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HistoryVP-47 HistoryHistory

Circa 1959

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation News May 1959 "...VP-47 Crewmen Keep Marlins Airworthy - Page 38 to 39 - Naval Aviation News - May 1959..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1950s/1959/may59.pdf [15AUG2004]

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HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: VP-47 Logo ThumbnailCameraVP-47 Logo "...VP-47 logo from the late fifties, early sixties..." Contributed by Roy Richard, CDR, USN Ret rar1@home.com [28FEB2001]


Circa 1956

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation News November 1956 "...VP-47 Wins Battle 'E' - Page 29 - Naval Aviation News - November 1956..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1950s/1956/nov56.pdf [09AUG2004]

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HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation News September 1956 "...Safety Award For VP-47 - Page 15 - Naval Aviation News - September 1956..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1950s/1956/sep56.pdf [09AUG2004]

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HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation News March 1956 "...T-Tail Squadron At Iwakuni - Page 14 to 16 - Naval Aviation News - March 1956..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1950s/1956/mar56.pdf [08AUG2004]

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HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation News March 1956 "...VP-47 Men Give To School - Page 33 - Naval Aviation News - March 1956..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1950s/1956/mar56.pdf [08AUG2004]

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HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation News February 1956 "...Reenlistments In VP-47 - Page 18 - Naval Aviation News - February 1956..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1950s/1956/feb56.pdf [08AUG2004]

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HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation News February 1956 "...Marlin Repaired At Sea - Page 36 - Naval Aviation News - February 1956..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1950s/1956/feb56.pdf [08AUG2004]

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HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation News January 1956 "...P5M-2 Birthday In VP-47 - Page 24 - Naval Aviation News - January 1956..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1950s/1956/jan56.pdf [08AUG2004]

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Circa 1955

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation News December 1955 "...Safety Awards Presented - Page 29 - Naval Aviation News - December 1955..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1950s/1955/dec55.pdf [07AUG2004]

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HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation News November 1955 "...VP-47 Arrives At Iwakuni - Page 18 - Naval Aviation News - November 1955..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1950s/1955/nov55.pdf [06AUG2004]

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HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation News September 1955 "...VP-47 Transfer In 52 Hours - Page 19 - Naval Aviation News - September 1955..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1950s/1955/sep55.pdf [05AUG2004]

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HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...1955 VP-47 Cruisebook...[Squadron Designations: VP-47, VPB-27, and VPMS-7]..." Contributed by Bruce Barth bbarth1@austin.rr.com, Director Mariner/Marlin Association [29NOV2000]

The squadron we know as VP-47 came into existence with the commissioning of VPB-27 at NAAS Harvey Point, North Carolina on 1 June 1944. On I5 May 1946 the squadron was redesignated VP-27 with its home port at MCAS/NAS Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii. On 15 November 1946 the squadron was redesignated VPMS-7. On 1 September 1948 the squadron was assigned its present designation of VP-47 and has had home ports of MCAS/NAS Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii; NAS North Island, San Diego, California; and presently NAS Alameda, California.

During the squadron's operation and participation in various campaigns, including three full tours in the Korean conflict, personnel attached have been awarded the following medals:

  • Air Medal
  • Korean Presidential Unit Citation
  • American Defense
  • American Theater
  • Asiatic Pacific Campaign
  • World War II Victory
  • China Service
  • World War II Occupation
  • National Defense
  • Korean Service
  • United Nations

    The squadron has flown PBM and presently P5M-2 model aircraft and has operationed with the following Seaplane Tenders: ONSLOW, YAKUTAT, SHELIKOF, ORCA, PINE ISLAND, SUISON. SALISBURY SOUND, GARDENERS BAY. CORSON. and WHITING.

    Circa 1954

    HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation News December 1954 "...Martin P5M-2 Joins Fleet - Page 35 - Naval Aviation News - December 1954..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1950s/1954/dec54.pdf [03AUG2004]

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    Circa 1953

    HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...I recently found these photograph's in my Dad's (Captain F. P. Anderson (1915-2005) - Executive Officer of VP-51, Commanding Officer of VP-33 and the 1st Commanding Officer of VW-1), collection. Seaplane Ramp, NAS Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, circa 1953. As I recall, it was a Cub Scout event..." Contributed by Colonel Bill Anderson, Retired windtree4@comcast.net [10FEB2011]

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    Circa 1952

    HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...FASRON-110, FASRON-112, FASRON-114, FASRON-117, FASRON-118, FASRON-119, FASRON-120, FASRON-885, FASRON-895, VP-1, VP-2, VP-4, VP-6, VP-9, VP-22, VP-28, VP-29, VP-40, VP-42, VP-46, VP-47, VP-731, VP-772, VP-871, VP-892 and VP-931) - Naval Aeronautical Organization OPNAV NOTICE 05400 for Fiscal Year 1953 dated 1 October 1952 is: DECLASSIFIED per Office of Chief of Naval Operations on 1 February 1965 by Op-501..." WebSite: Naval Historical Center http://www.history.navy.mil/a-record/nao53-68/fy1953-oct52.pdf [14MAR2007]

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    HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...FAW-1, FAW-2, FAW-4, FAW-6, FAW-14, VP-1, VP-2, VP-4, VP-6, VP-9, VP-22, VP-28, VP-40, VP-42, VP-46, VP-47 and VP-871) - Naval Aeronautical Organization OPNAV NOTICE 05400 for Fiscal Year 1953 dated 1 October 1952 is: DECLASSIFIED per Office of Chief of Naval Operations on 1 February 1965 by Op-501..." WebSite: Naval Historical Center http://www.history.navy.mil/a-record/nao53-68/fy1953-oct52.pdf [14MAR2007]

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    HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation News December 1952 "...VP Commanding Officers - Page 16 - Naval Aviation News - December 1952..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1950s/1952/dec52.pdf [28JUL2004]

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    Circa 1951

    HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...USS Salisbury Sound (AV-13) - Circa 1951. Squadrons Mentioned: FAW-1, FAW-14 and VP-47..." WebSite: USS Salisbury Sound http://www.salisburysound.com/index_Page555.htm [08JAN2007]

    Commander FAW-1 departed Salisbury Sound on 30 day emergency leave on 2 March 1951, and her Commanding Officer assumed the flag duties until the 9th when she arrived at NS Sangley Point, Philippines. She got underway on 11 March for return to the west coast of United States, touching at Guam and Pearl Harbor before her arrival at San Diego, 31 March 1951. She conducted training exercises out of that port with visits to Monterey and San Francisco. On 24 May 1951 she broke the flag of Vice Admiral A.D. Struble, Commander First Fleet, who departed the ship on 3 June. Five days later she embarked men of VP-47, then sailed for NAS Whidbey Island, Washington, where operational readiness was completed on the 18th for the Mariners who took off for return to the NAS Alameda, California. Salisbury Sound returned to San Diego where on 26 June she embarked the Chief of Staff of FAW-14 and stood out to sea for operational readiness inspection, terminated 28 June 1951. She completed a similar inspection on 23 July and cleared San Diego on 1 August 1951 for another tour of duty in the Far East. Steaming by way of Pearl Harbor, she arrived at Boko Ko, Pescadores Islands, 22 August 1951. That same day she relieved USS Pine Island (AV-12) as Flagship of Commander FAW-1 and became the base for Mariner planes of VP-47. She departed Boko Ko 10 October 1051 and sailed by way of Hong Kong to base at Buckner Bay, Okinawa (18 October 1951-21 February 1952). On the latter date she was relieved as Flagship of Commander Air Wing One by USS Pine Island (AV-12).

    HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: VP-47 History Thumbnail "... NS Sangley Point, Philippines Time frame: Summer 1951. Points of interest: Sleeping quarters, for enlisted men, BA1, and BA3 . The empty quarters indicate BA 1, is on deployment to the Pescadores Islands. Please note the "ultra sophisticated flooring," as well as the "air conditioning units..." Contributed by Richard L. Florence charnan1953@sbcglobal.net [28SEP2001]

    HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: VP-47 History Thumbnail "... NS Sangley Point, Philippines Time frame: 1951. Hut Boy, cleaning enlisted men shoes. We paid $5 per pay day, for him to keep our shoes and hut area clean?..." Contributed by Richard L. Florence charnan1953@sbcglobal.net [28SEP2001]

    HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: VP-47 History Thumbnail "...Pescadores Islands, 1951 Aircraft: BA 3, VP 47. Subjects: Warren Sapp AD1 (bare chested) Robert Amaral AD 2 (flight suit) Note: When we had the "buoy watch duty," these two were forever in the pilots chairs...." Contributed by Richard L. Florence charnan1953@sbcglobal.net [28SEP2001]

    HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: VP-47 History Thumbnail "... NS Sangley Point, Philippines Time frame: Summer 1951. Subject: Interior of hotel. Note air conditioning is operating. Person in front of photo, Warren Sapp, AD 1. Person scratching face in rear of photo unknown. Close examination of photo, upper left shows entrance to the "head!" Shower located there as well. A close look on teh table shows some keys..." Contributed by Richard L. Florence charnan1953@sbcglobal.net [28SEP2001]

    HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Miscellaneous "...A British Seaplane, on the buoy...Time with VP-47 in Hong Kong, Summer of 1951..." Contributed by Richard L. Florence charnan1953@sbcglobal.net [06JUL2001]

    HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Miscellaneous "...A guard on sea lanes patrol craft...Time with VP-47 in Hong Kong, Summer of 1951..." Contributed by Richard L. Florence charnan1953@sbcglobal.net [06JUL2001]

    HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Miscellaneous "...Hong Kong Airport duty crash fire truck...Time with VP-47 in Hong Kong, Summer of 1951..." Contributed by Richard L. Florence charnan1953@sbcglobal.net [06JUL2001]

    HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Miscellaneous "...The check point? at Kai Tak International Airport, Hong Kong...Time with VP-47 in Hong Kong, Summer of 1951..." Contributed by Richard L. Florence charnan1953@sbcglobal.net [03JUL2001]

    HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Miscellaneous "...Crew changing the starter on BA 3, in Hong Kong Harbor. Circa Late summer, early fall 1951..." Contributed by Richard L. Florence charnan1953@sbcglobal.net [03JUL2001]


    Circa 1950

    HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraVP-47 History "...A U.S. Navy Martin PBM-5 Mariner of patrol squadron VP-47 being hoisted on a seaplane tender in the early 1950s..." WebSite: U.S. Navy Naval History Center http://www.history.navy.mil/ [01MAR2012]

    HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...USS Salisbury Sound (AV-13) - Circa 1950. Squadrons Mentioned: FAW-1, FAW-6, VP-1, VP-2, VP-4,VP-42, VP-46 and VP-47..." WebSite: USS Salisbury Sound http://www.salisburysound.com/index_Page555.htm [07JAN2007]

    She tended planes of VP-42 at that port until 6 February 1950, then shifted to Subic Bay in the Philippine Islands. She resumed duty at Hong Kong on 12 April and cleared port on 11 May for exercises off Sangley Point, Luzon before loading aircraft at Guam (27-29 May 1950). She put to sea on the latter day and steamed by way of Pearl Harbor for return to San Diego on 13 June 1950. After voyage repair in the San Francisco Naval Shipyard, she embarked passengers, including men of VP-42, and sailed from San Diego on 26 July bound for the Far East. She debarked her passengers at Pearl Harbor on 1 August and to sea the next day, carrying some 700 passengers destined for the VP-1, VP-2, and VP-4 of Fleet Air Service Squadron and Army units in Japan. Four helicopters and an equal number of SNBS of the Fleet Air Service Squadron were loaded on her seaplane deck. She reached Yokosuka on 11 August 1950, debarking her passengers and their equipment, and took on new aviation cargo and passengers for transport to Apra Harbor, Guam. She arrived at the latter port on 20 August, debarked her passengers, then loaded patrol bomber spare parts and eight jet fighters for delivery to Naha Harbor, Okinawa, 25 August 1950. She reported to Commander Seventh Fleet for duty that day and shifted to Buckner Bay for operations under Commander Service Squadron Three (Commander Task Group 70.7). On 3 September she serviced seven Mariners of VP-46 and two Sunderlands of the 88th Royal Air Force Squadron, which had sortied on typhoon evacuation from their base at Iwakuni, Japan.

    On 6 September 1950, Salisbury Sound arrived at Iwakuni, Japan, and reported for duty to Commander FAW-6. She commenced service to VP-42 and VP-47, which had eleven Mariners present on that day plus three Sunderlands of the 88th Squadron of the Royal Air Force. These units comprised the seaplane and reconnaissance of Task Force Ninety-Six supporting the operations of Task Force Seventy-Seven and Task Group 96.5. Four additional Mariners had arrived on 9 September 1950 when Salisbury Sound became Flagship of Commander Fleet Wing SIX. She now became the operating base for all seaplanes in the Patrol and Reconnaissance Force (*Task Force 99) tending eight Sunderlands of the 88th Squadron of the Royal Air Force, seven planes of VP-47 and nine planes of VP-42. On 16 September Commander FAW-6 shifted his Flag, along with pilots and crew of VP-47, to sea plane tender USS Curtiss (AV-4), controlling all flights from that ship. Salisbury Sound continued seadrome control until 18 September, then took on aviation fuel at Kure, returning to Iwakuni on 21 September 1960. She reported for duty to Commander Air Wing One (task Group 70.6) on 23 September and shifted to base at Buckner Bay, Okinawa, on the 26th. She laid 18 buoys in the seaplane anchorage and on 2 October five Mariners of VP-46 (Southern Search and Reconnaissance Force), arrived from the Pescadores Islands to escape the fury of a typhoon. These planes conducted nightly reconnaissance and patrol flights of the Formosa Straits from the Salisbury Sound until 10 October, when they again terminated their flights in the Pescadores. Meantime she had hoisted the flag of Commander FAW-1 on 5 October 1950. Winds and heavy seas again threatened the seadrome in the Pescadores on 19 October, and Mariners of VP-46 there once again shifted gradually to base from Salisbury Sound. On 2 November 1950 she entered the harbor of Naha, transferring 30,000 gallons of gasoline to Y-53 for delivery to the Naval Base before return to Buckner Bay the same day. She continued direction and tending of the Mariners' search and reconnaissance flights until 27 November 1950 when Commander Fleet Wing ONE- shifted his flag to USS Gardiners Bay (AVP-39).

    Salisbury Sound arrived at Iwakuni, Japan 20 November 1950, and hoisted the flag of Commander Air Wing Six. She relived USS Curtiss (AV-4) of seadrome control and began tending nine Mariners of VP-42 and four Royal Air Force Sunderlands, operating from Iwakuni. On 1 December, seven Mariners of VP-47 arrived, and on the 21st, Commander FAW-6 transferred his flag to Curtis. On 15 December 1950, Salisbury Sound returned to Buckner Bay and relieved Gardiners Bay (AVP-39) as flag ship of Commander FAW-1. She now commenced service for the detachment of five Marines of VP-46, stationed at Buckner Bay, and three Mariners of the same squadron, stationed at Sangley point, Luzon, Philippine Islands. These units conducted search and reconnaissance flights out of Buckner Bay and completed courier flights between Sangley Point and Hong Kong. Commencing 6 January 1951, she supported Anti-Submarine Warfare Training Element 7016 comprising a Land Plane Air Search and Attack Unit (9 P2V4s of VP-22); a Seaplane Air Search and Attack Unit (9 Mariners of VP-46); and Fleet Submarine Besugo (SS-321). This duty terminated on 16 January 1951 and Salisbury Sound resumed her daily direction of reconnaissance flight and tender services.

    HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation News July 1950 "...Paint Balks Barnacle Crust - Page 32 - Naval Aviation News - July 1950..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1950s/1950/jul50.pdf [20JUL2004]

    History

    HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation News June 1950 "...Moving West? Then Read This - Page 28 - Naval Aviation News - June 1950..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1950s/1950/jun50.pdf [20JUL2004]

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    HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...USS Curtiss (AV-4) Thanksgiving Day 1950 Menu - NAS Iwakuni, Japan - FAW-6 - VP-42 - VP-47 - RAF-205 - RAF-209..." [30OCT2003]
    Tender ThumbnailCameraUSS Curtiss Menu
    Tender ThumbnailCameraUSS Curtiss Menu

    HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...Battle Efficiency Ribbon..." Contributed by STUART, George L. lithouse@norfolk.infi.net [14AUG2002]

    Somewhere in the annals of Naval History, VP-47 won the battle efficiency award in or around 1950, a fact which I believe has been overlooked in squadron history. There is a squadron picture taken in 1950 (or thereabouts) of the squadron in its entirety perched in NAS North Island, San Diego, California with the Battle Efficiency Pendant and a sign saying VP-47 in the foreground.

    The picture was taken in a parking lot and has some of the recognizable NAS North Island, San Diego, California buildings behind it. It is NOT the squadron picture taken on the seawall with the two PBMs behind the assembled squadron.

    Whoever may be the squadron historian should be advised of this oversight. Probably it was an oversight due to being known as the "Bent Samaris" vs the GOLDEN SWORDSMEN of later aclaim.

    A lot of worthy squadron personnel worked equally as hard as our present day counterparts to achieve the recognition of being awarded the BATTLE EFFICIENCY AWARD.

    I would appreciate any services which can be rendered to assure we of the era in question receive recognition of this award in the pages of squadron history as the men so richly deserved.

    Thanks for your help,

    George L. Stuart lithouse@norfolk.infi.net

    HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "25JUN50--KOREA--ARRIVED: 25JUN50 DEPARTED: 01JUN53 TAIL CODE: BA AIRCRAFT: PBM-5" http://www.history.navy.mil/branches/koreaob.htm

    HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...Was a tinbender (AM) in FASRON119, NS Sangley Point, Philippines 1950-1952. Some of the VP's we serviced: VP-47 and VP-731..." Contributed by Owen Truitt owentr@juno.com[15NOV98]


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