VPNAVY Operation Poppy by Captain Edward M. Brittingham
http://www.vpnavy.org
VPNAVY Address

Books VP-7 MiscellaneousBooks

2008 P2V Calendar Thumbnail 2008 CALENDAR "...P2V-7 Neptune Interior Photographs. The nose section (JAN, FEB, MAR and APR are from BUNO: 147951. It was in service with VP-7, VP-23, VP-24, VP-45, VP-56, and VP-66..." Contributed by Bob Self bob.self@comcast.net [29JUN2007]

P2V-7 Neptune Interior Photographs


Where did the P2V's go? For those of you who have often wondered it's in the Arizona desert, static displays on various military bases and a few in air museums around the country. Most have been recycled.

In early 2002, I learned there was a group of P2V's in Missoula, MT being used to fight forest fires. I made an appointment to visit Neptune Aviation and found an aircraft they decided not to convert to a water bomber. It sat in the Arizona desert for decades and had been flown to Missoula a few months prior to my visit.

What I found was Buno # 147695. When active in the Navy it was assigned to VP-31. Other than having had the removal of many cockpit instruments and radios, and the obvious deterioration, it had most of the electronic boxes intact. The after station hatch had been left open and some critter had been making a bed in one of the flight deck seats for a long time. In 2006, the interior pictures were retaken for technical reasons. Then, location was made of a restored nose section of a P2V-7 close by, done by the VP-2 Restoration group. That came from Buno # 147951 and served with VP-7, VP-23, VP-24, VP-45, VP-56, and VP-66. Pictures were taken of the Bow, MAD station, and Cockpit, both Pilot and Co-Pilot positions.

The pictures of these two efforts have just been published into a calendar. It can be previewed by logging onto http://www.thelightcatchers.com/. You can now see some authentic pictures that has been circulating in your thoughts for years. Here's your chance to re-live some experiences of when you were in your 20's and bulletproof. By selecting "Samples" at the top, you can then select "P2V-7 Neptune 2008 Calendar" and preview each calendar page by scrolling through pages 1-4 at the lower left of the screen. You can order the calendar on-line by clicking Order Books at the top and following instructions. If you do not want to order on-line, then email me with your name and phone number and I'll call you at a convenient time with additional ordering information.

Bob Self
bob.self@comcast.net

BooksBOOKs: Quonset Point Naval Air Station "Gem of the Atlantic" and Quonset Point Naval Air Station "Volume II - VJ Day to Vietnam" by Sean Paul Milligan jetsareforkids@verizon.net WebSite: http://www.angelfire.com/fl/jetsr4kids/ [Updated 30NOV2004 | 20NOV99 | 06MAR99]

VPNAVY BookTitle: Quonset Point Naval Air Station: Gem of the Atlantic
VPNAVY BookTitle: Quonset Point Naval Air Station, Volume II

Squadrons, NAS, etc. mentioned: VP-6(CG), VP-7, VP-8, VP-11, VP-21, VP-24, VP-49, VP-52, VP-82, VB-125, VB-126, VS-22, VS-24, VS-27, VS-30, VS-31, VS-32, VS-34, VS-39, VS-42, VS-913, CASU-22, FASRON-101, FASRON-103, NADU, VJ-2, VJ-4, VJ-15, VU-2, VU-4, VU-5, VX-1, VX-3, VX-4, VC-2, VC-4, VC-12, VC-31, VC-33, VT-1, VT-8, VAW-12, VAW-33, VR-22, FAW-3, FAW-5, FAW-7, and FAW-9.

The works of Aviation Historian Sean Paul Milligan

SGT USMC RET

Sean Paul Milligan is a well-known military historian and speaker whose articles have appeared in the Providence Journal, Naval Aviation News, The Hook, Wings of Gold, and Leatherneck. His career in aviation began at age 14 when he flew as a Cadet in the Civil Air patrol. A former Marine, Milligan has made a lifelong study of Naval Aviation and is the historian for the Quonset Air museum. Mr. Milligan is currently producing a PBS documentary on NAS Quonset Point, RI.

Praise for books by Sean Paul Milligan

A few years ago, a friend of mine was asking for photographs for a book on NAS Quonset Point. That book is now available from the author and it is a real gem. The 128 page, 6 1/2" x 9 1/4" book is just full of photographs detailing the history of the Naval Air Station at Quonset Point. First built in 1941, the air station was homebase for many of the seaplane squadrons that fought the battle of the Atlantic. It was also homeport for several carrier airwings that embarked upon the many 'jeep' carriers who were tasked with convoy protection. The book then goes on to discuss the many classified projects undertaken during the war including Quonset's major involvement in developing a Naval night fighter.

Postwar saw the drawdown of units and ships, but Quonset was set to enter the jet age and there are several good photographs of early jets. Quonset Point was renowned for the Naval Air Rework Facility there and its specialization in reciprocating engines. There are numerous photographs of F4U Corsairs, A-1 Skyraiders, and other prop aircraft that went through the station. It was this specialization in prop aircraft that spelled the final demise of Quonset Point. When the services finally phased out the round-motored aircraft, there was no more need for the rework facility. Quonset Point finally closed in 1974; chopped by Richard Nixon as part of the drawdown after Vietnam.

Sean Milligan's book is page after page of quality black and white photographs. Other than photo captions and the introduction, there is very little verbiage. It is the over 200 superb photographs that make the book. Want photos of J2F Ducks for your next kit? How about Hellcat nightfighters, EA-1 Skyraiders, S-2A's, TBM-3Ws, AF-2's, and the rare TBY Seawolf. They are all here and more. How about a good photo of a 1950 Chevrolet pickup as used by base security complete with fender mounted siren? A little esoteric, but this is the strength of this book.

Highly recommended for USN enthusiasts everywhere. The letter that came with the book mentions another on threat, adversary, target and utility squadrons. I hope it is either available or in work. Buy this book!

    "...A little gem..." Journal - American Aviation Historical Society

    "...Excellent..." William T. Larkins, Founder - Author of U. S. Navy Aircraft 1921-1941

    "..Nifty, well-researched..." Wings of Gold

    "...Pictures are outstanding...informative captions...A good book to have around..." Captain Dick Knott, USN (RET)

    "...The Quonset book is excellent..." R. C. Sturtivant - I.S.O. - Author of The Squadrons Of The Fleet Air Arm

    "...This book belongs in your library..." Naval Aviation News - Commander Peter Mersky, USNR (Retired)

    "...Super...great photos and captions..." The Glenn L. Martin Aviation Museum - Stan Piet, Executive Director

    "...Extensive and detailed...an extraordinary archive..." Air Classics

    "...Gem of a book...highly recommended..." The Hook

    "...Jam packed...with rare and historical photographs..." Gosport - Chief Art Giberson, USN (Retired)

    "...A nostalgic look at Naval Aviation..." United States Naval Institute - Proceedings Commander J. Cutler, USN (Retired)

    "...Surprises...lively...chronicles 'hallowed ground' of Quonset Point..." The Providence Journal-Bulletin - Gerry Goldstein

    "...Quonset Point Naval Air Station is for you..." Atlantic Flyer

    "...An awesome tribute...I recommend it strongly to anyone even remotely associated with U. S carrier based warfare..." Military - Major Dominic J Caraccilo.
BOTH BOOKS ARE $18.99 each plus $3.01 each for mailing (Total: $22.00)

Please make checks payable to
JETS ARE FOR KIDS
PO BOX 3214
PAWTUCKET RI 02861

Voice: (401)722-5821
E-Mail: jetsareforkids@verizon.net

Author will sign and write sentiments as requested.

MOVIE: "00XXX39--Wings of the Navy 1939 USN- John Payne (future USAAF FI) Epic of naval flight training. Stars about 50 PBY-1, PBY-2, PBY-3 Catalinas of Patrol Wing 12 in VP-7, 9, 11 and 12 squadrons..." http://www.coastcomp.com/av/fltline2/avmovie.htm


MOVIE: "17SEP60--VP-7 OPERATIONS OUT OF ARGENTIA, NFLD Russian Ship Act. (DOWNGRADED AT 3 YEAR INTERVALS) ( DECLASSIFIED AFTER 12 YEARS) ( DOD DIR 5200.10)...Control Number: NWDNM(m)-428-NPC-29036...General Material: Motion picture films...Description Unit: Item...Record Group: 428...Series Designator: NPC...Item Designator: 29036...Title: VP-7 OPERATIONS OUT OF ARGENTIA, NFLD Russian Ship Act. DOWNGRADED AT 3 YEAR INTERVALS) ( DECLASSIFIED AFTER 12 YEARS) ( DOD DIR 5200.10.)...Date: 09/17/1960...Format: unedited...Scope & Content: 1) AtoG CU PAN, around bow of Russian Tanker, KOKAND. P2) AtoG MCU Port bow view, USSR KOKAND. F to P3) AtoG CU Starb"d beam view, PAN around bow of Tanker, while underway (SV). F to P4) AtoG LS KOPTAN (Russian Tug) underway off Argentia, Newfoundland.5) AtoG CU Small "copter deck on stern of Tug. G6) AtoG CU Looking over the vessel from starb"d bow; ship is underway, taking water over the bow. F7) AtoG MCU USSR RT-210 underway, taking water over the bow. F8) AtoG LS USSR KOPTAN underway (SV). F to P...Subject Ref.: KOKAND, Russian Tanker (A.V.); KOPTAN, Russian Tug (A.V.); SHIPS, Class., Russian (Tanker/Tug/RT-210) A.V.; AERIALS, Ships, Underway, Russian...Geographic Ref.: Newfoundland, Argentia (vic. of)...Use Restrictions: Other. Department of the Navy, Naval Photographic Center...Contact: Motion Picture, Sound, and Video Branch (NWDNM), National Archives at College Park, 8601 Adelphi Road, College Park, MD 20740-6001 PHONE: (301) 713-7060 FAX: (301) 713-6904..." NARA ARCHIVAL INFORMATION LOCATOR (NAIL) http://www.archives.gov/index.html


BooksBOOKs: Title: "PBY: The Catalina Flying Boat" by Creed, Roscoe. Annapolis: Naval Institute Press, 1986. 351 pp. This definitive study, first published in 1985, pulls together in a single volume all of the aircraft's fascinating facts. The author carefully analyzes the PBY's dual use in the war as a plane of mercy and as a bomber, and he chronicles the flying boat's contributions in peacetime. Squadrons mentioned include: VP-2, VP-5, VP-6, VP-7, VP-9, VP-10, VP-11, VP-12, VP-14, VP-21, VP-22, VP-23, VP-24, VP-31, VP-32, VP-33, VP-34, VP-41, VP-42, VP-43, VP-44, VP-45, VP-51, VP-52, VP-54, VP-61, VP-62, VP-63, VP-71, VP-72, VP-73, VP-74, VP-81, VP-83, VP-84, VP-101, VP-102, FAW-3, FAW-4, FAW-5, FAW-7, FAW-9, FAW-15, FAW-16, FAW-17, CPW-1, CPW-2, CPW-3, CPW-4, CPW-5, CPW-7, CPW-8, and CPW-10. [29MAR2001]


BooksBOOKs: Title: Seaplanes of the World: A Timeless Collection from Aviation's Golden Age [VP-2, VP-7, and other squadrons mentioned] [18APR2000]


BooksBOOKs: Title: "PBM Mariner in Action Including the Martin P5M Marlin, JRM MARS and P6M Seamaster Number 74" [VP-7, VP-14, VP-16, VP-17, VP-18, VP-19, VP-21, VP-26, VP-31, VP-32, VP-45, VP-47, VP-48, VP-50, VP-55, VP-74, VP-202, VP-206, VP-211, VP-216, etc.] [23DEC99]


BooksBOOKs: Title: U.S. Navy Aircraft 1921-1941, U.S. Marine Corps Aircraft 1914-1959: Two Classics in One Volume [Squadron insignias, aircraft, and more!] by William T. Larkins [10SEP98]


Return
"VP-7 Summary Page"