VR-58 History
Circa 2009
A BIT OF HISTORY: VR-58 History "...'Sunseekers' to Change Command on February 21, 2009 - Thursday, February 19, 2009..." WebSite: JaxAirNews http://adserver1.harvestadsdepot.com/jaxairnews/ss/jaxairnews/ [20FEB2009]
Circa 2008
A BIT OF HISTORY: "... Commands Go to Battle at MWR Sports Challenge - Story Number: NNS080611-25 - Release Date: 6/11/2008 9:55:00 PM - By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Toiete Jackson, Fleet Public Affairs Center Detachment Southeast. (VP-5 and VR-58)..." WebSite: NavyNews http://www.navy.mil/ [18JUN2008]
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (NNS) -- Over 350 Sailors from eight commands aboard NAS Jacksonville, Florida battled it out in the 2008 Command Sports Challenge sponsored by NAS Jacksonville, Florida Morale, Welfare and Recreation Department June 5-6.
There were record numbers of participants in the team building competition to take on defending champs Personnel Support Detachment Jacksonville.
"The whole point of the competition is to bring all of the commands together for a friendly competition and to get those that don't particularly participate in intramurals to come out," said Tim McKinney, fitness director for NAS Jax. "There is a traveling trophy that goes around for the commands to show off at their work space."
The competition began with a 1,500 meter relay. Other events included 3-on-3 basketball, one-pitch softball, an adult tricycle race, and dodgeball.
The "Mad Foxes" of VP-5 fell to the "Sunseekers" of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron VR-58 in an intense dodgeball match.
"We knew the Mad Foxes would be tough," said exhausted but elated, Aviation Ordnanceman 2nd Class Michael McCoy assigned to the Sunseekers. "They had us down to one player, but we caught two balls to bring back two teammates, and from there, we closed the deal and moved on to the next round."
Lance Cpl. James Durnal assigned to Company B, 4th Assault Amphibian Battalion, thought the idea of the competition was awesome even though he was "misinformed" about the auto race.
"I was all set for the remote control car race that I was signed up for," said Durnal. "I still enjoyed it even when I found out I would be riding an adult-sized tricycle."
The events on June 6 included 3-on-3 volleyball, washers, tug-of-war, pool relay and the most popular event, the CO's Challenge Canoe Race.
"This is a great event to have all the commands to come out and show their camaraderie by participating," said Capt. John C. Scorby, NAS Jax commanding officer. "It doesn't matter if you win, as long as you are having fun and from the looks on everyone's face, I think they are."
The competition ended in a tie for first between NAS Jax and Naval Computer Telecommunications Station Jax, both coming in at 1,150 points and VR-58 taking second place with 1,075 points.
Circa 2007
A BIT OF HISTORY: CDR Hiscock and Mendez "...Mendez to relieve Hiscock at VR-58 - By Lt. Cmdr. Chuck Grandmason, VR-58 PAO - Originally created Thursday, October 18, 2007..." WebSite: JaxAirNews http://www.jaxairnews.com/ [20OCT2007]
Cmdr. Fermin Mendez will relieve Cmdr. William Hiscock as commanding officer of the VR-58 "Sunseekers" during a change of command ceremony Saturday at NAS Jacksonville. Capt. Sean Phinney, deputy commodore, Fleet Logistics Support Wing, will be the guest speaker.
Mendez is a graduate of the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta, earning a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (BSEE) in 1990. He was selected for pilot training and completed Aviation Officer Candidate School in Pensacola later that year. He continued his flight training in Milton, Fla. and Corpus Christi, Texas, then returned to Pensacola to complete carrier qualifications before becoming designated a naval aviator Feb. 12, 1993. Upon completion of E-2C/C-2 FRS training at VAW-120 in Norfolk, Va., Mendez reported to the "Rawhides" of VRC-40 for duty flying the Grumman C-2A Greyhound. Mendez successfully completed Mediterranean/Western Pacific deployments on board USS America (CV-66) and USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67) and quickly became qualified as a carrier transport aircraft commander logging more than 1,700 hours in the C-2A. His assignments included personnel officer, aircraft division officer, quality assurance officer, operations officer and NATOPS officer.
Following his tour at VRC-40, Mendez was selected for the Training and Administration of Reserves program and reported to Commander, Fleet Logistics Support Wing at NAS Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, Texas.
While serving as administration officer for the Navy's largest air wing, he oversaw the administrative needs of 14 VR squadrons and became qualified as a transport aircraft commander in the C-9B/DC-9 Skytrain.
In July 1999, Mendez transferred to NAS Jacks-onville to join VR-58 where he served as reserve pay officer, assistant operations officer and became fully qualified as an international over water aircraft commander completing a myriad of detachments all over the world.
When VR-58 was selected to transition for the C-40A (B737), Mendez was handpicked to lead the transition as the squadron's NATOPS officer and senior NATOPS instructor pilot, becoming the first Sunseeker to become fully qualified as a C-40A international over water aircraft commander.
Mendez then served as VR-58's maintenance officer and operation's officer leading to his screening for command of VR-58. Mendez is currently a Gulfstream IV pilot with NetJets International, Inc.
Mendez has flown more than 4,400 hours in Navy aircraft and has more than 150 carrier landings.
During Hiscock's tenure as VR-58 commanding officer, he led the Sunseekers to numerous awards including the 2006 Noel E Davis "Battle "E" Award, the 2006 James M. Holcombe Award for Maintenance Excellence, the 2006 CNO Safety "S" Award and the 2006 CFLSW Wing Retention Excellence Award.
Hiscock's next assignment will be as the Navy emergency plans and liaison officer for the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Circa 2006
A BIT OF HISTORY: CDR Drew Kenney (VP-30), AWAN Anthony Balver (VP-30) and LCDR Susan Miller (VR-58) "...Annual Turkey Trot brings out runners. Squadrons Mentioned: VP-30, VP-45 and VR-58. Thursday, November 23, 2006..." WebSite: JaxAirNews http://www.jaxairnews.com/ [25NOV2006]
It was the perfect day for the annual Turkey Trot Nov. 17 as 97 runners turned out to participate in the 5K run. The event is sponsored each year by the NAS Jacksonville, Florida Morale, Welfare and Recreation Department (MWR).
Placing first overall and first in the men's military category was Drew Kenny from VP-30 with a time of 17:36. Taking second in the military men's category was Hank Bruncuik of the Substance Abuse and Rehabilitation Center, coming in at 18:23 followed by Barry Buss of Commander Helicopter Sea Combat Wing Atlantic, Detachment Jax, who placed third with a time of 18:38.
In the military women's category, Susan Miller of VR-58 took first with a time of 20:43, followed by Chun Qin Mai of Fleet Readiness Center Southeast, coming in at 23:59 and Virginia Hernandez of VP-45, at 24:05.
Taking first in the male open division was Brett Beisker with a time of 20:40, followed by Mark Seidl coming in at 22:00 and Timothy Wimberely with a time of 25:58.
Christine Bell placed first in the female open division with a time of 21:53, followed by Candace McElroy coming in at 27:59 and Elisa Jacque in third with a time of 30:29.
After the run, an awards ceremony was held to present medals to the winners and six people were lucky enough to take home a turkey for the Thanksgiving holiday.
The next MWR-sponsored run will be the annual Jingle Bell Run Dec. 14 at 11:30 a.m. For more information, call 542-3239/3518.
A BIT OF HISTORY: Brady Fitzgerald and David Hunt "...Brady Fitzgerald (right) of VR-58, was the 2006 Captain's Cup Fall Racquetball Champion and David Hunt of VP-30, finished second..." WebSite: JaxAirNews http://www.jaxairnews.com/ [16SEP2006]
A BIT OF HISTORY: VR-58 History "...VR-58 Reservist Steps Up - By Lt. Cmdr. Eric Ascheman - VR-58 PAO - Thursday, June 22, 2006 - NAS Jacksonville, Florida..." WebSite: JaxAirNews http://www.jaxairnews.com/ [25JUN2006]
The Navy asked and SKC(NAC) Lorri Howard of VR-58 answered the call. Howard, a selected reservist attached to VR-58, recently returned from volunteer duty as the fleet logistic support wing liaison officer in Bahrain.
When she first arrived in Bahrain in October 2005, Howard had hoped for the opportunity to ease into her responsibilities. However, an earthquake in Pakistan made sure that didn't happen.
Howard's primary responsibilities were to assist the C-130 squadron deployed to Bahrain as well as coordinate all transient aircraft from the wing, which is comprised of 15 squadrons including C-130, C-20, C-9 and C-40 aircraft.
She also coordinated regular aircraft washes and maintenance in Bahrain for P-3 squadrons located remotely in theater. Howard met each flight when they landed, conducted their initial in-chop security brief, coordinated lodging, transportation, supply management, spare parts and aided crews in acquiring diplomatic clearances in theater. Finally, she was responsible for coordinating the entire military ramp at Bahrain International Airport.
From the moment she landed, until her tour ended in May, Howard's cell phone rang continuously. She was directly involved in and responsible for the efficient movement of more than 2,000 passengers and millions of pounds of cargo through 240 missions, including over two months of continuous C-130 and C- 9 humanitarian support to Islamabad, Pakistan.
Howard worked hard to acquire high speed internet and computer access for the VR maintenance detachment, coordinated with Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Detachment Bahrain to reduce turnaround time on prop, tire overhauls and established a permanent pack up kit full of C-130 parts to assist in detachment maintenance.
Howard was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal for her efforts and is now enjoying 57 days of well deserved leave.
Circa 1991
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Naval Aviation Units Involved in the Persian Gulf War (16 January–27 February 1991)...This Squadron Mentioned...Naval Historical Center ADOBE Download File: http://www.history.navy.mil/avh-1910/APP29.PDF [27MAY2003]
Persian Gulf War 20KB
Circa 1988
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...History - Change-Of-Command - Page 29 - Naval Aviation News - July-August 1988..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1980s/1988/ja88.pdf [21OCT2004]
Circa 1985
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Awards - Change-Of-Command - Page 29 and 30 - Naval Aviation News - July-August 1985..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1980s/1985/ja85.pdf [18OCT2004]
Circa 1984
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...History - Change-Of-Command - Page 37, 38 and 40 - Naval Aviation News - July-August 1984..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1980s/1984/ja84.pdf [17OCT2004]
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...History - Change-Of-Command - Page 37 and 39 - Naval Aviation News - March-April 1984..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1980s/1984/ma84.pdf [17OCT2004]
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...We Deliver - Page 22 to 25 - Naval Aviation News - January-February 1984..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1980s/1984/jf84.pdf [17OCT2004]
Circa 1983
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Awards - Page 30 and 32 - Naval Aviation News - July-August 1983..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1980s/1983/ja83.pdf [17OCT2004]
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Grenada Combat Operations 25 October–2 November 1983...Squadrons Mentioned: VP-10, VP-16, VP-23, VR-56, VR-58, VR-59, and VS-28...Naval Historical Center ADOBE Download File: http://www.history.navy.mil/avh-1910/APP27.PDF [27MAY2003]
Grenada Combat Operations 21KB
Circa 1982
A BIT OF HISTORY: NAS Glenview, Illinois "...NAS Glenview, Illinois base newspaper (GLENVIEWS feature) called "HELLO AND GOODBYE" showing personnel changes from January 1982..." Contributed by FORT, HM2 FMF Michael J. "Doc" Fort (Sanchez) docsanchez@yahoo.com [20FEB2005]
Circa 1981
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...History - Change-Of-Command - Page 53 to 54 - Naval Aviation News - November 1981..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1980s/1981/nov81.pdf [14OCT2004]
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...History - Change-Of-Command - Page 4, 44 and 47 - Naval Aviation News - August 1981..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1980s/1981/aug81.pdf [14OCT2004]
Circa 1979
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Awards - Rescues - Change-Of-Command - Page 5, 33 and 35 - Naval Aviation News - July 1979..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1970s/1979/jul79.pdf [10OCT2004]
Circa 1977
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...VR-58 History..." http://www.vr58.navy.mil/ [01JUN2002]
Fleet Logistics Support Squadron Five-Eight (VR-58) was established at NAS Jacksonville Florida on 1 November 1977. Formal ceremonies were held in April 1978 with the delivery of the first C-9B aircraft. In September 1978 an additional two aircraft were received, making the squadron "mission ready." VR-58 is one of several jet transport units in the U. S. Navy Reserves. The Commanding Officer of VR-58 exercises operational and administrative control of the squadron, reporting directly to the Commander, Fleet Logistics Support Wing, NAS Ft. Worth JRB, Texas.
VR-58 is a Naval Air Reserve Force Squadron composed of active duty and Selected Reserve Personnel providing Seven-day-a-week round the clock, worldwide logistics to support the Navy and Marine Regular and Reserve Forces. The squadron operates four McDonnell Douglas C-9B "Skytrain II" aircraft, named after the dependable and durable R-4D transport of World War II and Berrying Artist fame. Operating at speeds in excess of 500 mph up to altitudes of 35,000 feet, the aircraft is capable of carrying 90 passengers, plus crew of six, up to 28,000 pounds of cargo or combination of both passengers and cargo. Our C-9Bs are virtually always ready for flight, primarily due to an on-site Supply Support Center. Squadron missions include logistics support throughout the United States, the Caribbean, Middle East, Mediterranean and Western Pacific in support of NATO Commander Fleet Air Mediterranean (COMFAIRMED) and Commander Fleet Air Western Pacific (COMFAIRWESTPAC).
VR-58 conducts extensive training programs to ensure the highest degree of proficiency and professionalism among its pilots, aircrew, maintenance and administrative personnel. This training paid off tremendously during the period of 27 December 1990 to 21 May 1991 when VR-58 became one of four Naval Reserve C-9B squadrons to be mobilized in support of Operations DESERT SHIELD, DESERT STORM and PROVIDE COMFORT. The main group of Personnel was based at Naval Air Facility, Capodichino, NAF Naples, Italy where it maintained two aircraft. One aircraft and 45 personnel were detached to NAS Sigonella, Sicily on a rotation basis. VR-58 provided direct airlift support to U. S. Navy and Marine combat operations in the Red Sea and Persian Gulf by flying 380 missions (2,700 flight hours), transporting over 2.5 million pounds of cargo and 11,000 passengers during this five-month deployment. Although this was the first time any Navy C-9B squadron had been mobilized and a "first" for many squadron members to experience the accelerated Tempos of wartime operations and life away from their homeland, The VR-58 "Sunseekers" performed magnificently and completed 106% of assigned missions with an overall aircraft "Fully Mission Capable" rate of 99.5%.
VR-58 continually displays the highest degree of professionalism and readiness. It is through reserve squadrons such as VR-58 that military readiness is maintained to ensure quick response to any world situation which may occur. VR-58 is a prime example of the "One Navy" concept where a Reserve Force Squadron is fully integrated into service to the Fleet.
Circa 1949
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...NARTU Norfolk Takes Honors - Page 24 to 25- Naval Aviation News - October 1949..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1940s/1949/oct49.pdf [20SEP2004]
"VR-58 Summary Page"
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