VP-5 Squadron Shipmates
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ShipmateVU-3 ShipmatesShipmate

BRIGGS, Bryce bryceb@nctimes.net "...From 1948 thru 1952 served in VU-7a (later VU-3) LTA Santa Ana, VU-7B (later VU-5) NAS Agana, Guam (and detatchments in AFB Tachikawa & AFB Itazuki, Japan and VU-7 located at various times at NAS Miramar, ALF Ream, & NAS North Island, San Diego, California. Served the rest of my 22 years in VF & VA sqdns on CVAs. Have kept in touch with many VU Shipmates and would enjoy hearing from more..." [07SEP2001]

BROWNING, ADCS Limmie William (Bill) Retired lim@prodigy.net "...I joined the Navy November 6, 1965; Bootcamp at San Diego, Cal.; 4 1/2 years at NAS North Island, San Diego, California (VFAW-3, VU-3, and a student in VP-31); moved to NAS Moffett Field, California in 1965 and finished training in VP-31 Det. "A" before reporting to VP-9. I spent the next 17 1/2 years at NAS Moffett Field, California, in VP-9, VP-19, and VP-31 as an instructor F/E. I retired in 1983 and still miss the sounds of the P-3's taking off..." [07JAN2001]


COLLIER, Jim "Flash" jim-collier@sbcglobal.net "...I served with VU-3 / VC-3 from March 1964 to February 1966. I worked on the San Clemente Island with Detachment 'A', D.A.S.H. and Out of Sight Control. Great guys, I'd love see them all again..." [E-Mail Updated 18MAY2009 | E-Mail Updated 29JUN2001 | 11SEP98]

CORRIE, Mark corrieml@wowway.com "...I served with VU-3 Det Alpha (1962-12/1964) after graduating from "AT" School at NAS Memphis, Tennessee. I was TAD from NAS North Island, San Diego, California to SCI in the Avonics Shop training sailors on the DASH system and doing preflight checks on the Helicopter drones used for flight training..." [14JAN2012]


DAURO, Vincent A. vadauro@aol.com "...Joined VP-3 in July 1949 in NAS Coco Solo, Panama, Canal Zone. Moved to NAS Jacksonville, Florida in Jan 1950. Was copilot and nav on MB-1. Skipper was Gil Frauenhein, copilot Hal Hamberg. Would have been on fatal flight 1 Jun 1950, but was being separated from Navy on 30 June. I was an ex Midshipman and was left behind in FASRON til seoeration. Also flew copilot for Big Ed Foster, and others. After Korean War broke out on 25 June, returned to squadron and served in it til Sep 1952. Remember VanLandingham, McNett, DiFonzo, Stokes, Wylie. Still have very old squadron patch from when squadron was in Alaska. Husky dog on snow with mountain in background. We had contest for new design and tried to change it in 1950-51 but BuAer wouldn't let us. Was assistant maintenance, remember Red Barkes (sp), Minton. Also assistant ordnance. Remember Don Buell, Jim Alphin, CPO Lombardi and others. Still see ENS Costen, Wylie, and talk to Stokes. ENS Sproull til he died last year. Any old members drop me a note...VU-3 at Brown Field, Chula Vista was my last duty station. I was there from Jun 1959 through Jun 1960. Would appreciate any Email from ex VU-3 personnel...I've previously posted my recollections of duty in VP-3 for July 1949 thru September 1952. I was a Midshipman on joining the squadron in NAS Coco Solo, Panama, Canal Zone and LTjg when I left in September 1952. My first Saturday night in Panama, I went to Colon to see the elephant. There I got really loaded. Two enlisted men from the squadron saw that I made it back to the base OK. Later I got to know both quite well. I've often wondered what happened to those two. Both were AO1's, Donald Buell and James Alphin. If any one knows where they are please email me..." [BIO Updated 26JUN2000 | Updated 22JUN98]

DECOTEAUX, Robert S. bobdecoteaux@gmail.com "...I served with VU-3 (1963-1965) at NAS North Island, San Diego, California with two deployments aboard the USS Kalmia (ATA-184)..." [15AUG2014]


ERNST, Charles D. dernst@ktis.net "...I was a metalsmith with VU-3-K in 1952 and 1953, ALF Ream, San Ysidro, Calif. If you see this Lyle, or anyone else in that time frame contact me..." [15MAR2000]


GIBSON, AM2 Sam L. lee1try@fbtc.net "...Looking for fellow Shipmates from VU-3K (1954 - 1955), VU-5 (1953 - 1954 ), and VU-7 (1951 - 1953). Details: VU-3K, ALF Reem Field, San Ysidro, CA.; 1954 - 1955 VU-5, NAS Agana, Guam; 1953 - 1954 VU-7, San Diego area from 1951 - 1953: NAS Miramar; ALF Reem Field, San Ysidro, CA.; NAS North Island, San Diego, California..." [22JUL2001]

GRISSOM, Jerry c/o Debi Hoagland debi_hoagland58@msn.com "...My Dad served with VF-101 in NAS Corpus Christi, Texas in 1955 and VU-3 in NAF Naha, Okinawa, Japan in 1956. Dad is a young 73 and would love to hear from former Shipmates..." [18AUG2009]


KRUEGER, Gerald gkrueger@dtgnet.com "...Hello olde Squadron mates: I'm looking for all old squadron mates from VU-3/VC-3 that were based in Brown Field near SanDiego, Calif. and later at NAS North Island, San Diego, California from about 1960 through 1964 we would like to discover the amount of interest in holding an all squadron Reunion, to my knowledge, there has never been one held! We had so many different a/c then, P2's, F-9's, FJ's, F4d's, C-54's, and who could forget the "Jig-Dogs (JD's) (B-26's). We would like to find as many pilots/officers/cpo's & enlisted as possible to see if it is feasible to hold a big "get-tegether"! I also flew the Q2c jet drone on San Nicholas Is. from 1960 to 1963! So, we would like to hear from anyone who "supported" us on the "rock" during that time. Also, if you know of any "tech-reps" in our squadron then, we would like to hear from them. If you cannot respond to E-mail My address is: Gerald Krueger 38413 129th st. Aberdeen, So. Dak. 57401..." [19NOV98]


Memorial Picture "...LYONS, CDR Dale S...I wonder why no listing is included fo Dale S. Lyons NAP CDR deceased. He lost a foot on Ford island during the Pearl harbor raid and returned to flight status with a false foot. He was grounded when they found he had sugar diabetes. Dale then became the prime drone pilot in the Navy operating many types of drones including F6F, and even F-80 during the Bikini atom bomb tests, he was borrowed by the USAF for this project. He also had a tour at NAMTC NAS Point Mugu, California. I hope he is not forgotten for he made real contributions to the Naval Aviation history. I served with Dale at VU-3 and NAMTC NAS Point Mugu, California...Lawrence A. Neumann neumannl@snet.net..." [26DEC2006]


MILLIKEN, AT2 Fran fran.milliken@cox.net "...In 1960 I reported to VU-3 at NAAS Brown Field, Chula Vista and moved to NAS North Island, San Diego, California where I was discharged after the "Cuban Missile Crisis" subsided. I flew radio/radar on those old P2Vs and JD-1Ds. I would love to hear from former Shipmates..." [E-Mail Updated 20MAR2009 | 06MAY2000]

MILES, Joseph D. "Jig Dog Miles" jigdogmiles@hotmail.com "...I served with VU-3 (1951-1952), VU-5 (1952-1954) at NAS Agana, Guam, VR-3 (1954-1957) MATS at NAS Moffett Field, California as well as VR-21 later assigned to VP-31, VR-7, VQ-1, VW-4 at NAS Jacksonville, Florida, VRF-31 at NAS Norfolk, Virginia and PMTC at NAS Point Mugu, California..." [E-Mail Updated 29JUN2013 | BIO Updated 23JAN2005 | 30MAY2004]

MUTTERA, William mutdee@bellsouth.net "...I served with VU-3 from 1953 to 1954 at Ream Field. I would welcome any contacts from former Shipmates..." [29OCT2003]


NEUMANN, LCDR Lawrence A. Retired neumannl@snet.net "...I was Ens. Lawrence A. Neumann, Officerin Charge, April 1944 to June 1945 aboard the Landing Craft Tank LCT-898 from LCT-898 I went to staff ADCOM 7th PHIB then to Mare Island Shipyard and separation to INACDU in 1946. In 1950 VP-731 was a reserve squadron activated for the Korean war, I was the electronic officer of VP-731 VP-731 on her first deployment to NS Sangley Point, Philippines in 1951. On return to San Diego I transferred to VU-3 VU-3a (drones) as Assistant Electronic Officer. Next I was sent to FAW-2 FAW-14 at NAS Barbers Point, Hawaii while at FAW-2 on TAD to VP-6 I supervised upgrading configuration of new P2V-5's for WestPac duty. When the FAW was deployed to WestPac I was detached for having too much time in WestPac and was assigned to FASRON-110 at NAS Barbers Point, Hawaii. My next station was NAS Point Mugu, California as Range Comm Officer. After a tragic accident when family members of VW-2 vw2a were lost on deployment to NAF Port Lyautey, Morocco. I was ordered as a replacement for the man that lost his family. I was designated as a Naval Aviation Observer and I spent 1 1/2 years with VW-2a operating P4M aircraft-1Q aircraft. The VW-2a unit was redesignated as VQ-2 in 1956. I was mustered out in July 1956 and returned to civilian life. I joined the Naval Reserve as an Electronic Officer in VS-837 (NAS Brooklyn, New York). The squadron was recalled to active duty in 1961 for the Berlin Crisis and included a 3 month deployment to NAS Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. On return from NAS Guantanamo Bay, Cuba I transfered to VP-837 (NAS Brooklyn, New York). I finally retired from reserve duty in 1978 as an LCDR - I was the electronics officer LCDR of VS-837 when we were activated in October 1961. We were deployed to NAS Guantanamo Bay, Cuba in the spring of 1962 for about six weeks. Our squadron was selected for an experimental long legs project at Grumman Aircraft that involved installation of large fuel tanks in the bomb bay. The work was done on site at NAS Floyd Bennett Field, New York. VS-837 was deactivated in June 1962. During my VS-837 active duty I was able to commute to my home in Trumbull, CT on a regular basis. I transferred to VP-837 shortly after deactivation and became a TACCO. On a two weeks activation to NAS Jacksonville, Florida our crew qualified as a fleet B class unit. I continued to drill at FBT until about 1972..." [BIO Updated 24JUN2007 | BIO Updated 24MAY2007 | BIO Updated 29JUL2005 | 17JUL2000]

NYE, James jam9n@twlakes.net "...I served with VU-3 in 1963. I would like to hear from former Shipmates..." [20DEC2010]


Memorial Picture "...PHIPPS, Donald W...My father, Donald W. Phipps, recently deceased, was attatched to VU-3 NAS Puunene, Maui, Hawaiian Territory during WWII - I believe from 1942 through 1945. Other than telling his children he was stationed with the squadron on Maui, he shared litttle of that part of his life history with us. I'm seeking a list of his Shipmates during this period, and any stories that surviving Shipmates who knew and worked with my father may have about him. I have a number of his photographs of squadron members taken on the beaches, in and around their bamboo quarters, at social functions, and of members hunting goats in Haleakala Crater, which can be made available to survivors by e-mail. I'd like to ID the Shipmates in the photos and maybe fill in some of my Dad's history if I can. Thanks!...Donald W. Phipps, Jr. dnlphipps@earthlink.net..." [04NOV2005]

PILCHER, LCDR Howard G. Retired hgpilcher@pcola.gulf.net "...My first contact with the P2V was when I was assigned to the Advanced training Command as a NAVCAD at NAS Hutchinson, Kansas. I arrived just as they were phasing the PB4Y2 out of the Navigation phase of advanced training. I was one of the first NAVCADS chosen to solo the P2V as a student pilot. I am not sure how many were chosen but I think it was just a few since it was sort of an experiment. We were flying the P2V-2, P2V-3 and I think they had a P2V-4 (I am not real sure about that). My next encounter was with VP-9 at NAS Alameda, California from Nov 1955-Dec 1958. Nine had just returned from deployment to NAS Kodiak, Alaska (They lost a P2V5-F that was shot down by MIGS) and had just transitioned into the new P2V-7's. I made two deployments with VP-9, one to NAS Iwakuni, Japan and one to NAS Kodiak, Alaska. Then I was assigned to ATU-501 (1959-1962) at NAS Corpus Christi, Texas. I started flying the SNB (bug smasher) but soon the squadron changed from ATU-501 to VT-31 and the P2V's were reactivated along with the P5M Marlins. They had P2V-5F and P2V-6's. My next assignment was with VU-7 1962-1965 at NAS North Island, San Diego, California flying the JD-1 and was soon transitioned into the US2C (modified to drag a rag). Later the squadron split and the jet portion moved to NAS Miramar and the rest of us went to VU-3 where we kept flying the US2C and also the Drone equipped P2V5-F. Finally I was assaigned to VP-7 from 1967-1969 as Ops. Officer. We were supposed to transition to P-3's after our return from NAS Sigonella, Sicily but it turned out that the XO from VP-23 had done his homework and convinced the powers that be to transition them instead of VP-7. I do not remember if I ever flew the P2V-4 at Hutch or not but if I did, I think I have flown all models of the P2. I tried to verify this but I have misplaced my early years log book. I have been in contact with some of the names that I recognize in the web site and I am most anxious to hear from any of my Shipmates that can recall being the same places that I have..." [20SEP2000]

POGGIO, Peter "Pete" peterpoggiois@gmail.com "...I served with VU-3 (1956-1957) and VR-21 (1958-1959) as crewmember aboard the Douglas C-118 BUNO: 131592. I would like to hear from former Shipmates..." [22SEP2015]


REEDY, ADR3 Enrico ereedy@austin.rr.com "...I served with VU-3 (11/1961-11/1962) and VT-28. I joined VU-3 right out of boot camp in November 1961. Squadron had just moved from NAAS Brown Field, Chula Vista. After doing mess duty for 3 months, I was assigned to targets working on KDB-1 drones. Had a 4 cylinder Mcculloch 2 cycle 0-80cc engine. We also flew the beech 6 cylinder drone at Twentynine Palms Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center California. Target practice for their Hawk missiles. This drone had a turbo charger and could go upwards of 35k feet. VU-3 maintained a crew aboard two drone flying ships in NAS North Island, San Diego, California. USS Kalmia (ATA-184) and USS Targeteer (YV-3) provided drone services for ships in the San Diego Long Beach area. Worked on the drones on these two ships for about 3 months in 1963. While working on the Kalmia in 1963, we had a drone that flew a record 120 minutes. Had a fouled plug. Normal flight time was about 80 minutes. Made the McCulloch Company publication in Los Angeles. At that time, the DASH platform was being tested at San Clemente. I signed up as a 2 year reservist. Made 3rd class (ADR-3) in 18 months and extended for an additional year. Made two short cruises supporting drone services to ships going WestPac (USS Los Angeles (CA-135) (10/1962). After a week in Yokosuka, jumped on the next ship going back. We never flew going back, took the northern route. Everybody wanted to get home. Rode a typhoon for a week Uss Topeka (CLG-8). Just played pinochle. Second cruise (10/1963) flew drones from the USS Walke (DD-723). Love that tin can Navy. No uniform of the day at 1600, just played guitars and sang. on the starboard side. Still remember Bosun Mate Stone from the Walke. All great shipmates. We were airdales, but they treated us like ship’s company. Returned on the USS Hancock (CV-19) Ended up in VT-28 pulling checks on STFs at NAS Corpus Christi, Texas in February 1964. Got discharged in August 1964 Should have stayed in, but family issues at home dictated that I get out and help. Hindsight is 20/20. Was eligible to take the ADR2 exam. OH well. Remember all Shipmates fondly. LT(jg) Martin and LT(jg) Parkerson, Joe Dagy, GW Riley, Danny Suan, Tom Costa, Rodney Campbell, Ernie Brocoto, Ad Reid, Jerry Tom, Freddie Carr, John Serena (RIP) and Arnie Schabert (boot camp buddy (1961 Company 419) Just to name a few. I remembered the cold mid watches on the line. Looking for an Anchor Yearbook 1961 Company 419. Can tell sea stories with the best of them. LOL To all have a safe and blessed Holiday Season..." [15DEC2019]

RICE, LCDR Charles O. Retired Chazeroo@cox.net "...I served with VP-42 as AOAN thru AO2 from May 1952 to June 1956, one deployment to NAS Kodiak, Alaska, and two to NS Sangley Point, Philippines. Served in Crew 1 and 2. PPC's were Cdr Azab and LT Pauls. Fellow crewmen were ATAN Pete Everett, AE1 Franklin T. Cook, ATC Hart, AD2 Joy, AD1 C. I. Johnson, and others whose names escape me. I served with VU-7 as AO1 from April 1964 to April 1965, when squadron was broken up and I went to VU-3. I was a tow target aircrewman and aircrew traing petty officer. After VU-3 I served aboard the Hornet, Ticonderoga, and Forrestal (two tours), tours at NAS Oceana, NAS Keflavik, Iceland. Retired in November 1982 as LCDR (LDO). Would appreciate hearing from anyone from this period..." [BIO Updated 14APR2006 | E-Mail Updated 13AUG2002 | 23FEB2001]

ROBB, Duane darobb@dmci.net "...So happy to find this web sight. Pictures melt away time, seems like yesterday. Actually it was 1963--1966. Would love to hear from other VU-3--VC-3 squadron sailors. I really miss the time with the best men in the Navy. How about a squadron reunion? I have put together about 10 guys that were in the outfit in the middle 60's. Please e-mail me, all messages will be answered..." [Updated 11JAN98] [ICQ# 2457087]

ROPER, AT Roy royroper41@gmail.com "...I served with VU-3 (1959-1963) working on the Drone KD Component. We were assigned to Border Field Naval Reservation, California then NAAS Brown Field, California and finally NAS North Island, San Diego, California. I would like to hear from former Shipmates..." [09NOV2019]

ROWE, Paul E. Retired rowe6020@aol.com "...I served with VU-3 from September 1955 through June 1957. During this time we were operating out of NAAS Ream Field, then moved NAAS Brown Field, home of the "Flying Pogo." We were operating with the JD's and P2V's. Also had the F7F's as chase planes for the F6F Drones. We received our first P2V for Johnsville, just prior to leaving NAAS Ream Field. We would still use Ream Field to launch our F6F Drones for Fleet gunnery practice. The JD's had the mounting brackets for the first KDA's, as well as our P2V's. In early 1957, one of our JD's accidently dropped a KDA in San Diego bay, on its way out for a drop. I flew in both the JD and P2V during my tour with the squadron. I was an Airman at the time. I was later sent to NAF Naha, Okinawa, Japan, to VU-3, Det- B. All we had there was F6F Drones and F6F chase planes. We launched from an old airstrip, called Yonabru. We could look across Buckner Bay and see White Beach. We crashed many a Drone at this airstrip, returning back from fleet gunnery practice. I still have a bunch of 8mm movies of this along with a lot of black and white pictures. Around the first part of 1958 our detachment was taken over by VU-7, which was located at NAS Atsugi, Japan. We still had the same old aircraft, with the same old mission. You would not beleive my base salary was only $99.00 a month, with $50.00 flight pay a month. My first and last duty station was NAAS Ream Field, attached to HC-5, which was later redesignated to HSL-31. I did most all the LAMPS training for the Pacfic Fleet, working for COMCRUDESPAC, Aviation Section. I prepared the ship and its crew for ORI's and receiving of the LAMPS Helicopter. So much for this, if you need more information on my career, or VU-3, I will be most happy to E-Mail you back..." [18OCT2002]


SILVA, Robert (Bob) jbsilver@earthlink.net "...I was in VU-3 from early 1962 to September 1965. I was TAD out of NAS North Island, San Diego, California with Det A and located on San Clemente Island. I worked in the control vans as an AT in the DASH Program (Drone Anti Submarine Helicopters), mainly training crews for destroyer duty. Better them than me!..." [05MAR99]

SILVA, AT1 Vern vern.silva@ymail.com "...Attended "AT" School (1956) at NAS Norman, Oklahoma, NAS Memphis, Tennessee, VU-3 (1957-1960) at NAAS Brown Field, San Diego, CA and finally NAS Oakland, California (1960-1964)..." [02MAY2016]

SMITH, Lyle L. lsmith@IXKSgoodland.com "...Would love to find someone from VU-3K, back in the 1950's. We served at NAS MIRAMER, NAS REAM FIELD, AND NAS Atsugi, Japan..." [04DEC98]

SMITH, AT2 Richard W. arruza@cox.net "...I served with VU-3 (12/1953-10/1956) at NAS Point Mugu, California/NAS Reim Field, CA with detachments to Miho AFB, Japan (11/1954) and NAF Naha, Okinawa, Japan (1955 and 01/1956-08/1956). I specialized in the maintenance and repair of the P1-K autopilot installed in F6F-kK drones..." [26SEP2016]

SMITH, Victor L. vsmith312@charter.net "...Served in the Navy from 1947 to 1952. Stationed at Santa Ana LTA Base, Guam and Japan. I served with VU-7a, VU-3 and VU-5. We towed targets with Jig Dogs and Turkeys..." [10OCT2003]

SMOAK, Arthur B. Retired osoumo@juno.com "...Stationed at NAS Quonset Point, Rhode Island from 1949 to 1956, O&R from February 2, 1949 to September 11, 1951, VF-71 from September 11, 1951 to November 11, 1951, "B" School and returned to FASRON-2 from May 16, 1952 to May 13, 1955, VU-2 from May 13, 1955 to November 9, 1956, left NAS Quonset Point, Rhode Island for VU-3 Brown Field / NAS North Island, San Diego, California and was in VU-3 / VC-3 until retirement July 1966. Wish all my "old" Shipmates the best..." [09JAN2004]

SALOMON, Phil M. phil.salomon@jpl.nasa.gov "...I served with VU-3 (1952-1954) NAS Point Mugu, California then at NAS Reim Field, CA with a deployment to Miho, Japan. We provided radio-controlled F6F's for ship and missle shoots..." [06JUN2013]


WHITLOW, Norman L. nwhitlow@sbcglobal.net "...I served with VU-3 from 1962 to 1964. I worked on the flight line (P2V's)..." [25APR2006]


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