VP-62 Notice
NOTICE: "...I am doing a story on P-3B BUNO: 153426. I am looking for pictures of this aircraft when it was in VP-62 (1979-1989) and VP-93 (1989-1992). This aircraft was involved in a VP-4 mid-air with a Coast Guard C-130 (December 12th, 1971) and VP-4 almost lost her (prop overspeed) again (ditched) in the South China (August 18th, 1975) as well as a couple of other interesting events. If anyone has interesting events with this aircraft - please contact me. Thanks..." Contributed by LARSON, LCDR John Retired oriondriver1975@yahoo.com [15JUL2013]
NOTICE: "...VP-69 Recruitment!..." Contributed by CMDCM Phil Rogers phillip.rogers@navy.mil [Updated 03JAN2011]
Are you on active duty and thinking of getting out, but do not want to lose your vested interest in government service? Have you recently separated, but still have that desire to fly? Did you get out years ago, but miss the camaraderie of military service? Then consider serving our Nation as a Navy Reserve Aircrewman!! Presently, Patrol Squadron SIXTY-TWO (VP-62), a Navy Reserve Squadron located at NAS Jacksonville, Florida, has openings for you to do that very thing!!! The Broadarrows fly the P-3C AIP and BMUP aircraft in operations involving Anti-Surface Warfare, Anti-Submarine Warfare, Identification/Surveillance/Reconnaissance, and Battle Group Support all over the world...right alongside our active duty counterparts!! VP-62 is still operational and programmed to fly the P-3C Orion until at least 2014 and the P-8 Poseidon is on our horizon!! Plus, we go on the road to places like El Salvador, Sicily, Japan, Guam and Hawaii just to name a few!!
Don't live in the Jacksonville area? Do not let that deter you from joining!! Opportunities are available for drill weekend pickups at Opa Locka, FL; Ft. Myers, FL; St. Petersburg, FL; Greenville/Spartanburg, SC; and Andrews AFB, MD. Plus, depending on your location, other pick up sites can be added like New Orleans, LA and Atlanta, GA depending upon the response!!!
We have the following part-time (SELRES) positions open!!!
Naval Aircrewman Operator (AWO) - We are currently looking for both acoustic and non-acoustic operators holding the P-3C AW NEC 7841/7861. Any other AWV/AWS/AWR willing to change rates/platforms (if you have the time, we'll get you in VP-30) as well as other rated enlisted personnel with a proven record of superior performance, willing to change rates to AWO (7841/acoustic or 7861 non-acoustic) and commit one year to active duty to attend Naval Aircrew School in NAS Pensacola, Florida and initial AWO qualification training at VP-30 in NAS Jacksonville, Florida will be considered. Be aware that although the standard commitment is one drill weekend a month, there could be times where additional days could be asked of you.
Naval Aircrewman Mechanical (AWF) - Specifically 8251 Flight Engineers (FE)- Either previously qualified flight engineers or AT, AE, AD, AM, AME, or AO rated and Aircrew-qualified personnel with a proven record of superior performance willing to commit nine months on active duty to attend initial P-3C Flight Engineer qualification training at VP-30 in NAS Jacksonville, Florida. Here are the VP-62 Points of Contact if you are interested in becoming a Broadarrow!!
P.S. We are looking for maintenance rates too!! Preferably those with P-3 backgrounds, but if you are willing and have the time, we will make every effort to get you the schools you need!!
NC1 John Baker
Command Career Counselor
COMM (904)542-5182
DSN 942-5182
john.c.baker@navy.mil [Updated 03JAN2011]
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]
 "...Found! Thank you for everyone's help. LCDR Jaime Contreras LABRA jaimecontreraslabra@gmail.com..." [29MAR2008]
NOTICE: "...Looking for members of VP-61, VP-62 that operated the PBY-5a during Jan 44 to August 44. The Palm Springs Air Museum in Palm Springs CA has just researched the history of their new PBY BUNO: 48426 and has discovered it served off of Attu, Alaska during this time. We would like to restore the aircraft consistent with its wartime service there and want to learn more about the history and men of the squadron. The aircraft will be maintained as a flyer, and hopefully can be a site of gathering for subsequent Reunions. Also looking for any information on Lt. F. A. Woody, assigned this aircraft upon reaching Attu, Alaska, but disappeared in 48427 one month later. Any pictures and phone calls can be directed to me or 949-280-9799. I am looking to create a flying memorial to the Aleutian Campaign and have a combat veteran survivor to do it with. The Palm Springs Air Museum is in Palm Springs, CA and is a 180 degree change of climate from Attu, but we think we can pull it off. The current VP-62 Reserve Squadron is also on my contacts list due to the fact that BUNO: 48426 was assigned to VP-62 for a time. I wonder if a P-3 on a cross country flight wouldn't mind dropping in? Well actually that's an excuse for an organized ceremony. Joseph Scheil pbydreams@aol.com..." [27JUL2007]
NOTICE: "...Disestablishment of Commander Reserve Patrol Wing (SEE: OPNAVNOTE 3111)..." Contributed by Merrill Kruse kruse@navmar.com [03FEB2007]
Disestablishment of Commander Reserve Patrol Wing
This invitation is extended to ALL personnel active duty, FTS/TAR & SelRes who served in any Reserve VP Squadron (VP-60, VP-62, VP-64, VP-65, VP-66, VP-67, VP-68, VP-69, VP-90, VP-91, VP-92, VP-93, VP-94, VP-MAU, VP-SAU/SRU), any Reserve VP Training Command (RATCEN, RESASWTAC, RESASWTAC East/RESASWTAC West) or any Reserve VP Support Unit (TSC units, MOCC units).
On 23 June 2007, following the Change of Command for Capt. Ken Lewko (VP-92,VP-66, CO RATCEN, Wing CSO, etc.) there will be a "celebration" of sorts, to commemorate Commander Reserve Patrol Wing (formerly COMRESPATWINGLANT & COMRESPATWINGPAC) at its Disestablishment. It is thought that this would be the best "Last Chance" for those that have served in the Reserve Force Maritime Patrol Aviation community across the years to get together one last time and remember the long and proud heritage of which each of us is a part.
Plans are underway, with a major question being "how many will attend?" If you plan on attending please send an email response to:
CDR Phillips
samuel.phillips@navy.mil
You should then receive an evite invitation which will provide additional details and costs. You must return the evite with payment in order to ensure access to the event.
Date: 23 June 2007
Place: NAS Willow Grove, Pennsylvania
Time: TBA
NOTICE: "...VP-2 Memorial Project for NAS Whidbey Island, Washington. We are looking for Maintenance and Structural Manuals for the P2V7. The Memorial is going to be for all the Squadrons who were at NAS Whidbey Island, Washington and the Shipmates who Died in the Operation of the Squadrons. So if you know or if you hear of Manuals please let me know so we can get bird to Nas Whidbey. SEXTON, Guy Capecod2443@aol.com..." [10FEB2002]
"...Patrol squadrons finally recognized - By Jessie Stensland - Sep 16 2006 - Whidbey News Times http://www.whidbeynewstimes.com/..." Forwarded by Jim Campbell blandjcampbell@aol.com [26NOV2006]
Hundreds of people traveled thousands of miles to be in Oak Harbor Thursday morning.
The first-of-its-kind Patrol Squadron Memorial was dedicated to aircrews past and present, and presented to the Oak Harbor community, in a dignified and emotional ceremony at the Veterans Park on East Pioneer Way. It began with a flyover by a P-3 Orion.
Linda MacDonald and her husband, Bob, flew to Oak Harbor from California to be at the ceremony with their two daughters. Linda said they came to the event in memory of her brother Dale Armour, whose name is engraved in a granite wall of the memorial along with the 84 other servicemen who lost their lives in Whidbey-based patrol squadron operations.
The memorial has deep meaning for the family.
"It's a culmination," Linda said. "It's closure. It gives us a place to come now to remember him."
Armour, a 22-year-old member of VP-42, was in a VP-2 Neptune aircraft that disappeared while on patrol in Alaska in 1967. The site of the crash wasn't found until 16 years later.
The MacDonald family was among more than 600 people who attended the ceremony. It coincided with a Reunion of Patrol Squadron Two Association, which is the group behind the memorial.
Capt. David Taylor, Commander of Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing 10, spoke passionately during the ceremony about the history of the Navy's patrol and reconnaissance squadrons, which is a history inextricably linked to Oak Harbor. The first patrol squadron at Whidbey Island Naval Air Station flew PBY Catalinas in the 1940s.
Taylor spoke about how patrol squadrons helped to win the Cold War by "playing a cat-and-mouse game" with Soviet submarines and planes.
"Anywhere we could chase the enemy bear, we wore the enemy down," he said.
Yet Taylor said the patrol mission is still valid today, even with the end of the Cold War.
"This is a time of great challenge and change to the patrol and reconnaissance squadrons," he said, "our Navy and our nation."
Taylor also spoke about the bronze statue of a 1960s era airman, which is the centerpiece of the memorial.
"I see a proud warrior of the past," he said, "but I also see in his face the warrior of the present."
Floyd Palmer, president of the Patrol Squadron Two Association, turned over ownership of the memorial to the citizens of Oak Harbor with an official presentation to Mayor Patty Cohen.
Afterward, Palmer explained that the effort to build a memorial started when he took a tour of Whidbey Island Naval Air Station more than six years ago and realized that there was nothing to recognize patrol squadrons. It took the work of many members of the association and money from many generous donors to finally make his dream a reality.
During her speech, Cohen said the patrol squadrons didn't receive as much recognition as others in the military because "their missions were always classified," but she said they were definitely "so deserving of a permanent place in town."
The Northwest Navy Ceremonial Band ended the ceremony by playing Taps. Afterward, the audience got the chance to look at the memorial close up.
Robert Lenson, a member of the VP-2 Association, attended the event with his wife, Raye. He was the skipper of VP-17 in 1964.
Husband and wife agreed that such a memorial was long overdue.
"It means a great deal," Raye said. "We mourn the loss of crewmates. This recognition is important."
© Copyright 2005 Whidbey News Times
"...LEFT PICTURE: Appeared on page 2 of the 9-27 issue of the Northwest Navigator, NAS Whidbey Edition. This is the Northwest Navy newspaper for the region. RIGHT PICTURE: Win Stites..." Forwarded by McLAUGHLIN, LT Bob banddmcl1964@msn.com [04OCT2006]
"...On 9-14-2006 a Patrol Squadron Memorial dedication ceremony was held in Oak Harbor, WA. In attendance were approximately 600 past and present members of the VP community that had served at NAS Whidbey Island and the speakers were a mix of community and military leaders as well as those who had served. If you would like further info for your website I'll be glad to send what I have. Attached are a few photos..." Contributed by GOODMAN, AWCS Edward E. (Ed) Retired edusnret@gmail.com [25SEP2006]
"...If you don't get the "Wings" magazine, there is an article in it about a new Patrol Squadron memorial being built. Here are the highlights...Contributed by LARSON, LCDR John Retired oriondriver1975@yahoo.com..." [01NOV2005]
In 2004 the city of Oak Harbor approved the placement of the memorial in the city's Veterans Memorial Park.
VP squadrons have served at NAS Whidbey Island, Washington since 1942. In the Cold War periods, when most other active duty military forces were limited to exercises, simulators and war games to train for their various warfare specialties, VP aircraft and crews flew all-weather missions around the clock keeping track of the growing fleet of Soviet submarines in our waters and in theirs. VP crews did much of their training against live Soviet submarines. In addition to the ASW mission, VP crews were responsible for ocean reconnaissance, surveillance, mining and electronic warfare operations.
The Memorial has a single, simple purpose: the recognition of the contribution to freedom that the men and women of the NAS Whidbey Island, Washington patrol squadron community have made in over 60 years of service. Hundreds of Whidbey Is personnel have been lost in the VP operations since 1942. Among them are those whose names will appear on this Memorial from the Whidbey Is. P2V community.
The Whidbey Patrol Squadron Memorial is dedicated to all USN personnel who served in Navy patrol squadrons at NAS Whidbey Is. and to those Whidbey P2V airmen who lost their lives in the line of duty in VP operations.
The Memorial design consists of a life-size bronze statue of an airman in flight gear standing in front of a 3-section granite wall. Featured on the wall are an outline of a P2V, the Memorial dedication, a map depicting deployment sites, a list of Whidbey VP units and the names of those who perished in P2V flight ops.
Surrounding the walls are bricks inscribed in accordance with the wishes of donors who purchase the bricks. Brick purchases form the primary means of fund-raising for the Memorial which is scheduled for dedication in mid 2006. See http://www.patron2.com/files/wpsm.html for info on the Memorial, a listing of the 59 VP squadrons that served at Whidbey, the history of Whidbey VP operations and info on the Catalinas, Venturas, Mariners, Privateers, Neptunes, Marlins, and Orions involved.
Widespread support and donations for this memorial are encouraged. Brick orders and donations should be sent to Vic Gulliver, 1900 Franklin Dr, Glenview, IL 60026. Inquires including requests for brick-order-forms by mail should be sent to the VPSM Committee, 1376 West Beach Rd, Oak Harbor, WA 98277 or via email: wpsm@comcast.net.
"...The following squadrons are all listed on the wall of the forthcoming Whidbey Patrol Squadron Memorial. The memorial, to be built in Oak Harbor, WA and dedicated in September 2006 includes a comemorative wall and a lifesize bronze statue of a typical VP aircrewman ready for flight.
If you are, or know any members of these squadrons, please contact us so we can keep everyone informed of the memorial progress. More information is available at http://www.patron2.com/files/wpsm.html.
VP-1, VP-2, VP-4, VP-6, VP-12, VP-17, VP-20, VP-27, VP-29, VP-32, VP-40, VP-42, VP-43/VPB-43, VP-46, VP-47, VP-50, VP-53/VPB-53, VP-57, VP-61/VPB-61, VP-62/VPB-62, VP-69, VPB-91, VP-107, VPB-112, VPB-115, VP-120/VPB-120, VP-122/VPB-122, VP-130/VPB-130, VP-131/VPB-131, VPB-135, VP-136/VPB-136, VPB-138, VPB-139, VPB-144, VPB-148, VPB-199, VPB-212, VP-772, VP-812, VP-931, VP-AM-1, VP-AM-2, VP-AM-5, VP-ML-1, VP-ML-2, VP-ML-4, VP-ML-61, VP-HL-7, VP-HL-10 and VP-HL-12.
It is a great Memorial, honoring all who served with NAS Whidbey Island, Washington Patrol Squadrons.
Al Hall, WPSM Committee, VP-2 1950-1952...Al Hall alandmarylou@comcast.net..." [24MAY2005]
"...A project is underway to create a Memorial recognizing the contributions of all Whidbey-based VP personnel. Please advise your friends, and consider supporting this worthwhile effort to honor our Shipmates. Whidbey Patrol Squadron Memorial - Veteran's Memorial Park - Oak Harbor, WA. Completion scheduled for Summer 2006. This memorial is dedicated to all United States Naval personnel who served in Navy Patrol Squadrons based at NAS Whidbey Island, to their families, and to those Whidbey P2V airmen who lost their lives in the line of duty in VP operations. For more info: http://www.patron2.com/files/wpsm.html..." Contributed by Doug Donohue nvsoar@charter.net [24DEC2004]
NOTICE: "...I am retiring from VP-62 on October 1, 2005 after being a member of this squadron since May 1972. A lot of Shipmates have passed through this great command through the years and I have always considered them all to be my friend. Anyone interested in attending the ceremony, please email me and I will get you an invitation. There will be three of us retiring (AFCM Randy Miller and ATC Mathew Mulfort) all back to bach. A total of 100 years of experience...BUTLER, ABCM(AW) Joseph Paul jen102574@aol.com..." [21MAY2005]
NOTICE: "...Navy Establishing Augment Units For All FRS's Including VP-30..." Contributed by LCDR Robert J. Cable cablerj@vp30.navy.mil [03DEC2003]
 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.
   
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
NOTICE: "...I have been told the following is the schedule for the Reserve Patrol Squadrons to disestablish over the next 6 years..." Contributed by James Turnbull dxorion@nbnet.nb.ca [19SEP2003]
2004 - No units will disestablish.
2005 - VP-64 and VP-92 will disestablish.
2006 - VP-62 and VP-66 will disestablish.
2007 - VP-65 and VP-69 will disestablish.
2008 - VP-94 will disestablish
NOTICE: "...I am researching my husband's WWII MIA father (Captain Houston R. Cannon). He served from 07DEC41 to 31MAR42 when while serving in the Aleutians with VP-43 his PBY disappeared. Captain Cannon served with VP-102, VP-26, and VP-13....Some background: After his graduation from Flight School at NAS Pensacola, Florida in May 1939, he was assigned to VP-13 that became VP-26. He was a member of Plane Crews 26-P-6 and 26-P-7 during overseas flights from NAS Pearl Harbor, Hawaii to NS Sangley Point, Philippines, via NAS Midway Island, wake and Guam, in June and December 1940, respectively. I understand it was the second and fourth of flights of such distance in a military plane and considered quite a feat. In DEC 40, VP-26 became VP-102 and joined forces with VP-101 IN PI. The squadrons received the Presidential Unit Citation for their bravery, herosim (and ingenuity) against purusing Japanese from Cavite, PI to Darwin, Australia via Java Sea, Dutch West Indies, etc. He was granted leave and returned to the states via the USS Mt. Vernon ((formerly the ocean liner Washington). He was then assigned to VP-62, came home to Texas for five days before returning to San Francisco, where he soon was to fly a PBY to San Diego and join VP-43. He arrived in AK approx. 13JUN42. The notification of his APR 42 promotion to Chief Aviation Pilot arrived the day his PBY disappeared, so he never knew it. Any information on Captain Cannon would be appreciated...Judy Cannon CannonGrambo@cs.com..." [03JUN2001]
NOTICE: "...I'm looking for a friend of mine that I was stationed with in VP-49 named Kelvin Norwood with the AE rating. The last I heard he was in VP-62. Could you give some feedback on his whereabouts or let him know I'm trying to reach him. Tell him Big Mo is looking for him. Thank you so much...Eric Moore APR2298@GATEWAY.NET..." [27DEC99]
"VP-62 Summary Page"
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