VP-5 Squadron Shipmates
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ShipmateVR-3 ShipmatesShipmate

Memorial Picture "...CLAYTON, CAPTAIN Oramel I. "Mel"...My father, CAPTAIN Oramel I. "Mel" CLAYTON, passed away July 28, 2000. Dad served with VC-7, VOC-2, VC-20 (05/1944-11/1945), VP-41 (07/1948-08/1949), VR-3 (05/1951-12/1954), VR-7 (01/1955-02/1957), VR-6 (03/1957-06/1960); NARTU NAS Jacksonville, Florida (07/1960-01/1963) and retired 06/1967. I would like to hear from anyone who knew him and the type of aircraft Dad flew. Thanks!..." Contributed by Retired c/o His Son Greg Clayton dgclayton@verizon.net [E-Mail Updated 08APR2015 | 12OCT2000]


DOMBROWSKI, ADCS Richard (Ski) Retired rmdeez@aol.com "...Served with ATU-700 between March 1953 and June 1955. Worked in AD shop. Originally entered Boot camp in 1952 at NTC Bainbridge with follow-on P & A schools at NATTC Norman, Oklahoma. Further service at Naval Air Development Center Johnsville, PA, VP-40 (P5M's) at NS Sangley Point, Philippines, VP-2 (P2V's) at NAS Whidbey Island, Washington, NAS Kodiak, Alaska and NAS Adak, Alaska, VR-3 (C-118's and C-130's) at Maguire AFB, N.J., NAS North Island, San Diego, California(OMD), VRF-32 at NAS North Island, San Diego, California, HS-10 at NAS Imperial Beach, CA, HC-7 at Imperial Beach, NAS Cubi Point, Philippines and Gulf of Tonkin, ending with HSL-31 at NAS North Island, San Diego, California where I retired..." [BIO Updated 01JUN2002 | E-Mail Updated 06JUL2000 | 02SEP98]


Memorial Picture "...HORNE, LCDR Philip A. Shipmate Pix ...My father was LCDR Philip A Horne. He passed away peacefully at age 99. He was lucid until his last days I’m blessed. He was winged at NAS Jacksonville, Florida class 5C-41-J on Dec 5, 1941. His duty assignments include: VCS-6 USS New Orleans flying Curtis SOC, until Tassafaronga. VS-55 & VS-58 flying OS2U from Noumea and Espiritu Santo. VB-144 Tarawa, Rio-Namur flying PV-1 Ventura. OTU-11 NAS Hutchinson, Kansas and NAS Jacksonville, Florida flying PV-1 and PV-2. ATU-? NAS Pensacola, Florida. Post war he flew with VP-3, VP-6, Operations officer NAS Kodiak, Alaska and NAS Alameda, California. During Korea he was ship navigator USS Bataan (LHD-5) 1953. VW-1 NAS Agana, Guam flying P2V-5J as Cyclone Hunter 1953-56. He was then assigned as a regular navy officer/instructor for a reserve squadron in NAS Atlanta, Georgia. Final duty was VR-3 MATS McGuire AFB flying R5D, R6D. Retired June 1962. As far as my research can show LCDRHorne was the final plank owner pilot to pass away. SEE: Philip Ardine Horne 1917 - 2016..." Contributed by Jonathan Hornejonathan.horne53@gmail.com [04MAR2023]

HUGHES, CAPTAIN Ivan E. Retired IEHughes@aol.com "...Joined the Navy in 1958 and went to Boot Camp at Great Lakes then AVPREP School at NAS Norman, Oklahoma and AE "A" School at NAS Jacksonville, Florida. Served with VR-6 at McGuire AFB from November 1959 until December 1961. Assigned first to the Engine Build Up Shop (EBU), then to the AE shop, and finally to a "Pre-Flight/Block-Out Crew" where I worked until I was transferred to VR-3 while awaiting orders to AE "B" School after re-enlisting. Made AE1 right after I got to "B" School, and then on to HU-2/HC-2 at NAS Lakehurst, New Jersey. Selected for the Integration Program (Seaman to Admiral Program) in 1965, went to OCS in Newport, RI, and then to Naval Flight Officer Training at NAS Pensacola, Florida, NAS Glynco, Georgia, and finally to VAH-123, the A-3 RAG at NAS Whidbey Island, Washington. VQ-2 was my first assignment as an officer, and I flew EA-3Bs and EC-121s as a Navigator. Leaving NS Rota, Spain as an LT, I next went to NAS Pensacola, Florida for three years of Instructor duty, and then to VAQ-33 in NAS Norfolk, Virginia where I flew ERA-3Bs, EA-4Fs, and EF-4s, and left the Squadron as a LCDR. Did a three year tour as the Staff Electronic Warfare Officer at the Fleet Electronic Warfare Support Group (FEWSG) in NAS Norfolk, Virginia then was selected as OinC of the VP-26 Special Projects Detachment in NAS Brunswick, Maine where I made CDR in 1980. In 1981, I was screened for Aviation Command and was ordered to VQ-1 on NAS Agana, Guam as Executive Officer and later became Commanding Officer. After NAS Agana, Guam, I was ordered to Washington DC to OP-05 (DCNO Air) on the CNO Staff where I was selected for CAPT in 1986. In 1987 I was ordered to the Naval War College in Newport, RI where I earned two Master's Degrees; one in Strategic Studies and International Affairs from the War College and another in Personnel Management from Salve Regina University in Newport. I guess I do things the hard way! I still do not have a bachelor's degree, but I do have an MA and an MS! After Newport I received orders to the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) where I was assigned as the Command Support Plans and Programs Branch Chief until I retired in 1990. Now living in Pensacola, FL and enjoy fishing at least three or four days a week! Email me if you get the time!..." [BIO Updated 27SEP2013 } 22DEC98]


KANADY, Herb Jr. geezer@cfl.rr.com "...I served with VR-3 (1959-1960). I am trying to locate PO George C. Lyons. George was an usher at my wedding and I have lost touch. I am to celebrate my 50th Anniversary soon & want him to be there. Can anyone help?..." [22APR2010]

Memorial Picture "...KENNEDY, MCPO James P...I was 16 when my Father, James P. Kennedy, passed away. Dad served with VP-11 and VR-3. I know Dad flew out of NS Rota, Spain in 1960 and NAS Brunswick, Maine in 1962-63. I would like to hear from any of Dad's former Shipmates...Jim Kennedy wokbts@aol.com..." [14NOV2008]


MARTIN, Julius P. (Deceased) C/O His GrandDaughter lindananderson@hotmail.com "...Looking for anyone that knew my Grandfather Julius P. Martin. He served with FAW-14 transferred to VPB-106 for duty in 1945. He also flew with VPB-115, VR-8, VR3, and CNABT NAS Pensacola, Florida before his retirement in Fallon, Nevada..." [18JUN2001]

MILES, Joseph D. "Jig Dog Miles" jigdogmiles@hotmail.com "...I served with VU-3 (1951-1952), VU-5 (1952-1954) at NAS Agana, Guam, VR-3 (1954-1957) MATS at NAS Moffett Field, California as well as VR-21 later assigned to VP-31, VR-7, VQ-1, VW-4 at NAS Jacksonville, Florida, VRF-31 at NAS Norfolk, Virginia and PMTC at NAS Point Mugu, California..." [E-Mail Updated 29JUN2013 | BIO Updated 23JAN2005 | 30MAY2004]

Memorial Picture Shipmate Pix "...MILLER, AMM2 Leo Patrick "Pat"...My Father, Leo Patrick Miller, served during WWII (August 6, 1941 - November 1, 1945) in the Pacific. Dad passed away October 8, 2007. According to Dad's papers he enlisted at Navy Recruiting Station (NRS) Raleigh, NC, attended AMMS School at Naval Training Station (NTS) and Advanced Base CUB Unit (ABCU) NAS Norfolk, Virginia, served aboard Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Cherry Point, SC, Lion ONE, Club TWO, Commander Allied Air Forces Central Europe (COMAIRCEN) Solomon Islands, CASU-9 and VR-3. Daddy didn't really talk much about his experience in the Pacific. He told us about a close call that happened while he was on a ship traveling with a fleet. A ship in front of his, and the one directly behind, each suffered hits while Daddy's ship (in the middle of the two) narrowly escaped being hit. I wish I had asked my Father more questions about it. If anyone remember's my Dad - I would love to hear from you..." Contributed by Rosemary Machen rmachen@jmdlaw.com [BIO Updated 10AUG2010 | 06AUG2010]

MOSS, CDR E. L. Moss Retired c/o his Son Brian T. Moss Shipmate PixCirca 1957 klausb62@hotmail.com "...Dad He earned his Aviator's Wings in 1940 at NAS Pensacola, Florida. He shipped out on board the the USS Brooklyn (CL-40) participating in the invasions of North Africa and Sicily as a gunfire spotter. His first ASW missions were during WW2 in the North Atlantic against German U-Boats flying SOC-3 floatplanes off of the Brooklyn. He helped to write the post-war ASW training doctrine at Newport R.I. His logbooks indicate he flew PB4Y-2 Privateers with VP-8 (1947-1949) and later P2V Neptunes as Commanding Officer of VP-10 (1949-1958). He says he was in and out of deployed to NAS Adak, Alaska, NAF Narsarssuak, Greenland, NAS Keflavik, Iceland and Florida numerous times during this period. He ended his flying career with VR-3 in C-130 Hercules and retired from the Navy in 1969 as Base XO, NAS Lakehurst, New Jersey. Dad would love to hear from former Shipmates..." [09OCT2014]


NANSTEEL, ADCS(AC) Robert L. "Pappy" Retired bobgert1@netins.net "...Shipmates (fellow Bat Men). AHOY from the "Original OLD BAT", and I have a big red easy chair to prove that title. I was best known as PAPPY NANSTEEL, my given name is Robert L. Nansteel ADCS(AC) U.S.N. Ret.. retired from VP-24 in May of '79 at NAS Jacksonville, Florida. At retirement I had logged 12,000+ total flight hrs. 5,000+ hrs. in P-3B/C A/C,, 3,000+ hrs.in C-130E A/C, 2,200+ hrs. in P2V-7 A/C, 1,200+ hrs. in C-118 A/C, Instructor/Examiner qualified in all of them. The remainder of flight time in various naval aircraft (i.e, UF-1, AD-5W, F3D-2T2, R4D, JRF-4, SNB/JRB-5, etc.) and a few others I'd just as soon forget. All of them however were single wingers. My naval duties were as follows: Great Lakes Boot Co. # 389, OCT. '48--NAS Flight Operations, NAS Quonset Point, Rhode Island. JAN.'49--VF-921/84 OCT.'51 with cruises on the U.S.S. Tarawa, Antietem, Lake Champlain, and Bennington.--O&R Flight Test NAS Quonset Point, Rhode Island AUG. '54--Mobile FASRON-121 Chinco. VA. SEPT. '56--VP-18 NAS Jacksonville, Florida APRIL '59--VR-6 McGuire AFB NJ. MAY '62--VR-3 McGuire AFB NJ. NOV.'62--VP-30 NAS Patuxent River, Maryland July '67--VP-24 NAS Patuxent River, Maryland & NAS Jacksonville, Florida until retirement in May '79--Retired in Hanger 1000 NAS Jacksonville, Florida. Held Full Dress Inspection, piped over the side by ABH-1 Lanier, Side Boys ADCS Bayless, Burris, & Bell, AMCS Cannady, & Espinosa, AWCS Williams, AXCS Boatright, & ATCS Denny. Any names sound familiar? Thank you all for a very touching day. Fair winds and following seas to all. Hope to see some of you at E-Mail..." [E-Mail Updated 04JAN2005 | 19FEB2000]


RIPOLL, AT1 James "Rip" Retired jmripoll@comcast.net "...Aviation Electronics Technician: Served as aircrew member in VP-7 from 01/56 until 10/58. Deployments included NAS Keflavik, Iceland and NS Roosevelt Roads, PR in 1956 and NAS Argentia, Newfoundland, Canada in 1957/58. Discharged in 1958. Reenlisted, shipped to VR-3 at McGuire AFB in 1958 flying MATS C-118 aircraft as radio operator. Transfered to VP-11, 8/61 until 7/64. Deployments included NS Rota, Spain in 1963 and short tours at NAS Argentia, Newfoundland, Canada. Participated in "Cuban Missle Crisis" with VP-11. Transfered to shore duty, VT-31 at NAS Corpus Christi, Texas in 1964. Back to sea duty in 1966 with VP-18 in NS Roosevelt Roads, PR for one year as a "Ground Pounder". Next, got my sea legs on DD-694, USS Ingraham for a year and a half in DASH program. Transfered to NADC (Warminister) Johnsville, Pennsylvania for a year in 1969. Then back to NAS Brunswick, Maine for shore duty with OMD in 1971. Retired in 1973. Living in Florida and would enjoy hearing from Shipmates who served with me in the VP Navy, especially in VP-7 and VP-11. "Indeed, the time of my life!"..." [E-Mail Updated 20APR2007 | BIO Updated 11MAR2007 | E-Mail Updated 09MAR2007 | E-Mail Updated 29SEP99 | 27JUL98 Updated BIO 30JUL98]

RUCH, ADRC George J. Retired SANDIA4706@AOL.com "...I served with VP-21 from November 1949 to December 1951. I was a PB4Y2 and P4M Plane Captain. Best AC ever made. Made the NAF Port Lyautey, Morocco deployment and went to NAS Anacostia, Washington, D.C., SEC NAV PC, NAF Lajes, Azores, Portugal, and serrved with VR-6 and VR-3 at Mcgurie AFB. Retired at Naval Weapons Evaluation Facility, Kirtland AFB in Albuquerque in 1973. Still here in Phone book, give a broken down airdale a call...I served with FASRON-106 Det 1 NAF Lajes, Azores, Portugal from February 1954 to September 1956. I was one of the mighty warriors who built that blimp mooring mast on the flight line that had been there in boxes since WWII. Lot of good memories, like good NCO club, slot machines and beer. That was a long time ago. If any one is still around - drop me a line. I am right outside Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, NM..." [BIO Updated 14JUN2002 | 07JAN98]


SADLER, Kenneth [Sandy] ssadler@granis.net "...I was in VP-45, VP-24, VR-1, VR-3, FASRON 821, Mobile FASRON 121, NAS Dahlgren Proving Grounds, HT-8. I see some mates I know. I am new with this computer stuff. Keepem flying men..." [E-Mail Updated 22AUG2000 | 18AUG98]

SHIRLEY, AT3 Jimmie Charles jcshirley701@sbcglobal.net "...I served with FASRON-117 (12/1952-12/1954) at NAS Barbers Point, Hawaii / NAS Pearl Harbor, Hawaii and VR-3 at NAS Moffett Field, California. I will be 80 years old in October and would like to hear from former Shipmates..." [BIO Updated 13MAR2012 | BIO Updated 01DEC2008 | E-Mail Updated 10MAY2008 | E-Mail Updated 22FEB2008 | 26DEC2007]

SWAN, LCDR Charles W. Retired/Deceased c/o His Son Jerry Swan roadking1@msn.com "...FLIGHT BOOK INFORMATION LTCDR, CHARLES W. SWAN...28 MARCH 1940 - 24 FEBRUARY 1941 NAS Pensacola, Florida Navy Flight School. Aircraft Flown: N3N-1, N2M, NS-1, 03U-3, OSN-1, SU-1, SU-2, SU-3, SNJ-1, NJ-1, N3U-3, N2S-1, P3M-2, P2Y-2, P2Y-3, R2D, R2D-1, N2D-1. Pilot Designation: 1 November 1940 per D.B. Duncan. Instrument Rating: #1137 20 September 1940 per E.B. Eldredge Assistant Operations Officer. Instructors School Completion: 27 January 1941 per J.C. Owens. Assigned to Squadron VN1D8 as Pilot Instructor -A Per C.R. Carroll. 27 MARCH 1941- 8 OCTOBER 1942 NAS LEE FIELD Pilot Instructor SQUADRON 11-B Jacksonville, Florida. Aircraft Flown: N2S-1, N2S-3, N2S-4, N3N-3, NR-1, R2D-1, R2D-1, SNJ-2, SNJ-3, SNJ-4. Ratings: 2S LAND, 3S LAND, 4M LAND, 2S WATER, 3S WATER, 4M WATER Per L.N. Young 2 JUNE 1941. 16 OCTOBER 1942 - 31 OCTOBER 1942 EASTERN DIVISION PAN AMERICAN AIRWAYS, INC. MIAMI, FL. Aircraft Flown: S-40. *Note: This was the forerunner to Navy Seaplane Squadron VR-1 which flew out of Miami and Coconut Grove, FL. The Navy training was done in cooperation with Pan American Airways). 19 NOVEMBER 1942 -11 DECEMBER 1942 TRANSPORT SQUADRON ONE MIAMI SERVICES DETACHMENT. Aircraft Flown: PBM-3, RS-5. 6 JANUARY 1943- 31 JANUARY 1943 NAVAL AIR TRANSPORT SERVICE AIR TRANSPORT SQUADRON One (VR-1) MIAMI, FL. Aircraft Flown: PBM-3, PBM-3C, PBM-3R, R4D-1, R4D-5, RS-4, RS-5, SNB-1. Commander Transport Sea Planes Designation: Air Transport Squadron Six (VR-6) Qualified as Commander Transport Sea Planes 21 November 1943 H.R. Banaday Commanding. 2 FEBRUARY 1944- 27 FEBRUARY 1944 NAVAL AIR TRANSPORT SERVICE AIR TRANSPORT SQUADRON VR-6 MIAMI, FL. Aircraft Flown: PBM-3R, PBM-3, NH-1, SNB-2C. 2 MARCH 1944 - 3 MAY 1945 NAVAL AIR TRANSPORT SQUADRON TWO NAS Alameda, California. Aircraft Flown: JRB, PBM, PB2Y, PBM2Y-3, PBM-3R, PBM-3, XPB2M, NH-1, SNB-2C. Plane Commander Designation: PB2Y Plane Commander 31 July 1944 J.S. Tarlton Flight Officer VR-2. Notes: 8/13/1944 - Lt. Swan's 1st XPB2M Flight Honolulu to NAS Alameda, California. 11/26/44 Lt. Swan's 1st MARS Flight Alameda -HNL (Same Plane and serial # 1520 just renamed. 6 MAY 1945 - 8 JULY 1945 ???? SQUADRON SIGN #?? NAS Patuxent River, Maryland. Aircraft Flown: JRB, MARS, PB2Y,C-47B. Notes: 5/28/45 Lt. Swan's first flight with JRB Plane #44604 w/ Canady at NAS Patuxent River, Maryland. 25 JULY - 24 APRIL 1946 TRANSPORT SQUADRON 3 (VR-3) NAS Olathe, Kansas. Aircraft Flown: R4D, R4D-1, R4D-5, R4D-6, R5D-4, SNB. Commander Transport Land Planes Designation: 12/31/45 V.E. Gessinger Commander Transport Squadron Three (VR-3). Satisfactory Completion G.C.A. Training: 3/6/46 Lt. Cdr. Arthur L. Ashwaltz OinC Pilot Training. 10 MAY 1946 - 1 NOVEMBER 1946 NAS ST. SIMONS ISLAND, GA. Aircraft Flown: SNB-2. 4 DECEMBER 1946 - 2 JUNE 1948 NAVAL CARRIER U.S.S. MIDWAY. Aircraft Flown: HO35-1, JD-1, JRB, JRB-4, PB4Y-2, R4D, R4D-5, R5D, SNB, SNB-3, SNJ-5, SNJ-5C. 1 JULY 1948 - 5 MAY 1949 GENERAL LINE SCHOOL NEWPORT, RI. Aircraft Flown: SNB3, SNJ-3, SNB-1, SNB-2, SNJ, SNJ-4. 20 JUNE 1949 - 1 OCTOBER 1950 NAS Anacostia, Washington, D.C.. Aircraft Flown: PBJ (B-25), SNB, JRB, JRB-4, SNB-4, SNB-3P, R4D, B-25, JRB-3. 7 NOVEMBER 1950 - 5 JANUARY 1951 NAS HONOLULU, HI. Aircraft Flown: SNB, JRB. 6 FEBRUARY 1951 - 2 JUNE 1953 TOKYO, SEA OF JAPAN, YELLOW SEA, ITAMI AF BASE, TACHIKAWA, JAPAN. SEOUL, IWAKUM, POHANG, KOREA. Aircraft Flown: R4D, SNB, SNB-5, JRB, PB4Y, C-45, C-54. 17 AUGUST 1953 - 25 JUNE 1954 BUREAU OF AERONAUTICS GENERAL REPRESENTATIVE, CENTRAL DISTRICT WRIGHT PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, OHIO. Aircraft Flown: R4D-6, R4D-6R, JRB-4, JRB-6, PB4Y, C-45, C-47D, C-54. 7 JULY-1954 - 1 AUGUST 1956 PATROL SQUADRON VP-24 NAS Patuxent River, Maryland and NAS Chincoteague, Virginia. Aircraft Flown: P2V6B, P2V6M. Patrol Plane Commander - P2V 10 November 1954 HP Kooy Commanding. 3 OCTOBER 1956 - 2 FEBRUARY 1961 U.S. NAVAL BUREAU OF AERONAUTICS AND BUREAU OF WEAPONS WASHINGTON, DC. Aircraft Flown: JRB-6, SNB, SNB-5, T-28. 30 JUNE 1961 U.S. BUREAU OF AERONAUTICS AND BUREAU OF WEAPONS WASHINGTON, DC. RETIRED FROM SERVICE Ordered R.A. Schoech Rear Admiral, USN Acting Chief of Bureau..." [03JAN2001]


TRIPP, ATCS Jerry Retired trippg748@roadrunner.com "...I served with VQ-2 (02/1956-08/1958) in the Avionics Shop and flew as a Radionman on the P4M's and later when we got the old P2V & the 2 A3D-1Q. I crossed over and shared the A3 flying with ATC Thomas and AT1 Heavenor. Some of my Shipmates were AM2 Bob Stoltz, AT3 Rod Harrod, PNSN Bob Fedak, and AO3 Cruz. I played on the Squadron basketball & softball teams. I went on to VW-15, VR-3, VP-45, VAH-21 and VAW-111 Det 19. I retired in 1977 as an ATCS..." [E-Mail Updated 25MAR2013 | E-Mail Updated 07APR2008 | E-Mail Updated 12AUG2007 | E-Mail Updated 09FEB2006 | 29MAR2004]


VARGO, AXCS Bob revargo@hotmail.com "...Some of the best times in my life !! Go Navy ! 1965-1986, VR-3 McGuire AFB, NJ. (1965-1966), two tours with VS-28 "Professionals" NAS Quonset Point, Rhode Island (1966-1970), NAMTG AFTA instructor NAS Memphis, Tennessee (1970-1972), NAS Cubi Point, Philippines RADAR/ECM shop supervisor (1972-1975), COMPATWINGSPAC 1975-1977), NAMTRADET NAS Moffett Field, California (1977-1980), VP-47 (1980-1983), NAMTRADET (1984-1986), Retired 1986 What a Ride !!!..." [13MAR99]


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