VPNAVY VP-8 Reunion
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ReunionVP-3 ReunionsReunion

2000's

ReunionsREUNIONs: "...VP-3 will hold its 2008 Reunion in Tampa, Florida. Dates are May 1-3, 2008. Hotel Headquarters will be the Doubletree Hotel. Additional information can be obtained from Keith W. Harmon,421 Pioneer Court, Hickman, NE 68372. Tel: 402/792-2559 or e-mail: de8e95@windstream.net..." Contributed by HARMON, AL2 Keith W. de8e95@windstream.net [16FEB2008]


ReunionsREUNIONs: History ThumbnailCameraVP-45 History "...VP-45 'Pelicans' Host VP-3 Reunion - By LTjg Scott Greer - VP-45 PAO - Thursday, July 27, 2006 - NAS Jacksonville, Florida..." WebSite: JaxAirNews http://www.jaxairnews.com/ [30JUL2006]

The “Pelicans” of VP-45 hosted the fifth annual Reunion of the decommissioned VP-3 “Huskies” May 19. The attending VP-3 members received a tour of VP-45's squadron spaces, a briefing about the P-3C Orion capabilities and current operations, followed by a P-3C static display.

VP-3 was initially commissioned March 1, 1943 as VPB-136 at NAS Whidbey Island, Washington. The squadron was later redesignated as VP-136, VP-ML-3, and finally to VP-3 in September 1948. From its inception during World War II, VPB-136 began its operational status flying successful photographic, bombing, antisubmarine warfare and search missions in the Aleutian Islands for more than 16 months during 1943-44. After World War II, VPB-136 was re-assigned to its new homeport of NAS Coco Solo, Panama, Canal Zone, and then to its final homeport at NAS Jacksonville, Florida. It was here that VP-3 acquired its new P2V-2 Neptune, and later the P2V-3W aircraft, which it flew until its decommissioning in December 1955.

Cmdr. Mark Turner, VP-45 commanding officer, gave the “Huskies” a brief highlighting the current capabilities and missions of the P-3C Orion and compared them to the missions they flew nearly 60 years ago.

“We are able to do what we do today because of the work you did back then,” Turner told the attendees. Following the brief, the Huskies were able to view a static display of one of VP-45's aircraft in the hangar bay. They were quite impressed by the aircraft as well as the technology that allows today's patrol squadrons to be successful in their missions.


ReunionsREUNIONs: "...VP-3 will be holding its 4th Reunion in St. Augustine, FL. Dates are May 16-18, 2005. Hotel headquarters will be the Beach Holiday Inn. Additional information can be obtained from Keith W. Harmon, 421 Pioneer Court, Hickman, NE 68372, Tel: 402/792-2559, de8e95@windstream.net..." Contributed by HARMON, AL2 Keith W. de8e95@windstream.net [26FEB2005]

UPDATEVP-3 Reunion ThumbnailCamera "...VP-3 Reunion Update..." Contributed by Keith W. Harmon de8e95@windstream.net..." [12DEC2005]

Patrol Squadron Three (VP-3) held its 4th annual reunion May 16-18, 2005 in St. Augustine, Florida. Attendees convened at the Holiday Inn- Beach. Twenty three former squadron members, along with wives and friends attended.

The first day consisted of informal gatherings in the Hospitality Room to renew past acquaintances. That evening everyone gathered for an "attitude adjustment" hour and buffet dinner. Each squadron member shared with the group their time and duties with VP-3 and their lives and accomplishments after squadron service.

The second day most attendees took advantage of free time to tour the sights of historical St. Augustine. The ''Northerners'' especially enjoyed the warm weather. Evening festivities consisted of another social hour and buffet meals. Everyone enjoyed a presentation by Michelle Reyna of City Gate Productions. In period costume, she portrayed the lives of some early St. Augustine settlers.

Another reunion is being planned for 2006. Although attendance is not high -- 50 years have passed since decommissioning -- it remains a congenial group with many memories to share.


ReunionsREUNIONs: "...VP-3, after successful 2nd Reunion in Pensacola, will hold its 3rd Reunion March 12, 13, and 14, 2004 in Mt. Pleasant (across the bridge from Charleston), South Carolina. Reunion headquarters will be the Mt. Pleasant Holiday Inn (250 Johnnie Dodds Blvd, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464 - Tel: 800/290-4004). Additional information can be obtained from Keith W. Harmon (AL2) at de8e95@windstream.net or 421 Pioneer Court, Hickman, NE 68372 402/792-2559..." Contributed by Keith W. Harmon de8e95@windstream.net [28AUG2003]

UPDATEVP-3 Reunion ThumbnailCamera "...VP-3 held its 3rd Reunion in Mt. Pleasant, SC over March 12-14, 2004. Seventeen former squadron members,12 wives and 4 offspring attended. Day one consisted of getting acquainted and reacquainted. Following an evening social hour, attendees enjoyed an Italian Buffet served by the motel. The evening concluded with former squadron members introducing themselves -- outlining when they served with VP-3 and what they had done following that time. The second day attendees visited the nearby Patriots Points Naval & Maritime Museum where the aircraft carrier Yorktown, destroyer Laffey, submarine Clamagore and Coast Guard Cutter Ingham were on display. Other activities included visiting the Charleston historic district, a boat ride to, and tour of, Fort Sumter, etc. After another social hour and dinner, the evening ended with a presentation by George Meagher, Director of the American Military Museum located in Charleston. During the last half-day, discussions were held on future reunion locations and times, etc. The consensus of those attending favored a 2005 reunion, location to be determined...HARMON, AL2 Keith W. de8e95@windstream.net or 421 Pioneer Court, Hickman, NE 68372 402/792-2559..." Contributed by Keith W. Harmon de8e95@windstream.net..." [13NOV2004]


ReunionsREUNIONs: "...VP-3 is in the process of planning its 2nd-ever Reunion. Following the success of the first held in 12/01, this one will be held in Pensacola, FL during the 3rd week in January (exact dates later). Any one interested please contact Keith W. Harmon (AL2) at de8e95@windstream.net or 421 Pioneer Court, Hickman, NE 68372 or 402/792-2559...Keith W. Harmon de8e95@windstream.net..." [25APR2002]

UPDATE VP-3 Reunion ThumbnailCameraReunion Photo "...Back Row - Left to Right: Vince Dauro, Bob Marsh, and Charles Moose. Middle Row - Left to Right: Mike Bownik, Greg Bownik, Bud Dabney, Don Andrews, Ron Johnson, and Walt Stevenson. Front Row - Left to Right: Jim Rickey, Ernest Rivers, Hank Wylie, Keith Harmon, Nick Bosico, Ken Coston, and Edgar Michaud..." Contributed by Keith W. Harmon de8e95@windstream.net [28AUG2003]

VP-3's second reunion is now in the records. Twenty seven souls attended - squadron members, wives, friends, etc. About half the squadron members attending had attended last year's reunion. Former pilots made a good showing and added much. Eight squadron members who planned to attend cancelled for various reasons - most health related.

The first afternoon consistes of "just showing up." The evening began with a social hour. Following that, a BBQ dinner was catered at the motel.

The second day kicked off with a guided tour of the National Museum of Naval Aviation located on NAS Pensacola. One could not help but be impressed by the number and variety of aircraft that illustrated the span of naval aviation. Equally impressive was the quality fo restoration. The tour concluded with a photo session handled by Alexander Photography of Jackson, Mississippi.

Lunch was served in the WestPac Room of the Cubi Bar Cafe. Mr. Hill Goodspeed, of the Museum staff, discussed the museum, its programs, and acquisition and restoration of aircraft. Following the luncheon, attendees were on their own to select any of several IMAX presentations - "Magic of Flight" and "Straight Up" - the Blue Agnels and helicopter flight, respectively. The Blue Angels in an IMAX format were indeed awesome.

The evening found about 30 attendees gathered at the NAS Pensacola Officers Club for a social hour and its traditional Friday evening seafood buffet. CDR Michael Rimmington, Commanding Officer of VT-6, and his wife were our guests for the evening. The evening concluded with a presentation by CDR Rimmington that was a credit for the U. S. Navy.

The last half day was devoted to a review of finances, desires for future reunions and hot of related topics. Following an afternoon of "on your own" activities, a few folks who were not leaving until the next day gravitated to the hospitality room. Left-over BBQ and various adult beverages from earlier events was disposed of.

Attendees voted to hold a 3rd reunion. Plans are underway for holding the 2004 reunion at the Holiday Inn in Mt. Pleasant (Charleston), South Carolina. Dates are March 12 - 14, 2004.

UPDATE "...VP-3 will hold its second Reunion in Pensacola, FL. Dates are January 23, 24, and 25, 2003. Hotel headquarters will be the Suburban Lodge Motel (3984 Barrancas Ave., 32507, Phone # 850/453-4140). Major activities will revolve around the National Museum of Naval Aviation, one of the largest and most beautiful air and space museums in the world. Additional information can be obtained from Keith W. Harmon (AL2), 421 Pioneer Court, Hickman, NE 68372; phone# 402/792/2559 or e-mail de8e95@windstream.net..." [18AUG2002]


ReunionsREUNIONs: "...VP-3 was decomissioned in 1953. In all those years there has never been a Reunion. That is about to change. There will be a squadron (VP-3) Reunion. Reunion dates are 12/5,6 & 7/01 at the Holiday Inn (Orange Park, FL). For more information contact Keith W. Harmon (AL2, VP-3) at 421 Pioneer Court, Hickman, NE 68372 OR 402/792-2559 or e-mail me...Keith W. Harmon de8e95@windstream.net..." [25JUL2001]

UPDATE VP-3 Reunion ThumbnailCameraReunion Photo "...VP-3 Reunion 12/6/01 Jacksonville, Florida. Seated (-4): Orville Penniston, Bob Marsh, Vince Dauro and Russell Neighbors. Standing (l-r): Greg Bownik, Keith Harmon, Roland Vandal, Nick Bosico, Ron Johnson, Charles Brinegar, William Boggs, Ed Murnane, Ed Tall and Wilson McCulley, Jr..." Contributed by MARSH, AT3 Bob bobcmarsh@earthlink.net and HARMON, AL2 Keith W. de8e95@windstream.net [11MAR2002]

UPDATE "...It has been 46 years since VP-3 was decommissioned. In all that time, there had never been a Reunion. That is no longer the case. VP-3's first-ever Reunion was held on 12/5, 6 & 7 of this year at the Holiday Inn in Orange Park, Florida. Attending were nearly 20 former squadron members -- 10 wives also attended. The first evening's banquet concluded with members each giving a presentation on what they did "before, during and after" serving in the squadron. The next day consisted of visiting NAS Jacksonville, Florida. VP-16 hosted the group in the a.m. -- the highlight being a visit aboard a P-3 Orion. Following the tour, lunch was served in one of the base facilities with a photo history of the base given by Ron Williamson, Safety Officer, Navy Region SE. The second evening's banquet attendees were honored by the presence of Captain A.M. Ensor, his wife and aide. The Captain is Commador of CPW-11. VP-3 hats and patches were made up for the Reunion. The Reunion was considered a success by all attending. They expressed the desire to hold another one next year. Location and dates are yet to be determined. Right now we are working from a list of 45 squadron members. We would like to expand that list. So any former VP-3 personnel responses would be appreciated...HARMON, AL2 Keith W. de8e95@windstream.net..." [18DEC2001]

UPDATE "...VP-3 Reunion. It is going to happen on 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 of December this year in Jacksonville, Fla. Futher info may be obtained by e-mailing me...V. A. Dauro VADAURO@AOL.COM..." [30JUL2001]


ReunionsREUNIONs: "...Recently I was asked why VP-3 hasn't had a Reunion. Couldn't really answer. I guess it is because the Squadron was decommisioned so long ago, that there are few of us still alive and kicking. Some of us should have aged well, and could still handle setting up a Reunion. If we started now, we could have one next year. October would be a good month. I've emailed all ex VP-3 that I know of. I suggested Jacksonville, Pensacola or Bransom,MO, as possible sites. I am open for ideas, sites, when, etc. I am not an organizer, or I would volunteer to head this effort. Howeve I can keep a roster with names, addresses, service in VP-3, and other pertinent data. EMAIL addresses are very useful. Please pass this on...Vincent A. Dauro VADAURO@AOL.COM..." [28OCT2000]

UPDATE "...I am trying to see if there is any interest in a combined VP-3 and VAH-1 Reunion. I noticed that VAH-1 just had one. VP-3 has never had one. If you are a former member of either squadron, please contact me via e-mail or (256) 852-5492 or AT 3417 Darlene Cir, Huntsville, Al 35810. Vincent A. Dauro VADAURO@AOL.COM..." [15NOV2000]


ReunionsREUNIONs: "...Recently I was asked why VP-3 hasn't had a Reunion. Couldn't really answer. I guess it is because the Squadron was decommisioned so long ago, that there are few of us still alive and kicking. Some of us should have aged well, and could still handle setting up a Reunion. If we started now, we could have one next year. October would be a good month. I've emailed all ex VP-3 that I know of. I suggested Jacksonville, Pensacola or Bransom,MO, as possible sites. I am open for ideas, sites, when, etc. I am not an organizer, or I would volunteer to head this effort. Howeve I can keep a roster with names, addresses, service in VP-3, and other pertinent data. EMAIL addresses are very useful. Please pass this on...Vincent A. Dauro VADAURO@AOL.COM..." [28OCT2000]


REUNION: "...Next Reunion will be in 2000, at Whidbey Island, WA. I would suggest that anyone attached to VP-2 in the past, make plans to attend the next get-together. God willing, I'll be there!!!!..." Contributed by Richard (Ski) Dombrowski SCPORIK@AOL.COM [02SEP98]


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