VPNAVY VP-5 Open House
http://www.vpnavy.org
VPNAVY Address

Note VP-5 NoticeNote

Note NOTICE: "...I, Patrick McFaden, served with VP-5 as Jez Operator on flight crew 6 from 1965 to December 1969. To satisfy the VA I am looking for anyone who has proof or evidence or is willing to testify to my physical presence in Vietnam during our deployment to NS Sangley Point, Philippines in 1967. (All of my personal photos were destroyed in Hurricane Floyd.) Thanks..." Contributed by Patrick McFaden nextgig@live.com [15DEC2022]


Note NOTICE: "...P2V LA-9 Renovation Underway!...In Memorial for VP-5 lost friends...12JAN62..." [28SEP2009]

P2V LA-9 Renovation Underway!
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In Honor Of Our VP-5 Brothers Of The LA-9 Crew
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UPDATE "...The refurbishment of the P2V on display in Heritage Park aboard NAS JAX has been completed. This aircraft is dedicated to the VP-5 Mad Fox crew of LA-9 who perished on 12 JAN 62 while on routine patrol of the Denmark Straights..." Contributed by Mike Kozak mkozak.mco@gmail.com [18OCT2014]

Since VP-5 is at present on deployment with the 7th fleet this refurbishment was accomplished by members of VP-8 who spent weeks sanding, prepping and painting the aircraft. Many thanks to the following personnel who performed the grunt work:

AM3(AW) Zachary Page;
AM2(AW) Steven Berger;
AM2(AW) Matthew Larkin;
AM3(AW) Quincy Morris.

These men also applied the various markings and insignia that designate this particular P2V as it was dedicated to the LA-9 crew, including the Mad Fox logo on the tail of this aircraft. Many thanks to all involved for a job well done!

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UPDATE "...Work progresses on the LA-9 memorial P2V refurbishment at Heritage Park aboard NAS JAX..." Contributed by Mike Kozak mkozak.mco@gmail.com [26SEP2014]

A contractor was brought in to reset the aircraft onto display stands while the team from VP-8 continues with their efforts to prep and paint the plane. AM3 (AW) Zachary Page paints the rear stabilizer while AM2 (AW) Matthew Larkin spots for him. AM2 (AW) Steven Berger and AM3 (AW) Quincy Morris work on the cockpit windshield. In the last photo Patty (Kozak) Masciantoni speaks with the contractors supervisor, an HS navy vet, /while the refurbishment is underway.

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UPDATE "...The P2V on display in Heritage Park aboard NAS Jacksonville, Florida is presently undergoing a presentation refurbishment. Since it was last painted in 2009, the Neptune had become somewhat weather beaten after years of exposure in the park. In addition, the aircraft was knocked off of its stands by a strong wind gust during a rather strong storm that came through at one point in time.

Since VP-5 is presently on deployment with the 7th Fleet, a team of metalsmiths from the VP-8 "Fighting Tigers" are taking on the task of repainting the P2V. AM1 Dane Allred is the squadron's project manager. LEFT PHOTO: Team consisting of AM3 Zachary Page, AM2 Steven Berger, AM2 Matthew Larkin, AM2 Quincy Morris, AM2 Patrick Esposito and AMAN Edward Meunier. CENTER PHOTOGRAPH: AM2 Steven Berger and AM3 Quincy Morris prep the starboard underside wing. RIGHT PHOTOGRAPH: AM3 Zachary Page sanding the fuselage.

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The first photo shows the P2V shortly after the dedication ceremony in 2009. The other photos show the progress being made to this point. The aircraft will also be remounted on stands as part of the refurbishment.

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An article regarding the refurbishment was also published in the September 18, 2014 edition of Jax Air News (http://www.jaxairnews.com). This project should be completed by the first week of October..." Contributed by Mike Kozak mkozak.mco@gmail.com [26SEP2014]

UPDATE "...I had an opportunity to stop by today at the LA-9 P2V on static display in Heritage Park, NAS Jacksonville, Florida. As I walked around the display I had to admire the tremendous effort of all hands involved in the preparation and painting of this aircraft. The fact that active duty members of VP-5 gave such recognition to a crew from the squadrons history is very much appreciated by members of the "VP-5 Family". To all members of the Mad Foxes---Bravo! Job well done! Thank you!..." Contributed by Mike Kozak mkozak.mco@gmail.com [19NOV2009]

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UPDATE "...'Mad Foxes' Remember 12 Of Their Own - By Clark Pierce, Editor - Last modified Thu., November 12, 2009 - 05:55 PM..." WebSite: JaxAirNews http://jacksonville.com/news/ [13NOV2009]

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On a cool and windy Nov. 6, NAS Jacksonville, Florida Commanding Officer Capt. Jack Scorby Jr. welcomed hundreds of Sailors, families, retirees and other distinguished guests to the unveiling of a special memorial at Heritage Park in honor and remembrance of VP-5 crew LA-9.

"Just a few months ago, this Neptune was in serious distress due to age and corrosion. Since we receive no government funding to maintain our aircraft at Heritage Park, we rely on our NAS Jacksonville, Florida squadrons to adopt a historic aircraft and keep it in good condition," said Scorby. "When I put out the word on our Neptune - VP-5 stepped up immediately and told me about their plan to refurbish the aircraft in honor of 12 'Mad Foxes' who perished in 1962 while flying a patrol out of NAS Keflavik, Iceland."

He added that the young Sailors who worked tirelessly to restore the P2's appearance, did it for all the right reasons.

History ThumbnailCameraPhoto by Clark Pierce Guests arrived early at NAS Jacksonville, Florida Heritage Park Nov. 6 to admire the P2V Neptune recently restored by the VP-5 "Mad Foxes" in honor of their "LA-9" aircrew that was lost Jan. 12, 1962 while on patrol from NAS Keflavik, Iceland.

"Their efforts reflect the dedication, service and sacrifice made by their fallen shipmates of lima-alpha-nine, as well as their families. My thanks and congratulations go out to VP-5 Commanding Officer Cmdr. Frank Naylor, and the VP-5 restoration team led by Lt. Cmdr. Rob Huntington, for their vision and leadership for making today a reality," concluded Scorby.

Naylor reminded the audience, "One of the truly remarkable aspects of naval life is that we honor traditions and we honor sacrifices in ways that our civilian counterparts many times do not. It is that special bond, developed from shared experiences of a group of Sailors, that builds a foundation for that tradition. And it's in that vein that we gather here today to pay tribute to our fellow Sailors who made the ultimate sacrifice in our country's name.

"I want to give you a taste of what life was like when LA-9 went down in 1962. Fortunately, former VP-5 Commanding Officer Capt. Bob Smyth kept a journal of the events of that day and was kind enough to share it with us," said Naylor.

History ThumbnailCameraPhoto by Miriam Gallet The VP-5 "hands on" restoration team included (from left) AM3 Lance Nyffeler, AD3 Zach Barnett, AM3 Christopher Merrill, AM2(AW) Brad Barnes and AM3 Xian Wu.

"Winter weather in Iceland is very unpredictable - in an hour it can go from a hellish artic blizzard to a 'springtime in the Rockies' kind of day. On Jan. 12, 1962, LA-9 set out on a routine mission from NAS Keflavik, Iceland. At about 1030, the squadron duty officer reported no position report in the last hour. LA-9 had taken off at 0800 on a routine anti-submarine patrol in the Denmark Strait. The aircraft was flown that day by our new XO, Cmdr. Bert Kozak. This was his first operational patrol out of NAS Keflavik, Iceland. We had put an additional experienced VP-5 navigator aboard.

LA-9's flight plan was to fly northwest from NAS Keflavik, Iceland across the Denmark Strait and across the east coast of Greenland and over the ice flows for about 500 miles and then return home. It was a nine-hour flight covering about 1,500 miles.

At 1130, we still had had no contact. Every radio station in Iceland, Greenland and Europe was trying to contact LA-9. The clock crept ahead - no position reports. Its estimated arrival time of 1600 passed, but LA-9 did not return. A couple aircraft were sent out to look for the Neptune, but had to return due to deteriorating weather. The next day, we sent out eight search and rescue (SAR) aircraft. On Jan. 14, we sent 16 aircraft out. I was on the first SAR mission that swept the Denmark Strait and all kinds of experts were called in. The weather finally cleared and there was a report of footprints. We flew very low and the prints turned out to be a polar bear.

The search went on for a very long week and was called off Jan. 19. LA-9 and its crew had vanished. They were declared lost at sea - but that was not the end of the story. VP-5 kept looking every day until our return to the U.S. in May 1962."

Naylor continued, "Four and a half years later, on Aug. 6, 1966, the wreckage of LA-9 was found on Greenland's remote Kronborg glacier by an Oxford University geological survey team led by Charles Kent Brooks.

Brooks, who attended the ceremony from his home in Denmark, recalled, "We noted the location of the debris field -but since we had no radio communications capability with our party -it was four weeks before we arrived at Reykjavik, Iceland and reported our discovery to the American embassy," said Brooks.

History ThumbnailCameraPhoto by Miriam Gallet NAS Jacksonville, Florida Commanding Officer Capt. Jack Scorby Jr. congratulates Robert Pettway on completing the mission to commemorate the final recovery of the "LA-9" crew of VP-5.

Fast forward to 1975, when Brooks revisited the crash site via helicopter. He was shocked to find human remains that had been missed in the 1966 recovery effort.

"Later, I was contacted by Robert Pettway, a former VP-5 petty officer, about participating in a final expedition to bring the crew of LA-9 home once and for all. He teamed up with Patricia Masciantoni, Mike and Peter Kozak -the LA-9 pilot's surviving children - and other volunteers, including VP-5 Alumni, to make it happen in 2004," said Brooks. At the Nov. 6 ceremony, Bob Pettway received a special recognition plaque from Commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing 11 Capt. Mark Turner.

"Though it took two recovery missions over 47 years, we thank God that the men of LA-9 are home," said Pettway. "This was a team effort and I had a wonderful crew working with me over all these years, including the Kozak family, Dr. Kent Brooks, retired Marine Corps Maj. Gene Cole (who led the 1966 recovery mission), VP-5 Alumni Donald Lattimer and Don Good, and retired Navy Capt. Tom Sparks (who led the 2004 recovery mission)."

History ThumbnailCameraPhoto by Clark Pierce Conditions for the ceremony were cool and clear as Reid Pettway (6) stood with his siblings, Annsley (8) and Regan (10) during the colors presentation by the Clay High School NJROTC Color Guard. Navy Band Southeast A Cappella Quartet performed the national anthem.

Pettway concluded, "Very few things in life are perfect - but today's ceremony and this plane comes as close to perfect as anything I've ever experienced. Thank you all."

LA-9 Crew Members
  • Cmdr. Norbert Kozak

  • Lt. John Brown, M.D.

  • Lt. j.g. Anthony Caswick

  • Lt. j.g. Michael Leahy

  • Lt. j.g. Badger Smith III

  • AT2 Robert Anderson

  • ADR2 Robert Hurst

  • ATN3 Alan Millette

  • ADR3 Frank Parker

  • AT3 Norman Russell Jr.

  • AO3 Grover Wells

  • AEAN Joseph Renneberg


UPDATE History ThumbnailCamera "...The Plaque unveiling was done by Captain Scorby, NAS Jacksonville, Florida C.O., and myself. I had just previously been presented the U.S.Navy Superior Public Service silver medal by Captain Turner, the Commodore of CPRW-11. Standing from left to right are CDR Naylor, VP-5 C.O., Captain Scorby, base C.O., Bob Pettway, Captain Turner, and Lt.Cdr. Taylor, base Chaplain. This was a very moving ceremony. I was honored to be included in the ceremony and was seated on the podium between the two navy Captains, the base C.O. and Commodore of CPRW-11, who presented me with a U.S. Navy Superior Public Service silver medal for my part in the recovery. There were many family and fellow crewmates of the fallen crew at the ceremony. Also in attendance was Dr. Kent Brooks from the University of Copenhagen, who discovered the crash site while on geologic expedition, and Major J.P. Cole, the USMC leader of the 1966 recovery mission. Following the speeches, the C.O. of the base and I unveiled the plaque at the P2V that commemorates the LA-9 crew. I was very humbled to be so honored. It was perfect..." Contributed by PETTWAY, ATR3 Robert L. (Bob) rpettway@epbfi.com [09NOV2009]

UPDATE "...Attached are some photos of the P2V dedication ceremony held at NAS Jacksonville, Florida on 06NOV09. Part of the ceremony involved the presentation of a Navy Superior Public Service Award to Bob Pettway for his tireless efforts to bring the crew of LA-9 home. In the first photo CDR.Wes Naylor, present CO of VP-5, gives comments while CAPT. Jack Scorby, Jr. and Bob Pettway look on. Bob is presented his certificate in the second photo. The presentation group then moved to the aircraft and unveiled a commemorative plaque naming the crew of LA-9. Bob and Gaila Pettway stand with officers participating in the presentation in the last photo...." Contributed by Mike Kozak mkozak.mco@gmail.com [09NOV2009]

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UPDATE "...Attached are photos of the newly painted LA-9 P2V on static display at Heritage Park aboard NAS Jacksonville, Florida...." Contributed by Mike Kozak mkozak.mco@gmail.com [09NOV2009]

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UPDATE History ThumbnailCamera "...Sailors Honored Nearly 50 Years After Plane Crash - Reported by: Denise Douglas Email: ddouglas@ActionNewsJax.com Last Update: 11/06 6:49 pm..." WebSite: ActionNewsJax http://www.actionnewsjax.com/ [09NOV2009]

Photograph Caption: Family and friends say a final goodbye to 12 sailors killed during a training exercise.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- As he stood on base at NAS Jacksonville, Florida, Garey Hurst thought back on some of the good memories he had of his brother.

"I can remember before he left my brother picking me up and putting me on his shoulder and playing with me," he said.

That is one of the last memories Hurst has of his older brother. He was eight when his 22-year-old brother crashed in a plane. Robert and 11 other sailors were on a Cold War training exercise in a P2-V plane when it went down over Greenland.

"All my family, my mother and father especially were sad when they notified us," Hurst said.

Because of the remote location of the wreckage, it took years to find it and even longer to recover the bodies. Now, nearly 50 years since the crash, a refurbished P2-V has been dedicated in their honor at NAS Jacksonville, Florida.

"Finally after 47 years, that's a long time and I am so happy they are doing this for the entire crew," said Ruth Kozak Jacob, whose husband died when the plane went down.

Hurst was amazed at how the plane turned out. "I have a picture of the original plane they were on and it looks identical to it," he said.

For him it's a memory of his beloved brother he can treasure and a way to say goodbye. "I came because I wanted closure for all this," he said.

Copyright 2009 High Plains Broadcasting LLC All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

UPDATE History ThumbnailCamera "...Navy honors fallen air crew, families with ceremony and restored plane at Jacksonville NAS - Rendition of the crew's patrol plane displayed at Jacksonville NAS - By Jeff Brumley - Story updated at 12:50 AM on Saturday, Nov. 7, 2009..." WebSite: JaxAirNews http://jacksonville.com/news/ [07NOV2009]

The freshly painted P2 Neptune looked flight-ready as it glimmered in the morning sun Friday at Jacksonville Naval Air Station.

"It's an absolutely beautiful, wonderful piece of work," Kent Brooks said about the restored plane.

That wasn't the case in 1966, when Brooks was on a geological expedition that discovered an identical plane smashed up on a glacier in Greenland.

"Its belly was covered in ice, its wings were torn off, its engines were 200 yards in front of the crash site," Kent said. "The front was smashed, but the fuselage was intact with the crew inside."

That Jacksonville-based crew of 12 had crashed in bad weather and died in 1962 while on patrol. On Friday, they were honored by the Navy about five years after the last of their remains were recovered from the crash site.

About 200 people - family and former crew mates of the fallen team, as well as retired and active-duty sailors - attended the P2 dedication ceremony held at the base's outdoor plane park.

The service capped a nearly 50-year effort to find and recover the crew of the aircraft.

The saga began Jan. 12, 1962, when the aircraft departed NAS Keflavik, Iceland, for what was supposed to be a routine, nine-hour Cold War mission. When the plane and its crew failed to return on time, a week-long search-and-rescue effort was undertaken. It was eventually assumed the plane crashed at sea.

That changed four years later, when the British geological survey team happened on the crash site on the Kronborg Glacier in Greenland. Some of the effects and remains of the crew were subsequently recovered, but brutal blizzard conditions and its remote location prevented a full excavation of the site until 2004.

Jacksonville resident Nick Mulich was a member of the squadron at the time and participated in the air search for the downed crew.

"We still miss them a lot," Mulich said of his friends lost in the crash. "It could have been any one of us."

To help mark the occasion, a six-member Patrol Squadron 5 Mad Foxes maintenance crew spent 20,000 man-hours since September restoring and repainting the base's existing P2 display into a replica of the crashed plane. The VP-5, which now flies P-3 Orions out of the air station, was the mission crew's squadron.

One of those sailors, Petty Officer 3rd Class Zack Barnett, said the task became an increasingly emotional one for the team as the project neared completion.

"When I first started, I didn't understand it all," Barnett said. "But as people started showing up to look at it, then it got a little bit more personal."

It also was emotional for the families that attended Friday's ceremony.

Garey Hurst of Charleston, S.C., was present with several siblings to honor his brother, Petty Officer 2nd Class Robert Hurst, one of the sailors lost in the crash.

Hurst was 8 when his brother shipped out for Iceland.

"I remember before he left he picked me up on his shoulders and played with me," he said.

And he remembers the shock and sadness of his parents and older siblings when news came his 22-year-old brother and fellow crew mates had been killed.

Hurst said he felt relieved that the service has finally closed that chapter of his family's life.

"I came because I wanted closure and I wish my mom and dad were still here."

jeff.brumley@jacksonville.com, (904) 359-4310

UPDATE "...Air Crew Lost in Cold War Memorialized - Dave Wax - Taren Reed - Created: 11/6/2009 4:39:29 PM - Updated: 11/6/2009 5:44:23 PM..." WebSite: FirstCoastNews http://www.firstcoastnews.com/ [07NOV2009]

NAS JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- It took more than 47 years, but an air crew lost during the Cold War is finally being honored.

A dedication ceremony was held Friday morning for the crew aboard a P2V patrol aircraft that disappeared in 1962.

On January 12, 1962, the crew aboard the P2V, part of Patrol and Reconnaissance Squadron Five (VP-5), disappeared while flying over Greenland on a routine Cold War mission.

Crews searched for about a week in increasingly harsh conditions, but never found any sign of wreckage, so they assumed the plane and crew had been lost at sea.

In 1966, a team of British geologists found the crash remains on a glacier in Greenland, and a new recovery effort for the crew was launched.

The glacier -- Kronborg -- is very remote, and the environment is quite harsh, so the recovery effort launched in 1966 wasn't concluded until 2004.

Heritage Park at NAS Jax has a P-2V on display, because the VP-5 was attached to NAS Jax in the 1960s.

Beginning in September, a team of Mad Foxes from VP-5 repainted the aircraft to mirror that of LA-9, the tail number of the lost P-2V from 1962.

"It really gives the squadron and entire VP community a chance to honor our fallen comrades and pay tribute to their Cold War service and sacrifice," says Lt. Cmdr. Robert Huntington, maintenance officer for the Mad Foxes. "On a more personal level, it gives us a chance to say thank you to the surviving families and to let them know their loved ones will not be forgotten."

Surviving family members of the crew were on hand for the dedication, along with many people who never gave up the effort to get the crew back home, decades later.

©2009 First Coast News. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, rewritten, or redistributed.

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UPDATE "...AM3 Xian Wu, AD3 Zack Barnett and AM3 Lance Nyffeler (L-R, 1st photo) continue their work on the P2V static display at Heritage Park aboard NAS Jacksonville, Florida. Detail work presenting the aircraft as LA-9 will continue through the week. We are looking forward to the dedication ceremony on 06NOV09!..." Contributed by Mike Kozak mkozak.mco@gmail.com [29OCT2009]

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UPDATE "...Here are the most recent shots of the static P2V in Heritage Park aboard NAS Jacksonville, Florida as of Friday, 23OCT09. The VP-5 crew working on this aircraft have really been putting in a tremendous effort to ready this Neptune as LA-9. Please note that I plan to continue sharing updates of VP-5's progress on this project but will not send out any photos of the finished aircraft until after the dedication ceremony on 06NOV09..." Contributed by Mike Kozak mkozak.mco@gmail.com [24OCT2009]

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UPDATE "...Station's P-2V Neptune Under Refurbishment To Honor "LA-9" Crew - Friday, October 15, 2009..." WebSite: JaxNews http://www.jaxairnews.com/ [17OCT2009]

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UPDATE "...VP-5 personnel continue their work on the renovation of the P2V on static display as LA-9. The aircraft is on display in Heritage Park aboard NAS Jacksonville, Florida. These photos were taken on 14OCT2009..." Contributed by Mike Kozak mkozak.mco@gmail.com [15OCT2009]

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UPDATE "...Meet the crew repainting the P2V on static display at Jax NAS as LA-9..." Contributed by Mike Kozak mkozak.mco@gmail.com [02OCT2009]

LEFT to RIGHT:
    Left - Back Row Left to Right: AD3 Zack Barnett, AM2 Brad Barnes and AM3 Christopher Merrill.
    Front Row Left to Right: AM3 Lance Nyffeler and AM3 Xian Wu

    AD3 Zack Barnett and AM3 Christopher Merrill use power grinders to prep the surface under the tail section.

    AM3 Xian Wu uses a power grinder to sand off old paint while AM3 Lance Nyffeler preps his safety gear before giving a hand.

    AM2 Brad Barnes preps one of the blades on the starboard prop.
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Refurbishment crew was hard at it on the P2V
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UPDATE "...To All - I took my mom out to NAS Jacksonville, Florida yesterday to visit the exchange, credit union, pharmacy, etc. When we went by the P2V on static display there were some Mad Fox sailors out there preping the aircraft for its new paint and markings as LA-9. One of these fellows had spent the last two days sanding and and preping the tail alone. The crew had spent the last week sanding the wings as well. They are also completing some minor body work and will be working on the fuselage next week. I had an opportunity to climb aboard the aircraft as well. It is in fairly decent shape considering its age. The entire squadron is behind this project. They even researched the period correct paint codes in order to have the proper hue used back in the 60's (I believe PPG is mixing up a special batch of paint for this purpose). I'll keep you updated as I get up to Orange Park to check on my mom..." Contributed by Mike Kozak mkozak.mco@gmail.com [28SEP2009]
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Note NOTICE: "...Gray Fox Heritage Day (Reunion) on Friday, 23 August. Starts at 8AM and will conclude around 1300..." Forwarded by Nick Mulich nicknjax@gmail.com [31JUL2012]

It is my desire to properly recognize our incredible past before we start a new chapter for our great squadron. We will be providing tours of our aircraft (we have already rcvd LA-436 and LA-437 arrived Monday direct from Boeing), flight and crew simulators and our new hangar. Also, we are locating alumni from some of our historical moments to speak (Alan Shepard recovery, Yankee sub sinking, Cuban Missile Crisis blockade etc.) We are hoping for a large turnout. I have reached out to all former Mad Fox Commanding Officers and have already rcvd a very positive response thus far.

    Thursday 22nd
    1700: No-host cocktail reception at the T-Bar on base for anyone who is interested

    Friday 23rd

    0800-0815: Welcome by CDR Pottenburgh and remarks by Commodore Wiese, CPRW-11 (Dewey's on base - pastries/coffee/juice etc.)
    0815-0830: Introduction of VIPs
    0830-0845: History of VP-5 video
    0845-0900: Divide into tour groups
    0900-1230: Tours of Integrated Training Center (Weapons and Flight Trainers), Classrooms, Part Task Trainers, tours of Hangar 511, tours of LA-436 / LA-437
    1230-1300: Move to no-host lunch (likely at Mulligan's or Dewey's) location
    1300-TBD: No-host lunch - we will have a time of sea stories from our alumni during famous times in our history during lunch
We will be providing base access for anyone who needs it. We just need 7-10 days notice. My folks are making an e-vite...will ensure you rcv it. This will have an online RSVP tracking function as well. We are also advertising the event via Facebook and LinkedIn. Please tell everyone to "like" our Facebook page for all the details and any changes.

My work email is matthew.pottenburgh@navy.mil. If you could relay your email, I will ensure you rcv our e-vite.

Very respectfully,
Potty
CDR Matt Pottenburgh
CO VP-5
Work (904)542-2505

UPDATE "...Some time ago we had a Grey Fox Heritage event where we honored our Mad Fox alumni. Our Skipper at the time wanted a video for us to show the alumni and the idea of a squadron documentary came up. I just recently uploaded the video to http://vimeo.com/109886565 and a download via mediafire at http://www.mediafire.com/watch/n52xjjc0keb9ek3/VP-5%20Documentary%201080p%20Mobile.mp4#..." Contributed by LT Kevin Cottingham kevin.cottingham@gmail.com [26OCT2014]

Note NOTICE: "... I would be interested in purchasing a decal (etc...) of VP-5. I served in the USN 1971 to 1975, and the last three years with VP-5 as an AW-2 (acoustic & non-acoustic). Thank you. NEUNHOFFER, AW2 Steven C. countyfireman@gmail.com..." [02APR2009]


Note NOTICE: "...Shipmate Needs Your Help!..." Contributed by Greg Brazil baycomm@earthlink.net [20JAN2009]

NAVY LEAGUE OF THE UNITED STATES
OAKLAND CALIF # 068
733 Pomona Ave
Albany, Ca. 94706
510-527-6600
baycomm@earthlink.net

January 17, 2009

REF: LCDR Matt Thompson, currently assigned to VT-35

ALL

My name Greg Brazil and I'm a friend of Matt's for the last 20 years as I met him as a Sea Scout when he was a teenager in Oakland, Ca.

I don't know if you know, but Matt is dying of in-operable cancer. He is currently living with his wife Danica and his mother in the Bolder Creek, Ca.

My efforts here are to help Matt & Danica as much as I can. We at Oakland Navy League are a 501c (3) non profit corporation as such can raise funds for Matt & Danica's kids for their future and college. We are also trying to set up a trust for their kid's future. ONL can accept all funds for Matt and when the trust is formed transfer 100% of the funds to the trust. CDR. Mark Springer, CO VT-35 is also onboard with this.

I am asking you to help in any way you can to help out a class mate. If you can host fund raisers to help, that would be great along with any other things you can do.

I am trying to get all his old squadrons which are VT-21, VT-35, VP-30, VP-5, VX-30 and VPU-2 and VP Association to help also. Any help in reaching those squadrons would also be helpful.

Skipper Springer sent to a personal letter to BUPERS.

Any suggestions and any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

Greg Brazil (USNR 1965-72)
baycomm@earthlink.net

If you can make a donation - please do so at this address:

    Oakland Navy League
    c/o Robert L. Castle CPA
    610 Oakland Ave.
    Oakland, CA 94610
    Please mark the memo "LCDR Thompson"

Note NOTICE: "...I am a Chilean Navy P-3 pilot (LCDR Jaime Contreras Labra). I am trying to find LCDR Christopher Carmona (P-3 Pilot) who was stationed at NAS Jacksonville, Florida. We served together from 2001 to 2003 in a special exchange program in Chile. Unfortunately, I don't remember the his squadron VP-5, VP-16, VP-45 or VP-62). If anyone could provide me with his contact information - I would be very grateful. Thank you very much. LCDR Jaime Contreras LABRA, Commander, LSM 94 "Orompello", Chilean Navy..." Contributed by LCDR Jaime Contreras LABRA jaimecontreraslabra@gmail.com [27MAR2008]

UPDATE "...Found! Thank you for everyone's help. LCDR Jaime Contreras LABRA jaimecontreraslabra@gmail.com..." [29MAR2008]


Note NOTICE: "...I served with VP-17. I am looking for AT3 Vaughn L. Martin who served with VP-5 from 1960 to 1963. GILBERT, AE3 Thomas T. tgilbert000@cogeco.ca..." [08SEP2007]


Note NOTICE: "...CPRW-11, VP-5, VP-16, VP-45 and Historical P-3 Artifacts Needed for Display. Commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing ELEVEN (CPRW-11) will be unveiling a brand new, state of the art Warfare Development Center onboard NAS Jacksonville, Florida. Please contact LCDR Dave Gaddis (david.gaddis2@navy.mil) or LTJG Kelly Chufo (kelly.m.chufo@navy.mil) if you have something you would like to donate to the warfighters of the future to help them remember the past. Any and all types/sizes of memorabilia are welcome! You may also reach us by phone at (904) 542-2823. GO NAVY!..." Contributed by LTJG Kelly Chufo kelly.m.chufo@navy.mil VP-45 Squadron Transition Team [25AUG2006]


Note NOTICE: "...I am looking for LT. Robert R. Abraham. He was in VP-5 in 1966-1967. We were Shipmates and room mates for several years. I would like to contact him again and share some good times and stories...Donald B. Henbest donaldbhenbest@bellsouth.net..." [27MAY2006]


Note NOTICE: "...5K Run/Walk and Fun Run - 8:30 a.m. Saturday, October 8, 2005..." VP-5 Official WebSite: http://www.vp5.navy.mil/inc/cmodules/dms/ download.php?secid=20&id=6&filesystem_id=1009&dialogFsId=1009 [18SEP2005]

History - Tap To Enlarge ThumbnailHistory - Tap To Enlarge Thumbnail

Note NOTICE: VP History ThumbnailCameraFamily Fun Day! "...VP-5 Family Fun Day At Mayport - September 24th, 2005..." VP-5 Official WebSite: http://www.vp5.navy.mil/index.php?id=556&secid=20 [18SEP2005]


Note NOTICE: "...Looking for AME3 Todd Smith (VP-5 mid 1980's), PC3 Cheryl Martin (VP-45 late 1980's early 1990's), AME2 Robert Rewinkle VP-49 - 1985-1989), AS3 Eddie Martinez VP-49 - 1987-1990) and AS3 Mark Hughes VP-49 - 1987-1990). Thanks...Dobie Hicks mrbezze62@excite.com..." [21AUG2005]


Note Notice! Note
Help Bring VP-5 Crew Home!
NOW IS THE TIME TO APPEAL TO CONGRESS!
Navy Casualty recommendations are submitted to CNO for consideration!
Let's bring our fallen crewmates home!
See Latest Information - Time Is Running Out!

Posted: August 9th, 2001

Killed In Action  On January 12, 1962, twelve good men and fellow crewmates perished on the Kronborg Glacier on the east coast of Greenland. They were the flight crew of LA-9 (BUNO: 131521) aircraft of Patrol Squadron Five (VP-5), U.S.Navy, flying a routine ice patrol out of NAS Keflavik, Iceland.

SEE: LinkIn Memorial for lost friends...12JAN62 for latest information.  Last Update: 30JUL2008

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: "...VP-5's Blanket Fundraiser - VP-5, VP-16, VP-30, VP-45, VP-62, CPRW-11, and NAS Jacksonville, Florida..." http://www.stilaradesignstudio.com/blanket.htm [26NOV2003]

Price: $50.00


Shipping: $5.00; each additional item is $2.00

Here is our pride and joy. The spouse's club from VP-5 designed this beautiful blanket and we would love to share it with as many people as we can. This blanket features all of the patches from each P-3 squadron (VP-5, VP-16, VP-30, VP-45, and VP-62) at NAS Jacksonville, Florida and is 68" (so it's pretty big) . It even has the new patch from VP-45. No detail has been overlooked. This blanket is even more beautiful in person with vivid colors. We think this blanket would make a wonderful gift for the holidays and even a great keepsake for our own service members. A percentage of our proceeds will go to charities such as, Hope Therapy, Humane Society, Quigley House, Childrens Hospitals, and to needy families.

We hope you will all help support these wonderful causes by enjoying your very own patriotic blanket.

If you would like to purchase a blanket now please press the PayPal button and you will be brought to a check out page. You will receive a personal confirmation email from me when payment is received and your item(s) will be shipped out the following day. Express mail is available for rush deliveries, but please email me before payment as the shipping costs are higher then $5.00 . International shipping is also available, but again please email first as shipping costs are higher.

For more information please email: sara@stilaradesignstudio.com or call 904-885-9627

Note NOTICE: "...Looking for anyone who can confirm the fact that a C-1 COD from USS Wasp (CV-18) crashed on 11-15-68 on the island of Crete while VP-5 had a Det. There doing ASW exercises W/Wasp. I was assigned as part of a recovery team along with AMS-2 Carl Hood and others (Jennings,AT-1?). All went to crash site aboard H-5 Helos from USS Wasp (CV-18). Any help would be appreciated...VANNOY, AT1 (AC) B. M. "Shooter 8" bmshooter8@hotmail.com..." [27JAN2003]


Note NOTICE: "...Greetings fellow VPers. My squadron, VP-90 has been inducted into the Naval Air Museum's National Flight Log in Pensacola. It is the first reserve VP to be inducted. There are others ones listed also, VP-5, VP-40, VP-72 and VP-83. If you would like to see the squadrons listed, just go to http://www.naval-air.org/flightlog/default.asp. You can then view what squadrons are listed. The foundation at the museum is very helpful and would like to help you get your squadron listed...LARSON, LCDR John Retired oriondriver1975@yahoo.com..." [24JUL2001]


Note NOTICE: "...Looking for some of my brothers from CAC-6 the "ASW Bad Boys" from , they know who they are no need to name them, also if there is someone out there from 5 with a cruise book from the 92-93 NAS Keflavik, Iceland deployment, please drop me a line or let me know who might have one that they might want to seperate with. P.S. Does Anyone Remeber "DART FIGHT 91, ONLY THE STRONG WILL SURVIVE"..out...YOUNG, AT1(AW/NAC) Chad cyoung107@hotmail.com..." [13NOV2004]


Note NOTICE: "...Would anyone know the location of Dan Neil who was an AE2 on LA1 with VP-5 during the 1964 to 1966 time frame? He moved to Kansas City in 1966 and worked for TWA...Gordon Westphal gewestphal@msn.com..." [23AUG2003]


Note NOTICE: "...I am trying to find out about a lady I used to know in VP-5. Her name was Connie Malone- AW1, before she got married. I don't know her last name now. She served in the AW shop from 82-???...DuFRESNE, Jerry DR308@hotmail.com..." [27APR2001]


Note NOTICE: "...I'm looking for the last name of a young lady who was in VP-5 in 1982 thru 1984. Her frist name is Sara - someone should be able to find this info! I think that only 7 female's where in VP-5 during this time...Jeffery Williams Jwill19234@aol.com..." [19MAR2001]


Note NOTICE: "...Looking for someome that was in VP-5 around 1982 to 1984 that knows the last name of a young lady. Her first name is Sara. She was in VP-5 during those years. Please call me at (706)825-3621...WILLIAMS, Jeffery (706)825-3621..." [16MAR2001]


Note NOTICE: "...From 7-69 to 7-70 I was an AZ3 in VP-5 and working in the Maintenance Office for AFCM Eugene V. Phelps. I am searching for him and any information would be greatly appreciated...Bob Prerost rfprerost@yahoo.com..." [19NOV2000]


Note NOTICE: "...I am looking for my father who served with VP-5. His name is Jethro Cockrum and was here in phil. in 1967. Ii was born in1968 and since then I've never seen him. I am now 31 yrs old. For all this yrs. I've dreampt of seeing him or know any information about him. Respectfully yours, Caroline Cockrum carolinecockrum@usa.net..." [29MAR2000]


Note NOTICE: "...I am looking for information on Eugene Phelps, AFCM, who was my chief. I believe he retired in 1974. Any information would be greatly appreciated...Bob Prerost rfprerost@yahoo.com..." [06MAR2000]


Note NOTICE: "...Michael, Peter and Patricia Kozak are the surviving children of CDR Norbert Kozak, who was assigned to VP-5 and died in a crash in January, 1962. Having just found the VP-5 web site, I'm interested in communicating with anyone who may have known him or worked with him. Please contact Patricia (Kozak) Masciantoni jmasciantoni@cfl.rr.com. Thank you..." [E-Mail Updated 08JAN2000 | 23SEP99]

UPDATE "...I've received emails from three people, and am getting some new information...Thanks!...Patricia (Kozak) Masciantoni jmasciantoni@cfl.rr.com. Thank you..." [08JAN2000]


Note NOTICE: "...I would like to hear from someone who flew with ADJ1 Bud Mixon in VP-5 or VP-6, NAS Jacksonville, Florida, 1962-63. My dad was real proud of his duties as a flight engineer, and I remember being taken aboard the old VP Neptune as a child. If possible, I would like to receive an old memento of the squadron, such as a patch or hat. Hope to hear from someone!...David Mixon mixond@hq.5sigcmd.army.mil..." [08DEC98]


Note NOTICE: "...I'm not positive, but I want to say my Grandfather was in VP-5 for some reason...he was ARM3 (and for a short time, a 2nd class) Wellington Thomas Cushman, from Berlin, New Hampshire. Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks you. RYAN MABLE winnebaygo@hotmail.com..." [24JAN98]


Note NOTICE: "...Anyone who flew in VP-5 from 77-81 who knew a flying "AO" named Dean White he was from Independence MO. If anyone can help with info on this person it would greatly be appericated. Thanks Steve Weicht so_comfort@yahoo.com..."


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