in Arlington National Cemetery. He is survived by two daughters, Christine S. Bellino with family in Virginia, and Nancy S. Moore with family in Colorado; two sons, Robert L. Smyth (Diane Thayer) of North Carolina and Jeffrey J. Smyth, (Katie Scholl) of Denver; eight grandchildren: Elizabeth C. Bellino MD, Caroline E. Bellino Marvel, Rachel E. Moore, Thomas R. Moore, Robert Patrick Smyth, John L. Smyth, Tanner A. Smyth, and Grant W.Smyth, and great-grandson’s Robert Owen Smyth, Axel Patrick Smyth and Kellan Lawrence Smyth. Bob attended St. John’s University in New York City before joining the US Navy as a Naval Aviation Cadet in July 1942 during World War II. He trained as a Naval Aviator in NAS Pensacola, Florida, receiving his Navy wings, and Ensign USNR commission in October 1943. During World War II he served first as an advanced flight instructor at NAS Pensacola, Florida, and later as an R4D/R5D pilot in the Western Pacific in support of the Seventh Fleet. He was in the Philippines when the war ended on August 15, 1945. In 1946 he became a US Navy career officer, being selected and commissioned as an officer in the Regular Navy. After the war he served in various USN ships, squadrons and staffs including VP-3, and VP-5; the aircraft carriers USS Bennington, USS Oriskany, USS Yorktown and the USS Randolph; the staff Carrier Division Three, and as Air Defense Officer on Carrier Task Force 77, the HQ Commander-in-Chief Pacific, the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations in the Pentagon, the Office of the Secretary of the Navy, and lastly at the HQ North American Defense Command. He was executive officer of the aircraft carrier USS Randolph, and commanding officer of Patrol Squadron Five (VP-5), Captain of the USS Tanner (AGS-15), and commander of a three ship Navy task unit in and off Vietnam . He had a four-war career in the US Navy, serving during WWII, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and the Cold War. Serving in six Navy air squadrons, he accumulated thirteen thousand flying hours in ten types of Navy aircraft. During his Navy years, he graduated with a BA degree from the University of California, Berkeley, and with an MS degree from the University of Southern California. In July 1974 he retired from the Navy with the rank of Captain, USN, settling in Colorado Springs He later was employed by various aerospace companies including TRW Corp., and the Aerospace Corp. A memorial service will be held at the Fort Myer Old Fort Chapel, Arlington, Virginia at a time to be determined, followed immediately by interment with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery alongside his wife. ......" Contributed by PETTWAY, ATR3 Robert L. "Bob" rpettway@epbfi.com [10APR2012]


VANDAL, Roland alro13@aol.com "...I served in VP-3 as a radar tec. & operator from 1949 to Aug. 1952 in Jacksonville, Fl & Argentia, NF. Was on plane #2 when #1 crashed at Quonset Point. I would like to be able to get the names of those who were on that plane. I know the pilot was our Captain CDR G.J. Frauenheim who was rescued with the co-pilot. Would like to hear from anyone from VP-3..."


WEST, CAPT Fred R. https://naval-air.org/flightlog/moreinfo.asp?UID=474 "...CAPT Fred R. West, USNR - NFL Number: 474 - Date of Birth: 7/29/1916 - Date In: 3/15/1941 - Date Out: 6/30/1965 - City, State: Lauderdale By The Sea, FL - School Attended: Univ of Florida - Aircraft Flown: SNJ, P2Y-2, PBY-5A, P4Y-2, P2V-6 - Ship or Unit: VP-94 VP-3 VP-801, CO - Pilot Desg.: Naval Aviator - Theaters, Campaigns, etc.: South Atlantic Associations/Service Organizations: Assn of Nav Aviation Nav Av Museum Fdn Ret. Officers Assn Highest personal decoration or award: Significant Achievements: 5,800 Navy hrs. Past Pres. of Broward City Chap. of Ret. Offic- ers Assn & now on Board of Dir. Plank owner, U.S. Navy Memorial Foundation. In Memoriam? No..." [28NOV2005]

WHITLOCK, Gene T. gtwosw@infoave.net "...I was in VP-3 from 1949-1951, flying in P2V-3 aircraft mostly, out of NAS Coco Solo, Panama, Canal Zone, NAS Jacksonville, Florida and all points in between there and NAS Argentia, Newfoundland, Canada. Would like to contact any Shipmates who served VP-3 back then and dwell in memoryland for awhile. I was Aviation Electronicsman Second and was known to have a "hot fist" on the radio key. Any of you old salts still around?..." [10SEP99]

WHITWORTH, ENS S. M. c/o His Daughter Paula (Whitworth) Harris and/or Grandson Andy Crews crews@satx.rr.com "...My Grandfather, Sidney M. Whitworth, served with FAW-15 NAF Port Lyautey, Morocco as a PBY pilot. All he can tell me is that he was in a Utility Squadron after being transferred there from VP-3 in NAS Coco Solo, Panama, Canal Zone where he was a PBY Radioman. I would appreciate any information you can share..." [E-Mail Updated 11DEC2003 | BIO Updated 09FEB2001 | 09JUL2000]


Memorial Picture "...YORK, Thomas H...Discovering this website was really quite moving for me when I saw my father's name listed in the VP-3 personnel roster. Sadly, LCDR Thomas H. York passed away in Sept 1959 when his TV-2 plunged into San Diego Bay shortly after takeoff from NAS North Island, San Diego, California. He was a CDR at that time. During his VP-3 tenure, I was apparently made the squadron mascot shortly after my adoption in 1951. Of course I still have the engraved silver cup. Appropriately, I have just ordered the VP Navy Mug to commemorate this experience. It would be an honor to hear from anyone who knew my dad, as well as anecdotes from those times at NAS Jacksonville, Florida. I suppose that I would also like to know if I creditably performed my duties as squadron mascot...Timothy R. York yorktr@aol.com..." [15JUN99]

UPDATE "...I heard from one former member who vaguely remembered this...Also heard from a fellow who is writing a history and needs photos...Thanks!..." [14NOV99]


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