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

ShipmateCASU ShipmatesShipmate

ARMSTRONG, Bill 2ww@sbcglobal.net "...I served aboard the USS Chincoteague (AVP-24) (1943-1944) and CASU-F-20 (1944-1945)..." [17NOV2012]


BARNES, ADR1 Richard J. Retired patb2855@cox.net "...VW School Instructor, Operations (1959-1961), VS-26 (1960-1961) Crew Chief aboard SH-29, CASU-70, Coxwain Jinamoc Seaplane Base, San Pedro Bay, Leyte Gulf, Philippines, NAS Sand Point, Seattle, Washington, AD school NAS Memphis, Tennessee (1948), NAIFS NAS Corpus Christi, Texas, VP-28 (1959-1961) as Crew Chief aboard CF-27, VR-5, Navy Fleet Air Gunnery Unit (FAGU) NAF El Centro, California, VF-122 NAS Miramar, California, NAS North Island, San Diego, California, AEWBarRonPac, NAS Miramar, California VFP-63 and retired February 1966..." [E-Mail Updated 05NOV2013 | E-Mail Updated 18MAR2013 | 22DEC2007]

Memorial Picture "...BATES, YN3 James Doyle...My Father, YN3 James Doyle Bates, served with CASU-44 (1944-1946) while assigned to the Naval Reserves. I would like to hear from any former Shipmates..." Contributed by Jerry Bates jbates143@aol.com [17JAN2013]

Memorial Picture "...BROWNLOW, AO2 Jeff Deen "JD" "Tex"...My Father, Jeff Deen "Tex" Brownlow, joined the Navy at the age of 17 on May 5th 1943 and went to boot camp at NAS Corpus Christi, Texas and then to NAS Norman, Oklahoma on June 8th 1943, attending AOM School, NATTC for Ordnance training in Class A Service School. Upon completion of Ordnance training Dad was assigned as of Sept 24th 1943, to ComFAir, NAS Sand Point, Seattle, Washington and on April 6th 1944 was transferredred by train to NAS Point Mugu, California. Here they created a group (about 1100 men) for CASU-(f)44 which had been activated Feb 22, 1944. April 22nd 1944 CASU-(f)44 embarked from Continental US shipping out for MCBH Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii and on July 1944 CASU-44 was assign to Oahu. In Hawaii Dad spent 7 weeks at MCBH Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii. Dad was stationed on NAB Tinian Island, Marianas Islands in Aug 1944 and was there to the end of war. Their camp was about 1 to 1.5 miles from the B29 base where his team worked on F4Fs F6Fs (carrier fighter planes) and loaded bombers, B-24s and B-29s, with bombs and depth charges. Dad came back to the states landing at San Francisco. On Feb 21st 1946, at USNPSC Camp Wallace Texas, Dad was discharged as Aviation Ordnance Man Second Class March 7th 1946 and went back to Waco, Texas. I have setup a website to honor him and the other men of CASU-(f)44 at http://www.casu44.com/..." Contributed by Gene Brownlow gene@thebrownlows.com [15JAN2012]

BURDETT, David F. w2sar@q.com "...I served with HedRon 3 in NAS Coco Solo, Panama, Canal Zone from November 1942 to October 1944. While with HedRon 3 I deployed to NAS Coco Solo, Panama, Canal Zone, NAAF Corinto, Nicaragua, NAF/NAAF Galapagos, Seymour Island, Ecuador and NAAF Salinas, Ecuador. I was transferredred to CASU-27 in Charlstown, RI. I wonder if anyone from HedRon 3 will read this. Best wishes..." [E-Mail Updated 21SEP2008 | 25SEP2002]

BURTCH, Dorman Butch@nashvilleyacht.com "...My father, Robert B. Burtch, was a flight surgeon attached to VS-57 in the South Pacific between December 1944 (according to his flight log book) and June 1945 when his flight time was then certified by CASU-12 (Marianas then to Japan). I have a 12" x 12" piece of masonite painted with the image of "The SAD SACK," and signed by 28 members (probably officers) of the squadron including the CO, XO and FO. His stories were colorful and vivid, and I'm interested in learning the History of VS-57 in this theater during WWII..." [27NOV2001]


CANTRELL, Jamers T. Leajimcan@aol.com "...I was with CASU(f) 56 on Mindoro in the P.I. shortly after D day and there until November 1945. Later with VP-HL-12 at NAS Whidbey Island, Washington and NAS Kodiak, Alaska in 1946 and 1947. Would love to hear from anyone assigned in that timeframe..." [09NOV2001]

CHAVEZ, Macario G. c/o his daughter Lil Pfaff lilpfaff@embarqmail.com "...My Father, Macario G. Chavez, served with CASU-14 from 1943 to 1944 at Munda Point, New Georgia. Looking for anyone else who served at that time in that place..." [27FEB2008]

CREASER, PO1 Frank frankcreaser@coralwave.com "...I served in the Navy from 1943 to 1946. I served aboard NAS Corpus Christi, Texas, Aviation Repair and Overhaul Unit ONE (AROU-1), CASU with deployments to New Caledonia, Marianas (Los Negros), NAS Tanapag Harbor, Saipan, Marianas Islands and NAB Tinian Island, Marianas Islands. I joined Philco as a Tech Rep after the war and spent my life with the aerospace industry [thanks to the Navy V-6 program). I would like to hear from former Shipmates..." [14FEB2011]


DaSILVA, Anibal José ww2ferreter@att.net "...It is very difficult finding much about "Dragon Patrol" VPB-119. Eugene Prezioso and I were ECM crewmembers after arriving from CASU-60. Previously we served aboard two Seaplane Tenders in Lingayen Gulf after arriving from CASU-60. When the second Tender was leaving for the states we asked to be returned to CASU-60. Can you provide any details about VPB-119? My plane was being locked on by radar fire control over the Haiphong/Hanoi area of French Indo-China when I detected it and warned the pilot in time to sweep downward as black flak peppered where we had been. With one sweep of a ship's radar detected, we homed in on a freighter with an aft superstructure and sunk it before we went up a Formosan harbor skimming the water. There were ships all around us but none fired since we were below their deck level. We exited as we entered. I was eventually assigned to VP-5. Towards the end of my enlistment, Pat Carr, a radioman whom I knew in VP-5, called me up and told me to apply for a Field Engineer position with Link Aviation, Inc. I did so and was hired. I worked at air force bases in the southeastern US, for MAAG(France) in West Germany and Morocco, the USAF in West Germany and at Link's plant as systems design engineer. I resigned to work for NASA at the Manned Spacecraft Center in Houston, Texas..." [25MAY2003]

DEITRICK, William Kenneth c/o Jon Wassil thunderboltace44@aol.com "...I just found out that my grandfather, William Kenneth Deitrick, was in CASU(F)-34 on NAS Kwajalein, Marshall Islands in Feb. 44 and then on Parry Island Eniwetok atoll April of 44. I was wondering if anyone could please give me some information about that and what they did there or if there is anyone who might have servered with him. Thank you..." [08MAY2005]

DIORIO, LCDR Anthony J. Diorio https://naval-air.org/flightlog/moreinfo.asp?UID=1798 "...LCDR Anthony J. Diorio, USNR - NFL Number: 1798 - Date of Birth: - Date In: 1/1/1941 - Date Out: 1/1/1946 - City, State: Hartford, CT - School Attended: - Aircraft Flown: SBD-5, OS2U-3, PV-1, PB4Y-4, SNB/JRF - Ship or Unit: XO CASU-27 - OPS Ofc CASU-27 - VPB-134 - Pilot Desg.: Naval Aviator - Theaters, Campaigns, etc.: S. America - Associations/Service Organizations: Naval Av Museum Fnd - Assn of Nav Aviation - Army Navy Club - AOPA & NBAA - New England Air Mus - Highest personal decoration or award: Significant Achievements: VP, Gen. Mgr. & Dir. Shell Oil Subsid. XO & CO FASRON-836. Officer & Dir. Corp. Air Aviation Consult. Fed. Res. Bank of Boston. VP, Chair., Fin. Comm. Museum Fdn. - In Memoriam? No..." [24NOV2005]

Memorial Picture "...DWYER, Raymond Arthur...My Father-in-Law was Raymond Arthur Dwyer. My wife and I are looking for any information or photos of him when he served with VJ-2, FASRON-103, VT-6, CASU-18, CASU-6, CASU-15 and VP-23. Does anyone know where or what Base VEVY or Base BEDO was? Thomas Feltz woodchopper545@yahoo.com..." [17DEC2007]

DYER, AOM2 Alfred c/o R.N. Dyer tedeacon@planet.com "...My father, Alfred Dyer, AOM2, was stationed at Hedron 12 in Key West and NAS Boca Chica, Florida from Oct 1942 to Oct 1944. Left there and went to NAS Corpus Christi, Texas, NAS Alameda, California, Clark Field CASU-56, and NS Sangley Point, Philippines CASU57. He is interested in meeting up with former Shipmates and trying to find out where to get a ballcap for Hedron 12..." [20NOV2004]


Memorial Picture "...FAMBROUGH, BM1 Joe M...My father, Joe M. Fambrough, BM1, USN (ret.) served aboard the USS Albemarle (AV-5) from 24 October 1946 to March 1948. I have some photos taken of USS Albemarle (AV-5) with notes it was docked at Key West, Fla. in 1947 at the time. Dad was BM2 aboard USS Albemarle (AV-5), then transferredred to USS Manchester CL 83 before Operation Crossroads. Dad enlisted in Pensacola, Fla., in 1939 and went from there to the Pacific during World War II. Units he served in included ACORN 12 and PATSU 1-9. He was temporarily attached to CASU 8 before being assigned to CASU 39 Detachment A, which he used to call "Fighting Forward 39," and CASU 50...Kevin Fambrough kevinfambrough@cox.net..." [BIO Updated 24FEB2005 | 23FEB2005]


Memorial Picture "...GEIGER, CPO Charles P. Jr...I regret to report the passing of my dad, Charles P. Geiger Jr., in January 2006. Dad served as an Aviation Radioman Chief Petty Officer, with ZP-51 at NAS Richmond, Miami, Florida and NAS Trinidad, British West Indies in 1943-44. He was a ham radio operator from his early teens (W2ATL) and was activated in April 1941 from a naval reserve unit that met at the Atlantic City Lighthouse. He attended LTA School at NAS Lakehurst, New Jersey September 1942 to January 1943. He also served with CASU-27 at Charlestown, RI, from May 1944 to April 1945. Dad mentioned flying over the Caribbean Sea in the vicinity of a surfaced, disabled, German U-boat with crew members on deck, and being at the NAS Trinidad, British West Indies Dispensary the next day and seeing 50-some prisoners from the U-boat being processed through the dispensary. Dad leaves his wife of 66 years, Florence; sons Charles, Robert, Michael, and James, daughter-in-law Marie, and grandchildren, Bridget, Emily, and Brian..." Contributed by Robert G. Geiger rggmeg89@comcast.net (VP-10 Squadron AIO 1969-1971) [19FEB2007]

GENNE, PO2 Joe joegenne@charter.net "...I was assigned to CASU-1 (based at NAS Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii) on 28 July 1945. CASU-1 was disestablished on 1 October 1946 and redesignated as FASRON-11. LCDR Carlton B. Starkes was the Commanding Officer at that time. I was an Aviation Machinist Mate 2/C during that period and worked primaruly on the flight line. Coincidentaly, (at the request of my son), I have been scanning all of the photo negatives taken at tha time into my computer in order to preserve them as digital files. Probably have several hundred. Most of the aircraft we operated (F6F, SNJ, TBM, F7F, F4U, F2G2, SB2C, F4F, SC-1, and others). Many of the pilots (Henderson, Mills, Deiter, Treat, Tiernay, McGinnis, Fronzak, Harvey, Holman and of course many of my shipmates). Hell, most have probably "Gone West" by now, but maybe a few more of us are still hanging around..." [11NOV2003]

Memorial Picture "...GILLIO, Frank X...My Grandfather, Frank X. Gillio, passed away on 11-10-11. My Grandfather served with CASU-33 at NAS Pomona, NJ and FASRON-821. I also have a picture of his unit from 1944. I was wanting to pay my respects on his behalf for those who have served and are currently serving. Thank You!..." Contributed by Gerry Gillio gilliog@yahoo.com [05DEC2011]

Memorial Picture "...GOREK, John Frank...In remembrance of my father, John Gorek, I am posting this in his name. AMM3 John Frank Gorek served with CASU's 23 and 25 during WW II and also aboard the U.S.S. Lake Champlain, CV39. Anyone having served with or having any knowledge of my Dad during those service periods, please contact me...Steve Gorek sjgorek@att.net..." [21APR2005]

Memorial Picture Shipmate Pix "...GRAY, AMM3 Robert George...I am researching information on my late Father. My Father, AMM3 Robert George GRAY, served in the U. S. Navy from November 1942 through February 1946. He served with Advanced Base Aviation Training Unit (ABATU) at NAS Norfolk, Virginia, FAW-8, CASU-60, CASU-61, CASU-158 and VR-2. Dad received the American Theatre Victory, Philippine Liberation (1 Battle Star), Asiatic-Pacific Theatre and a Good Conduct Medals..." Contributed by Thomas William Gray grayt0852@aol.com [23NOV2012]

Memorial Picture "...GRIMME, AETM1 Brooks H...My Father, Brooks H. Grimme, went into the US Navy in Sept 1943, NT School (Pre-Radio) Michigan City, Indiana, NT School (EE RM) College Station, Texas (Texas A&M), NATTC Ward Island, Corpus Christie, Texas, NT School Line Maintenance PBM NAS. AS, S2c, S1c, ART3c, ART2c, AETM2c, final rating AETM1c. Served with CASU(F)-42 on the island of Samar, Philippine Islands, during WWII (1945), also stationed at NS Sangley Point, Philippines, for a time, transferredred to HedRon 14 1 FAW-14, NAS Alameda, California, USNTS San Diego, California, NRS Nashville, Tennessee, and finally discharged PSC NAS Memphis, Tennessee in May 1946, USNR SV-6. Even though all of his ratings were in aviation electronics and radio, his assigned job at CASU(F)-42 on Samar was as a Qualified Gasoline Semi-Truck Operator. My father passed away January 2, 2009, and was buried with full military honors at the Veteran's National Cemetary in Bushnell, Florida. I would sincerely appreciate hearing from anyone who has any information or knowledge of the units my dad served in, especially those who may have served with and/or knew him..." [12JUN2009]


Memorial Picture Shipmate PixCirca 1945 "...HAMMONTREE, ADR1 Jack Retired, My father passed away on May 18th, 1992. Dad enlisted in the Navy (07JAN1942), Class B School (12FEB1942-02AUG1942), Nav School (12FEB1942-15AUG1942), Gunnary Schools (17AUG1942-04JAN1943), Fleet Service School (05JAN1943-23JAN1943), TRANSition TRAINing SquadRON ATLANTic (23JAN1943-03NOV1943), VP-215 (08NOV1943-04OCT1944), VP-98 (05OCT1944-28DEC1944), FAW-14 (01JAN1945-21JAN1945), CASU(F)3 (22JAN1945-21NOV1945), Naval Air Base (SEAPLANE) NAVY NO. 1170 (21NOV1945-24JUN1946), CASU(F)11/FASRON-122 (24JUN1946-01NOV1946), VS-37 (16NOV1956-00NOV1959) and retired (15AUG1961). Some of Dad's awards included the WWII Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, WWII Victory Medal, WWII Occupation Medal, WWII American Campaign Medal, Navy Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Medal and Armed Forces Expeditionary Service Medal...." Contributed by Jerry Hammontree jerryh@fastmail.com [19DEC2021]

Memorial Picture "...HANEY, Frank Layton...Dad served with CASU-56, CASU-64, USS Shangri La (CV-38) and the USS Rendova (CVE-114). Dad served in the navy from 1943 to 1946..." Contributed by Dorothy Haney dothaney@gmail.com [25MAY2012]

Memorial Picture "...HASSAN, AMM3 James (Jimmy) E...Seeking any information or contacts for CASU-5. Deceased father-in-law James (Jimmy) E. Hassan's Navy discharge papers list service as AMM 3/c in CASU-5 and USS Copahee (AVG-12) from 1943-1945. Terry Callison,CPT, MI, USAR (Ret) ltterry@policeone.com..." [06NOV2005]

Memorial Picture HENRY, Frank Edward"...HENRY, Frank Edward...I have found a paper called Notice of Separation from the US Naval Service. It lists my dad as a Chief Aviation Radio Technician (T)V6. Also in box 24 where it lists service vessels and stations served on is listed Tadcen, Shoemaker, California, CASU(F) 58.1 and CASU(F)61. Service schools completed -- USNT school (ARM) NAS Corpus Christi, Texas and NT school (EE&RM) Houston, Tx. In box 21 ratings held is listed RM2/C, RT2/C, ART1/C, ACRT(AA), ACRT(T). We would love to hear from anyone that may have known my Dad. I have setup a website about my Dad on http://www.iannarino.us/fordad/francescoshomepage.php. Franciene McDonald erinsmom@gmail.com..." [URL Updated 24DEC2008 | 23JUN2006]

Memorial Picture "...HUGHES, CPO R. Frank...Looking for any information on my Father's U.S. Navy service from September 1941 to September 1945. R. Frank Hughes was trained at Great Lakes as an aviation machinist and retained as an instructor 1941 to 1942. He was stationed at CASU 1 and CASU 2 as an aviation machinist and engine instructor from 1943 to 1944. He was a CPO at date of discharge in September 1945 in Chicago. He would have been a PO1 at time of service in Hawaii. I believe he also served on the USS White Plains (CVE-66). He passed away in 1993. Ensign W. W. Kelly (first fighter pilot to land his Hellcat on Tarawa--See Edwin P. Hoyt "Storm Over the Gilberts", page 136) gave my father his private purchase fighting knife as a momento...John R. Hughes john@hughesatlaw.com..." [14JUN2004]

Memorial Picture "...Shipmate Pix Hulme, BM1 Bernard...My Dad, BM1 Bernard Hulme served in the 8th Div. Naval Reserves from 1938 to 1941 at Newport, R.I. and Boston, Mass. He was on the USS Babbitt (DD-128) and USS Haraden (DD-183). From 1941 to 1945 he transferred from Reserves to Navy and served with CASU-38 at MCBH Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii. Last serving on the USS Mount Katmai (AE-16). Bernard passed away October 9, 2008. He always spoke with great pride of his service in the Navy..." Contributed by pilgrimsnow@cox.net [PIX Added 07MAR2011 | 22FEB2011]


JOHNSON, Milford R. (Jake) hortenb@atlanticbb.net "...I served in the South Pacific during WWII. I was in the Navy and with CASU-39. Looking for some old Shipmates. I am now 86 years young!..." [26AUG2005]


KEEFE, ARM2 L. J. verkeefe@bestweb "...I was in the USN from March 1944 to July 1946. Trained at NAS Jacksonville, Florida in Radio School, Gunnery and PBY's. Further training in NAS Hutchinson, Kansas in PB4Y-1 (B-24). Back to NAS Jacksonville, Florida for training in PB4Y-2 (Privateers). Then out to NAS North Island, San Diego, California for more training with VPB-197. Then to MCAS/NAS Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii. Finally wound up in Eniwetok Island with VPB-121. The war was over and they did not know what to do with me so I wound up in NAS Tanapag Harbor, Saipan, Marianas Islands in CASU F 48 flying PBM's and PBY's for testing purposes. Being the youngest I did not get discharged till 1946. Rate of ARM 2/c CA V6. I had abot 700 hrs in my log books. Can anyone tell me any information abot my travels as I am now 77 yrs of age and realize I did contribute something to the war effort. At the time I was just having a grand adventure , flying and operating a 50 caliber turret. I was also a good radio operator. Never forgot the code..." [30MAY2004]

Memorial Picture "...KELLEY, AT1 Millard...My father, Millard Kelley, passed away in 1976...Dad served reported for service at NRS Pittsburgh, PA (25JUL42), NTC Great Lakes, IL (25JUL42-11OCT42), NAS Jacksonville, Florida (13OCT42-10FEB43), NAGS NAS Jacksonville, Florida (10FEB43-24MAR43), NAS DeLand (Datona Beach), Florida (24MAR43-22MAY43), FAW-1 (22MAY43-16AUG44), USS Coos Bay (AVP-25) (16AUG44-31OCT44), CASU-48 (31OCT44-07MAY45), Naval Air Station Terminal Island San Pedro, California (05JUL45-21APR46), NAS Corpus Christi, Texas (21APR46-08AUG46), R/S NAS Norfolk, Virginia (09AUG46_23AUG46), FASRON-1 (23AUG46-10SEP46), FASRON-2 (10SEP46-28MAY47), Attack Carrier Airgroup Three (28MAY47-14AUG47) and FASRON-1 (14AUG47-13JUL48). His awards were the World War 11 Victory Medal and the American Area Campaign Medal. My dad is buried at the Veterans Section of Vista Memorial Gardens in Miami Lakes, FL. When I visit, I can hear aircraft landing and taking off from the nearby Opa-locka Executive Airport, which was formerly the NAS Miami, Florida..." Contributed by Amy Carswel amyjeancarswell@gmail.com [22OCT2019]

KEMSKE, AMM3 Paul A. (Ski) paulski33@earthlink.net "...I served with CASU 37 NAS Agana, Guam from November 1944 to December 1945. Our unit serviced all the planes at NAS Agana, Guam. I would like to get in touch with any Shipmates that are still around. These are the Shipmates I remember: James Gunther, Chief Gormley, Fahie, Mayfield, Johnny Flatko, Frenchy, Reds, and Jackson,Swede. Please get in touch with me if you read this message..." [18APR2004]

KRAUS, ADRC Milt Retired mkra93@peoplepc.com "...From 1943 to 1946 served as Aviation Machinist Mate in CASU 27 And CASU 22. Joined reserve squadron VS-873 at NAS Oakland, California in 1956 as radar operator in the S2F. VS-873 was called to active duty 1961 to 1962. Was discharged in 1964. Looking for any members of VS-873 during 1956-1964..." [09NOV2003]


Memorial Picture "...McNULTY, AMM2 Harold Robert...CASU-4. Enlisted 11-11-1942, discharged 01-10-1946. Aviation Machinist Mate 2c. My father. He passed away in 1964...Paul McNulty paulmcnulty@hotmail.com..." [29JAN2009]

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]

Memorial Picture "...MORRISON, AM3 Robert E...Dad entered Active Duty 10-31-1942, date of his separation Jan 19, 1946. He was a Aviation Metalsmith, AM3C, CASU-4, Born July 30, 1924, Home of Record Connersville, Indiana. Died Nov 11, 1994, buried at Cave Hill Cemetery Louisville KY. Dad was award the Victory Medal, American Campaign medal, Asisatic Pacific Campaign Medal and a good conduct medal...His son, Gregory Morrison gregmorrison2005@aol.com..." [31AUG2007]

MOSER, Lawrence E. nein9moe@yahoo.com "...I was transferred to NAS Inyokern, California and was among the first Ships Company when the base was commissioned. I spent 13 months there before being transferred to 29 Palms as a member of CASU 45f. The base insignia at NAS Inyokern, California was a jack rabbit riding a rocket with a canteen slung over his shoulder. I would like very much to get a copy or patch of that insignia if someone can tell me how. Thank You..." [29JAN2007]


NELSON, CDR Robert R. Retired c/o Ron Nelson r.r.nelson@mindspring.com "...My dad, Robert R. Nelson was career Navy (1940-1967). Served as an enlisted pilot (NAP) during WWII with CASU 21, NAS Norfolk, Virginia. Took a commission in '50 and served with VP-22 from '50-'52 out of NAS Barbers Point, Hawaii, with two deployments to NAF Naha, Okinawa, Japan during Korea. Subsequent tour with VW-15 on the DEW barriers out of NAS Argentia, Newfoundland, Canada '57-'59. Also served as ship's company aboard carriers USS Saipan CV-34 ('47-'48) and USS Leyte CV-32 ('55-'57). Retired from COMNAVAIRLANT as a Cdr. Interested in corresponding with anyone whose path may have crossed his during any of those assignments..." [20JAN2005]


ORTEGA, Lotario lotarioortega@comcast.net "...I served with CASU-3 at Naval Advance Base Vella Lavella, Solomon Islands (08/1943-06/1944) servicing Fighter Squadrons of the 2nd Fleet Marine Wing (VMF-214, VMF-216, etc.). I would like to hear from former Shipmates..." [17OCT2015]


Memorial Picture "...PEACOCK, AMM2 William L. "Buddy"...My step-father, William L. (Buddy) Peacock, passed away November 1st, 1993. He served with CASU-4 and CASU-5..." Contributed by Phil Mullens pgmullens@comcast.net [23JAN2014]

Memorial Picture "...PHILLIPS, ATN2 Junie F...My father, Junie F. Phillips, ATN2, served in the U. S. Navy from 1941-1963, and was with CASU-47 and CASU-51 in the south pacific from Nov 1944 to April 1946. I am trying to trace his service during these times. I would like to thank all who served, both past and present, I, we, are forever in thier debt!..." Contributed by Danny Phillips danphilli8@aol.com [08SEP2012]

Memorial Picture "...PORTER, LT(jg) Miles Gordon (Gordy or Miles)...Dad was a Naval Aviator from 1943-1945, member of VC-12 and CASU-23. Dad served on the USS Card, CVE-11; USS Kasaan Bay, CVE-69; NAS Atlantic City, New Jersey...his son Bill Porter wwp@unique-software.com..." [27JUN2005]


Memorial Picture Shipmate PixCirca 1943 "...REEVES, LCDR Thomas A...My Father, LCDR Thomas A Reeves, served as an SBD-3 pilot with VS-5 on the Yorktown between 1940 and 1942. He later served with CASU's 4,5,14,9,8, & 55 up until late 1945. I would like to exchange stories with anyone else who served during that time or in any of the CASU's or VS-5...Nancy Reeves Casey nckailua@aol.com..." [PIX Added 24MAR2008 | 23MAR2008]


SMITH, Leslie D. Shipmate PixCirca 1944 c/o Scott Smith clearlight8@gmail.com "...This is a short history of my father, Leslie D. Smith's service in the South Pacific from January 1944 to August 1944. He was stationed with ACORN 28 at Port Hueneme, CA as Aviation Electrician's Mate 3rd Class. On 3 May 1944, ACORN 28 arrived at Pityilu Island, Manus in the Admiralties on the SS Howell Lykes in order to set up an advanced air base there. This base later also became the home of CASU-42 and continued to operate until the end of the war. From Septe,ber 1944 to May 1945 he was assigned to VS-61. According to the history, VS-61 was part of FAW-10 which at that time was at Manus Island, Admiralties preparing for the Philippines invasion. On October 17, 1944 FAW-10 relocated to Leyte Gulf, Philippines aboard the USS Currituck (AV-7). Dad told me that he flew as the rear gunner on an SBD Dive Bomber. FAW-10 had at least 4 SBD-5's along with Catalinas, OS2Us and J2Fs, according to the history. It is this time period when VS-61 was in the Philippines that I'm trying to find out more about. On November 30, 1944, FAW-10 was relocated to Jinamoc Seaplane Base, San Pedro Bay, Leyte Gulf, Philippines. In May 1945 Dad was reassigned back to Pityilu Island, Admiralties as part of CASU-42. Most of the history outlined here was obtained from the Naval Historical Center, Washington Navy Yard DC and from my father's service record. Anyone who may have known my father or who have any more info regarding VS-61, FAW-10 or CASU-42 during these time periods. Please feel free to write or call (574-238-4478)..." [E-Mail Updated 19JUL2023 | 16JUN2006]

Memorial Picture "...SUSOL, AMM1 Ferdinand Francis Shipmate Pix...My Father in Law, Ferdinand Francis Susol, served with VD-1, CASU-(F)41 and FAW-14. He received the World War II Victory Medal, Air Crew Insignia (3 Stars), Asiatic-Pacific Theater Medal (2 Stars), American Theater Medal, Air Medal, Naval Unit Commendation, Philippine Liberation and Good Conduct Medal..." Contributed by Brenda Susol beebalmred@aol.com [21FEB2021]

SUTTON, Fred A. Sr. c/o Laura Sutton lmsaeling@cablerocket.com "...My grandfather, Fred A. Sutton, Sr. was stationed at NAS Barbers Point, Hawaii from 1944 - 1946 and was assigned to CASU-2 and FASRON-117. ANY information, connections, etc. are requested ... thank you! He is still alive and well (April 2005)..." [08APR2005]


Memorial Picture "...TAYLOR, ARM2 E. E...Dad served with CASU-27 (05/1944-07/1944) at NAS DeLand, Florida, VB-16 (09/1944-12/1944), VB-97 and VB-75 (06/1945-12/1945) at NAS Chincoteague, Virginia. Dad received the American Theater Ribbon and Victory Medal. You can view Dad's pictures on http://www.flickr.com/photos/pat36a/..." Contributed by Paul Taylor pat36a@verizon.net [16SEP2011]


VALKENBURG, Ray Van c/o Mark Van Valkenburg Shipmate PixCirca World War II mullett@comcast.net "...My dad, Ray Van Valkenburg, was stationed at NAS Atlantic City, New Jersey during WWII as part of CASU-23..." [PIX Added 23APR2005 | 27NOV2004]


Memorial Picture "...WERT, CDR Clinton Van...Clinton Van Wert, 88 - KANAB, UTAH ---- Clinton Earle Van Wert, 88, died Monday, Dec. 29, 2003, at Kane County Skilled Nursing Facility, Kanab, Utah. Born in Valhalla, New York, he grew up in Valley Center. He graduated from Escondido High School in 1934 and Pasadena Junior College in 1936 and then enrolled in the U.S. Army Technical School at Rantoul, Illinois. He served in the Navy during World War II in VS-58, CASU-13 and CASU-39, and Air Center Command 140. He was awarded the American Asiatic Pacific Ribbon and the American Defense Ribbon. He retired from the Navy as a commander and also retired from Sears Roebuck Coy. Mr. Wert was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Ruby E. Van Wert. He is survived by daughters Carolyn R. Kroll of Upland and Carole L. Howard of Mt. Carmel, Utah; and a grandson, Kyle. Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2004, at Victor Valley Mortuary in Victorville. Interment will be in Victor Valley Memorial Park. Victor Valley Mortuary is in charge of arrangements..." Contributed by EASTMAN, Jack G. vsnavy.org@westnet.com.au [25MAY2005]

Memorial Picture "...WHITCHURCH, AMM2 Charles Laymon c/o Daughter Diana Fessler diana@fessler.com "...My father, Charles Laymon Whitchurch, passed away October 26th, 2001. Dad served at NRS Chicago, Ill (1942), NAS Glenview, Illinois (08/1942-08/1943), CASU-31 (08/1943-01/1944), MCBH Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii (01/1944-08/1944) and NAS Whidbey Island, Washington (08/1944-09/1945)..." [23MAR2017]

WILLIAMS, AMM1 George williams.george.d.n@att.net "...I was assigned to "TTSA", NAS Norfolk, Virginia, and "TTSP", NAS Alameda, California before going to CASU-48 at Saipan in 1945. PBM's were the aircraft I worked and flew. I was an AMM1/c and flew as Plane Captain and Flight Engineer..." [18JAN2005]


YOCUM, AOM3 Jerry D. jyocum@gilanet.com "...I served with CASU-38 MCAS/NAS Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii from June 1944 to September 1945. I attended Gunnery School on Main Base from June 144 to July 44 (but can find no record of that). I obtained the records for CASU-38 in 1993 and located 206 men. I started a newsletter and organized Reunions. Today there are 152 Shipmates still with us and the newsletter is still being mailed. I used every means available to track down the crew. I am still searching for Herbert Glenn Davis who went aboard the USS Shipley Bay March 24, 1945. I'm still looking for anyone interested..." [06JUL2004]


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