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

Note VP-40 NoticeNote

Note NOTICE: "...Looking for old friend, AW2 Danny Bailey, who served with VP-40 (1975-1978) at NAS Moffett Field, California. Please contact me..." Contributed by GALLUP, AWC(NAC) Mark G. Retired mauitrojanchief@aol.com [19SEP2020]


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

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

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

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

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

The memorial has deep meaning for the family.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

© Copyright 2005 Whidbey News Times

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Note NOTICE: "...Navy Establishing Augment Units For All FRS's Including VP-30..." Contributed by LCDR Robert J. Cable cablerj@vp30.navy.mil [03DEC2003]

VP-30 SAU The Navy is scheduling the establishment of a Squadron Augment Unit (SAU) attached to VP-30 for 1 October, 2004. Final numbers have yet to be released, but the SAU is likely to total near 150 personnel composed of Officer and Enlisted instructors and maintenance personnel. The SAU has begun recruiting the advance party of 20 maintainers in the AD, AE, AT, AM, and AME rates. If you are interested in serving as a Selected Reservist in VP-30 SAU, have P-3 NEC's and P-3 experience within the last 6 years, and are within drilling distance of NAS Jacksonville, Florida, please call Naval Reserve Recruiting Area SE at 904-542-3320 ext 490 or the SAU OIC at 904-542-0990.

AD - Aviation Machinist's Mate    AE - Aviation Electrician's Mate    AT - Aviation Electronics Technician    AM - Aviation Structural Mechanic

Note NOTICE: "...Greetings fellow VPers. My squadron, VP-90 has been inducted into the Naval Air Museum's National Flight Log in Pensacola. It is the first reserve VP to be inducted. There are others ones listed also, VP-5, VP-40, VP-72 and VP-83. If you would like to see the squadrons listed, just go to http://www.naval-air.org/flightlog/default.asp. You can then view what squadrons are listed. The foundation at the museum is very helpful and would like to help you get your squadron listed...LARSON, LCDR John Retired oriondriver1975@yahoo.com..." [24JUL2001]


Note NOTICE: "...IN 1961/1962, VP-40 flying out of NS Sangley Point, Philippines was involved with the rescue of some 100 people as a result of a plane crash. I believe it was a Pan Am Aircraft. If you have details, please contact me...Capt Ron Schwartz (USNR-RET) RONLEESCHW@AOL.COM..." [11AUG98]


Note NOTICE: "...I served as an IFT with VP-40 from 1997 to 2000 and I'm trying to find a way to contact AOC Tim Carter who retired from VP-40 in 1999? I have kept my word and passed his original aircrew wings on to another sailor when I retired and I need some information so I can give that sailor the History of that set of wings. The deal is that the wings stay in the Navy. Any Shipmates who have some locating data on Tim shoot me a note or look me up in the Shipmates section. Thanks...KESLER, ATC Paul wpkesler-vpnavy@yahoo.com..." [24SEP2004]


Note NOTICE: "...Looking to get in contact with AW2 Ed Miles from VP-40 in mid 1980s. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks! EM3 Johnston, USS Truxtun CGN-35 (1984-1988)...David Johnston neutron63@hotmail.com..." [09FEB2004]


Note NOTICE: Shipmate Pix "...Attached is a Shipmate from VP-40 that was assigned in NS Sangley Point, Philippines. It is important that I contact him. Thanks. Max Trimm Bianco201@aol.com..." [20APR2002]


Note NOTICE: "...Looking to contact CDR George W. Dye, Jr. VP-40 XO 1981-1982. Thanks!..." [18APR2002]


Note NOTICE: "...A VP-Holiday Story. Last November (2000), I recieved an e-mail from a young woman who had seen my squadron name (VP-50) on another Vet's site, probably A&E's Military.com. Anyway, this lady was trying to find out everything she could about her Uncle Larry, a seaplane sailor from VP-40. It seems that Uncle Larry had died in a freak accident while on a WestPac cruise. The Lady, Lori or Laurie, had been named for Larry, and had vague recollections of him from childhood, and her Grandmother's recent passing had sent her to the Web in search of anyone who had known her Uncle. Her letter said that I was the first Seaplane Sailor she had found in a year's surfing of Naval and Vietnam sites. I know we're a rare breed, because I've been to a lot of VFW's, Legion's, and VEVA's all over the country, and have yet to meet anyone else who served on P-5's, Seaplane Tenders, and few from Cam Ranh Bay. I immediately directed her to this incredible site (Long round of applause for the WebMaster!), and within days she was in touch with Uncle Larry's Crew Chief! Not only was she able to gain some insight to what happened to Larry, but this was a man who had been his friend, and was able to give her the first 'Grown-up ' information about, and impressions of her beloved uncle. I't seems as if Larry's squadron had gone to NAS Iwakuni, Japan I think, to pick up an overhauled plane. They arrived a day early, and so the crew was looking forward to "hittin' the beach", and the chief told the guys the they'd be better off staying on-base because there wasn't much to see in the 'Ville. Much like a VP-50 crew, Larry and friends went anyway. They were walking along in the town, when an out-of-control taxi struck, and ran over Larry. He lingered for a while in the Hospital, on life support, then died of his injuries. Yeah, I know the ending sucks, but think how good I felt all last season, as she sent me numerous Thanks and good wishes, and kept me updated on what she was learning online and on the phone with her Uncle's Shipmates. It was Great!, and also the first time I had been able to help someone on the InterNet. I promised this story to our WebMaster last year, but I retired, went back to school, had a second Granddaughter born, and numerous other things to distract me. See Guys - .I'm still the same Air-Head I was then, Just a hell of a lot older. God Bless America ! and Season's Greetings to all my VPNavy Shipmates...Herman Morgan HermanMorgan@OneBox.com..." [02DEC2001]


Note NOTICE: "...I am trying to help a buddy who was in VP-40 locate his old CPO Gary A. Truitt. Any one who has any information about him can e-mail me. We would appreciate any help. Thanks guys. 'THINK SUB---SINK SUB.'...CLOUSE, Wayne clousewd@ligtel.com..." [28SEP2001]

UPDATE "...I served with VP-26 during the late '60s early '70s. Last week I psoted a request for information regarding a former Chief Petty Officer Gary Truitt for a friend of mine who had served with him in the '60s. We found him. Thanks to all who responded, the site works great!!! Thanks again. Wayne Clouse clousewd@ligtel.com..." [08OCT2001]


Note NOTICE: "...Beachmaster at NAS Cubi Point, Philippines 6/59 to 6/61 where we operated with VP-40 who were based at NS Sangley Point, Philippines and paid us visits now and then. Also ran Crash Boats and Carrier Pier. Maintained 10,000 ft Seadrome in the bay...ADAMS, Herb shogun630@webtv.net..." [19JUN2001]


Note NOTICE: "...I am searching for a Mr. James Edward West who was stationed at NS Sangley Point, Philippines between 59-61 with VP-40. His relationship with a young fillipina girl, (Mila or Olamila Ogduc Tagnepez) produced a son on October 24, 1961. It is believed that mother hid child from father. James Jr. was told his father's plane went down shortly after his birth, but as yet no such record has been found. Also, James Sr. was from Norfolk, VA and his mother's name may have been Joni West. If anyone has any information it would be greatly appreciated. Please contact me. Thank you All!..Dagny & James West dagnywest@yahoo.com..." [04APR2001]


Note NOTICE: "...I am actually looking for James Edward West. He served in VP-40 during 1960-61. He married Mila Tagnipez a Philipiano girl and they had a child. This childs name is James West. Thank you for any information and the Free Country...Candace Ritger Anubiseslove@yahoo.com..." [09FEB2001]


Note NOTICE: "...Would like to communicate with any Shipmates who were at NAS Moffett Field, California (VP-48, VP-31, VP-40) from 80 to 89...Doc Holliday wolfdad@navyspecialoperations.com..." [11AUG2000]


Note NOTICE: "...I am looking for AD1 Roger Price. He was served with VP-40 from 1972 through 1982. I served with VP-50 at that time and we were also stationed in Texas together. Please e-mail if you know his whereabouts. Thanks...Jim Lumpkin akcporet@aol.com..." [14JUL2000]


Note NOTICE: "...I am trying to find ATCS Charles J. Beck that was in VP-40 during 1970-1971...AW1 Mike Dwyer m.dwyer@sbcglobal.net..." [22MAR2000]


Note NOTICE: "...Does anyone know the whereabouts of RAY HERNANDEZ? He was an ADJ3 in VP-40 in 1968-69 and made a deployment to NAS Iwakuni, Japan. Prior to that he was in VO-67 in the Line Division. I believe he was originally from Ohio, but took a job in California with the telephone company when he was discharged in 1970 at NAS Moffett Field, California...Jim Dougherty tudox@chesco.com..." [24FEB2000]


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


Note NOTICE: "...I am trying to find out more about her father's Korean War time tour of duty with the US Navy. His name is Alex Griffin Coutret, he joined the Navy and was commissioned out of college from Texas as an Ensign. The research that I have been able to do from old pictures indicates that he was in VP-40, flying aboard PBM-5s. He passed away two years ago and she never got the chance to talk with him of his war time exploits. Can anyone help?...Kay Coutret Kay_Coutret@readwo.com or Al Lester, ATCS USN (RET) sakotrg@md.metrocast.net..." [05NOV99]


Note NOTICE: "...My father, Dave Wilson, is trying to locate James C. Oliver who served with him in VP-40 in 1951. Anyone who has information may respond to me. Dave particularly wants to find Mr. Oliver to let him know that Commander Trube died on February 15 this year. Thank you...Dave Wilson c/o his daughter Ricci Fitzpatrick riccif@ibm.net..." [18FEB99]


Note NOTICE: "...I am looking for anyone who served in VP-40 from 1979-84. I am trying to locate CJ Harris AD1. Anyone who may be in contact with him, please pass on my e mail...Don Kinzel "The dicko kid" AD2 sandons@aol.com..." [23OCT98]


Note NOTICE: "...Chuck Stiles former pilot in VP-40 in Korea 1951 is now at home with Cancer. His address for anyone concerned is 6405 Trailwood Dr. Plano Tx 75024. Home phone (301) 365-0903..." Contributed by Stew Price STEWMOE@aol.com

Update "...Latest on Chuck Stiles: former VP-40 1951-1953. He has moved to 6405 Trailwood Dr. Plano Tx 75024. On chemo and is responding very well. Phone (972)624-0440..." Contributed by Stew Price STEWMOE@aol.com


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