 VR-54 Shipmates
BENTON, AT1 John Retired bentonj456@gmail.com "...Here it is May 2022 and it's already been 27 years since I retired. Unbelievable how time flies. My career following A school graduation included a short stint with VA-205 in 1975, then on to VA-34 in A-6E's, culminating in two med cruises aboard the USS JFK by August 1977. Went on to VR-54 Detachment NAS Atlanta, Georgia flying C-118's as a FCO and Flight Attendant until 1981 (Plank Owner with VR-46 at NAS Atlanta, Georgia), when I moved up to VR-52 at NAS Willow Grove, Pennsylvania. Stayed almost until the very end with the C-118's and got snatched up just in January 1985 by VP-66 at the "Grove". Flew P-3A & B's as an FCO with VP-66, then VP-68 at NAF Washington, D.C. until 1992 when I moved back to NAS Willow Grove, Pennsylvania and finished my career at the Naval Air Reserve ASW Training Center (RESASWTRACEN) retiring in April 1995. Since then life has been very good. Fully retired as of May 2021..." [E-MAIL/BIO Updated 23MAY2022 | E-Mail/BIO Updated 23JUN2007 | 19APR2003]
BIRCH, ADR3 (AC) Gene C. gummer@prodigy.net "...I joined the navy in 1960. After boot camp at Great Lakes (Company 435) I got orders to VS-36 NAS Norfolk, Virginia and the USS Randolph. I then went to VRC-40. In 1965 I was ordered to VX-1 NAS Key West. I was assigned FCPC on the last P2V7 if any one recalls the (fiberglass props). I was FCPC till it went to the bone yard. I refused to change rate to ADJ so Capt Lanny got me orders to VS-37 USS Hornet West packing in Vietnam. I took an early out in April 1970. I went USNR-TAR in 1972. I went to C118 Flight Simmulator at NAS Glenview, Illinois. I was ordered to VR-52 NAS Memphis, Tennessee and attended AMH A school in 1976. I was ordered to VR-54 NAS Atlanta, Ga in 1978. I was ordered to VR-53 NAF Detroit, Michigan. I was assinged Flight Engineer for Unitas XX. I sent the last C118 to the bone yard. I went TAD to VR-58 NAS Jacksonville, Florida. I could see no challange to flying the C-9 so I retired in 1982..." [07JAN2001]
CASSIDY, ADC Robert J. Retired https://naval-air.org/flightlog/moreinfo.asp?UID=2650 "...ADC Robert J. Cassidy, USNR - NFL Number: 2650 - Date of Birth: 5/18/1929 - Date In: 1/13/1947 - Date Out: 4/20/1974 - City, State: Vernon Hills, IL - School Attended: La Salle Univ. - Aircraft Flown: P-3, P2V, PB4Y, PBY5A, TBF - Ship or Unit: VP-ML-54, VP-721, VP-772, VP-62 and VR-54 - Pilot Desg.: Aircrew/Priv. Pilo - Theaters, Campaigns, etc.: Cuban Miss. Crisis - Associations/Service Organizations: ANA American Legion Glenview Survivors Fleet Reserve Assn. - Highest personal decoration or award: Navy Commendation - Significant Achievements: - 6054 Flight Hours. Vice Pres. Ilinois Small Business Assn. Juris Doctorate, M.B.A. and a B.A. Vice President AJF Industr. In Memoriam? No..." [04DEC2005]
CoVAN, CAPTAIN James P. "Jim" Retired jcovan@me.com "...I served with VP-28 (1964-1969) at NAS Barbers Point, Hawaii, VR-21 (1972-1974) at NAS Barbers Point, Hawaii and VR-54 (1977-1984). I flew P2s, P-3s, C-118s, C-131s and North American T-39 Sabreliner. A few of my deployments included NS Sangley Point, Philippines, NAS Adak, Alaska and NS Rota, Spain. My last VP flight was in 1969 and VR flight was in 1983. I retired in 1987 and now live in Wilmington, NC...." [E-Mail/BIO Updated 14APR2007 | Updated 08JUL2004 | 03JUN2003]
DAVIS, AT1 Andy Retired andydaviseugene@msn.com "...I served with VP-92 (1978-1983). VP-92 was my first duty station after transitioning from Radioman on a Fast Frigate USS McCandless (FF-1084) homeport Norfolk, VA. via Millington, Tenn. Avionics school. Arriving in November of 1978 as an AX2 and placed in the line shack with the infamous "Mini Mac." After learning how to snow stack and get all the ground qualifications, moved to W/C 210 with Paul "Roy Boy", Raul Martinez, Dave Childers, Guido (Mike Mansfield), Sam Owen, Mort (Earl Mortenson) and Larry Middlebrook. Great cruises with hard work and fun. Great times playing acey deucey in the shop and fun times when the lights would go out in the hangar. With all that acey deucey playing, Butch Fowler never complained as long as we got our work done and keep the planes "up." Followed Archie Donais to VP-65 (1983-1988), NAR NAS Point Mugu, California (1988-1991), VR-54 (1991-1994) (Plank Owner) at NAS Belle Chasse,LA with the Beast Master (Jim Rohlfing) and then retired. I worked for the US Border Patrol (1995-2003) and now living in the great northwest in Eugene, Oregon working in computer information sciences..." [01OCT2011]
GROTH, AVCM(AW) Carl vravcm@roadrunner.com "...I served with VP-49 (1976 to 1979), VP-30 (1979 to 1982), HS-9 (1982 to 1984), VP-56 (1984 to 1988), NAS Bermuda (1988 to 1992) and FTC Mayport (1992 to 1993). I flew in VP as an IFT. I currently work for BellSouth Mobility. I am also in the Naval Reserve and drill with VR-54 as the Maintenance MCPO. I will always remember my years spent in VP and the people who made those times great..." [E-Mail Updated 20JAN2007 | 21MAY2000]
HAYES, AK1 Howard S Retired hayes@uii.com "...Would love to hear from former squadron members. I was assigned to the VP-92, NAS South Weymouth, Massachusetts pre-commissioning team ADRC Frank Ferris ran in October 1970 until transfering to VR-54 Atlanta. This site brings back fond memories..." [11OCT2000]
HONAKER, John Joseph Wesley jjwh42@yahoo.com "...I served with VP-31, VP-4 (05/1961-12/1963), COMmander, Seventh FLeeT (COM7THFLT) Det "A", VP-40 (P5M), VR-51 (1970-1972) at NAS Glenview, Illinois, VR-54 (1973-1975) at NAS New Orleans, Louisiana, NAS Glenview, Illinois (1975-1980) as an instructor (C118B Flight Simulator), VR-46 (1980-1982)at NAS Atlanta, Georgia and retired 08/1982..." [14JUL2013]
KELSAY, Les kelsay@jrb.nola.navy.mil "...I was a proud member of the LIONS from late 1980 til Jan of 1988. What great memories from those days, the best time of my life in the Navy. From 90 I did a tour and an instructor in Millington TN then down to New Orleans where I did one tour at AIMD and finally VR-54. Yes I said VR. Met alot of good people in 54 but my heart will always be with the Lions. I'm retired and working at NAS New Orleans, Louisiana (some don't know when to quit) and look forward to hearing from fellow Lions!..." [30AUG2000]
MAY, AT1 Oscar Grouch_II@msn.com "...Original member at standup of VP-94 OCT 71-JUL 73. I was an ADR at that time. VR-53, Memphis '73-'76, VR-54 '76-'80. Changed Rate to AT in 1980. HS-85 '80-'83, VP-66 83'-'84. I then spent four great years in VP-60 '84-'88 with the likes of Lew Brown, Dave Moyers, Bob Poynter, Les Dixon, Rob Mahool, Bear Bryant, Mike Walsh, Stacy Parker, & a whole lot of other great Shipmates. (How's tricks guys)'. From there I went on to VFA-303 '88-'92, VR-60 '92-'93, where I retired in July 1993. I now work as a Casino Dealer in Tunica, Mississippi. It would be great to hear from any old Shipmates..." [15MAR2001]
PATTERSON, AD1 Rayford "Pat" Retired jeejinyobo@hotmail.com "...I entered the Navy and was assigned to VA-203 from 1974 to 1976. I made E-3 in 1977 and transfer'd to VR-58 where I was the lowest ranked guy there. Plenty of aircraft washes for me! I served with a bunch of great guys there. I helped design the current "Sunseeker Patch" and painted a mural in the old hangar stairwell. Later (1979) I got transfer'd to VR-59 in Dallas which wasn't ready so I TAD'ed to VR-54 C-118's for 3 years. Finally the C-9's came (3 brand new birds) and went to VR-59. I did design its current Texas "Star" patch. Left there in 1984 or so and went to NAF Detroit, Michigan to start up VR-62. Got 50 Bucks for helpng design that patch. Left VR-62 to go to VR-60 in NAS Memphis, Tennessee. The left NAS Memphis, Tennessee and returned to NAF Detroit, Michigan AIMD and closed that base. I gues you could say I was a pofessional C-9 Squadron Starter with 3 under my belt. All the people I worked with in the Navy were a great buch of Guy's and Gal's. After I etired I went to work for Connie Kallita at AIA for many years. Currently I am in Riyadh Saudi Arabia working with Pratt and Whitney. Aviation has been my life. Please any of my old shipmates feel free to contact me. I would love to hear from you...." [31MAY2004]
QUINN, ADCS Paul winbral@aol.com "...I served as a Flight engineer with VP-30 for school then VP-92 NAS South Weymouth, Massachusetts, VP-04 NAS New Orleans, Louisiana (Stormin Norms F.E.) Then on to VP-91 at NAS Moffett Field, California (Flew Desert Storm in the Gulf with the Black Cats and part of my crew recieved Air Medals for strike flight over 120 combat hours flown with no missions lost or delayed) Then on to VR-54 NAS New Orleans, Louisiana as a C-130 F.E. 'Herc motors are upside down"..." [24JUN98]
Robert tex2step30@sbcglobal.net "...I served at AIMD in NAS Dallas, Texas, transfered to VR-54 NAS New Orleans, Louisiana, and then to and currently serving at VR-54 in FT Worth TX..." [13NOV2004]
SCHORR, AW1/AZ1 Roger Retired  zztop926@hotmail.com "...I served with VP-26 (1974-1977), VP-90 (1978-1984) and SELRES/TAR) (1988-1991), CRPWP Detachment NAS Whidbey Island, Washington (1984-1988), VR-54 (1991-1994) and retired. I would like to hear from former Shipmates..." [E-Mail Updated 05JUN2012 | E-Mail Updated 03MAR2000 | E-Mail Updated 03SEP99 | Updated 11JUN98][ICQ #13843490]
SIMMONS, AFCM(AW) Carl Jr. navycarl@comcast.net "...I reported aboard VP-18 in December of 1963 right out of "A" School. In January 1964 I volunteered to fly as a crewmember aboard the P2V-7 and was assigned to LG3 as second mechanic. In the summer of 1964 we transferred from NAS Jacksonville, Florida to NS Roosevelt Roads, PR. At NS Roosevelt Roads, PR I participated in the Dominican Republic Crisis, one NAS Guantanamo Bay, Cuba Detachment and two Unitas Detachments. In March of 1967 my tour was over and I separated from active duty. I stayed as a drilling reservist at NAS New Orleans, Louisiana from 1967 to 1971. In 1971 I affiliated with VP-94 NAS New Orleans, Louisiana as an In-flight Plane Captain. In 1972 to 1973 we decommissioned the last P2V-7's and commissioned the first P-3A's. With VP-94 I made three NS Rota, Spain deployments and was unfortunate enough to be involved in the last accident on the P2V. I was on the jumpseat during take off on a detachment to NS Rota, Spain when the 2P pulled up the Landing Gear Handle during the takeoff roll. We ended up nose landing on the runway. Fortunately we all walked away unharmed except for a minor arm injury. In July of 1976 I rejoined the Navy as a TAR and eventually retired in the VR Program serving as Flight Engineer, NATOPS Instructor, and Wing Evaluator on the C-118 with VR-52, NAS Glenview, Illinois and CFLSW. In VR-62 NAF Detroit, Michigan I served as Maintenance and Leading Chief, in VR-54, VR-48, VR-53 and VR-46. I retired in November of 1999 as the Command Master Chief of VR-46 NAS Atlanta, Georgia. My military awards include the Meritorious Service Medal (2 awards), Navy Commendation Medal (1 award), Navy Achievement Medal (3 awards), Good Conduct Medal (7 awards), National Defense Service Medal (2 awards), Navy Expeditionary Medal and the Naval Reserve Meritorious Service Medal. I am presently Department Chair of the Avionics/Aviation Department at Atlanta Technical College. I make my home in Dallas, Georgia with my wife Catherine, Granddaughter Brittany, Chelsea our Cocker and Gracie our Cat. I will never forget the good times, great friends and life long Shipmates in VP-18..." [E-Mail/BIO Updated 22JUN2005 | E-Mail Updated 24JAN2004 | E-Mail Updated 04FEB99 | E-Mail Updated 01DEC98 | 11OCT98]
TINKLE, ADC Wayne Retired waynetinkle@yahoo.comt "...I served with VP-48 (03/1981-04/1984) as a FE, VS-29, VR-54 and NARF NAS Alameda, California and NAS North Island, San Diego, California..." [E-Mail Updated 08FEB2016 | 22JUL98]
VERNOY, ATC(AW/NAC) Mary M. Retired vernoym@bellsouth.net "...I served with VR-54 as a Radio Operator (FCFCO) in C-118B's in the early 1970's, AIMD NAS New Orleans, Louisiana and VP-94 in Maintenance Department (AT Shop, Avionics Division Chief and Maintenance Control). I retired in December 1994..." [E-Mail Updated 31MAR2011 | E-Mail Updated 14JUN2000 | 04NOV99]
"VR-54 Summary Page"
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