Cecil Field Tour and Luncheon
Friday September 16, 2011
Visting Cecil Field during 2011 Reunion
Kneeling (L-R): George Custer, Tom Scales, Ken Jack, Daryl Phillippi, Jim Curry
Standing:Marion Swinford, Ralph Hammer, Pete Hanner, John Sees, Robert Strong, Greg Engler, Sid bourgeois, George Montgomery, Gerald Musgrove, Robert King, Ed Feeks, Pete Wallace, Adam Miklovis, Bill Newby
The tour of Cecil included a stop at a Coast Guard drug interdiction squadron tasked with intercepting drug-running speed boats heading for the U.S. They are located in one of the original Cecil hangars (not VFP-62's). Then, we made a tour of the flight line and various military and civilian activities going on at Cecil. (We did pass our old flight line where our line shacks were---now gone of course.) One of the last, and most important stops was at our hangar 67. Boeing now operates it with classified work going on (see the FA-18s in the photos.) We were only allowed limited access; not being able to see the maintenance shops. (see the armed guard escorting us). However, it was good to see the old hangar where many of us "guarded" the Crusaders with our flashlight and night stick while on watch. The second floor (ready room and offices) is not being used and in disrepair. We didn't tour that area. If you look carefully, you will remember it as it was, except we had Crusders and Cougars in the bays, not FA-18s.
Navy Veterans,
I really enjoyed the reunion, thanks to all who attended and those who made it possible. When I arrived home and reported to The Officer in Charge, she asked me how it went in Jacksonville. I related to what I thought was paramount. Everyone expressed that "Life is Good" and they were happy and were successful in may different ways. I know that our military experiences played an important roll in our eventful and unique lives. It was great to make new friends and re-unite with shipmates. It was apparent that everyone was proud to have served in our squadron. Special Thanks to Ken, making it all possible.
Until We Muster Again,
Robert R. King
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Pic#1: L-R Greg Enger, Sid Bourgeois; Pic#2: Coast Guard Hitron drug interdiction helo with "tools of the trade"; Pic#3: VFP-62's hangar 67--remember it?; Pic#4: Hangar 67--Boeing is doing classified work on the FA-18s in background. Pic#5: Group inside hangar 67--L-R: Chuck Osborne (Boeing mgr.), Jim Curry, Adam Miklovis, George Custer, Sid Bourgeois, Robert Strong, Greg Engler.
I was impressed with both the turn out, and the Quality of the meeting area---you pulled off a very good reunion.----Jack Davis ADC
Pic#1: By the Officers' Rec Facility (now torn down): Greg Engler (center) pointing out the location where he found the time capsule; Pic#2: Mo & June Hayes arriving at Cecil Conference Center;
Again very good job on the reunion-Thank You!----Pete Wallace ADJ2
