VR-24 Association
WELCOME
VR-24 Association Mission Statement:
The Association was founded
to preserve the memory of VR-24 and its traditions. Although VR-24
was decommissioned in 1993 after 46 years of continual operation, the goal of our Association
is to enable all those who served in or supported VR-24 to continue into the future the friendships formed
through that service .
VR-24 Historical Summary:
The primary mission of VR-24 was to service
the U.S. Navy 6th Fleet in the Mediterranean, and when called upon, U.S. Naval Forces operating in
other parts of the world. VR-24 and its Detachments delivered freight, mail, and personnel to U.S., NATO, and friendly foreign bases,
ports of call, and via Carrier-On-deck-Delivery, to U.S. Navy ships at sea. VR-24 also performed life-saving medical evacuations and
disaster relief missions throughout its far-flung areas of operation. To accomplish their mission,
VR-24 air crews often flew in and out of airports that had only primitive communications and navigation aids,
cargo handling equipment, and ground support services. Missions were often completed
under the most adverse weather conditions. COD aircrews providing the vital link between land bases and ship at sea, often
operated at maximum ranges from austere remote detachment sites. The men and women of VR-24 met
these challenges through hard work, long hours, and innovation. VR-24 soon became
known as the "world's biggest little airline" that could deliver .....................ANYTHING,
ANYTIME, ANYWHERE.
VR-24 Web Site:
The purpose of the VR-24 web site is to present
an informal and unofficial history of VR-24. The web site contains photographs and material provided by
former members and friends of VR-24. Without such support the web site would not exist or prosper.
This Year's Reunion: Information Update
The VR-24 2008 Reunion will be held 25-28 September, 2008
at the Town and Country Resort in San Diego, CA.
Please see the Reunion Information page for this year's Newsletter, and
for shedule of planned events and registration info.
Additional Site Pages:
To send website comments
or questions:
Click here for email:
rprather@pacbell.net
Or call: Dick Prather
(760) 789-8225
