Archived Messages from Friends at VR-24
World's Biggest Little Airline
(from April 2002 through October 2003


 173.  1956-1957  2003-10-24  Edgar Vinson
Looking for any of the shipmates that were in Naples at this time, Chuck Kibbons,Steve Zaleski, Joe Yuma, etc.
 172.  Viewing latest version of webpages  2003-10-22  Dick Prather
Maintaining the VR-24 website continues to be a learning experience. Latest lesson; The newest version of a webpage that has been changed/updated since your last visite may not show up on your screen. If you suspect this to be true, you might want to do the following: With the "changed page" displayed, hold down both "shift AND ctrl" keys and simultaneously click(with mouse) on "Refresh" icon at top of screen. That will force a rewrite (download) of the latest version of the page into your computer and onto your screen. Happy viewing!! Your friendly website editor.
 171.  Links between pages on VR-24 website  2003-10-19  Dick Prather
Some of you may have noticed within the last month that certain links between pages on the website were not working. I discovered last night that the problem was caused when the webhost server was changed (without notification). I have reset the links and all now work. Feel free to email me anytime you find one that does not. Thanks, Your friendly website editor.
 170.  75-78  2003-10-13  Jim Killingsworth
I just found this site a few days ago, it's great. I was with VR-24 from 75-78. I was there when we made the move from Naples to Sig. During that time I was a C1-A plane captain, of course there was not a PC rate in those days so I was an AE-3. I have been looking for a friend that I was stationed with named Steve Kawjawski. If anyone knows where I might find him please let me know. I also look forward to hearing from anyone else that was there during those years.
 169.  Personnel Office  2003-10-04  Marsha A. Wadowski (nee Dapkus) - PN3 - 1975 - 1977
Just found this site. VR-24 was my first Duty Station after graduating from "A" School. I really enjoyed my tour at the Squadron. I was there when the Squadron moved from Naples to Sigonella. Had 3 CO's while I was there - CDR Hatch, CAPT Sperling, and CDR Weaver. I am still in the Naval Reserve - have served for 20 years in the Reserves now. Presently mobilized, as I was recalled to Active Duty back in March 2003. I would love to hear from anyone who was in the Squadron during that time period.
 168.  C-2 Loadmaster 1985-1988  2003-10-03  Lewis Tidmore
Just found this site and saw a few names.bill howard,bruse thompson.andy hall came to visit me here in san antonio and we talked about getting some of the
old vr group together.it would be great to hear from anyone from that time
 167.  C2 Aircrewman 1975-78  2003-10-03  Carlos Diniz
Great site! If any shipmates remember me, drop me a line. This is a great way to revisit the memories of good times and good friends.
I was an AD2 at the time. Would love to hear from you.
 166.  Naples 63-66 update on personnel  2003-10-01  Kenneth Balderston
I learned recently that my old friend and neighbor CWO Burt Cook passed away about four years ago. His wife Inez lives in Pensacola. Cdr. Ford (OinC while I was there)also lived in Pensacola and has passed. There are so many memorable people from those years. I think about them often and wonder what ever became of them. Could anyone shed some lite on the following officers? Cdr. Wisendanger, Lcdr's Whit Johnson, Gino Giannotti, Digger O'dell, Mort Robinson, Corky Milner, Ken McBride, Lt.'s C. D. Johnson, Al Fry, Rule Warner, Bob Simmons, Fidelito Castro, Ron Carlson, Lt. JG Steve Cobe. Any info would be greatly appreciated.
 165.  Guestbook Cleanup  2003-09-30  Dick Prather
Just returned from a two-week vacation (visiting our "forward deployed" forces in Japan) to find what appeared to be a couple of "nuisance" entries. I deleted them. Will delete entries that do not in some way, however vague, relate to VR-24, its components, former members, friends, home bases, or associated units. I trust that I will receive appropriate feedback in the event I err in my "deletion criteria." Your friendly website editor.
 164.    2003-09-29  Johnny M.(Mike) gosa
My wife (Bette) and myself were stationed together at VR-24 Sigonella from 1977 to 1980. I checked in as an AMS2 and left 3 years later as an AMSC. Really enjoyed that tour. Some memorable events were a C-2 that went off the runway in Barcelona and we had to get it out of the mud, change both engines,struts and repair minor damages on the ramp at Barcelona Internation airport. We lived in a villa at Costa Saracena and enjoyed traveling while we were there. At that time frame, we flew C-1's, C-2's, CT39's and set up a three (H53) helicopter "VOD" (vertical onboard delivery) detachment. I retired to Tennessee in 1991 and have worked in aviation since.
 163.  Finally!  2003-09-23  Bill Howard
Someone (Bruce Thompson) from the time when I was in VR-24! Bruce, you were a Load Master correct? Where are you now?

I was an aircrew Plane Captain (C-2's), and served in VR-24 from 1984-1987. Time flys doesn't it!
 162.  We Are VR!  2003-09-22  Bruce C. Thompson, AMSC(AW/NAC)Ret.
Did 2 tours in VR-24, 80-81 and 85-88. Loved them both! Was a ground pounder then Aircrew. Saw the world with VR! Met my wife (AN Steinau, she worked in the Tool Room and Admin) during second tour, still together after almost 16 yrs. Too many great memories to mention here. Drop us a note, would like to hear from some of our old squadron-mates.
 161.  REMEMBERING VICTIMS OF 9/11  2003-09-10  Michael D. Clardy
In remembrance of CAPT Jack Punches, Commanding Officer of VR-24. CAPT Punches was killed 11 September, 2001, in the terrorist attack on the Pentagon. It was an honor and pleasure to serve with you.
 160.  VR-24  2003-09-10  John Denehy
Dick,

I was stationed with the Marine Detachment, Naples, Italy, 1954-56. Travelled to France and UK while on leave via VR-24 in 1955. It was always easy to get a hop from Naples to other places in Europe. Really appreciated your courteous and professional way of doing things. I still have the "Enroute Progress Report" which I kept as a souvenir when I rotated home in January, 1956. We ran into a terrible thunder storm about an hour before a scheduled landing at Gibraltar. The plane (R5D) was going up and down like a roller coaster. Just about everyone was sick. I have flown many times since then but that was the worst weather I ever experienced in an airplane. We had to abort our landing at Gibraltar at the last minute. Pilot of the plane was Lt. Barfield. Co-pilot was LCDR Stanford. Flt. Mechanic was Chief Hovermate. Radioman was AL1 Johnson and flight orderly was Airman McGaha. I have a photo of me standing by a SNJ and a PBY at Capodichino Airport in Naples.
 159.  The VR-24 website  2003-09-02  Dick Prather
A notefrom your friendly website editor to solicit additional photos and material. I believe we now have a pretty decent website, thanks to the generous contributions by many of you. However, it can be made better. We still do not have any photos of JRBs (same as Navy SNBs and Air Force C-45s), the first aircraft flown by the squadron. There are pitifully few photos of some other VR-24 aircraft, including the Douglas R4D, Martin PBM, Douglas R6D, Rockwell CT39, and the Sikorski RH-53 helicopter. In fact, we could use more photos of any and all planes flown by VR-24. We sorely need photos and material with which to construct "pages" for VR-24 operations at RAF Herndon and Naval Station Rota. Finding photos/material from the Herndon era may be a challenge, but there should be tons of interesting and entertaining "stuff" out there covering the thirty-year period (1963-93) when the squadron operated from Rota, Naples, and Sigonella. Start digging! You my be surprised at what you have buried in your archives! I can handle photos/slides/electronic images in almost any format. Send via email or call for snail mail address. Thanks again to those who have contributed. And thanks in advance to all of you for taking the time to find photos/material to make our website one of the best. Hope to see/meet a bunch of you at the reunion here in San Diego in October. Best regards. Dick Prather
 158.  VR-24 January 1961 to August 1962  2003-08-29  John Gluchowski

My name is John Gluchowski. I was stationed at VR-24 from January 1961 to August 1962. I was a YN3 and worked in the Operations preparing the Flight Schedules and Flight orders for all the crews. I also handed out all the mail, for duty on weekends. I use to bowl a lot and was one of the better bowlers on the base. I remember many of the flying people and worked for the Commander of Operations at that time. Can't remember his name. But remember LCDR Mitchell who was the asst ops officer. Just to give you some names that I remember. Capt. Hood was the commander of VR-24, Commander Necauckas was Exec, LCDR Hagedorn, LCDR Jones, LCDR Weir, Stanley Grab, ops(he kept all the hours for the crews flight times, etc., Lt Katona, LtJG McCoy( I think he came as an Ensign)I couldn,t beleive the flight hours that LCDR Jones and Weir had!!! Anyone out there that might know me drop me a line. Great Web site.
 157.  scale model,radio control  2003-08-28  ronald totten
looking for three veiw drawings to make a scale model
 156.   VR-24 Det Rota 74-77  2003-08-22  Scott Coleman
Great website. It seems that your first squadron is always the best, at least it was for me. I miss the Herk but now fly 767's for Delta. Faster and the coffee's better but we had more fun in VR.
 155.    2003-08-12  chris husted
Looking for Michael Mulligan, or any of the others from VOD squad of the early 1980's, such as Alvin Fletcher, Dave Lowry.
 154.  Where is Larry and Jean Pelkey ?  2003-08-12  Dalmacio Matibag Stm3c
All thru this website I've been looking for any trace of VRU-4/VR-24 det at Hendon Aerodrome in London. Other
than the first paragraph on VR24 history did I see any
names I could remember except LCdr E.F. Jacobs our CO.
This command being my first navy assignment (1946-1949)
has a permanent space in my memory.
It has been a long way from home for an 18yr old boy
coming from Batangas, Philippines via Guam, Frisco,Norfolk New York, Livorno, Napoli and Port Lyautey. (My first plane ride was on a PB4Y2 from Naples to Port Lyautey)
Having been assigned to the ready room I made a lot
of coffee and shined a lot of officer's shoes. Being
short of hot water, you should have heard the nasty comments about my coffee......I shall add a few more
if I get any response from those shipmates.........dal
 153.  VR-24 1957 to 1960  2003-07-29  William A Moore (Bill)
Like to hear from anyone that was here in this time frame from Chief Beavers shop (Structures & Hydraulics). Or if anyone knows the where abouts of Stanley R. Fox please email me at wamoore@qx.net

Thanks!
 152.  My new E Mail address  2003-07-15  William Bateman
This is my new e mail address. Send me a test message
LU
 151.  Change of address  2003-07-15  William M Bateman AFCM Ret
Note new E Mail address. Also my new home address is 1052 Day Drive Lexington TN 38351.Enjoyed my duty in VR-24 and also in the Det.in Naples.Please enter this in the log so my Shipmates will know how to get in touch with me.
Bill Bateman afcm ret.
 150.  VR-24 1991-1992  2003-07-11  Disun Shinn
Hello fello lifting eagles. Used to be with the squadron from July 91 through November 92 before VR decom. My condolances to the Punches family, he was a good guy and I had fun playing basketball with him during the summer league. I was in First LT, Tool Room and night check line. I became a plane captain working under AMH Haynes. Anyway I'm a PN2 now stationed at PSD NAS Jacksonville. If anyone remembers me please keep in touch.
 149.    2003-07-09  Patrick E. Mmontgomery
Was with VR-24 Det Naples, Italy from 1961-1965. Load Master on C54 and Plane Captain on C1A. Played fastpitch softball for both VR-24 and NSA Naples. Charlie Walton was my best man at my wedding. Still married to the same lady (39 years). I was and ADJ3. After VR-24 was sent to VQ-2 in Rota. Rota from 1965 - 1969. In 1973 I was sent to NAF Sigonella as the Production Control Chief. I was in Signella when VR-24 was moved to out of Naples to Sig. Hope to hear from some old friends. Does anyone know where Charlie Walton is?
Patrick E. Montgomery, AZC, USN, Ret 1982-06-3
 148.  GIBRALTAR: SwordFISH and sides of BEEF  2003-07-07  Tom Collins 1952-1953
Tom Drago, nice to know someone who actually ate that stuff at the Officer's Club at P/L! We flew on R5Ds stiff-fullsized swordfish and sides of beef that came from Argentina. I remember Dub Jenkins from Paris, TX, Hewitt and Grometz crew. Look at the LOGO on this site - not Pegasus the flying horse, but a flying camel depiced on a background of the med. I wonder if the camel had a knick name!
 147.  VR Det Naples 54/55 NAF P/L52/53  2003-07-07  Tom Drago
Doyou have Buzz Dryfoos e-mail address? Anybody ever from any of TBM pilots of that timme frame?Phil Oddo, OB O'brien.I ran the O club in P/L when I wasn't flying the JD,s all over the Med. Made many GIB run to buy the booz and sides of Aussie beef with vr24 at the helm.Good times///FLY NAVY////Tom Drago
 146.  VR 24 & ROTA 1963 - 1965  2003-07-05  Ray Duane Ruggles
After helping decommission the USS Antietam, CVS-36 I was sent to VR-24 in Port Lyautey in April of 1963. Worked on the flight line. Moved up to Rota that September after many flights across the Med hauling everything we could pull up, pick up, unscrew or unstick. Even took the swimming pool pumps and the diving board.
After about three months at Rota on the flightline I was sent to the gas pool and drove those big yellow trucks for two years.
Would really like to hear from anyone from that time period either in VR-24 or the Avaition Fuel Pool. Is
Jack William Eubanks, Robert Rogers, or anyone else still with us. I worked at Lockheed Air Craft in Marietta, Ga. after to I got out of the Navy. About March of 1966 old 149790 came in for Parmod and I got to play hanger pilot one last time with her.
 145.  VR24  2003-07-05  Fred & Mila Fuentes
We are still alive and kicking and wonder who else is out there?
 144.    2003-07-04  DONALD L CALDWELL
Thanks for setting up this web site.
 143.    2003-07-03  DONALD L CALDWELL
I served at N.A.S. Naples from 1965-1967 retired in 1980
and just wanted to see if anyone that I worked with was still around.
 142.  Naples Italy and NATO  2003-06-26  Daniel Ray Vallero B520330
I was in VR-24 1967-1968 as an interpreter to Commander Frank W. Ford under Captain William Scott and was previously an E-3 Aviations Electricians Mate.
I am a computer technician now in Tucson Arizona and Las Vegas Nevada.
12101 West Kirk Lane
Tucson, AZ 85743-9731
520-616-7283
dukeswampy@juno.com
http://desertduke.home.icq.com
 141. &nbp;VR-24 60-62  2003-06-18  Leslie M. "Sandy" Sanford, Jr.
My Dad was in VR-24 from 1960-62, and flew the
R-5,R4Q, and C-130. I enjoyed my time there as a
teenager, and would love to go back one day. My
first experience in the cockpit of a military
aircraft came when I was a 16 y/o kid sitting
in the jump seat of a 130 going into Naples
(I believe the pilot was LCDR Norris). I
spent 24 years in the Navy,flew in over 40
different types of military aircraft, and logged
over 5000 hours as a tactical jet NFO, but nothing
compared to that first flight "up front". My Dad
loved the Navy and flying, and he passed that love
along to me.
Also, I served with Dick Prather in my first
squadron (VP-16) before I got my wings and
reported to Intruders. One of my A-6 instructors
was LT Phil Schuyler, who was later the CO of
the last Rota C-130 squadron (VR-22?).
Best Regards,
Sandy
 140.  Hello  2003-06-16  John P. O'Brien, AMCS USN Retired
I reported to VR-24 Det Naples, Italy during March 1965 and departed during February 1968. I made my first of many carrier traps on the USS Saratoga in a
C-1A. I enjoyed the Naples tour so much that I managed two additional tours as a P&E Inspector with NAMRA which ultimately became NERRA.
 139.  Finally looked for this  2003-06-13  ADC (Ret) Ed Dale
Was in 24 from '90 to the end. Moved over to AIMD Sig with Bart and others Great seeing some names and a few faces from those times. By far one of the absolute best squadrons I was in!! If you want to contact me, leave a note here and I will send you an email. That doesn't include Bill Murphy or Perry Pena who happen to be at the same place I am :D!
 138.  VR-24-ites/do you have web sites?  2003-06-09  http://www.revwar.org
See my web site about the us-revolutionary war: http://www.RevWar.org .

Please send me the names of your individual websites!
Tom Collins
VR-24 Port Lyautey / Kenitra Dec 1951-Oct 1953.
 137.  To Mitchel Cheraso  2003-06-06  Willliam (Bill) Howard
This is odd. I was in VR-24 throughout 1986 and most of 1987, and I do not recall you (I'm getting old, but not that old). Did you work nights? Have you remained in contact with anyone in the squadron from that time?

Let me know (mwhma@hotmail.com)
Bill Howard (AE2 NAC)
 136.  LOOKING FOR FRIENDS  2003-06-05  MICHAEL [MICKEY] STEWART
HELLO VR ALUMNI,YOU WOULD HAVE KNOWN ME AS MICKEY I WAS WITH THE SQUADRON FROM MARCH 73 TO MARCH 77 WOULD LIKE TO HERE FROM FRIENDS OF THIS TIME FRAME. I HAVE PICS I WILL LATER POST FROM MY TOUR, I DID NOT KNOW IT THEN BUT THESE WERE GREAT YEARS! MANY OF YOU USED TO SAY LETS GO TO MICK AND SUE'S.....CAHRLIE MICHAEL,DON ELQUIST,MIKE CADMEN,LARRY KING,THE MCCLEAFE BROTHERS,etc WHERE ARE YOU GUYS? DANNY TAFOYA,JOHN ARNDT,KEITH GRUBBER IT SEEMS THERE IS NO TRACE OF YOU GUYS.I WILL GET WITH THE WEBMASTER TO SEND VR MEMORIES,
PLS VISIT WWW.PALETHOUGHTSMUSIC.COM AND CLASSMATES.COM IS GOOD WAY TO SEARCH FOR FRIENDS.
REGARDS,MICK STEWART
 135.  VR-24 Photos 1989-1992  2003-06-03  Michael D. Clardy
Additional photos are found at www.michael.clardy.com
 134.  VR-24 Photos 1989-1992  2003-06-03  Michael D. Clardy
Setup some additonal picks on my personal web from my tour at VR-24. Help with names of people in photos would be appreciated.
 133.  VR-24, 3/56-11/57  2003-05-28  Edgar Vinson
Thank you for setting up this web site. I was a cook's helper, a loader and worked in nalcoelmrep. It was the most enjoyable of my short Navy career. Looking for anyone that was there during this period. Thanks again.
 132.  Looking for Charles Hagen  2003-05-27  Roman Ballock
Was at Port Lyautey just a few months and then we transferred to Rota. Was at Rota from 1963-66, AT1, Lived in on Base housing with Family
 131.  VR-24 Det Naples '64-'66  2003-05-24  Leonard (Stoney) Compton
I was a coop cleaner for "Louie" Stephans, MAA, under Leading Chief Tolley. Worked for Ens./LTjg. Sam Todd as Communications & Air Intelligence Yeoman. Worked with Danny Casey, Dave Thiessen, Danny Studebaker, Fred Langbein. Argued with Lt Frye about everything. Hung out with Dave Fowler, Dan Toberney, and Browning, among many others. Gawd we were young!!
 130.  VR-24 1961 thru 1966  2003-05-21  Roman Ballock
Stationed in Lyautey 61-63 then Rota 63-66 with the AT Shop.
Flew at radioman on R5's, R4Q's, R6 and C-130.
Remember CPO's Doyen, Joyner, Day with the AT shop
, Kent Wagoner, Chuck Hagen, Ken Grossglass,
Tex Zimmel, Ken Johnston,
Cleveland C. Clanton(Heavy Nine), Cdr Hawley,
Lcdr Dryfoose, Lt MCcoy, Flight Surgeon Schmitz,
Bob Howard,Mel Summers, John Clark,
Bill Ferguson(stayed in Rota, married 'Bene'
and opened a bar in downtown Rota,
Tom Mayhew, "Rita" at the 'Snake Pit' in Naples,
Ken Simpson(later met Ken in the VP navy at Brunswick),
apartment in Naples , John Sobola, Clyde Coffman,
Bill Tomey, Barracks in Port Lyautey and the Master at arms dog"Inky",
a cocker spaniel that lived in the barracks; Earl Rush
 129.  VR24 shipmate july 86 to July 89  2003-05-17  Mitchel Cheraso
Looking to meet up with any shipmates. Worked in Airlines, America West Airlines as Maintenace Training Manger. Was an AE2, worked mostly night shift in avionics shop
 128.  VR-24 Shipmate Jan. 1970 to March 1973  2003-05-15  Billy Noland
I would like to make contact with some of my old shipmates from Rota. I ran with Steve Vrana, David Rotert, Spanky, Whitey, and Jimmy Tyler.

I was an AT-3 and rode a Bultaco in the motorcross on base.

If any of you guys are still around, please write back.
 127.  For those who might care  2003-05-15  Billy Noland
Alive and well and living in Temple Texas.
 126.  1958-1960 Dependent at PL  2003-05-15  Mike Hatfield
Hello to any of my friends from 1958-1960. My father, ''Porky'' Hatfield, was a pilot in VR-24. I played baseball every year, and our team went to the Little League World Series in Germany, where we finished 3rd (as I recall). Many days spent at the Teen Club, the base snack bar (where Green was not accepted- wonder who that poor fellow was, hehe!) It was a great time in my youth and I enjoyed that place more than any other we were ever stationed
 125.  Flight to Libya  2003-05-14  Kent Butterfield
1970 Qaadafi came to power and kicked us out of Libya. I was R/O on a flight to remove a Coast Guard LORAN station from the middle of no where in Libya. Flew into Tripoli where we were boarded and searched for who knows what. We flew to a desert airstrip with a VERY short runway (I distinctly remember it looking about three feet longer than the C-130 while we were taking off). We loaded a lowboy flatbed trailer with other items strapped to it in 100 degree heat and Libyan guards with AK-47s watching our every move. Took off with less than an inch and a half of runway to spare. All in all a very fun flight. I believe CDR Angier was the pilot, but i could have Woody Barfield. Memories do fade. I remember getting a glass of water from the flight deck and drinking it front of a guard - watching him salivate. Offered him a drink but he wouldn't take it.
 124.  VR-24 memories  2003-05-12  Kenneth Balderston
A duty station with cruise ship arrivals and departures, Palma and Athens detachments, Christmas in Roccaraso, 4th. in Positano, vacations in Europe, weekends in Rome, carrier flying, beela Napoli, great co-workers, what's not to like? It was some very good years. Lot's of special memories.
 123.  We are VR 81-84  2003-05-11  Perry "PJ" Pena ADC(AW) Ret.
What a great tour! Lots of great friend's and very memorable detachments. Gotta love those C-1A "deck launches" from carrier decks...no EE ticket required!
 122.  VR-24: 84-87  2003-05-07  Willliam (Bill) Howard
I was just wondering if there was anyone out there from 184-1987. I would like to catch-up if possible.

Bill
 121.  vr-24 90' to 93'  2003-04-30  Brian W. Jordan
I was AD3 Jordan back then and used to room with Chris Grubb. Looking for the boys (Littlejohn, Pickett, Grubb, Schiff, Doll, Parker, Taylor, etc.) IF first e-mail doesn't work use (briwine@yahoo.com). I'm now in wine sales in Nashville ,Tn.
 120.  Rota  2003-04-23  Kent Butterfield (AT-2 C-130/C-118 Radio '69-'71)
Just found the site, now I have to hunt up my Rota pictures. I'll be back with tales of the final C-118 flight, snipe races and more. There seems to be a scarcity of Rota information especially from 1969-1971 when I was there. What happened to Perez and Doggy Collier? Gene Hauber? Bill Dewert? And to the AE3 who married that little Spanish sweety I was dating - Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!
Kent
 119.  ct-39g over mt. etna  2003-04-23  charles wooten
Hi, was a sabre pilot from 83-86, the picture over Mt.
Etna was taken by LCdr otto Storr I was flying the lead
We both took off out of Meandenhall[sp] and finally joined up at coast in. Have other pictures of that flight and others, was there when the C-1s went in. Chuck
 118.  VR 24 reunion  2003-04-15  THOMAS R. DRAGO LCDR USN RET.
Enjoyed the pics of P/L. Iwas in NAF OPS 52-53.I joined VR 24 DET NAPLES 54-55.Spent many a happy hour at MISS Kitty's La Finire in P/L. Will try to get to S/D ,but it is a long way from BEAUFORT NC. Regards. TOM D...
 117.  Nostalgia  2003-04-13  Jim Deitschman
Wow!!! In my old age and limited computer expertise, I managed to find the site, and low and behold, there were some of the pictures I sent. Now if I could only find Jim Freeman who worked in the post office of the terminal. He was best man at my wedding 43 years ago, and I need him to be here for the 50th anniversary if I make it that far. Neat to remenisce on all the old times and ramp memories although P/L was not the highlight of my life. Do hope someone will drop a line or two. Would like to hear from some of the old gang. Best wishes. Jim Deitschman
 115.  VR-24 Det Naples, 1967-1970  2003-04-08  AD1 Barry W. Marple USNRET
I arrived at VR-24 Det Naples after having prior service in the US Air Force. My years with VR-24 are some of my fondest years in the military. I started in Power Plants as a C-1A Plane Captian and finally as a NALCO Co-Ordinator. Sure do miss this R-1820 engines.
 114.  VR-24 Det Naples, 1962-1964  2003-04-08  Paul L. Pollack
I was a young airman when I recieved my orders from the USS Lake Champlain CVS-39 to Naples. Finding this webb site brought back many fond memories. I just got back from a reunion with the Seabee's in Pensacola and I'll do my best to try and make this years reunion in San Diego. I spent 22 1/2 years in San Diego prior to retiring, I retired as a Chief Machinery repairman.
 113.  TBM Accident  2003-04-06  Al Doree
I see there is not listing of a TBM accident in 1952 or 1953 that killed the pilot as he was returning from a flight and was on down wind at the airport.
Anyone remember that?
 112.  Det Naples 51-53  2003-04-06  Al Doree
Hi Again, Read most of the other guest notes so will add a little more info. I arrived in Port Lyautey in late 51 and some time later was sent to Naples when they opened that detachment. I was an airman but got to work in the comm office. I taught myself how to type on the teletype machine and taught myself the morse code as I wanted to be a radio operator on the flight crews. I seem to remember a chief Blake that helped me out a lot. I then got to be a second radio operator on an R4D for awhil.
I was transferred to FASRON 77. What happened to FASRON 77? I thought the VR-24 DET went away then, but guess not. Does anyone know.

Thanks, Al (AL-3) when I left
 111.  Port Lyautey  2003-04-06  Al Doree
Hi I was a member of VR-24 from late 1951 to end of
1952.
Enjoyed learning about the association.
I was one of the first to be transferred to Naples
when they opened the detachment..

Al Doree
 110.  VR-24 Accidents  2003-04-06  Richard Prather
I recently received word that two VR-24 C1s were lost in a mid-air over the Med in the early 1980s. Aditional info on that accident is needed to correct/update the VR-24 website. Please email me, Dick Prather, at rprather@pacbell.net or call (760)789-8225 if you have info on the accident or know of anyone who does. Thanks. Dick Prather, VR-24 website editor.
 109.  VR-24 Naples 65 to 68.  2003-04-02  Roger Ellis
I was in Naples from March of 65 to Aug. 68. ATN2 and aircrew.Played on the baseball and football teams. My airplane was 049. That plane is now in the Chicago area. Would like to hear from anyone that was in Naples, 65-68. GREAT web site. Thank you.
 108.  looking for a freind  2003-03-27  Philip Conery
Stationed VR-24 SIG.1977-1980,FLEW C-2 AND CT-39G
 107.   Howdy All  2003-03-26  Thomas Prince
I was at VR 24 Det Rota from April 75 to April 77 Would love to hear from any of the guyz. Have lot'za pics to share.
 106.  VR-2/AIMD  2003-03-26  Mark Mason
I was in VR24 from '77 to Jan.'81. I was TAD to AIMD paraloft as soon as I got out of 1st lewy.I have alot of good memories. Let me hear from you.
 105.  VR-24 Det Rota Reunion  2003-03-24  Mike "Miguel" Barbour
REUNION: The VR-24 Det Rota contingency will hold their next reunion in downtown Denver, CO from May 1 through 4, 2003. You may find additional information on the VR-24 Det Rota Shipmates Web Page at: http://vr24_det_rota.tripod.com/vr24detrotashipmates. For further information on the planned reunion contact the committee at vr24detrota@hotmail.com or contact Miguel Barbour at 21212 Bernie Lawrence Lane; Abell, MD 20606 [(301) 769-4569].
 104.  Pictures  2003-03-23  Richard Donley
I have digital pictures taken at the last reunion. contact me and I would be glad to send them to you. I am sorry but we will miss the next reunion. Say a Prayer for our men in uniform. Don
 103.  Great Web Site/Time Spent in P/L / Thanks  2003-03-23  JOHN F. BACCHETTA, AIRMAN, USN
Spent '57 to '59 in Port Lyauety as Air Terminal support personnel for VR-24, in-going, out-going personnel and travelers, working as customer service at the air terminal counter and/or weight & balance specialist. Managed to grab a ride as a crewman once a month to in-order to get flight-pay. Now that I'm looking at my 65th birthday this year and, as I look back, it was the best duty ever, and was too young and wet-behind-the-ears to relalize it. Thanks for all your effort on this web site. I'll try to gather all my photos (black & white as well as a lot of 35mm color slides) and offer some of the more interesting to you if you'd like. Best to you, John Bacchetta
 102.  VR-24: 1989-92  2003-03-17  Michael Clardy AZ2(AW)
Assigned to VR-24 from 89-92. Worked Maintenance Admin and Quality Assurance as Publication Librarian and Data Analyst. Glad to see so many familiar names. Sad to hear about CDR Punches. Enjoyed my time with VR-24 and working with real professionals. I am now living in Catania, Sicily and own a Microsoft Training Center. For those of you who haven't seen NASSIG in a while, you wouldn't believe it. The Navy finally decided to spend some money and fix the place up. Not the same though without VR. Would enjoy hearing from shipmates.
 101.  Lets here from you  2003-03-09  Rudolph (Rudy) Alkire AL-3 First reserve recalled to squadron in 1950
My time in VR-24 was very delightful. (1950-1951) Worked in the radio shack for Chief Fred Glaeser, a great influence on me. His constant educational powesses realy hit home on me. Upon my return to inactive duty, after being around Freddie, I entered college abd become quite successful. I remember all the guys and would love to hear from all. Wonder if Sully(Sullivan) still plays his guitar. Oh Yes there was Lt Debois wow
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 100.  anyone out there from 1963 t0 1966 Naples Det.  2003-03-06  Kenneth Balderston
I have lost all contact with Squadron mates and would like to get some updates. also, does anyone go to the reunions?
 100.  anyone out there from 1963 t0 1966 Naples Det.  2003-03-06  Kenneth Balderston
I have lost all contact with Squadron mates and would like to get some updates. also, does anyone go to the reunions?
 99.  VR-24 Alumnus  2003-03-04  Richard Whitfield
Served with VR-24 from 2 July 1969 until 20 November 1971. Almost exclusively with the line division. I have very fond memories of Rota and the people of Spain.
By the way, somehow I ended up with the nickname of "Whitey". I don't really go by that handle anymore but if you were stationed there at that time, that's probably how you'll remember me.
 98.  PLEASE HELP ME!!!!  2003-02-25  ronald g vaughn
MY FATHER WAS IN YOUR SQUADRON.HE PAST AWAY JULY 6 2002.IN HIS THINGS I FOUND THIS LETTER IN FRONT OF ME THAT HE WORTE TO HIS FOLKS.THE LETTER WAS SENT FROM AIR TRANSPORT SQUADRON TWENTY-FOUR (VR-24) NAVY 100,FLEET POST OFFICE N.Y. N.Y. DEC.9,1950 HIS NAME IS ELDON (ELLY) VAUGHN.I WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM ANYONE WHO WAS THERE AT THE SAME TIME THAT MAY HAVE KNOWN MY FATHER HE WAS BORN IN RICHFIELD IDAHO IN 1929.THE LETTER TELLS HIS FOLKS HE WAS MOVED UP TO AM3 FROM AMAN?ANY PICTURES OR WORD OF SOMEONE THAT NEW HIM WOULD.SURE BE HELPFUL TO ME.THANK YOU,RON VAUGHN
 97.  hey shipmates  2003-02-22  Jake Jacobsen
It was a great tour, from 87-90, met alot of great shipmates!!!Retired in 1994, wish I could have kept it going! I really miss the people that made it the best squadron I ever served with, I took orders to recruiting in 91, Had so much fun..Thanks capt Pucnhes for talking me into it!! You were right!! I retired here in Davenport Iowa with My wife, 2 daughters and 4 grandchildren. Right now Im in sales, I am a supervisor for citi bank, and really miss the Navy, Please e=mail me would love to chat!! AMS1 Jacobsen
 96.    2003-02-19  William Murphy ADCS RET
Has anyone out there heard from Phil Connery. He was an AE1 in 24 from 78-June 81. His family and mine left out of Rome back to the states the same day in June 0f 81. He was a C-2A loadmaster and a T-39 Plane Captain. I think he was going to fly on the CNO's A-3 when he left Sigonella. I also heard he made AVCM. He probably retired in the early 90's. He was a great guy and I have not heard from him since we left. If anyone out there has any idea of what happened to him or where I can contact him let me know.
 95.  Prior VR-24 sailor  2003-02-10  John McPurdy
I was stationed at VR-24 as an AT2 from July 1989 to July 1992. It was the best tour I have had in my career. I am still currently in the Navy as a Chief and stationed at Naval Station Norfolk AIMD. I am very proud of the VR-24 heritage, and that I had the opportunity to be a part of it.
 94.  COD Pilot Naples Aug64-Nov68  2003-02-08  Sam Todd
I Would like to here from anyone that remembers me and those wonderful times. I plan to be at the reunion this year (2003) in SAN.
 93.  Thank you for efforts  2003-02-07  Michael Ewert
Pete Owen,

I worked at VR-24 "Lifting Eagles" from March 89 to March 93, it's decommissioning. I checked into the squadron and was sent to the AME/PR shop. I had the best times in VR than all my tours in the Navy. The Navy made a mistake and lead to this squardon's decommissioning.

Anyway, nice webpage and great memories.

VR/

Former AME
MA1(AW) Michael Ewert
Leading Petty Officer
Central MVRO
Naples, Italy
 92.  Memories of VR-24 transport aircraft in Malta  2003-02-05  Carmel John Attard
Traders, C-118s and C-130s in JM, VR-24 aircraft pictures always bring back happy memories of the period of mid to late 60s at Luqa airfield in Malta. Not that I know any of the crew though they always deserve my full respect but those early days with so many spotting of VR-24 aircraft with each occasion that an aircraft carrier calls at our port was a real blessing to experience. I made a scale model of the C-1 Trader in VR-24 markings.Long live memories of VR-24 and God blessing to the crew that flew and maintained this squadron.
Regards
Carmel
 91.  An appeal from your friendly web site editor  2003-01-29  Dick Prather
I will soon complete additional pages for the squadron website. The new pages are intended to focus on people and activities. We have some photos of "life" in Port Lyautey (in 56-60 timeframe) but scant coverage for Herndon, Rota, Naples, or Sigonella. There is still time, if you hurry, to get your favorite photo(s) in the next upload to the site. Dig through your cruise boxes, footlockers, archives, etc. You may be surprised how much everyone else would enjoy reliving a moment in their past. Am also still looking for photos of all types of aircraft flown by the squadron, and especially the JRB, PBY, and PBM. Someone out there has to have photos of those birds in VR-24 markings. Dig deep! I have faith that you will turn up a gem, or perhaps several!
Thanks all. I appreciate your help in making the VR-24 website a great one. Dick Prather
 90.  VR 24  2003-01-29  Mr. Kerry Kelly
I stumbled accross the history of VR24 just today...thanks for the memories. I served in VR 24 from Jan 1963 (coming from school in Memphis) and we moved from Port Lyautey to Rota. I was an AE. (along with Ron Haverovich). Some of the names I remember were Dave Driver, Bob Brien, Rich Tortarelli, Grant Cummings.Rene Anctil still lives about 50 miles from me.
 89.  VR-24 hats.  2003-01-29  Allen F. Capel
So far 29 of the 'Worlds Finest' are wearing new VR-24 ball caps. It has been a pleasure to serve you guys , but I'd like to see a light at the end of the tunnel. Please, no more orders after March 1, 2003. My only problem was that the orders came in sparodicly and the guy that makes them likes to do a larger batch at a time. Why don't we see more COD Det people at the reunions? Al
 88.  great site  2003-01-28  Robert Wayne Smith
I was in VR-24 from 1971 to 1974. Spent most of my time at AIMD. My rate was an AT3. I played on the soccer team and the softball team. As I was reading the other comments, I saw one from John Levey. Did you play the soccer goalie for VR-24 during that time? Also, does anyone have information on where I might could purchase a squadron cap and/or patch?
 87.  who was on flight  2003-01-19   Bobby Howard
Pertaining to msg #86. Does anyone remember who was on that flight on Xmas day 1962? K C Marks comes to mind but K C pulled all kinds of stuff on me when we flew together and you tend to not remember 40 year old stuff as accurately as last years.
 86.  Naples to Nice to Pt lyautey  2003-01-19  Bobby Howard
Can't remember why I was flying on Xmas Day of 1962 but when we got to Nice the French Lineman who parked us didn't put the chocks close enough to the wheels. When we were fueling the a/c the load master let the brakes off of the a/c and it started moving and the chocks slide along with the the wheel instead of stopping the plane. The plane rode up on top of the fueler smashing the nose wheel doors. It looked like we were going to spend Xmas there but the P C and the flight Eng tried to take the doors off and fix them but the bolts were bent to badly. The French linemen found a couple of hacksaws and I cut the door hinges off the plane with the P Cs permission and we flew on to Pt YL with a lot of wind in the cockpit but we got home for Xmas and the metal shop had my but a couple of days later. I had to work with them a couple of days. Can't remember the P C but he was a WW-2 pilot and got the job done.
 85.    2003-01-11  thomas d wills
nice website,good job
 84.  Searching for team mate...  2003-01-09  Charles Dunning
Good Morning.I was stationed in Port Lyautey,French Morroco in 1952 & 1953.My squardron was vr-24.I had a very good friend by the name of John Edward Anderson.He hailed from Massachusettes.No other info available.Would sappreciate any help in locating.Thanks
 83.  VR-24 1/63 thru 5/65  2003-01-08  Gordon L. (Andy) Anderson
I was an Airman Apprentice out of AMS "A" School in Memphis. I arrived in Kenitra on an R4D from Norfolk in January 63. Was sent mess cooking in the base mess hall for three months. Moved to Rota a few months later. Ken Simpson was my mentor and one of the best people I ever worked for. Spent many hours in the nose docks at Rota. I remember Tidwell, Edstrom, Mills (Mertz), Haverovich, Young, Anctil, and many others. Have many good memories of VR-24. Completed my three year minority cruise in the Navy and went home in May 65 as AMS-2.
 82.  VR-24 Great Duty  2003-01-06  Jerry D Duffey
I reported to VR-24 Rota 1963 to 1966. In Sept of 1964
we went to the crew system in the maintenance depart.
A/C 149797 was my aircraft. It was the best duty and we
had a great crew. I loved the crews flat in Naples.
 81.  Roster  2003-01-05  William M Bateman