VFP-62/63 Shipmates and all other visitors Guest Book- PAGE 2
Guests 26-50
RF-8A in burner on take off from USS Shangri La
Most recent entries are added to the end of the list. Click pictures to enlarge. Updated June 29, 2008
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- 26.
Hi,
I'm Tim Webb , age 66, in the Navy from 1958 to 1962, AT2, VFP-62 from mid 1959 to July 1962. I served on two detatchments. I was a plane captain on the FDR in 1960, Det 37-60 and an AT2 in 1962 on the Independence on Det 41.
I remember the movies at Cecil Field only costing 10 cents. I remember the radios and navigation equipment were all tubes, no transistors. I remember going down to the gedunk on Saturday morning and eating those little small freshly made doughtnuts. I remember standing watch, at night, on the flight line in that terrible humidity and mosquitoes. I remember eating like a pig in the chow hall and bringing back to the barracks about half a dozen ice cream sandwiches and just staying 150 pounds the whole time.
I remember Dan Young AT2 who went of to become and officer. I never saw him again. I remember (Tony) A.A. Cappeta, AE2, who I went on the two Med cruises with. As a matter of fact I just got off the phone with him a few minutes ago.
Well, as a civilian, I have gone back to Genoa once, Naples twice, Athens once, Pisa three times, Rome 3 times, Cannes and other places I never went in the Navy such as Paris, St. Rafael, Nice, France; and Trogen, Saint Gallen, Lucerne, Switzerland; and Germany and Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen, Denmark and many other places including Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, Japan Airport only, Korea Airport only, Canada, Mexico, Alaska. If you know where Dan Young is, please email me and let me know. Well, I have rattled on enough. Here is my pic taken in Singapore.
I am living in Cotati, California. That is between Petaluma and Santa Rosa.
My email address is: Click to email Tim: timkuen@pacbell.net
- 27. Hello, Y'All!
I remember VFP-62 almost like it was yesterday. However, it was actually Feb or Mar 64 to Nov 65. I had come from PH"A" school with Larry Plourde and Dale (?) Stretch, and went on one cruise on the Shang with Larry Plourde, Carl (?) Sittle, and R(only) B(only) Perrymore, after workups with Dick Waller. Of course, I worked (indirectly) for Art Scarborough, who was assisted by Bill Newby, Dick Waller, Carl Dugger, PT2 Hile, and an LDO (I believe) named Murphy. Ron Newsome was around at the time, and a bunch of other folks I don't recall just this second.
I surely remember Art Scarborough and Carl Dugger very well, and Bill Newby was one of two who pinned my anchors on when I made Chief in Key West. I also went to Photo School for my last tour, and he was there, although I believe he had just retired.
I stuck my nose in the books and learned a little about how the system worked, and eventually ended up working in Maintenance for Bugs Bofto. However, I shipped on a STAR before I left for the Med Cruise, and went off to "B" school not long after we got back. Also remember Harry Poulton, Artman, and Eddie Call and Red Thompson from the Cecil Photo Lab, Max Marbut, of course, and quite a few others, including then PH1 Bobby G. Russell, PHI Brown, PH1 Artis, and quite a few others who will come to me as soon as I finish this letter.
Most of the folks who stayed in for a while know that I stayed in the Navy for a while, and, after a wrong turn towards the DC area, returned to aerial reconnaissance for pretty much the remainder of my career.
Thanks for the site!
Dave Bluestone
My email address is: Click to email Dave: dp5works@hotmail.com
- 28. I was the photo line officer(LTJG)during this period with VFP-62, 1960 to 64. I was later the photo officer with VFP-63 1974-77 as a LCDR and CDR, LDO.
I wonder what ever happened to the F8U-1P that John Glen flew coast to coast in 1954 making some speed records, it was the first F8U-1P. We ended up with this plane in VFP-62 during the Cuban flap. It should have found it's way into some museum. I don't recall seeing any version of the photo F-8 in any museum, and I have been to most of them. (This plane was lost in a ramp hit--webmaster).
Do you remember LCDR Mohart, he had a det in VFP-62 and when they painted the air group letters on the tails of their planes prior to deployment the paint crew painted the (I believe it was AE) they had them slanted opposite of the tail and he took a lot of heat for this and they
repainted them. The last time I saw him was about 1975 and he had just been relieved as CO of NTC (as a CAPT) here in San Diego and became the chief of staff of COMNAVAIRPAC at North Island.
I have seen Jerry Coffee on several occasions since Cecil Field days, and Cole Black was another ex 62 pilot that spent some time in H Hilton, he was at Miramar when I was in VFP-63 in the 70's and was CAPT and CO of the RAG for F-14'S.
C. C. Smith was the only one of the VFP-62 gang that made stars so far as I know and ended up as COMNAVAIRLANT with 3 stars and passed away while in that position after running one morning.
Do you know Bill Kortge, he called me when they were filming 13 days trying to locate some mopix of the birds. He currently lives in Redmond, OR. He was a LTJG in same time we were there, he was a AI/PI type.
I was relieved of Command of Pacific Fleet Audio Visual Command by CDR Dick Wade (LDO Photo)in July 1978 and retired upon completion of 30 years of active military duty as a CDR (LDO Photo 6632). Just turned 76 in SEP 06. Life is good and I am still on top of the grass, as is Lil my best friend, partner and wife of the last 55 years.
I had 30 good years in the US Navy photo community 1948-1978.
Cecil OglesCDR (LDO), USN Ret.
448 C Ave
Coronado, CA 92118-1823
619-435-0849
My email address is: Click to email Cecil: hpaero@sbcglobal.net
Click to see VFP-62 photo of : Cecil (on right in picture) 1963
- 29.
I was really glad to find this website as I had been trying to find old ship mates from that era. I reported to VFP 62 on May 26 1957 and was there until Nov 24 1960.
When I arrived at Nas Jax I was immediately sent on three months Mess cooking at the galley. and then returned to the flight line. Best I can remember Blinky Douglas was the line chief at that time.
Shortly after that I made a two week Carrier qual cruise on the USS Essex CV 9 and another two weeks on the USS Forrestal. CVA 59.
Feb 1 1958 was assigned to Detachment 43-58 on the USS Saratoga. with LCDR Charles Ray as the CO . The Detachment flew the F9F 8-P Cougar. Other officers on the detachment were LTJG RJ Walters (Bucky), LTJG Henry North (Hank), LTJG Charles Chitty, LTJG C W Counter, LTJG J P Hennesy (Jack). The Chief was ADJ Chief Curtis Miller and the crew was AMS1 Emile T Cory(Pops), ADJ1 Arthur Mead, PM1 Walter Scanlon, AME2 Marty Slater, ADJ2 William Farrar, PM2 Ed Kinda, APR2 Robert Graham, AMS2 John Fuller, AK2 Leroy George, PM3 Ronald Lebo, AO3 Douglas Heavner, ADJ3 Tim A Greene, ADJ3 Bobby Jones, AE3 Hideo Hagashi, PM2 Charles Jarvela, ADJ2 James Miller, AE2 Charles Browning, Steward David Allen, Airman Marion Swinford (me), Alfonso Simmons, Daryl Phillippi, Lee McCoy, Carlos Extevez, David Saville, Richard Joline, Daniel Perez.
Ports of call on this 6 month cruise were, Gibralter, Naples, Barcelona twice, Genoa, Cannes, Palma, Suda Bay, Athens, Cannes twice, Rhodes.
I was friends with Oren Dale Smading who was there at the time as well as all the others in the photo from the detachment (Faces of VFP-62 Page 6). I have found James Miller, Dale Smading (now deceased) and Daryl Phillippi whose address I currently have.
Upon returning to Cecil I was assigned to the flight line where I made ADJ3, and worked as a crew member on the SNB as well as plane captain on the TV2, and the Crusader. I played intermurral football, and softball with the squadron teams. Had lots of good liberty in Jacksonville and at the beaches. Also spent a lot of time at the VFW and Legion dances.
After leaving Jax I was transferred to shore duty in Oceana Va with VA43 12-8-60 - and worked on the F9F check crew in the hangar. After three years there 12-22-63 stayed the remainder of my time with VA76 7 jan 64- 21 June 65.
While with VA76 made and around the world cruises with the nuclear task force and had a tour of duty in Nam on the USS Enterprise. My Navy career is one on the most memorable times of my life. Left the Navy as an ADJ2 having passed the exam for E6 but not enough time remaining to sew it on.
I spent my civilian life working with Southern, Republic, and Northwest airlines (all one company) changed due to mergers and acquisitions. Worked there as mechanic, Foreman, Manager, and Director of JT8D engine, overhaul, and DC9 Aircraft Maintenance. Retired from there in 1998 and moved to north Ga and built us a Cabin in the woods and the wife and I love it.
Hope that some of my former shipmates see this and will contact me.
Marion Swinford
706 857 1551.
My email address is: Click to email Marion: logcastle30747@yahoo.com
Click to see VFP-62 photo of : Marion (1957)
(Webmaster's note: Marion contributed photos for "Faces of VFP-62" and the "History Page". Also, see his picture on "Faces of VFP-62")
- 30. I was a plane captain with det38 and det60. I served from 61-63. I'd be interested in hearing from anyone who was with my outfit.
Al Kennedy
My email address is: Click to email Al: bigfootsfriend@yahoo.com
- 31.
I was on TAD to VFP 62 from NAS JAX for about 14 months beginning around the summer of 1960. Besides you (Ken Jack) and Bruce Nason, I remember the photo mate who was in charge of the shop where I was assigned. His last name was Rowe, I think. He liked to play "Acy-Ducy" during lunch. Later, Chief Frank Wolle took over and as you mentioned, he was a mentor for many of us.
I also remember Ted or Tom? Knight who had a 1950's vintage Jaguar. He loaned it to me a time or two. It was fun to drive back then.
A major incident I remember from squadron life was a beer party which was planned for about 200 people. Unfortunately, one or more detachments were called up from stand-by status the day before and could not attend. The 75 or so of us who were available had to drink all that beer. We did a good job of it but I can't remember too many details.
I hope your web site continues to grow and include more people. It would be nice to plan some sort of reunion. It would also be nice to hear from any of the former members.
I don't know if you have incurred significant expenses developing the web site, but if you were to develop some sort of voluntary dues, I would be happy to contribute.
Keep in touch,
Frank Johnson
My email address is: Click to email Frank: FRANKFOXWOOD@aol.com
(Webmaster's note: Frank was an AT (Electronics Technician) assigned to the photo shack in the hanger. He and I worked on the photo electronic equipment for the Crusader. We have re-united our friendship after many years. Amazingly, this South Carolina boy's father was from my new home town of Coudersport, PA and he had other relatives who lived nearby. Small world!)
- 32.
2006 - I'm Donald A Jusko, 5-20-41, age 65, in the Navy from Sept. 27th, 1961 to Jan. 26th, 1966, Photo Intelligence (PT2) out of Cecil Field the whole time. I was on three detachments:
1963 U.S.S. Saratoga DET-60,
1965, Six months, U.S.S. Shangri-La DET-38, LCDR Lindsey, LCDR Hood, LT
Bronk, LTJG Deputy, LTJG Green.
Bad News, We had an oil spill in Cannes. Good News, Quote from the Aug. '65 Final Newsletter:
"Our last letter home should begin with good news and it certainly does
from the "Sooper Scopers" standpoint. Don Jusko and I have finally
managed to "catch up" with our pilots. Our shelves (previously stuffed
with film) are bare now that all our film has been titled , plotted, and
submitted. With spare time in the evenings, PI is slowly being converted
into an art studio - after all - with all this professional experience
and foreign travel, Snoopy can't afford to pass up the chance to get
"cultured" as well.
LT De Bronk Don Jusko PT2
1965 U.S.S. Forestal DET-59, we flew the F8U-1P. I think this was
VFP-62's heyday. John McCall, C.B. Wilhelmy, J.R. Lingley, Bill Taylor, B.F.(Skip)Staub were our photo pilots in on Det-60, 1963, maybe Lt Baucom also.
I remember taking every tour that was available, Paris twice, I guess
that was my favorite city. I went to Venice twice also. I remember the
plane flight from Barcelona to Madrid, it was actually windy inside the
plane! Madrid didn't show me as much as Barcelona. So much to see..
Gibraltar, Barcelona, Marseilles, Palma, Asinara Bay, Genoa, Livorno
(Leghorn), Palermo, Catania, Naples, Florence, Capri, Palma, Suda Bay,
Cannes, Rhodes, Malta, Athens, Taranto, Istanbul. One overnight I spent
on Capri was thrilling, something happened on the ship and a detachment
of SP's was sent to find me. The next day I found out they were 15
minutes behind me at every bar on the island.
On each cruise I painted portraits. Click to see Don's portraits of LTJG Jack Lingley, LT De Bronk, and LCDR McCall's children. I still have the large painting palette LT Bronk gave me from Florence, another great city. We lost LCDR John McCall (Mac) and LTjg Richardson in plane accidents while on the Saratoga deployment. Commander McCall was doing an air show and Ltjg Richardson was lost at sea.
Photo Intelligence squadron, VFP-62: 1962, Presidential Unit Citation (Cuban Crisis) was the first in peacetime history, Joint Army-Navy Medal, Joint Armed Forces' Campaign Ribbon.
Pat Lemons and Ken Howell and I had some real good times together, are they still out there?
Peter Kissa and I played a lot of tennis on the base; I still play. I remember a photo chief (Hill?) forcing me to play a game with him for the tennis tournament on the Forestal (Rhodes I think), it was hot and I had a terrible hangover. I shouldn't have lost, we could have waited a day..
The PI department was right below the flight deck, I remember the landing noise right above my head. I lived in that large room day and night. Every one else went below deck to sleep, I went above.
LTjg Hewitt was a nice guy. LT Jerry Coffee was in and out of the Cecil Field PI office a lot. CDR Ecker had his own office so I didn't see him much except for the Cuban Crises, the PI office became the War Room, CDR Koch was our Photographic Officer.
Chief Art Scarborough didn't spend much time in the PI office, but I liked him, it was Chief Hill that I had problems with.
My post-Navy career:
1967 - 1970, Art Director, Jacksonville, Florida.
1970 - 1973, San Francisco where I opened my own advertising agency.
1973 - 1978, I had a factory and 5 retail stores based in Sacramento (Tower Waterbeds).
1978 - 2006, Moved to Maui, Hawaii to paint on location for the rest of my life. We have the best weather in the world.
1996, I reinvented the artist's colorwheel.
I recorded everything on an art website that I now sell on a CD.
My email address is: Click to email Don: djusko@realcolorwheel.com
Click to go to Don's website
[Don's artwork is posted in various locations on this site: We Love Crusaders - Decals & Patches, Scarborough Photos. He also reproduced the Cuban Missile Crisis era decals for the restored photo Crusader at Battleship Park, Mobile AL. - webmaster]
- 33. I was an Aviation Storekeeper in VFP-62 (AK3 1962-63) and ordered alot of parts and fuel for our RF-8s but they were designated F8U-1P Crusaders. Did we get the RF-8 Crusader after I left the Navy in '63 ?? Just curious. (F8U-1P was the first designation and later replaced with RF-8A to conform with the Air Force naming convention - webmaster).
I am even more glad to see you have this websight since I just received, in the last day or two, that the board members (Turncoates) of the USS Forrestal voted to let NavSea sink the first Supercarrier in the world, CVA-59 and it's grave will be in the waters off Ft. McHenry, as an artificial reef. I'm feeling pretty down right now after serving on the FID for the 62-63 Med Cruise in our Squadron's Deployment. My service time spent in VFP-62 and on the Forrestal are the most memorable times of my life and I'll take them to my Urn as one of my last memories when the time comes.
It angered me, then saddened me. I didn't realize just how sad until yesterday when I received an envelope from Wayne Warner of the USS Forrestal Assoc. with an updated roster of members and a Ship's shoulder patch and an FID decal. As I looked at the shoulder patch I was moved. Didn't realize HOW moved until my wife asked me, "Honey have you heard anything else about your ship." I was saddened to the point that I had forgotten to tell her. I looked up at her and said, "They're going to sink her!!" Then we both realized HOW sad it is for me as I, without even realizing it, had made that last statement as I began a stifled cry. I am alone and typing this today and as I type my head is so full of pressure and I am sure I could cry some more. I cannot believe that my "first" carrier duty was for Quals on the USS Intrepid and it is a museum in NY but the worlds very FIRST Super Carrier and it's distiguished service will be sunk to form an artificial reef. LOYALTY, today seems like such an empty concept.
(Russ poignantly expresses the feelings of many of us who served on the U.S.S. Forrestal - webmaster)
Russ (Terry) Stull
My email address is: Click to email Russ: russt@owt.com
- 34. Just came across the VFP-62 site. I was in VFP-62 when it was in its final days. Worked in Maintenance Control/Logs and Records. Was last person to leave Maintenance Control the last part of Dec 67, along with the store keeper from next door. VFP-62 was my first squardon but not last. Started out on the USS Kitty Hawk CVA-63 ships company V-3 Division, left the ship after West Pac for A school then to VFP-62. Reported 24 Mar 67. May have been a short time to some, but I liked being there for the time I was.
VFP-62 was one of my longer duty stations. I was a AZAN in VFP-62 Maintenance Control Logs and Records; Worked for MCPO John Rosa.
As to where I went from there; AZ3 VR-1 TACAMO, AZ2 VQ-4 (First AZ in squardon), AZ1 NAS Glenview, ( station keeper), Back to more schooling at Pensacola and Memphis then to VAQ-135 Det 4 Alameda, Ca, VAQ-135 Det 4 USS Kenedy CVA-67, This was the first seven years of my Navy life, but not all of it. Went back in as a USNR-R at NAS 1316 NARDET T.C. MPLS, MINN.,then back to NAS GLENVIEW, and then orders to the USS NIMITZ CVN-68 (made the first cruise). This was the next 2 years of my NAVY life and by this time my sea bag was geting a little worn. I now live in northern Minnesota, the Ice Box of the Nation, retired , spend time working with the VFW and DAV.
Bruce Holden
19019 Holden Lane NW
Solway,Minnesota 56678
My email address is: Click to email Bruce: bholden@paulbunyan.net
- 35. I found the sqd web site a couple of days ago. Good job.
I was in the sqd from early 1960 through mid 1961. I finished camera
repair/photo systems C school and was xfered to VFP-62. I had been on sea
duty before C school and that was the reason for the short time with vfp-62.
I worked on the flight line for a couple of months than camera repair shop. Passed my amateur radio test and had kn4njj issued in Oct 1960. I remember three or four of us passed the ham test and had calls very close.
Went from VFP-62 to NPC in DC, back to B school, than RVAH6 in Sanford.
Remained with the vigies till I retired in 1974. Got a job with a company in TX still with recon systems. retired from them in 1999. calling Omaha, Ne home now.
Good site, keep up the good work. I think I may have some old photos from
that time if I can find them.
Larry Bailey
My email address is: Click to email Larry: lnbailey@cox.net
- 36. Can I add my name to the list. I am David Duke and I served from 53 to 56 as an AM2 with the predecessor to VFP62, VC62. I made several cruises, including a Med cruise on the Lake Champlain. The most noteworthy cruise was a shakedown aboard the Bennington during which the infamous catapult failure which caused a catastrophic explosion and fire occured. We lost two officers from the detachment there.
The Commander of VC62 was W.D.Dietz.
I would appreciate contact from anyone from VC62 or having knowledge or acquaintance.
David Duke
My email address is: Click to email David: davduke@cox.net
- 37. Hi: Glad I found your web site; I am Bill Hearn. I was with VFP-62 from 1960 - 1964. Made the first Med cruise of the USS Enterprise. Was on USS Lexington during the Cuban blockade. Was on USS Forestall and Saratoga just for short carrier ops. Did another Med cruise on Enterprise, spring, summer of 1964. Left ship in Naples to be discharged back in States in Sept 64.
I went to aviation school in Tenn. for AMS but when I arrived at VFP-62 they needed people to take care of the maintenance records so I did that. It turned out to be a great job. Still can remember a lot of the names and good times we had.
My email address is: Click to email Bill: billygator1240@aol.com
- 38. I was in the squadron from 58-61 with J.J.McKenna ,we were on Det 33-60. Before that I was in Fasron-6 which was in the same hangar with VFP-62 when they were at NAS Jacksonville from 1955 thru 57. They had F9's & F2HP's. I knew a few of the guys in VFP-62. I had orders to VFP-62 when they got the RF-8's and moved to Cecil.
There were two VFP-62 RF8's that had a midair over Dr. Inlet, a lake in Orange Park; this was late 57 or early 58. Does anyone remember the name of the pilot that got shot down and killed in a F-9 over Lebanon, during the Lebanon crisis in 57, the only Casualty during the crisis?
Lonnie Simmons
My email address is: Click to email Lonnie: lonman9@juno.com
- 39. My name is John LaGrant and, I now live in Livermore, Ca. I joined the unit in February 1962, and remained til February 1964. I shook down the Constellation, did a Med cruise on the Saratoga, and was with the first group that reported to Key West .
I am on "Faces of VFP-62", page 5, 3rd row down 7th from the left. Rating at discharge was ADJ3.
Great job on the site look forward to hearing from some of you.
My email address is: Click to email John: jrlagrant@sbcglobal.net
- 40. Webmasters note: Capt. Adam Miklovis was the photo intelligence officer on my Forrestal detatchment (62-63). Then a Ltjg, he was liked by the enlisted men and helped me prepare for a post-Navy education. See Page 3 "Sea Stories".
From Capt. Adam Miklovis :
Today I had the opportunity to check out the VFP-62 website and must commend you for a great job... Bravo Zulu for a first class job.
There were brief encounters, over the following 25 years of USNR time with Mack Cox, who resided in the Dallas, Texas area.
Needless to say that the Navy has remained a major thrust in my life in and out of uniform. Fortunately, I made it to O-6 after commanding an intell. unit at NAS Willow Grove. My unclassified claim to fame was being the JO on a direct commission screening board for a guy by the name of John Lehman (Sec. of Navy & 911 Commission - webmaster). He went on to do some great things for our Navy.
RCA is where I worked on a radar system for a program still on-going called AEGIS. In fact, I still do some work for AEGIS ships as a consultant to LMCO and the Spanish Navy. There was nothing like being a part of such a successful Navy program.
Thru the 80's I visited the Smithsonian Air Space Museum rather frequently and was surprised to find an exhibit on VFP-62's role in the Cuban Missile Crisis. It included the famous photos of the missile sites in Cuba and CDR Bill Eckert presenting the incriminating evidence to JFK. It also included photos and text about the RF-8U and the CAX-12 camera system. Maybe the KA-45 too. When I last visited, in the late 90's, the exhibit was gone, probably archived. Now that made me feel old.... an major event of my career mothballed.
My email address is: Click to email Adam: miklovis@comcast.net
Click to see VFP-62 photo of : Adam (on left in picture) 1961
- 41. Hi Ken: My name is Ed Swartzfager in Oil City, Pa. I was a PR2 in the squadron from 1962 to 1963. Was in Det 42 (The FDR). Made PR1 in May 63 after getting back from the Med cruise. Surprised to see someone so close by.
Ed Swartzfager
My email address is: Click to email Ed: eddy2@zoominternet.net
- 42.
I was assigned to VFP 62 out of "A" school, Memphis, Tenn. toward the end of '61. My first Med cruise was on the Forrestal the following year(62). On our return home, one day out of the Straits, we had a flyover by a Russian Bear. He opened his bomb bay doors, before he flew from aft to forward of our ship. Of course we had already launched our CAP protection before then. Fact is, one of our pilots (VFP 62) took a photo of the CAP pilot flipping the 'bird' to the Russian crew.
I worked the line and went on several detachments with The Roosevelt and the Forrestal besides Med cruises. I was on the Roosevelt in '64 when we had to return home from the Med early because we lost a blade from one of the screws. They discharged me a month early because of that.
One of my most pleasant memories was working evenings then at 11 PM going to the mess hall and getting eggs to order: 'grits' as one of the guys from Georgia I worked with used to say. I have not heard that expression
since, living in the north.
I remember PH1 Williams, and PH1 Kiss(a) from different detachments. Terry
Stull I believe was our storekeeper on the Forrestal. I was assigned to the CAG electronics pool on that cruise. The talk in the CAG pool at the time was someday you'll be able to take home movies and play them back on your TV at home.
Paul Maracz former AT2 (VFP-62 1962-64)
My email address is: Click to email Paul: maracz@adelphia.net
Webmaster's Note: It was after Paul and I exchanged several emails that I realized that we both were on the same Forrestal detatchment (62-63). Paul and I never knew each other because of his assignment to the Forrestal CAG Electronics pool.
- 43.
Ken, Great job. There are a lot of names on the web site that I haven't thought of for forty years. George Montgomery got me started on the trip down memory lane last fall. We were able to meet last Christmas. His daughter lives two houses from our house. He brought his pictures, and I brought out mine that I had left, and we had a great time talking about the old Glory VFP days.
I got into the squadron in the fall of 1962, just in time for Cuba and was discharged in 1966. I made two Med. Cruises. One on the Forestal DET-59 and one on the Saratoga DET-60. Being single and coming from small town U.S.A. I volunteered for every ship that went out to sea. At one time or another I was on every carrier on the east coast. Sometimes for only a week at a time, but it was great. I got to make a couple of Cat shots and a few very Shaky landings . Went to the Worlds Fair in 1964. I went to a lot of different schools and got to meet a lot of great people. VFP-62 was a great outfit to be part of.
My brother and I were in the Navy at the same time. We were both Aviation Electricians. I got out after one hitch as an AE2, and he retired as a Master Chief. He served his country well.
Barry Herzog (Former AE2 - '62-66)
My email address is: Click to email Barry: bh22@earthlink.net
- 44. My name is Dave Stokes and was at NAS Jax 57-58 and Cecil field.
I was a AD3 and plane captin on the Med Essex cruise. At the time we changed from the Banshee F2H to the F9F-8.
I retired in the army and live in Ann Arbor, MI. I live in Florida in the winter and Alaska in the summer.
Webmaster's Note: Dave has pictures on the NAS Grosse Ile web page:Dave Stokes Collection .
My email address is: Click to email Dave: davegs625@yahoo.com
Dave Stokes US Army ret.
- 45. My name is Gerald Musgrove (ATR-3). I served in VFP-62 from 1966 thru 1968 when the squadron decommisioned, at that time there was a time capsule buried at N.A.S. Cecil Field. (My memory has faded quite a bit since then)
I was on the U.S.S. Shangri La (CVA-38) for the shake down cruise to Cuba; afterwards we went to the Med. I do remember that I used to love to work the flight deck installing radios, tachans(?), antennas, "black boxes", etc. on the RF-8G.
I have often wondered about the time capsule and if there is going to be a reunion to open it some day at Cecil Field.
Many friends and memories,
My email address is: Click to email Gerald: geraldandconnie@peoplepc.com
- 46. I am Jim Curry and was assigned to VFP-62 for my first Fleet Squadron tour from Jan 1961 to September 1963. My first deployment was on Intrepid from August 1961 to February 1962 with LCDR Frank Liberato as the OinC. We made a short 2 1/2 month deployment on Enterprise from late June to early October 1962 again with Frank Liberato as the OinC.
After a short time back at Cecil, we deployed again on Enterprise for the Cuban Missile Crisis. I logged a lot of hours in 913, BuNo 145645 including two night missions to photograph the fence line surrounding Guantanamo Bay, Cuba during the crisis. The Marines at Gitmo heard noises on the other side of the fence at night and requested a recce mission to identify what was going on over the fence at night.
The first mission on the evening of 5 November produced no results because the Photo Mates at Gitmo place the film in hypo first removing any images that were on the film. The second mission was flown on 27 November, but the film did not reveal any unusual details on the other side of the fence.
On the first flight of 5 November, the occupants of the BOQ near the West perimeter fence thought the war has started when they heard the photo flares going off and saw the flash of the flares.
I retired from active duty in 1990 as the Deputy Navy Inspector General. Other Fleet squadron tours included VF-154 in F-4s during Vietnam (1967 to 69), XO of Topgun in 70 to 71, and XO and CO of VF-151 with F-4s on the USS midway homeported in Japan from 1974 to 77.
Congratulations to Ken Jack for a superb effort on this website.
Jim Curry
My email address is: Click to email Jim: James.Curry@bowheadsupport.com
Webmaster's Note: Pictures of Capt. Curry can be seen on "Faces of VFP-62" Pages 4, 5 and 8. RF-8G 913, BuNo 145645, mentioned above is being restored for exhibit at Battleship Park, Mobile Ala. Capt. Curry flew many hours in that plane and has contributed to the information background .
- 47. Hello, My name is Dave Olson AMS-3 (Swde). I came to VC-62 in Dec of 55 or Jan 56. I can't remember for sure, but I was awe struck by the different aircraft. We had F2H-2P's; F9F-8P's,TV-2's and beechcrafts. We later became VFP-62. I think it was a Cmdr. Cheney that welcomed our group into the squadron. When he asked me what part of Minnesota I came from it was funny because he said he was from St. Paul. Minnesota is known for Swede's and Norwegians.
I was put on the flight line with CPO Sheppard. I was preflighting Banshees and Cougars. I did a stint compartment cleaning then back to the flight line. Later, I was on carrier Quals on the Forrestal, Saratoga and the F.D.R. I also was on a 1.5 month cruise on the Lake Champlain. They flew our Det. to Oceana to meet the ship. I think there was a problem in the Suez Canal Zone or something.
Later I was on a med cruise on the F.D.R. with the last F2H-2P det "37-57" when we came back they were sent away. Also the F8U-1P's had arrived. They were and still are a very beautiful aircraft.
Our OinC was Lcmd Pline, Lt Kramer, Lt Duke and on Ens. M. My name was mentioned the Capt Kiems website. I'm the Olson with Ens Dietrick on the Cougar Fulsilage. [Webmaster's Note: Capt Kiems Scrapbook can be found on the "Squadron History" page.]
I became good friends with Tom McGuire AD2. We got back together as a result of this web site. So Thank you!
I have always been very proud of being in the flying Navy. I wouln't trade it for anything or change anything. I have attached some pictures that may be of interest on the website. Keep up the good work and would like to go to a reunion in Mobile. Hopefully to meet old friends and meet new ones as well.
Thanks, Dave Olson, Apple Valley, MN
My email address is: Click to email Dave: olsondd@charter.net
Click to see VFP-62 photo of : Dave (on right in picture)
- 48. I was very happy to find the VFP-62 website a few days ago.
I was in VFP-62 from late '64 to late'67, and did a Med cruise
on the Shangri-La in 66-67. I was a photographer working on the camera
control systems. Art [Scarborough] is one of the only people whose name I remember, because he was such a great guy. We had a mutual interest in aviation history, also.
When the squardron was to be deactivated, I was back from the Med and
working in the photo lab. I got transferred to Newport, RI right before
it was decided that anyone who hadn't transferred yet could stay.
I had gotten a pilot's license the summer of '67 at the Navy sponsored flying club at Herlong, and really wanted to continue flying. But.....
Someone mentioned a flight sim program that has an F-8. If anyone has
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004, there is a free third party file RF-8A with a VFP-62 paint job available for download. Try www.simviation.com/fs2004military117.htm. I set up the program to fly out of Key West, and flew my own mission to Cuba.
Bruce Wilson
My email address is: Click to email Bruce: binky9@ix.netcom.com
- 49.
I just stumbled onto this web page. My name is Ernest Halley (Palatine, IL). I served in VFP-62 from June '62 through November '63. I was TAD to the Disbursing Office, at Cecil Field. I was a SA on arrival and left as a DK3. I never went to sea, as they did not send the squadron DK to sea. I joined the Navy to get an opportunity to travel. You know the Navy has ships, and they go to different countrys? They found out that I could type, and they sent me to the Disbursing Office, and I never saw a ship. All of my buddies got to go on 6 month Med cruises, and all I did was wave goodbye. But, duty at Cecil Field wasn't all bad.
After I left active duty, I taught school in Tulsa, OK. In 1965, I moved to the Chicago area and worked for an insurance company inspecting factorys to see if they were good fire risks for insurance purposes. I left the insurance company after 4 years and worked for the U.S. Gypsum Co. as the fire protection engineer. Two years later, I worked for the Chicago & North Western Railroad as its fire protection engineer and hazardous materials manager. I was with the railroad for 17 years. Then I lost my job when the railroad was sold. I now work for the USDOT/Federal Railroad Administration as a Hazardous Materials Specialist. I expect to retire in May '08, with 20 years gov't service.
I am a Pipe Sergeant with the Emerald Society Pipes & Drums of the Chicago Police Department(See photo).
Ernest Halley
2295 Barrington Woods Road
Palatine, IL 60074
My email address is: Click to email Ernest: Drumie1@Comcast.net
- 50. I'm [Tom Everette] from Alabama - 6', thin, wore thick glasses then. Light brown/blonde hair. Was 18 when I first got to VFP-62 in 1961. I worked in the Personnel office when we weren't deployed.
Got transferred to VF-11 in April/May '63 then got out early in August to go back to school. While in school I learned to fly and spent 38 years selling airplanes. Small ones at first, then turbo-props, then business jets for the last 25 years. Worked for Beech, Mitsubishi then British Aerospace which was bought by Raytheon a few years ago. Spent most of my time in the southeast and TX - couple of tours, about 6 yrs total, in Orange Cty - and now retired in Durango, CO.
I ran into George Gaughran in Chicago in the late '60s. He was flying for American - now retired I hear. We exchanged Christmas cards for a few years but haven't heard anything in a while. Ran into Julian Baucom who was flying for Braniff, and Frank Liberato (Cdr) at the Dallas airport. Other than that, no contact with anyone from the squadron. I recall running into Bill Tyner in FL but don't recall if he was in VFP-62.
It's really interesting seeing names and faces from that time in my life. I still have a lot of the memorabilia from the cruises and a lot of photos of the Enterprise and Constellation.
I'll look forward to hearing and reading more about some of our old squadron mates.
Regards,
Tom
My email address is: Click to email Tom: tomeverette@hotmail.com
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2006 - I'm Donald A Jusko, 5-20-41, age 65, in the Navy from Sept. 27th, 1961 to Jan. 26th, 1966, Photo Intelligence (PT2) out of Cecil Field the whole time. I was on three detachments:
I was assigned to VFP 62 out of "A" school, Memphis, Tenn. toward the end of '61. My first Med cruise was on the Forrestal the following year(62). On our return home, one day out of the Straits, we had a flyover by a Russian Bear. He opened his bomb bay doors, before he flew from aft to forward of our ship. Of course we had already launched our CAP protection before then. Fact is, one of our pilots (VFP 62) took a photo of the CAP pilot flipping the 'bird' to the Russian crew.
