VP-5 Squadron Shipmates
http://www.vpnavy.org
VPNAVY Address

ShipmateFASRON-115 ShipmatesShipmate

BOETTCHER, CAPTAIN Robert Richard Retired http://www.usna.com/history/classof1940/B.htm "...Bob was Deck Division and Turret Officer in TUSCALOOSA (CA 37) when the ship hosted President Franklin Roosevelt on his Caribbean inspection trip of "Bases for Destroyers," and escorted him to Argentia. While one of only four (all classmates, Pancho Hunker, Ray Koshliek, Dick Laning) top watch standers in HORNET (CV 8), Bob saw LCOL Doolittle (Tokyo Raiders) and LCDR Waldron (Torpedo 8 - Midway) wave on take-off. After that it was flight training at NAS New Orleans, Louisiana (New Year's Eve 42/43), NAS Pensacola, Florida, NAS Jacksonville, Florida. Bob hunted German subs off Brazil with VP-94 (PBY 5A); then familiarization in PBM and Commanding Officer of VPB-18 (PBM 5) during the Okinawa operation (for which they received the Navy Unit Commendation). The squadron established the first and only Navy Air transport between Saipan and Tokyo for two months. PG School at the USNA and MIT came next and then on to be Executive Officer of the FASRON at NAS Whidbey Island, Washington. Bob then became the Operations Officer of MINDORO (CVE 120); Commanding Officer of FASRON-115 and Commanding Officer of the NAS Trinidad, British West Indies. Two tours in BuAer preceded retirement on 31 October 1959. Bob received the last of "Tombstone" promotions to Captain..." [21JUL2003]


JOENKS, AEC Eugene W. Retired highknoll@juno.com "...Served in NAMTD 1057 at NAS Whidbey Island, Washington, NAS Alameda, California, and NAS North Island, San Diego, California from 1957 to 1961 as both AE maintenance and flight instructor on P2V-5F's and 7's. Went to VP-46 in 1961 and served there until 1964. Saw the missle tests at Johnson Island and the seals and whales of NAS Adak, Alaska, Shemya, and NAS Kodiak, Alaska. I served in VP-31 Det A, NAS Moffett Field, California, and Det A, NAS North Island, San Diego, California until 68. Served a year in HAL-3 Nam as Ops Chief and Door Gunner from 1968 through 1969. From 1969 to 1971 I was with the Blue Dragons of VP-50 and twilighted in VA-128 Whidbey until retirement in 1974 after completing 26 years in Uncle's Navy. Graduated from ISU in 79, worked for Mc Donnell Douglas for 5 years on the Harpoon Missle project. I even deployed to NAS Cubi Point, Philippines in 1983 as Senior Field Eng., and flew with VP-1 and VP-6. Design analysis engineer for Kaiser Aerospace until retirement again in 92. Currently living and enjoying mountain life in southeast Arizona on the Mexican border...I served in both FASRON-915 and FASRON-115 during the period of 1952 to 1954. I arrive at Piarco in 1952 when the squadron was under the command of CDR Knoche and the exec was LCDR Lecompe(sp). I was an AE3 and was privileged to fly in our PBM5A and when we received our UF I also flew in it. We took trips to NS Roosevelt Roads, PR, NAS Jacksonville, Florida, and even over to the Canal Zone. I was promoted to AE2 in 1953 whereby my wife was allowed to come down and we lived in Tucker Valley. Our oldest son, now a retired CPO, 26 years was born there. I went on and completed 26 years and retired in 1974..." [BIO Updated 28MAY2000 | 11MAR2000]


KNUTSON, YNSN George geock7@gmail.com "...I served with FASRON-115 (1951-1954). I completed 49 years teaching in the State of Indiana Public School System. I am currently 78 years old and would like to hear from former Shipmates..." [07JAN2011]


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