HOLMES, CDR Francis M. (Frank) 2005 1966 1947 1945 1942 fholmes101@aol.com "...Frank Holmes was called to active duty in the US Navy on August 1942 as a V5 Aviation Cadet and completed Primary Civilian Pilot Training (CPT) at Quincy, Illinois; Secondary (CPT) at Iowa City, Iowa; USN Preflight School at Iowa City, Iowa and Primary Flight Training at NAS Glenview, Illinois. He completed all other phases of Flight Training at NAS Corpus Christi, Texas and was commissioned as Ens USNR on April 8, 1944 with operational qualifications in OS2U aircraft. His first assignment, following some leave and travel, was with Scouting Squadron 48 (VS-48), flying OS2Us, doing inshore patrol in Southeastern Alaska. VS-48 soon moved to NAS Attu, Alaska where they continued inshore patrol and flew air sea rescue for the Navy squadrons on bombing missions against the Kurile Islands. In a few months VS-48 was split into detachments and moved to other areas in the Aleutians, one of which was Dutch Harbor. Although he had only been commissioned a few months, he drew the assignment as Senior Aviator (Officer-in-Charge) of VS-48 Detachment Dutch Harbor. At Dutch Harbor they soon transitioned from OS2Us to SBD-5s and continued their mission of inshore patrol. The Aleutian challenge was the weather, seldom good and always unpredictable. As a squadron, VS-48 lost five aircraft; three due to weather and two because of mechanical malfunctions. Ens Holmes lost one of the five -- when the engine quit, he ditched in the bay off Dutch Harbor. His crew member and he survived with minor injuries -- the only surviving crew from the five who were lost. In June 1945 he returned to the states for reassignment and operational training in TBMs at NAS Ft Lauderdale, Florida. When World War II ended he sought release from active duty and was granted same. Caryl and Frank were married in Ft Lauderdale and lived there for a few months before returning to the Chicago area where they lived with her parents as they struggled with what to do with their lives. Frank wanted to return to college but colleges were crowded and worst of all housing was practically non-existent and by now they were expecting. All this was settled for them when Frank received an invitation from the Navy for a change in status from USNR to USN and an immediate return to active duty. He returned to active duty Dec 13, 1946. Following years included duty with: VA22a - TBM Operational Training Squadron at NAS North Island, San Diego, California (Carrier Qualification), VA12a - TBM Squadron in Air Group 11 aboard the USS Valley Forge, FASRON-11 - NAS Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, Oahu and Yokuska Japan, NAVAL AIR TECHNICAL TRAINING UNIT - NAS Lakehurst, New Jersey (PC R4D), VR-1 - R5D & R7V Squadron at NAS Patuxent River, Maryland (PC R5D & PC R7V), USN Post Graduate School Monterey, CA -- Line School, NROTC Tulane -- College Refresher, Naval Preflight School Pensecola - Military Science Instructor USN Post Graduate School Monterey CA -- Engineering School (BS Aeronautical Eng), NROTC Ames Iowa (MS Nuclear Engineering), VP-16 -- P2V squadron at NAS Jacksonville, Florida and NAS Sigonella, Sicily (PPC P2V), BUWEPS -- Project Manager Navy Navigation Satellite System at Washington D.C., NAS Point Mugu, California - Operations Officer Navy Astronautics Group where upon completion of his assignment there Frank retired from active naval service on July 1, 1966 as a Commander. Frank believes that his greatest contribution to Aviation and Space programs came during the six years that he spent as Project Manager of the Navy Navigation Satellite System (TRANSIT) during its development at BUWEPS and subsequently as Operations Officer at the Navy Astronautics Group during its initial operational deployment. After completing 24 years in the Navy, Frank started a second career with TRW Systems in Redondo Beach, California where he was to complete another 24 years in a wide variety of interesting and challenging assignments in the world of Aerospace systems and Computer related mission applications. In 1968, he completed the requirements for and received a Master of Engineering degree from UCLA. He managed the first study of what is now the Global Positioning System (GPS) that has become so widely used today. Among other interesting assignments, Caryl accompanied him to: Australia where he served at the US/Australia Joint Defence Research Facility and, Italy where he led a multinational team of engineers in the development of command and control computer system requirements for Commander Naval Forces South (NATO). On July 1, 1990 he left employment for pay and started working on his next 24 year tour as a volunteer with: AARP Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (VITA/TCE) program as a Local Coordinator; The Retired Activities Office (NRAO) at Naval Station Long Beach/ Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach as Assistant Director; The WWII USN Scouting Squadron's Association as Vice President; and St Paul's Lutheran Church as Men's Group Leader..." [07DEC2005]

JOHNSON, Ed (Knute) c/o His Son Ed Johnson edj@edjohnson.net "...My father, Ed (Knute) Johnson died last October and I inherited his flight jacket, complete with all the patches. I knew the names of all the squadrons he'd been in, but couldn't match the patches with the right one. There were a couple with no names (FASRON-11) and now I can label them in the frame I am building so my brothers, all younger, can appreciate where he was and what he did all those years we lived in the back seat of that Ford station wagon. Thanks again..." [31OCT2002]

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LEISHER, AD2 William (Bill) Wleisher@aol.com "...I joined FASRON-11 at NAS Atsugi, Japan fresh out of AD(A) school in mid 1952 and left as an AD2. I spent half of my tour at NAS Atsugi, Japan in the Jet Shop under ADC Seeger (sp?) and the rest at two of our detachments, K-18 and Itazuke. In mid 1954 I was transferred to FASRON-12 at NAS Miramar and, after extending for two years, stayed there till mid 1957 when I was discharged. Great duty and a great part of my life! Would like to hear from others from these two FASRONs...." [25JAN2003]

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MacDONALD, TM1 James macdonaldjc@att.net "...I served with FASRON-11 (1956-1958) in the Advanced Undersea Weapons Unit 0411. Our shop was located on the Marine Side of the base close to the U-2 Hanger..." [09MAR2014]

MARKS, AMH2 Robert C. "Buzz" skyhawk2@sbcglobal.net "...Great Lakes Naval Training Center, June 1955, Company 304, with Dave Kerlin and Joe Havens from Marengo, IL. NAS Norman, Oklahoma for Airman Prep-school and Aviation Metalsmith school NAS Millington, Tennessee. First and only assignment was FASRON-11, NAS Atsugi, Japan 1956 (E3 Airman) thru 1958 (E5 PO AMH2), with Bob Bartels - Nebraska, Karl Gokey - New York, Bill Tom Lowrance - Oklahoma and other great Shipmates..." [25DEC2013]

McDONALD, AD3 Ken (Mac) kenmac4040@aol.com "...I attended AD(A) school at NAS Memphis, Tennessee. I then served with FASRON-11 NAS Atsugi, Japan from January 1952 until January 1954. I went to K-18 late 1952 until mid 1953 then to Commander Fleet Air, Japan (ComFairJap) staff at Mito Bombing Range until January 1954. Would like to hear from Shipmates..." [11MAR2004]

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NELLIST, Charles nellist@sbcglobal.net "...I served with FASRON-11 from February 1952 to February 1954..." [E-Mail Updated 05DEC2003 | E-Mail Updated 03MAR2003 | 21SEP2000]

NORRIS, Don wewen2sea@aol.com "...Served at NAS Kodiak, Alaska in FASRON-114 in 1958-59. Going back for a visit in summer 99. I want to give a personal thank you to Kodiak Coast Guard. We were headed there from the Marshall Islands in June 98 when our sail boat sank at 23 north, 173 east. Kodiak answered our mayday..." [10MAY99]

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PARRIS, Frank franknnell@aol.com "...I was stationed at Opama, Japan FASRON-11 from 1952 to 1953. I would like to hear from anyone that was there during this time..." [19MAR2000]

PIERRE, Joe Retired joe@joepierre.com "...Returned to CLUSA after two years in Tsingtao MCAF, TAD to Marines with Hedron, Air FMF Wes Pac; and on NAS Orote and NAS Agana, Guam. Served on NAS North Island, San Diego, California with FASRON-11, until Korean War, when I shipped over and went out with sqdn to Yokosuka, where I was transferredred to Oppama Seaplane Ramp, and to FASRON-120. Then transferred to NAS Atsugi, Japan, with FASRON-120 Aug Unit. Left Japan in December 1950 via Korean Airlift, with Pulmonary TBC, and was retired at Naval Hospital, St. Albans, Long Island, NY. Came back with a bunch of Marines from 1st Marines from "Froxen Chosin."..." [16OCT2004]

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RASPBERRY, Bobby L. bjrasp@yahoo.com "...I served with FASRON-120 (03/1953) at NAF Oppama, Japan and then NAS Iwakuni, Japan (07/1953), FASRON-11 at NAF Oppama, Japan, NAF Oppama, Japan (Commanding Officer's Staff) until return to COMAIRSANDIEGO and was discharged (11/1956)..." [30APR2013]

RIDER, MCPO Danny L. Retired dlrnavy@sandyvalley.net "...I reported to FASRON-112 for duty at NAS Whidbey Island, Washington in the Spring of 1957. I was assigned to the torpedo shop on the hill. We shared one end of a building also housing the mine shop. I was a TM2 at the time. I lived in the old housing above Title VIII and CPO quarters. I had a terrific tour there and left just as the torpedo shop was moving into the new AUW shop on the East side of the Landing strip. I left there for Submarine school in New London CT. I reported to FASRON-11 at NAS Atsugi, Japan in 1959. I was assigned to the AUW shop located in East Camp. I was a TM2 at the time and advanced to TM1 the next year. I reported in with two children and my wife and left 3 years later with four children and wife. We lived half the tour in Tsuruma and the rest in CCC Housing on the base. It was a wonderful tour which I enjoyed very much. I hope some of my Shipmates from that time period will contact me..." [08OCT2003]

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"...SACKETT, AX1 Dan...AX1 Retired Daniel Sackett (83 years old) passed away on 6/18/12 at his home in Texas. Dan served with FASRON-11 and VP-48 ..." Contributed by FADNESS, AWCS Melvin R. mfadness@concentric.net [19JUN2012]

SACKETT, Dan Retired dansackett@earthlink.net "...I served with FASRON-11 at NAS Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii from early 1948, then back to NAS North Island, San Diego, California in 1949 and I left active duty Feb 1950. Came back in in 1958 and did a tour in VP-48 at NAS North Island, San Diego, California and played a lot of softball. Some names I remember are Ed Larson, Jim Lee (best softball pitcher I ever played with or against, K D Stout from Missouri, lots of others. Finally finished active duty with VP-40 at NAS Moffett Field, California, retired in February 1975 and returned to the Northwest. I am presently in Spokane. If any one knows where LCDR Walt Cook of VP-40, please let me know. I am also looking for Don Haaland, F.E in my old flight crew in VP-40. For that matter anyone who remembers me, drop me a message. Regards to all previous Shipmates..." [Updated E-Mail/BIO 31OCT2001 | 14APR2000]

SCOTTI, Joe mojoehike@aol.com "...Glad to see VP site on NAS Atsugi, Japan. I was attached to base AIMD (was FASRON-11)from 1960 to 1962. Comments here bring back many memories..." [13JAN2000]

SECAN, Joseph N. avhcorleone@gmail.com "...I served with FASRON-11 (1953-1955). I would like to hear from former Shipmates..." [22JUL2012]

STUMFOLL, Max mistys@q.com "...I served with FASRON-11 (Supply Department) in 1958..." [02MAY2010]

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"...THURMON, CAPTAIN Norman E...CAPT Norman E. Thurmon, graduated from Central Missouri State College in 1941, and was commissioned in the summer of 1942. He served in WWII as a dive bomber pilot in Carrier Air Groups ELEVEN and NINETEEN. CAPT Thurman was also part of the atacking force that recaptured the Island of Guam. He then served aboard the USS BATAAN during the Korean conflict, and in 1954 was Operations Officer of the USS HANCOCK (CVA-19). There he was promoted to the rank of Commander. In 1957 he was the commanding officer of FASRON-11 at NAS Atsugi, Japan. He was promoted to Captain in 1962 while in the Strategic Planning Division in the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations. He took his first Command in April of 1963 onboard the USS VALCOUR (AVP 55). During his service he was awarded the Navy Cross, Distinguished Flying Cross, and two Air medals. CAPT Thurmon passed away on the 9th of June 1998..." http://members.tripod.com/~lph9/COGUM.htm [17JAN2004]

TOMCZAK, AD2 John V. soldertek1@msn.com "...I served with FASRON-11 in the Training Office (1955 to 1956), USS Shangri-La (CVA-38), NAS Glenview, Illinois AD2 FE on C-54 and then C-118's and FASU/NSA DaNang, Republic of Vietnam flying air crew. I then transferred to the Air Force and was a crew member on KC-97's and later KC-135's. I retired after my military service and graduated from Chiocago State University with a degree in chemistry. I worked in that field until I again retired two years ago. I would like to hear from anyone from FASRON-11 from that time period. M/Sgt. Johyn V. Tomczak, USAF-Retired..." [06DEC2007]

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WAKEFIELD, Wendell genboblee@gbronline.com "...I served with FASRON-11 in June 1958 to February 1959 and VU-5 at NAS Atsugi, Japan..." [25JAN2004]

WALKER, AMH1 Keith S. Retired norry47@msn.com "...I served with FASRON-11 NAS Atsugi, Japan (1953 to 1956), VW-3 Guam (1959 till disestablishment), AEWBarRonPac (Airborne Early Warning Barrier Squadron Pacific) Hawaii (1960 to 1962), NAS Patuxent River, Maryland with AEWTULANT (Airborne Early Warning Training Unit Atlantic), OASU, NAS Lakehurst N.J. with Blimps, NAS North Island, San Diego, California in O&R, VC-11, and VX-8 till I was discharged in 1967. Went to Saigon with OASU in 1966 with flying TV planes called Project Jenny..." [URL Updated 31JAN2005 | 11JUL2002]

WHELAN, Jim omceltic@cpx.net "...I was one of the first 50 Airmen to be stationed at NAS Atsugi, Japan. I arrived via Sasebo on October 1, 1950. I was assigned to FASRON-11. The base was commissioned in December 1950. I stayed with the FASRON-11 and later assigned to the Air Station itself and worked with an Army Sgt. Signnal Corp member to set up the telephone system. I had four Japanese women operators who did all incoming and outgoing cals on the main swirch board. I played on the first base basketball team in Novemebr 1950 and was a starting Offensive Tackle on the first football team the Atsugi Flyers in 1951 which won the Far East title in the service league. I was reassigned to the USS Essex (LHD-2) in March of 1952 and saw duty off North Korea as a flight deck ordanceman. Returning to the USA in July 1952, I was stationed with COMmander AIR PACific (COMAIRPAC) at NAS North Island, San Diego, California. I was assigned to special services and played for the North Island Skyraiders football team. Our opening game that year was against the NFL Champion Los Angeles Rams. The game was played before a a standing room only audience of 30,000 fans in Balboa Stadium. I was re-assigned to FASRON-12 at NAS Miramar, California in early January 1953 and remained there until being re-called to NAS North Island, San Diego, California for the 1953 football season. Staioned back with FASRON-12 Personnel Office until discharged in May 1954..." [08NOV2010]

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"FASRON-11 Summary Page"

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