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Note VP-42 NoticeNote

Note NOTICE: History ThumbnailCameraVP-42 Belt Buckle "...I found this VP-42 brass belt buckle inscribed "P. S. Powell" in a drawer at work. I’ll ship it to a family member or loved one for free..." Contributed by Richard Wood rwood@jackcooper.com [07MAY2016]


Note NOTICE: "...My Father, LT Jules Maderos, was a TACCO with VP-42 (1963-1967). Dad just got this letter requesting the dates he was actually in Vietnam (NAF Tan Son Nhut, South Vietnam). I have most of the dates but they would like some pictures (if possible.) Does anyone have pictures, etc.? It would be wonderful if you had any pictures with Dad. Thank you..." Contributed by Matthew Maderos mmaderos@gmail.com [17AUG2013]


Note NOTICE: "...I am trying to find photos of the VP-42 nose art that was painted on the planes during our NS Sangley Point, Philippines / NAF Cam Ranh Bay, Vietnam 1968 cruise - any help will be appreciated. Thanks..." Contributed by TYSON, AOCM Robert L. Sr. (Bob) Retired bob.tyson@cox.net [18JUL2013]


Note NOTICE: "...I am trying to find anyone from VP-42 that was at NAF Cam Ranh Bay, Vietnam in 1967 that remembers me. It seems there is no record of me there. I was in the barracks when the base got mortared. Does anyone remember that? I worked in the barracks at the time. I was good friends with Bob Sheppard and James Franklin..." Contributed by Bruce Spencer spencerpooltime@comcast.net [28APR2011]


Note NOTICE: "...I am emailing for a friend, Ken Kissler, who served with VP-42 in 1959. Ken is looking for a copy (will buy) of that year's cruisebook. If you have a copy and would be willing to make a copy - Ken would pay for that as well..." Contributed by Judee Kunze jkkunze@gmail.com [09AUG2010]


Note NOTICE: "...I was a PPC with VP-42 in 1964. The VA has denied my claim for prostate cancer saying they can't find any support that I was detached from NAS Iwakuni, Japan to NAF Tan Son Nhut, South Vietnam (Saigon). Anyone making the 1964 deployment to NAS Iwakuni, Japan, please contact me. Ed Mobley edmobley@gmail.com..." [10JAN2010]


Note NOTICE: "...My brother Joseph P (JP) Lavis served with VP-42 from 1961 to 1965. I am trying to find out if the VP community has initiated a challenge coin that I can procure and present to him. He is a Vice Commander with the VFW and he mentioned they just ordered the VFW coin and now I would like to find one that commemorates his time in the Navy. Any info would help short of initiating a new coin draft from a dealer. Thanks in advance for your assistance. AVCM Michael A Lavis Sr. Retired mikel60@verizon.net..." [21OCT2009]


Note NOTICE: "...We are working on a project regarding Navy aircraft flying above our ship December 18-20, 1950. The USS McKean (DD-784) and the USS Frank Knox (DD-742) encountered a Soviet submarine near Sasebo, Japan. Crewmembers of both ships reported that a US Navy patrol plane was above our ships during the encounter. One aircraft reported that one submarine had taken a stern shot that just missed our ship. We think the planes could be from VP-6 (28 Jun 1950-12 Feb 1951), VP-22 (01 NOV 50 to 01 MAY 51), VP-42 (19 JUL 50 to 01 APR 51), VP-46 (15 JUN 50 to 06 MAR 51), VP-47 (07 JUL 50 to 01 JAN 51), VP-772 (01 SEP 50 to 01 JAN 51) and VP-892 (18 DEC 50 to 01 AUG 51) squadrons that were flying near Sasebo, Japan at that time. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks. Richard Shaw rpsha@cox.net..." [26APR2007]

UPDATE "...I have received a message indicating that no VP-46 aircraft were involved.. Thanks. Richard Shaw rpsha@cox.net..." [21JUN2007]


Note NOTICE: "...Attention VP-42 Personnel (Officers and Enlisted). If you served in Vietnam between October 1965 and February 1966 and did not receive the Vietnam Service Medal (reflected on your DD-214) - please contact me. I may be able to assist you in obtaining your VSM. Naturally, no guarantees but I will get you pointed in the right direction. This is an oversight by the Navy that can be corrected. Thank you..." Contributed by GOFF, ADR3 Maurice E. Jr. tingmayuk@gci.net [14FEB2007]


Note NOTICE: "...First and foremost, thanks to all of you for your service! My father, Ron Limberg, was in VP-42 and served as an aircrewman during Vietnam. For Christmas, I would like to get a gift to remind him of his service. If anyone remembers him, I would appreciate a "steer" in the right direction as to what crew or airplane that he served on. Thanks for any and all assistance...Bonnie Neymeyer bonniewabbit@yahoo.com..." [14DEC2006]


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 "...Patrol squadrons finally recognized - By Jessie Stensland - Sep 16 2006 - Whidbey News Times http://www.whidbeynewstimes.com/..." Forwarded by Jim Campbell blandjcampbell@aol.com [26NOV2006]

Hundreds of people traveled thousands of miles to be in Oak Harbor Thursday morning.

The first-of-its-kind Patrol Squadron Memorial was dedicated to aircrews past and present, and presented to the Oak Harbor community, in a dignified and emotional ceremony at the Veterans Park on East Pioneer Way. It began with a flyover by a P-3 Orion.

Linda MacDonald and her husband, Bob, flew to Oak Harbor from California to be at the ceremony with their two daughters. Linda said they came to the event in memory of her brother Dale Armour, whose name is engraved in a granite wall of the memorial along with the 84 other servicemen who lost their lives in Whidbey-based patrol squadron operations.

The memorial has deep meaning for the family.

"It's a culmination," Linda said. "It's closure. It gives us a place to come now to remember him."

Armour, a 22-year-old member of VP-42, was in a VP-2 Neptune aircraft that disappeared while on patrol in Alaska in 1967. The site of the crash wasn't found until 16 years later.

The MacDonald family was among more than 600 people who attended the ceremony. It coincided with a Reunion of Patrol Squadron Two Association, which is the group behind the memorial.

Capt. David Taylor, Commander of Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing 10, spoke passionately during the ceremony about the history of the Navy's patrol and reconnaissance squadrons, which is a history inextricably linked to Oak Harbor. The first patrol squadron at Whidbey Island Naval Air Station flew PBY Catalinas in the 1940s.

Taylor spoke about how patrol squadrons helped to win the Cold War by "playing a cat-and-mouse game" with Soviet submarines and planes.

"Anywhere we could chase the enemy bear, we wore the enemy down," he said.

Yet Taylor said the patrol mission is still valid today, even with the end of the Cold War.

"This is a time of great challenge and change to the patrol and reconnaissance squadrons," he said, "our Navy and our nation."

Taylor also spoke about the bronze statue of a 1960s era airman, which is the centerpiece of the memorial.

"I see a proud warrior of the past," he said, "but I also see in his face the warrior of the present."

Floyd Palmer, president of the Patrol Squadron Two Association, turned over ownership of the memorial to the citizens of Oak Harbor with an official presentation to Mayor Patty Cohen.

Afterward, Palmer explained that the effort to build a memorial started when he took a tour of Whidbey Island Naval Air Station more than six years ago and realized that there was nothing to recognize patrol squadrons. It took the work of many members of the association and money from many generous donors to finally make his dream a reality.

During her speech, Cohen said the patrol squadrons didn't receive as much recognition as others in the military because "their missions were always classified," but she said they were definitely "so deserving of a permanent place in town."

The Northwest Navy Ceremonial Band ended the ceremony by playing Taps. Afterward, the audience got the chance to look at the memorial close up.

Robert Lenson, a member of the VP-2 Association, attended the event with his wife, Raye. He was the skipper of VP-17 in 1964.

Husband and wife agreed that such a memorial was long overdue.

"It means a great deal," Raye said. "We mourn the loss of crewmates. This recognition is important."

© Copyright 2005 Whidbey News Times

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UPDATE "...LEFT PICTURE: Appeared on page 2 of the 9-27 issue of the Northwest Navigator, NAS Whidbey Edition. This is the Northwest Navy newspaper for the region. RIGHT PICTURE: Win Stites..." Forwarded by McLAUGHLIN, LT Bob banddmcl1964@msn.com [04OCT2006]

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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]

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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: "...After my ship (Submarine USS S27 - SEE: http://www.csp.navy.mil/ww2boats/s27.htm) sank off the S/E tip of Amchitka in the Aleutians, on 19 June 1942, the 50 of us spent 6 day on this uninhabited island living in an abanded Aleut village at Constantine Harbor prior to being located and picked up by the boys of VP-41 and VP-43 from under the enemy's nose. Never met anyone of them, but now, 64 yrs later, I'm in touch via Email with a few of them. Most of my Shipmates are gone now, as I guess most of them are also. Ain't Email great?..George J. Herold georgess132@webtv.net..." [23APR2006]


Note NOTICE: "...Looking for any VP-42 or VP-47 Shipmates who remembers being supported by the USS Curtiss (AV-4) in October, 1950 at Iwakuni, Hiroshima Wan, Japan. Would like to hear of any experiences you can remember while being supported by the USS Curtiss (AV-4). I am the historian for the USS Curtiss Association and can use any stories you might have for our members of the Association to be published at our web site...NORRIS, Bud cnorris1@socal.rr.com..." [13JAN2005]


Note NOTICE: "...I'd like to hear from anyone with info re the following: Was it true that a VP-42 P2V was vectored or strayed near Russ. to draw fire from suspected SAM sites, and returned home with a missile fragment in an engine nacelle?-as I heard, the pilot, copilot, nav. plus were flown back to DC for a meeting with the Joint Chiefs-and due to having secret info. were not to fly this area again. next: Unfortunately, VP-42 lost a P2 on a night flt. while on (I believe) Yankee Station under control of USS Columbus, who ordered the P2 to identify a freighter by flying low enough to read the name on the transom-this resulted in catching a wingtip ,a crash, and loss as I recall of five lives. Seven survived with no signif. injuries. One of the losses was a USN Captain riding along as an observer. Interestingly was that the USS Maddox and USS C. Turner Joy picked up our crew. My question is did the following hearing/inquiry result in the early return of the squadron to NAS Whidbey Island, Washington...PUGH, William L. MD bjpugh@west.net..." [07AUG2001]


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: "...Is there cruise book from VP-42 from their tour over seas in 1962-1964. Just interested if there is anything...Jim Kite [VP-42] jimk@techline.com..." [25JAN2000]


Note NOTICE: "...I served on the USS Curtiss (AV-4) from 1953 through 1955. I am the Historian for the Curtiss Association and I am always looking for more photo's of the ship. I know the ship maintained many of the planes for VP-42 and hoped that someone would have some additional photo's of our ship. I appreciate any info on this. Thanks...Looking for any VP-42 or VP-47 Shipmates who remembers being supported by the USS Curtiss (AV-4) in October, 1950 at Iwakuni, Hiroshima Wan, Japan. Would like to hear of any experiences you can remember while being supported by the Curtiss...Bud Norris cvnorris@worldnet.att.net..."[Notice Updated 16JUN2000 | 26MAY2000]


Note NOTICE: "...I was looking for information on two individuals, my dad, Raymond Schankin, who was with VP-42 in the Aleutians, WWII. Also, my uncle Ralph Schankin, who was killed while flying (I believe) a Neptune. That would have been in 1960, he was a Naval Reservist and I remember that it was in February, off Dana Point. If I remember correctly he was in the right-hand seat and there were several crewmen which is why I think it was a Neptune. Unfortunately I don't know the squadron. Thank you...David Schankin dschankin@chartermi.net..." [13NOV2004]


Note NOTICE: "...Looking for the following VP-42 Shipmates: John Carrol Adams, Jon Lucas (AME) and Frank Willard (Parachut Rigger) from PA. These guys worked out of the parachute loft. I guess it's a long shot trying to find any of these guys, but you never know...MULCAHY, Michael J. (Mickey Moe) moero146@aol.com..." [11FEB2004]


Note NOTICE: "...Now I don't think that Harley really wants this to get around, but it sure would mean alot to me to be of assistance to a man that I greatly admire...It appears that the VA has "lost" his records. Perhaps it was due to the fire in 1973, I do not know, but now Harley is unable to get all the benefits that he is entitled to. Yes they can see all the scares on his body, but they have no proof that he has received them from that PBY crash...I did send him a copy of the accident report of his plane, which has a "C" in the injury column for him and Bowers, while all they others who were killed have an "A" in it...Harley was the one on radio duty there at their air base at Olongapo in the Philipines when the message of the attack on Pearl came across. He took turns in the attack on the Japanese forces until only 50 out of 500 were left. He and the others commandeered a small French liner and ran the blockade. When Japanese fire hit his plane moored near the aircraft tender Willie B. Preston, in Port Darwin,he and his buddies swam for that ship which was set ablaze from stem to stern. He thinks that the Japanese figured it was done for and so didn't waste anymore ammo on it. One of his buddies took a bullet in the heart, but they managed to get the fires out and limp away...It was Harley that dragged himself to the tail-section and pulled his dearest friend, M.D. Bowers, AMM1c out, only to have him die later at the hospital. He was the only son of his crippled mother, whom Harley went and visited after the war...Harley gained consciousness long enough to wave his one good arm at the rescue plane before slipping away again...A broken jaw, spinal injuries, etc, but later he applied for active duty and flew bombing raids on Iwo Jima...When Harley took a stand for his new found religion, they intended to slam him down hard. But when Harley pointed out to them that the flag stood for freedom of worship, and he had more metals than almost anyone on the base and then asked them if they were going to deny him what the flag stood for and what he had fought for, he took the wind out of their sails!...Might the crew that rescued Harley have made a report on his condition, that might now support his claim? Where might such a report be? Might the hospital ship, or the hospital north of Seattle have some records that would also support his claim? They did give him a photograph of his demolished PBY, when he was in the hospital but that is all he has...He has a Presidental citation, etc, etc, but really I think all this courageous man, now in a wheelchair, with a wife in poor health also, just wants is help with dealing with the injuries resulting from that crash....Harley E. Miller VP-42 looking for anyone with knowledge of the crash of Fergus Kelly's PBY on Unalaska 09AUG42, and aware of his resulting injuries! Any help would be greatly appreciated!...Sincerely R. H. Bork Villybob@aol.com..." [28APR99]

UPDATE "...Your posting caught the eye of a Mr. Duane McEwen of Juneau Alaska, who kindly informed me that he has a book entitled "Those Navy Guys and Their PBY's" written by an Elmer Freeman, that not only mentions that crash of Kelly's PBY, but also as a picture from it's crash site. He noted that it is a wonder that anyone could have survived, and could see why one would have scars. It only mentions that 7 died, so Harley and Bowers were not mentioned. I'll try to contact Mr. Freeman about the photo, it might be the same one Harley has? Perhaps there are other photographs taken at the scene? Just received the form from Ted and will make copies and send it off to Harley, it appears that this form will help with the obtaining of records at the National Archives and at the St. Louis office. Just received a copy of Harley's discharge papers which show he had served in VP-42, VP-102, VP-62, and VPB-151. He mentions in his letter that perhaps someone form the VP-62 web site might still be alive who remembers him. He hopes to locate a Mr. Thomas, first name may be Dave? He is sure that Thomas and some others from VP-62 visited him in Dutch Harbor Hospital but has no recollection of events. Terry informed me that "c" in the injury column on the accident report indicates "Minor Injuries". With Harley in the Hospital for months, and Bowers dying shortly after the crash, I would hate to see what they classified as "Major"?! I emailed the National Archives and Records Administration and hope to get some info from them...Sincerely R. H. Bork Villybob@aol.com" [04MAY99]

UPDATE "...Just opened a letter from Ted (wreck1@localnet.com)! Boy that guy is on the ball! Informed us of where the ship's and hospital files are, and where Harley's medical files should be. He has kindly offered to send us the 180 form. He mentioned that they should be there but also mentioned the fire that destroyed many records there in 1973. Just got e-mail back from the records office, and they confirm that navy records were not involved in fire, but Army, Army Air Corp, Air Force records were. They did acknowledge that records could be recreated or reconstructed. Just opened a letter from Terry (), confirming it was August 9, not 8th. Next opened letter from Harley, he said he was helped to remember it was the 9th by remembering it was nine on the plane that day. He mentioned that Cdr. Malcolm P. Hanson USNR was just along to operate the radar, and observe its use in their bombing etc. Harley said if he had Hanson's widow's address he would send her a letter...Thanks for everyone's support!...Sincerely R. H. Bork Villybob@aol.com" [29APR99]


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