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HistoryVPB-6 HistoryHistory

Circa 1983

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation May-June 1983 "...VP Coast Guard Style - Page 32 to 35 - Naval Aviation News - May-June 1983..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1980s/1983/mj83.pdf [17OCT2004]

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Circa 1946

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...Built by Martin, the above model 162 was powered by R2800 engines rated at 2100 horsepower for take-off. The aircraft had a maximum speed of 198 mph at sea level, 215 mph at 19,200 feet. and a cruising speed of 127 mph. It's maximum gross weight was 58,000 lbs. The normal range was 2480 miles with a 4000 lb. bomb load. The U.S. Coast Guard operated twenty-seven PMB-3's and thirty-six or more PBM-5's during World War II..." http://www.dot.gov/dotinfo/uscg/hq/arsc/aircraft.htm

UPDATE "....Your picture is of a USCH Martin PBM-5G, USN BUNO 84722, USCG #4722, with the standard inter-service SAR number R-22 on the bow. The same number appeared on the right side, and on the top & belly with the addition of the word RESCUE in large yellow letters outlined in black. 84722 was deleived to the USCG from Navy stores on July 14, 1946, being a straight PBM-5 model. It was modified at CGAS Elizabeth City, NC to USCG standards with the letter "G" added as a suffix to the type to signify USCG service. The aircraft remained in service through October 23, 1954, when it damaged beyond economical repair while at its moring during a storm. It was beached the following day and stripped of all useable parts and stricken from USCG records. Hope the above helps. By the way, a total of 48 PBM-5's were operated by the Coast Guard between December 1944 (BUNO 59148) and May 1958 BUNO 59158. They also operated a single PBM-5A as well as several of the PBM-3 type. All PBM-3/5/5A were assigned to and operated form "named" coastal air stations (CGAS) loacted at Brooklyn, Elizabeth City, Miami, St. Pete, Sna Diego, and San Francisco..." Contributed by Mike O'Rourke wmor@ix.netcom.com


Circa 1945

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...08MAY45 - With the cessation of hostilities in Europe and resulting surrender of all Axis submarines, the mission of the squadron was changed to ice patrols and air-sea rescue... http://home6.inet.tele.dk/ron/greenland/vp6.htm [18NOV2003]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...00JUN45 - The VPB-6 (CG) complement of aircraft was reduced from nine to six, with one spare. This came at a very bad time, as the surrender of Germany meant the return of thousands of aircraft back to the U. S., with many getting lost, and others landing on the ice... http://home6.inet.tele.dk/ron/greenland/vp6.htm [18NOV2003]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...10JUL45 - VPB-6 was transferred back to the control of Commander, U. S. Coast Guard... http://home6.inet.tele.dk/ron/greenland/vp6.htm [18NOV2003]


Circa 1944

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraVPB-6 (CG) History "...Hut May Be Buried In Snow But It Needs Electric Icebox - Globe Man Steps Ashore In Ice-Covered Land Where Tallest Tree Is Bush Two Feet High - Boston Daily Globe article dated April 24, 1944. My Father, AMM2 Robert A. PUGLIESE, is the person standing, reading a book..." WebSite: Navy NewsStand [29JUN2008]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...Location of U. S. Naval Aircraft - Dated 11 Jan 1944..." WebSite: Naval Historical Center http://www.history.navy.mil/ [29SEP2006]

VP SQUADRONS MENTIONED

VD-1, VD-2, VD-3 and VD-4

VJ-1, VJ-2, VJ-3, VJ-4, VJ-5, VJ-7, VJ-8, VJ-9, VJ-10, VJ-11, VJ-12, VJ-13, VJ-14, VJ-15, and VJ-16

VP-6 Coast Guard

VP-11, VP-12, VP-13, VP-14, VP-15, VP-16, VP-17, VP-18 and VP-19

VP-20, VP-23 and VP-24

VP-32, VP-33 and VP-34

VP-43, VP-44 and VP-45

VP-52 and VP-54

VP-61 and VP-62

VP-71, VP-72, VP-73 and VP-74

VP-81 and VP-84

VP-91, VP-92 and VP-94

VP-101, VP-102, VP-103, VP-104, VP-105, VP-106, VP-107, VP-108 and VP-109

VP-110, VP-111, VP-112, VP-113, VP-115, VP-116 and VP-117

VP-126, VP-127, VP-128 and VP-129

VP-130, VP-131, VP-132, VP-133, VP-134, VP-135, VP-136, VP-137, VP-138 and VP-139

VP-140, VP-141, VP-142, VP-143, VP-144, VP-145, VP-146, VP-147, VP-148 and VP-149

VP-150 and VP-151

VP-201, VP-203, VP-204, VP-205, VP-208 and VP-209

VP-210, VP-211, VP-212, VP-213, VP-214, VP-215 and VP-216


History - Tap To Enlarge ThumbnailHistory - Tap To Enlarge ThumbnailHistory - Tap To Enlarge ThumbnailHistory - Tap To Enlarge ThumbnailHistory - Tap To Enlarge ThumbnailHistory - Tap To Enlarge ThumbnailHistory - Tap To Enlarge ThumbnailHistory - Tap To Enlarge ThumbnailHistory - Tap To Enlarge ThumbnailHistory - Tap To Enlarge ThumbnailHistory - Tap To Enlarge ThumbnailHistory - Tap To Enlarge Thumbnail

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...00MAY44 - By early 1944 the field at BW-1 was becoming crowded with aircraft making emergency landings while enroute to Europe. The squadron complement of aircraft was also increased at this time, from 10 PBY-5A Catalinas to 12. This did not add to the overcrowding at the field, as most of the squadron's aircraft were dispersed to remote bases... http://home6.inet.tele.dk/ron/greenland/vp6.htm [18NOV2003]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...00JUL/SEP44 - A detachment of two aircraft was sent to the Canadian Arctic to furnish ASW, air cover, reconnaissance and search and rescue for vessels entering the Hudson Bay. Patrols covered northern Labrador, Baffin Island and Cumberland Island. No Navy or Coast Guard ground support was available to these crews, despite the frequent bad weather operations flown by the detachment. Existing Army advanced facilities were utilized when available. The Catalina aircraft had no interior heaters, nor did the crews have heated flying suits. Several crews came down with frostbite during operations... http://home6.inet.tele.dk/ron/greenland/vp6.htm [18NOV2003]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...00JUL/AUG44 - A detachment of two aircraft was sent to RAFB Reykjavik, Iceland, operating in conjunction with the RAF Coastal Command, to provide coverage and air support to vessels conducting operations against the Germans in waters off northeastern Greenland... http://home6.inet.tele.dk/ron/greenland/vp6.htm [18NOV2003]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...01NOV44 - The detachment at Argentia was increased to three aircraft. Two more aircraft were sent to work with the RAF Coastal Command at Reykjavik... http://home6.inet.tele.dk/ron/greenland/vp6.htm [18NOV2003]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...00DEC44 - Six aircraft remained at NAF Narsarssuak, with the other four at NAS Argentia, Newfoundland, Canada, until April 1945. The squadron then increased the Argentia detachment by one aircraft... http://home6.inet.tele.dk/ron/greenland/vp6.htm [18NOV2003]


Circa 1943 - 1945

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Historical Center, Department Of The Navy, Washington, D. C http://www.history.navy.mil/branches/dictvol2.htm [28APR2001]
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Circa 1943

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...Location of U. S. Naval Aircraft - Dated 16 Jan 1943..." WebSite: Naval Historical Center http://www.history.navy.mil/ [01OCT2006]

VP SQUADRONS MENTIONED

CASU and PATSU

VJ-1, VJ-2, VJ-3, VJ-4, VJ-5, VJ-6, VJ-7 and VJ-8

VP-6 Coast Guard

VP-3

VP-11 and VP-12

VP-23 and VP-24

VP-31, VP-32, VP-33 and VP-34

VP-41, VP-42, VP-43 and VP-44

VP-51, VP-52, VP-53 and VP-54

VP-61, VP-62 and VP-63

VP-71, VP-72, VP-73 and VP-74

VP-81, VP-82, VP-83 and VP-84

VP-91, VP-92VP-93, and VP-94

VP-101, VP-102, VP-103, VP-104, VP-105, VP-106, VP-107, VP-108 and VP-109

VP-110

VP-127, VP-128 and VP-129

VP-131, VP-132, VP-133 and VP-134

VP-200, VP-201, VP-202, VP-203, VP-204, VP-205, VP-206, VP-207, VP-208 and VP-209

VP-210, VP-211VP-210, and VP-216


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HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...Location of U. S. Naval Aircraft - Dated 09 Nov 1943..." WebSite: Naval Historical Center http://www.history.navy.mil/ [01OCT2006]

VP SQUADRONS MENTIONED

CASU and PATSU

VD-1, VD-2, VD-3 and VD-4

VJ-1, VJ-2, VJ-3, VJ-4, VJ-5, VJ-15, and VJ-16

VP-6 Coast Guard

VP-1

VP-11, VP-12, VP-13, VP-14, VP-15 and VP-16

VP-23 and VP-24

VP-32, VP-33 and VP-34

VP-43, VP-44 and VP-45

VP-52, VP-53 and VP-54

VP-61, VP-62 and VP-63

VP-71, VP-72, VP-73 and VP-74

VP-81 and VP-84

VP-91, VP-92 and VP-94

VP-101, VP-102, VP-103, VP-104, VP-105, VP-106, VP-107, VP-108 and VP-109

VP-110, VP-111, VP-112, VP-113, VP-114, VP-115 and VP-116

VP-125, VP-126, VP-127, VP-128 and VP-129

VP-130, VP-131, VP-132, VP-133, VP-134, VP-135, VP-136, VP-137, VP-138 and VP-139

VP-140, VP-141, VP-142, VP-143, VP-144, VP-145, VP-146, VP-147, VP-148 and VP-149

VP-150

VP-201, VP-202, VP-203, VP-204, VP-205, VP-206, VP-207, VP-208 and VP-209

VP-210, VP-211, VP-212, VP-213, VP-214, VP-215 and VP-216


History - Tap To Enlarge ThumbnailHistory - Tap To Enlarge ThumbnailHistory - Tap To Enlarge ThumbnailHistory - Tap To Enlarge ThumbnailHistory - Tap To Enlarge ThumbnailHistory - Tap To Enlarge ThumbnailHistory - Tap To Enlarge ThumbnailHistory - Tap To Enlarge ThumbnailHistory - Tap To Enlarge ThumbnailHistory - Tap To Enlarge ThumbnailHistory - Tap To Enlarge Thumbnail

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...05OCT43 - VP-6 (CG) was established as a Guard squadron under Navy operational control at NAS Argentia, Newfoundland, Canada, relieving VP-126. Squadron personnel had actually been arriving since 23 July 1943, by NATS. Upon arrival they commenced training and indoctrination in cold weather operations. The squadron's home port was Narsarssuak, Greenland, code name Bluie West-One (BW-1). Upon establishment it came under the operational control of CTF-24, and administrative control of FAW-9. Personnel matters continued to be handled by Coast Guard Headquarters. The squadron flew the PBY-5A Catalina, with ten aircraft (one designated as a spare), 22 officers and 145 enlisted, including eight enlisted pilots. Operational flights began on 13 October 1943, after the first three PBY-5A Catalinas arrived at Narsarssuak. Two of the squadron's nine operational aircraft were detached to NAS Argentia, Newfoundland, Canada. These aircraft and crews were rotated frequently to allow maintenance and repair work to be done on the other seven. At Narsarssuak all the squadron's aircraft sat outside and all maintenance, refuelling and arming took place in the open regardless of weather conditions because it was found that moving aircraft from warm hangars to the cold outside resulted in condensation and subsequent freezing in fuel pumps, controls and instruments. Herman Nelson F-1 portable heaters were needed to warm the engines and the aircraft interiors before starting. Crews were relieved every 12 months, with relief crews staggered every four months. The U.S. Army provided aerology support and daily weather briefings... http://home6.inet.tele.dk/ron/greenland/vp6.htm [18NOV2003]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...06AUG43--The little floatplanes attached to the Greenland Patrol's ships had demonstrated the value of the airplane in arctic search-and-rescue work. On Aug. 6, 1943, Patrol Bombing Squadron 6, a Navy unit manned entirely by Coast Guardsmen, began operating from BLUIE West 1 and Argentia. Bombing 6, commanded by Coast Guard CDR D.B. McDiarmid, was to earn a reputation as one of the busiest and most effective in Coast Guard aviation history. Like every other Coast Guard unit in Greenland, Bombing 6 had to "do a little of everything." Its 12 PBY-5A Catalinas searched for U-boats and German weather stations, escorted convoys, delivered mail, reported on the movements of the ice, and, on several dozen occasions, guided rescue parties to crashed Army and Navy aircraft. By November 1944, Bombing 6 had flown 638,998 miles in 6,325 flying hours, searching more than 3 million square miles of ice cap and ocean. On the afternoon of Feb. 13, 1944, LCDR John J. McCubbin's Catalina, on a routine flight just west of Cape Farewell, happened upon a British Navy trawler, HMS Strathella. The little ship had been disabled by a damaged shaft bearing in a storm on the North Atlantic convoy run a month earlier, and its radio had burned out; the Strathella's crew had almost died of thirst and starvation. McCubbin contacted the cutter Modoc, which took the stricken trawler in tow for Greenland. When the British crewmen sighted the Modoc they sent a semaphore signal: "We one and all owe our lives to you. You did a masterpiece of work. Someday, perhaps we will be able to show our appreciation." http://www.dot.gov/dotinfo/uscg/hq/g-cp/history/h_greenld.html


Circa 1942

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...The only squadron ever operated by the US Coast Guard. Formed in late 1942, it received its first aircraft in early 1943 and commenced operations over the North Atlantic with bases in Newfoundland, Greenland, and Iceland. Continued operations through the end of WWII when the squadron became the basis for CGAS Argentia. During is operational period, I operated PBY-5A (24) and PB4Y-1 (4) aircraft. The PBY-5 aircraft were painted all white since they operated from snow covered bases. Not as well know or famaous as the Navy's BLACK CATS OF GREEN ISLAND in the south Pacific, the Coast Guard's WHITE CATS OF GREENLAND none the less have the distinction of being the only Patrol Squadron NOT operated by the Navy..." Mike O'Rourke wmor@ix.netcom.com


Circa 1916

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...Coast Guard avaiation began officially with an Act of Congress dated August 29, 1916 that authorized the Treasury Department to establish ten Coast Guard Air Stations along the coasts of the United States. Provisions were soon made to train pilots and develop rescue procedures for using aircraft in search and patrol duties. The Coast Guard began testing and using helicopters early in their development and soon developed rescue techniques and equipment to pioneer the use of helicopters as rescue craft. In addition to search and rescue duties, Coast Guard helicopters today are used for a variety of missions and are deployed on many Coast Guard cutters. Coast Guard fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft are invaluable to the success of the Coast Guard's many missions. They operate from Coast Guard Air Stations & Air Facilities strategically located throughout the United States. Aviation training is conducted at Aviation Training Center Mobile, Alabama and Aviation Technical Training Center Elizabeth City, NC. Major aircraft repairs and refit take place at Aircraft Repair and Supply Center, Elizabeth City, NC..." http://www.dot.gov/dotinfo/uscg/cgavi.html


Circa 1941

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...In March 1941, the United States Navy organized Patrol Wing Support Force, comprising VP-51, VP-52, VP-55, and VP-56 and Seaplane Tenders Albemarle, Belknap and George E. Badger. Issued on 5 May 1941, Operation Plan No. 1-41 provided that the Wing "proceed on advance base exercises [and] maintain at least one squadron based on tender(s) at Argentia." In accordance with this plan, Albemarle established Wing Headquarters at Argentia and on 18 May PBY-5A seaplanes of VP-52 commenced operations. The following week, American neutrality notwithstanding, they searched unsuccessfully for the German battleship Bismarck.

In July 1941, the Wing's name was changed from Patrol Wing Support Force, to Patrol Wing Seven (redesignated Fleet Air Wing Seven the following year). This adjustment included the renumbering of squadrons. Beginning in August, Patrol Wing Seven, in addition to convoy coverage, established a daily harbor patrol of the approaches to Argentia. It soon became evident, however, that Newfoundland's harsh winter weather would make tender-based aerial operations extremely hazardous. Consequently, efforts were begun to re-equip the Wing with land planes. Meanwhile, runway construction on the Argentia Peninsula had progressed such that by late 1941 three were available for emergency use. The new year brought change and success to Wing operations at NAS Argentia, Newfoundland, Canada as facilities improved, new squadrons arrived and aerial reconnaissance intensified. On 1 March 1942, U-656 became the first German submarine sunk by American forces during World War Two. The attack was carried out by Ensign William Tepuni piloting a Hudson bomber with Patrol Squadron 82 (VP-82). Two weeks later VP-82 pilot, Chief Aviation Machinist's Mate Donald Mason, sank U-503 southeast of the Virgin Rocks.

Throughout 1942 and much of 1943, the principle activity of Argentia based aircraft continued to be search and rescue, convoy escort, and anti-submarine patrol. A significant change came in April 1943 when United States, British, and Canadian authorities agreed that Canada assume responsibility for the protection of shipping in the Northwest Atlantic. Thereafter, operational direction of aircraft came from the combined Royal Canadian Air Force-Royal Canadian Navy headquarters at St. John's, Newfoundland. The Wing functioned under this system until its transfer overseas in August 1943. In July 1943, Coast Guard Patrol Bombing Squadron Six (VPB-6) began training and indoctrination at Argentia preparatory to North Atlantic operations. After its commissioning in October 1943, Coast Guard Patrol Bombing Squadron Six (VPB-6) reported to its main operating base at Narsarssuak, Greenland, however, a detachment of two aircraft (PBY-5A) was assigned to Argentia; administrative control was vested in Fleet Air Wing Nine. Duties included antisubmarine patrol, convoy coverage, and search and rescue. Lighter Than Air Blimp Squadrons provided additional support during the summer and fall of 1944. When war ended in 1945, Coast Guard Patrol Bombing Squadron Six (VPB-6) duties changed to ice observation, medical evacuation, and utility missions; it continued air-sea rescue operations..." WebSite: Aviation in Newfoundland and Labrador http://www3.nf.sympatico.ca/aviation.nf.lab/Argentia.htm [URL Updated 09JUN2002 | URL Updated 09JUN2001 | 08DEC2000]


Circa 1940

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...Coast Guard operations on the North Atlantic began before the United States entered the war and included neutrality and weather-patrol cruises. The Coast Guard also began operations in Greenland, a Danish colony, soon after Denmark fell to the Germans in 1940. By October 1941 all Coast Guard and Navy forces in Greenland waters were consolidated into a unified "Greenland Patrol" and placed under the command of Coast Guard CDR Edward "Iceberg" Smith. The patrol established bases, escorted convoys, destroyed German weather stations, and rescued survivors from torpedoed ships. A Coast Guard-manned patrol bombing squadron, VP-6, operated over the North Atlantic from its home base in Greenland during the war as well. " http://www.dot.gov/dotinfo/uscg/hq/g-cp/history/h_AtlWar.html


Circa Unknown
Can you identify the Month and or Year?

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...ll aircraft were assigned to and operated by the only aviation squadron operated by the USCG: Patrol Squadron Six (Coast Guard) [VP-6(CG)], later designated as Patrol Bombing Squadron Six (Coast Guard) [VPB-6(CG)], headquartered at NAS Argentia, Newfoundland, Canada. The squadron also operated approximately 25-30 PBY-5A aircraft. At the close of hostilities (VE-DAY) in Europe, the USCG reverted to control of the Dept. of Commerce and the assets of the squadron became the basis for CG Air Station Argentia. The above will be included in a forthcoming publication titled: "THE WHITE CATS OF GREENLAND". A play on the words that described the U.S. Navy's THE BLACK CATS OF GREEN ISLAND, a war and world away from that famous Pacific unit..." Mike O'Rourke" wmor@ix.netcom.com


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