VPNAVY VP-5 Open House
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Note VP-72 NoticeNote

Note NOTICE: "...I am looking for the names of the men from the Neutraility Patrol VP-72 who were on flight 72-P-12 the only plane that failed to arrive at Iceland. My uncle Bob Weber was supposed to be on this flight but was replaced by a young man my mother was dating (Italian) . I am writing a book and would like some details. Bob died this past year at age 96 so I can no longer ask him. If anyone can point me in the right direction I would be greatful..." Contributed by Christine Poythress poythressc@gmail.com [08AUG2014]


Note NOTICE: "...I am trying to find an official Navy Paint Scheme for the PBY-5A in use around 1945. It would be the solid dark blue scheme. Only one color and not the tri-color scheme. If there were a way to also learn what other markings were usually on the aircraft that would be helpful. I am in touch with a diecast aircraft model manufacturer who is willing to look into making a scale model but they need to be very accurate. My father flew PBY-5A's out of NAS Pearl Harbor, Hawaii at the end of WWII and became the director of Air-Sea Rescue, Hawaiian Sea Frontier prior to leaving. He was in transit to Pearl from the States when the Japanese signed the surrender. He is 82 now and can only remember that the aircraft was solid dark blue. If anyone could help direct me to a source for this information, I would be very appreciative. Phil Garner thrill@bellsouth.net..." [23JAN2006]

UPDATE "...I have learned that the proper paint scheme is indeed, the tri-color for the PBY-5A's. What I need now is to see if anyone has any detailed pictures of any of the PBY's present at Midway for the Battle of Midway. I need to see what markings were on the aircraft. I have several squadron numbers that were supposed to be represented at the Battle by PBY's. They are listed in this excerpt provided by one of you members:

Here is an excerpt from the book PBY: The Catalina Flying Boat by Roscoe Creed pg 102. regarding the Battle of Midway.:

    "The following day (May 22) the buildup began: the first six of twelve PBY-5As of VP-44 under LCDR Brixner arrived from Pearl Harbor to provide long-range patrol capabilities.. Small groups continued to wing in, a hodge podge of PBY's on temporary duty from VP-14, VP-23, VP-24, VP-51, VP-72 and VP-91. The seaplanes operated from Sand Island and the amphibians from the runways on Eastern Island.....". Note that Midway is made up of two islands Eastern and Sand.
Thanks, John for that info.

Anything that anyone can supply will be greatly appreciated. I am on high speed internet so size of transmission is good up to about 3 or 4MB per message. Phil Garner thrill@bellsouth.net..." [26JAN2006]

Note NOTICE: "...I am seeking information regarding a search mission performed on November 14, 1943 by Patrol Squadron Seventy Two. The search was for a missing USAAF B-24 Liberator "Virginia Belle" off the coast of Funafuti. It was performed by two PBY-5 Catalinas - Squadron # 72-01 BUNO: 08501 and # 72-08, BUNO: 08508. Crews were Lt. Robert L. Finucane, Lt. (jg) Lloyd E. Roe, Ens. Ralph H. Boatman Ens. Jesse A. Thomas Jr. And Lt. Edward M. Hollister, Ens. Edward A. Besrusik, Ens. Jesse S. Boyden. My uncle was on this lost liberator - and any information would be appreciated. L McCarthy joanclark@beld.net..." [27NOV2004]


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: "...I am looking for VP-72 patch and/or emblem for flight jacket, etc...John J. Dougherty JDVP43@aol.com..." [24FEB2002]


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