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

Note VP-4 NoticeNote

Note NOTICE: History ThumbnailCameraVP-4 Apparel "...Last one, Navy Blue sweat shirt, size 2 XL, with gold embroidered "Patrol Squadron Four' and Naval Flight Officer wings. Original selling price of $42. Buy it now for $21 plus $8 shipping...." Contributed by ZAFRAN, Bob vpfourever@gmail.com [10JAN2016]

Note NOTICE: History ThumbnailCameraVP-4 Apparel "...Last one, Navy Blue sweat shirt, size Large, with gold embroidered "Patrol Squadron Four' and Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist wings. Original selling price of $42. Buy it now for $21 plus $8 shipping. NOTE: Gold Embroidery not pewter colored as shone here..." Contributed by ZAFRAN, Bob vpfourever@gmail.com [10JAN2016]


Note NOTICE: "...I served with VP-4 (1965-1969) at NAS Barbers Point, Hawaii. Does anyone have something to show proof we had booths in the ground in Vietnam? I worked in galley in NAM in 1968 and the person running the gallyey at the time was LT Tom from Kalihi, HI..." Contributed by Norman Medeiros oahubuysellrent@aol.com [09FEB2015]


Note NOTICE: "...I am doing a story on P-3B BUNO: 153426. I am looking for pictures of this aircraft when it was in VP-62 (1979-1989) and VP-93 (1989-1992). This aircraft was involved in a VP-4 mid-air with a Coast Guard C-130 (December 12th, 1971) and VP-4 almost lost her (prop overspeed) again (ditched) in the South China (August 18th, 1975) as well as a couple of other interesting events. If anyone has interesting events with this aircraft - please contact me. Thanks..." Contributed by LARSON, LCDR John Retired oriondriver1975@yahoo.com [15JUL2013]


Note NOTICE: "...My Father, ATN3 Francisco "Frank" VEGA, was lost during the VP-9 Mishap on April 7th, 1965. I was only 9 months old when he died and have always wanted to know about him. I would like to hear from anyone that may have known my Father. Thank you..." Contributed by Frank Vega, Jr. frankvega@ymail.com [20FEB2013]

UPDATE "...I recently received this e-mail from Steve "Andy" ANDRUSZKEWICZ sgpa2zfmly@aol.com..." Frank Vega, Jr. frankvega@ymail.com [27JUN2013]

I served with your Dad in VP-9 early 1964 at NAS Moffett Field, California. We had just begun the transition from P2V7's to the P-3 Orion.

Frank was a very enthusiastic, intelligent and most of all likeable and personable guy.

I remember a conversation we had, he was telling me how happy he was to be in a squadron as a crewman and how much fun he was having. It was early in his service but I think he was already considering a full 20 to 30 year career.

I left the squadron in August 1964 for Instructor Duty at NAS Memphis, Tennessee.

When I heard about the crash and the details and how Frank died I cried, he was such a vibrant young man.

There is an online VP-9 Website and Roster maintained by BIGLEY, CDR Tom Retired bigleytl@earthlink.net.

Sorry to say, I don't have any photos, but I'll always have that wonderful smiling face in my minds eye. When ever I see Eric Estrada I always think of your Dad.

Respectfully,

Steve "Andy" Andruszkewicz AX1/AC
VP-4 (1961-1963)
VP-9 (1963-1964)
NATTC (1964-1967)
VS-37 (1967-1968)
Ventura, CA


Note NOTICE: History ThumbnailCamera History "...Searching for info regarding this sign that stood in front of the VP-4 Duty Office at NAF Naha, Okinawa, Japan until the squadron changed home port to NAS Barbers Point, Hawaii in 1964..." Contributed by ANDRUSZKEWICZ, Steve "Andy" sgpa2zfmly@aol.com [04JUL2012]


Note NOTICE: "...We served at NAS Barbers Point, Hawaii (1976-1990). Pete was a AT3 attached to AMID Shop 640 as an and I (Mary) was a AC2 in the Control Tower. We would like to reconnect with two close friends from VP-4 AE2 Ed Watts (about 6' 1" red hair glasses) and VP-22 AE2 Chuck Reynolds (about 5' 8" glasses mustach)..." Contributed by AT3 Pete and AC2 Mary Carbonaro pvcarbon@gmail.com [14FEB2012]


Note NOTICE: "...I would like to hear from anyone who might have served with ADCS Kelvin W. Jacobs. Chief Jacobs served with VP-4 from 1998 to 2004, VP-47 from 2004 to 2005 at MCBH Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii and HC-5 prior to retirement. Thanks for your help..." Contributed by Dan Jacobs jake-dan@capecodmouse.com [10AUG2010]


Note NOTICE: "...This is info for VP-4 AND a VP-6 all personel who served Jan 1965 -april 1965 you were part of porject SHAD test name Shady Grove. VP-6 was part of project Fearless Johnny aug-sept 1965 . This was part of Project 112 Project SHAD. For more complete info AEWBarRonPac. I hope this may be of help for VA health claims. Wishing all of you good health..." Contributed by APPLING, AX2 George E. applesappling@aol.com [31JUL2010]


Note NOTICE: "...The Patrol Squadron Four Veteran's Association is sponsoring the creation and mounting of the plaque (shown here) on the Commemorative Plaque Wall at the U.S Navy Memorial and Heritage Center in Washington, D.C. There are currently over 400 ship, squadron, individual and family plaques displayed on the wall. The existing plaques can be personally viewed at the U.S. Navy Memorial, or their website: http://www.navymemorial.org. I encourage each of our members, veterans, families and friends, to join us in donating to this tax deductible memorial plaque project, the total cost being $3000. This is an excellent way to celebrate the Squadron's over 60 years of active duty service to our country. The plaque will be a lasting testimony to all who served. Please respond using this form so we may completely fund this project, and soon hold a Dedication Ceremony at the U.S. Navy Memorial in Washington, D.C. SEE: VP-4 Veterans Association for addition (form, etc.)..." Contributed by ANDRUSZKEWICZ, Steve "Andy" sgpa2zfmly@aol.com [24MAR2009]
VP-4 Plaque (Contribution) Form 690KB PDF File.

UPDATE "...Ceremony for the dedication of the Patrol Squadron Four Commemorative Plaque..." Contributed by ANDRUSZKEWICZ, Steve "Andy" sgpa2zfmly@aol.com [03NOV2009]

The ceremony for the dedication of the Patrol Squadron Four Commemorative Plaque will be begin at 1:00pm on November 18, 2009 in the theater of the U. S. Navy Memorial Foundation, 701 Pennsylvania Avenue N. W., Washington, DC. The plaque honors all who have served in the squadron in its over six decades of continuing active duty.

The plaque was sponsored by the VP-4 Veterans Association, with contributions from current active duty personnel and veterans of service in the squadron.

Participants in the ceremony will include staff of the Navy Memorial Foundation, the current commanding officer of the squadron, and representatives of the VP-4 Veterans Association.

All VP-4 veterans and guests are encouraged to attend this dedication ceremony. Following the ceremony the plaque may be viewed on the Commemorative Wall or on the U. S. Navy Memorial Foundation Website at http://www.navylog.org/.


Note NOTICE: "...VP-4 The Neptune Years Booklet..." Contributed by ZAFRAN, Bob vpfourever@gmail.com [11OCT2008]

1998 VP-4 Neptune Era History Again Available...

VP Vets,

At the 1998 Reno Reunion, we celebrated the 50th Anniversary of the Establishment of VP-ML-4, later VP-4. To commemorate that accomplishment, Richard Douglass, AX2 61-63, interviewed a large number of VP-4 veterans (including Captains Thomas Pollock and Dale Hilton, the 1st and 2nd CO's of VP-4) to obtain accurate information about VP-4's Neptune years. Richard then authored a 34 page, chronological history of VP-4 that was distributed to attendees at the Reno Reunion. Only 100 copies of this history were printed.

Following the Reno Reunion, we have received numerous queries from VP-4 veterans as to how they could obtain a copy of this history. Prompted by some recent inquiries, I discussed the possibility of a Reprint with Richard and we decided that a Reprint was doable at this time. The VP-4 Veterans Association will fund the Reprint which is now in production here in Salem Oregon.

We will advertise the availability of this Second Printing in several ways: Email notification using the VP-4 P2V Officers Group, the VP-4 Veterans Association, and Yahoo! Group ‘vp4ever'. Availability will also be posted on VP-4 Veterans Association. The Second Printing will also be available for purchase on site at the VP-4 P2V Officers Group Reunion at NAS Jacksonville, Florida this coming October and the VP-4 Veterans Association All Hands Reunion next October in Ft. Worth TX. Details of the Ft. Worth All Hands Reunion will be posted on the Association web site as they become available.

Best, Bob Zafran vpfourever@gmail.com, ATR3 Aircrewman 59-62 and Lt. Tacco 71-74

To order your VP-4 Neptune Years Reprint, send an Email to:

    Robert Zafran
    vpfourever@gmail.com

    Subject Line: ‘X' VP-4 Neptune Years (Note: ‘X' is number of copies wanted)

    Message Body:

    Full Name
    Address
    City/State/Zip

    Enclose $10 per copy (Includes Packaging/Postage)

    Make check payable to: ‘VP-4 Association'

    Mail to:
      LCDR Robert Zafran USN (Ret)
      4011 Alderbrook Ave SE
      Salem, OR 97302-3819
God Bless America & Our Troops in Harm's Way!!!

Note NOTICE: "...I am helping the daughter of Steven Marshall locate him. He served in VP-22 during 1974-1979 as an AT1 IFT. He retired as an ATCM and later served as a Lockheed TechRep with VP-4 Special Projects in 1993 at NAS Barbers Point, Hawaii. If you know any information on him, Please email me..." Contributed by ZAFRAN, Bob vpfourever@gmail.com [16MAY2008]


Note NOTICE: "...Looking for P-3 Crew that saved us in South China Sea around May 24, 1977...Regards..." Contributed by Thuy thuyhtle@yahoo.com [07MAY2005]

I ran across your webpage while trying to search the web for any clue on the P-3 that saved us in South China Sea around 24 May 1977. I was in a similar situation as our fellows Boat People that were rescued by the P-3 and DDG-16 in 15 July 1980.

Our 11 meters boat had 30 people on board desperated, lost, about 20 litters of diesel left, no food, and little water for a few days. We saw several merchant ships but none of them were willing to rescue us. Most people were not able to function because of hunger, thirst, and sick. Fortunately, everybody on my boat survived because of the UNKNOWN P-3 that spotted us and coordinated the rescue with an Japanese Merchant ship Dai Maru. We would not have lived thought this day after we learned how far we were away from any landmass while aboard the Dai Maru.

We would like an opportunity to thanks the P-3 crew that we owe our life to. Please help us and point us to the right direction so that we can locate our savors.

UPDATE "...Voices from the past, and the rest of the story - Saturday, March 22, 2008 - by John Larson..." WebSite: Blog http://oldnfo.blogspot.com/2008/ Contributed by McKENNA, John J. (J.J.) mcke1orio@verizon.net [24MAR2008]

The following story was written by John Larson, one of the VP-4 pilots during our 1975 deployment. Even 30 years after the fact, it's nice to know these folks made it and I 'guess' this counts as a atta boy...

I was not able to attend, so did not get the chance to meet the folks we saved. This was one of two groups of refugees we saved on that deployment, in addition to being off Saigon April 15th, and participating in the Mayaguez rescue from locating it off Koh Tang Island, to the morning of the Marines hit the beach. We were pretty busy for those six months...

On August 6, 2005, the VP-4 (Patrol Squadron Four) Association Reunion at Portsmouth VA hosted a very special event, the unification of former Vietnamese boat-people refugees and members of VP-4 Crew Two who found them in the South China Sea over thirty years ago on May 23, 1975.

Three months ago, one of the Vietnamese survivors posted a web site notice asking for assistance in locating the crew of an unknown U.S. Navy P-3 Orion aircraft that discovered him and twenty nine other Vietnamese refugees precariously afloat in a small boat, 200 miles off the South Vietnam coast.

The VP-4 Veterans Association PAO (Public Affairs Officer), John Larson, determined that the flight crew that located the refugees was attached to VP-4, then forward deployed from NAS Barbers Point HI to NAS Cubi Point in the Philippines. The Japanese merchant ship Alps Maru, which was located and vectored to them by VP-4 Crew Two flying a P3 Orion, subsequently rescued all of the refugees and took them to Kobe Japan. All thirty of the refugees immigrated to the United States, and have successfully established themselves and their families within both the Vietnamese and American communities.

11 of the original 30 Vietnamese survivors were in attendance at the reunion and six of the twelve Navy crew-members were also present: Plane Commander Claude Timmerman, Co-pilot Ben Francisco, Tactical Coordinator John Kennedy, Navigator Carl Stocks, 2nd Flight Engineer Webster Hayden and In-flight Technician Dale Poklington. Also in attendance were Commander Bill Broadwell and Commander Ted Rogers. Commander Broadwell was the commanding officer of VP-4 and, additionally, Commander Task Group (CTG) 72.3 at the time of the rescue. Rogers was squadron executive officer.

The survivors presented an overview of their escape and rescue with the following highlights. Right after the fall of Saigon April 1975, those South Vietnamese citizens who were associated with the government or the military, or had ‘helped' the U.S. government or military in any way, were sent to "re-educations camps". Also, there were economic retributions, private property was confiscated, and people were sent to re-settlement camps.

The new Vietnamese government had to approve any religion and whether former South Vietnamese citizens could attend higher education institutions. From 1975-1990, roughly 2 million former South Vietnamese citizens fled the country and many of them didn't make it to freedom.

Of the group of 30 refugee boat people located by VP-4 Crew Two, three members had been imprisoned for being in the military or working for the former South Vietnamese government. Several families got together and sold whatever valuables they had at the time to acquire an old 30-foot wooden river cargo boat. They had no plan except to be rescued after they had reached international waters and the South China Sea shipping channel. No one had any seamanship skills; only one person had any mechanical skills. To avoid being recognized by the communist authorities, several families traveled by a family bus from Saigon to Go Cong, a coastal town about 70 miles away. Along the way, they picked up the others that joined them in their escape. There were seven families and a total of 30 people on board. They could not take sufficient amounts of supplies and food because this would raise the suspicions of the communist police and military. They used as an excuse ‘an across town wedding event' as their cover to disguise their movements.

To further avoid suspicion, they used a sampan, a small passenger boat resembling a very large kayak, commonly used in the Mekong Delta, and met the larger escape boat which was anchored in the middle the river, a few miles upstream from its mouth. There was no covering for the group's passengers on the sampan except for the small top over the amid-ship engine. On the second day of their escape, as they were leaving the coastline, they were detected by a communist coast guard boat that chased them for 20 minutes before turning back toward land. Later that evening, they encountered a severe tropical storm and the boat began taking on massive amounts of seawater. In order to save the boat from sinking, they detached and pushed away their spare outboard motor. The only navigation aids that were available to them, a Boy Scout type compass and a map from World Atlas, were washed overboard that night. The bad weather worsened and large waves completely covered their boat several times. It was just shear luck that the boat remained afloat because no one aboard had any seamanship experience. The boat's self-taught pilot was washed over-board and managed to cling on the aft rail of the boat and climb back on board. The children aboard were inside the cabin that housed the engine and the adults were hunkering down in the exposed cargo compartment of the boat.

Although the boat was badly beaten up by the storm with the bow cracked and with water leaking in, they fortunately survived that perilous night. The next afternoon they spotted a fishing boat and steered toward it. It was a communist government owned fishing boat, but they were in a desperate situation, so the adults asked for help to save the children onboard. After intense negotiation, the adults agreed to give up all of their valuables (jewelry, watches, etc.) that they had brought along. The families were transferred to this fishing boat and stayed there for 3 days. The leader of the escapees was told that he should return with the fishing boat to Vietnam, but that would have certainly meant going to prison. So they had a choice to return or keep going and decided to continue their journey in their little riverboat. On day eight, they saw a big white merchant ship that slowed down for them. Everybody was excited that they might at last be rescued. They had pulled along side within 30-40 feet of the merchant ship and when one of them noticed the yellow hammer and sickle on the red background painted on the smokestack and realized they were approaching a Soviet ship. They turned around and speed away as fast as they could in the opposite direction.

This was the only time that any ship was willing to stop for them until the intervention of the P-3 Orion. They were now about 200 miles off the coast of Vietnam. Day 9 came with little more than five gallons of diesel fuel left and no food for a couple of days. Someone found a small bag of rice submerged in the water inside the engine compartment and they decided to use part of the wooden boat for fuel to cook this rice. Just as the rice was done, someone saw a small dot in the sky. They were all happy because they thought they saw a bird and that meant they were close to land. As the dot grew larger and larger the shape of a P3 Orion aircraft started appearing. The plane flew just a couple of a hundred feet over the boat and slightly dipped its wings on the first pass. Seasick and without food, the desperate crew was filled with joy when they realized that this aircraft was there to save them. On the second pass the, P-3 dropped a set of smoke markers. The aircraft then departed and about one hour later a Japanese merchant ship the "Alps Maru" arrived from the northeast.

The refugees were rescued and traveled aboard the Alps Maru to its homeport, Kobe Japan. They stayed there in an old monastery church as guests of an American Baptist minister for 5 months and then immigrated to the United States settling with sponsors in Pennsylvania, Maryland, California, and Louisiana. They learned a new language, lived in rental apartments and found jobs. The children grew up and went to many well known colleges/universities. They became teachers, doctor, dentists, engineers, a Naval submarine officer, computer scientists, and other professions.

They worked for the Navy, Army, the government, private industry, and for government contract companies. Some own their own businesses. The children, who were 3 to 14 years old at the time of the rescue, now have families of their own.

At the VP4 Reunion, the eleven Vietnamese survivors presented plaques to the VP-4 Commanding and Executive Officers and the Crew Two members present for saving their lives and giving them all a new start in the United States. They also presented a plaque to the current Public Affairs Officer of VP-4, LTJG Robert Ward, who was present for the reunion.

The VP-4 Veterans Association presented the survivors with VP-4 coffee mugs, VP-4 baseball caps, and made them honorary members of the VP-4 Veterans Association. It was an extremely moving event for all present as these former Vietnamese refugees finally met the navy aircrew who facilitated their rescue. Coming thirty years after the fall of Saigon, this meeting is symbolic of the joining of tens of thousands of the South Vietnamese boat-people that escaped the communist takeover of their country with the many U. S. Navy maritime patrol crews that searched for and located such refugees during Operation Frequent Wind during the mid-1970s.

I'm glad we were able to save those we did; thousands of others died trying to escape. From my point of view, there was no where else I would have rather been- Out on the pointy edge, getting things done and making a difference. The VP Navy has done a number of rather impressive things in both wartime and peacetime, but many of those exploits will never see the light of day due to security issues. I don't regret a day of my service, nor the long hours and multiple separations...

I like to think in our small way, we made a difference in the world; and thankfully NEVER had to do our primary mission, which was to sink Soviet submarines.


Posted by Old NFO at 9:24 AM

I ran across your webpage while trying to search the web for any clue on the P-3 that saved us in South China Sea around 24 May 1977. I was in a similar situation as our fellows Boat People that were rescued by the P-3 and DDG-16 in 15 July 1980.

Our 11 meters boat had 30 people on board desperated, lost, about 20 litters of diesel left, no food, and little water for a few days. We saw several merchant ships but none of them were willing to rescue us. Most people were not able to function because of hunger, thirst, and sick. Fortunately, everybody on my boat survived because of the UNKNOWN P-3 that spotted us and coordinated the rescue with an Japanese Merchant ship Dai Maru. We would not have lived thought this day after we learned how far we were away from any landmass while aboard the Dai Maru.

We would like an opportunity to thanks the P-3 crew that we owe our life to. Please help us and point us to the right direction so that we can locate our savors.

Regards
Thuy thuyhtle@yahoo.com [07MAY2005]

UPDATE Former U.S. Navy flight-crew members and Vietnamese refugees united.

On August 6, 2005, the VP-4 (Patrol Squadron Four) Association Reunion at Portsmouth VA hosted a very special event, the unification of former Vietnamese boat-people refugees and members of VP-4 Crew Two who found them in the South China Sea almost thirty years ago on May 23, 1977.

Three months ago, one of the Vietnamese survivors posted a web site notice asking for assistance in locating the crew of an unknown U.S. Navy P-3 Orion aircraft that discovered him and twenty nine other Vietnamese refugees precariously afloat in a small boat, 200 miles off the South Vietnam coast.

The VP-4 Veterans Association PAO (Public Affairs Officer), John Larson, determined that the flight crew that located the refugees was attached to VP-4, then forward deployed from NAS Barbers Point, Hawaii to NAS Cubi Point, Philippines. The Japanese merchant ship Alps Maru, which was located and vectored to them by VP-4 Crew Two flying a P-3 Orion, subsequently rescued all of the refugees and took them to Kobe Japan. All thirty of the refugees immigrated to the United States, and have successfully established themselves and their families within both the Vietnamese and American communities.

11 of the original 30 Vietnamese survivors were in attendance at the Reunion and six of the twelve Navy crew-members were also present: Plane Commander Claude Timmerman, Co-pilot Ben Francisco, Tactical Coordinator John Kennedy, Navigator Carl Stocks, 2nd Flight Engineer Webster Hayden and In-flight Technician Dale Poklington. Also in attendance were Commander Bill Broadwell and Commander Ted Rogers. Commander Broadwell was the commanding officer of VP-4 and, additionally, Commander Task Group (CTG) 72.3 at the time of the rescue. Rogers was squadron executive officer.

The survivors presented an overview of their escape and rescue with the following highlights.

Right after the fall of Saigon April 1975, those South Vietnamese citizens who were associated with the government or the military, or had 'helped' the U.S. government or military in any way, were sent to "re-educations camps". Also, there were economic retributions, private property was confiscated, and people were sent to re-settlement camps. The new Vietnamese government had to approve any religion and whether former South Vietnamese citizens could attend higher education institutions. From 1975-1990, roughly 2 million former South Vietnamese citizens fled the country and many of them didn't make it to freedom.

Of the group of 30 refugee boat people located by VP-4 Crew Two, three members were imprisoned for being in the military or working for the former South Vietnamese government. The new communist government didn't care about a person's rights- human, religious, or political.

Several families got together and sold whatever valuables they had at the time to acquire an old 30-foot wooden river cargo boat. They had no plan except to be rescued after they had reached international waters and the South China Sea shipping channel. No one had any seamanship skills; only one person had any mechanical skills. To avoid being recognized by the communist authorities, several families traveled by a family bus from Saigon to Go Cong, a coastal town about 70 miles away. Along the way, they picked up the others that joined them in their escape. There were seven families and a total of 30 people on board. They could not take sufficient amounts of supplies and food because this would raise the suspicions of the communist police and military. They used as an excuse 'an across town wedding event' as their cover to disguise their movements.

To further avoid suspicion, they used a sampan, a small passenger boat resembling a very large kayak, commonly used in the Mekong Delta, and met the larger escape boat which was anchored in the middle the river, a few miles upstream from its mouth. There was no covering for the group's passengers on the sampan except for the small top over the amid-ship engine. On the second day of their escape, as they were leaving the coastline, they were detected by a communist coast guard boat that chased them for 20 minutes before turning back toward land.

Later that evening, they encountered a severe tropical storm and the boat began taking on massive amounts of seawater. In order to save the boat from sinking, they detached and pushed away their spare outboard motor. The only navigation aids that were available to them, a Boy Scout type compass and a map from World Atlas, were washed overboard that night. The bad weather worsened and large waves completely covered their boat several times. It was just shear luck that the boat remained afloat because no one aboard had any seamanship experience. The boat's self-taught pilot was washed over-board and managed to cling on the aft rail of the boat and climb back on board. The children aboard were inside the cabin that housed the engine and the adults were hunkering down in the exposed cargo compartment of the boat. Although the boat was badly beaten up by the storm with the bow cracked and with water leaking in, they fortunately survived that perilous night.

The next afternoon they spotted a fishing boat and steered toward it. It was a communist government owned fishing boat, but they were in a desperate situation, so the adults asked for help to save the children onboard. After intense negotiation, the adults agreed to give up all of their valuables (jewelry, watches, etc.) that they had brought along. The families were transferred to this fishing boat and stayed there for 3 days. The leader of the escapees was told that he should return with the fishing boat to Vietnam, but that would have certainly meant going to prison. So they had a choice to return or keep going and decided to continue their journey in their little riverboat.

On day eight, they saw a big white merchant ship that slowed down for them. Everybody was excited that they might at last be rescued. They had pulled along side within 30-40 feet of the merchant ship and when one of them noticed the yellow hammer and sickle on the red background painted on the smokestack and realized they were approaching a Soviet ship. They turned around and speed away as fast as they could in the opposite direction.

This was the only time that any ship was willing to stop for them until the intervention of the P-3 Orion. They were now about 200 miles off the coast of Vietnam. Day 9 came with little more than five gallon of diesel fuel left and no food for a couple of days. Someone found a small bag of rice submerged in the water inside the engine compartment and they decided to use part of the wooden boat for fuel to cook this rice. Just as the rice was done, someone saw a small dot in the sky. They were all happy because they thought they saw a bird and that meant they were close to land. As the dot grew larger and larger the shape of a P-3 Orion aircraft started appearing. The plane flew just a couple of a hundred feet over the boat and slightly dipped its wings on the first pass. Seasick and without food, the desperate crew was filled with joy when they realized that this aircraft was there to save them. On the second pass the, P-3 dropped a set of smoke markers. The aircraft then departed and about one hour later a Japanese merchant ship the "Alps Maru" arrived from the northeast.

The refugees were rescued and traveled aboard the Alps Maru to its homeport, Kobe Japan. They stayed there in an old monastery church as guests of an American Baptist minister for 5 months and then immigrated to the United States settling with sponsors in Pennsylvania, Maryland, California, and Louisiana. They learned a new language, lived in rental apartments and found jobs. The children grew up and went to many well known colleges/universities. They became teachers, doctor, dentists, engineers, a Naval submarine officer, computer scientists, and other professions. They worked for the Navy, Army, the government, private industry, and for government contract companies. Some own their own businesses. The 3 to 14 years old at the time of their rescue, now have families of their own.

At the VP-4 Reunion, the eleven Vietnamese survivors presented plaques to the VP-4 Commanding and Executive Officers and the Crew Two members present for saving their lives and giving them all a new start in the United States. They also presented a plaque to the current Public Affairs Officer of VP-4, LTJG Robert Ward, who was present for the Reunion. The VP-4 Veterans Association presented the survivors with VP-4 coffee mugs, VP-4 baseball caps, and made them honorary members of the VP-4 Veterans Association.

It was an extremely moving event for all present as these former Vietnamese refugees finally met the navy aircrew who facilitated their rescue. Coming thirty years after the fall of Saigon, this meeting is symbolic of the joining of tens of thousands of the South Vietnamese boat-people that escaped the communist takeover of their country with the many U. S. Navy maritime patrol crews that searched for and located such refugees during Operation Frequent Wind during the mid-1970s. This inspiring story was the highlight of the VP-4 Veterans Association Reunion, an occasion that was attended by former members of VP-4 dating from 1950.

By line contact: Bob Zafran, Vice Chairman VP-4 Veterans Association: vpfourever@gmail.com

UPDATE "...I am trying to locate two former crewmembers of VP-4 from the mid 1970's. They are AE1 Paul Douglas Williams, Flight Engineer and AW1 Dale Herschel Bell, SS2.

They were involved in the rescue of the some Vietnamese refugees that they found in the South China Sea in May 1977. We had members of the crew meet some of the survivors at our reunion last month. The survivors presented to the crew individual plaques to honor them in this rescue. We are trying to locate Paul and Dale, so we can get their plaques to them. If you know of their where abouts please get in touch with me. LARSON, LCDR John Retired oriondriver1975@yahoo.com VP-4 1974-1977 [05SEP2005]

UPDATE "...I found out it was VP-4 Crew 2 that found them. We are trying to locate the crew and have them come to the Reunion in August to meet the people that were on that boat. They want to thank the crew who saved their lives.

I am trying to locate the following crewmembers of crew 2. We would like to contact them and see if they could make the next Reunion in Portsmouth, VA on August 4-7, 2005 (SEE: http://www.vp4association.com for specifics!).

The names are: LT Ben Francisco, LTJG Dave Kimmerle, ENS Carl Stocks, AE1 W. Williams, AW1 T. Koenig, AE2 W. Hayden, AW2 D. Bell, AO2 J. Holmes and AX2 D. Pocklington. (Ranks and rates are from 1977)

If you could help me out in locating these former VP-4 Skinny Dragons, I would appreciate it.

Thanks again. LARSON, LCDR John Retired oriondriver1975@yahoo.com VP-4 1974-1977 [10JUN2005]

UPDATE "...It was probably a VP-4 (Patrol Squadron Four) aircraft. I was in the squadron at the time.

We had just arrived in the Philippines in May 1977. So I am pretty sure that it was one of our aircraft that spotted you. I check my log book and I flew on the 27th of May on a mission over the South China Sea. So it was not our crew. I have a few friends from my squadron who I will ask and see if they were on that flight.

You might want to send a letter to the squadron and see if they might be able to help. They are presently overseas on deployment. If you would like to write to them here is the squadron mailing address:

    PATROL SQUADRON 4
    UNIT 25445
    FPO AP 96601-5901
Also the former members of the squadron are having a Reunion this August in Virginia. I don't know if you would be willing to write a thank you note to the squadron in general.

I will try to track down some of the members of the crew for you. I hope I can find some names for you. But I am almost positively sure it was a VP-4 aircraft that spotted your boat.

Sincerely,

LARSON, LCDR John Retired oriondriver1975@yahoo.com..." [03JUN2005]

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Note NOTICE: "...Would like to communicate with any mate who may have served with our son, ADCS Kelvin W. Jacobs, while he was stationed at MCBH Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii with VP-4 and VP-47 was his last two duty station before he retired, which was in the summer of 2005. Prior to serving with VP-4 he had been assigned to HC-5 in the mid-to late nineties. Dan Jacobs jake-dan@capecodmouse.com..." [05JUL2007]


Note NOTICE: "...VP-2 Memorial Project for NAS Whidbey Island, Washington. We are looking for Maintenance and Structural Manuals for the P2V7. The Memorial is going to be for all the Squadrons who were at NAS Whidbey Island, Washington and the Shipmates who Died in the Operation of the Squadrons. So if you know or if you hear of Manuals please let me know so we can get bird to Nas Whidbey. SEXTON, Guy Capecod2443@aol.com..." [10FEB2002]

UPDATE "...Patrol squadrons finally recognized - By Jessie Stensland - Sep 16 2006 - Whidbey News Times http://www.whidbeynewstimes.com/..." Forwarded by Jim Campbell blandjcampbell@aol.com [26NOV2006]

Hundreds of people traveled thousands of miles to be in Oak Harbor Thursday morning.

The first-of-its-kind Patrol Squadron Memorial was dedicated to aircrews past and present, and presented to the Oak Harbor community, in a dignified and emotional ceremony at the Veterans Park on East Pioneer Way. It began with a flyover by a P-3 Orion.

Linda MacDonald and her husband, Bob, flew to Oak Harbor from California to be at the ceremony with their two daughters. Linda said they came to the event in memory of her brother Dale Armour, whose name is engraved in a granite wall of the memorial along with the 84 other servicemen who lost their lives in Whidbey-based patrol squadron operations.

The memorial has deep meaning for the family.

"It's a culmination," Linda said. "It's closure. It gives us a place to come now to remember him."

Armour, a 22-year-old member of VP-42, was in a VP-2 Neptune aircraft that disappeared while on patrol in Alaska in 1967. The site of the crash wasn't found until 16 years later.

The MacDonald family was among more than 600 people who attended the ceremony. It coincided with a Reunion of Patrol Squadron Two Association, which is the group behind the memorial.

Capt. David Taylor, Commander of Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing 10, spoke passionately during the ceremony about the history of the Navy's patrol and reconnaissance squadrons, which is a history inextricably linked to Oak Harbor. The first patrol squadron at Whidbey Island Naval Air Station flew PBY Catalinas in the 1940s.

Taylor spoke about how patrol squadrons helped to win the Cold War by "playing a cat-and-mouse game" with Soviet submarines and planes.

"Anywhere we could chase the enemy bear, we wore the enemy down," he said.

Yet Taylor said the patrol mission is still valid today, even with the end of the Cold War.

"This is a time of great challenge and change to the patrol and reconnaissance squadrons," he said, "our Navy and our nation."

Taylor also spoke about the bronze statue of a 1960s era airman, which is the centerpiece of the memorial.

"I see a proud warrior of the past," he said, "but I also see in his face the warrior of the present."

Floyd Palmer, president of the Patrol Squadron Two Association, turned over ownership of the memorial to the citizens of Oak Harbor with an official presentation to Mayor Patty Cohen.

Afterward, Palmer explained that the effort to build a memorial started when he took a tour of Whidbey Island Naval Air Station more than six years ago and realized that there was nothing to recognize patrol squadrons. It took the work of many members of the association and money from many generous donors to finally make his dream a reality.

During her speech, Cohen said the patrol squadrons didn't receive as much recognition as others in the military because "their missions were always classified," but she said they were definitely "so deserving of a permanent place in town."

The Northwest Navy Ceremonial Band ended the ceremony by playing Taps. Afterward, the audience got the chance to look at the memorial close up.

Robert Lenson, a member of the VP-2 Association, attended the event with his wife, Raye. He was the skipper of VP-17 in 1964.

Husband and wife agreed that such a memorial was long overdue.

"It means a great deal," Raye said. "We mourn the loss of crewmates. This recognition is important."

© Copyright 2005 Whidbey News Times

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UPDATE "...LEFT PICTURE: Appeared on page 2 of the 9-27 issue of the Northwest Navigator, NAS Whidbey Edition. This is the Northwest Navy newspaper for the region. RIGHT PICTURE: Win Stites..." Forwarded by McLAUGHLIN, LT Bob banddmcl1964@msn.com [04OCT2006]

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UPDATE "...On 9-14-2006 a Patrol Squadron Memorial dedication ceremony was held in Oak Harbor, WA. In attendance were approximately 600 past and present members of the VP community that had served at NAS Whidbey Island and the speakers were a mix of community and military leaders as well as those who had served. If you would like further info for your website I'll be glad to send what I have. Attached are a few photos..." Contributed by GOODMAN, AWCS Edward E. (Ed) Retired edusnret@gmail.com [25SEP2006]

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UPDATE "...If you don't get the "Wings" magazine, there is an article in it about a new Patrol Squadron memorial being built. Here are the highlights...Contributed by LARSON, LCDR John Retired oriondriver1975@yahoo.com..." [01NOV2005]

In 2004 the city of Oak Harbor approved the placement of the memorial in the city's Veterans Memorial Park.

VP squadrons have served at NAS Whidbey Island, Washington since 1942. In the Cold War periods, when most other active duty military forces were limited to exercises, simulators and war games to train for their various warfare specialties, VP aircraft and crews flew all-weather missions around the clock keeping track of the growing fleet of Soviet submarines in our waters and in theirs. VP crews did much of their training against live Soviet submarines. In addition to the ASW mission, VP crews were responsible for ocean reconnaissance, surveillance, mining and electronic warfare operations.

The Memorial has a single, simple purpose: the recognition of the contribution to freedom that the men and women of the NAS Whidbey Island, Washington patrol squadron community have made in over 60 years of service. Hundreds of Whidbey Is personnel have been lost in the VP operations since 1942. Among them are those whose names will appear on this Memorial from the Whidbey Is. P2V community.

The Whidbey Patrol Squadron Memorial is dedicated to all USN personnel who served in Navy patrol squadrons at NAS Whidbey Is. and to those Whidbey P2V airmen who lost their lives in the line of duty in VP operations.

The Memorial design consists of a life-size bronze statue of an airman in flight gear standing in front of a 3-section granite wall. Featured on the wall are an outline of a P2V, the Memorial dedication, a map depicting deployment sites, a list of Whidbey VP units and the names of those who perished in P2V flight ops.

Surrounding the walls are bricks inscribed in accordance with the wishes of donors who purchase the bricks. Brick purchases form the primary means of fund-raising for the Memorial which is scheduled for dedication in mid 2006. See http://www.patron2.com/files/wpsm.html for info on the Memorial, a listing of the 59 VP squadrons that served at Whidbey, the history of Whidbey VP operations and info on the Catalinas, Venturas, Mariners, Privateers, Neptunes, Marlins, and Orions involved.

Widespread support and donations for this memorial are encouraged. Brick orders and donations should be sent to Vic Gulliver, 1900 Franklin Dr, Glenview, IL 60026. Inquires including requests for brick-order-forms by mail should be sent to the VPSM Committee, 1376 West Beach Rd, Oak Harbor, WA 98277 or via email: wpsm@comcast.net.

UPDATE "...The following squadrons are all listed on the wall of the forthcoming Whidbey Patrol Squadron Memorial. The memorial, to be built in Oak Harbor, WA and dedicated in September 2006 includes a comemorative wall and a lifesize bronze statue of a typical VP aircrewman ready for flight.

If you are, or know any members of these squadrons, please contact us so we can keep everyone informed of the memorial progress. More information is available at http://www.patron2.com/files/wpsm.html.

VP-1, VP-2, VP-4, VP-6, VP-12, VP-17, VP-20, VP-27, VP-29, VP-32, VP-40, VP-42, VP-43/VPB-43, VP-46, VP-47, VP-50, VP-53/VPB-53, VP-57, VP-61/VPB-61, VP-62/VPB-62, VP-69, VPB-91, VP-107, VPB-112, VPB-115, VP-120/VPB-120, VP-122/VPB-122, VP-130/VPB-130, VP-131/VPB-131, VPB-135, VP-136/VPB-136, VPB-138, VPB-139, VPB-144, VPB-148, VPB-199, VPB-212, VP-772, VP-812, VP-931, VP-AM-1, VP-AM-2, VP-AM-5, VP-ML-1, VP-ML-2, VP-ML-4, VP-ML-61, VP-HL-7, VP-HL-10 and VP-HL-12.

It is a great Memorial, honoring all who served with NAS Whidbey Island, Washington Patrol Squadrons.

Al Hall, WPSM Committee, VP-2 1950-1952...Al Hall alandmarylou@comcast.net..." [24MAY2005]

UPDATE "...A project is underway to create a Memorial recognizing the contributions of all Whidbey-based VP personnel. Please advise your friends, and consider supporting this worthwhile effort to honor our Shipmates. Whidbey Patrol Squadron Memorial - Veteran's Memorial Park - Oak Harbor, WA. Completion scheduled for Summer 2006. This memorial is dedicated to all United States Naval personnel who served in Navy Patrol Squadrons based at NAS Whidbey Island, to their families, and to those Whidbey P2V airmen who lost their lives in the line of duty in VP operations. For more info: http://www.patron2.com/files/wpsm.html..." Contributed by Doug Donohue nvsoar@charter.net [24DEC2004]

Note NOTICE: "...Looking for any information about a near crash due to low fuel on June 4, 1976 during VP-4's detachment to NAS Agana, Guam. NAS Agana, Guam was closed due to a crash of a Lockheed L-188A on a Air Manila flight which all were lost. That was the reason that NAS Agana, Guam closed the field and put our crew in a world of hurt because of over extending our flight. Any information would be appreciated. Thank You...Roger A. Morrow ramorrow@hotmail.com..." [22APR2005]


Note NOTICE: "...VP-1, VP-4, VP-6, VP-9, VP-17, VP-22, VP-28, and VP-47 flying out of NAS Barbers Point, Hawaii Memorial..." Contributed by Michael Thomas carmikesc@juno.com..." [29MAR2005]

We are in the process of developing a memorial (due to be completed sometime in 2006) for the VP Squadrons that served from NAS Barbers Point, Hawaii. We have identified VP-1, VP-4, VP-6, VP-9, VP-17, VP-22, VP-28, and VP-47 flying out of NAS Barbers Point, Hawaii.

Each Squadron will have a separate inscription on the memorial. Bronze tablets will list the names of the Squadrons next to which will be their ensealed Squadron patch. We have all the patches except for VP-17, VP-22, and VP-28. If you know anyone who may be willing to donate a patch for the memorial, we'd appreciate hearing from them.

To complete the memorial, we need the names of those airmen who were lost while on duty. We need representatives from VP-1, VP-4, VP-6, VP-9, VP-17, VP-22, VP-28, and VP-47 to furnish us with a list of airmen lost and when. VP-6 has accounted for all of its personnel lost since its inception in 1943, including one person "on loan" to VP-871. That's what we need from the other Squadrons to do it justice. We don't need ranks or grades, just complete names and dates of loss.

As well as the memorial, we are making preparations to renovate a P2V aircraft owned by the Smithsonian in DC. The aircraft, presently at Davis-Monthan, and the memorial will be displayed at the Pacific Air Museum at Ford Island.


Note NOTICE: "...Navy Establishing Augment Units For All FRS's Including VP-30..." Contributed by LCDR Robert J. Cable cablerj@vp30.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

Note NOTICE: "...Would anyone who has a copy of the MARKET TIME Movie shot at Ton San Nhut in May 65 of VP-4 Personnel ("00MAY65--MARKET TIME Saigon, Vietnam Area...Control Number: NWDNM(m)-428-NPC-36102) give me an E-shout at the below email address. Would like to buy, beg etc a copy from you. * We are trying to locate 3 missing members of Air Crew 6 from the 1964-66 era. I hope someone might have run across any of them or heard where any of them might be located. Their names are as follows: Paul A. Lester --when we last heard around 1966 it was rumored that either he or his dad had a law practice in OK City. Lester was an AX-2 when we left service in 1966 and his nickname was Lurch. Leroy P. Dick--believe he was from SD but can't find him or pick up even a sniff of the guy. Help tin benders-anybody got a line on Leroy? He was an AMS3 Ken D. Tietze -- When last I heard (20 years ago) he was in Colorado. Unsure where he is today, found one in FL but says he isn't the right one. Latest rumor is he owns a heavy equipment maintenance company on the west coast. Ken was our Ordinance Man. Any help even if it is a rumor is greatly appreciated locating any of these guys. BRINKLEY, Jere jerebrinks@hotmail.com..." [14JAN2002]

UPDATE "...Two down! We are trying to locate a missing member of Air Crew 6 from the 1964-66 era. I hope someone might have run across any of them or heard where any of them might be located. Their names are as follows: Paul A. Lester --when we last heard around 1966 it was rumored that either he or his dad had a law practice in OK City. Lester was an AX-2 when we left service in 1966 and his nickname was Lurch. Any help even if it is a rumor is greatly appreciated locating any of this guy. BRINKLEY, Jere jerebrinks@hotmail.com..." [11MAR2002]

"...Greetings! I am presently serving as the Command Master Chief for VP-4 in Hawaii. We have recently relocated into a new hangar on the MCAS/NAS Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii. We have some very nice spaces but the walls are kind of bare and we have decided to perpetuate the history and our lineage throughout the squadron spaces. I think that there is no more motivating a force than the traditions and history of ones unit. Pictures, tales told, medals or awards won, etc. will be a big motivater for some of the young pups coming up in today's Navy. Specifically, I am working on an "awards board" for the different squadrons and their respective time frames. If you have any information about the dates and awards received by VB-144, that would help my planning process along nicely. WWII victory medal, campaign medals, service medals, anything that you can recall will be a help. Thanks again, I'll forward some photos as everything starts coming together. Respectfully, Mo Radke cmc@cprfp.navy.mil, Master Chief Mineman (AW/SW), Command Master Chief, VP-4..." [11FEB2000]

UPDATE "...Have already received a 'smattering' of stories and some folks have sent in some photos. Got a nice story about the 1st CO of FOUR in 1943 when VP-4 was out of Australia and an evacuation mission was conducted from Australia to Philippines and back. These stories coupled with any photographic material definitely enhances what we are trying to do. Presently, the squadron spaces are starting to look like a museum. We have hand-painted replicas of the squadron's patches since inception. They are mounted in beautiful oak frames with an "riveted airframe" background with a laser engraved brass plaque explaining the history. We also have 10 blown up pictures from various time frames posted throughout the squadron spaces. Really appreciate everyone's contributions..." [12APR2000]

"...Here are just some of the historical initiatives we are putting into action. Received a wonderful letter and photos from CAPT Talmadge Morrison (circa (40's-50's). He sent some photos and a brief on each picture. He also gave us a good idea of what VPB and VP was like back then. I cannot overemphasize the impact of the VP lineage on our young people..."

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UPDATE "...Greetings again. I recently completed my tour at VP-4 and am now serving as the Force CMC for Patrol and Reconnaissance Force Pacific Fleet in MCAS/NAS Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii. I thank everyone for their great response to the VP-4 historical information/photo request. I posted some pictures of our completed projects at the VP-4ever website and I have to tell you the young airmen were just slap smitten with their lineage! The lineage you provided! Now that I'm at the headquarters in the brand new AOC John W. Finn building, I have another request(s): Please e-mail me at cmc@cprfp.navy.mil with any information.

1. After VP-31 closed down in NAS Moffett Field, California and many of the previous CO pictures disappeared. After a few attempt to track them down we have reached a dead end. Anyone with with knowledge as to the whereabouts of those pics or previous CFPWP/CPWP Admirals please give me a shout.

2. I finally got all the CPWP/CPRFP Command Senior Enlisted Photos up starting from 1970 and all the Master Chiefs of the Navy. It's a good start but I want to represent the complete Patrol, Reconnaissance, Bomber, and Rescue missions with a visual interpretation of the aircraft that were flown. My thought is to find the "birthplane" and go from there. Obviously, all roads will lead back to Lockheed's P-3 Orion. Anyone with an "accurate lineage" or even what they think it is will be a great starting point for me and my historical team. I expect in about 6 months we will have a great visual representation and as things start to shape up, I'll put some pictures at this site.

Sorry for the lengthy email but this is pretty important to me and the young airmen just starting out. Best ones...Mo Radke cmc@cprfp.navy.mil..." [03NOV2001]

Note NOTICE: "...Attention all VP-4, VP-17 and Naval Personnel stationed at RTAF U-Tapao Thailand during the summer of 1975. I received an email from John Warren. He is doing research for a documentary on the Mayaquez Incident on the Discovery Channel. He is looking for images of the Mayaquez Incident and movies or still pictures of U-Tapao. If you have pictures and would like to contact Jim, his email is jwarren@henninger.com. The Mayaquez was a US merchant ship that was captured by the Cambodians. The crew was released a few days later after an assault on an island by the Marines. VP-4 and VP-17 were directly involved in this incident. VP-4 Crew 9 were the first to locate the crew after they were released...John Larson oriondriver1975@yahoo.com..." [11FEB2000]


Note NOTICE: "...I'm looking for a former crewmate from VP-4 named Steve Yarosh. Last I heard, he was in NAS Brunswick, Maine doing a serious imitation of an AWCS (1995/1996 time frame). Would appreciate any info about him or contact with any other Shipmates from "the day". Thanks in advance for any help...POPE, AD1(NAC) David Retired ;Georgia.Pope@att.net..." [13JUN2003]

UPDATE "...The search for Steve Yarosh has been successful and I appreciate all the helpful input from the VP Community..." [19AUG2003]


Note NOTICE: "...I am a former AW1 (rotor head). I saw, in the VP-4 Veterans Association - December 4, 1999 Newsletter No. 2), the name of Frank 'Shifty' Schreffler. He was my Uncle. I knew he was a flying AT (precursor to the AW rate). However, I never knew the name 'Shifty'. If anyone has any anecdotal stories, memories, pictures, etc of Frank 'Shifty Schreffler, I would be grateful. Best regards, Gary 'Chaffdog' Schreffler, AW1/Rescue Swimmer, HS-12 embarked in USS Midway, 1994-2001...Gary Schreffler talachan@cox.net..." [26APR2003]


Note NOTICE: "...I served as Larry Gillenwater VP-4 in NAS Iwakuni, Japan and NAS Barbers Point, Hawaii from 1967-1968. I am looking for Shipmates who might remember me as the mailman on our 1968 cruise to Japan, and the night of our squadron party. I fell of the back of a truck and injured myself. You might have seen me lying on the floor of the mailroom as Tom Trannella handed out the mail that night. I need someone who either saw or heard about this, for a VA claim. Thank You and God Bless you...Dr. Larry Anderson drljanderson@msn.com..." [24SEP2002]


Note NOTICE: "...I am looking for an old friend by the name of Julie Schilling. Is there anyone out there that might know where she is. She used to be in VP-4 from 1993-1997ish. Please email me if you know where I can find here...Jenn "Robo" Legant jennlegant@yahoo.com..." [05SEP2002]


Note NOTICE: "...Greetings former Skinny Dragons of VP-4. One of our Shipmates from the mid 1970's needs our help. LT (at the time) Mark Olson is in need of a bone marrow transplant. If you knew Mark and would like to help him out financially let me know I have information on where to send the money to. Mark was a very good TACCO, he could locate and track subs with the best of them. Our prayers are with you "Ollie"...LARSON, LCDR John Retired Johnlar1@attbi.com..." [26JUN2002]


Note NOTICE: "...Looking for anyone who might have served with Kelvin W. Jacobs ADC, active duty from 1978 to 2001, his last known duty station is believed to be with VP-4 at MCAS/NAS Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii. Prior to that he has served with HC-5 at NAS Agana, Guam, NAS Iwakuni, Japan and aboard the Niagara Falls (AFS 3). He also spent 7 years with HSL-37 with a deployment aboard the USS Fife (DD-991). Other duty stations have been at NAS Kingsville, NAS Corpus Christi, Texas, and NAS Sigonella, Sicily. Thank you for any help anyone can give me. BTW: I to am a Navy Vet of the fifties, having served with VR-24, VR-22 and aboard the USS Valley Forge (CVS-45). Thanks for letting me visit this a great site you have here. Hope to make many return visits in the future...Dan Jacobs jake@capecodmouse.com..." [23NOV2001]


Note NOTICE: "...Hay all you VP-4 guys. I was in VP-6 and I had a great friend who was in VP-4. His Name was AO-1 Don West. He was from Chickasha, OK. He was was in VP-4 From about 1965 to 1968. If anyone knows how to get hold of him I sure would like to find out that life was good to him...HARVILLE, AOC Larry Retired saraharville@earthlink.net..." [31OCT2001]


Note NOTICE: "...I am looking for an old friend, Gary Bowman I believe he is stationed in Hawaii, (VP-4) "Skinny Dragons". If anyone is in contact with him please pass this message to him and give him my e-mail address. Thank you!..Kristy Longfellow klongfellow228@aol.com..." [16AUG2001]


Note NOTICE: "...Trying to locate a James Woodman that served with VP-4 during 60-62. J. Woodman was a PO-3 at the time and was an engine mechanic. He was a career enlisted...Sidney H. Spector SIDSHELLY@AOL.COM..." [22DEC2000]


Note NOTICE: "...I'm looking for Joe "I don't eat much but I like to eat well" Judge whom I believe served in VP-4 prior to coming to VP-8 at NAS Patuxent River, Maryland around 1970. If anyone is in contact with him, tell Joe to contact me. Thanks...Chad Ervin delta767@metacrawler.com..." [26SEP2000]


Note NOTICE: "...Lost Shipmate: Looking for Jessie I. Mock, shipmate of mine from VP-4 and VP-40 in 1970's. Contact Robert Zafran vpfourever@gmail.com..." [20FEB2000]


Note NOTICE: "...I am trying to research my father-in-laws war years. Vernerd C. Nichols - Aviation Radioman. CPW-10, Phillipines 1940-41, VPB-4, Hawaii, Eniwetok, and Saipan. I have some old pictures. One Coronado has a lounging nude woman with a flower in her hair. No names on pictures of crewmen. Any help? Thanks...Vernerd C. Nichols c/o his son-in-law Tim Morris timlinda65@gmail.com..." [14JUL99]


Note NOTICE: "...Note for VP-4 Shipmates from early to mid seventies. Andy Ord got married this past weekend. Also he has an e-mail address of "andyordman@hotmail.com" - send him your congradulations...Ernie Fillipucci, AO1(AW/NAC) Ret. afillipucci@bellsouth.net..." [06JUL99]


Note NOTICE: "...I'm looking for any info on my father's activity during WWII. I believe he served with VP-4 in the south pacific. His name is Daniel Fee, anybody remember him?...Tom Fee tomsfee@aol.com..." [13FEB99]

UPDATE "...I think one of the guys knows him. I got word from Daryl Hahn (xwxman@cox.net) that he believes he served with him in VPB 151 in 44-45 at (Kaneohe,Tarawa, Tinian and Iwo) I remember him telling me that he was on Tinian when the first B29's came on island--what a thrill he said to see aircraft that big. He was then shipped out to San Francisco when the bomb was dropped. U'll get a kick out of this he always got drunk on the anniversary of the invasion of Iwo!! Only one time he said he lost a very close friend on that day--in his squadron or on the ground he never said --I just usually got him to bed that day. Anything anyone can tell me about that squadron activities would be great--and again thanks..." [16FEB99]


Note NOTICE: "...I was stationed in VP-4 from '66 to '69. I had a very good friend in that squadron by the name of Lavelle Tinker. We went to F/E school together in VP-31 in '69. I've been trying desperately to find him. He'd gone to VP-1, last I heard, about '86 or so...Dan Oyler mardan@missouri.org..." [20JAN99]


Note NOTICE: "...I'm very excited to see these memories and information saved and presented for viewing. My father, Albert LeRoy Dodson (A.L. Dodson), served with VP-14 April of 41 thru April of 43 (survived the Jap attack of NAS Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii) and latter he was CO of VP-4, I believe it was June of 51 thru June of 53. Joe Dodson, Son of Albert LeRoy Dodson (A.L. Dodson)...Joe Dodson LaC1HocFan@aol.com..." [05APR98]


Note NOTICE: "...The reason I have been looking for web sites like yours is that I have been looking for information on VP-4 for my father. He was assigned to VP-4 from 1959 to 1964 and was assigned to I believe 4 different crews (#1,2,9, and 11) throughout his enlistment. I am trying to locate pictures and information for him especially on his particular plane (P-2v7 #143178). I am hoping that you may have some crew photos and/or some pictures of his aircraft. If so, can you please respond and let me know what I need to do to get them or where I can go to get them. It would mean so very much to him as I plan to present anything I can find as his birthday present this year. Again, thank you in advance for your time and effort. Chris Noble... cnoble@san.rr.com" [08FEB98]

UPDATE "...I received the yearbook photo from one person. But short of that, nothing else. I managed to get the Navy to send some flight history (some missions and reports) I'm still holding out for more though! Thanks!..." [13NOV99]


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