A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Commissioned November 17, 1945...Camp Kearney, San Diego, CA..."

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Consolidated PB4Y-2 Privateer - BUNO: 59876..." http://www.ais.org/~schnars/aero/yaf-list.htm [01JUN2003]

APR45  Accepted on April 27 by USN as the 527th of 740 built
AUG45  Delivered on August 1 to USN
SEP45  Assigned to VPB-197 NAAS Camp Kearny, California (NAS Miramar, California), Transitional Training
DEC45  Assigned to Weather Reconnaissance Sq.1. VPW-1
MAR46  Assigned to HEDRON 2, FAW-14
JUL46  Repaired at NAS Corpus Christi, Texas
SEP46  Placed in storage at Litchfield Park, AZ, with 371 hours total flight time. In storage for 6 years
SEP52  Removed September 15 from storage and flown to NAS North Island, San Diego, California
SEP52  Retired on September 18 by USN and converted to Search and Rescue configuration for use by the USCG. New USCG designation P4Y-2G. New USCG colors were added..."

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...The First Weather Recon Squadrons - Weather Reconnaissance squadron 114, VPW-1, was commissioned on 15 Nov 1945 at Camp Kearney, CA. VPW-2 was commissioned at the same base on 1 Dec 1945. An intensive training syllabus was completed using specially modified PB4Y-2M "Privateers". In February of 1946 Aerological officers were assigned to these squadrons and undertook an extensive ground school syllabus of instruction which included aerial navigation, radio communications, aircraft structures, aircraft engines, radar, ditching procedures and survival. The training was intended to qualify them as flight aerologists with full flight status similar to that of Electronic observers and navigators. VPW-3 was commissioned on 17 May 1946 and received aircraft from VPW-2. This was the first use of specially trained personnel and planes specifically equipped to perform this assignment. Aerologists initially assigned included LT R.W.Sanborn, LT E.B. Rinard, LT C.L. Riegger, ENS W.J. Remillard, ENS W.S. Tatlock and Caerm R.I. Taylor..." http://pages.prodigy.net/ragness/nwsHst397.htm [02MAR2001]

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...The First Weather Recon Squadrons - Weather Reconnaissance squadron 114, VPW-1, was commissioned on 15 Nov 1945 at Camp Kearney, CA. VPW-2 was commissioned at the same base on 1 Dec 1945. An intensive training syllabus was completed using specially modified PB4Y-2M "Privateers". In February of 1946 Aerological officers were assigned to these squadrons and undertook an extensive ground school syllabus of instruction which included aerial navigation, radio communications, aircraft structures, aircraft engines, radar, ditching procedures and survival. The training was intended to qualify them as flight aerologists with full flight status similar to that of Electronic observers and navigators. VPW-3 was commissioned on 17 May 1946 and received aircraft from VPW-2. This was the first use of specially trained personnel and planes specifically equipped to perform this assignment. Aerologists initially assigned included LT R.W.Sanborn, LT E.B. Rinard, LT C.L. Riegger, ENS W.J. Remillard, ENS W.S. Tatlock and Caerm R.I. Taylor..." http://pages.prodigy.net/ragness/nwsHst397.htm [15NOV98]

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Consolidated...PB4Y-2 [USN], P4Y-2G [USCG]...Privateer...59876 [BuNo]...N6319D, N6813D....Willow Run...YAF...Static Display. Ex-sprayer and fire-bomber. Ex-Hawkins & Powers air tanker #s 'A25', 'B25', and '125'. Crashed at Port Hardy, British Columbia, Canada on Aug 9, 1975. Manufactured by Consolidated Vultee Aircraft, San Diego, CA....Apr 1945 accepted on April 27 by USN as the 527th of 740 built...Aug 1945 delivered on August 1 to USN;Sep 1945 assigned to Patrol Bombing Sq. 197, NAAS Camp Kearny, California (NAS Miramar), Transitional Training; Dec 1945 assigned to Weather Reconnaissance Sq.1. VPW-1..." http://www.umcc.umich.edu/~schnars/texte/yaf-list.htm

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Crushed...crushed...crushed. Once again the PB-1W is ignored in Naval Aviation History. The PB-1W was a vital patrol aircraft which served the Navy between 1945 and 1956 in the following squadrons: VX-4, VW-1, VW-2, VPW-1, VP-51, VC-11, and VPB-101. Yet it is virtually ignored on this page and in most accounts of Naval aviation. It was vital in the development of land-based airborne radar and instrumental in the deployment of airborne-early warning. The PB-1W was also used for ASW through the late forties and early fifties. I think it's a shame that the hundreds (thousands?) of aviatiors and ground crew which kept these airplanes going are so often ignored. There is a book on the Navy B-17: "B-17 In Blue" by yours truly. Check out http://www.aerovintage.com/b17.htm..." Contributed by Scott Thompson SThompson@aerovintage.com

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...VPW-1...date of commissioning should be 15 Nov 1945 & redesignated VPM-1 15 Nov 1946. VPW-2 was commissioned 1 Dec 1945 & Disestablished 30 Nov 1946..." Contributed by Ray Parsons parsonsjr@knology.net

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...VPW-1 and VPW-2 were formed in 1945 and subsequently combined into VPW-1. Name was changed to VPM-1 & then VM1 when "Patrol" was eliminated..." Contributed by Ray Parsons parsonsjr@knology.net

A BIT OF HISTORY: "15NOV45--Weather Reconnaissance Squadron ONE is the result of a call from our Pacific Fleet for a highly trained squadron with specially equipped aircraft to take over typhoon and other weather reconnaissance in the Central Pacific. Upon recommendation from Conrmander in Chief, U, S, Pacific Fleet, the squadron was formed with the following mission: a. Make routine or special weather reconnaissance flights as directed by the officer exercising operational control. b. Make in-flight weather observations and reports in accordance with current directives. C. Prepare and disseminate post flight swrmaries in accordance with current directives... d. Maintain aerological records in accordance with currellt directives...By authority of the Chief of Naval Operations weather Reconnaissance Squadron 0ne was put in cocanission on 15 November 1945 Commander Dennis m. SZABO, U.S.N., commanding, under Fleet Air Wing FOURTEEN. The comissioning took place at N.A.A.S,, Camp Kearney, Calif., where the squadron imnediatelJr commenced an intensive training program....Since the squadron's primary purpose was to be weather flying, specific emphasis was placed on instrument training, Ground instruction covered construction and opo,ration of the PB4Y-2 aircraft, navigation, and communications, and stressed weather flying, Training flights paid particular attention to Loran and Radar as invaluable navigation aids in heavy weather. Instrument flights, much of it under actual instrument conditions, including use of GCA, took up the greater part of the flight syllabus...For its specialized work, the squadron had special equipment installed in its aircraft by the Assembly and Repair Department of NAS Corpus Christi, Texas. By the end of April, 1946, the fourteen aircraft assigned the squadron were delivered, the acceptance tests and ferrying being accomplished by squadron pilots and plane crews, By the same time the training syllabus also had been completed, and. the squadron awaited orders from Commander Fleet Air, West Coast to transport itself by air to its permanent base at N.A.B, Agana, Guam...At this time the squadron was composed of fourteen PB4Y-2M type aircraft and fifteen flight crews, The scluadron had, (and still has) no ground personnel. Each flight crew consisted of four officers (Patrol Plane Commander, Co-pilot, Navigator, and Aerologist), and four enlisted men (Plane Captain, second mechanic, first radioman, and second radioman-radar operator). Three aerological officers were lacking toward full complement... During the last week of April and the first week of May 1946, the squadron was engaged in a transpacific flight from its training base at N.A,A,S., Camp Kearney, Calif., to its present location, The Commanding Officer reported to Conanander Fleet Air Wing EIGHTEEN for duty on May 4, 1946. Organizing and setting up the squadron consumed the next few days...On May 12, 1946, the squadron flew its first typhoon reconnaissance flight. Several similar flights took place on succeeding days, during which squadron planes sought and found some missing surface craft. For these operations the squadron received a commendation from Commander Mariannas. Routine weather reconnaissance, air sea rescue, and other special flights as directed by Commander Mariannas and CFAW 18 occupied the squadron during the remainder of May 1946. The squadron participated in the search for a lost Army transport plane. Several of the squadron aircraft succeeded in fixing the location of pieces of wreckage believed to be from the missing plane...In the middle of May, the squadron sent three planes to Kwajalein and three to Peleliu on detached duty. The Peleliu detachment was later reduced to two planes. The Kajalein detachment, in addition to its flights as directed by Fleet Weather Central and Commander Fleet Air Wing EIGHTEEN flew weather reconnaissance flights for the Crossroads Operations. The Peleliu detachment was made available for Sea Rescue work and weather and typhoon reconnaissance flights out of range for the Guam detachment...The squadron employs a special technique in typhoon reconnaissance. Each typhoon reconnaissance flight would completely circle the typhoon at minimum practicable radius. This is usually at a distance where surface wind velocity is about 60 knots, but will vary with the capabilities, experience, and confidence of individual flight crews. Every effort will be made to circle at approximately constant pressure. Flight altitude should be the maximum at which sufficient surface contact can be maintained to insure accurate surface wind observations...If turbulence is not too severe flight shall be continued into the eye of the storm and its structure determined for post-flight report, Departure from the center will normally be at 6000 to 8000 feet, at which altitude the solid core of the storm will be from 20 to 80 miles thick with only light turbulence. After break-out on top of low clouds, the stern core should be circumnavigated again above the lover cloud deck in the clear, and a complete analysis of the stern structure obtained. Departure from the storm area, is best made at altitude if surrounding build-ups are broken, but at top level if storm is well developed and surrounding build-cps from a solid wall. See Appendices for complete analysis of all typhoons flown by Weather Reconnaissance Squadron ONE... At the beginning of June, 1946, the squadron was engaged in searching for the lost Army transport previously mentioned, besides weather reconnaissance flights in accordance with instructions from Fleet Weather Central. On 6 and 7 June Weather Reconnaissance Squadron TWO was at N.A.B., Agana en route to the squadrons permanent base at NAS Sangley Point, Philippines, from which base its planes would operate under orders from Fleet Weather Central, Manila and Commander Fleet Air Wing EIGHTEEN. On 13 and 14 June ten officers and twelve enlisted men left the squadron to report to Weather Reconnaissance Squadron TWO with three aircraft for duty. This left the squadron with twelve crews and eleven aircraft, nine of which were to be serviceable at all times. Between 17 and 24 June the squadron flew its second typhoon. On 20 June 1946, a commendation for Lieutenant H, JWITT, U.S.N.R. and crew was read at quarters. This was for the excellent performance of duty on the part of Lieutenant WITT and his crew in the most recent typhoon...During the period from May 4, 1946 to the end of the present reporting period, the squadron was under the operational control of Commander Mariannas, and under the administrative command of Commander Fleet Air Wing EIGHTEEN. Two detachments, at Kwajalein and Peleliu, were only lower echelons over which the squadron exercised administrative control. The Kwajalein detachment flew weather reconnaissance flights for the Crossroads Operations in addition to other flights...Prior to 4 May, 1946, while in a training status, the squadron was under the operational and administrative control of Commander Fleet Air Wing FOURTEEN...The first change in function for the squadron occurred when it changed from a training to an operational unit, on 4 May ,1946. At the same time the squadron assumed Air Sea Rescue responsibilities under Commander Fleet Air Wing EIGHTEEN. The flights for Crossroads by the Kwajalein detachment were the only additional functions undertaken by the squadron. It kept its previous function of weather and typhoon reconnaissance...No change in the class of personnel took place during the entire period, the squadron remaining streamlined with no ground personnel...During June, the squadron lost three crews and aircraft to Weather Reconnaissance Squadron TWO, to make up for the latter's loss of personnel and aircraft to Weather Reconnaissance Squadron THREE. The squadron felt the loss of personnel keenly, but was able to carry out its functions as efficiently as before..." Contributed by Ray Parsons parsonsjr@knology.net

Circa 1944 - 1949

A BIT OF HISTORY: PB4Y-2 Squadron Assignments "...PB4Y-2 Squadron Assignments 1944 - 1949 by W. T. Larkins 5-11-1984. A review of the aircraft history cards for the 740 aircraft 59350-60009 and 66245-66324 allows the following squadrons with one or more aircraft. Unfortunately the original assignment on many in 1944 is simply "PAC" for Pacific area. No card was found to verify VB-200 as the first squadron delivery or any Marine Corps squadrons. Squadrons listed include VP-12, VP-21, VP-22, VP-23, VP-25, VP-26, VP-27, VP-28, VP-29, VPB-100, VPB-101, VPB-10, VPB-102, VPB-104, VPB-106, VPB-107, VPB-108, VPB-109, VPB-111, VPB-114, VPB-115, VPB-116, VPB-117, VPB-118, VPB-119, VPB-120, VPB-121, VPB-122, VPB-123, VPB-124, VPB-143, VPB-197, VPB-200, VP-HL-1, VP-HL-2, VP-HL-4, VP-HL-6, VP-HL-7, VP-HL-8, VP-HL-9, VP-HL-10, VP-HL-11, VP-HL-12, VP-HL-13, VPM-1, VPW-1, VPW-2, VPW-3, VX-1 and VX-2..." Contributed by Bill Larkins wtl@earthlink.net [01AUG2010]

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Circa Unknown
Can you identify the Month and or Year?

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...This is the exterior of our barracks area at NAS Sangley Point, Philippines. Both VPW-1 & VPW-2 were here at various times..." Contributed by Ray Parsons parsonsjr@knology.net

CREWs: "...?, O'Neil and Reed..." Contributed by Bill O'Neil [AB4FK- HAM RADIO Call] ab4fk@norfolk.infi.net WebSite: Flying Boat Amateur Radio Society http://www.qsl.net/ab4fk/fbars/ [18FEB98]

"...I was advised that the people in the photo were (from left to right) Lewis Everett Parham ACMM, Wm F. O"Neil ACRM and Harry Reed ACMM. Reed had a twin brother who was also in VPW-2..." ontributed by Ray Parsons parsonsjr@knology.net [14NOV2004]

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"VPW-1 Summary Page"

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