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2018 THE VP-45 ASSOCIATION’S MARCH Pelican Post www.vp45association.org Member In The Spotlight: First CO of VP-45 (PBY) Patron Four Five Association Pelican Post In This Issue Newsletter Info Cover: “Attu Arrival 1943” Editor-in-Chief.................................Jack Keane (Cover Artwork and Design by Bill Hobgood) See Member In The Spolight Article for More Info Asst Editor/Graphics/Design......Bill Hobgood Association Officers.................................3 Distribution.................................Email/Website President’s Report...................................4 Editing Software.......................Adobe InDesign From the Vice President..........................6 Frequency.............................Two Issues per Year At The Top................................................7 Navy Trivia................................................9 Member in the Spotlight.........................11 Contact Information WebMaster/Secretary.............................15 Via Website........................................Contact Us A Sea Story..............................................16 WebMaster…………[email protected] Community News...................................18 Secretary ……………[email protected] Alumni News..........................................20 Squadron News.....................................21 Treasurer’s Report.................................24 Visit Our Website! Mailbag.................................................25 Over 70 pages of VP-45 Informa- tion. Click on the Logo Below Back in the Day......................................27 In Memoriam........................................31 Reunion Schedule and Registration......33 Registration Form.................................36 From the Editor: Well, I hadn’t planned on another history article in the “Tools of the Trade” series, at least not until I was asked about HF/DF and airborne radar. In this issue, we’ll look at the early WWII history of HF/DF and will complete our series in August with an early history of airborne radar. Should you need to for any reason, you can contact us via the website or by sending an email to either of the email addresses listed in the “Contact Information” section just above. Jack Keane Copyright © 2018 2 Patron Four Five Association Pelican Post YOUR ASSOCIATION OFFICERS (2016 - 2018) Click on pictures below for more biographical info President Doug Mitchell was elected to this office in 2012. He was in VP-45 from 1972 to 1975 as an FE. He retired from the Navy in 1994, after 30 years service, as an LDO LCDR. He currently resides in Florida and Georgia. Vice President Joe Bretton became VP during the 2014 Reunion. An FE and AD1 in VP-45 from 1968 to 1976, Joe retired from the Navy in 1986 with 20 years service. He now is fully retired and lives in Mississippi. Secretary Jack Keane has been our Secretary since 2012. A VMI grad and retired LCDR, he completed his Navy career in 1995 and is still fully employed at Johns Hopkins. He was a TACCO in VP-45 from 1982-1985. Treasurer Spence Cunningham assumed Treasurer duties in 2017. He served as an AW aircrew member in the Squadron from 1982-1987 and re- tired in 2013 as a Master Chief. He lives in Orange Park, Florida. WebMaster Bill Hobgood built the Association website in 2011 and officially was elected WebMaster in 2012. He was also a TACCO (Crew 13) and was in VP-45 from 1971 to 1974. A retired CDR, he resides in Austin, Texas. Copyright © 2018 3 Patron Four Five Association Pelican Post ter Rachael Normann have been selected to split the $1250 Scholarship. The proud grand- “A huge “Shout Out” to thank parents are happily paying the Joe Bretton for four years of dedication to this organization as Vice President and Reunion Coordinator. And Welcome Aboard to Spence Cunningham, our acting Treasurer who will “fleet-up” to Joe’s position after the reunion.” Last year’s Flight Academy Scholarship From the Desk of... winner: Shelby “Seahorse” Newman; granddaughter of member Jay Thomas remainder of the fee, rewarding Doug Mitchell their students for outstanding achievements in their respective schools. Joseph and Rachael will attend the program July 8 - July 13, 2018, and we look forward to hearing from them in the Sep- President’s Report tember 2018 Newsletter. It’s that time again, and as I mentioned in my re- For the upcoming reunion, Joe marks in the September 2017 Newsletter, we Bretton, our Vice President and are: PENSACOLA BOUND! Known as “The Cradle of Aviation,” and home of the “World Fa- mous Blue Angels,” many of us started our Naval Careers at NAS Pensacola...including me at VT-4! As I look back, it was my ex- perience at NAS Pensacola those first three years that influenced my decision to stay in the Navy! (See photo to right) Also in the September Newsletter, I solicit- ed a child or grandchild from our member- ship to attend the 2018 Flight Academy Pro- gram. Your Association Officers and I are While assigned to NAS Pensacola’s VT-4 in July 1965, our (then) young Asso- pleased to announce member Jodean and ciation President receives Plane Captain of the Month award from RADM D.E. Joy Walston’s 15 year old grandson Joseph Smith. In addition to the award, Doug received a round trip home in a T-2 Normann and 14 year old granddaugh- Buckeye jet and a $25.00 Savings Bond (remember those?). Copyright © 2018 4 Patron Four Five Association Pelican Post Reunion Coordinator, has outdone himself in personally setting up the tours and transportation for the entire reunion...and I promise you, you will not be disappointed! A HUGE THANK YOU JOE! We certainly look forward to seeing as many of you members of our outstanding As- sociation as possible attend. So “PLEASE SIGN UP EARLY”...as this makes all of our planning so much easier! I know I said this before, but... “Let’s all help make the Pensacola Reunion one of the best in our history!” And it will serve as a great send off for Joe, as this is his last reunion as our coordinator! Another huge “Thank You and Congratulations” are in order for our current Treasurer Spence Cun- ningham for volunteering to move up to Vice President/Reunion Co- ordinator! And to Joe Oglesby, for submitting his name to be con- sidered as the next Treasurer of our Association after the reunion expenses have been closed out in Pensacola. Both of these gentle- men had distinguished careers in the Navy as well as their respective tours as Pelicans. You will have the opportunity to vote for them at Joe Bretton, our Vice President and Reunion Co- the Business Meeting on Saturday ordinator has devoted countless dedicated hours morning in Pensacola. both before and during Association Reunions. Spence Cunningham, our newest officer On Friday April 20, 2018, Joe Bretton and I will be presenting our Annual and acting Treasurer, has accepted a nomi- Association Scholarship Check at the Flight Academy to LTGEN (Ret) Thies- nation to replace Joe as Vice President. sen, President and CEO of the Naval Museum. If any of you would like to join us, please email or call me no later than 18 April. You will have the opportunity to tour the Flight Academy and join us for lunch at the Cubi Cafe. Another great op- portunity to hold a “Peli- can mini-reunion!” Again....we look forward to seeing you in October! Best Regards, Doug “Pooh Bear” Mitchell 678-650-7500 or pooh- [email protected] Most of us spent time on tours or training in Pensacola. Though there is a lot to remember about that beau- tiful place, all of us remember the sugar-like white beaches and the fabulous Blue Angels (who will perform practice shows October 23 and 24 at NAS) This will likely be our best reunion yet...don’t miss it! Copyright © 2018 5 Patron Four Five Association Pelican Post FROM THE VICE PRESIDENT Pensacola is calling all VP-45 Alumni!! some you will find enjoyable. This year’s reunion will take place Dolphin Cruise - Thursday ($40.00) at the beautiful Pensacola, Florida. Our “headquarters” this time will Welcome to Pensacola Bay’s original dolphin cruise be the historic Grand Hotel, locat- boat, “Chase- ed in the heart of downtown Pen- n-Fins.” This sacola and just minutes away from aquatic char- shopping, dining, and entertainment venues. ter offers you a two-hour The hotel offers many free amenities such as transport adventure to and from the airport, wi-fi and mini fridges in all the where the rooms, and self-parking to name just a few. To learn dolphins are more about the hotel and view photos you can visit always willing their website here: www.pensacolagrandhotel.com. to entertain in their natu- We are anticipating a great turnout, perhaps the biggest ral environ- ever, so we have ment. Chase- asked the hotel to n-Fins is a give us the larg- Who isn’t always amazed at the strength and 50-foot con- est block of rooms grace of playful dolphins? verted Navy in reunion his- launch with plenty of open deck space for that perfect tory. Room res- photo or just enjoy the warm Gulf breeze under the ervations can be large shaded area. The crew is very knowledgeable of made by calling the area marine life as well as the local and historical the Grand Hotel landmarks you will pass. This boat can accommodate direct at (850) 433-3336 and give the Code “P-45“ to 49 passengers, has a bathroom and is wheelchair acces- receive our $119.00 (+ tax) rate. Don’t delay, because, sible. Lunch will be on your own downtown. after September 24, the hotel will take back the rooms we haven’t reserved and sell them at their normal rate Naval Museum/P-8 Poseidon/Flight Academy of $199.00. Tour - Friday ($25.00) The hotel accepts all major credit cards and our discounted group rate is available 3 days before and 3 days after the reunion. You may cancel your hotel room up to 24 hours prior to arrival without penalty.