VR-24 Guestbook Archives 3 November 2004 to 30 September 2005! Entry: 185 Name:TOMMY BECK City: LITTLE ROCK , AR Sent: Tue October 11 2005 10:20 AM JUST WANTED TO SAY HELLO TO ANY OF U WHO MAY HAVED SERVED WITH ME Entry: 184 Name:Dick Prather City: Ramona, CA Sent: Fri September 30 2005 09:28 PM At long last, I have uploaded another update to the website. My best efforts to get one or more out earlier were overcome by events. Click on the "What's New" button to check out the new pages. Two changes/additions made to the Aircraft Photos Pages to add a couple of new TF/C1A photos, and three photos providing new details on VR-24 JRB/SNBs. Thanks for visiting the VR-24 website. Send me your comments and any photos and/or material you wish to contribute. Hope to see all of those of you who plan to attend this year's reunion in Reno. Dick Prather, webpage editor. Entry: 183 Name:Dan (Hendu) Henderson City: Menomonee Falls, WI Sent: Mon September 26 2005 02:50 PM WE ARE VR!! I would love to hear from some of you guys. Get in touch!. Entry: 182 Name:James Arcure Homepage: http://271 Harbor Rd. City: Rye, NH 03870 Sent: Mon September 19 2005 04:14 PM I was in the Rota Det from 1972-1976 and would like to get in touch with any old friends. Entry: 181 Name:<Mike Urbania Sent: Mon September 12 2005 07:14 PM Trying to find Jeff Hoglund, e-mailed "Moose" Carter, but haven't heard back from him yet. Steve Faber what's up, Bill Roux, Marissa Wilson. Miss All you guys. Get a hold of me, Please Entry: 180 Name:Diane Sesma (AKC RET) City: Tennessee Sent: Fri September 09 2005 07:23 PM Is anyone from 82-84 VR-24 Sig out there- looking for Stringbean, Kernel, Stork, Buford..... Entry: 179 Name:Francis [Frank]J. Costello ADRC[AC] USN [Ret] City: Pensacola, FL Sent: Sun September 04 2005 11:02 PM Reported to VR-24 May'59 as AA,spent 3 1/2 months mess cooking and was relieved by Bob Linde from Ambler,Pa. Anyone know his whereabouts? Went to the SDO office as duty driver until early 1960 then went to the hangar as tool room man for a few months then to AD1 Doug Stamper and the crew of R5D-5 39120;AD1 Quincy Neal,AM1 Ralph Kelsey,AE1 A.A.Anderson,AMS3 Ray Witzcak,AT3 Allen Cohen,ADR3 Jim Hedrick and ADRAN Charlie O.Williams. I'm sure I forgot someone, but 45 years is a long time. I made ADR3 in Nov '60,transferred to VAW-12 Quonset Pt in July '61 where I made ADR2 aboard Uss Saratoga CVA60 in May '62 and came back for a second tour in VR-24 in July '62. Flew R5D-5/C-54S from Aug '62 - Aug '64 and then qualified as F/E in C-118B,transferring to NAF Wash D.C. in Aug '65.Although I went on to fly C-118, C-117 and C-131 aircraft until I retired as ADRC in Nov '83, nothing was ever the same as the cameraderie and closeness of the shipmates in VR-24, the can-do attitude both on the road and back home at the squadron and the great flights we were assigned to. I had my retirement ceremony in Aug '83 at NAS Sigonella Ops,ac- ross the ramp from VR-24's hangar,which I considered fitting indeed, having begun my Navy career 24 years earlier in that squadron. Would like to hear from all VR sailors who I served with,especially VR-24 guys who served 1959-1965. Best of luck to all-Frank Costello Entry: 178 Name:Pat La Fleur Jones City: La Verne Sent: Wed August 31 2005 02:38 PM I will be attending the reunion in Reno, Oct. 6-9, 2005. Hopefully, I will be able to talk to people who knew my Dad, Lt. Cdr. Ernest J. La Fleur, now deceased. We were there from Aug. 1954-Aug. 1956. If you see me, please say "hi." I was in the first graduating class at the hgh school in 1956. Entry: 177 Name:Leslie (Kroll) Harris City: Apopka, FL Sent: Wed August 31 2005 10:07 AM I just found this site and it is great! Have wonderful memories of the squadron and my time there. Was there from 82-84 as an AZ2 in both Maint Control and Tech Library. I remember the dets to Souda Bay and Rota. The C1A crash was in May just before I was transfered out. I am now retired and in sunny(?) Florida. Entry: 176 Name:robert wise City: Houston Sent: Wed August 31 2005 04:35 AM Living in Houston, working at Bp, Married, with one child on the way drop a line nice to catch up with all of you. Oh I speak to Tim Schultz and Chris Peabody often Entry: 175 Name:Regis (Dino) Deinhardt City: Wheeling, WV 26003 Sent: Tue August 30 2005 01:56 PM There is probably not to many of us old timers still around??????????????????? Entry: 174 Name:AMHC(AW)(ret) PatrickL. Matlack City: Orlando Florida Sent: Mon August 29 2005 09:09 AM I was in VR-24 From 1985 thru 1988,had a great time was there when when the new CODS arrived that was a great thing. Still miss the great food and going to souda bay, Spain, and where ever else we went. gotta pull chocks Entry: 173 Name:Richard A McCarthy Homepage: http://743 Acorn Drive City: Clarksville Sent: Thu August 18 2005 08:31 AM I was in VR-24 Det. Naples from Oct.61 to July of 64. Would love to hear from anybody that remembers me. They called me Mac back then I worked for AD-C Logan. And was A plane Captain on the C1As Rick McCarthy end of page one Entry: 172 Name:TONY HUTCHESON City: Corpus Christi, Texas Sent: Mon August 15 2005 04:32 PM I served in VR-24 in Port Lyautey from March 1958 until March 1960, worked in Power Plants. Remember a bunch of great shipmates who helped shape the life of the youngster assigned to the "gunk crew" and later climbing onto the P&W R2000 engines while assigned to Power Plants working for ADRC Davis and LCdr Harvey Speed (my idol of a naval officer). To anyone who may remember me, would love to hear from you. I also played in a band while there (the Tony Wilson Combo), and we played at the E-Club and Triangle Club quite often, as well as representing the U.S. at the International Trade Fair in Casablance in 1959. Other band members were AMSAN/(3) Benny Acosta, PR-3 Jack Libby, and Tony Wilson from FICELM. Great memories, greater shipmates. Entry: 171 Name:Howard R Hurt Homepage: http://404 Frankfort Rd. City: Benton, Ky 42025 Sent: Sat August 13 2005 10:47 AM I served in VR-24 Det. from April 54 to Aug 56 as a plane caption in the COD unit. (TBM & TF-1) Would love to hear from shipmates who were there. Dick Prather has pictures posted in the scrapebook that were made during that time. Entry: 170 Name:Terry Bradshaw City: Muskogee Sent: Thu August 11 2005 10:59 PM I was stationed in Capo, Naples air facility from 75-76 before shutting down base and being transfered to Sigonella. I wasnt with the VR Sq. but worked next door. I played football for the base, defencesive guard. Im looking for others that were stationed there also. Entry: 169 Name:keith moore AT Homepage: http://www.tronworld.com City: memphis Sent: Mon August 08 2005 07:40 PM Served AIMD NAS SIG 81-84, trying to find C2 loadmaster Tracy Matheny, and all those TAD to WC610-620-640 AIMD. I almost joined the HC-4 thing when they decided to start carving up Vr-24 in 83. Remember Chief Bull, AT3 John Malcolm, AT2 Jim Beetle, At2 John Fergueson (mr. Anabuse). During my tour in 83 the two C1's were lost, some say midair, some said they flew into the cliff at souda bay, either way C1's were decommissioned shortly thereafter. A C141 also crashed in Sicily in 84 and ALL personel had to do watch duty over the crash site. The frecce trecolori did an airshow (the ones who crashed in Germany a few years later and were made famous by flying into the crowd.) I must say those Italians are crazy. Best airshow ever seen in Sigonella. AIrcraft stationed at NAS SIG- (2) C12's(kingair C90s) C1's (4) C2's (4) 4 RH53d's the C121's were there in 81 and flying but were burned at the end of the runway for firedepartment practice due to decommisioning, and of course VP and transient VQ. We got a case of beer from VQ for doing a fast turnaround for them on time. BTW check out the hanger on google earth for VR24 NAS SIG. I still hate LAMPS.... Entry: 168 Name:DAVE AND GRETCHEN (MORSE) CLARK City: CORONADO CA Sent: Sun August 07 2005 06:59 AM I WAS IN 24 FROM 88-92 AND LEFT FOR VRC-30 IN SAN DIEGO. GRETCHEN WAS PREGNANT WITH OUR FIRST CHILD AND SHE MET ME THERE A FEW MONTHS LATER. I WAS A LOADMASTER AND SHE WAS AN IN-FLIGHT PC. SHE GOT OUT IN 99 AND I AM STILL FLYING COD'S IN SAN DIEGO. I LOVED 24 I HAD THE TIME OF MY LIFE THERE. THE DETS WERE CRAZY AND THE PEOPLE WERE THE BEST I HAVE WORKED WITH. TAKE CARE ALL AND HOPE TO HEAR FROM SOME OF YOU. DAVE AND GRETCHEN CLARK Entry: 167 Name:KEN HOUSTON City: VERO BEACH, FL Sent: Sun July 24 2005 06:21 PM JUST A QUICK UPDATE. I WAS IN VR24 SIG FROM 81 TO 85. SERVED WITH A GREAT GROUP OF PEOPLE. ARRIVED AS AN AE1 LEFT AS AN AEC. WOULD LIKE TO HEAR HOW THE REUNION WENT, LOOK FORWARD TO MAKING ONE IN THE FUTURE. Entry: 166 Name:Phillip Sazanovich City: Brooklyn New York Sent: Fri July 22 2005 11:20 AM looking for Gordon (andy) Anderson Please have him e mail me Also Jimes Ruggiero thank you (Ski) Entry: 166 Name:John Charlie Homepage: http://42340 East Leo City: Clinton Township, Mi. 48038 Sent: Mon July 18 2005 11:18 AM I arrived at the VR-24 Squardon in December 1951 as a SN of work in the Personal Department til June 52 and then transferred to the London Detachment VR-25 than onto FASROB 76, Naples, Italy and then back to London to FASRON 77 and finally transferred and back to US at Lakehurst, NJ. Entry: 165 Name:AMH3 LEWIS TIDMORE City: SAN ANTONIO, TX Sent: Fri July 15 2005 10:20 AM I just recd. an email from gary sinclair and it got me thinking about all the great people and good freinds of VR-24. I know a few of you have emailed me in the past and I didnt respond but I will to all future emails. After 24 I went to NADEP Alameda flying P-3s and S-3s(not very much but it was right seat) from there I got out for a year and kind of missed all the things we all liked to complian about. So I join the Res flying C-9s out of Dallas. One of my First weekends in Dallas I ran into AD2 ramsaroop? sadly he was checking. During my time there I was able to go back to Sig 4 or 5 times and I've run into a lot of people from VR. Most went onto VR-30 and 40 Margeen Peterson was in 59 with me in Dallas she went aircrew and Lt Jedery was fling c-9s out of Norfok I think. I also ran into Bill Thompson in Rota he was a Chief. Some of the other people I've run into I cant even remember their names ( I must be getting old because one of them was my roomate for a year) All this info is from the mid 90's. well I would love to hear from anyone who remembers me. Also is any one from these years going to the reunion ? Entry: 164 Name:Gary Sinclair City: Greensburg Sent: Wed July 13 2005 07:41 PM Hey,Looking for any shipmates who remember me,I served at nas Sig from 85-87 .drop me a line end of page two Entry: 163 Name:Ed Dale City: Memphis, TN Sent: Wed June 22 2005 09:27 AM Hello again to all my fellow VR 24 Eagles. Haven't checked the site in a long time and great to see so many people that I served with. To this day, I tell people that 24 was by far the best sqd I had ever been in with the greatest group of co-workers. So to Jake, Bigs, Sammy and Michelle and all the rest, take care hope to hear from you all. Entry: 162 Name:Joseph A. "Joe" Tomberlin City: Valdosta, Georgia Sent: Mon June 20 2005 09:20 AM This is my second effort to get a message into the Guest Book. I hope it works this time. I found the VR-24 web page quite by accident a few days ago and have had a pleasant time looking at the great materials that Dick Prather has posted. All of it brings back a pile of memories, most of which are very good. I came to the squadron as an AE3, along with two or three other AEs, in February 1958 and left as an AE2 on October 30, 1959. I had been in ATU-614 at NAS Hutchinson, Kansas, which was a very good place not to be in February. A south Georgian who had spent most of two cold, snowy winters at Hutchinson, I came to love the great climate of Port Lyautey, even with the annual monsoon season. Since my recent encounter with the site, I have made contact with Bob Geis, who was in the electric shop during most of my time in VR-24, and with Bill Miller, who arrived a a short time before I departed. I would be pleased to hear from anyone else who was among my contemporaries: AE3 Fred Stevens, AE3 George Spivey, AEC Curtis M. Johnson, AE1 George W. Cashwell, AE2 Ronald L. Brown, AE2 Robert J. Wilkerson, AE2 Curran Rau, AE2 Alfons E. Schilhab, from Spitz, Larkin, Martindale, and from others whose names I no longer can dredge out of my memory. I enjoyed my twenty months in VR-24 and agree with many others who have said that it was the best squadron in the Navy. I am saddened that VR-24 no longer exists, except in our collective memories, and I am glad that the Association and its web page exist to keep the memory green. Many thanks. Entry: 161 Name:Johnny Johnson City: Pensacola Sent: Sun June 19 2005 07:32 PM I was with VR-24 in '75 - '79, Wonderful squadron, great people! From Capt. Spurling on down. Jack Zupancic, Larry Crews, Jim Dickerson, Richard Bishop, David Salazar, "Fat Jack", "Bo" Irwin, and many more. I Retired in 1990. Entry: 160 Name:Johnny Johnson City: Pensacola Sent: Sun June 19 2005 07:19 PM Retired 1990 Entry:159 Name:Pat LA FLEUR Jones City: La Verne, Ca Sent: Tue June 14 2005 08:21 AM Looking forward to the Reunion in Reno. This is the first Reunion that I have attended. I will have a photo button of my dad, LCDR Ernest J. La Fleur, so you will know who I am. Pat (909) 593-8405 Entry: 158 Name:James (Jim)_ DeLong City: Northampton, Pa. Sent: Mon June 06 2005 05:27 PM At VR-24 60-61 YNSN in admin office with Lyle Howard YN3/YN2 Don Arthur was PNSN in PN office. Looking for them and Bruce Dahlen, we hung together. Chief Hineman was Admin Chief, Capt Hood CO, LCDR Binnebose XO LT Moran Ops Binnebose crashed plane on training flight. Young LTJG drowned not long after comming aboard. King of Morocco died. Others in Admin office Sell YN2or3 Longoria. An American Indian made Chief but was busted down to AN before he got the hat. Why do I remember the bad things. You can e-mail me at jrdjjd@msn.com Entry: 157 Name:James (Jim) DeLong City: Northampton, Pa Sent: Mon June 06 2005 05:10 PM Great web site Entry: 156 Name:Tom Clancy City: Hanford, Ca Sent: Wed June 01 2005 08:38 PM I was in Naples from 68 to 71. was an AE. Did 24 years at various stations, and ended up in Lemoore for my last three tours. It was great reading messages and whos out there. drop me a line. Entry: 155 Name:William L. Miller City: Kailua, Hi Sent: Wed May 25 2005 12:20 AM I just stumbled accross this site last night. What a great job-congratulations to Dick and all involved. I was in VR-24 in Port Lyautey from May 1959 to August 1961- AEAN, AE3 and AE2. I remember many good times there as it was my first outfit out of A school. Having come from the cotton fields of Ga I thought I had died and gone to heaven on my first trip to Naples for my indoc with George Lancer and Pete Owen. I also remember many good days and nights in both London and Naples and many other places,with the crews-Joe Gish, Joe Randall, Komuves, AEC Johnson, Bill Dattola, Richard Bak, Markovich, AEC Senteny and his wife Pat who would invite us kids over quit often. Sonny Augeletto, Gentile, Stamper, Cdr Naurekaus, Cdr Orenge, Lcdr Matter, Lt Clark, AMC Lockwood, AMCM (can't recall the name but one of the first to make E-9). AK3 Gillard, AB3 Washington (I remember seeing him punch out, or hurt up on a Marine once), AE2 Andy Bouthiller and his Cadillac, AD3 Carl Johnson from Asheboro North Carolina who was my cube mate. Then the kid (Bruce Dahlen) who ran away from home and came to us when he was about 12. John Nolan and I had a great weekend or two in London. Then there was the all single crew led (R5D- 549)by non other than John Wiley. Many a time we would be around the barracks and John and Freddy would get in an argument/bet about who could do what faster and as my memory has it they would get the whole crew to go down to the hangar to observe the two of them see who could do what faster. Changing all the plugs in one of the R-2000's was high on the list. Oh the night that Hayes and one of the other salty E-6's returned from the social hour (it was required you know) to the barracks on Hayes' motorscooter. They were doing fine until they stopped on the sidewalk between the two barracks and each expected the other to put a foot down-Things happen. I will look for pictures soon but may not have many. I have or at least had tons of slides, but don't know what shape they are in. I will think of many more names once I've sent this. Anyway, of my 28 1/2 years in the navy I can truly say those were the fun days. Thanks for the memories. Bill Miller Entry: 154 Name:Lou Komuves City: Toms River , NJ Sent: Fri May 20 2005 12:03 PM I was stationed in Port Lyautey from March'60 'til Oct. '61. Best duty I have ever had. Many memorable nights spent at the "Swagger Stick" (Marine NCO Club) swapping maintenance stories with John Wylie, Freddie Fuentes,Tom Gamache, Jud Hayes, Jumpin' Joe Gentile and people I can't remember now. I'm looking for some photos of the times to send to Dick Prather for the scrap book. My next tour in "VO Two Dozen" was From Sept'75 'til May'76 at Capodichino Napoli when we made the move to Sunny Sig. I stayed there until Dec.'78 running the T-39 shop. I retired at NAEC Lakehurst in Dec.'82 after 30 wonderful memory filled years of service. But the years, the people, working in VR-24 were, without a doubt, the very best! end of page three Entry: 153 Name:Bill Loads A Team Spurrier City: Mustang, Ok Sent: Wed May 18 2005 06:22 AM I was a C2-A Loadmaster from 74-79. Looking for some of my old plane captains. Shorty Hughes, Charles Schaffer. Any one know where they are. Thanks, Bill Spurrier Entry: 152 Name:Kenneth R Toombs Homepage: http://Locust grove, Virginia 22508 Sent: Fri April 29 2005 06:35 AM Great website, was stationed in VR-24 from Nov.57 to July 59, was a PR3 (AME3) working out of the PR shop, flew as an orderlie, remember waters, ahern, angelo, johnson, carr, Gish, owens and a few others that flew as crew memembers, if anyone out there remembers me drop me a line, think of my tour of duty there quite offten, was the best. Entry: 151 Kenneth R Toombs Homepage: http://Locust grove, Virginia 22508 Sent: Fri April 29 2005 06:30 AM Thanks for the memories Entry: 150 Name:Richard Reiman b>Homepage: http://58 Ave A City: Kings Park N.Y. 11754 Sent: Fri April 22 2005 04:00 PM I know when i was in 24 that there were a few people that collected LLadro & nao pieces.I have like 10-14 pieces i want to sell.from 88-91yrsIf you are interested let me know you can call me at 631-269-4764or cell # is 631-697-6881.i hope you all are doing fineand are healthy.later Entry: 149 Name:Pam Rochester City: Port Arthur, Texas Sent: Wed April 20 2005 06:54 PM From 1973--1975, I was station at ASCOMED in Naples, Italy. We were the people who scheduled all of the flights for the squadron. I fondly remember the pilots who taught me quite a bit about airplanes. My favorite C-130 was JM797. Entry: 148 Name:Greg Doornbos-Ross when I was there it was Greg Ross City: Grand Rapids, MI Sent: Mon April 18 2005 03:18 PM I was at VR-24 April 1986 to December 1986, although 2 or 3 months of that I was in Rota, Spain with VQ-3. I was an AZ3 when I left SiG. While at VR-24, I worked in the Maintenance Admin office under Lt Littlefield. My time there was short due to circumstances beyond my control. I do have a few good memories of VR-24 and some of the people there. Unfortunately, I don't remember many names of the people I served with other than the CO-Wise, also Boyer up in Admin as we were from the same area in Michigan. One of my roommates was Bennie, the other one I can only remember he had a NY accent. Bennie influenced some of my music tastes and there are certain songs I hear now and think of VR because of him. There was a chief in maintenance that I had a lot of respect for, but for the life of me I can't remember his name. I also played racket ball with LT Pete Laurentz, he was a great guy as well. This site is awesome, keep up the great. Take Care All. Entry: 147 Name:Dan (Jake) Jacobs Homepage: http://capecodmouse.com/jacobs/dan/home.html City: Cape Cod Sent: Sun April 10 2005 09:15 PM Arrived fresh out of "Boot Camp" in Dec'54, was assigned to VR-24 Air Cargo, believe it was Third Section, Section leader was AB2c Sonni Auguletto. Also was a part-time Flight Orderly, after attending "Weight & Balance" school at VR-1 in Pax.River. Left in '56 for VR-22 in Norfolk, from there went aboard the USS VALLEY FORGE CVS45. My time in Port Lyautey was some of the best duty I had in the Navy. Photo of our duty section can be found at the Squadron Scrapbook pages. Yes Pat remember your dad LCDR LaFleur, had the honor of serving under him when pulling duty driver for the Air Terminal. Entry: 146 Name:Pat LA FLEUR Jones City: La Verne, CA Sent: Sat April 02 2005 07:30 PM We arrived in P.L. in Aug. 1954 and left in Aug. 1956. I was in the first graduating class - class of 3. My Dad was LCDR Ernest J. La Fleur and he was the terminal officer of VR-24. The first year we lived in town and moved on the base the second year. I spent a lot of time at the Red Cross Center in town. I worked at the Navy Exchange during the summer. On base, we lived across the street from the Marine Barracks. Does anyone remember me or my Dad? Would love to hear from you. Entry: 145 Name:James "Moose" Carter City: Tulsa, OK. Sent: Thu March 31 2005 11:14 AM Hey what's up everyone. I was in Sig from 90-93 in the AT shop. I have kept in touch with Jeff Hughes, Steve Faber and Steve Waters. H2O's turned me on to this guestbook so drop me a line if you were there then. Moose Entry: 144 Name:Phil Henderson City: Maryville Tennessee Sent: Sat March 26 2005 07:34 PM Looking for contacts from some of the guys I served with. end of page four Entry: 143 Name:Kevin Bigler City: Portland, OR Sent: Thu March 24 2005 02:13 AM Just want to drop a line and say hi. I have a website for VR-24 at military.com. would love to have everyone sign up there for info. I have close to 100 members, some of who have not signed up here. Served as an AD3 from 89 to 92, Now living in Oregon and working as a cop. Entry: 142 Name:matlock Sent: Wed March 23 2005 07:33 PM anyone out there from det rota 81-84? I worked line shack mostly,6 months at aimd.played on softball and flag football team.hung out at bennies,blue star,and every other bar at one time or another. Entry: 141 Name:david "mutt" matlock City: mariposa ca Sent: Wed March 23 2005 07:23 PM would love to hear from anyone from those days.so sorry to hear about master chief pittman.he saved my butt during a visit to the old man (CDR.schyler) one time.both were great men to serve under. Entry: 140 Name:Steve Waters City: Gilbert Az. Sent: Sun March 20 2005 07:45 PM See Gable, Ewert and Burton are doing well. Gable, Henson and Moose Carter were roommates. Served from 90-92 as AME3 and loved the Dets, softball and beaches. Drop a line here or at my e-mail. Entry: 139 Name:Billy Yarborough City: Huntsville, AL Sent: Wed March 16 2005 05:55 AM It was great to run across the Web site. I was looking for VR-24 Aircraft photos for my computer desktop. I recognized many names from the guest book entries. I made the Northern Det in 1976 with Dave Hale as the Det AT. I recall we had a very noisey and wet flight between Sig and Lyon, France where we stopped for fuel. I work the T-39 shop my last year in the squadron. I was part of the launch crew that sent out the C-2 that went down on take off at Souda Bay in 1973. I had a great tour in VR and was last there around 1988-89 on an MTIP/training inspection tour with CNO staff. I was on the CNAL staff. I retired in 1990 as an AVCM. After I retired I saw one our squadron A/C in Mojave, CA. C-1A, 146048. It had just been sold to a collector. I was able to give him some really good background on his aircraft. My neighbor across the street is Kevin "Brad" Bradly. He was a C-2 Loadmaster with VR-24 in the late seventies. I remembered him when we started talking. Great to see some of the name and comments of former shipmates. Contact me if you like. Entry: 138 Name:Carlos Diniz (AD2) 1974-78 C2 Aircrewman City: Lemoore, CA Sent: Sat March 12 2005 11:55 PM Great site! I visit it to look for my old shipmates and I have already contacted some. It was a memorable tour for me and I worked and flew with fine sailors. If anyone knows how I could contact LCDR Sullivan or AD2 Rovadetti, pls let me know. Thanks. Entry: 137 Name:joe maconi City: cape coral,fl Sent: Tue March 08 2005 07:28 PM I Was with VR-24 from early 1963 til June 1965 - while i was in morocco i was a part time dics jockey with TONY PANACIDI and LEE MINIACHI i probably killed the spelling of the last names - when we made the move to ROTA i had a 57 ford that we had a great time in - i have some pictures of both morroco and rota - who do i send them too Entry: 136 Name:Ken Houston City: Vero Beach Fl Sent: Sat March 05 2005 08:25 PM Just wanted to update my e-mail address. I was in VR24 from 81 to 85 arrived as an AE1 left as an AEC. I would really like to hear from some of my past shipmates. Entry: 135 Name:Roger Whiteford City: Dover, Pa. Sent: Thu March 03 2005 06:23 PM Just found this site and thought I would say "hello" mates! Entry: 134 Name:John Waas City: Pensacola Sent: Thu February 24 2005 07:47 PM Would like to hear from old shipmates.br /> end of page five Entry: 133 Name:Jim Deitschman Homepage: http://36446 Colbert St. City: Newark, CA 94560 Sent: Mon February 21 2005 09:57 PM Help; Especially to those who were in Port Lyauty from about 1957 to 1960. I am searching for two guys I worked with. Petty Officers Jim Freeman and Jim Beard. I was there from about September of 1958 to July 1960. I worked in the air terminal doing weight and balance on various aircraft. In acquiring the proper cargo for those flights, we worked with Noact, and the post Office in the terminal. Two particular guys there in the P.O. were petty officers Jim Beard and Jim Freeman. Jim Beard was rated in construction and probably assigned to the SeeBees. Whereas with Jim Freeman I am not sure of his rate. In any case, I became friendly with them primarily because they delivered many special letters via "frog mail" from my girl in England. In particular, I am searching for Jim Freeman. He was a small frame guy. Maybe 160 pounds and probably about 25 years of age at the time. I don't know where he was from in the US or anything about his background. Somewhere early 1960, he transferred to London and North Audly Street and the COMCINCNELM (I think). Once there, he was once again initially assigned to the mail department. The reason I would like to find him is: He was best man at my wedding in May of 1960. The wife and I have been together 45 years now and if we make it to 50, I sure would like to have Jim Freeman back for a reunion. Do any of you guys know of him, clues as to what I might do to find him, or any methods to search military records without knowing his serial number?? I might even have his name spelled wrong. It may be with just one "E". I did a searches on phone white pages and came up with about 150 J, Jim, James Freeman's but no luck there yet. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Jim Deitschman AN USNR email Loneaglejim@aol.com Phone 510-303-3893 Entry: 132 Name:Rudy Metzger City: Dunnellon FL Sent: Sun February 20 2005 07:53 PM Harold Fred Smith I also served in VR-24 aircargo Div from 1/1/55 to sept.57 in second Div.and flew as an ordley.I also came right out of Bainbridge boot camp. There were four of us each one from a different Regiment.Were you one of the four who flew out of Paxriver on a VR-1 super connie.Landed in Port Laughty NEW YEARS day 1955.Sure was good duty. Entry: 131 Name:curt weiss City: albuquerque Sent: Sat February 19 2005 07:23 AM I was at vr-24 in 87-89. I had some great times there. It would be great to hear from some of you that I hung out with. Entry: 130 Name:Ruben Ramos Homepage: http://2064 Baywood Court City: Lancaster California Sent: Wed February 16 2005 08:24 AM Was in Bella Napoli in 1973 untill 1975 was hoping to locate some old friends Larry Freeman, Rick Mcgrier, Austin Dennison (Tweety), Tony D Mckelvin. Any one else I can be reached at cocotaso@yahoo.com Entry: 129 Name:Chance Birdsall City: 301 West Live Oak Street, Austin Texas 78704 Ph(512) 947-8882 Sent: Wed February 09 2005 02:15 AM February 9, 2005 I personally look forward to having the opportunity of reconnecting I pray with some of the most amazing team/mates I still to this day ever have had the opportunity of working with in my life.....Congrats to the WEB Team that help in the making of this all come together...Thank you! Sincerely, Chance Birdsall Entry: 128 Name:paul smith City: Oceanside CA Sent: Mon February 07 2005 04:02 PM Jay Galinos ! Where are you? Long time no see. Let's catch up. Entry: 127 Name:Ed Buzzard City: Great Falls, Montana Sent: Sat February 05 2005 04:48 PM Where are all of the men from that period of time? Entry: 126 Name:DAVID ROTERT City: SIOUX CITY,IA Sent: Sat February 05 2005 11:29 AM VR-24 1969 THRU 1973 ROTA, SPAIN AND NAPLES, ITALY I'VE BEEN IN CONTACT WITH STEVE AND VICKI VRANA AND BILLY NOLAND. ANYONE ELSE OUT THERE? WOULD LIKE TO HEAR FROM YOU. Entry: 125 Name:Ken Balderston City: Spring, TX Sent: Sat February 05 2005 07:57 AM please note my new address Entry: 124 Name:Carlo A.G. TRIPODI City: Napoli, Italy Sent: Fri February 04 2005 01:39 AM All ex VR-24 crew, in transit in Capodichino, are really welcome. Let me know....there will be always the time to taste a pizza end of page 6 Entry: 123 Name:Bernie Ollila City: Browns Mills, NJ Sent: Tue February 01 2005 12:48 PM Hi all, I was in Sunny Sig from "78 to 80". It's good to see that a lot of us served there. Entry: 122 Name:Sandi City: Mayflower, Arkansas Sent: Thu January 27 2005 06:01 AM Thank you very much, Paul for the link, and to the person who emailed it to me last night. A beautiful job was done on the memorial site & it means a lot to me. Entry: 121 Name:Paul Johnston City: Austin, Texas Sent: Wed January 26 2005 09:32 AM The memorial page, In Memory - Suzanne Grubbs ( http://members.aol.com/netstory3/inmemory3.html ), has now been posted. Take a look and remember Suzanne. Sincerely, Paul Johnston Entry:120 Name:Steve Marshall City: Frazeysburg, Ohio Sent: Sun January 23 2005 12:34 AM I was an AMS2 in VR-24 86-88. I worked in the airframe shop and the phase shop. VR-24 was by far the best duty of my enlistment. Does anyone know what happened to Russ Montoya, Margeen Peterson, or Ralph Kleber? Entry: 119 Name:Samuel Fayard City: Gramercy, Louisiana Sent: Fri January 21 2005 06:41 PM I just found out that Cmdr Punches died in 9/11 attack at the pentagon. I want to pay my respect to his family and say it was my privelege to serve in his command. I met my wife in VR-24(Michelle Morgan). We've been married 13 years in May 2005. My time in VR-24 was some of the best in my life. I've not experenced the comradary that we had there. I want to say hi to E-Double, B-Man, Mike Manning, Tom Brown, and Tom Landry. I would love to hear from you guys. Ernie Mendoza, and Carl McEntyre I miss you guys too. Entry: 118 Name:AMSLER Pascal Sent: Thu January 13 2005 01:29 PM I would like to get some information of the US Navy officers (rank & name)killed in crashes from VR.24 on 16 November 1973 and those died during mid-air collision on 26 November 1983 Regards Entry: 117 Name:Bill Noland City: Troy, Texas Sent: Tue January 11 2005 09:41 PM During my stay at Rota I lived with Steve Vrana, Spanky, Jimmy Tyler and Dave Rotert. We hung out at the Toyko Bar. I raced Bultacos at the motorcross track and roda a Triumph. Other friends were George Cope, DD Brown, Jack Tanner,Corkey, Tom Minor and any other bike rider. Entry: 116 Name:Bill Noland City: Troy, Texas Sent: Tue January 11 2005 09:38 PM All of you guys from the 1970-73 time period write back. Entry: 115 Name:Billy Noland City: Troy, Texas Sent: Tue January 11 2005 09:21 PM If anyone remembers me write back. Entry: 114 Name:Steve Zeiba City: Moosup Connecticut Sent: Tue January 11 2005 07:44 PM I am interested in communicating with some of the folks that I was stationed with during that era,( 1969 through 1971 ) In 1970 I became a motorcycle enthuiast bought a BSA and rode throughout Andalucia. Spent many days in Rhonda, Vejer, Jerez and sevilla as well as Torremolinos. rode with Ray Plumb, John Field, Corkey Gilliard, Larry Wilson, Bill Nolan, Jim Tyler and Tom Minor, Steve Varana. And those that I flew with Larry Hummel, Happy Burnham, Bob Ryder ( C-118 loadmaster ) end of page 7 Entry: 113 Name:Michael Theisen City: Anchorage Sent: Sat January 08 2005 07:24 PM One of the best times of my life was serving under Mr. Punches... We had some really good times at VR-24 and i miss them alot... AMH3 Theisen 90-92 and hey to all that know me i miss you all lots Entry: 112 Name:Rocky Hettinger City: Reading, Pa. Sent: Fri January 07 2005 04:57 PM In 2003 a shipmate by the name of Stan Sexton posted a message. I've tried to make contact but his e-mail address must have changed. Does anyone have his current address. Stan, if you see this please contact me. Entry: 111 Name:Rocky Hettinger City: Reading, Pa. Sent: Fri January 07 2005 04:53 PM it is with great sadness that I must alert everyone to the passing of one of our shipmates. James Gallagher ADJ3 VR-24 Naples '66 and '67 on 31 October 2004 of lung cancer. Entry: 110 Name:Mike "Marmaduke" Urbania City: Cleveland, Ohio Sent: Mon January 03 2005 11:52 AM My address is: 18405 Hiller Ave. Cleveland, Ohio 44119 Entry: 109 Name:Rocky Hettinger City: Reading, Pa. Sent: Fri December 31 2004 07:17 PM VR-24 Naples alumni 8/65 to 12/67. I was an ATN3 working mostly the swing shift on the line crew with Chief Cook. Got my wings in the spring of 66 flying C1A's.I remember most of the tail numbers 025, 028, 029, 034, 037, 048, 049 and 136751 as well as the Christmas COD's. My closest friends were Ben Hanna, Al Harouff, Basil Casey, Joe Jarvis, Kim Bischoff and Stan Sexton. Ben and I played football 3 years and remember Roger Ellis was our QB and Mike Cass was a RB.I like to hear from any of my shipmates from that era. Entry: 108 Name:Walt Smith City: Lenoir City, TN Sent: Tue December 21 2004 12:28 PM See various snapshots and slides to be posted soon! Special Devices section of VR-24 Jan 52 - June '53. TDAN to TD-2. Also disc jockey on first radio station (15watts) WNAF ( Part of AFRS) Base was brand new and under construction/expansion by the SeaBees. We shared facilities like control tower with the French Navy. Ampitheatre was finished and USO Shows started coming to large quonset style Special Services Theathre and outdoors when weather permitted. Lots of tales......some will appear on site. Entry: 107 Name:Walt Smith City: Lenoir City, TN Sent: Tue December 21 2004 12:21 PM See various snapshots and slides to be posted soon! Entry: 106 Name:Roger Ellis City: Pewaukee WI Sent: Tue December 14 2004 06:56 AM Merry Xmas and Happy New Year to all VR alumni. Roger Ellis ATN2 Naples 65-68 Entry: 105 Name:DAVE MILLIGAN City: ENCINITAS Sent: Thu December 09 2004 06:49 PM WOULD ENJOY HEARING FROM OTHER VR-24 PERSONNEL BASED IN ROTA DURING THE PERIOD FROM 1967 - 1970 Entry: 104 Name:CDR Bradford L. Brown City: Norfolk, VA 23511 Sent: Wed December 08 2004 09:15 AM VR-24 was my first operational squadron. I reported as a LTJG in May 1991 to fly the C-2A(R) and stayed until the decommissioning. I have flown C-2s my whole career and am now the XO of VRC-40. I would like to add to the VR-24 history a little bit. The next to the last CO was CAPT Jack Punches. He was killed in our Nations attack on Sept 11, 2001, at the Pentagon. He will forever be remembered as a kind and compassionate man. end of page 9 Entry:103 Name:John "Rick" Pietrzyk City: Hanford, California, 93230 Sent: Sat December 04 2004 12:43 PM A Special Hello to all Shipmates from Sept of 1962 thru May of 1963. As an Airman Apprentice I was striking for the ADR rating but, after the first day was guided by the PO-in-charge of the A/C line to check out some work at the squadrons parachute shop. Under the supervision of PO Blankenship; PO Peterson or Parker; PO Schulkiunis. I got on Skins & was trained as an Orderly/Load Master & flown on C-54's, Bunos, 56549 & 91999. Form there I went to the C-130's, Bunos 149790; 793; 797; 801 & flown with, P/C's LCdr. Frazier; Cdr. Gallagher; Lt. Toth; LCdr's blair; Hamlin; Hagedorn. Instructors, D. K. Lenard; Russell J. Emerson; J. Santo; William Potter; E. J Herman. With my enlistment was coming due & liked the work & flying so much, they convinced me to re-enlist 6 mo. under the STAR Program for PR "A" School in NJ. Completing school, I requested orders to be returned to VR-24. Not holding the right cards & got orders to VR-21 Barbers Point Hawaii for 2 yrs. Since then I've never regretted it & made the Navy a career & made E-7 with 21 yrs. Entry: 102 Name:Dick Prather Sent: Thu December 02 2004 09:09 PM Sorry about the interruption of guestbook services in the past twenty-four hours. The provider changed out equipment and addresses. I, in turn, had to reset the new address into the website mainpage HTML code. That has been done, as shown by the fact you are able to open this guestbook page. Thanks for visiting the website. Dick Prather, Website editor. Entry: 101 Name:Ernie Stork City: Jacksonville, FL Sent: Wed December 01 2004 01:20 PM Spent two tours in Sig, from 81-84 & 87-91. By far the best time I had out of 20 years in the Navy. Does anyone know where I can get a copy of the poster that was made when the squadron decommisioned. Entry: 100 Name:Jeff Johnson City: Imbler, OR Sent: Thu November 25 2004 01:36 PM still remember fondly of my great experience in Sig. 1988-91. hello to all and AZC Mike Gray, and skipper Punches, I will always remember him with great respect. Entry: 99 Name:Dal Matibag ATC ret. City: San Diego CA 92111 Sent: Tue November 16 2004 05:50 AM Anxious to contact Larry Pelkey AD1 who was with me in VR-24 Hendon England late 40's Wife Jean, daughter Sheryl and son Steve........Oh that cook Frank Sires, come to the next reunion and I'll buy you a beer.... Matibag Entry: 98 Name:Wes Simpkins City: Mechanicsville, MD Sent: Tue November 16 2004 05:42 AM Real happy to have found this site. Served in VR-24 (AD2) from 9/79-1/84. Was TAD to AIMD for the most part (T-56 Shop) and really have some great stories and memories. Was sorry to hear Master Chief Pittman is no longer with us. He really enjoyed riding me when I first got there:-). I also am saddened by the folks we lost in the C1 mid-air near Palma in I believe '83. If anyone remembers me I aquired a crippling illness while I was there and was medivacced out and am now medically retired. Great squadron and great people and couldn't believe we were decommissioned. Anyhow, lot's of great memories. Entry: 97 Name:Matt City: Medford, NJ 08055 Sent: Sat November 13 2004 03:00 AM I served in VR24 from the spring of 1957 to March 1959. When I left VR 24 I was and AT2 in the Avionics shop. It was a great squadron with a great group of people. Entry: 96 Name:"JAKE" Jacobsen City: davenport iowa Sent: Fri November 12 2004 04:13 PM I served in vr-24 from May 1988 to Jan 92, Worked in Quality Assurance then Night check in maintenance control, Went to recruiting duty after that and made chief (finally) and retired in 1998.. I want to add that My heart will always be with the Punches Family, His departure was felt through out the Naval community, He has done so much for me and my family., They are in my prayers always. I regret not taking many pictures but the memories of all my shipmates are ever present. I hope to hear from you! Entry: 95 Name:Sandi Sent: Wed November 10 2004 12:48 PM Happy Veteran's Day, fellow lifting eagles :) Entry: 94 Name:Rich Reiman PR-2 oct-88 - oct-91 City: Kings park N.Y. Sent: Tue November 09 2004 10:01 AM Just like to say VR-24 was the best sqd. I was ever in. The officers & enlisted were the best. Looking for anybody from the shops. or The DET-From hell/VR-24 Moving C.o. I wish you all the best of luck in your lives. end of page 9 Entry: 93 Name:Dick Prather Sent: Sun November 07 2004 11:41 AM I have set up a second Guestbook Archive page into which I have entered all earlier Guestbook entries from the "Current Guestbook". In the next couple of days I will remove the entries from the Current Guest book, but you will still be able to access those entries in the new Archive Page, which you can enter from this site's Home Page. Within the next week or two, I also plan to upgrade the Current Guestbook page. Thanks for visiting the site. Dick Prather, VR-24 Website editor.