A BIT OF HISTORY: 00FEB67--"VP-5 "Mad Foxes" Conduct Change Of Command...Patron FIVE's "Head Fox," Commander John V. Josephson, hails from Deer Lodge, Montana. Graduating from the U. S. Naval Academy in 1949, CDR Josephson served a short tour aboard USS Midway, then attended flight training at Pensacola, Florida. Designated a Naval Aviator in 1950, the Commander served with Transport Squadron Three until 1953, when he returned to the Naval Academy for duty as an Electronics Instructor. He then had duty with Patrol Squadron Eight from 1955 through 1957, followed by a tour with Fleet Air Wing Three. In 1959, CDR Josephson was transferred to BUPERS, where he served as Aid and Flag Lieutenant to the Chief of Naval Personnel and later as Aide and Flag Lieutenant to the Commander-in-Chief, U. S. Naval Forces, Europe. In 1961, he entered the Naval War College at Newport, R. I., for the Command and Staff course. This was followed by duty with Patrol Squadron Sixteen at NAS Jacksonville, Florida, where he served from December 1962 until April 1964. After his tour with Patrol Squadron Sixteen, CDR Josephson served as Naval Assistant to the Military Aide to the President of the United States until August 1965, for which he was awarded the Navy Commendation Medal. He then reported to Patrol Squadron FIVE and in January 1966 became its Executive Officer. He took command of VP-5 in January 1967.

"Change of Command" February 67... Commander John V. Josephson has relieved Commander Marvin D. Marsh as Commanding Officer of Patrol Squadron FIVE in ceremonies at the Squadron's NAS Jacksonville, Florida hangar. Commander Josephson had served as the "Mad Foxes" Executive Officer since January, 1966. Commander Marsh will assume command of Patrol Squadron Thirty - one at NAS Moffett Field, California near San Francisco.

"Change of Command..."

A BIT OF HISTORY: MAY-DEC67--"...I was flying C-47's out of Sangley when VP-5 was deployed. I do remember that VP-5 flew more hours in one month than any one squadron, something like 2000 plus...Captain Bob May was my XO/CO in VP-17 and RADM Mckay was my boss at Moffett Field, both old Mad Foxes..." Contributed by Capt Bobby C. Farrar, USN (ret) bc@sierra.onr.com

A BIT OF HISTORY: 21JUL67--"VP-5 Patrol Squadron FIVE Arrives Aboard Station, Relieves VP-16... NS Sangley Point, Philippines.

"...WELCOME ABOARD, VP-5!..." "WELCOME ABOARD, VP-5! CDR J. V. Josephson, skipper of VP-5 ("Mad Foxes") just arrived (extr. Right) is greeted by CAPT H. S. Ainsworth, COMFAIRWING-8, while other squadron COs look on. CDR D. C. Carruth of VP-16 (in whites), CDR H. L. Beesley, of VP-42." Patron Squadron FIVE, commanded by CDR John V. Josephson, has officially relieved Patron Squadron SIXTEEN at Sangley Point. The "Eagles" of VP-16 issued warm welcome and cold refreshments to the "Mad Foxes" as they stepped off their P-3 Orions to begin a six-month deployment at Sangley Point. Many handshakes were exchanged between friends, for the two squadrons are not strangers to each other by any means. Both are home-based at NAS Jacksonville, Florida, and did share the same hangar for many years. Commissioned on November 10, 1942, at Whidbey Island, Washington, the "Mad Foxes" of VP-5 have had an interesting history. Initially designated VB-135 and nicknamed "The Blind Foxes," the squadron distinguished itself during the World War II with its Lockheed PV-1 "Vega Ventura" patrol bombers. 160 missions were flown against the Japanese, including many missions against the Japanese mainland. The squadron's successes during the war earned it the name "The Empire Express." Before the end of the war, the "Blind Foxes" transitioned to the new PV-2 patrol plane, the early version of the famed P-2 "Neptunes" series of aircraft. A move was then made to Edenton, North Carolina, then to Quonset Point, Rhode Island, where operations began in February, 1946. Redesignated VP-ML-5 in January, 1947, the squadron again moved its home base. This time to San Juan, Puerto Rico, where it came under the operational control of Commander, Fleet Air Wing ELEVEN, under whom it has served since. In 1948, VP-5 received the initial version of the present-day SP-2E "Neptune" and had its name officially change to VP-5. A new nickname, "Mad Foxes," was also adopted and has identified the squadron for the past seventeen years. The following year, the "Mad Foxes" settled at their present home port, Jacksonville. Further deployments to Malta in 1952, Iceland in 1953, and Argentia in 1954 went smoothly, as indicated by the ComNavAirLant Safety Award and the CNO Safety Award being awarded in 1955. Another "E" was awarded to VP-5 in 1959 for operations which included the tracking of a Russian submarine for an amazing twenty-four hours. Deployments to Rota, Spain; Sigonella, Sicily; and a return deployment to NAS Port Lyautey, French Morocco followed. Back in Jacksonville, the "Mad Foxes aided in the rescue of America's first astronaut, CDR Alan B. Shepard, on May 5, 1961. Further work with Project Mercury resulted in the squadron's assistance in the recovery of the late Captain Virgil I. Grissom. After two deployments to Sigonella, Sicily in 1964 and 1965, the "Mad Foxes" settled in Jacksonville again, but for a longer period of time. In June 1966, the P-3 Orion was proudly welcomed to the "Foxes Den" and the following months were spent mainly in preparation for deployment to Sangley. Patron FIVE has looked forward to this deployment eagerly, and hopes to continue its impressive record here at Sangley Point..."

A BIT OF HISTORY: 23AUG67--"VP-5 Crew Locates Crash Survivors...Two Chinese Nationalist Air Force flyers are alive and grateful today because of a combined search and rescue effort which included an Air Force Search and Rescue unit and Patrol Squadron FIVE. Early on the morning of August 23^rd, Fleet Air Wing TEN's Operations Duty Officer at Sangley Point, Philippines, received a phone call from the 13^th Air Force Joint Search and Rescue Center (JSARC) at Clark Air Force Base. A C-123 transport, piloted b Nationalist Chinese crew was overdue on a position report. The aircraft had taken off from Hain Chu, Taiwan, and had given its last position report when southeast of Hong Kong all efforts to contact the twin-engined transport had failed. JSARC requested the Navy's assistance in the search and rescue operation. The Operations Duty Officer immediately initiated the launch of the Ready Alert Crew, Patrol Squadron FIVE's Crew Twelve. While the officers were receiving their brief on the area to be searched and other details of the flight, the enlisted crew made final preparations to launch the big P-3A "Orion," adding fuel to the aircraft until the maximum allowable take-off weight was reached. Less than an hour after JSARC had called, the "Orion" was airborne and proceeding to the area at nearly 350 knots. Nearing the search area, the crew gained radio contact with the Search and Rescue On-scene Commander, who was searching an are nearby in a C-130 "Hercules" aircraft. Three British destroyers, a British Royal Air Force "Shackleton," and three U. S. Air Force aircraft were either already involved in the search, or proceeding to the area to begin the coordinated search effort. The Search and Rescue On-scene Commander passed final instructions to the VP-5 crew, and after assuring that all lookout stations were manned, Plane Commander LT M. A. Julie turned the "Orion" to the first leg of the search track. Nearly 1,800 square miles had been assigned to the P-3. One hour and thirty minutes after commencing the search and over ELEVEN hours after the C-123 was believed downed, the co-pilot, LTJG L. H. Jordan, spotted a life raft. LT Jullie turned the plane and descended to 200 feet for a closer look, and confirmed that two survivors were in the raft, waving their arms. After dropping two smoke markers to assure that the area would be visible from a greater distance, the crew notified the On-scene Commander. An Air Force HU-16 "Albatross" arrived about thirty minutes later, landed in the water, picked up the two survivors. The Air Force HU-16 then flew the crewmen to Hong Kong. During the flight, one of the survivors related that he had seen four, possibly five, crewmen exit the aircraft after it ditched in the water. An engine failure cause the crash. Another fatally injured crew member was recovered by the U. S. destroyer, U. S. S. Holbister but no other survivors were located. Unfortunately, a continued search by three British destroyers, a U. S. destroyer, and numerous British and American aircraft did not result in any additional survivors being found..."

A BIT OF HISTORY: 26JUL67--"VP-5 U.S., New Zealand P-3's Combine "KILL" in Operation "Sea Dog"...Patrol Squadron FIVE's Crew Seven had been assigned a six-hour "on station" period in the South China Sea to search for suspected "enemy" submarines in "Operation Sea Dog," a large fleet-transit exercise which included forces of the SEATO nations. The first few hours of the flight had been uneventful, when suddenly, near the end of the "on station" period, one of the many electronic devices carried by the P-3 detected a submarine. The crew, under PPC LT R. O. Schowalter, immediately applied all necessary tactics to localize the submarine, when contact was suddenly lost. High overhead, a Royal New Zealand Air Force P-3 of Squadron Five, commanded by LCDR Phil Davenport, called the VP-5 aircraft and announced that they were ready to relieve the U. S. crew. The VP-5 crew then regained contact, but an all-important piece of equipment needed to "attack" the submarine failed. There was nothing left to do but turn the contact over to the New Zealand crew, and the Americans left the scene, quite frustrated that they had come so close, but were unable to make the attack. Twenty minutes after the VP-5 aircraft had left, LCDR Davenport's crew "killed" the exercise submarine, using much of the "swap" information provided by LT Schowalter's crew. The two crews had shown how well SEATO forces can work together in anti-submarine warfare, and displayed the long-standing co-operation and respect between the U. S. Navy and Royal New Zealand Air Force..."

A BIT OF HISTORY: 10NOV67--"VP-5 "Mad Foxes" Hold Open House To Celebrate 25^th Birthday...The "Mad Foxes" of Patron FIVE will commorate their 25^th Anniversary next Friday, November 10^th, with an Open House at the squadron's hanger. Born November 10, 1942, at Whidbey Island, Washington, the squadron was commissioned VP-135, and flew the reliable old PBY "Catalina." During the war years, the "Blind Foxes" became known as the "Empire Express" squadron for its many successful raids on the Japanese mainland.

BUNO: 150498 [VP5] "Over Corregidor." In the years that followed, the squadron changed its home port to Jacksonville, Florida, and after receiving the Navy's first "MAD" equipped P-2 Neptune, changed its name to the "Mad Foxes."

BUNO: 150501 "NAS Sangley Point, Philippines During VP-5 25th Celebration (Fly-By)." Many deployments followed, but it wasn't until June of this year that the squadron returned to the Pacific area, the place of its birth.

BUNO: 150501 [VP5] "NAS Sangley Point, Philippines During VP-5 25th Celebration (Fly-By)." The "Mad Foxes" will hold their Open House from 1 to 4 p.m., on Friday, November 10. All Sangley Point personnel and their families are cordially invited to tour one of our P-3 "Orion" aircraft, and the squadron's hangar..."

A BIT OF HISTORY: VP-5 WestPac 67 Cruise - Flight Crew Rosters

Circa 1966

A BIT OF HISTORY: VP-5 History "...Patron Five Has New Commanding Officer - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 23 - NO 43 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 20 JAN 1966..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [10APR2011]

A BIT OF HISTORY: VP-5 History "...CDR Josephson To Receive NC Medal - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 23 - NO 41 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 06 JAN 1966..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [10APR2011]

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Fleet Air Wings On Patrol - Page 28 to 29 - Naval Aviation News - October 1966..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1960s/1966/oct66.pdf [07SEP2004]

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Fleet Air Wings On Patrol - Page 28 to 29 - Naval Aviation News - August 1966..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1960s/1966/aug66.pdf

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Atlantic Air Wings On Patrol - Page 32 to 33 - Naval Aviation News - January 1966..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1960s/1966/jan66.pdf [04SEP2004]

A BIT OF HISTORY: 00AUG66--"VP-5 Gets Namesake For Squadron Mascot...The Mad Foxes of VP-5 acquired a new airplane and a new mascot at their NAS Jacksonville, Florida. Welcoming the arrival of the first P-3 Orion for VP-5 was Captain Harry Scott, Commander Fleet Air Wing 11. In the cockpit was Commander M. D. Marsh, the squadron C. O., who, with three other crews, had participated in transition training at NAS Patuxent River, Maryland. The mascot, a three-month-old fox, was delivered to Jacksonville by an aircrew from VP-26, NAS Brunswick, Maine. Arrangements for the little animal had been made through the Maine Fish and Game Commission. VP-5 had established a home cage for the fox prior to its delivery. VP-5 has been flying the Neptune since 1948 and is the last operational squadron to fly the "Echo" version, the SP-2E.

"...CO With Baby Fox Picture..." VP-5's "Mad Foxes" celebrated the arrival of a pure-bred North woods mascot last week in the person of a small, red Fox from the woods of Maine. She was released to VP-5 at the squadron's morning muster by a representative of VP-26, of NAS Brunswick, Maine, who was acting in behalf of Fleet Air Wing Three.

"...Fox With Navy ID Picture..." Accepting for VP-5 was CDR M. D. Marsh, Commanding Officer, who welcomed the Fox to its new habitat in the "Mad Foxes Den," and proclaimed her as their official mascot.

"...Fox In VP-5 Hanger Picture..."

A BIT OF HISTORY: 11AUG66--"VP-5 Retires Navy's Last SP-2E..."The 'Mad Foxes' of Patron Five piped an old friend over the side last week in a special ceremony next to the 'Foxes' Den.' With bags and records stowed aboard, the last SP-2E Neptune patrol aircraft was retired from active service in the Fleet. CDR. M. D. Marsh, squadron Commanding Officer, presented the aircraft's logbook to the pilots, LCDR. J. F. Brennan and LT. W. P. McNeer both of VP-5.

BUNO: Unknown [VP5] "Final Preparations For Retirement Ceremonies." Then, true to the Navy's traditional retirement ceremony, the SP-2E was piped over the side through two rows of sideboys, the boatswain's whistle signaling the end of her long, dedicated service to the fleet.

BUNO: 131526 [VP5] "In True Navy Tradition, She's Piped Over The Side" Spain, Puerto Rico, Newfoundland, Iceland and Sicily. As any pilot who flew her knows, the Neptune was a reliable aircraft, as attested by VP-5's record of more than 40,000 accident-free hours covering four years of flying. Built by Lockheed Aircraft Corporation, the Neptune was also a versatile aircraft, capable of detecting, localizing, and tracking a submarine, as well as delivering an attack with a formidable arsenal of weapons. In addition to her primary role as an anti-submarine aircraft, the SP-2E could spend as long as fourteen hours in search and rescue operations, aerial mining, or shipping surveillance. Even after 18 years of service in the operational Navy, the SP-2E continues to be an invaluable aircraft to the reserves. As a Weekend Warrior, she still has a long future in the Navy. The P-3 Orion, also built by Lockheed, is gradually replacing the Neptunes. The greater speed, range, and endurance of the Orions gives patrol aviation an even greater capability, and it appears that the Orion will serve the Navy for many years..."

"...I could not help but notice BUNO: 131526. I know a little of the history of this particular aircraft. I served on NAS Brunswick, Maine from from August 1960 to December 1962. During this time period I flew as a crew member on the NAS Brunswick, Maine P2V on this particular plane, at that time called "Gunsmoke". We were doing developmental sonobouy evaluations on a daily basis for a company called Vocaline. We worked off the Pemequid, ME lighthouse with a small "boat" in the water creating noise sources, and then monitored and evaluated all audio criteria from the air, via "Julie" and Jez". While I'm not sure without looking it up in my service jacket, I believe all of my P2 flight hours during this time fram were on this aircraft...Chuck Walker jwalkncww@rcn.com..." [21NOV2002]

A BIT OF HISTORY: 00OCT66--"VP-5 The Mad Foxes of VP-5 Welcome Their First P-3 Orion...""Early this summer, the Mad Foxes of VP-5 welcomed their first P-3 Orion with a planeside "Welcome Aboard" ceremony. Captain Harry B. Scott, Commander Fleet Air Wing 11, largest Fleet operational unit under Commander Fleet Air, Jacksonville, joined the officers, men and dependents in welcoming the aircraft to the "Foxes' Den." Commander M. D. Marsh, VP-5 C.O., had flown the Orion to Jacksonville from NAS Patuxent River, Maryland where his crew and three other crews had completed more than six weeks of intensive training in the P-3..."

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...The CRAZY CAT aircraft were the largest, heaviest and the first US Army fixed-wing aircraft that had turbojets. They were ex-US Navy SP-2E Neptune Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) planes, taken out of storage, refurbished, equipped with extensive electronics and used solely in Vietnam. While under development, this system was known as CEFLIEN LION. Originally there were five CEFLIEN LION aircraft and they were former US Navy SP-2E ASW aircraft that had been in storage at Davis-Monthan AFB, Tucson, AZ. The ASW gear was removed and SIGINT mission equipment was installed by Convair in San Diego, CA. At least some of the mission equipment was made by AEL which was located in Colmar, PA. The original Navy BuAer Numbers, which were retained on the tails of the aircraft, were 131485, 131531, 131526, 131429 and 131496. SP-2Es 131429, 131526 and 131531 were once operated by VP-5, US Navy.." http://www.jnpcs.com/dbuley/vietsys.htm

A BIT OF HISTORY: "..."Go Ahead, Make My Day!" Bumper Sticker - Circa 1967..."

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Circa 1965

A BIT OF HISTORY: VP-5 History "...VP-5 "Mad Foxes" Host Catania University Group - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 22 - NO 50 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 25 FEB 1965..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [09APR2011]

A BIT OF HISTORY: VP-5 History "...VP-5 Becomes VP-Sigonella - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 22 - NO 48 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 11 FEB 1965..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [09APR2011]

A BIT OF HISTORY: VP-5 History "...Patrol Squadron Five Gets Pre-Deployment Lecture About Sicily - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 22 - NO 46 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 28 JAN 1965..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [08APR2011]

A BIT OF HISTORY: VP-5 History "...Ceremonies At VP-5 Honor Old And New - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 22 - NO 45 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 21 JAN 1965..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [08APR2011]

A BIT OF HISTORY: VP-5 History "...VP-814 Begins Training Duties Hosted By VP-5 - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 22 - NO 44 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 14 JAN 1965..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [08APR2011]

A BIT OF HISTORY: VP-5 History "...Captain Stott Commends Barracks Renovation - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 23 - NO 35 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - November 11, 1965..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [02JAN2011]

A BIT OF HISTORY: VP-5 History "...VP-5 Scores 100% On E-9 - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 23 - NO 35 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - November 11, 1965..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [02JAN2011]

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Atlantic Air Wings On Patrol - Page 26 to 27 - Naval Aviation News - November 1965..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1960s/1965/nov65.pdf [03SEP2004]

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...On Patrol With Atlantic Air Wings - Page 36 to 37 - Naval Aviation News - May 1965..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1960s/1965/may65.pdf [31AUG2004]

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...On Patrol With Atlantic Air Wings - Page 26 to 27 - Naval Aviation News - March 1965..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1960s/1965/mar65.pdf [31AUG2004]

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...On Patrol With Atlantic Air Wings - Page 28 to 29 - Naval Aviation News - January 1965..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1960s/1965/jan65.pdf [31AUG2004]

A BIT OF HISTORY: VP-5 Squadron "...The Soccer VP-5 photo was taken on 14 March, 1965 at NAS Sigonella, Sicily following the soccer game loss to a local school team. The VP-5 officers are mainly in light colored sweatshits, except for the goalie. Front Row: Joe Keiler (2nd from left), Bill Miles (3rd from left), John Ruhsenberger (6th from left wearing jacket), "J.T." Hendricks (3rd from right...the goalie), and Joe Monroe (2nd from right) Middle Row: Cliff Westerman (kneeling in white shirt), Rodger Vinson (standing in white shirt) Back Row: Bing Kallus (5th from left) and Andy Allen (far right, tallest in picture). Missing from the photo were Don McClintock and myself (I took the picture!)..." Contributed by Chuck Kuehnel cpkuehnel@sbcglobal.net [31JUL2000]

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Circa 1964

A BIT OF HISTORY: VP-5 History "...Local Units Participating In US-Canadian Antiub Exercises - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 22 - NO 30 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 24 SEP 1964..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [04APR2011]

A BIT OF HISTORY: VP-5 History "...Lectures Given To VP-5 Crew - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 22 - NO 13 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 04 JUN 1964..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [02APR2011]

A BIT OF HISTORY: VP-5 History "...VP-5 Mad Foxes Return To NAS from Puerto Rico - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 22 - NO 02 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 19 MAR 1964..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [29MAR2011]

A BIT OF HISTORY: VP-5 History "...VP-5 'Mad Foxes' Host Catania University Group - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 22 - NO 50 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 25 FEB 1964..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [28MAR2011]

A BIT OF HISTORY: VP-5 History "...VP-5 Becomes VP-Sigonella - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 22 - NO 48 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 11 FEB 1964..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [28MAR2011]

A BIT OF HISTORY: VP-5 History "...VP-5 Gets New Skipper, Atlantic Fleet Major Excellence Awards - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 21 - NO 42 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 09 JAN 1964..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [27MAR2011]

A BIT OF HISTORY: VP-5 History "...VP-5 P2V LA-11 1964..." Contributed by Jerry Bushman jlane@gmpexpress.net [10APR2005]

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...The Wings With Eyes On The Sea - Page 19 to 22 - Naval Aviation News - September 1964..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1960s/1964/sep64.pdf [29AUG2004]

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Circa 1963

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Battle E For '63 Awarded - Page 3 - Naval Aviation News - September 1963..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1960s/1963/sep63.pdf [27AUG2004]

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...P-2 Spots Hi-Jacked Ship - Page 3 - Naval Aviation News - April 1963..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1960s/1963/apr63.pdf [25AUG2004]

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...VP-5 Change-of-Command Ceremony at NAS Jacksonville, Florida in 1963. Among the 5 sailors in the foreground are: 2nd from left; J.H. Harshbarger, AT-2, and middle: W.R. Wooten, AT-2 (AC)..." Contributed by PETTWAY, ATR3 Robert L. (Bob) rpettway@epbfi.com [04MAR2001]

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Circa 1962

A BIT OF HISTORY: VP-5 History "...Mad Foxes Host Two Pennsylvania Reserve Units - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 20 - NO 15 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 12 JUL 1962..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [22MAR2011]

A BIT OF HISTORY: VP-5 History "...VP-5 Returns From Duty In Iceland, Spain - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 20 - NO 02 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 12 APR 1962..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [20MAR2011]

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Commanding Officer, Patrol Squadron Five, "Report of Support of Cuban Missile Crisis Operations," 15 December 1962 showing surveillance efforts against Soviet submarine C-26, which surfaced because its "undersea capability ... had been evidently exhausted through continued restriction of its movement by air and surface units since the evening of 29 October 1962. Source: U.S. Navy Freedom of Information Act Release..." WebSite: National Security Archive http://www.gwu.edu/ [27APR2009]

A BIT OF HISTORY: VP-5 History "...Nimes Garon France - NATO Exercise 1962. BACK ROW L-R: AO2 Mike Garnand, ADR2 Gerald Zavadil and AE2 Gene Brimhall. FRONT ROW L-R: AO2 Oscar Turner, AX2 Grover Leap and AX2 Joe Harshbarger. What makes this photograph interesting is that AO2 Oscar Turner was the first black man integrated on a flight crew in NAS Jacksonville, Florida..." Contributed by ZAVADIL, ADR2 (A/C) Gerald "Jerry" gbzavadil@gmail.com [10APR2009]

A BIT OF HISTORY: VP-5 History "...Presented to the plane captains from the C/O CDR. R.L...." Contributed by ZAVADIL, ADR2 (A/C) Gerald "Jerry" gbzavadil@gmail.com [10APR2009]

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...24OCT62 - 30NOV62...Cuban Missle Crisis - All received the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal..." WebSite: USS Spiegel Grove! http://www.kevinflatley.com/supplement.htm [23OCT2006]

Patrol Squadron 5 (VP-5)
24 October - 31 December 1962

Patrol Squadron 7 (VP-7)
24 October - 31 December 1962

Patrol Squadron 8 (VP-8)
24 October - 31 December 1962

Patrol Squadron 10 (VP-10)
24 October - 31 December 1962

Patrol Squadron 11 (VP-11)
24 October - 31 December 1962

Patrol Squadron 18 (VP-18)
24 October - 31 December 1962

Patrol Squadron 18 (VP-18) Det. 6
24 October - 31 December 1962

A BIT OF HISTORY: "... History of Coast Guard Aviation - Coming of Age (1957-1975) - 1962 – Cuban Missile Crisis..." WebSite: Coast Guard Aviation History http://uscgaviationhistory.aoptero.org/history03.html [26OCT2005]

On Oct. 23, U.S. naval ships took positions on the quarantine line at 25 degrees N and provisions for aerial surveillance flights were put in place. The USS ESSEX with two S2F squadrons was assigned to patrol the zone north of 25 degrees. P5M's of VP-49 and VP-45 were tasked with the zone north and east of 25N,65W. VP-5 based out of NS Roosevelt Roads, PR was tasked with the zone east of the quarantine line and south of 25N.

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...15 December 1962 Ciban Quarantine - Report Of Support Of Cuban Missle Crises Operations..." [21MAR2005]

Report Of Support Of Cuban Missle Crises Operations 200KB

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...VP-5 Rejoins FAW-11 - Page 35 - Naval Aviation News - May 1962..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1960s/1962/may62.pdf [23AUG2004]

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Commanding Officer, Patrol Squadron Five, "Report of Support of Cuban Missile Crisis Operations," 15 December 1962, showing surveillance efforts against Soviet submarine C-26, which surfaced because its "undersea capability ... had been evidently exhausted through continued restriction of its movement by air and surface units since the evening of 29 October 1962." Source: U.S. Navy Freedom of Information Act Release PDF File: Report of Support of Cuban Missile Crisis Operations 199KB..." http://www.gwu.edu/~nsarchiv/NSAEBB/NSAEBB75/index2.htm [04JUL2003]

A BIT OF HISTORY: VP-5 P2 BUNO: 131416 "..LA-4 (The plane I flew most of the time) The picture was taken in 62 in the Med. These were the first pictures taken in the squadron of our tail feathers after our NS Rota, Spain deployment..." Contributed by Matt Costarakis, CDR USNR (ret.) achaean@bellsouth.net [08FEB98]

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...I flew this mission with LA-1, PPC CDR Smythe, out of Guantanamo. We almost ran out of fuel on station on the Soviet foxtrot sub before our relief a/c showed up. We were forced to divert to Bermuda for fuel to get back to base. Bob Pettway 59. Terek held a southwesterly course with Calcaterra in trail and on 4 November, 750 miles east of Bermuda, was observed rigging to refuel a submarine. Terek and a Soviet Foxtrot-class submarine appeared to be closing for a rendezvous, but the presence of Calcaterra and U.S. Navy ASW forces apparently deterred the submarine from joining. Unable to carry out her mission, Terek turned back to the northeast and started home. Roy O. Hale relieved Calcaterra on 14 November and trailed Terek from the mid-Atlantic to the northern Norwegian Sea, ensuring that the Soviet ship did not refuel or reprovision submarines that could have interfered with the American quarantine of Cuba. Commander in Chief Atlantic, "CINCLANT Historical Account of Cuban Crisis 1962," 29 April 1963, Operational Archives, Naval Historical Center, Washington, D.C., pp. 121-4; Frick, letter to author; Hayes, letter to author; Bogle, letter to author; "The History of the Roy O. Hale" p. 3; Schofield, pp. 175-89; and DANFS, vol.7, p. 147..." Contributed by PETTWAY, ATR3 Robert L. (Bob) rpettway@epbfi.com [06APR2001]

OFFICE OF THE COMMANDER
ANTISUBMARINE WARFARE FORCE
U.S. ATLANTIC FLEET       FF3/81:wjv
Norfolk 11, Virginia       Ser 1241/003

3 NOV 1962

From: Commander Antisubmarine Warfare Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet
To: Commander Fleet Air Wings, U.S. Atlantic Fleet

Subj: Outstanding Contribution to Cuban Quarantine Air Surveillance Activities; commendation for

1. On the evening of 22 October 1962, the President of the United States, in a speech to the nation, revealed certain conditions existing on the Island of Cuba and stated that a quarantine of the Island would be established. This quarantine went into effect on the morning of 23 October 1962. Of utmost importance to the effectiveness of this quarantine was the close air surveillance of shipping along with stepped-up antisubmarine warfare missions.

2. The Maritime Air Units of your Command responded to these tasks in true naval tradition. Maritime aircraft flew over 4,750 hours of patrol, making many significant sightings with accompanying photography of both Soviet Bloc shipping and soviet submarine activities, which contributed immeasurably to the over-all operation.

3. This excellent demonstration of professional competence along with the enthusiastic and cooperative spirit displayed by all hands of maritime air during long and tedious hours of duty are a credit to the Navy and to our country. As Commander Antisubmarine Warfare Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet, I take pleasure in commending you for your personal contribution, and in commending each officer and man of these maritime air units who have performed so outstandingly in effecting the success of these important missions.

4. It is desired that a copy of this letter be placed in the official records of all personnel taking part in these operations.

E. B. TAYLOR

copy to:
CINCLANTFLT
COMNAVAIRLANT

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Commendation Cuban Quarantine - 02 November 1962..." Contributed by ATR3 Robert L. (Bob) rpettway@epbfi.com [09MAR2001]

OFFICE OF THE COMMANDER
ANTISUBMARINE WARFARE FORCE
U.S. ATLANTIC FLEET       FF3/81:wjv
Norfolk 11, Virginia       CFAWL/1610
Ser: 00/1442
2 NOV 1962

From: Commander Fleet Air Wings, U.S. Atlantic Fleet
To: Commanding Officer, Patrol Squadron FIVE

Subj: Commendation

1. On 23 October 1962 the President of the United States, by proclaiming a quarantine of Cuba, placed upon the U.S. Navy a requirement for which there is no immediate precedent. The Navy's response to this requirement has been most gratifying.

2. Unique to this particular quarantine is the role played by Maritime Air Units. The readiness of Patrol Squadron FIVE to perform the tasks assigned during this crisis is indeed a credit to the Navy and the United States.

3. The fact that Patrol Squadron FIVE deployed on very short notice, and has performed assigned surveillance and ASW missions in such an outstanding manner is a tribute to the Commanding Officer, Officers and men of the squadron.

4. It is this type of outstanding performance that is the hallmark of the truly professional VP Patrol Squadron and I take great pleasure in commending all of you.

GEO. P. KOCH

Copy to:
COMFAIRWING ELEVEN

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...I have not seen an accounting of VP-5's participation in the Cuban Quarantine of 1962..." Contributed by ATR3 Robert L. (Bob) rpettway@epbfi.com [08MAR2001]

About 1800 on Oct. 22, 1962, we were recalled to the hanger assigned to us at NAS Jacksonville, Florida. We formed up in the hanger for muster, and were told to watch the President's address to the nation that night, and to be back in the hanger at 0600 the next morning for deployment overseas for an indeterminate period of time. I was the radio operator on crew 2 at the time.

At 0800 on 10/23/62 all of VP-5 aircraft departed as a squadron from NAS Jacksonville, Florida to Leeward Point Field, NAS Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. The entire squadron of enlisted men, both ground-pounders and flight crews, were housed in one downstairs wing of a barracks building. Talk about crammed in, we were like sardines in a can! Still, we were better off than the multitude of marines who were sleeping in the hils surrounding the air strip, on the ground.

I remember on our flight down, seeing whole squadrons of fighter squadrons, fully armed, with pilots and engines running, lined up on the ends of the runways, just waiting for the word to go. This was at every NAS and USAF base that we passed on our flight path down the coast of Florida, enroute Cuba.

During the quarantine period which lasted about a month, VP-5 crews flew ship surveillance missions of 12 hour durations, with 12 hours off between flights. During the 12 hours we had off, we also had to fix any problems with the aircraft systems, and before each flight the enlisted crew had to load ordnance (eight rockets under wings, 2 homing torpedoes in the bombay), and then unload the ordnance after each flight. We did not get much rest in NAS Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

There wasn't much on the Leeward side of NAS Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, besides the hangar, the runways, the mess hall and some barracks. We didn't have the time to take the ferry across the bay to enjoy the other base facilities. I do remember an outside beer garden on Leeward, and I remember that they fed good at the chow hall, and sometimes had set up barbeque grills outside and fed us grilled steak.

We took photo's of merchant ship traffic, entering and departing Cuban waters, from the bow and aft (ord.) aircraft positions, during our flights around Cuba. I remember on some occasions, when we had photo's of ballistic missiles on the decks of cargo ships, that we were met on our return to base by a fighter aircraft & pilot at the end of the runway, who would take our film from us on the runway, and depart with it for stateside. I later saw some of the photo's we'd taken of missiles, printed on the front pages of newspapers back home.

I remember on one flight during the crisis, the pilot had an indicator light come on that we'd pickled a torpedo. Our lanky and thin 1st mechanic climbed and crawled through the small space under the flight deck to the observation hatch of the bombay, and reported that one of the torpedo's was partly released and that it's propellar was running. Upon hearing that, our pilot opened the bombay doors and pickled the torpedo into the ocean below. That could have been the shot that started a war, but luckily, there was nothing below us at the time.

I recall on another occasion, we passed a little too close to a Cuban gunboat in a small harbor on the eastern side of the island, who promptly fired his deck guns at us. We promptly gave him some more space between us.

I recall during the crisis, our crew (2) flew at night into both Santiago Harbor, and Havana Harbor, at low altitude, for one pass only, and fired off the wing-tip searchlight to see what ships were in the harbor. It was a risky business.

After the crisis passed, and Russia began removing the missiles from Cuba, VP-5 departed NAS Guantanamo Bay, Cuba to NS Roosevelt Roads, PR, and flew missions around Cuba from there for a couple of months. The quality of life at NS Roosevelt Roads, PR. was much better for us. The Cuban crisis lasted several months, before we returned to NAS Jacksonville, Florida. It was an experience I'll never forget.

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Circa 1961

A BIT OF HISTORY: VP-5 History "...VP-5 Airman Is Praised By AF On Crash Photos - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 19 - NO 31 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 02 NOV 1961..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [18MAR2011]

A BIT OF HISTORY: VP-5 History "...VP-5's Annual Inspection Shows '61 Improvements - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 19 - NO 24 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 14 SEP 1961..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [16MAR2011]

A BIT OF HISTORY: VP-5 History "...VP-5 Planes, Personnel Aid In Astronaut Shot - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 19 - NO 17 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 27 JUL 1961..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [15MAR2011]

A BIT OF HISTORY: VP-5 History "...VP-5 Tagged Second Time For Space Shot Aid - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 19 - NO 16 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 20 JUL 1961..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [15MAR2011]

A BIT OF HISTORY: VP-5 History "...Mad Foxes Chalk Excessive FLight Hours For June - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 19 - NO 15 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 13 JUL 1961..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [15MAR2011]

A BIT OF HISTORY: VP-5 History "...Perfect Score For Mad Fox Crew - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 19 - NO 02 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 13 APR 1961..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [14MAR2011]

A BIT OF HISTORY: VP-5 History "...CDR Casey New Skipper of Patron 5 - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 18 - NO 45 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 26 JAN 1961..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [14MAR2011]

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...'Mad Foxes' Fly In June - Page 39 - Naval Aviation News - October 1961..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1960s/1961/oct61.pdf [20AUG2004]

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...This Formation - Page 11 - Naval Aviation News - February 1961..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1960s/1961/feb61.pdf [19AUG2004]

A BIT OF HISTORY: VP-5 Begins Deployment To Iceland "...November 2nd, 1961 (Florida Times Union, Jacksonville, FL, on 11/2/61) - VP-5 Begins Deployment To Iceland - Article was sent to Bob Pettway rpettway@epbfi.com by Larry Dean Jones mail4ldj@yahoo.com, AE-2, Crew 11.." [14JUL2003]

A BIT OF HISTORY: 05MAY61--"VP-5 "Mad Foxes" Aid In Recovery Of America's First Astronaut...back in Jacksonville, the "Mad Foxes" aided in the rescue of America's first astronaut, CDR Alan B. Shepard, on May 5, 1961. Further work with Project Mercury resulted in the squadron's assistance in the recovery of the late Captain Virgil I. Grissom..."

A BIT OF HISTORY: VP-5 Squadron "...PETTWAY Comments: Photo of Joe Harshbarger, AT2, and Grover Leap, AT3, both aircrewmen of VP-5. Both were legendary characters in the squadron at the time. EVERYONE knew these two guys!..." Contributed by LATIMER, Donald H. donlat@cox.net via PETTWAY, ATR3 Robert L. (Bob) rpettway@epbfi.com [26SEP2001]

A BIT OF HISTORY: VP-5 Squadron "...PETTWAY Comments: (Robert E. Hurst was the P/C ADR2 on LA-9, died in Greenland crash not long after this picture was made)..." Contributed by LATIMER, Donald H. donlat@cox.net via PETTWAY, ATR3 Robert L. (Bob) rpettway@epbfi.com [26SEP2001]

A BIT OF HISTORY: VP-5 Squadron "...Circa 1961 - PETTWAY Comments: Photo of Joe Harshbarger, AT2, Norman Russell AT3, and Grover Leap AT3, taken at the El Vanguard Enlisted Men's Club, Rota Spain, November, 1961. Norman Russell was the 2nd tech aboard LA-9, and was killed in the crash about 2 months after this picture was made. (I was probably there when the photo was taken. I spent a lot of time with the three of them at this club)..." Contributed by LATIMER, Donald H. donlat@cox.net via PETTWAY, ATR3 Robert L. (Bob) rpettway@epbfi.com [26SEP2001]

A BIT OF HISTORY: VP-5 Squadron "...Circa 03/62 - PETTWAY Comments: Photo taken in the Avionics Shop, NS Rota, Spain, March 1962. left to right is Jim Minyard AT3, Grover Leap AT3, and Ray Chute AT2..." Contributed by LATIMER, Donald H. donlat@cox.net via PETTWAY, ATR3 Robert L. (Bob) rpettway@epbfi.com [26SEP2001]

A BIT OF HISTORY: VP-5 Squadron "...Circa 1961 - PETTWAY Comments: The CPO standing on the left is the shop chief, Clifford J. Barnes..." Contributed by LATIMER, Donald H. donlat@cox.net via PETTWAY, ATR3 Robert L. (Bob) rpettway@epbfi.com [26SEP2001]

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Circa 1960

A BIT OF HISTORY: VP-5 History "...VP-5 Mad Foxes Fly Trips Equal To Visit To Moon - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 18 - NO 30 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 30 SEP 1960..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [12MAR2011]

A BIT OF HISTORY: VP-5 History "...CDR Coonan To Assume VP-5 Charge - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 17 - NO 45 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 28 JAN 1960..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [10MAR2011]

A BIT OF HISTORY: VP-5 History "...Promoted! - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 17 - NO 42 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 07 JAN 1960..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [10MAR2011]

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...(VP-5, VP-7, VP-8, VP-10, VP-11, VP-16, VP-18, VP-21, VP-23, VP-24, VP-26, VP-44, VP-45, VP-49 and VP-56) - Naval Aeronautical Organization OPNAV NOTICE 05400 for Fiscal Year 1960 dated 1 February 1960 is: DECLASSIFIED per Office of Chief of Naval Operations on 1 February 1965 by Op-501 - Atlantic Fleet Support Stations..." WebSite: Naval Historical Center http://www.history.navy.mil/a-record/nao53-68/fy1960-feb60.pdf [13MAR2007]

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...(VAP-62, VP-5, VP-16 and VP-18) - Naval Aeronautical Organization OPNAV NOTICE 05400 for Fiscal Year 1960 dated 1 February 1960 is: DECLASSIFIED per Office of Chief of Naval Operations on 1 February 1965 by Op-501 - Atlantic Fleet Support Stations..." WebSite: Naval Historical Center http://www.history.navy.mil/a-record/nao53-68/fy1960-feb60.pdf [11MAR2007]

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"VP-5 History Summary Page"

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