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

Note VP-9 NoticeNote

Note NOTICE: "...Shipmate Pix I am Larisa Peterson, the widow who recently lost her husband Bradley A. Peterson from CA (ADR3) and who was in VP-9 (1961-1965) and was in several plane crashes (P-3A and P2V) . Bradley had been in 3 plane crashes, also was in the crash in 1963 in SF and was involved in 1962. In two months being in two plane crashes was too much for him to carry for the rest of his life, in December 1964 he was miraculously pulled out from the flight crew at the last moment which saved his life. Maybe somebody remember him. I have the info about Bradley being in the Dominic nuclear tests at Johnston Atoll in his history and tried to use it to get some benefits, but Bradley did not have cancer. He was totally broken, from the head to his legs and had PTSD after being 3 times in plane crashes. He had been fighting for his benefits for 40 years since 1974 and VA could not find any records about crashes and his medical reports, just lying to him. In 2016 using Congresswoman' help we found his records in the Pentagon/National Records and then VA refused to pay him retroactive since his first claim was submitted in 1974. Eventually the VA gave him 10% when he was bound to a wheelchair for many years (back, shoulders, ankle) . Now VA is playing the same game with me saying they could not find any records as to VP-9 history. Do you remember names of ships /assignments you were assigned or done? Did you also go to the Okinawa base (1964), Alaska, Hawaii? My husband had been there. I am trying to see if VP-9 was ever close to the Agent Orange area (Vietnam and so on) while flying around West Pac. Did you go around Vietnam or Guam, or any area close to the Agent Orange area? Only the case with Agent Orange (he had many health problems matched to their requirements) can help now since Bradley was totally disabled (100%) just for 2 years not 10 years to get DIC. I have been taking care of him for years and working full time without any support and help. VA even did not sign his death certificate for months while he was in the freezer. What to say about their service. We also had fought and fought with VA for many years for simple things. If you have any info about VP-9 route/ships/assignments in 1963 - 1964 years that are missing now I would be glad and grateful for it . According to the VA letter they could not find records particularly about the history of the VP-9. Were you in Okinawa in 1964 with this VP-9? Do you remember aircrafts routs , logistics? Any info would help me. I really appreciate anything you can give me. Thank you so much for your time and for your help since I am getting exhausted from this battle, and this is what they wanted. Thank you for being responsible for unearthing the truth and adding it to the history of VP-9. I attached a photo where he is the fourth from the left..." Contributed by Larisa Peterson larisa.peterson@sanjuan.edu [06APR2023]


Note NOTICE: "...I served with VP-9 (1969) at NAF Cam Ranh Bay, Vietnam - ADJ Operations Jet Mechanic. Looking for Shipmates that spent time at NAF Cam Ranh Bay, Vietnam as part of the squadron deployment to NS Sangley Point, Philippines (01APR1969-30SEP1969). Specifically anyone that has filed Agent Orange Compensation and successfully provided documentation of their presence on the ground. The squadron records do not support the temporary duty detachments that were deployed to support the aircrews. VA puts the burden of proof on the veteran. Thank you..." Contributed by Bob Hall rl.hall@comcast.net [03FEB2017]


Note NOTICE: "...My Father, ATN3 Francisco "Frank" VEGA, was lost during the VP-9 Mishap on April 7th, 1965. I was only 9 months old when he died and have always wanted to know about him. I would like to hear from anyone that may have known my Father. Thank you..." Contributed by Frank Vega, Jr. frankvega@ymail.com [20FEB2013]

UPDATE "...I recently received this e-mail from Steve "Andy" ANDRUSZKEWICZ sgpa2zfmly@aol.com..." Frank Vega, Jr. frankvega@ymail.com [27JUN2013]

I served with your Dad in VP-9 early 1964 at NAS Moffett Field, California. We had just begun the transition from P2V7's to the P-3 Orion.

Frank was a very enthusiastic, intelligent and most of all likeable and personable guy.

I remember a conversation we had, he was telling me how happy he was to be in a squadron as a crewman and how much fun he was having. It was early in his service but I think he was already considering a full 20 to 30 year career.

I left the squadron in August 1964 for Instructor Duty at NAS Memphis, Tennessee.

When I heard about the crash and the details and how Frank died I cried, he was such a vibrant young man.

There is an online VP-9 Website and Roster maintained by BIGLEY, CDR Tom Retired bigleytl@earthlink.net.

Sorry to say, I don't have any photos, but I'll always have that wonderful smiling face in my minds eye. When ever I see Eric Estrada I always think of your Dad.

Respectfully,

Steve "Andy" Andruszkewicz AX1/AC
VP-4 (1961-1963)
VP-9 (1963-1964)
NATTC (1964-1967)
VS-37 (1967-1968)
Ventura, CA


Note NOTICE: Shipmate PixCameraJames Darryl Bennett "...My name is Bobbie Bennett Shamburger. In 1962 I was married to James Darryl Bennett...Bobbie Bennett Shamburger hunyeb@yahoo.com..." [31MAY2008]

My name is Bobbie Bennett Shamburger. In 1962 I was married to James Darryl Bennett. He was stationed NAS Alameda, California. I am pretty sure he was with VP-9. I have seen pictures of him with the baseball team during that time. He was killed in a car crash in Mexico in 1962. At that time he had been stationed at a base next door to Lockeed Aircraft. Thier sq. was moved to NAS North Island, San Diego, California. They had just been transfered there and had not even worked the first day when he and Neil Duncan went to Mexico on holiday and he was killed.

We have a daughter who never knew her dad and I am trying to get any information on the squadron that he was with. She would love to have any pictures, patches etc. that I can come up with. Any help would be appreciated.


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 "...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]

History - Tap To Enlarge ThumbnailHistory - Tap To Enlarge ThumbnailHistory - Tap To Enlarge ThumbnailHistory - Tap To Enlarge ThumbnailHistory - Tap To Enlarge ThumbnailHistory - Tap To Enlarge ThumbnailHistory - Tap To Enlarge Thumbnail


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: "...VP-1, VP-4, VP-6, VP-9, VP-17, VP-22, VP-28, and VP-47 flying out of NAS Barbers Point, Hawaii Memorial..." Contributed by Michael Thomas carmikesc@juno.com..." [29MAR2005]

We are in the process of developing a memorial (due to be completed sometime in 2006) for the VP Squadrons that served from NAS Barbers Point, Hawaii. We have identified VP-1, VP-4, VP-6, VP-9, VP-17, VP-22, VP-28, and VP-47 flying out of NAS Barbers Point, Hawaii.

Each Squadron will have a separate inscription on the memorial. Bronze tablets will list the names of the Squadrons next to which will be their ensealed Squadron patch. We have all the patches except for VP-17, VP-22, and VP-28. If you know anyone who may be willing to donate a patch for the memorial, we'd appreciate hearing from them.

To complete the memorial, we need the names of those airmen who were lost while on duty. We need representatives from VP-1, VP-4, VP-6, VP-9, VP-17, VP-22, VP-28, and VP-47 to furnish us with a list of airmen lost and when. VP-6 has accounted for all of its personnel lost since its inception in 1943, including one person "on loan" to VP-871. That's what we need from the other Squadrons to do it justice. We don't need ranks or grades, just complete names and dates of loss.

As well as the memorial, we are making preparations to renovate a P2V aircraft owned by the Smithsonian in DC. The aircraft, presently at Davis-Monthan, and the memorial will be displayed at the Pacific Air Museum at Ford Island.


Note NOTICE: "...In 1963 and 1964 I served VP-9 in Alaska. During that time LCDR Tromlitz was the pilot of Crew 16. While flying our partols we flew near an island in the Aleutians where a P38 from WW2 was visible from the air. My question is: is there anyone who knows where this island is located? We have interest of locating and possibly retrieving that aircraft for historical purposes. Thank you in advance for any information you might be able to supply. Don Wallace dwall33175@direcway.com..." [23FEB2004]


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: "...VP-9 Wives' Club Cookbook - I have several of the cookbooks to sell. This brand new cookbook is a fundraiser for the VP-9 Officers' Spouses Club - a portion of all sales goes to a local charity in Hawaii. Seasoned with Aloha, vol. 2 is a collection of recipes by the VP-9 OSC. It is a unique cookbook filled with recipes of many different flavors - Hawaiian, Mexican, Oriental, and traditional American cuisine, plus many others. The book has a Hawaiian Quilt pattern theme. It also tells about the Naval Aviation squadron our spouses are in, and of which we are so proud. We are selling them for $10 (includes shipping in the US). If you are interested - drop me an e-mail (with "VP-9 Wives' Club Cookbook as the Subject") and I'll provide additional information. Thanks! suzymc32@yahoo.com..." [14JUL2002]


Note NOTICE: "...I am looking for anyone who was in VP-9 with a cruise book for the 57-58 deployment to NAS Kodiak, Alaska. I would like to have it scanned or borrowed to get the information from the book. Thanks!...PERRETT, AT2 F. Leon Jr. "Preach" k4gcr@surfsouth.com..." [28APR2001]


Note NOTICE: "...For some research I'm doing in connection with a book to be published next April about the loss of VP-9's PD-2 off Shemya. I'd like the serial numbers of the two VP-26 aircraft lost over the Gulf of Siam in 1968 (BUNO: 153440 and 153445). Any additional information about these incidents as well as accounts of the loss of VO-67's three OP2Fs during the same period (early 68) over the Ho Chi Minh trail would be very welcome. Thanks...Andrew C. A. Jampoler ACAJ@GEOKNOW.COM..." [28JUL2002]


Note NOTICE: "...I just found it while looking for a Shipmate at VP-65. He was a member of the VP-9 crew that ditched in artic waters (SEE: In Memorial for lost friends Alfa Foxtrot 586), and was recovered by a soviet trawler, LCDR Bruce Forshay...Dean Prodromos d.prodromos@comcast.net..." [01NOV2004]


Note NOTICE: "...I am looking for some information on Glendon "Sugar Bear" Herndon (worked on the VP-9 Line Crew)...CARRIER, Dennis dcarrierfam@aol.com..." [13OCT2003]


Note NOTICE: "...ALL HANDS....I'M SHOUTING TO ENSURE YOU ALL HEAR. LT MIKE "PAPPY" PLOWMAN WILL RETIRE AFTER 20 YEARS OF SERVICE. The ceremony will take place on 2 August 02 at VANCE AFB, OK. in Enid. We are 1 hour NW of Oklahoma City. Pappy served as a sensor 3 then a pilot and instructor. He is currently training new students at Vance AFB in the T-37. Contact me via email if you have questions...PLAN TO ATTEND. V/R, Brad Jacobs VP-10 LT Brad Jacobs p3jacobs@hotmail.com..." [11JUL2002]


Note NOTICE: "...I am trying to contact Allen Efraimson (lost contact with him). Thanks! ...Andrew C. A. Jampoler jampoler@earthlink.net..." [25JAN2002]


Note NOTICE: "...I would like to make contact with Charlie Kauffman who I served with in NAS Alameda, California...CLAYBERGER, Joseph John jaycee@exotrope.net..." [26MAR2001]


Note NOTICE: "...I'm also looking for an AW by the name of Mike Dockendorf. I think he went to VP-9 after school in VP-31 in '73. Someone out there knows him, and I'd appreciate contacting him...ROST, AT1(AW) Les lrost@aboutmontana.net..." [13FEB2001]


Note NOTICE: "...I was an IFT with VP-9 CAC-7 from 1988 - 1992. I am trying to locate AW1 Henderson (Retired). He would have retired in 1990 give or take. He was the Radar Operator for CAC-7 with VP-9. I believe he retired ot the upper west coast (Oregon or Washington). I am also trying to find a Mary Celentano who was with VP-50 during the same time frame. If you have any information about either of these people I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks...Mike Wickham WICKHAMMT@AOL.COM..." [06JUL2000]


Note NOTICE: "...I am trying to find information on a V. H. Ragsdale. He served with VP-9. I don't know if he was an officer or enlisted but the crew gave him a sword. I think his last home was in Calif. Thank you for your help...Rod Rodx76239@aol.com..." [23MAY2000]


Note NOTICE: "...I am looking for an old neighbor & Shipmates from NAS Moffett Field, California. His name is Mike Robinson, at the time Mike was an AW1 with VP-9 (I think). He then went to recruiting duty in Mississippi and from there I have lost track of him. Any clue's?...CWO3 (Ret.) Thomas Allhoff tomallhoff@gmail.com..." [E-Mail Updated 18DEC2002 | 16SEP99]


Return
"VP-9 Summary Page"