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.
Reunion Information
Updated 30 March 2021
VR-24 Reunion 2021 Update! For those who have not already heard, there will be
a 2021 VR-24 Reunion 9 September to 12 September. Location; San Antonia, TX. Go to the VR-24 Reunion Information page below for
full details. Make your reservations now and plan to join fellow VR-24 shipmates and friends to make the 2021 reunion the best
ever!
Additional Site Pages:
To send website comments
or questions:
Click here for email:
rprather@pacbell.net
Or call: Dick Prather
(760) 315-0470
